''Baghban - the one that
tends to his garden''
''And a father,
who starts a family''
''Both sweat and toil to make
their roses and wards thrive''
''The gardener loves
not just the trees in his garden...''
''he loves their shadow too''
''For he hopes,
that one day...''
''when he's tired of life...''
''it is this very shade
that will prove useful for him''
''To the thirsting earth,
the clouds bring rains...''
''seasons come and go...''
''the fragrance of every season...''
''the gardener gifts
to his Eden''
''Every flower in the garden
is dear to the gardener...''
''he stands guard every moment,
on every leaf, every branch''
''ln the gardener
lives God''
Time for the morning walk...
c'mon!
Good morning!
Where are the others?
Fast asleep
''Wake up, O traveller.
Dawn has...''
l've been shouting and shouting.
Can't you walk a bit slowly?
''How are you, Ram Avtar...?''
But you said you weren't in the habit
of waking up early
''Yes, l did.
But how can l help it...?''
The way you shout up
early in the morning...
you wake up the whole neighbourbood.
And l live right behind your house
''Oh yes, you do''
You are the one who has
given me the house on rent
The landlord. You can evict me
any time you wish to
''l'll vacate the house, if you insist.
- Now look...''
don't ruin my mood early in the day.
You call yourself my brother...
and now you play with my emotions?
Like hell you'll vacate the house!
''Of course!
One day, l'll vacate your house''
Let's see!
Sat Sri Akal!
- Sat Sri Akal
lt's time you found another excuse
to start a fight
l've been listening to it for
25 years and l'm bored stiff
''Am l wrong, Tito?''
Why do you take the donkey out
for a walk everyday?
What rubbish! Tito's not a donkey.
lt's a dog!
lt was your dog
l put the question to!
There! He had the last word!
''Never mind, Ram Avtar.
l'll fix our friend tomorrow''
So you're up!
- What can l do?
When you leave for the walk...
''l'm in such a deep sleep,
that l just can't open my eyes''
''Come here, Pooja''
Guess why l go for a walk.
- For good health
Not at all. l go for a walk
so that when l return...
l can see your smiling face
when l return. Sit down
''ln that case, you needn't worry.
This story shall forever continue''
So let's sweeten our tongue!
- l haven't brushed my teeth yet
As if tigresses brush their teeth!
Eat it up
No...
- Eat! Jalebis from Jhanguram!
You will never improve.
- Never!
Here you are.
- What am l going to do with it?
Tie it.
- Do l know how to tie it?
You're a grown up man.
Why don't you learn it?
''lf l learn to tie it,
what happens of you?''
You will never improve!
- Why must l?
Listen...
l keep it right in front of your eyes.
And you still forget it every day
l don't forget it.
l deliberately leave it there
Why?
- Money from the Goddess of Wealth...
is always useful. May l go now?
''Come back soon.
- l'll stay back, if you insist''
You will never improve!
''Hello, Ram Sharan! Has your
grandson's fever subsided?''
''Yes, sir.
- Good''
He can just play with words
to flatter me
Couldn't he take a day off
from the office?
''But no, sir.
He can't see beyond his work''
''What's up, mister?
You look worried''
l've got to rush to the hospital
once l withdraw the money here
l've had my daughter-in-law
admitted in the labour ward
But no one here understands!
- Why must that upset you?
We have an ATM machine here.
You'll get the money immediately
Really?
- Yes
''To my loving husband''
''Who am l writing the ''loving'' for?''
lt's okay if he forgot it
in the morning
But he could've called
from the office
Let him return this evening.
l won't even talk to him
Our branch in Nainital can send a
bankers' cheque to the child's school
''Wow, Mr Malhotra!''
Everyone has it. But you are the one
who puts his brains to use
Take my advise and start
a business of your own
''Not a bad idea, sir.
But my problem is...''
l've got into the habit
of having a boss over me
You're the boss here.
And it's the wife at home
You! A magician!
''Before l can ring the bell,
you know it's me!''
Whether you ring the bell or not...
your footsteps ring a bell
in my heart
''Really? So let's...
- No, nothing today''
Why not?
- l'm angry with you
''Really? ln that case,
l'm angry with you too''
Why you?
- You tell me first
''lt's evening already,
and you haven't even wished me yet!''
Did you wish me then? How could
you forget this day?
''l forgot it...?
- Yes, you did''
l forgot it...?
And what's that?
''l've been cleaning up the house,
baking a cake for you and...''
So you haven't forgotten?
Does anyone forget to breathe?
''Without you, Pooja...
l was just a living being''
My heart started beating only after
you come into my life
And this was the day
you came into my life
''And this day, l shall
remember forever''
Congratulations on our
fortieth wedding anniversary
Fortieth! Don't be funny! l haven't
even looked at you properly yet!
Let me take a good look...
Wow! So beautiful!
Why don't you and l go out for
a candlelight dinner tonight?
''Champagne, roses...
you and l''
How about us?
- Hey! How did you get here?
What could we do?
You've forgotten...
that you have four sons and
three daughters-in-law
A grandson and a granddaughter too
But Mr and Mrs Raj Malhotra
have set out...
for a candlelight dinner
Are you going to stand there
and talk? Come here
When did you arrive...?
We didn't even get to know
You there... come here!
''How could we miss your
40th anniversary, dad?''
Who else is left...?
Karan! Come here
l'm the youngest.
l was waiting for my turn
''Wrong, Uncle!
l'm the youngest in the family''
Come here!
Where's Payal...?
She's growing up to be
just like her mother!
Ajju bhaiyya got married early
like you. And he stands to gain
How?
His daughter has grown up
before his hair has started graying!
Don't cast an evil eye
on our little girl
You kids have made us happy
by giving us a surprise today
''Your turn to make us happy by
giving us a small party, dad''
''Mr Bedi, they are...?''
They're the roses in
Mr Malhotra's garden
''This is Mr Rawal, our boss''
''That's son number one, Ajay.
Son number two Sanjay''
''Son number three Rohit,
and son number four...''
That was a wrong introduction
''Whatever their names, these sons are
like Ram, Laxman, Bharat and Shatrughan''
That's very well said!
''But where's their father,
the King Dashrath ?''
What are you staring at?
Come and fasten it
Oh sure
''l was right, you know.
- What?''
You are indeed a magician
You know how to hold time
in your fist
Which is why you're still 20
and l'm already 60
lt isn't time. lt's your love
l have held in my fist
Love is the magic that
keeps you forever young
''ln that case, we're going
to be young all our lives''
''Ajay, go and see if the bride
and the bridegroom are ready''
''The newly-weds haven't left for their
honeymoon already, have they?''
Look at those smiles!
Congratulations
''To you too, sister-in-law''
lf we can follow the
traditions of the British...
''in honeymoons, birthdays
and anniversaries...''
why don't we remember a
lovely little custom of theirs?
What custom?
ln which the bridegroom carries
his bride in his arms...
and crosses the threshold
of his house!
''That's a nice idea!
- That's a great idea, Rawal-saheb!''
''So carry your wife, Raj!''
Are you out of your mind...?
Look at Raj's age at least
What's wrong with my age?
''Raj, if you strain your waist,
you'll land in serious trouble''
You think l've grown old?
l've gone senile?
l'm still young enough.
Want me to carry her to prove it?
''C'mon, lady...''
where to?
Hey beautiful one...
''well, all right.
Plan number two''
C'mon!
''My butterball,
my pretty lady...''
''my moonbeam''
''Your gait is so enticing...''
''you are amazing, O beautiful one''
''My pretty lady,
my beautiful one...''
''without you,
l would surely die''
''My handsome beloved...''
''yours is an amazing dance''
''My butterball,
my beautiful lady...''
''my moonbeam''
''A picture as lovely
as the Moon...''
''you are the most beautiful one''
''You are the one
l could die for...''
''you are the one
l need oh so much''
''You are my dream,
you are my destiny...''
''you are the Moon
among the stars''
''You are the one who puts
the stars to shade...''
''you are the most beautiful
of them all''
''O beloved...''
''Your gait is so enticing...''
''you are beyond compare,
O beautiful one''
''My handsome beloved...''
''yours is an amazing dance''
''My butterball,
my beautiful lady...''
''my moonbeam''
''My heart l lost
in finding my beloved''
''l was lost to myself
so l could have you''
''Your beauty it is
that lights up...''
''my humble abode''
''You are the one
l continue to breathe for''
''lt's you that keeps me young''
''ln your thick tresses...''
''l find my heaven,
my life''
''O beloved...''
''Your gait is so enticing...''
''you are amazing,
O beautiful one''
''My butterball,
my beautiful lady...''
''without you, l'd die''
''My handsome beloved...''
''yours is an amazing dance''
''You are my father,
you are my mother...''
''you are my friend,
you are my confidante''
Alok! My son!
Alok!
''My respects, father.
- May you live a hundred years''
Talk to your mother.
She badly wants to talk to you
''Hello, mother. My respects''
l pray to God that you
keep smiling forever...
and forever be together
Your studies are over now.
When are you coming to lndia?
We miss you so much.
- l miss you all too
''With your blessings, l've found
a very nice job here''
l'm trying to get a transfer to
lndia in a month or two
That's wonderful! Come back soon
We'll find a pretty girl
and get you married to her
Why're you laughing?
