Original subtitles

Charkhi, Pakistan, 1979.

- Red is so pretty. - It's her favourite.

- Is it enough for a shalwar-kameez? - Open it.

You think I've never dried clothes?

Catch it.

We'll get it dirty.

Ma, is the world waiting for me to get up before it starts the day?

These are modern times. No one gets up early.

Get a move on, Mr Modern Times. Clean your room.

It'll take you ages to clear up your mess.

Potatoes, carrots, onions!

- Give me 2 kilos for 6 rupees. - It's summer. That's too little

I paid 6.50.

It's summer for us too. No pickles, no lemonade? Must we all starve?

I'll give you 6.50.

On my children's lives, I can't. I'll take 7 rupees and no less.

May Allah bless you, Allabi.

Saleem, Allabi's here.

Don't you ever go to the well?

Saleem, Allabi's here.

Where have you been? You haven't come for your Koran lessons.

Summer days in 1947 seemed so much hotter.

How we ran. How did we know...

it would be for ever?

What's up?

Come on, go and clean your room.

What's this? Why two piles?

One to keep, one to go. Look.

Father bought it at the Eid fair in Pindi.

You can't keep all his gifts.

You have 15 minutes to throw out what you don't need.

It's a lifetime of earnings. I need time to decide what to keep

I'll do it for you.

- Aren't you coming? - Where?

To the mosque to pray. Where else?

The mosque'? Of course.

Surely it's not time to pray yet.

Almost.

Fine, but Saleem has a job to finish first.

All right.

Well done.

"At 1030..."

"Oh, my darling, don't keep me waiting too long."

Put that back.

- Did you get pickle spices? - I asked Saleem.

But God knows if he'll remember. His head's in the clouds.

You've spoilt him rotten. You can't be strict.

It took so many prayers for so long before he was born. He has no idea

I've been here ages

I told Ma I'd be late for school, but she kept saying "Do this, do that".

Does she suspect something?

No.

She just likes making me work

I hate housework. When I have my own house, I'll have six servants.

Then you'll have to...

marry a rich man.

No, I'll make my own wealth.

Excellent.

How'?

I'll go lo college in Pindi. It's for women only.

What will college get you besides your six servants?

A mixer, a ceiling fan and a job in a big office.

Will you be a patron of the arts too?

Maybe.

Then I've decided that I...

' Pm goin t. Really'? G O marry y°“.

Who says I'm going to marry you?

Then who will you marry?

- I have lots of admirers. - Like who?

Tell me.

Are you going to the Chaudhry wedding next week?

How can I not'?

Amin's not going.

It's the anniversary of his first wife's death.

You know what he's like.

Do you miss...

Saleem's father?

Life catches up with you.

What you have, you hold on to. What you don't, you let go.

Two countries were born.

Men abducted women.

Fathers killed their daughters.

Everyone said it was to save their honour.

Some young girls died.

Others survived.

People moved like the sea...

leaving everything behind.

Broken memories, half-dreamt dreams, places of worship.

Is this Afsaan's son?

Yes, by God's grace.

Is he working?

You're grown up now.

Time to help your mother.

Let him go, Ayesha.

But you come and see me after the wedding.

The women are inside.

Don't turn around. She's here.

May the mother-in-law be a true mother.

May the daughter-in-law be a true daughter.

- Why aren't you singing'? - Zubeida can sing

I don't know any songs. You sing

I can't

I've a dreadful cold.

They're so shy.

At your age, no threats...

could ever stop us singing.

It really troubles me...

this new-found youth of mine.

Come on, girls.

Come on, show them.

- The girl's crazy. - Yes, Ma'am.

- Bachelors are done for. - Yes, Ma'am.

- Look how she takes my heart - Yes, Ma'am.

- Come closer. - Yes, Ma'am.

A hug, please.

- Wedding food from the Chaudhrys. - I don't want their leftovers.

You can't fight a revolution on an empty stomach.

Hypocrites!

Look at the size of their house.

And look at this hole.

Landlords are all bastards.

They know how to take, not give.

Let's go, Mazhar. We'll sleep at the mosque.

We can do more with his support in a week than alone in a year.

Let's establish ourselves first, then we'll see. Eat. You'll see sense.

In the name of the most merciful Allah.

He robbed my eyes of sleep.

Where did he vanish to? My lover called me from the bridge.

My veil flies in the breeze.

My heart is racing.

Chaudhry is inviting you. Hira Bai is dancing.

Thank you.

We'll be right there.

Hna Ba“.!

It's a chance to meet the villagers

I'll finish this letter first.

You know your problem?

You're too straight.

We're here not to fight, but to convince.

