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lndependent Kashmir, 1948
Be quick.
Bhaiya (brother)
Any news of the Muslims in Prem Nagar?
l don't know anything.
l wanted information about my wife and children.
About their suffering.
What do l know about them?
Ask me about my wife and children.
ln front of me...
they were slaughtered.
And l looked on helplessly.
Rehmat Bhaiya. Did you find my Shakuntala?
No, Hardayal Babu. Till now we've not found her.
l've searched everywhere.
Every corner of your house.
- But we didn't find her. - My child.
My Shakuntala.
God, protect her.
Dayal Babu. The group that arrived today from Poonch...
has blazed a desire for revenge.
lt's a delicate situation.
Yesterday l decided to send...
you to lndia with the first group.
Ahmad Bhaiya. What will l do in lndia?
l have no one in that foreign land.
This is the village where l was born.
My body is from its soil.
How can l leave my birthplace? Go where?
l don't agree, Hardayal Babu.
l can't rest till l've sent you away safely.
And if Allah has saved Shakuntala...
l will send her to you too.
Keep this Hardayal. You'll need it on the way.
Don't embarrass me bhaiya.
l have a small favor to ask.
Yes. Tell me.
lf your group passes by Prem Nagar...
please enquire after my in-laws.
You know that your bhabi (sis-in-law)...
took Mehmood and went to her mother's for holiday.
l haven't heard from them since then.
God knows what happened to them.
Ahmad Bhaiya. Even if you hadn't asked...
l had planned to do so, on crossing the border.
Don't worry. God willing, everything will be fine.
l hope in God that it is.
Goodbye then.
Okay brothers. May God keep you safe.
- Shamsu. - Ji (Yes)?
- Have you seen Hardayal Babu's daughter? - Shakuntala? - Yes. - No, l haven't.
Lafay, come here.
- Son, have you seen Shakuntala? - No, l haven't.
Ahmad has still not arrived.
- His coming is very important. - l've sent a man. He'll be here soon.
Daughter. Have some milk. Good girl.
Drink it.
l'm not hungry.
- Ahmad is here, Sir. - Send him in.
Chacha (uncle).
You're here? l've been looking everywhere for you.
Because of the riots, we were patrolling...
and found her near the temple on the hillock.
Her going there was dangerous.
God willed her saved.
And she is.
Don't worry daughter.
Uncle, where's my father?
l've sent him to lndia.
We wanted to find out where in lndia will he be?
lf we know, we can send her there.
l don't know.
Seeing the disturbance here l sent him away.
He'll write when it's normal again, or...
he'll come to get his daughter.
lf you think it's alright...
till Hardayal Babu returns...
let her stay with me.
That depends on Shakuntala.
She can choose to stay with you or us.
Looking after her is our duty.
- Yes, beti? - l'll stay with my chacha (uncle).
Prem Nagar, in Poonch.
Sister, Mehmood, where are you all?
l've brought a message from Ahmad Bhaiya.
Mehmood.
This boy's a Muslim. Put him in the truck, quickly.
This was God's will Ahmad Bhaiya.
Don't cry.
lt pains the dead to cry over them.
How can he not cry? Only time will make it bearable.
These cruel people have killed all near and dear ones.
Houses have burned to ashes.
lt seems no one was saved there.
No one was saved.
My Mehmood.
My child. My darling.
No.
No. l didn't do anything, chacha.
Will you kill me?
Shakuntala, come to me.
Why are you afraid?
My family members have been killed.
The cruel people killed my son.
But why should l kill you?
My Allah doesn't teach his people to kill.
He teaches them love.
He teaches to love, my child.
Son. Listen son.
You are well now.
We'll take you wherever you want to go.
Where do your parents live?
Again?
All children of your age know that.
Yes son? What's your father's name?
- What's your name? - l don't know anything.
This child has forgotten his past.
l think, to operate on his brain...
we'll have to send him to Rawalpindi.
Life is incomplete without love...
whether you believe it or not
lt's because of love the world is such a lively place
Happiness is all around you, take your share
Otherwise you'll be shattered when your dream ends
The actors are there to entertain
The world is awestruck by their tricks
But you'll become a sidekick instead if you're not alert
My name is Dilbar Khan. For you l sacrifice my life
My city is Landikotal. l'm the prince of this border area
My father was 'Khan the great' my great grandfather was 'Khan of Khans'
l sacrifice myself. My life, l sacrifice
Where's the food?
Did the angels take it away?
The person who can fool Dilbar Khan hasn't been born yet.
The food didn't belong to you.
You can't escape, you food thief.
l won't let you escape.
Forgive me.
No, no. l won't forgive you.
l was very hungry.
You were hungry? My name's not Dilbar Khan...
- if you don't eat all. - l'm not hungry anymore.
Eat on behalf of your hungry father.
- And then, your mother. - l don't have parents.
Oh, then you're from my community.
Why did you steal? You should have said...
'l'm an orphan. l'm poor.'
'Help me.'
lf l don't help you. Repeat.
'Dilbar Khan, you're a bad man.'
l'm also an orphan. l'm also poor.
That's why l know what's in a poor man's heart.
What's your name?
- l don't know. - Now l've understood everything.
Do you think l'm stupid?
No parents? Okay. They may have died.
No home? Fine.
But no name? That's being too clever.
Tell me. Who are you?
Why are you staring? Tell me. l'm sure you're a rogue.
Come on say something. You won't?
Do you see this? l'll smash your head.
Speak.
Don't cry and belittle my food.
You ate my food. Now even if you eat my brains...
l swear l won't say a thing.
lf l do, then curse me, alright?
But for God's sake, don't cry. Don't cry.
Enough. Enough. There's no need to cry.
Hey. Smile.
Smile. Smile.
Alright. Will you become my son?
Speak.
Okay. From today you're my son.
Wonderful.
Let Hardayal out.
We won't spare him today.
Hardayal has already gone to lndia.
You're lying.
God is my witness. l'm not lying.
We'll go in and check.
l've sworn in the name of God, and still you distrust me?
Let us in if it's the truth.
lt's the truth. Hardayal's not inside.
But his innocent daughter Shakuntala's inside.
Hand her over to us.
As long as l'm alive no one dare touch her.
Listen Ahmad chacha. You're a respected man in the village.
We all respect you.
So, don't force us to be disrespectful.
You bring the girl out.
l swear on the almighty...
while l'm alive you'll not go anywhere near her.
