Shagird (1967)

I've been up and about these past few months, that i haven't had enough time as i would like for this blog, now that things are a bit calmer, you my dear readers can look forward to lots of exciting movies. I have about 80+ movies waiting to be reviewed, with such a huge amount of movies to be reviewed, then comes the problem of what order in which to review them. Given that i seem to be on a Laxmikant Pyarelal roll of recent, i thought i'd review Shagird (Student). Shagird is classic 60's bollywood escapist fare at its best, i really can't say a bad word about this film, plus this film really raised by love for Laxmikant Pyarelal who in my opinion are one of the greatest commercial music directors to have ever come out of bollywood, they surely knew how to score catchy numbers guaranteeed to be hits

Ramesh (Joy Mukherjee) is taught by his Professor Brijmohan (I.S. Johar) on the danger of marriage, he makes Ramesh promise never to do so

Shefali (Urvashi Dutta) a lovely young lass just happens to be in love with Ramesh, Madan (Madan Puri) promises to help out on her mission to get Ramesh to love her

Ramesh's dad fed up of his son's partying lifestyle decides to make a man out of him, he sends him on a work related trip to Madhumati Jungle, there Ramesh meets and falls for a lively (or should i say hyper) village belle called Poonam (Saira Banu)

In a strange case of coincidence Poonam's uncle brings her to stay under the guardianship of his friend professor Brijmohan. Such is Poonam feistiness that even a misogynist like Professor Brijmohan falls in love with her

In a desperate bid to woo her, he starts seeking advice from Ramesh who transforms him into a suave character, he however keeps her identity away from him

When professor notices Poonam's growing affection towards Ramesh, he gets overprotective over her and starts competing with Ramesh. Poonam wins the affection of Ramesh's parents and its not long before marriage plans are made

Only problem lets not forget is Shefali who is head over heels in love with Ramesh & Madan who had promised to help her fall in love with Ramesh. In his plan to get together with Ramesh, Madan spikes Shefali's drink & then lies with her

He then gets Ramesh unconscious and frames him in a one night stand with Shefali, Shefali is pleased of course and traps Ramesh claiming he's dishonoured her and as a result he must marry her (well he doesn't have to, but Ramesh is such a gentleman)

This of course puts a strain on Ramesh and Poonams marriage preparations

Will the truth ever be revealed? Will Ramesh ever realise he was et up? Who will Poonam end up with Ramesh or Professor Brijmohan?

As i've said at the begining of this post Shagird is a total entertainer and i really cannot say a bad word about this film, it does what it says on the tin. Shagird brings together comedy, romance, drama and bits of action together really well, all without being too masalaic (not like that's a bad thing)

Performance wise everyone is on fine form here but Joy Mukherjee really left an impression on me in this film, i just loved his energy in this film, i found him very Shammiesque in this

Now for my dear Saira Banu, i love her like i love my desserts, though i had to stop and wonder how many cans of coke she must have drankaa while making this film , she was soooo hyper in an annoying but yet fabulous way, i really can't hate on her, she's one of my favourite bollywood divas

I also loved Urvashi Dutta who played Shefali, i love her face, according to imdb Shagird was the only movie she starred in, I wonder why that is though, she was very sweet

also spotted was a beardless Mac Mohan


Finally the wonderful music by Laxmikant Pyarelal makes it a movie that won't/shouldn't be forgotten, from the infecti

ously catchy 'Dil vil pyar vyar' to the romantic and flirtatious 'Woh hai zara khafa khafa' the fun 'bade miya deewane' and a beautiful Lata number 'Ruk jaa aye hawa' and my favourite the superb 'Duniya pagal hai' watch it and be rest assured you'll be dancing and singing along in no time



PVasool Rating: 7.5/10