Cloud-Capped Star, The (1960)

[bunniefuu]

THE CLOUD-CAPPED STAR

Starring

SUP RN A CHOUDHURY
ANIL. CHATTERJEE

GYANESH MUKHERJEE
BIJON BHATTACHARYA

GITA DEY
GITA GHATAK

DWIJU BHAWAL

NIRANJAN RAY

From a Story by
SHAKTIPADA RAJGURU

Cinematography
DINEN GUPTA

Sound Recording
ABANI CHATTERJEE

and MRINAL GUHATHAKURTA

Art Direction
RAVI CHATTERJEE

Editing
RAMESH JOSHI

Rabindranath Tagore's Song
“On That Night”...

Courtesy of Visva-Bharati University

Sound Rerecording
SATYEN CHATTERJEE

Musical Direction
JYOTIRINDRA MOITRA

Written, Produced, and Directed by
RITWIK GHATAK

Young lady!

- Yes?
- Come here.

Tell your father
he'll soon owe for two months.

This can't go on!

- I'll tell him.
- You do that.

Again?

Just this once, Bansi.

I’ve just got to shave.

You and your father
are shaving me clean!

Any idea how much you owe?

Just one blade.

“Dark-skinned girl”?
What does it mean?

That her pigment is a bit dark?
Goodness me!

Stop going on! Go teach!

You don't get my point!

What if she suddenly returns
after tutoring?

She'll be hurt if she hears this.

Such a responsible girl!

Pursuing her M.A.,
tutoring two students,

and bringing in
40 rupees a month -

Are you still rattling on?

You talk and talk
but don't really care to know.

I heard at the committee meeting
they'll be starting evictions again

and cutting off money
for the school.

Shall I bring a cushion
so you can ramble on?

Goodness me!

Goodness me!

Your sandals are broken!

I'll get a new pair.

Goodness me!

Sir, your contribution
for our refugee camp?

I'm glad I ran into you.

You're involved in theater.
That's wonderful.

The tragic theme of your play
is a noble one,

but why must we be
kept awake at night

by all the racket?

The bee flies buzzing into the room

What news does it bring?

Neeta!

What?

Stop destroying that bolster!

You're late for college! Go!

I’m going!

Hey there.

A love letter
at your advanced age?

Give it back!

Let me read it!

“When we first met,
I didn't really see you.

I thought you quite ordinary.

Now I can see...

you're a cloud-capped star,

veiled by circumstance,

your brilliance dimmed
by a clouded sky...”

What tripe!

Let me see the name!
“Sanat”?

That idiot? I haven't seen him
around in a while.

Poking your nose
into a girl's personal affairs!

“Personal”?

If you're a person,
someday I'll be a genius!

You know you are one.
That's why you're so arrogant.

If only Bansi the grocer
understood

that I'm a genius.

How about some money?
My beard is itching bad.

- How much?
- Two annas for now.

Or maybe four.

Or maybe eight.

I'll buy some flavored tobacco.

Why not a whole tenner?

You got paid today, right?

Why don't you get a job?

That's unseemly for an artiste.

Another two years...

and money will be
raining down from the sky.

You know what Amir Khan gets
for a single performance?

Remember what I said
about the tenner!

Ma, you know
Manasi from my college,

the dark-skinned girl?

She has a sari
with milkmaids on it.

Not that again!

Don't listen to her!

Tomorrow's our final soccer match.

The other team has cleats now.

I can't wear
this same ugly sari every day.

Her Highness has been
in the same class

for three years now.

Why even bother?

I mus! have shoes
with cleats by tomorrow!

It's hard just providing
two meals a day,

yet the demands never stop.

By month's end
it's one dish per meal...

It's the first of the month!
Neeta got paid!

Neeta!
- No, me first!

These spikes are great!

See how light they are?

You didn't buy your sandals?

Later. I got material
for brother's shirt instead.

- Guess who I just spotted.
- Who?

I recognized him at once,
even after all these years.

- It's Sanat, Father's student!
- Should I call him?

Hey, Sanat!

Don't you recognize us?

Montu?

What are you staring at?

You've changed
these last few years.

You were just a little girl...

- And now...?
- Neeta.

Your letters keep coming,
but you never visit. Why?

