Every job is like moviemaking – Starring the Cafe gals and dudes
Every job is like moviemaking
Starring the Cafe gals and dudes
Backstory: After two years and let me count, three months, I quit two days ago as editor of HT Cafe, an entertainment supplement of Hindustan Times in Bombay. And as I left it was almost..not it was, like the last day of a film shoot. I was in it together with colleagues..actually they were all old enough to be my kids (that’s if I had married very early which, unfortunately, I didn’t).
After a film’s principal shooting ends, a handful of colleagues..meaning assistants generally called ADs stay back to conduct the post-production work of editing, dubbing, sound mixing (now this is the most demanding aspect of filmmaking and can change a film for the better or the worse). Others move on to other projects because their skills are essentially photography, cueing, handling the stars (medals for these should be instituted) and the on-job nitty gritty).
Over the years, Ads come and go, other become a party of you. Like Vishnu who assisted me on Fiza, and is now a blockbuster director in Chennai;incidentally he also played the part of the knee high boy in Mani Ratnam’s Anajli. Then there has been Kiran Rathore who for some very upmarket reason, insists on wearing branded T-shirts (must be bought from original outlets). And there was Manika Sharma who has just completed her first feature film, Kalpvriksh. Kiran and Manika, particularly, are family.
Now at the Hindustan Times Cafe, I’ve left behind more family, and am currently suffering from withdrawal pangs. They would call me ‘Boss’ which sounded like Ajit the Loin was being addressed. It took some getting used to..but yeah I was a four-letter word.
After a movie shoot, you lose contact with stars who have given so much of themselves as much to the camera, as to you. They incarnate people you have created/imagined on paper, when you don’t meet them for years later, there is always that touch of sadness..aah, remember the time sort of a thing. The stars I miss very much are Karisma Kapoor (Kapur now), Manoj Bajpai, Sushmita Sen, Urmila Matondkar, Arjun Rampal, Jimmy Sheirgill, Rahul Bose and Tabu. Often, I look back and wonder, did I really work with these guys? Seems like a dream.
This piece for a blog space I couldn’t do much writing in because of hectic Cafe schedules. Now I can dedicate little hearts to my colleagues who chases movie stars, cricketers,fashionistas and more to keep us ticking every day.
So ladies and gentlemen, here they are. Names which I’ m sure will glitter in journalism in the days, months and years to come.
cafe
o Vajir Singh: a man with a sniffing nose, always on the scent of news. Be it Sanjay Dutt or Deepika Padukone, he knows every breath they take. Never hits below the belt and is never provoked. Cooler than a fresh cucumber. Very emotional, he should be writing short stories (to start with) and movie scripts. I suspect he’s already doing that secretly whenever his l’il wonderful daughters lets him.
o Rachana Dubey: I’m placing her right here because she may quarrel with me (or turn her face away) if I don’t give her high billing which she deserves. A quick learner, and energy-packed, she can clock in 18-hour workday..and not complain. Okay, she’ll sigh audibly but then we wouldn’t have the excuse to call her Drama Queen. Has an extra soft corner for Pritam (the music composer, not the dhaba) and A R Rahman.
o Janaki Vishwanathan: Stays far, far, far away but always the first to reach the office and the last to leave. A softie ice cream, she would not say one word against all the saases, bahus and reality show stars she met..but her 5 Points column on the Teletalk page, had their spicy edge. She’s leaving for Singapore in a day but I have been trying to convince her to return to the fold. Journalism, especially TV journalism needs her.
o Nikhil Taneja: A crisp, clean writer, loves the movies, music (he knows all the fundas) and girls but is quite Hindi movie hero-like, he’s devoted to his girlfriend..and that even if you tease him, he blushes. A comp-geek, humorous, and multi-faceted he’s a kid who will rock..in whatever chooses to do. Secret: He wants to act..and I hope I can introduce him some day..for which he’ll have to lose weight. Not size-zero though.
o Reema Gehi, absolutely my miracle princess. She knows more about theatre and art than any other human being I know. Would download music for me..and send me the loveliest, kindest sms’es, all of which I have stored. I was her Dumbledore, she my shehzadi bachi.
o Bidisha Singha: Quiet, gentle worker, fastidious, has a great laugh..a Hollywood expert, she’s a TV fiend too..for those American serials. Getting married to her childhood sweetheart Anshu in Assam..hope she invites me.
o Vidhi Bhargava: The most cuddly woman in the world, with a Madhuri Dixit smile. She specializes in food, writing about the pastas and puris, week after week. For her the chefs are the SRKs of the world.
o Sneha Mahale: The petite gal with the mega-mind. Interested, deeply, in cause-oriented stories. Can be easily teased but don’t try that if she ever meets you, because one stern look from her can break stones. Serious and light, she’s a two-in-one journo. Covers the city beat but don’t tell her to cover the fishing beat. She’s done enough of that..for this pomfret season actually.
o Chesta Wadhwani: The beautiful girl who tries to cover the fact that she’s beautiful..by eating too many fries. Addicted to khau and paav gullies. She likes doing stories on archery, wrestlers (male, female) and how and when to exercise.
o Rochelle Pinto: Anyone scouting for a heroine, should see her..she doesn’t even need make-up. Covers the fashion beat..eats junk food and remains unaffected, mentally and physically. Think she has a boyfriend stashed away in Goa..didn’t tell..and I didn’t pry..because I hope to give her a movie role some day..that’s if the recession lifts and finances are back on the swing.
o Sujata Reddy: The most loving of the lot with a killer smile. She’s getting married to her childhood sweetheart whom she wouldn’t let me see because he hadn’t combed his hair that day!! Fashion expert, she writes with a twist of the hem and the balloon silhouette..if you ask me what that means, I don’t know..because I thought silhouettes were shadows and not Tahiliani outfits. Guess I just wasn’t fashy.
o Will miss designers Paddy..terrific face and complexion..and the jolly Manish who laughs, laughs, laughs because I would tickle him. And then he brought his daughter over to the Cafe office and she tickled me till I laughed, laughed, and laughed.
o So that was my last assignment. I wish I could have made a film on it, or at least documented some moments on videocam. Then my stars would have won all the awards for Sensational Newcomers..unless they were rigged..the awards that is.
o Thank you guys. And er, like the Titanic song, My heart goes on (for you).
