One day, very early in the morning,
lifting the inky veil of night
from behind the mountain peak,
the sun raised its head and saw
that the season of love had arrived in the valley of the heart.
And on the branches of memory,
countless buds of past moments spread their fragrance.
Unspoken, unheard desires.
Half-asleep, half-awake,
they rub their sleepy eyes to see
life flowing by in wave after wave.
Moments newly born, yet eternal.
Yes, it's that very same life,
in whose embrace there is love,
there is longing.
There is union, there is separation.
The stream of time, like a cascade,
falls and whispers that…
the season of love has arrived in the valley of the heart.
And on the branches of memory,
countless buds of past moments spread their fragrance.
Allah is Great!
Today your dream will come true, father.
Your daughter starts her first case today.
You devoted your life to fighting for human rights and the truth.
I follow in your footsteps for the first time today.
I take your faith and blessings with me as always.
Karim Khan, you must know how to cook.
No, sir, my wife does the cooking.
Start learning from tomorrow.
Because women have started doing men's work,
and you might end up having to sleep on an empty stomach.
May I see the Indian prisoner?
Certainly! Now you have the right to, madam lawyer.
Come, I'll escort you personally.
It'll give me an excuse to spend a little more time with you.
Shall we go?
Don't mind me saying this, but you're wasting your time.
This man has been here for 22 years,
and no one has heard him utter a single word.
He seems very contented here.
He never argues or complains.
It's like he doesn't want to be free.
Freedom is everyone's birthright.
It is my duty to see his rights are respected.
Do your duty and let me do mine.
Prisoner 786! Look who's come to see you.
You fool! Madam lawyer is here. At least greet her!
The State of Pakistan has decided to reopen
the cases of some Indian prisoners.
Find your lost voice quickly and start talking.
This opportunity won't come round again.
Didn't I warn you?
Open the cell.
I want to speak to him alone.
You've signed the papers, so what do I care?
Karim Khan, keep an eye on them.
There we go. I've done my duty.
Now it's up to you and your God.
Let's start with my name.
I'm Saamiya Siddiqui. And you?
Do you want me to call you 786 like the others do?
Your name can't be so bad that you prefer to be called a number.
Veer Pratap Singh.
It's been ages since you heard your name, right?
Veer Pratap Singh, talk to me. I'm here to help you.
You refused to talk 22 years ago, so no one could defend you.
God is giving you another chance today.
Talk to me.
I promise I'll find a way to send you back to India.
Please talk to me.
Please.
I don't know why you don't want your freedom.
But I want you to know why your freedom is important to me
and to other Pakistani women.
My father spent his life fighting for women's empowerment in Pakistan.
But he couldn't achieve what he wanted to.
After years of hard work, I've been given my first case.
A case everyone knows is impossible to win.
They want me to lose.
So that no other woman enters a man's domain again.
But I will not lose.
I won't destroy my father's dream or weaken the position of women.
I just need your help.
Talk to me.
Please talk to me.
Talk to me, Veer Pratap Singh.
Listen. F16.
Flying at 1200 mph.
It tears through the skies, playing with the clouds as it passes.
Only a pilot knows how thrilling that feels.
Even today I can feel my hands trembling.
My blood rushing.
And the wind lashing about me,
as I flew my helicopter…
my helicopter high into the mountains.
To the left.
Help! Help! Help please!
-Yup. -Let's go get them.
Help!
This was me and that was my life.
Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh.
Rescue pilot. Indian Air Force.
I loved my work.
Flying was my childhood passion.
Saving people's lives was my father's legacy.
He was an army officer who sacrificed his life for our country.
I was alone and free.
I lived every moment as if it was my last.
How was I to know that three days later,
my life would turn upside down - all because of a girl?
A girl who, at that moment, was sleeping peacefully in Pakistan.
Wake up, Miss Zaara. It's 7.
Seven? I never get up this early.
Today everything has changed.
Your marriage was settled yesterday.
Now you're a guest in your parents' home.
Soon you'll be living with your in-laws.
Your mother thinks it's time you change your habits.
Get up every morning at seven, make your own bed
and Iqbal will teach you how to cook.
I'm not changing for anyone.
I'm staying exactly as I am. You can tell everyone.
Your cool attitude won't work anymore.
Be grateful your future in-laws chose you for your beauty.
Let's hope your manners won't put them off,
or you'll end up a spinster.
I am who I am and will always be the same
Whether it makes them happy or makes them cross
I will not change my ways
Whether they accept it or not, I will keep saying
I am who I am and will always be the same
Ruler of my heart. Queen of my desires
Why must I cover my head? If the veil slips off, so be it
Whether it makes them happy or makes them cross
I care little if my words cause a rift
I am who I am and will always be the same
I have no desire for henna
Or to hear the wedding shehnai play
I have no desire for henna
or to hear the wedding shehnai play
I'm quite happy in my parents' home
If you can hear me, O priest, listen
I doubt I'll ever agree to marry
I am who I am and will always be the same
Whether it makes them happy or makes them cross
I will not change my ways
Whether they accept it or not, I'll keep saying
I am who I am and will always stay the same
Dr Yusuf, is everything all right?
Just pray.
It's too late to take her to the hospital.
She keeps asking for Zaara.
I'm Zaara's mother but it was her nanny Bebe who raised her.
Where is Zaara?
She's gone to the gurdwara to get holy water for Bebe.
Let me talk to Zaara. No one must say a word to her.
Zaara, is that you?
Yes, Bebe. Your Zaara is here.
See what she's brought for you.
The priest sent special holy water and said…
-Holy water will not help me now. -Bebe…
Since you were a child you've always been a chatterbox.
I have listened to you patiently.
Today I will talk and you will listen.
Do you know I am as old as Pakistan?
I was 16 at the Partition when your grandfather
left India to settle here.
He brought me here with him.
Your family and Pakistan have given me so much.
I accepted their kindness with all my heart.
Now I have one last wish.
Will you fulfill it?
Immerse my ashes in my India, my dear child.
I may be an orphan, but I am an Indian.
That's my only identity, child.
Remember? I told you about Kiratpur.
For us Sikhs, it is a very sacred place.
All my ancestors' ashes have been immersed there.
Immerse my ashes there. It will be my salvation.
Will you do this for me?
No.
There'll be no need.
Our Indian visas are ready.
Get well soon. Then we'll go together to your Kiratpur.
You can pray to your heart's content there.
Now drink the holy water.
Bebe.
Bebe!
She lived here in Pakistan, and you were in India.
Then how and when did you two meet?
Oh… three days later -
It was an unusual way for anyone to meet.
A bus met with an accident in the mountains.
There were no serious casualties.
All the passengers had been rescued,
except for a young woman.
So I went back down again.
Pull us up!
It wasn't as though she was the first beautiful girl I had ever seen.
But I don't know why, I could not take my eyes off her.
Her eyes were lowered. She sounded breathless.
She was frightened.
A strand of her hair was irritating her right eye.
She tried to brush it away but couldn't,
because the wind was strong.
When I took my hand off her waist to move the strand of hair,
she looked up at me with fear in her eyes.
That's when we looked at each other for the first time.
She kept staring at me, scared.
Then she slowly lowered her eyes again.
But I kept staring at her
and then my dream broke.
Stop, stop, stop!
Ranjit, stop it!
-What happened? -Stop.
-What is it? -My bag has fallen.
-Please take me down. -It's only a bag, ma'am. Forget it.
No! I can't lose it. It's very precious to me.
-More precious than our lives? -Yes.
Now will you please take me down?
-Take me down. -Hold on.
My bag!
Stop it.
-Ranjit, take us down. -Veer, have you gone mad?
Do as I say. Take us down.
Here.
Ranjit, pull us up.
You've endangered many lives because of one small bag.
What kind of person are you?
Don't you know we risk our lives to save others every day?
We save complete strangers.
They're unknown to us.
But our hearts fill with pride when we go home,
thinking how we've saved someone's sister, wife, brother or mother.
That we've given someone a new life.
For the first time in years,
I have questioned myself.
I wondered if risking my life to save someone
was in fact pointless and wrong.
I'm sorry, ma'am, but it was disgusting.
Get out! I don't want to see your face.
Who asked you to give Zaara your money?
You know I can't say no to Zaara.
Even if I had, she would've taken it anyway.
She hasn't gone to the local market, she's gone to India!
Shouldn't you have told me?
She made me promise as a friend.
A friend! There's no end to your childishness.
Who put her on the bus? Call Akram now!
Call him here at once. How irresponsible!
