Hrishikesh Mukherjee and NC Sippy produced the film iom and Salil Chowdhury composed the music.
Hrishikesh Mukherji’s bond with Raj Kapoor inspired him to make ‘Anand’
Markedly, the 1971 Hrishikesh Mukherji’s directorial
‘Anand’ featuring Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles, remains a prized Hindi classic. While it’s been over fifty years of its release, yet, its famous dialogue, “Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi,” still echoes with the audiences.
However, not many know that it was the director’s bond with Raj Kapoor that inspired him to make ‘Anand’ with Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.
Infact, in a1998 interview Hrishikesh Mukherjee had revealed that he got the idea to make this film after he befriended Raj Kapoor.
It is a kind of biography and he scripted Anand when
Raj Kapoor wasn’t well.
Even amidst his illness, Raj Kapoor remained upbeat, spreading happiness instead of dwelling on his pain. Hrishikesh Mukherjee infused the character of Anand, essayed by Rajesh Khanna, with this same positivity and at the same time based Amitabh Bachchan’s character on himself, a friend who feared losing his friend.
The director went on to recall that he (Raj Kapoor) was suffering from a pulse problem, but yet managed to smile and spread happiness around. He (Raj Kapoor) used to think if something happens to him, what will happen to him (Hrishikesh) They all were worried about him, and he would be smiling always. The same way Amitabh would worry, and Rajesh would brush it off,” the director had recalled.
In the interview, the filmmaker articulated that Anand was made in just 30 days. He also said that he believed Amitabh Bachchan, not Rajesh Khanna, was the main hero of the film.
He made Anand in 30 days, and was confident of what he shot.
Adding, that he (Bachchan) was the main character because he is there throughout the film, and through him, we get to know the story. Rajesh Khanna was the second main character. Hrishikesh just had to look at Amitabh to know that he was right for the role.
Anand hit the theatres on March 12, 1971. The film featured Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Sumita Sanyal, and Ramesh Deo.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee and
NC Sippy produced the film iom and Salil Chowdhury composed the music.
Script was co-written by renowned lyricist Gulzar, who also contributed to the dialogues.
Anand is hailed as one of the greatest Hindi films ever. In the 1971 Venice Film Festival in Rajesh Khanna was honoured with special award in the best actor category.
News Edit K.V.Raman
