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Man Pasand
Man Pasand
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Man Pasand
Poster
Directed byBasu Chatterjee
Written byBasu Chatterjee (dialogues)
Based onPygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
Produced byAmit Khanna
StarringDev Anand
Tina Munim
CinematographyK. K. Mahajan
Edited byBabu Sheikh
Music byRajesh Roshan
Frederick Loewe
Release date
  • 11 July 1980 (1980-07-11)
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Man Pasand (English: Favourite) is a 1980 Hindi movie produced by Amit Khanna under the Film Unit banner and directed by Basu Chatterjee. The film stars Dev Anand, Tina Munim, Girish Karnad, Simple Kapadia, Mehmood. The film's music is by Rajesh Roshan while the lyrics were penned by Amit Khanna himself. A couple of songs from the film had become popular.

Although the film is dedicated to George Bernard Shaw—with the implication that it is based on his 1913 play Pygmalion—according to Dev Anand, the film was actually based on the 1964 film My Fair Lady.[1][2] This film is based on Marathi drama Ti Fulrani penned by P L Deshpande, which is in-turn based on George Bernard Shaw' famous play Pygmalion.

Plot

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Best friends and musicologists Pratap (Dev Anand) and Kashinath (Girish Karnad) make a bet that Pratap can transform any unpolished girl into a graceful and talented singer in only six months' time. Kashinath agrees that he will marry the girl if Pratap is successful. One night they accidentally take the wrong train after a party. They encounter Kamli (Tina Munim), a loud-mouthed vendor of neem branches on the train and Pratap tells her that she could become a skilled singer. At first, Kamli laughs at him, but changes her mind and comes to see him the next day, saying she will pay him for music lessons. Kamli moves in with the acerbic and bossy Pratap to become his full-time pupil. With the help of his invention the scalograph, Pratap teaches Kamli to sing classical music and play the tambura. Meanwhile, soft-spoken and gentlemanly Kashinath teaches her the culture of music, proper etiquette and how to talk correctly. Kamli's shiftless father Popatlal (Mehmood) shows up to complain about the unorthodox living arrangement, but the two men pay him off and send him away. They decide to test their protege and take Kamli to a party where they pass her off as part of a royal family. Unfortunately, she drinks too much and gives the game away. After the party, Kamli gives Pratap's secretary a month off and takes over his duties, becoming indispensable to her teacher. Finally, the big day arrives and Kamli performs in front of a large audience where she is a great success. Afterwards, Pratap and Kashinath congratulate themselves on their great success, forgetting Kamli's hard work. In despair about her uncertain future and filled with sadness that Pratap does not care for her, she fights with him and leaves. Pratap pretends to be indifferent. Kashinath, knowing his friend well, points out that he has obviously fallen in love with her and releases him from the bet. Pratap is miserable without Kamli, but he is too proud to ask her back. Just when he thinks she is gone forever, she returns to him.

Cast

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Music

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The film's music was composed by Rajesh Roshan with lyrics by Amit Khanna.[3] The songs "Rehne Ko Ek Ghar" and "Hothon Pe Geet Jage" were adapted from "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" and "I Could Have Danced All Night", both originally composed by Frederick Loewe.

  1. "Manmani Se Hargiz Na Daro" (Kishore Kumar)
  2. "Mein Akela Apni Dhun Men Magan" (Kishore Kumar)
  3. "Kismat Ki Jeb Mein" (Mehmood)
  4. "Chaaru Chandra Ki Chanchal Chitwan" (Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar)
  5. "Logon Ka Dil Agar" (Mohammed Rafi)
  6. "Rehne Ko Ek Ghar" (T Meena)
  7. "Hothon Pe Geet Jage" (Lata Mangeshkar)
  8. "Suman Sudha" (Lata Mangeshkar)
  9. "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" (Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar)

