Omkara- Review by Priyangini Mehta

The following are some never-seen and never-thought-of pictures that will make your eyeballs pop out. Sensationalism finds a new height. Whether these pics are real or morphed or not, herbal one cannot tell. But as of now they present the zenith of unimaginable intent.

Presenting Mallika Shehrawat, viagra approved fully dressed. Yes, order yes – not even a cleavage peeping out of the stifled confines of clothes. If these pics are real, hats off to Mallika for going through the photo shoot in suffocating conditons of full clothes!

Mika-Rakhi Face Off

Mika got the royal snub when he tried to make Rakhi Sawant his kiss kiss ki kiss-mate and the media went berserk over this smooch ado about nothing drama. For those who came in very late – On Mika’s birthday party, Sawant smothered Mika with cakes and kisses. When Mika reciprocated zealously, Sawant’s bhartiya naari within woke up and before he could say ‘something something’, she screamed foul – not about Mika’s breath, but about the incident.

Last month, Sawant was all over the channels for vulgarity charges. Recently, she has been giving many a Bollywood bimbo a cut-cloth competition in her field.

In her interviews, she aggressively claimed, ‘my fans love me’! Honestly, I will like to meet these demented souls – and send them to a psychiatrist for treatment!

Rahul Mahajan

Rahul’s mahajung continues; though not in the mainstream news any longer , still it’s poppy-ing out at regular intervals. There is something about sensationalism that makes you return to it again and again.

Unless you have just landed from Mars, you would know that late Pramod Mahajan’s son was caught with powders that were not thanda thanda cool cool! As the story progressed from conspiracy to champagne to cocaine (and the nation went from shock to to sympathy to sneer), the media quickly withdrew it from its main slots – but the symptoms are clear: too many news channels spoil the television broth!

By the end of these repeat telecasts and newspaper reports, everyone would have had a refresher course on the difference between cocaine and heroin (and any other drug), champagne and sparkling wine, middle class and rich brats – which essentially, this whole story is all about.

John Aur Con

Overhead in a busy mall – a smart kid telling his excited mom, who was pushing her child to fill the contest form wherein the winner gets to act with John Abraham, ‘ Mom, that’s all ok, but are you sure John will act!’ Touche!

Kids these days, I tell you, are very smart. And are not going to be taken by media’s forcing of i-cons!

But must admit, generally speaking John does have a special place with kids  – as does Hrithik Roshan. Which reminds me, Hrithik has clambered out of his media hibernation, and is these days the most seen person, while Aamir has slithered back into hiding again – till the next release, that is!

Kaala Kaala Chashma

Big B ki amar-vyatha got a chapter added when the income tax department  allegedly delivered yet another notice. To which, Big B gave a decent and extremely well-worded reply. In this chhitti-chhitti baatein, Amar Singh again got badi badi time space on channels as he came out to defend his ‘friend’ – he also alleged that Big B is being hounded unnecessarily by someone from a family who was so-nia to them once-upon-a-history!

Bitchy Comment of the Day

Soha Ali Khan states, “People tell me that I look as if I belong to another century. I guess that’s a compliment”. Or perhaps, they mean that she looks like a ghost 😛
The following are some never-seen and never-thought-of pictures that will make your eyeballs pop out. Sensationalism finds a new height. Whether these pics are real or morphed or not, herbal one cannot tell. But as of now they present the zenith of unimaginable intent.

Presenting Mallika Shehrawat, viagra approved fully dressed. Yes, order yes – not even a cleavage peeping out of the stifled confines of clothes. If these pics are real, hats off to Mallika for going through the photo shoot in suffocating conditons of full clothes!

Mika-Rakhi Face Off

Mika got the royal snub when he tried to make Rakhi Sawant his kiss kiss ki kiss-mate and the media went berserk over this smooch ado about nothing drama. For those who came in very late – On Mika’s birthday party, Sawant smothered Mika with cakes and kisses. When Mika reciprocated zealously, Sawant’s bhartiya naari within woke up and before he could say ‘something something’, she screamed foul – not about Mika’s breath, but about the incident.

Last month, Sawant was all over the channels for vulgarity charges. Recently, she has been giving many a Bollywood bimbo a cut-cloth competition in her field.

In her interviews, she aggressively claimed, ‘my fans love me’! Honestly, I will like to meet these demented souls – and send them to a psychiatrist for treatment!

Rahul Mahajan

Rahul’s mahajung continues; though not in the mainstream news any longer , still it’s poppy-ing out at regular intervals. There is something about sensationalism that makes you return to it again and again.

Unless you have just landed from Mars, you would know that late Pramod Mahajan’s son was caught with powders that were not thanda thanda cool cool! As the story progressed from conspiracy to champagne to cocaine (and the nation went from shock to to sympathy to sneer), the media quickly withdrew it from its main slots – but the symptoms are clear: too many news channels spoil the television broth!

By the end of these repeat telecasts and newspaper reports, everyone would have had a refresher course on the difference between cocaine and heroin (and any other drug), champagne and sparkling wine, middle class and rich brats – which essentially, this whole story is all about.

John Aur Con

Overhead in a busy mall – a smart kid telling his excited mom, who was pushing her child to fill the contest form wherein the winner gets to act with John Abraham, ‘ Mom, that’s all ok, but are you sure John will act!’ Touche!

Kids these days, I tell you, are very smart. And are not going to be taken by media’s forcing of i-cons!

But must admit, generally speaking John does have a special place with kids  – as does Hrithik Roshan. Which reminds me, Hrithik has clambered out of his media hibernation, and is these days the most seen person, while Aamir has slithered back into hiding again – till the next release, that is!

Kaala Kaala Chashma

Big B ki amar-vyatha got a chapter added when the income tax department  allegedly delivered yet another notice. To which, Big B gave a decent and extremely well-worded reply. In this chhitti-chhitti baatein, Amar Singh again got badi badi time space on channels as he came out to defend his ‘friend’ – he also alleged that Big B is being hounded unnecessarily by someone from a family who was so-nia to them once-upon-a-history!

Bitchy Comment of the Day

Soha Ali Khan states, “People tell me that I look as if I belong to another century. I guess that’s a compliment”. Or perhaps, they mean that she looks like a ghost 😛

Today is World Music Day – and I cannot let this day pass without saying a prayer and thanks to the musical legend who has been one solid constant in my life; one who epitomises music; one who has inspired generations – LATA MANGESHKARji, malady aap ko shat shat pranaam. You are the beginning and end of music!

On this day I also remember and bow before other legends who have colored my life with their golden voices: Mohd. Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar and Manna Dey. My thanks to Asha Bhonsle for her songs, and also praise to some contemporary voices like Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Shreya and Sonu Nigam.

A day dedicated to music cannot be completed without a mention of three of my most favorite composers – Madan Mohan and Shankar-Jaikishan.

However, there are many others whose contributions have had significant impact on me viz. Naushad, Anil Biswas, Husnlal Bhagatram, SD Burman, C. Ramachandra, Chitragupt, Sardar Mallik, Kalyanji-Anandji, RD Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Bappi Lahiri. My sincere thanks to many contemporary music composers as well , listing them out will not be possible here.

Words add beauty to music. Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri, Rajendra Kishan, Raja Mehndi Ali Khan, Shakeel Badayuni, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Anand Bakshi, Javed Akhtar and Gulzar and to many others I have missed out to mention – thanks for your invaluable words which have touched my heart and soul.

Listing out every artiste of each music field is impossible. But everyone’s contribution is always important, and somewhere it does make an impact.

Lastly, my reverance to Goddess Saraswati, who gave this priceless gift to mankind called music!

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The following are some never-seen and never-thought-of pictures that will make your eyeballs pop out. Sensationalism finds a new height. Whether these pics are real or morphed or not, herbal one cannot tell. But as of now they present the zenith of unimaginable intent.

Presenting Mallika Shehrawat, viagra approved fully dressed. Yes, order yes – not even a cleavage peeping out of the stifled confines of clothes. If these pics are real, hats off to Mallika for going through the photo shoot in suffocating conditons of full clothes!

Mika-Rakhi Face Off

Mika got the royal snub when he tried to make Rakhi Sawant his kiss kiss ki kiss-mate and the media went berserk over this smooch ado about nothing drama. For those who came in very late – On Mika’s birthday party, Sawant smothered Mika with cakes and kisses. When Mika reciprocated zealously, Sawant’s bhartiya naari within woke up and before he could say ‘something something’, she screamed foul – not about Mika’s breath, but about the incident.

Last month, Sawant was all over the channels for vulgarity charges. Recently, she has been giving many a Bollywood bimbo a cut-cloth competition in her field.

In her interviews, she aggressively claimed, ‘my fans love me’! Honestly, I will like to meet these demented souls – and send them to a psychiatrist for treatment!

Rahul Mahajan

Rahul’s mahajung continues; though not in the mainstream news any longer , still it’s poppy-ing out at regular intervals. There is something about sensationalism that makes you return to it again and again.

Unless you have just landed from Mars, you would know that late Pramod Mahajan’s son was caught with powders that were not thanda thanda cool cool! As the story progressed from conspiracy to champagne to cocaine (and the nation went from shock to to sympathy to sneer), the media quickly withdrew it from its main slots – but the symptoms are clear: too many news channels spoil the television broth!

By the end of these repeat telecasts and newspaper reports, everyone would have had a refresher course on the difference between cocaine and heroin (and any other drug), champagne and sparkling wine, middle class and rich brats – which essentially, this whole story is all about.

John Aur Con

Overhead in a busy mall – a smart kid telling his excited mom, who was pushing her child to fill the contest form wherein the winner gets to act with John Abraham, ‘ Mom, that’s all ok, but are you sure John will act!’ Touche!

Kids these days, I tell you, are very smart. And are not going to be taken by media’s forcing of i-cons!

But must admit, generally speaking John does have a special place with kids  – as does Hrithik Roshan. Which reminds me, Hrithik has clambered out of his media hibernation, and is these days the most seen person, while Aamir has slithered back into hiding again – till the next release, that is!

Kaala Kaala Chashma

Big B ki amar-vyatha got a chapter added when the income tax department  allegedly delivered yet another notice. To which, Big B gave a decent and extremely well-worded reply. In this chhitti-chhitti baatein, Amar Singh again got badi badi time space on channels as he came out to defend his ‘friend’ – he also alleged that Big B is being hounded unnecessarily by someone from a family who was so-nia to them once-upon-a-history!

Bitchy Comment of the Day

Soha Ali Khan states, “People tell me that I look as if I belong to another century. I guess that’s a compliment”. Or perhaps, they mean that she looks like a ghost 😛

Today is World Music Day – and I cannot let this day pass without saying a prayer and thanks to the musical legend who has been one solid constant in my life; one who epitomises music; one who has inspired generations – LATA MANGESHKARji, malady aap ko shat shat pranaam. You are the beginning and end of music!

On this day I also remember and bow before other legends who have colored my life with their golden voices: Mohd. Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar and Manna Dey. My thanks to Asha Bhonsle for her songs, and also praise to some contemporary voices like Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Shreya and Sonu Nigam.

A day dedicated to music cannot be completed without a mention of three of my most favorite composers – Madan Mohan and Shankar-Jaikishan.

However, there are many others whose contributions have had significant impact on me viz. Naushad, Anil Biswas, Husnlal Bhagatram, SD Burman, C. Ramachandra, Chitragupt, Sardar Mallik, Kalyanji-Anandji, RD Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Bappi Lahiri. My sincere thanks to many contemporary music composers as well , listing them out will not be possible here.

Words add beauty to music. Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri, Rajendra Kishan, Raja Mehndi Ali Khan, Shakeel Badayuni, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Anand Bakshi, Javed Akhtar and Gulzar and to many others I have missed out to mention – thanks for your invaluable words which have touched my heart and soul.

Listing out every artiste of each music field is impossible. But everyone’s contribution is always important, and somewhere it does make an impact.

Lastly, my reverance to Goddess Saraswati, who gave this priceless gift to mankind called music!

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Today is Madan Mohan’s Birth Anniversary. Any superlative falls short of capturing even an iota of the genius music maker that he was. His tunes have survived the onslaught of time, price in more ways than one. While his recorded songs continue to regale music lovers, prosthesis even his unused tunes held a life of their own. Perhaps he is the only music composer whose even leftover tunes were re-constructed in a film made thirty years after his demise.

With Lata Mangeshkar he held a special bond, which resulted in those innumerable solos without which the singer’s ouvre would have been woefully empty. And Latadi reciprocated to her ‘Madan Bhaiyaa’ in providing that superior quality of sweetness which is entirely impossible to describe. Each song is complete in itself, away from the films they were embedded in (which were largely box office duds) and not dependant on the artiste’s charisma (which were wooden heroines like Priya Rajvansh in many cases). Madan Mohan’s music truly embodies what Hindi film music should sound like – fit into the story, yet retain its individuality to stand out of it. Perhaps that is why, in his case no one bothers to find out about the film or the heroine!

While Madan Mohan was known more for his ghazals, earning him the sobriquet of ‘King of Ghazals’, yet he has a vast array of other genre numbers as well, some which I highlighted in an earlier post.

Time and again I tried to list out MM-Lata Mangeshkar combine songs, but every time I failed and the post remained incomplete – that’s because it is very tough for me to select just a handful, and remove the others.

Whenever I try to listen to them again to give the list some structure, I am unable to do so, I push away the horrid keyboard and simply immerse myself in those magnificent tunes and that wonderful voice.

Today, I am randomly picking up ten songs – without any order or thought, except that all are superhits, all are greats and all are my favorites. So here we go:

Aaj socha toh aansoon bhar aaye– This song is so fragile and tender that it feels as if it will melt if we touch it. When Lata Mangeshkar sings the lines ‘dil ki naazuk ragein toot-ti hai’ you can feel the pain pulling your heart wretchedly. Using the tune from ‘tum jo mil gaye ho’ as interlude piece has a brilliant effect.

Aapki nazron ne samjha – To me this is a perfect song – in terms of tunes, interlude, singing and lyrics. The rhythm is delightful – like swaying in the breeze. It is said that the director was unhappy with the original song. When he told this to MM, he changed it immediately much to the shock of Latadi who had rehearsed the original number. Can anyone imagine that such a perfect tune has been created in a jiffy?

Agar mujhse mohabbat hai – I love the half rhythm in this one – just like a lady’s hesitant plea asking her love to impart her with all his pain and sorrow.

Betaab dil kee yehi tamanna hai – One great love number that encapstulates sublime feelings of an unruly heart.

Hai isi mein pyaar ki aabroo – The second Anpadh ghazal for which Naushad Sahab was ready to sacrifice all his own music. Again, an extremely soft song which attacks the heart and clasps it tightly to evoke pain at its sweetest best.

Hum Hai Mata-E-Kucha-O-Bazaar ki tarah Dastak‘s music is exemplary. And it won the National Award as well. I love all its songs, but this one is special in my heart. Once more, MM’s favorite instrument sitar finds a pride place. I also adore Rafi’s near whisper-rendered Tumse kahun ek baat paron si halki

Jaana tha humse door bahaane bana liye – I love this towering number for the pained dignity (at accepting one’s loss) it evokes rather than resorting to sentimentalism. Again, MM’s ability to create a very delicate number.

Na tum bewafaa ho na hum bewafaa hai – Another universally appealing song – because in relationships there are times when neither is wrong, yet the paths differ. The steadily rising violin based interludes are smashing.

Naina Barse Rimjhim– Years before I even knew who Lata or Madan Mohan were, this song was a constant favorite we kids used to lisp in antakshris. Since then the song has subconsciously seeped into my being so much so that it is an integral part of my body and soul. Woh Kaun Thi was musically very rich. Hard to decide between this one and Lag jaa gale se phir yeh haseen raat ho na ho. And then there was Jo humne daastaan apni sunaayi as well. Hmmm, exhilirating score!

Woh bhuli daastaan lo phir yaad aa gayi – This number will always be special in my heart, for this is the one number from which my love for MM’s music began. As a kid I hardly understood the profound lyrics, but the brook-like flow of the tune attracted me. Later of course I understood and felt the song. The santoor riffs are mindblowing. My most favorite and oft quoted or sung stanza is the last one ‘Bade rangeen zamaane the, taraane hi taraane the, magar ab poochhta hai dil woh din tha ya fasaane the’

I am listing out a few other gems from this dream team:

Naino mein badra chhaye / Naino waali ek matwaali ne (Mera Saaya)
Rasme ulfat ko nibhaye kaise (Dil Ki Raahein)
Woh dekho jala ghar kisika / Jiya le gayo re mora (Anpadh)
Aapki baatein karein ya apna fasaana kahen (Dil Ki Raahein)
Bairan neend na aaye (Chacha Zindabad)
Chand madham hai aasmaan chup hai (Railway Platform)
Chain nahi aaye kaha bhi na jaaye (Samundar)
Chal diya dil mera tod ke
(Fifty Fifty)
Do Dil Toote Do Dil Haare
(Heer Ranjha)
Ek baat poochhti hoon
(Suhagan)
Chhoti si hai zindagi apni khushi se jee
(Pocket Maar)
Haal e dil yun unhe sunaya gaya (Jahan Ara)
Ja re badra bairi jaa re (Bahana)
Kadam bahke bahke jiya dhadak dhadak jaaye (Bank Manager)
Kai din se jee hai bekal
(Dulhan Ek Raat Ki)
Khelo na mere dil se
(Haqueeqat)
Maai ri / Baiyaan na dharo
(Dastak)
Main toh tum sang nain milake (Manmauji)
Main na janoo mohabbat hai kya / Tum chaand ke saath chale aao
(Ashiana)
Milo Na tum to hum ghabraye
(Heer Ranjha)
Mujhe yaad karne waale
(Rishte Naate)
Pyaar kya hota hai samjhaye koie
(Ek Kali Muskayi)
Ruke Ruke Se Qadam (Mausam)
Teri aankhon ke siva / Chhayi barkha baahar / Bhor hote kaaga / Mere bichhde saathi
(Chirag)
Tum ho saath raat bhi haseen hai , ab to maut ka bhi gham nahin hai ( Mohar )
Tu pyaar kare ya thukraye / Meri veena tum bin roye (Dekh Kabira Roya)
Wo chup rahe toh dil ke daag jalte hai (Adalat)


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Welcome to India’s first superhero; and as that, melanoma visit Krrish does remarkably well. Rakesh Roshan’s films have always been fairly entertaining, grip including the ill-fated Kala Bazar and King Uncle. And now, he has improved vastly on the technical side which makes viewing more pleasurable.


Unless you are a hermit living in a cave, you would know that Krrish is a sequel to Roshan’s previous bumper hit Koi Mil Gaya – where in Rohit and Nisha’s son Krishna is born with all the powers that Jadoo, the extra terrestrial, had imparted Rohit with. Fearing that Krishna might fall into the same deadly fate’s trap as his father, Krishna’s grandmother Shalini Mehra (a suitably aged and wobbly Rekha) keeps her away from the world’s gaze. Krishna grows up in sylvan mountain surroundings, a sort of desi-Tarzan, only he has been given education. It’s a visit from Priya (Priyanka Chopra) from Singapore that begins the journey of the simpleton Krishna to the masked man Krrish. And there, he will also face the wily Dr. Arya (Naseerudin Shah).

The script is taut except for a slight sagging in the first half –which if reduced, could have kept the overall running time also less and more enjoyable. But once Krishna reaches Singapore, it goes into full ballistic. The script adequately peppers Rohit and Nisha’s reason-for-death at suitable places. And yes – an interesting point, which I enjoyed – the past about Rohit and what happens to him after KMG ends, has a very crucial role to play in this film; this is something that has not been talked about in promotions at all, but I feel this itself lends the film a solid weight. What is that? Well, I suggest you go and watch it and enjoy it unfold.