Anurag Kashyap
Abhay Deol
Dibakar Banerjee
Hansal Mehta
Khalid Mohamed
Kundan Shah
Anish Kuruvilla
Jaideep Verma
Manish Gupta
Navdeep Singh
Bhavani Iyer
D. Santosh
Onir
Ashvin Kumar
Ramu Ramanathan
Sudhir Mishra
Pankaj Advani
Revathy
Saurabh Shukla
Shilpa Shukla
Sujoy Ghosh
Suparn Verma
Santosh Sivan
Shashank Ghosh
Shivajee
Pavan Kaul
Partho Sen-Gupta
Prroshant Naryannan
Sam Langoria
Satish Kasetty
nice post.. gives a rare glimpse into people we read everyday.. welcome back to PFC.. whatever the grouse, you will be sorely missed.. do write here more often and reviews too..
I always liked HT Cafe..it had a great mix of news/articles…nice articles on music..very wholesome..welcome back..hope to hear more from you.:)
Great Boss.. I could not have expected anything like this.. though i know how much u love all of us. we love you too.. so much so that most of us might take our lifetime to recover from what happened on a wednesday.. january 28.. how can I ever forget. Nevertheless.. keep writing like this.. you have enough fans like me who will read even if you dont place them high up in the list of your loved ones.. yours maalan!
Surprise…Nice gesture…
every change happens for a reason only…am sure ull do much better in the future…extremely nice of u to remember the good things n ur collegues…do keep writing on PFC more regularly
Nicely witten “BOSS”. Will misst you at HT. Meantime you can keep writing here and bring the same flair that has become synonymous with a certain Khaled Boss Mohammed.
Oi anurag, thanks..these cafe kids are something..i do hope they get into filmmaking in some fields some day. And am quite hooked on to emosional atyachar like the rest of the cafekars. Nikhil, by the way, had given the cd review 5-stars..so see you’ve got a big time fan there..
Do remember some nice moments with you anurag..with you and others hanging around in a panvel ‘chalet’ room, waiting for lord and master RGV to order his next diktat. Had tome to meet him to narrate the Fiza script..he had said that one should make the lead character into a snooping journalist..oof those weren’t the days. For better or worse, that panvel trip was an eye-opener. A person who could make satya could think so clichedly. Anyway what am I going on about? Hope to see your Dev D soon..and hope no one is smoking (cigarettes) in that..have quit (my five a day..that was also getting me down) and don’t want to be tempted ever again. Till then…the movie I mean. Duas.
Ha Ha .. no one is smoking tobacco for sure in Dev.D.. Would love to read your review on it.. and also let me take this oppurtunity to say sorry for abusing you the last time.. couldn’t take it then.. anyways.. please keep writing and yeah that Panvel trip, i remember so clearly, i was being prepared on how to face the media as RGV thought i needed to have an image makeover and people should take me seriously.. Those weren’t the days..
and yeah did read Nikhil’s review in HT. we were all so kicked that day.. convey my thanks to him.
yeh to bada toing hai!!!!! acha toing hai
2009 sure seems special ;)
what a touching gesture, BOSS! shows how much you love these guys – and how hard you miss them. we miss you too – all the HT readers, fans and friends. feel better. and start working on that movie which is taking shape in your mind, as we speak.
classiic hai har taraf claaassic… vasan u said it!! 2009 sure seems like tht
A warm welcome to Khalid from ‘Hansalbhai’!!! You know the most I’ve ever laughed is when I’ve read your reviews of my films… Can’t remember which review was more hilarious but what you wrote about Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai was really wicked. I grew up reading your reviews and admiring the irreverence and humor in them. The only time I lost it was when I read your review of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham… “bhala, uski kameez meri kameez se aur safed kaise?”. Just keep writing. Welcome again to PFC.
Hansalbhai…
Goodbye Cafe… Welcome to the PFC Pub!
Heart felt article Mr. Mohammed…Now, I know why you have a soft corner for multi-starers…just kidding..!
Nice gesture. And Khalid…..u r wicked n damn funny! n with those sharp nails, u write the best intro for the pieces. btw, love/hate u for almost d same reason….fucking/sucking d BIG buddha!!
Whoa! Times they are INDEED A-changin’
Couldn’t help but be reminded of the Bob Dylan song, this sudden mutual affection between KM and PFC!
Maybe everyone has paid a visit to the endoscopy clinic recently
Well, Khalid, if you don’t have a clue, ask Anurag.
hahaha pheonix ’sucking d big buddha’…LOL….Anurag, the whole goddam world needs an endoscopy!..lol
Hey boss… just wanted to let you know, you’ll always be ‘boss’ for us. Filmi, i know, but we are like this only! Miss you loads. Take care, will catch up with you when i get BACK.
love
J
pehle senti, fir mental. waah waah. welcome bak sir!
