So in my last post I theorized that Salman Khan has a 'thing' for green dupattas on the basis of "Jhoote Dedo Paise Lelo" from Hum Aapke Hai Koun (1994) and "O Hare Dupattewali" from Sanam Bewafa (1991).
But after thinking about this a little further, I realized I was unfairly assigning him with a fetish. Because really if you think about, Salman loves all kinds of dupattas:
Lal Dupatta - Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004)
Odhni Odh Ke Nachoon - Tere Naam (2003)
Dupatta Tera Nau Rang Da - Partner (2007)
Chunari Chunari - Biwi No. 1 (1999)
Odh Li Chunariya - Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998)
Lal Chunariya - God Tussi Great Ho (2008)
Teri Chunariya - Hello Brother (1999)
So clearly, Sallu is an equal opportunity lover of dupattas, chunaris, odhnis, etc. of all shades of the rainbow.
The other day I was joking about potential Bollywood Quiz questions in response to CurryBear's fake-out question "What color was Madhuri Dixit's dupatta in ..." and I suggested that it COULD be a real question. Quick - without looking up the video or your DVD cover or any pictures - What color was Madhuri's dupatta in Jhoote Dedo Paise Lelo from Hum Aapke Hai Koun? It does kind of make you think.
But it's sort of an easy question ... I mean he DOES specifically say it in the first line of the song - "Dulhe ki saaliyon oh hare dupattewaliyon."
Which also led me to think of the other song where Salman Khan specifically notices the 'hare dupattewali'. And I just had to share this with everyone!
So here we go - 2 songs in which Salman sings about green dupattas. Fetish?
Jhoote Dedo Paise Lelo - Hum Aapke Hai Koun (1994)
The other night I was watching one of those 'hit song hours' on Jaya Max (can I just say how much I LOVE having Tamil channels through Dish Network?), and this song came on. I had almost completely forgotten about how much I love this song! Yes, ok, the lifted part from 'Blister in the Sun' is sort of silly, and the main part is copied from Thyagaraja's Manavyalakim (Carnatic/Classical song), but still - when this song came out EVERYONE was humming it.
Simran (one of my favorite Tamil actresses - ok I know she's not Tamil, but she was by and large, a Tamil film star) looks totally GORGEOUS and super young in it - I love her! And I actually cracked up laughing when Surya walks on-screen ... I had forgotten how absolutely teeny he was in Nerukku Ner (1997). Even if you don't watch the whole song, you HAVE to check out the part at about 1:10 when Surya walks in and strikes a pose.
The sidey girls are kind of hilarious in this too. It's like they purposely sought out the homeliest girls in all of India. It's almost sad when they make them gyrate like that (and a bit frightening too). I'm not sure what the random Kathakali dancers and the Elephant are doing there towards the end of the song, but whatevs.
I LOVE Harini's voice too ... she's so young but her classical touches are so lovely. She sounds really sweet. Githa from Words from a Lotus reminded me that there was an Unnikrishnan version of this song on the album that never made it in the film. Hahaha ... I would have loved to see a Baby Surya version of this!
There is absolutely no way to really represent all that there is to love about S.P. Balasubramaniam. That booming, powerful, distinctive voice really speaks for itself. I've been to three SPB Concerts in my life, and loved every moment of each one. I would totally go to a million more. I remember the first time I was sitting in the auditorium for his concert ... I closed my eyes as he started singing and inexplicably, Salman Khan's face flashed before my eyes. Damn Raamlaxman! Their use of SPB as the 'voice' of Salman in films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Patthar Ke Phool, and Hum Aapke Hai Koun has permanently fixed a Salman=SPB equation in my mind, even though I don't think it actually suits him at all. You'll note that the end of my playlist below is heavy on Salman songs ... I couldn't help it!
So when Githa of Words from a Lotus mentioned that she was doing SPB Day, I immediately started trying to compile my favorite songs. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I am SUCH a fan of his that it was absolutely impossible for me to do so in a day. So many, many days later, here is my humble playlist of favorite SPB songs. This is by no means a comprehensive list, I'm sure there are many more that I've forgotten, but these were definitely the ones that came to mind first!
I've started with Telugu, Tamil and then Hindi - so it's not quite in a 'real' order, just by language. Enjoy the voice of this LEGEND!
My Favorite SPB Songs Playlist: - Shankara Nada Shareera - Shankarabharanam (1981) - Nada Vinodamu - Sagara Sangamam (1983) - Mannil Inda Kadhal - Keladi Kanmani (1990) - Ilaiyanila - Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982) - Pani Vizhum Malarvanum - Ninaivellam Nithya (1982) - Pothi Vecha Malligai- Mannvasanai (1983) - Punjai Undu Nenjai Undu - Unnal Mudiyam Thambi (1988) - Kala Kala Magam - Punnagai Mannan (1986) - Guruvayoorappa - Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (1989) - Rathiriyil Poothirikkum - Thanga Magan (1983) - Priya Priya O Priya- Kattabomman (1993) - Devi Sri Devi - Vaazhve Mayam (1982) - Rum Bum Bum - Michael Madana Kamarajan (1990) - Mettupodu - Duet (1994) - Madathile - Veera (1994) - En Veetu Thottathil - Gentleman (1993) - Oruvan Oruvan - Muthu (1995) - O Maria - Saagar (1985) - Dil Deewana - Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) - Aaja Shaam Hone Aayi - Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) - Tumse Milne Ki Tamanna Hai - Saajan (1990) - Tumse Jo Dekhte Hi Pyar Hua - Patthar Ke Phool (1991) - Sun Beliya - 100 Days (1991) - Saathiya Tune Kya Kiya - Love (1991) - Aaja Aaja Give Me A Kiss - Love (1991) - Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai - Hum Aapke Hai Koun (1994) - Teri Hi Arzoo - Chandramukhi (1993)
Time to do an extended Kapoor Khazana post in honor of Karishma Kapoor!
I have to preface this by saying I'm not really a fan of Karishma. I really made fun of her like crazy over the years for overacting and being generally awkward. But in retrospect, I like Karishma (aka Lolo) FAR more than her sister Kareena (aka Bebo). Kareena is certainly beautiful, but there's just something so annoying about her personality (or whatever we can tell of her personality). And though I never really liked Karishma's acting, there was never a sense that she wasn't a nice person. She seems more down-to-earth and humble than her sister, which makes me like her a hundred times more than Bebo.
My mom always liked her, strangely. I guess because Karishma's acting style was in line with the actresses of the 50s and 60s, when my mom was growing up. She always said Karishma reminded her of Sadhana, who was a friend of my mom's back in Bombay (and is Karishma's aunt). And whenever I watch old Mala Sinha movies, I totally think of Lolo and Bebo. They must have grown up studying the actresses of that era, and that's what they emulate on-screen.
