Karz

(#3)

First Day First Show | Karz (1980)

Credits (Courtesy IMDB) :

Screenplay : Sachin Bhowmick 

Dialogues : Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza 

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal 

Produced by: Akhtar Farooqui and Jagjit Khurana

Directed by: Subhash Ghai 

Cast: Rishi Kapoor (Monty), Tina Munim (Tina), Simi Garewal (Kamini Varma), Pran (Kabira), Premnath (Sir Judah), Raj Kiran (Ravi Varma), Durga Khote , Pinchoo Kapoor (G G Oberoi) and Madhu Malhotra (Pinky).

Songs:

1. "Paisa Ye Paisa" - Kishore Kumar 

2. "Dard-e-Dil..Dard-e-Jigar" - Mohammad Rafi

3. "Om Shanti Om" - Kishore Kumar

4. "Mein Sola Baras Ki" - Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar

5. "Kamal hai Kamal hai" - Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar and Anuradha Paudwal

6. "Ek Haseena Thi" - Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhonsle and Rishi Kapoor 

Do you believe in re incarnations? Yes? then you must see this movie. Even if the answer is No then too you must see this movie,for a masterclass' sake.The director of the movie,is by far the best director for me.Subhash Ghai,my most favorite director of all time. Yes he has also seen down trend in recent past for being out dated. But when he was in his top gear, very few who could beat his talent. There is always a feel when you see a Subhash Ghai movie. Right from the first frame to the last, including lyrics and music, you have "The Subhash Ghai Rubber Stamp" fixed all over it. If you want to confirm, take any "other then Subhash Ghai"  movie where Laxmikant-Pyarelal, A.R.Rehman and even Nadeem Shravan have given music and then compare it with a Subhash Ghai movie. You will see plenty of commons in music of Subhash Ghai movies no matter in which year that movie has released, no matter who gave the music, but the impact remains the same.Plus there are certain kind of dialogues, camera movements,situations so so so common in all Subash Ghai movies. 

Story: Ravi Varma is a person who has not born with a silver spoon. But he wins an age old property case filed against Sir Judah and becomes a millionaire.Then marries her beloved Kamini,but he doesn't know that Kamini is plotted by Sir Judah only.On way back to Ooty,his home,Kamini kills him by hitting and crushing him under his own Jeep.Hell falls on Ravi's family and soon,Kamini kicks out Ravi's mother and sister from their home as per planning by Sir Judah.Many years passed by and a singer called Monty comes into the picture.He is an orphan who has been taken care by one G.G.Oberoi. Mr.Oberoi knows about a talent Monty has,that is singing.He uses that talent for his goods and contracts him exclusively.Monty falls in love with a school girl from Ooty,Tina,who has came to Mumbai for a shot trip.During a show while playing a particular tune on Guitar Monty sees shadows of some one killing some one and faints.Doctors checks him and advises him to take rest and go to some hill station. coincidentally  enough, Monty chooses Ooty only.While going to Ooty he sees those shadows more clearly. Sees more characters,which he feels knowing them since ages.Then he realizes that he is a reincarnation of certain Ravi Varma,as those shadows get clearer by the day.Here he finds Kamini,his past life's wife, then his mother and sister.His mother and sister were in total disarray.Here he also finds Tina.He wins faith of Tina's crook uncle Kabira,who after listening to his story of reincarnation,promises to help him,so that Kamini can be brought to justice.Monty even starts to flirt and later shows false love towards Kamini.Eventually,Kamini falls in the trap and starts loving Monty. Monty arranges a grand show for the opening of Ravi Varma Memorial Hall where every one including Kamini with his past life's mother and sister were present.While singing a song,he explains what he actually is to Kamini and after few hiccups movie ends. 

Story is simple,but the script and screenplay is just tight,very tight.It will never let you get out of your seats till the movie ends.This was actually the major point of Subhash Ghai all these years.If I recollect truely, this was the first movie produced by himself under "Mukta Arts" banner.So this was a do or die position for him and he flared extremely well.There were many stories of reincarnations in past in our hindi movies,but they were mostly love stories.Probably this is the first one which has a "hate story".As I said those who do not believe in reincarnations like yours truly,should also see this movie.It really grips you and thrills you.Despite of your belief that reincarnations do not exist,you will be forced to believe otherwise while watching this stuff.You may find Tina Munim and her role out of place,but benefit of doubt must go to the director,as in those days it was necessary to have a heroin in a totally hero oriented movie.Things have not changed much since then, isn't it?There are not many twists and turns in the story apart from one,where you suddenly come to know that Monty is actually Ravi Varma's new birth.

As I said,Tina Munim and her role could have been compromised with by not having her at all,but yet as per public demand and needs,she is there.What ever chance she got,she did well to show a bubbliness of a young school girls.Particularly in songs and in a scene where she along with her friend sees Monty and Kamini flirting with each other,from behind the tree.

Two heavyweights of Indian cinema and my favorites too, are there in small but very effective roles. Pran and Premnath.In Kabira,Pransab has lived up to the expectations.A very lighthearted crook,who takes care of an orphan girl,Tina. Often quotes dohas of original Kabira but mixing it with his own tadka.A very outspoken kind of a person.There are plenty of things we can talk a bout Pran Saab,we can even have an exclusive blog on himself only as and when time permits,but what I want to say is that,he has always given his 100% what ever role has offered to him.One more thing that he never,at least what ever I have seen about him,did overacting in his entire career,I can dare say that. 

