Silsila(1981)
Silsila is a 1981 Indian Hindi-language musical romantic drama film co-written, directed, and produced by Yash Chopra. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Jaya Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Sanjeev Kumar. The story follows playwright Amit Malhotra, who marries his deceased brother's pregnant fiancée out of duty, leaving his true love Chandni heartbroken. Years later, Amit and Chandni reunite and begin a secret affair, forcing them to choose between passion and responsibility. The film was controversial for its casting, which mirrored real-life rumors about the lead actors. It received three Filmfare nominations but failed at the box office. The soundtrack, composed by Shiv-Hari, remains iconic. Silsila was released on 14 August 1981.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Netflix
- Theatrical Release
- 29 July 1981
- Director
- Yash Chopra
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 3h 2m
- Rating
- 6.7/10
Storyline
Amit Malhotra loves Chandni, but he marries his dead brother's pregnant fiancée Shobha to save her from society's shame. Years later, he meets Chandni again, and their old love reignites into a secret affair. Amit must choose between his duty to his wife and his passion for his true love.
“A love story bound by duty.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Silsila
Cast reunions in this film: Rekha & Shashi Kapoor (10 films together), Amitabh Bachchan & Shashi Kapoor (7 films together), Rekha & Amitabh Bachchan (6 films together), Rekha & Deven Verma (5 films together), Rekha & Kulbhushan Kharbanda (4 films together), and Rekha & Sanjeev Kumar (4 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title song 'Silsila' was originally composed for the 1978 film 'Trishul' but was not used.
- Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha's real-life rumored affair added to the buzz around their on-screen chemistry.
- The iconic 'Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum' song was shot in the Netherlands, a rare foreign location for 1980s Bollywood.
- Jaya Bachchan agreed to play Amitabh's wife in the film despite tensions during filming due to personal rumors.
- The film initially underperformed at the box office but later gained a cult status for its bold love triangle theme.
- Director Yash Chopra insisted on using fresh red roses in the songs, importing them from Bangalore for specific scenes.
- Shashi Kapoor was first considered for Amitabh Bachchan's role before the final casting was decided.