Zaara! Zaara, are you all right?
Zaara!
Ammi, I'm absolutely fine. Don't worry.
What is this bad behavior, Zaara?
Have you any idea what I'm going through?
I was about to call the police when this wretched Shabbo told me.
Come back home. Right now!
Ammi, the border closes at 4.30.
I haven't reached Kiratpur yet.
O Allah! What sin am I being punished for?
It's nearly evening.
Why did you go alone?
I promised to send Bebe's ashes to India.
And I promised her to take her ashes myself.
Zaara, this isn't some day trip from Lahore to Pindi.
You can't just take off like that. You've gone mad.
I'm really sorry, Ammi.
I've tried explaining to you, but you don't understand me.
I've done nothing meaningful in my life, mother.
I doubt I'll do anything meaningful in the future either.
My life will be spent, like yours, being a good wife, a good mother.
But if I do this, I'll have something to be proud of forever.
The idea that I could help someone to attain salvation.
I have come this far,
I'll come back when my task is complete.
If you're angry with me, my journey will get jinxed.
Stop it! As if a mother could put a jinx on her daughter!
I've been crying for 8 hours, want me to cry some more?
Relax, Ammi. I'm cool.
Yes, you're cool and we're the fools.
If your father returns before you do…
Don't worry, Ammi.
Papa will be back next week and I'll be back tomorrow. OK?
Please…
I'm hanging up. There's a line for the phone.
Take care of yourself and don't eat rubbish.
Don't talk to strangers. And keep calling me.
Don't be scared. You have my blessings.
Very well, my child. Khuda Hafiz.
Khuda Hafiz. How much do I owe you?
Why are you worrying?
Zaara is no less than a boy. She can manage anywhere.
Thank God she's safe. She scared the life out of me.
Why are you talking to me? I told you to get lost.
You always say that. Cool it!
Cool it, my foot! Godforsaken fool.
Get to work. Don't stand there like statues. Go!
Ranjit, my leave has come through.
My parents want me to come home for the Lodi festival.
I'll leave now so I get there early.
Negi will accompany you back.
-OK. See you on Monday. Enjoy. -Thank you. Here are the logs.
Brother, is there a bus to Kiratpur from here?
No. No bus now.
The Kiratpur bus leaves at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
Is there a hotel nearby where I could stay the night?
Hotel! Of course.
There's uncle's Dhabha. The local five-star.
Ten rupees for a blanket, a bed for 25.
OK, madam, excuse me. My shift is over. Good night.
Love is God's blessing, don't shy away from it
The rising of the moon does not stop for anyone
So why hide it?
Jaggiya! Jaggiya! Love can never be hidden
You risk your life to save strangers.
Nothing is more noble than that.
I don't want you to stop being proud of your work because of me.
That's why I've come to explain my behaviour.
They are my Bebe's ashes.
She was an Indian.
She spent her whole life in Pakistan serving my family.
She never asked for anything in return.
She had one last wish.
She wanted her ashes immersed with her ancestors in Kiratpur.
This is more important to me than my own life.
Perhaps saving me did not make you happy,
but I'm sure saving this urn
in my bag will make you proud.
Try and forgive me.
I'm sorry.
-Sir, here's your lassi. -You bring it now?
If only I had this lassi this morning, I would not have lost my temper!
Who has a ticket?
Here is my ticket.
Ladies first! No pushing.
Easy. No pushing.
-The bus is full! -But I have a ticket.
Madam, everyone has tickets. It's first come, first sit.
-So where do I sit? -Climb up!
-Hey, baldie, slide over. -Why should I?
Is she your sister?
You want to protect her all the way?
-Move, before I… -I was just going.
You must be wondering what I'm doing here.
See that bus over there?
I should be on that.
I was settled in my seat, when I saw you.
I noticed how graciously you accepted sitting up here.
I thought to myself - she's either very brave or very foolish
traveling such a long way alone.
I thought to myself I could easily go back to my village,
but the question might forever haunt me -
did that foolish Pakistani girl get to her destination safe and sound?
So don't think I'm here to help you,
I'm here because I didn't want to worry about you forever.
Thank you.
Want some chickpeas?
By the way, I'm Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh.
I'm Zaara. Zaara Hayaat Khan.
Very nice.
Under the blue sky is the earth
Here every season is full of happiness
How beautiful is this land of mine
This land of mine
How beautiful is my land
This land of mine
The earth is golden, the sky is blue
Every season is so full of color
Such is this land of mine
The cuckoo speaks, the nightingale sings
The monsoon clouds dip low. Such is this land of mine
A crow is cawing on my terrace
A letter from my lover has come
My lover is bound to write of me
The wind combs through the wheat fields
Myriad colored veils fly in the wind
Women come to fill their water pots at the riverbank
Entranced by the melodious sound of the flute
At every step-
At every step you will stumble on a love story
Such is this land of mine
My firefly girl is very picky.
She favors those in love
She calls me brave.
Taking the name of the Lord
O life of mine
Perched on their fathers' shoulders the children enjoy the fair
They see many acts and shows
They eat ice cream and snacks
You can get sweets to eat
You can get savory snacks
Children are so innocent like Mr and Mrs Doll
Every day their granny tells them
fairy tales
Such is this land of mine
O beautiful young woman, on your path
A thorn has pricked your foot, O innocent one
Now who will remove it?
Who will suffer your pain, O innocent one?
In my country, a guest is revered as a God
He becomes a part of us no matter where he's from
I have seen your country. I know it now
I don't know why but everything seems so familiar
Evenings here are the same. And mornings too
Such is my country too. No different from yours
Such is my country too
No different from yours
Such is my country. No different from yours
Such is my country
Such is my country too
In the sky's cosmic plate the sun and moon are lamps
The stars in the constellations are the pearls
The fragrant sandalwood is the incense. The wind is the fan
The vegetation are flowers offered to You, O luminous Lord
What are they doing?
Performing the last rites before immersing the ashes.
So why aren't we doing it?
We aren't, because you're a Muslim and this is a Sikh gurdwara.
We'd better immerse her ashes discreetly then leave.
No, I want all the rituals to be performed.
No, Zaara. Some of the priests here are orthodox.
They'll insult you and I'll get beaten up.
-Should I go and ask? -No. Wait here. I'll go.
Sit here… please.
"The Khalsa belongs to God. Victory belongs to God."
Remember? I told you about Kiratpur. Immerse my ashes there.
I will attain salvation.
-Is your name Zaara? -Yes.
-You're from Pakistan? -Yes.
I've been a priest at this gurdwara for 42 years,
but I've never seen devotion like yours.
You've done more than a real daughter.
It will be my good fortune to perform the last rites for your Bebe.
Come, my dear child. Come.
"The Khalsa belongs to God. Victory belongs to God."
Come here, please.
What is it?
Give me your hand and help me fulfill Bebe's last wish.
But… how can I?
Look, I'm not Bebe's daughter, and you're not her son.
But if it weren't for you,
I would not have been able to bring Bebe's ashes here.
Like me, you also share a bond with Bebe now.
Performing her last rites is your duty as much as mine.
Come.
Zaara, here's the bus ticket.
Once you get to Atari,
catch the train straight to Lahore from there. Here's your change.
Have you finished eating?
-Anything else? -No thanks.
You've done so much for me. I don't know how to thank you.
I'm straightforward in these matters.
If you ask me, I'll tell you straight.
Please tell me what it is.
Think again.
I can ask, but you may not comply with my wishes.
You've done me a great favor, and I'm truly grateful.
Ask whatever you want.
I promise I will make it happen.
You're promising without even knowing what I want?
You might regret it.
It's a Pakistani's promise to an Indian.
Now my country's honor is at stake.
Even if I wanted to, I can't back out now.
Tell me what I can do for you.
Give me one day of your life.
Sorry?
You've made a space for me in your life.
You formed a bond between me and your Bebe.
You're leaving me with a lifetime of memories.
Now, I want to share my world with you and introduce you to my people.
I'd like you to leave with memories
that will last you a lifetime.
I know it won't be easy for you to spare a day,
but I promise, you'll never forget this day.
I warned you that you'd regret making that promise.
So, you fell in love with her?
What came over me that day?
I still don't understand it.
Why did I ask her for a day? I don't know. I just asked.
Somehow I knew that our meeting
was not supposed to end there.
We hadn't met only to get to that point in time.
Our relationship was unfinished.
Something more was meant to happen.
And so the words kept pouring out of my mouth.
The poor girl listened to me in silence.
Did she go with you?
