Original subtitles

-[man] Lights. -[gasps]

-[audience gasps] -[man] Camera.

-Silence. -[audience shushing]

[man] Action.

[audience cheering]

[synth music playing]

Excuse me, sir. Could you please let me pass.

Didi, here. Please, look at the camera.

[upbeat music playing]

[music concludes]

[reporter 1] Many, many congratulations, Didi.

-Thank you. -[crowd applauding]

[reporter 2] Congratulations on the Golden Vinyl, Didi.

-[camera shutter clicks] -Thank you.

[camera shutters click]

[Qala sighs] Sorry, not you. Um…

[chuckles]

[chuckles]

Hmm.

This may take another half hour.

[Qala] That's okay. Let them ask their questions.

Okay.

[speaker screeches]

Hearty congratulations, Didi.

You've accomplished so much already. How does it feel?

It feels as if I…

reached home tired…

and Ma has opened the door.

This is my father's legacy.

And my mother's dream.

She's eagerly waited for this, so she'll be overjoyed today.

[reporter 3] When are you getting married?

Is it true that you are in a relationship with a music composer?

-[camera shutter clicks -[woman] Why don't you ask her?

[crowd whispers indistinctly]

My next movie is with Rai Sahab.

Naseeban Apa is the music composer, lyricist, Majrooh Sahab,

and the heroine is Rai Sahab's co-producer and wife.

Next question.

Didi, we all know your family has very deep roots in music.

Your grandfather was even honored with the great title, Diwan--

Sorry, that was my great granddad, Pandit Devram Manjushree.

I'm sorry.

Your mother, Urmila Devi,

was here to launch her son about nine years ago?

[camera shutter clicks]

[somber music playing]

No.

She doesn't have a son.

It's just me.

Just me.

[doctor] If Diwan Sahab were alive today,

he'd have been so happy to see his daughter.

[nurse] Madam, have you thought of a name for the baby?

Qala.

And my other baby.

[doctor] We didn't want to tell you earlier.

Both the babies had the same heartbeat. He died in utero.

[gasps] "He"? [gasps]

It was a boy?

[doctor] Don't worry, she's fine though.

-Your daughter is strong. -[Qala coos]

[doctor] Unfortunately,

-this does tend to happen with twins. -[Qala coos]

[doctor] That if one baby is stronger than the other,

healthier than the other,

-it sucks the food of the other. -[Qala coos]

[doctor] So, the weaker child finds it difficult to survive.

[somber music concludes]

[Qala cries]

[Qala continues crying]

[music stops abruptly]

[man vocalizing]

[vocalizing continues]

Doesn't matter if you are a girl.

You can grow up to be a musical legend like your father.

Talent, training, can be the same as what boys get.

But you are a girl, so you'll have to work much harder.

You will have to defend your honor a lot more.

You understand?

Hmm. Well, how can you?

But someday you will.

Your name should have Pandit before it.

And not Bai after it.

Only then will you be someone.

Can you do it?

Can you be someone?

[Qala vocalizing]

[vocalizing]

[Sudha] Have your tea, Didi.

The Illustrated Weekly guys will be here soon.

[inhales, exhales]

[soft music playing]

Was that a call from my ma?

[Sudha] No.

[soft music concludes]

-[Qala] You sent the telegram, right? -[Sudha] Yes, Didi.

[ethereal music playing]

[Qala] You seen today's paper, Ma?

There is a photo with the Prime Minister.

I won an award, the Golden Vinyl.

-You wanted it, right? -[ethereal music concludes]

I knew it would make you happy.

Uh. Didi, Huma is ready for the photo session.

Okay, Ma, I'll talk to you soon. I love you, too.

-Yes, Ma, I'll taking care of-- -[telephone rings]

[telephone rings, clicks]

-[man] Hello. -[Qala] Yes?

[man] I'm calling from Dey Babu's office. It's about Qala Didi's dates--

[telephone clacks]

Dey Babu's office is calling for dates.

Tell them that if his hero is singing in this movie too,

then I should be paid more than he's being paid…

even if by just a rupee.

-[Huma] Hold it. -[camera cranking, shutter clicks]

[camera shutter clicks]

-[Huma] Beautiful. -[camera shutter clicks]

Enough.

-[man] But, Didi, for the magazine-- -Hey! I think we've got it.

We'll send the pictures for your approval.

Thank you.

By the way, I loved the one you did for Indira last week.

-[chuckles] Oh, thank you. Ta-ta then. -Ta-ta.

Okay.

Didi, I'll go return Majrooh Sahab's books. Hmm?

[photographer] Chop-chop, we have to go to the studio.

Okay, let's see.

[solemn music playing]

[sighs]

[music intensifies]

-[gasps] -Thief.

[pants, grunts]

[pants]

[Jagan] Aren't you ashamed of yourself, showing off my dreams on your walls?

[pants]

It's mine.

[music concludes]

[breathes heavily]

No. There's no fever.

What's the problem? Symptoms, etcetera.

Um. No.

Doctor, there's…

there's nothing physically wrong.

Just…

a noise…

[somber music playing]

…here. [breathes heavily]

And fear…

here.

