It is a classic Bollywood trait to omit communication amongst characters to ensure the story moves forward. Raj Kapoor’s 1953 film Aah breathes that sentiment throughout. The film tells a romantic story starring Raj Kapoor and Nargis as the main characters. The plot is reminiscent of the popular Indian tale Devdas, and although directed by Raja Nawathe, Kapoor’s creative influence is evident. The story follows the wealthy Raj Raibahadur, who lives with his father in Allahabad. At the behest of his father, he starts corresponding with a young woman named Chandra and falls in love only to find out that he has been exchanging words with Chandra’s younger sister, Neelu, instead.
As the film completes 70 glorious years this March 2023, here are three reasons why film aficionados should give it a watch:
Pran as the (non-villainous) doctor friend, Kailash: In this melodrama, Pran plays the role of a physician and best friend of Raj Kapoor, who suffers from tuberculosis. Although he portrays the character with benevolence and grace, Pran was so well-known for his villainous roles that audiences found it difficult to accept him in positive roles like this one.
Nargis: Nargis truly own her part as Neelu. She assuredly carries the viewers along the story, and moves them. Even though it takes a melodramatic turn here and there, and we are on tenterhooks about certain instances, she is always in sync with the story.
Late Lata Mangeshkar’s soulful voice: Even though the film was rated below average at the box office, it gave audiences various hit songs like “Raja Ki AayegiBaaraat”, “Aaja Re Ab MeraDilPukara” and “Jaane Na Nazar” voiced by the celebrated artist, which are lauded even today and ensures that her tantalising voice will live forever.
The film was adapted to Telugu as “Prema Lekha Lu” and in Tamil as “Avan.” Unlike its original Hindi both these language versions garnered immense success. And following that, the film was remade in Turkish as Ah Bu Dünyain 1965.