Kapoor Khazana: Dance Like a Kapoor Playlist! *RISHI KAPOOR* ♥♥♥

Finally I get around to not only my favorite Kapoor, but my all-time favorite Hindi Movie star - Rishi Kapoor, aka Chintu! I have loved Rishi since I was a tiny little girl ... I just didn't realize it until much later in life. He was probably my first ever crush.

And really, when you see his films from the early 80s, who can blame me? He was ADORABLE - from the curly top to the 1,000-watt smile and the oodles of energy. Rishi is unique in his career arc - he was a leading man for at least two solid decades before seamlessly transitioning into mature supporting/character roles (a fancy way of saying "Uncle" roles).

But this is supposed to be about his dancing - which I am a huge fan of! I absolutely LOVE Rishi's dancing - a lot of which is jumping, bouncing and jogging! He has such style and always looks 100% thrilled when doing it. He's often featured as a stage performer, doing elaborate items with a multitude of instruments. There are so many great, fun, bouncy Rishi songs to dance to -- so here's my 'Dance like a Kapoor' playlist for Rishi Kapoor:

Jhoot Bole Kauwa Kaate - Bobby (1973)
He's SUCH a teeny tiny baby in this, as is Dimple. Just adorable, playful and innocent.


Dil Dena Bhuri Bala Hai - Rafoo Chakkar (1975)
How can one argue w/ Chintu in drag? Especially when accompanied by his beautiful wife, Neetu!


Hamne Tumko Dekha - Khel Khel Mein (1975)
One of my favorite avatars, Rishi the stage performer. Wielding his fab guitar and charming the bellbottomed pants off of all the ladies - and the heart of one special Miss Singh!


Bachna Ae Haseeno - Hum Kisise Kam Nahin (1977)
One of my favorite movies! And really, how can one NOT love Rishi in an all-white, sparkly sequins pants suit with a matching cap and a large plastic heart necklace? This time he swaps out his guitar for a trumpet.


Tayyab Ali Pyar Ka Dushman - Amar Akbar Anthony (1979)
This movie is a favorite on almost everyone's list, and of course we all love Rishi & Neetu together! His energy here is infectious!


Daffliwale Daffli Bajaa - Sargam (1979)
One of the MOST famous Hindi songs ever, and the one that launched Jaya Prada to stardom in Hindi films (apparently sans her eyebrows). But would she have anything to dance to without Rishi skillfully playing that daffli? The boy's got rhythm. Speaking of, I miss dafflis. We need more in Hindi song picturizations.


Om Shanti Om - Karz (1980)
Oh Rishi - so adorably sparkly. So discofabulous. Hopping, skipping and jogging along on the spinning record ... no one else could have made this song the iconic song that it is!


Rang Jamake - Naseeb (1981)
Rishi does Charlie Chaplin ... perhaps in a tribute to Raj Kapoor? I also love Shatrughan Sinha's dancing in this ... hee hee.


Pucho Na Yaar Kya Hua - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981)
This is one of my favorite movies of all time, and a lot of that love is specifically because I thought Rishi was so adorable in this. And this song captures so much of what I love about 80s Bollywood ... sparkly decorations, light-up dance floors, and disco! This entire movie's soundtrack is fabulous! Those disco-dancing kids are pretty fab too.


Dil Lena Khel Hai - Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981)
Had to add another one from this movie because I love StagePerformer!Rishi so much and this movie had an abundance of light up dance floors - which I can't resist. Also because he really dances his heart out in this one.



Ishq Mera Bandagi Hai - Yeh Vaada Raha (1982)
Another movie in which I was in love with Rishi. And I actually got to do a dance to this song with a local dance prodigy and my sister when I was 7 years old ... I played the Tina Munim role. And again, it features StagePerformer!Rishi and he's so into it ... I just love it. Another amazing soundtrack (R.D. Burman FTW!). And another sparkly jacket. Kapoor Bonus: Shammi Kapoor played the kind doctor who escorts Tina Munim to Rishi's performance!


Kaho Kaise Rasta Bhool Pade - Bade Dil Wala (1983)
I LOVE this song, this soundtrack and this Rishi! He's so joyous - just totally enjoying being out there dancing with Aruna Irani. I particularly like the bit at about 2:03 when he's holding her foot and running around in a circle. He just looks so happy! I also like when they do the Filipino Tinikling dance and then sit up on the poles and make everyone else carry them around.


Aaya Sanam Aaya Deewana Tera - Bade Dil Wala (1983)
Pshaw. Like gun shots could stop a sparkly-shirted Rishi from performing for a crowd! More amazing disco sets too!


Lambuji Lambuji - Coolie (1983)
It's costumes galore in this fun Rishitabh song! I love Rishi dressed as the brahmin priest up on stilts. And for some reason, Rishi has never reminded me of his dear old Dad MORE than in this song.


Parbhat Se Kaali Ghata Takraayi - Chandni (1989)
Rishi was quickly descending into "Sweater Uncle" phase, but I still found him loveable and charming as Rohit in Chandni. And though we all know that this song belongs to the ravishing Sridevi, Rishi still gave his best moves to make it amazing.


Main Matti Ka Gudda - Ajooba (1991)
Well into his "Sweater Uncle" phase now, it was definitely bothersome to see Rishi play opposite the teenaged Sonam in Ajooba. Still, he has this sweetness and innocence to him that made this song fun.


Desh Badalte Hai - Banjaran (1991)
A movie that had a similar feel to Nagina, but with a Banjaran theme. Sridevi rules here, again, but Rishi comes in towards the end and shows that he's still got it, despite being at the end of his days as a hero.


Payaliya - Deewana (1992)
Again, well past hero phase but still giving even the most ridiculous choreography his all. I love Rishi, and I love this song! I had to choose it over the StagePerformer!Rishi song from this movie, "Sochenge Tumhe Pyar" (which I highly recommend watching for the multitude of props wielded by the background dancers).



Jaipur Se Nikli Gadi - Gurudev (1993)
Oh poor Rishi. Did they HAVE to put him in those shorts? And despite the ridiculous get-up, he's still rocking it out and seems to be genuinely having fun with Sridevi. Great, peppy song though.


Dil Dene Ki Ruth Aayi - Prem Granth (1996)
A Rishi-Madhuri pairing was definitely a bad idea, but this song is beautiful and I STILL find him charming, even this deep into his "sweater uncle" phase. There's a certain style to his little head tosses that I really love!


Dil Se Judi - Kaun Sacha Kaun Jhoota (1997)
The last film that had Rishi-Sridevi paired together! And this song is a terrible rip-off of an amazing Gipsy Kings song, but still ... he IS dancing and giving joy and fun to the stupid choreography. And Sridevi is stunning as always.


