indian cinema heritage foundation

Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955)

  • Release Date1955
  • GenreDrama, Romance
  • FormatColour
  • LanguageHindi
  • Run Time143 min
  • Length4180.63 meters
  • Number of Reels19
  • Gauge35 mm
  • Censor RatingU
  • Censor Certificate Number13997
  • Certificate Date23/09/1955
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Mangal Maharaj, the well-known dancer who was revered by all had one ambition. He wants his son Girdhar to win the title of 'Bharat Natraj' which he himself had won in his youthful days. But who was to be Girdhar's partner in dancing? First, he had thought of Roopkla. But after the cheap publicity of hers at the theatre, he gave up the idea. Late both father and son were attracted by Neela who was rehearsing a rather cheap dance in a palatial building. Girdhar intervened and condemned the tutor. Not only that he demonstrated the true art f dancing. Neela was impressed so much by his dance that she decided to become the pupil of Mangal Maharaj.

At the same Mangal Maharaj also felt that Neela would be an ideal partner for his son Girdhar. So when she came, he agreed to teach her dancing provided she accepted all his conditions. Manibabu who was helping her to learn dancing and had planned a dancing tour for her was disappointed. Yet he continued to help her. Watching Neela and Girdhar perform "Radha-Krishna" dance, Manibabu felt that Girdhar had fallen in love with Neela and he conveyed his thoughts to Mangal Maharaj who refused to believe. But later when he saw his son dancing with Neela to a refrain for western music he got so furious that he threw his stick at Girdhar which injured his leg.

Aware of Manibabu's mischief, Neela stopped taking help from him. She looked after Girdhar during the absence of his father who had gone to Varnasi. During this period, Neela and Girdhar became attached to each other. Together they created "Rati Madan" dance. When Mangal Maharaj came back Manibabu warned him. In turn Mangal Maharaj warned him to prove his point he made Girdhar and Neela perform "Vishwamitra Menka" dance to impress upon Neela not to tempt Girdhar and disuade him from his devotion to dance.

The lovers were forced to part. And Neela's acceptance of ride in Manibabu's car enraged Girdhar who felt cheated by his beloved. But without a female dance partner how could Girdhar participate in the competition. As there was no alternative, Mangal Maharaj agreed to take Roopkala as a partner. Meanwhile Neela had tried to end her life by jumping into river. But she was saved by a Sadhu. Her song brought Girdhar back to her. But inspite of his pleadings she refused to back to him.

Girdhar participated in the festival. Despite Manibabu's tricks and bribes Girdhar succeeded. when for the last item Roopkala walked out on him, to his utter surprise he found Neela coming to his rescue dragging herself on stage and joining him in the dance. Thanks to her Girdhar won the title of "Bharat Natraj", And Mangal Maharaj who had been responsible for forcing her to leave Girdhar now came forward to unite the two lovers. Manibabu also accepted his defeat gracefully.

[From the official press booklet]

 

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