It's…

It's… it's like…

Uh. I have been waiting for something to happen…

and it's happened.

Something is breaking inside me.

I think you need a break.

-She's completely exhausted. -I am not exhausted, doctor.

There is something wrong with me.

[Dr. Goenka] No, it's all right. This is common in females. It's normal.

You are a brilliant artist, and artists are more sensitive.

They… they take everything to heart. They overthink. That's why this noise…

Moreover, you women have certain days of the month,

where you, uh--

So, what I would suggest is, why don't you take a vacation, huh?

-Hmm. -[Dr. Goenka] Okay.

[exhales] Then please, send me some sleeping pills.

Didn't I send some last month?

-[Qala] There's just two left. -No, no, Qala Ji.

Try-- try sleeping without the pills, all right?

-Why don't you give her warm milk-- -No milk!

[Sudha] Didi doesn't drink milk.

Okay, never mind. Just give her warm water with nutmeg--

-You'll just send me the pills, please. -You need to stop thinking.

You think too much. You are such a good singer. Just sing.

[Urmila vocalizing]

[vocalizing continues]

[sighs]

Sorry, Mama.

-Let me sing it for you once again. -Put the tanpura down.

-Mama, just once more. -[Urmila] Down, I said.

[whimpers]

Brains are zero. Looks are zero.

Zero talent. The least you can do is work hard.

Even that is too much to ask?

We'll soon be going to Solan.

You'll be singing in front of the great Ustad Mansoor Khan.

You can't even get your basics right, Qala.

Mama, I know it. Just hear me out. Mama just--

Mama, I'm…

Sorry, Mama.

-Sorry, Mama. -[Urmila vocalizing]

-Sorry, Mama. -[Urmila vocalizing]

Ustad Ji,

Diwan Manjushree's daughter is singing for the first time today.

And yet, there's hardly any audience.

Because Bapu has come to Shimla, entire villages have gone there.

Obviously, they would. Hmm?

And this is classical music.

Not some flashy film music.

-[chuckles] -Common people would never come.

You worry too much. Come. And there is an audience.

Pandits, ustads, bards, poets, everyone's here. Hmm?

My dear, there is one another singer.

Jagan Batwal, from here itself. He'll sing too.

But, Ustad Ji, today is Qala's debut performance.

[sighs]

-How can someone else… -This boy was brought up in a gurdwara.

He's poor, an orphan. Learned his singing there.

He is getting a chance to sing in front of you. Hmm?

Oh, but if it's about caste…

-No, no. An artist belongs to no caste. -[tense music playing]

And since it's your wish, I will listen. How can I say no to you?

[Qala, in Hindi] ♪ Dear father ♪

♪ Dear father ♪

♪ Dear father, why am I losing ♪

♪ My mother's home ♪

♪ Dear father ♪

♪ Dear father ♪

♪ Why am I losing ♪

♪ My mother's home ♪

♪ Dear father, why am I losing ♪

♪ My mother's home ♪

-[music concludes] -[audience applauds]

Come, dear, sit. Well done. How beautifully you sang.

-Thanks. -Your voice has that same melody

-and tone as your mother's. -[chuckles]

-[indistinct chatter] -How many hours do you do practice?

[Qala] Sir, approximately eight hours a day.

-[Mansoor] Eight hours. -[Qala] Yes.

[Urmila] Didn't you tell me…

that Bapu was in town?

Yes, I did.

[in Hindi] ♪ Oh, to die like this ♪

♪ Is not an ending, my friend ♪

♪ The world doth die every day ♪

♪ Yet does not fade away ♪

♪ Who knows when the end will come ♪

♪ And how death will visit me ♪

♪ If my lord lives in my heart ♪

♪ I will gently fade away ♪

♪ I will gently fade away ♪

♪ Fade ♪

♪ Fade away ♪

[soft music playing]

♪ Where do you wander in your search ♪

♪ His shadow walks with you ♪

♪ Yet you die with every breath ♪

♪ And fall apart More than coming together ♪

♪ Each breath, a formless hymn Sung without fear ♪

♪ Heard without hate, sung without fear ♪

♪ Each breath, a formless hymn Sung without fear ♪

♪ Heard without hate, sung without fear ♪

♪ Every protection falls short Of shielding you ♪

♪ Don't worry, the shroud will suffice ♪

♪ What your hands can hold Is all you have ♪

♪ The rest, the invaders can take away ♪

♪ When you feast on false dreams ♪

♪ Everything turns to ashes ♪

♪ Yet you die with every breath ♪

♪ And fall apart More than coming together ♪

♪ Each breath, a formless hymn ♪

[vocalizes]

-[audience applauds] -[Jagan, in Hindi] ♪ Sung without fear ♪

♪ Each breath a formless hymn ♪

♪ Heard without hate ♪

♪ Heard without hate ♪

♪ Heard without hate ♪

♪ Sung without fear ♪

-[vocalizing] -[Mansoor] Urmi.

Urmi.

Where are you lost, dear? Hmm?

-What do you think, Ustad Ji? -She has a voice as sweet as honey.

[Urmila chuckles]

And besides, thumri is the specialty of your gharana. Your own legacy.

