Who Is More Popular Shahrukh Khan Or Manmohan Singh?

Shahrukh Khan is the actor number one in Hindi film. Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister of India. Since they are from different fields, it is not proper to compare them. Sharukh Khan and Manmohan Singh are the super stars in their own fields, which are entirely different. Manmohan Singh is more known for his good deeds than Shahrukh Khan.

The Man of Action - Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan has fans all over the world, both Indians and foreigners. They have something in common; most of them are movie goers. The Macho image he imparted in many films has earned him fans from all realms. Film world is more colorful, imaginative, and full of acting. It is impossible to say where the line of acting ends and the real Khan comes out. Shahrukh Khan has not earned his popularity just by his good nature, but by the myriad characters he portrayed in a variety of films.

The Man of Mettle - Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh became the Prime Minister of India, when almost all Indians stood up against Sonia Gandhi becoming the Prime Minister on account of her Italian birth. But, since assuming the office, he took many decisions with the approval of the parliament and also sometimes against all oppositions. When he was sure of something, he stood his ground and thus showed his mettle, as in the case of '123 Agreement'.

Foolishness or Coincidence

To compare, a man, who became famous through the characters he played in films, and a man, who gained popularity through his good deeds he did for his country and his fellow men, is absurd. April 01 is fool's day. May be it is a coincidence that such a question arose in the month of April.

All Eyes on Ra One and Shahrukh

Believed to be the most expensive film ever to be made in India, Ra.One is one of the most eagerly awaited releases of 2011. This science fiction film is probably the most ambitious of all of Shah Rukh Khan's projects and is produced by his production house Red Chilies. The film, which features Shahrukh with Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal alongside, is directed by Anubav Sinha. Sharukh portrays G.One, a superhero, for the first time in his career. So as to compete with international standards, a variety of add-ons are given to the film.

At a recent function, Shah Rukh Khan's new look as the superhero was revealed. Adorned with visual graphics, the banner looked stunning. Sources say Shah Rukh's G.One costume, a blue suit with rubber silver, costs approximately US $1 million and has been made especially to handle the dangerous stunts in the film. Mr. Khan remarked that the suit cannot be worn at parties but the t-shirts will soon be available in the markets. Mr. Khan's pose in the first look of the film bore a strong resemblance to the one in the song Dard-E-Disco from the film Om Shanti Om.

The plot of Ra. One revolves around a computer professional based in Miami who is addicted to computer games. SRK plays the computer professional and he creates Ra.One and G.One, two people with superhuman powers. G.One (Shah Rukh Khan) is the hero while Ra.One (Arjun Rampal) is the villain in the story. Kareena has, once again been paired with Mr. Khan after a long time. Arjun Rampal has stated that the chemistry between him and Mr. Khan in the film is going to be interesting.

A team from Hollywood has handled the special effects of the film. Mr. Rampal also said recently that physically the role was very demanding. He had to undergo over three months of intense training. The film boasts of a number of international stars in it, like David Benullo from Hollywood, who has written the script, and Akon, who has recorded one of the songs for the film. He was felicitated at Mumbai for the recording of the song, composed by Vishal and Shekhar. Besides, the set of the film was given a visit by Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president.

Ever since the first look of the film has been released, it has been surrounded by a lot of pre release hype. Comparisons have also been made with the Rajnikanth starrer Robot, which was a huge success the previous year. The film was initially slated for a mid-2011 release but has now been changed to a Diwali release.

Ajay and Kajol Opposite Attack

The real life couple has taken separate routes when it comes to reel life. By now, we all know that the SRK and Kajol Starrer colossal project My Name Is Khan is releasing on the 12th of February. The movie is all over the news as the marketing and the promotion for the movie is rampant. But, hubby Ajay Devgn is not keeping quiet as his Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge is hitting the screens on the 26th of February.

Shahrukh Khan and Kajol go back along way as they can be called arguably Bollywood's most loved onscreen pair. They together have worked in path breaking movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. And mind you, for each of these movies Kajol bagged three Filmfare awards in the Best Actress category. Kajol's acting in all these movies was appealing and well appreciated and acclaimed by the masses. History has it, that Kajol is regarded as one of India's most successful and talented actresses, Bollywood has ever come across.

