“Safar” comes from an era of cinema where formulaic films were not in the mainstream scene, it was the era of meaningful and storyful dramas. The Amar Jodi of Rajesh-Sharmila created wonders in some of the greatest mainstream films of the Indian cinema in the 70s and Safar is one of them. Safar is an example of simple yet impactful cinema. The plainness of the characters and the depth in their eyes had the power to influence a countrywide audience to fall in love with this artistic masterpiece and make it a commercial success as well.
Avinash, Neela and Zindagi ka Safar…
As much as Avinash wanted Neela to be happy, considering his life-threatening illness, he ends up making Neela’s life more painful and complicated. He pushes Neela to marry Shekhar which she finally agrees to, after an intense emotional conversation but it results in Neela becoming even more difficult and naturally not very inclined towards Shekhar. And when she finally does, Shekhar ends his life after knowing that Neela loves Avinash, which leaves Neela nowhere just nowhere.
So, Safar is a story of simple characters trying to tune in with life. But sometimes things are so complicated that you don’t know, what to do, how to react, and where to lead. The line fits so perfectly, “Zindagi ka Safar hai ye kaisa Safar, koi samjha nahin, koi jaana nahin, hai ye kaisi dagar, chalte hain sab magar, koi samjha nahi, koi jaana nahin…”
in “Safar (1970)”
The Original True Blue Superstar
One thing that always fascinates me about Rajesh Khanna’s stardom is the quality of the films and his choices in the prime of his career. It was some of the best mainstream masterpieces of the 70s which catapulted him to Superstardom. Apart from a few purely commercial projects (and that too, the good ones), films like Aradhana (1969), Safar (1970), Anand (1971), Amar Prem (1972), and Bawarchi (1972)…the list goes on, became the reason he was getting all crazy popularity in the 70s. He defined stardom in his own way, how it should be, and the quality of content a star should be known for. The balance between art and commerce was prominently visible in his choice of projects, especially before the 80s started.
P.S. I can listen to every song of Safar on a loop, irresistible music.
Also, enjoy “Jeevan Se Bhari” and “Zindagi Ka Safar” from this classic in my voice, link below
“Jeevan Se Bhari”- https://youtu.be/cM6HPz_s1wg
“Zindagi Ka Safar (short)”- https://youtu.be/3VKiYmwXhcA
Leave a Reply