Torchbearer - A Documentary based on real life Philanthropist

Recently a press meet was organized at Taj Lands End, Mumbai on the occasion of the special screening of a documentary – "Torchbearer", conceptualized and presented by Mahesh Bhatt and written and directed by Ajay Kanchan. Where, apart from Mahesh Bhatt and director Ajay Kanchan actors Anupam Kher and Imraan Hashmi made their presence to grace the event and also the farmer Haji Ajmal Ali on whom this story is based.

A Philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money and/or reputation to charitable causes. The term may apply to any volunteer or to anyone who makes a donation, but the label is most often applied to those who donate large sums of money or who make a major impact through their volunteering, such as a trustee who manages a philanthropic organization.

The documentary film "Torchbearer" is about rags to riches story of an ordinary farmer of Assam. Haji Ajmal Ali and his commitment to reduce maternal and infant mortality in his hometown Hojai in Nagaon district of Assam, which led him to set up one of the most modern rural hospital in the country. In the last 13 years his hospital saved lives of hundreds and thousands of people and he ensured that over 60 percent services of his hospital should be provided free of cost to the poor who are in no condition to pay for their costly treatment. His vision is to convert this hospital into a medical college so that it can become a permanent boon for the people living in some of the most backward and remotest parts of Assam.

Speaking to media, Mahesh Bhatt said, "I get lot of self-satisfaction whenever I work on projects like this. These kinds of works have been my first love and the media always supported and appreciated me for these kinds of deeds only. The commercial movies, which I make, are merely to earn bread for my livelihood".

Director Ajay Kanchan said, "this is an effort to promote this film in the country to promote the philanthropic activities and corporate social responsibility".

"I have been associated with the organisations working for deprived and destitute children, after watching this documentary, I realised the actual meaning of charity and there is lot more to do further. These kinds of documentaries are must to evoke the spirit", said Anupam Kher on this occasion.

"I really liked it, I am going with lot of inspiration and courage after watching this documentary. These kind of efforts give an inspiration to work for poor and underprivileged. I appreciate the people behind this effort", said Imraan Hashmi.