#my love for madhubala

[natkhat-sa-shyam]

She was beautiful, but not like those girls in magazines.

She was beautiful, for the way she thought.

She was beautiful, for the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved.

She was beautiful, for her ability to make other people smile, even if she was sad.

No, she wasn't beautiful for something as temporary as her looks.

She was beautiful, deep down to her soul. She is beautiful.

F Scott Fitzgerald

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Madhubala (Mughal-e-Azam, Barsaat Ki Raat, Mr. & Mrs. '55)—The Venus of India; heart-throb of all who saw her; responsible for the sexual awakening of every single desi lesbian I know (including me!) And my god, she is breathtakingly beautiful. Look at the subtle grace with which she moves, and that smile - the kind of radiant smile that can make you laugh with sheer delight, or cry because of its hidden pain. Those wild curls! That Cupid's bow! The way she tilts back her head and smiles at you with mischief dancing in her eyes! She has a way of looking at the camera that makes you feel she's sharing a private joke just with you; it's something about that quizzical twist of the lips and eyebrows. As an actress, she is inimitable; she seems to effortlessly inhabit roles ranging from a heart-broken courtesan to a laughter-loving socialite. Fun fact : she's had quite the fan following in Greece! Stelios Kazantidis even wrote a song as a tribute to her.

Ingrid Bergman (Gaslight, Casablanca, Notorious)—Where do I even begin with Ingrid Bergman? I fell in love with her with her astounding performance in the 1956 version of Anastasia -- the best Anastasia movie in large part due to her wonderful and touching performance. She's got this amazing, fascinating intensity to her in whatever role she's in. She commits 100%, and she's got this light in whatever she's in that's stunning. She's utterly convincing no matter what she plays, from an amnesiac possible lost princess, from a nun, from a woman taking her revenge on the town that wronged her, to light romantic comedy. She's never missed in any role I've seen her in! Also she became quite the MILF.

This is round 5 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Madhubala:

An icon of Bollywood, who was well known for her beauty and has continued to inspire performances and songs into the 21st century. She was at times described as "the number one beauty of the Indian screen" and "the biggest star in the world".

SHE IS EVERYTHING AHHH. JUST LOOK AT HER SMILE-

She's been nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe of India and was one of the highest paid actresses in the Hindi film industry (the term Bollywood did not exist yet) during the 1950s. Also an extremely talented dancer and singer

SHE'S JUST SO STUNNING, like seeing her eyes IMMEDIATELY CAPTIVATES YOU, THE DANCING, THE BEAUTY!!!!!!!!! She worked in Bollywood for over 20 years and passed away at a sad early age of 36, BUT THE IMPACT SHE HAD WAS UNMATCHED!!!!!

That sassy sideways glance she does always has me WEAK AT THE KNEES. And when she's making silly faces at the camera to mimic someone ahhhh my gay little heart <3

Ingrid Bergman:

God, she's fantastic. She's both beautiful and a compelling actor who's more than capable of putting the whole movie on her shoulders if necessary. It's worth noting that while her beauty is conventional, she was seen as refreshingly "natural" with more eyebrows and less makeup than many other leading ladies of the time. She's well known for her role in Casablanca, but in Notorious, Spellbound, (both available on archive.org ) and Gaslight (1944) she shows how immensely capable she is.

I mean...she's Ingrid Bergman. I feel like that should be enough, you know? She's physically beautiful (her eyes!) but watching her is like a transcendent experience. Her voice, her expressions... beautiful woman, beautiful actor.

I'm a gay man but even I understand her appeal. I'll watch any movie she shows up in. Gorgeous woman.

Just try and watch her movies without sighing wistfully, then get back to me!

Choosing 1-3 movies where Bergman was at her hottest was agony because, of course, she was always at her hottest. Not just because she was beautiful but because she was absolutely willing to go up against the bs women in Hollywood were constantly dealing with. When exiled from Hollywood for having an affair with Roberto Rossellini, not only did she refuse to apologize at any point, but she went on to say that Hollywood's films had grown stagnant and boring to her. Though she said she appreciated her time working there, she wanted to try new, different techniques (hence starring in Italian neorealist films, working on stage, and acting under directors like Ingmar Bergman). She was not afraid to chase after her artistic ideals and go outside the box regardless of what society had to say about it. From her first movie to her last she killed it. There's so much more to say about Bergman's career and life, but I've already written five million words so I'll stop at that.

ion words so I'll stop at that.