Talking about hubby Ajay Devgn, though his last film London Dreams didn't do wonders for him at the box office, but we all are very well acquainted with the abilities and the mass talent Ajay Devgn possess. Ajay Devgn at one point of time was remarked as the underrated actor in Bollywood. This national award winning actor has essayed numerous roles and has done justice with the character roles he has played. His forthcoming Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge looks fresh and ready to roll. Ajay is cast opposite yet another national award winning actress Konkona Sen Sharma in Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge. The movie falls under comedy genre akin to his last film All The Best which was a HIT. The movie aint just any other movie as the Warner Bros. Pictures India and Wide Frame Films join hands for this film. It's a great feat and honor to have such kind of international tie up and collaboration as My Name Is Khan the movie will be distributed by FOX star Entertainnment.

My Name Is Khan is just round the corner as it will hit the theaters on the 12th of Feb and couple of weeks later will see the rise of Atithi Tum Kab Jaaoge? We can see at one end Kajol is wandering places along with SRK promoting her movie and at other end her hubby Ajay Devgn is busy promoting his movie along with Konkona Sen Sharma. The last time we saw Kajol in the big picture was when she paired opposite Ajay Devgn in U Me Aur Hum. The movie faired well in the Box Office and one more time Kajol was nominated in the Filmfare's Best Actress Award category that year.

The real life couple will be seen again later this year in a live-action 3D film titled Toonpur Ka Superhero. Directed by Kireet Khurana, the film marks Eros' second production with the husband-wife duo after YOU, ME AND HUM.

Bollywood Movie Releases of 2009, Hindi Films of 2009

Here is the list of Bollywood movies releasing in 2009. Akshay Kumar has quite a good line up of films in 2009 while Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan have a film each, apart from their special appearances in three films. Among the actresses, the three Ks-Kangana Ranaut, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif look set to have a good year.

* Victory: Victory starring Harman Baweja, is one of the most expensive movies of 2009. The story is about a boy from a small time village in Rajasthan who fulfills his father's long cherished dream of being an acclaimed cricketer at the national level. There are cameo appearances by many international cricketers as well. Anupam Kher and Amrita Rao costar in Victory.

* Acid Factory: Acid Factory, a Sanjay Gupta film has an elaborate start cast of Dia Mirza, Irrfan Khan, Fardeen Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Aftab Shivdasani and Danny Denzongpa. Acid Factory is about a group of people, whose sense of past has been erased from their memory. It is a high octane thriller, making the bad and evil relish-able. Dia Mirza plays a bad woman for the first time. The music of Acid Factory has been give by many music directors, including Sandeep Chowta, Anand Raj Anand, Mika Singh. The director of Acid Factory is Suparn Verma.

* Raaz-The Mystery Continues: Director Mohit Suri attempts to show in this sequel to Raaz, that no one is good or bad totally; every one has their own demons to fight. Raaz-The Mystery Continues is a story of three people. Emraan Hashmi an artist, visualizes and prophecies the brutal death of Kangana Ranaut. Kangana's beau (reel and real life) Adhyayan is determined to save her at any cost. The movie under Mukesh Bhatt's Vishesh Films releases on January 23, 2009.

* Chandni Chowk to China: Director Nikhil Advani is back with a prized Akshay Kumar starrer-Chandni Chowk to China. The story is such that Akshay Kumar works at a roadside foodstall in Chandni Chowk, cutting vegetables and dreaming of a better life. He consults astrologers, tarot readers and the lot, believing in everything but himself. His redeeming moment comes when two strangers from China claim that he(Akshay) is a reincarnation of a war hero and takes him to China. Akshay moves along with Ranvir Shourey in a bid to realize his brave past. Along the way he meets Deepika Padukone and they set off in a series of adventures.

* Billu Barber: If Aamir Khan adapted a movie Ghajini from the south last year, Shahrukh Khan does a similar thing this. Billu Barber produced by Shahrukh Khan is loosely based on the friendship between Kishen and Sudama and also borrows from the Malayalam superhit Kuselan. Shahrukh Khan plays himself in the movie(call it an extended special appearance) while Irrfan Khan, who is the protagonist plays a small town barber. Whatever the fate of the film, one thing is for sure: you will blown away by the performances of two of the best actors of Bollywood.

* Delhi 6: The best director of 2006 Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra produces and directs this film. It is an autobiographic take on his growing days in Delhi. The film should be the trump card for actress Sonam Kapoor. It also stars Abhishek Bachchan. There is a huge expectation from the director who started a revolution with Rang De Basanti.

