‘Rooftop Plane To Visa Guruduwara’: Rajkumar Hirani Shares What Inspired Him To Make Dunki

Dunki: A Journey Inspired by Dreams of Flight

• Dunki’s inspiration stems from the cultural phenomenon of airplane-adorned houses in Jalandhar, symbolizing aspirations of those who have traveled abroad.
• The film also draws from the unique customs of the “Visa Wala Gurudwara” and the intense preparation of immigrants aiming for visas through the IELTS exam.
• Dunki boasts a stellar cast and promises a heartwarming and insightful journey into the lives of people chasing their dreams.

Shah Rukh Khan’s latest film, Dunki, has finally taken flight, landing in theaters across India and sparking excitement among fans. But where did the inspiration for this story come from? Director Rajkumar Hirani recently shared a fascinating tale about the movie’s unusual beginnings.

Imagine a house, not unlike any other, except for one peculiar detail: a cement airplane lodged firmly on its rooftop. This sight, common in Jalandhar and surrounding areas, is more than just quirky architecture; it’s a symbol of pride. When a family member, especially a child, travels abroad, the airplane becomes a testament to their achievements, a beacon of hope soaring towards distant skies.

Hirani, captivated by this cultural phenomenon, began to wonder about the stories behind these airborne dreams. He ventured deeper, following the trail of aspirations to a place known as the “Visa Wala Gurudwara,” a Sikh temple dedicated to Shaheed Baba Nihal Singh. Here, amidst hushed prayers and flickering candles, hopeful travelers offer plastic airplanes as tokens of their wish for smooth visa approvals. This unique custom, a blend of faith and longing, struck a chord within the director, planting the seeds of Dunki.

But the journey didn’t end there. Hirani, curious about the world beyond the Gurudwara, disguised himself and slipped into a hidden corner of a village coaching center. There, amidst the hum of nervous anticipation, he witnessed aspiring immigrants undergoing grueling training for the IELTS exam, a gateway to foreign shores. The intensity of their pursuit, the raw emotions, and the unconventional teaching methods he observed left a lasting impression.

And so, Dunki took shape. A story fueled by the dreams of ordinary people, their yearning for a better life, and the lengths they’ll go to achieve it. This cinematic tapestry unfolds with a star-studded cast, including Shah Rukh Khan, Tapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Boman Irani, Dia Mirza, Satish Shah, and Vikram Kochhar. Brought to life by the vision of Rajkumar Hirani and Gauri Khan, with music by the maestro Pritam, Dunki promises a rollercoaster ride of emotions, laughter, and perhaps, a touch of inspiration for your own dreams to take flight.