I will give Karishma credit for being a pretty good dancer. I don't think she as fantastic as a lot of other people thought she was -- there's a certain awkwardness to her posture which makes me critical of her dancing. But then again, I am extremely critical of dancers. So regardless of my nit-picking, she certainly deserves her very own Dance Like a Kapoor Playlist! *not in chronological order, just in order of how I thought of them* **no commentary either, because really I don't have much to say except she's amusing.
There's one thing I find really interesting about Rishi Kapoor's film choices ... his willingness to do heroine-oriented films. Obviously, Bollywood is based in a patriarchal society. Films almost always center around the journey of a HERO - Heroines are often thrown in as just a love interest and not much more. Although Hindi cinema has evolved to a certain point, sadly South Indian films still extremely hero-centric. And since much of Hindi cinema is copied from South Indian cinema (don't take offense, it's been that way for a very long time!), we still see far more films that center on a male protagonist's experiences. In fact, ApunBindaas recently did a very interesting post about Hindi films copied from Hollywood that actually changed the female protagonist into a male one for Indian audiences. It is what it is, and it may take a very long time for the industry at large to change.
But back to Rishi ... if you look over his filmography (particularly as he got older), you will note that Rishi is one actor who has not been afraid to take a male lead role that is primarily just there for the female lead to fall in love with, and the rest of the film centers on her experiences. It's really unusual - I simply can't imagine other leading actors, whether his contemporaries such as Jeetendra, Anil Kapoor or Amitabh Bachchan, or today's heroes like the Khans (SRK, Aamir and Salman), doing films where they weren't the primary focus. But Rishi has done it, time and time again ... and that gives me a strong respect for his confidence in himself and his approach to films.
Here's a list of 10 films that Rishi took a backseat to the heroine - which seriously makes me love him even more!
Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981) The bulk of this story focuses on Kanchan (Padmini Kohlapuri), a poor young girl who adopts her sister's son after she and her husband tragically die. Rishi plays the husband's younger brother who searches for his long-lost family and ends up falling in love with Kanchan. There's a wide variety of characters (many of whom share the same name) but the movie really follows the journey of Kanchan more than anyone else!
Nagina (1986) A snake follows her mate beyond the boundaries of species - when a young boy is bitten by her mate and a snake-charmer uses his powers to have the snake pour his soul back into the boy to revive him, the female snake transforms into a human body (Sridevi) to reclaim her love. This movie wholly and completely belongs to Sridevi and I don't think anyone can deny that!
Chandni (1989) As the title suggests, this movie is all about Chandni (Sridevi). Rishi plays her primary love interest, Rohit, who gets hurt in an accident and then begins to push her away in a twisted attempt at selflessness. Unfortunately by the time he comes to his senses, he has a rival for Chandni in Lalit (Vinod Khanna). Again, this is a Sridevi show, though Rishi has some wonderful moments to shine in the film, particularly when he is haunted by his memories of Chandni.
Henna (1991) In the grand tradition of RK Films that are heroine-centric (such as Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Ram Teri Ganga Maili), Henna's story had an amnesia-affected Chander (Rishi Kapoor) crash land in the rustic hills of Pakistan. He is saved and nursed back to health by innocent and lively Henna, played by Zeba Bhaktiar, and they quickly fall in love. Eventually Chander's memory returns to him, and he realizes he has a love interest/fiancee waiting for him back in India. Henna had a typically RK-feel to it, very lush and epic, and it approached Indo-Pak border conflict in a subtle and romantic way long before films like Veer-Zaara. Ultimately Henna's character emerges as the true hero of the film.
Deewana (1993) Deewana is heralded is Shah Rukh Khan's big debut in Hindi films, but both SRK and Rishi Kapoor's characters were just aspects of Kajal (Divya Bharati)'s story in Deewana. A young woman falls in love with a singing star and marries into his home, but then he is tragically taken from her. Shortly afterward another young man pursues the young widow relentlessly until she finally gives in, only to find out that her husband still lives!
Sahibaan (1993) I'm not going to pretend this was a good movie. It wasn't. I really wanted it to be, because when the previews came out I was totally charmed by the village setting and Madhuri's outfits and make-up. Unfortunately we ended up laughing out loud throughout the film (yes, at the theatre). But it was definitely Sahibaan (Madhuri)'s story! Rishi once again played the love interest that conveniently disappears and reappears (he has a habit of doing that in films). Sahibaan is about a village belle who captures the eye of a rich, alcoholic, murderous Sanjay Dutt, but her heart already belongs to a simple bansuri-playing villager (Rishi Kapoor).
Damini (1993) This WAS an excellent film, and one that I've recommended over and over. And though Rishi is the romantic hero, and Sunny Deol gave the performance of a lifetime in it, the film is 100% Meenakshi Seshadhri's. And she is stunning and brilliant in it! Damini is the story of a vibrant and honest woman who marries into a wealthy family but doesn't quite find acceptance, though her husband (Rishi Kapoor) sincerely loves her. After witnessing the brutal rape of a maidservant by her brother-in-law and his friends, she decides to testify against him and is consequently tortured by her in-laws, who are trying to cover up the crime. Sunny Deol plays a gruff, drunkard lawyer who is compelled to represent Damini in court and help her find justice.
Saajan Ka Ghar (1994) This movie was absolutely heartbreaking. Juhi Chawla stars as a sweet, unassuming woman whose mother died giving birth to her, causing her father to turn completely against her. He remarries and her stepmother also abuses her, but her stepbrother becomes her champion. Eventually she marries Rishi Kapoor's character, but finds a similar reception in her mother-in-law. All the poor girl wants is parental love, and she is rejected again and again. This movie totally made me cry.And again Rishi plays the sweet, supportive husband who really doesn't do much for the plot.
Yaarana (1995) A crazy little romp of a film about Shikha (Madhuri Dixit), a woman fleeing from a creepy rich stalker guy (Raj Babbar), who happens to run across and fall in love with Rishi Kapoor mid-flight. This movie is only remembered for Madhuri's hit song Mera Piya Ghar Aaya, though I thought it was funny. Again, the film is all about Shikha's experiences, and though Rishi's character brings in the opportunity for romance and comedy, it's a Madhuri show through and through.
Prem Granth (1996) The last of the epic, heroine-centric RK Films, Prem Granth followed the tragic life of Kajri (Madhuri Dixit), yet another RK innocent village belle thrown into horrible circumstances in life. Rishi Kapoor plays the love interest who fades into the background during the worst times and leaves Kajri to suffer alone. Though I think Prem Granth had good intentions, it is perhaps guilty of being a bit too heavy-handed in the tragedy. Kajri's experiences are truly horrific. The message is that love conquers all, but they seriously make that poor girl experience ALL before she can find her happiness.
