Deepa Mehta with Akshay Kumar announce principle cast for pivotal character in "Komagata
Maru"
TORONTO, Nov. 13 /CNW-AsiaNet/ --
Deepa Mehta with Akshay Kumar announced today the pivotal character of Mewa Singh will be played
by Vinay Virmani (photograph attached) in his debut film Komagata Maru. Vinay is a recent graduate of
the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute of New York.
Mewa Singh, a young Sikh man, enraged by the injustice and duplicity he and his countrymen were
subjected to, assassinated at point blank range William Charles Hopkinson. Hopinkson was the principal
conspirator against the shipload of refugees of the Komagata Maru. Mewa Singh was sentenced to hang
for his crime. He is considered a martyr and a hero by Indians around the world who commemorate his
death every year on January 11, the date of his execution. This day is known as the Mewa Singh Martyr
Day.
"The arc of Mewa Singh's character begins as a young man of innocence filled with hope and ends
with an enraged man transformed by anger into a seeker for justice. I wanted a new fresh face to render
this role and after much consideration I selected Vinay. He is talented, eager and passionate. Qualities
essential for the young Mewa Singh," says Oscar Nominated Director Deepa Mehta.
Akshay Kumar says, "I am delighted to have Vinay as part of our cast. Mewa Singh is a significant
character in the film. His contributions and sacrifice were a true testament to human struggles for
freedom. Mewa Singh was one of the bravest Sikhs of his time. I am confident Vinay will do justice to
this great humanitarian."
"It is both incredibly exciting and slightly daunting to be given the challenge of playing a historical
figure of such significance to my community. I am looking forward to being a part of this incredible film,"
says Vinay Virmani.
Komagata Maru is an epic film based on a true story surrounding the voyage of the ship Komagata
Maru from India to Vancouver with 376 passengers on board seeking a new life in the promise land.
Komagata Maru is a Canadian production being produced by Hamilton-Mehta Productions Inc. in
association with Akshay Kumar's home production, Hariom Entertainment. The film is currently in pre-
production and will begin full production in September 2009. The story will be filmed in various locations
around the world.
SOURCE: Hamilton-Mehta Productions
CONTACT: Hamilton Productions Inc.
- david(at)hamiltonmehta.com;
Hariom Entertainment
- hariom(at)komagatamarufilm.com
Attachments:
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