Pakeezah (PG)

Meena Kumari gives a bravura performance as Sahibjaan, the daughter of a famed courtesan who falls in love with a man she cannot marry. The tale of the star-crossed lovers is at the centre of this tale of forbidden passion, with stunning locations and exquisite set design.

Many of the musical sequences have become classics, especially Kumari’s performance of “Chalte Chalte”, while an attack on a riverboat by rampaging elephants heightens the drama further. The film at times feels like a beautiful, surreal dream – seen on the big screen, it is an extraordinary viewing experience.