The festival is here again. Festival of colors, festival of joy and celebration. And its the 'most' featured fest in Bollywood. Numerous songs and sequences are there. Also a 'bahaana' for directors for some nice cleavage footage :P. .. not going further into detail, I give you here, 5 of my favorite Holi songs. No, I m not listing the 'legendary' [or say, overplayed] songs like Rang Barse and Holi ke din.. Cause you know how much I dislike the overplayed songs.
So here is my list, and HappyHolitoAll.
Ey Gori [Delhi Heights]
Rustic charm of Kailash Kher and Sonu Kakkar in this folk song is absolutely likable. Composed by Rabbi Shergill, movie's soundtrack is an underrated one.
Aaj Na Chhodenge [Kati Patang]
A childhood favorite of mine. Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh - the best pair those days. And what a Song ! I can easily put it as the best Holi song of yesteryears. Yes, above Rang Barse and Holi ke din.
Ja re hat natkhat [Navrang]
What Choreography!! Only V.Shantaram can create such wonderful visuals. And only Sandhya can dance like that. Music by Great C Ramachandra, this song is a gem.
Dekho Aai Holi [Mangal Pandey]
When we come from past to present, none but only Rahman's name come up in such listings. A song partially sung by Aamir, featuring himself is obviously my favorite. Fantastic composition with all those drum [nagaara] beats!
Aa shyam rang rang doo [Water]
One of the best OST of Rahman. Water, had this superb track which went unnoticed. A truly delightful track and beautiful visuals. [no video on youtube though]. If you can get this movie, just WATCH IT yaar, fantastic movie too !!
My most favorite festival - Diwali. Festival of lights, crackers, sweets, meets, rangolis and shopping shopping and more shopping. I just love the spirit all around the city. Everyone gets geared up for the biggest festival of India. Everything has its own charm - from cleaning and get house painted to shop for decorative things for it. What attracts me most is the colors of Rangoli. So many beautiful designs attracts you everywhere. And how can I miss crackers & fireworks? Though I am against the noisy crackers, I enjoy playing with small ones which are lesser at noise. Yes, I am still a kid when it comes to crackers. I enjoy the simple ones. Which creates colorful lights and lights up the sky with fabulous colors.
And for a film buff like me, Diwali doubles up the joy and excitement as all big big movies get released around Diwali. Since childhood most of the times I get lucky enough to catch the movie on the same day it got released. And it feels great watching movies with Festive spirit. Halls run packed, tickets sold in black [10 ka 30], instant audience reactions.... ahh, gone were the days of Single screens. Here are movies released during Diwali of past 15 years and how I much enjoyed them.
2009 :
Of course I went for BLUE this year. Cause it has none other than Rahman. Here is my take on the movie. A huge disappointment. :( Other two movies don't interest me . While Main aur Mrs Khanna 's promos and songs doesn't look much interesting to me, All the Best is not my piece of cake. I would like to stay away from it unless anyone recommends me after watching it.
2008:
This Diwali saw 3 big releases. Fashion, Roadside Romeo and Golmaal Returns. And as expected Golmaal... won the battle. But I found it strictly average with R rated theme, a strict no-no on festivals when we go watch movies with family. Fashion had already given that warning through promos, cause the subject itself dealt with such bold theme. Madhur did nice job and I liked it, but this certainly was not my kinda 'diwali flick'. So I chose Roadside Romeo, first.. Cause I did not want to miss one of a few Hindi Mainstream Animation movies, and it was quite enjoyable one. I know most people didn't liked it much though. But it was a welcome change.
2007 :
This was my one of the favorite Diwali. Competition was really really big. Om Shanti Om and Saawariya were fighting to get their own share. Both had fabulous soundtracks. Heard everywhere. No doubt, I opted for OSO's tickets cause I knew, after Main Hoon Naa, Farah will never go wrong. And on the day of Diwali itself, Morning show ran really packed house and obviously movie was worth it. Pure Masala entertainer, which one needs in festivals. While I saw Saawariya later [2 times], I fell in love with the movie, and sighed why I did not watch it first. :) Now if you ask me to choose any one from the two, my vote would be for Saawariya.
2006 :
SRK no doubt is a king when it comes to count movies during Diwali. 2006 saw another war between two giants, SRK in DON and his beloved friend Farah's hubby who made Jaan-E-Mann. Again, I chose SRK to watch first, and then Jaan-E-Mann. Both were good movies on their own. Though Jaan E Mann failed while competing with sleek Don, I liked it. The musical format [and songs too] was good, and also both Sallu and Akki did very well. But yes, DON scored over just because of its oh-so-great Technical details.
