Mahfil (1981)
A 1981 Hindi drama in which a daughter's discovery of her secret twin unravels her family's most closely guarded past.
Mahfil - Movie Information
Mahfil - Plot
Widower Raghunath Singh lives a very wealthy lifestyle with his daughter, Shalini. While making a presentation on the importance of women, he is shot at by a woman, but is uninjured. Shortly thereafter, Shalini introduces him to her boyfriend, Advocate Ajaykumar Saxena, who turns out to be the nephew of Dindayal, Raghunath's childhood friend. Raghunath subsequently hires Amar to train Shalini to be a good businesswoman, and expects both to marry soon. Then Shalini finds out that there she has a twin named Ratnabai, who is the daughter of a Courtesan who had been intimate with Raghunath, and was responsible for the attempt on Raghunath's life. She brings Ratna to her home, much to the chagrin of her dad. Soon Ratna starts to make herself at home in her new surroundings, and her demands start to increase - from mimicking Shalini, to flirting with Ajay.
Where to Watch Mahfil
Looking for where to watch Mahfil?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Mahfil - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Amar Kumar
Main Cast
- Mohan Chandulkar
- Anil Dhawan
- Ashok Kumar
- Sadhana Shivdasani
Writers
- Khwaja Ahmad Abbas
Mahfil - FAQs
What is Mahfil (1981) about?
Mahfil follows wealthy widower Raghunath Singh, whose comfortable life is shattered when his daughter Shalini discovers she has a secret twin sister, Ratnabai, born of a courtesan. As Ratna moves into the family home, tensions rise over identity, loyalty, and a shared romantic interest.
Who are the main actors in Mahfil?
Mahfil stars Ashok Kumar as the patriarch Raghunath Singh, Sadhana Shivdasani in the dual role of twins Shalini and Ratnabai, Anil Dhawan as Advocate Ajay Kumar Saxena, and Mohan Chandulkar as Pritam.
Does Sadhana Shivdasani play a double role in Mahfil?
Yes, Sadhana Shivdasani takes on a double role in Mahfil, portraying both Shalini, the refined daughter of a wealthy businessman, and Ratnabai, her twin sister raised by a courtesan. The contrast between the two characters is central to the film's dramatic tension.
When was Mahfil released?
Mahfil was released on May 26, 1981, in India.
Where can you watch Mahfil online?
Streaming availability for Mahfil varies by region. You can check current platforms and viewing options, including any rental or purchase options, on JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for your location.
Who directed Mahfil (1981)?
Mahfil was directed by Amar Kumar, a filmmaker active in Hindi cinema during the 1970s and 1980s.
Who wrote the screenplay for Mahfil?
The screenplay for Mahfil was written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, a celebrated Indian writer and filmmaker known for his socially conscious storytelling and long association with Hindi cinema, including collaborations with Raj Kapoor.
What genre is Mahfil (1981)?
Mahfil blends Drama, Romance, and Action, weaving together a family melodrama about hidden identities and class conflict with romantic rivalry and moments of tension driven by its twin-sisters premise.
More About Mahfil
Explore further details about Mahfil on these authoritative film databases.