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The Swinging '70s : Stars, Style and Substance in Hindi Cinema
If the West had its Swinging Sixties, Hindi cinema had its Seventies. Everything that journalists today call ‘retro’ when referring to Bollywood is a product of the 1970s. But to refer to the decade as ‘swinging’ and ‘retro’ is missing the wood for the trees. The 1970s is the most influential decade of Hindi cinema. Not the 1950s, not the 1960s which unapologetic nostalgists hark back to. In the range and quality that the decade offered in terms of the art and craft of film-making, the music, fashion trends, the coexistence of commercial blockbusters with minimalist arthouse classics – the 1970s had it all. The Swinging Seventies brings together a collection of essays that celebrate the myriad dimensions of this happening decade – the fashion, the music, the different genres of films, the iconic stars, the many moods and memories that have kept the decade alive in our collective consciousness. Put together by two film buffs who swear by the films of the decade – Nirupama Kotru and Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri – and including essays by almost every well-known name writing on Hindi cinema in India today, this is every film aficionado’s gateway to a decade of cinema like no other.
624 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 10, 2024
The preface and introduction set the stage. A peek at the behind–the–scenes activity that brought the writers and editors together and a glimpse of their collective passion for all things movies make for a fascinating read—more so when they are coloured with amusing personal anecdotes.
The doors then swing open to the shimmering carnival called the ’70s cinema. One is dazzled by the shifting spotlight: from the commercial crowd-pullers to the sombre art house movies and the middle cinema, from legendary divas to iconic superstars to the baddies that had their own fan following, from the greatest poet that keeps evolving to someone who specialised in doling out chartbusters, from Pancham’s magic to the singing prowess of Yesudas, the fashion trends( trade mark flared trousers and bell sleeves), style statement and whatnot–the book showcases everything and how!
The five segments cover an array of topics. There are themes and tropes, memories, icons and idols, and even a section called Insider’s insights (conversations with legends like Dr Mohan Agashe, Subhash Ghai, Vishal Bhardwaj, Sriram Raghavan and many more.) Each of these units features multiple chapters written by film connoisseurs and movie maestros with a special fondness for the ’70s. The writers’ passion and detailed study of the era are enough to capture one’s attention and keep it there till the end.
The first essay by Amitava Kumar is a rich analysis of Nishant, an intense film by Shyam Benegal. Kumar spotlights different aspects of the movie, such as setting, dialogue, costume, emotional conflict and social impact, making the piece a pleasurable read and consistently enlightening.
I found myself smiling as I read Devullapalli’s essay. Who can forget Vinod Khanna and his charms? And yes, it was quite amusing to remember the legendary leakproof stocking that can cover the bullet wound (movie: Parvarish) again.
Choudhuri’s ode to Big B and Gulzar was absolutely riveting. The essay allowed me to dig deeper into the range and beauty of the myriad characters played by the senior Bachchan. I could see him beyond the shadow of his angry young man image. The essay impacted me so much that I couldn’t rest until I had watched all the mentioned movies. What can I say about the music? The essay introduced me to Alaap and its flawless music, a refined finespun blend of poetry, composition and performance.
The pieces from Gajra Kottary, Raja Sen, Nirupama Kotru, Kavree Bamazai, Jai Arjun Singh, and Varun Grover seamlessly blend anecdotes, insights, and sharp commentaries yet are witty and personal. The other essays delve deeper into the cinematic landscape, revealing gems of charisma and talent that defined the silver screen.
Each chapter wraps you tighter in the pulsating rhythm unique to the dynamic decade. The last segment is like candy being handed to a kid who has already had too much fun at a party. Needless to say, I enjoyed the treats immensely and savoured them long after.
The book made me realise that though I considered myself an avid fan of the decade, I was just skimming the surface. In many ways, the book opened doors to brilliant cinema for me, did wonders for my cinematic education and made me fall in love with the Hindi movies that defined the 70s all over again.
For someone like me who loves books and films almost in equal measure, this book about movies was a great find. The fact that it was about my favourite Bollywood decade was an added bonus.
The book is nostalgia. And then some. Trust me when I say that walking into this ’70s carnival is a thrill in itself—one that grows with every chapter.
Can’t recommend more! A must- read for the movie aficionados.
