He had such a dream debut, a great performance and critical acclaim for Company. Then, I have no idea what happened. It’s like he didn’t know how to pick a film. Saathiya was a good film, did good at a comedy role in Masti, then started with the duds like Kyun Ho Gaya Na, Kisna, Kaal, Home Delivery, Pyare Mohan. And then the whole Salman Khan/Aishwarya Rai fiasco, which I really think did a whole lot of bad for him.

But he seems like such a nice guy. He’s incredibly active on Twitter, answering as many people as he can. He’s always upbeat and happy. And his smile is to die for. I’m so happy that Prince is doing well at the box office. He deserves some success. I hope he can get a big film with a big name director.

She obviously came in with high expectations, like most Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss whatever-else-there-is comes in with. Her career didn’t take off, but she does get decent films. She’s cute, she seems to be able to dance, and her acting is good IMO. I really liked her in Tumsa Nahin Dekha with Emraan Hashmi.

I would love to see her in a big banner film with a really good role, just so she can show what she can do, which I think is quite a lot.

I never thought I would have to root for her. She was on top of the industry for so long. But one bad YRF film after another, and she’s totally out of the discussion. Maybe the Aditya rumors are true, because I don’t see how she could pick so many bad movies in a row.

Hopefully SOMETHING gets her out of this rut she’s in, because I loved seeing her again in Dil Bole Hadippa.

Mr. Sidekick needs to become Mr. Hero. He really needs to shed his ‘Circuit’ tag. But I guess the only way he can do that is if he gets offers to do lead hero films. Hope he does, because he’s a wonderful actor. He can hold a film on it’s own, so he should get more chances to.

Can’t wait to see him on Zara Nachke Dikha, because he’s a hell of a dancer as well.

He has a horrible taste in scripts (make a good movie Vivek, please?), but he’s incredibly sweet on Twitter. He seems to genuinely care about the fans, and individually replies to so many of them.

Same as Vivek. He replies. He’s taken on SRK’s style of replying, by saying a bunch of answers in one tweet, but at least he does it. And his ‘fav’ is Maria, who IS his biggest fan, so he cares.

Yeh, he’s not a Bollywood guy, but I still love following him. For those that don’t know him, he’s the editor of Bollywood Hungama. He’s just very nice, gives us exclusive news, and replies to lots of people’s questions.

His tweets are just so good. He doesn’t have that many, but when he does tweet, they’re worth the wait. Oh, and he DMed me a reply today. *squee*

Obviously. He’s been amazing on Twitter. So glad he joined. He reads everything his fans write to him, replies to as many as he can, and actually watches videos and clicks links that people send him. I thought I couldn’t love the guy more, but apparently I can.

15. Nazrein Karam – Jashnn

14. Dil Ibadaadat – Tum Mile

13. Twist – Love Aaj Kal

12. Shukran Allah – Kurbaan

11. Jee Le – Luck

10. Khudaya Khair – Billu Barber

9. Maahi – Raaz – The Mystery Continues

8. Gunji Angana Mein Shehnai – Life Partner

7. Tu Hi Haqeeqat – Tum Mile

6. Tere Naina – Chandni Chowk To China

5. Aahun Aahun – Love Aaj Kal

4. Main Tera Dhadkan Teri – Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

3. Love Mera Hit Hit – Billu Barber

2. Dhan Te Nan – Kaminey

1. Hadippa Remix – Dil Bole Hadippa

2000: 2000 didn’t look like a very good year. Kaho Na Pyaar Hai was totally overrated, Mohabbatein was booooring, Hrithik’s other two films weren’t interesting enough. Looks like I’m going to have to go with a comedy here. Hera Pheri it is. Best Hindi comedy I’ve seen.

