Basu Chatterjee – Remembering Bollywood’s God of Small Things

———-Sundeep Bhutoria 

By the end of the 1960s, Hindi cinema was poised for a change. The decade had largely been about escapist cinema, and though some of these had great songs, there was little that was creative and path-breaking by way of content. The odd exceptions – Bandini, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Anupama and Teesri Kasam – only proved the rule about a decade that replaced the artistic aspirations of the 1950s with what has in effect come to define ‘Bollywood song-and-dance’ cinema.

The advent of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in 1962 played an important part in this change, with its first batches beginning to enter the industry, bringing in a change in aesthetics. The year 1969 was to be a watershed in the history of Hindi cinema, with three films that proved instrumental in ushering in a new language, heralding the New Wave in Hindi cinema: Mrinal Sen’s Bhuvan Shome, Mani Kaul’s Uski Roti and Basu Chatterjee’s Sara Akash (all three were shot by K.K. Mahajan, who had graduated from the FTII in 1966, and who became synonymous with the New Wave and with the cinema of Basu Chatterjee). 

Of these three film-makers, Mrinal Sen remained rooted largely to Bengali films and Mani Kaul carved a space for a personal cinema free of commercial considerations. It was Basu Chatterjee who, in conjunction with the films of Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Gulzar, provided an alternative to the big-budget extravaganza of mainstream films of the era (the Manmohan Desais and Prakash Mehras) and the spare aesthetics of arthouse cinema (driven by Shyam Benegal). 

The importance of Basu Chatterjee lies in the kind of cinema he popularised when juxtaposed against the cinema that ruled the box office at the time. The 1970s was the decade of the big blockbuster – Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Deewaar, Sholay, Amar Akbar Anthony. Yash Chopra and Ramesh Sippy, Nasir Hussain and Shakti Samanta were the dream merchants. Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, Rishi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna were the role models for the filmy hero, while Zeenat Aman and Hema Malini set a million young hearts aflutter. The aesthetic of Hindi cinema was larger-than-life.

They were not heroes and heroines, but the man and woman next door

Basu Chatterjee provided an alternative. His debut, Sara Akash, belonged firmly to the New Wave school of spare film-making. He however jettisoned this soon, opting for a middle road between this and the big-budget extravaganza. In doing so he made ‘small’ beautiful and commercially viable. With Rajnigandha (1974), he revolutionised Hindi cinema, casting rank newcomers in a literary classic by Mannu Bhandari. The film, unlike any other film of the time (a runtime of approximately two hours, no lip-synched songs, no fights, no flashy clothes and make-up for its actors who looked nothing like Greek gods) broke all records at the box office. He had already shown a penchant for a different approach to the cinema of the city in Piya Ka Ghar (1971), dealing with a couple finding their way to love and domesticity in the confined spaces of a one-room tenement in Mumbai shared by the extended family. While the latter starred Jaya Bhaduri (in one of her early roles) and Anil Dhawan (fresh from the FTII), Rajnigandha made stars of the unlikely duo of Amol Palekar and Vidya Sinha.

Over the next few films, Basu Chatterjee made his school of cinema an audience favourite. Chhoti Si Baat and Chitchor, both 1976, starred Amol Palekar, who soon came to be termed ‘the Amitabh Bachchan of middle-of-the-road cinema’. In Vidya Sinha, the director gave Hindi cinema the very antithesis of the ’70s heroine. His characters epitomised the Everyman. They were not heroes and heroines, but the man and woman next door. The men were not macho style icons. They were often gentle, hesitant and even lacking in ambition. The women were down to earth and real, not coy and simpering. And their world consisted of humble middle-class drawing rooms, local bus stops and trains, and office corners. Even when he cast superstars like Amitabh Bachchan (Manzil, inspired by Mrinal Sen’s Akash Kusum) and Dharmendra (Dillagi, with Hema Malini), the stars willingly shed their starry mannerisms to play everyday characters.

