Original subtitles

Kabir.

You're looking very unusual in that sweater.

-Oh, dear! -No, I like it.

[she laughs]

[in Urdu] Boatman! Will you take us to Barsaat Mahal?

-[in Hindi] Yes, Sahib. -[Kabir in Urdu] How much?

-[in Hindi] Two rupees. -[in Urdu] That's a lot.

[in Hindi] Why hoard your money, sir? You can't take it with you.

-[in Hindi] Shall we go, sir? -[in Urdu] Yes.

[children chatter]

It's like another world in the mist, isn't it?

It reminds me of Simla.

-Do you go to a hill station every summer? -My father insists on it.

We can't afford to go since my father died.

-I'm sorry. Was that recently? -Eight years ago.

But we still miss him.

This sweater was his.

[sighs] It's like still having him here.

Tell me more about yourself.

-What is there to tell? -Everything.

All right. I'll start with my mother.

[Savita in Hindi] Mansoor, get some parathas.

[Mansoor in Hindi] Yes, ma'am.

[sniffs then chuckles]

Where is Lata? Is she not well today?

Oh, she's perfectly well. She just went out early for a walk.

Long walk.

-[screams] -What?

What does Arun say? Is Aparna unwell?

-No! -What, then?

I can't speak of it, I'm so upset. Read it!

Not there. That, there!

"Daddy's medals melted down for earrings by Meenakshi."

What?

-How could he let her do that? -That girl is a snake!

He's under her thumb!

This... We should never have got involved with that family!

Flashy, dishonest Calcutta types.

Now we see what comes of letting our children choose for themselves!

-Ma, it's all right. -Manji...

-It's all right. -Where is Lata?

[boatman sings in Hindi] ♪ The shore is far away ♪

[in Hindi] ♪ Take me across ♪

[in Hindi] ♪ O boatman, take me across ♪

[in Hindi] ♪ Without you, my life ♪

[in Hindi] ♪ Is like a river without water ♪

[in Hindi] ♪ O come, beloved ♪

[in Hindi] ♪ Take me to the far shore ♪

[boatman in Hindi] You'll never forget this magic in your whole life.

[bird squawks]

[Lata] "If our two loves be one, or, thou and I

Love so alike,

that none do slacken, none can die."

-[Savita] May I come in? -Of course.

[sighs]

I've been feeling a bit low today.

-Are you having your period or something? -[laughs] No!

You don't have periods when you're expecting!

-Hmm! -Oh.

-[in Hindi] Silly! -No.

[both laugh]

What, then? The medals?

Poor Ma.

-They were all she had left from Daddy. -I know.

I'm amazed at Meenakshi.

Surely Daddy's memory is worth more than her small-minded whims.

[exhales]

If I lost Pran, I wouldn't be able to live without him.

But you won't.

[sighs]

I worry about him.

His asthma.

And Professor Mishra really piles him with a lot of work.

You really love Pran, don't you?

Yes.

-Of course. -And you like being married?

Yes, I do.

To a man who was chosen for you,

a man you didn't really know before you were married.

Don't talk about him as if he were a stranger.

-Don't you love him too? -Yes, of course.

-He's so kind and funny. -[chuckles]

But that's just luck.

What if you hadn't been attracted to him?

Why are you interested?

Hmm?

Because I might have a problem like that someday.

Are you in love, Lata?

Who is he?

His name's Kabir.

He's a history student, his father's in the Maths Department.

He's very good-looking, and kind and romantic,

and everything anyone would want him to be.

Except he's a Muslim.

[Savita] Oh.

And...

does he love you?

I think so.

-Should I tell Ma? -No.

No. Don't tell her, whatever you do.

And... And you know what you should do.

Yes. Give him up.

That's what Malati said.

But I can't.

I won't.

[banging on desks]

After recent events, there can be no doubt.

A few wealthy zamindars command huge power,

here in Purva Pradesh and throughout our country.

-I'll not let you make me miss this. -[laughs] All right, all right!

-Oh, let me just have a meetha paan. -What? No!

We are already late. Come on.

[Mahesh] Zamindars behave like feudal landlords,

causing bloodshed and unrest, when we should be

healing the wounds caused by religious discord

that have laid this country to waste.

