Okay, so it's a given that I'm the Rishi Kapoor Fangirl #1 and I absolutely love him. One of the things I think he does better than ANY other hero in Filmdom is Qawwalis. Rishi has been featured as the lead in many qawaali numbers, and I think he lends it unparalleled passion and panache.
But as I was playing around with making my Dance Like A Kapoor playlists, I did realize that he's not the only Kapoor with a flair for qawwali performance. So I threw together a quick list of my favorite Kapoor Qawwalis. I don't know of any qawaalis featuring Randhir or Rajeev Kapoor, or the younger set (Karishma, Kareena and Ranbir), so if you DO know of some please let me know! Here's my list of Kapoor-fabulous Qawwalis:
Daag Na Lag Jaye - Mera Naam Joker (1970) - featuring RAJ KAPOOR I find this song very addictive, musically. It's fun to see the interplay between Padmini and Raj Kapoor in this too.
Chali Chali Kaisi Hawa - Bluffmaster (1963) - featuring SHAMMI KAPOOR These Kapoor boys love dressing up in drag! Perhaps because they are all so Fair & Lovely. Shammi is impressively graceful and delicate in this.
Tumhe Husn Dekhe - Jab Se Tumhe Dekha Hai (1963) - featuring SHAMMI and SHASHI KAPOOR Seeing these two Kapoor brothers together on-screen is such a delight! 10+ minutes of pure entertainment, complete with Kapoor Brothers doing the twist together at the end.
Is Ishq Mein Har Aashiq - Mr. Romeo (1972) - featuring SHASHI KAPOOR Lovely, lavish late 70s sets with chandeliers. Ranjeet tries his darndest to steal the show, but the show is definitely all Shashi's!
Mohabbat Gar Na Hoti - Mehndi Lagi Mere Haath (1962) - featuring SHASHI KAPOOR A beautiful, sweet and simple qawwali with a super young Shash!
Hum To Jhuk Kar - Fakira (1976) - featuring SHASHI KAPOOR This time Shashi is joined by the young and dashing Danny Denzongpa and Asrani. They're all dressed up in their finest brocades and fake moustaches.
Tere Chehre Se - Muqaddar (1978) - featuring SHASHI KAPOOR There's so much to love here ... a large red velvet ballroom, chandeliers, Kishore Kumar's voice, Amjad Khan and a very enthusiastic Shashi! Does anyone else think a bearded, moustached Shashi looks a bit like Mac Mohan?
Hai Agar Dushman - Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (1977) - featuring RISHI KAPOOR What can I say about this song? Besides being an excellent song in itself, Rishi is SO SO amazing in it. His smiles, his energy, his intensity and fervor are just unbeatable. How do you NOT fall in love with him watching this? And a word about Zeenat Aman ... gorgeous. Just gorgeous, and sparkly and wonderful.
Parda Hai Parda - Amar Akbar Anthony (1979) - featuring RISHI KAPOOR Again, such great energy! Right from the moment he LEAPS onto the stage. And Neetu Singh's adorable, coy looks make it even more fun to watch.
Eid Ka Din - Deedar E Yaar (1982) - featuring RISHI KAPOOR It's nice to see Reena Roy here, but when it comes to Qawwali, Rishi steals the show! He's so dedicated and sincere. And wow, Tina Munim looks gorgeous too.
Pari Ho Aasmaani Tum - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981) - featuring RISHI KAPOOR This may be the definitive song that made me fall madly in love with Rishi. I just die for that part at 0:06 where they do the 3-frame close-up on his adorable smirk. SWOON. And the light-up floors and background and the sparkly vest are just icing. Seriously, if you aren't the tiniest bit charmed by Rishi's performance here, you have a bitter, dark soul. I love Shailendra Singh's voice for Rishi too, it just completely suits him. Boy, do I wish a guy would sing a qawwali for me in which light-up hearts make a beeline straight towards me in the middle. That's pyar.
If you find or know of any Kapoor Qawwali gems I've missed, please do share them in the comments! Particularly any Rishi ones!
I'm continuing to work on my Dance Like A Kapoor series (Karishma's up next!) and also have a few other thoughts to share for Kapoor Khazana, but things are certainly hectic in my world so here's hoping that I'll get to them.
In the meanwhile, be sure to check out all the Kapoor Khazana links at this link. Also, pay close attention to Katherine's Totally Filmi blog as there may be some highlights about the Raj Kapoor Retrospective event being held during IIFA weekend in Toronto up on her blog soon!
The sweet-smiling youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor is known for being one of the greatest romantic heroes of Hindi cinema from the 60s all the way through to the 80s! Balbir Raj Kapoor, aka Shashi Kapoor, started out as a child actor, best known for playing the young version of Raj Kapoor in films like Aag and Awara. But starting in 1961, he became a hero in his own right, stealing the hearts of millions with his signature grin. He also has the distinction of being the one Kapoor to truly straddle both commercial and art house cinema successfully.
I hate to admit it, but Shashi-centric films were never really ones that I sought out. I liked him well-enough, particularly as one half of my favorite filmi bromance duo - Shashitabh (Shashi Kapoor + Amitabh Bachchan) - in films like Shaan, Do Aur Do Paanch and Namak Halal. But I never quite considered myself a part of his die-hard fanbase. Which means that I am woefully ignorant of many of his best films and songs.
But I did try to come up with as many fun, spirited, dance-y numbers featuring Shashi as I could off the top of my head - so here's Dance Like a Kapoor Part III - SHASHI KAPOOR ... now I originally thought that I'd mostly be thinking of numbers where Shashi jogs around trees and acts charming -- but there are some really good ones that allow him to showcase what he's got! And what he's got ... we just adore, don't we?
