Bobby is a landmark 1973 Hindi romantic musical film that marked the debut of two future stars and remains a cultural touchstone. Produced and brilliantly directed by the legendary Raj Kapoor, the film launched the career of his second son, Rishi Kapoor, alongside the stunning newcomer Dimple Kapadia.
Cast and Plot Summary
The film’s main cast includes: Rishi Kapoor as Raj Nath, the son of a wealthy businessman. Dimple Kapadia as Bobby Braganza, a poor Goa Christian girl. Pran as Mr. Nath, Raj’s wealthy father. Premnath as Jack Braganza, Bobby’s father. Durga Khote, Aruna Irani, Prem Chopra, Farida Jalal, and Jalal Agha in supporting roles.
The story revolves around the innocent love between Raj Nath, the privileged son of a wealthy Hindu industrialist, and Bobby Braganza, the daughter of a humble Christian fisherman. Their pure romance faces severe opposition from their families due to stark differences in social status and religious backgrounds.
The familial feud escalates when Mr. Nath (Pran) lodges a police complaint against Jack Braganza (Premnath), falsely accusing him of luring his son. Both fathers are taken into custody, attempting to keep the young lovers apart. However, Raj manages to sneak into Bobby’s room, and the defiant couple runs away together.
The Climax and Resolution
As the parents frantically search for them, Raj and Bobby, believing their love will never be accepted, decide to sacrifice their lives and jump into a turbulent river. In a dramatic turn, both fathers leap in to rescue them. In the process, Mr. Nath saves Bobby, and Jack Braganza saves Raj.
This act of desperation and rescue becomes a moment of profound realization for the parents. They recognize that their children’s happiness and lives are far more important than status or religious prejudice. Premnath and Pran express their deep gratitude to each other for saving their respective children, finally accepting their union.
Musical Legacy
Bobby was an undisputed musical sensation. The film’s unforgettable soundtrack, composed with masterful melody by the legendary duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal , played a pivotal role in its smash-hit status. Even today, the songs remain incredibly popular and instantly recognizable.
Some of the most iconic tracks include:
“Hum Tum Ek Kamare Mein Bandh Ho Aur Chaabi Kho Jay”, “Mai Shayar Toh Nahi”, “Jhoot Bole Kavva Kaate”, “Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai, Mujhe Bhi Kuch Kehna Hai”. The combination of Raj Kapoor’s brilliant direction, the fresh chemistry between the lead pair, the powerful screenplay, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s hit music cemented Bobby as a super-hit and a timeless classic of Indian cinema.
Principle Correspondent, Prime Post
Vidya Sagar Chaturvedula is a passionate film enthusiast whose four-decade career spans multiple sectors, including media and industry. Fluent in Telugu, Hindi, and English, he has a deep appreciation for cinema, particularly films in those three languages. His passion goes beyond simple viewing; he enjoys analyzing directional skill, the emotional depth of actors’ performances, and the profound meaning embedded in dialogue. Mr. Sagar is known for his ability to clearly articulate and narrate his insightful film analyses after watching a movie.
People were mad after this film, watching this movie en-number of times for the music composed by the great Laxmikant Pyarelal, tender love between Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia and the great Raj Kapoor Direction. It’s a sensational super hit even today. Rajkapoor got big revenue for this film and paved path for Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia career.
Bobby movie was musical teen romantic hit . Debut for both Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. I saw in DVD in early 90s. All songs are brilliant .
This is another love story perhaps the prime of such kind. The infatuation between two lovers breaking the barriers of religion and social status making a successful love story of their kind sets the trend of making love stories as a successful formula to be one of the super hits. A fad or might be a sensation that times even, the souvenirs, dresses, all fancy things used to be named after Bobby. A cherished musical hit made in the name of his loving son Rishikapoor who eventually won Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Good narration.
Excellent. Thank You.
Well Said. True.
RK banner thrived on the male female interaction oriented films. With each picture the boldness increased, from deemed kisses and hugs to more explicit ones . When Bobby came skin show and bikini clad teenage romance.
The song…. Ek kamre mein bandh ho… was the next stage.
The viewership lapped up all the juice.
It propped up the bankrupt RK banner then and continued the work into its later productions.
Teen love story. Super hit songs. Good entertainer.
Bobby was an iconic movie of the 70’s era which really launched 2 unkown actors into national stardom! for both Rishi Kapoor & Dimple Kapadia……both became overnight stars! with this smash hit!
Also known for chart busting songs like ” hum tum eek kamre mein band ho!” which is still favorite among family antakshari song! games. Even the bike used by Rishi Kapoor! in the movie was fondly known as Bobby bike! and it was sold like hot cakes..in those days! Truely an iconic movie for the ages !
Excellent. Very well said. Very True. Thank You Very Much.
After meranam joker’s financial loss, Rajkapoor made this super hit youth love story.
Two things I remember about this film
Bobby collar and bobby mini rajdoot motorcycle
Great review sir
Bobby cinema, one of the Super duper hits of my childhood. Songs, music, actor’s performances, particularly debutants like Rishi & dimple were superb.
Lyrics like ‘My Khafir tho Nahi’ has definitely hurt the centiments of Hindus, though it was hit song. Good work by Vidya, as a correspondent!