If you want to watch an immersive family drama directed by the great Raj Khosla with a very young Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz, then switch of your room lights, switch off your mobile and switch on your iPad/laptop/TV and silently watch Do Raste with rapt attention. This fantastic movie was released in 1969.
You must see Do Raste ( 1969) , if you want to see Rajesh Khanna, just before he attained superstardom, if you want to know why Balraj Sahni was the masterclass of acting and if you want to experience the brilliance of Raj Khosla’s direction.
This is the story that will touch you, since it is the story of every average family in India, where there is an undercurrent of unease when a scheming Bindu, enters the house as the ultramodern daughter-in-law and drives a wedge between Prem Chopra, her husband, and the brothers. This movie was the original template for all Bindu’s vampish roles.
Bindu and Leena Mishra ( who Leena Mishra ? The Mausi Ji of Sholay fame )👆
The young , still to be a superstar, Rajesh Khanna shows all the patented mannerisms of blinking eyes and head nodding, that would make the country go crazy in later years.
Mumtaz got her first lead role in this film, after playing second fiddle in many movies including being paired with a much older Dara Singh, before being picked by Raj Khosla for Do Raste.
“chup gaye sare nazare” 👆
The biggest hit song, Bindiya Chamkagi was picturised on Mumtaz, and in 1969 the audience used to erupt with joy on seeing her joyous face on the silver screen.
“Bindiya chamkagi” 👆
(Don’t forget to notice the Mathematics Professor teaching Sin Cos Tan and then giggling at the prank) This movie is not only about college love, that is shown in the first half an hour ; it is much deeper. It showcases the smouldering emotions of the elder brother, Balraj Sahani, to keep the family together when the disruptive force in the form of a daughter-in-law is unleashed upon the unsuspecting mother and her three sons. Kamani Kaushal, plays the elder brother’s wife with great sensitivity. She would remind you of the stoic ladies in your family who were the shock absorbers during times of crisis.
Rajesh Khanna’s smile lights up the screen, and his brooding bearded look in the song “yeh reshami zulfe”is a treat to watch, with the dazzling Mumtaz complementing his star power.
Not many know that Rajesh Khanna, had the bearded look in a few scenes, since he was also shooting for Ittafaq at the same time, that was directed by Yash Chopra.
There are many scenes that you would relate to. One is when Rajesh Khanna lies down on the new sofa that Bindu brings from her parents house. She scolds Rajesh Khanna and says that sofa is for sitting and not lying down. How many of you have visited rich relatives to be told not to misuse the sofa in their well appointed drawing room ?
The other scene that will touch your heart when Veena, playing the mother, is on her death bed and mistakes Balraj Sahani as the younger brother Rajesh Khanna. The dialogue will bring tears to your eyes, if you have ever seen your mother or grandmother on their deathbed. Veena plays the role with great dignity and you can see the strength of her convictions during tough times.
The hilarious sing-song voice of Asit Sen replying to his wife Leena Mishra “bas tang hi to reh gaye hain” will make you laugh. I know you didn’t understand the dialogue. See the exchange between Asit Sen , the harassed husband and Leena Mishra , the domineering wife, to make your day.
In this film Prem Chopra has shown the immense range of his acting skills, and you realise what a great actor he was, but sadly the immense depth of his skills were never exploited for the rest of his career. He shows confusion, rage, love for his brothers, hidden anguish on being disliked by his mother and his compulsion to stand by his scheming wife , in many brilliant scenes in this film.
Two great actors Balraj Sahni & Prem Chopra ( left) 👆
You must see this movie for the restrained acting of Balraj Sahani, the star power of Rajesh Khanna, the effervescence of Mumtaz, the strength of Veena, the screen presence of Mehmood Jr, the pathos of Kamini Kaushal, the all weather friendship of Jayant, the unrecognised helplessness of Prem Chopra, the quick repartee between Asit Sen/Leena Mishra and above all for the superb direction of Raj Khosla.
Don’t miss it.
Do you know that the Amitabh song “mere angane mein” was copied from the Jr Mehmood song in this film.
On a calm night, watch this movie and relive your youth, if you are from my generation or realise that nothing has changed in family dynamics, if you are younger.
Watch it without distractions.