Indians For Guns

Ladies and Gentlemen: I have a good friend who undertook some time ago to educate me in the ways of culture, primarily by means of Bollywood movies. She first started me off with Devdas (2002) and then Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. Since then, we've seen a number of Bollywood films, such as Om Shanti Om, Fanaa, Taare Zameen Par, Veer-Zaara, and the latest, Ghajini.

Others that I've come across have told me that my friend has taken pains to introduce me to the best films from the beginning, and sure enough, all of these films were big favorites of mine. I love the story lines, the acting, and the attractive actors and actresses. In my mind, there is no question but that Bollywood has stars that are far more attractive than Hollywood's.

In addition, I've taken in the Rajni Tamil films Chandramukhi and Padayappa. Both of these I liked. I do have the old Sivaji Ganasan classic, Raja Raja Cholan (1973), but as it has no subs, I have not watched it. (A friend told me that they used this film as a Tamil teaching tool in his University of Texas Tamil class -- it is such a shame for me that it has no subs!)

Recently I came across this article: 25 Must See Bollywood Movies I recognize that, in order to appreciate the newer movies, I must lay down a foundation by appreciating the older ones. So I have started off on this quest. I now have the following movies as a start to my collection and will begin watching this weekend:

Devdas (1955)
Pyaasa (1957)
Madhumati (1958)
Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
Sangam (1964)

With regard to those 25 listed and perhaps some others you may think of, do you have suggestions for movies that you feel are excellent examples of Bollywood at its finest, say from the 60s and back, for me to watch?

I feel that my Bollywood movie watching so far has been not only very enjoyable, but also educational in familiarizing me with cultural aspects.

Thanks!

Here are some movies I think would be worth watching:
Pyaasa
Kagaz ke Phool
Sahib Bibi aur Gulam
Satyakaam
Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi
Anand
Amar Prem
Sholay
Kabuliwalah
Mother India
Pakeezah
Mera Naam Joker
Deewar
chupke chupke
Golmaal
Ardh satya
Kalyug
Arjun
Prem Rog
Satya

Thats all I can come up with now.
Regards,
Yaj.

Agree with Yaj's top three movies. Guru Dutt was genius ahead of his times. His movies have been included in 100 best Times list.
Contemporary I would add othello rendition Omkara, bandit Queen, Hey Ram and Dil se.
Enjoy

Gentlemen:

Thanks so much for your imput! Your suggestions have been duly noted and I will keep an eye out!

Can I hijack this thread a little bit and ask what everyone thought of Slumdog Millionaire?

Granted it is a Brit movie and not Bollywood, but I've been curious how it was received in India.

I found it to be a mediocre movie. It was mainly targeted for a western audience with all the stereotypes they would expect in a third world city.Being born and brought up in Mumbai I found the casting, performances to be rather shoddy and the content to be rather rather amateurish and out of touch with reality.
I think it was hugely overhyped.
AR Rehman's music was rather good though but he has given better in the past.
Regards,
Yaj.

IFG brothers: Tonight, Gail and I watched Mughal e Azam. What an incredible work! The lavish sets and costumes take no back seat to Devdas IV, the music is beautiful, the story is timelessly appealing. Watching it was an amazing experience for me!

It was my fav late night movie right next to the VCR-learnt a lot of urdu from Mughal e Azam.In retrospect, it will always be my fav-even if I see it once a year.Try basha -Rajni rocks.

I've seen some Rajni movies -- such as Chandramukhi and Paddayappa -- and liked them a lot! I have Baasha, and it shall be done soon -- thanks!