60 Years Of Independence: Cinema
Hindi Cinema: From eternity to experimentation. ...
Indian music and cinema has often depicted the Indian society that has changed drastically since the last 60 years. Whether it`s the early 1940`s landlord era or the abolishment of social obstacles, cinema in a way has projected the growth of a great nation. Cinema is not factual life but can easily be called the depiction of the current society.
The impact of the oldest and the largest film industry in the world with over 1200 movies released every year has evolved the Indian society to a much wider horizon. More than 12,000 cinema halls and the growing metro culture in India are taking Indian cinema global to a more appreciable audience.
The fresh achievements of Indians staying overseas and the mounting NRI population have resulted in cross border recognition of Indian cinema. The trend would probably change somewhere again in some time as history shows that cinema is meant to grow with society. Today as we commemorate 60 years of liberated cinema and music, we take a stroll through different eras and generations of Indian cinema that has described the society and even pushed it for the good of mankind.
1940s: Cinema ushered in the epoch of pre-independent and independent India. Prithviraj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar were significant contributors of this phase. Prithviraj Kapoor played the lead role in Sohrab Modi`s Sikander that was an epic based on Alexander the Great`s battle in India. The escalating battles and struggle against the Britishers undoubtedly diverted the film-makers’ mind towards war movies.Dilip Kumar was unveiled with Jwar Bhata where he starred as a nomadic musician. Another film influenced by the Independence struggle was Dilip Kumar`s Shaheed that displayed martyrdom as an honour. This era remains significant, as it was the stairway for a free film fraternity.
The expression against the British Empire was quite visible in most of the films. Filmmakers did an exceptional job to change the mindset of people towards the building of a great free nation. Other films released during this period were Andaz, Jeet, Sunhere Din, Ratan, Mela, Kismet and Jugnu.
Shaheed: Released in 1948, just a year after Independence, Shaheed was set against the backdrop of the Quit India movement. Shaheed also highlights the extremist actions prevalent in the mid 1940s. It is the story of a young man who sacrifices his life for the country. The film received a massive response as people could connect to the freedom struggle.
Andaz: In this 1949 film, director Meh**** Khan focussed on the youth of 1940s who were aping the western culture. Andaz was undoubtedly Independent India’s modern film, as it showed friendship between two people of the opposite sex, one-sided love and an inkling of emergence of extra marital relationships. In this love triangle, Dilip Kumar suffers the misery of one-sided love and pines for Nargis, who is engaged to Raj Kapoor. Dilip Kumar’s character had grey shades with intentions to snatch Nargis from her fiancé. The film ends with Nargis, a loyal wife, murdering Dilip kumar and being convicted.
1950s: This era was an interlude of Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, Nargis, Prithviraj Kapoor and Meena Kumari. The later part of the decade centered around Sunil Dutt. In 1957, his film Mother India alongside Nargis, became the foremost Indian film to reach the Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category.
The foyer of crime thrillers depicted the need of the hour for the society that was still healing from the scars left by the British. Guru Dutt directed Baazi where Dev Anand played the crucial role. Another significant film of this era was Meena Kumari`s Baiju Bawra that was a musical prodigy on the legend of an Indian dhrupadiya singer. She was well appreciated for her role in Parineeta starring opposite Ashok Kumar.
In the late 1950`s, humour started making its way into the film industry. Kishore Kumar`s Chalti Ka Naam Gadi worked wonders with an Indian society who now wanted to finally laugh after 200 traumatic years of struggle. Hulchul, Aan, Mazi Zameen, Foothpath, Mirza Ghalib, Jagte Raho, Musafir, Sharda, Naya Daur and Kaagaz Ke Phool were some other prominent films of this period. A rustic and rural India was portrayed in this era post independence. The farmers’ struggle and their uprising against the landlords for social equality was a dominant factor.
