Kaajal (1965) is a Bollywood romance drama directed by Ram Maheshwari, with a star-studded cast including Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar, Dharmendra, Padmini, Mumtaz, Mehmood, Durga Khote, and Helen. It is produced by Pannalal Maheshwari and based on the novel Maadhavi by Gulshan Nanda. The film’s dialogues were penned by the acclaimed writer Kidar Sharma, while the adaptation was done by Phani Majumdar.

Kaajal presents a poignant tale of love, loss, and betrayal within a complex familial structure. The story begins with the clerk’s family, where his children, Kaushal and Madhavi (Meena Kumari), are taken in by Ranimaa (Durga Khote) after their father’s death. As time passes, Rajesh (Dharmendra), Ranimaa’s only son, reaches marriageable age and falls in love with the beautiful Bhanu Saxena (Padmini). However, tragedy strikes when Kaushal dies in a boating accident, leaving Madhavi heartbroken and Rajesh grappling with guilt, feeling responsible for the incident.

After Rajesh marries Bhanu, tension arises as Bhanu harbors resentment towards Madhavi and attempts to undermine her position in the household. Her manipulative nature leads her to falsely accuse Madhavi of having an affair with Rajesh, which drives Madhavi to the brink of despair and contemplation of suicide. Fortunately, she is saved by Moti (Raaj Kumar), a kind-hearted young man, who later agrees to marry her at Rajesh’s suggestion.

As Madhavi transitions into her new life with Moti, she remains unaware of his ulterior motives for marrying her, suggesting that her struggles are far from over. The film skillfully navigates themes of familial loyalty, the consequences of jealousy, and the quest for identity amidst a backdrop of emotional turmoil. Ultimately, Kaajal explores the complexities of love and the harsh realities of betrayal, leaving the audience to ponder the fates of its characters.

Kaajal is indeed celebrated for its dramatic storyline and emotional depth, with Meena Kumari’s exceptional performance at its heart. As the lead, she portrays the complex emotions of her character with remarkable nuance, embodying the pain of loss, the struggles of love, and the quest for identity amidst adversity.

The film’s narrative weaves together themes of familial duty, sacrifice, and the often painful realities of love and betrayal, making it a compelling watch. Meena Kumari’s portrayal resonates deeply with the audience, contributing to her legacy as one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema.

Alongside her, the supporting cast, including Raaj Kumar, Dharmendra, and Padmini, also deliver powerful performances that enhance the film’s emotional impact. The combination of a strong script, memorable music, and stellar acting makes Kaajal a classic that continues to resonate with viewers, solidifying its place in the pantheon of Hindi films.

The songs of Kaajal are beautifully crafted by the renowned lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi and composed by the talented Ravi. Sahir’s poignant lyrics add depth to the film’s emotional narrative, capturing the complexities of love, heartbreak, and longing. The music plays a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling, with several songs becoming timeless classics in Hindi cinema.

Some notable tracks from the film include:

• “Chhoo Lene Do Nazuk Honthon Ko” – A romantic duet that beautifully expresses the feelings of love and desire.
• “Tora Man Darpan Kehlaye” – A melodious song that reflects the inner turmoil of the characters.
• “Main Sitaron Se Aakhra” – A soulful number that resonates with the film’s emotional depth.

The Kaajal film received notable recognition at the 13th Filmfare Awards, winning several prestigious awards and earning multiple nominations:

Won:

• Best Actress: Meena Kumari
• Best Supporting Actress: Padmini

Nominated:

• Best Actor: Raaj Kumar
• Best Supporting Actor: Raaj Kumar
• Best Male Playback Singer: Mohammad Rafi for “Chhoo Lene Do”
• Best Story: Gulshan Nanda

Photos courtesy Google. Excerpts taken from Google.