- l've found the girl already
Found her...?
lt's for you to decide
whether she's pretty or not
So send us a photo quickly.
What's her name?
l've sent the photographs.
You could receive it tomorrow
''Her name is Arpita, mother
- Lovely name''
''Thanks, mother.''
''Good bye, mother''
l could at least muster the courage
to talk to mother and father
And what if your parents
don't approve of me?
Will you still marry me?
They are the folks who picked
up an orphan from the streets...
and took him to the stage
where l stand today
''They're my Gods, Arpita''
lt's true that if they had
turned down this marriage...
l wouldn't have gone ahead with it.
lt's also true...
that l wouldn't ever have
married all my life
But l'd love you all my life.
l promise you
lt's just this trait of yours
that makes me love you so much
''Whether we get married or not,
l will always belong to you''
The kids' arrival really
livened up things
You have given me
very lovable children
''l gave you the children, yes.
But it's you who made them lovable''
Have they gone to bed?
- Yes...
Anju and Karan are
sleeping in our room
Sanjay and Rohit?
- ln the room downstairs
Where's the poor bachelor Karan?
Karan's sleeping in the hall
with Rahul and Payal
That's all right...
but where are we going to sleep?
We...? Come with me
We're going to sleep here.
- Here...?
''Why? lsn't it good enough?
- Oh no, it's first-class''
''People unnecessarily go to
places like London, Paris...''
New York and so on
for their honeymoon
This is a great place
And where is your pillow?
- Mine?
Here it is
You will never improve either
''We must leave now, dad.
We had a great time''
When are you coming again?
On Diwali?
But Holi's coming up before Diwali.
- Oh yes! For Holi!
Don't forget to call once
you get home
''ln just 24 hours, the house
appears to be so lonely again''
''True, but these 24 hours
gave us so much of joy''
Sanju wasn't to be seen.
ls he staying over for a few days?
There's still time for his train.
- l see
And he...
- He...?
''He needs 50,000 rupees.
- 50,000 rupees?''
He wants to take a loan
to buy a car
And what do you call one's
own initial contribution...?
''The down payment.
- Yes, right''
He's hesitating to tell you.
- Hesitating to tell me?
Yes
''What happened, dad?''
l'm very angry with you.
- Angry? What...
What you have done
is very bad
''Dad, l was only...
- Sit down''
''Now tell me, since when has your
Mummy been coming between you and me?''
''lf there's anything you need,
you must tell me...''
why hesitate in telling me?
''Dad, l thought maybe you will...''
''My son, l am your father.
And as long as l live...''
my children need not worry
about anything
Go to Delhi without a worry.
The money will follow you there
''Don't you want to have breakfast?
- Sure, dad''
''lt's this loan of 50,000 that you've
sought against your gratuity''
''Do you realise, there will be nothing
left in your account after this?''
There's no question of turning down
a sincere employee like you
But you're a friend too
And you have always encouraged people
to invest wisely for the future
But you haven't thought
of your own future
''Whatever you have earned, you have
spent in meeting your children's needs''
The truth is that
after one retires...
one's savings is his
greatest strength
''My strength is the smile on
my children's faces, sir''
What good is the money that is
of no use to my children?
''ln any case, l'm just not worried about
what will happen after my retirement''
''By God's grace, l have four sons.
Four priceless fixed deposits''
''Four fixed deposits,
eight able hands...''
are more than enough for my support
''Documents for you, sir''
My dear lady! The flight might
be delayed in a take off...
but you will never be late
in opening the door!
Why're you messing with the teapot?
Let that be and give me your hand...
your hand
Wow! So quickly?
''As a father, one has to
do his sons' bidding''
Our children mustn't be held up
for the sake of money
Whose letter is it?
- Alok's
lt must be the girl's pictures!
You're still such a kid!
''Let me see.
- Lovely girl, isn't she?''
Yes. Beautiful couple
l'm glad Alok will
settle down too
But you left no stone unturned
in making him what he is today
''No, Pooja.
l have done nothing''
This kid always had the spirit
to reach out for the skies
l have only encouraged his spirit
''lt seemed as if it happened
only yesterday, isn't it?''
On my mother's death anniversary...
the two of us were coming out
of the orphanage...
when a sweet little voice
made us freeze in our trail
''Sir! Want a shoeshine, sir?''
''Please, sir. l'll give it
a great shine for just one rupee''
''ls that your book, son?''
''Yes, sir. l want to study.
And study a lot too''
People say it's very necessary to study
to achieve something in life
''So l shine shoes.
Please let me do it, sir''
What is your name?
- They call me Chhotu at the orphanage
''But when l join a school,
l'll register myself as Alok''
Do you know what Alok means?
- Yes
''The manager says,
Alok means light''
''Who are you talking to, Chhotu?''
''You're still here, sir?
- Yes''
''This child shall henceforth
be called Alok, not Chhotu''
He wants to study and
do something in life...
and l'm sure he will do it
''Alok, come here''
''l'll have you admitted
to a school, son''
You can study there.
As much as you want to
''To do that, you won't need this''
Enough. Be happy
lt wasn't my feet. The child had
touched my heart that day
True. And he did what he wanted to
With his sincerity
and your loving support...
Alok has even gone abroad
for studies. And now...
Mother?
- Alok?
You'll live a hundred years!
We were talking about you
Set it down. Let me also listen.
- Mother...
''Ask her about the photographs.
- Yes, l will''
Mother...
- Ask her!
Ask her is she has
received the envelope!
''Mother, that envelope...?''
''Young man, are you asking us about
the photographs or the envelope?''
''Hello, father''
''l must tell you,
we've received both''
So what do you think?
''She's okay. Although the nose
is a bit small, she's plump...''
''and the eyes, Pooja...?
- Why're you teasing him?''
''Alok, he's only joking''
''Arpita is very sweet.
- Thanks, mother''
Don't delay the good deed.
Get married immediately
Without your presence?
''My son, think we are with you.
You have our blessings...''
but it's impossible for us
to be there with you
We'll wait for the day when you will
come home with our daughter-in-law
''Very well, father.
As you wish''
Bless you. May you be happy
What happened?
What did they say?
Why do you look so worried?
Why the sad face?
Tell me what they said
''They said, you appear to be a snob''
lf only your lips were...
it would be so good
Who said that?
Mummy said something
about being the snob...
and father spoke about your lips.
As for the eyes...
As for the eyes...?
They said...
- What?
They can see your heart
in your eyes...
with my picture etched on it.
- Who said that?
Both. Orders are to get married
at the earliest
''With whom...?
- You, of course''
''Never before...''
''was l in such a state''
''l've lost my sleep,
l'm losing my peace...''
''something surely
is happening to me''
''Never before...''
''was l in such a state''
''l've lost my sleep,
l'm losing my peace...''
''something surely
is happening to me''
''lt's the first ever feeling
of love...''
''how will l tell you
what my thirst is all about?''
''lt's restless,
it beats wildly...''
''my heart has found someone...''
''something surely
is happening to me''
''My beloved, l have found
on the path of love...''
''every desire of my heart
has been fulfilled''
''Let there be no distances
between us anymore''
''ln the shade of your tresses,
l'm going to sleep...''
''something surely
is happening to me''
''Never before...''
''was l in such a state''
''l've lost my sleep,
l'm losing my peace...''
''something surely
is happening to me''
Today's not a holiday...
so why's the bank so deserted?
What's all this?
''Mr Malhotra, today is your
last day at the office''
And everyone here says that it'll
be very lonely without you
''Raj, you are the one who shared
everyone's joys and sorrows...''
''you lent a ear to everyone.
But today, everyone will listen...''
and you will do the talking.
- What will l say?
lt's been 30 years.
365 days of a year...
and eight hours of the day...
l've spent a major part
of my life here with you folks
With your love and affection
l'm feeling sad about leaving
But that's the rule of life
One goes away and another comes
to take his place
''When l leave, someone
else will come here...''
''with a new name, a new face
and a new spirit''
''And l'll go away elsewhere,
take up another job''
There's my new boss
She's looking at me angrily
with the expression...
You'll never improve!
- Never
Raj Malhotra isn't one
who'll improve
''Malhotra saheb, we're all
very sad that you're retiring''
Why don't you take an extension of
another 2 years and continue with us?
Absolutely!
''Rawal saheb, in the mad rush
of our work...''
we treat life like a morsel
of food had in haste
''The rest of my life, l want to
take it easy and enjoy myself''
With my wife and kids
''Should you ever have the need,
do please remember...''
that the doors of this office and
our hearts are forever open to you
Pooja...
''What happened?
- You ask, what happened?''
''Will you fix this tie, please?
- Where will you go then?''
''Mr Malhotra, maybe
you're forgetting...''
that l have retired?
So what if l've retired?
''A tie, l will wear every day.
And that too...''
as usual
Actually you're right
Where will we go?
What will we do?
''l've read the newspaper
four times over, watched TV...''
''had my breakfast,
but things are so boring''
''l think l must visit Mr Rawal
tomorrow and say, l'm joining duty''
You're going back on your word now.
- Why?
You're the one who told Mr Rawal
that you will live with your children
Didn't you say that?