Baaja Bajeya - Do Dooni Chaar (2010)
Full out into his booming career as a character actor/father/uncle, and he won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for this film. I can't think of a more deserving person. He knocked it out of the park with this one ... just so beautifully acted, such nuances, such sweetness. I absolutely LOVE the moment where he heads out onto the dance floor with real-life wife Neetu Singh and starts doing the stereotypical "Uncle Dance" ... just love love love. 


This only scratches the surface of Rishi fabulousness and Kapoor Khazana is quickly coming to an end. But I definitely wanted to share these as some of my favorite Rishi Dance songs.

Many more great film reviews and analysis posts for Kapoor Khazana are available here. Check it out!

Strength in Dance

I have been dancing for a long time. Over a decade. I love it, but I am so use to it that I needed a change. Okay I am working on floor work with my instructor, take classes else wear including workshops which are definitely keeping me educated and informed, but once my body gets use to things I just stay at a plateau. I need more of a challenge and something that will fit into my schedule. I am not really a workout kind of girl, rather than hiking and taking my son on walks in a BOB stroller up hills of course. 

I originally went to this fitness studio because they had Zumba (I have 40 lbs. to go with my weight loss and I know some local dancers that have lost weight by doing this) and then I seen the room with poles. Oh man… My eyes were like O_O he he… Well, I am going to take pole dancing too. I really hope it helps with my arms and abs, which I think are the weakest part of my body. Yeah I can do bellyrolls but I don’t think my abs are as strong as a pole dancer. Hoping it might even help with my belly dancing like ballet did. 

People might think I am joking because I am plus size. But, you know when I was twenty and started taking dance I never expected to even get far or even paid for it because of my size and age. No matter if I lose the weight I will always be considered plus size. It was just a hobby that I took up to keep active. Yet, I am not going to be famous. I still do my thing. Maybe in ten years (even though I will be in my 40s) I will be crawling up that pole. =) 

Kapoor Khazana: Dance Like a Kapoor Playlist! *Shashi Kapoor*

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!

Kapoor Khazana: Dance Like a Kapoor Playlist! *Shammi Kapoor*

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?*

Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyar Tera - Teesri Manzil (1966)


O Hasina Zulfonwali - Teesri Manzil (1966)


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!

Madhuri Mania: My favorite Madhuri Dixit songs ...

May 15 is the janam din of the one and only lovely dancing queen Madhuri Dixit, and Gaja Gamini of Bollywood-ish Blog has organized a full week of celebrating! Of course, I couldn't get myself together this week, plus there was that issue with Blogger as well. So I'm late in getting my shizz together to do a fitting tribute for Madhuri, the Queen of the 90s.

What I DID have time to do was throw together a YouTube playlist of my favorite Madhuri songs ... not necessarily her most popular ones (note: "Choli Ke Peeche" is not on the list), but just my personal favorites. I loved developing this list because there's so many songs and movies I had forgotten about! I want to really thank Gaja Gamini for creating Madhuri Week so I had the opportunity to revisit so many of my old favorites.

So without further adieu, enjoy the graceful stylings, the stunning smile and the myriad expressions of the lovely Madhuri!




My Madhuri Mania List

1. Mujhe Neendh Na Aaye - Dil
This goes down on my list of classic love songs, ones that will never leave the public imagination. I would put it on a list of romantic songs along with Sau Saal Pehle, Jo Vaada Kiya, Kora Kagaz Tha, Kabhi Kabhie, Dekha Ek Khwab, etc. Madhuri is SO young here (not to mention the prepubescent looking Aamir), and the hair/clothes are so quintessentially 90s.

2. Aap Ko Dekh Ke - Kishen Kanhaiya
I think this is one of my absolute favorite Madhuri songs. If I had to pick only one, this might be it. It's so upbeat and dancey! I can't believe people have forgotten this song ... I totally love it. And Anil-Madhuri is definitely one of my favorite jodis.

3. Sun Beliya - 100 Days
SPB's voice is so powerful!!! And Madhuri is super-duper gorgeous, innocent, free and perfectly lovely. I love her steps in this ... and this song is also one of those forgotten ones from the early 90s that I adored. It sucks for Jackie Shroff that he only got to wear 1 shirt (which is horribly inappropriate for the beach) while Madhuri dons 3 outfits (I love the one in the bullock cart scene). Also props to Mads for being fearless and rolling about on the beach while wild horses stomp past.

4. Tu Shayar Hai - Saajan
Classic. Also Saajan was the 2nd hindi movie I saw at the theatre. Lots of memories. I love her 2nd outfit (the blue one). Her 1st outfit is questionable though. And the poor sideys ... their outfits (mostly frocks) are totally fugly.


5. Koyal Si Teri Boli - Beta
Gorgeous, sweet song. Love it and love this movie! And this video is chock full of joyous Madhuri dancing around.

6. I Love You Pyar Karoon Choon - Mahasangraam
Also in my top 3 favorite Madhuri songs with "Aap Ko Dekh Ke". One of the best rain songs ever! And her steps are so fabulous. I'm also crazy about the original Marathi song, Dholkara.

7. Ek Do Teen - Tezaab
 Mohini Mohini Mohini Mohini Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo!!!!!!!!! She is so animated and fabulous. And I have to give credit for the many people that learned to count in Hindi thanks to this song, the corporation for public broadcasting, and viewers like you.

8. Mein Teri Mohabbat Mein - Tridev
Lucky Madhuri got to have this dream date song w/ Sunny Deol! Such a beautiful, haunting song.


9. Deewana Mujhsa Nahin - Deewana Mujhsa Nahin
I found this movie totally disturbing because we were supposed to sympathize with and root for the TOTAL STALKER! Although I guess when your stalkers looks 5 years old, you can't be too much of a hater. Love Aamir's energy in this. It's like part two of "Khambe Jaise Khadi Hai" from Dil.

10. Humko Aaj Kal Hai - Sailaab
Needs no explanation. She's perfection in it!

11. Tamma Tamma Loge - Thanedaar
I can't watch this song without cracking up. It's a total mulletfest first of all, and then they've appropriated the steps from Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation. But this was the JAM back then. 

12. Tum Bansi Bajate Ho - Khilaaf
Terrible movie, but had some lovely songs. I love any opportunity to show off her dancing ability! And WOOT! An Apsara costume!

13. Dil To Dil Hai - Zindagi Ek Juaa
My favorite performance of Madhuri's acting-wise. Her portrayal of the descent into drug addiction was fantastic. And I think this song is perfect - sexy and romantic.
 
