a bolly(wood song) a day

"bollyaday" is the result of my obsession with bollywood (and other south asian) music. i'm often told by my family that i have an encyclopedic knowledge of bollywood and i need an outlet for it. i'll post a song a day (duh) and give you a short description of why i love the song. enjoy!

[bollyaday]

as you've probably noticed, there has been a hiatus over here. i sadly didn't pass the bar so am studying for it again. that means until Feb 27, no posts. i'll try to post sometimes but no promises. see you in 2015 :)

[bollyaday]

channa ve | kunal ganjawala

Kunal Ganjawala has a really distinctive voice and I remember not liking it when I first heard it. But slowly, especially after listening to this Indi-pop song, it gets better and better. 

Unlike most Bollywood singers, Ganjawala did not start training until college and he only did that, apparently, because some professors caught him whistling. He got his break in Bollywood in 2002 and slowly, tons of music directors began hiring him for playback. But in my opinion, this pop song made him a household name. The song's Punjabi lyrics and beat are great, but I am a huge sucker for the actual story in the music video. Ms. Super Cute Girl, there is a cutie right in front you, ignore scraggly hair boy and go for this guy!! *ahem*

[bollyaday]

ek do teen | tezaab (1988)

Anyone want to learn how to count in Hindi? If you do, listen to this song...and I would say this is a joke but really, I learned to count up to 13 in Hindi because of this song ;) Anyways, if you are a Madhuri Dixit fan, you've probably talked about how she is the best dancer Bollywood has ever seen. Her expressions, grace, and technical prowess have made her legendary in a very short time. But, in my opinion, that credit should probably be only half of Madhuri's. 

Early in her career, Madhuri benefited from a skilled choreographer, Saroj Khan, like no other actress before or after her. The combination of Madhuri's skill and Khan's routines made Madhuri a legend. Khan has choreographed some of Madhuri's most famous dances, including this one, which bagged Khan a Filmfare Award for Best Choreographer. Unlike other choreographers, Khan makes an effort to know the dancer. Khan has always emphasized Madhuri's kathak and expressive skill in routines for Madhuri.

But because Khan utilizes a lot of classical Indian dance in her routines, she's gotten this reputation of being old-fashioned and not as 'fun,' which I don't like. First of all, what's wrong with all classical anyways?Second, most of her routines are not purely classical unless called for. And third, she does fusion best and dance best. Look at this song of hers! It's not just about 'fun' with her choreography -- it's fun and technical skill. Plus, I love the sisterhood her and Madhuri have going on; the two constantly refer to each other as the best. Cuties.

[bollyaday]

mera kuch samaan | ijaazat (1987)

Musically and personally, R.D. Burman and Asha Bhosle remain on of Bollywood's most famous couplings. The two first met with Bhosle was married, when Burman, then a teenager, was trailing after his dad at work. Ten years after that meeting, the Bhosle and Burman would collaborate on Teesri Manzil, one of the first Bollywood soundtracks that can only be described as wild and frenetic. To this day, Bhosle and Burman are remembered for those types of groundbreaking collaborations -- where he pushed the envelope by introducing new Western sounds, and she lent her sultry voice.

This song though, released after the two married, stands out. It's slow, contemplative, and a little sad. Bhosle still says it is her favorite song because it reminds her of Burman, who passed away in 1994 at age 54. Listening to the two of them, it's obvious they were the best of friends, if nothing else. I think it's touching then that when the two met is counted by The Guardian as one of the 50 key moments in world and folk music. 

[bollyaday]

khaike paan banaraswala | don: the chase begins again (2006)

Oh, Shah Rukh Khan (aka SRK, King Khan, Baadshah, Baadshah of Bollywood). Talk about rags to riches. Unlike most other Bollywood players, SRK did not have tons of connections in the industry and neither did his parents, who passed away early in his life. As a result, he supported himself with small roles and theatre work until he got his first role in television in the late 1980s. He did so well on television that he signed film roles left and right. His first film that released, Deewana, did very well, earning him a Filmfare Award. SRK took more roles, but mostly ones as a villain. 

