| Manmohan | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Mehboob Khan |
| Written by | Zia Sarhadi |
| Produced by | Sagar Movietone |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Faredoon Irani |
| Music by |
|
Production company | Sagar Movietone |
Release date |
|
Running time | 147 min |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Manmohan is a 1936IndianUrdu/Hindi-language romantic tragedy film directed byMehboob Khan.[1] This was Khan's third film forSagar Movietone afterAl Hilal (1935) andDeccan Queen (1936). The cinematographer wasFaredoon Irani who, starting from Mehboob Khan'sAl Hilal (Judjement of Allah) (1935), went on to establish a long working relationship with him lasting till Khan's last filmSon of India (1962).[2] The music was composed by Ashok Ghosh assisted byAnil Biswas. The story writer wasZia Sarhadi who also wrote the lyrics, screenplay and dialogue in addition to acting in the film. Though he had started his writing career on Khan's backing forDeccan Queen (1936), it was withManmohan that he achieved success.[3] The film was inspired byDevdas, (1935), which was a big hit at the box office. Surendra was chosen as the singing star to rivalK. L. Saigal fromNew Theatres Calcutta, whose songs fromDevdas had mesmerised the nation.[4] ThoughManmohan was referred to as the "poor man's Devdas"[5] the film went on to do well and the songs became very popular. The film starredBibbo,Surendra,Yakub, Kayam Ali,Bhudo Advani and Mehdi Raza.[6]
The film which revolves around two childhood friends, Vimala (Bibbo), and Ashok (Surendra), who loves her but loses her to another, finally taking to drink.
Ashok (Surendra) is an artist in love with Vimala (Bibbo). On learning that she is to marry Jagdish (Yakub) he is devastated and paints her portraits which become popular. He starts drinking and finds comfort with another woman. Soon his family wealth starts dwindling. Vimala, who is married by now, tries to help him with her husband's efforts. However, Ashok misunderstands the overture, leading to tragedy for him.
The music composition was by Ashok Ghosh, with assistance from a then "young arranger", Anil Biswas. The lyrics were written by a then "small-time" actor Zia Sarhadi. The film's soundtrack became its "highlight" with "chart-busting" music. Surendra was brought in as a singer actor to counter New Theatres K. L. Saigal.[7] The duet by Surendra and Bibbo "Tumhi Ne Mujhko Prem Sikhaya" is considered a hit song and remains popular. The songs from this film made Surendra a popular singing star.[8]
| # | Title | Singer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Khizaan Ne Aake Chaman Ko Ujaad Dena Hai" | Bibbo, Surendra |
| 2 | "Chali Re Berniya Main So Gayi" | |
| 3 | "Dukh Ke Dinan Mein Koi Nahin" | Ramchandra Pal |
| 4 | "Saawan Ban Aao Aaj Paayo Na Sandeswa" | Surendra |
| 5 | "Nanhe Se Man Mein More Yaad Tihari" | Ramchandra Pal |
| 6 | "Prem Hi Man Ka Meet Sakhi Ri" | Bibbo |
| 7 | "Shokh Bhari Aankhon Se Meri Prem Ki Ganga Behne Do" | Surendra |
| 8 | "Tumhi Ne Mujhko Prem Sikhaya" | Bibbo, Surendra |
| 9 | "Aao Sunaoon Main Tumko Prem Kahani" | Surendra, Ramchandra Pal |
| 10 | "Jo Guzri Hai Ham Par Agar Ham Bata De" | Ramchandra Pal |