A 1982 Hindi film which is just 2hr 17 min long.The main cast included Rekha,Raj Babbar,Amol Palekar,Simple kapadia & Rakesh Roshan. Sangeeta ,a young woman must work for her family after her father abandons them. Rekha in the lead which we can’t imagine anybody else. The same theme was repeated in Tapasya–by Rakhi & in the tele series –Jyoti, along a Pakistani remake.The movie “waiting” also has a Pakistani parallel where the issue is more complicated.
The song “Gangaram kunwara rah gaya…” remains with you for years.Amol Palekar is one who likes Sangeeta’s younger sister,Madhu- Who goes & marries Kawaljeet.Actually Rekha & Kawaljeet are in a relationship-they have a song “Samay ke darpan mein–“.Rekha discovers that her sister likes her boyfriend,who she leaves & orders to marry her sister.(What about Kawaljeet??why should he like or marry, because his girlfriend wishes?)I never liked this part-sacrifices I understand but not when you don’t own–you like & don’t own your partner!
Rekha is sad,so is Kawaljeet & Amol Palekar.What does Madhu get from making so many people sad?? The perpetual tired & miserable mother ,Sulochana has nothing new to do.On top of it there is Raj Babbar,Rekha”s elder brother who is wasted,His family that his sister takes care for–we wish we could just enter in & shake up this people.The journey by bus ,her office,her friends–so natural,we always see such people-office goers around.
Then comes a ray of light in her life.In a special appearance, Rakesh Roshan,her boss starts liking her & we feel the mist lifting.The relationship begins & ends by her refusal to marry him.It is stretched till the mandap,where she comes to know of her brother requiring her.Roshan is seen promising her that he will take the responsibility,but she refuses & is seen boarding her bus where the ticket checker asks ,”How was the Wedding?”& she says ,Shadi hue nahi–rest of the people stare & look away.An age when a girl was not offended by questions asked by a passer by,a lesser known individual on the street.There was only care & a helping hand if needed.Many friendships were actually formed while travelling.I remember the very first day of college when I stepped in a college bus,of the two girls travelling with me I am still in touch with one of them.They haven’t been in my class later but the bond formed on that first day was enough.The bus driver recognised faces & stopped even if the bus was full.It is difficult to imagine for those who have travelled by their own vehicle only.
At that time it was a real tear jerker.I doubt it today.The values in the family are in a flux & going out of the way in an era of –me & myself–is simply unthinkable.Why would Gangaram be kunwara??–he would go out & find someone else!I enjoyed such movies where Rekha & Rakesh Roshan were our favourites.I saw the pair again in Khoobsurat–1979 movie which is that –Khubsurat in all respects.(A far cry is the version where Sonam Kapoor with Fawad Khan appear on screen. There was one more with–Sanjay Dutt & Urmila Matondkar where he makes her realise her beauty.”Khoobsurat ho…”)
A joint family with Rekha as his sister-in law’s sister is a enjoyable drama.Especially the number-“Piya bawari–“Stalwarts like Ashok kumar,Dina Pathak,David make it a must see.Rakesh Roshan again cast her in his film,Krish–as his wife & Hrithik’s mother.
Along with Rekha ,only Vidya Balan can boast of looking so good in a sari.It is a costume one feels has found them to excel.From Kanjivaram,cotton plain or printed look good on both.Refer to “Kahani” or “Parineeta” only Vidya can look so good.More about Vidya next.By then happy viewing!
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