Ayodhya Verdict n What All Does Come Out Of It !!!

So finally, finally the verdict is out and I guess most of us would appreciate this judgment. Even if we differ in the interpretations and perhaps on the judgment in itself one thing is for sure, We are living in Different Times and Times are no more the same. India is different in 2010 to what it was in 1992.

I was 12 then, when on one Cold Sunday Evening it came all blown up in those Doordarshan days that the mosque had been demolished and communal riots had broken all over the country. What it meant to me apart from that extended winter vacations was that perhaps for the first time there were seeds of that division been created in my mind, the "THEM" v/s the "US".

So what could have been the verdict apart from the present judgment? Could the High Court have given a statement that ok what happened on 6th of December 1992 was wrong but just for the larger interest let's move on and build a Temple there? Could the High Court have gone on the other side of the debate by terming that act as barbaric and ordered re-building of that mosque? Hypothetically yes but if you are honest with yourself both of this could have never happened and will never happen. That is why I feel this is perhaps the best judgment in the present circumstances.

But before we ponder over this a little more, we need to once in and for all agree to few facts:-

1> There was indeed a Dilapidated Temple to start with at that Site.

2> There was indeed a Mosque been built over the ruins of that Dilapidated Temple.

3>Babri Masjid was indeed demolished on 6th December 1992, and for Heaven's sake we should term that as a demolition of mosque and condemn it rather that term it as demolition of disputed structure and condone it.

4> What happened on that particular day (6th December 1992) was indeed barbaric and utterly shameful.

5> But it is time to move on now for sure. Agreed what happened was barbaric, agreed it was shameful but then what to do now over that. Let us accept it that these things do happen however unpleasant it is but we cannot just let these things allow us to keep us back.

6> By this I am not one bit justifying but rather suggesting it is time we as India move forward.

7> And Finally let us now not go on those semantics of "Grand Temple" and "Grand Mosque" and not try to out do each other but rather concentrate on building something which is much more humane and relevant.

Once we agree to this we need to find how we interpret this judgment. Do as part of some reconciliatory gesture get the judgment tweaked just to address the grievances of the other community, Do we now go to Apex Court and look for one final verdict once again even if that means waiting for another generation or perhaps sit across the table, iron out mis-giving’s and do what the High Court has asked it to do.

As much as I would not like but it seems to me at the moment that the First Option will be finally in place. There will be claims and counter claims on the verdict but an out of court settlement now cannot be ruled out once they fight it out in the Apex Court.

Discussing the second option is indeed a good temptation. Let the debate go in the Apex Court for another generation or two and let India emerge more mature and more inclusive and let us then accept the same judgment from the Supreme Court. It is indeed a good idea but all can go awfully bad if the Supreme Court delivers a different verdict and gets it totally towards one community. Take it from me we will be far more divided then to what we are now. It will be the worst possible thing to happen then and that is why I strongly feel not to go for that.

I for once would back the last option. Let this be the last time we discuss this age old issue and let us all pray that as India we move forward and get this past bogey out of our mind share.

My last word on this verdict goes to Mr. S.U.Khan who while delivering the verdict said "That much before 1855 Ram Chabutra and Seeta Rasoi had come into existence and Hindus were worshipping in the same. It was very very unique and absolutely unprecedented situation that in side the boundary wall and compound of the mosque Hindu religious places were there which were actually being worshipped along with offerings of Namaz by Muslims in the mosque".

If we could have been united then when Britisher's were ruling us then why not now when we are Free, Resurgent and More Prosperous India.

JAI HO!!!

Why I Think You Should Watch These 25 Movies Before You Die !!! - Part I

As an avid movie watcher, a critic among my own friend circle, movies form an important ground in my life. I have been fortunate to have born in a family where movie watching if not encouraged to the hilt was never discouraged either. In fact there was a time during our summer holidays when we use to have those long movie sessions… Back to Back 4-5 movies over the 10-12 hours… Trust me it was fantastic and quite memorable… So what exactly forms the very basis of a good movie? At the heart of a movie is a mystery, the way it interacts with the memories and experience of the viewer to become something intensely personal. More than any other form of artistic expression, people claim movies as their own.

