Mem Didi (1961)

My Reviews

Hrishikesh Mukherjee was a celebrated filmmaker famous for making “slice of life” movies. They showed ordinary people and the happenings in their life. The films were non-flashy, low budget and told simple stories. Mem Didi is perhaps a lesser known movie of this ace director but it has his unmissable touches. The film does not boast any big stars. It has three character actors David, Jayant and Lalita Pawar acting as the main leads, supported by newcomers Tanuja and Kaysi Mehra. There is a dialogue in the movie – “dusron ki khushi ko apna khushi samjho, dekho kitna maza aata hai” which sums up the message it attempts to deliver. Interestingly, Hrishikesh Mukherjee made Achha Bura on the same story in 1983.

The Plot

Mem Didi is set in a poor locality. The poor residents are one big family. They laugh and cry together. They enjoy and celebrate together. For example, there is a man called Giridhari’s daughter’s marriage. The whole neighborhood comes together to help with the arrangements and make the occasion a success.

But there are two “go to” persons who are the self appointed trouble shooters in the neighbourhood. They are the local dadas Sher Khan (Jayant) and Bahadur Singh (David). You just need to approach them and they are all ready to help you out. This usually involves threatening the so called villain of the situation (like the local moneylender (played by Dhumal), and getting the job done.

It is fun to watch the two cooking up a story and making their point indirectly. Their professions are not clear but Sher Khan seems to be a lorry driver. They are inseparable friends and the actors display great chemistry. They enjoy doing the job of maintaining harmony in the locality by helping its residents. And the residents find them dependable and approachable to highlight their problems for a quick action solution. They are bullies but with a golden heart.

There is a new arrival in the locality in the form of a new tenant – memsahib (Lalita Pawar). But the first meeting between Sher Khan, Bahadur Singh and the lady is disastrous. There is an unnecessary ruckus going on when she arrives and tries to enter her rented house. Sher Khan and Bahadur Singh realize she is the memsahib they had heard of. But they were expecting a young and fashionable lady as opposed to the actual arrival. They burst out laughing at the realization..khoda pahaad aur nikali chuhiya. But she is not amused. She feels insulted and slaps them.

The men are shaken. They are insulted, that too in a locality where they are the revered bullies. They must seek revenge from the old lady. But that is easier said than done. She is a woman, how can they raise a hand on her? The approaches of the 2 men to this problem are different. Sher Khan has a rough and tough thinking whereas Bahadur Singh has a more toned down and sensible way of dealing with things. After much deliberation and funny dialogues, they hatch a weird plan. They will make her sit on a chair and throw it out of the house. Revenge accomplished!

With much gusto, they go to her house. She is relieved to see them when they arrive unannounced. She asks them to help her in moving heavy stuff like trunks and a sewing machine. She offers them sweets as they have come to her house for the first time. They are confused at this turn of events.

Finally, they manage to make her sit on the chair and Sher Khan blurts out their plan of teaching her a lesson. But the old lady is a tough nut. She sits on the chair and challenges them to throw her out. They are unable to react. Later, she gets emotional, starts crying and tells them that she will leave the locality if she is not welcome there. They cannot bear this and apologize to her. She tells them she is their sister going forward. They decide a name for her – Mem Didi.

Mem Didi settles down happily. On a Sunday, Sher Khan and Bahadur Singh are bored as its a weekly off. Mem Didi asks Sher Khan to get his lorry. She asks all the neighbours to get ready for an outing and hop in the lorry. All are happy and the day is spent enjoyably.

More details are revealed about Mem Didi. She has a daughter Rita (Tanuja) studying in Shimla. Rita is of the carefree type. She spends her time frolicking with friends. She also has a lover Dilip (Kaysi Mehra) who is the son of a very wealthy man (played by Hari Shivdasani).

Mem Didi gets along with her neighbours but she is known as a miser in the locality. She is very careful in money matters. Sher Khan and Bahadur Singh find out that she slogs day and night to ensure the monthly fees of Rs. 300 are sent to Rita on time. To achieve this, she stitches clothes, makes badis (or wadis) and pickles, and sells them for earning money. All this for Rita.

One day, a thief steals her bag containing the “fees” money she has managed to collect with great effort. Sher Khan And Bahadur come to know this is the handiwork of the local goonda Jaggu. They confront him and retrieve the money. They tell a grateful Mem Didi that they are Rita’s mamas (uncles) and have some responsibility towards her.

But things are about to change. Mem Didi falls sick after returning home on a rainy night. Her 2 brothers and the neighbours look after and help her recover. Bahadur Singh manages to find Rita’s address and sends a telegram informing her of Mem Didi’s condition. For 3 days, the 2 men are constantly looking after Mem Didi without having food or sleep. Mem Didi is speechless when she hears this. But she is shaken when a telegram arrives stating that Rita will be coming home.

