Shabab (1954)

[bunniefuu]

Have mercy, hey Gopal

Meera's Lord Nandlal

Hey Giridhar Gopal

You are the

preserver of our honor

Oh, my Banwari

Take care of matters

gone wrong. Have mercy

Hey Giridhar

Hey Giridhar Gopal, have mercy

Meera's Lord Nandlal

Hey Giridhar Gopal

- King! King!

- What's the news?

Congratulations, King,

a beautiful princess is born.

A princess is born?

Here is your first reward.

Manager, a princess is born!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

But suggest some remedy, astrologer.

This is a sorry matter.

I can see it clearly.

What did you see, astrologer?

King, the girl is a

Goddess of wealth herself.

But a problem is seen

in the 18th year.

What are you saying? What problem?

According to the horoscope,

possibly then...

the princess might

make some mistake...

that could damage...

- both the empire and the crown.

- Impossible.

Manager, get temples built,

get wells dug.

And open the treasury

for charity and donations.

After 12 years, a flame

has sparked in my dark life.

I won't let this moon be eclipsed.

Arrange free meals for

the hungry for forty days.

Distribute clothes to the poor.

And arrange dance

celebrations for guests.

If God wishes,

all faults will be rectified.

Congratulations, King.

Today, the

princess is two years old.

Wait, King. You'll keep seeing her.

First, let me give

solace to my heart.

For the sake of old friendship,

I, too, have some right.

Today our son is two years old, too.

King, I'll place him in your lap.

Very nice. Oh wow! Wow! Wow!

Landlord, do you understood?

King, I understood.

- This boy is now ours.

- And this girl is now ours.

It seems they were both

born for each other.

- What do you say, Lady?

- If god made them for each other...

then who are we to interfere?

What do you say, queen?

Queen, I found

a groom for the princess.

- Congratulations on the alliance, King.

- Congratulations, congratulations.

The alliance is completed.

Now allow us to leave.

It's not right to stay

too long at a relative's place.

I know you won't stay long.

Manager, arrange for their departure.

Now we're friends

as well as relatives.

This is the caravan

of the king of Daulatpur.

If we show courage today,

our life will be settled.

Careful.

Hit them!

Queen?

Stop, heartless one! I'm still alive!

Run!

Hurry up!

Even if we had a mouse for a child...

we would have kept our reputation

in the village.

I say, what's the hurry?

Our age isn't at an end.

There's delay in His court,

but no disappointment.

What's the use of such a court?

I wish even a black dog...

Do you hear something?

Hey you washerwoman,

come quick over here.

My goodness, washerman,

so many corpses lying here!

- Come on, flee!

- You were asking for a child.

Go and pick up the child!

You wished for a black dog.

God has...

given you an orchid flower...

orchid flower!

Hey come on, hurry up.

Pick him up! Go.

Come on, hurry.

You're worthless, useless!

Such brutality happened here,

and the K*llers absconded?

King! We searched

all over the jungle.

- We found no trace of the dacoits.

- And the child?

We didn't find the child either, sir.

It's an ill omen for the princess

that the child went missing.

Manager, carry on the search.

I can't bear this shock.

As you order, King.

Wow... wow... wow...

wow... wow... wow... wow!

Live long, Chaudhary, live long.

You brought a diamond

from abroad... a diamond.

It all god's mercy, man.

Without asking, one receives a pearl.

But doesn't receive alms when asking.

Great, Chanda great!

You went childless from here

and returned with a sweet child.

Hey Chaudhary, what

have you named the boy?

Well, I consulted the almanac.

The chosen name

for the boy is Ratan.

Hey you Khanga, what are

you staring at from there?

Nothing... nothing,

Chaudhary. I was thinking.

Hey, what would you think?

Everything is written

here in the notebook.

Two rupees on your birth,

two rupees on your...

tonsure ceremony and 4 rupees on

your engagement. Right, Lallu?

Take out eight rupees in silver.

Don't touch, you goon!

You scared my boy.

Go go what are you watching?

- Ratan! Oh Ratan my son!

- Father, I'm here!

Look at you. It's evening.

Birds and animals...

have all gone home

and my son is still here.

What love have you

found in this well?

Father, look, I call the

fireflies inside this well.

And someone calls me

from inside the well.

Who calls me, father?

Son, the god of

music lives in this well.

Father, let me meet the god of music.

Tell me, father!

Okay, son. I'll take

you to the god of music.

But not today. The day after tomorrow.

The day after tomorrow is the

Tuesday fair. You'll be blessed.

Look I brought an ektara (string

instrument) for you... ektara.

Come on, now come home.

God is in control of the devotee

Ask for it.

Everyone receives a donation

Who is it?

Marvelous!

- Whose boy is this?

- Ours, Sage.

He's your sl*ve, Sage.

He's come to ask for music.

Bless him.

I brought him to your feet.

There is the glory of the

sun on the boy's forehead.

And goddess

Saraswati resides in him.

He is full of knowledge.

- All hail Gopal.

- All hail Gopal.

All hail Gopal.

Ratan!

- My child! I'm ruined!

- Ratan! My child.

Oh god, I'm ruined!

Be quiet! Everybody's

tears are erased here.

And you're shedding tears here?

I warn you not to make noise.

God controls the devotee

Come on, come with me

God controls the devotee

Ask for it.

Everyone receives a donation

What happened?

- What happened to the boy?

- Sage...

we came with a live son.

We won't go with a dead child.

You keep him with you.

God, do you hear what they say?

Just now you were singing,

'God is in control of the devotee.'

'Ask for it.

Everyone receives a donation.'

Now donate life to my son!

Or else I'll believe

your songs are false!

Your devotion is false!

And even your god is false!

Master, they are

declaring you guilty, not I.

On one side is death sent by you.

And on the other side,

music given by you.

Prove it today. ls death

stronger in the world, or music?

Music is power of god

Ram resides in every heart

When a passionate singer

sings sweet melodies...

it brings comfort to the patient

God controls the devotee

Ask for it.