Le Jayenge Le Jayenge - Chor Machaye Shor (1974) I feel like this is such a quintessential Shashi song, and it's such a great song to dance to. I mean you can't hear it and NOT dance! And though we are mostly treated to large arm flourishes, Shashi gets to do a teeny bit of bhangra and shows that he has excellent rhythm and energy. Honestly speaking, he reminds me of Shah Rukh Khan in this, or should I say vice-versa? I mean to say, I don't think SRK is the dancer that let's say Hrithik Roshan or Shahid Kapoor are, but he is so full of energy and dedication that you just don't care. I think Shashi has that quality here.
Kehne Ki Nahin Baat - Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966) I always loved this video, because I felt like it was one time when Shashi channeled his inner Shammi. But after another re-watch, I feel like Shashi really took this one and ran! I mean, the energy, the jumping, the choreography, the TWIST! This is such a fun video, and Shashi rocks it. I'll even go so far as to say that sometimes I feel like the heroes of the 60s had it much harder than the ones of today. I mean, their choreography, though not perhaps as complicated as the hip-hop based stuff of today, really required a ton of energy! The stuff of today is pretty good, but the editing style has advanced to the stage that there's rarely a few seconds of dance before we're cutting to something else. These guys had to do set choreography and jump like crazy without breaks. I know it's difficult to really compare, but when you think of how many takes Shashi probably had to jump like that ... well, I get exhausted just thinking about it. And this video gets the Beth Loves Bollywood stamp of approval.
Yamma Yamma - Shaan (1980) Shashitabh! A Bad Guy's Lair! Tambourines and Hand Scarves! Helen! What's not to love about this song? This is one of my favorite dance songs of all-time. My eldest sister choreographed this for a large group of my mom's students back in 1981 and they made their costumes out of black garbage bags to imitate the leather vests that Shashitabh are wearing in this. I was always SO jealous. I wanted to be in this dance SO VERY BADLY (of course, I was four so it really would have been hazardous to have me underfoot). I totally wanted to re-create it in the early 90s when we finally had boyfriends that 1) could dance and 2) were uber-Amitabh fans and would have totally done it. Unfortunately we never got around to it. Oh well, I can always put my husband in a black garbage bag vest and dance around the living room.
Raat Baaki - Namak Halal (1982) This may be a weird choice because he mostly stands around and watches Parveen Babi shimmy around in it, but I really do think this is a GREAT disco song. Our band used to play it at parties and it always got people on the dance floor! And towards the end when Shashi does his verse, he does do some disco-ey grooving. He's super cute doing it.
Hey Mujhe Dil De Nahin Toh - Mr. Romeo (1974) Yes!!! Shashi can BOOGIE! The strobe lighting is a little annoying, but he is totally working it in this - it's not just jogging and arm flourishing! And while juggling multiple women no less!
O Meri Sharmilee - Sharmilee (1971) Ok so this is more of the jogging and arm flourishing variety, but it's such a fantastic song and he's so wonderfully vibrant in it, so I had to include it. I also remember a few remixes of it floating around about 6-7 years ago, so it's totally danceable.
Tum Jo Ho So Ho Lekin Khuda To Nahin - Biradari (1966) This song was on one of those old song compilations VHS tapes my mom had back in the day, and I always remembered it because 1) Shashi was SO YOUNG, 2) Shashi + Mehmood! WOW! and 3) Shashi does some rocking thumkas. But he really gets a chance to DANCE in this one, and he's quite good. Mehmood is awesome too, of course.
Humko Tumpe Pyar Aaya - Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) More of the jogging variety, but he does do some pretty cool moves dancing through the wheat fields as well. And again, such amazing energy! Affoo Khuda!
Na Na Karte Pyar - Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) I dare you to listen to this song and not shake your shoulders or hips. Seriously. It's impossible. And Shashi shows some excellent versatility in this one -- from bhangra to the twist. Love it!
Kahiye Kahan Se - Heeralal Pannalal (1978) Admittedly in this song most of the dancing is left up to the fabulous girls (Zeenat Aman and Neetu Singh), but it's still fun to see Shashi and his nephew Randhir dancing together (and dare I say, Shashi looks way younger than his nephew despite being nine years older)!
Wada Karo - Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973) Here we have 'Skate like a Kapoor' vs. 'Dance like a Kapoor' - but I had to add it because it's one of my favorite Shashi Kapoor songs and because of the fun costumes and HELLO? Roller skates!
At this point I couldn't think of any more off the top of my head, so I had to call in for reinforcements because I couldn't shake the sense that I was forgetting some ESSENTIAL Shashi songs. So of course, I hit up the Shashi-love-encyclopedia-extraordinaire, Beth Loves Bollywood. And she came through with some spectacular suggestions!
Nain Mile Kar Chain Churana - Aamne Samne (1967)
Pada Tumhare Kabhi Bijliyon Ki - Ganga Aur Suraj (1980)
Suno Suno - Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968)
Dilbar Dilbar - Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968)
LOVE IT!!! Thanks Beth!
The next installment of 'Dance like a Kapoor' is going to be extremely difficult for me because it's my favorite Kapoor and I think he has an extensive list of amazing dance songs! But I'll do my best to give the wonderful, adorable Rishi Kapoor his due justice.
Keep yourself updated on all the fun Kapoor Khazana posts by visiting Katherine of Totally Filmi's links!