Zubeida's mother asked about you.

Let her mind her own business. I hate those people.

She saki...

"Your Saleem is so handsome"

I said "Zubeida is very pretty and so spirited".

Her eyes sparkle, don't they?

I've never noticed

I said she was perfect. I couldn't ask for a better...

A better what?

Someone to help with the chores. An assistant...

Really?

Zubeida...

If you're selling flutes, I'm not interested.

Any idea what your mother said to mine?

I can guess. "That layabout Saleem stops my daughter every day".

Can't you ever use your brain?

No, that's your job.

Hurry, Zubeida.

Five o'clock.

Baba, grant my son his heart's desire.

Let's see what the landlord says.

In the name of Allah...

Friends and brothers, I needn't remind you...

of the ordeal our nation is going through.

These friends have come from Lahore.

They've left their homes to come and help us

I've assured them of my blessings and all your help in carrying out...

their good work.

May Allah protect us...

against the Devil's evil.

In the name of the most merciful Allah. Brothers of Islam...

Is he the one you met at the dance?

A bright spark. He's been all over the country.

The landlord loves him, but the other one...

looks constipated.

Under General Zia's leadership...

we are moving towards a true Islamic nation, great and strong.

Friends, you all know our country...

is emerging from years of darkness.

In this hour of need, we look to you all to join us.

All Muslims should speak with one voice.

Now join hands with me and repeat...

The way of the Prophet.

Is our way.

- The way of the Prophet. - Is our way.

Pray for greatness

Allah is great.

- Pray to the Prophet. - O my Prophet.

Brother Amin, what's the news?

What is it?

Haven't you heard?

Heard what?

Mr Bhutto...

He was hanged last night.

No matter what has happened, you never hang a Prime Minister.

My heart sank when I heard.

What will happen now'?

Nature will take its revenge some day.

You and I know that.

It's Allah's will.

This is Radio Pakistan. Athiya Zahid presents the news atone o'clock.

Islamic law will be introduced...

within six months.

Changes, changes and more changes!

Mr Rasheed.

What's happening in Lahore?

Everyone accepts the changes. They feel General Zia represents people...

like you and me

I'm not like you. I'm a naive villager and you're a man of politics.

The question is, whom does General Zia represent?

You or me?

Hey, Mehboob, hurry up.

Must I wait here all day?

Let him finish. A good job takes time.

Go on, Mehboob.

How much longer? Is he giving you a massage or making pickle?

Oh Hat“...

this is just like General Zia's promise of elections.

Why does Zia's barber keep asking him about the elections?

Why'?

Because when Zia hears the word elections'...

his hair stands on end and it's easy to trim.

If any official heard about that...

you wouldn't laugh long.

True, but that official would need...

to be informed.

That's it, sir.

It's Hadi's turn.

The young Chaudhry sent for me. I went to see him.

He says he'll get you a job in Bhatti's shop. His brother-in-laws.

What kind of job'?

Bhalli's opened a shop near the Sikh temple. He needs someone reliable.

Why didn't you ask me first?

Father's pension can't feed a family.

Do you think I can't earn my own money?

What do you plan to do?

Anyway, I've given the landlord my word. We can't upset him now.

I'll end up...

fetching and carrying.

It's a start.

You could save and do up the house. Or buy a piece of land

I don't want to farm.

Then what?

Since Partition, Pakistan's existence...

has angered India.

- Why is that? - India believes that Pakistan...

shouldn't have been created.

Sorry for interrupting, but they just refuse to accept...

that Muslims and Hindus are two different nations.

Well said.

Turn it up.

It's all politics. What's it to do with us?

Pakistan exists. Why harp on about it? Talk about the price of wheat.

Men shed blood for this country and all you care about...

is food. You'll be stuffing your face while they take our women.

- Watch your tongue. - Or you'll rip it out?

What will you do to me? Go on, eat.

- Eat. - Don't let him upset you.

Sit down.

Cleanliness is vital. That's why we wash before prayer

Allah be praised.

Zubair!

Yes, brother?

What's up?

I won't be long.

What are you doing?

We're raising awareness. The world is changing.

- We must change people. - Maybe.

But you were too harsh earlier. What do they know about politics?

We say we don't do politics...

so we leave it to the others. How long can that last?

- That's true. - You see?

Rasheed is a passionate man. He hates complacency.

The Russians are preparing to invade Afghanistan.

Who will fight them, if not people like Rasheed?

You sound like a politician. Do you like this work?

Can't you see? I'm a new man, not the loafer you used to know.

Listen, brother.

Look up.

Can't you see Allah's light?

Concentrate.

Look at this.