To reach her you'll have to go over my dead body.
Just reflect.
Know yourself.
Who's name do you take?
Whose people are you?
Who suffers in sorrow for your misdeeds?
He who's the protector of all the innocent.
He who's the support of all who lack it.
While ordering Jihad...
he also always said...
to give shelter to women and children.
Today in His name...
you want to disobey him?
Should l listen to you all...
or obey God's beloved Prophet?
Now you have the right...
to come forward.
My chest is the target.
Don't be afraid, beti.
He's compassionate.
He'll show compassion.
My Maula (the prophet)
l'm the trusted guardian of my friend's daughter.
She's under the protection of a muslim.
ln his name help me.
Whenever Hardayal asks for his daughter back...
may l be able to return her with pride.
Baba, you're tired. Let me do it.
Why should you? l still have strong arms.
You go and study. Go, son.
He thought if muslims...
lose courage and motivation...
they'll be left far behind in the race towards progress.
He did two great things.
One was to ask the muslims...
to leave bad and useless rituals.
Dildar Khana.
Blow the horn loudly.
Only then will this scoundrel move away.
ls it your father's road that you're blocking the way?
ls it your father's then?
- Are you going to move away or not? - First bring back my animals.
Am l your servant?
l wouldn't have you as one.
- Move away, or else! - Or else what?
l'll smack you so hard you'll see stars in the daylight.
l'll see stars!!
l'll hit you so hard like you've never known.
- Go on. - Get lost.
Just give in. Let her win.
Don't you know the girls of today?
She's overtaken lron Woman. So, who are you?
He's a chakda (a run down vehicle).
- What did you say? - Whatever.
What does he think of himself?
You're forgiven.
Perfumed hair oil in ratty hair.
Wait.
Wait a bit.
- Where're you going? - Who wouldn't run away on seeing you?
At least you shouldn't.
Would l ever...
- abandon my brother Ramzani? - What?
Ramzani bhaiya?
l've told you many times not to swear.
Just say Ramzani.
Okay, Ramzani bhaiya.
Damn.
Where in this world did brotherhood come from?
Let's get going Ramzani bhaiya.
Hey you.
- Yes, Khan baba. - Come here.
Come here, l said.
Slam your fist into my stomach.
Today my stomach's aching again.
Stop staring and hit.
Since when are you having this problem, Khan baba?
Are you an inspector to interrogate me like this?
Come on. Hit me in my stomach.
Come on, hit harder. Have you not eaten?
Oh? ls that it?
You shouldn't have hit him.
l told him my stomach was aching, and...
to slam his fist in it.
l apologize.
Why're you afraid of getting it treated?
lf l have to, l'll die.
lf not, l'll live on.
Has medicine ever prevented death?
l think your problem is not minor.
Tarzan? ls there a doctor or a hakim here?
There's no hakim or doctor here.
Ahmad chacha lives across the river.
He has a medicine...
which gives instant relief.
Lie down in the truck. l'll go get the medicine.
What ill manners!
Who's up there?
Oh Ram. He's the same horn blower.
Silly girl. Can't you see?
lt's your eyes that are bad.
What about your's? Throwing these rotten vegetables on me.
Why do you walk like a blind man?
Should l be looking up at heaven?
Who cares where you look and walk?
Why'd your mouth become crooked?
Your mouth must be crooked...
and your family's. Be on your way now.
l won't.
You won't? Then go to hell.
ls she a girl or a catastrophe? She increases speed without changing gears.
ls this Ahmad Chacha's house?
Who is it?
l need medicine for stomach ache.
You need medicine?
- Yyyyou? - Mmmme.
So! You need medicine?
Speak from afar.
You want treatment for stomach or this?
For the stomach.
Are you alright now?
lf you ever come here again, l'll teach you such a lesson you'll never forget.
Excuse me.
Excused. But why this blood?
l got hurt.
May God keep you. You seem to be a stranger.
l've never seen you before.
At the market they said l could get medicine for stomach ache here.
You came to take medicine...
but are going back injured. Come with me.
Sit here, l'll get the medicine.
- l'm very thirsty. - There's a public tap outside.
- Go there. - Okay.
May l have some water!
May l have water!
As if l'm his servant.
- Did you ask for water? - l'm just giving, chacha.
Here, drink.
- What happened, son? - Stomach ache.
Take a dose for yourself too.
lt's a very good medicine.
l keep it very carefully.
Those destined to leave, depart.
But leave their memories behind.
lf Mehmood were alive today...
he would be your age.
This is the only reminder left of him.
Masterji started his education with this reader.
Did you have only one son?
He was an only son.
And he has left me with a life-long grief.
lf you cry, l will too.
Even l think a lot about Mehmood.
Alright, beti.
There's no other option but to bear it.
Here, son.
You should take the medicine and leave.
Our tears are life long.
l'm deeply touched.
l wish l were of some use to you.
May Allah bless you.
Be safe.
How lucky is the father...
whose son you are.
l'm taking this medicine for my baba.
l find great comfort in serving my baba.
- What's your name? - Dildar Khan.
l'm a truck driver. l used to drive between Lahore and Pindi.
Now the owner has posted us here.
lf you're around, do come again.
Good children are a blessing from Allah.
- Certainly. l'll come again. - As-salam-alaikum.
Wa-alaikum-salaam.
Bless you, son.
What brought you outside from inside?
There's a young girl at home there.
She wasn't alone at home, was she?
Uncle, she's not alone.
- What? - Ahmad chacha's also at home.
He's also at home? What luck.
Then you can go. lt couldn't have been improper.
Mithoo!
Mr. Mithoo. Do you want to eat choori?
He said Ahmad chacha's at home.
But you're alone. Why?
- Ramzani bhaiya is here. - Oh God, no.
Tell him l'm not here.
- Even if l've come, l'm going. - What's it Ramzani?
What happened?
You just came, and now you're leaving?
l thought of inquiring about your health.
But when l saw you weren't at home...
- l was going back. - lt's impossible...
that Ramzan Ali comes...
and leaves without imparting any latest news.
Today l found out...
spies have started visiting our village...
regularly.
Our village being right at the border...
it's very likely that such people come and go.
This youth who just left here...
doesn't seem to be of good character.
lt's better if they don't enter one's home.
As for me...
l'm an insider.
Who're you looking out for?
Not for you.
Have you ever seen your face?
l can see myself in your eyes.
