The ‘90s gifted us with movie and music idols who swept us off our feet. They were introduced to us by Bollywood with panache and fanfair, befitting the adoration we still hold for them.
Big hair, big thumkas (dance step) and a lot of brash attitude define Bollywood in the ‘90s. It was also an era with timeless musical hits, cult classics and the emergence of fan adulation for actors including the suave Shah Rukh Khan, effervescent Salman Khan, bubbly Govinda and quirky Kajol – among many other mega stars.
The Plot
The silver screen has always held a great enchantment for movie lovers, but the 1990s was a decade when Hindi cinema started becoming/ getting bigger and better. Sweeping stories of youthful innocence and love reigned supreme. Smash hits like Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai provided eye candy for both men and women with Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel’s debut performances. Such movies simply had a basic boy-meet-girl plot, with a little bit of fighting action on the side to pique viewers’ interests.
But there were movies that highlighted complex, real life societal issues – Damini being one of them, which was a gritty tale about rape. Bombay was another hit about hatred, racism and love. While cineplexes filled up to see forlorn lovers yearning to be in one another’s arms – DDLJ being a mega hit that has yet to cease its magical power of adoring fans – there were some graphic stories too, such as Sarfarosh and Vastaav:The Reality, where large audiences capitulated to the poignantly realistic performances.
And then there were the comedies – hilarious, light-hearted with just the right dose of star power to make them top grossing hits of the decade. Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri was a multi-starrer about three unemployed men trying to resolve their money issues after they receive a call from a kidnapper.
The Music
Indeed music does make people come together! It is not untrue to claim that some of the most lilting tunes were composed in this era. Who can forget the sensuously sonorous song Dhak Dhak Karne Laga from Beta, starring the charming Anil Kapoor and the fascinating Madhuri Dixit or the funky sounds of Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast from the movie Mohra, sung by Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy. The 1990s was a time of experimental music and fusion of Indian rhythms with techno beats, such as Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen from the Shahrukh Khan starrer Baazigar. Maestro Kumar Sanu and the musical goddess Lata Mangeshkar, along with other geniuses such as Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Sadhana Sargam, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and many more created timeless melodies. Songs like Dheere dheere se meri zindagi mein aana, Jaadu teri nazar, Pehla nasha or Dil toh pagal hai are among a very wide collection of eternally memorable hits. The 90s also saw the rise of another musical virtuoso, A.R Rahman, with many hits under his belt including Chal Chaiyya Chaiyya written by the eminent lyricist Gulzar.
The Garb
Bollywood is known for its knack of dressing actors in highly imaginative dresses and sometimes hideous headgears. Big on hair, viewers got to watch screen sirens like Rekha, Karisma Kapoor, etc. in inexplicably weird ‘headdresses’. Although the latter could carry anything with oomph and humongous poise! Thankfully though, men had little choice, saving viewers from much agony. Costume selection was another matter altogether – many a times garish with puffy skirts, lacy dungarees and a tad too tight bodice was a highly sought after affair. But that said, one can never forget the gorgeous sari Madhuri wore dancing to the tune of Didi tera devar deewana. Sari was one attire that made nations swoon while eyeing the dusky damsels of Bollywood. Even denims were quite the rage with actors both male and female, like Kajol and Urmila Matondkar who looked quite sexy and chic in a simple jeans and t-shirt. Although chest baring was a trend starting sometime in the ‘60s, going shirtless was definitely a ‘90s trend with Sunny Deol in skimpy trunks and ‘bear’-chested Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor. One actor who took it to the next level – albeit the sexy way – was Salman Khan.
The Villains
Notorious, boisterous with an unquenchable thirst to watch a damsel in distress dance the night away was the unruly villain. Legendary actor Amrish Puri personified evil in every villainous character he portrayed and was truly a force to be reckoned with. Shakti Kapoor who later entered the comic foray, was also known for his wicked performances. Another actor that captivated the audience was Ashutosh Rana who made audiences flinch with his malevolent portrayal in Dushman.
The Lead
The ‘90s saw a deluge of movies from India’s finest including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Govinda, Kajol, and newcomers such as Rahul Roy, Rani Mukherjee, etc. According to Surfindia.com: “Actors that made debut during this period are considered to be evergreen and flexible in their acting. Each actor or actress tried out every possible role on the silver screen and made space for themselves. From the comedies of Govinda to the action of Akshay, Hindi film industry was loaded with some unmatched talent. The concept of acting became more of a passion than a choice. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Rangeela, Dil To Pagal Hai, Hum, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge etc. are some of the most memorable Bollywood flicks of that time.”
Words: Executive Editor Ananke (anankemag.com), Sabin Muzaffar is a reluctant feminist, women empowerment through digital media is one of the many topics close to her heart. Addicted to the silver screen, she spends all her free time watching old Bollywood and Hollywood movies.