For me, a great movie is about a good script and the art of story telling. As much as the script forms the heart of any movie the acting sequences form the lungs of it. You can have the best script and an apt story teller but if your artist cannot deliver that to the masses nobody would even remember it. Apart from these camerawork, editing, songs, dance and all the other things add and then together it becomes more than the sum of their parts, evoking ideas and emotions. A truly great movie takes on a kind of intrinsic life of its own. Its genius manifests when discussed by a towering critic in his Friday News Paper Column to a bunch of friends in a roadside tea shop.

So what should be the yardstick when you try to find out the Top 25 Bollywood Movies of all time? Content, Box Office Performance, Amount of Revenue it generated, No. of Awards it won or perhaps the longevity of memory it has in the mind of the viewer. Perhaps all of that should matter or for that matter perhaps none. I went by all of these in some shades and finally came up with this list where performance mattered more than success and content was more important than the budget. Also I went for those movies which were different in concept and ideas were niche.

I have done the list from 25th Movie and gone up the ladder. This being the Part I has the list from 11th Best to the 25th Best. Part II which showcases the Top 10 will be released sooner than later.

Though I have done my ranking in the most objective manner you might come across movies which you feel extremely outlandish and movies which do not befit to that top 25 status. I have my own set of likings and I might be biased towards a few themes or for that matter few individuals. I have always loved Hrishikesh Mukherjee / Bimal Roy style of movies and their concept of “Middle of the Road” cinema. Yash Chopra and his school of thoughts about Indian Movies have always fascinated me and for many years during my childhood Bollywood was all about two letters AB. And do I need to mention that I love Aamir Khan.

I would welcome comments, debates, opinions and all the suggestions. I would be eager to re-visit all those movies which you find should have been in this list once again just to quench my thirst on Indian Movies.

In a country of more than one billion people and where more than 500 movies are released every year there can never be that one "The Final List". Of these hundreds of films released, only a small handful see any degree of success, only a selected few go on to taste the heights of success, and very rarely attain the status of classics and all-time greats. Any such list will always be personal rather than definitive – We all watch movies and we all have our own favorites that our close to our hearts. These are my 25 Greatest Bollywood Movies of all Time.

Happy Reading!!!

25th Best Bollywood Movie: - Chak De India and Dil Chahta Hain.

Team Chak De !!!



Chak De was brilliant in terms of getting the country rise through it diversities and getting on a common platform. Chak De India is the story of a coach and his fight of making his team, a team which has to overcome their diverse backgrounds, by learning to use everything that life hurls on them as a secret weapon. It’s a story about honesty, sincerity and integrity. A story to remind the country of its National Sport- Field Hockey. It is directed by Shimit Amin, produced by Yash Raj Films, and stars Shahrukh Khan and 16 new actresses. Chak De! India explores religious bigotry, the legacy of partition, ethnic/regional prejudice, and sexism in contemporary India through field hockey. While the tale of the sporting underdog is hardly new, Script Writer Jaideep Sahni's offers a rare look at a popular Indian sport often overshadowed by cricket. But it's not the type of bat and ball, or the number of practice sessions that are at issue here. Instead, the gender and personal prejudices of the players underpin the story.

A Masterpiece coming from Yash Raj Team and no two ways about the fact that it was The Best SRK Movie of this millennium. The Mc-Donald’s Scene was amazing while Shahrukh’s Sattar Minute too inspiring.


Dil Chahta Hai !!! Neo Age Indian Movie



Dil Chahta Hain on the other hand was all neo-realism and it did usher the New Age Cinema. DIL CHAHTA HAI is a film about these three distinct characters, their individual relationships and the effect that those relationships have on the three of them. It focuses on a major period of transition in the lives of three young friends. It is a 2001 Hindi film starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni and Dimple Kapadia. The first film written and directed by Farhan Akhtar, it is set in modern-day urban Mumbai. This film makes it to the list due to the many firsts to its credit. It is one of the pioneers of the New Age Cinema. It explored themes such as male bonding, falling in love with an older person, friendship and reconciliation. Watch the film for the crackling chemistry between the three main protagonists. The best part about the movie is that it still retains it freshness and though it is almost 10 years since the movie was released it seems just the other day because of its contemporary nature.

