Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Abhimaan is a beautiful story involving many aspects of marriage, success and competition between close and related. When it happens between a husband and his wife, it's evident that it's gonna be a troubled relationship. In short, Amitabh Bachchan is a popular singer who falls for and marries a young and talented girl who can also sing. Post marriage, she finds her own success as a singer and soon surpasses his own. And that's when the problems begin. These problems are called envy, pride, ego (or hurt thereof), anger, and the destructive results of such feelings.
This is quite reflective of the real state of these artists at that point of time. While Amitabh was still struggling to pave his way to the top, Jaya was already a leading lady. Amitabh is brilliant in his performance and he displays all the mentioned feelings brilliantly. He is tailor made for such roles, which are not overblown and far more demanding and impressive than the AYM (angry young man) roles he would later play. He is elegant, stylish, serious and looks the character. But the real winner is Jaya, who is very convincing. She is first a bubbly young girl, then a shy newly married bride, then a successful yet humble artist, then a woman who intelligently understands her husband's feelings and despair and takes a firm decision, then a suffering wife who bears the brunt of her husband's anger. She does it all, and displays the right emotions and expressions in every such sequence. An unusually different performance it must be noted comes from the part of Bindu, whose character is surprisingly warmhearted and lovely.
Abhimaan is a fine movie of 1973, and the way it was made, treated by the filmmaker and acted, makes it a must-watch for every cine-goer. It is only two hours long, an exception in Hindi cinema and as expected by a great director like Mukherjee, whose films are always realistic and balanced, never goes overboard.

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This is one of my all time favorite films. Amitabh plays the young heartthrob Subir Kumar - a famous pop singer - and he pulls it off with great panache and style. I saw the film as a young teenager and fell in love with the 'Meet Naa Mila Re Man Ka' persona immediately! On a trip to a village he meets a young girl Uma (Jaya Bhaduri) and is mesmerized by her innocence and her singing. There is a quick romance and marriage and the happy couple are back in the glamor life of Bombay. Subir wants him and Uma to sing together and make a successful career. But a storm is brewing and we hear the veteran David remarking to someone that Uma is way more talented and this would be a mistake leading to a rift in the marriage. The predicted rift occurs when Subir's ego cannot swallow the fact that Uma is considered better, offered more assignments. Uma is heartbroken, pregnant and goes back to the village. The ending is predictable but very very sweet.
Amitabh gives a dynamite performance, first as the heartthrob, then as the lover and finally as the egotistical husband. I rate this as one of his finest performances, way better and nuanced than those endless angry young man roles he bored us with. But the film belongs to Jaya - she does the whole gamut from innocent young girl, to lover, to rejected wife in one of the most realistic performances ever seen. Jaya had true talent that did not rely on mere looks - she shone in almost every film, but this is a tour de force. The supporting cast of Mr. David, AK Hangal, Bindu, Asrani all shine, making this a well acted excellent film. The story, dialogs are superb, the direction is fantastic. The music is by Sachin Dve Burman - and the maestro concocts divine music. ALL songs are true gems but particular standouts are 'Meet Na Mila Re', 'Nadiya Kinare', 'Tere Mere Milan Ki Ye Raina'. Hrishikesh Mukherjee proves yet again that he is a master director - even within the trappings of a celebrity life style and glamor he gives us a most realistic film. Abhimaan is worth many a repeat watch. and touches me every time.

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This is a lovely little movie with really strong performances by Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri and the rest of the cast. It's about love, envy and understanding the dynamics of a relationship.
The film is beautifully and minimally directed, and the music is also lovely - my favourite is 'Bindiya'. The movie moves at a very nice pace, and the chemistry between Bachchan and Bhaduri is excellent and compelling. I understand this film was made around the time of their marriage, and it shows. They are adorable as a young couple in love who are torn apart by the vagaries of fame and success.
Jaya Bhaduri's subtle but comprehensive performance in this film is wonderful - for me, she is the star of this movie - the way she expresses herself with her eyes is powerful. Amitabh Bachchan supports her excellently with a nuanced and understated portrayal of his tragic character. Asrani is good too, I love the scene where he shows her the 'chhoti chhoti' socks.
I love the ending of this movie.. redemption and rediscovery is so sweet! A satisfying and mature Bollywood movie.

