Historical Figures in Indian Cinema-Mangal Pandey

Mangal Pandey -The leader of leaders in the Indian rebellion of 1857 was born in the village of Nagwa in district Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. He was a sepoy in the 34th regiment of Bengal Native Infantry (BNI) of the British East India Company. The Company introduced new rifles, which used animal fat for greasing the cartridges. Mangal bites open the cartridge, but when the sepoys learn the truth, Mangal revolts and leads a rebellion that sows the seeds for the subsequent end of the East India Company's reign. This rebellion was referred to as the First War of Independence. He is widely considered to be the First Warrior in India's long struggle for independence from the British rule.

Mangal Pandey: The Rising

Director	:	Ketan Mehta
Cast	:	Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Toby Stephens, Amisha Patel, Kirron Kher
Release Date	:	August 12, 2005

The Movie deals with the strong friendship between Mangal Pandey (portrayed Amir Khan) and British commanding officer, William Gordon who is in stark contrast to most of his white colleagues. At the time of release, it created controversy for apparently misrepresenting the character of Mangal Pandey, which led to small scale rioting in the hinterland of Northern India, in the native region of Mangal Pandey. In fact even his exact place of birth (village as well as district) was subject to controversy.

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