# Saheb (1981 film)

Saheb is a 1981 Indian Bengali-language sports drama film co-written and directed by Bijoy Bose. Produced by Shyamal Chatterjee under the banner of Basanta Pictures in their first venture, the film is based on a radio play of the same name written by Ranjan Roy. It stars Tapas Paul in the titular role, alongside Utpal Dutt, Madhabi Mukherjee and Mahua Roy Chowdhury in lead roles, while Shambhu Bhattacharya, N. Vishwanathan, Nimu Bhowmik, Kaushik Banerjee, Shakuntala Barua, Ratna Ghoshal and Rekha Chatterjee play supporting roles, with Anil Chatterjee in a special appearance. It plots a promising football player Saheb, the youngest son of his father, who stands like a saviour at the time of financial crisis during his sister’s marriage, by giving his kidney up without informing his family members.
The film marks Bijoy Bose's first collaboration with Tapas Paul. Music of the film was composed by Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, with lyrics penned by Rabindranath Tagore and Gauriprasanna Mazumder. The cinematography and editing of the film were handled by Gour Karmakar and Pranab Ghosh respectively. It released theatrically on 2 October 1981, coinciding with Durga Puja. Declared to be a box office hit, the film established Paul as a leading star in Bengali cinema.
Tapas Paul won a Filmfare Award for his performance in the film in 1981.

## Plot

Saheb, a jovial, friendly, and kind-hearted boy loves to play soccer. He is neglected by his selfish brothers. Only his sister-in-law and his only sister Bulti appreciates and takes care of him. Saheb has the potential to become a good goalkeeper, but a lack of support and care from his family hinders his growth. Suddenly Bulti’s marriage is fixed with a well-educated family. The budget of the event makes Saheb’s family helpless. At that time, Saheb sells one of his kidneys and spoils his football career. No one was aware of his decision. On the day of his sister's marriage when everyone was enjoying themselves, Saheb fights for his life. Suddenly his sister-in-law realises everything and becomes upset. All his brothers then impose allegations against him for that unaccounted money, his sister-in-law exposes everything and makes them quiet. At last, Saheb's incompetent father goes to hospital and mourns for his neglected child.

## Cast

* Tapas Paul as Saheb
* Utpal Dutt as Biprodas Banerjee, Saheb's father
* Madhabi Mukherjee as Saheb's sister-in-law
* Mahua Roy Chowdhury as Bulti, Saheb's sister
* Shambhu Bhattacharya as Saheb's coach
* Ajoy Ganguly as Saheb's elder brother
* Kaushik Banerjee as Bulti's husband
* Nimu Bhowmik as Saheb's second elder brother
* Shakuntala Barua as Saheb's second elder sister-in-law
* Ratna Ghoshal
* Rekha Chatterjee as Saheb's elder sister
* N. Vishwanathan

### Special appearance

* Anil Chatterjee as Dr. Ghoshal

## Soundtrack

The score and soundtrack of the film was composed by Abhijit Bandyopadhyay. The soundtrack album includes a Rabindra Sangeet, while other songs are penned by Gauriprasanna Mazumder.

## Reception

The film addresses the topic of football in the Bengali society in what has been considered a distinctive way through its social and economic focus.