| Gaman | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Muzaffar Ali |
| Written by | Hriday Lani |
| Produced by | Muzaffar Ali |
| Starring | Farooq Shaikh Smita Patil Gita Siddharth |
| Cinematography | Nadeem Khan |
| Edited by | Jethu Mundul |
| Music by | Jaidev Shahryar,Makhdoom Mohiuddin(lyrics) |
| Distributed by | Integrated Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 135 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Languages | Hindi Urdu |
Gaman (Hindi:गमन, English: Departure) is aHindi film released in 1978, starringFarooq Sheikh andSmita Patil in the lead roles and introducingNana Patekar in a supporting role. It is thedirectorial debut ofMuzaffar Ali, who went on to makeUmrao Jaan (1981). The film deals with the issue of the futility ofurban migration, using the story of a migrant fromUttar Pradesh toMumbai, who tries to find a foothold in his new life as a taxi driver.[1][2][3]
The film's music was byJaidev, who won theNational Film Award for Best Music Direction in 1979 for his work,[4] and for the Song "Aap ki Yaad Aati Rahi",Chhaya Ganguly won aNational Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.[5]Shahryar wrote songs for the film, most notably "Seene Mein Jalan, Aankhon Mein Toofaan", sung bySuresh Wadkar, which highlighted the alienation and broken dreams of the migrant community.[6][7] Ghazal singerHariharan made his playback singing debut with the film.[8]
In order to improve their lifestyle, Ghulam Hasan (Farooq Shaikh), who hails from Kotwara,Kheri, a town inUttar Pradesh, decides to relocate toBombay, on the insistence of his close friend Lalulal Tiwari (Jalal Agha). He leaves behind his ailing mother and wife (Smita Patil). Lalulal helps him get a job cleaning taxis. Ghulam subsequently learns how to drive, and is hired to drive a taxi. In spite of his best efforts, he is unable to save enough money to visit Kotwara and his family.
Lalulal has problems of his own, in spite of being settled in Bombay for several years. Having a sweetheart, Yashodra (Gita Siddharth), he is unable to even rent a decent apartment, and lives in a shanty tenement, which is slated to be demolished by theBombay Municipal Corporation. Ghulam receives a letter from his wife and learns that his mother's health has deteriorated. Ghulam is in need of about 500 rs. Lalulal arranges some money for him but advises him to send money by money order instead of going to home in person.
Ultimately, Lalulal and Yashodara are murdered by the latter's family, as the family wants Yashodara to go to Dubai for work to support them instead of marrying Lalulal. This incident is a big blow to Ghulam and he decides to return to Kotwara, but procrastination prevents him from doing so. Closing shots show him driving his taxi in the city of dreams.
All music is composed byJaidev.
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Aap ki Yaad Aati Rahi" | Chhaya Ganguly | |
| 2. | "Seene Mein Jalan, Aankhon Mein Toofaan" | Suresh Wadkar | |
| 3. | "Ajeeb Saneha Mujhpar Guzar Gaya" | Hariharan | |
| 4. | "Ras ke Bhare Tore Nain" | Hira Devi Mishra | |
| 5. | "Nausha amiron ka" | Hira Devi Mishra |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Muzaffar Ali | National Film Award – Special Mention (feature film) | Won |
| 1979 | Chhaya Ganguli (forAap ki Yaad Aati Rahi) | National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer | Won |
| 1979 | Jaidev | National Film Award for Best Music Direction | Won |