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Kaash
Kaash
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Kaash
Poster
Directed byMahesh Bhatt
Written byMahesh Bhatt
Produced byAnwar Ali
F. K. Rattonsey
StarringJackie Shroff
Dimple Kapadia
Master Makrand
Anupam Kher
CinematographyBabubhai Mistri
Pravin Bhatt
Edited byWaman Bhonsle
Music byRajesh Roshan
Production
company
Yokohama Productions
Distributed byYokohama Productions
Release date
  • 4 September 1987 (1987-09-04)
Running time
140 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Kaash is a 1987 Bollywood film written and directed by Mahesh Bhatt. It is produced by the comedian Mehmood's brother Anwar Ali. The film was described as a semi-art film and upon release, received critical acclaim.[1][2] Arshad Warsi made his film debut as an assistant director to Bhatt with this film.[3]

Plot

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Ritesh, a popular film star and his wife Pooja live a wealthy lifestyle with their seven-year-old child Romi. However, after a series of unexpected box office failures and huge losses, he is hounded by creditors and consequently, the couple sell all their personal property and belongings. Frustrated and embittered by his career dive, Ritesh becomes an alcoholic. Pooja, who takes it upon herself to look after the family, works several jobs. This leads to continuous differences between the two, and Romi, their child, becomes a silent spectator to their constant fights and disputes at home.

One day, in a hotel where Pooja works as a chambermaid, she is molested by a hoodlum. A stranger called Alok saves Pooja from him and offers her a job in his firm, much to the annoyance of Ritesh, who would prefer that she stay at home. Ritesh feels it is the last straw for him. He asks Pooja to choose between her job and her family and house. She leaves. Ritesh wins Romi's custody, but soon discovers that Romi is going to die from brain cancer.

To sustain their child's happiness and to take care of him, Ritesh and Pooja agree to reunite and spend time together, fulfilling all his wishes before he passes away. Thrown together under the shadow of their child's upcoming death, Ritesh and Pooja, in experiencing the traumatic ordeal, rediscover themselves and each other.

Cast

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Music

[edit]
Kaash
Soundtrack album by
Released
1987
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LabelVenus Records and Tapes
ProducerRajesh Roshan
Rajesh Roshan chronology
Khudgarz
(1987)
Kaash
(1987)
Kabzaa
(1988)

The soundtrack of the film contains 5 songs. The music is composed by Rajesh Roshan, with lyrics authored by Faruq Qaiser. The film was one of last playback singing appearances by Kishore Kumar before his death.

Song Singer
"Baad Muddat Ke Hum Tum" Kishore Kumar
"Phool Ye Kahan Se" Kishore Kumar, Sadhana Sargam
"O Yaara, Tu Pyaron Se Hai Pyara" Kishore Kumar, Anupama
"Chhoti Si Hai Baat, Koi Nahin Yeh Jane" Mohammed Aziz, Asha Bhosle
"Kya Hai Tumhara Naam, Allahdin, Kya Hai Tumhare Paas, Chirag-E-Chin" Mohammed Aziz, Sonali Bajpai, Mehmood

Reception

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Akshay Shah of PlanetBollywood.com wrote, "Kaash is an apt depiction of emotions at its highest and finest. It rates alongside Anand, Mili and Khamoshi as one of the best tear jerking films in Indian cinema."[2]

In a 2000 article reviewing the last two decades in Hindi cinema, Bhawana Somaaya of The Hindu wrote, "Kaash... consolidates Mahesh Bhatt's position in the industry as a director to reckon with... The film recognises Dimple Kapadia and Jackie Shroff as performing artistes."[4] M.L. Dhawan from The Tribune, while documenting the famous Hindi films of 1987, described the film as "a sensitive and sentimental melodrama", further noting that "Jackie and Dimple gave intense performances that were straight from the heart."[5][6]

