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Subhash K Jha revists Nutan’s career and shines the light on her finest film in this special feature.

Bimal Roy made many moving movies marked as masterpieces for milleniums. Bandini remains just that bit more special than Devdas or Madhumati. Why? Just…

Nutan had almost given up films after marriage. But like Yash Chopra, who made Raakhee an offer which she couldn’t resist (Kabhi Kabhie), Bimal Roy tempted the titanic actress — and would Kate Winslet please mover over? — out of married bliss to play what the director promised would be the role of Nutan’s lifetime.

Nutan’s tempestuous performance as Kalyani embedded her name in gold in the hall of fame. Along with Nargis in Mother India, Meena Kumari in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, and Shabana Azmi in Arth, Nutan in Bandini is the most arresting character written for a mainstream Hindi heroine of the pre-70s era.

Kangana Ranaut, who has ventured into politics, recently paid homage to the legendary actress Meena Kumari by sharing a clip from the iconic film Pakeezah on her Instagram Stories. In her post, Kangana expressed deep admiration for Meena Kumari’s exceptional acting skills, stating that her performance transcended conventional boundaries. Kangana commented on a particular scene from Pakeezah, noting the profound transition from grief to hysterical laughter to sheer disillusionment, describing it as “beyond supreme.”

Kangana also reflected on Meena Kumari’s unparalleled status in the film industry of her time. She mentioned that during Meena Kumari’s era, other female leads were referred to as heroines, while Meena Kumari was uniquely acknowledged as an actress, highlighting her distinguished place in Bollywood.

Meena Kumari, often termed the “tragedy queen” of Bollywood, was renowned for her poignant portrayals of suffering and silent women. Born as Mahjabeen, she was the second daughter...

Legendary Bollywood actress and Padma Shri awardee Waheeda Rehman has donated her personal film memorabilia to Film Heritage Foundation (Fhf) for preservation.

The actress was honoured with India’s highest film honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke award, last year, and has worked with some of the most renonwned filmmakers of the country like Guru Dutt, Satyajit Ray, Basu Bhattacharya and Yash Chopra, during her career, reports Variety.

The roles essayed by her in films have gone on to become classics in the history of Indian cinema. In a career spanning over five decades, she has worked in more than 90 feature films. Her accolades include a National Film Award and the Padma Bhushan in 2011.

As per Variety, the memorabilia includes the saree she wore to the premiere of ‘C.I.D.’ in 1956, her photo albums and photographs and lobby cards from ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’, ‘Chaudvin Ka Chand’, ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’ and ‘Baat Ek...

For The Ages

Revered Indian actor Waheeda Rehman, who was accorded the Dadasaheb Phalke award, India’s highest film honor, last year, has donated her personal memorabilia to the Film Heritage Foundation (Fhf) for preservation. Rehman, the 86-year-old grande dame of Indian cinema, has worked with most of the legendary filmmakers of her country during her career and the roles she chose were in films that are considered classics in the annals of Indian cinema. She worked with Guru Dutt in “Pyaasa” (1957) and “Kaagaz Ke Phool” (1959), Satyajit Ray in “Abhijaan” (1962), Basu Bhattacharya in “Teesri Kasam” (1966) and Yash Chopra in “Kabhie Kabhie” (1976), among many other memorable roles.

The donated material includes the saree Rehman wore to the “C.I.D.” premiere in 1956, her photo albums and photographs and lobby cards from “Kaagaz Ke Phool,” “Chaudvin Ka Chand” (1960), “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam” (1962) “C.I.D.,” “Bees Saal Baad” (1962) and “Baat Ek Raat Ki” (1962). The donation was...

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has heaped praises on legendary actress Waheeda Rehman, and said he believes the latter should have been awarded with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award much earlier. Waheeda was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for her immense contribution to Indian cinema, at the 69th National Film Awards.

Known for films like ‘Guide’, ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, ‘Delhi-6’, ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ and several others, the actress has played countless memorable characters on the celluloid, and has a career spanning almost seven decades.

In the episode 54 of the knowledge-based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, host Amitabh Bachchan welcomed the rollover contestants ‘The Bol Bachchans’ to the hot seat, in the ongoing family special week.

For Rs 80,000 question, they were asked: “Which veteran actress of films like ‘Pyaasa’ and ‘Guide’ was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2023?”

The options given were- A: Sharmila Tagore, B: Waheeda Rehman,...

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has heaped praises on legendary actress Waheeda Rehman, and said he believes the latter should have been awarded with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award much earlier. Waheeda was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for her immense contribution to Indian cinema, at the 69th National Film Awards.

Known for films like ‘Guide’, ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, ‘Delhi-6’, ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ and several others, the actress has played countless memorable characters on the celluloid, and has a career spanning almost seven decades.

In the episode 54 of the knowledge-based reality show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, host Amitabh Bachchan welcomed the rollover contestants ‘The Bol Bachchans’ to the hot seat, in the ongoing family special week.

For Rs 80,000 question, they were asked: “Which veteran actress of films like ‘Pyaasa’ and ‘Guide’ was conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2023?”

The options given were- A: Sharmila Tagore, B: Waheeda Rehman,...

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for her immense contribution to Indian cinema, at the 69th National Film Awards, here on Tuesday. Known for films like ‘Guide’, ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, ‘Delhi-6’, ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ and several others, the actress has played countless memorable characters on the celluloid, and has a career spanning almost seven decades.

The 69th National Film Awards held in the national capital was attended by the President Droupadi Murmu.

Information and Broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur was also present on the occasion.

Waheeda wore a cream and golden coloured saree, and accessorised it with a green necklace and matching earrings. She tied her hair in a bun.

The President and other dignitaries present on the occasion gave the standing ovation to the legendary actress.

Actor R Madhavan, who was also present, was seen talking to the timeless beauty.

A...

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for her immense contribution to Indian cinema, at the 69th National Film Awards, here on Tuesday. Known for films like ‘Guide’, ‘Pyaasa’, ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’, ‘Delhi-6’, ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ and several others, the actress has played countless memorable characters on the celluloid, and has a career spanning almost seven decades.

The 69th National Film Awards held in the national capital was attended by the President Droupadi Murmu.

Information and Broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur was also present on the occasion.

Waheeda wore a cream and golden coloured saree, and accessorised it with a green necklace and matching earrings. She tied her hair in a bun.

The President and other dignitaries present on the occasion gave the standing ovation to the legendary actress.

Actor R Madhavan, who was also present, was seen talking to the timeless beauty.

A...

It indeed was fortuitous that on the hundredth birth anniversary of Dev Sahb or Dev Anand, his one of the most famous muse in his cinematic journey – Waheeda Rehman, was conferred with the Dada Saheb Phalke award. Jury may be out whether she should have been conferred with the award earlier than those who got it during the last few years, but it is redemption time for Waheeda Rehman and her fans who continue to increase in proportions with every new appearance that she condescends to either in a movie or on various entertainment channels on television and Ott platforms.

Conferring of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for me was also an occasion to travel down memory lane and relive those memories. The first brush with Waheeda Rehman was when we watched Bees Saal Baad (1962) at Gorakhpur in a club. Those were the days when movie watching was considered a...

It indeed was fortuitous that on the hundredth birth anniversary of Dev Sahb or Dev Anand, his one of the most famous muse in his cinematic journey – Waheeda Rehman, was conferred with the Dada Saheb Phalke award. Jury may be out whether she should have been conferred with the award earlier than those who got it during the last few years, but it is redemption time for Waheeda Rehman and her fans who continue to increase in proportions with every new appearance that she condescends to either in a movie or on various entertainment channels on television and Ott platforms.

Conferring of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for me was also an occasion to travel down memory lane and relive those memories. The first brush with Waheeda Rehman was when we watched Bees Saal Baad (1962) at Gorakhpur in a club. Those were the days when movie watching was considered a...

New Delhi, Sep 26 (Ians) One of Hindi films’ most talented and versatile actresses – and still going strong, the exquisite and enchanting Waheeda Rehman, who caps a remarkable stint with the prestigious Dadasahab Phalke Award, carved out a niche with confident renditions of unconventional roles, including some very bold for the era – and could have spelled doom to her career.