* Delhi Belly: Imran Khan who had played two distinct roles in hit Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and flop Kidnap, comes back in a frothy comedy, to be made by the best producer in Bollywood, yep you guessed it right, Aamir Khan. There is buzz that Delhi Belly is an adult comedy with 'strong language' and sexual innuendos. The movie Delhi Belly is being marketed as an adult copy, appealing to a niche audience and international market. The film is directed by Abhinav Deo.

* New York: Kabir Khan who surprised us pleasantly with "Kabul Express" comes back in 2009 with a taut thriller called 'New York' . New York stares Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and John Abraham who has stripped himself to the buff(rejoice girls!) for a particular sequence of the film. New York is a contemporary story of three friends whose lives are scarred events beyond their control.

* Luck by Chance: The man of multiple talents Farhan Akhtar stars in what could be one of the finest Bollywood movie release to 2009.The star studded release include Hrithik Roshan, Rishi Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Dimple Kapadia, Isha Sherwani, Juhi Chawla and Sanjay Kapoor. Luck By Chance is a take on the aspiring actor with stars in his eyes, who wants to get a foothold in the Bollywood industry. It is a movie about how much of an impact does luck play in Bollywood.

* 8 x 10: This will be Akshay Kumar's first 'non-filmi' movie if one can use this term. In a relatively low budget film directed by the ever dependable Nagesh Kukoonoor and produced by Percept, it will portray Akshay Kumar as a man who can look into the past of dead people by touching objects that belonged to them. Inspired lightly by 'Sixth Sense,' this film is a must watch.

* Alibaug; Directed by Sanjay Gupta, it has a bevy of actors: Sunjay Dutt, Sanjay Suri, Diya Mirza, ROhit Roy and Maushmi Makhija. The story deals with nine youths who have just graduated from college and are looking at the real world that awaits them.

* Alladin : Alladin is an interpretation of Arabian Nights. It stars Riteish Deshmukh as Alladin and Amitabh Bachan as the genie. Expect a lot of special effects in this funny tale. Sanjay Dutt also stars in the film as a villain called Ringmaster, directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

* Ajab Prem ki Ghajab Kahani: Raj Kumar Santoshi, one of the prolific directors of Bollywood, attempts to bring the magic of Andaaz Apna Apna once again with a comic caper cum love story, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. The movie has a simple story of Ranbir Kapoor who moves around in his life, aimlessly. He keeps on fooling around till he meets Katrina Kaif and falls in love with her. After that the fun and madness begins.

* * Aashayein: Aashayein directed by Nagesh Kukunoor stars Ayesha Takia and John Abraham. John Abraham plays a compulsive gambler suddenly discovers that he is a victim of terminal illness, and that he has only 90 days to live. He is admitted to a hospital where he discover love, companionship and the beautiful meaning of life.

* Kambhakkt Ishq: One of the most talked about movies, Kambhaqt Ishq has beeen in news since 2008. Kambakth Ishq has cameo roles from major Hollywood stars including Sylvester Stallone and Denise Richards. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. Akshay Kumar who plays stuntman, will be back in his action avatar, doing dare devil stunts. The movie also stars Aftab Shivdasani, Amrita Arora and is directed by debutant Sabir Khan. Kambakth Ishq is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.

* London Dreams: London Dreams, one of the most expensive movies of 2009 stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Asin. London Dreams is a story about two pop stars Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan who fall in love with a South Indian girl, Asin.

* Rensil D' Silva's next: Rensil D'Silva who was Rang De Basanti's screenplay writer become director with this film. It is a thriller with global terrorism in the background. The movie stars Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi and Kareena Kapoor. Karan Johar is the producer.

* Hissss: Hissss is synoymous with Mallika Sherwat. Hollywood collaborates with Bollywood to produce Hissss. Mallika plays a snake who is on the way to seek vengeance. An American visitor steps into the jungles of India and kills the female snake's mate which makes her seek revenge. Expect a lot of special effects in this flick. Apparently Mallika Sherwat who is dressed in a painfully heavy snake costume(she couldnt even go to the loo for 10 hours flat while shooting for this film) has no dialogue to mouth in the film.

* De Dhana Dhan: Priyadarshan is back with his style of comedy with De Dana Dhan. The movie stars the current hot onscreen pair-Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar. Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal also star in the film, hopefully to recreate the Hera-Pheri magic, 9 years ago. De Dana Dhan is a story of two broke guys who are in search of big money, to prove a point to their girlfriends. The movie also stars Sameera Reddy and Neha Dhupia.

