Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) - Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Vinod Khanna, Rakhee, Amjad Khan

Muqaddar Ka Sikandar released in the year 1978 and was the third film that Prakash Mehra and Amitabh Bachchan made together as a director-actor combination. It turned out to be the highest grosser of the year and went on to become the most successful film of the decade. As a commercial pot boiler it had all the right ingredients-dramatic story, tight screenplay, great actors and stars and a tremendous musical score.

A boy is orphaned at a very young age and has to face the hard world alone as he struggles to make a living. He works in the house of a wealthy lawyer named Ramnath who does not show the poor orphan any mercy. Ramnath’s daughter Kamya however sympathises with the boy and the two become friends. Eventually this orphaned boy is adopted by a Muslim lady named Fatima who also works for Fatima. He is given a new name-Sikandar. On the occasion of Kaamna’s birthday, Sikandar steals an expensive doll to gift it to his friend but Ramnath refuses him to enter the party. Sikandar tries to sneak into Kaamna’s room to leave the doll behind but is caught and he and his adopted mother are thrown out of the house.

Shortly thereafter Fatima dies making Sikandar an orphan twice over. However now he has the responsibility of looking after Fatima’s daughter Mehroo. As Sikandar cries by his mother’s grave a fakir comes to him and tells him to embrace the ups and downs of life with equal nonchalance for then he would conquer fate. This become’s young Sikandar’s mantra for life. He grows up to be a handsome young man who has amassed a fortune by turning in smuggled goods to the police and receiving the reward payouts. He is now the master of an impressive house and the owner of a profitable business.



Sikandar still loves Kaamna and tries to anonymously support her family as they have fallen upon hard times. He tries to talk to her and express his love but she snubs him. Upset by her behaviour he drowns himself in alcohol and visits a nautch girl by the name of Zhora (Rekha). In the meantime he has also struck up a friendship with a struggling Advocate, Vishal (Vinod Khanna) who saves his life one night. He introduces Vishal to Ramnath and the two starts working together. Eventually Vishal and Kaamna fall in love. On the other hand Zohra’s growing affinity towards Sikandar angers one of her admirers Dilawar (Amjad Khan), a hardcore criminal. Soon it is time for love and friendship to be tested. Whether Vishal and Kaamna get together; whether Zohra finds her true love and what happens to Sikandar,forms the climax of the film. It is truly a very entertaining film with some great acting and wonderful songs.

Songs from the movie:

1. Dil To Hai Dil (link)

2. O Saathi Re (link)

3. Pyar Zindagi Hai (link)

4. Rote Hue Aate Hain Sab (link)

5. Salam E Ishq Meri (link)

Black - starring Rani Mukherji and Amitabh Bachchan (2005)

Black that released in the year 2005, amidst tremendous hype and expectations, managed to set a new benchmark for Hindi films. Partly based on the true life story of Helen Keller, the film was tremendously appreciated by the critics and the general public. Hailed by many to be a cult film Black won numerous awards for all those who were associated with it.

The film begins with Michelle McNally (Rani Mukherjee) a blind, deaf and mute woman visiting her former teacher Debraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan). Debraj is shown to be in a hospital struggling with the deadly Alzheimer’s disease. The film then goes back to Michelle’s childhood. Michelle’s world from a very young age has been a world that is devoid of sights, colours, sounds and noises. With the passage of time, she becomes a prisoner of this soundless and sightless universe that makes her violent, hostile, and almost animal like. Her parents, Paul and Catherine are at their wit’s end trying to control their eight year old daughter whom they are unable to understand and who is unable to understand them. Into this helpless situation enters Debraj Sahai, a slightly eccentric man. He takes it upon himself to bring Michelle into the light.

Initially he has to use harsh methods as Michelle has become uncontrollable which meets the disapproval of the little girl’s father who asks him to leave. But Debraj asks for twenty days from Catherine to prove himself and stays on. By the 20th day, as he is about to give up, a miraculous break through happens and Michelle is able to come out of her dark world. Impressed by his success the McNallys decide to keep Debraj as Michelle's teacher. Michelle is a fast learner and is very soon able to expertly sign. Debraj even convinces the Principal of a college to grant her the chance to pursue Bachelor of Arts degree, the first deaf-blind person to do so at that university. Michelle moves away from home and lives with Debraj and one of her servants.



Over the next twenty years she struggles to gain her degree. As Michelle face many ups and downs in life, we see the beginning of Alzheimer affect Debraj’s brilliant mind. He is shown forgetting the way out of Principal’s office. Debraj leaves Michelle when one night she forces him to kiss her on her lips as she has never experienced passion and wanted Debraj to be the one to teach her the meaning of this word like so many others. The film ends with Michelle gaining her B.A. degree and her visiting the institution where Debraj stays. She shows him her degree and a glimmer of recognition appears in his eyes. The film ends with a complete role reversal as Michelle takes it upon herself to reacquaint Debraj with the meaning of words that he has long forgotten.

Cast of movie Black:

Amitabh Bachchan - Debraj Sahai
Rani Mukerji - Michelle McNally
Ayesha Kapoor - Young Michelle McNally
Shernaz Patel - Catherine McNally
Dhritiman Chaterji - Paul McNally
Nandana Sen - Sarah McNally

Movie Information:

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Anshuman Swami
Written by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bhavani Iyer, Prakash Kapadia
Music by Monty Sharma
Cinematography Ravi K. Chandran
Editing by Bela Sehgal

Awards:

Black made an all-time record at the Filmfare Awards by winning eleven awards.

National Film Awards (2006)
Best Feature Film in Hindi
Best Actor - Amitabh Bachchan


Star Screen Awards (2006)
Best Film
Best Director - Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Best Actor - Amitabh Bachchan
Best Actress - Rani Mukerji
Best Supporting Actress - Ayesha Kapur
Best Cinematography - Ravi K. Chandran
Best Editing - Bela Sehgal
Best Sound Recording - Anup Dev
Best Background Score - Monty Sharma

Filmfare Awards (2006)
Best Movie
Best Director - Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Best Actor - Amitabh Bachchan
Best Actress - Rani Mukerji
Critics Award Best Movie - Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Critics Award Best Performance - Amitabh Bachchan & Rani Mukharji (each)
Best Supporting Actress - Ayesha Kapur
Best Editing - Bela Sehgal
Best Cinematography - Ravi K. Chandran
Best Background Score - Monty Sharma


Video of Song:

Haan Maine Chhu Kar Dekha Hai



Haan Maine Chhu Kar Dekha Hai (link)

Lyrics:

