A look back at what happened in 1971

Came across this while I was surfing the net:

FTII Gold Medalist Jaya Bhaduri steals the show in the title role of Guddi.

Zeenat Aman debuts in OP Ralhan’s Hulchul. However, she creates a sensation in the role of a drug-addict in Dev Anand’s Hare Rama Hare Krishna, and a star is born. (Motwali was dead on about this one!)

In Gulzar’s Mere Apne about student unrest, Meena Kumari, in the central role, shows the right path to Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha.

Kamal Amrohi’s long-in-the-making Pakeezah, a slow starter, picks up later to become an all-time hit. Music by Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad is soul-stirring.( Om guessing this was written before Meena died)

Ramesh Sippy’s Andaz (Shammi Kapoor, Hema Malini) taps the unusual theme of a widow falling in love.

Rajesh Khanna has the women audience swooning in Amar Prem. Sharmila Tagore co-stars.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Budha Mil Gaya (Om Prakash, Navin Nischol) is a gripping suspense film.

“Piyaa tu ab to aaja....” , the catchy song from Nasir Husain’s Caravan is responsible for the film’s success. (I liked the story of this movie it has more going for it besides this song)

Haathi Mere Saathi (Rajesh Khanna and Tanuja) is one of the biggest hits of the year. The title song is on everyone’s lips. (I thought that the song on everybody's lips would be "Mere Dil Ke Chain")

Three generations of the Kapoor family, Prithviraj, Raj and Randhir, star in the semi-autobiographical Kal Aaj Aur Kal, ably directed by young Randhir.

Laal Patthar is noteworthy for Hema Malini’s chilling performance as the over-possessive lover. Raaj Kumar, Raakhee, Vinod Mehra co-starrer.

Sunil Dutt’s Reshma Aur Shera beautifully shot, mainly in the deserts, wins accolades. (Too bad it didn't do well commercially)

Raakhee’s contrasting double roles in Sharmilee win acclaim. So does SD Burman’s hummable music.

Vijay Anand’s success streak continues with Tere Mere Sapne (Dev Anand, Mumtaz).

Mani Kaul’s experimental Uski Roti wins critical acclaim. (Havent heard of this film)

The Dadasaheb Phalke stamp is issued.

The film industry goes all out to boost national war efforts.

Music director Jaikishen, filmmakers K Asif, Debaki Bose and K Subramanian and Malayalam star Satyan pass away. ( So many greats died in one year)

—Monica Motwani
Courtesy Screen India