Tere Ghar Ke Samne remains a delectable watch 62 years after its release.

Directed by Vijay Anand and produced by the legendary Dev Anand, TGKS is the tale of Rakesh, an architect who falls hook, line, and sinker for the charms of his client’s daughter Sulekh (Nutan, in a light-hearted role, excels in the characterisation—demonstrating, as always, her avant-garde histrionic abilities). The problem? Their respective fathers don’t get along and are always on the lookout for opportunities to pull down one another. How do the lead pair overcome these challenges forms the crux of the story.

The narrative is fluid, and the taut, well-written script manages to hold your attention throughout. The music by S D Burman is soulful, catchy, and mellifluous.  Who can forget the haunting “Tu Kahan Ye Bata” where Dev Anand traipses on the road hoping to attract the attention of Nutan or “Dil Ka Bhawar” shot in Qutub Minar where the director Vijay “Goldie” Anand makes a fleeting appearance.  One more lilting tune that strikes the right notes is “Sun Le Tu Dil Ki Sada” where Dev Anand tries to convey the message of love over hatred.  The film was a super-duper success at the box office. So, what are the five aspects of this classic that stand out?

1.     The characterisations of the lead pair’s mothers are as strong as the fathers. Pratima Devi (as Nutan’s mother) matches up to the formidable Harindranath Chattopadhyay (Nutan’s father). Mumtaz Begum (as Dev Anand’s mother) is vociferous in support of her son when she tries to bury the hatchet between the father (Om Prakash) and the son.

2.     The supporting cast has delivered a fascinating performance – Comedian Rajendranath plays Rony, Nutan’s supportive brother. For once, the comedian gets to play a role devoid of all the buffoonery that he is normally associated with. Zarine Katrak (who later married actor Sanjay Khan) has an extended cameo as Dev Anand’s secretary. Rashid Khan, who was a regular in Dev Anand’s films, manages to impress when he raises a flag supporting his boss when his father is breathing fire raging mad at his son’s decision to marry his arch rival’s daughter.

3.     The comic interludes blend well into the film’s narrative. The scene where Dev Anand introduces Nutan to his father as a queen’s granddaughter is downright hilarious. Or witness the scene in the club where both Rakesh’s father and Nutan’s father (literally) are at each other throats calling each other names. Trust Harindranath Chattopadhyay’s unique diction to add to the fun quotient.

4.     Dev Anand’s eloquent adaptation of India’s Panchsheel agreement to explain to his lady love the five cardinal rules in love is attention grabbing. So is his reference about China and “Cheen Kar Le Jaoonga”. (India and China were at war in 1962 and this movie was shot during those tumultuous times). These interludes between the lead pair are what make the movie engaging all through.

5.     Innovation… Look at the scene where Dev Anand drops an ice cube in a glass of wine with Nutan shivering and he retaliates by immediately removing the ice cube. It was 1963! The creativity is mind-boggling!      

A great screen play, well-etched characterisations, brilliant performances, great music –   this is what TKGS is all about….