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Ijaazat
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| Ijaazat | |
|---|---|
![]() Film poster | |
| Directed by | Gulzar |
| Written by | Subodh Ghosh (story) Gulzar (screenplay & dialogues) |
| Produced by | R. K. Gupta |
| Starring | Rekha Naseeruddin Shah Anuradha Patel |
| Cinematography | Ashok Mehta |
| Edited by | Subhash Sehgal |
| Music by | R. D. Burman |
| Distributed by | Goldmines Telefilms |
Release date |
|
Running time | 137 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Ijaazat (transl. Permission) is a 1987 Indian Hindi-language musical romance film directed by Gulzar, based on a Bengali story, Jatugriha, by Subodh Ghosh, which had earlier been adapted in Bengali in 1964 as a movie with the same name.[1] Starring Rekha, Naseeruddin Shah, Anuradha Patel in lead roles, the film followed the story of couple who are separated and who accidentally meet in a railway station waiting room and discover some truths about their lives without each other. The film belongs to the art-house genre in India known as Parallel Cinema, and won two National Film Awards in the music category.[2][3][4]
A book based on the film titled Gulzar's Ijaazat: Insights into the film by Pakistani author Mira Hashmi was launched in June 2019.[5]
Plot
[edit]The film is narrated as a present-day encounter between a divorced couple interwoven with flashbacks of several instances in their marriage. Mahender (Naseeruddin Shah) gets off a train and makes his way to the station waiting room just as it starts to rain heavily. His ex-wife, Sudha (Rekha), is already sitting in the waiting room but he fails to notice her. Upon seeing him, Sudha tries to hide from him but later they accidentally run into each other.
In the first of many flashbacks, Mahender meets Sudha's father figure (Shammi Kapoor) who urges him to consider keeping his vow of marrying Sudha. He had been engaged to Sudha for 5 years but always made an excuse to delay their wedding. Sudha's father figure has already fixed the wedding date and urges Mahender to show up. Mahender meets with Sudha to discuss his ongoing relationship with Maya (Anuradha Patel). Sudha asks Mahender to bring Maya to her (Sudha's) father figure and reveal his intention of marrying Maya instead. Mahender returns to his place for Maya but finds that she has left, leaving him a letter. Later, Mahender marries Sudha and has an amicable relationship with Maya simultaneously. Mahender often speaks with Maya as a friend but wishes to get over her and pursue a normal, married life with Sudha who remains wary of Maya's presence in her marriage. When Maya attempts suicide, Mahender feels guilty and starts spending more time with her. Sudha, not knowing about Maya's suicide attempt and believing that Mahender is being unfaithful to her, feels that her marriage was a mistake, and questions Mahender about his intentions. He then tells her strongly that he is going to bring Maya home to talk to her. Sudha is opposed to this but Mahender leaves nevertheless to bring Maya. However, Maya overhears Mahender and Sudha's arguments on the phone and she leaves before Mahender reaches to pick her up. Returning home without Maya, he finds that Sudha has left as well. Mahender, unable to bear the shock, suffers from a heart attack. Maya nurses him back to health while Sudha stays out of contact with Mahender and continues as a teacher in Panchgani. Later, Mahender feels the that it is time to bring Sudha back home. However, just then, he receives a letter from Sudha stating her intentions to abandon the marriage and cut off all contact with Mahender. After an argument with Mahender, Maya feels estranged at this abrupt change in their relationship and rides off on her motorcycle early in the dawn. Mahender rushes to follow her in his car to stop her. Maya's scarf gets entangled in the rear wheel of the motorcycle, which derails her off the vehicle and she dies from the injuries.
