Trip Down Bollywood Memory Lane – 2006!

By – Md. Mudassir Alam



"Some big hits, some big flops, some average hits, year 2006 remained more or less sucessful for Bollywood. Among hundreds of movies choosing 10 Best Movies is not an easy jobs. After taking into account various aspects I have chosen 10 best movies of 2006."


So, the year 2006 is coming to a close and people across the world are making plans to celebrate the New Year’s Eve. Some are planning to visit hill stations, some to any lake-side resort, some to picturesque beaches, some to far-flung areas and so on, unlike others Bollywood is also looking for a better future next year. All through the 2006, Bollywood has witnessed several ups and downs, most of the films fell apart at the box office, while some succeed at ticket windows.

Just like previous years this year too more than hundreds of movies were released but only few could face the stiff competition at the box office. From the economic point of view, the year 2006 remained another disastrous year with a series of flops. Some of the movies that did average business include Aap ki Khatir, Anthony Kaun Hai, Babul, Bas Ek Pal, Corporate, 36 China Town, Gangster, Jaan-e-mann, Kabul Express, Naksha, Pyar Ke Side Effects, Rocky, Shaadi Se Pehle, Woh Lamhe etc.

During this year, Bollywood has seen unusually different types of movies that include the sequels like Dhoom 2, Krrish, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Phir Hera Pheri. Apart from these blockbusters of yesteryears Don and Umrao-Jaan were remade but they could not create the same magic. Like last year, comedy films were once again appreciated by the cine-goers. Among the comedy movies, Golmaal, Malamal Weekly, Phir Hera Pheri, Apna Sapna Money Money, Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Bhagam Bhag, did good business.

Choosing top ten amongst the hundreds of movies is a not a cup of tea, but on a broad spectrum considering the points like the ticket collections, popularity, good script etc., we could short-list at least ten movies, which satisfy almost all the criteria. Most prominent ten movies of 2006 are Dhoom 2, Krrish, Rang De Basanti, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Fanaa, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Don, Vivah, Phir Hera Pheri and Omkara.

From the very beginning it was assumed that 2006 is just one more flop year for Bollywood, until Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang De Basanti hit the silver screen. Rang De Basanti even surprised the director by becoming a source of inspiration for today’s youth who take to the streets to protest against the issues like Jessica Laal murder case and OBC reservation. Boasts of an excellent script, screenplay, Rang De Basanti was selected as India’s official entry for the Academy Awards. Now we have to wait, whether it could bring the award or not, lets wait and hope for the best.

Next Kunal Kohli’s Fanaa, changed the scenario, the film encountered several controversies, the screening of Fanaa was banned in Gujarat and one of the protester even self-immolated himself, but after all the film become one of the biggest hits of the year.

The success story of box-office moved further with Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish, getting overwhelming response in the opening week. Hrithik Roshan became the first super-hero of India, though the concept was alien to Hindi film industry, but people praised their own desi super-hero.

Rajkumar Hirani’s Lage Raho Munna Bhai, the sequel of Munnabhai M.B.B.S faired much better than the first part. The unique concept of Gandhigiri was interpreted in the film in a different way and it also became a source of inspiration for many people.

Another sequel was Phir Hera Pheri, which unlike Hera Pheri became a big hit. This time Phir Hera Pheri was directed by noted writer Neeraj Vohra, instead of Priyadarshan, but he nicely directed the film and proved his direction skills.

What do you expect from a Shakespeare's classic Othello? Of course a fine piece of literature, without any abuse, but Vishal Bhardwaj transformed the whole novel in its own style, in Omkara. Based on the lifestyle of Uttar Pradesh’s villages and full of verbal abuses, Omkara became a hit and the number “Bidi Jalayele” also topped the music chart for several weeks.

Further Karan Johar’s multi-starer Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna was based on common topics, like you loved it or you hated it, but you could not totally ignore it. Despite its mega star cast like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna didn’t do well in India, but it got a phenomenal response overseas.

After Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Farhan Akhtar’s Don was the next gift for the fans of Shahrukh Khan. King Khan tried his best to mimic the millennium star Amitabh Bachahan and first week collection of the movie was awesome, but further critics as well as majority of gave a lucre response to the movie. After all, Shahrukh still has large number of fans, who were enough to make the movie a successful one.

Known for the complete family entertainer, Rajshree Production came with their new movie Vivah, for entertaining the whole family together in cinema theatres. Directed by Sooraj. R. Barjatya, the movie had not any big star, but it became one of the surprise hits of the year.

Last but not the least, Sanjay Gadhvi’s Dhoom 2, turned the whole table and occpied the slot of the biggest hit of the year. Dhoom, which was made by Sanjay Gadhvi as an experiment was appreciated by youngsters and cine pundits, but Dhoom 2 became even the bigger hit than the original. Till now, the movie has grossed above Rs. 165 crore and it is still pulling the crowds towards the cinema theatres.

