Javed Akhtar
lyricist
2017 saw a lot of remake of old popular numbers like Mere Rashke Qamar. But, there are no fixed rules about remaking classic songs. Quite often, it happens unnecessarily but sometimes it can bring interesting results also.
Though it feels good that budding singers sing music compositions of yesteryear with so much élan, personally I feel, popular old song and singers are our cultural heritage. The lesser we remake them, the better it is. It is a historical heritage and one should maintain its dignity and originality.
Also, we have to accept that we can’t make good or better songs and that’s why we fall back on popular old songs. Remixing is not creative.
the Dhupia ruling
GREAT PIECES OF CINEMA: Secret Superstar, Newton and Tumhari Sulu stood out this year for their great intention and storytelling.
ACTOR OF THE YEAR: Rajkummar Rao.
Newsmakers: Taimur Ali Khan and Virushka’s (Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma) wedding.
WHAT CHANGED: A year of experimentation in all mediums of entertainment. Unusual film storylines, TV series and digital shows are my pick.
THE UGlY SIDE: The Padmavati controversy was the most unfortunate incident of 2017. In a democratic country actors should have the option to pick the roles they want to do and filmmakers should have the option to decide what the kind of films they want to make.
STEREOTYPE BREAKER: The year broke stereotypes with films like lipstick Under My Burkha, Qarib Qarib Single, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Bareilly ki Barfi. We are growing with every film, every day.
lOOKING AHEAD: 2018 will be a year to grow bigger and experiment even more, a year of great expectations from Bollywood.
Shekhar Suman’s PICKS
MY FIlMS: I will remember 2017 for the sporadic creative outburst with films like Hindi Medium, Newton, Shubh Mangal Savdhaan and Bareilly Ki Barfi.
MY ACTORS: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rajkummar Rao and Irrfan stood out. I loved the bald Nawazuddin in Mom.
ACTING NOT STAR: Not stardom but versatile acting ruled 2017 with experimenting in looks and physique. The talent reigned supreme.
SMAll WAS BIG: Filmmakers experimented with true to life drama from small towns like Agra, Bareilly and Chattisgarh. We moved away from fantasy even though Bahubali 2 was the big grosser. TV regressed but films leapt.
