by a Maharashtrian couple whose only son was murdered in New York. Initially Anupam Kher, originally from Shimla and a National School of Drama alumnus, was chosen to play the lead role. Later producers Rajshri Productions insisted in taking an established actor, Sanjeev Kumar for the role. Thus a fortnight before the principal photography was to commence, Kher, who had been preparing for almost sixth months for his debut, got the news. When Bhatt confirmed the change, he packed his bags and left town. However, before leaving, he met Bhatt and expressed his frustration. Subsequently, Bhatt kept him as the lead, and the producers agreed. The film began on 1 January 1984 with very first scene of Pradhan played by Kher, receiving the phone call from New York. Kher was only 28 years old, when he played the role of a retired stubborn old man. For the pivotal scene, where he had to haggle with customs officials to recover his son's ashes. Kher had no reference of such a situation and tapped into all his hardships as struggling actor in Mumbai to reach the emotional point. The scene was shot at an office space in Film City, Mumbai, and was completed in a single take, without rehearsals or use of glycerine. He went on to win Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance. Rohini Hattangadi was only 28 years old at the time but her performance as the 60-plus housewife is still etched in everyone’s memory. Themes Saaransh explores how the couple copes with the loneliness and anxieties of old age and the utter aimlessness of life after the death of their only son, a victim of arbitrary violence. While the headmaster's wife seeks refuge in religion and faith, the headmaster remains stoic and becomes obsessive about the memories of his son. In his efforts to reach out to his dead son, he starts writing letters to him every day, only to tear them up. It also focuses on the importance of finding new meaning and purpose in life, no matter the age. Other themes it touches on are through Pradhan's interactions with custom officials and police — corruption, politics-crime nexus and bureaucratic delay, rampant bribery and red-tapism. Music The music was given by Ajit Varman and the lyrics by Vasant Dev. "Andhiyara Gehraya Suna Pan Phir Aaya" – Bhupinder Singh "Har Ghadi Dhal Rahi Sham Hai Zindagi" –