Always knew you were a big softie Boss, even when I was warned that you’d chew me into pulp. Now I really wish I had taken that video of you dancing to desi girl in your cabin… you owe me an encore performance.
Hugs (to hell with professional taboos)
Well, that was straight from the heart Mr Mohammed. For the past 2 years I used to religiously go to HT’s website to check your take on the movies. And the weekly pieces were not only refreshing and light, but filled to brim with puns and witty liners. Made me admire you as a writer more, and trust me you will be sorely missed. Atleast now I know where’s your new “adda”.
Keep writing is all I’d say, and the sentiment in this bittersweet post is very palpable. Goodbyes are hard.
O! I really loved Cafe.. It had stories on people other than SRK too! I wish they maintain the standard.. The gesture of writing about your team is so sweet.. I wish all ‘bosses’ could take a cue from there!
I dont know if it’s too early or even wise to ask, but I cant help but wonder what’s next?? Filmmaking, scriptwriting, theatre?? What? I simply love reading your reviews, although I may not always agree.. Instant prose and poetry, witty limericks and what not! I have been a follower for long.. I loved your review of Drona the best, of late. Howlarious! I still remember the few films that got 5 stars from you – KKHH, Satya and now Slumdog..Maybe I missed some, heck! I was only in school then!
I hope you dont deprive us of your amazing skill with the pen (or keyboard nowadays).. Really.. Please keep doing something that we all can read!
Sirji! Great comeback! Like Clint! :P
Vasan is right! So damn right! 2009 is special! Let’s make movie! Smiles Chehre Par.. – Every day is special!! :P (worst joke ever on PFC)
Really felt good! A warm, heartfelt post after many eras! :D
Good way to know the cafe team!
Keep writing!
Keep us informed here of the next “subtle” move you are going to make. Your reviews are always welcome.
Nice piece to read, and Khaled, as always has a way with his words. But is this the forum to (mis)use? Tomorrow, another one writing in this forum leaves his job and writes a parting shot like this, and then another one, and another one….well, how will we like it? Or is it a privilege reserved (in ‘exclusives’ column) for ‘famous’ names like KM? Dear PFC, this is a website for films, and let’s write, debate, rant, quarrel, wrestle, cry, fight, laugh, bullshit about films, and not about our colleagues from our past jobs, however likeable / cuddly they may be….what say?
loved reading ur reviews, even if i did not agree with ur views and thought u were biased…in fact, what i loved most was your language and the headlines –”Chandni Chowk to Choona” being the recent one…All da best!!!!!
Okay, it’s been an unusual day..and this blog space has been the most unsual..like a party which my colleagues and I were planning at the salt water grill. Then it was discovered that it has no dance space..so we’ve saved it up for another day. Up there, in the comments, you’ll see Janaki Viswanathan, incorrigibly calling me Boss (ditto the Julia Roberts lookalike Rochelle Pinto). Janaki is leaving for Singapore tonight..and she was the ‘Mother Teresa’ of Cafe..always kind towards all..never a sharp word for anyone, she even liked Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag because she’s too polite to say no. Anyway off she flies today..and I hope she returns soon.
Also, two apologies in the sequel of sorts to yesterday’s post (didn’t want to inflict another one on anyone..so the comment space).
In the whirligig of sending last nite’s post, I didn’t want to proof read or revise. So Vajir Singh landed up with ‘daughters’ instead of the one lovely daughter he has..but hello..he seemed to be pretty kicked about becomeing dad to one more daughter..soon.
And I forgot to mention two more super duper hits of Cafe..Prema Kodical (who has Kangana Ranaut-like hair..only better) in charge of the Chemistry pages. We’d call them the sex pages. And there’s the sweet, smiling Collin Rodrigues who handles the Party pages..and he’s even partying a lot of late..with Nisha Jaamval (Strawberry). That’s it. Long self-comment guys but..huh..what the hell..one can do one’s one thing on PFC..without looking over the shoulder..
liked reading the article…i am a regular reader of HT…loved reading vinayak chakraborty’s movie reviews (for delhi edition, i was in delhi then, now in bombay)…and also loved reading ur review…now that u are leaving HT may I ask where will you write (off course I will look forward to your writing in PFC)
Does Roshmila Bhattacharya is part of Cafe or she is from some other department…i like reading her stories also…in the recent time i remember reading her experiences with Anil Kapoor and Dilip Kumar – Saira Banu…
@Mr Khaled Mohamed
Does this mean you will stop writing weekly movie reviews for HT as well? I will miss that for sure.
I am not a great fan of your highly sarcastic writing style but its very rare that you go wrong with a movie recommendations. So yours is the only “Critic” review that I trust.
All the best for your future Sir!
Wonderful gesture for your team!! The folks mentioned in there will get this framed for their walls for the times to come! It really is a one-of-its-kind thing! Kudos, KM
KM.. This could stand for Khalid Mohamed.. which it does beautifully.. but someone had told me that it could also stand for Kewlest Mohamed.. so it does. I can’t care less if anyone reads this in the office but it’s a loss to everyone who was working with you Boss. We will all be missing you.. we already are. It’s not easy to step in to work everyday without you. I am looking forward to the day.. praying hard for it when we all get back together.. with the best Boss in the world. Inshallah.. this will happen soon.
Hi sir! I’m so glad that it takes more than quitting a newspaper job to stop you from writing
. I hope you continue your reviews here! You obviously know this.. but nevertheless, reiterating: Cafe was what it was because of you. It’s not the same now, and it can never be the same again.