So these are just a sampling of films in which Rishi took hero roles in female-centric films. I'm sure there are many, many more and I'd love to hear which ones are your favorites or stuck out in your memory. I believe his willingness to take the lead male role in heroine-oriented films makes him a unique hero in the Hindi film industry, and it makes me incredibly proud to be his fan!
To check out more Kapoor Khazana links, click here!
I love Rishi Kapoor as a romantic hero! He has this incredible sweetness to him, even at the height of his "sweater uncle" phase. And over the years, he's had some truly CLASSIC romantic numbers in his films, particularly in the early 80s.
Rather than just list my favorite romantic numbers of his, I found myself categorizing them and thought I'd share this mental list with you all. I found some different yet all effective ways that Rishi Kapoor wooed his heroines ...
So here is Rishi Kapoor's Guide to Wooing the Heroine of Your Dreams:
ROMANCE HER IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Tere Chehre Se - Kabhi Kabhie When you're romping about in the snow, you definitely need Rishi's charm (and sweaterliciousness) to warm you up!
Mitwa - Chandni Honeymooning in Switzerland with Rishi? Yes, please. Can I have a suitcase full of Sridevi's gorgeous saris too?And luckily Rishi can always lend you a sweater for cool, mountain evenings.
Kaise Jiyunga Mein - Sahibaan Frolicking in the woods and misty hills!Of course seedhi-saadhi gaonwali Madhuri Dixit fell for him!
FULL-OUT CHASE HER DOWN
Humko To Yaara Teri Yaari - Hum Kisise Kum Nahin You think a full leather suit would slow our Rishi down? No way! Kaajal Kiran is no match for Rishi's charms!
Rabbi Re Ralli - Yaarana Ok, so maybe his taste was a little weird in this one since he fell head-over-heels in love with Madhuri's strawberry blonde wig, but he sure wasn't going to let her get away! I want to generally have a discussion with the costume designer for this film, but hey, the song is fun anyway.
DAZZLE HER WITH YOUR ATHLETIC ABILITY
Pakdo Pakdo - Naseeb Yes! Kabbadi time! How adorable is Rishi in this!
SERENADE HER
Saagar Jaisi Aankhonwali - Saagar I can't even comment, I'm too busy swooning.
Yeh Vaada Raha - title song One of the best Hindi love songs of ALL TIME. This one truly stands the test of time. A true classic. And Rishi uses a bit of slow dancing in his romancing with Poonam Dhillon and the great outdoors with Tina Munim ... it never hurts to serenade someone with Kishore Kumar's voice either.
Sochenge Tumhe Pyar - Deewana I know this is supposed to be about Rishi, whose gaana has clearly charmed Divya Bharati in thissong, but I am way too distracted by the background girls and their multitude of props (flags, peacock feather fans, and glittery tassels ... and that's not even counting their mullet wigs).
PLAY HARD-TO-GET
Kahin Na Jaa Aaj Kahin Mat Jaa - Bade Dil Wala I love this soundtrack so much - all the songs are so fabulous. And this one is quite an earworm for me. Now Tina Munim is trying to keep Rishi from getting arrested in this song, but still she's obviously in love enough to declare it in front of an entire party (all of whom think he's married to her sister Sarika) ... and she really has to keep drawing him back with her song!
Tu Tu Tu Tara - Bol Radha Bol Ooh I can't stand this song. It is such a poor remake of the fabulous tamil song "Raakamma Kai Thattu" from Thalapathi (Rajnikanth and Shobhana!). But man, does he make gorgeous Juhi Chawla chase!
SEDUCE HER
Jaane Do Naa - Saagar What can I say? UNF. These kids have grown up since their Bobby days! This song is HOT HOT HOT, as is Dimple in that sari.
Dhak Dhak - Gharana A little dancing in the rain, that gets the ladies every time. Meenakshi Seshadhri is all a-flutter from Rishi's game.
MAKE HER MAD THEN CHARM HER BACK (ROOTHNA MANANA)
Mein Der Karta Nahin - Henna If only my husband knew that whenever he was late, all he had to do was sing this song to me as charmingly as Rishi does here, and I'd melt in his arms.
Tere Kasam Mein Hoon Tera Deewana - Prem Granth This song has always stuck in my mind ... he is so adorably persistent! And not in a creepy stalker way, in a charming Rishi way! How can Madhuri resist?
Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai I love love love love this song!!! Shailendra Singh's voice is perfect for Rishi, and he has that 1,000-watt smile on full blast. He is just so winning ... I am completely smitten and have been since I first saw this movie back in the 80s. Also, sorry SRK, but Rishi sang and danced on top of a train first. Ok, so maybe his is a back-projection, but still ... he's soooo cuuuuute. Excuse me as I SWOOOON.
Hope you enjoyed this fun list, which had some of my absolute favorite songs (Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun from ZKDH, The title song of YVR and Kahin Na Jaa from Bade Dil Wala, for example). And if you have determined some categories of Rishi Wooing that I missed, please do share them with me!
The good news is that Kapoor Khazana is extending into July, so there's still hope that I can get to my Karishma, Kareena and Ranbir posts! And I still have lots of Rishi Squeeing to do, so I'm ever so pleased that the lovely Katherine of Totally Filmi decided to continue this blogging event!
Definitely check out all the Kapoor Khazana links so far at this link.
Finally I get around to not only my favorite Kapoor, but my all-time favorite Hindi Movie star - Rishi Kapoor, aka Chintu! I have loved Rishi since I was a tiny little girl ... I just didn't realize it until much later in life. He was probably my first ever crush.
And really, when you see his films from the early 80s, who can blame me? He was ADORABLE - from the curly top to the 1,000-watt smile and the oodles of energy. Rishi is unique in his career arc - he was a leading man for at least two solid decades before seamlessly transitioning into mature supporting/character roles (a fancy way of saying "Uncle" roles).
But this is supposed to be about his dancing - which I am a huge fan of! I absolutely LOVE Rishi's dancing - a lot of which is jumping, bouncing and jogging! He has such style and always looks 100% thrilled when doing it. He's often featured as a stage performer, doing elaborate items with a multitude of instruments. There are so many great, fun, bouncy Rishi songs to dance to -- so here's my 'Dance like a Kapoor' playlist for Rishi Kapoor:
Jhoot Bole Kauwa Kaate - Bobby (1973) He's SUCH a teeny tiny baby in this, as is Dimple. Just adorable, playful and innocent.
Dil Dena Bhuri Bala Hai - Rafoo Chakkar (1975) How can one argue w/ Chintu in drag? Especially when accompanied by his beautiful wife, Neetu!
Hamne Tumko Dekha - Khel Khel Mein (1975) One of my favorite avatars, Rishi the stage performer. Wielding his fab guitar and charming the bellbottomed pants off of all the ladies - and the heart of one special Miss Singh!
