Anuraag

Possibly one of the best family-centred Hindi films ever made. Shakti Samanta has done it again! "Aradhana" (1969) was a jubilee hit, but "Anuraag" (1972) will always be a family favourite! Calcutta-based actress Maushumi Chatterjee really gave her all as the blind sculptor Shivani, while Rajesh Khanna, Ashok Kumar and Nutan made me weep buckets with their moving dialogues as well as their subliminal performances as a humble flower seller, a doting grandfather and a loving mother respectively.

Nevertheless, I strongly feel that the biggest credit should go to Lataji. I was captivated by her voice, as with so many other films, which she sang for. "Mera Raja, Beta Poocha, Ek Paheli" has a calming effect and it was extremely touching to see Anu (Nutan) singing it as she choked through her tears, fearing the worst for her ailing son Chandan. "Woh Kya Hai?" is yet another song by Lataji from this movie that I love. To me, it is a song of lovers.

In a nutshell, "Anuraag" (1972) is just one of those rare films that can be put into what Yash Chopra categorizes as a "wholesome movie". In short, it is a heart-rending family drama that deserves much praise...