The movie was started in 1973 and got delayed for financial reasons. It was completed five years later and released in 1979 by when Jaya Bhaduri had long retired from films and become the mother of two kids. The movie was not only a sleeper hit but also fetched her the Filmfare best actress role.
The song Pallu Latke from Nauker (1979) was later recreated for the film Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana and Marjaavan and "Ladke Dramebaaz" from Suraj Par Mangal Bhari. 2 more versions were also done. One version titled "Pallo Latkai" by Roshni from the pop album Jat In The Mix, by channel V Vj "Udham Singh". The other version was titled "Pallu Latke" from Operation Cobra. Pallu Latke was also used in a comedy sequence during Ajay Devgans entry scene in Itihaas.
The film distributors were not willing to buy the film due to Jaya Bachchan's being married with children. She was considered a cold proposition at the box office in 1979.
Sanjeev Kumar did not charge any money as the director died and his wife had a hard time with finances.
Director Ismail Menon passed away during the making of the film.