Awaara: Released in 1951, Awaara was an attempt to showcase the ostentatious yet hollow life in a city. The concept of urban life was new, and city had become synonymous with opportunities, wealth and prosperity. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, as the underbelly of city life has crime, envy, exploitation, and sleaze. The film also shows the plight of the downtrodden, the underprivileged and the rootless in a city. The film was hugely acclaimed, as the troubled people of a partition torn India could very well identify with the vagabond that Raj Kapoor played. The film was also well-liked for its songs, especially the title track “Awaara hoon” which became a kind of an anthem for vagabonds.
Mother India: Another film based on plight of peasants, the film highlighted emergence of women in India as strong characters, breaking away from the shackles of suppression. Nargis stood out as Mother India, who takes the extreme step of gunning down her own son who resorts to becoming a dacoit so as to fight for justice, rather than suffer the cruel practices of the moneylender. Brilliant performance by the stars and strong scripting gave Mother India an edge over its Indian counterparts, and the film went on to bag a nomination in the Oscar Awards as Best Foreign Film.
1960s: Reformation of law and order in the country was the need of the hour. Films like Kala Bazaar and Kanoon spoke about the pathetic law and order due to black-marketing and recurrent robberies. Madhubala`s Barsaat Ki Raat was a super-hit in 1960. Rural India was left behind as India was looked upon as an emerging nation.
Later in the decade, flashing vintage cars and colorful attires were the major highlights as India was slowly but steadily entering the world of fashion. Unbelievably, even the West fashion influence started making its way into Indian fashion as Indian music played an important role in opening the boundaries.
Pandit Ravishankar` s friendship with The Beatles led many great musicians to India`s amusing wide culture heritage. It`s a known fact that George Harrison from the famed Beatles had a guru in Hrishikesh and he preached Lord Krisha in his famous single My Sweet Lord.
The evolution of Western music in India was the result of changing mindset of people owing to an ever growing film industry. Indian cinema produced some great master pieces like Mughal-e-Azam, Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam, Guide, Jewel Thief, Ram Aur Shyam, Aradhna and Devar(Dharmendra). Production of movies now required less time and music became an internal part of the industry during this period.
Haqeeqat: Set against the backdrop of Indo-China War of 1962, this was perhaps the first film to introduce the genre of war in Hindi films. The film has not only dealt with the mistakes made by the then leaders and as a consequence India’s defeat in the war, but also shows the plight of the soldiers who laid down their lives. Released in 1964, the film ignited patriotism and unity amongst Indians at a time when it was needed the most.
Jewel Thief: This Vijay Anand 1967 blockbuster was made during the time when the West was going gaga over the works of Hitchcock and Fleming. Infact, during this period, Hindi films witnessed a wave of James Bond inspired thrillers, with trademark song and dance sequence. Flamboyant costumes, overtly done hairdos and extended eyeliners were the hot property. Jewel Thief, in its time, made its audience use their gray cells. The period also saw other mind-boggling thrillers as Teesri Manzil and Farz.
1970s: The West influence started capturing the society. Purab Aur Paschim and Hare Rama Hare Krishna showed the other side of the Indian society that experimented with drugs and the hippie culture. This decade was significant in terms of world music that was at its peak with Indian participation in big festivals like Woodstock that was a known haven for Hippies.
On the other hand, the films also portrayed a thin line of division that sadly existed between the rich and the poor class. Rajesh Khanna`s Anand along with Amitabh Bachchan was a big hit throughout the nation. The touching natue of Indian viewers led the movie win laurels, as Rajesh Khanna became a sensation in the country. He followed the act with Kati Patang and Amar Prem.
Raj Kapoor`s Mera Naam Joker was a significant advance as the Indian directors were waking up to more bold films in terms of scripting and film making. Big B who emerged as an angry young man in Zanjeer dominated the later part of the decade. His acting skills, charming looks and onscreen chemistry with Dharmendra led Sholay to be the biggest hit in the film industry.