14. Na Hai Zameen Na Aasmaan - Khel
This movie was HILARIOUS. And this song is one I often get stuck in my head, even though I know it's totally lifted from "Sending All My Love" by Linear (it was also copied in "Neendh Churaye Meri" from Ishq). I love the cheesy sets and the way the beats completely change in the verses, allowing Anil Kapoor to do his typical steps.

15. Jo Geet Nahin Janma - Sangeet
This was a really sweet movie, and gave ample opportunity for Madhuri to showcase her Kathak training. The soundtrack was truly gorgeous, with lots of classically-based music.

16. Kaise Jiyunga Mein - Sahibaan
I was obsessed with this song when I was 14. I thought it was ultimately romantic! Unfortunately the movie was so bad that we laughed through the whole thing. But Madhuri was gorgeous in her village belle outfits.

17. Palki Pe Hoke Sawar - Khal Nayak
Another favorite role - Madhuri's Ganga was feisty, bold and fun! I loved the way she held her own with the whole gang of baddies in this movie.

18. Dil Tera Aashiq - Dil Tera Aashiq
Another hilarious song and movie. Her expressions are SO FUNNY in this. Also love how Sallu is wearing pants he borrowed from Claudia from the Baby Sitters Club. But they are BOTH soooo cute in this. And they look like they were having a blast!

19. Channe Ke Khet - Anjaam
Another classic Madhuri song.  Whenever I think of signature moves from Bolly songs, most of them are from Madhuri songs. Remember when EVERY girl was doing this dance with the 'Channe Ke Khet' step? But no one could ever do it like Madhuri.

20. Maye Ni Maye - Hum Aapke Hai Koun
She. is. stunning. I love her mango coloured outfit. But can someone please explain what Salman is wearing?

21. Ankhiyan Milaon - Raja
Ok, admittedly I don't love this song, but it is definitely a Madhuri classic. And you can't help but smile watching Madhuri do her thang.

22. Dil Loye Loye - Yaarana
I don't know why but I LOVE this song. I know it's a copy and the original Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan song is much, much better, but I love Madhuri's expressions!! And god, could they have dressed up those sidey girls any worse? What the heck.

23. Baajubandh - Prem Granth
Such a gorgeous, gorgeous song! Madhuri is flawless, and I got a big huge grin on my face when Rishi Kapoor started dancing. Tragic, tragic movie though.

24. Badan Juda Hote Hai - Koyla
I find this song really eerie and addictive (even though I know that Koyla theme music is totally copied from Vangelis' "Conquest of Paradise") ... but yay! Madhuri dancing!

25. Aaja Aaja O Aaja Aanewale - Rajkumar
I actually hate the preceding song "O Mere Rajkumar" ... but the subsequent qawaali featuring the Sabri Brothers is excellent and Madhuri gets to do a great angry dance! The qawaali starts at about 2:25.

26. Arre Re Arre - Dil To Pagal Hai
This was always my favorite song from this movie ...

27. Don't Break My Heart - Mohabbat
Honestly, I mostly love to make fun of this song for being so totally silly. And I love Madhuri to death, but she looks hilarious in this one. Clearly this is not her style.

28. Que Sera Sera - Pukar
So the story is that Madhuri was really nervous about working with Prabhu Deva, who is an amazing dancer and choreographer. And apparently she knocked his socks off in the creation of this number. Excellent choreography by Prabhz and lovely execution by Madhuri.

29. Badi Mushkil - Lajja
Even dressed so simply, Madhuri just shines! And poor Manisha Koirala ... she's a horrible dancer, and then they made her try to dance next to Madhuri?? 

30. Kahe Chhed Mohe - Devdas
Amazingness. Choreographed by the great Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji - the BEST use of Madhuri's skills in her entire career. And love the little insertion of her doing the spoken word part herself!

31. Aaja Nachle - Aaja Nachle
This song is pure celebration - of MADHURI!!! There will never be another Madhuri in Bollywood. Happy Birthday Madhuri!!! Wishing you all the best!

Isolations

In my warm-up routine for teaching commedia dell'arte characters and physical characterization, we spend most of our focus on two things: warming up the spine and isolating parts of the body for specificity. This guy's video may have to become a part of the multimedia model for the class:



I PROMISED FART JOKES; I GIVE YOU FART JOKES.

Song of the Day: Abuse of Classical Dance - Yeh Pyar Kya Hai from Gupt (1997)

Ok, so I'm not the biggest Booby Deol fan around. I can't even count myself as a fan, though I'm not a hater either. But I did really love the movie Gupt when it came out in 1997. I had enjoyed the previous Rajiv Rai fare like Tridev, Vishwatma and Mohra, but none of them quite threw me for a loop like Gupt.

Gupt, which starred Booby Deol (I know, it's Bobby, but you know - ever since Stardust made that typo, I can't call him anything else), Kajol and Manisha Koirala, was a surprising murder-mystery that in a time saturated with repetitive storylines was incredibly exciting and refreshing. Booby plays Sahil, who is in love with his childhood sweetheart, Isha, played by Kajol. Sahil has a complicated and problem-laden relationship with his stepfather (Raj Babbar), who wants him to marry Sheetal (Manisha Koirala). When his stepfather surprises him by announcing Sahil's engagement to Sheetal at a party, he goes ballistic on him and threatens to kill him in front of the entire crowd. The next day, his stepfather is found dead, and Sahil is the prime suspect. From there spins a wild web of murder and suspense with Sahil on the trail to find the real killer.

Booby wasn't a revelation or anything, but the ladies made this film fun to watch (Kajol was good, but I particularly liked Manisha's character, who was calm, collected and mature about the fact that the boy she loved was in love with someone else). It's a bit difficult to watch it today because of the amazing 90s styling, but it certainly stuck in my memory all these years - though that is clearly because of the amazing soundtrack by Viju Shah. I mean come on, the guy came up with gems like "Saat Samundar" from Vishwatma, "Tip Tip Barsa Paani" from Mohra and "Aankh Maare" from Tere Mere Sapne!

I adored the soundtrack of Gupt long before the movie came out, particularly "Mere Khwabon Mein Tu" and "Mushkil Bada Yeh Pyar Hai" -- but by FAR my favorite song was "Yeh Pyar Kya Hai" which uses the beautiful flute intro from "Yashomati Maiyya" (Satyam Shivam Sundaram) set to a techno-ish beat. It works. I love it.