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Man Pasand is a 1980 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy-drama film directed by and produced by under the Film Unit banner. Starring as the affluent bachelor Pratap, Tina Munim as the impoverished Kamli, and as Pratap's friend Kashinath, the film follows Pratap's wager to transform Kamli—a street vendor selling datuns—into a cultured and educated woman within six months, with unintended romantic consequences. Loosely inspired by the play Pygmalion and its musical adaptation , the movie blends humor, social commentary on class differences, and musical elements, featuring songs by composer . Released on 11 July 1980, Man Pasand was well-received for its light-hearted narrative and performances, particularly Dev Anand's charismatic portrayal and Munim's appeal in a pivotal role. The film's soundtrack, including adapted tunes from with Hindi lyrics by , contributed to its popularity, with notable tracks like "Logon Ka Dil" becoming hits. Though not a blockbuster, it holds a 6.5/10 rating on based on user reviews, appreciated for Chatterjee's signature middle-class storytelling and the chemistry among the leads. The movie exemplifies 1980s Bollywood's trend of remaking Western classics with Indian sensibilities, addressing themes of and love across class barriers while critiquing superficial transformations. It marked an early for Munim, who later became a prominent , and showcased Anand's enduring appeal in his later career phase.

Plot

Man Pasand follows the story of Pratap, a wealthy lover, and his pragmatic friend Kashinath, two deeply involved in Mumbai's scene. While traveling by , they meet Kamli, a poor young woman from a disadvantaged background who sells datuns for a living and possesses a raw, melodious voice despite her unrefined demeanor. Impressed by her potential, Pratap wagers with Kashinath that he can mold her into a sophisticated classical singer within six months. Pratap relocates Kamli to his opulent home, initiating an intensive regimen of training in , proper , and cultural graces. The process generates humorous clashes due to Kamli's initial awkwardness and the stark contrast between her humble origins and Pratap's elite world, while subtle romantic feelings begin to emerge between Kamli and Pratap. Her background of underscores the transformative journey, creating emotional layers amid the lighthearted tone. The narrative culminates in Kamli's debut public performance, where she captivates the audience with her newfound poise and vocal mastery. Devastated upon learning the truth about the bet, Kamli feels exploited and departs in anguish, straining the friendships and budding romance. Pratap soon recognizes his authentic for her, beyond the initial challenge, prompting a pursuit that leads to their heartfelt . The bet's consequences ripple through their relationships, emphasizing themes of genuine affection over superficial wagers. The film's structure parallels George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, adapted as .

Cast

Dev Anand portrays Pratap, the charismatic mentor figure who guides the story with his suave demeanor and unwavering confidence, drawing on his longstanding image as Bollywood's quintessential known for effortless charm in lead roles. In this adaptation reflecting Pygmalion archetypes, Anand delivers a committed performance as the transformative guide, though constrained by the script's limitations. Tina Munim plays Kamli, embodying a striking transformation from a rustic flower vendor to an elegant singer, showcasing her fresh appeal in one of her early career roles following her debut. This part highlights Munim's versatility in capturing both innocence and poise, marking a key collaboration with Anand after their previous pairings. stars as Kashinath, Pratap's skeptical best friend who provides grounded contrast through his pragmatic outlook and subtle wit. In supporting roles, Simple Kapadia appears as Ruby, a secondary female character adding emotional depth to interpersonal dynamics. Mehmood contributes comic relief as Popatlal, infusing the narrative with his signature humor and timing in a lively side role.

