Journey Through 'Anand': Exploring Cancer in Indian Cinema

Indian cinema has a long history of incorporating cancer as a central theme in its storytelling, reflecting the societal impact of this disease. Particularly, the portrayal of cancer patients in Indian cinema often tends to evoke a mix of emotions, blending sorrow with hope and resilience. Let’s understand this through ‘Anand’(1971) film.

Babu moshay, Zindgi badi honi chahiye, Lambi nahi…. (Friend, life should be big, not long)

Maut ke dar se agar zinda rehna chod diya to maut kise kahte hai? (If you stop living due to fear of death, then what is called death?)

Jab Tak zinda hu tab tak mara nahi, Jab mar gaya to mai hi nahi, to dar kis baat ka? (As long as I am alive I am not dead, when I die, then I am no one, so what is there to fear?)

Anand is a 1971 Indian Hindi-language drama film co-written and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, with dialogues written by Gulzar. It stars Rajesh Khanna in the lead role, with a supporting cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Sumita Sanyal, Ramesh Deo, and Seema Deo. The movie follows the journey of Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee, an oncologist played by Amitabh Bachchan, whose encounter with a terminally ill patient named Anand, is portrayed by Rajesh Khanna.

Introduced by a friend, Bhaskar meets Anand, diagnosed with lymphosarcoma of the intestine, a rare cancer. Anand has a cheerful nature and despite knowing that he is not going to survive for more than six months, he always tries to make everyone around him happy. His cheerful and vibrant nature amazes Bhaskar, who has a contrasting nature but eventually, they become good friends. Anand's condition gradually deteriorates, but he does not want to spend his remaining days in a hospital bed. He instead roams free and helps everyone. He tells Bhaskar that everyone should remember him as a lively person and not as a cancer patient.

He is counting his last breaths as his friends gather around him but Bhasker is gone to bring medicines for him. He shouts for him and dies. Bhasker comes back just a few minutes later and begs Anand to speak to him. Suddenly, the tape starts playing with Anand's voice and his friends cry for him. A couple of balloons are seen flying away in the sky as Anand leaves the world.

I found the portrayal of cancer in the movie "Anand" to be thought-provoking. The character of Anand, played by Rajesh Khanna, brings a sense of positivity and acceptance to his terminal illness. Despite knowing his fate, Anand approaches life with a cheerful demeanor, showing how one can find joy even in the face of death. The film also highlights the importance of a strong support system for cancer patients. The way Anand embraces his friends and loved ones, leaving a lasting impact on their lives, highlights the importance of human connections during difficult times. The film captures the emotions surrounding Anand's final moments. The portrayal of Anand's death scene is very heartbreaking, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality while also celebrating the beauty of life. Anand's journey towards acceptance is both moving and inspiring, prompting viewers to reflect on their mortality and the fragility of life.

I find it fascinating how "Anand" challenges the traditional narrative of cancer endings in cinema by focusing on the emotional journey of the character rather than his physical deterioration. Through Anand's character, the movie urges viewers to look beyond the illness and see the person behind it, emphasizing the importance of living fully in the present moment. By incorporating humor and emotion in Anand's character, the film challenges the stereotypical representation of cancer patients as despair and tragic. Anand's infectious laughter and playful nature serve as a powerful reminder that illness does not define a person's identity or spirit. The film's portrayal of Anand's journey not only challenges societal perceptions of illness but also encourages audiences to rethink their attitudes towards those facing serious illnesses, promoting empathy and understanding. His zest for living each moment to the fullest despite his condition challenges the audience's preconceived notions about illness and instills a sense of hope and resilience. In the words of the Anand, "Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi" (Friend, life should be big, not long).

I found the choice of black and white cinematography in "Anand" to be a bold and impactful decision. It added a certain timelessness to the film, emphasizing the universal nature of the themes presented. The songs and musical sequences throughout the film have been a trademark of Indian cinema. This adds to the cultural richness of the narrative and provides moments of relief from the heavy subject matter. The use of music in the movie added emotional depth to the scenes & captured the essence of Anand's character ( Zindgi kaisi hai paheli haye, Kahi door jab din dhal jaye, deep chalet ha),.. The filmmakers' choice to include a romantic subplot between Anand and the character played by Sumita Sanyal has added a layer of human connection and emotion to the narrative. To focus on the human aspects of cancer rather than the medical details was a brilliant choice. It allowed the audience to connect on a deeper level with the characters and their struggles. The close-up shots used throughout the film effectively conveyed the raw emotions experienced by the characters. It made the audience feel as though they were part of the intimate moments shared on screen.

