The Black and White Hindi Classic film, ‘Aan’ starring Dilip Kumar and Nadira (Introducing) was released in the year 1952. The film means ‘Pride’ and the ‘Savage Princess’ in the USA. The other stars included Prem Nath and Nimmi. Nadira became a rage over night with the release of the film. The film was produced and directed by Mehboob Khan. It was the first film to gross over 15 million.
The film revolves around a Royal Indian Family run by the Maharaja, played by Murad, who has a son, Shamsher Singh, played by Prem Nath and an arrogant, beautiful daughter, Princess Rajshree, played by Nadira. Jai Tilak, played by Dilip Kumar is a local, young, handsome leader who tames the horse of Shamsher Singh. Shamsher’s ego is hurt and he challenges Jai in a fence fight. Jai wins and the royal son is upset and angry, all waiting to seek revenge from Jai. Shamsher Singh gets more enraged when the King tells him that he is not the future heir to the throne as he wishes to end monarchy and bring democracy after his death. Shamsher is not the real son of the Maharaja too. He tries to kill the King with the help of one of his men but the Maharaja is smarter as he disguises himself as a servant in his own palace and survives the attack.
Jai falls in love with Rajshree and tries wooing her but the Princess does not accept his feelings. Mangala, played by Nimmi is Jai’s childhood friend whom Shamsher Singh kidnaps and molests as revenge from Jai. Mangala kills herself. Jai cannot take this news and kills Shamsher Singh. He even provokes Rajshree to attack the village as revenge for her brother’s death by him. Jai abducts Rajshree and makes her live as a peasant girl in the village by force. Rajshree realizes that she loves Jai and refuses to accept any of his revengeful plans. Shamsher Singh is not dead. He comes back to kill Jai who finally puts the evil to death. Rajshree is made the heir to the throne and married off to Jai.
The enchanting music of the film was by Naushad and the main singers were Mohd. Rafi, Shamshad Begum and Lata Mangeshkar. Some of its everlasting songs are ‘Maan Mera Ehsaan’, ‘Dil Mein Chuppake Pyaar Ka’ ‘Tujhe Kho Diya Humne’ and so on. The film was a great success marking Nadira’s entry as a superstar. Dilip Kumar was already a hit and with this film he made his stand stronger in the film fraternity. This film taught to students who do their Masters in Film Studies. Hence it’s a worth watching film.
