Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘Solo’

Some Bollywood solo songs with youthful vibes

Posted in The Magic of Movies!, tagged , , , , , , , , on December 29, 2024| 2 Comments »

One of the compensations for leaving behind the phase of adolescence is a wholesome optimism that envelopes us in our youth. Yes, it does take the fine edge off the series of infatuations and whatever semi-romantic triumphs of a transient nature may have come our way in our formative years. But it has the admirable effect of making us believe that our Guardian Angels are working overtime to ensure that our cup is overflowing with hopes for a brighter future, whether professionally or personally. We are in an exuberant state of mind where the sun will always keep shining, the grass will always be green, flowers will forever be in bloom, and God will continue to be in heaven.

Our dream merchants have often showcased this state of affairs. Our heroes and heroines can be found admiring nature while belting out a melodious song, duly backed by a well-equipped orchestra amid the wilderness. In some cases, they are shown to realise that life is nothing but a journey, comprising ups and downs and twists and turns. A few are introspective, exemplifying the bliss of solitude, whereas some dream of a great career ahead.

Given the penchant of Bollywood to keep spinning romantic yarns, most of such solos showcase the inner yearning to run into a potential soul mate. One waits for a Cupid’s arrow to strike one sooner rather than later. A sinister restlessness creeps in and the unfulfilled desire for heartfelt companionship governs one’s behaviour. The latent wish to identify The Chosen One who will soon be swaying us off our feet gets expressed with gay abandon. A romantic spring is in the offing. Of interest here are songs wherein the party of the first part has dreams in his/her eyes and is seeking love, wandering around as a sole atom. The party of the second part is yet to appear on the horizon.

Here is a random sample of some such songs from Hindi movies.

A Communion with Mother Nature

Against a captivating landscape, our heroes and heroines cannot be blamed for feeling overawed and expressing their love for lush green mountains, sparkling lakes, roaring waterfalls, and the gentle rustle of water in a rivulet nearby.

Suhana safar aur ye mausam haseen

Movie: Madhumati (1958)

Music: Salil Chowdhury

Lyrics: Shailendra

Singer: Mukesh

Ye kaun chitrakar hai

Movie: Boond Jo Ban Gayi Moti (1967)

Music: Satish Bhatia

Lyrics: Bharat Vyas

Singer: Mukesh

Dil ye chota sa

Movie: Roja (1992)

Music: A.R. Rahman

Lyrics: P. K. Mishra

Singer: Minmini

Barso re

Movie: Guru (2007)

Music: A.R. Rahman

Lyrics: Gulzar

Singer: Shreya Ghoshal

Music: Food for the Soul

Occasionally, we get gently reminded of the unique power of music. The main protagonist finds music in whatever is happening in the environment. Mundane occurrences generate mellifluous notes which act like a balm for our frayed nerves.

Aawara bhanwre

Sapney (1997)

Music: A R Rahman

Lyricist: Javed Akhtar

Singer: Hema Sardesai

Sunne wale sun lete hain

Movie: Saaz (1998)

Music: Zakir Hussain, Bhupen Hazarika, Raj Kamal, Yashwant Dev

Lyricist: Javed Akhtar

Singers: Suresh Wadkar, Shraddha Pandit, Shweta Pandit

The Bliss of Solitude

Whether steering a vehicle on a busy road, relishing an introspective saunter in wooded hills, or riding a horse-driven carriage through a rural setting, reflecting on the purpose of life, these songs tug at our heartstrings.

Le chala jidhar ye dil nikal padey

Movie: Miss Bombay (1957)

Music: Hansraj Behl

Lyrics: Prem Dhawan

Singer: Mohd. Rafi

Kuchch dil ne kaha

Movie: Anupama (1966)

Music: Hemant Kumar

Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Musafir hoon yaaron

Movie: Parichay (1972)

Music: R D Burman

Lyrics: Gulzar

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Jhooti mooti mitwa

Movie: Rudaali (1993)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Lyrics: Gulzar

Music: Bhupen Hazarika

Celebrating freedom

Oh, the sheer joy of having freed oneself from the shackles of life and dreaming of soaring high in the sky!

