Jan 13, 2005 10:44 PM
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(Updated Jan 13, 2005 10:47 PM)
The protagonist Anand (Rajesh Khanna) is lying dead and every one around him are weeping. His best friend Dr. Bhaskar Banerjeea.k.a Babu Moshai (Amitabh Bachan)comes into the room. The sight of his closest friend lying lifeless is too much for him to bear. He goes and starts shaking up Anand ? Tum Mujhe Aise Chod Ke Jaa Nahin Sakte, Bees Mahine Se Main Tera Bak Bak Sun Raha Hoon, Tumne Hasaya Mujhe, Rulaya Mujhe, Sataya Mujhe, Baate Karon Mujhse Baate Karon Mujhse ?. As if on cue, the tape recorder switches on and Anand?s voice fills the room ?Babu Moshai (in a really deathly tone), Babu Moshai, Zindagi Aur Maut Ki Khel Mein Hum Sab Kathputhli Hain, Yahan Kal Kya Hoti Hai Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Sab Upar wale ki Haath Meinand then a ghostly, eerie laughter fills the room. Its as if Anand is speaking after his death, its as if he has not died, but his soul is still there to remind us of one thing ? Take Life As it Comes?.
I must have seen this movie umpteen times, yet this scene just sends the chills down my spine. I could watch this movie again and again just for this scene, and yes Anand is one of my all time favorite movies.
There is a saying in my native language Telugu ?Kirti Kiritam Lo Kilikithu Raayi ( meaning the jewel in the crown)?. Anand was indeed the crowning glory of director Hrishikesh Mukherjee?s long and distinguished career. Anand is the story of friendship between two diametrically opposite individuals
Anand Sehgal: Played by Rajesh Khanna, he is a man fated to die young. As the saying goes, those whom the Gods love, they die young. Suffering from an unknown disorder, his days are numbered. But he chooses to live life for every moment , instead of suffering in remorse. As he says ?Babu Moshai, Zindagi Lambi Nahin Badi Honi Chahiye ?. He befriends every stranger on the street, even if he doesn?t know them.
Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee: A.K.A Babu Moshai is the exact opposite of Anand. He lives but is bitter and cynical with life. He is bitter over the fact that so many poor people suffer as they cant afford treatment, while the pampered rich keep coming to him with imaginary ailments. His friend Dr.Prakash Kulkarni(Ramesh Deo) is more worldly wise and explains to him that one must compromise in order to survive.
When Babu Moshai meets Anand, after Prakash explains him about Anand?s impending death, he is surprised with Anand?s outlook. Though Babu Moshai doesn?t have much of an impression about Anand, they slowly forge a friendship and that enables Babu Moshai to have a different outlook about life. Anand makes his way slowly into Babu Moshai?s playing cupid to Uma(Sumita Sanyal) , Babu Moshai?s love interest. In the midst there are other characters like a stage actor( Johhny Walker), a stern matron who is later overcome by Anand?s infectious attitude( Lalita Pawar), Dr.Prakash?s wife who considers him her brother.
One of the most poignant scene is when she says?Bhaiyya aashirwad nahin denge? to which Anand replies ?Tujhe Main Kya Aashirwad Do Behan, Yeh Bhi Ki Nahin De Sakta Hoon Ki Meri Umar Tujhe Lag Jaaye?.
Anand was based on Hrishida?s real life friendship with Raj Kapoor. In real life too both Hrishida and RK were the best of buddies and completely opposite. Whereas Raj Kapoor was the flamboyant showman, Hrishida was more the sober kind, who concentrated more on the human aspect. But Hrishida would be forever grateful to RK, as his first major hit movie Anari starred RK and in fact RK got the best Actor Award for it too. In fact Hrishida wanted RK for the role, but could never see his best friend die even on screen.
That?s why the movie is dedicated to ?Raj Kapoor and The City of Bombay?.While the RK connection is obvious, I think the Bombay connection is due to the never say die spirit of the city. Consider it the city is beset by slums,crime,gangsters,terrorism, corruption yet it still lives with an infectious zeal. I guess this was Hrishida?s way of giving back to the city that made him.
Rajesh Khanna gives one of his best performances in the title role, refreshingly free of the mannerisms which made up his later movies. Amitabh Bachan gives a wonderful performance as Babu Moshai, bringing out the anger and frustration wonderfully. Anand is a treat to watch just for these two actors. All the supporting cast Ramesh Deo, Sunita Sanyal, Lalita Pawar, Johnny Walker pitch in with good performances.
The songs are first rate tuned by my favorite music director Salil Choudhury. ?Maine Tere Liye? is a wonderful feel good song by Mukesh. ?Kahin Door Jab Din Dal Jaaye? is a masterpiece, it is one of my favorite songs. ?Zindagi Kaise Yeh Pahel? by Manna Dey is another great song, which explains the lead character?s philosophy. So to all those lovers of good cinema, watch this movie if you haven?t seen it. Anand is not just a movie, it?s a classic to be treasured.
