May 07, 2003 09:45 AM
6801 Views
(Updated May 07, 2003 09:51 AM)
Long back, I had written a review on Walt Disney's Fantasia, a film which depicted the images created in the artists' minds when they heard music. Indeed, music does have the power of building images in the listener's mind. Music is not just heard.not just felt.but also seen! It is very difficult that you hear the song Roja Jaaneman and your mind doesn't flash back to those snow capped mountains and their beauty, captured by the genius of Mani Ratnam. Indeed, music can be seen!
Maybe this seeing the music visuallyis the mechanism that works when directors, choreographers, cinematographers and photographers give us some visual treats on screen. This review is a tribute to all those behind the scene workers, who have, over the years, given music the best possible form.
My ten best song picturisations:
1. Ghar aaya mera pardesi(Awara)
The master of visuals, Raj Kapoor, at his best! This song actually looks like a dream. The music and the visuals compliment each other perfectly. A must see for budding directors.
2. Waqt ne kiya(Kaagaz ke phool)
It is not possible that you talk of visuals and you leave out the master in the use of lights and camera, Guru Dutt. The use of spotlight, created by just a mirror, is the high point of this brilliant song. The feeling that this song gives me cannot be described. I guess it is more like a peaceful restlessness, if you understand what I mean. And that is exactly what the visual conveys!
3. Ik ladki bheegi bhaagi si(Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi)
This song will always remain one of my most favourite songs. Visualize a cosy little motor garage and a happy-go-lucky mechanic in the good old fifties. Add heavy rain to the picture. A damsel in distress.and a damsel no less than the oh-so-beautiful Madhubala, drenched in a white sari. Welcome to a visual treat!
4. Roop Tera Mastana(Aradhana)
Sensuality at its best! And the fact that the whole song is one big shot without any cuts speaks volumes of the commitment of everyone involved with the production of this song, including the actor and actress, the director, the light man and of course, the cameraman.
5. Pahla Nasha(Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar)
The basic idea of writing this review occurred to me when I read a brilliant review by Suyog on the same topic. It is not a mere coincidence that he too has started his selections with this song from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar. The fact is, this song simply deserves to be on every list under this category. The piano notes that follow the ad-lib of this song have always succeeded in giving me the Goosebumps. The youthful feelings it generates deserved the treatment- slow motion. And in the process, the makers came out with a path-breaking visual for Bollywood. Don't miss this one.
6. Ek ladki ko dekha(1942- A Love Story)
The song which finally put to rest the debate whether Panchamda had lost his touch! This masterpiece was beautifully picturised, with every frame convincingly justifying the beautiful https://lyrics. I agree that nowadays, Manisha Koirala has become an atrocious sight, but I got to admit that in this song, she looked absolutely gorgeous. Whenever I think of this song, I remember her face when she is swinging on a jhoola. That was a sight for the Gods.
7. Dil Hain Chota sa(Roja)
I always believe that the music should enhance the https://lyrics. The visual should enhance both, the music and the https://lyrics. And this song does just that! The bubbly girl Roja is shown here, enjoying with mother nature. The song effectively portrays her free spirit, her pure soul, her innocent heart! Kudos to Mani Ratnam.
8. Haay rama ye kya kiya(Rangeela)
A brilliantly composed song, and a visual treat. The sensuality in this song is fever-pitched. An absolute knocker. The fast camera movement aptly compliments the mood of the song! A must see for movie enthusiasts.
9. Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale(Maachis)
This song is another one which has remained etched in my memory. The lyrics, the music, the visual.are all the parts of one whole picture. Together, they treat you to the harsh life and the humane minds of some terrorists. Truly, a great song!
10. Woh ladki hain kahaan(Dil Chahta Hain)
I still cannot believe that this was Mr.Akhtar's first film. Truly, Bollywood has finally got the fine director it needed. Take the filming of this song, for instance! The black and white images give you that feeling of the fifties. One cannot miss that faint Eastman colour of the sixties to the main characters dancing. Add to that our two lovebirds sitting in that auditorium, enjoying the movie.a striking example of the colour of the twenty first century. What a blend! Truly a genius mind on display. Add to that the choreography which does justice to the beautiful music and you have a fantastic song for your collection.
IN CONCLUSION
Well, I guess I reached the end of the allotted mark of 10. Along this journey through Bollywood, I may have missed many great picturisations. You may just put it down to my forgetfulness.
Comments are welcome.