What I DON'T love and what drives me crazy about this song's picturization is the total rape and abuse of classical dance. They have a full stage set of dancers in four of the traditional classical dance costumes of India - Kathakali, Manipuri, Kathak and Bharata Natyam. While they are wearing the costumes, the dancing they are doing is anything BUT. I will go so far as to say the dancing is atrocious and an absolute insult to the costumes they are wearing. The Kathakali dancers might use an actual move or two from the dance style, but they are performed so awkwardly that I was cringing. The Kathak and Manipuri dancers are just flailing about, but I am most disturbed by the Bharata Natyam dancers - since I AM a Bharata Natyam dancer, obviously.

First, their costumes are the versions wore by little girls that don't have bosoms yet. Adolescent dancers and older always wear an additional piece called the dhaavani or melaakku across the torso. Seeing adults not wearing that piece is basically vulgar in my eyes. And then the dancing ... oh god, it's awful. Their feet are yards apart, there's absolutely no technique, it's just SO bad. And I just can't understand why people insult the costume, thinking that it just looks cool to wear it and you don't have to have any respect for the actual art itself.

I know I'm getting unnecessarily upset about this, but it's just so representative of how our own people treat classical dance, and traditional arts in general. Why dedicate yourself to 8-10 years of training and discipline? Just throw on a cool looking costume and shake your hips! It's what I see at all these college and community so-called cultural shows, and it pisses me off. Kids think that doing a Bollywood/Hip Hop/Fusion dance means they are in touch with their culture. There's usually 20 of those items, and then one token "classical" dance that usually has very little classical content to it - and everyone applauds them for making classical dance "interesting" by doing it to Western or Bollywood music or doing a few basic classical dance steps (not even truly doing one style, but mixing moves from Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi) and then waving their arms around all over the place.

END RANT.

That aside, I love the song. I LOVE the crazy, totally 90s dance moves Booby, Kajol and Manisha are trying so hard to do. I dig the weird hairstyle on Manisha and I really want to know if Kajol's wig is attached to the beret. I love how Manisha can't dance to save her life (can you say HOT MESS?) and Booby almost falls over doing some of these moves in his tight jeans, while Kajol just looks awkward and uncomfortable but is still trying to rock it out (you go girl).

And I do give credit for the concept! If they had REAL classical dancers doing ACTUAL dance steps, I think I would have found it quite beautiful and interesting. The classical dance costumes are incredibly fascinating (particularly Kathakali, with those elaborate masks, makeup, crowns and dresses) and the idea of all the classical dances presented on one stage is very exciting. If they had just taken the time and effort to hire real dancers and choreographers, I would have absolutely loved the final effect.

Image of Kathakali costuming by Rahul Sadagopan

All in all and my personal issues aside, it's a great song from a movie I really enjoyed when I saw it!

For more Deol Dhamaka goodness, visit our links!

Deol Dhamaka: Sunny in a playful mood!

And the DEOL DHAMAKA fun continues!

Unfortunately I haven't been able to post as much as I'd hoped between the vacation I just came back from (Jamaica was AMAZING! I highly recommend The Grand Palladium Jamaica, where we stayed - a fabulous all-inclusive and really stunning property) and sending my laptop in for repair ... so I'm doing these quicker posts to stay a part of the fun. I have already screencapped several films that I hope to do a full review of as soon as possible. In the meantime, I have these song lists that kept popping into my head and I wanted to share them.

Now that we've all seen the softer side of Sunny, let's take a look now at his playful side! There are several songs that pop into my head when I think of fun times with Sunny ...

Mera Dil Le Gayi - Ziddi (1997)
I LOVE Sunny in this one. He always seems on the verge of laughing. It just seems like he's letting go of his fear of dancing and having fun with it! Oh they really pushed him to dance in this one, and it just looks like he worked so hard to get those steps. But then he flashes that blinding smile and who cares about the steps! This just looks like fun!
*I choreographed this song for a couple of kids for their community Diwali show once ... it's still one of my favorite filmi dances I've set up. I had to borrow that walking forward step.


Dhola Dhol Manjira - Joshilaay (1989)
This is definitely a Sridevi show all the way. She's rocking it, and her hip-shaking moves are out of this world. But I get a huge grin on my face from the moment Sunny jumps into the screen (causing Sri to hilariously roll her eyes). They're playing off each other, and it is so fun to watch. I don't care if he's mostly walking around while Sri dances away, he's still part of the fun!


Na Jane Kahan Se Aayi Hai - Chaalbaaz (1989)
Classic. Again, this is a Sridevi show (I WANT her rain slicker), but from the moment Sunny rolls up on his motorcycle the fun level goes up ... Sridevi's best when she has someone to play off of, and Sunny provides that - he's the kind of co-star that best allows her to shine and doesn't compete with her for the lions share of attention (the way I sometimes feel Anil Kapoor does). Somehow he reminds me more of his dad in this song than he usually does. Maybe it's the jovial attitude.

Mein Nikla Gaddi Leke - Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)
I like Sunny in this enough to ignore Amisha Patel, who really grates on my nerves. She's like the modern day Vijeyta Pandit. But Sunny is so cute and earnest in this one (even with the excessive kajal in his eyes). I unfortunately haven't seen the movie (I'd really have to battle my Amisha dislike), but it was quite a hit. And I don't think I've ever seen Sunny so smiley. It makes me smile.


Ang Se Ang Lagana - Darr (1993)
I love me some Darr. And though this song is definitely more Anupam Kher's than anyone else's, Sunny's part comes in at about 3:05 and is quite fun. I mean it's Holi after all. Unfortunately I'm a bit scared of Holi after the combination of this (creepy stalker SRK) and the terrifying Holi scene in Damini, but I digress. Can anyone explain to me why the spoken word part starting at 4:08 goes on for SO FREAKING LONG???


Jano Janam Jaaneman - Sultanat (1986)
I too would like to frolick in a kiddie pool on the Arabian Nights set with Sheikh!Sunny. And clearly a guy that will CosPlay with you has got to be good fun. And he even made a giant sand heart stage to dance on with Sridevi.


If anyone else finds any fun/playful Sunny Deol gems on YouTube, I'd love to see them! And for all the fun Deol Dhamaka posts from my BollyBlogging friends, be sure to check out the links here - so many great films being recapped!

My Favorite 'Jodi' songs - Valentine's Day Special!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Now I'm not really the Valentine's Day type, personally. I don't really care for flowers (because I have a black thumb and when they're all dead and gross and decaying I'm the one that has to clean them up), I really have no business eating chocolate with hips this size, and my husband and I don't really do gifts. All the red and pink and hearts everywhere makes me gag more than say "awww" ... but I AM a romantic. It's just that my idea of romance is song and dance routines with coordinated background dancers, worldwide locales and multiple costume changes. Damn you Bollywood!

