October 2018
Well, it certainly has been a long time since I posted!! I have been able to binge quite a bit on Bollywood thanks to Amazon Prime video and Netflix--and having been out of work, this binging has been a respite!

Of course I re-watched nearly every Shah Rukh film I could find--even some really old ones. But I have also watched lots of other fab flicks.

I should get back to making some reviews, but I feel that I need to just let folks know I am still here--and loving Bollywood.

I am very much looking forward to an upcoming film--Thugs of Hindostan--and SRK has a film out at the holiday--not sure about it.

But hey, his film this past year, Jab Harry Met Sejal, got lousy reviews, didn't make much money--but I love it. I have watched and noted how the characters change. I also like his chemistry with Anushka Sharma.  Go check it out for yourself.

well, just a brief note! back soon

I have been a bit remiss! A Bollywood mini-marathon!

I have seen a number of new and old Bollywood lately, yet haven't written about them. I just found the first Bollywood movie made! Who knew, You Tube! Only one reel of Raja Harishchandra still exists, and someone has put it on You Tube, it is a silent film, and this version has some of the 'behind the scenes' of Phalke's work on the film.
I have watched just a bit, and have found it fascinating!

I have been doing a bit of Bollywood marathon the past few days--Saturday night was off to the cinema for Krrish 3: I was disappointed--I guess I expected more, the hype was incredible leading up to it. The reviewers had nothing but glowing praise(unlike the panning they did of SRK's Chennai Express).  Then I raided Erin's movie supply(as well as got back some of my stuff!

I gorged myself on Sunday with Cocktail and Chennai Express (I even watched the making of stuff). I was thoroughly entranced and very much enjoyed Cocktail: Deepika and Saif have such great chemistry together and the story was sweet.  Re-watching Chennai Express was just so much fun! I had forgotten how much fun a good comedy/action flick can be.

SRK is not afraid to refer to his old movies, make fun of his image and just plain have fun. I had not seen a film directed by Rohit Shetty, but Erin was kind enough to lend me a couple of his films. I normally don't like action films, but this seemed so tongue in cheek! The communication via songs(using melodies from so many films!), the tag line that was so evocative of Om Shanti Om, the  patent SRK moves from other films--it was just so much fun, it totally perked me up!

Monday I took off from work for a doctor's appointment, so when I returned home--more movies!  A sweet film that Barfi- this sweet little romantic comedy made me realize--there is someone for everyone.

Ranbir Kapoor is fantastic in this role as a deaf mute young man who falls for an autistic young girl. Barfi's father works for Jhilmil's father--when Jhilmil's grandfather passes on, he leaves all his money in a trust to his granddaughter(not trusting his own son). The sweet relationship between these two develops from a protective one to one of true and enduring love.

Then, I needed another shot of SRK--I had my copy of Jab Tak Hai Jaan for some time--and even though wooden Katrina Kaif made me very frustrated when I saw this film in the theatre( I rooted for Anushka Sharma to get SRK in the end)--I watched and enjoyed it for a second time. I even watched the extras of making the movie--I usually avoid them, for even though there is a lot of great stuff--mostly it is in Hindi, with no subtitles, but I got through quite a bit of the extras. One day I may watch the interview with Yash Chopra--but I do know that will be in Hindi only, even though Yash spoke English well, he was more comfortable with Hindi. It was kind of sad to see some of the comments from the actors that they hoped that this would not be Yash's last film(he had said he was going to retire after this film)--all the actors who had not worked with him before, and those that had, kept saying he was an actor's director. Watching Yash traverse the harsh terrain of the locations where they shot gave me even more respect for the eighty year old director: he was taken too soon.

Thinking of a class

I have been toying, for a number of years, of the idea of teaching a basic class on Hindi/Bollywood film.  I have an extensive library of books and films, so doing the research, gathering materials--no big deal, I just poke through my stuff. Well, my Bollywood stuff, my precious books, most are still in crates since our move--not enough bookshelves to hold them!! I still need one big bookcase in my room for just my Bollywood stuff!
Well, that being said, I have decided to try and do this whole class thing!  I began to surf the Web for syllabi of courses that have been taught at various colleges and universities around. I began to look at these syllabi, and found something striking!! I either own most of the books and movies that these instructors are using!  Many of these classes have been taught in the past 6-8 years, so none deal with the fact that this year, 2013, is the one hundredth anniversary of the Indian film industry. None deal with the fact that the Indian film industry is larger that Hollywood, many deal with the fact that the Indian film industry(mainline Bollywood from Mumbai) makes more films each year than does Hollywood.  Humm, I find a lack there!  A few deal with the fact that Bollywood has appeal all over the world, in parts of the world you would not expect--Russia, Germany, Nigeria, much of the Arab world. Many of the books that these classes refer to do deal with these issues, so I guess it is discussed in classes.
Many of the authors of the books used are fast friends of mine--Rachel Dwyer, Mihir Bose, Jerry Pinto, Anupama Chopra; all authors that got me hooked on learning more about Bollywood.

I guess I need to ponder and research and get this thing together!