2005 :
Another Diwali with not so big movies. Garam Masala, Kyun Ki and Shaadi No.1. Priyadarshan and David Dhawan battled to prove who's funniest of all. And of course, with help of Akki and John, Priyan won with Garam Masala. Music was also one of Pritam's first hits. Never mind the plagiarism. I loved the movie and music. And till date, I haven't seen Shaadi No.1 at all :) While Salman and Kareena is a pair, I din't look anything forward to watch out for in Kyun Ki..., so I haven't seen it yet either.
2004 :
Two big, really big movies this year. One with magnificent soundtrack - Veer Zaara and one Magnum Opus of all time - Mughal E Aazam [colored version]. Both I looked forward to. But was disappointed how dismal Veer ZZZZZara was. The only movie when I left hall during a song to get fresh air !! I regret of not seeing Mughl E Azam in theatre. Missed it due to some circumstances. :(
Corrected by @raulsail ; there were two movies which I forgot to mention. RGV's Naach and Aitraaz. But I did not watch both of them. Cause Akshay Kumar is the one whose movies I least prefer to watch in halls. And Naach, had no promises. But surprisingly Aitraaz did really well on B.O. and kick started a superstar's career [after a glitch in Andaaz] - Priyanka Chopra.
2003 :
This year saw 5 movies : Pinjar, Sssshhh, Inteha, Kagaarand Raja Bhaiya. Only one of them was credible. Based on Indo-Pak partition, Pinjar was really good. Urmila's one of the best till date. Other movies came and sank without a trace. But certainly, this Diwali was quite cold with no Masala, no big banner, no SRK....
2002:
Another 'Thanda' Diwali. With movies like Jeena Sirf Merre Liye,Anarth, Waah Tera Kya Kehna and Leela.I chose to stay at home and not to watch just any of them. Jeena Sirf...wanted to cash in the sucess of Mujhe kuchh kehna hai but failed miserably. Later I caught 'Leela' starring gorgeous Dimple Kapadia, on DVD. Its quite a good watch. Especially it has superb soundtrack featuring Jagjit Singh.
2001:
While Asoka released a week before Diwali, it was a clear disaster on box office. But I loved it for sheer beautiful locations [and Bebo of course]. On Diwali, four movies were released. Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar, Abhay, Deewanapan and Tera Mera Saath Rahen. Amongst them I caught up Abhay cause it had Kamal Hassan. Movie was kinda weird, say uneasy feel. But with unique experiments like in-line animations, fabulous action sequences and Kamal's double role - it was definitely a firecracker for me. [oh, and did I forgot to mention gorgeous ladies Raveena and Kitu Gidwani??]
2000 :
Two firecrackers battled out in this year. Fresh from success of Kaho Naa Pyar Hai - Hrithik and [so called] challenged by his stardom- SRK got together again after KNPH v/s PBDHH. Mohabbatein and Mission Kashmir. Both different films. No prize for guessing which movie I chose. Of course SRK. And in Mohabbatein - what bowled me over was not him, but new and improved BIG B. Though today, if I have to select to re-watch from both, it would be Mission Kashmir. Its my most fav movie of Hrithik.
1999 :
This was the most exciting Diwali in terms of Bollywood Marketing. After 5 long years, and legendary success of Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Rajshri Prod. was coming with a multi Starrer. Hum Saath Saath Hai. It was marketed to death. Even Coke came up with special dedicated pet bottles too.. Though the high expectations did work against it. Everyone was comparing it with HAHK. But movie worked as perfect Family Drama on Diwali. I watched it on Black market tickets [25 bucks!!!!]. the gorgeous ladies- Tabu, Sonali and Karisma made it a dazzling Diwali. [and oh, a big banner movie WITHOUT SRK!!!]
1998 :
and SRK is back. One of my all time favorite movie. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. I watched it 4 times in theater. And can utter dialogues even now. and ahh...Kajol Kajol Kajol. Need I say more?? the movie owes to her. Another one released with KKHH was Bade Miyan Chhote Miyaan. with the over hyped special appearance of Madhuri [first one after marriage]. Not my kinda movie with all 'shouting comedy'.
