Author: Bhaichand Patel (Editor))
Publisher: Penguin Viking
Pages: 279
Price: Rs 599
Genre: Non Fiction / Film
Rating: 7/10
If you ask
me, my expectations with ‘Bollywood’s Top 20’ were to first find out who all
made it to the Top 20, and then discover new facets of their personalities,
growth as performers and their cinematic journeys. There are no issues with the
essays per se but personally I felt that they were quite on the surface and do
not succeed in presenting the superstars intimately.
Most of the
stars who make it to the selected top 20 are expected. So you have the tragedy
king Dilip Kumar to the evergreen Dev Anand to frighteningly popular Rajesh
Khanna, there’s the angry young man Amitabh Bachchan, the quintessential lover
boy Shahrukh Khan, the perfectionist Amir Khan alongwith the self-effacing
K.L.Sehgal, charismatic Devika Rani, showman Raj Kapoor, Indian earthy beauty
Madhuri Dixit and a few more. Frankly, for me - with all due respects to these
actors – Shammi Kapoor, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor don’t quite make the cut. If
we are talking about “the” Top 20 Superstars of all time, then, no. But as Mr
Patel clarifies in the ‘Introduction’, these superstars have been picked up
from different decades. In which case, the title should have suggested
something to that effect.
The cover
page is befitting and celebratory. It is reminiscent of the time when bollywood
posters were hand painted and therefore stood out. The cover page captures the
Bollywood kitsch in all its glory.
The
‘Introduction’ by the editor Bhaichand Patel establishes his credentials well, explains why these 20 have been picked up for this book and introduces
the contributors.
This book
is no classic and no must-have for a film buff, yet I enjoyed reading
it. There seems to be a basic flow to each of the essays. The focus is on
cinematic journeys and most of them stay away from gossip or scandals
associated with the star or have been handled diplomatically. Every chapter
ends with five favourite films of the actor / actress.
I liked
reading about yesteryear actors and actresses like K.L. Sehgal, Devika Rani and
Ashok Kumar. In a way, this book also captures the evolution of Indian cinema
through these superstars. It is interesting to note that in the beginning there
were studios which used to churn out films with the actors and actresses on
their payroll. There was no such thing as freelancing. There are many such
insights, which were fascinating for me as a reader and as a film buff.
The book
also comes with a free CD of 50 memorable songs (picked by the editor).
Film
enthusiasts will love spending their Sunday afternoon, reading about these
popular superstars.
P.S. My mum
was disappointed to read the piece on her favourite Hema Malini because
according to her there was nothing new about the 'dream girl' which she did not know already; while my dad appreciated the little nuggets on his
favourite stars like Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar. So, keep your expectations low
and you will enjoy it J
This is must read and I would recommend it, don't give this a miss, nice details.
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