''Oh yes, l did''
''Dear son. Lots of love
to all of you''
''Your Mummy and l miss you all
very much''
''l miss you a bit too much.
Because l have all the time now''
''l have retired and want to take
some decisions for the future''
''We want you to help us
take the decision''
''Holi is coming up next week.
lf you could come over...''
''it would not only brighten the
festival, we could have a chat too''
''Lots of love.
Your Papa''
''Hello, brother. Sanjay here.
- Yes, Sanjay?''
''Have you received Papa's letter?
- Yes, l have''
So what have you decided?
- Your sister-in-law says...
we must all go there.
Dad has retired...
he must have received the money
of his gratuity and provident fund
We must talk to him about what needs
to be done with such a huge amount
We'll even celebrate
Holi there
''When music is made...''
''the drum beat
rents the air''
''When heart meets heart...''
''one colour blends
into another''
''So play with the colours,
O valiant heroes''
''The valiant heroes of
Avadh play with the colours...''
''they play with the colours''
''Here come swaying
the folks and the wives...''
''with gay abandon, play the
valiant heroes of Avadh''
''So let's play with the colours''
''He feels no shame...''
''he forgets how old he is''
''At 60, he flirts with me''
''He applies the colour on my face.
My beloved is indeed a colourful one''
''He sprays the colours
on my scarf...''
''the valiant hero of Avadh
plays with the colours''
''This season, do not douse
the colours on me''
''l have sworn
to stay off you''
''She sizes me up
from head to toe...''
''my beloved won't look
in my heart''
''Although l'm old,
l'm young at heart...''
''take me in your arms.
Let your anklets chime''
''lt's so truly said, the valiant
heroes of Avadh play with the colours''
''Let's play with the colours''
Dinner's about to be served
''Grandpa, why do you always
sit on that chair?''
Because this chair is meant
for the head of the family...
and l'm the head of this family.
- How come?
How come?
This dining table is
like a huge tree
''Your grandma, who's about
to sit there...''
is the root of the tree.
She holds the tree together
And your grandpa
is the strong stem...
''who keeps a watch over everyone.
- How about Mummy, Papa...''
uncle and aunt?
All the others?
They... they're the branches
of this mighty tree
''And before you ask me what you
and Payal are, let me tell you...''
you are the sweet fruit
this tree has borne!
Here comes the food!
Wow! Almond halwa!
This bowl is for me!
No one else is getting it
''Forget it, Rohit.
Everyone knows...''
''that the chief of the Branch, Ajju,
is Mom's favourite blue-eyed boy''
Make do with the water
''Wow, Mom! Phirni!''
Don't worry. l've made something
special for each one of you
How about me?
You can eat what we leave.
- Really?
''Come on, children''
''C'mon, girls''
You won't hurt your hand
if you put it in my mouth
''After ages, we've enjoyed
Holi so much. lsn't it?''
''Yes, father. this is the best Holi
l've had since my marriage''
And this is my first Holi.
- Don't tell me!
''When the family's together, every day's
Holi and Deepawali. Right, father?''
''Yes, my son. l must accept it
before the whole family...''
that l'm indeed very fortunate
to have got so much of happiness
There were only the two of us
to begin with
''And gradually, with your arrival,
our joys knew no bounds''
''Dad, there was something
you wanted to say?''
''Yes, there was something
l wanted to say''
''But before l say it, there's
something l also want to ask you''
''Go ahead, dad''
l have always believed
that l have very good sons
What l want to know is
whether our children...
consider their Mummy and Papa
to be any good too?
''Dad, you're the limit''
''l don't think anyone in the world
has as good parents we have, dad''
''We are very lucky, dad, to have
loving and caring parents like you''
Good. Now l can say
what l want to
lt's just this much
lf we had to account for whatever we
had collected over the last 40 years...
we would come to the conclusion that
in the struggle of life...
''we never could be together,
despite wanting to''
We didn't even get to know when you
had grown up and gone your ways
The joy that was in
living together...
came to us in small moments
And we always kept looking forward
to these small moments...
when we would meet
and get together
But now l have retired
And l have all the time
in the world
''And now, l want to make good what
l have lost in the last 40 years''
''By giving you our love,
by having your love...''
by staying with you
''Till now, we made a lot of
decisions for you''
''But now, we want you to
take this decision in our lives''
Your Mummy and Papa...
don't want to stay away from you
anymore. They want to live with you
You must now decide...
''when, how and whom we
are going to stay with''
That's all l had to say
You want to discuss it
among yourselves?
Go ahead. We'll go out
''Come on, Pooja.
Let the kids get to work''
What?
Why's everyone looking at me?
The two of us have
a lot of problems anyway
To live in a city that's so
expensive... you know how it is
And we have to get our daughter
married in a couple of years
What happens of that?
- Absolutely. lt's just not possible
l'd definitely have taken
Mom and Dad with me
But Reena goes to work
and...
No way! To work in
the office all day...
and put up with the arrogance of my
in-laws at home! That's not happening
l've just started a new life.
l'm in a bad way
l've got to change residence
every eleven months
''Karan, why don't you take them along?
You'll be looked after and so will they''
''Wow, sister-in-law!
Thanks but no thanks!''
l can barely look after myself.
How will l take care of them?
The kids are taking a lot
of time in taking a decision
They must be having a fight about
who will take us home first
''Oh yes, that's quite possible''
Think of something.
What are we going to do?
''What else, Kiran? We'll have to
take Mom and Dad with us''
They have no one here
''For years, we have lived
as we wanted to, Ajay''
''lt's not a joke to suddenly start
all over again, is it?''
One minute
Can't Mummy and Daddy continue
to live here?
''Whatever help they need, we...
- What are you saying, sister-in-law?''
Help... and Dad...?
He'll never accept it!
l have an idea
''Brother, you take Mummy with you.
And l'll take Papa to my house''
''Three months later,
Papa will go to Rohit's place...''
and Mummy will go to Karan's.
They'll get to live with all of us
And that won't burden anyone either.
Well? What do you say?
''That's a flop idea, brother''
You know very well that Mom and Dad
will never agree to part from each other
That's the main punch of
my husband's idea
Neither will Mummy and Papa agree
to live apart from each other...
nor will they come to live with us.
End of the problem
They'll be happy where they are
and we'll be happy in our homes
Here they are
''Sorry to have kept the
two of you waiting, dad''
''Actually, we couldn't decide which
one of us will take you along first''
''Karan said, if Mummy and Papa live
with everyone in turns...''
his turn would come after 2 years
Why must l wait for so long?
- Hey Karan... l come before you
l wish l could have Mummy
and Papa with me. Forever
We thought about everybody's
feelings and decided that...
Papa will live with us
and Mummy will stay with Kiran
''After six months, Papa
can move to Rohit's...''
and Mummy can go to Karan's
''ln that way, all of us
will have your love''
What do you think?
- Great idea
lmpossible! They don't
want to share our love...
they want to split the two of us!
- Will you listen...?
l'm not listening and l can't
part with you. And that's it
''Now look, you are mistaking
your own flesh and blood''
''That's just what l regret, Pooja!
Despite being our flesh and blood...''
''and a part of us, they can't see
that their parents are one''
God has united us as one...
and they think of separating us?
- That's not how it is
l don't want to listen to anything.
Go and tell your children...
that we are happy where we are
l never needed their support in the
past. Nor will l in the future
How can you say such things?
What mistake have they made?
They have yearned for our love
for so many years
''To have that, they have found a way.
So why are you so angry?''
''Look, please don't suspect
our children's intentions''
Please don't break their heart
l place you under oath
You know how your tears
and oaths weaken me
All right. Go ahead. And tell
your children what you want to
We agree with your decision
Let us know when and where
we are going
''And you guys were rejoicing
at your idea, weren't you?''
See what happened?
How were we to know that they so
badly want to come to our houses...
that they'd even agree
to live separately?
''O Sun, who has spread this
gloomy sunshine in my rosegarden?''
''Why the darkness
of loneliness...?''
''What did you seek?
And what did you get...?''
''think hard, O Guardian''
''God is our Guardian...''
''only God is our Protector''
''You're still here, Karan?
Who'll get a cab? Go on''
Will you hurry up a bit?
- l can't shut the bag
''l can't understand why you travel
with so much of luggage, Priya''
Don't fight. Go on.
l'll see
Want me to fix the tie?
l'm not going to wear the tie.
Never again
Listen... come here
l won't be there with you
Take your medicines on time
You have an allergy
to frozen foods
Don't forget
Ram Avtar says...
if the rudraksh remains
near your heart...
your blood pressure will be normal
''You are the one who's
closest to my heart, Pooja''
There's no room for a rudraksh
or anything else
You will never improve
''Yes, l will never improve.
Never''
''Where are Mom and Dad?
- lnside, romancing''
Mom and Dad! Hurry up!
We're getting late
''Who has lit the fire
of sorrow...?''
''my fields are rendered
wastelands''
''From a thriving garden
of life...''
''rises a sandstorm''
''What did you sow?
What did you reap...?''
''think about it, Caretaker''
''Only God is our Protector today''
''He's our only Caretaker''
''Must say, Raju''
Nice way you're repaid me for a
friendship and love of 40 years
What had you said to me?
''That we're friends as youngsters,
we will not part even as old men''
''So what happened now?
