Aradhana

This block buster movie discovered an Indian superstar. Thereafter, Rajesh Khanna instantaneously became a phenomenon. Movie after movie of his, hit on the box office and it seemed as if there is no stop to it. It was the first time that the screen idol - Dilip Kumar felt a real shock to his fame and his aura being eclipsed.

Aradhana was not only a milestone for Rajesh Khanna, but as a playback singer - Kishore Kumar became the most sought after singer with the legendary success of the peppy song "Mere Sapnoon ki Rani kab aye gi tu". The quixotic appeal of Rajesh Khanna reached its zenith in this superbly directed and choreographed film. Shakti Samantha extracted the best out of a young entrant (Rajesh Khanna) in film industry. Although, Rajesh did as many as four films before this flick but no momentous success came to his way. The same success befell on Sharmila Tagore, as well and she also won real acclaim, although she had acted as an old grey haired lady in the closing half hour of the movie.

A fairly conventional melodrama plot, but some nice parallel moments, almost shot for shot when scenes are repeated involving father and son (both played by Rajesh Khanna.) I liked him more as the father than as the son. A celebrated role for Sharmila Tagore as well. Her make-up goes through an evolution as her character ages. I got kind of obsessed with her eyeliner that resembles cat-eye glasses without the glasses. My real reason for watching this was the music. Again, the stagings don't seem that original (easy to say, 50 years later!) but the songs, the orchestrations and singing are quite nice. But of course, I don't understand Hindi...

Aradhana introduces to Indian cinema a great talent Rajesh Khanna. Though this was not his first movie, but this movie brought him acclaim,recognition and Super Star status. The movie has him in a double role where he succeeds in showing different characters. Sharmila Tagore shines in the movie and acts well.The music of Sachin Dev Burman is immortal and all songs were super hit. Kishore Kumar's voice fits Rajesh Khanna's screen image as if either Rajesh Khanna is singing the songs or if Kishore Kumar has become Rajesh Khanna. One voice Two souls. The movie's story is very touchy and is a tear jerker. However, Rajesh Khanna steals the show with good performances by Ashok Kumar, Asit Sen, Sujit Kumar, Pahari Sanyal, Farida Jalal among others. This Shakti Samanta movie is a must see.

This is story of devotion and sacrifice.

Sharmila Tagore did an outstanding job in this. Be it a mother or a lover, she was graceful in every avatar.

The music of maestro Sachin dev Barman was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.

Aradhana review :

I first saw Aradhana in early 80s on DD National. The film made an overnight superstar out of Rajesh Khanna and Kaka, as he was lovingly called, ruled Bollywood for full five years (1969 to 1973) delivering fifteen consecutive hits in a row. A still unbroken record!!

While I loved Aradhana in general, there were a few factors which made me watch it again and again :

First and foremost, the Mere Sapnon ki Rani song, with its lively tune and excellent picturisation. The handsome Rajesh Khanna (with friend Sujit Kumar) in the jeep flirting with the gorgeous Sharmila Tagore aboard the Darjeeling train defines romance for me. Super!

Second, the Roop tera mastana number when in a weak moment, Rajesh and Sharmila consummate their love which doesn't end up in marriage due to Khanna's death and instead ends up with Tagore mothering his child who grows up to be Rajesh Khanna again (double role, o yea!). The sensuality of the song and Kishore Kumar's voice make it unforgettable. Erotica redefined!!

Last but not the least, Sharmila Tagore herself, who has never looked more beautiful. Her character going from a youngster to an old mamma gives her ample scope to perform and she's earnest and sincere. I fell in love with her Aradhana so much that I hated that villain Manmohan for making unwanted passes at her.

For me, Sharmila was Aradhana and everything else about it was just an icing on the cake for me. Kaka included!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.