Henna: A Tale of Cross-Border Love and Sacrifice

The 1991 film Henna, produced by Raj Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor and directed by Randhir Kapoor, is a poignant cross-border romance. The central theme revolves around an Indian man who accidentally lands in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, loses his memory, and falls in love with a Pakistani girl. When he regains his memory and resolves to return to his home and fiancé in India, the girl, Henna, selflessly sacrifices her love and ultimately her life to ensure his safe passage across the border.

The Line of Story

The story begins in Srinagar, India, where the young and handsome Chandar Prakash (Rishi Kapoor) is engaged to the beautiful Chandni (Ashwini Bhave). Just before their wedding, Chandar is involved in a jeep accident during a heavy rainstorm, falling into a river that flows across the India-Pakistan border. He is swept into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, unconscious and suffering from amnesia. He is found by the kind Khan Baba (Saeed Jaffrey) and other villagers, who take him into their home. They name the amnesiac Chandar ‘Chand‘. Khan Baba’s daughter, Henna Khan (Zeba Bakhtiar), a simple and pure-hearted girl, diligently nurses him back to health and inevitably falls deeply in love with him. Chand (Chandar) reciprocates her affection as he recovers.

Unexpected Turn

However, Henna’s jealous cousin, Daroga Khan (Kiran Kumar), desires to marry her and is immediately suspicious of ‘Chand’. As preparations are underway for Chand and Henna’s marriage, Chandar’s memory suddenly returns. He remembers his identity, his fiancé Chandni, his family in India, and the accident. A heartbroken but understanding Henna realizes the true situation. Recognizing his commitment to his life in India, she and her family resolve to help Chandar secretly cross the border back to his homeland. Daroga Khan, convinced Chandar is an Indian spy, chases them, attempting to prevent the crossing. In the ensuing confrontation and gunfire, Henna is fatally wounded while shielding Chandar. She dies smiling, having successfully helped the man she loved reach his destination. Chandar finally crosses into India, distraught over the profound sacrifice made by Henna.

Cast and Music

The film featured a stellar cast, including Rishi Kapoor (Chandar Prakash), Zeba Bakhtiar (Henna Khan), and Ashwini Bhave (Chandni), along with supporting performances by Saeed Jaffrey (Khan Baba), Kiran Kumar (Daroga Khan), Mohnish Behl (Ashraf), Reema Lagoo (Chandar’s mother), and Dalip Tahil (Shahbaaz Khan). The youth of those days rushed to the theaters to view the beautiful locations in the film.

Melodius Songs

A major factor in the film’s success was its incredibly melodious music, composed by Ravindra Jain. All the songs, primarily sung by Lata Mangeshkar, became super hits. The songs include Mai hu khushrang, Der Na Ho Jaaye Kahi Der Na Ho Jaaye, Anar Dana, Bedardi, Chittiye Ne and O Jaanewale were proved extrodridnary. The compelling story, popular music, and sensitive direction by Randhir Kapoor contributed to Henna becoming a super-hit film.

Vidyasagar Chaturvedula

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.