The decade saw the emergence another superstar in the form of Rishi Kapoor whose on screen chemistry with Dimple Kapadia made them sensations over night. Their debut film Bobby was a super hit as Dimple`s innocent looks with a chunky Rishi Kapoor added glitter on the screen. Reshma and Shera, Seeta Aur Geeta, Abhiman, Bawarchi, Aandhi, Amar Akbar Anthony, Don, Golmaal and Kaala Pathar were other momentous films of this era.
Hare Rama Hare Krishna: This Dev Anand blockbuster opposite Zeenat Aman was released in 1971. Zeenat Aman played the role of a Hippie who was obsessed in smoking chilams and doing drugs. The film depicted the Hippie culture but had a strong anti-drugs message behind it. It also dealt with problems that the youth were facing because of westernization in the country. Asha Bhosle’s single Dum Maro Dum was a massive hit throughout the nation. This film was the turning point in Indian cinema as it managed to express a very controversial issue in an efficient manner owing to excellent screenwriting. Dev Anand decided to make this film after he saw Hippies and their style of living during a trip to Kathmandu.
Sholay:Ramesh Sippy had little idea that this film would forever be remembered as one of the greatest super-hit India has ever produced. The film captivated the audience to such an extent that it ran in theatres for decades. Its remix will soon hit the stands in 2007 in form of Ram Goapl Verma Ki Aag. This film marked the end of dacoits from the Indian society that was once dominated by them. The film left an ever-lasting effect as most of its characters like Gabbar, Kalia, Jai, Veeru, Surma Bhopali and the British jailor became household names in the country. The film showcased the amazing chemistry of friendship between Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. Its songs and dialogues still continue to echo in the Indian Film Industry
Later in the decade, flashing vintage cars and colorful attires were the major highlights as India was slowly but steadily entering the world of fashion. Unbelievably, even the West fashion influence started making its way into Indian fashion as Indian music played an important role in opening the boundaries.
Pandit Ravishankar` s friendship with The Beatles led many great musicians to India`s amusing wide culture heritage. It`s a known fact that George Harrison from the famed Beatles had a guru in Hrishikesh and he preached Lord Krisha in his famous single My Sweet Lord.
The evolution of Western music in India was the result of changing mindset of people owing to an ever growing film industry. Indian cinema produced some great master pieces like Mughal-e-Azam, Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam, Guide, Jewel Thief, Ram Aur Shyam, Aradhna and Devar(Dharmendra). Production of movies now required less time and music became an internal part of the industry during this period.
Haqeeqat: Set against the backdrop of Indo-China War of 1962, this was perhaps the first film to introduce the genre of war in Hindi films. The film has not only dealt with the mistakes made by the then leaders and as a consequence India’s defeat in the war, but also shows the plight of the soldiers who laid down their lives. Released in 1964, the film ignited patriotism and unity amongst Indians at a time when it was needed the most.
Jewel Thief: This Vijay Anand 1967 blockbuster was made during the time when the West was going gaga over the works of Hitchcock and Fleming. Infact, during this period, Hindi films witnessed a wave of James Bond inspired thrillers, with trademark song and dance sequence. Flamboyant costumes, overtly done hairdos and extended eyeliners were the hot property. Jewel Thief, in its time, made its audience use their gray cells. The period also saw other mind-boggling thrillers as Teesri Manzil and Farz.
1970s: The West influence started capturing the society. Purab Aur Paschim and Hare Rama Hare Krishna showed the other side of the Indian society that experimented with drugs and the hippie culture. This decade was significant in terms of world music that was at its peak with Indian participation in big festivals like Woodstock that was a known haven for Hippies.
On the other hand, the films also portrayed a thin line of division that sadly existed between the rich and the poor class. Rajesh Khanna`s Anand along with Amitabh Bachchan was a big hit throughout the nation. The touching natue of Indian viewers led the movie win laurels, as Rajesh Khanna became a sensation in the country. He followed the act with Kati Patang and Amar Prem.
Raj Kapoor`s Mera Naam Joker was a significant advance as the Indian directors were waking up to more bold films in terms of scripting and film making. Big B who emerged as an angry young man in Zanjeer dominated the later part of the decade. His acting skills, charming looks and onscreen chemistry with Dharmendra led Sholay to be the biggest hit in the film industry.
