Saeed Jaffrey passed away on Nov 15, 2015. What a talent ! He was one of the most versatile actor who made a strong contribution to British and Indian film, television, theatre and radio.
He was a rockstar – Check the following facts:
1. He was the first Asian actor to receive the prestigious OBE (Order Of The British Empire) for his contribution to drama.
2. He was the first Indian actor to perform Shakespeare’s plays in the US?
3. He was the first Asian actor to appear in West End in UK and Broadway In US?
4. He has worked with legendary actor likes Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Pierce Brosnan
5. He played all 86 characters of Vikram Seth’s ‘A Suitable Boy’ on radio. 86 characters!
6. He has acted in more than 100 Bollywood films. The popular ones include Chashme Buddoor, Ram Lakhan, Dil, Ram Teri Ganga Maili
7. He has work across all the mediums: radio, stage, television, movies, children’s audio books and animation films
8. He acted in British TV Series like The Jewel In The Crown, Tandoor Nights, Coronation Street and became a household name.
9. His narration of the Kama Sutra titled The Art of Love (1996) was listed by Time magazine as “one of the five best spoken word records ever made”.
Saeed was passionate and deeply committed to his art. Even for a small 15 minute role of a Paan Wallah in Chashme Buddoor, he researched for it. He spent days to get the right name for the character, the mannerisms etc. And he even exchanged his clothes for an authentic but dirty purple lungi to get the real feel of the character.
He is credited for introducing Merchant and Ivory to each other, which led to the legendary Merchant-Ivory partnership.
Saeed was a highly gifted and talented actor. RIP Saeed Saheb.
Let us celebrate his glorious career and contribution through a glimpse of famous classic and popular Bollywood movies..Thanks To Sushri Margie Parikh For Her Ideas and Inputs!
Masaan is a cinematic gem of 2015. It is a complex multi-layered movie with poetry, pain and beauty. The visually rich movie presents the intertwined stories of four lives stuck in Varanasi – the place of liberation for majority of Indians.
The highly stimulating movie presents Varanasi in a completely different light. This is not the Varanasi of Lonely Planet. This is the Varanasi of its forgotten and unseen people – the different people who make up this city. The struggle between the traditional Varanasi eco-system and the rising modernity within the city. The city where millions find gateway from life and where Youtube, Facebook are changing lives.
The main character of the movie is Devi – Richa Chadda. Her plan to kill her curiosity goes haywire and her boyfriend commits suicide. A shamelessly corrupt cop exploits the situation and her father is forced into a ransom overdrive. He uses a young child for meeting the unjust demands of the cop. But the movie’s main plot is overtaken by the show-stealer Deepak – Vicky Kaushal. He is the son of the dom – corpse burners. In the day he studies engineering and in the night he helps his family meet the ends. He falls in love with the high caste, poetry-loving Shaalu. The tender-sweet love story and chemistry is heart-warming. The caste barrier presents an interesting challenge to their love story.
The movie is about redemption, rebellion and societal changes. Devi finds her way out and moves ahead after practical and emotional closure. Shaalu is ready to run away and not accept societal rules.
Movie’s rich story is matched by the great cinematography, which is a great character in itself. The different shades of Ganga, the pyres or the balloons rising in the festival skylight – all beautifully captured. The music is awesome. The lyrics of Dushyant Kumar – Tu Kisi Rail Si Gujarti Hai, Main Kisi Pool Sa Thartharata Hoon – very thoughtful, moving and philosophically apt for the movie.
Neeraj Gheywan delivers a stunning movie on Varun Grover’s world-class script. Masaan is a must-watch !
