Anjuman

Anjuman is a Pakistani colour film released on 31 July 1970, starring Waheed Murad, Rani, Deeba, Santosh Kumar, Sabiha Khanam and Lehri. The film was released during the hey days of Murad and became a milestone in his career. The film was produced by Safdar Masud under the banner Ideal Movies and directed by Hassan Tariq, a well-known Pakistani film director. The film was released at the worst possible political situation of the country with Bangladesh war of independence raging in former East Pakistan. Nevertheless, the film became a huge success, with famous tracks by Runa Laila and Ahmed Rushdi. The film won 8 Nigar Awards in the categories of best film, best director, best screenplay, best musician, best lyricist, best playback female singer, best editor, best art director and best comedian. Plot The film is a tragedy based on a tawaif (courtesan) 'Anjuman' played by Rani,a "tawaiif" who flirts with the emotions of a wealthy Nawab Wajahat Ali (Santosh Kumar) and later falls in love with his younger brother Nawab Asif Ali played by Waheed Murad. In order to save his older brother's marriage, Asif decides to frequent Anjuman's "kotha" in an "exchange" demanded by Anjuman, although Asif being in love with another girl Nudrat (played by Deeba). Noorulain Zartaj (Sabiha Khanum), wife of Nawab Wajahat Ali, eventually implores Anjuman javed to forsake her own love so that Asif can live happily. At the end, Anjuman has to face a fate worse than death, where she is invited to sing at the wedding of her lover. Lovelorn and disappointed Anjuman offers a woeful song, as she has swallowed poison, and dies at the feet of her lover.