I love this song because of Anil Kapoor and Saroj Khan’s choreography.
Movie: This song appeared in 1989 action drama Ram-Lakhan produced and directed by Subhash Ghai under the banner of Suneha Arts. The movie starred Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, Dimple Kapadia, Rakhi, Anupam Kher, etc.
Sharda (Rakhi) is left behind with 2 young boys when her husband Thakur Pratap Singh (Dalip Tahil) is killed by her husband’s cousins Bhishamber (Amrish Puri) and Bhanu (Paresh Rawal) to grab their vast ancestral wealth. They also killed Thakur Pratap Singh’s father the Senior Thakur (Lahiri Singh). Becoming destitute with 2 young children, Sharda visits the temple regularly to ask for justice. She has kept back her husband’s ashes for the time when her sons would avenge their father’s death. Then only, she would disperse the ashes.
Bhishamber and Bhanu exploit and enjoy the family’s riches. Soon, Sharda’s sons grow up into an honest police officer Ram (Jackie Shroff) and the smart talker, easily tempted dreamer and a street procession dancer Lakhan (Anil Kapoor). This song introduces Lakhan in the story and his girlfriend Radha (Madhuri Dixit).
Song: The music of this song was composed by Lakshmikant-Pyarelal and the lyrics were penned by Anand Bakshi.
The man introduces himself and also says that people, who are dishonest, can only survive in this world. But, his brother warns him that he should not be attracted by the artificial shine of wealth and should do hard work to earn his living.
Video: Cinematography is by Ashok Mehta. Dance choreography is by Saroj Khan.
The video opens with many male dancers playing the drums. 2 pundits perform pooja at a Lord Shiva shrine. Anil Kapoor’s face is shown in parts to introduce his character. The other dancers begin to dance. Anil Kapoor walks ahead of them and within seconds he also begins to dance. He begins the song as well.
He looks at a closed window on the first floor above a grocery store. He seems to be waiting for someone. He moves toward the grocery store and sings about the insincerity in the grocery business. Madhuri Dixit opens the curtain of the first floor flat and tries to look at Anil Kapoor. He shows a magic item with a stick and she gets very excited.
She imagines that she is with him in a field and takes over the song. He also sings with her. It’s back to the present now and Anil Kapoor is shown playing the drum. He sings of the food being diverted to rich people and poor people living the life with hunger. Jackie Shroff pinches his ear and tells him to work hard to earn his living. Jackie Shroff is wearing a police officer’s dress.
Rakhi also sings a few lines and applies vermilion on the foreheads of Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor. Both the male actors touch the feet of Rakhi. Jackie Shroff picks up Anil Kapoor and takes him to his jeep and places him on the front seat. Thus ends the video.
Artists: The playback of this song was given by Mohammad Aziz, Anuradha Paudwal and Nitin Mukesh and onscreen performances are by Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff, Rakhi, etc.
Cultural Influence: This is a typical filmi song in a real life situation. In reality, parents or elder siblings would advise young people about being honest and truthful. The song is good and feet-tapping. Saroj Khan has choreographed the dance so well. The artists are also good. The video is watchable for the above.
