Ode to Hindi Cinema

I have always compared Bollywood with Hollywood and hated the fact that we can never come up with movies as good as the ones made in West. I don't know why, but I have felt that I do not feel like watching even 5 minutes of almost any bollywood movie. I know there are exceptions. There is Wednesday, there is Taare Zameen Par, there is Lagaan, Iqbaal, Dor, Dharm, YMI, which I have loved and praised. But such a list is definitely small.

But there was a time in Indian movies, which was different. Calling that era Hindi Cinema rather than Bollywood, makes me feel better. I know I have earlier also praised some classics of that era, but that doesn't stop me from repeating the same.. that I can watch Chupke-chupke and Golmaal any number of times.. that I went literally Wow for Khoobsurat when I watched it recently and realised how I had missed the way this movie entertains you.. how Ankahee and Ek Doctor ki Maut made me realise what great actors we had.. the sweetness and innocence of Balika Badhu.. the way Masoom makes me cry every time I watch it. I think it was all real CINEMA.

Today I have another addition to that list. Purab aur Pashchim. Yesterday, while browsing channels on TV, I suddenly saw and then stopped, and then I did not turn the channel even for a minute, for more than an hour (+there were no adverisements to disturb). I was totally spell bound and awestruck. Totally surprised that although  i had watched it earlier a few times,  I had once again failed to realise what a classic piece of art it is. So many scenes gave me goose bumps and so many scenes left my eyes wateryy. Somehow, I am feeling so great about everything in the movie.. Every actor and character left a mark..  Ashok Kumar with his calmness and strength, Om Prakash with his helplessnes, Pran in the denial and then the regret, Madan Puri with his expressions in all those situations when he feels sorry for his daughter and ashamed of the way she is brought up.. and offcourse Manoj Kumar.

Music was simply adding to the serenity of the movie. Those moments when Hare Rama, Hare Krishna starts it feels so divine and true.. and the peace you get with that tune and those 4 words. Hai preet jahan ki reet sada, I anyways have always been a fan off.. specially the starting lines. First time I liked Om Jai Jagdish Hare so much that I could feel it (specially in the climax, when Saira Bano is back and it starts with Vishay Vikar Mitayo)..so much that it made me think of composer and realise that I don't even know who wrote this famous aarti.  FYI it was composed by Pandit Shardha Ram Phillauri. 

I couldn't help it putting it for download immediately. And first time it is happening that even after download  is complete, I haven't removed it and allowed it to seed for others. Just because I want more and more people to watch it. For people sitting in far away lands, to know what India is.. and to remind people within, what our country was (I know thats not one of  the best and most ethical ways to share and circulate).

PS:1. This is a post which came with impulse. Thanks for bearing with the length and all the jhol-jhal vali Engreji.

PS:2. Sorry again for being so iregular. I am still writing posts in mind, along with the most appropriate titles. I wish I could share with you someday :-|