Interfaith Leaders call for Peace and Unity at Batwara 1947 Screening in Mumbai

MUMBAI, August 21, 2026: Interfaith leaders from across religious communities came together in Mumbai on August 20 for a special screening of Batwara 1947, highlighting the film’s message of love, peace, communal harmony and unity beyond religious differences.

Organised by filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi at First Look, Santa Cruz, the screening was attended by representatives of Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist communities.

Participants appreciated the film for its portrayal of love and humanity as forces capable of overcoming religious and social divisions. The gathering also provided an opportunity for interfaith leaders to reflect on the importance of mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Among those present were Mufti Ziyaee Hazarat, Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, Vivek Muni, Devendra Mani, Paramjit Singh Chandhok and Purna Bhante. Fr Norbert Herman SVD, representing the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Delhi, also attended the screening.

A press briefing followed at The Club, D.N. Nagar, where Swami Oma the Akk delivered an introductory message before the religious leaders shared their reflections on the film.

The participants described Batwara 1947 as a story centred on love, unity and peace, stressing that its message of harmony transcends religious boundaries. They said the themes were particularly relevant for young people in India, for whom mutual respect and peaceful coexistence are essential to building an inclusive society.

The leaders commended Santoshi for bringing the message to the screen and expressed hope that the film would reach a broad audience and encourage greater awareness of communal harmony and national unity.

The film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi. Their performances were appreciated for conveying the film’s themes of love, humanity and inner peace. Lyrics by Javed Akhtar and music by A.R. Rahman were also noted for their contribution to the film’s emotional impact. The film is produced by Aamir Khan.

Members of the Mumbai media fraternity and other prominent personalities attended the screening and press interaction.

The gathering concluded with a shared emphasis on peace, love, unity and harmony across religious communities, while underscoring the potential of cinema to foster dialogue, mutual understanding and social cohesion.

By Catholic Connect Reporter