[Raja] Shame! Shame! Shame!

Shame! Shame!

Bravo! Bravo!

It's not a concert.

[Maan] The Raja is not happy.

He stands to lose a lot if this bill goes through.

Furthermore, this bill will rectify centuries of injustice and exploitation.

Look.

It will enable poor peasants and tenant farmers

to finally own the land they work on and, after so long,

profit from their own hard labour.

-[applause] -[scoffs]

Not all landowners are inhumane, of course.

But I regret to say,

a huge majority of them have misused their power

-and deserve for it to be taken from them. -Robbery!

This is robbery! Daylight robbery!

Please, Raja Sahib, sit down.

This is a great and long-needed reform, and I commend it to the House.

[cheering and applause]

-Commended! -Just clap.

Come on.

[chatter]

To hell with you and your Assembly! Hmm!

[Maan] Unforgettable, Baoji.

I'm in heaven.

[laughs]

[in Urdu] Dagh, my beloved.

[sighs]

I'm so much older than you.

[in Urdu] What do you see in me?

You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.

Nobody ever meant anything to me till I met you.

That girl in Banaras, she's less than nothing to me.

But you know you must get married. You can't cause your parents so much pain.

[scoffs]

Pain. What about my pain?

Oh, your pain.

I won't be able to visit you after I'm married.

No?

[moans]

[Maan] I won't disturb you.

-Goodnight. -No, no. Come in.

One must make the most of these rare sightings.

Where have you been this evening?

With a friend, chatting.

And you've come home sober. Remarkable.

[laughs] Baoji!

Do you ever get tired of this, Baoji?

[sighs]

Will the zamindars give up their land?

[Mahesh] If this bill is passed, they will have to.

As long as there is inequality, there is anger.

Politics is never simple.

[yawns]

Even in my own party, I have colleagues who oppose me,

let alone the friends that I stand to lose.

But to help reform an entire nation,

nothing can be more satisfying.

[sighs]

I look forward to your finding something that gives meaning to your life.

Me too.

I-I was wondering if I could have a small advance on my allowance.

I was hoping you'd be a man by now, able to stand on your own two feet.

There have been one or two unforeseen expenses.

Take 50 rupees from the drawer there.

Thank you, Baoji.

-One day, I will make you proud. -No doubt. Now, leave me in peace.

[Maan hums tune]

[bell chimes]

[distant singing]

I love you.

[exhales]

Aren't you going to say anything?

I love you too.

But it's pointless to say so, so take it back.

-I don't understand. -[sighs]

Why didn't you tell me your last name?

-It's Durrani. -I know.

[bell chimes]

Is that important? Is that why you've been so strange with me?

Of course it's important.

Don't you know what it means to my family?

-To my mother? -No.

Anyway, we never talk about religion.

My father only cares about his mathematical problems,

and my mother...

My mother's too ill to care about anything.

I didn't know about your mother. I'm sorry.

But you knew I was a Muslim.

Yes. Not at first, but when I found out your family name...

Why didn't you bring this up before, if it's important to you?

Because if I did,

that would be the end, and I didn't want it to end.

I wanted to see you. I still want to.

Stop. Stop.

Ridiculous flower!

-What bloody... -[Parvati] Ooh, Kishy!

[gasps] Kishy! Oh...

Ay! Oh, Kishy!

Don't lose your temper with your daughter, Rupa. It's so bad for your heart.

You never mind about my heart.

-My heart is in excellent shape. -[chuckles]

-Like my other parts. -Mmm, naughty boy! [laughs]

[in Hindi] Father, some tea?

Stupid girl!

Why did you give the medals in the first place,

-if they were so important to you? -Kishy!

Baoji, I am a poor widow.

On the wedding of my first-born son, what else did I have to give his bride?

And this is how she treats me!

[laughs] You won't make that mistake again, no, Ma?

Don't call me Ma.

I always call her Ma, even though I am her stepmother,

-and so much younger than you! [laughs] -[sighs]

-Now, what about Lata? -W... What?

-Getting her married of course! -[gasps]

Baoji, Lata is a clever girl. Let her finish her studies.

You spoiled your eldest. Now you're spoiling your youngest!

Study, waste of time. Girls should be married and have babies.

