Agenda of the film 'Garam Hava'

Last week I wrote about how the agenda of the movie Garam Hava was to drive out the Indian Muslims from India. However another agenda becomes increasingly apparent as the story progresses. Given that the Indian Muslims are continually discrimated against the film goes on to show that this Hindu prejudice is justified. This opinion gains credence if we consider the actions of Halim Mirza, Phupha jaan and the landlord in the story.

In the beginning we see Halim Mirza, an important Muslim party leader, at a political rally promising that “Even if all the Muslims leave India, there will always be one Muslim remaining and his name is Halim Mirza”. (Yahañ key sāre Musalmān čale jayen tou kam sey kam eik Musalmān yahañ sey kabhi nahiñ jayega aur us Musalmān ka nām hai Halim Mirza). But immediately after in the next scene  he confides in his wife that: “even I cannot stay in India now, there is no space left in India for any Muslim”. (Ab maiñ bhi yahañ nahin reh sakta… ab Hindustān main kisi Musalmān key liye koi jagah nahiñ!). His character shows a complete disregard for his promise and duty to his fellow Indian Muslims. His earlier words, “I have a duty to the nation” (meray sar pe sari qaūm ka bojh hai) hold no value.

Similarly, we see that Phupha jaan, now a prominent member of the Indian National Congress, also flees to Pakistan after he incurs a debt over a business deal where he is caught supplying second grade shoe quality.

Lastly, the conversation between Salim Mirza and his landowner narrates a similar incident.  Here the landowner hesitates renting his house to Salim Mirza because his earlier tenant fled to Pakistan owing him seven months rent- (āp hi ki biradri key eik sahib saat mahēnay ka karaya ley kar Pakistan chalay gaye).

Altogether these three situations indicate that the prejudicial and hostile attitute of Hindus agains the Muslims was not entirely misplaced.