Cast
What it is about
Set in Simla in 1929, the story follows Rajkumar Mehta, known as Raju, a young man just back from England who clashes with his father, who wants him to continue the family business while Raju prefers music. His bond with Pushpa, a childhood friend, grows complicated when Captain Prem Nath arrives intent on marrying her. The narrative then moves to Bombay, where Raju tries to build a career in music.
How it was made
The score is by S.D. Burman, with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri, and the song "Hato, Kaahe Ko Jhuthi" is built on the Hindustani raga Bhairavi. Dev Anand and Nutan lead the cast, alongside K. N. Singh, Achala Sachdev and Mehmood. The film blends romantic melodrama with musical numbers, in keeping with the popular Hindi cinema of its era.
Reception and legacy
A trade box-office registry rated it an average earner. It is remembered today mainly for its soundtrack and its leading pair, though it stands as a conventional melodrama within Bollywood production of its time.
Trivia
Raga Bhairavi
The song "Hato, Kaahe Ko Jhuthi" is set in the Hindustani raga Bhairavi, one of the most recognisable classical scales in northern Indian musical tradition.
Music at the heart of the plot
Music drives the central conflict: the father regards a musical career as a beggar's trade, and the protagonist ultimately succeeds in precisely that field.
Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.