5th of Top 100 Bollywood films you should watch.

photo : youtube

Pakeezah is an Indian romantic drama of Hindustani language released in 1972. Written, directed and produced by Kamal Amrohi, the film stars Meena Kumari with Ashok Kumar and Raaj Kumar. Set in Lucknow, the film tells the story of a woman named Nawaabjaan – a courtesan/tawaif. The film has earned a legendary classic status over time and marks as one of the best performance of Meena Kumari

Watch Pakeezah full movie:

While the film received mixed reviews upon it’s release, it was still the highest earning film at the box office of that year. Meena Kumar’s demise a month after the release of the film helped garner more audience as well. The film features some iconic Bollywood dialogues including Raaj Kumar’s ‘Aapke paaon dekhe, bohot haseen hain. Inhe zameen par mat utariyega, maele ho jayenge’.

The film was nominated for multiple FIlmfare awards including – Best actress, best film, best director, best music, art direction and best cinematography. However it created much controversy as well since the film lost in five categories including three posthumous award not allowed by Filmfare. The film won all the awards at BFJA (Bengal Film Journalist’s Association) awards  questioning the credibility of Filmfare as well.

Pakeezah’s production was very interesting as well. The film took 15 years to make from the concept, principal photography to it’s release. Meena Kumari’s health issues and her separation with husband/director Amrohi. Kumari only charged 1 Rupee for the movie as well. Pakeezah’s each frame is a treat to eyes and the credit of it’s cinematography goes to German cinematographer Josef Wirsching.

Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad Ali were the two geniuses behind it’s music while Kaifi Azmi, Majrooh Sultanpuri and Kaif Bhopali were among the poets and lyricists who penned the songs. Lata Mageshkar and Mohammad Rafi sung most of the songs in the film.

Inhin Logon Ne, Thade Rahiyo, Chalte Chalte, Mausam Hai Aashiqana became some of it’s most popular and iconic songs of Bollywood.

Also see:

• 5 interesting facts about actress Sadhana.
• Top 7 film albums of Nadeem-Shravan.