indian cinema heritage foundation

Bahu (1955)

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  • Release Date1955
  • GenreDrama, Social
  • FormatB-W
  • LanguageHindi
  • Run Time162 min
  • Length4259.88 meters
  • Number of Reels16
  • Gauge35 mm
  • Censor RatingU
  • Censor Certificate NumberU-14622-MUM
  • Certificate Date16/11/1955
  • Shooting LocationModern Studio, M&T Films Ltd, Andheri
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Diwan Dinanth was shocked at his Bhabhi’s behavior. True, the fireworks had slipped from Paro’s hands as she danced and his niece Sheela's sari had caught fire, but it was so evidently an accident. Indeed, Sheela was Paro's dearest and nearest friend.

Enraged at Dinanath's sympathy, Sheela's mother taunted him to accept Paro as the bride for his only son, Basant. Though momentarily taken aback, Dinanath accepted the challenge and drove staright to Paro's mother. The poverty stricken widow could not but accept the millionaire's pressing proposal. 

Dinanath faced unexpected opposition from Basant. Basant had recently come into contact with a shrewd cabaret singer, Rita and imagined himself madly in love with her. This was a part of Rita's plan to fleece him dry in collaboration with her paramour, Ajit. Though Basant had no desire to marry at the time, he did not have the courage to refuse his father. 

Thus Paro was installed as the family's Bahu, though Basant spent his wedding night with Rita and Ajit leaving Paro to weep alone. He had carried out his father's wish and married Paro, but that was all!

Things moved pretty fast in this unhappy household, when unable to bear his son's cruel treatment of the Bahu, Dinanath ordered Basant to leave the house. 

Now came a stern trial for Paro. Sheela came to her with horrible news. Sheela was expecting a baby! She had placed her trust in a likeable young man, Suresh, who had now deserted her. There was no alternative for the hapless Sheela but to commit suicide. 

Paro quickly planned to save Sheela and the family honour, She informed Dinanath that she was to become a mother, and requested that she wish to go to a hill station for her confinement and of course, her friend Sheela would accompany her. 

Time passed rapidly till the day when the overjoyed Dinanath welcomed his grand son home. Midst rejoicing and celebration, Basant returned home on hearing the news and openly denounced Paro. The child was not - could not be his son! Dinanath waited for a denial, but Paro's life was sealed, Determined to uphold the family honour and shield Sheela, she allowed herself to be turned into the streets. 

Leaving the infant in her mother's care, Paro, began a grim struggle to prove her innocence and win back her husband in the bargain. How she refused to acknowledge defeat, upholding the highest traditions of Indian womanhood, forms one of the most stirring cliax ever portrayed on the screen. 

 

[from the official press booklet]
 

Cast

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