Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam

Plot synopsis:
The film opens at the ruins of an old haveli in Calcutta, where a group of labourers are busy pulling down what remains. When the workers break off for lunch, the overseer (Guru Dutt) wanders through the haveli. As he sits at a place there begins a flashback to the end of the 19th century.
The lower-class and educated Bhoothnath arrives in colonial Calcutta looking for work. He lives in the grand haveli of the Choudhurys, a family of zamindars with his Brother-in-Law. He works at the Mohini Sindoor factory run by Subinay Babu, a dedicated member of the Brahmo Samaj. Subinay Babu's daughter Jaba (Waheeda Rehman) is amused by Bhoothnath whom she considers an unsophisticated rustic. Bhoothnath becomes fascinated with the goings-on in the haveli and every night observes the decadent lifestyle of the Choudhury brothers.
One night the servant, Bansi (Dhumal), takes Bhoothnath to meet the younger zamindar's (Rehman) wife Chhoti Bahu (Meena Kumari) who implores him to bring her Mohini Sindoor believing it will keep her unfaithful husband home. Bhoothnath is struck by her beauty and sadness and inadvertently becomes Chhoti Bahu's secret confidante. A bomb explodes in the marketplace and Bhoothnath is injured in the ensuing crossfire between freedom fighters and British soldiers. Jaba looks after him.
Chhoti Bahu's repeated attempts to appease her husband fail until she becomes his drinking companion to keep him by her side. Jaba's marriage is finalised with Supavitra (a member of Bramho Samaj) but after her father's death she declined the marriage. Bhoothnath becomes a trainee architect and goes away to work on a training project. After his return he find the haveli in partial ruins. Chhoti Bahu is now a desperate alcoholic and her husband, paralysed. Meanwhile, he learns that he and Jaba were betrothed as children. One night Chhoti Bahu asks Bhoothnath to accompany her to a nearby shrine to pray for her ailing husband. Their conversation is heard by the elder zamindar, Majhle Babu (Sapru), who suspects that Chhoti Bahu is having an affair with Bhootnath (though really it was not). He orders his henchmen to chase them. As Bhoothnath and Chhoti Bahu travel in the carriage, it is stopped by the henchmen. Bhoothnath is knocked unconscious and Chhoti Bahu is abducted. When he wakes up in hospital, Bhoothnath is told Chhoti Bahu has disappeared and the younger zamindar is dead. The flashback ends.
Bhoothnath's workers inform him a skeleton is found buried in the ruins of the haveli. From the jewellery on the corpse, Bhoothnath realises it is the remains of Chhoti Bahu.
The last scene shows a nostalgic Bhoothnath riding away on a carriage with Jaba, who is now his wife. In this, the filmed version departs significantly from the novel, where Jaba and Bhoothnath do not get a happy ending.
The film also depicts the decline of the old landed zamindari families of Bengal during the 19th century.

Tags: tragedy, satire, murder

Review:
This is not only one of the best Hindi films that I have ever seen, it is also one of the greatest movies I have seen.But first things first, MEENA KUMARI, a queen among beautiful women, looks so breath-taking, sometimes you really have to catch your breath and stop staring at her face in wonder.
The movie with lush black and white cinematography showcases her spell binding beauty flawlessly.
My oh my, the scene where she first appears on the screen, some half an hour into the film, we see her from the feet upwards and hear her beautiful voice that could have anything from any man in the world.
From the first instant, she wins your heart and your heart goes out to her as the inevitable tragedy unfolds.Set in the affluent house of high society Bengal Family, the story tells the tale of ruin of a household when all the people in the house are blinded by their many conflicting ambitions.
Of particular interest to us is the story of the servant Bhoothnath(Guru Dutt) who falls in love with his mistress, the enigmatic Choti Bahu(Meena Kumari), wife of the youngest wayward son (Rehman)in the house who spends most of his time drinking at whore-houses.
All the men in the house blinded by joys of money ignore the family business completely which ultimately brings about the the ruin of the house.The movie also has the wonderful subplot of Bhoothnath and Jaba(Waheeda Rehman), another beautiful and gifted actress.
Their little tale also unfolds with the tragedy occurring in the big house.All in all, an outstanding movies comparable to Citizen Kane, Casblanca, Sunset Boulevard and All Aboue Eve for the style, narration, and of course superb acting all around.
Particularly by the amazing Meena Kumari, who excels in her drunken outbursts towards the end of the movie.
For years, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam has been known as an inalienable asset in the history of the Hindi film industry, and not without a reason.
The movie fully deserves to be called a timeless classic and its story is relevant and fascinating even today, almost half a century after its release.
Guru Dutt was a master of his craft.