The decade saw the emergence another superstar in the form of Rishi Kapoor whose on screen chemistry with Dimple Kapadia made them sensations over night. Their debut film Bobby was a super hit as Dimple`s innocent looks with a chunky Rishi Kapoor added glitter on the screen. Reshma and Shera, Seeta Aur Geeta, Abhiman, Bawarchi, Aandhi, Amar Akbar Anthony, Don, Golmaal and Kaala Pathar were other momentous films of this era.
Hare Rama Hare Krishna: This Dev Anand blockbuster opposite Zeenat Aman was released in 1971. Zeenat Aman played the role of a Hippie who was obsessed in smoking chilams and doing drugs. The film depicted the Hippie culture but had a strong anti-drugs message behind it. It also dealt with problems that the youth were facing because of westernization in the country. Asha Bhosle’s single Dum Maro Dum was a massive hit throughout the nation. This film was the turning point in Indian cinema as it managed to express a very controversial issue in an efficient manner owing to excellent screenwriting. Dev Anand decided to make this film after he saw Hippies and their style of living during a trip to Kathmandu.
Sholay:Ramesh Sippy had little idea that this film would forever be remembered as one of the greatest super-hit India has ever produced. The film captivated the audience to such an extent that it ran in theatres for decades. Its remix will soon hit the stands in 2007 in form of Ram Goapl Verma Ki Aag. This film marked the end of dacoits from the Indian society that was once dominated by them. The film left an ever-lasting effect as most of its characters like Gabbar, Kalia, Jai, Veeru, Surma Bhopali and the British jailor became household names in the country. The film showcased the amazing chemistry of friendship between Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. Its songs and dialogues still continue to echo in the Indian Film Industry
1980s: This age belonged to the Angry Young Man concept, with one man moving bravely against injustice. Comedy was getting more and more essential in every film. Namak Halal, Chasme Buddoor, Angoor, Namkeen, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Naukar Biwi Ka and Chaalbaaz were all contributions from this era.
The early part of the decade was dominated with hits like The Burning Train and Disco Dancer. This era saw the emergence of now veterans like Salman Khan with Maine Pyar Kiya, Kamal Hasan and Rishi Kapoor with Sagar and Madhuri Dixit with Tezab.
Anil Kapoor`s Mr India was a magnum opus as fiction united with patriotism and equality of society was well depicted in the movie. Naseeruddin Shah`s Hero Hiralal is another film worth remembering that showed a simple guy falling in love with an affluent girl. The society division between classes started to make its presence felt in Bollywood.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro: Kundan Shah directed this motion picture in 1983. The comic representation of a corrupt Indian society was well displayed in this movie. This film will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Bollywood comedies of all time. It presented the dark side of rampant corruption with a hilarious approach. The film had a number of popular actors like Naseerusddin Shah, Satish Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Ravi Baswani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Neena Gupta, Satish Kaushik and Om Puri. The ending was a sarcastic taunt to the crooked Indian politicians. The ending depicted that honesty is no more prevalent in the independent India realm.
Mr India: This can be termed as one of the first fiction Indian film to hit the Box Office. Directed by renowned director Shekhar Kapur, Anil Kapoor acted superbly to raise patriotism and unveil the sad line between the rich and the poor. Amrish Puri’s character as Mogambo won him wide laurels as he established himself as one of the best actors in a villainous role. James Bond’s Dr No influenced the island in the film where Mogambo sets his headquarters. The film sent a strong message against dictatorship as it showcased a common man who is capable enough to safeguard his country.
1990: This was an era of romance! The online chemistry between an actor and actress followed by the `villain concept` was the plot of most films. Mahesh Bhatt`s Aashiqui, Indra Kumar`s Dil, Subhash Ghai`s Saudagar and Sanju Baba’s chemistry with Madhuri in Saajan dominated the early part of the decade.
