All language subtitles for Mahanagar(1963)-BDRip-AVCHD.LPCM.DDR

ΤHE BlG ClTY

From a Story by
NARENDRANAΤH MlΤRA

Starring

ANlL CHATTERJEE
MADHABl MUKHERJEE

HARADHAN BANNERJEE
HAREN CHATTERJEE

VlCKY REDWOOD, JAYA BHADURl
SEFALlKA DEVl, PRASENJlΤ SARKAR

Cinematography by
SUBRAΤA MlΤRA

Production Design by
BANSl CHANDRAGUPΤA

Edited by
DULAL DUTTA

Sound Recordists DEBESH GHOSH
AΤUL CHATTERJEE, SUJlΤ SARKAR

Produced by
R. D. BANSAL

Screenplay, Music,
and Direction by

SATYAJlΤ RAY

Pintu!

ls that Bhombol?

Baba?

- Did you call him?
- Who?

l told you a former student of mine
is now an eye specialist.

You think
you'll get free glasses

just because
he was your pupil?

Well, he might take it
into consideration.

l told you, Baba:
l'll get you glasses...

as soon as things
improve a bit.

And what do you want?
- Bus ticket.

Τicket?

Here.
One yellow, one black.

Yellow... black.

Why did you take
Daddy's pen?

Let go!

- How long until your exam?
- Six weeks.

Did Baba tutor you?
How long?

- Two hours.
- Did he scold you?

- What's the use of studying?
- What?

You'll end up with kitchen duty
like your sister-in-law here.

- Poor girl.
- We learn that too.

- What?
- How to cook.

- What?
- Domestic science.

ls this how you neglect
the earning member of the family?

He's been home
a while now.

What can l do?
We ran out of tea.

l had to run over
to the neighbors'.

- You borrowed tea?
- What choice do l have?

lf you don't have your tea
when you get home, you kick up a fuss.

Of course.

You pay no attention
to appearances.

Some tea!

Τhey're misers to the bone.

What was Baba
asking about?

Glasses, as always.

Poor man.

He does those crossword
puzzles at night.

Not only do they cost money,
but he's ruining his eyes too.

Τhe man has to have
something to do.

He could tutor
private students again.

He's better now.

Τhanks to your nursing.

l won't allow it.

Cover my head, please.

You think
l want him to work?

But when l think of the family --
- By the way...

did you get
Ma's scented tobacco?

She reminded you
a few times.

Okay.
l'll take care of that.

But you handle the problem
of Baba's glasses.

After all,
he listens to you.

Drink this, Baba.

How much longer must l take
this bitter medicine of yours?

You have to take care
of your health.

Oh, what use
is this old body?

l still won't be able to work.

You could get out a bit

and go visit the park
in the morning and evening.

l've gone to that park,
my dear.

lt's just a lot of rabble
who gather to gossip.

Even the older folks there

do nothing but gossip
and criticize others.

l had no idea Calcutta
had changed so much.

Will you talk to Bhombol?

About glasses?

Yes. He won't listen
to me these days.

He's changed somehow.

You won't listen either, Baba.

You sit up doing
your crosswords every night.

Some water?
- Yes.

Oh, my!
Your eyes are so red.

l'll get some cool water.

Τhese eyes...

l'll get some cool water.
Just splash it on your eyes.

Please get up a bit, Ma,
or you'll get a backache.

Let me cook the fish.

- How are you preparing it?
- Τhe way you like it, son.

- Dum pukht?
- Yes.

Τhen don't let her cook it.

We only have fish
three times a week as it is.

Fine, l'll prepare it.

But she cooks very well too.

All right, Ma,

but tomorrow
you rest the whole day.

Are you going out?

Yes, to see
my private student...

and see if he can pay up.

Would you get some change
from my coat pocket?

How's the household account?

Τhere's enough
for three days.

And we still owe
two months' tuition for Bani.

l know.

- So...
- Listen.

Maybe we could ask
your friend Abani for a loan?

Don't you know
their situation?

Some relatives came to stay,

so they're both working
to make ends meet.

What do you mean, "both"?

l'll be back by 8:30.

Don't pull so much, Ma.

Am l pulling or are you?

Bani.

Get him to fall asleep
in here from now on.

As he gets bigger,

carrying him
from room to room --

Kids are heavier
when they're asleep, aren't they?

- Bani, aren't you cold there?
- No.

lf l am, l just roll up
in the blanket.

You hear me, dear?

- Ma, Baba's calling you.
- l heard.

- You hear me?
- For heaven's sake!

What are you
shouting about?

Have you got any money?

Didn't l give you some
the other day?

You don't have any more?

l'm not the one who keeps
the money around here.

l thought maybe
you had some set aside.

l suppose it's for another
crossword contest.

Addicted to such things

at your age!

l just might win
some money.

Don't tell me those stories.
l don't like it.

Why?

Do any of your stories
make any practical sense?

When did money
ever come to us easily?

We're a burden
on our son.

lf we hadn't come here,
they wouldn't be in such straits.

Yet all you can think of
is money

and more money!

What am l supposed to do?

We have some claim
on our son.

Τhat's the schoolmaster's lot,
l suppose.

Τhat's the way it is.

All your life you sweat,

trying to educate children,

sowing the seeds
of knowledge in their minds.

Τhen they go trotting off

to become judges
and magistrates,

leaving you like an ox
yoked to the mill.

So on one level...

l'm proud of my students,

but l'm jealous too.

Τhere's an injustice
in it somewhere.

Τhe Almighty's accounts
are out of balance somewhere.

You're feeling better now,
aren't you?

lf l get lucky just once,

we'll leave all this behind

and go to Cape Comorin.

Τhere's a bridge there
that monkeys built.

We'll go see it
with our own eyes.

Are you leaving?

Τhis is the last time
l give you any money.

Fine, fine.

Someone can make a million
manufacturing cheap cigarettes...

but a bank employee with a BA
can only go bald

worrying about finances.

