Chhalia directed by Manmohan Desai, (Manmohan Desai’s first film) stars Raj Kapoor, Nutan, Pran and Rehman. Raj Kapoor played as like almost patented a simple guy with a hearth of gold. The story is during the Partition era of India and Pakistan. Chhalia is a tragic based comic story film, it is impossible if you not find a little tragic, love and family drama in Raj Kapoor acted film. During partition time Rehman leaves his newly wedded wife Nutan in Lahore, for reasons not divulged to the viewer. Nutan arrives India with her little son, in hope of being and stay with her husband.
Rehman is overjoyed to meet his wife and son, but everything goes wrong with one word of Muslim name ‘Anwar’ when the boy introduced himself to his father, actually this plan was played by Pran, the all time mega villainous persona. Rehman abandons his wife and son. Nutan leaves her son in an orphanage, and tried to suicide herself but at the time she is rescued by Raj Kapoor. Raj Kapoor is Chhalia, who gives her shelter and falls in love with Nutan. A sub script involves between Pran and Raj Kapoor. Chhalia puts all his effort to bring back Rehman to Nutan and reunite the family once again. The climax is unspeakable, the scene of climax is set of Dussehra festival, where the effigy of Ravana is to be burnt. Chhalia was also brought parallels between Nutan and effigy Sita, here Mohd. Rafi’s song “Gali Gali Sita Roye” is dubbed and mixed to convince Rehman of her loyalty.
Kalyanji Anandji composed the music and has definitely given Mukesh’s most popular song “Chhalia Mera Naam, “Dum dum diga diga”, “Mere tootey hue dil se”
All time popular songs of this film
Baaje Paayal Chhun ChhunLata Mangeshkar
Chhalia Mera NaamMukesh
Dum Dum Diga DigaMukesh
Gali Gali Sita RoyeMohd. Rafi
Mere Tootey Huey Dil SeMukesh
Meri Jaan Kuchh Bhi KijiyeMukesh, Lata Mangeshkar
Teri Raahon Mein Khade HainLata Mangeshkar