Premnath again,as I have said in my blog of Teesri Manzil,is most underrated actors of our movies.Yes he had his own way and style,but when ever he has given a role,he has done it honestly.Here too,he has not spoken a single word in this movie,as he has characterized as a mute.But Ghai has given him a new way to communicate.Here he always clicks on a wine glass with his ring and his assistant translates him.This thing has been done by him with total conviction.He has given all the expression while playing a Mute.

Very few movies Simi Garewal has acted, or may be I have a lack of knowledge about her.Two major movies comes out clean if we talk about her career, one is this and other is "Mera Naam Joker".In both the movies she has acted with Rishi Kapoor, but the age difference for Rishi Kapoor was big.Simi is not known for her acting.But she is totally fitting in the role of Kamini,because of her personality and aura,and another reason why I love Subash Ghai as a director. His characterization of an actor for a role is incredible.All in all Simiji has done a good job because we love to hate her for killing her husband and then showing no mercy to her inlaws.

Rishi Kapoor...top notch.If this is a Subash Ghai movie,then this is certainly a Rishi Kapoor movie too.He has done many movies as second lead to Amitabh Bachchan,but he has done a plenty of movies where he has taken the entire burden and made it a hit.He has his own way to speak,act and react which  makes him a totally different actor then one of the top actors of our movies.You certainly can not compare him with anyone, because he is from his own league. If you have noticed he is one of the best dancers too.There is always a rhythm when he dances.The way he moves his arm while dancing always,totally worth watching.Here too as a singer and dancer he has given us an "a la grande" performance.Dancing in "Paisa Yeh Paisa" and "Om Shanti Om" is mindblowing.While in "Ek Hasina Thee" he is totally different. Though he is a still singer and dancer, but he is also telling a story about Ravi Varma to Kamini,he has balanced that brilliantly.As a lover of Tina he is convincing too.Expressions while remembering his last life and having stress about it is just awesome.All in all as I said he is the life of this movie. 

I was never a big fan of Laxmikant-Pyarelal. I often found their music bit louder then require.But here they have composed three of my all time favorites, all sung  by great Kishore Kumar. The music and songs are fantastic.Anand Bakshi Saab as usual simple but very effective. 

I have said plenty of things about the director,so I am not adding further to that. But I want to conclude with one thing.For me this is two hero movie.One is certainly Rishi Kapoor and other is the tune,the theme music.Never before and never after such tune has  been introduced in our movies.I have never been to western music,so readers can guide me whether this tune is inspired by any western classic or not.But even if it is not inspired or it is inspired either,the tune is just awesome.While watching the movie and once it is over it will keep on humming in your mind.Even now when I am writing this,it is all over my mind.The tune has its presence all over the movie,it is an integral part of the movie,without which there will be few blemish left. 

So another must see and recommended by First Day First Show blog. 

Dessert Storm !!!

In the song, "Paisa Yeh Paisa" there is a word "Paisaaaaa",which is shouted by a person,sitting in the audience.That person is none other then Subhash Ghai himself.Actually it was Ashok Ghai,Subhashji's younger brother and assistant director in this movie was to do that. But some how he couldn't come up on sets on that particular day,so Subhashji himself decided to do it.Film became a hit,people started to recognize him by that.Hence,since then he always does a cameo in all his movies. 

Previous "First Day First Show Blogs" 

Teesri manzil: http://marivaat.blogspot.com/2012/01/teesri-manzil.html

Pyar Kiye Jaa: http://marivaat.blogspot.com/2012/01/pyar-kiye-jaa.html

Happy Perth Day

This was my status on Orkut when India won the Perth test match during its last tour of Australia under the captaincy of great Anil Kumble. Even after yesterdays and rest of the completed series against Australia this time around, this Perth Day, still can be a happier one. Plenty of things must have come and gone through your mind if you are a staunch Indian  cricket fan like me. You would have even cursed our team or at times even abused it. Happens, natural to any one. But at the end of the day, it’s our team. We love them so much that we have right to get angry on them, but it should be within the limits of being fans of a sporting team. Being a fan myself, I too never felt this low during last twelve years, not even when we lost to England 4-0, as I am feeling just now. Blame it on Dada and somewhat Kumble that kept us winning test matches abroad, consistently that we just can't take defeats easily any more. 

"Lions at home and Lambs outside" that's famous phrase often used for Indian cricket team, even today. But during the first decade of this millennium at least we were winning test matches outside subcontinent successfully and were at least able to draw the series. Suddenly after we won the world cup, we have lost that “art” of winning outside , ironically, that world cup win came for limited over’s game and it has nothing to do with test matches. Why suddenly this huge drop? Its hardly make any conviction that suddenly all 5-6 batsmen in the team loses either concentration or form or both. The biggest problem and difference I see between West Indies of 90s and Australia of recent times and us now, is that the both West Indies and Australia saw the sudden decline because of the mass retirements by their seniors, whereas in our case, we have declined this heavily in presence of our seniors. If it’s not threatening, then it’s really worrisome for sure. The pundits sitting in AC studios or hotel rooms have given their views already, but none of them have uttered a single word about how the fans should take this? How should they react? What I am going to do in this blog is exactly the same.

