Original subtitles

I embrace you, Shabnam,...

since I am delighted with you and your talent.

Uncle!

Greetings, Uncle. - Bless you.

You? Here, at this hour?

This is the right time for me to tell you what I must.

Please tell me. - I'm the childhood friend...

of your deceased father Khan Bahadur Nawab Safdarjung.

Have I made a mistake? - No, dear.

The thing is, your fondness for attending dances...

has made you infamous in the entire city.

Uncle, do you misunderstand me too?

No, dear. You are not bad.

This I know, and the Almighty does too!

I haven't yet met the Almighty.

But that you don't consider me bad, puts the matter to rest.

Whichever family I have approached with your marriage proposal...

say that they don't approve of marriage with you.

That's a good thing. - How's that?

Or else, after marriage, like you...

I too would've had to lower my whiskers.

Your whiskers? - In our city of Lucknow...

there are only two famous personalities

One is me, the infamous Salim. And the other is you, my Uncle....

....the one with lower moustaches. - Yes, son. You are right.

I don't know why I lower my whiskers when I see my wife.

I just know that your father's whiskers were as sharp as a sword...

That's enough. I'll tell my wife that I'm also my father's son.

Why the delay in opening the door?

What happened, father? I hope you are all right.

No, I've fallen sick. I've suffered an attack.

Come to your senses. You are at home now.

What if mother...? - What of her?

ls she dumb-founded?

Get up! Your man is here!

Light the stove. Go on! I'll eat fresh bread today.

What did you say?

Well, my dear... what can I say? I was only asking...

if your feet is aching or your head. What should I massage?

My neck. Press it! You've become old, our daughter has become young...

but your habits remain unchanged. You return late in the night!

This, despite being strict with you.

I wonder what would happened if I were lenient with you.

You'd raise a storm!

Your food is in the kitchen. Go and eat it!

Wait!

Put your wiskers down!

Master's coming.

Greetings, brother. - Bless you.

So you sit hungry waiting for me. And my morning begins only at 12.

When there's somebody else to wait for you, I won't wait anymore.

Have some tea. - Personal?

Fresh tealeaves. Straight from the plantations of Darjeeling.

Really? Let me see.

The aroma is incomparable.

"l will be coming to you with great hopes"

"I'm sending my photograph so that you may recognize me"

"Yours, Akhtar Hussain Akhtar"

Shama, check if there's such a boy in our family.

He could be one of your friends.

No, there's nobody of his description among my friends.

The caretaker is waiting with a horse for you, Sir.

He must be getting restless waiting for me.

Why the hurry for horse riding? Why don't you eat something?

I will eat when I return.

Uncle, I've forgotten my book at home. Ask Auntie to keep it carefully.

Greetings. - Bless you.

Praise the Lord! Beautiful!

Excuse me, does this belong to you? - Yes.

Why' re you staring at me?

I've been trying to recognize you.

There! I've recognized you.

You are the famous poet Jigar Moradabadi.

What? Me? Jigar Moradabadi? He has been dead long since.

And you call me Jigar Moradabadi? - I mean, I'm his pupil.

You are Jigar's pupil? - Yes. Jigar's pupil.

Whoever has embraced Jigar, has actually embraced me.

I'm a Jigar fan.

I too have become a fan. - Of whom?

A beautiful woman I don't know. - How did the meeting take place?

In a fraction of a second, an accident occurred.

She bumped into me. - What happened then?

I recited a poetry, which I want you to hear.

Excuse me, but I'm not deaf. You may go ahead.

"Let my eyes take in your beautiful face"

"Let me commit this beautiful sin"

"Take off the veil from your face,..."

"Let me devastate my heart"

"Take off the veil from your face"

"Take off the veil from your face..."

"Let me see your beauty once again"

"Those smooth arms and that fragrant body"

"Those smooth arms and that fragrant body"

"The garden of love that brushed against my heart"

"Please let the flower blossom in my heart too"

"Take off the veil from your face"

"Let me see your face once again, my dear"

"Having seen your beautiful body in the mirror"

"Having seen your beautiful body in the mirror"

"I've got carried away on the path of splendor"

"if you can, please bring me back to my senses"

"Take off the veil from your face"

"Let me see your face once again, my dear"

"l find you as my fellow-traveler, in this lifetime..."

"l find you as my fellow-traveler, in this lifetime..."

"As if I were met by the Moon on a lonely night"

"Tell me where you are going, my dear"

"Take the veil off your face, my dear"

"Let me see your face once again, my dear"

Wonderful! Splendid!

Mr. Akhtar?!

Akhtar! I couldn't recognize you immediately.

Please forgive me.

Friends! Let me introduce you to someone, I'm grateful to.

This is Mr. Akhtar Hussain Akhtar.

Didn't you recognize him, Uncle?

When my boat had capsized in the Gomti river...

and I was drowning, he was the one who risked his life to save mine.

I once again ask you for your forgiveness.

Do not embarrass me, sir.

It's a man's duty to lend a helping hand to someone who's falling...

and to save those who are drowning.

Bless you, dear.

So you have forgiven me?

Akhtar's a bit hesitant... what's the matter?

Actually, I have been unemployed for two years...

and I've approached you now.

You've come at the right time. I needed somebody, too.

Besides, where would I find a more honest and capable man than you are?

I will never forget this favor of yours.

No favor at all. Let's go inside.

Hey! What's all this?

It's not coming out.

Akhtar? You? - Bloody ass!

Sent your brains on a holiday?

It's very simple. But you won't be able to understand.

Actually, I've been rehearsing and clearing my throat.

So you want to give up poetry and become a singer now?

My dear friend, this is no age for Mir or Ghalib.

Even if our poetry is weak, with a good voice...

we stand a better chance of performing.

And thus, I've been practicing. I suggest you begin, too.

When did you return from Faizabad?

This is Puttan Murda.

Murda (corpse)? - Yes, sir.

Yes, sir. I'm the descendent of the royal family. I known as "Murda".

You may leave now.

Hold on! Take these pieces too. And instead of these, bring 2...

pitchers?! - Great!

That's your lesson for tomorrow.

When you come tomorrow, bring loads of couplets rhyming with pitchers.

Pitchers, eh? I be hanged!

You may beat it now.

Let's get down to the real world now.

So how many poets' works have you stolen and recited at gatherings...

and how many times were you beaten up?

So you think that I'm still into stealing others' poetry?

Never mind. This evening, you will see at the gathering...

what heights my poetry has been scaling.

I can't wait till this evening. Recite it right now.

So be it. Here it is...

"The bride's face proved to be everybody's favorite"

"My fortune proved to be a taller order than the Himalayas"

"But come the time of union, my hopes were dashed..."

"when I lifted the veil, I found one eye of hers, shut"

Wonderful! - This was just a sample.

Now listen to this one that's bound to bowl you over.

"Let my eyes set on your beautiful face..."

Stay where you are!

'Let my eyes set on your beautiful face..."

"Let me commit this beautiful sin"

"Take off the veil from your face, let me devastate my heart"

Fantastic! Looks like you too have begun pinching poetry!

Shut up! It's written by yours truly... okay?

Impossible! I refuse to believe it. I've indeed stolen. But never yours.

There's this doctor who stays in my neighborhood.

I heard a girl singing at his place.

I jotted it down immediately...

thinking that the lady cannot come to catch me at the gathering!

Does this girl live in your neighborhood?

Yes!

It's me...

The name is Sultanat!

This is my friend. The daughter of the physician.

Greetings.

Brother, she's greeting you! - Greetings.

Well? What were you talking to my brother about?

I see! In a city as big as this...

can someone talk only to your brother?

