The 1961 cinematic adaptation was a tribute to Tagore, based on his renowned short story Kabuliwala. Earlier the popular Bangla version was sensitively directed by Tapan Sinha. It starred the stalwart Chhabi Biswas as the main protagonist that Balraj Sahni later essayed in Hindi leaving an indelible imprint as Kabuliwala. As for Mini, it was played by newcomer, Baby Sonu, a little girl, Roy spotted amongst his children’s play mates in their neighbour’s family.
Rabindranath Tagore’s short story Kabuliwala(1892) is perhaps too well known to deserve repeating. But for the uninitiated, it underlines a poignant depiction of friendship, innocence, indeed, of deep humanity that bridges cultural differences even while it critically questions stereotyping of an entire ethnic race – in this case, India’s neighbours, the Afghans. This very angle of considering an entire race as a ‘terrorist group’ or worse, renders Tagore’s story into a contemporary political statement.
Abdul Rehmat Khan, the Afghan hero, belongs to Kabul. In that particular period of our social history many Afghani men migrated for a lucrative livelihood in urban India. Calcutta was amongst the cities they frequently visited. Rehmat, a money lender occasionally sells dry fruits. The narrator’s daughter, is mortally scared of Rehmat, the ‘Kabuliwala’. Wild rumours that these men kidnap children labelled them as villains. Affected by the rumour, Mini is terrified that the Kabuliwala will kidnap her in his ‘jhola’. Whenever the wandering salesman visits her writer father, she hides. Gradually, a warm bond springs up between Rehmat and Mini. Mini’s father is pleasantly surprised to witness Mini and the Kabuliwala have become inseparable friends. He shares stories of his motherland while listening attentively to the child’s non-stop chatter.
Tagore believed that innocence and trust are the rock solid foundation of any lasting human relationship, he speaks of inclusiveness…no matter how culturally distinct one is. In this story Tagore portrays a complete stranger, Rehmat Khan, who is equally unspoilt and childlike, bond with a child who is free of social prejudices. For this man, Mini is a beacon of hope, the daughter he misses. As the two share secrets, or joke, Rehmat wins Mini’s unconditional trust. The narrator watches this incredible development. But the story takes a dramatic turn when Rehmat is arrested for stabbing a customer who owed him money but refused to pay and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
The extraordinary climax takes place the very day Rehmat is released, which is also Mini’s wedding day. His heart aches to get a final glimpse of Mini, before he journeys home. For Rehmat, Mini is still that chatty little girl. He is blissfully ignorant that she has blossomed into a young woman. When confronted by truth, Rehmat is deeply troubled and laments for the child he thinks is irrevocably lost.
Fortutiously, Tagore’s Kabuliwala was staged by IPTA Mumbai on the occasion of Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary. Directed by Ramesh Talwar the play received considerable audience applause. Aasif Sheikh as the Kabuliwala and Baby Gungun as Mini too regaled the audience.
Tagore’s enduring saga Kabuliwala will survive if compassion and unconditional humanity are acknowledged as the hallmarks of civil society. Indeed, this particular gem, the human document penned by Tagore ought to be made compulsory reading in all literature studies curriculum.
Rinki Roy Bhattacharya, Nivedita Baunthiyal
Noted Film, Theatre and TV Personality Ramesh Talwar on his stage adaptation of Kabuliwala
“I had read Tagore’s Kabuliwala as a child and had the opportunity of witnessing Mr Balraj Sahni performing Kabuliwala on stage. I was fascinated and thought I wish I could be a part of this play. Later Balrajji acted in Bimal Roy’s Kabuliwala. I directed Kabuliwala when IPTA decided to stage it on the occasion of Rabindranath Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary. I got the permission from Bimal Da’s daughter Rinki Roy Bhattacharya to adapt the play from the film. It was indeed a very satisfying experience directing the play which was designed by Rinkiji. The play became a hit with memorable performance by Aasif Sheikh as Kabuliwala and Baby Gungun as little Mini.“