Still Watching Shahrukh! Part 2

I have been re-watching and re-reading some of my favorite Bollywood flicks and books!
I had thought I would re-watch DDLJ today, I had re-read the book written on it--but fate changed my mind.
Today I re-watched Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham! I guess I was in the mood for more of a tear jerker. This flick was an early millenial release--it was released in 2001-and is one of the few flicks I like Kareen Kapoor in! This story of the adopted son who is cast out because of whom he wishes to marries really tugs at my heart. See, my folks sorta didn't approve of the ex-husband(and why he is now ex is another whole long story---pretty fitting to Bollywood!). Whenever I watch this flick, I really miss my late dad now--he has been gone for about 5 years and I really wish I could give him a call and go hang out.
I love the sappyness of this film-but some of the costume choices (especially for the dance fantasy number in Egypt) are odd-the whole see-thru shirt dealy for SRK boggles me--as does the entirely leather outfit!

This film has some great chemistry between SRK and Kajol--they always have wonderful moments together.


Last weekend, with lousy snowy weather, I needed a touch of bright color and fun! So I watched Paheli!  This story is based on a Rajasthan folktale about a ghost who falls in love with a young bride. Her husband is so intent on making money, that he leaves the day after he brings home his bride. The ghost sees this, takes the shape of the husband and returns to the bride. The ghost is honest with the young bride and tells her what he is, and she falls for him as well.  The color and photography in this film is wonderful--the one place I really want to see from this film is the fabulous step well they filmed at. It is a magical and fantastic place--this is where the ghost first follows and falls for the bride.--wouldn't you if you saw this place?

This film is full of fun and magic-the ghost is totally upfront with the bride--and manages to convince the greedy father that a wise man promised him a boon of 5 gold coins per day!

Well, if you got to spend time with SRK in this avatar, I would fall for him too! They changed up the tale a bit to give it a more positive ending, but it is a very feminist slant they give it! Rah to SRK!

A couple of weeks ago I watched Swades--or we the people. SRK is a weather scientist working for NASA and feels at a loss--his parents are dead and he has lost track of the woman who raised him--his nanny. The pensive SRK heads from Washington DC to India to find his nanny. SRK must have had a blast filming this--he is a major techie--and working at NASA  must have been a dream come true!.
This film is full of great symbols-SRK's character is working on a water mapping project--and this water image play thru the entire film.

You watch his character grow and change-accepting the land around him as part of him. This is finally brought to home when he takes his first drink of water from a water wallah boy at a train stop, and then again when he dives into the cistern to see why the pump isn't working. The story is slow in places, but worth watching. There are few 'dance' numbers, but the music by ARRahman is fabulous!
I had wanted to watch a bunch of fun, upbeat SRK flicks--I found the ones I love and see as upbeat all have some serious subject matter and a great message! humm

I have a couple of movies from Netflix that I need to watch--Wake up Sid!  and Barfi!--these may be my next films to discuss!

Reading Bollywood--still!

Well, my dear friend Erin returned a bunch of books and Bollywood films the other night--got me to re-reading some old staples!

One compact wee book is Bollywood by Ashok Banker--the copy I have I got thru some Indian bookseller online--so it has a nifty cover of Bollywood poster art.

If you recognize that image--it is from Lagaan!  One of my all time favorite films--though it is one you Have to see in 2 parts!! The movie runs nearly as long as the 3 day cricket game in the film.

Re-reading his entries on important Hindi films has gotten me wanting to find some of these films from the 50's and 60's and before. 

Banker's easy style writing about his favorite films makes you want to hunt down and watch movies.

Another book Erin returned was Rachel Dwyer's Top 100 Hindi Films. I thumbed through this book and re-read some bits, noting that I had put marks on the films I owned or had seen--I haven't nearly as many I really should!

I haven't just been reading Bollywood--I have been watching--I am trying to do my project of re-watching my Shahrukh Khan films. I re-watched Paheli yesterday--even to the point where I watched(sans subtitles, lots of Hinglish) the Making of the Song release parts of the DVD.  Not going to say much here, other than it did its usual of lifting my spirits--the bright colors, peppy music, strong story for a woman's choice!  Nuf said for now! More to come.

Shahrukh Films I have seen and loved! Part 1!

Someone told me the other day--you should write about all the SRK films you have seen!--humm how would I do that?? I have seen nearly all the films he has made, the good, the mediocre, the outright awful--even some where he just did a cameo!

Any SRK fan will recognize this picture from Billu--it was the Marjaani dance bit he did with Kareen Kapoor(not a bad number, even if it does contain Kareena)!
Some of his films have left me wondering--why he did them. I know he made specific choices early in his career to not do romantic 'chocolate box hero' roles--this is a quote I read in a book written about him--and his early roles reflect this!

My first film I ever saw with him was Kal Ho Naa Ho--my goddaughter brought the film back from India--and said I needed to watch! Well, that film not only hooked me on Bollywood, but it made me the biggest SRK fan in the Northeast!

The heart wrenching interaction between SRK and Preity Zinta makes me cry every time I watch this film! The story may be hokey, the songs so so--but SRK is in top form as the romantic lead. The first time I saw this film, I had not seen any other Bollywood films, so I missed the subtext and references to other great BWood films--Lagaan, DDLJ to name just a few. As well as I did not recognize the significance of the cameos of Kajol and Rani Mukerjee and other female leads of SRK's!  I had much to learn!

