Saawariya 2007
Directed by
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Made by
Columbia Pictures
Plot Summary
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Gulabji (Rani Mukerji), a prostitute who often visits the opulent RK Bar, the most exclusive club in town. She recounts her past through flashbacks, particularly focusing on one fateful night when she encountered Raj (Ranbir Kapoor). Known as “Saawariya,” which translates to “blue lover,” Raj is a free-spirited and compassionate individual who has recently arrived in town and is embarking on his first performance at the bar.
Unlike the other patrons, Raj shows genuine kindness towards Gulabji, treating her and the other women in a manner that reflects humanity rather than disdain. His heartfelt songs soothe their crying children, as he attempts to lighten their burdens. As their friendship blossoms, Gulabji informs Raj that if he seeks a place to stay, the only one who can help is Lilian ([Zohra Sehgal]), a woman known for her particular affections.
When Raj meets Lilian, an emotional exchange ensues where she shares the poignant tale of her son, who left her 37 years prior and never returned. This connection leads Lilian to allow Raj to reside with her, as he reminds her of her long-lost child. Recognizing Lilian’s profound loneliness, Raj offers to assist her around the house in hopes of earning his keep.
Later that evening, Raj encounters a mysterious woman who initially rebuffs his attempts to speak with her. Yet, sensing danger when a drunken man pursues her, he steps in to offer protection, leading her to agree to allow him to walk her home, albeit without holding hands. Despite Raj’s efforts to spark joy in her somber demeanor, the woman, named Sakina (Sonam Kapoor), feels guilty for the fleeting moments of happiness.
As Raj and Sakina grow closer, he falls deeply in love with her. Lilian encourages their bond and looks forward to meeting Raj’s beloved. However, Raj soon learns that Sakina harbors feelings for another man, Imaan ([Salman Khan]), who has left for an undetermined time but promised to return on Eid. Heartbroken yet unwilling to give up hope, Raj grapples with his feelings while penning Sakina’s name across town.
In a turn of emotional turmoil, Raj is counseled by Gulabji to finally express his love for Sakina. With encouragement from the community, he makes plans to propose on Eid night at the RK Bar, performing a heartfelt song. Just as he gathers the courage to confess, Sakina cuts their evening short, claiming her appointment with Imaan.
Devastated, Raj seeks comfort with Gulabji, who, despite her affection for him, feels betrayed and pushes him away. As Raj returns to Sakina, he discovers that Imaan has indeed come back. Caught between her past and present, Sakina faces a decision that tears at the heartstrings, ultimately reuniting with Imaan as Raj urges her to follow her true desires. The poignant tale concludes, echoing the complexities of love, loss, and the choices we make.
Timeline
Gulabji's Life as a Prostitute
The story begins with Gulabji, a prostitute, sharing her experiences at the opulent RK Bar, the most exclusive club in town. Through her eyes, we delve into the world of the women who frequent it, highlighting their struggles and moments of vulnerability.
Raj Arrives in Town
Raj, known as 'Saawariya' or 'blue lover,' makes his entrance into the town with aspirations of performing at the RK Bar. His arrival sets off a chain of events that changes Gulabji's world and those around her.
Raj's Kindness to Gulabji
Unlike other bar patrons, Raj treats Gulabji and the other women with genuine kindness and respect. He performs heartfelt songs that resonate with the women, providing temporary relief from their pain and a sense of humanity.
Meeting Lilian
Gulabji suggests Raj stay with Lilian, a woman known for her affectionate nature. When he meets her, she shares a touching story about her son who abandoned her, forming a bond based on their mutual loneliness and need for connection.
Raj Helps Lilian
Raj offers to assist Lilian with her household chores as a way to repay her hospitality. His actions reflect a deep understanding of her loneliness and a desire to provide comfort, establishing a nurturing relationship between them.
Encounter with Sakina
Raj's life takes another turn when he meets Sakina, a mysterious woman who initially rebuffs him. However, he later steps in to protect her from a drunken man, leading to a transformed dynamic where they walk home together.
Raj Falls in Love
As Raj and Sakina spend time together, Raj falls deeply in love with her. Although he seeks to lift her spirits, Sakina struggles with her own feelings of guilt over enjoying their moments together.
