Dhruba

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Dhruba is a 1934 Indian Bengali mythological drama based on Girish Chandra Ghosh’s story Dhruba Charit. It was co-directed by poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Satyendranath Dey. The film stars Probodh as Dhruva, Nityananda Ghatak as Vishnu, and Kazi Nazrul Islam as Narada, with Miss Violet, Parul Bala, and Angurbala in supporting roles.

In the story, the celestial sage Narada meets the meditating boy Dhruva in a forest and teaches him how to win the grace of Lord Vishnu. Set in ancient times, the tale involves King Uttampad, his wife Suniti, and Sundari. Suniti is imprisoned in exile, and after five years she returns and Dhruva is born. Dhruva learns to worship Lord Hari, meditates deeply, and is blessed by Narayan, who helps him return to his father’s kingdom.

The film released on January 1, 1934, under Madan Theatres and Pioneer Films Company. Nazrul Islam served as the music director at Madan Theatres, and Pioneer Films Company was founded in 1933 by Mrs. Piroj Madan. Of 18 songs in the film, Nazrul wrote and composed 17, and he sang one solo and one duet with Probodh, since playback singing had not yet been introduced.

Dhruba is culturally significant as one of Nazrul’s landmark works: a Muslim filmmaker directing and acting in a Hindu myth, showcasing cultural fusion. Nazrul also contributed most of the film’s music. Unfortunately, the original nitrate negatives deteriorated during the COVID-19 lockdown, and only a few clips survive online.