Saif’s telephone conversation with his girl friend Suchitra Pillai was hilarious and the song “Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe” a chartbuster.

24th Best Bollywood Movie: -Andaz Apna Apna.

Andaz Apna Apna 

Andaz Apna Apna is a 1994 Hindi film co-written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, starring Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Paresh Rawal and Shakti Kapoor in the lead roles. This is one of Bollywood evergreen and top rating, comedy flick. The plot revolves around two boys who want to get rich quickly by taking all the short-cuts possible in a con book. How they do it forms the very essence of the entire movie plot. Even though it performed poorly at the box office upon its release, it has since gained a strong cult following over the years.

Of the many scenes of Crime Master Gogo which immediately springs to my mind the one which I cherish the most is the act in which Aamir and Salman follow Crime Master Gogo raising keeping their hands up. It is hilarious.

23rd Best Bollywood Movie: -Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.

For giving us Aamir n much more

Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, QSQT in short was a movie which did set a trend in Hindi Movie Industry. It is one of the landmark films of Hindi cinema. It was a welcome break from the violent 70s and 80s with all and sundry doing their ‘angry young man’ act. Released in 1988, written by veteran producer-director Nasir Hussain and directed by his son Mansoor Khan. The film starred Hussain's nephew, Aamir Khan, along with Juhi Chawla in their first major roles. This film can be credited with turning the tide for Bollywood, when it was laid low by a string of flops in the mid 1980s. It is also a quintessential Bollywood masala film. The film saw success because it introduced freshness in the form of the teenage love story, loosely based on the plot of Romeo and Juliet. The young lovers elope and are chased by their parents. When they find no hope for their love they decide to die and make their love immortal. It also made melodious tunes once again popular over the 80's trend of disco and break dance influenced soundtracks.

If for nothing else this movie should be in the list for giving one of the best actors in the form of Aamir Khan to the Indian Movie Industry and perhaps giving and evergreen farewell song in “Papa Kehte Hain Bada Naam Karega”.

22nd Best Bollywood Movie: -Do Aankhen Baraah Haath.

A Movie Concept Never Repeated

Do Aankhen Baraah Haath is a 1957 movie. Considered one of the classics of Hindi cinema and is based on morals of Gandhian philosophy. The movie is a masterpiece from none other than the master himself, V. Shantaram. Through this movie V. Shantaram explores the very institution of prison inmates and the never experimented process of rehabilitation of hardened criminals. It’s a stark black-and-white film about a jailor who believes that love and trust can turn even the most hardened criminals into God fearing responsible citizens. V Shantaram played the lead character of an idealistic jailor himself and his real life wife Sandhya plays a toy seller. Shantaram makes the film believable as the change is gradual and thankfully there is no melodrama in the film. The prisoners keep on going back to their old ways but the jailors faith and psychologically handled situations make him a winner in the end.

One of the songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar “Aye Maalik Tere Bande Hum” is a hugely popular song and is still often sung in morning prayers in schools.

21st Best Bollywood Movie: -Chupke Chupke.

Chupke Chupke

Chupke Chupke is a 1975 Hindi Movie which stars Amitabh Bacchan, Jaya Bacchan, Dharmendra, Sharmila Tagore, Om Prakash, David, Asrani and Keshto Mukherjee. The movie, a remake of the Bengali hit Chhadmabeshi, was directed by the legendary storyteller Hrishikesh Mukherjee with music composed by S.D. Burman. Without an iota a doubt it is one of the cutest, cleanest and the best comedies ever to come out of the Bollywood stable. And what a success it was! It is a hilarious tale of mix-ups and confusion, with great performances by all the actors. Not to mention the great music.

Though most people love the performance of Dharmender over Amitabh but to me it was Amitabh Bacchan who stole the show esp. in that “Korola” scene in which he was fantastic. One of my all time favorite movies in comedy genre.

20th Best Bollywood Movie: -Masoom.