One of the most incredible actors I've ever seen on film. Her facial expressions are so intricate and poignant that I cannot look away. I'm either ace or straight, but damn she made me question that.

SEVEN TIME OSCAR NOMINEE QUEEN. Girl also PULLED, having affairs with famously hot men Gary Cooper and Gregory Peck IN ADDITION to her three marriages...sexy

She has a very natural beauty to her, and she's from Sweden!

She left Hollywood and only became more beautiful. You could drown in her eyes. She can look innocent AND like she's seen it all. She is effortlessly elegant. She's played Joan of Arc (automatically hot) AND was in the movie that coined gaslight as a term. And where would we be without that!

She was known for being a breath of fresh air on the movie scene at the time with her windswept hair, dreamy smile and soulful eyes. I have loved her in every movie I have seen her in - she was just magnetic!

Where do I even start. There's a neighborly quality to this beautiful, talented actress that makes her hotness one of a kind and her looks impossible to forget

With a career spanning five decades, Bergman is often regarded as one of the most influential screen figures in cinematic history. Known for her naturally luminous beauty, Bergman spoke five languages – Swedish, English, German, Italian and French – and acted in each.

She's hot, don't get me wrong, but I've always found her very approachable, like she could easily be a member of my friend group

A lot of the time hotness in a movie is just about words and framing. "You're the most beautiful person here" [vaseline lens] well I sure hope so because that's who you cast. But when, in Casablanca, they call Ingrid Bergman the most beautiful woman in the world... they were not fucking lying. And such a dynamite actor too!! I'd only seen Casablanca up until last year, and there she's confined to love interest. But in Gaslight she was maybe one of the most incredible actors I've ever seen!!!! Goddddd shes so fucking hot and cool.

[shut-up-rabert]

I want to shout this BAD.

Indian. Serials. Or Soap-Dramas. Are. Not. That. Bad.

I mean- I saw people arguing how being a Nagin makes no sense and I was like- so being turned into a shapeshifter vampire with bloody fangs makes sense? Hypocrisy smh.

I can name quite a few Indian shows (the Tv ones, Web series are already appreciated) that actually are amazing! They just fall short when creators choose quantity over quality.

Of course, classics like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Office Office, Byomkesh Bakshi, Malgudi days, Mahabharata and Ramayana get the praise they truly deserve! But here some relatively modern shows that get looked over due to same old Saas-Bahu genre.

Yeh unn dino ki baat hai (90s romantic drama), Har yug mein aayega ek arjun (my favourite criminal thriller), Adaalat (law-crime thriller), Beyhadh (the first season is one the best psychic-romance thrills ever), Ek Hasina thi (romantic thriller + also contains Vatshal Sheth from Tarzan the wonder car and is- chef's kiss).

Also can I say Naagin 1, no matter how much everyone bashes it today, was actually a dhasu show?

Honestly, I can add quite a few to the mix myself. Saraswatichandra? Best Romance I’ve seen till date. Ishqbaaz? Laughing out loud since episode 2. Qubool hai? The one time I like Karan Singh Grover. Laut Aao Trisha. Saubhagyavati Bhava. Bepanah. Starplus Mahabharat. Madhubala. On and on and on. Heck, even Anupama wouldn’t be so bad if it stuck to the plot and not for duniya bhar ka drama. But that’s exactly where the problem arises. All these serials start very VERY promising. They deliver well at the beginning aswell. The starting is what gets you hooked, you hope for something entertaining and they seem rather fit for that role. Sure, the overdramatism is there, but this is India, we can digest that much dhum tananananananana tere na tere na tin.

Things start going south when shows start pulling TRP. All the money hungry producers think that “hmmmm, this looks nice, I can milk it. What can possibly go wrong?” Hint: possibly everything can go wrong.

Lets look at Ishqbaaz for example. Three brother, three different perceptions of love, three distinct love stories. A shining new concept with four rather attractive leads to have the young adult population flocking, isn’t it?

It starts really great aswell. The first few episodes stick to the point very well, excessive delay like 3-4 days for like one person to turn around and shit aren’t there. It’s funny, it’s cute, it shows character arcs brilliantly. You’d expect the main leads to all fall in love, learn something and the show to end , right?

Wrong. It starts going off hinges really fast as soon as Starplus realises that the money making cow should stay. The main lead is suddenly super toxic. Shit like ghar ke bahu bete suddenly staging Agatha Christie level conspiracies and having the same intellect as Batman on shrooms becomes the norm. Drama like chhat se girkar yadaasht chale jaana, sautan ka plan samjhna, aur end m pta chlna ki bhencho sab kiya dhara heroine ki saas ka tha. Yep.