Lata will end up with nobody.

-And it will be your fault! -Oh! Kishy...

-[speaks Hindi] -Bye, Nanaji.

[Rupa sobs] Ay...

Rupa, what's the matter?

Go on. Have some matthi and mango pickle. I made it myself.

[both laugh]

Thank you. I mustn't have too much, but on such a difficult day...

-So, er, when is Maan to be married? -Very soon, I hope.

He needs to settle down.

But I think it's much easier for boys. Lata is so taken up with her studies,

it seems as if I scarcely see her these days.

What?

Erm...

Tell me. Tell me quick.

[exhales] You see...

Please look after your daughter,

because someone saw her walking by the Ganga

with a boy.

[horse whinnies]

[man sings in Hindi]

-Who will marry her now? -Ma, have some tea.

[sobs] Tea, tea and more tea when we are ruined!

Ma, don't overdramatise things. It isn't good for your blood pressure.

So, you knew. You knew. And I had to learn this from strangers!

[sniffles]

Where have you been, young lady?

-Hmm? -Just for a walk.

Walk? Walk? I'll give you walk.

Who is he, this boy you have been seen with?

-A friend. -A friend.

What is his name?

-Kabir. -Kabir what?

Ma, tea?

Come on. He has a name, doesn't he? Or have you forgotten?

Kabir Lal, Kabir Mehra, what?

Kabir Durrani.

Is he a Parsi?

He's...

He's a Muslim!

God. Oh, God. [sobs]

What did I do in my past life to bring this curse on my beloved child?

No, never, never, absolutely not! Dirty, violent, cruel, lecherous!

I love him.

-Do you want to marry him? -Yes.

You stupid, obstinate... [in Hindi] Drown yourself for sheer shame!

I will marry him!

Daddy told us we should follow our own hearts.

Don't you dare bring Daddy into this!

-I'll give you two tight slaps! -[Savita] Ma!

Pack your bags. We are going to Calcutta, and that is that.

Don't you dare say another word, either of you!

[door slams]

[sobs]

[distant singing]

I've been longing to see you again.

-What's the matter? -Ma's found out about us.

-She's taking me to Calcutta tomorrow. -What?

-Do you still love me? -Of course I do.

-Then, let's go away. -Away? Where?

Anywhere. To the hills. Anywhere, really.

-And just leave everything? -Everything.

I don't care. I've even packed some things.

Lata, if we go now, we don't stand a chance.

Let's wait and see how things work out. We can make things work out.

I thought you lived from our one meeting to the next.

-I do. -[sighs]

[Kabir] I don't want to disillusion you.

You are! You are disillusioning me.

-How long will we have to wait? -Two years?

[sobs]

First, I'm going to finish my degree. After, I'll apply to get into Cambridge--

I'll be married in two years.

You're not a girl, you don't understand.

I might never be able to come back to Brahmpur.

-Lata, be reasonable. -I was ready to leave my family for you.

-[Kabir] Lata? -[sobs] I never want to see you again.

-I'm so stupid. -[Kabir] Lata?

Lata?

Lata!

[loud chatter]

-[Rupa] Pran? -Yes, Maa ji.

-[in Hindi] Please look at this. -Sure. Er... C 10-11, sir.

-[in Hindi] Is this the one? -[in Hindi] Yes, this one.

[train announcements]

[Pran speaks Hindi]

Cheer up, Lata, Calcutta might be fun.

-[indistinct chatter] -[Saeeda Bai speaks Urdu]

Kaho... Dagh sahib, how do you do?

How do you do? How do you do?

[in Urdu] He'll speak if you sing.

Sing for me.

[in Urdu] Ustad Sahib, please play.

[music starts]

[vocalises]

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me unworthy ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me improper ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me, call me ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me, call me ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me, call me, yes, call me bad! ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me unworthy ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me improper ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me ♪

[in Urdu] You didn't inscribe the book you gave me.

I can only write in English, Saeeda Jaan.

[tuts]

Dagh Sahib.

[in Urdu] You're unfamiliar with the language of our great poets.

[in Urdu] Very well. I shall learn Urdu then.

[in Urdu] Amen.

[in Urdu] Bibbo! Please call Rasheed here.