This false pride is not good.
You'll regret it if l leave.
l'm already regretting it.
God, no.
For nothing things get complicated, and...
- the heart starts behaving strangely. - That's what l wanted to ask.
What happens?
l just met you for a short while...
and it started with a quarrel.
And the best thing is...
it was such a pleasure to quarrel with you...
that l wish we continue so for the rest of our lives.
We are strangers, and you talk of quarrel.
We're no longer strangers.
Not true at all.
Say what you like. l've come to know everything.
What do you know?
l've come to know, you're one in a million.
Knowing this l've given you a place in my heart.
l'm saying that this is impossible.
Because you don't know anything about me.
You are my dream girl. Who else?
l can't become your girl even of your dreams.
Then why were you looking out for me?
Why'd you look at me with love filled eyes?
That was destiny's doing.
lf that's destiny's wish, then let it happen.
But at the same time destiny also says...
that your name's Dildar Khan...
and l'm Shakuntala.
Our being together...
my beloved...
is an impossible thing
Just as day is separate from night, till eternity
This situation cannot change
We cannot walk together along the same path
l have loved, and you have loved me too
But this will not help to reduce the distance
You'll have to forget this love which is only a dream
We became helpless in our love, and made a mistake
lt wasn't in our destiny to meet, but we ended up praying for us to meet
Without thinking we lighted our lamp in a storm
This situation cannot change
We cannot walk together along the same path
This situation cannot change
lt seems inauspicious time is beginning to take its course.
That's why you are so unsteady on your feet.
Yes, the course has started.
That's why l've stumbled all the way.
Seems like things haven't been fair to you.
l've come to know...
that man's character is absolutely terrible.
- Whose character is bad? - The one who came to take medicine.
He's the one. Just returned after seeing him near the temple.
He went there to meet Shakuntala all alone.
lt's quite possible he just wandered in that direction.
ln that case why did l stumble again and again?
God knows what you're hinting at.
l just want to say...
give me permission, or...
go yourself, and give him a couple of smacks.
Why?
Because he's trying to snare Shakuntala in some web of love.
Shameless. He was saying...
you are my dream girl, etc., etc.
What was Shakuntala's response?
Shakuntala's response made me very happy.
l've no idea what it is you want to say.
l want to say that...
Shakuntala gave the right response.
She said she was Shakuntala...
you're Dildar Khan.
Nothing can come of it.
What can't anything come of it?
That thing one calls, love.
lf it's so, why worry?
lf he's a decent boy. He won't come here again.
But how to find out whether he's decent or not?
lf he isn't of good character?
God forbid, if things get worse, then what?
Won't the villagers ask...
why you allowed the girl to meet a muslim boy?
And if Hardayal Babu returns...
what'll he think?
That Ahmad pretended to be a friend...
but misguided my girl.
The rest, about our meetings...
Look here, Ramzani.
l'm a simple muslim man.
l'll do what l say.
My friend has trusted me with Shakuntala.
And that's how it will always be.
Whenever Hardayal comes...
God willing, he'll find his daughter safe.
Shakuntala's returned.
We were just talking about you.
l was saying the girl is very fortunate.
Very good. But the world is very bad.
l've said it before, and l'll say it now...
you have to be very strong as you go through your youth.
Never take a false step...
for which when l see your father...
l should be ashamed.
l've decided...
from now on you won't take the sheep out to graze.
lf l hadn't pacified Ahmad chacha...
there would have been a fight.
lt would have escalated and the police informed.
Are you listening?
From this day, don't ever try to see her.
l, too, live in this village.
As for me?
That's for insiders.
Who stepped on your tail that you're squealing so much.
Don't talk of tails. l'm Ramzan Ali Najoomia.
And l'm a man.
Man?
l swear, there isn't one in your entire family.
Why bring family in?
lntimidating my son?
You don't know his father's called Dilbar Khan.
And his grandfather, Powerful Khan.
l agree, you have a great family.
lf you know that...
how did you dare to quarrel with my son?
Khan Sahab, you're needlessly exerting yourself to worry.
l wasn't quarrelling.
l was just giving advice as a brother.
You are telling a lie.
You coward. Calling yourself my son and disgracing me.
With one strike you'll reach the white man's graveyard.
Do you know that?
Of course. Don't l have eyes?
l can see.
Allah has made you...
tall, and strong, and set you free among us.
There must be a reason for this.
Hey. l laughed at your falling.
Why are you laughing?
l laughed at your wonderful laughter.
Even your laughter is so weak.
Laugh whole-heartedly like me.
The advice of elders...
is like a lamp for their children, beti.
You must not extinguish it with tears.
Tell me the truth.
You must have seen Dildar.
Was he looking for me?
How he must have suffered when he didn't find me.
Did his eyes fill with tears?
Does he think l'm disloyal?
Did you tell him l can't see him?
He should've said something.
You must've heard something.
Tell me.
Speak.
God, why have you lit this fire in me?
What's my fault?
You've given eyes...
and taught them to see.
You're the one who gave a heart.
And then you teach it to suffer?
Now, tell me, God...
my eyes saw him...
is it my fault?
Won't you say anything, God?
Will you just silently watch the game?
Because you are a God of stone?
And instead of a heart you have stone?
Where are you?
Where are you, my companion?
Make yourself heard
My love calls out for you every moment
All the customs of the world are false
All the rituals are false
The world never accepts...
people living in harmony
Please come wherever you are
Don't make me suffer
Where are you who makes me suffer?
No one understands the pain in my heart
They are all strangers here
There's no one here, my companion...
who'll listen to my heartrending tale
My love calls out to you every moment
Where are you my mate?
Where are you?
Where are you?
What a lovely garland.
You've made it clear...
that you don't consider yourself my daughter.
For God's sake, don't say that.
l spoke to you, not like a father...
but advised you like a mother.
l spoke leniently because...
if l were harsh with my advice...
l was afraid you'd feel the separation from your father.
l swear in the name of God...
No need to explain.
l stopped you for the sake of my respect.
You want to swear in the name of God, to hide your mistake?
l haven't done anything wrong, chacha.
My footsteps refused to obey me.
l promise...
l'll never go to meet him again.
Trust me chacha.
l don't want to confine you, beti.
l want to shelter you.
l know...
where two hearts are concerned...
both should be advised, not just one.
l want to meet Dildar's father.
Dilbar Khan?
There he is.
