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Love, See Us Into A Hall Of Mirrors

On screen, as in life, the many-splendoured thing makes us want to identify with the other

Dear Camille:

I've been severely disappointed in my lady friends, who come across as intelligent women with common sense but end up making bad choices when it comes to men.

—Jolted Joe

Dear Joe:

You are puzzled by the irrational perversity of sexual attraction.... Love will never be tidy or safe. Jump in the boat and row for your life.

—Camille Paglia, Advice for the Lovelorn, Among Others

F
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
Devdas
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar


Double vision: Rekha and Amitabh in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar

Muqaddar Ka Sikandar typifies what a big Hindi film, when done well, excels at. No matter what the main thrust of the storyline, the film itself gave us the possibility of identifying with numerous points of view to experience many aspects of love. We felt Amitabh's longing for an idealised, impossible love for Rakhee; we also felt the simple charm of Vinod Khanna and Rakhee embarking on an uncomplicated love; and most of all, we were electrified by Rekha when Amitabh interrupted her song and she, the beheld, suddenly experienced the frisson of being the beholder. Passing fluidly from one being to another, we came out of the film suffused by the possibilities of romance. There, we could inhabit each in turn—a voluptuous luxury of the spirit, if there ever was one.


Beyond terror: Manisha Koirala and Shahrukh Khan in Dil Se

Dil Se, 'Teri rooh mein jism dubone de
"Sabse zyaada pasand mujhe yeh doori hai. Kyonki doori na ho to karib aane ka bahana na hota."
Dil Se
Dil Se
"Should love challenge us or put our questions to sleep?"


Is it yes?: Imran, Genelia in Jaane Tu Ya...

Jab We Met
Aditi
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Devdas
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Dev D
Zara zara touch me touch me touch me
Tashan
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Dev D
Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye
Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
Jodhaa Akbar
(The author is a filmmaker and writer.)
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