Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 19 (ANI): Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda flagged off a walkathon organised by the Income Tax Department, Mumbai Region, on Sunday as part of the celebrations marking the 167th Income Tax Day.
The civic event follows closely on the heels of Hooda winning the Best Debut Director award for his biographical drama ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’ at the 72nd National Film Awards. 
Speaking at the fitness event, Hooda highlighted the dual importance of personal health and civic responsibility. “A walkathon has been organised today leading up to the 167th Income Tax Day observed annually on July 24th,” Hooda said while speaking to the media.
“The event conveys messages about fitness, health, and awareness regarding the Income Tax Department; it also highlights our contribution to nation-building through the taxes we pay. I don’t know why people are afraid; everyone should simply do their duty,” he added.
The actor also shared his personal insights on physical well-being, endorsing walking as a premier form of exercise.
“I have done various workouts, gone to the gym, and played many sports, but I have ultimately realised that walking is the best exercise. If you cannot do anything else, simply walking for 30 to 45 minutes every day is extremely beneficial,” he added.
The public appearance comes during a milestone period in Hooda’s cinematic career. The 72nd National Film Awards, which recognise excellence in Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema, honoured him for his directorial debut.
Reacting to the honour, Hooda noted that he was still processing the recognition, describing the film as the most demanding project of his career. 
“I am very grateful. I put in a lot of hard work,” Hooda said regarding his win, adding, “Through this project, I had the opportunity to bring the biography and ideas of Swatantra Veer Savarkar to the new generation. I worked very hard on it; I handled the acting, writing, and direction, and finally, I produced it as well. So, I am very grateful.”
The acclaimed film, ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’, showcased the life of freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Alongside Hooda in the lead role, the movie also featured actors Ankita Lokhande and Amit Sial.
The historical subject of the film, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur. For his resistance against British policies, he was sentenced in 1911 to two consecutive life sentences, amounting to 50 years of imprisonment, in the infamous ‘Kala Pani’ (Cellular Jail) located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Savarkar passed away on February 26, 1966. (ANI)