Pritish Nandy, editor of The Illustrated Weekly of India, was critical of the film, calling it Bhatt's "lousiest film", but he praised the performances, noting Shroff for his "powerful performance" and writing of Kapadia, "Dimple achieves the impossible. Bereft of her glitzy make-up, glamour and filmi mannerisms, she comes alive as never before: beautiful, sensitive, intense. You almost feel you've discovered a new actress on the screen."[7]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kaash is a 1987 Indian Hindi-language drama film written and directed by . Produced by Anwar Ali, it stars as Ritesh, a struggling Bollywood actor-turned-producer, and as his wife Pooja, alongside and child actor as their son Romi. The story centers on the couple's marital discord and financial ruin, which culminates in their separation, only for them to reunite when Romi is diagnosed with a fatal , leading them to fulfill his dying wishes. The film delves into profound themes of , loss, redemption, and the fragility of bonds, drawing from real-life inspirations to portray the emotional turmoil of separation and amid . With a composed by , Kaash received acclaim for its poignant screenplay, strong performances—particularly by —and Bhatt's sensitive direction, though it underperformed commercially at the . Over time, it has been recognized as an underrated gem in Bhatt's filmography, resonating with audiences for its honest depiction of life's hardships and joys.

Production

Development

Kaash was written and directed by , who drew inspiration from his own personal experiences of family struggles and battles with to craft the film's . Bhatt described the project as a deliberate of emotional scars, stating, "It was a I chose to keep open," reflecting raw incidents from his life, such as a humiliated figure's desperation, which informed the central themes of loss and redemption. The film was produced by Anwar Ali, brother of comedian Mehmood, and F.K. Rattonsey under the banner of Yokohama Productions, marking a mid-budget endeavor typical of Bollywood dramas that emphasized character-driven stories over spectacle. Script development occurred in the mid-, with Bhatt focusing on core themes of marital discord and a child's illness to drive the emotional core, prioritizing realism in planning. Bhatt intentionally shaped Kaash as a tear-jerker , building on the intimate, autobiographical style of his earlier films like Arth (1984) and (1984), which similarly delved into personal turmoil and societal pressures without commercial compromises. This approach underscored decisions to foreground human vulnerability, with Bhatt noting the film's rejection by metrics as a testament to its unfiltered honesty.

Casting

Jackie Shroff was selected for the lead role of Ritesh, a once-successful actor facing professional downfall and personal turmoil, capitalizing on his burgeoning stardom after the massive success of (1983), which established him as a leading man capable of blending action with emotional nuance. His casting allowed director to explore themes of vulnerability in a star typically associated with heroic personas. Dimple Kapadia portrayed Pooja, Ritesh's resilient wife and the family's anchor, in a role that signified her transition to more substantive, dramatic parts following her comeback from a prolonged hiatus after Bobby (1973) and early 1980s films like Saagar (1985). Bhatt chose Kapadia for her proven depth in conveying grief and inner strength, enabling a layered depiction of marital strain amid family crisis. The pivotal role of young Romi, the couple's son central to the emotional narrative, went to child actor Master Makrand (Makrand Shukla), who was picked for his innate ability to portray innocence and suffering with authenticity in the film's intense illness-related scenes. Makrand's natural vulnerability became the story's emotional core, enhanced by Bhatt's direction emphasizing subtle, unforced expressions. In supporting capacities, played Alok, Pooja's confidant, a part crafted by Bhatt to suit Kher's expertise in nuanced emotional portrayals, building on their prior collaboration in (1984) where Kher excelled in dramatic family roles. Bhatt's approach throughout involved customizing characters to actors' interpretive strengths, fostering realistic interpersonal dynamics without overt theatrics.

Filming

Principal photography for Kaash took place primarily in studios and suburban locations, chosen to authentically depict the urban family life at the heart of the narrative. The shooting schedule ran in early 1987, allowing the production to wrap up ahead of the film's release. Among the production challenges were the sensitive handling of scenes involving the child's illness, which required careful emotional direction to avoid , and ensuring a realistic portrayal of without glorification. Cinematography was led by , whose work emphasized close-ups to amplify the emotional intensity of key interactions among the cast, including , , and Makrand Shukla.

