Who are some females among popular Hindi film directors?

 Zoya Akhtar

Gully Boy starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt has been one of the most successful films of Zoya Akhtar after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The flick based on real life rappers Divine and Naezy was indeed an original attempt which received positive reviews from the audience. Zoya has also worked as a writer and assistant director for hits like Talaash and Dil Chahta Hai respectively.

Meghna Gulzar

If you haven’t seen the Alia Bhatt starrer, Raazi, you may fail to appreciate the filmmaking skills of renowned lyricist and poet Gulzar’s daughter Meghna. She has revamped the standards of filmmaking with real topics in the said film and others such as Talvar. Her upcoming film Chhapaak starring Deepika Padukone is based on real life acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

Ashwiny has donned the filmmaker’s hat for films like Nil Battey Sannata, Bareilly Ki Barfi and now the upcoming Kangana Ranaut starrer Panga. She is the wife of Dangal director Nitish Tiwari. Her films revolve around small town narratives and often tries to put reality unfiltered onscreen.

Alankrita Shrivastava

Alankrita is an independent Indian filmmaker who made her debut with Turning 30!!!, however, it was the critically acclaimed Lipstick Under My Burkha that gave her the recognition she deserved. A film that revolves around the lives of four women featuring Aahana Kumra, Konkona Sen Sharma, Plabita Borthakur and Ratna Pathak Shah was a favourite among movie buffs. Her upcoming film Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare also revolves around women in lead featuring Konkona Sen Sharma and Bhumi Pednekar.

Nandita Das

Nandita Das is an all-rounder. She has starred in all kinds of films across the globe. Be it regional cinema or mainstream flicks, she is one powerful woman who has been true to her profession. Her recent achievement was as the filmmaker for Manto, which is the biographical drama film about the famous Urdu author Saadat Hasan Manto.

Reema Kagti

Reema has worked as an assistant director for films like Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hai. As a director she made her debut with the multi-starrer Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. She further received recognition for her film Talaash: The Answer Lies Within featuring Aamir Khan which was also a hit. Her last seen flick was the Akshay Kumar starrer Gold.

Gauri Shinde

With only two films (English Vinglish, Dear Zindagi) in her career as a director, Gauri Shinde is an extraordinary woman. She made her debut with English Vinglish which was the late actress Sridevi’s comeback onscreen. The film is still considered as one of the top celluloids with a woman in the lead.

Shonali Bose

National Film Award winner Shonali Bose has done few films which include Margarita with a Straw that is a mandatory name in Indian films that executed same sex relationship on the big screen. Her upcoming film is called The Sky Is Pink starring Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim.

Aparna Sen

Aparna Sen is a National Awarding winning actor, filmmaker and screenwriter who is popularly known for her work in Bengali cinema. She made her directorial debut with 36 Chowringhee Lane, produced by Shashi Kapoor. She achieved consistent success with path-breaking films like Sati, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, 15 Park Avenue and The Japanese Wife to name a few.

Deepa Mehta

Best known for her film on elements trilogy – Fire, Earth, and Water, Deepa has used worked with narratives that touch upon topics ranging from homosexuality to patriarchy, to communal strife, to misogyny, to ill-treatment of widows. She has received numerous awards and accolades over the years including an Oscar nomination.

What is the name of the Hindi movie that featured the song "Neele Neele Ambar Par"? Who was the singer of that song?

 The above mentioned song is from the movie Kalaakar(1983). It was an official Hindi remake of Tamil hit film Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982).

Despite being a box-office dissapointment the film gave Bollywood one of its most immortal romantic songs.

Neele Neele Ambar Par is rendered by Kishore Kumar and composed by Kalyanji-Anandji. Kishore Kumar’s soft whispering vocals perfectly mimics the gentle breeze and the nocturnal setting of the track.

The soothing guitar solo is played by veteran musician Sunil Kaushik. Indeevar, who is the lyricist of the song has used rich metaphors comparing natural elements such as mountains, sea and blue sky to symbolise profound romantic longing and a desire for a soulmate. There is also a female version of the song which is rendered by Sadhana Sargam.