In the present day, after finding out about Mahender and Maya's fate, Sudha is deeply saddened. Just as Mahendra approaches her to ask about her life, her new husband (Shashi Kapoor) enters the room to pick her up. As Sudha's husband leaves the waiting room with her luggage, Mahender asks her to forgive him. She touches Mahender's feet as a plea for his forgiveness and for his permission (Ijaazat) for her to leave him—saying that this was something which she had not received the last time they had separated. Sudha's husband returns to see what is holding her up, recognises Mahender, and smiles at him. Sudha and her husband leave the waiting room and the platform while Mahender hangs back.[6][7]
Cast
[edit]- Rekha as Sudha
- Naseeruddin Shah as Mahendra
- Anuradha Patel as Maya
- Shammi Kapoor as Mahendra's grandfather
- Dina Pathak as Principal
- Sulabha Deshpande as Sudha's Mother
- Shashi Kapoor (Cameo)
Reception
[edit]Filmfare wrote about the film, "One of Gulzar's most sensitive films, it also remains Rekha's most poignant performance as the possessive wife, who gives up her husband (Naseeruddin Shah) rather than share him with another woman (Anuradha Patel). Mera Kuch Saaman … can anyone not be moved by it?"[8] According to Lalit Mohan Joshi, author of the book Bollywood: popular Indian cinema, Ijaazat "recreates the tingling sensation of a mature romance. It looks at an unusual male-female relationship, a subject less often broached in Hindi films." Joshi further notes that the film "exudes a sentimental feeling that seems more touching than the recent teenybopper romance stories."[9] M.L. Dhawan from The Tribune, while documenting the famous Hindi films of 1987, commended Gulzar for giving "a mature treatment to the eternal love triangle of pati patni aur woh (husband, wife and the other woman)." He further noted Asha Bhosle for her "soul-stirring voice [which] left an impact" and the principal cast for their "emotion-loaded performances".[10]
Awards
[edit]Gulzar for "Mera Kuchh Saamaan"
Asha Bhosle for "Mera Kuchh Saamaan"
Won
Gulzar for "Mera Kuch Saamaan"
Nominated
Music
[edit]The film has four songs, all were composed by R. D. Burman and sung by Asha Bhosle to lyrics penned by Gulzar. The song "Mera Kuch Saamaan" won both writer and singer several accolades with Bhosle winning her second National Award.
| Song | Singer |
|---|---|
| "Mera Kuchh Saamaan" | Asha Bhosle |
| "Chhoti Si Kahani Se" | Asha Bhosle |
| "Qatra Qatra Milti Hai" | Asha Bhosle |
| "Khali Haath Sham Aayi" | Asha Bhosle |
References
[edit]- ^ Gulzar; Govind Nihalani; Saibal Chatterjee (2003). Encyclopaedia of Hindi cinema. Popular Prakashan. p. 337. ISBN 81-7991-066-0.
- ^ "The Master at His Best". Retrieved 14 December 2018.
- ^ "Gulzar to make a Bengali film". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
- ^ "Relationship status: it's complicated". thehindu.com. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
- ^ Muhammad Ali (24 June 2019). "Mira Hashmi's book on Gulzar's 'Ijaazat' to launch on June 28". dailytimes.com.pk. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ "Ijaazat".
- ^ "Ijaazat is a strangely poetic take on divorce that was rare in 1980s Hindi films". 12 September 2020.
- ^ Farook, Farhana (13 July 2010). "Top 5". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 15 July 2010. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
- ^ Lalit Mohan Joshi (1 September 2002). Bollywood: popular Indian cinema. Dakini Books. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-9537032-2-7. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
- ^ Dhawan, M.L. (21 July 2002). "Year of the invisible hero". The Tribune. Retrieved 3 December 2011.
External links
[edit]Ijaazat
View on GrokipediaBackground and Development
Literary Origins
The literary origins of the film Ijaazat trace back to the Bengali short story "Jatugriha" by Subodh Ghosh, first published in 1960, which delves into the marital discord and emotional intricacies faced by a middle-class couple navigating personal incompatibilities and societal expectations.[4] Ghosh's narrative centers on the subtle erosion of a love-based marriage, highlighting themes of guilt over unfulfilled desires—such as the wife's infertility—and the quiet emotional distance that leads to separation without overt conflict.[5] This story received its initial cinematic adaptation in the 1964 Bengali film Jatugriha, directed by Tapan Sinha and produced by Uttam Kumar Films Private Limited, with Uttam Kumar portraying the protagonist Shatadal, Arundhati Devi as his wife Madhuri, and Anil Chatterjee in a supporting role.[6] The film faithfully captures the source material's restrained exploration of relational fractures, using symbolism like an unfinished house to mirror the couple's disintegrating bond, and served as an indirect inspiration for later interpretations by emphasizing introspective human relationships over dramatic confrontation.[5] In the 1980s, director Gulzar—himself a celebrated poet and screenwriter with a profound affinity for literary adaptations—chose to reimagine Ghosh's story for a Hindi audience in Ijaazat (1987), introducing a love triangle to amplify the psychological layers while shifting away from melodramatic excess toward nuanced depictions of illusion, loneliness, and unresolved reconciliation.[7] Gulzar's version retains core elements like guilt-ridden entanglements and the ambiguity of emotional closure but enriches them through surreal framing, such as a rain-soaked railway station reunion, to probe deeper into the characters' inner conflicts without tidy resolutions.[5] This adaptation earned Ghosh a posthumous Filmfare Award for Best Story in 1989, underscoring the enduring impact of his original work.[8]Pre-Production