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I finished watching Abhimaan 15 minutes ago.I just loved this movie.Amitabh and Jaya share an envious chemistry in the flick and it does wonders to what the film tried depicting.Hrishikesh Mukherjee was one of the best directors around that time,and this is one of his gems and a milestone in Indian cinema.This is a movie that people won't get tired watching even half a century after it was been made,because the issues that Hrishikesh Da tackled in his movies were very a part of an Indian middle-class society and they still do prevail.
Watch this movie to feel the warmth of good film-making. Hrishikesh Mukherjee leaves the audience in tears in the end,as he never gets tired of doing that.Wonderful,and lovely!

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Hrishikesh Mukherjee made this masterpiece of Indian cinema three years after the equally marvelous 'Anand'.
More than just a reflection of man's ego, his fall from grace, eventual defeat, surrender and redemption, it is a fine glimpse of the delicate balance and intricate nuances of marriage, and of course, extra-marital relationships. Subir, himself a successful singer, is unable to digest his wife Uma's rising fame and its slow eclipsing of his own career. He crumbles under the weight of his misguided ego and misplaced pride.
The mythological underpinnings of this film are simply superb. Chandru (played so well by Asrani) says that he's not just Subir's manager, but more like a brother! But even the sane, balanced Laxman can't save Rama from life's inevitable follies. He leaves when insulted by Subir, who then takes aim at Uma and casts aspersion on her integrity, her morality and even her dignity. The interchange between Chitra, the other woman (played by Bindu) and Uma is unusual -- there's no acrimony or jealousy, just unconditional love. If you truly love someone, you must be able to accommodate all their faults and forgive! Shyam may not belong to both Radha and Mira, but surely both have equal right to love him!! That is so incredible. Chitra once calls him 'Subi', she retains the right to use a before-marriage nickname. But what about the wife..?
The cinematography, the editing and of course S D Burman's rendering of each song into a heavenly ode, is just incomparable. Jaya and Amitabh soar to such heights in this movie, they are hard to surpass. The shots where she is singing, framed by the microphones (imprisoned by Subir?!) and those of Subir talking to CHitra, looming large in the foreground, seemingly taller than his own ego, are just great.
Hrishi-da fans will recall Guddi, Bawarchi, Gol Maal, Mili (a gem) and Khubsoorat, made in the 1970s. Along with Basu-da (Basu Chatterjee) and Shakti-da (Shakti Samanta), this golden era of Hindi cinema sadly came to an end in mid-80s, after giving audiences many memorable films, some of which also became all-time hits.
It has been 30+ years since Abhimaan, and 30+ viewings later, it still holds the same charm as always. A truly evergreen film.

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What can be said about this old time classic movie? Perhaps it can be described as one of the best movies that I can remember watching in Bangalore with my parents thirty six years back and even that after I had heard that Amitabh Bachchan had got married to Jaya Bhaduri. Watching this film, made me remember those childhood days. A professional singer, whose career is soaring, marries a girl from a village, who has learnt singing from her father and whose career, he takes care of. But then his begins to falter and leads to jealousy.
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, Asrani, David Abraham, Bindu, Durga Khote and A.K. Hangal, this is superbly directed by the late Hrishikesh Mukherjee, while the music is by S.D. Burman I still remember watching Bindu as a vamp in many of the films before this and it made a change to see her in a role, which could have led her to be the 'other woman' in this, but she didn't and this made a difference in the story. Amitabh as the husband who becomes jealous is just superb and since this was released after 'Zanjeer,' he was by then very well known. Jaya Bhaduri was also perfectly cast as are Asrani and David Abraham.
The music by S.D. Burman is beyond any doubt as the best for this type of film and the songs – all of them are memorable even after thirty six years and while listening to and watching them, I was able to sing along, which nowadays is extremely rare to do so as many of the tunes are not so memorable. As the lyricist, Javed Akhtar, said recently, it is very rare to hear such tunes nowadays.
It's a shame that films such as 'Abhimaan' are no longer being made and if they are, they wouldn't do very well as times have changed, peoples taste have also changed and they will keep on doing so even after you, the reader, and I are no longer around.

