Watch Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje

Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje is a musical masterpiece released in 1955. Directed by V. Shantaram, the movie features a stellar cast including Gopi Krishna as Girdhar, Sandhya as Gopi, Keshavrao Date as Jamuna Prasad, and the famous classical dancer Pandit Ravi Shankar in a cameo role as himself. The movie revolves around Girdhar, a young boy with a passion for dance and music. Despite being born in a family of farmers, Girdhar was mesmerized by the sound of Payal (anklet bells) and would lose himself in the beats of the Dholak (a traditional Indian percussion instrument). His father, however, disapproved of his artistic inclination and wanted him to focus on farming.

One day, Girdhar's destiny brought him to the palace of Jamuna Prasad, a retired dancer who was once the best in the country. Jamuna Prasad was impressed with young Girdhar's talent and decided to take him under his wing. He trained him in classical dance forms and music, which was a turning point in Girdhar's life.

As time passed, Girdhar's talent grew, and he became a well-respected dancer. One day, he met Gopi, a talented dancer who was mesmerized by his skills. The two developed a close relationship and soon fell in love. They both dreamed of participating in a prestigious dance competition, which would prove their talent to the world.

The movie features some of the best classical dance performances ever captured on film. The dance sequences are choreographed by Gopi Krishna himself, who was a renowned Kathak dancer. The music, composed by Vasant Desai, is soulful and captures the essence of Indian classical music. The songs, including 'Nazar lagi Raja' and 'Jo tum todo piya,' are unforgettable and remain popular to this day.

Apart from dance, the movie also touched upon themes of class divide, social taboos, and self-discovery. It showed how Girdhar's passion for dance was not just a hobby but a way of life, which he found through a stroke of luck. He had to break free from societal norms and familial pressure to pursue his dreams. The movie also portrayed the blossoming love between Girdhar and Gopi, who discovered their love for each other through dance.

Overall, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate the beauty of Indian classical dance and music. The movie is a visual treat, with its stunning cinematography and sets that transport the viewer to a bygone era. It remains a classic in Indian cinema and is still revered as one of the best musicals ever made.

Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje is a 1955 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.