Bachna Ae Haseeno - Hum Kisise Kam Nahin (1977) One of my favorite movies! And really, how can one NOT love Rishi in an all-white, sparkly sequins pants suit with a matching cap and a large plastic heart necklace? This time he swaps out his guitar for a trumpet.
Tayyab Ali Pyar Ka Dushman - Amar Akbar Anthony (1979) This movie is a favorite on almost everyone's list, and of course we all love Rishi & Neetu together! His energy here is infectious!
Daffliwale Daffli Bajaa - Sargam (1979) One of the MOST famous Hindi songs ever, and the one that launched Jaya Prada to stardom in Hindi films (apparently sans her eyebrows). But would she have anything to dance to without Rishi skillfully playing that daffli? The boy's got rhythm. Speaking of, I miss dafflis. We need more in Hindi song picturizations.
Om Shanti Om - Karz (1980) Oh Rishi - so adorably sparkly. So discofabulous. Hopping, skipping and jogging along on the spinning record ... no one else could have made this song the iconic song that it is!
Rang Jamake - Naseeb (1981) Rishi does Charlie Chaplin ... perhaps in a tribute to Raj Kapoor?I also love Shatrughan Sinha's dancing in this ... hee hee.
Pucho Na Yaar Kya Hua - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981) This is one of my favorite movies of all time, and a lot of that love is specifically because I thought Rishi was so adorable in this. And this song captures so much of what I love about 80s Bollywood ... sparkly decorations, light-up dance floors, and disco! This entire movie's soundtrack is fabulous!Those disco-dancing kids are pretty fab too.
Dil Lena Khel Hai - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981) Had to add another one from this movie because I love StagePerformer!Rishi so much and this movie had an abundance of light up dance floors - which I can't resist. Also because he really dances his heart out in this one.
Ishq Mera Bandagi Hai - Yeh Vaada Raha (1982) Another movie in which I was in love with Rishi. And I actually got to do a dance to this song with a local dance prodigy and my sister when I was 7 years old ... I played the Tina Munim role. And again, it features StagePerformer!Rishi and he's so into it ... I just love it. Another amazing soundtrack (R.D. Burman FTW!). And another sparkly jacket.Kapoor Bonus: Shammi Kapoor played the kind doctor who escorts Tina Munim to Rishi's performance!
Kaho Kaise Rasta Bhool Pade - Bade Dil Wala (1983) I LOVE this song, this soundtrack and this Rishi! He's so joyous - just totally enjoying being out there dancing with Aruna Irani.I particularly like the bit at about 2:03 when he's holding her foot and running around in a circle. He just looks so happy! I also like when they do the Filipino Tinikling dance and then sit up on the poles and make everyone else carry them around.
Aaya Sanam Aaya Deewana Tera - Bade Dil Wala (1983) Pshaw. Like gun shots could stop a sparkly-shirted Rishi from performing for a crowd! More amazing disco sets too!
Lambuji Lambuji - Coolie (1983) It's costumes galore in this fun Rishitabh song! I love Rishi dressed as the brahmin priest up on stilts. And for some reason, Rishi has never reminded me of his dear old Dad MORE than in this song.
Parbhat Se Kaali Ghata Takraayi - Chandni (1989) Rishi was quickly descending into "Sweater Uncle" phase, but I still found him loveable and charming as Rohit in Chandni. And though we all know that this song belongs to the ravishing Sridevi, Rishi still gave his best moves to make it amazing.
Main Matti Ka Gudda - Ajooba (1991) Well into his "Sweater Uncle" phase now, it was definitely bothersome to see Rishi play opposite the teenaged Sonam in Ajooba. Still, he has this sweetness and innocence to him that made this song fun.
Desh Badalte Hai - Banjaran (1991) A movie that had a similar feel to Nagina, but with a Banjaran theme. Sridevi rules here, again, but Rishi comes in towards the end and shows that he's still got it, despite being at the end of his days as a hero.
Payaliya - Deewana (1992) Again, well past hero phase but still giving even the most ridiculous choreography his all. I love Rishi, and I love this song! I had to choose it over the StagePerformer!Rishi song from this movie, "Sochenge Tumhe Pyar"(which I highly recommend watching for the multitude of props wielded by the background dancers).
Jaipur Se Nikli Gadi - Gurudev (1993) Oh poor Rishi. Did they HAVE to put him in those shorts? And despite the ridiculous get-up, he's still rocking it out and seems to be genuinely having fun with Sridevi.Great, peppy song though.
Dil Dene Ki Ruth Aayi - Prem Granth (1996) A Rishi-Madhuri pairing was definitely a bad idea, but this song is beautiful and I STILL find him charming, even this deep into his "sweater uncle" phase. There's a certain style to his little head tosses that I really love!
Dil Se Judi - Kaun Sacha Kaun Jhoota (1997) The last film that had Rishi-Sridevi paired together! And this song is a terrible rip-off of an amazing Gipsy Kings song, but still ... he IS dancing and giving joy and fun to the stupid choreography. And Sridevi is stunning as always.
Baaja Bajeya - Do Dooni Chaar (2010) Full out into his booming career as a character actor/father/uncle, and he won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for this film. I can't think of a more deserving person. He knocked it out of the park with this one ... just so beautifully acted, such nuances, such sweetness. I absolutely LOVE the moment where he heads out onto the dance floor with real-life wife Neetu Singh and starts doing the stereotypical "Uncle Dance" ... just love love love.
This only scratches the surface of Rishi fabulousness and Kapoor Khazana is quickly coming to an end. But I definitely wanted to share these as some of my favorite Rishi Dance songs.
Many more great film reviews and analysis posts for Kapoor Khazana are available here. Check it out!
Today's 'Song of the Day' is in response to the ongoing (and confirmed) reports of Sridevi and Amitabh Bachchan coming together once again on-screen in Balki's next film.
When I think of Amitabh & Sridevi, the first thing I think of is the 80s movie Inquilaab and the song 'Bichhu Lad Gaya' ... but then I can't forget the EPIC-ness of 1992's Khuda Gawah. This movie was the ultimate for me -- the pairing of these two was practically spiritual in my world.
Khuda Gawah is a tale that carries you from Afghanistan to India and back again -- detailing the lives of a larger-than-life Pathan named Baadshah Khan (Amitabh Bachchan). He falls in love with the bewitching Benazir (Sridevi), but they are separated due to complicated circumstances and Baadshah Khan is jailed in India.
In their many years of separation a daughter is born to them, named Mehndi (Sridevi, again). Baadshah Khan also befriends the jailer in India, who names his own daughter Henna (Shilpa Shirodkar). The corrupt inspector of Baadshah Khan's jail ends up getting killed and Baadshah gets the blame -- leading the inspector's son Raja (Nagarjuna) to grow up hating Baadshah and wanting revenge. Mehndi grows up under the care of Baadshah Khan's best friend Khuda Baksh (Danny Denzongpa) as her mother becomes mentally disturbed when she is told that Baadshah Khan is dead (he isn't, he just wants her to move on since he's stuck in jail indefinitely).
