Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli

it is difficult to believe that this is a movie by V Shantaram. he had started making movies when it was still the 'silent era' in India, the late 20s. this movie was made in 1971. it is difficult to believe a single artist can grow so much in technique and execution during one lifetime.perhaps he always was great, ahead of his times, he kept waiting for technological advancements and when it happened, he knew very well how to make the best use of them. those who are not well-exposed to the Indian style of film making may find this movie an amusing experience and may fail to relate with the pure worship of music and dance which the movie so honestly delivers. the title, when roughly translated to English, means- 'A fish without water, lightening without dance!' the maker takes us to the lives and passion of two artists, and we realize how important music and dance can be for someone, that it transcends all boundaries of real and unreal, life and death, relations and materialism.the climax witnesses a unique blend of the real and the divine, and the will power of the girl enables her to achieve the pure dream of her life. in one word, this movie is a 'spiritualistic' take on the art of dance. and it is beautiful. there are different types of dance and the choreography, even decades down the line, remains a text book of sorts. perhaps the honesty and classical look of the movie make it difficult for many people to appreciate it, but for those who do get attached to it, would cherish it throughout their life. even if there are a handful of them, i am sure V Shantaram would have been glad. hats off to the great artist.