Bheegi Raat became super hit due to deadly performances of Pradip Kumar, Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar.

Bheegi Raat became super hit due to deadly performances of Pradeep Kumar, Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar. In the mid-60s, the directors were courageous to make serious films based on social stories. Director Kalidas experimented with social story in Bheegi Raat, and the only reason of the success of the film was deadly performances of Pradip Kumar, Ashok Kumar and Meena Kumari. Actors Pradip Kumar, Meena Kumari and Ashok Kumari were outstanding in the film Bheegi Raat released in 1965. The film was directed by Kalidas. The music was composed by Roshanlal Nagrath. In the film Pradip Kumar played the character of a painter whose father became bankrupt. Sashikala’s father paid money to repay the debts of Pradip Kumar’s father. Pradip Kumar left his home and went to Nainital. There she fell in love with Meena Kumari. Meena Kumari worked as the governess of Kamini Koushal’s house. Her elder brother Ashok Kumar was in UK. He lost his wife and the small daughter Irani was looked after by Meena Kumari. Kamini Kaushal died. Pradip Kumar declared a date for engagement with Meena Kumari. Meena Kumari met with an accident and became paralyzed. The news was given by Ashok Kumar but Sashikala never informed Pradip Kumar about it. At the end of the film when Meena Kumari agreed to marry Ashok Kumar, in his engagement party Pradip Kumar and the truth was unfolded. Ashok Kumar sacrificed his love for Pradip Kumar and announced his name for marriage with Meena Kumari. The performance of Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradip Kumar were par excellence. It is a shame that they did not get any award for the excellent performance neither in filmfare nor any other award. The other part of the film which stands out is the brilliant music of Roshanlal Nagrath. The lyrics were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Rafi’s songs “jane wo kaun hai kya naam hai un ankhoka”, “dil jo na keh saka” and Rafi Suman’s duet “aise to na dekho” were excellent by every musical standard. Roshanlal Nagrath and Rafi should have received national award for such brilliance of music. The excellent location of Nainital also requires special mention. The film should be preserved and restored.