Right?

No.

-I want her father's legacy. -[clicks tongue]

[sighs]

She is not a Pandit.

Like…

like that boy is.

[Ustad] Both have their own places.

He is different. She is different.

Why are you comparing the two? Hmm?

[music concludes]

[Urmila] Qala, where are you going? Please go and get some milk for Jagan.

It's very cold here.

Even more than in my Solan.

And the snow is worse than in Shimla.

[inhales] I've heard that you sing?

The other day I couldn't get a chance to hear you,

but Urmila Devi was talking about it.

What… What did Ma say?

That you sing, and that you'll be accompanying me

on the tanpura.

-[somber music playing] -[breathes heavily]

[pants]

What do you want? [pants]

[sobs, pants]

[pants, sniffles]

[somber music concludes]

Who asked you to follow me out into the snow, huh?

If you catch the flu…

it's not my fault.

Scared even before an accusation?

Ah.

Ah.

Qala, what are you doing?

-Ah. -He-- he had a slight fever.

Son, please raise your arm a bit.

Careful.

There's mercury in there. If a singer swallows, even a bit,

-he could lose his voice. -[somber music playing]

[Qala] Sorry, Mama.

[Urmila] If you had truly bonded with singing,

-you would have understood this. -[somber music concludes]

What is it?

Nothing. Sab khairiyat.

Two things.

First, if you keep everything locked up inside, buried inside,

immersed inside, it could explode.

And the second one?

The word "khairiyat" is not pronounced with a "kuh" as in "kalakand,"

but with a "khuh" as in "Khan."

-"Khuh." Khairiyat. -[chuckles]

-Khairiyat. [chuckles] -Hello? Got the lyrics?

Madam, I got the whole collection for you.

-[chuckles] Yeah, right. -[Qala chuckles]

Must've scribbled it on the way here.

He can writes a whole song in the time it takes to smoke a cigarette.

By the way, speed is never a measure of an artist's caliber.

-[chuckles] -[sighs] So, here's your lyric.

-Let's hear it. -Uh.

Take a look.

-From here, Apa? -[Naseeban] Yes, my dear.

[vocalizes]

-[hums] -Sudha, can you ask Mukherjee

-to get some snacks? -Sure.

-And arrange for some tea as well. -Okay.

-[chuckles] -[vocalizes]

Greetings.

Hey, why don't you hire Gori Sahab secretary?

He handles all the stars.

You mean I should hire him because he is good at what he does

or just because he's not a girl?

No, no. That's not the reason. But a female secretary?

You can just say secretary, right?

Is it necessary to say "female"?

[in Hindi] ♪ All it takes Is to unlatch that doorway ♪

♪ To let the lost light in ♪

♪ To take shredded dreams ♪

♪ And sew yourself a technicolor coat Of the night ♪

♪ I am done with making excuses ♪

♪ Singing mournful dirges ♪

♪ Sorrowful songs sung slowly ♪

Oh, wow!

The third stanza is brilliant, Majrooh.

But the only problem is, that third stanzas neither get heard,

-nor played by the radio guys. -[chuckles]

You could dangle a corpse there and no one would notice.

-[chuckles] -[chuckles]

[Rai] It's a bit choked, Naseeban? It's ends with the word, "Bharam."

And there are too many naz, one after the other.

-[sighs] -It will be tough for you to sing.

Rai Sahab, the lyric he has written is conveying exactly

what his scene is trying to say. Now we can't argue with a poet and poetry?

-Can we? -[Sudha] Didi, Sanyal Sahab passed away.

[Rai] What?

[Naseeban clicks tongue]

[somber music playing]

THE INTOXICATING VOICE GOES SILENT TODAY: CHANDAN LAL SANYAL PASSES AWAY

[announcer] This is All India Radio.

By this time, all our listeners will have read in today's newspapers

about the tragic demise of the beloved and popular singer,

Chandan Lal Sanyal.

And today, seated with us in our studio is Miss Qala Manjushree.

-Didi, namaskar. -Namaskar.

[announcer] Well, uh, first of all, we would like to know,

have you ever performed or sang along with Sanyal Sahab?

I haven't. I haven't had the honor of doing that.

You liar.

[in Hindi] ♪ I have a fondness for breaking apart ♪

♪ Come gather me ♪

♪ My love ♪

You know it, right? This lyric?

Who doesn't know it?

Then sing.

-♪ I have a fondness for breaking apart ♪ -♪ I have a fondness for breaking apart ♪

-♪ Come gather me, my love ♪ -♪ Come gather me, my love ♪

♪ I drown in you, like a word ♪

♪ Submerged in an unspoken conversation ♪

Son…

♪ I drown in you, like a word ♪

♪ Submerged in an unspoken conversation ♪

♪ One look at you and the winds ♪

♪ Themselves have caught their breath Like I would your hands ♪

♪ The river of the night Pools into your eyes ♪

♪ And falls me ♪

♪ To my knees ♪

[vocalizes]

♪ I have a fondness for breaking apart ♪

♪ Come gather me ♪

♪ My love ♪

♪ My love ♪

-[hums] -[music fades]

Shall we practice?

