Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), meaning "Elephants Are My Companions," is a Hindi-language drama directed by M.A. Thirumugam and produced by Sandow M.M.A. Chinnappa Thevar. The film stars Rajesh Khanna as Raju and Tanuja as Tanu, supported by Madan Puri, Sujit Kumar, and K.N. Singh. Written by Salim–Javed, the story follows Raju, an orphan who survives by performing with his four loyal elephants—Ramu, Laxman, Bharat, and Bajrang—who once saved his life. As he gains fame, he creates Pyar Ki Duniya, a private zoo. He falls in love with Tanu, but their marriage faces challenges when she feels neglected due to his unwavering bond with the elephants, leading to an emotional climax of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

Released on May 5, 1971, the film became the highest-grossing Indian film of the year, leaving a lasting impact with its unique storyline and deep emotional appeal. The Laxmikant–Pyarelal-composed soundtrack, with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, played a crucial role in its success. Songs like "Chal Chal Chal Mere Saathi," "Duniya Me Rehna Hai To," and "Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko Chhod Ke" remain iconic, with the latter earning Anand Bakshi a special award from the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Haathi Mere Saathi remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its touching portrayal of human-animal relationships.