Melodious 1980s

There were sooooooo many wonderful movies and songs in 1980s. I wish we had the same media coverage to all the movies made in 1980s, it would've been such a wonderful experience to see different stars, different music, different types of movies. Actually, anything is better than seeing a topiwala figure on all the tv channels all the time, day or night.

So here is my list in no particular order...

1. Masoom:
Masoom featured the directorial debut of Shekhar Kapoor. The movie is an adaptation of the hollywood flick ’The Man, Woman and Child’. Unlike other numerous remakes, Masoom accomplishes to capture the viewer’s interest. The sensitive subject has been brilliantly handled by Shekhar Kapoor. Shabana and Naseer are simply outstanding. The three child artists add some joyful moments to the movie with their first rate performances.

RD Burman’s music backed up Gulzar’s lyrics is the highlight of the movie. ’’Tujhse Naraaz Nahin’’ by Lata and Dr. Anup Ghoshal are heart touching. I also like ’Huzoor Is Kadar’. RD won the filmfare for this movie and so did Gulzar.

2. Ek Duje Ke Liye:
Ek Duuje ke Liye saw southern actor Kamal Haasan appear for the first time in a Hindi film. Rati too stepped into Bollywood with this tragic love story.

This cross-culture romance between a southern Vaasu and a northern Sapna epitomizes inter-caste and inter-state romance. The tragic end to the film depressed many lovers who faced similar problems in their love life. Fed up with the pressures of the society not ready to accept their union, one couple is said to have taken the course shown by the protagonists in the film. They committed suicide.

The music of the film was a rage, especially 'Tere mere beech mein'. 'Mere jeevan saathi' was a wonderful song which was created by names of other hindi movies. Good old 'Hum banein tum bane' can still be found in every first music gift exchange albums between present lovers.

3. Bazaar:
'Bazaar' was the first and only film made by Sagar Sarhadi, the man who wrote Yash Chopra's 'Kabhi Kabhie', 'Noorie', 'Silsila' and 'Chandni'.

'Bazaar' is the story of two unfortunate women. The first is Najma (Smita Patil) who runs away to Bombay in the hope that her beloved Akhtar Hussain (Bharat Kapoor) will marry her. But years later, Najma is still single while Akhtar continues to promise that he will tie the knot with her sometime soon.

A young poet called Salim (Naseeruddin Shah) loves Najma and longs to make her his own. In Hyderabad, Shakir Ali sets his eyes on young Shabnam (Supriya Pathak) and immediately lusts after her. Unfortunately, this unsuspecting girl loves Sajid (Farooque Sheikh), who's very close to Najma like the brother she never had.

Poor Najma becomes but a pawn in an ugly game where the two lovers are ruthlessly separated and various vested interests ensure that Shabnam is forced to become Shakir Ali's bride, while Sajid can do nothing but cry out in despair.

The songs are beautiful...
Maqdoom's ghazal 'Phir chidi raat baat phoolon ki' is beautifully sung by Talat Aziz and Latajee. 'Dikhai diye yoon' which is a very old ghazal by Meer Taqi Meer was made so simple by Khayyam's music and Latajee's voice. 'Dekh lo Aaj Humko' has a haunting feeling to it and Jageet Kaur's voice has added character to the song.

4. Saath - Saath:
Its a story about Deepti Naval and Farooque Shaikh’s characters in Saath-Saath do up their first house (yeh tera ghar, yeh mera ghar), they do it with love and no money.

I know many of you didnt knew that this ghazal was from this movie. The ghazal is 'Tumko dekha to yeh khayal aaya' again one of the permament songs/ghazals in the first love gift for your girlfriend. The whole album was sung by Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh. Some other memorable ghazals/songs from this movie are 'Pyaar Mujhse se kiya tumne to kya paaoge', 'Yeh tera ghar yeh mera ghar', 'Yuun zindagi ki raah mein majboor' and others.

5. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak:
Qayamat se Qayamat tak released way back in 1988 is one of the most magical love story. It also gave us some of the finest talents in Bollywood,Aamir khan,Juhi chawla(though she made her debut in Sultanat but came into limelight with this film),Mansoor khan(the director)and Udit narayan(the playback singer)who all made a debut with this film.Q.S.Q.T was a resounding success and fine performances by the leadcast and sparkling fresh music made this film a trendsetter and it was with this film that love stories did strike a chord in the hearts of viewers.

Do I need to say anything about the music?

6. Maine Pyaar Kiya:
Maine Pyar Kiya was one of the most successful Bollywood movies of the 1980s and made Salman Khan a major star. The film is a departure from the gritty and violent films that were so popular in the 1970s and early 80s. Its popularity could be said to have brought the romantic genre back into the limelight of Indian cinema.

I know the song like 'Kabootar Jaa Jaa' might sound a bit out of place these days but it was nation's rage during late eightees. No shaadi was complete without the band playing 'kabootar jaa jaa'. 'Final Countdown' inspired 'Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali' was melodious as well. I guess all the songs were popular.

Rocky:
Yes the debut movie of our dear Munna Bhai and it shows... childish acting and dancing. A very typical Bolly wood drama of the eighties. A loyal union leader is murdered and made it to look like an accident. His son grows up and takes revenge. Sanju baba does give the film a fresh feel. Its got all you can expect from a Hindi movie, songs dance, action, tragedy and of course a happy ending.

Music is particularly melodious and RD Burman has done a great job at that. Amjad Khan does a positive role here. A must see for Sanjay Dutt fans and also for those who enjoy eighties Hindi cinema. Its fun to see Shakti Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt disco dancing.
 
The songs 'Kya yahi pyaar hai' is another pakka song in first love album. Other songs like 'Aa dekhe zara', 'Rocky mera naam', 'Dosto ko salaam' were big hits as well. Overall a good album.

So movie buffs, I will be back with another post from 1970s soon. Till then keep blogging. Ta.