Shashi Kapoor’s First Solo Hero Hit ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’ Marks 60 Years Since Its 1965 Release

By Shantiswaroop Tripathi

Even today, in Morocco/Marrakech, when an Indian visits and identifies themselves as a resident of India—the country of actor Shashi Kapoor—local shopkeepers offer them special discounts on almost everything. Yes! In the markets of Marrakech, some elderly shopkeepers still extend discounts to visitors from India because of the romantic drama film ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile,’ which released 60 years ago on 5 November 1965. Starring Shashi Kapoor and Nanda, directed by Suraj Prakash, and written by Brij Katyal, the film was a massive hit in several North African countries, making Shashi Kapoor the first Indian actor to become a star there. It is said that for several years, the film was screened annually for a week in many North African countries. In Algeria, it was shown every two days for two years due to its huge demand. The story follows a poor young man, a boatman in Jammu and Kashmir, who falls in love with a wealthy tourist.

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Nearly 70 years ago, Brij Katyal wrote the story for ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile.’ At that time, he met not one or two, but three producers to get the film made, including G.P. Sippy, who later produced ‘Sholay.’ However, none of the three producers liked the story. Finally, director Suraj Prakash agreed to make the film. It became his biggest hit and his first color film. No major actor was willing to join the project initially. Shashi Kapoor, whose career was struggling at the time with several consecutive flops, was paired with actress Nanda. Lyricist Anand Bakshi and music directors Kalyanji-Anandji were brought on board, and playback singers Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar lent their voices. The film was shot in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir.

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Shashi Kapoor left no stone unturned in his performance. Portraying a poor boatman in Kashmir, he spent a full month living with local shikara operators to understand their daily lives, sometimes even sharing meals with them.

The film became a blockbuster at the box office in 1965 and, according to Box Office India, was the second highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. For Shashi Kapoor, it was his first solo-hero hit, reviving his career after early setbacks with films like Yash Chopra’s Dharmputra (1961) and Bimal Roy’s Prem Patra (1962).

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On the day of the film’s premiere, Suraj Prakash and Shashi Kapoor made a bet: Prakash said the film would run for 25 weeks, while Kapoor said eight weeks. The winner would gift the other a tailored suit from Burlington. Prakash won and gifted Kapoor the suit. However, both were technically wrong, as the film ran for 50 weeks and celebrated its golden jubilee. During the celebration, Prakash asked Brij Katyal about the religion of Raja, as it had never been clarified. It was revealed that all boatmen in Srinagar were Muslim. The writer was surprised, as the story could be seen as a Hindu-Muslim love story. Prakash claimed this revelation marked the true pinnacle of creating his biggest hit.

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In the film, Nanda’s lover was played by Jatin Khanna. Later, actor Rajesh Khanna changed his name to avoid confusion with him.

Following the unprecedented success of Jab Jab Phool Khile, the director Suraj Prakash, writer Brij Katyal, actors Shashi Kapoor and Nanda, lyricist Anand Bakshi, music directors Kalyanji-Anandji, and singers Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi came together again in 1970 to make another film, Sweetheart, starring Asha Parekh. Unfortunately, this film has never been released, although its songs were released and became successful.

The climax of Jab Jab Phool Khile, where Raja pulls Rita onto a train, was shot at Bombay Central Station. Suraj Prakash gave detailed instructions on how and when Nanda should board the train. Kapoor followed them perfectly, pulling Nanda onto the train with just a few feet of platform left. Prakash admitted it was so terrifying that he closed his eyes, fearing Nanda might fall. Chittajit Mohan Dhar’s jeep (former MP, industrialist, scientist, and cousin of Manojit Mohan Dhar) appeared in the film and played a crucial role in its making.

Brij Katyal’s original climax had Raja beaten by villains, but after watching the 1957 film Love in the Afternoon, Suraj Prakash changed it so that Rita decides to leave everything behind and return to Kashmir with Raja. This climax later inspired films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Raja Hindustani.

Rita (Nanda) is seen teaching Raja (Shashi Kapoor) the Devanagari alphabet while reading Lolita on the houseboat.

Suraj Prakash experimented with casting, choosing gentle-looking Shashi Kapoor for the awkward yet innocent boatman and Nanda, free from her earlier weeping-sister image, delivered an enjoyable performance. Rita is portrayed as proud but gradually falls for Raja’s innocence, romanticism, and belief in eternal love. The film beautifully depicts the emotional ups and downs and the unbreakable attraction between two distinct personalities.

Nanda was one of the few established actresses who worked regularly with Shashi Kapoor before he became a big star. Jab Jab Phool Khile created a popular on-screen pair of Nanda and Shashi Kapoor, later appearing in eight films together.

Nanda recalled experiencing Kashmir in every season and often staying at the Oberoi Hotel during shoots.

Plot of ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’

Running for 2 hours and 21 minutes, the story revolves around Rita Khanna and Raja. Rita Khanna (Nanda), the only daughter and heir of Raj Bahadur Chunnilal (Kamal Kapoor), goes on vacation in Jammu and Kashmir with her maid Stella (Shammi). She rents a houseboat and befriends its owner, Raja (Shashi Kapoor), a sweet and romantic village boy living with his younger sister Munni (Baby Munni). After some misunderstandings, they become friends, and Raja falls in love with Rita. Before leaving, Rita promises to return the next year.

At home, Rita’s father wants her to marry Kishore, but she delays her decision. The following year, she goes to Kashmir as promised, but Kishore (Jatin Khanna) accompanies her, causing trouble for Raja. Eventually, Raja confesses his love and asks her to marry him. She chooses Raja over Kishore and brings him to her father.

Raj Bahadur disapproves, saying Raja is from a different background and cannot match their lifestyle. Rita asks Raja to change his appearance and habits, and he agrees. After the makeover, Raj Bahadur organizes a party to introduce Raja to everyone. Raja cannot tolerate seeing Rita dancing with other men, leading to a fight. He leaves, saying he cannot adjust to her culture.

Rita realizes the fight was unnecessary and decides to go to Kashmir with Raja. She rushes to the railway station and asks him to take her along. The film ends with Raja pulling Rita onto the moving train, and they embrace happily.

Hit songs from the film include “Ek Tha Gul Aur Ek Thi Bulbul”, “Main Jo Chali Hindustan Se”, “Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhi Se Kar Baithe”, and “Pardesiyon Se Na Ankhiyaan Milana”.

For those who see cinema as a unique medium of entertainment, Jab Jab Phool Khile offers a special charm rarely found in other films. Even 60 years after its release, the film feels fresh, without any over-the-top exaggeration.

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