Original subtitles

Mahipal...

Yes, brother? Why are we late?

The animals are tired; they can't take the strain.

But we're in no hurry. Let's get off near the temple.

We'll freshen up in the lake, before we go home.

And don't tell sister about what happened at the marketplace.

Neither must you tell her that l've had liquor.

How are you, sir? l'm fine!

My God!

Cursed man! How often have l told you not to bring that broom out...

...in my presence every morning?

l've yet to come across an idiot like you!

When did you return from the market?

About an hour ago.

Where are the two others?

Mahipal and the master said they'd follow me.

l was asked to bathe the animals and bring the cart home.

Which means, he must have had a lot to drink again.

l wouldn't know. l didn't see him entering a liquor den.

Then what did you see?

l just saw him coming out of the liquor shop.

Which means, he will return stripped all over again!

l wouldn't say that. The lion-cloth was very much on his person.

He used it for a turban, after it slipped off his waist.

God! How could you leave him in that state?

He cursed me, when l asked him to come along.

The bus-driver at the market place told me...

...that the master even got into a fight at the marketplace.

Master is himself a good man.

lt's Mahipal's company that is spoiling him.

Let the master and servant arrive. l'll give them a nice welcome.

Please don't mention my name!

Why have you maligned Mahipal?

Because he's a bad man; and a servant like l am.

But he behaves as if he were the boss himself.

lt's in the interests of this household to throw him out.

l'm going to tell Mahipal about this.

Sure. Go ahead. l'm not scared of him.

lf he acts funny with me, l'll turn the bull on him!

Besides...

Whom do you love? Me? Or him?

Don't forget the promise your father has made to me.

l'm going to marry you after the harvest this year.

And don't you dare flirt with him again!

What makes you think you can marry me?

Your father has given me his word.

ln that case, go and marry him!

The sight of her face tells me that we're in for trouble.

Go and settle things. Or we'll get beaten up.

Mother! Do you know what... l've heard it all.

Did you have liquor?

Liquor?! Did l?!

l want the truth. Did he or did he not drink.

l did not drink! Not you; did he drink?

No... he didn't.

Really?

Speak up now. Did he drink or not?

Yes, he did.

So you've even started lying to me, have you?

Now look, sister; Someone forced a glass of liquor in my hands.

l had that one single glass, out of sympathy for him.

But if it's wrong to sympathize with someone, l'm sorry! Forgive me!

You even got into a brawl! A brawl?!

Who could have carried these tales to you, sis?

Did we get into a fight? Nonsense! Nothing of the sort...

Place your hand on the head.

On my head!

Now tell me what he did after getting drunk at the market.

What else? He slipped. What happened then?

He happened to come down on the teacher, a weakling, who fell, too.

ls that all?

The teacher fell on a vessel which broke.

That's all!Keep your hand back on my head!

Was the fight over a broken vessel then?

No... there were other vessels, too, that were shattered.

Naturally! When there is a pile of vessels...

What happened then?

A part of the vessel shattered the wind shield of a truck parked nearby.

But we were hardly at fault. Hardly!

The truck-driver was drunk! He could understand nothing! .. tell her!

You'd rather do that. We then called the police...

...and told them everything. Tell her, l say!

That's it then. The story's over... let's go.

Wait here!

l want the truth. What really happened there?

The driver roughed up the master who told the police...

...and the police filed a complaint.

Which means you've really been beaten up!

l fought back, for every blow that l got.

l couldn't count how many blows the master took.

But we stayed there much longer.

We told the police we had no time for legal complications.

That we had to rush home, since you were waiting for us.

We were in town only to buy a sari for you!

The one you will wear at the fair of Beas.

We bought this great sari and rushed home to you.

We got it speciallymade for you.

Even Ramp yari doesn't have a sari like this one.

Wear this at the fair of Beas...

...and no one will be able to take his eyes off you!

You will look like a Goddess from the skies!

You must try on this sari.

We're longing to see you in this.

Not today. l'll wear it at the fair when you win the bullock-cart race.

l don't think he will...Shut up.

You've grown up in size... but you're still pea-brained!

Now quietly come and have your food.

Don't glare at me!You owe it to me.

Or you'd starve for a week! l don't want to eat.

Very well! Of course l want to eat!

Where had you been, darling?

To die.

God forbid! Death be to your foes!

May you be blessed with the rest of my years, too!

Come to the point. What is all this about?

The parrot told me that my dream will soon be fulfilled.

The parrot did? Don't you know?

lt's the soothsayer's parrot.

lt chose a card which predicted that it would soon happen.

What would soon happen?

Just that l will have you for myself.

Oh shut up! Don't give me that tripe.

l'm going to drown the soothsayer and

his bloody parrot, one of these days.

A parrot's prophecy can never go wrong.

Listen...

Pongad was squealing to the mistress about you and the master.

He hates you.

He said that you got drunk at the market and got into a fight.

Make sure you don't tell Pongad that l told you this.

96, 97...

98...

99...

...and this is 100 !

This is for squealing about my drunkenness.

As for the fight we got into with the truck-driver...

...how many bulls do we have, Mahipal?

There are 55, in all. You're right... 55 !

You will extract water and bathe each of the animals...

...and come and see me later. l must be getting along now.

What about the cop-story he ratted about?

l'll deal with that later. Very well.

l will deal with you, Mahipal!

We've found a man called Teja who will run the race on our behalf.

But he's asking for a lot of money.

Don't worry about the money. We must win this race.

Don't let this man mislead you, Madam Rampyari.

This is exactly what he said the last time, too.

What happened when he brought some ass? Mahipal won the race.

Our animals were nowhere near Mahipal's bullock-cart.

Forget the money... we even lost a 100 acres of land in the bet.

Should you lose this time,...

... l will not let you set foot in this village again.

Here he is! As usual... on the first day of every month!

lt's ages since l had a good betel-leaf.

Go and fetch some from the master. l'm dying to have one.

And l'm seething! Just you have the betel-leaf and get going!

Of course, l will go away. l won't be staying over.

l will meet the Master and the Mistress...

...and leave after the fairof Beas is over.

So you're here to have fun, are you?

The betel-leaf which the master has! lt's great...

...with the scented areca-nut and the works!

Why do you always eye what the others possess?

l'm not eyeing your father's property, am l?

Don't you talk about my father!l will! And what will you do?

Try bad-mouthing him! Your father...

...the thug! The rascal! The scoundrel!

You admit that, don't you? Yes.

Thanks. That's just what l wanted you to admit.

What are you father and son fighting over?

Don't you see, madam!

The comforts of this house have gone to his head!

l have a sister, madam.

Why can't father bring her over, when he comes visiting us?

lt's ages since l've met her!

He's right. You should have brought her along. l haven't met her too.

She has her exams next week, madam. And so...

ls she studying to be the magistrate?

l'd better leave, before l lose my temper and say something... !

lf you don't fetch her the next time you come here...

...you won't even get a drop of water in this house!

Don't misunderstand him. He's really very hurt.

Of course not, madam.

My heart swells with pride when l see him wielding authority.

l've had the honor of serving your family, too.

Those days are gone, Pralhad.

With the mansion and the property all sold...

...we had to move here.

l tried to talk to Bhanu, but...Don't blame him, madam.

You were betrayed by the Chauhans.

They got you married to a mentally unbalanced man...

...and when he died...

...they left you out on the streets, to fend for yourself.

How could your brother tolerate it?

He swore that he would destroy Rampyari.

That witch will be annihilated!

You're right. Greetings, sir.

But my sister still has a lot of affection for her in-laws.

Don't say that. You are all l have now.

But who will inherit our wealth when we are no more?

Which is why l have always asked you to get married.

You have rejected all the proposals that came for you.

He refuses to tell me, when l ask him if there's anyone he loves.

l've been praying to God that he gets married, Pralhad.

Never mind the marriage. Let's talk about something else.

There! The mention of marriage drives him mad!

Meet me after you've had something to eat.

Well, master? How about marriage?

We'll talk about it later.

Go and have some great lentil-curry before it gets over.

Look at this great sari Mahi brought for me.

l'm going to wear it at the fair.

Do you know for how many years l have been attending the fair?

20 years!

And every year, l dress in a sari Mahipal brings for me.

l have preserved every sari Mahi has given me.

He was only 4 years old, when l left him here in your care.

