Meeting The Giants In World Of Writing: My Precious Moments With Ruskin Bond And Gulzar
Ruskin Bond: From His Writings I Learnt The Art Of Writing Simply!
The world of writing is marred by strange twists and turns. It’s never easy for a writer, whether established or novice, to keep pace with time in an easy-going manner in world dominated by materialistic principles, which treats nurturing aesthetic pleasures as some sort of waste of time. When selling rose becomes more worthwhile task than to appreciate its scent, it’s quite certain that one would not gain much by falling in love with creative pursuits. I faced extremely tough conditions with humiliating episodes taking place quite frequently, but I always tried not to take them to heart, remembering that great writers of previous eras also received similar treatment. Pain and humiliation do not break a writer ( unless destiny has predestined such a fate) but make him gain more insights, not available to ordinary mortals. The other thing that really kept me going ahead with ease despite huge setbacks was constant support of extremely talented souls, who appeared at various stages of my life as friends and colleagues. Apart from them, I feel really privileged that I also got an opportunity to spent some precious moments with towering figures in world of literature. These very special moments still keep me spirited and cheerful in depressing times even as memories related with those meetings have been clouded by the affairs of time.
I met Ruskin Bond and Gulzar at a time when my bonhomie with the writing world was gaining depth. However, after meeting them, I became certain that being a writer was no crime! I always met people who stupidly asked me( and thereby revealing the actual worth of their grey cells) about my work sphere even as I told them that I write! ” It’s okay that you write but what work you do?” That’s the sort of queries which always chased me. Thank God such queries today neither appear nor they have any relevance left in my life. The sight of Gulzar and Ruskin had left me spellbound, although I had met them separately, but exhibition of feelings remained the same.
I became the fan of Ruskin Bond at the very moment when in one of the boring literature classes of my school, I first came to read his story “The Eyes Have It”. The intensity of emotions expressed in this story fascinated my young heart to great extent. Though my class teacher, the other school mates and the old-fashioned academic standards, compelled me to anticipate the story in a given way, I came to visualize many other things as I read this story. And that’s why I met Ruskin Bond not only as reader but also as a writer! It’s the writings of Ruskin which taught me that how you say is equally important as what you come to say! However, the greatest lesson Ruskin taught me was that great writing is simple writing! Never use bundle of complicated expressions, which make a reader be involved more in picking up a dictionary than being lost in the content of the post! It’s one of the reasons why I avoid reading Arundhati Roy unless I have to sleep early!
The impressions left by Ruskin can also be traced in my being!
Ruskin Bond, the Sahitya Akademi and Padma Shri awards winner, visited Allahabad, circa 2003. He had come here to attend promotional event organised by a leading publisher Rupa & Co. I wasn’t prepared for this meeting, but the moment I heard news of his arrival, I got prepared my manuscript related with my first unpublished anthology- The Petals Of Life. When I met him, I saw him surrounded by his well-wishers. I waited for my turn, and fortunately when my turn came he had some spare moments. He gave a fabulous smile when I introduced myself as a writer and informed him about my literary pursuits. When I handed him my poems, he seemed to be very pleased by this gesture. He patted my back and asked me to keep writing. Though he was tired but he still obliged me by giving me his autograph at number of places. Our conversations lasted for few minutes but the undercurrents still remain alive. And so I refuse to leave the company of pen!
Gulzar- the Oscar Award winner lyricist-also visited Allahabad, at the invitation of same publisher, during the same period. My meeting with him was once again a hurried affair than a pre-planned affair. When I reached the place where he was about to arrive after couple of hours, I was apprehensive about the meeting. However, call it my luck, despite presence of huge crowd, I created space for my meeting with this amazing man. It was hard for my eyes to acknowledge the fact that maker of landmark movies like Aandhi, Ijaazat, Kitaab, Parichay and Achanak, to name a few, was sitting right before my eyes. Like always, this time, too, he was clad in white kurta-pajama. And like always donned his lips a typical smile, which any Gulzar fan would easily recognize had he/she been noticing photographs of him quite sincerely. To be honest, I had not read enough literature penned by him but I had watched his movies and heard his songs with exceptional zeal and abnormal seriousness. And that’s why his “surrealism” permeated in my writings as well. Anyway, he remained seated in relaxed way. When I informed him about my credentials, his faced remained expressionless yet I noticed that he was pretty conscious! And as I finished saying what I had to say, he gave a very deep look at me. A stare that refused to leave me and became part of my being. I left the space after spending couple of minutes with him but as I came out of that place and headed towards my home these particular line from this immortal song “Aknhon Mein Humne Aapke” kept appearing and disappearing within mind’s chamber-
“नज़रे उठाई आपने तो वक्त रुक गया
ठहरे हुए पलो में जमाने बिताये है “
- When you looked at me, the time stopped
And in those moments I came to live many lives.
Many thanks to these gentlemen who appeared at a very important juncture in my life. I needed some genuine encouragement and their generosity in display of emotions proved to be a tonic for my spirit chased by uncertainties. The uncertainties remain the same but my spirit attained the required evolution and so my writings. And so I am still writing! Pervert critics remain the same and situation remains hopeless like always and yet I am above all these negative concerns. A proof that meeting such enlightened gentlemen did not go in vain.
Gulzar: I still remember that I met you!
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Excerpts from the story ” The Eyes Have It” :
“I wondered if I would be able to prevent her from discovering that I was blind. Provided I keep to my seat, I thought, it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“The man who had entered the compartment broke into my reverie.
‘You must be dissapointed,’ he said. ‘I’m not nearly as attractive a traveling companion as the one who just left.’
‘She was an interesting girl,’ I said. ‘Can you tell me – did she keep her hair long or short?’
‘I don’t remember,’ he said, sounding puzzled. ‘It was her eyes I noticed, not her hair. She had beautiful eyes – but they were of no use to her. She was completely blind. Didn’t you notice?’”
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Song: Ankhon Mein Humne Aapke..
Movie: Thodi Si Bewafai
Singers: Lata and Kishore
Lyricist: Gulzar
Music: Khayyam
Gulzar: That’s The Way He Smiles!
Reference:
Penguin’s List Of Books Written By Ruskin Bond
Pics Credit:
Shyam Benegal: A Filmmaker Of Substance
Shyam Benegal: The director who defied stereotypes!
(The article was first published in Dash Magazine, New Delhi, October, 2007)
Shyam Benegal has dared to enrich cinematic landscape by making movies loaded with radical ideas. For example, in his movie Ankur he was successful in giving the impression that it’s not impossible to to turn the tables in society dominated by feudalistic perceptions. The movie successfully portrayed that awakening among the common people would alone bring revolutionary changes. His movies mainly centered around social and political dilemmas. His movie Manthan, which went on to win National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 1977 was based on White Revolution of India (Operation Flood). Interestingly, the story was penned by none other than Dr. Verghese Kurien, hailed as the Father of the White Revolution in India.
One can notice that Shyam Benegal was a sensitive filmmaker moved by the plight of the underprivileged. His movies dealt with the power of common man and his ability to emerge successful in society governed by anti-human tendencies. In movie Manthan we find that poor farmers in Gujarat, learn to rise above individualistic tendencies to form the Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union. The film highlights the impact of caste-politics found in Indian villages.
