Aankhen (2002) - A bank robbery masterminded by Amitabh Bachchan

Aankhen released in the year 2002 and was a heist movie but with a twist. Based on a Gujarati play ‘ Andhalo Pato’ it had some of the leading names of Bollywood like, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal and Sushmita Sen in leading roles. Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the movie was appreciated by one and all for its unique plot. It went on to become a huge commercial hit and garnered a lot of critical appreciation as well.

An obsessive temperamental bank manager Vijay Singh Rajput (Amitabh Bachchan) loses his job after he manhandles a bank clerk caught embezzling money. Embittered at losing his job he plots revenge on the bank by carrying out a heist. He comes up with a brilliant idea of training three blind men, Vishwas (Askhay Kumar), Ilyas (Paresh Rawal) and Arjun (Arjun Rampal), to carry out the robbery once he realises that the visually handicapped can be trained to do anything. He decides that their handicap (blindness) is the best alibi that one can come up and one that will save his skin as well.

He forces Neha, a teacher at a blind school, to train these three individuals. Neha is forced to carry out Vijay’s bidding as he has kidnapped her younger brother. Neha trains Vishwas, Ilyas and Arjun to overcome their blindness and act as ‘normal’ people. By elaborate and careful planning, she prepares the three men to carry out the heist without a glitch. The bank robbery is a success and the trio are able to run away to safety with the jewels. However there is only a small problem- Ilyas’s face is exposed, that is caught on the closed circuit cameras and that help the police to launch a massive man-hunt.



Meanwhile Vishwas and Arjun return to Neha convinced that she is not the main culprit behind the crime and are determined to get to the truth. They advice Ilyas to hide the jewels and they return to the training centre. At the centre Neha is used by Rajput to extort information from the duo, failing which she is killed of by him. Soon it is just Rajput and Vishwas and Arjun who have to duel with him. As soon as Iliyas returns Rajput tortures him so that he will reveal the hiding place of the jewels. Iliyas dies and the police turn up. In the argument that follows, Rajput lets it slip that he orchestrated the entire thing. The film has two alternate endings. The first one sees Rajput behind bars, while Arjun and Vishwas are celebrating their victor. The other one has Rajput bribing the cop to get out of jail. In the last scene Akshay Kumar and Arjun Rampal are sitting in a train (waiting for it to depart) and Mr Rajput is standing on the platform with a smile on his face.

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Produced by Gaurang Doshi
Written by Shobhana Desai, Aatish Kapadia, Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen, Arjun Rampal, Paresh Rawal,
Music by Jatin-Lalit, Aadesh Shrivastav
Lyrics Prasoon Joshi, Nitin Raikar
Cinematography Ashok Mehta
Editing by Shirish Kunder


VIDEOS OF SONGS

Chalka Chalka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPUL_E5g0CQ




Gustakhiyan Hai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRK1zDST89Y




Kuch Kasme Hai Jawa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkNpeDJel-g




Phatela Jeb Sil jayega

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1AoayX2vE4




LYRICS


Gustakhiyan Hain, Betabiyan Hain

Singers: AADESH SHRIVASTAVA & VASUNDARA


Gustakhiyan Hain, Betabiyan Hain, Chaayi Hain Madhoshiyan
Hosh Uda Do, Sab Kuchh Bhula Do, Todo Yeh Khamoshiyan
Yeh Dhadkan Ki Raftaar Hai, Yeh Saason Ka Angaar Hai
Yeh Ishq Sulagne Do Zara, Yeh Chaahat Ka Iqraar Hai
Jaane Jaan Oh Jaane Jaan...

Aawara Armaan Hai, Yeh Dil Ka Aelaan Hai,
Jaan Tujh Pe Qurbaan Hai, Jaanejaan...
Aawara Armaan Hai, Yeh Dil Ka Aelaan Hai,
Jaan Tujh Pe Qurbaan Hai, Jaanejaan...
Ek Hulchul Si Hone Lagi, Maein Jannat Mein Khone Lagi
Mujhko Baahon Mein Thaam Lo, Phir Na Rukne Ka Naam Lo
Gustakhiyan Hain, Betabiyan Hain, Chaayi Hain Madhoshiyan...

Deewarein Sab Tod Do, Mausam Ka Rukh Modh Do
Har Kashti Ko Chhod Do, Jaanejaan Jaanejaan...
Deewarein Sab Tod Do, Mausam Ka Rukh Modh Do
Har Kashti Ko Chhod Do, Jaanejaan Jaanejaan...
Maein Hoon Teri Aagosh Mein, Kuchh Hosh Mein Kuchh Josh Mein
Kuchh Sholay Hain Kuchh Hai Jalan, Kuchh Behke Behke Hain Kadam
Gustakhiyan Hain, Betabiyan Hain, Chaayi Hain Madhoshiyan...
Hasti Mita Do, Masti Luta Do, Chhodo Bhi Yeh Dooriyaan
Yeh Ishq Sulagne Do Zara, Yeh Chaahat Ka Iqraar Hai
Jaane Jaan Oh Jaane Jaan


-------------
Kuch Kasme

Singers: SONU NIGAM, ALKA YAGNIK


Kuch Kasme Hai Jawaan Kuch Vaade Hai Haseen
Kuch Kasme Hai Jawaan Kuch Vaade Hai Haseen
Kaisa Hai Yeh Asar Jaadoo Hai Dekho Har Kahin
Kuch Dil Mein Pyaas Hai Aur Tu Bhi Paas Hai
Woh Jhuk Kar Aasmaan Lagta Hai Chume Yeh Zameen

Jab Kahin Chalte Hai Yeh Pyaar Ki Hawa
Yeh Dil Wahin Panchhi Ban Ke Udta Hai
Aur Kya Hota Hai Is Pyaar Mein Bata
Yeh Ishq Ka Toofan Kaise Thamta Hai
Chaayi Bekhudi Yeh Kaisi Dilkashi
Chaahat Ki Har Ada Kitni Dekho Hai Shabnami
Kuch Dil Mein Pyaas Hai

Dil Hi To Samje Hai Jo Dil Ki Hai Zubaan
Na Samja Hai Na Samjhega Jahaan
Doob Ke Mohabbat Mein Kuch To Paayenge
Sahil Pe Moti Hote Hain Kahan
Kuch Rishte Hai Naye Kuch Baatein Ankahi
Baarish Hai Pyaar Ki Bheeghegi Aaj Dil Ki Zameen
Kuch Kasme Hai Jawaan Kuch Vaade Hai Haseen
Kaisa Hai Yeh Asar Jaadoo Hai Dekho Har Kahin

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


Phatela jeb sil jaayega

Singers: NITIN RAIKAR, AADESH SHRIVASTAVA & ARUN BAKSHI

Phatela jeb sil jaayega, jo chaahega mil jaayega
Tere bhi din aayenge chhote, achcha khaasa hil jaanyega
Rukne ka nahin, thakne ka nahin, life mein chalte rehne ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Phatela jeb sil jaayega, jo chaahega mil jaayega
Tere bhi din aayenge chhote, achcha khaasa hil jaanyega
Rukne ka nahin, thakne ka nahin, life mein chalte rehne ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta

Khaane ka hai chicken curry, usko mangta pati hari
Jeb main tere dus rupiya, peele cutting khaale bhajiya
Khaane ka hai chicken curry, usko mangta pati hari
Jeb main tere dus rupiya, peele cutting khaale bhajiya
Kismat pe, rone ka nahin, calender badalte rehne ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Nitin Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta

Aaj to hai andhera, kal hoga ujaala
Arre apni diwaali hogi, kisi aur ka hoga diwaala
Kal dekh lenga paisa, hoga goni bhar kar
Income tax officer, toh haath dhoke hi peechhe pad jaayega ha ha ha!
Phatela jab sil jaayega, jo chaahega mil jaayega
Tere bhi din aayenge chhote, achcha khaasa hil jaayega
Rukne ka nahin, thakne ka nahin, life mein chalte rehne ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta

Phatela jeb sil jaayega, jo chaahe mil jaayega
Arre boltaaej pakda baap line mein aa, line mein aa
Kyun ka kyun ka!
Tere bhi din aayenge chhote, achcha khaasa hil jaanyega
Rukne ka nahin thakne ka nahin life mein chalte rehne ka
Life mein chalte rehne ka hey! life mein chalte rehna ka
Arre bheja kyun sarka ne ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta
Tension kaayko lene ka
Sahi bolta sahi bolta -4

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

Nazron Ne Teri

Singers: UDIT NARAYAN, KAVITA KRISHNAMURTHY


Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai
Tera Dil Hum Chura Le Gaye Dil Ban Ke Hum Aagaye
Tera Dil Hum Chura Le Gaye Deewane Kya Jaane Tu Deewangi Meri
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai

Dil To Churaya Tumne Hamara Is Dil Ka Tum Kya Karoge
Humne Bhi Dekho Aisa Kiya Jo Phir Tum Bhi Aahen Bharoge
Dekho Isse Na Shararat Kaho Dil Ki Zaroorat Kaho
Dekho Isse Na Shararat Kaho Aajao Baahon Mein Chaane Do Yeh Bekhudhi
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai

Jab Se Mile Tum Aise Khile Hum Phoolon Ki Neende Ki Udi Hai
Rishta Yeh Kaisa Saason Se Saasein Dhadkan Se Dhadkan Judi Hai
Abhi Milke Na Hoge Juda Wada Yeh Wada Raha
Abhi Milke Na Hoge Juda Jeena Hai Marna Hai Mujhe Raaho Mein Pyaar Ke
Nazron Ne Teri Jab Dil Ko Chua
Seene Se Gaya Mera Dil Yeh Deewana Dil Kahan Hai
Tera Dil Hum Chura Le Gaye Dil Ban Ke Hum Aagaye
Tera Dil Hum Chura Le Gaye Deewane Kya Jaane Tu Deewangi Meri
Deewani Kya Jaane Tu Deewangi Meri

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

All The Best

Singer: Remo Fernandez


Khel Ke Dil Nasheen Maut Bhi Hai Haseen
Hai Maza Har Gadi Ab Yahaan
Kehta Hai Dil Deewana Hai Dekho Koyi Anjaana
Jaanbaazo Ko Hi Kehta Jahan
All The Best All The Best
All The Best All The Best
Kitne Yahan Josh Hai Ab Kahan Hosh Hai
Din-Ba-Din Badh Raha Yeh Junoon
Saason Mein Hai Raftaare
Jaane Main Ban Haare
Jaanbaazo Ko Hi Kehta Jahan
All The Best All The Best
All The Best All The Best
Baby All The Best Very Very Best

Zindagi Se Maut Tak Aakhri Har Daud Tak
Khel Khele Ek Naya Saath Hum
Jaanbaazo Ko Hi Kehta Jahan
Yeh Masti Ka Hai Aalam
Jeene Marne Ka Kya Gham
Jaanbaazo Ko Hi Kehta Jahan
All The Best All The Best
All The Best All The Best
Very Very Best To You
All The Best All The Best
All The Best All The Best

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

Amitabh Soliloquy, Title Song


Sach Bahut Hi Ajeeb Aur Garib Hota Hai Yeh Sach Aksar
Asaamaanya Adbhud Kalpana Se Bhi Zyaada Vichitra Hota Hai Yeh Sach Aksar
Woh Sach Jo Hume Naya Lagta Hai Anjana Sa Ek Jhalak Dikhake Chaunka Deta Hai Jo Hume
Use Ajooba Maan Ne Lagte Hai Hum Aksar
Sach Woh Bhi Jo Alaukik Hai Hamari Samaj Ke Baahar Aur Usi Ka Darr Lagta Hai Hume Aksar
Aur Sach Ka Nakab Pehne Hue Kuch Na-Mumkin Kisse
Ahistha Ahishta Wakiye Sach Ban Jaate Hai Aksar
Aisa Hi Ek Na-Mumkin Kissa Asamaan Adbudh Akalp Andekha Anjaana Aparichit Kissa
Sach Hone Ja Raha Hai Ek Khatarnak Saazish
A Dangerous Game Is About To Begin.

Aankhen Aankhen Aankhen Aankhen
Ajooba Hi Ajooba Hai Khel Mein
Masti Hi Masti Hai Khel Mein
Aankhen Aankhen
Darr Darr Ke Jeene Mein Kya Maza
Jeete Ga Jis Dil Mein Hai Ada
Aankhen Aankhen
Jis Dil Mein Hai Josh Humnasheen
Usi Ke Liye Mushkile Bhi Haseen
Jis Dil Mein Hai Josh Humnasheen
Usi Ke Liye Mushkile Bhi Haseen
Masti Hi Masti Hai Hai Junoon

Nasron Ke Hatiyaar Bekaar Hai
Kismat Badal Ne Ke Aasaar Hai
Nasron Ke Hatiyaar Bekaar Hai
Kismat Badal Ne Ke Aasaar Hai
Ishaara Hai Ishaara Hai Maut Ka
Aankhen Aankhen
Ajooba Hi Ajooba Hai Khel Mein
Masti Hi Masti Hai Khel Mein
Aankhen Aankhen
The Game Begins Now

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

Chalka Chalka

Singers: Javed, Alka Yagnik

Chhalka Chhalka, Jaam Hoon Mein -2
Honton Pe Rakh Le Chhalakne Se Pehle
Chhalka Chhalka Jaam Hoon Mein
Honton Pe Rakh Le Chhalakne Se Pehle
Har Nasha Kar Le Sharaabi Bahekne Se Pehle -2
Chhalka Chhalka, Jaam Hoon Mein
Honton Pe Rakh Le Chhalakne Se Pehle
Har Nasha Kar Le Sharaabi Bahekne Se Pehle -2

Bhale Chaahe Sab Se Chhupa Kar Tu Pi
Magar Ishq Mein Main Mila Kar Tu Pi
Ye Ishq Nasha Hai, Ye Husn Nasha Hai
Ye Jaam Sharaabi, Kehne Ko Nasha Hai
Ho….ho…soch Le Har Baat, Tu Bhi Utar Ne Se Pehle
Thodi Si Tu Bhi Pila De Re Utar Ne Se Pehle

Jawaani Ki Khilti Bahaaron Se Mil
Mere Husn Ke Tu Sitaaron Se Mil
Uljaa De Zulfein, Bikhra De Kajal
Is Diwaani Ko Tu Kar De Paagal
Ho….ho…aur Behkaade Tu Mujhko Sambhalne Se Pehle -2
(Chhalka Chhalka Jaam Hoon Mein
Honton Pe Rakh Le Chhalakne Se Pehle) -2
Har Nasha Kar Le Sharaabi Bahekne Se Pehle -2

La La La La La La La La Re La La Le La Re…

Yaarana (1981) - Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Amjad Khan and Neetu Singh (Amjad Khan in a positive role)

Yaarana released in the year 1981 and is one of the rare films where Amjad Khan stars along side Amitabh Bachchan in a positive role. Nearly all his other films with Amitabh Bachchan had him playing the role of the villain. The film directed by Rakesh Kumar also stars Neetu Singh, Tanuja and Kader Khan. Its super duper hit songs remain popular till date.