Haan Maine Chhu Kar Dekha Hai

mausam ki adalaa-badali mein
pavan gulaabi ho jaati hai
(haan mainne chhuukar dekha hai) - 2

raat sarakakar chalate-chalate
bilkul aadhi ho jaati hai
(haan mainne chhuukar dekha hai) - 2
mausam ki adalaa-badali mein

garam gunaguni dhuup se baat ki hai mainne
paani ke bahane mein hansi suni hai mainne
sab kahate hain dip bujha hai
lekin baati so jaati hai
(haan mainne chhuukar dekha hai) - 2
mausam ki adalaa-badali mein

bin dastak ke aaye jo vo pyaar suna hai
bin bole man khole vo adhikaar suna hai
lamhon ki ungali thaam ke
yaadein aangan mein aa jaati hain
(haan mainne chhuukar dekha hai) - 2

thandha thandha rang buundon ka
mulaayam rang hai phuulon ka
chubhanevaale rang pahanakar
dulhan saj-dhaj ke jaati hai
haan mainne chhuukar
haan mainne dekha hai

Abhimaan (1973) - A remarkable movie from Amitabh's early career

Abhimaan was released in the year 1973, the year that saw Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri officially tie the knot and become husband and wife. In fact they got married just seven days prior to the filming of the song ‘Teri Bindiya Re”. For many industry watchers the plot of the film could have become a real life incident, had Jaya Bhaduri not put on the breaks on her career after her marriage. People still speculate as to whether real life would have imitated reel life had not the superstar’s wife sacrificed her career. However all that is conjecture and takes away from the breath taking sensitivity of this wonderful film.

Subir Kumar (Amitabh Bachchan) is a popular singer who rules over millions of hearts courtesy his songs. His dashing good looks and silken voice are especially irresistible to his legions of female supporters. Subir himself is a carefree young man who enjoys his stardom and his bachelorhood. Chandu (Asrani) is his manager cum best friend and someone keeps him rooted to reality. Subir goes to meet his aunt (Manju Mausi, Durga Khote) and there he meets Uma, whose golden voice enthrals him and whose earthy unaffected charm attracts him. He ends up falling in love with Uma and the two ties the knot.

Back in Bombay, Subir and Uma settle into domestic bliss and soon the husband decides to launch his wife as a professional singer. And that is the starting point of all problems. As Uma’s career takes off, Subir’s career begins to falter. Even as her career touches new highs, her marriage hits rock bottom as Subir is consumed by jealousy and guilt. He hits the bottle and soon things become so bitter that Uma moves back to her father’s place. There she discovers she is pregnant and waits for Subir to come and fetch her. He does not and she suffers a miscarriage that pushes her into depression.

Subir realises his mistake and comes to take her back home but she receives him without any happiness-like almost a piece of wood. Whether Subir is able to bring back Uma from her abyss; whether Uma sings again; and whether the couple reunite forms the climax of the film.

Abhimaan is considered by many to be one of the finest Hindi films. It scores on many fronts. Firstly Hrishikeh Mukherjee’s sensitive direction lends the film the right emotional note. S.D.Burman’s haunting melodies almost act like a character for the film, bringing out all the emotions experienced by the actors. Superb acting by the cast-be it Amitabh Bachchan, Asrani, Durga Khote-makes this film such a treat to watch. However the film is outstanding because of the way Jaya Bhaduri captures Uma through her silence and unspoken hurt.

Songs / lyrics from the movie:

1. Nadiya Kinare (link)

2. Teri Bindiya Re (link)

3. Meet Na Mila Re Man Ka (link)

4. Ab Toh Hai Tumse (link)

5. Tere Mere Milan (link)

6. Lootey Koi Man Ka Nagar (link)

7. Piya Bina (link)

Sharaabi - The neglect of a child (Amitabh) (1984)

Time and again a successful actor-director pairing is able to turn even the most conventional, oft narrated story into a classic. Prakash Mehra and Amitabh Bachchan had this magical quality about most of their films. Even the mundane became special. Sharaabi, released in 1984 turned out to be one of the biggest hits of this pairing. Superb acting, wonderful songs and a taut screenplay helped to tell a story that was nothing out of the ordinary. It touched the hearts of millions of people and helped to take Amitabh Bachchan’s already flying career to even greater heights.

Bachchan plays the role of Vicky, a rich kid born with gold and diamond studded spoon in his mouth. But he is also a sad rich kid as his father Amarnath (Pran) has very little time for him and the poor kid has no mother. Longing for his father’s love, Vicky seeks refuge in the comfort of alcohol from a very young age. By the time he reaches adulthood he is a full-fledged alcoholic whose mornings are spent guzzling the best whiskeys and nights spent the very same way. His only emotional anchoring comes in the form of Munshiji, a superlative Om Prakash, who loves him like his own flesh and blood. It is due to the presence of this man in his life that despite his alcoholism, Vicky is able to retain an innate goodness about him as is illustrated by the way he helps out those employed by his father.

The other beacon of light in his otherwise dark existence is a small time singer by the name of Meena (Jayaprada). Amarnath wants Vicky to marry a rich man’s daughter but Vicky refuses to do so, seeing in this his father’s attempt to increase his wealth. Amarnath too does not want Meena as his daughter-in-law suspecting her to be a gold digger. One day father and son have a huge showdown where bitter words are exchanged and Amarnath turns Vicky out of the house, challenging Vicky to fend for himself without the support of his father’s wealth. Vicky walks out gladly with the ever loving Munshiji. In his struggle to earn a living he loses this beloved guardian and that marks the turning point of the story as he gives up alcohol for good. Vicky’s reconciliation with Amarnath and the latter’s acceptance of Meena forms the climax of the story.


This movie deserves as much kudos for Amitabh’s acting as for Om Prakash’s sensitive portrayal of Munshiji. They are each other’s perfect foil and add a touch of simple pathos to the story. A special mention must be made of the scene in which a heartbroken Vicky swears to go off alcohol as Munshiji dies in his arms. Jayaprada too is very good as Meena as is Pran and the rest of the cast. Bappi Lahiri’s music is very good and has hits like De De pyar de. Finally Prakash Mehra deserves a huge round of applause for giving us a wonderfully entertaining and heart touching film.

Songs and lyrics from the movie:

1. Log Kehte hain (link)

2. Jahan Chaar yaar (link)

3. Manzilein Apni Jagah Hai (link)

4. De De Pyar De (link)

5. Mujhe naulakkha Manga De Re (link)

6. Inteha Ho Gayi Intezar Ki (link)

Mr. Natwarlal (1979) - Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha

Mr. Natwarlal, the film releases in 1979. Starring superstar Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha it features some superb song tracks and a very interesting story line. It also has Amitabh Bachchan crooning for the first time for any film of his and the number “Mere Paas Aao, Mere Doston” has continued to entertain kids and adults down the years. In fact the song even fetched him a Filmfare nomination as Best Playback Singer (Male) along side being nominated for the Best Actor Award for the same film.