Saamiya, the honor of your Pakistan was at stake.
How could she refuse?
Why are you making that face?
Did your mother scold you on the phone?
I'm scared of heights.
Why didn't you tell me?
You said this was a short cut
and the other way would've taken us longer.
So what can I do?
Does that mean you'll look scared all the way?
Smile or I'll get scared too.
Have some nuts. It'll distract you.
-Hold out your hand. -No!
OK, open your mouth.
More?
Brother Veer is here!
There's a girl with him.
Pappu's mother!
See! Veeru has brought his fiancée with him.
Fiancée? As if she could travel alone with him.
She must be his wife.
Maati!
What is it? Who has died?
Maati, Veeru's here.
-Veeru? -Yes.
-He's here with his wife. -Nonsense!
My Veeru would never marry without telling me.
It's the truth, Maati.
The whole village has come out to see them.
What the hell! Let him come here. I won't talk to him.
Chaudhury Sumer Singh, can you hear me?
Where's he gone?
Come on.
Chaudhury Sumer Singh!
Maati's calling you.
Always calling me at the wrong time.
Son, let me tell you something.
Never get married.
If you do, you'll never score another goal in your life again.
-Chaudhury Sumer Singh! -Coming!
How many times must I tell you not to disturb me when I'm playing?
How many times must I tell you? If you want to die, die in your bed.
Don't play with kids your grandchildren's age
and break your bones?
Let me tell you.
There isn't a player in this village who can match me.
But see the game your son is playing right now.
-Veeru's come? Where? -He's not alone. He's married.
-What? -Look over there.
That's Bauji and Maati.
Hey, listen. Go there.
-How are you, Kamli? -Fine.
Let me say hello to father. My respects, Bauji.
You idiot! You got married without our permission?
Married? Who told you that?
-Then who is she? My wife? -Your wife is here.
I'll fix you!
-Then who is she? -You too, Maati.
Is there only one kind of relationship between a man and a woman?
My respects.
She's our guest, Bauji. I saved her in a rescue operation.
I wanted her to see our village and meet you.
That's all!
The minute I saw this lovely girl
I knew she'd never marry an idiot like you. Impossible.
-What's your name, my dear? -Zaara. Zaara Hayaat Khan.
What a lovely name. Where are you from, my child?
Pakistan.
Oh, that's wonderful!
You're our extra-special guest.
We've welcomed our own people many times.
My first chance to welcome a guest from our neighboring country.
-What will you have? Lassi? Milk? -Oh, enough.
Come with me.
He'll keep talking till nightfall. Let's go.
-Don't mind me. -Move aside.
Veeru, where are you going? Wait a minute.
Get going, everyone.
One minute.
Have you got my stuff?
Yes! Here. Your bottle of rum.
-Don't finish it all yourself. -No way.
If Maati catches you this time, I'm not going to lie to her.
-One last time. -OK, one more time.
Now go. Go!
To our neighbouring country! Cheers!
-Let me. -No, I'll manage.
The way you were braiding your hair,
I can tell someone else does it for you at home.
Come, I'll do it.
Make yourself at home. Come.
-Is this Veer's room? -Yes.
Whenever he brings a medal or a photo home, I hang it here.
And when he's not here, his Bauji and I
console ourselves by looking at them.
I can see you love each other very much.
Because there's no one else to share our love with.
When he was very young, his parents passed away.
Now he only has us.
We're actually his uncle and aunt.
But he calls us father and mother.
We don't have any children of our own.
So it's just the three of us.
Your braid is done.
-Wow! I look just like one of you. -This is nothing.
You'll look like a true Punjabi girl tonight. It's Lodi.
Here we celebrate the festival with great fanfare.
You will wear what I wore for my first Lodi here.
No, Maa-ji, I'll wear my own clothes.
You call me mother and argue with me?
You're here for one day. Become one of us for this day.
O traveller, you carry with you two yellow and two red flowers
-Are you comfortable? -Yes.
Like I was saying - when I was young,
I'd take Maati on a cycle all the way to Amritsar.
Now she's so fat, she can't sit on a cycle.
-No, Bauji, she isn't at all fat. -You don't know. But I do.
Veer said Maati and you built this village with your own hands.
That's right. At first, there were only fields here.
We campaigned hard to get electricity in the village.
-See that hospital? -Yes.
It was once an old cowshed. How are you, doctor?
All good. Sat Sri Akal.
That's the children's school.
Maati and I were the first people to teach here.
No one knew how to read or write.
Now the children study till eighth grade.
Then the boys go to Kartarpur for further studies.
What about the girls?
How can we send girls that far?
And anyway, they have to learn the household chores.
What use is studying for them?
That's unfair, Bauji.
Unfair? What do you mean?
Don't be offended, Bauji.
What you and Maati have done for this village -
no one could have managed it in centuries.
While you help men become capable of making it in the world,
you weaken women.
That's how a Veer has become an Air Force pilot,
and the girls of the village remain illiterate.
Women today have reached the moon, Bauji.
They walk shoulder-to-shoulder with men.
Who knows. Perhaps with education, a village girl could outsmart Veer.
Right, Bauji?
Chaudhury Sumer Singh, where are you loafing around?
Oh no! Whenever I'm doing something important, she pesters me.
Yes! What is it?
It's time to light the Lodi. Come and get dressed.
All right, I'm coming.
Come, my dear. Let's start celebrating.
O beautiful one
Who will save you?
Dulla Bhatti has come for you
He married off his daughter
He offered a bowl of sugar
The girl's shawl is torn
Who will repair it?
The landlords robbed her
O beautiful one
Who will save you?
Dulla Bhatti has come for you
O beautiful one
Who will save you?
Dulla Bhatti has come for you
O beautiful one
Who will save you?
Dulla Bhatti has come for you. Who will save you?
Dulla Bhatti has come for you
O beautiful one
Everyone, listen!
Come. Come here.
Coming, Bauji.
Let's go. Coming.
Will you all listen to what I have to say?
We were going to have a cricket pitch here - but not anymore.
-Why not, Bauji? -Wait! I'll tell you.
Because we're building a girl's high school here.
See! The girls are happy.
I promise you, once this school is built,
our girls will not have to leave the village for higher education.
And one more thing.
The first brick of the building will not be laid by Maati or me.
It'll be laid by a girl. Because of her this school is going to be built.
Miss Zaara Hayaat Khan.
Come, my dear.
-Bauji, how can I…? -Why not, child?
You're so young, but you've taught me such a big lesson.
Can't you do this little thing for me? Come.
Kamli!
I, Ginda Singh, really like you, O pretty girl.
I, Darshan Singh Aulakh, will give my life for you.
-Maati, are these Lodi customs? -No, they're Bauji's customs.
-What do you mean? -Romance was frowned upon in our time.
On top of that, I was from Madras and he's Punjabi.
So one night, during Lodi, he asked for my hand in front of everybody.
My parents could not object, so we were married.
After we settled down here, he created this Lodi custom.
If a boy is in love with a girl, he has to declare his love in front of everyone.
If the girl rejects him,
then she throws sesame seeds into the fire.
If she accepts the boy, she calls out his name
and snaps sugar cane.
Then we get them married.
What a wonderful custom!
That means if the boy and girl agree, the priest cannot object!
Saraswati Kaur!
My lady from Madras! I, Chaudhury Sumer Singh,
ask for your hand in marriage for the next 7 lifetimes.
Done!
Come on, girl.
I'll fix him!
Come! Step forward
Maati!
What? Was my proposal rejected?
Maati, what have you been doing?
Doesn't Bauji stand a chance?
Tell him if he wants to spend 7 lifetimes with me,
he has to make some promises to me. Will he?
Promises? What promises? Maati!
That's it, Bauji. Drop the sugar cane.
What's that? OK. I'll drop it.
I will sacrifice my life for you. I'll respect all your needs
I'll do whatever you say, my lovely one
I will sacrifice my life for you. I will respect all your needs
I'll do whatever you say, my lovely one
I will sacrifice my life for you
I know you. I know you too well
If you want me, then you'd better listen to what I want too
I know you. I know you too well
If you want me, then you'd better listen to what I want
I know you. I know you too well
You are my life
You are my beloved
The festival of Lodi is here
Take your partners
Hold on to your lover's hand
Never let it go
Don't tell lies
No blasphemy either
Every promise you make
You go and break
As soon as the sun sets, he goes drinking with his friends
The sun goes down and he's flat on the ground. Call this a life?