What are you thinking about?

- What does your friend's wife do?
- Why?

Where did that come from?
- Tell me.

She's a schoolteacher. Why?

l couldn't teach!

Teaching isn't --

What job could l get
with just one year of college?

Who told you
to get a job?

So you don't think l can --
as usual! Let me by.

Good heavens!
What did l say?

You don't want me to work?

Answer me. Well?

Keep me
as your servant, fair lady

Hush!

One good thing
about living around here:

no need to buy a radio.

"Mr. Lion..."

Well?

Tell me honestly.
- What?

Do you want me to work
or don't you?

- No.
- No what?

- l don't want you to.
- You don't?

lf you were
a bit less attractive,

l might have wanted you
to get a job.

lf a girl like you
worked in an office,

all the male employees'
output would drop.

There's a saying
in English...

- You believe that?
- Yes.

l'm very conservative,
like my father.

A housewife
should stay in her house

and not wander about.

Dear.

l'm going to get a job.

Did you hear what l said?

l'll get a job.

lt's true.

lt's not right for you to bear
all the responsibility.

l don't know
why l didn't see it earlier.

You work so hard...

going to the office

and tutoring
private students.

Everything you earn
you turn over to me,

keeping nothing
for yourself.

And what do l do?

l never saw
how you were suffering.

No.

Things can't go on like this.

l'll get a job.

Any job l can get
with my education.

What do you think?

What on earth?

Let me sleep.

"Wanted:
New faces. Boys..."

- "Wanted: an M.Com."
- Brother...

your bathwater's ready.

"Wanted immediately:
a whole-time lady doctor..."

Your bathwater --

What are you looking at?

"Sultan for a Day,
Robin Hood..."

- You're going to the movies?
- What's it to you?

By yourselves?

Couldn't we all go
in two months?

What's it say here?

Listen.

l'm looking for a job --

but not a word to anyone.

lf anyone finds out --

- You mean Ma and Baba?
- Now beat it.

- What kind of job?
- Nothing's definite yet.

l've got it.

Film star!
You'd be perfect.

Dark glasses,
lots of red lipstick,

and 1 00,000 rupees per picture.

And if it's a Hindi film,
we'll all fly to Bombay.

Something's burning
in the kitchen.

- Go on.
- No, you go.

And you study domestic science?
Beat it!

- Listen to this.
- What?

Come here a minute.

Listen.

This might work.

- Salesgirl?
- Hang on.

You wouldn't be hawking wares
out in the street!

"To serve as a salesgirl

in a respectable firm.

Must be a matriculate.

Starting salary:

rupees 1 00."

You remember
my starting salary?

All right.

What's that mean?

lt means
let's submit an application.

l'll have one typed up at work,
and you'll sign it.

- l'll sign it?
- Why not?

Me?

lf you don't sign it,
who will?

Lady Mountbatten?

Go away.

Do you write our last name
in English with a J or a Z?

Z -- the first letter in "zoo."

Who's going to the zoo?

Here.

l'll go get some paan.

Who's going to the zoo?

You and Mommy...

and Daddy and Auntie.

- When?
- Sunday after next.

- That long away?
- Daddy's pockets are empty now.

Don't chew paan
before your interview.

Makes a bad impression.
Understand?

ls there something wrong
with red?

Listen.

No, never mind.

Tell me...

what if they call me in
for an interview?

- Then you go.
- Yes, but --

But what?

What do l say
here at home?

Say you're going
to your father's house.

lt wouldn't be that far off.

A boss is like a father.
Both are providers.

All right?

l'm off.

ls your father home?

l told you to put "life"
and not "wife."

See? lt was "life."

l'm just a --
Take these.

You may have taught English,
but as they say,

common sense
is the secret to a crossword.

l only have a FA,
and you have an MA and BT.

But you still lost.

What's this all about?

lt's checkered
like a chessboard.

You have to fit in
the right English words.

You can win 7,000 rupees.

- You know anybody who's won?
- People win all the time.

Whoever makes
the fewest mistakes wins,

and if it's a tie,
the prize is divided up.

What?

Another near miss!

Looks doubtful to me.
Look at the G.

"S. N. Ganguly."

Doesn't he live
on Heysham Row?

Let's call him.

You've approved
his checks before.

Yes, but never
for such a large amount.

- A letter came.
- Already?

Yes. l have an interview
Wednesday at 1 0:00 a.m.

Very good.

Will you go with me?

Me? Sit around
with a bunch of women?

- Won't you take me?
- We'll see. Where's the office?

Mission Row.

And the letter was signed
by a Mr. Mukerjee.

A Bengali!

The signature's very mature,
and the firm bears his name.

Very good.

- Tell me...
- What?

Listen, l have clients waiting.

Forget your work
for a moment.

So...

what kind of questions
will they ask?

They'll ask,
"Where does the tree spirit live?"

And you answer,
"ln the treetops."

Understand?

Pintu!

Here's your ticket.

lt came.

Didn't l tell you?
The interview was really long.

- Where are you going?
- To see Baba.

Starting next month, right?

Why only 1 00 rupees?

lt should have been more.

Even Dipti's driver --
- Hush.

What's that letter?
l want to see.

Let me see.

What now?

First we have
to bell the cat.

You mean Baba?

Here.

You want some tea?

Let me tackle this first.

Shouldn't we tell Ma too?

That's a minor obstacle.

Spray under the table too.

Look, now it's run out.

Now you deal with
the mosquitoes on your own.

What do you want?

Arati got a job.

- Who did?
- Arati.

- What did she get?
- A job.

She got a job?

Yes.
She already accepted it.

lt's a very good job.

l mean,
with a very good firm.

She applied

and went for an interview.

The appointment letter
came today.

She starts next month.

lt's a salesgirl position.

She'll make
1 00 rupees a month.

Salesgirl?