Starting with Telugu and Tamil films in 1955 before switching over to Hindi cinema the following year, she did the usual roles expected of Hindi film actresses but also went on to play a prostitute, a gangster’s moll, a nautanki actress, a woman who walks out of a marriage without regrets, et al – but with such innate grace that she has always been a byword for refined sensibility.

Born in fairly comfortable circumstances – her father was a Deputy Commissioner – on February 3, 1939 in what was Chingalpet town of the Madras Presidency, Waheeda...

New Delhi, Sep 26 (Ians) Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there, said Meryl Streep.

The 85-year-old veteran Bollywood actress Waheeda Rehman has been nominated for this year’s Dada Saheb Phalke Award. Some of her best movies include “Khamoshi”, “‘Guide”, and “Kagaz Ke Phool”.

Rehman made her film debut with the Telugu film “Rojulu Marayi” (1955), ….and rose to prominence with her association with filmmaker Guru Dutt: the romantic dramas “Pyaasa” (1957) and “Kaagaz Ke Phool” (1959), the musical romance”Chaudhvin Ka Chand” (1960) and the drama “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam” (1962).

Rehman also had success with the romantic drama “Guide” (1965), for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

This was Dev Anand’s work.

She won the award again for her performance in the romantic thriller “Neel Kamal” (1968), and additionally earned nominations for her roles in the...

National Award-winning filmmaker Bhavna Talwar is gearing up to direct a biopic of late iconic filmmaker-actor Guru Dutt.

The biopic is titled "Pyaasa", just like Dutt's iconic films of 1957, and Talwar is in the process of casting the actors for her film. Guru Dutt's life was intense and complex, and it took Talwar seven years to pen the story. Still, instead of an elaborate storytelling format like a web series, she has opted to make a feature film to encapsulate her subject's journey.

"He was a larger-than-life personality and within 10 years he had seen it all -- success as a filmmaker, actor, the commercial success of his cinema, admiration of his fans as an actor, and he also found the companionship of Geeta Dutt, his co-star and wife. At the same time, there is melancholy. You cannot cramp that into a small screen. It deserves a feature film format," Talwar told Ians.

Lipstick Under My Burkha

Starring Ratna Pathak Shah , Konkona Sen Sharma, Ahana Kumra, Plobota Borthakur

Directed by Alankrita Shrivstava

An inherently murky claustrophobic air pervades this inconsistently brilliant hardhitting raunchy ‘ram’-com, very conscious of its responsibilities as post-feminist cinema on women’s powerment.

Here is a film that deserves a rousing ovation for bringing out the sexual fantasies and other unspoken yearnings of four middleclass women in a non-metropolitan milieu eking each out an exciting existence from the hard brutal raw material of her inert life.

But the film falls short of being genre-defining. Shrivastava whose earlier and only film Turning 30 only hinted at the post-feminist explosion of Lipstick Under The Burkha, takes charge with an all-knowing confidence of four women from different walks of life and belonging to separate generations.

Perhaps to offset the mess that they make of their lives, the lineup of women is a little too tidy and symmetrical.

She lived a tumultuous life, filled with passion, romance and a tragic grandeur. And now Meena Kumari's life would be chronicled in cinema by none other than Tigmanshu Dhulia whose Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster was inspired by Meena Kumari's best-known work Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. For the first time Tigmanshu Dhulia talks about why he has chosen National Award winner Kangna Ranaut to play Meena Kumari.

Dhulia, who is currently wrapping up a film called Yaara, says he chose Kangna because she was the only actress who could convey the tragic pathos of Meena Kumari's personality. "There is a profound sadness in Kangna's eyes, the same quality that we saw in Meena Kumari's eyes. And that voice! When I heard Kangna Ranaut in her debut film Gangster I was reminded of Meena Kumari. The same haunted and haunting quality, a voice that suggests pain grief, wisdom and seduction!

