Padosan

Mehmood, was not only a comedian's comedian. but a great actor. He left indelible mark with this movie, which will remain the Classic of Hindi Comedy. The movie was shot on Location in Mysore, where Visveshwarya the "Einstein" of India built the K.R. Sagar Dam and the breath taking Brindavan Gardens.The beauty of this movie, was the incredible casting. Sunil Dutt,was perfectly cast as the naive and stupid "Bhola" and, what a natural performance from an actor.

The newer genre of actors are pale by comparison and their mediocre talent is put on pedestal and worshiped. Rahul Dev Burman, the son of the legend Sacchin Dev Burman (Guide), created some of the best tunes ("Thumhi Dulahi" "Kehna Hai",and the greatest romantic and heart-tugging song ever in an Hindi movie "Sharm Aati Hai Magar" when 'Bindu' sings for 'Bhola' at his bed-side) for this movie, every song, is hummable immortal melody that was picture perfect on the characters, that included the greatest singing/acting talent of Kishore Kumar as "Guru". Saira Banu, who was at the peak of her career, looked gorgeous. She eventually caught the attention of the then thespian, Dilip Kumar, ending in matrimony.

The Ace, was Mehmood, with his inimitable accent and style as "Masterji" will remain forever in our memory. I would consider this movie as one of the "Top Ten Hindi Films of All Times." The only movie that would come close is "Hera-Pheri" and Paresh Rawal, is the only comedian, that would come close to the Comedic Genius--that was Mehmood.

Excellent performances by complete cast. Unusually funny theme. Cute actress Saira Bano. Jolly Mehamood and last but not the least a superb singing and acting performance by the great Kishore Kumar. He dominates comedy like no one else. Nobody could ever regret watching this movie.

Songs to watch out for :

"Mere saamne wali khidki me . . "

"Meri Pyari Bindu . . "

"Tum hi to layi ho jeevan me mere pyar . ."

The most delightful thing to me about this light comedy is the "invention" of playback singing as a seduction strategy for Sunil Dutt. His Guru in the movie is a director of what appears to be neighborhood Mahabharat dramas, with pan juice usually dripping toward his chin, played by Kishore Kumar.

Sunil wants to be able to sing to impress the sexy neighbor girl -- but he can't -- so Kishore comes up with the brilliant idea that HE will sing out of sight, and Sunil will -- well, picturise the singing! Fantastic idea!! Which generates wonderful scenes of Sunil picturising seductively while we also see Kishore hopping around behind him singing the songs. (I imagine Kishore is actually playbacking himself here, so it's a great Bollywood-y hall of musical mirrors.)

Kishore also sings and dances a number in which I believe he is doing a ladies' dance, playing the part of the beloved, as part of the enterprise of coaching Sunil in his love quest. His comic talent and body language are spectacular. I''ll probably buy this one just to watch this scene 1000 times. ~Virginia in New York

ETA: Nov. 16, 2006 - I just read an interview in which Shah Rukh Khan names this as his favorite movie comic scene. (Current Film Fare Magazine.)

If "Sholay" is legendary in the action genre than "Padosan" is legendary in the comedy genre. Growing up I must have watched this movie at least a dozen times. I must say this movie has aged very well, still generating laughter. The dialogues of this movie still get quoted and characters imitated in today's movies and tv shows. The ensemble cast complemented each other very well with their comic timing. You can't imagine another set of actors doing this movie, as each one carried their weight admirably. Sunil Dutt known for his serious roles took a risk to do this out and out comic, albeit innocent bumkin role. This would also go on to be Kishore kumar's most memorable role of his career He ended up stealing the show from Mehmood. Om Prakash is another notable mention. Saira Banu playing the heroine with an attitude was endearing. Coincidentally, she also appears to be the only surviving actor today amongst the main leads of the movie. The songs too were melodious, still being hummed today. This movie proved to be a sleeper success of that era. Definitely watch it !!!

Padosan, who hasn't heard of it? Well if you are one of those unfortunate souls who hasn't, I feel terribly saddened for your state. You my friend, need a good lesson in Indian Cinema. I suggest you start by watching this film.

Padosan, which means 'Neighbor' is the story of Bhola (Sunil Dutt) who li ke his name is a very naive and innocent soul who happens to see Bindu(Saira Banu) and falls in love with her. He later finds out that she is his neighbor. We find out that Bindu is enamored with music and into the picture comes her music teacher, Masterji (Mehmood) who aside from being a bumbling fool who speaks in Tamil accented Hindi, is also in love with Bindu. So back to our Bhola bala hero. He tries to woo her but to no avail until he enlists the help of his friend and mentor Guru (Kishore Kumar) who owns an acting troupe of which Bhola is a part of.

After much investigation, Guru and his friends discover that Bindu's soft spot is music. But unfortunately our Bhola is quite the novice when it comes to singing, sounding more like a braying donkey than a singing suitor. And so begins one of the whackiest cons in cinema. Guru sings, and Bhola lip-syncs. Guru's (Kishore Kumar's) voice being what it is, bewitches Bindu and she starts falling for Bhola. This development thwarts Masterji's master plan of marrying Bindu. So now begins a jugal-bandi between Masterji and Guru (ahem Bhola) for Bindu's affections.

With such a whacky plot, there are laughs aplenty. Add master comedians Mehmood and Kishore Kumar and a funny looking Sunil Dutt, you have the perfect recipe for a hilariously whacky romantic comedy. Saira Banu, oozing of charm is quite good as the spoilt Bindu. Music is also excellent. R.D. Burman masterfully comes up with songs fit for the situations. The most famous of all being "Mere samnewali khidki mein" which is hummed even today. "Meri chatur naar" is extremely fun to watch and kishore kumar's vocals are excellent. All this making Padosan an exquisite classic that MUST NOT BE MISSED!!