The biggest issue concerning to the fans is that our team is going down without a fight. It was not like that friends, before March 2011. Why suddenly it is happening? Answer is, “We don’t know”. Let’s go back to our memory lane. Once we lifted the world cup, we started playing IPL then we went to West Indies and then to England, then England came back to India, then many of the players played in Champions League and then West Indies came here and played a full series, then this Australian tour started. Today, most of our media and fans are asking for senior’s heads. Fine, good, non performers must be shown the door. But yesterday Dada said one good thing and I am also stressing on the same point. They are not getting any younger. Yes there is a skill, yes they are masters, but the reflexes and workload which they had and could manage a decade back, is not possible to manage today by them. As a fan, as a human, we must understand this. For me, there must be an age bar for players playing in IPL and CL. If possible remove CL, its useless tournament. There should be no botheration on players who do not want to play either in IPL or CL. I know money is big issue, but what is our priority? Celebrating our city’s team winning a domestic tournament or winning a test match series in Australia, England and South Africa? As fans we must start to shape our support now. We must decide our priorites while supporting the team. Test match first, ODIs next and then T20s or IPL.  What we can do is what our great Mahatma Gandhi showed us during our freedom struggle. We must show our displeasure in disciplined way against this long and/or useless tournaments. I am not saying we should boycott IPL, but by showing less numbers in crowd, we can at least force BCCI to reduce the number of games. I think it was visible during last IPL.

The biggest problem with us is that we forget everything so fast and so easily. We lost in England very badly, but when we whitewashed them in India and then won comprehensively against West Indies at home, we started to believe that beating Australia in Australia is now just a formality. Looking at Australia’s performance in South Africa away and then against New Zealand at home, may have helped that thinking too, probably this audacity is hurting our egos now. We must not let this defeat go out of our mind so easily. It’s time that fans should also show maturity. One day hero and next day Zero, doesn’t show any kind of maturity at all. When we won, we start to make fun of other teams and when we play like them, we abuse our players, because we can’t have an appetite to hear the taunts from other. We must know that it is a sport and victory and defeat are part of it. I know this has been repeated time and again, but as I said, we forget such defeats so fast. Remember, as per my knowledge there are not any away series till 2013. That means like Bishensingh Bedi said, we will forget everything during IPL. A big request to all of you that please do not listen to these news channels. For them it’s earning money from our emotions. I don’t want to name any one, but most of the so called “experts” always have knee jerk reactions. They will take down the team to the lowest point possible. You must know that these people have once played cricket, some of them have played very less international cricket, but still have played cricket at top level, yet their comments are so pedestrian. We are fans and god has given a mind and heart to think and use our emotions. Once you support your team, you should always support it. Yes you must criticize really hard when they lose like this. But then with grace, because tomorrow same team will again give you sweet memories of victory.

Now the biggest point of this blog I am going to raise. I have gone through roughly 9 to 10 news channels all day yesterday, the moment India lost at Perth. All were behind the seniors, namely three. Dravid, Tendulkar and Laxman. As always our media reacted and they were bashing the trio and asking for their blood but were not able or not wanted to discuss the replacements. Or what should a fan do when the transition period starts and keeps on going for a year or so. Probably lack of following of our domestic cricket was hampering them. Just in case our selectors drop this trio then who are their replacements? I am not saying that there aren’t any. There are many waiting in the wings; two are already in the team. Rahane and Rohit. We can probably look around and see Badrinath and Pujara too. But will the same media give them time to settle too? Winning is important, but winning every time is not possible. For me Laxman will definitely be the first casualty but as Dada said yesterday, he should not be made a scapegoat. He must be persisted with in Adelaide and then decide about his future. If he is good enough in the test, he must be given a farewell test at home this year. Rahul Dravid must play the entire series home and Tendulkar should play for a least a year, where he must get retirement from ODI. As fans, we must think that yes these are greats and yes they are going through their worst and probably the final phase of their career. But how long they will keep on playing? Most of them are knocking the doors of 40s. Once they are replaced, we must support their replacements with longer amount of time. We must  understand that even after repeated numbers of foreign tours and with tons of experience they are failing like this, the new comers will get some time to start winning under foreign conditions. We must persists with likes of Kohli,Rohit,Rahane, Badri and Pujara when they will be permanent part of this team. That time is not far, its lurking now.

There is another resignation people wanting is our captains. Yes, he must be blamed. He was known for his Midas touch. He was known for his skillful captaincy, He was known for his cool, calm and collective attitude, where he could do no wrong. But suddenly, we have seen a different Dhoni this series and probably all this year in tests. Once a partnership is above 40 suddenly we start to see a long on and long off dropping back and sleeps go invisible. He has even hinted about his intentions to quit tests in the middle of this series. Even then people from media houses started controversy on this that whether such statement was required during middle of an important series where India is doing badly. But they  forgetting that Dhoni was just answering a question asked by a media person  which was asking about his future plans and he just answered it. For me, after this series, he will  rather be doing that earlier then what he has scheduled in 2013. But I disagree with him that he wants to quit the test to play World cup in 2015. Players do not play cricket just to play world cups.

So, the message for us the fans is, that do not forget this, be ready for hard decisions made by the BCCI, if they have any guts to make, if there are any hard decisions, still follow our team as religiously as we are now. Players will come and go but the game will stay so will Team India. Criticize debacles in strongest possible way but do not abuse the team or its members. Follow the media and its stories, but use your own minds. Follow only those who have sane comments for our cricketers for example, Sunil Gavaskar, Sanjay Manjerekar and Sourav Ganguly. Avoid so called “experts”. If possible do not watch repeated postmortem shows on our debacles. Do watch highlights of our winning days where ever possible. If we follow these then yesterday’s day will also become a “Happy Perth Day”

Dessert Storm !!!

