Masoom

I remember watching this classic back in the late eighties. Back then I watched it only because of the song “Lakri ki Kathi”. I watched it again back in 2017 when my first kid was born and I watched it again yesterday night in my office while waiting for a presentation to review. It will always be one of my favorite movie ever. The story, concept, direction, music, acting OMG I can write books on it. Before we start judging Naseer’s character and put him on trial let’s understand his psychology. Yes he definitely cheated on his beloved wife and totally forgot about it. Did he or did he not take advantage of Bhavna who was vulnerable and just needed some sort or support. I mean his wife was about to deliver and he was out and about offering pity sex. So yes that was horrible for that time but overall he was a good father, employee, boss and a friend. Shabana was an amazing mother, loyal wife and a great friend. She deserved so much better. Not once I felt like she was being evil to young Rahul as she was going through her own struggles. One of the most poignant such scenes occurs when Naseer and Rahul return from a few days away from the family.  Shabana’s daughters leap with excitement at their father's return, and for a moment Shabana is joyful as well, a broad smile crosses Indu's face, and she rises and begins to fix her hair in the mirror.   Then she stops, suddenly, and her face changes, becoming cold and sad, her pain overtakes her momentary joy at Naseer's return.  The film is loaded with small, aching moments like this, and Shabana makes each one real and heartrending. All three kids were amazing. When I watched this movie as a 4 years old in 1988, I really liked Urmila and then when I watched her in Rangeela as an eleven years old, I fell in love with her. Their subtle scenes when Rahul tells them he will be going to boarding school and Mini drops the pillow and sits down in a sad manner was shot so well. I am not an Indian but I loved the whole Urban India which was shown. Husband works as a partner in a firm, has an amazing house, kids go to a good school, wife is a proper homemaker, they attend parties, have two servants etc. The whole structure was something us kids living in Gulf countries back in the 80’s and early 90’s used to love. Great music. The scenes that made me proper cry were when Rahul says Sorry to Shabana with teary eyes and when he tells Naseer at the climax “How can I forget you? You are my papa”. Omg as a father of three kids, I could not stop crying. Everyone should watch this movie and look into the subtle little details. This movie was made with love and dedication.