Beyond Cinema with Nihita Nihita Bajaj Kumar

Director: Tanuja Chandra

Writer: Mahesh Bhatt, Girish Dhamija

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta & Ashutosh Rana 

Lyrics: Sameer

Music: Jatin- Lalit

"Sangharsh," directed by Tanuja Chandra and penned by Mahesh Bhatt, stands as a hallmark in the genre of psychological thrillers within Hindi cinema. Released in 1999, this film diverged sharply from the conventional narratives prevalent at the time, delivering a chilling exploration of crime, sacrifice, and redemption.

Lajja (2001)

Story, Direction & Dialogues: Rajkumar Santoshi

Cast: Manisha Koirala, Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Mahima Chaudhary, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Ajay Devgan, Danny Denzongpa, Suresh Oberoi, Gulshan Grover, Samir Soni, Rohini Hattangadi, Govind Namdeo, Sharman Joshi, Johnny Lever & Farida Jalal

Lyrics: Sameer & Prasoon Joshi

Music: Anu Malik

Background Score: Illaiyaraaja

Written Description:

Released in 2001, "Lajja," directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, is a film that delves into the societal injustices faced by women in India. The movie interweaves the stories of four women, each representing different facets of oppression and resistance within a patriarchal framework.

Director: Mahesh Bhatt
Writer: Mahesh Bhatt & Tanuja Chandra
Cast: Paresh Rawal, Pooja Bhatt, Manoj Bajpayee, Sharad Kapoor, Zohra Sehgal, Ashutosh Rana, Akshay Anand, Sulabha Deshpande & Kamal Chopra
Lyrics: Nida Fazli, Rahat Indori & Indeevar
Music: Anu Malik

In this episode, we're delving into the 1997 Hindi film "Tamanna," a touching and pioneering work directed by Mahesh Bhatt. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bombay, this film unfolds the compelling themes of identity, acceptance, and the profound connections formed through unconventional love. It tells the story of Tikku, a Hijra who adopts and raises an abandoned infant, navigating the challenges and joys that follow. Today, we'll explore the film's impactful narrative, the standout performance by Paresh Rawal, and its lasting influence on cinema and culture.

Story, Screenplay & Direction: Anurag Basu

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala 

Cast: Dharmendra, Shilpa Shetty, Irrfan Khan, Kay Kay Menon, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kangana Ranaut, Sharman Joshi, Nafisa Ali, Shiney Ahuja

Music: Pritam

Lyrics: Sayeed Quadri

Background Score: Raju Singh



Anurag Basu, a director known for his eclectic filmography, ranging from bold thrillers to experimental narratives, brings to life the everyday struggles and dreams of metropolitan inhabitants. "Life In A Metro" is a testament to his ability to craft deep, meaningful stories without losing the commercial sheen that appeals to a broad audience.

Story & Direction: Mohit Suri

Producer: Mahesh Bhatt for Vishesh Films

Cast: Kunal Kemmu, Emraan Hashmi, Smiley Suri, Ashutosh Rana, Amrita Singh, Deepal Shaw, Atul Parchure, Nisha Lalwanil

Music: Anu Malik, Jal Band, Amon Amarth, Soilwork

Background Score: Raju Singh



"Kalyug", directed by Mohit Suri, emerges as a compelling narrative that delves deep into the dark crevices of voyeurism and the illegal pornography trade, a subject matter that was, at the time, both taboo and largely unexplored in Indian films.

Page 3 (2005)
Director: Madhur Bhandarkar
Screenplay: Manoj Tyagi, Nina Arora
Cast: Konkona Sen Sharma, Boman Irani, Atul Kulkarni, Sandhya Mridul, Tara Sharma, Anju Mahendroo, Soni Razdan, Upendra Limaye, Suhasini Mulay & Manoj Joshi
Music: Virgin Emi, Shamir Tandon
Background Score: Raju Singh

In this week's episode of our podcast, we delve into the 2005 film "Page 3," a piece that stands out for its unapologetic portrayal of the lives behind the glitz and glamor of Indian high society. Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, a filmmaker renowned for his commitment to realism in an era dominated by the fantastical elements of commercial cinema, "Page 3" offers a stark contrast to the usual song and dance of Bollywood, transporting us to the less seen, often darker, realities that lurk beneath the surface of pageantry.