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Monday 5 July 2010

Escapist ending (Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai)

Not fair. I'm not convinced with the climax of Kishore Sahu's Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai. This 1960 triangular love story (produced by Kamal Amrohi) finishes in a rather tame fashion. Without any procrastination, the director conveniently bumps off the wife so that the sweethearts can continue their life in bliss! So, does Sahu mean to say that it is absolutely normal to harbour romantic thoughts for a woman who is not your wife? That ignoring your wife can never be too bad? This romantic drama is not devoid of flaws...

Dr Sushil Verma is an idealistic surgeon working at Malhotra Hospital. After a certain spectacular surgery he notices the new nurse Karuna and is struck by her beauty. He starts getting close to her with his soft words and amiable ways. Karuna also visits his home and gets acquainted with his family (mother and sister). The two are quite attracted to each other and revel in each other's adoration-filled glances. Karuna takes immense pleasure in the thought that some day she will be Mrs Sushil Verma. But, (and God only knows why) the two never propose to each other. I believe one must profess his love without waste of time. Let courtship take a backseat when your mother is nagging you every single day to get married somewhere else...
So Sushil's mother forces her son to marry Kusum because she is indebted to her father for helping her bring up Sushil and Munni, her daughter. Kusum's father has even paid up for Sushil's medical education. Sushil, crumbling under pressure, unwillingly marries Kusum but is never able to love her. It is true that Kusum is vain and carries a stiff upper lip. But, I have to admit; even Sushil is never shown cosying up to Kusum or even trying to understand her. How will he? When he is busy fantasising about the enigmatic Karuna, who also happens to be more sensitive and pleasing in personality. Well, there is also a kind of tragic air about her. In the first scene she relates her personal family tragedies to Dr Malhotra (proving that she can well handle her grief!). When she is not wearing her nurse's uniform, she is wearing white saris. For God sake, why? Simplicity needn't be so stark. I'd prefer that Karuna spoke up to Sushil and didn't take matters lying down...
With a priviledged upbringing, Kusum is spoilt and stubborn. She makes Sushil's simple life go a bit awry. She is busy indulging in costly furniture, much to the dislike of her idealistic doctor-husband and is brusque towards her mother and sister-in law. But the main bone of contention is Sushil's profession. Kusum despises his trade (her instant irritation at the smell of medicines on entering her new home is symptomatic of the clash of ideals strewn ahead) and keeps complaining that Sushil is not spending enough time with her. Understandable. She is the new bride and would love her husband's love and attention. Sushil tries to keep her happy but whenever they are catching up, the phone rings. And, incidentally it is always Karuna who is calling!! Which sane woman wouldn't get incensed?
There is more cause for concern when Kusum sees her husband and Karuna playing sweethearts in a play. Initially everything's fine. But, when Sushil's plain expressions transforms into passionate glares towards the angelic Karuna, Kusum's suspicion is piqued. Actually the two actors get a bit too intimate (in their glances towards each other) for Kusum's comfort. I give it to Kusum for smelling that something's fishy. After all, she is intelligent and she is hurt. One might say that Kusum never was tender towards Sushil. Wrong. She tried to suck up to her (boring) husband in her own way. But, Sushil's mind was filled with Karuna's thoughts from the beginning. He never gave Kusum even one chance. Sushil could not be true to Karuna when he married Kusum and he was cheating on Kusum when he just couldn't manage to move on from Karuna. Very difficult situations, indeed!

Kusum gets overtly possessive about Sushil and impulsively is instrumental in his patient's death. He seethes with anger and strikes her. Tempers flare as Kusum confronts Sushil about his relation with Karuna. The best Sushil can do is walk away after covering his face. Not convincing...
Kusum leaves for her father's home, leaving enough space for the two sweethearts to realise their passionate love for each other.
Here I would like to say that though Sushil is kind of milquetoasty, Karuna maintains her dignity. Realising that she loves this married man, she starts avoiding him. But, fate has other things in store, something that you can find out yourself...

