100 Filmfare Days, 4: Achhut Kanya

Knowledge


Achhut Kanya
Year: 1936
Director: Franz Osten
Producer: Himanshu Rai
Cast: Ashok Kumar, Devika Rani
Music: Saraswati Devi

If Devdas talked about disparity between the classes then Achhut Kanya went a step further and tackled untouchability, which was a curse during those days and is still rampant in our social fabric. Interestingly, Ashok Kumar was cast in the film because the original actor Nazam-ul-Hassan tried to elope with the producer’s wife Devika Rani. Ashok Kumar played a Brahmin’s son in love with an untouchable girl played by Devika Rani. Director Franz Osten didn’t shrink away from depicting the truth of the situation and the film is remembered for its intense mob scenes. It’s also known for its musical score. The song, Main ban ke chidiya sung by the lead stars is popular even today. Incidentally, the music was given by Saraswati Devi, one of our pioneering women composers.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Ashok Kumar worked as a laboratory assistant in Bombay Talkies when he was asked to play the lead in the film.

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