1936
Political and social unrest is sweeping the nation. From the turbulence
emerges the tragic story -- based on Niranjan's Pal's Crossing -- of an untouchable girl hopelessly in love with a Brahmin
boy.
Sepia
Director Himanshu Rai tries to meet Gandhi, the messiah of the downtrodden.
And fails. Yet millions shed tears for the beautiful touchable girl.
Uncut
Rai chucks out his hero before the shoot. Offers the lead role to his editing
assistant. The young technician calls himself Ashok Kumar. He sings for the first time in
the film and goes on to deliver innumerable jubilee hits, which include a series of Devika Rani-Ashok
Kumar smashes.
Devika Rani and Ashok Kumar
Text: Sharmila Taliculam
