50 Years of Navketan's 'Tere Mere Sapne'

 

Recall the song “Hey, Maine Kasam Li” where the hero Dev Anand on a Bicycle and the heroine Mumtaz sitting on the crossbar riding across green fields singing the song with very little action and lots of cuddling. What a picturization.

Tere Mere Sapne is one of my favorite movies. It has substance. Commercially, it did not do very well at the box office but I believe it is one of the most sensitive Bollywood movies by Goldie Vijay Anand. He also acted in this film, he plays a doctor and gave a memorable performance.

 The film is based on the novel “The Citadel” by A.J.Cronin, published in 1937 in UK.  based on his own experiences as a doctor. Dedicated to the medical community, the film starts off with a young, idealistic MBBS doctor Anand Kumar (Dev Anand) moving to a village near a coal mine. He attains his degree in medicine and re-locates to a small village to assist the local doctors there. Upon arrival, he is met by the ailing Dr. Prasad and his wife, and hired on a salary of Rs.250/- per month. He meets with the other doctors namely Dr. Kothari (Vijay Anand), an alcoholic, and Dr. Bhutani, a dentist. Anand finds that he is saddled with all of Kothari's work as well his own due to the reason that Kothari is drunk every night. He nevertheless carries on, aided by the local school-teacher, Nisha Patel(Mumtaz), who he eventually marries. Then one day a proud father, Phoolchand, gives a baksheesh to Anand for the safe delivery of his first-born. This does not auger well with Mrs. Prasad and she fires Anand. Anand and Nisha re-locate to Bombay, and after sometime Anand establishes himself as a leading doctor, is honored for his thesis, and gets to be the personal doctor of a leading Bollywood actress Maltimala. When Dr. Kothari and Dr. Bhutani go to visit them, they find while Nisha is still the same good-natured woman, who is expecting a child, Dr. Anand is a changed individual, who has no time for friends, personal life, or even his wife, and is not even aware that she is pregnant. The two return home disappointed, followed by Nisha, who has decided to separate from Anand.

 There are many beautiful songs and several great dances featuring Hema Malini.  Vijay Anand’s direction keeps things moving along at a good pace. There are so many wonderful characters in this film too. Mumtaz gave a stunning performance. Music by S D Burman and lyrics by Neeraj is superb.

Song	Singers	Picturised on
"Phurr Ud Chala"	Asha Bhosle	Hema Malini
"Mera Saajan Phool Kanwal Ka"	Asha Bhosle	Jayshree T.
"Jaisa Radha Ne Mala Japi"	Lata Mangeshkar	Mumtaz, Dev Anand
"Ae Maine Kasam Li"	Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar	Mumtaz, Dev Anand
"Jeevan Ki Bagiya Mehkengi"	Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar	Mumtaz, Dev Anand
"Tha Thai Thatha Thai"	Asha Bhosle, Chorus	Hema Malini
"Mera Antar Ek Mandir Hai Tera"	Lata Mangeshkar	Mumtaz
"Zamaane Dhat Tere Ki"	Manna Dey	Agha

 

Song of Tere Mere Sapne 1971

50 Years of 'Haathi Mere Saathi'

 Haathi Mere Saathi was the highest-grossing Indian film of 1971. It was released on 1st May 1971 and became an instant hit all over India. It was not a children's film but became a craze among children. Children's cinema was a rarity in the 70's decade which was dominated by action dramas. But one big exception was "Haathi Mere Saathi"(1971), directed by M.A.Thirumugham which was inspired by his own Tamil hit, "Vettaikkaaran"(1964).

This was the first film of Salim Javed as an independent script & screenplay writer. it was the biggest hit in the career of Rajesh Khanna as a hero. This movie is about the relationship/bondage between man and animal. Elephants play an equally important role with Rajesh Khanna in the movie and the movie revolves around them. Tanuja playing the heroine also contributes.

In an interview, Tanuja said, "I showed them the film when Kajol was six and Tanishaa around three years old, and for two weeks Kajol did not speak to me!! "Mummy, you killed the elephant! Because of you, he had to die!" screamed Kajol! "And Tanishaa was annoyed too!" 

Another highlight of the film was its music by Laxmikant Pyarelal who have composed some great hits for this movie sung by Kishore Kumar. One song by Mohammad Rafi is a class.

 The film ranks as a classic because it is still unequaled as the complete family fare in its genre for kids of all ages!. If you have not seen this film, you must see this film with your children.

