Jhuk Gaya Aasman (The Skies Have Bowed) is a 1968 romantic comedy directed by Lekh Tandon, featuring Rajendra Kumar, Saira Banu, Rajendranath, and Prem Chopra. The film revolves around Sanjay, a pilot who dies in an accident but is mistakenly taken to heaven before his time. Given a second chance, he returns to Earth in another person’s body, leading to a series of comedic and romantic events. The movie, a remake of the American film Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941), blends the themes of fate, love, and mistaken identity with a touch of Indian cultural flavor. Music by Shankar Jaikishan complements the story, adding memorable songs that contributed to the film’s success.

Sanjay (Rajendra Kumar), a poor tourist guide in Darjeeling, falls in love with Priya (Saira Banu), a visitor from Calcutta. Just as their romance blossoms, Priya receives news that her father has been arrested. The couple decides to put their plans on hold until her father is cleared of charges. Priya leaves, and Sanjay, hopeful, heads back—only to tragically die in a car accident.

In the afterlife, Yamaraj, the Hindu god of death, mistakenly realizes Sanjay was taken instead of his doppelgänger, Tarun Kumar (Rajendra Kumar). To rectify this, Yamaraj sends Sanjay back to Earth, but since his body has already been cremated, Sanjay must inhabit Tarun’s body. However, Tarun has just been murdered by his own brother over wealth.

Back on Earth in Tarun’s body, Sanjay discovers that Tarun was a criminal who betrayed Priya’s father. Determined to make amends, Sanjay reforms Tarun’s life—shutting down his illegal businesses, mending ties with his estranged grandmother, and rekindling his romance with Priya. Meanwhile, Tarun’s brother, enraged by the loss of wealth, secretly plots against Sanjay.

Complications arise when Tarun’s secretary, Rita, claims to be Tarun’s wife, causing chaos in Sanjay’s new life. When Sanjay confronts her, Tarun’s brother kills Rita and frames Priya for the crime. In a dramatic confrontation, Sanjay exposes Tarun’s brother, who confesses his crimes just before he attempts to kill Sanjay. At the last moment, Yamaraj intervenes, saving Sanjay.

With the truth revealed, Tarun’s brother is arrested, and Sanjay is finally able to live a just and happy life in Tarun’s form. United with Priya, Sanjay receives Yamaraj’s blessing as the god returns to his heavenly abode.

Film truly has a special place in classic cinema, especially with its timeless songs and memorable performances. Rajendra Kumar’s charm and the chemistry between him and Saira Bano, along with Rajendra Nath’s comedy. Sanjay takes Priya to the airport for her flight home. On the way back, he sings the lovely “Kaun Hai Jo Sapnon Mein Aaya” as he speeds along in his jeep. It’s wonderful song, bursting with the joy of new love. The song, like ‘Unse Mili Nazar’ has a lasting appeal, which continues to capativate old film.

Photos courtesy Google.  Excerpts taken from Google.