Jagmohan Singh Barhok
Mehboob Khan was neither born with a silver spoon in his mouth nor was he an educated person. His passion fashioned his entry into films and he directed many a memorable and masterpiece film the likes of Anmol Ghadi, Aurat, Andaaz ,Aan ,Amar -all starting with the first letter of the English alphabet ‘A’ excepting “Mother India” , his ultimate and finest effort ever as a director.
Khan wanted Dilip Kumar to play in Mother India ,who had earlier worked in many films under his direction. The veteran actor however, had a different idea in his mind. He wanted to enact double role ( played by Rajendra Kumar & Sunil Dutt) which the director refused for he wanted it to be a woman oriented film highlighting the spirit of women empowerment and her sacrifices for her household- children, husband , neighbours and the mankind.
The film sends clear signals that an Indian woman can do things unbelievable with unflinching determination, if the need be. Though Nargis held the key ,others also did their roles convincingly, including treacherous moneylender Sukhilala who eventually meets his tragic end.
Shakeel Badayuni penned the lyrics of most films Mehboob directed- like “Anokhi Ada”, “Aan”,” Amar & “Mother India”, and so successfully, too. The songs -“Ghoonhat Nahi Kholoongi”, “Matwala Jiya Dole Piyaa”, “O Jaane Vaalo Jaao Na Ghar Apna Chod Ke “, “Dukh Bhare Din Beete Re”, “Jundhriya Katati jaye Re”, “O Mere Lal Aaja” & last but not least “Duniya Men Ham Ae Hain To Jina Hi Padega, Jeevan Hai Agar Zehar To Peena Hi Padega” were soulfully penned & commensurate with the story justifying the directorial excellence of the maker, also symbolizing the hardships ,grief and helplessness suffered by the family in the film. Nargis & Raj Kumar played Radha & Shamu respectively. “Mother India” won National Film Award and five Filmfare Awards in different categories including Best Actress ( Nargis) & Best Director ( Mehboob Khan).
Interestingly,many an international ‘beauty queen’ translated the role played by Nargis in their respective fields to win laurels.We can quote examples of Sushhmita Sen “Miss Universe” & another Indian who won the “Miss World” title in 2017.
Like K. Asif Mehboob Khan also believed in perfection of the highest order. He was a master craftsman who created each role according to the merit, temperament and physical attributes of the players portraying the roles assigned to them. “Mother India” proved a block buster & did wonders at all levels winning two National Awards and two Filmfare Awards for Best Film & Best Direction. The film was also nominated for an Academy Award.
“Aan” starring Dilip Kumar,Nimmi,Nadira,Murad,& Cuckoo was released in many countries under different titles.It was released in the USA & UK as ” The Savage princess” .Nadira was the star attraction of the film whose arrogance, and awefull portrayal,coupled with her loveliness added grandeur and enhanced the prospects of the film’s success.lt collected ten times the budgeted cost of 35,000,00 rupee.The film had music score by Naushad with two super-hit numbers ‘Tujhe Kho Diya Hamne Paane Ke Baad ,Teri Yaad Aai'( lata) & ‘Dil Main Chhupake Pyaar Ka Toofan Le Chale( Rafi) Sheela Naik as maid of the princess was playfully fantastic. Interestingly, ” Aan” was India’s first technicolour film.It was Nadira’s debut film & was said to be the most expensive one produced at that time’.
” Andaaz'( 1949)featuring Raj Kapoor,Dilip Kumar,and Nargis was a love triangle with both the heroes wooing Nargis, their heart-throb.It was the highest grossing film at that time. ‘Jhoom Jhoom Ke Nacho Aaj, Gao Khushi Ke Geet’ and ‘Tu Kahe Agar Main Jeewan Bhar’ rendered by Mukesh were hits.
It would be injustice if we did not mention Mehboob Khan’s 1946 super-hit musical film ” Anmol Ghadi” starring Noorjehan, Surendra and Suraiya with many hit songs like “Aaja Meri Barbaad Mohabbat Ke Sahaare” , “Jawaan Hai Mohabbat Haseen Hai Zamana” & ” Mere Bachpan Ke Saathi” all sung by Noorjehan. “Amar” ( 1954) featuring Dilip Kumar, Madhubala & Nimmi deals with a taboo subject rape. Surprisingly, the sweetness and loveliness personified actress Nimmi becomes a victim of Dilip Kumar’s momentary lust. The film, however, ends with a happy note .”Insaaf Ka Mandir Hai Ye Bhagavaan Ka Ghar Hai”, & “Na Milta Gham Tau Barbadi Ke Afsaane Kahan Jaate” were two hits from the film. Madhubala & Nimmi both performed excellently.
Mehboob Khan set up his own production company and later a film Studios at Bandra, Bombay in 1954. He pioneered the dacoit film genre with ” Aurat ” starring Sardar Akhtar with music score by Anil Biswas in 1940. Born 9 September 1907, the veteran director died this day in 1964.