1997 :
Sheer musical delight. No one have heard name of Uttam Singh untill 2007. This was the last time when I saw such craze to buy Audio of a movie. [cause later, internet, CDs and piracy took over the industry]. Dil To Pagal Hai is still one of the highest selling soundtracks ever. And the movie complemented to its music too. SRK+Madhuri and Karisma.. What Chemistry!!! What a movie!! What Dances!!
1996 :
Kiss Kiss Kiss !! I was a kid then, and even today the first thing comes to my mind is 'the hottest kiss' in Bollywood. Raja Hindustani has this sizzling chemistry between [my fav] Aamir and Karisma. Music was damn good too. One can hear 'Pardesi' everywhere. From train compartments to shops and hotels. Biggest success ever for Aamir Khan [before Ghajini of course].
1995 :
Inspired by 'clean' movie of last year, Yashraj too 'inspired' his son to do something inline with what Suraj Barjatya was doing. There came Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge. A movie, which is still running in theater. [has anyone counted occupancy though??] I liked the movie. But don't think its really 'that' great. [I know I'm taking a risk saying that] What I really loved about the movie is one and the only Kajol Kajol. Who made the Diwali special.
1994 :
Ok, for this year I can't recall which movie was released on Diwali. But I remember watching Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, which was released two months before Diwali. After long hours of standing in queue for tickets. I gotta see the greatest movie of Bollywood. Just can't forget the experience. It was the time when Bollywood was changing. It was getting new colors. The clean, family entertainment was back. And so is fantastic music. The best Diwali gift by Rajshri.
Phew....there ends my longest post ever. I churned my brain cells a lot for this. Also some help of Google, this post is possible. Tell me HAVE YOU READ IT COMPLETELY?? :-D
And OH, how can I conclude this post without some music, related to the festival?? Surprisingly, for the biggest festival of India, there are very less songs made by Bollywood. Makers are rather interested in making Holi songs, cause it has potential of cleavage show off :P. Well, here are two of my most favorite songs. One is from legendary Guide : Piya toh se naina laage re....which has many different colors, one of them is of Diwali. And who can deny magnetic presence of Waheeda ji?!!! Check out 1:14 to 2:38
And here is one from the movie, which I think is THE ONLY one, that is completely based on the festival. I am always intrigued why we don't have such story lines based on Diwali, when Hollywood always come up with fantastic Christmas movies. Here is a song from Sujoy Ghosh's Home Delivery. Which didn't fare well at box office because of the flaws, but it had fantastic soundtrack by Vishal Shekhar. Check out the song 'Happy Diwali'. So cute, I always play it on Diwali.
p.s.: Yay!! This is my 100th post in a single year - 2009 !!
Its Navaratri Festival [wiki here] time in Gujarat and everywhere in India. But its very special in Gujarat as the longest Dance Festival, 9 days to be specific, is going on. Where people dance till late nights in traditional dance form 'Garba'. [Wiki here] The songs are also called 'Garba' which has this specific drum beats. As I am enjoying the festival, [its 6th night today], I will leave here some of my favorite 'Garba' songs from our very own beloved Bollywood. I know I have missed a lot of them, so suggestions are welcome as always.
1. Goonje Angna Mein : Life Partner > My latest favorite. Though the movie was quite above average, I loved this song very much. It features most common 'garba' tune, but its the Two fantastic beauties-Prachi and Genelia.
2. Ghoonghat Mein Chand : Khoobsurat > I don't like Kumar Sanu much, but he has sung this song quite well. And later Kavitha Krishnamurthy makes it more special, that too with 'Latka' of Urmila...Another movie with Gujju background. Here's Sanju Baba doing Dandiya with Urms..
3. Bani Bani : Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon > Pardon me on adding this 'exaggerated emotions' by Bebo - song. But the song has such 'huge' sound, makes it so much perfect to dance on in Navaratri.
4. Chand Aaya Hai : Dil Hi Dil Mein > How Can one miss out a song by Rahman, in just any playlist?? So here's one fantastic 'Rahman'ish Garba. With Lovely Lovely Sonali Bendre dancing with rather 'kiddy' Kunal.
5. Main toh Bhool Chali : SarswatiChandra > And this one is the immortal one from classics. Nutan dancing to perfectly traditional Garba tune and steps. Love this since childhood.
Harre se baat ki maine, Gulabi ko bhi samjhaya; Tha adiyal Laal, thoda sa, Kisi tarah usse laaya.