Gulzar developed the screenplay for Ijaazat by adapting Subodh Ghosh's Bengali short story "Jatugriha," creating a loose interpretation that expanded the original narrative thread into a more introspective exploration of love and regret.[5] Having first encountered the story at the home of actor Abhi Bhattacharya, Gulzar incorporated poetic monologues and a non-linear structure to delve into the characters' fragmented memories and emotional layers, diverging from the linear progression of the source material.[9][10] In forming the initial creative team, Gulzar collaborated with composer R.D. Burman, chosen for their longstanding partnership and Burman's expertise in blending classical Indian elements with modern sensibilities, which aligned perfectly with the film's lyrical and melancholic tone.[11] This musical synergy was essential from the pre-production stage, as the songs were envisioned as integral to the narrative's poetic flow.[12] Produced by R.K. Gupta under the banner of Vaishno Films Pvt. Ltd., Ijaazat was positioned as a mid-scale production within the parallel cinema movement, emphasizing artistic depth over commercial extravagance.[2]Production
Casting
Naseeruddin Shah was cast in the lead role of Mahendra, a character requiring a nuanced portrayal of internal conflict and emotional ambiguity. The role was initially offered to Sanjeev Kumar, who passed away in 1985 before production could begin, leading to Shah's selection. Known for his prominent contributions to Indian parallel cinema through films like Nishant (1975) and Sparsh (1980), Shah brought authenticity to the character's introspective depth, drawing from his experience in roles exploring human psychology and societal tensions.[13][14] Rekha was chosen for the role of Sudha, marking a significant shift from her frequent portrayals of the 'other woman' in earlier commercial and South Indian films, instead embodying the devoted yet independent wife. This casting highlighted her transition toward more introspective performances in the 1980s, following acclaimed roles in art-house projects like Umrao Jaan (1981), where she demonstrated expressive emotional range under restraint. Gulzar's direction emphasized subtle interactions, allowing Rekha to convey quiet resilience without overt melodrama.[13][15] Anuradha Patel, a relatively new face in Hindi cinema with limited prior credits including Prem Rog (1982), was selected as Maya after the role was originally intended for Smita Patil, who also died in 1986. Patel's casting infused the character with a fresh sense of vulnerability and unpredictability, contrasting the seasoned leads and providing a dynamic foil in the love triangle. Her performance earned a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actress, underscoring her ability to balance innocence with complexity as a newcomer.[13][1] The supporting cast contributed to the film's intimate ensemble dynamic, with Rammohan Sharma portraying the station master, a pivotal figure facilitating the narrative's chance encounters. Other roles, such as those by Sulabha Deshpande and Dina Pathak, added layers of familial and societal context, maintaining balance in Gulzar's focus on relational nuances.Filming and Technical Aspects
Principal photography for Ijaazat commenced in 1987 and was primarily conducted at key studios in Mumbai, including Mehboob Studios, Film City, Filmistan, and Seth Studios, with outdoor sequences filmed at railway stations to evoke the story's authentic setting and in Kudremuk, Karnataka, for scenic hill station scenes.[16] Cinematographer Ashok Mehta utilized soft lighting and subtle diffusion techniques to differentiate flashbacks from the present timeline, creating a tender, introspective visual palette that emphasized emotional depth through intimate close-ups and warm tones, aligning with the film's themes of regret and longing.[17][18] Editor Subhash Sehgal crafted seamless transitions for the film's extensive flashback structure, avoiding abrupt cuts to maintain a fluid emotional narrative flow and enhance the psychological intimacy of the characters' recollections.[19][20] As a modest art-house production, Ijaazat relied on minimalistic sets and dialogue-centric scenes, prioritizing character-driven storytelling over elaborate action or spectacle to fit its constrained resources.[21]Narrative and Characters
Plot Summary