And personally, you were the single reason I changed streams and joined HT in the salary I got. In fact.. you were actually the single reason that I was sure being a journalist would be worth it.
I was absolutely right.. with you as our boss, we have all learnt SO much.. not just about writing, but about LIFE. You have taught me so much about the big bad world out there, I will always, always be grateful to you, sir. It was such a pleasant surprise that someone so established, so senior, was so friendly with the juniormost of us. Honestly sir, before I came to HT, I only respected you. But after I have worked under you, I adore you too
.
Not only are you the coolest anyone could EVER have had.. you are also one of the coolestestestest people I have met!! I really don’t know how we’re going to survive jobs after this.. because no one will love us as much as you did.
Thank you so much sir.. for making journalism worth the effort. We’ll really, really miss you as a boss.
Sorry that I used so much space.. I’m manipulating the fact that this comment can’t be subbed ;). And btw.. when did I EVER say I want to be an actor!!!!!! What sir!! But anyways, now that you have said you’ll launch me, at least that’s an incentive to lose the weight :P.
BEST OF LUCK FOR THE MOVIE!!! I know you are going to rock it!!
Okay, this one is response to three comments.
Cecil Pinto wonders if I am misusing this space to say bye to my colleagues and how one should restrict writing here only to films. Now, there’s a grain of truth in there..but the piece is actually connected to filmmaking. Believe me Cecil, you don’t know the sorrow one feels on the last day of the shoot, the wrap, the parting shot. I was trying to draw a parallel, that it’s like this in journalism too.
As for dear Rachana’s comment, it’s not as if I have gone to another realm. Rachana you are a bright learner and am always here to impart whatever little I know anytime.
And finally, am I going to review anywhere else? I don’t know..and am not sure. Currently I am working on a film script and a book..and there’s a theatre play which have written and hope to direct later this year. Till all that comes together, I’ll do the best thing in the world. Watch movies, movies, movies..
Khaled sir..this is your blog. Write whatever you wish to. About reviews..sirjee..write it here..we dont want to miss your kickass reviews..off course their wont be any pressure to write the reviews of all the movies that release on any given friday..would alos love to to see writing about older movies..some kick ass older movies..new movies.anything..just write!! :-)
the guy eho gave K3G 5 stars…or was it some other KJo movie……you suck Khaled!
Hey Om, are you my long-lost brother? Thanks for the encouragement…’Protsahan’ pe duniya jeeti hai.Now next week, actually, I can be selective. Will see Dev D, of course, but not the Randeep Hooda-Raima Sen movie (the title’s forgettable am afraid)I will skip..but will catch if the reviewers recommend it. Which reviewer? Ummm. Think I’ll cast my vote for Deepa Gahlot.
You know what Boss, I know somewhere you are always there with me. I will be around to ask you far too many questions.. more than what you ever thought I would ask. I will be in touch.. and I know you will be in touch too.
and yes sir, please write and write as much as you like because I will die of starvation if i dont get to read enough of your pieces. As for Om, let’s continue to keep giving boss his protsahan.. and my votes are for Deepa’s reviews too..
Khalid, You were the first reviewer i read and till a point in life i used to think you are the only person who writes reviews. i dont know when i started hating you and i still dont know if i hate you but i will definetly miss your reviews because i was addicted to it.
Just read today’s Vikram Bhatt’s piece on Sunday HT, he is missing you…
off topic though…about Fiza…dont you think you have compromised with Hritik’s character because post KNPH he became a superstar overnight…didnt u hv pressure to showcase him more in the expense of karishma?
Don’t u think other directors also walk through similar right rope?
Any thought on your gallery playing typically styled (like Rajesh Khanna, Raj Kumar, Dev Ananad) see-me-me-me-first movie reviews?
Guruji! This maybe the most cliched comment on your blog. But, I don’t wish to let go of this chance to say this; Sir, you made my life. I’m your Eklavya. I owe you a lot for accepting my reviews in Filmfare thereby giving me a chance to prove that I’d make a living out of writing. I discovered you very late in life (early 90s). Those days,I’d get STOI late Tuesday or early Wednesday in this corner of the world(it was the most exciting event of the week for me). But, since then my subconscious mind is on overdrive thinking what KM would think of this shot, whenever I’m watching a film till the day I read your review of Hey Ram! I disagreed with your views totally. Still, It made very happy that I’d think on my own.Thank you Sir. I’d be the happiest person in this world whenever the compilation of Bombay Talkies is published & I hope to land up in Mumbai to get it autographed by you.
Sir, my 1st comment on PFC http://passionforcinema.com/role-of-critics/
saturdays won’t be the same again if you stop writing the reviews khala saab
KM aka Boss,
My roomates will tell you that I’m suffering from a case of inflated ego because of your (exagerrated but treasured) compliments.
In case you were wondering, Cheshta continues her gastronomical conquests, I still happily terrorise Nikhil and Vajir has become surrogate Pa to the whole bunch.
P.s. You still owe me a dance..
Flashbulbs. A sneer. A stubbed thin cigarette (expensive international brand). Another sneer. Blood red eyes. Black out.
Flashbulbs. Sneer melts. Eyes twinkle. Just a bit. A lone smile. Reluctant. Hand moves. Second one too. Empty space – two hands meeting mid-way.
White Floods.
Title rolls in:
When Khalid Met Kashyap.
Review. Rebuttal. Reunion.
:-)
sir,
why did you meet RGV to direct FIZA and what was the reason he refused it? did he wanna make it his way…coz all films made under his banner are his, and only his ideas!