Anyway, over the years there have always been certain Bollywood pairings that had such incredible chemistry together that you were drawn into their love story. Some had real-life romances, some just had strong friendships, but either way their pairing worked their way into our consciousness.

Yesterday my friends at Dhoonya Dance posted on facebook asking about everyone's favorite Bollywood couples ... the most obvious answer was of course SRK and Kajol ... but I got to thinking about the best DANCE songs featuring these various couples ... and what song would be the best DANCE song to represent their 'jodi' ... let's imagine that I was choreographing a medley featuring Bollywood Couples. Here are the song/dance numbers I would choose to represent each pairing:

1. Yeh Ladki Hai Ya Shola (Silsila) - Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha
An obvious favorite pairing of many, because of their incredible chemistry on-screen as well as the rumoured off-screen affair between them. This song always stuck in my memory because of how he was immediately entranced by Rekha's dancing and couldn't help but burst into song. There's a bit of antagonism as well as attraction here ... a bit elementary school perhaps. But the ending of this song when he pulls her in and her braid wraps neatly around his neck? Magic!




2. Zindagi Hai Khel (Seeta aur Geeta) - Dharmendra and Hema Malini
Ahhh ... The Most Handsome Man in the World and Dream Girl. Whatta couple. Sure, there's more than a little moral discomfort at the fact that he was already married when they fell in love, but it appears that for Dharamji the second time was a charm. They had quite a few wonderful movies together, including some of my favorites like Dream Girl, Sholay, Ali Baba aur 40 Chor and Jugnu ... but somehow when it comes to dancing, "Zindagi Hai Khel" captures the spirit of excitement and fun that I imagine sparked their romance.




3. Humne Tumko Dekha (Khel Khel Mein) - Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh
These two are just the cutest couple of all time. I just recently saw them together in the 2010 film Do Dooni Char and they are STILL so adorable together. Here they are in Khel Khel Mein, adorably youthful and clearly in harmony with each other. "Ek Mein Aur Ek Tu" may be the more popular song from this film, but I always loved this one.

4. Jai Jai Shiv Shankar (Aap Ki Kasam) - Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz
Yes I know most people would say that it's blasphemy to not name Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore as your favorite jodi ... but I loved RK and Mumtaz's songs together. And well ... dancing isn't quite Rajesh's forte is it? So being under the influence in this song probably helps things a bit. I love his sky blue pant suit. And I just love Mumtaz, period.

5. Nainon Mein Sapna (Himmatwala) - Sridevi and Jeetendra
Obviously I am a huge Sridevi fan, and became one during the Sri + Jeetu era. And I think this song is ICONIC ... the matkas and feather dusters are just icing on the cake that is Sridevi + Jeetendra choreography. How can you listen to this song and not want to dance?

6. Aap Ko Dekh Ke (Kishen Kanhaiya) - Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor
I love love love these two together ... it reminds me of the 90s and movies like this Tezaab, Ram Lakhan, Beta and this one. They are both so lively, so timeless and fun together. I think this is one of the best Bollywood dance songs out there ... it's unfortunate that it's mostly forgotten by people. I still love it though, and I love Madhuri + Anil!




7. Disco Dandiya (Love Love Love) - Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla
There is something SO sweet and innocent about these two together. Everyone fell in love with them as a pair in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, and they were also paired together in Tum Mere Ho, Aatank Hi Aatank, Daulat Ki Jung, Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke and Ishq. The magic was never quite the same as QSQT, but to this date when I think of Aamir I think of Juhi. And hey, who doesn't love Disco Dandiya?

8. Ude Jab Jab Zulfen (Naya Daur) - Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala
Ok, I know it's supposed to be Dilip Kumar and Madhubala, but I honestly thought their dynamic always seemed tragic, while Kishore Kumar and Madhubala had that lighthearted fun that I enjoy (granted, both situations turned our tragic in the end). But I loved Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthi on-screen together - particularly in Madhumati, but also in Naya Daur. And I think this is one of the loveliest 'old is gold' dance songs out there.




9. Pehle Pehle Pyar Ki (Ilzaam) - Govinda and Neelam
 Govinda and Neelam represent the 80s youth and the disco generation. I love them together! They're both great dancers and were super cute. Ok, if nothing else, the video is worth watching for Chi Chi's teeny tiny shorts in the 1st music interlude.




10. Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna (DDLJ) - Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol
Ok I give in to the mass hysteria. Though I'm not a rabid fan of either SRK or Kajol, I will give that they definitely have great chemistry on-screen ... probably owing to the fact that they are great friends and are really comfortable with each other. And though I was never as crazy about DDLJ as everyone else was, there is a certain EPIC-ness about this song. So it deserves a place on the list, for sure.

So there's my Bollywood Jodis dance medley ... who are your favorite jodis and what are your favorite songs featuring them? Let me know!

Tying Up the Air

(Wonky title, eh what?  Refer to 9/24/10 for context.)


I'm revisiting my first aerial silks piece because this weekend Wife Megan and I will be participating in Streb's Valentine's Day benefit, 2Good 2B Bad.  The above is the video I had to submit to get into the Halloween show, the below is the final product.  For the next show, I'm raising the stakes a little bit by trying for a more serious piece.  Humor's great, but it makes excuses for lack of form, too.

Not that it was the only reason I had for this piece, and choosing to make it clown-like.  I thought of the choice more as playing to my strengths, and it rather does.  Although I must admit that maintaining a sense of your audience's response from thirty feet up (and upside down) is something of a skill that requires experience.  Nevertheless, I ended up feeling pretty good about this product.  It wasn't as frenetic - or flashy really - as the initial draft, but it couldn't be - one of the trickiest bits of circus is pulling it off with control, making it look easy such that it puts the audience's mind at ease.  That is, until you want to startle or amaze them.

It's interesting to me that I'm not aiming to startle or amaze my audiences with the act I've devised for this weekend.  Maybe it's just all the effort I've put into making it more formal, less frenetic, but I'm content to let it be what it is.  What it is, is, I hope, a more lyrical piece that hints at a character's story rather than basing it in his immediate struggle for a concrete goal.  This too is a departure for me.  Even in the circus-theatre shows I've developed and performed in, I've always been the one pushing for an accessible story, something that meets the audience halfway in their task of interpreting the presentation.

I suppose it's my study of silks these past couple of years that has changed my perspective on this somewhat, and made me see the personal possibilities in creating a performance for which the audience fills in their own meaning(s).  Audiences do this to some degree anyway, but often with plays and the like it's not as invited as in more "abstract" mediums such as music or dance.  These usually don't make a lot of effort to spell out plot details, much less provide them in a chronological or otherwise linear-structured format, even when they are based on a story of some kind.