Everyone receives a donation

Your secrets are unique,

oh generous one

Wonderful are your deeds, Kanhaiya

Wonderful are your deeds

Fools have become wise

People with eyes have become blind

Rama, people with eyes

have become blind

You give them knowledge

God is in control of the devotee

Ask for it.

Everyone receives a donation

People of the world call me

and I call you, Kanhaiya

Decency has been set on fire.

I shouldn't lose the bet of life

Rama, I shouldn't lose the bet of life

Keep the honor of devotion

God is in control of the devotee

Ask for it.

Everyone receives a donation

You k*ll, you bring back to life,

Govardhan Giridhari

Show the power of music today

- Keep our honor.

- Keep our honor

- Give life to the lifeless.

- All hail Sita Ram

Keep the honor of devotion.

Give life to the sufferer

All hail Sita Ram... all hail

Sita Ram... all hail Sita Ram

- Sage...

- All hail!

- Music...

- All hail!

Master, today we saw your mercy.

Yes, Sage.

And we also saw that not death...

but music is

the stronger in the world.

Sage.

Sage, my Ratan died.

Now your Ratan is alive.

You gave life so you

give him music also, Sage.

Thank you, Sage.

- Chanchal, how much farther?

- Just a little more, princess.

Upon reaching there, right after

lighting the lamp at Mangalkuan...

(well of prosperity )

all sorrows will disappear.

No one returns

disappointed from that court.

God, palace for living.

Servants and maids for serving.

I have everything you gave.

But there's sorrow even

in this abundance of joys.

No one had been able

to rid me of it.

I don't sleep, god.

I want to sleep.

Music is the power of god.

Ram resides in every heart

When a passionate singer

sings sweet melodies...

it brings comfort to the listener

Father. Call singers.

Request musicians.

The cure for my disease is music.

I've received this message.

- Music?

- Yes, King. Music is very powerful.

Blown out lamps are relit.

Dry clouds begin to rain.

In the old days

the greatest of diseases...

were treated with music alone.

Then what are you waiting for?

Call singers from far and near.

And declare, the one

whose music puts the...

princess to sleep,

he'll earn his weight in gold coins.

He'll get whatever he wishes.

Tell me the truth

Where did you spend the night?

Tell me the truth

You'll burn me to ashes

Dear, what will you

answer to god?

- Tell me the truth.

- No!

They don't have the water

for which my ears thirst.

Tell Manager to send them away.

And furthermore,

a hundred gold coins...

a shawl and a fantastic reward.

Why? Because the princess can't sleep.

She has to be cured by music.

So many musicians are being auditioned.

We'll sing and earn the reward.

If it had been Tansen, Khusro, or...

Baba Haridas,

then there was a chance.

Huh, now who can cure with music?

Hey Vaid (doctor), did you forget

the Sage of Mangalkuan...

brought my Ratan

back to life with music?

But where is Sage anymore, Chaudhary?

It's been ages since he passed away.

Uncle, you're forgetting.

Baba is gone.

But his music lives on.

Rivers may dry up,

but not the ocean.

Yes, rightly said.

How could these blind people...

know when it's day

and when it's night?

So, son, what are you thinking?

When would your penance

of so many years come worthy?

Chaudhary, may I say something,

if you don't mind?

Don't let your son go.

- Father, I'll go. Bless me.

- Go, my dear go.

My heart says you'll certainly...

add glory to your guru's name. Go.

If your mother was alive today...

I wonder what she'd do.

Go, son. Go.

Sir, one more singer has arrived.

These singers are

becoming a disease.

One person was

supposed to be cured...

but the whole palace will fall sick.

Call him.

- This means you've come to cure?

- Yes, sir.

Boy, uh... Do you even know if...

there are seven notes

or eight in music?

My music will answer this.

Before now the princess

hasn't been exposed to...

soft melodies and sweet tunes.

On hearing those, even the gods

and goddesses start dancing.

But this power is not with

the merchants of art.

The priests of art have it.

But a problem is seen

in the 18th year.

Possibly then the princess

might make some mistake...

that could damage...

both the empire and the crown.

Child.

A strange singer has come.

And he speaks strangely as well.

- Shall I call him or send him away?

- What does he say?

He claims the princess will gain sleep.

- But he requires a unique condition.

- What condition?

He says while he sings,

all the lamps should be extinguished.

- He doesn't want to sing in the light.

- Why?

He doesn't want anyone

to see his face.

I agree.

The elephant drowns and the hyena asks...

how deep the water is.

The great ones failed.

Now let's see...

what miracle this

singer in the dark performs.

He'll do it.

He'll earn the reward.

Will he get the reward or get k*lled?

Others escaped, but he can't.

He won't leave.

Music is the power of god

Ram resides in every heart

When a passionate singer

sings a sweet raga...

it brings comfort to the listener

A sandalwood cradle

with strings of silk...

will swing you to sleep

My beloved,

you go to sleep just as...

a bride sleeps

on her wedding bed

I put the moon as a dot

on your forehead

I'll have you wear

a garland of stars

I'll give you sleep by singing

bed time songs to you

I will swing you to sleep...

in your sandalwood cradle

Someone calls from up in the sky

Fairies have come to

decorate your palanquin

Go great distances

to meet your sweetheart

Fly to meet him. Go great distances

The moon calls,

Chakori (bird), come to me

I will swing you to sleep...

in your sandalwood cradle

My child is still sleeping.

Manager, the singer

has magic, not music.

- Load him with rewards.

- As you order, King.

And listen, inform me

when my child awakens.

Congratulations on

a peaceful sleep, princess.

I'm grateful, I'm grateful.

- So, princess, how was the night?

- Very nice.

Someone was singing last night.

And my life was

dancing intoxicated on the...

sweet melody of the Veena

(string instrument).

I reached the heights of heaven...

and fell sweetly asleep.

- Child.

- Greetings, Manager. Come in.

Stay happy, be prosperous.

- The king asked how you feel.