* What's Your Rashee: Director Ashutosh Gowariker tries a love story with What's Your Rashee? starring lovers Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja. The movie is an adaptation of a Gujarati novel by Shri Madhu called Kimbali Ravenswood. The romantic movie is a story about how Harman Baweja has just ten days to win over the love of his life, Priyanka Chopra.

* Kaminay: One of the most prolific directors, Vishal Bharadwaj comes back with a bang in Kaminay, starring Shahid Kapur, Priyanka Chopra and Amol Gupte(the creative director of Taare Zameen Par). Easily one of the awaited films of 2009, you will see Shahid Kapur in a double role here. The look of Shahid is going to be totally different for Kaminay and it is reportedly kept under the wraps. The movie is supposed to be a comedy with a difference.

* Imtiaz Ali's next film: Imtiaz Ali, who had given the saccharine sweet Jab We Met, two years ago, comes up with a romantic intense tale, which stars Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan. Though the story is kept under wraps, it will be a true-blue love story of 2009.

* Wake Up Sid: Call it unconventional romantic pairing, but we have Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor starring in Wake Up Sid, directed by debutant Ayaan Mukherjee. It is a Karan Johar production. Will be interesting to see how people from two different genres, Konkona and Ranbir do with this one.

* It's My Life: The sweetheart of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na(2008) pairs up with Harman Baweja in the movie Its My Life. The movie is directed by the director with the superhit track record, Anees Bazmee.

* Wanted-Dead or Alive: Starring the muscular Salman Khan and the voluptuous Ayesha Takia, Wanted-Dead or Alive should be the first big hit of the most under rated performer of Bollywood, Ms. Takia. Prabhudeva's first Bollywood directorial venture is a remake of his Tamil-Telugu blockbuster Pokiri. The pairing of the two beautiful actors is wonderful and the chemistry is going to sizzle the screen.

* Blue: Blue, one of the most expensive film of Bollywood ever(budget more than Rs.100 crores), has Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan in lead roles. The action film is shot in Bahamas and is written by American writers Joshua Lurie and Bryan M. Sullivan. The movie has a lot of underwater scenes and dare devil stunts by Akshay Kumar. A.R.Rahman has given music for the film. Australian singer Kylie Minogue has been reportedly paid 1.5 million dollars to sing for Rahman, Antony D'Souza is to direct the film.

For more exciting Bollywood movie releases of 2009, please refer to my blog.

Poll: Most Romantic Bollywood Song Ever - RESULT!

Yes, our month long journey to find out the most romantic track ever produced in Bollywood has come to an end. The journey was as exciting one considering as many people reacted positively to the poll; You have got no idea, even Shahid mentioned about our poll on twitter!!

Also, the complaints were minimal over the selection of the songs. We have started the poll with 20 songs and later we added 5 more songs to the list.

Bollywood has been known for romance; right from very start, as if Indians could never live without romance in their lives. From black and white to modern era we have seen many talented musicians, directors and actors bring the essence of romance in a 5 minutes long song. Sometimes it was about passion, sometimes about the purity of emotion, sometimes about dreams and some other times about poignancy.

We thank all those who have voted for the songs on the list, and we also thank our critic friends(Bobby Singh, Smitha, Nisha, Sourabh & Aravind)  who have helped us to compile the critics top 10.

We have two lists, one critic list and other popular list, both having top 10 songs. Let's see critic's top 10 first, and then we'll see popular top 10.

CRITICS TOP 10

10) Do Dil Mil Rahe Hai: Pardes [1997]

Credits(Music: Nadeem-Shravan, Lyrics: Anand Bakshi, Singer: Kumar Sanu)

Subhash Ghai films always had great music, right from start and Pardes is truly a great musical. Irony is that despite being a romantic hero Shahrukh Khan doesn't get romantically involved with Ganga, the central character played by Mahima Choudhari. He comes to her house with his friend's proposal for her. Of course, finally he gets the girl (which is obvious, isn't it?) but there doesn't have much of a romantic angle.

So, how come this song featured on this list? Well, the music and lyrics are extremely romantic. Shahrukh sings in the background with a guitar in his hand, while Mahima Choudhari and Apoorva Agnihotri look into each other's eyes.

This slow paced romantic number can definitely move your heart.