Sakina's Connection to Imaan
Raj learns that Sakina has feelings for another man, Imaan, who has promised to return by Eid. This revelation leaves him heartbroken, yet he clings to hope, expressing his affection for her in public displays.
Proposal Plans
Encouraged by Gulabji and the community, Raj decides to propose to Sakina during Eid celebrations at RK Bar. He prepares a heartfelt song, determined to convey his love and commitment to her.
Sakina's Dilemma
Just as Raj is ready to confess his feelings, Sakina abruptly ends their evening citing her prior commitment to meet Imaan. This turn of events shatters Raj's plans and highlights Sakina's internal conflict.
Raj Seeks Comfort
Devastated by Sakina's rejection, Raj turns to Gulabji for solace. Their closeness grows, but Gulabji, feeling betrayed, ultimately pushes him away, leaving Raj more isolated than before.
Imaan Returns
As Raj attempts to rekindle his connection with Sakina, he discovers that Imaan has indeed returned. This reunion complicates the emotional landscape, forcing Sakina to choose between her past and her developing feelings for Raj.
Sakina's Choice
Faced with the weight of her feelings, Sakina ultimately reunites with Imaan, leaving Raj heartbroken. The culmination of their choices lays bare the intricacies of love and the heart's deepest desires.
Conclusion of Raj's Journey
The tale concludes with Raj coming to terms with his heartbreak and the complexities of love. He reflects on his experiences and the impact they had on his life, echoing themes of loss, love, and emotional resilience.
Characters
Gulabji (Rani Mukerji)
Gulabji is a compassionate yet grief-stricken prostitute who serves as the narrator of the story. She embodies resilience, grappling with her own desire for connection while offering support to those around her. Her heart breaks as she witnesses the fragile dynamics of love unfold in front of her.
Raj (Ranbir Kapoor)
Raj, known as 'Saawariya' or 'blue lover,' is a free-spirited and empathetic young man who strives to bring joy to the lives of those in despair. His kindness toward Gulabji and his deepening love for Sakina reveal his complex emotional nature. He is characterized by his willingness to confront his feelings, even in the face of heartache.
Sakina (Sonam Kapoor)
Sakina is a mysterious woman filled with unexpressed feelings, struggling to find her place between two loves. Her internal conflict and guilt illustrate the challenges of navigating desire and commitment. As she interacts with Raj, she is forced to confront her past and make pivotal choices regarding her heart.
Lilian (Zohra Sehgal)
Lilian is an elderly woman who represents maternal love and nostalgia, yearning for a son who left her long ago. Her connection with Raj provides her with a sense of renewal, while her wise words guide him through his emotional turmoil. She embodies the themes of love and loss in their purest forms.
Imaan (Salman Khan)
Imaan, the elusive figure in Sakina's life, embodies the complications of love and loyalty. His absence creates a void that Raj tries to fill, yet his return challenges the bonds formed during his absence. Imaan's character adds to the emotional stakes of the narrative, symbolizing longing and the difficulties of commitment.
Setting
Time period
The movie offers a timeless atmosphere, characterized by romantic and emotional struggles that transcend specific time periods. Set against a backdrop of longing and connection, it captures the essence of human desire and the emotional turmoil faced by its characters. The events of the narrative occur during a significant night, making it feel both fleeting and crucial.
Location
RK Bar, Town
The RK Bar serves as the most exclusive and luxurious club in the town, attracting both patrons and performers. It is known for its vibrant nightlife and as a hub where stories of love and heartache unfold, allowing artists to showcase their talents. The surrounding town offers a mix of hope and despair, reflecting the lives of its inhabitants.
Themes
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Heartbreak
The theme of heartbreak resonates through the character of Raj as he grapples with unrequited love for Sakina. His emotional journey highlights the painful reality of love lost and the bittersweet nature of relationships. The presence of Gulabji and her own struggles adds depth to this theme of longing and despair.
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Music & Expression
Music serves as a vital element in the storytelling, illustrating the way individuals express their emotions and connect with one another. Raj's heartfelt songs not only soothe those around him but also bring out the emotions buried within them. The performances at RK Bar establish a bond between characters that transcends their socio-economic status.
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Love & Choices
The complexities of love and choices are portrayed through the relationship dynamics of Raj, Sakina, and Imaan. Each character faces critical decisions that impact their lives and those around them. The narrative examines the consequences of these choices, illustrating how love can lead to both joy and sorrow.
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