Songs

#	Title	Singer(s)
1	"Chal Chal Chal Mere Saathi"	Kishore Kumar
2	"Dhak Dhak Kaise Chalti Hai Gaadi"	Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
3	"Duniya me rehna hai to kaam kar pyare"	Kishore Kumar
4	"Sunja Aa Thandi Hawa"	Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
5	"Dilbar Jani Chali Hawa Mastani"	Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
6	"Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko Chhod Ke"	Mohammed Rafi

Songs of Haathi Mere Saathi' 1971

50 Years of 'Andaz'

 

This Superhit film was released on 30th April 1971. It was the last movie of Shammi Kapoor as a romantic hero. It was the last movie of the great Shankar-Jaikishan duo. Soon after Jaikishan died of liver cirrhosis, he was only 42.It was the first movie of Ramesh Sippy as Director and also the first script of Salim Javed, 

The film is about a widower(Shammi Kapoor) who has a kid from his now-dead wife(Simi Grewal) and a young widow(Hema Malini) who has a young son from her now-dead lover(Rajesh Khanna) and how their lives meet and end up in romance.

This was the golden age of Rajesh Khanna, whatever the superstar touched it turned into gold. Here also in 15 minutes guest appearances stole the show. He appears on screen for only a few minutes with the famous Kishore Kumar yodel “Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana” and a couple of other scenes.

The story is a formula-based one but the skilfully written screenplay is able to entertain the viewers throughout. This was the first signal of a great script and screenplay writer of Bollywood in making. Their first film as an independent screenplay writer was to release soon and to be the top-grossing film of 1971. 

It was the last movie of Shammi Kapoor as a romantic hero and his role demanded maturity not only on the face but also in performance. And Shammi Kapoor has done it perfectly. Nowhere is he over the top and portrayed the widower and an affectionate father on the screen with finesse, bringing all his experience as a hero over the previous 18 years into his performance. 

The film features "Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana", one of the best known Bollywood yodels This song was nominated in the best singer category for Kishore Kumar. Hasrat Jaipuri was awarded the best lyricist for this song.

 This is an entertaining family drama If you have not seen it earlier, you must see it now. 

#	Title	Singer(s)
1	"Re Mama Re Mama Re"	Mohammed Rafi
2	"Dil Use Do Jo Jaan De De"	Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle
3	"Hai Na Bolo Bolo"	Mohammed Rafi, Suman Kalyanpur, Sushma Shrestha, Pratibha
4	"Mujhe Pyas Aesi Pyas Lagi Hai"	Asha Bhosle
5	"Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana"	Kishore Kumar
6	"Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (II)"	Mohammed Rafi
7	"Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (III)"	Asha Bhosle

Song of Andaz 1971

Song of Andaz 1971

Song of Andaz 1971

Song of Andaz 1971

Song of Andaz 1971

Song of Andaz 1971

Song of Andaz 1971

50 Years of 'Main Sunder Hoon'

 

The most underrated film of 1971 was among the Top 15 Hit films of that year. It was released on 23rd April 1971 starring Mehmood as the lead actor along with Leena Chandavarkar and Biswajeet.  It is a remake of the 1964 Tamil movie Server Sundaram. The role played by Nagesh in Tamil version was reprised by Mehmood in the Hindi version.

The movie is not only a good comedy but also is very emotional. The central character Sundar played by Mehmood is one of the highlights of the film. Mehmood played it very well. I think this is one of his best performances. Music was of Shankar Jaikishan, some of the songs are catchy, "Mujhko Thand Lag Rahi Hai" sung by Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhonsle and the other song "Naach Meri Jaan"with the same singers were very popular that time.

There are 7 songs in the film, one of these is a parody song. If you have not seen this movie earlier then you must see this film now, it is entertaining.

Song of Main Sunder Hoon' 1971

Song of Main Sunder Hoon' 1971

Song of Main Sunder Hoon' 1971

Song of Main Sunder Hoon' 1971

Song of Main Sunder Hoon' 1971

Song of Main Sunder Hoon' 1971

50 Years of Sharmilee

 

Sharmilee was released on 23rd March 1971. The film was a hit with hit music given by S D Burman and lyrics by Neeraj. Shashi Kapoor was the hero and Rakhi was in a double role, one a shy mellow young woman, and the other a spontaneous extrovert.

The film was based on a novel of Gulshan Nanda, who was a very popular Hindi novelist of that time, almost all the films based on his novels were successful. The film was produced by Subodh Mukherjee and directed by Sameer Ganguly

It's the story of twin sisters - Kanchan and Kaamini,  Kaamini is an extrovert, and the ultramodern girl whom any boy may fall for whereas, on the contrary, Kanchan is a shy girl who speaks very less and is hesitant to interact with strangers. 

