Kitnay Aadmi Thay? by Diptakirti Chaudhuri - A Review

Bollywood, as much as cricket, and perhaps more in recent times, is a national passion. It is the one industry that unites us, inspires us and often incites us. Bollywood is a conversation-starter for people who have just met; and it is a part of the historical accounts of lives of many of us, who remember incidents in their life by the movies which released contemporaneously. Film-stars in our country are often demi-gods, and often like mortal members of our own families. They give us a taste of reality sometimes, and drive us into fantasy land at others. Bollywood is an institution which is impossible to sum-up in a few words. Volumes of books might be insufficient to capture in totality the stories of Mumbai Filmdom, both, which occur on-screen and off the screen. However, a worthy effort has been undertaken by Diptakirti Chaudhuri in a book of trivia to document some 'useless' (as stated on the cover), but immensely interesting facts about Bollywood in a neatly packaged book called - Kitnay Aadmi Thay?

This book is a joyride through and through, beginning with its very title. The eyes of my friends glittered with a perverted connotation the moment I told them I am reading a book called "Kitnay Aadmi Thay?" For others, this legendary dialogue from an iconic movie refreshed memories, and immediately led to imitation of the dialogues of Thakur, Gabbar, Basanti, Jai, Veeru, Soorma Bhopali, the Jailor - each in himself a distinct fabled character. A perfect companion during my metro journies for about a week, this book took me deep into the part magical, part controversial world of Hindi films, and revealed some facts which I hope I remember to share with authority during filmi social conversations.

Are you one of those who thinks beyond what a movie depicts on screen? Are you interested in remembering all the records made on the filmfare award stage? Do you wish to know what lies behind the perfectionist image Aamir Khan has arrived at today? Does your mind often think of the movies which got their names from past melodies? Do you have your own list of who is the best 'ma', 'beta', 'bhai-behen' etc. among the characters essayed in Indian film industry? Are you fond of humble anecdotes of bollywood veterans which are recounted as fables by industry experts? I can unleash a fairly long chain of such questions, and if one or more of them are answered in a 'yes' by you, trust my word, Kitnay Aadmi Thay? is the book for you.

The author warns you on the very cover- 'Completely Useless Bollywood Trivia'. Well, ask me, and I won't tell you the information contained in this book is useless by any standards. For us, who take pride in the grandeur and madness of bollywood, having before us a collection of its many less known facts and facets is a boon. Presented in a manner so intriguing that by reading the very headings which give a peek into forthcoming pages you start forming your own content in your head, this book does its best to interact with the reader. Bollywood, after all, can't be special only to one. The author, in fact, invites the readers to sit with a pencil, and add notes of his own at places where his memory reveals more than the author's research.

I think this book should be a recommended reading for those with academic interest in Indian Film Studies. Okay. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but this book is what I would strongly recommend to all Hindi film enthusiasts. Bollywood is an indispensable part of our lives, one that has also found its way into our popular culture. Folk songs during traditional rituals have been replaced by prominent bollywood melodies. Dialogues are quoted during routine conversations for an added emphasis and to find resonance. Ingrained so deep in the sociological fabric, Indian film industry does deserve its own literature- the kind which is in reach of the ordinary reader/viewer. Kitnay Aadmi Thay is a humble, but laudable effort in the same direction by author Diptakirti Chaudhuri. Kudos to him! And from me, a rating of 3 stars on 5.

PS- I have been dying to find an opportunity to post here some of my favorite moments from Bollywood. This post, perhaps, has the perfect space for them. There are infinite, but I have culled them down to five iconic scenes. Are any of these your favorite too? 

The love of an austere Sunil Dutt for an untouchable girl - Sujata. The subtle, yet poignant romance of this film touches your heart, and pours out through your eyes.

No scene can come close to competing with this one when we remember epic climaxes. Tears amid  roars of recorded laughter, Hrishikesh Mukherjee sure knew how to regale and involve his viewers.

Who has not danced to this song in weddings of near and dear ones? A song, which is a story in itself. This film - the best from the Barjatya house.

The great coming together of Aamir and Salman - this movie is rightly called a cult comedy. And this song - one that  I invariably look forward to when I begin watching this film.

The best of this man. SRK's talent and charm regained their former, glorious spot in my heart the moment I heard his 'Sattar Minute' speech in this epic movie.

(Reviewed on request from Westland Publications)