Growing up, Ahista Ahista is one of my favorite tear-jerking movies. Whenever I want a good movie to cry and bawl, I watch this film. Although I have seen it so many times and know what to expect, the expressions and emotions form the stars get me each time. Many Hmong people have also found a special place for this film their heart. This is one of the few films that my cousins and I would watch over and over again when we were younger. My parents own the Hmong dubbed version on VHS and let her friends, Hmong and non-Hmong, watch it and they loved it. Because I am so attach to this film, I've been waiting and waiting for it to release on dvd one day with English subs. Still, no word on the version. However, a friend sent me the VCD version with no English subs, I was satisfied since I wanted to see it again anyways. Many Hmong people have asked me about this movie, about where could they could purchase it.
While watching the film again, I want to complain that the quality sucks. Hubby came by and joked with me was I watching a 1970s film. I replied back with "sorta" and told him it's an older Indian movie that I grew up with and been dying to watch again. He laughed and told me that even the dvds for older films have better quality. True, but still...
Since you already distribute a horrible VCD version of the 1981 film, Ahista Ahista, could you please consider releasing a version on dvd with English subtitles? Please? Pretty please? Oh yeah, please subtitle the songs too. Just hate it when the movie has subtitles but the songs are ignored. Why? Don't you know the music also drives the movie as well?
Since I am just a Hmong Chick who Loves Indian Cinema, I don't know if Ahista Ahista fared well or not at the box office, at that time. You see, just checking it up on the Internet was not convenient back then. However, if you would like, I could get the entire Hmong population to sign a petition so you could see how much we, Hmong people, love this film.
Impatiently waiting for so many years for Ahista Ahista to release on dvd,
Nicki aka ApunBindaas
Why does the Hmong people like this movie so much? I can not answer that question on behalf of Hmong people but for me, it's the storyline that is good and the acting.
Subbalaxmi (Shashikala) is a courtesan who manages and oversees a household of women. When one of the women in the house, Sangeeta (Nanda), gives birth to Chandra (Padmini Kolhapure), Subalaxmi is estastic. Chandra befriends Kunal (Kunal Kapoor) and his family; she wants to study and not train to dance. Disappointed Subalaxmi is heart broken but allows Chandra to continue her studies. Kunal and Chandra start to fall in love. Can a young, beautiful girl born in a family of courtesans be accepted by Kunal's family? Or the society? Or is her life destined to be a courtesan?
Chandra is a beautiful, young lady born in a courtesan environment. But that doesn't stop her for being ambitious and deciding what her future has in store for her! She fights against all the rumors and stand on her own. All she wants is Kunal's love.
Even though, Padmini is credited third, I believe the movie revolves around her. When I was younger, I was told at the guys at the Indian store that Ahista Ahista is her debut film. I'm not sure about it. Even though the Internet is available and ready, sites like Wiki and IMBD is not always reliable. I want to believe Ahista Ahista is Padmini's debut film as a leading role.
I freaking love her. Seeing her in Ahista Ahista, turned me instantly to one of her fans. Not only is she beautiful, but I enjoy her on-screen presence. I want to see more of her films and hope that her older films will be available on dvd with English subtitles soon.
Ahista Ahista is Padmini's film all the way.
Kunal loves Chandra and defends her to so many people. However, problems start to occur when Chandra is unable to tell him a secret in which she had promise her mom.
Kunal Kapoor - this Kunal Kapoor is the offspring of Shashi Kapoor, the oldest son. Not the same Desi version of Jesus that is popular now-a-days, the one in Rang De Basanti. Ahista Ahista is his debut film but he didn't stay in Bollywood long.
Sagar - the sweet, understanding father of Kunal and Deepa. He welcomes Chandra to his home despite what others have to say about Chandra's status of being born in a courtesan environment, gives her blessings, and loves her like his own daughter.
Shammi Kapoor is actually credited first but I'm introducing him third. Why? Although his role is significant as well, I feel that the movie is target more towards Kunal and Chandra's love. With roles that are endearing to me, such as in Romance and Yeh Vaada Raha, I love his characters he portrays and think Hmong people love him as much also.
Sangeeta (Nanda) - Chandra's mother. She doesn't want Chandra to follow her footsteps and wants Chandra to continue her education and make a name for herself.
Subbalaxmi (Shashikala) is in charge of the courtesans. Sadly, Sangeeta and Chandra live with her as well. All she thinks about is money, money, money.
Deepa (Soni Razdan) - Kunal's sister. Both of them have befriended Chandra when she was young. All three grew up together.
Sagar's wife. Kunal & Deepa's mother. She isn't happy when her husband and family start to hang around with Chandra but allowed it. Bothered by what the society has to say, she lets Savitri's words get to her.
Savitri (Aruna Irani) likes to gossip and stir up problems.
The music is very soothing to listen to. Till this day, I still listen to it.
Song #1 - "Kabhi Kisi Ko"
Sangeeta is worried about the future of her daughter, Chandra
Song #2 - "Ahista Ahista"
Kunal and Chandra are falling in love.
Watch Below
Song #3 - Bin Bhulaye Hum Chale"
Chandra wants Kunal's attention.
Song #4 - "Humko Mile Tum"
Kunal and Chandra promise to be together.
Song #5 - "Bhuja Saka Hain"
Kunal is upset with Chandra. She is sad because she has a secret and promises her mom she won't reveal it to anyone, not even Kunal.
Ahista Ahista will always be an all-time favorite of mine. I would like to hear from people in India telling me how it did at the box office at that time.