Mem Didi reveals that Rita is not her real daughter. She used to work as an ayah in her parents’ house. Her parents were very rich. The parents passed away and the wealth also went away. But Rita was not made aware of this. She was brought up by Mem Didi like the daughter of a rich family. Mem Didi would slog to ensure Rita gets everything. The shocking truth should not be revealed to her.

What will happen when Rita comes home? Can Mem Didi continue with the deception? The engaging events continue with the two men stepping in to help out Mem Didi and ensure a sweet end to the story.

The Music

Mem Didi’s songs were written by Shailendra and composed by Salil Chowdhury. Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh and Mahendra Kapoor provided the playback. The songs are melodious but somehow not popular compared to other films of Salil Da or Hrishikesh Mukherjee. The song Bhula De Zindagi Ke Gham is played during the titles. The duet Ham To Ghar Me Chulha Phuke is performed during the marriage celebrations scene. Raaton Ko Jab Neend Udd Jaaye is Tanuja’s introduction song. Bachpan O Bachpan Pyare Bachpan is a picnic song whereas Main Jaanti Hoon is a romantic duet. And there is the delightful Beta Wa Waw Waw picturized on Tanuja as she plays with a dog in the locality.

My Thoughts

Mem Didi is a delightful film thanks to Hrishikesh Mukherjee and the 3 main actors. Lalita Pawar performs the role effortlessly. You are obviously reminded of her Mrs D’sa in Anari (1959) and the matron in Anand (1971). David performs as usual but I particularly liked Jayant. He normally appeared in villain roles but he is so impressive here and gets a long screen time. The 3 leads are shown to be from different faiths. Bahadur Singh is a Rajput (Hindu), Sher Khan is Muslim and Mem Didi, a Christian. Tanuja is chirpy as the role demands but she and Kaysi Mehra don’t have much to do. There are certain loopholes in the story but those can be overlooked. The interaction between the main actors, the small actions, reactions leave you satisfied. I would say you have the watch the movie properly to enjoy all those intricate nuances that Hrishi Da was a master of.

“Asha Bhosle – Challenge and Competition Songs”

My Lists, , , ,

12 April was a sad day for the entertainment world. Asha Bhosle (AB), the versatile singer left us forever, leaving behind a staggering musical treasure. Though primarily a playback singer, she also contributed to the non-film genre. It was always a delight to see her perform on stage. She had a great sense of humour, made witty comments and was a great mimic as well. She stayed connected to her audience.

One point she always mentioned was “rising to the challenge.” If a music director said that he was ready to simplify a tough sounding tune, she would disagree to the proposal. She would rehearse hard and deliver the most difficult of compositions, that too in a single take! Facing challenges became her forte. As years passed, new music directors arrived, trends changed along with the audience’s taste. AB was always around to adapt to the new generation and remain competitive. 

Today’s post is also about some film situations involving a challenge or a competition; AB being an integral part of all these songs. Even scrolling through the list will give the reader an idea of the variety of songs and the ease with which she sung them.

My heartfelt tribute to this truly versatile icon. Hope you enjoy!

1) Song: Dekho Bijli Dole
Film: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | O.P. Nayyar | Asha Bhosle and Usha Mangeshkar

One Asha sings for another. AB and Asha Parekh (AP) shared a long association starting from the latter’s debut film Dil Deke Dekho. AB sang a range of songs for her right from trademark dance numbers to romantic and sad songs. Parde mein rehne do, Daiya ye main kaha aa phansi, Khat likhde sawariya ke naam babu, O mere sona re, Jab chali thandi hawa..it would be a long list of hit songs. In this classical dance competition song AP shows her dancing prowess complemented by AB’s classical singing. It is definitely one of those songs which is a delight to hear and watch. It is a rare classical composition from O. P Nayyar, the music director who arguably had a sizeable contribution in AB’s playback career.

2) Song: Mere Mehboob Mein Kya Nahin
Film: Mere Mehboob (1963)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle

This is a duet between AB and her peerless sister Lata Mangeshkar (LM). Both sisters are in a competitive spirit as they sing for the onscreen pair of Sadhana (LM) and Ameeta (AB). The lyrics describe their beloved and each one tries to outdo the other. A beautiful composition by Naushad and both sisters excel in their art by matching note to note.