Part II of my 'Dance Like a Kapoor' Playlist is dedicated to the one and only Shammi Kapoor! Born Shamsher Raj Kapoor, Shammi is the 2nd born son of Raj Kapoor. Throughout the 50s and 60s, Shammi was one of the most desirable heroes in Hindi Films. The combination of Shammi's classically handsome features, unique style, charisma and the magic of Mohammed Rafi's voice as his most consistent playback singer packed a powerful punch.
Shammi is incredibly special. You cannot help but fall in love with him -- especially when you watch him dance and smoulder (Yes, I think Shammi smoulders better than Shashi)! And his most popular songs are STILL hits -- they can still get the older generation (and a fair amount of the younger generation too - if they're cool enough to get into the retro stuff) on the dance floor!
Here are some of my favorites:
*I am going to refrain from commenting on each song because really, how many times and different ways can I say how handsome and charming he is?*
Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam - Dil Tera Deewana (1962)
An Evening In Paris - An Evening in Paris (1967)
Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe - Junglee (1961)
Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Mein Charche - Brahmachari (1968)
Govinda Aala Re - Bluff Master (1963)
Sar Par Topi - Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)
Baar Baar Dekho - Chinatown (1962)
Suku Suku - Junglee (1961)
And a little bonus feature - for anyone who grew up with Hindi Films in the 80s - there's a huge gap obviously between the songs above and this one, but of all the songs Shammi was featured in after he began taking 'elder' and 'supporting' roles (going into his phase of being one of my two favorite 'cuddly uncles' - the other being the fabulous Amjad Khan), this one sticks out the most in my memory! There's a lot of subtext going on in this song, but I'll let you figure it out on your own! Enjoy this fun song featuring Shammi and Padmini Kohlapuri.
Saat Saheliya - Vidhaata (1982)
Next up in my 'Dance Like a Kapoor' series ... Shashi Kapoor or 'The Shash' as I like to refer to him! Also in the line-up, an onslaught of Rishi Kapoor pyar!
To keep up with all the exciting posts from fun and talented bloggers from all over the world participating in KAPOOR KHAZANA, be sure and visit Kay of Totally Filmi's Kapoor Khazana Links!
It's JUNE and that means it's time to celebrate KAPOOR KHAZANA! The wonderful and gracious Katherine of Totally Filmi has organized a month-long celebration of the illustrious Kapoor Clan - the Hindi Film Fraternity's Royal Family, if you will. If by chance you aren't familiar with the Kapoors, then I'd definitely recommend checking out what Wikipedia has to say -- *NOTE, their post includes a Family Tree! Fabulous!
Now because I'm a dancer and think foremost about dance before anything else - I decided to start my celebration with a playlist of dance songs! However my list became so unmanageable for one post that I decided to split it off into a series of posts, beginning with the earlier generations and ending with Kareena and Ranbir.
Sadly, I am not too familiar with the works of our grand patriarch, Prithviraj Kapoor. Besides the grand-scale Mughal-E-Azam, I don't know that I've seen any of his film work (which I really must rectify). And in thinking of Mughal-E-Azam songs, I had to conclude that none really featured him enough to be considered as part of this list (though I do love watching him look all apoplectic in "Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya").
So I will begin my 'Dance Like a Kapoor' playlist with the fun and frolicking songs of Raj and Randhir Kapoor! Since their films rarely featured them dancing, nor were they the dancing sensations that Shammi and Rishi were, I have put this father-son team together in my list-making frenzy. I'm sure I have missed plenty of wonderful songs, so please do share ones that I have forgotten or may not be aware of!
Here we go! (in random order)
Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya - Shree 420 (1955) Ok, admittedly Raj Kapoor doesn't dance in this - the dancing is mostly by the fabulous Sheila Vaz (also featured in the song "Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar" from CID). But this song is just so joyous and fun. There's been much speculation about the lyrics (the 1st line is apparently a Telugu folk song). I was particularly tickled by some online commenter's suggestion that the 2nd line ("Maine dil tujhko diya") also fits with the Telugu theme in that it discusses heart transplants and everyone knows that all Telugu people become cardiologists. Hahaha!
Nineteen Fifty Six - Anari (1959) Before there was "Disco '84" and "Disco '82", there was "Nineteen Fifty-Six"! And seriously, if ANYONE can get Raj Kapoor to dance, it's gotta be HELEN!
Laga Chunari Mein Daag - Dil Hi To Hai (1963) Again, not an active participant in the dancing, but Raj Kapoor certainly creates quite the character in this song! The dancer is apparently a featured performer from Telugu movies of the time, Padmini Priyadarshini. But definitely a CLASSIC song, particularly for dancers that enjoy classically-based filmi music (HOLLA!)
Budda Mil Gaya - Sangam (1964) Again the trend of being an observer rather than active participant in the dancing, but still I love this song! It's so fun! It has costume changes! Vyjayanthimala dancing about and being silly! Raj Kapoor making his cute, irritated faces! And when my sisters and I had a band back in the day, ladies used to always request this song to dedicate to their husbands on their birthdays (meanies). And then they used to dance to it. Yep, rocking out on the dance floor to "Budda Mil Gaya". It was awesome.
Daag Na Lag Jaye - Mera Naam Joker (1970) I MUCH prefer Raj Kapoor when he's having fun to him angsting. He just looks like he's having a blast in this qawaali with Padmini. And man, do these Kapoors know how to qawaali! Obvs, I love Rishi Kapoor's qawaalis the most, but it's clear where he gets his passion from.