- I feel nice, very nice.

Manager, where is that singer?

Child, he is a distant traveler.

He said it's a victory

for his guru and for music.

He came only for the victory.

- Now he wants to return home.

- Stop him.

Stop him.

I want to learn his art.

Solitude.

Princess, as beautiful is

the voice of the singer...

so horrible is his face.

He's a leper.

His whole body stinks.

His nose is melted, his eyes sunken.

Disease flows from his mouth.

And the whole face is hideous,

like a curse from god.

Sandalwood cradle, string of silk

Manager, my interest is music,

not the face.

- Stop him.

- Child, if you have decided...

then I suggest that

during the music lessons...

there should be a curtain

between you two.

Otherwise the sweet dreams of night

will be broken forever.

- I accept.

- Very well.

Why is the traveler

stopped from going?

The king has ordered that you

teach music to the princess.

- Possible?

- Why not?

The student should be interested.

Perhaps you don't understand...

about those who live in palaces.

Well, the princess

doesn't have any short comings.

But she's very hot

tempered by nature.

Yesterday she gouged

the eyes of a singer.

Since she got the pox she can't see.

She's blind in both eyes.

Now think, can you teach

music to a blind person?

Music needs ears, not eyes.

Apart from being blind,

she's ugly too.

Hence, she appears before no one.

- You'll have to sit behind a curtain.

- I'm ready.

Then let god save you.

From today you're the royal singer.

My son has become the royal singer.

I'll distribute sweets

to the whole village.

Distribute sweets later, Chaudhary.

First, deliver clothes by evening.

I've to go with the groom's procession.

Here are your clothes, Lala!

I've given up washing clothes.

And listen to this also, Lala.

If I don't build a mansion

in front of your mansion...

then I won't call

myself Lakhia Chaudhary!

My son has become the royal singer!

Royal singer!

Be careful, nobody apart from

you both should enter inside.

This is my order.

- Have you come?

- Yes.

- Greetings.

- Greetings.

- Would you be able to listen to my voice?

- Excuse me?

- I asked if you'd be able to listen to my voice.

- Yes.

There's no need to feel shy.

Beautiful art turns even an

ugly face to beautiful.

You are right.

Even the blind or a leper

can enjoy art. I respect it.

- I sympathize with you.

- And I too. Start the lesson.

Now pick up the Veena.

- We'll start the first lesson with melody.

- Very well.

Only one melody

can be learned in a day.

And after practicing each melody...

a new lamp should be lit in

the name of goddess Ragini.

Ragini is my name.

I address Saraswati

(goddess of art) with this name.

Let's begin.

The intoxicated harp

of the heart plays

Come, yogi, life dances

The intoxicated harp

of the heart plays

The heart swings along with the wind

The lovely monsoon came dancing

With dedication I watch every moment...

of your beauty,

your dreams in the monsoon

The intoxicated harp

of the heart plays

To play Holi in beauty land,

the fairies have come dancing

It's the spring season,

the color the heart

Be mesmerised and speak

the language of love

Sing together

The intoxicated harp

of the heart plays

Fire! There's fire!

There's fire! There's fire!

There's fire! Fire!

There's fire! There's fire!

- Blind?

- Leper?

- Blind.

- Leper.

The intoxicated harp of the heart plays

- Fire! Fire!

- Hey, what happened?!

- Then what did you see?

- I saw two stars collide.

- Now a storm is about to come.

- What unruliness is this?

What storm is about to come?

Not about to come, sir.

It has arrived.

- What are you babbling?

- Your maid is right.

The wall you raised

collapsed from the power of music.

- And now beauty and art are face to face.

- Shut up!

Insolent!

Answer me, why you did this?

To save the

honor of the palace...

the repute of the family

and the glory of the empire.

- A huge danger came before me.

- What danger?

The singer's looks and his art.

And hence you said

the princess is horrible.

She couldn't be trusted.

You thought I was

an ignorant child...

who couldn't think

about her good and bad!

Child, no matter how old

you grow by the magic...

of days and years,

you'll always remain a child for me.

Don't mind. What do you wish?

I want to complete my music education.

Then go and fulfill your wish.

No obstacle will prevent it now.

Greetings.

What's the matter?

You look somewhat lost today.

Are you all well and fine?

Chanchal told me that last night

you went to bed very late.

Is this right?

I think, even today you won't sleep.

- Why?

- Because you've begun going to bed late.

Look, I kept thinking the whole night.

And I, too, kept thinking

this country is strange.

Here the moon is called an eclipse,

the monsoon is called fire...

and beautiful flowers are called thorns.

May I ask why it is so?

Actually the Manager is...

a little skeptical by nature.

He was afraid I'd

lose heart on seeing you.

And the honor of the palace,

the repute of the family...

and the glory of the empire

would be harmed.

Rest assured, if such a time comes...

then I myself

will leave from here.

An artist knows how to be destroyed,

but doesn't know how to destroy.

Dig the foundation deep,

even deeper.

A tall mansion is

going to be built. Yes.

- Match the tuning.

- They're matched.

Tighten the first string.

A little more.

A little more.

A little more.

A little more.

A little more.

You went too far.

Take this. Play my Veena.

See 'Yaman Kalyan'.

This melody is from the

'Kalyan' group of melodies.

Its primary note is 'ga'

and the sub note is 'ni'.

It has all the seven notes.

That's why it is called a complete melody.

After the melody go to the tune.

'Ga' is the middle note.

Play 'Pancham' and go

to the complete note.

Play 'sa'.

Now stop there.

Now, to give the effect of

'Yaman Kalyan', play a note...

of 'ni' 're' 'ga' and

then go to 'ni' 're' 'sa'

Ni, Re, Ga Ni, Re, Sa

No, no, your fingers

aren't moving correctly.

Place the fingers on

the strings like this.

So, Lallu how are the walls?

The walls have been raised, Chaudhary.

- But now the work ahead?

- Hey, it will happen.

The walls have been raised.

Now who...

can stop the work ahead?

