Bollywood.s Obsession of Festival Releases

 

It is a usual practice of all the big banners and big stars to release their films during festival seasons. They keep & announce the release dates well in advance. Sometimes we have seen a clash of their films on these dates. 

Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Independence Day or Republic Day are few of the festivals which are booked well in advance by these stars. It has been observed that Yash Raj and Shahrukh Khan release their films during Diwali season, Eid is favourite for Salman Khan and Christmas is fixed for Aamir Khan.

In this blog, I look into the release of films during Diwali Season and see their Box Office performance. It is surprising that not all films fared well, there were some disasters also. Perhaps this is the first Diwali season when no film is releasing in Big Screens.

The Bollywood Diwali release is rather more solidly rooted in the Yash Chopra films of the 1990s. Starting with Lamhe (1991), almost every major Chopra production, such as Dil Toh Pagal Hai(1997), Veer-Zaara (2004), and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012 —even those which were directed by his son, Aditya, and produced by him, such as DDLJ(1995) and Mohabbatein(2000)—were Diwali releases. 

Shah Rukh Khan is the name that comes to mind when we think of a Diwali release. And, indeed, blockbusters such as DDLJ, Dil Toh Pagal Hai (1997) and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), which established him as the “king of romance", were Diwali releases.

Let's look into the Diwali releases of Bollywood Films for the last 15 years

In 2006, there was a clash of 2 big films  Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar’s ‘Jaan-e-mann’ released alongside Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Don – The Chase Begins’, Don became a hit while Jaan e mann was a flop.

In 2007 also, there was a clash of 2 big films.Shah Rukh’s Om Shanti Om and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Saawariya’, which introduced us to Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor. Once again Shah Rukh Khan's Om Shanti Om was a hit while Saanwariya was a flop.

2008 again had two films clashing during the Diwali Day and for the first time in a very long time, both films did well at the box office.  Madhur Bhandarkar released his film ‘Fashion’ starring Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut, Golmaal Returns was the other film, both the films were hit.

2009 saw as many as 3 films releasing on the same day. 'All The Best', 'Blue' and 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' clashed during this period.None of them was a hit.

2010 witnessed yet another big clash. Akshay Kumar's Action Replay and Ajay Devgn's Golmal 3, of these two Golmal 3 was a blockbuster while Action Replay was a flop.

In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan was back to his Diwali releases after a gap of 4 years. It was the hugely-hyped 'Ra One',A big flop.

The 2012 Diwali weekend was filled with controversies. This year saw Yash Chopra’s last directorial venture ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ featuring his favourite Shah Rukh Khan, releasing on the same day as Ajay Devgn’s home production ‘Son Of Sardaar’. Both the films were hit

In 2013, only one film 'Krrish 3,' released, it was a blockbuster.

2014 saw Shah Rukh’s 5th Diwali release in 9 years.'Happy New Year' a blockbuster

2015 – After quite a long time we saw Salman Khan getting a Diwali release.; Sooraj Barjatya's Prem Rattan Dhan Payo' a blockbuster.

In 2016 there was once again a clash of 2 films s Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil takes on Ajay Devgn’s Shivaay. and both emerge victorious at the box office.

In 2017 once again 2 films released both were hit. Rohit Shetty's multi-starrer 'Golmal Again' and 'Secret Superstar' a low budget film by Aamir Khan. Secret Superstar had an average opening but went on to collect Rs 62.63 crore at the domestic box-office

In 2018, Yash Raj Films' Thugs of Hindostan got released. The film broke all the records of the first-day collection because of its star cast Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. The film was a disaster overall.

In 2019 two films released, Akshay starter Houseful 4 and a small budget film Saand Ki Aankh both the films did average business.

In 2020, no film released on Cinema screen due to Corona Virus. There is a release on OTT platform Akshay Kumar;s 'Laxmi Bomb'

Forgotten Songs of HOLI

Holi is a festival of colours. It is an inseparable part of Indian culture and, Bollywood never misses a chance to infuse the ‘Holi factor’ in the form of dance numbers with stars going footloose and crazy. The first song of Holi was from the 1931 film ‘Ghar Ki Laxmi’. The Mukhdaa of the song goes like – “Mo Pe Daar Gayo Saari Rang Rang Ki Gaagar, Kaisa Dhokha Diya. . .”. This and many other songs of that era are now lost.
When we talk about the songs of the 30s and 40s how can we forget the great K L Sehgal.  He was an institution, with no parallel in the entire heritage of Hindi film music.Here I have taken a Non-film song of Sehgal on Holi. It was recorded in 1933.

                                         k.l.saigal..hori ho vraj dulare..geet.1933-34

.I present a song from this very first decade of Hindi films – a song from film ‘Aurat’ from 1940. ‘Aurat’ is a magnum opus by producer-director Mehboob, a much-celebrated film of its era.

Song of Aurat 1940

In the 50s many Holi songs were picturised. Almost all the Top stars of that time wanted one Holi song in his or her film. Nargis sang a Holi song in the 1950 film Jogan, sung by young Geeta Dutt. In this Holi song, Geeta Dutt’s honey and sugar voice ooze masti in full measure. With music by Bulo C Rani, Jogan’s bhajans became the benchmark for decades to come.

Song of Jogan 1950

India’s first technicolour film Aan exploited the colourful festival of Holi to fully utilize its highly expensive use of 16mm Gevacolour. Jai Tilak (Dilip Kumar) plays Holi with Mangala (Nimmi), a simple village girl. As he throws away her scarf in the melee, it mistakenly lands on the tempestuous and arrogant princess Rajshree (Nadira) who is touring the city on her royal elephant, making her assume something else!