Moreover, the journey of Hindi films of 2006 is quite long, as some movies fell flat at box office and could not do satisfactory business amidst good script and screenplay. Forgetting the lows and highs of the year 2006, we could only hope that the tradition of good movies will roll over the coming year too and Bollywood would reach the new heights.

Dilli, Dilwalon Kiiiiiii.........

By – Md. Mudassir Alam

Delhi, often referred to as the “City of Dilwalas” (City of loving people) is not only providing shelter to ‘Dilliwallahs’ but also to people from far and near. Some come to the national capital for higher studies, some for jobs in technology, management and other fields and some for simply viewing the tourist attractions.

After finishing my studies from AMU, Aligarh I also reached Delhi with an aim to get a job and I got it very soon too. As I was new in Delhi so it was obvious for me to explore those places about which I have earlier read in books, magazines and newspapers. Hence on my weekly off-days, I used to visit the attractions of Delhi. Apart from Delhi’s tourist attractions, I always came across a large number of beggars in places like bus stops, temples, mosques etc.

Being a Muslim visiting the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia is a regular affair for me. One particular day I went to the Dargah, after completing the necessary rituals I was on the way to my home. Just outside the main gate beggars were blessing the people with the words, Allah ke naam pe kuch paise do baba, apki Murad poori hogi “Dear give some paise in the name of God, your wish will be fulfilled.”

As the day was too hot, so I stopped outside a shop and bought a bottle of cold drink to end my thirst. Though I was drinking the cold drink but my attention was also towards the beggars close to shop. All of a sudden my ear stuck to conversation of two beggars, who by chance were talking in some language that belongs to my home district Kishanganj.

With bottles of cold drink in their hands they were talking, Aree bhai itni garmi hai, dekho Dilli ke log kitne pareshan hai, hum log hi thik hain din bhar mein 200 -250 rupaiye kama lete hain “Brother it’s very hot today, see the people of Delhi who are always in hurry, we are better than them as we easily earn around two hundred rupees daily.”

Although their conversation was continued, but one beggar was looking little worried. His co-beggar asked him, have you any problem, no, actually my relatives are coming next week and they have no any knowledge about my profession, if they will know about it, it will surely hurt them. With a gentle smile the other beggar told, don’t take any tension, I will arrange accommodation for them, you have to just stop your work for some days and when they will go back you can start your work again. By the idea of his fellow beggar, the other beggar was looking quite relaxed.

My bottle of cold drink was also finished, after paying to the shopkeeper I left the place for my home. When I reached home I described the whole story before my family members and laugh endlessly. Even today the conversations of those two beggars are fresh in my mind. From the story of these two beggars I realized in Delhi’s fast life when people have little knowledge about others, people from far places taking advantage of this hidden identity and are earning their livelihood by opting different professions, leaving behind all hesitation. Why not, overall Delhi is a ‘City of Dilwalas.’

Sourav Ganguly, ‘The Prince Of Kolkata’ Is Back.

By - Md. Mudassir Alam

Sourav Ganguly, popularly known as the ‘Prince of Kolkata’ is back in the Indian Team after a gap of around nine months. Anyone who knows and loves cricket very much had some doubt about the selector’s move. But he has proved his ability as well as importance for the Indian team in very first test against South Africa with two valubale knocks of 51 (not out) and 25.

Today, people across the country as well as critics are praising the ‘Prince of Kolkata’, and he deserves it, but he is the same man who always became the headlines of newspapers for his attitude problem or bossiness. Let’s take a look in his career which is full of controversies.

Sourav Ganguly was first selected in Indian team for Australia tour in 1991-92, when he was a 19-year-old boy. Although Sourav Ganguly got the chance to play against West Indies in one-dayers and later on dropped from the Indian team for the World Cup 1992. From his very first tour Ganguly was alleged for his ‘attitude problems’ and reluctance to carry out regular 12th man duties such as taking the drinks, bats on the field etc.

Both his ability and attitude was questioned and Sunil Gavaskar wrote “Within the team he seems to be an object of fun because of his reluctance to perform his chores as the reserve player. No wonder he has been nicknamed “Maharaja” since he leaves the menial jobs like carrying drinks on others while he sits watching them do it.” Though the charges were never proven, but the Maharaja found himself out of the team and the Ganguly chapter remained close for four years.

After Ganguly’s continuous good performances at the domestic level the selectors recalled him for the tour of England in 1996. In the second match of the series he got the chance to play and closed the mouth of his critics with a polished century in his test debut at the Mecca of Cricket ‘Lords’. Two back-to-back centuries in his first two tests clearly indicated the panache of the young man. From that juncture there was no looking back for Ganguly. Now the young Sourav was totally different from the teenager of 1992.

