The 1969 Punjabi film ‘Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai’ came at a time when the Punjabi film industry was on the margins. Making a Punjabi film was considered a loss-making deal, at such a time producer Panna Lal Maheshwari decided at his own risk to make the Punjabi religious film ‘Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai’ under the direction of Ram Maheshwari…It is said that He got the inspiration to make this film from a true incident which took place in the holy Golden Temple of Amritsar. The film ‘Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai’ is based on the same true incident. In this film, the veteran actors of that time Prithviraj Kapoor, Beena, IS Johar, Nishi Vimi and Som Dutt (Sunil Dutt’s brother), David, Jagadish Raj, Suresh have acted in the lead roles.
The film is set in 1947 Amritsar where Gurmukh Singh, a devout Sikh and prosperous businessman, lives with his wife and younger brother, Prem Singh. Trouble begins when Prem marries Ratan Kaur, which creates discord between the two brothers, the house and business are divided, nephew Gurmeet becomes blind, Gurmeet’s wife Channi loses her husband’s eyesight. Gurmukh Singh does not give up the trust of his Guru even in the most difficult circumstances. In the end, his faith wins. Gurmeet’s eyesight comes back and harmony is established in the family. And by the immense grace of Waheguru the whole family gets united again.
‘Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai’ was released on 15 April 1969 on the occasion of 500th Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Ji. It did good business at the box office and proved to be a hit. The success of the film also breathed life into the oblivion of the Punjabi film industry. ‘Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai’ proved to be the most successful film after India’s independence and it also won the National Award (1970) and the Best Music Director Award. The biggest role in the success of the film was played by music composer S. Mohinder.
On 27 November 2015, the film ‘Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai’ was digitally restored and re-released by Wave Cinema, which was highly appreciated with great features and tremendous music quality. The first teaser of the film was released on 17 November 2015 at a function of the Kapoor family in Mumbai. It was unveiled in which Prithviraj Kapoor’s family along with actor Dharmendra, actress Nishi who acted in this film, musician S. Mohinder, along with many stars of Punjabi and Hindi film industries were also present. The trailer of the film was seen at Delhi’s historic Gurudwara Rakab Ganj. Launched in Sahib
I think it would not be wrong to call ‘Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai’ the most successful and popular Punjabi film of the hundred years of Indian cinema. ‘Suhani Yaade’ with the memories of the Punjabi film ‘Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai’, which was released on Gurupurva 54 years ago. On behalf of the bygone golden era, many congratulations to all of you on the 554th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
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