Jaane Jaan Dhoondtha Phir Raha - Jawani Diwani (1972) Finding dance songs for Randhir Kapoor is just as difficult as finding them for his dear old dad. And granted, this song isn't exactly a dance-dance song. But it IS one of Randhir's best songs, if not THE best song. And personally, I'D dance to this song. I loooove the smooth 70s beat and the addictive tune. I feel like wearing a sari and a bouffant hairdo and shimmying about. And there ARE some pretty good remixes of this song floating around out there. R.D. Burman music seriously rocks my world. Side note: that doll that Jaya Bhaduri is carrying scares me.
Koi Mane Ya Na Mane - Chacha Bhatija (1977) Okay, it's VERY rare that Dharmendra doesn't outshine whoever he's on-screen with. But I really think that Randhir holds his own in this one. His expressions are fantastic! And for what it's worth, Dharam actually makes him look like a pretty good dancer (we all love Dharam but really, he's not a dancer. He's so adorable we don't care, but still). I never realized how much Randhir and Rishi Kapoor resemble each other! I never thought there WAS a resemblance, but wow, do I see it now!
Aap Yahan Aaye Kis Liye - Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971) This is a movie I HAVE TO SEE. I can't believe I haven't seen this. Come on, it stars three generations of Kapoors - Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor. It also stars Babita, Randhir's ex-wife and mother of Karishma and Kareena Kapoor. This song was also featured in the extremely long medley in the movie Mujhse Dosti Karoge (which starred Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee and Hrithik Roshan). The song also features the famous 'RK black umbrella' which Kay from Totally Filmi recently blogged about.
Mukh Pe Jo Chidka Paani - Dharam Karam (1975) Finally some real dancing! Go Randhir Go! But I am very confused as to why his elders (including real-life Daddy Raj Kapoor) are looking on this display so indulgently ... it really sort of borders on overtly racy. Particularly with all the attempts to pull of Rekha's clothing.
Waqt Se Pehle - Biwi O Biwi (1981) I can't think of a stranger pairing than Randhir Kapoor and Poonam Dhillon, but there it is. Something about the picturization of this song brings to mind the oddness of "Sochenge Tumhe Pyar" from Deewana. There's also some nice chandeliers that Shweta from Apni East India Company would appreciate.
Dhola Dhola - Kachcha Chor (1977) Randhir is only an audience member in this one, but I HAD to include a dance-off between Rekha and Helen! I mean, come ON! And aren't the colors of those outfits so reminiscent of another song from that same year?
Bachke Rehna Re Baba - Pukar (1983) I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song! It is so fun, so peppy, and just so dancey! Both Zeenat and Tina Munim look so fresh and pretty, and Randhir seems to be having a blast out there.
Stay tuned for the next set of Kapoor dance songs - SHAMMI KAPOOR!
Since I was walking around singing "My Name is Sheila" from Tees Maar Khan all week, I started thinking about songs that reference names and all of a sudden a list started developing in my mind (because I am insane and these are the things I think about). And so of course as the list in my head grew and grew, I realized a blog post was a-brewing.
So here's my list of Hindi movie songs that either state "My Name is ..." or "Naam Mera ..." or "Mera Naam ..." or the like:
1. My Name is Sheila - Tees Maar Khan (2010) My obvious starting off point. This started my entire thought process because I was wondering why this girl can't freaking remember her own name. Katrina Kaif is not my favorite working actress, and this video is an example of why. She just is so ... awkward and lifeless. Not a natural dancer at all, and I can practically see her counting in her head. And her expression always drops in transitions. Still, she obviously worked really hard, so I'll give her credit for that. I hate the English parts of this song, but the rest is so damn catchy.
2. Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo - Howrah Bridge (1958) One of my favorites! Helen is so fabulous, and the song is so super fun. We have a picture of my mom performing this onstage in 1950s Bombay -- before stage performances of Bollywood dances were a popular thing. Also when my sisters and I had a band in the early 90s, this was always one of our biggest hits on the dance floor! (I love the sudden, magical costume changes in the 2nd verse! And isn't Ashok Kumar so devastatingly handsome and brooding?)
3. Naam hai mera Fonseca - Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) Augghh! I used to HATE this song from JJWS - especially cause I thought Pooja Bedi was so annoying (and tranny looking, honestly)! But then her "Sorry old dear" verse used to get stuck in my head too. Deepak Tijori is awesome though. I'm bummed that I didn't go to a college like Model that had these kinds of competitions. The CLOTHES are reason enough to watch this video (which I couldn't find on YouTube, but here it is in some language I don't recognize!).
4. My Name is Anthony Gonsalves - Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) All I have to say is "The coefficient of the linear ... is juxtapositioned ... by the hemoglobin in the atmospheric pressure of the country!!!!"
5. Naam Kya Hai Pyar Ka Mara - Yeh Dillagi (1994) I was obsessed with this mid-90s Bollywoodized version of Sabrina starring Kajol and the very mullety pair of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. I could still watch this movie a million times. And it's one of the few movies where I could actually tolerate Akki. But anyway, Kajol's frilly sleeves and poofy skirt are wonderful. This was back when Saif was seriously a TERRIBLE actor too. He has crazy improved!
6. My Name is Lakhan - Ram Lakhan (1989) What can I say about this song? It's so much more than a song. It's an ANTHEM. Songs like this make me want to be a guy so I can THROW DOWN and do this kind of robust, joyful dancing without trying to be pretty and graceful. Anil Kapoor is ADORABLE as Lakhan, and check out the super young Madhuri too!