Tha Peela toh bada gau saa, Woh jhat se ho gaya raazi; Ki minnat Aasmani se, Who hans ke bola, Ji haan Ji.
Chatakh Narangi chanchal tha, Jo ki vinati, toh yeh bola; Kya Holi aur Bina Pani, Hoon itna main Nahi Bhola.
Usse phir maine batlaaya, Jal ka mol samjhaya; Kaha, ek din ki Holi main, Humari iss thitholi main;
Kahin jeevan naa beh jaaye, Na yeh dhadkan thehar jaaye;
Hain Rango ka tabhi matlab, Woh jab muskaan ban paaye; Hai rango mein tabhi garima, woh jab jeevan mein Rang laaye.
Chalo khele Tilak Holi, Ho aasha ki jhalak Holi; Yeh sunkar woh bhi muskaya, Tilak bankar woh sung aaya.
These are the words written by Prasoon Joshi, who is right now in full form. Beautiful words to describe value of precious water, and moral not to waste it on Holi's festival.
Finally, its the time of the year , when all of us forget everything, hug each other, colour each other in rainbow. Get them all wet by splashing buckets of water on them. And enjoy special food like Bhajiya and drink Thandai. Its HOLI......Enjoy some pics from my small celebration.
cute kids too...
Havin' some gupshup..
After buckets of water, splashed on each other, with my sis....
out apt.'s 'Holi Band'
Oops...this kid is scared....I have to wash myself now...:D
14th January, is celebrated in Gujarat, a state of India, where Gujarati people live. It is a celebration of northern movement of Sun. Also called Makar Sankranti. It is celebrated with such joy. Uttarayan is the day when the sun starts to travel towards north as a sign of coming summer. People from all age group, having fun feeling in their hearts and well dressed, come on the roof of their house early in the morning.
On this beautiful day, Millions of people pitch themselves at the terrace and roofs, enjoy flying kites with cheers and smile on their face. They enjoy Uttarayan with sound of 'Kaypo che' (I cut the kites) and other local slang’s. Sky started changing colors like having rainbow of kites in it. People of Gujarat, also enjoy this festival by having food called "Tal-sankadi" and "chiki" (Sweets), which is like sesame bar and peanut bar.
Here, I have embedded beautiful pictures taken by my dear friend, who calls himself - Asli Amdavadi [True Amdavadi]. Ahmedabad is city he lives in. His name is Nirmal Panchal . He has taken these so colorful and beautiful pictures. That it inspired me to share them with you.
Here...colorful Kites in shop shelves...
Colorful, Firkis [strings on bobbin] specially made to cut each other's kite
And this is how those colorful strings are made...
cute kid giving air to Kite, thats called ''Patang Apaay..'' in Gujarati [patang = kite]
People on terrace...even before 14th Jan, practicing....
Malls and even small shops get into groove....look below
and whole day, kites color the sky....and in evening sky is......
And Now, Bollywood time. And here are two, equally great songs from our very own Bollywood. One from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and other from classic Kati Patang. While the later was just describing situation of life of protagonist in the film. Hum dil de chuke sanam featured the Gujarati festival, as is, on screen.
And what more, we are gonna have a movie named after kite to. Kites starring Hrithik. But its a thriller, that's it.
So there, I am of for my hometown. ..to enjoy this lovely festive moments..
Hello everyone., and happy diwali / new year. Diwali is a boom time for movie goers and for cinema halls. This day i went for Golmaal Returns. I went for first show, and i got tickets of last show !!! Meanwhile throughout the day, i got reviews from news channels and my dear friend Nirmal, that its simple bakwas. I thought....nahinnnn..... When i went in at 10 pm. I was waiting for my bro and bhabhi. And then i called him up, so i got to know that my papa has got fever so program should be cancelled. So there, i was saved. By watching a bad movie. Instantly i gave all tickets to a guy standing and waiting for someone to give him tickets. So there, he thanked me [and paid too....] and i was rafooo chakkar !!!
my eyes fills up with tears of past , when i was flying a same kite for a week. i was a little child. regardless of any differences. so much i was happy with that one rupee kite. so sad too if i lost, then. it was happiness of 'being not so rich'. today i am earning much. but where is that happiness?? wher is that boy getting wet in each thunder shower? the boy making paper boats and play with mud?? where is my childhood? can't i get it back?? plzzzzzzz