Of course, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities, the superhero is kept rooted in enough song-and-dance-and-emotion. Sensible? For this one, sort of – though I wish there was more of the ‘superhero’ than the normal ‘hero’. Here, the superhero has only a personal agenda. Perhaps if another sequel is made, they could take Krrish’s character further to ‘save the planet’.

The film’s stunts and special effects are extraordinary, especially in Hindi films context. For those who have grown up on Superman/Batman/ Spiderman/Matrix might find it simply ordinary. I had imagined that in sophisticated multiplex-era, the days of clapping at hero’s stunts would be over – but was pleasantly surprised to see a ring of spontaneous clapping when Krrish takes on a posse of villains in the climax.

Rakesh Roshan’s direction is able. He keeps a strong control on the proceedings, and the narrative pace is pretty even.

Hrithik’s performance is superb – in all his various avatars – though at times his constant ‘flying’ and ‘movement’ gets irritating. For example, in the song ‘Koi Tumsa Nahin’ (incidentally, that was the film’s working title) one just wishes that he would stand still instead of yet again dancing.  Priyanka plays a typical heroine and does well for herself, though she needs to do something about her dress-designer! Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah are seasoned performers, they are great.

Rajesh Roshan’s music lacks verve. Salim Sulaiman’s background score is good. Cinematography is awesome – especially the luxuriant and verdant mountain landscape has been captured in fine detail. As Priya says in the film – so soothing, so serene! Dialogues are ok. Editing is slick. Barring ‘Dil na diya’ I found the choreography jarring!

In all, Krrish is a good entertaining film and introduces a new genre to Hindi cinema.

Overall – Time Pass, Watch It!

Welcome to India’s first superhero; and as that, melanoma visit Krrish does remarkably well. Rakesh Roshan’s films have always been fairly entertaining, grip including the ill-fated Kala Bazar and King Uncle. And now, he has improved vastly on the technical side which makes viewing more pleasurable.


Unless you are a hermit living in a cave, you would know that Krrish is a sequel to Roshan’s previous bumper hit Koi Mil Gaya – where in Rohit and Nisha’s son Krishna is born with all the powers that Jadoo, the extra terrestrial, had imparted Rohit with. Fearing that Krishna might fall into the same deadly fate’s trap as his father, Krishna’s grandmother Shalini Mehra (a suitably aged and wobbly Rekha) keeps her away from the world’s gaze. Krishna grows up in sylvan mountain surroundings, a sort of desi-Tarzan, only he has been given education. It’s a visit from Priya (Priyanka Chopra) from Singapore that begins the journey of the simpleton Krishna to the masked man Krrish. And there, he will also face the wily Dr. Arya (Naseerudin Shah).

The script is taut except for a slight sagging in the first half –which if reduced, could have kept the overall running time also less and more enjoyable. But once Krishna reaches Singapore, it goes into full ballistic. The script adequately peppers Rohit and Nisha’s reason-for-death at suitable places. And yes – an interesting point, which I enjoyed – the past about Rohit and what happens to him after KMG ends, has a very crucial role to play in this film; this is something that has not been talked about in promotions at all, but I feel this itself lends the film a solid weight. What is that? Well, I suggest you go and watch it and enjoy it unfold.

Of course, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities, the superhero is kept rooted in enough song-and-dance-and-emotion. Sensible? For this one, sort of – though I wish there was more of the ‘superhero’ than the normal ‘hero’. Here, the superhero has only a personal agenda. Perhaps if another sequel is made, they could take Krrish’s character further to ‘save the planet’.

The film’s stunts and special effects are extraordinary, especially in Hindi films context. For those who have grown up on Superman/Batman/ Spiderman/Matrix might find it simply ordinary. I had imagined that in sophisticated multiplex-era, the days of clapping at hero’s stunts would be over – but was pleasantly surprised to see a ring of spontaneous clapping when Krrish takes on a posse of villains in the climax.

Rakesh Roshan’s direction is able. He keeps a strong control on the proceedings, and the narrative pace is pretty even.

Hrithik’s performance is superb – in all his various avatars – though at times his constant ‘flying’ and ‘movement’ gets irritating. For example, in the song ‘Koi Tumsa Nahin’ (incidentally, that was the film’s working title) one just wishes that he would stand still instead of yet again dancing.  Priyanka plays a typical heroine and does well for herself, though she needs to do something about her dress-designer! Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah are seasoned performers, they are great.

Rajesh Roshan’s music lacks verve. Salim Sulaiman’s background score is good. Cinematography is awesome – especially the luxuriant and verdant mountain landscape has been captured in fine detail. As Priya says in the film – so soothing, so serene! Dialogues are ok. Editing is slick. Barring ‘Dil na diya’ I found the choreography jarring!

In all, Krrish is a good entertaining film and introduces a new genre to Hindi cinema.

Overall – Time Pass, Watch It!

I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
Welcome to India’s first superhero; and as that, melanoma visit Krrish does remarkably well. Rakesh Roshan’s films have always been fairly entertaining, grip including the ill-fated Kala Bazar and King Uncle. And now, he has improved vastly on the technical side which makes viewing more pleasurable.


Unless you are a hermit living in a cave, you would know that Krrish is a sequel to Roshan’s previous bumper hit Koi Mil Gaya – where in Rohit and Nisha’s son Krishna is born with all the powers that Jadoo, the extra terrestrial, had imparted Rohit with. Fearing that Krishna might fall into the same deadly fate’s trap as his father, Krishna’s grandmother Shalini Mehra (a suitably aged and wobbly Rekha) keeps her away from the world’s gaze. Krishna grows up in sylvan mountain surroundings, a sort of desi-Tarzan, only he has been given education. It’s a visit from Priya (Priyanka Chopra) from Singapore that begins the journey of the simpleton Krishna to the masked man Krrish. And there, he will also face the wily Dr. Arya (Naseerudin Shah).

The script is taut except for a slight sagging in the first half –which if reduced, could have kept the overall running time also less and more enjoyable. But once Krishna reaches Singapore, it goes into full ballistic. The script adequately peppers Rohit and Nisha’s reason-for-death at suitable places. And yes – an interesting point, which I enjoyed – the past about Rohit and what happens to him after KMG ends, has a very crucial role to play in this film; this is something that has not been talked about in promotions at all, but I feel this itself lends the film a solid weight. What is that? Well, I suggest you go and watch it and enjoy it unfold.

Of course, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities, the superhero is kept rooted in enough song-and-dance-and-emotion. Sensible? For this one, sort of – though I wish there was more of the ‘superhero’ than the normal ‘hero’. Here, the superhero has only a personal agenda. Perhaps if another sequel is made, they could take Krrish’s character further to ‘save the planet’.

The film’s stunts and special effects are extraordinary, especially in Hindi films context. For those who have grown up on Superman/Batman/ Spiderman/Matrix might find it simply ordinary. I had imagined that in sophisticated multiplex-era, the days of clapping at hero’s stunts would be over – but was pleasantly surprised to see a ring of spontaneous clapping when Krrish takes on a posse of villains in the climax.

Rakesh Roshan’s direction is able. He keeps a strong control on the proceedings, and the narrative pace is pretty even.

Hrithik’s performance is superb – in all his various avatars – though at times his constant ‘flying’ and ‘movement’ gets irritating. For example, in the song ‘Koi Tumsa Nahin’ (incidentally, that was the film’s working title) one just wishes that he would stand still instead of yet again dancing.  Priyanka plays a typical heroine and does well for herself, though she needs to do something about her dress-designer! Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah are seasoned performers, they are great.

Rajesh Roshan’s music lacks verve. Salim Sulaiman’s background score is good. Cinematography is awesome – especially the luxuriant and verdant mountain landscape has been captured in fine detail. As Priya says in the film – so soothing, so serene! Dialogues are ok. Editing is slick. Barring ‘Dil na diya’ I found the choreography jarring!

In all, Krrish is a good entertaining film and introduces a new genre to Hindi cinema.

Overall – Time Pass, Watch It!

I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.
Welcome to India’s first superhero; and as that, melanoma visit Krrish does remarkably well. Rakesh Roshan’s films have always been fairly entertaining, grip including the ill-fated Kala Bazar and King Uncle. And now, he has improved vastly on the technical side which makes viewing more pleasurable.


Unless you are a hermit living in a cave, you would know that Krrish is a sequel to Roshan’s previous bumper hit Koi Mil Gaya – where in Rohit and Nisha’s son Krishna is born with all the powers that Jadoo, the extra terrestrial, had imparted Rohit with. Fearing that Krishna might fall into the same deadly fate’s trap as his father, Krishna’s grandmother Shalini Mehra (a suitably aged and wobbly Rekha) keeps her away from the world’s gaze. Krishna grows up in sylvan mountain surroundings, a sort of desi-Tarzan, only he has been given education. It’s a visit from Priya (Priyanka Chopra) from Singapore that begins the journey of the simpleton Krishna to the masked man Krrish. And there, he will also face the wily Dr. Arya (Naseerudin Shah).

The script is taut except for a slight sagging in the first half –which if reduced, could have kept the overall running time also less and more enjoyable. But once Krishna reaches Singapore, it goes into full ballistic. The script adequately peppers Rohit and Nisha’s reason-for-death at suitable places. And yes – an interesting point, which I enjoyed – the past about Rohit and what happens to him after KMG ends, has a very crucial role to play in this film; this is something that has not been talked about in promotions at all, but I feel this itself lends the film a solid weight. What is that? Well, I suggest you go and watch it and enjoy it unfold.

Of course, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities, the superhero is kept rooted in enough song-and-dance-and-emotion. Sensible? For this one, sort of – though I wish there was more of the ‘superhero’ than the normal ‘hero’. Here, the superhero has only a personal agenda. Perhaps if another sequel is made, they could take Krrish’s character further to ‘save the planet’.

The film’s stunts and special effects are extraordinary, especially in Hindi films context. For those who have grown up on Superman/Batman/ Spiderman/Matrix might find it simply ordinary. I had imagined that in sophisticated multiplex-era, the days of clapping at hero’s stunts would be over – but was pleasantly surprised to see a ring of spontaneous clapping when Krrish takes on a posse of villains in the climax.

Rakesh Roshan’s direction is able. He keeps a strong control on the proceedings, and the narrative pace is pretty even.

Hrithik’s performance is superb – in all his various avatars – though at times his constant ‘flying’ and ‘movement’ gets irritating. For example, in the song ‘Koi Tumsa Nahin’ (incidentally, that was the film’s working title) one just wishes that he would stand still instead of yet again dancing.  Priyanka plays a typical heroine and does well for herself, though she needs to do something about her dress-designer! Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah are seasoned performers, they are great.

Rajesh Roshan’s music lacks verve. Salim Sulaiman’s background score is good. Cinematography is awesome – especially the luxuriant and verdant mountain landscape has been captured in fine detail. As Priya says in the film – so soothing, so serene! Dialogues are ok. Editing is slick. Barring ‘Dil na diya’ I found the choreography jarring!

In all, Krrish is a good entertaining film and introduces a new genre to Hindi cinema.

Overall – Time Pass, Watch It!

I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.

Aajao ke sab milke rab se dua maange
Jeevan mein sukoon chaahen
Chaahat mein wafaa maangein
Haalaat badalne mein ab der na ho maalik
Jo dekh chuke phir andher na ho maalik

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaara
Is tere jahaan mein
Nahi koi hamaara
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah yeh pukaar sunle
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah hey daata

Humse na dekha jaaye
Barbaadiyon ka sama
Ujadi hui basti mein
Yeh tadap rahe insaan
Nanhe jismon ke tukde
Liye khadi ek maa
Baarood ke dhuen mein
Tu hi bol jaayen kahan

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

Naadan hain hum to maalik
Kyun di humein yeh sazaa
Yahaan hai sabhi ke dil mein
Nafrat ka zahar bhara
Inhe phir se yaad dilade
Sabak wohi pyaar ke
Ban jaaye gulshan phir se
Kaanton bhari yeh duniya

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

– Lyric: Majrooh Sultanpuri
– Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

My prayers and wishes with all Mumbaikars in their tough times.


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Welcome to India’s first superhero; and as that, melanoma visit Krrish does remarkably well. Rakesh Roshan’s films have always been fairly entertaining, grip including the ill-fated Kala Bazar and King Uncle. And now, he has improved vastly on the technical side which makes viewing more pleasurable.


Unless you are a hermit living in a cave, you would know that Krrish is a sequel to Roshan’s previous bumper hit Koi Mil Gaya – where in Rohit and Nisha’s son Krishna is born with all the powers that Jadoo, the extra terrestrial, had imparted Rohit with. Fearing that Krishna might fall into the same deadly fate’s trap as his father, Krishna’s grandmother Shalini Mehra (a suitably aged and wobbly Rekha) keeps her away from the world’s gaze. Krishna grows up in sylvan mountain surroundings, a sort of desi-Tarzan, only he has been given education. It’s a visit from Priya (Priyanka Chopra) from Singapore that begins the journey of the simpleton Krishna to the masked man Krrish. And there, he will also face the wily Dr. Arya (Naseerudin Shah).

The script is taut except for a slight sagging in the first half –which if reduced, could have kept the overall running time also less and more enjoyable. But once Krishna reaches Singapore, it goes into full ballistic. The script adequately peppers Rohit and Nisha’s reason-for-death at suitable places. And yes – an interesting point, which I enjoyed – the past about Rohit and what happens to him after KMG ends, has a very crucial role to play in this film; this is something that has not been talked about in promotions at all, but I feel this itself lends the film a solid weight. What is that? Well, I suggest you go and watch it and enjoy it unfold.

Of course, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities, the superhero is kept rooted in enough song-and-dance-and-emotion. Sensible? For this one, sort of – though I wish there was more of the ‘superhero’ than the normal ‘hero’. Here, the superhero has only a personal agenda. Perhaps if another sequel is made, they could take Krrish’s character further to ‘save the planet’.

The film’s stunts and special effects are extraordinary, especially in Hindi films context. For those who have grown up on Superman/Batman/ Spiderman/Matrix might find it simply ordinary. I had imagined that in sophisticated multiplex-era, the days of clapping at hero’s stunts would be over – but was pleasantly surprised to see a ring of spontaneous clapping when Krrish takes on a posse of villains in the climax.

Rakesh Roshan’s direction is able. He keeps a strong control on the proceedings, and the narrative pace is pretty even.

Hrithik’s performance is superb – in all his various avatars – though at times his constant ‘flying’ and ‘movement’ gets irritating. For example, in the song ‘Koi Tumsa Nahin’ (incidentally, that was the film’s working title) one just wishes that he would stand still instead of yet again dancing.  Priyanka plays a typical heroine and does well for herself, though she needs to do something about her dress-designer! Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah are seasoned performers, they are great.

Rajesh Roshan’s music lacks verve. Salim Sulaiman’s background score is good. Cinematography is awesome – especially the luxuriant and verdant mountain landscape has been captured in fine detail. As Priya says in the film – so soothing, so serene! Dialogues are ok. Editing is slick. Barring ‘Dil na diya’ I found the choreography jarring!

In all, Krrish is a good entertaining film and introduces a new genre to Hindi cinema.

Overall – Time Pass, Watch It!

I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.

Aajao ke sab milke rab se dua maange
Jeevan mein sukoon chaahen
Chaahat mein wafaa maangein
Haalaat badalne mein ab der na ho maalik
Jo dekh chuke phir andher na ho maalik

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaara
Is tere jahaan mein
Nahi koi hamaara
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah yeh pukaar sunle
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah hey daata

Humse na dekha jaaye
Barbaadiyon ka sama
Ujadi hui basti mein
Yeh tadap rahe insaan
Nanhe jismon ke tukde
Liye khadi ek maa
Baarood ke dhuen mein
Tu hi bol jaayen kahan

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

Naadan hain hum to maalik
Kyun di humein yeh sazaa
Yahaan hai sabhi ke dil mein
Nafrat ka zahar bhara
Inhe phir se yaad dilade
Sabak wohi pyaar ke
Ban jaaye gulshan phir se
Kaanton bhari yeh duniya

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

– Lyric: Majrooh Sultanpuri
– Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

My prayers and wishes with all Mumbaikars in their tough times.


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Two days something or the other has gone wrong with this page – hope today is fine. Day before yesterday I was at my sister’s place. From there I wrote a lengthy post. However some software installed in  my brother in law’s laptop clashed with wordpress and the post didn’t get published. I tried recreating the post in the night, viagra dosage but somehow the flow and narrative was just not happening, angina so I abandoned it.

Yesterday, I wrote a small piece. It got published. But I noticed a grammatical error and entered the site admin  to correct it. In my hurry, and goodness knows what state of my mind, instead of pressing ‘save’ I clicked ‘delete’. That was the end of that post, which I think a few readers like Mehak did read.

And now I write this one. I am saving it, and will be back with some more chit chat very soon. So don’t go away from here.
Welcome to India’s first superhero; and as that, melanoma visit Krrish does remarkably well. Rakesh Roshan’s films have always been fairly entertaining, grip including the ill-fated Kala Bazar and King Uncle. And now, he has improved vastly on the technical side which makes viewing more pleasurable.


Unless you are a hermit living in a cave, you would know that Krrish is a sequel to Roshan’s previous bumper hit Koi Mil Gaya – where in Rohit and Nisha’s son Krishna is born with all the powers that Jadoo, the extra terrestrial, had imparted Rohit with. Fearing that Krishna might fall into the same deadly fate’s trap as his father, Krishna’s grandmother Shalini Mehra (a suitably aged and wobbly Rekha) keeps her away from the world’s gaze. Krishna grows up in sylvan mountain surroundings, a sort of desi-Tarzan, only he has been given education. It’s a visit from Priya (Priyanka Chopra) from Singapore that begins the journey of the simpleton Krishna to the masked man Krrish. And there, he will also face the wily Dr. Arya (Naseerudin Shah).

The script is taut except for a slight sagging in the first half –which if reduced, could have kept the overall running time also less and more enjoyable. But once Krishna reaches Singapore, it goes into full ballistic. The script adequately peppers Rohit and Nisha’s reason-for-death at suitable places. And yes – an interesting point, which I enjoyed – the past about Rohit and what happens to him after KMG ends, has a very crucial role to play in this film; this is something that has not been talked about in promotions at all, but I feel this itself lends the film a solid weight. What is that? Well, I suggest you go and watch it and enjoy it unfold.

Of course, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities, the superhero is kept rooted in enough song-and-dance-and-emotion. Sensible? For this one, sort of – though I wish there was more of the ‘superhero’ than the normal ‘hero’. Here, the superhero has only a personal agenda. Perhaps if another sequel is made, they could take Krrish’s character further to ‘save the planet’.

The film’s stunts and special effects are extraordinary, especially in Hindi films context. For those who have grown up on Superman/Batman/ Spiderman/Matrix might find it simply ordinary. I had imagined that in sophisticated multiplex-era, the days of clapping at hero’s stunts would be over – but was pleasantly surprised to see a ring of spontaneous clapping when Krrish takes on a posse of villains in the climax.

Rakesh Roshan’s direction is able. He keeps a strong control on the proceedings, and the narrative pace is pretty even.