Smita Patil In Bhumika!
This maker of New or Alternate Cinema chose to flirt with complex themes in a masterly way. His movie Bhumika dealt with trials and tribulations of a woman in search of suitable place for herself in society dotted with so many prejudices. Smita Patil once again played her part perfectly to highlight the various shades of Usha, the movie actress in love with various men, even with a married person much older than her age! One of the best things about Shyam Benegal is that he not only explores bold themes but also at the same time keeps experimenting with the style which sometimes makes us remind of Satyajit Ray. Nishant, Mandi and Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1993) prove that point quite well. Interestingly, Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda is a novel penned by well known Hindi writer Dharmavir Bharati, who hailed from Allahabad.
As a matter of fact, he tried to force viewers to don the thinking cap by bringing to the fore various shades of problems plaguing the society. He helped many actors, including Smita Patil and Naseruddin Shah, to name a few, to carve a niche for themselves in the world of realistic cinema. However, having said that, let me state that directors of Parallel cinema are responsible for failing to interpret the mood of viewers with the changing times. Though it’s an uphill task to project complex themes in lighter vein, the art to present complex themes in a palatable way has to be learnt by the movie-makers. This has been learnt quite well by directors like Shekhar Kapoor and Kundan Shah but most of them have struggled to give way to flexibility.
It’s a harsh reality that satellite channels and Doordarshan have been held hostage to a variety of cheap entertainment- all in the name of catering to the taste of new generation. To bring a change, it’s necessary that art filmmakers learn to blend their serious themes with interesting styles. Needles to state that Shyam Benegal has the capacity to set a good precedent in this regard as well.
A Movie Based On Novel Of The Same Name Written By A Writer From Allahabad!
Suggested Reading:
Shyam Benegal: http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/index.html
Pics Credit:
In Conversation With A Great Writer: Discussion On Impact Of Movies With Sunanda K.Datta-Ray
Sunanda K.Datta-Ray: One of the writers who impressed me!
The Indian cinema would complete 100 years of its glorious existence this year. It’s a fitting occasion to discuss the impact of movies on average cinema-goers. The Indian movies have always created deep impact in shaping the psyche of a large section of people. Sometimes back I had an interesting discussion with Sunanda K.Datta-Ray-the Editor of The Statesman (Calcutta and New Delhi) and contributor for the International Herald Tribune and Time Magazine- about the impact of movies. In fact, he was so impressed with my views that he asked me as to why I did not send it to The Telegraph ( Kolkata Edition) for publication for whom I was a regular letter contributor in those days. The discussion is of paramount importance in wake of centenary milestone achieved by the Indian cinema this year.
The discussion, which took place in year 2006, was centered around movie Lage Raho Munna Bhai, directed by Rajkumar Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The character played by Sanjay Dutt in this movie had the capability to interact with spirit of Gandhiji. The movie turned out to be a blockbuster besides restoring the faith of common people in simple gestures conveying heartfelt emotions. What an irony that the actor who taught us Gandhigiri is now about to face imprisonment after being convicted in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case!
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My Viewpoint:
This has reference to the article” Following Fashion“ published in The Telegraph (Oct.07,2006). Though Lage Raho Munnabhai, due to pompous and pretentious treatment of its theme does no justice to Gandhian ideology, it can be safely stated that such movies come to stir the hearts and minds of an average person. After all, parallel cinema with complex presentation fails to strike a chord with man on street. What’s important is that inherent message must reach to the masses.
No doubt, well made commercial movies do not respect sense of proportion yet they leave an indelible impression on inert souls. Vidhu Vinod Chopra should be complimented for defying stereotypes with interesting version of serious issue, which provoke us to do some soul-searching. Regarding Gandhism it can be safely stated that the country which has not been able to showcase Gandhi’s ideals in real perspective does not deserve the right to probe their utility in such a casual manner. It’s better that we learn to anticipate Gandhism with the right bent of mindset instead of mirroring it in our prejudices.
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I too interacted with him at the Global Village 
Viewpoint of Sunanda K. Datta-Ray:
Thank you for your message. I greatly appreciate your comment but wish you had sent it instead to The Telegraph for publication so that there could have been a wider discussion. Such examination and analysis are necessary. No one could be happier than I if the film do have the effect you mention. My fear is that while no one will actually act on the principle of the dharna outside the Lucky’s house, lots of people will repeat catch phrases and that Gandhigiri will be exploited in many commercial ways. My internet already has a pop up about Shabana Azmi practicing Gandhigiri years ago!
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About Sunanda K. Datta-Ray:
Sunanda K. Datta-Ray has been a leading Indian newspaperman and journalist for half a century. He has been Editor of The Statesman (Calcutta and New Delhi) and has also written for the International Herald Tribune and Time Magazine. He was Editor-in-Residence at the East-West Center in Honolulu. He was Editorial Consultant to Singapore’s The Straits Times newspaper. Datta-Ray also worked in Singapore in the mid-1970s with S.R. Nathan. After The Straits Times, Datta-Ray was a supernumerary fellow ofCorpus Christi College, Oxford.
Datta-Ray returned to Singapore in 2007 to work on book with Lee Kuan Yew at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies[7] based on a series of one-on-one conversations and a host of classified documents. The book was published in 2009 as Looking East to Look West: Lee Kuan Yew’s Mission India and won that year’s Vodafone Crossword Book Award.
Source: Wikipedia
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Suggested Reading:
Sunanda K. Datta-Ray: Following Fashion- An Article Published In The Telegraph, October 07, 2006.
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The movie that introduced Gandhigiri!
Pics Credit:
Celebrating Holi, The Festival Of Colours, In League With Poetry Session and Comedy Session!
Colours Fascinate Everybody
The people having rendezvous with colours of Holi are in festive mood today. I don’t wish to act as spoilsport by making readers ponder over serious issues. I remember good old days of Doordarshan, when on the eve of Holi, it used to telecast late night poetry sessions, wherein poets, belonging to various parts of country, read their fun-filled poems. It’s really sad that glorious traditions have given way to cheap thrills on Doordarshan.
Though I am not going to present fun-filled poem, it (the poem) nevertheless speaks about the festival of Holi. It sheds light on distortions that have hit the festival of Holi. This Hindi poem addresses the disturbing scenario, which prevent the masses from embracing the festive mood in right spirit. It makes chilling disclosure that people in cities and villages have given way to dangerous disputes involving bloodshed. How can these people in grip of limited perceptions would ever be able to enjoy the prevailing festive fervour? That’s the essence of this Hindi poem penned by Dr. Ganga Prasad Sharma” Gunashekhara”. He hails from Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. I also need to thank SC Mudgal, New Delhi, a friend on one of the social networking sites, for making me read this poem.
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तारकोल, कीचड़ सने, चेहरे रूप-कुरूप.
होली में सब एक-से, रंक, भिखारी, भूप..
होली खूनी हो गई,रक्त सने हैं पाँव.
कान्हा अब आना नहीं, लौट के अपने गाँव..
होली खूनी हो गई,रक्त सने हैं पाँव.