When l watch him showering his affection on you...

... l begin to feel envious.

l'm worried about Bhanu.

He has been living only for me...

...and has forgotten his own life.

They're together in all the mischief they do...

...but Mahipal doesn't ask him to get married either.

Bhanwari! Wash the utensils lying here.

Should we win the race this time...

...what will you give us, Thakur?

lf you win the race, we will give you 101 camels...

... 101 bullocks and 101 healthy cows.

And what if we win the race?

You will get 102 acres of land...

... 102 bullocks and 102 healthy cows.

Teja will drive the carton our behalf.

Very well... The driver of our cart shall be Mahipal.

50 bags of potatoes...

40 bags of cauliflower...

...and 25 bags of onions.

l've had all the stuff loaded on the cart.

Okay... take the bullock-cart and return home.

Brother... What is it?

There comes your future wife.

How often have l told you not to link me with her!

Why didn't you deliver the good sat my shop this time, sir?

You will get the goods next time.

But l will not reduce the price. Okay?

Can't you think of anything but money?

Have you heard the song about the ''stone-hearted lover?''

He's not stone-hearted.

lt's circumstances that have made him like this.

l don't think he will marry anyone.

l have made up my mind to remain a spinster, too!

For ten years, he kept following me...

...insisting that l belonged to him.

He was willing to die for me. And now...

He was helpless against all that happened.

All he wants as the elder brother now...

...is to avenge his humiliation from Rampyari, come what may.

l'll let you decide. Will anyone do what Rampyari did...

...to my master's sister?

They got her married to their brother, lunatic...

...without telling her the truth.

They even had a child out of the marriage...

...which the madman jumped with in a fatal quicksand.

They haven't even found their bodies yet.

Will they find the bodies, if he refuses to marry me?

lt isn't just that.

Rampyari threw sister out of the house after that incident.

They gave her no share of the vast estate and property.

Bhanu has therefore sworn that he will avenge this humiliation.

Only then will he think of himself.

l'm the unfortunate one... that's all l can say.

Well... never mind all that.

Have you thought of marriage? When is it going to be?

l can't seem to find the girl of my choice.

But l have an idea. What is that?

We could get together... if you could forget that old man.

What?! Now wait a minute...

The devil!

Stop! Hey, halt there!

Someone delivering a baby that he's hurrying away?!

What's up?

The bus operators have announced a strike.

Now what do we do with the girl and the old man?

Have them put up at your place for a while.

My father hates these show-people He'll kill me, if l take her home.

What are we going to do?

Well... where's the bus? lsn't it coming?

The bus operators haveg one on a strike.

But l have a show at Vaghela... what am l to do?

How can we help it, if the bus operators are on strike?

Very nice! lf you guys can't help it... how can l help it?

We have performed our act in your village.

lt's your look-out to arrange for our transport, okay?

Hire a taxi!

A taxi would be very expensive. We don't have so much of money to...

Now look! Don't you try to act smart with me!

Or you will regret it! Just call a taxi!

Now look, sir... we're respectable folk.

We're respected in the village.

Please don't create a scene. So call a taxi!

Just wait a moment... l'll look into it.

They're sending for a cab.

l'll take a mouth-wash, while you fill some water.

l don't care what you do.

But l won't come to your help, if you get into a fight again!

That's all l seem to be doing nowadays.

Getting beaten up when you start a fight, that is!

l don't want to get my bones broken up today.

Make sure you return soon.

lf we leave by this evening, we will reach home by the day-after.

Sir... would you like to travel in the bullock-cart?

l don't travel on camels and bullocks-carts!

Go and get a taxi!

Couldn't we just leave this village, somehow or the...

Keep out of this. l'll handle it.

- Just send for a taxi!- Mister...

Why don't we discuss this over a drink?

A drink? Let's go... !

Listen... ! Damn the liquor!

- Okay... where is she?- She's over there.

Come along.

That's the girl l spoke about. l see.

What is your name? Jaalima.

Pardon me? Jaalima.

His cart will reach Vaghela tomorrow morning.

We had to pay him 4 times the fare of a bus to make him agree.

Where's my uncle? He'll be here soon.

He has agreed to travel in the bullock-cart.

Hurry up and sit in the cart.

And you guys... pay up.

Here you are. Let's go.

A torn fiver!

Who are you?

Jaalima.Whose Maa?

Nobody's Maa...Jaalima's my name.

What makes you sit in my cart?

l was asked by someone to sit in the cart.

Who asked you to? Uncle did.

Uncle indeed! Some old man tells you and you sit in the cart?!

Get down, silly idiot!

Then what did he take the money for?

Who took the money? Uncle did.

Which uncle are you talking about?

l don't know. Ask him... you'll find him in the liquor-den.

There he is. Ask him.

What's the matter, dear?

This man has been misbehaving with me, uncle.

Why, you rascal! You dare misbehave with a girl!

Lay off, or you get a punch!

So you've taken the money from her, have you?

Uncle didn't take any money! Didn't you just say he did?

Who the hell is he? This is my uncle.

Then how can you say tha the didn't take the money?

Actually, uncle did take the money, but...

When did l take any money?

Uncle! l didn't say uncle had taken the money...

Of course you said that uncle had taken the money!

But my uncle did not take any money.

Did my uncle take it then? Bloody liar! Fraud!

Did you call me a liar? What else do l call a liar?

l've spoken the truth. This man is my uncle.

The one who took the money was another old man.

l sat in the cart, merely because he said that it belonged to him!

Do you understand this now?

By the way, who the hell are you to question me?

D'you want to know who l am?

lf you've forgotten who you are, l could very well remind you!

Should you want to know my identity, you can ask me too!

l'll answer your question...Stop it!

You talk a lot of nonsense after you're drunk!

You are...What's going on?

lt was that man who took the money!

Didn't you take the money and ask me to sit in the cart?

l did... so? Why's he barking at me?

Watch your tongue! Why must l?

ls it your prerogative alone to be rude with a girl?

Who do you think you are?

Stop fighting... l'll explain.

They're stranded here, because of the sudden bus-strike.

Since we're headed in the same direction, what have we to lose?

Since we'd make something, l asked her to sit in the cart.

Give me that money. Which money?

The money you took from them! Okay... here it is.

Here's the money! Just get lost! You can't travel in that cart!

Keep that money with you!

Return it to the people you took it from!

All l know is that l will travel in this cart. Period!

Had you not taken the money...

...they'd have arranged some other transport for us.

Of course! They were willing to hire a taxi!

Well... excuse me.

Okay... so l've made a mistake.

They're poor folks... and what have we to lose?

l've made them pay me four times the fare of the bus.

That saves us the expense of travelling one way.

l could smell trouble, the moment you walked into the liquor-den.

Have l gotten into a fight? l'd prefer a fight any day!

l wouldn't been insulted by a two-penny female!

Come on! For my sake! Be a sport!

Please... just agree!

lt's okay, isn't it? l knew it would be okay!

Swine!

Oh, get lost! How could a camel swallow a lion?

Send for a taxi!

Call a taxi!

Ask him to shut up! Oh, get lost!

He's talking in his sleep.

Shows his class... the way he's talking.

Oh get lost! You can do nothing, you pipsqueak!

Now listen... l'll throw him out!

l can't take this!

But he's talking in his sleep.

You son-of-a-gun... l'm not scared! Call the bloody taxi!

Throw him out! l'm going to bury him alive!

Relax... he's talking in his sleep.

They've planned it!

lf we allow this, they'll continue doing it all night!

Are you mad?

Bullock-cart, my foot! This cart is drawn by asses!

lt's drawn by your mother! You rascal! l'll kill you for it!

ls he out of his mind to fight with a sleeping man?

Are you crazy to get into a fight like this?

l will take care of them. Just get on with the cart.

l have a condition.

lf he utters another word, l'll thrust this down his neck!

Let me find a place somewhere! l'm going to kick him out!

l'll drive the cart if that's okay with you. Or else...

Please go and drive it, my friend! Go on!

Whose mother are they fighting over?

Sit on his mouth! Only that will shut him up!

Or l'm going to smash his face!

Let him open his mouth again... l'll slit his neck!

Bloody son-of-a...

Why is there no noise from inside?

ls he dead?

l can see light ahead. Be prepared to get down.

Mr Kanwar...

Make me a cup of strong tea.

