CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Hrishikesh Mukherjee Birth Anniversary Brings Anand Stories Back Into Focus
Mumbai. Today marks the birth anniversary of celebrated Hindi cinema filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Born on September 30, 1922, in Calcutta, Mukherjee made films across a career spanning more than four decades in which the lives, relationships and emotions of ordinary people found a special place. Anand, Guddi, Bawarchi, Abhimaan, Chupke Chupke and Golmaal are among his best-known films.
His film Anand was released in 1971 and featured Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles. The story revolves around a man named Anand, who is battling a serious illness but tries to live life fully despite difficult circumstances. Rajesh Khanna’s Anand and Amitabh Bachchan’s Dr Bhaskar are still regarded as memorable characters in Hindi cinema.
One of the most interesting stories linked to Anand concerns the inspiration behind its story. In an old interview, Hrishikesh Mukherjee had said the idea for the film came to him after his friendship with actor and filmmaker Raj Kapoor. Even during Raj Kapoor’s illness, his positive attitude used to affect Mukherjee deeply. He brought that same spirit into Rajesh Khanna’s character. In Amitabh Bachchan’s character, he based the role on himself and on the concern of a friend who fears losing someone dear to him.
Another notable detail is that, according to Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Anand was shot in just 30 days. Despite its limited budget and simple story, the film left a deep impression on audiences and continues to be counted among the important films of Hindi cinema.
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