-Not today. -[somber music playing]

[Jagan] Qala.

[Urmila chuckles]

[Sanyal] You are just the best at thumri, no one can even come close.

[Urmila chuckles] Well.

Wouldn't you like to come close now?

Or would you just like to spend the night talking?

From our mountains, especially for you.

[somber music concludes]

[Qala] What does Ma want from Sanyal Sahab?

Why was she flirting with him like that?

[Jagan] For my sake.

She wants me to work in the film industry like Sanyal Sahab does.

I'll get the opportunity to work with Sumant Kumar Sahab.

I've heard that only the lucky ones get a chance like this.

And the Golden Disc, I could even get that.

Just imagine.

I'll get so many chances to sing.

That I'll fill all of Calcutta with my voice.

I, too, want the same.

I, too, want to accomplish all that.

As for the Golden…

Golden Award that Ma wants, I'll get it for her.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

[Urmila] You know, Qala,

Devendra Narayan did his graduation from a university in England.

And he's with the Royal Air Force now,

-right? -[Mandira] Yeah.

And Rani Mandira was telling me that he, too, is very fond of music.

You haven't visited us before, right?

Mm-mm. Never.

That's okay. 'Cause now, you'll be living there.

-[Urmila chuckles] She's going to love it. -[Mandira chuckles]

And what about your plans? Back to the hills?

No. I plan to stay back here.

Qala will be with you.

And I'll be with Jagan, because his music, his career,

everything is here now.

-[Mandira] Hmm. -[Urmila] Himachal will have to wait.

All right, you guys talk.

Uh. Urmila, I'd love to go and have a chat with your young protégé.

-[Urmila] Yes, please. Come. -[Mandira] Shall we?

-Let's go. -Please come.

So, you like music?

No. [breathes deeply] I hate it.

The who's who of the industry will be coming.

You'll have to meet everyone. Okay, Qala?

And of course…

Jagan will sing as well. [chuckles] It'll be so nice.

May I sing, too?

[scoffs]

Do you know what kind of girls sing in front of these film industry people?

Mm-mm.

-But Jagan will be singing. -He is a boy.

So, the rules are different.

-Can we leave? -[Urmila] What?

Can't we go? Just the two of us? We'll go back home.

You will get married soon, and go to your home, Qala.

But my home is where you are, right?

A mother's home is where the son lives. The daughter lives with her husband. Hmm?

Okay, I'll get married with Jagan then.

Then I can stay here with you, forever.

-Have you no shame? Huh? -[eerie music playing]

How could you even think about marrying your own brother?

[breathes deeply] I can't believe this.

[breathes deeply]

I hope you're not putting ideas into his head.

[breathes deeply] Disgusting!

[breathes deeply]

-[eerie music abruptly stops] -[Urmila sighing]

[foreboding music playing]

Jagan's performance is about to begin. What are you doing here?

Go quickly, get some milk for him.

[thunder rumbling]

[foreboding music concludes]

[Sanyal] How are you?

You can actually see me?

I thought I was invisible.

How could anyone not see you, my dear?

You can see me.

But have you ever heard me, too?

I, too, sing quite well.

You're going to regret it.

You're going to launch Jagan.

Remember, he's very good at replacing people.

Jagan could replace me.

After a few years, someone will replace Jagan.

Like I had replaced someone.

Only music will stay forever.

[Qala] All this may sound good as mere words.

But when you'll get thrown out because of Jagan,

and no one will look at you, listen to you,

ask about you or even recognize you because of Jagan.

[Jagan, in Hindi] ♪ It will take to the skies ♪

♪ It will take to the skies ♪

♪ It will take to the skies It will take to the skies ♪

♪ The lonely swan will fly away ♪

[gentle music playing]

♪ The lonely swan will fly away ♪

♪ Leaving the spectacle Of the world a mere fair ♪

♪ It will take to the skies ♪

♪ The lonely swan will fly away ♪

♪ It will take to the skies ♪

♪ The lonely swan will fly away ♪

♪ It will take to the skies ♪

♪ It will take to the skies ♪

♪ When my life ends ♪

♪ Only then Will I stop getting cowed down ♪

[coughs]

♪ The agents of death Are too strong for me ♪

♪ How to free this tangle of death ♪

♪ It will take to the skies ♪

♪ The lonely swan will fly away ♪

♪ It will take to the skies ♪

♪ The lonely swan will fly away ♪

[coughs]

-[coughs] -Jagan, my son. What happened? Huh?

[Sanyal] Jagan?

-What is it? -[coughs]

-What is it? -He's burning up.

-[coughs] -Oh, my God.

-Fever. -Let's take him inside, come.

Don't worry. It's all right. let's go in. Come on.

-[Sanyal] Slowly. -[Urmila] Come on.

-[Sanyal] Come, come. Don't worry. -[Jagan coughs]

-[Urmila] I'll call the doctor. -[Sanyal] Yes.

-[Jagan coughs] -[eerie music playing]

[Urmila] Yes. It's… it's an emergency.

-Please, come as soon as you can. -[doctor] Okay, okay. I'll be there.

-Thank you. Yes, please. -[doctor] Okay.

