Maryada (1971 film)

Maryada is a 1971 Hindi-language Bollywood drama film directed by Aravind Sen. It stars Rajesh Khanna, Mala Sinha, Raakhee, and Tarun Bose in leading roles. The film revolves around the themes of family honor, social responsibility, and the consequences of choices made in the face of adversity.

The story follows Raju (Rajesh Khanna), a young man who struggles against societal expectations and economic hardship. He falls in love with Laxmi (Mala Sinha), a woman from a different social background, and faces numerous challenges in their relationship due to family pressures and prevailing social norms. Raakhee plays a pivotal role as a woman whose life intertwines with Raju's. The film explores the complexities of familial relationships and the sacrifices individuals make to uphold their maryada, or family honor.

The soundtrack, composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, was popular, with songs like "Jo Main Chali" and "O Murakhon Ke Sardar" becoming well-known. Maryada was a commercially successful film and is remembered for its melodramatic narrative and performances by its lead actors. It tackled themes that resonated with the audience of the time, making it a significant film in Rajesh Khanna's filmography and in the broader context of Bollywood cinema of the 1970s.