You're so right. From now on I'll keep your wishes in mind
Let me drink today. I won't touch a drop from tomorrow
At sunset he'll make his way straight home
I will sacrifice my life for you
My sweetheart, my handsome man. My dear beloved
You are my life, my beautiful one
Every day I see you playing cards
Dearer than me are your fives, sixes and sevens
Why?
My card playing folly stops right here
Only two cards in my life now: the king and queen
My life will be all yours if you give up playing cards
I know you. I know too well
You are my life
You are my beloved
The festival of Lodi is here
Take your partners
Hold on to your lover's hand
Never let it go
Don't tell lies
No cheating either
Every promise you make, you break one by one
You break one by one
When I ask you to get me something, you can never remember what
I asked you for tassels for my hair and you came home with halwa
I now have a notebook. I will write whatever you want
I will buy only the things you desire
Slowly…slowly he will mend his ways
I will sacrifice my life for you
My beloved. My beauty
My handsome one. My love
Whether you change or you don't, you're mine
I want you to belong to me in every lifetime
Beloved, I will worship you in every lifetime
You were mine. You are mine. You will always be mine
Yes! Without you, how lost he will be
I will sacrifice my life for you
The festival of Lodi is here
Take your partners
Hold on to your lover's hand. Never let it go
Don't tell lies
No cheating either
Every promise you make you go and break
Bauji! So you're sitting here?
Maati sent me all around the village looking for you.
Breakfast is getting cold. I have to leave. Come.
Son, come and sit next to me.
What it is, Bauji? What are you looking at?
At my lifetime's achievement.
My legacy, my village.
Till now I was so proud of my work, building this village from scratch.
But yesterday that pretty young girl asked me an innocent question,
and I realized I have done nothing for the village.
There's still so much left to do.
Son, how much can I do in the few years that I have left?
When I die, this village will be orphaned.
All the work will be left incomplete.
I had a dream and wondered if it would ever come true.
What dream, Bauji?
That after Maati and I are gone, you're riding my cycle.
Your wife is sitting behind you. The village is not orphaned.
Nothing is left incomplete.
So why won't this dream come true?
You're Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh.
You'll live in the city. Would you care about the village?
No, Bauji. I am your Veeru above all else.
If you have a dream, it will come true.
Only I might not be cycling , but circling the village in a helicopter.
Will that do?
Come, or Maati will start shouting.
Another thing.
In my dream the girl I saw sitting behind you
was Zaara.
Looks like you've had a drink already.
Bauji, she's Pakistani.
So what if she's Pakistani, Chinese or Japanese.
I don't care.
All I know is -
she's the girl sitting behind you on the cycle.
Her hand is resting on your shoulder, she won't let you fall.
She won't let you take a wrong turn either.
Come! Sit here.
When the right woman comes into a man's life,
then his life is complete.
I, Chaudhury Sumer Singh am incomplete without your Maati.
And you, Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh
will be incomplete without Zaara.
That's why you must listen to your heart and tell her.
Otherwise it will be too late.
-Bauji, tell me one thing. -Yes?
Since it's your dream, can my wife sit in the front?
Sure! Shall I tell her?
-Let me talk to her. -No, let me.
-Let me tell her. -Let me.
-Who's marrying? You or me? -The same thing.
-May I leave, Maati? -Oh! You're leaving?
I'll let you go on one condition.
You promise to come back.
I promise I will.
But you have to promise me something in return.
What?
May I call you Bebe from now on?
I think we should leave before it gets too late.
I'm ready. I'll go get my bag.
-You're leaving? -Yes, Maati.
You told me I must come for Lodi, and I did.
I only have 2 days leave.
I have to report to headquarters tonight.
I'll put Zaara on a bus to Amritsar and…
Absolutely not!
You'll take Zaara to Atari and see her onto the train.
She's all alone, what if something goes wrong?
She's become so dear to you in just one day?
You'd get upset and sulk when I had to go. You'd stop me.
Today you want me to hurry up and go.
No more nonsense!
I've made some laddoos for you and Ranjit. Take them.
Ginda, where were you? Veeru's getting late.
-Bauji, I was filling up. -Is this the time to fill up?
Never mind, Bauji. Give me your blessings.
Stay well, my son.
-Did you tell her? -I will.
-Let me. -I'll do it.
Maati, control him.
Where are you going? What's this?
-This is not for you -Not for me? Oh!
-For your dear son. -Bauji?
What are you doing? Girls here don't touch elders' feet in respect.
But daughters can ask for blessings when they're leaving.
Bless you, child.
Child, give your parents a message from me.
Yes?
Tell them a sixty-year-old Indian
salutes the values they gave you.
Stay well.
-How long? -We'll be there in half an hour.
Take care! Goodbye!
What do you think? Will Veeru tell her?
He's Chaudhury Sumer Singh's son, of course he'll tell her.
Didn't I tell you?
-Stop it! -Where are you going? Listen…
Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh, thank you very much.
For what?
In exchange for one day of my life,
you've given me a lifetime of precious memories and so many new friends.
A promise made by an Indian to a Pakistani.
If I hadn't fulfilled it, my country's honor would be tainted. Right?
I think bringing Bebe's ashes here was God's pretext.
I was destined to meet you all.
-Do you believe in destiny? -Of course. Don't you?
Not till now.
Now I do.
Are you all right?
Careful. Come.
Mother!
You're really hurt.
Let's rest for a bit.
-No, no. I'll miss my train. -The train…
You won't miss it.
You can lean on me. Put your hand here.
Your anklets.
I'll keep them. I'll give them back later.
Come. Hold tight.
How many times will you save my life?
As many times as you're in trouble.
Actually, there's a rush for seats.
It's almost Eid.
Many people cross the border at this time.
Don't worry, I'll do something.
Thanks to Allah you're well. I just got off the train from Lahore.
I was asking about how I could get to Kiratpur when I saw you.
Your father has returned home. He sent me.
We must call home, so they won't worry.
I'll make the arrangements for our return.
And you are…?
Veer. Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh.
Thanks to him I managed to get here.
This is Raza Shirazi, my fiancé.
Passengers for Lahore are requested to board the train.
Wishing you a happy journey.
We have our seats. We'll be leaving soon.
I'm so crazy. I talked to you about everything
but I forget to tell you about Raza.
-You made a big mistake. -Pardon?
You made a big mistake.
Zaara, I'm a straight-forward guy.
I speak frankly and like things to be clear.
But this was the first time I started imagining something else,
because of Bauji and Maati.
The whole journey I kept thinking of stopping you, not letting you go.
And to tell you that I like you very much.
And if you liked me at all, then we could
get married.
I was thinking our life could be full of happiness like the past few days.
But the Lord above has strange ways.
He built up my confidence, but when we arrived here…
When we arrived here, He changed the whole story.
You must be wondering why I'm telling you all this now.
Please. Don't get me wrong.
Now I know you belong to someone else.
And there's nothing between us
nor will there ever be.
But whenever, wherever, you need a friend -
always remember there's someone across the border
who would give his life for you.
Come on, Zaara, we must leave.
Veer Sahab.
Zaara told me that you saved her life.
I'm indebted to you.
-So tell me, how can I repay you? -Just keep Zaara happy.
The debt will be repaid.
Careful, Veer Sahab…
I might get the impression that you've fallen in love with Zaara.
What is love… I don't know. But yes,
I pray that Zaara's eyes never fill with tears.
That she may always be smiling.
If that's what you call love,
then it is love.
Veer Sahab,
you're talking to my face about my future wife.
I don't know whether to take it as a compliment or an insult.
It's better you think nothing of it.
The truth is I am nothing to her.
And you're everything to her.
Khuda Hafiz.
Let's go.
For two fleeting moments the caravan of dreams stopped
Then you went your way and I went mine
For two fleeting moments lasted the story of our love
Then you went your way and I went mine
Was that you? Or a sparkling sunbeam?
Was that you? Or a smiling bud?
Was that you? Or the monsoon of dreams?
Was that you? Or clouds of happiness?
Was that you? Or a blossoming flower?
Was that you? Or had I discovered a new world?
For two fleeting moments the caravan of dreams stopped
Then you went your way and I went mine
For two fleeting moments lasted the story of our love
Then you went your way and I went mine
Prisoner 786!
Dinner time.
Miss, visiting time is over.
You have to leave now.
I'll come back tomorrow.
Sorry. You haven't finished your story.
Come along, miss.
786. I'm sending someone to get your plate in 10 minutes.
Eat quickly or you'll end up sleeping on an empty stomach again.
Ever wondered why his number is 786?
What?
Have you never thought it strange?
