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Time of India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Reel Life: NFAI preserves the 8mm world of Jai Dordi Vakil
Discarding doesn't come easy to Delhi-based ethnomusicologist and archivist Shubha Chaudhuri. Which explains the boxes of vintage sarees and a suitcase containing black-and-white family photographs, some featuring faces even her 98-year-old mother cannot recognize. It took years, but she finally managed to clear out the Colaba flat of her mother's "pretty, practical and proper" elder sister, Jai Dordi Vakil, who passed away in 2022, two months shy of 100. Among the belongings, Chaudhuri—executor of her aunt's estate—uncovered a projector, Ganeshotsav slides, various untitled frames, and most notably, reels of 8mm and Super 8mm home movies that have now found a home at Pune's National Film Archive of India (NFAI). A popular amateur film format introduced in the 1930s, 8mm was compact, affordable and easy to use, making it the go-to medium for home movie makers long before digital video became accessible. Described by NFAI as "a window into mid-20th-century life," the reels chronicle a life well-travelled and quietly documented. "I don't know what's on the reels or what condition they're in," says Chaudhuri. "But I'm sure there's travel footage and shots of military planes that could be of interest," she adds, having donated the archive with help from her friend, architect-filmmaker Nachiket Patwardhan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ready for a Glow-Up? [Get Your Reading Now] Undo Glow-Up Packages from $15 [Sign Up] Undo Affect Your Future Now! (Book Today) Undo You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Born in 1922, Vakil studied at St Xavier's College in Mumbai, learned French and later worked at the Indian embassy in Brussels. During a posting in Delhi, she met Air Force officer Jamshed Dordi, her future husband. Together, they travelled widely—across Africa, Japan, Italy, Hong Kong, Austria, Nepal and Bhutan, and within India to Gir, Bharatpur, Kashmir, Goa and Mahabaleshwar—footage of which now survives on her 8mm reels. Though not a professional filmmaker, Vakil—whom NFAI calls an "amateur filmmaker"—had a cinematic eye. "She was technically oriented. She would repair her own car," says Chaudhuri. "While she loved documenting her travels, she couldn't pursue a career in the visual arts as life kept her moving." Safaris, American highways, European streets--her flashgun lapped it all up. "She didn't have children. Whenever my mother and I visited, she'd set up the projector and play her films," says Chaudhuri, who also found a box of alphabet cutouts used to paste titles onto the reels. "Home movies offer glimpses into domestic and communal experiences," says Prakash Magdum, managing director, NFDC-NFAI. "They're fragments of memory, capturing cultural and emotional landscapes across time and class." Preserving such material isn't easy. "Celluloid often arrives with an unknown history—how it was stored, whether it was rewound or handled well," explains Magdum. "We stabilize and preserve it under archival conditions." Once digitized, curated excerpts may be made accessible to students and researchers. "We're already collaborating with cultural institutions and looking to expand engagement," says Magdum. Vakil's story is a reminder that the visual history of Indian cinema is shaped not only by stars and studios but also by women with cameras and quiet curiosity. "She put in effort labelling slides, camera gear, old photos," says Chaudhuri. After Jamshed's death in 1995, Vakil—who loved Western classical music and concerts—seemed to withdraw. "She had stopped labelling things after 2015. Though she had four cupboards full of pretty clothes, she would wear the same ten pairs. " Vakil visited Iran with friends, and once came to Delhi, recalls Chaudhuri. But that was that: "She wasn't one to travel solo."
