Andaz - From Shammi Kapoor To Rajesh Khanna

I've talked about Teesri Manzil and the effect that it had on me. Shammi Kapoor was at the top of his game when he starred in Teesri Manzil. He was stylish and flamboyant, unlike the other leading men in 60s Bollywood. Slowly but steadily, time and tragedy took its toll on Shammi Kapoor. By the end of the 60s and early 70s Shammi Kapoor's career as a leading man began to end. New actors like Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan emerged, taking the place of of those from the previous generation. It was during this time that Shammi Kapoor starred in Andaz, one of his last movies as a leading man.

I still remember the first time I watched Andaz. At first I did not know that Shammi Kapoor also starred in the movie because Zindigi Ek Safar Hai Suhana, the most popular song from the movie, featured Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini. So I assumed that the movie starred just them. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Shammi Kapoor was in fact the leading man while Rajesh Khanna just had a guest appearance. Along with Rajesh Khanna, Simi Garewal also had a guest appearance. Most importantly, I really liked the unconventional story in which the main characters were a widow and a widower rather than a playboy and a college girl.

The story is that of a young widow, Sheetal (Hema Malini) and a widower, Ravi (Shammi Kapoor). Sheetal has a young son, Deepu while Ravi has a young daughter, Munni. Both children go the same school where Sheetal teaches. The children become fast friends and play an integral part in bringing their parents together. Just as Sheetal and Ravi begin to fall in love, complications occur. Whether Sheetal and Ravi get over those complication and come together makes up the rest of the story.

Apart from the unconventional story, Andaz also had an excellent soundtrack by Shankar-Jaikishan.

Song 1. Zindigi Ek Safar Hai Suhana - Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle. This song showcases the relationship between Raj (Rajesh Khanna) and Sheetal. I really like the meaningful lyrics of this particular song.

Song 2. Re Mama Re Mama - Mohd. Rafi. This song highlights the father-daughter relationship between Ravi and Munni. I like the way Ravi goes out of his way to make sure Munni forgives him.

Song 3. Zindigi Ek Safar Hai - Asha Bhosle. Here, Sheetal sings to her son Deepu a song that his father sang to her. I like the way the lyrics are used in this version of the song.

Song 4. Dil Usse Do - Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle. This song highlights the relationship between Sheetal and Ravi. Both Shammi Kapoor and Hema Malini are adorable in this song.

Song 5. Zindigi Ek Safar Hai Suhana - Mohd. Rafi, Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle. Ravi sings to Sheetal, trying to give her strength and reassurance during tough times. I like that Mohd. Rafi sang Shammi Kapoor's portions emphasizing the difference between Ravi and Raj.

Song 6. Mujhe Pyas Aisi Pyas Lagi Hai - Asha Bhosle. This song essentially introduces the audience to Badal (Roopesh Kumar), the villain.

Just as films like Teesri Manzil, for example, showcased an actor at the top of his game, Andaz showcases an actor who was on the brink of passing on the role of the romantic leading man to a younger lot of actors. Even then, Shammi Kapoor still managed to give an excellent performance as a doting father, loving husband and strong companion.

Teesri Manzil - My Take...

I've mentioned earlier how watching Teesri Manzil instantly made me a Shammi Kapoor fan. So it's only fair that I talk about the movie and why it had such a effect on me.

Let me start by saying, I love watching murder mysteries and thrillers ever since I was little. I just love the way the story comes together after a crime has taken place. I enjoy being completely engaged and engrossed in the plot. Last but not the least, when the villain is revealed, I like being surprised! Teesri Manzil was the second Retro-Bollywood murder mystery I watched (the first was Madhumati). It had everything going for it - great music, wonderful cast, interesting story and novel direction.

The movie starts out with a suicide taking place at a hotel. It is later revealed that the victim was a guest at the hotel and was deeply in love with one of the musicians performing at the hotel under the name, Rocky. Witnesses say that before the victim killed herself, she begged him to confess his love for her and when he asked her to leave, she killed herself by jumping from the Teesri Manzil (third floor) of the hotel. When the police examine her remains and room, they find a suicide note in her room and a bejeweled coat button in her palm.

Cut to the present, the victim's sister, Sunita, decides to go to the hotel and deal with Rocky her own way. In her quest, she meets and befriends Anil, another guest who is staying at the same hotel and claims to be Rocky's friend. It turns out that Anil, is in fact Rocky and pretends to be Rocky's friend to prove his innocence to Sunita.

During their time together, Sunita and Anil fall in love. It is then that he reveals to her that he is in fact the 'Rocky' that she came to meet. He tells her everything that happened the night her sister died. She realizes that Anil was not responsible for her sister's death and explains to him that her sister would never kill herself.

