100 Years of Bollywood

8

1st issue of June 2012

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An anthem for Indian cinema
As the country celebrates 100 years of Indian films, film personalities salute the industry in their unique ways ith Indian cinema celebrating its glorious 100 years, Bollywood seems to be charged up for the event. Renowned lyricist Prasoon Joshi has written a centenary anthem for the Indian cinema, which was sung on the occasion of IIFA Awards in Singapore this year. “The anthem celebrates 100 years of Indian Cinema,” Joshi told mediapersons. The IIFA Awards were held in Singapore from June 7 to June 9. At the IIFA Rocks event, a music and fashion night, veteran singers Hariharan and Usha Uthup, along with composer Lesle Lewis, paid a humble tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema by recomposing and performing some of the timeless hits of different eras. . The night was organised as part of the 13th International Indian Film Academy weekend and awards function. The trio recreated the golden era by starting with songs from the 1950s and 1960s and moved on to the ones in the modern times. Lewis kicked off the performance with popular song Hawa mein udta jaye from 1949 film Barsaat and Eena Meena Deeka song from 1957 film Asha. They later went on to sing songs from the 1960s era like Khoya khoya chand from Kala Bazaar, Madhuban mein radhika from Kohinoor and popular romantic song Roop tera mastana from the film Aradhana. Songs like Chhaiyan chhaiyan, Dhoom and All iz well wrapped up the 2000 era. The posters of films like Laila Majnu, Teesri Manzil, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Jodhaa Akbar played a perfect backdrop for the celebrations of 100 years. CINEMA 100 Meanwhile, Subhash Ghai on June 1 launched Cinema 100 and said it was an initiative to celebrate in his own way the centenary of Indian cinema. The three-day college festival, an initiative by the students of Ghai’s film school Whistling Woods International, was inaugurated by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman at the Film City. Actor Randhir Kapoor, who was also present, said: “Cinema has com-

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A larger-than-life world: Stills from Indian movies that have enthralled the audience

Indian cinema is completing 100 years and I am proud to say that my family has been part of the industry for 80 years.
— Rishi Kapoor pleted 100 years and I want it to last longer. Throughout its 100 years, it has given livelihood to so many artists.” WAY FORWARD Last few weeks have also seen film personalities suggesting a way forward. Veteran actress Shabana Azmi says it’s time to take it on to the global platform and tell them to “embrace us” the way we are. “As we celebrate our 100 years and the world shrinks to become a global village, it is evident that we need to celebrate cultures within their own paradigms,” said Shabana at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards. “It is important to take it to the international community and tell l Best Actor in negative Role:

them, this is who we are, embrace us and we are not going to tailor it according to your idea,” she added. At home, the focus has been more on Bollywood, but now regional films are also getting attention. For instance, IIFA, a Wizcraft International Entertainment’s initiative, screened Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam. “Till now we have been looking at only Hindi cinema, but it is now becoming evident that we have to start celebrating Indian cinema. We are now celebrating the south Indian film industry, the pioneer of which is Kamal Haasan. We are also planning to take it to other regional cinemas because India is not a homogenous country and not a homogenous audience,” said Shabana.

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, who is working on a short film to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema, felt it was time the behind-scene people got recognition for their work. No film is possible without them, she said. “I hope all my technical nominees win. It is ridiculous that the work of technicians is not talked about,” Akhtar said. Priyanka Chopra spoke with optimism, when she touched on another major change in the Indian film industry. It’s a great time for actresses in Indian cinema, she felt. Chopra admitted that Indian cinema remains maledominated but added that changed perspectives towards female actors have helped current times become great times for actresses. “The film industry is male dominated but it’s hugely fascinating to see how a change has come about. People’s mindset towards actresses is changing so that we can do roles which are beyond playing just being a coy girl. It is a great time for Indian actresses to be in cinema,” Priyanka said at a press conference of her forthcoming film Teri Meri Kahaani, on the sidelines of the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend and awards. The actress, who won a National award for her performance in Fashion, said she was proud to have started the trend of women-oriented films. “When Fashion happened, everybody told me it is a big risk, nobody comes to watch women-oriented movies. I feel like I have kickstarted all the gamut of films being made with female-dominated parts,” she added. PRIDE IN BELONGING With the country in celebration mode during the centenary year, the family with the longest association with the industry can’t be left behind. Actor Rishi Kapoor said, “Indian cinema is completing 100 years and I am proud to say that my family has been part of the industry for 80 years, starting from Prithviraj Kapoor, to Shammi Kapoor and Raj Kapoor. Then me and Randhir and now our kids Ranbir, Kareena and Karisma. Hope our family continues to be part of it.”

The IIFA wInners l Best Movie: Zindagi Na Milegi l l l l l

SPECIAL AWARDS: l Outstanding contribution to

Prakash Raj (Singham) l Best Actor in Comic Role: Riteish l l l l l

Dobara (ZNMD) Best Director: Zoya Akhtar (ZNMD) Best Actor: Ranbir Kapoor (Rock Star) Best Actress: Vidya Balan (The Dirty Picture) Best Actress in Supporting Role: Parineeti Chopra (Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl) Best Actor in Supporting Role: Farhan Akhtar (ZNMD)

Deshmukh (Double Dhamaal) Best Music Director: A.R. Rahman (Rockstar) Best Playback singer Male: Mohit Chauhan (Nadaan Parindey, Rock Star) Best Playback Singer Female: Shreya Ghoshal (Teri Meri, Bodyguard) Best debut (Male): Vidyut Jamwal (Force) Best Debut (Female): Parineeti Chopra (Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl)

Indian cinema: Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy l Outstanding achievement in Indian cinema: Rekha l Contribution to 100 years of Indian cinema: Actress Zohra Sehgal (she could not make it to the event) l Contribution to international cinema: Norwegian actress Liv Ullmann