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Filmi Ladies

Filmi Ladiespodcasters.spotify.com
Filmi Ladies takes a woman-centered look at Indian cinema, with occasional detours into books, tv, and other pop culture. Hosted by Pitu Sultan and Beth Loves Bollywood.
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Episodes

Filmi Ladies episode 122: Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video and Jigra

Spoilers abound in this discussion of two recent-ish films. If you saw either of these, share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmi-ladies/id1642425062 @filmiladies on Instagram Pitu is @pitusultan on Instagram Beth is @bethlovesbollywood on Bluesky Email us at filmiladies at gmail See our letterboxd for everything discussed on this podcast. https://box...

Dec 18, 202439 minEp. 122

Filmi Ladies episode 121: Madhuri Dixit (superstars series 18)

In her 40+ year career, Madhuri has out-acted her co-stars and peers, out-danced everyone, done films, streaming and reality shows and looked fabulous while doing it. We discuss Pukar (2000) (where she plays perhaps her only negative role?), Khel (1992), Deewana Mujhsa Nahi (1990), Khalnayak (1993) and Sailaab (1990). Tell us your favorite Mads movies! Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Dec 11, 202458 minEp. 121

Filmi Ladies episode 120: women police officers getting stuff done!

* This episode contains many spoilers for both films under discussion! * Both Anjali and Poo are grown up and being badass detectives in Do Patti (2024) and The Buckingham Murders (2023). While we enjoyed both movies, there were quite a few things that made us go HUH??? Kriti Sanon also turns in a Seeta aur Geeta twin role but it's all quite bleak. What are your favorite lady detective films? Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podca...

Dec 04, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 120

Filmi Ladies episode 119: Comfort Watch

What do you watch when you need a hug from the screen? For us, it's American comedies When Harry Met Sally (1989) and Legally Blonde (2001). What, like it's hard? Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmi-ladies/id1642425062 @filmiladies on Instagram and Twitter Pitu is @pitusultan on Instagram Beth is @bethlovesbolly on Twitter Email us at filmiladies at gmail See our letterboxd for eve...

Nov 27, 202456 minEp. 119

Filmi Ladies episode 118: Dharmatma

This week we focus on Feroz's Dharmatma, his 1975 adaptation of Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather (1972). * This episode contains spoilers for both the original and this adaptation! * * Content warning: this film is very violent towards women. It's violent in general, of course, but it feels extra brutal towards a few of its women, with at least one significant change from the arc of one of the original corresponding characters. We don't discuss this in-depth but please know that some scenes ...

Nov 20, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 118

Filmi Ladies episode 117: Veer Zaara 20th Anniversary

Veer Zara celebrates its 20 year anniversary and Pitu and Beth disagree on basically everything about it. 😆 The only things we agree on: • Preity's cute outfits • Srk's frosted boy band tips • Pretty visuals • Amit and Hema being charming • The importance of public service??? What are your thoughts? Want more Yash Chopra? Listen to the Bollywood Drafts podcast episodes on YC's worst https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yash-chopra-bottom-9-part-1/id1748001558?i=1000669234871 and best https://p...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 117

Filmi Ladies episode 116: Amrita Singh

Joining our list of favorites is Eighties Lady Amrita Singh! While we didn't think she quite qualified as a superstar, Pitu (with her 80s and 90s expertise) knew Amrita's brash energy made her worth talking about. (PS Beth mentions both Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt as producers of Kalyug, and the film itself says "Mahesh Bhatt presents" and "Mukesh Bhatt production," so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ) What are your favorite Amrita Singh performances and is one of them the disco masterpiece that is Yaar Bina Chain Kahan ...

Nov 06, 202457 minEp. 116

Filmi Ladies episode 115: Diwali special filmi Q&A! 🪔🎆🪔

If you get together with cinematically-minded loved ones in the festive season, whatever your festivities are, these questions can make for great conversation! We want to know what you think about all of them in the comments. Many of Beth's questions were inspired by discussions on the podcasts Extra Hot Great (https://extrahotgreat.com/) and I Saw What You Did (https://www.exactlyrightmedia.com/i-saw-what-you-did). Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN1...