Soon after the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast, Mani Ratnam`s Bombay was released that remained a controversial film but was a super-hit. The growing infiltration and terrorism threats to India in the later part of the decade and the century led to films like Border, Roja, Major Sahab and Train to Pakistan.
Romance was evergreen in this decade as Shahrukh Khan dominated with Dil To Pagal Hai and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Amir Khan and Salman Khan weren’t far behind as they had their own fan following on the basis of their acting prowess. Sanjay Dutt`s performance in Vastav illustrated the dark side of the underworld. The Indian film fraternity was gaining fans in countries like Pakistan where the Khans popularity still have good mileage.
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge: This film appealed the masses till no extent. A super-hit film that set the on-screen chemistry between Shahrukh and Kajol on fire. The concept of a rich boy marrying a middle class simple girl depicted the society that was slowly opening its arms towards the acceptance of all classes. The film marked the dominance of King Khan as the second super-star of India after Big B. Shahrukh follwed his act with Dil to Pagal Hai that was again a super hit. Shahrukh clearly dominated this period of ten years when he closed the decade with another smash-hit Kuch Kuch Hota Hai that was again a romantic film.
Border: Romance was clearly the tune of this era but continuous tensions with Pakistan and the growing threat of terrorism in India was also depicted in films like Border, Roja and Bombay. Post 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, Bombay was released that remained a controversial film as it experimented with the religious sentiments of people. Bombay had an excellent message attached to it for the masses who were dividing the society in terms of different religions. In 1997, Border was released that tickled the box office with much ease owing to the new concept of army patriotism. Another concept used in the film was to cast many famed faces for different roles in the film. Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna and Sunil Shetty played a significant role in the success of this film.
The early part of the decade was dominated with hits like The Burning Train and Disco Dancer. This era saw the emergence of now veterans like Salman Khan with Maine Pyar Kiya, Kamal Hasan and Rishi Kapoor with Sagar and Madhuri Dixit with Tezab.
Anil Kapoor`s Mr India was a magnum opus as fiction united with patriotism and equality of society was well depicted in the movie. Naseeruddin Shah`s Hero Hiralal is another film worth remembering that showed a simple guy falling in love with an affluent girl. The society division between classes started to make its presence felt in Bollywood.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro: Kundan Shah directed this motion picture in 1983. The comic representation of a corrupt Indian society was well displayed in this movie. This film will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Bollywood comedies of all time. It presented the dark side of rampant corruption with a hilarious approach. The film had a number of popular actors like Naseerusddin Shah, Satish Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Ravi Baswani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Neena Gupta, Satish Kaushik and Om Puri. The ending was a sarcastic taunt to the crooked Indian politicians. The ending depicted that honesty is no more prevalent in the independent India realm.
Mr India: This can be termed as one of the first fiction Indian film to hit the Box Office. Directed by renowned director Shekhar Kapur, Anil Kapoor acted superbly to raise patriotism and unveil the sad line between the rich and the poor. Amrish Puri’s character as Mogambo won him wide laurels as he established himself as one of the best actors in a villainous role. James Bond’s Dr No influenced the island in the film where Mogambo sets his headquarters. The film sent a strong message against dictatorship as it showcased a common man who is capable enough to safeguard his country.
1990: This was an era of romance! The online chemistry between an actor and actress followed by the `villain concept` was the plot of most films. Mahesh Bhatt`s Aashiqui, Indra Kumar`s Dil, Subhash Ghai`s Saudagar and Sanju Baba’s chemistry with Madhuri in Saajan dominated the early part of the decade.
Soon after the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast, Mani Ratnam`s Bombay was released that remained a controversial film but was a super-hit. The growing infiltration and terrorism threats to India in the later part of the decade and the century led to films like Border, Roja, Major Sahab and Train to Pakistan.
Romance was evergreen in this decade as Shahrukh Khan dominated with Dil To Pagal Hai and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Amir Khan and Salman Khan weren’t far behind as they had their own fan following on the basis of their acting prowess. Sanjay Dutt`s performance in Vastav illustrated the dark side of the underworld. The Indian film fraternity was gaining fans in countries like Pakistan where the Khans popularity still have good mileage.
