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Dr Abdus Salam’s biopic is a happy film... if you don't have a conscience

Dr Abdus Salam’s biopic is a happy film... if you don't have a conscience

The documentary took 14 years to make and is sourced using rare interviews and painstakingly obtained archival material.
Updated 09 Oct, 2019

This article was originally published on 12 September, 2018.

It wasn’t planned to be this way, but the coincidence is almost too perfect: the biopic Salam – The First ****** Nobel Laureate played at the DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) on the day that the newly-elected government of Pakistan asked distinguished economist Atif Mian to step down from the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council because of his Ahmadi faith.

Salam, a 75-minute documentary that stays with you long past its duration, played last week to an audience of largely Pakistanis in Washington DC, from college students and temporary residents to those born and bred in the United States, and those who were young men and women who still lived in Pakistan when a 53-year-old Abdus Salam won his Nobel Prize for Physics in 1979.

The documentary begins with Norwegian-language commentary accompanying the now well-known footage of Dr Salam accepting his Nobel Prize in a sherwani, pagg, and Saleem Shahi khussay.

Borrowing from one of his colleagues, who is interviewed in the film, he looked like a Mughal prince among other men dressed like “penguins” in their tuxedos.

Dr Salam accepting his Nobel Prize
Dr Salam accepting his Nobel Prize

In the first few scenes, we learn that Salam was his parents’ favoured child. On the special occasions that the family cooked chicken, a piece was kept aside for him. We see that the government school that he attended as a child still displays a framed photograph of him in his former classroom.

And then we see the jarring image of his tombstone, with the rather illogical phrase “The First Nobel Laureate” on it. There’s some white space between First and Nobel; as if something has been erased. What's missing is the word we can’t utter in relation with Ahmadis for the Constitution of Pakistan decided they can't be called Muslim in 1974.

In a later part of the film, we see how glorious a funeral he had received in 1996. It is hard to imagine any two shots other than these that can better illustrate Pakistan’s descent into religious extremism.

Biopics can easily veer into propaganda to resurrect their subject’s desired image or to present their side of the story. This one is far from it, even as the film is a labour of love for its makers.

The film’s producers – both science students and one even has a PhD! – set out on this project when they were struck by how little they knew about Salam considering they’d studied science their entire lives.

This theme is part of the movie when young people in current-day Pakistan are asked what they know about Dr Salam.

At Government College University, Lahore, where Prof. Salam served as head of the mathematics department for several years, a girl admits that she doesn’t know very much about Dr Salam, but describes him as a “cute older man” who smiled a lot and had a white flowing beard. I believe what she was describing is a benevolent face.

It is no wonder that the film took 14 years to complete. It is meticulously researched and sourced using painstakingly obtained archival material. In fact, the producers believe that the Pakistan Television Network, where Salam used to frequently appear, may have deleted some of its footage of him.

The poster for Salam
The poster for Salam

But the most priceless information comes from interviews with people who had one degree of separation from Professor Salam. We are welcomed into his home and his workplace; we meet his family and his colleagues, even his former personal assistant, who have rarely spoken about Salam in public before.

As director Anand Kamalkar explained, this allowed the film to piece together a holistic yet intimate picture of a man who was almost always in two places physically and mentally.

The film also touches on some uncomfortable truths about Salam such as the fact that, as the quintessential stereotype of the genius scientist goes, he could be dismissive and rude if you caught him at the wrong time. He would later apologise but not in as many words, his former assistant narrates.

The film acknowledges the fact that Salam stayed married to two women at the same time – one from his community and the other a fellow scientist and foreigner – and that the Nobel committee members were rather puzzled when both appeared at the ceremony. This one, in particular, seemed to ruffle some feathers.

An older couple sitting ahead of me was confused; the wife turned to the husband and asked who the white lady was the second time she appeared. “His second wife,” another audience member replied. The older lady was not amused to learn that.

Abdus Salam with Pope John Paul II
Abdus Salam with Pope John Paul II

Salam’s role in Pakistan’s quest for a nuclear bomb is also explored at some length in the film. Although he later expressly came out against the use of nuclear energy for anything other than peaceful purposes, he had very much been a part of establishing Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.

Salam knew his country – he understood that if President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s regime was to be convinced of the need to bring Pakistan into the scientific age, he would have to give something to get something. Like one of his colleagues says in the film, Salam could be a bit of a “user” of people or circumstances that he believed could benefit his ultimate goal.

He wasn’t incorrect in anticipating that trade-off; as the Scientific Adviser to the President of Pakistan in 1961, he was critical to the establishment of Pakistan’s space program (SUPARCO) and the Karachi Nuclear Power Program (KANUPP).

