Watch Bhavna

Bhavna is a thought-provoking Hindi film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of our decisions on those around us. Released in 1984, it features Shabana Azmi in the lead role alongside Marc Zuber and Saeed Jaffrey. The film is directed by Pravin Bhatt and written by Kundan Shah and Satish Alekar. The story revolves around Bhavna, a young woman who works as a schoolteacher in a small village. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ajay, a charismatic photographer who sweeps her off her feet. Despite being married, Ajay becomes enamoured with Bhavna and begins a passionate affair with her. However, their love is short-lived as Ajay is killed in a car accident, leaving Bhavna to face the consequences of their relationship.

As the story unfolds, we see Bhavna grappling with the aftermath of Ajay's death and the guilt of being the other woman. She is shunned by society and her family, who refuse to believe that she was unaware of Ajay's marital status. Desperate to escape the stigma, Bhavna decides to leave the village and start anew in Mumbai. But as she begins to rebuild her life, she realizes that the past is not so easy to shake off.

The film explores several themes, such as the hypocrisy of society in dealing with illicit relationships, the need for forgiveness, and the power of self-redemption. Shabana Azmi delivers a powerful performance as Bhavna, capturing the character's pain, guilt and eventual growth with grace and sincerity. Marc Zuber is charming as the ill-fated Ajay, while Saeed Jaffrey brings a grounded presence as Bhavna's confidante and mentor.

Apart from the lead cast, the film features several talented actors in supporting roles, such as Kiran Vairale, Kanwaljeet Singh and Om Puri. The music, composed by Jaidev, adds to the film's poignant tone, with tracks like "Tere Bina Zindagi Se" and "Kisi Nazar Ko Tera" resonating with audiences even today.

Overall, Bhavna is a poignant and introspective film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of forgiveness. It is a must-watch for fans of Shabana Azmi's work and anyone interested in Indian cinema that tackles social issues.