Shankar Hussain (1977)
A touching Indian drama about a Hindu doctor who raises an orphaned Muslim boy as his own, celebrating compassion and interfaith harmony.
Shankar Hussain - Movie Information
- Original Title: Shankar Hussain
- Release Year: 1977
- Directed by: Yusuf Naqvi
- Type: Movie
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1977 (India - U)
Shankar Hussain - Plot
Dr. Uday Shankar is a kind-hearted Hindu gentleman who has chosen to practise medicine in a village rather than make money by working in a large city. Once, a devastating flood hits a nearby village and he goes there to minister to the affected people. At this time, he happens to rescue a Muslim child, Husain, whose entire family has been wiped out. He raises the boy as his own, alongside his own son, Ajay. As a good Hindu, he decides to raise the boy in the religion of his own parents, and Husain thus grows up to be a practising Muslim living in the backdrop of a Hindu household. Everyone loves the new addition to the household and Husain also is deeply attached to his new family.
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Shankar Hussain - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Yusuf Naqvi
Main Cast
- Kanwaljit Singh
- Pradeep Kumar
- Madhu Chanda
- Shreeram Lagoo
- Jalal Agha
Writers
- Kamal Amrohi
Shankar Hussain - FAQs
What is Shankar Hussain about?
Shankar Hussain follows Dr. Uday Shankar, a selfless Hindu doctor who rescues an orphaned Muslim boy named Husain after a devastating flood destroys the child's family. He raises Husain alongside his own son, nurturing him in the Islamic faith, and the story unfolds as a tender portrait of interfaith love and enduring family bonds.
Is Shankar Hussain based on a true story?
Shankar Hussain is not based on a specific documented true story. It is a fictional drama, though its themes of Hindu-Muslim coexistence and communal harmony reflect the very real social fabric and aspirations of India during the 1970s, giving the film a deeply grounded, authentic emotional resonance.
Who directed the 1977 film Shankar Hussain?
Shankar Hussain was directed by Yusuf Naqvi. The screenplay was crafted by the celebrated Kamal Amrohi, a legendary figure in Indian cinema known for his poetic sensibility and nuanced storytelling, which lends the film its distinctive warmth and literary depth.
Who are the main actors in Shankar Hussain?
The film features Kanwaljit Singh, Pradeep Kumar, Madhu Chanda, Shreeram Lagoo, and Jalal Agha in the leading roles. Shreeram Lagoo in particular was one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema at the time, bringing considerable gravitas to the production.
What themes does Shankar Hussain explore?
At its heart, Shankar Hussain explores interfaith harmony, the meaning of family, and the power of compassion to transcend religious boundaries. The story of a Hindu household lovingly raising a Muslim child speaks directly to ideals of secular coexistence that were especially resonant in post-Partition India.
When was Shankar Hussain released?
Shankar Hussain was released on January 1, 1977, in India. It received a U certificate, indicating it was suitable for universal audiences, which aligns perfectly with the film's gentle, family-oriented message of love and unity across religious divides.
What makes Shankar Hussain culturally significant?
The film stands out for its sincere portrayal of a Hindu family raising a Muslim child with full respect for his faith. Released in 1977, it offered a hopeful vision of communal harmony at a time when such messages carried real social weight in India, making it a quietly important piece of Indian cinema.
What are some movies similar to Shankar Hussain?
If you enjoy Shankar Hussain's themes of cross-cultural family bonds and human compassion, you might also appreciate A Passage to India (1984), a richly layered drama exploring cultural divides in colonial India, or The River (1951), another reflective film set in India that meditates on life, loss, and belonging.
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