Hrithik’s performance is superb – in all his various avatars – though at times his constant ‘flying’ and ‘movement’ gets irritating. For example, in the song ‘Koi Tumsa Nahin’ (incidentally, that was the film’s working title) one just wishes that he would stand still instead of yet again dancing.  Priyanka plays a typical heroine and does well for herself, though she needs to do something about her dress-designer! Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah are seasoned performers, they are great.

Rajesh Roshan’s music lacks verve. Salim Sulaiman’s background score is good. Cinematography is awesome – especially the luxuriant and verdant mountain landscape has been captured in fine detail. As Priya says in the film – so soothing, so serene! Dialogues are ok. Editing is slick. Barring ‘Dil na diya’ I found the choreography jarring!

In all, Krrish is a good entertaining film and introduces a new genre to Hindi cinema.

Overall – Time Pass, Watch It!

I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.

Aajao ke sab milke rab se dua maange
Jeevan mein sukoon chaahen
Chaahat mein wafaa maangein
Haalaat badalne mein ab der na ho maalik
Jo dekh chuke phir andher na ho maalik

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaara
Is tere jahaan mein
Nahi koi hamaara
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah yeh pukaar sunle
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah hey daata

Humse na dekha jaaye
Barbaadiyon ka sama
Ujadi hui basti mein
Yeh tadap rahe insaan
Nanhe jismon ke tukde
Liye khadi ek maa
Baarood ke dhuen mein
Tu hi bol jaayen kahan

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

Naadan hain hum to maalik
Kyun di humein yeh sazaa
Yahaan hai sabhi ke dil mein
Nafrat ka zahar bhara
Inhe phir se yaad dilade
Sabak wohi pyaar ke
Ban jaaye gulshan phir se
Kaanton bhari yeh duniya

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

– Lyric: Majrooh Sultanpuri
– Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

My prayers and wishes with all Mumbaikars in their tough times.


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Two days something or the other has gone wrong with this page – hope today is fine. Day before yesterday I was at my sister’s place. From there I wrote a lengthy post. However some software installed in  my brother in law’s laptop clashed with wordpress and the post didn’t get published. I tried recreating the post in the night, viagra dosage but somehow the flow and narrative was just not happening, angina so I abandoned it.

Yesterday, I wrote a small piece. It got published. But I noticed a grammatical error and entered the site admin  to correct it. In my hurry, and goodness knows what state of my mind, instead of pressing ‘save’ I clicked ‘delete’. That was the end of that post, which I think a few readers like Mehak did read.

And now I write this one. I am saving it, and will be back with some more chit chat very soon. So don’t go away from here.

In films, sildenafil mujras hold a special place. And for me, resuscitation a bit of a fascination.   

The thought, clinic of sitting comfortably on a thick cushion blowing on an ornate hookah and sipping wine served in thick silver glasses while a lady in a bright zardozi-laced dress, ornamental jewelery and aalta-smeared feet dances to the melodious strains of sitarghoongroosarangi-and-tabla, is quite an interesting and nawabi one. Dont get me wrong. I have never visited a ‘kotha‘ ever, its just a sort of fantasy which stems out from seeing the myriad mujra songs in films. Bollywood films can go awfully wrong in depicting many things, and often stick rigidly to conventional stereotypes, so I could be incorrect in my vision – any reader who has visited one can inform the same, either on the site or a personal mail (secrecy guaranteed) 😛

Anyways, jokes apart, the mujra songs have their own life. They come in all sizes and shapes :  from the classy Chalte chalte yunhi koi mil gaya tha (Pakeezah) to the crassy Kaahe saiyan teri meri baat bane naahi (Dayawan); from the lyrically charged Dil cheez kya hai (Umrao Jaan) to the lyrically debauched Mujrewali hoon mujra karti hoon (Awaargi); from a dulcet Lata’s Pyar kiya to darna kya (MeA) to a screechy Alka’s Tawaif kahan kisi se mohabbat karti hai (Amiri Garibi) – you will find a variety of them in films pre-current-millenium. Whatever the song be, the fallen woman was always elevated by strong musical muscles. Now, the place of a mujra has been taken by item numbers.

Broadly the mujras can be divided into two categories – one, where the heroine is a tawaif, or becomes one – here,  expect some highly philosophical songs on love and life; two, where the tawaif is a mere side-prop to tittilate the villain (or a wronged hero) , most such songs will be more noise than substance – of course the two categories overlap, and exceptions exist in both.

So, here I list a few mujra numbers sung by Lata Mangeshkar – let’s see how many of them match with your own. In the list I have taken some songs that might not be exactly a hard-core mujra but has been picturised on a ‘kotha‘, hence here. In most, Lata’s pristine voice helped a great deal in establishing the purity and freshness of the lady-in-wrong-trade!

Salaam-e-ishq meri jaan zaraa kabool kar lo  – Muqaddar Ka Sikandar – the mother of all mujras in terms of popularity and reach. Rekha and Amitabh scorches on-screen while Lata and Kishore ignite with their sparkling vocals. As I said, Lata’s voice gave a gilt-edged glitter to Rekha’s, giving life to her love and passion which transcended the dirty limits of her profession. 

Chalte chalte yunhi koi mil gaya tha  /  Thaare rahiyo o baanke yaar  /  Inhi logon nePaakeezah – outstanding music in all, lovely songs, and the best movie on the life of a nautch girl. And thank God for ‘thaare rahiyo’ without which antakshri gets impossibly stuck if you get the letter ‘tha‘. The beats in ‘Chalte chalte’ are mesmerising while Lata’s voice is impeccably thoughtful and seductive at the same time, as required by the song’s mood! 

Mujhe rab jo kahe tujhe chhod doonUstaad  -  One of the good old Anu Mallik numbers in which he accompanies the diva with his raspy voice. Picturised on Jaya Prada and Vinod Khanna. Very good interludes, an easy tune and fine singing make the song a winner. 

Unko yeh shikaayat hai  – Adalat – Madan Mohan and Lata Mangeshkar combine for this collossal score. Not exactly in the true mujra format. Nevertheless, a great song. 

Kya kahen aaj kya ho gayaTeri Paayal Mere Geet -  A later stage Naushad-Lata combination in a flop Govinda-Meenakshi starrer. The film was boring, the songs werent. This, and ‘Mohabbat ka ek devtaa mila’ were excellent numbers. 

Jab pyaar kiya toh darna kyaMughal E Azam – A song that needs no introduction or description – its an all time any time hit! 

Thoda resham lagta hai thoda sheesha lagta hai – Jyoti  – The song that triggered the remix malaise in the country was a forgotten number till it appeared in some english rap song, and from thereon to Harry Anand’s remix factory. As ever, I prefer the original. Good music, nice tabla and Lata’s awesome voice!  

Mujre ki hai yeh raat aakhriYudh – The sole Lata and old fashioned number in an otherwise techno-induced heave ho typical eighties score. Though Kalyanji Anandji were officially credited as music directors, I suspect Viju Shah’s handiwork in the score. However, this Lata mujra picturised on the ever-ethereal Hema Malini retained a old-worldly charm and was listenable. 

Jind le gaya woh dil ka jaaniAap Ke Saath – Again, not a typical mujra, but was picturised on the kotha itself with Smita Patil lamenting the loss of her love. Strangely, most T-series cassettes carry the Anuradha Paudwal scratch version. It is with great difficulty that I found the proper Lata Mangeshkar one. 

Lo saahib mai bhool gayi yaad mujhe kuchh aaya thaMaati Maange Khoon – a newly aquired number in my collection, it’s a superb number with the sound of ghungroos reverbarating menacingly within the sorrowful premise. RD Burman provides thumping music; the varying rhythm and beats add to the listening thrill ! 

Kab talak shama jali yaad nahi, shaam e gham kaise dhali yaad nahiPainter Babu – Uttam-Jagdish’s debut film had this top song. The rest were pretty chaaloo kinds. A detailed note on the song is available on my older site. Read here.

Sanam tu bewafaa ke naam se mashhoor ho jaayeKhilona – quite a typical L-P song from seventies, like it only for Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. Two more similar numbers follow the list immd. this one.  

Humhin karen koi soorat unhe bulaane ki, suna hai unnko toh aadat hai bhool jaane ki  - Ek Nazar –  another song which is similar in flavor as the above one. Same musical team of L-P-Lata. The film had one more mujra, Pahle sau baar idhar aur udhar dekha hai. 

Sharaafat chhod di maineSharafat – A third similar number from L-P stable , once again with Lata’s lovely voice at the helm. 

Atharah baras ki tu hone ko aayi  /   Imtehaan hai aaj tera imtehaan hai  – Of the two Suhaag numbers, I love the latter one. It gives a good lesson on non-drinking. Plus, as a kid I used to often hum the opening lines on any exam day 😛 so the number is intertwined with vivid childhood memories.  And Rekha’s has perfected her courtesan act. (Aishwarya Rai will find it impossible to match it with her limited acting skills in the new version of Umrao Jaan). 

Toone har raat mohabbat ki kasam khaai haiGanga Ki Saugandh – A double edged sword of a number that has sweetness on one edge and vitriolic filled sharpness on the other. Awesomely sung, as ever, by Lata Mangeshkar. (The theme song of this film, also by Lataji,  was quite a big hit). 

Kuhu kuhu bole koyaliya – Unreleased Devdas – I reckon the song would have been picturised on Chandramukhi, though i m not sure. A very nice song overall. Quintessential Gulzar lyric with Pancham’s melodious music. 

Jise tu qabool karle woh sadaa kahan se laaoonDevdas (old) – Obviously  the song would be on Chandramukhi. The lyrics are so very apparant. But was this picturised as a mujra or just a love song? SD Burman’s music in this one.

Raat bhi hai kuchh bheegi bheegiMujhe Jeene Do – A very romantic number with just that right tinge of suggestive element beyond the innocence. Lata’s chham chham in the mukhda is more melodious than the sound of ghoongroos even. As I wrote once, I love Lata’s singing in a semi-ghabrahat, semi-hopeful way, and of course, her ‘haaye’ can never leave me unstirred. 

Tadap yeh din raat ki  kasak yeh bin baat kiAmrapali - this love-deprived courtesan’s quivering call for romance is unarguably a sensuous and scintillatiing number – Lata’s voice is a mix between purity, pain and playfulness as she sighs ‘sajan ab to bata de, bata de’… Shankar Jaikishan whip up an emotional storm with their choral sitars. 

Kaun anjaame ulfat nahi jaantaHera Pheri (old) – is this a mujra or not? Not sure now, but i enjoy the song. 

Mai har raat jaagi … tumhari qasam tum bahut yaad aayeGaban – I could be way off the mark with this one – so members please help. Somehow the sitar-and-tabla based music makes it sound like a mujra, though I cant be sure. As a song it’s a topper! Music is by Shankar Jaikishan, and I marvel at the way repetition of lines in the antaras are built by them!

Chham chham chham badra barse, rut barse jiyara tarseBarkha Bahaar – a still podgy and dusky Rekha dances to Lata’s mellifluous voice in this flop Navin Nischol starrer. 

Mai tawaif hoon    /      Mere naina saawan bhaadonMehbooba – The latter song is part haunting, part mujra… part classical, part populist… this monumental RDB number was a chartbuster at that time. Personally, from this film, my evergreen fav is the love duet ‘Parbat ke peechhe chambe da gaaon’. There was a more on the face number ‘mai tawaif hoon mujra karoongi’ as well. The movie, on reincarnation, was far inferior to the same lead pair’s other classic on the same theme (Kudrat).

Ek dukhiyaari kahe baat yeh rote roteRam Teri Ganga Maili – the visual in the prelude, where champagne flows lustily into the pure Ganga, is a very cutting critique on post-modernist moral paucity – that was a superb directorial touch from master storyteller Raj Kapoor. The song itself is wrought with intricate images – the diamond soul wrapped in the soiled skin or the similarity betn a woman and the river … its a great theme song with an admirable picturisation. 

These are the ones that I could recall when I first wrote the post for some other group. There were more additions done later on , eg  Raina beeti jaaye from Amar Prem (not a mujra,per se but still picturised on a kotha, hence can be added here),  Rahte the kabhi jinke dil mein ( Mamta ) and  O Aaanewaale ruk ja (Devdas).

Sister Asha Bhonsle also has many memorable mujras – from Umrao Jaan, Tawaif, to name a few hit films- but I am not too keen to go into those details. However, still I  will end this post with one unknown gem from her ouvre.

Kaise mukhde se nazrein uthaaye ke tujh mein hi rab dikhtaEnglish Babu Desi Mem – It’s a bit hard to swallow that this shimmering number is created by Nikhil-Vinay. But as they are officially credited, I will go by it. The song has a faint qawaali tinge to it and the lyrics are nice. To top it all, there is an ethereal looking Sonali Bendre dancing to the beats in a flaming red dress – the overall effect is fantastic!

Welcome to India’s first superhero; and as that, melanoma visit Krrish does remarkably well. Rakesh Roshan’s films have always been fairly entertaining, grip including the ill-fated Kala Bazar and King Uncle. And now, he has improved vastly on the technical side which makes viewing more pleasurable.


Unless you are a hermit living in a cave, you would know that Krrish is a sequel to Roshan’s previous bumper hit Koi Mil Gaya – where in Rohit and Nisha’s son Krishna is born with all the powers that Jadoo, the extra terrestrial, had imparted Rohit with. Fearing that Krishna might fall into the same deadly fate’s trap as his father, Krishna’s grandmother Shalini Mehra (a suitably aged and wobbly Rekha) keeps her away from the world’s gaze. Krishna grows up in sylvan mountain surroundings, a sort of desi-Tarzan, only he has been given education. It’s a visit from Priya (Priyanka Chopra) from Singapore that begins the journey of the simpleton Krishna to the masked man Krrish. And there, he will also face the wily Dr. Arya (Naseerudin Shah).

The script is taut except for a slight sagging in the first half –which if reduced, could have kept the overall running time also less and more enjoyable. But once Krishna reaches Singapore, it goes into full ballistic. The script adequately peppers Rohit and Nisha’s reason-for-death at suitable places. And yes – an interesting point, which I enjoyed – the past about Rohit and what happens to him after KMG ends, has a very crucial role to play in this film; this is something that has not been talked about in promotions at all, but I feel this itself lends the film a solid weight. What is that? Well, I suggest you go and watch it and enjoy it unfold.

Of course, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities, the superhero is kept rooted in enough song-and-dance-and-emotion. Sensible? For this one, sort of – though I wish there was more of the ‘superhero’ than the normal ‘hero’. Here, the superhero has only a personal agenda. Perhaps if another sequel is made, they could take Krrish’s character further to ‘save the planet’.

The film’s stunts and special effects are extraordinary, especially in Hindi films context. For those who have grown up on Superman/Batman/ Spiderman/Matrix might find it simply ordinary. I had imagined that in sophisticated multiplex-era, the days of clapping at hero’s stunts would be over – but was pleasantly surprised to see a ring of spontaneous clapping when Krrish takes on a posse of villains in the climax.

Rakesh Roshan’s direction is able. He keeps a strong control on the proceedings, and the narrative pace is pretty even.

Hrithik’s performance is superb – in all his various avatars – though at times his constant ‘flying’ and ‘movement’ gets irritating. For example, in the song ‘Koi Tumsa Nahin’ (incidentally, that was the film’s working title) one just wishes that he would stand still instead of yet again dancing.  Priyanka plays a typical heroine and does well for herself, though she needs to do something about her dress-designer! Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah are seasoned performers, they are great.

Rajesh Roshan’s music lacks verve. Salim Sulaiman’s background score is good. Cinematography is awesome – especially the luxuriant and verdant mountain landscape has been captured in fine detail. As Priya says in the film – so soothing, so serene! Dialogues are ok. Editing is slick. Barring ‘Dil na diya’ I found the choreography jarring!

In all, Krrish is a good entertaining film and introduces a new genre to Hindi cinema.

Overall – Time Pass, Watch It!

I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.

Aajao ke sab milke rab se dua maange
Jeevan mein sukoon chaahen
Chaahat mein wafaa maangein
Haalaat badalne mein ab der na ho maalik
Jo dekh chuke phir andher na ho maalik

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaara
Is tere jahaan mein
Nahi koi hamaara
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah yeh pukaar sunle
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah hey daata

Humse na dekha jaaye
Barbaadiyon ka sama
Ujadi hui basti mein
Yeh tadap rahe insaan
Nanhe jismon ke tukde
Liye khadi ek maa
Baarood ke dhuen mein
Tu hi bol jaayen kahan

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

Naadan hain hum to maalik
Kyun di humein yeh sazaa
Yahaan hai sabhi ke dil mein
Nafrat ka zahar bhara
Inhe phir se yaad dilade
Sabak wohi pyaar ke
Ban jaaye gulshan phir se
Kaanton bhari yeh duniya

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

– Lyric: Majrooh Sultanpuri
– Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

My prayers and wishes with all Mumbaikars in their tough times.


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Two days something or the other has gone wrong with this page – hope today is fine. Day before yesterday I was at my sister’s place. From there I wrote a lengthy post. However some software installed in  my brother in law’s laptop clashed with wordpress and the post didn’t get published. I tried recreating the post in the night, viagra dosage but somehow the flow and narrative was just not happening, angina so I abandoned it.

Yesterday, I wrote a small piece. It got published. But I noticed a grammatical error and entered the site admin  to correct it. In my hurry, and goodness knows what state of my mind, instead of pressing ‘save’ I clicked ‘delete’. That was the end of that post, which I think a few readers like Mehak did read.

And now I write this one. I am saving it, and will be back with some more chit chat very soon. So don’t go away from here.

In films, sildenafil mujras hold a special place. And for me, resuscitation a bit of a fascination.   

The thought, clinic of sitting comfortably on a thick cushion blowing on an ornate hookah and sipping wine served in thick silver glasses while a lady in a bright zardozi-laced dress, ornamental jewelery and aalta-smeared feet dances to the melodious strains of sitarghoongroosarangi-and-tabla, is quite an interesting and nawabi one. Dont get me wrong. I have never visited a ‘kotha‘ ever, its just a sort of fantasy which stems out from seeing the myriad mujra songs in films. Bollywood films can go awfully wrong in depicting many things, and often stick rigidly to conventional stereotypes, so I could be incorrect in my vision – any reader who has visited one can inform the same, either on the site or a personal mail (secrecy guaranteed) 😛

Anyways, jokes apart, the mujra songs have their own life. They come in all sizes and shapes :  from the classy Chalte chalte yunhi koi mil gaya tha (Pakeezah) to the crassy Kaahe saiyan teri meri baat bane naahi (Dayawan); from the lyrically charged Dil cheez kya hai (Umrao Jaan) to the lyrically debauched Mujrewali hoon mujra karti hoon (Awaargi); from a dulcet Lata’s Pyar kiya to darna kya (MeA) to a screechy Alka’s Tawaif kahan kisi se mohabbat karti hai (Amiri Garibi) – you will find a variety of them in films pre-current-millenium. Whatever the song be, the fallen woman was always elevated by strong musical muscles. Now, the place of a mujra has been taken by item numbers.

Broadly the mujras can be divided into two categories – one, where the heroine is a tawaif, or becomes one – here,  expect some highly philosophical songs on love and life; two, where the tawaif is a mere side-prop to tittilate the villain (or a wronged hero) , most such songs will be more noise than substance – of course the two categories overlap, and exceptions exist in both.

So, here I list a few mujra numbers sung by Lata Mangeshkar – let’s see how many of them match with your own. In the list I have taken some songs that might not be exactly a hard-core mujra but has been picturised on a ‘kotha‘, hence here. In most, Lata’s pristine voice helped a great deal in establishing the purity and freshness of the lady-in-wrong-trade!

