Saadat Hasan Manto- Film Review

This is a film about the author and screenwriter Manto. But it is also a broader statement about the film industry in India around the time of Indian independence (its unifying if commercial nature), and the divisive politics around that time which led to the formation of Pakistan, the migration, and violence that accompanied the shift.

It is directed well (Nandita Das), and acted in brilliantly by Nawazuddin. The author's character comes out as a fearless, modern, well-read and self-indulgent family man, on both sides of the border. The self-indulgence shows up in his choice of themes which are too realistic for the powers that be, and he faces flak from the establishment supported by the moral brigade. He of course, has his loyal friends and readers, but his life goes into a downward spiral, and he yearns for his earlier life in Mumbai where he lived most of his years.

Shyam (the actor who starred with Suraiya in Dillagi if I am not mistaken), Ashok Kumar, Jaddan Bai the singer, Naushad, the music director, are all characters in the film, and so is Ismat Chugtai, the author who stays back in Mumbai. Rasika Duggal, who plays his wife, and Tahir Raj Bhasin, playing Shyam, are exceptionally good. The enacted segments from his stories add a novel touch.

To me, it was a must-watch, and I am not disappointed.

Independence - My Wishlist

As an individual, I wish for independence from

1. LPG gas cylinders- can't we provide piped gas after so many years? Option 2, just provide cylinders everywhere for anyone who wants to buy one. Like Coca Cola.

2. KYC norms meant to harass all honest citizens.

3. Trash on TV. Shoot guys who make bad programs, maybe? Not seriously, but shut them up, at least.

4. SMS salestalk. It's crazy.

5. Email salestalk. Crazier.

6. Phone calls from strangers. I don't answer them, so it's not so serious, but still..

7. Mosquitoes. Can we have a repellant that works?

8. Parliament. They can work on email.

9. Visas. They are very irritating.

10. Independence day speeches.

Many are doable.

Independence Day

For me, this should mean independence from

1. Exploitation
2. Ignorance, Fear
3. War and war-mongering
4. Want
5. Fanaticism of any kind- ethnic, linguistic and so on.
6. False pride in anything (lacking corresponding achievement)
7. False gods (or people posing as gods).
8. Our many weaknesses.
9. Unfulfilling Pursuits
10. Crappy films/music/books

Independence and Us

What is it that we should seek independence from? Here are a few possibilities.

Ignorance

Greed

Nepotism

Fraud

Crime

Grime

Guilt

Low self-esteem

Cowardice in thought, action

Discrimination

Exploiting others

Insulting behaviour.

I know it's a long list, but we have been at it for a few years, if we are able to read this.

Shammi Kapoor and The Art of Being Independent

Shammi Kapoor passing away at this point may have a message. He was probably the first Indian hero to do his own thing. Particularly with his body contorting in unbelievable ways, gyrating to the rhythm of an OP Nayyar or Shankar Jaikishan or RD Burman. I used to as a teenager, love his films, and one of my favorites was his song Badan Pe Sitaare Lapete Hue, from 'Prince'. There were many others, too, like the Teesri Manzil songs, or Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar ke charche har zabaan par, probably one of the top 5 dance numbers from Indian movies. Rocking was an appropriate term for this guy, who seemed to epitomise the art of being happy. His son says in an interview day before yesterday that he advised his family to keep laughing and singing, never mind his condition! What an attitude.

What being independent means is probably just that. Being happy, whether you are on the street or in a palace. Freedom may be the better word. Freedom from what happens. Whatever happens, you are free, and happy. There was a story called 'Man's Search for Meaning' written by a guy, Viktor Frankl, who survived Hitler's concentration camp through sheer positive thinking and little else. Don't worry, be happy. And spread happiness.