Known for exploring out of the box themes in his films, Vidhu Vinod Chopra who recently produced Pk, has decided to give back something to the world of movies, which has given him the fame and success. The producer is working towards fulfilling his wish of publishing screenplay books of authors of Hindi Cinema that have inspired generations of filmmakers.

In an attempt to preserve the rich legacy of Indian cinema, Vidhu Vinod Chopra has decided to bring passionate students of cinema and film lovers closer to the work of veteran directors. He started the Books division in 2009 as his contribution to the world of cinema and quality film making that he is devoted to. The venture started with Lage Raho Munnabhai and then the release of the screenplay book of 3 Idiots in June 2010.

Now, in this initiative taken by the filmmaker, screenplays of three of the ageless classics coming...

Dennis Bartok

For many years I was the head of film programming for the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles, a non-profit film group that currently runs the Egyptian and Aero Theatres. As part of my job I tried to keep my finger to the pulse of national cinemas from around the globe, both new and old, by combing through festival catalogues, talking to other programmers and watching as many movies as I could get my hands on (much of these in the old VHS days!)

In the 1990s and early 2000s I saw the rediscovery of some amazing bodies of world cinema such as Italian Horror and Giallo Cinema from the 1960s & 1970s by directors like Mario Bava and Dario Argento, and Japanese Outlaw Cinema from the same period by hard-hitting genre filmmakers like Kinji Fukasaku, Seijun Suzuki and Kihachi Okamoto. But one thing I didn’t see, in repertory film calendars,...

Mumbai, April 7: Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman, who recently unveiled Nasreen Munni Kabir's book "Conversations with Waheeda Rehman", says she is "not okay" if a film is made on her life.

The 76-year-old has featured in several Bollywood classics like "Solvaa Saal", "Pyasa", "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam", "Bees Saal Baad' and "Guide", and she has regaled audiences with her graceful dancing skills over the years.

Biopics are a new trend in the Hindi film industry. So, asked if she would be fine with a film on her journey, she told Ians: "I am (over) 75. Now it's a long journey...it has to be made in four parts. But personally,.

Mumbai, March 8: Be it Meena Kumari in "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" or Tabu in "Astitva" - the Hindi film industry has witnessed a range of actresses essaying women-oriented roles powerfully. Here's a look at the top 10 such portrayals, on the occasion of International Women's Day Saturday.

* Nargis' Radha in Mehboob Khan's "Mother India" (1957): Nargis played Radha, the deserted wife who brings up her two sons on her own and kills one of them when he turns into an outlaw. For the first time in a Hindi film, the female protagonist was portrayed as strong and resilient, conscientious and doughty without losing her femininity.

* Meena Kumari's Choti Bahu in Guru Dutt's "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" (1962): In the feudal household where.

There is nothing better on Halloween than watching a scary film. It gets even better if it is a spooky, bone chilling, terrifying Bollywood film. With the spine tingling themes of haunted abandoned havelis (mansions), reincarnation, revenge of the dead and wandering lost spirits – who said that Bollywood only told romantic tales?

You may recall the chillingly melancholic ‘Aayega Aane Waala’ sung by Lata Mangeshkar.

Yes – this was the the first time Bollywood truly met the “horror” genre through Kamal Amrohi’s box office smash hit, Mahal (1949). Starring Ashok Kumar and Madhubala in the lead, Mahal was the very first Hindi film to explore the theme of re-incarnation. In the style of a thriller, Mahal pioneered the way for Gothic Indian fiction.

Bollywood through the 1970’s and 1980’s witnessed an abundant rising of the dead through the many successful horror films produced during these two decades.

In fact, Bollywood even...

It may come as a stunner to readers but it is a fact that legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt, renowned for making timeless classics like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam etc. started his career in Bollywood not as a director but as choreographer!Actually, Guru Dutt aspired to be a film director but had to struggle tooth and nail to survive. From one studio to another he wandered day and night seeking job but in vain. Fortunately he had learnt dancing...

Mumbai, Oct 2: After directing films like "Bhatti On Chutti" and "Mittal Vs Mittal" among others, Karan Razdan now plans to make a biopic on the legendary actress Meena Kumari. The director is thinking of Huma Quereshi playing the Tragedy Queen but hasn't approached her yet.

