Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit.

Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit.

Sanjay Dutt created an image of a fighter over the years. But whenever he acted with Madhuri Dixit, the producers and directors had brought out the softer performance of Sanjay Dutt.

In Sajan, Sanjay Dutt played the role of a handicapped poet. He dedicated all his poems to Madhuri Dixit. Madhuri Dixit also became a big admirer of the poet without knowing him personally. As Sanjay Dutt knew that being a handicapped person he will fail to make Madhuri Dixit happy, has asked Salman Khan to pretend as the poet who had written all the verses keeping Madhuri Dixit in mind. Ultimately the truth is unveiled and Salman sacrifices his love. The songs in the film like “jiyue to jiye”, dekha hai pehli baar”, “tu shayar hai”, etc, stormed the silver screen.


Sanjay Dutt also acted opposite Madhuri in the film Khalnayak. Although Madhuri was supposed to be married to Jackie, Sanjay had been loyal to her and ultimately surrendered before the police due to her. It was an experiment done by Subhash Ghai by casting Sanjay Dutt in a negative role but the audience responded to the challenge. Jackie also did well in the film.


The other notable film of the successful pair includes Mahanta. It was related to an action –thriller with which Sanjay Dutt is generally associated. His relatives were killed and ill-treated by Amrish Puri and Paresh Rawal and he took revenge in the film in his own way. Jeetender provided adequate support to Sanjay Dutt in the film.


In Sahibaan, Sanjay again acted opposite Madhuri as a second hero, where the romantic part was performed by Rishi Kapoor. The songs in the film composed by Shiv Hari and sung by Jolly Mukherjee including “kaise jiyunga mai” caught the attention of cultured listeners. Madhuri loved Rishi Kapoor, and Sanjay tried to impose his affection with the help of wealth and manpower.

The pair also acted in Thanedaar and Kanoon Apna Apna and the films are still appreciated by filmlovers.

By: Supriya Chatterji.

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Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen.

Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen.

Salman Khan had entertained the viewers with his diversified performances in bollywood films for the last 20 years. But his romantic performance opposite Sushmita Sen had been well appreciated by the audience.


The pair had done well in the film Bibi No. I, where Karishma Kapoor played the role of Salman’s wife, and Anil Kapoor and Tabu were friends of Salman. Salman went to Switzerland and had an affair with Susmita that led to his separation with Karishma. But at the end of the film he could not live with Sushmita, as he understood that she was not fit to fulfil the responsibilities of a wife like taking care of the mother and rearing up the children, etc. The songs in the film like “isq sona hai”, “chunari chunari” became landmark hits.


Both Salman and Susmita did very well in the film Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, where Katrina Kaif was the other performer. Salman told Katrina that he was married and wanted to give divorce to his wife to marry her. When Katrina got the information she wanted to meet his wife and Salman asked Susmita to pretend as his wife. Salman went on providing false stories and when Katrina came to know about the children of Susmita, she went to meet them. It was a fun-filled comedy film with hit songs like “laga laga lag re”, “just chill chill”, etc.


The combination was sublime in the film Tumko Na Bhool Payenge. Salman and his friend were great shooters and they were used by the Home Minister to shoot his rival. Salman loved Susmita, but his friend shot him and married her. Salman got a new life but he lost his memory. He was supported by Diya Mirza. The major part of the film showed how Salman got back his memory. Salman again returned to Bombay and discovered the truth. He faced his friend and in the encounter Susmita died. The songs in the film “tumsehi pyar ho gaya re” sung by Sonu Nigam became a big hit.

Salman Khan and Susmita Sen are expected to act together in other films in future, as they are well accepted by the viewers.

By: Supriya Chatterji.

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Shahrukh Khan and Juhi Chawla.

Shahrukh Khan and Juhi Chawla.

Shahrukh Khan has acted in numerous hit films in the last 15 years, and during his successful career had acted with many actresses. But his combination with Juhi Chawla was well accepted by the viewers.

The pair did very well in the film Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman. It was a love story of a young couple and the subject matter of the story was simple. Nana Patekar added attraction in the film with his comedy performance. Both of them also did well in the film Yes Boss. The songs in the film like “na koi aisa geet”, “chand tare”, etc., became big hits. Abhijeet, the singer of major songs in the film contributed a lot for the success of the film.


In Darr, Shahrukh Khan showed his versatility by performing in a negative role. Juhi Chawla was married to Sunny Deol, and Shahrukh Khan chased them in different destinations as he was suffering from mental disease and could not forget Juhi. The songs in the film like “tu mere samne” sung by Lata and “jadu teri nazar” sung by Udit Narayan became very successful. Shahrukh attempted to kill Sunny, and compelled Juhi to marry him while both of them were travelling in a launch. Sunny rescued her from the clutches of Sharukh and killed him. The film played a big role in shaping the career of Sharukh.


