The Tragic Hero — Roshan Khan
This documentary, a production of RAVA Documentary Films, provides a detailed account of the life and achievements of squash icon Roshan Khan.
While the documentary focuses on a string of successes he achieved on the squash court, it specifically turns the spotlight on his humble origins and the trials and tribulations he experienced during his remarkable sporting career.
A gifted sportsman though he was, squash legend Roshan Khan’s life had been plagued by intense financial hardship right from the off. Despite having achieved stardom, he was still without a proper job, a house of his own, or even a semblance of material comfort that sportsmen of his stature tend to enjoy. In his early years of struggle, he would often find himself sleeping on the sidewalks of Karachi’s roads and, with virtually no money in his pockets, ended up eating whatever was on hand, often at cheap food kiosks and that too merely once in the entire day. But he took all these financial upheavals in his stride and continued to fight his appalling circumstances with his signature perseverance, grit, and consistency.
The documentary skillfully underscores how, despite severe financially straitened conditions, death of his young son on the squash court, and roaring competition from some of the reigning world champions, Roshan Khan pushed through all manner of challenges with vitality and vigor. Beyond an iota of doubt, Roshan Khan is an iconic sportsman who continues and will continue to inspire squash enthusiasts and players both in Pakistan and around the globe.
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Episode 1
This is the gripping tale of Roshan Khan, a young man from the outskirts of Peshawar, who emerged with an ambition burning in his heart – to become a world squash champion. At the All-India Squash Tournament, he eagerly anticipated a face-off against the renowned squash champion, Hashim Khan. However, on August 1, 1947, United India was divided, accompanied by a wave of violence and chaos, extinguishing Roshan Khan’s aspirations, dreams, and hope. With determination, he set off to Karachi in search of better opportunities and spent his nights sleeping on the streets, with no house, job, or money to his name. His talent was undeniable and Hashim Khan and other squash veterans recognized his potential. Slowly, Roshan Khan transformed into a tough opponent on the court.
Episode 2
Roshan Khan’s immense potential caught the attention of the Pakistan Navy, which went above and beyond to support him. They paved the way for his participation in the prestigious British Open Squash Championship. Roshan Khan solidified his status as one of the best players in the world by clinching the coveted Dunlop Championship, a highly lucrative squash event in Britain. Despite facing a challenging foot injury, Roshan’s determination prevailed as he outplayed his opponent, Mahmoud El Karim of Egypt, in the final.
Episode 3
Roshan Khan’s fans have admired his victories on the squash court, but there’s a hidden side to his success story that is worth knowing. Despite facing consecutive defeats in the British Open squash championship of 1955 and 1956, Roshan Khan refused to let it dampen his spirits. The pivotal moment arrived at the British Open squash championship of 1957, a game-changer that he placed all his hopes upon. However, in a shocking turn of events, Roshan Khan lost the first game of the final to none other than the world champion, Hashim Khan. His fans were left disheartened and shocked by this unexpected twist.
Episode 4
Roshan Khan’s world was shattered when his talented son, Torsam Khan, tragically passed away from a heart attack on the squash court in 1981. Little did Roshan know, he had another son, Jahangir Khan, who possessed incredible talent and would soon become a squash sensation. Overwhelmed with grief, Roshan was hesitant to allow Jahangir to follow in Torsam’s footsteps. However, fate had other plans in store. Jahangir emerged as an unstoppable force on the squash court. He not only became a champion in the sport but also a living legend. But Roshan Khan never fully recovered from the immense loss of his son, and on January 6, 2006, he passed away in Karachi, leaving a legacy of resilience, hard work, and determination.
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