Later, when Prime Minister Bhutto declared the Ahmadis as non-Muslim, he resigned in a heartfelt letter to the premier. One wonders if Salam resigned in the hopes that his influence and contributions as Pakistan’s foremost man of science would force the government to rethink its decision. In the end, though, Bhutto’s political calculus won.

This shot of Abdus Salam's diary entry went viral after the screening of Salam last week
This shot of Abdus Salam's diary entry went viral after the screening of Salam last week

The film is very clear in showing why it was exceedingly important to Salam to be recognized as a “Muslim” scientist from the “third world”, perhaps even more than the knowledge that he could have won the prize 20 years earlier than he actually did.

It provides important context into why his diary entry from September 7, 1974 – the day Ahmadis were declared non-Muslim by the Pakistani state – reads “declared non-Muslim, cannot cope.”

To Salam, the 1974 amendment to the constitution displaced not only his identity but the vantage point from which he saw a world that couldn’t quite place him: a third worlder among Westerners, a devoutly religious yet avowedly scientific man among atheists.

For someone who had built his entire life around that identity, who saw his fellow physicists’ racist comments and stereotyping of him as his call to answer, this felt like a deep personal blow. Forty-four years later, the blows haven’t stopped.

In a Q&A after the film's screening, the producers said that Salam’s second wife had earnestly asked that his biopic be a happy film. And, in some ways, it is, for onscreen you see Abdus Salam as an incorrigible go-getter in absolute love with his work, the smiling hero of a rags-to-riches story almost straight out of a fairy tale.

However, if Pakistan’s treatment of its Ahmadi citizens weighs on your conscience, you will not exit the cinema feeling good.

Salam – The First ****** Nobel Laureate is meant to celebrate the life of a man who derived so much happiness from his work, yet we cannot partake in this happiness for we could risk landing up in jail – or worse.

