My favourite 15 songs…

Again, saw these on Ruhi’s blog & have been listening to all my collections just so that I can fix on 15 songs (10 is too tight a number for me)that really bring that smile on my face & contentment to my heart. I couldn’t bring myself to rank these in any order – they are all number ones for me. And this one is just my list of Hindi songs, other will come soon(er or later)

Aayiyeh Meherbaan from Howrah Bridge (1958) - The baap of item numbers with the enchantingly beautiful Madhubala setting hearts on fire with her eyes and seductive movements. Bewitchingly beautiful. If you go to sleep after watching this one, you’ll find that beautiful voice of Asha Bhosle haunting you in your dreams.

Actor, Singer, Musician, Dancer, Choreographer, Lyricist…There seemed like there is no end to what all Kishore Kumar could do. Genius personified and blessed with so much talent that even gods would have been jealous. I should do a Kishore Kumar Top 10 later but for now, I choose this one. Mere Bhole Balam from the movie Padosan (1968) is a great song. Kishoreda has not only sung this one well, but has also proved his versatality as an actor (with betel juice dribbling from his mouth) and dancer (the boat step is funny and difficult at the same time. Fantastic song in a fantastic movie.

Khoya Khoya Chand from the movie Kala Bazaar (1960) is an eternal favourite. I just imagine a pristine beauty clad in white, sitting across you on a full moon night and it can’t get more romantic. Amazing voice modulation by Mohammad Rafi saab and lyrics from Shailendra (never given his due). Beautiful Song.

Once again, Mohammad Rafi rules in the song Main Zindagi ka Saath Nibhatha Chala Gaya in the movie Hum Dono (1961). Such high philosophies of life in such lucid and simple words can be attricuted to Sahir Ludhiyanvi saab’s fantastic touch. Simply Divine.

 

This one is like a rose in a desert. Suddenly in Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi (2005), a litrally unknown guy called Swanand kirkire wrote & sung a beautiful song called Bavraa Mann. The movie in itself is explosive and the song adds volumes of depth to the movie. Once again, fantastic lyrics and beautiful intonation. A true desert rose.

Of course, A. R. Rahman is there. There are innumerable songs that I can choose of Rahman’s but I choose Pudhu Vellai Mazhai from Roja (1993). Fantastic camera work combined with a beautiful tune and some lovely singing makes this an evergreen beauty. Sometime later, I’d like to do an A. R. Rahman Top 10, but for now, this is the one that I choose.

The Grandeur. The Artwork. The Histrionics. The Expressions. The Splendour. The song Pyaar Kiya tho Darna Kya from the movie Mughal-E-Azam (1960), sung by Lata Mangeshkar has inspired lovers for decades now. Once again, the eternal beauty of Madhubala & the handsomeness of Dilip Kumar carries the song well. But the real master at work was Naushad saab with some path breaking music that would inspire a generation. Not to forget the contribution of K. Asif, the Director.

I’ve always loved Kumar Sanu’s voice and his spate of songs during the 1990 to 200 decade. Aashiqui, 1942 – A Love Story, Baazigar, Barsaat, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge are all a part of my staple diet. But this one, where he veered from his normal to introduce me to the world of candy floss love and pop, is somehow very close to my heart, thoug I can’t find reasons for it.

 

Ae Lo Ji Sanam from the movie Andaz Apna Apna was like a whiff fresh air when songs were becoming too repetitive. A blockbuster of a movie, Andaz Apna Apna is a milestone in Hindi Movie Industry. Fantastic story, acting, screenplay, dialogues and music ensured that the expectations were set pretty high and I pick this song from the album because it was sung by two absolute new comers who pretty much disappeared post this movie. Behroze Chatterjee, Vicky Mehta were the singers. A fun-filled love song that makes you tap your feet. Go ahead and enjoy.

 

There would hardly be anyone who does not like Tujse Naraaz nahi from Masoom (1983). The song is beautiful not only in its context in the movie, but also because its lyrics are really really beautiful. I just love this one. It has also been rendered in a very soulful manner by once again, not someone from the main stream, Anup Ghoshal.

Teri Bindiya Re from the movie Abhimaan (1973) is a one of those numbers that’ll make you forget where you are and let you float in the beautiful world of music. The album is a powerhouse with songs like Meet Na Mila Re Mann Ka, Loote Koi Mann & Tere Mere Milan Ki Ye Raina and I choose Teri Bindiya Re only as an indicator. The entire album is a must have for everyone. Kudos to Mohammad Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar.

