Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai

Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai review :

The last RK film made in black & white and first film of Raj Kapoor without Nargis as his heroine; Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai is a beautiful film with a poignant message of dacoit rehabilitation. Pran's performance as the cruel bandit Raka won him accolades and significantly enhanced his career. The buxom Padmini looked ravishingly hot while bathing under a waterfall. Oye Hoye!!

Raj Kapoor played Raju, a tramp who saves a dacoits life and he takes him in his fold. The bandit's daughter Kammo (Padmini) falls in love with the simpleton Raju which angers her suitor and fellow daku Raka.

Directed by RKs cinematographer Radhu Karmakar, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai had Raj Kapoor stamp all over it. Infact, it can be called a precursor to his future productions :

• The idea of pure Ganga and the sensuous Padmini bathing under a waterfall was replicated in Raj Kapoor's blockbuster hit Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985).

• The song Aa Ab Laut Chalen became title of son Rishi Kapoor's directorial debut in 1999.

• The background tune in one scene became the famous song Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan in Kapoor's cult classic Mera Naam Joker (1970).

Shankar Jaikishen's music was fab. So was the camerawork and shot placement. But I love Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehti Hai for its wonderful climax. Only Raj Kapoor could think of it. "Love conquers all" is the mantra here. Excellent cinema!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.