कान्हा अब आना नहीं, लौट के अपने गाँव..
कैसा हो यदि होलिका, सींचे जीवन- आस.
रंग-बिरंगे रूप, ले मह-मह करे मिठास..
गदराए गेहूँ खड़े , बौराए-से आम.
होली ने सब को दिए,मन-मन भर के काम..
सरसों,तीसी,चना हो,या गेहूँ के खेत.
मस्ती में लहरा उठे, होली आते देख..
जिसमें अपनापन नहीं,नहीं नेह का लेश.
ऐसे घटने से रहा ,बैर भाव या द्वेष ..
होली में फागुन फिरे, धर बासंती वेश.
पावन पाती प्रेम की, बाँटे देश- विदेश..
फागुन की मादक हवा, उन्मादक परिवेश.
खिले गुलाबी रंग -से, केशरिया गणवेश..
बँसवारी, अमराइयाँ ,ऐसी लुटीं अशेष.
फागुन वापस जा रहा, ले अपना संदेश.
-Dr. Ganga Prasad Sharma” Gunashekhara”
Once Upon A Time..
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And yes, now it’s time to laugh. Enjoy two comedy clips from two different movies. Enjoy this “Mahabharata Episode” from Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, which is a landmark movie in the genre belonging to comedy. The high standards which it came to set have until now remain unsurpassed. The “Mahabharata Episode” is such a hilarious episode in the movie that it never fails to give rise to maddening laughter. I have watched it umpteen times, but even then when I watch it for one more time I am but all smiles. For non-Hindi readers let me apprise them of the plot of this episode. It’s all about possession of dead body which due to a blunder on part of the people, originally in possession of body, got trapped in live drama show, impersonating the lady who was about to play that role. This dead body is most sought-after object by various rival groups.
The bizarre methods employed by these rival groups to get hold of this dead body, right in the middle of the live show, based on a mythological theme, is terribly rib-tickling. After all, the actors in the play thought that this lady character belonged to their group, but which in reality was a dead body in hot demand among the dangerous rival groups.They trespass the ongoing drama, as new characters, and then there is huge confusion as they come into conflict with the original characters of the play. For me this movie brings back the memories of days when Doordarshan was darling of the masses.
The Mahabharata Episode From Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro
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This second comedy clip is from movie” Pyar Kiye Jaa”. Two legendary actors, Om Prakash and Mehmood, have touched the pinnacle while dealing with shades of comedy. That’s comedy at its best. Neat and clean comedy with no impressions of double-meaning dialogues and cheap gestures. In this scene Mehmood, appearing as wannabe movie producer in the movie, is narrating the elements involved in making of his forthcoming horror movie to Om Prakash. Just notice the expressions on faces of both the actors as they remain deeply involved in act of mutual conversation.
The Comedy Clip From Pyar Kiye Jaa
Pics Credit:
Yash Chopra: A Filmmaker In Love With Illicit Relationships And Flawed Romance
Yash Chopra: The Filmmaker Interested In Flawed Romance
I have never been die hard fan of Yash Chopra’s movies. His romantic angles mired in illicit relationship always left me appalled. He was a noted filmmaker having Midas touch for conceiving interesting themes, hinging around three people in one single relationship, either due to providence or chance. His penchant for such complex relationships, on par with illicit love affairs, could be gauged from the fact that barring his early years of film making when he made gems like Waqt, Dharamputra, Ittefaq, Mashaal, Trishul, Deewar and Kala Patthar, nearly all his movies in later years depicted adultery in one or other form. It can be safely opined that his movies, both explicitly and implicitly, promoted illegal relationships. That’s pretty unfortunate as filmmaker of his caliber should have been more sensible in application of his mind.
He had the brilliant ability to present romance with all its elements in grand style. The grandeur and colourful imagery noticeable in his movies takes away our breath. It’s true that average cine-goer likes to flirt with unfulfilled dreams and wishes as he/she enters inside the theater, and tries to dissolve the harsh realities in the silken world appearing and disappearing on the silver screen. Any average filmmaker is not very much interested in exposing his viewers to shades of realism. Yash Chopra understood this well and so in his movies we have characters, borrowed straight from Mills and Boon novels, flirting with their ladies against scenic backdrop. No wonder Swiss government honoured Yash Chopra for promoting tourism in Switzerland!
To make his romance stories gain some substance, he was but compelled to fall in the arms of “illicit relationship” so as to provide some shock value to his films. However, he lacked the ability to seriously contemplate over any issue, which demanded deep attention, but in the same genre his brother B R Chopra exhibited the art of serious presentation in an effortless manner. That’s why B R Chopra’s “Gumrah”, having adultery as central theme, depicted the conflict emanating out of such relationship quite well. Yash Chopra’s movies based on the same plot stand nowhere to pathos exhibited in Gumrah. Yash was more governed by the desire to emerge as a successful director in the genre of popular cinema despite being person of immense capabilities. He was a pure entertainer, who used “arrival of third person” as perfect masala element to make his movies mint money. That’s why we cannot contrast him with likes of Raj Kapoor. He failed to attain the stature of Raj Kapoor, who was also governed by the desire to emerge as great entertainer but with a difference: Raj’s sensitivity always managed to find a suitable cause, which under his brilliant directorial treatment ripped apart our emotions. In fact, lot is said about depiction of grandeur/ style in his movies but Gulshan Rai and Feroz Khan stand miles ahead of him even in this department.
Now That’s Called Candyfloss Romance!
Let’s take into cognizance “illicit relationship” – a dominant feature of his movies. He should not have roped in this angle unless he had enough reasons to substantiate his viewpoint. For instance, let’s take “Darr” promoted as a violent love story. What was Yash Chopra trying to demonstrate? That Sunny Deol (husband) has to be equally cunning, powerful and mad like Shah Rukh Khan (lover) to save his wife from the shrewd moves. The greatest irony is that evil gets checkmated by good doesn’t sound convincing in the end when evil enjoys the upper hand, dancing with some else’s beloved for most of the time. One of the salient features of movies made by Yash Raj Films has been that one has to be shrewd and street smart to emerge as a winner. Idealism is of little use in world dominated by market-oriented world, wherein end justifies the means. That’s the guiding principle of protagonists appearing in “Trishul” and “Deewar”. Aditya Chopra’s “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” highlights the same trait. The protagonist even as he is reluctant to run away with his beloved, enters into ridiculousness and pathetic gestures to woo his would be wife. The success of this movie is remark on the declining standards of a viewer’s approach towards cinema.
That’s the aberration which marred the movies churned out by Yash Raj Films. The movies having candyfloss flavour, embedded in synthetic sentiments, depicted a section of society, which barely depicted the real face of India. For instance, Salaam Namaste was entirely shot in Australia, talked about reunion of two lovers, caught in problems born out of “laid-back lifestyle”. Hum Tum, Mohabbatein, Dil To Pagal Hai and etc. turned out be old wine in new bottle. Even patriotic perceptions were effectively used in ”Chak De India” to keep the cash box ringing. The point is that Yash Chopra and his successors have realized this pretty well that market forces and not the theme of the movie, which ensures success or failure. The global world, which made the boundaries meaningless, opened new markets, and, therefore, themes also got focused on people who sustained these markets. Both Bollywood and Hollywood rely on stereotyped emotions to make their movies emerge as blockbuster. So scenic landscape, stunning faces, big cars and pulsating music became the essential ingredients of romantic movies be its made by Yash Chopra or anyone else from Hollywood.