I stopped watching here but the thing is there was a look alike adla badli arc after this, so you can see how bad it went.

Next I watched, Saraswatichandra. I kid you not, it had the BEST setting one could ask for. A emotionally stinted guy coming all the way from Dubai to reject this girl, staying in her house. When everyone thinks they are getting married but they resent each other and secretly start falling in love, no? What more can one ask for? They admit their love and do actually get married while none in the families is wiser.

BUT, they had to add faltu ka natak, so add faltugiri they did. Bina baat ka action, stereotypical portrayal, heroine ki kahi aur shaadi, waha se uska talak, heroine ki sister falling in love with hero, whole family conspiring, kidnapping, yada yada yada, y’all get the jist.

The thing is, this wouldn’t be as bad if the characters still acted wisely in the bizzare situations. Or if the situations made sense. Who THE FUCK breaks their engagement a day before the wedding because they got disowned by their dad? Why did he immediately forget that he’s still entitled to his mother’s stuff? Akal kaha hai teri madarchod?

Producers butcher good storylines for paisa. People with no motivation are trying to kill bahu because they are bad. Police is not doing its job, not because its corrupt but because saas bahu ko khud detective khelna hai. Family drama mein randomly kahi se bhi chudail aa jaati hai even if the show not fantasy based. Vamp mast 16 khoon kar deti hai but still is legally allowed in the house. (Konsa law hai ye bc?) Why is everyone so out of character suddenly? WHY IS EVERYONE STUPID?

So, here’s the issue with indian serials: they don’t stick to the story, nor do they develope the story according to the characters, instead they alter the characters, premise and genre of the soap according to whatever story they think will fetch more views. This makes the whole thing bizzare.

Of course, some norms are always relaxed in dramas and a lot more in fantasy/supernatural dramas, but there’s a limit to how much there should be based on characters/ premise of what you offered in the first place.

Bhabhiji and Happu work as well as they do despite overlooking all the points I mentioned because they refresh their storyline every week and aren’t a continous saga, plus they never took themselves seriously as and always promised to be whacky. This is not true for Ganga, Saath nibhana saathiya, Sasural Simar ka, Kumkum bhagya etc., Prachi suffering by the hands of her stepsister cum co-wife even though she can easily turn the tables by making a police report for bigamy becomes frustrating to witness at one point.

Didi ye kya bakwaas likha hai, seedhey bolo na: Indian serials are indeed good and full of potential, but the producers and writers refuse to see that potential and make us flock to other dramas by diminishing our energies.

[thedorkside-of-ashutosh]

Being Queer and Finding Love

As an amab (male) queer who is attracted to women more than men, I somehow relate to this (the above meme). It's frustrating and deeply depressing.

Ashutosh | 31st October 2024

It gets fucking lonely. I can't be queer and also flirt with a woman I'm attracted to, because then she just might think I'm that "gay friend" she can go shopping with (as much as I love shopping, myself), and whom she can set other men up with. It literally robs me of my own queer experience!

Love is an impractical dream if I want to just be myself, viz, if I'm not overtly masculine (but simply queer, non-binary)— and I don't like being masculine all the time! It's exhausting! As proud as I am of my queer identity and even to wear it around, I am also afraid to reveal it (in this case, to women I feel romantically for). Love has always been so far out of my reach—or, perhaps always only a touch out of view—that it justifies my loneliness, which in turn, justifies my constant desperation for love when I seek it out. My identity as "queer" is often co-opted, and I am reduced to a sidekick, my attempts at flirting (or, in better words, at courting love) dismissed as merely platonic actions.

Pardon the apparent "paranoia," for it actually isn't. It is an anxiety. And it is born from an apparent pressure— an unnatural pressure to 'act' overtly masculine, to mask my true self from the love I want to court. Love then feels like deception, and there is nothing I hate more than deception, the sheer insincerity subsumed in it. I don't feel free to love sincerely, honestly. And that pressure is external to me.

As a result, I often have to choose between being queer and finding love. Love can be found anywhere, not just on dating apps. But lately, in the real world, access to love is socially regimented in time, space, and methodologies, constructs which I recognise but do not intuitively understand. Outside of the realm of dating apps, and the meaningless hookups and superficial dates (romantic meet-ups) that reek of reluctance/avoidance that follow, finding love organically is an awkward game of chess. When I fail to make my move, I tell myself and others that I am shy—maybe I am—but really, I am terrified. And the game of love is so scary, that being queer feels easier, even if it isn't complete, even if I am incomplete. At least I exist, even if it's in the friend-zone. At least people are being "nice" to me. At least it "feels" like I have friends. At least this, at least that.

