“38 B.White.” She says.
He looks at her and
says, “I think..36 B.”
When the first conversation between a 45 year old man and 40
something woman opens with a bra size discussion, it is bound to be funny and
interesting. So is the movie, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. But since it is
also a Bhansali produced film, there is a mild dose of melodrama too.
Sanjay Leela
Bhansali’s story,(dialogues co-written by him and Muncher Wadia),directed by
sister and editor, Bela Bhansali Sehgal; is like freshly baked bun served with
liberal amount of maska, followed by lots of custard at Parsi Dairy. The
beautiful chandelier and curtains settings reminds one of Guzaarish and Black
and the wonderful solo dances by both Boman Irani and Farah Khan bring back
fond memories of Manisha Koirala dancing to “aaj main upar,asmaan neeche” in
Khamoshi.
Farhad Pastakiya (Boman
Irani) is a salesman at a lingerie shop. He is 45 and as his aunt puts it, he
is a “reliable bachelor now, not eligible”. Less naughty, more mushy. His mom
(Daisy Irani) tries to fix him up with every available single woman. Farhad’s
honesty about his profession comes in the way more than his age until he meets
the fiery Shirin Fugawala(Farah Khan).Farah is the secretary of Parsi Trust and
keeps settling fights by throwing a few punches herself.
A few charming exchanges
later, Farhad falls in love with Shirin though he neither knows her name
or number. Filmy moments like these are in plentiful, including the ending. The
main leads in their 40s,real in looks, character and performance, balances out
the unreal, in keeping with the rom com genre. A somewhat contrived subplot,
involving an old eccentric uncle, Feroze who is waiting to propose to Indira
Gandhi, makes the otherwise simple and sweet love story somewhat stereotypical.
However, the narrative in its
simplicity, along with dialogues, is endearing and fun.
Cinematography by Mahesh
Aney makes the beautiful Colaba streets
and buildings stand out in their grandeur. Music by Jeet Ganguly is pleasant like all Bhansali movies except that Farah lip
syncing to Shreya Ghoshal, takes away the conviction. Amitabh Bhattacharya’s lyrics entertain as usual with songs like “kukud
ku… Daffar mein saala,Karti kya kaam bhi na poocha,
Gadhera..”
Boman and Farah are a casting coup together. Farah Khan in
her debut performance looks sweeter than lagan nu custard, is more graceful
than Madhuri Dixit in her moves and has a fantastic sense of timing despite her
flat dialogue delivery. Her demure smiles and emotional scenes makes one forget
her real life avatar as a no-nonsense director and choreographer. Boman manages
to slip into vulnerability with total ease as a 45 year old henpecked son who
can make one cry even while mouthing simple lines like, ”You like red and I
like white.” Daisy Irani and Shammiji as mom and grand mom are delightful
together.
Bela Bhansali Sehgal as a debut director, is quite skilful
in tying in simplicity, honesty, humour and emotion. Watch the film for a
scooter car joyride and head for a coffee shop in Colaba. Book a table for two
with chandeliers above. You don’t have to be 40 and naughty.
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