- Greetings. - To you too.
Khan Sahab, are you Dildar's father?
What else? Or are you his father?
l've come to you with my sorrow.
You're my brother. Speak.
How can l help you?
l want to ask, if you had a friend...
and because of circumstances his daughter is left with you...
how would you have looked after her?
Just like my child. How else?
ln the same way l've been looking after Shakuntala, as my child.
But for the last few days your son Dildar Khan...
has been seeing her on the sly.
You mean my son has done something wrong?
l don't know much.
But l've come to know...
he and Shakuntala are getting reckless in love.
And this, neither society...
nor l, can bear.
Name's Shakuntala...
so she must be Hindu.
You're right.
So what if she's a Hindu.
She's like our daughter.
But where are her parents?
Ever since her father left for lndia...
l've not received any news of...
his whereabouts, or what happened to him.
lt's a mystery which even l have no idea about.
But the girl must have other relatives in lndia?
She has no one in lndia.
That's why, in spite of the advice from officials...
l couldn't let Shakuntala...
go to a strange land.
l'm waiting in the hope...
that Hardayal may return one day.
What does it matter if he doesn't?
lt's our duty to look after her.
And l'll do my duty.
l'll help you in whatever you want.
l've stopped Shakuntala from going out.
But this alone doesn't help.
l promise you...
God willing...
you'll never see Dildar Khan in this village again.
- Yes baba. - Come here.
Tell me...
all that happened between you two.
Nothing untoward, baba...
that should make you feel ashamed of your son.
Tell me the truth.
You haven't dishonored the girl?
l swear...
we haven't committed any sin.
Just once, she hugged me.
lf this isn't sin, then what is?
l ask you...
lf a man hugged your mother or sister...
how would you feel?
lf her parents find out...
that a stranger hugged her...
won't they be pained?
Won't they cry?
Won't their heart break?
You should have died.
You shouldn't have become my son.
Forgive me...
and trust me.
What you've promised Ahmad chacha...
l'll be with you in keeping it.
Your Dildar...
will never come here again.
Never.
At the same time, it's also written in the destiny...
that your name is Dildar Khan...
and l'm Shakuntala.
And this is something...
which neither the society accepts...
nor can l.
l cannot be your girl even in dreams.
lf this isn't sin, then what is?
l ask you...
lf a man hugs your mother or sister...
then how will you feel?
Doctor Sahab.
Your people told me l'm fine and can leave.
But l say...
you didn't let me see Dildar...
or inform me of his condition.
How can l leave?
l swear on God...
even if the highest authority tells me to go, l won't.
lf you wish, you can meet Dildar Khan before leaving.
But you can't stay too long...
- because he isn't well, yet. - l'm allowed?
Thank you.
Doctor Sahab, the wounds of #3 have to be dressed.
Thank God you are safe.
When you leave the hospital...
l'll sacrifice a black goat, by God.
Who are you?
Who do you want to meet?
Thank God, you're alright.
That's why you're joking with your baba.
lf you weren't well, you'd not be able to joke.
That's why you're behaving so.
- l asked who do you want to meet? - Won't l meet my son Dildar?
Would l meet Subedar (police)?
Hey, what kind of talk is this?
But my name is Mehmood.
Stop playing the fool.
l think you've made a mistake.
l didn't slap you so that...
you forget me.
Forget your baba.
The second thing is...
l'll see that you get married.
lf not, then my name's not Dilbar Khan.
l swear l'm not lying.
Get married...
and love as much as you like.
When you hold the girl's hand...
l won't stop you.
When you hug her...
l won't stop you.
- l'm saying l don't know you. - l'm Dilbar Khan. Dilbar Khan...
your baba.
But my baba's name is Ahmad.
lt seems the doctors have given you the wrong medicine, and destroyed your brains.
lf l get to know they did that...
l'll destroy the hospital.
Otherwise, l'm not Dilbar Khan.
By God, my father's name is Zabardast (Great) Khan.
You're not allowed to shout here.
You've injured my heart and everything.
Then you say don't shout.
Should l not scream and cry?
You've given me pain.
God will give you the same.
What is it? Have you never met this man before?
ls he not your baba?
l've said that l've never seen him before.
What's you father's name?
Where are you from?
My father's name is Ahmad.
And l'm from Khairabad.
Alright. We'll inform your father today.
Leave it.
l'm worrying over my problem...
and you're going on with your Khan Sahab, Khan Sahab.
Go and do your work.
When did you first meet Dildar Khan? And where?
l met him about 12-15 years ago.
Why are you asking?
Because the accident has brought back his memory.
He's forgotten the time with you.
l told him to forget that girl...
but he forgot me?
Well, never mind. Doctor sahab...
please let him go with me.
l'll pray in the saint's name...
God will cure him.
He's all l have in this world.
We're sending a message to Mehmood's father.
- Till he comes no one can see him. - Then what should l do?
You're alright. You can leave.
Give me some strange medicine too...
so l can also forget everything.
lf l don't...
this Khan will trouble me a lot.
Pray for him baba.
You already know...
today my heart is completely broken.
l swear in God's name...
humans are so disloyal.
Who shall l tell now?
There's no such court in this world.
Where shall l go and sue?
And tell them...
how greatly l've been wronged.
Everyone gathers around when there's a fight.
But when something concerns the heart...
no one bothers
No one asks you your problem.
What can one say? What a heartless world.
Come.
Be my son, Dildar Khan.
l'll be your baba.
Mehmood, your father's come to see you.
He? Dildar Khan?
You really are Mehmood.
Mehmood. What's this mystery?
l just remember...
when nana's (maternal grandfather) house was set on fire...
there was chaos in the house.
l started running here and there.
Some people ran after me to kill me.
A stone hit my head.
After that l don't remember anything.
But now you remember...
- that this is your baba. - Yes, yes.
He's my father.
My father.
What else is coming back, son?
All's coming back.
You had...
sent me and mother to Prem Nagar.
You saw us off in a bus.
You hugged me and kissed.
When the bus started...
you were waving...
and kept looking at us lovingly for a long time.
My child.
My precious boy.
My Mehmood.
Who's this girl?
She's Shakuntala.
Who else?
Because of his mental state...
the 15 years in between...
have been blanked out.
l think it's better to let it be.
l can remember...
Hardayal chacha had a daughter.
Her name was Shakuntala.
We used to play by the river.