-[Jagan coughing] -[Urmila] How is he?

[eerie music concludes]

-[sighs] -What about the guests?

What about them? Just tell them all to go.

[Sanyal] Urmila, do you realize how fragile their egos are?

It doesn't take long for them to get upset.

-[Urmila sighs] -We have to think about the future.

Today he's unwell, but perhaps tomorrow, he'll need these very people.

That's how it works. You can't just ask them to leave.

Then let them stay all night long. Does it look like I care?

-[gentle music playing] -[Qala vocalizing]

[vocalizing]

♪ I won't tug at your strings ♪

♪ I won't tug at your strings ♪

♪ Nor unravel your clouds ♪

♪ I won't unlatch The windows to your heart ♪

♪ Just stay, don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ Just stay, don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ Just stay, don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ Just stay, don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ I will not ♪

♪ Chase the light ♪

♪ No more will I dance ♪

♪ Drenched in rain ♪

♪ I will bind the burning fireflies ♪

♪ In my hair ♪

♪ Your threshold ♪

♪ I will not dare To cross your threshold ♪

♪ Your threshold ♪

♪ Nor ask to be held in your shade ♪

-♪ Just stay don't turn your gaze away ♪ -[audience applauds]

-♪ Just stay, don't turn… ♪ -Bravo!

[Qala] ♪ …your gaze away ♪

♪ Just stay, don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ Just stay, don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ Just stay, don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ Just don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ Just don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ Just don't turn your gaze away ♪

♪ Just don't ♪

♪ Turn your gaze away ♪

[gentle music concludes]

[tanpura playing]

[tanpura playing]

[tanpura playing]

[tanpura playing]

[tanpura playing]

[Jagan coughs, sniffles]

[vocalizes]

-[clears throat] -[tanpura playing]

[vocalizes]

-[somber music playing] -[sniffles, sobs]

[sobs, sniffles]

-[Urmila] Please have some almonds. -[Sumant] Hmm.

-[Urmila] They are from our orchard. -[Sumant] Nice.

That song the other day.

Honestly, it's still ringing in my ears.

-You couldn't complete it, but still. -[somber music concludes]

You left behind an EP with Sanyal, Gurbani.

-[Urmila] Without Fear, Without Hate. -Hmm.

[chuckles]

When Majrooh heard it. He said, uh, "It's a God-given voice."

Thank you.

-[sighs] -[breathes deeply]

-Like I mention to you on the phone-- -I just don't believe it.

[sighs] How could his voice be snatched away like this?

God couldn't never make such a huge blunder.

You will definitely get your voice back. You will sing again.

And your first professional recording will be with us.

[chuckles]

[chuckles]

I'll take your leave then.

-[Qala] Just a minute. -Huh?

[breathes deeply] It's snowing.

And it's quite late as well.

Uh. Why don't we ask him to stay, Ma?

He can leave when the weather improves.

How remiss of me.

Of course, she is right.

-Please, stay back here for tonight. -[chuckles]

So very kind of you.

[exhales]

Specially from our mountains, just for you.

What is it?

What happened?

Have you got fever again?

There's no fever.

Just noise…

here. [inhales deeply]

And fear…

here.

Something broke inside. [sniffles]

[sighs] Should I call the doctor?

[sighs]

-Go to sleep. [sniffles] -[somber music playing]

I'll leave.

It will be fine tomorrow.

[Sumant] And the recording's in three days.

-[somber music concludes] -Yes. I'll be there.

Good.

No smoking.

Urmila Ji…

your daughter's a nightingale.

Nightingale.

You're right about her.

[chuckles] Well, then I'll take your leave.

-Bye. -Believe in yourself. Hmm?

He wasn't right about you.

You're a cuckoo…

that never builds a nest of its own.

-Always grabs the nest of other birds. -[somber music playing]

[Urmila] It never even makes an effort to do so.

Has no entitlement over it.

[somber music concludes]

[Jagan vocalizing]

[toy clatters]

-[Jagan vocalizing] -[Qala pants]

-[Jagan vocalizing] -[pants]

-[pants] -[Jagan vocalizing]

[Jagan vocalizing]

-[Jagan vocalizing] -[pants]

[pants]

[pants]

[pants]

[axe thumping]

[axe thumping]

[eerie music playing]

[pants]

[pants]

[eerie music concludes]

Oh, sir, why are you waiting there? Please, come inside.

-Hello. -[Sudha chuckles]

Um. Is Qala there?

Yes. She is.

You see, the thing is, uh,

I've landed a film after a very long time, so…

If Qala sang even one song-- I mean…

if she could get a date. Even one day will be enough.

Yes, yes, sir. I'll get the dates for you right now.

Please come inside and have a seat. I'll call Didi.

-Thank you. -[Sudha] Please, come.

[sighs]

-[pants] -Didi, Sumant Kumar Sahab is here.

Just tell him I'm not home. [pants]

He says he's got a film after a long time and--

Didi?

Are you okay, Didi?

-[clears throat] -[door opening]

-[Sudha] Didi is not at home. -Hmm.

Sorry, I think I misunderstood actually. I don't know when she left.

