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Hindi commercial films produced in Bollywood are followed fanatically not just in India, but in other parts of the world as well. Now while the success of any film is measured grossly by its performance in the box office, there are certain films that go beyond just commercial success. They leave an indelible impression in the minds of true film watchers. Anand is one such film. Written and directed by the legendary film director Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Anand belongs to a rare category of films in many respects. Released in 1970, it is a cinema that got both critical and commercial success.

It is also a film that conveys some deep philosophical understanding about life and death without getting unnecessarily ambiguous. The character of Anand in Anand was played by Rajesh Khanna and the character of Babu Moshay in Anand was portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan. The heart-rendering dialogs of the film were penned down by the poet-lyricist Gulzar while the music was composed by another legend Salil Chowdhury.



The film Anand showcases two of The Unforgettable Characters in Bollywood - Anand himself and Babu Moshay. Anand Sehgal (Rajesh Khanna), who is suffering from cancer and has very little chance to recover, meets an idealistic young doctor named Bhaskar Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan). He is actually the Babu Moshay in Anand. Bhaskar is somewhat disillusioned with the drab reality of his country stricken with poverty and grief. He finds no one to cling on to in hours of utter despair and helplessness. The course of his life changes as soon as he meets Anand. The robust and happy nature of Anand weaves a web of hope around everyone he happens to come across - be it a stranger or a friend. Now the shock comes. Bhaskar comes to know from one of his friend, who is also a doctor, that Anand is suffering from cancer and that Anand is well aware of the truth that his days are numbered. Yet Anand is so full of life and enthusiasm. He fondly calls Bhaskar Babu Moshay and indulges in all sorts of childlike mischiefs with him. Bhaskar and other characters in the film helplessly await the day when Anand would breathe his last. The viewers get a shock when Anand`s famous dialog "Zindagi aur maut uparwale ke haath hai jahanpana, jise na aap badal sakte hai na mein..." gets played in the background while Bhaskar and other friends of Anand break down in tears over Anand`s lifeless body.

Amitabh Bachachan sensitively portrays the character of Babu Moshay in Anand. While the plot of the film was more suitable to Rajesh Khanna`s role as Anand, the main challenge for Amitabh Bachchan was not to overdo his part. His measured acting provided all the artistic liberty that the role of Anand needed.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee got the idea of Babu Moshay in Anand from his mentor Raj Kapoor. He dedicated the film to Raj Kapoor and the people of Mumbai.