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Sharabi (1964 film)
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| Sharabi | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | Raj Rishi |
| Screenplay by | Raj Rishi |
| Story by | Raj Rishi |
| Starring | Madhubala Dev Anand |
| Cinematography | M. W. Mukadam[1] |
| Edited by | Pran Mehra[1] |
| Music by | Madan Mohan Rajinder Krishan (lyrics)[1] |
Release date |
|
Running time | 143 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Box office | est. ₹4 million[2] |
Sharabi (transl. Drunkard) is a 1964 Hindi-language drama film directed by Raj Rishi and starring Madhubala and Dev Anand.[1] The film tells the story of a man and his obsession with alcohol. Sharabi was a commercial success and one of the top-grossing films of 1964.[2] For Madhubala, although the film released five years before her death, it was her final release in her lifetime.[3]
Plot
[edit]Kamala and Keshav are in love and want to marry, but his excessive drinking habit and carelessness has caused his father's demise and makes Kamala's father to postpone their marriage. On the day of his father's death, Keshav vows not to drink again. All are happy. After seeing a change in Keshav, Kamala's father fixed their marriage. But three days before their marriage, Keshav have a stomach ache. He goes to a medicine shop. The shopkeeper doesn't have any empty bottle, but he finds an empty rum bottle in which he gives him the medicine. On the way to home, he meets Kamla. When they were busy in love, two drunkard steals his bottle but he gets his bottle back. But the bottles gets somehow changed.
One day, when he again had stomach ache, he opens that bottle; he knows that its not medicine but a drink. He can't resist and drinks it. When everyone becomes aware, his marriage is cancelled again. They go to another city and Keshav takes to excessive drinking. Kamla's father dies and she has no option than to go to Keshav's house. But Keshav doesn't welcome her and continues drinking. Once in drinking state, he puts fire in a coal mine where his mother also works. His mother loses her both feet and he is sent to jail. Kamla waits for him to return.
Cast
[edit]- Madhubala as Kamala
- Dev Anand as Keshav
- Lalita Pawar as Keshav's mother
- Daisy Irani as Munni
- Badri Prasad as Laxmi Das
Production
[edit]Most of the shooting of Sharabi was completed in 1958, and it was slated to release in late 1958. Madhubala fell sick during the filming and thus the shooting came to a halt. Following temporary recovery, she went to London along with her husband Kishore Kumar for her treatment, the film still incomplete.[4] She finished her work in Sharabi in early 1964.[5]
Soundtrack
[edit]The soundtrack of Sharabi was composed by Madan Mohan and lyrics were penned by Rajendra Krishan.[6][7]
| Sharabi | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 1964[8] | |||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
| Length | 28:00 | |||
| Language | Hindi | |||
| Label | Saregama | |||
| Producer | Madan Mohan | |||
| Madan Mohan chronology | ||||
| ||||
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Sawan Ke Mahine Mein, Pt. 1" | Mohammed Rafi | 3:28 |
| 2. | "Kabhi Na Kabhi Kahin Na Kahin" | Mohammed Rafi | 4:01 |
| 3. | "Mujhe Le Chalo Aaj Phir" | Mohammed Rafi | 6:18 |
| 4. | "Sawan Ke Mahine Mein, Pt. 2" | Mohammed Rafi | 4:32 |
| 5. | "Jao Ji Jao" | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle | 3:18 |
| 6. | "Tum Ho Haseen Kahan Ke" | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle | 3:16 |
| 7. | "Do Do Haath Do Do Paon" | Mohammed Rafi | 3:08 |
| Total length: | 28:00 | ||
Box office
[edit]As per Box office India, Sharabi was the eighteenth highest-grossing film of 1964, earning ₹4 million with profits of ₹2.4 million.[2][7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Sharabi (1964) – Review, Star Cast, News, Photos". Cinestaan. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ a b c "Highest-grossing films of 1964". 28 April 2006. Archived from the original on 28 April 2006. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
- ^ Patel, Bhaichand (15 January 2016). Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema. Penguin UK. p. 115. ISBN 978-81-8475-598-5.
- ^ "Madhubala-Kishore Kumar marriage: What you need to know". India Today. 10 July 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ Bali, Karan (17 October 2017). "Incomplete Films: Chalaak". Upperstall.com. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ "Songs from Sharabi (1964)". Cinestaan. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
- ^ a b "Madan Mohan, Rajinder Krishan – Sharabi". Discogs.