9) Abhi na jao chhod kar: Hum Dono [1961]

Credits(Music: Jaidev Verma, Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi, Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi)

"Hum Dono" is a 1961 Hindi film produced by Dev Anand and Navketan films. Written by Vijay Anand, the film is directed by Amarjeet. The film stars Dev Anand in a double role, and also has Nanda, Sadhana and Leela Chitnis. The film has a super hit song "Main Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya" by Mohd Rafi......

Legendary singers Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle are at their romantic best in this song. The song is conceived like a conversation between the hero and heroine, and hero says

Abhi na jaayo chhodh kar (Please don't leave yet)
ke dil abhi bhara nahi ('cause my heart isn't isn't satiated yet)

Andshe replies

Agar main ruk gayi abhi (If I stay back now)
to jaa naa paoungi kabhi(I shall never be able to go)
yahi kahoge tum sada('Cause you will always say)
ke dil abhi nahi bhara("My heart is not statiated yet.")
jo khatam ho kisi jageh(This is not a matter)
yeh aisa silsila nahi(That will end so easily,)

Do I need to say more to prove how beautiful this song is?

8. Ahsaan tera hoga mujh par: Junglee [1961]

(Music: Shankar-Jai Kishan, Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri, Singers: Mohammad Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar)

"Junglee" is a 1961 Indian movie produced and directed by Subodh Mukherjee. Junglee means "Wild" or "ill mannered" in Urdu & Hindi. The film stars Shammi Kapoor, Lalita Pawar, Shashikala and Asit Sen. Saira Banu, in her debut film, earned a Filmfare nomination as Best Actress and became a star.

Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par(You would be doing me a great favor)
Dil chahta hai woh kehne do(If you let me tell you what my heart desires)
Mujhe tumse mohabbat ho gayi(I have fallen in love with you)
Mujhe palkon ki chaaon mein rehne do( Please let me dwell in the shelter of your eyes)
Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par...( You would be doing me a great favor...)

I must say one of the very well written romantic song, excellent poetry.

7. Main Yahaan Hoon: Veer Zaara [2004]

Credit(Music: Madan Mohan, Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Singer: Udit Narayan)

This is the only song in the whole world which could send chills down my spine when I listen to it. There is something extremely mysterious and passionate about this song.

The song starts with Udit Naayan whispering Jaanam Dekh Lo... Much like the heroine Preity Zinta, we look around for Shahrukh Khan singing these lines with so much passion in his eyes "Main Yahaan Hoon Yahaan.."

I would say one of the most magical love songs ever. There is magic, there is mystery, there is passion, there is assurance and there is love.

I especially love that Punjabi folklore song "Mera Long Ga Vaacha" instrumental portion comes right after mukhda, which immensely enhances the beauty of the song.

I would say Udit Narayan's best rendition ever. Can anybody else match the way he pronounces Jaanam?

6. Tum Paas Aaye: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [1998]

Credit (Music: Jatin-Lalit, Lyrics: Sameer, Singers: Udit Narayan & Alka Yagnik)

Probably Jatin-Lalit is the most repeated music director on this list; it says how much their music represented romance. When the golden pair Shahrukh Khan and Kajol is associated with this movie the music has to be irresistibly romantic and Jatin-Lalit-Sameer team delivered just that.

Alka Yagnik is in top form throughout this album; undoubtedly her voice was best used in this album.

Kya Karoon Haye Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai, yes what else to do, these lines left an entire generation helplessly romantic.

5. Kuchh Na Kaho: 1942 A Love Story [1994]

Credits (Music: R.D Burman,  Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Singer: Lata Mangeshka and, Kumar Sanu)

R.D Burman is undoubtedly Bollywood's most cherished composer. He once said that he created the tune of Kuchch Naa Kaho for a bhajan, and later used it for the film. Is that what attributed to the purity of the song? Quality of the lyrics is tremendous; Javed Akhtar has always been a great poet and lyricist besides being a great script-writer. 1942 A Love Story was a period film set in pre-independent era. Anil Kapoor and Manisha Koirala added the poise required for such a song.

The film was highly acclaimed for its music, songs, picturization, cinematography and lyrics. Rahul Dev Burman got posthumous-best music director filmfare award for this film.