Story and Characters

Plot

Ritesh, a successful Bollywood who ventures into , and his wife Pooja enjoy a affluent lifestyle with their seven-year-old son, Romi, until Ritesh's naive in a project results in financial collapse and his increasing reliance on alcohol. This downturn exacerbates marital discord, as Pooja assumes to sustain the family, prompting Ritesh's resentment and accusations of neglect. Pooja's by a colleague ends when Alok, a sympathetic figure, intervenes and offers her a position, fostering a platonic bond that fuels Ritesh's suspicions of . In a fit of rage, Ritesh assaults Pooja, leading her to leave the home with Romi and pursue independence, while vowing to seek custody through legal means. After Ritesh gains temporary custody of Romi, doctors diagnose the boy with a terminal , granting him only months to live. Devastated, Ritesh and Pooja set aside their differences to reunite and honor Romi's heartfelt wishes, including family outings and simple joys, as his condition deteriorates. The narrative reaches its emotional peak with the parents' efforts toward reconciliation amid their son's impending loss, underscoring the fragility of family bonds.

Cast

The principal cast of Kaash features as Ritesh, a successful actor whose production venture leads to financial and personal struggles. portrays Pooja, Ritesh's resilient wife who supports the family through hardships. Master Makrand plays their young son Romi, who faces significant health challenges. In a key supporting role, appears as Alok, a loyal family friend offering guidance. plays Najma, a close associate in the family's circle. is cast as Vijay, a figure from Ritesh's professional past. Additional supporting actors include as the municipal dog catcher, adding comic relief. portrays Shastri, a community elder. Special appearances are made by Mehmood as the Djinn in an "" sequence and Satish Kaushik as Jagan. The full credited cast also encompasses , Anjan Srivastava, Akash Khurana, Pradeep Singh Rawat as the man in the hotel, Sarita Sethi, and Milind Wagh, contributing to various ensemble roles. No notable debuts are recorded among the cast.

Music

Composition

The soundtrack of Kaash was composed by Rajesh Roshan, with lyrics written by Farooq Qaiser. Recorded in 1987 at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai, the album features five tracks that emphasize melodic ballads, crafted to complement the film's introspective and emotional storyline. Prominent playback singer Kishore Kumar lent his voice to three of the songs—"O Yaara," "Baad Muddat Ke," and "Phool Ye Kahan Se"—in what became one of his final film contributions before his death on October 13, 1987. The ensemble of singers also includes , , , , Mehmood, and Sonali Bajpai, underscoring Kumar's poignant role in the .

Track Listing

The soundtrack of Kaash consists of five songs composed by with lyrics by , released in 1987 on vinyl by Venus Records and later on cassette formats.
No.TitleSingersDurationDescription
1O Yaara, 7:08A melancholic capturing the emotional intimacy and subtle tensions within the central couple's relationship.
2Baad Muddat Ke6:17A poignant solo reflecting on longing and reunion after separation, underscoring themes of .
3Phool Ye Kahan Se, 6:50A tender father-son exploring wonder about life's origins, serving as a reflective bonding moment.
4Chhoti Si Hai Baat, 9:26An lively highlighting playful banter over minor marital disagreements, adding levity to domestic life.
5Kya Hai Tumhara Naam, Sonali Bajpai, Mehmood, Chorus10:59A humorous ensemble track featuring comedic exchanges in a light-hearted introductory scene.

Release and Reception

Release

Kaash was theatrically released in on 4 September 1987, distributed by Yokohama Productions. The film had its initial screenings in major urban centers including and , following standard Bollywood distribution practices for the era. releases became available in the late 1980s, making the film accessible for personal viewing shortly after its cinema run. This was followed by DVD editions in the , offered by labels such as Eagle Video and DEI. As of November 2025, Kaash is available for digital streaming and rental on platforms including , , and Movies, though no recent restorations have been noted.

