tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post7246507903340021694..comments2024-03-24T08:18:33.058-04:00Comments on Conversations Over Chai: The Fine Art Of VillainyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-89655360705208447542012-07-30T07:39:03.787-04:002012-07-30T07:39:03.787-04:00Actually, the thanks should go to fellow blogger C...Actually, the thanks should go to fellow blogger Cinematters, who exhorted me to write about Amjad Khan, for just the reasons you gave - there is absolutely nothing about the man. You are right that he deserves more literature than has been his due.Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-74644343448715486172012-07-30T07:20:43.335-04:002012-07-30T07:20:43.335-04:00It is nice to read a tribute for Amjad Khan. Often...It is nice to read a tribute for Amjad Khan. Often, we read and write about great like Raj Kapoor, BAchchan, Dilip Kumar etc. I think there is almost no literature on Amjad Khan. Recently a book on Pran was published. I think it is high time that AMjad Khan gets his due with a book in his nameArjun Narayanannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-66607165577998451912012-07-29T16:37:30.581-04:002012-07-29T16:37:30.581-04:00 Thank you, pacifist. I'm glad you enjoyed the... Thank <i>you</i>, pacifist. I'm glad you enjoyed the clips. Yes, you should watch <i>Peechha Karo</i>; it's hilarious! It's available on YouTube as a full movie; here's the link.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/movie?v=bddWkq1Wt3E&feature=mv_sr<br /><br />Yes, and <i>Utsav</i> too.Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-32390998196870093792012-07-29T16:32:38.977-04:002012-07-29T16:32:38.977-04:00 It was not just that he couldn't exercise; it... It was not just that he couldn't exercise; it was also because his medications contained steroids, which led to weight gain.Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-92019432947515085322012-07-29T10:24:29.869-04:002012-07-29T10:24:29.869-04:00A very worthy tribute to a very worthy actor.
It w...A very worthy tribute to a very worthy actor.<br />It was a pleasure going through not only the films but watching the clips that go with it - I enjoyed that very much.<br /><br />I MUST watch Peechaa karo!! You forgot to mention that Faroq Sheikh has also acted there. His films were always good.<br /><br />As soon as I started reading your piece about Qurbani the 'underwater' position came to mind, and of course you mentioned it. :-D<br /><br />Utsav was talked about here, I think, in a review, and I had planned on watching it, but didn't. Now having watched that clip it has reawakened my wish to watch it. <br /><br />Thank you for this lovely post Anu.pacifistnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-71351854269178239062012-07-29T00:31:01.927-04:002012-07-29T00:31:01.927-04:00His weight problem started after his accident.He c...His weight problem started after his accident.He could not exercise and thus became too fat.Aasheesh Kumarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-39134317038463533452012-07-28T18:16:44.989-04:002012-07-28T18:16:44.989-04:00 He was really the actor I loved to hate, especial... He was really the actor I loved to hate, especially in the Amitabh movies. :)Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-13224764431428832502012-07-28T15:12:24.675-04:002012-07-28T15:12:24.675-04:00Amjad was really good, and that is perhaps one of ...Amjad was really good, and that is perhaps one of the greatest aspects of the 50's - 70's --- the number of really good actors in all types of roles. As you mentioned, there were several good villains, and several good character actors; and they all contributed to the movie experience.<br />Loved in almost all movies I have seen him in, Sholay, Qurbani, Inkaar, SKK, MQS, HKKN, Des Pardes, Mr. Natwarlal.<br />Absolutely loved ****"Underwater"****:))Samirhttp://www.oenophile-samir.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-58603546373411988812012-07-28T08:07:46.432-04:002012-07-28T08:07:46.432-04:00 Ray definitely waited in order to get Amjad Khan ... Ray definitely waited in order to get Amjad Khan to portray his Nawab. Amitabh has often voiced his regret over not being able to work with the Master. They had talked (after SKK) of collaborating, but what with AB's schedule and Ray's failing health, it never materialised. I often wonder how such a collaboration would have been. AB <i>needed</i> such directors.Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-87167075075378826942012-07-28T08:05:39.528-04:002012-07-28T08:05:39.528-04:00 He did set a new benchmark for villainy. However,... He did set a new benchmark for villainy. However, his burgeoning weight and continued ill health made it difficult for him as time went on.Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-59924771648569384342012-07-28T01:03:14.042-04:002012-07-28T01:03:14.042-04:00The fact that Satyajit Ray chose to pick up Amjad ...The fact that Satyajit Ray chose to pick up Amjad for a very difficult of Nawab of Audh - the cause celebre for the environment of ennui that had prevaded in Audh in his period- is more than ample validation of his calibre as an actor, of the class. Satyajit Ray had so successfully created that environment of stifling no-activity in the film and he would have certainly banked upon his principal characters to enact that naturalness in their performances.<br />If Satayajit Ray can be taken as acid test of the artist to get the RIGHT role to perform in his movies, Amitabh's well-modulated delivery of speech, as the narrator, speaks volumes [pun intended] - without any aspersions on Amitabh's acting abilities.<br />Other than SkK, I have seen only Utsav, and of course Sholay, so I would not be comment more on his performances in different types of characters. But if someone seeks my vote on the basis of these three movies, I would certainly not hesitate to place Amjad as one of the most under-rated artists of Hindi Cinema.Ashok M Vaishnavhttp://amvaishnav.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-48469385068739306132012-07-28T00:28:34.116-04:002012-07-28T00:28:34.116-04:00Amjad Khan set a new benchmark in villany in Shola...Amjad Khan set a new benchmark in villany in Sholay.Amazing role he played ! When Sholay was not doing well in initial weeks,all blame was put on Amjad Khan and his voice.There was a talk of his voice being replaced through dubbing.But Ramesh Sippy persisted with the original voice as it was and rest they say is history.It's a pity he died early..He could have added more shades to villany in Hindi films.Aasheesh Kumarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-37167326387723499722012-07-27T17:09:54.717-04:002012-07-27T17:09:54.717-04:00 ...till their Mums wished that Gabbar would go aw... <i>...till their Mums wished that Gabbar would go away because perhaps then their kids would sleep.</i><br /><br />:) Don't let Gabbar Singh hear you say it. After all, he believed he inspired such fear that mothers threatened their children with his <i>arrival</i> if they didn't go to sleep! <br /><br />To think of the poor Ganpati's being sped on their way with threatening dialogues! What were they thinking of! (I do suppose it is better than having to be immersed to the tunes of <i>Choli ke peeche kya hai</i>. Sigh.Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-92052194639705721312012-07-27T13:34:59.576-04:002012-07-27T13:34:59.576-04:00As I remember, Amjad Khan in Sholay was a boon to...As I remember, Amjad Khan in Sholay was a boon to little boys in Bombay who enacted the famous "ab goli khao" scene over and over again till their Mums wished that Gabbar would go away because perhaps then their kids would sleep. Beneath the clean or dirty shirt of every little boy in those days beat a grubby urchin's heart, a heart that wanted no part of Thakur or Jai or Veeru but exulted in the ultimate villainy of Gabbar Singh. They spent hours perfecting how to place supari in their mouths exactly as Gabbar placed his tambaku, they took off their belts and swaggered around languidly thwacking them on the ground. They bought toy pistols and shot many Kalias. They enlisted many Sambas into their army long before they had heard about a dance or a Unix server. In the September of 1975 many many Ganpati Bappas thrilled to Gabbar's dialogues before they were borne away to the sea. <br /><br />Most of all I think with my scant knowledge of Hindi films, it was the first time something similar to a Wagnerian leitmotif, was used to introduce a character in a Hindi film. Mostly villains in Hindi films are welcomed by a few high pitched bars of brass, romantic heroes have the santoor, heroines the flute. Not so Gabbar, for him as his feet appear on the screen for the first time there was the long drawn out wail of an amplified cello played by Basu Deo Chakravarty (I think). When you heard that you knew Gabbar was around. Little boys and Ganapati Bappas knew that sound even if they didn't know what a leitmotif or a Wagner or a Siegfried or a Brunhilde were. <br />Gabbar's theme, though repetitive was memorable. It brought villainy back into our hearts. -)SSWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-16474593135547819362012-07-27T12:46:51.944-04:002012-07-27T12:46:51.944-04:00You are welcome, Cinematters :) I'm so glad yo...You are welcome, Cinematters :) I'm so glad you brought his death anniversary to my notice. It was when I was compiling this list that I realised how much I have liked him in his 'non-villain' roles. Yes, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah is a particular favourite! I have been trying to see if his documentary is available ever since I read about it. Let me see if anyone knows anything about it in Bombay. There should be a print <i>somewhere</i>! It is definitely worthy of being restored and maintained. Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-89873203469588320842012-07-27T12:00:32.458-04:002012-07-27T12:00:32.458-04:00Thank you Anu for a worthy tribute. Atleast the bl...Thank you Anu for a worthy tribute. Atleast the blogosphere has a place now that celebrates his movies now :) My favorite of his has always been Shatranj ke Khiladi, I guess with Sholay you become a bit jaded as the years go by. Who else could bring that debauchery to life, and play it to perfection like Amjad Khan ? Ifthere a way of getting hold of that Documentary that he directed on the Brylcream Baadshahs of his time. do let me know. Thanks so much again.cinematterscinemattersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-27135512160346299822012-07-27T08:46:47.384-04:002012-07-27T08:46:47.384-04:00Don't forget that Vinod loves Amitabh and vice...<i>Don't forget that Vinod loves Amitabh and vice versa too! ;-)</i> <br />:), Harvey. You're right! The <i>bhaichara</i> was stupendous.Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-56027538404311127512012-07-27T08:43:47.114-04:002012-07-27T08:43:47.114-04:00 Thanks, Madhu. The tea story has been a part of P... Thanks, Madhu. The tea story has been a part of Prithvi lore for ages. :) Besides, he was well-known for being a prankster. <br /><br />As for the films, <i> Utsav</i> is definitely a to-be-watched film. He has a small role in it, but he was really good. <i>Peechha Karo</i> was hilarious. It is one of those movies where the silliest of lines are said with utmost seriousness onscreen, and you can't stop yourself from giggling. <i>Yaarana</i> was an under-rated AB film; quite good, and made even better because of the obvious camaraderie between him and AK.<br /><br />I did like him in <i>Zamana ko Dikhana Hai</i> too, now that you mention it.Anu Warrierhttp://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-23665810410236581792012-07-27T07:47:44.868-04:002012-07-27T07:47:44.868-04:00I didn't know that Amjad Khan passed away. I j...I didn't know that Amjad Khan passed away. I jus tthought he has stopped acting!<br />RIP!<br /><br />The only film which I remember of him is Sholay and Yaarana, Others slip my mind. In fact till you mentioned his role in Love Story, i would have sworn that he didn't act in it.<br /><br />"Amjad Khan loves Rekha who loves Amitabh who loves Raakhee who loves Vinod Khanna – thankfully, the buck stops there, because Vinod Khanna loves Raakhee too."<br />Don't forget that Vinod loves Amitabh and vice versa too! ;-)<br /><br />How could I have forgotten his role in utsav, Inkaar and Shatranj Ke khilari?<br />Loved him in both!<br /><br />And as much as I tax my brain, I can't remember him in anything else.<br /><br />Thanks for the background info about his activity in trade union and in Prithvi Theatre!<br /><br /><br /> Harveynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2309362817539389132.post-30715602964009577012012-07-27T03:57:25.263-04:002012-07-27T03:57:25.263-04:00Besides the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed your po...Besides the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed your post as a whole, I have to tell you this, Anu: that anecdote about the 80 cups of tea and the milk shortage cracked me up! Delightful. :-)<br /><br />I have to admit I've not seen some of the films you've mentioned - <i>Utsav</i> and <i>Peechha Karo</i> (if memory serves me right, I think I haven't seen <i>Yaarana</i> either. Ouch). But the others - yes, and Amjad Khan is superb in all. My favourites would definitely include his roles in <i>Inkaar, Sholay</i> and <i>Shatranj ke Khiladi</i> - he was fantastic as Wajid Ali Shah. <br /><br />A film where I recall Amjad Khan in a slightly offbeat role was <i>Zamaane ko Dikhaana Hai</i>. It's been a long time since I saw that, but I recall him as being a rather endearing character in that, nothing like the Gabbar Singh style.dustedoffhttp://dustedoff.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.com