Amruta Fadnavis: Netaji’s Legacy Uplifted Women, Rani Jhansi

December 12, 2025

MUMBAI, Dec 12, 2025 — Amruta Fadnavis, noted banker, singer and public figure, says the most inspiring part of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s legacy is his vision for empowering women — especially through the creation of the Rani Jhansi Regiment during India’s freedom struggle. Her remarks came while talking about her involvement in the upcoming drama Azad Bharath, a film that celebrates Netaji’s contributions to the nation.

Voicing the Anthem for Azad Bharath

Fadnavis has lent her voice to the anthem of Azad Bharath, directed and produced by Roopa Iyer. She praised the film for bringing forward the lesser‑known stories of women freedom fighters, particularly highlighting Neera Arya, a revolutionary whose role has historically been overlooked.

“It has been an honour to lend my voice for the national anthem in the film,” she said, adding that she feels “lucky to have a small contribution in such a prestigious project to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji’s legacy.”

Netaji’s Vision: Women’s Empowerment Through Rani Jhansi Regiment

Fadnavis said that the most inspiring part of Netaji’s legacy is how he uplifted women, particularly through his decision to create the Rani Jhansi Regiment, an all‑women combat unit in the Indian National Army (INA). This unit was emblematic of Bose’s belief in gender equality and female empowerment, placing women in roles traditionally reserved for men at that time.

Netaji’s formation of the Rani Jhansi Regiment was rooted in his respect for women’s courage and leadership, drawing inspiration from historical figures like the legendary Rani Lakshmi bai of Jhansi, who symbolized bravery and resistance against colonial rule.

Highlighting Unsung Heroes on Screen

Fadnavis also thanked Iyer for bringing Neera Arya’s story to the forefront, noting that such narratives are often absent from mainstream historical depictions. She encouraged audiences to see the film when it releases, suggesting it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the spirit of Indian freedom fighters.

Azad Bharath is scheduled for a worldwide release on January 2, 2026, in the same month that marks Netaji’s 129th birth anniversary on January 23.

Film’s Cast and Creative Team

In addition to Fadnavis’s participation, Azad Bharath features Shreyas Talpade as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Suresh Oberoi as revolutionary Chhaju Ramji, and Roopa Iyer portraying Neera Arya. The film aims to blend historical homage with inspiring storytelling, bringing both celebrated and unsung figures from India’s freedom movement into the spotlight.