The ironic romantic movie Aradhana is the first I saw starring Rajesh Khanna. Skipping school, I watched it at the Lido cinema with two classmates, Rabindra and Neomal. The movie touched many a nerve among the young in tropical Sri Lanka. I was mesmerised by Rajesh Khanna’s acting and his stylish mannerisms. I fell in love with Sharmila Tagore, Rajesh Khanna’s love in the movie. It was a tragic story; Rajesh Khanna died in a plane crash, and Sharmila was devastated. So was I. My newfound hero was dead, so I cried listening to the song, Saphal Hogi Teri Aradhana, sung by S. D. Burman, the ace music director. Even today, more than fifty years later, this song evokes sad feelings when I listen to it. It gives me goosebumps.
Home Is Where There Are Friends
The past two weeks have been surreal. Last week was one of the most memorable weeks of my life, and the week prior I…