Another suprisingly under-rated song whose lyrics are super-powerful. In Kay Kay’s best effort till date he proves his versatality as a singer and cathes your heart with his husky voice. Listen to this when you are (if you are) a couple of pegs down. Teh song is Maine Dil Se Kaha from the movie Rog (2004).

Chingaari Koi Bhadke from the movie Amar Prem (1971) has some soul stirring lyrics written by Anand Bakshi and rendered as if Kishoreda was singing this for real. There are lots of good songs in the Rajesh Khanna – Sharmila Tagore combine but this one rates right at the top of all. Once again, not a song to listen to when you are sober. The visualization is also breathtaking, set against the backdrop of the Hoogly river & bridge, often symbolized with the sufferings of Indian masses.

After such heavyweight songs, may be I shouldn’t include this. But I love this song and I thought I should include this because of it’s inherent quality, even if it is uncompetitive against the rest of the list. Once again, Kay Kay shines in his version of the song Awarapan Banjarapan from the movie Jism (2003). The lyrics cannot be called exemplery or the music extraordinary. But the way the song has been sung, lets loose your imagination. Picturization is a also a handicap for this one, so I would recommed listening to the song without watching the video.

I would end the list with Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si from the movie Chalthi Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) sung by Kishore Kumar once again. Once again, a powerhouse of an album with superb contributions from the likes of Manna Dey, Asha Bhosle & Kishore da, all the songs of the movie are simply lovable. I am listing this one because it has a hint of everything – Naughtiness, Romance, Thrill & Intrigue. Enjoy this one.

The Ethereal Beauty…

Every now and then, you come across someone who is hopelessly beautiful. Not someone who drives lust down your brain. Someone who makes your hands come together in reverence. Someone who makes you realise that god and god alone is capable of something so beautiful without any harmful side effects. Someone who brings peace to the heart. Someone who reaffirms the faith that this world is meant to be beautiful. Just came across this lady on a DVD hiring site.

The lady is Ana de la Reguera and more details about her can be found here.

Left wooing Congress & other shocking news items…

While I have consistently classified NDTV to be the best amongst the worst, the channel itself seems to be making tremendous efforts to de-rank themselves. I had written about the ownership aspects of NDTV here and it is getting increasingly clear that Prannoy Roy will do all that Prakash Karat would want him to do.

When the Left was a part of the UPA, NDTV had always portrayed Congress / UPA in the best of the colours. When things started souring over the Nuclear Deal, NDTV criticized it. But as one knows, there are no permanent enemies or friends in Politics. General Elections are coming up and the Left is experiencing tremors even in its strongholds (Kerala is suffering from factionalism & West Bengal is reeling under rapid de-industrialization and global loss of face due to the Nandigram & Singur episodes). BJP is to the Extreme Right (or rather, they are assumed to be Right – I don’t see any Rightist activities apart from demolishing religious structures) and therefore would be a huge compromise to align with them.

That leaves the Congress but the ugly spat during the Nuclear Deal means both sides have to put in huge efforts. Congress is playing its cards well (at least until now with only Laloo Yadav & Sharad Pawar seeming to have some bargaining power) and therefore the Left is left with no option but to extend the hand of friendship. How is it doing it?

By attacking BJP’s new found face, Narendra Modi’s Government in Gujarat over the outbreak of Hepatitis. Though the outbreak is in Northern Gujarat, I haven’t heard of any comments on the steps the Congress-ruled Rajasthan is taking to control the spread of the disease. No points for guessing why. Even Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Modi got good coverage whereas Modi’s reply was ignored conveniently.

Things are falling aprt for BJP & there is an immediate need for quality leadership in the absence of which the party would soon fall apart.

Otherwise, the fact that a lady sold her new-born baby for Rs. 6000 was played over & over leading to irritation. I personally think that’s a better option than keep the child and eventually starving it to death.

Also, shocking news include the Government of Karnataka issuing a show-cause notice to Sri Ram Sene asking why it’s members should not be expelled from the state! Hell!! Weren’t they watching the videos? Do they still need to ask such stupid questions? And is there an answer that will actually allow the people to continue there? Talk about guarding women – offenders caught on camera are being offered a chance to argue for their cause!

Second, the anticipatory bail of the Gujarat Minister of State for Higher Education Mayaben Kodanani, a prime accused in the post-Godhra riots cases and has been declared an absconder in the Naroda Patia riot case is being challenged in the court - how an accused who has been seen leading a riot that killed 100 people (she was also carrying a pistol and firing shots) by over 20 witnesses got a bail in the first place is a puzzle to me. And people are talking about the fact that the bail has been challenged in itself is an achievement! God save the country!