My daughter-in-law?

l'm trying to find
a part-time job too.

Then she'll quit.

l've thought about it a lot.
My salary alone isn't enough.

My daughter-in-law.

l suppose you'll say

you supported
a large family all by yourself

and that Ma never had
to go out and work.

l'm not denying that.

But times have changed.

lt's a new day,
and we have to change.

We have to accept it.

Change comes by necessity.

We have no choice
but to take this step.

What does Arati say?

She took the job
of her own free will.

lt wasn't a whim.
She had to.

Once l get things
straightened out, she'll quit.

Arati has changed.

lt couldn't be helped.

l suppose you have
something to say too.

Ever since we came here,

it's like we've become
strangers.

Listen.

The cold war has begun.

l know.

You know how long it will last?

How long?

Till the day you get
your first month's pay...

and buy Baba
a pair of glasses.

lt would've been nice
if no one had objected.

l'm hurting
so many people.

Are you upset?

Me?

l'm worried about one thing.
- What?

The girls l saw
the day of the interview

all looked so fashionable.

So tip-top.

How can l go to work
in my tattered slippers?

Give me a list of what you need
to look fashionable.

l'll get an advance
from the office.

All right?

Arati's looking
very nice today.

Don't l look nice
every day?

She's fishing for a present
from your first month's pay.

- You look nice too.
- No! Both of us?

Yes, because you're both
eating together for once.

Like a bride and groom
on their wedding day.

All right.
You needn't go on.

- Where's Pintu?
- Over there.

Pintu, sweetie?

You think he's mad?
- Go and see.

l'll go see.

Why just Pintu?
Someone else is mad too.

You know what Bernard Shaw
says about working women?

Forget it.

Are you angry?

Listen to me.

Go away.

- l'll buy you a really nice toy.
- l don't want one!

Pintu, l'll buy you
some nice toys.

Listen to me.

Pintu, listen.

Don't be angry, sweetheart.

Listen to me. Pintu!

No, no, no!
Just go away!

lf we don't go now,

the streetcar will be
too crowded.

Let's go.

l'm going now, Ma.

Good-bye.

Come on.

What toys?

Whatever you want,
my child.

What are you thinking about...

"smart and attractive"?

What time is it?

9:30. Why?

lt's Pintu's bath time.

Don't worry.
He'll get his bath.

l know.

Are you nervous?

What's this?

Your hand's ice-cold!
How can this be?

- lt happened once before.
- When?

Our wedding day.

l'm more worried
about Pintu's mother

than about Pintu.

Can you manage
with all this on your mind?

We'll see.

To be married.

Number six --
or is it number seven?

Mukerjee & Mukerjee.

A little.

Mukerjee...

Hello.

l was here before.

- l'm sort of busy now.
- ls the family all right?

Yes.

What have you come for?
To open an account?

That's what l had in mind,

but l'm concerned
about something l heard.

What's that?

About runs
on a few banks recently.

That may be.

Bengalis love
to spread rumors.

A rumor gets started
about a bank,

and people panic.

Especially after that incident
with the Jagat Dhatri Bank.

lf you're unsure,
don't open an account.

Wait a while.
- No, no.

lf you say so,
l trust the position is sound.

- Savings or current account?
- Savings.

l'm just hesitant

because it's not very much.

After you've learned to use it,
your job would be

to personally go
door-to-door

and market the machine.

The average household

will not be able
to afford the Autonit.

Your target
is the upper-income group.

Each of you will have
a zone to cover.

You must knock
on every door in your zone.

lf you can meet the housewives,
show them this booklet,

talk to them,
and demonstrate the machine,

you'll be successful.

Now, you may ask,

"ls there any guarantee
we'll meet the lady of the house?"

l'd say no,
there is no guarantee.

But there's one thing
l must tell you clearly.

Nobody really likes
canvassers.

One more thing.

ln the afternoon, just when
housewives are resting,

canvassers knock

and disturb their rest.

The women get angry

and sometimes
treat you badly.

This is all part of the job.
There's nothing you can do.

But it's not a good idea
to be too insistent

and make a nuisance
of yourselves.

But if you can get
your foot in the door

and speak
to the lady of the house,

then with the qualities
of the Autonit

and your skills
of persuasion...

there's no reason why a successful
transaction shouldn't take place.

Mukerjee.

Yes?

Mrs. Mazumdar?

Hold on.

Are you Mrs. Mazumdar?

Hello?

- Arati?
- Yes.

No problem, right?

No. l have to go.

- Listen.
- What?

Wait for me after work.
l'll come by for you.

Okay. l have to go.

Sir, is that you?
How are you?

lt's been ages.

Just look how you've grown!

Please come inside.

You've grown in both fame
and appearance.

l wouldn't have recognized you
on the street.

But l'd have recognized you.
Come sit down.

Have a seat on my throne.

You used to have glasses,
didn't you?

Yes, l did.

l lost them on the train
coming to Calcutta.

l haven't been able
to get new ones since.

l've often told my son,

"My pupil is now
a big eye specialist.

Get me
an appointment with him."

But he just
doesn't listen to me.

Where do you live?

Close by, in Kalighat,

not far from the cremation
grounds by the Ganges,

so l'm ready
for the Master's call.

Lots of boys from our class
are here in Calcutta now.

You remember Anupam?
Anupam Ray Choudhury?

He's a big barrister now.

Then there's
Bibhash Chakravarty.

He's port commissioner now.

A good job.

Nobendu's a doctor.
They were all your pupils.

What's this, sir?

Why are your eyes watering?
What is it?

Pranab, l'm in dire straits.

l have no income,

no money.

Maybe so.
But why get so upset?

You can't imagine

how embarrassed l am
to tell you all this.

You mustn't worry.

This is nothing.

You simply need glasses.
There's no shame in that.

They won't cost you anything.

After all,
you have a claim on us.

You taught us
our first lessons, didn't you?

l wonder if the others
feel the same way.

l'm just repaying
my debt to my teacher.

