Jalsaghar (The Music Room)

Summary

1930’s, Bengal. Biswambhar Roy (Chhabi Biswas) is the last in a long line of rich patriarchs. He continues to cling to his refined tastes even as his estate is diminishing. All that remains is his two loyal servants, a horse, an elephant, and the crumbling palace. On the terrace of his palace, smoking a hookah, Roy asks his old servant what month it is. He is unsettled by the festive music being played at his neighbor’s place. The occasion is the Upanayan (initiation or coming of age ceremony) of the neighbor’s son.

He recalls his own son’s initiation ceremony. We are transported back in time when Roy was in his best times of but slowly loosing his power and wealth. A great concert takes place in Roy’s imposing music room. All the guests are served drinks as they enjoy a performance by a great female classical singer. Later that night, Roy tells his wife that he is willing to spend his last coin to hear such music.

The next concert takes place on a stormy night. His wife and son have gone to her mother’s place, but are expected to return in time to join him for this musical soiree to celebrate the new year and also to spite his neighbor Ganguly. Roy looks out at the river as he is worried about his wife and son’s return by a boat on such a stormy night. A model boat falls down due to the wind. As the concert progresses, he notices an insect trapped in his glass. Worried, Roy runs out to see if his wife and son have returned. His worst fears are confirmed as the news arrives that they have drowned in the river.

Roy falls into a depression. His inability to adapt with changing times has made him into a recluse. He has closed the music room for good.

The sound of music from the neighbor’s house and a wish to demonstrate his fine taste in music to his flashy neighbor leads him to organize one last concert. The music room is opened once again. He uses all his resources to organize the concert. He relishes the music as he celebrates his victory over his neighbor and toasts his ancestors.

After all the guests have left, a drunk Roy remembers the past glory. He proudly introduces portraits of his ancestors to his servant. He notices a big spider on his own portrait. As the candles go out one by one, Roy is convinced that he too must depart with the extinguishing of the last candle. His servant assures that it is almost dawn now so he need not worry about the candles.

In a grand gesture, he mounts his horse and rides at a terrible pace to be violently thrown off. Roy dies as two servants look on tearfully.