“Bas ab bahot hoova, maaf karo, seniors ko saaf karo”

(Enough is enough, please clean the seniors out of the team)

-       A news shows on one of the “famous” Hindi news channel.

Pyar Kiye Jaa

(#2)

First Day First Show | Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966)

Credits (Courtesy IMDB) : 

Story: Chitralaya Gopu and C.V.Sridhar (Sridhar-Gopu)

Screen Play: C.V.Sridhar 

Dialogues: N.S.Bedi and Rajendra Krishan 

Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan 

Music: Laxmikant - Pyarelal

Director: C.V.Sridhar 

Cast: Kishore Kumar (Shyam/Rai Bahadur Ganga Prasad), Shashi Kapoor (Ashok), Mehmood (Atma), Om Prakash (Ramlal), Kalpana Mohan (Malti), Rajsree (Nirmala), Mumtaz (Meena), Chaman Puri (Devraj)

Songs : 

"Dil humne de diya" - Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar 

"Kehene ki nahi baat" - Mohammad Rafi

"Gore haathon par na" - Mohammad Rafi 

"Kisne pukara mujhe" - Lata Mangeshkar and Mahendra Kapoor

"O meri maina" - Manna Dey and Usha Mangeshkar

"Din jawani ke char yaar" - Kishore Kumar 

"Phool ban jaoonga" - Lata Mangeshkar and Mahendra Kapoor 

"Sunle pyar ki dushman duniya" - Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhonsle.

First of all thanks very much for your kind appreciations on my first blog under the head of "First Day First Show". It was hit like the movie "Teesri Manzil" itself. After getting such valuable inputs and appreciations, suddenly I got thought of this movie only. I decided that day itself that my next FDFS (First Day First Show) blog will be on "Pyar Kiye Jaa". Sadly, I heard death news of Kalpana Mohan ji, who was integral part of this movie. Hence I dedicate this  blog to her. 

I do not have a pleasure to watch this movie in theater, like I had for "Teesri Manzil". May be because this movie was not that big as "Teesri Manzil", it didn't had a re-run during my childhood. By the way this is another all time favorite of my father. After buying a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) in the early 90s, I got a chance to watch this movie. From very beginning I am a fan of comedy movies. Even today I seldom miss a chance to watch comic stuffs either on TV or in theaters. This one was a typical 60s comedy. Decent, clean and very nicely told. Not too many loopholes. The director, Sridhar is from south but he has a unique distinction for his another hindi classic. He finished his 1963 classic "Dil Ek Mandir" in a fortnight only. He has directed many hindi movies but this is one of his best for sure. 

Story: Ramlal is a rich man having few estates under him. He wants his two daughters to get married in families who are wealthier then his. He always sees the world with the glasses of money. His elder daughter is already in love with Shyam who is in Bombay (Those days it was not Mumbai). Ramlal has got a manager named Ashok, but he fires him as he misbehaved with his daughters. Ashok decides to protest and fixes a tent just outside Ramlal's house. Ramlal has a son too, Atma. Who wants to produce,direct a big film under his moneyless "Wah Wah Productions". He is always behind his father, Ramlal, to finance  jerky idea of his. Slowly Ashok starts liking Nirmala, the younger daughter of Ramlal. Knowing Ramlal's greed for money and decision on where he wants to marry his daughters, he calls his rich friend, Shyam, who as I have already mentioned above is in love with the elder daughter of Ramlal, Malti. Shyam disguises in an old but very rich, richer then Ramlal, Rai Bahadur Ganga Prasad, who is father of Ashok. As per him because of young blood Ashok and he had a difference of opinions and thus he left his home and joined Ramlal's job. Ramlal was totally impressed with him and decides to marry Nirmala with Ashok, who are already in love with eachother. Malti too later finds that the father of Ashok is no one but her own sweetheart, Shyam. In Rai Bahadur Atma too finds another source, who can finance his "Wah Wah Productions". He too tries to woo him by showing a dance piece by himself and his heroin Meena. Meena is a daughter of Ramlal's Munim and that's what Ramlal hates to the core. Story takes a turn when Shayam's father, Devraj  comes to Ramlal's estate and realizes that he and Ramlal are actually friends from the college time. Now Shyam is in a fix. He can't stop helping his dearest friend Ashok, till he gets marry and over here Ramlal and Devraj have decided that both Shyam and Ashok will get married with Malti and Nirmala respectively on same date. He can't even lose the chance to marry his darling Malti. The story takes final turn, which I believe should be watched in movie it self, hence I am not going to talk about it more.

This movie is a comedy. But when you have three giants of comedy, Om Prakash, Kishore Kumar and above all Mehmood then what can you expect then a laugh riot. For me Om Prakash is the most natural actor I have ever seen. You will just believe that it is the character and not the actor Om Prakash, you are seeing,in any given role, such a natural actor he was. Probably very few movies in which you can sense Om Prakash's presence from first to last frame of a movie, this one is one of those. When you have such big names like I have mentioned, fun is guaranteed and it is there in this movie. Shashi Kapoor too plays his part as a charming, young boy, who is like today's generation, fearless and can do any thing for his love. Though Shashijee's comic talent was better used in later of his career, yet he has done relatively enough to make us at least smile in this movie. 

