Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai

Director Kishore Sahu gave Indian cine-lovers many good movies especially in the black and white era. One such classic movie is Dil Apna Aur Preet Paraaee (1960) starring Raaj Kumar, Meena Kumari and Naadira. This movie not only tells a heart-conquering love story but also underscores the significance of the noble medical profession.

Kind-hearted orphan girl Karuna (Meena Kumari) joins a hospital as a nurse and comes into the contact of Dr. Sushil Varma (Raaj Kumar). Since both possess hearts of gold, filled with mercy, kindness, benevolence and humanity; they start liking each other (in fact, loving each other within their hearts). However Dr. Sushil has to marry Kusum (Naadira) due to the obligations of her father upon himself and his family. Proud (of her father's wealth), sniffy and nagging wife Kusum makes life hell for not only Dr. Sushil but also his widow mother (Pratima Devi) and his younger sister Munni (Baby Naaz). On the other hand, heartbroken Karuna suddenly comes to know of Dr. Sushil's silent love for her. Then she does not have any option but to shed tears over this cruel joke played by the destiny with both of them. She tries to quit the hospital but can't. When Kusum comes to know that her husband loves Karuna within his heart, her womanly jealousy crosses all the limits. Finally the movie reaches its happy ending with the union of the lovers.

Dil Apna Aur Preet Paraaee (the heart is own and the love is the other's) takes the viewer to the era when love of a male and a female was not express but silent. Still the loving hearts have always been able to listen to the silent calls of each other. And that love is reliable even on the screen. The scene in which Karuna sees her name written by Dr. Sushil on pieces of paper and on neutral things and she is able to listen to the love-filled sighs coming from his heart, echoing her name only, is just superb. Anybody who has loved someone in his / her life can identify with this scene.

Besides, medicine has always been considered a noble profession (though now it is also a means to earn more and more money only for the majority of the people involved). And this movie emphatically underscores this fact that the people joining this profession whether as doctors or as nurses, should understand that their patients have greater right on their lives as compared to their own right and the right of their family members. The family members of such people have to adjust to the occupational demands of them and should not be irritating or resenting towards their activities, else they won't be able to do justice to their duty and their profession. Through the characters of various patients admitted in the hospital ward, the moviemaker has stressed the need for the doctors and the nurses to keep unlimited patience while dealing with them, in addition to the kindness and sympathy which the patients require from them.

To make the movie as an entertaining one, the director has infused humour through some patients which is over the top at places. All the same, this movie is filled with sentiments and it shows that emotional bonds can develop in any setting between the people suffering from common pains. It's a movie which deeply moves the viewer at many places. And it also underscores the fact that if the life-partner is non-understanding, supercilious and irritating; he / she may not only snatch success from the other one but also make life worse than hell for her / him.

Performance wise assessing, Raaj Kumar has given a very impressive performance in this movie without any overtones. Meena Kumari has not only scored in the acting department but she has looked quite beautiful too. It's definitely one of her best movies. Om Prakash impresses in his cameo (as a patient). Shammi (as another nurse who is Karuna's close friend), Pratima Devi as Dr. Sushil's mother, Baby Naaz as his younger sister, Kumar as the head of the hospital etc. have done justice to their roles. However, it's mainly Naadira's movie, perhaps her best and the most memorable one. No viewer can forget her knockout performance as the proud, ill-mannered and nagging woman.

Shankar-Jaikishan has given unforgettable music in this movie with the beautiful and touching lyrics having been penned by Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra. The music of this movie boasts of Lata's immortal song - Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Yeh Kahaan Shuru Kahaan Khatam. The title song is another gem in Lata's voice. Other songs - Sheesha-e-Dil Itna Na Uchhalo, Andaaz Mera Mastaana, Mera Dil Ab Tera O Saajna, Jaane Kahaan Gayi, Itni Badi Mehfil Aur Ek Dil etc. are also quite good. Picturization of the songs is also highly impressive.

Technically the movie is good. It's not unduly long also. Though most of the scenes are either in the hospital or in the household, the scenes containing the river are quite beautiful. The cinematographer has excelled like anything in the picturization of the title song. And finally, the climax has been picturized sensationally.

All in all, director Kishore Sahu has done a remarkable job. It's a movie which will be liked by all - the people involved in the noble profession of medicine, the viewers liking romantic musicals, the social drama audience and the movie buffs in general as well. It's a precious gem from the black and white era of Bollywood. Don't miss it.

A marvelous musical love story with duties of medical professionals in the backdrop. Some of the scenes like 1) Karuna telling her roommate about her love, 2) Sushil & Karuna at a railway station and 3) a scene when on Diwali night, Sushil's mother regrets not having a daughter in law like Karuna, have been conceived and enacted so profoundly that it makes you to think what a movie it is. Meena Kumari has performed her heart out. Once the movie ends, it would make you think no other actress could have been a better choice for Karuna's role. Raj Kumar and Om Prakash are treat to watch. Shankar Jaikishan's music is unforgettable with songs; 1) Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi, 2) Mera Dil Ab Tera O Sajna, 3) Azeeb Dastan Hai Ye, 4) Andaz Mera Mastana, 5) Sheesha-e-Dil Itana Na, 6) Itani Badi Mehfil, 7) Jaane Kahan Gayi. Important to note that Kishor Sahu was nominated for Best Director at Filmfare Awards 1961.

Well one gets kinda easy on the rating , for the sheer respect of the movies times...lack of technology and respect for the crew and cast.

The music is mind blowing, my favorite being the title track -- dil apna aur preet parai, the more popular and rememberable being -- ajeeb dastaan hai yeh.

ALL in all ...a lazy Sunday afternoon...preceded by a great lunch...can make the ideal setting for this movie.

Also get your parents to sit in with u, in case u r clueless about the songs i mentioned...and you will get into the groove! Goodnight, and good luck!