In the 1960-70s era of black and white films, famed film-maker Basu Bhattacharya made thought-provoking, critically acclaimed films like “Teesri Kasam’, ‘Aavishkar’ and ‘Anubhav’ and fortunately the latter two are now available on ‘Prime Video’ for cine-lovers of what was then called ‘art’ films. We picked ‘Anubhav’ (I’d seen it about five decades ago and still remembered flashes of brilliance) my wife hadn’t, so it would be interesting to find nuances of enchantment, after 44 years of marital togetherness !
Cynical as we all tend to become, two major learnings were – you actually never know your partner as well as you may think, maybe there are hidden facets still unexploredand that discovery is always fascinating as it comes. The other is expression of feelings (though recently one senior couple singing in the rain on Marine Drive got viral !) it’s not great to get wet in rains to feel romantic& be down for a week with a bout of flu !
Coming to the film, it’s about in the genre of sensitive films that try to delve into why marriages lose their lustre, after the first flush of romance and settle in mechanical motions of corporate life-styles, long hours at office for the Boss-manand in mundane domesticity for the lady with lots of servants & many hours of nothingness in between. What makes it come alive in the film is the spontaneity that Tanuja shows in her role as the neglected wife, who takes it upon herself to rearrange her life again ! Such is her sparkling vivacity that she uplifts the entire film- one can rename the film ‘Tanubav’ !
The second highlight, according to us, is the sublime music by Kanu Roy and beautiful heartrending songs from the masters of melody, Geeta Dutt and Manna Dey. One song ‘Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho..’is picturised aesthetically as the couple merge into the glow of marital bliss, realising they are falling in love again.The scene is reminiscent of the song ‘Kali Ghata Chaye..’ from classic ‘Sujata’ directed by Bimal Roy, Basu’s mentor. In that song too there is an awakening but of a young girl into mystique of womanhood.
More delightful aspects of the movie are the other wonderful actors. Sanjeev Kumaras the preoccupied husband who realises late what his wife means to him. We miss that natural style, versatility and comic timing that made him such a fine, award winning performer as also veteran AK Hangal who played senior roles with great effect. Dinesh Kumar gives an understated yet impressive third angle to the struggling relationship ! ‘Anubhav’ is a lovely walk down memory lane for us and a masterful musical journey..
Working on Living 