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
City hosts film screening and exhibition to honour late Navroze Contractor
Navroze Contractor 's contribution to Indian cinema , photography , and documentary filmmaking has been both profound and impactful. To honour his legacy, a three-day film event, titled Through the Eyes of Navroze, will be held at the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Law College Road, while an exhibition of photos taken by him will be on at the Raja Ravi Varma art gallery on Ghole Road. An exhibition of curated photos A exhibition of photos taken by Contractor over a span of 60 years is on till Sunday. Curated by Sanjiv Shah , Anuj Ambalal and Himanshu Panchal from over 20,000 photos, the exhibition explores Contractor's deep love for people, music, and travel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Warren Buffett Says These 5 Books Are a Must-Read for 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Where: Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery, Ghole Road; Timings: 11 am-7 pm (On till Sunday) Also read: Next up, AI as your friend, philosopher and emotional guide Through the Eyes of Navroze Watch films on which Contractor worked as a cinematographer. You can also witness a panel discussion with Deepa Dhanraj, Nachiket Patwardhan, Vaibhav Abnave and Sanjiv Shah at 5 pm on Sunday. Screenings Today: Kya Hua Iss Sheher Ko (1986, dir. Deepa Dhanraj)- 6.30 pm Saturday: Hun Hunshi Hunshilal (1992, dir. Sanjiv Shah)- 6.30 pm Sunday: Limited Manuski (1995, dir. Jayoo and Nachiket Patwardhan)- 11 am; Percy (1989, dir. Pervez Merwanji)- 2 pm; Duvidha (1973, dir. Mani Kaul)- 6.30 pm Where: NFDC-NFAI, Law College Road (Entry free on a first-come, first-served basis)
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive: Guru Dutt's granddaughters open up about Pyaasa's re-release
Pyaasa poster and Karuna Dutt A nationwide retrospective showcasing Dutt's timeless classics, meticulously restored in 4K by National Film Development Corporation Ltd. (NFDC) and National Film Archive of India (NFAI), will be screened at theatres from August 8 to 10. The centrepiece of this tribute is the premiere of the 4K restored version of Dutt's iconic film Pyaasa, to be held on August 6, commemorating the maestro's 100th birth anniversary. Set against the backdrop of Kolkata, Pyaasa tells the tale of Vijay (played by Guru Dutt), a disillusioned Urdu poet whose literary work is overlooked by publishers. Speaking about the film that held a special place in Dutt's heart, his granddaughter Gouri Dutt tells us, 'Pyaasa was a very special film for him. It was something he had written earlier on but waited till he could make it. In fact, the film was written under the title Kashmakash. ' His other granddaughter Karuna adds, 'We've grown up hearing stories about Pyaasa – like how Guru Dutt was initially reluctant to act in it, having approached Dilip Kumar for the role before ultimately casting himself. There's also the widely shared account of Gulabo's character, portrayed by Waheeda Rehman, being inspired by a real person.' In addition to Pyaasa, audiences will also get to watch the restored versions of Aar Paar, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Mr & Mrs 55, and Baaz. Reflecting on the re-release of these films, the two emphasise the enduring relevance of his work as a vital aspect of his legacy. Karuna explains, 'Because so many of his films delved into the human condition and so vividly portrayed the inner worlds and personalities of his characters, audiences have continued to connect with them across generations. Gouri adds, 'As a director, his characters were real and so were their struggles. That is why audiences have always connected with his films and that is what I think will continue to make even newer audiences appreciate his legacy as a filmmaker.' The restoration of Pyaasa has been carried out while ensuring that its lyrical charm and soulful narrative is preserved for future generations. Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, said, 'Restoring Guru Dutt's films is not just about reviving old prints; it's about preserving the soul of Indian cinema. With this retrospective, we hope to celebrate his artistic genius and ensure his legacy continues to inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences. These films are being restored as part of the National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.'
Mint
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Asha Bhosle moves audience with a heartfelt performance at ‘Umrao Jaan' screening. Fans say ‘goosebumps all over'
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle, now 91, captivated hearts once again as she made a rare public appearance at the special screening of the restored version of the 1981 classic 'Umrao Jaan' in Mumbai. In a deeply emotional moment, Bhosle performed the film's hauntingly beautiful track 'Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston', while actress Rekha, who starred in the original film, stood by her side in a show of warmth and support. A video from the evening has since gone viral, showing Bhosle on stage with Rekha and Ali. Though she appeared to struggle momentarily while singing, Bhosle quickly recovered, continuing her rendition to thunderous applause. In a light-hearted moment, she joked, 'Mera gala dabba rahi hai,' referring to Rekha hugging her from behind — a moment that sparked shared laughter and cheers from the audience. Fans on social media expressed admiration for Bhosle's enduring grace and charm. One Instagram user commented, 'No words, she is brilliant. Goosebumps all over.' Umrao Jaan, set in 19th-century Lucknow, follows the journey of a young girl named Amiran, who is kidnapped and forced into a brothel, where she transforms into the famed courtesan and poet Umrao Jaan. Rekha's portrayal of the title character, supported by Farooque Shaikh, Raj Babbar, and Naseeruddin Shah, is widely considered one of her finest performances and won her the National Film Award for Best Actress. The film has been meticulously restored by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) under the National Film Heritage Mission. The re-release aims to bring the timeless story, music, and performances to a new generation of cinema-goers. The event was organised ahead of the film's theatrical re-release on June 27, and was attended by a host of Bollywood celebrities, including Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, and Khushi Kapoor. Director Muzaffar Ali, who helmed the original film, was also present to celebrate the restoration and re-release of what is widely regarded as one of Hindi cinema's most iconic period dramas. For many in the audience, however, the highlight of the evening was not just the film itself, but the touching reunion of two cinematic legends — Asha Bhosle and Rekha — whose bond and artistry continue to inspire generations.
