You're back from Bombay?
-Came straight from the station. -Okay.
How was your screen test?
Must be good.
So I guess it's finally time for you to say goodbye to Lucknow.
The job pays well.
Really?
I won't have to borrow from you anymore.
I know a lot of rich men.
But I would gladly spend my riches
on someone talented like you.
What is this?
The audition script.
It's rubbish.
I think these guys don't pay their writers.
-Listen to this. -No.
You can worry about the broke writers later.
-Action! -This heartless world...
This cruel society.
A woman's dignity is always at stake here, Mr. Kamal.
We can't stand for ourselves,
or voice our grievance.
We just live in fear, without saying a word.
And yet, we survive.
-We can handle this too... -She's absolutely right,
but with such overacting
she's bound to lose this audition along with her dignity.
Great. Let's do that again.
-This heartless world. -Meena.
What's your name?
Niloufer.
We've never met before.
Are you new?
Yes. I just moved to Bombay recently.
-I see. Where do you live? -Marine Drive.
You just came to Bombay and you live at Marine Drive?
It's a gift.
-Oh! -Where do you live?
Shacked up at an apartment nearby.
The old hag is a real pain.
Come live with me.
Really?
Why not? Even I get bored all alone.
But when your gift guy stops by...
I'll hang a scarf at the door.
You can stay outside for a little while.
He doesn't last long anyway.
-Niloufer Qureshi. -Yes.
What have you prepared?
Madan Kumar's scene from Sunghursh.
Motherfucker Madan Kumar!
He's everywhere.
You want to be Madan Kumar?
-I need a heroine, not a hero. -Sir.
Sir, Mr. Walia has sent her.
-The producer? -Yes.
Okay, go ahead.
Roll sound.
Rolling. Niloufer, take one.
Roll camera.
-Rolling. -Action!
"I might have made
"many mistakes in my life,
"but regretting my actions
"and apologizing..."
"...is against my principles.
"So before I lose my last shred of humanity,
"please leave, Father!"
That was Madan Kumar.
You were just listening to Madan Kumar himself.
Exclusively for our listeners,
a dialogue from his superhit movie, Sunghursh.
Well, our next listener is Rita Arora.
She's from Jabalpur, and she wants to know
where did you learn how to light a cigarette so stylishly?
I just did what came to me naturally.
And once I did that, I had to maintain it throughout the movie.
Another beautiful anecdote from the silver screen,
that is, the world behind the lens.
Our next listener is Mukul Mukherjee.
He wants to listen to the Udankhatole song from Sunghursh.
-Great, let's hear it. -Mr. Mukul,
here is the song you requested, Udankhatole.
The love nightingale Sings through your lips
The love nightingale
Look at the coincidence, sir.
Your song is on the radio again.
Looks like this model is made for you.
Try it out.
Perfect leg room for you.
Comfortable hand gear. No added pressure on the hand.
And the best average, three kilometer per liter.
Binod, what's wrong?
What happened?
-Tell me. -Nothing.
Everyone's watching.
Mr. Sunder, is it?
Let's go.
What do you want?
Ten thousand rupees a year.
That's a huge amount.
Not for Madan Kumar.
I earn five hundred rupees a month.
Six thousand a year.
Understand?
That's your problem.
I don't care how you get it.
But why should I give you this money?
I know...
that Jamshed left with you in your car that night.
No one has seen him since.
He wanted to go to the station.
I just offered him a ride.
And then, we went our separate ways.
Your way turned out to be great.
I can only offer my sympathies.
And about posing as Mr. Sunder,
I did that as a worker of Roy Talkies.
They also found your car.
All burned.
At the same place where the cops found Jamshed's body.
-I also have the license plate. -So?
Jamshed is dead...
The car burnt down,
but you got away.
And then you became Madan Kumar.
Now Madan Kumar has to pay for Binod Das' sins.
Blackmail is a crime.
So is murder.
Malad Police Station is right across the studio.
Go. Get out.
It was him.
He used a fake identity to meet Jamshed.
He offered Jamshed a ride.
Get in the car.
There's no case.
The evidence is circumstantial.
Maqsood can only give a testimony.
He's not even an eyewitness.
And he tried to blackmail Binod first.
Madan Kumar.
I'm sorry?
He tried to blackmail Madan Kumar.
If Madan Kumar wins this case,
he could sue us for defamation.
Mr. Majumdar, what's the status of the loan?
