Dharmendra and
Suchitra Sen’s dream collaboration happened in
Asit Sen's film 'Mamta' in 1966, a Hindi adaptation of his 1963 Bengali hit 'Uttar Falguni'. The poignant relationship drama showed
Suchitra in dual roles, portraying Devyani, who transitions from a damsel enduring a tormented marriage into the dancer Panna Bai, and her doppelganger daughter Suparna, whom she would lay down her life for. The love of her life, Monish Rai, was portrayed by
Ashok Kumar, while Dharmendra played Indraneel, a barrister who was in love with her daughter.
In a reminiscing interview once, Dharmendra had revealed his long-standing desire to work with the legendary Suchitra, ever since he saw her in 'Devdas'. He recollected how they filmed in New Theatres, a Kolkata-based studio, and also in Darjeeling and said that Suchitra Sen was a picture of beauty. Post-shooting in the hill station, he occasionally drove around with Suchitra and her sister.
Contrary to the popular image of Suchitra as an aloof actress who deliberately stayed out of public life, Dharmendra recalled her as a charming woman and a seasoned actress. Interestingly, ‘Mamta’ had initially been offered to
Meena Kumari, who reluctantly turned it down. Suchitra agreed to it as it was the first time she was offered a story by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, and due to her respect for the director. As shooting progressed in Mumbai, numerous visitors flocked to Mohan Studio to catch a glimpse of the renowned beauty and rising star from Bengal. Even though she remained detached, she did not disappoint her admirers.
In that same interview, Dharmendra also shared that he hoped for more collaborations with Suchitra, one of his most admired co-stars. However, The actress chose to remain rooted in Bengali cinema, appearing in just one other Hindi film, Gulzar's 'Aandhi' in 1975, opposite
Sanjeev Kumar.
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