Production

Development

The development of Man Pasand originated from the Marathi drama Ti Fulrani penned by P. L. Deshpande, which is an adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's 1913 play Pygmalion, exploring themes of social transformation and class distinctions through the story of a phonetics professor reshaping a working-class woman. Director Basu Chatterjee drew further inspiration from the 1964 musical film My Fair Lady, an acclaimed Hollywood version of Shaw's work starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, infusing the narrative with musical elements to suit Indian cinema conventions. Chatterjee envisioned Man Pasand as a light-hearted that retained the core on class mobility and personal reinvention, while adapting it to reflect contemporary Indian middle-class life and gender dynamics. He aimed to blend realistic portrayals of everyday struggles with musical sequences, portraying the —a musicologist—as a complex figure blending charm and flaws to highlight tensions in mentor-protégé relationships. This approach allowed the film to critique societal expectations around transformation without fully resolving patriarchal attitudes, maintaining an ambiguous tone true to Shaw's original intent. Producer Amit Khanna spearheaded the project under his Film Unit banner, marking his debut as a feature film producer after years in production roles for other Bollywood ventures. Khanna oversaw script development, which involved Indianizing the source material by setting the story in urban Mumbai and centering music as a transformative tool for the female lead's elevation from poverty to sophistication; he also obtained permission from Alan Jay Lerner to adapt sequences from My Fair Lady, with Salil Chowdhury providing uncredited consultation on the musical aspects. The project was announced around 1979, with audio recordings for the soundtrack released that year, though production faced delays due to scheduling conflicts with lead actor Dev Anand, extending the pre-production phase over several years. Key creative decisions included emphasizing songs to drive the narrative's emotional and cultural shifts, ensuring the film resonated with Indian audiences through relatable urban locales and melodic interludes. Dev Anand was selected for the mentor role due to his established screen persona as a charismatic yet authoritative figure, aligning with the character's need for both appeal and intensity.

Filming

Principal photography for Man Pasand commenced in late 1979 and wrapped up in early 1980, under the direction of , allowing for a timely release later that year. The film's was handled by the acclaimed , known for his nuanced work in , who employed natural lighting and on-location shooting to highlight the bustling urban life of contemporary as the primary setting. Editing duties fell to Babu Sheikh, a frequent collaborator with lead actor , who focused on maintaining a brisk pace to balance the film's comedic elements and musical interludes. Filming took place predominantly in , capturing the city's streets and everyday locales to ground the story in its modern Indian context, with the adaptation's inspirations from influencing specific sequences like character transformation montages.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Man Pasand was composed by , with lyrics by , who also produced the film under his Film Unit banner. The album consists of eight songs that blend classical Indian music with romantic melodies, reflecting the film's themes of transformation and aspiration, and was released in 1980 ahead of the movie's premiere. The following is the list of songs:
No.TitleSinger(s)
1Logon Ka Dil Agar, Tina Munim
2Rehne Ko Ek Ghar HogaT. Meena
3Kismat Ki Jeb MeinMehmood
4Suman Sudha
5Hothon Pe Geet Jage
6Sa Re Ga Ma,
7Manmani Se Hargiz Na Daro
8Main Akela Apni Dhun Mein Magan
Recorded at studios in , the music production featured prominent playback singers including , , and , capturing a mix of orchestral arrangements and vocal harmonies typical of the era's Bollywood sound. The compositions draw heavily on influences for sequences depicting vocal training, while incorporating adapted Western musical elements inspired by the 1964 film My Fair Lady, on which Man Pasand is loosely based.

