And this is just between the Hindus, mind you
One of the things that surprised me when I came to Mumbai was the fact that people addressed others not with their names, but with nicknames like Ghati, Dhokla, Bhaiyya and Paaji. Hearing it again and again, it irritated me to no bounds. I found it highly derogatory. I thought, ‘This is the Mumbai which takes pride in calling itself cosmopolitan?’
By these standards, my hometown, Nagpur, was far more cosmo as compared to Mumbai. We did not call each other ghati or dhokla or something. There is an abundance of north Indians, including Punjabis, in Nagpur. They are either ‘Hindi-siders’ or ‘Punju’. Not Paaji or Bhaiyya. And while Gujju and Maru exist for my Gujarati and Marwari friends, it is by no means offensive.
Agreed, there was considerable resistance for some time to Biharis, after some notorious engineering college incidents including a murder. So much so that some Bihari ‘good boys’ or bright students refrained from revealing their true identity, saying they were from U.P. and had no connection to Bihar. But otherwise, no such thing.
The area where I’ve stayed all my life is Dhantoli – literally meaning an area full of wealth. When my grandfather Dr. A. S. Parande bought our huge house for the joint family, Dhantoli was still a jungle. Pretty much like that old woman in ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ describes Mumbai’s Dadar area as a jungle in the 1920s. Just imagine!
So yeah, from Nagpur’s ‘town’, near the business district in the east, the Parande family shifted to Dhantoli, a central location. The family was big and with a number of illustrious and knowledgeable people. On one end of our lane stayed another eminent Parande family – that of Mr G.T. Parande, former Editor and Ombudsman of The Hitavada. The entire lane used to be called ‘Parandyanchi Galli’ (the Parande Lane), until the ’90s when an official name took over right from the G.T.Parande end to the Dr. A.S. Parande end (thanks to some amount which is supposed to be paid to the municipality, I believe).
Well, so coming back to my point. In this Dhantoli, I grew up with a lot of Gujaratis, Marwaris, Jains, Bengalis and Maharashtrians around me. There was never a feeling that we as Maharashtrians needed to dominate the place – no. This population extended to the posh Ramdaspeth and now Shankar Nagar and beyond on all sides.
Most of the Punjabis, Sindhis, other north Indians, Christians and Muslims primarily stay in north and east Nagpur – some middle-class and many with pretty bungalows. Parsis also find a place among them.
I really don’t remember what the situation was in certain areas during the riots. I was too young then. But I remember north Nagpur and probably Mominpura being tense, apart from the cantonment town of Kamptee.
We might have the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the city, but we are generally peace-loving people. The common man is too busy earning to even remember they exist. I think Mumbai is far more intolerant towards not only other religions, but also within the Hindu community. This does not show on the surface, as we work side-by-side, but it’s seething within and brings out its ugly head during anxious political moments or in words like ghati, dhokla, and mulla, maka pao, bawa…
In Maharashtrians, we use the word ‘Ghati’ as well. It means someone who is low class or downmarket. So, it can be used for any person or object.
In Mumbai, I’m told we are ‘ghatis’ because we belong to the Western Ghats. Well, if that’s really the case, then it’s OK. But I don’t think that’s really the case.
I have heard two of my non-Marathi seniors in two different jobs say ‘Ghati accent mein baat kar raha hain’. Hello! What the hell do you mean? When you speak your mother tongue, or rather bombard us with it, many words and expressions sound straight out of a village. Do we then, say anything to you? When you call ‘shit’ ‘sheet’? When you get so engrossed that you sound absolutely ‘vernac’ – you pseudo intellectuals. What do you say to this, folks? Hey, no offence.
Every region has dialects within a community, and people with different traits and habits within the same community. And every region has people from all economic backgrounds and political leanings. You cannot judge the entire community based on some samples. Stop doing that! Whether for Maharashtrians, or any other community/religion/nationality.
But yes, coming from cosmo Nagpur, when we meet our Marathi friends, too, we speak in Hindi. That comes to us naturally, and not because we want to stay away from Marathi.
In Pune, though, everybody speaks Marathi. I was a bit shocked to see that. Youngsters happily chatting away in American English, or Marathi – which is not the case with at least the convent-educated crowd in Nagpur. But in Pune, everyone takes to the language – right from the Muslim rickshawallah to the Surd (is that derogatory?) who runs a showroom. But then, it’s the language of business to them and they are fluent in it, as it brings in the moolah. But the thousands of outside students also pick it up and are not ashamed of speaking it. The problem lies only in Mumbai – with many communities staking a claim to the city.
Many of my relatives staying in Tamil Nadu or Kerala have picked up the language there, even speaking it at home instead of Marathi. When Marathi people can adopt and adapt, why can’t others? There is no compulsion to learn Marathi or speak in it, but why do you consciously stay away from it? What’s wrong with it? It’s a beautiful language. You have probably heard your maid speaking a version of it, which is completely different from the rich literature. Marathi is as sweet as any other language. You just have been listening too much to the crude version.
When we go to Delhi or Punjab, we pick up the accent and use it till we are there. It comes naturally. Why not in Maharashtra then? Give it a thought.
Maharashtrians are laughed at for being too soft, and when we are not, we suddenly turn bad. Not fair, guys. Don’t victimise us because we choose to take it in our stride. We are cool people. But don't use that to your advantage.
Plus, what I have written is for all communities, if you read between the lines. Then why fight?
P.S. Any reference to any living individual or incident is purely intentional, but not intended to hurt, rather bridge the divide. Empathy expected rather than retaliation.
About Me
- Scorpio Queen
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Journalist. Writer-editor. Film critic. Photographer. And an intense Scorpio - that's me!
September 22, 2010
August 11, 2010
Aditya Narayan has a musical b'day
The young singer had the entire B'wood music clan singing for him
The young singer had the entire B'wood music clan singing for him at his birthday bash at Enigma, JW Marriott, Mumbai on Wednesday night. Check out the party.
PICS: Aditya's rocking birthday bash!
adityabirthday.flv
8-8-2008 09:49:53
The young singer had the entire B'wood music clan singing for him at his birthday bash at Enigma, JW Marriott, Mumbai on Wednesday night. Check out the party.
PICS: Aditya's rocking birthday bash!
adityabirthday.flv
8-8-2008 09:49:53
Jiah Khan poses for PeTA
The actress is fighting for birds that get hurt during kite-flying
9-8-2008 11:00:00
Jiah Khan is fighting for the cause of birds getting hurt during kite-flying for PeTa (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Check her out as PeTA's bird.
