By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On His Death Anniversary
बोल मेरी तकदीर में क्या है, मेरे हमसफ़र अब तो बता
जीवन के दो पहलू हैं, हरियाली और रास्ता
कहाँ है मेरे प्यार की मंज़िल, तू बतला तुझ को है पता
जीवन के दो पहलू हैं, हरियाली और रास्ता
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 Mohammad Rafi contributed largely to the success of the film with hits like -‘Too Ganga Ki Mauj Main Jamuna Ka Dhara’and ‘Man Tadpat Hari Darsan Ko Aaj’.
Encouraged by the film’s success, Bhatt directed yet another successful film “Goonj Uthi Shehnai” (1957) introducing newcomer Ameeta 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’, ‘Dekh Ke Diniya Ki Diwali Dil Mera Chupchaap Jala’ and ‘Bol Meri Taqdeer Mein Kya Hai’ followed “Himalaya Ki God (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 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. She debuted as Baby Mahjabeen. He was also founder of Prakash Pictures and Prakash Studios. I visited both the places & met the celebrated director during one of my visits there. I also visited the sets of Hira Aur Patthar *starring Shashi Kapoor & Shabana Azmi, presumably his last film as director. “Baiju Bawara” was the first film I had seen at Ferozepur along with my father in 1954.