Salaam-e-ishq meri jaan zaraa kabool kar lo  – Muqaddar Ka Sikandar – the mother of all mujras in terms of popularity and reach. Rekha and Amitabh scorches on-screen while Lata and Kishore ignite with their sparkling vocals. As I said, Lata’s voice gave a gilt-edged glitter to Rekha’s, giving life to her love and passion which transcended the dirty limits of her profession. 

Chalte chalte yunhi koi mil gaya tha  /  Thaare rahiyo o baanke yaar  /  Inhi logon nePaakeezah – outstanding music in all, lovely songs, and the best movie on the life of a nautch girl. And thank God for ‘thaare rahiyo’ without which antakshri gets impossibly stuck if you get the letter ‘tha‘. The beats in ‘Chalte chalte’ are mesmerising while Lata’s voice is impeccably thoughtful and seductive at the same time, as required by the song’s mood! 

Mujhe rab jo kahe tujhe chhod doonUstaad  -  One of the good old Anu Mallik numbers in which he accompanies the diva with his raspy voice. Picturised on Jaya Prada and Vinod Khanna. Very good interludes, an easy tune and fine singing make the song a winner. 

Unko yeh shikaayat hai  – Adalat – Madan Mohan and Lata Mangeshkar combine for this collossal score. Not exactly in the true mujra format. Nevertheless, a great song. 

Kya kahen aaj kya ho gayaTeri Paayal Mere Geet -  A later stage Naushad-Lata combination in a flop Govinda-Meenakshi starrer. The film was boring, the songs werent. This, and ‘Mohabbat ka ek devtaa mila’ were excellent numbers. 

Jab pyaar kiya toh darna kyaMughal E Azam – A song that needs no introduction or description – its an all time any time hit! 

Thoda resham lagta hai thoda sheesha lagta hai – Jyoti  – The song that triggered the remix malaise in the country was a forgotten number till it appeared in some english rap song, and from thereon to Harry Anand’s remix factory. As ever, I prefer the original. Good music, nice tabla and Lata’s awesome voice!  

Mujre ki hai yeh raat aakhriYudh – The sole Lata and old fashioned number in an otherwise techno-induced heave ho typical eighties score. Though Kalyanji Anandji were officially credited as music directors, I suspect Viju Shah’s handiwork in the score. However, this Lata mujra picturised on the ever-ethereal Hema Malini retained a old-worldly charm and was listenable. 

Jind le gaya woh dil ka jaaniAap Ke Saath – Again, not a typical mujra, but was picturised on the kotha itself with Smita Patil lamenting the loss of her love. Strangely, most T-series cassettes carry the Anuradha Paudwal scratch version. It is with great difficulty that I found the proper Lata Mangeshkar one. 

Lo saahib mai bhool gayi yaad mujhe kuchh aaya thaMaati Maange Khoon – a newly aquired number in my collection, it’s a superb number with the sound of ghungroos reverbarating menacingly within the sorrowful premise. RD Burman provides thumping music; the varying rhythm and beats add to the listening thrill ! 

Kab talak shama jali yaad nahi, shaam e gham kaise dhali yaad nahiPainter Babu – Uttam-Jagdish’s debut film had this top song. The rest were pretty chaaloo kinds. A detailed note on the song is available on my older site. Read here.

Sanam tu bewafaa ke naam se mashhoor ho jaayeKhilona – quite a typical L-P song from seventies, like it only for Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. Two more similar numbers follow the list immd. this one.  

Humhin karen koi soorat unhe bulaane ki, suna hai unnko toh aadat hai bhool jaane ki  - Ek Nazar –  another song which is similar in flavor as the above one. Same musical team of L-P-Lata. The film had one more mujra, Pahle sau baar idhar aur udhar dekha hai. 

Sharaafat chhod di maineSharafat – A third similar number from L-P stable , once again with Lata’s lovely voice at the helm. 

Atharah baras ki tu hone ko aayi  /   Imtehaan hai aaj tera imtehaan hai  – Of the two Suhaag numbers, I love the latter one. It gives a good lesson on non-drinking. Plus, as a kid I used to often hum the opening lines on any exam day 😛 so the number is intertwined with vivid childhood memories.  And Rekha’s has perfected her courtesan act. (Aishwarya Rai will find it impossible to match it with her limited acting skills in the new version of Umrao Jaan). 

Toone har raat mohabbat ki kasam khaai haiGanga Ki Saugandh – A double edged sword of a number that has sweetness on one edge and vitriolic filled sharpness on the other. Awesomely sung, as ever, by Lata Mangeshkar. (The theme song of this film, also by Lataji,  was quite a big hit). 

Kuhu kuhu bole koyaliya – Unreleased Devdas – I reckon the song would have been picturised on Chandramukhi, though i m not sure. A very nice song overall. Quintessential Gulzar lyric with Pancham’s melodious music. 

Jise tu qabool karle woh sadaa kahan se laaoonDevdas (old) – Obviously  the song would be on Chandramukhi. The lyrics are so very apparant. But was this picturised as a mujra or just a love song? SD Burman’s music in this one.

Raat bhi hai kuchh bheegi bheegiMujhe Jeene Do – A very romantic number with just that right tinge of suggestive element beyond the innocence. Lata’s chham chham in the mukhda is more melodious than the sound of ghoongroos even. As I wrote once, I love Lata’s singing in a semi-ghabrahat, semi-hopeful way, and of course, her ‘haaye’ can never leave me unstirred. 

Tadap yeh din raat ki  kasak yeh bin baat kiAmrapali - this love-deprived courtesan’s quivering call for romance is unarguably a sensuous and scintillatiing number – Lata’s voice is a mix between purity, pain and playfulness as she sighs ‘sajan ab to bata de, bata de’… Shankar Jaikishan whip up an emotional storm with their choral sitars. 

Kaun anjaame ulfat nahi jaantaHera Pheri (old) – is this a mujra or not? Not sure now, but i enjoy the song. 

Mai har raat jaagi … tumhari qasam tum bahut yaad aayeGaban – I could be way off the mark with this one – so members please help. Somehow the sitar-and-tabla based music makes it sound like a mujra, though I cant be sure. As a song it’s a topper! Music is by Shankar Jaikishan, and I marvel at the way repetition of lines in the antaras are built by them!

Chham chham chham badra barse, rut barse jiyara tarseBarkha Bahaar – a still podgy and dusky Rekha dances to Lata’s mellifluous voice in this flop Navin Nischol starrer. 

Mai tawaif hoon    /      Mere naina saawan bhaadonMehbooba – The latter song is part haunting, part mujra… part classical, part populist… this monumental RDB number was a chartbuster at that time. Personally, from this film, my evergreen fav is the love duet ‘Parbat ke peechhe chambe da gaaon’. There was a more on the face number ‘mai tawaif hoon mujra karoongi’ as well. The movie, on reincarnation, was far inferior to the same lead pair’s other classic on the same theme (Kudrat).

Ek dukhiyaari kahe baat yeh rote roteRam Teri Ganga Maili – the visual in the prelude, where champagne flows lustily into the pure Ganga, is a very cutting critique on post-modernist moral paucity – that was a superb directorial touch from master storyteller Raj Kapoor. The song itself is wrought with intricate images – the diamond soul wrapped in the soiled skin or the similarity betn a woman and the river … its a great theme song with an admirable picturisation. 

These are the ones that I could recall when I first wrote the post for some other group. There were more additions done later on , eg  Raina beeti jaaye from Amar Prem (not a mujra,per se but still picturised on a kotha, hence can be added here),  Rahte the kabhi jinke dil mein ( Mamta ) and  O Aaanewaale ruk ja (Devdas).

Sister Asha Bhonsle also has many memorable mujras – from Umrao Jaan, Tawaif, to name a few hit films- but I am not too keen to go into those details. However, still I  will end this post with one unknown gem from her ouvre.

Kaise mukhde se nazrein uthaaye ke tujh mein hi rab dikhtaEnglish Babu Desi Mem – It’s a bit hard to swallow that this shimmering number is created by Nikhil-Vinay. But as they are officially credited, I will go by it. The song has a faint qawaali tinge to it and the lyrics are nice. To top it all, there is an ethereal looking Sonali Bendre dancing to the beats in a flaming red dress – the overall effect is fantastic!

It is S.D.Burman’s birth centenary this year. And www.sdburman.net compiled an awesome evening today, gastritis here in Delhi at Sri Sathya Sai Auditorium, Lodhi Road.

Personally, I have attended very few musical shows, primarily because the music that I like is seldom a crowd-puller, and hence commercial organizations avoid it. However, this was a treat compiled by a select group of connoisseurs, and all of it – as Ritu Chandra, one of the co-hosts and co-owner of the site mentioned – voluntary and for immense love for Burmanda’s music. Due to this I was eagerly awaiting the show. And I wasnt disappointed. A labor of love has a fragrance that is as natural and pure as a rose in the garden – with thorns, et al; something that is not found in the ornate bouquets wrapped in plastic films in decorative shops. So was the show fragrant, byouant and vibrant, despite a few hiccups and snags. It was all for the love of music, by lovers of music, for the lovers of music.

On my part I am not a Burmanda fanatic, but I like many of his songs and and can quietly place myself in the ranks of those who respect him a lot.  Some of them, especially ones sung by Lataji, are extraordinary.  

The chief guest for the evening was famous poet Padmashri Gopal Das Neeraj. Apart from his poems, Neerajji is a reknowned lyricists with hits like ‘Likhe jo khat tujhe’  (Kanyadan/SJ), ‘ Caravan guzar gaya‘ (Nayi Umar Ki Nayi Fasal / Roshan)and ‘Ae bhai zaraa dekh ke chalo’ (Mera Naam Joker/ SJ).  With Burmanda, his association is particularly productive and right up there in lyricist-music director associations.

The second guest of honor was Meena Kapur, wife of legendary composer Anil Biswas; but also a singer in her own right. From her ouvre, I am particularly fond of ‘Meri atariya pe kaaga bole‘ from the oldest Aankhen (Madan Mohan’s debut film). Other luminaries included Mrs Basanti Dutta (grand-niece of Burmanda) and Mr. KC Khurana (an elderly emcee who has done several shows with legends like Manna De, etc).

As Sajid, the emcee for the evening, began his narration (using a mix of shudhh Hindi and chaste Urdu) with a famous quote ‘Nashili ki raat hai, saare chiraag gul kardo, khushi ki raat mein kya kaam hai jalnewalon ka’ (incidentally, immortalised as the prelude in Shankar Jaikishan’s breathtaking number ‘Lo aai milan ki raat’ from Aashiq),   I settled cozily into my seat to enjoy the evening.

After the lamp-lighting ceremony by Neerajji and an audio-visual documentary on the life of Burmanda, Indraneel Mukherjee’s musical troupe took over the proceedings and unleashed a spew of immortal Burmanda hits. As if to invite the soul of Burmanda, Indraneel began with ‘O Jaane waale ho sake toh laut ke aana’ (Bandini). Indraneel’s voice had a strong Hemant Kumar tinge, and after listening to the number one could imagine how it would have sounded if the said number was sung by him rather than Mukesh, the original singer.

Some songs in this section included: the swaying ‘Yeh raat yeh chandni phir kahan’, the mesmerizing ‘Ab toh hai tumse har khushi apni’, the mischevious ‘Ab ke sajan saawan mein aag lagegi badan mein‘, the romantic ‘Tere mere sapne ab ek rang hai’, the deeply resonating ‘Jalte hai jiske liye teri aankhon ke diye’ and the coy ‘Jaane kya toone kahi’.

[Due to the time constraints, the troupe mix-and-matched full songs and mukhda-one-antara combination]

The evening’s theme was to capture the ‘Navrasas’ in Burmanda’s music. The second section focused on that and began with ‘Shaantras’. Songs in these had the breezy ‘Thandi hawaayen lahrake aayen’ (one of the most copied songs in Bollywood) and my ultimate favorite, Latadi’s ‘Phaili hui hai sapnon ki raahein’.

For ‘Vatsalyaras’ a talented young girl Arundhati Prasad (all of 10 years) danced merrily to Asha Bhonsle’s ‘Chanda mama mere dwaar aana re’.

‘Vibhatsaras’ and ‘Raudraras’ were combined in two back-to-back rousing Sahir numbers from Pyasa‘Jinhe naaz hai Hind par woh kahan hai’ and ‘Yeh mehlon yeh taajon yeh takhton ki duniya’.

All this while Sajid interspersed his commentary with anecdotes from Burmanda’s life, either himself or through audio clips of various artistes like Lataji, Ashaji and Hrishida(Mukherjee).  For example, Sajid told us how Sahirsaab had written this motivational ghazal full of ‘Veerras’…and what did Burmanda do? He gave it to a club-dancer situation, and the bumper hit innovative number ‘Tadbeer se bigdi hui taqdeer bana le‘ was born.

‘Karunaras’ is a major force in Bollywood cinema. Hence some time was spent on it. Songs included ‘Hum bekhudi mein tujhko pukare chale gaye’ (which was rendered by a 16-year old youngster), one Bengali song and that tearful Ashaji’s minimal-orchestrated number from Bandini‘Ab ke baras bhej bhaiya ko babul’

I am sure it will not be very difficult to guess the song that would be an obvious choice for ‘Haasyaras’. But it was singer Sonu’s rendition of ‘Paanch rupayya baarah aana’ which brought in the maximum applause. His yodelling and vocal twists matched Kishore Kumar’s impossibly difficult one. It wasn’t a surprise that the audience greedily demanded for an encore, which the singer obliged by doing another perfect rendition of ‘Haal kaisa hai janaab ka’. This ‘ras’ was rounded off with ‘Achhaji main haari ab maan jaao na’

Since Neerajji was not feeling too bright, his felicitation was pre-poned. This section had four of my most favorite songs – Rangeela re , Phoolon ke rang se , Shokhiyon mein ghola jaaye and Jaise Radha ne maala japi shaam ki … for the last, the audience was so much involved that they requested for the full song to be sung.

Neerajji came to stage amidst thundering claps. He spoke eloquently and said that ‘sam-gat ka matlab sangeet hai‘ – and gave examples of how everything is in harmony in nature itself.  He averred ‘Geet hi aadi, geet hi ant, bin geet jeevan marghat samaan’. He also narrated his poem written on the importance of music and song.  He also released a commemorative compilation that has articles, filmography and biography of Burmanda.

After the fecilitations, there was a small break for tea (during which Neerajji left) followed by another round of music from Indraneel’s troupe. Some Meena Kapur numbers were the highlight of this section – and these were ones unknown to me as well. A point to note – Meenaji got her break with SD Burman.

More SDB songs followed – the heart-wrenching ‘Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam’, the chirrupy ‘Ae maine kasam lee’ and the soaring ‘Kaali ghata chhaye’. Chaitali Haldar came on stage to dance on Lataji’s classic ‘Piya tose naina laage re’ (original soundtrack played, and my heart swelled with joy). The dance was good, and the song captures ‘Shringarras’ effectively. Another audio-visual on some famous songs and films of SDB followed next.

The grand finale was of course reserved for that song on which the show was named – Lataji’s ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai’ – an ultimate song that manifests feelings of freedom, joy and breaking of shackles!  The music of Guide is a remarkable feat, emblazoned boldly in glittering gold in the film music annals – no wonder three songs from this film featured in the show!  

During the evening I got acquainted to some numbers I hadnt heard of – Kisi se meri preet lagiyo (Aath Din), Pyara pyara hai sama my dear come to me (Kamal) [both Meena Kapoor numbers], Ae kaash chalte milke (Manzil), Apni toh har aah ek toofan hai (Kala Bazar) and  Prem ke pujari hum ke ras ke bhikhari hum (Prem Pujari) – not tough to decipher why I dont know them – none are Latadi numbers!

The auditorium was not large, and hence gave the effect of a quaint sangeet-mehfil. Thankfully, the audience was very receptive and even clapped along in few songs – though, as expected, there were a few rotten apples. For example, the three heavily decked up ladies in the row before me were more interested in waving at one of the singers, who was ostensibly their friend, than in really listening to the music. Their non-stop chatter was off-putting.

This was offset by some such deeply loving fans who had come all the way from Mysore and Bombay to attend the show. I was impressed by Mr Srinivas from Mysore, who was sitting next to me. His knowledge was immense, and he carried a neatly packaged scrap-book on SDB’s life (articles, photos etc). Music is a great unifier indeed…and what better example, than this that the site’s co-owners are  gentlemen from Bangladesh and Pakistan!

Alongwith the audience, the troupe was enjoying every minute of the program. And it was clearly visible.  The rapport amongst them was great, and Rupendra Shridhar – on keyboard and the conductor as well – could be seen beaming, or playfully reprimanding if something went wrong (e.g. in the number ‘Ab ke sajan saawan mein’ just before the antaras begin, there is a sharp flourish of violins, which the synthesizer player forgot to simulate in time). His entire body-language, as he timed the various artistes/singers, was one who is completely soaked into the proceedings. And the drummer gave some stirring crescendos to a few songs.

There were a few negatives – it started very late, the number of felicitations, bouquet-distribution in the second half were too elongated which unnecessary lengthened the duration, the lady doing Lataji’s song was shrill,  a few technical snags in the audio-visual sections, a power cut in between and worse, wrong credits in the audio visual (how could they list ‘Jogi jab se tu aaya mere dwaare’ as Asha’s song!!!!). Also, I wish they had some more real instruments esp. flute (since it was an integral part of Burmanda’s music). As of now, there were three synthesizers, two guitars, saxophone, drums and dholak alongwith a few other percussions.

But then, this was not a professionally organized show. For an amateur and voluntary project, the entire package was slick, sleek and superb!

In all, an evening well spent – and a standing ovation to the organizers. Whereever SDB is today, he would be exceedingly proud to see such fans who compiled and conducted this sort of a magnificent programme, without any greed or ulterior motive…just for the love of his music. That spirit and intent in itself is laudable, and I salute it with my full heart and soul! A tip of the hat to them!

 
Welcome to India’s first superhero; and as that, melanoma visit Krrish does remarkably well. Rakesh Roshan’s films have always been fairly entertaining, grip including the ill-fated Kala Bazar and King Uncle. And now, he has improved vastly on the technical side which makes viewing more pleasurable.


Unless you are a hermit living in a cave, you would know that Krrish is a sequel to Roshan’s previous bumper hit Koi Mil Gaya – where in Rohit and Nisha’s son Krishna is born with all the powers that Jadoo, the extra terrestrial, had imparted Rohit with. Fearing that Krishna might fall into the same deadly fate’s trap as his father, Krishna’s grandmother Shalini Mehra (a suitably aged and wobbly Rekha) keeps her away from the world’s gaze. Krishna grows up in sylvan mountain surroundings, a sort of desi-Tarzan, only he has been given education. It’s a visit from Priya (Priyanka Chopra) from Singapore that begins the journey of the simpleton Krishna to the masked man Krrish. And there, he will also face the wily Dr. Arya (Naseerudin Shah).

The script is taut except for a slight sagging in the first half –which if reduced, could have kept the overall running time also less and more enjoyable. But once Krishna reaches Singapore, it goes into full ballistic. The script adequately peppers Rohit and Nisha’s reason-for-death at suitable places. And yes – an interesting point, which I enjoyed – the past about Rohit and what happens to him after KMG ends, has a very crucial role to play in this film; this is something that has not been talked about in promotions at all, but I feel this itself lends the film a solid weight. What is that? Well, I suggest you go and watch it and enjoy it unfold.

