Who Was Usha Mehta? Indian Freedom Fighter Whose Life Inspired Sara Ali Khan's Ae Watan Mere Watan

Prepare to witness Sara Ali Khan lighten the screens once again, this time portraying the courageous freedom fighter Usha Mehta in her upcoming film Ae Watan Mere Watan. Renowned for her roles in hit movies like Kedarnath and Atrangi Re, Khan will reportedly step into the shoes of the courageous woman who stood tall against colonial rule.

It is to be noted that the movie is not a biopic by Usha but just a fictional story drawing inspiration from Usha’s remarkable journey.

Who was Usha Mehta whose life inspired Ae Watan Mere Watan?

Usha Mehta's legacy as the founder of Congress Radio, also known as the Secret Congress Radio is a historical milestone in itself. Her firm commitment to India's independence earned her the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 1998. From her early days chanting "Simon Go Back" during protests against the Simon Commission to her active participation in civil disobedience movements, Usha Mehta showcased the spirit of resistance against British oppression.

Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy, she lived a simple life dedicated to the cause while following the Gandhian principles of non-violence.

The secret radio that became a revolution 

Mehta and her associates secretly launched the Secret Congress Radio on August 14, 1942, broadcasting messages of freedom and unity across the nation. Despite the constant threat of discovery, they persevered, shifting locations regularly to evade authorities. However, their efforts were defeated when they were apprehended by police on November 12, 1942, and subsequently jailed.

Beyond her activism, Usha Mehta excelled academically and later championed education and women's empowerment. She was a prominent figure at various educational institutions and committees, including the Shrimati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University and the University Grants Commission.

In her later years, Mehta dedicated herself to preserving the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, serving as the president of Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya and Bombay Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. It would be interesting to witness how Sara will unfold the life of such a revolutionary freedom fighter.