Where is your friendship, love...''
''affection and loyalty...?
- Ram Avtar, listen to me...''
l don't want to listen to anything.
You're a cheat of the first order
''Without even a word to me,
you're breaking all relationships?''
Breaking relations?
With you and this house?
This is the house
where l brought my wife
This is where my children
were born and brought up
Will l break relations with it?
No way
l have very fond memories
with you and this house
How can l severe ties
with them?
Tell me
Here you are
What will l do with it?
What will l do with the keys?
Must l erase your memories
and find a new tenant?
No tenant is ever going to live here.
This is your house
And yours it will always be
''l must leave now, brother''
l'll take the dogs with me.
l can't see them stay apart and suffer
''Stay with Karan.
And don't bother him, okay?''
Mama...
our taxi's over there
How much?
- 80 bucks
''What will l say?
When we got there, we were told...''
that Sanju's father has retired.
He has neither a place to stay...
nor any money. What could l do?
l had to bring him along
Tell me about yourself
''Please don't suspect
our children's intentions''
''Please don't break their heart''
''l place you under oath''
Let's go to our room!
- Our room?
''Yes, your room and mine.
C'mon!''
''Hello, sir.
- Hello, Lalita bai''
''Come on in, Mom''
l'll be right back
''Hello, madam.
- Hello. ls everything okay?''
''Lalita-bai, take Mom's luggage
to Payal's room''
l can't share my room with anyone
''Payal, she's your grandmother.
- So what?''
l don't want to compromise
my privacy at any cost
''This girl won't even let me into
her room for a long time, Mummy''
What are you getting at?
ls Mom going to live in the hall?
''Don't be upset, son.
l'll manage anywhere''
Just find a place
to keep my luggage
''Lalita, keep her luggage
in your room''
And spread a new bedsheet
on the bed
ln my room?
- Yes. You can sleep in the kitchen
''Who does she think she is? With the
luggage in my room, where will l go?''
''At this rate,
l'm going to move out soon''
''Where do l keep your glasses, grandpa?
- Oh yes, give that to me''
And what is this?
- lt's a typewriter
Why've you brought the typewriter?
You can type on my computer instead
''This is the typewriter your grandma
gifted to me, my son''
She asked me to write to her.
But l never had the opportunity
''Neither was l separated from her,
nor did l ever write to her''
''But now, l'm going to type out
a letter to your grandma''
''Grandpa, you love grandma
very much, don't you?''
''Sure, l do.
- And she loves you a lot too?''
She loves me just too much
''l'll give you so much of love,
you will never miss grandma!''
''Yes, son. l can only
think of your grandma now''
''Dinner is served, Sanju''
''Papa-ji, that's Sanju's place.
Please sit on the other chair''
''Mummy, that chair is for the head
of the family''
''And grandpa is the head!
- That's true, my son''
But the one who sits there
has a lot of work to do
''Passing around the dishes,
looking into everyone's plate''
''Let your Papa do that, not me''
''Where were you, Reena?
l called your office''
l was very busy.
Was it something important?
Nothing important. l thought we'd
have a Chinese meal together
''Tomorrow.
Right now, eat what l've made''
''Stop it now, Sanju.
You've done enough work''
''A bit more, darling.
- No''
l've got to wake up early.
Come on
Come on!
Let's go
You want me to come running to you?
Listen son...
The telephone...?
could l...
use it...?
to talk to your mother
''And where is your pillow?
- Mine?''
''Here it is''
l've been waiting for your call.
Did you reach home safely?
This is the first time
l'm not with you...
l can't go to sleep without you.
l'm missing you very much
How are you?
''Why don't you speak?
Say something, please''
''You and l are separated...''
''what has life come to?''
''You and l are
separated...''
''what has life come to?''
''You are the only one l see
everywhere l cast a glance, my love''
''l get no sleep...
l miss you badly''
''l can't live
without you anymore''
''You and l are
separated...''
''what has life come to?''
''lt's as if Time has come
to a standstill''
''There's gloom everywhere''
''l pine for you...''
''l'm lonely in body,
thirsting in soul''
''Not even for a moment...''
''why won't your face
fade away from my eyes?''
''Days and nights do go by...''
''a lonely life,
just won't go by''
''l can't say a word to you,
even if l wish to...''
''what anguish do l suffer?''
''You and l are
separated...''
''what has life come to?''
Okay then... bye
Don't forget to write
''Whenever l hear footsteps...''
''l feel as if you have arrived''
''Like a whiff of fresh air...''
''you have lent
fragrance to my breath''
''Those were the days
when we were always together...''
''and there is so much of
distance between us now''
''You and l are
separated...''
''what has life come to?''
''Good dogs don't bite
good folks, son''
''l'm glad you stopped him, mota bhai...
He kept chasing me like mad''
But why was it chasing you?
- He was making me jog
That dog came in my wife's dowry.
lt's from my in-laws' place
And l thought it wanted to bite you.
- That's my wife's job
He only makes me run
But l'm surprised he stopped
at your voice
''Yes, l have two dogs too.
Tiger and Pinky''
l also take them for a stroll.
- l see. You've just arrived in Delhi?
''Yes, l came only yesterday
to stay with my son''
See that building there...?
Urvashi...? That's the one
Whose flat in Urvashi?
- Sanjay... Sanjay Malhotra
''Third floor? So you're Sanjay's father?
- Yes, do you know him?''
''Of course. He has a son, Rahul''
Very sweet kid.
He comes to my music cafe
Music cafe...?
- Behind Urvashi...
Archie's Music Cafe. lt's mine.
- l see
''lt's two in one. Listen to the music
and drink coffee, if you wish to''
''Actually, it's three in one.
- Three in one?''
''ln the ''hole'' inside, there's a library.
Read whatever book you want to''
''You mean, one has to
get into a hole to read?''
''No! Not ''hole''...
a big ''hole''. 20 by 20''
Hall! l see!
So you're a Gujarati?
''But my wife's Hindi speaking.
- Two in one again, l see''
''Mota bhai... comic punch, eh?''
Why do you call me Mota bhai.
Do l look mota (mota=fat) ?
''Not fat... in Gujarati, mota bhai
means elder brother. Out of respect''
What is your name?
- Hemantbhai Patel
''Yes, l'm leaving.
He's going to make me run''
You must come to my music cafe and
drink the coffee my wife makes
First class coffee
l only drink the tea
my wife brews...
l mean...
l used to
''For the first time, l am not
serving you tea today''
Here you are with the newspaper
and Sanju's been screaming for it
You'll remain at home all day.
You can read it later
Kiran... where are you?
What is the matter?
- Am l not getting any tea?
l knew this was coming.
- What is coming?
''You know, the maid has run away
after Mummy arrived?''
She has run away?
What has Mama to do
with the maid running away?
You don't know how spoilt
the servants are nowadays
She refused to sleep in the kitchen!
Why are you quiet? l'm not getting
up early to make tea for everybody
''Let her make the tea for herself.
- Don't be upset, Kiran''
l'm here
l'm in the habit of working
l used to make the tea for your Papa.
Now l'll make it for my children
Reena! Hurry up!
l'll be delayed again because of you!
- What can l do?
There's an extra man's work to do
l've got to cook for your father...
''iron his clothes, get Rahul ready,
and there's no one to help''
''Bye, my child''
''Mummy, l'm leaving for the kitty party.
Cook whatever you want to for yourself''
But Payal...
- She has already left
She'll return only in the evening
after her dance classes. Bye
Mota bhai!
Come on!
''Welcome, mota bhai!
This is my music cafe''
Come on inside
The music cafe... see?
Shanti...
take care of your dowry
l'm coming...
and you're always picking on him
What is it? Why've you been yelling?
- The dog's been barking...
and she says l'm yelling!
This is Rahul's grandpa
''l told you that l met him in
the garden. Mota-bhai, this is my wife''
Namaste.
- Namaste
''Forgive me, you dropped
your lemons because of me''
You speak very good Hindi.
- Please don't embarrass me
''Things will fall, mota bhai. But she
broke some eggs the other day''
''She's not just my wife,
she's my life! My better-half''
Please be seated. l'll get
some great coffee for you
Could l have some tea instead?
At least try the coffee l make
He wants tea. So get him tea.
And make it nicely
''The other day you made tea and the
customer said, ''Wonderful soup''
How would a monkey know
the stage is bent?
''God! lf you must use proverbs in
Hindi, at least get them properly''
''Why do you mix them up?
- No, l always use single terms''
''Lies! You decide this, mota bhai.
You are Hindi speaking, aren't you?''
''The one he used just now,
wasn't it a mix of two proverbs?''
Two.
- Two? How?
''How would a monkey know
the taste of ginger''
''The one who can't dance
blames the dance floor''
l mixed up ginger and dance floor.
- Hear that? Okay?
l'll get you some nice tea now
The lemons! She left them here!
Great! You have indeed
a cheerful place here
lsn't it? Earlier we pined
for a child
And now there are so many
boys and girls around
''We don't have a child, you see''
Hey kids... come here
This is the kid party.
And this is Mr Raj Malhotra
He's like my elder brother.
Please be seated
''This is Kapil. ln London,
his father...''
has a publication.
And that's Nili
She's fair of skin but
calls herself nili (blue)
''Kiran...