Some might find it unpalatable, and unbearable as well, to treat his movies as promoter of illegal relationships. However, it’s not a misplaced belief when one becomes aware of the fact that cinema, life and society are intimately linked to each other. Chandni, Dhool Ka Phool, Kabhi Kabhi, Silsila, Doosra Aadmi, Darr, Faasle, Lamhe, Daag, Aaina, Yeh Dillagi and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan to name a few, more or less, had controversial themes, wherein secret lover or illicit relationship added a complex twist to the story line. It’s a cliche to state that cinema borrows its concept from society. The ultimate truth is that it borrows the clues from society, exaggerates them, turning them into saleable scripts and, in the process, creates scope for more distorted themes. In a combined research conducted by the ” American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the National Institute of Mental Health” to establish the negative impact of movies on youths in USA, it was clearly established that “just as every cigarette increases the chance that someday you will get lung cancer, every exposure to violence increases the chances that some day a child will behave more violently than they otherwise would.”
The point is when you are genuinely depicting the harsh realities of life, be it centered on illegal relationship, it adds a new dimension in your understanding but when you use such themes to carve unrealistic presentation, merely to ensure commercial success, it’s altogether a different story. Yash Chopra was more conscious of commercial success then ensuring a perfect treatment to a substantial story line. Ironically, Mahesh Bhatt also used illicit relationship as effective plot but he ensured that he remained close to the real life. Anyway, Yash Chopra makes me realize that attaining success is different thing than doing good work which makes difference in lives of people. He got success by promoting flawed romance, which served no greater cause other than ensuring flow of money.
Illicit Relationship Looked More Charming In His Movies
Reference:
Pic Credits:
यश चोपड़ा: अवैध सम्बन्धो को प्रमोट करती इनकी भव्यतापूर्ण सफल रोमांटिक फिल्मे
यश चोपड़ा: गलत “लम्हों” के सौदागर
यश चोपड़ा की फिल्मे मुझे कभी न रास आई।इनको रोमांटिक फिल्मो का बेताज बादशाह माना जाता रहा है। रूमानियत को एक सुनहरे कैनवास पर पूरे तामझाम के साथ उतारना इन्हें खूब आता था।ये सही है कि एक औसत दर्शक सिनेमा में असल जीवन की छाप देखने नहीं जाता बल्कि अपने अधूरे सपनो को परदे पे अवतरित होते हुए देखने जैसा अनुभव बटोरने के लिए जाता है। और दर्शको की इसी कमजोरी को यश चोपड़ा ने अच्छी तरह समझा और उसकी शानदार प्रस्तुति की। लेकिन मुझे लगता है यही पे यश चोपड़ा मात खा गये। इतना समर्थ फ़िल्ममेकर सिर्फ दर्शको की चाह पूरी करने के लिए और वक़्त के साथ चलने की धुन में बेहतरीन सिनेमा बनाने से रह गया। यश चोपड़ा की कुछ एक फिल्मे जैसे वक़्त, धर्मपुत्र, इत्तेफ़ाक, त्रिशूल, दीवार, काला पत्थर, मशाल और एक दो कुछ और फिल्मे छोड़ दे तो उनके सारी फिल्मे प्रेम त्रिकोण या कुछ कुछ अवैध संबंधो जैसे टाइप की थीम पर बनी है। मै यश चोपड़ा के इसी “तीसरा कौन” रूख पर आलोचनात्मक दृष्टि डालना चाहूँगा। “इत्तेफाक ” भी लगभग अवैध संबंधो पर है लेकिन मै इसको एक सुंदर मर्डर मिस्ट्री मानता हूँ। राजेश खन्ना ने जितने शेड्स इस फ़िल्म में दिखायें है सहज रूप से मुझे नहीं लगता कि आगे की फिल्मो में वे वैसा कर पाए। यहाँ तक कि नंदा ने भी नई ऊँचाइयों को छुआ जो कि ज्यादातर ग्लैमरस गर्ल ही रही है।
अब आते है “तीसरा कौन” के थीम पर। मुझे ये एंगल ही बहुत घिनौना लगता है फिर इस पर बनी फिल्मे देखना और इनसे उभरी सोच को आत्मसात करना तो मेरे लिए बहुत दुष्कर कार्य है। खेद की बात है यश चोपड़ा ने ऐसी विकृत एंगल को बढ़ावा दिया। इस प्रोडक्शन हाउस में बनी फिल्मे अधिकतर कही न कही विकृति को ग्लोरिफाय करती मिलेंगी। बात ये है कि यश चोपड़ा के पास किसी मुद्दे की गंभीर समझ नहीं थी जैसी बी आर चोपड़ा के पास थी। इसलिए बी आर चोपड़ा की एक अकेली “गुमराह” यश चोपड़ा की इसी विषय पर बनी दर्जनों बेकार फिल्मो से बेहतर है। यशजी के पास संवेदनशीलता का अभाव था इसीलिए राज कपूर से बहुत पीछे रह गए। भला हो साहिर साहब का कि इनके फिल्मो के लिए इतने दिल को छु लेने वाले गीत लिख गए। इनके फ़िल्म में स्टाईल का बड़ा बोलबाला था पर यहाँ भी ये फिरोज़ खान ने हमको ये बेहतर सिखाया कि स्टाईल एलिमेन्ट का कैसे इस्तेमाल करना चाहिए। यश साहब के पास बस दर्शको को बांधे रखने की कला थी भव्यता और मधुर संगीत का आवरण ओढे बेकार सी विषयवस्तु वाली थीम के साथ।
ये कहना गलत नहीं होगा कि अवैध संबंधो को जस्टिफाय और ग्लोरिफाय या विकृति को बढ़ावा देने में इस प्रोडक्शन हाउस की फिल्मे प्रत्यक्ष या अप्रत्यक्ष रूप से जिम्मेदार है।आप नब्बे के दशक में आई “डर” देखिये। दर्शको को इससें कुछ लेना देना नहीं था कि अंत में सनी दयोल शाहरुख के किरदार पर फाईट सीन में हावी होकर उभरता है। इस फ़िल्म का सन्देश वस्तुत: इस बात को हाईलाइट करता था कि किसी भी सभ्य औरत के ज़िन्दगी में घुस कर उसे परेशान कर सकते है। अब आप सनी दयोल बन कर रोक सकते है तो रोकिये नहीं तो आपका घर तबाह। और बिडम्बना देखिये कि इस विकृति सम्पन्न हीरो को कितना रोमांटिक दिखाया गया है। तो ये थी यश साहब की काबिलियत। आगे यश साहब ने फिल्मे तो नहीं डाइरेक्ट की लेकिन आदित्य चोपड़ा और अन्य नए निर्देशकों ने इनके बैनर तले फूहड़ पर कामयाब फिल्मे बनायी। “दिल वाले दुल्हनिया ले जायेंगे” की अपार सफलता इस बात का प्रमाण है कि दर्शको को घटिया फिल्मो में भी मायने ढूँढने का चस्का लग चुका था। रास्ते कितने भी घटिया हो पर अगर वो मंजिल तक पहुचाते है तो ठीक है। एक आदर्शवादी बाप को चालाक और धूर्त नायक के आगे झुकना पड़ सकता है और कमाल है ये सब उसने प्रेम के लिए किया, ये इसलिए किया कि भगाना उसे पसंद नहीं था और इसलिए झूठ बोलकर घर में नौटंकी करना जरूरी था। दर्शको का टेस्ट और स्तर कितना गिर गया है वो हमे इन फिल्मो की सफलता से पता चलता है।
