Ijaazat(1987)
Ijaazat is a 1987 Indian Hindi-language musical romance film directed by Gulzar. It stars Rekha, Naseeruddin Shah, and Anuradha Patel. The film is based on the Bengali short story Jatugriha by Subodh Ghosh. It follows a divorced couple who meet by chance in a railway waiting room. Through flashbacks, the film reveals the love triangle that destroyed their marriage. The story explores themes of love, possession, guilt, and the need for permission to let go. The film won two National Film Awards for Best Lyrics and Best Female Playback Singer. It is considered a classic of Indian parallel cinema. The film was released in 1987 and is available on various streaming platforms.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 24 October 1987
- Director
- Gulzar
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h
- Rating
- 5.6/10
Storyline
A divorced couple, Mahendra and Sudha, meet accidentally in a rainy railway waiting room. As they talk, they remember their past. Mahendra was torn between Sudha and another woman, Maya. His indecision led to heartbreak for everyone. Now, Sudha must ask for the permission she never got before.
“Love sometimes means letting go.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Ijaazat
Cast reunions in this film: Rekha & Dina Pathak (6 films together), Naseeruddin Shah & Dina Pathak (6 films together), Rekha & Naseeruddin Shah (4 films together), Rekha & Sulabha Deshpande (2 films together), Naseeruddin Shah & Sulabha Deshpande (2 films together), and Sulabha Deshpande & Dina Pathak (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Ijaazat' means 'permission' in Urdu, reflecting the theme of seeking closure.
- Gulzar originally wrote the story as a short film but expanded it into a feature.
- The song 'Mera Kuch Samaan' was originally written for another film but reused here.
- Naseeruddin Shah was not the first choice for the male lead; the role was offered to others.
- The entire film was shot in just 28 days, mostly on sets mimicking a railway station.
- It won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Asha Bhosle.
- The film was a box office disappointment but later gained a cult following.