Filmmaker Raj Khosla`s hit films to be re-released by family for the youth

Few in the young generation know of Raj Khosla, even though they may have watched some of his movies. Now is a good time to change that, believes his daughter Anita Khosla. Earlier this year, to mark the late filmmaker’s birth centenary on May 31, his movies CID (1956), Bombai Ka Babu (1960), and Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) were screened at Regal Cinema. Now, to introduce the youth to the director’s works, his hits, including Kuchhe Dhaage (1973) and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978), will be re-released in the coming months.

Stills from (left) ‘Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki’; (below) ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’ 

“It’s important to remind the new generation of our father’s legacy,” urges Anita. What stands out for her is how he, at a time when leading ladies were relegated to flowerpot roles in Bollywood, made them the centre of many of his narratives. “His stories explored social issues, had powerful characters, good music, and stories that people remember even today. His depiction of strong female characters established him as a women’s director,” she shares. 

Anita Khosla

The dates and venues of the screenings are currently being discussed. She adds, “We’ll have screenings of CID and Bombai Ka Babu at Indian International Centre in Delhi on November 10. We have not finalised the dates for the screenings at theatres across the country. We’ll show Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki, Do Raaste [1969], and many more. These movies have been digitally changed into the 4K format.”

Sharmila Tagore, who was directed by Khosla in Sunny (1984), is glad about his films returning to the big screen. She says, “With Raj Khosla’s films being restored, now another generation can see them. Seeing a film on the big screen is such a treat.”

Marking Raj Khosla’s birth centenary this year, the filmmaker’s biography was published. ‘Raj Khosla: The Authorised Biography’ was authored by Amborish Roychoudhury along with Khosla’s daughters Anita and Uma Khosla Kapur