Today's hottest movie scene: Aradhana

He was the loverboy without compare.

She was the demure girl with a bod to kill for.

Super Star Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore came together in 1969's Aradhana, and the sensuality between them felt so real. it virtually set the screen afire. 

A famous villain once remarked, "In Hindi cinema, there are only two roles of consequence, one of the hero, and the other of a villain."

Every artiste tries and explores both these avenues. The catch is that while villains usually lack the requisites to become a hero, the hero has no such shackles if he wants to play a negative character.

Besides rare exceptions like Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha, not everyone could make the transition to a hero.

Among the heroines, Mumtaz evolved from comedian-vamp to heroine roles, but almost every hero and many heroines have attempted grey or even all-black characters.

It is easier for popular actors to woo masses and get support from writers and filmmakers. He can also execute the kind and extent of his villainy -- creating a double role is the clever excuse for playing both good and bad characters in one film. Thus, it is the ideal opportunity to display an actor's full range without tarnishing his 'heroic' screen image.

One of the earliest actors to play the 'anti-hero' was Ashok Kumar. Witness his dark act in Kismat (1943), double role of both hero and villain in Afsana (1951) and it's variations in Kanoon (1961).

Dilip Kumar in Footpath, Dev Anand in Dushman and Munimji and Raj Kapoor in Bewafa also played such roles.

Waheeda Rehman began her career as a criminal's moll in C.I.D. (1958). Rajendra Kumar played a cad in Zindagi (1964), while Dharmendra was the obsessed lover in Ayee Milan Ki Bela the same year, and Sunil Dutt the out-and-out blackguard in Mother India (1957) and the wayward paramour in Gumrah (1963).

Despite sporadic attempts by many popular stars, playing the good guy over a bad one always gained more importance.

However, in the the early nineties, thanks to Shah Rukh Khan and his trilogy,(Baazigar, Darr, Anjaam) playing a negative character achieved greater fame and recognition.

Playing an ambitious meanie was Aftab in Kasoor, a film that clicked despite the fact that the heroine kills the hero in the end. Urmila garnered a fair amount of urban sympathy as she played the obsessed lover in Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, wrecking the hero's love life and even trying to kill his wife. One of the twins in Abhay, played by Kamal Haasan, was a psychopath. The deadly duo of Akshay Kumar-Bipasha Basu were ruthlessly and unapologetically mercenary as the shameless schemers of Ajnabee.

2002 sees the character of Dushyant (Sanjay Kapoor), a spoilt rich brat who makes life hell for his young wife and mother in Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe. Raveena Tandon is all set to play a chilling negative role in Waah Tera Kya Kehna, and even Bachchan packs a mean punch in Aankhen.

Obsessed lover, wicked twin, psycho on the run, victim of circumstances, or simply devilish, the stars continue their trysts with evil in Hindi cinema.

Here's taking a look at the best baddies over the years:

