One of Gulzar‘s finest films, “Namkeen (1982),” is a Hindi-language social drama film. It stars Sanjeev Kumar, Sharmila Tagore, Shabana Azmi, Kiran Vairale, and Waheeda Rehman in the lead roles. The film is based on a story by Samaresh Basu (11 December 1924–12 March 1988) and explores the lives of four women who struggle to survive in a remote village in Himachal Pradesh.
Story Of Namkeen
The film’s story revolves around Jugni (Waheeda Rahman), a former folk theatre dancer who lives with her three daughters, Nimki, Mitthu and Chinki, in a dilapidated house outside the village. Jugni tries to protect her daughters from the life of a nautanki dancer, which she had always hated. Her husband, Kishanlal, is an alcoholic sarangi player who occasionally visits them and tries to reclaim his daughters.
Gerulal is a truck driver who becomes a tenant in Jugni’s house for a brief period. He is initially surprised by the non-social ways of the women but gradually develops respect and affection for them. He proposes to Nimki, the eldest daughter, who is the main breadwinner of the family.
However, Nimki refuses his proposal, citing her responsibility towards her sisters and mother. She suggests that he marry Mitthu, the middle daughter, who is mute and romantic. Gerulal is unable to accept this suggestion and leaves the village.
The Tragedy
Three years later, Gerulal finds out that Chinki, the youngest daughter, has become a nautanki dancer like her mother. He comes back to find things have changed drastically for the worse. Mitthu has died after falling off a cliff due to her mental imbalance; Jugni can’t survive the shock of her death and also dies. Nimki is waiting for Chinki to return and has become the shadow of her old mother, bitter and frail. Gerulal takes Nimki away with him for good.
The Work Of Art
The film is a poignant portrayal of the plight of women in rural India, who face poverty, oppression and exploitation. It also depicts the beauty and resilience of these women, who try to maintain their dignity and values despite their hardships. The film has a realistic and artistic style, with naturalistic performances by the actors.
Despite the film’s serious, almost tragic story, Gulzar adds a touch of humour to lighten the gravity of the theme. This is evident in scenes depicting Gerulal’s initial struggles to settle in, the banter among characters, and even in the playful lyrics of the song ‘Aanki chali, baanki chali.’
The Music
The film’s music by R.D. Burman is also noteworthy, especially the songs “Aisa Lagta Hai Koi Surma,” and “Phir Se Aaiyo Badra Bidesi.” The song “Raah pe rehte hain” gains deeper meaning when placed in the scene where Gerulal is introduced in the movie and when he leaves Nimki’s family. Despite its upbeat tune, the song visually magnifies Gerulal’s sorrow at having to let go of the fleeting idea of home and family he had briefly cherished. The film also have peppy “Aanki Chali, Baanki Chali” by Asha Bhosle.
The Acocolades
Namkeen is considered one of Gulzar’s finest films and won several awards and accolades. It won the National Film Award for Best Audiography in 1983. It also won the Filmfare Award for Best Story and Best Art Direction in 1983. Waheeda Rehman and Kiran Vairale were nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for their roles in the fil
Namkeen on IMDB