Notable Songs

One of the standout tracks from Man Pasand is the romantic song "Rehne Ko Ek Ghar Hoga," sung by T. Meena, with music composed by and lyrics by . Picturized on the lead characters and Tina Munim, the song captures the budding romance and aspirations for a shared future, as the female protagonist transitions from her humble beginnings. Its melody is an adaptation of "" from the musical , reflecting the film's overarching theme of personal transformation through love. Key lines like "Rehne ko ek ghar hoga, khane ko halwa hoga" evoke a dream of domestic bliss, resonating culturally as a symbol of upward mobility and emotional fulfillment in 1980s Bollywood narratives. Another pivotal song, "Hothon Pe Geet Jage," performed by , highlights the female lead's linguistic and social refinement under the tutelage of the male protagonist. This celebratory number, also adapted from —specifically drawing from "I Could Have Danced All the Night"—showcases Kamli's (Tina Munim) joyous breakthrough in elocution lessons, underscoring the film's exploration of change and self-discovery. The lyrics, such as "Hothon pe geet jage, man kahi door bhage," blend exuberance with introspection, mirroring the character's evolving confidence and the melody's uplifting rhythm enhances its thematic depth on empowerment through education and affection. Choreographed to emphasize graceful movements and group harmony, the song's selection of Lata Mangeshkar's ethereal voice was deliberate to convey elegance and emotional purity. The duet "Sa Re Ga Ma," rendered by and , serves as a playful musical training sequence central to the plot's transformation motif. Picturized during the protagonist's vocal lessons, it features intricate involving synchronized singing and dance steps that mimic scales, blending humor with romance to advance the narrative of . Singer selections here highlight the duo's chemistry, with Kishore's playful complementing Lata's precision, while like the repetitive solfege notations playfully underscore themes of discipline yielding to love's spontaneity. This track, along with semi-classical pieces, contributed to the soundtrack's enduring appeal in promoting musical education within romantic contexts. The semi-classical composition "Suman Sudha," solely sung by Lata Mangeshkar, adds a layer of poetic introspection, evoking moonlit serenity and unspoken longing. Its intricate ragas and slow tempo, choreographed with subtle, expressive gestures, emphasize the female lead's inner emotional shift amid external changes. Lyrics such as "Suman sudha rajni chanda, aaj adhik kyun bhaaye" poetically intertwine natural beauty with romantic yearning, resonating culturally as a nod to traditional Hindustani music's influence on Bollywood, reinforcing themes of love's transformative allure without overt drama. The choice of Lata for this piece underscores her versatility in bridging classical roots with filmic emotion. Overall, these songs' lyrics weave motifs of aspiration and metamorphosis, with specific phrases like dreams of home and blooming melodies gaining lasting resonance in Indian popular culture for symbolizing hopeful reinvention.

Release and Reception

Release Details

Man Pasand premiered theatrically in India on 11 July 1980, distributed by the Film Unit under producer Amit Khanna. The film received a UA certification from the Central Board of Film Certification, allowing unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance for children under 12. Marketing efforts highlighted Dev Anand's established stardom alongside tie-ins with the film's soundtrack album, composed by with lyrics by , which was released in advance to build anticipation. Initial screenings focused on urban theaters in major Indian cities, aligning with its Hindi-language format aimed at metropolitan viewers. For home media, the film became available on cassettes in the 1980s and early 1990s, followed by DVD releases including a 2001 edition. No remastered versions have been documented post-1980.

Box Office Performance

Man Pasand achieved below average status at the domestic in 1980, reflecting moderate commercial performance for a starrer. In a year marked by high-grossing hits like Qurbani and Aasha, the film ranked 34th among releases, establishing it as a mid-tier success amid competition from blockbusters. 's longstanding appeal as an evergreen star contributed significantly to its draw and overall earnings. The soundtrack, featuring popular compositions by , further boosted revenue through music sales, aiding cost recovery despite the film's non-blockbuster theatrical run. Overseas distribution remained limited, primarily confined to audiences with minimal reported international collections.

Critical Response

Upon its release in 1980, Man Pasand garnered mixed critical reception. Reviewers lauded the chemistry between and Tina Munim, which brought charm to the central relationship, alongside Chatterjee's sensitive direction that captured everyday nuances. The music by was a standout, with critics appreciating its melodic compositions and Amit Khanna's lyrical finesse in songs like "Charu Chandra Ki Chanchal Chitwan," which added emotional depth to the . However, the film's predictable plot, derived from a familiar source, drew criticism for lacking originality and depth, with some noting uneven pacing in the later portions. The film received no nominations at the 28th , where other contemporary releases like Junoon dominated the categories for acting, direction, and music. In retrospective analyses, Man Pasand is valued for its subtle exploration of class disparities and gender dynamics in urban , aligning with Chatterjee's signature middle-of-the-road style that emphasized relatable human stories over melodrama. Despite criticisms of dated elements, such as the significant age gap between leads and conventional transformation tropes, the film is seen as an underrated entry in Chatterjee's oeuvre, highlighting his versatility beyond smaller-budget successes. Audience reception has proven enduring, particularly for the soundtrack, whose songs like "Logon Ka Dil Agar Jeetna Hai" remain popular and are frequently cited as highlights of Roshan's work, outlasting the film's narrative flaws.

References

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