HINDI CINEMA
1. THE BITTER SWEET TALES OF THE
CHOCOLATE HERO/ Beta/Col/55min/ 2 films/ Hindi: Life
and times of Ashok Kumar
This film is a journey down memory lane with the
legendary actor Ashok Kumar (Dada Muni). Narrated in the
first person, in Ashok Kumar's inimitable style
(occasionally sung by him too), the film contains
interesting anecdotes about his childhood, his early days at
Bombay Talkies and Filmistan, his leading ladies and lady
loves (!) and his numerous little known interests such as
fast cars, boxing, nude painting and homeopathy. The film
reveals how Dada Muni evolved as an actor & star, and
features rare excerpts from his great films such as Achhut
Kanya, Bandhan, Kangan, Kismat, Kanoon, Howrah Bridge,
Chalti Ka Naam Gadi, Bhai Bhai, Shaukeen and Gumrah. The
film captures Dada Muni in his numerous moods - joyful,
humorous, nostalgic, tongue-in-cheek and philosophical, with
the audience experiencing a direct intimate contact with one
of the great storytellers of the world.
2. MORTAL MEN IMMORTAL MELODIES/ Beta/
Col/ 120 min/ Hindi: Hindi film music
This is a rare film, which won acclaim at the
International Film Festival as well as in the Retrospective
of Indian Films at the Pompidou Centre in Paris. An
unforgettable trip down memory lane with the all time great
of the Indian filmdom's music world. It features the great
hits of the early talkies, the immortal singing actors,
legendary music directors, and the return of
mallika-e-tarranum Noorjehan. Lata Mangeshkar, Talat
Mehmood, the list of legends who participated in the musical
soiree are endless. The programme was compered by actress
Shabana Azmi, scripted by Javed Akhtar. This was telecast on
National Television twice at prime time.
