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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Warped woman (Chhoti Bahu)

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's male characters hardly have meat. There, I've said it. And, in doing so, must have incurred the ire of faithful followers of this classic Bengali author. But, that is what I feel and that is what is never going to change.

However, this was the first time that I was troubled by the flaws in his lead female protagonist. In his story titled Bindur Chheley, he makes his Bindu too grey to be liked. Hence, KB Tilak's Radha, the main character in his Chhoti Bahu inspired from Bindur Chheley, also turned out to be extremely disrespectful in her personality.

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Feminism of yore (Khushboo)

Given Gulzar's sensitive approach, it is but obvious that his handling of a proud woman's emotions would be different. And Khushboo does not disappoint on that count. No matter how sorrowful her life is, Kusum does not sacrifice her dignity and pride to attain happiness. She abstains from grovelling in self-pity and shuns any kind of sympathy from the world. Simply because she feels honoured to address her rights and expects her dear ones to acknowledge that. This is a girl who is strong, dignified and fiesty, yet sober, mature and loving. It is this Kusum who will grab your attention in Khushboo...

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