Directors' Deep Cuts
This director's 1946 film "Dharti Ke Lal" is often cited as a pioneering example of Indian neorealism, focusing on the Bengal famine.
Who is Khwaja Ahmad Abbas (K.A. Abbas)?
This classic song from "Mother India" (1957) features Nargis singing about the struggles of a farmer's life, and is often considered an anthem for rural India.
What is "Duniya Mein Hum Aaye Hain"?
This legendary actor, often called the "Tragedy King," won the first-ever Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 1954.
Who is Dilip Kumar?
Satyajit Ray's "Pather Panchali" is based on the novel by this celebrated Bengali author.
Who is Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay?
Which iconic film, known for its extensive shooting period, faced numerous financial troubles and nearly drove its director to bankruptcy during production?
What is "Mughal-e-Azam"?
Name the only film directed by Guru Dutt that was shot in Technicolor, though it wasn't a commercial success upon its 1962 release.
What is "Chaudvin Ka Chand"?
Which playback singer, known for her soulful voice, sang "Lag Ja Gale" from "Woh Kaun Thi?" (1964) but also lent her voice to the iconic title track of "Mera Naam Joker" (1970)?
Who is Lata Mangeshkar?
Which film, though critically acclaimed and a box office success, lost the Best Film Filmfare Award in 1975 to "Deewaar," sparking much debate amongst cinephiles?
What is "Sholay"?
This 1975 film, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, was loosely inspired by the classic French novel "The Count of Monte Cristo."
What is "Dharam Veer"?
During the filming of "Sholay" (1975), this actor reportedly sustained a serious injury that almost cost him his life, delaying the shoot for several months.
Who is Amitabh Bachchan?
Satyajit Ray's "Pather Panchali" is famous, but which of his films, released in 1963, was an adaptation of a story by Sunil Gangopadhyay and explored themes of urban alienation?
What is "Mahanagar" (The Big City)?
While "Dil Se.." (1998) is famous for "Chaiyya Chaiyya," which lesser-known AR Rahman song from the same album features Sukhwinder Singh and was inspired by Sufi poetry?
What is "Satrangi Re"?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY!!!!!
This actress holds the record for the most Filmfare Best Actress Awards, a total of eight, including for her roles in "Guide" and "Pakeezah."
Who is Meena Kumari?
Vishal Bhardwaj's "Omkara" (2006) is a gritty adaptation of which Shakespearean tragedy, set in the badlands of Uttar Pradesh?
What is "Othello"?
Name the veteran choreographer who, despite her immense talent, notoriously refused to work with this one famous actress because she felt the actress couldn't dance to her satisfaction. (Bonus 200 points if you can name the actress too).
Who is Saroj Khan (the choreographer) and Madhuri Dixit (the actress)
Before he became known for epic historicals, Ashutosh Gowariker directed this 1993 film starring Shah Rukh Khan, a psychological thriller largely forgotten by many.
What is "Pehla Nasha"
The film "Guide" (1965) boasts an legendary soundtrack. Which specific R.D. Burman composition from "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" (1971) was initially offered to Dev Anand for "Guide" but he declined it?
What is "Dum Maro Dum"?
Which critically praised but commercially unsuccessful film, released in 1980, shockingly received a Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay, despite its bleak subject matter about rural exploitation?
What is "Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai"?
Before becoming a Bollywood blockbuster, "3 Idiots" (2009) was based on a novel by Chetan Bhagat. Name the original title of the book.
What is "Five Point Someone: What not to do at IIT!"?
Which historical epic, released in 2008, faced significant backlash and protests from certain communities during its production due to perceived historical inaccuracies and portrayal of a specific queen?
What is "Jodhaa Akbar"?
Identify the director whose 1980 film "Aakrosh," co-written by Vijay Tendulkar, was a searing indictment of the justice system and introduced Nana Patekar to a wider audience.
Who is Govind Nihalani?
This song, composed by Jaidev for the 1981 film "Umrao Jaan," won Asha Bhosle a National Film Award, yet it was originally conceived for a different film starring Waheeda Rehman. Name the song.
What is "Dil Cheez Kya Hai"?
The first Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award was presented in 1991 to this iconic director, known for classics like "Do Bigha Zamin" and "Madhumati."
Who is Bimal Roy?
This lesser-known 1969 film, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, was an adaptation of a short story by Phanishwarnath Renu and explored the complexities of rural life and innocence lost.
What is "Satyakam"?
Identify the renowned sound designer and mixer whose pioneering work on films like "Lagaan" (2001) and "Dil Chahta Hai" (2001) revolutionized sound in Indian cinema and earned him multiple international accolades.
Who is Resul Pookutty?