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Reel Take

Hamraaz was Bollywood’s Shakespearean tragedy. Sunil Dutt, its Othello

The popularity of the film’s album can be jointly credited to the lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi and the soulful voice of Mahendra Kapoor.

Yash Chopra’s ‘Daag’ had a love triangle with no jealousy. It happily ends in bigamy

Daag would go on to establish Chopra as a filmmaker who would not just explore the fun elements of romance but also touch upon subjects like infidelity, and in this case, bigamy.

Dil Hi Toh Hai was a ‘Muslim social’ — but it put insaniyat and sharafat above khandan

The 1963 film Dil Hi Toh Hai, starring Raj Kapoor and Nutan, is a compelling outlier in the ‘Muslim Social’ genre. It defied conventions, even if gently.

Trishul tested Amitabh Bachchan’s emotional range—and he was more than an angry young man

Trishul came when Salim-Javed were at the high point of their creativity and Bachchan at the top of his stardom.

Ek Chadar Maili Si isn’t an easy watch. Hema Malini plays a woman trapped by tradition

Based on Rajinder Singh Bedi’s Urdu novel, the 1986 film directed by Sukhwant Dhadda is a portrayal of a woman’s bruised dignity and the silent scream of suppressed rebellion.

Jaya Bachchan made Mili unforgettable. Her acting rivalled Rajesh Khanna’s in Anand

With this 1975 film, Jaya Bachchan established herself as a serious performer in an era where women were confined to glamorous, arm-candy roles.

ChaalBaaz was Bollywood’s wild take on feminism. Sridevi showed no one did double roles like her

Sridevi carries ChaalBaaz entirely on her shoulders, effortlessly switching between the timid Anju and the brash Manju. Sunny Deol and Rajinikanth pale in comparison.

Doosara Aadmi tackled emotional infidelity before Bollywood had a language for it

The 1977 film Doosara Aadmi explored obsession, longing, and the human tendency to seek lost love in new relationships. It’s one of Rakhee’s most nuanced performances.

Kal Aaj Aur Kal brought Kapoors together on big screen. That’s all it’s remembered for

If it weren’t for its memorable songs, Kal Aaj Aur Kal would likely have faded into obscurity with its lacklustre performances, weak writing, and no memorable dialogues.

‘Kunwara Baap’ was closest to Mehmood’s heart. Tested his limits as an actor

Mehmood made the film to raise awareness about polio, which had affected his own son, Maqdoom Ali. It also marked the acting debut of his other son, Lucky Ali.

On Camera

We can’t just blame Muslims and Englishmen for shattered Hindu unity: RSS chief Deoras

In May 1974, RSS chief Madhukar Dattatraya Deoras spoke at a lecture series in Pune about caste-based discrimination and social equality within the Hindu fold.

Market regulator SEBI clears Adani Group of impropriety alleged by Hindenburg Research

SEBI probe concluded that purported loans and fund transfers were paid back in full and did not amount to deceptive market practices or unreported related party transactions.

With MiG-21’s exit, India’s squadron strength hits 6-decade low. What are IAF’s plans for the Tejas

While the IAF remains committed to the Tejas programme and has placed orders for 180 Tejas Mk1A, the force is eagerly waiting for the Tejas Mk 2 version.

Something’s hidden in the Oval Office photo of Trump, Munir, Sharif. India must look closely

What Munir has achieved with Trump is a return to normal, ironing out the post-Abbottabad crease. The White House picture gives us insight into how Pakistan survives, occasionally thrives and thinks.