Are you that Shakuntala?
l am the same Shakuntala.
lt's a good thing you have forgotten
My love itself was a mistake, my beloved
What my crazy eyes saw were just dreams
Having lost you, l've lost everything
lt was my destiny
There was so much fire in the heart
How could flowers have ever bloomed?
We were the two banks of the same river
How could we have ever met?
lt's a good thing that you have forgotten
When l think of childhood...
one by one everything comes to mind.
By the riverside...
you and l used to build mud houses.
And they used to break every day.
Mud houses do break.
But l don't remember anything after that.
You built another house after that.
But that also broke.
That broke too?
Because it was of mud.
You too talk like others.
Help me to remember things.
lt may come back.
l heard you were in love with someone.
l was in love?
With whom?
The one you've forgotten.
Then what happened?
She accepted your loss of memory as her destiny.
And no one can erase what destiny writes.
Crazy. lf you hadn't arrived, l'd have come myself, and told you...
that the other day, when l made you angry...
- l feel so sorry for that. - But l'm not sorry at all.
You want to fight again?
l swear by God...
l'm absolutely ready. But that's not the reason l came.
My heart is troubled. See it in your cards.
When will my trouble end?
l've done the calculations of the trouble already.
- God promise. - l swear on Allah.
That's why you're so wily.
- Because of your blessings. - But see...
if you don't tell me the truth...
it won't be right.
You know my name's Dilbar Khan? And...
Your father's name? Zabardast Khan.
You've been deceived, Khan Sahab.
l've really been deceived.
But l know...
my heart deceived me.
My reading of horoscope never lies.
Because you might know...
l'm no ordinary astrologer.
l'm a court astrologer.
ln Jammu, in Kashmir...
l was famous everywhere.
Don't praise yourself.
l know everything.
You're a top con man.
lt shows on your face.
What do l care whether you're an animal or human.
Just tell me what else you've discovered about me in your readings.
lt seems Dildar has deceived you.
He's lying that his name's Mehmood.
- You swear? - l do.
You mean he left his baba...
for her?
He deceived me in such a big way?
You're good at fighting.
Make use of it.
Get your son back.
You're right.
l swear, l won't take it lying down.
l'll take him on, and no one will be able to save him.
But for God's sake, Khan sahab, let go of my collar.
My collar isn't at fault.
Anyway we two are insiders.
Get lost.
- Dildar Khan. - Come in. Come in.
l've come to know l've been fooled.
l also know you're not Mehmood.
Ever since my past life...
has been told to me...
- l've been eager to meet you. - lf you were so eager...
why are you lugging bags around? You would've come to me.
Look here, Dildar Khan.
Whether you understand me or not...
l'll not hesitate to say this.
This sinful act isn't right.
What sinful act?
The love for Shakuntala...
for the sake of which you became Mehmood from Dildar Khan.
ln love with Shakuntala?
What are you saying?
l'm not the only one who knows about your love story.
The whole village knows.
But l'm asking you to give up this act of sin.
Come with your baba.
l'll arrange for a wife for you.
Please don't give me this pain of separation.
My heart is very miserable.
Destiny has put me in a strange situation.
When l look at you...
my heart bursts with as much love...
as for my baba.
l don't know what to do.
Will you swear on the Quran...
that you aren't Dildar Khan?
l swear...
l'm not Dildar Khan.
- l'm Mehmood. - Khan Sahab...
this is your Dildar Khan.
l haven't snatched Dildar Khan away from you.
He's still yours.
But think...
you weren't able to bear even a week's separation from him.
l've suffered 15 years.
May no one suffer for a child so.
Because of you there's light in this dark house now.
Still, if you wish to reopen my wound...
then take him with you.
How can l refuse you?
- Go Mehmood. - No, no, brother.
You're his father.
Your right is stronger.
But still, it's not possible to forget him.
lf memories remain...
let them.
lf l have to cry...
let me.
lf there's anything to say...
l'll say it to God.
And ask the kind of destiny he gave me.
You took away Dildar Khan from me...
now who'll call me baba.
Son!
May God always keep you happy.
Whenever you have any problem...
come to your baba immediately.
By God, l'll sacrifice even my life for you.
Okay. Believe in God.
Dilbar baba Khan came to visit me.
He also loved you.
lt must be that which brought him here.
But he also told me...
the person l loved.
That was a dream, Mehmood.
lt's not right to think about it.
But why are you hiding the fact...
that you're the one l loved?
What have you started, Mehmood?
Forgetting you was my greatest loss, Shakuntala.
Don't cry.
You can take it as...
it was not to forget you...
but to remember you again that l forgot you.
l've given you a lot of pain.
Pain has become my life.
Don't say that Shakuntala.
While l'm alive, there can be no pain.
Can there be?
No.
The cards say that the world is full of cheating.
lt also says...
they make their own people pine...
but seduce strangers.
lt seems...
the world has once again ill-treated you.
l understood...
that you wouldn't be absent from home.
l am at home.
Where else?
People also reside in one's heart
Sometimes at home...
sometimes in the heart.
But there's one thing.
lf Ahmad chacha wasn't at home...
l'd have gone back.
What's there to say to a young girl?
Just came to inquire about one's own.
Yes. l also wanted to ask...
God forbid, Mehmood hasn't been seen in the village for a couple of days. Why?
Some people have come to Muzafarabad from across the border.
So l've sent him to meet them and ask...
why has Hardayal disappeared for so long.
lf l could get his birth certificate...
l'd immediately find the answer in the cards...
where and when he'll come.
Wherever he is...
he'll definitely come to see his daughter one day.
l've never seen Shakuntala thinking about her father.
But that's right.
Here too she's with her own.
And God's will is such...
she's settled here so happily.
Why wouldn't l like it here?
Ahmad chacha is like my baba too.
The way bapu loved me...
he loves me the same way.
And l think...
Ramzani bhaiya is also very thoughtful about me.
- Oh God. - Why are you thinking of God?
Last night l saw the devil in my dream.
And the idiot wanted to intrude even in the daytime.
The devil must have thought...
he's an insider...
and so came to meet you.
Beti, where are you going?
To fetch water from the river.
Ramzani bhaiya has to wash his face.
Look, Shakuntala.
Look.
l've brought something for you.
You're back. lsn't that enough?
lf you say then may l put this necklace round...
your neck?
Looking for an excuse to come near?
Forget me.