I haven't forgotten your handwriting.

I pass your letters on to Neeta.

She's hardly at home,
what with college and tutoring.

We should head home.
Ma will be angry.

Why don't you come too?

Montu, come on.
- Coming.

Geeta's grown up
to be a lovely girl.

Very lovely. Too bad
she can't have decent clothes.

- Neeta.
- Yes?

I must photograph
my diagrams this month.

I need some money.

This month's money is all gone.

I can't ever give my siblings
the things they want.

And I still come to you
with my woes!

I feel so powerless.

This is your struggle.
Can't I share it with you?

I'll find a way
to give you a bit next month.

But do come by one day.

Father's always talking about you.

I'll do that the moment
I have some money.

Good-bye.

She spent it all!

Stop that!

Your darling daughter
is always throwing money away!

It's her own money!

The brazen hussy!

She just runs around
squandering money,

enough for
a whole month's groceries.

I should be contributing more.

How can I say anything?

No one sees what I go through.

No one understands.

Such ingratitude!

Ingrates, every one of you!

Aren't you going to eat?

I’m not feeling well.

Listen...

don't be angry with Ma.

The weight of poverty
has crushed her soul.

I’m not angry.

Remember that poem by Yeats?

“Sing on:
somewhere at some new moon

we shall learn
that sleeping is not death...

hearing the whole earth
change its tune.”

My head's pounding.

Goodness me!

Here's another good-for-nothing lout!

Our saint among sinners.

What's this long hair?

Cut it off!

Nice material you bought!

You definitely have good taste.

Going to bed already?
No dinner?

- No.
- Why not?

Ma must have said something.

Let people talk.
You do what you want.

Make that your motto.

Leave me alone.

What's this?
Eyes full of tears?

Ready to spill over
at the slightest provocation.

Very well.
I'll cast a spell. All right?

I don't feel good.

Then I'll say a prayer.

“Mother, your little girl
wants to catch the moon.

She says 'Ganush' for 'Ganesh.'

She doesn't understand a thing.

Your little girl is such a child!”

Come on, get up.

Don't forget:
I need a tenner tomorrow.

There's nothing left.

You spent it all?
Next month, then.

Starting next month
it all goes straight to Ma.

Idiot! Whoever gives their money
away is a full-scale idiot!

Look at that ninny.

Going somewhere this late
all decked out?

I couldn't wait till morning.

I just had to see how I look.

Slightly bovine.

There's pleasure in practice.

Bansi.

Not now. I'm very busy.

Send our bill for last month.

You're going to pay UP?

Anything else you'd like?
Some soap?

Just the bill.

Very well.

Geeta?

Aren't you going to class?

All these novels and movies
when you're failing in school!

There's never anything
in this hell-hole of poverty!

Then why not create
a little paradise here?

You can all parade around
like angels,

while I lie back twiddling my thumbs

and smelling the celestial roses!

Neeta, we need you desperately.

You and Shankar
have to sing at our function.

I’ve given up singing,

and Shankar's maestro
won't give him permission.

We at least have to discuss
whom to invite and other plans.

Fine. I'll stop by the library.

Shanti, seems your rehearsals
are going well.

We're in a real fix.

We need a good stage manager.

You need no such thing!

It's a terrible situation
you've created as it is!

Goodness me!

- Ma.
- What?

My tutoring pay.

All of it?

I asked Bansi to send his bill.

I always have
to endure his scolding.

Neeta.

You keep five rupees.

Pocket money.

Have you no shame,
sponging off your father?

Your sister works
all day long to pay your bills

while you sing
and toss your locks around!

For money, Mother, for money!
I'll be earning money too.

I’ve been getting lots of inquiries
since that radio audition.

My maestro is furious!

He'll let me perform after
two more years of solid practice.

Isn't he the one
with the hennaed beard?

Why not just hang on
like a m*dget

and swing from that?

What able-bodied son sits at home?
Go set up a shop!

- I’m an artiste.
- Quiet!

My bread doesn't come cheap.

I can't look your sisters in the face.

No more free meals!
If you want to eat, you can pay!

Running off without eating?

Did you tell Ma
I'm taking advantage here?

“Ma, your little boy
doesn't understand a thing.

