IFFI 2014: Singer Rekha Bhardwaj couldn't stop crying after watching Gulzar Sahab's 'Libaas', says it touched her soul

Panaji: 'Seeli hawa chhu gai - finally saw this song on screen in film Libaas by Gulzar Sahab:):) mystical mesmerising experience,' singer Rekha Bhardwaj's tweet minutes after the screening of 'Libaas' at IFFI 2014 sums up the opinion of all those who watched it.

Singer Rekha admits that she loves films, but also agrees that only a few have the potential to leave an impact and manage to affect movie buffs for the rest of their lives. When we spoke to Rekha, who was visibly moved by Gulzar's film 'Libaas', she couldn't stop lauding the iconic filmmaker for the beauty with which he handles relationships and the convincing way in which the film marries form and content, two main reasons why the film generated the right emotions in the audience.

"I just couldn't stop crying after watching the film. For the past 23 years I've been wanting to watch the film and here at IFFI 2014, my dream came true. I'm so glad that I didn't miss the film's screening. 'Libaas' has touched my soul, I feel so satisfied now. I'm so thankful to Gulzar Sahab for examining relationships and putting them across so beautifully for us," she said.

'Libaas', which features Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and Raj Babbar in key roles, gives a searing look at marriage, and talks about couples having extramarital affair.

The film, which was produced by Vikas Mohan,could never be cleared by the Censor Board of India. The reason? Reports say that it was "bold in its time and was objectionable to be shown publicly."

"It is only when you watch Gulzar Sahab's films, so immersed in feelings and relationships, that you realise how much he studies human species. You have to watch all his films to understand how he portrays women, he has never missed the tiniest detailing of his characters," she added.

In its 'Retrospective' section, IFFI screened about eight best films of Gulzar. ####

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