Out of the thousands of prisoners here,
how come the only Hindu prisoner has Allah's sacred number?
This is no mere coincidence.
It is Allah's miracle.
It is His way of telling you all, "Here is God's man".
Treat him with respect.
Next time you talk to him so rudely, remember what I said.
Some laddoos. My mother sent them for you.
Have one.
She sent them with her blessings.
What is the matter? You don't like them?
It's not that.
They taste just like the ones my Maati used to make.
Food made by a mother's hands tastes the same everywhere.
May I … may I have another?
They're all for you.
Tell your mother that
she has filled my entire childhood in this little box.
They're very good.
I spent the whole night telling my mother your story.
My mother cried a little and went to sleep.
But I stayed up till dawn.
I kept wondering how you'd ended up in this place.
I kept wondering
why this story didn't end at the railway station.
This story could not have ended there.
Until that point, it was the story of Veer's love.
Zaara's journey of love had yet to unfold.
And without knowing what Zaara felt,
Veer's story and Veer's life…
would remain incomplete.
Jehangir Hayaat Khan, Zaara's father, was the pride of Lahore.
Since the formation of Pakistan, the Hayaat Khan family name
was synonymous with respect, culture, and glory.
Jehangir Hayaat Khan was taking his first step into politics
with the help of Abdul Shirazi.
Another rich and aristocratic Lahore gentleman,
Abdul Shirazi, was Raza Shirazi's father.
Zaara and Raza's marriage was no ordinary alliance.
The futures of many people depended on this marriage.
It was deemed irresponsible for Zaara to travel to India by herself.
And to forgive such an act
was not in Jehangir Hayaat Khan's nature.
A month had gone by since Zaara returned home,
and her father had not uttered a word to her.
Oh my! I could die!
Such beautiful clothes!
This jewelry looks antique.
It probably belongs to Raza's ancestors.
Zaara is so lucky. Raza is blessed with everything.
A wonderful family, wealth, and riches.
There's no doubt about it.
He has everything, all by the grace of Allah.
There's no match better than this one…
There's someone across the border who would give his life for you.
Ammi…
would you sacrifice your life for my father?
Obviously. He's my husband, I'd do anything for him.
Would he sacrifice his life for you?
What a silly question!
God forbid that ever happens!
But what if such a situation arises?
Do you believe he would sacrifice his life for you?
Have you gone mad?
Shabbo, give me some lime. My hands are sticky.
That means you don't really know for sure.
Look, child, there's a big difference between a woman's love
and a man's love.
A woman can give up everything. She loves with all her heart and soul.
Men do not have the strength to love like that.
I know why you're asking me this.
Don't expect that from Raza.
Give up all your needs and wants, and just fulfill your duty.
I'm certain he'll carry out his duties towards you.
But he wouldn't die for me, right?
You're talking nonsense.
Here, Shabbo, carry on. This girl is driving me mad!
There's someone across the border who would give up his life for you.
But I know someone…
who would happily sacrifice his life for me.
Someone whose eyes are honest and whose words show his decency.
He's a man
who'd give up the world for the woman he loves.
Someone to whom it makes no difference that I'm a Pakistani…
and he's an Indian.
Who are you talking about? What have you done?
Tell me the truth! Swear on me!
He didn't even touch me, Ammi.
I lost my heart to him of my own free will.
Don't you know your father? He refuses to talk to you now.
If he hears all this, he'll kill you.
Don't you realize you're getting engaged today?
You'll be married soon.
It's wrong to think of anything else, Zaara.
Silly girl! Love is for books and poetry, not real life.
That's what I used to think too. Till now.
Begum!
Shabbo, talk some sense to her.
Or else a storm will hit this house.
Get one thing clear, Zaara.
Your future with Raza has been settled.
You cannot change it, nor can God.
What is this, Zaara?
It's love, Shabbo.
It comes without warning.
Pearl millet
Pearl millet. Crushed with our palms
Pearl millet
Crushed with our palms
My beloved is cross
My beloved is cross, I sent him away
Pearl millet
I will never forget you
You fell for my beauty
When he looked me in the eye
Bowing with great respect
Sit down.
You are my only child.
That's why I raised you with pride and gave you freedom.
You were brought up more like a son than a daughter.
Usually a mother explains the meaning of duty to her daughter.
But since I regard you as a son,
I shall explain your duty to you.
You're well aware that your grandfather was
one of Pakistan's most respected politicians.
But he died a few days before attaining the ultimate success.
Ever since that day, being his son,
I've been trying to revive his Party to match what he achieved.
So far success has eluded me.
Now thanks to Raza's father - success is near.
In a few days, you'll go to their home with my honor at stake.
It is your duty
to appreciate the sensitivity of this alliance.
Make them happy in good times or bad.
Strengthen the bonds of our family relations.
And under all circumstances, keep safe their honor and ours.
Any small mistake or childishness on your part can destroy everything.
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Yes.
Is there anything you wish to say?
Can you come here?
It's been such a long time since I saw the dimples on my daughter's cheeks.
I hope you haven't left them behind in India.
That's more like it!
My love, just see -
the distance between us has melted away
Here I am. Here I am
Here. Here
My love, just see - the distance between us has melted away
Here I am. Here I am
My love, just see - the distance between us has melted away
Here I am. Here I am. Here. Here
What borders? What constraints?
Here I am. Here I am. Here. Here
I am that secret you cannot hide
I am that feeling you cannot forget
Why does it surprise you to hear me echo in your heart?
I am only the voice of your heart
If you can, listen to my words in your heartbeat
Here I am. Here I am. Here. Here
What borders? What constraints?
Here I am. Here I am. Here. Here
You can find me in your every thought
In your every answer. In your every question
You can find me in your every dream
You can find me in the light glistening in your eyes
You can see me everywhere you turn
Here I am. Here I am. Here. Here
My love, just see the distance between us has melted away
Here I am. Here I am. Here. Here
What borders? What constraints?
Here I am. Here I am. Here. Here
Here I am. Here I am.
Here. Here
-Zaara. -Shabbo.
Shabbo, tell him to get out of my sight! Wherever I look, I see him.
He lives in my soul, Shabbo. Tell him to go.
Tell him, Shabbo. Tell him to go.
Tell him, Shabbo…
Yes? Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh.
Hello. Captain Veer Singh? This is Shabbo speaking.
Shabbo? I'm sorry. Do I know you?
I'm calling from Zaara's house.
An unknown girl whom I had never met or seen
was giving me the most important news of my life.
She simply said, "Zaara loves you.
"She's about to get married.
"Come to Lahore and take Zaara away.
"She cannot take such a step alone.
"She says you could die for her."
Then she asked me one last question.
"How much do I love Zaara?"
How much do I love Zaara?
I didn't have the answer to that question then,
nor do I have it now.
How much do I love Zaara?
-I don't know. -I know.
Indian Air Force pilots are not allowed into Pakistan.
When you heard from Shabbo, you immediately resigned.
Knowing you would never be able to rejoin the Air Force.
Then, without telling anyone, you set off for Lahore.
Without knowing the outcome of your journey.
Would you get there in time?
Would you find Zaara?
Would Zaara be able to return with you?
Would you be able to return?
You had no answers.
But still you made your way to Lahore.
Perhaps you don't know,
but I know
how much you love Zaara. I know.
Salaam-alaykum. I'm Shabbo.
I'm sorry, I couldn't arrange a better room.
Wonderful! You can see the whole city from here.
There couldn't be a better room in all Lahore.
I didn't tell Zaara you were coming.
I was scared she'd stop me.
Her wedding is the day after tomorrow. She can't leave the house.
Tomorrow she accompanies others to the shrine.
This is Munir, my younger brother. He'll take you to the shrine.
The rest is God's will.
Munir, my fate is in your hands.
All right, I'll go.
Meaning?
I'll go. If I'm out too long, the family will wonder why.
If you need anything, Munir is here.
Thank you, Shabbo.
I didn't think you'd come.
But after meeting you,
I am sure you'll take Zaara with you.
How could I not come?
My Babuji says true love happens only once in a lifetime.
And when it does, not even God or Allah can prevent it.
Tomorrow we'll see
how true my love is in God's eyes.