When she hears what happened to her father, she sets out to India to find him and bring him home. Mehndi and Raja end up meeting and falling in love. But then both Benazir and Khuda Baksh are kidnapped by the very rival that framed Baadshah Khan, which leads to a final showdown with all our players in the deserts of Afghanistan.
Yes it sounds like a crazy mess but I seriously LOVED this movie. You cannot help but love Baadshah Khan and you root for him all the way. And the songs in this movie are phenomenal! My favorite was always 'Mere Watan Main' - a duet between Sridevi and Nagarjuna (I wonder if they spoke Telugu to each other on set?), but because we're talking about Sri and Big B, I have to go with 'Main Aisi Cheez Nahin' -- a challenge of sorts between Baadshah Khan and Benazir that comes very early in the film. I ADORE this song and love the fiery chemistry between the leading two. Sridevi is FIERCE and Amitabh is so distinguished. And Danny! I love Danny!
So here's 'Main Aisi Cheez Nahin' from Khuda Gawah, sung by Mohammed Aziz and Kavita Krishnamurthy
May 15 is the janam din of the one and only lovely dancing queen Madhuri Dixit, and Gaja Gamini of Bollywood-ish Blog has organized a full week of celebrating! Of course, I couldn't get myself together this week, plus there was that issue with Blogger as well. So I'm late in getting my shizz together to do a fitting tribute for Madhuri, the Queen of the 90s.
What I DID have time to do was throw together a YouTube playlist of my favorite Madhuri songs ... not necessarily her most popular ones (note: "Choli Ke Peeche" is not on the list), but just my personal favorites. I loved developing this list because there's so many songs and movies I had forgotten about! I want to really thank Gaja Gamini for creating Madhuri Week so I had the opportunity to revisit so many of my old favorites.
So without further adieu, enjoy the graceful stylings, the stunning smile and the myriad expressions of the lovely Madhuri!
My Madhuri Mania List
1. Mujhe Neendh Na Aaye - Dil This goes down on my list of classic love songs, ones that will never leave the public imagination. I would put it on a list of romantic songs along with Sau Saal Pehle, Jo Vaada Kiya, Kora Kagaz Tha, Kabhi Kabhie, Dekha Ek Khwab, etc. Madhuri is SO young here (not to mention the prepubescent looking Aamir), and the hair/clothes are so quintessentially 90s.
2. Aap Ko Dekh Ke - Kishen Kanhaiya I think this is one of my absolute favorite Madhuri songs. If I had to pick only one, this might be it. It's so upbeat and dancey! I can't believe people have forgotten this song ... I totally love it. And Anil-Madhuri is definitely one of my favorite jodis.
3. Sun Beliya - 100 Days SPB's voice is so powerful!!! And Madhuri is super-duper gorgeous, innocent, free and perfectly lovely. I love her steps in this ... and this song is also one of those forgotten ones from the early 90s that I adored. It sucks for Jackie Shroff that he only got to wear 1 shirt (which is horribly inappropriate for the beach) while Madhuri dons 3 outfits (I love the one in the bullock cart scene). Also props to Mads for being fearless and rolling about on the beach while wild horses stomp past.
4. Tu Shayar Hai - Saajan Classic. Also Saajan was the 2nd hindi movie I saw at the theatre. Lots of memories. I love her 2nd outfit (the blue one). Her 1st outfit is questionable though. And the poor sideys ... their outfits (mostly frocks) are totally fugly.
5. Koyal Si Teri Boli - Beta Gorgeous, sweet song. Love it and love this movie! And this video is chock full of joyous Madhuri dancing around.
6. I Love You Pyar Karoon Choon - Mahasangraam Also in my top 3 favorite Madhuri songs with "Aap Ko Dekh Ke". One of the best rain songs ever! And her steps are so fabulous.I'm also crazy about the original Marathi song, Dholkara.
7. Ek Do Teen - Tezaab Mohini Mohini Mohini Mohini Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo!!!!!!!!! She is so animated and fabulous. And I have to give credit for the many people that learned to count in Hindi thanks to this song, the corporation for public broadcasting, and viewers like you.
8. Mein Teri Mohabbat Mein - Tridev Lucky Madhuri got to have this dream date song w/ Sunny Deol! Such a beautiful, haunting song.
9. Deewana Mujhsa Nahin - Deewana Mujhsa Nahin I found this movie totally disturbing because we were supposed to sympathize with and root for the TOTAL STALKER! Although I guess when your stalkers looks 5 years old, you can't be too much of a hater. Love Aamir's energy in this. It's like part two of "Khambe Jaise Khadi Hai" from Dil.
10. Humko Aaj Kal Hai - Sailaab Needs no explanation. She's perfection in it!
11. Tamma Tamma Loge - Thanedaar I can't watch this song without cracking up. It's a total mulletfest first of all, and then they've appropriated the steps from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation. But this was the JAM back then.
12. Tum Bansi Bajate Ho - Khilaaf Terrible movie, but had some lovely songs. I love any opportunity to show off her dancing ability!And WOOT! An Apsara costume!
13. Dil To Dil Hai - Zindagi Ek Juaa My favorite performance of Madhuri's acting-wise. Her portrayal of the descent into drug addiction was fantastic. And I think this song is perfect - sexy and romantic. 14. Na Hai Zameen Na Aasmaan - Khel This movie was HILARIOUS. And this song is one I often get stuck in my head, even though I know it's totally lifted from "Sending All My Love" by Linear (it was also copied in "Neendh Churaye Meri" from Ishq). I love the cheesy sets and the way the beats completely change in the verses, allowing Anil Kapoor to do his typical steps.
15. Jo Geet Nahin Janma - Sangeet This was a really sweet movie, and gave ample opportunity for Madhuri to showcase her Kathak training. The soundtrack was truly gorgeous, with lots of classically-based music.
16. Kaise Jiyunga Mein - Sahibaan I was obsessed with this song when I was 14. I thought it was ultimately romantic! Unfortunately the movie was so bad that we laughed through the whole thing. But Madhuri was gorgeous in her village belle outfits.
17. Palki Pe Hoke Sawar - Khal Nayak Another favorite role - Madhuri's Ganga was feisty, bold and fun! I loved the way she held her own with the whole gang of baddies in this movie.
18. Dil Tera Aashiq - Dil Tera Aashiq Another hilarious song and movie. Her expressions are SO FUNNY in this. Also love how Sallu is wearing pants he borrowed from Claudia from the Baby Sitters Club.But they are BOTH soooo cute in this. And they look like they were having a blast!
