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Raja Hindustani (1996)
It's amazing! Your birthday and
your daughter's birthday... ..fall on the same day. Yes. And we celebrate our birthdays together... ..on the same day every year: Where's Mrs. Sehgal? There are people who want to meet you. This is my brother. This is my nephew, Jai... And who's she? Ah! Aarti... Looking at your figure, it doesn't appear... ..that you're the mother of such a grown-up girll. Who told you that I'm her mother? I'm only her step-mother. But my sister loves Aarti more than her real mother would. Isn't Aunt a bit foolish? Not a bit. She's very foolish. You want to go to Palankhet? What's there to laugh about? People go to see America and Europe, whereas... ..you want to visit a tiny hill-station like Palankhet? Why don't you go to Switzerland instead? Because what I can find at Palankhet, I cannot find elsewhere. What's so special at Palankhet? My mother's memories. Father...didn't you meet mother for the first time at Palankhet? Look... it is Shalini now who is your mother. Forget the one who is dead. Let her go if she wishes to. Besides, aren't you visiting Germany for a few days, too? Yes....when do you wish to leave? When are you leaving for Germany, Father? I'm leaving tomorrow itself. All right. Then I'll also leave tomorrow. But I cannot permit you to go all alone. What'll people say? That I let my young daughter go all by herself?. She's right. Gulab and Kamal... you must accompany Aarti tomorrow. To Switzerland? Not Switzerland. What did you say was the name of that place? Had you telephoned the Hotel Taj? Did you ask them to send a car? Has the car arrived then? What can one say? The hotels here are all useless. Had we telephoned London... This is not London. Will you continue to stare at me, or do something about it? There's an only taxi parked there. If we miss that one too, we'll be stranded here. She's right... Please stay here. We'll go and fetch the taxi. Raja Hindustani. Raja Hindustani...? The licence number is 420 (as in cheats ). Anyway, what does it have got to do with us? Come on... These people are very lazy. He's taking a nap. What now? I'll wake him up. Hey! Wake up! Hey! What're you doing? Who're you? I'm the helper on this taxi. My name is Rajnikant. Wake your driver. We wish to go to Palankhet. We can't go. Why can't you? The boss sleeps at this hour. He sleeps at this hour? Is he in eternal sleep that he can't wake up? Hold one leg. I'll hold the other. Let's see how he doesn't wake up. Come on...Get up! Wake up, O descendent of the demons! O descendent of the demons?! What do you think of yourself?. Who dared wake up the Indian King of Hearts!? Not me, Boss. They did. These people? Who addressed me as a descendant of the demons? Not me, Boss. They did. They did? Who thumped my cab? Not me. They did. They did? Aren't you ashamed of raising your hand on a woman? Woman? Is she a woman? What else? Can't you see? And who're you? Her sister? I'm male. My name is Gulab Singh. She's Kamal, a female. Everything is wrong here. Hot is cold and cold is hot. Don't you know about them? About whom? Shut up, will you? We want a taxi to take us to Palankhet. Just tell me if you will come along. No. And why not? I don't feel like it. I don't want to go. Then how'll we go? Put the luggage on your head... ..and walk the distance of 250 kilometers. But just listen... Didn't I say no? But please listen... Didn't I say no? We're new here. And there's no other taxi around, too. Please help us. You may charge us money. How much would you charge? 500 rupees? All right. Take 600 rupees. All right. Tell me. How much will you charge? Boss... - 500 rupees will be enough. What? Yes. - 500 rupees is enough. As it is, our taxi belongs to Palankhet. How amazing! When I asked you, you refused. But when Madam asked, you agreed. Why so? That's my look-out! Fetch Madam's luggage. Yes, Boss. Please come, Madam. Be seated. Hey! Where are you going? To sit with Madam. No way. Madam will make herself comfortable in the rear seat! Come on. Let's sit in the front. No, not in the front. My cleaner, Rajnikant, sits up front with me. As it is, while driving, sometimes I shake my hands and legs. Then where will we sit? Yes...where will they sit? Don't be worried. I've a special airl-conditioned place for them. Where's that? Above. Looks like he's going to kill us! Hold tightly! I think that this man is crazy What're you doing? Look ahead, Boss! Or you might cause an accident. Shut up! Excuse me... Yes, Madam? How far is Palankhet from here? - 28 hours in a bullock cart. 5 hours in a ramshackle bus. And 3 hours flat in Raja Hindustani's taxi. Your name is Raja Hindustani? Yes. Didn't you like it? No...it's fine. But it's a bit different, isn't it? Yes, Madam. It's different. My name is different from others. My name is Raja because I'm the King of my moods. Nobody can dominate me. And I'm a Hindustani because... in this country, you find Hindus, Ssikhs, Christians, Muslims... but no Indians... I'm an orphan. When I was a kid, my father passed away. Now I'm just the child of my country. You're a very interesting person: Am I not? Thank you, Madam. What's this? Why? Madam? It's an English song. People from the city really enjoy it. I don't like it. Switch it off. Very well, Madam. What's this? It's a hit Hindi film song. I don't like that either. Please switch it off. All right... Why did you stop it? That's a nice song. Let it play. It was not a cassette. It was me singing. You? Yes. Do you also sing? Yes. Would you like to hear me? Sure. There's no booking in your name at this hotel. How is that possible? Our booking has been confirmed at this hotel. You had telephoned them, didn't you? What's this? Why're you crying? I made the booking. But not for this Taj. I booked you at the Taj Mahal in Agra. What? Are you out of your mind? Please book two rooms for us right now. There's a conference in progress right now. You won't find any accommodation in the whole of Palanpur. What should we do now? Why're you worried? Come with me. Where? To a place where there are not just 5-stars, but countless ones. To a place where one serves with feelings. To a place where the doors are open even if there's no place. Come on... But Raja... Where is such a place? Come along, Madam. Please come... Look...what a beautiful place this is! After all, you did lie! Even a blind man wouldn't call this place as five-star. Is this a hotel or a rest-house? How can the young lady live here? Even a donkey wouldn't like to be tied to such a place. In that case, the donkeys might return to where they come from. You called