Saqi () is a 1952 Indian Hindi-language film directed by H. S. Rawail and starring Madhubala and Prem Nath. The film's music was composed by C. Ramchandra. Based on Arabian Nights, Saqi was one of the most expensive Indian films at the time of its release.
Plot The film told the story a common man named Ajeeb, who tries to woo the princess Rukhsana.
Cast Madhubala as Rukhsana Prem Nath as Ajeeb Gope as Genie Randhir as Sultan Iftekhar as Abdul Bipin Gupta as Vazir Cuckoo Moray as the item number "Door Door Se"
Production Saqi was the Indian version of Arabian Nights. The film was announced in February 1951, along with Badal, also starring Madhubala and Prem Nath.
Made on a budget of 10 lakhs, Saqi was an expensive venture at the time of its release.
Soundtrack Song Singer "Din Pehla" Lata Mangeshkar "Paas Na Aaiye" Lata Mangeshkar "Gham Ki Vadi Mein" Lata Mangeshkar "Khushi Se Door Hoon" Lata Mangeshkar "Kise Maloom Tha Ek Din Mohabbat Bezuban Hogi" Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood "Aa Gayi Hai Ishq Pe Bahar, Khatm Hua Intezar" Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi "Mera Mizaj Ladakpan Se" Mohammed Rafi "O Haseena Sambhal Sambhalke Chal" C. Ramchandra, Geeta Dutt "Raat Suhani" Shamshad Begum
Reception Writing for Filmindia, Baburao Patel called Saqi "a monumental waste of money" and "a stupid and boring picture".
The film was a financial failure. Alongside other big-budget flops like Amar and Bahut Din Huwe (both 1954), the failure of Saqi reportedly led to Madhubala being labelled a "jinx" by producers in the early 1950s.
Saqi was the last collaboration of Madhubala and Prem Nath. Eight years later, they planned to star in her production house venture, Pathan (released in 1962), but Madhubala fell sick and was replaced by Mumtaz.
References
Sources
External links