His spotlight was on literary classics, communities and women

 

No one brought alive particular communities as lovingly as he did in his films like Khatta Meetha (the Parsis) and Baaton Baaton Mein (the Christians in Mumbai). And few film-makers of the time were as adept at adapting literary classics as he was – Sara Akash (from a novel by Rajendra Yadav), Piya Ka Ghar (Vasant Kale, or Va Pu), Rajnigandha (based on a short story by Mannu Bhandari), Ratnadeep (Prabhat Mukhopadhyay), Swami and Apne Paraye (based on novels by Saratchandra Chattopadhyay) – giving his cinema a unique literary sensibility. 

One of the most revolutionary aspects of his cinema lay in the woman his films portrayed. Right from Malti in Piya Ka Ghar, they were independent women with a mind of their own. They were determined, focused and unwilling to bow down to convention just because society demanded it. Vidya Sinha’s Deepa in Rajnigandha is revolutionary in the way she is shown as unable to make up her mind about the two men she is dating. Zarina Wahab’s Geeta in Chitchor decides to follow her heart in the face of family opposition. In Swami, the woman reads Thomas Hardy and is torn between the man she thinks is her intellectual equal and her ‘simple’ husband. These women challenged the existing tropes on the portrayal of women in Hindi cinema.

Wah, what songs! ‘Yeh jeevan hai’ to ‘Kai baar yunhi dekha hai’ to ‘Rimjhim gire sawan’

This ability to carve out a different cinema was visible in the songs in his films as well. From ‘Yeh jeevan hai’ in Piya Ka Ghar to ‘Rajnigandha phool tumhare’ in Rajnigandha (‘Kai baar yunhi dekha hai’ from the same film won a National Award) to the evergreen songs of Chitchor to ‘Rimjhim gire sawan’ (arguably the finest rain song in Hindi cinema) in Manzil, the cinema of Basu Chatterjee provided Hindi cinema with some of its most loved and enduring classics.

The dream of 1969 was to prove short-lived. By the end of the 1970s, the cinema of the Basu Chatterjee-Hrishikesh Mukherjee-Gulzar School was shutting shop. Driven by a changing demographic, the onslaught of video piracy, some indifferent films by the film-makers themselves, and the advent of TV as a popular medium, kitschy commercial films were making a comeback in a big way and the next decade would witness a new low for Hindi films.

Basu Chatterjee, of course, led the first wave of top-notch and popular content in television with serials like Rajani, Byomkesh Bakshi, Darpan and Kakaji Kahin proving to be trailblazers. His legacy lives on in the cinema of every filmmaker who explores the life and world of the Everyman.

Basu Chatterjee – Remembering Bollywood’s God of Small Things

World Environment Day With Romanian Experience At MARWAH STUDIOS

Noida – The World Environment Day had a good  go when The Indo-Romania Film and Cultural Forum, in association with the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry and the Embassy of Romania, celebrated it (World Environment Day) with a special screening of the powerful documentary “Untamed Romania” at Marwah Studios.

The film, which captivated the audience, was inaugurated by H.E. Daniel Tane, Ambassador of Romania to India, and Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios, along with distinguished guests including H.E. Javier Paulnich, Ambassador of Peru to India, H.E. Teodoro Maldonodo, Ambassador of Ecuador to India, and Lt. Gen Anil Malik (Retd).

“Well, “Untamed Romania” is an extraordinary cinematic creation that showcases the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Romania. The filmmaker’s dedication is evident, as over 400 hours of footage were expertly crafted into a brilliant 90-minute documentary, offering a glimpse into the untamed world hidden beyond the bustling cities of Romania. From majestic mountains to ancient forests and expansive wetlands, this film transports viewers to undisturbed habitats where iconic creatures thrive,” said Sandeep Marwah with pride.

Following the screening, a thought-provoking discussion on environmental issues was held, featuring prominent environmentalist Ajit Kumar and Ranju Minhas. Their insights shed light on crucial aspects of preserving and safeguarding our environment.

The impact of “Untamed Romania” was not limited to the audience alone; it also left a lasting impression on the attending filmmakers. In recognition of its excellence, the International Film and Television Club of the Asian Academy of Film and Television is pleased to present the prestigious Award of Distinction to “Untamed Romania,” announced by Dr Sandeep Marwah.

