Extracts from Bharat Bhushan’s Diary – January 1937

Bharat Bhushan

Thought for the day: Keep him at least three paces distant who hates bread, music and the laugh of a child.

I did not go to college today. Father’s letter has upset me… I am feeling very restless. He has written, “Cinema and music have ruined many a young man. You are one of them.”

I do not like this. I can understand and forgive people who hate cinema, but I can never forgive those who hate music. A man who is not moved by the ragas Bhairavi and Durbari can commit a murder. However, I know my father would never commit a murder. He is a lawyer. He knows all the sections a murder is charged under.

Why should I take up my father’s profession? I do not want to become a lawyer. Is it a nice thing to make two persons fight and then squeeze money from one of them? (I am told successful lawyers squeeze money from both.)

I will revolt against all such dictates. Sometimes I feel like rising in revolt against God too. Why did he ordain my birth in a family which is totally devoid of every form of art?

My grandmother says that my mother was very fond of music and painting. Maybe, this craze of mine for films is a result of her artistic leanings… But, then, why did she leave me alone to face the music of these unmusicals?

Memories