Travelogue Amritsar

Phase 2

A Journey Through History and Faith – Amritsar Travelogue

After a long and delayed flight from Bhopal  through Delhi and onward to Amritsar, we finally set foot in the sacred city yesterday late in the evening. The fatigue of travel melted away the moment we decided to skip the hotel check-in and head straight to the heart and soul of Amritsar — the Golden Temple.

Bathed in shimmering gold, its reflection dancing over the still waters of the Sarovar, the Harmandir Sahib stood like a vision from a dream. Words felt too small to capture the serenity and grandeur that enveloped us there. The soft hymns, the gentle glow of the temple against the night sky, and the spirit of devotion in the air made the moment unforgettable.

Once over we checked in and hunger nudged us into reality — and what better welcome to Punjab than an authentic Punjabi meal ( well it wasn't exactly that but when hungry anything goes)! This morning, we continued our culinary love affair with an authentic Amritsari breakfast.

Our next stop brought a stark shift in emotion. At Jallianwala Bagh, we stood on the very soil that witnessed one of the darkest chapters of India’s freedom struggle. The memorial stands today as a reminder of the unarmed civilians who faced the brutality of General Dyer’s troops on April 13, 1919. The silence in the garden carries a thousand voices — of courage, loss, and resilience. It was a moment of reflection, a reminder of sacrifices etched deep into the pages of history.

From there, the city’s vibrant spirit resurfaced as we strolled through the bustling lanes of the local Punjabi suits markets — a paradise for shoppers and a mandatory stop for all wives, mine being no exception! The colors, the fabrics, and also the Amritsari Spices.

With memories of devotion, history, and hearty food packed in our bags, we now move forward to the next phase of our journey — grateful, fulfilled, and excited for what lies ahead.

Dharmendra and Basu Chatterjee Dillagi

Dharmendra and Hrishikesh Mukherjee shared one of Hindi cinema’s most special director–actor partnerships, blending star power with middle-class realism and gentle humour

Dharmendra did 6 films with Hrishikesh Mukherjee 

Anupama, Manjali Didi, Satyakaam, Guddi, Chupke Chupke and Chaitali.

However Basu Chatterjee who also into the same Genre did only one film with Dharmendra which was his 

home production.

DILLAGI was released on 17th November 1978 at Liberty Cinema and Naaz matinees as also Bijlee and was only average fair

Basu Chatterjee directed the film which had Hema Malini as the leading Lady. It also had Mithun Mukherjee Asrani and Deven Verma.

Shatrughan Sinha had a Special Appearance.

It was based on the Bengali novella "Kalidas O Chemistry" by Bimal Kar.

In the film, Dharmendra played the role of Swarn Kamal, a newly appointed, light-hearted Sanskrit professor at a girls' college. Hema Malini played the role of Phoolrenu, a strict chemistry lecturer and the college hostel warden, nicknamed "CO₂" by the students for her icy demeanor. The story revolves around Swarn Kamal's persistent efforts to woo the stern Phoolrenu.

More Trivia Welcome 

Happy Birthday Hema Malini

Hema Malini – The Timeless Beauty Queen turns 77

From being crowned Bollywood’s Dream Girl to delivering a wide range of unforgettable performances, Hema Malini remains one of Indian cinema’s most enduring and admired icons.

Her journey began in 1968 with Sapno Ka Saudagar opposite Raj Kapoor, followed by Abhinetri with Shashi Kapoor. Critics initially focused on her beauty, one even writing — “Abhinay kam, netri zyada!” — but soon, her poise and acting brilliance silenced all doubts.

Johny Mera Naam opposite Dev Anand made her a sensation and began a series of hits — Joshila, Ameer Garib, Jaaneman, Chhupa Rustam, and Shareef Badmash. With Dev Anand, she formed one of the most successful screen pairings of the 1970s.

And then came Dharmendra — her most celebrated co-star and later, life partner. Together they lit up the screen in Dream Girl, Jugnu, Raja Jani, Charas, Patthar Aur Payal, and of course, Sholay. Their romance, both reel and real, remains legendary in Bollywood history. They did almost over 30 films together .

Her roles in Andaz and Seeta Aur Geeta highlighted her impeccable comic timing and emotional depth. The Sippy association that began there reached its peak in Sholay, where as Basanti, Hema Malini became a cultural icon — vivacious, independent, and unforgettable.

In Gulzar’s Khushboo (1975), she played the quietly strong Kusum with remarkable sensitivity, while Meera (1979) and Razia Sultan (1983) reflected her courage to take on complex, unconventional roles.

She shared equally memorable screen chemistry with Rajesh Khanna (Prem Nagar, Kudrat), Amitabh Bachchan (Kasauti, Satte Pe Satta, Nastik, Baghban), and with Jeetendra (Waris,Kinara, Khushboo and many films down South).

She also set up her own Production HM creations and directed films like Sharara and Dil Aashna Hain.

