Babaji, an Indian Love Story

Jiska Rickels tells in Babaji an unlikely love story. Babaji Basant is a miracle doctor who heals people from far and wide of pain and disease. But people also come from far away to see him for other reasons. Entirely against Hindu custom, he has buried his wife in his yard. His own grave is already standing ready beside it and every morning he lies down beside his wife, waiting for death. Legend has it that Babaji is already 107 years old. ‘Death walks away from him,’ says a villager who thinks that Babaji is looking younger and younger.
Babaji, an Indian Love Story is a warm blooded cinematographic documentary about love. Rickels, who previously made Untertage (2003) and the internationally prize-winning 4 Elements (2006), made a portrait based on conversations with villagers, relatives and with Babaji himself. Without a trace of irony or ethnic scorn, she shows Babaji in his everyday life as a healer. Rickels shows as much respect as the villagers who talk about his wisdom, even though some pictures in her film are hilarious.
A singer of traditional Indian love songs provides in her lyrics indirect commentary on life, death and the love that elevates all of us. (GT)

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