Shaheed-E-Azam - My Thoughts on Shaheed (1965)

Sarfaroshi Ki Tammanna Ab Hamaare Dil Mein Hai

Dekhna Hai Zor Kitna Baazu-E-Qaatil Mein Hai

This is no mere couplet to be sung in smug kavi sammelans and mushy mushairas; this is a war-cry to be rendered in the thickest of the battles and the most surest of the massacres….

It is the challenge of young men and women who could laugh in the face of the toughest opposition and still remain undaunted on their chosen path…. It’s the challenge of young men and women who did not have any weapons to face the world’s strongest colonial power other than a burning desire and a fierce faith but who would not let the opposition rest in peace despite being severely handicapped by resource limitations…. It’s the challenge of young men and women who though few in numbers could still instill fear in the hearts of the Empire about which it was famously said, “The sun never sets”…. It’s the challenge of those whose faith and fervour was enough to move mountains and who could fervently believe that death was a welcome bride

Only they could say so calmly and so softly:

Kheench Layee Hai Sabhi Ko Sar Kataane Ki Lalak

Aashiqon Ka Aaj Jamghat Qucha-E-Qaatil Mein Hai

These words of fierce fervour, these words of intense intensity, these words of a fanatic frenzy, born of naked and fierce love for one’s Junoon are words that can adorn the lips of only a few selected destined ones… Not all can speak this language of love and devotion and still be unfazed except those for whom their love and devotion has transcended all barriers

Today, as I sit here in this great mall, looking at the teeming multitude of beautiful curvaceous damsels and handsome, stylish studs, irreversibly seeped in western culture and disdainful of anything and everything Indian, I can only wonder at what could have been the reason why those men of Junoon; those men with deep nationalist devotion were so different from us.. what made them so very conscious of their own destiny than people like me who are still looking for our destinies and still failing miserably…. I am trying to frankly understand what is it that separates these men and women that roam here in these malls from those men and women of an earlier age and generation who deliberately and consciously shunned their own selves of all pleasures for a grim destiny…

At the age of 23, when people of my age and generation think of nothing while wearing a British or American flag on their foreheads, these young men of uncommon, singular passion were wearing gallows for the sake of their own flags –

At the age of 23, when young guys and girls of my age and generation spend hours hovering outside the embassy of the United States, waiting for that elusive opportunity to forever leave the nation of their birth, these young men of uncommon, singular passion were resisting all opportunities just to fight and die for their motherland –

Maybe as Kaifi Azmi would say:

Zinda Rehne Ke Mausam Bahot Hain Magar,

Jaan Dene Ki Rut Roz Aati Naheen….

Husn Aur Ishq Dono Ko Ruswaa Kare,

Woh Jawaani Jo Khoon Mein Nahaati Naheen…

It’s really sad – nay, shameful – to note that very few films have been made that showcase the martyrdom of these patriots; very few films that depict what these men went through for their love for their country… they who died so that we may live, these martyrs who made life so simple for us – it’s their death that is reflected in our freedom but we hardly care…..

Hence, when one comes across a movie like Shaheed, the first reaction is to silently thank the makers for their faith and confidence in making such a brave movie. Unlike the movies that were made on Bhagat Singh later, each and everyone of them trying to cash in on the sudden popularity of the man popularly known as Shaheed-E-Azam and depicting the era (in some cases rather very well) rather than the person, Shaheed focuses itself totally on the aura and mystique of the man we call Shaheed-E-Azam

It’s a simple story told in black and white and having no jingoistic overtones other than the premise of the story but it manages to capture the man, his character and his devotion so well that the ones that follow although artistically much better in terms of cinematography and other paraphernalia still fail to generate that same power and depth as this simple story told from the heart. Maybe the fact that it was written by one of Bhagat Singh’s associates and fellow revolutionaries, Batukeshwar Dutt makes it so emotionally resonant that the film manages to capture your heart without even attempting to do so….