For over five decades, Hema Malini has been more than a star — she’s been an inspiration, a symbol of grace, talent, and timeless beauty. Even today, when someone is complimented, the phrase lives on — “Apne aap ko Hema Malini samajhti hai!”

A three time and incumbent MP  from Mathura she was also in the Rajya Sabha before that (2003-2009)

Here’s wishing Hema ji a very Happy Birthday — may our Dream Girl continue to shine forever with elegance and charm.

Long live our Dream Girl! 

SUNNY SANSKARI KI TULSI KUMARI

Walking into Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari feels like walking into a glittering Bollywood wedding — the kind where hearts break, heal, and dance all in one song. Shashank Khaitan, the man behind Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania, returns with a film that’s drenched in nostalgia yet designed for the Insta generation. (A Trilogy of sorts)

At its heart is Sunny Sanskari (Varun Dhawan) — a hopeless romantic with more emotion than sense, whose grand proposal goes hilariously wrong when his love Ananya (Sanya Malhotra) calls it a “situationship.” Enter Tulsi Kumari (Janhvi Kapoor) — a simple, soft-spoken schoolteacher nursing her own heartbreak. When the two decide to fake a romance and crash a lavish destination wedding, chaos, comedy, and chemistry follow in full Bollywood style.

Varun Dhawan is in fine form — funny, flamboyant, and full of heart. His comic timing meets real emotion, making Sunny both ridiculous and relatable. Janhvi Kapoor shines as Tulsi — tender, expressive, and quietly strong. She plays heartbreak with a raw honesty that lingers. Sanya Malhotra adds a layer of complexity to Ananya — a woman caught between desire and duty — while Rohit Saraf brings warmth and sincerity to his role. Maniesh Paul adds the perfect dose of madness.

Sure, the second half stumbles a bit — a few subplots stretch longer than needed — but the heart of the film never loses rhythm. It keeps you smiling, tapping your foot, and feeling that old familiar tug of filmy love.

Khaitan paints his story on a canvas of chandeliers, colours, and emotions. The film sparkles with classic romcom energy — witty dialogues, dreamy songs, dramatic slow-mos — yet there’s a self-aware charm that makes it feel fresh. It laughs at Bollywood clichés even as it lovingly celebrates them.

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari isn’t just a romcom — it’s a mood. A reminder that no matter how much life changes, the magic of love, heartbreak, and second chances never goes out of style. It’s loud, colorful, and unabashedly emotional — and that’s what makes it work.(To an extent)

Favourite moments: Varun’s poetry, Janhvi’s tearful monologue, the “Bijuria” dance, and the alternate chemistry of both pairs..that says more than words ever could.

Watch it once for: Its heart, its humour, and its unapologetic love for love.

EK CHATUR NAAR

EK CHATURNAAR

Black comedy has always been the rebellious child of Hindi cinema—too slippery to tame, too strange to fit neatly into formulas, and often dismissed as a sideshow when it deserves the spotlight. At its worst, the genre collapses into cartoonish buffoonery, its edges blunted by excess. At its best, it becomes a razor, slicing into society’s hypocrisies while wearing the disarming mask of humour. Umesh Shukla’s Ek Chatur Naar belongs firmly in the latter camp. It doesn’t merely entertain—it toys, teases, and twists, transforming everyday desperation into a carnival of chaos.

Ek Chatur Naar is a wickedly sharp black comedy that walks the tightrope between satire and suspense with remarkable finesse. Umesh Shukla crafts a story that is hilarious, biting, and endlessly surprising — a modern-day parable wrapped in absurdity and draped in the vibrant chaos of Lucknow.

At the film’s heart is Mamta (Divya Khosla Kumar), a widowed single mother drowning in debt and desperation. But she’s no victim — she’s a schemer, a survivor. When she steals the phone of corrupt, morally bankrupt Abhishek Verma (Neil Nitin Mukesh), she stumbles upon secrets that turn her life into a thrilling game of blackmail and brinkmanship.

What unfolds is not just a cat-and-mouse chase, but a constant role reversal of predator and prey. 

And then comes the finale — a stunner. Without giving anything away, the twist doesn’t just surprise; it hits with the weight of inevitability. It’s the kind of ending that makes you retrace your steps, replaying the film in your mind, and marveling at how masterfully it was all set up.

Umesh Shukla’s direction shines in its restraint — allowing humour, tension, and character to build organically. The dialogues crackle with irony, the screenplay is tight, and the story unwinds with precision.

Divya Khosla is the scene stealer and delivers her most layered performance yet, balancing warmth and cunning with ease. Neil Nitin Mukesh is magnetic as the slippery Abhishek Verma,( He seems to Excel in Grey Roles ) and Chhaya Kadam gives a standout performance as the irreverent Radha Rani. The ensemble cast of Sushant Singh, Zakhir Hussain and Yashpal Sharma adds depth without clutter.

No flashy songs, no unnecessary detours — just a haunting musical motif and razor-sharp storytelling.

 Ek Chatur Naar is not just funny, it's fearless — a film that entertains while holding up a mirror to a society where survival often comes at the cost of morality.

