Bluff Master
1963 · India · 135 min
- Director
- Manmohan Desai
- Producer
- Subhash Desai
- Music
- Kalyanji–Anandji
Cast
What it is about
Ashok is a jobless young man who, to impress the people around him, pretends to come from a wealthy family. His luck seems to turn when he lands a job as a photographer for Bhukump, a fictional tabloid. The position does not last, however, after an incident involving the owner's daughter, Seema, and Ashok's habit of exaggerating and lying. Refusing to give up, he manages to get close to her and win her trust. When romance develops, Ashok tries to leave his deceptions behind, but finds that nobody believes him anymore.
How it was made
The film is a comedy-tinged drama directed by Manmohan Desai, produced by Subhash Desai, with music by Kalyanji Anandji. Shammi Kapoor and Saira Banu star, alongside Pran and Lalita Pawar. Dialogue and song lyrics were written by Rajendra Krishan. One of its songs, "Bedardi Daghabaaz", is set in the Hindustani raga Bageshri. The Hindi-language film runs about 135 minutes.
Reception and legacy
The film was released in 1963 and belongs to the commercial Bollywood cinema of that decade. The sources consulted do not detail its critical reception or any awards it may have received, so its later impact cannot be precisely assessed. Its main interest today lies in its value as an example of Indian popular cinema of the 1960s, with Shammi Kapoor among its leading figures.
Trivia
A song based on a raga
The song "Bedardi Daghabaaz" is set in the Hindustani raga Bageshri, a classical choice within a popular comedy.
More films by Manmohan Desai
Amar Akbar Anthony
Coolie
Mard
Aa Gale Lag Jaa
Dharam Veer
NaseebOriginal Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.