This actually occurs in Om Shanti Om. Leah wrote about the fact that they saw this in India, but pointed out quite correctly that she was not as capable as I to write about it. One could put this down to not having the keen observational skills that I have. One could perhaps put it down to the fact that I am able to analyze and critique camera movement, editing technique, narrative flow and the like. One could also put it down to not having a degree in film studies that I have. Or perhaps one could say that Leah and David saw a Hindi film without the benefit of English subtitles as I did.

Briefly (or at least as briefly as I can make it), Om Shanti Om stars Shah Rukh Khan (one of the biggest Hindi film stars and often referred to as SRK) as Om Prakash Makhija, a "junior artist" in the film industry in the 1970s. So basically he has small roles in films, waiting for the big break that will lead him to becoming a hero in Hindi films--in other words, a big star. He falls in love with Shantipriya (played by newcomer Deepika Padukone) who is already a huge star, but discovers that she is secretly married to a top producer, played by the delectable Arjun Rampal. The producer, naturally, turns out to be evil and when she insists that they tell the world that they're married, he kills her by setting fire to an elaborate film set. Om tries to save her, but ultimately dies himself. The film then flashes ahead to 30 years later where Om Prakash Makhija has been reincarnated as Om Kapoor, the son of a film star from the 1970s and a huge star in his own right. Various things happen, and Om Kapoor (otherwise known as OK) figures things out and determines to bring the villain producer to justice.

And yes, throughout all of this there are various song and dance routines. Including the one about disco--"Dard-E-Disco" or "Pain of Disco." Honestly. There are times when the translations can be just as much fun as what's on the screen. Om Shanti Om is most notable for two reasons. The first is that it's the first Bollywood film to poke fun at Bollywood. Not in a mean spirited way, but on the par of what Singin' in the Rain did for Hollywood during its transition to sound.

The second notable aspect of this Om Shanti Om is that it is the first film to display Shak Rukh Khan's new physique. For the majority of his career, he's always been fond of showing off his chest. Sometimes with see-through shirts, other times with shirts that are unbuttoned and happen to be pushed back from his chest by a gust of wind. And then there are the times when he is without a shirt altogether. With any of these sartorial choices (or lack thereof) there is an extremely good chance that water is also going to have a strong presence in the scene. Invariably--whether water is involved or not--these are song and dance sequences. As it is with Om Shanti Om. I found it interesting, if not downright fascinating, that during the first half of the film when he appears with his shirt unbuttoned, his chest is as it has always been--fine. But in the second half--when he appears without a shirt, in "Pain of Disco," he has a six pack! I must admit my first thought when I noticed this difference was to wonder whether they had to shut down production so he could become ripped the same way they had to shut down production on Cast Away so Tom Hanks could lose a ton of weight.

I've discussed his recent physique with my friend Meheli, who is working on her disseration on Hindi cinema. We both agree that the degree to which SRK is hyper-sexualized during this song and dance sequence is both hilarious and a tad disturbing. We part ways, however, in our reaction to his new physique. I find it somewhat odd that a man in his early 40s should suddenly have the abs of a 20 year old. Meheli, on the other hand, appreciates his new look. You can decide for yourself. Though not terribly legal, the song is naturally up on youtube. If you're interested in observing, analyzing and critiquing his new physique, click here. Though there are no subtitles, in this instance I don't think it will matter all that much. Just remember that when he sings "dard-e disco," it's actually "pain of disco." Enjoy!