Although 1963 and 1964 belonged to the jubilee star, a different genre of films was beginning to capture the public imagination. Along with...
Although 1963 and 1964 belonged to the jubilee star, a different genre of films was beginning to capture the public imagination. Along with Rajendra Kumar’s Sangam and Zindagi, 1964 and 1965 saw films like Haqeeqat, Dosti, Rajkumar, Ziddi, Kashmir ki Kali and the mystery Woh Kaun Thi?, along with the path-breaking Guide, ruling the box office.
To be rewarded for one’s efforts with success and fame was one thing; to hold on to them and work one’s way through the fear of losing them was another, he told himself. Hard work, staying on top of things and continuously reinventing himself were indispensable for retaining his position, and retain it he would. He did so admirably, reigniting his creative passion with his new pet project, Aman, the ideation for which had begun in late 1965.
During a brainstorming session involving the film’s creatives, Rajendra Kumar had come up with a suggestion. ‘Mohan,’ he said to the director, ‘let’s try and get Bertrand Russell in the opening scene.’
The other man laughed at the very idea. ‘You’re joking, right?’ he said. ‘Lord Russell is one of the greatest philosophers of our time and a famous member of Britain’s anti-war brigade. Look at his stature and look at us – just ordinary film-industry people! How could we even dream...