7. Mera Naam Hai Jamila - Night in London (1967) This is one of my more recent discoveries. Helen is fabulous, as always, doing her cabaret thing. Biswajeet and Johnny Walker sure seem to appreciate Jamila! I'm trying to figure out if her shirtless backup dancers are in blackbrownface or not. Anyway, Jamila is everything Sheila WISHES she could be. Helen is so expressive!
8. Naam Mera Premkali - Chaalbaaz (1989) I always kind of hated this song although I loved the movie. Sridevi is practically dressed as Michael Jackson. I mean really, they went a little crazy on the Soul Glo here. And then she turns into Linda Ronstadt or something. I don't even think they were trying to make the picturization suit the song. Because nothing suits the disco-light-up-dance-floor like a giant tulle ballet skirt! Still with all the craziness, Sri is so uber-cute! And she always works it, no matter what they throw at her!
9. Naam Mera Mango Dolly - Quick Gun Murugan (2009) I have no idea what is going on here, but clearly I need to see this mess. And Rambha honey? Blonde is not your color.
10. I am Krishnan Iyer MA - Agneepath (1990) I still can't believe they are going to try and remake this movie. What the heck. Can you remake awesomeness like this??? It's not possible! Mithun is too amazing, and I love Neelam! Also, this is what people used to sing to me when I told them I was South Indian. I also miss SPB's voice.
11. Main Hoon Jhumroo - Jhumroo (1961) I love this song soooo much. We used to perform it with our band and there was a guy who sang EXACTLY like Kishore Kumar. It was uncanny. And he was a great yodeler too.
12. Main Hoon Khushrang Henna - Henna (1991) Such a lovely song sung by Lata. I haven't seen this movie since 1991, because it was so sad and traumatic for me at 14 years old, but this song has always stuck in my head, along with many others from this soundtrack. Gorgeous. Whatever happened to Zeba Bhaktiar and Ashwini Bhave anyway?
13. Ya Ali Ya Ali Mera Naam Hai Ali - Ajooba (1991) Oh, Shashi Kapoor's directorial venture ... poor dear. But I liked the Rishitabh bromance in this movie!
14. Naam Abdul Hai Mera - Shaan (1980) I love this song. Mazhar Khan is just so joyful rolling around town with his back projection. And the subtitles on our VHS copy of Shaan was awesome: "My name is Abdul What? Oh, my name is Abdul, I keep news on everything!"
15. Mera Naam Hai Chameli - Raja aur Runk (1968) This adorable number by Kumkum is definitely memorable, but always reminds me of the medley from Mr. India ("Mera Naam Hai Calendar ...")
16. Romeo Naam Mera - Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1993) Ah another expensive flop! It had some great moments that are totally not PC in retrospect ("Chini Mini Ching Chong") but that we loved at the time. This song was Anil Kapoor's chance to show off. Sridevi also had a solo item "Mein Hoon Roop Ki Rani" ...
So I'm going to stop here because that's all I could think of off of the top of my head! And these endless song lists have got to be annoying. I just LIVE for making song lists. Seriously. It's a weird obsession to have, I know. But really, my themed mix tapes were famous.
Did I miss any fabulous iconic ones? Or just one of your favorites? Let me know!!!
It's time for another list! Because I've had qawwalis on the brain lately (or perhaps it was Rishi Kapoor who RE-stole my heart in Do Dooni Chaar?), I decided to immortalize my favorite Filmi Qawwalis on the blog!
Now first to define a Qawwali ... my quick take on it would be a traditional song performance traced back to Islamic and Sufi poets and artists. Originally devotional in nature and thought to have elements of Persian and Turkish music, the qawwali is thought to be a link to the divine through song. Some more detailed descriptions of the qawwali are available on Wikipedia and Chandrakantha's websites.
The Qawwali has been brought to the international scene due to the popularity of artists such as the late, great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and the Sabri Brothers, as well as it's prominence in Bollywood films!
The scene is a familiar one: An elaborate stage set with elegant curtains and several platforms, a variety of musical instruments including (but not limited to) a sarangi, harmonium and dholak/tabla, a chorus of background singers clapping dramatically in rhythm, and a dynamic main singer who opens the entire presentation with a beautiful vocal alaap (melody).
This scenario was very popular in early decades of Hindi cinema, but not so prevalent anymore (sadly). There are a few exceptions, but I for one would LOVE to see a resurgence of qawwali items in Bollywood! I miss them!
I'll go out on a limb and say that the obvious KING of the Filmi Qawwali is none other than my darling heartthrob Rishi Kapoor. His qawwalis were immensely popular in the late 70s and early 80s. He exuded so much charisma and passion when performing them that I highly doubt I was the only one besotted with him! For me, Filmi Qawwalis and Rishi Kapoor go hand-in-hand.
But there are plenty more fabulous numbers besides Rishi's - so I thought I'd share my personal favorites. Obviously I think there are PLENTY more than what I've got here ... I've missed many of the qawwalis from the 60s and 70s, and certainly from earlier decades, but I threw this list together from what I could remember and most of my favorites are from the era I was growing up - the 80s and 90s.
So here's my list of favorite Filmi Qawwali songs - what's your favorite?