	Rajesh Khanna (Saccha Jhutha) Within months of achieving superstardom as a romantic icon, superstar Rajesh Khanna took a huge risk by accepting Saccha Jhutha. As the saccha he was the rural bumpkin, but as the jhutha he played a ruthless criminal with style and subtle menace. One of the highlights of the film was his wry repentance in the climax. His superlative performance was rewarded with accolades and awards.	Amitabh Bachchan (Parwana, Deewaar, Aks) He walked away with all the sympathy in Parwana. After realising that he has lost his girl to another man, Bachchan devilishly plots and executes the murder of her uncle and frames the object of her affection. Bachchan's perfect portrayal of a disturbed and vindictive loser who proved that hate was the Aks (reflection) of love. Needless to say, had Bachchan failed to make it as a hero, he could have easily been one of cinema's classic villains. Deewaar was another 'negative' milestone in the Bachchan oeuvre (which also included negative halves in twin-Bachchan enterprises like Bandhe Haath, Don, Satte Pe Satta, Bemisal, Aakhri Raasta, Adalat and Desh Premi). His characters also took an evil turn in Gehri Chaal and Aks.
		Shah Rukh Khan (Baazigar, Darr, Anjaam, Duplicate) At the onset of his career, SRK dared to take on the negative character mantle in not one but three films. The audiences loved him playing the bad guy to the hilt. Even as the BO fortunes of his later candyfloss romances soon established him as the mushy romantic guy-next-door, Shah Rukh being Shah Rukh did the conventional dual act later too, in Mahesh Bhatt's Duplicate. What stayed on in one's memory from the film was SRK's stylised and over-the-top Mannu.
		Sanjay Dutt (Vaastav) Deadly Dutt Junior has essayed several grey characters (Naam, Khal-Nayak, Jung) before. However, it was his stark helplessness in Vaastav that stayed on in the viewer's psyche. As a lower middle-class Maharashtrian who got enrolled in the world of crime and couldn't find his way out, Sanjay Dutt skillfully showcased the trauma of a criminal who had not really wanted to be one.
		Kajol (Gupt) Sheer brilliance! There's simply no other way to describe Kajol's electryifying performance in Gupt. A strong script laid a rock-solid foundation to her character. Kajol's superb act that was a perfect mix of cerebration and spontaneity making Gupt a milestone in the genre of suspense and thiller films.
		Sridevi (Judaai) She wasn't after blood, had no weapons, committed no legal crime. She simply wanted money so desperately that she didn't mind selling off her husband to a rather keen buyer. A scathing indictment of today's consumerist culture, Judaai succeeded in bringing out a class act from Sridevi as the misguided woman who sends her conscience on a long holiday, with near disastrous results. Sridevi truly looked, felt and lived the role.
		Rishi Kapoor (Khoj) Throughout Khoj, Rishi Kapoor was the obviously harassed, devoted, husband searching for his missing wife. Surprise, surprise! Rishi turns out to be his wife's cold-blooded killer. As a villain without any excuses for his negativity, Rishi delivered a punch-packed performance. Unfortunately, this gripping thriller failed to create any ripples at the BO.
		Ashok Kumar (Jewel Thief) Shatrughan Sinha may have wooed the front benchers by bashing up the heroes, but Indian cinema is yet to witness a villain as charming and suave as the Late. Ashok Kumar in Jewel Thief. Even after he gets arrested in the climax, his geniality and sense of humor never leaves him. Clearly Vijay Anand knew that Dadamoni had exceptional acting material, and explored it to the fullest to etch out a memorable 'dark' portrayal.
		Amrita Singh (Aaina) When Aaina released, Amrita's innings as an actress were almost over. Ironically this film proved that as an actress, Amrita had a lot more to deliver. The actress also shattered the myth that actresses tend to get a raw deal with age. As the utterly spoilt, arrogant elder sister Roma who unleashes a storm in her humble younger sister's (played by Juhi Chawla) life, Amrita gave an award winning performance. What's more? She won.
		Sunil Dutt (Mother India) Mother India is still considered one of the biggest successes among heroes playing blackguards. Mainly for its cult success and Nargis epitomising Indian womanhood. A mere struggler at that point of time Sunil Dutt had no set image or acting style. Filmmaker Mehboob Khan used all these impediments to his advantage to fashion the unforgettable Birju - and ironically establish Dutt as a star.
		Raj Babbar (Insaf Ka Tarazu) Here was a creepy, obsessive creature who decides to punish a woman who pricked his ego,by raping her (Zeenat Aman) and her teenage sister (Padmini Kolhapure). In his first major role itself, Babbar almost blew his chances of becoming a hero. Hardly surprising, that when his career as a leading man proved short-lived, he reverted frequently to villainy (Daag-The Fire, Ziddi ). Alas, the punch of a well-written role was sorely missing.
		Mithun Chakraborty (Jallad) Jallad- a Hindi remake of a Telegu potboiler reaffirmed Mithun Chakraborty's credentials as a talented actor fading in the sheer mediocrity of B-grade actioners. In this dual role film, the elder Mithun, whose conscience simply does not exist, was an incarnate of evil. His performance in the film won him a Filmfare trophy for Best Villain.
		Nanda (Ittefaq) Never mind if Urmila did a reprise in the Ram Gopal Varma rehash Kaun?, the original Yash Chopra quickie-Ittefaq remains an unforgettable experience. In a compelling performance, Nanda chilled the then-conservative audiences as the lady who was cold-blooded enough to trap an innocent stranger for a crime that she had committed.
		Shashi Kapoor (Haseena Maan Jayegi) It was a rare challenge that Shashi Kapoor met head-on to reveal his formidable acting prowess. Without the slightest difference in make-up, dress code or hairstyle, Shashi had to etch out a black and a white avtaar between two college students who were as alike as the proverbial peas in a pod.