3) Song: Kaise Samjhaoon?
Film: Suraj (1966)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi & Asha Bhosle

Mohammed Rafi sang the highest number of duets with AB and their pairing was one of its kind. Again it would be a long list of songs enough to feed multiple blog posts! This Shankar Jaikishan number is a nice give and take song set in raag Bhairavi. A hero v/s the heroine song. AB sings for Vyjanthimala as she taunts the hero (Rajendra Kumar). This is another example of a song where the voice matches the heroine’s expressions perfectly. The singing and dancing is effortless and impactful.

4) Song: Saaf Karo Insaaf Karo
Film: Aashirwad (1968)
Credits: Gulzar | Vasant Desai | Ashok Kumar, H. Chattopadhyay, Hemlata and Asha Bhosle

Lavani is a traditional dance form in Maharashtra state. It’s subset is the sawaal jawaab performance. Questions (riddles) are posed in the form of a song and the other party guesses the answer. The lyrics are witty and set to a melodious tune. AB has sung many lavanis in Marathi films and she is in top form here in it’s Hindi version. The singing has that hint of a mischievous, teasing tone as the competition heats up(!). On screen, we see Ashok Kumar enjoying the performance of the dancer (Leela Gandhi). A different song but highly enjoyable.

5) Song: Raaz Ki Baat Kehdu Toh
Film: Dharma (1973)
Credits: Verma Malik | Sonik Omi | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

I would term this as a suspense song. The dancer Bindu is aware of Nawab Saab’s (Pran) secret and threatens to expose him in public. He warns her to remain silent and the audience is eager to know what happens next. This was an unlikely qawwali duet between supporting actors but it became a roaring hit thanks to the acting, lyrics, music and of course the singing. AB is in top form using a threatening and warning tone to bring about the desired emotions.

6) Song: Hai Agar Dushman
Film: Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle and Chorus

Another blockbuster qawwali featuring the same singers. This is a challenge song where the hero dares the heroine to come forward and proclaim her love for him in full public view. She is reluctant but gathers courage and joins him in the performance. Challenge accepted! AB makes a fully charged entry in this fast faced and difficult composition based on raag Kalavati. Once again, we are awed by her versatility.

7) Song: Saare Niyam Tod Do
Film: Khubsoorat (1980)
Credits: Gulzar | R. D. Burman | Asha Bhosle, Rekha and Chorus

Challenges can be subtle as shown in this song featuring Rekha, Ashok Kumar, Rakesh Roshan and others. Rekha’s character organizes a surprise performance to deliver an important message to the family members. She challenges them to break rules and enjoy their life for the sake of nirmal anand (pure bliss). Needless to say, they are convinced and accept the challenge responding “Inquilaab Zindabaad.”

8) Song: Meri Nazar Hai Tujh Pe
Film: The Burning Train (1980)
Credits: Sahir | R. D. Burman | Asha Bhosle

The 60s and 70s would have these fusion songs (Indian v/s western) which became popular. This is one such song from R. D. Burman. It has Parveen Babi (western) competing against Hema Malini (Indian). And surprise, AB sings for both the ladies. She glides alternately through the western and Indian singing styles and doesn’t loosen her grip. A difficult feat but AB proves her command in handling such experimental songs.

9) Song: Aa Dekhe Zara
Film: Rocky (1981)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar, R. D. Burman and Asha Bhosle

This is a rare song sung by the golden trio of Kishore Kumar, RD and AB. The men sing for Sanjay Dutt and Shakti Kapoor whereas AB sings for Tina Munim and Reena Roy. It is a proper dance competition song full of energy. AB sings full throttle adding the needed punch to the competition.

10) Song: Main Haseena Gazab Ki
Film: Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)
Credits: Indivar | Rajesh Roshan | Asha Bhosle and Sadhana Sargam

And the final song is a face off between Rekha and Sonu Walia. Khoon Bhari Maang was a revenge drama. Rekha plots to seek revenge from Kabir Bedi and this song is the first step towards that goal. AB makes a dashing entry through her engaging vocals to crush the onscreen opponent. Rekha matches the singing with some over the top costumes and dance moves.

Tridev (1989)

My Reviews,

Multi starrers have their own charm. If made properly they can be most entertaining and remain etched in the minds of the viewers. Films like Waqt, Sholay, Amar Akbar Anthony are some of the all time hits of this genre.

By the late 1980s, the audience seemed to have got tired of these kind of movies. Probably they had become formulaic and repititive. But Tridev turned out to be an exception. Produced by Gulshan Rai and directed by Rajiv Rai, it succeeded to become the third largest box office success that year. Tridev was a story of crime, action, romance and a revenge drama. It is known for the catchy song Oye Oye…Tirchhi Topiwale which became an instant chart buster.

