A courtesan's tale (Ghungroo)

There are many good things about Ram Sethi's 1983 drama, Ghungroo, as well a few bad. Lets start with the good, because it's not quite recommended to start off with negatives.

The film, a drama set against the backdrop of a royal family, is well-scripted. The editing is quite taut, till the editor looses steam mid-way. The actors do their job quite well. One song seriously stands out for its strength and emotional quotient (I actually thought I saw Malhar's nanny wipe her tears during Tohfa kubul hain sung by Asha Bhonsle). And yes, Ranjeet is slicingly devious without being OTT.

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Love lost and won (Harano Sur)

Would I be lying to myself if I said that Harano Sur is one of the best 'memory-loss' films to be ever made? I

don't think so. At least, it is definitely my one of my favourite films of that genre. Not because a delicate love story is woven around the incident of memory loss, but the manner in which the happenings following the retrieval of memory bring together the man and his wife is immensely commendable. There are heartbreaks, anticipations, misunderstandings and tension galore, but what triumphs in the end is true love. And that's what really makes the journey of the separated lovers so special.

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Anchored on lies (Manzil)

Give me one good reason why I should sympathise with Ajay Chandra when the going gets tough for him. In

my opinion, he is a big liar, an opportunist, a shirker and a glib-talker. So, even when at last he does get down to work and puts in some effort to save his business from downing shutters, I can hardly say that I feel satisfied with the happy end to his love story. For, a relationship that is founded on lies and false identities will need much more than one sweeping effort to withstand the tests of time. And, how come Aruna and her father does not realise that.

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Hidden identities (Bade Dil Wala)

I'm often forced to watch a film because I'm smitten by some of its songs. The tracks play on in my mind and Kahin na jaa, a lovely track composed by RD Burman and rendered fabulously by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar is a prime instance of this. The melodious track shows a stylishly clad Tina Munim (with a French chignon) beckoning to a dapper Rishi Kapoor on not to leave her and go. They are at a party and soon the good-looking pair serenade to the song that is so infectious. In the background are Sarika clad in a stunning saree and a suspicious Amjad Khan keeping track of what's happening. If that was not enough, Pran, replete in a well cut suit, looks on happily. He is old but looks so handsome. I thought these are enough reasons for seeing Bade Dil Wala, a Bhappi Soni film.

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The livewire (Khoobsurat)

What a jolly, buoyant film Khoobsurat is! And, it definitely bears the stamp of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, its director. It's frothy, fun and engaging from the word go. You don't have to think too much. Sit down with your family, or alone, and have a happy watch. There's nothing in this 1980 Filmfare award winner that can disappoint you. Although, one song seems to stretch it a bit but on the whole this is another sheer entertainer from Mukherjee.

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The want of privacy (Piya ka Ghar)

I'd gone to Mumbai (how I still love calling the maximum city Bombay; it sounds romantic) in 2009 with my husband. After a day of sightseeing, we both took time off to meet our respective friends. While he sat down for his beer and gossip with his school friends, I went about town with a friend-cum-colleague. We went from one part of the city to another, and I suitably gaped at Jalsa, Mannat, Salman Khan's house (his dogs were being taken for a walk at bandstand!), Kareena Kapoor's house and Shahid Kapoor's house. While we licked our ice-golas and chatted with merry candour, Aditi (that's my friend) told me that she has been very busy trying to let out her family's 1BHK flat. And guess what they were charging as rent? Rs 40,000 for 750 square feet! The moment she quoted the numbers, many things crossed my mind (apart from almost choking at that point!).
I said to myself, "So there goes the dream of darling hubby of ever living in this city. How can I give up a comfortable life in the Capital for a matchbox existence in the city he loves so much? Yes, I love films alright, but it's absolutely okay to watch them on television. I don't have to live with the stars in this city! Rs 40,000 for 750 sq ft!!! Are they kidding me?"

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