I have come, breaking all rules of society
For you alone
I have come, leaving the world behind
A crazed lover has come to your threshold
-He has come! -Your crazed lover has come
A crazed lover has come to your threshold
A man crazed with love for you
A crazed lover has come to your threshold
He is obsessed with you
He is besotted by you
He is obsessed with you
He is besotted by you
He would die in the name of his love for you
A crazed lover has come to your threshold
If I see your face
I forget every sorrow
If I see your face
I forget every sorrow
These flowing tears of mine all say
You are beyond my reach
But I stand here before you
Bestow on me this one favor
Throw a glance at me
Bestow on me this one favor, throw a glance at me
I would sacrifice my heart. I would throw away my life
Like the moth rushes to the flame only to perish
A crazed lover has come to your threshold
At your threshold stands your crazed lover
Your crazed lover
This story has taken a new turn
Each will die for love
He's conscious but he doesn't wish to be.
He can hear everything but doesn't wish to hear.
He is bottling up his shock,
as though he were punishing himself.
The next 24 hours are critical.
He may not endure another shock.
The nurse is here. I will return every 3 or 4 hours.
Good day.
Don't worry, sister-in-law. Only family members were at the shrine.
Thanks to Allah, word has not spread.
After the wedding tomorrow, all wagging tongues will stop.
After all that has happened, is Raza still willing to marry?
Mariam Bibi, this marriage isn't only between Raza and Zaara.
It involves an important compromise.
Your husband, and after him, my son Raza's future depends on it.
Raza understands the situation.
Now Zaara must be made to understand.
If this wedding does not take place tomorrow…
then Jehangir Hayaat Khan's daughter will be
linked forever to an Indian.
Khan Sahab's years of hard work will be wasted.
He'll lose the elections for sure,
and also face a lifetime of disgrace.
Your husband will not be able to withstand the weight of
such terrible shame and dishonor.
He will not bear it.
Bring the groom to our house,
the wedding will most definitely take place tomorrow.
Where are you going?
To Zaara's house.
Don't go. Let the night pass.
Raza is looking for you everywhere. The house is completely silent.
You can do nothing there. Her father has suffered a great trauma.
I caused the trauma.
I am the cure too.
I didn't come here just to see Zaara's face.
If no one speaks out, of course there will be silence.
Someone must make the first move.
Whether it stirs up a storm, or we hear the wedding shehnai.
My name is Mariam Hayaat Khan.
I'm Zaara's mother.
But perhaps today I have lost the right to call her my own.
My daughter doesn't belong to me anymore.
She belongs to you now.
I am here to ask you to return my daughter to me.
Return our daughter to me,
or her father will die.
He will not be able to endure the stigma.
He will die.
I hear that you have saved people from danger.
You're the one who saved Zaara's life.
So today, save her father's life.
I beg you.
Save him.
Or he will die.
He will die.
A mother does not need to beg her son, she can order him.
Zaara belongs to you and will always belong to you.
Do you think I would take your Zaara away without your permission?
People say that love is blind.
We, too, didn't see beyond our love.
We could only see each other.
We didn't see if we were harming anyone.
If we were hurting anyone.
Or endangering anyone.
We could see nothing.
Now I can see everything clearly.
No love on earth can be more valuable than a life.
Don't worry.
Zaara will marry the man
that her parents have chosen for her.
Prepare for the wedding. I will talk to Zaara.
I promise.
Zaara will consent to the marriage happily.
Is every son in your country like you?
I don't know.
But yes,
in my country every mother is just like you.
If you think I've made the wrong decision,
just tell me.
Then no one can stop me from taking you to India.
You made the right decision.
This has happened because of one silly mistake on my part.
I made myself a promise I would not break down
-when I saw you yesterday… -But that…
Your silly mistake will help me get through the rest of my life.
If you had taken that away from me,
what would I have to take back with me?
Why is God doing this to us?
I have never done anything wrong in my life.
So why is He punishing me?
I have kept two moments of your life with me.
And I'm giving two moments of my life to you.
These two moments are the symbol of our love.
They tell our story too.
We'll live our lives with the help of these two moments.
But with a smile! Happily.
Our love will not lessen.
Nor our duties remain unfulfilled.
You will be a good wife,
and protect your parents' honor.
I'll go back to my village
and make Bauji's dreams come true.
And when you have
eight or ten little children, you must all come
and visit me.
I'll take you for a ride on the cycle,
and show you the new village.
After having so many kids,
I won't be able to sit on a cycle.
Yes! You have a point.
I will…
I will arrange for a large tractor.
Was that you? Or a fragrance floating in the wind?
Was that you? Or myriad colors all around us?
Was that you? Or the dappled light on the path?
Was that you? Or songs echoing in the air?
Was that you? Or the answer to my life?
Was that you? Or magic casting a spell?
For two fleeting moments the caravan of dreams stopped
Then you went your way and I went mine
For two fleeting moments lasted the story of our love
And then you went your way and I went mine
Father, I'm getting married today.
Won't you give me away?
Won't you put your hand on my head and bless me?
Forgive me, my sweet child.
I don't know if this is obligation on my part
or weakness.
Forgive me.
This is a holy amulet. It will protect you.
When you cross the border,
take the coins out from the amulet and give them to the needy.
My religion doesn't permit it, but from now,
I will pray every day to Allah
that Zaara may be yours every time she is reborn.
I'm going.
Listen.
Sign here.
-What is this? -Here.
It says my name is Rajesh Rathore.
And I work for the Indian Intelligence RA&W.
"Critical… political…secrecy?"
-I send Pakistani secrets to India? -That's right.
That isn't right.
My name is Veer Pratap Singh. Ex-Indian Air Force.
I came here two days ago to meet somebody.
Now I'm going back.
My passport is in my bag, you can check.
We found this in your bag
The name is clearly written - Rajesh Rathore.
Let me see.
We have witnesses who can identify you.
What is all this? Why are you doing this?
You say you came to meet someone.
Tell me their name. We'll summon them.
Yes… I'm…
I'm here…
Continue.
I didn't come to meet anyone.
Bravo! Such love.
Take her name and she'll be defamed.
You prefer ruin
but will not let your love be disgraced.
Bravo, Veer Sahab. This is what I had hoped of you.
Veer Sahab, there's something unique to both our countries.
Power and money allows us to do many things.
Right?
What did you think?
You'd come here,
declare your love for my future wife in front of everyone
and then go back.
And I'd stand by watching the circus in silence.
Veer Sahab, I'm about to start a life with a girl
who is in love with someone else.
It's my bad luck that I can't say no to this marriage.
Just think…
Imagine the living hell I will have to endure every day.
You and Zaara fell in love.
And I am the one to be tested.
Either your life will be a living hell,
or Zaara's.
Not mine.
You are so proud of your love.
Now your love will be tested.
Whether I make Zaara's life heaven or hell
is in your hands.
As long as you say nothing and stay locked up,
Zaara's life will be more beautiful than heaven.
Open your mouth
and Zaara's life will be worse than hell.
Veer Pratap Singh's identity must be obliterated.
So Zaara Haayat Khan's life can become bountiful.
Isn't that the real test of love?
I'll take my leave.
It's time for the wedding.
Either you disgrace Zaara and her family and get your freedom,
or sign those papers and ensure Zaara has a lifetime of happiness.
The decision is yours.
Khuda Hafiz.
Why is there a tradition of cruelty?
Why does society have the rules it has?
These are the traditions of the world, I am bound by them
Do not ask what I lament. Or why sadness is my lot
What can I say? Why love is considered a crime
Some get nothing but tears. Why must this happen?
Why is everyone a stranger to the heart?
What turn has this story taken?
What sort of world do we live in?
Sorrow invades places of joy
What sort of world do we live in?
Sorrow invades places of joy
Who do I call my own? Who do I call a stranger?
What turn has this story taken?
Miss Zaara Hayaat Khan, daughter of Jehangir Hayaat Khan,
your marriage to Raza Shirazi,
son of Abdul Malik Shirazi
has been settled with the "mahr" at 5 million rupees.
Do you consent?
What turn has my story taken?
Do you admit that your name is Rajesh Rathore?
My story of love. My story of love
What turn has my story taken?
I consent.
What turn has my story taken?
The bus that left Lahore had an accident before it arrived in India.
No one survived.
My name was on the passenger list.
I was pleased that Bauji and Maati would hear that I had died.
If they thought I was missing,
then they would neither live nor die in peace.
In India, Veer Singh was believed to be dead…
and in Pakistan, there was no trace of Veer Singh.
Now his only identity was…
Prisoner number 786.
7… 786.
My country owes you a debt of 22 years.
I can't give you back your 22 years.
But I take a vow…
I shall not lay flowers on my father's grave
until Veer Pratap Singh is given back his name, his identity, and his country.
So, Ms. Saamiya Siddiqui, is this your first case?
-Yes. -Congratulations.