The Plot

Tridev is a tale of multiple characters and sub plots. The director succeeds in combining all of them convincingly. All roads seem to lead to the main villain Bhujang (played superbly by Amrish Puri). I won’t explain the whole plot but focus on the main characters to keep it simple!

There are 3 heroes and their respective heroines. Inspector Karan Saxena (Sunny Deol) is an honest and incorruptible police officer. He is the son of a judge (played by Subbiraaj). Karan is looking for information on smuggled arms and trying to get to the source of the menace.

Karan’s marriage has been arranged to Divya Mathur (Madhuri Dixit), the daughter of the Police Commissioner Mathur (Anupam Kher). Their fathers are good friends.

The second hero is Jai Singh (Naseeruddin Shah) who lives in a village called Madhavpur. He is a sort of Robin Hood character always helping the villagers without caring for the consequences including the breaking of any law. He has many cases filed against him in the local police station.

He meets Renu (Sonam) who is a film star. Renu has arrived in Madhavpur for a film shooting. She meets Jai and is impressed by his personality. She requests the director to cast Jai in a special appearance in the film. Jai agrees and they shoot for the song Oye Oye…Tirchhi Topiwale. After that, they part ways when she goes back to the city.

Due to some circumstances, Karan is transferred to Madhavpur. He comes to know about the troublemaker Jai Singh character. Their initial differences are sorted and they become the best of friends. Renu’s father is a politician referred as Mantriji (Raza Murad), who works with the villain Bhujang and his gang for progressing his political career.

Coming to the third pair of Ravi Mathur (Jackie Shroff) and Natasha Tejani (Sangeeta Bijlani). Ravi is the son of the police commissioner and Divya’s brother. He is a law breaker and works closely with the villains. His aim is to penetrate Bhujang’s organization and strike at its roots to destroy it completely. But his father doesn’t know his real intentions leading to a major conflict between them.

His love interest is Natasha, whose brother is Ramesh (Vijayendra Ghatge). Ramesh works for Bhujang and has agreed to help Karan in exposing the culprits responsible for the arms smuggling. Ramesh gets killed when his connection to the police gets revealed. Ravi and Natasha team up to expose the villains and seek revenge for Ramesh’s death.

And finally we have the villains led by Bhujang who is the “desh ka dushman.” He is an ex-dacoit by the name of Bhairav Singh. He has two sons (played by Tez Sapru and Dan Dhanoa). Bhujang wants one of them to get married to Mantriji’s daughter Renu. There is the dumb Raghav (Rajesh Upadhyay), Don (Dalip Tahil), who manages the smuggling operation and a corrupt inspector Suraj Singh (Sharat Saxena).

As the story progresses, Karan, Jai and Ravi realize they are against the same villain Bhujang alias Bhairav Singh. They unite as Tridev and and vow to finish him off forever.

The Music

The film is filled with great songs. Anand Bakshi is the lyricist. Kalyanji Anandji are credited as the music director but their son Viju Shah is specially credited as music conductor. Oye Oye (by Amit Kumar and Sapna Mukherjee – she won the Best Female Playback Singer Filmfare award) is the obvious winner but other songs are also well known. The songs are well choreographed.

There are other duets picturized on the main leads. Main Teri Mohabbat Mein is a duet by Mohammed Aziz and Sadhana Sargam. Gali Gali Mein Phirta Hai is sung by Manhar Udhas and Alka Yagnik. Alisha Chinoi sings Raat Bhar Jaam Se. The climax song Oye Oye..Gajar Ne Kiya Hai Ishaara features the three leading ladies and is sung by Sapna Mukherjee, Sadhana Sargam and Alka Yagnik.

My Thoughts

Tridev has the look of a classy and stylish film. Maybe this is the key element that distinguishes it from other muti starrers of that period. The film keeps moving as the lives of the key characters get intertwined. Surprisingly (or thankfully), there is no comedy side plot that keeps propping up to divert the audience’s attention. Also, there is no lost and found sub plot which is typical of this genre. It is more of an action thriller with lot of crime happening on screen. The romantic tracks and songs are quite well integrated into the story.

The three male leads were more famous and established compared to the female leads. Sunny Deol is convincing as the upright inspector and Naseeruddin Shah plays the simple village character on a revenge mission effectively. For some reason, Jackie Shroff carries / wears a dupatta at all times!

Madhuri Dixit was doing well with hits like Tezaab and Ram Lakhan. Comparatively, Sonam and Sangeeta Bijlani were new to the industry though the latter has a stunning presence in the movie. By this time, Amrish Puri had become the staple villain in Hindi movies and he doesn’t disappoint. The supporting characters are good. Anupam Kher’s character appears to be weak and helpless, always ensuring the villain outwits him easily!