Stories by Rabindranath Tagore (2015): Season 1, Episode 22 - The Story of a Muslim Girl - full transcript
A girl's life is turned upside down when her marriage procession is attacked by a gang of robbers.
Habir Khan.
An infamous dacoit of
Bengal during the 19th century.
A ferocious dacoit for tyrants.
But, a messiah for the poor.
During those days, anarchy
was prevalent in Bengal.
The poor were being exploited.
On one hand the British
government..
..was robbing the poor
and filling its coffers.
On the other hand, dishonest
landlords and hoarders..
..were exploiting them
and filling their coffers.
The society was being segregated
on the basis of caste and religion.
Under such circumstances, people like
Habir Khan proved to be a blessing.
Habir Khan and his small
army, had only one mission.
Rob the tyrants and help the poor.
That's why, the poor
would worship him like God.
Religion is a river of
faith, that flows ceaselessly.
And devotion is the
bridge above that river.
On one end was Habir Khan.
A staunch Muslim.
On the other end, was Kamala.
A Hindu Brahmin girl.
Kamala's parents died,
when she was a child.
Since then, she grew
up at her uncle's house.
She raised her uncle's
children, as her siblings.
Her uncle also loved her a lot.
But her aunt would be
a little upset with Kamala.
She would feel that, Kamala
has been thrust on her.
Why won't she feel like that?
In those days, it was
a nuisance..
..for an unmarried
girl to be at home.
That's why, Kamala's family
wanted to marry her off..
..and be free of
their responsibility.
-Does Mr. Bishwanath live here?
-Yes.
But despite all
endeavors, they were..
..unable to find
an alliance for Kamala.
Then one day, they
received an alliance.
-Are you Mr. Bishwanath?
-Yes.
-Is Kamala your daughter?
-No.
-I am Kamala's uncle.
-I see. Mr. Yoginder..
Mr. Yoginder's second son,
is Mr. Mahindra.
He saw Kamala somewhere..
..and liked her at first sight.
He sent his manager today,
for the marriage alliance.
-I said, yes.
-Good.
But father,
he has another wife.
Every year, she offers food
at the temple, during the festival.
-Is that so?
-Yes. I know.
Kamala is not young, either.
She is beyond the eligible age.
We are fortunate to get
such a good alliance.
Uncle.
Tell me.
-Why are you doing that?
-What?
I want to stay with you.
I don't want to get married.
Kamala, I have grown old.
I can't protect you, now.
Kamala, if I had my way..
..I would have kept you
with me, all my life.
Dear, you will have
to get married.
Kamala's husband Mr. Mahindra, was
the spoilt son of a rich landlord.
He had a penchant for
gambling and hunting.
Since childhood, all
his demands were fulfilled.
When he liked Kamala,
he insisted on marrying her.
His family gave in to his obstinacy,
although he was already married.
During those days, dacoits were
a threat to the wedding procession.
Like dacoit Raghu
in the district.
To escape dacoit
Raghu's notice..
..Kamala's marriage was
conducted without any fanfare.
But, dacoit Raghu's
informers were everywhere.
Mr. Khan, dacoit Raghu
has entered our locality, again.
I heard he has his sights
on a wedding procession..
..that left from Krishna Nagar.
Don't be afraid, dear.
You are completely safe
in my care.
Consider me as your father.
Your protection is my responsibility.
Are you afraid?
Yes. It's natural.
Since you are a Brahmin girl,
you are bound..
..to be afraid
in a Muslim household.
But remember one thing, dear.
True Muslims consider it their
duty, to protect other religions.
And they adhere to
it, as long as they live.
Why did you bring me here?
Should I have left
you alone in the forest?
You should have taken
me back home.
Do you think, your family
would have accepted you back?
-Malti.
-Yes. I'll be there.
Three years ago, she escaped
from the dacoits..
..and went to
her father's house.
Her family told her,
she is defiled.
They sent her
back to the forest.
Luckily, she met us.
That portion belongs
to the Hindus.
There is a temple
of Lord Shiva.
Live comfortably
and perform your veneration.
Take me to my uncle's house.
Fine.
Since you are insisting,
I will take you back.
Uncle.
Aunt.
Laltu.
Aunt.
Uncle.
Uncle.
Uncle. Aunt.
Laltu.
"Cast away your caste!"
"What a weird system this is!"
"Nobody is interested in doing
the right thing."
"I see it all.."
"What was your caste in the past?"
"What caste did you become since?"
"What caste will
you be when you leave?"
"Think over it and tell me."
"Cast away your caste!"
"What a weird system this is!"
These are my clothes.
You can use them.
Keep them.
Where will I stay?
This is your room.
Malti will always be with you.