Of course, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities, the superhero is kept rooted in enough song-and-dance-and-emotion. Sensible? For this one, sort of – though I wish there was more of the ‘superhero’ than the normal ‘hero’. Here, the superhero has only a personal agenda. Perhaps if another sequel is made, they could take Krrish’s character further to ‘save the planet’.

The film’s stunts and special effects are extraordinary, especially in Hindi films context. For those who have grown up on Superman/Batman/ Spiderman/Matrix might find it simply ordinary. I had imagined that in sophisticated multiplex-era, the days of clapping at hero’s stunts would be over – but was pleasantly surprised to see a ring of spontaneous clapping when Krrish takes on a posse of villains in the climax.

Rakesh Roshan’s direction is able. He keeps a strong control on the proceedings, and the narrative pace is pretty even.

Hrithik’s performance is superb – in all his various avatars – though at times his constant ‘flying’ and ‘movement’ gets irritating. For example, in the song ‘Koi Tumsa Nahin’ (incidentally, that was the film’s working title) one just wishes that he would stand still instead of yet again dancing.  Priyanka plays a typical heroine and does well for herself, though she needs to do something about her dress-designer! Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah are seasoned performers, they are great.

Rajesh Roshan’s music lacks verve. Salim Sulaiman’s background score is good. Cinematography is awesome – especially the luxuriant and verdant mountain landscape has been captured in fine detail. As Priya says in the film – so soothing, so serene! Dialogues are ok. Editing is slick. Barring ‘Dil na diya’ I found the choreography jarring!

In all, Krrish is a good entertaining film and introduces a new genre to Hindi cinema.

Overall – Time Pass, Watch It!

I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.

Aajao ke sab milke rab se dua maange
Jeevan mein sukoon chaahen
Chaahat mein wafaa maangein
Haalaat badalne mein ab der na ho maalik
Jo dekh chuke phir andher na ho maalik

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaara
Is tere jahaan mein
Nahi koi hamaara
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah yeh pukaar sunle
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah hey daata

Humse na dekha jaaye
Barbaadiyon ka sama
Ujadi hui basti mein
Yeh tadap rahe insaan
Nanhe jismon ke tukde
Liye khadi ek maa
Baarood ke dhuen mein
Tu hi bol jaayen kahan

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

Naadan hain hum to maalik
Kyun di humein yeh sazaa
Yahaan hai sabhi ke dil mein
Nafrat ka zahar bhara
Inhe phir se yaad dilade
Sabak wohi pyaar ke
Ban jaaye gulshan phir se
Kaanton bhari yeh duniya

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

– Lyric: Majrooh Sultanpuri
– Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

My prayers and wishes with all Mumbaikars in their tough times.


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Two days something or the other has gone wrong with this page – hope today is fine. Day before yesterday I was at my sister’s place. From there I wrote a lengthy post. However some software installed in  my brother in law’s laptop clashed with wordpress and the post didn’t get published. I tried recreating the post in the night, viagra dosage but somehow the flow and narrative was just not happening, angina so I abandoned it.

Yesterday, I wrote a small piece. It got published. But I noticed a grammatical error and entered the site admin  to correct it. In my hurry, and goodness knows what state of my mind, instead of pressing ‘save’ I clicked ‘delete’. That was the end of that post, which I think a few readers like Mehak did read.

And now I write this one. I am saving it, and will be back with some more chit chat very soon. So don’t go away from here.

In films, sildenafil mujras hold a special place. And for me, resuscitation a bit of a fascination.   

The thought, clinic of sitting comfortably on a thick cushion blowing on an ornate hookah and sipping wine served in thick silver glasses while a lady in a bright zardozi-laced dress, ornamental jewelery and aalta-smeared feet dances to the melodious strains of sitarghoongroosarangi-and-tabla, is quite an interesting and nawabi one. Dont get me wrong. I have never visited a ‘kotha‘ ever, its just a sort of fantasy which stems out from seeing the myriad mujra songs in films. Bollywood films can go awfully wrong in depicting many things, and often stick rigidly to conventional stereotypes, so I could be incorrect in my vision – any reader who has visited one can inform the same, either on the site or a personal mail (secrecy guaranteed) 😛

Anyways, jokes apart, the mujra songs have their own life. They come in all sizes and shapes :  from the classy Chalte chalte yunhi koi mil gaya tha (Pakeezah) to the crassy Kaahe saiyan teri meri baat bane naahi (Dayawan); from the lyrically charged Dil cheez kya hai (Umrao Jaan) to the lyrically debauched Mujrewali hoon mujra karti hoon (Awaargi); from a dulcet Lata’s Pyar kiya to darna kya (MeA) to a screechy Alka’s Tawaif kahan kisi se mohabbat karti hai (Amiri Garibi) – you will find a variety of them in films pre-current-millenium. Whatever the song be, the fallen woman was always elevated by strong musical muscles. Now, the place of a mujra has been taken by item numbers.

Broadly the mujras can be divided into two categories – one, where the heroine is a tawaif, or becomes one – here,  expect some highly philosophical songs on love and life; two, where the tawaif is a mere side-prop to tittilate the villain (or a wronged hero) , most such songs will be more noise than substance – of course the two categories overlap, and exceptions exist in both.

So, here I list a few mujra numbers sung by Lata Mangeshkar – let’s see how many of them match with your own. In the list I have taken some songs that might not be exactly a hard-core mujra but has been picturised on a ‘kotha‘, hence here. In most, Lata’s pristine voice helped a great deal in establishing the purity and freshness of the lady-in-wrong-trade!

Salaam-e-ishq meri jaan zaraa kabool kar lo  – Muqaddar Ka Sikandar – the mother of all mujras in terms of popularity and reach. Rekha and Amitabh scorches on-screen while Lata and Kishore ignite with their sparkling vocals. As I said, Lata’s voice gave a gilt-edged glitter to Rekha’s, giving life to her love and passion which transcended the dirty limits of her profession. 

Chalte chalte yunhi koi mil gaya tha  /  Thaare rahiyo o baanke yaar  /  Inhi logon nePaakeezah – outstanding music in all, lovely songs, and the best movie on the life of a nautch girl. And thank God for ‘thaare rahiyo’ without which antakshri gets impossibly stuck if you get the letter ‘tha‘. The beats in ‘Chalte chalte’ are mesmerising while Lata’s voice is impeccably thoughtful and seductive at the same time, as required by the song’s mood! 

Mujhe rab jo kahe tujhe chhod doonUstaad  -  One of the good old Anu Mallik numbers in which he accompanies the diva with his raspy voice. Picturised on Jaya Prada and Vinod Khanna. Very good interludes, an easy tune and fine singing make the song a winner. 

Unko yeh shikaayat hai  – Adalat – Madan Mohan and Lata Mangeshkar combine for this collossal score. Not exactly in the true mujra format. Nevertheless, a great song. 

Kya kahen aaj kya ho gayaTeri Paayal Mere Geet -  A later stage Naushad-Lata combination in a flop Govinda-Meenakshi starrer. The film was boring, the songs werent. This, and ‘Mohabbat ka ek devtaa mila’ were excellent numbers. 

Jab pyaar kiya toh darna kyaMughal E Azam – A song that needs no introduction or description – its an all time any time hit! 

Thoda resham lagta hai thoda sheesha lagta hai – Jyoti  – The song that triggered the remix malaise in the country was a forgotten number till it appeared in some english rap song, and from thereon to Harry Anand’s remix factory. As ever, I prefer the original. Good music, nice tabla and Lata’s awesome voice!  

Mujre ki hai yeh raat aakhriYudh – The sole Lata and old fashioned number in an otherwise techno-induced heave ho typical eighties score. Though Kalyanji Anandji were officially credited as music directors, I suspect Viju Shah’s handiwork in the score. However, this Lata mujra picturised on the ever-ethereal Hema Malini retained a old-worldly charm and was listenable. 

Jind le gaya woh dil ka jaaniAap Ke Saath – Again, not a typical mujra, but was picturised on the kotha itself with Smita Patil lamenting the loss of her love. Strangely, most T-series cassettes carry the Anuradha Paudwal scratch version. It is with great difficulty that I found the proper Lata Mangeshkar one. 

Lo saahib mai bhool gayi yaad mujhe kuchh aaya thaMaati Maange Khoon – a newly aquired number in my collection, it’s a superb number with the sound of ghungroos reverbarating menacingly within the sorrowful premise. RD Burman provides thumping music; the varying rhythm and beats add to the listening thrill ! 

Kab talak shama jali yaad nahi, shaam e gham kaise dhali yaad nahiPainter Babu – Uttam-Jagdish’s debut film had this top song. The rest were pretty chaaloo kinds. A detailed note on the song is available on my older site. Read here.

Sanam tu bewafaa ke naam se mashhoor ho jaayeKhilona – quite a typical L-P song from seventies, like it only for Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. Two more similar numbers follow the list immd. this one.  

Humhin karen koi soorat unhe bulaane ki, suna hai unnko toh aadat hai bhool jaane ki  - Ek Nazar –  another song which is similar in flavor as the above one. Same musical team of L-P-Lata. The film had one more mujra, Pahle sau baar idhar aur udhar dekha hai. 

Sharaafat chhod di maineSharafat – A third similar number from L-P stable , once again with Lata’s lovely voice at the helm. 

Atharah baras ki tu hone ko aayi  /   Imtehaan hai aaj tera imtehaan hai  – Of the two Suhaag numbers, I love the latter one. It gives a good lesson on non-drinking. Plus, as a kid I used to often hum the opening lines on any exam day 😛 so the number is intertwined with vivid childhood memories.  And Rekha’s has perfected her courtesan act. (Aishwarya Rai will find it impossible to match it with her limited acting skills in the new version of Umrao Jaan). 

Toone har raat mohabbat ki kasam khaai haiGanga Ki Saugandh – A double edged sword of a number that has sweetness on one edge and vitriolic filled sharpness on the other. Awesomely sung, as ever, by Lata Mangeshkar. (The theme song of this film, also by Lataji,  was quite a big hit). 

Kuhu kuhu bole koyaliya – Unreleased Devdas – I reckon the song would have been picturised on Chandramukhi, though i m not sure. A very nice song overall. Quintessential Gulzar lyric with Pancham’s melodious music. 

Jise tu qabool karle woh sadaa kahan se laaoonDevdas (old) – Obviously  the song would be on Chandramukhi. The lyrics are so very apparant. But was this picturised as a mujra or just a love song? SD Burman’s music in this one.

Raat bhi hai kuchh bheegi bheegiMujhe Jeene Do – A very romantic number with just that right tinge of suggestive element beyond the innocence. Lata’s chham chham in the mukhda is more melodious than the sound of ghoongroos even. As I wrote once, I love Lata’s singing in a semi-ghabrahat, semi-hopeful way, and of course, her ‘haaye’ can never leave me unstirred. 

Tadap yeh din raat ki  kasak yeh bin baat kiAmrapali - this love-deprived courtesan’s quivering call for romance is unarguably a sensuous and scintillatiing number – Lata’s voice is a mix between purity, pain and playfulness as she sighs ‘sajan ab to bata de, bata de’… Shankar Jaikishan whip up an emotional storm with their choral sitars. 

Kaun anjaame ulfat nahi jaantaHera Pheri (old) – is this a mujra or not? Not sure now, but i enjoy the song. 

Mai har raat jaagi … tumhari qasam tum bahut yaad aayeGaban – I could be way off the mark with this one – so members please help. Somehow the sitar-and-tabla based music makes it sound like a mujra, though I cant be sure. As a song it’s a topper! Music is by Shankar Jaikishan, and I marvel at the way repetition of lines in the antaras are built by them!

Chham chham chham badra barse, rut barse jiyara tarseBarkha Bahaar – a still podgy and dusky Rekha dances to Lata’s mellifluous voice in this flop Navin Nischol starrer. 

Mai tawaif hoon    /      Mere naina saawan bhaadonMehbooba – The latter song is part haunting, part mujra… part classical, part populist… this monumental RDB number was a chartbuster at that time. Personally, from this film, my evergreen fav is the love duet ‘Parbat ke peechhe chambe da gaaon’. There was a more on the face number ‘mai tawaif hoon mujra karoongi’ as well. The movie, on reincarnation, was far inferior to the same lead pair’s other classic on the same theme (Kudrat).

Ek dukhiyaari kahe baat yeh rote roteRam Teri Ganga Maili – the visual in the prelude, where champagne flows lustily into the pure Ganga, is a very cutting critique on post-modernist moral paucity – that was a superb directorial touch from master storyteller Raj Kapoor. The song itself is wrought with intricate images – the diamond soul wrapped in the soiled skin or the similarity betn a woman and the river … its a great theme song with an admirable picturisation. 

These are the ones that I could recall when I first wrote the post for some other group. There were more additions done later on , eg  Raina beeti jaaye from Amar Prem (not a mujra,per se but still picturised on a kotha, hence can be added here),  Rahte the kabhi jinke dil mein ( Mamta ) and  O Aaanewaale ruk ja (Devdas).

Sister Asha Bhonsle also has many memorable mujras – from Umrao Jaan, Tawaif, to name a few hit films- but I am not too keen to go into those details. However, still I  will end this post with one unknown gem from her ouvre.

Kaise mukhde se nazrein uthaaye ke tujh mein hi rab dikhtaEnglish Babu Desi Mem – It’s a bit hard to swallow that this shimmering number is created by Nikhil-Vinay. But as they are officially credited, I will go by it. The song has a faint qawaali tinge to it and the lyrics are nice. To top it all, there is an ethereal looking Sonali Bendre dancing to the beats in a flaming red dress – the overall effect is fantastic!

It is S.D.Burman’s birth centenary this year. And www.sdburman.net compiled an awesome evening today, gastritis here in Delhi at Sri Sathya Sai Auditorium, Lodhi Road.

Personally, I have attended very few musical shows, primarily because the music that I like is seldom a crowd-puller, and hence commercial organizations avoid it. However, this was a treat compiled by a select group of connoisseurs, and all of it – as Ritu Chandra, one of the co-hosts and co-owner of the site mentioned – voluntary and for immense love for Burmanda’s music. Due to this I was eagerly awaiting the show. And I wasnt disappointed. A labor of love has a fragrance that is as natural and pure as a rose in the garden – with thorns, et al; something that is not found in the ornate bouquets wrapped in plastic films in decorative shops. So was the show fragrant, byouant and vibrant, despite a few hiccups and snags. It was all for the love of music, by lovers of music, for the lovers of music.

On my part I am not a Burmanda fanatic, but I like many of his songs and and can quietly place myself in the ranks of those who respect him a lot.  Some of them, especially ones sung by Lataji, are extraordinary.  

The chief guest for the evening was famous poet Padmashri Gopal Das Neeraj. Apart from his poems, Neerajji is a reknowned lyricists with hits like ‘Likhe jo khat tujhe’  (Kanyadan/SJ), ‘ Caravan guzar gaya‘ (Nayi Umar Ki Nayi Fasal / Roshan)and ‘Ae bhai zaraa dekh ke chalo’ (Mera Naam Joker/ SJ).  With Burmanda, his association is particularly productive and right up there in lyricist-music director associations.

The second guest of honor was Meena Kapur, wife of legendary composer Anil Biswas; but also a singer in her own right. From her ouvre, I am particularly fond of ‘Meri atariya pe kaaga bole‘ from the oldest Aankhen (Madan Mohan’s debut film). Other luminaries included Mrs Basanti Dutta (grand-niece of Burmanda) and Mr. KC Khurana (an elderly emcee who has done several shows with legends like Manna De, etc).

As Sajid, the emcee for the evening, began his narration (using a mix of shudhh Hindi and chaste Urdu) with a famous quote ‘Nashili ki raat hai, saare chiraag gul kardo, khushi ki raat mein kya kaam hai jalnewalon ka’ (incidentally, immortalised as the prelude in Shankar Jaikishan’s breathtaking number ‘Lo aai milan ki raat’ from Aashiq),   I settled cozily into my seat to enjoy the evening.

After the lamp-lighting ceremony by Neerajji and an audio-visual documentary on the life of Burmanda, Indraneel Mukherjee’s musical troupe took over the proceedings and unleashed a spew of immortal Burmanda hits. As if to invite the soul of Burmanda, Indraneel began with ‘O Jaane waale ho sake toh laut ke aana’ (Bandini). Indraneel’s voice had a strong Hemant Kumar tinge, and after listening to the number one could imagine how it would have sounded if the said number was sung by him rather than Mukesh, the original singer.

Some songs in this section included: the swaying ‘Yeh raat yeh chandni phir kahan’, the mesmerizing ‘Ab toh hai tumse har khushi apni’, the mischevious ‘Ab ke sajan saawan mein aag lagegi badan mein‘, the romantic ‘Tere mere sapne ab ek rang hai’, the deeply resonating ‘Jalte hai jiske liye teri aankhon ke diye’ and the coy ‘Jaane kya toone kahi’.

[Due to the time constraints, the troupe mix-and-matched full songs and mukhda-one-antara combination]

The evening’s theme was to capture the ‘Navrasas’ in Burmanda’s music. The second section focused on that and began with ‘Shaantras’. Songs in these had the breezy ‘Thandi hawaayen lahrake aayen’ (one of the most copied songs in Bollywood) and my ultimate favorite, Latadi’s ‘Phaili hui hai sapnon ki raahein’.

For ‘Vatsalyaras’ a talented young girl Arundhati Prasad (all of 10 years) danced merrily to Asha Bhonsle’s ‘Chanda mama mere dwaar aana re’.

‘Vibhatsaras’ and ‘Raudraras’ were combined in two back-to-back rousing Sahir numbers from Pyasa‘Jinhe naaz hai Hind par woh kahan hai’ and ‘Yeh mehlon yeh taajon yeh takhton ki duniya’.

All this while Sajid interspersed his commentary with anecdotes from Burmanda’s life, either himself or through audio clips of various artistes like Lataji, Ashaji and Hrishida(Mukherjee).  For example, Sajid told us how Sahirsaab had written this motivational ghazal full of ‘Veerras’…and what did Burmanda do? He gave it to a club-dancer situation, and the bumper hit innovative number ‘Tadbeer se bigdi hui taqdeer bana le‘ was born.

‘Karunaras’ is a major force in Bollywood cinema. Hence some time was spent on it. Songs included ‘Hum bekhudi mein tujhko pukare chale gaye’ (which was rendered by a 16-year old youngster), one Bengali song and that tearful Ashaji’s minimal-orchestrated number from Bandini‘Ab ke baras bhej bhaiya ko babul’

I am sure it will not be very difficult to guess the song that would be an obvious choice for ‘Haasyaras’. But it was singer Sonu’s rendition of ‘Paanch rupayya baarah aana’ which brought in the maximum applause. His yodelling and vocal twists matched Kishore Kumar’s impossibly difficult one. It wasn’t a surprise that the audience greedily demanded for an encore, which the singer obliged by doing another perfect rendition of ‘Haal kaisa hai janaab ka’. This ‘ras’ was rounded off with ‘Achhaji main haari ab maan jaao na’

Since Neerajji was not feeling too bright, his felicitation was pre-poned. This section had four of my most favorite songs – Rangeela re , Phoolon ke rang se , Shokhiyon mein ghola jaaye and Jaise Radha ne maala japi shaam ki … for the last, the audience was so much involved that they requested for the full song to be sung.

Neerajji came to stage amidst thundering claps. He spoke eloquently and said that ‘sam-gat ka matlab sangeet hai‘ – and gave examples of how everything is in harmony in nature itself.  He averred ‘Geet hi aadi, geet hi ant, bin geet jeevan marghat samaan’. He also narrated his poem written on the importance of music and song.  He also released a commemorative compilation that has articles, filmography and biography of Burmanda.