And when did love become a game of absolutes where there are winners and losers, success and failure, fuckables and unfuckables, sigmas and simps, alphas, betas, romeos, creeps, chads and charlies?

I was born to love. But love feels like an unfulfilled promise, and so do I.

Fin.

Post scriptum:

It physically hurt as I wrote this, because even I only realised this just now. Now I have to come to terms with it. This is my reality.

I can still feel a weird "surge" in my chest... Some kind of "welling up" in my chest cavity... Reminds me of SRK's film, "My Name is Khan."

Here are some songs that compliment this blog post...

Lyrics that hit home:

Kishore Kumar

Yeh dariya, yeh mauji, yeh sahil,

Yeh chhalki huyi mastiyaan

Hain aati nazar, kuchh kami si magar...

Jaane kya yeh nila aasmaan...

Kya khabar, kya patah... ja raha hun main kahan...?

Akela hun main is jahaan mein,

Akeli meri daastaan,

Nah manzil koi, nah saathi koi...

Jaane kya ye nila aasmaan...

Kya khabar, kya pata... ja raha hun main kahaan...?

This stanza is from a song Kishore Kumar composed himself. It is from his shelved film, "Neela Aasman," with Madhubala... it was shelved after her tragic death. Kishore Kumar wrote many of his songs himself; some of his songs were actually poems which he wrote as a young student. Jhumroo is one example.

Every time I listen to Kishore Kumar, I somehow feel like I have known him personally. I relate with him very deeply emotionally.

Beyond his known flaws, and the obviously charismatic jolly-good-fellow personality that is reflected in his popular songs and films, some of his poetry and music reflect a part of his personality which seems, however, forgotten. Apparently, he was a very deeply emotional man, and some of his very rare songs reflect his loneliness and almost hopeless yearning for true love, while songs like Jhumroo, which reflected hope, resilience, and perseverance, compensated for such depressing finalities.

Imagine Dragons—

I'm a reckless mistake,

I'm a cold night's intake,

I'm a one night too long,

I'm a come on too strong.

All my life I've been living in the fast lane,

Can't slow down, I'm a rollin' freight train.

One more time,

Gotta start all over,

Can't slow down,

I'm a lone red rover.

I'm a hold my cards close,

I'mma wreck what I love most,

I'm a first class let down,

I'm a shut up sit down.

I am a head case,

I am the color of boom

That's never arriving,

And you are the pay raise,

Always a touch out of view...

And I am the color of boom...

Oh! How did it come to this? Oh!

Love is a polaroid,

Better in picture,

But never can fill the void...

I'm gonna get ready

For the rain to pour heavy,

Oh, let it fall,

Let it fall upon my head.

Need I explain?

*****

[sayyourprayers]

Who is your new icon 🤩😍

My love. My Madhubala. One of the most gorgeous women to have walked the earth and who is the only famous person to make it to my wall ever. Just bonkers beautiful.

Por ejemplo: This banger of a song.

[aashiqeddiediaz]

happy is one in a million. and i’m not saying this because i love her. she is. once someone gets to know her, they can’t help themselves from falling in love with her. that day, when you were talking about her...i realized that you’ve gotten to know her.

(for @southasiansource‘s #SASTurnsOne — Week 2: Favourite OTP/BroTP/Character Dynamics)

[Image ID: seven gifs of Abhay Deol as Bilal and Ali Fazal as Guddu from Happy Bhag Jayegi. They are standing out on a balcony, talking about Happy, and how Guddu thinks that Bilal has started to like her. Each gif has English subtitles:

GIF 1: Bilal looking up at Guddu. The subtitle reads, "Do you want only an answer or the truth?"

GIF 2: Guddu smiling slightly as he asks, wide-eyed, "Let the truth be. Just give me an answer."

GIF 3: Bilal smiling at Guddu, looking lost in thought as he says, "You know, Madhubala...she used to be my father's favourite." [in reference to Madhubala the actress.]

GIF 4: Guddu's expression, listening closely as Bilal talks. The subtitle is a continuation of Bilal's dialogue, and reads, "He used to tease my mother that she wasn't as beautiful as Madhubala. Mom used to laugh it off."

GIF 5: Bilal looking at Guddu, still smiling slightly as he talks. The text reads, "You know why? Because Madhubala was also one in a million. Everyone loved her. Did it matter?"