- She has gone out somewhere, son''
She must've told you where she's going?
- No
She must be coming
''May l say something, son?''
You must keep a track
of these things...
''where your wife is,
where your daughter is''
Your Papa always took care
of these things
''That was interference on his part, Mom.
lt was his dominating nature''
Every human being must have the right
to lead the life he wants to
But there's need for
order in the family
lt's your job. Your Papa always
kept the family under control
He maintained a certain amount
of discipline
He kept the family together.
- Not so much discipline...
as to start interfering in each
other's lives and ruining their freedom
Whatever he did
was for our own well-being
lt was only his love
''When love crosses its limits,
it becomes suffocating, Mom''
''You mean, our love for you
was stifling you?''
Why're you getting into this argument?
You're here as a guest for a few days
So behave like a guest
l came here because
l thought it was my house
But you have turned your mother
into a guest
Haven't you gone to sleep?
''l couldn't go to sleep, but what are
you upto? lt's 2 in the morning''
''l have a presentation of a new project
at the office tomorrow, dad''
''So l'll have to complete
my work, won't l?''
''Not your cup of tea, dad''
Why not? This is what l've been
doing for the last forty years
How can you compare
your petty 9 to 5 job...
with the workload of
a multinational like ours?
''ln your days, there wasn't any
competition nor any tension''
But we've got to keep up
all nights to survive
So you think things were
very easy for us?
''That we had no tension in our lives?
Of course, there was the tension''
''But despite that, we gave the
best of our output to our work...''
''we worked hard for a living,
earned respect...''
l brought up four sons to lead a
life with their heads held high
''Yes, dad. But you will
have to admit, dad...''
''that your sons had the ability,
the skill and the talent...''
with which they paved a way for
themselves and achieved their goals
''And built this house.
That's not all, dad''
''With my presence, l have
also secured my future...''
so that l don't have to beg
before anyone when l grow old
''What happened, dad?
Why're you looking at me like that?''
''You have to agree, whatever we are
today, it's on our own steam''
''ln any case, what have
you done for us?''
''that your sons had the ability,
the skill and the talent...''
''with which they paved a way for
themselves and achieved their goals''
''And built this house.
That's not all, dad''
''With my presence, l have
also secured my future...''
''so that l don't have to beg
before anyone when l grow old''
True...
what have we done for them?
lf we have fed you children...
and ourselves gone to bed
on a hungry stomach...
what have we done for you?
lf we have killed every
little desire we had...
to fulfill all your...
''to fulfill all your needs,
what have we done for you?''
lf we have sacrificed
our present for your future...
what have we...
still done for you?
We have done nothing
for anyone
Nothing at all
''Walking in your footsteps when we
were taking the vows, l thought...''
''l was your shadow''
''But you took my hand
and said...''
''you are not my shadow,
you are my better half...''
''my companion for life''
''Separated from you,
l feel so incomplete''
''Neither is it the same 7
in the morning anymore...''
''nor is it 5:30 of the old times''
''Nor even do l find the tea
any sweet without you''
What happened?
- ls everything all right?
Oh yes. l received a letter from
my wife and couldn't stop my tears
''For the first time in 40 years,
we have been separated from each other''
See? He's missing sister-in-law
See how he misses his wife.
And look at you!
''That's not true, darling. l shed tears
too, when l'm separated from you''
Really?
- Tears of joy!
Stop joking and learn
something from him
Uncle Raj can miss his wife and cry
even after 40 years of marriage
Will you also miss me
like this?
''Now look, children.
lf your love is true...''
it remains fresh and attractive
till you breathe your very last
''After listening to you, the kids have
forgotten about Romeo Juliet...''
and become your fans.
- Oh yes. And they must too
All the legendary lovers died
pining for their beloveds
But our mota bhai has been living
with his beloved for 40 years
The world ought to know
about this love story
''You ought to write, Uncle.
- Yes! Why don't you write?''
''Write about it, mota bhai...
- But l'm not a writer. l can't write!''
At least try... try!
''The world ought to know
about this love story''
''You ought to write, Uncle.
- Yes! Why don't you write?''
''Write about it, mota bhai...
- You must! You must''
''Times of the past,
l think of...''
''whenever l'm alone''
''Silence speaks to me...''
''and l cry,
away from prying eyes''
''lt's ages since l have smiled''
''Tears are now my lot''
''You and l are separated...''
''what has life come to?''
''You are the only one l see,
everywhere l cast a glance, my love''
''Sleep eludes me,
l can't stop thinking about you''
''Without you,
l cannot live anymore''
THE CARETAKER
''Payal, you're late again today?''
What happened?
Why're you yelling?
''Make it clear to your mother, daddy.
Ask her not to play mummy with me!''
She keeps taunting me
and intruding...
''Payal, my child...
- Please be quiet''
And please stop interfering
in my personal life. Okay?
Why're you targetting
my poor daughter?
Payal is my daughter too...
- Mama!
We have enough troubles
in our lives already
Why're you creating more problems?
l say it because there
ought not to be anymore problems
Payal is a girl...
- Times have changed
There's no difference
between men and women
Times never change for a woman
''lt was my duty to caution you,
and l did''
We know our duties! l beg you...
don't say anything to Payal again!
''Sanju... wake up, please''
What happened?
- You can drink and go to sleep
But what about me? Papa has hit upon
a new ruse to disturb me
''Go and ask him to stop
making that noise, please''
l've got to get up early and
do the chores. l need to sleep
Dad... what are you doing
in the middle of the night?
l couldn't go to sleep.
So l thought...
''You get less sleep
at this age anyway, dad''
But that doesn't mean you
won't let the others sleep
At least think about Reena.
She's the first to wake up...
get Rahul ready
and cook for all of us
Please... it would be nice
if you could think about her
God! He's going to get me
killed someday!
''Preetam!
- Yes, brother-in-law?''
''Come here, pipsqueak!
- Coming''
Didn't l ask you to write the accounts?
- That's what l have done
ls this the accounts
or a love-letter?
l will write just as much as l can!
- You know nothing... nothing!
Why're you yelling at him?
''Look at him. He's scolding me!
- Why're you scolding my Jittu, Hemant?''
Your Jittu's going to
drive me bankrupt some day!
ls this the accounts
or the will of a pauper?
Where does he find the time?
The poor chap is busy all day
How will he find the time? He keeps
hovering around the girls' tables!
See? Wasn't he flying?
Who'll write the accounts now?
- Let me write it
l will! Mota bhai will
You will keep the accounts?
- Why? Can't l ?
''l'm your mota bhai, after all.
- True... but on one condition''
You will quietly accept
whatever l put in your pocket
''No, that's not happening. lmpossible.
- No...?''
So this is not happening either.
Let me go to prison
Makes no difference.
- All right. You win. l lose
A typewriter?
- Yes
l started writing at the
children's behest the other day
But l can't bring about the mood at
home. lf you don't mind the noise...
How can you say such a thing?
Do you think l call you mota bhai
only for effect?
lt comes from the depths of my heart.
Sit wherever you want to
''ls that place okay?
- Sure, go ahead''
Anywhere you wish to.
- lt's all yours
Keep punching away at the typewriter.
lt's as melodious as our music anyway
l'll get you some tea.
- Please add a dash of ginger
Wow! That's one step worse!
lt isn't worse...
it's for the better!
''She doesn't know, l deliberately
make mistakes in the proverbs''
''Whenever she corrects me,
there's a lovely glow on her face''
''For that glow, l can make mistakes
all my life, mota bhai''
Coming...
l'll be back
''You're lucky, Hemant bhai...''
your wife is with you
to correct you
''Pooja, l think of
your smiling face...''
''even as l try to
get on with my live''
''But your letter has made me cry''
''l do miss you...''
''but God has given me
some very good friends here''
''The husband and wife
run a cafe''
''l spend the day with them''
''But when it's time to go home,
my feet refuse to move''
''My heart just doesn't
feel like going there''
''After all, home is
where the heart is''
''And my heart is with you...
thousands of miles away''
''What else will l write to you?
We wanted to have our children's love...''
''but we have lost our own love''
''Papa, buy me a new pair of shoes.
This pair is so old''
''All right, l'll buy a pair for you.
- Today!''
''Hurry up, Rahul''
''Reena, l've given Rahul 1500 rupees
for a pair of shoes. Check the size''
Your Mummy's love-letter.
- From grandma!
Grandma's letter!
Trouble-time
''The glasses have broken.
- Sorry, grandpa''
''lt's okay, son. l'll tell your Papa
and he'll have it fixed''
''Sanju, my glasses have broken.
Will you have it fixed please?''
''l want to read your Mother's letter.
- lt isn't possible this month, dad''
''End of the month, you see.
We're short of cash''
''But next month, l'll surely
have it fixed. l promise''
''Rahul, hurry up.
We're getting late''
Shanti darling! What have you cooked?
That's a lovely aroma
''You needn't be so happy. lt's not
for you, lt's for mota bhai''
Welcome... how are you?
- l'm okay
''l have a bit of a bother
for you, Hemant-bhai''
Yes?
- l've received a letter from Pooja
My glasses broke today and
they can't be fixed immediately
''But l must read this letter at once
Will you read it for me, please?''