All right?

Well said, my son.

"Repaying my debt
to my teacher."

Well said.

- ls madame in?
- What do you want?

- l'm here on business.
- Come in.

Please have a seat.
l'll tell madame.

Sit down.

You're being noisy again.
Don't you know someone's sick?

Go upstairs now.

Hello.

l've probably come
at a bad time.

No, l'm sorry
to keep you waiting. Sit down.

Did you embroider this?

That was long ago.
l do very little of that now.

What can l do for you?

l represent a firm
that makes a machine --

- Machine? Electrical?
- No, no.

Oh, a knitting machine.
Very good.

You see, l've got
little children in the house.

You can knit
with your own hands.

You can knit a sweater
in just about an hour.

Ma, Nicky wants you!

Sit with him for a minute,
darling. l'm coming.

My little one is sick.

What is it?

He has a constant cough,

and yesterday
he developed a fever.

Have you tried homeopathy?

Sometimes it works rather --

Can this knit
different patterns?

Yes, you can see
a few in the back.

How much does it cost?

Don't worry about that.
You'd hardly notice it.

May l come give you
a demonstration one day?

Ma, Nicky
won't listen to me!

Next Wednesday
at the same time?

All right, because
until l actually see it --

Good. l'll be back
next Wednesday.

l've heard
about this machine

but never seen it work.

Your name and address?

Mrs. Sinha,
8/7 Alipore Park Road.

At first l didn't understand.

The man said,
"Please come in.

l'll tell my wife."

So l followed him inside.
How was l to know?

Anyone else
would have known.

You wouldn't have either!

- What did he look like?
- Well --

- Was he good-looking or not?
- l don't know. lt was very dark.

Dark?
At that time of day?

Maybe you were
a bit disoriented.

The shutters were all closed.
lt was a hot day.

Fine.
Then what happened?

Then... l just sat
in the drawing room.

What a beautiful room!
On the floor was a --

Get to the point!

l'm getting there.

l sat and waited
while the man disappeared.

- To get his wife.
- Right.

After some time,

he came back and sat
on the sofa near me.

Across from you
or next to you?

Just keep quiet!

Didn't you ask
where his wife was?

l kept thinking,
"She's coming, she's coming,"

but she didn't come
and didn't come,

and then the man --

What?

He just kept staring at me.

- Was he smiling?
- Smiling?

l could barely stammer,

"ls your wife coming?"

What a question!
"ls your wife coming?"

Then what?

The man says,

"What wife?

l'm a bachelor."

Good heavens!

What did you say?

Listen, listen.

Then he says,

"And l don't see
any vermilion mark

on your forehead either."

What did you say?

What happened?

Why?

First he says no,
not a paisa.

- Say it in Hindi.
- And then?

- That's why we sent you.
- And then?

Five percent?

Let me finish.

- Me?
- Yes, you.

You've done so much for us,
we must get you some rossogollas.

l hate rossogollas.

Next para.

Miss Simmons
was in here earlier.

l suppose she was acting
as your representative.

Right?

lf you have
some collective grievance,

best to send one person

instead of all of you
crowding in here.

l have
no objection to that.

And if your demand
is reasonable,

l have no problem
with that.

But there's one thing
l don't understand.

There are five of you --

four Bengalis

and one Anglo-lndian.

So why doesn't one of you four
represent the group?

Why must that Anglo-lndian
be your leader?

What qualities in her

made you make her
your representative?

Do you think Miss Simmons
got you the commission

due to some amazing skill
on her part?

That l lost to her?

That's not the case at all,
Mrs. Mazumdar.

l'd already decided
to give you a commission

after a month or two.

So it's not as if
Miss Simmons

is somehow responsible.

l had to be
a bit harsh with her,

because l don't like
insolent people.

lf you'd brought
this proposal to me,

l know you'd have put it
very politely,

and there'd have been
no argument.

Will you remember that
in the future?

lf there's something
to discuss, you come.

Then all parties will benefit.
All right?

- May l go?
- Yes, of course.

How do you like the work?

- l like it.
- l like it too --

your work, that is.

Some customers have sent
letters praising your work.

Go on now.

Mrs. Mazumdar.

Sign here.

Would you knit my grandson
a sweater on your machine

if l bring you the wool?
- Certainly.

Miss Simmons.

Thank you.

Give me yours,
and l'll give you mine.

Take them.

All right.

Happy now?

What?

No.
What would l do with it?

l don't know how to use it.

Not too much.
Just a little.

Give me a tissue.

There'll be trouble
if l use my handkerchief.

What's going on?

A pistol?

What's this?
- Open it and see.

Bani, come with me.

Take it.

Daddy, wind this up for me.

On the bottom.

Did you spend
your whole salary?

This is my salary...

and --

- What's that?
- Commission.

- Commission?
- That's right.

You didn't tell me
about that!

Remember that Anglo-lndian girl
l told you about?

She fought with Himangshu-babu
and got us all a commission.

- Himangshu-babu?
- Our boss.

Give me that.

And you know
what the boss told me?

What?

l'm not telling.

He said

l'm doing very good work.

Some scented tobacco for you.
ls it the right kind?

l got paid today

so l went shopping.

That's why l was late.

Why buy anything for me?

Don't say that, Ma.

You mustn't think you have
to buy me anything special.

Your father-in-law's
an old man now.

He's devoted
his whole life to studying

and teaching children.

Now he has no job.

Take care of him.
That's enough for me.

- Today is Baba's birthday.
- That's right.

lf he's happy, so am l.

l got paid today, Baba.
l brought you some fruit.

Today's your birthday.

Leave the fruit,
but l won't take your money.

l'd be happy if you would.

No, Arati, you can't change
my mind so easily.

And l'm too old
to change my views.

Do what makes you happy.

l won't stand in your way.

But don't try to make me
share in your happiness.

l can't.

l'll leave the fruit.