Hrithik collected his three award trophies (Best Actor, Best Debut and Critics Choice) at the 31st Filmgoers Association Awards Nite at the Club Millennium, he appeared unfazed. With his famous smile, the Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai hero declared, ‘‘Maybe it’s too much too soon. Besides the fact that we really slogged

hard, I also owe my success to blessings from my parents and seniors and, of course, the affection from my fans. As far as my fans are concerned, let me assure them that I will never let them down

The 20 Most Beautifully Picturised Songs
These songs may not have been shot in exotic locales with 100 extras matching the heroine, step for step. They may not have great dance moves, choreographed by experts. But they definitely have an everlasting appeal. Be it the simply shot 'Aati kya khandala' song or the exotic 'Waqt ne kiya', some 'classics' go simply beyond the 'flavour of the season' variety and reside in your mind along with the other things that make you go 'Mmmm!'. Check out our pick of the 20 most beautifully picturised songs.

Mere sapnon ki rani - Film: Aradhana
It's an unforgettable train song from the 60s superhit 'Aradhana'. Rajesh Khanna who is wearing a Nepalese cap croons to Sharmila Tagore while his friend played by Sujit Kumar drives him in a jeep parallel to the train. They trail the Darjeeling toy train while it chugs on a rail along the road. Sharmila, looking lovely as ever is seated near the window reading a novel. The song immortalized the 'hill station toy train' in Hindi films.

Woh ladki hai kahan - Film: Dil Chahta Hai
It's a hilarious spoof on some of the songs from this list like 'Ghar aaya mera pardesi'. Saif Ali Khan and Sonali Kulkarni in costumes and wigs of the bygone era are rib-tickling. The song sequence starts with the couple entering a cinema hall with the usual bag of popcorn and then they start visualizing themselves as the couple on-screen. The two dressed as Raj-Kapoor-Nargis or Rishi Kapoor-Sridevi is riotous. The birdie-dance when they flap their arms like a bird in flight is the high point of the song.

Sooraj hua maddham - Film: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
An award winning song, with utterly dreamy lyrics and picturisation that crackles with Shah Rukh's and Kajol's chemistry. It's a dream sequence that confirms Kajol's love for Shah Rukh in the film. The co-ordinated bright coloured outfits that the couple wears contrast well with the vast expanses of deserts and other exotic locales. Kajol looks sensuous in her see-through-chiffon sarees especially when she runs in slow motion towards Shah Rukh.

Aankhon ki gustakhiyan - Film: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
It was a colourful depiction of a big Gujarati family with a folk song and dance happening at the drop of a hat. Miss World Aishwarya Rai looked out of the world in the film. In 'Aankhon ki gustakhiyan' she is wearing a pink Lehnga Choli and is having a ball at a wedding function. Salman as the love-struck young guy admiring and teasing her is adorable. The chemistry is great and the picturisation endearing.

Aati kya khandala - Film: Ghulam
The master-blaster of Hindi films, Aamir Khan made this song unforgettable. The lyrics were wild enough to catch your attention and the fact that Aamir was lending his voice added to its popularity. But what takes the cake is Aamir in his outlandish clothes making crazy comical gestures. Whether it's the laughing Budhha pose or the broom turned into an umbrella, he is unbelievable. The last shot when he takes a matchstick, lights it and then puts it out on his tongue...Mind blowing!

Chhaiya chhaiya - Film: Dil Se
This can be easily voted as the most daring train song ever in Hindi films. Farah Khan had an ace up her sleeves when she choreographed 'Chhaiya Chhaiya' with superstar, Shah Rukh Khan and sex-bomb Malaika Arora. The much-copied energetic steps of Shah Rukh, the low angled shots showing an open sky and the passing trees and mountains look grand. And last but not the least the shapely Ms.Arora makes your jaw drop in awe.

