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Mouthful of stars Icons from Bollywood
All the essays in the book are sketches done in words, of 15 icons. Each essay spells out the major achievements; turning points in the lives of these icons and the personal and professional lives of these stars interspersed with interesting anecdotes and stories. The writer has tried to translate his admiration for the icons he has portrayed with alacrity, albeit sans intensive research. The essays brings out the peculiar aspect of the persona the icons commanded and outlines their contribution to the Indian cinema. Dilip Kumar, master of histrionics, inaugurated innovations in acting style. The quintessential Dev Anand experimented early on and so did Raj Kapoor, weaving dreams and hopes for the cinemagoers. Guru Dutt’s oeuvre is a bible for a student of cinema and Kishore Kumar’s soulful rendition in films. Nargis and Madhubala come to life as individuals who adorned the celluloid with their charm, grace and beauty. Yash Chopra has been creating a cinematic experience for a long time and seems to have his finger on the pulse of the nation. R. D. Burman "Pancham" ushered in a fresh note in music, which still reverberates in the heart of the nation. Rajesh Khanna enjoyed the phenomenal success and reigned as flavour of the industry for a short time. However, it is the "one-man industry", Amitabh Bachchan, who continues to reinvent himself and with his sterling performances has emerged a wholesome entertainer. Javed Akhtar contributed
both poetry and magical stories to the film world. Hema Malini, one of
the most glamorous and popular actresses, continues to draw audience
with her charm. The method acting and proclivity for perfection in Aamir
Khan and mass appeal and aura of Shah Rukh Khan have redefined the
reputation of the Indian cinema. The book is a racy read. |
Bollywood, haven of the
Hindi masala films, best represents the glamour, the glitz, and
the allure of the Indian film Industry. Shantanu Ray Chaudhary has
uttered a look into the lives and careers of some of the
"stars" of this celluloid galaxy. The foreword by Shyam
Benegal is a reflection on the precise effect of the simulacra generated
by film world on the psyche of the populace and particularly the charisma
of the "stars".