Kishore Kumar's small role in Rajkumar Santoshi's father's film
India is going to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026. This day also has special significance in the history of Indian cinema. On this day in 1947, as the country moved towards independence, many films were being screened in the theaters of Bombay. One of those films was PL Santoshi's 'Shehnai', which became one of the biggest Hindi hits of that year.
Shehnai: The biggest Hindi hit of the year
It is worth noting that it was not only 'Shehnai' that was released in Bombay on 15 August, but also another film 'Mera Geet', which was comparatively less successful. In contrast, 'Shehnai' gained immense popularity among the audience.
Leading actor in social drama
'Shehnai' was written and directed by PL Santoshi, father of Rajkumar Santoshi. This film was produced by Filmistan. It starred actors like Rehana, Nasir Khan, Indumati and VH Desai in lead roles. Interestingly, Kishore Kumar also played a small role of a police inspector in this film.
Synopsis of the story of the film
The story of 'Shehnai' revolves around a struggling entertainer and his family of four daughters, whose career and marriage he is worried about. It is an entertaining film which combines romance, comedy, family drama and music.
'Shehnai', released in 1947, starred Kishore Kumar, Indumati, Radhakrishna, VH Desai and Rehana. It was the fifth highest-grossing Indian film of the year 1947.