Seen as an ideal Indian woman on the big screen, Meena Kumari earned the Tragedy Queen title after playing sad roles in films like "Daera" and "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam". Co-incidentally, her personal life was full of pain and sorrow and she died of liver cirrhosis in 1972. She was 39.

"I have spent about four years to do the research and write the script..

Actress Sonam Kapoor has expressed that she would love to play the tragedy queen Meena Kumari. Sonam says how Meena plays as a real person and has real flaws which are enticing as Sonam has flaws herself.

Sonam is already known for playing different roles in films such as Delhi 6, Mausam, I Hate Love Stories and so on. “I want to play anyone who has a nice character arch and is flawed; I would love to play such roles. It is because they are human. I am very flawed myself…I want to play a real person,” said Sonam.

Meena Kumari was the biggest hit of her time and it was known to everyone of tragedy on screen and off, having dealt with alcohol addiction and a rough marriage leading to her death at 39 years. Her hit film Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam where she played an alcoholic wife was too similar to her own life.

Mumbai, July 3: Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor would love to play legendary actress Meena Kumari in case her biopic is made because she is fascinated by real characters with some flaws.

"I would like to play Meena Kumari...she had such a tragic life," said Sonam known for playing different roles in films like "Delhi 6", "Mausam", "Aisha" and "I hate Luv Storys" among others.

Meena Kumari, one of the most talented and successful actresses of her time, was tagged as "Tragedy Queen" for playing such roles in films like "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam". Her personal life was not a bed of roses either - she had to deal with a troubled marriage.

Directed by notable filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, Pakeezah (1972) contains everything one would envisage in a typical Bollywood film. This includes drama, romance, suspense, astounding cinematography, as well as exquisite song and dance sequences. It is a film which surely anyone infatuated with Indian cinema will love. It is also remembered for being one of the last great films to have starred the legendary actress Meena Kumari. She has been dubbed the ‘tragedy queen’ of Indian Cinema and also set the foundation when it comes to intense method acting. The film began production in the late 1950s, but took 14 years to complete. Due to a rift between Amrohi and Kumari (who were married to each other), filming came to a halt and it was in 1972 that the audience finally saw the beauty that is Pakeezah. These 14 years were no doubt worth the wait!

Set in the backdrop of Lucknow, Pakeezah is about...

Whilst launching a special issue of Cineblitz Magazine, which celebrates 100 Years of Indian Cinema, Vidya Balan expressed that to remake Mehboob Khan’s magnum opus Mother India (1957) would be unachievable. “I don’t think anybody would even dare to remake ‘Mother India’ and if someone does then I will salute him, but I will not do it. It is unachievable, really.” Kudos to Vidya for making such a pragmatic statement!

In the latest edition of Cineblitz, Vidya pays homage to the leading actress of Mother India, Nargis Dutt, by re-enacting her famous pose that is featured on the film’s official poster. In addition, she paid tribute to another great actress Meena Kumari by recreating her famous look in the film Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962). Here is what Vidya had to say about it. “It’s an honour for me to have recreated those two images. One is the image...

Mumbai, April 8: Remaking Mehboob Khan's Oscar-nominated "Mother India" is an unachievable feat, says Vidya Balan and if someone dared attempt this, she wouldn't be a part of this.

As a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema, Vidya has donned Nargis' look from the 1957 cult film "Mother India" and Meena Kumari's from the 1962-classic "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" for Cineblitz's special edition.

But the actress, who entered filmdom with the "Parineeta" remake, has no intention of working in a "Mother India" remake.

"I don't think anybody would even dare to remake 'Mother India' and if someone does then I will salute him, but I will not do it. It is unachievable, really," Vidya 35, told reporters at the unveiling of the.

Mumbai, April 5: Sudhir Mishra says that if he would ever remake an old classic, it would be Guru Dutt's masterpiece "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam".

Set in 19th century Bengal, the film tells decaying feudalism of landlords through the characters played by Guru Dutt, Meena Kumari, Rahman and Waheeda Rahman. Directed by Abrar Alvi, the 1962 film is still appreciated for marvellous performances by the entire cast, superb cinematography and extraordinary song picturisations.