What's the big deal ? Come on
What happened?
- lt's in Hindi
But never mind.
When will my wife help?
lt's in Hindi!
- Coming
lt's a letter from his wife.
How can l read it?
Stop acting funny.
Mota bhai's so restless... read it
Now tell me something. Will you also
read my letter as...?
''No, may God never separate you...
He mustn't ever do this to you''
Read it
''You always say that
l make you cry with my letters''
''But you made me cry this time''
''Why did you write
that you have lost your love?''
''As long as you and l are alive,
how can our love ever be lost?''
''Never''
''Know what?
l hope you won't laugh''
''Earlier, whenever l used to
get ready before the mirror...''
''l always felt as if
you were watching me...''
''saying, ''The kohl looks very
nice in your eyes, Pooja''
''A blue-coloured sari
looks lovely on you''
''To be honest, l don't feel
like dressing up anymore''
''Whom will l dress for?''
''Who will look at me?''
''No, mota bhai...
l can't read anymore''
''When your glasses are fixed,
you can read it on your own''
''Hey! Who brought this? Daddy?
- No, l brought it''
Where did you get the money from?
Dad had given me money
for a pair of shoes
But l can manage with these
for another two months
''You've got to read
grandma's letter, isn't it?''
So go ahead. Don't feel shy!
''Away from you, l feel as if
l'm standing at a place...''
...that is plunged in darkness
''There was neither a soothing voice,
Nor your comforting arms...''
Nor even sleep...
There was only anticipation
You are lying to me?
You're trying to cheat me?
One slap and you'll straighten out!
''ls this what you have learnt? Next
time you do this, l'll break your legs!''
''What happened, daughter-in-law?
- Please don't interfere''
He has got spoilt because of you.
He has started lying and cheating
He spent the money of his shoes
on your glasses today
''Soon, he'll sell household
stuff for some need of yours''
Come with me!
''l have a small problem, brother.
- What happened?''
l brought those dogs here...
and they've run away today
So what should l do?
Must l inform mom and dad or...?
Why make an issue out of
something so trivial?
And where will they go anyway?
They've got to come back home
What's all this for?
''Today's a special day, Uncle.
lt's Valentine's Day''
''What's that?
- Let me explain, mota bhai''
''On Valentine's Day, boys lie
to girls that ''l love you''
What rubbish!
- Why're you getting angry?
You're not my girlfriend.
You're my wife already
The boy sinks with the life!
''That life is saved,
means millions are earned...''
''and the mole sinks the ship''
You ought to call aunty today.
- No
''Oh yes, you must!''
''What's Pooja, Pooja...?
Say something more''
What...?
- Anything!
''Look at you! For 40 years,
l've been only your Valentine''
''That's not happening. l asked you in
English, so reply to me in English''
''They're blowing again...''
''the winds of love
are blowing again''
''They're blowing again...''
''the winds of love
are blowing again''
''l have a crazy heart...''
''it looks for my beloved
in every lane and street''
''They're blowing again...''
''the winds of love
are blowing again''
''Shirins, Lailas...''
''Majnus and Chhailas...''
''be he a lover or king...''
''the excitement of love
grips every heart''
''They're blowing again...''
''the winds of love
are blowing again''
''l shall forever love you...''
''not for a moment
can l forget you''
''ln love with you,
l have spent my days...''
''my heart has longed for you''
''They're blowing again...''
''the winds of love
are blowing again''
What's the venue?
Resort or Retreat?
''Where are you going all alone?
That too, dressed like this?''
So you've taunted me again?
You'll never give up your stunts!
You've ruined my mood!
''There's mischief,
there's charm...''
''there is the high of youthfulness''
''Come into my arms...''
''and see how
l have been pining''
''They're blowing again...''
''the winds of love
are blowing again''
''My crazy heart...''
''looks for my beloved
in every lane and street''
First you set my blood on fire
by wearing those skimpy dresses...
you keep giving me
those inviting looks...
and then you pretend to be
the touch-me-nots
Old hag!
What did you think? She's a tramp?
There's no one to take care of her?
You think you can get her
into your clutches...
by giving her a ride in your car?
You think you can do anything to her?
lf l see you around our house ever
again or see you looking at Payal...
l'll gorge your eyes out!
l'll have you sent to jail!
She's my daughter
This is the limit!
lt's 3 and Payal hasn't returned yet
She's never so late
''Did you try her mobile?
- l did, it's switched off''
There she is
''Mummy, you...?''
And Payal...
- Actually Kiran...
l had heard about Valentine's Day.
But since l am in Bombay...
l thought l'd check what
it's really all about
l told Payal to take me out
''But you should've looked
at the time, Payal''
''lt's not her mistake, son.
She wanted to return early''
But l insisted that we enjoy
for a little while more
''Hear that?
- This is amazing, Mama!''
You're worried about enjoyment
and it has ruined our sleep!
l told Kiran to go to bed.
But how could she get any sleep?
''She's a mother, after all.
- Why would your mother worry about us?''
She has only her fun to pursue
And you were lecturing me to
keep my family under control!
So where's your discipline?
Neither is your mom worried about her
age nor the respect of this family
''Come on, grandma''
Grandma... l'm a very bad girl.
l'm terrible
''l always nursed contempt for you,
But you gave me only love.''
''My child, you don't keep track of
what you give and take in love''
Love is to be given and l...
l love you very dearly
Here you are to enjoy
the early dawn meal!
''l've explained to you several times
that this fast of ''Karva Chauth''...''
is meant for women and you...
- Listen... listen...
Why do you women observe
this fast?
So that we can have our husbands
for seven births
All right. And l
observe this fast...
so that you will meet me
every time l am born
''l won't improve, l know''
''Here you are, mota bhai.
Tea with a dash of ginger''
''No, sis. l'm fasting today''
l'll have something only after
l've seen the Moon
Today's my fast too. Karva Chauth.
- Mine too
Yours...? You too...?
- Yes
For sister-in-law...?
Hemant...
''l'm dying of hunger, Sanju''
''Don't talk of dying, love...
let's go and eat''
But you said we were going out!
l haven't cooked anything
Don't be angry.
Let's go out
What will grandpa eat?
''Whenever he returns after nine,
he already eats at the cafe''
''The Moon is out, mota-bhai.
l've done my ritual...''
so take a look at the Moon
and l'll serve the dinner
''No, Shanti-behn. Pooja must be
trying to telephone me at home''
Let me first talk to her.
l'll eat later
My respects!
- May we always be there for each other
''You saw the Moon?
- Yes, l did''
Did you drink some water?
What are you looking at?
''You look at your Moon,
l'll look at mine''
''And hurry up, please.
My throat's drying of thirst''
How can l drink any water
unless l've seen my Moon?
''This year, l just didn't get
to see my Moon''
Will you only keep talking?
lmagine l'm with you
Go on. Have some water
All right. Hold on
l've had water
l've had some too
Now have something to eat
Wait
What a plate-full of food!
What has your daughter-in-law
prepared today?
''What's this...? Potatoes.
Cauliflower, peas and cottage cheese''
And this is yogurt raita
and laddoos
There are jalebis and puris too!
Let me break a piece of puri
and put it in my mouth
Fantastic!
Excellent food!
You can't even tell a lie
You will never improve
Never
''Excuse me, sir...
- Yes?''
Your mother is here.
May l send her in?
''No, serve her some tea.
l'll be coming out''
How often have l told you not to
bring family fights into my office?
And that's just what has happened.
What's Mama doing here?
l'm sick of all this!
''l'll have a word with her, okay?''
l know it. There must be something
cooking between mother and son
They must be badmouthing me
''Kiran, l had not gone there
to badmouth you''
Don't try to act innocent
What do you want...?
Why're you bent on ruining the
peace and happiness of my family?
''That's just what l come to ask,
leaving all my work in the office''
''lf you had any doubts, couldn't you
have waited for me to come back home?''
Where was the need
to come to my office?
l've asked you a question.
Answer me
Why don't you speak?
lt was the mother in me
that took me there
This almond halwa...
you have always loved it
''On every birthday of yours,
l have prepared it for you''
And today is your birthday
''l prepared the halwa this morning,
but you left early for the office''
l thought l'd go after you
How was l to know that my love
would prove to be my crime?
So you want to prove that only
you remember his birthday?
l had made all the arrangements
to give him a surprise
But you've ruined all my efforts!
''You've made her cry, haven't you?
Are you happy now?''
You can see her crying...
''but your mother's tears,
her love and affection...?''
can't you see anything
of that at all?
There's no point in asking you
this question
Because you have forgotten
that you are my son
But l will always remember
that l am your mother
''Sister-in-law, Karan here.
- Yes, Karan?''
''ls Rohit there?
- Yes, one moment''
lt's a call from Karan
''Yes, Karan? What's up?''
''What else, brother? l called to
remind you that six months are up''
lt's our turn now to
welcome mom and dad
''Karan, what are you
reminding me for?''
This is just what is causing
fights in my family every day
Pooja...?
- You? My respects
How are you?
You've called after so many days
''You're keeping well, l hope?
- Yes, l'm okay...''
''l was a bit ill for a few days,
but l'm all right now''
l know why you must've taken ill.
You must've had something cold to drink...
and not taken care.
