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I do not watch movies frequently, but when I do, I try to delve deeply into every character. Today, I shall write about one of the finest films I have ever seen: Satyajit Ray‘s timeless classic, Apu Trilogy – Pather Panchali.
The entire movie is a masterpiece, but today I am writing about a particular scene, one I like to call “The Lady Who is Waiting.”
In this scene, the grandmother emerges as an intriguing character. Chunibala Devi portrays her role brilliantly. In the movie, she has lived a long, full life and is shown sitting quietly, singing a song. It seems as though she is waiting—waiting for death to arrive. The whole scene made me pause and reflect: At the end of life, what do we wait for?
What simple thoughts fill one’s mind after a lifetime of joys, struggles, and suffering? What is the final desire of such elderly people? Death, undoubtedly, awaits all living beings.
This scene subtly reminded me of many people around us—those who sit quietly in their courtyards, lean against the walls of their homes, or perhaps continue to work. Deep inside, are they also waiting? Waiting for the final chapter, waiting for the last breeze to touch them gently and say, “The suffering is over now.”
Satyajit Ray captured this universal truth with simplicity and grace, reminding us of life’s fragility and the silent acceptance that comes with age. While watching this scene, I couldn’t help but think of the many lives unfolding similarly around us—unnoticed yet profound in their stillness.
Perhaps, then, it is not merely waiting for death, but rather a search for closure, for silent peace, before death finally comes.
- At the End of Life, What Do We Wait For? - December 29, 2024
1 thought on “At the End of Life, What Do We Wait For?”
Beautiful depiction✨✨