indian cinema heritage foundation

Hum Log (1951)

  • Release Date1951
  • GenreDrama
  • FormatB-W
  • LanguageHindi
  • Run Time144 min
  • Length3959.65 meters
  • Number of Reels15
  • Gauge35 mm
  • Censor RatingU
  • Censor Certificate Number3106
  • Certificate Date07/09/1951
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Lala Harcharan Das was an ordinary clerk earning rupees eighty per month. This was all with which he had to maintain his family—his wife and three children. Naturally therefore, he was facing hard times. His son Raj saw what was going on in the society and he lost faith in the existing social order. Paro, the young daughter, was suffering from Tuberculosis, Chhota, the youngest son, had no chances of being educated for want of money.

The situation became very grave when Paro’s condition went from bad to worse. To carry out the doctor’s advice and instructions was impossible for want of money. They tried best for her, which brought starvation in its wake.

One day, Lala Haricharan had with him his Seth’s one thousand rupees to pay off a “Hundi” which was due the next day. Raj knew about the money and he stole it at night. He handed it over to his friend Kundan. The next morning Raj was very unhappy about his action and went to Kundan to get the money back. He found that Kundan has run away with the amount.

The law took its course and Lala Harcharan was imprisoned. Raj took over the responsibilities as the head of the family. Saving his near and dear from destruction was his one and only mission. He had no other interest in life. Shepali loved him, but Raj did not care for her—he had no time for love. His extremely hard work and worries ruined his health and he began to suffer from a dangerous heart disease.

Paro was fond of writing plays. She wrote a down-to-earth drama about the society and people of which she was a park herself. It was titled “HUM LOG”. She was in love with Anand, but her disease kept them apart.

Kundan lost all the money in gambling and began to starve. One day he met Raj. He thought that Raj would kill him, but was surprised to find that Raj that Raj had forgiven him. Yet his guilty conscience gave him no peace of mind and he committed suicide.

Raj was charged with Kundan’s murder. He died in the court during the trial.

Paro and Anand joined hands to stage her play. HUM LOG was staged and it kept the message of Raj alive.

(From the official press booklet)

Cast

Crew

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