Your little boy is such a child.”

Cut it out.

Why pay attention to nonsense?

Why ruin your whole future
over a few words today?

Just grit your teeth
for two more years.

Here's something for now.

Neeta, you're the only one
who really appreciates me.

In your hurry
did you forget about tomorrow?

What's tomorrow?

Jagatdhatri Puja.

So it's your birthday!

Father's taking me out
like in the old days.

He is? Where?

It's not decided yet. Somewhere.

Then I'm coming too.

But I know he'll make
an awful face and say -

- You're such a child!
- I won't listen to him.

I know he'll say no.
Come on, let's eat.

Why did you bring us here?

Come along.

Sunrise.

Give me that.

Didn't Keats have a verse...

“The poetry of the earth
is never dead.”

These rice fields -

it costs nothing
to admire their beauty.

So what if we have no money?

These fields are here.

Want to know the truth?

Living is an art.

You'll get indigestion.

At the rate you're going -

Look at our lives -

Will you be a glutton
all your life?

Ignorant lad!
You mustn't say such things.

Couldn't we have a bit...?

Here.

Neeta, you think
there's some water around?

I think there's water nearby.

Don't you?

Sir?

Your contribution
is three months overdue.

Please give us at least something.

Come by tomorrow.
I'll see what I can do.

- Tomorrow morning?
- Yes.

Listen.

I don't hear your voice
in all the rehearsal mayhem.

What are you up to?

I quit.

I wasn't getting any roles.

Roles?

As in acting? You're an actor?

Sir.

Who are you?

Sanat, sir.

Sanat!

Didn't you place second
in pure physics this year?

Yes, sir.

Who told me that?
Ah, it was Neeta.

Yes, we run into each other
sometimes.

I didn't even know
you had relocated here.

Ma'am, what's happened?

You look so pale and gaunt.

I'll make some tea.

What are your plans now?

I’m looking for a scholarship
to do doctoral research.

Monkey!

A Doctor of Science?
- Yes.

PhD's are all too common.

Swine!

What's your thesis on?

The Reynolds number
of the supersonic vibration

of the lower Gangetic plain.

- Ape!
- What?

Not you. I mean Shankar.

I was comparing you two.

He's done nothing with his life.

Son, come have a bite.

- Go on.
- Yes, sir.

You're here?

Immersed in your studies?

There's no other way
forward in life.

What a beautiful spot!

Who are these two?

Geeta.

I have no time.

Take some tea to Sanat.

Sanat's here?

Wicked girl!

What are you staring at?
Take it!

I’m late.

How can you sit indoors
all evening?

I’d suffocate!

See you later.

Drink your tea.

I can be late for tutoring
since you've come by.

Let's go for a walk.

What's the matter?
- Huh?

- Anything wrong?
- No.

Let's go for a walk.

I just suggested that.

Miles away, weren't you?

Hello?

Anyone home?

Where is everyone?
- Out!

Anyone home?

You just walk in here?
Get out this minute!

Miserable wretch!
Sauntering in here in broad daylight!

Goodness me!

Swami, how are you?

The nerve!

Come in.

Wife, this is the famous swami
I told you about.

- When?
- I'll be going.

Bringing home vagabonds
when you can't feed yourself!

The beginnings always
a bit troublesome, sir.

Dean"

he has a beautiful voice.
You'll be spellbound.

If you ever bring home
another scoundrel...!

Wait outside!

I'll be right there!

- Neeta?
- Yes, Father?

Quick, bring me a rupee.

Swami?

Not a word to your mother.

Sanat, I'm busy now.

I have some tutoring
to do in Selimpur.

Let's go.

Ma, we're going for a walk,

and I have tutoring after that.

- Good-bye, ma'am.
- Good-bye, son.

I’d better tell you:

I can't manage without a job.

No, you have to do your research.

But I can't seem
to get a scholarship.

I had to interrupt
my regular studies.

It's created an awful situation.

Just a few more months.

And then?

I'll graduate...

and get a job.

And with your earnings I'm to -

We could remove that distance
between us by then.

Your talent is so great.

Remember that picture in my room?
- The two kids?

My big brother and me.

We'd gone hiking
in the hills that morning.