me a donkey! Why're you arguing with him? It's a good enough place. It's better than the 5-star hotel. Is this somebody's residence? Yes. It's the residence of my Uncle and Aunt. This taxi too belongs to them. I only drive it around. Are they your blood relatives? No. It's not blood that ties us together, but our hearts. You know how we Indians form a relationship everywhere. My relationship with Uncle and Aunty too is a similar one. Hurry up! Go and tell Uncle that Madam has come. All right. Also tell them that she has brought two maidservants along. Hey! What did you say? What happened? You cut your hands, didn't you? Hey! What're you doing? Why? People say that if a tigress tastes blood... she doesn't spare anybody alive. Really? So I'm a tigress, eh? And what're you? I'm a sheep. You've come? Yes. Boss too has come. He has brought along a madam too. A Madam...? A madam with Raja? Let me go and see which Madam Raja has brought along. You're very beautiful. What's your name? Aarti. Ah! What a lovely name! Yes, it's a lovely name. You may stay here for as long as you wish. You don't have to go to any hotel. Come on. Please come, Madam. Go and get the luggage. And you, maidservants... Go and help him. Please come, Madam. Just a minute. I'd forgotten. She's my wife. And this poor man is my husband. He's performing his duties. Uncle and Aunty are always pulling each other's leg. Why're you standing far away? Come closer. Greetings. Bless you. What're you doing? Guests stand for good fortune. How can good fortune enter the house without a welcome? Yes, of course. Hey! Why did you throw water on me? I couldn't help it. After all, it was only a hand. It shook. The day my hand shakes, your brains will start shaking. It's your mind which is wavering, Boss! What did you say? Whom were you gazing at? I was admirling the morning....the Sun that shines so brightly! But the sun rises in that dirlection. When did it get to rise in this dirlection? You're getting to be too smart nowadays. Want a beating? For your beautiful Sun's sake! Well...wash the car properly today. I must take madam to the market today. Please come. Look at this beautiful taxi-stand of Palanpur. She hasn't come here from Mumbai just to see a taxi-stand. Hey! This taxi-stand is our bread-earner. If you criticise it, I'll punch your ears and nose together! What's this? What's going on? Come on... let's go and see something else. All right...as you wish. Wait a minute...you can't leave without meeting my dearest friend. Hey there! Who is it? Raja! My friend! My dear friend! Madam! This is my friend! My dearest friend. He's the president of this taxi-union. And this is madam! She's come from Mumbai. Greetings. Please come in. Let me serve you refreshments. I've got some shopping to do. Yes...I've got to help her with the shopping. But please treat the two of them. I'm going with madam. Sure. You can sit with me and enjoy some refreshments! Meanwhile, I'll do some shopping. Don't you worry. How're you related to Madam? I'm her body-guard. You're a robust body-guard. Why don't you embrace me too? Leave me! Leave me! Scoundrel! Just a minute. Let me go! You're all right. Just once more. Leave me! There's something wrong. Please come inside. Please come in. Sit there. Sit here. Bring two glasses of some great butter-milk! It's so warm. Come on... Take off your sweater. It's so warm. Take it off. Let me go. I won't remove it. Why not? I'll remove it for you. Strange! A brave man takes off his dress at the drop of a hat! But he's feeling shy as ifhe were a girll! She is a girll. Wouldn't she feel shy like a girll then? Are you a girll? That's why I was wondered... why bells rang in my mind everytime I touched you! Beware! Don't you call me a girll! This is Aarti speaking. Yes...? Pass on the phone to father. He hasn't yet returned from Germany. When will he return? In a few days time. Ifhe telephones, please tell him that... I'm not staying at the Taj, but with a very nice couple. Theirl address is... Fax your address to us. Whether she lives at the Taj, or elsewhere, why must I bother? I disconnected the phone. You're an expert in faking the act, Sister. I've learnt from none other than you, Brother. Well said...if you continue to follow my dirlections... the whole property will be transferred to our name one day. And what about Aarti? Her problem will be solved by itself. Just a minute, Madam. Take this, Madam. What is it? Please keep it. But what is it? Shopkeepers here give guides a commission for bringing customers. This is my commission. You may keep it. You're entitled to it. No, Madam. How can I take commission from your money? Please keep it. What did you say? Are you sure? Yes, I'm sure. What did you say? When I say thank you, you should say ''you're welcome''. What was that? What? Firlst say you... Not Gu...say You. Never mind. You won't be able to say it. Let's go. I won't be able to say it?! Why won't I be able to say it? Come on, Raja. Let's go, Madam. What did she say? Yes... Boss... What is it? You're doing it without reason. Nothing's going to happen. Just get lost! It's your time to get lost. Madam has been asking for you. What? Has Madam asked for me? That's wonderful! Madam....you asked for me? I've got such a nice place to live in, thanks to you. You've showed me around the whole town,... helped me in the shopping... and you didn't even collect your commission. That was only my duty, Madam. But you didn't even ask for any money. Why? Where's the hurry? I'm here. And you're here too... You'll be here for a few days, won't you? Still...take this. But this is too much, Madam. I've asked Rajnikant for the accounts. This 800 rupees is for the taxi. And this 200 rupees is your tip. My tip? Yes. How can I accept any tips from you? Why not? I can't accept it. Why not? You can accept it from others, and why not from me? Are you feeling shy? Is this less? Do you want some more? Take it, I say... Keep it! All right. You may go now. Yes...? Fool! Don't worry. I'm with you. Let me speak. Hey! Raja! What is it? Come...we want to go to the market. I don't want to go to the market. Why not? The boss is in a foul mood. Foul mood, my foot! There's nothing wrong with the car, is there? Didn't I say that I won't go to the market? Are you doing us a favour? Haven't we paid you for the cab? You, there! Just a minute. The madam has paid me. I'm answerable only to her! not to her servants! Look at how he uses his tongue! You there! If the boss gives you a punch, you'll begin shaking terribly. Don't you dare touch him! If I go and complain to madam... How dare you try to scare me by using her name! Go and