Mumbai: The impact of real-life tragedy on even the most revered artists came to light with the poignant experience of ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh, whose devastating loss and subsequent encounter with corruption served as a stark reminder of the themes explored in Mahesh Bhatt’s iconic film, Saaransh.
Starring Anupam Kher and Rohini Hattangadi, Saaransh delved into the poignant narrative of an elderly Maharashtrian couple grappling with the loss of their only son. The film intricately examined themes of aging, grief, solitude, and the pervasive corruption within the societal fabric.
In a reflective moment during a commemorative event marking 40 years since the film’s release, Mahesh Bhatt engaged in a dialogue with Anupam Kher, revisiting the genesis of Saaransh, hailed as one of Bhatt’s most seminal works.
Bhatt recounted an illuminating conversation with Jagjit Singh following the tragic demise of Singh’s son, shedding light on the ghazal maestro’s ordeal in procuring his son’s body amidst systemic corruption. “When Jagjit Singh shared that he had to resort to bribery to retrieve his son’s body from junior officers, it struck him deeply, underscoring the essence of Saaransh. It encapsulated the arduous struggles of the common man, even in the face of death. These poignant realities serve as living testimonials for the film,” remarked Bhatt during the event.
Jagjit Singh’s profound loss unfolded in 1990 when his only son, Vivek, tragically lost his life in a car accident at the tender age of 20. The aftermath of this tragedy ushered significant changes in Singh’s musical journey, while his wife, Chitra Singh, withdrew from the realm of music altogether.
Saaransh marked a notable milestone in the cinematic journey of Anupam Kher, portraying a character decades older than his actual age of 28. His collaboration with Bhatt extended beyond this film, with notable projects including Daddy and Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin.