But once he took his first role as a romantic hero in 1995 (in DDLJ and Karan-Arjun), his status as one of Bollywood's top starts was cemented. To this day, SRK has the power to draw thousands of people to a location, and personally, he can make me smile with that iconic pose of his. I know SRK isn't perfect (remember what he did to Aishwarya...) but he is The Superstar for a person my age (mid-to-late 20s and younger). I also think he's best in silly comedy, like this song here. But whatever you do think of SRK (since he seems to be so polarizing), his fame at least is something you can't argue about :P

[bollyaday]

chalte chalte | pakeezah (1972)

Death has a strange (and unkind) way of making films popular. It happened recently when director Yash Chopra died right before the release of his film, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, and it happened in 1972, when actress Meena Kumari passed away a few weeks after Pakeezah released. Both went on to be mega-hits. The jury is still out on JTHJ (not my favorite) but Pakeezah, a tragic story about a tawaif's life, has cemented itself as one of Bollywood's most beloved and tragic films.

Out of all of Pakeezah's songs, "Chalte Chalte" is the most famous. Lata's singing is gorgeous, as is Meena Kumari's dancing. But for me, Kaifi Azmi's lyrics stand out. Azmi brought Urdu poetry into Bollywood lyrics -- I don't want to say he did it single-handedly but his ability to write pure Urdu verse for Bollywood influenced many past and present lyricists. Lots of Azmi's poetry focused on the suffering of the disadvantaged and you can see that social consciousness in many of his lyrics. Here, the song's lyrics are intensely poetic and metaphorical, but you empathize with Kumari's melancholy and wish for freedom from the courtesan's life she lives.

[bollyaday]

sasural genda phool | delhi 6 (2010)

I, at the very beginning of this blog, said that "Waqt Ne Kiya" is my favorite Bollywood song, but I have to fix that -- "Sasural Genda Phool" is tied with "Waqt Ne Kiya." I love this song because it is A.R. Rahman doing fusion the way he does best. Keeping with the original folk song for the beginning, and then remixing it. 

Additionally, the director, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, did a fantastic job framing this song. It starts with a view of oil in an earthenware pot, chilies, and spices. The family is probably making a regional variation of achar - pretty much anything pickled or preserved in India. The camera focuses on the women at the beginning but shifts to Abhishek when the remix starts. Since he's the Indian-American in the film, versus the Indians, it's a nice touch. And then, they're all together at the end when the two different styles, folk + remix, mesh. It's so idealistic and cute, I LOVE IT.

Plus, Abhishek dancing with cutie galore, Waheeda Rehman? Yes please! Their dance at the end always makes me smile.

[bollyaday]

isharon isharon mein | kashmir ki kali (1964)

One of my favorite old Bollywood actresses is Sharmila Tagore. Born in 1944 in Hyderabad, she can trace her paternal lineage back to India's beloved poet and writer, Rabindranath Tagore. However, she never had to rely on that lineage, as she stands as a great actress in her own right. In fact, Tagore made a name for herself in artistic films with legendary directors like Satyajit Ray, and others about the plight of women in different circumstances. 

Aside from her acting, Tagore is also known for her seemingly epic love story. Tagore met Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who at the time was the very talented, extremely handsome captain of the Indian cricket team (I'm not exaggerating when I say he is known as India's best captain ever). Additionally, Pataudi was actually the Nawab of Pataudi aka royalty. Tagore converted to Islam and married him in 1969. His title was abolished in 1971 but people still refer to him as Nawab Pataudi, even today. He sadly passed away in 2011, but he and Tagore had three children together: Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan, and Soha Ali Khan. Tagore made a comeback to acting recently, and I love it. She's just as graceful, playful, and beautiful as before.