If you need anything,
tell me without hesitating.
Don't be afraid.
There is no place safer than
this for Hindu women, in Bengal.
My room is next to yours.
If you ever need anything,
let me know.
Sanskrit chants.
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Sanskrit chant.
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Dear, give me the tray of
bay leaves.
Wow! Beautiful!
I think, you are a
very devout girl.
What is your name, dear?
Kamala.
And your clan is?
Bharadwaj.
I see.
You'll see, dear.
You will like it here.
Mr. Khan makes sure the
venerations are done well.
My dear, do you see
the Shivling?
It's made from
Rajasthani marble.
After the wedding,
Mr. Khan's mother..
..brought it here, from
her maternal home.
Mr. Khan's mother
was a Rajput girl.
Mr. Khan's father
was a Nawab.
He was a very noble man.
He built this mansion
and temple for his wife..
..so that she could
worship God, in peace.
I have heard that, when the
Nawab observed a fast..
..during the Muslim festival, Ramadan,
his wife would also fast.
In secret.
During the Hindu festival
of Navratri, the Nawab..
..would not consume
food or water.
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Where is the bermuda grass?
-Please bring it.
-I will bring it, priest.
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Glory to Lord Shiva!
You won't find it there.
You are looking for the bermuda
grass, aren't you?
I will show you.
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
"This sinner is fortunate."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"I won't go back empty handed."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"I won't go back empty handed."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"I won't go back empty handed."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"I am a beggar. Give me alms."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
Give her the offering.
Give it to him, too.
He won't refuse.
-Have you seen Kamala?
-No.
-Have you seen Kamala?
-She is inside.
-Kamala.
-Yes.
Here you are! I was
looking for you.
I went to the village today.
I found out that, your
cousin brother is gravely ill.
-He was taken to the doctor.
-What?
He is there, since three days.
He was calling you,
in an unconscious state.
Beware.
Don't take another step.
How dare you come here?
Aunt, Laltu is not well.
So, I have come to see him.
No need to see him.
I won't enter the house.
I will see him from a distance.
I don't want your
shadow, outside the house..
..leave alone
inside the house.
You are staying
in a Muslim household.
Uncle, let me see
Laltu from a distance.
What do you want?
Should the villagers banish
us from the village, because of you?
You have defiled your religion.
Why are you defiling
our religion, too?
Go. We are dead to you.
Get lost.
Come on.
It's futile to try.
Let's go.
"Lallan says,
'those who obsess over caste.."
"Lallan says,
'those who obsess over caste.."
"..they drown in their ignorance."
"Cast away your caste!
What a weird system this is!"
Have you ever flown a kite?
In childhood, I would watch kites
flying in the sky for hours.
Father flies kites, really well.
Do you know, why the kite flies
blithely and carelessly in the sky?
Because it knows,
that the person holding..
..the thread,
will take care of it.
Yes. That doesn't mean that,
the kite will never fall down.
Did you see?
The kite will fall down.
And then, the direction of
the wind will decide its new fate.
And the fallen kite,
will find a new master.
And the kite will again
fly blithely, in the sky.
Why, blithely?
Because it knows,
that the person holding..
..the thread,
will take care of it.
Do you want to try it?
I think, its horseshoe
is worn out. Change it.
Have you ever ridden a horse?
Do you want to try it?
Father.
I must talk to you.
Tell me.
Father, I..
Don't even entertain
the thought..
..that you wish to
discuss.
But, father, I..
She belongs to an
orthodox Brahmin family.
I love her, father.
I understand.
But, only love is not enough.
Marriage is the union of two people,
two religions and two notions.
She is a Hindu girl.
Forget her.
-But, father..
-No. This is not possible.
Why is it not possible?
Grandma was also a Hindu woman.
Did you speak to her?
Go.
First ask her, what she wants.
What does he need
to ask, father?
My religion always
deprived me, of all joys.
In that house, I never
saw God happy, father.
Even God silently watched
me getting humiliated.
For the first time..
..I got respect and
honor, in your shelter.
Father, devotion and faith comes
from respect and honor, right?
After coming here,
for the first time..
..I felt that this wretched
life, has some value.
I worship the God,
who has given me shelter.
Now, he is my God.
His religion is my religion.
Yes, father.
I want to change my religion.
I will follow both the religions.
Like your mother.
My mother also wanted
a Hindu daughter-in-law..
..to come to this house.
Mr. Khan.
There is news of
another robbery.
Beware.
Sister!
Uncle.
Uncle, you have been
very kind to an orphan.
I didn't know, I would
repay it like this, today.
Let Bimla come back.
She is absolutely chaste.
Bimla.
How are you?
And Bimla..
..henceforth, if you
have any problem in life..
..always remember one thing.