During The Course Of My Professional And Personal Interactions, The Topic Of Personal Interests Often Crops Up! As Soon As People Know That I Am Passionate About Movies And Have Professionalized My Passion Through PhD In Management Of Movies, The Next Question Is : Which Are The Best Bollywood Movies? Which Are Your Best Bollywood Movies? Can You Give Your Recommendations? As Everyone Knows, It Is A Really Difficult Question…
Everyone’s Idea Of Favorite Movie Is Unique. It Depends On Individual Preferences & Taste. And Every Indian Has Their Favorites In Bollywood, Cricket And Politics. But This Is The List For My Friends, Film-Buffs, Non-Indians & Everyone Who Like Movies – We Can Match Our Favorites ! And I Have Created A Shortlist And A Long-List.
The Beginner’s Definitive Bollywood – The Beginner’s Guide To Eleven Movies That Give A Taste Of Classical Bollywood:
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge
Hum Aapke Hai Kaun
3 Idiots
Mughal E Azam
Sholay
Amar Akbar Anthony
Dabangg
Chennai Express
Ram Leela
The World Cinema Bollywood – The Eleven Movies That Give A Global Taste Of Indian Hindi Cinema:
The Ship Of Theseus
The Lunchbox
Guide
3 Idiots
Udaan
Taare Zameen Par
Lootera
Kahaani
Haider
Piku
Dor
Ash’s Favorite Movie List – My All Time Top 25 List:
Anand
Guide
Mughal E Azam
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron
Dor
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge
Kabhi Haa Kabhi Naa
Manorama Six Feet Under
Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi
3 Idiots
The Ship Of Theseus
Mother India
Ek Ruka Hua Faisla
Andaz Apna Apna
Chandni Bar
Dev D
Zakhm
Lagaan
Dil Chahta Hai
Munnabhai MBBS
Swades
Taare Zameen Par
Maachis
The LunchBox
Queen
Ash’s Favorite Movie List – The Long List Of Additional 15 Movies:
Bhoomika
Do Aankhen Barah Haath
Uski Roti
Amar Prem
Abhimaan
Silsila
Ek Duje Ke Liye
Deewar
Saaransh
Khamoshi
Satya
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
No Smoking
Page 3
Pyaar Ka Punchnaama
Ash’s Favorites – The Recent 25 Favorites:
Kahaani
No One Killed Jessica
Udaan
Ab Tak Chappan
Ek Haseena Thi
Company
Gulaal
Tanu Weds Manu
Rang De Basanti
Saathiya
Chak De India
Hum Tum
Omkaara
Gangs of Wasseypur
Paan Singh Tomar
Vicky Donor
English Vinglish
Raanjhaana
Bheja Fry
Lootera
Haider
Highway
Maqbool
Shahid
Piku
Ash’s Favorite Hollywood Movies – The Eleven All Time Favorites:
Gandhi
Citizen Cane
Life Is Beautiful
The Bridge On River Kwai
The Dark Knight
The God Father Series
12 Angry Men
The Pursuit Of Happyness
The Fault In Our Stars
To Kill A Mocking Bird
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Ash’s Favorite Hollywood Movies – The Long List:
The Bicycle Thieves
As Good As Is Gets
The Help
Vertigo
The Ring
Psycho
The Bourne Series
Far From The Madding Crowd
Before Series: Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight
Dead Poets Society
Cast Away
The Theory Of Everything
Ash’s Favorite Hollywood Movies – The Recent Favorites:
The Descendants
Avatar
Hugo
The Da Vinci Code
Midnight In Paris
The Contagion
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
The Grand Budapest Hospital
Asylum
Oprhanage
Sliver Lining Brookings
Argo
The Artist
12 Years A Slave
Ash’s Children Favorites – Bringing Out The Child In Us!
Baby’s Day Out
Tin Tin
Finding Nemo
Cars
The Lion King
Paddington Bear
Inside Out
Ash’s Favorite Marathi Movies:
Shwaas
Deool
Shyamchi Aai
The 12th Phalke Memorial Lecture was ‘Multiplicity in Motion: The Rise of India’s New Independent Cinema’ by Dr. Ashwin Immanuel Devasundaram. The lecture series organised by South Asian Cinema Foundation has featured eminent speakers like Shyam Benegal, Saeed Akhbar Mirza, P K Nair amongst others.
