It is often said that films reflect the realities of the world we live in, and some films do this so powerfully that they leave us thinking deeply about our own surroundings. One such film is Mere Apne —the directorial debut of the legendary Gulzar. Featuring Meena Kumari, Vinod Khanna, and Shatrughan Sinha, this classic still resonates deeply even after more than five decades.
Why is this movie still so relevant? Have things really changed, or have we just learned to ignore them? Let’s delve into it.
Check out the YouTube videos for both Hindi and English Versions 🙂
The Story
The film follows Anandi Devi (Meena Kumari), an elderly woman living alone in a village. Her so-called relatives bring her to the city so that she does not have to live in isolation. However, she soon realizes that she is merely being used as a caretaker in the house.
As she observes city life, Anandi becomes increasingly disturbed by the violence, selfishness, and political unrest that dominate the streets. She finds herself amidst two rival gangs of unemployed youth, led by Shyam (Vinod Khanna) and Chhenu (Shatrughan Sinha). Their fights are not just about personal rivalry but are fueled by politicians who manipulate them for their own gains.
Despite the chaos around her, Anandi tries to bring peace by making the boys understand the futility of violence. However, the story takes a tragic turn when she gets caught in a brutal clash between the gangs and loses her life. Her death becomes a moment of reckoning for the young men, forcing them to question their actions and misguided anger.
Why is This Film Still Relevant Today?
Mere Apne was released in 1971, but its message still holds strong. The film highlights key social issues that continue to exist:
- Youth Unemployment & Political Manipulation – Even today, unemployed youth are often misled and used for political gain.
- Erosion of Empathy & Humanity – Cities are becoming more crowded, yet people feel lonelier than ever.
- Violence & Division – Whether it’s political, ideological, or social conflicts, innocent lives continue to get caught in unnecessary battles.
Have we truly progressed as a society? Or are we just seeing the same problems in different forms? It’s time to reflect.
Lessons from the movie
1. Resilience and Self-Reflection
Regardless of how difficult the situation is, self-awareness and introspection can guide us toward a better society. A truly civilized society is one that remains calm, compassionate, and wise in the face of adversity. Are we that kind of society today?
2. The Importance of Family and Relationships
Anandi Devi, despite being a stranger, becomes a motherly figure to the young men. The way she listens to them, understands their struggles, and guides them without judgment reminds us of the power of meaningful conversations. Are we truly listening to the people around us?
3. Compassion and Humanity
One of the most touching moments in the film is when Anandi says:
“Humare goan mein agar koi bhooka aata hain, toh har koi use khana khilane pe utalawala hota hain yeh soch kar ki gaon mein Narayan aaye hain”(In our village, when a hungry person comes, we feed them as if God Himself has visited us)
In today’s fast-paced world, how much compassion do we still have for others? The answer lies within us.
Final Thoughts
Gulzar’s Mere Apne is not just a film; it is a mirror to our society. It compels us to think about our responsibilities as individuals and as a community.
If you haven’t watched this movie yet, I highly recommend it. And if you have, share your thoughts! What part of the film moved you the most? Which character did you connect with?
Let’s continue this conversation. Subscribe to Personal Progress Pages for more insights into movies that matter. Thank you!
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