How long can we be silent? These helpless people need us.

Get some training first. Then join us.

This is how we'll make our nation strong.

There's a big public meeting in Pindi.

Come with us

I'll see. I'll have to ask.

Ask who? Your mother? Get smart, boy.

- You'll come, won't you? - Of course he will.

You're so late.

Yes.

Everything OK?

Pindi, Pindi. Non-stop to Rawalpindi.

What about the bus?

Forget the bus. Hop on.

The right man, the true Muslim, Zia-ul-Haq.

Where's Saleem?

Over there.

I'll get him.

Come on.

What's that?

It's a VCR, an American machine. Come on, the professor's waiting.

The man who fasts will find his sins forgiven.

Prayer is the key to paradise. Men pray so they can find that key.

But he who fights a holy war...

Allah is great.

He who wages a holy war has conquered his selfishness and fears.

This is the greatest service our brave young men can perform.

Has Allah guided you to wage the holy war'?

Our goal is Jihad.

In 1947, we founded this country...

in the name of Islam.

The lines of its borders were drawn in Muslim blood.

Today...

33 years later, we want to know.

Where is the land of the pure?

Devilish leaders have plundered my beloved Pakistan.

See how the Devil has influenced us.

Sometimes in the form of political parties.

Sometimes in the guise of obscenities on TV or in films.

Our honour, our women roam the streets with their heads uncovered.

Who will protect and keep them?

Where is the rule of Islam in whose name we made this country?

Where's the young man who'll die to guide his country to the right path?

Who will risk his life? I'm asking you.

Where is that young man?

And if you understand the meaning of Islam...

If you know what Islam means, then come forward...

and defend Islam.

He who is a true Muslim...

will be rewarded in this world and the next.

A true Muslim!

- What does Pakistan mean? - There is no God but Allah.

- Let me massage your legs. - It's OK.

Let me. It'll be nice.

Where did I go wrong, Shabbo?

No one dies without asking that question. It's the way of the world.

The world has strange ways.

It's all strange. Our children live their own lives.

Saleem can't be on your lap for ever. Let him go.

Who can we call our own if not our children'? What else do we have?

I have no one else.

That's not funny? Are you mourning?

I see, you're still dreaming of Zubeida. Are you buying a watch?

Has she got a job or something?

"I'll be late for the office."

"Make sure the baby has its bottle."

Stop it.

When you're married, why would she need a watch?

- Don't mention her to the others. - Why not?

They'd think it's wrong.

- Try to understand. - What do you mean?

Love marriages aren't part of our culture.

People think girls like Zubeida are bad. They don't respect them.

You should want people to respect you.

Do you understand?

'Those who give to the poor...

"...receive guidance..."

"...from their Lord."

"And they shall prosper..."

His head hit a branch.

Thank God the bus was going slowly.

Or he would have been killed.

- Those who spread evil go to hell. - Do non-believers go to heaven?

No, only Muslims go to heaven.

No, anyone who's good goes to heaven

Allah is very generous.

He knows people's intentions and forgives whom He wants.

Shall I continue?

No, it's my turn.

You're back?

What's up?

I was thinking of going to the city.

What for?

To get a job.

But loving me is your job.

What job will you find?

Something... meaningful.

What sort of job?

Something for the country.

For the country? You've been listening to those city boys, right?

They're conning you. They won't make you a leader.

Big words and no results.

Be sensible. Who'd give you such a job?

Sure, no one will give me a job.

A village boy stays in the fields.

You go to the women's college in the city. I wait for you playing the flute

I'm your slave

I didn't say that.

Then what?

Tell me. What are you saying?

What's come over you?

Time for prayers. Close your shops.

Come to the mosque. Close up.

It's time for business.

That's the rule.

The rule?

Whose rule?

Sir, Allah has decreed.

Do I need an upstart like you to tell me what Allah has or hasn't decreed?

No one tells me where to pray

"30" '!

This is Radio Pakistan.

Mahajabeen presents the news.

Pakistan and India signed an agreement today...

to allow Sikh pilgrims to visit their places of worship in Pakistan.

We've pledged to protect our women...

within the confines of our homes.

This is Allah's work. Let's begin with His blessings.

In the name of the most gracious and merciful Allah.

May Allah bless our work.

Amin, do you fetch her from school every day?

Yes.

They had a fight. Make him see sense.

Mind your own business, women. How can I let my daughter...

take singing lessons at school in such troubled times?

Saleem came to our school.

He built up the wall with Zubair and the others.

Those new boys?

What did the Sikh say?

"I think of her as a sister..."

- Who are they? - My friends.

- Stay away from political types. - Why?

