A film which got it’s attention for the fresh face..Mandakini! The Raj Kapoor touch is evident everywhere. It begins with the Narendra (Rajiv Kapoor) who wants to follow Swami Vivekananda’s path & not think of marriage. But things change when he meets Ganga on his trip to Gangotri. She helps him when he gets lost in the mountains & in her village, he also marries her. The lovely song..’Sun sahiba sun..’ as is the custom she chooses him!
But immediately after he goes back with a promise that he will come to get her. She gets pregnant & sets on a journey to find him.This journey is made memorable by all kinds of people she meets on the way. When a lady with a child travels for the first time, her parents or someone should accompany her. An old mausi who gets lost & then she has to pick her way. Naren’s mausa just misses her & returns empty handed.
Meanwhile she reaches Calcutta with Manilal,who lures her to Banaras. He feigns blindness,wears dark glasses. To which she says,”Age jake andhe par kon viswas karega?” Which is so true! He takes her to Bhagwat Chowdhary, a politician who is also Radha’s father. Naren is getting married to Radha due to family pressure. Ganga is made to dance at her husband’s wedding.With her veil he still recognises her & leaves with Ganga & his son.
The songs were good. ‘Ek dukhiyari kahe..’,’Ek Radha ek Meera…’ by Lata Mangeshkar are jems. ‘Husn pahadon ka..’has the beautiful Mandakini leading him in the mountains. She helps him fill his pot. He has to give ganga to his grandmother. “Main hi main hu doosra koi nahi…’ When she is alone & remembers the spots they have been together, there is a line..Pahen liya maine tere pyar ka gehna…that tells the entire story!’Ram teri Ganga maili ho gayi papiyo ke paap dhote dhote…’ in Suresh Wadkar’s voice rings in the ears even after you leave the theater!
Bold scenes by Mandakini were discussed but actually the story, the handling was such that it should have got the credit. Watch ‘Heena’ & the difference will be noticed immediately. Watch any of her movies like ‘Dance dance’ & note the difference.It was awarded five Film fares for best film, best direction,etc.
It was the top grosser with “Maine pyar kiya” with Salman Khan & Bhagyashree in the lead. A Rajshree film with RK films was a match to look for.
Getting on with the latest dramas. Happy viewing!
Asian Entertainment 