Anjuman is a Pakistani colour film released on 31 July 1970, starring Waheed Murad, Rani, Deeba, Santosh Kumar, Sabiha Khanam and Lehri. The film was released during the hey days of Murad and became a milestone in his career.[1] The film was produced by Safdar Masud under the banner Ideal Movies and directed by Hassan Tariq, a well-known Pakistani film director.[2]
| Anjuman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Hassan Tariq |
| Written by | Agha Hassan Imtisal |
| Produced by | Safdar Masud |
| Starring | |
| Edited by | Al-Hameed |
| Music by | Nisar Bazmi |
| Distributed by | Eveready Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | approx. 3 hours |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Language | Urdu |
The film was released at the worst possible political situation of the country with Bangladesh war of independence raging in former East Pakistan. Nevertheless, the film became a huge success, with famous tracks by Runa Laila and Ahmed Rushdi.[2]
The film won 8 Nigar Awards in the categories of best film, best director, best screenplay, best musician, best lyricist, best playback female singer, best editor, best art director and best comedian.[2][3]
Plot
editThe film depicts a tragic tale centered around Anjuman, a tawaif portrayed by Rani, who initially captivates the wealthy Nawab Wajahat Ali, played by Santosh Kumar, only to later find herself falling for his younger brother, Nawab Asif Ali, portrayed by Waheed Murad. Asif, torn between duty and desire, frequents Anjuman's kotha at her request, despite his affection for another woman, Nudrat, portrayed by Deeba. Noorulain Zartaj, Nawab Wajahat Ali's wife, played by Sabiha Khanum, beseeches Anjuman to sacrifice her own happiness for Asif's sake. The story culminates tragically as Anjuman, heartbroken and betrayed, sings a sorrowful melody at her lover's wedding before succumbing to poison, dying at his feet.
Cast
edit- Rani Begum as Anjuman
- Waheed Murad as Asif Ali
- Santosh Kumar as Wajahat Ali
- Sabiha Khanam as wife of Wajahat
- Deeba as Nudrat
- Lehri
- Ragini as Maya Devi
Music
editThe music was directed by Nisar Bazmi.[2] Songs of the film, especially sung by Runa Laila, became a huge success in Pakistan:
- Izhar bhi mushkil hai... by Noor Jehan[4]
- Bhabhi meri bhabhi... by Ahmed Rushdi[4]
- Bhabhi meri bhabhi... (sad) by Ahmed Rushdi
- Aap Dil Ki Anjuman Mein... by Runa Laila[4]
- Dil Dharke Main Tum Se... by Runa Laila[2][5]
- Yadash bakhair bachpan mein... by Ahmed Rushdi
- Lag rahi hei mujhe... by Ahmed Rushdi
- " Naianwa chalayie baan... by [Noor Jahan]
Release
editAnjuman was released on 31 July 1970, at the worst political time of Pakistan, by Babar Pictures. The film ran for continuously 81 weeks at cinemas in Karachi. The film celebrated a Platinum Jubilee and became a huge success for the year 1970.[4][5]
Remake
editIt was remade as a television film in 2013 with the same name, which starred Imran Abbas Naqvi, Sara Loren, Alyy Khan, directed by Yasir Nawaz and produced by Tarang Housefull.[2]
Awards
editAnjuman won 8 Nigar Awards in the following categories:
| Category | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Best film[2] | Safdar Masud |
| Best director | Hassan Tariq[3][2] |
| Best music | Nisar Bazmi[3][2] |
| Best lyrics | Masroor Anwar[3] |
| Best female playback singer | Runa Laila[4][3][2] |
| Best editing | Al-Hameed |
| Best art director | Habib Shah |
| Best comedian[2] | Lehri |
References
edit- ^ Omair Alavi (23 November 2018). "Waheed Murad's A-game". The News International (newspaper). Archived from the original on 24 April 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Film review of Anjuman (1970 film) on Dawn (newspaper) (scroll down to this title) Retrieved 20 December 2021
- ^ a b c d e "The Nigar Awards (1957 - 1971)". The Hot Spot Online website. 17 June 2002. Archived from the original on 24 July 2008. Retrieved 20 December 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "Anjuman (1970 film)". Pakistan Film Magazine website. Archived from the original on 16 June 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Sound of Lollywood: The tawaif song gets a twangy country music twist in 'Anjuman'". Scroll.in. 29 April 2017. Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2023.