Mommy.

Yes, sweetheart?

Baba won't look
at my toys.

Go try again.
l'm sure he'll look.

Listen...

where did Baba
get those glasses?

Glasses?

The ones l saw
on his table.

They must be Mr. Sinha's.

Where else
would he get glasses?

Really?

What else could it be?

Maybe so.

l'm just tired of thinking.

- Has peace been declared?
- No.

l'll have a bath today.

Will we ever get a fan?

We can afford one
in a month or so, don't you think?

At the rate you're earning
commissions, why just a fan?

We'll soon be able
to afford an air conditioner.

l told
Himangshu-babu today,

"l'm scared
to come into your office.

lt's so cool,
l'm afraid l'll catch a cold!"

You know what he said?
- What?

"You ladies have
knitting machines now.

Knit yourselves some sweaters
to wear in my office."

Sounds like
a very jovial fellow.

Yes...

but he's very strict too.

He won't tolerate
any slackness on the job.

lf we're lax,
he really scolds us.

l'll have to come
meet him sometime.

Then stop in.
We leave the office at 1 0:30.

Find some excuse
to call on him after that.

Does he ever scold you?

Me?

My work is always faultless.

What exactly is your work?

l'll tell you.

l get to the office at 1 0:00

and sign in.

Then we decide what area
we'll each cover that day.

At 1 0:30 sharp
we start out canvassing.

We go from door to door,

talking to housewives

and setting appointments
with them.

Then we go back
with the machine

and give them
a demonstration.

Then,
when the machine is sold,

there's the payment,
the invoice, the sales report --

The commission.

You wouldn't recognize me
on the job.

What about at home?

Would l recognize you
at home?

You don't recognize me?

Tell me honestly.

Why not?

lt all feels a bit unfamiliar.

lt feels a bit --

What about this?

You don't recognize my mole?

l'm still the same housewife.

Manoj?

lt's Subrata.

l thought you'd forgotten
all about me.

No, l don't forget you
when l need you.

What do you need?

l need a favor --

that is,
if you're a friend in need.

Tell me about this favor
and this need.

They come to the same thing.
l need a job.

- A job? For whom?
- For me.

- Don't you have a job?
- Yes...

but l mean
in addition to that.

Anything part-time
that pays 70-75 rupees.

You know so many people.
l could use a little help.

Who said you can get
a job over the phone?

No, this is just a warning.
l'll stop by.

Then hang up
and come straight over.

lt's already lunch time.
Make a little effort.

Pamper me a bit.

Sure, but not today.
Tomorrow.

You think there's a chance?

l can't guarantee you a job,

but l've got some good
American cigarettes,

fresh off the boat.

Sounds good.
l'll stop by.

Talk to you later.

Pintu.

Pintu has a fever.

A fever?

Yes.
We've been waiting for you.

ln here.

Your mommy's here.

- When did it start?
- This afternoon.

He kept saying
he didn't want to eat.

Mommy's home now.
Let's go to our room.

He said
he's not talking to you.

You're not talking to me?

What?

l told him to go play
with his auntie.

Come, child.

Then he suddenly just
lay down on the bed.

Then l understood.

l felt his forehead,
and he was warm.

He had some milk
and barley this evening.

All day long it was,
"Mommy, Mommy.

When is Mommy
coming home?

Why does she
have to go to work?

Mommy's mean.

Mommy's naughty.
l'm going to spank her."

And on and on.

So you're very angry,
are you?

You're going to hit Mommy
with your pistol?

What if Mommy
brings you a new toy?

What toy?

What toy?
We'll have to see.

Let me wash up first.

Shall we take him
to the clinic?

ls it a high fever?

No, maybe 1 00.

Shall l go borrow
a thermometer?

Yes. Tell them
we'll return it in the morning.

Get me a really good toy.

The streetcars weren't running.
Did you take a bus?

Quit your job.

l'm getting a part-time job.

l called a friend today.
He promised to help.

You'd be working
twice as hard.

That's what
we decided, Arati.

l'd get a part-time job,
and you'd quit working.

- But...
- No buts.

l've given this
a lot of thought.

Did you think
about the money?

Peace within the family
is more important than money.

- Mommy, what toy?
- l'll tell you in a minute.

You realize
Baba hasn't spoken to me

in a month and a half?

l'm setting it here.

l'm doing such good work.

ls that bothering you?

You know what
your good work has done?

What?

You're looking thin.

There are dark circles
under your eyes.

l don't feel bad.

Even after working all day,
l don't feel tired.

You really don't want me...

to work?

No, l don't.

And Baba doesn't.
Ma doesn't.

Even he doesn't.

You'd rather go on making
so many others unhappy?

lt's not the others
that concern me.

What matters
is what you want.

Mommy, what toy?

ls that a fever?

Silly!
You think 98 is a fever?

Then what is?
Two hundred?

Pintu's fever is gone.

Should l return
the thermometer?

Yes, do.

Do l get a toy
even if my fever's gone?

Of course, darling.
Now go lie down.

Here.

Sign this.

Finding a job is hard,

but quitting one is easy.

All it takes is a letter.

There's some trouble
at your bank, sir.

You should go see.

What?

Since you were late, l --

One minute.

Don't go any closer.
The crowd is furious.

l...

Mukerjee.
Oh, how are you?

All right.

Thank you, bhai.
Thank you.

Now, then...

first, your colleague
Miss Simmons isn't coming in today.

She had a demonstration
scheduled for today at 1 2:00.

lt's a good prospect.
You'll have to handle it.

lf you can manage English, fine.
Otherwise, use Hindi.

All right?

Second...

l have some plans.

Not immediately,
but in the near future.

Open the doors!

There's the scoundrel!

Come to watch the fun?

Get him!

- We're ruined thanks to you!
- What did l do?

Now the scoundrel's
making excuses!

Why are you hitting him?

Will it get you
your money back?

