SILSILA -Behind the scenes. Review on Silsila

SILSILA is a wonderful, wonderful movie! This movie is like a ''living'' myth. Everyone is aware of the scandalous rumour that Amitabh & Rekha had an affair.Yet not a one will admit if it is true!! It seems the Indian culture does not air it's dirty laundry at all, but here in the U.S. we tell/show everything and expect others to do the same. So it drives me crazy that no one knows the ''real'' answers!!

Let's skip to the present: Jaya is pretty darn plump and always,always has a scowl on her face. As if she is bitter to til the very end. Amitabh seems so, so, sad!! Shoulders bent, defeated. As if he made a grave mistake in his life. I believe he should have chosen his family of course. I just put him so high on a pedestal that I am disappointed if he did stray. And Rekha, regal, triumphant, smug, tragic.

I think Amitabh DID have an affair with Rekha . As a woman who has unfortunately strayed before, I know the deal. Just see Rekha's item number in KAASME VAADE {?}

I think B.R. Chopra took this fact and ran with it. Why couldn't these fine young actors see they were being exploited by their ''trusted'' mentor.I think Amitabh is very naive-just look at his stint in politics.

There is more to this sad, sad tale. It is rumored that Sanjeev Kumar was in love with Jaya before Amitabh married her! And that is why HE never married. This movie exploited raw emotions. Why did Amitabh convince his loved ones to do this film?? That's what I don't understand. Was it worth it?? Seeing these stars now, I don't think so.

Let's talk about the movie:Amitabhs grandiose stance is a little unbelievable, yet believable. The way he struts off the plane it's like arrogant, but you can't be mad! Being so tall he probably is larger than life when he is out & about .And people probably DO stare in awe. Amitabh singing and dancing during Holi{?} that was great! What about the ''friendly'' lunch with Sanjeev, just to see Rekha and Amitabhs disappointment when she does not come. The flower judging scene is such a realistic situation in this dance of betrayal that these two lovers take part in.

I love Rekhas apprehension in this affair. She plays it perfectly! It is rumored that Rekha showed up at another Bollywood stars wedding of that time in a brides sari & vermillion in her hair parting. When a man professes his love under the shroud of ''intimacy'' A woman in love is surely fooled. So I believed Amitabh affaired her.But I digress .f course Rekha' saris,make-up, jewelry and hairstyles are superb. Who can ever forget the hospital room scene when Rekha brings the flowers. When Rekha is shopping for a new purse and Amitabh begs to see her. When they are in the car snuggling.

Throughout this movie Jaya is excellent when she realizes the connection between Amitabh & Rekha at dinner with Sanjeev and their spouses.

Lest we forget about Shashi Kapoor- his role is so overlooked-it seems

unimportant-but it's not. Only Shashi could be there in that role. Shashi was the friend to them ALL-on the screen and in real life. Shashi was the thread that tied them ALL together.Shashi Kapoor knows the whole truth , even HE is not telling us.

Then there is Sanjeev Kumar...aren't HIS scenes the pivotal points of the movie?? Every time he appears we know he's getting closer to the truth.We know what HIS truth is ...Sanjeev is not going to give Rekha up. We know he is willing to ACCEPT this affair. Remember his poignient words when boarding his flight at the airport??

See this film when you can. No rush. It's here forever.

oops! I do not remember the characters names in the film-I have passed the DVD to family members !