Hatim Tai (1956 film)

Hatim Tai
Directed by	Homi Wadia
Produced by	Basant Pictures
Written by	JBH Wadia
Screenplay by	JBH Wadia
Story by	JBH Wadia
Starring	P. Jairaj Shakila Meenaxi Sheikh
Music by	S. N. Tripathi
Cinematography	Anant Wadadeker
Edited by	Kamlaker
Production company	Basant Studios
Release date	1956
Running time	142 min
Country	India
Language	Hindi

Hatim Tai is a 1956 fantasy film directed by Homi Wadia for Basant Pictures. The story, script and scenario were by JBH Wadia, with dialogues by Hakim Latta and Chand Pandit. The film had several past favorites of Wadia Brothers credited in the film title roll, like Sardar Mansoor, Mithoo Miyan, Dalpat as actors and Boman Shroff as production manager. The cast included Shakila, P. Jairaj, Meenaxi, Naina, Krishna Kumari, S. N. Tripathi, B.M. Vyas and Sheikh.

The film is about Hatim Tai (Hatim of Tayy), a merchant and poet who was known for his charity and kindness. In this Arabian Nights style fantasy Hatim Tai referred to as Shehzada (Prince) from Yemen, undertakes a perilous journey in order to save a young fairy turned to stone. He can do this by answering seven questions posed to him on the way.

While dispensing charity Hatim Tai (P. Jairaj), a kind-hearted Shehzada (Prince) of Yemen meets a young beggar who is the rich Shezada Munir. The girl Munir loves, Husn Bano, has been cursed by a fairy, Gulnar Pari (Shakila), that if she gets married she will turn to stone due to her father Saudagar (merchant) Bardoz’s unwelcome advances towards Gulnar. On finishing the curse Gulnar herself turns into a stone statue as a human hand has touched her. The father is repentant and has tried to get wise men from all over to find a way out of this predicament. There are seven questions written on the wall and on finding the answers for all, the curse will be lifted and Gulnar too will return to her normal self. Hatim Tai agrees to undertake the mission and extracts a promise of marriage between Munir and Husn Bano. Bardoz agrees to the promise and keeps Munir with him. Hatim Tai sets out with his companion Nazroo Dhobi on the journey, coming across mermaids from an undersea kingdom, and are able to answer the first question. They go through several similar adventures meeting Gulnar pari’s twin sister Husna Pari (Shakila), who helps them. Hatim Tai and Husna Pari fall in love but the marriage can take place if Husna gives up her wings. However, they have to wait as Hatim has to complete his task and Husna's father has to agree. Finally all the questions are answered along with several other adventures and Gulnar resumes normal form. Husna pari’s father gives permission for Hatim to marry Husna and Munir and Husan Bano also get married.