Subhash K Jha 
In the acutely thought-provoking Aligarh which is about a homosexual man’s right to privacy, Manoj Bajpai playing the disgraced professor Srinivas Ramchandra Sirus, sits alone in his dingy one-bedroom professor’s quarter, with a drink in hand and a Lata Mangeshkar song by his side.
In the semi-darkness, in a room lit by dim hope, Srinivas listens to the Melody Queen’s Aap ki nazron nesamjha pyaar ke qaabil mujhe , that timeless Madan Mohan composition from the film Anpadh. The song plays on a rickety portable sound machine. But its sound resonates across the professor’s silent universe,like a melodic meteor cutting through a sky of solitude.
Hansal is all praise for the actors and technicians in Aligarh. “It will stand out forever for Manoj’s great performance, Rajkummar’s understated brilliance, Satya Rai Nagpaul’s evocative mood and Apurva Asrani’s passionate writing. Worked with exceptional people in this film including costume designer Pia Benegal, sound designer Mandar Kulkarni, composer Karan Kulkarni and production designer Neil Chowdhury.”
And one more memorable episode associated with Aligarh. “How can I forget that moment where Manoj listens to Madan Mohan and Lataji’s Aapki nazron ne… one of the most sublime moments where time stands still and magic takes over.”
Hansal Mehta’s remarkable film Aligarh about a disgraced gay Professor who lost his job for his sexual orientation, is in many ways a tribute to the eternal voice of Lata Mangeshkar.In the film Manoj Bajpai who plays the homosexual professor, is a diehard fan of Lata Mangeshkar. Director Hansal Mehta has used Lataji’s songs extensively to accentuate the protagonist’s isolation and loneliness.
Two of Lataji’s most beloved numbers Aapki nazron ne samjha pyar ke qabil mujhe (from the film Anpadh) and Betaab dil ki tamanna yehi hai( from the film Hanste Zakhm) both composed by Madan Mohan, have been used very prominently as part of protagonist’s journey.
Manoj Bajpai playing the disgraced professor Srinivas Ramchandra Sirus, sits alone in his dingy one-bedroom professor’s quarter, with a drink in hand and a Lata Mangeshkar song by his side.
In the semi-darkness, in a room lit by dim hope, Srinivas listens to the Melody Queen’s Aap ki nazron ne samjha pyaar ke qaabil mujhe , that timeless Madan Mohan composition from the film Anpadh. The song plays on a rickety portable sound machine. But its sound resonates across the professor’s silent universe,like a melodic meteor cutting through a sky of solitude.
It’s a life-defining moment. Director Hansal Mehta holds the unflinchingly intimate camera with ruthless resilience on his protagonist Manoj Bajpai’s face. For a good 5-7 minutes we see Bajpai’s respond to the amazing lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, with Lata Mangeshkar’s voice imbuing the words with impassioned immortality, the Professor’s emotions swell up and spill over , his face gradually collapsing into a map of a broken heart.
It’s a lengthy sequence with no cuts. For most of the film there are only two characters on screen . The Professor and his solitude.Sometimes they are joined by an affable journalist from Delhi . The greatness of Aligarh as a cinematic achievement comes entirely from the way Hansal Mehta captures the protagonist’s isolation
Says Hansal, “Aligarh is , among other things, a homage to Lataji’s voice. I am a huge fan of her singing and of Madan Mohan’s compositions. And my film’s protagonist Prof Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras was a crazy fan of hers. When Lataji had turned 60 Prof Siras had written poems in her honour.”
Hansal further reveals that Lataji’voice is a huge influence on the gay community.
In fact her most intimate songs of heartbreak like Chalte chalte yuhi koi mila gaya ttha(Pakeezaah) and Jaane kyon log mohabbat kiya karte hain(Mehboob Ki Mehndi) connect deeply with the gay communities sense of unfulfilled love and incomplete relationships that they often have to face.
Brimming with fond recollection Hansal says, “Aligarh remains special and very close to my heart. I would love to just re-watch it on a big screen for its silences, melancholy and mood.” NRI gay Indian’s journey as accentuated by the songs of Lataji.
About Aligarh Movie
Hansal Mehta’s “Aligarh,” a poignant portrayal of the real-life events surrounding Professor Ramchandra Siras, whose life takes a tumultuous turn when his privacy is invaded due to his sexual orientation.
The Storyline
“Aligarh” delves into the life of Professor Siras, a respected Marathi professor at Aligarh Muslim University. The narrative unfolds when Siras is caught in a sting operation conducted by a local TV channel, revealing his homosexuality. Subsequently, he faces ostracism, discrimination, and a legal battle against the institution that once revered him.
Hansal Mehta’s Vision
Director Hansal Mehta’s vision for “Aligarh” was not merely to recount a series of events but to delve into the psyche of a man grappling with societal prejudices and his own sense of identity. Mehta’s nuanced storytelling and empathetic approach humanize Siras, making the audience ponder over issues of privacy, discrimination, and the right to live authentically.
Manoj Bajpayee’s Stellar Performance
Central to the film’s success is the mesmerizing portrayal of Professor Siras by acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee. Known for his ability to inhabit characters with depth and authenticity, Bajpayee brings Siras to life with subtlety and grace. His performance is a masterclass in understated yet powerful acting, earning accolades from audiences and critics alike.
The Impact
“Aligarh” transcends the boundaries of cinema to become a catalyst for important conversations surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, privacy laws, and institutional discrimination. Mehta’s sensitive direction coupled with Bajpayee’s stellar performance elevates the film beyond entertainment, prompting viewers to introspect and advocate for societal change.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Upon its release, “Aligarh” garnered widespread critical acclaim for its brave storytelling and compelling performances. The film received numerous awards and nominations, including the prestigious National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Critics lauded Mehta’s direction, Bajpayee’s performance, and the film’s ability to provoke meaningful discourse.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its cinematic merit, “Aligarh” holds immense cultural significance as a landmark film in Indian cinema. By confronting taboo subjects with honesty and compassion, Mehta challenges societal norms and fosters empathy towards marginalized communities. The film’s enduring impact continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
(7'737 votes) A gay, linguistic professor living in a small orthodox city must deal with the aftermath of a sting operation that puts his sexual orientation in front of the entire nation.
Set in the state of Uttar Pradesh and based on true events, the plot revolves around Dr Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras who taught Marathi at Aligarh Muslim University. He was sacked from his position of Reader and Chair of Modern Indian Languages, on charges of homosexuality. A sting operation was conducted by a TV channel which showed him in an embrace with a rickshaw puller, at his house inside the campus.