We got up before dawn
to see sunrise from the peak.

What a strenuous climb!

But when the sun came up...

I just can't explain.

Shankar would tease me...

“Your little girl wants
to catch the moon.”

He still teases me.

- You don't deserve any of this.
- Of what?

This hardship, suffering,
and responsibility.

Then make a glass case

and place me inside
like a wax doll.

I'll be late for tutoring.
Shall we?

Neeta?

This is why I come to you.

You make all my troubles vanish.

No cause for alarm.
It's just a bone fracture.

Neeta, come outside.

An injury like that at his age

will take a long time to heal.

It looks like you'll have
to run the household now.

I'll go get medicine
for an injection.

He'll sleep till morning.

See you later.

I'll be back.

Neeta?

Weren't you working
toward an M.A. this year?

I couldn't continue.
I had to get a job.

See you.

Better come up
with a new line about your rent.

I told you yesterday -

“You'll get it when I do.”
That line's stale.

Are we your parents now...

that you can just ride
on our shoulders?

Get a job!

Settle down in life.

You'll never understand that
there's something called “an ideal”...

something one suffers for.

Your friend Saroj came by.

I asked him about these things
I can't understand.

Mukundo? Come here.

What did he say?

- National Chemical.
- One.

- Joy Engineering.
- Two.

- Jagat Hosiery.
- Three.

Three jobs await,

and you're studying hot air?

If only you could live on hot air!

The young lady is here

Show her in.

Your ideal has arrived.

- I’m dying of thirst.
- Hold on.

Here.

I'll take it.

I’ve been running around for days.
Luckily I found a job.

Things are bad
since Father's accident.

I don't like this one bit.

Why did you quit your studies?

What else could I do?

So many people at home...

all counting on me.

Walk me to the station?

Let's go.

Hail, Mother

Tarry no longer

Bless me with the virtues I crave

Neeta!

Let me have four annas.
I need a shave!

Hey, why make me run after you?

Sorry.

Knowledge

Virtue of the goddess Saraswati

Mother of the world

Neeta, I couldn't bear
doing research

while you work.

I'll get a job.
You go back to school.

I can easily find work.

But... what about our wedding?

It can't happen now.

Why not?

How can it?

If I leave home now...

my father,
my little brother, my sister -

Shankar is a rascal!

That's his responsibility.

You just don't understand him.

He'll be great one day.

You'll see.

Just as you'll be great.

I’m pinning my hopes
on the two of you.

And then maybe
my time will come.

So you mean, until then...

We have to wait.

Why should we?

Don't be foolish.

- Neeta.
- Yes?

I'll come by in a day or two.

- All right.
- I have a question to ask.

A question?

Then come by.

- Bansi?
- Need to shave?

Here. How can I say no
to the great artist?

You're a singer.
You have to shave.

But have you shaved off
all shame too?

Shame?

Your whole family living
off your sister's labor

and destroying her future.

The whole camp is talking about it!

Aren't you the oldest brother?

Just because you give me blades
on credit doesn't mean -

Come off it!

I call Neeta “Sinbad the sailor,”

and you're like the old man
riding on Sinbad's shoulders.

Only death will set her free.

Only death will set her free!

Shame on you!

I wasted all my good days

Now, in bad times

I've come to the river's edge

Boatman, I don't know your name

Who shall I call out to?

Oh my heart,
who will take you across?

There is a boat but no boatman

There is no one on the river bank

Sir, I finished the lesson.

I finished.

It's getting late.

Run along now.

Montu's skipped classes
for a month now.

I heard today that he's failing.

You hear me?

He's been struck from the rolls

because he can't pay the fees.

What use is college
to him anyway?

It's a good thing
that girl has a job.

Just as well, isn't it?

Father, did you hear about Montu?

Stop being the bearer of bad news!
Everyone knows!

They also know you're happiest

when this family's in trouble.

So what if he's failed?
What about you and that young man?

Woman!

Father...

a factory hired him last month

so he could be
on their soccer team.

He was too scared to tell you.

He brought home his first pay.

Everything's kept secret from me

as if I were the enemy!

Like father, like children!

I’m not touching that money!

You can run the household
and face the music.

Come along!

A factory job?

