“Pakeezah” is a classic Indian film directed by Kamal Amrohi. The film tells the story of a courtesan named Sahibjaan (Meena Kumari) who is born and raised in a brothel. Despite her circumstances, Sahibjaan dreams of finding true love and escaping her life as a courtesan. Her life changes when she meets a wealthy prince named Salim (Raaj Kumar), who falls in love with her and promises to marry her. However, their love faces several obstacles, including social norms and family pressures.
Review:
“Pakeezah” is considered a masterpiece of Indian cinema, known for its intricate storytelling, stunning cinematography, and soulful music. The film’s themes of love, redemption, and sacrifice have made it a timeless classic. Meena Kumari‘s performance as Sahibjaan is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in Indian cinema, earning her critical acclaim and several awards.
Awards:
“Pakeezah” received several awards and nominations, including the National Film Award for Best Art Direction and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Meena Kumari. The film’s music, composed by Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad, was also highly acclaimed and received several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director. Despite its critical acclaim, the film faced several controversies and production delays during its making, which contributed to its lasting legacy in Indian cinema.
| Directed by | Kamal Amrohi |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Kamal Amrohi |
| Written by | Kamal Amrohi |
| Starring | Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Nadira, D.K. Sapru, Veena, |
| Music by | Ghulam Mohammed Naushad Ali |
| Cinematography | Josef Wirsching |
| Edited by | D.N. P |
| Release date | February 4, 1972 |
| Running time | 153 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindustani (Hindi-Urdu) |
| Box office | ₹6 crore (equivalent to ₹217 crore or US$30 million in 2019) |