Oct 30, 20241 hr 25 minEp. 115

Filmi Ladies episode 114: Munjya

We talk about another good movie from the Maddock horror verse: Munjya. Points discussed: • Green flag heroes • Suhas Joshi as Aaji 😍 • Entitled boys • Marathi Gollum • The Billy Graham Show??? • Annoying uncles Tell us what you thought! Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmi-ladies/id1642425062 @filmiladies on Instagram and Twitter Pitu is @pitusultan on Instagram Beth is @bethloves...

Oct 23, 202445 minEp. 114

Filmi Ladies episode 113: Meenakshi Sheshadri (superstars series 17)

We are firmly in the 80s now as Meenakshi Seshadri is our first 80s superstar. A beautiful, talented actress and dancer, she doesn't get talked about as much as she should - and we are a bit puzzled as to why. Are you a Meenakshi fan and do you consider her a superstar? Which of her films or performances do you enjoy? Films discussed: Ghayal, Ghar Ho To Aisa, Swati, and Dilwaala. We have both seen and love Damini but completely forgot to cover it; obviously she is amazing in it and it is essenti...

Oct 16, 202454 minEp. 113

Filmi Ladies episode 112: Utsav

To celebrate the birthday of the great Rekha, we watched Utsav (1984), Girish Karnad's adaptation of the ancient Sanskrit play Mrichakatika. In our totally unbiased opinion this is Rekha's film through and through, but really everyone and everything else is great, with one exception that you can probably guess. This is one of our favorite Rekha performances! What are yours? Other discussions: • Is Rekha the best Hindi film actress for sensuality and sexual forthrightness? • The jewelry!!! • Isn'...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 112

Filmi Ladies episode 111: Whatcha Watchin'?

It's a catch-up episode! We've been busy getting through our watchlists and have opinions! Pitu watched Laila Majnu (2018), Madgaon Express (2024), and The Perfect Couple (2024). Beth watched Bad Newz (2024) and...the vintage US tv series Moonlighting (1985–89)?!? Have you seen any of these movies? What have you guys been watching? Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmi-ladies/id16424...

Oct 02, 202457 minEp. 111

Filmi Ladies episode 110: Smita Patil (superstars series 16)

We discuss the brief but magnificent film career of Smita Patil—one of India's greatest actresses. Winner of the Padma Shri and several film awards, she was the face of art cinema and feminist narratives. Intense and smoldering, she was often the hero of the film. We also discuss her foray into commercial cinema. See the pinned comment for recommended films. What are your favorite Smita movies or performances? Films discussed: Manthan, Bhumika, Jait re Jait, Namak Halaal, Bazaar, Umbartha, and G...

Sep 25, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 110

Filmi Ladies episode 109: Taal

Taal turns 25 years old because Time is an illusion. Taal is the filmiest of filmy films, with a seriously OTT Anil, diva-like Aishwarya, and Akshaye being sensible lover boy. There is a lot of rain, some talk of tyaag and izzat, snooty rich people, a cute mop of a dog, and an unholy amount of sequins and razzle dazzle. A R Rahman delivers an absolutely epic score that is choreographed to perfection, and director Subhash Ghai was maybe a total genius by letting him and everyone else on this crew...

Sep 18, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 109

Filmi Ladies episode 108: The Kapoors: Ranbir (FIN)

We conclude our Kapoor series with the heir of the Kapoor dynasty - Ranbir. We discuss his versatility, his chameleon like ability to get into his character's skin, his dancing skills, the manchild description he is often labeled with, and his impressive filmography. For once, we pick the exact same ice cream flavor for an actor, and are inordinately proud of ourselves. Films discussed are Jagga Jasoos, Barfi, Tamasha and Bombay Velvet. Please share your thoughts on Ranbir. Which of his performa...

