Climax!

Lights. Camera. Action. Songs. Dance. These are the most synonymous terms associated with our Hindi films however there is something equally important that most of us overlook or take for granted, Climax!

Before you jump the bandwagon and shut the window, let me clarify that this climax has nothing to do with that climax. So clam your tits and read further. Here we will be talking about that one bad guy who has kidnapped the mother-father-family, planned to bomb the whole country or leave the country forever and having the last laugh in his den turned club setup, where the leading lady dancing to his tune to celebrate his imaginary success.

Note that our darling heroine is worthy enough to be a good singer and dancer. She is all decked up (don't pull your hair in discovering how and where that costume and accessories came from and how on earth did that fit her so well!?), with perfect disguise, steps, lyrics, catchy-music luring the nasty womanising villain into song and dance sequence, offering them alcohol (to make them weak) and making sure the hero reaches on time to kill the bad man and save the nation along with his family, and hello, save the damsel in distress, our seedhi-saadhi heroine herself! The story can be twisted and turned accordingly.

It is fascinating to see all the hard work behind this senseless but fascinating climax. In almost all the films the theme is same. The bad guy is almost winning the game but alas the hero comes and destroys his plans and ends the game.

There are many many such gems and it would be hard for me to pinpoint each and every one of them but I am just pointing out a few who has shaken my senses and also to show the variation!

Nagina: Main Teri Dushman....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txOeZmLBUDg

I have to start with this. Sridevi's as a snake-woman is revealed in probably one of the most well-choreographed and directed song by Saroj Khan, Music by Laxmi-Pyare from the 80s blockbuster Nagina. According to the film-pundits, the movie ran for 100 weeks single-handedly thanks to this climax song sung by Lata Mangeshkar and owned by the versatile stunning-looking Sridevi.

Note: besides the blue lenses taking the country by storm, the snake-woman drama had many actresses playing a part in choke-me-to-death story lines, however this film and song remain the best till date. Just watch the steps guys and you will know how much hard work has gone into it.

Tridev: Gajar Ne Kiya Hai Ishara.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1ujA6a_VPU

What a song! Beautiful Arabian-style costumes. Extremely well choreographed number with all the three girls Madhuri, Sonam and Sangeeta getting equal footage. Being a multi-starrer all the three heroines got together to sing-a-song while the three hero's are police-fighting to reach the 'den' to save them and yeah the planet!

Note: Amrish Puri probably was one of our best villain. Quirky. Fashionable. Fun and extremely ruthless.

Hoshiyaar: Ho ja Hoshiyaar....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIIg_CfmGNk

May not be very famous number but I have to mention it here for its sheer madness. While Jeetu and Shatru are struggling to fight the lions, the ladies, Meenakshi and Jaya are keeping 'charlisque' styled Shakti Kapoor and rape specialist Ranjeet busy with this heavy-duty African tribal inspired dance number. Both Jaya and Meenakshi are exquisite and exemplary in this song. Shows what excellent dancers both the ladies are. Hats of to them.

Note: Look for the African men jumping in the white cheeta inspired wall background. What an idea sirji!

Maqsad: Ajao Naagraja Aajao...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A7H7l_Pt5o

What a plot, in the name of religion the bad guys, Prem Chopra, Khader Khan and Ranjeet uses the snake-pit to hide their chori ka maal including crores of money, jewellery and antique pieces. The snakes are apparently unknowingly safe guarding it up-till now when the good guys comes with their good girls for a 10 minute song and dance sequence and voila the snakes understands their wrong doing and leaves the treasure for the police to take over it. Phew!

Note: Sridevi's fascination with snake dance started from here for sure. asking the hero to be smarter after catching him red-handed

Ram Lakhan: Beqadar bekhabar bewafa balma....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR0ZrfVKZWk

A typical Subhash Ghai film with one dozen goons, revenge plot, two hero's and their respective heroine's and of-course their dhukhiyari maa.

The climax song had Madhuri angry at Anil Kapoor for cheating on her, which later is revealed was a misunderstanding. While Ms Dixit is dancing heavily on drums and nagadas to show her anger with all dedication, the real good people outside the haveli, are planning a plot to capture Sir John (Raza Murad) who with his one-stoned-eye is eyeing the dancing diva as his future wife. Bad Man.

Note: Such a class! Such distinction! Madhuri's perfection and balance with superb expression throughout the song (no signature smiles no weird dance steps).

Loha: Teri Hasti Hai Kya....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbVbGTZuxWM

This heavy multi-starrer with Dharmendra, Shatrughan Sinha, Karan Kapoor, Madhvi, Mandakini and Amrish Puri had all the masala where the good guys are forced to work for the bad guys due to some contract. Obviously towards the end the bad guy refuse to acknowledge his promise and uses Jugal Hansraj to kill the good guys by tying them all together. The two damsels takes off to a well-choreographed song and dance number on the demand of the bad guy as he is aware of their talent, while the good guys plan a trick to out do the bad guy.

Note: Very Sholay-inspired set up of the bad guy den with rocks, open-space, waterfall and great costumes.

Desh Premee: Gore Nahi Hum kale Sahi....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP7r05H7dyk

Oh god! Some fascination our Hindi film industry has with the whole African get up probably because its the hardest for any one to recognise you with shimmery clothes, boots, curly hair, dark makeup, black shades but singing in hindi! Amaze Balls!

I am still not sure what exactly is this location. A den or a club made to look like a den because one can see lots of diners enjoying the song and dance routine.