The film begins at a time when the two protagonists are still in their teen years. Young Bishan Kumar (Amjad Khan) lives with his widowed mother and Kishan (Amitabh Bachchan) his best friend. Kishan is a simple village youth who has a god gifted voice for singing. The two friends are inseparable and love each other greatly. However soon they are separated as Bishan moves to Bombay with his uncle and his mother. However the friends swear to never forget each other. Bishan goes on to finish his education in foreign shores and returns home to run his father’s successful business.

Bishan returns to the village in search of Kishan, determined to bring him to the city and launch him as a singer. Initially reluctant, Kishan gives in to his friend’s request and comes to city. Here he meets Bishan’s wife Sheela (Tanuja) and son Munna. Bishan hands over Kishan to Bharatji (a leading musician of Bombay) to train his untrained voice and to Komal (Neetu Singh) he hands over the responsibility of turning him into a gentleman. Kishan is reluctant to let go of his simple village manners but once he realises the efforts of his friend and falls in love with Komal, he learns fast. Soon he becomes a major singing superstar.

Kishan then comes to know that Bishan had taken huge loans from the market in order to fund his training and shows. Bishan has now lost his fortune to his uncle and to his friend’s career. Unhappy with things, Sheela has left her husband. Munna is found in a mental institution unable to speak at all. And most shocking of all Bishan is found aboard a ship holding children hostage and demanding a huge ransom. Can Kishan bring back Munna’s voice? Why has Bishan resorted to crime? Who are the real guys? The climax of the film finds Kishan finding answers to all these questions and proving his worth as a ‘true’ friend.

AWARDS WON

Best Supporting Actor - 1982 - Filmfare Award - Amjad Khan

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Rakesh Kumar
Produced by F.A. Nadiadwala
Written by Gyandev Agnihotri, Vijay Kaul, Kader Khan
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Tanuja, Aruna Irani, Kader Khan, Ranjeet, Amjad Khan
Music by Rajesh Roshan
Lyrics Anjan
Cinematography Peter Pereira
Editing by Waman Bhonsle, Gurudutt Shirali

Trishul (1978) - Directed by Yash Chopra and starring Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor

The film Trishul released in the year 1978. It was directed by Yash Chopra and starred the leading stars of that era, like Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini and Rakhee. The movie was a super duper hit at the box office and turned out to be one of the top successes of 1978.

Shanti (Waheeda Rehman) and RK Gupta (Sanjeev Kumar) are in love and plan to tie the knot soon. However RK’s mother wants him to marry his boss’s daughter and the heiress to a booming construction company, Kamini. RK gives into the temptation of success and marries his mother’s choice. A heart broken Shanti discovers she is pregnant. She leaves the city to bring up her illegitimate son Vijay enduring a lot of hardships. At her deathbed she makes Vijay promise that he will avenge her humiliation and shame.

A young Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) embittered by his life experiences comes to Delhi where RK Gupta (his father) lives, seeking to take revenge. RK Gupta has in the meanwhile has become a construction baron loved and respected by his friends and admirers and feared by his opponents. He also has a son from his wife Kamini, Vicky (Shashi Kapoor) and a daughter, Poonam Dhillon. While his father is the leader of the construction industy, Vijay has nothing but his self belief to help him start his own outfit and make it a success. He does so and is ably supported in this venture by Rakhee who plays his secretary. Determined to destroy his father’s business and his reputation, he takes on big risks and lands successful deals.

Unaware that Vijay is his own son, RK is incensed with the fact that a rookie is fast becoming his competitor and breathing down his neck. The father-son duo then takes each and every opportunity to bring down the other. Caught in this cross fire are Shashi Kapoor and his love interest Hema Malini; the latter having briefly caught Vijay’s fancy. As the battle rages on between father and son, Vijay unwittingly helps out his half sister (Poonam Dhillon) to marry her sweetheart (Sachin). An enraged Shashi Kapoor goes to confront his brother who then informs the former of his parentage. RK’s entire family then decides to walk out on him, choosing Vijay over him. The climax of the film sees a repentant RK realising his mistake of the past and recognising Vijay as his son.

Sanjeev Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan put in sterling performances as father and son. Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Poonam Dillon and Sachin provide competent support. Rakhee is very good as a level-minded intelligent secretary. Yash Chopra and Salim Javed live up to their reputation of being the numero uno director-writer combination.


CAST AND CREW

Directed by Yash Chopra
Produced by Gulshan Rai
Written by Javed Akhtar, Salim Khan
Starring Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Raakhee Gulzar, Waheeda Rehman, Prem Chopra, Poonam Dhillon
Music by Khayyam
Cinematography Kay Gee
Editing by B. Mangeshkar
Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi

Great Gambler (1979) - A double role of Amitabh Bachchan and also starring Neetu Singh and Zeenat Aman

The Great Gamber released in the year 1979 and was directed by the super hit director Shakti Samanta and had in a double role, Amitabh Bachchan. Essentially a film about look-alikes and mistaken identities, it was a departure for the director in terms of the genre of the film and the hero. Samanta was known for his romantic films and for his close association with Rajesh Khanna. The film did not do too well but is known for its foot tapping songs.

Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) is an expert gambler and has been one for as long as he can never. He has the reputation of never having lost a game. His skills bring him to the attention of the underworld don Saxena (Utpal Dutta). Saxena is keen on hiring Jai as he wants the latter to win large amounts of money from rich people and then to influence them into doing whatever he (Saxena) wants. Jai agrees to play for Saxena without knowing of the bigger plan. One of Jai’s first victim is Nath(Jagdish Raj) a government employee who loses amount of money to Jai and is then blackmailed by Saxena into revealing the blueprints of a top-secret military laser weapon that can hit any target within 50 miles.

The Indian police come to know of this plan and assign the case to Inspector Vijay (Amitabh Bachhcan agajn) who is asked to apprehend Jai at any cost. The only hitch to this plan is that Inspector Vijay is Jai’s look alike but unlike his doppelganger he cannot gamble. There is a confusion of identities and Jai and Vijay both coincidentally are sent to Rome. In Rome Vijay is sent to recover proof against underworld don Saxena by his past henchman. On the other hand Jai is onto a money-making scheme that has him marrying rich girl Mala (Neetu Singh) in order to inherit her money. Mala however mistakes Vijay for Jai at the Rome airport and Vijay decides to go along with this to find out more about his look alike. Jai meanwhile meets Shabnam (Zeenat Aman), a club dancer who has been sent by Saxena to sidetrack Vijay and sabotage his mission to retrieve evidence against Saxena. However Shabnam mistakes Jai for Vijay and Jai gets involved into killing Saxena's former henchman to retrieve the blueprints of the laser weapon. The climax sees Jai and Vijay joining hands to finish off the bad guys.

Despite the heavy duty presence of big stars, the film refuses to take off primarily due to its many twists and turns that at times becomes a tad confusing. However Amitabh Bachchan’s suave portrayal of Jai and his dynamic characterisation of Vijay makes this film worth a watch.

