A film with lots of sensibility that
brings smile on your face. Amidst films of
these days like “Rowdy Rathore” and “Ek Tha Tiger” that aim for 100 Club, Burfi
comes as fresh air.
The movie is a treat to your senses with very believable
acting performances. Your heart goes for Priyanka’s Jhilmill and at the same
time you feel sorry for Ileana, a beautiful girl who can’t get over her first
love.
And funny acts of Ranbir just ensure that you have lots of
genuine laugh, just like good old days of Charlie Chaplin.
After “Wake Up Sid”
and “Rockstar”, Ranbir again delivers a performance that ensures that sooner or
later he is going to be the next Superstar.
Its has been 2 decades since we first heard those mesmerizing songs from Roja. We may not have realized but A R Rahman has been stirring our Body and Soul with his music since last 20 years. Today he has almost every awards and recognition that a Composer would wish for. Much has been written and said about the 'Mozart' of our time. Not sure if one would be able to add more.
The Journey of 2 decades had many highs starting with Roja in 1992 and peaking with Slumdog in 2008. He has his share of lows too with 'Chiggiy Wiggy', 'Raavan, 'Robot' and controversial 'Commonwealth Games Theme Song'. But the highlight of his illustrious career was the year 2008 when he gave chart-busters albums with Jodhaa Akbar, Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Naa, Yuvvraaj, Ghajni and finally Slumdog Millionaire.
Work of genius don't come without fruitful associations. And A R Rahman gave some really great music in company of Jawed Akhtar, Shukwinder Singh, Chitra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. But the most illustrious association came with Gulzar which rightly took him to Oscars. And despite his long collaboration with the director Shankar, none of the songs ever made significant impact, at-least the Hindi Versions.
As a tribute to the great Man , here is my attempt to list his best songs. Initially a list of 10 was the proposition , but restricting Rahman's genius to just 10 pieces of work wasn't possible. Even this list of 15 wasn't without some compromises. It was sad to miss award winning songs from Guru, Yuva, Jaane Tu..Ya Jaane Na from this favorite list. Especially the last one. Equally tough was to miss out the melodious songs from Sapney, Ghajini, Jodha Akbar or foot tapping music from Humse Hai Muqabla, Meenaxi.
Some of the popular songs we grew upon in the late 90s couldn't make the cut too. Roop Suhana Lagta Hai, Urvasi Urvasi, Kay Sera Sera, O Bhavre, Rang De & Piya Haji Ali are sadly missing here.
Here is compilation of my favorite Rahman's song , in chronological order: Yeh Haseen Wadiyaan [Roja - 1992]
Roja was a Landmark in Indian Musial History. Not only it did catapulted Rahman to fame but it gave a whole new dimension to Indian Music. In 2005, the album was chosen as one the 'All Time Best Soundtracks' by TIME magazine.
One of the rare song which really makes you feel that you are in 'waadiyan' as soon as the music of starts.
Dil Hai Chhota Sa [Roja - 1992]
Along with 'Yeh Haseen Waadiyaan..','Bahrat Humko..' & 'Roja Jaaneann' this was song that made 'Roja' one of all time selling album. Rahman made huge impact with these 'light' tunes. And the joyful voice Minmini represents the freshness that's always associated with Roja.
Kehna Hi Kya [Bombay - 1995]
One of most Romantic Composition by Rahman . The song as chosen by 'The Guardian' among '1000 Songs Every One Must Hear'. And the album itself was chosen among '1000 Album to Hear Before You Die'.
Bombay Theme [Bombay -1995]
My personal favorite. A very heart stirring. The Instrumental is amazing and better than lyrical 'Tu Hi Re' and has been used as background score for few Hollywood movies.
If anyone ever gets confused between Good Song and Good Music, this is the answer. No Lyrics, No Vocals, No Choreography, its just Pure Rahman Magic.
As I was searching for a YouTube link for this gem , I saw couple of interesting comments by the users:.
User 1: 2:15 The moment even the strongest of hearts would loosen up and cry out. User 2: The first half is just a build up to the awesomeness that is 2:15 on-wards. User 3: Dude the awesomeness starts at 00:01
No prize for guessing which comment got the maximum 'Likes' . Of-course the last one !!
Tanha Tanha [Rangeela -1995]
Rahman's debut album in Bollywood. Asha Bhosle made a comeback to playback singing with this song, at the age of 62, to sing a song for 21 year old Urmila Matondkar. And she sang a song that would be remembered as one of the Asha Bhosle's best. Mehboob's lyrics add more depth to the song as Rahman breezes freshness. And the sight of Urmila Matondkar's running down the beach just sets the moood.