While speaking to the police investigating the suicide, it is revealed that she was in fact murdered. The police also show Anil and Sunita the bejeweled coat button that was found in her sister's palm. How Anil and Sunita solve the mystery makes up rest of the story.

As I mentioned earlier, all of the songs in this movie are just plain amazing! R.D. Burman showcases his talent to the fullest extent with this soundtrack. He introduces the audience to the fast beats of Rock & Roll.

Song 1. O Haseena Zulphon Wali - An introduction song featuring Rocky/Anil (Shammi Kapoor) and Ruby (Helen). Mohd. Rafi sang this song superbly and Asha Bhosle adds so much ada!

Song 2. Aaja Aaja - A cute chedkani song where Anil dances with Sunita. Once again Mohd. Rafi and Asha Bhosle create magic.

Song 3. Deewana Mujhsa Nahi - A romantic song where Anil professes his love for Sunita. Mohd. Rafi sings this song and touches the heart of the listener.

Song 4. O Mere Sonare - The classic manana song where Sunita begs for forgiveness for treating Anil badly. Asha Bholse's charming voice and Mohd. Rafi's masti make this song a classic.

Song 5. Main Inpe Marta Hoon - A fun song where Anil explains that main inpe marta hoon! Mohd. Rafi's voice matches Shammi Kapoor's crazy antics perfectly! Asha Bholse adds ada easily!

Song 6. Tumne Mujhe Dekha - A heartfelt song where Anil reveals himself as Rocky. The emotion in Mohd. Rafi's voice adds so much depth to this song.

I hope this post inspires you to watch Teesri Manzil yourself and become a fan of Shammi Kapoor's work.

My Top 10 Helen Favorites!!!

This is so difficult for me! I have to narrow down countless of Helen classics into a Top 10. Is that even possible?! Anyway, with a whole bunch of deliberation with myself I have come up with this list.

So in no particular order, My Top 10 Helen favorites are:

1. Yeh Mera Dil from Don

Who can forget Helen dancing in this song? That white costume. Those blue eyes. That brunette hair. She is a vision in this song. I still don't think anyone else can pull off this song. Helen's moves are sexy yet she manages to be graceful. She plays the perfect seductress - dangerous and coy.

2. Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo from Howrah Bridge

This is Helen's first song. She is young, fresh-faced and absolutely stunning. The moment she comes down those stairs, your eyes are fixed on her. She twirls, snaps and twists her way through the song making it even more memorable.

3. O Haseena Zulphon Wali from Teesri Manzil

I love everything about this song. Not only does this song have Helen dancing to the best of her abilities but as a bonus this song also has the one and only Shammi Kapoor. I love the hint of competition between Shammi Kapoor and Helen. Both of them together make this song unforgettable for me.

4. Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja from Caravan

Only one person could do justice to this song - Helen. She is amazing in this song. She plays the character so well. I remember watching this song when I was younger. I was completely mesmerized by Helen and her dancing then and I still am.

5. Mehbooba Mehbooba from Sholay

Helen is so sensuous in this song yet she never seems over-the-top. I like that no matter what she does, she still manages to look graceful. Many have tried to re-do this song but all have failed. No one can ever match up to Helen's grace and sensuousness.

6. Is Duniya Mein Jeena Ho Toh from Gumnaam

This is a really upbeat song and Helen adds more light to it! This song is all about cheering up and enjoying life. Watching this song makes me smile and want to dance at the beach (just like Helen)!

7. Aao Na Gale Lagalo Na from Mere Jeevan Saathi

Helen is the perfect personification of Asha Bhosle's voice. Asha Bhosle's voice complements Helen so perfectly. I just love the way Helen interprets the song. She is sensuous, yet graceful. If this song was being made today, I can't even express the horrible images that are coming to mind.

8. Aaj Ki Raat from Anamika

Helen grooves her way through this song effortlessly. I love how she can portray emotions through her dance. Even though this song sort of reminds me of the feel of Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja, I still enjoy it. Shoobu Shoobu Shoobu Shoobu Shoobu.

9. Ae Naujawan Hai Sab from Apradh

Apart from Helen, this song also features the bubbly Mumtaz and the stylish Feroz Khan. I love the way Helen moves through this song. She is very rightly proclaimed as the Queen of Bollywood Cabaret.

10. O Meri Jaan Main Ne Kaha from The Train

I still remember the first time I heard this song. My dad just purchased a CD of RD Burman hits. I couldn't stop laughing. The breathless singing made me giggle uncontrollably! Watching this song confirmed by belief that only Helen could do this song. She moves elegantly across the dance floor and works her magic as always!