Thank you, sir.
You are a defense counsel for the Human Rights Commission?
-That's right, sir. -Good. That's good.
-Who's the lawyer for the prosecution? -He must be on his way.
May I come in, sir?
Oh, Zakir sahab, it's you!
-Good morning, sir. -Good morning!
Please come in.
That's Mr. Zakir Ahmed.
I know him. I know him well.
Welcome.
Sorry, Your Honor. You're aware of the traffic in Lahore.
Zakir sahab,
will you be representing the Pakistan government in this case?
Yes, sir. It's been ages since I've been inside a courtroom.
People might think Zakir Ahmed has forgotten how to fight a case.
Besides, I think this is an interesting case.
What do you think, Saamiya?
Do you know each other?
Yes. Saamiya used to work for us.
But perhaps she didn't approve of our methods,
so she switched to the Human Rights camp.
She's a capable lady. It'll be fun opposing her this case.
I have a special reason for calling you both here.
It would be best if both parties reached an out-of-court settlement.
If not, the case begins the day after tomorrow.
But if there's a delay,
the next court date could be in six months to a year.
We're ready, sir,
-but if the defense needs time-- -The defense is ready, sir.
But, Saamiya…
Sir, let us start the day after tomorrow.
My client has been waiting 22 years for justice.
I can't make him wait any longer.
Okay, then. That's fixed.
I thank you both for coming.
-Khuda Hafiz. -Khuda Hafiz.
Okay, Saamiya. I'll see you in court. Khuda Hafiz.
This is an impossible case.
With Zakir Ahmed opposing us, we have no chance.
But this case is below his status. I don't know why--
I can't understand it.
Listen, make some excuse and drop the case.
This is your first case,
and Zakir Ahmed loves humiliating the opposition.
-He'll ruin your career. -That's what he wants.
-What do you mean? -Saahil, do something.
Go to the office and make a list of the witnesses.
I'll join you soon.
-Where are you going? -To meet Zakir Ahmed.
Okay. What? Saamiya!
Ms. Saamiya Siddiqui!
You swore never to set foot inside my office again.
Then how could you bear coming back here today?
Nothing of the sort, sir.
We just didn't see eye to eye on our principles.
As I did not respect your principles, I thought it would be better if I left.
Interesting. Very interesting.
High principles for someone so young.
My principles are my father's legacy.
Did you know you were the first person to refuse
a case offered by Zakir Ahmed?
People wait here for years hoping for their first case.
But I recognized your talent and chose you.
I put aside your age, inexperience
and even the fact that you're a woman.
And what did you do in return?
You threw the case back in my face.
The case would've meant letting a criminal go free, sir.
That was wrong in my view.
A lawyer's job isn't deciding what's right or wrong.
The law decides that.
A lawyer's duty is to win the case no matter what. That's it.
That's the difference between you and me.
Your principles are to fight to win, mine are to fight for the truth.
Interesting. Very interesting!
So now you'll teach me my job as a lawyer.
I suppose that was all that was left.
Never mind. If we talk of the past, we'll sprinkle salt on old wounds.
If you've bothered to come here, it must be something important.
Sit down.
What can Zakir Ahmed do for you?
You see, sir, this is my first case.
It's obvious I will make mistakes.
With you as my opponent, my troubles will only double.
I don't want anything that I do out of naivety
to jeopardize the Indian prisoner's freedom.
Because the truth is he's completely innocent.
He has suffered a great injustice.
And he has a right to his freedom.
Ultimately you've stooped to my level.
Basically you're asking for help to win your first case. Right?
Defeating Zakir Ahmed will give your career a flying start. No?
You forget that Zakir Ahmed has never lost a single case,
and it's very important for me to win this case.
Because I want to teach a lesson to headstrong youngsters like you
what happens if you don't agree with Zakir Ahmed's principles.
What's wrong, Saamiya Siddiqui?
Have you lost so much faith in your grand principles
that you come begging for victory?
Forgive me, sir. For a moment, I thought you were human.
I only came to discuss whether we could settle out of court
and let the prisoner be released.
But you mistook my humanity for weakness.
I'll see you in court, sir.
Be prepared to lose a case for the first time.
Prisoner number 786 will be sent to India, neither you
or the Pakistani government can stop me.
Very interesting. Interesting.
Can I ask you something?
You haven't spoken to anyone in all these years,
so why tell me your story?
You called me by my name.
Sorry?
You're the first person who believed I'm innocent.
The first person
who believed I am indeed Veer Singh.
The truth is that
after all these years I had forgotten my own identity.
You reminded me who I am.
You respected me by calling me by my name.
Veer Pratap Singh.
For 22 years…
22 years - every day - for a prisoner who was insulted,
it was a great thing.
A very great thing.
I want to have some more.
Tomorrow is our first day in court.
Remember your promise?
You'll change out of Prisoner 786's clothes
and come as Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh.
-No. -What?
-Do you remember your promise? -Most certainly!
Under no circumstances will I mention Zaara or the Hayaat Khan family.
Keep your promise
and I'll keep mine.
Your Honor, the defense would like to call the first witness.
Defense calls its first witness.
Defense rests, Your Honor.
The prosecution may present its case.
Your Honor,
a man has been imprisoned within four walls for the past 22 years.
And that jail is in Pakistan.
And the man who was in a Pakistani jail for 22 years
is an Indian.
Hearing his story, you, me
and everyone else sitting in this courtroom will have tears in their eyes.
Wishing that somehow this man can return to his country.
Returns to his home.
Because we are human. And we have been taught
to respect all human beings.
But, Your Honor,
the court of law sees what a man cannot see.
And according to the law, the State is more important than any individual.
For a man who works against the interests of a country,
22 years is too little, a death sentence is more fitting.
This case is as transparent as water, Your Honor.
There's no question of doubt.
With the help of three witnesses, the prosecution will prove in 30 minutes
that until he dies, defendant Rajesh Rathore,
is unworthy of returning to his country.
That's all, Your Honor.
I call the defense to present its case.
Miss Siddiqui, best of luck.
Your Honor, counsel for the prosecution, Mr. Zahir Khan was quick…
Zakir Ahmed!
…to state that this case is as transparent as water.
But Mr Zahir Khan,
Miss Saamiya Siddiqui, my name is Zakir Ahmed!
Does being called by a different name make you so angry?
Then imagine
how it must feel to be called by another name for 22 years?
Your Honor, this case is not just about sending an Indian back home.
This case is about returning a man his identity and individuality.
A human being is asking his name be returned to him, Your Honor.
He's telling you, "I am Veer Pratap Singh,
"ex-Indian Air Force Officer. Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh.
"Give me back the respect of my name. I want nothing else."
Your Honor, unlike the counsel for the prosecution,
I may need more than 30 minutes, but I'll prove he is not Rajesh Rathore,
but Veer Pratap Singh. Then whether you send him back to India
or hold him in Pakistan is in your hands.
That's all, Your Honor.
The prosecution may call their witnesses.
Your Honor, I call the first witness, police inspector Dilbaaz Khan.
The officer who arrested Rajesh Rathore 22 years ago.
Mr Dilbaaz Khan, I know a lot of time has passed by.
Can you tell the court with total certainty who this man is?
Yes, sir. I remember him very well.
He is an Indian spy, an agent of RA&W, Rajesh Rathore.
About 22 years ago, Anwar Ali and I
forced him off the bus from Lahore to India and arrested him.
We received information that this man was plotting against Pakistan.
Good.
Mr Anwar Ali, tell me,
if you found a passport on him identifying him as Rajesh Rathore,
then how's it possible the same man's bus ticket
was in Veer Pratap Singh's name?
But, sir, that was just it…
Your Honor,
this man had a second passport in the name of Veer Pratap Singh.
How can one man have two passports?
That is why we were certain of our suspicions.
When we questioned him, he signed a statement admitting that
he was Rajesh Rathore.
I have observed him for the past 10 years.
He is always quiet and keeps to himself.
He never communicates with anyone.
But whenever a prisoner is ill or upset,
he looks after him and comforts him.
I don't know if he is Veer Pratap Singh or Rajesh Rathore.
To me he's Prisoner 786.
Allah's own man.
Sir, this Hindu is Allah's noble and good man.
He has spent 22 years in prison.
Can there be any greater punishment?
Send him back to his country.
Send him back, sir.
Mr Majid Khan, it seems you have no great affection for your country Pakistan.
If it were up to you then every spy
and conspirator against Pakistan should be set free by the court.
-Sir, that's not what I meant. -Just answer with a yes or a no.