Chaiyan Chaiyaan [Dil Se - 1998]
BBC featured Chaiyan Chaiyan among the Top 10 songs of All Time. And 'Chaiyan Chaiyan' could end up as one of the most 'Complete Song' ever in India. A Passionate Shukhwinder Singh giving voice to Gulzar's incredible poetry.
Taaveez banaake pehnoon usay, Aayat ki tarah mil jaaye kahin Gulposh kabhi itraaye kahin, Mehke to nazar aa jaaye kahin
And top of it 'One of Best Choreographed song ever'. Farha Khan's best work till date. The sight of super energetic Shahrukh and Mallika dancing on top the Ooty's Hill Train is one of the most amazing sight seen over silver screen.
Dil Se Re [Dil Se - 1998]
Dil Se would be among the best Soundtrack ever composed in India. Probably one of the most heard album. The album was a tribute to '7 Stages of Love'. 'Jiya Jale', 'Ai Ajnabi' and 'Satrangi Re' are simply awesome.
And the way Rahman croons the words "Dil Se Re...." makes you believe that this is his best work as a Singer.
Ishwar Allah [Earth -1998]
A lesser heard but an important piece of work by Rahman and Jawed Akhtar. One of the song along with 'Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara', 'Chale Chalo' & 'Ye Jo Desh Hai Tera' which proves his mastery in Patriotic genre.
Taal Se Taal Mila [Taal -1999]
Another gem from Rahman Sahab. Easily one of best Album in Bollywood.
Ghai remarked, "I credit the name of the movie to composer A. R. Rahman. This movie is a romance and I could have called it any thing - Dil, Pyaar, Hum Bhaag Gaye, but it was A. R. Rahman's presence in the movie that gave me the confidence to call it Taal. Taal means music and music means Taal."
The sound of 'Drop Of Water' has never been so beautifully captured as in this song.
Mehndi Hai Rachnewali [Zubeidaa - 2000]
One of the rare composition of Rahman based on Indian Folk songs. And a perfect one for Indian weddings. The highlight of the song is its simple lyrics of Jawed Akhtar and beautiful voice of Alka Yagnik.
Ghanan Ghanan [Lagaan -2001]
The soundtrack was ranked #44 on Amazon.com's "The 100 Greatest World Music Albums of All Time. From the Patriotic 'Chale Chalo' to the Spiritual 'O Paalanhaare..' and romantic 'O Re Chhori..'.. the album had everything. 'Mitwa' and 'Ghanan Ghanan' set courageous and joyful mood of the film.
Saathiya [Saathiya -2002]
One of best by Gulzar & Rahman combination. Gulzar's poetry just provide the freshness Rahman's tunes were looking for. And would be easily be one of the best by Sonu Nigam. When it was released this song was very popular Ringtone.
Taazaa gire patte ki tarah sabz laal par lete huey Saat rang hain bahaaron ke ek adaa mein lapete huey
Barf giree ho vaadee mein aur hansee teree goonjee Oon mein lipatee simatee huyee baat kare dhuaan nikale
Ye Jo Des Hai Mera [Swades -2004]
One for the patriotic gem from Rahman. Since 'Chitti Aayi Hai' by Pankaj Udaas, no other song has captured the emotions of people living outside India. The song seems to be anthem for NRIs now.The Shehnai version of this one is amazing too.
Luka Chuppi [Rang De Basanti -2006]
'Masti Ki Paathshaala' or the Title Track could have been very easy choice from this album, but Lataji echoing the pain of a Mother losing her son was a superior composition. The sight of Waheeda Rahman collapsing on the door when collecting her Son's belonging while the song is being played in the background can make even the hardest of heart feel the pain.
The song was considered for an Academy Award for Best Original Song nomination. This could be last time we might have seen a Rahman and Lata combination.
Jai Ho [Slumdog Millionaire -2008]
Before this album, to the West, Rahman was a new name, despite being known as a tunesmith of the highest calibre with near-legendary status in the East. This song made sure that A R Rahman is recognized all over the world. Without Exception !!
Despite the Oscars and Golden Globes , one can argue that this one may not be the best of Rahman, but its right up there . Rahman is again accompanied by his two most fruitful companions. Evergreen Gulzar & Vibrant Shukhwinder. And as the lyrics says its about Celebration, Happiness and Joy. And the world rejoiced every second of it. No wonder that the song created history.
