Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
Border moments, broader memories
|
A trip to Wagah Border leads to nostalgic moments where music release of period film "Pinjar" took place this past week. RANA A. SIDDIQUI reports
|
LIFE IN FLESH AND BLOOD IN PINJAR: Urmila Matondkar at the release of the music of "Pinjar" at Wagan Border. -- Photos: R.V. Moorthy
NOSTALGIC, OVERWHELMING, uneasy... the moments that were at Baab-e-Azadi or Gate of Freedom, known to the populace of India and Pakistan as Wagah Border. It is but a broad white line dividing the two countries, since partition, measuring 25 kilometres from East of Pakistan's most ancient city Lahore and West of Indian city Amritsar. There are two huge iron gates, around two metres apart, built by the Pakistani authorities to pay homage to thousands killed during the mass migration in 1947. The gate opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 4. p.m. everyday.
It's time to pay tribute again. Tribute to those women like Kamla Ben, Begum Liaquat Ali Khan, Mridula Sarabhai who played a major role in the exchange of abducted women from both sides and rehabilitated them. A tribute to Amrita Pritam whose novel "Pinjar" forms the essence of the show just to begin here. A tribute to Gulzar who has penned the poetry that constitutes the lyrics of the film, lyrics that sprung from his heart after he ran away from there at the age of 11, and a tribute to veteran Pakistani poetess Zehra Nigaah who offered her rare poem free of charge to Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, the director of the film. It's time for music release of the film here, music that is scored by Uttam Singh, of "Dil To Paagal Hai" and "Gadar" fame.
Two packed buses with media persons and others, start their journey from New Delhi at 9 p.m. and reach Amritsar at 8-30 a.m. the next day. Sleepless night due to limited legroom, partially working air conditioning system in the bus and exhausting travel do not deter many. It's a chance for them to witness a historical moment: release of music for the first time on border.
It's 11-30 a.m. The crew of the film comprising Urmila Matondkar, Esha Kopikar, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Uttam Singh, Dwivedi, editor Ballu Saluja and sufi singers Wadali brothers has arrived. Around 30 BSF jawans come into action. A huge poster of "Pinjar" forms the backstage against which the crew positions itself. Time for shutterbugs to click fast. It's hot. Mercury has risen up to 40 degrees. It's hectic. Mismanagement comes to fore. Dwivedi comes to rescue.
"Wagah and I have seen countless bodies from both sides being transported on August 14, 1947. Amrita Pritam, who came from Lahore, witnessing all bloodshed stopped believing in all religions." The music release here is an effort to relive countless memories, bitter though and to unite both countries through a cultural bond called music. Mike is handed over to Urmila. All eyes are riveted on her. She reads an extract from "Pukhraj", Gulzar's most famous collection of poems. "Hum Refugee The, Bhag Rahe The... " her voice gets choked, overwhelmed with emotion. In the backdrop one hears, "Hum Laen Hain Toofan Se Kishti Nikal Ke," song from Indian side, while a religious nazm comes from the other side. They mix, like the hearts of the people from both countries. Esha reads from Sadat Hasan Manto's "Ghate Ka Sauda" that talks of a girl being raped by one community by mistake, as they think of her being belonging to other community! The ambience is set. Uttam Singh sings nostalgic folklore of Punjab: Watana Re, Bant Gaye Tere Aangan, Lut Gayi Teri Heerain, Mar Gaye Tere Ranjhe... ", Wadali brothers follow singing a `kalam' by Waris Shah. Urmila has more in store. She reads Gulzar's creation. In the second line of poem, "Suna Hai Kal Jung Hi Hogi... , her hands tremble, her voice breaks and so do the words. She can't control her tears. All others get overwhelmed, tears roll down from one and all present there. "My brother is in Air Force. I know what a war means... " she can't continue... The event comes to a halt. Everyone is too emotional to carry it further. Music release takes place later by Mrs. Oswal of Lucky Star's Entertainment Limited.. Nostalgic, foot-tapping "Chudioyon Ki Tokri" song from "Pinjar" fills the air.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
|