Panchi banoon udti chaloon

Movie: Chori Chori (1956)

Music: Shankar – Jaikishan

Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Dil mera ek aas ka panchi

Movie: Aas Ka Panchi (1961)

Music: Shankar – Jaikishan

Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Singer: Subir Sen

Udke pawan ke sang chaloongi

Movie: Shagird (1967)

Music: Laxmikant – Pyarelal

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Dil chahta hai

Movie: Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

Music: Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Singer: Shankar Mahadevan

Dil dhadakne do

Movie: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Music: Shankar – Ehsaan – Loy

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Singers: Suraj Jagan, Joi Barua, Shankar Mahadevan

Jugni

Movie: Queen (2014)

Music: Amit Trivedi

Lyrics: Anvita Dutt

Singer: Amit Trivedi

Love you, zindagi

Movie: Dear Zindagi (2016)

Music: Amit Trivedi

Lyrics: Kausar Munir

Singer: Jasleen Royal

The Lonely Wanderers

Most of the time, we come across characters who wander hither and thither. They are keenly looking forward to an intense phase of courtship and, hopefully, an eventual walk down the aisle. The search for The Chosen One has begun in right earnest.

Hum hain rahi pyar ke

Movie: Nau Do Gyarah (1957)

Music: S.D. Burman

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Ban ke panchi

Movie: Anari (1959)

Music: Shankar – Jaikishan

Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Lakhon hain nigah mein

Movie: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)

Music: O. P. Nayyar

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Mohd. Rafi

Kahin na kahin dil lagana padega

Movie: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

Music: O. P. Nayyar

Lyrics: S. H. Bihari

Singer: Mohd. Rafi

Pukarta chala hoon main

Movie: Mere Sanam (1965)

Music: O. P. Nayyar

Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Mohd. Rafi

Ye samaan, samaan hai ye pyar ka

Movie: Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965)

Music: Kalyanji Anandji

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Ye dil na hota bechara

Movie: Jewel Thief (1967)

Music: S. D. Burman

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Bhai battoor

Movie: Padosan (1968)

Music: R.D. Burman

Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Mere sapnon ki rani

Movie: Aradhana (1969)

Music: S. D. Burman

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singer: Kishore Kumar

O ghata saanwari

Movie: Abhinetri (1970)

Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Aaj unse pehli mulaquat hogi

Movie: Paraya Dhan (1971)

Music: R. D. Burman

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Mausam hai ashiquana

Movie: Pakeezah (1971)

Music: Ghulam Mohammed

Lyrics: Kamal Amrohi

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Meet na mila re man ka

Movie: Abhimaan (1973)

Music: S. D. Burman

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Kishore Kumar

Ek raasta hai zindagi

Movie: Kaala Patthar (1979)

Music: Rajesh Roshan

Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi

Singers: Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar

Papa kehte hain

Movie: Qayamat se Qayamat Tak (1988)

Music: Anand Milind

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Singer: Udit Narayan

Mere khwabon mein jo aaye

Movie: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)

Music: Jatin – Lalit

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Bholi si surat

Movie: Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)

Music: Uttam Singh

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan

Kyon Hawa

Movie: Veer-Zara (2004)

Music: Late Madan Mohan

Music Recreated by: Sanjeev Kohli

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Voices: Yash Chopra, Lata Mangeshkar, Sonu Nigam

Challa

Movie: Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)

Music: A. R. Rahman

Lyrics: Gulzar

Singer: Rabbi Shergill

It is not that Bollywood does not believe in gender parity. Whether it is admiring the innate beauty of nature, realising the link between nature and music, soaring high like Jonathan Livingston Seagull and enjoying freedom, relishing the bliss of solitude, or looking out for The Chosen One, Bollywood does not discriminate between genders, ethnicity, caste, and religion.

As to the dashers who are like lonely wanderers, they often express their desire to be hit by an arrow of Cupid’s without any hesitation. Once a soul mate has been identified, a hectic phase of wooing dawns, wherein both parties can be seen cooing to each other like turtle doves. Love blossoms. Parental opposition is overcome. Nasty interference by a villain gets neutralised — eventually, love triumphs. Just before The End sign rolls up, the couple can be spotted rushing off to a honeymoon in a garishly decorated limousine, with the legend Just Married prominently adorning its boot.

The audience breathes easy, grateful that the movie has finally ended. However, they are blissfully unaware if the sheen of perfection that had enveloped the party of the other part so far might have a limited shelf life. Sometime after the couple walks down the aisle, scales could fall from their eyes, eventually mummifying the corpse of love.

