Bollywood's Top 20 by Bhaichand Patel

Author:Bhaichand Patel [Patel, Bhaichand]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9788184755985
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2016-01-08T00:00:00+00:00

(The moon is alone, the sky is alone,

In so many places, my heart is alone;

Even if I were to find a companion somewhere,

Both of us would burn, alone, alone.)

MY FIVE FAVOURITE MEENA KUMARI FILMS

Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962). Directed by Abrar Alvi. Co-stars: Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman and Rehman. The role Meena Kumari plays in this film has few parallels in Hindi cinema. The pathos and anguish she brings to her depiction of chhoti bahu, and the manner in which she projects her personal yearnings, including the need for physical fulfilment, makes for compelling viewing.

Mere Apne (1971). Directed by Gulzar. Co-stars: Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha. In this film Meena Kumari plays with great conviction the pivotal role of an ageing woman. It is an unconventional role, which few heroines would accept when still as young as Meena was then. Under the direction of Gulzar, the film also fully taps Meena Kumari’s acting potential.

Pakeezah (1972). Directed by Kamal Amrohi. Co-stars: Ashok Kumar and Raaj Kumar. This film is one of my favourites, not because of Meena Kumari’s acting alone but because of Kamal Amrohi’s spectacular sets and the authenticity which he brings to recreating the period and the milieu. Besides, it remains nothing short of amazing that Meena Kumari looked so beautiful, even when she was almost terminally ill. It was a heroic effort on her part, and the film will remain a classic.

Kohinoor (1960). Directed by S.U. Sunny. Co-star: Dilip Kumar. This delightful film, made with a lightness of touch, allowed Meena Kumari to break out of her stereotypical tragedienne mould. It has provided a new insight to the range of her acting potential, and has always left me wishing for her to have done more such roles. Naushad’s music adds another unforgettable dimension to why this film will always remain a pleasure to watch.

Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan (1961). Directed by Sadashiv J. Row. Co-star: Balraj Sahni. While Meena Kumari played a great many roles of sacrifice and feminine deprivation, her character in this story, which she portrays with genuine empathy, is truly heart-wrenching. If I have to choose a film in which I would be happy to shed tears with Meena Kumari, this would have to be the one. Two songs in this film, ‘Jyoyi kalash chalke’ and ‘Lau laga ke, geet ga ke’, also happen to be my all-time favourites.

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