After seeing this film, this made me want to find more SRK films on Netflix--or buy what I could cheaply--and my collection began! 

My next film of SRK's that I love and have seen many many times is Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge or DDLJ. This was SRK's first romantic lead--and boy does he do it up well--no sappy romance for him-he is a cynical Indian raised in London who falls for a very traditional Punjabi young lady. This film set the bar very high for Bollywood romances after its release and has been hinted at and referenced in many films since. I used to try to watch this film on the anniversary of its release every year--but have been remiss of late--my dream one day is to head to Mumbai and see it in the Maratha Mandir theatre where it has been playing since the films release in 1995!! According to the Wiki entry on DDLJ--this film is in the 1001 Must See Films before you die(along with Mother India)!! So I guess I have seen all the Bollywood I need see??? NOT!!

There are so many films--I think I may need to do more than one blog post Ms Aish!!

Missing movies!?

Well--I have watched a few films lately--several were great--one was a waste of my time(sorry Erin!).

Khanaai (2012)--Starred Vidya Balan--and I never thought I would love a thriller so much!  I had read so much about this film and when I finally got to watch, I was glued to my seat!  This thriller is a murder mystery(I think!)--it is a very hard to classify film, even for a western film! Vidya(the character's name is the same as the actress'), very pregnant, heads to Kolkata during the Durga Puja festivities --there is  a real symbolism between this celebration and the story that gets told(and when I totally figure it out, I will let you know).Vidya is in Kolkata to locate her missing husband--he left for business and never returned to London.
Vidya struggles with the heat, her large belly, the crowds and the lack of co-operation from authorities as she tries to find her husband. The police think she is crazy--but one officer is assigned to help her and ferry her around Kolkata.
She checks into a semi seedy guest house, where her husband had stayed--this place is not very clean, the 'running' hot water is provided by a small boy!  Vidya spends much of her free time in the hotel room cleaning it!
Vidya convinces the young police officer that her quest for her lost husband is part of a conspiracy--which seems to be true as many of the people she talks to about her husband end up dead!
I won't give up too much of the story--don't want to give you any spoilers(sweetie--oops sorry another passion!)  But I never expected the ending that was!! I will need to watch this film a few more times to figure out all the clues--and they were very well placed/hidden--the 'running water-boy' at the guest house, the woman in HR of the company where her husband works, so many clues were tossed about!
This film was made on a very very small budget--there are not multiple costume changes(I kind of think that the actress used her own clothing!), there are no dance numbers, no lavish sets--but this movie hooks you in well and good!
One thing to consider when you watch this film--keep in mind--nothing is as it seems! This film is a perfect mystery film--clues and red herrings abound, but the ending is.... well--you must see it !

An afternoon with SRK--Jab Tak Hai Jaan

I know, I have been remiss with my entries this year--but it has been a crazy year. Moving, trying to get permanently re-hired at work, lack of funds and motivation to see a Bollywood flick!

Well, when I heard that the Indian grocery had a an advert that Yash Chopra's last film(and of course SRK's new film) was going to be playing in a nearby town, I jumped to see it! It was a special deal that a small indy theatre had arranged--but the owner of the theatre didn't get the word out really well. I finally called and talked to the wonderful young man running the place and got times--so we (the terrible trio of crazy white ladies who love SRK) headed to Agawam for the Sunday of Diwali to see Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

With all the secrecy during the filming--the title wasn't released until the film was nearly done, the lead actresses kept under wraps, story line minimal--SRK tweeted about some of the shooting in Kashmir and Ladakh--about the beauty of the area and how difficult it was to film in remote areas.

The publicity began as Diwali neared--some of the big promos began about the time of Yashji's 80th birthday--SRK did a long interview(I sure hope they subtitle those on the DVD release).  Many of the cast seemed in promo mode when they attended Amitabh Bachchan's 70's birthday party, though Yashji wasn't seeming well during the festivities and went right to the hospital after the party.  Word was that there was still a few scenes they needed to film in Switzerland--you need to have some stuff filmed in Switzerland for a Yashji film!

When Yash Chopra did not recover from his bout with dengue fever and died October 21st--the entire Bollywood community wept--what would happen now to this film--would they film that last bit, would it release for Diwali??

Well--they did not go to Switzerland, they premiered it the day before Diwali in a lavish tribute to Yashji--they put a tribute to Yashji in the beginning credits as well as the end credits.

How was the film?? It was  grand SRK film--his brooding, exuberant, wonderful self held the film together. I tried not to read reviews prior to seeing the movie--but, I was really concerned about his pairing with Katrina Kaif(I was hoping against hope that she was not his primary love interest, and was hoping that Anushka Sharma would win out--they had such great chemistry in RNBDJ!!).

From the leaked photos from the London shoot, I knew that Katrina was the main focus--but why?? She is such a wooden actress--it amazed me that SRK could get such hot and heavy scenes--yes there is a kissing(several) on the lips!! with such a stiff young lady in his arms!!

If you are going to see a great female lead actress do her best--this is not the film for you--this is a SRK and Anushka film. Anushka's character really brings out the best in SRK's character--she gets him out of his funk, brings him back to London to face his past--which becomes all that he can face.

