Summary
Kal Aaj Aur Kal (transl. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) is a 1971 Indian Hindi-language film produced by Raj Kapoor and directed by his son Randhir Kapoor.[1] The film's USP is the appearance of three generations of the famous Kapoor family. The film stars Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor (in his acting debut) and his real-life wife-to-be Babita.[2][3]
| Kal Aaj Aur Kal | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | Randhir Kapoor |
| Written by | Virendra Sinha |
| Produced by | Raj Kapoor |
| Starring | Prithviraj Kapoor Raj Kapoor Randhir Kapoor Babita |
| Cinematography | Taru Dutt |
| Edited by | S. R. Kabre |
| Music by | Shankar-Jaikishan |
| Distributed by | Shemaroo (DVD) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 156 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
It was also the last Shankar-Jaikishan score in a Raj Kapoor film. This film came after the heavy debacle of Mera Naam Joker, which was the dream project of Raj Kapoor. It more than made up for his loss although it was still only a moderate success at the box office. The film marked one of the final films of Prithviraj Kapoor as he died the following year of the film's release.[4]
Plot edit
The title is an allegory to the ideological clash between three generations: Kal (Grandparent – representing the past), Aaj (Parent – representing the present), and Kal (Youth – representing the future). Diwan Bahadur Kapoor (Prithviraj Kapoor) is the father of Ram Bahadur Kapoor (Raj Kapoor). Ram's son Rajesh (Randhir Kapoor), who had been sent to London for higher studies, returns to India. Diwan has promised his childhood friend that Rajesh's marriage will be done with the latter's granddaughter, Laxmi.
However, Rajesh is in love with his girlfriend Monica "Mona" (Babita), and objects to the marriage alliance by his grandfather. Both the grandfather and the grandson stick to their guns, little realizing that Ram is the real sufferer in the clash. Ram finds himself in trouble when Diwan threatens to leave if Rajesh marries Mona and Rajesh threatens to leave if Diwan makes him marry Laxmi. Unable to decide whether he wants his father or son, Ram leaves his home, causing the grandfather and grandson blaming each other.
Ram's friend gives him an idea, where he pretends to only want to stay in a hotel and drink a lot. Rajesh and Diwan see his state and decide to pretend to have sorted their issues. The overjoyed Ram throws a party in celebration, however, he overhears his father and son talk about the ploy. Angered, he leaves the party.
Soon, Diwan falls sick. He tells Rajesh and Ram that he's happy with everything except not getting to see his grandson's wedding. The sad Rajesh decides to give up his love for his grandfather's happiness. He tells Mona the news and she accepts his decision and is ready to attend his wedding. At the wedding, he marries Laxmi but can't see Mona at all. Diwan asks him why he looks so sad and tells the bride to lift up the veil, revealing that the girl he married wasn't Laxmi but Mona instead. Diwan tells him that if he was ready to sacrifice so much for him, he must sacrifice a little bit for Rajesh. Afterwards, Rajesh scatters his grandfather's ashes and his son is born, with Ram happy at becoming a grandfather.
Cast edit
- Prithviraj Kapoor as Diwan Bahadur Kapoor
- Raj Kapoor as Ram Kapoor
- Randhir Kapoor as Rajesh Kapoor
- Babita Kapoor as Monica "Mona"
- Achala Sachdev as Achala
- David as Munshi
- Iftekhar as Ram's Friend
- Roopesh Kumar as Sunny
Soundtrack edit
All music composed by Shankar–Jaikishan, in their last collaboration with R. K. Films. Three months prior to the film's release, Jaikishan passed away due to cirrhosis of the liver. Nonetheless, three Kishore Kumar numbers from the soundtrack became subsequent hits. These were the solo, Bhanware Ki Gunjan, and a couple duets with Asha Bhosle, Aap Yahan Aaye Kisliye and Tik Tik Tik Tik Chalti Jaye Ghadi, the latter of which is a trio with Mukesh.[5]
Although it was recorded, the song Kisi Ke Dil Ko Sanam does not appear in the film.
| # | Title | Singer(s) | Lyrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Aap Yahan Aaye Kisliye" | Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle | Neeraj |
| 2 | "Bhanware Ki Gunjan" | Kishore Kumar | Hasrat Jaipuri |
| 3 | "Hum Jab Honge Saath Saal Ke" | Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle | Shaily Shailendra |
| 4 | "Tik Tik Tik Tik Chalti Jaye Ghadi" | Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, Mukesh | Neeraj |
| 5 | "Ek Paon Chal Raha Alag Alag" | Manna Dey | Neeraj |
| 6 | "Kisi Ke Dil Ko Sanam" | Sharda | Hasrat Jaipuri |
References edit
- ^ "RK Studio may vanish, but the legend will live on! Take a walk down memory lane here". The Free Press Journal. 27 August 2018. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ Mamta Sonar (14 February 2018). "Randhir Kapoor turns 71: Here are some lesser known facts about the legendary actor". The Free Press Journal. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ Ranjan Das Gupta (4 February 2016). "Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971)". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ "Kal Aaj Aur Kal will always be my favourite: Randhir Kapoor". Hindustan Times. 16 April 2016. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ Mohan, Madan, Raga Rock
External links edit
- Kal Aaj Aur Kal at IMDb