Yes or no!
-No. -Good. Your witness.
No questions, Your Honor.
The case will be adjourned
until Monday 21st March.
I shall hear the defense's plea on that day.
I shall pass judgement immediately after that.
The defense must be ready with their case.
The court is adjourned.
-I have to mention Zaara. -No.
Please.
Allow me to summon any member of Zaara Hayaat's family.
The verdict will instantly turn in our favor.
Absolutely not.
Don't you understand? We're losing the case.
The court has no time for prisoners like you.
In this country there are too many prisoners and too few courts of law.
Sometimes cases come up after the prisoners are dead.
You won't get another chance.
You'll end up dying here. Can't you understand?
By now Zaara must be the mother of two children.
She may have a 21-year-old daughter
and 19-year-old son.
She must have lived through good and bad times.
Now her every morning and every evening would have turned mellow.
She must be living a peaceful life.
Zaara.
And you'll drag her into court and ask her in front of everyone,
who is Veer Pratap Singh?
There will be questions about the relationship between Veer and Zaara.
No one will understand the answer.
No one.
Raza Shirazi will divorce her in an instant,
and her life will be ruined.
Zaara must be living a peaceful life.
I have been protecting her honor for 22 years.
How can I trample on her honor now,
in exchange of returning home?
I can't do that, Saamiya. And I know you won't be able to either.
I'm sorry.
Being a lawyer made me forget my humanity for a moment.
I forgot…
Veer and Zaara's names can't be taken in one breath.
There's only one way out. I must go to India
to establish Veer Pratap Singh's identity.
Time is short.
I'll go. May God protect you.
Saamiya.
Till now this amulet has protected me,
now it will protect you.
If I lose,
will you forgive me?
On one condition.
That you bring me laddoos every day.
Khuda Hafiz.
Stop, brother.
Can you tell me where Chaudhury Sumer Singh lives?
Sure. It's the largest house on the corner.
-That's Chaudhury sir's house. -Thanks.
-Who are you looking for? -Chaudhury Sahab and his wife.
They both died years ago.
Allah!
But if you want to see the house, you're welcome.
Their house is open to everyone. Sorry, I'm in a hurry. Namaste.
Zaara. Oh, Zaara!
I won't spare you.
Who are you? What do you want?
Why are you crying?
Say something. Are you deaf?
Shabbo, we have a visitor.
And you, Jassi, come here.
You'll be the death of me.
I'll tell your mother you never study.
Yes? Tell me.
What do you want?
Are you Shabbo?
Who else would I be?
And is she… Zaara?
You came here to ask me that?
Is she Zaara Hayaat Khan?
How do you know her name?
Is she Jehangir Hayaat Khan's daughter from Lahore?
Who are you?
When she heard of Veer's death, Zaara broke off the marriage.
Her father arranged her divorce.
Zaara came here to help Bauji and Maati
and make Veer's dream come true.
Raza settled abroad.
Her father left politics.
He died two years later.
A few years later her mother died too.
The Hayaat Khan name no longer exists.
Today Bauji and Maati are no more
but she won't go back.
She says, "My soul belongs here.
"Now I'll live and die here."
Which century do these people belong to, Shabbo?
There's Veer who has so easily sacrificed 22 years of his life
to protect Zaara's name?
And there's Zaara who has given 22 years of her life
to strangers in a country that isn't hers
so that Veer's dream stays alive.
Are they humans in the guise of Gods,
or are they Gods in the guise of humans?
This was my mother's…
Twenty-two years ago Mariam Hayaat Khan
tied this amulet to protect an Indian
and bid him farewell.
That person never returned to India,
but for 22 years, this amulet has protected him.
The person's name is…
Veer Pratap Singh.
He's in a prison in Lahore.
I am his lawyer.
And I have come to take you to him.
For the last 22 years,
God has made you both endure a terrible test.
Now not even God can separate Zaara from Veer.
Mr Saahil Farouqi, where is the defense counsel?
Your Honor, she must be on her way.
Looks like she is accepting defeat.
Let us start, please.
How irresponsible.
How irresponsible of the defense counsel not to be here.
Mr Saahil Farouqi, have you anything to say?
Your Honor, Saamiya,
my learned colleague, will be here shortly.
No problem.
There is a problem, Mr Farouqi. There is a problem.
Wasting the court's time is no laughing matter.
I told her clearly
today has been reserved for the defense's plea.
So why is she absent?
Obviously, the defense has no case.
Silence on the defendant's part and…
…no one appearing on behalf of the defense…
For you I have lived these many years
With lips sealed
For you I have lived these many years
Swallowing my tears
But in my heart the flames
Of love have burned
Only for you
For you I have lived these many years
Swallowing my tears
For you I have lived these many years
With lips sealed
But in my heart the flames
Of love have burned
Only for you
Life brings back today
Days of the past
Life brings back today
Days of the past
Surrounding me
Are countless memories
To questions never asked
I have found many answers
What I had longed for and what came to pass
I have seen those days too
But in my heart the flames
Of love have burned
Only for you
What can I say of the cruelty
this world inflicted on me?
What can I say of the cruelty
this world inflicted on me?
I was ordered to live a life
but a life without you
How naïve are those who say
that I do not know you
How many ordeals
Did this world made us suffer
But in my heart the flames
Of love have burned
Only for you
For you I have lived these many years
With lips sealed
For you I have lived these many years
Swallowing my tears
But in my heart the flames
Of love have burned
Only for you
Zaara Hayaat Khan's testimony
and the photographs and documents presented by her prove that
he is not Rajesh Rathore but Veer Pratap Singh.
To save a Pakistani girl from stigma and disgrace,
he signed the statement.
Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh,
this court exonerates you.
Order! Order!
Go, Veer Pratap Singh, go.
You have the right to return to your country with your head held high.
And for the 22 years life spent in prison,
the State of Pakistan and this court asks your forgiveness.
If you wish to speak, you have my permission.
I…
I, Prisoner number 786,
look through the prison bars.
I see days, weeks and months turn into long years.
The soil of this land has the fragrance of my Bauji's fields.
This burning heat reminds me of my Maati's chilled lassi.
This rain reminds me of the swings I played on in the monsoons.
This cold winter is warmed by the fires of the Lodi celebration.
They tell me, "This is not your country."
Then why does it resemble my country?
He says we are not the same people,
but why do they look like me?
I, Prisoner number 786, look through the prison bars.
Coming out of a dream, I see a delicate fairy.
She calls herself Saamiya and calls me "Veer".
She's a complete stranger but treats me as her own.
Hearing her truthful words, I feel like living once again.
Hearing her promises and vows, I feel like doing something meaningful again.
They say she is nothing to me.
Then why does she fight the world for me?
They say we don't look like the same people,
then why does she look like me?
I, Prisoner number 786, look through the prison bars.
I see my Zaara wrapped in the colors of my village.
In making my dream come true, she has forgotten her dreams.
Serving my people, she has left behind her own people.
Now I feel like filling her life with happiness.
I feel like living another lifetime for her.
They say she does not belong to my country.
Then why is she staying in my home?
They say we don't look like the same people,
then why does she look like me?
I, Prisoner number 786.
Look through the prison bars.
-Thank you. Thank you. -Congratulations.
-Thank you.
-Saamiya.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
This was my last case.
I'm giving up the law.
Because you've taught me today that I'm not worthy of this work.
I always believed that a country's progress is measured
by its judicial system.
What I have understood today is that the fate of India and Pakistan
rests in the hands of young people like you.
People who do not measure humans
as important-unimportant, man-woman, or Hindu-Muslim.
Those who don't constantly rub salt
on old and bitter memories of 1947, 1965, and 1999.
The truth is what the young wish to live the future with.
And there's no stopping a country where truth prevails.
Thank you, Saamiya.
Thank you for teaching me the value of truth and justice.
Your father would have been proud of you today.
Very proud.
I am.
-Khuda Hafiz. -Khuda Hafiz.
Veer lost Zaara in Pakistan.
So, Veer and Zaara will finally be united on Pakistani soil.
Here, take this. Make our Zaara yours forever.
Take it.
Once, you said that Veer and Zaara's names
could never be taken in the same breath.
Today, Veer and Zaara's names are bound together for eternity.
What Veer said is right.
You're truly an angel sent by God for us.
Come on.
Look, your country is waiting for you.
Come on, Zaara.
Let's go home.
INDIA
The earth is golden, the sky is blue
Every season is so full of color
Such is my country
CHAUDHURY SUMER SINGH SARASWATI DEVI .