Labor?

What's it matter?

Those jobs offer
better prospects these days.

Just look what
the middle classes have sunk to!

Help me into the next room.

Boatman, I don 't know your name...

You all think I'm just an old nag,

always finding fault.

These last ten years

have taken a heavy toll
on my mind and spirit.

It's like I'm not the same person.

Ma, you needn't explain.

I can't bear the load
of this household anymore.

You have to set me free.

If Shankar were a real man,

you wouldn't have
such a load to carry.

Brother is a good man.

Really?

And don't count
on your Father anymore.

He might stand and walk
again someday...

but it's like his mind
is getting confused.

It's true!

He'll never earn a salary again.

I’ve known him since I was seven.

Don't worry, Ma.

I’m here.

I do worry!

You have
your own hopes and dreams...

and who knows what else.

In any case...

without you I have nothing.

I still can't put my mind at ease.

The truth 'vs...

you're my sole support.

But at the same time
you frighten me.

My own daughter,
yet so distant from me.

If you leave too...

Ma!

I’ve never understood you.

Why so quiet?

I don't want to interrupt.

- What is it?
- Come eat. It's late.

- You haven't eaten yet?
- No.

Why not?

Because you haven't.

Idiot.

Neeta?

I’m always taking advantage
of you, aren't I?

Don't start with that.

I mean it.

Your whole future...

your chance at marriage...

People are starting to talk.

- Is your male pride hurt?
- Idiot!

- No male pride?
- No.

I have something far bigger:
my music.

Right now I'm exploiting you...

but honestly...

deep down it bothers me.

Seriously?

Yes, seriously.

Listen to me.

I love all of you madly.

You all feel the same way.
You're just too shy to admit it.

And if someone else loves me...

truly loves me...

he'll wait for me.

I have no fear about that.

I won't get married right now.

When you become famous...

then I'll marry.

I can wait that long, can't I?

And then...

all my suffering will vanish.

Just don't you vanish too.

Will you take me to the hills then?

In those rolling, wide-open spaces,

we'll run and frolic.

Yes, I'll take you.

You really are such a child.

Banish sadness and poverty

Bring happiness to all

Adarang makes this plea

Hear him

O Supreme Being

You are called the merciful one

What are you staring at?

You look awful.

- Don't fall.
- What's that?

I’m using English like Father now.
I said don't fall.

What took you so long
to come by?

I just couldn't make it.

What was that question
you wanted to ask?

There's no need now.

Stay a while. I'll be back.
I have a student to tutor.

Ma, shall I take him some tea?

Who?

Some tea...?

Go on.

He's sitting all alone.

Shall I chat with him a bit?

Or take him out for a stroll?

Do whatever you like.

You can close your mouth now.

Have some.

Let's go for a stroll by the lake.

Neeta won't be back for a while.

Let's go.

Leave that.

Shall we?

O firefly

Man has no pity for you

You say such silly things.
You make me laugh.

Why? What's so silly?

You have a beautiful voice.

I’ve kept putting them off.
My friend's in management there.

Don't be foolish.
If it's a good job, take it.

Leave those lodgings,
get an apartment,

and find a nice girl.

We'll see...

Keep staring like that...

and you'll stare your whole life away!

Do not wake me, my love

Or I shall curse you

I shall curse you

Do not wake me from my sleep

My beloved, I will curse you

Those are my slippers!

Take them off!
- I just borrowed them.

Why?

You have two pairs.

You got them muddy!
Take them off!

I can't wear mine anymore.

I had to go to an event
with my maestro.

Get a job and buy your own!

Take them off!

Montu...

could you spare a little something?

- What?
- Eight annas. No, four.

I can't keep asking Neeta.

My hair's gotten so long.

If you're a beggar,
you should live like one.

Here.

Shankar, go to your room.

Come sit down.

A whole tenner!

Are your feelings hurt?

He's my little brother!

I’ve raised you all
since you were little kids.

Let him talk.

Get some clothes made.

Get a haircut and look decent.

And buy some sandals.

Careful!
You have a dark future ahead.

Suffer for others and there'll be
no end to your suffering.

Now sit.

Brother!

Idiot! You're a complete idiot!

