Waqt

Story

Prosperous merchant Lala Prasanta hosts a big party to celebrate the birthdays of his three young sons. He is visited by an astrologer who warns him not to be too proud of his success. That night a massive earthquake strikes the town. When Lala regains consciousness, he discovers that his house has been destroyed and his beloved family scattered…

Why we chose it

Waqt follows the very different fortunes of the three brothers and their parents separated by waqt (time) and eventually, after many twists and turns, reunited by fate.

With its touching ‘lost and found’ storyline and catchy songs, Waqt was a critical and commercial success. It won many awards and was later voted one of the British Film Institute’s top Indian films of all time.

Despite its 206 minute running time and clunky special effects Waqt is an enjoyable and heart-warming tale and a piece of Indian cinema history.

Where it came from

Waqt was the second film directed by Hindi film-maker Yash Chopra. Chopra trained as an engineer but went to Mumbai to work as an assistant for his older brother B. R. Chopra, an eminent film producer.

The earthquake in the film evokes the Quetta earthquake of 1935 and the resulting chaos was said to be inspired by the disorder caused by the partition of India in 1947.

Waqt gave a fascinating glimpse of India in the Swinging Sixties, with an influential depiction of wealth and social class. It brought together many acting and singing talents of the day, pioneering the use of ensemble casts in Bollywood movies.

Where it went next

Waqt established Yash Chopra as a leading Indian filmmaker. He later founded his own production company, Yash Raj Films, which made famous thrillers and romances. Chopra was the first Indian to win a BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award. Waqt was remade in other languages in 1969 and 1981.

Associated stories

Chopra’s other notable films include the popular romantic musical Chandni (1989) and romantic drama Lamhe (1991).