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By:

Rajeev Puri

24 October 2024 at 5:11:37 am

Before Sholay, there was Mera Gaon Mera Desh

When the comedian and television host Kapil Sharma recently welcomed the veteran screenwriter Salim Khan onto his show, he made a striking claim. India, he joked, has a national bird and a national animal; it ought also to have a national film. That film, he suggested, would surely be Sholay. Few would quarrel with the sentiment. Released in 1975 and directed by Ramesh Sippy,  Sholay  has long been treated as the Everest of Hindi popular cinema -quoted endlessly, revisited by generations and...

Before Sholay, there was Mera Gaon Mera Desh

When the comedian and television host Kapil Sharma recently welcomed the veteran screenwriter Salim Khan onto his show, he made a striking claim. India, he joked, has a national bird and a national animal; it ought also to have a national film. That film, he suggested, would surely be Sholay. Few would quarrel with the sentiment. Released in 1975 and directed by Ramesh Sippy,  Sholay  has long been treated as the Everest of Hindi popular cinema -quoted endlessly, revisited by generations and dissected by critics. In 2025, the film marked its 50th anniversary, and the release of a digitally restored, uncut version introduced the classic to a new generation of viewers who discovered that its mixture of revenge drama, western pastiche and buddy comedy remains curiously durable. The film’s influences have been debated almost as much as its dialogues – from scenes taken by the Spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone, particularly ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ (1968) or to the narrative architecture of ‘Seven Samurai’ (1954) by Akira Kurosawa. Others note echoes of earlier Hindi films about bandits and frontier justice, such as ‘Khotey Sikke’ (1973) starring Feroz Khan. Yet, rewatching ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh,’ directed by Raj Khosla, one cannot help noticing how many of the narrative bones of  Sholay  appear to have been assembled there first. Released in 1971,  Mera Gaon Mera Desh  was a major hit at the box office, notable for holding its own in a year dominated by the near-hysterical popularity of Rajesh Khanna. The thematic framework of the two films is strikingly similar. In  Sholay , the retired policeman Thakur Baldev Singh recruits two petty criminals - Jai and Veeru - to help him avenge the terror inflicted upon his village by the bandit Gabbar Singh. In  Mera Gaon Mera Desh , the set-up is not very different. A retired soldier, Jaswant Singh, seeks to protect his village from a ruthless dacoit and enlists the help of a small-time crook named Ajit. Even the villain’s name seems to echo across the two films. In Khosla’s drama, the marauding bandit played by Vinod Khanna is scene-stealing performance is called Jabbar Singh. In  Sholay , the outlaw who would become one of Indian cinema’s most memorable antagonists was Gabbar Singh. There is an additional irony in the casting. In  Mera Gaon Mera Desh , the retired soldier Jaswant Singh is played by Jayant - the real-life father of Amjad Khan, who would later immortalise Gabbar Singh in  Sholay . The connective tissue between the two films becomes even clearer in the presence of Dharmendra. In Khosla’s film he plays Ajit, a charming rogue who gradually redeems himself while defending the village. Four years later, Dharmendra returned in  Sholay  as Veeru, a similarly exuberant petty criminal whose courage and irrepressible humour make him one half of Hindi cinema’s most beloved buddy duo alongside Amitabh Bachchan as Jai. Certain visual motifs also appear to have travelled intact. In Khosla’s film, Ajit finds himself bound in ropes in the bandit’s den during a dramatic musical sequence. A similar image appears in  Sholay , where Veeru is tied up before Gabbar Singh while Basanti performs the now famous song ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan.’ Other echoes are subtler but just as suggestive. Ajit’s pursuit of the village belle Anju, played by Asha Parekh, anticipates Veeru’s boisterous attempts to woo Basanti, portrayed by Hema Malini. Scenes in which Ajit teaches Anju to shoot recall the flirtatious gun-training sequence between Veeru and Basanti that became one of  Sholay ’s most cherished moments. Even the famous coin motif has a precedent. Ajit frequently tosses a coin to make decisions - a flourish that would later appear in  Sholay , where Jai’s coin toss becomes a running gag. Perhaps most intriguingly, the endings of the two films converge in their original form. In  Mera Gaon Mera Desh , the villain is ultimately killed by the hero. The uncut version of  Sholay  reportedly ended in a similar fashion, with Gabbar Singh meeting his death at the hands of Thakur Baldev Singh. However, censors altered the climax before the film’s 1975 release, requiring that Gabbar be handed over to the police instead. All this does not diminish  Sholay . Rather, it highlights the alchemy through which cinema evolves. The scriptwriting duo Salim–Javed took familiar ingredients and expanded them into a grander narrative populated by unforgettable characters and stylised action. On the 55 th  anniversary of  Mera Gaon Mera Desh , Raj Khosla’s rugged western deserves a renewed glance as the sturdy foundation on which a legend called  Sholay  was built. (The author is a political commentator and a global affairs observer. Views personal.)