PICS: Jiah Khan's a PeTA bird
9-8-2008 11:00:00
Jiah Khan is fighting for the cause of birds getting hurt during kite-flying for PeTa (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Check her out as PeTA's bird.
PICS: Jiah Khan's a PeTA bird
TOP 15: Bollywood's favourite musicals
A look at the best music-based films
After the release of several romantic comedies and before the new action films hit the theatres, it's time for a musical. And Farhan Akhtar's acting debut Rock On is just that. We take a cue from that and look at some of the musicals, or music-based films we've come to love over the years. Read on and share your list with us
Taal (1999)
Hot Performers: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, Amrish Puri, Alok Nath
Director: Subhash Ghai
Music Director: AR Rahman
Aishwarya Rai (Mansi), Anil Kapoor (Vikrant Kapoor) and Akshaye Khanna (Manav Mehta) form the triangle of the dance-music love story, Taal. Maestro AR Rahman showed his magic again and this time not for a dubbed but a pure Hindi film, with chartbusting songs like peppy Ishq Bina, Taal Se Taal Mila and Ramta Jogi, the soulful Nahin Saamne and Asha Bhosle's Kahin Aag Lage. NRI Manav chances upon Mansi, the daughter of folk singer Tara Babu (Alok Nath) on one of his trips to India. Despite the stark difference in their social status, both fall in love. But when Mansi and her father land up in Mumbai to meet Manav's family, they're insulted. There's a clash between Mansi and Manav, and she decides to leave him. Dejected, Tara Babu and Mansi bump into music company hotshot Vikrant Kapoor, who's remixing Tara's original tunes and minting money. Mansi sees a prosperous career through Vikrant's eyes and starts working for him with detachment. But predictably, the dynamic Vikrant ends up in love with his protégé, and is about to get married to her, when Manav returns and reignites Manasi's passion.
All the Aishwarya news on Buzz18
Next Page: Tanuja Chandra's Sur: The Melody of Life__PAGEBREAK__Sur: The Melody of Life (2002)
Hot Performers: Lucky Ali, Gauri Karnik, Simone Singh
Director: Tanuja Chandra
Music Director: MM Kreem
Tanuja Chandra's Sur was a revelation – that the director of films like Dushman and Sangharsh could create such a poignant tale of music and the world around it. Another revelation was that singer-musician Lucky Ali could be such a brilliant actor. He plays Vikram, a music teacher, with such ease that it seems he's living his real life in it. Vikram's passion for his art, his teachings and expectations from his best student Tina, (played excellently by Gauri Karnik) as also his insecurities, has been portrayed flawlessly by Ali. Vikram's ego is hurt when Tina does better than him and he happens to steal her tunes. Shattered with the emotional conflict, Tina is on her way to becoming a nun, when Vikram realises his folly and gets her back. But a film like this would have been so incomplete without the music. And surely, you can't help but hum MM Kreem's mellifluous Aa Bhi Jaa, Dil Mein Jaagi Dhadkan Aise and Jaane Kya Dhoondhta Hai among others.
REVIEW: Tanuja's Hope and a Little Sugar
Next Page: Sanjay Bhansali's Khamoshi – The Musical
__PAGEBREAK__Khamoshi – The Musical (1996)
Hot Performers: Manisha Koirala, Salman Khan, Nana Patekar, Seema Biswas
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Music Directors: Jatin-Lalit, Babloo Chakravorty
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's musical directorial debut, the ironically titled Khamoshi was a much-awaited film for many reasons – popular lead actors in Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala, and also Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas' deaf-and-mute performance. Based in Goa, the film tells the story of a deaf-and-mute couple Joseph Braganza (Nana Patekar) and Flavy (Seema Biswas) whose children Annie (Manisha Koirala) and Sam can hear and speak. Sam dies as a child, but Annie grows up into a beautiful girl who's big time into singing. Annie falls in love with a dude Raj (Salman Khan, who else to play a dude?). Then there's the cliché of disapproving Catholic parents (and also because she's their mode of communication) and their shock at their daughter's pregnancy. Well, the histrionics did win accolades although the film was not a big hit in theatres. But people still remember this Khamoshi for its wonderful numbers like Aaj Mein Upar, Bahon Ke Darmiyan, Aankhon Mein Kya and Yeh Dil Sun Rahaa Hai among others, apart from the hatke storyline. Plus, this film certainly boosted Jatin-Lalit's market value.
I want to work with Big B: Salman
Next Page: Sanjay Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam__PAGEBREAK__Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Hot Performers: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Music Director: Ismail Darbar
Director Sanjay L Bhansali again, with a film that had an undercurrent of music to its tragic love tale. And it's the music which helped Bhansali to win half the battle at the box-office. Based on a true story, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam effectively told the story which many in the masses could relate to – a young Indo-Italian singer, Sameer Rafilini (Salman Khan) who makes his place in a highly traditional and conservative Gujarati household, earning the respect of the patriarch Pundit Darbar (Vikram Gokhale), who is also Sameer's tutor. But when the same Sameer falls in love with a young girl Nandini ( Aishwarya Rai ) from that very family, the whole world comes down. Sameer returns to Italy and Nandini is married off to Vanraj (Ajay Devgan). When Vanraj finds out about Nandini's obsession with Sameer, he takes her to Italy to find the love of her life. But the story ends with Nandini going back to Vanraj even as Sameer is waiting with open arms – an end which is highly debated even today. And the hit songs – Chand Chupa, Nimbooda, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and especially KK's Tadap Tadap Ke – only keep reminding us of that end!
Finally, Bhansali speaks out!
Next Page: Mansoor Khan's Akele Hum Akele Tum__PAGEBREAK__Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995)
Hot Performers: Aamir Khan, Manisha Koirala
Director: Mansoor Khan
Music Director: Anu Malik
Mansoor Khan's AHAT was a scene-by-scene copy of the 1979 Hollywood flick Kramer vs. Kramer. Not only was the film a copy, but also many of the music tracks – like Dil Mera Churaya Kyun from George Michael's Last Christmas, Aisa Zakhm from various artists, Raja Ko Rani Se partly from The Godfather love theme, all thanks to Anu Malik. But these songs were hits (obviously), so were Dil Kehta Hai and the title song. The story went thus: Aamir Khan is Rohit Kumar, a playback singer with dreams in his eyes. Meeting someone who shares his aspirations in Kiran (Manisha Koirala) who's training to be a classical singer, Rohit falls in love. Kiran reciprocates and the two get married against her rich parents' wishes. But Kiran's dreams of a career in music fall flat, as she ends up being nothing but a housewife and mother. The male chauvinist in Rohit makes him ignore her ambition. Frustrated, Kiran takes the bold step of leaving him and her little son for a future in singing, which also leads her to acting. Rohit comes into his own after this setback. Kiran, the superstar actress now wants to be with her husband and son. But seeing that Rohit is not game, she files for divorce and the child's custody. The Kramer vs. Kramer-like court case gives a verdict in Kiran's favour, but she's already changed her mind. Rohit and Kiran get back together.