Related Posts:

Nine shades of wooing in Bollywood and the #MeToo movement
Different ways in which Bollywood heroines express their love
Some Songs Close to My Heart! (Part 1 of 2)
Some Songs Close to My Heart! (Part 2 of 2)

Read Full Post »

Some Unique Dance Numbers from Bollywood

Posted in The Magic of Movies!, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 20, 2023| 6 Comments »

Many of our Bollywood heroines have waltzed into our hearts and minds based not only on their acting prowess but also owing to their knowledge of classical dance forms. The latter skill has enabled them to present some unique dances on the silver screen, with due support from their directors, music composers and choreographers. If some have been accompanied in their performances in the past by such stalwarts as Gopi Krishna, others have had the backing of legendary figures like Pandit Birju Maharaj.  

Allow me to share with you some dances which I would label as being unique. Either because these are based on classical or semi classical forms of Indian dances, or simply because the presentation as well as the sheer attention to detail leaves one awestruck. Quite a few are solo performances, backed only by instrumental music. Collectively, these present a vibrant rainbow of various human emotions, ranging from love and passion to a gutsy fury.

The Drum Dance (Nagada dance) here is the grand celebration of a royal marriage. It was well choreographed and presented in an era which did not have access to the kind of technology available these days. The story was about a feud between two brothers over their right to rule their father’s kingdom. Each of the huge drums acted like a Trojan horse, hiding soldiers from the rival’s camp. Apparently, it took six months’ practice to get this dance ready for the silver screen.

Chandralekha (1948)

Lead Dancer: T R Rajakumari

Music: S Rajeshwar Rao

Uday Shankar and Amala Shankar entertained us with quite a few classical dances in another movie released in the same year. It was the first film to present an Indian classical dancer in the leading role and was entirely shot as a dance ballet and a fantasy. Here is one gem of a dance which depicts Lord Shiva and Parvati gyrating to their heart’s content.

Kalpana (1948)

Lead Dancers: Uday Shankar, Amala Shankar

Music: Vishnudas Shirali

V. Shantaram’s offerings were invariably based on classical forms of music. Even the design of the titles was highly innovative, often summarizing the key message of the movie in a poignant manner.  

When Lord Shiva flies into a rage, he is believed to break into a special dance form: tandav. Part of this dance depicts the same. Eventually, a timely intervention by the feminine force of the universe – shakti – saves the day.  

Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955)

Dancers: Gopi Krishna, Sandhya

Music: Vasant Desai

These are two unique dances. One speaks of the extent of imperfection in our lives. Another captures the playful spirit of Holi – the festival of colours – and even features an elephant trying to match the dancing steps of the heroine.  

Navrang (1959)

Dancer: Sandhya

Music: C. Ramchandra

Based on the classic play Abhigyan Shakuntalam from Kalidasa, this dance captures the feelings of a woman spurned in love.  

Stree (1961)

Dancer: Rajshri 

Music: C. Ramchandra

Here is yet another enchanting dance performance.  

Chhaya (1961)

Dancers: Baby Farida, Asha Parekh

Music: Salil Chowdhury

Many movies have depicted the folklore of love between Radha and Krishna. Songs like Hamen gop gwala kehte hain…(Navrang, 1955) and Mohe panghat pe…(Mughal-E-Azam, 1960) readily pop up in our minds.  Here is another such performance.

Phoolon Ki Sej (1964)

Dancers: Gopi Krishna, Vyjayanthimala

Music: Adi Narayana Rao

What we have here is a classic snake dance. A unique presentation, indeed, superbly crafted and rendered.

Guide (1965)

Dance: Waheeda Rehman

Music: S. D. Burman

Arthashastra of Kautilya mentions the grooming of visha kanyas (Poison Damsels) whose blood and body fluids had poisonous properties. They were used as assassins to eliminate powerful enemies of the state. This dance performance depicts one such case.  

Sagaai (1966)

Dance: Rajshri

Music: Ravi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9pM3WFj5DA

When a proficient dancer gets challenged in a royal court, she leaves us spellbound by her dancing skills.   

Amrapali (1966)

Lead Dancer: Vyjayanthimala

Indian actress

Music: Shankar–Jaikishan

Yet another solo dance which leaves one mesmerized.

Chhoti Si Mulaqat (1967)

Dance: Vyjayanthimala

Music: Shankar–Jaikishan

A captivating dance performance by a multi-skilled actress who went on the become a member of the Indian Parliament.

Kinara (1977)

Dance: Hema Malini

Music: R. D. Burman.