Right, Lala?

Come on, move!

I want to see how

much distance is left...

between interest and music.

Today sing a devotional song

from your heart.

I don't know any.

I remember a love song.

Chanchal sings it often.

Okay, sing it.

Whoever's song it may be,

the voice should be yours.

I'll become an ascetic, sweetheart,

because of you

Sweetheart, because of you,

oh beloved, because of you

I'll become an ascetic, sweetheart,

because of you

Your song has won the heart

My childhood was set

on fire... my childhood

Let no one else

come into the eyes

I'll worship my darling

every day

I'll sing of my affection

as if I were a worshipper

Sweetheart because of you,

oh beloved, because of you

I'll become an ascetic, sweetheart,

because of you

My darling, I'll stay in your heart

I'll fill up my drape with love

Oh dweller of the heart,

oh handsome one

Leaving the high palaces...

I'll come to your lane

as a beggar

Sweetheart, because of you,

oh beloved, because of you

I'll become an ascetic, sweetheart,

because of you

'If such a time comes then I

myself will leave from here.'

'An artist knows how to be destroyed,

but doesn't know how to destroy.'

What are you thinking?

You didn't like the song?

- I want to leave here.

- Did I do something wrong?

No, madam. The work

for which I came is finished.

It's still incomplete.

Whatever I could have taught,

I've taught.

And what I wanted to learn,

I couldn't learn.

May I ask why you want to leave?

Manager's criticism

has begun to disturb me.

You tell me, should I stay here

under these conditions?

The question is difficult.

I can't answer here.

Where have you brought me?

What place is this?

Difficult questions are answered here.

Chanchal.

- What did you do?

- This answers your question.

I didn't understand.

Men are often dimwits.

I'll explain.

Look up. Do you see anything?

I see... so many drapes

tied in pairs. But why?

My master, those aren't drapes.

These are the bonds

of wishful hearts.

They'll be untied on the day...

the wishes of the people

who tied them are fulfilled.

Here, people ask for each other.

What have you asked for, princess?

I've asked for you.

This bond won't

be broken I suppose?

A bond should not be broken...

oh Rama, even if life ends

The anklet of the

beautiful lady is tinkling

The longing of my heart,

oh sweetheart, remember this

Apart from you, in this world

I belong to no one. I belong to no one

Remember this

The longing of my heart,

oh sweetheart, remember this

The anklet of the

beautiful lady is tinkling

Love is not just a

weak thread, darling...

tied today, darling,

and broken tomorrow

Keep my honor throughout life

Keep me in your heart

Remember this

The longing of my heart,

oh sweetheart, remember this

The anklet of the

beautiful lady is tinkling

If we're separated, then I'll lose my life

Let God forbid that day

I should not lose you

Take care my dream

doesn't get crushed

Remember this

The longing of my heart,

oh sweetheart, remember this

Apart from you, in this world

I belong to no one. I belong to no one

Remember this

The longing of my heart,

oh sweetheart, remember this

The anklet of the

beautiful lady is tinkling

Save the turn, King.

Your pawn is being taken.

Trapped in a strange move.

How should I save?

I'll tell you, sir.

Let the minister proceed.

Otherwise, you'll lose the pawn.

I'll become an ascetic,

sweetheart, because of you

Tell me madam, is the

sl*ve out of tune today?

- Shut up, naughty one!

- My god.

Today eyebrows have become swords...

and the eyelids, daggers.

On just raising the eyes,

the poor fellow will fall flat.

Chanchal, now my eyes

won't raise in his presence.

My limbs are becoming numb

with shyness.

Enough. Because of this weakness...

women lose and men win.

Wait a moment.

This is a woman's shield.

Put on the veil.

The eyes can raise and you

won't feel shy, either.

- All right, today I'll sit in front of him with the veil.

- Oh god.

The bond should not be broken...

Pick this up and leave here!

- You aren't needed anymore.

- Wait.

- The reason?

- You are a royal servant.

A servant's job is to follow orders,

not to question them.

You're forgetting,

an artist serves only art.

Tell me the reason.

I can only say

you must vacate the mansion.

Tomorrow's sun should look down

on neither you nor your art.

And that is your payment.

Distribute these silver

pieces among the poor.

I don't need these.

Chanchal, have a look.

Is my face visible?

Radha smiles within the heart,

but is shy in the eyes.

She peeps from the sides of her eyes,

and hides her feelings.

Don't tease me. Go and call him.

The path to the well is very rough.

Darling, keep the

honor of the veil.

Where? Where are you going,

singer?

Away from this world

of royalty and crown...

where no one

insults and expels anyone.

But, singer, the princess

waits for you.

- What shall I tell her?

- Tell her not to wait for me.

And to untie that bond she tied.

Listen.

The princess tied you in that bond.

She prayed to get you.

Tell her not all human prayers

are answered.

And the ones that are fulfilled

don't remain prayers.

But how will her

days pass in separation?

Give the solution before leaving.

I'm leaving, but my Veena

is with her.

Tell her, my life is in

the strings of the Veena.

She should be careful

the strings aren't broken.

And tell her not to panic.

Travelers might go away...

but the path doesn't go away.

Take off the veil, princess.

The royal singer is gone!

Gone where?

Away from this world

of royalty and crown...

where no one

insults and expels anyone.

I tried, but he wouldn't stop.

But he certainly said that...

his life is in the

strings of the Veena.

He said to be careful

the strings aren't broken.

But why did he leave?

Who forced him to leave?

I gave the instructions, princess.

And the King also wishes the same.

Beloved took away my heart

The world snatched the heartbeat

Tell me how can the Veena play...

without strings now?

Had I known my beloved was leaving...

I'd have set fire to the veil

By breaking the shackles

of modesty, friend...

I would have appeased

my dear beloved

The honor of my necklace

and fine clothes is gone

Along with my sweetheart,

my zest and desire are gone

My lover doesn't come home

I'd have sacrificed

body and heart...

I'd have sacrificed

body and heart for him

Had I known my beloved was leaving...