Since it is a comedy, lets take on the three giants. Om Prakash as I said is as natural as he is always. You can easily identify him as a rich yet greedy old man. He has no value for his munim and his daughter, so for his manager and his jobless and fool son. But he shows bright colours when he sees Rai Bahadur and Devraj, who areapparently are richer then him. More about Om Prakash in "Dessert Storm !!!" section. 

Kishore'da, what to say about him? He was an all rounder, wasn't he? He has sung fantastically in this movie, but has played both Shyam and Rai Bahadur, exceedingly well. He would sung and dance with Kalpanaji as a young boy at the same time, he will show grace of an old man very effectively. Two scenes of Kishore'da strikes out for me. One is when he misunderstands  that Ashok is in love with daughter of Ramlal, whom he thinks was Malti. Because he was playing Rai Bahadur to help Ashok and has to speak in a strong, thick voice, he starts struggling with his own voice. The kind of voice Kishore'da has produced, only he can do that. The second was, when Rai Bahadur tries to impress, already impressed Ramlal about his lavish spending and giving an example that how he bought an elephant, just to show kid Ashoke, how an elephant looks. He just twists his voice,when he utters "Jab Ashok ne poochha, Pitaji, Haathi kaisa hota hai?" The phrase which I have highlighted will surely bring a smile of admiration for the man, if not otherwise. 

Mehmood. One of my favorite human beings with great Amitabh Bachchan, Kishore'da, R.D.Burman and Sunil Gavaskar. When it comes to comedy, there was, there is and there will be no match of him. I always say he is the BAAP of all the comedians. He always had a clear mind about the role he is doing. He would have already decided, how that person will speak, behave, walk, dance and so on. Here too, if you see Atma, you will agree that this role is made for Mehmood saab only. He wears a shirt and tight pants here most of the time, always chews his nails and speaks non sense. In one of the scenes he even dares his father that if he doesn't finance his "Wah Wah Productions", he will start "Ha Ha Productions", "He He Productions and "Hu Hu Productions" altogether. Such terminology can be thought by Mehmood saab only. A scene where he teaches his "heroin" Mumtaz in outdoors, is just superbly hilarious scene. You won't feel it cheap, when he says to posing Mumtaz, "Zara Kula idhar karo". But there is an epic scene in this movie. Where he describes his movie's story to his father, Ramlal. Oh my goodness. You will laugh like a mad dog if you are watching it for the first time. Along with the story, the sounds Mehmood saab has produced is just awesome. Many of our comedians, not bad ones but good ones also, have tried such scenes, but have failed miserably. Simply because it was Mehmood, the Baap. 

Songs and music are excellent too. The title song is still a hit. Laxmikant - Pyarelal has done descent job. Though one would feel that there are one or two songs too many for the movie's length, but such was the time, where songs were getting equal share with the story. 

I am putting the clip of that scene I have mentioned  in "Dessert Strom !!!" section, do enjoy it, but that doesn't mean you will not watch the rest of the movie. It is as enjoyable as this scene is. So rush to your nearest DVD walla or download from a torrent. This movie is a must see, if you still have not seen it. 

Dessert Storm !!!

Before you watch that scene, let me tell you one interesting thing. Once you are done with Mehmood saab's legendary acting in this clip, re-run it just to watch Om Prakash Ji's reactions and actions to Mehmood Saab's dialogues and acting. They are just awesome. I do not have confirmed source, but I have heard that Mehmood Saab got "Filmfare award Best Comedian" for this movie. While receiving the same, he said that I did what I have to, but with out Om Prakash ji's expressions, this scene wouldn't have been so effective. 

So watch it by your selves......

 

Teesri Manzil

"First Day First Show  : Teesri Manzil (1966)" 

I am always been mad for hindi movies and it's music. We all are in fact. But being a neutral between this and past generation, I feel movies and music of past generation were more better then todays and long lasting as well. So I have decided to write blog on most famous movies from the past which I have seen and loved. These special series blogs will be published on every Friday, if I am available to write on that day. (Who just said Nahiiiiiiiii?) On this first Friday, I am showcasing the ever loved musical thriller "Teesri Manzil". 

Before I start writing any thing, I must give credit to Mr. Ashok Dave, the famous Gujarati writer on humor, who writes same column every Friday in a local daily for this idea. 

Credits (Courtesy IMDB) : 

Producer, Story, Screenplay, Dialogue : Nasir Hussain

Director : Vijay Anand

Lyrics : Majrooh Sultanpuri 

Music : Rahul Dev Burman 

Actors: Shammi Kapoor (Anil Kumar "Sona" or Rocky, Asha Parekh (Sunita) , Premnath (Kunwar Sahab) ,Prem Chopra (Ramesh) ,Helan (Ruby) , Iftekhar (Inspector) , Laxmi Chhaya (Bela) and Rashid Khan (Waiter)

 Songs: 

'O Hasina Zulfon Waali Jaane Jahan"  - Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle 

"Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyar Tera" - Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle

"Deewana Mujhsa Nahin" - Mohammad Rafi

"O mere Sona Re" - Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle

"Mein inpe Marta hoon" - Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle

"Tumne Mujhe Dekha" - Mohammad Rafi

This particular movie is the most favorite movie of my father. Its kinda Sholay for him. He can talk day in and day out about this movie. Watching movies, good movies in cinemas is inherit in our family. Even my Grand Father used to travel few kilometers to watch movies in 40s and 50s. When I was growing up, we didn't had facility of watching classics at home. Doordarshan had started recently to show movies on Sunday evenings. But most of them were award winning movies as they have to pay less for that. They were quite boring too, to be frank. Hence, we had to rely on theaters only to see if there is a chance to watch such classic movie. I very much remember that this movie was again showed in Ahmedabad's Shiv Cinema in the year 1982. Naturally my father was very excited to watch this again. It must be his 15th or 20th time. All these years I had heard so many times about this movie that I too was very excited. Me with my parents reached the hall, and guess what? It was "House full" !!! Yes a 1966 released movie was "House full" in the year 1982, some 18 years later. Not possible today. We had to resort to "Swami Dada" a Dev Anand movie, newly released, showing at "Natraj" just opposite to "Shiv". What a pity! Anyways we got another chance the next week, with two of my cousins also joined us for the show. 

Yes it was a suspense thriller. The story line goes like this..... 

Sunita who comes to revenge her sister Roopa's lover, a drummer and allegedly murderer,  Rocky. When Rocky, who has  already started liking her, comes to know about her intentions, introduces his friend (Salim Khan, Salman Khan's father) as Rocky. Rocky was a very popular drummer and singer in the hotel was also liked by the dancer named Ruby. Rocky changes his name to Anilkumar Sona and extends his helping hand to Sunita to find her sister's murderer. The intention behind that was to read her mind as why she thinks that Rocky is behind Roopa's murder. As the story moves on... Anil accidentally enters the villa of Kunwar Sahab, who is a big shot of that city along with Sunita's friends. Trying to impress his lover and her friends, he calls this villa of his uncle's. Suddenly Kunwar Sahab enters but forgives Anil for his mischief as he too used to do such tricks when he was young. Slowly things started to change and after falling deeply in love Anil feels that he should tell his reality to Sunita. So he writes a letter to her telling her that if she will forgive him, she will come to his show this evening in the same hotel. Enters Ruby. Who doesn't like Rocky aka Anil to leave from her grasp so easily, takes help of the same waiter who supposed to give letter to Sunita before the show. She instructs the waiter to delay the delivery of the later and give it to her only when she enters the show. Anil feels that she has forgiven him and Sunita gets shock of her life. In this mess the original killer of Roopa (will not reveal who is he or she for the first timers) starts feeling that Anil/Rocky has became threat to his life, so he tries to shoot him but Ruby comes in between and scarifies her life for her lover. Police Inspector has already cleared Anil and that's why the killer gets more impulsive. He even fails the breaks of a car  which Anil was told will take him to the killer. Even that scare was evade by Anil. Finally Anil gets hold of a woman who knew every thing and reaches the killer. Happy ending at the end of the day. 

The pace of the story is very quick, which was written by the producer himself along with the watertight screenplay. There is always a something special feeling about Nasir Hussain's movies, which started from this very movie. Previously he was known for romantic movies. But after this success he has started to make some thrilling gems like "Yaadon Ki Baraat and "Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin".  Vijay Anand has directed very few films, but look at what he has given us? Jewel Thief, Guide, Johnny Mera Naam, Teesri Manzil and last but not the least Ram Balram. The screenplay and slick direction will always keep you on the edge of your seats till you know who is the real killer. The revelation of the killer itself is an absolute beauty. Along with screenplay and direction of Vijay Anand, the background music of R.D.Burman (for whom I have spared an entire para) and extraordinary facial expressions by Shammi Kappor makes that scene the most special scene for this movie. Asha Parekh is not known for her acting, yet she leaves her impression. She was always a great dancer in her own rights, does well in that regard. Aaaja Aaaja was eye catcher not only because of antics by Shammijee, but for Asha Parekh's dance too. Helen as always sensuous. Her moves in songs are just perfect. Premnath, just awesome. I always say he is one of the most underrated and less used actor of hindi cinema. In Johnny Mera Naam and in this movie, he has proved his metal. Prem Chopra, Laxmi Chhaya, Rashid Khan all do well in their short roles. There is no flaw in the story. You just can't see any thing which is not in its play. Apart from Sholay, this is one of those movies where you find a very slick direction and screenplay. Such things are badly missing in today's cinema. 

If six songs are not enough for you to enjoy,  then take the title track and back ground music of this movie as well. Can some one believe that this was just a fourth movie of a "young" music director, who was also a son of a famous father. Having worked as assistant of S.D.Burman, his father, for years, R.D.Burman was still a new comer in the industry. Shammi Kappor was always for Shankar Jaikishan, because of his natural bonding with the duo. He was not sure whether the choice of Nasir Hussain is right In fact he was doubting the man himself. Upon insisting time and again to at least listen the tunes, by the producer and director, he came to studio and once Pancham'da started to play the tunes on his harmonium, rest, as they say is history. All the songs of this movie are gems. You just can't put fast forward button when any of these are playing on your music system. Even today, Aaja Aaja is a hit and much asked for song in dance parties at homes and reality shows on television. Naughty and peppy songs can make u dance and feel good, but for me the best of the lot is the last one, "Tumne Mujhe Dekha". What a song sung by Rafisaab!!  Very soulful . The music goes with the emotions as well. In an interview Asha Bhonsle revealed that she felt that she sung/recorded "O mere Sona re" pretty badly as she was not feeling well. So around mid night, Pancham'da called her and asked, if she wants to re-record it? But Ashaji told him that if he feels that the song is fine then she will not like to re record it and finally the original recording stayed. Such was the professionalism existed in those years. In another incident. When Panchamda got thought of the tune for "Aaja Aaja.." he called the director Vijay Anand around 3 am and with extra excitement he said, "listen Goldie (Vijay Anand was famously called by this name) .. Tanana na na na Tannana Na na nana...." Vijay Anand laughed and told Panchamda to meet in the recording studios where he can listen to the tune with comforts. This was the dedication of the artists in those days. 