Noted film-maker had spoken about India’s independent cinema at the same forum and hence the second lecture on the topic proves the importance of the new wave of Indian cinema. Dr. Ashvin has been passionate about new independent Indian cinema and his thesis has explored the socio-ideological impact of the new independent Indian cinema. Dr. Ashvin is currently working on a book that promises to be the first dedicated and comprehensive analysis of new Indian Independent Cinema and hence he was the apt person to speak on the subject.
Dr. Ashvin has been a fan of ‘The Ship Of Theseus” and he creatively and aptly presented the “Ship Of Indian Cinema”. There are different parts to the Superstructure Ship:
– Post 1947 Art Films of Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Bimal Roy
– The Parallel & Popular Cinema of 1960s
– The Parallel Cinema of 1970s-80s – The Cinema of Shyam Benegal, Mani Kaul, Gulzar etc.
– The Hinglish Cinema of 1990s-2000s
– The Regional Cinema
– The 1990s Rupture – Bollywood Beyond Liberalization
– The New Indies – Post 2010
According to him, the new Indies in India has been “inspired” by these various parts like Parallel / Art cinema movement, Regional Cinema and World Cinema in ample proportions. Thus it can be compared to a mutant hybrid ninja. It is very Glocal – Global in ambition and and local in content and cultural nuances.
The new Indies are more ambitious than the earlier parallel cinema movies. They seek wider audience, open to alternative source of funding and address the ‘state of the nation’. They liberally experiment with language, technology and narrative. The Indies seek creative funding and are open for new channels of distribution. Q showed the movie on Internet only. Film Festivals and Online are some of the preferred avenues for distribution. Indies are open for crowdfunding and cross-country deals. In fact, the collaboration with foreign entities goes beyond the funding requirement.
The session also raised important questions about the Censorship. The Audience was treated to the wonderful clips from movies like The Lunchbox, Peepli Live, Gandu and The Ship of Theseus. These clips were enhanced by Ashwin’s wonderful perspectives and socio-economic inferences.
The season concluded rather early and we were still waiting for more from Dr. Ashvin. The event concluded with wonderful interactions with Dr. Aswhin, Farrukh Dhody Saheb and Nasreen Munni Kabir. The even was chaired by none other than Professor Rosie Thomas, Director of CREAM: Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media, University of Westminster. Rosie Thomas is a renowned expert and pioneer in academic study of Indian Cinema.
The Trio of Ronnie Screwala, Zarine Mehta and Deven Khote got my attention early in life. I was in school and Doordarshan was a staple diet. United Television came across as a different company – production, content and overall packaging. The logo of UTV was stuck in mind.
Since then UTV and Ronnie Screwvala and his team have continued to impress us. India’s first soap – Shanti was a big step at that time. It continued to grow in leaps and bound. In-flight entertainment business, post-production, IPO, broadcasting, VAS business etc. It ventured into the movie business via movie distribution and soon turned into production as well. I am sure each milestone had its share of challenges.
Everyone sees the success and the limelight. Especially in the glamour business. Ronnie’s UTV was sold to Disney – a watershed moment for Indian entertainment industry. It was a great and a heartening story – a company that its Indian entertainment brethren and camps did not take seriously initially was bought by one of the biggest and iconic entertainment companies in the world.
Ronnie has played an important role in India movie business. During the course of my doctoral thesis on the role of modern management in Indian Film Industry, I came across many exemplary practices of UTV. I have documented them and they are a part of my thesis.
UTV gave special importance to movie marketing and production values and content.