2001: A much better year. We had Dil Chahta Hai, Gadar (which I liked, but it was quite overrated), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Lagaan (again, decent, but very very overrated IMO), Lajja (totally underrated), One 2 Ka 4 (guilty pleasure), and Tum Bin, a nice sweet love story. But my favorite vote goes to Asoka. I absolutely loved this movie, and I could actually bear Kareena in it. Music was wonderful too.

2002: Lets see…Aankhen was good. As was Deewangee, but it was a rip-off from a Hollywood film. Didn’t see Company, at least not all the way through. Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam was torn between two decades, the less said about Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, and Mujhse Dosti Karoge the better, Raaz was decent, but would have been better with different actors. I really liked Saathiya. But my vote is going to an unconventional film, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer. I really enjoyed this movie, it made me the Konkona Sen Sharma fan I am today. Really good film.

2003: Quite a few good films this year. Teen Deewarein, Chalte Chalte, Jhankaar Beats, Munnabhai MBBS, Samay, Tehzeeb, Tere Naam. Accompanied with the duds, Koi Mil Gaya, Baghban, Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne, Dil Ka Rishta, and the all time awful movie, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. I can’t pick a favorite this year though, so I’m going to have to go with three. Yes, three. I just can’t choose. Kal Ho Naa Ho, Ek Hasina Thi, and Pinjar all get my vote.

2004: The good – Veer Zaara, Deewar, Dil Maange More, Hum Tum, Khakee, Masti, Murder, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Yuva. The bad – Aetbaar, Dhoom, Fida, Hulchul, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Raincoat. The ugly – Asambhav, Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa, Kyun…! Ho Gaya Na, Lakeer, Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke. And my favorites – Main Hoon Na and Swades. It was a great year for Shah Rukh. Probably his best ever.

2005: I liked Chocolate (even though it’s a copy), Dus, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, My Brother Nikhil, No Entry, Parineeta, Sarkar, Black. I hated Deewane Huye Pagal, Elaan, Kisna, Kyaa Kool Hai Hum, Lucky, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya. Vaada, Yakeen, Salaam Namaste could have been better. Ok, so I have to choose between Bunty Aur Babli, Bluffmaster, and Paheli. Hmm. The easy choice would be the SRK movie. But I really loved the other two as well. I think I’ll go with Bunty Aur Babli. *gasp*

2006: Ah, the ‘overrated’ year. I’d like to give a big fat ‘BLAH’ to four of the top six grossers of 2006. Dhoom 2, Krrish, Fanaa, and Rang De Basanti. All were a colossal waste of my time. Other duds that year include Aksar, Baabul, I See You, Jaan-E-Mann, Phir Hera Pheri, Shaadi Se Pehle, Shikhar, Woh Lamhe. I liked 36 China Town, Ankahee, Apna Sapna Money Money, Bhagam Bhag, Chup Chup Ke, Gangster, Kabul Express, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Malamaal Weekly, Taxi Number 9211 and Vivah. Looks like I’m going to have to go with two films again this time though, so the winners are Don – The Chase Begins Again and Dor.

2007: Lotsa good films this year. Aaja Nachle, Awarapan, Cheeni Kum, Dhamaal, Guru, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Johnny Gaddar, Life in a Metro. The bad include Goal (so so horrible), Ta Ra Rum Pum (what were Rani and Saif thinking?), Saawariya (blah), Partner (go away Salman Khan), Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (Rani, leave YRF now), Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (even Abhi can’t save it), and Fool n Final (watched it in fast forward mode). Having to choose between the SRK films this year and a Shahid film. Sorry Jab We Met and Om Shanti Om, but I’m gonna have to go with Chak De India. Because of the beard.

2008: Not much of a race this year, for me at least. Liked A Wednesday, Aamir, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Bhootnath, Dostana, Kismat Konnection, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, One Two Three, Rock On!!, Sunday, Welcome to Sajjanpur. Didn’t like De Taali, Race, Sarkar Raj, Tashan, U, Me aur Hum. Didn’t watch many films this year. The clear-cut favorite for me was Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

2009: Looking through the list of movies that released this year, I’ve realized that I haven’t watched that many at all. So I don’t have many to choose from. I liked Luck by Chance, Billu Barber, Life Partner and Dil Bole Hadippa. I guess my favorite would have to be New York.

