Son of India

Every mother is judged by the merits of her children and every country is known by the culture of her people. Mother India, too has been pod of her good sons - and has shed tears over her bad ones.It is the story of a boy who, from class room to court room, was never afraid of speaking the truth. It is the story of a boy who, in his search for his father, went hungry for days but never thought of stealing or begging. It is the story, not of a Paragon of Virture, but those footpath schools where the Devil himself teaches sinful trades to friendless, homeless and hungry children like Gopal.But Gopal had only his mothers teaching to lean upon.His father was one of those playboys who run into debts and, then fall into the hands of Sharks like Jang Bahadur. He married Kamla only to get rich, but in her he found such devotion and love that he was ashamed of himself. The unfortunate man left a good home, a good wife and dear little son - Gopal - and became a reculse, with eternal sorrow as his only companion.SON OF India is the story of a fearless boys faith in God. This is the story of a boys faith in a bullet and his challenge of Death. This is the story of a man who loses faith in God - and then regains it. This is the story of a woman whose love regains everything - by sacrificing all that love values most. This story is for those fathers and mothers who care for the India of Tomorrow - and for every son and daughter who is Tomorrows India.

In stylishly modernized India, spoiled young Kumkum (as Kamla) sings and dances in her father's beautifully furnished home. She intends to marry handsome Kamaljit (as Kishore), but her father doesn't approve. In fact, Mr. Kamaljit is associated with crooked businessman and politician Jayant (as J.B.). The men are after Ms. Kumkum's money. Kumkum and Kamaljit are happy for a little while, and bear cute "Son of India" Sajid Khan (as Gopal). In order to get Kumkum's family wealth, and employ Kamaljit in his shady dealings, Mr. Jayant threatens to kidnap and/or kill young Sajid...

To protect son Sajid, Kumkum secrets him in a religious boarding house. Her father becomes an alcoholic. Her husband Kamaljit won't cooperate with Jayant, and becomes homeless. When Kumkum becomes ill, Sajid's tuition fees are not paid. Ashamed, the young lad leaves the boarding house, penniless. Sajid relies on God's help as he meets street people and struggles to survive. On the homeless circuit, Sajid and Kamaljit are coincidently accused of pick-pocketing the same wallet. They are looking for each other, but do not know they are father and son. Meanwhile, Jayant hunts Sajid...

This was an unofficial follow-up to director Mehboob Khan's immensely popular "Mother India" (1957). That film benefited from a strong lead performance from Nargis, and a storyline viewers identified with. "Son of India" was not as successful. But it did help make Sajid the country's number one son in the 1960s, in the same way "Mother India" Nargis represented the country's ideal mother. The characters within the films are not related, but do make generational cultural connections. Some themes and story-telling techniques are evident in both. The unusual style became known as "Bollywood".

Sajid, who had a featured role in "Mother India", doesn't have either the script or acting skills of Nargis, but makes an endearing "Son of India". The production values are high, and the songs are very good - especially children's classic "Nanna Munna Rahi Hoon". Sajid became an American "teen idol" in the late 1960s due to his appearance with Jay North in their "Maya" movie and TV series. He was the adopted son of director Mehboob Khan. Mr. Kahn received another nomination as "Best Director" for "Son of India", which turned out to be his last film. Previously, Kahn won the award for "Mother India".

****** Son of India (1962) Mehboob Khan ~ Sajid Khan, Kumkum, Jayant, Simi Garewal