Ronnie has recently penned his journey in his book – Dream With Your Eyes Open. Trust him to do the same with his book. Indian non-fiction does not get great attention. But Ronnie is trying a lot of things here as well. Check his list to redefine this space:
1. Great Marketing Campaign Around The Book – Unless You Are Lost In Hawaiian Vacation, Very People Will Miss The Book Launch
2. Ranbir Kapoor Launches The Book – A Perfect Launch
3. Testimonials From Captain Of Indian Industry & Disney
4. Testimonial From Narendra Modi
5. India’s First Television Ad For The Book
6. An Active Social Media Campaign, Website
The success of the book is important as it helps to promote the message of Entrepreneurship. He says the books is about “It can be done” and not “I did it” Great. The message of entrepreneurship need more ambassadors. Importance of failing. Importance of taking risks. Dreaming Big! May thousands of Ronnie bloom !
“Broken Horses Is About Breaking Prejudices” said Vidhu Vinod Chopra at the interactive evening discussion at SOAS, London.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra was the Guest Of Honor at the ‘In Conversation’ interview session hosted by the National Indian Students Union UK and SOAS South Asia Institute. The evening discussion was chaired by renowned author and SOAS’ Professor of Indian Cultures and Cinema – Professor Rachel Dwyer.
Vidhu is the first Indian filmmaker to write, produce and direct a Hollywood film. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s emphasis during the entire evening was to drive the point that Indian cinema can match Hollywood but we choose to speak our people in our language. Our Indian people are different and hence Indian cinema is different. Expressing love through song and dance is normal – he also did the same in his early days. Indian cinema is not deficient or subservient – It is different.
His motivation for Broken Horses was the same mantra. Hollywood has looked down upon Bollywood. There are prejudices. He wants to break those. He wanted to tell the world that an Indian can produce a Hollywood movie. A Hollywood movie that only had Vidhu as an Indian name in the entire credits – all lead actors, crew and team were Hollywood. The movie was also a true blue mainstream movie – not a diasporic or NRI linked themes.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s earlier movie Eklavya had an impact in Hollywood. It was India’s official Oscar entry as well. It led to opening of few thoughts for a Hollywood movie. And after viewing a screening of The Departed, the urge grew stronger. Abhijat Joshi and Vidhu started worked on a script. Parinda was the initial inspiration (Parinda was also nominated at Oscar) – but after 63 drafts – the 64th movie emerged which was Broken Horses.
Professor Rachel Dwyer brought many important perspectives and Vidhu’s answers to those were the highlight of the evening. There was an interesting conversation about business sense in Indian cinema. Vidhu has been successful with PK, 3 Idiots, Munnabhai etc. His movies seems to bring loads of money and deliver a social message as well. It was rare in Indian cinema. So what contributed to his strong business sense? Vidhu intact said that he had poor business sense. If he was to be interested in business, he should have made 4 Idiots and 5 Idiots after 3 Idiots. He cast Sanjay Dutt in the lead when he was undergoing trial. He made cinema for the sake of cinema. He wanted to deliver a good body of work and hopefully people will remember him. He is successful is a miracle, not a science.
Vidhu said that he has never followed a beaten path. Maybe because he has educated in school of life and not formal education.
Vidhu shared interesting anecdotes – the making of Kuch Na Kaho song, the revival of R D Burman, the fight for “Give Me Some Sunshine” song, the initial reaction to Munnabhai, his return to Kashmir to see his pooja room being cleaned and maintained neat by a namaazi etc.
On differences between West and Indian Film Industry, he noted that Indian industry was very warm but inefficient while Western industry was cold but very efficient. Indian cinema is improving but West is more professional.
The session was wrapped up rather quickly – everyone wanted more. Nevertheless, it was a great evening and a commendable session. The evening had started with a wonderful dance performance – it was mind blowing performance to songs of Vidhu’s movies. Then there was an amazing rendition to the wonderful songs of Vidhu’s movies.