If Sunghursh keeps performing like this,
the studio mortgage
can be easily recovered.
You're still thinking about the movie?
Will you take Binod to court or not?
He's a rising star. The people and the industry will stand by him
in case he sues us for defamation.
If you want revenge from Binod, then go fight him.
Not Madan Kumar.
Miss Sumitra, you have one trump card.
You don't have to
use it right away.
Wait for the right moment,
let Das make a mistake.
By the way, where is this Maqsood?
Hey, why are you sitting all alone?
What will make you happy?
After golden jubilee?
Ratna!
You remember when I was leaving for Lucknow,
-I told you I was going for a recce? -Yes.
I lied to you.
Miss Sumitra
was eloping to Karachi with Madan Kumar-Jamshed Khan.
And I was sent to bring them back to Bombay.
The night when...
Jamshed had his train to Karachi...
I offered him
a ride in my car.
And...
The rioters attacked the car.
I got out of the car and ran away.
Jamshed Khan caught hold of me in fear.
I just...
I just hit him to free my hand.
I didn't look back to see what happened to him.
Maybe I should have turned around.
Maybe I should have stopped them.
Maybe I should have saved Jamshed Khan.
But I was scared.
And I ran away.
Did I do the right thing?
Yes.
Right?
You did the right thing, Binod.
You had to come back to me and Naren.
The man who was eloping with someone else's wife,
I'm sure no one would be waiting for him.
Heroes only look good on the big screen.
Right?
Jamshed cheated Mr. Roy, and got what he deserved.
And I was rewarded.
If people find out about this...
they'll never forgive the second Madan Kumar.
Because he let the first Madan Kumar die.
You think my Madan Kumar is a loser? He will hit them hard.
Kunwar, Bombay police is looking everywhere for you.
The Superintendent has vowed to find you, dead or alive.
You should leave immediately.
He's not just the Superintendent, but my father too.
But Kunwar is the Godfather.
I am not a coward to run away.
That's it.
Bloody Madan Kumar!
-What's the matter? -I'm an asshole.
-I dropped this movie. -You dropped...
-You dropped it? -Yeah.
I've watched it 14 times already.
You're gonna watch the fifteenth time today?
You're on your own. I can't.
My blood pressure is rising just thinking about the mistake I made.
Take some money.
Eat something. I'll send the driver back to pick you up.
I can't watch this movie. Excuse me.
And what a punch!
Oh, hey, broke-ass
but rich at heart!
You?
What brings you here?
We can talk in the car. Get in.
You got me kicked out last time.
What? Get inside.
Where are you coming from?
I had gone to see Sunghursh.
I've watched it 15 times.
It's a good movie.
Are you very rich?
Yes. And you?
Still Mr. Empty-pockets?
I've joined Roy Talkies.
Really?
-Then you must've seen Madan Kumar. -Yes, I have.
He's not invisible, you know.
-He's a friend. -Really?
Isn't he so handsome?
Madan Kumar.
He looks okay in person. It's just the big screen magic.
What do you do at Roy Talkies?
I'm an assistant director,
but one has to multi-task.
Where do you live?
At the refugee camp in Sion.
We fled from Karachi during the riots.
We had arranged for a big house, but it's mandatory to stay in the camp.
Is it? Come, I'll drop you home today.
Ma'am, that area isn't safe at night.
It's a deserted area.
And you have jewels stashed in your car, is it?
Hey, let's drop him.
As you say, ma'am. But I won't go beyond Mahim bridge.
-I'm taking the umbrella. -Sure.
Hey, where are you taking that?
-I'll return it! -No, that's my boss'. He got it abroad.
Hey, ma'am! Ma'am!
-Hey, ma'am! -Wait, Mr. Prince!
Remember me as the rich woman you once met.
-It's raining. -It's raining.
I want to get wet.
Damn it!
We lost the umbrella.
Maybe it'll fly back abroad.
-Damn. -Damn.
Chandu danced, Chanda danced
All the stars also danced along
Danced along
Whose stars will shine tomorrow, no one knows
Chandu dances
Chandu danced, Chanda danced All the stars also danced along
Danced along
Whose stars will shine tomorrow No one knows.
Chandu dances
Chandu dances...
Don't judge by my face I am an expert trickster
I look colorless But I burst with colors inside
One day I will fly away I'm a magical creature
Who am I, tell me my dear?
-A butterfly! -Yes!