Why just one? Won't your master have some?

That would set off a battle between the tea and liquor in his tummy.

What's up?

The trouble-makers just got into the cart, without even asking.

l have an idea.

l'll dump them here. They'll rest in a quiet corner.

They'll take the first bus that comes tomorrow morning.

Okay? All right.

Get down, both of you!

Mahipal! Come here.

Now just listen to me.

You're human. So don't forget humanity.

How can you desert a young girl and a drunken uncle here...

...in the middle of the night?

Why don't you talk of their atrocious behaviour?

Why must you punish the poor girl for what the drunkard has done?

Poor girl? She has a tongue that is yards in length!

You can't escape dust when you kick a mound of mud!

And she's only human. Just forgive her.

l won't give in... Suppose she was your sister?

What would you have done if she were your sister? Tell me.

l promise you. They won't give you any more trouble.

We'll reach Vaghela soon and if she does say something...

...you can pretend you haven't even heard her.

Go ahead and have the tea. Let me handle this.

l'll handle it, l say!

Can l ask you something?

May l ask you something? Yes?

Would you like a snack?

A snack?

Thank you... l don't want anything.

l'm very sleepy.

Go to sleep, when we get moving.

My head... it's exploding.

Who was that?!

Excuse me...

This is Bhanu here. l'm behind the cart.

May l ask you something?

l won't find the opportunity to talk to you in privacy again.

Yes? What is it?

l like you.

Do you like me, too?

Why are you asking me that question?

Actually, l'm not as old as you perhaps think l am.

l was 36, only 8 years ago.

l'm not yet married.

l haven't ever thought of a girl either.

But the moment l set my eyes on you yesterday...

...love awakened in my heart.

You awakened a desire.

A one-sided desire does not make any sense, you know.

So l wanted to find out as to what you think of me.

How do you find me? Do you like me, too?

Speak up.

Why don't you speak?

You're feeling shy, aren't you?

You can turn me down, if you don't like me.

lt's just because l don't know how to discuss such things that...

... l've popped this question.

You needn't say anything, if you approve of me.

l'll consider your silence to be your consent.

What do l conclude? Have you approved, then?

Please... please don't misunderstand me.

You are like my brother.

l have a lot of respect for you. Just plain respect.

So, the question of approval or refusal, simply does not arise.

You will want to know why l didn't stop you in the cart last night...

...if l didn't really feel anything for you.

Perhaps l was selfish.

Had you thrown me out of the cart...

...where would l have gone with a drunken uncle...

...in the middle of the night?

t made me remain silent... l did not stop you.

Perhaps it was all my fault.

So please forgive me.

l've told you exactly how l feel.

Please don't take it badly.

l hope you will take my refusal in the right spirit...

...and wish me cordially whenever we run into each other.

And please don't hide behind the cart.

People could misunderstand.

The performers seem to have arrived. Let's go and check.

Are you here for the show?

Yes...that's what we're here for. We were worried.

We couldn't help it. The bus operators went on a strike.

Everyone in this country strikes work

when he's unhappy about something.

lt's people like us who have to go through difficulties.

That's Democracy for you! You're right.

We're glad you've arrived. The show begins at six.

Will you have a rehearsal? Of course. Why not?

Let's go... Bye!

Let's go.

l must take your leave now.

l wonder when we will meet again.

We will meet... we must.

This is the route we always travel on.

How won't we meet then? We certainly will.

Hurry up! Don't waste time!

These cart-driver behave like the witches on a night of eclipse.

They forget their animals and think they're flying an aircraft!

Shall we leave?

What did you say? Shall we leave now?

Yes, we must leave. But l think l have an upset tummy.

l'll go and have some soda-water.

Has the show girl arrived?

Yes, sir. They've just arrived.

Greetings, sir!

You folks had me worried.

lt would have sullied my reputation if the show were cancelled.

How can a show you're holdingnot be staged, sir?

Are you her father? No. l'm her uncle.

l see. Listen...

Bring him over this evening... we'll have a drink together.

Your wish is my command, sir!

Go ahead... l'll follow you. Come along, dear.

l'm going to fetch some water, brother.

Greetings, sir. Give me a packet of cigarettes.

The girl is brimming with youth! Yes, sir.

l hope she's worth all the money l've spent.

From her appearance, she seems to be a virgin, my Lord.

But her uncle looks like a real drunkard.

He could knock off no less than five or six bottles.

Don't worry about that. Make sure the girl doesn't escape!

Just do as l say... okay?

l'm feeling giddy. Why?

My head could explode with pain.

But you had something wrong with your tummy just now.

Yes... l have an upset stomach, too.

l think the gases have gone to my head.

l will be all right, if l sleep for a while.

Okay... sleep in the cart. l'll get it moving.

l thought so, too.

But l won't be able to sleep with all the jerks l get in the cart.

But you've always enjoyed sleeping in a moving cart.

That's when l don't have a back-ache.

A back-ache, too?!

The back... the stomach and the head... are all parts of our body.

The whole of my body is in pain.

Go to sleep in the cart. We'll leave late this afternoon.

Hey wait... Mahipal!

Have you been to the temple in this village? lt's very famous.

l must pay a visit to fulfill a vow.

A vow?! What vow?!

l passed by this temple 5 years ago, with a terrible headache...

...and l had sworn then, that should l recover...

... l'd visit the temple and bathe in its pond.

But you still have a headache! Do it some other day.

We keep coming here anyway. lt's already five years!

Neither will divine things happen nor will l fulfill my vow.

The Mother Goddess gave me this pain to remind me of my vow!

This is one Goddess who deigns to accept a man's prayers!

But one had better beware of Her fury!

l've decided to have an audience with the Goddess... that's it!

Glory to the Goddess! May You always bless us...

Have some of this...the holy offerings.

You've said your prayers, right? And your pain has gone, too.

Let's leave now. We'll reach home by tomorrow afternoon.

Hey... wait! Have you ever seen one of these musical village-plays?

l have, as a small boy.

Talk of today! lt's great nowadays!

The terrific lights and the electrifying dances...

...let's see what's it all about!

Hey, brother... at least listen to me!

You listen to me!

This routine of ''home and the market and the liquor and the fights''...

...this is no life! We would die like this!

l've got to do something different. Let me watch this play!

Hello, mister...

Listen, mister...- Go away!

You guys wait here.

Where do you think you're going?

This place is meant for me to change!

l know... you can change later.

There's time for the next performance.

l rule this village. Everything here happens the way l want it to be.

Get out, l say!

But how can l go away?

l don't organize these shows out of love for the art.

lt's beauties like you that l'm interested in...

...who l can have, under this pretext.

You're no innocent girl.

lf you want some money for this, you can take it from me.

l will raise an alarm, if you don't leave immediately!

Stop acting pricey...Come to me.

Don't keep me... Hold it, you bloody scoundrel!

Cut the drama... !

What sort of behavior was that?

Who are you?

What would you do, if you knew?

Somebody help

You act fresh with a girl!

Anyone else with the courage to face me? Come on!

l'll kill you guys...

Get the cart moving! Where's my brother?

Hurry up! They're closing in on us!

Hurry up! They're almost here!

My God! So many of them!

Excuse me... which route do we take for village Pittala?

Excuse me! The village Pittala!

Wow! lsn't she sleeping like a queen? Wake up!

l wonder what l did to deserve this!

The root of all my problems! Merrily snoring away!

Where's the master?

Master... ! Master!

Where's the master? lt's you l'm asking! Where is he?

How would l know?

Didn't you say we were all safe in the cart?

l can't remember anything. Why not? Were you drunk then?!

By now, they must've beaten the hell out of my master.

lf anything happens to him... l'll throw you in a furnace!

What can l do, if he didn't make it to the cart?

Stand on your head... that's what you must do! ldiot!

D'you think l'm crazy to do that in the jungles?

Good! So you realize we're in the jungles!

What are we here for?

Who'd have held a torch for us...

...when we ran to save our lives in the darkness of the night?

Can't you show some manners?

No! l can't! Will you teach me my manners now?!

Not a word from you...

...or else, l'll call you names you mustn't ever have heard!

lt's no use, talking to you. The eccentric nut!

Hadn't you been a girl, l'd have dumped you here, in the forests!

l'll push you off at the first opportunity... but shut up till then!

Okay... l won't talk to you You mustn't talk to me, too.