This necklace has been restless all the way.
lt kept saying...
on reaching the village l'll adorn Shakuntala's neck.
And if l say, no?
Poor thing. Her heart will break.
And beads will scatter.
No, no, Maharaj.
l'll never let the beads scatter.
They are the adornment for my heart.
l'll always keep it close to my heart.
We're together after great hardships, my beloved
The days and nights were colorless without you
The moment for being together has come, and the eyes that longed, have met
Whenever l meet you, l feel relieved
May happiness always accompany you, my beloved
Keep me at your feet always, my friend
My Lord, my songs are for you
May it always shower with love, like this
l'll accept even sorrow as long as you're with me
Swear on our love not to create a distance between us
The happiness in my life is in your hands, my beloved
We're together after great hardships, my beloved
Shakuntala beti. Come quickly.
l've brought such great news that l can't even speak.
What's it, chacha?
Come home and see for yourself.
The unexpected has happened.
Allah has done such a favor. Just come.
Do you recognize her, Hardayal?
Father.
My beloved daughter.
Oh God. You're so grown up.
But bapu, where were you all these years?
You didn't inquire?
How could l, beti?
l was in no position.
When l reached lndia...
l felt l was in hell.
Oh God.
Such unfairness. Such cruelty...
on the muslims by the lndians. When l couldn't watch...
l told them about the mercy of the muslims.
l raised my voice against this treatment.
The cruel people declared me mad and sent me to an asylum.
God knows...
after seeing the cruelty, l really became mad.
And when after 15 years l could get out...
l immediately tried to reach my friend.
And God heard me.
- Don't go there again, bapu. - Crazy girl.
Staying here is now a dream, beti.
With great difficulty l have the permission to take you with me.
Come, son.
Hardayal, this is Mehmood.
Our own Mehmood.
God keep you happy, beta.
l got exhausted calling your name in Prem Nagar.
Seeing the smoke coming out of your grandfather's house...
l thought that...
But, whoever God protects, is safe.
Please take some rest now, Hardayal.
We'll talk after that.
What is there to talk of, about a sad life?
lt's the same story.
After the asylum l had to struggle around.
And when after difficulty...
l got a roof over my head...
l started planning to get Shakuntala.
l used to always tell Shakuntala...
one day your baba will come.
You'll stay with us for a few days, no?
l can't go till l've stayed a few days.
And, l don't have to go far.
The first village across the border...
that's where my hut is.
lt's about...
10 or 12 miles.
But this distance of 10 miles...
is such an extremely long way, chacha...
that will never end.
How long will you cry like this?
lt's for the rest of my life, Mehmood.
Only the flames of my pyre will extinguish them now.
l'd never imagined...
that one day we'll part...
with no hope of ever meeting again.
This is what was written in our destiny, Shakuntala.
But we are to be together in every birth.
Ours is a relationship of souls.
So why is this bond breaking?
Because you are Shakuntala.
And l'm Mehmood.
We're the two banks of a river...
who've never met, nor will ever meet.
The banks of a river never part even for a moment, Mehmood.
They always stay together.
The waves being the stream of love...
like a necklace for each.
And yet, it's impossible to be together.
Even my separation is impossible Mehmood.
No devotee goes far from her idol's feet.
l can't go.
How can l go?
l won't go.
Come with me.
She's ready to trample her baba's honor under her feet.
So why're you afraid?
How'd l know...
that this house would catch fire from its own lamp.
Because you're so precious...
l'll have to turn away from my duty.
When Shakuntala refuses to go...
and Hardayal looks into my eyes...
and reminds me of my promise...
what answer will l give him?
Are you annoyed?
Every son is used to getting his own way with his father.
But if the son's wish becomes the respect of his father...
then the child...
sacrifices for the respect of the father.
Shakuntala's going from here is my respect, Mehmood.
l know you want to say a lot to me.
They are things on the tip of your tongue.
l know what it is.
But your stubbornness can be gratified on one condition only.
Dishonor my grey hair.
Shakuntala will go, baba.
My maula (protector).
God...
my country is...
where you are.
Your face...
my Mehmood...
your beauty.
Should l leave you and your beauty?
Should l go?
No.
Can one leave one's God?
Never.
No devotee can leave her God and go away.
Those who reside in the heart are always together...
no matter where they go.
l understand.
You want me to go away.
l don't want that.
But it happens in life.
Two soul mates, in spite of being far away, are still very close.
Let me reside as a bride in your heart.
lf this is life...
then what's destruction?
Destruction after happiness...
is perhaps written for us.
My own Mehmood.
You're like God, Ahmad bhaiya.
What you've done is impossible in these times.
You've brought up Shakuntala with such love...
l can't even imagine.
ls Shakuntala not my daughter?
Yes, yes, she's your daughter.
l'll never forget your love.
This is all God's doing, Hardayal.
No one does anything for anybody.
Here are both the passports.
l'll be back.
Greetings.
- How are you? - God's been kind, brother.
When are you leaving?
Some time today.
May God keep you all.
The way you all kept Shakuntala here with such love...
even your own don't do that.
Keep this with your luggage.
This is jewelry.
l'd thought, if you don't come...
l'll find a decent Hindu boy...
and get Shakuntala married to him.
This is from me for Shakuntala's wedding.
l wish l could attend my daughter's wedding.
What happened? Where have you been? You look nervous.
l was at the temple. Let's go.
Even God has given me permission to go.
Come on bapu. We're getting late.
- What's the hurry, beti? - When we have to go...
what's the use of delaying?
She's going crazy at the thought of leaving.
Okay beti. Go.
Now even l can't bear your departure.
lt is God's will, beti.
God's will.
Always be happy and prosper.
May Allah find you a good man.
Whenever you think of us...
Don't cry.
Not even a bit.
My beloved, l'll even drink the poison of your departure with a smile
The beautiful memories of your love...
l'll keep close to my heart and enable my life to go on
l exchanged my heart for pain. The eyes are filled with tears
lt was just happiness that one wanted, but love gave many sorrows
l swear on the pain of our love, l wouldn't have let you go
l'd never have let our love feel any tremor
At least some happiness from our destiny we'd have enjoyed
How to extinguish the lamp of my heart with my own hands
How to forget the time we spent together?
l wish every moment in our past comes back
l exchanged my heart for pain
- This sinner has come here too. - To wash her sins.
No, to make a sinner of someone.
Beti, these are foolish people. They don't know what they're saying.
May God forgive them. Let's go.