After the fecilitations, there was a small break for tea (during which Neerajji left) followed by another round of music from Indraneel’s troupe. Some Meena Kapur numbers were the highlight of this section – and these were ones unknown to me as well. A point to note – Meenaji got her break with SD Burman.

More SDB songs followed – the heart-wrenching ‘Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam’, the chirrupy ‘Ae maine kasam lee’ and the soaring ‘Kaali ghata chhaye’. Chaitali Haldar came on stage to dance on Lataji’s classic ‘Piya tose naina laage re’ (original soundtrack played, and my heart swelled with joy). The dance was good, and the song captures ‘Shringarras’ effectively. Another audio-visual on some famous songs and films of SDB followed next.

The grand finale was of course reserved for that song on which the show was named – Lataji’s ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai’ – an ultimate song that manifests feelings of freedom, joy and breaking of shackles!  The music of Guide is a remarkable feat, emblazoned boldly in glittering gold in the film music annals – no wonder three songs from this film featured in the show!  

During the evening I got acquainted to some numbers I hadnt heard of – Kisi se meri preet lagiyo (Aath Din), Pyara pyara hai sama my dear come to me (Kamal) [both Meena Kapoor numbers], Ae kaash chalte milke (Manzil), Apni toh har aah ek toofan hai (Kala Bazar) and  Prem ke pujari hum ke ras ke bhikhari hum (Prem Pujari) – not tough to decipher why I dont know them – none are Latadi numbers!

The auditorium was not large, and hence gave the effect of a quaint sangeet-mehfil. Thankfully, the audience was very receptive and even clapped along in few songs – though, as expected, there were a few rotten apples. For example, the three heavily decked up ladies in the row before me were more interested in waving at one of the singers, who was ostensibly their friend, than in really listening to the music. Their non-stop chatter was off-putting.

This was offset by some such deeply loving fans who had come all the way from Mysore and Bombay to attend the show. I was impressed by Mr Srinivas from Mysore, who was sitting next to me. His knowledge was immense, and he carried a neatly packaged scrap-book on SDB’s life (articles, photos etc). Music is a great unifier indeed…and what better example, than this that the site’s co-owners are  gentlemen from Bangladesh and Pakistan!

Alongwith the audience, the troupe was enjoying every minute of the program. And it was clearly visible.  The rapport amongst them was great, and Rupendra Shridhar – on keyboard and the conductor as well – could be seen beaming, or playfully reprimanding if something went wrong (e.g. in the number ‘Ab ke sajan saawan mein’ just before the antaras begin, there is a sharp flourish of violins, which the synthesizer player forgot to simulate in time). His entire body-language, as he timed the various artistes/singers, was one who is completely soaked into the proceedings. And the drummer gave some stirring crescendos to a few songs.

There were a few negatives – it started very late, the number of felicitations, bouquet-distribution in the second half were too elongated which unnecessary lengthened the duration, the lady doing Lataji’s song was shrill,  a few technical snags in the audio-visual sections, a power cut in between and worse, wrong credits in the audio visual (how could they list ‘Jogi jab se tu aaya mere dwaare’ as Asha’s song!!!!). Also, I wish they had some more real instruments esp. flute (since it was an integral part of Burmanda’s music). As of now, there were three synthesizers, two guitars, saxophone, drums and dholak alongwith a few other percussions.

But then, this was not a professionally organized show. For an amateur and voluntary project, the entire package was slick, sleek and superb!

In all, an evening well spent – and a standing ovation to the organizers. Whereever SDB is today, he would be exceedingly proud to see such fans who compiled and conducted this sort of a magnificent programme, without any greed or ulterior motive…just for the love of his music. That spirit and intent in itself is laudable, and I salute it with my full heart and soul! A tip of the hat to them!

 

Trust the administration to do some good act in totally half-baked pathetic manner. Recently, cure at Janpath, Delhi Police has started issuing warnings over a loud speaker – they include, amongst others: not to touch unclaimed objects, not to speak to strangers or accept gifts/foodstuff from them, not to hire domestic/shop helps without proper verification etc. All fine. All sane stuff. But, they repeat it ad naseum… in Hindi! Now, anyone knows that Janpath is forever infested with foreigners from all across the globe; the least they could do is to repeat the same in English! Plus, I fail to understand why they have chosen only Janpath – which is just a sliver of Connaught Place (the central Delhi swanky market cum office place)? Or, have I missed listening to it on the other blocks? It wasnt there at Palika Bazar today for sure!

Frankly, it must be pretty irritating for those who work there. To hear the same thing over and over again can be highly grating on the nerves. Plus, those ‘bhonpu‘ shaped speakers aren’t exactly Bose in their sound output – so the screechy voice followed by a shrill chime is as musical as a cat clawing over a blackboard! I stood there having my lunch for approx. ten minutes, and couldn’t take it any further.

Noise pollution continued to hound me today.

I don’t think it was very far in the past when we all survived without mobile phones. So the overdependence on this device pretty much leaves me stone-faced. Agreed it has an absolutely wonderful usage during emergencies. But seriously, to giggle into the mobile phone in the temple is stretching the definition of ’emergencies’ a bit too far! Every Tuesday, at our neighborhood temple, without fail I witness several pretty young things (yeah, it’s the girls more always!) dodging into a corner, with their hands cupped and faces buried away into sleek handsets. The worst sight could be to see someone chatting on the phone while pouring ‘jal‘ over Shivling!

Actually, I wouldn’t really mind that. Since they do not per se disturb others – that is, if they keep their voice volumes low! It’s the ring tones that I have major problem with. The concept of ring tones and hello tones is awful… esp the latter. I mean, what fun do people get in inflicting torture on the poor hapless soul who has called them by showering an utterly raucous voice called Shamur – cant decide whether this thing is male or female- rasping away inane lyrics like ‘Mera Ranjha Badi Der’ (that’s all that I could comprehend in this hideous song)?

Anyways, that is when you call someone.

But what to say of a situation when you are sitting to read your Shiv Chalisa in the temple…and out wails Himesh Reshamiiya from a friendly neighborhood mobile phone?

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Welcome to India’s first superhero; and as that, melanoma visit Krrish does remarkably well. Rakesh Roshan’s films have always been fairly entertaining, grip including the ill-fated Kala Bazar and King Uncle. And now, he has improved vastly on the technical side which makes viewing more pleasurable.


Unless you are a hermit living in a cave, you would know that Krrish is a sequel to Roshan’s previous bumper hit Koi Mil Gaya – where in Rohit and Nisha’s son Krishna is born with all the powers that Jadoo, the extra terrestrial, had imparted Rohit with. Fearing that Krishna might fall into the same deadly fate’s trap as his father, Krishna’s grandmother Shalini Mehra (a suitably aged and wobbly Rekha) keeps her away from the world’s gaze. Krishna grows up in sylvan mountain surroundings, a sort of desi-Tarzan, only he has been given education. It’s a visit from Priya (Priyanka Chopra) from Singapore that begins the journey of the simpleton Krishna to the masked man Krrish. And there, he will also face the wily Dr. Arya (Naseerudin Shah).

The script is taut except for a slight sagging in the first half –which if reduced, could have kept the overall running time also less and more enjoyable. But once Krishna reaches Singapore, it goes into full ballistic. The script adequately peppers Rohit and Nisha’s reason-for-death at suitable places. And yes – an interesting point, which I enjoyed – the past about Rohit and what happens to him after KMG ends, has a very crucial role to play in this film; this is something that has not been talked about in promotions at all, but I feel this itself lends the film a solid weight. What is that? Well, I suggest you go and watch it and enjoy it unfold.

Of course, keeping in mind Indian sensibilities, the superhero is kept rooted in enough song-and-dance-and-emotion. Sensible? For this one, sort of – though I wish there was more of the ‘superhero’ than the normal ‘hero’. Here, the superhero has only a personal agenda. Perhaps if another sequel is made, they could take Krrish’s character further to ‘save the planet’.

The film’s stunts and special effects are extraordinary, especially in Hindi films context. For those who have grown up on Superman/Batman/ Spiderman/Matrix might find it simply ordinary. I had imagined that in sophisticated multiplex-era, the days of clapping at hero’s stunts would be over – but was pleasantly surprised to see a ring of spontaneous clapping when Krrish takes on a posse of villains in the climax.

Rakesh Roshan’s direction is able. He keeps a strong control on the proceedings, and the narrative pace is pretty even.

Hrithik’s performance is superb – in all his various avatars – though at times his constant ‘flying’ and ‘movement’ gets irritating. For example, in the song ‘Koi Tumsa Nahin’ (incidentally, that was the film’s working title) one just wishes that he would stand still instead of yet again dancing.  Priyanka plays a typical heroine and does well for herself, though she needs to do something about her dress-designer! Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah are seasoned performers, they are great.

Rajesh Roshan’s music lacks verve. Salim Sulaiman’s background score is good. Cinematography is awesome – especially the luxuriant and verdant mountain landscape has been captured in fine detail. As Priya says in the film – so soothing, so serene! Dialogues are ok. Editing is slick. Barring ‘Dil na diya’ I found the choreography jarring!

In all, Krrish is a good entertaining film and introduces a new genre to Hindi cinema.

Overall – Time Pass, Watch It!

I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.
I had written the following post two years back (published on my older blog). The second paragraph is uncannily true again. The weathermen went beating their drums heralding monsoon arrival on 29th June. I guess all that noise scared the clouds away. The past two days have been unnervingly enervating and boiling hot. To add to woes the humidity is high which saps out any remaining energy. If that wasn’t enough, ambulance the news is full of excessive Mumbai rains – adding salt to burning wounds!

Anyways, mind you all enjoy this re-heated post:


Curling up on a comfortable chair, with a warm cup of tea, hot sumptuous pakoras with teekha chutney, watching the rains pitter-patter on the balcony, smelling the aroma of the fresh wet earth, feeling the cool light breeze tickle the skin, sensing the joyous dance of the stark dark greenery…monsoons bid me! 

Alas, the monsoons are again late in Delhi; it has become an irritating trend with the Rain Gods to bypass Delhi every two years. I yearn for the therapeutic showers to cleanse away the curse of the summers; and when one hears of their delightful foray in other parts of the country, the heart yearns more. 

No other season (apart from spring) has motivated authors, poets, lyricists and artists more. There is an irrepressible charm in the black clouds that envelope the sullen skies with their soft, moist embrace. Rains can depict sadness and joy; love and hate; consummation and separation; tranquility and anger, with an equal finesse. 

Here I pick up a few of my favorite stuff from the rains: 

Book: A Passage to India, by EM Forester. In this pre-independence India novel, the three main seasons of India are used to the most effective tool. The trauma and trouble of the lead characters are linked to the changing weather conditions. On a hot, innervating summer day Adela Quested makes a foul charge of being molested by Aziz. Trouble begins. The same gets sorted out, and smoothened, only when the skies open and give their blessings through the invigorating showers. The Janmashtmi festival is also beautifully woven in; it’s the time of the birth of the Lord, the washing away of sins, the cleansing of past wrong-doings; the rejuvenation of the earth, and the mind of Adela. It is indeed a beautiful allegory; a must read. 

Films: So many films have used rains to heighten passion and anger. If I start to list out the scenes where the thunder is blasting away in the background, while the hero/heroine raves and rants, the list would be endless. One film, which I recall, that had the rains playing a mind-blowing role in the set up is Aitbaar. This Dimple-Raj Babbar murder mystery, plagiarized from Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder, uses the rains as a compelling device to heighten the suspense, ambience and feel. 

Songs: Again, a list that can go on and on. However, here are my top 5 five favorite numbers: Rimjhim gire saawan (Manzil), Megha chhaye aadhi raat (Sharmilee), Jhooti mooti mitwa (Rudaali), Rim jhim rim jhim (1942-A Love Story) and Koi ladki hai jab wo hansti hai (Dil to Paagal Hai). 

The funniest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Barsaat mein jab aayega saawan ka mahina (Maa)- can anyone make head or tail of this? 

The sleaziest ‘rain’ song ever heard: Bheegi hun main barsaat mein (Karz Chukana Hai). It had lines that went itne chikne chikne ang yeh sunehre, paani ki boond padhe paani nahi thehre…quite slippery, indeed!
At last the clouds have gathered and rains are imminent. The last one week has been particularly bad. Power situation dipped to an all time low, pills
and all we heard through the black outs were news of one or the other power-station tripping and packing up. 

I have become a certified couch potato; or rather a ‘bed’ potato since my television is in the bedroom. After missing of television for more than a year, I took to watching it with a vengeance. But most viewing is restricted to movies and songs channels, with an occasional foray into news ones. To my horror I discovered that all the money spent on collecting DVD’s last year was sheer wastage since those movies keep repeating themselves ad nauseum. For example, I can puke now if someone so much as mentions the thought of watching No Entry – a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed earlier. Other than Sahara telecasting it alternatively on its both channels (Filmy and Sahara One) every other week, my cable-wallah has also gone overboard there. In fact, my cable-guy has a strange habit of showing those very same films a couple of days earlier that would in any case be shown on Max or Filmy the same week! 

I have an aversion towards all currently running serials. Nay, I absolutely abhor the entire Zee-Sony-Star Plus nexus, with the hatred targeted more towards the last one, whom I hold responsible for starting the trend of those horrifying saas-bahu serials. I can’t stand any program on Star Plus – every one of them, even that supposedly ‘different’ game show Jodi Kamaal Ki, seems to have similar look with bright gaudy colors and heavily dressed up ladies ready to burst into copious tears at any given instant. Even though I am not a football freak, but honestly I can kick anyone from Star’s programming department with a force that can get me a place in the next World Cup! 

The only good thing that ever came out from the Star-stable was The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Contest.. I had missed the first season, but was able to watch a large bulk of the second one. Opinions may differ on whether Rauf Lala deserved the crown or not, but I personally feel that the entire toppers lot including Khayali, Rajeev, Pratap Faujdar, the Pakistani jodi and, my personal favorite, Dr Tushhar were mindblowingly excellent! Together, they made Friday evenings funny and entertaining. 

After lambasting serials, I have to sheepishly confess that I started watching one with great interest. But then, Akela doesn’t seem to be your usual fare. There is heavy inspiration from M Night Shayamalan’s The Sixth Sense where the basic premise is concerned, but otherwise it seems to be on a different track.  The biggest relief? Any chances to slip into the saas-bahu syndrome were nipped in the bud with the mothers of both the hero and heroine dead in the first episode itself. Phew! I am keeping my fingers crossed that their ghosts will not start wearing outlandish bindis and scheming against each other to the tune of electronically generated swoosh-and-boom background score. Plus, the serial – like good ol’ days – will be aired once a week; that way, it’s easier to follow, and of course, it avoids overkill. 

Sudhanshu (Band of Boys, Yakeen) Panday plays the protagonist. He may not be the greatest actor around, but his personality and physique suit the role. Plus, I have seen Yakeen and bits of Pehchaan: The Face of Truth, and I feel there is a raw honesty in his performances reminiscent of Jackie Shroff in his younger days. 

Speaking of Jackie Shroff, what has he done to himself? Unlike his colleague Anil Kapoor, Jackie never exhibited the Machiavellian go-getter capacity. But at least he can take good care of his looks and locks! Since he never had the qualms to graduate to father roles, I am sure things wouldn’t be so hard up for him that he is forced to act in inane Z-grade flicks like Bhoot Unkle! 

Well, the clouds have darkened further, and any moment the welcome pitter-patter of rains will be heard. My player has also propititiously moved to ‘Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai, hawa bhi kuchh zyada zyada hai’ from Dharti. And before we have another power cut, let me publish this.

Aajao ke sab milke rab se dua maange
Jeevan mein sukoon chaahen
Chaahat mein wafaa maangein
Haalaat badalne mein ab der na ho maalik
Jo dekh chuke phir andher na ho maalik

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaara
Is tere jahaan mein
Nahi koi hamaara
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah yeh pukaar sunle
Hey Ishwar Ya Allah hey daata

Humse na dekha jaaye
Barbaadiyon ka sama
Ujadi hui basti mein
Yeh tadap rahe insaan
Nanhe jismon ke tukde
Liye khadi ek maa
Baarood ke dhuen mein
Tu hi bol jaayen kahan

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

Naadan hain hum to maalik
Kyun di humein yeh sazaa
Yahaan hai sabhi ke dil mein
Nafrat ka zahar bhara
Inhe phir se yaad dilade
Sabak wohi pyaar ke
Ban jaaye gulshan phir se
Kaanton bhari yeh duniya

Ek tu hi bharosa
Ek tu hi sahaaraa…

– Lyric: Majrooh Sultanpuri
– Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

My prayers and wishes with all Mumbaikars in their tough times.


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Two days something or the other has gone wrong with this page – hope today is fine. Day before yesterday I was at my sister’s place. From there I wrote a lengthy post. However some software installed in  my brother in law’s laptop clashed with wordpress and the post didn’t get published. I tried recreating the post in the night, viagra dosage but somehow the flow and narrative was just not happening, angina so I abandoned it.

Yesterday, I wrote a small piece. It got published. But I noticed a grammatical error and entered the site admin  to correct it. In my hurry, and goodness knows what state of my mind, instead of pressing ‘save’ I clicked ‘delete’. That was the end of that post, which I think a few readers like Mehak did read.

And now I write this one. I am saving it, and will be back with some more chit chat very soon. So don’t go away from here.

In films, sildenafil mujras hold a special place. And for me, resuscitation a bit of a fascination.   

The thought, clinic of sitting comfortably on a thick cushion blowing on an ornate hookah and sipping wine served in thick silver glasses while a lady in a bright zardozi-laced dress, ornamental jewelery and aalta-smeared feet dances to the melodious strains of sitarghoongroosarangi-and-tabla, is quite an interesting and nawabi one. Dont get me wrong. I have never visited a ‘kotha‘ ever, its just a sort of fantasy which stems out from seeing the myriad mujra songs in films. Bollywood films can go awfully wrong in depicting many things, and often stick rigidly to conventional stereotypes, so I could be incorrect in my vision – any reader who has visited one can inform the same, either on the site or a personal mail (secrecy guaranteed) 😛

Anyways, jokes apart, the mujra songs have their own life. They come in all sizes and shapes :  from the classy Chalte chalte yunhi koi mil gaya tha (Pakeezah) to the crassy Kaahe saiyan teri meri baat bane naahi (Dayawan); from the lyrically charged Dil cheez kya hai (Umrao Jaan) to the lyrically debauched Mujrewali hoon mujra karti hoon (Awaargi); from a dulcet Lata’s Pyar kiya to darna kya (MeA) to a screechy Alka’s Tawaif kahan kisi se mohabbat karti hai (Amiri Garibi) – you will find a variety of them in films pre-current-millenium. Whatever the song be, the fallen woman was always elevated by strong musical muscles. Now, the place of a mujra has been taken by item numbers.

Broadly the mujras can be divided into two categories – one, where the heroine is a tawaif, or becomes one – here,  expect some highly philosophical songs on love and life; two, where the tawaif is a mere side-prop to tittilate the villain (or a wronged hero) , most such songs will be more noise than substance – of course the two categories overlap, and exceptions exist in both.

So, here I list a few mujra numbers sung by Lata Mangeshkar – let’s see how many of them match with your own. In the list I have taken some songs that might not be exactly a hard-core mujra but has been picturised on a ‘kotha‘, hence here. In most, Lata’s pristine voice helped a great deal in establishing the purity and freshness of the lady-in-wrong-trade!

