Madras has turned 375 today. As one sees various images that define the city, one cannot miss the dancers of Kalakshetra, rigorous in their practice, dedicated to the art. I spoke to the legendary Dhananjayans on the occasion of Madras Day, who drew a vivid picture of the Madras that was....-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Tucked away in one of... Continue Reading →
Upkar – The birth of Mr Bharat
Thanks to new TV channels like Zee Classic and Set Max2, a lot of old Hindi classics have gained entry into our drawing rooms yet again. During the Doordarshan days, we would invariably end up watching Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi on Aug 15 or Oct 2 every year. Yesterday, I happened to watch Upkar (1967) after many... Continue Reading →
A trailblazer called Hum Aapke Hain Koun
Yesterday, an entire generation was made to feel old, after being told that Hum Aapke Hain Koun turned 20. Time just flies like no one's business. Every year, some film or the other celebrates a milestone. But Hum Aapke Hain Koun was not any other film. It was not just nostalgia that made this film important for us. Sooraj Barjatya's Hum Aapke... Continue Reading →
The funny titbits of life: Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi
Once during a train journey, I was talking to an aunt about a show that came on Doordarshan in the 1970s, called Phool khile hain gulshan gulshan, which was hosted by yesteryear actress Tabassum, better known as baby Tabassum. My friend who was present there, was surprised that I was talking about a show aired... Continue Reading →