GIF 6: A close-up of Bilal's expression as he says, "The only thing that matters is who Madhubala actually loved."

GIF 7: Guddu smiling slightly before ducking his head.

/end ID]

[rehamramzi]

“The homesickness weighing on my heart left when I met you”

Long lost love of Madhubala and Dilip Kumar. Sometimes things don’t work out in your favour, and that’s called life.

[anotherfanaccount]

I need to watch the older Hindi and Bengali films.

This is the thing that I don't like about my family, absolutely no film culture. They didn't sit me down to watch their favourite movies even though I know they liked going to movies during their youth. Pass on the culture please.

My film love starts with srk, and it's not a bad thing but I can't appreciate Amitabh, Dilip, waheeda rehman, nutan, Madhubala, and so so many more, entirely because I just haven't seen their glorious body of works.

So if anyone can suggest some jewels and also where to watch them.

First, need to go search satyajit ray's all works.

[musicverse11]

Asha Bhosle: An Icon for Aspiring Artists

In the vibrant world of Indian cinema and music, few names resonate with the same timeless charm as Asha Bhosle. Over eight decades, her voice has not only defined the essence of Bollywood playback singing but also transcended generational divides to remain relevant in an ever-evolving music industry. From her melodious renditions of romantic ballads to her peppy dance numbers and soulful ghazals, Asha Bhosle’s voice is a bridge connecting the golden era of Indian music to modern sensibilities. This article celebrates the unmatched journey of a living legend whose voice remains eternal.

Early Years and Humble Beginnings

Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra, Asha Bhosle stepped into the world of music as a necessity rather than a choice. After the untimely demise of her father, classical singer Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, Asha and her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar began singing to support their family. Asha’s first break came as a playback singer in the 1940s, but she struggled to carve a niche for herself in an industry dominated by stalwarts like her sister Lata and Shamshad Begum.

Her initial songs were for low-budget films, but Asha never lost hope. Her determination and unique voice stood out, eventually earning her collaborations with major music directors of the time. Asha’s rise was slow but steady, proving that talent combined with perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

Versatility: Asha’s Hallmark

Asha Bhosle’s greatest strength lies in her versatility. She has sung songs across genres, languages, and emotions, ensuring that her music appeals to a wide audience. Whether it’s the classical mastery of “Parde Mein Rehne Do” or the seductive cabaret vibes of “Aaiye Meherbaan,” her adaptability remains unmatched.

Her collaborations with RD Burman, often described as groundbreaking, saw her explore bold and experimental styles. Songs like “Dum Maaro Dum” and “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja” brought a new, youthful energy to Bollywood music. Beyond Bollywood, her ghazals, such as those in the album Dil Padosi Hai, showcased her classical roots and ability to convey profound emotions.

Crossing Generations and Genres

Asha Bhosle’s career spans eight decades — a testament to her adaptability. She has sung for heroines from Madhubala and Helen to Kajol and Urmila Matondkar, proving her relevance across generations. While her contemporaries remained associated with specific genres or eras, Asha embraced change with open arms, lending her voice to modern-day remixes like “Kambakht Ishq” in Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and international collaborations like her Grammy-nominated album You’ve Stolen My Heart with Kronos Quartet.

In addition to her Bollywood repertoire, Asha explored regional and global music. She has recorded songs in over 20 Indian languages and several foreign ones, including English, Russian, and Malay. Her ability to adapt to the demands of different audiences solidified her as an artist without boundaries.

The Emotional Connect of Her Voice

What sets Asha apart is her ability to infuse emotions into every lyric she sings. Her voice has the power to make you dance, weep, or fall in love. Whether it’s the playful mischief in “Eena Meena Deeka,” the haunting melancholy of “Chhod Do Aanchal,” or the undying romance in “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko,” Asha’s voice brings life to words, making each song unforgettable.

Listeners often find themselves relating to her music, regardless of age or background. Her voice acts as a time capsule, transporting audiences to moments of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and relevant.

Awards and Accolades

The recognition Asha Bhosle has received over her career reflects her exceptional contributions to music. She has won numerous awards, including the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer twice. She also holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards in playback singing and was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000.

In 2011, Asha Bhosle entered the Guinness World Records as the most recorded artist in music history, a milestone that further cemented her legacy. Despite her accolades, Asha remains humble, often emphasizing that her love for music surpasses all recognition.