[in Urdu] He won't come.

[in Urdu] He doesn't like being disturbed when he's teaching Tasneem.

[in Urdu] He knows who pays him. Call him.

[in Urdu] Rasheed teaches Urdu and Arabic to Tasneem.

-Who is Tasneem? -Tasneem is my sister.

When can I meet her?

[speaking in Arabic]

[in Urdu] Rasheed. Saeeda Begum is calling you downstairs. Now.

[in Urdu] Excuse me.

[Saeeda Bai in Urdu] Come, Rasheed.

[in Urdu] My dear friend wishes to learn Urdu. Will you teach him?

-Er... -Salary will be the same as with Tasneem.

Do you have any knowledge of the language, janaab?

I can speak it, of course.

-[in Urdu] I can't read or write it. -[in Urdu] I see.

This is Maan Kapoor, the son of Mahesh Kapoor, the Revenue Minister.

And his brother teaches at the university where you study.

It would be an honour to teach the son of Mahesh Kapoor.

With his Zamindari Act, your father will become the saviour of the countryside.

Inshallah. [in Urdu] Let me know when you have the time.

[in Urdu] Dagh Sahib has all the time in the world.

-[in Urdu] Time is not a problem for him. -[Maan in Urdu] Thank you.

[in Urdu] All the time in the world? For him?

[laughs]

[Saeeda Bai singing in Urdu]

-[man] Good, good. -[horse whinnies]

[mimics horse's snort]

Hello there.

[Firoz] Where were you? You're late.

Again. Take a swing.

Hold your arm quite straight.

-And don't look at me, look at the ball. -This is no fun.

-Nothing's fun in the first 15 minutes. -I can think of something that is.

-Two things, actually. -Shut up and concentrate.

-[laughs] Genius! -Beginner's luck.

Hmm.

-Can we stop now? Take this off. -All right.

[strains]

You're going soft. Too much pampering.

Seriously.

You shouldn't get too deeply involved with Saeeda Bai.

No good can come from it.

It's too late now, Firoz.

I can't get enough of her.

[Bibbo in Urdu] People are talking. They say you're infatuated with Maan.

[in Urdu] Love doesn't pay the bills.

[in Urdu] Who knows that better than I do, Bibbo?

[in Urdu] I was only 15 when my mother trained me.

[Bibbo in Urdu] But she introduced you to the aristocracy of Brahmpur.

[in Urdu] And your English is also a gift from them.

[in Urdu] Yes. Quite a gift.

[in Urdu] I do not want Tasneem to have a life like mine.

[in Urdu] Come and see what she really wants.

[in Urdu] What does she want?

[speaks Arabic]

[Tasneem] Marajal bahraini yaltaqiyaan.

Bainahumaa barzakhun laa.

[Saeeda Bai in Urdu] We must send Rasheed away.

[door closes]

If you put a bit more effort into life, young man,

you may find yourself a good deal luckier.

And do me a favour and disappear tonight. I have an important dinner at home.

-[Varun] My pleasure. -[Arun] Bye, darling.

-[Meenakshi] Bye, darling. -[Arun] Bye, ugly!

-[maid] Smitten kitten. -I'll have that one.

So how's everyone at home?

Ma is very well. Papa is dispensing judgements left, right and centre.

-And our distinguished brother? -Oh, very happy on his little cloud.

He's in Bombay. He gave a reading and was rapturously received.

Boys given to self praise...

...may often sin in other ways.

-Very nice, Koko! -[chuckles]

-And Cuddles? -He is in fine fettle.

The day before yesterday, he bit the postman quite severely.

Dear Cuddles. Let me see.

[gasps] Smitten kitten. Apu, do you like it?

-[squeals] -[laughs] Approved.

This smitten kitten is off to be bitten.

-Meenakshi! -[laughs]

-[man] Why can't you stay longer? -Billy. [sighs]

I need to go.

What are you supposed to be doing?

Arun's boss and his wife, the Coxes, are coming to dinner.

Arun insists.

I'm meant to be making a traditional Bengali meal.

[laughs] Smoked hilsa.

My parents' cook is on the job.

-What about you? -Golf.

[both laugh]

-How about... the 19th hole? -[chuckles]

That sounds rather rude. Oh, Billy, you're such a naughty man.

