indian cinema heritage foundation

Narsi Bhagat (1940)

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  • GenreDrama
  • FormatB-W
  • LanguageHindi
  • Run Time179 mins
  • Length4917.03 meters
  • Gauge35 mm
  • Censor Certificate NumberB-22806
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"Thou shouldst not consider thysef but deliver thy unfortunate brethren from their sinful ways, and preach unto them a Gospel of Equality to tolerate the weak, for theirs is the KIngdom of Heaven."

Man is not perfect and mankind prone to evil. Every man's intentions are governed by his conscience and subjugated to his will that is the supreme and infinite inheritance of every human being. Imbibed with these virtuous principles, there lived in ancient Gujarat during the latter half of the fifteenth century, Narsi Mehta, a fervent disciple of Lord Krishna and preacher of a new tenet embodying tolerance of convictions and equality among men. 

Living with his wife and two children in the homestead of his brother and spending his days in glorifying his spiritual inspirations he was despised by his sister-in-law and her brother Sarangadhar, who envious of his religious devotion consistently humiliated him. But Narsi's holy precepts were being manifested and the local population regarded him a great Saint for his constant exclamation of 'Radhe Govind'. 

One winter night he went out to help some one in distress. On his return found that his sister-in-law had closed the doors of the house against him. Unshaken in his faith he sought refuge at a deserted temple of Shivji and concentrated himself in prayer for seven days without food or drink. Perceiving his faithful devotion Bhagwan Shanker conveyed him to Lord Krishna's celestial domain at Golok (Heaven).

Narsi was in ecstacies, fulfilled his heart's desire and joined with the Gopes and Gopies in their joyful dance. 

After his heavenly trip Nars preached his Gospel among the untouchables and spoke unto the terror stricken people "Fear not brothers, ye are of my own kindred. I come to preach unto you a sermon of equality and give you words of wisdom."

He entered his town in company with, his followers bearing the signs of Vaishnav on their foreheads and there was great excitement in the neighbourhood. Frantic crowds sneered at him and despised his disreputable habits. Expelled from his brother's house he took shelter in a nearby Dharam SHala. His daughter's marriage was approaching but his faith in Lord Krishna delivered him from his difficulty. 

(From the official press booklet)

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