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Gulzar's 'Namkeen': A 44-Year Unsung Masterpiece?
6 Apr
Summary
- Filmmaker Gulzar feels his 1982 film Namkeen was overlooked.
- The film is based on a beloved story by author Samresh Basu.
- Namkeen features a compelling narrative about four women and a man.
Veteran filmmaker and lyricist Gulzar revisited his 1982 film Namkeen, marking its 44th anniversary. Gulzar described the film as a deeply personal project that he feels did not receive adequate recognition at the time of its release. He expressed a particular fondness for 'Namkeen', likening it to a "child left behind in the race."
The film draws its narrative from a story by acclaimed author Samresh Basu, whom Gulzar holds in high regard. Gulzar mentioned reading Basu's works in their original Bengali, appreciating the subtle nuances that can be lost in translation. He was drawn to Namkeen's character-driven plot.
Gulzar highlighted the central theme of four women from different stages of marriageable age and their mother, whose worries are alleviated by a tenant who becomes their sole support. He shared that the man develops unique relationships with each woman. The film boasted an ensemble cast including Waheeda Rehman, Sharmila Tagore, Shabana Azmi, and Kiran Vairale, with Gulzar noting that offering good roles ensures strong performances.