Chandu danced, Chanda danced All the stars also danced along
Danced along
Whose stars will shine tomorrow No one knows
Chandu dances
I do what I like I am very passionate
Sometimes I'm dark Kishan-Kanhaiya Sometimes I'm a beautiful dame
Sometimes I'm heavy, sometimes I'm light, Lightning is my friend
Who am I, tell me my dear?
-A cloud! -Yes!
Chandu danced, Chanda danced All the stars also danced along
Danced along
Whose stars will shine tomorrow No one knows
Chandu dances
Chandu danced, Chanda danced All the stars also danced along
Danced along
Whose stars will shine tomorrow No one knows
Chandu dances, Chandu dances
The port of Karachi that welcomes one and all.
-Karachi? -Yes.
Oh, I mean Bombay. This was a play before where a village boy comes to Karachi.
To make a living. But in the movie, he'll come from Karachi to Bombay.
-Okay. -Due to the partition.
And then?
Our hero is a part of the crowd.
An ordinary taxi driver,
who came to Karachi from a small village, I mean to Bombay... to earn money.
He meets an honest teacher in Bombay,
-and they fall in love. -Okay.
After many months of struggle, he finally gets a job as a taxi driver.
He barely makes a living.
And just then, he meets a man
who asks him to help some bank robbers escape.
The hero hesitates at first.
But then he says--
Jay. Recite the scene, not the story.
What's my first shot?
Okay.
The movie begins.
It's dawn. First shot.
Bombay city... just waking up.
A taxi in the middle of the street.
Our hero, Sarju, is driving it.
Sarju's hands are on the wheel...
Covered in blood.
A gun on the passenger seat.
Blood splashed on his clothes, on his face.
The title appears, Taxi Driver.
Starring Madan Kumar.
Roy,
more than 80 percent of free India is illiterate.
They can't read newspapers, or books,
or any political manifestos.
That leaves us with only two mediums to reach the masses.
Just two. Cinema and radio.
That's you and me.
Mullick.
America and the Soviet Union,
are both courting the Indian government currently.
They want to get a way into cinema and radio.
The Cold War has begun.
Both the countries want to make propaganda movies.
The Soviet Union has sent their special man here for this.
Vladimir Sayadyants.
He has worked on many propaganda movies for them.
In China.
Basically, he's a messenger between the PM and Stalin.
Madan Kumar...
Madan Kumar is one of the biggest rising stars of the country.
People imitate him. They mimic his dialogues.
We would like to make Madan Kumar a star in USSR.
So...
You and these Soviet idiots
will tell us which movies to make?
You must've seen people riding horses and mules.
But a monkey only jumps.
From one tree to another.
I am a monkey that no one can ride.
Mr. Roy...
We can make monkeys dance to our tune.
You're not a ringmaster...
because you are a puppet yourself dancing to the tunes of someone else.
-Next. -Hold on.
Next!
See you, Mom.
Bye, Father.
May God bless you.
Morning, Mr. Narain.
Mr. Pratap.
Good morning! Please come.
-How are you, son? -All good, uncle.
In order to help our Punjabi refugee brothers,
and improve the living conditions of the camp,
I have decided to contest in the Municipality elections.
That's great!
You're the only one who's looking after the entire clan.
Someone needs to stand
-before the government. -Absolutely!
Jay!
The room behind Barrack 32 is our party office.
You can come from today.
Uncle, I... I can't quit my job.
You can take some money from the party fund.
I only want to do what I love, uncle.
Well, you tried to do a lot.
Anyway, God bless you, son!
-I'll see you, Mr. Narain. -See you.
-Move. -Kavitha Sharma! Screen test, take one!
-Roll camera. -Rolling.
-Action! -Please, sir, don't take away my food.
I have an old mother and a baby brother to feed at home.
Show some mercy.
Okay. Cut.
-Who's next? -Niloufer Qureshi.
Be ready. We'll continue after lunch.
Break for lunch.
Come on, lunch break!
Be back here in 30 minutes.
Make sure the floor is clean by then.
Okay, I'll do it.
Come here and eat.
Son, not this one, remove this.
Come here.
You?
Be quick now.
I thought I might bump into you here.
Just came to see if everything's okay.
I don't usually attend small auditions.
-We poor actors don't have a choice. -Is that so?
Have some food.
You eat. These guys won't feed you.
Whose car was it that day?
Walia. Shamsher Walia.
-He finances movies. -Okay...
And, he finances you too?
He showers it on me!
Which movie are you working on?
I'm thinking of starting my own movie.