The return to London and the accident that wipes out his past was a bit hard to swallow--but SRK manages to make it believable, even if Katrina is so standoffish and won't let him into her life!

Go see this film---it is a typical Yashji romance--boy loves girl, girl is one he can't have, boy finds new life--still loving girl!  We shall never see a film like this again, for even if Yashji hadn't passed after this film--this was to be the last film he was to direct in his long career.

Rest in Peace Yashji--your legacy of romance is secure!  We love what you did for Bollywood films during your career--and even if SRK won't admit he is a romantic hero--SRK is my romantic hero!!

Don 2--back in the action

We have finally gotten the DVD, Cable, TV thingy worked out. With our move we went from one cable system(Comcast) to another (Charter)-each with their own hookup systems. For some reason, the DVD player would not get it together with the TV--kiddo tried to hook it up--but no go. Spent last Saturday sitting behind the TV playing with cord hookups. At one point David McCullam as Ducky on NCIS had SRK's voice coming out of his mouth as well as all the sound effects from Don 2!  It had me and kiddo in stitches!!  But--by disconnecting one cable line and hooking up the DVD line--I finally got to watch Don 2 as well as re-watch, for the umpteenth time RBNDJ!  Got my SRK fix in but good!

Not being a huge fan of action flicks--this was pretty good--it had suspense, drama and of course, many great actors not just SRK!  The special bit with Hrithik Roshan was priceless!  I kept asking kiddo to check the other actors and what they were in it--some were old friends: Om Puri and Boman Irani. Though one actor, the computer whiz that planned all the technical stuff--Kunal Kapoor--seemed familiar, yet not--I recalled him from Rang de Basanti but I had also seen him in other stuff.

Don manages to evade the police--but only so far--he does get captured and tossed into a Malaysian jail with many of his enemies.  I had read that they filmed in a high security jail in Malaysia--talk about taking risks.  When Don gets out of jail, he is off to Germany to get his money and some revenge.

He then plots to steal the printing plates that they use to print the Euro bills from--the fact that they manage to get into the highest security part of facility is kinda hard to believe--but then, it is SRK and he can do anything!

The film was enjoyable and you could totally see the set up for Don 3--but hey--why not.
If you like action flicks--you will enjoy this! The stunts are fabulous and the acting good--story line kinda is thin but hey, aren't most action flick story lines thin??

Another enjoyable day with Bollywood--and now thanks to a wee gadget from Radio Shack--we merely have to press a button and we can switch from DVD to Cable and back--no unhooking wires!!

Long Time Gone--or my reflections on a Chubb Fellow

I know it has been a long while since I have posted--but many things have changed. Certainly not my love of Bollywood, nor my desire to know more about the world, India and life--places have changed, stuff is still being arranged!
We had a stressful year, with having to move after 20 years, and not really planning the move(stuff just tossed into boxes and crates and moved)--many of my precious books on history, Bollywood and food are still in crates--no place for them to go.

I wish I had heard at least a week before this happened, and I would have figured a way to get my self into the Shubert Theatre at Yale University. Sharukh Khan was awarded the Chubb Fellowship at Yale and on April 12th--made a fabulous speech.  I finally sat down and watched the YouTube video a bit ago--and it even firmed up my love of this man and what he does.

SRK was feted by the Chubb Fellowship before hand--and if you go to the Chubb site you will have 600+ photos to go through that show the events! { http://chubbfellowship.org/speakers/current}  Yes, you heard that right--600+ photos of SRK!!  SRK was treated to a private reception, with smoozing and dancing--yup dancing. Then there was the lecture he presented with questions and answers and more dancing!--and the photos then show the dinner that included the students of the Timothy Dwight House as well--with more smoozing, talking, presentation to SRK of Yale memorabilia  and Dancing!

SRK's speech and the following questions and answers afterward, showed that SRK doesn't really take himself and his world wide fame that seriously!  Once again, when he arrived, he was detained at the airport--geez this is getting old!! SRK spoke of the last time he was at Yale, they were filming KANK and his mouth froze as he was singing to Rani--and he hoped his mouth wouldn't freeze up again.
I will include the official YouTube link for his lecture and let you form your own opinion about SRK-I will be off for now--but back soon with my thoughts on cable providers, DVDs, and Don2!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0OaOnT8res

A shot of Shahrukh!--Ra.One

Well, he finally did it! SRK made the movie for his son Aryan--a Super hero film! The Indian press has not been horribly kind to this movie-for it is very different from most traditional films, yet it is very traditional! I an not a huge fan of action, scifi, gaming movies--but hey, it was SRK!
All that I had read about this movie--the bringing in of FX experts from the US to teach Red Chillies staff how to do the effects, the fact that SRK wanted to do all the stunts(hey, he is very injury prone it seems), and the fact that one of my not so fav actresses was going to be his co-star(Kareena Kapoor, hey she redeemed herself in this one, seems when she is paired with SRK, she CAN act)--I had to go see it!