You're far naughtier than I am.

-Meenakshi! -[laughs]

You know, we should stop before Arun finds out.

Oh. He won't find out. He has no imagination at all.

And that's one of the nicest things about him. [chuckles]

[hums tune]

[continues humming tune]

Ma...

How lovely to see you again, so soon after the last time.

-Now, where is my little darling? -[whispers] I didn't know.

-Things went wrong for Lata. -[Apu] Dadi!

-[chuckles] -My little poppet! Oh... [laughs]

-[Lata in Hindi] Varun Bhai. -Oh!

Thanks, Luts. [chuckles]

Ow! Can't you do anything right?

[Apu] Thank you, Lata Buaa.

[Varun chuckles]

Mm... [sighs]

Ch-ch. What happened?

No, Lata, that is my side.

[sighs]

Good to see the Reds getting pushed back in Korea.

-[Mr Cox] Absolutely. -[whispers] Smoked hilsa.

This looks delicious. What did you say it was called?

Smoked hilsa.

It's a wonderful old recipe that's been in the family for generations.

The secret is in the fire.

We throw puffed rice in it and brown sugar.

Every proper girl learns it at an early age. [chuckles]

-Are those the earrings? -Hmm? [chuckles]

[Varun sings in Hindi] ♪ Your intoxicating eyes ♪

[in Hindi] ♪ Tear me apart ♪

Evening, Ma. [kisses]

Lata! [kisses]

[crockery rattles]

Mr Box... Mrs Box.

Or should I say Mrs Box and Mr Box?

How do you do?

-I don't believe we've met. -Varun.

My younger brother.

-I'm afraid he's a bit... -[sings in Hindi]

-Will you please excuse us? -[Varun continues singing]

[groans]

[sighs]

Not one word or I will strangle you.

And what the hell are you wearing? You are such an embarrassment!

I don't want Basil Cox to think that I'm running a third-rate dharamshala!

What's embarrassing about Indian clothes?

Ma and Lata and Meenakshi wear saris all the time.

It's so sultry, but it is Calcutta.

[Varun] I don't see the point of dressing up like a whitey when we're at home.

-[muffled shouting] -[thudding]

He's a bit of a black sheep.

With my father's early death, and so on.

-Every family has one. -It smelt ever so strong.

-Would it be whisky? -Shamshu, I'm afraid.

-Shamshu? -Oh, it's a Chinese concoction.

-Rough and potent. [laughs] -We must get some!

Smoked hilsa and shamshu? Two new things in one evening.

I haven't had this much fun since Rada. [chuckles]

[in Hindi] ♪ Your intoxicating eyes ♪

[sings tune]

[Agarwal] Kapoor Sahib.

Yes, Agarwalji. What can I do for you?

It gives me no pleasure to be the bearer of bad news,

but the Raja of Marh has mounted a challenge to your Zamindari Act

in the High Court.

-As anticipated. -Huh?

Preparations are underway. I'm convinced judgement will be in our favour.

The Raja made it abundantly clear

by drunkenly telephoning my home in the middle of the night,

upsetting my wife, who's not in the best of health.

I'm very sorry.

To endure this, when she has so much to contend with already.

-You perhaps are not aware. -Aware of what?

We are hearing a great deal about your son,

and a certain lady of repute.

[sighs] I'm surprised the Home Minister has an interest in these things.

I'm only interested insofar as it touches on the reputation of the Congress Party.

My son's private conduct has nothing to do with the reputation of the Congress Party.

And I'm certainly not discussing this with you, Agarwalji.

Hmm.

-Yes. -I have had a letter.

-It's from the Banaras people. -Hmm.

[in Hindi] They send their greetings to everyone.

They've realised no doubt that our son is too good for them

and they want to call it off?

[in Hindi] Actually, they want to fix the wedding date at once.

[in Hindi] What do I say?

[in Hindi] Surely they don't have an inkling about Maan and that woman?

Do I have to hear this from everyone?

Everywhere I go, people are talking about Maan and his idiocy.

Is there nothing more important to talk about?

The bloody country's preparing for its first election

and all I hear about is Maan, Maan, Maan!

-[bangs on door] -Khan Sahab!