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Shakti Samanta
Produced by C.V.K. Shastri
Written by Shakti Samanta, Ranjan Bose
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Neetu Singh
Music by Rahul Dev Burman

Shakti (1982) - Directed by Ramesh Sippy, starring the powerful Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan

Shakti released in the year 1982 and was directed by Ramesh Sippy. Written by the inimitable duo of Salim-Javed, it starred thespian actor Dilip Kumar and superstar Amitabh Bachchan as father and son. Although the film was only a moderate success at the box office, it was notable for being the first and the only film to feature these two stalwarts of Bombay film industry. It was not a battle between these two actors but an interesting and intense duet where they played off each other’s strength. As audience you are left wonderstruck at the mastery of these two superb artists.

DCP Ashwini Kumar (Dilip Kumar) is known for his honesty across the police force. He is scrupulously sincere, conscientious, moralistic and hard working. He does not let personal sentiments stand in the way of his duty. His principles are severely tested when his child Vijay Kumar is kidnapped by gangster JK Verma (Amrish Puri). Verma demands that DCP Kumar release one of his accomplices who had been arrested by the honest cop or he will kill Vijay. An intense battle rages inside DCP Kumar as the father and cop battle it out. The cop emerges triumphant and he refuses to bow down to blackmail. He declines to release the criminal. Vijay escapes from the kidnappers himself and is eventually saved.

Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) grows up never forgetting for even a day that his father had placed his duty over and above his son’s life. He feels a particular kind of resentment towards his father even though he is devoted to his mother (actress Rakhee plays Amitabh Bachchan’s mother in this film). Eventually he moves out of his father’s house and starts living with Roma Devi (Smita Patil). As an act of defiance he starts working for mobster K.D Narang (Kulbhushan Kharbanda), an erstwhile accomplice of JK who had saved Vijay as a child by letting him escape. Vijay decides to repay that act of mercy by doing all of Narang’s dirty work and illegal activities. Eventually the rivalry between JK and Narang forces Vijay to act as bodyguard for Narang and go on the run with him. Even though Rakhee tries to mediate between father and son, it is of no avail. However Kumar accepts Roma as his daughter-in-law. The climax of the film sees Kumar gunning down his own son as he tries to escape from the country. Vijay dies in his father’s arms secure and happy in the knowledge that he had never been abandoned by his dad.

The film is a must watch for the once in a lifetime coming together of Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. The two set the screen on fire with their amazing histrionic powers. Amitabh especially is very good in his brooding understated avatar.

AWARDS WON

Filmfare Best Movie Award
Filmfare Best Actor Award - Dilip Kumar

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Ramesh Sippy
Produced by Mushir Alam, Mohammad Riaz
Written by Javed Akhtar, Salim Khan
Starring Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee Gulzar, Smita Patil, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Amrish Puri
Music by R.D. Burman
Lyrics Anand Bakshi
Cinematography S.M. Anwar
Editing by M.S. Shinde

Shahenshah (1988) - Amitabh's comeback vehicle also starring Meenakshi Seshadri and Jaya Prada

Shahenshah released in the year 1988 and was Amitabh Bachchan’s comeback vehicle after a three year hiatus during which he had become involved in active politics. Directed by Tinnu Anand, the story of the film was written by the superstar’s wife and actress Jaya Bachchan. There was tremendous hype around the film as hordes of die-hard fans of the superstar had been waiting impatiently for his return.

The movie opens with a corrupt and snivelling bank manager Mathur (Prem Chopra) and his partner-in-crime, underworld baron JK (Amrish Puri). Mathur is in a financial mess and he along with JK decides to rob the very bank for which he works. Inspector Shrivastav (Kader Khan) is an honest police officer who gets wind of this plot and is about to crack the case when JK frames in a false case enlisting the help of an exotic dancer Julie (Aruna Irani). Unable to bear the shame of the charges levelled against him, Inspector Shrivastav hangs himself at home after being released on bail. This creates a lasting and powerful impression on his young son, Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan), who retains the noose his father had used to hang himself.

Vijay grows up in the care of Inspector Aslam Khan (Pran) and follows in his dead father’s footsteps to become a cop. Aslam Khan is an honest cop however Vijay is a sycophantic and cowardly inspector, prone to bribery and giving in to powerful criminals. Vijay finds himself in the payroll of JK who now runs a major underworld empire past the cops. Soon a new spectre makes his appearance that calls himself Shahenshah and is a costumed crime fighter. His iron hand is used to attack enemies and smash objects, and Shahenshah's other weapon is a noose. He describes himself as one man army who is out to do the job meant for cops. He not only apprehends criminals but sits on judgement and then executes the punishment. It is revealed a bit later that Shahenshah is actually Vijay, who has created this alter ego so as to punish the guilty and not be bogged down by the corrupt system. He also seeks to avenge his father’s death.

At this time we are introduced to Shalu (Meenakshi Seshadri), a small time trickster who is also out to eliminate JK as the latter had ordered the assassination of her mother Julie. JK then ends up murdering Salim (Vijendra Ghatge) who was about to expose his crime ring. Salim was engaged to Shaheena (Supriya Pathak), the daughter of Aslam Khan. Vijay now decides to openly confront JK. Julie agrees to testify against JK. And JK prepares for an all out war against Shahenshah, Vijay, Shalu and the lot of his enemies. There is a veritable bloodbath on the streets as good fights evil and there is a final showdown where Shahenshah reveals his secret identity and becomes the nemesis for all the culprits.

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Tinnu Anand
Produced by Tinnu Anand
Written by Jaya Bachchan (story), Inder Raj Anand (screenplay and dialogues)
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Meenakshi Seshadri, Jaya Prada, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani, Prem Chopra, Kader Khan, Pran
Music by Amar Utpal

Saudagar (1973) - starring Amitabh Bachchan and Nutan - about human relations and selfish nature

Saudagar released in the 1973 is a poignant tale of human failings, especially those of greed and unfaithfulness. It starred the unlikely combination of a very young Amitabh BAchchan and a much older Nutan. It also introduced a new face to Indian cinema, that of Padma Khanna who later on went to do many negative roles. It was one of Nutan’s last leading roles.

Moti (Amitabh Bachchan) is a ‘gur’ (jaggery) trader who used to trade the seasonal Khajur (date nectar) gur. He has a flourishing trade and people from nearby and even far off villages flock to his humble stall. His business associate in this venture is Majubhi (Nutan) a widow who does the actual job of preparing the Gur while Moti scaled the long date trees to retrieve the nectar. One day on a visit to a nearby village he comes upon Phoolbanu (Padma Khanna) and is besotted by her beauty. He asks her father for her hand in marriage. Phoolbanu’s father asks for a certain amount as “Haqmehr” (bride price). However Moti does not have the requisite amount.

Moti goes out on a limb to save money for his marriage. He gets a diabolical idea and decides to marry Majubhi so that he does not have to pay her money to prepare gur, thus helping him save more of his income. Unaware of Moti’s real intentions a surprised Majubhi agrees to the proposal. The two get married and Majubhi starts preparing Gur for Moti as his wife. The Gur made by her is a huge hit and Moti is able to make a substantial profit after the end of the season. As soon as he has enough money for the Mehr he divorces a surprised and bewildered Majubhi. Soon thereafter he marries Phoolbanu. The two settle down to domestic bliss till such time that the Gur season arrives and then their heaven falls apart.

Moti knows no other trade than collecting date nectar and Phoolbanu is the spoilt child of her father who does not know how to prepare Gur. The Gur prepared by her fail to pass muster and soon Moti starts losing customers. His business, his reputation, his dreams-all of it starts going downhill. An angry and poor Moti is not what Phoolbanu wants and she leaves. Majubhi by this time has gotten married to a widower by the name of Majhi who is a fish trader. The end of the season finds a defeated and crestfallen Moti approaching Majubhi to make Gur for him. At first Majubhi refuses, still hurt by the way Moti used her and then dropped her. However her husband, Majhi convinces her to prepare Gur for Moti one last time. Does she agree? And what happens to Moti-has he learnt his lesson? The climax of the film answers all these questions.