Well, the weekend it opened(Diwali in India, Halloween here in the US) was the weekend I had planned to go to the cinema in Shrewsbury to see it--a couple of my friends had planned to come as well. Well, Mother Nature intervened--Saturday they predicted a heavy wet snow fall for Saturday nite into Sunday--I was still hopeful that it would be able to be cleared out for the Sunday afternoon show. My big concern was, should I see it in 2D or 3D?? Whenever I have seen some film that is supposed to be 3D(IMAX for one), I have gotten the worst migraine ever. The theatre was only doing one 2D show, the bulk of them were going to be 3D--I figured I would decide when I got there.

Well, the snow and wind began--the trees still were fully leafed out-then they began to fall!! We got nearly a foot of heavy, wet snow--lost power at about 8:30 Saturday nite--I was still hopeful that it would be back by the afternoon. Well, this was a historic storm, it turned into a full-blown Nor'easter, most of Western Massachusetts and parts of Connecticut and Vermont were buried in snow, downed limbs, trees and electric poles!! Sunday afternoon--we are looking around, the landlord comes with his backhoe and his son with his chain saw--they cut a path to the main road a mile in--they came back saying there was so much debris not only on our street, but the main road! Man--little did I know this would be the first full day of 8 days without power! Without power, heat, running water(we have a well) and regular hygiene!

I kept hoping that Ra.One would still be at the theatre once the electricity was back. I won't bore you with the boring search for batteries, hot showers, and water to flush the toilet(think snow melt from the roof)-you never saw anyone so happy to see power back on Sunday--which included having to bathe 2 cats that thought by sleeping in the cold ash in the fireplace would keep them warm!

I kept checking the film listings at the theatre--and sure enough--the film was still playing nearly 3 weeks in!! Gotta go--both my friends were not sure if they would come, one had major tree removal from her property, the other was stressed from work and not sure either. Well, come heck or high water, I was going to go--but--but--it was only in 3D--oh well, I would chance it.....
Well---I am glad that the choice had been made for me--this was fabulous--and one of my first modern 3D experiences. I am wondering, however--if the entire film, including end credits was in 3D--why wasn't the beginning credits in 3D?? The disclaimers about not doing these stunts, the dedications, and the first few scenes seemed out of focus--was this on purpose--or what?

Well, this fast paced film was great--very different from any other Bollywood I have seen, or any other SRK film--but it still had dil! Even though the video game had a villain that was more powerful and 'sexier'--it was still the core values of Bollywood films that brought the hero to the forefront-- dil , family and good. Sure, a lot of the references were very traditional--but if you didn't know that Ra.One(Raavan) was the embodiment of evil and G.One(Jeevan) is the embodiment of good--who shall ultimately win, you still get a great film, great stunts, great ideas!

I wasn't too sure how I would like this movie--but I loved it--and now am looking forward to the Christmas release of Don 2.
I had been pretty stressed, as had been my friend who came with me, but this pure escapist fun and SRK to boot(and Arjun Rampal wasn't bad as the villain)--was just the tonic I needed--I keep forgetting that Bollywood can usually get me out of a funk or a bad mood--humm 4 day weekend, lots of football that I don't watch--I see lots of Bollywood in the future!

Challo--come along and enjoy!

Mangal Pandey--the Rising

I suppose you are wondering what movie I am talking about-since when folks talk about the 2005 Aamir Khan movie Mangal Pandey:The Rising the photo most often show is the where Aamir is dressed as a sepoy (a native soldier in India under the command of the East India Company). I like this Holi photo better, it mirrors the joy of the the desire for freedom.

This story is a dramatization of the 1857 Sepoy Uprising in India--and had this succeeded-India might have had its freedom 90 years earlier than 1947. In 1857, India was not under the control of the Queen of England, but the East India Company--the Company did its best to extract as much income out of India's peoples as it could. The company forced Indian farmers to grow opium and sell it at fixed prices to the Company which in turn sold it at high profit to China in exchange for Tea, silk and spices.

The major tripping point of the uprising was the introduction of the rifled Enfield Musket--which had a cartridge containing powder and shot that needed to be bitten off by the soldier and then loaded into the barrel of the rifle. Up until this time, the Indian Sepoys used the 'Brown Bess' musket that had separate powder and shot that was loaded into the barrel--the ease of the cartridge and the greater accuracy of the Enfield was the reason behind the change. But, the cartridge was the instigator of this rebellion--rumor spread that the cartridge was coated with the fat of cows and pigs. The Sepoys consisted of Muslim and Hindu men to which each one found the fat of either animal abhorrent--the Muslims felt pig impure and the Hindu saw the cow as sacred.

The man behind this uprising, Mangal Pandey--was a devout Hindu who refused to submit to this humiliation. Pandey felt that by putting the fat of a cow into his mouth, he would be impure and his community would shun him. Pandey had the ability to muster the support of the many troops in India--and a rebellion was begun. It is not to say that this Aamir Khan movie is true to the tale of the uprising-it twists the story to make it more patriotic and adds a bit of romance- but it still gives the viewer a feel for the suppression that India suffered under the East India Company. After the rebellion was quashed, India then came under the rule of the English monarchy--it is not to say that this rule was any less suppressive, but this is for others to debate.


I found that watching this movie after seeing the new, and last Harry Potter film to be appropriate--both are about rebellion, and both show the fights people can fight when they are so moved. Watching this movie makes me wish to delve further into this historic episode--and thus into the history of India. Aamir Khan does well with this role--and brings the spirit of Mangal Pandey to life; let us not forget these players of history that tried to bring equality to their peoples.

