Rockstar (2011) Lyrics and Translation: Kun Faaya Kun

While I devote this post to one song in particular, I hope we can discuss other songs from the soundtrack in the comments section, as well.

As I start writing this post, I have yet to listen to the soundtrack to the upcoming film Rockstar (releasing 11/11/11) in its entirety, but if I have ever enjoyed a soundtrack enough after consuming only a small sample of tracks to conclude that I'd recommend it highly, this has to be it.

A question this leads to is whether this has as much to do with the state of the Hindi film music overall, as it does with the greatness of A. R. Rahman. (Rahman is, as any objective comparison of the last 10, maybe 15 years of Hindi film soundtracks would indicate, simply way ahead of his peers in Hindi cinema.) Like most things, it's probably a combination of both. But I digress. Rather than dwell on the question, aren't we just better off enjoying the talent Rahman is blessed with? What's wrong with just appreciating divinity at work? (Assuming we believe in some divine force.)

Bodyguard (2011): Survey Says...?

I’ll have to use discussion on Wanted (2009) and Dabangg (2010) as a lead into this brief discussion on Salman Khan’s latest movie and, as box office collections are illustrating, perhaps greatest in at least some respects. There’s the action element we’re accustomed to. There’s more comedy and romance. There's a star actress in Kareena Kapoor. There are the familiar characters by Raj Babbar and Mahesh Manjrekar in familiar roles. There’s decent music made more enjoyable by strong on-screen personalities and good choreography. And they all work rather well for what has got to be among the most entertaining movies of the year. I am admittedly biased in favor of Salman, but he’s bringing the fun back into core, made-for-cinema Bollywood, and that cannot be a bad thing, can it?!

Guest Post: Pyaasa (1957)

I'm privileged to have my friend Max (who goes by 'maxqnz' here and on Twitter), write this post. Max is a field manager for a couple market research firms. He lives in New Zealand, where he was born and raised. He first got into Hindi films seriously about eight years ago, when he decided to teach himself Hindi. The first three films that he remembers choosing himself were Lagaan (2001), 1947: Earth (1998), and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). Suffice it to say that ever since then, he's been hooked! You can read more about his journey at his blog at this link.

If there's one thing we know about Guru Dutt's Pyaasa, it's that the film can be read in countless ways without compromising its many complex layers. That quality is reflected in this post, a tribute to both the film and to the writer willing to question his fondness of it by making it personal. And that is where any piece of art is at its strongest. Please join me in thanking Max for sharing his journey with and excellent viewpoints on this remarkable and awe-inspiring, indeed strong film. Thank you, Max!

First, a BIG thank you to thebollywoodfan for his generous invitation. When I was offered the chance to write this, I had a sudden insight into the meaning of the phrase "mixed emotions". I love this film with a passion, and that's part of the reason why I was so scared of writing about it. It is an acknowledged masterpiece, and has been analysed, dissected, lauded, and critiqued so many times by so many people much more qualified than I. It is an honour to be asked to write about it, but how can I do it justice? Happily, the genius of the film shows me the way.

Remakes, Adaptations, and Straight Lifts in Bollywood: A Podcast

The crew over at Upodcasting was gracious in inviting me to participate in a discussion in which bloggers Filmi Girl, Rum, and I, along with our host Asim, discussed remakes, adaptations, and straight lifts in Hindi cinema.

We discuss why films in each category are prominent, what makes them alluring to filmmakers, and what role audiences play. We discuss any cases in which they could be justified. We also delve into topics such as preferential treatment when forming perceptions of the filmmakers and/or cast involved.

It's an interesting topic made exciting because of Bollywood dynamics. So head on over to this Upodcasting link, where our episode -- It's a CAAAAPY, Yaar! -- is available for you to listen to or download! There's plenty more over at the portal for us all to enjoy.

The Upodcast, which is not limited to discussions and commentary on Hindi film alone, is also available on iTunes. 

Favorite Classical Songs from Films

Given how very many excellent songs there are of this genre and its sub-genres, and given that we could more than likely create a classical favorites list for most of the artists mentioned below, I figured it best to simply document the first dozen songs that came to my mind -- those I think exemplify Indian classical music (and where applicable, dance) as used in Hindi film, and those I know I've loved over many many years by now.

Delhi Belly (2011) and 99 (2009): Check the Tide, Bollywood

By now, there’s a lot to be said of the formal feedback that accompanies an Aamir Khan Productions (AKP) release. We’ve gone from a unanimous panning of Lagaan the weekend of its release 10 years ago, to oodles of praise and an almost default opinion of ‘best-in-class cinema’. If you’ve followed this blog, you know I am of the opinion that it’s well-deserved and a product of diligence and conviction on the part of the producer and his crew. What’s defined the brand and made it synonymous with quality has been an unwavering commitment to test the filmic waters, and to try to have fun while at it, or at least convince audiences that they’re having fun while at it.

Lagaan Week: Addendum

We have a few more entries to Lagaan Week! One comes courtesy Lagaan Week Alumnus and Bollywood and technology blogger Sujoy Singha, who had previously contributed this project management case study centered around the film. This time around, he discusses the ensemble cast and the film's relevance to Bollywood in two separate posts. Check his first post at this link, complete with a great animated GIF of an announcer-turned-patriot Ram Singh as he proclaims victory. In the second, at this link, he discusses why and how Lagaan was a game-changer that was not only welcome to, but was needed by, Bollywood.

Bloggers Dolce and Namak discuss the draw of Bollywood films to a non-Indian audience, using Lagaan as a prime example of what defines Bollywood cinema. Their thoughtful Lagaan Week entry, available at this link, includes songs from the film, so head over to their blog to further discuss!

Lagaan Week: A Song for each Picture # 9, Blog Birthday, and a Lagaan post in Filmfare Magazine

As we bring another Lagaan Week to a close, we stay close enough to the theme with the latest installment of the "A Song for each Picture" series. The question, as always: Which Hindi film song(s) does the picture above remind you of? 

Lagaan Week: On Location, History Revisited in More Ways than One

Darshit over at his Hindi film blog Dunkdaft, has developed this (good) habit of taking us back in time when Lagaan Week comes around. But before you get to his Lagaan Week entry for 2011, which describes his sheer joy of watching this film in an Indian cinema-turned-cricket stadium, let's briefly note his previous posts I am positive you will agree every fan of the film will cherish. Please join me in thanking him for bringing us these great posts by visiting his blog and commenting there. This stuff takes an awful lot of commitment, and it takes a Lagaaniac to appreciate that!

Lagaan Week Guest Post: Best of the Best, Perhaps Best Ever

Today's post comes courtesy an Aamir Khan fan who likes to call herself...Bhuvan! She is 29 years young and lives in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, along with her husband and son. Her son likes Aamir Khan, too, especially as Ram Shankar Nikumbh in the film Taare Zameen Par (2007), and especially as 'Bum Bum Bole' is played.  Thank you Bhuvan for sharing your Lagaan story. We may disagree on Rachel Shelley, but our unabashed love for the film is without a doubt worth celebrating!

I am fairly new to Indian movies. I started watching them in 2007, and almost got into the habit of devouring them. Today, I watch fewer movies but only because I have seen all the movies of my favourite actors. So now, I wait until something new comes up with the actors I like, or with a topic that interests me. Besides Bollywood, I very much enjoy watching American TV shows. I’m especially addicted to Supernatural and the new Hawaii 5-0. But now to the main subject of this post.