Aamir's 'other' look in Ghajini | Aamir: I lured Mansoor out of hiding
Next Page: Anant Mahadevan's Dil Vil Pyar Vyar__PAGEBREAK__Dil Vil Pyar Vyar (2002)
Hot Performers: R Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, Sanjay Suri, Namrata Shirodkar, Sonali Kulkarni, Hrishitaa Bhatt
Director: Anant Mahadevan
Music Directors: RD Burman, Babloo Chakravorty
Anant Mahadevan's film was a tribute to RD Burman and borrowed the music director's songs, which pulled at least a few people to the theatres. The film is about three friends who are die-hard RDB fans and decide to participate in a music competition. The film traces their struggle, and of course, their romances. Though not a film for the theatres, it's not a bad watch on a lazy day if you're an RD Burman fan, as every five minutes one of his many popular numbers hit your eardrums pleasantly. The RDB songs borrowed by the film were: O Haseena Zulfowali, Ye Jo Mohabbat Hai, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Kehna Hai (Duet and Male), Tum Bin Jaon Kahan, Mere Samnewali Khidki Mein, Ab Ke Sawan Mein, O Hansini, Gum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Mein, Raat Kali, Kya Janoo Sajan, Barsaat Bhi Aakar and Tere Bina Zindagi Se. Woah!
Sonali poses semi-nude | Vidya and Maddy together again?
Next Page: Sujoy Ghosh's Jhankaar Beats__PAGEBREAK__Jhankaar Beats (2003)
Hot Performers: Rahul Bose, Sanjay Suri, Rinke Khanna, Riya Sen, Juhi Chawla, Shayan Munshi
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Music Directors: Vishal-Shekhar
Another RD Burman-inspired film and made around the same time as Dil Vil.... Rishi (Rahul Bose) and Deep (Sanjay Suri) are typical ad professionals, they love Sholay, and RD Burman. But their copywriting career is on an edge, and they seem more inclined to win the music competition Jhankaar Beats, which they have lost for two consecutive years. Juhi Chawla plays Shanti, Deep's pregnant wife, while Rinke Khanna plays Rishi's separated wife, Nicki. Rishi gets an offer to work in the US, so the band gets a new guitarist, Neel (Shayan Munshi) who is the boss' son. The deal is that Neel plays for Deep and Rishi in the competition, and they help him get his girl in turn. The film revolves around relationships and music, with some truly funny moments thrown in. Jhankaar Beats not only had RDB songs like Roop Tera Mastana and Hume Tumse Pyar Kitna, but also some original numbers like Vishal-Shekhar's Tu Aashique Hai, Suno Na and Boss Kaun Hai (a tribute to Burman). But the music director duo is good at remixes, as proved again with Bachna Ae Haseeno.
LOOK: Rahul does a Rajini!
Next Page: Amitabh-Jaya's Abhimaan__PAGEBREAK__Abhimaan (1973)
Hot Performers: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Music Director: SD Burman
Ah! SD Burman's supremely melodious music and Amitabh-Jaya's brilliant act. Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Abhimaan is a classic tale of ego clashes between a couple, where the wife is doing better than a husband, and especially where both are pursuing identical careers. Subeer Kumar (Amitabh Bachchan) is a rock star of a singer, with a big female fan following ready to get hitched. But the handsome Subeer falls in love with a simple village girl, Uma, whose voice and beauty both attract him. He marries her and once back in Bombay, encourages Uma to take up singing as a profession individually. However, this love marriage is on the rocks when Uma's popularity reaches heights greater than Subeer's, hurting his male ego and making him highly envious. In true Hrishida style, a realistic portrayal of an issue which is as current as ever. And the bonus was that each composition of SDB – Meet Na Mila Re Man Ka, Ab To Hai Tumse, Loote Koi Man Ka Nagar, Nadiya Kinare, Piya Bina, Tere Mere Milan Ki, Teri Bindiya Re – was and is a masterpiece in itself. And that's why he's the baap of RDB, literally!
JANTA REACTIONS: Sarkar Raj | Bachchans, Shriya at Sarkar Raj red carpet
Next Page: Lata-Asha's story: Saaz__PAGEBREAK__Saaz (1997)
Hot Performers: Shabana Azmi, Aruna Irani, Ustad Zakir Hussain
Director: Sai Paranjape
Music Directors: Yashwant Deo, Bhupen Hazarika, Zakir Hussain, Raj Kamal
Another film tracing the insecurities in the music industry. Chashm-E-Baddoor director Sai Paranjape's Saaz was based on the relationship between sisters Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, legendary playback singers of India. The main characters and certain instances are a direct lift from their life. Aroona Irani plays Mansi (Lata's role), the elder sister while Shabana Azmi plays Bansi (Asha's role) the younger one. Mansi enters professional playback singing after her father (played by Raghuvir Yadav) expires. Having created a name for herself in the industry, she marries off Bansi. But the hardships in Bansi's life have just begun, as her husband turns out to be a wife-beater. She divorces him and comes back to Mansi with her daughter, starting her own career. But Mansi stops her from getting a foothold in the industry, leading to bitterness. Although the film and its music were not commercial hits since it had a TV release, the music was termed as excellent, whether it was Aaj Hum Roshan Karenge, Raat Dhalne Lagi or Sunne Wale Sun to name a few songs.
REVEALED: Untold facts about Lata | Asha: Pure and unadulterated
Next Page: Anil Kapoor's Woh 7 Din__PAGEBREAK__Woh 7 Din (1983)
Hot Performers: Anil Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, Naseeruddin Shah
Director: Bapu
Music Directors: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, this jolly musical's end, or rather the beginning (as the story is in flashback), must have also been debated a lot. No wonder then, the film was a hit, marking the successful debut of one of Bollywood's best actors, Anil Kapoor. Poor girl Maya (Padmini Kolhapure) refuses to accept her marriage to a much older but wealthy Dr Anand (Naseeruddin Shah). She tries to commit suicide on the wedding night, but in vain. Then begins her narration of the love story between Prem and her (Anil Kapoor), a jovial street singer and aspiring music director. This part of the film is very entertaining. In the end, Anand in turn wants to unite the two lovers, saying he's married Maya only because his mother was on the deathbed. But the question of Indian 'culture' pops up in Prem's mind, and he goes away without Maya. Such twists in the tale sure maketh a hit! But not without the superb music, which helped Anil Kapoor charm his newfound audience, with chartbusters like Pyar Kiya Nahin Jata.