CAST AND CREW

Directed by: Sudhendu Roy
Writing credits:
Narendranath Mitra story
Sudhendu Roy screenplay
P.L. Santoshi dialogue

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Nutan, Padma Khanna, Murad, Leela Mishra, Dev Kishan, Jugnu, V. Gopal, C.S. Dubey

Produced by
Ajit Kumar Barjatya .... associate producer
Kamal Kumar Barjatya associate producer
Rajkumar Barjatya .... associate producer
Tarachand Barjatya .... producer

Original Music by: Ravindra Jain
Cinematography by Dilip Ranjan Mukhopadhyay
Film Editing by Mukhtar Ahmed
Art Direction by Sudhendu Roy

Mili (1975) - Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee

Mili released in the year 1975 and saw the return of the successful trio of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. This film is also the last film for which S.D. Burman scored music; after he finished composing for this film he went into a year long coma and finally passed away. For Hrishikesh Mukherjee it was his second movie, after Anand, which talked of terminal illness. However the film is not a tragedy, it is a very melancholic, yet very bright, pleasant and thoroughly optimistic piece.

Mili (Jaya Bachchan) is this effervescent young girl who infuses verve and energy with her bright and happy disposition. She is forever bubbly, vivacious, outgoing and a big prankster. Shekhar (Amitabh Bachchan) moves into the penthouse above the apartment that Mili’s family occupies and initially they end up disliking each other. Shekhar is haunted by ghosts of his past. Shekhar’s father had accused his mother of infidelity and the tension of this act had resulted in the death of both. Shekhar moves into Mili’s universe like a dark cloud-one that is full of anger, negativity and melancholy.

Soon Shekhar and Mili become friends and the latter helps Shekhar to shed the baggage of his past and move on to a happier state of being. She helps him to realise that life is a mixed bag of good and bad. The two fall in love but he does not know that Mili is suffering from leukaemia. This news takes the wind out of Shekha’r sail and he decides to move out of the housing society as he is unable to deal with the thought of a dying Mili. It is Aruna Irani, Mili’s friend and a woman of debatable moral virtues, who helps Shekhar realise the fact that it is now his turn to be there for Mili just as she has been there for him.

Shekhar decides to marry Mili, brushing aside all her protestation and at the end the duo fly out of the country to seek better medical remedies for Mili. Mili’s death is left like an open-ended question by the director and this helps to infuse a lot of hope into the film. A poignant and brilliantly told story, Mili can be easily ranked among the greatest emotional dramas of its times. Mukherjee’s direction is splendid and very real. Amitabh Bachchan is brilliant as Shekhar and puts in a restrained performance with his brooding good looks. Ashok Kumar is effortless and Aruna Irani makes an impact in a small role. However the film belongs to Jaya Bhaduri (Bachchan). She is funny, charming and yet you do note the underlying fear. Her characterisation makes Mili one of the most lovable and unforgettable characters of Hindi cinema.

CAST AND CREW

Directed by: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Produced by: Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
Written by: Bimal Dutta, Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza, Mohini N. Sippy
Starring: Ashok Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Asrani, Aruna Irani, Parikshat Sahni
Music by: Sachin Dev Burman
Cinematography: Jaywant Pathare
Editing by: Hrishikesh Mukherjee

Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006) - starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan in this story of relationships

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna released in the year 2006. Produced by Dharma Productions and directed by Karan Chopra, it marked a serious u-turn in the director’s career as he stayed away from candy floss and tackled a subject as taboo as extramarital affair within the commercial cinema framework. It starred the leading stars of Bolywood, like Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan and Kirron Kher in pivotal roles.

The film begins with Dev Saran (Shahrukh Khan) a successful football player who is on the verge of signing a major deal with a club. He accidentally bumps into Maya (Rani Mukherjee)- a to be married bride suffering from pre marriage jitters. Dev counsels Rhea and the two connect instantly. They part ways and Maya goes on to marry her childhood friend Rishi Talwar (Abhishek Bachchan). Unbeknownst to Maya, Dev meets with an accident on his way out of the marriage reception that ends his career. Dev is married to Rhea (Preity Zinta) a successful career woman who works with a fashion magazine. After Dev’s accident it falls upon Rhea to support the family.

The duo, Dev and Maya meet after four years courtesy the formers son who studies in Maya’s class. Dev has turned into an embittered man courtesy his own unfulfilled dreams and his wife’s ever increasing success that is hard for his male ego to accept. Maya on the other hand feels unfulfilled in her marriage as she has not been able to fall in love with her husband. She loves Rishi as a friend and is indebted to his father Samarjit, a.k.a Sexy Sam (Amitabh Bachchan) for taking care of her. Dev and Maya realize that their situations are similar and decide to help each other repair their breaking marriages. However things do not turn out as intended as their intense chemistry keeps drawing them to each other. Rishi and Rhea are also fighting for their respective marriages but their efforts are insignificant in the face of Maya and Dev's growing love for each other.

Their clandestine affair comes out in the open when they are caught by Samarjit and Dev’s mother Kamaljeet. Sam unable to accept the fact that his beloved daughter-in-law is cheating on his son suffers a fatal heart attack and as he lies on his death bed, he tells her to leave his son Rishi since neither of them are happy in their marriage. Dev and Maya decide to go back to their respective partners but they come clean about their affair. Rishi and Rhea decide to end their respective marriages. But the two star crossed lovers keep this a secret, each living apart from the other as a form of penance. Three years down the line Maya comes to know the truth and tries to reunite with Dev. The climax of the film sees the lovers finally meeting up and confessing their true feelings.

AWARDS WON

Best Supporting Actor-Abhishek Bachchan-Filmfare Awards.

CAST AND CREW

Directed by Karan Johar
Produced by Hiroo Johar
Written by Karan Johar, Shibani Bathija, Niranjan Iyengar
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan, Kirron Kher
Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Cinematography Anil Mehta
Editing by Sanjay Sankla

Deewar (1975) - Superstar Amitabh Bachchan along with Rishi Kapoor in this great hit

Deewar, released in 1975, is considered by many to be a benchmark of what a good commercial film ought to be all about. The film scored highly in all the components that go into making a brilliantly successful film-directing, writing, acting and music.
The strength of the film lies in the fact that it talks of a problem common to us all- the problem of sticking to the path of good and truth at the cost of all.

Anand Verma (Satyen kappu) is a moralistic and upright trade union leader who works hard to better the lives of his fellow workers. His family consisting of his wife (Sumitra Devi-Nirupa Roy) and two songs (Vijay Amitabh Bachchan and Ravi, Shashi Kapoor) is small and happy. Anand however is blackmailed by his corrupt bosses who threaten to kill his wife and sons if Anand does not comply with the terms and conditions set down by the management. Left with no choice, he agrees and the workers turn on him believing him to be a traitor to their cause. He flees from the place, abandoning his family. His family is also persecuted by the angry mob who brand young Vijay’s arm with the words “My father is a thief”. Sumitra Devi is forced to bring her children to Mumbai where she struggles as a day labourer to care for her now homeless boys.