You mustn't have taken your medicines
l've told you so often...
- Won't you let me say something?
Now listen...
What's the day after tomorrow?
- Our wedding anniversary
''Yes, our wedding anniversary.
Wouldn't you like to meet me?''
Now listen carefully.
l'll explain
You and l are leaving our
respective places tomorrow
''ln a matter of five minutes, our trains
will cross the Vijaynagar Station''
Whoever gets there first will
get down and wait for the other
But...
- No buts!
''We're meeting the day after.
Just wait for me, okay?''
Grandpa...
May l say something?
''Sure, go ahead, son''
Don't come back here ever again
What's this?
- A small gift for you
''l must leave now, Hemant-bhai''
''lf it wasn't for you, what would
l do with my loneliness?''
Thank you... thank you very much
Don't say that
You're the one who says such things
You don't realise what you have
given me. l found an elder brother
You know what that means?
lt means shelter
''And only he who does not have
shelter, realises what it means''
Here you are...
What...?
- No way!
l know you're a proud man who will
not accept any charity...
but this is your hard-earned money.
You have maintained our accounts...
and this is the payment.
Go away now...
''or l won't let you go,
if you stay another minute''
People are watching...
- Let them watch
What will they say?
''They'll say, although we're old,
our love is still going strong''
''Pooja, these six months without you
were spent like six lifetimes''
l had forgotten what
it means to breathe
See? One look at you
and my heart is beating again
You could teach them a lesson
or two in playing with words
''Not just words,
about love too''
Congratulations on our
wedding anniversary
To you too
But l have nothing to
give you today
''You do, Pooja.
Only you have it''
Take back the oath that compelled
us to live away from each other
''Tied in the oath, we have suffered
for six months. Release me of the oath''
There you are
C'mon
Over there. The waiting room.
- What will we do in the waiting room?
''We'll leave our luggage there,
go out for a walk...''
and celebrate.
- Celebrate?
You forget...? What does the sign say?
- Vijaynagar
This is the city here we had started
our lives together. C'mon
But our trains...?
- We'll think about it later. Come
This has grown into such a big hotel!
lt used to be a 2-storeyed building
l wonder whether another hotel
has come up in its place
''lt still has the same name.
Come, let's take a look''
There's a party this evening.
Look into the arrangements
lt's the same hotel
See? That painting was there
even then
''lt wasn't there, it was over here''
There used to be a staircase here.
Your son went missing...
and we found him here. l hope
you remember our room number?
How can l forget that?
This is my wife
Actually we were just passing by
and it occurred to us...
''that 41 years ago, on this very day,
we had come to this hotel''
That was the beginning
of our married life
And that was the day
this hotel was born
So why don't we get together
and celebrate this special day?
''No, we'd rather...
- Please stay. lt's my request''
lt's an expensive hotel...
lt's our good fortune that we have
in our midst its oldest guests
Your presence will add to the
hotel's glory. Please don't refuse me
But...
- No ifs and buts
lt's an honour
to have you with us
Please come
This is your room
''lf there is anything you need,
please call me directly''
The two of you are the guests
of honour at tonight's special dinner
l will wait for you
''Karan, where have you been? l've been
trying to reach you since this morning''
But there was no trace of you!
Has Mummy reached there?
Where has she come? l've been
to the station thrice already
l don't know where she has gone.
But has dad come there?
No. And that is why l'm so upset
l called Ajay and Sanjay's place.
The two of them have left
l wonder where they've gone.
They are really...
Forget it. Trouble avoided in
my house for at least a day
Sit
''You've really wilted, Pooja''
Our children are not ours anymore.
They're strangers now
Perhaps there was something lacking
in my upbringing
You mustn't say such things
''What's all this, mister?''
The owner has sent dresses for you.
You may keep whichever
''Today you will
wear a tie, won't you?''
''No, l will have it put on''
''For this very moment, l...''
''To the gardens
you have brought the Spring...''
''the climes are no longer deprived''
''My search of many lifetimes
ends here''
''Moments of separation
are past''
''The Caretaker dreams dreams
that were once shattered''
''God is the Caretaker...''
''Shanti, come on...''
''You're crying?
- Yes, l'm crying''
''When you read this,
you will also cry''
What's written in that?
''lt isn't written, Hemant.
He has poured his heart out''
''To be honest, only a man who can
starve for his wife, can write this...''
a man who can fall ill
thinking about her
Only he can write it
''When you expect,
you don't find love''
When you get so much of it at a place
you least expect it from...
you don't know how to handle it.
- l must say something
One must never pin hopes on anyone
''When hopes are dashed,
it causes a lot of agony''
True. So what now?
''Let's go to the station, pick up our
luggage and head for our destination''
''Yes, that's what we will do''
''Go to the station,
pick up our luggage...''
and head not for two different
destinations. Only one
''Except death, no power can
separate us now''
We will live together
But where will we go?
Wherever life takes us
''Over there, right now''
To have an ice-cream?
- l've worn a tie after months
So let me sweeten my tongue
l have a nice round cone
What are you looking at?
lt's a dream that was
never fulfilled
When we had just got married...
l had dreams of owning a car.
That l'd return from the office...
''honking away at the gate,
and you'd come running down...''
''l'd take you by the hand and
we'd go on a long, long drive''
That we'd stop somewhere and have
some snacks and ice-creams...
but our dreams remained unfulfilled
in trying to fulfill our childrens'
But never mind
What do you think of the car?
- We don't want to buy it
We were only taking a look.
- Sir. l'll give you its catalogue...
''with the features. Please come.
- l told you, mister''
We don't want to buy a car.
- Why not take a test drive?
''Try it, sir.
- How about it?''
''So what you think about the car, sir?
- lt's a wonderful car''
lt's really very nice.
- So let's go inside
l'll give you more information...
- l have already told you
''We don't wish to buy the car.
Honestly, l can't buy it''
''A car is no big deal nowadays, sir.
Think about it, and you have the keys''
l'll try and arrange a loan for you...
- You're forcing yourself on us!
''l told you, we don't want the car.
We don't have the money to buy it''
''ln that case, why did you sit
in such an expensive car?''
Get going... get lost!
- Hey... what are you doing...?
''What misbehaviour is this, mister...?
- Father...''
My son! You...?
- My respects
When did you arrive?
One second
''Alok, listen to me...''
You know whom you just pushed?
''lt was my father!
- Let him go, my son''
Where have the two of you been?
''Ever since l've arrived in lndia,
l made so many phone calls...''
but they were not answered.
l couldn't take it
''So l went to your house,
but l found it locked''
Even Uncle's house was locked.
l got terribly scared
l used to make a call every
morning and evening...
and pray to God to take me
to my father and my mother
God has listened to my prayers.
You must come home with me
Someone's waiting for you
- All right. Let's go
l'm coming... what is it?
The gods you worship every day...
l've brought them with me
My respects.
- May you be happy forever
You took so much of time
to give me your blessings
We had everything here...
but it still felt so incomplete
You have given me everything today.
My family is complete
What?
- The customary gift
''Here you are, dear...''
it's a customary gift. Keep it
Take it. lt's God's gift
Our parents are so irresponsible
We're worried sick and he's
just not bothered about us
What is it with him...?
He has nothing to do anyway
But we're employees. How long can we
take days off like this?
Enough now. How long can we wait?
They'll come back when they want to
''Mother, father...
dinner is ready''
''You ought to have called me, dear.
l was doing nothing''
Why must you work when your
daughter-in-law is around?
Please sit down
''Here, father. Please sit here''
''But that chair is meant
for the head of the family, son''
''That's you, father''
''Papa, that's Sanju's chair.
Please sit in the other chair''
You are the pride of this family
This house and this chair have been
waiting for you for four months
''And you will sit here, mother''
Because l can't bear to see
the two of you sitting apart
''No, Shanti. They haven't come to
ask us where their parents are''
They've only come to find out
whether they're alive or dead!
''lf they're dead, who will
have them cremated?''
''And if they're unfortunately alive,
who will have them treated!''
Hemant-bhai...
- Please!
Please don't call me bhai (brother ).
Don't try to forge a relation with me
''The one you shared a blood relation
with, you drove to shed tears of blood''
That poor man used to hide there
and weep in misery
Listen to us...
- Please go away
''lf you weren't mota bhai's sons,
l'd have had you thrown out''
You have committed a sin by
separating your parents at this age
''Maybe God will forgive you for that,
but Hemant never will''
Remember...
you have made your parents cry
''One day, your children
will make you weep''
''How they harassed mota bhai, Shanti''
lf this is how children are...
l'm glad we don't have any children.
We don't want any... we don't
Let all that be. We must set out
immediately to look for mota bhai
''That's all right,
but where will we go?''
One minute... maybe he
has gone to his house
''His house?
- Yes, his old house''
l saw the address in his file.
- So where is the file?
Kapil and Nili took the file away
to read the manuscripts
So ring them up and send for the file.
- That isn't just a file anymore
Who's that?
lt's about to become
a beautiful book
''Uncle, this is my Papa.
- Oh... hello''
''You are our father, our mother...''
''who else will l seek
shelter in?''
''There is no one except You, Lord...''
''on whom l pin my hopes''
''Glory be to You, Lord''
Father...? Mother...?
''Are the two of you going out somewhere?