Shekhar Kapur’s magnum opus Masoom was released in 1983. It was his first directorial venture and starred Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Supriya Pathak and Saeed Jaffrey, as well as child actors Jugal Hansraj and Urmila Matondkar. The plot was broadly based on Man, Woman and Child written by Erich Segal. Masoom is a sweet, sad story about the repercussions of bad decisions made by basically good people. The film's title, Masoom, means "innocent" and there are a number of innocent victims of Naseer's transgression, not least the boy Jugal himself, who only wants to be loved, to be part of the family, and to find his father. In one particularly heartbreaking sequence, Rahul (Jugal Hansraj), puzzled by Indu's (Shabana Azmi) coldness to him, makes her a birthday gift; she struggles palpably with tenderness toward him on the one hand, and horror and anger at what he represents on the other. Indu herself is innocent as well, and the film puts her in a terrible position. It is heartbreaking to watch her take out her pain and anger on the boy and grapple to come to terms with what she knows she has to do for him. The movie had an excellent script and boasted of some of the finest music of Bollywood. All in all, a delicate, sensitive film thoughtfully crafted and movingly executed.

My best scene of the movie has to be when Rahul hurts his hand and runs around in the house shouting for his Mom (who is actually no more), he stops near Indu and realizes that his mother is no more. Indu looks at him in anger and shouts; “I am not your Mummy”. Weeping Rahul silently hides his hand. The most amazing part of the movie is the expression of the characters and how do they face the changing dynamics in their relationship. Must Watch!!!

19th Best Bollywood Movie: -Gumnaam.

Gumnaam - Best of All Thrillers !!!

Gumnaam is a 1965 Indian Horror-Thriller Movie directed by Raja Nawathe, starring Manoj Kumar, Nanda, Pran, Helen and Mehmood. The film became a box office hit. The story is based on Agatha Christie's novel "And Then There Were None". Seven people get selected in a lucky draw for a trip abroad. They all plan to go on the trip. On the way to their destination, the plane has engine trouble and they are left abandoned in a remote seaside location. They find shelter in a large mansion inhabited by a comical butler Mehmood. One by one, they are murdered and the remaining vacationers try to figure out why they were chosen for the trip and what they have in common.A movie that is upwards of two and a half hours long shouldn't peak in the first ten minutes, yet that's what Gumnaam manages to do. Gumnaam is an extraordinarily well-made film technically, particularly for a Bollywood undertaking. The sets are first-rate; the camera work is consistently excellent. The storytelling, too, has spots of actual merit with some interesting messages about the role of alcohol in sexual relations and the differences between women like Nanda and Helen. The only where the movie lacked was perhaps at the pace and the final climax where the real killer was revealed. We do not get explanations as to what all the relationships were that led the killer to target these specific people. Otherwise the suspense was well kept.

One of its musical numbers “Jaan Pehechan Ho” was used as the opening credits of the well-regarded indie film Ghost World though my favorite is the title-track “Gumnaam Hai Koi, Badnaam Hain Koi”

18th Best Bollywood Movie: -Waqt.

WAQT-The Orignal Multi-Star Film

Waqt is a 1965 Indian film directed by Yash Chopra. It was produced by B.R. Chopra and starred an ensemble cast including Sunil Dutt, Raaj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Sadhana, Balraj Sahni, Madan Puri, Sharmila Tagore, Achala Sachdeva and Rehman. It pioneered the concept of films with multiple stars, starting a trend followed by other films. Released on the New Year Day of 1965 the movie was a box office success. A film describing the importance and power of TIME in our lives is known as a spectacular trend setter in the Hindi film industry. A film which laid down the basic foundation of all the “Lost & Found” movies was one of the first big impressive take on the famous Bollywood format. The plot pioneered the “Lost & Found” formula in Bollywood. A happy family separated by Waqt (Time), goes through a series of trials trying to reunite. Starting with a well written sequence depicting the supremacy of Time, the movie shows us the tragedy faced by a rich man and his family, which in few seconds sends them into the lap of poverty and mercilessly separates them from each other for years. Living their individual lives far away, the characters once again are brought together by the uncontrollable power of Time after a few decades. They get to meet each other unknowingly and with the changing times, find themselves entangled into a new web of relationships beyond imagination. The story which starts as a family drama unexpectedly ends in a courtroom sequence where the whole family unites again accepting the undeniable power of TIME. Balraj Sahani’s splendid portrayal of a proud man refusing to accept the power of time makes you think about the each & every second of our life, which we go on living without knowing anything about the next one. The movie gave us Raaj Kumar and his memorable “Jaani” and “Chinoy Seth- Jinke Ghar Seeshe Ke Ho” dialogues. It gave a qawwali in “Aye Meri Zohrazabin” which still remains the one and only song associated with the Old Age Romance by every lover of Hindi Films living anywhere in the world. And last but not the least it gave Indian Movie Yash Chopra who later came up with several Unforgettable Romantic Gems with never before kind of content on Indian Silver Screen.