"If I will ever make a remake of a film then it will be 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'," Mishra, known for directing films like "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi" and "Yeh Saali Zindagi", said here in an interview.

The film won four Filmfare Awards, including the best.

A walk down memory lane with on-screen women who portrayed off-screen social truths

“Aurat ma hoti hai, behen hoti hai, biwi hoti hai, aur jab who kuch nahin hoti to tawaif hoti hai”

- Sharukh Khan, in Devdas

Not being a proponent of the above statement, Bollywood has never been silent about its views on women nor has it shied away from portraying her in all her stereotypes; the ideal wife, mother, daughter, vamp, item girl and courtesan roles being aplenty. Since time immemorial, Indian cinema has showcased the many faces of a woman. More importantly it has depicted society’s expectations and reactions to her many faces.

But every once in a decade comes a movie which establishes a turning point for the position and role of women in society. With each decade a new color gets added to the spectrum of a woman’s face; and sometimes a color subtracted.

Legendary actress Waheeda Rehman was conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the closing stages of the 14th Mumbai Film Festival. After being presented with the award by film director Shyam Benegal, Ms Rehman made the following statement where she expressed her thanks to the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (Mami), the organisers behind the event, “I’m thrilled to receive this award from Mami, a body of the industry at the international film festival hosted in my city Mumbai and that too during the course of the centenary year of Indian cinema. I dedicate this award to the directors, producers, co-actors, technicians who’ve been a part of this journey with me.”

Waheeda Rehman initially worked in a few Tamil and Telugu films before being noticed by the eminent filmmaker Guru Dutt. She starred in a number of classic films alongside Dutt and which were also made under his production company.

Hallways adorned with the original posters of timeless classics. Auditoriums across the sprawling campus at Whistling Woods International (Wwi) playing Indian cinema’s gems such as Kabhi Kabhie, Bimay Roy’s Devdas, Sholay, Kanoon, Anand, Magadheera, Diamond Queen, Sahib bibi aur ghulam, Kalicharan, Kagaz ke phool, Charulata, Arth, Awaara, Sholay, Umrao Jaan, Charulata, Guide, Salaam Bombay, Meghe Dhaka Tara, Bandini, Sujata and 36 Chowringhee Lane, Amar Akbar Anthony, Mother India, Pushpak among many others. Workshops, seminars, panel discussions on subjects ranging from film-making, script writing, Marketing and distribution, dance, poetry, music, still photography, cinematography, as well as colourisation of black-and-white films. This and a lot more doses of entertainment, learning and fun concluded the 3-day celebration of the centenary of Indian Cinema organized by students of maverick filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s reputed film school ‘Whistling Woods International”

The inaugural ceremony began on a high note with A. R. Rahman, Gluzar, Saroj Khan,...

In a year that boasted some huge family friendly blockbusters and multiple films from some of the biggest stars, it was pretty easy for smaller films with tiny budgets, no big name stars or controversial subjects to fly a little under the radar. Here are ten of the best films that may have been appreciated by the critics, but failed to catch fire at the box office.

10. Soundtrack

Based on British “mockumentary” It’s All Gone Pete Tong, Soundtrack takes a premise that was a source of humour in the original film – a superstar DJ going deaf – and turns it into a touching, surprisingly subtly handled story of a man overcoming his demons and his disability. With a fantastic soundtrack (naturally!), as well as some inventive storytelling, Soundtrack has sex, drugs and rock’n'roll covered, as well as a compelling performance in the lead role from Rajeev Khandelwal.

9. Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge...

Till yesterday, whenever one used to utter the terms 'Sahib' and 'Biwi', it was the cult classic Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam that was plying on everyone's minds. But ever since Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster got released, it suddenly seems to be the flavour of the season! For the uninitiated, Tigmanshu Dhulia is the very same man who has been responsible for giving us films like Charas, Haasil, Shagird and now Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster! Director Tigmanshu Dhulia will be live on Bollywood Hungama's Celebrity Chat on Monday, Oct 3, at 1600 hrs Ist.

