Aarti  (1962)

Stars: Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar, Pradeep Kumar, Shashikala 

Watch on : Prime Video 

‘Aarti’ is a 1962 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Phani Majumdar which I recall having first seen in a cinema hall in my hometown Lucknow in the early 1960s and even at that early age, it left an impression as a classic with memorable characters and for the ideals they stood for. Prime gives an opportunity to revisit vintage films and catching up one realizes the great transformation that’s taken place in films since the then B & W era in visualizations, technical effects, acting styles but what will charm are simple stories weaved with mesmerizing music & well-etched characters portrayed by superb actors.  

A wholesome social drama with family values , it revolves around those dedicated to the medical profession & it’s noble cause and carries social messages highlighting the rich-poor divide and class conflict in society, epitomizing those with compassion who make sacrifices to better the lives of others but never compromise on their principles for their personal gains ! The film stars Meena Kumari in the title role of Aarti, the protagonist with Pradeep Kumar. Ashok Kumar plays a revengeful antagonist there’s a wonderful cameo from Shashikala. Comic relief is provided by funsters Mehmood & Rajendranath.

The story is that of an unemployed, idealistic man named Deepak who saves Aarti, a hardworking and dedicated doctor from drowning and the two eventually fall in love though her Father has already engaged her to marry his protégé, Dr. Prakash. Despite his firmly disapproving of this relationship, Deepak and Aarti marry. She moves in with him and his large family who have barely enough to make ends meet. Aarti however, settles in and family sees happier days. But, Prakash (Aarti’s former fiancé) happens to be a friend of this family, as also of Aarti’s natal family, and he keeps up his visits to both families. He is married but can’t give up his obsession with Aarti. This brings a discord in Aarti’s marital life, so much so that her husband compels her to leave, and she returns to her father’s house. Can Aarti’s goodness and devotion salvage her life that’s in ruins ?

Two aspects make the film simply a great watch. It’s a real Meena Kumari show and one marvels at her subtle and underplayed portrayal of the graceful and dignified ‘Aarti’ who faces trials and tribulations in life with a smile, a thought almost ‘utopian’ today. With our egos there’s hardly room for compromise & forgiveness ! In our family , I recall my Grandmom (Uncles’ Mother) who with all encompassing love, kept the members of both of our large families bonded for years. The days of that kind of kinship seem to be over.    

The second feature was the film’s beautiful musical score by Roshan and has classics like ‘Ab Kya Misal Doon..’sung by Md.Rafi, the Rafi-Lata duet ‘Aapne Yaad Dilaya ..’ and Lata solo ‘Lahu ka rang ek hai…’ and others. The songs and their picturization take the film to an ethereal level which at least, old timers will certainly enjoy and cherish.