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is excellent in story, writing, execution and acting.
The music is sublime, the sets are fantastic, and the movie exemplifies what true cinematographic excellence of those times was.
The film is quiet, focused and balanced, and has a very subtle feel to it thanks to all these aspects.
Abrar Alvi's direction is superb - he captures the atmosphere of those times with great skill, his script is marvelous, and many of his rich dialogues remain memorable even today and are often cited by lovers of Hindi cinema.
All said and done, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam wouldn't have been what it is if not for the transcendent performance of the divine Meena Kumari.
Chhoti Bahu's desire to get her estranged husband's affection and become a mother and her attempts to please him by taking to alcohol only to become a fervent alcoholic herself and remain the same neglected wife, are all aptly displayed.
Kumari plays the role with great mastery; her appearances in songs, like "Piya Aiso Jiya Mein" in which she dresses for her husband and particularly the seductive "Na Jao Saiyan..." are astonishing; her big, expressive and often tearful eyes, her brilliant dialogue delivery, her emotional outbursts, her breaks into anguished and sarcasm laden laughs, and ultimately her nostalgic monologue towards the end, are unforgettable.While Kumari dominates the show utterly, one must not forget the great job done by the rest of the cast members.
Guru Dutt, playing the role of the innocent Bhootnath, who later becomes Chooti Bahu's confidant and close friend, acted like only an actor acting in his own film could.
This rumour was disproved by people associated with the film, but Guru Dutt, the actor, still played his role exceedingly well probably due to his involvement with the film as its producer.
Waheeda Rehman played Jaba wonderfully and her character's transformation from an arrogant and careless young lady into a suffering and loving woman was natural and convincing.
Rehman, as Chhote Sarkar was restrained and effective.As mentioned, Hemant Kumar's music for the film is great.
Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle were the voices of the ladies, and did a great job.
Among my favourite scenes in the movie is the one right after the "Na Jao Saiyan..." number in which Chhoti Bahu bursts out at her husband after he criticises her of becoming mad as a result of her heavy drinking, while she turns on him to reproach him for being the only reason because of which she sacrificed her basic values and all just to please him.
A frequent quote in the film, that of Chhoti Bahu asserting that she is not like other landowners' wives, being much more devoted and caring, is very memorable, particularly because it's well delivered by the lady.
All in all, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is a gem of Hindi films.
It is an all-time great movie, and much of it because it has an all-time great performance by Meena Kumari..
I couldnt agree more with those who describe SB&G as the greatest classic in Indian cinema, followed by "Sholay".
Its also a film WAY ahead of its time (was a `flop' at the box-office!) and caused much controversy when it was premiered.
The film ran into terrible problems with our puritanical censors, because of its sometimes unabashed references to alcoholism and sex.
Nominally directed by Abrar Alvi (they say Guru Dutt shadow-directed it....and it shows!) and luminously photographed in B/W, the film has immaculate attention to detail in EVERY respect, starting from the trenchant plot-line and script.
Meena Kumari's performance is the finest given by an actress in Indian cinema....and I will go on to say that its the finest performance given by an actress that I have EVER seen (a close second is Meryl Streep in "Sophie's Choice").
Meena Kumari acts with her FEET --- thats the first we see of her, with her dialogue spoken as a voice-over; then a cut to her incredible face, the eyes betraying a glitter of obsessive-compulsion that is the character's core.
Another great Indian film that is not available on DVD, at least not in our own country.
The Greatest classic in Indian film history.
Surely a Masterpiece and the Greatest classic in Indian film history with 'Sholay' taking the next rung in this list.
Great story, absolutely no holes in the story(very hard to find in the current genre) and perhaps the greatest female acting ever portrayed on the Indian screen, and I am talking about Meena kumari.
The scene that really takes off is the part where she charges back at her husband when he calls her 'mad' and scoffs her desire to have children.
That scene , every time I see just leaves me shaken and I wonder how can someone put up such an intense performance like that in front of spotboys, cameramen, assistants and other such 20 people, staring at you,huddled in one room, mind blowing stuff..!!
Should have been the Oscar nominee for the best foreign film of that year...if the system still existed in India at that time.
No other movie, except 'Sholay' comes close to this ever green untouchable..
A beautifully made movie with excellent period atmosphere.
A beautifully made movie of the travails of an aristocratic woman in late 19th century Calcutta neglected by her husband as seen by a sympathetic lower-class acquaintance.
The woman is ever the faithful wife, always trying to win the attention of her drunkard & womaniser husband and failing.Excellent period atmosphere, and superb acting by Meena Kumari.
Abrar Alvi is credited with the direction, but grapevine has it that it was the great Guru Dutt himself who directed the movie.