Why? What's wrong with my brother?

Name a single good quality. - My brother is one in millions!

ls there anyone as majestic in the whole city?

Yes, I agree with that.

God has made him with a lot of care.

But his lifestyle is two steps ahead of even the devil.

I sympathize with you because he's your brother.

Ask your brother to mend his ways.

Else, he'll remain a bachelor all his life.

Did you hear that? - Listen, my foot!

Let's go.

I came across this loafer of a poet in the train.

The rascal saw my face in the mirror.

What happened thereafter? - What else...?

He took a deep breath and said, 'Praise the Lord!"

How did you respond? - Why would I respond?

I just covered my face. - You spoiled the entire fun.

Had the matter progressed, there would've been meetings.

"Let my eyes set on your beautiful face"

"Let me commit this beautiful crime"

Why did you switch it off? It was such a nice couplet.

Couplet? Far from it! It wasn't even verse!

Hey, Sultanat! - How' re you, Geeta?

I'm in a hurry today. I'll meet you later.

Do visit my home. - Sure, I will.

Tell me before you leave... what happened later?

Not today, dear. Come home some day. I will tell you then.

Let me see you off at the door. - Why?

Am I scared of leaving alone? - There's nothing to be scared of.

Brother's gone to play tennis. - What?!

Sit down.

I'm telling you since you are Shama's brother.

Mend your ways. Else, you will remain a bachelor all your life.

Your wish is my command!

My God!

You're peeping at your sister-in-law even before my marriage?

I'm looking at your sister-in-law, not mine.

My sister-in-law? Move aside.

What happened? Did she wave a shoe at you?

No! With my sister-in-law, there's your sister-in-law too. Look!

My sister-in-law? I'll surely take a look!

Oh yes!

To save our honor from the tight-trouser wearing street Romeos...

we have formed this 'Save our Honor' committee.

We've assembled here to figure out ways with which...

we can confront these street Romeos.

If these loafers pester us on the street...

we should give them a beating on the spot.

No! These Romeo's cannot be reformed in this manner.

If a boy chases you, makes lewd gestures, sings a song or whistles...

you must respond by smiling back in this style.

That will cause them to chase you even more.

That's what I want. That they chase you!

This way you will be ahead, and he will be behind you.

Lead him straight to the 'Save our Honor' committee.

All of you can then give him a beating together.

That too, with your sandals!

Please come in.

Inside?

Yes, do please come. - Oh, thank you, thank you!

What are you thinking about?

I recall what the elders have said.

"When the ant is to die, it develops wings"

"And when a man is to face disaster, he visits a girl's home"

I hope this is nothing like that. - Why embarrass me? Please sit down.

How do I treat you?

What? Treat me? - Yes.

You've come to my house for the first time.

I ought to be hospitable. No ordinary hospitality, either.

Really? A special treat? - Yes.

I want to give you treatment you will never forget.

Not a bad idea. But you are stress so much on treatment...

....that I sense danger. - How can you speak like this?

It's my duty to treat my guest. - Treat again?

I'm surely well built in appearance. But I'm very delicate by nature.

My weak heart begins to pound away.

A heart, we poet often refer to as love-lorn.

I see. So you're a poet too? - Yes.

I'm known as Pyarelal Bedar. But you can call me Pyare.

Let me hear your poetry. - Certainly. Here goes...

"There's no control over love. It's like a firework..."

"There's no control over love. It's like a firework..."

"...which can be ignited, but it cannot be extinguished"

Wonderful! - Thank you.

But this poetry was penned by Ghalib.

Who? - Ghalib.

Who's that gentleman? - Ghalib Dehelvi.

Does he attend poetic sessions? I've never run into him.

Arrangements are being made for your treatment.

The chat ends and the treatment begins, eh?

C' n1on. - Yes, of course.

ls this the treat? - Don't worry.

If you don't like this, you may enjoy this one.

Woe betide!

Greetings. - Welcome, sir!

Are you a man or a beast? - What's your opinion?

You're uglier than a washermads ass!

Great! You've recognized someone from your community so well!

I've been waiting for you for such a long time.

I've just returned from an excellent treat.

An excellent treat? Did you attend a marriage?

Yes. I've eaten so very much, it'll take a couple of months to digest it.

What things did you eat?

I got a treat of "Boot Pulao".

I hope you've understood.

Sure. He loves the boot, Mom.

He musfve swallowed at least a couple of servings.

Not as little as that. I had at least a couple of dozens.

You must look after your health, son.

Understood? - Sure, I do.

You see, the opposite party was hell-bent on giving me the treat.

They continued to give me the treatment.

God has made him with a lot of care.

But in lifestyle, he's two steps ahead of even the devil.

Come on, will you?

I'm losing courage! Let's go back.

You fall in love and then fear the sandals?

Look at me. I've got a beating several times...

but I never disgraced the name of lovers by retracing my steps.

But... - No ifs and buts...

I promise you, even if the doctor gets down to sandals...

I will offer my head at his service. Come on.

ls the physician in? - Yes.

Tell him that there are heart patients here.

We want a cure. - Please sit down. I'll inform him.

Know who's here as a patient? - Who is it?

The same shameless Romeo we bashed up that day with sandals.

Really? I'll go and take a look at that donkey too.

You'd better put some water on the stove to make tea.

Father will first check the patient's pulse.

Then he will offer him some tea.

But you're perfectly healthy. - Not at all, sir.

My impatient heart gets confused and is often afraid.

Actually, I showed you my pulse, but spoke of Akhtar's condition.

Akhtar is the ailing one. Please come, Mr. Akhtar.

Know who's the other one? - Your lover.

Yes. No, no. He must your lover. - My lover wouldn't be a patient.

He'd be an aspiring singer, trying to get father to teach him.

Rubbish! Anyway, what are we to do now?

If he has become so bold today,...

he might as well block our path tomorrow.

What should we do?

My dear, once they have two sips of tea, they'll forget about love.

20 grams oi grounded red pepper...

1O grams of hot spices, 2 teaspoonfuls of turmeric...

black pepper and salt.

Bingo! The tea will be ready. Hurry up!

Grounded red pepper.

Doctor, why does my heart become restless?

You aren't sick. You are merely imagining things.

Not even doctors have any cure for imaginations.

You?

Geeta dear, why did you take the trouble?

Not at all, Uncle. To treat a guest...

What did you say? A treat?! - Yes.

No ordinary one at that. - I understand.

Let's leave, Akhtar. Good-bye, sir.

We will meet some other time.

You cannot leave without some tea. - Here you are.

Looks like you prefer more sugar. Shall I add two more spoons?

Not at all. You've brewed it just right!

I feel like praising it to the skies!

My daughter Sultanat makes very good tea.

Of course! - I've made the tea today.

The one you are drinking was made by me.

And the one you will drink, has been made by Sultanat.

Wonderful! Here you are... All yours, my dear Akhtar!

One doesn't get to drink such tea every other day.

Isn't it fun, my dear Akhtar?

Very much indeed.

I've never drunk tastier tea.

My God! He swallowed the poison!

Could you please give me the recipe of this tea on a piece of paper?

I'll start a tea shop at Hazratganj.

It's giving me a shock even now!

Listen... - Let go of my hand.

I'll be disgraced if someone sees us. Let me go!