Sep 11, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 108

Filmi Ladies episode 107: Dhoom 20th Anniversary...Plus Bonus Dhoom 2

Dhoom dhoom dhoom dhoom! 20 years of fast bikes, fast cars, stylish locales and questionable fashion. Do the Dhoom movies float your boat? What are your thoughts on Uday Chopra as an actor? Do you agree with Beth that everyone in Dhoom is at maximum annoyance level? How do we feel about the liberal use of bronzer and body oil? Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmi-ladies/id1642425062...

Sep 04, 202447 minEp. 107

Filmi Ladies episode 106: Stree 2

In this episode we discuss Stree, Stree 2 and all things terrifying from the Maddock horror universe. This is a very spoiler heavy episode so you've been warned. Tell us - how do you feel about Roohi, Bhediya and Munjya? What are your favorite Rajkumar Rao characters or movies? Is there an actor who can out-Pankaj Pankaj Tripathi? Did Stree 2 have the right combo of horror and comedy for you? Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podca...

Aug 28, 202457 minEp. 106

Filmi Ladies episode 105: it's a very special Dev Anand episode...

because Filmi Ladies is turning 2! Thanks be to Patron Saint Dev Anand who inspires us to be bigger and better! We celebrate with Do Devs (actually 3, but who's counting?): Dev in a double role in Hum Dono and singular Dev in the singularly delightful Nau Do Gyarah. What are your favorite Dev movies? Where do you pin the beginning of his awkward decline? And what do you think is his legacy on Hindi cinema? Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 ...

Aug 21, 202450 minEp. 105

Filmi Ladies episode 104: Love Aaj Kal is somehow 15 years old?!?

Love Aaj Kal turns 15 years old! This movie was quite the rage back then and the fashions in it quite the moment. Has it held up? Yes for one of us, no for the other. Mostly we agree on Saif's fab performance, DP's okay one, and spend a few moments smiling happily as we think of Patron Saint Rishi Kapoor. Important notes: • Do not date your boss. • Bridge is not a job. • For a film about a hetero love story, is this actually about the two men who see themselves in each other? • Saif rocks a turb...

Aug 14, 202455 minEp. 104

Filmi Ladies episode 103: The Kapoors AND Superstars 15: Kareena

It's Bebo's world and we're just living in it! Whether you love or hate Poo, Geet, Dr Preet Sahni, Chameli, or Dolly, you can't ignore the most successful woman in the Kapoor khandaan. Unlike her older sister Karisma, there is no question Kareena is a bonafide superstar. Movies we discuss in detail: Khushi, Chameli, Omkara, Jab We Met, Tashan, and Milenge Milenge. If your favorite isn't there, don't worry; we mention many others in passing. What are your iconic Kareena performances and films? Su...

Aug 07, 20241 hr 23 minEp. 103

Filmi Ladies episode 102: The Marathi International Film Festival

In today's episode we discuss Pitu's experience of nerding out at NAFA - the first Marathi Film Festival in the US. Topics discussed: • the films of directors Dr Jabbar Patel, Mahesh Manjrekar and Sachin Pilgaonkar • learnings from masterclasses with actresses like Nivedita Saraf and Mrinal Kulkarni • nerding out among fellow film nerds • Beth's experiences at IIFA and the Chicago South Asian Film Festival. Have you been to a film festival? Tell us your experiences! Should Beth have fangirled al...

Jul 31, 20241 hr 22 minEp. 102

Filmi Ladies episode 101: The Kapoors: Karisma

Oh Lolo. Neither Pitu nor Beth really know how to place Karisma: is she a 90s queen or merely a princess? What is her legacy? Is she a worthy inheritor of the family name? And can you explain her stardom without it? Films discussed: Zubeida, Saajan Chale Sasural, and Hero No. 1. What are your standout Karisma performances? Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmi-ladies/id1642425062 @fi...

Jul 24, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 101

Filmi Ladies episode 100: Horror by the Hundreds

Filmi Ladies celebrates its 100th episode! Hurray! We discuss films with 100 in the title: Sau Saal Baad (1989) and 100 Days (1991). Both films are horror, although one is more B-grade, for lack of a better term, and the other has A-list stars and a killer (heh) soundtrack. Both movies have jumpscares, premonitions, and creepiness. We also discuss other horror fare as well as films with numbers in the title. Tell us what you think! Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/sh...

Jul 17, 202443 minEp. 100

Filmi Ladies episode 99: The Kapoors: Rishi and Neetu Singh

We continue with our Kapoor family series and discuss Rishi, the most famous and successful Kapoor of his generation, and his onscreen and offscreen hit jodi with Beth's favorite Neetu Singh. Points discussed: • Rishi's sequin jumpsuits in Karz • his Qawwali king status • his disappointed sadface in many movies, • his sweater wardrobe • his moppety effervescent energy and cuteness with Neetu in Khel Khel Mein and elsewhere • what Neetu brought to 70s films that other women didn't • his frankness...

Jul 10, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 99

Filmi Ladies episode 98: The Debut Films of the Khanna Brothers

Perhaps nowhere in the history of Hindi cinema do two siblings have more divergent debuts, more unusual filmographies, or more unpredictable trajectories. We look at Akshaye in Himalay Putra (1997) and Rahul in 1947 Earth (1999) and then discuss their careers, including celebrity presence and lack thereof. If you haven't seen Himalay Putra, do watch the 90s-riffic I Am a Bachelor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_Mg5JxR_5o and uber-masala Bam Bam Bhole https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WeFpknLEpo...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 98

Filmi Ladies episode 97: Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa

A whole episode devoted to one of Pitu's favorites! 🎺 We discuss the star-worthy performance by SRK and this point in his star trajectory, the lovable parents, the role of nostalgia, and the nothingness of some of the other people who shall remain nameless until you get to that part of the episode. Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filmi-ladies/id1642425062 @filmiladies on Instagram a...

Jun 26, 20241 hr 15 minEp. 97

Filmi Ladies episode 96: The Kapoors: Jennifer Kendal, Kunal, Karan, and Sanjana

Continuing our Kapoor series, we discuss Shashi Kapoor's family in this episode: wife and actress Jennifer Kendal and their children Karan, Kunal, and Sanjana. If you know anything about them at all, it's probably that they all launched in films and never went anywhere as actors, but we watched a film starring each of them to flesh out that story. Jennifer, of course, was an accomplished stage actor before her marriage to Shashi, and when she chose to dip her toes back in acting, you can see the...

Jun 19, 20241 hr 21 minEp. 96

Filmi Ladies episode 95: Catching Up 🥫

Did you know there's no ketchup emoji?!? Beth didn't until she went looking for it to put in this episode title, but a can of soup will do nicely, given that we discuss Killer Soup (2024) - and a big mix of other things we've been watching lately, including Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023), Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), and Trimurti (1995). Subscribe to Filmi Ladies on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Ib9C1X5ObvN18u9WR0TK9 or Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fil...

Jun 12, 20241 hr 3 min

Filmi Ladies episode 94: The Kapoors: Randhir, Babita, and Rajiv

In today's episode of Filmi Ladies, we continue discussing the Kapoor family. We've previously done episodes on Prithviraj Kapoor and his three sons - Raj, Shammi and Shashi. We now move on to the next generation - Raj's sons Randhir and Rajiv, plus we also discuss Babita Shivdasani, an actor and star in her own right before she became Randhir's wife and a Kapoor bahu. [Note: Pitu's phone initially autocorrected "bahu" to "baguette."] Films discussed: Farz (1967), Jawani Deewani (1972), Haath Ki...

Jun 05, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 94

Filmi Ladies episode 93: Filmi Twins

It's Beth ka Happy Budday! And to celebrate Gemini season, aka the sign of the twins, we decided to do a twin0centric episode (because really, what in the Manmohan Desai could be more Beth?) We discuss Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968), Sharmeelee (1971), Ghazab (1982), Jeans (1998), and Duplicate (1998). We also discuss the difference between actual twins vs doppelgangers. Tell us your favorite twin movies! Beth read out a bit of the good discussion of Jeans on Letterboxd but there's more! https://let...

May 29, 202459 minEp. 93
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