It certainly has the Guru Dutt stamp.Satyajit Ray's Charulata has a similar theme & is set in the same period, but unfortunately I haven't seen it so can't compare both..
Meena Kumari and Guru Dutt at their best..
One of the Greatest films ever made, a Classic in every sense.
Meena Kumari did a great job in this Guru Dutt directed social Drama.
The storyline itself is very compelling, the story as rightly told a servant falls in love with his master's wife.
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is truly a movie for future generations of India.Even after forty eight years this movie truly lives in the heart of everybody.Frequently everybody sees during Sundays this movie.
Even the future generations will be astonished when they see this one due to its great Screenplay,Realistic plot and Legend Performances.Nobody can avoid this one by saying this as a Black&White old film.Persons aspiring to become great artists must first definitely see this movie.The hearts will really feel joyful after seeing this wonderful meaningful film.I would say as a must for every Indian irrespective of language etc.Really I believe this movie well be remembered even after 100 years.Salute for the souls who had made this movie..
Guru Dutt's 'Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam' remains one of the most accomplished pieces of art in Indian cinema.
No wonder why it is referred to as Indian cinema at its best.
The way the camera focuses on Choti Bahu's sad eyes or the way it zooms towards Jabba's face while she cheerfully sings, demonstrates the importance of characters' non-verbal language.
Everything in the movie seem to fit like a jigsaw puzzle, whether it's the songs, the haunting background score, the sets, the emotions portrayed by the actors, the performances etc.Performances are first class.
We see Guru Dutt as the young (and middle-aged) and naive Bhootnath.
He beautifully brings both comedy and intensity to his character communicating mostly with his expressive eyes.
His relationship with the tragic Choti Bahu and the simple but headstrong Jabba is superbly portrayed through a wonderful chemistry between the actors.
Meena Kumari gives one of her finest performances as the doomed Choti Bahu.
Her scenes with Bhootnath and one particular scene with Rehman (just before she drinks alcohol for the first time) is mind blowing.
Waheeda Rehman, being one of the finest actresses, brings grace and equally makes her presence felt in a comparably smaller but noteworthy role.
Rehman as Chote Babu is brilliant.'Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam is about love, fear, jealousy, anger, greed, addiction, lust, ignorance, despair, sadness and redemption.
Many of the movie is set during the British Raj. We see most of the events through Bhootnath's eyes.
However, when he meets Choti Bahu, he's amazed by her beauty and they too develop a loving relationship.
All she craved for her husband's love but even when he requests her to leave alcohol, she can't.
Did she feel in some way grateful to alcohol that she had her husband back?
Whatever it was, it destroyed her.However, she the one person she always relied on was Bhootnath and whenever he'd appear, she had a smile on her face except that one time when she's about to make that request that would change her life.
After all, who is this Choti Bahu that seems to intrigue him so much?
She hopes that Bhootnath might express his love but fears that the love is for a mysterious Choti Bahu.In a sentence, I'd say go watch this movie otherwise you would never know what you've missed..
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Bimal Roy's Devdas.
when asked i always reply "there are only two Indian films that i adore and first one is Bimal Roy's Devdas and second guru Dutt's sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam.
generally speaking Indian films are pretty bad.
but these two gems are absolute beauties.
but that was the golden age of Hindi films.
current Indian films are absolutely pathetic at best.
Devdas: why was it great - brilliant direction of Bimal Roy. he actually was the cinematographer for the earlier version by Pc Barua.
sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam: guru Dutt's direction, brilliant performances by Meena Kumari, Rehman and guru Dutt..
Not very often do we see films which leave a great impact on the mind after wards and leave you craving for more.
Meena Kumari's very appearance on the screen leaves you in shock, it has to be one the most beautiful screen presence on Indian screen ever.
Waheeda is charming, Guru is absolutely adorable and the story is very intriguing.
An absolute gem of Hindi cinema.
I always wondered why Meena Kumari is given so much love and respect by old audience of Hindi films.
After watching this film, I can safely say, that no one comes close to her if we talk about the combination of beauty and talent.One film, which no cinema lover should ever miss.RIP Guru Dutt, Meena Kumari, Rehman and Abrar Alvi.
One Of The Best Of Guru Dutt Team.
Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam Directed By Abrar Alvi Is Based On Bengali Novel "Shaheb Bibi Golam" By Bimal Mitra...Screenplay Is Fine As Per The Script..The Story Is Set In The Last Years Of The 19th Century, It About The Sumptuous Lifestyle & Decay Of A Feudal Family...Chhoti Bahu, A Woman Who Wants To Experience Romance, To Be A Real Wife...
