Anjuman (1970 film)


Anjuman, a Pakistani Urdu colour film, was released on 31 July 1970, starring Waheed Murad, Rani, Deeba, Santosh Kumar, Sabiha Khanam and Lehri. The film was released during the hey days of Waheed Murad and became a milestone in Waheed's career. The film was produced by Safdar Masud under the banner Ideal Movies and directed by Hassan Tariq, a well-known Pakistani film director.
The film was released at the worst possible political situation of the country with Bangladesh war of independence raging in former East Pakistan. Nevertheless, the film became a huge success, with famous tracks by Runa Laila and Ahmed Rushdi.
The film won Nigar Awards in the categories of best film, best director, best screenplay, best musician, best lyricist, best playback female singer, best editor, best art director and best comedian.

Release of film

Anjuman was released on 31 July 1970, at the worst political time of Pakistan, by Babar Pictures. The film ran for continuously 81 weeks at cinemas in Karachi. The film celebrated a Platinum Jubilee and became a huge success for the year 1970.

Plot

The film is a tragedy based on a tawaif 'Anjuman' played by Rani,a "tawaiif" who flirts with the emotions of a wealthy Nawab Wahahat Ali and later falls in love with his younger brother Nawab Asif Ali played by Waheed Murad. In order to save his older brother's marriage, Asif decides to frequent Anjuman's "kotha" in an "exchange" demanded by Anjuman, although Asif being in love with another girl Nudrat.Noorulain Zartaj ,wife of Nawab Wajahat Ali, eventually implores Anjuman to forsake her own love so that Asif can live happily. At the end, Anjuman has to face a fate worse than death, where she is invited to sing at the wedding of her lover. Lovelorn and disappointed Anjuman offers a woeful song, as she has swallowed poison, and dies at the feet of her lover.

Remake of film in 2013

Its remake was made in 2013 with the same name, which starred Imran Abbas Naqvi, Sara Loren, Alyy Khan, directed by Yasir Nawaz and produced by Tarang Housefull.

Music

The music was directed by Nisar Bazmi. Songs of the film, especially sung by Runa Laila, became a huge success in Pakistan:
Anjuman won 8 Nigar Awards in the following categories:
CategoryRecipient
Best filmSafdar Masud
Best directorHassan Tariq
Best musicNisar Bazmi
Best lyricsMasroor Anwar
Best female playback singerRuna Laila
Best editingAl-Hameed
Best art directorHabib Shah
Best comedianLehri