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah willing, I too will steal his heart soon"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah willing, I too will steal his heart soon"

"Allah willing!"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"When he grabbed my hand, I began to tremble"

"When he grabbed my hand, I began to tremble"

"A fire ran through my body, and I started panting"

"My breath began to quicken"

"l began thinking of what would happen next"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah willing, I too will steal his heart soon"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"My face blushed out of embarrassment"

"My face blushed out of embarrassment"

"My face turned red"

"My tender youth became a source of trouble"

"How do I tell you what my condition was?"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah willing, I too will steal his heart soon"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"These gardens know about him"

"These gardens know about him"

"All parts of the branches know about him"

"The tiny buds recognize him too well"

"The flowers too will admit that he steals their heart"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

"God willing, I too will steal his heart soon"

"Allah! Allah! He's taken away my silver ring"

My God!

Please come, dear. - Very well.

Relax. You're at the 'Save our Honor' committee.

Take off your veil, and sit comfortably.

Are you absolutely alone right now? - Yes, absolutely alone.

You?! You loafer, rascal, scoundrel!

Hold it. I'm a poet. I'm dreaming of bagging the Padmashri award.

I wonder which nation's titles you are conferring on me.

You are very stubborn and shameless.

I'll call father rightaway and hand you over to the police.

Father...! - Why bother your father?

If you wish to punish someone, be my guest.

I've brought my pair of shoes too. - Shut up!

If I were to become a martyr in the battle of sandals...

make a shroud with this veil of yours...

and erect a memorial for me at the square in Aminabad.

You will surely have some difficulty in getting permission...

from the Municipality, but I will make a name among lovers!

You complained about tight-fitting trousers, didn't you?

Look, I've started wearing loose pants...

with an opening of over 26 inches.

ls that too much?

Hey! You've smiled!

Geeta dear, where are you?

I'm telling you since you are Shama's brother.

Mend your ways. Else you will remain a bachelor all your life.

Your wish is my command!

Brother!

Would you obey anybody's wish as a command?

That's the law of nature, Shama.

Just like the weather changes with time, similarly...

depending on circumstances, so does the human being.

At times, even those who are given to issuing orders

do bow to someone.

In that case, it can be none other than my sister-in-law.

You must've imagined sister-in-laws picture in your thoughts...

and bowed your head in front of her.

Well, brother...? Am I not right?

Yes, you're right.

Actually, I'm quite concerned about your loneliness nowadays.

Alas! there's no line of marriage on my palm.

Why don't you get married instead? - You're a naughty guy!

Listen...

You've become upset.

To smoothen ruffled feathers, let me recite a couplet.

Go ahead. I too will recite a couplet penned by my friend, Sultanat.

What? ls Sultanat a poet too? - I see.

So you doubt that my friend could be a poet?

I'm fully convinced that...

a girl with Sultanafs face cannot be a poet.

Even if your poet were Ghalib's inspiration...

he could never equal Sultanat.

Let's no talk of equality. My poet could never be compared with Sultanat.

Now I will surely have to prove that your poet...

is worth nothing in comparison to Sultanat.

I'm game.

But how will we decide it? - In a full gathering.

In a full gathering?

"What atrocities haven't I borne, for your sake...?"

"What atrocities haven't I borne, for your sake...?"

"l could even lay down my life, for your sake"

"l could even lay down my life, for your sake"

"In silence I have suffered for your sake, I swear"

"In silence I have suffered, for your sake, I swear"

"l could even breathe my last some day, for your sake"

"l could even breathe my last some day, for your sake"

"if I could have you...'

"it would be a blessing"

"if I could have you, it would be a blessing"

"l am prepared to accept every problem of the world, for your sake"

"l am prepared to accept every problem of the world, for your sake"

"With your picture hidden in my eyes..."

"With your picture hidden in my eyes..."

"I've often lay awake, for your sake"

"l could even lay down my life for your sake"

"People said that I'm crazy about you"

"People said that I'm crazy about you"

"People often said that I'm crazy about you"

"This honor I am bestowed with, all thanks to you"

"l will breathe my last some day, for your sake"

"Never will I retrace my steps from the path of love"

"Never will I retrace my steps from the path of love"

"Never will I retrace my steps from the path of love"

"You had better know...I'd prefer to even be wiped out for your sake"

"You'd better know...I'd prefer to even be wiped out for your sake"

"What atrocities haven't I tolerated, for your sake...?"

"l could even lay down my life for your sake"

"I've suffered in silence, I swear, for your sake"

"l will even breathe my last some day, for your sake"

"l could even lay down my life for your sake"

"l might breathe my last some day, for your sake"

Wait.

Your anklet... you had left it behind.

Thanks. - I want to ask you something.

Yes?

Whatever you've recited... is it true?

When a poet is unable to express her feelings...

she seeks the help of poetry.

And this is a fact. - Fact?

"Never will I retrace my steps from the path of love"

"You'd better know...I'd even be wiped out, for your sake

Wonderful! You may go now.

O God!

That's exactly what I want. Wherever I go...

I want people to call me the lover crazy about Sultanat.

You're being so shameless! I'd rather give up my life.

Whose support will I live then?

I swear upon you, Sultanat. I will end my life, too.

God forbid! May not even your enemy ever die.

May you live such a long life... such a long life that...

I've understood, Sultanat.

The tears in your eyes speak for your love.

I too make a promise. I will live and die for you.

You are my younger sister, Shama.

How will I tell you about my feelings?

Consider me as your elder sister and tell me everything.

If you want your brother to live...

take my proposal of marriage to Sultanat.

I assure you that I will distance myself from all the vices.

I will kill the Nawab Salim...

whom the world pokes fun at.

You've put me in a fix, Shama dear.

Anyway, I don't refuse, but I want you to allow me to think it over.

I don't want to say anything more.

This is the last request.

Should you accept the alliance, it will bring cheer to our lonely household.

Else, after my brother, there will no descendent in this family.

Don't lose heart, dear. Have faith in God.

I've brought a small gift as a good omen.

May you accept it.

Greetings. - Bless you.

Have you gone mad?

Yes, my dear. I'm very happy today.

Has a wish been fulfilled?

Not one, but two. - Two wishes?

Yes. - Which ones?

To begin with, my brother will be married very soon.

O God! Who is the unfortunate girl?

Not unfortunate! You'd rather say good fortune has smiled on her.

Don't you defend your brother!

The truth is that your brother will get drunk and stagger...

even as the nautch-girls' anklets tinkle...

and he will lose himself in the arms of a dancer.

And that poor girl will rue her misfortune.

All that won't happen.

My brother has taken a pledge that...

he will sacrifice his life for the smallest wish of my girlfriend.

Your friend? Who's that?

She's the one who criticizes my brother endlessly...

but deep within, she even worships him.

But who's she?

She's my friend, Sultanat.

What are you saying, Shama? Do I love your brother?

No, Shama. I've never even thought on these lines.

lam in love, no doubt. But with someone else.

What will happen now?

I've even convinced your father.

What am I to do now?

Don't worry, Shama.

If this unfortunate marriage is to happen through you...

I will enter into this alliance with a smile on my face.

Sultanat! - Yes, Shama.

No...! I will not ruin your happiness for my brother's future.

O God! Help me! May Uncle refuse the alliance!

"I'm helpless. I cannot have Sultanat married to Mr. Salim"

Allah! A million thanks to you!

I've heard you thanking the Lord, Shama.

The physician has accepted me... and that is an honor.

People must have said so many things against me.

I assure you once again today that...

every breath of mine will be used for Sultanafs joy.

Brother...! - How could this happen, Shama?

The physician has seen just the vices the world sees me indulging in.

He could not see howl feel in the depths of my heart.

He must be right then.

The world is right too. Maybe I am a bad man...

that the physician didn't consider me fit for Sultanat.

It's time you understood! You are a bad man, Nawab,...

only because people in the world think you are bad.

The physician consider you bad. Sultanat consider you to be bad.

Neither are you fit for this world, nor is this world fit for you.

