Mar 30, 2010 10:42 AM
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(Updated Jul 30, 2010 12:49 PM)
The other day when I was writing the review on ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’, while giving a little preamble I had inadvertently gone into the memories of the past, the movies of the 1970s and the 80s. What wonderful music there used to be there during those times and what wonderful characters. Not only wonderful actors and actresses but also the characters that they gave life to by their acting. In fact some characters got a universal appeal even across movies and names due to their actors’ typical style of acting.
Gabbar Singh / Amjad Khan: The movie came several decades back, and Amjad himself died nearly two decades back, but the role he played and dialogues he delivered refuse to die out. Truly iconic this role was. I don’t know if it was the strength of the character or the extremely good acting that he did, or the sheer novelty of the picturisation and storytelling at that time that turned out to be so melodramatic we try as we may, we always fail to get this character out of our minds.
Angry Young Man / Amitabh Bacchan – Whether it was in Sholay or Trishul, or Deewar etc the role primarily was the same. Of the same angry young man. Who mostly died in the end. But with an India that was yet to become a world economy and corruption was at a high, this was one man we could identify with. The typical poor boy from the streets that was determined to make it rich and the only means of doing so during those days was the underworld. In short the angry young man ruled the 70s.
The comic hero / Amitabh Bacchan – In addition to the angry young man role that he played to perfection, he also had another side to him which was the comic hero of Don, Amar Akbar Anthony, Hera Pheri etc. Even these roles were made immortal by this great legend. Who can forget his scenes with the cockroach, or with the mirror whim he tries to bandage.
The comic strong man / Dharmendra – I don’t think I even need to mention the number of times that Dharmendra played the comic hero role. Weather it was Sholay or several other movies of those times he never failed to make people laugh. But that also did not belittle his emotional hero roles. Who can forget his dialogues “Ma kasam” and “ Kuttee, mei tera khoon pi jaonga!”. And especially several places where he teamed up with AB, their combination was probably one of the best in Hindi Cinema.
The drunk comedian / Keshto Mukherjee – Many in the current generation of youngsters may even not have seen this great performer, but for those who did he quite a classic piece. He mostly played a comedian and a drunken one at that during the era before the heroes themselves started doing the comedy. In fact I don’t think I ever have seen him in any movie where he was sober. From 1952 to 1985, till he died he ruled the Hindi cinema as an unforgettable comedian.
From Villain to Supporting Actor / Pran – Pran today is 90 years of age. We have literally grown up seeing his films. From Jis desh mein Ganga behti hai, Purab aur Pashchim, to Zanjeer and Dharam Veer, he was a classic actor. He won the Film fare best supporting actor award three times and also the lifetime achievement award in 1997. He has over shadowed the hero in several of the roles he played. Some of his dialogues are immortal. The way he used to say “Bharkhurdaar” and “ Dus shikari kutte milk eek sher ko bhi hara dete hai…” can never be forgotten if you had the good fortune to hear him once.
The Tavaif / Rekha – She did so many of such roles. From Raj Kumar to Amitabh Bachchan visited her kothas. Somehow these roles simply went with her personality. In fact after Meena Kumari there probably was no better choice for a tavaif. Unfortunately she mostly had to die in the end in all such roles.
Basanti / Hema Malini – Even though almost all the characters of Sholay became immortal after its stupendous cusses, still Basanti is one village belle that we cannot forget. Her loud mouth comic style, and Dharmendras dialogue“tera naam kya hai, Basanti?” in reply to one of her questions are somehow etched in our minds.
Disco Dancer / Mithun Chakranorthy – Though Mithun was hardly an actor big enough to find mention but then those were the days of the disco and such music was playing all over Europe. And who epitomized the entry of this culture in India, it was Mithun Da. Though I cannot think of too many roles that may have made a mark before or after, but as a Disco Dancer Mithun was synonymous with the dance and music of the 80s and gained cult status.
Anarkali / Madhubala – She always was an exceptional, classic Indian beauty. But as a court dancer in great Mughal Empire, wooed by the Prince and Banished by the King, the cause of great battles, she did this role very well. I’m sure many generations would have seen Mughel-eAzam in its many avatars black and white or color. If not this friends is probably one role you would not want to miss.
There were so many other classic roles and characters in the Hindi Cinema, so do tell me about your own personal favorite ones