I'm not exactly comfortable with that.  Just like I'm not exactly comfortable with trying to perform a piece that's purely skill-based physical without aiming for laughs.  Undertaking this personal challenge is probably a most telling moment about me, and the fact that I am in at least some small part just a frustrated dancer.  So I have no training in that field, I get apocalyptically frustrated with dance choreography, and I can't point my toes worth a damn, but . . . here we go, any dang way.

Song of the Day: Ila Arun RULED: Payal Uthar Doongi - Mohabbat Ki Arzoo (1994)

In the early 90s, the grand-scale YRF movie Lamhe released and suddenly everyone everywhere was obsessed with Rajasthani songs. And it's no wonder with amazing songs like Morni Baga Ma (Chudiyan Khanak Gayi) and Megha Re Megha being so compelling. The 'Grand Dame' of Rajasthani folk/pop music Ila Arun was suddenly called upon to make special songs for every other movie. One of her most famous songs was the 1993 smash-hit Choli Ke Peeche from Khal Nayak which, despite it's notoriety, secured Madhuri Dixit's spot as the #1 Queen in Bollywood. Even recently she delivered the catchy Ringa Ringa from the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack (which sounds like a reprise to Choli Ke Peeche, if you ask me).

I loved many of her folk/pop songs, including Resham Ka Roomal, Nigodi Kaisi Jawani, Satoliya, Mera Assi Kali Ka Lehenga, Choodi Chamke, Chunari and Resham Ka Hai Kurta. There's also that song that no one ever remembers - Sarkaile Khatiya from Hum Hai Premi (1996) -- everyone always thinks I'm talking about the Govinda and Karishma song!

 But today's song of the day is from Mohabbat Ki Arzoo (1994) - a relatively unknown, flop movie that attempted to bank on the success of the 1991 movie Henna by casting the same trio - Rishi Kapoor, Ashwini Bhave and Zeba Bhaktiar. The movie's one reason for existence is this particular song - a slow and sexy number practically PURRED by Ila Arun and performed awkwardly by Ashwini Bhave in the film.

I couldn't help but think how even though Ashwini's dancing is stiff and uncomfortable looking, I still miss these kinds of actual girl dance numbers in Bollywood movies - versus the "club scene" dancing, gyrating and montage song sequences we get today. It just reaffirms my standing on why the 80s and 90s were better eras of Hindi films. Ok yes, they were cheesy and the clothes seem atrocious to us now (I can't wait to see what we say about this past decade in another 10 years), but they DANCED. They had actual steps and choreography. Some better than others (really now, I don't know why anyone believed that Madhoo, or Manisha Koirala for that matter, should have ever danced), but still. I cannot see a single leading lady from Bollywood today, save perhaps Anushka Sharma and of course, Aishwariya Rai, who can pull this off. They can pull off sexy, they can pull off slinky, and they can do some rocking model poses, but they just can't dance sala.

I even miss the background dancers.

And while Ashwini might be awkward, Rishi is doing something he does very well -- walking around while the girl sings and giving just the right amount of reserved interest that makes her keep performing. I don't know how he kept a straight face while Ashwini was singing at his crotch, honestly. And yes, this was the height of his "sweater-uncle" phase (though they swapped the sweaters for some truly hideous shirts), and yet when he does the little head toss and smiles to himself, I'm smitten. I admit it.

What language are those subtitles in? Inquiring minds want to know ...

But anyway, this song is amazing.

Song of the Day: Oh Silver Penny!

I've had this song in my head for AGES, and was terribly frustrated because I had no idea what it was from or even who starred in it ... I don't think I ever saw the movie Prem Geet (1981), which starred Anita Raaj  and Raj Babbar, and therefore had nothing to go on in finding the song. I didn't have the lyrics to go on ... when I was little I thought the words were "Oh Silver Penny" ... something my sisters found hilarious and sang constantly. But then I couldn't remember the beginning lines of "Tere Geeton Ki Mein Deewani, Oh Dilbar Jaani" which would have led me to this song.

This song kept popping into my head at random times and I knew it was going to bother me until I figured it out. Finally, I messaged my sister on Facebook with a plea to help me find the Dilbar Jaani/Silver Penny song, and I tell you, the woman is a genius. Or a Bollypedia. She immediately messaged me back that it was from Prem-something and starred Raj Babbar and Anita Raaj. A little googling and voila! Here it is in all it's glory! A genie-costumed Anita Raaj (lovely, ain't she?) writhing about (not easy, especially in silver lame hot pants), bellydancing backgroundies w/ tambourines, fancy sets, etc. And wow! Does that say "Introducing Anita Raaj"? I believe it does! Her debut! Very exciting. It's also sung by the fabulous Asha Bhosle, my favorite playback singer by far.

Another hint from the genius sister was that the music for this film was by Jagjit Singh (of Jagjit and Chitra fame, yes). Very cool - that led me to check out the other songs from Prem Geet and they are indeed lovely.

So now I finally know the REAL words to this song and what it's from! And since it's a Bolly song from my earliest memories, I had to share, of course ...

My favorite CLASSICAL dancers in Indian Cinema

The lovely Nicki of Hmong Chick Who Loves Indian Cinema and I were tweeting back & forth about our favorite dancers in Indian Cinema, which got me thinking about my favorite CLASSICAL dancers in Indian Cinema ... and since list-making is my favorite thing EVER, of course I had to compile a list and share it!

Now though the people on this list have legitimate Classical Dance training, it's rarely represented in their films. There's Classical Dance, and then there's FILMI Classical Dance, which is usually a slightly grotesque version of the real thing with exaggerated movements and expressions. Filmi Classical also always has a generous helping of hip-shaking and unnecessary hand/finger flourishing. I get annoyed by it, and yet, I seek it out. It's always nice to see Classical Dance represented in films, but then when it gets tarnished or cheapened I get angry.