रास्ते अपवाद स्वरूप गलत हो सकते है लेकिन सिर्फ धूर्तता और मक्कारी से कामयाबी सुनिश्चित होती अगर लोगो ने इस बात को स्वीकार कर लिया है तो निश्चित ही भारतीय समाज पतन के रास्ते पर है। भारतीय समाज इस बात को समझे या न समझे लेकिन इस प्रोडक्शन हाउस ने समय की नब्ज को पकड़ा कि अब मार्केट से फिल्मो का सीधा कनेक्शन है मूल्य या आदर्श गए तेल लेने। इसलिए इस बैनर ने तमाम बौड़म फिल्मे बनायीं ओवरसीज मार्केट को ध्यान में रखकर जैसे “हम तुम” , “सलाम नमस्ते”, तथाकथित राष्ट्रीयता का तड़का लिए “चक दे इंडिया” इत्यादि। कुल मिला के भव्यता और दर्शकोको बांधे रखने की कला ने ऐसी फिल्मो को जन्म दिया जिनका यथार्थ से कुछ लेना देना नहीं। इनकी फिल्मे उस क्लास के लिए ज्यादा थी जिनके दिमाग में लगभग भूसा भरा हो और साथ में पेट से भी टंच हो। इनकी बाद की फिल्मो का सामजिक मूल्य कुछ नहीं सिर्फ आत्मकेंद्रित किरदारों का ये बताना कि “बैटल फॉर सर्वाइवल” में धूर्तता और मक्कारी बहुत जरूरी है। हो सकता है “तीसरा कौन” आपके जीवन का थीम बन जाए पर इस दर्द को जिस जेन्युइन दर्द और एहसास के साथ आप महेश भट्ट की फिल्मो या अन्य कला फिल्मो के निर्देशकों में पाते है उनसे शायद यश साहब की फिल्मे कोसो दूर थी। और साथ में दूर थे यश साहब के फिल्मो के शौक़ीन दर्शक वर्ग जो दूर तक सोचने को गुनाह मानते थे। चलते चलते सिर्फ मै ये कहूँगा कि यश चोपड़ा एक कामयाब फ़िल्म निर्देशक थें पर अच्छे नहीं। यश साहब को देखकर ये समझ में आता है कि कामयाब होना मतलब अच्छा ही हो ऐसा नहीं होता।
घृणा, लहू, और नौटंकी में डूबा रोमांस
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गाली गलौज से भारतीयों का बड़ा याराना है, इन्हें न देने वाला चू*यम सल्फेट है!
अश्लील शब्द तकिया कलाम का रूप हासिल कर चुके है
मन दुखी हो जाता है जब मै भारतीयों को जरा जरा सी बात पे बार बार गाली गलौज करते हुए देखता हूँ। जो बात हम सभ्य तरीकें से कह सकते है उसको गालीनुमा अंदाज़ में कहने के हम आदि हो गए है। मंत्र की तरह हम इनका उच्चारण करते है। समझ में नहीं आता कि इस अंदाज़ में बात करने से क्या मिलता है। हमारी तरफ से कोई विरोध भी नहीं होता और हम सिर्फ मुस्कुरा कर रह जाते है क्योकि इनको बोलना सुनना हमारी नैसर्गिक आदतों में शामिल हो गया है। जिस्म में ये हमारे लहू बन के बहती है। गाली देने का प्रचलन सिर्फ हमारे ही देश में हो ऐसा नहीं है। कुछ गालिया ग्लोबल है। इन्हें हम गर्व के साथ बोलते है और अगर अंग्रेजी में कुछ हम गालिया दे तो हम एक माडर्न आत्मा बन के उभरते है।
दिल्ली या मुंबई के सडको पर या इन बड़े शहरों के बसों या ऑटो में सफ़र कर के देखिये आपको लोग बात बात पे गरियाते मिलेंगे और ऐसे अश्लील शब्द तकिया कलाम का रूप हासिल कर चुके है। ऐसा नहीं कि ये किसी वर्ग विशेष तक शामिल है। हर तबके के लोग शामिल है जिसमे महिलाओं से लेकर स्कूली बच्चे तक शामिल है। आप कही जा रहे हो सड़क पर आराम से और अन्जाने में ही आप कुछ अनचाहा कर बैठे तो लीजिये शुरू हो गई गालीं की बौछार। इलाहाबाद जैसे शहर में भी कुछ ख़ास फर्क नहीं मेट्रो संस्कृति से अगर हम गाली गलौज के एवरग्रीन माहौल को ध्यान में रखते हुए तुलना करे तो। यहाँ भी चाहे वकील हो या कोई रिक्शेवाला आपको बड़े अदब से गरियाते हुए मिलेंगे। पता नहीं किस ज़माने से गाली गलौज करना मर्दानगी या आधुनिक होने का पर्याय हो गया।
शायद यही वजह है कि युवा वर्ग में लोकप्रिय आमिर खान को कोई संकोच नहीं होता है गाली को गीत में बदलने का। कुछ बुद्धिजीवी होने का भ्रम पाल उठे फिल्मकार जैसे अनुराग कश्यप सीना ठोककर गाली के समर्थन में उतर आते है जैसे गाली दाल में नमक हो गई हो। “लोगों को एक ही तरह का सिनेमा देखने की आदत पड़ गई है. इसलिए जब वो इस तरह की हिंसा या गालियों को देखते हैं तो घबरा जाते हैं. कई बार तो वो इसलिए नहीं घबराते कि वो गालियां नहीं सुन सकते, बल्कि उन्हें ये चिंता रहती है कि दूसरों पर क्या असर पड़ेगा. मुझे लगता है खुद के लिए अगर इंसान जिम्मेदार रहे तो गालियां इतनी बुरी नहीं लगेंगी.” (अनुराग कश्यप बीबीसी से एक मुलाकात के दौरान) शेखर कपूर की फ़िल्म “बैंडिट क्वीन” में फूलन देवी के चरित्र का गाली देना बिल्कुल नहीं अखरता क्योकि उसके साथ अन्याय हुआ है पर रानी मुखर्जी जब बड़े स्टाईल से “नो वन किल्ड जेस्सिका”में गाली का इस्तेमाल करती है तो क्या सन्देश गया? यही कि महिला पत्रकार अंग्रेजी की जब गाली देती है तो वो उसके प्रोग्रेसिव और बोल्ड चरित्र की पहचान है। मर्दों को सन्देश है कि कमीनेपन में हम भी आपके समकक्ष खड़े है। पुलिसवाले जिनको गाली देने का लाइसेन्स मिला हुआ है, मै उम्मीद करता था कि महिलाओ के आगमन से कुछ माहौल बदलेगा पर ऐसा कुछ नहीं हुआ। वे वैसे ही सहज भाव से गाली देती है जैसे कोई मर्द खाकीवाला।
आप सब खुद सोचे जब आप गाली देकर किसी के आत्मा को दुखी कर रहे होते है तो आप को क्या हासिल हो रहा होता है? ये किस समाज का लक्षण है कि जहा पे आप अपने दुखो और असफलता को सही शब्दों में ना व्यक्त कर पाए और आप को सूअर,कुत्तो, गधो या महिला यौन अंगो से सुसज्जित विकृत शब्द समूह का सहारा लेना पड़े?