Mangal Pandey-@1827-1857

Rocket Singh, Salesman of the Year

Rocket Singh--an honest man in a dishonest world of sales. How does someone who is sweet, honest and hardworking make it in a cutthroat world?? He doesn't change himself, he changes the corporate culture! When Haspreet Singh goes to work for a large computer company, AYS, little does he realize that he must change how he thinks, acts, and believes. On his first sales call, the company owner demands a bribe for his services--when HP thinks this unethical, he leaves and then puts a letter into the company suggestion box.
Upon his return to the office, he is berated and called stupid, slow and a loser. He is now the office scape-goat, but that doesn't stop him. He begins to see how badly the company he works for treats their customers and he sets out to make it right.

This sweet little movie is following the trend of 'message' movies in Bollywood. No song or dance, no seltzer in your pants(sorry could not resist), just a message on how those that do well unto others can make it in the real world. If Bollywood makes more movies like this--their popularity in the west will surely grow. Take a movie with a message, add good acting, a well thought out script and you will have a winner. And this movie is a winner!!

Salaam-e-Ishq or Salman-e-Ick

Salaam-e-Ishq

Well, my friend Erin loaned me a bunch of flicks she wanted me to see--and Salaam-e-Ishq was among them. I am not at all a fan of Salman Khan, but I like a lot of the others in this film--Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, John Abraham, and Priyanka Chopra(most times anyhow). So--I began to watch this on a day off after a bunch of running around--I am not sure if it was the movie, or if I was tired, but I kept dozing off! The moment Salman came on screen--I felt kinda repulsed, he is still baring his chest, posturing and doing the same things he did in movies years ago; hasn't he grown in skill?
I kept at it--the stories seemed a bit disjointed, I did not like the cutting from one tale to another--it wasn't all that smooth. I have seen it done better in a film called Dus Kahaniyaan.
I would suggest if you want to watch a movie about couples and how they deal with problems-I would look this one up.

The only saving grace(other than the fact that Salman is in many of the dance numbers) is the music. The is done by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy--and is fabulous. Even Salman's dancing hasn't changed much! In one dance, I would swear he did the same steps that he did in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam--even Salman's dancing hasn't improved over the years. Salman would do well to watch other films by the other Khan's--Aamir, Saif and of course SRK. Over the years they have all done very different types of films--Aamir has even signed to do the anti-hero in Dhoom 3--while Salman has spent his career being the 'chocolate box hero'--the slimy gigolo/lover/Lothario . Wake up Salman--you are not twenty any longer-you may still be buff and rugged looking--but you need to take acting lessons or start working behind the camera--do you want to be know as the Keanu Reeves of Bollywood?
Ok, I must admit I can't tolerate him, but I am trying to look at his acting- lack thereof. Salman also has the reputation of being Bollywood's badboy--well, Salman--this is getting old, wake up and smell the coffee and do something with substance and passion.

Reading Bollywood--still

This image is what I conjure in my head when I think of Bollywood--or at least the type of Bollywood most folks know. This famous dance from the movie Dil Se by director Mani Ratnam is famous for many reasons--first off this train dance scene that was done on a moving train, and for the introduction of ARRahman to the Bollywood movie industry and then to the world.
This image is also one that I have tried to grab for many years--it also graces the cover of a book by Nasreen Munni Kabir. This book was published a number of years ago to accompany a BBC look at the Bollywood movie industry--it was written about the time many Bollywood movie directors/producers/actors had discovered that England was a great place to film movies--as well as with its diaspora population, a fertile ground for its movies. I had seen this book mentioned in many of the other books I had read, referred to by more authors than I could count--but it was forever elusive--it fetched over $100 at most used book sources--oftentimes it was running well over $200!!--a bit rich for my blood. Until the day I saw it listed, with shipping from England, for less than $20US!!! Well---even though my budget was tight, I knew I needed to grab it!! And am I ever glad I did.

Ms. Kabir's breezy and informative style has caused me to want to do yet more reading/re-reading of the many books I have on Bollywood---including some of those that I have, but were a bit dense to read--her references and interviews with stars and directors and other behind the scene folks has given me much insight. I have one minor complaint--as a historian, I love my footnotes, endnotes , and bibliography. Ms. Kabir will often quote pretty well know books and cite them within the context of her text--but I still want my stuff in easy access. Just ask my kid--when I get a new book that is non-fiction--the first thing I look at is the bibliography, then the notes then--I begin to read!

This is one great book for general reference and information--it will also give you many more movies you will want to see!

Dhobi Ghat--(Mumbai Diaries)

Dhobi Ghat--a well known place in Mumbai. The Dhobis--washers--work in the open washing the clothes of their customers in Mumbai--hotels, hospitals, and others. There are over 700 ghats(washing stations)--I think I read somewhere that it was build during the mid-, late 19th century for the English military officers. The ghats are rented, and these folks launder, with out electricity, everything from undergarments to saris.

Why am I giving you a history of the Dhobi Ghat, and not a review of Kiran Rao's new movie?
Well, knowing about the Ghat is helpful for the movie--as well as much of the story revolve around Munna--the dhobi that ties all the main characters together.