Vijay grows up with a sense of acute victimisation. He sacrifices his education and starts working from a very young age to help out his mother. Soon he catches the eyes of an underworld boss who offers him the opportunity to leave behind his impoverished lifestyle by joining the world of crime. Ravi’s life follows an exactly opposite direction. He is an excellent student and grows up to become an upright police officer. Soon Vijay falls for Veera (Neetu Singh), the daughter of the Police Commisioner, while Vijay falls for Anita (PArveen Babi) a “loose” woman. When their mother comes to know of Vijay’s nefarious activities she leaves him. The brothers have a famous confrontational scene (“Mere Paas Maa Hai”-Our mother is with me) considered to be one of the best written scenes of Hindi films. The climax sees Vijay repenting for the wrong choices he made in his life and his mother forgiving her errant son as he lies dying in his arms.

Deewar is a must watch film on many counts. First of all Salim-Javed’s story and screenplay is very powerful and thought provoking. Secondly, Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Vijay as the wronged son who strays off the right path is superlative. Parveen Babi as the liberated working, smoking, drinking and sleeping with her lover before marriage is also very good. But the film belongs to Yash Chopra who as the man wielding the baton does a marvellous job.


CAST

Directed by Yash Chopra
Produced by Gulshan Rai
Written by Salim-Javed
Starring Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Neetu Singh, Nirupa Roy, Parveen Babi
Music by Rahul Dev Burman
Cinematography Kay Gee
Editing by T.R. Mangeshkar, Pran Mehra

Chupke Chupke (1975) - comedy super-movie starring Amitabh and Dharmendra

Chupke Chupke released in the year 1975 and was a remake of the hit Bengali movie Chhadmabeshi (Disguiser). It starred the leading stars of that era like Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Om Prakash, David, Asrani and Keshto Mukherjee. The movie was directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and had S.D.Burman composing music for the film. Chupke Chupke till date remains one of the best comedy films made in Hindi cinema.

Professor Parimal Tripathi (Dharmendra) is a botany professor who by chance meets and falls in love with Sulekha Chaturvedi (Sharmila Tagore) during a women's college botany excursion. Parimal takes on the disguise of the caretaker of a bungalow in which Sulekha comes to stay along with her college friends and teacher. It is she who is able to find out about Parimal’s true identity and two get married after a whirlwind romance. Parimal is fond of practical jokes and is unable to resist the temptation of playing out one on Sulekha’s brother-in-law (Jijaji, Raghavenra eanacted by Om Prakash) whom she worships as her ideal.

Jijaji is in need of a trusted driver/chauffeur and writes to his brother-in-law and Sulekha’s brother Haripat (David) to send him a reliable person from his place. Parimal comes up with the idea of going to Jijaji’s place dressed as a driver. Sulekha is confident that her beloved Jijaji will see through Parimal’s disguise and challenges him to fool her Jijaji. Parimal takes up the challenge sportingly and sets out for Allahabad in the guise of a driver. He becomes Pyaremohan Alahabadi a man who speaks ‘shudh’ (pure, undiluted) Hindi. Sulekha too joins in the fun after a couple of days. Meanwhile Pyaremohan has Jijaji in a tizzy with his incessant questions on English grammar and has the well known lawyer running for cover.

Soon they convince Jijaji that Sulekha is unhappy in her marriage and has feelings for Pyaremohan. To add more drama they bring in Sukumar Sinha (Amitabh Bachchan), a Professor of English, to pose as Parimal, just as the duo (Sulekha and Parimal) go into hiding. Parimal's long-time friend P K Srivastava (Asrani) is also party to the prank. His sister-in-law Vasudha (Jaya Bachchan) suspects fake 'Parimal' - Sukumar Sinha - of infidelity to his wife when he tries to get close to her. Sukumar falls in love with Vasudha who at first believed he was Parimal, but Sukumar reveals to her the real drama behind all this mix-up of situations. The climax sees Sukumar and Vasudha marrying in a temple while Jijaji is finally able to see through Pyaremohan disguise and recognise him as the real Parimal.

The film is a laugh riot and is a situational comedy. Dharmendra as Parimal, Om Prakash as Jijai and Amitabh Bachchan as Sukumar put in terrific performances. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s direction is light and right and S.D. Burman composes some wonderful numbers especially Ab Ke Sajan.


CAST AND CREW

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Produced by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
Written by Shakeel Chandra, Upendranath Ganguly, Gulzar, D.N. Mukherjee, Biren Tripathy
Starring Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Om Prakash, Asrani
Music by Sachin Dev Burman
Lyrics Anand Bakshi
Cinematography Jaywant Pathare
Editing by Subhash Gupta, Pandit Shridhar Mishra

Bhootnath - an old Man (ghost) and a young child - starring Amitabh Bachchan (2008)

Bhoothnath the film is an adaptation of the Oscar Wilde short story, The Ghost of Canterville. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawala, Aman Siddiqui, Priyanshu Chatterjee and Rajpal Yadav and Shahrukh Khan. Essentially a film meant for kids, it has a strong message on love and respecting one’s elders. At the end of the film you do get to understand what Virgnina from the original story had meant when she had said that the ghost had taught her “what Life is, what Death signifies, and why Love is stronger than both.”

The opening sequence of the film sees a family being scared out of a house by a ghostly figure. Soon after Banku, his mother Anjali Sharma (Juhi Chawla) moves in to the same house called the Nath villa. Banku’s father Aditya, an Engineer with a cruise liner has to be away from his family for the greater part of the year. Even though the family is amply warned about the presence of a ghost in the house, they refuse to believe in such hogwash. Barely have they moved in to the new place that Aditya is called back to his ship. Now it is up to Anjali and Banku to make the new place their home.

As a new boy in school Banku has a tough life and back home, it is the ghost who makes his life pretty miserable. Banku however is not afraid of the ghost and even gives him a name, Bhoothnath. Soon this oddball duo strikes up a warm friendship. The ghost is actually none other than the original owner of the Nath Villa, Kailash Nath. He had send his only child to the US to study and he did not come back home to his parents. Father and son have an argument one day while the son (Priyanshu Chatterjee) is visiting and he promises never to return. As Kailash Nath runs after his son, he trips and falls and hurts his head. He dies on the spot and ever since then his spirit has haunted the house, never letting any family settle down and make it their home since he is so embittered.

However Banku, who resembles his grandson, is able to reach out and thaw his cold anger. This is the story that Bhoothnath tells Anjali. Soon after Anjali decide to perform his last rites so that he can move on. Bhoothnath aka Kailash Nath’s son also makes it to the last rite ceremony and father is able to forgive his repentant son. Banku is heartbroken as he realises that he has lost his friend forever but his father reassures him that Bhoothnath will forever look after Banku as his guiding star.


CAST AND CREW

Directed by: Vivek Sharma

Writing credits: Sudhanshu Dube
Screenplay and dialogue: Vivek Sharma

Star Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Satish Shah, Rajpal Yadav, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Aman Siddiqui, Shahrukh Khan

Produced by
Kenedy Bakshi .... executive producer
Abhay Chopra .... associate producer
B.R. Chopra .... producer
Kapil Chopra .... associate producer
Ravi Chopra .... producer

Original Music by: Vishal Shekhar
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Background score: Saleem Suleiman

Cinematography by Vishnu Rao

Film Editing by Sanjay Verma

Production Design by Muneesh Sappel

Art Direction by Muneesh Sappel

Baghban (2003) - Loving your parents (starring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini)

Baghban released in the year 2003 and proved to be super hit. Audiences across the country loved the fact that Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini got to play their age and yet be the lead protagonists unlike other films where older characters are considered to be part of the supporting cast. The mature and mellow love story so effectively portrayed by the duo touched a chord with millions of viewers; while the topicality of the subject proved to be a crowd puller. After a long time, the production house of the illustrious B.R.Chopra delivered a good movie under the able guidance of Ravi Chopra.