Asha Bhosle: A Name That Defines Timelessness

What makes Asha Bhosle truly timeless is her ability to reinvent herself without losing the essence of her artistry. At an age when most artists retire, she continued to record and perform live, winning hearts with her boundless energy and passion. Her influence extends beyond the world of playback singing; she has inspired countless singers and musicians globally, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

Conclusion

Asha Bhosle is more than just a playback singer; she is an icon, a legend, and a voice that continues to echo in the hearts of millions. Her ability to bridge generations and transcend genres is unparalleled, making her a true gem in the world of music. As we listen to her songs, we not only celebrate her remarkable career but also embrace the emotions, memories, and moments her music evokes.

Whether you’re rediscovering her classic hits or grooving to her modern numbers, Asha Bhosle’s music is a testament to the timeless power of melody. Let her journey inspire you to pursue your passion with the same dedication and resilience.

“What’s your favorite Asha Bhosle song? Take a trip down memory lane and immerse yourself in her timeless voice. Share your favorite track and the memories it brings!”

[shut-up-rabert]

Damn grill ty for the tag🥺 u too @suvarnarekha <3

16) the respect we give to people? I don’t know, I love the way we have the right blend of formality and casuality when calling strangers uncle/auntie when soeaking with them, or the way we casually teach children to have formal greetings when the western word has long since shed it.

17) back on my old fandom blog, I was mindlessly searching for tags such as Hindu and indian because I was half sure I will find misinfo about something (The farmer’s protest and Kashmir files were big bacjkthen) and @mirabelmadrigirl rb’d a post of mine regarding Kashmir Hindu Genocide, tagging it #desiblr. That was the beginning of my descend down the rabbit hole.

18) Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachhan, Shashi Kapoor, Kishore Kumar, and well, most of them actually :) Speaking of actresses, the first name that comes to mind is Katrina, because while I know she is not exceptional in any way but her being a part of lot of my favourite ventures has made me biased. Deepika, Madhubala, Parveen Babi and Smita Patil are love aswell.

19) Andaaz Apna Apna. Nothing exceptional, but you can get a refund from me if you don’t spill your guts out laughing.

20) Kadhi Chawal. The memory is kind of similar to the one I mentioned regarding the casettes and incense one: coming home in summer to find myself watching TV and eating my favourite dish. It had the right amount of spices and sweetness without any actual veggies in it or a runny oily broth, which is why it won from Rajma Chawal for me.

21) Can’t think of any right now but MSD: the untold story is one I watch everytime its on Tv

22) I don’t know about many Sarees but whats that bright one with a coloured and shiny blouse and a cummerband, the one which is all shiny and sparkly and makes u look like a princess? I think its either Kanchivaram aur Benarasi, but I’m not sure :/

23) Lehengas make me feel a whole another layer of Royal(ly ungraceful)

24) Ramayan by Valmiki, Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas, Shreemad Bhagvad Geeta (recited by Shree Krishan and recorded by Ved Vyas via Shree Ganesh)

25) Uttar Kand (because that’s all it is to me, a myth)

26) Pooja and hymns and chanting the sacred name. Decorating yhe house at Diwali and wearing the beautiful dresses exclusive to us :’)

27) Bhabhiji Ghar par hai, Ishqbaaz (b4 it became shitty), Saraswatichandra(same as prev.), Ramayan, both mahabharats

28) haven’t watched any, idk why I do this but webseries aren’t my thang in general.

29) Imma be biased here and say the Shree Ram temple. Yes, the same one that hasn’t been made yet. But if we talking like the older ones I guess I’ll go with the Rameshwaram temple because of the pillar jilted verandas which give me a feeling of tranquility and Godliness.

30) Treta Yug— okay, I’ll stop being religious for a moment and say the Mauryan period and the Rajputana period ;-; of course I have a special place in heart for 2000s but that would not be too old now would it?

31) Given my Kshatria lineage I would most probably be a princess or a duchess equivalent. Either ways I get to read ancient scriptures, learn vedic math and science and holding a sword so yay :)

32) Goswami Tulsidas. His Chaupais bring tears to my eyes simply because ;-33)Summer, nothing better than pools and icecream

34) Japanese culture has felt sisterly to me. Their summer festival tends to remind me of the street fair we have every monsoon on our village peer shrines. Medivial Middle east, while the religions were infant has seemed cozy aswell. The picture of the manger always soothed me.

