HUM DONO (1960)
Dir: Amarjeet
Music: Jaidev
Llyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Cast: Dev Anand, Sadhana, Nanda, Lalita Pawar, Leela Chitnis

When the dashing young Dev Anand crooned the ‘Abhi Na jao Chod ke’ number to a blushing Sadhana, millions swooned, missed a heart beat, so sweet was that scene! Hum Dono was a Box Office winner in 1961, with it’s strong message against war and violence and retains appeal even today.

The tale goes thus – Anand( Dev Ananad), a poor boy woos and wishes to wed (Sadhana) rich-girl-with-a-heart-of-gold but her father expresses concern over Anand’s lack of funds which prompts the young man to huff off haughtily, and join the army.

There, he befriends Major Varma (Dev Anand again), a man prone to sweeping gestures and a certain amount of over acting. The two bond over stories of the Major’s love for his wife, the demure heroine of yesteryears, Nanda.

After a bloody encounter with the enemy, the good Major goes missing and is presumed dead. Anand’s mother, meanwhile, has died even though Sadhana had cared for her during her beau’s absence. Anand comes back home and to keep his wow to the major, visits the major’s wife and mother to tell them of his demise. After learning the Nanda has a weak heart, he is coaxed by the Major’s family doctor to pretend to be the Major. Well, confusion rages on, misunderstandings abound and when the Major returns home sans one leg, high drama ensues!

Directed by Amarjeet, the story written by Vijay Anand is convoluted and contrived but the actors, dialogues and the songs lend the film an old world charm. Jaidev’s music is compelling and is popular even today and the lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi are brilliant.

This review is sponsored by Raja and Rana of Burlington.

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