Filmi Qawwali Playlist includes the following songs:
Parda Hai Parda - Amar Akbar Anthony (1979)
Hum Kisise Kam Nahin - Hum Kisise Kam Nahin (1977)
Pari Ho Aasmani Tum - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981)
Aadhi Raat Ko - Parampara (1992)
Tumse Milke Dil Ka Hai - Main Hoon Na (2004)
Nahin Hona Tha - Pardes (1997)
Aaja Aaja Tu Aaja Aanewale - Rajkumar (1996)
Der Na Ho Jaye - Henna (1991)
Koi Jane Koi Na Jane - Aur Pyar Ho Gaya (1997)
Teri Jawani Badi Mast Mast Hai - Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1997)
Ae Mere Zohar Zabhi - Waqt (1965)
Aaya Tere Dar Par - Veer Zaara (2004)
Dulhe Ka Sehra - Dhadkan (2000)
Yaari Hai Imaan Mera - Zanjeer (1973)
Dekh Lo Ishq Ka - Charandas (1977)
Pal Do Pal Ka Saath - Burning Train (1980)
Jeena To Hai Isika - Adhikar (1971)
Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat - Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
Mehenge Mar Gayi - Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom Sharabi - 5 Rifles (1974)
Tum Nahin Ya Hum Nahin - Karmayogi (1978)
Eid Ka Din Hai - Deedar-E-Yaar (1982)
Tumhe Husn Dekhe - Jab Se Tumhe Dekha (1963)
Haal Kya Hai Dillon Ko Na Poocho - Anohki Ada (1973)
Wallah Re Wallah - Tees Maar Khan (2010)
EDITED TO ADD: I discovered after I posted this whole thing that MemsaabStory has a wonderful, comprehensive post on her 10 favorite qawwalis that is far superior to mine - so I had to provide a link! Check it out!
What better way to kick off Neetu Singh-Along than with one of my favorite films of hers, Do Kaliyan (supposedly 1968, but I am skeptical). It is really difficult for me to imagine that this film was only a few years before she danced with so much teenage abandon in "Lekar Hum Deewana Dil" in Yaadon Ki Baraat. She is truly a child-star in this movie - they even billed her as 'Wonder Child' Baby Sonia.
Do Kaliyan is a Bollywoodized version of The Parent Trap, yet another one of my favorite movies! I have watched the Hayley Mills version countless times (and I scoff at the Lindsay Lohan one), and I absolutely adore it, but Do Kaliyan truly takes the story and mixes in some turmeric, ginger and garam masala. We have to have romance of course, so the story goes all the way back to the parents in their college days.
They have the traditional Bollywood boy-meets-girl-at-college-and-they-hate-each-other-but-then-in-a-prank-gone-wrong-they-fall-in-love episode which results in the one well-known song from this movie - "Tumhare Nazar":
But of course, Girl aka Kiran (Mala Sinha) is the rich daughter of a wealthy family run by her drill sargeant mother, Kamala, and Boy aka Shekhar (Biswajeet) is a happy-go-lucky regular guy. When Kiran's mother "interviews" i.e. GRILLS him for permission to marry her daughter, he gives proud and firm answers and ends up impressing her. She agrees to the marriage and makes Shekhar manager of her bus company, Kamala Transports. Still Kamala controls every aspect of their lives, from arranging their honeymoon to naming their twin daughters, Ganga and Jamuna. Even her own husband, Kiran's father, is ineffectual and simply lives according to her rules.
Soon after, Shekhar's friends (including the fabulous Mehmood as Shekhar's best friend Mahesh) are insulted at a Kamala Transports function, and for Shekhar, it is all too much. He tells Kiran that it is time for them to leave, and that he cannot bear being controlled by her mother any more. Kamala insists that Kiran is her daughter first and will not go with Shekhar. She throws Kiran into a small room and shuts the door, not realizing that she shoved her in with so much force that Kiran banged her head against a chair and is knocked out cold! Shekhar calls through the door that he is leaving and if she wishes to come with him to say so immediately. She of course, cannot answer, which he takes as her decision to stay with her mother. He grabs one of the twins, saying that at least one of his daughters will stay with him. Kamala wants to call the police, but for once she listens to her husband, who insists that Shekhar will return with Baby Ganga once he calms down.
Shekhar leaves for Singapore though, and through a generous benefactor and friend of his grandfather's, finds a lucrative job there. Ganga grows up (to be Neetu) under his loving care in Singapore, until the benefactor decides to retire to Africa and sends Shekhar back to India, gifting his own home in Bangalore to Ganga and entrusting the entire business to Shekhar. Back in Bangalore, Kiran cries every day over the picture of Shekhar and weeps for her missing daughter. This is a VAST change from the bold and spoiled young girl she was when she met Shekhar. Jamuna (also Neetu) has been raised to be every bit as bossy and arrogant as her grandmother, but clearly has picked up her father's temper!
The two girls meet at school, where Ganga is admired by all the students for her sweet and friendly personality. Jamuna is jealous of Ganga and attacks her for looking exactly like her. Neetu's acting in these scenes are INCREDIBLE. Ganga is clever and cheeky, and Jamuna is snobby and bratty. The two personalities are incredibly distinct! Ganga sings the adorable "Bacche Man Ke Sacche" in this scene, and her expressions, as well as Jamuna's (who is making faces at her the whole time) are tremendous!
In Ganga's household, there's a new cast of characters that bring some wonderfully funny moments. Shekhar's BFF Mahesh has joined the household as chef and manager.
Shekhar also hires a dance teacher (Menaka, played by dancing starlet Gitanjali of Parasmani fame) to work with Ganga, and invites her and her mother (Madhumati, played by Manorama, not to be confused with the AMAZING Tamil actress Manorama) to live-in with them. Madhumati has a plan ... to snag wealthy, handsome Shekhar for her daughter (the plan may or may not involve getting Shekhar drunk, singing/dancing the fabulous "Sajna O Sajna", and pretending that he has stole her izzat)! Mahesh is automatically suspicious of Menaka and Madhumati, and there are some wonderfully funny scenes between Mehmood and Manorama.