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge: This film appealed the masses till no extent. A super-hit film that set the on-screen chemistry between Shahrukh and Kajol on fire. The concept of a rich boy marrying a middle class simple girl depicted the society that was slowly opening its arms towards the acceptance of all classes. The film marked the dominance of King Khan as the second super-star of India after Big B. Shahrukh follwed his act with Dil to Pagal Hai that was again a super hit. Shahrukh clearly dominated this period of ten years when he closed the decade with another smash-hit Kuch Kuch Hota Hai that was again a romantic film.
Border: Romance was clearly the tune of this era but continuous tensions with Pakistan and the growing threat of terrorism in India was also depicted in films like Border, Roja and Bombay. Post 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, Bombay was released that remained a controversial film as it experimented with the religious sentiments of people. Bombay had an excellent message attached to it for the masses who were dividing the society in terms of different religions. In 1997, Border was released that tickled the box office with much ease owing to the new concept of army patriotism. Another concept used in the film was to cast many famed faces for different roles in the film. Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna and Sunil Shetty played a significant role in the success of this film.
| 2000s: Dancing, style and fashion started a new trend in the country. The emergence of Hrithik Roshan as an exceptional dancer combined with a macho body ticked well with the audience. Actresses running around trees were no more visible. The films started tackling current issues like terrorism that remains a major threat to India. Films like Mission Kashmir and Fiza depicted the problems of a Kashmiri and his rebellious uprising. Cross border problems were the basic themes post the historic 9/11. India got more inclined to films like Monsoon Wedding and Bollywood Hollywood that basically appealed the NRI audience who are increasing in numbers day by day. NRI film concept hit the market well and so was the lingo change, as `Hinglish` became a popular language among the young generation. Art films like Zubeida started hitting the screens and so were films like Company that showed the dark side of the underworld. This is the era of sizzling Item Girls and style statements. Fashion clearly stands at its best, as India remains a part of the world cinema. Aishwarya Rai`s and Nandita Das` selection as the jury member at Cannes speaks volumes as far as the recognition of Indian Film Industry goes. India is finally open to the world as cross border films continue to do well. Maybe it`s time for the people to open the doors for films like Water that was banned in India but earned an Oscar nomination through Canada. Slowly, the mindset is opening to a new India that is paving way to more sensible scripts like Rang De Basanti. Lagaan was a significant achievement of this era as it managed to reach the Oscars. The wide laurels that Munnabhai received and the glorious response that the recently released Gandhi My Father got showed a much more maturing audience and a film industry. A more experimenting film industry was finally in sight.  Lagaan: This epic certainly opened boundaries for the Indian film industry as it won wide laurels throughout the globe. This marathon film was directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and was released on June 1, 2001. It became the third Hindi language film to be nominated for the Oscars in the Best Foreign Film category. This historical film spoke about the plight of Indian farmers who were crushed under the debts of taxes by the British government. Amir Khan and Gracy Singh did justice to their roles combined with excellent scripting by Kumar Dave and Sanjay Dayma. This movie also illustrated a cricket crazy nation alongside patriotism. Munnabhai: Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai… can be termed as one of the most influential films of the new century. Sunjay Dutt who plays a Mumbai ‘tapori’ melted the hearts of a billion people. It was overwhelming to see one man play the onscreen role and captivate the emotions of the entire nation. The hilarious character of Munnabhai led the director Rajkumar Hirani to make a sequel that was based on the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi. After the release of Lage Raho Munnabhai… in 2006, Gandhigiri was the next buzz word for Generation X. Sanjay’s success with Munnabhai was followed by his imprisonment for 6 years. The Gandhigiri actor now stands behind bars in the same prison where Gandhi was once imprisoned. His films certainly awoke Gandhi in this new century. ____________ ______ INDIA at 60 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY HAV WATER IN UR EYES, FOR THOSE WHO DIED |
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