Ek ladki ko dekha - Film: 1942-A love story
This one has Anil Kapoor admiring a fresh-as-dew Manisha Koirala. The morning song is shot in slow motion, and its first shot itself takes you high With Anil Kapoor waking up in bed with the feathers from his pillow cascading on him as he stretches it over his head. Manisha Koirala is seen doing various chores around her house, in slow motion. Whether it's the water flowing down from her pitcher or her clothes fluttering as she spreads them on the clothesline or even the freedom fighters marching down the road, this song leaves you wanting more.

Pehla nasha - Film: Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar
This song may be shot in slow motion giving it a laidback look but dreamy eyed Aamir Khan's school-boy pep makes it completely exhilarating. It Portrays a boy-in- love-for-the-first-time so delightfully. Pooja Bedi's Marilyn Monroe act adds spice to it. A technically brilliant song shot in slow motion and yet in perfect lip-sync. Kudos!

Humko aajkal hai intezaar - Film: Sailaab
This dazzling song from a dud called Sailaab is considered to be Madhuri's best number, even ahead of 'Ek,Do,Teen' and 'Dhak Dhak'. Madhuri in a yellow Koli dress with her hair blowing in the wind looks breathtakingly beautiful, and quite reminds us of the beautiful Madhubala. It's a stage performance with a chase happening off-stage. The choreography is heady and Madhuri is at her sensuous best. A must watch for all Madhuri fans!

Kate nahin kat te - Film: Mr. India
This rain song from 'Mr. India' is not just erotic but also a very well picturised rain song. A wet 'n' wild Sridevi declares her love to an invisible Anil Kapoor in a passionate outburst. Her sensuousness in a blue chiffon saree that clings to her well-shaped figure and her undulating dance moves make you simply go'Wow!'.

Rang barse - Film: Silsila
It was the famous baritone, superb performances, folksy lyrics and a rumoured love affair that did the trick for this song. The film came at a time when rumours were rife about Amitabh and Rekha being more than just 'good friends'.The fact that they play on-screen secret lovers in spite of them being married to their respective spouses made it a must watch. Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh's real wife is also his reel wife in 'Silsila'. In this song, Amitabh under the influence of bhang openly admires his true love, Rekha. All four actors (Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Rekha and Sanjeev Kumar) are at their best. This one is a treat to watch even today.

Dum maaro dum - Film: Hare Rama Hare Krishna
In this sexy debut of the 'flower power girl', Zeenat Aman, she floored the moviegoers with her hippie Janice act. When Asha Bhonsle's 'Dum maro dum'was lip- synched on screen by Zeenie Baby, it created a sensation. The story goes that Dev Anand had earlier rejected the song but when R.D.Burman requested him to include it, he gave in. It was shot in Kathmandu with real hippie extras that writhe half clothed in clouds of smoke, swinging to the music. Zeenat dressed in her hippie gear with her marigold garlands swaying to the beat was an instant rage.And the song was a rocker!

Pal bhar ke liye koi - Film: Johnny Mera Naam
Vijay Anand had the penchant for filming his songs in unique ways making them immortal. This one from the 70's blockbuster, 'Johnny Mera Naam' is picturised inside a house with an unending number of windows. The evergreen hero,Dev Anand, peeks through a series of windows to tease the dazzling Hema Malini. She goes from one room to another, closing windows and doors. And every time Hema and the audience is given to believe that Hema is alone, he pops in from a new one. The concept is simply superb! A never-done-before for sure!

Mere saamne wali khidki mein - Film: Padosan
This love song has a side-splitting picturisation. Sunil Dutt as a bumbling Bhola is trying to impress his dream-girl Saira Banu from his window that overlooks hers. Apparently, it is Guruji played by Kishore Kumar who is hiding behind Bhola and singing it, while Bhola is only lip-synching nervously. It's an absolutely riotous situation with a comb, a paan box and a broom serving as musical instruments. A song that makes you chuckle every time you remember it.