Shashi Kapoor, the prospective groom and his family members come to see Kanchan decide on a matrimonial alliance, Shashi Kapoor who met Kamini once misunderstood Kanchan as Kamini , he agreed to the proposal. 

When he came to know of the fact it's Kaamini whom he had met and got smitten by, he refuses to marry Kanchan. Kaamini who was earlier ready to marry Shashi Kapoor who was an army officer flees away from her house on the D-Day and it is known after some time that her car met with an accident. Though her dead body is not found, there's enough evidence that she is no more. Now to save the prestige of the family, the parents of the sisters marry Kanchan to Ajit. Though Kanchan tells this fact to Ajit in a letter prior to the marriage, Ajit remains unaware of it because that letter is not allowed to reach him. He marries Kanchan mistaking her for Kaamini and comes to know the truth on their first conjugal night. Feeling betrayed and heartbroken, he returns to the army base, leaving a weeping Kanchan behind.

One fine day Ajit ( Shashi Kapoor) was assigned the responsibility by his superior to catch some traitors spying for the enemy country. These traitors include a young female also and Ajit is shocked like anything to find that her face is the same as that of his sweetheart. Who is she - Kanchan or Kaamini ? 

Shashi Kapoor and Raakhee have done brilliantly in lead roles. Raakhee deserves special mention for her superb performance in the twin roles which are polar apart from each other.

The highlight of the film is its music The film has 7 songs,  Khilte Hain Gul Yahaan is the most popular song sung separately by both Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar for Shashi Kapoor and Raakhee respectively. Megha Chhaye Aadhi Raat (Lata singing beautifully in the classical Raag - Madhuranjani), Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaaye Re Mera Mann (Lata-Kishore), Reshmi Ujaala Hai Makhmali Andhera Hai (Asha Bhosle), Kaise Kahen Hum Pyar Ne Humko Kya Kya Khel Dikhaaye (Kishore) and the title track (O Meri Sharmilee) sung again by Kishore Da; all are quality songs 

#	Title	Singer(s)
1	"Megha Chhaye Aadhi Raat"	Lata Mangeshkar
2	"Reshmi Ujala Hai Makhmali Andhera"	Asha Bhosle
3	"Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaye Re"	Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar
4	"Kaise Kahen Ham"	Kishore Kumar
5	"Khilte Hain Gul Yahan" (Male)	Kishore Kumar
6	"O Meri Sharmilee"	Kishore Kumar
7	"Khilte Hain Gul Yahan" (Female)	Lata Mangeshka

Song of Sharmilee 1971

Song of Sharmilee 1971

Song of Sharmilee 1971

Song of Sharmilee 1971

Song of Sharmilee 1971

50 Years of 'Anand'

 

The characteristic of a great film is a story well presented on screen so as to grab the attention as well as the emotion of the audience. Anand had all the ingredients of a great film. Produced and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee,, co-written and dialogue by Gulzar starring Rajesh Khanna in the lead role, with a supporting cast including Amitabh Bachchan.

The film was released on 12th March 1971  won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film in 1972.  The film was a super hit and the third highest-grossing film of 1971. It has since gained a cult following and is hailed as one of the greatest films ever made.

Besides getting the Best Film Award, it also got: Best Actor: Rajesh Khanna.  Best Supporting Actor: Amitabh Bachchan,  Best Dialogue: Gulzar,  Best Editing: Hrishikesh Mukherjee,  Best Story: Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The film also got National Award for the Best Hindi Film.

The film has everything excellent. Acting, direction, story, music, dialogues etc... everything is fabulous. It has drama, humour, emotions in dollops. It is a story of a dying man who looks at life with a positive attitude and enjoys his time knowing fully well his disease is incurable and that he is going to die soon.

Rajesh Khanna as Anand was absolutely brilliant, Amitabh Bachchan was fantastic as Babumoshai. Another highlight was its music by Salil Chowdurywho comes up with an absolutely fantastic score and singers Mukhesh and Manna Dey do complete justice to his tunes.

No.	Title	Singer(s)	Lyricist	Duration
1	"Kahin Door Jab" (Male)	Mukesh	Yogesh	05:52
2	"Maine Tere Liye"	Mukesh	Gulzar	03:09
3	"Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli"[14]	Manna Dey	Yogesh	03:30
4	"Kahin Door Jab" (Female)	Lata Mangeshkar	Yogesh	03:48
5	"Na Jiya Lage Na"	Lata Mangeshkar	Gulzar	03:22
6	"Maut Tu Ek Kavita Hai"	Amitabh Bachchan	Gulzar	00:47

Song of Anand 1971

Song of Anand 1971

Song of Anand 1971

Song of Anand 1971