This World Environment Day event served as a testament to the power of cinema in raising awareness about the natural wonders of our planet and the urgent need to protect them. “Untamed Romania” stands as a shining example of the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, reminding us of our responsibility to preserve the earth for future generations.

It’s green all the way!

 

World Environment Day With Romanian Experience At MARWAH STUDIOS

Asian Academy Of Film And Television Holds Record-Breaking 116th Convocation

Noida, June 6, 2023 – The Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) proudly celebrated its historic 116th Convocation, setting a new benchmark in the world of creative education. This remarkable feat marks a significant milestone as no other creative institute has ever conducted a 115th Convocation or valedictory function before.

During the momentous event, AAFT presented prestigious diplomas to the talented students who excelled in their respective disciplines. The institution’s unwavering commitment to providing the best education possible within limited fees has garnered immense satisfaction and happiness among the students.

Addressing the convocation, Sandeep Marwah, a distinguished personality and visionary, urged the graduating students to prove their capacity and capability in the industry. He emphasized the importance of the moral values imparted during their education, which hold greater significance than the syllabus itself. Marwah stressed that success in the industry awaits those who exhibit sincerity, dedication, and integrity in their work.

The occasion was graced by esteemed personalities, including Advocate Pawan Duggle from the Supreme Court, renowned Actor Producer/Director Raja Bundela, former Principal Secretary of Madhya Pradesh Prof. H.R. Garg, and architects Manish Gupta and Rashmi Gupta. These distinguished individuals also inaugurated the EDIC-Entrepreneur Development and Incubation Centre, a remarkable initiative that will empower AAFT students with entrepreneurial skills and opportunities.

AAFT continues to be at the forefront of creative education, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical values necessary for a successful career in the industry. The 116th Convocation stands as a testament to AAFT’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of film and television education.

    

Asian Academy Of Film And Television Holds Record-Breaking 116th Convocation

Ailaa Association And Vaishali Film Creations Presents ILFA Awards 2023 (Indian Look Alike Film Awards) By Arif Khan -Farhad Samji – And Alka Bhatnagar From USA

Ailaa Association And Vaishali Film Creations Presents ILFA Awards 2023 (Indian Look Alike Film Awards) By Arif Khan (Junior Anil Kapoor)   Farhad Samji (Director – Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan), And Alka Bhatnagar From USA Received The Award

Not only stars gain fame in the film world, but many of their lookalikes also establish their identity among people. One such artist is Arif Khan who is known as Anil Kapoor’s lookalike. Arif Khan has also become his body double in many of Anil’s films. Arif Khan has been organizing the grand event of ILFA Indian Look Alike Film Awards since last several years. This year Arif Khan (Ailaa Association) and Ashok Saxena (Vaishali Film Creations) presented the ILFA Awards (Indian Look A Like Film Awards 2023) at Mukti Cultural Hall, Mumbai where Farhad Samji, director of Salman khan film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan was the chief guest.

Junior Anil Kapoor Arif Khan and BN Tiwari started the program by lighting the lamp. Many celebrities heartily congratulated this award show. Celebrities like Guruji, Sanjay Bedia, Asif Khatri were present here. Arif Khan said that Asif Khatri and Sohail Khandwani Saheb and Karen Raza also helped many people of Ailaa Association during the lock down.

Jackie Shroff, Raza Murad, Johnny Lever, Anup Jalota, Sunil Pal, Ehsaan Qureshi, Zeenat Qureshi etc gave their best wishes to Arif Khan for the ceremony through video messages. Senior actor Ramesh Goyal was also honored, along with Mona was the host of the award function.

Arif Khan told that through BN Tiwari, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan etc helped many members of our organization during the lockdown.

Prema Arun also actively participated in this function.

Arif Khan said that for the last two years we were not able to do this award function, but Ashok Saxena helped a lot and because of his courage we were able to do this show, I have not been able to sleep since 6 days for the preparation of this award function He left no stone unturned in his preparation.

