19
Sep 2024
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Uncovering Urban Legacies: Stories of Bombay's Precincts - Mazagon
Coomaraswamy Hall, CSMVS, Mumbai - 400001
From Amitabh Bachchan's simmering Angry
Young Man to Rishi Kapoor's romantic Bobby, from the gritty
realism of Shyam Benegal to the middle-class comedies of Hrishikesh
Mukherjee - the 1970s were a transformative decade for Hindi cinema. It was
an era that saw the birth of the masala film, the rise of multi-starrers, and
the emergence of parallel cinema. This decade gave us unforgettable melodies,
iconic dialogues, and fashion trends that continue to inspire today. The
Swinging ‘70s: Stars, Style and Substance pays tribute to this legacy.
An anthology of essays,
co-edited by Editor Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri and Senior Civil Servant and Film Buff Nirupama Kotru, the book offers fresh perspectives on iconic films,
uncovers lesser-known gems, and provides a nuanced understanding of how cinema
both reflected and shaped the turbulent seventies. Celebrate the book launch
with an engaging panel discussion followed by a special performance by Musician-Filmmaker
Neha Karode presenting a curated selection of beloved songs that defined
the era.
Join us for an evening
of nostalgia as we revisit the golden age of Hindi cinema.
Varun Grover is a screen-writer (Masaan, Sacred Games), National Award winning lyricist (Gangs of Wasseypur, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Ankhon Dekhi, Fan, Udta Punjab), stand-up comedian, and short-story writer (short story collection Paper Chor graphic novel Biksu) based in Mumbai. His debut film as a director, All India Rank, released in theatres in 2024 and is currently available on Netflix globally.
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An avid film buff who is also a senior civil servant, Nirupama Kotru found her avocation unite with her vocation in 2012 when she was posted as Director (Films) in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. She spent more than three years managing film units such as the NFDC and the Films Division, handling challenging policy matters such as censorship and archiving, driving initiatives such single-window clearance for film shootings, besides promoting Indian cinema at film festivals abroad and at home, through initiatives such as National Film awards and IFFI, Goa. After this stint, she kept her passion alive by writing articles on films and film music.Until recently, as Joint Secretary, Culture, she nurtured the national academies of music, dance, theatre and art, and helped reinvent leading national museums. She actively participates in cultural and literary festivals where she promotes film, theatre and literature.
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Sriram Raghavan is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in Hindi cinema. An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India, his diploma film, THE EIGHT COLUMN AFFAIR, won the National award for best short fiction film of the year 1988. Sriram is credited with introducing the neo-noir thriller to Indian audiences. In his first film, Ek Hasina Thi (2004), Sriram explored the revenge thriller. A big fan of the conventions of the crime genre, like crisp dialogue, characters trapped in situations with flexible morality, Raghavan’s next film Johnny Gaddar (2007), was a study of a slow-burn implosion caused by greed and betrayal. Sriram’s next film, Agent Vinod (2012) was an ambitious spy thriller, that travelled continents. Here, Sriram doffs his hat to the 1977 film of the same name. 2015 saw Raghavan return to the screens with a chilling anti-revenge drama, Badlapur. His last film, ANDHADHUN, (2018) is a funny, thrilling yet macabre film which won several awards and was rated the top Indian film of 2018 by IMDB.
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Rohini Ramnathan is an internationally acclaimed radio personality with almost 2 decades of on-air experience across two countries, India and Singapore. The first Indian to win two top honors at the Mediacorp Radio Awards in 2013, Rohini came back to India in 2016 to launch India's coolest retro station, Radio Nasha. Building digitalscapes for content and designing larger than life movie experiences have been her forte. She now leads Radio Nasha India and hosts India's biggest film show on Fever FM called Just Too Filmy. Rohini also hosts her own chat show, Bol Baby Bol on India's premiere film journalism channel Film Companion. When she isn't on the radio, you can find her acting in the movies (Gully Boy), or hosting Shahrukh Khan's birthday party or performing in the theatre in Mumbai. She has been awarded the first 'Queero' award from India's LGBTQi community for her undying championing towards the cause of equality in 2017.
Read moreThe 1970s: A Decade of Cinematic Revolution
The 1970s marked a significant era in the history of Bollywood, witnessing an influx of new ideas, increased experimentation, and the emergence of diverse genres of action films in Hindi cinema. Notably, the term "Bollywood" was coined during this decade.
The 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are considered the golden years of filmmaking, featuring groundbreaking films that introduced new techniques and pushed the art form's boundaries. Several genres coexisted harmoniously during this time, catering to a diverse audience.
The 1970s, in particular, saw a movement that challenged existing cinematic norms. This decade was also notable for the parallel or art cinema movement. It was marked by a distinct division between art, commercial, and "middle of the road" films, each with its dedicated audience. The high demand for tickets outside movie halls during this era was a testament to the public's thirst for these varied cinematic experiences.
Some Evergreen Movies from the ‘70s
Just before the 1970s, the release of Aradhana in 1969 marked the beginning of the Rajesh Khanna era, with the film becoming a massive hit. Sholay, an all-time favorite Hindi movie, was released in 1975. This action-adventure film, directed by Ramesh Sippy, introduced audiences to the unforgettable characters of Jai and Veeru, as well as the villainous Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its engaging storyline, memorable dialogues, and the chemistry between its lead actors.
The 1970s also saw the emergence of the crime genre, with films like Don and Amar Akbar Anthony becoming instant classics. Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan, was a thrilling tale of a criminal
mastermind, while Amar Akbar Anthony,
directed by Manmohan Desai, combined action, comedy, and drama to create a
beloved cinematic experience. Other beloved films from the decade include Johny Mera Naam, Hare Rama Hare Krishna,
Bobby, Zanjeer, Ankur, Deewar, and
Golmaal, showcasing the versatility and creativity of Bollywood during this
period.
The Era of Unforgettable Superstars
The 1970s was a golden era for Bollywood, with several talented stars leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. One of the most iconic actors of the time was Amitabh Bachchan, who rose to fame with his portrayal of the "Angry Young Man" in films like Zanjeer and Deewar. Bachchan's versatility was on full display as he seamlessly transitioned from this intense, brooding character to the memorable Jai-Veeru duo in the cult classic Sholay. Alongside Bachchan, the decade also saw the rise of other talented actors like Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Vinod Khanna, and Jeetendra, who captivated audiences with their on-screen charisma and diverse roles.
The 1970s also introduced a new generation of leading ladies, including Zeenat Aman, Parveen Babi, Rakhee, Jaya Bhaduri, Smita Patil, Sridevi, Bhanurekha Ganesan, and Rekha, who brought their unique styles and talents to the industry. The music from these films also became iconic, with legendary singers like Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh, and Mohammed Rafi lending their voices to some of the most memorable songs of the era. These songs continue to be celebrated and played on various occasions, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bollywood's golden age.