We got a nice catch this time, didn't we?

Yes... it was very nice.

How are things then? l'm doing well.

Madam... which route do l take for the village Pittala?

l don't know what you're talking about.

The village Pittala, you know? How do l get there?

Where did this ape spring from?

Do you understand Hindi?

Please listen carefully to what l'm saying, madam.

The village Pittala... the village?

The village, okay? Pittala...

l've got to go there...

...go there, okay?

There... ! `rrrrrrr', okay?

Fine... Have it your way.

l've got to go there. Go...

l've... got to go there.

l get it... that's a tongue-twister.

Add ''nd'' to every word... and you have their language.

Now, let me ask about the way.

The ''rand'' (whore) !

Do you know the way?Oh, get lost.

Do you have nothing better to do?

l wonder where the clown has come from!

A cup of tea?

Yes... a cup of tea.

The language must've been invented before even God made His bow.

Are you with him?

She'll pay for the tea she's having. l won't.

Give me the change.

Have you taken her money, too?

Didn't l tell you... lt's okay.

l'm not going to mess with her.

How far is Pittala from here?

lt's a two-day journey.

How does she know the language?

l see.

You're from the forests! No wonder you're always up to monkey-tricks.

Don't talk to me!Mustn't l?

How else will l know the way out?

l can't understand a word of what they say!

You can take any route you wish.

l'm in no hurry to go home.

Why will you be? You have no home or anyone to go to anyway!

You're a gypsy, after all.

Didn't l ask you not to talk to me?

Give me the money l paid for the tea.

l didn't ask for the tea. Then why did you gulp it down?

l just had the teahe gave me.

And, as l have told you, do not talk to me!

You have no other way, my boy. Somehow make her come around.

Listen...

lf you are hurt over something l have said...

...please forgive me.

Ask them the route for our return, Jaalima.

l'll drop you home, if you wish.

That won't be necessary.

l will certainly ask them the route for our return...

...but...- But?

l want something in return. What is that?

Now... what the hellcould that be?

Could you find out?There is a way.

But we can return after 2 days.Why?

There's a flood in the river...

...which has cut off the forest from the mainland.

A river?! But we didn't seeany river on our way here!

How would l know? That's the only way they know of.

How would these fools know that there is a flood in the river?

People who had gone across the river have not returned.

They're stranded on the other end.

Our village is on the other side of the river, too.

My God! May not even my enemies be put through this nightmare!

They've asked us to vacate this hillock.

What for? Tigers are out after nightfall.

Tigers, did you say?Yes.

But they say that the tigers keep away, if you light a fire.

Well... what are you thinking about?

l'm contemplating on a groom for your grandma.

Do you know of someone?

Damn these mosquitoes!

l wish we could stay on the hillock.

There are tigers there. Don't you remember?

l wish a tiger would deliver me from this hell!

But no, sir! Not even a cat would arrive to save me. Just my luck!

l'm feeling dizzy out of hunger.

lt isn't your hunger. lt's because it's late in the night.

But if you bring me some rice and lentils tomorrow...

... l'll cook some food for you.

But l want something in return.

What is that?

What?!

You'd better tell me in plain language.

l understand your tricks.

Give me that bag.

That's the name for rice , l guess.

Such a big name for something like rice.

Funny language.

One of its kind, certainly.

But how does she know this tongue?

She's been making an ass out of me all these days.

Let me ask him the meaning.

And two of ''bus-ki-lakdi-gumma''

l could perhaps ask her.

Excuse me...

What have they done to you?

He was peeping into the bedroom of a newly married couple.

He shouldn't be spared.

He ought to be thrashed.

Did you do that? How disgusting!

He came here to steal.

He deserves to be killed.

Hand him over to the police.

He has made a mistake... please forgive him.

He's a dirty chap!

At my age, he had the cheek to utter obscenities to me!

Set me free...

He came to my shop the other day and spoke a lot of nonsense.

Weren't you ashamed to do such things?

What have l done? Nothing.

lt's just that the old lady has misunderstood me.

They've tied you up, because you went peeping in a newly-weds' room!

You have insulted the shopkeeper and the old lady, too.

The folks here believe that you are responsible for all the thefts...

...that took place here some days ago.

They've sent someone to the city to fetch the police.

Have you heard of Bhupat?

He is not accountable to anyone even if he tortures someone to death.

Folks like us leave town for these forests...

...so we can earn a living.

But people like you bring us to disgrace with your misdeeds!

Forgive him, please! He has made a mistake.

Please spare my husband!

- Are you listening, chief?- What is it?

The poor thing is crying for her husband.

So forgive him. They'll leave this place as soon as possible.

Very well.

Why the hell is the fiend coming back to me?

Don't you ever be seen in these forests again!

- Go away!- What's he blabbering about?

They're sparing you, because they pity your wife.

My wife?!

Just get lost now!

lf you want your life, beg for their pardon with folded hands.

How can l? Haven't they tied my hands together?

Should they interpret it as something else... they'll punish me again.

Just say ''Lelu Allu''. What was that?

How could anyone do something so cheap?!

l shudder to think of all that happened!

l'm lucky to have escaped,...

...despite spending time with such a shameless man!

l must surely have done something noble in my last birth!

To peep into the bedrooms of people having their nuptials? Disgusting!

Only someone with a depraved mind could do that!

And what does he pretend to be? A decent, straight-forward chap.

But deep within, he's a real lecher!

But how could l know what lies in his heart?

You'd have to sit in my mouth, to see what lies within!

l've listened to enough!

She seems to have moved bag and baggage!

l had warned you...

...not to provoke me into losing control over myself.

lt was over that silly thing that the old woman beat me up.

The shopkeeper threw boiling water on my face.

The tribals even tied me up.

And my patience snapped.

When l got to know what it meant in that language...

... l got carried away.

l didn't know things would come to this stage.

For what l have done without considering the implications...

... l don't even know how l can apologise to you.

That's not necessary. l am equally responsible for what has happened.

lt wasn't right on my part either.

l lied to you that the river was in a state of flood.

To amuse myself, l thought l'd play a joke on you.

l had never imagined that this is what it would all lead to.

What will you tell your folks at home

when they ask you where you were?

Didn't you once say that l had no house, nor anyone my own?

You were right.

l used to have a sister.

Do you remember the villagers mention

the name of a policeman... Bhupat?

He's my brother-in-law.

He is a very bad man.

He used to harass my sister a lot.

And one day, he strangled her to death.

He hanged her from the ceiling...

...and proved that she had committed suicide.

The villagers believed...

...he did all that, only because he wanted to marry me.

To save myself from him, l started working in these shows...

...so it would let me stay away from home.

The old man accompanying me is not a relative of mine.

He's related to Bhupat.

Bhupat employed him to keep an eye on me.

l bear no animosity towards you, Mahipal.

The truth is that l enjoyed the petty squabbles we had.

l can't remember an occasion when l have been so happy...

...nor do l see myself being so happy in the future.

All l have to say to you is...

...a thank you.

Thank you for those tiffs; thanks for saving my life...

...for that cup of hot tea...

...for making me cry...

Many thanks for all that. Thank you very much.

My house is across the sand dunes.

My house is out there.

l wanted to say something... l wanted to talk to you...

Go on.

You'd rather speak first.

l've forgotten what l had to say.

l had something to say, too. But never mind.

May l go now?

He could have asked me to go with him.

l had even told him that l had no one of my own.

l could've stayed as a maid-servant in his house, couldn't l?

Couldn't he have asked meat least once...

...that l could go with him, if l wished to?

l would have readily gone with him.

But why would he ask me? What do l mean to him?

lt's silly of me to think of that when it's all my fault.

Wasn't it l who had those silly fantasies?

l suddenly remembered what l wanted to say.

Quickly tell me, before you forget it again!

Would you like to go with me?

You can join me, if you wish.

l'll tell them that you refused to get down from the cart.

Let's pretend to fight with each other, till the right time comes.

Do just as l say.Okay.

l'm glad you're back!

Nice to see you back, too.

Your limbs are all in order, l hope?

And where is she?Who's that?

Where's the girl?

There she is.

Mahi! l'm delighted to see you! l was very worried.

My respects.This chap is not to be trusted.

He lies, every time he opens his mouth.

l had so many special prayers performed for you.

lt all started with prayers, madam! What say, brother?