complain to her! I'm not scared ofher. You aren't scared? We're not scared. Leave them. Let's go. Not like this. How else? What? Does Madam praise me a lot? I suppose you aren't playing some mischief. We swear. Why would we lie? I swear upon this little one. Don't you swear upon me. Just listen to all that the madam says about you. Really? What does madam say? Madam says that Raja is so handsome! Is it? Boss... Just shut up...what else does madam say? She praises your singing, walking and laughing. Is it? But I regret... What do you regret? Must I tell him? Go ahead. She says that everything about Raja is nice. But neither does he have class, nor style. What's that? It about how one walks, talks, dresses and conducts himself. One has to play the hero. The hero? Really? Madam likes all that. Yes. She digs that. All right, then. I'll do that. I'll wear nice dresses. Behave like a hero. Boss... Shut up... But I don't know anything. How will I do it all? What're we for? Boss... You should help me. Did you see Raja's style? Isn't it classy? Just like a hero! What's this? Stop fooling around. Wait! But what was the need to do such foolish things? Because I am a fool... a total fool! But let me tell you something. Nobody can fool me otherwise. But they named you, and I got fooled. You're not a fool. You're just a simpleton. You're a very decent man, aren't you? It's of no use. Decency and simplicity is of no use in this world. People with a clean heart have no place in this world. But people with a clean heart cannot have any worth. After all, they're priceless. How wonderful! You've just said something so true! You can't place a price on clean-hearted people. They're priceless. Just like you are. Me? Yes...you. Just a minute, Madam. Give me 200 rupees. Hurry up. - 200 rupees? Keep all of it. No. Just 200 rupees. Here, Madam. What is this? A tip. A tip? Yes, Madam. That day, you liked what I said. And you rewarded me. Today I liked what you said. So I'm giving you a tip. The scores are level! Please take it, Madam. But... Please take it, Madam. A tip!? Madam! What is it? I like it a lot. Come on, let's go and tell Baby. What're you doing here? Look at the dress. It's so beautiful. It's a beautiful dress. It'll look good on you. Shall I buy it? Yes. Yes? Yes. Wait here. I'll be back. Baby liked it at first sight. Where's Madam? She's ours. Why should you be bothered? You hit me? How do you find my dress? Looks like Raja didn't like my dress. Shall I tell you the truth? Yes. I didn't like this dress at all. I suggest you change it immediately. It's not nice. This boy is naive. What'd he know about fashion? Don't pay attention to him. Let's go and do some shopping instead. Come on... You think a lot. My dress is very nice. O sweetheart! It's so tiny! Even if you didn't wear it, you would've looked prettier. What is it? Let them say what they want to. You're quite a dish! Hey! Didn't I tell you? O sweetheart! Are you joining us? If you aren't coming, I'll come over. You're so delicious! What were you saying? Scoundrel! How dare you try to attack Raja! How dare you confront Boss! Don't! Leave him! Will you kill him? What does he think ofhimself?. Let him come. I'll deal with him properly. Yes, Madam... I see..so you've come? Why did you have to create such a scene? Why did you indulge in so much of violence? You made a scene for such a small thing. You call it something small. Those scoundrels were teasing you, abusing you... and you call it a small thing. So what? Barking dogs can't be helped. You should've ignored them. This is a common occurrence in the cities. It must be happening in the cities, not here. This is Palankhet. Womenfolk here are treated with respect. And those who don't know how to respect... are kicked several times and taught how one should respect. I see...so you've taken it upon yourself to reform society! Has the government awarded you a contract to do this? How strange! I beat them up for your sake... ..and you're scolding me! Listen to one more thing. I don't like it at all when you wear such dresses. Who're you to tell me what I should wear and what I shouldn't? Who're you? I'll do and wear as I please. Understand? Yes...who am I to tell you anything? You can do as you please. And I'll do whatever I find appropriate. Wear whatever you like, and I'll keep on bashing up people. Today I've just broken theirl limbs. Tomorrow I'll break theirl heads. I am not scared of anybody. I'm not even scared of you. Yes. I'm not scared of you! You're searching for Raja? I know where you can find him. Where is he? You'll find him in his own house. His house? Shall I come in? Who told you about this place? Aunty did. Aunty has told me everything. This is your home, isn't it? The unfulfilled dream of your parents... It's very pretty. Why have you come here? To ask for your forgiveness. I spoke a lot of nonsense yesterday in a fit of anger. Please forgive me. Who am I to forgive you? What right do I have on you? You're very angry, aren't you? All right. Look...I'm even holding my ears. Please forgive me now. Look...if you don't forgive me right away, I'll start crying. Very well...I forgive you. Hey! You were so angry at me just a while ago. And you pardoned me so quickly. What does it mean? I cannot see anybody crying. If somebody weeps, I too start weeping. What does it mean? It means...you're a darling. Madam...do you know who is addressed as a darling? Yes, of course...one who is close to the heart. One who is dear, and one who is the best friend. Am I? Yes. Me, Madam? Yes. I'm your best friend? Gosh! Stop talking now, and let's move. I've decided to see the whole of Palankhet today. Will you show me around? Sure, Madam. I'll show you the heavens today. Please come. Shall I open my eyes? No, not now. Just a minute. Where have you brought me? Please keep walking. Shall I open my eyes? Yes. Open it now. It's such a beautiful place. Isn't it beautiful? I knew that you'd like this place a lot. Come on...be seated here. It's such a nice place. It must be here that my parents had first met. What did you say? Do you know...my mother and father first met at Palankhet. Your mother..? How is your mother? She isn't alive. She passed away soon after I was born. Amazing! You don't have a mother. I have no mother too. Both are same. Pardon me for blabbering like this. I say anything that comes to my mind. It's a problem. I don't know how to converse. Who says that you cannot converse? You talk very well. Really? Madam...I just talk beautifully. But you're beautiful too. Me? Yes. You're very beautiful. You too make a lot of insincere praises. I swear...I haven't seen