Made for Rs 18 Lakh, This Film Earned Rs 5.4 Crore 43 Years Ago"

There are few films in Bollywood that have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences, offering a perfect blend of entertainment and emotional depth. One such movie is a beloved family drama set in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, which left a lasting impact on generations of moviegoers. This film, which gained immense popularity upon its release, remains etched in the hearts of its audience.

Set in the picturesque backdrop of Jaunpur village, the movie was based on Keshav Prasad Mishra's novel Kohbar Ki Shart. Upon its release in 1982, Nadiya Ke Paar shattered box-office records, becoming a colossal commercial success. The film's earnings soared to nearly 30 times its budget! It went on to gross around ₹5.4 crores, a staggering figure considering its modest production budget of ₹18 lakhs.

Directed by Govind Moonis, the film starred Sachin Pilgaonkar as Chandan, Sadhana Singh as Gunja, and Inder Thakur as Omkar, among others. Sadhana Singh’s portrayal of Gunja became iconic, with her character being one of the most memorable aspects of the film.

A decade later, the movie was remade in Hindi as Hum Aapke Hai Koun by the same production house. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya in 1994, the remake featured an all-star cast, including Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Mohnish Bahl, Renuka Shahane, Alok Nath, Anupam Kher, and Reema Lagoo. Hum Aapke Hai Koun became an even bigger hit, crossing ₹124 crores worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its time.

The essence of Nadiya Ke Paar was retained in the remake, but with a more modern take on family dynamics, reflecting the changes in societal norms and relationships in the 1990s. Barjatya’s depiction of simple family dramas, coupled with his ability to capture old-world charm and evolving family bonds, made the film a classic. The music, songs, and dances of Hum Aapke Hai Koun were widely appreciated and have since become a part of Bollywood's cultural legacy.

‘Nadiya Ke Paar’ holds an IMDb rating of 8.2/10 and is available for streaming on Prime Video.

Sachin Pilgaonkar went on to have a successful career and married actress Supriya Pilgaonkar. Sadhana Singh also carved a name for herself in Bollywood, acting in over 20 films and later transitioning to television. She married producer Rajkumar Shahabadi and continued to build her presence in the entertainment industry.

‘Nadiya Ke Paar’ remains a cherished film, a symbol of timeless family values and an unforgettable piece of Bollywood history.