My favorite dialogue in the movie comes from Raaj Kumar himself when he cautions Madan Puri of not threatening him with knife “Yeh bachon ke khelne ki cheez nahi, haath kat jaye toh khoon nikal aata hai”.

17th Best Bollywood Movie: -Daddy.

Daddy released in 1989 was the debut movie of Pooja Bhatt and was directed by her father Mahesh Bhatt. The movie explores the concept of split family and comes with a message of that Blood is thicker than Water. The Story tells about a daughter who wants to cure her father from the alcoholic addiction. It is a film about a young daughter who tries to rediscover her father, at the same time rescue him from the brink of destroying himself at the hands of alcoholism. Slowly as the story progresses, more fact about the reason of his alcoholism comes to light, and he is able to overcome them eventually with the help of her love and her support. The movie banks on some superlative performance from Anupam Kher and Pooja Bhatt and ably supported by Avtar Gill and Neena Gupta. The music till date is very popular.

My best song from the movie is the one which Anupam Kher sings at the Song Contest “Aaina Mujhse Meri Pehle Si Soorat Maange”

16th Best Bollywood Movie: -Rock On.

Rock On!! is a 2008 Bollywood film written and directed by Abhishek Kapoor, produced by Farhan Akhtar, and with music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy stars Arjun Rampal, Farhan Akhtar, Luke Kenny, and Purab Kohli. The film is an interesting mix about four friends and their families involved and parallels about the rock band these guys are part of. The movie deals with emotions, relationships and has lot to do with music. Circumstances play villain here and it has been captured well. The fragile relationship and the compelling narrative make you spellbound. The movie to me is all about Farhan Akhtar. Years later when we sit and discuss this might end up be the bench mark for him. Such has been his enormity in the acting skills that some how I feel his vocal chords might have been over shadowed. It's courageous on the part of the film's makers that they went with Farhan's vocals for the songs that are filmed on him. And they were spot on. Farhan Akhtar makes his debut as an actor and he displays rare maturity for a first-timer. Known as an accomplished director all along, Farhan came to known as a mature actor as well from there on.

A quick anecdote about the movie. And let me confess that I jumped out of my seat the moment I saw Farhan Akhtar singing the Dandiya version of “Sanso Ki Jarurat Hain Jaise”. It was hilarious!!! ROCK ON!!!

15th Best Bollywood Movie: - Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India.



An OSCAR Performance !!!



Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India, is a 2001 feature film. The film, based on an original story by Ashutosh Gowariker, was also directed by him. It was produced by Aamir Khan, who plays the lead role, and stars Gracy Singh, Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne in supporting roles. Set in the heady days of the British Raj, the film combines the two potent opiums of the Indian masses: Cricket and Patriotism. It also featured the all-time favorite theme of the underdog, the David pitted against the Goliaths of the world. The heady mix resulted in a big blockbuster, and success and acclaim from all over the world. The film was nominated for the Oscars in the Foreign languages category. The film also introduced a hitherto unknown and neglected factor of successful film-making-Marketing. The film is a period drama set in the 19th century British-ruled India. Set in a small village called Champaner it tells the story of the simple village-folk struggling to pay off the annual debts (Lagaan) to the British. Lagaan is the story of a battle without bloodshed fought by a group of unlikely heroes led by Aamir Khan, an enigmatic young farmer with courage born of conviction and a dream in his heart. He is helped by Rachel Shelley, the beautiful English girl who came to India and lost her heart, and Aamir’s pillar of strength, Gracy Singh, the young and perky village girl who dreams only of a home with the man she loves. A story of extraordinary circumstances thrust upon ordinary people. Adversity faced with fortitude and injustice with dignity. There is slowly awakening pride, the grit and determination of a people who have everything to lose. Faith and courage come face to face with arrogance and ruthlessness. And the human spirit triumphs.