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Abhimaan is a tale of how 'music' brings two singers (amitabh and jaya) together; how it creates disharmony in their marital life and drives them apart; and finally how the same music reunites them.
Excellent performances by Amitabh and Jaya. Asrani, A. K. Hangal, Durga Khote and Bindu as supporting casts have acted very well.
S. D. Burman's music direction is excellent, both background score and songs (all time hits). Very rarely one gets to see a Hindi movie like Abhimaan with background score at appropriate places.
Hrishikesh Mukerjee has directed the movie very well. An example is how he takes the story forward through direction of just one song (Ab tho hai tumse, kudos to S.D. Burman too). He also brings in social issues such as tax evasion, commercialization of music etc. without diverging from the main story line.

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Abhimaan explores the depths of human character. It's a movie that makes you think, that also makes you entertained. Put together the perfect couple, excellent songs, and a unique plot..you've got a great movie!
Subir Kumar (Amitabh Bachchan) is a famous singer, who has millions of fans. Despite the fact that he is adored, he is lonely. He barely has close friends, except for Chitra (Bindu) and Chander (Asrani). One day he goes to his Mausi's house, and hears a voice. He discovers Uma (Jaya Bhaduri). Before he goes back to his usual mansion, they get married. Ready for a perfect life.
But then the problems start. Uma's career reaches inimitable heights, and soon Subir feels quite lonely again..an even slightly jealous of his wife. Through all of this, Uma feels hurt, and says all the wrong things to her confused husband. Circumstances cause them to temporarily separate.
The fact is, Uma was pregnant when she goes to Subir's mausi's house. Everyone is mad at Subir now. Uma writes to Asrani telling him that she is expecting. Subir feels betrayed once again. Why didn't she tell him? He doesn't go to see Uma.
Uma miscarries the baby. Subir feels awful. Uma becomes depressed..how can this chain of unfortunate events ever be put together to make their once perfect life? Watch Abhimaan to find out! I rate this movie a ten. It has the perfect songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar.. 'Nadiya Ki Nare', 'Ab Tho Hai Tumse', and 'Piya Bina' being my favorites. There are nice duets, 'Teri Bindiya Re' sung by Lata and Rafi, and 'Tere Mere Milan Ki' by Lata and Kishore Kumar. There is also Kishore Kumar's trendy 'Meet Na Mila', which will surely entertain a movie watcher as well as a music lover. An excellent soundtrack by S.D. Burman.
Performance wise..spectacular by all! Amitabh, Jaya, Bindu, Asrani, Durga Khote, A.K. Hangal..they fit together like a perfect puzzle. Watch them all under the direction of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, to add another favorite to your list.

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This is a rather ordinary film UNTIL Jaya Bachchan makes her appearance. From that moment on the film gathers life and breath.
Touching tale of the marriage between a very popular singer (played by Amitabh Bachchan) and a simple, devout country girl. (Jaya Bachchan)
All goes well until the public begins to prefer the wife's singing over that of her husband. Arrogance, jealousy and envy possess him...and....a lot happens.
I won't say more.
See it for yourself.
Jaya is completely amazing...especially in the last 30 minutes.