anybody more beautiful than you are. Why? What's so beautiful about me ? Everything about you is beautiful. Your hairl... It's nothing special. Your eyes. My eyes..? Come a bit closer. What's so special about my eyes? Your eyes... Yes..my eyes? Your eyes... Come on. Tell me... What's so special about my eyes? Your eyes are like the headlight of a taxi-cab. What? You're an idiot! A clown! But madam! I don't know poetry. What could I do? I'm telling you the truth. No one is more beautiful than you. That's enough. If somebody hears you, he'll have a nice laugh. I'm not scared of anybody. I'll tell everybody. This sky...these clouds... these mountains... Madam is very beautiful. Madam is the most beautiful. Be careful, Madam. Hurry up... Hey! What're you doing? Why're you drenching yourself in the rain? Come here...under the tree. No, Madam. Are you mad? You'll fall sick. You'll catch fever. Come here. I'm fine here. Look...if you don't come here rightaway, I'll come out there. No, Madam. Then come over. Come...come! Give me your hand. Come on! I'm very scared of lightening. I'm such a fool, aren't I? No... No! Those idiots must've told you that Daddy has come, did they? And you... ..came rushing through the storm and the rains to meet your father? Yes... I've come to meet you, my child. I've come to meet you straight from Germany. I haven't even been home. We'll go together now. I'll take you back. Back? Yes. Back... Where had you been? I was in the storm. It's nice that you've come. Take out the taxi quickly. Your madam is leaving. Madam is leaving. Yes. Her father has come to take her. She has to leave tonight itself. They've to board the morning flight. What're you still standing for? Get the car out quickly. Come on...keep it. What're you saying? After all, your daughter is our daughter. You've taken care of Aarti so well. Many, many thanks to you! Always remain just as you are: I'm leaving, Aunty. No. Never say you're leaving. Say that you'll return. Shall we leave? Hey! You're wearing dark sunglasses in the night? What's wrong? Something is hurting my eyes. It must be a particle of dust. It'll come out by itself. Let's leave, Driver. Come on... Come on...we've to reach the airport, after all. Come on...be seated. Poor Raja! What did you do all these days? Nothing special. My daughter is not in a mood to talk to me. Anyhow, I'll speak to somebody else. What's your name, driver? Wow! That's a nice name. Once you hear such a name, it can't be forgotten for a lifetime. How much do you manage to earn? It depends on the person. Some give me a lot. Some give nothing. You speak well. You drive quite well too. By the way, there's a scarcity of drivers in Mumbai. Why don't you work with us? We'll pay you a good salary. And give you a room to live in. What say, Aarti? No, Sirl. I'm fine here. Why? What's the matter? Are you married? No, Sirl. Why not? I haven't yet got what I desirled. How strange! You people live in a dream world. As if some dream girll is going to come. Why not, Sirl? She'll come someday. A dream girll will surely come for me. Hey! What's this traffic jam for? Hey! Raja! My dear! Tell me... where are you going? Where are you going? O Madam! How're you, Madam? Who's he? He's Balwant Singh. He's my father. Greetings! How're you? Why this traffic jam? The traffic jam has been caused because of a landslide. But we've to reach the airport by morning! No problem. It won't take longer than a couple ofhours. But why don't you have some food at the eatingjoint close-by? Why don't you take them along? We'll treat them to refreshments. How wonderful! There's so much feeling in your voice! It's said that when a heart breaks, it makes no sound. But when it breaks, it causes havoc. There's anguish in your voice. There's that love in your voice. But listen... The people in the world around you... ..won't do justice to your pain and your love. You'll be left trembling. You'll keep singing. And this world will just stand and stare. Listen...you continue to sing. And today...after a long time... I'll dance wholeheartedly. ''Do not go away, O traveller'' ''Do not leave me'' ''You are my love, O traveller...'' ''honour your word'' ''You must return'' ''Remember, I'm here...forget me not'' Our Aarti will never marry your Raja taxi-driver. Don't you speak bad things. If I weren't fond of you... ..I would've ensured that you were dealt with properly. You'd better hold back your breath. You will need it to extinguish the lamps. This marriage will never take place. It'll take place. It won't take place. Why not? It won't take place. Let's bet on it. All right. Let's put our arms on trial. Come on... I'm asking you once again. Lovers hold hands firmly. They don't leave it. Let's get down to the confrontation. Is it? Here it is. Come on... It's so warm. It's so warm! You lost! Shut up, will you? You indulge in cheating? You show me your Doordarshan and ruin my Star TV. Why did you unbutton your dress? I was feeling hot. So I unbuttoned it. What if I did unbutton my shirt? Wouldn't I have felt hot then? Don't scream. If that's the case, let's compete once again. I'll win again. You're too confident. Yes. All right. This contest will be a different one. What's that? Are you willing to wrestle? Wrestle? You got scared, didn't you? I'm not scared. I'm not scared of anybody. Then how about a bout? All right. Let's go then. Come on! Come on, Balwant! Leave me. You have lost, haven't you? Yes. Will you become a girll now? All right. Will you marry me? I will. Leave me now. You'll get married. You'll surely get married. Aarti has made her decision. And perhaps you're waiting for my decision. For the sake of my daughter's happiness, I've agreed to her. But before this marriage, I've some conditions. Aarti will not live here. And you'll have to live with us in Mumbai. You'll mould yourself in our ways. You'll learn the etiquette of our society... ..and you'll do only that which you're asked to. Not at all. What? Neither will I come to Mumbai... ..nor will I learn the etiquette of your society. And nor will I become what you want to make me. I am just like I am now. And I'll remain like this. Did you hear? What I want to make him, and what he wants to remain? Yes...are you listening? And listen carefully...because I'll remain just like I am. I won't change for anybody. If you want to accept me despite all this... ..this is the time for you to decide. You're leaving, Aarti? You're leaving your father? You'd learned to take your first step with my assistance. And today, you're taking away those very steps away from me? Don't go...come back. This is my place from today. Bless