Veeru in Sholay created cinematic history for fans of romance by climbing on the water tank of the village to woo mausi and achieve the dream of marrying Basanti. While the attempt was fruitful in the film, the act certainly isn’t a motivational tool for young men and women to follow. However, one widower in Rajasthan decided to risk it all by climbing up an electric pole in order to convince (rather blackmail) his family to permit him to marry again.
The man identified as Sobran Singh is reportedly 60-years-old. Four years ago, he lost his wife. He lived alone for half a decade but lately, he’s been getting agitated by the loneliness. His dreams of remarrying were quickly quashed by family and relatives who didn’t deem it fit for a man his age to be married.
Local news outlets reported the man had even threatened suicide.
As the last resort, he climbed up an 11 KV electricity pole in Dholpur. The only saving grace was that there was no electricity running through the high-tension line at that moment. According to Aaj Tak, the family members informed the electricity department who later cut supply in those lines, potentially saving his life. The man has three sons and two daughters along with a bunch of grandchildren. However, none of them has been helpful in filling the void in his life that led to such drastic steps. He tried to convince them multiple times, but his children were adamantly against his idea of getting married again.
Crowds gathered, much like Sholay, to appease the elderly man and lead him down safely. However, unlike Sholay, he hasn’t really found a Basanti yet. Local reports claim he just wants to be married again. “Get me married to anyone. I just want a companion,” he was quoted saying. He was eventually brought down by someone who climbed up as well to help him.