Mamta (1966 film)


Mamta is a 1966 Indian drama film directed by Asit Sen, written by Nihar Ranjan Gupta and Krishan Chander, and with music composed by Roshan and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The movie stars Suchitra Sen, Ashok Kumar and Dharmendra. The film about middle class fears and class conflict, has lead actress Suchitra Sen in a double role. The film is also noted for its music by Roshan and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri, in songs like, Rahen Na Rahen Hum sung by Lata Mangeshkar and her hit duet, Chuppa Lo Yun Dil Mein Pyar Mera with Hemant Kumar.
The film was a remake of Asit Sen's own earlier Bengali film, Uttar Falguni, also starring Suchitra Sen which had won the 11th National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali. Uttar Falguni was also later remade in Tamil in 1970 as Kaaviya Thalaivi and in Malayalam in 1972 as Pushpanjali.

Plot

Monish Rai comes from a wealthy family, and is in love with Deviyani, who is poor. Monish has to travel abroad to further his education in law, but promises to stay in touch with Deviyani. After his departure, financial problems overwhelm Deviyani and her father. She approaches Monish's mother for financial assistance, but is refused. In desperation, Deviyani's father marries her off to a much older man, Rakhal Bhattacharya, who has loaned money to Deviyani's father. Rakhal is also an alcoholic and frequents prostitutes.
Deviyani becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby girl, Suparna. Unhappy with her marriage and her circumstances, she runs away, and becomes a devadasi, or temple dancer, performing for a male clientele. She is however found by Rakhal, who blackmails her for money, and who attempts to kidnap Suparna on more than one occasion. Deviyani approaches Mother Mary, the Mother Superior of a convent and leaves Suparna in her care. Deviyani subsequently disappears. When Monish returns to the city, he thinks he has seen Deviyani, but is told by others that the person he has seen is a Lucknow-based prostitute, Pannabai.
Is Deviyani still alive? Who is Pannabai? What happened to Suparna?
The movie relates the story of Deviyani's life and revolves around the theme of "mamta" - motherhood, or a mother's love, what a mother does for the protection and well-being of her child, and all the sacrifices made by her in order that her child can live a life filled with status, dignity and love.
Veteran actress portrays the double role both of Deviyani and Suparna.

Cast

The film performed well at the domestic Indian box office. It was year's 15th highest-grossing film in India, earning . This was equivalent to estimated footfalls of approximately tickets sold in India.
The film became an overseas blockbuster in the Soviet Union, selling tickets in 1969, making it the sixth highest-grossing Indian film ever in the Soviet Union. This was equivalent to an estimated руб.
Combined, the film grossed an estimated worldwide. In terms of footfalls, the film sold an estimated tickets worldwide.

Nominations

The songs of the films were composed by Roshan and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.