Song of Aan (1953)

Another popular song was picturised on Dilip Kumar with Meena Kumari in the 1960 film Kohinoor

Song of Kohinoor 1960

There is no Holi song picturised on Dev Anand but there is one Holi song where Dev Anand was not playing but  out looking a Holi dance, The song is from the 1953 film Rahi

Song of Rahi (1953)

 This song is from “Maashooka” (1953). This song is sung by Suraiyya, Mukesh and chorus. Shailendra is the lyricist. Music is composed by Roshan.

Only the audio of this song is available. Seeing that Suraiyya and Mukesh had acted in this movie, it is easy to guess that the song was picturised on themselves.

Song of Maashooka” (1953)

Another memorable Holi song of the 50s is this song from 1957 film Mother India. Sung by Shamshad Begum, one of the top most singers of the 50s. The song captures Radha (Nargis) and Shamu (Raaj Kumar) in their happier times

Song of Mother India 1957

A romantic Holi song composed by Hemant Kumar and picturised on the elegant Bina Rai and the princely Pradeep Kumar. Talk about Holi compositions with a touch of the classical and this song from Durgesh Nandini which had some great music will be remembered for sure.

Song of Durgesh Nandini (1956)

Legendary filmmaker V Shantaram cast his wife Sandhya in this unusual role where she plays both the real and the fantasy characters. In the backdrop of Holi, this song has one of the most remarkable solo dance sequences performed by Sandhya, where she role plays both Radha and Shyam.

Song of Navrang (1959)

The Christmas Celebration in Hindi Films

Merry Christmas to All

I Pick Those Rare Delightful Christian Characters, Which Brought A Smile To Our Lips.It is really very strange that the Christian Community Is Generally Depicted As The One High On Drinks And Parties. In contrast to that one character of kind-hearted but talkative landlady, Mrs. D'sa played by Lalita Pawar  from the 1959 film Anari comes to our mind.

Anthony Gonsalves of Amar Akbar Anthony played by Amitabh Bachchan The character became so popular that men began sporting the colourful vests and the metal cross worn by Bachchan in the film, irrespective of their religion.

 Who can forget the Goan Christian fisherman father, Jack Braganza (Prem Nath) of Bobby 1973. His loud and affectionate nature and his joie-di-vivre made him an instant hit. 

How can we forget the film Julie released in 1975.Based around an Anglo-Indian family, the film even had a full-fledged English song My heart is beating sung by Preeti Sagar. The film also dealt with religious prejudices that exist between communities..

There was a film Baaton baaton mein (1979) the film had the backdrop of a Christian home.Rosie Perreira (Pearl Padamsee)) is an anxious widow who wants her daughter Nancy (Tina Munium) to marry at the earliest. Tony Braganza (Amol Palekar) is introduced to her on the train as they commute to work.

 

Based on Erich Segal’s Love Story, ‘Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se’ had Sachin and Ranjeeta playing college students who fall in love but the latter succumbs to cancer in the end. Ranjeeta played a devoted Catholic girl, Lily Fernandes who stays with her mother and reforms Sachin. A film that became one of the sleeper hits of 1978.

Saeed Mirza’s ‘Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai?’ revolved around Albert played brilliantly by Naseeruddin Shah who is a car mechanic and loses his temper now and then. Naseer’s portrayal as Albert, the typical Anglo Indian Christian got a lot of critical acclaim and is counted as one of his most memorable roles to date.

Remember the Commissioner D’Mello of Jane Bhi Do Yaron.Satish Shah played a corrupt commissioner who receives bribes to pass projects by builders. He happens to get murdered as he is towed and chased by all the characters in the film. Every scene is a treat.

Jennifer Pinto aka Jenny played by Katrina Kaif  in Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani is considered as one of her most memorable roles in her decade long career.  Ranbir Kapoor playing Prem who falls in love with a Christian girl - Jenny, but she loves someone else.

Song from Julie 1975

Song from Amar Akbar Anthony 1977

Song from Baton Baton Mein 1979

Song from Shandaar1974

Navratri in Bollywood Fims

 After Eid and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, it’s time for Navratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra. People in North India fast and participate in Ramleela for nine days., Navratri is celebrated across the country in different manners, but with equal zeal. West Bengal celebrates the festival of nine nights with sumptuous Pandals and feasts while in Gujarat, people gather under one roof to enact Lord Krishna’s Ras Leela on popular Garba numbers. I bring a list of best Bollywood songs on which you can dance to show your moves during this Navratri. 

The first song in my list is from the film Navratri released in 1955, starring Mahipal, Anita Guha and Bela Bose

Song from Navratri 1955

The most Popular Navratri Song was "Ambe Jagdambe Kaali" written by Bharat Vyas and composed by Chitragupt

Song from Navratri 1955

Another most Popular Navratri Song was from the 1968 film Saraswatichandra sung by Lata Mangeshkar, music was composed by Kalyanji Anandji

Song from Saraswatichandra 1968

This  song is from 1979 film Suhaag The song is picturized on Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha

Song from Suhaag 1979

My most favorite of Garba song is this song from  Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Even the beginning of the song will make you want to get up from your place and break into an impromptu Garba. The song is a mixture of fast and slow beats. It is a playful song that everyone enjoys.

Song from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam 1999

If you are thinking of having a foolproof performance ready for this festive season then Radha Kaise Na Jale, from Lagaan will be a good choice. This song was sung by Asha Bhosle and Udit Narayan

Song from Lagaan 2001

 "Nagada Sang Dhol- from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela will make every girl want to come to the floor.

Song from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela

Shubharambh from Kai Po Che is a modern version of Pooja Vandana that is performed before beginning any auspicious thing.

Song from Kai Po Che 2013

No list for dandiya songs could be complete without a Falguni Pathak song. This is a song that every 90s person would recognize, though this is not from the film but it plays on every Garba Pandal

                     Falguni Pathak - Chudi