The movie Baghban, focusing on Amitabh Bachchan’s character as a father:
1. Introduction
- Baghban (2003) is a family drama centered around the emotional journey of an elderly couple, Raj Malhotra (played by Amitabh Bachchan) and Pooja Malhotra (played by Hema Malini), who face neglect from their children in their old age.
2. Raj Malhotra’s Character
- Raj Malhotra, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, is a loving, caring, and responsible father who has worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family.
- He is shown as a retired bank employee who dreams of spending his old age peacefully with his wife and children.
3. Sacrifices as a Father
- Throughout his life, Raj makes countless sacrifices to ensure the best for his four sons, giving them a good upbringing and fulfilling their needs.
- His sacrifices include financing their education, helping them settle in their careers, and guiding them during tough times.
4. Expectations from Children
- In his old age, Raj expects his children to support and care for him and his wife, believing that love and care will be reciprocated.
5. The Neglect by Children
- Raj’s sons turn out to be indifferent and selfish. They are unwilling to take the responsibility of caring for their parents and suggest separating them, each parent living with one son in rotation.
- The separation of Raj and Pooja is a deeply emotional moment, highlighting how his children fail to value their parents’ love and sacrifices.
6. Struggles of Old Age
- Raj faces loneliness, disrespect, and humiliation while staying with his sons. Despite this, he endures everything silently, hoping that his children will realize their mistakes.
- Amitabh’s portrayal powerfully captures the pain and suffering of an elderly parent being neglected by his children.
7. Reunion with Wife
- Despite the challenges, Raj and Pooja reunite, finding solace in each other’s company. The emotional bond between the couple is a strong theme throughout the film.
8. Support from Strangers
- Interestingly, Raj and Pooja receive more affection and respect from non-family members, like their adopted son Alok, who values them more than their biological children.
9. Father’s Wisdom and Dignity
- Raj’s character remains dignified and composed, despite the emotional turmoil caused by his children’s neglect. He never stops loving them, but he learns to accept that love cannot be forced.
10. The Climactic Confrontation
- In the end, Raj delivers a powerful speech during a book launch, expressing his feelings about parenting and the thanklessness that many parents experience in their old age. His words resonate deeply, and his children realize their mistake, but by then, the emotional damage has already been done.
11. Conclusion
- Amitabh Bachchan’s role as Raj Malhotra in Baghban serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices parents make and the importance of valuing and respecting them. It is a story about family values, respect, and the harsh reality of old age neglect in modern times.
