When Radhu Karamkar, then cinematographer, expressed his desire to direct a film, Raj Kapoor made him direct Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai(1960), later to be considered as magnum opus of his career.
Raj Kapoor, Padmini, Pran and Lalita Pawar starrer is dacoit drama in which Raju saves the injured dacoit Sardar and feeds him. Later he is abducted by Sardar's fellowman. Sardar's daughter Kammo falls in love with Raju, and convinces him that the dacoits are actually socialist in order to keep him, contrary Raka(Pran) is in love with Kammo. The truth is exposed on the wedding, where the dacoits killed a newly wed couple and stole everything.
The film has amazing lyrics by Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri and Music by Shanker-Jaikishen, which turned in beautiful melodies, romantic and moral songs. Starting with, Mera Naam Raju Gharana Anaam; Kya Howa Ye Mujhy Kya Howa Kya Pata Janey Kyun Machal Raha Hai Aaj Dil Mera; Honton Pe Sachaye Rehti Hai; Ho Mene Pyar, Oye Kya Jurm Kiya; Hai Aag Hamare Seene Main; O Basanti Pawan Pagal, and ending to Aa Ab Laut Chalen, sung by legendary playback singers Lata, Mukesh, Geeta, Manna Dey, Asha and Mahedra Kapoor.
Story by Arjun Dev Rashk, the movie amalgamates Gandhian values of truth and sacrifice.