Rony D’Costa: Hate me? Okay, okay, that’s a compliment actually.Critics have traditionally inspired extreme reactions..especially if you liked a movie he or she didn’t. Yup, so I got addicted to writing reviews..currently in rehab!
Krishanu: Overplaying Hrithik in Fiza hardly. If anything he became more busy after Kaho Na Pyaar Hai..and so am glad to the divine powers that we could actually complete all the shots that were already in script. No, I loved my Fiza and Karisma Kapoor much to much to shortchange her character.
Vishalchalchitra: Please allow a critic to salute commercial cinema when it gets its fundas right (for K3G five stars please just see its song picturisations). I stand by my five..as for using words like suck..well..now that sucks.
Gattu: Don’t say that..will have to write reviews just for you then.even if it’s just for a reader of one..on your email id .will do that..but after finishing my film script. Deadline loometh.
Varun: Is that a script for a 30-second video? But who smokes those slim international cigarettes. Must check A Kashyap’s brand when and if I meet him. Now that’s a mission.
Ricky: Yeah met RGV for Fiza because he usually goads gullible journos like me to show him a script and then hems and haws over it. Anyway, chalo, let him be..
Rochelle, Rachana: it feels strange to be not in Cafe on Sunday, yup..but it’s a relief..am actually listening to music, banging keyboard for script (for breaks I check out PFC). And hey Rochelle, yup we gotta dance..even it it’s on the streets. Am nuts enough to do that. Loves my pretty child. And Rachana, be cool, be happy, and am searching for an eligible guy for you too. Am in qatar. Now bye for the day.
Oi Nikhil, just saw your comment right up there..am overwhelmed..aha so one nice guy recognises another. And of course, you have to act..script..and direct..I know you will…and you can thank me at the Oscar ceremony. Jai ho!
Will you be directing this script or is it for someone else?
Hi!
I read HT Cafe ‘cos I knew you were the Editor. Honey’s Hat was a wonderful read. I watch a film only after reading your review. Where are you joining next? The top brass at HT let you go????
Will always miss u..BOSS!
Whoa, boss, doubt if there are usually SOOO many responses on this website? Mother Teresa? hehehe.. i thought I was the lady with the lamp! As for RGV ki Aag (i know you’ll say ‘whatever’), i couldn’t get past 15 minutes of it! And Nikhil’s going to be insufferable now what with Oscar speech and all.
@ Janaki: Very funny.
@ Rochelle: Very funny.
@ Boss: Thanks ! :D
Donno whenever I read of you I remember the word “Quicksilver”…cause this was the word you had used to describe SRK’s performance in a particular scene in Daar in your review. The scene at the airport where SRK talks to the lady at the Ticket/Enquiry counter. Always remember being mighty impressed with SRK in that scene and used to remind myself….Quicksilver expressions. That was way back in 93-94 I guess.
For your readers there will always be an alternative word-power to learn. In fact your tone and wickedness can be smelled in the articles of a certain Mr.Oz ïŠ
Keep writing…as OM said we want vintage movie reviews. Ones we have missed watching on the big screen..ones which you have…we want the vintage KM back.
Hello KM sir,
Well you dnt know me but i know you from the interesting things often shared with me by your colleague i call her Suj aka Sujata reddy… So much so inspite of not working there (even after being selected for the job) thanks to the ever co-operative HR… i have come to know each and every person of the office… especailly you. The similarity of your name with my husband only made the chats all the more interesting and event at times confusing…ONe things for sure you have certainly made huge impact on my dear friend Sujata. Be it the precision and perfection towards the articles or your humorous way of interacting with others… she seem to be trully impressed by you.. Let me finish off this blog by repeating a sentence said by Suj to me…..”At least once in your career of journalism you ought to be working under KM to learn the Job…”
I think very few people will have such things to say about their boss.
Here wishing you best of luck.
Sameera Kapoor Munshi
Hi boss, don’t think you remember me, I’m the tiny thing from marketing who used to keep saying ‘Hi’ to you everytime I passed by your cabin (that’s before I quit a few months ago)…..The blog is really nice and gives an insight of what each of them really is
….But am sure HT will miss the vibrancy that you brought into cafe.
Awww sameera, sujata is just being kind. All I know is that I miss suj and some of them very very much..but then one has to move on..and I do hope to be in touch with them..and maybe suj will invite me to her wedding..
I agree with Sujata, quoted by her friend Sameera, that “At least once in your career of journalism you ought to be working under KM to learn the job..” She’s right. It’s an honour for anyone who has worked with you. Very few people have such things to say about their boss. And very few bosses are known to have dedicated so much to their team. You are right, it’s like movie-making..and the most important part of a film is when the credits roll..as in this film of yours called Cafe
Well.. I guess I am one of the most privileged (please don’t mind the spelling if it’s wrong)journos of my generation to have worked and known Kewlest Mohamed (KM) for so long. This man is made of more emotions than bones and flesh. He is the Pacific ocean of knowledge.. the only one I know who has such vast understanding of just any subject which is art oriented. There’s a certain emptiness in that office which kills every minute that I am in office. I know it’s easier said than done.. but life really has to move on. I have my hopes pinned up really high that I will work with my teacher and father-like once again. Otherwise, I might just have to buy a super-expensive house in his locality to stop missing him around me as much. Lord give him all his happiness, health and the love and company of everyone who loves him and everyone he loves! Amen!
Hi Khaled,
I always like reading your reviews….Though I don’t always agree with the reviews, but most of the time it is quite hillarious….I hope u still keep writing….I liked Mammo, Zubeida and Sardari Begun…Mammo being my all time fav…All the more reason to keep writing…
Way to go Khaled…
It’s true then :( I thought when I read your review just 2 days ago , I thought U were joking…that it’s your ‘bye’ time!!