Go back.
Stay away from this door.
Why Maharaj? Because of this sinner...
you've been polluted.
lt's a sin to accuse anyone.
Have you forgotten...
your daughter stayed for 16 years in Pakistan?
So what?
She was there with her Ahmad chacha.
Muslim chacha? Oh God.
lf she steps in any temple here...
the legs will be broken.
What are you staring at? Didn't you hear?
Get away.
My child.
Babu, if a coin is bad you have to use it in the dark.
lf someone's eyes begin to lose light...
get her married to him immediately.
My Shakuntala is purer than Ganga waters.
And you call her a bad coin?
No, no. l'm not saying that.
The people of this village talk nonsense.
The village people. Sinners.
Everyone seems to be a sinner.
l don't want to jinx it, but Shakuntala is goddess Laxmi.
l'll find such a good match for her, she'll always be happy.
May God will this.
ln this world, God's will is...
completed by giving a bribe.
So what have you thought.
Sundar's mother, praise goddess Laxmi.
You'll get a daughter-in-law like Laxmi.
Then, praise Maharaj too.
This will happen only because of you.
Here, sweeten your mouth.
That's done.
But to praise Maharaj...
you need cash.
Here you are, Thakurji.
- ls that all? - Let the daughter-in-law come...
you'll get a lot.
Shanti, bring the sweets.
And yes, bring the sweets in the bowl.
Alright, sweets will do for today.
Tell us, from which family is she?
- Her father's. - But where's he?
From here, 1 and 1 two, 2 and 2 four, 4 and 4, the eighth house.
8th house?
Thakur, aren't you ashamed?
You want that girl to be my daughter-in-law?
This is not a sinner's house...
that a sinner should come here.
Shanti, don't bring any sweets.
l'll kick you right to the 8th house.
1 and 1 two, 2 and 2 four, 4 and 4 eight.
- Take out the money. - Here you are.
What a beating l got.
Oh God.
l give up match-making.
What are you saying Thakurji?
Your daughter cannot find a groom here.
lf you wish you'll definitely manage.
l tried everything.
They refuse on hearing Shakuntala's name.
You don't know, Thakur.
lf a daughter continues to be at home...
the heart gets heavy and diseased.
l know, but what to do?
- Shakuntala has become a bad word. - Thakur.
Bapu, you gave birth to a daughter...
but now she's become a bad word in this country.
That daughter, who was honored there.
You were so eager to bring me to your country.
l didn't know, beti...
that it would be so thorny here.
Don't drag me through these thorns, bapu.
Strangle me with your own hands.
So that Ahmad chacha believes...
that his daughter...
is sleeping peacefully in her country.
Bapu, take me back to that country...
where everyone respected me.
Where everyone let me follow my religion.
Bapu, take me back to that country.
You beautiful woman...
who gave you permission to cut wood?
l wanted to ask you this yesterday...
but you avoided me.
Who should l ask?
The forest officer.
l don't know where he is.
You don't know?
He's standing in front of you.
Madhusudan Lal.
Forest Officer.
Ask me.
Otherwise you can't get wood.
And if you act bold...
you'll have to pay a fine.
My mistake.
l won't do it again.
What about yesterday and the day before?
Who'll pay for that?
l'll tell bapu.
- He'll pay for it. - What will bapu give?
lt's between us.
What are you doing here?
The bird in hand flew away.
Whenever you say l'll put the bird in a cage.
- How? - Not just like that.
- Then? - Let's leave 'then' for later.
First tell me...
this beautiful woman...
- did you like her? - Of course.
Then why not make her a slave at your feet?
Only you can do this job.
Not me, but...
money makes things happen.
Money. Money. Money.
Greetings.
Come, Thakur Maharaj.
Come in. Come in.
Finish your writing.
l need to talk long.
Sit down Maharaj.
lt's not anything special.
l was writing to my friend.
And l've finished.
Leave your writing.
Understand what's written (destiny).
l was foolish.
l thought Shakuntala could never get married.
- But it wasn't written so. - Really?
l have an old acquaintance.
l've come to speak for him.
l understand what you're trying to say.
You're wise. Why won't you understand?
Madhusudan is a Forest Officer.
Earns well.
His pay's only Rs200...
but he makes a lot in bribes.
Well, everyone's doing it these days.
Still, l'll think over it a couple of days.
And if the boy is otherwise good...
l'm sure God will do good.
l'm also saying God will do good.
Think over it anyway.
l'll be back in a couple of days.
l'll post the letter.
The post box is on my way.
Shakuntala beti, l want to say something.
What is it, bapu?
Thakurdas has been visiting for many days.
He's talking of marriage with Madhusudan.
After enquiring, l've found out...
he's a decent man.
What do you think, beti?
lt's a good match, no?
You're crying, beti?
l won't marry, bapu.
Marriage is a ritual made by God, beti.
lt has to be followed.
Don't you remember what your Ahmad chacha said?
And why did he have ornaments made for you?
Because one day this has to happen.
ln addition, l don't keep in good health nowadays.
Don't you want your father to see you settled before dying?
My precious.
l know you've spent your life away from me.
And l'm talking of parting again.
But there's no other way.
lt's the destiny of every daughter.
lf not for your happiness...
say yes for mine.
Fulfill your happiness in whatever way you want, bapu.
You've never had happiness in your life.
lf my agreeing brings happiness...
then, yes.
l agree.
- My greetings. - My greetings too.
Get ready for the wedding.
- lt's fixed. - ls it?
Beti'll wear these.
This necklace was restless all the way.
lt kept saying...
'As soon as we reach the village, l'll adorn Shakuntla's neck.'
lf l say no, then?
Poor thing. lts heart will break.
The beads will scatter.
No, no sir.
l'll never let these beads scatter.
lt's the adornment for my heart.
l'll always keep it near my heart.
Now l'm your master.
Your body and heart is mine.
l'll play with your beauty.
l'll take pleasure from your intoxicated eyes.
l'll enjoy holding your beautiful arms.
What will you do now?
You escaped from me in the forest, my butterfly.
Where will you go now?
What did you do?
You're my wife.
How can a wife shake off her husband's hand?
This is the night of wishes.
Surrender all your wishes to me tonight.
Why are you avoiding me?
l want to say something.
lt's the night to say, and listen.
Will you be satisfied with just my body...
because l can't give you my heart.
A long time ago, l gave it to the God of my choice.
lt became his from that day.