us. Bless you? I cannot bless this mistake of yours. Your marriage will never succeed. You'll never remain happy by staying away from me. Gulab and Kamal...let's leave. Yes? I too will stay here. My marriage has been finalised with Balwant. Marriage with Balwant? And you, have you fallen in love with somebody too? Yes, I've fallen in love too. I've fallen in love with all these lovers. Henceforth, I'll live in this river of love. I won't go away from here. All of you have turned crazy about love. You'll die because of the illusion of love. Come on... No, my daughter... Father didn't even bless me! So what? We'll bless you. Perhaps God kept us childless... ..so that we may get you married. Yes, my child... ''You are the spring in my life'' ''Live in my heart forever...as my love'' ''You linger in my dreams... a thousand pleasant ones'' ''Live in my heart. Always. As love would'' I'd never imagined that my only daughter would revolt against me. That she would insult me like this. That too for a tourist guide, a taxi driver? No. This marriage can never take place. If she's stubborn, I'm also no less. I'll disinherit her from my property. I won't bequeath her anything. ''Like this, my love, always be at my side'' ''They will show theirl true colours; but you mustn't change'' No, I cannot sign these papers. I can never disinherit my daughter. Neither from my property, nor from my heart. But listen...you've prepared these documents yourselves. She's a part and parcel of my heart. How can I separate her? But her behaviour with you... She might've done anything with me. But, after all, she's my progeny, and I'm her father. She might punish me as severely as she likes... ..and I cannot punish her even slightly. She might forget me, but I can never forget her. I'm going to meet her. Where? To her new home. I'll accompany you too. You? After all, I'm her mother too. So what if I'm her stepmother? Do I not feel like meeting her? All right. Come along. Brother, what's happening? Relax, Sister. Brother, this... It doesn't matter, Sister. You too are a mother, so what if you're her step mother? You too are dying to meet her, aren't you? Yes. Go...meet...look...understand. Father! Father! Wait! You were so delayed. We'd been waiting for so long. Do you know who had come? Who had come? Father! Father had come here. He has accepted our alliance. I'm so happy today! But he didn't wait...to meet me? He had waited. But you were so delayed! And he had to take the evening flight too. Come on... Where? I want to show you something. Come on. Come on...hurry up! Which place is this? Whose house is this? It's ours. Ours? Yes. This is our palace. You're the King of this palace. And I'm the Queen of this palace. How did you find it? I don't understand. Fool! Father has given it to us as a marriage gift. And you accepted it? Without asking me? Why? Why do you have to be angry? Every father gifts something to his daughter. I don't regret his giving. I regret your accepting it. My self-respect...all my good qualities which you were in awe of... ..you compromised on it today so swiftly? You want all these comforts, don't you? Give me some time. I'll slog day and night and get everything for you. You're misunderstanding me. I want all this for you, not for myself. I want you to get all the happiness and comfort. You want me happy, don't you? Yes. Then return this gift to your father. And henceforth, never accept any help or gift... ..from any of your family members. Understand? But why? Why? Because when two people of equal status... ..gift each other something, that's called a gift. But when a rich person gifts something to a poor person... ..it's considered to be help, an alm. And Raja doesn't accept alms from anybody. Enough of it. Let's go from here. Come on. I won't go. All right then. You may stay here. I'll send your belongings here. I'm going. You may stay here. You're going away from me? I gave up the whole world for your sake. I sacrificed everything. And you are leaving me today?What do you think of yourself?. You're a man. So you can leave me any time you like? But where should I go? Where should I go? When I stepped into your life... ..I shut all the doors which led me back. Now I don't have any other door except yours... ..or my other choice is death. Where am I leaving you? I'm not leaving you. I'm not going anywhere. Please forgive me. I've said a lot of undesirlable things to you out of anger. Please forgive me. But I cannot live in that house. I can sacrifice a hundred such homes for your sake. But listen to me attentively. If you ever talk of leaving me again... ..I'll commit suicide. What're you saying? You love me so much? You can test it. Forgive me, Madam. I haven't yet tested your love... ..and I've already taken so much ofbeating. What'll people in Palankhet say? That Raja is bashed by his wife? Hush! Why do you lie? Where did I hit you? Is it? I was just annoyed a bit. A bit annoyed? What could I do? Whenever I become angry, I wonder what happens to me. Henceforth whenever I misbehave, you may slap me twice. Is it? Think it over. I've thought it over. One more slap is still pending. Gosh! What happened? What happened? What happened to her? What's happened to her? What did you do to her? Nothing. I just slapped her once. Just once? It's all right then. You men are all alike. To hell with you! Say something. What's happened to you? Sister! O brother! You've scared me needlessly. You'd better get scared. It will be in your interest. Otherwise you would be at the receiving end. Why? The father and daughter are related to each other in blood. And it can never be severed. Today, brother-in-law has only willed the house in her name. Tomorrow, he may transfer the entirle property. But her husband has already returned the house. He has only returned the house. But he won't return the property. After he dies, all property will be transferred to Aarti's name. Then that taxi-driver will reign over us. Then what should we do? To kill the snake... ..it's very necessary to make the snake come out ofhis hole. Do something so that both of them come here. Then I'll make such a move that even the villains would be embarrassed. No. I won't go to Mumbai. If you won't go, I won't go too. But where am I preventing you? Just look... Mother has written such a loving letter. She wants that father and I should celebrate our birthday together... ..just like we do every year. Otherwise, Father will feel very lonely. But I'll feel like a stranger there. Why don't you go yourself?. Without you? You want me to celebrate my birthday in sorrow? No, but... Then agree to come. It's a matter of only