Of what use is life now, Nawab?

Nawab Salim! To what end will you live now?

Mr. Akhtar, you had once saved me from drowning.

I had lit lamps that day.

But it would have been better if I had died this time.

Nawab dear... - May God give you a long life.

Please don't wish me ill.

Uncle, having given me his blood, he has become a part of my family.

He's no longer my employee.

I'm sorry, but I haven't recognized you.

How would you recognize me, my dear boy?

Age has changed my face completely.

May God bless your mother in Heaven.

I'm her childhood friend.

What a fine lady she was!

Ever since she passed away...

the good cheer has gone out of Lucknow.

I am so very grief-stricken whenever I remember her.

You must look after yourself... Have courage, Aunt.

It's Aunt Hajjan... from the drain near Paate.

Let me check your pulse.

Go ahead, son. Take a look.

What old must you be, Aunt?

You're asking me how old I am? You've played in my lap!

Surprising! Your pulse is like the young!

You're just like your father! He used to joke at every opportunity.

But I'm not joking.

I'm now like that lamp that can be extinguished at any time.

Which is why I am here to serve this family for the last time.

I've brought a marriage proposal for dear Sultanat.

If our girl is like the moon, the groom is no less than the sun.

I'm ever willing, Aunt. If I find a good boy...

....l would like to marry off Sultanat immediately.

Uncle...

Be seated, dear. This is Aunt Hajjan.

She has brought a marriage proposal for Sultanat.

Really? I think I've seen her earlier too.

You musfve surely have seen me!

As I said, the boy's mother is in Lucknow nowadays.

Aunt, do send her over to me immediately.

Very well.

God save her from the evil eye... this girl is so good-looking.

Greetings. - Bless you.

Come here... closer.

Not there. Sit on my lap! Don't be scared.

My bones are well oiled.

Hakim dear, I feel great affection for the girl.

I feel like embracing her.

It gives me such a great feeling!

Whose daughter is she? - My friend's. Chunaoti Lal's.

The one with the big moustache? - Right.

Good bye, Uncle. - Wait!

I'll take your support in walking as far as I can go.

Good bye, my boy... where's my walking stick?

Here it is. - Very well, then.

I now want to worship my stone-hearted lover...

so that whenever lam scared...

I can clash against her... and die.

On this occasion of joyous celebrations...

on behalf of everyone of you, I request the Nawab to sing a song.

I do sing, I accept. But I've never sung at a gathering.

Nawab! I have news that will bring luster to the celebrations.

What is it, Uncle?

Mr. Akhtar's marriage...

has been finalized with Sultanat, the daughter of the physician.

That's joyous news indeed.

Congratulations, Mr. Akhtar!

May you and your beloved always be blessed with happiness.

I'm convinced that you will not refuse now.

I will sing, Akhtar... I will surely sing.

I dedicate my first song at the gathering to you.

"How do I tell you, what I'm going through?"

"How do I tell you, what I'm going through?"

"l have received such happiness... I'm afraid, it might kill me"

"l have received such happiness... I'm afraid, it might kill me"

"May word of what my heart says reach you"

"l have adored you; you ought to know that"

"l would consider it an honor if I could be of some use to you"

"l have received such happiness... I'm afraid, it might kill me"

"How do I tell you, what I'm going through?"

"Deep down in my heart, you have a place for yourself"

"After God, it is you I worship"

"This is my desire... that I sing in your praise"

"l have received such happiness... I'm afraid it might kill me"

"How do I tell you, what I'm going through?"

"l have received such happiness... I'm afraid, it might kill me"

"Let me set my eyes on your beautiful your face"

"Let me commit this beautiful sin"

"Take the veil off your face,... let me devastate my heart today"

"Take the veil off your beautiful face"

"Take the veil off your beautiful face"

"Let me see your beauty once again"

Look, brother. She's so beautiful.

Why, indeed. It seems as if the moon has been adorned.

Many congratulations to you, Auntie.

Please accept a small gift from me.

Accept it, dear.

May God give you and Akhtar an eternally happy life.

I must take your leave now... There are guests waiting for me.

Shama, will you...?

"My beloved, from whom have you learnt how to torment your lover?"

"From whom have you learnt how to destroy the one who'd die for you?"

"Listen..." - Go on"

"From whom have you learnt this habit of chasing girls everyday?"

"From whom have you taken lessons in frequenting the lane I live in?"

"My beloved..." - Lay off!"

"My beloved, from whom have you learnt how to torment your lover"

"Who has told you to destroy the one who'd die for you"

"l met a Romeo in the village of Pipal the other day"

"He lead me by the hand and we sat under the cool shade of a tree"

"l met a Romeo in the village of Pipal the other day"

"He lead me by the hand and we sat under the cool shade of a tree"

"He drew a deep breath, and asked me to continue chasing my beloved"

"He said the stone-hearted one would melt, if I persisted"

"It's him..."

"It's him I've learnt frequenting your lane every day from"

"It's him I've learnt frequenting your lane every day from"

"From whom have you learnt this habit of chasing girls?"

"Who told you to come frequenting my lane every day"

"l met Juliet at Ameenabad, the other day"

"She asked me whom I was missing"

"l met Juliet at the Ameenabad, the other day"

"She asked me whom I was missing"

"She told me to torment my lover"

"She asked me to make sure if his love is true or false"

"l swear,..."

"It's from her that I've learnt to torment guys like you"

"l swear... it's from her that I've learnt to torment guys like you"

"My darling, from whom have you learnt how to harass your lover"

"Who has taught you to destroy the one who'd die for you?"

Now look! I'm your wife...

not an enemy soldier you pounce on, the moment you see me.

I don't want to waste a single moment of my life away from you.

Sultanat, put your arms around me, embrace me...

so that this restless heart finds some peace.

Come on now! What kind of restlessness is this?

Calm down for a while. I'm not going anywhere.

I have patience no more... Embrace this madness of mine.

God! Here comes mother!

Sultanat! I beseech you!

Woe betide! What a pain in the neck! You keep singing all day!

O God! This is the only place I have... So where am I to go?

Wow! What a line!

What say? - Shut up! Who the hell are you?

l...? please tell her.

He's the renowned poet of Lucknow, Pyarelal Bedar.

And now, I'm a disciple of the music maestro Lala Chunaotilal.

He's a great singer. He will surely bring glory to my name.

Go ahead, son. Let her hear the melody.

Don't you dare! Don't you sing any further!

O God! Why don't I die instead? - May your enemies die!

May you live for a thousand years.

May every year have 50,000 days. ....rather, 75,000 days.

Bless you, son. You seem to be very intelligent.

Why don't you explain to him, dear?

He has a young daughter. Why doesn't he worry about her marriage?

Should you pay some attention,...

Geeta can be married tomorrow itself.

Why tomorrow? The marriage can take place even today!

Who is getting married? - It's you, Akhtar!

Come, Akhtar. Now you decide...

Shouldn't the father be concerned about his daughter?

Auntie, whether the father is worried or not...

the brother is surely worried.

I've brought a proposal for Geeta today.

What did you say? A proposal for Geeta?

The suitor's one in a million! - But who is he?

If you like the boy, I too approve of him.

I have full confidence in you.

Auntie, the boy is here in front of you. Pyarelal Bedar!

Pyarelall? I like him, too.

What say? - But the boy will have to...

....live with our family. That's the condition.

He can! Now the good work mustn't be delayed.

Go on, take his blessings. - At once.

Uncle, ladies first! - Sure.

Auntie! - Bless you...bless you!

Get up now, dear. - No, Auntie!

You have now stepped into married life, dear. So remember what I say.