- ^ "Sharabi". Apple Music. 12 January 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
External links
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Sharabi (1964 film)
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Pre-Production
Development
The development of Sharabi began with director Raj Rishi conceptualizing the film as a poignant exploration of alcoholism and personal redemption in a Hindi dramatic narrative. Rishi, who served as the project's creative force, penned both the original story and the screenplay, emphasizing emotional depth over spectacle to highlight themes of self-destruction and renewal in post-independence Indian society.[4] The film was announced in 1958 as a starring vehicle for Dev Anand and Madhubala, marking an ambitious pairing intended to leverage their star power for a story-driven drama.[8] Producer Prem Sethi, under his banner Khushi-I, joined early in the process, overseeing initial planning that positioned Sharabi as a mid-scale production with a modest budget aimed at ensuring commercial viability without extravagant sets or locations.[9] This approach reflected the era's trend toward character-focused films that balanced artistic intent with box-office accessibility.[2] Key technical personnel were secured during the scripting phase, including cinematographer M.W. Mukadam, known for his nuanced black-and-white work, and editor Pran Mehra, whose involvement helped shape the film's tight narrative flow from the outset.[4] Madhubala's deteriorating health, stemming from a congenital heart condition, began to influence the timeline shortly after inception, prompting adjustments to accommodate her limited availability.[8]Casting
Dev Anand was selected to portray the protagonist Keshav, leveraging his established reputation in romantic dramas from films like Baazi (1951), which aligned with the story's themes of love and personal struggle. He signed on for the role in 1958, as production preparations began that year.[10] Madhubala was chosen as the female lead Kamala, capitalizing on the proven on-screen chemistry from their prior collaborations in Kala Pani (1958) and Jaali Note (1960), where their romantic pairings drew audience appeal. However, contract negotiations were complicated by her deteriorating health from a congenital heart condition, known as ventricular septal defect.[11] For supporting roles, Lalita Pawar was cast as Keshav's mother to bring her signature authoritative presence, seen in maternal characters across numerous films like Anand Math (1952). Child actress Daisy Irani played the role of Munni, drawing on her experience in family-oriented dramas such as Bandish (1955). Badri Prasad was assigned as Laxmidas, with Sulochana Latkar, Radha Kishan, and Ram Mohan filling minor roles to support the ensemble dynamic.[4] The production faced significant challenges due to Madhubala's illness, with most shooting completed in 1958 before delays in finalization; the film was completed without major recasting after her temporary recovery, extending the timeline by six years.[10] The story's focus on alcoholism further influenced the lead selection, emphasizing actors capable of conveying emotional depth in dramatic roles.Filming and Post-Production
Principal Photography
Principal photography for Sharabi commenced in the late 1950s but faced significant delays due to financial difficulties and Madhubala's health issues stemming from a congenital heart condition. Bulk of the shooting was completed by 1958, with production halting after initial scenes; it resumed in the early 1960s and wrapped up by late 1963, with body doubles used for some of Madhubala's scenes, marking her final completed film role.[8][5] Filming primarily took place at Filmistan Studios in Mumbai, where sets were constructed for the film's dramatic interiors and emotional confrontations.[12] Outdoor locations were minimal, focusing on select sequences for natural backdrops to enhance dramatic effect and allowing control in studio environments despite logistical challenges. Raj Rishi's direction emphasized intimate emotional close-ups to capture character turmoil, contributing to the film's runtime of 143 minutes.[2] The delays, spanning several years, impacted crew continuity, with changes in technical staff as production occurred in phases. This highlighted challenges in Bollywood productions when financial and health issues disrupted momentum.Post-Production
Following principal photography, post-production was handled by editor Pran Mehra, who refined the film's pacing to heighten dramatic tension in its narrative about alcoholism and lost love.[4] Sound mixing incorporated Madan Mohan's score, blending it with dialogue and effects to underscore the melancholic tone; no significant reshoots were required despite the extended timeline from health and financial challenges.[4] The final cut was approved in late 1963, preparing for the film's January 24, 1964, release.[2] Post-production finalized the black-and-white cinematography by M. W. Mukadam, using the standard 1.33:1 aspect ratio for Hindi films of the era, preserving the drama's intimate aesthetic.[2]Synopsis and Cast