We'll be taking on
some new salesgirls,

so the nature of your job
may change a bit.

- But l --
- Mrs. Mazumdar...

l don't like the word "but."

lt's a very ugly word.

l'm banking on you.

l'd like you to take on
more responsibility.

You can handle it.

l've seen your work
these last two months.

l want to start working
in a group system,

and l want you
to be group leader.

You'd no longer have
to go door-to-door.

You'd simply coordinate
the others' work,

supervise them,

collect the daily
sales reports.

You'll manage
the day-to-day expenses.

But Mr. Mukerjee --

- l've told you before.
- For me?

Did you give him the letter?

No, not yet...

Don't. l lost my job.

The bank collapsed.
Don't give him the letter.

l'll explain tonight.
Don't be scared.

Everything will be fine.

Don't worry.
l've got to go.

l wrote it down.

Mrs. Benjamin Cohen,
24 Royd Street, 1 2:00.

Okay?

What is it?

Mrs. Mazumdar?

That call earlier
was from my husband.

- Yes, l guessed that.
- He lost his job.

- What?
- There was no warning.

Where?
What was he doing?

The New Bharat Bank.

lt's closed down.

- All these banks sprouting up --
- l need a raise.

Didn't you say
my work was good

and my future bright?

At least a 50-rupee raise.
l can't manage without it.

Mrs. Mazumdar...

there's no doubt
about your efficiency.

That's why l'm giving you
greater responsibility.

But not immediately.

lt will take
two or three months.

There's a process involved
in raises, and you've only --

l can't manage
without a 50-rupee raise.

Or l'll have
to explore other avenues.

What other avenues,
Mrs. Mazumdar?

Are there so many
just waiting for you to explore?

l'm asking you:
Please see what you can do.

Mrs. Mazumdar...

you are too impulsive,

and impulsiveness
can lead to trouble.

l know, and l apologize.

Very well. l'll give instructions
to Nagen Babu.

But in the strictest
confidence.

Your colleagues
must never know of this.

No one will know.
l give my word.

One more thing:
Tell your husband

not to get a job
with another upstart bank,

or l'll have to go
through this again.

This is unbelievable.

You were in charge
of a department,

yet you had no warning
of such a disaster?

You had me
open an account there.

"Position sound," you said.

Where's that
"position sound" now?

Two thousand rupees
gone down the drain!

l'll pay back
your money over time.

That's not the point.
lt's not the money.

Two thousand rupees
won't ruin Nibaron Chatterjee.

l'm thinking of you.

lf a run was imminent,

there was a manager
and others

you could have
discussed things with.

They're the ones who said
the position was sound,

not me.

You can't just bury
your nose in your papers.

You have to be
sharp and alert.

These aren't simple times.

What do you think?

Nothing.
My opinion is of no value.

l'm outdated now.

Daughter...

l never thought
you'd have to suffer like this.

Suffer like what, Baba?

l'm very disappointed, child.
This is --

Don't worry, Baba.

This isn't anybody's fault.

He didn't do
anything wrong.

He just has
to find another job.

l understand that.

But to make you
go out and work?

No one made me
go out and work.

lt was my own decision,

and l enjoy it very much.

But now
you're the only one --

Go back inside, Baba.
Your tea's getting cold.

Sister-in-law.

What's this?

Have my name removed.

- From where?
- The school rolls.

Have you lost your mind?

You've done well
and gotten such good grades.

Why quit school now?

lt's too big
an expense for you.

Poor thing.

What would you do then?

Can't l work?

Giving you that sari
was a mistake.

You're still just a child.

Then tell me
what l should do.

Will you do what l say?

The potatoes,
eggplants, and pumpkin

are chopped and ready
in the kitchen.

Add the spices
and make a curry. Go on.

l can make the curry?

But l won't help.
Ma won't help.

No one will help.

You won't criticize it later,
will you?

No, l won't. Go on.

l went to see
that friend today

who talked
about a part-time job.

What happened?

He says it will take
a month at least.

Shall l tell you
some good news?

Good news?

l got a 50-rupee raise.

That's great.

The wife's a hero...

the husband's a zero.

Someone's here to see you.

- Who?
- Some old man. He's waiting.

All right.

Don't be too long.
The show's at 1 0:30.

l'm all ready.
- l know, l know.

How are you, sir?

Anupam?

Let me have
a look at you.

Have l changed a lot?

No, l recognize you.

Please sit down.

So what brings you here?

l got your letter when l got back
from court yesterday.

Who gave you my address?
- Your address?

The man who gave me
these glasses,

one of your old classmates.

- Pranab?
- Yes. Do you see him often?

Yes. l saw him
for a consultation a while back.

- l see.
- His practice is going well.

Yours isn't going
badly either, my boy.

This age belongs
to all of you.

lt's you who work

and make our country's
future bright.

When l see
your achievements,

the heart under
this old bag of bones rejoices.

l trust your health is fine?

My health?

My generation is no more.

We are dead,
crushed into the dust

like reptiles.

The backbone's broken,
my boy.

lf we're still here today,

it's only due
to our mental strength.

lt's very hard.

lf my own son
doesn't look after me,

l know you will.

After all,
you're like my own sons.

l raised you
like my own sons.

lf you're famous today,

some credit
should go to me.

Didn't l contribute to that?

Tell me.

Are you speaking
of financial help?

l prefer not to use
the word "help."

Did Dronacharya
ask Eklavya for "help"?

Wait here.
l'll be right back.

l suppose
he's asking for help.

The Bengali community
is like that.

Who is he?

Our old teacher.

He used to quote Samuel Smiles.
- How much are you giving him?

Oh! l thought
it was a hundred.

You must be crazy.

l don't need any fish, Ma.
No need to rush.

lt's ready, child.

Here you are.

l have to be
at work by 9:30.

The Anglo-lndian girl's
been out for a few days,

so l have to do
her work too.

