Mithunda's Florescence from his Maiden song Blossomed him forever from Gulshan-to-Gulshan

Mithunda recall’s the moments of his first movie song shoot and the beginning of discipleship with his Choreographer Kamalnathji

Mithunda making his mark with this first song from the movie Phool Khile hai Gulshan Gulshan

Everyone feels nostalgic about their first assignment or an initial attempt  and would like to share the experience detailing every of its precious moments with your beloved ones. Emphatically we would like to share some sweet memories about Mithunda from his struggling days while filming the song-sequence-shoot of Manubhai Motor chali Pam Pam from the 1978 movie Phool Khile hain Gulshan Gulshan with Kamal Nath-Sir (dance director of the movie ) who is also addressed as Kamalji or Masterji . This was the third movie of Mithunda in cameo roles few years before he rode the box-office on stellar roles and also his first presence in the song-sequence years before he was known as the dancing star. Prior to this movie he had a minute dance-scene in the movie Mukti which was released in the year 1977 , which was pertaining to an afro-african dance sequence for a song which was not more than 4 minutes. His rhythmic grace in this song was evident to the fact that his sway was spontaneous to the background music making it obvious that he was a voluptuous dancer and a successful actor to be reckoned globally.   Mukti  was Bindiya Goswami's third released movie playing an important role along with other star cast. Mithunda as a guest appearance had a very short stint within this song which was not more than 2 to 3 minutes and the only opportunity available was to gesture the narration with his dance movement ,which had to be performed on a stage having a dark backdrop with spotlight hovering on him. Obviously it was a medium-length camera shot , the scene was very intense because it was part of an life-shattering emotional story-telling sequence and he had a tough task to detail it with his expressive movements , which he did it gracefully and it turned out to be an extraordinary performance. Every movements and rhythm was caper to the western music, which highlighted his voluptuousness to the sense of music , personifying his presence with an promising outlook and assuring viewers that this boy had a huge store of success ahead in his life. Which proved to be immensely true.

A trivia which has been passed on for four decades ( few of his friends, colleagues , Bollywood peers will vouch for the same)  originating as  behind the scene moments from the movie ,which is also an interesting anecdote,  many times  Mithunda had spoken about this as a reference to his struggling days to which he had also affectionately shared his joyful experience, moments of adoration with the co-actors and congenial moments with this dance director which is still memorable. Many pages, columns and  stories have been written about his struggling days and this mud-to-mansion and rags-to-riches success have been a folklore and inspiration to many bollywood aspirants who would like to follow his footsteps and make a daring attempt of trying their luck in this tinsel town.

For the benefit of Mithunists' and Mithunda's fan the text is recreated from the casual discussion of Mithunda and Kamalji , further added from subsequent discussion in a mini studio during the song sequence shoot during  the shoot of Rajkumar Kohli's movie Pati Patni aur Tawaaif which was choreographed by Kamalji. The discussion between Mithunda and Kamalji was recorded in a video which highlighted Mithunda's first meeting and his experience while working with Kamalji in the filmshoot of the movie Phool Khile hain Gulshan Gulshan for the song Manu Bhai Motor Chali Pam Pam, where Kamalji was the choreographer.

Mitunda along with Asrani and Paintal from the scene in the movie Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan

In the ambience of the semi-lit bulb inside the mini-theatre of a movie studio, located in the suburbs of Mumbai , filled with the chilliness of the newly installed air-conditioner to the fullest , this disco-dancing sensation and heart-throb of millions with full of cheerfulness in his eyes, his body was slightly wavering to the pulse of recently rehearsed music of the song. which he had recently practiced studiously,  was waiting for the dance director to arrive for further instructions. Mithunda looked very younger than his age, wearing a yellow overall over a black T shirt, tight pant and hunter shoes, he couldn’t be missed as a reigning star who was very humble and down-to- earth as his calm posture shone of a man who's success didn’t go to his head.

