Aashiqui

I learned guitar just to play the Saason ki zaroorat music. All songs were absolute diamonds. And not to forget, I had a fantastic Rahul cut hair too. 20 years since, the music still sounds honeydewed and has acquired a legendary status. Just as we could appreciate 60s-70s music being a 90s kid, I expect todays kids to train their ears to learn the greatness of the 90s.

For a six year old child it is very difficult to remember about movies and songs. However there are movies, their music and there was Aashiqui. It was not just another movie with hit music. It was a phenomenon. The sale of music players was increased dramatically in those days. Practically every home in India had a audio cassette(today's CD/DVD wielding kids would probably never know of them!!) of Aashiqui in their home. It is not very common to come across albums with almost all the songs being awesome. However in this case, the word "almost" can be easily dropped. Each and every song of this movie is timeless. Nadeem-Shravan may not be creative and experimental like A. R. Rehman, but it is true that if "melody" had a second name it would be Nadeem-Shravan. "Aashiqui", "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin","Sadak", "Saajan", "Deewana", "Dil Ka Kya Qusoor", "Salami", "Damini", "Dil Wale", "Raja Hindustani", "Jeet", "Pardes" are examples of this genius combination. Mahesh Bhatt is one of the finest filmmakers we had, but it is sad that his biggest commercial success is probably his weakest work as a director, or probably got overshadowed by the lovable music. The acting in this movie is anything but good. Rahul Roy caught the fancy of many young girls in those days and his hair style was an instant rage, however the guy just couldn't act and sadly it was clearly visible in the movie too. Recently in a TV show, Kareena Kapoor admitted, she has a poster of Salman in her room, which she replaced with Rahul's when Aqshiqui released. However anybody who had seen this movie can easily predict that Rahul lacked the charisma to be a major star. Anu Agarwal showed the signs of things to come. Apart from acting in B-Grade Hollywood soft porn, the girl couldn't achieve anything. It is common for an actor to pull off a movie single handedly despite of shoddy script and bad music. In some cases even some directors have pulled off a movie by tight narration despite unconvincing performance. Aqshiqui is one of the rare cases, where Music alone pulled off a movie.

Why I have given this movie 10/10 is because of its romantic, melodious, lovely and cool music. The music of a life time, the music forever. Then comes Mahesh Bhatt. Mr.Mahesh Bhatt! you are my best director. Your description of relationships in life, your view of love is most agreeable. Yes readers, this is how he shows that when you love some thing, love it from the depth of your heart. There are relationships in his movies. Readers would say that relationships are there in every movie. Yes its true but watch the difference in Mahesh Bhatt's description and description of other film makers. If you have watched Aashiqui, watch the relationship between Rahul and his friend and then between Rahul and his mother. Are they not executed brilliantly?

The songs are evergreen for any Bollywood romance fan. The songs turn this movie from average to brilliant. Superb soulful music!!!

Aashiqui Review :

Originally planned as a video film, director Mahesh Bhatt convinced Gulshan Kumar to make Aashiqui a musical love story fit for a theatrical viewing.

Introducing Rahul Roy and Anu Agarwal as lovers who battle through the odds, Aashiqui was reportedly inspired from Mahesh Bhatt's own romance with his first wife Lorraine Bright (Pooja Bhatt's mom).

Of course, the real stars of the film were music directors Nadeem Shravan who composed outstanding score; every song more melodious than the other.

"Bas ek sanam chahiye Aashiqui ke liye" "Ab ter bin jee Lange hum" "Nazar ke saamne jigar ke paas" "Main duniya bhoola doonga" "Dheere dheere se meri zindagi mein aana".

Aashiqui created a new record for audio cassette sale and T Series consolidated its position in the music industry with this album.

The film was special for its poster as well. Typically, debutantes dominate the posters of their first film so as to familiarize their face to the audience. Only a maverick like Mahesh Bhatt could think of hiding them under a coat. The curiosity factor worked in favour of the movie.

I saw Aashiqui in its very first week on VHS. I loved it so much that I purchased the video cassette and saw it multiple times. My theatrical viewing was much later at Paradise cinema, Mahim where it released in its 50th week. I enjoyed it just as much there..

Regards