As a director.
With Madan Kumar.
What?
What're you doing, spot? Get up.
And don't touch the costumes again.
Take it off quick!
Jay.
Run and get some tea. Everyone's asking for it.
And why do you leave the cleaning cloth? Boss doesn't like it.
Some call me camper, some refugee...
here it's spot boy.
I have three names.
They are better than hooker, whore, and mistress.
Come on, show me your canteen.
Shall we?
So...
-What? -That's my studio.
That's my car and that's my canteen.
-Yours? -Of course.
-Will you have some? -Will you feed me?
-There you are, Nilo! Come on! -What? Where?
Look there, it's your Madan Kumar.
Oh my God!
There are such hot men
in the movie industry!
That one's married.
Shut up, mister.
Marriages in the movie industry don't count. It's all good.
By the way, who are you?
He's Madan Kumar's friend.
He's a spot boy.
Meena!
Let's go, please.
Come on, Meena. Let's get his autograph.
At least he'll look at us.
Only dirty looks, please.
Let's go.
Let's go. Come, Niloufer.
-No, you guys go ahead. -Come on.
Why didn't you go?
Not today. Not like this.
The world looks
In disbelief
Sir, autograph please.
Thank you, sir.
Oh my God!
What happened?
Hey...
Nilo!
Jay.
Mr. Madan.
What's up?
I gave your script to Mr. Roy.
He wants to meet you.
-Really? -Yes.
Who's that girl?
Who?
When shall I meet him?
This evening.
Stay back after your shift. Okay?
Jay Khanna. Khanna Theatre Company.
You must've heard the name.
They were famous pre-partition.
He works in our canteen these days. He's a deserving candidate.
In our canteen?
Yes, sir.
This movie isn't right for your career.
Why so?
You're an ordinary looking guy.
So it's important for Madan Kumar to be rich in every character.
The rich, spoilt child.
If the rich, corrupt gangster suddenly becomes a poor driver,
the people won't be able to unsee it.
I made you a star. Maintain that image. Don't try to be an actor.
Sure, Mr. Roy.
As you wish.
What did he say?
Mr. Roy does not want me to play the role of a poor taxi driver.
Didn't you tell him you like the role?
-Hello? -Did you hire an amateur
named Jay Khanna in the canteen?
Yes, sir. Mr. Madan brought him here.
Listen to me carefully.
You're Roy's biggest asset.
You should know your value in Roy Talkies.
As in?
You pick the stories we ask you to.
Just imagine,
Roy will be forced to make the movies that were picked
by Roy Talkies' biggest star.
And in return, we will promote your movies in USSR,
Turkey, Europe.
And you will help us with your influence to distribute Soviet movies in India.
You're not just the biggest star of Roy Talkies.
You're also Roy's confidant.
You could've had this discussion with Mr. Roy himself.
Why did you call me here?
Madan, Roy is getting old.
And his thinking, obsolete.
He refused, didn't he?
I will do the same.
Think about it...
This is a great proposal.
A star in the USSR!
India's very first international star!
Rejected by the boss, and the servant.
Interesting.
They don't care about you, but you keep serving them.
Make more recording studios.
Recording studios?
Songs?
Hindi movie songs.
Without them,
any Hindi movie is worthless.
If a law were to be passed...
that Hindi movie songs can't be played on the radio.
-On what basis? -Culture.
Civility.
Hindi movie songs are dangerous for Indian culture.
Don't you think so?
Hey, I'm still here.
You want to lock me here?
Thieves should be locked up.
What do you mean?
We were ten rupees short in our accounts tally today.
Now I know why.
Mind your language, sir.
Leave me.
Open the gate!
Throw him out. Get lost.
I'll call the cops if I see you near the studio again.
Go, call them, you fucker!
Shut the gates.
Listen, manager...
My salary.
Salary?
One rupee eight annas.
Extra food.
Here's what's left after adjusting everything.
This. One new paisa.
Take it.
And get lost.
One new paisa?
Madan Kumar is your friend.
Why don't you go to him?
Madan Kumar doesn't own the studio.
At the end of the day,
we're both servants.
He must be helpless too.
I can talk to Mr. Walia for you.
Meet him.
Narrate your script to him.
What say?
Whose magazine is this?
Some friend of Mr. Walia.
You stole the umbrella last time. Eyeing the magazine now?
I'm buying it today.
Translated by Nidhi Thakur
Creative Supervisor Subbaiah KG