Hrishikesh Mukherjee
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
Contents |
Profile
Hrishikesh Mukherjee: The king of comedy, The Times of India TNN | August 27, 2016
Simplicity and warmth have always defined Hrishikesh Mukherjee's cinematic offerings over the years. Known to be one of the most popular filmmakers of his time, Mukherjee managed to send out strong social messages that underlined his films. Starting his career in 1951 as an editor and assistant director to Bimal Roy, he later went on to try his hand at directing a film titled 'Musafir' in 1957. However, the film was a disaster at the box office.
Failure didn't stop the talented filmmaker from pursuing his cinematic ambitions, and it wasn't long before director Raj Kapoor took note. Kapoor, who by then was an established name in the industry, was impressed with his skills and recommended him strongly as director for 'Anari' (1959). Starring Kapoor himself and Nutan, the film was well received, both critically and commercially.
Mukherjee's next film 'Anuradha' (1960), that told the story of a doctor who neglects his wife to focus on his work, fetched him the President's Medal Award.
In 1970, Mukherjee made what is considered his masterpiece - 'Anand'. The film gave a complex but compassionate look at the balance between hope, fear, life and death. The film which had Rajesh Khanna in the lead is also regarded as one of his greatest performance of all time. In the film, he played a terminally ill man who wishes to live life to the full before he dies.
Mukherjee kept the winning streak going by putting up excellent films like 'Guddi', a semi-satiric take on the film industry, 'Abhimaan' and 'Chupke Chupke', a comedy about a newlywed professor's joke on his pompous brother-in-law. His films gave the audience a detailed look into the middle-class mentality.
The 1980s, which saw the advent of superstar Amitabh Bachchan as an angry young man out to change the world in Bollywood, coupled with larger-than-life films, saw Hrishikesh Mukherjee's brand of filmmaking fizzling out over time.
He recently attempted a comeback with 'Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate' (1998), but sadly it was a futile effort as the film was considered as a commercial and critical failure. Although his films failed to draw in the crowds and set cash registers ringing, Mukherjee's films still linger on in the hearts and cherished memories of his fans, even after three long decades.
Filmography
As a director
1957 Musafir
1959 Anari
1960 Anuradha
1961 Chhaya
1961 Mem-Didi
1962 Aashiq
1962 Asli-Naqli
1964 Sanjh Aur Savera
1965 Do Dil
1966 Anupama
1966 Biwi Aur Makan
1966 Gaban
1967 Majhli Didi
1968 Aashirwad
1969 Pyar Ka Sapna
1969 Satyakam
1971 Anand
1971 Buddha Mil Gaya
1971 Guddi
1972 Bawarchi
1972 Sabse Bada Sukh
1973 Abhimaan
1973 Namak Haraam
1974 Phir Kab Milogi
1975 Chaitali
1975 Chupke Chupke
1975 Mili
1976 Arjun Pandit
1977 Alaap
1977 Kotwal Saab
1978 Naukri
1979 Gol Maal
1979 Jurmana
1980 Khubsoorat
1981 Naram Garam
1982 Bemisal
1983 Achha Bura
1983 Kissi Se Na Kehna
1983 Rang Birangi
1985 Jhoothi
1986 Hum Hindustani (TV Series)
1988 Lathi
1988 Namumkin
1990 Agar Aisa Ho To (TV Series)
1990 Rishte (TV Series)
1992 Talaash (TV Series)
1998 Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate
As a producer
1957 Musafir
1960 Anuradha
1968 Aashirwad
1971 Anand
1971 Guddi
1972 Bawarchi
1972 Sabse Bada Sukh
1975 Chupke Chupke
1975 Mili
1977 Alaap
1979 Gol Maal
1980 Khubsoorat
1998 Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate
Story/ screenplay
1953 Do Bigha Zamin
1957 Musafir
1961 Mem-Didi
1966 Anupama
1968 Aashirwad /
1971 Anand
1971 Guddi
1972 Bawarchi
1973 Abhimaan
1973 Namak Haraam
1977 Alaap
1983 Achha Bura
1983 Rang Birangi
1998 Chitrashalabham
1998 Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate
As an editor
1953 Do Bigha Zamin
1953 Parineeta
1954 Biraj Bahu
1954 Naukari
1955 Garam Coat
1957 Gotoma the Buddha
1958 Lukochuri
1958 Madhumati
1958 Yahudi
1959 Anari
1961 Char Diwari
1961 Gunga Jumna
1962 Aashiq
1962 Banarasi
1966 Pinjre Ke Panchhi
1967 Chemmeen
1967 Ghar Ka Chirag
1968 Aashirwad
1968 Chhotto Jignasa
1968 Mere Hamdam Mere Dost
1969 Pyar Hi Pyar
1969 Pyasi Sham
1969 Yakeen
1970 Dastak
1971 Anand
1971 Jawan Muhabat
1974 Nellu
1975 Mili
1981 Baisakhi Megh
1981 Professor Pyarelal
1983 Coolie
As an actor
1972 Bees Saal Pehle