Till yesterday, whenever one used to utter the terms 'Sahib' and 'Biwi', it was the cult classic Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam that was plying on everyone's minds. But ever since Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster got released, it suddenly seems to be the flavour of the season! For the uninitiated, Tigmanshu Dhulia is the very same man who has been responsible for giving us films like Charas, Haasil, Shagird and now Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster! Director Tigmanshu Dhulia will be live on Bollywood Hungama's Celebrity Chat on Monday, Oct 3, at 1600 hrs Ist.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. And the power to create a cinema that takes the prevalent language of narration into the domain of the dark and unpredictable, is a privilege belonging to some politically savvy filmmakers. Sudhir Mishra tops the list. Tigmanshu Dhulia follows close behind.

The manner in which Dhulia brings into foreplay the murky sleazy politics of Uttar Pradesh, is remarkable for the fusion of lies and truth with the borderline between the two extremes simply blurring.

Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster is an audacious tongue-in-cheek homage to Guru Dutt’s timeless classic Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. Don’t believe the director’s protestations to the contrary. Dhulia’s film even opens with an unabashed tribute to Guru Dutt’s film with skeletons being dug out during an excavation.

There onwards there are plenty of skeletons tumbling out of secret places in the Zamindar(Jimmy Sheirgill)’s bedroom and other workplaces,...

New Delhi, Sep 23: Producer Sunil Bohra is planning to hold a special screening of his new film 'Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster' for the family of late filmmaker Guru Dutt.

The film, releasing Sep 30, is inspired by the principal characters of Guru Dutt's 1962 film 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' and is a contemporary version on how the characters would behave in this era.

And Bohra is planning to screen the movie for Guru Dutt's sister Lalita Lajmi, her filmmaker-daughter Kalpana Lajmi, his cousin Shyam Benegal and son Arun Dutt.

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A film maker who painted each frame in his mind with the touch of perfection and then carved it out effortlessly in each scene of his film is Guru Dutt.Guru Dutt was not only a brilliant film director but also a successful producer and incredible actor. His films like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Chaudhvin Ka Chand are counted among the classic films in the Indian Film Industry. He was the first man in India to shoot in Cinemascope... Read More...

Breathe a sigh of relief. During a year when cacophonic crassness masquerading as comic entertainment has been sanctioned by critics and the masses, Guzaarish comes along to remind us that excellence of the highest order is alive and throbbing in our cinema.

Ironically this wonderful work of art, nuanced and magical in its portrayal of an unstoppable spirit's quest to juice life to its fullest, is about dying. If the journey towards death in art can be so mystically explored then let's embrace mortality as a stepping stone to immortality and a film about dying as a sign of cinema not dying on us. Not yet.

Only those who suffer the numbing pain of isolation would know what it feels like. Dilip Kumar in Devdas, Guru Dutt in Pyasa, Meena Kumari in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Nutan in Bandini communicated to the audience the indescribable pain of solitude.

Ethan,...

As you all know we are both lovers of all things Bollywood but there are classics and there are classics - but one film that has always touched a chord with us is Kamal Amrohi’s Pakeezah.

Hollywood had the likes of Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Marlene Dietrich – larger than life stars whose acting prowess and star power was superseded, enhanced and redefined by their melodramatic high-octane personal lives. For us the legendary Meena Kumari is on par from the Indian Film Industry.

From the child artist controlled by her father - who had initially left her in an orphanage at birth - to the superstar tragedienne in movies such as Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi, Dil Ek Mandir Hai, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Chandan Ka Palna, Aarti; Kaajal, and Main Chup Rahungi. Meena was an artist of stature and probably one of the first Bollywood female superstars who...

Ace cinematographer Vk Murthy will be presented the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for 2008 by President Pratibha Patil at the 56th National Film Awards function in Delhi on Friday. Murthy shot India’s first cinemascope (75mm) movie, Kaagaz Ke Phool. He was a part of filmmaker Guru Dutt’s team. His works includes films like Pyaasa and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. He has also worked with Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalini. ...

