Laila Majnu

Laila Majnu poster for sale.

Featured here is an actual surviving vintage Bollywood poster of the 1976 cult classic co-written and directed by Harnam Singh Rawail (H.S. Rawail) that starred Rishi Kapoor and debutante Ranjeeta in lead roles.

Presented by Shankar B.C. and released under the Delux International banner, Laila Majnu (1976) also starred Danny Denzongpa, Aruna Irani, Asrani, Paintal, Raza Murad, Ranjeet, Iftekhar, Achala Sachdev, Preeti Ganguly, Jagdish Raj, Sunder, Tom Alter, Mumtaz Begum, Kamaldeep and Ram Avtar in supporting roles.

Produced by Ram B.C. and Seeroo Daryani, Laila Majnu (1976) featured Kamal Kapoor, Murad, Sudhir and writer Abrar Alvi in guest roles. Shot extensively in Rajasthan (Bikaner & Churu), Laila Majnu (1976) was based on the ancient Arabic folklore of Layla and Majnun – one of the most popular romantic stories of all time that is counted as an Indian version of Romeo and Juliet.

After his debut in Bobby (1973), Laila Majnu (1976) was Rishi Kapoor’s second blockbuster hit, cementing his status as a bankable star in Bollywood.

Laila Majnu (1976) told the story of star-crossed lovers princess Laila (Ranjeeta) and commoner Qais also known as Majnu (Rishi Kapoor). The two are deeply in love with one another since their childhood days but as they belong to rival clans, they are separated at an early age. Years later when they reunite, their undying love for each other is rekindled. Laila’s short tempered brother Tabrez (Ranjeet) kills Qais’s father, who in turn avenges the killing by murdering Tabrez. For the crime, Qais is banished from the city. He wanders the sand dunes thirsting for a glimpse of his beloved Laila, who on the other hand is married off to prince Bakhsh (Danny Denzongpa).

Printed and circulated during a subsequent release of the film (somewhere in the late 1970s), this original Laila Majnu poster was designed for publicity of the film in north Indian theaters but never ended up being used.

This Laila Majnu poster was originally designed in hand painted oil on canvas format by an art studio in Delhi, giving it a very quirky appearance.

A stunning hand painted rendition of the two lovers locked in an embrace is seen prominently in this Laila Majnu poster. The title of the film appears in calligraphy style English font on the top in red. An announcement on the poster reads, “Mankind’s Greatest Love Story.” The credits at the bottom of this original Bollywood poster appear in striking yellow font against a red background.

The soundtrack album of Laila Majnu (1976) was composed by Madan Mohan, while lyrics were written by Sahir. It was a stellar success at the time of it’s release. “Husn Hazir Hai” (Koi Pathar Se Na Mare Mere Deewane Ko) sung by Lata Mangeshkar is fondly remembered and played till date. “Barbad-E-Mohabbat ki Dua” and “Tere Dar Par Aaya Hoon” sung by Mohammad Rafi were other blockbuster hits from the album.