Hum Ek Hain (1946 film)

Hum Ek Hain is a 1946 Indian Hindi-language film co-written and directed by P. L. Santoshi in his directorial debut. The film stars Durga Khote, along with Kamala Kotnis, Dev Anand, Rehana and Rehman in their cinematic acting debut. It was released on 8 June 1946.

Plot
Zamindari Ma, the old landlady of a village supports its people during a famine and raises three orphaned children of differing religions. The children, although encouraged to practice their separate religions, are taught to remain united at all times. Chhote Babu, who wants to marry Vidya, the girl who is engaged to Zamindari Ma's biological son Shankar, sows discord and hatred, causing great enmity between the trio until reason prevails and they reunite.

Cast

 * Durga Khote as Zamindari Ma
 * Kamla Kotnis as Vidya
 * Dev Anand as Shankar
 * Rehana
 * Rehman as Yusuf
 * Ranjitkumari as Durga
 * Rane.R.V. as John
 * Baby Achrekar
 * Ramsing as Chhote Babu
 * Gokhale
 * Ganpatrao
 * Manajirao
 * Bhagwat
 * Karadkar
 * Baby Sarpotdar
 * Master Sharad Kulkarni
 * Master Afzul Khan
 * Abdul Hamid
 * Master Tazmul Hussain
 * Shaikh Buranuddin
 * Cuckoo as a dancer

Production
Hum Ek Hain, which was produced under Prabhat Film Company, was the directorial debut of P. L. Santoshi, and the acting debut of Dev Anand, Kamala Kotnis, Rehana and Rehman in cinema. Santoshi also worked as writer alongside Saleh Mohammed Qureshi and Tony Lazarus. Cinematography was handled by Surendra Pai. Guru Dutt worked as an assistant director and choreographer.

Themes
Hum Ek Hain focuses on the idea of religious harmony in India, particularly Hindu–Muslim unity.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by the duo Husnlal Bhagatram, while all songs were written by P. L. Santoshi.

Release and reception
Hum Ek Hain was released on 8 June 1946. Filmindia, a magazine which was then revered and feared by the Indian film industry, wrote positively about the film: "It has a theme with a purpose [...] that ought to find a response in the hearts of millions in our country." The reviewer also praised Anand's acting skills.