Adapted from Danelle Steel's "Promise" a hugely successful book on star crossed lovers in an unusual triangle ..or is it ?
Set in Kashmir where Vikram Rai Bahadur (Rishi Kapoor) spots a lovely belle in the temple. He is immediately struck by her innocent beauty. He describes her to his friend who is a painter who creates a painting of hers. The young men make posters of this painting and paste it on every wall in the town. Understandably, Sunita (Poonam Dhillon), the girl in question, takes offense.
From " Takraar to Pyaar " ..and then Inkaar from Vikram's mother Sharda Devi ( Rakhee). An accident takes place. Vikram is injured and unconscious. Sunita is nastily disfigured. Sharda rushes to be with her son and taking advantage of Sunita's vulnerable mental condition, forces her to leave Vikram. and informs him that she is dead.
The doctor treating Sunita (Iftekhar), a good soul, realises that he must help Sunita, who is a young girl and has her whole life ahead, refers her to an eminent cosmetologist called Dr Mehra (Shammi Kapoor). Sunita is taken away to Dr Mehra. The poor girl weeps on being separated from Vikram but clings on hope that some day fate will again bring her to him.
Dr Mehra meanwhile studies Sunita's case and finds it challenging. Since he has no picture of the girl to refer to, he gives Sunita a new face, that is as attractive, but very different from what she was.
How Sunita now..Kusum Mehra confronts and later finds the truth and realises that the Promise given by Vikram has not been broken ..
There is another angle of Rita ( Sarika ) the woman Mom wants her son to marry. A very restrained performance showing unseen compassion.
What holds this film is the music by the wizard himself..Pancham .
Six exquisite tunes with timeless appeal. Gulshan Bawra, for once, abandoned his trademark colloquial, frivolous lyrics for real poetry and what emerged was arguably the best romantic album of the eighties. All the songs fit the film’s story perfectly, making the album all the more enjoyable.
Starting with "Yeh Vaada Raha" the album sets a standard that is upheld throughout the soundtrack. The title track has one of the coolest intro.’s ever, leading to a very ear-friendly duet. The touch of modern jazz fused with an Indian melody is made even more enjoyable by some great singing by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar, and some infectious rhythmic hand-clapping which is used to great effect in the film. Very few songs have this kind of appeal: the more you hear it, the more you want to hear it. Rewind!
There are three versions of this song all fitting into the storyline.
The solo, "Aisa Kabhi Hua Nahin" has Kishore Kumar describing the girl of his dreams. Listen to Kishore sing the heroine’s name, "Sunita, Sunita, Sunita…." at the beginning of the song and you’ll recognise where Ismail Darbar got his inspiration for the recurring riff in "Aakhon Ki Gustakhiyan" from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar team up again for three more duets. Firstly, "Jeene Ko To Jeete Hain Sabhi", which is a light hearted tune with rather philosophical lyrics.." Kyon hum rahe Ajnabi.. Humsafar hain sabhi.."
"Maine Tujhe Kabhie Kuch Kaha Tha" is a more conventional love song with a tune you’ll be humming for hours.
The more up-beat, "Ishq Mera Bandagi Hai", Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar continue to enthral us. The hand-clapping resurfaces briefly connecting it to the title track.. another gem from R.D. with a gypsy feel.
Finally, Asha Bhosle goes it alone for, "Mil Gayee Aaj Do Lehren". Asha’s singing is impeccable as she gives real shape to this finale number. The by now famous hand-clapping recurs giving a final turning point to the story (watch the film and you’ll know what I mean).
Yeh Vaada Raha is definitely one of R.D.Burman’s most accomplished albums. Indian melodies orchestrated.
We still hum the songs 40 years later.
Now if asked will I read "Promise" again or see " Yeh Vaada Raha".. my answer would be the latter
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