a few days. Please agree to it. All right. I'll come to Mumbai. My home has come! You've come! Didn't I say that Aarti will surely come? Thank you for honouring my request. Where's Father? He's gone out. He must be returning. Our daughter has come alone? Where's our son-in-law? Gosh! He's left behind. I'll fetch him right away. All of us will come to greet him. Let's us how our son-in-law is. You don't have change? Why not? Why don't you keep loose change? Forget it. After all, it's a matter of only two-and-a-half rupees. Is two-and-a-half rupees a small amount? Give back my note. I'll give you the exact amount. Am I a fool? You live in such a huge bungalow and you crib for two-and-a-half rupees? I don't live in this bungalow. I live in Palankhet. Come on...give back my money. What happened? What's the matter? He's a strange fellow. The fare is 47.50 rupees. I gave him a 50-rupee note. Now I'm asking for 2.50 rupees... and now he's arguing with me. Let it be. It's a matter of two-and-a-half rupees. Come on. Let's go. What do you mean? Are you gone mad? It's my hard-earned money. I too drive taxis. But I've never cheated anybody. I account for every paisa. Come on. Give me my money. Here... Take your two-and-a-half rupees and stop your nonsense, you beggar. Whom did you call a beggar? Don't you hit me! Or I'll contact the union! Scoundrel! Take him away. You've got your money. Go now. What do you mean? Is he mad? He quarrels for a couple of rupees. He may kill for 5 rupees. Send him back to his village. All right. We'll send him back. He's a quarrelsome person. Calm down...calm down. Raja is very tirled. Take him inside. Go and take rest. Why did you have to... Do you mean that I was wrong? What kind of a person did Aarti marry? She has married the right man. Didn't you see how much angry he becomes? It's easy to instigate a person who is so hot-tempered. It doesn't take long to light a fire. Hurry up. The guests must've arrived. Yes? May I come in? Yes, of course. Please come. Yes? How should I tell you? I won't be able to tell you. You may tell me. Dear...I too can have some desirles and aspirlations, can I not? Yes, why not? I want Raja to wear this dress in today's party. I've got it made myself. It would look so good on Raja. But he...? Why? Don't you want Raja to look the most handsome in today's party? Yes. Don't you? But why did you take so much of trouble? Trouble? What's the trouble? I'm your mother, after all. Who else do I have besides you? But don't tell Raja that I've given it to you. Otherwise he won't wear it. You know how Raja is! Then what should I tell him? Every wife knows how to convince her husband. Ah, yes! Tell him that you've bought this suit for him. It's one and the same thing whether you buy it or I buy it. He'll agree if you ask him. All guests have arrived. Both of you...get ready. Get him to wear the suit, all right? Gosh! Why did you sit down? Get up! I'm unable to get myself to attend this gathering. What? Don't talk about it now. Just get up and get ready. Hurry up...come on! You will wear this today? Yes. I thought of wearing my wedding dress tonight. No...today you'll wear this. What is this? It's a suit. You'll look handsome if you wear it. Everybody at the party will say that... ..nobody is more beautiful than Aarti's Raja. But where did it come from? I bought it. But it must be very expensive. So what? I've been taking away money from your pocket. Did you get to know about it? This suit was bought with that money. Is it? Hey...enough of arguments. Wear it now. For my sake. All right. You were so delayed! Father has been waiting for you since long. Why're you looking so lost? Come...I'll introduce you to some guests. Me? You're feeling shy? Do you know...in this party, the richest of people have come? Come...let me introduce you to all of them. But will you agree to something? Keep quiet in theirl presence. Or else the truth'll be exposed. You understand everything. Isn't it? Come on... You were asking, weren't you? He's Aarti's husband. The owner of Lucknow Mills. Uncle...where is Raja? Where're you going? You should leave your husband alone for some time. He's mixing with people. He's happy. All right. What is your profession? Isn't it such an unusual name? The owner of Hindustan and Hindustan Motor Company. He has hundreds of cars. What're you saying? You're feeling annoyed because I'm speaking in English? I'm speaking in English. And he hates English. He's of the opinion that only those who speak English are... What're you saying? No...I've nothing against the language of the English. In fact, I don't know how to speak English. She believes that one who doesn't know how to speak English... ..he becomes degraded, and is unfit for your society. Keep quiet. And you'd better know that I'm not an owner of any motor company. I'm a taxi-driver and a tourist guide. Forget about hundreds of cars, I don't even own my own taxi. I've only one vehicle, and that too belongs to my Uncle and Aunty. If you like, you may speak to me now. You see... Come over here. Didn't I tell you that you should keep quiet? But why're you lying to others about me? Then what should I do? Should I tell them the truth... ..about your status and means? Should I tell them the reality about you? That a taxi-driver has become the son-in-law of this big family? You're a shameless man. You might not even be feeling ashamed about it. But hear this carefully. We decent people are tirled... ..ofbeing embarrassed because of you. Now don't embarrass us any more. Why're you leaving the party? I'm going upstairls. How beautiful! It's such a beautiful suit. Where did you buy it from? Aarti bought it for me. Why're you laughing on me? Yes...why're you laughing? Why shouldn't I laugh? This suit is mine. I've worn it so many times. It belongs to you? Yes. But I don't understand something. Why did Aarti lie to you? Aarti must be feeling embarrassed since... ..Raja doesn't have nice dress to wear. She just lied a little to make you fit for this gathering. You aren't lying, are you? Why would he lie? If Aarti is embarrassed about you, go and ask Aarti. What can we do? Come on...go and ask her. Like you know... Today is the birthday of my husband and my darling daughter. Wow! What a night it is! Come on, Raja... Hey! Where are you taking me? You've already made quite a scene. Come to the room now. No. Not in the room. Right here! In everybody's presence! Speak whatever you like in everybody's presence. Enough ofkeeping things under cover! How could you dare to misbehave like this with my daughter? If you utter any more word... You'd better keep quiet! Who're you to