Mysore/Mysuru: Editor and film buff Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri’s insights on Hindi film songs resonate with nostalgia, capturing the enduring appeal of melodies sung by the late Kishore Kumar and composed by the legendary R.D. Burman.

During the session on ‘The swinging 70s – Stars, Style and Substance in Hindi Cinema’ at the Mysuru Literature Festival on Saturday, Shantanu reflected on the cinematic era of the 1970s when people flocked to theatres to watch iconic films like ‘Sholay’ by paying Rs. 120 per ticket.

Those were the days when families would gather to enjoy movies together and the characters on screen left a lasting impression. However, as the film industry evolved, so did its style, he noted.

Glamour, Western influence

“The subsequent decade saw changes where glamour was added, Western filmmaking influences crept in and costumes transformed. Erotic scenes became part of the cinematic landscape, prompting parents to advise their children to close their eyes during rain-soaked song and dance sequences,” Shantanu recalled.

The melodies composed by R.D. Burman resonated deeply with audiences, leaving an indelible mark. Even today, these timeless songs continue to be hummed by film music enthusiasts, he said.

“The magnum opus of that era, ‘Sholay,’ produced at Rs. 3 lakh, reaped a staggering profit of Rs. 38 lakh. However, times have changed. Multiplexes now charge Rs. 500 per ticket and viewers enjoy films alongside popcorn or through Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. Video cassettes, once a dominant force in the 1990s, have given way to modern piracy challenges in the film industry,”  he explained.

Writer Mythili Rao highlighted the theatre background of 1970s film actors. Writer Balaji Rao also spoke about Hindi films.