4. Tere mere sapne: Guide [1965]

Credits(Music: SD. Burman, Lyrics: Shailendra , Singer: Mohammad Rafi) 

Guide is a landmark film in the history of Bollywood films. It has achieved the classic title over the years. Musically, this film is considered to be one of the best albums ever produced in Bollywood as industry insiders (singers, lyricists, music directors etc) voted this movie as musically the best Hindi movie of all times.

In this song the hero assures his undying love for the heroine. The hero and heroine are not exactly in a position to enjoy the lighter moments of love as both are bound by hardships. Therefore, this song is more about hope.

Shailendra expressed all these complexities in simple yet powerful words. "Din dhal jaaye haaye raat na jaaye" is another great romantic track from the same movie. No matter what, Guide will remain one of the biggest musical accomplishments of all time.

3. Pehla Nasha: Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar [1992]

Credit(Music: Jatin-Lalit, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Singers: Udit Narayan & Sadhana Sargam)

Well, for years I've been fascinated by the imagery of Aamir Khan jumping off a rock in slow motion singing Pehla Nasha Pehla Kumar..... The heroine as well sings and dances in slow motion as if she's on top of the world. Yeah, I love that 'top of the world' thing about this song.

A handsome Aamir Khan and Ayesha Jhulka made this song immensely watchable. Udit Narayan, one of the most romantic male voices and Sadhana Sargam, a hugely talented but sidelined singer take this song into an immense joy.

There is happiness and zeal all over it; you too want to dance in slow motion. Yes, Pehla Nasha could be so sweet.

2. Chaudhvin ka chand: Chaudhvin ka chand [1960]

Credits(Music: Ravi, Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni, Singer: Mohammad Rafi)

This Guru Dutt song remains as one of the greatest romantic track ever. Guru Dutt is Bollywood's most cherished and respected film makers. Lyrics written by Shakeel have ingenious poetic touch. Look at the opening lines.

Chaudhvin ka chand ho, ya aaftaab ho (Whether it is the moon that comes every fourteen days (full moon) or the sun) Jo bhi ho tum Khuda ki kasam, laajawab ho(Whatever you are, I swear to God, you are beyond compare!)

A beautiful Waheeda Rahman sleeps before Guru Dutt and he compares her pristine face with the moon. This could be Mohamad Rafi's most romantic track ever; he's romantic and expressive by default, and here he's superlative form.

Poets have always described the female beauty; they have used all sorts of imagery to describe the unfathomable beauty of female form. In Bollywood, this song remains the master of all such songs. After all which woman wouldn't want to be compared to Chaudhvin ka chand?

1. Kabhi Kabhie Mere: Kabhi Kabhie [1976]

Credits(Music: Khayyam, Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi, Singers: Mukesh& Lata Mangeshkar)

Yash Chopra could sell romance like no other; he was this man who knew everything about human heart and its dilemmas. In the film, a beautiful Rakhi sings Kabhi Kabhie in her first night. The music was magical, so was the lyrics. For the same reason both got filmfare awards. Mukesh too got best male playback singer filmfare award.

There is this heartfelt love and the pain of losing your love in this song.

"Ki jaise bajti hain shehnaaiyaan si raahon mein..." and the Shenaayi bit following right after this line is heart wrenching.

Everyone associated with this song is immortalized, it lives in our hearts, forever.

POPULAR TOP 10

10) Kuchh Na Kaho: 1942 A Love Story [1994]

Kuchch Naa Kaho has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #5.

9) Pehli Nazar Main: Race [2008] (#25 on critics list)

Credits (Music: Pritam, Lyrics: Sameer, Singer: Atif Aslam)

Race wasn't a milestone romantic film, but this song really generated huge buzz. I would give most of the credit to Atif Aslam, after the era of Sonu Nigam & Udit Narayan, Atif Aslam and Mohit Chouhan took the music industry by storm when it comes to romantic numbers. Both sing from heart and it never fails to touch you; as both specialize in romantic numbers. Baby I Love You.... bit in the song is extremely pleasing to the senses. Pritam might be getting flak for copying a Korean song here, but I would say, nice job done, excellent rework.

8 ) Tumhi Dekho Naa: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna [2006] (#13 on critics list)

Credits(Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Lyrics: Javed Akhtar, Singer: Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik)

I would say the most tender love song for a long time. There is hardly any singing; Sonu and Alka rather whisper the words. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is the most happening composers at the moment, and their ability to mix Indian classical music with western elements is impeccable.