Who is this girl?

Don't ask me. Ask the one who accommodated her in the bullock-cart.

l remember. Bhanu said something to me about this.

Have you told her then?! Yes... l've explained everything.

And this girl! She says she has nowhere to go!

That she wants to worka nd live here.

But why? Are we running a home for the nomads?

l did my best to throw her out; but she just wouldn't let go.

She stuck to the cart like glue!

l could have slapped her!

The poor girl is in trouble, sister. Could you employ her?

Don't cry, dear. You may stay here.

Which caste do you belong to? She hails from our caste!

How do you know?l had asked her!

Her father was Thakur Amar Singh. And the uncle was a lower-caste.

That wasn't her real uncle! And don't you mess up things!

She seems to hailfrom a decent family.

And l need someone to help me out with the chores.

l'm now getting fed up with your trips to the market, Bhanu!

You always create trouble when you're drunk.

Now you will either give up drinking or forget the market.

Dearest sister, l swear on your... No thank you!

You have sworn so often on my head and broken your promises...

...that l now have a permanent headache.

Come here, Mahi.

Not me! Keep your hand on his head!

No... please! Take an oath now.

That you will not have liquor. l swear never to drink.

What won't you drink? Liquor, of course!

lf he drinks again, you'll be struck by lightning!

Come along, dear. Let's go in.

l hope you will remember... it's my head on the line.

Glory to the Goddess!

Come on out, Gangu...

...and tell the master what the future holds for him!

A divine marriage!

The parrot predicts that you will marry the girl of your choice.

But do not let anyone know of your plans till the festival of colours.

You can start buying things for the wedding a day after the eclipse.

But you must remember...

...not to open your mouth before your beloved about this.

What will l open, if not my mouth?

Do not speak anything,.. write things to convey them instead.

lt's not me, but parrot whof oresees your future.

Should you discuss this matter with anyone else...

...the girl will marry someone else.

True. Her parents might not approve of me, too.

The parrot's prophecies can never go wrong, sir!

He's right, sir. The parrot's prophecy is always true.

A truth you can never change.

My God! You have a lot of money!

Make sure to preserve it. lt'll help in our marriage.

The money belongs to the master. You can marry him, if you wish.

The master? But he's keeping the parrot company.

Which parrot?

He's at the soothsayer, Panchuram's place.

The one who predicted my marriage with you.

D'you know what the villagers say about us?

They say we're made for each other.

And that there's not a couple like us for miles around this place.

Don't talk nonsense. Just go away!

So you've been flirting, eh?

Should l fix it up for the two of you?

No thank you!- Why? What's wrong with Bhanwari?

And what's wrong with Janki?

Didn't l tell you not to bring up her name?

And l told you not to bring up this girl's name!

Bring up the name and l will, too. l won't, if you won't!

Here's the money. Count it.

What is it?

What is he up to?- Brother...

Now, brother! Don't pretend!

What's all this about, Bhanu?

l told you that he has changed! He's even looking younger now!

What's wrong with your moustache? lt is where it was!

But how has it turned dark?

l've dyed it.

Then tell us! What is all this about?

Tell me, sister... have l ever disobeyed you?

No. Never. Except that you refuse to get married.

Do you want me to get married? Of course.

Okay. l'm willing to get married.

My God! ls what l have heard, really true?

Thank you, my God! You've fulfilled a dream!

l want nothing more now!

Better late than never! You've woken up at last!

We must have a celebration Do anything you wish!

Who's the bride? Yes! Who is she?

l will not tell you! Why not?

l'll tell you when the time comes.

Why must you hide it? Tell us! No, l can't.

Tell us! Please...No! l won't!

Okay, Bhanu! Don't tell us!

l'm going to the temple to thank the Lord.

Brother! At least tell me who the lucky girl is.

l must reveal the name after the festival of colours, l was told.

Who told you? The soothsayer, Panchuram.

Damn him! And damn his parrot!

Has anything he predicted ever turned out to be true?

What has he predicted that has turned out to be false?

Okay. Tell me of one prediction that came true.

Hadn't he suggested the bulls we chose for the races last time?

He asked us to sow mustard last year, instead of pulses...

...which we did and made a lot of money...

...and those who went ahead with pulses were ravaged by the pests!

He asked us last year not to buy our animals from Jassi.

We refused to toe his line and the bulls died!

Whatever Panchuram predicts has to be true!

What was the name you just told me?

After the festival, l will tell you.

What if l already know her name?

Who is it then?

Her name begins with the alphabet...

Go ahead.... `J'...

ls that all you can say?

lt's J-A....

How did you guess? Tell me!

Janki... my future sister-in-law!

Here you are, darling. What is it?

l've packed some bread and vegetables for you.

You will feel hungry, won't you? l've personally prepared it.

Well, all right. l'm sure you'll like it.

Wait... there's a lot of duston your shirt.

You should have changed. That's all right.

l'm going home to finalize my sister's wedding.

l will be back soon.

l've been watching that girl hovering around you.

Why must you worry about her?

l'm worried about you, not her. And tongues will wag.

Listen...

Will you bring something for me? What is it?

Green coloured bangles.

Our folks believe that...

...wearing green-coloured bangle shastens the process of marriage.

Silly idiot! Why must you need all that?

l have other things to do! Besides, l'm not your servant!

l'd have fired you, had l not been off on something auspicious.

What was that about?

Nothing much. Since he was going out of town...

... l asked him to fetch me some green-coloured bangles.

And he started shouting! Without any provocation.

Whenever you need something, just tell me...

Green-coloured bangles, eh?

What are you showing me your rotten teeth for?

Did you see something? No. l couldn't see anything.

Did you see something? See what?

Did you see her stripping?

Dirty scoundrel! Get lost!

Listen... come here.

You will not tell anyone that l was peeping in her room, okay?

Okay.What's okay?

l understand! She's the girl you want to marry, isn't she?

Don't talk nonsense!

Do you want some money? No. l don't want any money.

lf l could have an old coat... l'll have it given to you.

l'll crush your bones, if anyone gets to know l've played Peeping Tom.

''Here l come, dearest Jaalima''

''l consider it my duty to fulfill your wish''

''On those fair wrists, you said...''

''But this is my heart, not mere bangles. Don't let them break''

''Wear them at will''

''l'm waiting for the day we will be united in wedlock''

''l thirst for your love, not your life Bhanu''

The parrot predicts...

...that merely presenting bangles cannot bring about a marriage.

Ask that silly parrot. ls there any other way of marrying her?

Sure. There is.

Ask all eligible bachelors in town, not to marry her.

When she finds no one else, she will come to you on her own!

What must that parro tbe worth?

lt's not for sale. lt's gives me my bread and butter.

l don't want to buy it either.

l wondered how much l'd have to pay you...

...if l strangled the cursed bird to death?

That bird of yours has poisoned Bhanwari's mind.

l'm going to kill both of you and dump your bodies in the quicksand!

Here's what you had asked for.

What is it? The green-coloured bangles.

Wear it, so it doesn't make our marriage difficult.

Now that you've brought it for me, could you make me wear them too?

Why, of course! And should someone watch us...

The mistress!

Jaalima! Hurry up if you want to accompany me to the temple.

Ask Bhiku to wait for me, sister. l'll return in a while.

Beautiful!

What is beautiful?

The bangles, of course.

They look great on your wrists.

Better than l had imagined.

You've seen it then, haven't you?

When the bangles can be bought for me...

...why can't they be put on my wrists, too?

Heartless creature.

But you love the heartless creature, don't you?

How would l complain, if l wasn't in love?

lt's not a case of being heartless, Jaalima.

When the time comes, you will wear golden-bangles...

...instead of these made of glass.

Once the festival of colours is over...

...the day of marriage will certainly have arrived

They want 5,000 Rupees in cash and 10 golden coins.

Or, they're ready to settle for15 healthy cows.

Why would thy settle forws?

The suitor'sfather deals the animals.

He said we could give him cows, if didn't have the money.

And what does the suit or do for a living?

He works for railways as a signal-man.

ln't approve of this match. And that's final.

But, brother...

They're not asking for too much of dowry, master.

That's not the point.

She's not your daughter alone.

Ss Mahipal's sister, who's a member of this family.

Al consider this to be a very petty alliance.

That are you trying to say, sir? l don't understand.

