Watch Aasra

Aasra is a classic Bollywood film from 1966 that tells a story of love, sacrifice, and social inequality. The film features Mala Sinha, Biswajeet Chatterjee, and Balraj Sahni in lead roles and is directed by Satyen Bose. The plot revolves around a young woman named Rekha (Mala Sinha), who lives with her father (Balraj Sahni) in a small village. Her father, a humble schoolmaster, dreams of educating his daughter and providing her with a better life. However, he is unable to do so as he struggles to make ends meet with his meager salary.

One day, Rekha meets a rich businessman named Amit (Biswajeet Chatterjee) who is visiting the village. They strike a friendship, and Amit offers to help Rekha by providing financial aid for her education. She is grateful for his help and goes to the city to study. There, she meets Amit again, and they fall in love.

However, their happiness is short-lived as Amit's father opposes their relationship due to Rekha's lower social status. He tells Amit to leave Rekha and go back to his former girlfriend, Rita (also played by Mala Sinha). Feeling helpless, Amit is torn between his love for Rekha and his family's wishes.

In the meantime, Rekha's father falls ill and cannot afford the medical expenses. Rekha, desperate to save her father, decides to accept a job as a bar dancer, which goes against her father's values and the society's norms. Amit finds out about her job and is disappointed, but he still loves her and wants to help her out.

As the story progresses, the couple faces many trials and tribulations, including society's prejudices and financial difficulties. It eventually leads to a dramatic climax that showcases the power of sacrifice and true love.

The movie's standout feature is the social commentary it provides on the class divide in India during the 60s. The contrast between the poor schoolteacher and the wealthy businessman is stark, highlighting the struggles of the lower classes in India. Furthermore, the portrayal of a woman resorting to work as a bar dancer to provide for her family brings attention to the societal stigma surrounding such professions.

The music of the film is also noteworthy, with timeless songs such as "Jab Jab Phool Khile" and "Aaj Ki Raat Mere Dil Ki Salami Lele." The songs are beautifully composed, with meaningful lyrics that enhance the narrative.

In conclusion, Aasra is a thought-provoking film that addresses significant issues faced by the Indian society of the 1960s. It is a well-crafted and engaging film with memorable performances by the lead actors. The movie's themes of love, class divisions, and sacrifices make it a must-watch for fans of classic Bollywood cinema.