Big B and Anil to act together?
Next Page: Girish Karnad and Jayaprada's Sur Sangam__PAGEBREAK__Sur Sangam (1985)
Hot Performers: Girish Karnad, Jayaprada
Director: K Vishwanath
Music Directors: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Appu
Girish Karnad essays Pt Shivshankar Shastri in this classic by K Vishwanath. Many great musicians and singers will be able to identify with this film at a deeper level, which also merged social issues with the basic theme of music. Sur Sangam's music can truly be described as a treat for classical buffs – the numbers being Aaye Sur Ke, Hey Shivshankar, Dhanyabhag Sevaka, Maazi Re, Mai Ka Bhulave, Parbhu More Avgoon, Saadh Re Mann, Saadha Aisa Hi Sur and Tore Charan Kamal. Shastri is a maestro who's been a royal court musician but is now down and out and staying in a hamlet with his daughter Sharda (Sadhana Singh). But he has not lost hope and is looking out for an heir to hand down his great musical wisdom to. Finally, he finds 'a suitable boy' in Tulsi's (Jayaprada) illegitimate son, also falling in love with the mother in the process. Due to this and his stubborn attitude, Shastri even refuses Kanneshwar's (Sachin) proposal for Sharda. Soon, he's rebuked by all and becomes a recluse in spite of his genius.
Jayaprada in AK97?
Next Page: Madhuri-Jackie's Sangeet __PAGEBREAK__Sangeet (1992)
Hot Performers: Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff
Director: K Vishwanath
Music Directors: Anand-Milind
Another K Vishwanath hit musical. And a surprise from music directors Anand-Milind, who don't have many hits to their credit apart from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and a few others. From Sangeet, O Rabba Koi To Bataye still resonates, so does Saat Suron Ke, Main Awara Ek Banjara, Chali Aiyo Radhe Rani, Sangeet Jahaan Hai Geet Wahaan and Jo Geet Nahin. Madhuri Dixit has a double role in it. The older one is Nirmala, a music-loving wife of a businessman, who folk singer Sethuram (Jackie Shroff) meets when he comes to Bombay to pursue his dreams. Sethu also bumps into a blind singer-dancer Sangeeta (the younger Madhuri) who he introduces to Nirmala for tutoring. Predictably, Sangeeta turns out to be Nirmala's daughter. The music cassettes of this film (no CDs then) had sold like hot cakes then.
MUST SEE: Ash-Madhuri's backstage vibes
Next Page: Dino-Rinke in Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi __PAGEBREAK__Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999)
Hot Performers: Dino Morea, Rinke Khanna, Sanjay Suri, Akashdeep Sehgal
Director: Raj Kaushal
Music Directors: Vishal-Shekhar and Salim-Suleiman
The Nepali number Musu Musu Hasi was enough to arouse interest PMKK, along with new faces Dino Morea (Sid), Rinke Khanna (Khushi), Sanjay Suri (Bugs) and the now famous Akashdeep Sehgal (Ronnie) among others. The film, shot in Fergusson College, Pune, revolves around these students who have musical aspirations and finally succeed in getting what they want. The main love story is between Sid and Khushi, and there're youth issues thrown in like college life and AIDS. But what's enviable is, together, the cast got to belt out hit numbers like Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Woh Pehli Baar, Dil Se Mere and Lakho Deewane (as actors). This film was liked by college-goers and also did good for its music directors and singers Shaan and Mahalaxmi.
MUSIC REVIEW: Vishal-Shekhar's Bachna Ae Haseeno
Next Page: Rishi Kapoor's Hum Kisise Kum Naheen__PAGEBREAK__Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)
Hot Performers: Rishi Kapoor, Tariq, Kaajal Kiran, Amjad Khan
Director: Nasir Hussain
Music Directors: RD Burman
Well, quite simply, this is the film Ranbir Kapoor's Bachna Ae Haseeno borrows its title and track from. No harm in borrowing from dad's film, right Ranbir? In the film, Rishi Kapoor is Rajesh, a young man in search of his dead father's diamonds, when he bumps into Kaajal (Kaajal Kiran). The third element in the love triangle is Sanjay (Tariq), Kaajal's childhood sweetheart. But there's more to the game than meets in the eye, as Saudagar Singh (Amjad Khan) is also in a quest for those diamonds and creates trouble in the lives of the three protagonists. Hum Kisise… was a hit, again due to a major contribution by RD Burman's oh-so-hummable score, apart from Nasir Hussain's cool direction. Kishore Kumar's song Bachna Ae Haseeno is just the tip of the iceberg. Think of Kya Hua Tera Wada, Yeh Ladka Hai Allah, Humko To Yaara Teri Yaari, Hai Agar Dushman, and the competition numbers Chand Mera Dil, Ah Dil Kya, Oh Tum Kya Jaano, Mil Gaya Humko Saathi – and it's a bet you'll start swaying in your seat!
All about Ranbir on Buzz18
Next Page: Farhan's Rock On__PAGEBREAK__Rock On (2008)
Starring hotshot director Farhan Akhtar in the main lead opposite debutante Prachi Desai, the story is about a rock band called Magik. The other band members are played by cool dudes Arjun Rampal, Luke Kenny and Purab Kohli. Let's hope this film whets the appetite of rock buffs in India!
1st LOOK: Farhan-Prachi's Rock On
Music review: Rock On, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy!
Team Rock On jams it up.
18-8-2008 21:22:26
After the release of several romantic comedies and before the new action films hit the theatres, it's time for a musical. And Farhan Akhtar's acting debut Rock On is just that. We take a cue from that and look at some of the musicals, or music-based films we've come to love over the years. Read on and share your list with us
Taal (1999)
Hot Performers: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, Amrish Puri, Alok Nath
Director: Subhash Ghai
Music Director: AR Rahman
Aishwarya Rai (Mansi), Anil Kapoor (Vikrant Kapoor) and Akshaye Khanna (Manav Mehta) form the triangle of the dance-music love story, Taal. Maestro AR Rahman showed his magic again and this time not for a dubbed but a pure Hindi film, with chartbusting songs like peppy Ishq Bina, Taal Se Taal Mila and Ramta Jogi, the soulful Nahin Saamne and Asha Bhosle's Kahin Aag Lage. NRI Manav chances upon Mansi, the daughter of folk singer Tara Babu (Alok Nath) on one of his trips to India. Despite the stark difference in their social status, both fall in love. But when Mansi and her father land up in Mumbai to meet Manav's family, they're insulted. There's a clash between Mansi and Manav, and she decides to leave him. Dejected, Tara Babu and Mansi bump into music company hotshot Vikrant Kapoor, who's remixing Tara's original tunes and minting money. Mansi sees a prosperous career through Vikrant's eyes and starts working for him with detachment. But predictably, the dynamic Vikrant ends up in love with his protégé, and is about to get married to her, when Manav returns and reignites Manasi's passion.