Your Muslim sister is
there for you.
An infamous dacoit of
Bengal during the 19th century.
A ferocious dacoit for tyrants.
But, a messiah for the poor.
During those days, anarchy
was prevalent in Bengal.
The poor were being exploited.
On one hand the British
government..
..was robbing the poor
and filling its coffers.
On the other hand, dishonest
landlords and hoarders..
..were exploiting them
and filling their coffers.
The society was being segregated
on the basis of caste and religion.
Under such circumstances, people like
Habir Khan proved to be a blessing.
Habir Khan and his small
army, had only one mission.
Rob the tyrants and help the poor.
That's why, the poor
would worship him like God.
Religion is a river of
faith, that flows ceaselessly.
And devotion is the
bridge above that river.
On one end was Habir Khan.
A staunch Muslim.
On the other end, was Kamala.
A Hindu Brahmin girl.
Kamala's parents died,
when she was a child.
Since then, she grew
up at her uncle's house.
She raised her uncle's
children, as her siblings.
Her uncle also loved her a lot.
But her aunt would be
a little upset with Kamala.
She would feel that, Kamala
has been thrust on her.
Why won't she feel like that?
In those days, it was
a nuisance..
..for an unmarried
girl to be at home.
That's why, Kamala's family
wanted to marry her off..
..and be free of
their responsibility.
-Does Mr. Bishwanath live here?
-Yes.
But despite all
endeavors, they were..
..unable to find
an alliance for Kamala.
Then one day, they
received an alliance.
-Are you Mr. Bishwanath?
-Yes.
-Is Kamala your daughter?
-No.
-I am Kamala's uncle.
-I see. Mr. Yoginder..
Mr. Yoginder's second son,
is Mr. Mahindra.
He saw Kamala somewhere..
..and liked her at first sight.
He sent his manager today,
for the marriage alliance.
-I said, yes.
-Good.
But father,
he has another wife.
Every year, she offers food
at the temple, during the festival.
-Is that so?
-Yes. I know.
Kamala is not young, either.
She is beyond the eligible age.
We are fortunate to get
such a good alliance.
Uncle.
Tell me.
-Why are you doing that?
-What?
I want to stay with you.
I don't want to get married.
Kamala, I have grown old.
I can't protect you, now.
Kamala, if I had my way..
..I would have kept you
with me, all my life.
Dear, you will have
to get married.
Kamala's husband Mr. Mahindra, was
the spoilt son of a rich landlord.
He had a penchant for
gambling and hunting.
Since childhood, all
his demands were fulfilled.
When he liked Kamala,
he insisted on marrying her.
His family gave in to his obstinacy,
although he was already married.
During those days, dacoits were
a threat to the wedding procession.
Like dacoit Raghu
in the district.
To escape dacoit
Raghu's notice..
..Kamala's marriage was
conducted without any fanfare.
But, dacoit Raghu's
informers were everywhere.
Mr. Khan, dacoit Raghu
has entered our locality, again.
I heard he has his sights
on a wedding procession..
..that left from Krishna Nagar.
Don't be afraid, dear.
You are completely safe
in my care.
Consider me as your father.
Your protection is my responsibility.
Are you afraid?
Yes. It's natural.
Since you are a Brahmin girl,
you are bound..
..to be afraid
in a Muslim household.
But remember one thing, dear.
True Muslims consider it their
duty, to protect other religions.
And they adhere to
it, as long as they live.
Why did you bring me here?
Should I have left
you alone in the forest?
You should have taken
me back home.
Do you think, your family
would have accepted you back?
-Malti.
-Yes. I'll be there.
Three years ago, she escaped
from the dacoits..
..and went to
her father's house.
Her family told her,
she is defiled.
They sent her
back to the forest.
Luckily, she met us.
That portion belongs
to the Hindus.
There is a temple
of Lord Shiva.
Live comfortably
and perform your veneration.
Take me to my uncle's house.
Fine.
Since you are insisting,
I will take you back.
Uncle.
Aunt.
Laltu.
Aunt.
Uncle.
Uncle.
Uncle. Aunt.
Laltu.
"Cast away your caste!"
"What a weird system this is!"
"Nobody is interested in doing
the right thing."
"I see it all.."
"What was your caste in the past?"
"What caste did you become since?"
"What caste will
you be when you leave?"
"Think over it and tell me."
"Cast away your caste!"
"What a weird system this is!"
These are my clothes.
You can use them.
Keep them.
Where will I stay?
This is your room.
Malti will always be with you.
If you need anything,
tell me without hesitating.
Don't be afraid.
There is no place safer than
this for Hindu women, in Bengal.
My room is next to yours.
If you ever need anything,
let me know.
Sanskrit chants.