Then, Professor Michael Hutt, Director of SOAS South Asia Institute, welcomed the illustrious guest of honor, Shri Vidhu Chopra and Professor Rachel Dwyer. In his welcome note, Professor Hutt noted that SOAS was the first British university to offer a degree on Indian cinema. He mentioned about the encouragement and support provide to Indian Cinema and South Asian Cinema at SOAS.
A 90 minute talk show was highly desirable. I am sure Sanam Arora and her wonderful team will listen to our wishes. They did a great job organizing this event !
One must credit to Vidhu for the great body of work – from Parinda to 1942 to Munnabhai to 3 Idiots to PK. He has allowed other talent to grow – Sanjay Leela, Raj Kumar Hirani, Pradeep Sarkar etc. Even Eklavya, Mission Kashmir, Ferrari Ki Sawaari were brave attempts. After 3 Idiots, he supported Sharman Joshi when the entire industry was waiting for his call.
He is releasing Broken Horses in India in English only – for proving a point that it is English movie. Not dubbed in Hindi. It is indeed risky. Ash thinks that when even Spiderman is released in Bhojpuri and South Indian Languages, he should reconsider this. Point is already proven I guess. James Cameron is endorsing Vidhu. Movie is ready. Point is proven.
Wishing him all the success. Broken Horses is a brave attempt. It is a statement. It is breaking new ground. And for that he deserves all our support !
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Broken Horses releases on 10th April 2015 through UTV Motion Pictures. Set in the shadows of the US–Mexico border gang wars, Broken Horses is an epic thriller about the bonds of brotherhood, the laws of loyalty, and the futility of violence.
2014 was a normal year for Bollywood – The Hindi Indian Film Industry. A mixture of Comedy, Action and Emotions ruled the Box office. But nothing path-breaking was achieved in the year. The Hindi Film Industry continued its march on profit maximization and adoption of management practices.
The overseas market continued to grow. Production qualities continued to enhance. From content perspective, it has been a mixed bag. Though new content and new packaging is rising, the moolah still went to the traditional content – action, comedy – driven by “Tentpole” cinema.
All three Khans and top male actors had their hits. Aamir Khan had PK, Shah Rukh Khan had Happy New Year and Salman had Kick and Jai Ho. Ajay Devgan had his Singham Returns, Akshay had his Holiday while Hrithik had Bang Bang. Arjun Kapoor shined with 2 States and Gunday. Alia Bhatt was clear box office queen with 2 States, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Highway.
1. Queen
Kangana rules! Story inspires! Perfect treatment of a great script. Nice direction. Lisa Haydon, Europe and Rajkumar Rao provide great support. The ‘London Thumakda’ and the movie rocked the box office as well!
2. Haider
Vishal Bharadwaj’s Shakespearean magnum-opus. Breath-taking Kashmir. Shahid’s portrayal of Haider. Tabu in another class act with equal support from Kay Kay and Irfan. Mind-blowing music. Movies are like this ! A rare blend of critical acclaim and commercial success.
3. Highway
Alia Bhatt’s terrific act. Imtiaz Ali’s direction. A R Rahman’s music – Phataka. Randeep’s strong presence. And a brave movie. Perfect!
4. PK
A very courageous movie. Sarcasm on Indian religious beliefs. Rajkumar Hirani – Aamir Khan delivered the goods. Anushka shined. ‘Bhagwan Tu Kahan’ moved us.
5. Ek Villain
A surprise package of the year. Riteish Deshmukh in a completely new avatar. The songs “Teri Galiyaan’, ‘Humdard’, ‘Awaari’ were on everyone’s playlist.
Honorable Mentions of 2014:
1. Rang Rasiya
2. Khoobsurat
3. Mary Kom
4. CityLights
5. 2 States
6. Holiday
The Top Box Office Grossers 0f 2014:
1. PK
2. Kick
3. Happy New Year
4. Bang Bang
5. Singham Returns
6. Holiday
7. Jai Ho
8. Ek Villain
9. 2 States
10. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania
Mobile Monday Ahmedabad has organized a session to unveil the technology mantras behind the entertainment Industry.