Mother, you don't have to explain to me.

I understand everything. - Bravo, bravo!

The husband ought to be worshipped. He ought to be treated like God.

The husband ought to be treated like a demon, not God.

Why are you giving me the wrong lessons, mom?

This is the right lesson. Make merry all day.

When the husband comes home, start complaining...

bout aches in the head, stomach and your feet.

Complain that you don't feel hungry, you can't eat anything.

Say that you eat food and wear clothes provided by your mother.

Say that you have been so unfortunate!

Say it loudly sometimes. And at times, even weep!

ls that all? ls there anything else?

Always view your husband's behavior with suspicion.

Make accusations at every stage.

If he moves towards you, brush him away.

That's all. In a few days, your husband will be at your feet.

And then, you too will make merry like I do.

That the man's whiskers. Lower them immediately after marriage.

Or else, they will always remain stiff.

Your Auntie killed such a cat that...

my moustache's were lowered in the youth in such a way...

as if it were the back of a 100-year old man.

But how could you be taken in by the pressure tactics?

I had to get a beating in love.

How's that? - In her youth...

your Auntie looked as beautiful as Miss Kanchan.

Who's that? - The famous actress of yesteryear.

And I started playing a film drama at home too.

I enacted the role of Master Nissar.

Thereafter, if your Auntie described the night as day, I agreed with her.

That was enough to make me a loser.

But you must never do that, son!

Don't worry. I will not even call the day as day.

I've created such a situation that...

once I give her the tough look, she will begin to tremble.

I hope you won't mind it if I have to give her a slap sometime?

Oh, not at all! Bless you, son! It'll be in her own interests!

Thank you for the permission.

Sultanat, that magazine...

Why? What's in your hands?

Nothing. - Then why' re you hiding it from me?

Let me see. - It's nothing.

Hey! A lemon?

Sultanat, hiding your face won't do.

Tell me, why were you licking the lemon?

Come on! You are such a shameless man!

You won't listen, I see.

Mother! Mother!

Why' re you calling her? You might not feel any shame, but I do.

What is it, Akhtar? - Here...look at this.

Your daughter-in-law is quietly licking at the lemon...

and she calls me shameless.

On the sly? - Yes.

ls it true, daughter-in-law?

Thank You, O Lord!

Don't get up. I'll make arrangements for the ceremony.

Did you hear this, Gulabo?

Now I understand!

I'll get you a basket of lemons. Have any number you want.

But remember...l want a baby-boy, not a girl.

You've lost!

Yes, dear. I've lost. And I'm tired too.

Now you must have your milk. - No, I won't.

I will be upset if you don't have milk.

I will have it! - My little boy will have his milk!

Gulp it down... Go on.

ls your tummy now full? All right, that's enough.

Let's go in now. C' n1on.

Akhtar! - Greetings.

Greetings. Please come.

Time to go home, my little boy. Your father is here!

I won't go. - You mummy must be waiting...

...for you at home. - I won't go. I won't go!

All right. Don't go. - He harasses you very much.

Despondency cast a web on me, and I got trapped in it.

Had it not been for this little child, I'd have died long ago.

Shama got married and went away. lam all alone.

Weren't those days great...

when you were forever surrounded by good cheer?

One must forget all that.

I fell in love with someone, too. And I sent a marriage proposal.

But the girl's family turned it down.

Who's she?

I don't want to give her a bad name by taking her name.

Now tell me, why haven't you brought our son along?

How will l? He doesn't feel like coming here.

He left in the morning. It's night already.

You might approve of him staying out all day. Not me.

You mustn't say that, dear.

The child has gone to none other than the Nawab.

The Nawab loves him no less than we do.

Yes, mother. Hadn't it been for the child...

he would've gone mad in that big mansion.

If he's so worried about loneliness, why didn't he get married?

I asked him the same question.

He said that he had sent a marriage proposal...

to the family of the girl whom he wanted to marry.

But the girl's family refused the offer.

This setback changed the Nawab's life.

He must be loving that girl so much...

that he doesn't agree to get married now.

Sir, your friend is waiting for you in the room outside.

Tell him that I will come rightaway.

No sooner have you stepped in than your friends turn up.

My salutations to you.

What brings you here at this unearthly hour?

I have a dilemma that only you can solve.

l'.>

Yes. Nowl have only your support now.

As long as I live, I will be your slave.

And after me, my children will be your children's slaves.

What's the problem?

The cursed radio has proved to be a garland of thorns for me.

Ever since this person has heard you singing...

she has been repeating just one thing.

Where is Mr. Akhtar? When is he coming? Why hasn't he come?

Bring Mr. Akhtar along...

Now you must come with me for a while, and save my life.

If you have given your word, I will surely come some day.

Not some day. Today itself. We will go and return in a jiffy.

So fortunate of me to have you here!

Firdaus! You ought to compliment me.

You were restless for just one couplet.

And I've brought the poet too.

I will never forget this obligation of yours.

Not at all. I've merely fulfilled my promise.

Look at him to your heart's content.

He's the one whose face, body...

I mean, the one whose poetry fascinates you so much.

I'm convinced today that I'm fortunate too.

You may say that I've stolen the kohl from somebody's eyes.

I will apply it to my eyes. My eye-sight will get better.

My word! Only you could give such a fitting reply.

Mr. Akhtar, you are sitting with a lowered head...

as if you were a bridegroom at your marriage.

Why don't you say something?

Looks like you're very fond of reading. You have plenty of books.

When I get scared of loneliness, I seek refuge in these books.

And then I feel like living a little longer.

Surprising! How can your life ever be lonely?

Don't be taken in by this fake glitter.

Even if poison could provide for one's sustenance...

I would never have become a dancer.

See, Mr. Akhtar? She gets upset at least 1O times in a day.

I pity the poor girl. - Why doesn't she get married?

I ask her to. But she refuses to listen.

She says that she has sworn to live in somebody's name.

Whose name?

Do keep visiting us. You will get to know some day or the other.

I ought to be leaving now. - Of course,"

But meet Firdaus before you go. And if you can...

say a few words of comfort. Her grief will turn to joy.

I want to leave now. I seek your permission.

What's that? You're shedding tears?

Tears, after all. One sheds them and they are lost.

Tears will come and go.

Sit for a little longer.

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets are singing the songs of love"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets are singing the songs of love"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"What a beautiful palace, and an enchanting night"

"What a beautiful palace, and an enchanting night"

"The intoxicating youth dances merrily"

"l continue to be lost in its waves"

"l continue to be lost in its waves"

"Such is the rage of the anklets"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets are singing the songs of love"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your black eyes so mischievous..."

"Your eyes..."

"so mischievous"

"Your black eyes so mischievous..."

"Your lips like pink-colored petals"

"Your disheveled locks of hair fall on your cheeks"

"Your disheveled locks of hair fall on your cheeks"

"Your dancing bells drive me crazy"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets sing the songs of love"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your waist so slender..."

"Your waist so slender"

"Like the garlands of Vrindavan"

"Your anklets set fire on fire"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets sing the songs of love"

"Your anklets are jingling"

"Your anklets sing the songs of love"

"Your anklets are jingling"

Nawab!

I somehow manage to spend my days...

but why does night ever come?

why must we have nights?

If poison could provide sustenance, I'd never have been a dancer.

Mr. Akhtar is here.

Welcome.

Greetings. - Greetings.

Please be seated.

I couldn't believe you would come.

You are right. I myself wanted to tell you over the phone...

that you wouldn't be coming?

Then you should've telephoned. Why did you take the trouble?

My heart wouldn't agree. - Your heart...it favored me?

Not you, but your goodness. So I came over to fulfill my promise.

