I was around seventeen when I saw my first Hindi film and by the age of twenty, I realised I had an affinity for such films. Of course back then, I wasn't aware of any actors or actresses names, I just knew I loved Hindi films.
Bollywood is well known for its bold colours, dramatic acting, mesmerising dancing and soul stirring singing, not to mention geographical beauty but I do feel that the poetical depth to such films is often overlooked by the audience.
I feel the older Bollywood films (before CGI and so forth) were more poetic than they are today. If one pays attention to more than the glamour, they would find the odd diamond among the sometimes overly bright tones.
Recently, I have become a fan of Rishi Kapoor. For those unaware of who he is, he was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi films, sadly he died in 2020 of leukemia. This isn't a blog solely about him as such however, rather a recognition of a certain film he acted in along with an actress named Jaya Prada, the film is called Sargam.
Sargam was written and directed by K. Viswanth in 1979. It was a remake of his earlier film Siri Siri Muvva (1976). The basic outline of Sargam is that a musician helps a woman who’s unable to speak or hear achieve her dream to become a classical dancer. This is a minimal synopsis, there are many layers to this beautifully orchestrated film.
What I found so wonderful about Sargam was the drumming throughout. The songs are very heavily drowned in drum beats and it works so well. Sargam in music refers to singing the notes instead of the words of a composition. Rishi's character, Raju, carries a drum with him in the film that he plays as though it were an extension of himself. Whether he truly played that drum in Sargam, I am unsure, but he did play many instruments in real life so I think maybe he did tap out many a beat in the film.
All the songs in Sargam are delightfully vibrant but in particular, the song "Parbat Ke Us Paar" is a treasure trove to the ears of a Bollywood admirer. The dancing is flawlessly inviting to watch and the costumes that Hema (Jaya Prada) adorns are so gloriously beautiful there are minimal words to express their radiance.
She played the part of Hema so well it was emotive to follow her character. Tears and tragedy are well known in Bollywood but Jaya Prada bears both incredibly well balanced in this classic, delivered with immense conviction and depth. Her character is one of inspiration and any script can that inspire someone is a worthy script indeed.
As mentioned briefly above, the landscapes are sublime and merge so well with the costumes and styling. Colourful, naturistic and welcoming are just three words to describe their beauty. A naturistic scenery is always a bonus for me in any film but the scenery in Sargam is often breathtaking.
Overall, whether a Bollywood fan or interested in seeing a film worthy of attention, I recommend Sargam, it leaves one reeling from a musical high while reflecting on following dreams and hope, not to mention the inspiration to be oneself after watching such a masterpiece of emotion.
I think my heart shall forever be a little lost to Bollywood, merged with poetry in the dialogue and the beat of a drum echoing over land I somehow feel at home upon.
I would even say Bollywood can stir the soul as much as it lifts the spirit, such films remind your heart to dance and to dance is to feel freedom from the weight of life, however brief, 'tis a respite.
I shall leave this with a song from Sargam , may it empower a smile for the days ahead.
Comments