I first saw this movie when it was first released in the cinemas in 1970. The movie shows the life of a clown, who has gone through many ups and downs in his life. As a child he is infatuated by his teacher, Mary but due to being poor he has to try and help his mother by acting like a clown. He finds out that his father was a clown in circus and that he is killed in an accident. He is finally expelled from school despite objections from the teacher. On his departure, he is informed that the teacher is leaving and is getting married and that her fiancé wants him to be his best man. At the same time, he is handed back a doll of a clown, which he had once given to his teacher. The next part is when he grows up and meets some Russian circus artists and decides to try and join them. During this time he falls in love with a female trapeze artist and despite language barrier he dreams of marrying her. but soon his mother, on finding out his real job, dies during one of his performances and he decides that life has to go on. But the circus closes and the artists return. Once again, he is handed the doll back The third and the final part is where he meets a dancer, Meena, who has to dress up as a boy in order survive. They fall in love and do many shows during which time, he informs her that he hates liers and leaves her for a while. Upon his return he gives her his doll. But soon this is returned when Meena finally finds a man with whom she thinks she will find fame with. The movie has a multistarcast, including Raj Kapoor himself. It is also partly based on his life. The music is provided superbly by Shankar Jaikeshen and the songs are meaningful and with emotions and are sung by the late Mukesh. Even after all these years, when I listen to the songs, I still find them full emotions but still fresh as ever and especially:"Jeena Hana Marna Hana" and Jane Kahan Gaye Woh Din." They say that Mukesh was Raj Kapoor's voice on the screen and this movies proves it. On the whole this is one movie that is worth to watch.
