September 7, 2008
When people roll their eyes and scoff at “Bollywood” this is the kind of film it’s nice to have on hand to prove all their misconceptions wrong. It is a powerful social drama with great performances from everyone and a tightly written (Gulzar) and directed (Hrishikesh Mukherjee) story. There’s not a minute wasted. It’s sad—and you know I hate sad—but it’s a film I’m glad I’ve seen and would heartily recommend, though my swollen eyes may never recover. Wah!
Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan are paired again as best friends after Anand, and are superb. And Om Shivpuri (who is inextricably linked in my brain to evil Mr. Oberoi in Disco Dancer) delivers in a small but pivotal role as an unscrupulous businessman. The core issue—socialism as a cure for the plight of the middle and lower classes (and a responsibility of the wealthy) still seems as relevant today as it was thirty-five years ago.
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Posted in Hindi movies |
27 Comments »
September 7, 2008
From Shaan (1980) which I had the great fun of watching with Beth, Gesine, the ppcc and Carla (with Mr. Carla) last evening.
I have had haircuts—in fact I’m growing one out now—that looked like they were done in a saloon.
And by the way, Mazhar Khan and Zeenat must have had really gorgeous children.
Posted in Hindi movies, Subtitle delight |
9 Comments »
September 4, 2008
I haven’t been able to find an exact translation for the title, but it seems to mean something along the lines of “hen-pecked husband.” The whole concept of a hen-pecked husband irritates me beyond measure, but that rant would need an entire post by itself. In any case, the woman in this movie is fairly traditional and conservative; she does stand up for herself when appropriate, but I wouldn’t call it hen-pecking.
It’s a very sweet quirky little story about a wife who embellishes the facts of her married life in her letters home, and the subsequent complications when her parents visit. It reminded me in style of later films Katha and Kissise Na Kehna, and the married couple (Rajesh Khanna and Nanda) enjoy a very loving and equal relationship. Have I made it clear yet that I hate the title? But I do like the film.
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Posted in Hindi movies |
39 Comments »
September 2, 2008
Ahhhh masala. The very very best filmi masala has at the very very least most of these twenty-one ingredients:
- Scenery-chewing
- Prodigious use of religious symbolism, preferably encompassing at least The Big Three: Hindu/Muslim/Judeo-Christian
- Squishy dil™ (ppcc) (aka “Oh! the humanity!”)
- Fabulously mod fashions
- Outlandish nonsensically fun plots
- At least one weeping mother
- Brothers/friends on opposite sides of the law
- Incredibly pretty hero(es) and heroine(s)
- Disguises, preferably which mock some ethnic or cultural group
- At least one child lost at a fair, preferably two who are childhood sweethearts
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Posted in Hindi movies, Memsaab's lists |
29 Comments »
September 1, 2008
I can’t find words to describe this movie. Sublime? Magnificent? Classic, for sure. Fantastic romantic story; excellent debuts by “Filmalaya discoveries” Asha Parekh and music director Usha Khanna; and of course, my favorite actor of all time, Shammi Kapoor. I ask you, how can you not like a film whose credits begin with a little boy in his chaddis and a pair of wings and gladiator sandals taking aim at your heart? It’s also directed and written by Nasir Husain, who gave Shammi his first big hit with Tumsa Nahin Dekha. I’ve said it before: Nasir Husain=great entertainment.
It was such fun to watch it again! Not to mention that I ended up on the floor as a Shammi-induced puddle.
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Posted in Hindi movies, Yahoo! Shammi! |
35 Comments »
September 1, 2008
Reader Shaila pointed out yesterday that I have neglected Parveen Babi here at MemsaabStory (Bullet being her only featured film).
Egregious oversight!
Here is a photo of her from the 1973 Star & Style Annual (she’s up and coming, they say!):
Doesn’t she look sooooo young? Reminds me a little of Ali MacGraw in Love Story. I will try to do better on the Parveen front.
Posted in Hindi movies, Vintage Bollywood images |
16 Comments »
August 31, 2008
Rehana Sultan? She’s absolutely gorgeous, but I don’t think she did very well in films.
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Posted in Hindi movies, Vintage Bollywood images |
20 Comments »
August 28, 2008
This heartwarming film has some good laughs and sweet romance. I’ve noticed before, and noticed again with this, that Rajesh Khanna didn’t seem to really mind sharing screen space, and even being upstaged by, other good actors, in this case even during the peak of his career. Here it makes for a nice balance between the romantic story and the great chemistry between Ashok Kumar and Om Prakash, who play two older men—one rich, one poor—who have more in common than they think, and a lot to learn from each other too.
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Posted in Excellent Use of Helen, Hindi movies |
32 Comments »
August 26, 2008
Here’s the saree ad featuring Jayaji that I promised to post!
Posted in Hindi movies, Memsaab in a saree, Vintage Bollywood images |
16 Comments »
August 25, 2008
Can anyone name all the actors (mostly comedians) in the two pictures above? One actor is in both photos. These are also from the 1973 Star & Style Annual.
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Posted in Hindi film history, Hindi movies, Trivia time, Vintage Bollywood images |
26 Comments »
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