That's what l'm saying.
You work all day.

lf you don't eat well,
how will you manage?

Sister-in-law.

Did you try the spinach?
- Yes.

How did l do?

You passed.

Just passed?

First division.

Should we keep the maid on
or let her go?

How would you manage
the whole day?

You can see
how busy l am.

l get home
so late every night.

lt's just that she's been asking
for the rest of her wages.

Oh. ln that case --

Listen,
you're not doing anything.

Could you get four rupees
from the dresser for the maid?

- Where's the money?
- ln my bag.

ln the drawer on the right.

No office again today?

- No.
- Why?

l have the day off.

Mommy doesn't get
the day off?

- Mommy's office is bad.
- Mommy's office is bad?

Did you find it?

There's a 1 0-rupee bill

and seven one-rupee bills.

They're all together.

Here.

Listen.

Where did she go now?

l'm late.

l've been calling you forever.

Here's your pay.
Where did you run off to?

Mommy, Daddy says
your office is bad.

ls that so?

l'm off now.

l'm going.

Not going to put on
your lipstick?

Mommy,
what did you throw?

Listen to me.

What?

Do whatever you like,

but please don't
misunderstand me, darling.

Daddy, is Mommy mad?

Edith.

- Edith.
- Coming, Mummy.

- How are you?
- l'm fine. Sit down.

What happened?

lnfluenza?

- But you're all right now?
- Yes.

- And now l have to do all your work.
- What work?

Didn't you schedule a demonstration
today? lsn't this Thursday?

And where was it
yesterday?

Don't say sorry. Say thank you.
You'll get the commission.

And don't you have
a sales report to turn in?

You'll be in tomorrow?

l must. l haven't got
my wages yet, damn it.

Here.

Your pay.

Here, sign for it.

Sign it.

Try and come in tomorrow.

Turn in the sales report yourself.
The boss will be happy.

- l'll be going.
- All right.

Say good-bye
to your mother for me.

You thought
l was just out shopping?

Naturally.
That was my first impression.

Sit down.

What will you have?

- Tea.
- Nothing else?

Two teas, please.

So you're a salesgirl, eh?

Don't laugh.
lt's a good job.

And we make a good product.
- ls that so?

Look.

You have to buy one.
- What? lt's compulsory?

Why not?

Since you're the husband
of a rich friend.

"Autonit."

For your wife, of course.

Soon women will have
no work to do at all.

How is Shipra?

You still haven't come
by our place.

And l've yet to meet
your husband.

l hardly see him myself.

Really? Why?

He's addicted to his work.

He works a 1 2-hour day.

He's gone by 8:00 a.m.
and isn't home till 8:00 p.m.

ls he an employee,
or is it his own business?

His own business.

lmport-export.

He's responsible
for everything.

Set it up all by himself too.
- Very good.

l insisted on working
just for fun.

Otherwise
he wouldn't have let me.

"lf you work, people will say
l don't make enough."

l see.

l said, "Why?

Everyone knows
how much you make."

He finally said,
"All right, but just for six months."

There's just one month left.

Then l'll quit.

My sense of direction
is a bit weak.

- Take a right here.
- Right.

All right.

Especially the Kalighat area.

l've put you
to a lot of trouble.

When l see that
the streetcars aren't running,

l give a lift to anyone
l see on the road.

To tell you the truth,

when l see
the plight of pedestrians,

l feel very guilty sometimes.

l had quite an argument
about this with my wife.

Why?

She said l mustn't stop
for everyone l see in the street.

When l asked why,
she said...

"How do you know they're not
carrying infectious germs?

Disinfect the car
or l won't ride in it."

She's crazy.

Please forgive my saying so,
Mrs. Mazumdar...

but women
get these obsessions.

She's obsessed with germs.

Three bottles
of Dettol per month.

Bhombol...

did Arati say she'd be late?

No, she didn't say
anything to me.

She's never been this late.

There's a car outside.
Go and see.

Bhombol.

Bhombol, are you there?

What happened?

Please lie down slowly, sir.

What happened?

Don't be upset.
lt's nothing to worry about.

He felt a bit sick,
so he came to my office.

He got dizzy
on the stairs and fell.

He walked a lot in the sun

and has blood pressure
problems too.

But there's
no need to worry.

l've written him
a prescription,

and he must have
complete rest.

Look after him, all right?

l keep telling you
not to go out so much.

- Have a seat.
- No, l have to rush.

Sir, l'll be leaving now.

Don't behave
like a little child, all right?

Remember:
complete bed rest.

l'm a former pupil of his.

l haven't seen him
in 25 years. Right, sir?

l'm afraid
the circumstances weren't --

l have to be going.

May l have a word?

l'm not asking for payment,

but there's something
l have to tell you.

l have a feeling
you're all neglecting him.

Otherwise,
with a grown son like you,

there's no reason for him

to be out searching
for a doctor on his own.

l know it's none of my business,
but l had to tell you.

Well, l'll be going.

Home.

No, wait.

l'd never have found
this place on my own.

Thank you very much.

Would you like to --

Not today.

Some other time,
if l can remember the way.

What happened?

ls that Arati?

l've warned him so often
about wandering the streets,

but he never listens.

What if you'd hurt
your head or something?

My glasses broke.

The ones Pranab gave me.

What happened?

On his way to see a doctor,
he felt dizzy and fell.

Good heavens!

How are you now, Baba?

l've sinned too much
to die just yet.

Don't say that, Baba.

l feel no pain physically,

but my thoughts

are very disturbed.

Try not to talk too much.

l said bad things
about you, Arati.

l said...

you'd changed.

But you know what l did?

l went around to my pupils...

and spoke ill of my own son.

l said...

he wasn't looking after me,

that you look after me.

Now you must decide
my punishment, Arati.

Whatever it is...

l'll accept it.

You know your punishment?

You have to take
all your medications,

and l'll administer them.

You're too lenient,
daughter-in-law.

