Mela

Dilip Kumar movie poster for sale.

This is an actual surviving vintage original Bollywood poster of the 1948 romantic tragedy that starred the “Tragedy King of Bollywood,” superstar Dilip Kumar in the lead role opposite Nargis. Produced by Wadia Movietone, the film also starred Jeevan, Rehman and Nur Jehan. Mela was produced and directed by S. U. Sunny. The film was a Wadia Movietone presentation and J. B. H. Wadia’s wife Hila Wadia co-produced the film.

Printed and circulated during the actual screening of the film in theaters (somewhere in the 1950s), this vintage Dilip Kumar movie poster was printed for publicity of the film but never ended up being used.

This vintage Bollywood poster was originally hand painted on canvas by an art studio in Mumbai. A printed signature of artist Balkrishna is seen on the bottom right corner of this Dilip Kumar movie poster. Stunning portraits of superstar Dilip Kumar and actress Nargis are seen prominently in this poster. The two seem to be gazing into the future, eyes filled with hope. Beautiful blue highlights appear outlining their figures. A “mela” or carnival is seen in the background with a Ferris wheel and other attractions in this Dilip Kumar movie poster.

A memorable song from the film, “Ye Zindagi Ke Mele Duniya Mein Kam Na Honge; Afsos Hum Na Honge” (English translation: This world will see carnivals to no end. Alas, I won’t be there to witness the same”) is seen bordering musical notes. The title of the film is seen in both Hindi as well as in English at the top.

The film’s music was composed by Naushad, while lyrics of the songs were written by Shakeel Badayuni. The soundtrack album played a pivotal role in Mela’s commercial success at the box office; so much so that Mela was touted as “Naushad’s Golden Jubilee (fifty weeks) Mela.”

Songs such as “Dharti Ko Aakash Pukaare” and “Taqdeer Bani Banke Bigdi” sung by Shamshad Begum became extremely popular at the time of the film’s release. “Ye Zindagi Ke Mele Duniya Mein Kam Na Honge; Afsos Hum Na Honge,” the only song in the film sung by Mohammed Rafi, catapulted him to success. “Gaye Ja Geet Milan Ke” sung by Mukesh was another popular song that is fondly remembered till today.

In 1956, a Telugu remake of Mela was made called Chiranjeevulu.