The story of the film resolves around Natwar (title role played by Bachchan himself) who lives with his beloved older brother and caretaker, police officer Girdharilal (Ajit). He has been assigned the case of apprehending notorious gangster Vikram Singh ( Amjad Khan). But the wily criminal entraps the honest officer and gets him arrested, dismissed from employment and imprisoned. The young Natwar remains a silent spectator to his brother’s victimization and swears to take revenge. He grows up and creates a secret identity for himself, posing as a powerful and mysterious underworld figure named (eponymous) Mr. Natwarlal. He becomes a modern-day Robin Hood, who steals from the rich and bad to help the poor and good.

He is successful in locating Vikram Singh who resides in the hilly regions of North India. Accordingly he relocates himself to be in the same area as his enemy. He also finds himself falling in love with a local girl (Rekha) who reciprocates his feelings. However punishing Vikram Singh proves to be a difficult task as he is a formidable presence in the area. On top of that he has to convince the suspicious villagers that he is not the ‘bad’ guy and tackle a man-eating tiger. Whether he is able to ultimately avenge his brother’s ill fortune and bring Vikram Singh to his knees forms the climax of the film.



A typical Hindi masala film, Mr. Natwarlal, is nevertheless very entertaining. Superb acting by Amitabh Bachchan (as mentioned above, he received a Filmfare Best Actor Nomination) and the terrific on-screen chemistry between him and Rekha are the highlights of the film. Competent direction by Rakesh Kumar and good music by Rajesh Roshan makes this movie a complete entertainer.

Lyrics and videos of songs from the movie (Mr. Natwarlal):

1. Oonchi Oonchi Baton Se (link)

2. Qayamat Hai (link)

3. Pardesiya (link)

4. Tauba Tauba Kya Hoga (link)

5. Mere Paas Mere Aao (link)

Namak Haram - A fascinating movie starring Amitabh and Rajesh Khanna (1973)

Namak Haram released in the year 1973, a good two years after the path-breaking hit Anand. It had the same hit-making team of Hrishikesh Mukherjee (Director), Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna (main heroes). Namak Haram addresses a burning issue of the day that of rising impoverishment of cotton mill workers of Bombay. Its tonality is more entrenched in the day-to-day concerns of industrial workers who toiled from dawn to dusk but earned only peanuts.

Somnath or Somu (Rajesh Khanna) lives in a shanty house with his widowed mom and unmarried sister, Sarla. His best pal is Calcutta-based business tycoon Damodar Maharaj’s only son and heir apparent Vikram or Vicky (Amitabh Bachchan). Theirs is an unlikely friendship for the two have very little in common. Vicky has to take over the reins of the company when his father suffers a heart attack and ends up having a confrontation with a senior employee and union leader of the factory, Bipinlal Pandey. This results in a strike. Vicky’s father, the ever astute businessman intervenes and asks his son to apologise to Bipilal to return things to normalcy. Vicky does so unwillingly and the strike is resolved.



However Vicky is unable to forget his humiliation and confides about this to his best friend, Somu. The two friends conspire to teach Bipinlal a lesson. As part of the plan, Somu accompanies Vicky to Calcutta, gets a job as a labourer in the mill and gets about befriending his fellow workers. He is able to get some monetary relief for injured workers and is soon elected as the union leader, displacing Bipinlal. The success of their plan sees the friends rejoicing. However Damodar is not too keen about this friendship as he sees Somu as a potential threat, who with his middle-class values can influence Vicky in the long run. Damodar starts a chain of events to create a wedge between the two friends that get out of control. The emotion-packed climax sees the death of one friend and the other going to jail, his act serving as both a penance and homage.

The movie scores on many fronts. First it is the superb direction of Hrishikesh Mukherjee whose sensitive delineation of a subject so complex that makes this film such an engaging watch. Then it is R.D.Burman’s soul stirring music. And finally it is the wonderful chemistry of the lead actors, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna, and their wonderful portrayal of the two characters Vicky and Somu that will leave the viewer spell bound. Rajesh Khanna deserves a special mention because he plays the part just right and is able to show the metamorphosis of Somu-from lackey of spoilt friend to a man willing to stake his life for his principles-that will raise a lump in your throat.

Videos of songs

Diya Jalte Hain




Nadiya Se Dariya




Main Shayar Badnaam




Lyrics from the movie Namak Haram:

Diye Jalte hain

Diye jalte hain, phool khilte hain, diye jalte hain, phool khilte hain
badi mushkil se, magar, duniya mein dost, milte hain, diye jalte hain

Jab jis waqt kisi ka, pyar juda hota hai, kuchh na poochho, yaron dil ka, haal bura hota hai,
Jab jis waqt kisi ka pyar juda hota hai, kuchh na poonchho yaron dil ka haal bura hota hai,
dil pe yadon ke jaise, teer chalte hain, ahanha
Diye jalte hain, phool khilte hain, diye jalte hain

Is rang roop pe dekho, hargiz naaz na karna, jaan bhi mange, yaar to dede na, naraz na karna,
rang ud jate hain, dhoop dhalte hain, hmhmhm
Diye jalte hain, phool khilte hain, diye jalte hain

Daulat aur jawani, ek din kho jaati hain, sach kahta hoon, saari duniya, dushman ho jaati hai,
umr bhar dost lekin saath chalte hain hmmhm
Diye jalte hain, phool khilte hain, badi mushkil se, magar, duniya mein dost milte hain
Diye jalte hain.

-----------
Main Shayar Badnaam

Main Shayar Badnam, Main Shayar Badnam Ho O Main Chala, Main Chala,
Mehfil Se Nakam, Ho O Main Chala, Main Chala, Main Shayar Badnam

Mere Ghar Se Tumko, Kuchh Saman Milega, Diwane Shayar Ka, Ek Diwan Milega,
Aur Ek Cheeze Milegi, Tuta Khali Jam, Ho O Main Chala Main Chala
Main Shayar Badnam

Sholo Pe Chalna Tha, Kanton Pe Sona Tha, Aur Abhi Jee Bhar Ke Kismat Pe Rona Tha,
Jane Aise Kitne, Bakki Chhod Ke Kaam, Ho O Main Chala, Main Chala
Main Shayar Badnam

Rasta Rok Rahi Hai, Thodi Jaan Hai Baki, Jane Tute Dil Mein, Kya Arman Hai Baki,
Jane Bhi De Ae Dil, Sabko Mera Salam, Ho O Main Chala, Main Chala
Main Shayar Badnam, Ho O Main Chala, Main Chala
Mehfil Se Nakam, Ho O Main Chala, Main Chala

------------
Nadiya se Dariya

Nadiya se dariya, dariya se sagar,
Sagar se gahera jam (2)
Ho ho ho jam me doob gayi yaro mere jeevan ki har shaam.
Nadiya se dariyaa

Jo na piye wo kya jane, pite hain kyun hum diwane yaar aaha,
Jabse humne pina sikha, jeena sikha marna sikha yaar aaha,
Ho hum jab yun nashemain dagmagane lag gaye,
Ho ho ho dil ki becheni ko aaya thoda sa aaram.
Nadiya se dariyaa

Mera kya main gum ka maara, nashe me aalam hai sara yaar aaha,
Kisi ko dolat ka nasha kahin muhobat ka nasha yaar aaha,
Ho kahe kar ai sharabi sab pukare ab mujhe,
Ho ho ho aur koyi tha, ye to nahi tha pahele mera naam.
Nadiya se dariyaa

Shaan - Starring Amitabh and Shashi Kapoor (released in 1980)

Shaan, released in the year 1980, almost four years after the blockbuster, Sholay. The common thread between these two films is the director, Ramesh Sippy. Great things were expected from the man who had given Indian cinema its mammoth blockbuster in the form of Sholay. Almost everybody who had seen Sholay was expecting a repeat performance.