Living in this family, Mahipal has been a great help...

and has helped me grow in wealth and honour.

So, his sister is like my own, too.

l will give away 20 gold coins and 25,000 Rupees in the marriage.

So, find a suitor who is worthy of being our relative.

Bring me the invitation, the next time you come. No more questions!

That's a lot of money, sir!

l always honour my word. Do you doubt that?

Tell me, if you have doubts!

We have will two wedding-altars in the courtyard soon.

l suggest we have both the weddings together.

Don't go away without collecting your expenses for the way, Pralhad.

Let me be, sister! You're always teasing me!

Did you hear the Master?

l'd any day serve this family, than serve the Government!

Such a man is worthy of worship.

Of course, you must say your prayers.

Take all these ornaments to the temple.

l'll do that, after your wedding is finalised.

That girl has been around all the time.

And l couldn't guess that she was the one who had won your heart!

You've been a great schemer! You just didn't let me know.

You know, l had decided never to get married, sister.

But after l met her, for the first time, l missed a woman in my life.

And if this marriage is stopped, l'll never marry again.

Why would this marriage be stopped?

l don't know.

But tell me... do you like her too?

She's like a reincarnation of the Goddess of Wealth.

` since she has stepped in this house, we're been flush with

lt's for you to tell Mahipal to behave with Jaalima now.

They're always fighting.

But we all have to live under one roof after the wedding, isn't it?

He's going to go crazy with joy when he gets to know of this.

She's going to be his sister-in-law!

Just you watch! He's going to pamper her!

Wait till l go and show all this to Jaalima.

l know of the secret love-affair brewing in the family!

All of you have made a proper fool out of me, haven't you?

We thought we'd inform you at the right time.

The time is now here.

Look at the things my brother has brought for the wedding.

A necklace, gold-bangles and nice clothes...

...all we lack is a bride now.

He didn't even inform me that he'd be making all the arrangements.

All he told me was that we'd get married next month.

lt'll all be taken care of.

The priest will arrive soon to decide on the day and time of the wedding.

But we must seek Mahipal's opinion, too.

He was telling me that the Master has found a bride for himself.

The master should be married first, followed by Mahipal's sister.

He can think of marrying me only after these weddings.

What are you talking about? l don't understand a word.

Mahipal said that since the master is getting married...

...we must tell you about our love, only after his marriage.

This is the reason why l kept this a secret from you.

Does Bhanu know of your love for Mahipal?

Yes, he does. He has been teasing me about it, too.

He has even started preparing for our wedding, without telling us.

Mahipal is going to be delighted when he hears of this.

Don't tell Mahipal anything for the time being.

Let's not tell Bhanu, too.

We can never tell what he thinks.

- Did she see it?- What?

- Did you show it to her?- Yes, but...

You have tears in your eyes.

Tears of joy!

What can be a greater joy than news of your wedding?

How did she react when you spoke to her and showed her all that?

She was stunned.

And what did she have to say?

She couldn't believe it. She was too dumb-struck for words.

She's going to be your wife soon.

So don't do something that will compromise your dignity.

l have something to say to you.

Out here, in the open? What's so important?

l couldn't have told you this at home.

Besides, l'm going to do something very unfair.

l have just prayed to God... in the hope that He will forgive me.

l don't understand.

Although l have not borne you in my womb...

.... l have nurtured you like a true mother.

lt's with that authority that l'm commanding you.

So listen carefully to what l have to say.

ls that just how much you trust me? Go ahead... tell me what it is.

l know you are inl ove with Jaalima.

Forget her.

Don't you think your love for us...

...is much greater than your love for Jaalima?

For the sake of our love then... can't you sacrifice your love?

l will make the effort. But l want to know what mistake she has made.

lt isn't Jaalima, but your brother who has made a mistake.

He has desired a woman for the first time in his life.

Having bought the bridal ineries and ornaments...

...that crazy man is impatiently waiting to be married.

He's behaving like a child who has just found a new toy.

But Bhanu does not know...

...that the woman of his dreams is in love with you.

Which is why l have been so insensitive to you today.

Forget her. And ask her to forget you, too.

Don't you see how much l have stooped, o say all this today?

But you know how l have been waiting for him to get married...

...and to have children.

l say all this to you today, because l can't see another way out.

You must obey me. You must!

Or this aggrieved mother of yours could even curse you!

We lead our lives like these animals.

We're bought cheap, from the marketplace.

We're well-fed. And once we have served our purpose...

...our masters sell us for a hefty price, without a moment's thought.

Which is why l don't have any faith in my own master.

Till such time as l am independent and stand for myself...

... l just can't get married.

We will have to wait.

You have never spoken to me like this earlier.

Can you find someone who speaks one consistent line?

You can always tell me, if you don't love me anymore.

l'll go away from here. When did l say that?

But that is exactly what l can make out from your tone!

You haven't as much as spoken to me since yesterday.

Don't cry. Whatever happens is pre-destined and is for the better.

God cares for everyone.

My respects, sir!

- How are you, Panchu?- l'm fine, thank you.

But when do l have a feast at your wedding?

Very soon, l assure you.

Know what, Panchu? Your parrot speaks the truth.

Here's some money. Buy some chillies and guavas for it.

Bless you, sir! Bless you always!

Panchu's parrot is a liar.

Why say that? When it knows everything else...

...why doesn't it tell you that they are all betraying you?

What betrayal are you talking about?

You don't trust me, sir. So why must l tell you?

Just skip the nonsense and tell me what you want to say.

l'm scared to say all that l know, sir.

Then just don't speak! But l will tell you something.

You have been rearing a snake all these years.

That Mahipal is nothing less than a poisonous snake!

l will smash your bones if you dare utter anything against Mahipal!

l'd even die at your hands.

But l must tell you that you will never get married.

Why won't l get married?

He will not let you be married!

l have seen and heard it all with these eyes and ears!

Jaalima was in Mahipal's arms... and he was kissing her!

Just shut up!

You are my master. l can never lie to you.

Mahipal was telling the girl...

...that she'd rather marry an ass than marry an old man like you!

He said you were no longer virile and you can never give her a child.

lf this turns out to be a lie... l will kill you.

Question him in my presence! You will have all the answers!

ln his embrace, she asked him why they don't elope.

And he said, ''not yet'' !

''We will break open the box, take away all the riches...''

''...only then will we elope!''

They've had it going for many days now.

The girl is innocent. Mahipal has trapped her!

Have l been a fool all these days?

They have been hoodwinking me together!

He has bitten the hand that has fed him!

No one who betrays his master is worthy of pardon!

You must knock out his teeth with one single blow!

Throw him out! Not from your house alone... from the village too!

Not so soon.

l need at least one of them.

At any cost.

As for how l will deal with the other, l just cannot...

Where were you till this hour of the night?

Mahipal has gone home. His sister is getting engaged tomorrow.

He waited for you for a very long time.

So what do l do? Are you drunk?

Yes, l am.

You made me swear on the scoundrel's head that if l drink again...

...he'd be struck by lightning.

l have drunk! So that he indeed be struck by lightning!

Why are you talking such things without knowing the truth?

l know the truth! l know it all!

And how much l tried to keep the secret from you!

But you have...

l wished too, that what l heard was not the true!

But l am now convinced!

Convinced with what? You must listen to the whole story!

l will not listen to the story! l will not!

They have all fooled me!

l have been the object of all their jokes!

But you... my sister!

You have ganged up with him to ridicule me! Why did you do it?

lt's not what you imagine it to be! lt's just....

No! l will hear nothing in his defense!

He is a snake in the grass!

He bites the very hand that feeds him!

And just remember... l can't live with him under one roof anymore!

We've got to make Jaalima hate that scoundrel.

That's the only way l can have Jaalima for myself.

Master! l have an idea brewing in my little mind, sir!

What says your little mind?

You know the dame, don't you? Which one?

Bhanwari? Oh yes. Our maid servant?

She's crazy about Mahipal and everyone in the village knows it.

So? My little mind says...

What does your mind say?

We'll ask her to say to the Village Council that she's pregnant.

And when the Council questions her, she will hold Mahipal responsible!

That is what occurred to my little mind!

Don't let me lose my mind! Speak up!

The Council will take up for a woman who says such a thing!

They will ask Mahipal to marry her! lf he refuses...

...the Council will ask him to quit the village! And then...

