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Anand: The Film That Taught Life Through Death
27 Aug
Summary
- The film Anand models its lead character on filmmaker Raj Kapoor's personality.
- Rajesh Khanna accepted a lower fee for Anand due to the script's impact.
- Amitabh Bachchan credited Anand with boosting his career and gaining 'reverse respect'.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee's cinematic gem, Anand, continues to resonate decades after its 1970 release, offering timeless wisdom on life and mortality.
The film's genesis traces back to Mukherjee's close friend, Raj Kapoor, whose vibrant spirit inspired the character of Anand. Initially, other actors were considered before Rajesh Khanna, then at the peak of his stardom, took on the role for a reduced fee, captivated by the script's humanity.
Mukherjee, a disciplined filmmaker, raced against time to complete Anand in just one month at Mohan Studio in Bombay. Despite Khanna's demanding schedule, shooting multiple films concurrently, his powerful portrayal of Anand was remarkable. Actress Seema Deo recalled Khanna's reliance on a prompter for song lyrics during the shoot.
Journalist Sudhir Gadgil witnessed a pivotal moment at Anand's press screening when journalist Devyani Chaubal cautioned Rajesh Khanna against working with a then-emerging Amitabh Bachchan, foreseeing Bachchan's immense potential.
Despite distributors' initial apprehension about the tragic ending, Mukherjee insisted on Anand's death to preserve the film's philosophical core. The climax, where a dying Anand imparts wisdom through a recorded message, became an unforgettable cinematic moment.
Anand's death scene, coupled with Amitabh Bachchan's narration, solidified the film's message: 'Anand did not die, a thought like Anand doesn't die.' The film ultimately presented Anand as a philosophy of life, emphasizing living fully rather than merely existing.
Director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, a former ace editor, masterfully used pre-recorded dialogue in the climax, a testament to his skill. Gulzar's memorable dialogues and Bachchan's poignant narration of 'Maut Tu Ek Kavita Hai...' contributed significantly to the film's impact.
Anand's enduring magic lies in its ability to evoke collective heartbreak, embodying director Frank Capra's view that true tragedy moves the audience to tears. Hrishikesh Mukherjee left behind not just movies, but a life philosophy, encapsulated in the iconic line: 'Zindagi badi honi chahiye Babu Moshaye, lambi nahi!'
