Aashirwad

'Aashirwad' is among Hrishikesh Mukherjee's lesser known film and it is somewhat different from his more popular pictures. This one is more on the lines of 'Satyakaam'. It tells the story of a wealthy Shivnath Choudhary whose happiness centers around his daughter. Much to the chagrin of his pathologically arrogant wife, he likes to hang out with the poorer folks of the village and practice music and poetry with them. Leela only tolerates the poor folks when they pay tax. However, when she learns that her husband has used her money to help them, she has the village burnt down. This takes Shivnath to a new path.

Like most of Mukherjee's film, 'Aashirwad' is emotionally engaging and this one is more poetic than his popular works. Gulzar's poems and lyrics are beautiful and they are excellently recited by Kumar. I also liked the cinematography which was used very subtly. The script is mostly good. However, there are certain sequences that I failed to understand. After all, Shivnath only killed his accountant to protect Rukmini so why did he accept a murder plea? Moreover, a few scenes tend to be melodramatic especially the ending.

Sanjeev Kumar delivers a sincere performance with a natural charm and Sumita Sanyal has good screen presence. Sarika too is brilliant in a very small role and Veena, as usual, is good at playing the evil wife (and I liked that her character was humanized rather than demonized). However, 'Aashirwad' is Ashok Kumar's film. He has a commanding presence without being too obvious. Natural, involving and heartbreaking are at least three words that describe his performance. I especially enjoyed his scenes with the children in the park and the grown-up daughter.

Even though it tends to go overboard at times, like any Hrishikesh Mukherjee film, 'Aashirwad' is definitely worth viewing. It showcases Ashok Kumar's talent. It's a heartfelt story about a father's love for his daughter.

Aashirwad is quite different from the usual Hrishikesh Mukherjee films we are used to watching, being somewhat more emotional. Some sequences like the ending were melodramatic yet the film is very effective. Like most of Mukherjee's movies, this one is authentic, simple and not overly lengthy. I enjoyed it, but I somehow expected something else despite the fact that this is definitely a worthy picture. I did not understand why Ashok Kumar's character had to give himself up in court when everyone was trying to save him from jail. He killed a man out of self defense while also protecting a young woman who was molested, and preferred to get punished and imprisoned. Such moral sacrifices are very hard to believe. Nonetheless, Ashok Kumar was outstanding as the loving father who gets jailed and as a result fears to meet again his daughter whom he has been waiting to see as he realises her contempt for criminals. He was thoroughly likable, and his graciousness, humane values and love for children were aptly displayed, as was his yearning to see his daughter and bless her upon marriage. There were some very nice poetry sequences in it written by his character for his daughter while in prison, and the music is also good. I quite liked Kumar's rap song. Sanjeev Kumar was also very natural as the doctor of the jail and Ashok Kumar's future son in-law. The ending is, as already mentioned, melodramatic but it does move you. My favourite scene is the one in which Kumar meets his daughter when she visits her fiancée and runs away as he knows of her loath for convicts, while she stops him and asks him to stay and have a chat with her. All in all, an altogether moving piece by the great Mukherjee.

Wow ,,,,Wow,,,Wow

Speechless what a movie....One of the Best of Hirshida if not the Best.. Great Director ,,,Great Actors superb Story excellent screenplay .Classy Music..

Best Performance of Ashok kumar ...He Won National and Filmfare Award for his performance in this movie....what a classy talented actor he was....He evolved supremely as an actor.....I love him....

Aashirwad (1968) : Brief Review -

Ashok Kumar's award winning performance in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's delayed typical Emotional Family Drama. So, the year is 1968 and Hrishi da who have delivered films like Anari (1959), Anuradha (1960) and Anupama (1966) goes on to attempt family melodrama. He delivers a fine melodrama Majhli Didi (1967) and then again makes a melodrama to testify what he has got left. But wasn't it too late for him to test his skills in this genre? I said the same thing in my review of Majhli Didi that the same film would have looked more impactful a decade ago. And guess what, i gotto say this for Aashirwad as well. Yes, this film in late 50s would have looked Classic and trendsetter but when i see it in late 60s then i don't know why but it seems delayed. Aashirwad is about Jogi Kumar, a rich man with kind heart who loves to treat poor people same as rich ones. But jealousy of his wife turns situations worse for him and he leaves the house and after one incident he is sent to jail for 14 years. His long awaited blessings for his daughter remains his only wish and the melodramatic scenario provides that emotional quotient for the audience. Aashirwad is all about Ashok Kumar showing his talent. His award winning performance is the major highlight of the film. Rest of the characters are mostly in supporting roles and they have done quite impressive job. Aashirwad gave us that nostalgic rap-song 'Rail Gaadi Chhuk Chhuk' which remains iconic till date and probably will remain the same for many years. Other songs are beautiful too. The editing could have been better with the screenplay trimming many shots in the beginning parts. Hrishi Da successfully manages to make another fine piece of drama but the only problem is, it was almost 10 years late. Nonetheless, Aashirwad still has its own fresh and exciting moments which can be enjoyed with the family.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

This is a Hindi language film starring Ashok Kumar.

A lengthy film about an idealistic and selfless landlord. Who tries to balance situations in life, about his tough wife who rules over the peasants with an iron hand. And his love for music and the downtrodden.

He willingly takes up a lot of hardships and sacrifices in life for this. A watchable film for the kind of self-sacrifice of a human for the poor and for family - which is so unique in our culture.

Ashok Kumar gives a brilliant performance. The music is great and especially Dada Muni's (Ashok Kumar as he was lovingly referred to) singing of Rail Gaadi as rap song!

A different film from Hrishikesh Mukherjee who was more popular for his light hearted comedies. But it is this film along with his directorial debut Musafir that show the depth of his talent truly.