Gitanjali as Menaka, the Dance Teacher/Shekhar's household eye candy. Seated is lil' Neetu and Manorama as Menaka's scheming mother Madhumati aka Madhu-makhee!
Instead of the camp scenario from Parent Trap, the girls go on a school picnic, which is a overnight trip. They get into an actual physical fight, and are locked inside a "cabin" together until they learn to get along. These are some of the best scenes in the movie, where Neetu completely shines as Ganga and Jamuna arguing and making faces at each other. Then their friends have a group campfire sing-along (Singh-Along?) of Ganga's song "Bacche Man Ke Sacche" and the words starts to sink in for Ganga and Jamuna. They feel a bit sheepish about how they've been treating each other.
Finally the girls bond when Ganga saves Jamuna from a centipede (which honestly does look pretty frightening). Eventually Jamuna pulls out a picture of her parents, and they figure out that they are twin sisters (because looking IDENTICAL didn't give it away). Like the Parent Trap, they decide to switch identities so that they can spend time with the opposite parent.
From here is a joyous, melodramatic ride that takes you far beyond Sharon & Susan's efforts in Parent Trap. Jamuna and Mahesh (who has figured out that she is not Ganga) work to keep Shekhar from marrying Menaka, and Ganga deals with her manic-depressive mother and Hitler-esque Naani (Nana is just comic relief throughout). Will the girls successfully bring Shekhar and Kiran back together? Can Kiran finally break away from her mother's controlling ways?
We all know the answers to these questions, but it's still fun to watch it all play out. Neetu is an utter delight in this movie - she's fresh, bright, expressive and genuine throughout. Mala Sinha is definitely annoyingly weak and pathetic in most of this movie,
but she was fiery and lovely in the beginning of the movie as spoiled college-student Kiran! I can CLEARLY see that this age's style of acting (overdramatic eyes and pouty lips, excessive turns to the camera, wrinkling the nose in a cutesy way, etc.) has influenced Karishma and Kareena Kapoor - they TOTALLY act with this style.
Biswajeet is handsome and firm as Shekhar and Mehmood is of course a laugh a minute, but also shows some genuine warmth. Nigar Sultana is incredibly tough and crusty as the formidable Naani and head of Kamala Exports. Om Prakash adds lighthearted moments throughout as the bumbling but kind Nana. Gitanjali and Manorama are wonderful as the "villains" of the tale ... Manorama is deliciously funny and Gitanjali sizzles on-screen (and reminds me of a young Glynis Johns). But above all, Neetu is the star of this movie ... times two!
It's a great avatar of the classic Parent Trap tale and a wonderful movie to watch with kids. They will be entranced by Neetu! But you might have to send them out of the room when Geetanjali does the sultry "Sajna" number ... it's a little PG-13.
Hey! So today is my 33rd birthday, and I am super excited to be another year older and wiser. I absolutely refuse to be one of those chicks who thinks my life is over at 40, I'm really enjoying my 30s and wouldn't go back to my 20s for ANYTHING. Life is so much more secure, stable, comfortable, confident and just plain HAPPY in my 30s.
Anyway, realizing that it was my birthday once again led me to think of how my sisters and I, back in our days of being in a band together, always had a song handy in case it was someone in the audience's birthday. The obvious choice was this one:
BAAR BAAR DIN from Farz (1967)
But sometimes we'd choose more off-beat ones, like O MAMMA DEAR MAMMA from Saajan Bina Suhagan (1978) (check out the baby Padmini Kohlapuri in it!), or one of our personal favorites:
HUM BHI AGAR BACCHHE HOTE from Door Ki Awaaz (1964)
Occasionally we'd get a request for O NANHE SE FARISHTE from Ek Phool Do Mali (1969):
or AAYE HAI BAHAAREN from Ram Aur Shyam (1967)
Another standby of ours was:
AATI RAHENGE BAHAREN from Kasme Vaade (1978)
Great stuff.
I only wish my birthdays could be as cool as these:
AAO JHOOME from Ek Ladka Ek Ladki (1992)
MACHALJANE KA DIN HAI from One Two Ka Four (2001)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU MR. PEDRO from Prem Deewane (1992)
MERE RANG MEIN from Maine Pyar Kiya (1990)
GAA RE MANN from Baabul (2006)
BIRTHDAY PARTY (tamil song) from Maya Bazaar (1995)
Nalam Vazhvu Ennalum (tamil song) from Marupadiyum (1993)
I remember on my 15th birthday, my sisters and I got into a fight with our friends over whether you're supposed to sing "Happy Birthday" BEFORE blowing out the candles/cutting the cake or after. We were pretty sure it was before, which is clearly the American way. In Bollywood, it appears you sing AFTER the candles are blown out/cake is cut. What do you think, my friends? We finally decided the the Bollywood way was what we would refer to as "Heppy Bird-day" (said in the accent). Those friends were definite HFS (Hindi Film Star) wannabes anyway.
Sooo this year, my sweet husband tried to book me a spa day, but I refused ... too expensive and unnecessary. I'll have the babysitter for a couple of hours tomorrow and will do the requisite mani-pedi or hair appointment if I have time after working out. We'll do dinner after he gets back from work ... but I hope he doesn't have to work late, or else I'll be singing this:
I guess I'll be happy as long as my birthday doesn't turn out like this:
Or the most memorable birthday scene in Hindi Cinema for ME ... the scene in Darr where Shah Rukh Khan shows up at Juhi Chawla's birthday!
