A memorable drama film from January 7, 1972: 'Dushman' (1972) - Facts Explored

On January 7, 1972, the grand opening of the Ganga Jamuna Theatre took place in Tardeo ( ​​Mumbai,) and the film 'Dushman' was released on this special occasion. In those days, releasing a film at a theatre opening was considered a big deal. 'Dushman' captivated audiences from the very first day. Its story is based on crime, punishment, and atonement, in which Rajesh Khanna accidentally kills a man and is ordered to live with the deceased's family as punishment.

The film was produced by Premji and directed by Dulal Guha. Dulal Guha was a well-known director of his time, who made many social, family, and serious films. 'Dushman' proved to be a super hit film in the same vein.

The story of the film 'Dushman' revolves around Surjit Singh (Rajesh Khanna), who earns his living by driving a truck. He often drives under the influence of alcohol. One day, while driving his truck at high speed in dense fog, he accidentally kills a farmer, Ram Deen. Surjit could have escaped, but being a kind-hearted man, he surrenders to the police and confesses his crime.

In court, the judge gives him a unique punishment, instead of sending him to jail. He orders Surjit to go to Ram Deen's village, live with his family, and take responsibility for them. Upon reaching the village, Surjit finds that everyone hates him and calls him 'Dushman' (enemy).

Ram Deen's wife, Malti (Meena Kumari), is also unable to forgive him. Gradually, Surjit starts helping the villagers. He saves the land of several families from falling into the hands of moneylenders, helps the villagers escape the oppression of the landlord, and works honestly for everyone. During this time, he meets Phoolmati (Mumtaz), and the two fall in love.

The story takes a turn for the worse when some treacherous villagers, frame Surjit on a false charge and sends him to police station 
.At the same time, in Surjit's absence, the landlord burns the village's crops and kidnaps Phoolmati.

Malti witnesses everything and finally understands that Surjit is not their enemy but a friend, and that he is not a bad person. She helps rescue Phoolmati. Ultimately, Surjit manages to get the landlord arrested.

Finally, Ram Deen's family accepts Surjit, and he marries Phoolmati. Around this time, he receives a message that his sentence is complete (for the unintentional murder of Ramdeen) and he can return home, but Surjit tells the judge that he wants to stay there. The judge smiles and says that his unconventional decision has proven successful.

The film's main cast includes Meena Kumari, Rajesh Khanna, and Mumtaz, along with other actors: Kumari Naaz, Asit Sen, Bindu, Kanhaiya Lal, K.N. Singh, Johnny Walker, Rehman, Murad, Leela Mishra.

'Dushman' was shot on a limited budget. Outdoor shooting was not easy at that time, but the team took the risk and shot at real locations.

Rajesh Khanna often suggested minor changes to his scenes himself.

Rajesh Khanna was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his excellent performance in this film.

The film's lyricist was Anand Bakshi and the music composers were Laxmikant-Pyarelal, whose songs were all very popular, such as "Wada Tera Wada" (Kishore Kumar), "Paisa Phenko Tamasha" (Lata Mangeshkar), "O Balma Sipahiya" (Lata Mangeshkar), "Maine Dekha Tune Dekha" (Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar).

The original title of the film 'Dushman' was 'Zanjeer'. However, the producers were not happy with this title. They finally chose 'Dushman' and gave the title 'Zanjeer' to Prakash Mehra.

While working on this film, Meena Kumari fell seriously ill, and the film's producer, Premji, paid her hospital bills at St. Elizabeth Nursing Home. This was during Meena Kumari's last days. Actor Mehmood revealed that this was actually the money that was supposed to be paid to Meena Kumari for the film.

Once, during a shooting schedule in a village, many villagers from that village and surrounding areas saw that Rajesh Khanna had arrived for the shoot, and about two to three hundred people gathered to see him. They broke through all the barricades and started pulling and touching Rajesh Khanna. That's when Mumtaz intervened and by engaging them in conversation, she managed to get Rajesh Khanna out of the crowd's clutches. By then, Rajesh Khanna's hair was disheveled and his shirt was torn.

According to a story told by director Dulal Guha's son, Putul Guha, the opening lines of Anand Bakshi's song (Wada Tera Wada) – "Sachchai chhup nahin sakti banawat ke usoolon se" (Truth cannot be hidden by the principles of artificiality) – were actually inspired by a message he saw written on the back of a truck he was trying to overtake on his way to the shooting location. Coincidentally, Rajesh Khanna's character in this film, on whom this song was filmed, was also a truck driver. However, the roots of these opening lines written by Anand Bakshi can be traced back to a couplet by Mirza Muhammad Taqi. The original couplet was: "Hakikat chup nahi sakti banavat ke usulon se' ki khushbu Aa nahi sakti kagaz ke phulo se ."

It is said that this couplet was first recited by Vyjayanthimala's character in a stage performance during the climax of the film "Aasha" (1957).

This film was re-released by Gulshan Rai in 1980.  According to rumors, it is said that, as a joke, he placed the tagline "Once a lion, always a lion" next to the film's advertisement in all the film trade magazines.The story goes that Gulshan Rai and Amarjeet were drinking one night when they decided to play this prank. Unfortunately, Rajesh Khanna saw it and, believing it to be true, was deeply touched. He called Gulshan Rai and repeatedly thanked him for showing such support, even inviting him to his house for dinner and drinks. But Gulshan Rai went to the press and revealed that it was all a joke. This saddened Rajesh Khanna.

Dharmendra was initially considered for this film, but due to his high fees, Rajesh Khanna was cast instead. Rajesh Khanna charged less for this film than his other films because he loved the script so much. A huge crowd gathered at the Ganga Jamuna Theatre to watch the film's opening show.

Dushman was a huge box office success (ranking third in the top ten) and is still considered a cult classic today. The magic of old-era films is clearly visible in Dushman

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