Kiran Rao--who is married to Aamir Khan(though the New York Times review called him Mr. Kiran Rao!)--directed this, her first movie. I am sure having as powerful a husband as Aamir, made her job a bit easier--though I have seen/read an interview with her that she did not originally want her husband in the film. Well, even though he is the biggest star in the film, I feel he is not the biggest character--he pulls together 3 very different people.

Munna-the dhobi--also ties many of the characters together as well--he is the invisible person in Mumbai as well as the movie. Munna is one of the many millions of 'serving' people in this huge city--they bring laundry, lunch, cooking gas, milk, and many other necessities of of modern life to those living in Mumbai. I have also been reading Maximum City, Bombay Lost and Found by Suketu Mehtu. This tale of a man returning to Mumbai with his wife and family from New York City, somehow mirrors this movie by Kiran Rao--you see the underbelly of Mumbai; the dirty streets, the trash dumps, the slums, the dhobi, the falling down buildings built so close to each other that you can peer into your neighbor's kitchen!

Rao brings you into the more real Mumbai--she films not the sparkly studios, but the streets--the beach, the festivals (she filmed the Ganesha Chaturthi when millions of worshipers bring large and small images of Ganesha to the ocean to be cast into the sea-my dream is to one day be in Mumbai for this festival).

This movie may not be for everyone--but it is a very wonderful look at the city that weaves dreams for millions of people all over the world. As I sat their in the theatre with my friend, we marveled at the wonder of Mumbai--but also commented on how dirty it was.

I had hoped that the video diary that Arun had found would have brought us to finding the maker of these tapes--these tapes, filled first with hope, and then with despair--made me weep for the new bride whose dreams were soon dashed.

I encourage you to see this movie--it is a very different film, the background music is melancholy and brooding--but so is the movie. This film gives you a realistic, hopeful view of the Bollywood city of dreams---Mumbai.

Pinjar-another tale of partition

I have had this DVD from Netflix for some time--and needed a quiet bit to watch it. I knew it would be a wrenching story-it dealt with the horrors of partition. It begins as a story of two Hindu families living in the Punjabi region of northern India--the time is 1946--and we who know what is about to happen are struck with apprehension. Puro-a lively young daughter of a well off family is betrothed to a young lawyer-Ramchand. As preparations are made, a young Muslim, Rashid, man sees Puro and immediately falls in love with her--we later learn of the horrible deed he is to do in the name of revenge.
Puro is coming from the fields with her sister, and Rashid gallops up to Puro on his horse and he snatches her from the 'arms of her family'. Puro is held by Rashid--who treats her with deference and love--not taking advantage of her (or does he). Rashid finally tells Puro why he took her-and the family legacy of hatred and fear. Puro escapes one evening and goes back to her family--yet to them she is dead, since she has been taken by a Muslim and her virtue is in question--they put her from her home, and she returns in tears to Rashid-the only one who will have her.
The life she has with Rashid is peaceful and somewhat calm--until the time of partition nears. Rashid and Puro had taken in the infant of a dead Hindu woman who was crazy--yet the officials demand that this Hindu baby be given back to his own people. Rashid shows his love for his wife, he fights for them to keep the infant--yet is forced to comply. Many times you see the love and devotion Rashid has for Puro(now named Hamida--which is tattooed on her arm).
As the Indian military tries to calm the mayhem of partition--Muslims attack and kill Hindus, and kidnap women to be used sexually. One day in the cane fields, Hamida finds a young Hindu girl who has escaped her captors--and brings her home to recover.
As a caravan of refugees from Hamida's home village pass by--Hamida asks her husband to let her help the young girl--he agrees. Hamida brings food and water to the refugees and comes upon her former betrothed--she asks him to help her with the young girl, he tells her of his sister's capture by the Muslims and also asks for her help finding them.

The story then follows Rashid and Hamida as they track down the missing sister, Lajjo, and return her to her family. Hamida has a chance to meet with her brother--as well as to see once more her former fiancee. Both her brother and her former fiancee encourage her to come with them over the border--but she finds that she feels that this now Muslim land is really her home. Her husband, hoping to repent for his earlier crime, leaves her side, thinking that she will wish to return to her family--as she looks around for him, she realizes that he is her life and that she does love him.

This movie may seem to be a bit of a 'downer', but it does show the compassion and strength that people have when times are horrible. I am drawn to the voting now taking place in the Sudan to separate the Christian and Muslim parts of that war-torn country and wonder if the horrors of war there will lead to horrors of partition?

Happy Kuch Kuch Hota Holiday

I have been watching some forgettable Bollywoods--I never thought I would say that a Sharukh film would be forgettable, but Dulha Mil Gaya was very forgettable. You could tell that it took nearly 2 years to film, it seemed to have lost what little bit of chemistry there was. The whole 'My Fair Lady' take on making the plain girl have her husband in name only fall for her got stretched pretty thin. Sushmita Sen's role was very superficial--and after Main Hoon Na--this was bad--I finished the movie with a desire to watch a good movie.
My friend Erin has lent me a bunch of her movies that I have not seen, and she has taken some of mine--which meant she had Paheli, which cheers me up all the time--and I was not in the mood for a sob fest...