Versatile directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee had a knack of presenting character artists who are otherwise famous for their negative roles in a positive light on the silver screen. In this dance sequence, we find Shashikala joining hands with Rekha.    

Khubsoorat (1980)

Dancers: Shashikala, Rekha

Music: R. D. Burman

What happens when an introvert and shy person gets prodded by her well-wishers to showcase her dancing skills at a social gathering?

Chaal Baaz (1989)

Dancer: Sridevi

Music: Laxmikant–Pyarelal

This one is a temple dance by late Sridevi. Unfortunately, I am yet to trace the name of the movie.

Dancer: Sridevi  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMm7GfnQm7g

Yash Chopra, known as the King of Romance, had a unique way of presenting his heroines at their sensuous best. His name always reminds us of the colour white and of gorgeous heroines draped in plain colour chiffon saris and sleeveless blouses, swaying to rhythmic beats composed by eminent classical musicians.

Chandni (1989)

Dancer: Sridevi

Music: Shiv-Hari

Lamhe (1991)

Dancer: Sridevi

Music: Shiv-Hari

A sophisticated way of telling the ruler to behave himself when it comes to visiting the ‘other woman’.  

Lekin (1991)

Dancer: Hema Malini

Music: Hridaynath Mangeshkar

This one captures the inner anguish felt by a woman who is part of a highly patriarchal family which tries to protect the name of a male member who, along with his friends, had gang-raped the maid servant.   

Damini (1993)

Dancer: Meenakshi Seshadri

Music: Nadeem-Shravan

Two more captivating dances from the stable of Yash Raj Films.

Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)

Dancer: Madhuri Dixit

Music: Uttam Singh

Dil To Pagal Hai: The Dance of Envy

Dancers: Madhuri Dixit, Karishma Kapoor

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is yet another director whose movies are lavishly produced and mounted on a larger-than-life canvas. Consider this song and dance sequence.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)

Lead Dancer: Aishwarya Rai

Music: Ismail Darbar

Here is yet another offering from Bollywood based on the Radha-Krishna folklore. This version brings in the dancing skills of Madhuri Dixit, duly backed by Birju Maharaj’s choreography, music, and lyrics.

Devdas (2002)

Singers: Birju Maharaj, Madhuri Dixit, Kavita Krishnamurthy

Composer/Lyricist: Birju Maharaj

The memories of a distant past come flooding back when the passion for dance resurfaces after the dancer runs into an old love interest.

Dedh Ishqia (2014)

Lead Dancer: Madhuri Dixit

Music: Vishal Bhardwaj

A solo dance, sans lyrics, surely leaves the entire burden of a sparkling performance on the shoulders of the heroine. Our multi-talented divas have never failed us on this count.   

It is not that our heroes do not possess outstanding dancing skills. However, these are very few. The names of Kamal Hasan, Hritik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, late Sushant Singh Rajput and Tiger Shroff can be mentioned in this context.  

Here are two video clips which some of you may relish.

Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981)

Dancer: Kamal Hasan

Music: Laxmikant–Pyarelal

(Courtesy Aman and Swasti Sharma) 

Lakshya (2004)

Dancer: Hritik Roshan

Music: Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy

These days, most male actors can also shake a leg or two, though the trend is towards disco, break-dance, and such newer forms of dances as hip hop, lyrical, freestyle, and fusion.

Gaining proficiency in any form of art needs talent, passion, mentoring, and years of continuous practice. What we get to see for a few minutes on our screens is the culmination of a long-drawn-out effort towards conceptualization, synchronization, persistence, and hard work by all the crew members. One is filled with a feeling of reverence towards all the directors, choreographers, artistes, and technicians who bring such unique offerings to us.   

Recently, at a private party, some youngsters had to work assiduously for about two hours to eventually come up with a dance sequence which ran into merely 53 seconds!

One can well imagine the magnitude of effort artists, choreographers and directors put in to come up with unique dance sequences which keep us enchanted. Imagine creating something as elaborate as, say, Pyar kiya to darna kya… (Mughal-E-Azam, 1960), Hothon mein aisi baat… (Jewel Thief, 1967) and Dola re… (Devdas, 2004). The mind boggles!  

Related Posts:

Hats off to these movie directors!
REMEMBERING YASH CHOPRA
Some Songs Close to My Heart! (Part 1 of 2)
Some Songs Close to My Heart! (Part 2 of 2)

Read Full Post »