The pair did very well in the film Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. Paresh Rawal was wrongly projected as a terrorist, and both Sharukh and Juhi being journalists, unearthed the truth. Although both of them were rivals at the beginning as they worked for separate organisations but ultimately got united to help Paresh Rawal. The songs in the film “hum logo ko samajh sako to”, “ I’m the best” requires special mention.


Both of them did well in comic roles in the film Duplicate. Sharukh Khan played a double role, with one of the characters having affair with Juhi Chawla, with the other being engaged with Sonali Bendre. The character which was innocent had relationship with Juhi, and their romantic performance needs special mention with songs like “mere mehboob mere sanam”, “la lailai”, etc. Both of them opened film production together and gave successful films. The viewers expect Juhi to make a comeback and continue her good work with Sharukh.

By: Rumi Chatterji.

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Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman

Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman.

Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman are considered as one of the most versatile performers of bollywood for the last 60 years. They had performed in successful films opposite other actors and actresses in the their career, but whenever they acted together the viewers had cherished their depth of performance.


Dilip Kumar played a double role in the film Ram Aur Shyam, where he showed his versatility in both the characters. Ram was afraid of Pran, who did beat him up and enjoyed his property. Where as Shyam was smart and wise. Dilip Kumar showed his capability in the comedy sequences as well. Wahida Rehman was associated with Shyam. She also exhibited her class in the film and the songs picturised in the film including “aaj ki raat mere”, “mai tha saqi”, sung by Rafi and Lata, and composed by Naushad had become immortal over the years.


The same combination amazed the audience with their classic performance in the film Dil Diya Dard Liya. Dilip Kumar was the actual prince, but due to loss of identity he was treated like servant by Pran. Wahida Rehman had soft corner for him and their romance blossomed at the end after facing extreme barriers from the society. The tragic andaz of performance of both Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman was unparallel in the film. Again music played an important part with Naushad composing some immortal songs like “dilruba maine tere”, “sawan aye”, “koi sagar dil ko behlata nahi.” Rafi and Lata were probably at their best part of career and gave their best in the film.

Aadmi is the other successful film of the legendary pair. Manoj Kumar was the other actor in the film and Dilip Kumar jumped from the cliff of a mountain as he was repentant about his feelings for his friend. He became handicapped and walked on crutches. Both Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman could convey the romantic feelings and other thoughts to the audience who appreciated both the story and the music including songs like “na aadmi ka koi bharosa”, “aaj purani raho”, etc., sung by Rafi and composed by Naushad.


The pair was seen for another time in Mashal, where Dilip Kumar could not save Wahida Rehman who died out of severe stomach pain. Anil Kapoor learnt a lot from the effortless performance of the legendary pair. If the most versatile pair of actors and actresses are searched for, the name of Dilip Kumar and Wahida Rehman will always come in the history of bollywood cinema. Their films should be preserved for the new generation.

By: CR Chatterji.

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Sonali Bendre - the timid actress of bollywood.

Sonali Bendre - the timid actress of bollywood.

Sonali Bendre had created a soft, timid image with her performance in bollywood films. She initially participated in beauty contests and started her career with the film Aag, in 1994, opposite Govinda. she made a very significant impact with her performance in the film Bhai, opposite Sunil Shetty.

Bhai was based on the story of Sunil Shetty, a young villager who came to the city and faced te urbanised opression which others also face and his brother was killed due to several reasons. He became an underqworld don and Sonali Bendre supported him in his war against the actual wrongdoers. Sunil Shetty kiled the rival groups and also the infulential persons, by facing them in forests and other hilly aeras, as he as used to fighting in those places. Pooja Batra played the role of the wife of Sunil Shetty.


Sonali Bendre performed well opposite Shahrukh Khan in the comedy film Duplicate. Shahrukh Khan had acted in aduoble role, one with Juhi Chwala, the other with Sonali Bendre. Sonali Bendre had an affair with the Shahrukh Khan who was a smuggler, and when both the persons were interchanged, she accepted the change in the character of the of the other Sharukh Khan. The song in the film "kab maine yeh sochatha" sung by Udit Narayan became a big hit.

Sonali Bendre did well in the film Hum Saath Saath Hai. She was the wife of Salman Khan, where other leading roles were played by Saif Ali khan, Tabu, Karishma apoor, etc. It was a family drama, dealing with the internal relationships of a rich family.


She even won Star Screen award for best performance in the film Hamare Dil Aapke Pass Hai, opposite Anil Kapoor and Aishwaria Rai. Her other notable films include Zakhm with Ajay Devgan, Tera Mera Saath Rahe, etc.

She left films after 2004. The viewers expect her to make a comeback in bollywood films soon.

Shreya Ghoshal – the sweet singer of the present generation.

Shreya Ghoshal – the sweet singer of the present generation.