Critical Response

Upon its release in , Kaash received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its emotional depth and others critiquing its intensity. The film's handling of heavy themes like marital strife and was seen as bold but occasionally overboard by detractors, though supporters appreciated director Mahesh Bhatt's restraint in avoiding melodrama. Critics highlighted the strong on-screen chemistry between leads and , which anchored the story of an estranged couple reuniting for their son's sake. Shroff's portrayal of Ritesh, a down-on-his-luck grappling with failure and fatherhood, marked a notable shift toward dramatic roles, delivering poignant moments of vulnerability. Kapadia's performance as Pooja, the resilient wife, was lauded for its nuance and emotional authenticity, particularly in scenes of raw that showcased her as a pillar of strength amid crisis. In retrospective analyses, Kaash has garnered acclaim for its sensitive depiction of a child's battle with cancer, emphasizing realism over sentimentality and allowing the young character Romi to voice unfiltered fears. Bhatt's direction is now viewed as a high point, blending art-house subtlety with accessible storytelling to create lasting emotional resonance. The film holds a 6.6/10 rating on based on user votes, reflecting enduring appreciation for its heartfelt exploration of loss and reconciliation.

Box Office Performance

Kaash was produced on a budget of approximately ₹1.45 , which was mid-range for Bollywood films of the . The film earned ₹1.04 in nett collections, leading to a flop verdict at the . It ranked 30th among the highest-grossing films of 1987, underperforming compared to action-oriented blockbusters like Mr. India (₹5.5 nett) while aligning with the modest returns of several contemporary dramas. Director reflected on its commercial failure, stating that the "punished" the film for its personal and unconventional narrative.

Themes and Legacy

Themes

Kaash explores the central theme of amid , where the protagonists Ritesh and Pooja, an estranged couple, reunite when their young son Romi is diagnosed with a terminal , forcing them to set aside their differences and rediscover their bond to fulfill his final wishes. This motif underscores how profound personal loss can catalyze emotional repair, with Romi serving as the innocent mediator who confronts his parents about their fractured marriage, prompting Ritesh to declare that the child is "demanding his due" from them. The film portrays as a destructive force within Indian marriages, exemplified by Ritesh's descent into heavy drinking following his professional failures, which exacerbates family tensions and leads to his separation from Pooja. Interwoven with this is a critique of rigid gender roles, as Pooja assumes the role of breadwinner after Ritesh's downfall, navigating societal expectations that confine women to domestic spheres while she grapples with and the pressure to prioritize family over personal ambition. Through melodramatic elements, Kaash employs emotional manipulation to highlight the societal pressures endured by women, particularly in Pooja's character, who endures misogynistic treatment and , ultimately seeking amid her husband's vulnerabilities. This technique amplifies the narrative's examination of redemption, as the couple's renewed unity offers a poignant, if bittersweet, resolution to these imbalances. Ritesh's arc provides a subtle commentary on the precarious struggles within the Indian film industry, depicting his transition from stardom to ruin after a naive production venture flops, stripping him of financial stability and dignity, and mirroring broader uncertainties faced by actors in the era.

Cultural Impact

The soundtrack of Kaash holds a poignant place in Bollywood music history as one of Kishore Kumar's final contributions before his death in 1987, with the track "Baad Muddat Ke Hum Tum Mile" serving as his last recorded song for the film. These songs, composed by , resonated deeply with audiences posthumously, enhancing the film's emotional legacy and contributing to its rediscovery as a favorite among fans of Kumar's melodic style. For director , Kaash marked a pivotal "scar" in his career, drawing from raw personal experiences of family trauma and mortality to craft an unflinching narrative that prioritized honesty over commercial appeal. Despite its initial struggles, the film's introspective approach paved the way for Bhatt's subsequent personal dramas. This evolution underscored Bhatt's shift toward blending vulnerability with broader audience engagement in later works like Aashiqui (1990). Kaash also left a lasting mark on Bollywood's portrayal of pediatric illness, particularly through its sensitive depiction of a child's and its effects on family reconciliation, setting a for emotionally grounded stories of loss and resilience. Over time, the film's unvarnished exploration of mortality has cemented its status as a quiet cultural touchstone, inspiring discussions on life's fragility in Indian cinema.

References

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