Mausam & Escape [Slumdog Millionaire -2008]
Mesmerizing !!! Arguably the best instrumental by Rahman after Bombay Theme. The music makes your Body and Soul shivers especially when the fusion of classical Indian sounds and contemporary flavor starts. The sound of Sitar, when Jamal and Latika see each-other on busy Mumbai Staion, takes you to a different world. And the fusion echoes Jamal's emotions when she is taken away, just before lovers can meet.
Arziyaan [Delhi 6 -2009]
Rahman has composed some very beautiful Spiritual and Sufi songs. All of them have been soulful . Be is 'Piya Haji Ali', 'O Paalan Haare', 'Khwajah Mere Khwajah', 'Ishwar Allah', or more recently 'Kun Kya Kun' but Arziyaan is just at a different level in this Genre . The depth of song is amazing . Gulzar again seems to have saved his best for A R Rahman.
Arziyaan sari mein chehre pe likh ke laaya hoon Tumse kya maangu mein tum khud hi samjah lo
Tere Dar Pe Jhuka Hoon, Meeta Hoon, Bana Hoon Marammat Mukaddar Ki Kar Do Maula....
Sadda Haq [Rockstar -2011]
After a string of albums, including the theme song for Commonwealth Games, that didnt meet his fan's
expectation , Rahman delivered a youth Anthem in 'Sadda Haq'.
Tum logon ki, iss duniya mein, Har kadam pe, insaan ghalat Main sahi samajh ke jo bhi karoon, Tum kehte ho ghalat ! The music make shivers run down the spine as Mohit Chauhan yells "O Eco friendly Nature ke Rakshak..."
The song echoed the emotions of today's youth and was an instant hit.
Kyun sach ka sabak sikhaaye, Jab sach sunn bhi naa paaye Sach koi bole tto tu niyam kanoon batayeTera darr, Tera pyaar, teri wah, Tu hi rakh
The entire album was a geninune tribute to music. One of the highlight was the instrumental 'Dichotomy of Fame'. Tum Ho, Aur Ho, Katiya Karoo were the stuff Rahman has been known for.
Just realized that a list of 15 is now 18. Cant help, 'Waah Rahman Boliye' !!
Had a chance to watch this documentary movie. A very heartfelt effort !!
The documentary is about a local videographer, Sheikh Nasir, from Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra. Its about his life and his devotion for movies. And how he makes parody movies to make people laugh. This documentary follows his hardship to make 'Malegaon Ka Superman'.
You can feel the passion he has for movies. A hardcore movie-buff with dreams in his eyes, to make movies. And your heart goes out for him when you see him making all those efforts to overcome mundane obstacles in his film making. Whether its a broken camera ..or the lack of female actor to provide Superman's romantic angle or the small matter of how to make superman fly without wires, cranes or crores of special effect. He always finds a way because of his passion for movies.
The documentary shows his struggle without being sentimental or feeling sad about the circumstances that he keeps getting into. Its also hilarious the way he depicts Superman in his parody. A malnourished Superman thin as Stick suffering with Tuberculosis !! And its played a local guy working on power loom who is nobody for everyone in locality.
But more than about the parody, documentary is about his ingenuity and innocent film making. One can feel his pain when he breaks his camera while shooting for a water sequence where Superman sails on Truck Tube and again you can feel his suppressed frustration when he has to cancel 4 days of shooting because his 'Superman' has his wedding. Despite the hiccups and genuine issues Sheikh Nasir always gives you Positive Vibes, simply because he is in love with Cinema.
One of the most spectacular sight in a Cricket Match is to see a Fielder air borne, trying to catch the ball. Running Hard, A Full Length dive, Body few feets in Air, Arms stretched, Eyes focused on the Ball and the Jubilation that follows after the Catch !! Its Amazing !!
"Mate, you've just dropped the World Cup" was the observation of Steve Waugh to Herschelle Gibbs at Headingley in 1999 World Cup after his critical error. A casual effort can sink your team. And One stunning fielding effort can lift the entire Team. Remember the Kapil Dev's Catch to dismiss Sir Viv that triggered West Indian collapse and India won the Final. Again in 2009 T20 World Cup. Afridi ran across half the field to lift the morale of his Team and in the process dismissed Scott Styris !!
Who can forget the 'The Run-Out' by Jonty Rhodes to dismiss Inzamam in the 1992 World Cup !! It is one of the Highlight of 'Cricket History' !!
