Anhonee (1952) is a psychological drama directed by K. A. Abbas, based on the 1939 Bengali film Adhikar. It featured Nargis in a groundbreaking dual role opposite Raj Kapoor, with strong supporting performances by Om Prakash, Agha, David, and Achla Sachdev. The music was composed by Roshan, with lyrics penned by Ali Sardar Jafri. Nargis received critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of two contrasting characters, marking the first time an actor was cast in a dual role in a Hindi film. The story revolves around an impoverished advocate, Raj Kumar Saxena (played by Raj Kapoor), who falls in love with Roop, a wealthy woman. Complications arise when he discovers she has a look-alike sister, Mohini, who is a courtesan. The film explores the lives of two sisters—Roop and Mohini (both played by Nargis)—one legitimate but raised by a courtesan, and the other illegitimate. As the plot unfolds, Roop and Raj Kumar develop a romantic relationship after a chance meeting when he comes to pay rent. Roop persuades her father to approve their marriage, setting the stage for emotional and moral dilemmas. The film's music, composed by Roshan and written by Jafri, featured the celebrated voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Talat Mahmood. Notable songs included: Zindagi Badli, Mohabbat Ka Maza Aane Laga – Lata Mangeshkar, Rajkumari; Mere Dil Ki Dhadkan Kya Bole, Kya Bole – Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood; Samake Dil Mein Hamare Zara Khayal Rahe – Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood; Yeh Jhilmil Karte Hue – Talat Mahmood. These tracks were considered musical highlights of the film, though their commercial impact is difficult to quantify. The film was born out of Abbas’s creative ambitions following the success of Awara, which he co-created with close friends during the making of his directorial debut, Dharti Ke Lal. Encouraged by its success, Abbas was inspired to direct a film under his own production. Reportedly, Nargis personally approached Abbas, seeking a more substantial role, which influenced his decision to center Anhonee around a strong female lead in dual roles. With guidance from his collaborators V. P. Sathe and Mohsin Abdullah, who co-wrote the script, Abbas launched the film under a newly formed banner, Naya Sansar. Abbas used Anhonee to delve into themes of genetics and determinism, concepts he had previously explored in Awara (1951). While Anhonee received both critical and popular acclaim for its performances and thematic depth, it did not achieve the blockbuster status of Awara. Nevertheless, it was well-regarded for its bold narrative and socially relevant issues.