A young drifter wanders along the bustling streets of Dhaka. We see him around Gulistan Stadium Market, near Kamalapur Railway Station, or in front of the old DIT Building. Wearing simple white sandals, he walks endlessly along the city’s asphalt roads. Around him, double-decker buses, bullock carts, rickshaws, baby taxis, and private cars rush past—but he seems detached from it all. On his lips, the song ‘Pitch Dhala Ei Poth Ta Ke Bhalobeshechi.’ Yet his attachment to this road runs deeper than it appears. In the crowd or in solitude, he stealthily lifts wallets from unsuspecting pedestrians and disappears into the chaos. This striking image comes from one of Dhallywood’s most iconic films, ‘Pitch Dhala Poth’.
The film was directed by Ehtesham, celebrated for introducing legendary actresses like Shabana and Shabnur. The title track features actor Jalil, who was a popular television star at the time. His character, shaped by harsh realities, survives as a pickpocket. His sister, played by Babita, is a gifted singer. She passes a radio audition and quickly rises to fame through musical programs. Inevitably, she captures the heart of Razzak. But as is often the case, their romance faces resistance—this time from the rigid divide between wealth and poverty. That tension forms the emotional core of the story.
Film researcher Mir Shamsul Alam Babu has shared some fascinating behind-the-scenes details. The film’s muhurat ceremony took place at FDC on August 18, 1969. The ceremonial clapstick was held by a child who would later become a major star—Champa, younger sister of Babita. Actress Baby Rita appeared as Jalil’s girlfriend; she is also the elder sister of another renowned actress, Sucharita.
The film was produced by J. C. Anand and Mustafiz, with the story written by noted film journalist Ahmed Zaman Chowdhury. Music was composed by Robin Ghosh, husband of the celebrated actress Shabnam. Cinematography and editing were handled by two accomplished names—Harun-ur-Rashid and Aminul Islam Mintu.
The songs, written by Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Ahmed Zaman Chowdhury, and Gazi Mazharul Anwar, were brought to life by voices like Fazlul Haque, Sabina Yasmin, Shahnaz Begum, Abdul Jabbar, Khursheed Alam, Lovely Yasmin, and Mili Jesmin. Among the eight tracks, ‘Pitch Dhala Ei Poth Ta Re’ and ‘Phuler Kane Bhramor Ese’ remain enduring favorites.
Released on April 24, 1970, ‘Pitch Dhala Poth’ was an instant success. Audiences embraced the performances of Razzak, Babita, and Jalil, while its songs quickly became part of popular culture. Both critically and commercially, the film secured its place as a landmark in Bangladeshi cinema.