Baghban tells the story of Raj Malhotra (Amitabh Bachchan), his wife Pooja (Hema Malinig) and their four sons, Ajay (Aman Verma), Sanjay (Samir Soni), Rohit (Saahil Chadda), and Karan (Nasir Khan). Raj works for ICICI and he and his wife have provided their sons with a comfortable and happy life. The sons are now well settled in their respective careers and are married themselves with kids. Rimi Sen plays the eldest grand child, Payal. After his retirement the couple plan on spending the rest of their lives in house of each son. However they are in for a rude shock when their sons refuse to take on the responsibilities of their old parents.

Raj and Pooja’s children decide to split up the couple. They also decide that each brother will host one parent for six months and so on. Deeply saddened by the shocking attitude of their children the old couple who have not spent even a day apart from each other are force to face separation at an old age. The duo tries to adjust to this drastic change of life situations but find it impossible to live apart. Soon they bump into Alok (Salman Khan) an orphan boy whom Raj had looked after. He takes them home and gives them the love and care that their own sons had not. Raj decides to document and capture his life experience in a book titled ‘Baghban’. He publishes this book which becomes a runaway success. As soon as the sons and their wives come to know that Raj has earned a lot of money they flock back to him. However Raj and Pooja decide not to forgive their children and live on their own, thus sending out a strong message of hope and faith to all those elderly people who are scared to live on their own.

Amitabh Bachchan captures the soul of Raj beautifully. His portrayal is poignant and heart touching. Hema Malini still looks ravishing. Salman Khan’s cameo adds a wonderful spark. Aadesh Srivastav’s music is foot tapping and pleasant. Ravi Chopra does a marvellous job bringing to the fore, the plight of the elderly population.


CAST AND CREW

Directed by Ravi Chopra
Produced by B.R. Chopra
Written by Shafiq Ansari, Satish Bhatnagar, B.R. Chopra, Ram Govind, Achala Nagar
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Paresh Rawal, Lillete Dubey, Sharat Saxena, Salman Khan
Music by Aadesh Shrivastav
Cinematography Barun Mukherjee

Baabul (2006) - Amitabh Bachchan pushes for widow remarriage in this movie

Baabul released in the year 2006 and talks about the highly sensitive issue of widow remarriage. We are living in the twenty first century but in India, widows still lead a very hard life. The rural-urban divide in terms of the position of widow within mainstream society is only a difference in degree. The question of a widow remarrying and starting life afresh is considered to be blasphemous by many. Babul tackles this very controversial subject by focussing on all the obstacles

Talented artist Malvika Talwar ( Rani Mukherjee) meets handsome rich guy Avinash on a golf course. Following a short misunderstanding, the two fall in love with each other. They decide to get married. Avinash is completely doted upon by his parents, Balraj (Amitabh Bachchan) and Shobhna ( Hema Malini). Avinash’s parents willing acceps Malvika. Her parents too have no problem with the match. She has also the blessings of her best friend Rajat Verma (John Abraham) who secretly lover her but has never had the guts to confess his feelings.



Malvika and Avinash marry and soon become proud parents of baby boy. Things are going smoothly and Malvika is blissfully happy with her husband, son and her in-laws, who treat her like their own child. However life goes from bed of roses to bed of thorns as Avinash dies in a automobile accident. Malvika is totally shattered as are Avinash’s parents, Balrah and Shobhana. In spite of his grief, Balraj is sensitive to the desolation that he sees in his daughter-in-law’s eyes and is determined to remove it. He decides to get Malvika married to her childhood sweetheart Rajat. Initially Malvika is unwilling to start life anew but soon gives in. Shobhana too is not too happy with her husband’s decision as she is concerned whether after remarrying Malvika will let them have any access to her grandson or not. However soon she too come around. The climax sees an impassioned Balraj questioning society’s right to deny a widow the right to a life when the same right is not taken away from a widower. As he convinces his elder brother Balwant (Om Puri), who is against the notion of widow marriage, the humane impact of this act, he sends out a solemn plea to society to change its attitude towards women and particularly towards widows.

Babul is a sincere effort by Ravi Chopra to talk about a relatively taboo topic. He succeeds too up to a point of spreading awareness. Competent acting by one and all makes this film a wonderful watch. Aadesh Srivastav’s music is melodious and catchy. On the whole Babul is an honest attempt to talk about the burning question of widows and their plight.

List of songs (Video + Lyrics):

1. Keh Raha Hai Dil Deewana (link)

2. Har Manzar (link)

3. Gaa Re Maan (link)

4. Bebasi Dard Ka Alaam (link)

5. Baavari Piya Ki (link)

6. Come On Come On (link)

Agneepath (1990) - Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Mithun Chakraborty

Agneepath released in the year 1990. It starred two of the leading superstars of that era- Amitabh Bachchan and Mithun Chakraborty. This was the first film that the duo did together. The title of the film is taken from a poem penned by Shri Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan’s father. The poem is recited by the main characters through out the film. This is the film which fetched Amitabh Bachchan his first National Award as Best Actor.

The film begins with school teacher Dinanath Chauhan (Alok Nath) and his ten year old son, Vijay (Manjunath) where the former teaches his son the poem Agnipath, that teaches one to tread upon the path of good no matter what. Dinanath lives in the village of Mandwa where infrastructure is non-existent as it is being used by underworld don Kancha Cheena (Danny Denzonpa) as his landing dock. Dinanath tries to bring development to the small hamlet and thus becomes prey to the evil schemes of Cheena and his cronies. Kancha buys off a local merchant Dinkar Rao (Goga Kapoor). Dinkar Rao stages a scandal where the upright Dinanath is lured to the town brothel, drugged, and found to be in bed with a local prostitute. The angry villagers lynch Dinanath before his wife Suhasini (Rohini Hattangadi) and his young children Vijay and Siksha. Suhasini and the children are forced to flee Mandwa. Young Vijay swears to avenge his father.



Vijay soon finds himself working for three underworld dons, Terelin (Sharat Saxena), Usman Bhai (Avtar Gill and Anna Shetty (Deepak Shirke). He grows up to be a underworld lord himself and now running his own empire. His one time benefactors, Terelen, Uman Bhai and Anna Shetty, decide to finish him off as he has become bigger than the. He is shot at point blank range by these three. But the timely intervention of a coconut water seller Krishnan Iyer MA (Mithun Chakraborty) saves his life. The dons try to kill him in the hospital, but he is again saved by Krishnan, and nursed back to health by Nurse Mary Matthew (Madhavi). Vijay appoints Krishnan as a bodyguard for his sister Siksha (Neelam).

Soon Siksha and Krishnan fall in love and decide to settle down. On the other hand Vijay whose mother has distanced herself from him due to his life of crime finds solace and love with Mary. Vijay’s growing stature in the underworld brings him face-to-face with his old enemy Kancha Cheena and he buys off Mandwa from him without the latter being aware of his true identity. Vijay tries to punish Cheena by handing him over to the police but the wily Cheena escapes and kidnaps Suhasini and Siksha hostage as he demands an open confrontation with Vijay. The climax of the film finds Vijay and Krishnan defeating Cheena and Vijay dieing in his mother’s lap reciting Agneepath, having finally found his redemption.


