Humshakal (1974 film)

Humshakal is a 1974 Hindi movie directed by Jambulingam. The film stars Rajesh Khanna, Tanuja, Moushumi Chatterjee, Asrani and Aruna Irani. Music was by Rahul Dev Burman and lyrics by Anand Bakshi. The film was a remake of 1970 Kannada film Baalu Belagithu which was also remade in Telugu as Manchivadu (1973) and in Tamil as Oorukku Uzhaippavan (1976).

The songs of the film were extremely popular with Kishore-Asha duet Hum Tum Gum Sum being on the top of charts for more than a year. The tune of Rafi-Lata duet Kahe Ko Bulaya being even adapted as religious song in subsequent decades. Kishore Kumar considered the song "Rastaa Dekhe Tera Vyakul Man Mera” – close to his heart. As per the review by Hindu newspaper in 2016, the box office collections of the film were average and film was hit at the box office. The review quoted "Apart from the double role act by Khanna and the decorative inclusion of the pretty Moushumi and Tanuja, it is RD Burman who stands out with some delightful compositions."

Radha (Moushumi Chatterjee) is a poor girl and lives with her ailing mother. Once when she is out for buying medicine for her mother a goon tries to outrage her modesty and follows till her house. Laxman (Rajesh Khanna) is also a poor youth. Incidentally, he comes across Radha and saves her from the clutches of the goon. On the request of the dying old lady Laxman promises to take care of her daughter.

Sagar is a gang leader and forces young girls to blackmail rich men. While the gang leader was charging a young girl for not performing her duty well, his informer tells him about two Arab merchants (Rajesh Khanna and Ashrani) who will be present in a ball room party. Sagar reaches the ball room with his man. He asks his man to sit with a revolver and keep eye on the two merchants to find out their real intention. One of the Arab merchants (Rajesh Khanna) dances with a lady (Aruna Irani) and shows her a photograph of three sisters. This lady is also in the photograph. The Arab merchant whispers into her ear that he had promised her dying sister to find out the murderer and thus needs her help. She is about to divulge information about the murderer when the man, who is keeping eye on them, shot her dead.