When bullet sounds resonate during duets

Like so many before him and the ones who emerged on the cine firmament after, Amitabh Bachchan, the ‘one-man industry’ of Hindi cinema a generation ago, starred in a few remakes of southern hit films. It was a sure shot technique to re-run the formula as it suited the risk-averse, yet expansionist types of producers from down the Vindhyas, in their quest to capture the Hindi film market. Invariably, such ventures, more often than not, added to the success list of both the stars and the banners which bankrolled them.
The 1978 blockbuster Shankar Guru, made in Kannada with the titan Dr Rajkumar in the lead, went through three versions in all – in Tamil and later Telugu- before it was released as ‘Mahaan’ in 1983. It came with huge expectations, not just because of its track record but also it had AB featured in a triple role- the first time in his career of 15 years. Directed by S Ramanathan, who had earlier helmed a few of his films, the film, heavy on melodrama and tedious action sequences, turned out to be a massive dud.

Rahul Dev Burman, who was the music director, however, came up with a series of super duper numbers in the film - one among them – “Jidhar Dekhoon Teri Tasveer” - sung by both Kishore Kumar and Bachchan, which resonated well with his fans. The one which withstood the ravages of time, taken up for this week’s column is the zippy action-packed duet “Pyar Mein Dil Pe Mar De Goli”, a truly captivating song!

The opening is at an outdoor location, with a packed crowd watching their heart throbs do their bit in Kathmandu. Equally notable is the fact that, despite being awkward dancers whose moves could have normally hampered the song’s effect, Bachchan and Zeenat Aman, just jive on, regardless of the need for grace or fluidity in their steps. Mainly because, the master composer RDB pitches his number at a scale, which takes off like a rocket, with a steady beat, interspersed with stringy sounds and the sound of the fired bullets added for good effect.

The minimalistic shoulder moves bobbing up and down in sync with the music is what the lead pair endeavour as the cootchie cooing gets hot with an attempted kiss, promptly shouted down by the traditional crowd! The choreography is least strenuous, a tad Western if one may say to fit the anglicised backgrounds of the hero and the heroine, if one may guess!

Of course, what is a love song without a lover tiff, even as the hero with a glad eye goes around flirting with the ladies in the crowd and obviously Zeenie Baby (a popular reference then!) throws a fit! AB, sure of his abilities even shooes her away as the lady gets her back in the end, to resume the song with the casual swagger with which it started.

Naughty moments ensue when the heroine swirls around her frocky dress and the hero lies in wait, literally! The camera, faithfully to the dominant faith in the location, zooms in and out of the temple ambience, the stony surroundings lending a different feel. It is now time to play the gladiator as the prey and the hunter type moves cheer the crowd who respond enthusiastically.

The tempo of the song is consistent and the energetic feel is sustained throughout even as the hit duo, go about their motions with the least effort. A throwback to the old times, when songs were easily played for five minutes and more, it is to the credit of Burman Da that he keeps the pace rocking. The cinematographer too takes a pictorial trip and loses himself in the depth of the shooting spot, which has elephant figurines, long-winding steps and the foggy feel of the wintry Himalayan kingdom. The bullet shots, for sure, hit the bull’s eye!

Film : Mahaan (1983)
Song : Pyar Mein Dil Pe Mar De Goli
Singers : Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhonsle
Lyrics : Anjaan
Music : RD Burman

By K Naresh Kumar