Mr. Siddhesh Bhobe, CEO of eMee and AVP of Persistent Systems Ltd – a leading player spearheading the role of technology in the entertainment industry, will conduct the interactive talk. The session will highlight how Mobility, Big Data and Social Media have been helping out Indian Movies in reaching INR 500 Crores in revenue. This interactive session will be held on Saturday, 23rd Aug 2014 at CIIE, IIM Ahmedabad between 03:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Like all Mobile Monday sessions, the event is open for all and registration is free at the Mobile Monday website.
The influence of technology is rising in all spheres of business and commerce including the entertainment industry. Through use of Big Data Analytics, Social Media and Mobility, Mr. Siddhesh and his team have created a huge impact in the success of big banner productions including King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Chennai Express’. They were also the brain behind Mr. Perfectionist Amir Khan’s much talked television debut series ‘Satyamev Jayate’. Their most recent project is on the verge of release and is already creating huge impact across the nation – the highly awaited action sequel of the famous director-action superstar Jodi where the lead character plays the role of a lion hearted brave police officer.
Mr. Siddhesh graduated from IIT Mumbai in 1998 and joined Persistent Systems Ltd in Pune and went on to become the President & CEO of eMee – a digital and new technologies arm of Persistent Systems. eMee helps Bollywood and Hollywood production houses with their Social Engagement Analytics, which includes Consulting for End to End Social Media Strategy, measurement and monitoring of social media trends along with User behavior tracking and analysis.
Mobile Monday is an open community platform of mobile industry visionaries, developers and influential individuals fostering brand neutral cooperation and cross-border P2P business opportunities through live networking events to demo products, share ideas and discuss trends from both local and global markets. Mobile Monday Ahmedabad exposes local developers and companies with their global counterparts and discusses new trends, innovation, business strategies and results within the mobile area.
Get Ready For The Happy New Year Marketing Juggernaut !
The Marketing for SRK’s ‘Happy New Year’ has already started. If ‘Om Shanti Om’ and ‘RaOne’ and ‘Chennai Express’ experience is considered, expect a mega publicity drive.
It started with the full page advertisements at the start of the year. The latest one is the ‘Happy New Year’ auditions for acting with SRK on Groupon. It is designed to create lot of ‘user engagement’. By being part of the movie, the user will be more connected to the movie. The people who applied for the auditions will have an emotional stake in the movie. People are being gifted certificates etc.
Expect more innovations and more visibility campaigns from SRK. Expect to read more and hear more about SRK and its cast. There will be overt and covert approaches.
In the last 2-3 years, the Indian Film Industry had got a new aspirational goal – 100 Crores. Suddenly 100 crores was the new benchmark of success. With each passing year, the number of films in the 100 crore club grew. And it will continue to grow. The rationale is simple.
India’s population is more than 100 crores. Even if 2% of Indian population watches a movie, it is 2 crore people watching a movie. Multiply it by the average lowest price of Rs 50, and we have 100 crores !
Movies were always popular in India and hit movies made good money. A few important changes have happened in the Indian Film Industry and that has contributed to the 100 crore movies:
1. The revenue leakages are getting reduced due to multiplexes and digital technologies.
2. Multiplexes have increased the number of screens. They have also increased the ticket prices and hence the yield.
3. Strong marketing strategies ensure carpet bombing of the movie. Maximum people watch movie within 2 weeks.
4. Modern management has ensured a good template for the success of a big size movie.
Inspite of the above facts, India has less number of per capita screens. The movie watching audience will continue to swell and we will soon move to new benchmarks. In fact, 200 crore is the new 100 crore with three movies already clocking more than 200 crores in 2013. The day is not far when 500 crore will not be an impossible feat in Bollywood.
Indian Film Industry is bullish in outlook. The only challenge is to ensure high quality content with global best practices. It can then make a bigger dent in the global entertainment order !
