1965 rode high on the strength of two drastically different but nevertheless landmark films.
Adapted from R K Narayan's novel, Vijay Anand's Guide is effectively philosophical, demonstrating the power of man-made myths which can compel a weak man to turn into a willful mahatma. Long before that happens; Guide looks into the vicious cycle of human deceit and drawbacks leading to estranged relationships.
Skillfully written characters articulated through persuasive dialogues and hard-hitting performances by Waheeda Rehman and Dev Anand with S D Burman's glorious accompaniments like Aaj phir jeene ki, Piya toh se, Din dhal jaaye, Tere mere sapne and Gaate rahe mera dil confirm Guide to be a milestone at numerous levels.
And there's Yash Chopra's first-of-its-kind multistarrer. Incredibly stylish in structure and production values, Waqt with its glamorous cocktail parties, lost and found theme and edge-of-the-seat car races, was truly before its time.
Not to forget Ravi's enticing ditties, Sadhana's trendsetting fashions and Raaj Kumar's quotable quips, this one continues to be a fond reminder of Chopra's vintage-day showmanship.
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