No. In the words
of Bansi the grocer...

you're Sinbad the Sailor.

How else could a fool like me
make a fool of you?

What kind of boy is that Sanat?

Why?

The boy has no principles.

I must have shrimp today.
Where does all the money go?

Your salary, your tutoring,
Montu's salary -

admit you can't manage.
- Then why don't you do it?

”The best housewife
has no house,

and the most beautiful woman
has no husband.”

Neeta, my Pay.

Just 50?

I paid a month in advance
at the factory dorm.

That's right.

He's decided to stay
in the factory dorm from now on.

- You're leaving home?
- No, it's just a long way.

And to play on their team,
I need to eat well and keep fit.

If you'd said something,
we could have -

No, it wouldn't work.

But I'll come give you
whatever I can spare.

A young man has his needs!

While his elders
just sit at home and eat!

Shankar, go do the shopping.

By the way...

I saw Sanat
at our head office today.

He took a job in supplies.

Imagine! A science student!

What's his salary?

Over 300 at least. Not bad!

The boss is his buddy.
He has it made.

Sanat's not here.
He moved out last month.

Ah, it's you!

You want Sanat's address?
I'll write it down.

Give me your pen.

- Just give it back.
- I will.

I took a job.

You're going?

Have you given any thought
to getting Geeta married?

I'll consider that
once Neeta is married.

One must think serially.
- Neeta!

You educated her,
so now she's running the household!

She can't marry now!

Finding a groom for a working girl

is less difficult.

So marry her off,
then sit and twiddle your thumbs.

If she leaves,
what will happen to this household?

So we should continue to exploit her
for our own survival?

What will you eat?

- Where have you been?
- Out for a stroll.

- You have exams soon.
- They don't matter now.

Then what does?

I’m getting married.

To whom? Does Ma know?

Sanat.

No use running dramatically
out of the room.

Not everyone's the patient type.

You should learn that.

Any news of Montu?

He's playing a match in Delhi.

Listen...

Geeta asked
about your earrings and bangles.

You know how she is.

She can take them.
She needs them more than me.

You know...

what I mean is...

this isn't how I wanted it!

- How much yogurt should I order?
- Whatever you think.

Here's the list of names.
Have a look.

People used to marry
a daughter off to a dying man.

They were barbarians.

But now we're educated
and civilized.

So we educate her

to wring her dry
and destroy her future!

That's the difference.

Oh dear, it's almost evening!

I'll bring you some tea.

Who wants tea?

Who's this little one?

Did no one give you any sweets?

Childhood seems so far away.

As for those hills...

they no longer seem
part of this world.

No one climbs hills anymore.

They're all headed straight to hell.

Neeta...

I got a job in a music school.

Don't tell Ma.

Get your M.A.

I'll make the arrangements.

Shankar...

will you teach me
one of Tagore's songs?

What's that look?
I sang when I was a kid.

It's soft-hearted idiots like you
who get hurt the worst!

Fine!

Then make a glass case...

and place me inside
like a wax doll.

Listen to me!

I’m...

leaving this house.

Even though I'm just
a useless nobody here...

I can't take it anymore.

I’m leaving in protest.

You can go on suffering silently...

and get crushed to death!

You want to learn a song?

I have to sing
at the wedding, don't I?

That night when the storm
blew down my door

Little did I know
you had entered my abode

That night when the storm
blew down my door

Everything went dark

The lamp was blown out

I stretched
my uncertain hands skyward

Little did I know
you had entered my abode

That night when the storm
blew down my door

I lay in the dark as in a dream

How could I know
the storm was your victory banner?

When morning came

I saw you standing there

In the void

That enveloped my abode

Little did I know
you had entered my abode

Neeta?

Aren't you going to work?

I don't feel well.
I have a fever.

You don't come
to the library anymore.

I'll stop by.

Who's there?

Who's there?
- W's me, Father.

It's a letter from Montu's factory.

What's it say?

There's no end to work.
The day just slips away.

What is it?

What's happened?

Let me see.

“Last night
on the night shift, Montu -”

He's not dead! He's just injured!

The machine
didn't devour him completely.

This was expected!

I’m going to the hospital.
Don't worry.

This was expected.
It had to happen.

The doctor says
he'll need a blood transfusion.