This is by far one of the Best Aamir Khan Movie. The Last Ball Six from Aamir and the Village Pradhan shouting “Hum Jeet Gaye” was terrific and I lost the count of whistles I blew during that sequence. This might be the second time Aamir did hit that last ball six in his movie career (The first time been in Awwal Number) but this time he did definitely hit the bull’s eye for sure. Lagaan was a treat to watch and trust me it still is and will remain…

14th Best Bollywood Movie: - Ijaazat.

Ijaazat is an acclaimed 1987 film directed by Gulzar. Starring Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah in leading roles, the film followed the story of couple who are separated and who accidentally meet in a railway station waiting room and discover some truths about their lives without each other. The film belongs to the realistic, art cinema genre in India, known as parallel cinema. The movie is a powerful story that deals with feminism and patriarchy in the middle class of India in the 1980s. The movie is beautifully written and executed. For a saga of missed opportunities and broken relationships, its surprisingly not depressing! The story unfolds at a leisurely pace with the character’s actions and expressions rather than their dialogues, telling us their tale. Needless to say, the performances are superb. Naseeruddin Shah and Rekha are so good that I was almost convinced that their characters’ marriage was a good idea and their break-up was much to be regretted! Anuradha Patel was gorgeous but somewhat less convincing. I think her character was meant to be a free-spirited, modern girl but shows up as rather pathetic, emotionally disturbed and distressingly dependent. Gulzaar’s dialogues are so very evocative. As the night proceeds and Rekha dons the mantle of the still-caring wife with ease, you can see Naseeruddin dawning hope for reconciliation. A hope that is dashed next morning by the appearance of her new husband Shashi Kapoor who’s rushed to her side after hearing that she was stranded in the secluded station. Rekha’s regretful backward glances at Naseeruddin, as she accompanies her hubby, do not bode well for her marriage. You realize that it’s the beginning of another cycle of three-is-company, with Naseeruddin being the unwanted third now.

One of the best scenes in the movie is at the fag end of the movie when Rekha touches Naseeruddin’s feet as a plea for his forgiveness and for his permission (Ijaazat) for her to leave him, something which she had not received the last time they had separated.

13th Best Bollywood Movie: - Jaagriti.

Abhi Bhattacharaya and the students

Jaagriti is a 1954 Hindi Movie and is probably the best patriotic film appropriate for all age group young, adult and old. The first time I saw this movie was when I was perhaps 8 and this movie continues to inspire me now also. One of the finest movies which inspire people of all ages even today, though the film is produced with essentially children in mind. Its songs are particularly touching and elevating. They remind people of all ages and teach the young the history and beauty of India, its monuments, valor and sacrifices made by Indians through generations, the reverence India holds for her sacred rivers, and describes Gandhi, through moving, melodious, and absorbing lyrics, and music, while on a journey on a train and through travels around India. The film highlights the basic cultural ethos of India, in which the young pay respects to their teachers and elders and love for others, while the teacher becomes a beckon of hope, and everlasting friendships. It teaches children to be brave in the face of hardships, and brings out the rejuvenating effect of Indian music, to motivate children towards patriotism and noble acts towards each other. A really fine movie to see by the whole family, and excellent aid for display in schools. It should become part of school curriculum in India, in all schools. 

12th Best Bollywood Movie: - Bandini.