The film starred Manoj Kumar’s son Kunal Goswami and Sridevi. It was a failed debut for Kunal Goswami. During the pre-trial itself Manoj Kumar felt that the film will not connect with the audience and suggested to change some scenes. However his suggestion was not taken seriously and he did not want to bother the director.

The tragedy-romance film was a box-office failure but the song remains an iconic cultural touchstone in Indian Cinema.

Image(s) Courtesy: Google

Which is the first Hindi movie of Bollywood?

 The first full-length Hindi feature film in what is now called Bollywood is:

Raja Harishchandra (1913)

It was directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, who is widely regarded as the “father of Indian cinema.”

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Key facts about Raja Harishchandra:

• Release year: 1913
• Format: Silent film (no recorded dialogue)
• Language: No spoken language, but based on Indian mythological story (later associated with Hindi cinema history)
• Director: Dadasaheb Phalke
• Theme: Story of King Harishchandra, known for truthfulness in Hindu mythology
• Length: About 40–50 minutes (varies by restored versions)

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Why it is considered the first Bollywood film

Even though the term “Bollywood” did not exist at the time, Raja Harishchandra is recognized because:

• It was the first Indian-made full-length narrative feature film
• It marked the beginning of commercial cinema production in India
• It established storytelling techniques later adopted by Hindi cinema

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Important context

• The film was silent; sound films in India started much later with Alam Ara
• “Bollywood” as a term became common only in the later 20th century, referring specifically to Hindi-language commercial cinema based in Mumbai

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Conclusion

The first Hindi cinema foundation is generally traced to Raja Harishchandra (1913) by Dadasaheb Phalke, which marks the beginning of Indian feature filmmaking and the historical origin of Bollywood.

Which popular Hindi songs have vulgar lyrics, but people don't realise?

 The film is Anjaam

Song- Chane ke Khet Me

I don't know what the makers and lyricists trying to imply with this song. But the song vividly describes an ass**lt if one look at the lyrics closely.

Atharah Baras ki Kanwari kali thi (I was an unblossomed bud/unmarried girl)

Pahle to zulmi ne pakdi kalai (first the cruel one held my wrist)

Phir usne chupke se ungli dabai (Then slowly he pressed my finger)

Mere aage peeche shikaariyon ke ghere (There are hunters all around me)

Baithe wahan saare jawaani ke lootere (All the robbers of youth are sitting there)

joban pe chunri gira ke chali thi (I was walking hiding my youth with a scarf)

Haathon mein kangna saja ke chali thi (I was walking adorning a bangle on my hand)

Choodi tooti (The bangle broke)

The song is not merely suggestive it is very visually descriptive in its statement. Even though the visuals itself is not vulgar (compared to Madhuri’s other suggestive songs like Choli ke peeche and Dhak Dhak) and thus people may think it is a dance song but the lyrics are somehow unsettling for this song.

Which is the first Hindi movie of Bollywood?

 भारत की पहली हिन्दी (बॉलीवुड) फिल्म मानी जाती है:

🎬 Raja Harishchandra

5

• 📅 रिलीज़: 1913
• 🎥 निर्देशक: Dadasaheb Phalke
• ⭐ विशेषता: यह भारत की पहली पूर्ण लंबाई की फीचर फिल्म थी
• 🔇 यह एक मूक फिल्म (Silent Film) थी (इसमें आवाज़ नहीं थी)

What are some Hindi movies that have been banned in India but have been successful outside of India?

 

• Kama Sutra : A tale of love

Tara, a princess, and Maya, her beautiful maidservant, are childhood friends. When they grow up, they become each other's rivals, as Maya seduces Tara's husband-to-be.

• Fire

Sita and Radha are young Indian women whose husbands choose celibacy or mistresses over their wives. This leads them to form an intimate, passionate relationship amidst a close-minded society

• Water

After her husband's death, eight-year-old Chuhiya is sent to live in an ashram for widows. There she becomes a confidant of Kalyani, a fellow inmate, who is forced into prostitution

• Bandit Queen

Phoolan Devi, who belongs to a lower caste, faces sexual abuse and discrimination in society. A turn of events leads to her becoming the revered leader of a gang

Images Source : Google

Was Sai Baba Hindu or Muslim?