Na jao saiyyan - Film: Sahib, Biwi Aur Ghulam
Meena Kumari has never looked as sensuous as the 'Chhoti Bahu' after a few swigs from her husband's glass in this anguished plea from Guru Dutt's 'Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam.' Wearing a heavy silk saree with a big bindi on her forehead and kohl-ed eyes she looks like a respectable Bahu from an upper class bengali household, yet when she starts a slurred 'Na jao saiyaan', the contrast is striking. The unshed tears in Meena's eyes make her worthy of her 'Tragedy Queen' title. The song remains with you forever simply because of the splendid performance of Meena Kumari.

O haseena zulfonwali - Film: Teesri Manzil
It was the swinging Shammi Kapoor and the seductress Helen that created magic on the colourful sets of the 60s' potboiler, 'Teesri Manzil'. The matchless duo of Asha Bhonsle and RD Burman added punch to this sizzling number. The sets were bizarre yet unforgettable with a huge eye as the centerpiece around which Helen and the extras groove. It's the sexy cabaret of Helen coupled with the inimitable swaying of Shammi Kapoor that makes 'O haseena' a delight to watch.

Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar - Film: Tere Ghar Ke Saamne
From the romantic comedy, 'Tere Ghar Ke Saamne', this song is ingeniously shot inside Delhi's Qutub Minar. Nutan is descending the spiral stairway .While Dev Anand follows her, buzzing like a bee, teasing her with his playful antics. The simplicity of the picturisation with splendid spiraling camerawork is the real beauty of the song. Only a brilliant filmmaker like Vijay Anand could conceptualize an entire song inside a narrow space and come out with a memorable sequence.

Pyaar kiya to darna kya - Film: Mughal-e-Azam
This song has the grandeur of a Mughal court and a thrillingly defiant note that is an instant connect. The recreation of the Sheesh Mahal and the Shots where the reflection of Madhubala in a giddy twirl is captured in loads of glittering glass pieces is fascinating. The humungous set for this legendary song took all the lights available (even 500 truck beams) and about 100 reflectors to bounce off the light. An intoxicated Madhubala declares her love with bold lyrics like 'Parda nahin jab koi khuda se, bandon se parda karna kya' in front of the whole world and the powerful King himself is awe-inspiring.

Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam - Film: Kaagaz Ke Phool
This black and white song featuring Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman is a masterpiece.One of the most exquisitely shot songs of all times, it is shot in an empty film studio with scattered film equipment. The high point is when a beam of light falls like a spotlight on the two dejected lovers and the two seem to merge in the pure blinding light. Its play of light and shadow has an ethereal quality about it and that is only heightened by the picture perfect Waheeda. The depth of the lyrics matches the pathos in Geeta Dutt's voice resulting in a classic.

Ghar aaya mera pardesi - Film: Awaara
It was the first dream sequence to be filmed in Hindi cinema. A gorgeous Nargis wafts through the clouds in search of her lover, Raj Kapoor. The song Took three months to shoot. In a symbolic picturisation of the turbulence in the hero's mind,he escapes the hell that the villain has created for him and climbs up to the angelic heroine. This song was a big attraction in its time and it spawned numerous dream-sequences.

SUPER STAR RAJESH KHANNA  HIS DAUGHTER TWINKLE KHANNA AND SON-IN-LAW AKSHAY KUMAR

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna After dating Pooja Batra, Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shetty, Bollywood's erstwhile eligible bachelor fell hook, line and sinker for Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia's eldest daughter. Their friendship, on the sets of films like International Khiladi and Zulmi, blossomed into love. To everyone's surprise, the two tied the knot, subsequently, in a low profile ceremony. While Akki's career is going from strength to strength, Twinkle's found her calling in interior designing. Son Araav completes the happy picture.

SUPER STAR RAJESH KHANNA

|    Classic cinematic comebacks Rajesh Khanna Ah, the romantic. The best ever example of a reality show sensation, Khanna shot into fame following a 1966 nationwide contest, the All India Talent Hunt. It took him a couple of years to get noticed, but this he did with the tremendous success of Aradhana in 1969. There was no looking back, and the apocryphal stories -- fans marrying photographs, letters written in blood, white cars made pink by lipstick smears -- are all true. Given Rajesh Khanna's star-power, they might even be understated. His planet-sized ego and erratic cinematic selections, however, saw his career plummet sharply in the mid-1970s, things coming to a head in 1990, with Swarg. Since then, every film of his has been called a comeback, each coming at a two, three year interval, and failing to make any sort of impact. There are reports, however, that another Rajesh Khanna film might head into production next year. But don't cry for him, Pushpa. He hates tears.

