Saqi (transl. "Bartender") is a 1952 Indian Hindi-language film directed by H. S. Rawail and starring Premnath, Madhubala in lead roles.[2] The film's music was composed by C. Ramchandra. Saqi was based on Arabian Nights and was one of the most expensive Indian films at the time of its release.[1]
| Saqi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | H. S. Rawail |
| Written by | Kamal Amrohi (dialogue) Anjana Rawail (story) |
| Screenplay by | Anjana Rawail |
| Story by | Anjana Rawail |
| Based on | Arabian Nights[1] |
| Produced by | R. C. Talwar |
| Starring | Premnath Madhubala |
| Cinematography | Rajendra Malone[2] |
| Music by | C. Ramchandra |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Budget | est. ₹1 million |
Plot
editThe film told the story a common man named Ajeeb, who tries to woo the princess Rukhsana.
Cast
editProduction
editSaqi was the Indian version of Arabian Nights.[1][3] The film was announced in February 1951, along with Badal, also starring Premnath & Madhubala.[4] While Badal was completed and released in the same year, Saqi took about one and a half year to complete. Saqi was an expensive venture for the producers and it was made on a huge budget of ₹10 lakhs.[1]
Soundtrack
edit| Song | Singer |
|---|---|
| "Din Pehla" | Lata Mangeshkar |
| "Paas Na Aaiye" | Lata Mangeshkar |
| "Gham Ki Vadi Mein" | Lata Mangeshkar |
| "Khushi Se Door Hoon" | Lata Mangeshkar |
| "Kise Maloom Tha Ek Din Mohabbat Bezuban Hogi" | Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood |
| "Aa Gayi Hai Ishq Pe Bahar, Khatm Hua Intezar" | Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi |
| "Mera Mizaj Ladakpan Se" | Mohammed Rafi |
| "O Haseena Sambhal Sambhalke Chal" | C. Ramchandra, Geeta Dutt |
| "Raat Suhani" | Shamshad Begum |
Reception
editSaqi had a mixed reception with critics—the soundtrack and lavish sets were noted, but acting and screenplay were poorly received.[5] Nevertheless, the film became a commercial success.[6][7]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Deep 1996, p. 90.
- ^ a b Akbar 1997, p. 139.
- ^ Bureau, The Meghalayan (15 February 2023). "'Zindagi bhar nahi bhoolegi': Mesmerising Madhubala and her magical spell". The Meghalayan. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Thought. Siddhartha Publications. 1951.
- ^ Deep 1996, p. 33.
- ^ Rawail, H. S. (1985). Mohabbat Ki Adhoori Dastaan Madhubala. Madhuri magazine. p. 16.
- ^ "H. S. Rawail Biography by Divya Kapoor". www.gomolo.com. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
Sources
edit- Deep, Mohan (1996). The Mystery and Mystique of Madhubala. Magna Books.
- Akbar, Khatijia (1997). Madhubala: Her Life, Her Films. Hay House.