Mumbai, May 3: Actor Randeep Hooda remembered Sarabjit Singh on his death anniversary on Saturday, sharing an emotional note about how the story of the late farmer-turned-prisoner continues to stay with him, years after portraying him on screen.

Randeep, who played Sarabjit in the 2016 biopic Sarbjit, reflected on how preparing for the role evolved into a profoundly personal experience. In a heartfelt social media post, he wrote,

“Dear Sarabjit, Your story changed me. What began as preparing for a film, became something much deeper. Through you, I felt pain, silence, courage, and hope. Being you taught me the true meaning of freedom, loss, and the strength of a family that never stopped believing.”

The film told the story of an Indian farmer from Punjab who accidentally crossed into Pakistan and spent over two decades in prison. Alongside Randeep, the movie featured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Richa Chadha, and Darshan Kumar in pivotal roles.

Randeep also remembered the passing of Sarabjit’s close family members, including his sister Dalbir Kaur and his wife Sukhpreet, while noting the enduring legacy of his daughters, Swapandeep and Poonam, who are now living settled lives.

“Since then, we have also lost… But your legacy lives on through your wonderful daughters, who today have families of their own. In that, perhaps, there is a quiet kind of peace, something every family that has endured pain deserves,” he wrote.

Concluding his tribute, Randeep reflected on the lasting impact of portraying Sarabjit:

“Years have passed, but your story still stays with me. Some characters leave when the film ends. You never did. Remembering you today with respect and a heavy heart. You will never be forgotten.”

The actor’s post resonated with fans, highlighting how cinema can preserve the memory of real-life heroes and continue to inspire even years after the story has been told.