- No, Arpita''
lt's an old habit with father
''He bathes and gets ready
every morning. Right, father?''
''Yes, son. But it has to do with
necessity today, not with my habit''
''lt's time for our train, son.
- Train...?''
''Where are you going, father?''
''We're going home, son.
- But this is your house too, father''
''Yes, father.
l've always had a dream''
Of a small house...
where my parents are with me
l want to live the dream
l could never fulfill till today
''That will surely happen, son.
But we've got to leave now''
We've got to pick up
the threads in life
''Father... for a few days, please.
Mother, please tell him''
''For a few days more, please?''
''l promise, l will be back''
''l too wish to stay with a son,
who takes his father to be his god''
lt isn't make believe.
You are really my God...
who has come into my life
as my father
You held the hand of a child
no one in the world needed
Who neither had a name
nor an identity...
he was like a lifeless stone
on the streets
He would have been rendered to dust
under trampling feet...
had you not kept a protective
hand on his head
''This life of mine is
a gift from you, father''
The life l lead today...
is indebted to you
in every breath
''Arpita, even in a hundred
births, l will not be able...''
to repay their debt
''Enough, son... enough''
No father.
l know nothing else
You can't leave me and go away
''l'm not leaving you, my son.
lt's only for a few days''
''All right, father. l will not
turn down anything you say''
But you will have to listen
to something l have to say
''You will, won't you?
- All right... what is it?''
Your daughter-in-law and l have
bought a small gift for you...
''no, you will not refuse it, father''
''You promised you won't turn me down.
Come with me... come, mother''
Father...
what do you think of the gift?
My son... what have you done?
''lt's nothing, father''
''May you live long, my son''
Raju...?
They're here...?
Come to me!
Brother Raju!
- Ram Avtar!
lt's months since
l've been waiting for you!
They've recognised me!
- l knew it...
the king had to
come back here from his exile
Go inside and take a look...
l've preserved your house and
your memories as they were
All right. Look who's here
- Sister-in-law! How have you been?
''God is kind, brother.
- Recognise me, Uncle...? Alok''
My respects
But you were staying abroad!
- He's here now...
''and he has become a very big man!
Touch his feet, daughter-in-law''
My respects
''Bless you, daughter-in-law''
''Go and rest, sister-in-law.
l'll bring some tea for you''
''Come with me, my child.
l'll show you your in-laws' house''
''You know what's the best part, Uncle?
You haven't changed...''
''nor has this house, nor even
the atmosphere in this house''
''And where have you changed, son?
Though you're a bit taller''
A bit
We're home at last
''We are, but how are
we going to manage it?''
Do you trust me?
- More than l trust myself
You love me?
- More than you do yourself
So what's there to worry about?
''When you're with me,
l can win over the whole world''
''Come, let's step into the house.
- Mota bhai...!''
''Hello, Shanti-behn.
- Pooja, come here...''
Hemant-bhai... my companion
in lonely times
Now l know why mota bhai was
so sad in your absence
''The moment l saw her,
l knew she was Pooja''
''ln ''Baghban'' he has so often
spoken about her beauty that...''
''How would you know about ''Baghban''?''
l see! So l left it at your place?
Wasn't it a nice thing
that you forgot it there?
''London's New Wave Publications
had decided to publish it, mota-bhai!''
What are you talking about?
- Here's the advance
A cheque of a million rupees.
- A million
A million...?
A million...?
- Yes
Pooja! lt's a million!
- A million
What's that about a million...?
- My book is getting published!
Don't tell me!
- Oh yes!
Have you read the news?
Dad's book has been acclaimed as a
bestseller in the international market
Dad's rolling in millions!
We aren't getting a penny
All thanks to our elder brothers
Why?
What wrong have we done to them?
The two of you must've done something
Which is why they went away
instead of coming to us
This is no time to fight
between ourselves!
This is the time to placate them.
- We must go to Papa and placate him
Makes no difference
They won't agree.
- Why not? We're their children
And no parents can be angry
with their wards forever
We'll ask for their forgiveness
if we have to
''Yes, we'll fall at their feet,
grovel before them...''
let's see how they don't agree.
- Right
We mustn't delay it anymore.
We must go to them
Payal and Rahul! Get ready quickly.
We're going to meet grandpa and grandma
You are all so disgusting! You're
not going to them to apologise...
you're going to them
for the money!
We've seen them being put to
enough trouble. Not anymore
We are not going.
Come Rahul
''See the magic of your brimming
rosegarden, Mr Malhotra?''
''lt's all thanks to the kids
and you, Mr Varma''
l didn't ever expect
such a tremendous response
Response? The first edition has
sold like hot cakes
The second one is in press.
And this is all yours
What's this...?
- Just keep collecting it
''There's no saying how much more
''Baghban'' will make''
We're holding a function next week
in your honour
Do please attend. And bring
your family along too
Over there?
''Ladies and gentlemen,
''Baghban'' needs no introduction''
That its author has been honoured
with the Bookers' Prize...
speaks volume for its success
''Before l ask Mr Malhotra to
throw some light on ''Baghban''...''
l would like his son to say
a few words about his father
l therefore request to the stage...
Mr Alok Raj
Alok-ji...
You must've often heard people
saying that no one has seen God
''That it's a matter of devotion,
faith and one's belief''
But l can tell you
that l have seen God
''ln flesh and blood,
smiling and laughing...''
''in every joy, in every sorrow,
in every test and every situation''
lt's none else...
than my father
l was an orphan. l had
never seen my parents
Neither did l ever
have their love
''But l can tell you with confidence,
that had they been here today...''
they couldn't have given me
so much of love and affection...
as l got from my father
l have got so much from my father...
that l can't ask him
for anything more
But of God l seek one thing
''ln His world, he must continue to
make people like my father''
That's it. l have
nothing more to say
''Please come here, father''
Ladies and gentlemen...
l hope you won't believe all that
you heard about me just now
Alok praises me so much only because
he loves me very much
And he doesn't love me because
l'm a very good human being...
or because l have several virtues.
He loves me because...
he himself is a very nice boy
''Actually, l am not a writer''
Writers are those that plunge deep
into the oceans of knowledge...
and come up with rare gems
of literature
l have only written
what life has taught me
''Baghban'' is not about me
or any other individual''
lt's a book of the conflict
arising between the days gone by...
and the days to come
lt's a book about the broken
relations between two generations
lt's a book about
the drooping shoulders...
on which some children had once sat
to see the world
lt's a book about the
trembling hands...
''that once had held the hands of their
children, as they taught them to walk''
lt's a book about the parched lips...
that once sang lullabies
But which have now been silenced
Times have changed
Life has changed
lf people of my generation
will recall...
we were always caught up ties and
in relations that yielded nothing
Our father was God
At our mother's feet
lay our heaven
And now...
now people have become
very sensible
The new generation is very
clever and practical
''For them, every relation
is like a ladder...''
on which they will step
to rise further in life
But when they have no use
for the ladder anymore...
with the rest of the broken
furniture in the house...
''old vessels, old clothes
and newspapers...''
they are dumped in the attic
''However, life does not
take you up like a ladder''
Life grows like a tree
Parents are not the steps
on a ladder
Parents are the soul
of one's life
''However big the tree is,
however green and filled it is...''
''it can't stand on its own,
once its roots are hacked''
''With all humility and respect,
l ask today...''
the children for whose happiness...
a father spends every penny of his
hard earned money with a smile...
''those very children, when the
father's eye-sight weakens...''
why do they hesitate in
giving them light ?
lf a father can help his son to
take the first step in his life...
why can't the son...
give his father support when he's
taking the last few steps of his life?
What crime is it of the parents
who have devoted all their lives...
''to their children, that they are
given tears and loneliness?''
lf they can't give us
any love...
who gives them the right to
snatch our love from us?
What do these children think?
The parents God has united in love...
can they separate and force them to
lead a life of misery and despair?
ls it for a day like this
that man seeks children?
Children perhaps forget...
''what is our present today,
will be their present tomorrow''
''lf we are old today,
they will also grow old someday''
''The questions we ask today,
they will ask tomorrow''
As for me...
please don't worry about me
Because if l am capable of
bringing up my children...
helping them become able
and independent...
l am capable of taking
care of myself too
l feel no need to expect
anything from anyone
Because l am very fortunate
l am fortunate...
because life has given me
a companion...
walking with whom has
made my path easier
Walking with whom my hardships
were always blown away
And that companion is my wife
People often fall in love.
However...
they don't express it
as often as they should
l wouldn't want to
make a mistake like that
Pooja...
l love you very much
Very much
''Because you are, l am''
And there's everything
if we are together
''Else, there's nothing.
Nothing''
That's all l had to say
Sorry... please forgive us
''Please forgive us, dad''
''Sir, how would you react had ''Baghban''
''been your personal experience?''
''Those children,
who don't love their parents...''
who don't give them shelter...
who don't respect them...
l'd never forgive them
l'd rather punish them
l'd disown them
A mother always forgives her children
Won't you forgive us?
''Yes, as a mother l may
perhaps forgive you''
But as a wife...
l cannot forget the
tears my husband has shed
And all of you are the ones
who made them shed tears
l can't say anything about.
But l have nothing to give you today
Not even forgiveness