Where will I be able to read it again. I only buy Hindustan times for YOUR reviews. The rest of my news I read from The Hindu!
Take care Sirjee… will miss your reviews, hopefully will watch more of your movies and scripts!
Hello Khaled G,
I have been bred up reading your reviews in TOI and must say there were a couple of times wherein I couldnt understand you giving good ratings and praises to mediocre movies and slamming down some real good work. Now, please do not ask me the names as I dont clearly remember all of them. But anyways, thats something which is gone by and let bygones be bygones.
I sincerly feel that you are the one who bought critics into limelight and made it a respectable job. Whether it was SRK episode or the constant criticism by you for the leading film makers. You were always there in news. Now that you have bid goodbye to journalism (officially) I hope you make more friends than enemies now. The beginning looks good with you and Anurag sharing some good things.
Khaled ji inspired by you, I started writing reviews as well and that too now, when I am sold off to the corporate world and no matter how much I want I cannot leave my job and take this full time. Would request you if you could take sometime out and go thru my review posted on this site itself under Projekt iView and give me some words of advise.
Anyways Sir, welcome back.
Hi,
I will for sure miss Khalid Mohammed’s reviews and his tete -e – tete with the celebs. His interviews always sounded like a casual chat may b coz he shares an excellent rapport with all of them.
But smething that i’ll miss the most is following up with him to come for the movie press shows and then wait eagerly for his reviews. I have spoken to him many a times but never got a chance as a PR person to meet him wch i regret. I also wanna mention here that i really liked the way u made Silsilay, it was different.
Please a genuine request dont stop reviewing our films and yes looking forward for a Khalid Mohammed movie soon.
Take care
Vaidehi
Hi Khalid
Will miss your writing for sure… Loved Honey’s had though and through as much as your jibes at Dhobha She… many moons ago… will keep reading through our blog though…
Rama
khalid sahab, it was pleasure reading your shakespearn style review, even though some of sentences went out of my head. but please keeping writing here and quik question boss..what is your opinion on NO SMOKING…sorry anurag.lol take care sir.
hello BOSS,
surprised?
very entertaining post indeed!
does bring back the memories.
if u ever get back to newspapers / magazines, i will be there for sure.
i now managae the editorial for a lifestyle mag in Dubai.
from a designer to an editor,its been quite a journey. but all thanks to you for giving me that opportunity.
Jai Ho!
Abid: Thanks and hope you well settled now and grooving in Dubai..
Rama: Dhoba She? Shhhhh.
Vaidehi, Avniash, Dr Yashu, Stephaney, Sameera, Vasanbala: Thank you, thank you
Vipin: No Smoking? One positive effect for sure: me quit smoking..
And hey cafe stars: Am not going to check this post ever again…don’t want to miss you too much guys (honest!)..so every time I come back to this post, the heart twangs..okay byeeee online..pyaar
Dear Mr. Mohamed,
It was such a pleasure reading such a wonderful article. It was Vajir’s status that I clicked on, only to be able to read a masterpiece of an article, so full of emotions & I must admit, (please forgive me for this) makes me look at you in new light. I know that an opinion of someone like me who you dont even know, doesnt really matter, but I now declare myself a fan.
Wishing you all the very best. Will miss reading ALL that one knew you were IN CHARGE of “weaving” & “creating”
Do take care of yourself
God Bless
Aroona
Ah… I dont know whether to be happy or sad that I would not be reading your reviews anymore. I would always hope that you approve and highly rate some of the movies I loved (No Smoking incl), and hate it when u did not. At the same time, laugh with you at movies I did not enjoy too.
Hope to see your next on the big screen soon. Best of luck.
P.S. While in Qatar – Doha I assume – please visit Petra and have a few felafels for my sake. I grew up in Doha and there is nothing I miss more than Petra! Does Gulf Cinema still show Hindi movies (20% censored)?
hey khalid,
this is well…sad & good news. Sad for your juniors, colleagues & more so the readers. Well me for eg. I do NOT read the main paper, only the cafe’, will ask my father to stop this newspaper ASAP.
I’m NOT in india. I’m currently in Bangkok on scholarship for international peace & conflict resolution…now dont say eeks what i am doing in that city. This course is in BKK…enjoying myself till now, NOT cleaning restaruants or wkg as a bawarchi…hehehe…
miss talking, bitching & gossiping…will do so the min i land in april 1st week. Wish you the bestest (well i’ve decided to use this new superlative) wishes. Pl email me if u can, dont want to disturb u over an International call to ask why, when, where, etc….so we can goss loads…luv & hug,
neeta… neetakolhatkar@gmail.com
Used to like your reviews very much until the day i realised that they were severly colored by personal vendetta.. You disliked Bachchan whatever he did.. And he suddenly developed liking for SRK.. you are one of the very few critics who liked Rab Ne Bana Di.. even if you critcized, you criticized Aditya Chopra.. but how about the over the top performance of SRK.. u simply choose to ignore it.. same goes with Om Shanti Om.. a pathetic movie which you loved because of perhaps the Khan connections..
And the film you liked the most was Khuda Ke Liye.. i would recommend you to go and watch the international version of this movie.. has many anti-India references
“Believe me Cecil, you don’t know the sorrow one feels on the last day of the shoot, the wrap, the parting shot. I was trying to draw a parallel, that it’s like this in journalism too.”