So, there’s the final list.
2000: Hera Pheri
2001: Asoka
2002: Mr. and Mrs. Iyer
2003: Kal Ho Naa Ho/Ek Hasina Thi/Pinjar
2004: Main Hoon Na/Swades
2005: Bunty Aur Babli
2006: Don – The Chase Begins Again/Dor
2007: Chak De India
2008: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
2009: New York

Lets start out with some honorable mentions. Songs I liked, but not enough to make my list. And, I will admit, I wanted to put more Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi songs on the top 10 list, but I figure that’s because the songs are so new. So, I’m restraining myself.

Honorable Mentions – Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta, Dance Pe Chance (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi), Rock On!!, Socha Hai (Rock On!!), Mannata (Heroes), Tu Meri Dost Hai (Yuvvraaj), Zara Sa (Jannat), Talli (Ugly Aur Pagli), Move Your Body, Bakhuda Tumhi Ho remix (Kismat Konnection), Jaane Kyun, Maa Da Laadla remix (Dostana), Dil Haara, Tashan Mein (Tashan), Bachna Ae Haseeno, Aahista Aahista (Bachna Ae Haseeno)

Ok, on to the list:

10. Mit Jaaye [Kidnap]

Imran isn’t really convincing as a bad boy, especially after Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, but he looks quite good in this video. I love the song, though it’s a bit faster on the album than in this video, and the singer sounds different.

09. Khwab Dekhe [Race]

One of my guilty pleasures of 2008. I constantly complain about English lyrics, and this song includes “Sexy lady, makes me crazy, be my baby, give me all your lovin now…”. Definition of cheezy, yet the song is so damn catchy that I listen anyway. Damn Pritam and his catchiness.

08. Haule Haule [Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi]

I didn’t like this song when I first heard it, but it grew on me. Really nice song, great singing by Sukhwinder. Such a different song from what we’ve been getting lately.

07. Khuda Jaane [Bachna Ae Haseeno]

Such a gorgeous song. Vishal Shekhar prove that they are not all about rock. They can make a beautiful love song as well. This song has a haunting quality about it. KK is just perfect. Shilpa Rao’s voice becomes a bit jarring during her voice, you can’t completely understand what she sings. But overall, lovely.

06. Sinbad The Sailor [Rock On!!]

The video really makes this song. I liked it just from the soundtrack, but the video makes it so much fun. Watching Farhan run around the stage and sing his heart out, the crowd everywhere, and Arjun making his appearance. Also love the slow-down at the end, with ‘Tum Ho Toh’. Nice ending to a great song.

05. Tu Hai Meri Soniye [Kismat Konnection]

More English. But not bad. It works. More Pritam catchiness. And Shahid dancing. Can’t beat that.

04. Kabhi Kabhi Aditi [Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na]

Didn’t like initially. Gave it another try, and it shot to the top of my most played list. It’s short and sweet, doesn’t go on too long, and Rashid Ali’s voice is really nice, I hope we hear more of him. Too bad it’s a song about a cat.

03. Jogi Mahi [Bachna Ae Haseeno]

I love love this song. I love hearing Shekhar sing, I love the beat, Sukhwinder makes his appearance, and Himani Kapoor sounds wonderful in her part. She should get more songs like this, it really suits her voice. And aww at Kunal in his turban.

02. Desi Girl [Dostana]

This is such a fun song. An instant hit. Shankar’s voice works perfectly for songs like this. The dancing in the video is kinda weird, but probably because they had to cater to John’s skills. Hehe poor guy. But overall an awesome song.

01. Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte [Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi]

No video for this yet, so it’s just a random pics in the above video. I absolutely adore this song. It’s so creative, being able to mix old tunes together into a whole new tune is no easy task. Salim-Suleman seem to do it effortlessly. It all seams together so well. And Sonu just brings a whole new element to the song. The singer does make a big difference, I think only Sonu could have pulled this off so good. The picturization will surely be a treat.

So, there we go. Coming soon, Top 10 Soundtracks of 2008 and, after RNBDJ and Ghajini release, Top 10 Movies of 2008. That may be pushed in to 2009, b/c Ghajini releases so late.

BTW, my thoughts and prayers go out to all those families who have been affected by the senseless attacks in Mumbai. RIP to those who lost their lives for no reason, and I pray for those injured to get better soon.

Number 10 – Aggar

I’m sure you’re wondering why this one is here. Yes, it could have been better, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Pros: Shreyas Talpade’s performance was magnificent, but we’ve come to expect that from him. Tusshar and Udita didn’t annoy me as much as I thought they would. The twist, I so didn’t see it coming.

Cons: The songs are nothing special. It could have been written better. Tusshar and Udita still annoyed me.

Number 9 – Cheeni Kum

What? An Amitabh movie on my list? Why yes, there is. Because it’s a very good movie. Tabu was perfectly cast. She’s great opposite Amitabh.

Pros: It’s a nice, cute, funny love story. And it’s not with kids, it’s a mature romance, something I’ve been really wanting to see in Bollywood (though I want to see it with SRK and Kajol instead).

Cons: The bit towards the end with Paresh Rawal gets a bit long and tiresome.

Number 8 – Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.

You know, I started watching this movie with my family, and we ended up turning it off when Abhay starting doing his puppy-dog look. We had had enough. I decided to go back and watch it myself. Glad I did.

Pros: Kay Kay Menon. What a guy. He was brilliant. Sajnaji Vaari Vaari. Such a fun fun fun song. Boman and Shabana. Very cute, I liked their story. Overall, all the stories worked, except…

Cons: Arjun and Dia. I didn’t understand the point, and Ranvir Shorey got screwed. Such a great actor having such a tiny role. Also, the whole superhero bit. Though it had to be that, because no couple is like that. They made me want to gag.

Number 7 – Awarapan

Such a cute picture. Aww.

Pros: Great acting job by Emraan. I really liked the story too.

Cons: Quite a bit of violence. I don’t like the fact that Emraan dies, but I suppose he had to.

Number 6 – Dhamaal

What do you get when you put a bunch of goofballs together in a movie with a goofball script and a goofball director? Usually a really stupid movie. But Dhamaal fell through the cracks.

Pros: Ritesh Deshmukh, I love you man. You’re hilarious, you’re cute, and I just love you. Moving on, Arshad and Javed are wonderful in this one. Ashish, I can do without, but he’s fine. But it was actually very funny. After a long time, we had a great comedy from Bollywood.

Cons: Sanjay Dutt’s whole thing with the kids. Really useless and unnecessary.

Number 5 – Aaja Nachle

OMG it’s Madhuri! Her alone is enough to get AN on my list. But the movie was so much fun too.

Pros: Madhuri’s comeback, looking as beautiful as ever, and still dancing like a dream. Konkona and Kunal’s magical pairing, Akshaye Khanna looking mighty fine, and the music.

Cons: A few nitpicky things here and there in the script, but nothing majorly wrong. If you must know, read my review further down the page.

Number 4 – Johnny Gaddar

That Neil Nitin Mukesh, I tell you, he’ll be big. He’s hot, he’s a good actor, and he’s hot. Oh wait…

Pros: Neil Nitin Mukesh. He’s hot. Dharmendra. He rocks. Vinay Pathak. He’s amazing. I forget the other guy’s name. Sriram Raghavan is a brilliant director. I loved his first, Ek Hasina Thi, and I love this one too. The lady who plays Vinay’s wifey (she comes in one of the serials my mom watches) was really good. I hope she’s cast more in movies. The end. Completely justified.

