Parbat (film) explained

Parbat
Director:O. P. Dutta
Music:Shankar–Jaikishan
Studio:Varma Films
Distributor:Varma Films
Country:India
Language:Hindi

Parbat is a 1952 Bollywood film starring Prem Nath, Nutan, and K. N. Singh. The film was produced and distributed by Varma Films and directed by O.P. Dutta.

Central to the plot of Parbat is the issue of obsessive love. As recognized by Levitan and Warner, “movies about obsession definitely have an allure—it's that mixture of excitement and terror, similar to the suspense of a quality scary movie.”[1] While movies about obsessive love have always been popular, Parbat’s notability in dealing with this issue arises from the remarkable cast and crew of the film. For example, Nutan, the female lead of the film and the object of obsessive love, held the record of five wins of the Best Actress at Filmfare for over 3 decades.[2] As noted by Dhawan “Through her path-breaking roles, Nutan endeavored to change the mindset of the audience about the place of women in our society. She was a pioneer in the depiction of women, particularly, tortured and tormented women, on the screen.”[3]

K.N. Singh who plays the person in obsessive love, was a noteworthy and scary villain. In his own words, "Even off-screen I was a bad man. One day on my way back from shooting, I had to deliver an envelope at an address given to me by my friend. I pressed the doorbell and, from the moving curtains, I could see a woman hurrying to open the door. When she saw me standing in front of her, she screamed out in fright and ran inside leaving the door open.”[4]

Finally, O.P. Dutta, the movie's director, was the director for as many as 9 movies during his career. In his sample of the careers of 3129 movie directors, De Vany (2003) finds that 1990 (63%) directors made only one movie, and only 23 (less than 1%) directors made 9 movies.[5] With O.P. Dutta’s career including 9 movies as a director, the above comparison benchmark is an indicator of his remarkable directorial ability.

Plot

The story revolves around a man (K. N. Singh) who is obsessively in love with Parbat (Nutan). Things take a turn in Nutan’s life when Pahari (Prem Nath) rescues Parbat and saves her life. As the plot unfolds, Pahari and Parbat fall in love.

All seems to be going on well until the obsessive lover gets back into Parbat’s life. To prevent things from getting complicated, Pahari’s family try to get him betrothed to Naina (Purnima) in an arranged marriage. The movie progresses with the consequences that follow obsessive love.

Cast

Soundtrack

Music was composed by Shankar–Jaikishan, while Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra wrote the lyrics.[6]

Title Singer Lyricist
1"Kya Bataaon Muhobbat"Mohammed Rafi, Geeta Dutt and Lata MangeshkarShailendra
2"Meethi Meethi Baaton Se Bholi Bhaali Ghaaton Se" Lata MangeshkarShailendra
3"Sunaye Kisko Afsaana, Kisi Par Dil Hai Dewaana, Shama Pe Jaise Parwana"Lata MangeshkarHasrat Jaipuri
4"Haye Mera Dil Le Gaya Koi Aake Ishaaron Se"Lata MangeshkarHasrat Jaipuri
5"Pyaar Bharee Inn Aankhon Ne"Lata Mangeshkar and Geeta DuttHasrat Jaipuri
6"Hothon Pe Tarane Aa Gaye Ji Hum To Dil Ki Tamanna Pa Gaye"Talat Mahmood and Lata MangeshkarHasrat Jaipuri
7"Beraham Maar Dale Na Mujhko Tera Gham Ab To Aa Ja"Lata MangeshkarShailendra

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 15 Movies About Obsession, Ranked by How Obsessed You Should Be. Cosmopolitan . Levitan . Hunter. Warner . Kara. November 25, 2020. June 22, 2021.
  2. Web site: Filmfare Awards Winners From 1953 to 2020. 2021-06-22. filmfare.com. en.
  3. Web site: To the Manner Born. Tribune India . Dhawan . M L . February 26, 2006. June 22, 2021.
  4. Web site: KN Singh: Indian actor who belied his crooked image . The Guardian . Joshi . Lalit Mohan . March 21, 2000. June 22, 2021.
  5. Motion Picture Directors: Luck, Talent and Rewards . Economics of Art and Culture Invited Papers at the 12th International Conference of the Association of Cultural Economics International. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. De Vany . Arthur. Contributions to Economic Analysis . 2003. 260 . 2–17. 10.1108/S0573-8555(2003)0000260004 . 978-0-44450-995-6 .
  6. Web site: Lyrics and video of Songs from the film Parbat (1952) . Hindigeetmala.com . 2021-06-16.