Mere Huzoor is a 1968 Hindi romantic drama directed and written by Vinod Kumar and produced by Malik Chand Kochar and Vinod Kumar under the Movie Mughals banner. The film stars Raaj Kumar, Mala Sinha and Jeetendra in the lead roles, with Johnny Walker, K. N. Singh, Zeb Rehman and David Abraham in supporting roles. The music was composed by Shankar–Jaikishan, with lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri.
The story revolves around Nawab Salim, Sultanat and Akhtar Hussain, forming an emotional love triangle. Akhtar, a poet, falls in love with Sultanat, while Salim, his benefactor and friend, also loves her. Sultanat chooses Akhtar, but their married life is later troubled when Akhtar falls into bad company and begins neglecting his family.
The film combines romance, friendship, sacrifice, family drama and emotional conflict, and is particularly remembered for its elegant Lucknow-based setting and memorable music.
The story begins with Akhtar Hussain Akhtar, played by Jeetendra, who saves the life of Nawab Salim, played by Raaj Kumar. Grateful for Akhtar's courage, Salim invites him to his magnificent home and offers him employment and a place to stay.
During his journey to Salim's home, Akhtar meets Sultanat, played by Mala Sinha, and is immediately attracted to her. Their meeting develops into love, and the two eventually decide to marry.
Unknown to Akhtar, Nawab Salim is also in love with Sultanat. Sultanat, however, does not accept Salim's proposal because her heart belongs to Akhtar.
Although heartbroken, Salim accepts their decision and continues to treat Akhtar with affection and respect.
Akhtar and Sultanat marry and have a son. Salim develops a deep affection for the child and remains connected with the family.
However, Akhtar gradually falls into bad company. He begins drinking and becomes involved with a courtesan named Firdous. His changing lifestyle causes serious problems in his marriage.
Sultanat is deeply hurt by Akhtar's behavior and asks him to change. Instead of accepting responsibility, Akhtar eventually divorces Sultanat and leaves her and their son.
Salim tries to help Sultanat and her child. However, rumours begin to circulate about Salim and Sultanat's relationship. Concerned about Sultanat's honour, Salim takes a difficult decision.
The story then moves through years of separation, regret and sacrifice. Akhtar eventually realizes the consequences of his actions and understands the value of the family he had lost.
The emotional climax brings the characters together again and highlights forgiveness, sacrifice, honour and selfless love.
The principal cast and character credits are listed by IMDb and other film databases.
Director: Vinod Kumar
Writer: Vinod Kumar
Producer: Malik Chand Kochar, Vinod Kumar
Production Banner: Movie Mughals
Music: Shankar–Jaikishan
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Cinematography: Prakash Antra
Editing: Prabhakar Supare
Language: Hindi
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: Approximately 165 minutes
The film is set around the cultural world of Lucknow, with its story featuring Nawabi traditions, poetry, romance and questions of honour and social reputation.
The music of Mere Huzoor was composed by Shankar–Jaikishan, with lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri. The soundtrack features playback singers including Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and Manna Dey.
“Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baaje Payaliya”, sung by Manna Dey, is especially notable and won him the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.
Mere Huzoor explores:
The central theme is that true love can involve sacrifice, patience and forgiveness, while careless choices can have lasting consequences.
Mere Huzoor remains remembered as a classic romantic drama of the late 1960s, particularly for the performances of Raaj Kumar, Mala Sinha and Jeetendra. The film's emotional love triangle and Lucknow-inspired atmosphere give it a distinctive place in Hindi cinema.
Its soundtrack is an especially important part of the film's legacy. “Rukh Se Zara Naqaab Utha Do Mere Huzoor” and “Jhanak Jhanak Tori Baaje Payaliya” continue to be associated with classic Hindi film music.