Should I consider it to be true, or are you joking?

It is true.

I can understand what you want to say...

but I don't want hope to turn to despair...

and your life to be a burden for your own self.

I'm one of those fortunate ones...

who has found hope in despair.

Neither am I scared of disappointment...

nor do I feel suffocated in darkness.

Whatever I'm saying is in your own interest.

Why don't you try to understand?

You don't have to make me see reason.

I know what you're getting at.

What do I want to say?

That you are a married man...

and that you cannot be my companion in the path of love.

That's why I say, the love you have lit in your heart...

Must I extinguish it? I won't be able to do that.

You must do me the favor. - You mustn't complain later.

I could destroy myself for love, Akhtar.

To beg for love is an insult to my feelings.

Good bye.

Go with a smile, just as I am sending you away with a smile.

Goodbye. - Listen to one more thing.

Whenever you pass through this way...

come over thinking that an unfortunate Firdaus...

must be looking at the door hoping for you to visit me.

Good bye. - Good bye.

Where are you coming from at this late hour?

Late hour? It's only 8 o'clock now.

ls this the time for decent people to return home?

What's wrong with you? You're in your senses, I hope?

Why don't you say that I've gone mad?

I haven't eaten anything since morning. And you're scolding me!

I eat what Mom gives and wear the clothes she gives.

If you had provided me with food bought with self-earned money...

you would've kept me under your feet.

O God! How unfortunate I am!

Don't you dare touch me!

I rue the moment I married a worthless man like you!

Listen to me at least...

What kind of a behavior is this? - Aren't you ashamed of scolding me?

Mother! - Why call your mother?

Forgive me if I've made a mistake. Here...l hold my ear in remorse.

Looks like you have a stomach-ache.

I'll give you a herbal remedy... No! It's my head that is aching!

A headache? Then eat some aspirins. And the ache will vanish.

Give me poison instead...

and make merry with that girl as much as you like.

Make merry? With whom?

You're acting as if you don't know a thing.

With that witch with whom you are romancing these days.

Do you think I don't know about it?

Shut up! I'll have your tongue if you utter another word!

"Your eyes are sheer magic!"

"Your eyes are sheer magic"

Darling...

Yes, of course!

Keep working.

Geeta! - What is it?

ls that enough? - No, a little more.

Give me that other leg.

Greetings, sir.

You've broken a heart, haven't you?

Lord! It's such a grave sin! - You see...

I've seen it just a while ago. She's suffering...

like a fish out of water.

I know that Firdaus loves me. But I'm a married man.

God protect your wife. She's the pride of your home...

....while Firdaus is nothing in comparison.

Moreover, sir, till you don't have a couple of homes...

who will treat you like a Nawab in this city of Lucknow?

Are you in your senses?

Just come with me. If the poor Firdaus happens to breathe her last...

I will be guiltier than you are.

All right. You may go now.

Come at 4 o'clock sharp. I will accompany you.

You? Are you okay? What brings you home so soon?

I have a headache. - Lord! I hope it's not fever?

No, no. It's just a headache.

Sit down. I'll set some water for the tea.

Then I'll give you an oil massage.

Yes? This is his wife... Yes, he is here.

Who is it? - Some Mr. Nabban.

And you said that I'm home? - Yes.

How would I know that you don't want to meet him?

Yes, this is Akhtar speaking.

Yes, I was feeling unwell.

What? No, no. You don't need to come here.

I will come there directly.

Shall I take out another set of clothes?

Who told you that I'm going out?

I heard you saying that you'd reach there directly.

My love, Nabban is an awful man and I've brushed him off.

And don't let me go, even if I want to.

Block my way. And if I don't agree even then...

put your arms around my neck.

What if you don't listen even then?

Then I will cling to you.

We're henpecked men! Our wives boss over us!

We can't even complain. And we will die of suffocation.

Now tell us what your grievance is.

Stand up.

You must ask what grievances I haven't to complain about.

When I return home late, she says...

"Where have you been? Did you meet some other woman on the way?"

When I return home early, she says...

"Aren't you interested in work that you come home to the roost?"

The lady seems to be fond of omelets.

We don't have to be afraid or be scared.

We will fight our wives with determination!

We will fight to the last drop of our blood!

We will fight, and die after killing our wives.

These are the whiskers of men. They cannot be lowered.

Your moustache will not bow today.

What did you say? His whiskers won't bow to me?

Sure they will. - No, they won't.

No way! - What nonsense!

Give it to her, father!

My Lord...! Forgive me!

Darling... - What is it?

I've had enough, darling. My hands are aching.

Get on with it! Tired indeed!

Press my feet right till the toes.

No limits on how much you stoop!

It's so much fun!

Why have you stopped? Get on with it!

Greetings, sir.

Now look, don't chase me around. I will not go there.

So don't go there, sir. All I say is...

I've already told you that I won't go there.

Mercy, sir!

A noble girl like Firdaus is breathing her last.

What? She's breathing her last?

She will breathe her last, sooner or later.

She hasn't eaten or drunk anything in two days.

For God's sake, save her from death.

I swear...

in future, even if Firdaus were to die...

I won't bring you news of her death.

Yes, sir? - Do you recognize him?

Everybody knows him.

You had better recognize me well.

Don't ever let me in again. And if I do, just throw me out!

Please come with me, sir... I appeal to you!

Firdaus!

Here you are. I've fulfilled my duty by bringing Mr. Akhtar to you.

Cursed be love! It has ruined so many people.

Poor Firdaus!

Nabban says that you haven't eaten for 2 days because of me.

Why did you do that?

If you don't get up, I will be upset.

You're under oath to me. First eat something.

Then you may complain as much as you like.

Greetings, Madam. - Bless you.

Why? Didn't his father come to collect him even today?

No, Madam. The Nawab waited for him for a very long time.

I understand. He musfve been held up with friends.

How do I tell you? Apart from his work...

he has to meet up with so many people.

Neither does he eat on time, nor does he sleep on time.

I'm getting concerned about his health too.

May I leave now? - Yes. Bless you.

For how long will you continue to deceive yourself?

He's someone who hadn't even seen the sunset outside his home...

and now he returns home late at midnight.

You must try to understand the real thing.

When the clouds hover above you, rains become a certainty.

Sometimes it also happens that the clouds disperse...

....and it becomes sunny again. - You won't understand.

I will take him to task today.

No, please don't say anything to him.

He will think that I have complained to you.

I promise...l will ask him myself at an opportune time.

All right.

No. It cannot be true. ....Never.

The world may change, but not he.

Darling... you are magic!

You are an intoxication, darling. I will never leave you now.

Go home now. It's very late.

Never mind. Let it be night. Let it be dawn. I won't leave you.

Yes, Madam?

Take him home now.

Come on, sir.

All right. Since she says so. Else, she will be upset.

What say? - Yes, of course.

Shall I leave now, Firdaus? - Come on, sir.

Firdaus, my darling!

What's wrong?

Come closer... - Leave me alone.

It's me, Firdaus! - Please leave me alone!

For God's sake, let me go! - It's me...Akhtar!

Mother!

This is just what I feared, my dear. - I'm devastated!

You will be ruined if you give up hope.

Have courage. Go to the Nawab and tell him everything.

Only he can bring Akhtar back to the right path.

You are getting as tall as the skies!

I hope everything is okay.

I've come to congratulate you. - Congratulate me? What for?

For my ruin. - For your ruin?

If you look carefully...

you will see misfortune and devastation in my life.

I still don't understand. Tell me clearly.

You had sent a proposal for marriage with me.

My father turned it down because you let a sinful life.

Everybody in Lucknow thought of you as the wayward Nawab.

