Sahib Bibi Aur Gholum [1962] : Abrar Alvi

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The only thing I can say about Abrar Alvi’s Sahib Bibi Aur Gholum [1962] based on Bimal Mitra’s eponymous Bengali novel is that I am almost addicted to Mina Kumari’s bold & beautiful acting. The first sequences are so much flat in positive nature but the following sequences with dark shades made this character dynamic & versatile. I don’t judge a character on its moral nuances because they are the representation of a time and things are all around us like these characters’ variations.

 

I have been a fan of Abrar Alvi’s screenplays & dialogues in collaboration with great Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa [1957], Kagaz Ke Phool [1959] & Chaudhvin Ka Chand [1960], though I think they might be greatly influenced and improvised by Guru Dutt himself. But Alvi’s directorial debut is as brilliant as his screenplays.

The costume & makeup of Meena Kumari in Sahib Bibi Aur Gholam had a huge influence and inspiration for Aishwarya Rai in Bhansali's Devdas (2002). Even the druken mood and postures had an magnificent souces for Shaharukh in Devdas. What should we name it a pastiche or nostalgia. I think Bhansali make a blending of both. 


The making of Sahib Bibi Aur Gholum proves that Indian cinema had been greatly influenced and molded by the Bengali literature as they had been by the Urdu music and acting protégé.

 

Sahib Bibi Aur Gholum [1962]

Abrar Alvi

Hindi & Urdu, India

 

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