Sanjeev Kumar and Kumkum feature in the 1968 Bollywood film Raja Aur Runk, directed by Kotayya Pratyagatma. The Prince and the Pauper is an Indian adaptation of Mark Twain’s 1881 novel. Laxmikant Pyarelal composed the film’s soundtrack, which was accompanied by Anand Bakshi’s words.
The narrative of Raja Aur Runk is about a royal and a peasant. Two infants, one to the king, Raja Sahib, and the other to a poor man, Hariya, were born on the same day at the same time (Ajit). The monarch is overjoyed at the birth of Yuvraj, the heir to the throne, whereas Hariya is skeptical about his son Raja’s birth.
The children appear to be identical as they grow older, but their lives and upbringing are markedly different. Raja sneaks away from home one day and finds himself in the palace, where he meets Yuvraj. The guys realize how dissimilar their lives are. Yuvraj disguises himself as Raja and leaves the palace, enticed by the prospect of seeing the world outside.
They are now attempting but failing, to acclimate to their new identities. Raja’s mother (Nirupa Roy) and sister Sujjo (Nazima) are unhappy with his new attitude, and the king is worried about Yuvraj. Sudhir (Sanjeev Kumar) plays a vital role in this fascinating tale of twists and turns.
Sanjeev Kumar, Nazima, and child actor Mahesh Kothare give strong performances in this Prasad Productions costume play. Songs like ‘Tu Kitni Achchi Hai…O Maa,’ ‘O Phirkiwali,’ ‘Mera Naam Hai Chameli,’ and ‘Sang Basanti Ang Basanti’ were written by the blockbuster duo of Anand Bakshi and Laxmikant Pyarelal.
