Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – A Flying Tale of A Flying Sikh

A great movie experience is a combination of many things. It includes a convincing plot, high voltage drama, light moments that stay with viewers even when they leave the theatre, good music, inspirational elements and a few emotional scenes. “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” is among those movies which offer all the above mentioned ingredients at par. For those who keep a track of innovative, interesting and path breaking Indian Cinema the name of Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra is the symbol of excellence. Whenever he unfolded his sleeves, movies like “Aks”, “Rang de Basanti” and “Delhi-6” were witnessed by cine-goers. All these movies are distinctive in one way or the other. BMB is nothing different than them. It is a master stroke – without a doubt.

Farhan Akhtar secretes immense talent but no one has, up till Rakeysh Om Prakash, utilized that talent. Farhan’s directorial ventures “Dil Chahta Hai” and “Lakshya” made people realize his credibility as one of the finest directors. As an actor, BMB is his landmark. The way he has carried out his role and portrayed his emotions definitely demand standing ovation.

BMB is based on the journey of great Indian athlete Milkha Singh (also known as Flying Sikh). It is a movie about a boy whose entire family excluding his elder sister was murdered in the riots of Indo-Pak partition and he became a national and international rage back in 1960’s. It is also about the bond between a brother and sister – executed with exceptional detailing. Moreover, the movie is about a blooming romance, some promises with loved ones, emotional fits, flying high yet not leaving the ground by any means and a lot more. In short it’s about the life of Milkha Singh and what he went through.

Performance wise, Farhan Akhtar deserves to be nominated for this movie especially by critics. He is a revelation in BMB. He tackles the most difficult parts with complete ease and effortlessness. His transitions can be easily witnessed and felt by the audience from first scene to the last. Divya Dutta as Milkha Singh’s sister is vibrant, emotional, lovable and above all highly expressive. In 2 of the scenes particularly, she involved the audience to a level by her performance that no one could resist moistening their eyes. This is a performance she will always be reminded of. Sonam Kapoor (as Biro), Meesha Shafi (as Perizaad) and Rebecca Breeds (as Stella) had limited roles but they all performed well in their respective characters.

Pavan Malhotra (as Milkha Singh’s senior) is inspirational and at his peak. This actor is unfortunately most underrated, he needs to be casted in more movies to show-case his vast talent. Yograj Singh as (Milkha Singh’s coach) is just perfect. Dalip Tahil is strictly passable and ditto for Dev Gill (Abdul Khaliq). Art Malik (as Milkha Singh’s father) and Jabtej Singh (as young Milkha Singh) are credible and treat to watch.

Music of this movie is amazing. Arif Lohar’s “Bhaag Milkha”, Sukhwinder Singh’s “Slow Motion Angrezza”, Suhas Sawant’s “Zinda” and Divya Kumar’s “Maston Ka Jhund” are totally different from one another yet are really awesome tracks in all respects. Shankar-Ehsan-Loy’s music is simply amazing for this venture.

Some sequences to lookout for – performance wise:

When Farhan asks from where can he buy the Indian Team’s blazer!

When Divya Dutta meets young Milkha Singh in the camp.

When Farhan insists Divya to wear his blazer – the scene would definitely bring tears to many viewers’ eyes

When Farhan slaps himself repeatedly in the washroom

and a lot more…

On the basis of performance, direction, execution and story-telling I would easily rate this movie 9/10. It’s a must watch for those who celebrates quality and inspirational cinema. A must watch!

And TAMANNA BEGUM Dies after Spreading Smiles for Decades – What She Left for me are few Questions

There was a time when Pakistani Film Industry and not “Lollywood” was at its peak. People used to watch Pakistani movies all around the world. We had collaborations with Nepal, Bangladesh, Bangkok, China and India etc. Movies used to celebrate Silver, Golden and Platinum Jubilees. Cinemas used to be studded with audiences. In those days, there lived a performer, who was as innocent as a child in all her comic roles and who also had the potential to look cruel and unkind when she used to bag a vamp’s role. Tamanna Begum (late) had one of the strangest personalities that one can find in film industry; incorruptibility and mischievous sprite both at the same time were find in her. And she won her audience in both undoubtedly.

She started her career with Radio Pakistan then in mid-60’s she started theatre and later introduced to Pakistani Film Industry. The woman who performed and competed neck to neck and shoulder to shoulder, with one of the finest comedians of Pakistan ever produced LEHRI along with Rangeela and Munawwar Zareef. On the contrary when she was cast against Agha Talish, Adeeb and Alauddin who were and still are considered as volcano of high voltage dramatic scenes, she stood out with her bravura performance and impressed the audience. She acted with legends of Pakistani film stars like Muhammad Ali, Waheed Murad, Nadeem, Mustafa Qureshi and Shahid etc. and earned the title of legend herself.

She earned a lot of appreciation in comic roles, but I personally prefer her bitter roles as well – it used to take an instantaneous moment to abhor her, with those performances as she fits to the character just like a latex-glove in hand. I suppose this is the quality of a true performer. After the downfall of Pakistan’s film industry, or better put it as, after the transition of Pakistani Film Industry to “Lollywood” she adieu film industry and started to focus on TV dramas. From 1960 to 2012 the legend kept proving herself a true performer no matter what kind of roles she was bagged with. Her journey from Multan to Karachi and from 1960 – 2012 definitely had ups and downs – and only a strong headed and powerful woman like her could manage to travel on such path with consistency and élan.

As per the sources, prior to her demise, she was working for “Bubban House” (An Ever New Production). So, its not just Raj Kapoor or Moin Akhter who believed on the motto “The Show Must Go On” – Tamanna was in the same league of performers too. She was under treatment for 9+ months but government of Pakistan did not bother to take care of her, medically. Not even “Lollywood” cared to provide her any assistance and support. Is it not a shameful thing for a nation? Pakistan’s nation is not equal to few handfuls of individuals who have tenderness for others. To me Tamanna Begum left few questions, after spending a life full of success, pride and serving as a national artist (a national asset).

Questions include;

1. What is the use for working for your nation? At the end of the day every one’s life is busy and don’t have time for others.
2. What is the use of being patriotic? As patriotism does not provide treatment to an ailing patriotic. Money does.
3. Why do we teach live for others and care for others? Show me huge list of examples and not Cheepa, Edhi and such few others.
4. Do we have to wait for another Tamanna Begum to wake up?
5. Lets stop waiting for natural losses or unavoidable disasters to unite as a nation. Try to become a good individual on daily basis and find those people who are suffering from illnesses – of any kind.

Few Facts;

1. She spent 350,000/- PKR for treatment. Only for 9 days. She was admitted in Tabba Heart Hospital, Karachi.
2. She was then taken to SIUT, where she had free of cost treatment. I wish we have more of SUCH organizations.
3. How would a poor individual afford any treatment?

I wish Tamanna Begum’s soul rest in peace and may Almighty grant her mercy. Enough said!