Aradhana (1969): A timeless female-cantered narrative of love and sacrifice.

– A review written by Shivani Gadre

Aradhana, a 1969 Indian Hindi romantic drama film directed by Shakti Samanta, features the notable pair of Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna. This film, initially released in Hindi and subsequently dubbed in Bengali, achieved tremendous success, resulting in two remakes: the Tamil movie “Sivagamiyin Selvan” (1974) and the Telugu film “Kannavari Kalalu” (1974). “Aradhana” emerged as a blockbuster in both India and the Soviet Union.

The success of Aradhana as a golden jubilee film, signifying its remarkable run of over fifty weeks in major urban canters.

Love, sacrifice and society:

Despite the film’s embrace of suffocating patriarchal morality, which condemns a young woman to a lifetime of solitary devotion to her deceased fiancé and the self-effacing nurturing of the son who is essentially replica of deceased lover (husband?), ‘Aradhana’ stands out as a female-cantered narrative. The film is graced with a memorable performance by Sharmila Tagore, who shines as the central character, Vandana.

Themes like, love, sacrifice, motherhood, single parenting and the complexities of human relationships in the face of societal expectations and norms together to create a compelling narrative of Aradhana.

Single parenting is depicted with a mix of tenderness, strength, and challenges in Aradhana. While film does depict single parenting with sensitivity and depth, it’s important to note that the film also carries elements of traditional values and societal norms of its time. Nevertheless, Vandana’s journey as a single parent remains a central and poignant aspect of the film, showcasing her strength and love as she raises her son against all odds.

The film’s songs in “Aradhana” achieved immense popularity and many continue to be cherished even today. While most of the songs are romantic duets performed by renowned voices like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, or Asha Bhosle and Mohamed Rafi, the most haunting and soulful melody in the film is perhaps the bhajan-like “Kahey ko roye.” Notably, this song is sung by composer S.D. Burman himself, serving as a voiceover commentary on Vandana’s numerous trials and tribulations.

In conclusion, ‘Aradhana’ (1969) is a classic Bollywood film that masterfully weaves together a tapestry of love, sacrifice, and redemption. The film’s timeless music, captivating performances by Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna, and its exploration of themes such as single parenting and societal norms make it an enduring cinematic masterpiece. While it may reflect the values and norms of its time, the narrative’s emotional depth and character development continue to resonate with audiences, making “Aradhana” a must-watch for both classic cinema enthusiasts and those seeking a timeless love story with a touch of social commentary.