...he will have to leave the village!

That's my little mind, sir!

l will fill your head with dust!

Jaalima will hate him for what the villagers says and will forget him!

This is what my little mind says, sir!

You don't have such a ''little'' mind after all.

You mean... we will kill two birds with one stone, right?

Not right, sir. My little mind says there are three birds.

Three? Who's the third?

After Mahipal flees, Bhanwari will bear the stigma of loose character.

For that very reason, no man will ever marry her.

But since l know she is untouched, l will go and marry her!

That's what my little brains say, sir!

l owe you another coat now.

This idea has germinated in my little mind.

l'm glad the Lord did not give you a ''big mind''.

Will Bhanwari agree?

To win over Mahipal, she will agree to anything.

For Jaalima, then, you will have to make her agree!

The time is now here for you to show your power, sir!

No! l can't do it, sir! l'm terribly scared.

l can understand that.

You're madly in love with Mahipal, aren't you?

But that girl has cast a spell and drawn him to herself.

Should you wish to make him belong to you, this is the only way out.

Or else, you will lose him.

l'm doing all this only for you.

Or why must l mess around with such an affair?

Come to the Village Council without any fear...

...and just repeat what l have told you.

You do trust me, don't you?

Since the accused is my servant...

... l cannot pass a verdictin this case.

l leave it to Rampyari and other judges to decide the matter.

We conclude that Mahipal is indeed responsible for Bhanwari's pregnancy.

We have therefore decided that Mahipal will now marry Bhanwari.

Do you have anything to say, Mahipal?

l can't say who has conceived this plot of Bhanwari's pregnancy.

But since l have been held responsible...

... l am even being asked to marry her.

l will stay with her and provide her food and shelter.

And l will marry her, the day she delivers the baby.

Should she not be pregnant...

...would you still compel me to stay with her?

With due respects to the Council, l deserve some justice, too!

What Mahipal says makes sense. We must give it a thought.

What is your opinion?

Mahipal is right.

But, Rampyari... Listen to me!

Brother! Brother!

Wait, brother... l'm innocent!

l want to say something to you. But l will not listen to you!

l'm ashamed to have reared a lecher like you for so many years!

But, brother... Don't you dare call me that!

Our relations are over!

Don't you even set foot in my house again!

l knew there was something wrong.

But l didn't know things could go to this extent.

l don't know how l will face the villagers again.

Don't cry.

And always remember what l am now telling you.

Don't ever fall for a man's innocent looks or his age.

The man you love must possess a clean heart.

l'm not praising myself, but...

This is a grave injustice.

Yes. l'm glad l got to know of that wolf in sheep's clothing.

Any more delay, and he would have devoured me.

lt's you l am talking about.

What have l done? Don't you know the truth?

Sure, l do. And l also know how much this has pained my sister.

l have spent my life obeying your commands!

But it did not hurt you to see my heart break!

But when it comes to the slime-ball we sheltered in our house...

...you find yourself tormented the moment he is in difficulty.

Mahipal and you are equally dear to me.

No! We are not!

Mahi was the name of the son you had borne. And he's dead!

This man does not become your son just because you call him ''Mahi'' !

And l am your blood brother!

l have ruined my life for the sake of your happiness!

And should you not see the difference in our relationships...

...you are nothing but a blind woman!

You have never spoken to me like this!

l never did! l always considered you to be my revered sister!

But when l see you shedding tears for a man who has hurt me...

... l just can't bear it! lt pains me here, in the heart!

l've never claimed greatness! Nor do l possess a heart so large!

Very well. l will never say anything again.

You can do anything you please. You have my support.

There's nothing dearer to me in the world, but you.

There is no one!

Greetings, master.

l wanted to start this auspicious work with your blessings.

You are the first man l am inviting to my daughter's wedding.

l know that. Give it to him personally, dear.

And seek his blessings.

You must have heard of the calamity that has befallen this family.

No, l haven't. What's wrong?

Your son has rendered the dignity of this family to dust!

What?! Of course!

Anybody in the village can tell you about the shameful incident.

Bhanwari is pregnant. lt's your son who is responsible.

lt can't be true.

The Village Council has asked him to live with Bhanwari.

lt was so humiliating for the master.

lt must surely be a conspiracy.

My son would never do something so deplorable, sir.

ln which case, he must simply not be your son at all.

Please don't say such things, sir.

He was only four, when l left him in your care.

He wouldn't even kill a fly!

That's how l used to think.

But you can't tell with whores and thieves.

All l can tell you is that we have had a very bad monsoon this year.

Our crops have dried and the market is going through a bad patch.

l've been compelled to sell some animals for want of money.

The master hasn't even recovered his expenses.

Which is why l will not be able to keep my promise.

Please don't say that, sir!

lt's because of you that l have prepared for the wedding!

Neither of us could have said that we'd have a bad monsoon this year.

But you had said that your promise was sacred, sir!

l might break a promise. But you can't expect me to kill myself!

Just because l have employed your son...

... l am not liable to breed your entire family!

Get the hell out of here! Don't do this to me, sir!

Please, sir... ! You've borne enough, father!

Will you still worship this man?

You don't need to grovel before anyone to get me married!

No, dear... you shouldn't talk like this.

We have our self-respect, father.

Come along. l'm leaving!

Am l such a bad man?

Do you think l'm capable of doing such a thing?

l know you very well. Nevertheless, you have still been accused.

l don't believe this! l know my brother very well.

They're maligning him, for their own selfish ends.

Rather than seek their help, you would even kill me.

l will have her married, since it was l who finalised the alliance.

What are brothers for?

Besides, the marriage is fixed for a date after the festival.

Go ahead with the invitations. l'll raise the money in the meantime.

Just have faith in me. And go home now.

Go on, dear...

Someone from Rampyari's place is here to call you, Mahipal.

Sit down.

You know of the forthcoming fair, don't you?

Yes. l do.

l'm told you will not race on behalf of the Thakur's this year.

Perhaps not.

Then why don't you participate on our behalf?

What do you say?

What do l stand to gain?

Half the money from the bet. Think it over.

What will l think about? l need the money.

Listen, ye folks!

On behalf of the Chavan family, l have an announcement to make!

We will give the winner of this race 1000 acres of land...

...200 bulls and a hundred healthy cows.

Should the Thakurs lose the race,...

...they must bequeath their property to us...

...and leave the village. Tell me, if you are agreeable.

n our behalf, the race will be contested by Mahipal.

There is more to it.

Should we lose the race...

... l will shave my sister's head, blacken her face...

...and parade her through the village on a donkey!

lt is only later that we will leave this village.

This race will be contested on our behalf by Pongad.

Shall we commence the race? Certainly. Let us start.

No! l can't do it! Why not?

l'm not feeling well.

What's wrong?

l have a splitting headache.

Don't worry. lt'll all be over in a matter of minutes.

l will not complain, even if you lose the race.

l know l will never lose the race!

But l can't do it!

No matter what anyone says... l can't be an ingrate!

Not even against you!

Please, madam! Forgive me!

You scoundrel! You are betraying me!

Keep your promise, if you are man enough!

Or else, l'll fix you!

l'll have you thrown out of the village! Just you see!

He tried to be arrogant in my presence!

l have made and broken so many arrogant men!

lt is by playing such games that l have achieved everything!

Didn't you see... how l kicked his raw nerve?

Didn't you see him fall on his bloody face?

l'd have won the race, if it had taken place.

You are an idiot!

No one in the world can defeat Mahipal in a bullock-cart race!

lf the race had really taken place today, by now...

...we'd have packed our bags and been on the other side of the hill!

So you knew that he would win the race!

Had he wished, he could have snatched all our wealth...

...and easily got his sister married.

But since he has lived off this house...

...he did not do that.

Our family has always been spared the curse of people.

Make sure you don't ruin the family.

You must take responsibility for his sister's marriage.

l have said what l had to. lt's up to you now.

Ask Mahipal's father to come and see me.

Do you think l have conceded defeat?

That's not true. This is just another ploy.

Thank God the master has agreed to bear the expenses.

You won't have to beg before anyone now.

Besides, where would we find such a nice bridegroom?

And you! Why are you wearing a long face?

You don't know what he's getting at.

Make up your mind after you have heard it for yourself.