All in all a must watch movie, if you have not seen till now. You can easily get DVDs or torrents for the same. Else some times it s on few movie channels too. You will certainly like it because of the storyline and the way it has been told. Great music and as I said even title music and background music are enough to keep you glued to your couches for two hours and a bit. 

Dessert Storm !!!

The song "Tumne Mujhe Dekha" as I have mentioned above is very soulful. But it has a small story attached to it. Just before shooting this song, Geeta Bali, wife of Shammijee died. Shammiji stopped shooting for his movies. The Set was already ready. But Nasir Hussain told Shammiji not to worry and they will restart the shooting as and when he (Shammiji) feels so. It is said that the set remained as it is for not less then six months when finally Shammiji decided to restart the work!!

Pancham Unleashed

My musical tribute to my "GOD" Rahul Dev Burman 

Rahul Dev Burman (1939 ~ 1994)

" Ghar Aaja Ghir Aaye.." (Chhote Nawab - 1961) :  

"O mere pyar aaja" (Bhoot  Bungla -1965) 

"Tumne Mujhe Dekha" (Teesri Manzil - 1966)

"Chunri Sambhal Gori" (Baharon Ke Sapne - 1967)

"Pyar Hua Hai Jab Se" (Abhilaasha - 1968)

"Ek Chatur Naar" (Padosan - 1968)

"Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahan" (Pyar Ka Mausam - 1969)

"Pyar Deewan Hota Hai"  (Kati Patang - 1970)

"Gulabi Aakhein Jo Teri Dekhi" (The Train - 1970)

"Koi Maane Ya Na Maane" (Adhikar - 1971)

 

"Ye Kya Hooa, Kaise Hooa" (Amar Prem - 1971)

"Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayee" (Buddha Mil Gaya - 1971) 

"Hum Toh Hai Rahi Dil Ke" (Carvan - 1971)

"I Love You" (Hare Rama Hare Krishna - 1971)  

"Chanda O Chanda" (Laakhon Mein Ek - 1971)

"Aao Jhoomein Gayeen" (Paraya Dhan - 1971) 

"Duniya Mein Logon Ko" (Apna Desh - 1972) 

"Dekha Na Haay Re Socha Na" (Bombay To Goa - 1972)

"Kali Palak Teri Gori" (Do Chor - 1972)

"Saamne Yeh Kaun Aaya" (Jawani Deewani - 1972)

"Deewana Karke Chhodoge" (Mere Jeevan Saathi - 1972) 

"Beeti Na Beetayee Raina" (Parichay - 1972)

"Goom Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein" (Rampur Ka Laxman - 1972) 

"O Saathi Chal" (Seeta Aur Geeta - 1972)

"Na Koi Dil Mein Samaaya" (Aa Gale Lag Jaa - 1973

"Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai" (Anamika - 1973)

"Mutthu Kudi Kawwadi Hada"  (Do Phool - 1973)

"Bahot Door Mujhe Jaana Hai"  (Heera Panna - 1973)

"Kya Nazare Kya Sitare" (Jheel Ke Uss Paar - 1973)

"Kiska Rasta Dekhe"  (Joshila - 1973)

"Mein Shaayar Badnaam" (Namak Haram - 1973)

"Mein Ek Chor Tu Meri Rani" (Raja Rani - 1973)

"Tere Sau Deewane" (Shareef Badmash - 1973)

"Aap Ke Kamre Mein Koi Rehta Hai" (Yaadon Ki Baarat - 1973)

"Zindagi Ke Safar Mein Guzar Jaate Hain" (Aap Ki Kasam - 1974)

"Aaya Hoon Mein Tujhko Le Jaoonga" (Manoranjan - 1974)

"O Hansini" (Zehreela Insaan - 1974)

"Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shiqwa Toh Nahi" (Aandhi - 1975)

"Ek Din Bik Jaayega Maati Ke Mol" (Dharam Karam - 1975)

"Sun Sun Kasam Se" (Kaala Sona - 1975)

"Sapna Mera Toot Gaya" (Ek Mein Aur Ek Tu - 1975)

"O Majhi Re" (Khushboo - 1975)

"Sholay Theme" (1975)

"Ruk Jaana O Jaana Hum Se" (Warrant - 1975)

"Bade Achchhe Lagte Hain" (Balika Badhu - 1976)

"Dil Machal Raha Hai" (Khalifa - 1976)

"Parbat Ke Peechhe Chambela Gaaon" (Mehbooba -  1976)

"Yeh Duniya Ek Paagal Khana Hai" (Darling Darling - 1977)

Medley (Hum Kisise Kum Nahin - 1977)

Meethe Bol Bole Bole Payaliya (Kinaara - 1977)

Dil Sajan Jalta Hai (Mukti - 1977)

Raju Chal Raju (Azaad - 1978)

Gulmohar Gar Tumhara Naam Hota (Devataa - 1978)

"Phir Wahi Raat Hai" (Ghar - 1978)

"Aati Rahengi Baharein" (Kasme Vaade - 1978)