[bollyaday]

tip tip barsa paani | mohra (1994)

Originally, this post was going to be about Raveena Tandon. But in rewatching this song and listening to the lyrics (for the first time), this post is going to be about Bollywood and the "wet sari." In many, many Bollywood films, you'll see this type of song -- not so obviously sexual as this number but something close. A heroine dancing in the rain, her wet sari literally plastered to her, and the hero watching or dancing with her. Media scholars (especially Rachel Dwyer) have put this down as a creative way to express nudity or, in some situations, sexual intercourse between the characters. Since Bollywood is supposed to be more wholesome on average, you can see why they would 'code' the nudity, so to speak.

It works here too, though I'm not sure they cared about 'coding' the sexual connotations here lol! A brief look at the lyrics (can't find a better link, sorry) and oh boy *fans self.* It's funny because this is so overtly sexual but there was another song from Mohra that was even moreso and was banned in India...it's a family favorite haha.

But please, enjoy Tandon and Akhay Kumar when he was hot (don't kill me).

[bollyaday]

satyam shivam sundaram | satyam shivam sundaram (1978)

People who have never watched Bollywood often critique it as conservative and afraid of sex. Besides the undertones of (racist) condescension and pity, I find those statements stupid. Sex does not make a good film, and no sex does not make a good film either. But to those haters, let me introduce Satyam Shivam Sundaram.

Raj Kapoor directed this film on the differences between physical and spiritual love. Kapoor, you'll remember, is known has the godfather of Bollywood, and was a great actor, director, and screenwriter. Here, his youngest brother, Shashi Kapoor, plays the main role and Zeenat Aman plays the female role. Warning, this picturization is heavy on the male gaze and very sexist. But is it still sexy and is Aman owning the role? Yes, ma'am.

[bollyaday]

ude jab jab zulfein teri | naya daur (1957)

I feel like this film and this actor (Dilip Kumar) beg the question, "Which of the many scandals?" Even though Kumar is a well-loved actor in Bollywood, he has done many, many sketchy things. Most of them have to do with Madhubala the actress and this film is no exception. For reference, in 1957, Madhubala and Kumar are understood to have been in a relationship. She was given a monetary advance to work on this film with now-legendary director B.R. Chopra, and shot some scenes. All was well until Chopra wanted to shift away from Mumbai for some shoots.

Madhubala's father had her withdraw because he thought a location shoot far would result in Kumar (further) wooing Madhubala. In response, Chopra brought in Vyjayanthimala and sued Madhubala to get the advance returned. In court, Kumar testified against Madhubala, and they broke up. Honestly, I think its for the better since Kumar treated Madhubala like shit in 1960 on the set of Mughal-E-Azam by actually slapping her in one scene...that though, is another story.

[bollyaday]

balam pichkari | yeh jawaani hai deewani (2013)

Like every popular actress before her, Deepika has been assigned a year and that year is 2013. I find the practice of assigning actresses years sexist, especially when men seem to be immortal in how long they can play the lead character. SRK has apparently lasted for 20 years now, Saif and Aamir both had gaps in between but are 2001 to present, and Salman’s at 20 years as well. However, Kajol had 1995-2001 and now pops up occasionally. Preity got 2004-2005, Rani claimed 2005-2006, and Kareena is in the midst of her few years. 

I hope Deepika stays around for more than a few years. I love seeing her act and she’s gorgeous to look at to boot. It’s so interesting to me that she played national level badminton but chose to stop for a career in modeling. Considering her dad is a super famous badminton player in his own right, it must have been a difficult decision. But yo, dedication.  

[bollyaday]

hum tum ek kamre | bobby (1973)

Raj Kapoor holds a place as one of Bollywood's greatest visionaries and that extends to the films he directed that would have been vehicles for his kids' debuts, but ended up being pretty freaking progressive. For example, this is this song with his son, Rishi Kapoor, about having sex. But the movie itself showed that teenage romance movies would work in Bollywood, where romances were typically the realm of older actors.