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Sanskrit chant.
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Dear, give me the tray of
bay leaves.
Wow! Beautiful!
I think, you are a
very devout girl.
What is your name, dear?
Kamala.
And your clan is?
Bharadwaj.
I see.
You'll see, dear.
You will like it here.
Mr. Khan makes sure the
venerations are done well.
My dear, do you see
the Shivling?
It's made from
Rajasthani marble.
After the wedding,
Mr. Khan's mother..
..brought it here, from
her maternal home.
Mr. Khan's mother
was a Rajput girl.
Mr. Khan's father
was a Nawab.
He was a very noble man.
He built this mansion
and temple for his wife..
..so that she could
worship God, in peace.
I have heard that, when the
Nawab observed a fast..
..during the Muslim festival, Ramadan,
his wife would also fast.
In secret.
During the Hindu festival
of Navratri, the Nawab..
..would not consume
food or water.
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Where is the bermuda grass?
-Please bring it.
-I will bring it, priest.
Glory to Lord Shiva!
Glory to Lord Shiva!
You won't find it there.
You are looking for the bermuda
grass, aren't you?
I will show you.
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
'SANSKRIT HYMN'
"This sinner is fortunate."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"I won't go back empty handed."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"I won't go back empty handed."
"Fulfill my wish, O Muhammad."
"I won't go back empty handed."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"I am a beggar. Give me alms."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
"Fulfill my wish."
Give her the offering.
Give it to him, too.
He won't refuse.
-Have you seen Kamala?
-No.
-Have you seen Kamala?
-She is inside.
-Kamala.
-Yes.
Here you are! I was
looking for you.
I went to the village today.
I found out that, your
cousin brother is gravely ill.
-He was taken to the doctor.
-What?
He is there, since three days.
He was calling you,
in an unconscious state.
Beware.
Don't take another step.
How dare you come here?
Aunt, Laltu is not well.
So, I have come to see him.
No need to see him.
I won't enter the house.
I will see him from a distance.
I don't want your
shadow, outside the house..
..leave alone
inside the house.
You are staying
in a Muslim household.
Uncle, let me see
Laltu from a distance.
What do you want?
Should the villagers banish
us from the village, because of you?
You have defiled your religion.
Why are you defiling
our religion, too?
Go. We are dead to you.
Get lost.
Come on.
It's futile to try.
Let's go.
"Lallan says,
'those who obsess over caste.."
"Lallan says,
'those who obsess over caste.."
"..they drown in their ignorance."
"Cast away your caste!
What a weird system this is!"
Have you ever flown a kite?
In childhood, I would watch kites
flying in the sky for hours.
Father flies kites, really well.
Do you know, why the kite flies
blithely and carelessly in the sky?
Because it knows,
that the person holding..
..the thread,
will take care of it.
Yes. That doesn't mean that,
the kite will never fall down.
Did you see?
The kite will fall down.
And then, the direction of
the wind will decide its new fate.
And the fallen kite,
will find a new master.
And the kite will again
fly blithely, in the sky.
Why, blithely?
Because it knows,
that the person holding..
..the thread,
will take care of it.
Do you want to try it?
I think, its horseshoe
is worn out. Change it.
Have you ever ridden a horse?
Do you want to try it?
Father.
I must talk to you.
Tell me.
Father, I..
Don't even entertain
the thought..
..that you wish to
discuss.
But, father, I..
She belongs to an
orthodox Brahmin family.
I love her, father.
I understand.
But, only love is not enough.
Marriage is the union of two people,
two religions and two notions.
She is a Hindu girl.
Forget her.
-But, father..
-No. This is not possible.
Why is it not possible?
Grandma was also a Hindu woman.
Did you speak to her?
Go.
First ask her, what she wants.
What does he need
to ask, father?
My religion always
deprived me, of all joys.
In that house, I never
saw God happy, father.
Even God silently watched
me getting humiliated.
For the first time..
..I got respect and
honor, in your shelter.
Father, devotion and faith comes
from respect and honor, right?
After coming here,
for the first time..
..I felt that this wretched
life, has some value.
I worship the God,
who has given me shelter.
Now, he is my God.
His religion is my religion.
Yes, father.
I want to change my religion.
I will follow both the religions.
Like your mother.
My mother also wanted
a Hindu daughter-in-law..
..to come to this house.
Mr. Khan.
There is news of
another robbery.
Beware.
Sister!
Uncle.
Uncle, you have been
very kind to an orphan.
I didn't know, I would
repay it like this, today.
Let Bimla come back.
She is absolutely chaste.
Bimla.
How are you?
And Bimla..
..henceforth, if you
have any problem in life..
..always remember one thing.
Your Muslim sister is
there for you.