What is it, father?

lt will break your heart. l don't know how to tell you.

l'll explain. His condition is that you will not attend the wedding.

l have promised them that you will not attend the wedding.

That will atleast help the marriage take place.

l had to agree to it, against my wishes.

l wonder what l have done to deserve this...

You don't know difficult it is for a father to bring up a girl...

...who has no mother.

That's the reason why l had to agree to this.

Before we could leave, the mistress wept as she embraced Ambu.

l couldn't stop my tears, when l saw all that.

l will not get married if brother does not attend.

You mustn't worry. Although l will not be physically present...

...you will have my blessings and best wishes.

This is all your brother can give you today.

Stop crying. l will meet your husband later.

Go on.

Dinner is served. Your sister has gone to sleep.

How would she feel hungry with a heavy heart?

l went to Amori's wedding, but l returned without eating.

Mahipal and l used to eat from the same plate.

He's angry with me, but he should've attended his sister's wedding!

l wonder what has poisoned his heart.

Listen...

My sister has a wish. But she can't bring herself to say it to you.

Since you're already staying here, why don't you belong to us?

What does that mean?

l mean, l can't bear this loneliness anymore.

l have had proposals coming from wealthy families, but...

... l have never hankered after wealth.

What would a man like me look for?

Just that someone cares for me... understands me.

And you fit the bill... No!

l am a doomed woman!

Those trying to help me find their lives being ruined, too.

l don't believe that. l have made up my mind.

Preparations for the wedding have already begun.

ls the Master in? Yes.

Who are you?

You can ask him that question.

What is it?

l have come to see the bridegroom!

l even have a present for you! My ornaments!

l had them made for my wedding.

But l am told that you are marrying someone else now!

Here you are then! Make your bride wear these at the wedding!

This man always followed me around!

He was always so loving.

And one day, he told me that he wouldn't marry at all.

That he'd spend his life in the service of his sister!

But l did not complain, nor did l shed tears.

l always hoped that he would change his mind someday.

l did not settle down in life, nor did l think of any other man!

And now that you have met a young girl fit enough to be your daughter...

...you have lost your senses, have you?

You have even forgotten me?!

How could you forget me? How could you forget your Janki?

l only used to tease you when l called you ''stone-hearted'' !

But you would never have forgotten me even with a heart of stone!

But you have no heart at all!

l hate myself...

...for ruining my life because of an insensitive man like you!

l have ruined my life for a two-timer like you!

l hate myself!

Well, old lady?

Are you part of her conspiracy? What? What did you say?

Have you connived with her?

Women are not supposed to physically exert themselves...

...for the first 3 months of pregnancy.

You must live up to a lie, when you utter it.

lf your falsehood is exposed and you are proved to be liars...

...they'd shave your heads and parade you around on a donkey.

Have you ever ridden a donkey? lt's tough! Very difficult!

Get lost! l've seen the likes of you!

l seem to have rubbed her the wrong way!

Although love begets love...

...not everyone's desire for love is fulfilled.

And when such people don't get love, they try to snatch it.

ln the scuffle that ensues, the peace and tranquility of love is shattered.

Tell me the truth at least now.

Who has led you into believing that you could have me by lying?

Speak up.

Liar!

lt's the nightingale!

Liar!

You're a liar! A liar!

Has anyone ever seen animals like this?

Look how strong they are!

Check out the pedigree, before you offer a price!

Only those with money need make an offer!

D'you see how he's crying himself hoarse for a living?

So long as he worked for me...

...he could eat as much as he wished and just sit back and relax.

And look at this state now!

But this is nothing!

You will soon see him on the streets with a begging bowl!

Look at its class! Look at the animal's sheen!

lt has no sheen! They've applied oil on them!

They'd fall on their faces in a few steps!

Please don't spoil my business! Please leave me alone.

No, l won't! And what will you do about it?

lngrates like you deserve worse!

He ate and slept in my house; and didn't even spare the maid!

For all l know...

...he must've been eyeing my sister, too...

...although the scoundrel always called her mother.

l'll throw you in the quicks and if you dare say that again!

There he is.

You dare think of marrying my babe!

Who are you? Get up!

What's all this about? Who are you?

Help! Help!

Take him away!

He must be a cop in his area! But this is our territory!

When he comes around, tell him not to mess with me!

Or else, l'll smash his limbs!

Where are you going? To any place l wish.

l have the comfort of knowing that l haven't committed a sin.

Had l spent another night in this house...

...and spent the rest of my life in misery and regret.

Bhanwari has told me everything.

ls there anything else you want to listen to?

l do have a lot to say!

But because it must not hurt a woman who loves a swine like you...

...more than she loves herself, l will not say anything more.

Go away!

Bhanu Pratap will never accept defeat!

l don't care for anyone!

lf anybody hurts me, l will not let him rest in peace!

l will teach them all a lesson!

Go away!

Let them all go.

l am with you.

l will always be at your side.

Where are you going so late in the night?

l'm going to fix the swine!

No, Bhanu! Don't do that! Don't go, l say!

lt's Mahipal who has done this.

So he could have Jaalima for himself...

...he has murdered his master and dumped him in the quicksand.

You have killed the master!

You have killed your master for a two-penny whore!

lt's not true, father. Can l ever do that?

Did you not hit him in a crowded marketplace?

Didn't you threaten to kill him?!

My heart exploded when l saw the mistress weep!

No! l can't bear to see that!

l will curse you all my life! Every moment of my life!

When you said that you would kill him...

... l couldn't even imagine that you could really do it.

But you have carried outy our threat, haven't you?

Please hear me out.

l admit, he was a wicked man.

He did give you a lot of trouble.

But l fed both of you together and brought you up.

How could you even think of doing such a thing?

At least you have must trust my word!

No! Not anymore.

lt's all over now.

Just tell me what you haved one with his body.

ls he still in the quicksand? Or have you buried him somewhere?

To perform his last rites...

... l will need at least a handful of his ashes.

l want his soul to rest in peace!

l know nothing of this, mother! l have done nothing!

l have not killed anyone!

l'm your very own Mahi, mother!

Mother!

How will l make you believe me? How will l, mother?!

l'm going away. Where to?

l'll take the morning bus. l'll go, wherever it takes me.

That's all l have decided for the present.

l can't bear this punishment anymore.

Not for a crime l have not committed.

l don't want to accompany you and add to your woes.

l will go awaysome where on the way.

Listen, guys!

Mahipal and Jalima are fleeing town!

lf they get the bus, we won't get them! Come along! Let's hurry!

lt was necessary to meet you before l left.

You are said to have spread the word that...

... l have killed the master.

Have l killed the master? No !

Where is he then? l don't know.

Tell me! Wait... l'll tell you.

Hey, listen! This guy wants to kill me, too!

He almost killed me! Get him! Don't let him escape!

He's going to escape in the bus!

Move faster! Get him!

Aren't you dead?

Why should l be dead?

l have come to realise...

...that l mustn't marry the one l have fallen in love with.

l must marry the one who loves me.

Please forgive me...and all of us, too.

We have given you a lot of grief. Forgive me...

Please don't say that.

l'm thankful that the master has returned, safe and sound.

There's only one thing l really regret.

How could you believe the rumours that l had killed the master?

l can understand how much it must have hurt you.

Which is why l want to at one for my mistake.

Come here.

Stand there... Go on.

Give him a slap.

You've got to be kidding! l am not kidding.

l know it's difficult for you to raise your hand on him.

But you will slap him today.

How can l...Slap him, l say!

That's a good thing you have done.

But you haven't punished me alone with the slap.

You have hurt yourself, too.

Besides, for what l have done to you...

...a slap is too mild a punishment.

Hit me! Go on! That's enough.

This much of a punishment is enough for you.

The rest must be borne by the man who said he had killed you.

Killed me? Which scoundrel said that?

He did.

Catch him!

Let me go! Leave me alone, l say!

What did he say? He threw your turban and...

...and shoes in the quicks and said l had killed you.

What must we do with the swine? Throw him in the quicksand?

No. As punishment, he will do sit-ups till sunset.

Get cracking!- l'm sorry, sir. lt was a mistake.

You will do 2000 sit-ups! l'd die, sir!

That's all right. None of you will give this man a drop of water!

Keep a count and just watch him.

Of course, sir. You may leave without any worries!

Get started!

One...Two thousand sit-ups!

This is the second!

This is the second!

The third!