For his valuable contributions to team India, he was named Sportstar Person of the Year in 1998 and also awarded the Arjuna Award same year. In February, 2000 he was appointed as the captain of national team. Ganguly’s excellent captaincy and aggressive attitude in the field changed the history of Indian cricket. Everything was going on Ganguly’s favour till the 2003-04 drawn series against Australia and series win against Pakistan in 2004.

But by 2005, the master of offside became the victim of his own mastery and his problem with the shot-balls engraved. After continuous poor performances the another blow was his ban for 6 matches for slow over rates against Pakistan in home series in 2005. Under such circumstances his tour to Sri Lanka for the Indian Oil Cup 2005 was under doubt and Rahul Dravid was made the captain.

As India lost the final, selectors again named Ganguly as captain for the Zimbabwe tour of August-September 2005 keeping in mind his past records. During the series, differences between new coach Greg Chappell and Ganguly came into light. Ganguly told reporters that coach Greg Chappell had asked him not to play to provide the chance to youngsters Yuvraj Singh or Mohammed Kaif. The statement of Ganguly created much hue and cry and both Ganguly and Chappell were summoned to a BCCI board meeting in which they agreed to work together for the good of the team.

Next, Sourav Ganguly had to sit outside due to injury and Rahul Dravid was appointed Captain for the one day series against Sri Lanka and South Africa for 12 matches. Dravid’s good performance as a captain in the one day series made him the captain for the test series against Sri Lanka too. Ganguly’s exclusion ranked as a fight between his mentor Jagmohan Dalmiya and Sharad Pawar. With the decision of the Indian selectors all assumed likely there is end of the career for Ganguly.

However after much controversy on December 23, 2005 Ganguly was selected for the series against Pakistan and he increased his failure list. Eventually he was dropped from the team and BCCI and selectors forgot about him. Now due to continuous failures of youngsters Sourav Ganguly has once again recalled, but he has to fulfill the expectations of the Board as well as the cricket fans. Ganguly has to adapt and think positively for his future and most importantly he has to scores runs to discover his old class and temperament. If he will be through with the game every Indian cricket lover must stand up and applaud him.

Shakers of Faith

By - Md.Mudassir Alam

"My Visit to Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti Dargah in Ajmer Sharif, its my personal experience. This particular story had been published in "The Pioneer" (Dated- 14th September 2005). " Go through the story and leave your comments.

Visiting the holy dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer is a matter of faith for not just Muslims but also people of other religions. They go there in search of peace and fulfillment. When I was young, I used to hear my grandmother talking about this dargah. Edified thus about faith, I always wanted to visit this shrine.

After finishing my education from Aligarh Muslim University, I shifted to Delhi. My parents too came to the Capital. When we had all settled in, we made a plan to visit Ajmer. Going to the shrines of Hazrat Nizamuddin and Qutubuddin Bakhtyar at Mehrauli is considered essential before going to the dargah of Gharib Nawaz.

After fulfilling the formalities at these two dargahs, we boarded the Ahmedabad Express at Sarai Rohilla Railway Station for Ajmer. Before our departure, my uncle - a resident of Delhi for long - instructed us to remain careful of touts who deceive visitors in Ajmer.

Our journey was quite pleasant, and the next morning we reached the quaint Rajasthan town. As we came out of the station, we saw the autorickshaw-wallahs shouting 'dargah, dargah'. We went near one of them and asked the charges. "Rs 20," he replied.

Being a gentleman, my father revealed our identity. "We have come from Delhi to visit the dargah. Being strangers, we don't know the whereabouts of any good hotel. Can you help us?" he asked the driver. The driver suddenly turned quite gentle, and reduced the charges to Rs 15. We regarded it as an act of generosity on behalf of the driver. Soon, we were at the reception of a hotel.

As we were going upstairs to our rooms after checking in, I saw the receptionist giving Rs 50 to the driver. I realised there was a flourishing driver-hotel nexus in cities like Ajmer. After relaxing for a couple of hours, we moved towards the dargah. As we entered the main gate - near 'Bari Degh' - we saw a man following us. At first we regarded him as just another visitor like us. But, on being asked about who he was, he introduced himself as a khadim (servant) of Moinuddin Chishti.

As we reached the grave of Khwaja Saheb for offering fateha, the khadim told us to give our offering to him. There was a large crowd inside the dargah and it was not possible for us to fulfil the formalities. So, we had to give our offering to him. After offering fateha, he asked for money in the name of Gharib Nawaz.

Unwillingly, we had to part with him some money. After spending an entire day at the dargah, we returned to the hotel where a surprise awaited us. We were served a bill that was way too quite exorbitant from what the hotel receptionist had told us at the time of our arrival. He was no longer there, and it had got too late. We paid the bill without fuss.

On returning to Delhi, we never discussed the Ajmer visit. At least not with my uncle who had cautioned us about the touts there. The thought of the presence of such greedy elements in such a pious place still makes me restless.