Still, there are some Actors and Actresses that always show that little extra skill in dancing, and it is indeed because of their Classical Dance training. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Kamal Hassan
He's definitely my #1 favorite because he was SO compelling and strong when he danced. Also Bharatanatyam is made for a male body (Nataraja was the Lord of Dance after all), and it falls more naturally on the male structure. Kamal Hassan definitely made it look effortless and graceful yet 100% masculine. Here he is in a gorgeous item from Sagara Sangamam:



2. Shobhana
I think Shobhana is one of the most spectacular classical dancers from films. She is utterly elegant and beautiful. I do have ONE problem with her and that's that she doesn't complete her movements, but I fault the choreographers and film directors that try to make her dance so fast. Her dance style is also REALLY different from the kind I learned - hers is more flowy and influenced by ballet, but one of my best friends also learned from Smt. Chitra Visheshwaran (Shobhana's Guru) in Chennai and she dances with this same style, so I gained a great appreciation for it. Shobana won the National Award for her performance as the possessed dancer in Manichitratazhu (the Malayalam original of Chandramukhi and Bhool Bhulaiya):



3. Vyjayanthimala
I gained my love for Vyjayanthi from my mom who was an uber-fan and used to prance around Mumbai spouting her dialogues at 'roadside romeos' that tried to tease her and her friends. But she is indeed a spectacular dancer and unbelievably gorgeous in full Bharatanatyam costume. She is also incredibly versatile and has one of the most expressive faces in Indian Cinema! Check out her display of dances from all over India, ending with the Thillana in Bharatanatyam from Ladki:



4. Vineeth
I haven't seen a TON of Vineeth, I'll admit. I remember him from Kadhal Desam, most famous for the Rehman song "Mustafa Mustafa Don't Worry Mustafa". It wasn't till much later that I realized he was a classical dancer! As well he should be, since he's related to late Actress/Dancer Padmini and Shobhana as well. He's a student of Dr. Padma Subramanyam and has that more flowy style associated with the Vazhavoor style of Bharatanatyam. You might recognize him from the Rajnikanth blockbuster Chandramukhi and it's Hindi remake Bhool Bhulaiya. I get an instant crush on any man that can do classical dance and maintain the masculinity of it (it's rare these days). And he also looks like a young Kamal Hassan. Whenever I mentally choreograph classical-based film duets, I always picture Vineeth as my partner. Here he is strutting his stuff in a live performance:



5. Madhuri Dixit
I don't even need to explain Mads. Everyone knows that she is one of the most brilliant dancers in recent Bollywood years. Her Kathak training is evident in every kind of dance she does, but she has also had ample opportunity to show off her Classical Dance skill. I always remember her joy and exuberance in the Kathak practice scene from Dil To Pagal Hai, but I think her Magnum Opus is definitely her grand scale performance in Devdas said to be composed by the great Pandit Birju Maharaj:



6. Padmini
Padmini Aunty was a regular visitor to our house in my childhood as my mother was very close with her family. My mom is always saying that I remind her of Padmini or her sister Ragini when they were young. Since I'm the youngest of three sisters, my mom used to often call us her own Lalitha/Padmini/Ragini. But before she was the gravelly-voiced, laughing Aunty at our house, she was a featured classical dancer in many, many films. I always feel that the choreography they gave her was absolutely ridiculous, but she certainly gave it her all! A student of the famous Vazhavoor Ramaiah Pillai, she had some very solid training behind her. One of her most famous roles was in the Tamil movie Thillana Mohanambal in which she played a noted dancer (*the video below does not feature the original singer) -- points if you spot Manorama as "Jillu Jillu Ramamani":



7. Meenakshi Seshadhri
I miss the 80s. And Meenakshi was an actress that actually had a strong background in Classical Dance but very, very rarely had an opportunity to showcase it. One of the moments where she got to show off what she could do was her Tandav Dance from the amazing movie Damini. Incidentally, she currently runs a dance school in Texas somewhere. Here she is performing "Madhuban Mein Radhika" at a live performance in Dubai:



8. Waheeda Rehman
Waheeda Aunty was another friend/colleague of my mom's and I of course love her dancing because she learned from our same Gurus in India - the one and only Gurus of Sri Rajarajeshwari Bharata Natya Kalamandir in Mumbai, particularly Guru Mahalingam Pillai who I was lucky enough to study under in the early 90s. Though my favorite performance of hers was much later (Mahaan - 1983), her earlier films have wonderful displays of dance that really show her talent. You can see her dance training shine through in items from Neel Kamal, Guide, and Teesri Kasam. Here she is in Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja (1961):



9. Komal Mahuvakar
She's virtually unknown, but I totally LOVED this girl. She couldn't have been more than 15 when she starred in the Rajshri film Payal Ki Jhankar which was ALL about dance (and therefore is one of my favorite movies of all time). I never saw her in much after that, though she had a small role as one of the household children in Khusboorat (she briefly dances in "Piya Bawri"), and I vaguely remember her in Nagina. I guess she moved down South later and starred in Tamil films like Michael Madana Kamarajan under the name "Roopini". But Payal Ki Jhankar is definitely her career highlight. The dancing is filmi-classical for sure, and often sloppy or odd-looking, but there is some definite training behind it. I loved her in "Dekho Kanha Nahin" (she's not the girl dancing at the beginning, you have to forward a bit to get to her part), and you can see her schooling her co-star in the Jugalbandi Dance-Off "Kar Singar". Check her out, looking extremely pretty in pink:



10. Hema Malini
Hema Malini may be a bit of an obvious choice, being well-known for being one of the best classical dancers in Bollywood. I've seen her classical dance productions on stage when they toured in the U.S., and I have to say I was less than impressed. However she's done enough beautiful work on-screen for me to appreciate her, and I also appreciate the work she does to promote Classical Dance. She also got some of the best classically-based songs in Indian Cinema,in movies such as Mrig Trishna, Mehbooba, Abhinetri, Kinara, Lekin and so many more. Here she is dancing with her daughters in a live stage performance (does anyone else think Esha looks like Deepika Padukone in Odissi costume?):



11. Aishwariya Rai
Ash is also slightly obvious, though I don't necessarily LIKE her as an actress or consider her one of my favorites otherwise. I do always appreciate her dancing. She is trained in Bharatanatyam and I remember reading somewhere that she had trained up to arangetram level (professional debut) but didn't complete it. She is a natural dancer and lovely to watch! I always love seeing her dance and wish they would really showcase her full ability like they did for Hema Malini and Madhuri Dixit. Umrao Jaan gave her a great opportunity to show her classical training, as evidenced by many of the clips in this fan-made video on YouTube (v. well done!). Here she is in my absolute favorite Aishwariya movie, the Tamil film Kandukonden Kandukonden (inspired by Sense and Sensibility):



12. Prabhu Deva
Prabhu Deva may seem like an odd choice, but he IS indeed trained in Classical Dance and quite skilled at it. It's probably what gives him such an edge over other amazing dancers like Lawrence and Vijay. We almost NEVER see it, although there is the number "Saravanabhava" from the HILARIOUS movie Kadhala Kadhala (also starring Kamal Hassan) - which I can't find anywhere on YouTube unfortunately. But here's a clip from Kadhalan in which his character is trying to learn Bharatanatyam to win over his ladylove:



Of course I should mention that there are many more famous Classical Dancers in Cinema, such as Kamala Lakshman, Gopi Krishna, Bhanupriya, Jaya Prada, Anjali Devi, Bombay Meenakshi etc. They certainly deserve credit for their brilliant work. My mom particularly loves Kamala Lakshman, and she performed with Gopi Krishna all over India and North America. But I just had to list my personal favorites!