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An enchanting film with notable songs tells the story of one man's ego & the lengths he is prepared to go to protect it. If that means putting his marriage at risk along the possibility of raising future generations than that is the price he is willing to pay. His wife (Jaya Bhaduri) in an effort to shield her husbands pride (Abhimaan) is prepared to give up her music in which she excels at to protect the relationship they have. But her husband seeing this as sympathy & is not willing to accept her sacrifice. Things spiral out of control affecting her mental state as she blames herself for the breakdown of their relationship. Eventually when her husband comes to his senses realising his mistake he rehabilitates her & they are reunited once again. Music remains the bond that brought them together which will always remain so, that will keep them from ever parting..
An excellent musical score from the maestro S.D. Burman breathes new life into the songs within the film which are given a new dimension. Hrishikesh Mukherjee's direction is second to none proving once again to be one of the leading directors from the 70's.

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Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 'Abhimaan' takes a look on gender role complexities and stereotypical thinking in a 70's modern day Indian marriage. Another equally excellent film that revolves around a similar theme is Basu Chatterji's 'Anubhav'. But both Mukherjee and Chatterjee tell their own stories and give their films different treatments.
We initially see Subir as this almost burnt out popstar who's fed up with partying, paparazzi, fame etc but Aarti's entrance into his life gives him a new focus and continues to inspire him to sing. Soon after their marriage, Uma's talent for singing is discovered and Subir encourages her to sing with him. As Uma's singing is more exposed (and she is the more talented artiste) she begins to gain more fame than her husband. Subir's envy becomes stronger and eventually his ego takes over and results in the collapse of their marriage.
Mukherjee's presentation of the themes and dilemma that arise within a marriage are very well depicted. I liked how he made the theme part of the story without having them stick out like a soar thumb. The strength of his films were always the down to earth touch and the characters and stories being easy to relate to. 'Abhimaan' is no different. Even though it's about a popstar, the problems that arise with the characters do occur with the common man. I especially liked how the movie ended with the couple despite walking through a crowd, they silently walk away holding each other as if they have just found each other and never want to let go. The writing is superb with some great dialogues. Even though the lines are of a few words, they speak volumes. Sachin Dev Burman's soundtrack is phenomenal. I love all the songs. Each and every one of them are beautiful. The lyrics are priceless. It's hard to pick a favourite but the first one that pops up in mind is the wonderful 'Tere Mere Milan Ki'.
Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri are at their best. I loved them both in 'Mili' and 'Chupke Chupke' (both also happen to be Hrishikesh Mukherjee films) and in 'Abhimaan' their roles are somewhat more complex than in the other two films. Bachchan's Subir could have easily been a one-dimensional caricature jealous husband but he brilliantly brings out the human side portraying him as a devoted husband who did try to accept this wife's more successful singing career until his ego got the better of him. At the same time he also feels guilt and is ashamed of his growing resentment towards Uma. Jaya Bhaduri is sublime. Her Uma is the devoted wife who shares her husband's passion but only Subir has always been her first priority. The supporting cast do a fine job but Asrani and Bindu deserve special mention. Asrani performs naturally as Subir's friend/manager and Bindu, who is cast against type, delivers a memorable performance as Subir's silent lover.
There are some glitches. For instance the scene where Subir, who clearly loves his wife, asks his doctor whether to perform electroshock therapy looks out of place. Perhaps it was Mukherjee's intention to state that such measures are not required to treat depression.
Overall, 'Abhimaan' is a timeless classic. The songs still feel fresh and stay in the head. The performances are outstanding. The story's very creative and one that still applies to today's society and Hrishikesh Mukherjee's magic touch makes this one a gem.

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Abhimaan is truly a masterpiece of Hrishikesh Mukherjee after Anand. Great direction, Great music{one of the most beautiful i have heard}, Great editing and script, Great story, and obviously Great acting make such a fabulous film like Abhimaan!!!
Amitabh Bachchan has truly done a fabulous job as Subeer Kumar. He shows the different humane shades with such ease!!! Jaya Bachchan too delivers a splendid performance!!! But Amitabh steals the show with his superb performance and completely great looks which bowl you over!!!
Kudos to both of them and Hrhikesh Mukherjee for making such a fabulous and evergreen film!!! Abhimaan is one of my favorite films!!! It truly shows Music can do wonders..and such a lovely music too!!! SD Burman has done a fabulous job.

