Watch Mem Saheb

Mem Saheb is a 1972 Bengali drama film directed by Pinaki Mukherjee, and featuring Lolita Chatterjee, Gita Dey, and Uttam Kumar in lead roles. The story focuses on the life of a housewife, Rekha (Lolita Chatterjee), who is forced to take up a job as a secretary in a company due to financial difficulties. Uttam Kumar plays the role of Shekar, her boss and eventually, her love interest.

The movie begins with Rekha, a housewife and a mother to a young child. Her husband, Haren (Anup Kumar), works in a private firm and the family is entirely dependent on his meager salary. Rekha is content with her life, and takes care of the household duties. However, things turn sour when Haren suddenly loses his job, leaving the family in a financial crisis.

To support her family, Rekha decides to take up a job as a secretary in a company, and her boss is Shekar. Initially, Shekar is impressed with Rekha's work and professionalism, but he also notices that she is struggling with her personal life. Shekar has feelings for Rekha and tries to help her in every way possible, including offering her a loan to pay off her mounting debts.

As Rekha and Shekar spend more time together, they develop mutual feelings for each other. However, Rekha is hesitant to enter into a relationship with Shekar, as she is still married to Haren. The movie showcases the conflict within Rekha, as she tries to find a balance between her loyalty towards her husband and her desire for a better life.

At the same time, Haren realizes the financial struggles that his family is going through, and decides to swallow his pride and visit Shekar's office to ask for a job. Fate intervenes, and Haren ends up working under Shekar, who is unaware of Haren's relationship with Rekha.

The plot thickens when Haren discovers the secret relationship between Shekar and Rekha. He confronts Rekha and demands that she end her extramarital affair. Haren is convinced that it is the only way to maintain the sanctity of their marriage. A heartbroken Rekha finds herself stuck between her love for Shekar and her responsibility towards her family.

The movie Mem Saheb also delves into the themes of societal norms and expectations of a woman's role in a marriage. It highlights the fact that a woman is expected to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of the family, even if it leads to a life of misery.

The performances of the lead actors are highly commendable, with Lolita Chatterjee delivering a nuanced performance as Rekha. She effortlessly portrays the turmoil and guilt of a woman caught between her duty towards her family and her own desires. Uttam Kumar is equally impressive as Shekar, delivering a restrained yet powerful portrayal of a man in love.

In conclusion, Mem Saheb is a thought-provoking and engrossing movie that explores the complexities of human relationships. It is an emotional journey that touches upon various themes such as love, loyalty, sacrifice, and societal expectations. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys meaningful cinema.