The film Ijaazat opens with the divorced couple Mahendra (Naseeruddin Shah) and Sudha (Rekha) accidentally reuniting in the waiting room of a remote railway station during a fierce storm that delays their trains.[22] Stranded together overnight, their conversation prompts a series of flashbacks that unfold the story of their marriage and separation.[22] In the flashbacks, Mahendra marries Sudha under family pressure, despite his deep emotional attachment to his former lover, the vibrant and impulsive Maya (Anuradha Patel).[22] Sudha, portrayed as patient and forgiving, enters the union knowing of Mahendra's unresolved feelings and initially accommodates the remnants of his past relationship, including Maya's belongings left in their home.[22] Mahendra's persistent guilt over his divided loyalties creates tension, while Sudha's repeated acts of forgiveness fail to bridge the emotional gap. Maya's suicide attempt further strains the marriage, as Mahendra spends more time with her, leading to arguments; after Mahendra suffers a heart attack and is nursed by Maya, Sudha leaves the home and later sends a letter seeking divorce. Maya's dramatic interventions escalate the conflict, as she reenters their lives through persistent letters, phone calls, and bold gestures, such as sending back mementos tied to shared memories, which Mahendra reads aloud to Sudha.[22] These intrusions highlight the unresolved tensions in the marriage. In the aftermath, following an argument with Mahendra, Maya dies in a motorcycle accident when her scarf becomes entangled in the rear wheel of her motorcycle, leaving Mahendra alone with his regrets. Returning to the present, the night of reflection culminates in an emotional confrontation where Mahendra and Sudha revisit their hurts and lingering affection, but without any prospect of reconciliation.[22] As the storm clears, Sudha's caring new husband (Shashi Kapoor) arrives to fetch her, underscoring the finality of their separation.[23]Cast List
The principal cast of Ijaazat features Naseeruddin Shah in the lead role of Mahendra, the conflicted husband.[2] Rekha portrays Sudha, the devoted wife.[2] Anuradha Patel plays Maya, the intrusive lover.[2] Supporting roles include Rammohan Sharma as the Ticket Checker.[2] Additional supporting actors comprise Sulabha Deshpande as Sudha's mother (Parvati), Dina Pathak as the school principal, Shammi Kapoor as Mahendra's grandfather, and Shashi Kapoor as Sudha's husband.[2][16] The film also features minor roles such as passengers at the railway station and a child artist credited as Swati, though specific details on the latter are limited in available credits.[2]Music and Soundtrack
Composition Process
The music for Ijaazat was composed by R.D. Burman in close collaboration with lyricist Gulzar, marking one of their final joint efforts before Burman's death in 1994. Burman's score blended traditional ghazal structures with orchestral elements, creating a melancholic fusion that complemented the film's introspective tone; this approach drew on Burman's signature style of integrating Indian classical motifs with Western arrangements to evoke emotional depth. The composition took place during recording sessions in 1987 at Mumbai's prominent studios, where Burman often worked to layer intricate instrumentation.[11] Gulzar's lyrics were deeply influenced by Urdu poetry traditions, emphasizing themes of separation, longing, and unresolved emotions central to the narrative. For instance, in "Mera Kuchh Saamaan," the lyrics use everyday objects left behind as a poignant metaphor for lingering memories and emotional baggage in a failed relationship, reflecting Gulzar's poetic subtlety in capturing relational fragmentation without overt sentimentality. This creative synergy involved Burman often receiving Gulzar's verses first and improvising melodies around them, sometimes challenging the composer's rhythmic instincts due to the lyrics' abstract nature.[24][25] All vocal tracks featured Asha Bhosle as the primary singer, selected for her versatile emotional timbre that conveyed vulnerability and restraint, aligning with the female characters' inner turmoil; her renditions, such as in "Khaali Haath Shaam Aayi Hai," highlighted Burman's preference for her nuanced delivery in introspective pieces. The background score was integrated seamlessly to enhance key scenes, employing instruments like the flute for ethereal, wandering motifs and the sarangi for soulful, wailing undertones that underscored moments of solitude and reflection, amplifying the film's psychological intimacy without overpowering the dialogue.[12][26]Track Listing and Lyrics
The soundtrack of Ijaazat comprises five tracks composed by R. D. Burman, with lyrics by Gulzar, and vocals primarily by Asha Bhosle. Released in 1987 by the HMV label, the album totals approximately 32 minutes and integrates the songs seamlessly into the film's dialogue-driven narrative without traditional lip-syncing.[27][28]| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katra Katra (with Dialogues) | Asha Bhosle, Naseeruddin Shah, Rekha | 7:29 |
| 2 | Khali Hath Sham Aai Hai | Asha Bhosle | 5:00 |
| 3 | Mera Kuchh Samaan | Asha Bhosle | 6:38 |
| 4 | Katra Katra | Asha Bhosle | 6:03 |
| 5 | Chhoti Si Kahani Se | Asha Bhosle | 7:13 |

