Muslim Social is one of the genres of Bollywood. Many films were made in this genre and many of them were great hits too. The 1950s to ’70s were the decades when the popularity of the Muslim social opened a window to a world both exotic and familiar at the same time.
Pukar released in 1939 was made by Sohrab Modi was based on Mughal emperor Jahangir, the Muslim social drama genre reached its peak with Mehboob Khan’s Najma (1943) starring Ashok Kumar and Sitara. After the success of this film, many films on Mughals were made including Humayun (1945) by Mehboob Khan, Shahjehan (1946) by A R Kardar.
in the 50s the Social drama of Nawabs and other top-class people of the society was made. In 1960 Guru Dutt produced and acted in Chaudhvin Ka Chand which became a hit opening the window for more such films. Here is the list of few such films.
Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960)- One of the top-grossing films of 1960, produced by Guru Dutt, directed by Mohammed Sadiq, starring Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman and Rehman.The setting is the city of Lucknow in UP, Aslam (Guru Dutt) and Nawab (Rehman) are the two friends caught in a love triangle with Jameela (Waheeda Rehman).
Mere Mehboob is a 1963 Indian film directed by H. S Rawail and starring Ashok Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Sadhana, Nimmi. The film became a blockbuster and took the number one position at the box office in 1963. It drew a background from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh and traditional Lucknow. The famous song "Mere Mehboob Tujhe Mere" was shot in the University Hall and in a couple of places, one gets to see the University.
Benazir (1964)- The film is a Bimal Roy production.Starring Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari, Shashi Kapoor and Tanuja. Directed by S.Khalil and music by Sachin Dev Burman. Benazir, a Muslim family drama, revolves around the film's key characters, Nawab, Anwar, Sahida and Benazir, among others. Nawab and Anwar are brothers who live in an upper-class neighborhood. Nawab is married and has a child. A bachelor, Anwar on seeing Sahida falls in love with her and proposes marriage to her. Although married, Nawab has an affair with Benazir, and keeps her as his mistress.
Bahu Begum is a 1967 Hindi film directed by M. Sadiq, and starring Pradeep Kumar, Meena Kumari and Ashok Kumar. The film has music by Roshan and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. This film is known for songs, "Hum Intezaar Karenge Tera Qayamat Tak", sung by Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle and "Duniya Kare Sawaal" by Lata Mangeshkar. The film is a Moslem period drama set in the erstwhile Era of Lucknow woven around a mythical story of Bahut Begum's manor.
Mere Huzoor is a 1968 film starring Raaj Kumar, Mala Sinha, and Jeetendra, Akhtar Hussain (Jeetendra) saves the life of Nawab Salim (Raj Kumar) and earns his gratitude. Salim invites Akhtar to come to his palatial home, On the way on a train journey, he meets beautiful Sultanat (Mala Sinha) and falls in love with her. On arrival at Salim's house, Akhtar is treated with the utmost respect, provided employment, and a place to live. Akhtar meets with Saltanat and both plan to get married. Unknown to them, Salim also loves Saltanat, but Saltanat rejects his advances, and proposal, leaving him heartbroken. Soon Saltanat and Akhtar get married and settle down.
Mehboob Ki Mehndi is a 1971 romantic musical film produced and directed by H. S. Rawail. The film stars Rajesh Khanna and Leena Chandavarkar. Shabana, the heroine is able to save herself, and her family, only by educating herself and doing the job of a tutor.
Pakeezah is a 1972 film, written, produced and directed by Kamal Amrohi starring Meena Kumari, Raj Kumar and Ashok Kumar .Meena Kumari's performance as a gold-hearted Lucknow nautch-girl drew major praise. However, this was to be Meena Kumari's last great performance. Set in the Muslim Quarter of Lucknow at the turn of the 20th century, the movie centers on the mental plight of a tawaif and her longing to be loved, accepted and respected by society.