Main Cast: Kunai Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Ramesh Sharma, Pincho Kapoor, Zul Vellani
Release Year: 1972
Country: US
Run Time: 95 minutes
Plot
Two-time director Conrad Rooks (known for his autobiographical drug-addiction opus of 1966, Chappaqua), helms this big-screen adaptation of Hermann Hesse's novel, about an Indian youth who leaves his family in search of life's meaning. The film sports location photography by Bergman associate Sven Nykvist, and a cast comprised largely of unknowns. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The locations used for the film were the holy city of Rishikesh and the private estates and palaces of the Maharajah of Bharatpur. [1].
Plot
The film tells the story of the young Siddhartha (played by Shashi Kapoor), born in the rich family, and his search for a meaningful way of life. This search takes him through periods of harsh asceticism, sensual pleasures, material wealth, then self-revulsion and eventually to the oneness and harmony with himself that he had been seeking. Siddhartha learns that the secret of life cannot be passed on from one person to another, but must be achieved through inner experience.
Controversy
Simi Garewal's nude scene caused controversy in India. The Indian Censor Board, at that time, did not even permit on-screen kissing in Indian films. [2].