Salaam-e-ishq meri jaan zaraa kabool kar lo  – Muqaddar Ka Sikandar – the mother of all mujras in terms of popularity and reach. Rekha and Amitabh scorches on-screen while Lata and Kishore ignite with their sparkling vocals. As I said, Lata’s voice gave a gilt-edged glitter to Rekha’s, giving life to her love and passion which transcended the dirty limits of her profession. 

Chalte chalte yunhi koi mil gaya tha  /  Thaare rahiyo o baanke yaar  /  Inhi logon nePaakeezah – outstanding music in all, lovely songs, and the best movie on the life of a nautch girl. And thank God for ‘thaare rahiyo’ without which antakshri gets impossibly stuck if you get the letter ‘tha‘. The beats in ‘Chalte chalte’ are mesmerising while Lata’s voice is impeccably thoughtful and seductive at the same time, as required by the song’s mood! 

Mujhe rab jo kahe tujhe chhod doonUstaad  -  One of the good old Anu Mallik numbers in which he accompanies the diva with his raspy voice. Picturised on Jaya Prada and Vinod Khanna. Very good interludes, an easy tune and fine singing make the song a winner. 

Unko yeh shikaayat hai  – Adalat – Madan Mohan and Lata Mangeshkar combine for this collossal score. Not exactly in the true mujra format. Nevertheless, a great song. 

Kya kahen aaj kya ho gayaTeri Paayal Mere Geet -  A later stage Naushad-Lata combination in a flop Govinda-Meenakshi starrer. The film was boring, the songs werent. This, and ‘Mohabbat ka ek devtaa mila’ were excellent numbers. 

Jab pyaar kiya toh darna kyaMughal E Azam – A song that needs no introduction or description – its an all time any time hit! 

Thoda resham lagta hai thoda sheesha lagta hai – Jyoti  – The song that triggered the remix malaise in the country was a forgotten number till it appeared in some english rap song, and from thereon to Harry Anand’s remix factory. As ever, I prefer the original. Good music, nice tabla and Lata’s awesome voice!  

Mujre ki hai yeh raat aakhriYudh – The sole Lata and old fashioned number in an otherwise techno-induced heave ho typical eighties score. Though Kalyanji Anandji were officially credited as music directors, I suspect Viju Shah’s handiwork in the score. However, this Lata mujra picturised on the ever-ethereal Hema Malini retained a old-worldly charm and was listenable. 

Jind le gaya woh dil ka jaaniAap Ke Saath – Again, not a typical mujra, but was picturised on the kotha itself with Smita Patil lamenting the loss of her love. Strangely, most T-series cassettes carry the Anuradha Paudwal scratch version. It is with great difficulty that I found the proper Lata Mangeshkar one. 

Lo saahib mai bhool gayi yaad mujhe kuchh aaya thaMaati Maange Khoon – a newly aquired number in my collection, it’s a superb number with the sound of ghungroos reverbarating menacingly within the sorrowful premise. RD Burman provides thumping music; the varying rhythm and beats add to the listening thrill ! 

Kab talak shama jali yaad nahi, shaam e gham kaise dhali yaad nahiPainter Babu – Uttam-Jagdish’s debut film had this top song. The rest were pretty chaaloo kinds. A detailed note on the song is available on my older site. Read here.

Sanam tu bewafaa ke naam se mashhoor ho jaayeKhilona – quite a typical L-P song from seventies, like it only for Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. Two more similar numbers follow the list immd. this one.  

Humhin karen koi soorat unhe bulaane ki, suna hai unnko toh aadat hai bhool jaane ki  - Ek Nazar –  another song which is similar in flavor as the above one. Same musical team of L-P-Lata. The film had one more mujra, Pahle sau baar idhar aur udhar dekha hai. 

Sharaafat chhod di maineSharafat – A third similar number from L-P stable , once again with Lata’s lovely voice at the helm. 

Atharah baras ki tu hone ko aayi  /   Imtehaan hai aaj tera imtehaan hai  – Of the two Suhaag numbers, I love the latter one. It gives a good lesson on non-drinking. Plus, as a kid I used to often hum the opening lines on any exam day 😛 so the number is intertwined with vivid childhood memories.  And Rekha’s has perfected her courtesan act. (Aishwarya Rai will find it impossible to match it with her limited acting skills in the new version of Umrao Jaan). 

Toone har raat mohabbat ki kasam khaai haiGanga Ki Saugandh – A double edged sword of a number that has sweetness on one edge and vitriolic filled sharpness on the other. Awesomely sung, as ever, by Lata Mangeshkar. (The theme song of this film, also by Lataji,  was quite a big hit). 

Kuhu kuhu bole koyaliya – Unreleased Devdas – I reckon the song would have been picturised on Chandramukhi, though i m not sure. A very nice song overall. Quintessential Gulzar lyric with Pancham’s melodious music. 

Jise tu qabool karle woh sadaa kahan se laaoonDevdas (old) – Obviously  the song would be on Chandramukhi. The lyrics are so very apparant. But was this picturised as a mujra or just a love song? SD Burman’s music in this one.

Raat bhi hai kuchh bheegi bheegiMujhe Jeene Do – A very romantic number with just that right tinge of suggestive element beyond the innocence. Lata’s chham chham in the mukhda is more melodious than the sound of ghoongroos even. As I wrote once, I love Lata’s singing in a semi-ghabrahat, semi-hopeful way, and of course, her ‘haaye’ can never leave me unstirred. 

Tadap yeh din raat ki  kasak yeh bin baat kiAmrapali - this love-deprived courtesan’s quivering call for romance is unarguably a sensuous and scintillatiing number – Lata’s voice is a mix between purity, pain and playfulness as she sighs ‘sajan ab to bata de, bata de’… Shankar Jaikishan whip up an emotional storm with their choral sitars. 

Kaun anjaame ulfat nahi jaantaHera Pheri (old) – is this a mujra or not? Not sure now, but i enjoy the song. 

Mai har raat jaagi … tumhari qasam tum bahut yaad aayeGaban – I could be way off the mark with this one – so members please help. Somehow the sitar-and-tabla based music makes it sound like a mujra, though I cant be sure. As a song it’s a topper! Music is by Shankar Jaikishan, and I marvel at the way repetition of lines in the antaras are built by them!

Chham chham chham badra barse, rut barse jiyara tarseBarkha Bahaar – a still podgy and dusky Rekha dances to Lata’s mellifluous voice in this flop Navin Nischol starrer. 

Mai tawaif hoon    /      Mere naina saawan bhaadonMehbooba – The latter song is part haunting, part mujra… part classical, part populist… this monumental RDB number was a chartbuster at that time. Personally, from this film, my evergreen fav is the love duet ‘Parbat ke peechhe chambe da gaaon’. There was a more on the face number ‘mai tawaif hoon mujra karoongi’ as well. The movie, on reincarnation, was far inferior to the same lead pair’s other classic on the same theme (Kudrat).

Ek dukhiyaari kahe baat yeh rote roteRam Teri Ganga Maili – the visual in the prelude, where champagne flows lustily into the pure Ganga, is a very cutting critique on post-modernist moral paucity – that was a superb directorial touch from master storyteller Raj Kapoor. The song itself is wrought with intricate images – the diamond soul wrapped in the soiled skin or the similarity betn a woman and the river … its a great theme song with an admirable picturisation. 

These are the ones that I could recall when I first wrote the post for some other group. There were more additions done later on , eg  Raina beeti jaaye from Amar Prem (not a mujra,per se but still picturised on a kotha, hence can be added here),  Rahte the kabhi jinke dil mein ( Mamta ) and  O Aaanewaale ruk ja (Devdas).

Sister Asha Bhonsle also has many memorable mujras – from Umrao Jaan, Tawaif, to name a few hit films- but I am not too keen to go into those details. However, still I  will end this post with one unknown gem from her ouvre.

Kaise mukhde se nazrein uthaaye ke tujh mein hi rab dikhtaEnglish Babu Desi Mem – It’s a bit hard to swallow that this shimmering number is created by Nikhil-Vinay. But as they are officially credited, I will go by it. The song has a faint qawaali tinge to it and the lyrics are nice. To top it all, there is an ethereal looking Sonali Bendre dancing to the beats in a flaming red dress – the overall effect is fantastic!

It is S.D.Burman’s birth centenary this year. And www.sdburman.net compiled an awesome evening today, gastritis here in Delhi at Sri Sathya Sai Auditorium, Lodhi Road.

Personally, I have attended very few musical shows, primarily because the music that I like is seldom a crowd-puller, and hence commercial organizations avoid it. However, this was a treat compiled by a select group of connoisseurs, and all of it – as Ritu Chandra, one of the co-hosts and co-owner of the site mentioned – voluntary and for immense love for Burmanda’s music. Due to this I was eagerly awaiting the show. And I wasnt disappointed. A labor of love has a fragrance that is as natural and pure as a rose in the garden – with thorns, et al; something that is not found in the ornate bouquets wrapped in plastic films in decorative shops. So was the show fragrant, byouant and vibrant, despite a few hiccups and snags. It was all for the love of music, by lovers of music, for the lovers of music.

On my part I am not a Burmanda fanatic, but I like many of his songs and and can quietly place myself in the ranks of those who respect him a lot.  Some of them, especially ones sung by Lataji, are extraordinary.  

The chief guest for the evening was famous poet Padmashri Gopal Das Neeraj. Apart from his poems, Neerajji is a reknowned lyricists with hits like ‘Likhe jo khat tujhe’  (Kanyadan/SJ), ‘ Caravan guzar gaya‘ (Nayi Umar Ki Nayi Fasal / Roshan)and ‘Ae bhai zaraa dekh ke chalo’ (Mera Naam Joker/ SJ).  With Burmanda, his association is particularly productive and right up there in lyricist-music director associations.

The second guest of honor was Meena Kapur, wife of legendary composer Anil Biswas; but also a singer in her own right. From her ouvre, I am particularly fond of ‘Meri atariya pe kaaga bole‘ from the oldest Aankhen (Madan Mohan’s debut film). Other luminaries included Mrs Basanti Dutta (grand-niece of Burmanda) and Mr. KC Khurana (an elderly emcee who has done several shows with legends like Manna De, etc).

As Sajid, the emcee for the evening, began his narration (using a mix of shudhh Hindi and chaste Urdu) with a famous quote ‘Nashili ki raat hai, saare chiraag gul kardo, khushi ki raat mein kya kaam hai jalnewalon ka’ (incidentally, immortalised as the prelude in Shankar Jaikishan’s breathtaking number ‘Lo aai milan ki raat’ from Aashiq),   I settled cozily into my seat to enjoy the evening.

After the lamp-lighting ceremony by Neerajji and an audio-visual documentary on the life of Burmanda, Indraneel Mukherjee’s musical troupe took over the proceedings and unleashed a spew of immortal Burmanda hits. As if to invite the soul of Burmanda, Indraneel began with ‘O Jaane waale ho sake toh laut ke aana’ (Bandini). Indraneel’s voice had a strong Hemant Kumar tinge, and after listening to the number one could imagine how it would have sounded if the said number was sung by him rather than Mukesh, the original singer.

Some songs in this section included: the swaying ‘Yeh raat yeh chandni phir kahan’, the mesmerizing ‘Ab toh hai tumse har khushi apni’, the mischevious ‘Ab ke sajan saawan mein aag lagegi badan mein‘, the romantic ‘Tere mere sapne ab ek rang hai’, the deeply resonating ‘Jalte hai jiske liye teri aankhon ke diye’ and the coy ‘Jaane kya toone kahi’.

[Due to the time constraints, the troupe mix-and-matched full songs and mukhda-one-antara combination]

The evening’s theme was to capture the ‘Navrasas’ in Burmanda’s music. The second section focused on that and began with ‘Shaantras’. Songs in these had the breezy ‘Thandi hawaayen lahrake aayen’ (one of the most copied songs in Bollywood) and my ultimate favorite, Latadi’s ‘Phaili hui hai sapnon ki raahein’.

For ‘Vatsalyaras’ a talented young girl Arundhati Prasad (all of 10 years) danced merrily to Asha Bhonsle’s ‘Chanda mama mere dwaar aana re’.

‘Vibhatsaras’ and ‘Raudraras’ were combined in two back-to-back rousing Sahir numbers from Pyasa‘Jinhe naaz hai Hind par woh kahan hai’ and ‘Yeh mehlon yeh taajon yeh takhton ki duniya’.

All this while Sajid interspersed his commentary with anecdotes from Burmanda’s life, either himself or through audio clips of various artistes like Lataji, Ashaji and Hrishida(Mukherjee).  For example, Sajid told us how Sahirsaab had written this motivational ghazal full of ‘Veerras’…and what did Burmanda do? He gave it to a club-dancer situation, and the bumper hit innovative number ‘Tadbeer se bigdi hui taqdeer bana le‘ was born.

‘Karunaras’ is a major force in Bollywood cinema. Hence some time was spent on it. Songs included ‘Hum bekhudi mein tujhko pukare chale gaye’ (which was rendered by a 16-year old youngster), one Bengali song and that tearful Ashaji’s minimal-orchestrated number from Bandini‘Ab ke baras bhej bhaiya ko babul’

I am sure it will not be very difficult to guess the song that would be an obvious choice for ‘Haasyaras’. But it was singer Sonu’s rendition of ‘Paanch rupayya baarah aana’ which brought in the maximum applause. His yodelling and vocal twists matched Kishore Kumar’s impossibly difficult one. It wasn’t a surprise that the audience greedily demanded for an encore, which the singer obliged by doing another perfect rendition of ‘Haal kaisa hai janaab ka’. This ‘ras’ was rounded off with ‘Achhaji main haari ab maan jaao na’

Since Neerajji was not feeling too bright, his felicitation was pre-poned. This section had four of my most favorite songs – Rangeela re , Phoolon ke rang se , Shokhiyon mein ghola jaaye and Jaise Radha ne maala japi shaam ki … for the last, the audience was so much involved that they requested for the full song to be sung.

Neerajji came to stage amidst thundering claps. He spoke eloquently and said that ‘sam-gat ka matlab sangeet hai‘ – and gave examples of how everything is in harmony in nature itself.  He averred ‘Geet hi aadi, geet hi ant, bin geet jeevan marghat samaan’. He also narrated his poem written on the importance of music and song.  He also released a commemorative compilation that has articles, filmography and biography of Burmanda.

After the fecilitations, there was a small break for tea (during which Neerajji left) followed by another round of music from Indraneel’s troupe. Some Meena Kapur numbers were the highlight of this section – and these were ones unknown to me as well. A point to note – Meenaji got her break with SD Burman.

More SDB songs followed – the heart-wrenching ‘Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam’, the chirrupy ‘Ae maine kasam lee’ and the soaring ‘Kaali ghata chhaye’. Chaitali Haldar came on stage to dance on Lataji’s classic ‘Piya tose naina laage re’ (original soundtrack played, and my heart swelled with joy). The dance was good, and the song captures ‘Shringarras’ effectively. Another audio-visual on some famous songs and films of SDB followed next.

The grand finale was of course reserved for that song on which the show was named – Lataji’s ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai’ – an ultimate song that manifests feelings of freedom, joy and breaking of shackles!  The music of Guide is a remarkable feat, emblazoned boldly in glittering gold in the film music annals – no wonder three songs from this film featured in the show!  

During the evening I got acquainted to some numbers I hadnt heard of – Kisi se meri preet lagiyo (Aath Din), Pyara pyara hai sama my dear come to me (Kamal) [both Meena Kapoor numbers], Ae kaash chalte milke (Manzil), Apni toh har aah ek toofan hai (Kala Bazar) and  Prem ke pujari hum ke ras ke bhikhari hum (Prem Pujari) – not tough to decipher why I dont know them – none are Latadi numbers!

The auditorium was not large, and hence gave the effect of a quaint sangeet-mehfil. Thankfully, the audience was very receptive and even clapped along in few songs – though, as expected, there were a few rotten apples. For example, the three heavily decked up ladies in the row before me were more interested in waving at one of the singers, who was ostensibly their friend, than in really listening to the music. Their non-stop chatter was off-putting.

This was offset by some such deeply loving fans who had come all the way from Mysore and Bombay to attend the show. I was impressed by Mr Srinivas from Mysore, who was sitting next to me. His knowledge was immense, and he carried a neatly packaged scrap-book on SDB’s life (articles, photos etc). Music is a great unifier indeed…and what better example, than this that the site’s co-owners are  gentlemen from Bangladesh and Pakistan!

Alongwith the audience, the troupe was enjoying every minute of the program. And it was clearly visible.  The rapport amongst them was great, and Rupendra Shridhar – on keyboard and the conductor as well – could be seen beaming, or playfully reprimanding if something went wrong (e.g. in the number ‘Ab ke sajan saawan mein’ just before the antaras begin, there is a sharp flourish of violins, which the synthesizer player forgot to simulate in time). His entire body-language, as he timed the various artistes/singers, was one who is completely soaked into the proceedings. And the drummer gave some stirring crescendos to a few songs.

There were a few negatives – it started very late, the number of felicitations, bouquet-distribution in the second half were too elongated which unnecessary lengthened the duration, the lady doing Lataji’s song was shrill,  a few technical snags in the audio-visual sections, a power cut in between and worse, wrong credits in the audio visual (how could they list ‘Jogi jab se tu aaya mere dwaare’ as Asha’s song!!!!). Also, I wish they had some more real instruments esp. flute (since it was an integral part of Burmanda’s music). As of now, there were three synthesizers, two guitars, saxophone, drums and dholak alongwith a few other percussions.

But then, this was not a professionally organized show. For an amateur and voluntary project, the entire package was slick, sleek and superb!

In all, an evening well spent – and a standing ovation to the organizers. Whereever SDB is today, he would be exceedingly proud to see such fans who compiled and conducted this sort of a magnificent programme, without any greed or ulterior motive…just for the love of his music. That spirit and intent in itself is laudable, and I salute it with my full heart and soul! A tip of the hat to them!

 

Trust the administration to do some good act in totally half-baked pathetic manner. Recently, cure at Janpath, Delhi Police has started issuing warnings over a loud speaker – they include, amongst others: not to touch unclaimed objects, not to speak to strangers or accept gifts/foodstuff from them, not to hire domestic/shop helps without proper verification etc. All fine. All sane stuff. But, they repeat it ad naseum… in Hindi! Now, anyone knows that Janpath is forever infested with foreigners from all across the globe; the least they could do is to repeat the same in English! Plus, I fail to understand why they have chosen only Janpath – which is just a sliver of Connaught Place (the central Delhi swanky market cum office place)? Or, have I missed listening to it on the other blocks? It wasnt there at Palika Bazar today for sure!

Frankly, it must be pretty irritating for those who work there. To hear the same thing over and over again can be highly grating on the nerves. Plus, those ‘bhonpu‘ shaped speakers aren’t exactly Bose in their sound output – so the screechy voice followed by a shrill chime is as musical as a cat clawing over a blackboard! I stood there having my lunch for approx. ten minutes, and couldn’t take it any further.

Noise pollution continued to hound me today.

I don’t think it was very far in the past when we all survived without mobile phones. So the overdependence on this device pretty much leaves me stone-faced. Agreed it has an absolutely wonderful usage during emergencies. But seriously, to giggle into the mobile phone in the temple is stretching the definition of ’emergencies’ a bit too far! Every Tuesday, at our neighborhood temple, without fail I witness several pretty young things (yeah, it’s the girls more always!) dodging into a corner, with their hands cupped and faces buried away into sleek handsets. The worst sight could be to see someone chatting on the phone while pouring ‘jal‘ over Shivling!