DSP Shiv Kumar Sharma (Sunil Dutta) is an honest and diligent police officer who lives in Bombay (present day Mumbai) with his wife (Rakhi) and son. He also has two wayward brothers in Ravi (Sashi Kapoor) and Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) who are petty crooks. The two of them spend most of their time indulging in schemes that are so wildly ridiculous that one feels that the whole purpose of these plots was not to make money but to have some fun. The two brothers meet their matches in a pair of women-the glamorous Parveen Babi and the somewhat gawky yet charming Bindiya Goswami- who are also good-hearted con artists.



The four crooks -- along with Bindiya's sneaky uncle -- form a team, sing some nice songs, and fall into a sweet double-dating sort of romance that perfectly compliments their thieving lifestyles. However the drama is introduced in the form of Shiv Kumar-the moralistic cop-cum-brother’s death at the hands of the film’s main villain, Shaakal(a very bald Kulbhushan Kharbanda). The brothers shocked by the sudden demise of their beloved brother, decide to shun all anti-social activities and also punish Shaakal. The villain smart enough to know that he has these two brothers braying for his blood employs Raakesh (Shatrughan Sinha) a sharp-shooter. He puts pressure on Rakesh by holding his wife hostage and believes he can force Rakesh to kill his enemies. The long drawn out climax sees the mother of all encounters that includes a tank full of crocodiles. In the end, good wins over evil and the wicked meet their just end.

By this time you must be wondering, but that is a perfectly sane “Bollywood” commercial story-line. And it is. Or rather it would have been, had Sippy not gone over board in his sub plots that take away from the main film rather than adding to it. The second weak link has to be Kulbhushan Kharbandda who even in his tonsured look fails to evoke enough menace or scare. But on the whole Shaan is definitely a worthwhile ‘time-pass’ film that has pleasant music and some wonderful acting by the inimitable duo of Amitabh Bachchan and Sashi Kapoor.

AWARDS WON:

1981-Won-Filmfare Awards- Best Cinematography- S.M.Anwar


Videos of Songs:

Pyar karnewale



Jaanu Meri Jaan



Yamma Yamma




Lyrics from the movie:

Jaanu Meri Jaan

Jaanuun Meri Jaan, Main Tere Qurbaan
Are, Main Teraa Tuu Merii Jaane Saaraa Hindustaan

Nazaron Se Na Tol Mujhe, Dil Se Kaam Le
Tuu Jisakaa Vo Tere Bin Kyo.N Kisiikaa Naam Le
Jaanuun Merii Jaan ...

Chhotii Sii Ik Baat Bane, Baat Se Daastaan
Chhodake Sab Baate.N Ha.Nsate Hai.N, Vohii Pyaar Kii Shaan
Jaanuu Merii Jaan ...

Gusse Se Hai Pyaar Badaa, Pyaar Se Aitabaar
Jab Aa Jaae Aa Jaanaa, Main Karuungaa Intazaar
Jaanuu Merii Jaan ...

Jaanun Merii Jaan, Main Tere Qurbaan
Main Terii Tuu Meraa Jaane Saaraa Hindustaan

------------
Pyaar Karnewaale

pyaar karanewaale, pyaar karate hain shaan se
jeete hain shaan se, marate hain shaan se

lete hain kisee kaa jo naam un ko hajaaro salaam
kabhee rukate nahee, kahee zukate nahee, chaahe kuchh bhee ho anjaam
yaar kee galee se gujarate hain shaan se

rastaa naheen aasaan denaa padataa hain imtihaan
ye hain dil kee lagee, ye naheen dillagee, aate hain kaee tufaann
wo doob ke fir ubharate hain shaan se

-----------
Yamma Yamma

(Yamma yamma, Yamma yamma, Yeh khubsurat sama,) ---2
(Bas aaj ki raat hai zindagi , Kal hum kahan tum kahan) ---2
(Kab kya hojae kisko khaber, aa nachle jhumkar)...
(Yeh zindagi ek lamba safar, pal bhar ke sab hum safar).........
(ek raat ke mehmaan sab yahan, kal hum kahan tum kahan).........
(Haste huwe aisii shaan se, deewane jal jaenge)....

(Are jalti shama se milke gale, Parwane jal jaenge)....
(Reh jayga yado ka diyaa, Kal hum kahan tum kahan)...
(Yamma yamma, Yamma yamma, Yeh khubsurat sama,).....
(Bas aaj ki raat hai zindagi , Kal hum kahan tum kahan)........

(Bas aaj ki raat hai zindagi , Kal hum kahan tum kahaaaaaaaaaaaaan)........

Namak Halal - Another superb Amitabh Movie (1982)

Namak Halal released in 1982, was directed by Prakash Mehra, the man who gave Amitabh Bachchan Zanjeer and us a viewers, a superstar. Namak Halal went on to become one of the biggest hits of his career and of the year that it released. It bore his trademark style of story telling, interesting with lots of twists and turns, the right amount of emotional drama and a nice does of comedy. The film starred some of the biggest stars of that era who turned in superb performances like Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Om Prakash and the dusky powerhouse of talent Smita Patil.

Young Arjun is brought up by his Daddu (paternal grandfather) Om Prakash after his father is killed in the line of duty, while trying to save the life of his employer. As he grows up, he is sent to the city by Om Prakash, in searh of a new job and a new life. In the city he meets up with Bhairon ( Ram P. Sethi) who helps him land a job at a five star hotel. The hotel is owned by Raja (Shashi Kapoor). In the course of his work he ends up saving the honour of a female employee, Poonam (Smita Patil) and the duo end up falling in love. Arjun Singh also discovers that the manager of the hotel (Ranjeet) and a host of shadowy bad guys are out to kill Raja. The whole thing has been planned in a way so as to point the finger of suspicion at Savitri Devi (Waheeda Rehman) Raja’s foster mother. The bad guys have enlisted the support of a cabaret singer Nisha (Parveen Babi) to get close to Raja but she ends up falling in love with him.



Arjun Singh smells a rat and at the same time his grandfather who has come down to the city tells him that Savitri Devi is his real mother who had taken on the responsibility of bringing up the orphaned Raja at her husband’s insistence. She had sent her own flesh and blood, Arjun away to the village so that she could fulfil her duties properly. This piece of news reaffirms and strengthens Arjun’s resolve to clear his mother’s name and save his employer’s life from the villains. Whether Arjun is able to save Raja’s life and whether Raja is able to recognise Savitri Devi’s sacrifice forms the climax of the film.

