Dahej (1950)
A searing 1950 Hindi drama by V. Shantaram that confronts the cruelty of dowry culture through one family's heartbreaking story.
Dahej - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1950
- Directed by: Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 29m
- Original Language: Hindi
- Spoken Languages: Hindi
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 31, 1950 (India)
- Production Countries: India
Dahej - Plot
Thakur is a proud and dignified man who loves his only daughter, Chanda, dearly. His wife and he receive a proposal for Chanda from the house of a lawyer and his wife. While Thakur accepts the proposal, he makes it clear to the lawyer that he is unable to afford any dowry. After the wedding, Chanda's mother-in-law starts harassing Chanda about her lack of dowry.
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Dahej - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre
Main Cast
- Prithviraj Kapoor
- Lalita Pawar
- Mumtaz Begum
- Ulhas
- Karan Dewan
- Keshavrao Date
- Jayashree
Dahej - FAQs
What is Dahej about?
Dahej follows Thakur, a dignified father who arranges his daughter Chanda's marriage while honestly admitting he cannot provide a dowry. After the wedding, Chanda's mother-in-law subjects her to relentless harassment over the missing dowry, exposing the cruelty of a deeply entrenched social practice in Indian society.
Is Dahej based on a true story?
Dahej is not based on a single true story, but it draws directly from the widespread real-life suffering caused by dowry demands in Indian society. Director V. Shantaram crafted it as a bold social commentary, reflecting the everyday reality faced by countless women and families across India at the time.
Who directed the 1950 film Dahej?
Dahej was directed by Shantaram Rajaram Vankudre, widely known as V. Shantaram, one of Indian cinema's most celebrated and socially conscious filmmakers. He was renowned for using cinema as a vehicle for social reform, and Dahej stands as one of his most impactful works on the dowry issue.
Who are the main actors in Dahej?
The film features a remarkable ensemble cast including Prithviraj Kapoor, Lalita Pawar, Mumtaz Begum, Ulhas, Karan Dewan, Keshavrao Date, and Jayashree. Prithviraj Kapoor, one of Bollywood's most iconic figures, leads the cast as the proud and loving father Thakur.
Why is Dahej considered an important Indian film?
Dahej is considered a landmark in Indian social cinema because it tackled the dowry system head-on at a time when the practice was deeply normalized. Released in 1950, shortly after Indian independence, it helped spark public conversation about dowry abuse and remains a historically significant film in Hindi cinema.
When was Dahej released?
Dahej was released on December 31, 1950, in India. It arrived in the early years of independent India, a period when filmmakers like V. Shantaram were actively using cinema to challenge social injustices and advocate for reform in Indian society.
What are films similar to Dahej?
If Dahej resonates with you, you might enjoy other Indian dramas exploring social themes, such as Patna Shuklla (2024), Shiddat (2021), Biradari (1966), Aaram (1951), Ek Thi Larki (1949), and Himmat (1970). These films share a similar spirit of social awareness and human drama.
How long is the film Dahej?
Dahej has a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes (149 minutes). For a 1950 Indian production, this substantial length allowed V. Shantaram to develop the characters and social themes with considerable depth and emotional weight.
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