Well, it’s like this in police force too, in the corporate world too, in the army too, in the bureaucracy too, in the school too, in the college too…well, when you leave a place, whether in retirement, or get thrown out, or transferred, it is the same, like the parting shot, if you happen to like that place that is. You have turned this forum into a personal clap trap, with all your cronies in your previous job making public their affections to you and vice versa. Absolutely no harm in that, but I will prefer you write only about cinema, not these silly billies…
Or else, taking cue, tomorrow someone will say my failed love story is perfectly like a Hindi film and start writing public love letters to the lover here, or someone will say oh, my career story is so much like what Corporate showed, and starts venting his ire at his bosses…I think just because you are a ‘NAME’, the site moderators are allowing you to do this misuse. I only hope the innumerable Project iview authors don’t take a cue from you and start a torrent of me toos…though I am sure they will be thrown out of here if they do that because they are lesser mortals
Cecil.. dude.. Khalid sir was the editor of entertainment newspaper. We, his team, interact with anyone and everyone associated with Bollywood on a daily basis. Being a third person who is neither a part of Bollywood nor is associated with it in any way (Please excuse me if you ARE associated with it.. haven’t heard about you), it’s understandable that you don’t know how important the media is to the entertainment industry. Rather than having a skewed view of the media, I think it would pe more appropriate if you view media as part of the entertainment industry, rather than as an independent organisation that watches the show from the sidelines and makes fluffy comments, much like you do (again, please excuse me if you are associated with the industry).
So, I don’t really think he is writing about “silly billies”, but is, in fact, sharing with the readers behind-the-scenes information about people who work hand-in-hand with Bollywood. I daresay that today, when marketing, publicity and build-up to movies is so important, Bollywood would certainly lose out on a lot of revenue if there was no one to take the movies to the public outside Mumbai. Please do give credit to every single person in print or TV or radio entertainment journalism, who spends hours and hours daily to give the public a slice of Bollywood’s madness.
I suggest you breathe in, breathe out and chill.. you are the ONLY one who has a problem with him writing about his staff, man. I’m sure if your objection had any merit, there would have been quite a deluge of negative comments, unlike the one sole comment of yours.. isn’t it?
And if you are SO bothered by what he is writing, why have you even READ the comments on his “cronies”? Obviously, you find something interesting in there as well. Hmm… Time for self assessment now, don’t you think?
Yoohoo nikhil very very well said! I FULLY agree..
And boss, yes, am gonna stop coming on this website too. Makes me homesick!
end of comments !
blog closed
Khalid saab- I’ve personally grown up reading your reviews & many a times kept debating some of them in mind or with friends.To be frank I haven’t really been a fan of the movies you made.But all said & done you are an institution & I salute you for your writing.I hope we still get to read your writing- maybe more often here & probably elsewhere as well.This was a very touching write-up.
Dear Khalid Saab,
I have your fan since the late 70s reading your reviews in The Times of India. After a long gap last year through Google search I realized that you are with Hindustan Times.
Just when everything seemed to go back to the good old days of reading your reviews first thing on a Sunday morning I realized that you are moving out.
I would appreciate it if you continue in this filed for years to come. I can understand the pain that you undergo every Friday watching trash stuff except for a silver lining once or twice in a year.
Would you mind sending across your mail id so that I can bother you once in a while.
By the way some of the reviews that I still remember are Ashanti (multi starrer with Rajesh Khanna and many other), The Jeetendra Sridevi series Himmatwala, Tohfa etc.
I still remember your reviews of Tamil films starring Kamal….
Thanks & Regards,
Raju
Hi Khalid!I am sure you don’t know me. We met sometimes in DNA when you guys were launching DNA and I was there to assist Mr Sudhir Agrawal for a month from Dainik Bhaskar and in a very first meeting you gave me a weired look and told me- YES? and i was shocked how can this guy make an emotional and sensible film like FIZA? But in our second meeting you told me-Ur eyes are lovely. I got the answer. Only this guy can make a film like FIZA. We will miss you khalid in HT CAFE. I think this CAFE lost his best chief chef. Cheers for your new inning. Hemant Sharma, Resident Editor, News24, Mumbai.
Hey o Nikhil..
Bravo boy.. this cecil needed to be told all this and you just did it so brilliantly. fabulous! Keep that going dude!
Dear Mr Mohammed,
Thanks for giving us all the wonderful reviews for many years that I and my friends have been reading.We forgot since when.But myself and my group of friends are missing your reviews,which has been like a mandate for our going to watch a movie every week.
You are the big daddy of reviews,the bhismapitamah of all reviews.Be it Times of India,DNA,MID-DAY,hindustan times or passion for cinema blog,we have been tracking your writings regularly.Be your praising Salman Khan in Maine Pyar Kiya or Imran Khan in Jaane Tu ya Jaane Na by the quote “a star is born” or 5 stars for satya,kkhh,kkkg,we remember you always every week and you have been a regular topic for discussion every week-come saturday or sunday.
Please continue writing. My sincere thanks to you on behalf of my friends . Best of luck on your new venture.
Arvind Thakur
Sir, been missing your review on Ht today…
how about putting your thoughts on DEV.D here?
Good one!
Grew up reading your film reviews. but this was hatke (not bollywood kind. real one:)
nyways What next???
When is yur next film coming?
Dearest Khalid,
When the great Greek warrior Achilles is undecided about going for the war in Troy, this is what his mother tells him: “If you stay in Larissa, you will find peace. You will find a wonderful woman, and you will have sons and daughters, who will have children. And they’ll all love you and remember your name. But when your children are dead, and their children after them, your name will be forgotten… If you go to Troy, glory will be yours. They will write stories about your victories for thousands of years! And the world will remember your name. But if you go to Troy, you will never come back… for your glory walks hand-in-hand with your doom. And I shall never see you again.”