Sai Baba origins are still a mystery but he's considered as a Sufi just like Karnataka’s Shishunaala Shareeff/Shishunaal Shariff ( a Muslim scholar influenced by Hinduism and it's teachings).

His Real name was said to be Chandmia Sye Uddin based on reports.

Unlike Shishunaal Shariff Sai Baba wasn't a poet or philosopher.

Do you agree with A.R. Rahman's recent hint that "communal" factors might be a reason for his reduced work in Hindi cinema or is this simply a result of changing market trends?

 

Do you agree with A.R. Rahman's recent hint that "communal" factors might be a reason for his reduced work in Hindi cinema or is this simply a result of changing market trends?

It is just changing market trends

When Rahman was at his prime

• An Average film dedicated 24–36 minutes soundtrack, with 4–6 songs to a theatrical release
• 80% of revenues from Music Rights came from Cassettes (1988–2001)/CDs (2001–2009)/DVDs (2009–2015)
• RR or BGM was never monetized and was regarded an extra
• The Average listener happily spent a full 3 :30 minutes to 6:20 minutes listening to a song he liked
• Rahman was the ONLY music director who owned rights to his songs & leased them for 2–5 years (From Rangeela)
• Music contributed 8% to 15% of a films profits (Devdas for instance broke into profits solely because of its soundtrack)
• A Typical movie had 2 very popular songs, 2 mid wave songs

This is a fully different world now

• An Average film has only 6–12 minutes of barely 1–2 songs to a theatrical release
• 80% revenue comes from Streaming Download revenue sharing, Caller Tune revenue sharing, YouTube Revenue Sharing & Platform revenue sharing
• BGM forms a huge chunk of music revenue (90% of Kingdoms music for instance was it's BGM)
• The Average listener listens to maybe 1–2 minutes of music with concentration
• Every music director owns his songs and leases rights for 1–3 years now
• Music does not contribute to movie revenue except in rare cases. It's like what SAMBAR is TO MASALA DOSA rather than THE MASALA WAS ten to fifteen years ago
• A Typical movie has ONE VERY POPULAR SONG (Monica in Jailer, Kutty story in Master) or Two at most.

Rahman in this world is seen as how Matthew Hayden or Tendulkar are seen in Cricket

A Legend who rocked for 30 years but is now 60 years and is PAST HIS PRIME and geared for a graceful retirement

His Library alone is worth ₹150–250 Crore plus his Panchanathan Studio property around ₹50 Crore

He is a legend and he lost only to TIME

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This isn't new

Music Directors are not permanent

The once legendary Pancham Da, who had big directors and producers drive to his studio and meet him, and who once worked 350 days a year - ended his days with his credit being refused at his favorite bar and restaurant, his Mercedes being sold (Later purchased back by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and gifted back to him) & being forced to ask for work to new generation film makers

Ilaiyaraja, MSV, Jatin Lalit, Anu Malik have all had their glory days

None lasted 30 years like Rahman did

That's JOHN WILLIAMS level of legend!!!

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Music Directors go with their Clients

Rahmans biggest clients are shadows of their past selves

• Mani Ratnam
• Shankar
• Aamir Khan
• Ram Gopal Varma
• Asutosh Gowariker
• Rakesh Omprakash Mehra

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Communalism is absolutely a No No

Rahman,a Muslim composed the Soundtrack of CHAAVA, a film that absolutely endorsed Hindutvava

That alone says a LOT on Communalism in Bollywood

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India is beset with Communal nonsense but Bollywood is still SO FAR A BUSINESS

Yes there is Jingo patriotism becausea lot of the Audience are Jingos ..

Not because the Industry is becoming communal

Not yet

Can you name some Hindi songs that mention brand names?

 There are many songs that mention brand names. Sharing a song which has brand names as well as the product displayed.

The song is, “We are made for each other” from the film “Love”, starring Salman Khan and Revathi (1991).

The entire song is just like an advertisement sponsor program which is beautifully intertwined with the song. Some of the brands mentioned in the song are:

Garden Sarees, Vimal Suitings, Colgate, Old Spice, Nivea, Thums Up, Amul Shrikhand, Coldarin etc.

The above mentioned products are used by the characters while expressing their feelings and care for each other.