Sushil's mother, after being subjected to Kusum's extreme mood swings, realises that Karuna would have been a better daughter-in-law. Even Munni blurts it out to her brother. Perhaps, the director was trying to show how humans are mere playthings in the hands of fate...
However, the film has its bright moments. Like, when Karuna sees Sushil's face for the first time. You can almost see her eyes shining. Meena Kumari is a pro when it comes to emoting with her eyes. The following scene when Sushil sees Karuna and can't help but asking her who she is, you can see struck he is by her beauty. Though I'm not fond of Raaj Kumar as in this film (he was awesome in Pakeezah and Waqt), I liked him in this scene. He has a sharp face and it lights up seeing the beautiful woman. And, then there's the scene where Karuna stitches his button. Sensitive, tender and smile-inducing.
Then there are the songs. Complete jewels from Shankar Jaikishan (he won a Filmfare for the score). Every song is special. But, the best perhaps are Ajeeb dastaan hain ye, Andaz mera mastana, Mera dil ab tera o saajna, Itni badi mehfil ek dil (picturised on the pretty Helen) and the title track. Apart from the wonderful voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle, the songs stand out for their picturisation. While the title track signifies the storm in Karuna's heart and the pain she is afflicted by, she is inexplicably bouncy in Mera dil ab tera, a dream sequence. She looks lovely and is nimble-footed. Only if Raaj Kumar had not shaken his legs. He looks really foolish doing that!
Then there's Andaz mera mastana, the play song. Kumari is again looking like a gorgeous princess (and lo! she is dancing wearing a pair of killer heels!). It is only natural that Kusum will be instigated to suspect her husband after this song. Karuna and Sushil's expressions belie their passion for each other. The song is almost signifying what could have been...
The supporting cast is quite good too. Especially Om Prakash with his endearing talkativeness despite his cancerous pain.
But, I was astonished by Nadira's spunk (she resembles Urmila, a dear friend of mine). Extremely stylish, Nadira, in her grey tones, brings attitude in the film. She carries her clothes with elan (that skin-coloured blouse with a black chiffon saree, that sleeveless black blouse). In her harsh behaviour you can sense the desperation she feels being alienated from her husband. And, it is her insecurity and anger that drives her to kill herself. But, the firebrand that she is, she doesn't rest at that. She is out to destroy the happiness of all those who did not let her be happy. Highstrung, but honest...
Nadira obliterated so suddenly did not sit well with me. (Honey Irani's Armaan, a remake of this film ends in a different way). Especially when Raaj Kumar is hardly worth one's life. Meena Kumari, as always, is more than happy to sacrifice her happiness. So, maybe, Nadira could free herself from Kumar's ties and settle down with a much more exciting man!!! Then, she would be happy, and these two would be satisfied, too!! How does that sound, Mr Sahu?

20 comments:

  1. "Especially when Raaj Kumar is hardly worth one's life."

    LOL! Love that remark (and totally agree with it!) Saw this film ages ago, and didn't remember very much about it except the end, the fact that it was a doctor-nurse-doctor's wife triangle, and Ajeeb dastaan hai yeh. I'd seen it again just for Ajeeb dastaan hai yeh: such a wonderful song.

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  2. Mr. Sahu would find that unthinkable, an Indian woman finding a more exciting man than her husband?? :) No way.

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  3. I had only heard the story on Bioscope ki Baatein on Vividh Bharati. I saw it recently and I started with the review but never got around to completing it. I'll have to do that soon.
    " Especially when Raaj Kumar is hardly worth one's life." - too much!!! Have been laughing and laughing over it!
    Except for the songs, I didn't find it all that great. Meena looks great but story is quite disappointing.

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  4. @Dustedoff: Yes, Ajeeb dastan is blissfully melodious. We used to sing it so often at friendly get-togethers in college. I also like Mera dil ab tera o saajna, just for the bouncy Meena Kumari :)

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  5. @Batulm: Ha ha, Mr Sahu would really be seething after reading my remarks, isn't it??? But what to do, Nadira deserves so much better!!! :)

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  6. @Sunheriyaadein: I'd love to read your review Archana. Yes, this film, really lacked the steam. I kept making faces at Raaj Kumar throughout the film, for being so weak!!!! ;)

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  7. Sharmi, have tagged you. Please go look.