Next morning Achilles leaves for Troy.
Now that you have decided to move on in life, keep moving your feet to the beat of your heart. May you make lots of great movies. May people write stories about your victories and critical acclaim for thousands of years! May the world remember your name.
Dale Bhagwagar
dalebhagwagarmediagroup@gmail.com
ok… I didn’t know you have been blogging here sir…
I was lead this space only when I started searching for anything from you on Dev D. Got pretty upset to know you had quit HT. I love the movie by the way.
I usually don’t read much. But your reviews are surely a hit, because of the humour. I don’t think I will ever forget when you wrote that the sight of chair scared you after Swami.. :D :D
At times I didn’t agree to you. but then that’s the fun.
Would have be interesting to work with you… alas!
We still remember your lecture at the Commits seminar in Bangalore.
Keep writing… keep spreading the smile!
Dear Khalid,
I was sad to see you saying goodbye after the review of Luck By Chance in last week in HT. Every Saturday I used to wait for HT to arrive to read your reviews, which I found always very funny and precise. HT on Saturdays without your reviews will not be same. Thanks for the reviews. Thanks also for editing HT Cafe which I find quite readable and entertaining. Hope you colleagues at HT will maintain it. Wish you best for your future adventures.
– Raju Bathija
Hi Khalid,
I’m Harsha, presumbly your most devoted fan.I’m the one who always bothers you at odd times on the phone. Well, what can I say but this is perhaps the correct (s)p(l)ace. I have tried to track you always whereever you were. You were the best for me, for your integrity and character always came across visible in your reviews. Some examples {sorry! but it’s important for me): Your criticisms of making fun of ‘aged persons’ character in Salman’s Jab Pyaar Kisise ‘etc. etc.’, the visually challenged in Govinda’s Jis Desh Mein Ganga…., the glorifiction of ‘licence to kill’ violence in Bobby’s Soldier and (the best of all for me) the glamourisation of ‘foolhardy stunts’ & lawlessness in Aamir’s Ghulam(’e') and the crime glorification in Kaante. I would also agree with you on the regressiveness of Preity’s Kya Kehna absolutely. Your love and dedication to your job is undisputable. You watched every film, big or small, good bad or ugly and reviewed them with fairness and continued doing so after turning director. You proved with Fiza that a critic is a human who can practise what he preaches.
I would also like to thank you for allowing me to come along with you to a press show of Angaarey (1998) and watch the film by your side. I’ll end here for now. Awaiting the releases of greatest of greatest and cultest of cultest films from You. Thanks.
Harsha
KM
Would love to read your review of Dev D ..
Sorry, wish I could..want to..dyin to..itching to..but but but am dealing with my own Paro..without the aid of Chandramukhi.
Every one loves your cocky sense humour, clearly manifested on your film reviews, I hope that your next film doesn’t have a Igmar Bergman….ese influence.. otherwise it will be a EMOTIONAL ATTYACHAR…Hoping to catch you with the likes of Makrand Despande at Prithvi… hope you don’t copy his hairstyle
hello sir….gr8 review on dev d…..seems lik….u njoyd it…quite….i too…wat’s ur take on its music…..wihci i think ia herculean task for a just 1 film old clad…but he rises..brilliantly..wat u say?????
Really good review on DevD
I have’t seen the movie yet :P
Khalid GOODLUCK for your new job at Asian Age
)
Lookin fwd to ur reviewz ther ;)
Hi all.
I think it’s high time, we have a compilation of Khalid Mohammed’s film reviews. Like most of us here, i felt a twinge when Khalid said adieu to the HT film review page. Thank God, he signed off with a good film. ‘Luck by Chance’
And then i read his Dev D review…and felt happy for two reasons. He gave it a positive review. And he’s back.
I may not agree with every KM review, but i completely believe that Khalid knows and loves Hindi cinema.
And more important, he views/reviews films in the genre and context they were made. He’s a film critic with heart. And writes with passion. Yes, he is cussed and acerbic and flippant, (perhaps even biased at times)
But i remember some of his best reviews where he echoed my hazy happy response and thoughts in a solid, articulate manner.
Heck….i even remember some of the headings.
NASEEB. ‘entertains with style’
RAM TERI GANGA MAILI ‘ one from the heart’
GHAYAL ‘ Packed with power’ ( some such phrase)
SATYA forgot the heading but great review.
And hundreds more.
And would love a chapter where KM re-visits some of his reviews. How would he review the same film today.. etc.
It will be a superbly stimulating and useful compliation. And it would be cool if the book includes other ‘critics’ reviewing Khalid’s films.
Waiting for KM’s next review of a flm i want to see.
hey dear,
congrats fr the new beginning.
-dale
http://dalebhagwagareducates.blogspot.com/
Well,
When a person dies or retires, people tend to forget his wrong doings and choose to remember only the good things. That’s how we Indians are. No doubt you have written an emotional piece stright from the heart. But I don’t understand its significance on PFC. What are we supposed to do by knowing about your colleagues and your relationship with them. And the fact remains that you grossly misused your position in prestigious newspapers to mislead people and forward the cause of your friend Shahrukh Khan.
Dear Mr. Khalid,
We’ve never met, but you have touched my life in two ways. I may or may not watch a movie, but I will never miss a review if you have written it.
)
I used to freelance for the Chemistry page, and a couple of times for the City page as well, and had always hoped I would meet you some day.
All the best for your next venture.
Smita Deodhar