Besides this, there are many songs where certain product placements are done or brand names are used include Rangeela Re song from Rangeela where Aditya Narayan renders a few lines mentioning names like Cadbury, Amul, Complan and Horlicks.

Other than this Fevicol Se (Dabangg 2), Tere chumme mein Chawanprash (Bhavesh Joshi Superhero), Zandu Balm (Munni - Dabangg 2), Tu meri hai Pepsi Cola, Main tera hoon Coca Cola (Tan Tana Tan Tan Tan Tara - Judwaa) are a few mentions.

Image(s) Courtesy: Google

How does Hindu Gods family tree look like?

 Lord Vishnu sleeps in the cosmic ocean. Vishnu’s sister is Adi Shakti whose husband is Lord Shiva. From his navel appears a lotus and on top of it, sits Brahma. Brahma is the creator of the universe and the grandfather of all gods. His mindborn sons are the Saptarishis, Sanaka Kumara, Daksha, Narada and Rudra. Atri married Anusuya and had Durvasa, Chandra, Dattatreya as sons. Bhrigu married Khyati and had Shukracharya as a son. Vashistha married Arundhati and was a Brahmarishi. Vishwamitra was a Brahmarishi too and gave the Gayatri Mantra. Gautama married Ahalya who was redeemed by Rama. Jamdagni married Renuka and Parshuram was their child.

Prajapati Daksha’s thirteen daughters were married to Kashyap. One was Aditi and another was Diti. Aditi had 12 sons named Adityas or Devas and was the mother of Upendra, Indra, Surya, Agni, Varuna, Tvashta and all the other Devas. These Devas had sons in Mahabharata. One of the Adityas, Manu had a whole lineage of Suryavansh in Ramayana and grandfather of Dhruva. Diti had sons named Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyaksha had an adopted son named Andhaka who was originally the son of Mahadev. Hiranyaksha was killed by Varaha Avatar and his brother by Narsimha. Hiranyakashyap’s son was Prahlada who was the Daityaraja. Prahlada’s son was Virochana. Virochana’s son was Bali. For Bali, arrived Upendra Avatar of Vishnu. Bali’s son was Banasura whose daughter was married to Krishna’s grandson. Kashyapa had wives Kadru and Vinata who were the mothers of Snakes and Garuda respectively. Any personality or figure in Hinduism is definetely related somehow to Brahma’s family.

What are some suspense or mystery genre Hindi songs?

 Few mentions are :

Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil - Bees Saal Baad: Highly melodious, highly mysterious song.

The song has the feeling of love, separation and mystery. It's a very important part of the film. It acts as a siren song of the film.

The opening, “oh oh oh oh oh oh”, are enough to give you goosebumps.

Jhoom Jhoom Dhalti Raat - Kohraa: Unique mystery song which appears in the beginning of the film. Kohra means fog.

Waheeda Rehman and the ghostly character are shown in white with long shots in a mansion which adds up to the impact of the song.

The actress in the song is unknown to the audiences as her face is never shown in the movie. Later the hero of the movie Biswajit revealed that she was a lesser known Anglo Indian actor - Thelma.

Naina Barse Rimjhim - Woh Kaun Thi?:

A short version of the song just comes before the titles are displayed and it grips the viewers.

The song is known for its haunting melody, melancholic beauty and emotive rendition by Lata Mangeshkar.

Longing, sadness, pain of unspoken love, sense of sadness, the song perfectly complements the film's storyline with elements of romance and the supernatural.

Aayega Aane Wala - Mahal : This song is considered as one of the most effective picturised song of yesteryears.

The song is used as a recurring theme in the film and acts as a signature tune for the ghostly women picturised along with looming shadows, swinging chandeliers and a mysterious lady.

There are a few lines in the beginning of the song before the song actually begins. The picturisation and camera angles of those lines are sheer brilliance.

Gumnaam Hai Koi - Gumnaam : Overall this has to be numero uno in the list of mystery songs.

The song is picturised on all the main characters of the film.

The mysterious lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri, the visuals, the melody of Shankar Jaikishan and the mesmerizing voice of Lata Mangeshkar create an enchanting aura throughout the song.

Personal opinion, might differ.

Image(s) Courtesy: Google