Mumbai, 15 February 2025: Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar believes Gulzar’s 1975 classic Aandhi would perform well if re-released in theaters today.
“It’s a really nice film. It needs to be re-released in multiplexes,” Akhtar said. “Subtle and intelligent films sometimes struggle in big theaters, but Aandhi would do extremely well today.”
Turning 50 this week, Aandhi is considered one of Gulzar’s most celebrated directorial works, alongside Mausam, Parichay, Mere Apne, Khushboo, and Lekin. Written by renowned Hindi author Kamleshwar, the film explores the impact of ambition on relationships. Suchitra Sen plays Aarti Devi, a woman from a political family, while Sanjeev Kumar portrays JK, a hotel manager caught in the conflict.
The film’s music by R.D. Burman remains iconic, with songs like Tere Bina, Tum Aa Gaye Ho, and Iss Mod Se Jaate Hain still resonating with audiences.
Upon its release, Aandhi ran in theaters for only a few weeks before being banned during the Emergency due to speculation that Sen’s character resembled then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It was later re-released.
The film continues to hold significance for filmmakers such as Mahesh Bhatt, Sooraj Barjatya, and Karan Johar, as well as actors Pratik Gandhi and producer Harman Baweja.
Bhatt, known for Arth and Zakhm, described Aandhi as a story of “lost love.”
“It’s the irony of life that two people meet again only to realize that some distances cannot be crossed,” Bhatt said. “At the time, it was bold to depict an ambitious woman, and she paid a price for it. Gulzar sahab was courageous to write such a character.”
He also recalled Burman’s Tere Bina Zindagi Se, calling it a song that captures the ache of what life could have been.
Pratik Gandhi, best known for Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, called Aandhi one of his favorite films, largely because of Kumar’s performance.
“His range—from comedy to intense drama—is incredible. He’s my all-time favorite actor, and we both come from Surat,” Gandhi said.
Johar recalled growing up watching Gulzar’s films on VHS.
“I was one of those old soul kids who wasn’t reading comics or watching what others my age did,” he said. “I was obsessed with the vintage magic of Guru Dutt, the social commentary of Raj Kapoor, and Gulzar Saab’s ethos and pathos in cinema.”
Barjatya, known for family dramas like Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! and Vivaah, said Aandhi represents Gulzar’s artistic integrity.
“Knowing how Gulzar sahab works, Aandhi is pure passion, a pure creation. It’s not about what sells or what works. That’s why it’s a masterpiece,” he said.
Baweja, reflecting on Gulzar’s impact, recalled a recent trip to Uttarakhand where he found himself discussing the filmmaker’s legacy.
“We had 50 minutes to our next location, and the entire conversation was about his work,” Baweja said. “It’s incredible that Aandhi is 50 years old. His influence on literature and cinema is immense.”
Producer Boney Kapoor also praised the film’s lasting impact.
“The relationship between a husband and wife is what stood out to me. And the music—Tum Aa Gaye Ho Noor Aa Gaya is my favorite,” he said.
Even half a century later, Aandhi remains a defining piece of Indian cinema, its themes of love, ambition, and sacrifice still resonating with audiences today.