अंग्रेजी में कुछ हम गालिया दे तो हम एक माडर्न आत्मा बन के उभरते है।
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शैलेन्द्र: मायावी जगत को अर्थ देने वाला एक बेहतरीन गीतकार
सिगरेट का कश लेते शैलेन्द्र अपने मीत राजकपूर के साथ!
फ़िल्म का चलना या ना चलना एक अलग मसला होता है. मूल बात ये थी कि फ़िल्म वास्तव में कैसी बनी थी. तो तीसरी कसम वाकई अच्छी बनी थी. लेकिन ये बात जरूर है कि इस फ़िल्म ने शैलेन्द्र को ये बता दिया कि फ़िल्म जगत उन जैसे सीधे अच्छे लोगो के लिए कभी नहीं बना था. इस फ़िल्म ने उनके करीब के लोगो के चेहरे से मुखौटे को हटा दिया. शैलेन्द्र के नजदीकी लोगो की बात पढ़िए आपको पता चलेगा कि किसी ने शैलेन्द्र के लिए मुफ्त काम नहीं किया. सब ने पैसे लिए. दूसरी बात मै इस बात से इत्तेफाक नहीं रखता कि राजकपूर ने हीरामन के किरदार के साथ न्याय किया. वो इस वजह से कि राजकपूर जिस परिवेश में ढले थें, उनकी अरबन इंस्टिंकट्स (urban instincts) बहुत बड़ी बाधक थी इस किरदार की जरूरतों के साथ. ये शैलेन्द्र की सबसे बड़ी गलती थी राजकपूर को इस रोल के लिए चुनना.
ये अलग बात थी राजकपूर एक अच्छे अभिनेता थे. सो उन्होंने भरसक कोशिश कि अपना सर्वोत्तम देने कि लेकिन आप इतने बड़े मिसमैच को कैसे पाट सकते थे. सो आप ध्यान से देखे राजकपूर को इस फ़िल्म में आपको उनके अभिनय में नाटकीयता जरूर दिखेगी. तो मेरी नजरो में ये एक बड़ी गलती थी शैलेन्द्र कि जो राजकपूर को उन्होंने लिया. इस बात पे गौर करना आवश्यक है कि मुम्बईया सिने जगत में ग्रामीण जगत को या भारत के गाँवों को कभी भी यथार्थ स्वरूप में परदे पे लाने की कोशिश नहीं की गयी. सब में गाँव के नाम पर मसाला तत्त्व डाला गया. जैसा मिसमैच राजकपूर का तीसरी कसम में था वैसे ही नर्गिस का मदर इंडिया में था. ये अलग बात है दोनों अच्छे कलाकारों ने जान डाला अपने अभिनय से पर वास्तविकता से तो दूर ही था ना.
तीसरी कसम: भारतीय फ़िल्म इतिहास में मील का पत्थर
खैर बात तीसरी कसम की हो रही है. तीसरी कसम और साहब बीवी और गुलाम दोनों फिल्मे साहित्यिक कृतियों पर बनी है. तीसरी कसम फणीश्वरनाथ रेणु की कहानी “मारे गए गुलफाम” और साहब बीवी और ग़ुलाम बिमल मित्र के इसी नाम के उपन्यास पर बनी थी. एक तो हमारे हिंदी फ़िल्म जगत में साहित्यिक कृतियों पर फिल्मे बनाने का चलन नहीं और बनती भी है तो मूल कृति के साथ न्याय नहीं करती. सो दोनों फिल्मो का कृति के साथ लगभग पूरा सा न्याय करना बहुत संतोष प्रदान करते है. हा मेरे जैसे जाहिल जो मूल कृति को पढ़ कर फ़िल्म देखने की भूल कर बैठते है वो ये हमेशा जानते रहते है कि पढने में कृति के बहुत से पक्ष उभर कर आते है. परदे पर मामला बहुत सीमित हो जाता है. पर तीसरी कसम, गाइड, साहब बीवी और ग़ुलाम, परिणीता, काबुलीवाला कुछ एक ऐसी फिल्मे रही जिन्होंने मूल कृति के साथ बहुत अत्याचार नहीं किया.
चलते चलते शैलेन्द्र के बारे में कुछ कहना बहुत जरूरी है. शैलेन्द्र जैसा बेहतरीन इंसान फिल्मो की दुनिया में आने की गलती कर बैठा पर इनकी इसी गलती की वजह से हमे इतने अच्छे गीत सुनने को मिले. मेरे ये सबसे पसंदीदा गीतकार है और इनका कोई भी गीत चाहे वो “टूटे हुए ख्वाबो नें” या “दुनिया बनाने वाले क्या तेरे मन में समाई” या “तेरे मेरे सपने अब एक रंग है” आपको एक दूसरी दुनिया में ले जाता है. पर रूहानी ख़ूबसूरती से लैस इस बेहद नाजुक मिजाज इंसान को तीसरी कसम के बनने के दौरान पैदा हुई कडुवी सच्चाइयो ने आखिरकार इनको विशाल अजगर की तरह नील लिया. पैसा ही खुदा है या पैसा ही ईश्वर है इस दुनिया का इनके नाजुक ह्रदय पर गहरा आघात कर गया. फिर भी दुनिया शैलेन्द्र जैसे सुंदर आत्माओ की वजह से अस्तित्व में रहती है, दुनिया रहने के काबिल बनी रह पाती है. श्वेत श्याम सी जिंदगी में रंग भरने वाले शैलेन्द्र ( August 30, 1923 – December 14, 1966 ) को मेरी तरफ से विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि.
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Rajesh Khanna: The Earthly Superstar Who Now Became A Star In The Sky
Anand Never Dies!
The passing away of Rajesh Khanna makes all sensitive souls very sad. He should have lived for some more years on this planet. In India, they say people used to live for more than 100 years in ancient times. The people are dying at a very young age nowadays. We have been witnessing the passing away of creative souls at frequent intervals since last year- Jagjit Singh, Shahryar, Ravi, Shri Lal Shukla, Shammi Kapoor, Hanuman of modern times Dara Singh and now Rajesh Khanna. It appears that heaven badly needs creative artists to entertain its own residents, and thus, be it a singer, writer or actor, all are slowly getting placed in heaven one by one. Anyway, the death of Rajesh Khanna makes me realize that death is really the great leveler. It leaves none. It cares a damn for stature.
