Anand Brothers’ Only Cult Film Together: ‘Kala Bazar’ Released 65 Years Ago

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

Dev Anand has always had a massive fan following. But did you know that Dev Anand acted alongside his two younger brothers, Vijay Anand and Chetan Anand, in just one film together? Think… remember… yes! During their entire careers, the three Anand brothers appeared together in only one film—“Kala Bazar”, which was released on 12 February 1960. The classic film, written and directed by Vijay Anand, featured the romantic pairing of Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman, with a cameo by Nargis. This remains the only film in which all three Anand brothers—Dev, Vijay, and Chetan—acted together.

Also read: Bigg Boss 19 Grand Finale: Will the Show Get an Extension? Date and Details Here

Produced under the banner of Navketan Films, Kala Bazar was written and directed by Dev Anand’s younger brother Vijay Anand. The film starred Dev Anand, Waheeda Rehman, Vijay Anand, Chetan Anand, Nanda, Madan Puri, Leela Chitnis, Mumtaz Begum, and Helen. Music was composed by S. D. Burman, with lyrics by Shailendra. Notably, this was the first film where S. D. Burman and Shailendra collaborated. In the film, Dev Anand’s character Raghuvir falls in love with Alka Sinha, played by Waheeda Rehman, while Alka is engaged to Nand Kumar Chattopadhyay, played by Vijay Anand. The interactions and conflicts between Raghuvir, Alka, Nand Kumar, and Chetan Anand’s character, lawyer Desai, form the core of the story. To see what unfolds, viewers can watch this 65-year-old classic, which is available on YouTube.

Also read: Eken Babu Arrives on Sony SAB: Iconic Detective Shows That Changed Hindi TV Forever

Use of Real Footage from ‘Mother India’ Premiere

Kala Bazar subtly addresses serious social issues such as black marketing of cinema tickets and moral reform. In the story, Dev Anand’s character Raghuvir engages in black market of movie tickets. During that era, films ran for many weeks, and audiences often bought tickets on the black market. Remarkably, the film incorporates real footage from the 1957 premiere of Mehboob Khan’s iconic film Mother India at Mumbai’s Liberty Cinema. Dev Anand is shown selling tickets on the black market during this premiere, while several top stars of that era—including Dilip Kumar, Nargis, Guru Dutt, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Rajendra Kumar, and Sohrab Modi—appear on the red carpet. This innovative integration of fact and fiction was a pioneering move in Indian cinema and a testament to Vijay Anand’s creative vision.

Also read: Eken Babu Arrives on Sony SAB: Iconic Detective Shows That Changed Hindi TV Forever

Progressive Themes and Mature Storytelling

Kala Bazar was Vijay Anand’s second directorial venture and was considered ahead of its time due to its mature and progressive approach to relationships and morality. The heroine, Alka Sinha (Waheeda Rehman), experiences love twice and initially rejects the hero respectfully without melodrama or forced sacrifice, highlighting a balanced and realistic narrative.

The film was not just entertaining but also delivered strong social messages. It emphasized honesty, the futility of a life of crime, and the importance of choosing the right path—resonating deeply with audiences.

Also read: Shraddha Kapoor Joins Hollywood! To Voice Judy Hopps in Zootopia 2 Hindi

Music that Stood the Test of Time

All seven songs of Kala Bazar were popular. Among them, Mohammed Rafi’s “Khoya Khoya Chand Khula Aasman…,” the duet by Rafi and Geeta Dutt “Rimjhim Ke Tarane Le Ke Aayi Barsaat,” and the devotional song “Na Main Dhan Chahoon” remain memorable and are still hummed by music lovers today. (S.D. Burman Shailendra songs Kala Bazar)

Death of dev anand | Dev Anand Journey | Dev Anand Love Story | Dev Anand-saab | Love Story of  Dev Anand And Suraiya | Dev Anand Birth Anniversary | Kala Bazar 1960 film | Dev Anand Kala Bazar role | Waheeda Rehman Kala Bazar | Vijay Anand film brothers together