Is that expensive?

Yes. Make arrangements
by tomorrow.

The crisis isn't over yet.

You're very warm!

You shouldn't be
running around with a fever.

I’m often feverish.

Every evening?

You should get an X-ray.

- Doctor?
- Yes?

It's Neeta.

She keeps everything to herself.

She won't say what's on her mind.

I apprehend some trouble.

She's feverish.

And with Montu's accident,

she's been running around
trying to arrange for blood.

She's under terrible pressure.

We have no money.

And now Neeta!

If you have a moment,
could you check on her?

Neeta? Sit down.

I’ve come to see Geeta.

I’ve eaten nothing all day.

Could I have some water?

Where's Geeta?
- Napping.

Here.

You're not at work?

No. I stay home quite often.

I don't like it there.

What about you?

Montu had an accident.
He's in the hospital.

I’ve been in a terrible state
these two days.

He needs a transfusion.

There's been no time
to even let you know.

Neeta's here.

So I see.
How long have you been here?

It's late.

I have to go.

You let her go?

She didn't come to see me.

You could have been
more hospitable.

You don't know,
yet you jump to conclusions.

I don't need to know.

Montu had an accident.
He's in the hospital.

I didn't even find out
what she came for.

What's your name, dear girl?

You'd be wise to get an X-ray.

I could arrange it for you.

And what if I really am ill?

I’m the only breadwinner.

In any case,
the blood's needed immediately.

- How's Montu?
- All right.

Shall we get some tea?

Can you help me get some money?

He needs blood and medicine.

I can't get anything anywhere.
That's why I went to see Geeta.

How much?

150 Will do.

Come with me.

What's wrong?

Nothing. I feel dizzy.

You should get some rest.

I say it for your own sake.

My Sake?

I look like one of hell's ravens...

working myself to death.

Where is he?

Come along.

I'll bring the money here tomorrow.

- Where are those 150 rupees?
- I gave them to Mother.

You mean Neeta.

You're right. It's my money.

- An old flame -
- Stop it!

Control your tongue
or you'll be sorry.

I’m warning you.

Come to my arms, Uma

In your garland of flowers

Your heart is full of sorrow

O Mother deliverer

Go, my daughter,
to your husband's house

Leaving my house desolate

Did you hear about Shankar?

He's made quite a name
for himself in Bombay.

It was even on the radio.

What's wrong with you?
- Why?

Making your bed in the outer room
at this late hour?

Inner room or outer room...

it's all the same
in this godforsaken house.

You plan to go on
hiding everything from me?

When there was time to listen,

you weren't interested.

Now there's
an unbridgeable chasm between us.

This tongue of mine!

This tongue of mine!

I’ve lost control of it.

It's built a wall between me
and the whole world.

Spare me your sob story
at this late hour.

I work in the morning.

Are you going to work?

I have something to say.
Come.

No.

- What can we do now?
- So I should go on acting a part?

It's not acting.

Perhaps it's our penance.

Penance?

But you never sinned.

Didn't I?

I never protested
the wrongs done me.

That's my sin.

The truth 'vs...

I shouldn't have been so ordinary.

Go on home.

You have nothing else to say?

What else can I say?

Now that I think about it...

it's all quite distant now.

Now there's only work.

Neeta, you've been made clean.

I want to be clean too.

I'll quit my job and go back
to a life of struggle.

Whatever obstacles arise,
I'll face them.

I may be rotten,
but I have my limits too.

I can't go on banging
my head against a wall.

No, she's fine.

Give her this at night
and keep an eye on her...

What happened?

She took a little fall.

Miss Chakraborty, are you ill?

No.

I can ask the manager
to give you time off.

Don't bother. He won't do it.

A poor brahman in Mathura

Who had never known happiness

Begged all over town one day

But received no aims

He sat beneath a tree disheartened

And wept long and hard

Then the sage Satyanarayana

Approached
in the guise of a fakir

“O brahman...

Why do you sit weeping
on the ground?”

The brahman said,
“Will telling you help me?”

The fakir replied,
“What do you have to lose?”

Let's see your bandages!

Stop running around
in your condition.

Did you prepare the holy offerings?
Go on!

Go on.

