Derek Bose, in his article, “Ah, for that sizzle”
(Spectrum, Feb 14) has highlighted a number of filmy couples mostly of recent times, who became romantic hits on the screen. In addition to the Nargis-Raj Kapoor duo, there were many other pairs who left a mark not only on the box office but also made a place in the hearts of movie-goers.
One actor who paired with a number of heroines over two decades was Dilip Kumar, the tragedy king. Starting with Nimmi in Aan, Deedar, Amar (as second love), Uran Khatola and Daag, to pairing with Nargis in Deedar, Andaaz, Babul and Jogan, with Meena Kumari in Aazad, Yahudi and Kohinoor and later with Vyjayanthimala after a break with Madhubala during the making of Naya Daur. He did Devdas, Naya Daur, Paigham, Leader, Sangharsh, topping it all with the blockbuster Ganga-Jamuna produced by himself.
He made a successful pair with each one of them, as borne out by the popularity of these films.
One also can’t possibly forget the first onscreen and real life pair of Dev Anand and Suraiya, who acted in Vidhya, Afsar, Shahnai and a few more and were the talk of the town because of their off-screen affair.
He also made a popular pair with Nutan in Paying Guest, Baarish, Manzil and Tere Ghar Ke Samne. Bina Rai-Prem Nath also gave hits like Prisoner of Golconda, Aurat and Chengiz Khan.
Even Dara Singh had then struggling starlet Mumtaz as his heroine in Faulad, Toofan, Lutera and a few more in the sixties. Nirupa Roy-Jai Raj were a popular cinematic couple in many historical movies.
Finally, Guru Dutt-Waheeda Rehman gave a memorable performance in Chaudavin Ka Chaand and Sahib-Bibi Aur Ghulam besides films mentioned by the writer.
H.S.
Sandhu,Panchkula