35) The one regarding how Holi originated in Vrindavan. Its a small telling but I love it<3

I think most of my moots have already done this so open tag :)

Creating Desi asks because I have nothing to do

1. What's your first language? Are you more comfortable in it than english ?

2. Which state are you from and do you like it ?

3. Favourite Indian city ?

4. A Indian language you don't speak but would like to learn?

5. Favourite Indian classical dance? and why?

6. Favourite holiday destination in India?

7. Favourite festival and why?

8. Favourite traditions (or superstition) and why?

9. Something that makes you glad you are Desi?

10. If you weren't born in desi countries which country would have been born in?

11. Have you ever thought of leaving this country?

12. Favourite Indian singer and song?

13. Favourite film from any language?

14. A core desi memory?

15. Favourite person from your extended family?

[assyrianjalebi]

Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

[natkhat-sa-shyam]

तेरी आँखों के सिवा दुनिया में रक्खा क्या है

ये उठें सुबह चले, ये झुकें शाम ढले

मेरा जीना मेरा मरना इन्हीं पलकों के तले

तेरी आँखों के सिवा दुनिया में रक्खा क्या है

kal rat papa ke kamre mein ku6 kaam ke liye gaya tha and he was listening this on his own radio.this few words kept my attention aur tabse ye gaana pichle ek ghante se loop par soon rha hoon. I not only wanna listen this song but also to feel this in my bloodstream so all of my body cells can sense how I'm feeling.

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Madhubala (Mughal-e-Azam, Barsaat Ki Raat, Mr. & Mrs. '55)—The Venus of India; heart-throb of all who saw her; responsible for the sexual awakening of every single desi lesbian I know (including me!) And my god, she is breathtakingly beautiful. Look at the subtle grace with which she moves, and that smile - the kind of radiant smile that can make you laugh with sheer delight, or cry because of its hidden pain. Those wild curls! That Cupid's bow! The way she tilts back her head and smiles at you with mischief dancing in her eyes! She has a way of looking at the camera that makes you feel she's sharing a private joke just with you; it's something about that quizzical twist of the lips and eyebrows. As an actress, she is inimitable; she seems to effortlessly inhabit roles ranging from a heart-broken courtesan to a laughter-loving socialite. Fun fact : she's had quite the fan following in Greece! Stelios Kazantidis even wrote a song as a tribute to her.

Olivia de Havilland (Adventures of Robin Hood, Gone With the Wind, The Heiress)— The woman who took on the Studio System at the height of their power and Won! A double Oscar winner! Is magnetic and beautiful in everything she's in and gave us all the juicy scandal with her sibling rivalry with Joan Fontaine! Before the Oscar Slap was the Oscar sister snub! Also everything she wears in Robin Hood she makes beautiful even a purple green and orange monstrosity how does she do it! Anyway this scene is one of my old Hollywood favourites

This is round 3 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Madhubala:

An icon of Bollywood, who was well known for her beauty and has continued to inspire performances and songs into the 21st century. She was at times described as "the number one beauty of the Indian screen" and "the biggest star in the world".

SHE IS EVERYTHING AHHH. JUST LOOK AT HER SMILE-

She's been nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe of India and was one of the highest paid actresses in the Hindi film industry (the term Bollywood did not exist yet) during the 1950s. Also an extremely talented dancer and singer

SHE'S JUST SO STUNNING, like seeing her eyes IMMEDIATELY CAPTIVATES YOU, THE DANCING, THE BEAUTY!!!!!!!!! She worked in Bollywood for over 20 years and passed away at a sad early age of 36, BUT THE IMPACT SHE HAD WAS UNMATCHED!!!!!

That sassy sideways glance she does always has me WEAK AT THE KNEES. And when she's making silly faces at the camera to mimic someone ahhhh my gay little heart <3

Olivia de Havilland:

She is just perfection. She has a smile that is looks like it is barely holding back, and yet so reserved as well.

Broke the contract system and won freedoms for actors (the de Havilland Law is still in effect I believe). 2 time Oscar winner. Beautiful and smart

She legally challenged the movie studios' unfair contracts and won, setting a precedent for other actors to be treated more fairly. This was at great cost to her financially and essentially getting her blacklisted for years but the resulting judicial opinion is still known as the De Havilland Law and has won her a great deal of praise and admiration.

Her performance in The Heiress is one of my all-time favorites, she’s so good at making melodrama feel real and grounded without sacrificing any of the passion/drama.