19. Channe Ke Khet - Anjaam Another classic Madhuri song. Whenever I think of signature moves from Bolly songs, most of them are from Madhuri songs. Remember when EVERY girl was doing this dance with the 'Channe Ke Khet' step? But no one could ever do it like Madhuri.
20. Maye Ni Maye - Hum Aapke Hai Koun She. is. stunning. I love her mango coloured outfit. But can someone please explain what Salman is wearing?
21. Ankhiyan Milaon - Raja Ok, admittedly I don't love this song, but it is definitely a Madhuri classic.And you can't help but smile watching Madhuri do her thang.
22. Dil Loye Loye - Yaarana I don't know why but I LOVE this song. I know it's a copy and the original Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan song is much, much better, but I love Madhuri's expressions!! And god, could they have dressed up those sidey girls any worse? What the heck.
23. Baajubandh - Prem Granth Such a gorgeous, gorgeous song! Madhuri is flawless, and I got a big huge grin on my face when Rishi Kapoor started dancing. Tragic, tragic movie though.
24. Badan Juda Hote Hai - Koyla I find this song really eerie and addictive (even though I know that Koyla theme music is totally copied from Vangelis' "Conquest of Paradise") ... but yay! Madhuri dancing!
25. Aaja Aaja O Aaja Aanewale - Rajkumar I actually hate the preceding song "O Mere Rajkumar" ... but the subsequent qawaali featuring the Sabri Brothers is excellent and Madhuri gets to do a great angry dance!The qawaali starts at about 2:25.
26. Arre Re Arre - Dil To Pagal Hai This was always my favorite song from this movie ...
27. Don't Break My Heart - Mohabbat Honestly, I mostly love to make fun of this song for being so totally silly. And I love Madhuri to death, but she looks hilarious in this one. Clearly this is not her style.
28. Que Sera Sera - Pukar So the story is that Madhuri was really nervous about working with Prabhu Deva, who is an amazing dancer and choreographer. And apparently she knocked his socks off in the creation of this number. Excellent choreography by Prabhz and lovely execution by Madhuri.
29. Badi Mushkil - Lajja Even dressed so simply, Madhuri just shines! And poor Manisha Koirala ... she's a horrible dancer, and then they made her try to dance next to Madhuri??
30. Kahe Chhed Mohe - Devdas Amazingness. Choreographed by the great Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji - the BEST use of Madhuri's skills in her entire career.And love the little insertion of her doing the spoken word part herself!
31. Aaja Nachle - Aaja Nachle This song is pure celebration - of MADHURI!!! There will never be another Madhuri in Bollywood. Happy Birthday Madhuri!!! Wishing you all the best!
Since I was walking around singing "My Name is Sheila" from Tees Maar Khan all week, I started thinking about songs that reference names and all of a sudden a list started developing in my mind (because I am insane and these are the things I think about). And so of course as the list in my head grew and grew, I realized a blog post was a-brewing.
So here's my list of Hindi movie songs that either state "My Name is ..." or "Naam Mera ..." or "Mera Naam ..." or the like:
1. My Name is Sheila - Tees Maar Khan (2010) My obvious starting off point. This started my entire thought process because I was wondering why this girl can't freaking remember her own name. Katrina Kaif is not my favorite working actress, and this video is an example of why. She just is so ... awkward and lifeless. Not a natural dancer at all, and I can practically see her counting in her head. And her expression always drops in transitions. Still, she obviously worked really hard, so I'll give her credit for that. I hate the English parts of this song, but the rest is so damn catchy.
2. Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo - Howrah Bridge (1958) One of my favorites! Helen is so fabulous, and the song is so super fun. We have a picture of my mom performing this onstage in 1950s Bombay -- before stage performances of Bollywood dances were a popular thing. Also when my sisters and I had a band in the early 90s, this was always one of our biggest hits on the dance floor! (I love the sudden, magical costume changes in the 2nd verse! And isn't Ashok Kumar so devastatingly handsome and brooding?)
3. Naam hai mera Fonseca - Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) Augghh! I used to HATE this song from JJWS - especially cause I thought Pooja Bedi was so annoying (and tranny looking, honestly)! But then her "Sorry old dear" verse used to get stuck in my head too. Deepak Tijori is awesome though. I'm bummed that I didn't go to a college like Model that had these kinds of competitions. The CLOTHES are reason enough to watch this video (which I couldn't find on YouTube, but here it is in some language I don't recognize!).
4. My Name is Anthony Gonsalves - Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) All I have to say is "The coefficient of the linear ... is juxtapositioned ... by the hemoglobin in the atmospheric pressure of the country!!!!"
5. Naam Kya Hai Pyar Ka Mara - Yeh Dillagi (1994) I was obsessed with this mid-90s Bollywoodized version of Sabrina starring Kajol and the very mullety pair of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. I could still watch this movie a million times. And it's one of the few movies where I could actually tolerate Akki. But anyway, Kajol's frilly sleeves and poofy skirt are wonderful. This was back when Saif was seriously a TERRIBLE actor too. He has crazy improved!
6. My Name is Lakhan - Ram Lakhan (1989) What can I say about this song? It's so much more than a song. It's an ANTHEM. Songs like this make me want to be a guy so I can THROW DOWN and do this kind of robust, joyful dancing without trying to be pretty and graceful. Anil Kapoor is ADORABLE as Lakhan, and check out the super young Madhuri too!
7. Mera Naam Hai Jamila - Night in London (1967) This is one of my more recent discoveries. Helen is fabulous, as always, doing her cabaret thing. Biswajeet and Johnny Walker sure seem to appreciate Jamila! I'm trying to figure out if her shirtless backup dancers are in blackbrownface or not. Anyway, Jamila is everything Sheila WISHES she could be. Helen is so expressive!
8. Naam Mera Premkali - Chaalbaaz (1989) I always kind of hated this song although I loved the movie. Sridevi is practically dressed as Michael Jackson. I mean really, they went a little crazy on the Soul Glo here. And then she turns into Linda Ronstadt or something. I don't even think they were trying to make the picturization suit the song. Because nothing suits the disco-light-up-dance-floor like a giant tulle ballet skirt! Still with all the craziness, Sri is so uber-cute! And she always works it, no matter what they throw at her!
9. Naam Mera Mango Dolly - Quick Gun Murugan (2009) I have no idea what is going on here, but clearly I need to see this mess. And Rambha honey? Blonde is not your color.
10. I am Krishnan Iyer MA - Agneepath (1990) I still can't believe they are going to try and remake this movie. What the heck. Can you remake awesomeness like this??? It's not possible! Mithun is too amazing, and I love Neelam! Also, this is what people used to sing to me when I told them I was South Indian. I also miss SPB's voice.
11. Main Hoon Jhumroo - Jhumroo (1961) I love this song soooo much. We used to perform it with our band and there was a guy who sang EXACTLY like Kishore Kumar. It was uncanny. And he was a great yodeler too.