Rajesh Khanna provided death a new meaning in his timeless classic movie “Anand”. The movie highlighted the theme that death is an insignificant drama. However, today when he has passed away, it’s pretty hard to keep emotions in check. The Hindi movie landscape’s first superstar has now become a sweet memory as the presence now gets limited to magazines, books and movies. I really don’t know what are the elements involved in the making of a superstar but I am aware of the fact that his charishma in 70s left both young and old spellbound. Male newborns got named Rajesh, a new hair style came into existence and the frenziness found in every woman’s heart attained new height. The arrival of angry young man Amitabh Bachchan soon eclipsed the magic of Rajesh Khanna, but by then Rajesh Khanna image has attained some sort of immortality.
The early phase of all great actors had been a roller coaster ride. Rajesh Khanna proved to be no exception. The leading actresses of those days refused to work with him and well known directors failed to take note of him. His early movies did not create a desired effect. When Shakti Samanta narrated him the story of Aradhana, he noticed that Rajesh Khanna did not seem to be much impressed. After all, it was a female oriented movie, in which the hero died during the middle of the movie. It was no less a herculean task for Shakit Da to make Rajesh Khanna see light at the end of the tunnel. However, very few can predict the course of destiny. The movie, which in eyes of Rajesh Khanna, offered no better prospects not only proved to be a milestone in history of Indian movies but also gave Hindi movie world its first superstar. That’s the only logic which governs Bollywood- success appears like appearance of cascade in barren land. It defies all established rules. A female oriented movie gave Indian movie landscape its first male superstar!
Interestingly, the other dominant trend which defines Bollywood is that superstars rarely know real acting or, for that matter, are rarely offered roles that involve some real shades of acting. That’s so evident if one has witnessed acting skills of present “Khan Brigade”. They develop some lovable styles but they rarely come to act. The only superstar that can act a bit, Amitabh Bachchan, too feels that he never got an opportunity to reveal interesting shades of acting. All the time he remained engaged in “dhishum dhishum” (fight scenes)! Anyway, destiny smiled on Rajesh Khanna once again when he got opportunity to show his acting skills in some movies having substantial plots. It’s really curious coincidence that it was Hrishikesh Mukherjee, known for his simplistic take on serious issues, who came to provide both Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan some good opportunities to strike a bonhomie with various shades of acting. In fact, they both came to work together under his direction in Anand and Namak Haraam. Anand turned out to be a huge success. In fact, the character played by Amitabh, Babu Moshay, became a household name. The plot of Anand revolved around the philosophy found in the Upanishads that there is no such thing as death. Death is not an end but a new beginning. In other words, it taught the art of living, reminding us that laughter is the best medicine. After all, we rarely come to live life in a proper way. The movie made it clear that death is final drama, which paves the way for soul’s fresh journey with new set of cloth in form of a new body! Rajesh Khanna depicted this art of living in an unforgettable way.
Anand: Now Offering Solace To People In Heaven
However, let’s not forget the role which Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, R D Burman, Salil Choudhary, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Anand Bakshi, Laxmikant Pyarelaal, Hemant Kumar, Sahir and Khaiyyam played in shaping the course of success for Rajesh Khanna. It’s an undisputed fact that Kishore Kumar played the most significant role in making Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan careers attain starry heights. It’s also a proven fact that both of them lost their star appeal, when Kishore Kumar stopped singing for them in last stage of his singing career, due to health reasons. The romanticism demonstrated by Rajesh Khanna and machoism exhibited by Amitabh were heavily dependent on voice of Kishore Kumar! His voice acted as most suitable medium for them, which earlier provided new heights to Dev Anand. I am sure had Kishore been missing, Rajesh Khann would have failed to locate “Mere sapno ki Rani“. Tanuja would have maintained safe distance from Rajesh Khanna had Kishore not turned out to be “Dil ke Chain“. This song “Ye Jo Public Hai Ye Sab Jaanti Hai” became the most popular idiom to make a remark on the shady affairs in the world of politics and business. Another song from the same movie Roti “Gore Range Pe Na Itna Gumaan Kar” transcended generations to influence the fate of every fair skinned Indian girl.
May his soul rest in peace. The people who have moved ahead in this eternal journey, never travel backwards. They simply live inside our heart and minds as sweet memories. This line which forms the part of song picturized on him expresses this sentiment so well: “Kuch Log Jo Ek Roj Bichud Jaate Hai Wo Hazaro Ke Aane Se Milte Nahi“. Anand never dies. He always manages to be back on earth’s playground to play the game of life with a new face.That realization is bound to make one smile even as the eyes remained moist with tears. It makes reunion with Rajesh Khanna-a good soul-a great possibility. By the way, let’s not forget Rajesh Khanna’s words said to Pushpa In Amar Prem: ” Pushpa, I hate tears”.
1. Mere Naina Saawan Bhado ( Mehbooba )
2. Kuch To Log Kahenge (Amar Prem)
3. Zindagi Pyar Ka Geet Hai (Souten)
4. Hazaar Rahe Mud Ke Dekhi (Thodi Se Bewafai)
5. Vada Tera Vada (Dushman)
6.Sajna Saath Nibhana (Doli)
7. Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai (Kati Patang)
8. Ye Reshmi Zulfein (Do Raastein)
9. Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhein (Safar)
10. Zubaan Pe Dard Bhari Daastan( Maryaada)
11. Wo Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi (Khamoshi)
12. Yun Hi Tum Mujhse Baat Karti Ho (Sachha Jhootha)
13. Mere Dil Me Aaaj Kya Hai (Daag)
14. Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaayein (Anand)
15. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (Andaaz)
A lot depends on how the song is picturized. I love this song not only for beautiful verses by Majrooh Sultanpuri, excellent composition by R D Burman, terrific singing by Kishore Kumar, but also for its mesmeric picturization. Absolutely stunning romantic song picturized in a perfect setting. A meaningful one as well. The verses are not only talking about romance in some absurd way like “Tum mujhko chand laake do” (get the moon for me) but they are having a take on it in a balanced way. The movie was full of typical Bollywood elements ( and that’s why I don’t like this movie) but the songs stand apart.
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राजेश खन्ना: सबके नैनो को सावन भादो करके चले गए तुम
राजेश खन्ना : अब क्षितिज के उस पार
राजेश खन्ना का यूँ ही अचानक क्षितिज के उस पार चले जाना दुखी करता है. अभी उनकी उम्र ही क्या हुई थी लेकिन कलाकारों की मौत का जो सिलसिला पिछले साल से शुरू हुआ है वो अब तक बना हुआ है. जगजीत सिंह, शहरयार, मशहूर संगीतकार रविजी, हिंदी के लेखक श्रीलाल शुक्ल, शम्मी कपूर, फिर हमारे चहेते हनुमान दारा सिंह और अब राजेश खन्ना. ऐसा लगता है कि देवलोक का माहौल बहुत ग़मगीन हो गया है तभी पृथ्वी के सभी बड़े कलाकार एक के बाद ऊपर के लोको में चले जा रहे है. खैर राजेश खन्ना की मौत के बाद ये एहसास मुझे हो चला है कि मौत भी कोई चीज़ होती है जो “आनंद” को भी शोक में परिवर्तित कर सकता है. हिंदी फ़िल्म जगत को पहला सुपरस्टार देने वाला अब यादो का हिस्सा बन गया है. ये सुपरस्टार क्या चीज़ होती है मुझे ज्यादा नहीं पता पर राजेश खन्ना का जादू सत्तर के दशक में यूँ चढ़ा कि माएं अपने बच्चो का नाम राजेश रखने लगी, युवतियों के अन्दर का पागलपन थोडा और बढ़ चला और नाई के दुकान पे एक और हेयर स्टाइल का उदय हो गया. बुरा हो एंग्री यंगमैन अमिताभ के अवतार का जिसने राजेश की आभा को ग्रहण लगा दिया बहुत जल्द ही पर तब तक राजेश का जादू एक अमरता को प्राप्त कर चला था.