<div>Bollywood legends Guru Dutt, Nargis, Meena Kumari, Amitabh Bachchan and Pran have been named in the list of CNN's top 25 Asian actors of all time released ahead of the Oscar night Sunday.</div><div></div><div>With five actors listed, India tops the list featuring actors from India, China, Pakistan, Japan, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea.</div><div></div><div>'In the history of the Academy Awards, only two Asians have ever taken home a Best Actor or Actress statue (we don't count Ben Kingsley as true Asian),' said CNN announcing the list celebrating 'the top Asian legends of the silver screen.</div><div></div><div>'Yet Asia has produced incredibly talented thespians that have changed the course of their nation's cinematic history.'</div><div></div><div>Guru Dutt has been 'frequently compared to Orson Welles for directing and starring in films that ushered in a golden era of Hindi cinema. Because of his soulful acting, Guru Dutt's 'Pyaasa' and 'Kaagaz Ke...

Bollywood legends Guru Dutt, Nargis, Meena Kumari, Amitabh Bachchan and Pran have been named in the list of CNN's top 25 Asian actors of all time released ahead of the Oscar night Sunday.

With five actors listed, India tops the list featuring actors from India, China, Pakistan, Japan, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea.

"In the history of the Academy Awards, only two Asians have ever taken home a Best Actor or Actress statue (we don't count Ben Kingsley as true Asian)," said CNN announcing the list celebrating "the top Asian legends of the silver screen.

"Yet Asia has produced incredibly talented thespians that have changed the course of their nation's cinematic history."

Guru Dutt has been "frequently compared to Orson Welles for directing and starring in films that ushered in a golden era of Hindi cinema. Because of his soulful acting, Guru Dutt's 'Pyaasa' and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' are...

A retrospective of Bollywood legend Guru Dutt's evergreen classics like Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam and Pyaasa, is attracting huge response from film enthusiasts. The event, organised by the Indian mission in Israel in collaboration with the cinematheques of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, has become a success, especially with the first generation of Indian Jewish immigrants who have travelled from far off cities in the country to watch the films. "It is not easy for me to come from Be'ersheva for the screenings but I have been driving back and forth, sometimes late in the night, to ...

Abrar Alvi who passed away on Wednesday lived his life as Guru Dutt’s resident writer. Though he wrote some films outside Guru Dutt’s banner including 4 back-to-back Vyjanthimala starrers Suraj, Chotisi Mulaqat, Sungharsh and Saathi between 1966-68, his name remained associated with Guru Dutt for whom he directed the classic Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and wrote the dialogue and/or screenplay for Aar Paar, Mr and Mrs 55, Pyasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool and Chaudvin Ka Chand.

Gulzar Saab had a very interesting and strange and life-changing encounter with Abrar Alvi in 1968. “Abrar Ali Saab was the uncle.

Guru Dutt’s resident writer, Abrar Alvi, passed away on Wednesday due to a stomach disorder. His health went bad after he suffered from a paralytic attack four years ago.

Even though he has worked for other banners too, Alvi was best known for working with Guru Dutt. He directed Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and wrote dialogue/screenplay for Mr. and Mrs. 55, Pyaasa, Chaudvin Ka Chaand and Aar Paar.

On his demise, lyricist/writer Gulzar shared an incident about Alvi. He spoke about a time when he had to once re-write the screenplay and dialogue of a film written by Alvi on the film’s lead actor,.

In the first American retrospective of his work, Guru Dutt—an Indian actor, director, and producer from the golden age of Hindi cinema in the 1950s—will be honored at the New York Film Festival with a series entitled, "A Heart as Big as the World: The Films of Guru Dutt," beginning Wednesday, October 7th. This sidebar to the festival will feature movies Dutt directed, produced, and starred in, as well as a documentary called, "In Search of Guru Dutt."

Dutt was a matinee idol who became one of the greatest Hindi filmmakers in history. A luminary artist within the glitzy commercial industry of Bollywood, he is often called "the Orson Welles of India." He is revered in his home country and has a huge cult following among film buffs around the world. His masterpieces 'Pyaasa' ("Thirst," 1957) and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' ("Paper Flowers," 1959) were named among the 100 best...