All the Aishwarya news on Buzz18
Next Page: Tanuja Chandra's Sur: The Melody of Life__PAGEBREAK__Sur: The Melody of Life (2002)
Hot Performers: Lucky Ali, Gauri Karnik, Simone Singh
Director: Tanuja Chandra
Music Director: MM Kreem
Tanuja Chandra's Sur was a revelation – that the director of films like Dushman and Sangharsh could create such a poignant tale of music and the world around it. Another revelation was that singer-musician Lucky Ali could be such a brilliant actor. He plays Vikram, a music teacher, with such ease that it seems he's living his real life in it. Vikram's passion for his art, his teachings and expectations from his best student Tina, (played excellently by Gauri Karnik) as also his insecurities, has been portrayed flawlessly by Ali. Vikram's ego is hurt when Tina does better than him and he happens to steal her tunes. Shattered with the emotional conflict, Tina is on her way to becoming a nun, when Vikram realises his folly and gets her back. But a film like this would have been so incomplete without the music. And surely, you can't help but hum MM Kreem's mellifluous Aa Bhi Jaa, Dil Mein Jaagi Dhadkan Aise and Jaane Kya Dhoondhta Hai among others.
REVIEW: Tanuja's Hope and a Little Sugar
Next Page: Sanjay Bhansali's Khamoshi – The Musical
__PAGEBREAK__Khamoshi – The Musical (1996)
Hot Performers: Manisha Koirala, Salman Khan, Nana Patekar, Seema Biswas
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Music Directors: Jatin-Lalit, Babloo Chakravorty
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's musical directorial debut, the ironically titled Khamoshi was a much-awaited film for many reasons – popular lead actors in Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala, and also Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas' deaf-and-mute performance. Based in Goa, the film tells the story of a deaf-and-mute couple Joseph Braganza (Nana Patekar) and Flavy (Seema Biswas) whose children Annie (Manisha Koirala) and Sam can hear and speak. Sam dies as a child, but Annie grows up into a beautiful girl who's big time into singing. Annie falls in love with a dude Raj (Salman Khan, who else to play a dude?). Then there's the cliché of disapproving Catholic parents (and also because she's their mode of communication) and their shock at their daughter's pregnancy. Well, the histrionics did win accolades although the film was not a big hit in theatres. But people still remember this Khamoshi for its wonderful numbers like Aaj Mein Upar, Bahon Ke Darmiyan, Aankhon Mein Kya and Yeh Dil Sun Rahaa Hai among others, apart from the hatke storyline. Plus, this film certainly boosted Jatin-Lalit's market value.
I want to work with Big B: Salman
Next Page: Sanjay Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam__PAGEBREAK__Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Hot Performers: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Music Director: Ismail Darbar
Director Sanjay L Bhansali again, with a film that had an undercurrent of music to its tragic love tale. And it's the music which helped Bhansali to win half the battle at the box-office. Based on a true story, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam effectively told the story which many in the masses could relate to – a young Indo-Italian singer, Sameer Rafilini (Salman Khan) who makes his place in a highly traditional and conservative Gujarati household, earning the respect of the patriarch Pundit Darbar (Vikram Gokhale), who is also Sameer's tutor. But when the same Sameer falls in love with a young girl Nandini ( Aishwarya Rai ) from that very family, the whole world comes down. Sameer returns to Italy and Nandini is married off to Vanraj (Ajay Devgan). When Vanraj finds out about Nandini's obsession with Sameer, he takes her to Italy to find the love of her life. But the story ends with Nandini going back to Vanraj even as Sameer is waiting with open arms – an end which is highly debated even today. And the hit songs – Chand Chupa, Nimbooda, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and especially KK's Tadap Tadap Ke – only keep reminding us of that end!
Finally, Bhansali speaks out!
Next Page: Mansoor Khan's Akele Hum Akele Tum__PAGEBREAK__Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995)
Hot Performers: Aamir Khan, Manisha Koirala
Director: Mansoor Khan
Music Director: Anu Malik
Mansoor Khan's AHAT was a scene-by-scene copy of the 1979 Hollywood flick Kramer vs. Kramer. Not only was the film a copy, but also many of the music tracks – like Dil Mera Churaya Kyun from George Michael's Last Christmas, Aisa Zakhm from various artists, Raja Ko Rani Se partly from The Godfather love theme, all thanks to Anu Malik. But these songs were hits (obviously), so were Dil Kehta Hai and the title song. The story went thus: Aamir Khan is Rohit Kumar, a playback singer with dreams in his eyes. Meeting someone who shares his aspirations in Kiran (Manisha Koirala) who's training to be a classical singer, Rohit falls in love. Kiran reciprocates and the two get married against her rich parents' wishes. But Kiran's dreams of a career in music fall flat, as she ends up being nothing but a housewife and mother. The male chauvinist in Rohit makes him ignore her ambition. Frustrated, Kiran takes the bold step of leaving him and her little son for a future in singing, which also leads her to acting. Rohit comes into his own after this setback. Kiran, the superstar actress now wants to be with her husband and son. But seeing that Rohit is not game, she files for divorce and the child's custody. The Kramer vs. Kramer-like court case gives a verdict in Kiran's favour, but she's already changed her mind. Rohit and Kiran get back together.
Aamir's 'other' look in Ghajini | Aamir: I lured Mansoor out of hiding
Next Page: Anant Mahadevan's Dil Vil Pyar Vyar__PAGEBREAK__Dil Vil Pyar Vyar (2002)
Hot Performers: R Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, Sanjay Suri, Namrata Shirodkar, Sonali Kulkarni, Hrishitaa Bhatt
Director: Anant Mahadevan
Music Directors: RD Burman, Babloo Chakravorty
Anant Mahadevan's film was a tribute to RD Burman and borrowed the music director's songs, which pulled at least a few people to the theatres. The film is about three friends who are die-hard RDB fans and decide to participate in a music competition. The film traces their struggle, and of course, their romances. Though not a film for the theatres, it's not a bad watch on a lazy day if you're an RD Burman fan, as every five minutes one of his many popular numbers hit your eardrums pleasantly. The RDB songs borrowed by the film were: O Haseena Zulfowali, Ye Jo Mohabbat Hai, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Kehna Hai (Duet and Male), Tum Bin Jaon Kahan, Mere Samnewali Khidki Mein, Ab Ke Sawan Mein, O Hansini, Gum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Mein, Raat Kali, Kya Janoo Sajan, Barsaat Bhi Aakar and Tere Bina Zindagi Se. Woah!
