Jagmohan Singh Barhok.

Date of Release 14 August 1981

Yash Chopra’s “Silsila”, the much talked about, discussed & controversial film starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bachchan & Shashi Kapoor was released on this day in 1981. The film which had music score by Shiv-Hari had a few popular songs, more notably the one “Rang Barse Bhige Chunar Wali” picturised on Amitabh, Rekha, Jaya and Sanjeev Kumar & another “Ye Kahaan Aa Gaye Ham, Yunhi Sath Sath Chalte” picturised on Amitabh-Rekha duo.Originally, Smita Patil & Parveen Babi were to play opposite Amitabh Bachchan but he insisted on signing Rekha & Jaya instead. The film is remembered for Rekha’s love & magical adulation for Amitabh Bachchan which touched new heights to the surprise of many in the industry, causing Jaya many a sleepless night. The film failed to do wonder on the box office front excepting songs & music score by Shiv-Hari.

Yash Chopra’s wife Pamela later expressed her concern saying ,”The marriage is a very sacred institution in India. The director created sympathy for the two lovers who were willing to go outside their marriage and continue their love affair, resultantly failing to carry the audiences with him”.

2You and Ravindra Bandara