SWADES Directed by: Ashutosh Gowarikar Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi, Raja Awasthi, Vishwas Badola, Kishori Balal, Rajesh Balwani, Vishnudatt Gaur, Farrukh Jaffar, Bachan Pachehra, Smit Sheth, Lekh Tandon, Bhim Vakani, Rahul Vohra and Rajesh Vivek. UK Release 17 December 2004

From the the earthy locales of Kutch in Gujarat to NASA research center at the Launch Pad 39A of the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, Ashutosh Gowarikar has taken a huge leap with Swades – We, the People. It is a film about an intelligent Indian who leaves his country for a better life abroad and rediscovers of his roots later. Drawing it's essence from the a slogan 'Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan', it also depicts his emotional conflict - whether to stay on in India or return to the US.

Shah Rukh Khan is Mohan Bhargav, a NASA engineer working on a rainfall monitoring satellite known as the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM), which is lifted into an orbit aboard a Space Shuttle. Completely engrossed in his high-profile job, Mohan has a little time for himself. But one fine day, he decides to give it all a break and visits his homeland in order to discover his true self. His return is also special occasion for his childhood sweetheart Geeta (Gayatri Joshi), who is now a school teacher. Together they rediscover the warmth of their relationship and the individual priorities in their lives.

According to Gowarikar Aamir was his first choice for the role of the film's protagonist not the King Khan. But Aamir kept him waiting for too long before saying no.

Musically A.R.Rahman has tried to give the earthy and soothing tunes to the film. 'Swades' also boasts of meaningful lyrics penned by none other than the legendary Javed Akhtar. No wonder it is the most awaited film of 2004.

The supporting cast of the film includes Raja Awasthi, Vishwas Badola, Kishori Balal, Rajesh Balwani, Vishnudatt Gaur, Farrukh Jaffar, Bachan Pachehra, Smit Sheth, Lekh Tandon, Bhim Vakani, Rahul Vohra and Rajesh Vivek.