Paheli

Well another movie that had an impossible premise. A ghost appearing in human form to be with a woman he loves. It's a very outlandish story but I could not help myself from liking this movie. I love the combination of Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherji together. Bonus, there were 2 SRK's in this movie. Double your pleasure. Oh and SRK with a stylin' mustache and a humongous turban, that will make you smile for sure.

Learning the language

Bit by bit, I am picking up Hindi words. I've seen so many movies now that I understand a little of the language. It confuses me though when movies are in multiple languages. I tried turning down the volume of a movie and just reading the words but it's impossible to watch that way. I'd rather turn off the English subtitles and just listen to the dialogue. Often times there is enough spoken English and enough words that I have picked up that I am able to understand a great deal of the movie.
One exception was 3 idiots. This movie was wonderful but there was very little English translation and I know I missed a great deal of excellent, important dialogue. However, I thought this was a great movie.

One of the most used words I have discovered is pyaar. Love. It's used over and over again in every movie. It seems to be the driving force behind all of the movies I watch. Love of family, being in love, falling in love. Having no love. Lost love. It's a strong word. Another such word I hear constantly is truth. That also seems to be a common thread in these movies. A quest for the truth.

I love all the family words for grandparents, aunties, uncles and sister/brother. There is so much respect given in addressing others in this culture. One must properly address everyone or you are being disrespectful.
Some other words I know well are: you, heart, friend, nothing and one minute. I've known how to say thank you since I was a child, taught to me by my Pakastani brother in law. Shukriya.

I can make no rhyme or reason of the written language whatsoever. Black squiggles all meant to confuse me and I am easily confused, ha.
I am slowly developing a love affair with the spoken language now and perhaps some day I'll be able to speak a little, if I keep at it.

Kabhi Alvida naa Kehna

Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherji, Amitabh Bachchan, Abishek Bachchan,Priety Zinta and Kirron Kher. A Karan Johar Film.

In this film Karan Johar takes us on a journey through the eyes of two married couples. Within each marriage, there is a love hanging on for dear life and a love that has faded away. Each couple struggles to keep their marriage alive and yet all parties involved are unhappy in order to "do the right thing"

SRK is wonderful as a bitter, angry man whose dreams are lost. I found myself feeling his pain as his life suddenly changed and he seemed destined to have a hollow existence. He is one actor that can simply look at a woman with longing in his eyes and kiss her on the neck and it becomes infinitely more sensuous and titillating than any sex scene.

Abishek Bachchan was excellent as a loving husband. He really made me laugh in this film several times, exposing a side I don't often see in him. Particularly the scene where his wife asks him to take his pants off in the kitchen and his subsequent antics.
His anguish and anger upon hearing that his wife was unfaithful to him was so moving and well done. This was a wonderful part for him, I really got to see all facets of his acting.

I did not like the Sexy Sam character that Bachchan senior played but I do love how his son played off that character. I did, however, enjoy his few moments as a loving father though. The two Bachchans dancing together was a lot of fun to watch. During that same dance scene, there were incredible costumes on the female dancers particular the lineup of women in green dresses.

I love Kirron Kher as SRK's mother, one of my favorite actresses. She is always perfect in any role and her hair was astonishingly beautiful in this movie.

Both Priety and Rani were beautiful and good actresses as always. I did find Rani a little flat in places but not sure if that was her acting or the fact that she was supposed to be a shy, introverted type of character.

There were a few corny, badly written moments in this movie but overall it was an excellent movie.

Veer-Zaara

Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji,Preity Zinta. A Yash Chopra movie.

A story of an enduring love. A love that is so true that each side would give up their life for the other.
Shahrukh Khan, playing Veer is a very kind and loving man in this movie, playing an Indian Air Force pilot. We see him aged in this role and I have to say that SRK makes one helluva sexy older man. Even when broken down and imprisoned, he still manages to make us forge a heartfelt connection with him. SRK was really excellent in this role.

This is also the story of a young woman lawyer in Pakistan who has much on the line (played by Rani Mukerji). Her first case ever, a promise to herself to do well for her father's memory, a woman who must succeed in her profession to give hope and lead an example for all the young girls growing up in her country. Very well acted part.

SRK's love interest is played by Preity Zinta (Zaara) who is a free spirited girl in the beginning of the movie but is also a dutiful daughter to a high profile Pakastani father. Her brief time with Veer comes to an end when she has to go home and marry. Is it just me or is Preity Zinta a little bland? I expected more emotion from this part she played. Still it didn't take anything away from SRK's part in this movie.
You really feel the sting of injustice throughout this film and I found it to be a very touching and love filled movie. Love knows no borders.

My Name Is Khan

Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.Directed by Karan Johar.

I've just been to see My Name Is Khan at the theater. I went with my neighbor who had never even seen or heard of Bollywood cinema, or even regular Indian picture. She had no idea what to expect.

For me, it was a wonderful film. So full of love and sadness and hatred but the message was of peace and hope.
It was beautifully acted both by Shahrukh Khan (SRK) and Kajol.
This role was a departure from the usual style of acting by SRK but magnificently done. There was a lot of laughter through the beginning of the film as we are introduced to Rizvan Khan, the main character and we learn about his peaceful and different outlook on life. He is soft spoken and innocently sweet. How could we not love him as soon as we meet him. The story brings us to a wonderfully happy place where everything appears to be perfect.
Suddenly as lives are torn apart after the incident that shocked the world -9/11, we see anger, hatred and suffering. It becomes very intense and difficult to watch here. However Rizvan remains constant in his beliefs and his plan to make his voice heard. Rizvan becomes a hero to a nation and to the woman who loves him. This movie has a very positive message and leaves you with a feeling of hope and encouragement.

My friend's comments to me were that it was a very rich movie, which touched on clashing cultures and religions with political undertones. She loved it so much that we will be going to see a Hindi movie twice a month from now on. I can't wait to introduce her to the SRK whose facial expressions differ greatly from his character Rizvan. The SRK who can make me feel faint when his eyes smoulder with passion or who can make me want to hide in fear of his anger, then there is the actor who makes my heart ache when he plays a tortured soul. A man of many faces indeed.

I would recommend anybody to see this movie, it was well directed and well acted and a pleasure to watch.