For more on Classical Dance in Indian Cinema, I definitely recommend you visit the fabulous Minai's blog - her stuff is just brilliant!

REKHALICIOUS OCTOBER: Queen of the Mujra Dance!

Mujra Dance is a style that stems from the courtesan dancers of the Mughal Empire, who mixed poetry, music and motion together to entertain wealthy nawabs and their guests. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Rekha is the ultimate Queen of the Mujra Dance in hindi films. Many actresses have attempted it (No, Rani Mukherjee, No. And poor, tragic Smita Patil too), and some have done a great (Hema Malini, Aishwariya Rai) or brilliant (Madhuri Dixit) job of it. But no one was ever able to do it with the finesse, the ease, the grace, the majesty and the seductiveness of Rekha.

Umrao Jaan always comes to mind first when you think of Rekha and dance ... and then of course Salaam-E-Ishq from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. But there are MANY, MANY more fabulous numbers in this style by Rekha, so she easily wins the crown from me.

Here is a playlist of 20 of her beautiful Mujra numbers from films, not in any particular order but just as I found them on YouTube - she is absolutely exquisite!



Song List

1. Idhar Bhi Bijli - Kasam Suhag Ki
2. Bhool Bhulaiyya - Amiri Ghareebi
3. Mere Ghungroo Mujhe Dedo - Maati Maange Khoon
4. Jaan-e-Mohabbat - Yatra
5. Salaam-E-Ishq - Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
6. Jaana Jaldi Kya Hai - Deedar-E-Yaar
7. Marne Ka Ghum Nahin - Deedar-E-Yaar
8. Chup Ja Chand - Maati Maange Khoon
9. Lo Sahib Phir Bhool Gayi - Maati Maange Khoon
10. Pyar Ke Rang Se - Kasme Vaade
11. Jao Ji Karoon Na Jhooti Batiya - Yatra
12. Dil Cheez Kya Hai - Umrao Jaan
13. In Aankhon Ki Masti - Umrao Jaan
14. Yeh Kya Jage Hai Doston - Umrao Jaan
15. Mein Hoon Dulhan - Jaal
16. Beechwale Saiyaan - Sazaa (a must see!!)
17. Tum Nahin Yahan - Karmayogi
18. Kisi Bazaar Se - Maang Bharo Sajna
19. Kitna Hai Khubsoorat - Daasi
20. Rekha performs LIVE at the 1997 Filmfare Awards

Enjoy more REKHALICIOUS OCTOBER goodness at this link. And please do let me know if there's any other fabulous mujra numbers by Rekha that I've missed!

REKHALICIOUS OCTOBER! - My favorite Rekha songs!

So it's time to celebrate REKHALICIOUS OCTOBER (thanks to Sujoy from One Knight Stands)- or Rekhatober as we've been calling it on Twitter! And I can't praise this lovely lady enough. She is one of the few Bollywood stars I actually had the opportunity to meet, back when she came in concert to Detroit in 1982 (she was the headliner, Anil Kapoor and Meenakshi Seshadhri were her opening acts). A photographer found out my then 7 year old sister Anjali was Rekha's biggest little fan. Anj had been performing Rekha's "Dil Cheez Kya Hai" at various community events for the past year and the photographer recognized her and took us to meet her. I tell a bit more about this story in my Sridevipalooza preview post. The highlight was definitely getting to dance the Alarippu (Bharatanatyam dance) for her, and she was so excited she jumped right up and posed in Alarippu position with us for a picture (I have no idea where this picture is today).

I was only 5 at the time, so my memory of this experience is limited, but I DO remember her being incredibly effusive, sweet and hyper. She was very excited that two little girls in paavadai-chokka (South Indian style skirt/dress) were there to see her, and seemed really eager to speak Tamil with us. I was totally charmed by her, and no matter what she does, I always feel a fondness for her based on this experience.

I'm not terribly on top of Rekha's filmography - there's definitely a huge chunk of her early movies as well as the mid-to-late 80s and 90s movies that I missed. Well, I can't totally say I MISSED them (cough cough, Madame X).

Anyway, Rekha is most certainly the queen of the Movie Mujra dances, but those aren't the only songs of hers that I love! As I was trying to think of and narrow down all my favorites, I created a YouTube playlist of MY FAVORITE REKHA SONGS - I was unable to locate a few of my favorites, like "Jaane De Gaadi Tere" from Aanchal, "Gokul Ke Galiyon" from Raaste Pyar Ke or the female version of "Mata Saraswati" from Alaap, and some movies had MULTIPLE favorites, like Khubsoorat (not included: "Sun Sun Sun Didi" and "Saare Niyam Tod Do"), Mr. Natwarlal ("Tauba Tauba"), Silsila ("Dekha Ek Khwab", "Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum" and "Nila Aasmaan") and Agar Tum Na Hote ("Hum To Hai Chui Mui" and the title song). Still other movies starred Rekha but the best songs were given to other co-stars (like Faasle and Baseraa).

But I did identify 15 songs that I always think of when I think of Rekha, and here they are!



Detailed Listing of Songs:
 
1. Ghum Hai Kisi Ki Pyar Mein - Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972)

2. Dil Machal Raha Hai - Khalifaa (1976)

3. Tere Bina Jiya Jayen Na - Ghar (1978)

4. Kahe Manva Naache - Alaap (1977)

5. Salaam-E-Ishq - Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)

6. Pardesiya - Mr. Natwarlal (1979)

7. O Sheronwali - Suhaag (1979)

8. Piya Bawri - Khubsoorat (1980)

9. In Aankhon Ki Masti - Umrao Jaan (1981)

10. Yeh Ladki Hai Ya Shola - Silsila (1981)

11. Dheere Dheere - Agar Tum Na Hote (1983)

12. Ankhiyon Mein - Nishaan (1983)

13. Man Kyun Behka - Utsav (1984)

14. Pyar Do Pyar Lo - Janbaaz (1986)

15. Maine Tujhe Khat Likha - Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai (1990)

Hope you enjoy! Now that I mentioned it, I think I AM going to have to compile Rekha's Mujra dances into a mother list. Will try to do that when I return home from vacay (this is my rushed vacay post for Rekhatober!).

Have a Rekhalicious day!