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Hrishikesh Mukherjee made his best movies with Amitabh and this is one of the best of the best. Though many would think that this is a remake of the movie A STAR ID BORN (and is does look like it), it is actually based on the life of the genius Kishore Kumar and his first wife, the mother of singer Amit Kumar. Kishore was offered the leading role first but things didn't work out so it eventually went to AB. The very last scene of the movie where Amitabh and Jaya walk out of the auditorium was actually filmed the day both of them got married anbd went out of the hall. The song TERE MERE MILAN KI JEH RAINA has an extra version a capella in the movie which is not available on the soundtrack. A gem

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The inspiration behind the film ABHIMAN could have been any of the following (i) The singer-actor duo Kishore Kumar & Ruma Guha Thakurta and their lives (ii) The actors Amitabh Bachchan & Jaya Bhaduri (many opined that Jaya was a superior actor than Amitabh in those days) and their lives (iii) The Hollywood film A STAR IS BORN Whatever may have been the inspiration, this is a beautiful film laden with wonderful songs unfolding a tale of a singer couple (Amitabh & Jaya) , their quick romance and marriage and thereafter making music together. When the wife starts getting more recognition, male ego gets hurt and husband starts sulking endlessly taking recourse to booze and ex- flame (Bindu). Kudos to Hrishikesh Mukherjee for offering the role to Bindu as a sensitive friend, as it shows her in a different light and a far cry from her usual vampish roles. The directorial style is muted; to convey the deep agony of Usha (Jaya) upon losing her son at childbirth, the director uses a long shot, and the distance between Usha and her father (A. K. Hangal) in the same frame highlights the gulf that exists between them (signifying the loneliness of Usha) , even though Usha respected and cared for her father immensely. The acting is first- rate; Jaya and Amitabh are outstanding. David, Asrani, Durga Khote and A.K.Hangal are also memorable in the portrayal of their respective characters. The unspoiled village with its purity and keeper of the classical music tradition alive is contrasted with a materialistic music driven industry in its urban setting. Rating : 4.1 out of 5

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Gathering up titles to view for a poll being held on IMDb's Classic Film board for the best movies of 1973,I originally planned to watch the Bollywood movie Zanjeer,due to it being the title credited with giving lead actor Amitabh Bachchan his big break,and also making a new 'Angry Young Man' sub-genre the leading genre of Bollywood cinema.Searching round for a DVD of Zanjeer on Ebay,I ended up stumbling up on another of Bachchan's 1973 titles which was about to go in 5 minutes,which led to me picking up a guitar,and getting ready to play Abhimaan for the first time.
The plot:
Being India's leading pop star,Subir Kumar finds that he has no time in his life for anything not related to his career,with his manager (and best friend) Chander Kripalani arranging for Subir to do nothing but a touring/recording cycle.Finding that he is receiving so much fan mail that he will never be able to reply to it all,Kumar asks Chander to bin all the letters,and to not tell him about any new fan mail.Initially following orders,Kripalani finds himself breaking Subir's demand faster than expected,when he receives a hand delivered letter from Kumar's aunt Durga.
Delighted at hearing from a relative who he has not seen in ages,Subir arranges for Chander to cancel his current tour,and heads out to pay Durga a surprise visit.Welcomed with open arms by his aunt,Kumar finds his attention caught by a beautiful woman called Uma,who is Durga's next door neighbour. Nervously talking to Uma,Subir soon discovers that he has found a kindred spirit,when Uma reveals that she sings from the heart.Feeling that they've found their soul mate,Uma and Subir get marred,and soon head back to the big city.
Returning to the big city,Kumar tells Chander that his solo career is over and that he will now only be signing duets with Uma.Despite being certain that he and his wife are guaranteed a successful duet career,Subir soon discovers that Uma will have the solo career which he has always desired.
View on the film:
With music being at the heart of the film,composer Sachin Dev Burman wisely stays away from the musical trends that were gaining popularity at the time,by making Subir and Uma Big Band/Jazz singers style pop stars,which along with giving the superb songs a delightfully lively feel,also gives the film a strong sense of timelessness,thanks to Burman taking a classical approach instead of just simply cashing in on musical styles which would drab in 5 years time.
For the screenplay of the movie,co-writer/ (along with Nabendu Ghosh,Rajinder Singh Bedi,Mohini N. Sippy and Biresh Chatterjee)director Hrishikesh Mukherjee take a rather daring approach for the time period,by exploring the increasing freedoms for women in society,with the writers brilliantly showing Kumar become detached from his relationship with Uma,thanks to Kumar having the view,that women should not take 'their mans' spot in being the main money maker,and dominant force of the relationship.
Making sure to stop the film from ever becoming dry,the writers smartly make sure to give the title a sprinkling of Comedy to help it bounce merrily along,with Chander (played by Asrani) being a particularly hilarious highlight of the movie.
Putting their own cash on the line so that the film could get made,the then-recently married Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri both give extraordinary performances which perfectly display the qualities that each of them bring to the relationship.
Starting off with a terrific swagger as he dances on the stages as India's leading pop star,Bachchan gradually shows Kumar to become dazed & confused,as he finds the limelight leaving him and going over to his wife,which Bachchan shows leads to Kumar building a high wall between himself and Uma.Going in the opposite directing of Bachchan,Bhaduri gives a breath taking performance as Uma,with Bhaduri showing Uma come out of her shell as she takes a liking to the limelight,thanks to music having a connecting to her soulful belief's on notes that Kumar has never reached.

