This Army Day, we take a look at Chetan Anand’s
Haqeeqat
(1964), set against the backdrop of the 1962 Indo-China war. It is among the very few Bollywood war movies that both Army officers and critics say depict the life of soldiers correctly and show the ethos of the
Indian Army
.
Haqeeqat
First film to be shot in Ladakh
It’s the first film to shot in Ladakh and Chetan Anand had to obtain permission from the Ministry of Defence. He spoke to Army personnel and locals for his research, and wrote scenes as the shoot progressed. Film historian Gautam Chintamani points out, “Chetan Anand’s decision to shoot in the North-West Frontier Province gives Haqeeqat the kind of authenticity often missing from such films and the portrayal of the soldiers.”
At the Himalayan Film Festival in Ladakh last year, the film was screened as a tribute to Army officers. Padma Angmo, Commissioner/Secretary, Information, Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh, said then, “Haqeeqat was shot in Ladakh, and the story is as relevant today for Ladakh as it was in 1964.”
Balraj Sahni
The haunting songs
With lyrics by Kaifi Azmi, music by Madan Mohan and voices of Manna Dey, Talat Mahmood, Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi and Bhupendra Singh, the film is also considered a masterpiece because of its music. Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon is considered a timeless patriotic anthem, and is still played every Independence and Republic Day. Ho ke majboor mujhe was composed like a qawwali.
Haqeeqat
Haqeeqat
English (US) ·