Batwara 1947: Sunny Deol Turns Sikandar Mirza – A Man From Lucknow Forced To Leave India & Settle In Lahore? Decoding The Story Of Aamir Khan & Rajkumar Santoshi’s Film!

By Trisha Gaur

It was in 2012 that I first watched the brilliant play Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamyai Nai! I was spellbound, and Asgar Wajahat’s story cemented a place in my heart. It has been more than a decade, but whenever I find an arts and culture enthusiast, I suggest they watch this play whenever they get a chance! Years later, I was super excited when it was announced that Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, and Rajkumar Santoshi had joined hands to turn this beautifully chaotic and heartbreaking story set against the backdrop of India – Pakistan partition into a film. I was excited. Looking at the teaser of Batwara 1947, I am overwhelmed!

Looking at Sunny Deol, stepping into the shoes of Sikandar Mirza already seems heroic. But do you really know who Sikandar Mirza is? Well, this film was earlier titled Lahore 1947, but the title was changed to avoid political controversy, and that is where my heart sank a bit. Will this film actually dare to turn the original play into a cinematic piece? Because that would need a lot of guts! You ask why? Here. I will decode the original story of Jis Lahore Ni Dekhya, O Jamyai Nai!

Is Sunny Deol Sikandar Mirza In Batwara 1947?

If the film is an exact adaptation of the play, then Sunny Deol is playing Sikandar Mirza in the film. A man from Lucknow, who chose to leave India and settle in Lahore, amidst the partition of India and Pakistan! Mirza comes to Lahore from Lucknow, along with his family – his wife Hameeda, son Javed, and daughter Tanvir!