Serenely beautiful, she struck a balance between crowd-pleasing fluff and prestigious drama. Famously at odds with her equally successful sister Joan Fontaine, she was too much of a lady to ever say anything public. Successfully sued Ryan Murphy for portraying her as a saucy gossip in Feud.

the period costume + eye patch combo in That Lady is just an absolute serve

She has the most adorable and cherubic face and voice

[butchniqabi]

lata mangeshkar my dearest love....her voice was so iconic and it complimented madhubala so well 😔💕

[eremin0109]

Madhubala as Anarkali in 'Pyaar Kiya to Darna Kya', Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

I can't express in words what this song means to me as a bisexual woman. Not only do I resonate with Anarkali's struggle to strive in a patriarchal society but also her strong rejection of social conventions. Her passionate words scream that YES she's in love and she won't apologize for it. She sings, "Pyar kiya koi chori nahhi ki, chup chup aahe bharna kya" and rightfully so. She didn't commit a crime, if anything her only fault was being born in a society and time that punishes women who dare follow their hearts.

I teared up listening to the lyrics because it's the inner monologue of every queer person out there. Something that they want to scream out to the world but cannot because there's a metaphorical Akbar ready to bury them alive if they dared to speak their truth. That's why when someone like Anarkali insults Akbar with "Parda nahi jab koi khuda se, bando se parda karna kya" something inside me flared up. If she can do it, why can't I? Why can't I tell people who judge me for my truth that when God himself doesn't object my being, who are you to do so?

[the-iron-orchid]

For Jissana, touch #17: holding the other’s chin up? 😏

🍋🔞 Smuterday has arrived!

[ Touches Asks ]

Warnings: D/s dynamic, kink musings, bondage, nip play, temperature play, biting/marking, naughty magic hand, magic digital penetration so the usual ~630 words

MINORS DNI

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While the first few encounters with a new partner have the wonderful luster of novelty to them, Jinana’s true enjoyment begins to surface once s/he starts to understand them. There is a rhythm and a poetry to every body that comes under hir command; there are unique keys to submission for every mind that gives itself over to hir.

S/he has begun to know just what it is that unlocks the gate for Vissenta, what allows her to slip through to the other side… and what will drag her down like a riptide, drowning.

S/he delights in keeping her just at the edge of that place, watching her formidable will struggle against her own desire to slip away under Jinana’s words and actions. S/he has begun to know the tells now, the more subtle signs that herald the slide to surrender.

And right now, it is a struggle indeed. 

The chair in Jinana’s bedroom was made to hir specifications, and when it is not covered in the clothing s/he can’t be troubled to replace in hir armoire, its padded leather back can be rotated and secured in various ways. Several of the brass ornaments act to conceal sturdy attachment points. Vissenta is currently bent over this transforming chair, her arms bound behind her back in a harness of lovely purple cords. Her legs are secured to the legs of the chair, spread just enough that she cannot avoid the attentions of Jinana’s spectral third hand - enough to keep her squirming with excitement, not quite enough to push her to climax.

The edge of the chair-back rests just below her breasts, leaving them and the perked pink nipples vulnerable to Jinana’s whims. The surface of the skin is already decorated here and there with the marks of hir mouth and teeth.

S/he divides hir attention in the way that Master Borgia once taught hir - though most certainly not for this use - and causes hir fingertips to become magically chill, while still maintaining the ghostly hand that strokes so tormentingly. S/he touches hir fingertips to the swollen nipples, and Vissenta’s body jerks, her hips giving a brief, hard buck. Another touch, slowly circling, and her eyelids begin to flutter faintly - a tell.

Jinana lifts her chin in hir icy fingers, forcing Vis to look up at hir. “Stay with me,” s/he says, hir voice firm, unyielding.

With a visible effort of will, Vissenta drags herself back, her serpentine-green eyes clearing as they lock with Jinana’s.

“There’s my good girl.” This is perhaps unfair; Vis’ entire body shudders, but still she manages to stay out of the whirlpool that threatens to pull her down. Jinana smiles, bestowing a gentle kiss on her trembling lips.

S/he has not quite gotten Vissenta to beg, not yet. To ask, yes, even to plead a little - but s/he is confident that s/he will uncover the key to this, too. And when s/he does, s/he will hold it safe with all of the other keys, all of the parts of Vissenta’s being that s/he has uncovered, and will yet uncover, for as long as she permits.

The fingers of the conjured hand cease their stroking and slowly push their way into Vis’ body, eliciting a throaty moan of need; as they begin to move, and Jinana’s own fingertips once more begin to apply those brief touches of shocking cold to her nipples, the wave once more threatens to bring her under.

“Go on, madhubala,” s/he murmurs. “My sweet girl.” With a soft sigh, almost of relief, Vissenta’s body relaxes, receptive, ready for the next stage of their play.

Jinana has not quite gotten her to beg, not yet. But s/he will.