They're dangerous. They use Allah's name for their own ends.

- You can talk. You teach blasphemy. - What will they teach you?

Is it Islamic to lie to me?

- You went through my things. - You lied.

- I'll do as I please. - Why hide your 'good deeds'?

You don't understand what I want.

- Is this what you want? - Yes.

- Why aren't you proud of me? - It'll destroy us.

It's changed my life. It's given me direction. People listen to me now

I'm somebody.

Stop seeing these men. I'm scared.

Of what?

Why should a true Muslim...

fear Islam?

Listen here.

Take her with you.

Do you know which creatures love the Sikhs the most?

Hair lice.

As“!

More, you rascal.

Take this too. Drop it off at the Sikh shrine, OK?

- What do you think they're doing? - Washing their hair.

If you go in there, they set a djinn on you

I have a remedy for djinns.

This is it

I know how to use it.

Do you doubt me?

We need target practice.

Someone's coming. Give it back.

Where are you going?

So many sweets. Who gave them to you?

Aunt Ayesha. For the Sikhs.

Hand them over.

No, I have to take them to the Sikh shrine.

Look. Sweets and savouries. Everything's here

I'll take it to the shrine. Go home.

What is this?

You're a grown man. Isn't it obvious?

Why did you send it to the Sikhs?

Must I justify everything to you?

What are you doing to me?

Do you know the punishment for associating with non-believers?

What's up with you? The Sikhs were our brothers once.

Yours maybe. Once maybe. Not any more. Stop this nonsense

I won't be responsible.

My father died still longing for these mountains.

Are you from around here?

Yes, from Charkhi. That was our village.

Hail the Guru. Hail the Victor

I swear by my Guru it's easier to go to Dubai...

than to come here. So much red tape

I heard a rumour that some of our women were left behind.

Who said that? What's his name?

How would I know his name?

Rubbish. Not one woman survived. The women went to my uncle...

and said "Shoot us". He kept firing and firing.

All 22 women. Our honour was saved.

We killed them. The Muslims didn't touch them.

Many were abducted.

For years they tried to come back. No one wanted them.

Some must have stayed here. They might still be alive.

We waited eight years to return. Let's be careful.

It's best to keep our mouths shut

- infidel's daughter! - What's up with you? Stop it.

Eat this.

Are you ready for your first shave?

What's up, Mehboob?

Not giving your friends tea today?

I would...

but they prefer pleasant company.

Fine.

We don't like infidels, right'?

What have they done wrong?

- They come as pilgrims. - Some to pray and some to spy.

Spy? In Charkhi? Sure, maybe they're counting our cattle.

You look like a traitor.

Watch out. You know very well...

what we do with traitors.

See that blood? That's what you get for laughing.

Remember now. It's forbidden to laugh or play.

That's 14 inches

5 inches.

Do you want her father to kill me? Run along.

Is she happy?

She must be.

Do you like the boy?

I think so.

He's sensitive. I want her to marry a gentle boy.

These girls grow up so quickly.

That's true.

We don't have enough lace.

You're right. We need a couple of yards. Let's buy some at the market.

- All right. - The day is almost over anyway.

Fancy some tea?

Do you want a haircut? I'm such an idiot.

Sorry, I didn't mean...

My tongue will be my undoing.

It's no problem.

How long have you lived here?

I came in 1947. What about you?

I lived here until 1947.

Where's the old village?

On the other side of the mosque.

Amin lives there. He'll show you.

It must look...

so different.

May I ask you something?

Some of our women stayed behind. Are any here?

I lost my sister in 1947.

No, there's no such woman here.

Be careful...

when you talk about these things

I last saw her here.

Tell her. Let her decide.

It's dangerous.

It's not the end of the world if they meet.

People are watching Ayesha. One wrong move could bring trouble.

If he keeps asking questions, there'll be trouble anyway.

It's better if she knows.

It's not right.

- Then what is? - How should I know'?

But I know their pain.

Whatever you do, do it for Mina's sake.

Is there no end to you tormenting me'?

That's right. You're the tormented one.

She's here.

- Take me there. - I can't.

Where is she?

She's the one who never goes to the well.

There's a woman and her daughter. Allabi and Shanno.

Allabi and Shanno fetch water for her.

Follow them.

You're mad. I can't follow a woman. Listen.

Potatoes, onions, cauliflower, radishes.

- How are you? - Fine, and you?

I'm Jaswant.

Who do you want?

My sister. She was left behind in 1947.

There's no such woman here.

She must have died with the others.

No, she didn't. We used to live here

I don't know anything.

- What is it? - Please leave.

Go inside.

We called her Veero.

- What do you want? - My sister.