Plot
Keshav, a chronic alcoholic living in poverty with his mother and younger sister, falls in love with Kamala, the daughter of wealthy businessman Laxmidas.[2] Despite their mutual affection, Keshav's drinking habits repeatedly delay the marriage arranged by Laxmidas, who secures him a job at a coal mine in hopes of reforming him.[1] Following the death of his ailing father Dinanath, Keshav vows to his mother to abstain from alcohol entirely, earning her approval and moving forward with wedding preparations. However, during an illness, he accidentally consumes rum that a shopkeeper pours into an empty medicine bottle, mistaking it for a tonic, which triggers a relapse and public humiliation when witnesses see him intoxicated.[13] Laxmidas cancels the marriage upon learning of the incident, leaving Keshav devastated.[14] Keshav's descent into excessive drinking escalates, leading to a tragic accident at the coal mine where, in a drunken stupor, he ignites a fire that severely injures his mother, resulting in the loss of her feet. His actions lead to his arrest and imprisonment, the blacklisting of his family by the community, and their complete ruin, with his sister Munni left vulnerable.[15] Throughout his turmoil, Kamala remains steadfastly loyal, refusing to abandon him despite pressure from her dying father's final wish for her to marry another.[1] In the film's climax, Keshav emerges from prison determined to redeem himself by quitting alcohol once more and seeking reconciliation with Kamala and his family, culminating in a poignant, tragic reunion that underscores the devastating toll of his addiction.[14]Cast
Dev Anand portrayed the protagonist Keshav, bringing his signature charisma to the role as a leading man who had already established himself with successful 1950s films such as C.I.D. (1956) and Kala Pani (1958).[16] Madhubala played the romantic lead Kamala in what marked one of her final on-screen appearances, as her career was curtailed by a congenital heart condition that led to her health decline in the 1960s.[17] Lalita Pawar essayed the part of Keshav's mother, drawing on her reputation as a veteran actress renowned for maternal roles that often conveyed emotional depth and resilience in Hindi cinema.[18] Daisy Irani appeared as Munni, the child character who infused the narrative with innocence, leveraging her experience as a prominent child artist from the 1950s and 1960s in films like Bandish (1955) and Naya Daur (1957).[19] Badri Prasad took on the father figure role of Laxmidas, consistent with his career as a character actor in supporting paternal parts across 1950s and 1960s productions such as Parineeta (1953) and Albela (1951).[20] The supporting cast included Sulochana Latkar, Radha Kishan (as Shankar), and Ram Mohan, who contributed to the ensemble dynamics in various character roles.[4]Music
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Sharabi was composed by Madan Mohan, with lyrics penned by Rajinder Krishan.[21] It features seven songs, primarily rendered by playback singer Mohammed Rafi as the lead male voice, alongside duets with Asha Bhosle.[22] The songs were recorded prior to the film's 1964 release, consistent with its production delays.[5] The recording process was overseen by engineer Minoo Katrak, known for his work with Madan Mohan on several films, with music assistants Ramlal Suri and Ghanshyam contributing to the orchestration and rehearsals.[23][4] These sessions emphasized Madan Mohan's signature melancholic melodies, tailored to the film's emotional narrative.[5] The complete soundtrack album runs for approximately 28 minutes and was released by the Saregama label, formerly HMV, which handled much of the era's Hindi film music distribution.[21][24] The audio elements were later integrated into the film's post-production for final mixing.[23]| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Sawan Ke Mahine Mein, Pt. 1" | Mohammed Rafi | 3:28 |
| 2 | "Kabhi Na Kabhi Kahin Na Kahin" | Mohammed Rafi | 4:01 |
| 3 | "Mujhe Le Chalo Aaj Phir Us Gali Mein" | Mohammed Rafi | 6:18 |
| 4 | "Sawan Ke Mahine Mein, Pt. 2" | Mohammed Rafi | 4:32 |
| 5 | "Jao Ji Jao" | Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle | 3:52 |
| 6 | "Tum Ho Haseen Kahan Ke" | Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle | 3:51 |
| 7 | [Note: Some sources list 6 unique titles with two versions of "Sawan Ke Mahine Mein" as separate tracks; total runtime confirms 7 entries in certain releases.] | - | - |