Not just people you will find things also being converted like being impressionist. The part that always cracks me up about this song is the fact the so called "transmitter" is nothing but a simple calculator!!

Note: There are two Amitabh's in the song. Hemaji seems to be enjoying the song to the hilt. And the other guy is none other than Prem Chopra, who surprisingly is a good guy in the film.

Amar Akbar Anthony: Title and climax song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GhGq7db9v0

All the Amitabh starters has the same theme. Lost and found. Three or two brothers lost in a running train where in the father is gone missing and the mother is turned blind. The bad guy who is the culprit is still alive and by the grace of satan doing well for himself, until the three brothers finds each-other and decides to take revenge. The three girlfriends are always handy to help them catch the culprit. It amazing to see the make-believe-tale again and again.

Note: based on their religion all the three guys and their respective girls are dressed up in traditional attire. Superb!

Hero: Mohabbat yeh Mohabbat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6YQv1fCU4M

The heroine is kidnapped (yet again), the good guy is tied, the bad guy is planning a naught night with the girl, the good police uncle in disguise and the hero all wounded is riding his bike at the speed of 150KM/h reaching the island on time to save the girl and become the hero!

Note: Sanjeev Kumar is so cute.

ANJAR. AJRAKHPUR. BHUJODI.

We set out a whole day to travel to these three destinations as they all are close to each other with the farthest being 25km from Bhuj. We decided to start with the farthest town called Anjar. After reading about a bit of ruins in Anjar we got excited and left early to explore the place but were deeply disappointed to note there aren't any. Not the ones to give up we started scrutinising the market only to find the finest jooti's for affordable rates. We brought three pairs in one go!

The Rabari men wearing Balochistan frock-type kurta and Dhoti

These insane pyjamas are gathered at the waist and made out of 10 meters of fabric!

Later we wanted to know if the typical Kutch/Gujarati traditional menswear is available anywhere. After asking around we were directed to Khatri Market where only one store called Suraj Clothing which retails in selling these items. We bought the quintessential Lungi and the Balochistan frock-type top for ourselves. It was worth visiting the place.

Our next destination was Ajrakhpur. There are no proper directions hence stop and ask people the way.

Its a tiny village which is dedicated to the art of Ajrakh print making where the families stay and work. Dr Ismail Mohammed Khatri has been one such family who are in the business since eons and invites travellers to come stay, learn and shop from his workshop. Ajrakhpur is known worldwide for the art of Ajrakh, block printing uses colours derived from nature, such as indigo, henna, turmeric, pomegranate, iron and mud. In some cases, the fabrics are washed up to 20 times. Printing on both sides of the fabric is usually referred to as Ajrakh, the name is believed to be originated from the Arabic name Azrak that generally refers to blue. These printed fabrics are usually of blue colour with red and white pattern of designs, dyed with indigo and madder but of late they have started using variety of earthy colours and patterns. Kutch, district of Gujarat is one of India’s leading areas for block printing and dyeing. It is known for its variety of block prints with particular style of techniques is empowered by “Khatris” community.

Dr Ismail Khatri

We started to explore the workshop cum store for our purchase. You are literally spoilt for choice. From cotton to silk to tussar to linen and ranging from fabrics to saree to scarfs to kurtas to bedsheets to covers they have everything that one may ask for. We brought some loose fabrics. While paying the bill we discovered that their factory is just two blocks away, without wasting a minute we drove there to have a look.

Its a huge factory with many section such as washing, printing, dyeing, quality checking and final packing is carried out. There are close to 30 people, mostly men and young boys, working in the factory. As it was the lunch time and many were eating or resting we decided to do our own exploring bit and move out.

The main worry for the printers currently is the ever decreasing water levels. Water is vital for the printing process. Twenty years ago they relied on a nearby river, but it has since dried up. A well was dug but this has gotten deeper and deeper as the water levels go down. Besides the water a lot of child labour is put through the process which is disturbing.

After exploring the factory we headed straight to the highway leading towards Bhujodi. On the highway lookout at a roadside dhaba for the most delicious Gujarati thali. The best so far.

Bhujodi is a small village just 10km from Bhuj, was more or less one straight street with shops lined on either sides, nestled among them were the houses of the weavers itself. The beauty of Kutch is that where ever you turn there is art. Be it decorating a camel or the women folks dressing up or their houses painted with beautiful designs and mirrors shining on them; everywhere there is art and beauty. So you can imagine how awesome their designs will be. Its just magical.

Keep your eyes open as you will see many shops selling interesting stuff.

Mrs Vishram and his grand daughter

Vishram Bhai

His Store

We were lucky enough to visit the home of a national award winning weaver Mr Vishram Bhai who not only welcomed us but showed us the technique of weave. It was fascinating to see the technical moves that are impressive, the complexity and beauty of the machine leaves one speechless. All the lines, the regular movements, the thread and colours, complexity... create an atmosphere that is truly hypnotising! His son, although an engineer, is highly motivated and decided to join the family tradition by taking the craft on a higher level and started a shop to sell the products adjacent to the house. There are many such houses where you are free to go and spend time.

At the end corner of the village is HiraLakshmi Memorial park is made to preserve, restore and promote the arts of Kutch and making them accessible to masses. Its pretty nicely done up place consisting of water bodies with tiny cross over bridges and huts like stores selling clothes surrounded by lot of open green space to rejuvenate. Look out for the exact replica of 'Sansad Bhavan' Indian Parliament building called Vande Matram Memorial which is being constructed for locals and artisans to come and exhibit their goods. Insane i say!