“Anupama,” a cinematic gem from 1966 directed by the masterful Hrishikesh Mukherjee, takes us on an emotional journey delving into the complexities of a father-daughter relationship. Starring the charismatic Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Shashikala, Deven Verma, Surekha Pandit and Tarun Bose, the film weaves a tale that humanizes the flaws within these familial bonds.
The film received widespread acclaim, earning the prestigious National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi at the 1966 National Film Awards. Additionally, it garnered four Filmfare Award nominations, clinching the Best Cinematography, B&W category.
“Anupama” stands out in Indian cinema for its rare exploration of the intricacies of a father-daughter relationship. Tarun Bose delivers a compelling performance as Mohan Sharma, the father, while Sharmila Tagore beautifully portrays the daughter, Uma. Mukherjee’s directorial prowess shines as he navigates the emotional landscape, making it a poignant and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Mukherjee’s delicate plot was enhanced by Bimal Dutta and D.N. Mukherjee’s screenplay, Rajinder Singh Bedi’s powerful dialogue, Kaifi Azmi’s lyrics and Hemant Kumar’s timeless music that had musical jewels like Dheere Dheere Machal, Kuch dil ne kaha..kuch bhi nahin n, Bheegi bheegi faza, Kyon mujhe itni khushi de di and Ya dil ki suno duniyawalon, the last picturised on a kurta-pyjama clad Dharmendra, a picture of scholarly dignity.
Anupama was dedicated to Bimal Roy, and its slight resemblance to Sujata is discernible. Audiences then had the patience and ability to appreciate a film that was tender and refined in its narrative, and left a lot for the viewer to interpret for themselves. Today that style of filmmaking has been lost, maybe forever.
