Chhoti Si Baat is one of those very few films that strikes an emotional chord with my heart every single time that I see it. Chhoti Si Baat is an endearing, lovable comedy about a young man who walks the rocky path of love because his heart is true but timid.
The Cast
Amol Palekar as Arun Pradeep, a shy, born loser.
Vidya Sinha as Prabha Narayan, a petite office going lady.
Asrani as Nagesh, Prabha’s colleague.
Ashok Kumar as Col. Julius Nagendranath Wilfred Singh, a battle hardened veteran.
The Plot
Arun Pradeep is in love with Prabha Narayan. Everyday, on his way to work & back home he follows her around but is unable to muster courage to make further advances. Things change for the better when Prabha visits Arun’s office for some official work. As if Arun’s shy, reserved nature was not enough, along comes Nagesh, Prabha’s suave oversmart colleague. Nagesh is a chess and a table tennis champion whereas Arun is a big dud. Nagesh owns a yellow scooter whereas Arun travels by bus. To win over Prabha, Arun purchases a second-hand motorbike for Rs. 3, 000/-, but ends up with a piece of scrap. Arun tries to open out to Prema over lunch, but Nagesh ends up having a merry time while Arun is left to pay the bills.
A desperate Arun visits astrologers, card readers & fake sadhus in his hope to win over Prabha. He learns about Col. JNW Singh, who had helped one of his colleagues to win over his love. Col. Singh has helped many a Arun’s to win over their Prabha’s. He takes a liking for Arun and trains him to overcome his apprehensions & brings about a transformation of a born loser. The philosophy is simple: If you are in the bottom half, initiate a 180 degree turn in the circumstances and you will find yourself in the top half. A well trained Arun returns to Mumbai and wins respect at workplace, disposes off his bike to the same garage where he purchased it from & eventually wins over his love.
The Performances
Amol Palekar underplays his role of a loser to perfection. Vidya Sinha looks pretty & petite. Asrani makes an excellent rival, sliming his way into the girl’s heart. Ashok Kumar as the wise ol’ experienced man who makes a difference in other people’s lives etches a memorable performance.
The Music
Music by Salil Chowdhury is memorable. Be it the nostalgic title number ’Na Jaane Kyun Hota Hai’, the peppy ’Jaaneman Jaaneman Tere Do Nayan’ or the glorious ’Yeh Din Kya Aaye’, every number is a winner. Meaningful lyrics combined with melodious music make all these numbers hummable to this day. Figure this out:
’’Jo Anjaan Pal, Dhal Gaye Kal, Aaj Woh Rang Badal Badal, Mann Ko Machal Machal Rahen Hai Chal, Na Jaane Kyun’’.
’’Wohi Hai Dagar, Wohi Hai Safar, Hai Nahin Saath Mere Magar Ab Mera Humsafar, Idhar Udhar Dhoonde Nazar’’.
A big thumbs up for nostalgia.
Comments
A great film about a simple situation that has been faced by each of us in our formative years. A man unable to express his feelings to the girl of his dreams, following her, daydreaming at the movies & in the shower, a rival straight out of hell, heartbreak, desire, tendency to know the future, suicidal inclinations. I relate to this film totally & wish there were a Col. JNW Singh in real life. The film offers a nostalgic look at young and urbane 70s Bombay, travelling in local buses, watching Dharam & Hema’s films, etc.
Chhoti Si Baat is a film best seen on two occasions. When you are either falling in love or when you have been rejected in love. A must-see film for all ages.