Remembering Classic Bollywood movies

From unrequited love, gender roles and the vicissitudes of human nature, certain classic Hindi movies were certainly ahead of their time. The essence of the film, storyline and songs were made to dwell in the souls of the audience forever. Here in the 21st century, when we are surrounded by world Cinema, there is still a lot to learn from the craft of masterful actors and directors of the past era. The movies of Guru Dutt, Meena Kumari, and Dilip Kumar among others held a deep meaning.

The classic Bollywood films transport us from the alluring glamour of Bombay nightlife to the magnificent gardens of Kashmir within seconds. Here is the list of remarkable film that has created a noteworthy mark in the history of Indian cinema.

Mughal-e-Azam

Prince Salim falls in love with the royal dancer Anarkali at the turn of the 17th century and wages war against his father, Emperor Akbar, to marry her. The film was the most expensive ever produced in India at the time, thanks to director K. Asif's massive cast, magnificent sets, meticulously created costumes, and lavishly choreographed fight scenes. The grandeur of the production design, the dialogues, and the depth of emotions portrayed by veterans such as Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor make this a classic.

Pyaasa

This film directed and produced by Guru Dutt stars him alongside Waheeda Rehman, Mala Sinha and Johnny Walker. The film focuses on the struggles of an artist. It revolves around Vijay, an artist whose work is not taken seriously by publishers. Then he meets Gulaabo, a prostitute who helps to get his work published. It has also been listed among the 100 Great Movies of all time by TIME magazine.

Mother India

Mother India is a 1957 Indian epic drama film, directed by Mehboob Khan and starring Nargis, Raaj Kumar, Rajendra Kumar and Sunil Dutt. When her husband abandons the family in disgrace, she is left to care for her two sons alone while braving threats from a shady moneylender. Mother India was one of the most expensive Hindi films ever made at its release, and it is now regarded as one of the most admired films in Bollywood history. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, becoming the first Indian film to be nominated ever.

Pakeezah

Pakeezah directed by Kamal Amrohi starring Meena Kumar, Ashok Kumar and Raaj Kumar. Sahibjaan is a courtesan and dancer in the luxury of Muslim Lucknow at the turn of the century. When a stranger falls in love with her in a train compartment, unaware of her actual occupation, it creates turmoils in her professional life. Pakeezah became one of the most extraordinary musicals ever made, with whirling romance and slow, dream-like cinematography.

Sahib, Bibi, Aur Ghulam

Sahib, Bibi, Aur Ghulam is a nostalgic look at the dying Bengali feudal system that unravels a murder mystery. To rescue her marriage, an affluent family's younger daughter-in-law lowers her moral boundaries to win over her alcoholic husband. Sahib, Bibi, Aur Ghulam hauntingly opens the doors to the hollowness of outer magnificence as seen through the eyes of a young factory worker seduced into a stately estate as an ally of its youthful mistress. In Bollywood history, Meena Kumari's portrayal of the tragic woman, curving against her will with the collapse of Calcutta landed nobility, will go down as one of the most exquisite on-screen performances ever.

Guide

The Guide revolves around a freelance guide Raju and his meeting with Rosie, the wife of a wealthy archaeologist. After a misunderstanding, an unethical businessman is changed into a spiritual guru and idolised by a drought-stricken town. Vijay Anand boldly deconstructs social taboos in this film from adultery and non-traditional gender roles to religious fraud.
The movie was a commercial success upon release and with time gained a cult status.

Waqt

A movie based on a family drama, Waqt had a distinct storyline from that of the nationalistic film of 1960 and is said to introduce the multiple stars concept in movies. The movie was directed and written by Akhtar Mirza. The ensemble cast included Balraj Sahni, Raj Kumaar, Sunil Dutt, Sharmila Tagore, Rehman, Sadhna, Madan Puri, Shashi Kapoor and Balraj Sahni.