The End of
"Era of Innocent Romance"
I was in the fifth standard when I saw Bobby. I was ahead of my times, but this was largely possible because of my aunt, whose family were the owners of Apollo Cinema. I was given access to see the film that was certified for adult viewing.
I was just getting initiated about the fundamental differences between boys and girls. But the image of that couple riding away on the famous Bobby motorcycle remained etched on my young mind. At that time, my best guess was that the two were going on a picnic without the permission of their parents. But the innocence and freshness of the hero made a connect with a 10 year old. That was the USP of this extremely versatile, vivacious, strikingly good looking Kapoor sibling. His boyish charm and disarming smile had fans across all ages, creeds, communities without any gender bias.
This early tryst with Rishi later in my teens, morphed into adulation, and soon, I had become an ardent fan. Medical school days were spent fantasizing, inspired by his romantic escapades, the very lively romantic pairing with Neetu Singh, the music competitions, prancing around trees, throwing snowballs in the picturesque surroundings of the Himalayas. He was the epitome of audacious, adventurous romance. The 'catch me if you can' demeanor was provocative and yet seductive. There was a boisterous appeal in his body language, coupled with the fragrance of a vibrant youthfulness. The element of rebellion was without a trace of arrogance, insolence or maleficence. His boyish charm almost always exonerated him of all the pranks and misdemeanors perpetrated by him. There was a subtle touch of naughtiness that brought a smile even to lips of those he offended. There was also a shade of vulnerability to his charisma, that melted the hearts of his lady loves. He garnished the dull,dreamy eyed romance with a dash of thrill, excitement and mischief,that bore no malice or ill will. The songs that blessed his films, and his impeccable sense of rhythm made his gyrations aesthetically pleasing without any semblance of vulgarity. His inimitable style caused many a hearts to flutter. He lent to romance, that esoteric element of nascent, raw, aggression with a cavalier disdain for orthodoxy. He exorcised the guilt of moral indiscretion, that hounded young lovers without preaching them to sin. He stimulated the emotional taste buds by lending the "chocolate boy" syrupy hero, a more tangy 'sweet and sour' flavor. Romance was transformed into a heady eclectic alchemy of energetic, restrained, understated passion, vulnerability, and a pleasurable angst.His antics and flirtatious excursions enthralled more than annoyed. When he strummed the guitar, he certainly made it look believable, unlike most contemporaries, who looked rather uncomfortable with this accessory that was meant to make them look hep.
He had an honest intensity that made even the rather clichéd romantic routines enjoyable. The lovable lover boy, who loved with a passionate zeal, that was infective and yet harmless. Essentially a brat, who was not spoilt. A well brought up, cultured brat, whose courageous acts of dissidence only added to his charm, and made him all the more irresistible.
May he bring cheer and happiness to the nether world.
चाँद मेरा दिल, चाँदनी हो तुम
चाँद से है दूर चाँदनी कहाँ
लौट के आना है यहीं तुमको
जा रहे हो तुम, जाओ मेरी जान
RIP my dear Rishi.
Dr. Deepak Ranade.
"Era of Innocent Romance"
I was in the fifth standard when I saw Bobby. I was ahead of my times, but this was largely possible because of my aunt, whose family were the owners of Apollo Cinema. I was given access to see the film that was certified for adult viewing.
I was just getting initiated about the fundamental differences between boys and girls. But the image of that couple riding away on the famous Bobby motorcycle remained etched on my young mind. At that time, my best guess was that the two were going on a picnic without the permission of their parents. But the innocence and freshness of the hero made a connect with a 10 year old. That was the USP of this extremely versatile, vivacious, strikingly good looking Kapoor sibling. His boyish charm and disarming smile had fans across all ages, creeds, communities without any gender bias.
This early tryst with Rishi later in my teens, morphed into adulation, and soon, I had become an ardent fan. Medical school days were spent fantasizing, inspired by his romantic escapades, the very lively romantic pairing with Neetu Singh, the music competitions, prancing around trees, throwing snowballs in the picturesque surroundings of the Himalayas. He was the epitome of audacious, adventurous romance. The 'catch me if you can' demeanor was provocative and yet seductive. There was a boisterous appeal in his body language, coupled with the fragrance of a vibrant youthfulness. The element of rebellion was without a trace of arrogance, insolence or maleficence. His boyish charm almost always exonerated him of all the pranks and misdemeanors perpetrated by him. There was a subtle touch of naughtiness that brought a smile even to lips of those he offended. There was also a shade of vulnerability to his charisma, that melted the hearts of his lady loves. He garnished the dull,dreamy eyed romance with a dash of thrill, excitement and mischief,that bore no malice or ill will. The songs that blessed his films, and his impeccable sense of rhythm made his gyrations aesthetically pleasing without any semblance of vulgarity. His inimitable style caused many a hearts to flutter. He lent to romance, that esoteric element of nascent, raw, aggression with a cavalier disdain for orthodoxy. He exorcised the guilt of moral indiscretion, that hounded young lovers without preaching them to sin. He stimulated the emotional taste buds by lending the "chocolate boy" syrupy hero, a more tangy 'sweet and sour' flavor. Romance was transformed into a heady eclectic alchemy of energetic, restrained, understated passion, vulnerability, and a pleasurable angst.His antics and flirtatious excursions enthralled more than annoyed. When he strummed the guitar, he certainly made it look believable, unlike most contemporaries, who looked rather uncomfortable with this accessory that was meant to make them look hep.
He had an honest intensity that made even the rather clichéd romantic routines enjoyable. The lovable lover boy, who loved with a passionate zeal, that was infective and yet harmless. Essentially a brat, who was not spoilt. A well brought up, cultured brat, whose courageous acts of dissidence only added to his charm, and made him all the more irresistible.
May he bring cheer and happiness to the nether world.
चाँद मेरा दिल, चाँदनी हो तुम
चाँद से है दूर चाँदनी कहाँ
लौट के आना है यहीं तुमको
जा रहे हो तुम, जाओ मेरी जान
RIP my dear Rishi.
Dr. Deepak Ranade.
No comments:
Post a Comment