ARR & Resul Pookutty’s Oscars are also being milked to the core – personalities talking about “how the could see the genius in these two guys” & “how close they are to these two guys” have suddenly increased. Meanwhile, reporters are scourging for any pics, videos or news that they can get on these two. May be you’ll get to see the diaper ARR had on when he was 2 or the torn socks that Pookutty threw away a couple of months ago on prime-time television.

Delhi 6 sucks…

A. R. Rahman is the Music Director. Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra is directing it. UTV has put in the money. Abhishek Bachchaan & Sonam Kapoor (very good looking, have to admit) and a cast comprising of Rishi Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Atul Kulkarni, Om Puri, Pavan Malhotra and Vijay Raaz. The songs are hugely appreciated and good too, visuals look ravishing. What do all these add up to? Absolute bullshit of two & half an hour.

Yeah, that’s right. It is a problem with Indians – they do something good and 1 Billion people immediately start singing hosannas for them. The guy who does the good thing initially thinks he’s just some god’s reincarnation and can never do anything wrong. Until shit hits him on his face.

I was never a fan of Rang De Basanti either. But it was at least a departure from “normalcy”. I liked Aks though. And that’s why I risked my money and sleep (booked tickets for the 8 AM show cause they are the cheapest) to watch Delhi 6. I can handle disappointment but this was miserable.

The movie is like reading some novice’s diary. There is no coherency and there is no plot. Roshan (AB Jr.) gets his she-has-too-little-time-left-on earth Dadi to her Delhi. And he enjoys Jalebis made by a Muslim amidst jogging all over Delhi and watching Ramlila daily. And yes, he has a Muslim mom married to his Hindu dad whose Muslim friend once line-maaroed his Muslim mom but finally got only her haveli. Complicated huh? Wait, there’s more. There’s a monkey man on prowl who lights up communal tensions amidst killing people and kidnapping goats. Oh yes, there’s this simmering i-hate-you-now-i-love-you-now story happening between Bittu (that’s not a parrot stupid, that’s Sonam!) & Roshan. Obviously families are not going to make it smooth (god knows why? Amrika return for a son-in-law is not bad huh? Why do they worry of problem in the biraadari?) and are going to create problems. Well, throw in an unmarried bua, flirty photographer with a crooked mind, young wife of rich lala, a simpleton (who is not very simple) called ”Gobar”, a sweeping-lady-by-the-day & sex-toy-by-the-night called Jalebi, an inciting muslim old man and sadhvi MLA (a la Uma Bharti!) and you’ve got a movie. Bingo!!

End is crass stuff like a wafer thin Vijay Raaz slapping the well-built (least to say) Atul Kulkarni a dozen times, Kids not older than 7 asking the choti-jaath-ki Jalebi to turn them into Mards (God!! How low can people stoop?) and stupid scenes of how people in India choke up traffic because a cow is giving birth. And AB Sr. who apparently blogged that Slumdog Millionaire is Poverty Porn, should definitely rethink his roles and write about the light in which Delhi 6 portrays India in. It’s almost like the Bachchan family is offering a buy-one-get-one-free scheme.

And just now, saw a cute movie called “How to rob a bank” that was super cool and entertaining. The power of the movie was such that it had a 7 member cast and was a kick-ass story.

If not for ARR & Resul, India is light years away from winning an Oscar. People should realise that it isn’t a filmfare (where the policy is you-give-me-an-exclusive-interview-loyalty-photo-ops-and-regular-tit-bits-in-exchange-for-an-award) or the Indian National Awards (where the policy is-award-in-exchange-for-votes).

Aditya Chopra & SRK are not Rab ki Jodi…

People, I watched Rab Ne…and liked it immensely. Once in a while, it is important to forget sensibilities in Indian cinema and enjoy it for the sake of the movie. SRK impressed me once again after DDLJ, Swades & Don. He is a good actor but I think he needs to set his mind on it.

Anushka is pretty and executes her part well – so does Vinay Pathak as he is accustomed to. Haule Haule is my current favourite song. It is Aditya Chopra who fails once again, making DDLJ seem a fluke (am no fan of Mohabbatein either). So YRF really needs to watch it from here on – SRK had helped with Chak De & contributed once again with Rab Ne…but Adi just can’t seem to learn the lesson – So here is the message (Subash Ghai & Himesh Reshamiyya can use this advice too): Out of the world locations, silly romance, beaten-to-death storylines and extravagance don’t really sell these days.

And much to my friends’ disbelief, I would any day prefer Rab Ne…to Jab we met (can’t stand Kareena).