Gaman

Gaman means departure. It means ‘jaana’. That film made in 70s by Muzaffar Ali then debutant went on to make ‘Umrao Jaan” later, is a milestone. The actors Farook Sheik & Smita Patil lived their roles. It is a story of a migrant from UP to Mumbai who tries to make a living as a taxi driver.

Jaidev has award for the best music direction & the song,’Aapki yaad aati rahi …’ sung by Chhaya Ganguli got the award for best playback singer. Gazal singer Hariharan made his debut. Suresh Wadkar’s ‘Seene mein jalan aankhon mein toofan sa kyun hai…’ highlights the alienation & the broken dreams of the migrant community. Even today the conditions remain pathetic.

It also introduced Nana Patekar in a supporting role. When you leave your home in search of better opportunities not everyone is successful. The final shot where Farook Sheik is looking out of the grill helplessly haunts you for days. The impact of this film remains with you. Such is the quality of the story telling.

‘ Jaana’ can be leaving for the heavenly abode where we have no say. Some departures are such that they leave a void forever. Actually the moment just stuns you the aftermath gets you. Knowing that my father had been ailing for exactly five to five & half years does not prepare you for the news. What now? The year after is very difficult. Every occasion has the memory. Good & sad events remind of the loss incurred. Time is the only solution. With these events it makes us better persons & checks if the heart is in the right place!

Taking life head on. Happy living!