Manoj Kumar as Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh delivers what can be said to be the finest, the greatest and the best performance of his entire career. Consistently devoured by critics for being nothing but a carbon copy of the great Dilip Kumar, and written off for his odd and quirky mannerisms, this is the film where the actor in Manoj actually comes to life. Those mannerisms are still there but somehow they are too subdued and too natural to be called mannerisms. Suffice it to say, had Manoj quit acting after this movie, he would still write his names in the annals of Indian film history. There has never been a better Bhagat Singh… although the list of actors who attempted this role is by itself a role call in the who's who of the film world - Prem Adeeb, Shammi Kapoor and even the great Sivaji Ganeshan

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The eyes of a man who lives for his passion and his dream are curious. They are deep and often resonate with a depth that can only be understood if one understands depths. These are the eyes of a soldier of faith, these are the eyes of a soldier of truth… In this film, Manoj speaks so eloquently with his eyes, I would forgive him all his later hamming.

Manoj plays his role with an uncommon restraint. He’s silent most of the times but when he speaks, his voice is calm and steely; as calm as the desert and as steely as the sword. His one line as he rebukes the jailor says it all, “Aap Hukum Se Majboor Hain, Main Dil Se Majboor Hoon” Imagine a man saying that after being on a hunger strike (not the relay type but the real one) for more than 40 Days

There is no doubt, why even Bhagat Singh’s family appropriated him as Bhagat Singh himself!

Prem Chopra as Sukhdev is brilliant. In a rare positive role, Prem Chopra stands tall. The chagrin on his face when he's let to believe that Bhagat has turned approver speaks from the bottom of his heart - his downcast eyes speak of his pain and sufferings at having found that his God had feet of clay - and then see the feelings of happiness on his face when he finds out that he has been fooled - that His Gos is indeed God and has never forsaken him - the innocence is so child-like, it can only be felt, not explained! Maybe this explains why the legendary Mehboob Khan wanted to introduce this actor as a hero in his never-completed last film ‘Kafan’… The man plays his role to the hilt and is convincing in the role of Sukhdev who hero-worshipped Bhagat Singh and was his closest friend and associate in real life.

Anand Kumar as Rajguru has not been given a lot of space to perform but whenever he gets a chance to perform, Anand is convincing. It’s sad that both Rajguru and Sukhdev have not been given proper respect for their contribution to the freedom struggle. One of the main merits of this film hence is that Shaheed, although a movie on Bhagat Singh does not treat his other peers as collateral matter but as revolutionaries in their own right. Shahid is not only about Bhagat but also about Rajguru and Sukhdev.

A very beautiful song that’s been picturized on these three, shows the deep fervour these actors held for the country. So easy is their camaraderie, so effortless their performance that one can only say that these actors were really having a gala time walking to their gallows somewhat just like the three friends whom they represented must have had as they walked on those cold and punishing steps on that cold, dark night way back in 1931

Jis Chole Ko Pahen Shivaji Khele Apni Jaan Pe

Jis Chole Ko Pahen Rani Mit Gayee Apni Aan Pe

Uss Chole Ko Pahenke Nikla.. Hum.. Sarfaroshon Ka Tola

Mera Rang De Basanti Chola … Mayee… Rang De Basanti Chola!

Only a man who does not fear death but believes that death is welcome to a life of subjugation – only he, whose conscience is so clear can be so gay at the time of his death

Kamini Kaushal is brilliant in her role as Kishan Singh, Bhagat Singh’s mother. The maturity of a mother whose son is destined to die on the gallows along with the conflicting emotion that a mother feels for her son is not easy to depict, especially in a film that addresses the son and not the mother. Hence, it’s remarkable to see that Kamini still manages to leave a powerful impression. It’s true that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world and what better example of this truth than the mother who instilled such a deep love in the son for her country… If Bhagat Singh is a great man, greater is the mother who made him the great man that he is… I cannot but recite a couplet for this great mother

Hai Kaun Khushnaseeb Maa, Jiske Ghar Ka Ye Chiraagh Hai
Woh Khusnaseeb Hai Kahan, Jiske Sar Ka Ye Taaj Hai
Amar Woh Desh Kyon Na Ho, Ki Tu Jahaan Shaheed Ho?

