By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
तेरी सूरत से नहीं मिलती किसी की सूरत
तेरी सूरत से नहीं मिलती किसी की सूरत
हम जहाँ में तेरी तस्वीर लिए फिरते हैं
Son of noted producer Sashadhar Mukherjee who was also co-founder of Filmalaya Studios, Joy Mukherjee was introduced with another newcomer Sadhana in film ” Love in Shimla” directed by R. K. Nayyar, the person whom Sadhana later married. The film’s suc cess prompted Shashdhar Mukherjee to cast the pair again in ” Ek Musafir Ek Hasina” ( 1962) directed by Raj Khosla, a musical bonanza with hits like- “Mujhe Dekhkar Aapka Muskuraana”, “Humko Tumhare Ishq Ne Kya Kya Bana Diya”, “Bahut Shukriya, Badi Meharbaani”, “Aap Yun Hi Agar Humse Milte Rahe” to mention some.
Nasir Hussain directed ” Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon”(1963) opposite Asha Parekh was another box office sensation with many songs becoming popular like ” Aanchal Mein Saja Lena Kaliyan”, “Banda Parwar Thaam Lo Jigar”, “Dekho Bijli Dole Bin Baadal Ki” & “Lakhon Hai Nigaah Mein” all rendered by Rafi-Lata under the music score O. P. Nayyar, the music maestro known for reading the pulse of cine goers who patronized musical films.
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Pramod Chakravorty’s “Ziddi” , featuring Joy opposite Asha Parekh again turned out to be a romantic films with some of the best & foot tapping numbers like- “Teri Surat Se Nahin Milti”, “Main Tere Pyar Mein Kya Kya Na Bana Dilbar” ( Manna Day-Geeta Dutt ) & “Raat Ka Sama Jhoome Chandramaa” picturized on Asha parekh in the backdrop of a village were indeed pick of the lot. Rest did 1966 ” Love In Tokyo” again featuring Asha Parekh. The location scenes in Tokyo were beautifully picturized marking the exotically excellent camera work by V. K. Murthy .The film was directed by Pramod Chakravorty. The film also did boast some lovely numbers like- “Koi Matwala Aaya”, “O Mere Shah-E-Khuba”, & “Love In Tokyo”. Some of his films with beautiful Saira Bano like” Aao Pyaar Kren” ( 1964 ) & “Shagird” ( 1967) were also hit with the latter having hit songs like- “Woh Hain Zara Khafa Khafa”, “Dil Wil Pyar Wyar” ,& “Bade Miya Diwane” to mention here.
It indeed is surprisingly interesting that the actor who was rated as wooden faced & not handsome like many others of his time, went on to give dozens of super-hits with unbelievably popular songs. “Ishaara” with Vyjayanthimala and “Jee Chahta Hai” with Rajshree were his other superhit movies. Also produced & directed “Humsaya” (1968) casting Mala Sinha ,Sharmila Tagore & Rehman. Towards the fag end of his career he directed the then super star Rajesh Khanna opposite Zeenat Aman in ” Chhaila Babu” reportedly a super hit film produced with an exorbitant four crore budget.
Married to Neelam the actor was gifted with two sons- Monjoy & Sujoy and a daughter. Veterans like Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Anup Kumar & Subodh Mukherjee were his uncles. Debu & Shomu Mukherjee his brothers and Kajol & Tanishaa, nieces.
