As I started this part, another Hindi heroine popped into my mind—Asha Parekh. She was one of my favorites, and I didn't want to forget her.

I’ve already talked about Kishore Kumar’s movies, many of which were comedies. Do you remember Do Guni Chaar? What a hilarious film that was! And then, of course, Padosan, which remains a timeless classic in the comedy genre.

In Tamil cinema, the oldest full-length comedies that still engross me are Sabapathy and Maya Bazaar. As a family, we must have watched these films countless times. From more modern times, Michael Madana Kama Rajan takes the cake. We could talk endlessly about that movie—so hilarious! Even thinking about certain scenes still makes us laugh. Kamal Haasan's performance as four different characters was simply unforgettable.

As I always emphasize, I rely solely on memory when writing these pieces, so it’s possible that I’ve missed many iconic films. This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list but rather a nudge for you to take a walk down memory lane and relive those cinematic moments. I'm sure there are mistakes in the names and spellings, for which I seek your pardon.

But I can't help feeling for the people who worked behind the scenes. Aside from the names of the director, music director, hero, and heroine, we often don't pay attention to the other titles that roll by in the credits. The immense effort required by every single person involved in the making of a movie often goes unnoticed. The coordination alone is a monumental task! That's why I’ve never been one to criticize books, movies, or other art forms. Every piece of art—whether a movie, book, or painting—is an expression. Some resonate with us, some don’t, but that doesn’t diminish the effort, creativity, or imagination behind it. There’s always something to appreciate.

Through my son, who pursued a course in movie direction in LA and worked with a top director for a year or so, I got a closer look at what it takes to create a movie. The amount of creativity, the number of hands involved, the risks taken—it’s a massive undertaking. And it’s not just a one-time thing. Each movie demands new creativity and fresh ideas. The process is continuous, and the passion never fades.

When I was younger, I watched films purely for the story being told. I paid some attention to the acting, and a lot to the music, and that was it. I didn’t think about appreciating the visuals, screenplay, editing, or direction. It wasn’t until much later in life that I began to critically analyze films, and even then, I missed out on so much.

Now, when my family members dissect a movie with great detail and insight, I understand my own shortcomings. Films are works of art, and they need to be viewed as such. Yet, even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t be able to engage with them on that deeper, more analytical level.

Continued in 203. Lights And Sights - Part 5