Khamoshi

The black and white frames restrain a rocking chair, and the haunt of the whistle in an iconic tune continues. Asit Sen’s Khamoshi, redefined the meaning of the word for me. While on one hand its almost romantic, on the other it is that one thing that can kill the very soul. The inability to vocalise, makes you claustrophobic. It’s the circumstances that compel you to hold back what you would most willingly say. It’s the feeling that’s closest to you, the one that almost makes you, that then engulfs you in despair. Through that despair, its impossible to breathe, think or break away. Its impossible to see, smile or cry. It’s a gut wrenching pain that you hold on to. Because without that pain you almost feel lost. Lost in the huge crowd of faceless bodies where you could well be one of them. Lost in a world of nameless identities running mechanically from shore to shore, clinging to their pain for recognition and acceptance.

What made me write all this? The beautifully crafted character of Waheeda Rahman in Khamoshi. He sensitive portrayal and her longing for the man she loved. The film gave me again, the undying power of a woman’s unconditional love, and no matter how hard she tries, she can never win a battle against it. It gave me what Khamoshi has always meant for me. A silent force that has made me restrain my thoughts into myself. Long after the film is over, the last visual of Radha (Waheeda Rehman) entering the same ward where she healed her two patients, with the soulful, pregnant voice of Hemant Kumar, refuses to leave me. The film reminded me, how patience, trust and love can win all battles. It re confirmed to me, my belief, that there is much more to the world than just plain selfishness. And it made me marvel and miss the time cinema was intelligent, strong and beautiful. The starkness of the scenes of the hospital contrasted the warmth exuded by Radha. The simplicity and innocence of the questions that Deven Verma asked, made me want to step out into the world and remind people of the simple existence we have all left behind. It is to the cinema of that time that I bow my head in shame when critics say Guzaarish was a great film. There was something about cinema of the time. The narratives were clean, and the characters well thought of. There was sensitivity and an incredible humanity with which our attention was drawn to the issues. There was a sense of being unapologetic when it came to repercussions. It was the time when songs meant poetry, much more than a mere love ballad. There was expression in the way notes were treated. The words were simple and stayed with you forever.

Khamoshi is a film to be watched. For its cinematic excellance. For Gulzar Sahab’s words that have been weaved through gossamer strands of music. For Hemant Kumar’s soul in the song that he lends his voice to, that will make you weep, even with your eyes closed. For Waheeda Rehman, who shone her brightest at the time. For Asit Sen and his vision. And for all those people outside in the world who need our help. Where compassion, sympathy and warmth will atleast help some make a headway into this cut throat world. Just for the simple reason, that there may be some humanity still left in the world.