My Famous Five hindi movie 'A'ces

I have been wanting to write on these for a really long time now. My most favourite hindi movies of yesteryears, I hate to call them 'Bollywood movies'. The word 'Bollywood' reminds me of something contemporary and stereotypical. And these movies were exceptions to the rule and to put them in the same basket as today's flicks is obvious stupidity. Coincidentally, their names began with an 'A' and they leave a mark from the word go. To write about them is a pleasure, a travel down the memory lane worth going back in time to the days of creative genius of hindi cinema.

Abhimaan
Anand
Aradhana
Amar Prem
Aandhi

The above order does not mean an order of preference. That would be 5P5 permutations to order :)- so I listed them as I could tick them off my head...
For simplicity, I choose the bottom-up approach :)-

Aandhi :- The word itself means 'storm' or 'tempest'. It is a tale of two lives bonded by love and marriage but separated by egoes driven by high-flying careers.
Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen married but separated, he a successful hotelier and she the best lady politican of the day,she runs into him at his hotel during political campaign and old sparks re-ignite. There are moments of their togetherness,avoiding public eye for fear of unwanted publicity,just so wonderfully created and enacted. The last few scenes are the work of a master director. The end is all the more realistic because she bids him goodbye and it very cleverly shows how many a time, a buried relationship can never be the same. Some of best music ever.
Most Notable song :- Is Mod Se Jaate hain(the lyrics take it all)

Amar Prem :- Imagine a handsome man mouthing a dramatic 'Pushpa,I hate tears', his head swinging slightly to and fro and an ironical grin as he enacts an emotional moment with his leading-lady.Imagine love with no tags of sexuality attached. Imagine two torn souls finding their lives'lost love in each other, but never trying to give it a name. Imagine an entire life spent in such a relationship. Imagine 'Love with no expectations' and you have just imagined 'Amar Prem'. The name says it all.. Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore make real-life seem so inferior.
Most Notable song :- The classical masterpiece in raag Patdeep 'Raina Beeti Jaaye'

Aradhana :- Three most unforgettable scenes sums up this movie entirely.
Scene 1 :A handsome IAF officer standing at the doorstep of a simple girl and the girl unknowingly throws a bucket of water on his face.The beginning of a romance leading to a brilliantly filmed intimate scene, a love lasting forever.
Scene 2 :A middle-aged Sharmila Tagore watching the romance of her illegitimate son and his girl from behind the clothes-line.
Scene 3 :In the end,when the son proudly acknowledges her in an officers' meet thus giving her life-long 'Aradhana' a meaning, a completion to a penance she underwent to make him an Air force officer.This movie is an unbeatable classic. A true love story in all facets of human relationships.Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore again, what a romantic pair!!
Most beautiful song :-Kora Kaagaz tha yeh man mera. This song showcased the best voice of Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, in my opinion.

Anand :- I cry everytime I watch this movie. The best self-help material in visual, highly positive influence. The movie where Amitabh was competly willing to be overshadowed by Rajesh Khanna. This movie brought about a new dimension in friendships, one that of loss. Fun,sadness,humor,philosophy all of these have been presented in this movie. Most importantly, it conveys the message of 'eternal living'. Truly touching.
Song that rocks :- Maine tere liye hi saath rang ke sapne chune.

Abhimaan :- This movie shall remain my best forever,the top of my list. It so wonderfully portrays professional career vs personal life and the eternal struggle to balance the two in a marriage. Totally realistic. I cannot say enough about this movie. Jaya Bhaduri was an actress par excellence even before the 'Bachan' tag engulfed her into housewifely-duties. Some brilliant acting. A movie that shows to perfection - a universal element called 'MALE EGO'. The fantastic musical end to this movie is unique and commands adulation. Every musical note composed for this movie is worth its weight in gold but the one that stands out is 'Tere Mere Milan Ki yeh raina'.

This trip down the memory lane has been truly enchanting..As I say, some reel-life makes real life look so inferior!!