Over the course of my few writings on the treasure trove of classical music and dance in Indian cinematic canon, I have particularly been appreciative of two films. They are namely KHAYAL GATHA and SIDDHESHWARI, both released in 1989.
In this written presentation, I have included screenshots from SIDDHESHWARI to let its imagery inform viewers of how this documentary uses cinematic recreations to illuminate the life of Siddheshwari Devi, a legendary exponent of the Benaras gharana (house) of classical Indian singing. Directed by Mani Kaul, it is visually unforgettable and from the point of view of its form and content is transcendental, implying the grand and at the same time intimate nature of the thumri style at large.
Of course, readers can always go back to my original writing on it in my essay previously published here. All I can say is that the aesthetics of the city of Benaras, music and cinematography come together in SIDDHESHWARI in a confluence of artistic merit unlike any other.
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Behold the exquisite sense of capturing the locational value of Benaras from these angles. Each frame and the profusion of colours make it aesthetically pleasing.
The human figures and silhouettes too are like paintings in motion and I took particular care at selecting each image. Breathtakingly epic and yet intimate. I also love the haunting, mesmerising effect of the imagery in general and the manner in which river Ganga is presented here. The river becomes an omnipresent symbol of the purity of musical pursuits in this unusual screenplay.
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Lead actress Mita Vashisht who portrays the soulfulness of Siddheshwari Devi’s journey is beautifully directed here.
Attention must be paid to the use of light and shadows, the intermingling of the impressionistic and expressionistic style.
This image reminded me so much of Marian Spore Bush’s PEACE. It’s a pleasant coincidence that I watched the film few days after getting to behold the painting.
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The juxtaposition of actual artists in all their glory elevates this documentary. Plus, the meta moment where the lead actress portraying Siddheshwari watches with awe as the legend performs a recital
I launch myself, with a searing, soaring passion for all domains verging on the writerly and creative with a beginner's appetite here and that's how I believe in adding meaning to each day. A lucky mascot of literature, cinema and culture, I come riding on spirited wings from the emblematic city of Lucknow where all those reside and thrive. My breeding ground and my mindscape all are committed to these three life forces. Cinema. Culture. Literature. But the biggest and all consuming parent to these is life that breeds them . There is the discovery that comes from expressing yourself, clear eyed and even mystical, when you come from a city like this. I am here to expand my worldviews, share my earliest inspirations and evolutions and go with the flow through the most accessible outlet there is : writing. Conventionally, my biography is that of a degree holder in English literature encompassing Undergraduate, Postgraduate and M Phil years and every possible experience of learning finer points of knowledge . I have already taken the plunge of creating a solid base for my works by publishing my poems and articles on the renowned worldwide community/ writing sanctuary Wattpad since 2015, a platform which is a miracle for anyone pursuing so much as a flash of wordplay and thoughts to spare. It has redefined my life and allows me to go strong. You can read my works there under the username MadMenWearingFedora / Prithvijeet. That is the springboard that catapulted me to a confident vocational revival. So here I am. Both originality and novelty are the key words to define this eternal student of life. So with the tip of the pen blessing my head and a new vigor, I welcome you all to my realm. AN AWADH BOY'S PANORAMA beckons.
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6 thoughts on “THE BRILLIANT IMAGERY OF SIDDHESHWARI (1989)”
Oh siddheshwari, legendary and so was the man- mani kaul but even though he was his own mantle, but man helped him to achieve this genius over a period of time and wrote not just this but most screenplays for his film; his assistant, writer and now director, almost legendary master Kamal Swaroop.
Thank you for your acknowledgement. As a profound composer of imagery yourself, I am glad you responded in kind to this post. I am also happy to find a kindred who has watched and cherished this brilliant classic. Thank you for being such a discerning reader.
An Awadh Boy's Panorama : tracing words on these filigreed, discerning fingertips. 
Oh siddheshwari, legendary and so was the man- mani kaul but even though he was his own mantle, but man helped him to achieve this genius over a period of time and wrote not just this but most screenplays for his film; his assistant, writer and now director, almost legendary master Kamal Swaroop.
I have started to enjoy your listings now 🙂
Narayan x
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Thank you for your acknowledgement. As a profound composer of imagery yourself, I am glad you responded in kind to this post. I am also happy to find a kindred who has watched and cherished this brilliant classic. Thank you for being such a discerning reader.
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But Prithvi, have you watched Om dar-ba-dar?
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No I haven’t but I have heard a lot about it. Also I’ve loved many of its actor Anita Kanwar’s performances.
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Yes, Kamal sir is the one to look out for, to learn from. He is the person who assisted Attenborough in Gandhi while filming here.
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Oh yes, his production duties are immensely realized on Siddheshwari.
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