The amazing and talented Louella of Masala with Bigosie has kindly added me to the roster of BollyBloggers featured in her new online magazine 'BLOGUE'. Nine is one of my lucky numbers, and so I was honored when Louella asked me to be her 9th cover girl.
Each issue of BLOGUE is dedicated to a specific blogger and has a fun Q & A session with them as well as links to their favorite posts from their own blogs. There's also links to other popular posts in the blogosphere, and a special editorial written by Githa of Words from a Lotus.
It's obviously a labor of love from Louella, whose own blog gets an average of 3,000 views per week and has tons of reviews of South Indian movies (and Hindi too). Louella does this purely to appreciate bloggers and give us an opportunity to get to know each other a little better. Githa too, takes the time to write thoughtful essays for each issue, and Prathna Tiwari of Sakhi Speaks lends her editorial skills to the project.
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!
The lovely Beth of everyone's favorite blog Beth Loves Bollywood has organized a 1-day celebration in honor of the one and only late Bob Christo. Who is Bob Christo, you ask? Well if the phrase "Nahin Bajrang Bali, Nahin Bajrang Bali, Mera Bajrang Bali ..." doesn't ring a bell, then hop on over to Beth's list of links about the fabulous firang gentleman himself.
As for me, I can't say I've followed his career all that closely, but I DO remember him, and appreciate his fine work in getting beat up by our many heroes over the years. And though the Bajrang Bali scene from Mr. India is the one that most people remember him for ... MY Favorite scene starring Mr. Christo is from the wacky Jaani Dost. I've already stated my total adoration for this movie, warts and all. Yes, I know it's absolutely ridiculous. But I still love it, and mostly because of scenes like this.
Here we have the two heroes and their lovely heroines, being attacked by the terrible goondas (enter Bob Christo!! APPLAUSE!). A typical scene, and yet in this film it's given a fun, whimsical sort of feel. From Dharmendra dancing to tabla rhythms atop the bad guys to a conversation about "where the relationship is going" being staged in between fighting, this entire sequence is lighthearted and entertaining beyond the dishooms. And come on, Sridevi beating up the bad guys as Karate Rani Shalu? Priceless.
I particularly like the moment at about 3:59 where Parveen Babi tries to beat up Bob Christo ... his reactions are just amazing. Also, how fun is it that BOTH Bob Christo and Tom Alter played goons together in this movie?
ARGH. So I totally suggested to all my BollyBlogging friends that we should do Vikram-posts on Sunday April 17th in honor of his 45th birthday. And then in the midst of traveling home to visit my mom in Michigan, I wasn't able to do a post yesterday. There were some fabulous tributes to the brooding, masculine, sexy Vikram yesterday which you should definitely check out:
My friends, I failed you all yesterday. And it's not from any lack of Vikram lust love. I absolutely adore Vikram ... as evidenced by my earlier Primer on Chiyaan Vikram. In it I describe my favorite Vikram movies, and a little about his incredible appeal.
Since there's no time to do a full movie recap or anything very deep or profound (Mom's household means non-stop guests and dance classes going on), I will leave you all with this intense moment from Kadhal Sadugudu which I ALWAYS think of when I think of Vikram ... mmmm ... (how jealous am I of Priyanka Trivedi???):
Happy birthday John Kennedy Vinod Raj aka VIKRAM aka RAMPWALK REMO aka RAINBOW REMO, you sexy beast you!
The ever so fabulous and sweet Mette of Lime Reviews has kindly added me to the list of *STYLISH BLOGGERS* floating around the net - which I'm completely grateful for as I'm fairly new to the BollyBlogging scene and I am constantly amazed by the graciousness with which I've been embraced. This is just a great network of passionate and fun-loving people who GET the ridiculous jokes that were always floating in my head when things in life got ... ahem, FILMY. Unfortunately the ABCDs that generally comprised my IRL friends in college never understood, and the "FOB" (though I hate that term, really) friends I had in my years as a young, working professional just shake their head at me and say, "I can't believe how INDIAN you are when you were raised here!" -- just imagine what they would say to my countless friends of every which race and geographical location if they knew the depths of their filmi knowledge!
Anyway, the fun thing about this award is that we are to state 7 Facts about ourselves, and then pass along the torch to 7 other bloggers.
So here we go!
1. I am absolutely 100% terrified of ghosts. I don't think they are going to do anything to me, I am just afraid of seeing one. I couldn't sleep for 3 nights after seeing The Sixth Sense. I am also afraid of loud noises - so I hate fireworks and balloons popping. If there's a balloon in the room I will be extremely tense, waiting for it to pop. And I always cover my ears during fireworks.
2. I love to dance, but came to the horrible realization several years ago that I'm really not that good at the thing I love most in the world. I have all the tools to be a great dancer, but simply never pushed myself to excel, and now after all these years my body lacks the precision and athleticism it should have. And those that cannot do, teach. So I have come to love teaching.
3. Anytime everyone seems to be obsessed or in love with a single person, I automatically develop an aversion to them. This has been the case since elementary school.
4. I am a magnet for people who want to tell me over and over how beautiful and talented they are and how many people are in love with them. Gag.
5. I used to want to be a dance choreographer for Bollywood movies, but after college I re-discovered classical dance (Bharata Natyam) and how amazing it is, and after that Bollywood stuff just felt like empty calories. It's still fun and all that, and I don't mind doing a light dance for a friend's wedding or something like that, but the idea of choreographing and/or performing a filmi dance for a stage is not as happy-making as doing a Thillana or a Varnam.
6. I absolutely hate talking on the phone and avoid answering my phone as much as possible. However people can always reach me via email or facebook/twitter. Or texting.
7. I actually hate any and all nicknames that people call me by and really wish people would call me by my name (Anandini. Ah-nun-the-knee. Anandini. Is it really THAT hard?). There is no cute or sweet-sounding nickname for my name. Who wants to be called "Nun" or "Nandi"? Not me.
Now the second part of this fun award is naming 7 other blogs that you admire! It's incredibly tough to narrow down my favorite blogs (there are SO MANY), and most of my favorites have already received this award from other bloggers. But nevertheless, here are 7 blogs that I truly admire:
I also need to mention that it was the amazing and talented Beth Loves Bollywood that drew me into the world of BollyBlogging (and she is probably on everyone's list of favorite bloggers, which means she's been nominated for this award many, many times!). Also the fun-loving, inclusive and amazingly creative Kay of Totally Filmi, Ness from Shahrukh is Love and Kara from Filmi Girl! are writers that I consider my BollyBlogging Gurus and inspiration! And of course, you must check out Mette's Lime Reviews: Confessions of a Bollywood Addict -- it's wonderful!