Nirupa Roy is fabulous in her performance as Durga Bhabhi. Look at her performance and one will understand the silent sacrifices made by the women of the country for the freedom that we cherish and which is still a pipedream for many of them. Although the character could have been more deeply etched, the director has on purpose made all other characters in the film incidental to the plot so that the film can focus on the protagonist and in deference to this technique, Nirupa plays her role with characteristic élan

Man Mohan, a small-time side villain of those days also makes a positive impression with his performance as the legendary general of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army, Chandrashekhar Azad – one of the greatest revolutionaries in the history of Indian Freedom Struggle. One is often deluded to think that revolutionaries must be rough and crude but the softness of an otherwise ruthless freedom-fighter is well-documented in this brilliant movie making this easily his best performance in movies

A look at his eye as he marshals his forces effectively early in the film shows his power over his troops and the way in which he indulges them shows his affectionate nature. Observe him look causally but sternly at them as the legendary Mohammed Rafi sings in the background:

Ae Watan, Ae Watan, Humko Teri Qasam;

Teri Raahon Mein Jaan Tak Luta Jaayenge

Phool Kya Cheez Hai, Tere Qadmon Mein Hun,

Bhet Apne Saron Ki Chaddha Jaayenge

Performances that linger are made in such moments

One more actor who makes an impression is the formidable, great Pran. As Keher Singh, a dacoit who has spent his life in thievery and killing; Pran dazzles all with his brilliance and exuberance. Whether it’s in the scenes where he is ribbing Bhagat Singh, ridiculing his policies or in the scenes depicting his steady transformation after listening to him, Pran is just Pran! The man, The Actor, The Legend!

Some of his dialogues are so strong that they set the tempo of the film – “Zindagi Mein Kisi Nek Aadmi Se Haath Nahin Milaaya, Milaayega Haath?” when he is being sent to the gallows and meets Bhagat Singh for the last time impresses one with it’s simplicity but most importantly subtly point out to the greatness of Bhagat Singh’s character that even a hardened dacoit falls in love with his character.

Going further, Anwar Hussein and Madan Puri are superb in their rendition of men whose hearts are in the right place but who serve the wrong masters. The scene where Madan Puri informs Anwar that Bhagat will be hanged a day prior to the actual date of hanging and Anwar’s reaction is a brilliant piece of acting from both the stalwarts

Another powerful aspects of the movie are it’s music and songs that effectively and emotionally hold up the film

It’s not rare to see these songs still being played out on National Days like Independence Day and Republic Day. A great deal of credit for this brilliant composition should go to Prem Dhawan. Prem Dhawan was one of the best lyricists of the time and it was with great persuasion that he agreed to take the baton but what songs! ….. each and every song is a gem in itself…

Whether it’s Mukesh and Mahendra Kapoor singing “Mera Rang De Basanti Chola” to the beat of revolutionaries approaching death, whether it’s Mohammed Rafi administering the vow of fealty to gathered warriors and revolutionaries in “Aye Watan; Aye Watan” or it’s again the great Rafi along with the irrepresible Manna De bravely drumming up morale with his resounding “Sarfaroshi Ki Tammanna” to starving prisoners; each and every song is a delight to hear

In fact, so deep is the meanings ascribed to this one song written by the legendary revolutionary poet, Ram Prasad Bismil that I often find myself in a deep thought whenever I hear this couplet from the song:

Waqt Aane De Bata Denge Tujhe Ae Aasmaan

Aaj Se Hum Kya Bataayen, Kya Hamaare Dil Mein Hai

S Ram Sharma is a forgotten man. Not much is known about this director except that this was the only film he directed. And for this one film, he shall be remembered. It is widely rumoured that the film was actually directed by Manoj himself but whatever maybe the truth, one thing is clear – this is a film that’s enough to put his name up there at the top. The way he has told this story, simply and without much fuss, without adding any emotional currents, letting the emotions grow by themselves is proof of a man and his craft. Thanks for giving us such a beautiful gift, Sir!

Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh will be remembered forever –

Watan Ki Laaj Thi Jise Pyari Apni Jaan Se
Woh Nau-Jawaan Ja Raha Hai Dekho Kitni Shaan Se
Iss Ik Jawaan Ki Khaak Par Har Ek Jawaan Shaheed Ho!

Somehow I can still feel him repeat this couplet from somewhere up there:

Raah Qurbaaniyon Ki Naa Veeraan Ho;

Tum Sajaate Hi Rehna Naye Qaafiley;

Jeet Ka Jashn Iss Haar Ke Baad Hai;

Zindagi Maut Se Mil Rahi Hai Gale

Baandh Lo Apne Sar Pe Qafan Saathiyon

Ab Tumhaare Hawaale Watan Saathiyon

Are we listening?