Cons: Rimi Sen. Get off my screen.

Number 3 – Jab We Met

Ironic, isn’t it? The moment Shahid/Kareena break up, they make a hit movie. Get back together! Actually, no. Don’t.

Pros: Shahid Kapoor. Mauja Hi Mauja. Nagada Nagada. Shahid Kapoor. Kareena Kapoor (gasp). Her performance was the best this year (among the ladies of course). Glasses!Shahid is very nice. Dancing Shahid is also very nice. The dialogue was top notch. Very cute, very good movie. Shahid Kapoor.

Cons: None. Really.

Number 2 – Om Shanti Om

The picture should say it all. But, for those who need actual words…

Pros: Absolutely hilarious. How can you not love Quick Gun Murugan? Mind it! Bwhahaha. Om and Pappu, awww. Beautiful beautiful music by Vishal Shekhar. Ajab Si is just so good. So is Main Agar Kahoon. So is Dard-e-Disco.

Cons: The second half can’t keep up with the first. But it’s still brilliant.

Number 1 – Chak De India

Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be. If you’ve read my blog for this long, you should have known.

Pros: The beard. I’m writing a petition, that I need signed by all of you, to send to Shah Rukh to tell him to grow the damn beard back. I know he hates it, I know it itches, but dammit, it’s incredibly hot, and I want it back. He’ll just have to deal with it. The girls are also a wonderful surprise in this one. They really make the movie. After the beard of course.

Cons: None none none.

If you’re still here, thank you for reading the whole thing. And if you just scrolled down to the bottom to see what was number one, shame on you. But I’d probably do the same thing.

10. Tere Bina [Guru] – AR Rehman

Rehman has to be on the list. Year after year, he produces at least one song that is just out of this world. This year, it’s Tere Bina. And with Rehman behind the mic, it makes it that much better. My favorite part is when when Shreya starts singing.

09. Dupatta Tera Nau Rang [Partner] – Sajid-Wajid

Partner was a very good soundtrack. Three foot-tapping songs. This one was the best of the three, IMO. Though don’t let Sallu’s dancing throw you off. Keep watching Govinda instead.

08. Jhoom [Jhoom Barabar Jhoom] – Shankar Ehsaan Loy

I looooved this song when I first heard the promo, and couldn’t wait for the soundtrack to release. Still a great song. And a good album. Though Amitabh’s outfit still disturbs me.

07. Ab To Forever [Tara Rum Pum] – Vishal Shekhar

A memo to all Hindi music directors – English ruins Hindi songs. VS got away this time, because the rest of the song is sooo good.

06. Yeh Dooriyan [Fool N Final] – Himesh Reshammiya

Look at him go. I love me some Shahid dancing. And minus the Shakira part (which I have no idea why its there), this song is great. See Himesh, you don’t have to sing. This sounds wonderful without you.

05. Woh Ajnabee [The Train] – Mithoon

Sounds better on the soundtrack than in the movie. But this was my favorite song of 07 for the longest time. Until CDI and OSO came out. Such a good song.

04. Main Agar Kahoon [Om Shanti Om] – Vishal Shekhar

Sonu Nigam at his best. He sounds amazing. The lyrics are beautiful, the music is beautiful, everything about this song is just top notch.

03. Mauja Mauja [Jab We Met] – Pritam

I actually didn’t like this song when I saw the promo. I don’t know what was wrong with me.

02. Dard-E-Disco [Om Shanti Om] – Vishal Shekhar

Guilty pleasure. Such a corny song, but sooo catchy. Sukhwinder suits the song, and I don’t need to say anything about Shah Rukh.

01. Chak De India [Chak De India] – Salim Suleiman

The nations anthem. And well deserved. Again crooned by Sukhwinder, its the perfect song. It helps that Shah Rukh is smokin hot in the video as well.