12. Main Hoon Khushrang Henna - Henna (1991) Such a lovely song sung by Lata. I haven't seen this movie since 1991, because it was so sad and traumatic for me at 14 years old, but this song has always stuck in my head, along with many others from this soundtrack. Gorgeous. Whatever happened to Zeba Bhaktiar and Ashwini Bhave anyway?
13. Ya Ali Ya Ali Mera Naam Hai Ali - Ajooba (1991) Oh, Shashi Kapoor's directorial venture ... poor dear. But I liked the Rishitabh bromance in this movie!
14. Naam Abdul Hai Mera - Shaan (1980) I love this song. Mazhar Khan is just so joyful rolling around town with his back projection. And the subtitles on our VHS copy of Shaan was awesome: "My name is Abdul What? Oh, my name is Abdul, I keep news on everything!"
15. Mera Naam Hai Chameli - Raja aur Runk (1968) This adorable number by Kumkum is definitely memorable, but always reminds me of the medley from Mr. India ("Mera Naam Hai Calendar ...")
16. Romeo Naam Mera - Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993) Ah another expensive flop! It had some great moments that are totally not PC in retrospect ("Chini Mini Ching Chong") but that we loved at the time. This song was Anil Kapoor's chance to show off. Sridevi also had a solo item "Mein Hoon Roop Ki Rani" ...
So I'm going to stop here because that's all I could think of off of the top of my head! And these endless song lists have got to be annoying. I just LIVE for making song lists. Seriously. It's a weird obsession to have, I know. But really, my themed mix tapes were famous.
Did I miss any fabulous iconic ones? Or just one of your favorites? Let me know!!!
Ok, so I'm not the biggest Booby Deol fan around. I can't even count myself as a fan, though I'm not a hater either. But I did really love the movie Gupt when it came out in 1997. I had enjoyed the previous Rajiv Rai fare like Tridev, Vishwatma and Mohra, but none of them quite threw me for a loop like Gupt.
Gupt, which starred Booby Deol (I know, it's Bobby, but you know - ever since Stardust made that typo, I can't call him anything else), Kajol and Manisha Koirala, was a surprising murder-mystery that in a time saturated with repetitive storylines was incredibly exciting and refreshing. Booby plays Sahil, who is in love with his childhood sweetheart, Isha, played by Kajol. Sahil has a complicated and problem-laden relationship with his stepfather (Raj Babbar), who wants him to marry Sheetal (Manisha Koirala). When his stepfather surprises him by announcing Sahil's engagement to Sheetal at a party, he goes ballistic on him and threatens to kill him in front of the entire crowd. The next day, his stepfather is found dead, and Sahil is the prime suspect. From there spins a wild web of murder and suspense with Sahil on the trail to find the real killer.
Booby wasn't a revelation or anything, but the ladies made this film fun to watch (Kajol was good, but I particularly liked Manisha's character, who was calm, collected and mature about the fact that the boy she loved was in love with someone else). It's a bit difficult to watch it today because of the amazing 90s styling, but it certainly stuck in my memory all these years - though that is clearly because of the amazing soundtrack by Viju Shah. I mean come on, the guy came up with gems like "Saat Samundar" from Vishwatma, "Tip Tip Barsa Paani" from Mohra and "Aankh Maare" from Tere Mere Sapne!
I adored the soundtrack of Gupt long before the movie came out, particularly "Mere Khwabon Mein Tu" and "Mushkil Bada Yeh Pyar Hai" -- but by FAR my favorite song was "Yeh Pyar Kya Hai" which uses the beautiful flute intro from "Yashomati Maiyya" (Satyam Shivam Sundaram) set to a techno-ish beat. It works. I love it.
What I DON'T love and what drives me crazy about this song's picturization is the total rape and abuse of classical dance. They have a full stage set of dancers in four of the traditional classical dance costumes of India - Kathakali, Manipuri, Kathak and Bharata Natyam. While they are wearing the costumes, the dancing they are doing is anything BUT. I will go so far as to say the dancing is atrocious and an absolute insult to the costumes they are wearing. The Kathakali dancers might use an actual move or two from the dance style, but they are performed so awkwardly that I was cringing. The Kathak and Manipuri dancers are just flailing about, but I am most disturbed by the Bharata Natyam dancers - since I AM a Bharata Natyam dancer, obviously.
First, their costumes are the versions wore by little girls that don't have bosoms yet. Adolescent dancers and older always wear an additional piece called the dhaavani or melaakku across the torso. Seeing adults not wearing that piece is basically vulgar in my eyes. And then the dancing ... oh god, it's awful. Their feet are yards apart, there's absolutely no technique, it's just SO bad. And I just can't understand why people insult the costume, thinking that it just looks cool to wear it and you don't have to have any respect for the actual art itself.
I know I'm getting unnecessarily upset about this, but it's just so representative of how our own people treat classical dance, and traditional arts in general. Why dedicate yourself to 8-10 years of training and discipline? Just throw on a cool looking costume and shake your hips! It's what I see at all these college and community so-called cultural shows, and it pisses me off. Kids think that doing a Bollywood/Hip Hop/Fusion dance means they are in touch with their culture. There's usually 20 of those items, and then one token "classical" dance that usually has very little classical content to it - and everyone applauds them for making classical dance "interesting" by doing it to Western or Bollywood music or doing a few basic classical dance steps (not even truly doing one style, but mixing moves from Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi) and then waving their arms around all over the place.
END RANT.
That aside, I love the song. I LOVE the crazy, totally 90s dance moves Booby, Kajol and Manisha are trying so hard to do. I dig the weird hairstyle on Manisha and I really want to know if Kajol's wig is attached to the beret. I love how Manisha can't dance to save her life (can you say HOT MESS?) and Booby almost falls over doing some of these moves in his tight jeans, while Kajol just looks awkward and uncomfortable but is still trying to rock it out (you go girl).
And I do give credit for the concept! If they had REAL classical dancers doing ACTUAL dance steps, I think I would have found it quite beautiful and interesting. The classical dance costumes are incredibly fascinating (particularly Kathakali, with those elaborate masks, makeup, crowns and dresses) and the idea of all the classical dances presented on one stage is very exciting. If they had just taken the time and effort to hire real dancers and choreographers, I would have absolutely loved the final effect.
Image of Kathakali costuming by Rahul Sadagopan
All in all and my personal issues aside, it's a great song from a movie I really enjoyed when I saw it!
Dushman Devta (1991) is set in a small, defenseless village plagued by bandit attacks. We're introduced to the sweet, innocent residents by a singing village belle, played by Dimple Kapadia (who is of course, gorgeous, but just past the age where she can pull off this type of character). She's not the only belle in town though ... a scantily-clad Sonam is also prancing around town shooting sheep and horses with her tranquilizer darts and aggressively pursuing town hunk Suraj (Aditya Panscholi). It's a good thing too because "animals" (Ahem! Dacoits in bad gorilla costumes) are apparently also terrorizing the villagers. Sadashiv Amrapurkar and Gulshan Grover are around doing their usual shady dealings as the local corrupt thakur Raja and his Number Two.