[man in Hindi] Begum Sahiba will not be receiving visitors today.

Saeeda Jaan?

Saeeda?

[Bibbo in Urdu] Don't see him every night.

[in Urdu] They'll say you've given up your profession.

[Maan] Saeeda!

Maan... Maan.

[strains]

[in Hindi] What will become of you?

[sobs]

[Mahesh] Maan, is that you?

Yes, Baoji.

-Goodnight. -[Mahesh] Come here.

[thuds]

Did I tell you to sit down?

Stand up!

-[thuds] -[chair scrapes along the floor]

-I'm so tired, Baoji. -Tired?

-What are you so tired from? -No, no, no, no.

-Damn bloody... [in Hindi] Useless fellow! -[laughs] What are you doing?

Look at the condition you're in!

Have you no shame at all? You bring disgrace to your family!

[sighs]

You are behaving worse than a depraved zamindar,

and I will not have it!

I will not let you disgrace this family's name, Maan.

You're hearing me?

We find you a nice suitable girl from a good family,

and you go chasing a woman whose history and life are an open book.

But I love her, Baoji!

Love her? Come here.

This is your last night in my house. Do you understand this?

Get out of here. You go, go to Banaras.

Go wherever you want, but you get out of Brahmpur!

[Maan] Fine! I'll get out of your house!

I'll leave tomorrow morning. Goodnight.

[sobs]

[woman in Bengali] Sweetheart, eat everything.

Look at how much food you're wasting.

[Arun] My prospects at Bentsen and Pryce may very well be ruined.

[Rupa] But why?

That buffoon's performance at dinner with the Coxes.

They'll be telling their friends,

"Oh, we had such a comical evening with the natives."

Arun, please.

-Goodbye, ugly. -Bye, Papa.

-You haven't forgotten? -[Arun] What?

[Rupa] That you're supposed to find someone suitable for Lata.

[Arun] Yes, yes, Ma. But please remember, beggars can't be choosers.

-[Rupa] Arun! -[Arun] Now I'm late for work. Goodbye.

[door slams]

[Kabir] Dearest Lata. I can't think of anything but you.

But I'm annoyed that I should have to say so.

I couldn't and I can't run off with you to some earthly paradise.

How could you expect me to?

Darling Lata, you are so brilliant. Why can't you see things in perspective?

I love you, and you really owe me an apology.

With all my love, yours, Kabir.

Lata?

What's the matter?

[Varun sighs]

[Lata sniffles]

-Has he upset you? -[sighs]

I'll kill him.

There's nothing to kill.

He clearly thinks I'm stupid, and I am stupid.

[sobs] It was all a mistake, the whole thing.

Lata...

Don't tell Ma, please, Varun Bhai.

I never tell anyone anything if I can help it.

[sobs]

[in Urdu] Dagh Sahib, where will you go?

[in Hindi] Nowhere.

My father has these delusions of grandeur.

Just because he can strip a million landlords of their inheritance.

Why should I be separated from you? I'll just come and live here.

You want to ruin my reputation?

Saeeda Jaan, I love you.

[sighs]

[distant chatter]

Listen to me.

Your Urdu teacher, Rasheed, is leaving for his village for a month.

-He didn't tell me. -He decided very suddenly.

Now, I wouldn't know where to find another teacher for you.

[in Urdu] If you really love me and want to understand me,

then continue studying Urdu. Urdu is my language.

[in Urdu] The language of my songs.

[in Urdu] The language of my soul.

Of course.

[sighs] So you must go with Rasheed to his village.

-What? -I know.

When is he leaving?

-Tomorrow. -What?

I know, I know. But it's the only way.

Then I must spend tonight with you.

Not tonight, my dear Dagh Sahib.

I will sing for you instead.

[in Urdu] ♪ God knows where The end of love may lie ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Think of my final breath my beginning ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call my final breath my beginning ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me, call me, yes, call me bad ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me unworthy ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me improper ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Patience comes at last Even in separation ♪

[song continues]

[in Urdu] ♪ Patience comes at last Even in separation ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call it a friend who arrives late ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call it a friend who arrives late ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me, call me, call me ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me, call me, call me, call me ♪

[in Urdu] ♪ Call me, call me, call me, call me ♪

-[in Urdu] ♪ Call me unworthy ♪ -[sighs]

[hums tune]

There.