- We're Muslims. - She's my sister.

Is that true? Do you want to talk to him?

I know it's you. Look.

Father's dying. He wants to see you.

Was he telling the truth?

What are you doing?

So that's it.

My mother is the sister of an infidel.

Why did you hide this all these years?

What shall I do?

You needn't do anything.

What shall we do about this pilgrim problem?

People are talking.

Why ask me'? All I know is that my mother and I are Pakistanis.

We're Muslims.

Blood ties are stronger. Your faith may waver.

How'? I know no other religion.

Your mother does. If things go too far, we'll have to tell Lahore.

And say what? There are thousands like him.

- My mother's not to blame. - Not yet.

We are with you, my friend. But this involves others too.

If someone suspects you tomorrow, how can we defend you?

We need some proof.

But what?

What proof can I give?

You got it wrong.

What Rasheed means is we need a firm commitment.

Only then can we defend you and your mother.

Are you OK?

I'm OK.

What's up?

Have you no shame?

As if you did, Mr Preacher

I made a mistake. If I'd known you'd be here, I'd have stayed at home.

What's got into you? Don't you like me any more?

Why don't you leave me alone? Isn't it enough you corrupted me?

I'm making something of my life, so you're upset.

No, I want us to do that together.

No, I've had enough of this.

Where are you going?

I'm going to pray.

I Pray too.

But that doesn't mean I don't think.

They say you must stand in a public square and declare you're a Muslim.

And you accept Islam and reject false beliefs.

That's the truth anyway.

Say it once to silence everyone.

Say something.

What's the matter?

You leave me no choice.

Auntie.

Shanno, where's Allabi? I don't have any water.

Mother says we won't come any more

I'll have to go to the well.

May I go on the swing?

Where's Ayesha?

At the well.

Why'? Where's Allabi'?

She won't come here any more.

- Why not'? - Father's forbidden it.

Not me.

- Not me, father. - The Muslims are coming.

Huff)'

What do you want after all these years?

- What do you want? - Father's dying. He wants to see you.

So he can finish the job'? Wasn't killing mother and Jeeto enough?

He just wants to die in peace.

He wanted to kill me for his peace.

What will he do if he sees me alive and a Muslim?

How will he go to his Sikh heaven?

And what heaven is there for me? A Sikh heaven or a Muslim heaven?

You were happy to think I was dead.

But I'm alive. I made my own life, without you.

Now this is my life and my home.

Go away. Leave me the way I am.

Go. Go back.

Eat.

We'll get married.

From this day on, your Islamic name is Ayesha.

Can I get you something?

Go home. Your mother must be worried.

Will you be all right?

Yes, my child

I'll come by tomorrow.

You thought I'd forgotten we had to go to the market?

Let's hurry before it gets crowded.

This is the lace.

Three yards.

- You infidels, show yourselves. - May Allah guide us.

Go home.

We will not allow this.

If you must perform infidel rituals, do it at home. Stop this chanting.

Stop it.

We're only praying.

PraY.

But quietly.

There's a spy among you with his eyes on our women. Hand him over.

Praise be to Allah. Praise to the Prophet

I can't take any more.

Tell him to forget the past and let me live.

Let's go home.

Let her stay the night. She'll go home tomorrow.

These pilgrims come and go, but no one has seen my Mina.

Do you think your Mina is still a Muslim and praying somewhere?

Waiting for her father to collect her?

She's waited enough. She'll never come back.

No, she's not like you.

Well done, Brother Amin. Now go away.

Where's Saleem?

I'll have to do all the work for my daughter's wedding.

He's no good when he's like this.

If he gets any worse, there'll be trouble

I'll keep an eye on him during the wedding.

Ayesha, you're like a sister to me

I feel ashamed. I don't know how to tell you.

You don't want me to attend the wedding.

It's too dangerous.

Keep this.

It's for you.

So this is how Veero left and Ayesha stayed behind.

Do we know who left...

and who stayed?

We didn't want her to leave.

Rawalpindi, 2002.

"Pakistan will not be a haven for Islamic extremists."

"That is what the President said while addressing a delegation..."

I remember Ayesha very clearly.

But what's the point of remembering her?

Does it change the price of onions?

Sometimes I dream of her.

I preserve each and every dream so they never leave me.

Mr Saleem, is there a conflict between democracy and Islam?

- What do you think? - Look...

How can enforcing Islamic law...

endanger democracy in Pakistan?

We're a Muslim nation. The ways of Islam are part of our culture.

We've followed the ways of Islam for centuries.

Now legalizing Islamic customs is simply a formality.

After all, why did we create Pakistan?

Pakistan was made for Islam