-As soon as she returns, I'll inform… -Thank you.

[dial tone ringing]

-[telephone line ringing] -[female operator] Hello?

-Hello. -[female operator] Hello.

Lightning trunk call to Mrs. Urmila Manjushree, please.

-[whimpers] -[female operator] Just a second, please.

-Did you say Urmila Manjushree? -Yes. Hmm.

-[female operator] What is the location? -Debisthan, Himachal.

[female operator] Okay. Can you please give me the number?

Two-four-three-four-three.

[female operator] Please hold the line, we're connecting your call.

Okay. I will hold. [exhales]

[pants]

[telephone line ringing]

-[Urmila] Hello. -Mama. [pants]

Mama. [sobs]

Something's wrong with me, Mama. [sobs]

-I think I need help. -[telephone line drops]

[telephone line beeping]

[elevator gate shutting]

[button clicking]

How can you be such a bitch, Qala?

I was the one who made you. You were nothing.

How would you have all of this if it weren't for me, Qala?

How could you have reached this position if it weren't for me?

[elevator gate opening]

I'd come there to listen to Jagan.

If he hadn't lost his voice,

he would have been in studio, Qala, not you.

[Jagan, in Hindi] ♪ Oh, to die like this ♪

♪ Is not an ending, my friend ♪

♪ The world doth die every day ♪

♪ Yet does not fade away ♪

♪ Who knows when the end will come ♪

♪ And how death will visit me ♪

[Qala] Mama.

Mama. I…

I've got to go to Calcutta for the recording.

Leave.

Get out.

But just don't ever come back.

This house cannot lodge a cheap singer.

Then how does this house lodge you?

You stopped your singing…

to keep all this.

But how am I guilty?

[sniffles] Why do you keep punishing me?

I'm your daughter.

And as a mother, you should love me, no matter how I am.

[breathes deeply]

But you don't… [breathes deeply]

-What will it take, Mama? [sobs] -[somber music playing]

No matter what I do… [sobs] …it's… it's never enough.

I… [pants]

[sniffles]

[sniffles, sighs]

Mama.

Sorry, Mama. [pants] Sorry, Mama. Sorry.

I didn't mean it, Mama. Sorry.

Sorry, Mama. Mama. [pants]

[pants]

[pants]

-[eerie music playing] -[pants]

[pants]

[heart beating]

-[microphone feedback] -[eerie music concludes]

[mid tempo music playing]

♪ How does one tell him now ♪

-♪ That no means… ♪ -Cut, cut, cut, cut.

♪ No… ♪

[music stops abruptly]

You seem a bit nervous. No need to be nervous, okay?

Everyone in this room is here to help you and we have plenty of time on hand.

So take it easy. Hmm?

Ready? Come on.

[mid tempo music playing]

♪ How does one tell him now ♪

♪ That no means no ♪

-♪ My impatient amour… ♪ -[Sumant] Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut.

[music stops abruptly]

[clears throat]

All good, nothing to worry.

Hmm.

So in this scene, the hero and heroine are being playful with each other.

Our handsome hero is trying to woo the heroine,

but the heroine is playing really hard to get right now.

Hmm? So it's like a love game between the two of them.

So when the heroine says, "No," she actually means yes.

So don't overthink. Just enjoy yourself.

Think of yourself as the heroine in this song. Hmm?

Don't just sing the song, you need to feel it, so feel it.

-Hmm? -Hmm.

Shall we try it again. You're doing great, I know you can do it.

-Hmm? -[Qala] Hmm.

No need to get nervous.

Hmm? You'll be fine. Shall we? Ready?

-[Qala] Yes. -[Sumant] Okay, good.

[mid tempo music playing]

[in Hindi] ♪ How does one tell him now ♪

-♪ That no means no… ♪ -[Sumant] Cut!

-Cut, cut. -[music stops abruptly]

[Sumant] Cut. Cut, cut, cut. Cut. Cut. Cut.

This is the eleventh take. What the hell are you doing, huh?

[Manoj] Waste of the producer's money.

Have you forgotten your first recording, Manoj Bhai?

-[Manoj] I was not this bad, okay? -[somber music playing]

-I think you need a break. -Let's just try one more time.

-Please. -Yes, yes. Maybe later.

-[pants] -[Manoj] She's not working at all, sir.

-[pants] -[Sumant] Yes, I made a mistake.

[Manoj] Sir, I don't think she'll be able to sing today.

-[Sumant chuckles] -[pants]

-[pants, sniffles] -[somber music concludes]

[tools clanging]

[sniffles]

Qala, don't feel bad but, uh…

I don't think you're ready yet.

[sniffles]

[sobs] I'm sorry. I am ready.

[sniffles]

I can sing now. [sobs]

You don't know this, but I can’t go back home.

Sir, last chance, please. Last.

[sniffles]

[somber music playing]

[somber music concludes]

Uh. Majrooh. Listen.

I've spoken with her.

It's nothing much, she just a little nervous right now.

But you are right.

There's something about her.

We can use her.