Today's hottest movie scene: Aradhana   By:  V. Manohar

RAJESH KHANNA - THE GREATEST LEGEND & REAL SUPER STAR OF INDIAN CINEMA. There are romantic leading men and there are romantic leading men, but very few have taken cinematic love to legendary heights. While there might be other icons but Super-Star- Actor Rajesh Khanna after four decades, he is the ultimate true romantic legend.   He was the loverboy without compare. She was the demure girl with a bod to kill for. Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore came together in 1969's Aradhana, and the sensuality between them felt so real. it virtually set the screen afire.

MOVIES

		Yash Chopra I've known Anand Bakshi for the past 14 years. We began working together for Chandni. He wrote the lyrics for the songs in all my films, including Mohabbatein. Recently, he asked me to find another lyricist, as he wasn't well. More than a just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire industry. His knowledge and understanding of music was astounding, especially when it came to folk songs. His words always connected with the audience; he was close to the people. Everyone could relate to his thoughts. It will be impossible to find another Anand Bakshi.
		Subhash Ghai He was a Bharat Ratna. He was like a brother to me. He played a vital role in shaping my career and those of many singers, actors and composers. Besides being a great writer, he was a wonderful human being, a very humble man. He never indulged in dirty politics. He continued to work even on his death bed. He will be missed.
		Dharmendra I never thought he would leave us. I guess now he is immortal through his songs. He was an elder brother to me. I pray that his soul may rest in peace.
		Rajesh Khanna More than a personal loss for me and the industry, it is a loss for his family. He was such a humble person. No one will ever replace him.
		Yash Johar He was one of the kindest souls I have ever known. He hasn't been well for a while, but he always bounced back. It is a great personal loss.
		Rakesh Bakshi My father graduated from the school of life with honours. He was the most compassionate. He shied away from the media and limelight, preferring to let his work speak for him. Although he never once travelled abroad, many of his songs have become known globally. I know there is no one to follow his legacy. But his legacy will echo forever in eternity. ALSO READ: A tribute to Anand Bakshi

Kishore Kumar

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Pictureized over Rajesh Khanna (in the film "Kata Patang") as he plays piano at a 1970s Bollywood movie cocktail party, the voice of Kishore Kumar sings. "pyaar diwaanaa hotaa hai, mastaanaa hotaa hain." Love is mad, it's intoxicating. The song is Jazzy sophistication, with a rumba beat and soaring strings. The lyrics, inebriated speaking of the fatal destiny of those who fall in love. " shamaa kahe parawaane se, pare chalaa jaa." The lamp says to the moth, move away "meree tarah jal jaayegaa, yahaa naheen aa." You'll burn up like me; don't come here. "wo naheen sunataa, us ko jal jaanaa hotaa hain." It (the moth) doesn't listen; it is compelled to burn.* The melancholy fatal lyrics are sung as if laughing with tenderness to the sentiment. Kishore Kumar's vocals elevate the song to a timeless ode of the mysterious nature of life, joy, and love. A laughing madness and joy, all in the name of the spontaneous here and now of the song. That was Kishore Kumar, that was his gift to Hindi Cinema.

"Rangoli" [1962] Kishore Kumar was the yodeling, jazzy, sometimes whistling voice of Bollywood's swinging 1970s. his voice was picturized over every major hero of the time and recognized as THE singing voice for Rajesh Khanna and Dev Anand. Besides being a legendary playback singer, Kishore Kumar was also an actor and composer. In a string of hilarious hits in the 1950s and 60s Kishore was Hindi films favorite comic hero. In actuality he was the only hero in post 50s Bollywood to actually sing for himself. In his personal life Kishore married four time. His second wife was the actress Madhubala, and his fourth was Leena Chandavarkar. His life was full of ups and downs but in the end history has left him on a pedestal because Kishore Kumar has left us with 100s of song of incredible depth and beauty.

October 26, 2007