His thoughts were dwelling at the prospective forthcoming dance steps on how he could improve and give his best; the sound of the door opening broke his thoughts. Entered Kamal Nath, veteran dance director (in the early days they were called as dance master or Masterji) of many hit films, sauntered in wearing a loose black T shirt , white trouser  with mass of hair turned backward and airing fluently his conversing tone “ Haan Bhai ” . Mithun quickly stood up and bowed in deference to touch his feet, a Bollywood way of welcoming a senior artiste, for Mithun he was a  old friend-cum-dance director and currently he too was the dance director of the ongoing movie  which was under production and a song sequence was in process of the movie titled “Pati, Patni aur Tawaif” who too acknowledged his greetings and bent down half-the-way to stop Mithunda touching his feet ,  Mithunda quick to his movement , in fulfilling his respect and salutation for his dance guru had completed his obeisance saying “Hey Masterji Namaskar”. To which the senior dance director replied “Jeete Raho”.

Mithunda stood straight and tall facing him in respect, Masterji waved at the wall behind where the projector room was situated and inquired “Picture dekh raho yaa shooting ho rahi hai”. Mithunda promptly replied “Shooting ho rahi hai” Both of them slid down to take their seats facing each other in the cushy mini-theatre seat, Mithun flashing his white 100 watt smile shone happily and continued “Rajkumar Kohli’ji ki Pati Patni aur Tawaaif”. To which Dance Director happily replied “Very Good”. Mithunda relaxed a bit and assessed politely  “Masterji! How is this song?” to which Kamalji replied “Very Good”. Confession of truth comes from Mithunda graciously as an obedient student , bringing out the essence of his obedience to his feelings and in context to current situation, Mithunda with his joined palms confessed “To be honest with you Masterji, I did this song for you”. Masterji responded stretching his hands with joined palms and thanked him in a humbled tone "A great favour”. Mithunda stretched his hands and covered Masterji’s joined palms with his palms with an honest fervour “It’s not a favour, you are my Guru and I feel I have given you my Guru Dakshina”.

A sense of pride whelmed over Kamalji and felt the gratitude from this Disco dancing star who has acknowledge his teachings , coaching and contribution for the Industry, he wished if Mithunda could share the anecdote for the benefit of fan followers like me and readers of this website, taking this initiative he politely requested his Guruji-cum-Friend in a humble tone “I have received your Guru Dakshina, now let the world  know, how did you become my disciple”

Feeling nostalgic with Kamalji , the Dance Master, friendship that bloomed with Phool Khile hai Gulshan Gulshan

Mithunda let out an extended jovial smile as he recalled the incident which happened in the year 1977 during a song sequence, which also happened to be his first song that  to be picturized in a group from the movie (prior to this was Mukti release in the year 1977, a dance sequence executed exquisitely on a semi-dark stage, under a spotlight) and how over the years the friendship of Mithunda and Kamalji combination bloomed to churn out the dance moves from the innumerable hits till now. Feeling excited to share this memorable anecdote, spontaneously his flashing smile glowed up and Mithunda began his narration on this flashback “ Let me share you an interesting anecdote on how did I become Kamalji’s disciple? ”. Without stopping Mithunda continued “ My first movie with him was Phool Khile hai Gulshan Gulshan shot in the crowded streets of Marine drive near Mafatlal Swimming Pool and across the marine drive from Hanging garden , featuring Rishi Kapoor as a Hero along with Asraniji, Mukriji and Paintal sahaab. As the song was choreographed Masterji questioned me whether I knew driving ? (Mithunda gestured with his hands on an imaginary steering wheel), I told him Yes, there is no task which I cannot do and I will drive the car”.  Mithunda had lied him, the truth was, he didn’t knew driving and nor did he have the driving license, if he had denied this now , chances were he would have lost this opportunity or probably will be told to get out of this song. After getting Yes from Mithunda , Masterji continued briefing him “As the music is on ,you will drive the car, Rishi Kapoor will be sitting along with you in the front seat and you will be in the driver's seat , on the back seat will be Asrani and Paintal, anyone coming before the moving car, you only have to press the brake lightly to halt the car, that’s the only task in the sequence” Mithunda out of nervousness, assured him replying “ OK “ 