-[soldering tool buzzing] -[Qala pants]

-[somber music playing] -[thunder rumbling]

[pants]

[sniffles]

[pants]

[thunder rumbling]

[somber music concludes]

[Jagan] I'll get the opportunity to work with Sumant Kumar Sahab.

I've heard that only the lucky ones get a chance like this.

[Qala] I, too, want the same. I, too, want to accomplish all that.

As for the Golden… Golden Award that Ma wants,

I'll get it for her.

-That's not why you should do this. -It's easy for you to say that.

-When you sing for Mama, you see how-- -Come on, I don't sing for her, Qala.

For me, it's almost like breathing. That's why I sing.

I sing for myself.

Have you ever tried singing for yourself?

[somber music playing]

[soldering tool buzzes]

-[somber music concludes] -[Qala breathes deeply]

[upbeat music playing]

[in Hindi] ♪ How does one tell him now ♪

♪ That no means no ♪

♪ Here he comes riding his high horse My impatient amour ♪

♪ Here he comes riding his high horse My impatient amour ♪

"Oh, my plaintive heart isolated, in the crowd silent in the roar."

"Singing a litany broken note at a time."

-Wow! [chuckles] -[chuckles]

Nothing "Wow" about this.

It's way too esoteric for anyone.

Why don't you write something simpler that people can understand.

Did you understand anything? So, tell me, what is litany? Tell me.

Nothing's working today. Just leave me alone for some time. Please.

Leave me alone for God's sake.

[Majrooh] Okay. Come, let's go.

[Sumant] Qala, you stay.

The door.

[vocalizes]

-[vocalizes] -[audience whistles]

♪ He weaves wildflowers into her hair ♪

♪ Just to come a tad bit near ♪

♪ This is but a ploy and game ♪

♪ Wish I knew how to play 'em ♪

♪ His eyes belie ♪

♪ His lying words ♪

♪ He doesn't take no for an answer ♪

♪ Just sulking frowns on this clown How does one tell him now ♪

♪ Here he comes riding his high horse My impatient amour ♪

♪ Here he comes riding his high horse My impatient amour ♪

♪ How does one tell him now ♪

♪ That no means no ♪

♪ Here he comes riding his high horse My impatient amour ♪

You know that song of yours.

♪ The lost ways of the wayward heart ♪

-It's really beautiful. -I composed that tune for you, my dear.

It really suits your voice.

But Sumant Sir was telling me that you were not in town.

Why don't you hire a secretary?

Someone who can be contacted directly for your dates.

But I don't know anybody around here, so…

-[inhales] Give me your contact number. -[Qala] Mm-hmm.

-Two-two-four-- -Bai Ji, salaam.

-Salaam. -I see, you both have met.

-Qala. -Hmm.

-[Sumant] What were you talking about? -[Qala] Nothing.

Girls from reputed families

shouldn't mingle with cheap singers like her.

Hmm? [chuckles] You know what kind of work Bai Ji does.

[Majrooh] It'll keep happening if you allow it.

If you stay quiet, it'll continue.

Today, he's at the top. Tomorrow you'll be.

There's no punishment for his kind these days.

Everyone overlooks such things.

But times will change.

[sighs] Times have always changed.

[indistinct chatter]

[woman] Sumant Kumar, autograph, please?

[Qala vocalizing]

DIAMOND JUBILEE

[Qala vocalizing]

[vocalizing]

[vocalizing]

[music concludes]

-Didi? -Hmm?

[chuckles] I've parked the car in the rear, I'll go get it now.

-Hmm? -Hmm. [chuckles]

[somber music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

[sobs] Why suicide?

[breathes heavily]

You'd only lost your voice.

My voice was everything to me.

My life, my dream…

which you are living.

Happy now?

[sobs]

Ma is not happy yet. [sobs]

[somber music concludes]

[Naseeban] I've set this on teental and raga is Shree.

-Don't be in a hurry. -[musicians chuckle]

[Naseeban] Especially you, Rao Sahab, you are always in a hurry.

[musicians chuckle]

[Naseeban] Qala is fast, so no extra takes, I'm sure.

Anyways, we have the studio for three hours.

[sighs]

[Naseeban] Come on, let's begin. Bismillah.

Apa?

[Naseeban] Qala.

-[somber music playing] -Everything okay?

[sighs] Hmm.

[somber music intensifies]

We could do the recording later, my dear.

I can sing now. [breathes deeply] I want to sing. [breathes deeply]

-[breathes heavily] -[paper rustling]

-[Qala] From here, Apa? -Yes.

-From here, right, Apa? -[Naseeban] Qala.

[breathes heavily]

[exhales]

[sniffles]

[sniffles]

What is it?

I can't hear anything.

Rao Sahab, flute please.

[flute playing]

[Qala] May I please move closer to him?

Yes, my dear.

[Naseeban] Vimal.

[shivers]

[shivers]

[sobs]

-Qala? -[somber music stops]

-[sobs] -Qala?

[sobs]

-Qala, my dear? -Didi? Didi?

-[sobs] -[Naseeban] Huh? What happened?

-Qala. Qala, look here. Look at me. -[Sudha] Didi, what is wrong?

How will I know anything, Qala? Say something.

-[Sudha] She never tells us anything. -[sobs]

Didi? Didi? Didi!

