#KetchupCut: Why Bhaag Milkha Bhaag's earring scene is a masterclass in emotional storytelling!

As we celebrate the beautiful bond between siblings today, let's discuss how Milkha's gift to his sister signified his love, honor, and acknowledgement of her efforts. 

The most endearing part about art is that it is open to interpretation and the way a human perceives it is a telltale sign of who they are from the inside. There are many great movies but our reasons to like them might be different. Point in case Bhaag Milka Bhaag, a sports biopic inspired by the life of the legendary Indian athlete Milka Singh and a tale of Mr. Singh’s victorious resilience against the odds. For me, this film is a beautiful celebration of the bond between siblings because, at the end of the day, I’m just a sister, slightly annoying but an extremely doting one.

This 2013 Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra directorial was a powerful, inspiring, and emotionally grounded story that ticked all the boxes of critical and commercial success. Milkha’s (Farhan Akhtar) bond with her sister Isri Kaur (Divya Dutta), particularly stood out to me in the film. I have often heard stories of how personal tragedies deepen the bonds within families, and the tale of Milkha and Isri stood as a poignant yet beautiful reminder of it. Kid Milkha and a young Isri had witnessed the horrors of the 1947 partition, their parents being killed and life at an impoverished refugee camp. Yet the two found comfort in each other. Isri’s pain was Milkha’s pain and Milkha’s dreams were Isri’s and a scene that epitomized it was the one where Milkha surprises his sister with a brand new pair of gold earrings.

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I have watched the film a million times, and my eyes still well up every time this scene comes up owing to the emotional weight and significance it carries. Isri, at one point, sells her gold earrings to bail out Milkha. The earrings here didn’t just symbolize a piece of jewelry, but a part of her identity and a small comfort in her otherwise difficult life. The act of selling them was a quiet sacrifice and a strong representation of her resolve to protect Milkha at all costs. The shame and guilt Milkha experiences at the turn of events inspire a new resolve within him, thereby beginning the journey of Milkha Singh as we know him today. 

Years pass, Milkha becomes a celebrated sportsman, and decides to pay a surprise visit to his sister. The athlete, now a changed man in his style and mannerism, arrives at Isri’s humble home dressed in his Indian blazer, which is a symbol of his hard-earned success and national pride. The scene brims with raw emotions and details about the different courses of their lives as Isri doesn’t even recognize him initially, her innocent ‘Haan ji?’ when Milkha unexpectedly shows up at her door spoke volumes about the time that has passed and her brother’s transformation. 

The true emotional payoff comes when Milkha insists to Isri that she try on his blazer - an act of showcasing his love, and sharing his glory with her, which was largely built on the care and sacrifices she makes for him. When she puts on the blazer, it's not just a piece of clothing, but an insignia of the culmination of their shared struggles, their unbreakable bond, and a life of honour and dignity that seemed a far-fetched dream a couple of years ago. 

But here’s where Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra and Prasoon Joshi put their storytelling prowess to full display, and Dutta showcases why she is considered one of the best in the business. Milkha asks Isri to put her hands inside the blazer, and she finds the gift he has brought her - a beautiful, new pair of gold earrings. It wasn’t just a thoughtful gift but an endearing acknowledgement of the painful yet silent battles she fought to give her beloved Milkhu a good life.

This scene describes the way we, in our quintessential Indian families, express our love to each other. Isri’s tears of joy and Milkha’s emotional smile were not just about the gift, both were about the unspoken understanding that always defined their relationship. His act of giving her this piece of jewelry signified the fact that he hasn't forgotten her sacrifice; he's honored it in the most meaningful way. It solidified the idea that her love was the foundation upon which he built his life, and his success is the ultimate tribute to her unwavering belief in him.

No matter how cool we GenZs act, there’s still a little bit of inhibition and awkwardness in overtly expressing our feelings through words or grand gestures, especially to our siblings. At least all my 'I love yous' and attempts to hug my brother are often dismissed by an irritated ‘don't be crazy' which is brimming with underlying love, of course! This scene brought out the simplicity and innocence with which we cherish our relationships, celebrate our shared victories, and remind our loved ones that we haven’t forgotten about what you did for us.

What are your thoughts on the scene? Tell us in the comments below!

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