Sonali poses semi-nude | Vidya and Maddy together again?
Next Page: Sujoy Ghosh's Jhankaar Beats__PAGEBREAK__Jhankaar Beats (2003)
Hot Performers: Rahul Bose, Sanjay Suri, Rinke Khanna, Riya Sen, Juhi Chawla, Shayan Munshi
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Music Directors: Vishal-Shekhar
Another RD Burman-inspired film and made around the same time as Dil Vil.... Rishi (Rahul Bose) and Deep (Sanjay Suri) are typical ad professionals, they love Sholay, and RD Burman. But their copywriting career is on an edge, and they seem more inclined to win the music competition Jhankaar Beats, which they have lost for two consecutive years. Juhi Chawla plays Shanti, Deep's pregnant wife, while Rinke Khanna plays Rishi's separated wife, Nicki. Rishi gets an offer to work in the US, so the band gets a new guitarist, Neel (Shayan Munshi) who is the boss' son. The deal is that Neel plays for Deep and Rishi in the competition, and they help him get his girl in turn. The film revolves around relationships and music, with some truly funny moments thrown in. Jhankaar Beats not only had RDB songs like Roop Tera Mastana and Hume Tumse Pyar Kitna, but also some original numbers like Vishal-Shekhar's Tu Aashique Hai, Suno Na and Boss Kaun Hai (a tribute to Burman). But the music director duo is good at remixes, as proved again with Bachna Ae Haseeno.
LOOK: Rahul does a Rajini!
Next Page: Amitabh-Jaya's Abhimaan__PAGEBREAK__Abhimaan (1973)
Hot Performers: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Music Director: SD Burman
Ah! SD Burman's supremely melodious music and Amitabh-Jaya's brilliant act. Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Abhimaan is a classic tale of ego clashes between a couple, where the wife is doing better than a husband, and especially where both are pursuing identical careers. Subeer Kumar (Amitabh Bachchan) is a rock star of a singer, with a big female fan following ready to get hitched. But the handsome Subeer falls in love with a simple village girl, Uma, whose voice and beauty both attract him. He marries her and once back in Bombay, encourages Uma to take up singing as a profession individually. However, this love marriage is on the rocks when Uma's popularity reaches heights greater than Subeer's, hurting his male ego and making him highly envious. In true Hrishida style, a realistic portrayal of an issue which is as current as ever. And the bonus was that each composition of SDB – Meet Na Mila Re Man Ka, Ab To Hai Tumse, Loote Koi Man Ka Nagar, Nadiya Kinare, Piya Bina, Tere Mere Milan Ki, Teri Bindiya Re – was and is a masterpiece in itself. And that's why he's the baap of RDB, literally!
JANTA REACTIONS: Sarkar Raj | Bachchans, Shriya at Sarkar Raj red carpet
Next Page: Lata-Asha's story: Saaz__PAGEBREAK__Saaz (1997)
Hot Performers: Shabana Azmi, Aruna Irani, Ustad Zakir Hussain
Director: Sai Paranjape
Music Directors: Yashwant Deo, Bhupen Hazarika, Zakir Hussain, Raj Kamal
Another film tracing the insecurities in the music industry. Chashm-E-Baddoor director Sai Paranjape's Saaz was based on the relationship between sisters Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, legendary playback singers of India. The main characters and certain instances are a direct lift from their life. Aroona Irani plays Mansi (Lata's role), the elder sister while Shabana Azmi plays Bansi (Asha's role) the younger one. Mansi enters professional playback singing after her father (played by Raghuvir Yadav) expires. Having created a name for herself in the industry, she marries off Bansi. But the hardships in Bansi's life have just begun, as her husband turns out to be a wife-beater. She divorces him and comes back to Mansi with her daughter, starting her own career. But Mansi stops her from getting a foothold in the industry, leading to bitterness. Although the film and its music were not commercial hits since it had a TV release, the music was termed as excellent, whether it was Aaj Hum Roshan Karenge, Raat Dhalne Lagi or Sunne Wale Sun to name a few songs.
REVEALED: Untold facts about Lata | Asha: Pure and unadulterated
Next Page: Anil Kapoor's Woh 7 Din__PAGEBREAK__Woh 7 Din (1983)
Hot Performers: Anil Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, Naseeruddin Shah
Director: Bapu
Music Directors: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, this jolly musical's end, or rather the beginning (as the story is in flashback), must have also been debated a lot. No wonder then, the film was a hit, marking the successful debut of one of Bollywood's best actors, Anil Kapoor. Poor girl Maya (Padmini Kolhapure) refuses to accept her marriage to a much older but wealthy Dr Anand (Naseeruddin Shah). She tries to commit suicide on the wedding night, but in vain. Then begins her narration of the love story between Prem and her (Anil Kapoor), a jovial street singer and aspiring music director. This part of the film is very entertaining. In the end, Anand in turn wants to unite the two lovers, saying he's married Maya only because his mother was on the deathbed. But the question of Indian 'culture' pops up in Prem's mind, and he goes away without Maya. Such twists in the tale sure maketh a hit! But not without the superb music, which helped Anil Kapoor charm his newfound audience, with chartbusters like Pyar Kiya Nahin Jata.
Big B and Anil to act together?
Next Page: Girish Karnad and Jayaprada's Sur Sangam__PAGEBREAK__Sur Sangam (1985)
Hot Performers: Girish Karnad, Jayaprada
Director: K Vishwanath
Music Directors: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Appu
Girish Karnad essays Pt Shivshankar Shastri in this classic by K Vishwanath. Many great musicians and singers will be able to identify with this film at a deeper level, which also merged social issues with the basic theme of music. Sur Sangam's music can truly be described as a treat for classical buffs – the numbers being Aaye Sur Ke, Hey Shivshankar, Dhanyabhag Sevaka, Maazi Re, Mai Ka Bhulave, Parbhu More Avgoon, Saadh Re Mann, Saadha Aisa Hi Sur and Tore Charan Kamal. Shastri is a maestro who's been a royal court musician but is now down and out and staying in a hamlet with his daughter Sharda (Sadhana Singh). But he has not lost hope and is looking out for an heir to hand down his great musical wisdom to. Finally, he finds 'a suitable boy' in Tulsi's (Jayaprada) illegitimate son, also falling in love with the mother in the process. Due to this and his stubborn attitude, Shastri even refuses Kanneshwar's (Sachin) proposal for Sharda. Soon, he's rebuked by all and becomes a recluse in spite of his genius.