Since that 'Run-Out, Jonty Rhodes, redefined the art of fielding, and made it into the art form that it today. He was, and probably still is, the only player in the world who could draw fans on the strength of the beauty and artistry of his fielding alone. A banner that often made its appearance in grounds across the world summed it up: "Water covers 70 per cent of the earth, Jonty covers the rest." Countless times he proved why it wasn't an exaggeration, with near-impossible run saves and catches.
Here are some of those Stunning Catches Captured Beautifully by Photographers !!
Jonty Rhodes takes an incredible flying catch to dismiss Robert Croft, England v South Africa, Emirates Triangular Trophy, Edgbaston, August 18, 1998.
It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s Jonty!!
This is how BBC reported it . "With his lower legs providing the spring to reach the ball, Rhodes' knees were the nearest part of him to the ground - a good three feet away from the turf as he clung on to the ball."
Ricky Ponting took an amazing slip catch off Brett Lee to dismiss New Zealand batsman Jamie How, Adelaide Test , 2008
"There's obviously been a lot of great catches around since cricket has been on. Playing in games and watching a game live, that is the most amazing catch I have ever seen," Brett Lee said.
Paul Collingwood held a stunning catch to remove Ricky Ponting, Australia v England, 3rd Test, Perth, 1st day, December 16, 2010
One of the Landmark Catches in Recent Times.
"Colly, old chap, you've just caught the Ashes." Reported The Guardian
Andrew Strauss dives full length to dismiss Gilchrist off Flintoff in the fourth Ashes Test in 2005.
One the Great Images of that English Summer. Moments like this made that series Epic.
Mike Hussey dives to pull off an outstanding catch in the deep,to dismiss Ashwell Prince Australia v South Africa, VB Series, Brisbane, January 15, 2006
Cricinfo described it as "Hussey ran in from mid-wicket to square leg with his left hand out. He stretched a little more than one's imagination could and flung himself towards the ball. The scoreboard innocuously read Prince c Hussey b McGrath 19."
Glenn McGrath took a Stunner in the Outfield to dismiss Michael Vaughan, Fourth Day, Australia Vs England, Adelaide Oval, November 24, 2002
"Best Catch I Ever Took", said McGrath . Rightly so!!
Mark Waugh took a blinder off McGranth, in the slips to get rid of Wajahatullah Wasti, Australia v Pakistan, Final, World Cup, Birmingham, June 20, 1999.
In a World Cup Final, at Lord's, he set the tone of the match with a this stunning catch. And Pakistan were bowled out for 132 !!
Ricky Ponting pulled a stunning catch to dismiss New Zealand batsman Iain O'Brien off the bowling of Shane Warne (behind) on the fourth day of the first Test in Christchurch on Sunday, March 13, 2005
Ponting , along with Jonty and Collingwood will go down as one of the Best Fielders of the last Decade!!
Steve Smith leaped high in the air to take a amazing catch to dismiss Travis Dowlin in Australia's 2nd Twenty20 match against the West Indies at the SCG , February 23, 2010
He is definitely one of the best Fielders today . Growing in stature with every match. Showed his fielding class again in this year's IPL.!!
South African bowler Robin Peterson takes a Super catch to dismiss New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum during the Cricket World Cup 2011 quarter-final in Dhaka on March 25, 2011
JP Duminy took a stunning catch against Sri Lanka in the 5th ODI at Johannesburg, Jan 22, 2012
Ben Laughlin dismisses Albie Morkel with a catch to remember, South Africa v Australia, 5th ODI, Johannesburg, April 17, 2009
Just look at the reaction of the Spectators!!
Nathan Lyon pulls off a spectacular catch to complete his five-for, Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, September 1, 2011
Dwayne Bravo pulls of a stunning caught and bowled, to dismiss Shane Warne, Australia v West Indies, 3rd Test, Adelaide, 3rd day, November 27, 2005
Dwayne Leverock takes a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Robin Uthappa, Bermuda v India, Group B, Trinidad, March 19, 2007
And Finally one from a man well aided by Gravity !! If he can do it, Munaf Patel or anyone cant make any excuse !!
These were some of the Amazing Catches in Cricket. There have been more that missed the focus of camera, especially in the outfields. No photographer could capture Collingwood's another airborn, right-handed grab to dismiss a glum looking Hayden in 2005. That was touted as one best in the Cricket History. You can watch it here.
"Sirf hungama khada karna mera maksad nahin, meri koshish hai ki yeh soorat badalni chahiye" !!
Nation watched a 17 year old Girl being Molested in public by 20 men and next Sunday A Man geared up for another attempt to "educate" a 5000 years old "Civilization" on social issues !!!
