Chitralekha

Chitralekha is a 1964 historical-philosophical Hindi film, directed by Kidar Sharma, starring Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari and Pradeep Kumar. It was based on 1934 Hindi novel by the same name by Bhagwati Charan Verma about Bijgupta serving under the Maurya Empire and the king Chandragupta Maurya (340 BCE – 298 BCE) and his love for courtesan Chitralekha. Set in the back drop of the middle age society. The portrayal of the three tools wisdom, knowledge and power become superfluous in the absence of strength of character.

Directed by Kidar Nath Sharma, Chitralekha leans on a strong ensemble — Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar, Pradeep Kumar — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about history titles of 1964.