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  8. @Batulm: Gee thanks :) Just checking :)

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  9. For me, this film will be best remembered for its haunting song....ajeeb daastaan hai yeh. Appreciate the deftness with the love-triangle has been dealt with in this film.... just amazing and pure pleasure.

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  10. @Shilps: Yes, the songs are indeed marvellous!! Shankar Jaikishan did an amazing job. :)

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  11. That is a classic trope in hindi cinema isn't it, bumping off one party so a couple can live in peace, Yash Chopra's Daag is the only one that dealt with this issue head on, his cahracter keep both women. whenever i'm watching a film with a love triangle, i'm always waiting to see how the director would resolve matters but that trope is usually the easiest way out

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  12. @Bollywooddeewana: Yes, Yash Chopra was indeed brave :) I so hoped that the spunky Nadira lived on but alas!! Why do they have to kill the third party, who here, is much more exciting??? ;)

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  13. Nadira was such an attractive character in an otherwise drab film. I only picked it up coz of Meena Kumari and "Ajeeb Daastan Hai Ye...". And I agree.. Raaj Kumar bags the first spot for the best hammer in hindi cinema, closely followed by Pradeep Kumar.. err.. ok sorry, the latter couldn't even act, so disqualified (Pink lips.. Shudder!!)But yes, I feel nauseated when I see lovely ladies falling for Mr. Twisted Ears. The only saving grace is his dialogue delivery.. though it compliments his hamming oh-so-profusely! But then, I can sit through all these tortures for Meena Kumari, and in this film, even for the lovely Nadira :)

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  14. @Punya: Ha ha you are funny. Mr Twisted Ears!!!! Pradeep Kumar is horrendous. In fact whenever I see films where he is paired with good actors, i watch them with one eye. So that I don't have to see him!!!
    But, I liked Raaj Kumar in Pakeezah and Waqt. He had attitude.
    This film of course belonged to Meena Kumari and Nadiraaahhhh!! Thanks for the comment and keep reading :)

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  15. शर्मी...इंग्लिश पढ़-समझ सकती हूँ...लिख नहीं सकती. लेकिन आपने 'दिल अपना और प्रीत पराई' के बारे में इतना अच्छा लिखा है की मै अपनी बात लिखे बिना रह नहीं सकती. आपने देखा, इस फिल्म में मीनाकुमारी जब डूबती है, तब उसने नर्स का यूनिफ़ॉर्म पहना है...और राजकुमार जब उसे निकलता है, तब साड़ी पहनी है...!! किशोर साहू कम से कम ये इतना तो avoid कर ही सकते थे ना? - Mithila Subhash, Mumbai.

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  16. @Mithila: hahahhahahaha great observation Mithila!! Makes the ending all the more ridiculous!!

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  17. Raajkumar was not all that bad .He is one of the most stylish and powerful performer of his time.I liked him in Waqt,humraaz kaajal( (unforgettable Moti Babu) Mere huzoor, Lal pathar, Bulandi, hindustan ki kasam and yes Karmyogi (1978)I think, was his best performance.He was a fantastic human being , a gentleman to the core , a keen golfer, well educated and elegant, intellectual, and a talented and sensitive actor with zest for life. Hope u will review some of these movies.

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  18. @Quezar: Exactly Mr. I like Raaj Kumar as the cheeky and suave gentleman, not the moping hero :( And I loved him in Waqt. Please read my post on the film. Here's the link : http://oldfilmsgoingthreadbare.blogspot.com/2010/11/earth-shatteringly-good-waqt.html

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  19. Agree - Raaj Kumar was a style icon of his time. His pain in the song "Jaane Kahan Gayi" and his stunned expression at his wife's Kusum's first family argument in which she takes down furniture are worth noting.

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  20. @Anonymous: Hmmm but I'd rather note him in the thrillers!!

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