interfere in a husband and wife's matter? You interfere a lot with our lives. Keep quiet now! Why're you embarrassing us in everybody's presence? Why? Embarrassment! Yes...embarrassment! You've said the right thing now! Are you hearing? All of them are embarrassed of me. Do you know why? Because an ordinary person, a taxi-driver... ..has become the son-in-law of such an affluent family. And by accepting this illiterate, naive and uncultured person... ..everybody's heads are hanging in shame. Poor souls! They're afflicted with a false sense of pride! You too are embarrassed of me! Me? Yes. Aren't you embarrassed? No. Liar! Cheat! You too proved to be like others? What've I done that you're being so respectable towards me in public? What have you not done? You've lied to me. To make me fit for this gathering... ..you've even made me wear somebody's discarded dresses. I did? Didn't you? Did you buy this dress? I lied to you because... You lied, didn't you? What're you doing? Actually, Aarti lied to you because... Lie! Everybody is lying! Ask her! Does this dress not belong to him? Mine? Did you not go to him... ..to beg him for a dress for me? My dress? What nonsense, Raja! When did I tell you that this dress is mine? Why're you lying? Why're you embarrassing Aarti in public? Liars! All of you are liars! I'll kill you! Father! You raised your hand on my father? How dare you! You're really an uncultured and a wild person. You're not fit for this place. I'm realising today that by falling in love with you... ..by accepting you, I committed a big blunder. I hurt all of them so much! Go away from here! Get out from here! I'm not lying! Leave my hand! I said...leave my hand! O God! What did I tell him? Where are you going? He's going away, Mother. Let me stop him. Don't be a fool! He's misbehaved with me. He's misbehaved with you. And now you'll go to appease him? Even ifhe wants to go, how far can he go? He'll roam about on the streets all night. And when he comes to his senses in the morning... ..he will come back rushing to you. He won't come. Listen carefully to what your mother has to say. Ifhe truly loves you, he will surely come. He won't come. He will come. He won't come. He will come. He won't come. What's happened? What? I'm pregnant? Yes. You're three months pregnant. I will have to go to Palankhet right away. I'll have to tell Raja about it right away. No. You cannot travel under any cirlcumstances. Your condition is very delicate. If there's any tension on your heart or your mind... ..there's a risk of miscarriage. You'll have to be very careful for at least six months. Please ensure that she doesn't travel for at least six months. All right. But you don't realise how important it is for me to go. If I don't go... I will go. I will go. When will this mother of yours be of some use? I'll bring back Raja. Ifhe's annoyed with you... ..I'll convince him in your name and bring him back. But he... Why do you worry? I'm there. Leave everything to your mother. Mother... Everything... Of course... Whatever has happened has happened. But you too made a big mistake. You shouldn't have left her behind and come back. No matter how much a husband and wife quarrel... ..you shouldn't have left her there. Uncle...a big scene had been created there. The condition had crossed much farther. And I too had drunk- liquor for the first time. I wonder what all I did under the influence of liquor. And they too had instigated me a lot. And Aarti... No! Don't suspect Aarti. After all, she's your wife. All husbands and wives quarrel. It doesn't mean that... Come on...go and appease her. And bring her back. She's very annoyed at me. She won't return. Fool! Is a wife's annoyance to be taken seriously? She must be waiting for you. Go and bring her back. She won't return, Aunty... Look! You were just thinking about it. And she has even returned. Look! Baby has come! Where's Aarti? Aarti didn't come? No. Neither will she come. What is it? You may read it. This... What is it? Divorce?! But why? Everything has been mentioned in these divorce papers. No. Our Aarti cannot do this. I'll go to her. All of us will go to her. We'll explain to her. No. Nobody will go to her to beg or plead for my sake. What does she think ofherself?. Does she want divorce from me? Will she be able to live without me? All right then! I too will live without her. What're you saying? No, Aunty. If anybody of you goes to her you won't see me alive. We haven't come here to see your new performance. If you hate Aarti so much, then sign the divorce papers. Tell that daughter of an affluent father... ..that marriage might be a game in her society... ..which can be terminated by signing a piece of paper. But in our society, we treat marriage as worship. After encirlcling fire for seven times... ..the relationship becomes permanent... ..even if we don't see each other's face for a lifetime. Uncle! Mother! Father! He wants you to divorce. Divorce? Yes. The documents in your hands are meant for divorce. He has signed the documents too. He wants divorce from you. No. Raja cannot do it. He cannot punish me so severely for such a small matter. Mother...you had said that you'll convince him. Didn't you say? What could I do, my daughter? I tried a lot. I even pleaded with him. I told him not to ruin my daughter's life. But what could we do? He has begun to hate you severely. You told him that I'm pregnant? Yes, we did. We told him a hundred times. But he made such an abominable statement that... ..we're feeling embarrassed even to mention it. What did he say? What did he say? He said that the child should be aborted. He cannot do this. He cannot do this with you. He can do anything. Out of anger...out of stubbornness, he can do anything. No! He can do nothing. As long as I'm there, he can do nothing. Congratulations, Father. What? You forgot your curse, Father? Curse? Do you remember... I'd asked you for your blessings... ..and you had said that my marriage will never be successful. That I would never be happy by staying away from you. Your statement proved to be true. No, that was just... No progeny can protect itself from theirl parents' curse. But remember what I've to say. I won't divorce him. He wants to leave me, doesn't he? But I'll never leave him. I'll give birth to his son. It's just that I've lost faith in this world. I've lost faith in love. I'm still young. I'm still young. Who's she? She's Shalu. Is she fast? She's Shalu Madam, Aarti's step-mother. Mother? Is a mother supposed to be like this? Madam! Greetings! Greetings, Madam. What're you doing here? I've come to visit Mumbai. He's Balwant Singh, my