I'd have set fire to the veil

The ritual of love

didn't suit me, friend

I repented being a bride, friend

Had I not cared

for the shame of the world...

By sending him a letter

I'd have called him

Had I known my beloved was leaving...

I'd have set fire to the veil

Will this relationship break down?

'Will we be separated?'

'The mansion's

authority has reached here.'

Stop! Stop!

He's been injured!

I hope he survives.

I hope he survives.

Friends, there is still life in him.

He'll survive.

'Only one melody could

be learned in one day.'

'And before

practising every melody...

a new lamp should be lit in

the name of goddess Ragini.'

'Where you stop,

that's your destination.'

'I taught you everything I know.'

Princess! Princess?

I searched many places.

I sent our men everywhere.

But the royal singer

is nowhere to be found.

So...

So tell the minister...

to burn all these corpses!

What are you thinking?

Your son didn't write?

No friend. It's been five weeks...

there's no news from him.

God knows what's

happened to my brother.

Why have you

stopped work, Chaudhary?

If you're tired,

then come to my house.

Your son disappeared that night.

Why not, Lala?

I'll surely come if needed.

He, too, was here to make fun of me.

I have to go myself to stop

the villagers from talking.

Friend, what was there

yesterday is gone today.

What is today won't

be there tomorrow.

Forget everything.

Just like I have.

- So you too...

- Yes.

I, too, am someone else today.

I was someone else yesterday.

When the inner voice

called out I woke up.

Now I serve these poor

and helpless people...

to atone for my sins.

- God will forgive me.

- God will forgive me.

Oh Ram, I can't walk this path

Dear, tell me something.

Do you have any parents...

or, like the others,

they've abandoned you?

No, my father lives in Chandipur.

His name is Lakhia Chaudhary.

I wanted to go home.

But how would I face them?

Hey stop! Who are you?

Are you drunk, guard?

Beware! He is the

royal singer's father.

If he's the royal singer's father,

why should we beware?

Come on, sir. We'll

take you there. Let's go.

There! What did I tell you?

The palace is ours and its

servants will also serve us.

- Please come in. Come on.

- Let's go.

You wait here. First let him go in.

Don't worry. I'll call

for you once I go in there.

Give me the basket.

- Come on, mister.

- Come on!

Please come, sir.

- I'll rest.

- Pappu, launderer!

Welcome sir.

- Listen!

- What is it?

Salute him. The royal

singer's father is here.

Where is he?

The son was a royal singer.

But the father looks like a

bigger singer than him. Right?

Sir, let's hear something.

- Sing anything you like. Right brothers?

- Yes!

I don't sing. My son does.

Then what do you sell?

I'm a launderer.

But I've left that work.

So you're a launderer?

That's why you've ironed your face.

What's in this bag?

Don't touch that.

It contains a father's love.

Such beautiful love! Old man,

your son has been thrown out.

Thrown out?

Yes, he's been thrown out.

Old man, he was unworthy

of living in the palace.

Go look for him in a liquor bar.

Chaudhary? What happened?

That happens to poor people.

Didn't you say I'd be

respected and honored?

This is how the royal singer's

father has been honored.

And Ratan?

He, too, must have

been rewarded similarly.

Laddo! Get some cool water

and a plateful of bread.

The beggars are here.

Feed them with pleasure.

Narayan! Narayan!

Beggars, that's all you've brought.

The market isn't good, chief.

There's a slump in business.

There is so much scarcity

that I didn't get anything.

My throat went sore from blessing them.

And after all that,

nobody gave me anything.

Friends, the bread got from

begging can keep your body alive...

but it kills your soul.

Give me this instrument.

I'll teach you a song today.

Wonderful, my friend!

Do you also know how to sing?

My music is for others,

not for myself.

Friends, there is disgrace in begging...

and peace in hard work.

Come. Work hard on music from now on.

God willing, you won't have to beg.

Live long, my friend.

- Move aside.

- Move!

Be seated! Be seated!

Friends, what are you

looking at? Get going!

A cradle of sandalwood

The thread of silk

I rock the cradle

to invite the sleep

The way the bride

waits for the groom

Adorn her forehead

with a moonlike dot

Adorn you with a garland of stars

A cradle of sandalwood

The thread of silk

I rock the cradle

to invite the sleep

A cradle of sandalwood

Listen, call them here.

Chanchal, ask them who

taught them this song?

Surdas, who has

taught you this song?

A gentleman did.

He is a godsend to our group.

Chanchal!

Ask him what he looks like.

Surdas, what's he look like?

Who knows? I'm blind.

I hear he looks like a prince.

But he seems very sad. Very sad.

Chanchal, don't let them leave.

- Surdas?

- Yes, madam.

The one who taught you this song...

if you bring him here,

you'll receive so much...

you'll never go hungry

the rest of your life.

- Really?

- Chanchal!

Give this to him.

- Surdas.

- Yes madam.

- Show me your bag.

- Yes, put it in.

Put it in. Donate it. Donate it.

Fill my bag.

God will give you more.

Donate it.

Yes, donate it. Wonderful.

Son! Son!

Laddo! Oh Laddo!

Get some cold water

and a plate of bread.

The beggars have come.

Feed them with pleasure.

Hail Lord Shiva! Hail Lord Shiva!

Happiness is here!

Happiness is here!

Foreigner! Oh foreigner!

Yes, chief.

What magic have you taught them?

It looks like they looted a market!

- Surdas?

- Yes.

What are you hiding?

Chief, my bag is different.

Today it's very heavy.

Okay, bring it here.

Take it son. Take the instrument.

Hail Lord Shiva!

What's this iron object

doing amongst gold and silver?

Fool, where did you get it from?

Take a look. What is it?

'My life is hopeless.'

'The rudders have broken.'

'Who will take the boat across?'

Surdas, I hope you haven't looted

someone's safe by mistake.

We're already infamous.

Chief, the safe

itself came to Surdas.

All this was donated by

the madam in the palace.

