Mumbai/Dec 14: Actor Randeep Hooda revisited the historic Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands the site where revolutionary leader Vinayak Damodar ‘Veer’ Savarkar was once imprisoned to mark the 115th anniversary of Savarkar’s iconic poem Sagara Pran Tarmalala, a key moment in India’s freedom struggle.<
Sri Vijayapuram (Port Blair). Cellular Jail.
115 years of Sagara Pran Tarmalala!To revisit the very Cellular Jail where Veer Savarkar once suffered, where I shot a major chunk of#SwatantryaVeerSavarkar and to witness the unveiling of his statue in what was once dreaded Kaala… pic.twitter.com/PmVi1OfjGo
— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) December 14, 2025
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The commemorative visit comes amid nationwide tributes to Savarkar’s patriotic composition Sagara Pran Tarmalala, a poem capturing his anguish and longing for the motherland during his years of exile and struggle. The verses have become symbolic of sacrifice and steadfast resolve among many in India’s freedom movement narrative.
Hooda’s visit took him to the Cellular Jail in Port Blair, often referred to as “Kalapani,” where Savarkar endured imprisonment after being captured by British authorities over a century ago. The jail remains a potent reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters of the early 20th century.
Randeep Hooda, known for portraying Savarkar in the 2024 biographical film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, used the moment to reflect on the ideological and emotional weight of Savarkar’s legacy — particularly the poem that conveys a deeply personal yearning for homeland.
Savarkar was arrested by British police in 1910 while en route from London,and later transported to India before being sent to the Andaman Cellular Jail — an episode that has been etched into history for its dramatic pursuit and high stakes among Indian revolutionaries at the time.
Sagara Pran Tarmalala was composed during a phase of intense emotional struggle and exile, and its anniversary is observed by historians and cultural commentators as a tribute to the resolve of political prisoners who endured extreme hardships.
Randeep Hooda, who has spoken in the past about immersing himself in Savarkar’s experiences while filming Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, emphasized the enduring relevance of remembering such figures and their contributions to India’s independence movement. His visit to the jail serves both as a personal homage and a public reminder of the historical significance of Savarkar’s work.
The Cellular Jail is a key memorial site for visitors and scholars alike, often hosting events and commemorations linked to India’s freedom struggle. Sagara Pran Tarmalala continues to be celebrated in literary and political circles for its poignant expression of sacrifice and patriotic zeal.
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