However, the lack of representation of the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment on the patients was a missed opportunity. A more realistic portrayal of the side effects and challenges faced by cancer patients could have added a layer of authenticity to the film. In my opinion, the film oversimplified the treatment and recovery process for cancer patients. The character seemed to get better with just a positive attitude and some singing and talking. In reality, cancer treatment involves a lot more than just smiling and celebrating. It requires various medical interventions, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The portrayal in the movie downplays the challenges and struggles that cancer patients actually face during their journey to recovery, the true complexity and depth of emotions that come with battling a life-threatening illness. Cancer patients go through a rollercoaster of emotions, from fear and uncertainty to hope and resilience. Misrepresentation of cancer in films can also affect awareness campaigns and public perception of the disease. If audiences are consistently exposed to inaccurate portrayals, they may not fully understand the challenges and complexities of living with cancer.

Overly pessimistic representations of cancer patients can contribute to stigmatization in society. This can lead to increased fear, discrimination, and isolation for those actually living with the disease. Anand's ability to live life to the fullest and spread joy until his last breath, while heartwarming, is not representative of every cancer patient's experience. in real life, not all cancer patients may exhibit such positivity. It creates unrealistic expectations about how individuals cope with the disease. For individuals personally affected by cancer, watching unrealistic depictions in movies can be emotionally distressing. It may invalidate their experiences and make it harder for them to seek support or acceptance. The movie portrays Anand as a heroic figure who accepts his fate gracefully, but in reality, not all cancer patients may be able to come to terms with their diagnosis in such a manner. The movie primarily focuses on Anand's journey, neglecting the impact of his illness on his caregivers, who play a crucial role in a cancer patient's life. While Anand's death in the film is emotional, real-life cancer endings can vary significantly. Some patients may pass away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, with some patients going into remission and leading fulfilling lives, while others may face a more painful and prolonged battle. Real-life cancer endings are often marked by a mixture of hope, despair, acceptance, and uncertainty, guilt, reflecting the complexity of the human experience.

Unlike the idealized portrayal in Anand, real-life patients often struggle with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of cancer, which are not always neatly resolved by a heartwarming speech or a happy moment. It is important to acknowledge that while cinema can provide escapism and hope, it may not always accurately reflect the complex and often harsh reality faced by cancer patients and their loved ones. Indian cinema tends to focus on the inspirational aspects of cancer narratives, emphasizing themes of courage, love, and resilience, which can be uplifting but may not capture the full spectrum of experiences associated with the disease. By comparing the cinematic portrayal of cancer patients in Anand to real-life endings, one can appreciate the power of storytelling to evoke emotions and convey messages of hope, while also recognizing the need for a more realistic representation of the challenges faced by individuals dealing with cancer.

Because on a large canvas portraying cancer patients unrealistically can lead to misconceptions and stereotypes about the disease. Misrepresentation can also contribute to the stigma surrounding cancer patients in society. Inaccurate portrayals may affect how audiences perceive the challenges faced by cancer patients in real life. It can also influence the way people interact with and support cancer patients in their communities. Audiences may develop a distorted view of cancer patients' experiences, emotions, and struggles. The media's portrayal of cancer patients can shape societal attitudes and responses toward individuals battling the disease. Therefore, filmmakers must show cancer patients authentically and sensitively to promote a better understanding and empathy toward this community. Before including cancer storylines in their films, filmmakers must conduct thorough research, and consult with experts, medical professionals, and cancer survivors to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in their portrayal. Because movies have the power to reach a wide audience, making them a valuable tool for spreading awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. I think in Indian cinema, there’s a fine line between showing the harsh realities of illness and using sensational topics for emotional impact. That’s why it is essential to critically analyze these portrayals to distinguish between genuine storytelling and manipulative content for mere dramatic effect or just taking cinematic liberty.

Ultimately, changing the narrative around cancer patients in films is essential to promote understanding, empathy, and awareness. What say???