Indian films have almost disappeared from Kuwaiti cinemas, after having long held second place after Arabic films, followed by American films, in terms of viewership. The Cinema Company had dedicated the Al- Firdous Cinema building to Indian films, which was located on the site of the current Al-Hamra Tower. The Eastern Cinema was the first movie theater, located behind the Dasman Diabetes Institute
Egyptian black-and-white films preceded other films in cinemas by several years. Initially, films were only watched at home. One of the most prominent figures involved in importing, selling, and renting them was my friend Yaqoub Malallah. His involvement in this trade was the key that enabled him to enter the world of finance and business through its widest avenues.
Seventy years ago, my father would rent a reel of Egyptian films every week and screen them in the courtyard of our house, which was divided into two sections with sheets - one for men and one for women - especially when neighbors or relatives joined us. Watching a movie was a truly enjoyable experience. Some of the more religiously conservative members of the family, particularly the men, believed it was forbidden to watch the screen itself, as it displayed many explicit scenes.
Over time, however, they grew accustomed to watching, especially when cheers erupted after a villain was struck, or when we shouted in desperation trying to warn the hero, Anwar Wagdi, of Mahmoud El-Meligy’s attempt to stab him in the back. Later, cinemas such as Al-Firdous and Al-Hamra brought an end to home movie screenings.
The number of fans of Indian films increased, and among their most famous actors were Mukesh, Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Madhubala, Meena Kumari, and Nargis. These actors, along with others, gradually became part of popular memory in both India and Gulf societies through their songs and legendary film stories. I was fascinated while watching those films, despite their simple plots and modest production.
I also noticed that the voices of the female singers in the films sounded very similar. I initially thought this style of singing was part of Indian musical tradition. Later, I learned that 99 percent of the songs in those films featured playback singing, with the heroine or actress lipsyncing to a professional singer’s voice.
One of the most famous of these singers was Asha Bhosle, who passed away at the age of 92. Asha Bhosle was born in September 1933 into the Mangeshkar family, a musical family. Her sister was Lata Mangeshkar, the renowned Indian singer. She began singing at the age of six and continued her artistic career for over seven decades, recording approximately 12,000 songs. Her voice was well-suited to classical songs, cabaret, pop music, and styles influenced by Western music. She recorded works by renowned composers, including R. D. Burman, whom she later married.
By Ahmad alsarraf
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