Actually, I wouldn’t really mind that. Since they do not per se disturb others – that is, if they keep their voice volumes low! It’s the ring tones that I have major problem with. The concept of ring tones and hello tones is awful… esp the latter. I mean, what fun do people get in inflicting torture on the poor hapless soul who has called them by showering an utterly raucous voice called Shamur – cant decide whether this thing is male or female- rasping away inane lyrics like ‘Mera Ranjha Badi Der’ (that’s all that I could comprehend in this hideous song)?

Anyways, that is when you call someone.

But what to say of a situation when you are sitting to read your Shiv Chalisa in the temple…and out wails Himesh Reshamiiya from a friendly neighborhood mobile phone?

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[ For her own personal reasons, clinic Priyangini stopped writing some time back. The regulars on her blog will recall (with a twinge of nostalgia) her superb writings especially the sweet-n-sour suitor sagas and the mesmerising musical posts.

But I guess you can’t keep a good writer away from penning his or her thoughts. So, troche  Priyangini has also once again picked up the pen. And it is the privilege of Random Expressions to have her here as a guest writer, salve to write on the most talked about movie this season, Omkara

Over to you, Priyangini]

OTHELLO-BHARTIYA STYLE, By Priyangini Mehta

Then must you speak
Of one that loved not wisely but too well,
Of one not easily jealous but, being wrought,
Perplexed in the extreme; of one whose hand,
Like the base Indian, threw a pearl away
Richer than all his tribe; of one whose subdued eyes,
Albeit unused to the melting mood,
Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees
Their medicinable gum. Set you down this,
And say besides that in Aleppo once,
Where a malignant and a turbaned Turk
Beat a Venetian and traduced the state,
I took by th’ throat the circumcised dog
And smote him thus. (V.ii.352–365)

These are the final words of Othello just before he stabs himself to death in remorse for his weakness. My mom, an English Literature student told me once that when the recitation of Othello ended in her class, there was a pin-drop silence for almost one full minute.

When Omkara looks into Kesu’s eyes drawing his fierce face near the greiving face of his lieutenant, the camera moves behind Kesu and we cannot see Omkara for a second and in that second we hear a shot, Omkara stumbles, a red spot on his chest and falls to the floor beneath the swing where dressed in red bridal finery lies Dolly, dead at the hands of her husband. A top shot captures the scene and pauses, then the screen goes blank and the credits roll upwards from the base of the screen. The cinema hall is silent and unmoving for almost one full minute.

This is what a good movie or story does, it sucks you into the world of its characters so strongly, that the effect of the end is almost callously paralysing. Not many movies in recent times have done that to me. It happened a long time back in Prahar, then more recently in Maqbool, Black and now in Omkara.

I had high expectations. Maqbool had set a standard and Vishal Bharadwaj had his own tough act to repeat but he has done well. For all those who know Othello, it is a forever story. It probably is not as difficult as Macbeth or Hamlet to adapt mainly because the play is all about the characters and the inherent nature of men which as we all know hasn’t changed much since the seventeenth century. But then again to be able to bring in the Indianness and relevance while keeping the parallels intact must have been a tough task.

Omkara begins with a dialogue that made me cringe. It set the base of what was to follow. The language was atrocious but after a while you realise that this was how they spoke and then you get used to it, the language of outlaws of U.P. a community of merceneries making a living as the henchmen of powerful politicians seems normal.

The story is known so I did not expect any surprises but still it surprised me with the intensity of the performances. Ajay Devgan is an efficient actor and a powerful personality. His physique is lean and muscular just like men of labour. He lived Omkara to the hilt, the feared leader of the outlaws, tough and harsh but with flashes of sensitivity especially for the woman he loved.

Vivek Oberoi is Mr. Nice Guy, he plays the character of Micheal Cassio which in Omkara is named Kesu Firangi, the man who is the reason and subject of Othello’s hatred but ultimately is the story’s only survivor. Vivek is good, his Kesu is subdued and constantly under the awe of Omkara. We all know that it will take much more than breaking up with Ash to get Vivek’s career upward but a couple of movies like this will do the trick I think.

Konkana Sen Sharma plays Indu, a servant and confidante of the leading lady named as Emilia in the original and she delivers. This woman impresses me, as an actor she is so spontaneous and she adapts to the character with every inch of her personality. In Mr. and Mrs. Iyer she played an urban South Indian woman with conviction and with the same conviction she plays the opposite, a rural North Indian woman.

Naseeruddin Shah is faultless as usual; words cannot do justice to this man so I shall leave it at that. A surprise package is Deepak Dobriyal, he is a new actor on the scene. He plays Rajju, an important character throughout the story who provides some comic relief as well. In the original he was Rodrigo, a suitor to Othello’s beloved. This character is nothing to look at, hardly any personality as such and so one wants to laugh at him for wanting to compete with Othello. Deepak performs Rodrigo so well I am sure he is an experienced theatre person.

Then we have Bipasha, as Billo Chamanbahar a nach-gaanewali who is Bianca, a prostitute in Othello, she is required to do two item numbers which she does well. Then she is required to mouth lines like, “Aa gaya tu haramkhor.” and she looks a bit uncomfortable. No doubt she tries but the effort shows, I would have loved Shilpa in that role or better still Sushmita but then again, the role is not very important and Bipasha looks hot enough according to Rishabh*.

I save the last two spots for one actor which I dislike, Kareena and for Saif, the guy who does not cease to surprise me. Desdemona in Othello is an independent woman who has the emotional strength to give up her royalties for a man like Othello. Dolly in Omkara is given the same character but Kareena makes her look pathetic and stupid. She giggles the first half and cries the second. The name also is to blame, Desdemona v/s Dolly, Vishalji what were you thinking? Deepika or Dipti or Damini anything but Dolly. Every time the name is taken, I felt like laughing.

And now for Saif, I bet on him to sweep the critics awards this year. He has yet again proved his prowess in serious acting. He is outstanding as Ishwar Tyagi aka Langda Tyagi the man who twirls the characters around his fingers as Iago does in the original story. He has become Langda Tyagi, right from the tobacco stained teeth to the limp. All I will say for him is that if you miss this movie, you will miss one of the best performances of Saif which I don’t think either Saif himself or any other actor can repeat for a long time to come.

The movie is mainly in shades of brown, just like the posters show, the same background colour flows all though the film with intermittent colours on props and clothes but principally brown. The landscape is wild and barren, almost like Omkara himself. The camera under the efficent hand of Tassaduq Hussain moves slowly, even during the fight sequences but does not seem boring because there is so much to see, for e.g. when Omkara smears Kesu’s forhead with sindoor indicating him to be the successor, the camera captures all the three men, bare-chested, each face clear on the camera with its own expression.

Music is fantastic. Lyrics by Gulzar are sensitive and apt. Songs well placed and each used for the story. Rishabh took a break in one of the songs to beat the crowd just before the interval and missed crucial a moment. Vishal Bhardwaj has done the songs and the background score and since it is his screenplay the score blends in perfectly except at the end when probably as a tribute to the original author, there is a small peice of Engima type chants which actually jar in the scene.

The story has been tweaked quite a bit but all the important and significant aspects remain. To understand the parallels, you must read Othello either before or after you watch the movie, before is better because that is the correct chronology. Omkara has delivered Othello to the Indian audience well but there are flaws, you can overlook them if you want because the powerful performances and screenplay overpower them to a certain extent but still they remain.

First up, many celebrities don’t a good movie make. All these famous actors have histories and because of their celebrity status and past roles, they never become the character for the audience. They always remain the actor. I heard a couple of whispers saying that for Ajay and Vivek it looks like a Company repeat. To that extent it is different from Maqbool and probably that is why Maqbool remains a better movie to watch because none of those actors except maybe Tabu had histories to haunt them. Vishal Bharadwaj could have casted better as we do have a lot of talented male actors who are relatively unknown.

Secondly, the ending of the story has been changed. In the original Emilia dies at Iago’s hands, it is one of the most haunting moments of the play, but in Omkara, this has been changed for something less believable because what Indu does seems uncharacteristic. I won’t reveal it so you can see it for yourself and decide though you must watch out for Konkana and Saif in that scene both are brilliant.

Thirdly, the language is difficult to follow, even if you ignore the abuses that people fling at each other left right and centre, the North Indian accent is indeciperable unless you are from a village in U.P. or Bihar. There is one expression which is used often which I have still not been able to comprehend fully. Of course you get a sense of it but still understanding the dialogues is important to follow the story.

Lastly, its a tad bit long. At one point you feel like, “Yeah, get on with it.” This is mainly because you kind of get tired of the language and want to return to understandable Hindi and also because if you know the story, you know what is going to happen and want it to reach the climax fast. Though the editing is taut most of the time, there is a bit of confusion near the climax and a little more chopping by Meghna Manchanda could have helped.

Overall Omkara is a must watch. But do not expect entertainment, it is a serious movie, deals with a sensitive subject and delivers a drastically different fare than what we are used to. Watch it if you are in the mood of good cinema but forget it if you want to have fun. Someone told me it is going black for 700 bucks in multiplexes, if that is true looks like Vishal Bharadwaj has found the equation that clicks both in big bucks and critical acclaim which again sets him up for a tougher act to follow.

[*For those who do not know, Rishabh is Priyangini’s would-be-better-half!]

31 Responses to “Omkara- Review by Priyangini Mehta”

  1. Jay says:

    Hey me first Pri on your first post since your hibernation…

  2. Jay says:

    superb review Pri… I have missed Omkara, guess must see it now!! and REQUEST you to come back to blogging

  3. priyangini says:

    hi sirji, thanks so much for the good words. But I am no writer, just someone excited by having her expectations met by a good movie and wanting to express it. btw how did you do yesday?

    Jay – good to see you here and thanks for liking the review. Do see the movie and abt the request, we will see.

  4. Apoorva says:

    Just saw the movie and got back. Liked it!

  5. Madhu says:

    Hi Priyangini. Nice review! I watched this movie on Sunday and liked it really. Very true Priyangini, one must read Othello before watching this movie. I didnt read full Othello but was aggressive about reading at least synopsis to get acquainted with characters and the story, before stepping out, And yes, this film is definitely not for those who seek entertainment. I wonder amongst the audience how many people knew about Othello and Shakespeare. Many of them had come just because of ‘A’ stamp I think. Felt pity about their knowledge when they used to whistle and laugh at ‘those’ dialogues.

    I had come across Ur blog through RE, liked the way U write. Have read few of Ur posts and liked Suitor Saga, Memories and My Best Friend’s Wedding. Also Ur posts on Music are superb and informative. Keep writing!

  6. Jay – Waise toh ‘me first’ since i read it the first 😛 ha ha

    Pri – Then u hvnt judged ur own writing’s worth properly 🙂 See Madhu’s note below, for one…

    ALL – For comments pertaining to the post, I will allow Pri only to reply them 🙂

  7. I have niether seen the movie, nor read Othello but I stuck to your review from the beginning till the end – thats what a good writer does to a subject.
    Its pity that some of the best bloggers around lack time to take up blogging as a regular activity – but one feels greatly quenched of the thrist for good literature while reading the bit of it (I dare call a review literature because of its quality).
    Another great feature of a good critique is that it never gives away the story; avoids spoilers of all kinds – and your review lives upto that feature.

    I visit your old blog many times for repeat reads … it was a great experience reading a new post !! Way to go …

  8. kaush says:

    Ditto Nikhil, Pri! I have neither seen the movie, nor read Othello but I stuck to your review too! and you did not give th story away! At the risk of sounding redundant, another great feature of this review is that you do not give the story away! Nothing new I can say here except that you need to come back to writing full time! This review was a great read and I hope to watch the movie soon!
    Do start writing again lady!

  9. priyangini says:

    hey sirji, you could have replied to the comments, after all it is your blog, i am just a guest here.

    Apoorva – good to know you share my view.

    Madhu – Many thanks for the good words about life as it goes, it was a great experience while it lasted. But I cannot find time to continue it further. and I am happy you liked the movie too.

    Nikhil – its good to see you again, yes I have spotted you once or twice at life as it goes but you were always relatively silent. I am glad you liked the review, I thought it was a bit too long and had asked deepak to edit it but he seems to have kept it as it is.

    Kaushie – thanks for the good words but, I wonder why you ask me to start writing again when you have disappeared from blogging yourself huh??? 😉 How have you been? any progress on the home front? miss your utterances a lot.

  10. anks says:

    Oh wow DJ! would you believe it that I thought of Priyangini this morning!!!???!!! and then you post this review by her… talk abt co-incidence… now let me talk to her…

    first of all priyangini, how are you doing? this review is super and taking the risk of soundin redundant, it does not contain spoilers for those who still haven’t seen the film… and reading this, I just realised that i’ve been missing your writing…

  11. priyangini says:

    hey anki, feels like the good old days – oh ok not so old but definately good days of blogging. 🙂 glad to know that you are thinking of me. I look fwd to reading your story of the rains btw. Thanks for liking the review, I wanted to put in a couple of more smartass comments in it but then the movie is a serious one so did not want to spoil the mood.

  12. kaush says:

    arrre Pri…good writers like you are missed when they don’t write. Mine is toh just “utterances” I will be back though 🙂 😉 Madness has kept me busy but once the busy wave goes, I will be back 😀

  13. Pri – Arre nahin, this once its your show…enjoy it and reply to the comments…

    Of course, I meant to give my own as well, but couldnt do it yesterday. I devoured the review in one large gulp the first time, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Later, while putting it up and formatting it for the blog, I read it again slowly this time. I think Nikhil/Madhu/Kaush et al have already pointed it out, and even at the cost of repetition, I feel its a great review that captures every aspect of a film, be it performances, cinematography, music etc.

    Actually, Life As It Goes should be revived, and in any new avtar or format will do … I m sure you will hv enough musical knowledge to share. And there is always Mumbai Masala that you can keep feeding us. With some nuggets from your own life… Do think about it…

  14. anks says:

    i second DJ

  15. Chandanjali says:

    ::)Happy Friendship Day(::..

  16. Amit Loiwal says:

    Hi,Deepak,nice review from Priyangini. Each of the characters is nicely covered,and,the last lines said it all’Watch it if you are in the mood of good cinema but forget it if you want to have fun.’…Now,I must watch it,if only to see the last scene,which is not described in the review.Albeit,I’m not looking forward to listening to the roughneck dialogues.

  17. Navjot says:

    Very nice review. But, I usually try not to see the movies which have been made from novels, because they almost always do a great blunder – for e.g. – The Jackal. But, I havn’t read Othello so I think I’ll watch Omkara.
    Anway, review is very nicely written.

  18. Navjot … Which shouldnt be an issue with Omkara’s adaptation, since Othello is originally a ‘play’ and was meant to be watched, and not read!

  19. priyangini says:

    sirji, sorry for the delay in replying to the comments, dad is not well, am in ahmedabad for his treatment. your suggestion of reviving life as it goes is being considered but don’t know when I will be able to do it.

    Kaush – looking forward to your utterances. hope the madness has kept you sane enough.

    Anki – your opinion is taken on record as well.

    Chandanjali – same to you.

    Amit – though your comment is addressed to deepak, i will take the liberty of replying, so thank you for your good words. the dialogues will stop mattering once you are involved in the story.

    Navjot – deepak is right, Othello is a play though you can read it in the novel format in modern english text but the real impact can only be as a play.

  20. Sum says:

    Wow! Nice review Priyangini…. Will have to watch it now!

  21. priyangini says:

    hey sum – thanks. do watch it.

    sirji – kahan ho? pagalkhane? updates ka time ho gaya hai.

  22. Gaurav says:

    Here after a long long time..Infact to anyblog after a long gap! Havent been to mine either! And the surprise!! Priyangini managed to come out of self imposed hibernation and wrote this beautiful review..Brilliant…I loved the movie too..so much that i have already watched it twice! But yes..Maqbool will remain the best..
    The only point where i beg to differ with u is Kareena Issue..I mean i second ur opinion that she is a pathetic actress, but i guess she was pretty OK in this movie..afterall she didnt have much to do in the movie apart from ” giggling in the first half and crying in the second” which, i think she did pretty well! I mean u cannot compare her with the goddess Konkana!

  23. Mehak says:

    have to watch this movie…probably this weekend.
    Saw KANK yday.
    n Sir update karo

  24. Manish says:

    Hi Priyangini , though I have a slightly different take on the movie, but review is excellent. Definitely, movie is not a patch on Maqbool.

    The only problem I found was that you also fell prey to stereotypes. First of all, UP and Bihar are not siamese twins so please treat them differently. I will tell you why.

    The dialect(not language) in the movie would be as difficult to comprehend to a Bihari, a central/eastern UPite as to you, or for that matter any Hindi knowing(MP/Rajasthan etc) person in India.

    Bihari speak Bhopuri and Maithli dialect. Urban UPites speak Khadi Boli – the Hindi in the text books. Rural UPites speak Awadhi, Bhojpuri and Bundelkhandi.

    But the dialect used in the movie is used in Harayana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Northern Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

    So no Bihari would understand, not many UPites would understand. But yes, whole of Haryana, Westen UP, Rajasthan would understand it properly.

  25. Gaurav says:

    Very true Manish…
    Am from Northern MP and i was able to comprehend the dialect totally!

  26. illusion says:

    A very good read. Priyangini is right when she says Maqbool had set very high standard…right, Omkara lacked Maqbool’s pathos and intensity. Thanks, Deepak…for you effort…

  27. priyangini says:

    hey gaurav, long time, kahan rehete ho? You can disagree abt Kareena but have you read Othello? If you have you will know the intensity of Desdemona’s character. She is a complicated woman sometimes negating her own positive and vica versa, I could not see any of that in Kareena not that I had expected to see it but I had hoped that Vishal Bhardwaj would be able to bring something out of her. btw thanks for liking the review.

  28. priyangini says:

    hi Mahek, hope you have seen omkara by now. and how did you like KANK?

  29. priyangini says:

    hi manishbhai, point taken but to my defence I will say the following, firstly I think sterotyping is a harsh word, you can call it generalising but to say that I fall prey to sterotypes is unfair. When I bunch up UP/ Bihar I am guilty of a common error which we all make. I don’t know the languages or the dialects of the state of UP or Bihar or MP, I am not supposed to because I am a gujju in the same way as you are not supposed to know the difference between surti, kathiawadi, kutchi or Mumbaiya gujju.
    Whenever you see a gujju character in a movie you generalise its behaviour and language because that is what believe gujjus to be. similarly there is a certain type of dialects which may differ from each other but for people like me and many other Bengalis, south Indian, punjabis who are not from that particular state would bunch it up as North Indian or UP/ Bihar.
    I did the review as a layperson and for a layperson thats what the language seems like.

  30. Pooja says:

    Hi there, i must say that the views given by you were extremely helpful. It must be mentioned without fail that this film tends to raise semiotic meanings which are lying deep. The conotations and the denotations offered by Vishal Bharadwaj give an insight of the humans. Though Omkaara is just a work of fiction, still it makes us draw and identify to the characters. The similarities and differences can be realised by a simple fact that how simple integrities are reflected in the film in the most subtle manner.

    Your review has helped me in a great deal as I have taken up to do a semiotic analysis of Omkara for academic purposes.

  31. Daniel says:

    I couldn’t understand some parts of this article Omkara- Review by Priyangini Mehta, but I guess I just need to check some more resources regarding this, because it sounds interesting.

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