King of Romance Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee sing this love duet in the beautiful locales of Newyork city. I wouldn't say Karan Johar shot the song justifying the beauty of the song, nevertheless the best love ballad you can hear when you are all alone.

I especially love the flute bit before the second antara(versa), you could melt forever listening to that; a true classic touch.

7) Kabhi Kabhie Mere: Kabhie Kabhie [1976]

Kabhi Kabhie Mere has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #1.

6) Na tum jano na hum: kaho na pyar hai [2000] (#17 on critics list)

Credits (Music: Rajesh Roshan, Lyrics: Ibrahim Ashk , Singers: Lucky Ali, Ramya)

Hrithik Roshan entered Bollywood like a storm. Kaho Naa Pyar Hai was the biggest hit of that year, and a dream debut in every sense.  He became a superstar with just one movie.

Rakesh Roshan's movies always had great music, Kaho Naa Pyar Hai was no different since Hrithik's uncle Rajesh Roshan came up with some of the best tunes for Hrithik. Naa Tum Jaano Na hum has a breezy quality about it. There is something dreamy and western about the whole arrangement of the song. Lucky Ali may not be known as a best singer around, but his ability to sing romantic numbers is highly appreciated.

This song would have sounded lot different and less impactful if a regular voice had sung it. That different tone adds to the charm of this irresistibly romantic number.

5)Pehla Nasha: Jo Jeeta Wohi Sinkandar [1992]

Pehla Nasha has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #3.

4) Tum Paas Aaye: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [1998]

Tum Paas Aaye has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #6.

3) Main Yahaan Hoon: Veer Zaara [2004]

Main Yahaan has already been featured on our 'critics top 10' list. See #7.

2) Tujhe Dekha To Ye: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge [1995] (#16 on critics list)

Credit(Music: Jatin-Lalit, Lyrics: Anand Bakshi, Singers: Lata Mangeshkar & Kumar Sanu)

This is the quintessential love song which no Bollywood fan requires an introduction. Shahrukh Khan and Kajol became a golden pair with Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge which ran for years setting so many box office records. The image of Raj and Simran in a close embrace became the symbol of love. They redefined the chemistry shared by two lovers.

Jatin-Lalit, once again on this list; probably making them the most romantic composers :),  and Anand Bakshi, a Yash Chopra regular wrote the beautiful lyrics and he rightfully won the best lyricist filmfare award that year.

1) Tum Se Hi: Jab We Met [2007] (#11 on critics list)

Credits(Music: Pritam, Lyrics: Irshad Kamil, Singer: Mohit Chouhan)

Jab We Met could be the modern day Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, as Imtiaz Ali incorporated the changing urban lifestyles in a love story otherwise deeply rooted in Yash Chopra, Karan Johar mould. Interestingly, Hero falls in love with the heroines towards the interval portion; but the heroine took time till climax to realize that she's in love too.

So, this song comes before interval where hero realizes his love for her. He sees that she changed his life forever, and he sees her in everything he does. I would say beautiful lyrics.

baaton mein baatein, teri... (even my talks are full of you...)
raatein saugaatein, teri... (my nights seem to be a gift from you...)
kyun tera sab ye, ho gaya... (why has my everything turned yours...)
hua kya... (don't know what happened...)

ShahRukh Khan - King Of Smoking

A humble public letter to Shakrukh Khan, famous and popular Indian Bollywood film star, and the king of smokers:

Bollywood is a Big show Business that goes beyond the boundary of India. Every year thousands of Indian films are released and watched by millions in the world. Bollywood stars are famous and popular around the world. Their fanbase has no limit: from young babies, young children, teenagers, young people to adults and old people. These include non Indian speakers too.

Many fans watch the films of their favorite stars over and over again and wait desperately to watch their new releases. They will pay the price and travel to any destination and will talk about the film for months. They will even memorise the lyrics of the songs and the line of the dialogues delivered by the actor. Among the most popular film stars is Shahrukh Khan.

Shahrukh Khan loves films, work, children, people, his wife, his children, his films, his performance and his family. He also loves smoking. Heavy smoking. He loves every one except himself, his health and the young children who are his fans.

The popularity of Shahrukh khan is unlimited of course, due to his dedication and his work, his commitments and his gift of God. He can make people laugh, smile, cry, be happy, but he can also make them be ill and kill. Shahrukh khan is very well spoken, very mature, and a very understanding person. He is well educated and he can speak the dialogue in one take. He can can read anything written in English, that is apart form the warning on cigarette packages.