You too have reminded me of my crimes and sins.

I'm glad you did.

In any case, that was my story. It's over now.

ls there anything else you want to say?

My father refused the marriage. That refusal made you hate me.

And you showered wealth on my husband...

and made a Nawab out of him so that...

so that the wealth takes him to the wrong path.

And Akhtar started treading on Nawab Salim's path...

so that my joys bit the dust, and my life becomes a hell.

You may laugh heartily at my ruin and your success!

So this is my success that you are here to congratulate me for?

It's true that I gave Akhtar wealth.

It's also true that I made a Nawab out of Akhtar.

But I never wanted him to take to the wrong path...

and become like me in waywardness.

I swear in the name of God, I have never thought on those lines.

I have never wanted my wealth to build a tomb...

in which your husband be buried only for my gratification.

If you still don't believe me...

I swear on the child's head.

No, I won't! Who knows...? You might even say that...

I've taken a false oath on your child.

No... you can never take a false oath on the child.

Forgive me, I've made a mistake.

My worries have driven me mad.

How could I say such things to you!

Please forgive me.

I haven't taken anything to heart.

Now tell me about Akhtar...

Yes. It has been some time now.

But I got to know only when he mentioned Firdaus's name.

You may go home now. And rest assured.

Who could this woman be whom I don't know?

Trust in God, and trust me.

You had better cut it now.

I mean... this cake.

Happy Birthday to you!

Wish you a happy birthday, Firdaus!

Thanks.

Accept this small gift.

Nawab! - Come along, Akhtar.

Somebody is waiting for you anxiously.

Believe me. Firdaus will find an Akhtar at every step.

but that poor Sultanat won't find another Akhtar.

So you are now Sultanafs well-wisher...

and have come here to show that I've depended on your crumbs?

How could you say something I haven't ever thought of?

Please go away, Nawab.

I would've left...

had I not seen the devastation in Sultanat's life.

I know Firdaus better than you do. And that's what I regret.

This woman has ruined many people's homes.

Mr. Akhtar, I didn't know that you could be such a coward.

I repeat once again... Please go away from here.

But I won't leave without you.

You cannot force me. - I can.

I have a right to you.

Just because I'm your servant, have I sold myself to you?

No, that's not true.

You've no right to interfere in my personal affairs.

Why' re you setting your happy home on fire?

I want to put out the fire, and you're fanning it!

You had once saved my life. Save Sultanafs life today.

In return for this, I will lay down my life to you.

Compare a wife's love with this fallen woman...

Sultanat!

I've been searching for you all over. Where have you been?

The lights were going out. I was lighting them.

You went to the Nawab's house and complained about me.

The Nawab insulted me in public. And I slapped him.

All this happened only because of you.

Why did you take this step against me? Answer me!

Am I a puppet that I will dance to your tunes?

I will go wherever I like, and live wherever I like.

In Lucknow, I will have not one or two, but four homes!

What are you staring at? Why don't you speak?

When the sun sets, the sky changes its hues so many times.

But today I see man changing many more colors.

Till yesterday, the lips that showered flowers...

I'm spitting fire today! And I'll continue doing it!

You will have to live just as I want you to.

If you cannot, I give you freedom from myself!

Akhtar! Talk sensibly! What are you saying?

Get out of here. Marry any man who's better than me.

I'm prepared to divorce you this very moment.

Scoundrel! How dare you divorce her in my lifetime?

I'll kill you. I'll crush the mouth which has abused her!

Mother!

Do you see what's happening because of you?

Akhtar, my son! No one has ever gone for a divorce in our family.

L beg Of you!

Kick me as much as you wish... But spare my daughter-in-law.

A mother's head is considered sacred.

Its rightful place is in the eyes...

not at the wayward feet which have taken to sin.

You want to divorce me?

Answer me! - Yes.

We can't live together. Understand?

For the Firdaus, who sells her honor and body?

Go on! You've divorced me, and I've accepted it.

Yes, I've divorced you.

We have no relationship with each other any longer.

Father!

My dear child... my support...

Don't you ever leave me, dear.

Brother! This is unbelievable! - What happened?

Sultanat is ruined. Akhtar has divorced Sultanat.

What? Akhtar has divorced Sultanat?! That can never be true.

Whatever Shama has said is the truth.

It's true, Uncle? ls it true?

No, it cannot be true!

Akhtar can never divorce Sultanat!

It can't be true!

I have prayed to you, God, for the well-being of Sultanafs husband.

It's a lie. It's a big lie!

I can't be so unfortunate. I can't...!

Don't cry, dear. Till yesterday, I was only your mother-in-law.

But I'm your mother now.

I will protect you from every hardship in the world.

I will keep you close to my heart.

Mother! - My daughter!

Uncle...

Whose name is the child taking in his unconscious state?

You must be knowing Nawab Salim. - Yes.

He's very close to him. - I see.

Call him immediately. He will work like medicine now.

Doctor, I've sent word to him.

I don't know why he hasn't come yet.

Uncle! You've lost!

You've lost, Uncle!

No, my child. I haven't lost. I'm coming over.

Uncle! - Son, your Uncle will come soon.

At least have the medicine first. - No! I won't, I won't.

The Nawab has arrived!

Greetings. - Bless you, dear.

Greetings. - Have courage.

My dear boy!

Father beat me severely... You won't leave us, will you?

No, I won't, son. Drink the medicine now.

That's like a good boy.

Congratulations.

The child's fever is cured.

MY Lord!

A million thanks to you, Lord!

You have done a favor to a helpless mother...

That was my duty as a human being.

The child's fever is cured, but he is still weak.

If he ever insists for me, do call me over.

In this big bad world, you are our only support after God.

Good bye. - May God keep you happy.

What say, Lala? Are you convinced now?

He came here in the morning, and he's leaving only now.

Was he saying his prayers in there?

I believe it now. Akhtar didn't give her the divorce.

Rather, he was made to divorce her.

Let's be open about it. Everybody knows how Nawab Salim is.

He's a wayward, pleasure-seeker. A depraved mind.

Had the doctor been alive today, this sin would never have happened.

But how can this be stopped? - When he comes the next time...

he should be told clearly that such a thing is not permitted here.

Nawab, we are surely poor, but we are decent people.

We lead decent lives. - That's very nice indeed.

Why don't you tell him frankly? We have womenfolk in our families.

We cannot tolerate such behavior.

Rascal! Another word from you and I will pull out your tongue!

Show me your hand, dear.

May God protect you from every calamity.

Why hasn't Uncle come yet? - He must be on his way.

You've been given a bath today and you're absolutely all right.

Your Uncle will be very happy now.

Wear your pajamas now... that's like a good boy.

You have ruined Akhtar's home. - Take her away from our locality!

Keep them in your mansion!

Get out of my way.

Nawab...!

Go in, Sultanat. Take her inside, Geeta.

No, no... this cannot be.

For God's sake, don't say that.

If Akhtar had died, and you had become a widow...

I would've never said such a thing.

But Akhtar isn't dead. He has left you alone to bear these hardships.

I was your mother-in-law till yesterday. But I'm your mother now.

How can a mother bear to see her progeny's ruin?

Things are bad now.

Neighbors are casting aspersions on your character.

Soon, the whole city will call you and the child names.

These people are associates of criminals.

They aren't human beings, but wolves.

They will not spare you, nor your son.

No, mother.

For the child's welfare, and for your life...

I will myself get you married. And give a slap to Akhtar.

No...no, mother.

“IQ!

Mother!

My child!

Mother!

Mother! - My child!

My child!

A mother even sells herself for her child's sake.

Mother...