Tell me clearly.
l've said what l wanted.
- Who's this scoundrel? - He's not a scoundrel.
He's like God.
Did you surrender your body to him?
lt wasn't physical.
We were bound by our souls.
lt's his name on my tongue.
He's mine in every life.
He's my real master.
You can cut me and throw me away...
trample me under your feet...
but l'll not let you come near me.
Then why did you marry me?
For my father's happiness.
Then you'll bear the consequences of this.
Shameless woman.
The god in the temple of my heart...
my honor is in your hands
The devotee with a garland of tears...
has come to you to seek refuge
The worldly relationships are false
They end with one's last breath
The bond of love doesn't break even after death
How to carry out both these relationships?
l've tried again and again but failed
The one who owns the body only wants me to destroy what's in my heart
l worship in one temple, but immerse in the other
How to wipe it away from my heart...
all your memories?
Oh, the God in the temple of my heart
Thakur Haridas.
Greetings.
Where's Mr. Madhusudan going early this morning?
l came to meet you.
What's the matter? Why're you so nervous?
You've destroyed me.
You're a greedy man, and a cheater.
For money...
you've pushed me into the gutter.
Any unfairness?
When you knew...
she lived in a muslim's house for so long in Pakistan...
why did you recommend her?
What a great sin, Madhsudanji.
But l didn't know...
where she was and what she did all these years.
She's still in love with some man.
At night she didn't let me touch her.
And said...
'l don't consider you my master.'
'l've given my heart elsewhere...'
'and consider him my God.'
lt's really sinful...
for a wife to say this so strongly.
lt's like death for the husband.
That has enraged me.
l don't know what to do.
Have patience. First find out...
who this man in her heart is.
Once we know, we can proceed.
- How'll we find out? - That's my job.
And if l can't find out...
my name's not Thakur Haridas.
But you'll have to do your share.
All l know is...
that necklace round her neck...
hides the fact.
Don't worry Madhuji.
Nothing can be hidden from me.
We'll know all.
How are you daughter?
l'm alright.
You don't lack good looks, but...
by God's grace you don't lack jewels and clothes either.
Look at the bindiya...
like the morning star in the sky.
but the best of all...
is the necklace.
So beautiful. So colorful.
Like a God's necklace.
Where did you buy it from?
l didn't buy this.
Someone else must have bought it.
Ahmad chacha's son, Mehmood...
brought it for me from Muzafarabad.
Nice name.
You see, Maharaj?
lt's given by that scoundrel.
The one in her heart.
- Has she done anything wrong? - What can l say?
l'm crying over what l did.
This marriage is because of me.
And now l see what a disaster it is.
Shakuntala, tell me what's it about.
l don't understand them at all.
Ask me. l'll tell you.
She loved Mehmood, and still does.
But l want to know...
if it was so...
why did you get her married?
l think you knew all.
You deliberately cheated me.
You are as low and mean as your...
shameless and low daughter.
l'm the bride's father, Madhusudan.
My head will always bow.
Even if you shame me more...
l have to bear it in silence.
lt's the destiny of the girl's father.
You've started flattering me?
But l know...
it was because of your sin that...
God made you mad as a punishment.
l don't know...
what my punishment was for.
But l know this...
l was contented when mad...
and am unhappy in this sane state.
Where's God?
Why's he watching this unfairness?
God is called God for that, beti.
lf he saw like us...
he'd be human.
Don't take the name of God.
What are you and your father?
Sinful baggages.
l'll demean you both so much, you'll never forget.
lf Shakuntala's unacceptable...
she can go back to her father.
Oh, l want her.
She's my wife and will stay with me.
She'll get kicked all day.
lf you take her back...
how'll l get revenge?
How'll l calm my rage?
lf she's done anything wrong...
forgive her.
Forgiveness is religion.
Even great people go wrong...
and God forgives them.
But l also believe...
my daughter's done no wrong.
Because, the man who brought her up is an angel.
My friend was a God.
Anyone staying with him can't go wrong.
lf her honest confession was her sin...
then too forgive her.
Don't shun her for nothing.
- Don't torture her. - No one is listening to your lecture.
Go away.
Get out.
Father.
Listen, my beloved...
to my cries. The world has turned against me
My love calls out
People who torture me, think it will make me give up my love
The thread of love isn't so weak...
that it will break so easily
No matter how many difficulties there are, my heart won't accept defeat
l'm searching for those moments of happiness...
which passed by so quickly
We have both lost, my beloved
The world's ways have won
You live on the other side, and l on this side
Listen to the cries of my sorrowful heart
My love calls out
Listen, my beloved
- What is it? - You must write a letter to Mehmood.
l don't know his address.
l had arranged it many days ago.
One day Hardayal had written to Mehmood's father.
l offered to drop it in the letter box.
l wanted to see...
why he's still friendly with people across the border.
What kind.
But the letter's helping in another way today.
You always think ahead, Maharaj.
That's why l'm called Thakur.
What must l write to Mehmood.
You have to write...
Ayum Khan
Mehmood, a letter for you.
From lndia.
From lndia?
lt must be from Shakuntala.
My dear beloved...
l don't think you think of me.
Here, your memory is my life.
Every beat of the heart says...
we'll meet when the moon is full...
in the ruins near the border.
l'll wait for you.
Please come.
Do come.
Don't crush my hopes.
Don't disappoint me.
Be sure to come.
Catch him. He's snatched away my letter.
Where are you running off to?
Why'd he *** away my letter?
Give back the letter.
l thought we were insiders.
lf you're annoyed, here it is.
Speak up.
Why'd you want me to open my mouth?
l'll put tobacco in it.
Stop saying 'but, but'.
Don't you know my name is Dilbar Khan?
And your father's, Zabardast Khan.
Then open your mouth.
He'll learn his lesson...
when he sees who we are.
When l return, God willing, the world will have changed.
No fire, no smoke, as they say.
You won't get anything by killing Mehmood.
He's eternal, and will remain so.
You're going to deceive my Mehmood.
You want to kill him in revenge.
But you won't gain anything.
lt's my fault.
l was at fault.
lf love is a crime, l'm the criminal.
l'm the one you should punish for loving.
Move away.
Mehmood go back. He's come to kill you.
Stop, Shakuntala.
For God's sake, don't go there, Mehmood.
He'll kill you.
You're unarmed.
l'll give that beast what he deserves.