Main Vaapas Aaunga

 

                                                                Photo: JioSaavn

I happened to watch ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ this weekend, and it left an aching pain in my heart. Such a beautiful piece of art could have been crafted only by Imtiaz Ali, who oozes so much gentleness and purity in his personality. Whenever I have seen him on TV, I have always felt he is such a genuine soul carrying only goodness in his heart.

The movie takes us back to the painful time of partition, but also makes us delve into the purity of love and deep human emotions, which are brilliantly portrayed by Vedang Raina and Sharvari. The tenderness of innocent love between the tension and surrounding devastation is what gives the story its power.

The ache of longing for Jiya resonates so deeply in Naseeruddin Shah’s eyes that it makes you feel for him, not just as a movie character but as a person who is on his deathbed, carrying the weight of his unfulfilled promise. It makes you reflect on life and all that you have missed over the years: relationships left unspoken, the heartaches, the betrayals, and the decisions that destiny forced on you when you just could not choose. His portrayal of Ishar Singh Grewal pierces your heart, his gaze speaks louder than the words, his silence and empty eyes searching for a glimpse of Jiya shake you deeply.

Diljit Dosanj, another beautiful soul, captivates us with his innocence and his unrelenting effort to fulfil his dying grandfather’s wish. It also makes us think about how we perceive the elderly. A bit of kindness and dignity is all they seek. Old age does not mean that life is finished; every human being carries desires, the longing to be loved and heard till the end.

The trauma of partition, the bloodshed, the horror of violence and the hatred that blinded people and made neighbours and friends their enemies speaks volumes of the most painful and unspoken grief that can never be undone. It just leaves you teary-eyed.

I walked out of the theatre with a heavy heart and a yearning, feeling deeply touched by the story. It is so important to appreciate life and the people around you, be a little kinder, pause to listen to your loved ones and respect humanity.