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Abhimaan is the best film ever made in India. It is special not just because of one reason. it is a simple story narrated in a very touching and mesmerising way, with out even getting to overdose of melodrama. The film touches the zenith when it comes to portraying jealousy of human nature. The story is very clearly and crisply said. Everything was very aptly placed, be it the prodigal and carefree ways of Subir or the innocent life of Uma. Film had seen the best from Amitabh Bacchan, Jaya Bacchan, Bindu and Asrani. All actors have portrayed their characters with such a simplicity and easiness that it leaves you awed. The music is perfectly tuned for the film. All the songs remain fresh even today. the film had the songs with all the flavours, with out getting any loud. The cinematography of the village is just heart taking. The simplicity of the background adds more taste to the film. Thus overall the film had a very good message that was presented in a very simple, strong and comprehensive way. Kudos to Hrishi Da.

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This 70s Bollywood saga plays like an Indian version of A Star Is Born, only on a much smaller scale and without any of the Hollywood razzmatazz. A young Amitabh Bachchan (looking a bit like an Asian George Hamilton) plays Subir Kumar, a hugely successful pop star who takes the comely village girl Uma (Jaya Bhaduri) for his wife. Things are idyllic until it becomes apparent that Uma's career is taking off while Subir's is faltering, a reversal of fortunes that threatens both their marriage and Uma's sanity.
Where this version differs from the American equivalent is in the representation of the female. In the Western world, even back in the 70s, women had achieved a large measure of equality while, judging from this film, in India they were still considered subservient to men. At one stage, Subir's friend Chandru (Asrani) warns him off another woman because she is rich and independent, reminding the singer that he has always claimed to want a wife who will serve and care for him. In a way, this gives a little more resonance to the plight of Subir when the autograph hunters begin abandoning him whenever his wife walks in the room and, to even things up a little, other women, such as Subir's platonic girlfriend Chitra (Bindu) and aunt (Durga Mausi) are portrayed as quite strong characters.
Like Western movies from the same era, this suffers from some dire 70s men's fashion. The lighting is also rather flat much of the time, and the whole affair looks a little cheap considering the fact that we are supposed to be looking in on lifestyles of the rich and famous. Nevertheless, the film is reasonably entertaining and, at a little over two hours, is fairly short for an Indian flick.

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