Shriram Iyengar
Chief Feature Writer
Shriram Iyengar, who was with Cinestaan.com from 11 September 2015 to 19 March 2022, belongs to the not-so-rare species of neuroses cinemanesis. A hassled Mumbaikar, he spends his mornings doing chores while singing Gulzar-RD Burman numbers. He claims a particular expertise in the 'Filmy Maa' species, the experiences of which he documents extensively on his social media pages. His penchant for Govinda hits is as notorious as his delirium of being a Shakespearean actor. When drunk, he can be found spouting poetry and his unabated love for Kalki Koechlin on empty streets. If seen, please drop him off at the nearest railway station.
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Article
Where did 'Awara Hoon' come from?
Of all the gifted artists who accompanied Raj Kapoor through his journey as a filmmaker, it was Shailendra who understood the ethos of the showman best. His composition for 'Awara' remains a hallmark in the poetry of Indian cinema. Here's how it came to be.
Article Hindi
The king of Tragedy and the queen of Melody
They sang together, but the kingdom was not at peace for 13 years. A look at the song that became a source of discord between two of the most powerful personalities in Hindi cinema.
Article
How Ashok Kumar and Dilip Kumar changed the craft of acting
Two accidental actors. Two legendary craftsmen. Ashok Kumar and Dilip Kumar founded the basic structure for the method school of acting in Indian cinema.
Listicle
Stars overnight: Big debuts in Bollywood
The stardust may have faded on some, but it does not take away from the magical shine of their debuts. Here are some actors who turned into overnight sensations.
Article
The Parsis in Bollywood
In their own quiet way, the Parsis have influenced Indian cinema and its culture in many ways. Here's a look at what they have given us.
Article Hindi
Who was... Begum Para?
She was the original 'It' girl. Dressed in jeans, with a whip in hand, Begum Para had the world dancing to her tune even when she wasn't in front of the camera.
Slideshow
Dharmendra and his beautiful women
A samsonesque body combined with an Italian smile, Dharmendra romanced some of the most beautiful women of Indian cinema. Here’s a look at Dharmendra’s leading women onscreen.
Article
How Sahir Ludhianvi and Sudha Malhotra created magic
He was a poet; she, a songstress. Between them, they gave rise to one of the most enduring myths of love and longing in Indian cinema.
Listicle
7 shots from Shotgun Shatrughan
Seven times Shatrughan Sinha proved he was the only straight shooter in Bollywood.
Article Bengali Hindi
How Satyajit Ray discovered Sharmila Tagore – Birthday special
She was a 14-year-old schoolgirl, he, a legendary filmmaker. Yet, on first sight, Ray knew there was something special about the girl standing before him.
Article
Shiva: The film that gave us Ram Gopal Varma
In 1989, a 28-year old civil engineering student and video library owner embarked on a journey that would change the face of Indian cinema. His first film about college politics and violence would come to define one of the most controversial, yet talented directors of our times.
Article
Dangal in the Jungle Indian cinema and wrestling
One of the oldest sports in India, wrestling has languished behind other more popular sports in cinema. As two of Bollywood's heavyweight Khans put their muscles behind films based on wrestling, we look at the three names who were at the front of Indian cinema's first tryst with wrestling.
Article
Pride and Prejudice in Chaitanya Tamhane’s ‘Court’
Chaitanya Tamhane's much lauded film is an exemplary take on the workings of the Indian legal system. It takes a close look at one of the most important factor in the execution of justice — the prejudices of people working within the system.
Listicle
8 times Jimmy Shergill proved to be a real badass
The quiet, romantic hero of Mohabbatein is long gone. Jimmy Shergill, the most underrated actor in Bollywood, has morphed into a badass. Here are some dialogues that prove it.
Listicle
Five times Deven Verma made a lot of people shut up
Sweet, subtle, and hilarious, Deven Verma was the master of sarcasm. With his deadpan face and witty humour, the brilliant actor regaled audiences with ease. Here are 5 lines that have Deven Verma at his comedic best.
Listicle
Being Positive: Bollywood films that tackled AIDS
From the cynically socialist 'Pyaasa' to the touching 'Taare Zameen Par', Indian filmmakers have explored issues that lacked political will. One such issue is the problem of AIDS. Here are some films that tackled the disease with sensibility
Article
Meet music composer Nisar Bazmi
A musical prodigy, composer and singer, Nisar Bazmi is a forgotten name in the history of Indian cinema. Here's a look at the career of a man who found success on both sides of the border.
Listicle
7 romantic films with a difference
Raj Kapoor started it, Rajesh Khanna perfected it and Shah Rukh Khan transformed it into a brand. The idea of romance and love is a staple of Hindi cinema, but there will always be directors who find a different way of discovering this magical emotion
Listicle
6 surprising hits by Bappi Lahiri
The perennial rap-disco-swing tripper who made immortal songs like 'You Are My Chicken Fry' and 'Bongo Bongo' also composed some soulful melodies. Here are some surprisingly classy hits from the Disco Deewana!
Article
Naseeruddin Shah doesn't agree with Aamir Khan
The veteran says he has no intention of leaving the country The veteran says he has no intention of leaving the country