Scroll.in
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
Review: Rekha is the life and soul of Muzaffar's Ali's classic ‘Umrao Jaan'
To watch the restored Umrao Jaan is to open an old chest stuffed with barely creased clothing and baubles that are still shiny. Muzaffar Ali's movie from 1981 has been re-released in cinemas by the PVR Inox multiplex chain following a beautiful restoration by the National Film Archive of India. The classic film about a bygone era looks as good as new. The eye can barely drink in Subhashini's Ali's magnificent costumes, the fashion-forward jewellery, the interior sets that evoke the cloistered world of a courtesan in Lucknow in the mid-nineteenth century. Rekha – resplendent, incandescent, one with her character – is the brightest jewel in a film about an age of beauty, refinement and Urdu poetry. Ali's adaptation of Mirza Hadi Ruswa's historical fiction novel Umrao Jaan Adaa, written along with Javed Siddiqui and Shama Zaidi, is set in the 1840s. The main setting is Lucknow, which is steeped in tawaif culture but is also on the verge of losing this unique ethos. In Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), two noblemen represent the bridge between the indolent present and the uncertain future. In Umrao Jaan, that role is played by Umrao. She is one of Lucknow's prized tawaifs, renowned for her sensual dancing and original poetry. By writing the ghazals that she performs for her clients, Umrao is in control of her career, if not quite her fate. Umrao's heavy-lidded gaze and modest air conceal the pain of being kidnapped as a child and sold to a brothel run by Khanum (Shaukat Kaifi) with a big smile and a tough hand. Khanum has trained Umrao and her own daughter Bismillah (Prema Narayan) in the skills they need to entice customers. The goal might be money nd gifts of jewellery, but the ensnaring is exquisite. Sensitive, intelligent and with a touch of melancholy, Umrao gets involved with the wealthy Nawab Sultan (Farooque Shaikh). Umrao's other suitors include the brothel hanger-on Gohar (Naseeruddin Shah) and the dacoit Faiz (Raj Babbar). Judiciously placed and haunting songs, composed by Khayyam, written by Shahryar and performed for Rekha by Asha Bhosle, accompany Umrao's journey from successful courtesan to questing daughter. Like its tawaifs, the 145-minute film is imbued with a sense of majesty and poise. Perfumed men, with all the time in the world for the pursuit of pleasure, watch the dancers seduce through words and minimal bodily movements (the choreography is by Kumudini Lakhia and Gopi Krishna). Muzaffar Ali's evocation of a lost age of grace unfolds through slow camera movements and tight close-ups. Rekha's visage has rarely been more alluring, or enigmatic. The sweet lilt of Urdu and the predominantly Muslim characters point to another kind of loss – of an Islamicate heritage of sophistication and wealth. Some of the film's scenes are clunky, with the later portions rushing to pack in Umrao's connections with other characters. The brothel is where Umrao feels the safest, and it is within this gilded cage that the 145-minute film is most compelling. Ali fills Umrao's refuge with a host of memorable actors, from the redoubtable Shaukat Kaifi to a delightfully slippery Naseeruddin Shah. Prema Narayan, Dina Pathak and Gajanan Jagirdar complete Umrao's world. The women are not helpless victims but drivers of their destinies, especially Narayan's Bismillah. On a continuum of tawaif films, Umrao Jaan is between Kamal Amrohi's Pakeezah (1972) and contemporary efforts by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Umrao Jaan initially has a documentary feel, with Ali drawing explicit connection between actual tawaifs and his fictional characters. One of Umrao Jaan 's most poignant songs, Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston, is performed for commoners rather than aristocrats. In this moment, Umrao stands between what was and what is to come, the dream that was Lucknow and a future that has all the rudeness of reality. Play