And she also said, if I bring

the one who taught me the song...

she'd give me so much money...

I'd not go hungry

for the rest of my life.

So friend? What do you think?

Surdas, if you go

there again, tell them...

my songs aren't

for the palace people.

Well said!

But teach them one more song...

and I'll build an

ashram for your friends.

They might be old but they

are quick learners. Yes.

Oh you, who live in palaces...

why should I come to your door?

We love our houses.

We don't want big houses

Oh you, who live in palaces...

There's no rich or poor.

Everyone is equal here

This world belongs to

the one who created us

We have his support.

Why worry about the world?

Oh you, who live in palaces...

Don't give us money as alms

We long to be loved.

Give us some love

We are hungry for a glance.

We don't need wealth

Oh you, who live in palaces...

We would reject diamonds and

pearls given with disgrace

We would even reject

love if given with hatred

If you don't give it with

respect then we don't want it

Oh you, who live in palaces...

why should I come to your door?

We love our houses.

We don't want big houses

Oh you, who live in palaces...

- Surdas!

- Here I come, madam. I'm coming.

Give it to me, madam. Come on.

Surdas, didn't you

bring your teacher?

He said his songs

aren't for palace people.

Madam, give his share to me.

God will bless you.

Madam! Madam?

What was the reply, Chanchal?

He says his songs are

not for the palace folks.

Seems like a heartbroken recluse.

Only he can reply like this.

Go, make Surdas rich.

It's him. It's him.

Surdas, that's it? Nothing else.

What else do you want?

It's like we've got a

chicken laying silver eggs.

This is nothing, chief.

If the foreigner comes

with me, then not just silver...

we'll be playing in gold.

I swear!

- It's all because of Surdas' luck.

- Yes. Right.

Come all of you. Food is served!

Let's go! Let's have some food!

Out of love for you,

I wore simple clothes

I gave up jewels and jewelry

The conditions under which...

you're living happily...

I'll also accept those conditions

I've become an ascetic for you,

oh beloved

For you, oh beloved

For you, oh darling

I've become an ascetic for you,

oh beloved

My beloved,

I'll live in your heart

I'll fill my life with your love

With your love

Oh my darling. Oh my dear

Giving up the luxury of palaces...

I've come to your doorstep

as a beggar

Darling, for you

My beloved, for you

I've become an ascetic for you,

oh beloved

Oh dear.

A woman at home is a

symbol of respect.

On the streets

she's considered immoral.

I want to see you being respected.

Not being disgraced.

Sometimes an

intelligent poor person...

can also become

the pride of the world.

I'd like to be that poor person,

not just another rich person.

Friends, do you see that?

I feel like there's

one more person among us.

Then let's welcome her.

Hail Lord Shiva!

Who are they?

They are what I am.

And madam, who are you?

I? I am what he is.

Well said!

Hail Lord Shiva!

- Come on, the food will get stale.

- Coming.

- Come on, madam.

- Let's go.

Come on.

Have you ever had such

tasty food anywhere else?

No.

I feel like I'm in heaven.

Dear, ask for more if you want.

There's more in the kitchen.

This is more than enough.

I'll never be able

to repay such a favor.

Hail Lord Shiva! Hail Lord Shiva!

Oh beloved, remember the

feelings of my heart

In this world,

no one is as dear as you

Remember? What place is this?

I do.

This is the place where you get

answers to difficult questions.

And people respect each other here.

Singer, why did you

make your music so cheap?

Why did you remove it from the

palace and bring it to the slums?

Music is just an

entertainment at the palace.

And here it's a

means to earn bread.

Answer me. Does the country

need entertainment or bread?

I can't answer.

I request that you return.

Ever since you left

I have lost my sleep.

Why is that so?

The eyes that long

to see my beloved...

how can they find any sleep?

My sleep has become

used to your music.

Whenever you want to sleep...

chant the lord's name

and light a lamp.

My music will reach you.

And you?

Life may keep us apart.

But my life will

end at your doorstep.

This is a singer's promise.

And they are my witness.

These dumb fireflies?

They aren't fireflies!

These are the souls of the

lovers who had been separated...

who suffered all their lives.

And are also suffering after death.

Maybe I'll also become a firefly.

If that time comes,

I will not leave you.

I've become an ascetic for you.

I'll become a firefly with you.

Every night when the lamps are lit...

wait for me.

But it shouldn't happen that...

I'm left singing songs of

separation while waiting for you.

I'll surely come.

Chanchal!

- My lord?

- Where's the princess?

Here! She was right here, my lord.

And she just vanished?

Why not just tell me...

she goes out without my permission?

No, my lord. She doesn't

go out. She never goes out.

- My lord!

- What is it, minister?

What are you looking at?

I was looking at a

disrespectful scene, my lord.

The prediction the astrologers made...

has come true.

My lord, look how far

a misled girl can go.

Come with me.

This way, my lord.

Chanchal!

Chanchal, did anyone find out?

I knew you would manage it.

Chanchal, I'm very happy today.

You won't understand why.

You've never fallen in love.

You are stonehearted.

You are lifeless.

Today I left the palace and

went to the beggars' shelter.

And becoming an ascetic,

I begged for love.

Our hearts met. Our eyes met.

It's like getting all the

happiness in this world.

What are you staring at?

Congratulate me.

Today, love has succeeded.

From today,

I am his and he is mine.

I have vowed to

live and die with him.

And I have promised him

I'd meet him every evening.

Nobody knows the joy

in this sweet union.

Chanchal, today I lunched

with the beggars for him.

Really, there's no fun

eating in these palaces.

I wish I could do

away with this kingdom.

Do away with this

artificial fame and status.

And do away with

these fake principles...

which have made my

life a living hell.

- My lord!

- Father?

- Get up, my lord.

- Father?

Princess, don't come any closer.

Minister, give me support.

Can't you see my crutch has broken?

Father!

I want to say something.

Princess, there are

some more things left...

for you to do away with.