Bhootnath A Lowly Servant Is Struck By Her Beauty, Sadness & Inadvertently Becomes Chhoti Bahu's Secret Confidante...
The Story Is About Their Relationship ...Guru Dutt As Bhootnath Gives A Different Kind Of Performance Than His Earlier Movies ....Acting More With Eyes & Facial Expressions ...He Was A Great Talent Altogether...Rehman As Chhote Sarkar Who Is Unfaithful To His Wife Is Alcoholic & Hardly Comes Home.....He Does Well...Waheeda Rehman Is As Usual....Meena Kumari As Chhoti Bahu ...One Of Her Best Performance...
Her Few Scenes With Rehman Are Mind Blowing...She is Brilliant....Music Of The Movie Is Composed By Hemant Kumar....All The Songs Keep The Story Moving ...The Number's Like "Piya Aiso Jiya Mein Samaaye Gayo Re" By Geeta Dutt, "Na Jao Saiyan Chhudaake Baiyan" By Geeta Dutt, "Koi Door Se Aawaaz De Chale Aao" By Geeta Dutt & "Bhanwara Bada Naadaan" By Asha Bhosle ....Are Well Written & Composed.Overall A Great Attempt By The Director..Many Feel That It Was Directed By Guru Dutt ....Since The Film Is Characteristic Of Guru Dutt's Feel & Style, It Is Difficult To Think That He Did Not Direct The Film.
However, Dutt Never Denied Abrar Alvi's Role In The Film As A Director..Anyways Amazing Movie...Great Acting ...Good Songs ...Amazing Story ...A Must Watch :).
Sahib Bibhi aur Ghulam is a heart-rending, releasing and refreshing film.
Relationship of Bhoothnath and Jaba as well as with Chhoti Bahu so subtly built up and musical flirting with Jaba(Bhavara bada nadaan) releases the gloomy heart within the same story, seeing Chhoti Bahu's bangle and Jaba's appearance at the end makes your heart fresh when going out of the theater.
Use of dialogue (Salaam, Alvi saab), underplaying the hero's role (hats off, Guru Dutt, the producer), keeping equal space to all the four main characters - Chhoti Bahu, Chhote Sarkar, Bhootnath, Jaba - Bhootnath, first entry, Jaba second, Chhoti Bahu third and last to Chhote Sarkar.
Chhote Sarkar the most important person around whom the story has written, appears the last.
Use of light as a mode of expression-Jaba always white except when Bhootnath leaves Kolkata.
The last scene between Chhoti Bahu and Bhootnath in the horse cart has waves of light and dark from the window contextualizing the situation.
A haunting movie gem.
A great movie.
Haunting b&w photography which captures the era very well, superb performances, of course Meenakumari and the rest, who can forget Sapru as the zamindar with that look, Rehman, and the sets themselves.
And the beautiful music especially Geeta Dutt's singing.
Just one correction- Gurudutt's character's name is Bhognath (not Bhootnath as stated elsewhere on this site)..
The use of lighting when Bhootnath explores the hums coming across in the Palace.
It was typical Guru Dutt style the narrative being told from the perspective of a servant (ghulam) and it is conveyed as if only what he sees and not what happens when he is not there.
Even the typical item song of the dancer (if I may call so) is showed as an observation of Bhootnath.Acting is so superb and so into the character.
Bhootnath is the innocent bihari villager who does not have a great deal of worldly knowledge.
The enticing and naughty girl Jaba played by Waheeda Rehman is so endearing and charming.
The conversations of Waheeda and Gurus Dutt and very lively and enthusiastic.
The chemistry for sure is so great and in subtle nuances there is a huge lot of meaning.Music is actually not up to the standard if I can say, expect for very two special and exceptional songs Bhawara Bada Nadaan and Na Jaao Saiyyan.All the performances are apt but one that stands out and is so very awesome that I like to watch it again for it, that was Meena Kumari's Choti Bahu portrayal.
So royal, that it hid the pain so gracefully but she wants to give her wish, a chance and since she could not, she resorts to a much terrifying habit that later ruins not just her but the whole family and the palace.Meena Kumari had the royal grace and presence and Guru Dutt had that innocence charm.
This acting was extracted mostly by Guru Ditt as he could only derive such expressions.
Another notable thing is Make Up. The first scene and the immediate next scene are so much contrast that it took a while to realize what make up can do if used properly.The art direction is superb as the movie transcends from the once royal to the now bereaved family, the soul of palace also diminishes.
The climax scene in which Bhootnath finds truth speaks a great deal of what happened to place and also the first scene where construction is happening.Watch it for the dialogues, the expressions and yes for Meena Kumari.
My rating is 5/5 for one of the best films ever made.