Desh Premee

• Desh Premee* (1982), directed by Manmohan Desai, features Amitabh Bachchan in a dual role alongside Hema Malini. This was the fifth collaboration between Desai and Bachchan but did not match the acclaim of their earlier films, resulting in mixed reviews and moderate success. The film achieved silver jubilee status in Hyderabad.

Dedicated to Mohammed Rafi and Uttam Kumar, who passed away before its release, *Desh Premee* marks Laxmikant-Pyarelal's only instance as a playback singer. Anand Bakshi penned all the songs, with Rafi contributing his final song for Desai: "Mere Desh Premiyon."

The film's plot spans from 1942 to 1982, focusing on Master Dinanath, a freedom fighter whose family is torn apart by betrayal. His son, Raju, unknowingly works with Thakur Pratap Singh, who kidnapped Dinanath's wife and daughter. The narrative also involves gangsters in a slum, where Dinanath attempts to mediate peace among them.

The cast includes Amitabh Bachchan as both Master Dinanath and Raju, Hema Malini as Asha, Sharmila Tagore as Bharati, Parveen Babi as Priti, and Amjad Khan as Thakur Pratap Singh. It was Uttam Kumar's final film, with Sudhir Dalvi voicing his character posthumously.

The soundtrack features popular songs by Kishore Kumar, Rafi, and Asha Bhosle. The film's enduring success is noted through its silver jubilee in Hyderabad and successful re-releases in the 1980s and 1990s.