They are, a father's love,

a daughter's duty...

and the honor of the family.

Do away with them!

Burn them to ashes!

Nothing should be left incomplete.

Look at me! Listen to me!

With what eyes do I look?

With what ears do I listen?

My eyes are lowered with shame.

I'm too humiliated to listen.

You've made your decision.

Now it's my turn.

Then listen.

I will see your face again...

when you wear the wedding gown...

with love for your husband...

and agree to get married.

This is my decision.

Princess!

It's too late to search now.

Who are you waiting for?

Let's get in the hut.

I can't, chief.

Someone has made a promise.

Deceitful ways of a deceitful world.

Nobody fulfills a promise.

She won't deceive me.

He must be waiting for me, Chanchal.

I must go there at least once.

Forget about going there, princess.

The minister has

locked all the doors.

Security has been tightened.

He said it shouldn't happen...

that he's left singing songs of

separation waiting for me.

My beloved didn't come

Even after promising

I am tired. I am losing patience

The moon has hidden

There is darkness

The stars seem like imitation pearls

The eyes have become misty

My beloved didn't come

Even after promising

Come, for without you

my eyes are moist

The night is long. Life is short

Let me see you

to my heart's content

My beloved didn't come

Even after promising

For whom

are these bracelets, minister?

For you, dear.

The king of Rajgarh has sent them

to you for your engagement.

His Highness has said if

the princess wears them...

then an old father's

honor would be upheld.

Or else neither the honor

nor the father would survive.

Princess, what will happen now?

Whatever my fate is.

Chanchal, I'm helpless, but not you.

Go! He would still

be waiting for me.

Tell him, on one side is my duty...

and on the other my love.

It is difficult to decide.

Ask him what I should do.

Friends, if you go to the palace,

then sing this song this time.

And if someone stops you,

then tell them, music is honest...

but the world turned out to be dishonest.

Friends, what are you

looking at? Get started.

Live long, friend!

Have a long life, friend.

Sit down. Sit down.

I want to live and die

at your doorstep

I want to live and

die at your doorstep

My life will be ended...

at your doorstep

Die at your doorstep

You have come?

I was just telling my friends

to tell the palace folk...

that music is honest but the world

turned out to be dishonest.

It was a terrible mistake.

Princess, I spent many sleepless

nights waiting for you.

I lit the lamps for our meeting

and then put therm out.

Princess, look.

The fireflies are still

suffering from separation.

Come out, princess.

Let me look at you.

Come out, princess.

The princess couldn't come.

The royal guard is here.

Minister!

Minister, I agree wealth and power

have stopped the flow of rivers.

It has defeated great

kings and kingdoms.

But even wealth and

power can't stop love.

Arrest him!

Stop!

Release him, master. He's innocent.

I request you! I request you!

Chanchal, you're back?

What did he say?

Why don't you speak?

Do the fireflies glow

on the hilltop in the same way?

Do the drapes flutter on the trees?

Yes, princess. Both the

fireflies and drapes were there.

But the one I went

to meet wasn't there.

He went away but

left this letter behind.

'I want to live and

die at your doorstep.'

My life is a living hell...

oh lord, in your world

My partner left me in

the middle of a storm

Oh lord, in your world,

my life is a living hell

His coming and leaving...

was a game of fate

The days I spent in

love were just dreams

Oh lord, in your world,

my life is a living hell

He took with him the musical

instruments and also his voice

The wishes of my heart

have been left unfulfilled

Oh lord, in your world,

my life is a living hell

Oh beloved, remember

the feelings of my heart

The damsels sing the song.

Their anklets are tinkling

Love is not any

weak thread, darling...

tied today, darling,

and broken tomorrow

Respect me all your life

I think of you all the time

Just remember

Oh beloved, remember

the feelings of my heart

The damsels sing the song.

Their anklets are tinkling

What was that?

- Some stone on the road, princess.

- Get up.

Oh you, who deceived me in love...

may you have a happy life.

Let us in.

We want to meet the king.

Nobody can meet the king now.

We will meet the

king today. Get away!

Who is it?

My lord! Our fields are empty.

We have a request!

We have a request!

Send them in.

I would like to remind the king

of the time 18 years ago...

when the landlord of Daulatpur...

was a guest at the princess' birth...

and was k*lled in a bandit attack.

How do you know about the bandits?

The king may punish me

but I was part of the g*ng.

And I know for sure

the royal singer is the same boy.

What proof do you have?

Proof? I'll show you the proof.

I have preserved all the

belongings from his childhood.

This is his shirt.

These are his shoes.

This is his turban.

And this is the royal necklace

which was around his neck.

This is bad.

I've been shamed by a launderer.

He has raised the royal

heir with all his love.

And I throw him out.

- But, my lord...

- I've been unjust to my daughter.

Bring the royal singer

to me with all the respect.

The time to make him my

son-in-law has passed.

It's time to make him my son.

Go on. Go quickly.

On the happy

occasion of the wedding...

a group of beggars were freed.

I think he went with them.

I can't say where he went.

There is one more place.

He must be there.

Come with me.

- Let's go, Chaudhary.

- Let's go.

Lock him up!

He's a criminal!

We'll decide his punishment later.

- Chief!

- Chaudhary, this is my punishment for my sins.

Let's go, Chaudhary.

If you find him, tell him

not to forget my friends...

as there's no one to support them.

Tell him make an ashram for them.

- Princess!

- Chanchal!

Princess, bad news!

Why are you crying? What happened?

What never should have happened.

The royal singer was none other than...

the prince of Daulatpur,

your intended husband.

Shameless!

Slap me on my other cheek, princess.

But I'll say what I came to say.

The secret was revealed...

when Lakhia Chaudhary of Chandipur

came searching for him.

After Ratan's parents were k*lled,

he was raised by him.

The sad part is you two

became engaged during your childhood.

Where is he now?

Minister had him locked up in a cell.

From here he left with the beggars.

Now nobody knows where he went.

Chaudhary, what's the matter?

I've lost my Ratan.