"One Two Cha Cha Cha" - (Shalimar - 1978)

Golmaal Title Song (1979)

"Hum Aur Tum They Saathi" (Hamare Tumhare - 1979)

"Jeevan Ke Har Mod Pe" (Jootha Kahin Ka - 1979)

"Rimzim Gire Saawan"  (Manzil - 1979)

"Chandani Re Jhoom" (Naukar - 1979)

"Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahaani" (The Great Gambler - 1979)

"Bhor Bhaye Panchee" (Anchal - 1980)

"Ae Khuda Har Faisala" (Abdullah - 1980)

"Jaadugar Jaadu Kar Jaayega" (Alibaba Chalis Chor - 1980)

"Kaho Kahan Chale" (Bulandi - 1980)

"Jeena Kya Aji Pyar Beena" (Dhan Daulat - 1980)

"Piya Bawari" (Khubsoorat - 1980)

Shaan Theme (1980)

"Murti Ganesh Ki Andar Daulat Desh Ki" (Takkar - 1980)

"Pal Do Pal Ka Saath Hamara" (The Burning Train - 1980)

"Pritam Aan Milo" (Angoor - 1981)

"Apne Pyar Ke Sapane Sach Hooye" (Barsaat Ki Ek Raat - 1981)

"Aaongi Ek Din Ajjaoon?" (Basera - 1981)

"Gori Ho Kali Ho" (Biwi O Biwi - 1981)

"Tere Liye Palkon Ki Jhaalar Bunoo" (Harjaee - 1981)

"Tum Saath Ho Jab Apne" (Kaaliya - 1981)

"Hume Tumse Pyaar Kitna" (Kudrat - 1981)

  " Kya Gazab Karte Ho Jee" (Love Story - 1981)

 

"Mere Angana Aaaye Re" (Naram Garam - 1981)

"Kya Yahi Pyaar Hai" (Rocky - 1981)

 

"Pyar Tumhe Kis Mod Pe Le Aaya" (Satte Pe Satta - 1981)

"Kisi Baat Par Mein Kisise Khafaa Hoon" (Bemisaal - 1982)

 

"Kaun Ho Mein Kya Naam Hai  Mera" (Dard Ka Rishta - 1982) 

"Huzoor Is Kadar Bhi Na Itraa Ke Chaliye" (Masoom - 1982)

 

"Raah Pe Rehete Hain" (Namkeen - 1982)

"Sheeshe Ke Gharon Mein Dekho Toh" (Sanam Teri Kasam - 1982)

"Jane Kaise Kab Kahan Iqraar Ho Gaya" (Shakti - 1982)

"Chalo Haseen Geet Ek Banayein" (Shaukeen - 1982)

"Ek Roop Kayee Naam" (Swami Dada - 1982)

"Yeh Zamee Gaa Rahi Hai" (Teri Kasam - 1981) 

 

"Tu Tu Hai Wahi Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha" (Ye Waada Raha - 1982)

"Humein Aur Jeene Ki Chahat Na Hoti" (Agar Tum Na Hote - 1983)

"Kahi Na Jaa Aaj Kahi Matt Jaa" (Bade Dil Waala - 1983)

"Jab Hum Jawaa Honge" (Betaab - 1983)

"Har Chhori Raani Hiyan" (Mahaan - 1983)

"Bach Ke Rehna Re Baba" (Pukar - 1983)

"Hum Kya Hain" (Anand Aur Anand - 1984)

 

Title Song (Andar Bahar - 1984)

"Tu Rootha To Mein Ro Doongi Sanam" (Jawaani - 1984)

"Kaisi Lag Rahi Hoon Mein" (Jootha Sach - 1984)

"O Meri Jaan" (Manzil Manzil - 1984)

"Aur Kya Ehd-E-Wafa Hote Hain" (Sunny - 1984)

"Aisa Samaa Na Hota" (Zameen Aasman - 1984)

"Kabhi Bekasi Ne Maara" (Alag Alag - 1985)

"Mammiya Kero Kero Kero Mama" (Arjun - 1985) 

"Jeene De Yeh Duniya" (Lava - 1985) 

 

"Machal Machal Jaata Hai Dil" (Ram Tere Kitne Naam - 1985)

"Jaane Do Na" (Sagar - 1985)

"Hum Kitne Naadan They Yaaron" (Sitamgar - 1985)

"Jab Chaha  Yaara Tumne" (Zabardast - 1985)

"Roz Roz Aakhon Tale" (Jeeva - 1986)

"Ae Sagar Ki Leheron" (Samundar - 1986)

"Kis Karan Naiyya Doli" (Dacait - 1987)

"Mohobbat Toh Karta Hai Sara Zamana" (Hifazat - 1987)

"Katra Katra Mitti Hai" (Ijazat - 1987)

"Chand Koi Hoga Tumsa Kahan" (Inaam Dus Hazaar - 1987)

"Aao Tumhe Pyar Karein" (Itihaas - 1987)

Title Song (Joshilay - 1989)

"Tumse Milke Aisa Laga"  (Parinda - 1989)

"Main Na Jooth Boloon" (Indrajeet  - 1991)

"Yeh Mera Dil Toh Paagal Hai" (Gardish - 1993)

"Aana Re Aana Re" (Gurudev - 1993)

"Kuchh Na Kaho Kuchh Bhi Na Kaho" (1942 - A Love Story)

All the songs are my personal favorites. Hope you like them too.