Arpan
Arpan (transl. Dedication) is a 1983 Indian Hindi-language drama film produced and directed by J. Om Prakash under the Filmyug Pvt. Ltd. banner.[1] It stars Jeetendra, Reena Roy, Raj Babbar and Parveen Babi, with music composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal.[2] The film was released on 1 April 1983.[3]Background and production
Development
J. Om Prakash produced and directed Arpan as the final installment in his trilogy of romantic dramas centered on love triangles, following Apnapan (1977) and Aasha (1980), with Jeetendra starring in the lead role across all three films.[4][5] The story was conceived by J. Om Prakash, with screenplay and dialogues penned by Ramesh Pant, focusing on themes of sacrifice and unrequited love reflective of emotional complexities in interpersonal relationships.[6] Pre-production began under the Filmyug Pvt. Ltd. banner, with the project announced in late 1982 ahead of its principal photography.Casting and filming
The lead role of Anil Verma was played by Jeetendra, marking his third collaboration with director J. Om Prakash following Apnapan (1977) and Aasha (1980).[7] Reena Roy portrayed Shobha, the central female lead.[7] Raj Babbar was cast as the antagonist J.K., while Parveen Babi took on the parallel lead of Sona.[8] Initially, Jaya Pradha was signed for one of the heroine roles but was replaced after her father had a dispute with the director.[7] Supporting roles included Shashi Puri as Rakesh, Priti Sapru as Vinnie Verma, Dina Pathak as Mrs. Verma, Sudhir Dalvi as Dr. Verma, and Sulochana Latkar in a maternal part, with comic relief provided by Paintal as a taxi driver and other character actors like Tom Alter and Sujit Kumar.[8] The technical crew featured V. Babasaheb as cinematographer, responsible for capturing the film's dramatic sequences, and Nand Kumar as editor.[9] Principal photography occurred primarily in Mumbai studios, with outdoor sequences likely shot in India to align with the film's release timeline in early 1983.[2] Production faced a minor setback with the recasting of a lead due to the interpersonal conflict, but the film wrapped efficiently as part of J. Om Prakash's successful trilogy formula.[7]Synopsis and cast
Plot summary
The story begins with Anil and Shobha, a young couple deeply in love and preparing for marriage. Shobha, who works at a private firm owned by the multimillionaire industrialist J.K., is left to care for Anil's family—including his mother and sister Vinnie—while Anil departs for a year abroad to advance his career prospects. During his absence, Vinnie develops a relationship with Rakesh, another employee at the firm, leading to complications that J.K. exploits due to his prior rejection by Shobha. To protect the family's honor and resolve the crisis, Shobha enters an arranged marriage with the wealthy but initially antagonistic J.K.[10][11] Upon Anil's return, he is devastated to learn of Shobha's marriage to J.K. and Vinnie's union with Rakesh. Misunderstandings arise as Anil, still harboring feelings for Shobha, marries Sona, a kind-hearted singer who provides emotional support amid the turmoil. The central conflict unfolds through emotional entanglements, with J.K.'s hostility creating further strain, while Sona navigates her husband's unresolved affections and the broader family dynamics.[10] The narrative builds to a climax with the revelation of J.K.'s terminal illness, prompting his transformation from antagonist to remorseful figure. Shobha becomes pregnant with J.K.'s child. J.K. passes away, and later Sona suffers an accident that leaves her unable to conceive. Shobha gives birth to a son and makes a selfless decision to offer her child to Anil and Sona. The film resolves tragically with the family's reconciliation overshadowed by Shobha's death in Anil's arms, as he realizes the full extent of her sacrifices, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and ultimate dedication.Cast
Jeetendra stars as Anil Verma, the protagonist torn between romantic entanglements.[2]Reena Roy portrays Shobha, the sacrificial love interest who prioritizes family obligations.[2]
Raj Babbar plays J.K., the antagonistic husband central to the family conflicts.[2]
Parveen Babi appears as Sona, the supportive second wife offering emotional stability.[2] Supporting roles include Priti Sapru as Vinnie Verma, Anil's sister navigating her own relationships,[12] and Shashi Puri as Rakesh, a family associate.[12] Sujit Kumar enacts Ashok, another key family member,[2] while Dina Pathak serves as Anil's mother, providing maternal guidance.[13] Additional supporting performances feature Sudhir Dalvi as Sona's father, Sulochana Latkar as Shobha's mother, and Tom Alter in a brief role.[13] The ensemble includes minor contributions from child actors in family scenes.[8]
Soundtrack
Track listing
The soundtrack of Arpan consists of six songs composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal, with lyrics penned by Anand Bakshi. The album was released by Saregama and runs for a total duration of 32 minutes.[14][15] The songs feature playback singing by prominent vocalists of the era and are picturized on the film's lead actors, including Jeetendra, Reena Roy, Parveen Babi, and Raj Babbar, in sequences highlighting romance, separation, and emotional drama.[6][16]| No. | Title | Singer(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pardes Jaake Pardesiya - I | Lata Mangeshkar |
| 2 | Mohabbat Ab Tijarat Ban Gayi Hai | Anwar |
| 3 | Pardes Jaake Pardesiya - II | Lata Mangeshkar |
| 4 | Tauba Kaise Hain Nadaan Ghungroo | Lata Mangeshkar |
| 5 | Teri Meri Shaadi Hogi | Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar |
| 6 | Likhne Wale Ne Likh Daale | Lata Mangeshkar, Suresh Wadkar |