Greetings! I'm Chhote Khan.

Not just Chhote Khan, but the affluent Chhote Khan.

I'm so very fortunate!

Lady Madam, this body and this youth... wonderful!

It's true. I too have never seen such a handsome affluent man.

If you permit me...

From my side, you even have the permission to embrace him.

I'm obliged to his family.

Don't feel shy. If you consider this unfortunate Firdaus as your own...

....then speak freely. - May your enemies be unfortunate.

Had I not been unfortunate...

and if poison could fill my stomach...

I swear, I would never have become a dancer.

If you were unfortunate, that was only till yesterday.

Today, there won't be anyone more fortunate than you are.

You belong to me from today.

The world considers me to be a fallen woman.

But you have accepted me.

I swear on you... I will be no more than the shoes of your feet.

Why' re you setting your happy home on fire?

I want to put out the fire, and you are fanning it.

You had once saved my life. Save Sultanafs life today.

In return for this, I will lay down my life for you.

The love of a wife and this fallen woman...

You want to divorce me?

For the Firdaus, who sells her respect and body?

Go on! You've divorced me, and I've accepted it.

Father!

O Sultanat!

I know that there are tears in your eyes now.

But these aren't the tears which the bride brings from her parents' home.

I don't your eyes to shed these tears.

I know that by having you, my life can be good.

But I swear, this isn't the reason why I chose to marry you.

I married you out of sheer helplessness.

Only so that I could save you and the child from ill-repute.

Now you may lead your life in this mansion...

just like you were living in your home.

It's only a matter of life.

You will lead your life like this...

and I will lead mine in that way.

You aren't a human being,... you are an angel.

I'm happy because you smile now.

I swear. Your face is glowing like it used to.

You appear to be very happy.

Uncle...have you ever stood on the seashore...

and looked at the sea till the far end?

I have, dear Nawab.

Then you musfve seen... far away, very far...

the sea and the sky are seen to be embracing each other.

Yes, dear. I've noticed that.

ls that a reality? No, it's deception of the eyes.

One of it is I, and Sultanat is the other.

You mean, you nurture grief in your heart?

Uncle, let this grief be molded into pain.

Let it reach its peak.

One day, it will itself become the cure.

Here... take this.

How will you live alone in this house?

Who told you that I'm helpless?

I had two sons. Akhtar and Pyarelal.

Akhtar is dead, but Pyarelal is alive.

May God protect him.

I cannot give her bread made of gold and silver...

....but I swear, I will work hard...

but I will never let mother sleep hungry.

I thought that you only knew how to laugh and make others laugh.

But I've got to know today that you are a great human being.

Who is it? - It is me, mother.

Who? - Your son Akhtar.

My son died on the very day he divorced my daughter-in-law.

Go away" somebody else must be your mother.

I am not your mother.

This is Radio Lucknow.

You have been listening to Ustaad Bismillah Khan's ‘shehnaii

Now listen to the poet Akhtar Hussain Akhtar's recital.

He says that he has come today. and he will never come again.

He says that he will sing today. and he will never sing again.

"give me just this much of life, O Lord"

"This ought to be my punishment... that I never die"

"May it give someone the satisfaction; and let me have the suffering"

"l will continue to live so that I grieve"

"l will continue to live so that I grieve"

"l will continue to remember you every time I breathe"

"l will continue to live so that I mourn"

"You gave me nothing but love"

"And I gave you nothing but hatred"

"You gave me nothing but love"

"And I gave you nothing but hatred"

"I'm so very ashamed, O Goddess of my love"

"I'm your culprit; I gave you nothing but misery"

"l will continue to live so that I bear the grief"

"l will continue to remember you every time I breathe"

"l will continue to live so that I bear the grief"

"l remember you even now"

"l see you bearing a coffin of our dreams"

"l remember you even now"

"l see you bearing a coffin of our dreams"

"You have sacrificed your sleep waiting for me"

"l remained intoxicated, and depended on others"

"l will continue to live so that I bear the grief"

"l will continue to take your name every time I breathe"

"l will continue to live so that I bear the grief"

"l will continue to live so that I bear the grief"

"l will continue to live so that I bear the grief"

"l will continue to live so that I to bear the grief"

Mother! I saw father today. He was begging.

He was begging? Where did you see him? When did you see him?

Listen to me, my child!

Listen to me, my child!

You are here, my child?

I saw father today. He was begging.

You have brought mother. Why don't you bring father too?

Yes, I will surely bring your father. Go and play now.

Your picture...

I want to say something to you. - Yes?

A human being's life is like the boat...

which moves towards the shores...

bearing the lashes of the stormy waves.

Sometimes it reaches the shores, and sometimes it sinks.

What are you getting at?

Your life is like that boat too...

which has borne the lashes...

which the stormy waves tried to drown...

but who found a savior.

I have only saved you from drowning.

I couldn't take you to the shores.

But it's my duty to take the traveler to the destination.

The darkness has gone now.

My destination is just two steps away.

And my heart is feeling restless...

to take my traveler to her destination.

No, this can never be.

Akhtar is embarrassed. He's regretting his deeds.

Once a human being stumbles, he never stumbles again.

Try to understand me.

I understand.

You consider a woman to be a ball...

whom people can kick around.

That is an accusation!

I have never thought on such lines.

I only want the two of you to be united. Nothing else.

Looks like the hand of my savior is now tired.

You seem to look upon me as a burden.

Don't misunderstand me, Sultanat. I only want you to be happy.

I want life to be a bed of roses for you again.

A ruined flower-bed can come alive again.

But a ruined marriage...

cannot be put together even with the return of the husband.

I just want your support and your attention.

J ust support...nothing else.

Nothing else... nothing else.

Why did you do this, Sultanat?

So you have finally listened to my wish.

I will never forget this obligation of yours.

You were a guest in this home so far.

I'm human. I can be mistaken.

Forgive me, if I have ever hurt you...

You? Why did you come here?

If somebody were to see you here, that man's respect will be ruined...

who, despite living among humans, is not a human, but an angel.

I am sorry. But I had no other option.

I'm leaving Lucknow for good.

I want permission to embrace my son just once.

The child is sleeping on the bed.

Why did you ask for such a long life to bear grief?

So that I develop the courage...

to ask you for forgiveness.

I always pray that...

the Almighty should never listen to his wish.

Never give him such a long life to bear grief.

He's answerable only to me.

I've forgiven him.

Believe me, I've forgiven you. My God has forgiven you.

Good bye.

Stop, Akhtar!

Stop, Akhtar!

Stop, Akhtar!

Who is it?

Nawab dear!

I had been to your home to embrace my son once.

I'm leaving Lucknow for good.

I didn't even look at her face.

This is God's home. Man doesn't speak lies here.

Nawab!

I know, Akhtar. You went, yet you didn't see her face.

I was with her, but I didn't see her face.

There's very little time left. Take me home.

Nawab dear!

Stop Uncle right there!

Nawab dear! - Stop Uncle, Akhtar.

My Lord! - Nawab dear!

Uncle...uncle!

How could this happen, Nawab?

It was a good thing that happened. I got a new life, Uncle.

I will call the doctor rightaway.

Promise me, doctor, that after I'm gone, my will...

I will do whatever you say.

You...Sultanat...

“IQ!

“IQ!

The garden of earth causes so many things to happen...

The sky changes so many colors.

You took me to my destination.

For a mother, her progeny is her destination.

The child has grown up now.

He's going to London to study so that he may become a doctor.

He has come to greet you.

Dear son...

"May every stars in the sky be embarrassed"

"O Almighty, give me such a long life"

"That must be my punishment; that I never die"

"Let somebody get satisfaction...