Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
It seems so strange yet timely to have watched this film recently. Seeing Salman in Salaam-e-Ishq last week certainly confirms his title of "Uncle Chest" while reiterating what in the world his appeal was to begin with. Furthermore, seeing him and Aish together in Hum Dil Chuke Sanam reminds me of those bygone days before Abhiwarya became a reality.
So yeah, about the movie...
FIRST OF ALL, let me just say I did not get to see the last 5 minutes or so because the dvd refused to play! Oye ve! I'm guessing Nandini (Aishwarya) went back to her longsuffering husband (Ajay) because that would be the right thing to do. [I mean, how can you leave a guy who is totally and completely committed to helping you find the love of your life despite the fact that you're married to him? I mean what kind of heifer could walk away without a backward glance?]
I liked the movie. It got a bit more interesting as time went along. Watching Aish trying to resist falling in love with her husband was a clever story twist. As usual, her character is mostly reactionary--kind of like watching a tennis ball get bounced back and forth while it cries about how much it hurts...
Anyhoo, watching Aish dance is always a treat. She looks amazing during the classical piece when Ajay first sees her (Nimbooda?). There's some really nice camera work mixed throughout. The opening sequence is like a stream of still photos in motion. I also liked the music. It's nice and kind of challenging in places like the song where Aish tries to kill herself--very Devdasish.
(I guess that makes sense considering it was the director's very next film...) This is definitely one for the collection.
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9 comments:
I love this movie - and it's even my favorite role for Salman so far.
I'm not sure I agree with you about how the heroine would be horrible if she didn't fall in love with the husband she didn't love just because he's helping her. If I recall correctly (and I might not), she never really asks for his help, does she? Doesn't he offer because he's so moved by her sadness? I can easily see how she might say "Dude, stop following me all over Europe, I don't love you, and in fact I'm busy trying to find the guy I do love." That said, I too think it's lovely that we see her trying to resist this guy, because he is sweet and kind and brave and is shown to be a contrast to the breezey and sort of surface Sameer. I just think there's a distinction between her loving him because he helps her and loving him because of what she discovers about him as she gets to know him during the process of him helping her. I feel like htey could have been on some other sort of mission together - finding someone's long-lsot sibling or something - and she could have made the same discoveries.
Of course, I have serious issues with men trying to save women all the time - and with women who want it - so I may very well be putting my own spin on their situation.
And I liked your tennis ball analogy.
I really enjoyed this movie but I can't say the same about the songs unfortunately! It's a good keepsake for Salman/Ash fans. I doubt they will ever do another move together.
Rahaa Beth! Long live the feminist mystique...
I guess I was just absorbing the selflessness of Ajay's character. I mean, if she left him she couldn't help but feel bad because he had nothing other than spend his energy/money trying to bring a smile to her face. [There's all sorts of psychological neediness that leads to such behavior but that's besides the point...] Your appreciation of metaphor sets you above the rest!
LOL Angela! You are too right about Salman & Aish acting together. Not gonna happen!
Great movie with good songs too. Salman actually acts, Ash actually is not too full of herself & Ajay is not too too brooding yet. As an aside Ash's dad's playback singer was Sultan Khan - an amazing sarangi player who also sings classical music. I have a few of his songs on my blog if anyone wants to hear him - absolutely incredible voice.
I believe Ajay's character is based on a real person. I am not sure where I read it, but there was this guy in Chennai/Madras, who helped his wife find the guy she loved...
There are quite a few movies made in south based on this story.
Of course the gaseous emission scene was hilarious!
Hi I like your blog! My DVD of this will also not let me view the last 5 minutes! Argh! I had to wikipedia the ending to find out what happens
That tennis ball analogy is too good! And man does it fit Aish to a tee.
It's one of the first Bollywood films I ever saw (I think Sholay was the first..). I loved it, not sure why.... need to watch it again!!!
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