husband. Greet her! Greetings! Get up...what're you doing? I was looking as to how big people appear from the bottom. A typical villager! A villager!? Scoundrel! What were you doing? Come on now... Won't you allow me an opportunity? I'll make her move... Stop! Madam! What is it? You're so nice! Ask him to stop this! Stop it... Madam is very nice. Let me serve... Why've you come here? Madam...we've come to meet Aarti. I wonder what happened between Raja and Aarti that... What have you got to do with it? She doesn't want to meet you. She hates you people. She wants to forget all of you. I don't believe you. And don't dare to return. Understand? Stop it now! Goodbye! Come on! No! Listen to me... Come...let's go. Stop! What is it? Look...there! What is this that I see? A child! Yes. We saw a child in Aarti's arms with our own eyes. Your child is very cute. Why did Aarti hide such an important thing from us? It's your child, and we don't even know about it. It's your child! Your own blood! We saw it with our own eyes. My child! My child! Lord! Today is Karwa-Chauth. And like every married woman... I pray that wherever my husband is, however he might be... May he be blessed with my own life. Father! What happened? Raja had come. He took away the child. What? Did you see? Didn't I say that he can do anything? He took away the child, didn't he? Brother-in-law...please take care of Aarti. I'll go and telephone the police right away. Come on... What're you doing? I'm telephoning the police. You're a donkey's son. You cannot be my son. But didn't you say that...? We don't have to act like we say. We can't get a better opportunity. What? We'll chop off the necks of Raja and his child. Listen...nobody will suspect it. Aarti will become free too. Then we'll get you married to her. Thus brother-in-law's entirle property will be in my hands. And don't mention about this to your Aunt! All right. But why? She's a fool! I know that she might cause my downfall. But we will ease her out gradually. Now we have to find out where Raja has gone with the child. The police wants to know as to where Raja can go with the child. Palankhet! Look at the flower's condition... you don't even scold the gardener! Shall I become a gardener? What happened, my child? My child! My child! No...whatever has happened hasn't happened for good. No matter how serious the quarrel might've been... ..you shouldn't have severed the relationship. What had been so serious that you sent divorce papers to Raja? What? I sent the divorce papers? I wanted to sever the relationship? I was carrying the child. I couldn't even travel. And Raja wanted me to abort my child? Does he hate me so much? What're you saying? You're levelling such a serious accusation on him? I admit that he is old-fashioned in his thinking. But even today, he's madly in love with you. Yes... Your mother and your uncle had come here with your signed divorce papers. Ask your mother. Ask her. Hadn't they come to sever the relation? I haven't done anything. Tell me the truth. No! Tell me the truth, or I'll thrash you! No...no! Tell me! I'll tell you! The divorce papers did not bear Raja's signature. It had been signed by my brother. Raja didn't want to break his ties with Aarti. We wanted to destroy her relationship. Why? To keep control... ..over your property and your daughter. You destroyed my daughter's marriage for property? I won't spare you alive! No, Father. You want to protect her? The one who destroyed your home? No, Father...I destroyed my own home. Nobody is at fault. But, mother...let me tell you something. I didn't have my mother. I believed blindly everything you said... ..because you related to me as a mother. A mother's status is the most significant one. Never fool around with your progeny in your Otherwise nobody will trust one's mother henceforth. Please forgive me. All is not lost yet. Tomorrow morning, Raja will come straight home with the child. We'll reunite you with him there. Won't we? Yes. Raja has come. Raja has come. He has the child with him. But you won't come out and appear before him. Firlst we will meet him, explain to him. Then you may come. Please don't let her come out. Aunty! My child! It's my child! No! Stop! No! Come on...kill him! No! I am on your side. Beat these scoundrels! I am with you. Hit these rascals! Rascal! You destroyed my daughter's home! No, Uncle! No! Stop! No! Leave my son! No, Brother-in-law! You've threatened me enough! You've threatened us enough. And I kept on tolerating it. We lived on your money, and at the same time... ..we continued to ruin your daughter's home. Yes! We've ruined your daughter's home. We've poisoned her life. Else, you would've transferred your... ..entirle property in favour of this illiterate son-in-law. And what would we've got? Now that you know our truth, and you know everything now... We're now taking your progeny to bury him in some deserted land! No! You don't want to do it, do you? Then transfer all your property in my favour! Come on, my son! Come on! You'll bury my child!? Leave him! Please rescue my father! You'll bury my child!? Stop it...or he will die! Stop him, Aarti! Listen to what I've to say. Listen to what Aarti has to say. At least listen to her. No...no! Nobody will say anything today. Today...only Raja will say and Aarti will listen... Aarti will say and Raja will listen... It's our fault that we didn't trust each other... ..and listened to what the world had to say. Our relationship was at fault. It was so fragile that it broke so easily? How could I believe that you don't love me...that you hate me? And how could you believe that I could be unfaithful to you? That I could hide from you that we have our child? Believe me...I didn't do any such thing... So you still don't believe me? All right. What do you want? That I should walk away from your life? I'll go away. You want the child, don't you? You may keep the child with you forever. I'll manage to live without the child. But I cannot bear your suspicion and your hatred for me. Just remember...I've always loved you. And I'll always continue to love you. Stop her, Raja! Don't go...please stop! Come on, Father... Let's go... Do something... please do something! ''Do not leave us'' ''Do not go away...do not leave us'' ''Keep your word, my friend'' ''Remember us, always...Forget us not'' ''Do not leave me...'' ''Do not leave me'' ''Know what's wrong with me? What intoxication I feel?'' ''This is my punishment for falling in love with you'' ''This is what I get for falling in love with you'' ''This is what I get for falling in love with you'' |
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