Shakti Samanta's often overlooked gem, Amar Prem, is a powerful exploration of social rejection, human compassion, adapted from the short story titled Hinger Kochuri by Bibhutibhushan Bandhopadhyay, best known for writing the novels Pather Panchali and Aparajito. The film tells the story of Pushpa (Sharmila Tagore), a woman forced into prostitution after being cast out by her husband and family. Rather than depicting her as a tragic and mystified figure, Samanta humanises Pushpa, presenting her as a source of compassion and emotional refuge for two neglected individuals: Anand (Rajesh Khanna), a wealthy man estranged from his wife, and Nandu, a young boy abandoned by his mother. The film questions the legitimacy of traditional family structures by showcasing how Pushpa, who society deems immoral, provides the emotional warmth and care that these two men cannot find in their "respectable" homes. In this way, Amar Prem subverts conventional notions of respectability and morality, creating a space for meaningful but socially unrecognised relationships that nurture the spirit more than the institution of family. Samanta consciously avoids exploitative Bollywood tropes that many films dealing with the plight of sexworkers are equipped with, such as the typical mujra sequence, choosing instead to focus on the inner lives of his characters. The film boasts of an evergreen soundtrack that continues to sway the hearts and minds of all generations alike. The song "Kuch To Log Kahenge" speaks to the societal judgments faced by Pushpa, questioning the very norms that cast her aside.