Enter Dharmendra as surly, rogue-ish Shiva! He arrives near the village with Master Dina Nath (Dr. Shreeram Lagoo), who tells him about his sad past. He tells Shiva that he considers him to be like his son and wants him to help protect their village. Suddenly Dina Nath is shot by Number Two (Gulshan Grover). Shiva goes to take the body back to his family, and Dina Nath's wife - who had gone pagal after her son was killed - receives him enthusiastically as her son. Unfortunately Suraj and gang come along and believing Shiva to be Dina Nath's murderer, attack him. The villagers all argue that he couldn't be the killer, and try to revive Shiva. In a series of events, the villagers come to believe that Shiva is a living incarnation of Lord Shiva and fall at his feet, swearing their undying devotion. Dharmendra has a past of his own he needs to escape, and reluctantly agrees to stay in the village. This is where things get fun!
While this certainly isn't highbrow cinematic art and is guilty of the 80-90s cliches of rapeyness and gaudy costuming, this movie stuck in my memory for being unapologetically silly and fun. It doesn't seem like anyone was really trying all that hard in this film, except for maybe a few of the background extras.
Dharamji's Shiva is a gruff, embittered drunkard who is ultimately inspired to protect the village that constantly chants to him "Aap to Antaryaami hai!" (the line that cracked me and my sisters up while watching this). He's absolutely hilarious and gets to show off his dry humour. This is pretty late in his career as a hero, but it works well for the character. He reminds me quite a bit of Sunny today. Or I guess I should say Sunny reminds me of him? Anyway, their father-son resemblance never struck me as much as it did in this movie.
Dimple as either Gori or Gouri (I never figured out which one) is feisty and loudmouthed. She may be a bit too mature to play the village belle, but she still gets some wonderful scope here to angrily rile up the sheep-minded villagers.
And speaking of sheep (or shooting them with darts) -- Sonam is one tough cookie too. Her tranquilizer darts come in very handy when she flips the damsel-in-distress situation to save her man, and later towards the climax too. Sonam is an interesting actress to me. She's obviously not a GOOD actress, so I'm not sure why I like watching her in films (I also loved her in Tridev, Chor Pe Mor and Ajooba). There's something strangely admirable about her lazy approach to acting, something irreverent ... it just doesn't seem like she cares very much about acting and is just doing it for a lark. And I think she was only 15 when she did Tridev, so she was probably around 16 in this. It shows. She's mostly in this movie for skin show, but I thought she was sort of kickass.
Aditya Panscholi is ehhh to me. As he usually is.
The soundtrack is cute and mostly forgettable, except for two numbers that completely STUCK in my head for YEARS (I haven't seen this movie since 1992). One is the obviously lifted tune "Hojaye Hoja" (a villain's lair dance!) that I've had pop into my head now and then but had forgotten that it was from this movie. The other is the completely awesome Usha Uthup number "Udi Udi Baba" picturized on Sonam and Aditya. It's completely random and weird and my sisters and I fell in love with it when we saw it on a song compilation video. It's the reason we rented the movie and watched it. You can watch it here (scan to about 1:50 in):
This is by no means a must-see film, but it IS sort of funny and decent timepass. It certainly stuck in MY memory all these years!
Unfortunately I haven't been able to post as much as I'd hoped between the vacation I just came back from (Jamaica was AMAZING! I highly recommend The Grand Palladium Jamaica, where we stayed - a fabulous all-inclusive and really stunning property) and sending my laptop in for repair ... so I'm doing these quicker posts to stay a part of the fun. I have already screencapped several films that I hope to do a full review of as soon as possible. In the meantime, I have these song lists that kept popping into my head and I wanted to share them.
Now that we've all seen the softer side of Sunny, let's take a look now at his playful side! There are several songs that pop into my head when I think of fun times with Sunny ...
Mera Dil Le Gayi - Ziddi (1997) I LOVE Sunny in this one. He always seems on the verge of laughing. It just seems like he's letting go of his fear of dancing and having fun with it! Oh they really pushed him to dance in this one, and it just looks like he worked so hard to get those steps. But then he flashes that blinding smile and who cares about the steps! This just looks like fun! *I choreographed this song for a couple of kids for their community Diwali show once ... it's still one of my favorite filmi dances I've set up. I had to borrow that walking forward step.
Dhola Dhol Manjira - Joshilaay (1989) This is definitely a Sridevi show all the way. She's rocking it, and her hip-shaking moves are out of this world. But I get a huge grin on my face from the moment Sunny jumps into the screen (causing Sri to hilariously roll her eyes). They're playing off each other, and it is so fun to watch. I don't care if he's mostly walking around while Sri dances away, he's still part of the fun!
Na Jane Kahan Se Aayi Hai - Chaalbaaz (1989) Classic. Again, this is a Sridevi show (I WANT her rain slicker), but from the moment Sunny rolls up on his motorcycle the fun level goes up ... Sridevi's best when she has someone to play off of, and Sunny provides that - he's the kind of co-star that best allows her to shine and doesn't compete with her for the lions share of attention (the way I sometimes feel Anil Kapoor does). Somehow he reminds me more of his dad in this song than he usually does. Maybe it's the jovial attitude.
Mein Nikla Gaddi Leke - Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) I like Sunny in this enough to ignore Amisha Patel, who really grates on my nerves. She's like the modern day Vijeyta Pandit. But Sunny is so cute and earnest in this one (even with the excessive kajal in his eyes). I unfortunately haven't seen the movie (I'd really have to battle my Amisha dislike), but it was quite a hit. And I don't think I've ever seen Sunny so smiley. It makes me smile.
Ang Se Ang Lagana - Darr (1993) I love me some Darr. And though this song is definitely more Anupam Kher's than anyone else's, Sunny's part comes in at about 3:05 and is quite fun. I mean it's Holi after all. Unfortunately I'm a bit scared of Holi after the combination of this (creepy stalker SRK) and the terrifying Holi scene in Damini, but I digress. Can anyone explain to me why the spoken word part starting at 4:08 goes on for SO FREAKING LONG???
Jano Janam Jaaneman - Sultanat (1986) I too would like to frolick in a kiddie pool on the Arabian Nights set with Sheikh!Sunny. And clearly a guy that will CosPlay with you has got to be good fun. And he even made a giant sand heart stage to dance on with Sridevi.
If anyone else finds any fun/playful Sunny Deol gems on YouTube, I'd love to see them! And for all the fun Deol Dhamaka posts from my BollyBlogging friends, be sure to check out the links here - so many great films being recapped!