Government Health department officials fully agree with all the research and evidence provided by health expertise, and around the world every cigarette packet has a warning about the risk and effects of smoking. Government bodies around the world spend fortunes for public health on advertisements of warnings against smoking, yet the message has not reached to Shahrukh khan.

In many films the government has restricted smoking. No matter how important your character in the film, showing smoking cigarettes is prohibited, in public places smoking is prohibited and selling cigarettes to children under the age of sixteen has been very much prohibited.

We Asians, love Bollywood. We spend many hours watching Indian television channels such as Star Plus, Star News, Colors, Sony TV, IPL cricket, film star interviews, the making of films, day with the film stars and many more programmes on television, played in the weekends and evenings, and our children watch these with us too.

My young grandson is 10 years of age and he is fan of Shahrukh Khan. He watch all of those programmes related to or focused on Shahrukh Khan. He also acts out the dialogue he speaks, and, like many young children in the world, he watches him smoke. When then see Shahrukh Khan, their idol, smoking publicly... what do you expect them to do? Do you give warnings that these images will harm your body and your health? Do you have any answers as to why you are smoking? How would you justify your actions?

You can smoke millions of cigarettes a day. I don't care. You can do to yourself whatever you want to do. You can avoid all those warnings if you want, but if you care for the children of other people, and if you want to be the super hero, then stop the smoking engine. Whenever you talk, the exhaust from your mouth damages the environment and other children's health. So please do my children a favour and stop smoking in public places. Your job is to entertain children, not to kill them.

I love your title of King of Bollywood... but your smoking in public places...? You are more like the King of Smokers.

Some of my thoughts would doubtless upset Shahrukh Khan, but I would be happy to see him upset over smoking, rather than seeing him ill. Sorry Mr King of Smoking Khan Entertainment: "Ke liye itana to karega" (stop it for the sake of entertainment please).

Ra One Gone, Ra 1 to Go

A lot was expected from Mani Ratnam's colossal film Raavan starring real life couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in the lead. This was a much hyped movie which did not click well. Something Bollywood is quite well acquainted with. Colossal much hyped movies failing at the box office. But the failure of Raavan leaves a lot of intriguing question unanswered.

We know that we have SRK's Ra.1 releasing early next year. Now how do the filmmakers go about the movie? Do they create the same amount of hype and publicity which Mani Ratnam's Raavan had created or do they go for some alternative publicity. Shahrukh Khan's Ra.1 will face the problem of a bad name which has already has a dire reputation amongst the people. The masses have declined Abhishek Bachchan's Raavan and now they have another thing coming there way which spells the same affect on them. After watching Raavan, a lot of people have lost hope on bigwigs and hype Bollywood creates before the movies release. They feel betrayed and cheated after they have watched the movie. Owing to this, they develop a hatred for the forthcoming flicks which promises to deliver the goods. And SRK's Ra.1 is no different. It's at the receiving end here.

But the matter of the fact is Shahrukh Khan's Ra.1 has no resemblance with Mani Ratnam's Raavan, not even the spelling. The only thing that binds the two is the way you pronounce the name of the movie. Where Mani Ratnam's Raavan is an adaptation of Ramayana,(one of the greatest epic ever told) set up in the present world, SRK's Ra.1 is a Bollywood science fiction superhero film. Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor will be seen pairing opposite each other after a long time. The last movie they were seen together opposite each other was in Asoka. Apart from that, Arjun Rampal will be seen playing the villain in Ra.1.

The movie is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Anubhav Sinha. This one has left no stones unturned as the movie has a foreign writer, the special effects team is being hired from Hollywood, American rapper Akon would be seen crooning in the movie etc. Now that's a hell lot of dose for any movie to do a good business.

The latest buzz is that SRK will be seen driving the fastest car in the world i.e the Volkswagen Bugatti. But that's not just it, to add to the beauty of it, the technicians from 'The Pirates of the Caribbean' will teach Shahrukh to drive. The movie may be the most expensive movie made in Bollywood leaving behind the likes of Blue. Kareena will be seen in Milenge Milenge which is set for the release. It will be a treat to watch SRK and Kareena pair up one more time on the silver screen. Hope this Ra.1 does a better job than the former. Rest assures one thing is confirmed that time is the best healer and by the time Ra.1 releases people will not recall the Raavan they detested.