Brimming with fun, Mithunda continued “ As the music began, director shouted action, the car moved forward, within few moments, director ordered me to press the brake, without any thoughts I slammed the brake instantly. The car jerked suddenly to an extent that Rishi Kapoor who was in the front was thrown behind on the back seat and Asrani who was in the back seat was hurtled on the front seat. Out of anger Masterji shouted 'Cut, Cut, Cut', who is this guy? Remove him, not fit for the scene” Mithunda further continued "Looking at me he pointed out What are you bluffing? You say you know driving, what is this? ” Mithunda couldn’t suppress the smile when he went out exaggerating the accusation put forward by his Dance Director, further Kamalji with his frustration had added further in anger “Bringing in unknown and novice actors to perform the song sequence” Amused with this addition, Mithunda reprised and mimicked his lines  (flashback to actual scene, he turned to an imaginary crew) “ Bringing in unknown and novice actors to perform this song sequence” . Kamalji retorted a bit to correct Mithunda and pleaded that this wasn't he meant during the incident to which Mithunda expressed that this was in humor and continued mimicking those flashbacks on how he had put up a pleading face to Masterji and had implored “Sir, one more chance, I will do better this time” Dance Director sternly demanded “ What do you know? And what you can do? ”. Mithunda in desperation replied “Right from stringing tambourine I know everything”.

Listening to this struggling newcomer's (Mithunda’s) rambling replies, what conjured in the mind of Dance Directors was unknown, adamantly he said “Nothing doing, now you get down from the car and now your task is to open the door as the music starts ,  Mukriji will step in the car in sync with Manubhai Motor Chali Pam Pam vocal and behind him you will shut the door and remember this time no mistakes”. Mithunda agreed unconditionally saying “Right Sir”.  And in the present scenario Mithunda's narration of this flashback continued with excitement “As the song sequence begins, music started, I opened the door, Mukri stepped in, before he could be completely inside, half the way through, in anxiety I shut the car door behind him. A eerie sound of pain filled the air, I was aghast to see Mukri shouting in full throat as one of his fingers had got stuck in between the door and the car edge , (Mithunda mimicked this scene perfectly well with the ailing voice of Mukhriji) and was displaying his loosely held finger in pain”.  In the act of perfection, Mithunda's spoofed the act of displaying a finger in humor, to which Kamalji was amused.

The Dance Director continued listening and watching Mithunda intently , both of them relishing their association and years of youth they had together. Seconds later after summing up his thoughts through an aggregation of inspiration over the years of learning and friendship, Mithunda proudly proclaimed  “ From then onwards till now, whatever I am , it’s all through the guidance , efforts and blessing of Kamalji, for which I am greatly indepted” To which Kamalji replied " Its all your hardwork ".

Mithun’s animated expression in reciting this entire flashback with Kamalji was really a delight to watch. It shows the endearing relationship between  Master and disciple who shared a long years of love and friendship, thereby giving us innumerable hit numbers, which is still an enjoyable watch.

Mannu Bhai Motor Chali Pum Pum Pum - Full Video from YouTube

Covering the year from 1977 to 1978, the song scenario serenades the streets and beaches of Bombay (now Mumbai), presenting a lovely backdrop view of clean locations like Chowpatty beach, Haji Ali, Heera Panna circle, Kamala Nehru Park, Worli Signal, Worli AB Road, Mafatlal Swimming Pool, Marine Drive, and others. Eagerly watched by the crowds of film fans to have a glimpse of the filming and their favourite actors.

Almost four decades later, the song is still fascinating to watch. Mithunda dazzles us with his fresh look and exuberant movement, capering to the beat of the music in his body-fitting dark cadet-blue  shirt (shirt color ranging between dark tiffany-blue to cadet-blue) and white trouser, always flashing his distinctive white-lit 100 watt flash bulb signature smile. Even when he was impoverished, his adorable signature smile concealed all of his severe struggles, allowing him to make new acquaintances and win over most of his film associates, allowing him to gain a foothold in the industry. You could really sense his strain in this old video clip as he had to juggle from from set to another, producer's office to the houses of large banners for film roles and assignments during those years. Watching him grooving along with the other veterans of the industry, a very rare video clip of his initial days , gives us a great joy in this historical footage; it's a genuinely immersive experience for all of his ardent followers and Mithunists around the world to have a feel of Mithunda in his early younger days.

Images required for this post couldn't be procured in original and in high-rez format, hence had to use whatever was available