An out and out entertainer, Namak Halal stands out for Amitabh Bachchan’s superb acting. His Arjun Singh is a wonderful mixture of naiveté and street smartness. Just watch out for the “English is a phunny language” scene-truly wonderful. The rest of the cast do justice to the screenplay. A special mention must be made of Bappi Lahri’s music. He introduced techno beats to Indian film music via this film.

AWARDS WON

1983- Won-Filmfare-Best Male Playback Singer-Kishore Kumar-Pag Ghungroo


Videos of songs from the movie:

Aaj Rapat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-xpb2ZwFnQ




Ke Pag Ghungroo Baand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTvUrpSr9ck




Jawani Jaaneman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5bEkgKTZmw




Raat baaki, Baat baaki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVhIPVDxsPQ




Thodi Si Jo Pee Li Hai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofkL9rbUMEk




Lyrics from the movie Namak Halal:

Aaj Rapat
Arey Arey Arey Na Na Na
Aaj Rapat Jaayen Toh Hamein Na Uthaiyyo
Aaj Fisal Jaayen Toh Hamein Na Uthaiyyo
(Humein Jo Uthaiyyo Toh) - 2
Khud Bhi Rapat Jaiyyo Ha Khud Bhi Fisal Jaiyyo
Aaj Rapat Ha Ha Aaj Rapat Jaiyyo Toh Hamein Na Uthaiyyo


(Barsaat Mein Thi Kaha Baat Aaisi
Pehli Baar Barsi Barsaat Aaisi) - 2
Kaisi Yeh Hawa Chali, Paani Mein
Aag Lagi, Jaane Kya Pyas Jagi Re
Bheega Yeh Tera Badan
Jagaaye Meethi Chubhan
Nashe Mein Zoome Ye Mann Re
Kaha Hu Main Mujhe Bhi Yeh Hosh Nahi
(Na Ha Ho Ho) - 2 (Aaj Behak Jaaye Toh Hosh Na Dilaiyyo) - 2
(Hosh Jo Dilaiyyo Toh) - 2 Khud Bhi Behak Jaiyyo
Aaj Rapat Ha Ha Aaj Rapat Jaiyyo Toh Hamein Na Uthaiyyo

(Baadal Mein Bijli Baar Baar Chamke
Dil Mein Mere Aaj Pehli Baar Chamke) - 2
Haseena Dari Dari, Baahon Mein Simat Gayi
Seene E Lipat Gayi Re Tujhe Toh Aya Mazaa
Tujhe Toh Aayi Haseen, Meri Toh Jaan Fasi Re
Jaanejigar Kidhar Chali Nazar Churake
(Ha Ha Ho Ho) - 2 (Baat Ulajh Jaiyyo Toh Aaj Na Suljhaiyyo) - 2
(Baat Jo Suljhaiyyo Toh) - 2, Khud Bhi Ulajh Jaiyyo
Aaj Rapat Ha Ha Aaj Rapat Jaiyyo Toh Hamein Na Uthaiyyo

(Badal Se Chham Chham Se Sharab
Barse Saawari Ghata Se Shabaab Barse) - 2
Boondon Ki Baji Payal, Ghata Ne Chhedi Gazal
Ye Raat Gayi Machal Re Dilon Ke Raaz Khule
Fizaa Mein Rang Ghule, Jawaa Dil Khulke Mile Re
Hona Tha Jo Hua Wahi Ab Darana Kya
(Ha Ha Ho Ho) - 2
(Aaj Doob Jaaye To Hame Na Bachaiyyo) - 2
(Humein Jo Bachaiyyo Toh) - 2, Khud Bhi Doob Jaiyyo
Aaj Rapat Ha Ha Aaj Rapat Jaiyyo Toh Hamein Na Uthaiyyo
Aaj Fisal Jaayen Toh Hamein Na Uthaiyyo, (Ha Ha Ho Ho) - 2

------------
Jawani Jaaneman

Jawaani jaan-e-man haseen dilruba
Milein do dil jawaan nisaar ho gaya
Jawaani jaan-e-man haseen dilruba
Milein do dil jawaan nisaar ho gaya
Shikaar khud yahaan shikaar ho gaya
Yeh kya sitam huwa
Yeh kya gulam huwa
Yeh kya ghazab huwa
Yeh kaise kab huwa
Na jaanoon main na jaane woh, aha
Jawaani jaan-e-man haseen dilruba
Milein do dil jawaan nisaar ho gaya

Aayi door se dekho dilruba aisi turuturutu
Khaayi bezubaan dil ne chot yeh kaisi
Arre woh, haan haan, mili nazar
Arre yeh, haan haan, huwa asar
Nazar nazar mein yeh sama badal gaya
Chalaaya teer jo mujhi pe chal gaya
Ghazab huwa, yeh kya huwa, yeh kab huwa
Na janoon main na jaane woh, oho
Jawaani jaan-e-man haseen dilruba
Milein do dil jawaan nisaar ho gaya
Shikaar khud yahaan shikaar ho gaya
Yeh kya sitam huwa
Yeh kya gulam huwa
Yeh kya ghazab huwa
Yeh kaise kab huwa
Na jaanoon main na jaane woh, oho

Dil yeh pyaar mein kaise
Khota hai dekho, aha aha aha aha
Kaatil jaan-e-man kaise
Hota hai dekho
Arre woh, haan haan, mila sanam
Arre yeh, haan haan, huwa sitam
Woh dushman jaana dildaar ho gaya
Ke aaj tak bilkul use pyaar ho gaya
Ghazab huwa, yeh kya huwa, yeh kab huwa
Na janoon main na jaane woh, aha
Jawaani jaan-e-man haseen dilruba
Milein do dil jawaan nisaar ho gaya
Shikaar khud yahaan shikaar ho gaya
Yeh kya sitam huwa
Yeh kya gulam huwa
Yeh kya ghazab huwa
Yeh kaise kab huwa
Na jaanoon main na jaane woh

------------
Pag Ghungroo


Buzurgon ne
Buzurgon ne, farmaya ki pairon pe apne khade hoke dikhlaao
Phir yeh zamaana tumhaara hai
Zamaane ke sur taal ke saath chalte chale jaao
Phir har taraana tumhaara fasaana tumhaara hai
Arey to lo bhaiya hum
Apne pairon ke oopar khade ho gaye
Aur milali hai taal
Dabaalega daaton tale ungliyan,liyan
Yeh jahan dekhkar,dekhkar apni chaal
Wah wah wah wah
Dhanvad

Ki pag ghungroo
Ki pag ghungroo baandh meera naachi thi -2
Aur hum naachen bin ghungroo ke
Ki pag ghungroo baandh meera naachi thi
Woh teer bhalaa, kis kaam ka hai
Jo teer nishaaane se chooke chooke chooke re!
Ki pag ghungroo..