God doesn't give you
more than you can bear.

With his grace we learn
to stand up straight again.

Go on.

Husband, did you hear?

The boss himself
brought Montu home!

My Montu still has his job.

And they'll pay compensation too!

Over a thousand rupees.
Right, Montu?

Sit down.

“The auspicious moment has come
to be united with my lord

A moment of supreme happiness
and joy,” says the young woman

Isn't that Shankar?

When did you get back?

Your picture's in the papers!

Made it big in Bombay, did you?

Sort of.

An autograph.

Shankar, I heard you sing
on the radio.

You're the pride of Bengal.

Show 'em how a Bengal tiger roars!

I heard you get
500 rupees per concert!

Me? No.

I never sing for less than 1,200.

My body is fragrant with perfume

My forehead is marked
with sandal paste

My doe eyes are lined with kohl

My husband, Amar Muni, awaits

I asked you to get here earlier.
Why so late?

You've gotten quite a name!
They say you make thousands!

People say you're terribly famous.
- Really?

If it's a boy,
you have to buy me a necklace.

All right.

Won't you come
back home to live?

If the house doesn't suit you,
redo it!

Son!

Corning!

Eviction will always be
a threat for us.

Yet we shore up our courage,

think of family,
and forget our woes.

Husband, tell him...

how I've always wanted
a two-story house.

Tear this down
and build two stories.

The kitchen can stay as it is.

That's easy enough to repair.

Repair?

Can you do that?

Can you repair my mind too?

So I can read Wordsworth again

and feel that satisfaction...

“Swan and shadow, float double!”

He's gone crazy in the head.

Where's Neeta?

Neeta?

Over in that room.

She goes to work,
then returns to that room.

Eats there too.

Has nothing to do with anyone.

Keeps everything hidden.

She's feverish and ill...

but doesn't tell anyone.

Even washes her own dishes.

What's this?

Love letters
at your advanced age?

Let me see!
- No, don't!

I was just watching all of you.

It's wonderful
how you've each found your niche.

It's like when we were kids.

It's just like when we were kids.

I have no responsibilities now.

What's wrong?

Neeta has T.B.

An advanced stage.

My poor sister!

I accuse!

Whom?

No one.

I'll arrange for treatment
and come back this evening.

I'll stay here tonight.

I packed up your things.

Leave here.

Go away.

They're dreaming of two stories now.

You were successful!

You set them all on their feet.

Father!

Why Stay any longer?

Now they just pity YOU-

You weren't up
to carrying the burden...

yet you were forced to.

Now you yourself
have become the burden.

Your breath is poison now!

This room is for the newborn.

Leave.

Go away!

Come to my arms, Uma

In your garland of flowers

Your heart is full of sorrow

O Mother deliverer

Go, my daughter,
to your husband's house

Leaving my house desolate

How can this grieving mother

Bear to let you go?

Where are you going?

Idiot!

I just made arrangements
at a sanatorium in the Shillong hills.

Yes, the hills.

At last you'll see the hills.

- Come with me.
- Yes.

She likes hills?

Oh, very much.
Right from her childhood.

We make her sit there,
since she's better now.

Oh, yes, I am happy, Sister.

But remember:
Don't excite her.

She may have a relapse,
which is dangerous.

Keep her happy.

Yes, Sister.

She is there.

Thank you, Sister.

Please don't mention it.

A “cloud-capped star.”

Sanat's letter.

I wonder why I kept it so long.

You know, the house
has a second story now.

And Geeta's son is walking.

- Is he mischievous?
- Yes!

I'll bet he's always
jumping around and playing.

He's made Father's life hell.

He's always climbing
the stairs by himself!

That kid's so full of life,
always raising a racket!

He can't resist the urge
to climb those stairs!

I really did want to live!

I really did want to live!

I love so much to be alive!

I Will live!

I Will!

Tell me just once I'll live.

Nurse!

I Will live!

I Will!

Have you lost your mind?

Why are you yelling
like a madwoman?

I Will live!

Shankar, is that you?

Back from seeing your sister?

How is she?

Why don't you say anything?

No one around here
remembers her anymore,

how she'd pass by every day,
her sandals flapping.

Such a gentle girl.
Why did she have to suffer so?