First this award was given to BN Tiwari. Arif Khan also thanked his mentor Sudhir Sinha who gave him break for the first time and till now he has done 3000 shows. Ashok Dubey’s award was accepted by Raja Bhai. Gangeshwar Lal Srivastava also got the honour. Deepu Sharma performed and was also awarded.

Ali Khan gave the award to Archana Sharma. Asif Khatri of Khatri Foundation received the honour. Rajesh Srivastava, who pays the education fees of poor children of Ailaa Foundation, was also honoured. Dr. Nihal, Dr. Farooqui done the duty of humanity during the Corona period, they also got the reward.

Singer Divyani ji, Ali Khan got the award, he also gave trophy to many people.

Director Azhar Hussain, Khali’s lookalike, actress Mamta Saxena, singer Ritu from Kashmir also became entitled to the Salute Award.

Cake cutting was also done to mark the completion of 25 years of Ashok Saxena’s company Vaishali Film Creations, where serial Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain artist Prem Chowdhary was also present. He was also honored.

Poonam Pandey, Mehndi Raza and his wife were also honored.

Voice over artist Ahmed Sayyed, Baba Sanjay Dutt from Amravati also received the award. Wasim Shruti danced on Pathan’s song. Firdous ji gave the award of designer Arif Ahmed to his brother Abshar. Charlie Chaplin was also honored. Leena Haldar Bose, Vinay Fernandez, Vinod Khanna’s lookalike Kadar, Deepu Sharma received the award.

Shawls, bouquets were presented to Arif Khan, BN Tiwari and Ramesh Goel on behalf of Ashok Saxena’s organization.

Ramakant Munde received the award of Indian singer Alka Bhatnagar living in America. Ramakant Munde was also honored as Celebrity Photographer. Munde Media was the official media partner of the event.

Kalpana Chawla, Kanchan also had full cooperation in this program.

Farhad Samji received the Best Director Award. At the end, Arif Khan made the atmosphere pleasant by dancing on the hit song of Ram Lakhan on the stage.

——–Phototographer: Ramakant Munde Mumbai

   

Ailaa Association And Vaishali Film Creations Presents ILFA Awards 2023 (Indian Look Alike Film Awards) By Arif Khan (Junior Anil Kapoor) Farhad Samji (Director – Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan), And Alka Bhatnagar From USA Received The Award

Screening Of Director MR Khan’s Film DEKHNA And Poster Launch Of New Feature Film Jiski Laathi Uski Bhains

Screening of director MR Khan’s short film “Dekhna” produced under the banner of MR Khan Films Production and MK Film Television Production was held at Impa Theater in Mumbai where everyone liked the film. This film is based on the condition of girls in the society and the way men see them. Inspired by a true incident, this film shows a bitter truth.

On this occasion, director MR Khan’s upcoming feature film “Jiski Laathi Uski Bhains” was also announced. The posters of both the films were unveiled.

Presented by MR Khan Films Production and MK Films Television Productions, the poster of Director MR Khan’s film “Dekhna” was also launched and this short film was also shown which was appreciated by all. Director MR Khan, Producer MR Khan of this film and MK Rajput, Co-Producer Rakesh Lal, Shalu Singh, KK Sharma, Lyricist Mohd Rashid Khan, Janvi, Story Writer Mohd Rashid Khan, DOP Mohsin Shaikh, Pradeep Goswami, Composer Gurdas Music Wala, Editor Anil Gupta, Singer Srishti Chakraborty, Associate Director is Rihanna Khan.PRO is KK Sharma as well as special gratitude has been expressed to KK Sharma, Rehan Ali, Yashpal Rajendra Mann.

Director MR Khan told that “Dekhana” is a women oriented short film in which the topic of women empowerment has been shown. In this, an important message has been given to the audience and the society.

The assistant director of the film is Hina Khan.

The poster of the song “Mere Khuda” from the film “Dekhna” was also launched on the occasion.

 

Screening Of Director MR Khan’s Film DEKHNA And Poster Launch Of New Feature Film Jiski Laathi Uski Bhains