Comments

Zahra wasim Sep 14, 2018 11:38am
Is this film available online to watch?
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Naveed Arsalan Sep 14, 2018 11:48am
on the day that the newly-elected government of Pakistan asked distinguished economist Atif Mian to step down from the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council because of his Ahmadi faith. Corrections: It was the pressure of the opposition and the extremests that forced the newly-elected government of Pakistan for asking Atif Mian to step down.
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Asgher Ali Sep 14, 2018 11:51am
@Iftekhar Hassan -And I am a Shia Muslim, and I totally agree with you!
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Farhan Sep 14, 2018 11:58am
Dear Writer, Please share the video link of the movie.
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Alba Sep 14, 2018 12:01pm
85% of all who achieve greatness in the arts, sciences and politics are the first born or only child.
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Saif Zulfiqar Sep 14, 2018 12:06pm
Throughout Islamic rules the citizens of every religion were protected and were allowed to practice their beliefs without any problems. But in Pakistan, Ahmadis are now treated as second class citizens. They have never harmed any community. This is all due to trouble maker religious organisations . Shame on the culpirits.
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Saif Zulfiqar Sep 14, 2018 12:08pm
@Iftekhar Hassan, It was not the parliament. It was pressure on Bhutto by Saudi government to declare Ahmadis as non-Muslims like they declared Druze as non-Muslims.
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Khaled Sep 14, 2018 12:48pm
Great, must see the movie.
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Haider Sep 14, 2018 01:45pm
Why not a movie on Edhi sahib?
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Beelal Sep 14, 2018 02:19pm
@Haider go ahead and make one!
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sourav ghosh Sep 14, 2018 02:23pm
@Naveed Arsalan no mate it was the rulers of naya pakistan. No shifting blame
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Observer Canada Sep 14, 2018 02:27pm
I would like to watch this bio-pic myself to know more about Dr Salam.
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Farhan Ahmed Sep 14, 2018 02:50pm
@Naveed Arsalan, you are absolutely right it was merely a pressure which created that result.
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R S Chakravarti Sep 14, 2018 02:53pm
Salam's fate was ultimately a consequence of Partition (more precisely, the ideology that promoted it).
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Waqar Sep 14, 2018 03:06pm
he was critical to the establishment of Pakistan’s space program (SUPARCO) ?
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Pure Sep 14, 2018 03:40pm
This is so depressing................!
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Hassan Sep 14, 2018 03:54pm
@Haider : what's the problem with Abdus Salaam's movie?
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Faisal Sep 14, 2018 04:15pm
If the previous govt had done this, it would have been their fault.
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Zafar Sep 14, 2018 04:28pm
@Waqar who launched first rocket for Pakistan, this was him. He was critical because they could not keep up the good work.
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meharali Sep 14, 2018 04:51pm
@Waqar Know your history sir
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SR Sep 14, 2018 04:59pm
@Khaled Did he win a Nobel
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Striver Sep 14, 2018 05:01pm
Dr Salam went collected his Nobel award dressed is traditional Pakistani clothes. that shows how proud he is of being a Pakistan and representing Pakistan at such forums. Similarly, in Atif Mian we have a great economist from Pakistan working overseas. Why can't he make his contribution to Pakistan? WE ARE ALL PAKISTANI. This was the wrong decision by PTI government.
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sz Sep 14, 2018 06:39pm
@Naveed Arsalan The ultimate decision will rest with the government and not the opposition.
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Abdul Muqtadir Sep 14, 2018 06:47pm
@Naveed Arsalan regardless. The fact is the Final decision was of the Government of PTI which capitulated or did not stand firm.
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Manu Sep 14, 2018 08:13pm
At least tell us the names of the people who made the film!
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Socrates Sep 14, 2018 08:52pm
Well done Zainab Imam. Keep up and stay blessed.
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Abida Sep 14, 2018 09:43pm
Is this movie available for a community viewing such as in our university or public library?
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Asim Sep 14, 2018 11:43pm
Seen some good documentaries on this great scientist. Can you please share the link to this one mentioned in the article please.
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Habib A. zuberi Sep 15, 2018 12:54am
No comment. I have already stated what I wanted to say.
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ghilzai Sep 15, 2018 02:57am
Great article.
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prof@uk Sep 15, 2018 05:09am
When you read something like this you wonder if it is the poor or the richest with stunted growth.
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Faiz Rahman Sep 15, 2018 05:28am
While undoubtedly Salam was a an accomplished mathematician and an eminent physicist there are a few other truths related to him that should also be in common knowledge. His 'contribution' to the Pakistani nuclear programme is very questionable as he was a theoretical physicist of quantum fields and particles - not a nuclear physicist. These are completely different fields and thus he could not have technically contributed to any weapon-related programme. As the article states, he was an astute professional and was quite calculating . He had his eyes on the Nobel prize for many years and even self-nominated himself for the prize for several years! A cross-section of his contemporary physicists wonder if he even deserved the prize as some think that the work was based centrally on a prior contribution by Sheldon Glashow who was a co-recipient of the Nobel. There is considerable angst about this in the particle physics community. I don't know if this assertion is correct though.
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Younus Ilahie Sep 15, 2018 05:33am
It would have been more appropriate to call Dr Salam as the First Pakistani Nobel Prize winner. End of controversy.
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junaid rehman Sep 15, 2018 06:48am
Dr Salam was Pakistani and I am proud of his achievements, doesn't matter what religion, or sect he belonged to.
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Rover Sep 15, 2018 12:53pm
@Striver "Why can't he make his contribution to Pakistan? WE ARE ALL PAKISTANI. " Because brother, a large section of Pakistani people seem to oppose your thinking. People here are saying Bhutto declare Ahmadis Non-Muslim under Saudi pressure. IK let Atif Mian go under pressure from opposition and so on. Why don't Pakistani people rise to change the law? Most probably because a large number of Pakistani people WANT such laws as a large section has been radicalized.