Smart, subversive, and wildly entertaining, this is Hindi cinema’s black comedy at its finest.

Memories of 1982 KHUDDAAR

43 Years of KHUDDAR

30.7.82

Memories of the movie come in as it was the first movie to be released after Amitji's accident on the sets of Coolie.

The advance booking opened on 28th July. The movie had a same day Release in Pune as Mumbai.

At 7.30 am I was at Neelayam ( Pune) for the advance booking set to open at 9.30.am.

The rush increased and the windows were opened. At 9am only.. A mad rush followed and all the black market guys jumped over to get tickets.

I had people all over me and almost got trampled, a disheveled shirt and 20 mins later I got to the window and got tickets for the 3pm show on First Day Friday.

Remembering this powerful film and the emotional time it was released. Amitabh Bachchan was fighting for his life after the Coolie accident, and the nation was praying. Producer Anwar Ali, unsure about releasing the film, was advised by Harivansh Rai Bachchan: "The show must go on. Amitabh would want it this way."

It was the first release after the unfortunate accident.

Khud-Daar became a hit, earning over ₹7 crores and celebrating silver jubilees. It was the fourth highest grosser of 1982—one of five Amitabh films in the top 10 that year.

The film was born out of friendship—Anwar Ali ( Younger Brother of Mehmood)and Amitabh had known each other since Saat Hindustani. Amitabh even waived his fee to help the film get made. It’s a true Amitabh showcase—intense, emotional, and unforgettable. Also memorable as his last film with Sanjeev Kumar. Two legends. Timeless cinema.

The film had Parveen Babi, Vinod Mehra, Bindiya Goswami, Tanuja, Prem Chopra.

Music by Rajesh Roshan.

Director Ravi Tandon and Amitabh Bachchan worked together in 2 films, The Salim-Javed written Majboor & The Kader Khan written Khud-Daar. Both the films had Parveen Babi as the heroine.

The film was started in 1980 with Rekha but she was replaced by Parveen Babi. 

The film was a Kadar Khan creation ( story screenplay dialogue ) and he did not act in it. Amjad was the negative role but he was also replaced by Prem Chopra.

Sanjeev Kumar as the elder brother gives an excellent performance.His scenes in the court room are proof enough of the talent the great actor had.His emotional scene with Amitabh in the prison is superlative.

Vinod Mehra has shades of Grey to his character and carries it  effectively.Parveen Babi looks her best and as usual acts naturally.This was the last big hit of the Amitabh-Parveen famous couple and they excel in the film.Bindiya Goswami looks a bit in the shade but still makes a good couple with Vinod Mehra.Tanuja as the bad bhabhi is routine ( similar to her role in Yaarana ).Prem Chopra is as usual.

Mehmood's role looks an addition and he hams a bit.

Clearly the movie belongs to Chhotu Ustaad (Amitabh Bachchan).Although the movie is a multistarrer Amitabh Bachchan towers everyone in the cast and crew. His performance is simply excellent.He is as ease with comedy as much he is in tragic scenes.Although there is a bit less of action in Khuddar as compared to his other hits, still Amitabh leaves a mark in every scene of the film.His portrayal of the taxi-driver with his Taxi Basanti is superlative 

Music by Rajesh Roshan is hummable.

The Song Mach Gaya Shor and Angrezi Main Kehte hain are sung and remixed even today. Disco 82 was a rage.

Oonche Neecha Raaste is now a Management Training song..

Lovely nostalgic memories as I remember the movie today

SPECIAL OPS 2

FIRST DAY REVIEW 

SPECIAL OPS 2 Review: 

Fast, Global, and Slick 

In Special Ops 2, Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair shift the battlefield to cyberspace, with China targeting India's financial networks. Out go the stereotypical jihadis and drug lords—this is a new-age espionage war.

Kay Kay Menon returns as Himmat Singh, now reinstated with R&AW, reluctantly reporting to bureaucrats but still running his operations on his own terms. The series races across global locations—Hungary, Dominica, Greece, Georgia—executing high-risk missions with dizzying speed.

The plot weaves two key threads: the kidnapping of AI expert Dr. Bhargav (Arif Zakaria) and Himmat’s mission to extradite fugitive Jignesh Dholakia (Hitesh Dave). Aiding him is his globe-trotting team, with Sudheer (Tahir Raj Bhasin) as a formidable and mercenary antagonist.

Despite its implausibilities—instant travel, tireless agents, and glitch-free missions—the show smartly blends fiction with real-world headlines like cyber threats and financial scams. Kay Kay Menon shines in a quietly intense role that’s more Gabriel Allon than James Bond.

With fast-paced editing, crisp direction, and slick production.

Prakash Raj has a special role was Himmat's mentor. His role develops into the Naseeruddin Shah of a Wednesday.

 Special Ops 2 delivers a sharp, modern spy thriller that keeps the adrenaline high.

On Jio Star in 7 Episodes but worth a start to end View ( Almost 6 hours )