Rishi Kapoor is Raj Kapoor's second son and his career really began with Bobby. He made his mark during the 70s to 80s and, unlike other family hires you see in Bollywood, is a great actor. He's done the loverboy, villain, uncle, estranged dad, and tons more roles. Rishi Kapoor and his wife Neetu Singh (a famous actress in her own right), have two children, Riddhima Kapoor Sahani and Ranbir Kapoor. I swear, how can one family be so talented???

[bollyaday]

yaari hai imaan mera | zanjeer (1973)

Villains are a dime a dozen in Bollywood - gang members, male family members, village chiefs, government ministers, and of course, mother-in-laws (I'm not joking, see Beta and every Indian serial drama ever). Pran made his career as a villain, acting with some of the greatest actors in those days. But in the late 60s, he took a more positive role as a soldier and his career shifted from "villain" to "character actor."

Here is Pran in one of his most famous roles, as Sher Khan in Zanjeer, singing about his friendship with a young Amitabh Bachchan. Many o Pran's movies with Amitabh are my favorites, and for some reason, I was nostalgic about their partnership today. I don't think it is a stretch to say they had a strong friendship off-screen as well. In fact, after Pran retired from acting because of his ill health, he came back only in a few films at the request of Amitabh. Pran passed away in 2013, but I'm glad we got this number with him and Amitabh -- so many feels.

[bollyaday]

aa jab tak hai jaan | sholay (1975)

Bollywood has this thing about jodis ("couples"), whether real-life or on-screen. Hema Malini and Dharmendra are one of the superstar couples that had success and relationships both on-screen and off-screen. One of their most successful partnerships was here in maybe the most famous Bollywood movie ever, Sholay. Plus, the two went on to have two kids together, so life was good (ignoring the whole "Dharmendra was already married and married Malini anyways by maybe fake-converting to Islam? Who knows" eek).

You do get a good synopsis of their star power though, both individually and together, in this song. Malini's dancing has always been praised, and her performance here is brilliantly defiant. Dharmendra looks very pretty and angry and sexy...which is also what he is known for. He made my grandma swoon in this song so job well done with that chest, yo ;) And together, these two are sexy times (shirt-ripping included hehehe)!

[bollyaday]

kathak dance | dil to pagal hai (1998)

There isn't much Madhuri Dixit can do wrong in my eyes and it all stems from my childhood love for her, which peaked with this movie, Dil To Pagal Hai, and her other movie, Lajja. First of all, her dance in this track is mesmerizing. I know her other dances "Are Re Are" and "Koi Ladki Hai" stand out as the most famous in this film, but I (humbly) disagree. Her dance here always blows me away because she is perfection when it comes to kathak. I know it is difficult to even be 'good' at any classical Indian dance form, let alone great so seeing this just...wow.

Kathak and other classical Indian dance forms rely heavily on expressions, grace, and isolated movements. Growing up, I didn't appreciate the dances until I began to note just how intricate each dance form is. A dancer has to be precise in the steps, but fluid also; the expressions have to match the step as well (since the dancer is telling a story), and most importantly, control. The dances require a fascinating balance between restraint and freedom -- god, I love classical Indian dance forms. And Madhuri. Oh my god hi Madhuri.

[bollyaday]

meri banno hoshiyaar | well done abba (2010)

One of my favorite art films in Bollywood is this one, Well Done Abba (trans: "well done father"). Directed by the legendary Shyam Benegal, it's a satire on corruption in India and revolves around a simple premise, building a well, and how so much corruption stems from that one project. 

But my favorite part of this movie is Ila Arun because holy shit, she is hilarious. Arun is not "classically beautiful" (*sigh* Alessandra Stanley why) and I think Bollywood's focus on its ideal of Beauty has meant that Arun hasn't had the success she otherwise would have. She can tackle any role (remember her as Maham Anga, Akbar's wet nurse/foster mother in Jodhaa Akbar?) and sings really well. In fact, besides her playback on this song, you've all probably heard her in "Choli Ke Peeche" (Khalnayak) and "Ringa Ringa" (Slumdog Millionaire).

Note: Sorry for the abbreviated version of this song. The other version on YouTube was annoying to watch.