22 Years of Pinjar: A Story That Still Hurts

Razia Mashkoor

I watched Pinjar two decades ago, and since then, it has stayed etched in my heart. The film painfully reminds us how, during any riot or partition, it’s always women who suffer the most — losing their identity, dignity, and loved ones, becoming mere “things” that society can take, use, and discard.

Based on Amrita Pritam’s powerful novel, Pinjar captures the tragedy of women on both sides of the border.  Pinjar told a powerful story of love, loss, and humanity during the Partition. — their pain, loss, and silent strength.

Manoj Bajpayee recently shared pictures from the film, recalling, “Two decades and two years ago, Pinjar released — a film that holds a special place in my journey. It didn’t win mainstream awards but earned two National Awards, including my second. It spoke about unity, inclusiveness, and the human cost of division.”

Even after two decades, Pinjar continues to remind us of the deep scars of division and the strength of compassion.