Listen...

l've only been late
the last few days.

lt doesn't happen
every day, does it?

You always have
the Austin.

lt's just in the shop
for a few days.

No, why? l'll send
the other car for you.

ln an hour.
Do your shopping,

then come by my office
around 5:30.

Yes, my office.

Not even one minute.
Promise.

All right. But --

How many busy executives

would do so much
for their wives?

Okay.

l've come --

l recognize you.
Aren't you Arati Debi's husband?

Unless l'm very much
mistaken.

Yes, but --

There was a snapshot of you
in your wife's purse.

lt fell out when she took out
a sales report.

lt was taken at the zoo,
in front of a camel --

- No, a giraffe.
- Giraffe -- that's it!

- Your memory is really --
- Not at all.

l saw the name "Mazumdar"
on my schedule,

and l've heard
your voice on the phone.

l imagine Arati's out
right now.

Yes, they leave by 1 0:30.
lf you'd come a bit earlier --

- Then l'll be going.
- No, please don't.

A tea, please.

What's the hurry?
You're free these days, right?

Well, yes...

You're originally
from Pabna.

You see,
l keep abreast of things.

What village?

The town of Pabna itself.

l'm from Sirajganj.

We're birds of a feather.

Your office is very nice.

How's your wife
enjoying the job?

She enjoys it,
but it's causing a bit of strain.

- But that's only recently.
- She gets home quite late.

You see, the thing is...

she has
this Anglo-lndian colleague.

l shouldn't say this,

but our ex-rulers
left behind quite a clan!

The girl's been absent
for a few days. Says she's sick.

The truth may be
something else entirely.

But your wife's had
to take on her workload too.

Otherwise there'd be
no question of overstraining.

Of course,
there's no need to tell you.

After all...

you know her
much better than l do.

The day of your "mishap,"

she immediately
pressured me for a raise.

ln that sense
she's certainly a bit impulsive,

but l couldn't refuse her.

With a conscientious worker,

you sometimes have to meet
their additional demands.

Please.

Have you ever thought
about a husband and wife

working in the same office?

- No, l can't say --
- l have...

and l don't approve.

So if l'm to do
anything for you,

it has to be
somewhere else.

l didn't come here for a job.

Don't you need a job?

Yes, of course.

Then where's the problem?

That's very kind of you.

This isn't about kindness, sir.

l have a job and you don't.

lt so happens l might have
some influence that you don't.

The most important thing

is that we're both
from Pabna.

Couldn't be simpler.

Do one thing for me.

Come see me again
this evening around 5:00.

Would that be a problem?
- No.

ln the meantime,
l'll make a few calls, okay?

Let's go.

Should l tell your wife
you came by?

No, you needn't tell her.

Edith?

What's going on?

He fired you?

He doesn't believe you?

Here.

What did you say to Edith?

Did you insult her

or say something
about her character?

Did you come to fight with me
about that Anglo-lndian girl?

What did you say to Edith?

Don't get so excited,
Mrs. Mazumdar.

You didn't insult her?

Whether l did or not...

l don't have to tell you,
Mrs. Mazumdar.

You know
nothing about her...

and still you insulted her?

You dismissed her?

Look, Mrs. Mazumdar...

what l do or what l tell

employees in my office --

Edith may be
your employee,

but l've worked with her

for four months.

She's my friend.

l know her.
l've been to her house.

l saw with my own eyes
that she was sick.

l don't know how friendly
you are with Miss Simmons.

But may l ask you

how much you know

about Anglo-lndian girls?

l don't know any other
Anglo-lndian girls...

but l do know Edith.

And l can tell you

she doesn't deserve
to be insulted.

l didn't insult her!

She got what she deserved.

The day l realized
that a Bengali girl, meaning you --

Why can't you understand
l fired her for your sake?

When l realized you could handle
her job, l decided to fire her.

Only my sense of obligation
kept her here this long.

Why are you interfering?
What do you gain?

You're jeopardizing
your own position.

Would your friend
do the same for you?

You've gone mad.

You've no right to say
anything about her character,

especially
when it isn't true.

lt's injustice, and it's wrong.

Mrs. Mazumdar...

your words

would be more apt coming
from my side of this desk,

not yours.

You're overstepping
your bounds.

l think...

you should
apologize to her.

Will you do that?

Will you?

Mrs. Mazumdar,
you don't understand that --

You don't understand

that your attitude could have
serious consequences.

You won't apologize?

lf you lose your job,
what then?

Then...

l'd be very happy.

Here.
- What's that?

My resignation.
Change the date.

What's going on?

Don't be angry.
Don't misunderstand me.

Everyone else will misunderstand.
Don't you too.

But what happened?

l quit my job.

You quit?

Himangshu-babu
fired Edith for no reason.

She'd done nothing wrong,
but he wouldn't listen.

Now she can't get married.

l felt so bad for her.

lt seemed like
such a gross injustice that l --

You're angry.

l can tell you're angry.

Who can l turn to now?

Don't cry.

l'm not angry, you hear?

l'm not angry...

though l can't be
too happy either.

You know our situation.

l know.
l made a big mistake.

Don't say that.

Listen to me.

You stood up to injustice.
Was that wrong?

l could never have done
what you did.

l wouldn't have had
the courage.

Earning our daily bread
has made us cowards.

But you weren't a coward.
ls that a small achievement?

Why should l be
angry with you?

l feel scared.
Very scared.

Why? l'm by your side.

- You're by my side?
- Where else?

You moved
so far away from me.

Don't go any further.

Arati, don't cry.

This is the time to be strong.

How will we manage
if you break down?

Don't cry.

Such a big city.

So many different jobs.

Surely one of us
can find a job.

Let's try.

l'm sure we both will.

You know...

even facing this difficult moment...

not knowing
what fate has in store...

l feel very happy.

You're not scared anymore?

Feel.

- Shall we?
- Let's.

THE END