Bimal Roy Classic

Bandini is a 1963 Hindi Movie coming from the stable of legendary Bimal Roy and has Ashok Kumar and Nutan along with Dharmender in the lead. Nutan gives her career best performance and the movie explores the human conflicts of love and hate intertwined in the mind of Nutan. The movie tells the story of Nutan, the all suffering, selfless, sacrificing, and strong yet weak Indian woman. She must make a choice between two very different men, Dharmender, the loving prison doctor, and Ashok Kumar, a man from her past. This movie regarded by many as Bimal Roy’s crowning achievement essentially looks into the life of a convict and reveals his/her humanity and the circumstances that often force an ordinary person to commit a crime. This deep social concern is however conveyed subtly through the predicament of the main protagonist Nutan lodged in the prison and her longing for freedom. The film also highlights the spirit of sacrifice in the youth during the freedom struggle when a youth would even sacrifice his future wife, at his party's command. Despite having a dramatic turn of events through out the film, the melodrama never overpowers the narrative, the pace remains engrossing yet easy, and cinematography highlights the stillness and vacuum of a prison life. Nutan remains understated through the film, and the director employs irony and symbolism throughout the film to make his statement instead. Bandini is the ultimate Nutan film. It is a great example of her natural acting style. Her subtle and poetic acting technique lends a compelling touch to even the most melodramatic scenes. Bimal Roy wisely works the film up to her flashback sequence leaving enough time for the audience themselves to judge Nutan´s character through their own eyes. Ashok Kumar matches Nutan step for step in the acting stakes. He is a character who is very strong and gutsy when it comes to fighting for India’s independence but he proves to be a coward in situations dealing with his relationship with his wife. And before I end my piece I need to mention S D Burman and his music which was of the highest order and which keep that lasting impact.

For all those among us who think it was Aamir Khan who used the word “All is well” for the first time in 3 Idiots should see the movie and find out about the prison guard shouting “All is well” when nothing in the movie or perhaps in the life of Nutan is. A movie which showcases brilliant cinema which Bimal Roy had to offer.

11th Best Bollywood Movie: - Devdas.

Dilip Kumar in and as Devdas !!!

Devdas though till date has three Avatar’s in Hindi Cinema and trust me each of them are brilliant but the one which makes to my list is the 1955 Bimal Roy’s epic casting Dilip Kumar, Suchitra Sen and Vyjayantimala. It is based on a 1927 Sarat Chandra Chattopadhya’s novel by the same name. Such has been the immenseness of the novel that not less that 10 Indian Movies in various languages and 1 Bangladesh Movie have been made. The cinematography of the film conveys a dark, grim foreboding which is so fitting to the theme of the movie. It is a tragedy, depicting the classic theme of falling in love and then losing it all. Devdas played by Dilip Kumar and Paro by Suchitra Sen had been inseparable as children, and as they grew older, love blossomed. Dilip Kumar is sent away for studies by his parents he and Suchitra are separated. A chain of events lead to Suchitra being married off to someone else and Dilip Kumar drowns his sorrows in alcohol. When Dilip Kumar is pronounced critical due to his drinking, he remembers the promise he had made to Suchitra, of coming to see her before he dies. Devdas is a film about how hearts and lives are crushed under the parental and social pressures. Dilip Kumar as the self-destructive doomed lover gives a remarkable performance. His drunken scenes are understated and that coupled with his inimitable style of dialogue delivery is a deadly combo. No doubt in my mind that it is my Best Dilip Kumar movie. Vyjayantimala as Chandramukhi and Suchitra Sen as Paro give sensitive performances. The character of Chunni Babu, played by Motilal deserves special mention.

Dilip Kumar’s dialogue delivery “Kaun kambakht bardasht karne ke liye peeta hai?” to Vyjayantimala is out of the world. Arguably much better than SRK’s in 2002 to Madhuri. The movie had everything what a classic movie needs. A Bimal Roy Movie.

This brings an end to the Part I of my topic about the Why I Think You Should Watch These 25 Movies Before You Die !!! and I will come up with the Part II which does feature the Top Ten of Hindi Cinema in a week or so, till then keep reading, posting your comments and needless to say keep recommending other good movies to me. Also do Vote on the poll of Best Bollywood Movie which I have started in my page. I hope you have enjoyed reading and going through this list, as much as I enjoyed do my bit of research and compiling it.