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Hamidullah khan Sep 15, 2018 06:44pm
The film makers should have thought that the Embassy of Pakistan was closely involved with all arrangements for Dr. Salam. As deputy head of mission I was coordinating many functions. As Dr.Salam wanted a turban we had to find muslin cloth.The British tried that Salam should accept the prize as British citizen. Dr. Salam refused.
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Fahim Dar Sep 15, 2018 07:22pm
Produced by Pakistani producers and directed by Indian Director. Kudos for coming together.
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Khan J Sep 16, 2018 07:40am
A true hero of Pakistan! Religion is personal believe and we should let it be like that. We should use him as a role model for our kids so they will also have chance to win Nobel price.
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Tariq Vora Sep 16, 2018 11:22pm
Why are we so stuck in a debate about the Ahmadees being muslims vs. non-muslims. Can't we celebrate his success as a renowned 'PAKISTANI' scientist. The guy is dead and we should focus on the present. After all, we don't discount Einstein because he was a non-muslim?
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Azeem Umar Sep 25, 2018 08:10pm
Salam is best brain of Pak.. Those who are against him are totally dirty minded . Love Abdul Salam .. Love Pak
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emad Sep 27, 2018 06:05pm
Any of you can read 100s of books from around the world but never interested to know reasons of Ahmedi issue why it is so much problematic, Before you utter any words, make sure you must aware of reasoning.
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Reborn Oct 09, 2019 10:34am
Removal of Atif Mian is another recent example of bigotry.
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k p rao Oct 09, 2019 10:36am
@Naveed Arsalan Result is same. Atif Mian had to step down. Whose loss it is
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Syed Oct 09, 2019 10:37am
@Naveed Arsalan Great step.
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Omar Oct 09, 2019 12:13pm
One of the Simplest, Shortest Question: Why not Pakistani Students, Professors (Male & Female) won Nobel Prize of Science before and after Dr. Abdussalam ? Just for information , at the moment we have more than 200 Universities and 110 Medical Colleges.
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Tamanna Oct 09, 2019 12:19pm
So unfortunate a country that repells geniuses.
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Iskander Khwaja Oct 09, 2019 01:26pm
I have seen the movie on Netflix, it's worth watching. His love for the country was exemplary, he worked for the young scientists from the 3rd world, which is great.
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Azhar Khan Oct 09, 2019 02:15pm
@Striver you don’t have to be Muslim to be a proud Pakistani. You can be Christen, Hindu, Sikh or Ahmadi.
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Parvez Oct 09, 2019 02:18pm
Good documentary ....... worth watching.
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TAHIR M Oct 09, 2019 02:33pm
This great man has been so badly treated by his nation including the leaders, the educated and the general public because of our pathetic discrimination and prejudices. The efforts to put something in perspective is to be commended. However the material covered in this short documentary did not live up to expectations. It fell short. His prolific academic career, dedication, devotion, extraordinary genius and achievements somehow appeared a watered down version. Clearly, a missed opportunity. But would it have made a difference? To the majority compatriots he was just a number - belonging to a minority and insulted.
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john Oct 09, 2019 03:04pm
What a pity!! A Genius who loved Islam and a Genius at Physics and his own country didn't own him, sad!!
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fida Oct 09, 2019 04:06pm
Dr. Abdus Salam, a man with a kind heart and a heroic Pakistani.
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Rex Major Oct 09, 2019 04:06pm
@Manu, watch the attached trailer, all the details are there.
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Rex Major Oct 09, 2019 04:08pm
@Khan J , personal belief!
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Osman Oct 09, 2019 04:14pm
He was a great scientist, but he was misguided.
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rsultan Oct 09, 2019 04:27pm
@Saif Zulfiqar Blaming someone else doesn't make the person innocent or good.
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Nebuchadnezzar Oct 09, 2019 04:53pm
@Zahra wasim - Yes, on Netflix.
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Asfa Oct 09, 2019 05:47pm
Thank you for useing your platform to bring awareness on this masterpiece. I hope other celebs join in and help their audiences learn about this forgotten hero.
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Ajay Lamba Oct 09, 2019 06:27pm
So even you are putting starts....
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sara z Oct 09, 2019 06:47pm
I have so much respect for this genius who made not only made his family but the entire nation proud of his work. Who are we to judge a human beings faith. May he RIP Ameen!
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markhor Oct 09, 2019 07:22pm
Watch it on Netflix
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tuk Oct 09, 2019 07:27pm
There are American, British, German, etc. Noble Laureates. Why could he just not been called 'First Pakistani Noble Laureate"?
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harry Oct 10, 2019 03:04am
@Manu It was mostly Indians who did the film.
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Arif Oct 10, 2019 05:47am
@Zahra wasim on Netflix
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Arif Oct 10, 2019 05:49am
@sourav ghosh wrong
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Saleem Oct 10, 2019 06:31am
He was hero of Pakistan!
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Sampth Oct 10, 2019 08:08am
Beautiful article. A rare person.
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Savi Oct 10, 2019 08:21am
@Alba SO?
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Anonymouseee Oct 10, 2019 09:50am
Irregardless of his faith, we Pakistanis owe a big gratitude to our hero Dr Salam. There will never be any doubt about this. Long live Pakistan
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Baber Oct 10, 2019 09:02pm
Thanks for writing about this Zainab. Just watched the documentary on Netflix yesterday. After watching this documentary, one would have no further questions as to why Pakistan is where it is.
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Faisal Oct 11, 2019 06:13pm
@Zahra wasim Its on Netflix.
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Rowaid Ahmad Oct 13, 2019 06:58pm
@Naveed Arsalan and the government succumbed to the pressure because everyone is afraid of the radicals in this country. following a rightful ideology is that difficult in this country of confused minds and undetermined identity.
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