TERRIFYING.
Anyway, if someday I do get around to throwing myself a big soiree for my birthday I hope it's as awesome as this party:
Thanks as always for checking out the blog, and hope that if you have links to any great birthday songs/scenes from Hindi or Tamil movies that I've missed, you will definitely let me know.
So I think there is a plethora of Rain Song Lists online, between blogs, articles and fan videos on YouTube, but after Filmfare's recent Rain Songs article and Dhoonya Dance's Facebook call for Favorite Rain Songs, I figured I might as well immortalize my favorites too, for posterity ... my favorite rain songs are ALL OVER THE PLACE in era & type (sexy vs. romantic vs. fun/dance-y). The title of this post refers to my favorite Bollywood rain song - "Parbhat Se Kaali Ghata Takrayee" from Chandni.
I'm not going to add commentary, there's plenty of commentary out there already on rain songs and the highlights/ridiculousness of them, plus the themes and repeat offenders of the rain songs are made obvious by skimming the list. I just wanted to list some of my favorites or ones that have remained in my head over the years ...
Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua (Shree 420) - 1955
Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi (Chori Chori) - 1956
Ik Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si (Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi) - 1958
O Sajna Bharka Bahar (Parakh) - 1960
Dum Dum Diga Diga (Chhalia) - 1960
Rhimjhim Ke Tarane (Kala Bazaar) - 1960
Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam (Dil Tera Deewana) - 1962
Jaane Chaman (Gumnaam) - 1965
Chup Gaye Sare (Do Raaste) - 1969
Rama Rama (Naya Zamana) - 1971
Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho (Hanste Zakhm) - 1973
Gore Rang Pe Na Itna (Roti) - 1974
Hai Hai Yeh Majboori (Roti Kapada Aur Makaan) - 1974
Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein (Ajnabi) - 1974
Prem Kahani (Prem Kahani) - 1975
Pyar Ke Din Aaye Kali Badal (Mahachor) - 1976
Rim Jhim Gire Saawan (Manzil) - 1979
Aaj Rapat Jaye (Namak Halal) - 1982
Mujhe Kya Hua (Justice Chaudhary) - 1983
Sajna O Sajna (Paisa Yeh Paisa) - 1985
Jhan Jhananan (Nazrana) - 1987
Kaaten Nahin Katthe (Mr. India) - 1987
Parbhat Se Kali, Lagi Aaj Sawan, Aa Meri Jaan (Chandni) - 1989
Dhak Dhak (Gharana) - 1989
Na Jane Kahan Se (Chaalbaaz) - 1989
I Love You Pyar Karoon Choon (Mahasangram) - 1990
Tip Tip Tip Tip Barish (Afsana Pyar Ka) - 1991
Megha Re Megha (Lamhe) - 1991
Dekha Teri Mast Nigahon (Khiladi) - 1992
Teri Isi Ada Pe Sanam (Deewana) - 1992
Obsession theme music (Darr) - 1993
Sun Sun Barsaat Ki Dhum (Sir) - 1993
Rhimjhim Rhimjhim (1942: A Love Story) - 1993
Jaanewale Zara Ruk Jaa (Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja) - 1993
Saajan Re Saajan (Dulaara) - 1994
Tip Tip Barsa Pani (Mohra) - 1994
Dekho Zara Dekho (Yeh Dillagi) - 1994
Mere Khwabon Mein (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge) - 1995
Na Na Na Mere Jaan-e-Jaana (Bandish) - 1996
Chak Dum (Dil To Pagal Hai) - 1997
Chori Chori Jab Nazrein Mili (Kareeb) - 1998
Tujhe Yaad Na Meri Aaye (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai) - 1998
Aankhon Se Tune (Ghulam) - 1998
Jo Haal Dil Ka (Sarfarosh) - 1999
Boondon Se Baaten (Thakshak) - 1999
Sawan Barse (Dahek) - 1999
Taal Se Taal (Taal) - 1999
Ghanan Ghanan (Lagaan) - 2001
Ishq Kamina (Shakti: The Power) - 2002
Idhar Chala Mein Udhar Chala (Koi Mil Gaya) - 2003
Bhaage Re Mann (Chameli) - 2003
Daiyya Daiyya (Dil Ka Rishta) - 2003
Dheere Dheere (Kyun Ho Gaya Na) - 2004
Hum Tum (Hum Tum) - 2004
Laga Prem Rog (Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya) - 2005
Barsaat Ke Din (Barsaat) - 2005
Woh Lamhe (Zeher) - 2005 I actually like the remix better, but for the purposes of this video:
Zoobi Doobi (3 Idiots) - 2009 I don't actually love this song, but figured I should add it since so many others love it. It's cute and all, but it's just not one of my favorite songs. It is however, a recent example of a rain song!
Kodu Potta (Raavanan) - 2010 *I tried to do a Raavan song, but couldn't resist some VIKRAM, especially when he's in the rain, so I had to do a song from the tamil version*
**Also, just had to do a shout-out to my favorite Tamil rain song of all time, from the movie Karuthamma - 1994 (esp. the part where the guy belly-flops into the water at 1:39)** - I think tamil rain songs will have to be immortalized sometime soon too - :
Clearly there's many more that I've probably missed, but these are the ones that I can think of/remember from my own memory. Based on this I'll have to crown Rajesh Khanna and Sridevi the King and Queen of Rain Songs.
Thanks for letting me share them with you and please feel free to tell me about your favorites! I feel like I'm missing a huge chunk from the 80s and I know there were TONS!