AWARDS WON

National Film Award for Best Actor-Amitabh Bachchan

Best Supporting Actor-Filmfare Award-Mithun Chakraborty

Best Supporting Actress-Filmfare Award- Rohini Hattangadi

Songs from the movie:

1. We are made for each other (link)

2. I am Krishnan Iyer MA (link)

3. Ganapati Bappa Moriya Re (link)

Zanjeer - The start of the superstar, the angry young man (Amitabh Bachchan) (1973)

The year was 1973 and the film was Zanjeer. It was a relatively small film given the fact that the leading man of the film had yet to deliver a hit and also the fact that the lead role had been turned down by all the leading heroes of Hindi film industry. However the same film and the same unsung hero made history by delivering a phenomenal hit and by changing the face of Hindi commercial cinema from romance to action. It also gave Hindi cinema its first angry young man and first super star-Amitabh Bachchan. This was the cult film that gave Bachchan his iconic status.

The film begins on the night of Diwali with the death of a couple, the parents of the young Vijay Khanna. The young Vijay is unable to identify his parents’ murderers except for a charm bracelet with a white horse. This traumatic event gives him nightmares of a white stallion. Twenty years down the lane Vijay is an honest police officer. In his line of duty he meets two individuals who change his life forever. The first one is Sher Khan, a man who runs gambling dens. He summons Khan to the police station where the latter’s insouciance irks him. Khan tells Vijay that he gets respect only because of his uniform. Vijay takes him up on his challenge, and meets him in street clothes to fight him. At the fight's end, Sher Khan not only closes his gambling dens, but has gained respect for Vijay. He becomes an auto mechanic, and reforms his ways.

DVD Movie:

The second individual is Mala (Jaya Bhaduri) an eye witness to a horrific traffic accident that leave several children dead. Initially she refuses to testify but later on has a change of heart upon viewing the mangled bodies of the dead children. She comes clean and identifies the perpetrator. Underworld Don Teja (Ajit) whose men have been behind the incident come after her and she finds refuge in Vijay’s house and the two orphans slowly fall in love. Eventually, Vijay is framed for bribery, stripped of his title and position as inspector, and jailed for 6 months on false charges, trapped by Teja. When he is released from jail, he plans to take revenge.

Mala on the other hand wants him to forget the ordeal and begin life afresh and not resort to violence. Vijay acquiesces to her pleas but becomes withdrawn and depressed. Soon Mala realises the battle raging within Vijay and asks him to go out and punish the culprits. He goes after Teja and soon realises that it was Teja who murdered his parents on that fateful Diwali night (the charm bracelet gives Teja away). Finally with Sher Khan’s help Vijay is able to avenge his dead parents.

Awards won

Filmfare Best Story Award - Salim-Javed
Filmfare Best Screenplay Award - Salim-Javed
Filmfare Best Lyricist Award - Gulshan Bawra for the song "Yari Hai Imaan Mera"
Filmfare Best Editing Award - R. Mahadik

Cast and Crew:

Directed by Prakash Mehra
Produced by Prakash Mehra
Written by Javed Akhtar, Salim Khan
Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Pran, Om Prakash, Ajit, Bindu
Music by Kalyanji-Anandji
Cinematography N. Satyen
Editing by R. Mahadik

Movie songs and lyrics:

1. Dil Jalon Ka Dil Jala (link)

2. Yari Hai Imaan Mera (link)

3. Banake Kyun Bigade (link)

Nishabd - An experiment based on Lolita starring Amitabh Bachchan (2007)

Nishabd the film directed by Ram Gopal Verma is his take on Nabokov’s famous novel Lolita. The subject matter of the novel is such (a middle aged man lusting after a twelve year old girl, it was paedophilic in its stance) that it raised eyebrows and caused a lot of controversy even in the progressive western societies. For Verma to take this idea and attempt to make a Hindi movie based on it is definitely a laudable effort. However he did do away with the paedophile angle as that would have been too much for commercial Hindi cinema. The rest of the older man-much younger woman story remains the same.

The film begins with a young called Ritu (Shraddha Arya) inviting her close friend Jia (Jiah Khan) to spend the holidays with her at her home in God’s own country, Kerala. Riut’s parents Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) and Amrita (Revathu) have been married for twenty seven years and have a beautiful home in the midst of picturesque settings. They have a vast estate and Vijay is a photographer. Amrita, who was an accomplished Kuchipudi dancer, gave up her passion to look after the family. Into this idyllic set up enters Jia who comes from a broken family and lives with her mother in Brisbane. Jia comes across as a free spirit who is not too bothered by societal rules and norms.



One lazy day Vijay catches a glimpse of Jia playing with the water hose and that turns his world upside down. He feels himself inexplicably drawn to this young girl who is his daughter’s age. Jia too feels a pull towards a man old enough to be his father. Initially Vijay tries to fight off this unspoken attraction but soon he gives in and the two get close to each other. Ritu stumbles upon this illicit relation and tries to make Jia leave her house without her mother finding out the truth. But she fails. Around this time, Amrita’s brother Shridhar (Nassar) visits them. He also discovers the disturbing truth about Vijay and Jia. He questions his brother-in-law about the seriousness of the affair and find things are pretty serious. Soon Vijay confesses his love for Jia to Amrita, which leaves her shattered. However Vijay convinces Jia that he has no love for her because he realises that at the end of the day he is indeed too old for her. Jia leaves with Rishi, a close friend of hers, heartbroken. Ritu leaves for the US angry with her father and Amrita is determined never to forgive her husband. Having lost his love and his family, Vijay drives to a cliff to end his life. But does he? Watch the film to find out the answer.

CAST AND CREW

Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay
Jiah Khan as Jia
Revathi as Amrita
Nassar as Shridhar
Aftab Shivdasani as Rishi

Directed by
Ram Gopal Verma

Produced by
Sheel Nimbalkar
Ram Gopal Varma

Original Music by
Vishal Bhardwaj
Amar Mohile

Cinematography by
Amit Roy

Film Editing by
Nipun Gupta
Amit Parmar

Art Direction by
Aparna Sud


VIDEO OF SONG

Rozaana Jiye Rozaana Mare (link)



LYRICS

Rozaana Jiye
Singer: Amitabh Bachchan

rozaana jiye rozaana mare - 2
teri yaadon mein hum - 2
rozaana - 2

rozaana jiye rozaana mare
teri yaadon mein hum - 2
rozaana

ungali teri thame huye har lamha chalta hoon mein - 2
tujhko liye ghar lautu, aur ghar se nikalta hoon mein
ek pal ko bhi jata nahi tere bin kahin
yun raat din
bas tujhmein hi - 2
lipta rehta hoon mein
rozaana - 4
rozaana jiye rozaana mare
teri yaadon mein hum
rozaana jale rozaana ghoole
teri yaadon mein hum - 2
rozaana - 4

har din teri ankhon se iss duniya ko takta hoon mein
tu jiss tarah rakhti thi ghar, vaise hi rakhta hoon mein
teri tarah sang sang chale yaadein teri
yun har ghadi baaaton mein bas, baaton mein teri
gumsa rehta hoon mein
rozaaana - 4

kuchh gaao to yaad aaate ho...
gungunao to yaad aate ho...
kuchh phehnu to yaad aate ho...
kahin jaanu to yaad aate ho...
kuchh khone pe yaad aate ho...
kuchh paanu to yaaad aate ho...

rozaana chale yaadon mein teri, zindagi ka safar
tujhse hai roshan, tujse hai zinda, (yeh dil ka sheher - 2)
rozaana - 8