Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is perhaps one of the finest piece of cinema in this country. A story set in Calcutta of Raj based on a novel by Bimal Mitra haunted filmmakers across time reminding them that this is the sky they must aim for. Abrar Alvi’s direction proved that in the shadow of Guru Dutt there was someone else who worked as hard as him, without much recognition, without much appreciation. A star cast that can put biggest ensembles to shame with its collective acting prowess. Rehman, Meena Kumari, Waheeda Rehman, Nasir Hussain and last but not the least Guru Dutt.
A simpleton Bhootnath (Guru Dutt) comes to Calcutta. Calcutta is perhaps the city of his wild imaginations. He starts working for Mohini Sindoor Factory and develops an enamoring relationship with owner’s daughter Jaba played by beautiful and dynamic Waheeda Rehman. He is also attracted by Chhoti Bahu who showers him with her sisterly love. Chhoti Bahu is a middle class woman married in a rich household to Chhote Sarkar (Rehman – brilliant as usual) who spends his time in kothas and ignores his house. She wants only love and company of her husband. She can do anything... even the unimaginable. This role was immortalized by Meena Kumari.
Apart from strong performances and brilliantly written dialogues for a very fine story about feudal society and its downfall in Raj, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam is aided by brilliant cinematography by V.K. Murthy and amazing songs like Na Jao Saiyan Chhudaake Baiyan and Piya Aiso Jiya Mein Samaaye Gayo Re. Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle added more to the soul of this movie. Geeta Dutt’s voice had the pain that Chhoti Bahu had in her life and Asha’s voice had the charm of a free spirited girl from Brohmo Samaj – Jaba. The contrast in the moods of the characters and the simplicity of Bhootnath who forms a relationship with each of them, a complicated oft-misunderstood one with Chhoti Bahu and a strong passionate one with Jaba, completes the canvass.
Abrar Alvi never got his due. The talent and popularity of Guru Dutt and quintessential feel of his cinema took away everything Abrar deserved. Still... whenever someone appreciates Guru Dutt and his cinema, a share goes to Abrar, unknowingly.
Written By: Sujoy Ghosh
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