Gaman


Gaman is a Bollywood film released in 1978, starring Farooq Sheikh and Smita Patil in the lead roles and introducing Nana Patekar in a supporting role. It is the directorial debut of Muzaffar Ali, who went on to make Umrao Jaan. The film deals with the issue of the futility of urban migration, using the story of a migrant from Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai, who tries to find a foothold in his new life as a taxi driver.
The film's music was by Jaidev, who won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction in 1979 for his work, and for the Song "Aap ki Yaad Aati Rahi", Chhaya Ganguli won a National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer. Shahryar wrote songs for the film, most notably "Seene Mein Jalan, Aankhon Mein Toofaan", sung by Suresh Wadkar, which highlighted the alienation and broken dreams of the migrant community. Ghazal singer Hariharan made his playback singing debut with the film.

Plot

In order to improve their lifestyle, Ghulam Hasan, who hails from Lakhimpur Kheri, a town in Uttar Pradesh, decides to relocate to Bombay, on the insistence of his close friend Lalulal Tiwari. He leaves behind his ailing mother and wife. Lalulal helps him get a job cleaning taxis. Ghulam subsequently learns how to drive, and is hired to drive a taxi. In spite of his best efforts, he is unable to save enough money to visit Lucknow and his family.
Lalulal has problems of his own, in spite of being settled in Bombay for several years. Having a sweetheart, Yashodra, he is unable to even rent a decent apartment, and lives in a shanty tenement, which is slated to be demolished by the Bombay Municipal Corporation.
Ultimately, Lalulal and Yashodara are murdered by the latter's family, as the family wants Yashodara to support them instead of marrying Lalulal. Ghulam decides to return to Lucknow, but procrastination prevents him from doing so. Closing shots show him driving his taxi in the city of dreams.

Cast

Awards and nominations