That's better.

I don't really feel like going out at all.

Why don't just you and Arun Bai go and I'll stay with Ma?

Don't be silly, Luts.

Doesn't your sister look lovely?

-Almost as lovely as you, my darling. -[Meenakshi sighs]

Can you fasten this for me, sweetie-pie?

Lata! Pran says to tell you you did very well in the end-of-term exams!

-First class! I am so proud of you. -[chuckles]

-I thought I'd done so badly. -Well done, Luts.

You're a clever girl. But remember, Luts, first-class results don't help with men.

[chuckling]

[Meenakshi] Goodnight, Apu. Sleepy time.

To ward off the evil eye.

What are you up to? Why is my sister dressed up to the nines?

You've done nothing to find a boy for Lata.

Fortunately for you, you have a very clever wife.

[jazz music playing]

-[woman] Hello, Amit! -Is that the book?

It is.

This is your time to shine.

Everyone is dying to meet you.

Including my brother, Amit, of course.

Trailing clouds of glory from his book tour.

How could he be dying to meet me?

Because I've told him how beautiful and clever and smart you are, of course.

This is Arun's ma, Rupaji.

Lovely to meet you, Mrs Mehra.

-Sit here next to Cuddles. -Cu... Cuddles?

Yes. Look, there he is. Cuddles, don't be rude.

He's harmless, you know, but he does have moods.

[Meenakshi] There's Amit, surrounded by his admirers.

I suppose he's really famous.

-Amit Chatterji. What a catch. -He's a highly suitable match.

-Why is he not married yet? -[both] Always playing hard to get!

-[all laugh] -Koko, darling!

-Hans, darling! -He's all the rage in London these days.

And now he's embarked on what everyone says

is the great Indian novel of our times.

-Hello. -Hello.

-And who is this merry young woman? -This is my brilliant sister-in-law, Lata.

-Dr Ila Kaul. -Hello.

Lata is from Brahmpur. She's studying at the university there.

You have my sympathy.

-What subject? -English literature.

-Under Professor Mishra. -Who is your favourite poet?

-Donne. -Good choice.

-And what brings you to Calcutta? -Just visiting my brother's family.

And my mother is intent on finding me a husband here.

-What is your view on that? -I don't want a husband.

[laughs] She's only joking, of course.

Quite right. They are absolutely unnecessary.

Resist at all costs.

Erm... You have not met Amit yet!

-Oh, yes, of course. -Come, I'll introduce you.

How wonderful, Amit, that you are going to be writing about your own countrymen,

especially after winning all those prizes abroad.

-You know-- -This is Lata.

Her favourite poet is John Donne.

-So, Amit, you-- -Doctor, come, come, come.

Excellent choice. I'm afraid I'm not quite in that class.

-But I should like to read your poems. -I'll write something specially for you.

Tell me, why haven't we met before?

I'm not the one who's been out of the country.

I have been here all the time.

Ah. If I had known that, I might never have gone away.

[laughs]

It's so nice to meet you, Lata. Er... Would you like a drink? A sherry?

Oh, I shouldn't have anything as dangerous as a sherry.

They are very dangerous.

-Why not? -Throwing caution to the wind!

-Two sherries, please. One sweet, one dry. -Certainly, sir.

[Lata] Exquisite. It reminds me of you, with your admirers.

Oh, please.

[Meenakshi] Darling! It's tango time!

Righto, Minxy.

But, Hans...

[tango playing on the gramophone]

[chuckles]

-Come on. -No, you know I hate to dance.

-Liar. -[applause]

-Come on, Luts. -[laughs]

-Shameless Meenakshi! -Why, Ma?

-Now your turn. -I don't know how to tango.

-Teach her. -[Rupa] Lata, no!

Trust yourself.

I have never seen Amit like this with a girl before.

I hope you haven't been putting ideas in Lata's head, or his.

I haven't put anything there that wasn't there already.

Look at them.

I don't think the tango is a nice dance for young people to be doing.

But we all seem to love it. And it takes two to tango!

[woman] Come on, Rupaji.

[chuckles]

[kisses]

[women] Whoo!

[applause]