[eerie music playing]

[pants]

Didi?

-[pants] He's practicing. -[Sudha] Who?

[Qala] He may want some milk. The performance is about to begin.

-[pants] -Milk?

[pants]

-Didi? -[inhales deeply, pants]

Sorry, Mama. I didn't mean it.

[sobs]

-[somber music playing] -[pants]

[pants]

[announcer] And coming up next, a shocking interview from the film world,

of Qala Manjushree, the popular playback singer.

[interviewer] Didi, There are rumors that you have refused

to sing in Dey Babu's next film.

-What is the reason behind it? -[Qala] Why suicide?

You'd only lost your voice.

My voice was my everything.

My life, my dream…

that you are living.

Happy now?

-[sobs] -[somber music intensifies]

Ma is not happy yet.

[somber music concludes]

-[Sudha] Hello? Dr. Goenka? -[Dr. Goenka] Yes?

Qala Didi…

[Dr. Goenka] What's wrong, Sudha? Hello?

-Something’s wrong with her. -[Dr. Goenka] What happened?

-[pants] I have no idea. -[Dr. Goenka] Okay.

-[Sudha] Please come over quickly. -[sobs]

-Didi. -[pants]

Come with me.

[sniffles, sobs]

You want me to call someone?

-Huh? -[sniffles]

-Should I call Naseeban Apa? -[sniffles]

-[sobs] -Didi, do you want water?

[sobs]

-I'll get you some for you. -[sniffles, sobs]

[Jagan vocalizing]

[vocalizing]

[vocalizing]

[vocalizing]

[inhales] Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it! Don't do it!

Don't do it! Don't do it! Don't! [sobs]

Don't do it! [sobs]

[Jagan, in Hindi] ♪ When my life ends ♪

♪ Only then Will I stop getting cowed down ♪

♪ The agents of death Are too strong for me ♪

♪ How to free this tangle of death ♪

♪ It will take to the skies ♪

♪ The lonely swan will fly away ♪

[foreboding music playing]

-[Sudha] Didi! Didi! -[Dr. Goenka] Qala.

Didi! Didi!

-[Dr. Goenka grunts, groans] -[Qala screams]

-[pants, groans] -[screams]

-[groans] -Open.

-[groans] -[Sudha groans]

-[Dr. Goenka groans] -[screams]

-[gasps, pants] -[telephone ringing]

[telephone ringing]

[telephone statics]

Hello.

[female operator] Madam, lightning call from Calcutta, please hold.

[telephone statics]

[Dr. Goenka] Hello, am I talking to Mrs. Manjushree?

-Mrs. Urmila Manjushree? -Yes.

Uh, this is Dr. Goenka, I'm calling from Calcutta. Your daughter…

-Hello? -[Dr. Goenka] …Qala…

-Hello? -[Dr. Goenka] Hello. Can you hear me?

-Yes. -[Dr. Goenka] Qala Didi is not--

I am sorry to say, she is mentally unstable.

In fact, she even tried to take her--

-[Urmila] Hello? -Hello. Can you hear me?

She tried to commit suicide, Mrs. Manjushree.

Hello?

-Hello, hello? Mrs. Manjushree? -[telephone statics]

[foreboding music playing]

[Qala] Mama.

Mama.

Something's wrong with me, Mama.

Something's wrong with me, Mama.

I… I think I need help.

Help… help.

I… I think I need help.

Mama.

Something's wrong with me, Mama.

Mama.

Mama.

[ambulance siren wailing]

[indistinct chatter]

[Sudha] Dr. Goenka.

Qala Didi's mother.

How is she now?

She's in bad shape.

But don't worry.

I've spoken to the psychiatrist at R.G. Dhar Medical College.

We need to admit her to a hospital immediately.

I know. But what we can do?

We don't really have any other option.

-In fact, the ambulance is already here-- -My daughter will go home.

Not to a mental hospital.

Madam, I don't think you understand, she needs help.

-[sighs] -We have to admit her. Madam!

Qala.

-Qala! -[eerie music playing]

-[pants] No. No, no, no, no. -Didi! Didi!

Please, Doctor. Please, Doctor, help her. Please, Doctor, help her.

Somebody help her, please!

-[sobs] -[Urmila sobs]

[Qala, in Hindi] ♪ My mother asks ♪

♪ Oh, my darling girl ♪

♪ What makes you so wan ♪

♪ So pale ♪

♪ What makes you so wan ♪

♪ So pale ♪

♪ Oh, Mother in the yonder forest ♪

♪ A peacock does sing ♪

♪ He has stolen ♪

♪ My dreams away ♪

♪ He has stolen ♪

♪ My dreams away ♪

♪ My baby girl ♪

♪ Should we find a weapon ♪

♪ Should we hunt him down ♪

♪ And kill him now ♪

♪ Should we hunt him down ♪

♪ And kill him now ♪

♪ Let's not kill him, Mother ♪

♪ Let us just silence him somehow ♪

♪ Let us trap him ♪

♪ In a cage now ♪

♪ Let us trap him ♪

♪ In a cage now ♪

[Jagan vocalizing]