Aap andar se kuch aur
Bahar se kuch aur nazar aate hain
Bakhuda shakal se to chor nazar aate hain
Umar guzari hai saari chori mein
Saare sukh chain band jurm ki tijori mein

(Aap ka to lagta hai bas yahi sapna
Ram naam japna paraya maal apna) -2
Watan ka khaaya namak to namak halaal bano
Farz imaan ki zinda yahaan misaal bano
Paraya dhan parayi naar pe nazar mat dalo
Buri aadat hai yeh aadat abhi badal dalo
Kyonke yeh aadat to woh aag hai jo
Ik din apna ghar phoonke phoonke phoonke re!
Ki pag ghungroo..

Mausam-e-ishq mein machale huwe armaan hain hum
Dil ko lagta hai ke do jism ek jaan hai hum
Aisa lagta hai to lagne mein kuchh buraayi nahin
Dil yeh kehta hai aap apni hain paraayi nahin
Sange marmar ki hai, koi moorat ho tum
Badhi dilkash badhi, khubsoorat ho tum
Dil dil se milne ka koi mahoorat ho pyaase dilon ki zaroorat ho tum
Dil cheer ke dikhladoon maein dil mein yahin soorat haseen
Kya aapko lagta nahin hum hain mile pehle kahin
Kya desh hai kya jaat hai
Kya umra hai kya naam hai
Aji chhodhiye in baaton se humko bhala kya kaam hai
Aji suniye to
Hum aap milen to phir ho shuroo afsaane laila majnoo laila majnu ke
Ki pag ghungroo..

-----------
Raat Baaki

Raat baaki, baat baaki
hona hai jo ho jaane do
socho na dekho to
dekho haan janeja mujhe pyar se

raat baaki, baat baaki
hona hai jo ho jaane do….

Kashti jawan dil ki toofan se takra gai
manzil mohabbat ki ab to kareeb aa gai
aa dekhle hai kya maaza dil haar ke

Laawaris - Another Amitabh Bachchan potboiler (1981)

Laawaris came in the year 1981 and became synonymous with the song Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kaam Hai. It appears twice in the film, once rendered by Alka Yagnik (who received her first Filmfare nominations for this particular song) and once by the hero Amitabh Bachchan himself. It went on to become one of the landmark songs of his career. The film too was a super duper hit and notched up another success for the Prakash Mehra-Amitabh Bachchan pairing. The duo had made their mark with Zanjeer and considered by then to be one of the most bankable director-actor combination of Hindi commercial cinema.

Mehra stayed true to his forte and his style. Laawaris packed in a lot of emotional drama with the right amount of humour and of course hum-able scores. The story resolved around Hira ( Amitabh Bachchan), the illegitimate child of Seth Ranbir (Amjad Khan) and Rakhee, a singer. Disowned by Amjad Khan, Rakhee dies heartbroken and young Hira is brought up by an alcoholic beggar Gangu Ganpat (Sreeram Laagoo). Hira grows up believing he is the child of this useless man.



One day he rebels against his adopted father’s atrocious behaviour who then tells him the truth about his birth. He leaves his adoptive father and finds employment with Mahender Babu (Rajender) who unbeknownst to him is his half-brother. In the course of things he gets close to his biological father (Amjad Khan) and his half sister and the rest of the family. He also finds true love in the form of Mohini, a smouldering Zeenat Aman. Things however take a turn for worse when Ranjeet ends up impregnating the sister of another employee (Suresh Oberoi). The resolution of this turmoil and the Hira’s acceptance into the family by his father who gives him his name, (thus removing the tag of ‘illegitimate’) forms the climax of the story.

The film despite being typical masala, commercial Bollywood fare, is worth watching because of the superlative performances, especially by Amitabh Bachchan and Amjad Khan. As has been mentioned before the song ‘Mere Angne Mein became an instant hit and continues to be one of the most popular songs of Hindi films. Amitabh Bachchan continues to perform the said song in all his stage shows, which is a huge draw for audiences abroad. On the whole, Laawaris is a fine example of mainstream Hindi film- larger than life, dramatic, colourful and entertaining and most importantly devoid of lofty pretensions.

Videos of songs from the movie Laawaris:

Apni to Jaise Taise (link):



Mere Angne Mein (link)



Kab ke Bichchde (link)



Kahe paise Pe Itna (link)



Jiska koi Nahin (link)




Lyrics of songs from the movie "Laawaris":

Apni TO Jaise Taise

Apni to jaise taise
Thodi aise ya waise
Apni to jaise taise
Thodi aise ya waise
Kat jaayegi
Aapka kya hoga janaabe-aali
Aapka kya hoga

Apne aage na peeche
Na koi upar neeche
Apne aage na peeche
Na koi upar neeche
Ronewala
Na koi ronewali janaabe-aali
Aapka kya hoga

Aap bhi meri tarah insaan ki aaulad hain
Aap mooh mangi dua
Hum unsooni faryaad hain

Aap bhi meri tarah insaan ki aaulad hain
Aap mooh mangi dua
Hum unsooni faryaad hain
Woh jinhe sara zamana samjhe laawaris yahan
Aap jaise zaalimon ke zulm ki ijaat hain
Gaali huzur ki to
Lagti duaon jaisi
Gaali huzur ki to
Lagti duaon jaisi
Hum dua bhi de to lage hai gaali
Aapka kya hoga janaabe-aali
Aapka kya hoga hm

Aapke maathe se chhalke jo pasina bhi kahin
Aasma hilne lage aur kaap oothe yeh zameen
Aapka to yeh pasina khoon se bhi keemti
Aur apne khoon ki keemat yahan kuch bhi nahin
Apna to khoon paani
Jeena marna bemaani
Apna to khoon paani
Jeena marna bemaani
Waqt ki har ada hai apni dekhi bhali
Aapka kya hoga janaabe-aali
Aapka kya hoga

Haan apni to jaise taise
Thodi aise ya waise
Apni to jaise taise
Thodi aise ya waise
Kat jaayegi
Aapka kya hoga janaabe-aali
Aapka kya hoga

Apne aage na peeche
Na koi upar neeche
Apne aage na peeche
Na koi upar neeche
Ronewala
Na koi ronewali janaabe-aali
Aapka kya hoga

--------------

Jiska Koi Nahin

isakaa koee naheen usakaa to khudaa hain yaaro
mai naheen kahataa kitaabon mein likhaa hain yaaro

jisane paidaa kiyaa duniyaan mein wahee paalegaa
hum ko har mod pe, har julm se bachaa legaa
apane bando se kahaa, kab wo judaa hain yaaro

julm insaan kaa jab had se gujar jaataa hai
wo kisee aaur hee soorat mein paas aataa hai
anaginat rup mein wo hum se milaa hain yaaro

