The 2004 Yash Chopra film Veer-Zaara is a love story on many levels.
- It is a love story of Pakistani girl Zaara Hayaat Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) and Indian Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh (Preity Zinta).
- It is a love story about place and country.
- It is a love story about family, parents, husbands, wives, and children.
- It is a love story about honor and tradition.
- It is a love story about the rights of everyone to live a live free.
At the conclusion of the film, Veer Pratap Singh is asked if he has anything to say on his behalf. He stands and reads the following poem which beautifully sums up the sentiments of the film.
I, prisoner number 786, look through the bars of the jail.
I see days, months, years change to eons.
From the soil of this land comes the fragrance of my father's fields.
This burning sun reminds me of my Maati's cool buttermilk.
This rain brings along with it the swings of my seasons.
This winter fills me with the warmth of the fires of my Lohri.
They say this is not your country then why does it feel like mine?
He says I am not like him, then why does he look like me?I, prisoner number 786, look through the bars of the jail.
I see an angel who has descended from heaven.
She calls herself Saamiya and she calls me Veer.
She's a complete stranger, but treats me as her own.
Hearing her truthful words, I feel like living once more.
Hearing her promises and vows, I feel like doing something more.
They say that she is no one of mine then why does she fight the world for me?
He says that I'm not like her then why does she look like me?I, prisoner number 786, look through the bars of the jail.
I see my Zaara wrapped in the colours of my village.
In making my dreams come true, she has forgotten her own.
In serving my people, she has left behind her own.
Now, I feel like filling her being with happiness.
I feel like living another lifetime for her.
They say that my country is not hers.
Then why is she staying in my home?
He says that I'm not like her, they why does she look like me?I, prisoner number 786, look through the bars of the jail.
Released on 12 November 2004, today we celebrate the anniversary of the iconic love story, Veer-Zaara.
If you liked this, check out our other Veer-Zaara posts.