Jayaprada in AK97?
Next Page: Madhuri-Jackie's Sangeet __PAGEBREAK__Sangeet (1992)
Hot Performers: Madhuri Dixit, Jackie Shroff
Director: K Vishwanath
Music Directors: Anand-Milind
Another K Vishwanath hit musical. And a surprise from music directors Anand-Milind, who don't have many hits to their credit apart from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and a few others. From Sangeet, O Rabba Koi To Bataye still resonates, so does Saat Suron Ke, Main Awara Ek Banjara, Chali Aiyo Radhe Rani, Sangeet Jahaan Hai Geet Wahaan and Jo Geet Nahin. Madhuri Dixit has a double role in it. The older one is Nirmala, a music-loving wife of a businessman, who folk singer Sethuram (Jackie Shroff) meets when he comes to Bombay to pursue his dreams. Sethu also bumps into a blind singer-dancer Sangeeta (the younger Madhuri) who he introduces to Nirmala for tutoring. Predictably, Sangeeta turns out to be Nirmala's daughter. The music cassettes of this film (no CDs then) had sold like hot cakes then.
MUST SEE: Ash-Madhuri's backstage vibes
Next Page: Dino-Rinke in Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi __PAGEBREAK__Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999)
Hot Performers: Dino Morea, Rinke Khanna, Sanjay Suri, Akashdeep Sehgal
Director: Raj Kaushal
Music Directors: Vishal-Shekhar and Salim-Suleiman
The Nepali number Musu Musu Hasi was enough to arouse interest PMKK, along with new faces Dino Morea (Sid), Rinke Khanna (Khushi), Sanjay Suri (Bugs) and the now famous Akashdeep Sehgal (Ronnie) among others. The film, shot in Fergusson College, Pune, revolves around these students who have musical aspirations and finally succeed in getting what they want. The main love story is between Sid and Khushi, and there're youth issues thrown in like college life and AIDS. But what's enviable is, together, the cast got to belt out hit numbers like Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Woh Pehli Baar, Dil Se Mere and Lakho Deewane (as actors). This film was liked by college-goers and also did good for its music directors and singers Shaan and Mahalaxmi.
MUSIC REVIEW: Vishal-Shekhar's Bachna Ae Haseeno
Next Page: Rishi Kapoor's Hum Kisise Kum Naheen__PAGEBREAK__Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)
Hot Performers: Rishi Kapoor, Tariq, Kaajal Kiran, Amjad Khan
Director: Nasir Hussain
Music Directors: RD Burman
Well, quite simply, this is the film Ranbir Kapoor's Bachna Ae Haseeno borrows its title and track from. No harm in borrowing from dad's film, right Ranbir? In the film, Rishi Kapoor is Rajesh, a young man in search of his dead father's diamonds, when he bumps into Kaajal (Kaajal Kiran). The third element in the love triangle is Sanjay (Tariq), Kaajal's childhood sweetheart. But there's more to the game than meets in the eye, as Saudagar Singh (Amjad Khan) is also in a quest for those diamonds and creates trouble in the lives of the three protagonists. Hum Kisise… was a hit, again due to a major contribution by RD Burman's oh-so-hummable score, apart from Nasir Hussain's cool direction. Kishore Kumar's song Bachna Ae Haseeno is just the tip of the iceberg. Think of Kya Hua Tera Wada, Yeh Ladka Hai Allah, Humko To Yaara Teri Yaari, Hai Agar Dushman, and the competition numbers Chand Mera Dil, Ah Dil Kya, Oh Tum Kya Jaano, Mil Gaya Humko Saathi – and it's a bet you'll start swaying in your seat!
All about Ranbir on Buzz18
Next Page: Farhan's Rock On__PAGEBREAK__Rock On (2008)
Starring hotshot director Farhan Akhtar in the main lead opposite debutante Prachi Desai, the story is about a rock band called Magik. The other band members are played by cool dudes Arjun Rampal, Luke Kenny and Purab Kohli. Let's hope this film whets the appetite of rock buffs in India!
1st LOOK: Farhan-Prachi's Rock On
Music review: Rock On, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy!
Team Rock On jams it up.
18-8-2008 21:22:26
'Those a!@#holes make crap'
Says Rajat Kapoor who is ready with his latest release, Hulla
After 15 years of struggling to make his kind of cinema, Rajat Kapoor has come into his own. Now an established actor and a director who's found a firm footing, Rajat talks about his latest effort to break away from being stereotyped in a role – a film called Hulla...
You played a major role in seeing the Hulla project through. How did it all come about?
Jaideep Varma (director of Hulla) had seen my film Raghu Romeo, and so he approached me to direct Hulla. But I only direct what I write and have my own stories to tell. And since he had so much faith in the project, I asked him to direct it. I agreed to be the executive producer of the film, which is how Sunil Doshi the producer came into the picture. But later, I was also acting in it.
Sunil Doshi has also produced some of your films. Is that how he agreed to do Hulla?
Sunil is a phenomenal person and is backing a lot of brave, difficult films. I'm there in most of his films but not all.
It's the first time you're playing a middle-class man. How did it go?
Yes, in this film and in another film called Prisoner (for which I so modestly say I won an award at Osian's), I've played middle-class characters. I've deliberately done it to break away from the Corporate image. So, it was good to play Janardan, the building secretary in Hulla.
Why do only these kind of stories attract you, and not mainstream cinema?
Not that I only like small films – I loved The Dark Knight. But a film's script has to have a certain sensibility. In Hulla, Jaideep's passion was a big factor – how important it was for him to make it. A director has to be driven to make a film. It's like cancer – you can't get rid of it.
__PAGEBREAK__You haven't been seen in many commercial films. For sure, you get a lot of offers…
When I do a Corporate, I'm offered 20 roles like that, which doesn't excite me. Bheja Fry was not commercial but was a success.
What do you think will work for Hulla? Will it do a Bheja Fry?
I don't know (disinterested). It may or may not work. I hope it does.
Which among the characters you have played, is your favourite and which is not?
I liked Corporate, Bheja Fry, Monsoon Wedding, Prisoner, I M 24, Khoya Khoya Chand and of course, Dil Chahta Hai, which was a very difficult role to play since I had nothing to do and yet make my presence felt. Roles I don't like: Kisna, Krazzy 4 and Tum....
Is it on purpose that you choose to work with first-time directors? Do you hear them all out?
I empathise with them and would do anything to support them. I read 40 scripts last year. I get one call every day. Most of it is crap but people are passionate.