-------------------

Kab Ke Bichchde

Kab Ke Bichhade Huye Hum Aaj Kahaa Aa Ke Mile
Jaise Shammaa Se Kahee Lau Ye Zilamilaa Ke Mile

Kab Ke Bichhade Huye Hum Aaj Kahaa Aa Ke Mile
Jaise Saawan Se Kahee Pyaasee Ghataa Chhaa Ke Mile

Baad Muddat Ke Raat Mahakee Hai
Dil Dhadakataa Hai, Saans Bahakee Hai
Pyaar Chhalakaa Hai, Pyaaree Aankhon Se
Surkha Hothhon Pe Aag Dahakee Hai
Mahakee Hawaaon Me, Bahakee Hijaaon Me, Do Pyaase Dil Jo Mile
Jaise Mayakash Koee Saakee Se Dagamagaa Ke Mile

Door Shahanaaee Geet Gaatee Hai
Dil Ke Taaron Ko Chhed Jaatee Hai
Yoo Sapanon Ke Fool Yahaa Khilate Hai
Yoo Duwaa Dil Kee Rang Laatee Hai
Barason Ke Begaane, Ulaft Ke Diwaane, Anajaane Ayese Mile
Jaise Manachaahee Duwaan, Baraso Aajamaa Ke Mile

------------

Mere Angne Mein

Mere Angne Mein
(Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kam Hai) - 2
Joh Hai Naam Wala
Arre Joh Hai Naam Wala Wahi Toh Badnaam Hai
Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kam Hai

(Jiski Biwi Lambi Usska Bhi Bara Naam Hai) - 2
Kothe Se Lagado
Arre (Kothe Se Lagado Seerhi Ka Kya Kam Hai) - 2
Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kam Hai

Jiski Biwi Moti Usska Bhi Bara Naam Hai
Jiski Biwi Moti, O Moti, O Moti, O Moti Moti Moti
Jiski Biwi Moti Uska Bhi Bara Naam Hai
Bistar Pe Litado
(Bistar Pe Litado Gaade Ka Kya Kam Hai) - 2
Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kam Hai


(Jiski Biwi Kali Usska Bhi Bara Naam Hai) - 2
Aankhon Mein Basalo
(Aankhon Mein Basalo Surme Ka Kya Kam Hai) - 2
Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kam Hai

(Jiski Biwi Gori Uska Bhi Bara Naam Hai) - 2
Kamre Mein Bithalo
(Kamre Mein Bithalo Bijli Ka Kya Kam Hai) - 2
Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kam Hai

(Jiski Biwi Choti Usska Bhi Bara Naam Hai) - 2
God Mein Bithalo, Haan Haan Haan
(God Mein Bithalo Bache Ka Kya Kam Hai) - 2
Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kam Hai

(Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kam Hai) - 2
Joh Hai Naam Wala
Arre Joh Hai Naam Wala Wahi Toh Badnaam Hai
Mere Angne Mein, Haan Mere Angne Mein
Haan Mere Angne Mein Tumhara Kya Kam Hai

-------------
Kahe Paise Pe Itna

Chaar paise kya mile
Kya mile bhai kya mile
Khud ko samajh baithe khuda
Woh khuda hi jaane ab hoga tera anjaam kya
Kahe paise pe
Kahe paise pe itna guroor kare hain
Kahe paise pe itna guroor kare hain
Yehi paisa to
Yehi paisa to apno se door kare hain
Door kare hain
Kahe paise pe itna guroor kare hain
Guroor kare hain

Sone chaandi ke
Unche mehalo mein
Dard zyada hai, chain thoda hai
Dard zyada hai, chain thoda hai
Is zamane mein, paise walon ne
Pyaar cheena hai, dil ko toda hai
Pyaar cheena hai, dil ko toda hai
Paise ki ehmiyat ko inkaar nahi hai
Paisa hi magar sab kuch sarkaar nahi hai
In ka insaan hai, paisa paisa hai
Dil humara bhi tere jaisa hai
Hai bhala paisa to bura bhi hai
Yeh zeher bhi hai, yeh nasha bhi hai
Yeh zeher bhi hai, yeh nasha bhi hai
Yeh nasha koyi
Yeh nasha koyi dhoka zuroor kare hain
Yehi paisa to haan
Yehi paisa to apno se door kare hain
Door kare hain
Kahe paise pe itna guroor kare hain
Guroor kare hain

Arre chale kahan
Yeh paison se kya kya tum yahan khreedoge
Dil khreedoge ya ke jaan khreedoge
Bazaaron mein pyaar kahan bikta hai
Dukaanon pe yaar kahan bikta hai
Phool bik jaate hai
Khushboo bikti nahi
Jism bik jaate hain
Rooh bikti nahi
Chain bikta nahi
Khwaab bikte nahi
Dil ke armaan betaab bikte nahi

Arre paise se kya kya tum yahan khreedoge
Dil khreedoge ya ke jaan khreedoge

Yeh in hawaon ka mol
Kya doge
Un ghataon ka mol
Kya doge
Arre in zameenon ka mol ho shayad
Aasmanon ka mol, kya doge
Yeh in hawaon ka mol
Kya doge
Un ghataon ka mol
Kya doge
Arre in zameenon ka mol ho shayad
Aasmanon ka mol, kya doge
Paas paisa hai to hai yeh duniya haseen
Duniya haseen
Ho zaroorat se zyada to iman-o-yaqeen
Iman-o-yaqeen
Yeh dimago mein
Yeh dimaago mein kasoor kare hain
Yehi paisa to
Yehi paisa to apno se door kare hain
Door kare hain
Kahe paise pe itna guroor kare hain
Guroor kare hain

Hero - The story of a criminal turned hero (1983)

Hero released in the year 1983, turned its male protagonist (Jackie Shroff) into an overnight star. Jackie had already made his debut (a rather unsuccessful one) in the film Swami Dada under the guidance of Dev Anand. But it needed maverick director Subhash Ghai’s Midas touch to catapult Shroff to the big league of fame and popularity.

In Hero, Ghai takes the time-tested track of star-struck lovers and makes a simple yet heart-warming story of a criminal turning over a new leaf under the influence of love. The movie’s main strength is its outstanding music courtesy Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Ghai’s sensitive handling of the love story. Of course the entire cast also does a commendable job. In the film Jaikishen, or Jackie Dada, as he is called in the film, is a criminal with a heart of gold. He has old scores to settle with the area’s Thakur and his son, a police officer. Pasha (the ever reliable Amrish Puri), a notorious criminal, has been imprisoned by the IG Police, Shrikanth Mathur (Shammi Kapoor). The evil Pasha swears to avenge himself and sends his favourite henchman, Jackie Dada to do this for him. The plan is to abduct Mathur's beloved daughter Radha (Meenakshi Sheshadri) and then bargain for Pasha’s release with the cops.