Well, I let this stew for a few days to decide what to see--Alex was off with friends for a holiday celebration--I decided to watch the inner part of the Inner/Outer World of Shahrukh Khan (yes, I did the guilty pleasure bit, and when Nehaflix had it on sale---I got it a while ago!
I think I had seen much of this disk via YouTube and other interviews, but it was wonderful to see some of the stuff I had missed. I had been waffling between re-watching KKHH and Main Hoon Na--since lots of the inner world followed SRK around while filming Main Hoon Na--my choice was obvious. It was heart warming to see SRK with his kids(though it was done a few years back (in 2005), and his daughter, Suhana, was very cute! I got to see some of the places that Anupama Chopra wrote about in her biography of SRK--including the school he went to in Delhi. I even offered a silent prayer when he too went to pray at the graves of his parents.

Re-watching KKHH after nearly 4 years--and reading more about SRK, Bollywood, India and experiencing more of life (yes even we oldsters gather more experience as we move forward)--this movie seemed totally new, yet still an old friend. I was able to better understand many of the cultural nuances that I missed with a viewing earlier. I could almost see the passages in Rachel Dwyer's book All You Want is Money, All You Need is Love that discussed this movie in particular at length. Rachel's books on Bollywood are a wonderful insight into how the film industry reflects as well as shapes Indian culture.

Watching this film after seeing SRK's inner world that discussed his many injuries and surgeries and how he copes with the pain--made me wince every time he fell and landed on his shoulder or knee--it still amazes me that he says when he is working, he feels not pain. My love and respect for SRK grows larger each time I watch his movies--and the more I learn about him, the more I feel that he is a very special person--he seems to enjoy making people happy, and expects little for himself and is very grateful for all he has.

I suppose, that during these next few days of holiday time, I can hopefully watch some more films-I know I wish to re-watch Aja Nachle to revel in Madhura Dixit's dancing!

Well, here, on Christmas Eve Eve--here is hoping that you get your Bollywood love--however you can!

Namaste, Yaara!

Guzaarish

I went to see this fabulous movie yesterday. I not only brought an old(but young) friend that I have only recently discovered loves Bollywood--but I also gave a knitting buddy her first exposure to Bollywood on the Big Screen!!

This movie has a topic that is very relevant and timely--assisted suicide. You might not think that this would make for an uplifting movie, but it does. While the main character's, Ethan, body is slowing shutting down-he is trying to convince the government and those who love him that he wishes to die--and has come to terms with this.

We see, via flashbacks, the wonderful full life that Ethan has lead--he was a world renowned magician. During a performance, his equipment was sabotaged, and he was left a quadriplegic.

Even after he is incapacitated, he does not stop enjoying and living life--he writes a book about embracing life, even when give major obstacles. He hosts a radio show that plays music to encourage and uplift.

Yet, even with all his accomplishments, he cannot look past the fact that he is dying slowly--his kidneys have shut down, his lungs are slowly losing the ability to provide him breath--and his constant pain is something he tries to hide.

His caretaker, Sophia, with her elegance and formal manner, hides her love for her patient, as he hides his love for her.

Even with the somber topic, this movie is uplifting and wonderful.
The theatre was full, and usually when I go to Bollywood movies at this theatre, the Indian audience tends to cheer, laugh and yell at the screen--even serious movies. When I saw Kaminey, there was much talking and chatter during the film.
Well, during this film, there was silence during most of the movie--and toward the end, I swore I heard sobbing--or maybe that was me. Meeting folks in the lobby after, the majority of the movie goers seemed highly moved by this film.

I do think, that with this film, Bhansali has become one of my favorite directors. He makes you feel that you are in the shoes of those on the screen. His attention to detail and love of depth has you scanning the background looking for hints as to where he will be taking the viewer.

I encourage you all to see this film--if possible, on the big screen.

Watching--Paa

This movie has been sitting on top the TV for quite a while--gotta love Netflix, but if they realize how long I keep a movie--I am in trouble. Alex had to go to a meeting this morning, so I decided to watch Paa.
Mind you, I am not a huge Abhishek Bachchan fan--even in the roles I like, I find him a bit underwhelming. He doesn't have the charisma on the screen that Shahid Kapoor or SRK have-but he ususally does a great job--umm, let us forget about Drona, in that movie, even the horse seemed embarrassed to be there.

This low-key movie has the romantic start that many expect--the young lovers in college. When Vidya discovers she is pregnant--he lover Amol, feels not ready for family, marriage etc. He suggests terminating the pregnancy--Vidya just says that she will no longer be a burden to him. Vidya is worried that her mother will be upset and throw her out-but her mother is her biggest supporter.

When Auro is born, it is obvious there is something wrong--the diagnosis shortens his life expectancy--Progeria--a rare genetic disorder that causes rapid aging--Auro's family treats him not very differently--the school he attends, treat him like a regular 12 year old.

Auro wins a contest--meets.........well, I think you need to watch this charming film yourself, so I am not going to give away any more--other than Auro does meet his father--and you have a sad but happy ending.

The extras are not much on this disk, just showing the progress Big B underwent for the prosthetic makeup!! Alex was home by then, and marvelled that he felt no big Hollywood star would allow to have himself filmed while the mask and prosthetics were being made!! Gotta love Bollywood!