जैसा सब अच्छे कलाकारों के साथ होता है राजेश को भी आरंभिक दिनों में सब ने नकार दिया. चोटी की अभिनेत्रियों ने काम करने से मना कर दिया. शुरुआती फिल्मे पिट गयी बाक्स ऑफिस पे. फिर जाके आराधना मिली जिसको लेके राजेश खन्ना खुद ही सशंकित थे क्योकि नायिका प्रधान फ़िल्म में इनके लिए कुछ ख़ास नहीं था. पर जब सफलता मिलनी होती है तो मिल के रहती है यूँ ही जैसे रेगिस्तान में झरने का फूट पड़ना. कम से कम बालीवुड में सफलता का सिलसिला ऐसे ही शुरू हो जाता है सब तर्कों को धता बता के. तो एक नायिका प्रधान फ़िल्म ने भारतीय रजत पटल को उसका पहला सुपरस्टार दिया.
बालीवुड में वैसे सुपरस्टार को कुछ ख़ास एक्टिंग नहीं करनी पड़ती. कम से कम आज कल के तथाकथित “खान” सुपरस्टारों को देख तो यही समझ में आता है. अमिताभ का भी यही दुखड़ा रहा है कि उनसे किसी ने ढंग की एक्टिंग नहीं करवाई सिवाय ढिशुम ढिशुम के. खैर राजेश खन्ना के हाथ कुछ अच्छी फिल्मे आई जिनमे उन्हें एक्टिंग के अपने कुछ ख़ास शेड्स दिखाने का मौका मिला. ये एक महज सयोंग ही है कि ऋषिकेश मुखर्जी ने ही राजेश खन्ना और अमिताभ दोनों को कुछ फिल्मे प्रदान कि जिनमे उन्हें वास्तविक अभिनय से दो चार होना पड़ा. ये भी क्या अद्भुत संयोग है कि इन दो फिल्मो “आनंद” और “नमक हराम” में दोनों ने साथ काम किया. आनंद एक कालजयी फ़िल्म बन के उभरी. आनंद तो अमर हुआ ही पर बाबु मोशाय भी कभी ना मरने वाली लोकप्रियता को प्राप्त हो चला. आनंद उपनिषद् के इस सत्य को प्रतिपादित करता था कि इंसान कभी नहीं मरता है. मौत एक तमाशा है जिसमे आत्मा को नए कपडे लत्ते मिल जाते है. इस भाव को राजेश खन्ना ने अद्भुत तरीके से परदे पे प्रस्तुत किया.
राजेश खन्ना के एक्टिंग में एक ख़ास तरीकें की नाटकीयता थी मगर जब कभी सधा हुआ अभिनय करने का मौका मिला उन्होंने कर दिखाया. शुरुआती दौर में नंदा के साथ आई यश चोपड़ा की “इत्तेफाक” इस बात की पुष्टि करती है. खैर अमर प्रेम, कटी पतंग, कुदरत, सौतन, थोड़ी सी बेवफाई, अवतार, डोली, रोटी और आन मिलो सजना इनकी कुछ उल्लेखनीय फिल्मे है. इनकी सफलता के बारे में बात करना और किशोर कुमार, आर डी बर्मन, मजरूह, आनंद बक्षी, एस डी बर्मन, लक्ष्मीकांत प्यारेलाल, कल्यानजी आनंदजी, हेमंत कुमार और खैय्याम इत्यादि का जिक्र ना करना मतलब दाल में से नमक का गायब कर देना है. किशोर कुमार ने ही रूमानियत के सुपरस्टार राजेश खन्ना और यंग्री यंग मैन अमिताभ को वो दर्जा दिलवाया जो किसी के लिए दुर्लभ होता है. किशोर कुमार के चले जाने के बाद ये दोनों धडाम से नीचे आ गिरे. सोचिये अगर किशोर ना होते तो “मेरे सपनो की रानी” कहा से आती इस शानदार तरीके सें ? सोचिये अगर ”ओ मेरे दिल के चैन” के चैन किशोर ना होते तो क्या राजेश तनूजा को इम्प्रेस कभी कर पाते! और रोटी में गाया ये गीत “ये जो पब्लिक है ये सब जानती है” तो एक कालजयी मुहावरा ही बन गया. और इस फ़िल्म में किशोर कुमार का गोरे रंग पे कटाक्ष ” गोरे रंग पे ना इतना गुमान कर” सिर्फ मुमताज़ पर ही नहीं सिमट के रह गया वरन इस गीत के बाद भारत में पैदा हुई हर गोरी लड़की के व्यक्तित्व को बेधता चला गया.
खैर ईश्वर इनकी आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करे. कहते है जाने वाले कभी लौट के नहीं आते. सिर्फ इनकी याद रह जाती है. सही बात है ” कुछ लोग जो बिछुड़ जाते है वो हजारो के आने से मिलते नहीं“. पर “आनंद” कभी मरते नहीं बस इसी रंगमंच पर रूप बदल के आ जाते है और ये बोध इस दुःख में एक मुस्कान की लहर तो पैदा ही कर देता है. पुनर्मिलन की उम्मीद तो बंधा ही देता है.
मेरे कुछ पसंदीदा गीत राजेश खन्ना पे फिल्माए हुए:
१. मेरे नैना सावन भादो ( मेहबूबा)
२. कुछ तो लोग कहेंगे (अमर प्रेम)
३. जिंदगी प्यार का गीत है (सौतन)
४. हज़ार राहे मुड़ के देखी (थोड़ी से बेवफाई)
५. वादा तेरा वादा (दुश्मन)
६. सजना साथ निभाना (डोली)
७. प्यार दीवाना होता है ( कटी पतंग)
८. ये रेशमी जुल्फे ( दो रास्ते)
९. जीवन से भरी तेरी आँखें (सफ़र)
१०. जुबान पे दर्द भरी दास्ताँ( मर्यादा)
११. वो शाम कुछ अजीब थी (खामोशी)
१२. यूँ ही तुम मुझसे बात करती हो (सच्चा झूठा)
१३. मेरे दिल में आज क्या है (दाग)
१४. कही दूर जब दिन ढल जाए (आनंद)
१५. जिंदगी एक सफ़र है सुहाना (अंदाज़)
आनंद मरा नहीं करते!!!
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