My Favourites From Bollywood

 There are probably more, but this is a short list.

Dev Anand. I am fond of all his films up to Des Pardes. After that, his films were not great, though he continued making them regularly. But his films are only one part of why I like him. He had a charm that transcended the world of films, and spilled out into his life. His work ethic was great, and his zest for life, memorable. He also regularly introduced new talent in his films, particularly heroines like Zeenat Aman and Tina Munim. Many of his films from the 70s or earlier were romantic, and had great music. Except Guide, which was also serious and had great music. Some of the songs are eternal favourites, like Wahan kaun hai tera, musafir, jayega kahaan, or Yeh dil na hota bechara, Dil aaj shaayar hai and Phoolon ke rang se..

Kishore Kumar. My second favourite is Kishore Kumar, born in Khandwa. M.P. (not in Bengal), and a great all-rounder, to use cricketing terminology. (Incidentally, Salim who co-wrote Sholay, is also from Indore, and so is Johnny Walker). He was so talented that he could sing, compose music, direct films and perform almost any kind of role. The movies he produced were sometimes extremely serious ones. His first innings was known more for acting, but he skyrocketed to his zenith in his second as a singer. Aradhana under S.D. Buman's baton as music director proved to be the rocket-launcher. He never looked back, and produced gems for many music directors including R.D. Burman and Laxmikant Pyarelal. My favourites include most songs of his, in many moods. This blog gets its anme from one of his songs in Kati Patang.

Mehmood. Another immensely talented actor, producer and director. Made many significant films, like Kunwara Baap, Sabse Bada Rupiah, and Ginny aur Johnny, besides rollicking comedies like Bhoot Bangla, Padosan and Bombay to Goa. Acted against all the top heroes and sometimes overshadowed them. His Hum kaale hain to kya hua dilwale hain role in Gumnaam was imitated by Amitabh Bachhan in a later film song. He was good at emotional roles too, which he proved in many of his films.