Chaudhary! Chaudhary!

- Your Ratan has come.

- Where is he?

Where is my son?

I saw him in the house.

Come quickly lest he leave again.

Ratan!

My son!

Chaudhary!

Where is Ratan? Ratan!

- Ratan!

- Father...

the mansion wasn't built.

Forget the mansion.

I want my Ratan.

Ratan!

Son!

What have you done, my son?

I've performed a ritual, father.

My ritual started with music...

and ended with the gift.

Father, the goddess took

away my hands as gift.

Son, what have you done?

- Doctor!

- Don't waste any more time, Chaudhary.

The infection has spread.

Doctor, do something, for god's sake.

There's no chance of survival.

Come with me.

Hurry up! Come on!

Lallu, you come, too.

Chaudhary?

- What is it, Lallu?

- Don't listen to the doctor.

- Why not?

- He k*lled my son by frightening him.

What should I do then, Lallu?

I know a royal doctor.

Let's take Ratan to him.

Take care of your son.

I'll get the cart.

- Hurry up!

- Right away! - Hurry!

Greetings, aunt.

Where is the doctor?

He's gone to Rajgarh.

He's been gone seven days.

The queen is sick.

Call him quickly, Lallu.

He may lose his life.

Chaudhary, get in the cart.

We have to go to Rajgarh.

We have no time.

Hurry up. Let's go. Hurry!

Let's go! Cart driver! Hurry!

Madam! Madam, please

take care of my son.

I'm leaving my son in your care.

I'll return quickly with the doctor.

Right away.

I've given medicine for seven days.

The queen will be completely cured.

Now I don't need to remain here.

Where is my father?

He'll return soon. He's gone

to Rajgarh to get the doctor.

- Rajgarh?

- Yes. The queen, Ragini Devi...

ever since getting married,

she can't sleep.

Ragini Devi?

She can't sleep?

Why not?

Son, where are you

going at this hour?

I'll go to the one who can't sleep.

She had said her sleep

was used to my singing.

I'll go where my life is.

What will I say to them? Stop son!

Where are you going

in this condition?

This wind and this environment

remind me of her

Come, let's go

Don't bother about your own happiness

Give happiness to others

With the desire,

I set out from my house

My life should end

where my lover is

Oh stars, begin to glow

Oh flowers, begin to smile

Make fun of my unsuccessful love

Make fun of me

The one I had worshipped...

She turned out to be stonehearted

My life should end

where my lover is

It is my desire to place...

my head at your doorstep

There's neither a tear in my eyes

nor a complaint on my lips

If death comes this way...

I will have no sorrows

With the desire,

I set out from my house

I tried to stop him.

I tried to convince him.

But he said she can't sleep.

Why can't she sleep?

'Now you'll be able to sleep'.

That's what the doctor said.

What?

Of course. I'll be able to sleep.

Of course you will.

Stop thinking so much.

You're right. You gain

nothing by just thinking.

- Listen?

- Yes, this is the place. Go, sit there. Go on! Sit there.

Today you have to carry

out a custom of our family.

Come with me.

What custom?

During every Diwali festival...

the queen herself gives

the alms to the beggars.

You, too, have to

carry out this custom.

Let's go. We have to carry

out the customs of the world.

- Mister!

- I told you, you, too, will get it. Go on. Go on. Sit there.

Now sit down.

- I say...

- No need to say anything.

You'll get what you want.

Sit down.

Hail to the queen!

Hail to the queen!

Your treasury will be full!

Your husband will have a long life!

Have a happy married life!

Bring your hands forward.

Your husband will have a long life.

Have a happy married life.

Hail to the queen! Hail to

the queen! Hail to the queen!

Go now.

You've got what you came for.

Go on. Go on.

Yes, brother. I got it.

What I came here for.

One task has been completed,

my queen. One is remaining.

Which one?

You brought the instrument,

but left your voice behind.

May I ask why you're angry with it?

Why would I be angry?

This is worth worshiping for me.

I used to hear you

are a very good singer.

I heard the praise,

not your singing.

Let me hear you sing.

I would like to live

and die at your doorstep.

Just what I wanted to say.

I would like to hear this.

Die at your doorstep

I want to live and

die at your doorstep

My life will end at your doorstep

Die at your doorstep

I am at your doorstep

to give up my life

You may see it or you may not

I'll wander around

your house constantly

Die at your doorstep

My love for you will never lessen

I will die for you

and you will not know

After death

I will come to your land

Die at your doorstep

My life will end at your doorstep

Die at your doorstep

I want to live and

die at your doorstep

Didn't you sleep the whole night?

I can't sleep.

God knows why you can't sleep.

He's dead.

Who died?

A beggar.

What is it? What's going on?

Master, a corpse is lying

under the tree.

My life is in the

strings of this instrument.

Keep it safe.

Don't let the strings break.

No! No! No!

- Where are you going?

- What happened to the dead man?

- Who was he?

- Some poor man.

His old father came.

He took his body.

Where?

People were speaking of some village.

Chandipur!

Chandipur?

- Dharamsingh!

- Master.

Where's the queen?

Master, all I know is the queen

called for the carriage last evening...

and asked the driver

to take her to Chandipur.

Singer!

They aren't fireflies!

These are the souls of the

lovers who had been separated...

and suffered all their lives.

And are also

suffering after death.

Princess, maybe I'll

also become a firefly.

If that time comes,

I won't leave you.

I've become an ascetic for you.

I'll become a firefly with you.

Whenever you want to sleep...

chant the lord's name

and light a lamp.

My music will reach you.

Oh God, I can't sleep.

I'm tired of staying awake.

I want to sleep. I want to sleep.

A cradle of sandalwood

The thread of silk

I rock the cradle...

to invite the sleep

Someone calls from the skies above

Fairies have come to

decorate the cradle

Go far away to meet your beloved

The moon calls you to him

I rock the cradle

to invite the sleep

A cradle of sandalwood

The thread of silk

I rock the cradle

to invite the sleep