Jackie takes on the identity of a cop and under the pretext of saving Radha from the local goons abducts her. As fate would have it, the inevitable happens and the two opposites fall in love. Soon Radha comes to learn about Jackie’s true identity but instead of giving up on him, she chooses to repose her faith in this relationship. Determined to make an honest man out of Jackie, she convinces him to surrender o the cops. Jackie by this time is also convinced of his errant ways and is determined to do the right thing. He surrenders to the cops who imprison him for two years. Radha, finds a confidante in her brother Damodar (Sanjeev Kumar) and tells him all about her love for Jackie. In his bid to help Radha, Damodar asks his friend Johnny to pretend to be in love with Radha, thinking this would deter their father from getting her married off before Jaikishen is out of prison. Meanwhile, Jackie completes his term and starts working in a garage, in his bid to lead a life of honesty. But Shrikanth is not convinced of his honest intentions. In another twist, Damodar discovers that Johnny is a drug dealer. Around the same time, Pasha gets out of jail and kidnaps Radha to punish both Shrikanth and Jaikishen. Whether Jackie is able to save his true love and whether Shrikant finally accepts Jackie constitutes the climax of the film.

Songs and lyrics from the movie Hero:

1. Tu mera jaanu hai tu mera dilbar hai (link)

2. Pyar Karne Wale (link)

3. O Baby sing a song (link)

4. Nindiya se jagi bahar (link)

5. Lambi Judai (link)

Gadar Ek Prem Katha (2001) - An incredibly successful movie

The art of movie-making is inherently the art of story telling. The success (and therefore also the failure) of a film is primarily determined by the director’s ability to narrate a story well. The rest of the paraphernalia, read, music, dance, camera work, set design, costume design, sound…all of it is secondary. The immensely successful movie, Gadar-Ek Prem Katha, directed by Anil Sharma, is a superlative example of this simple fact. Many a movie has talked about love and many a movie has also talked about the Partition. So in that sense, Mr. Sharma is not telling a new story. However he has taken these two emotionally-charged elements and woven a wonderfully simple tale that leaves the viewer experience a whole gamut of emotions without being too heavy.

Gadar-Ek Prem Katha, starts off in pre-partition India. Sakeena (Amisha Patel’s soft beauty will take your breath away), a girl from a rich Muslim family is a student at a convent school in Shimla. Tara Singh (Sunny Deol, aptly cast) is a truck driver who fetches supplies to the school and nurtures a very innocent crush on her. A silly prank is the starting point of an unlikely friendship that develops between these two apparently diverse individuals. Then comes Partition and Sakeena’s family headed by Ahsraf Ali (Amrish Puri) depart for Lahore amidst growing tension between the two communities. The ensuing mindless violence that followed Partition is very sensibly captured and in one such incidence Sakeena gets left behind while her entire family boards the train to Pakistan.



Tara Singh rescues her from the clutches of sword wielding men and offers her the shelter and security of his home. After some time they marry and their love matures into a strong bond. The couple have a son and are blissfully happy. After a good seven odd years, Sakeena comes upon a picture of her father in the newspaper and she realises that her family is alive and well.

With the help of Tara Singh, Sakeena is able to re-establish contact with her father Ashraf Ali across the border. Ali is happy that his daughter is alive but is none too pleased that she is now married to a Sikh and also has a son. His devious plotting finds the sweet family torn apart-Sakeena under house arrest in Pakistan; Tara and their son waiting in India. As soon as Tara Singh is able to discover his father-in-law’s true intentions, he sets out for Pakistan to rescue his wife and bring her back home. He is supported in this endeavour by his faithful friend Darmiyan Singh and his little son. In Pakistan Tara has to face many trials and tribulations. Whether Tara is able to bring back his “Madam” (as he refers to Sakeena) forms the second half and the climax of the film.

Heartfelt acting, melodious songs and a simple narrative make this film immensely watch-able.

Awards won:

Winner:
Filmfare Best Action Award - Tinnu Verma
Filmfare Special Performance Award - Amisha Patel
Sansui Best Actress Award - Amisha Patel
Annual Filmgoers Awards - Best Actress - Amisha Patel

Songs from the movie:

1. Aan milo sajna (link)

2. Main Nikla Gaddi Leke (link)

3. Musaafir jaane wale (link)

4. Hum Juda Ho Gaye (link)

5. Udja Kale Kawan (link)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (starring Shahrukh Khan and Kajol) (released in 1995)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was a major hit film, early enough in Shahrukh's career that it gave him a big jump. The movie was an incredible success, remembered even today. It was also an a huge event in the career for director Aditya Chopra. The movie is also much appreciated by critics, marked among movies that are worth seeing in any top movie list. It also won a huge number of awards, almost a clean sweep of the popular awards:

Filmfare Awards:
1996 Filmfare Best Movie Award: Yash Chopra
1996 Filmfare Best Director Award: Aditya Chopra
1996 Filmfare Best Actor Award: Shahrukh Khan
1996 Filmfare Best Actress Award: Kajol
1996 Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award: Farida Jalal
1996 Filmfare Best Comedian Award: Anupam Kher
1996 Filmfare Best Lyricist Award: Anand Bakshi, Tujhe Dekha
1996 Filmfare Best Screenplay Award: Aditya Chopra
1996 Filmfare Best Dialogue Award: Aditya Chopra, Javed Siddiqi
1996 Filmfare Best Male Playback Award: Udit Narayan, (Mehndi Lagake Rakhna)

The movie was also acclaimed for its music, with the music by Jatin Lalit and some great singing by Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan. The shooting of the movie, in the scenic beauty of Switzerland, and then in the fields of Punjab were in the line of the movies by Yash Chopra, and supported by some excellent cinematography by Manmohan Singh.



The movie spans across 3 countries and 2 continents. The movie starts in England where aj Malhotra and Simran Kaur (Shahrukh Khan and Kajol respectively) are living in London, with Raj being like any normal London boy, drinking, out with friends, and so on, and spoiled by his father Anupam Kher. Simran has a domineering father, convenience store owner Chaudhry Baldev Singh (Amrish Puri), who is very conservative and would not really want his daughter to have all the freedom of a girl living in London. He would want his daughter to get married to a traditional Indian man, and finds a suitable arrangement with the son of his friends. Simran finally agrees to this, but wants to first travel with friends and see the world.
In the trip, Simran bumps into Raj, who is also on a trip. She does not like him, seeing him as a uncaring person, but there is a situation in which both of them have to depend on each other. They start loving each other, but have to separate at the end of the trip. When Baldev gets to know about this from Simran, he is very angry since he considers that Simran has broken his trust, and flies off to Punjab with the family for marriage. What does Raj do ? How does he manage to persuade Baldev and marry Simran ?

Songs and lyrics from the movie:

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Ghar Aaja Pardesi (link)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main (link)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Mere Khwabon Mein (link)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Ruk Ja O Dil Deewane (link)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Tujhe Dekha To (link)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna (link)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – Ho Gaya Hain Tujhko (link)