The ride down the ’70s with the doyens pointing at the captivating dialogues, scenes, music and plot line is definitely worth taking!
The doors then swing open to the shimmering carnival called the ’70s cinema. One is dazzled by the shifting spotlight: from the commercial crowd-pullers to the sombre art house movies and the middle cinema, from legendary divas to iconic superstars to the baddies that had their own fan following, from the greatest poet that keeps evolving to someone who specialised in doling out chartbusters, from Pancham’s magic to the singing prowess of Yesudas, the fashion trends( trade mark flared trousers and bell sleeves), style statement and whatnot–the book showcases everything and how!
The five segments cover an array of topics. There are themes and tropes, memories, icons and idols, and even a section called Insider’s insights (conversations with legends like Dr Mohan Agashe, Subhash Ghai, Vishal Bhardwaj, Sriram Raghavan and many more.) Each of these units features multiple chapters written by film connoisseurs and movie maestros with a special fondness for the ’70s. The writers’ passion and detailed study of the era are enough to capture one’s attention and keep it there till the end.
The first essay by Amitava Kumar is a rich analysis of Nishant, an intense film by Shyam Benegal. Kumar spotlights different aspects of the movie, such as setting, dialogue, costume, emotional conflict and social impact, making the piece a pleasurable read and consistently enlightening.
I found myself smiling as I read Devullapalli’s essay. Who can forget Vinod Khanna and his charms? And yes, it was quite amusing to remember the legendary leakproof stocking that can cover the bullet wound (movie: Parvarish) again.
Choudhuri’s ode to Big B and Gulzar was absolutely riveting. The essay allowed me to dig deeper into the range and beauty of the myriad characters played by the senior Bachchan. I could see him beyond the shadow of his angry young man image. The essay impacted me so much that I couldn’t rest until I had watched all the mentioned movies. What can I say about the music? The essay introduced me to Alaap and its flawless music, a refined finespun blend of poetry, composition and performance.
The pieces from Gajra Kottary, Raja Sen, Nirupama Kotru, Kavree Bamazai, Jai Arjun Singh, and Varun Grover seamlessly blend anecdotes, insights, and sharp commentaries yet are witty and personal. The other essays delve deeper into the cinematic landscape, revealing gems of charisma and talent that defined the silver screen.
Each chapter wraps you tighter in the pulsating rhythm unique to the dynamic decade. The last segment is like candy being handed to a kid who has already had too much fun at a party. Needless to say, I enjoyed the treats immensely and savoured them long after.
The book made me realise that though I considered myself an avid fan of the decade, I was just skimming the surface. In many ways, the book opened doors to brilliant cinema for me, did wonders for my cinematic education and made me fall in love with the Hindi movies that defined the 70s all over again.
For someone like me who loves books and films almost in equal measure, this book about movies was a great find. The fact that it was about my favourite Bollywood decade was an added bonus.
The book is nostalgia. And then some. Trust me when I say that walking into this ’70s carnival is a thrill in itself—one that grows with every chapter.
Can’t recommend more! A must- read for the movie aficionados.
The ride down the ’70s with the doyens pointing at the captivating dialogues, scenes, music and plot line is definitely worth taking!
July 28, 2025
For those who either witnessed or followed the Bollywood '70's this is a brilliant collection of essays that will take you down memory lane and add to your understanding of that period. There was much that i had missed or did not know.
Of the dozens of well curated essays, about a third a brilliant (I loved the one on Gulzar, all the ones on music - song writers, music directors), a third a good, and a third readable but repetitive.
It is a very long book and not meant to be read in a few sittings. I usually finish books very quickly, but this is one I took my time. I listed to the songs, watched some snippets on YouTube. The book is best enjoyed by immersion.
Of the dozens of well curated essays, about a third a brilliant (I loved the one on Gulzar, all the ones on music - song writers, music directors), a third a good, and a third readable but repetitive.
It is a very long book and not meant to be read in a few sittings. I usually finish books very quickly, but this is one I took my time. I listed to the songs, watched some snippets on YouTube. The book is best enjoyed by immersion.
September 6, 2024
Great in parts, okay in others. A delightful collection of essays steeped in nostalgia. Recommended for people undeniably in love with the glittering era of 1970s Indian film industry, especially Bollywood.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews