Oh my god! It was so difficult to narrow down this list to just 10. The 1970s are packed with great picturizations. I tried to balance out the list so it wouldn't be 10 Helen caberets or 10 Rajesh Khanna moon-eyed balads or 10 Rishi Kapoor break-downs (although all are represented.)

Still, I needed to do this:

Runner up #2: Aapke Saajan Saawaan Mein from Chupke Chupke (1975) because I love Sharmila and Dharmendra's chemistry here.

Runner up #1: Do Bechare Bina Sahare from Victoria No. 203 (1972) because I love Ashok Kumar and Pran's giddy bromance and Helen eating an ice cream cone.

And onto the list!

#10 "Dus Numberi" (Dus Numberi - 1976)

Why? The direction is really lyrical AND the song is hilarious. I love the bit where Manoj Kumar opens the lock just by pointing at it. Comedy songs don't often have this much attention lavished on them - usually the director leaves the hard work up to the main actor, but he works with Manoj here to make an excellent picturization.

( Dus Numberi )

#9 "Mera Padhne Mein Nahin" (Kora Kagaz - 1974)

Why? Middle-class cinema rose to prominence in the 1970s and Kora Kagaz is among the best of its type. This picturization is a nice slice-of-life song that fit seamlessly into the film. Also, I have a soft spot for sister-bonding songs, which we don't see very often as most bonding songs are of the "Yeh Dosti" type. Jaya really glows here. I love this track.

( Mera Padhne Mein Nahin )

#8 "Khaike Paan Banaras Wallah" (Don - 1978)

Why? Angry Young Men don't really do song picturizations. You know who does, though? AMITABH! Sure, everyone loves "My Name is Anthony Gonsalves" but, for my money, the best 1970s Amitabh-boogie is here in Don: "Khaike Paan Banaras Wallah." Watch him break it down and mix it up and every other dancing metaphor you can throw!

( Khaike Paan Banaras Wallah )


#7 "Yaha Wahan Saare Jahan" (Aan Milo Sajna - 1970)

Why? Craftsmanship. The way everything is set up here is perfect: the framing of Rajesh and Asha, the use of the dancers, and the song itself. This is really a beautiful song and a perfect example of how to do things right.

( Yaha Wahan Saare Jahan )

#6 "Parda Hai Parda" (Amar Akbar Anthony - 1977)

Why? Rishi Kapoor at maximum glitter! Yes, I know we all love "Bachena Ae Haseeno" from Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin, but this has so much more - like the way the veils fall from the ceiling and the "Akbar" written in the heart behind Rishi's head. Plus, the row of Neetu and her sisters tempted to lift their veils puts this over into genius territory.

( Parda Hai Parda )

( Top 5 under here! I bet you think you already know, but you might be surprised... )

Next up: Twisting and shimmying away with Laxmi Chhaiya and Shammi in the 1960s!

In between camping out in front of my air conditioner and obsessing over Shane on The L Word, I've been keeping busy with my new Bobby-themed cross-stitch...

So, how about it? Mujhse dosti karoge?

Let's give a big cheer to Aruna Irani - everyone's favorite non-Helen item queen of the 1970s!

Look how uncomfortable (and cute) Rishi Kapoor is! I would look kind of pissed, too, if my father was both played by Pran and trying to hook me up with a mentally retarded girl.

Bobby is such a classic.

From the movie Bobby, starring Rishi Kapoor and Dimple, I present "Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate." Dimple can really dance! It takes a lot of energy to do all that hip shaking.

dangermousie and I stayed up far too late watching this movie last night and it was totally worth it. Dimple and Rishi are so young!

( Excellent things about this movie )