He had previously considered Nargis and Nimmi, but found them unfit for the character. Ī problem came up when Samanta told Kumar that he wants to cast a " top-notch" actress in the role of Edna. Soon after being discharged, Samanta contacted his friend and actor Ashok Kumar and narrated the story to him Kumar liked it and agreed to the film. He spent many days in the hospital, and eventually developed the story of Howrah Bridge lying on the hospital bed. In 1957, Samanta had a car accident in which he was severely injured.
Mohabbat Ka Haath Jawani Ka Palla spells genuine love between the two as they sail on the Hooghly with Howrah Bridge in the background.Īnd in the fun Gora Rang Chunariya Kaali, we’re treated to a cameo by the indomitable Mehmood and his sister Minoo Mumtaz.Īlso read: Farooq Sheikh, the Jack of all trades - theatre, TV, films and secret philanthropy
Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu sets the theme of the story, acting as a catalyst for Kumar’s character to discover clues about the Chinese goons.Īaiye Meherbaan is a showstopper, but also reveals more about Madhubala’s character - her intentions to make another man jealous by dancing with Kumar, but also wooing him with her antics. Dekh Ke Teri Nazar introduces our protagonists to each other and also establishes their relationship. Nayyar really made the music another character in the film. The goons don’t play nice and want to make sure Kumar doesn’t get hold of the truth, or the heirloom. He meets Edna, played by Madhubala, a lounge singer, who seems to have some connection with the goons who are behind Kumar’s brother’s death. Ashok Kumar plays Prem Kumar, a wealthy businessman, who comes to Kolkata to uncover the mystery shrouding the death of his brother and the disappearance of a family heirloom - a dragon embedded with precious stones. Nayyar.Īs we remember the musical genius on his death anniversary, which was observed last week, ThePrint looks back at one of his best works.ĭirected by Shakti Samanta, Howrah Bridge is the quintessential moody noir film that was so popular in the 1950s. And one of the reasons the film is so iconic is the spell cast by music composer O.P. The song is just one of many that make the 1958 film Howrah Bridge one for the ages. Aiye meherbaan / Baithiye janejaan… The words instantly make you think of Madhubala slowly swaying and coyly smiling.