By Jagmohan Singh Barhok

On His 30th Death Anniversary

क्या कहूँ कुछ कहा नहीं जाये
बिन कहे भी रहा नहीं जाये
रात भर करवट मैं बदलूं
दर्द दिल का सहा नहीं जाये

नींद मेरी आँखों से दूर दूर भागे
अल्लाह जाने क्या होगा आगे
इब्तेदाई इश्क में हम सारी रात जागे
अल्लाह जाने क्या होगा आगे

Vijay Bhatt, producer-director-screenwriter, is Best known for directing a gem of a film titled “Baiju Bawra”(1952) featuring Bharat Bhushan and Meena Kumari in the lead. The film turned out to be a box office bonanza, and established both the stars. The velvet voice of newcomer Mohd Rafi contributed largely to the success of the film with hits like ‘Tu Ganga Ki Mauj Main Jamuna Ka Dhara’ and ‘Man Tarpat Hari Darsan Ko Aaj’.

Encouraged by the film’s success,Bhatt directed yet another successful film “Goonj Uthi Shehnai” (1957) introducing newcomer Amita in the lead opposite Rajendra Kumar.The film also had some of the memorable numbers like-“Jivan Men Piya Tera Sath Rahe”,”Dil Ka Khilona Hai Toot Gaya” & “Kah Do Koi Na Kare Yahan Pyaar”.

His next “Hariyaali Aur Raasta”(1964) with songs like ‘Teri Yaad Dil se Bhulane Chala Hoon’,’Allah Jaane Kya Hoga Aage’, Dil Mera Chupchaap Jala’and ‘Bol Meri Taqdeer Mein Kya Hai’ followed “Himalaya Ki God Mein (1965) with more hits – ‘Kho Gaya Hai Mera Pyar’,’Chand Si Mehbooba Ho Meri Kab’ & Tu Raat Khadi Thi Chatt Mein Main Samjha Ki Chand Nikla’.Both were musical hits with the latter winning a Filmfare Best Film Award in 1966. Manoj Kumar and Mala Sinha played the lead in both the films.

Vijay Bhatt who died on 17 October 1993 at the ripe age of 86,also directed “Ram Rajya” (1943), “Samaj Ko Badal Dalo”(1947), “Chaitanaya Mahaprabhu” (1954) and “Patrani”(1956). Bharat Bhushan won the Filmfare Best Actor Award for “Chaitanya Mahaprabhu”.”Ram Rajya” was also screened in America. Bhatt also met filmmaker Cecil B DeMille at the Paramount Studios. “Leather Face” (1939) starring Jairaj & Mehtab was Meena Kumari’s debut Hindi film. He was also founder of Prakash Pictures and Prakash Studios.