Aren't you doing anything on television again?
We've just wrapped up two seasons of Lounge on NDTV Good Times, which I enjoyed doing. But otherwise, TV is a crappy medium. I'm not going back to it.
But you're active in theatre?
Yes. I've directed a comedy called Hamlet The Clown Prince, which opens on September 16 at Prithvi Theatre.
__PAGEBREAK__Your opinion on the current scenario of offbeat films.
I feel this is the best time in 40 years to make independent films. In the '70s, new wave cinema came in thanks to NFDC. But it died in the mid-'80s. Today, it's a resurgence. Look at A Wednesday or Mumbai Meri Jaan. The multiplexes at least give you a chance to showcase your films. I had made a film in 1995 called Private Detective which nobody has seen, because we didn't have theatres to show those films then. You could not reach your audience. Those a!@#holes want to make crappy films like Tashan and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom…. Personally, right now it's a dream. I'm in a position to produce other people's films and act in them. We're allowed to co-exist. I'm quite happy to be on the margins of the film industry.
Will it be the same five years from now?
I don't know. It's easier for me, since I'm established now. But for newcomers, one can't say.
You were always adamant on making offbeat films. Was your personal life affected by your struggling years?
Yes, in a way. In my 15 years of struggle, I never made a commercial film. I wrote articles for Sunday Mid-Day sometimes. But we were used to it. I've recently bought a car, but if I have to go back to travelling by train, I can do it.
Any more international films like Monsoon Wedding in the offing?
No, I don't chase them, if they come it's fine.
Your other forthcoming projects…
I've recently done Saurabh Shukla's film called I M 24 with Ranvir Shorey, Neha Dhupia and me, which will release in November. I think it will be a huge success. I'm playing a bald 42-year-old writer who never lies, but when he meets a 20-year-old girl on the Net, he starts lying to her…. Then there's the Bheja Fry dialogue-writer Sharad Kataria's film Rangeen, adapted from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. I've just finished directing A Rectangular Love Story with Gul Panag, Ranvir Shorey, Purab Kohli and Neil Bhoopalam in it. My December release is Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi with Vinay, Neha Dhupia and me. And Dasvidaniya is in post-production.
After 15 years of struggling to make his kind of cinema, Rajat Kapoor has come into his own. Now an established actor and a director who's found a firm footing, Rajat talks about his latest effort to break away from being stereotyped in a role – a film called Hulla...
You played a major role in seeing the Hulla project through. How did it all come about?
Jaideep Varma (director of Hulla) had seen my film Raghu Romeo, and so he approached me to direct Hulla. But I only direct what I write and have my own stories to tell. And since he had so much faith in the project, I asked him to direct it. I agreed to be the executive producer of the film, which is how Sunil Doshi the producer came into the picture. But later, I was also acting in it.
Sunil Doshi has also produced some of your films. Is that how he agreed to do Hulla?
Sunil is a phenomenal person and is backing a lot of brave, difficult films. I'm there in most of his films but not all.
It's the first time you're playing a middle-class man. How did it go?
Yes, in this film and in another film called Prisoner (for which I so modestly say I won an award at Osian's), I've played middle-class characters. I've deliberately done it to break away from the Corporate image. So, it was good to play Janardan, the building secretary in Hulla.
Why do only these kind of stories attract you, and not mainstream cinema?
Not that I only like small films – I loved The Dark Knight. But a film's script has to have a certain sensibility. In Hulla, Jaideep's passion was a big factor – how important it was for him to make it. A director has to be driven to make a film. It's like cancer – you can't get rid of it.
__PAGEBREAK__You haven't been seen in many commercial films. For sure, you get a lot of offers…
When I do a Corporate, I'm offered 20 roles like that, which doesn't excite me. Bheja Fry was not commercial but was a success.
What do you think will work for Hulla? Will it do a Bheja Fry?
I don't know (disinterested). It may or may not work. I hope it does.
Which among the characters you have played, is your favourite and which is not?
I liked Corporate, Bheja Fry, Monsoon Wedding, Prisoner, I M 24, Khoya Khoya Chand and of course, Dil Chahta Hai, which was a very difficult role to play since I had nothing to do and yet make my presence felt. Roles I don't like: Kisna, Krazzy 4 and Tum....
Is it on purpose that you choose to work with first-time directors? Do you hear them all out?
I empathise with them and would do anything to support them. I read 40 scripts last year. I get one call every day. Most of it is crap but people are passionate.
Aren't you doing anything on television again?
We've just wrapped up two seasons of Lounge on NDTV Good Times, which I enjoyed doing. But otherwise, TV is a crappy medium. I'm not going back to it.
But you're active in theatre?
Yes. I've directed a comedy called Hamlet The Clown Prince, which opens on September 16 at Prithvi Theatre.
__PAGEBREAK__Your opinion on the current scenario of offbeat films.
I feel this is the best time in 40 years to make independent films. In the '70s, new wave cinema came in thanks to NFDC. But it died in the mid-'80s. Today, it's a resurgence. Look at A Wednesday or Mumbai Meri Jaan. The multiplexes at least give you a chance to showcase your films. I had made a film in 1995 called Private Detective which nobody has seen, because we didn't have theatres to show those films then. You could not reach your audience. Those a!@#holes want to make crappy films like Tashan and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom…. Personally, right now it's a dream. I'm in a position to produce other people's films and act in them. We're allowed to co-exist. I'm quite happy to be on the margins of the film industry.
Will it be the same five years from now?
I don't know. It's easier for me, since I'm established now. But for newcomers, one can't say.
You were always adamant on making offbeat films. Was your personal life affected by your struggling years?
Yes, in a way. In my 15 years of struggle, I never made a commercial film. I wrote articles for Sunday Mid-Day sometimes. But we were used to it. I've recently bought a car, but if I have to go back to travelling by train, I can do it.
Any more international films like Monsoon Wedding in the offing?
No, I don't chase them, if they come it's fine.
Your other forthcoming projects…
I've recently done Saurabh Shukla's film called I M 24 with Ranvir Shorey, Neha Dhupia and me, which will release in November. I think it will be a huge success. I'm playing a bald 42-year-old writer who never lies, but when he meets a 20-year-old girl on the Net, he starts lying to her…. Then there's the Bheja Fry dialogue-writer Sharad Kataria's film Rangeen, adapted from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. I've just finished directing A Rectangular Love Story with Gul Panag, Ranvir Shorey, Purab Kohli and Neil Bhoopalam in it. My December release is Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi with Vinay, Neha Dhupia and me. And Dasvidaniya is in post-production.
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