Welcoming Ramzan, the Holy Month of Fasting, Reflection, and Devotion

Updated: Mar 6, 2025

Ramzan

The holy month of Ramzan (Ramadan) is a period of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and devotion observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. It is a time when believers fast from dawn to sunset, engage in increased prayer, and reflect on their faith. More than just abstaining from food and drink, Ramzan serves as a month of self-purification, fostering empathy for the less fortunate and strengthening one’s connection with Allah.


The Significance of Ramzan in Islam

Ramzan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental principles guiding a Muslim’s faith and practice. Fasting, or sawm, is an obligatory act during this month for all adult Muslims who are physically able. The Quran emphasizes the importance of fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may attain righteousness.” (Quran 2:183)


This verse highlights that fasting is not a new practice but has been a means of spiritual purification for previous religious communities as well. The primary goal is to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), encouraging believers to reflect on their actions and grow closer to Allah.


The Revelation of the Quran

Ramzan is particularly sacred because it marks the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The Quran itself confirms this in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“The month of Ramzan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Quran 2:185)


Due to this divine connection, Muslims increase their recitation of the Quran during Ramzan. Many strive to complete its entire reading within the month, either individually or by attending Taraweeh prayers, special night prayers where long passages of the Quran are recited.


Fasting: A Test of Patience and Faith

Fasting during Ramzan extends beyond abstaining from food, drink, and physical desires. It requires Muslims to control their thoughts, words, and actions, refraining from anger, gossip, and unethical behavior. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized this in a well-known Hadith:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)


This Hadith underscores that the essence of fasting lies in self-restraint and moral integrity, not just physical deprivation. The ability to endure hunger and thirst fosters empathy for those less fortunate, reminding believers of the value of charity and kindness.


Acts of Worship and Charity

Ramzan is a time of intensified worship and charity. Muslims engage in extra prayers, supplications, and dhikr (remembrance of Allah), seeking forgiveness and spiritual purification. The last ten nights of the month are especially sacred, as they include Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night described in the Quran as “better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3). It is believed that prayers and good deeds performed on this night are rewarded abundantly.


Charity, or Zakat, is another fundamental aspect of Ramzan. Islam mandates that able Muslims donate a portion of their wealth to those in need, known as Zakat al-Fitr, which is given before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. This ensures that even the less fortunate can partake in the celebrations. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best charity is that given in Ramzan.” (Tirmidhi)


Many Muslims also engage in Sadaqah (voluntary charity), distributing food, clothing, and financial aid to the poor, further reinforcing the spirit of generosity and compassion.


The Breaking of Fast: Iftar and Suhoor

Each day of fasting ends with Iftar, the evening meal traditionally started with dates and water, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A Hadith states:

“When one of you breaks his fast, let him do so with dates, for they are blessed. If he does not find dates, then with water, for it is pure.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)


Before dawn, Muslims partake in Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal that provides nourishment for the day ahead. This meal is also encouraged in Islamic teachings:

“Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) These meals not only provide sustenance but also create a sense of community, as families and friends gather to eat and pray together.


Eid-ul-Fitr: The Celebration After Fasting

The conclusion of Ramzan is marked by Eid-ul-Fitr, a joyous festival celebrating the completion of a month of devotion. Muslims begin the day with a special congregational prayer and express gratitude to Allah for granting them the strength to fast. It is a time of feasting, exchanging gifts, and visiting loved ones. Importantly, Muslims must give Zakat al-Fitr before Eid prayers to ensure that even the less fortunate can join in the celebrations.


The Lasting Impact of Ramzan

While Ramzan lasts for a month, its lessons extend beyond its days. The discipline, self-control, and spiritual growth cultivated during this time serve as a foundation for a righteous life. Muslims are encouraged to carry forward the values of patience, generosity, and devotion throughout the year.


Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whoever fasts in Ramzan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)


This promise of spiritual renewal serves as a motivation for Muslims to embrace the spirit of Ramzan, not just in fasting, but in their daily actions, making it a transformative experience every year.


Ramzan is more than a ritual—it is a journey of self-improvement, devotion, and community spirit. By fasting, engaging in prayer, giving in charity, and reflecting on the teachings of the Quran, Muslims draw closer to their faith and develop a heightened sense of empathy and discipline. As believers worldwide observe this sacred month, they are reminded that the essence of Ramzan lies in purifying the heart and striving to be a better person, both spiritually and morally.


(The author is a journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal.)

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