flashback 2004 

The year that was
In the lines of Rajinder Puri
In Indian politics, 365 days is a long time. Much can happen in that span and much did in 2004. There was never a dull moment. Be it Shining India being trampled under in a sari stampede or the Best Bakery being the worst of brutalities.

Brush with a large canvas
Images and icons in art and theatre captured the upbeat mood of the year, marked by celebrations and anniversaries, reports Nirupama Dutt
The fourth year of the new millenium was culturally reflective in nature. There seemed to be more looking before than after. The mood, however, was one of commendation what with so many jubilees, anniversaries and celebrations.

Much DHOOM about nothing
Bollywood produced no clear winners or losers. It is hard to name the best movie or actors of the year. The dream merchants came up with bold experiments like never before, though the themes were largely spin-offs from Hollywood hits, says Saibal Chatterjee.
The variety of themes that Bollywood addressed in the year 2004 was unprecedented. The upshot wasn’t. As always, Mumbai cinema delivered more misses than hits during the year even as several big-ticket productions did manage to garner bumper collections.