Another irony is that in the land of "Bharat Mata", most of time its the woman who has been victim of these social issues in fom Rape, Molestation, Dowry, Honor Killing, Female Foeticides, Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment and the list goes on. Just imagine how would they have fared in this country if they wouldn't have been worshiped in form of various Goddesses !!
Heard that the show is not getting as much TRPs as the other 'Star' shows. But that's what was expected of Indian Audience who on any day would prefer "Rowdy Rathore" over "Shanghai".
Sometimes, one may feel that the show is biased, that at times its loaded with exaggerated emotions and that camera often zooms over tear filled eyes of host and female audience. But overall I salute Aamir Khan for doing something that most of celebrities couldn't do in 60 years of Independence. Celebrities can do more than donating money in some high profile Charity Organization owned by some other Celebrity. Just imagine how successful Polio Campaign would have been without Amitabh Bachchan.
I have been reading the 'comment' section of news columns related to the show. Not everyone is impressed. People have their own opinions. With easy access to Internet and a fancy Laptop everyone can afford and flaunt their opinion these days. And in their opinions the show is all about manipulating facts for TRPs and personal hidden agendas. I don't blame them , after all these are the people whom he is trying to educate.
There have not been any specific criticism regarding any episode. But one episode related to "Doctors" caught attention of FB Citizens. The same people who appreciated the the show for bringing the "Social' issues in our Drawing room were offended when the show brought up "Malpractices Among Medical Professionals". There were agitations on FB. Why ? Somehow my Medicos Friends believed that Girl Child abortion is carried out by people from Mars. And that Medical Professionals get themselves married in Arya Samaj Mandir without any Dowry. And that Doctors come into this profession for Social Work unlike Engineers who are here for money !!
Some of the issues are deep rooted. As old as 5000 years of civilization. Some of them are practiced by people I personally know. Can a 1 hour weekly show make any difference? And is it worth on part of Aamir Khan to to earn animosity from various section of society for his attempts? Here is an old inspiring war story for the "worth" of "attempt" you make.
During World War I, a soldier saw his lifelong friend fall in battle. Soldier asked his lieutenant if he might go to bring his fallen comrade back.“You can go,” said the lieutenant, “but I don’t think it will be worth it. Your friend is probably dead and you may get killed too.”
An hour later the soldier returned, fataly wounded, with his dead freind's body.“I told you it wouldn’t be worth it,” said the lieutenant. “Your friend is dead and you are mortally wounded.”
“It was worth it, sir” said the soldier.“when I got to him, he was still alive and said to me , “Jim…, I knew you’d come.”
On that note , I feel even if 0.1 % of Indian Population gets 'educated' its WORTH having such shows.
I started writing this one with a dilemma . Whats should be the Title ? 'Turning 30' or 'No more 20s' . First one reflects assurance and sense of direction. Where else the second one is nostalgic and gives a sense of mourning of the old days.
Nostalgia comes easy to me. And I do find occasions to feel nostalgic. Brings a distant sense of pleasure and relief to me. And this occasion is something special as I turn 30 !!!
30 Years !!!
Almost half of one's life. By this time the previous generation, including my Father, was happily married with 2-3 kids. But I am still unmarried and hence kids are out of questions. Not sure what kind of feeling I should have. Happy that I have survived, excelled or managed to stay float ?? Majority of my friends would be experiencing the same feeling during this year or may be next year. The little ones would have to wait for another 2-3 years .
My 20s, like most people, started in college. College, Hostels, Teachers, Classes, Assignments, Books, Projects, Grades, Festivals, Cricket, Movies, Crushes, Many friends, some close some distant. And lots of memorable moments. Have fond memories of the birthday celebrations back in AMU Hostel and the parties at 'Centre Point' restaurants. Life moved fast. HCL, Noida, Gurgaon, New York, More Friends, more moments to cherish.
Will it be just another day, just another year ? Honesty I don't know. Neither I do get any signs like wise men do. Not sure that how much things will change from tomorrow but one thing is sure I wont be '20 Something' ever in my life....... again.
Men never grow old. Thats what I have heard. They always have fun. Kind of a true notion. But loosing hairs and gaining weight with age doesn't help in having fun. 20s are crazy. People get naughty in 40s. Never heard what wise men said about 30s.
How good were these 30 years? What different could have I done? What have I achieved so far ? Any regrets? Questions keep pouring to your mind once you start the introspection. I wish I could have answered 'No' to the last one.
