Yehi Hai Zindagi (1977) (Movies To See Before You Die - Drama)

Very few movies have got the immense power to transform the viewer, teaching him an important lesson of life through its fictional drama. Such movies cannot be made intentionally, but they get made on their own with the help of an invisible creative-spiritual power that mysteriously guides the team in their making process. And one of these Spiritual Classics is “Yehi Hai Zindagi” released in 1977, directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan.

Now why it is being called a Spiritual Classic? 
That’s because the movie features LORD KRISHNA visiting the protaganist Sanjeev Kumar at regular intervals of life, granting him all he wishes for, of the material world. At first Sanjeev doesn’t believe that he is the GOD meeting him in person, so he very casually treats him as a ‘theater artist’ dressed in the attire of LORD KRISHNA. Even later, when he unwillingly has to accept the truth, he starts asking ‘Big things’ from THE LORD just to test his powers and KRISHNA goes on fulfilling his every single wish at an appropriate time.

However, the moment Sanjeev starts becoming rich from a poor labourer, his minds begins functioning differently, his EGO comes into action and from here onwards the film gets into the mould of A LIFE TEACHING LESSON with many interesting twists & turns in its well written script. A pure gem for its every sequence of the enlightening interaction between KRISHNA (adorably played by Vikram Gokhale) and Sanjeev Kumar at the various phases of his life, the film has some exceptionally written dialogues which are so simple yet highly effective, that seriously force you to think establishing an instant connection. Particularly watch out for the conversations with the word “My Sin” which is simply outstanding and insightful work from both the writer and the director, still remembered as the key feature of the film by many who watched it in the theaters or later at Doordarshan.

Besides, “Yehi Hai Zindagi” is an important venture, because it teaches you the meaning of EGO and Self Centered Personality in a very straight forward and entertaining way. The director uses many commendable light comical moments in the film which don’t let the movie movie into a too preachy, philosophical or heavy. zone So at one end, you are having fun seeing Sanjeev fighting with THE GOD like a child, and at the same time you are also being taught some precious lessons of life quite effortlessly.

Therefore, it can easily be included among the career best performances of both Sanjeev Kumar and Vikram Gokhale, who is a real delight to watch playing the role of LORD Krishna with a mysterious smile.

Representing its thoughtful theme, a song in the movie says it all in just one beautifully written line, which goes as,

“Pyaar Ka Badla Mujhe Dekho Kaisa Mila, Pyaar Ke Badley……Mujhko Paisa Mila!”

It’s really sad that our Hindi Film Industry forgets its own fine gems and doesn’t even care to re-store their original prints for the current generation. The film is presently available at Youtube and Home video.

Summing up, if you really want to give your family a good enlightening gift one fine weekend, then enjoy it together rediscovering the missing love and warmth. I am sure after watching it every single person in your family will have a cheerful smile on his/her face and some great positive thoughts to share.

So go for it at the earliest and feel the magic of life as loving guided by LORD KRISHNA.

Directed By K. S. Sethumadhavan
Starring : Sanjeev Kumar, Vikram Gokhale, Utpal Dutt, Ramesh Deo, Lucky Ali, Neeta Mehta and more.
Music by Rajesh Roshan
Lyrics by Anand Bakshi