As part of the Retro Review series, we revisit Naya Daur, an epic clash between humans and machines. More than just a cinematic milestone, it became a tapestry woven from dreams, ambitions, and heartbreak—most poignantly marked by the absence of Madhubala, who lingers like a shadow over every frame.
Retro Review : Naya Daur (1957)
Starring : Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Ajit, Leela Chitnis, Jeevan, Johnny Walker, Chand Usmani
advertisement Director : BR Chopra
Music/Lyrics : OP Nayyar, Sahir Ludhianvi
Where to Watch : YouTube
Why To Watch : For its timeless themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of machines on life
Moral of the Story: Machines may race, but the human spirit sets the pace.
The year was 1956. Bombay’s film industry shimmered like a fresh monsoon puddle—vibrant, unpredictable, and brimming with reflections. Director BR Chopra had a dream, a story of human grit against the relentless march of machines. He called it ‘Naya Daur’ (The New Era).
The script was simple yet powerful: villagers fighting to preserve their horse-driven tongas in the encroaching age of buses. Dilip Kumar, already called the Tragedy King, was to play Shankar, the idealist and talkative tongawallah, the prototype that later inspired ‘Sholay’s’ chatterbox Basanti.
Opp
Continue Reading on India Today
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.