Bollywood films in the 50s, 60s and 70s were dominated by Lata, Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum, Suraiya, Asha, Suman Kalyanpur, etc. In the 80s and 90s Alka Yagnik and Kavita Krishnamurty made a very notable contribution in bollywood films. Shreya Ghoshal had established herslf the future singer of bollywood cinema for the last few years.

Born in a Bengali family in Rawatbhata, in Kota district of Rajasthan, Shreya Ghoshal learnt classical music from Mahesh Chandra Sharma. She participated in the musical competition in the TV Channel titled Saregamapa, and when she reached the finals after defeating renowned female singers, the producers, directors and composers were moved by her performance.


She made her presence felt with her song in the film Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Banshali, with the song “bairi piya” and after that she never had to look back. Just like Sonu Nigam had created a gharana by himself and composers agree about his versatility, similarly Shreya Ghoshal is undoubtedly the future of Indian playback singing.

She received the filmfare award for the best female singer along with Kavita Krishnamurty for the song “dola re” from the film Devdas, picturised on Madhuri Dixit and Aiswariya Rai. Her other hits songs include “jadu hai nasha hai” from the film Jism. She also amazed the listeners with the song “piyu bole, piya bole” picturised on Vidya Balan, from the film Parineeta, where Sonu Nigam sang it for Saif Ali Khan. The sweetness of her voice matched the period (late 19th century) when singers of the Bengali traditional families used to present their talent in soft style.


She also the song “apne aansoo peene ke liye” from the film Paheli, very well, along with powerful performance from Rani Mukherjee and Shahrukh Khan in the film. She also received filmfare award for the best singer for her song in the film Guru, titled “barsdo re” composed by AR Rehman.

She had song notable Bengali songs like “pagla hawa” in The Bong Connection, “mon diye mon niye” in Agnipath, etc. With a number of songs which are going to be released in different films in 2008, she is expected to continue her good work and the viewers and listeners expect her best in the years to come.

Comedy characters in the films of Satyajit Ray.

Comedy characters in the films of Satyajit Ray.

Satyajit Ray had experimented with diversified subjects in the films he directed over 35 years. Due to reserve personality viewers have a feeling that he hardly experimented with comedy sequences. In fact the presentation of comedy sequences in most cases amazed noted film critics of the western world.

His character Lalmohan Ganguly, played by Santosh Dutta, in the film Sonar Kella, (the Golden Fortress) attracted the attention of intellectual viewers. He was a writer of detective novels, yet provided erroneous information to his readers. He gave wrong information about where a camel stores its water, and that was rectified by Soumitra Chatterji, who played the role of Feluda, the private investigator in the film. Santosh Dutta ultimately got an opportunity to ride on camelback in his way from Pokran to Ramdewra in Rajasthan in the film, and got sever body ache after the ride.


In Joy Baba Felunath, the other film of Ray, Santosh Dutta, refused to drink the juice that was offered to him by Utpal Dutt, in the role of Maganlal Meghraj, a rich businessman of Benaras. Inspite of his reluctance, Utpal Dutt compelled him to face a show of knives being thrown at a target with Santosh Dutta standing in the middle of the target. Santosh Dutta, played a very significant part in Ray’s film Goopi Gayin Bagha Bayin, where he played the role of the two brothers of two separate kingdoms, who were twins. On of them were dictated terms by the diwan played by Jahar Roy.

In Uttam Kumar’s Nayak, there was a scene where the Rajdhani Express had stopped in a station and Sharmila Tagore was talking with Uttam Kumar in the Cantene. From the windows, the presence of Uttam Kumar was felt, and as he was one of the most popular icons of his time, the crowd made gestures and became wild to see him, which made life uncomfortable for Sharmila Tagore, who was not used to facing such situations.


In Paraspathor, tulsi Chakravarty played the role of a middleclass Bengali who got a typical stone which could turn any material into gold. When a rich businessman asked him about the formula, he asked him to note it down, it was “holde sabuj orangotang, it patkel chitpotang”, meaning Yellow-green monkey, stones-pebbles and slipping down on the floor. Most of the humour of Ray, existed in his script, and he created a revolution in terms of converting rich literary texts into scripts fit for story-telling of epic films. It is not possible to highlight the comedy characters of Rays’ films in a short article, but all these films had become learning texts for new filmmakers and should be restored as masterpieces symbolising Indian creative arts.

By: CR Chatterji.

Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh.

Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh.

Shammi Kapoor in his romantic career , had acted with leading actresses of the 50s and the 60s, including Mala Sinha, Rajashri, Saira Banu, Sharmila Tagore, etc. But his combination with Asha Parekh had provided a number of hits in the 50s and 60s.

In Dil Deke Dekho, in 1959, Shammi Kapoor almost created his image of a flamboyant hero for the first time. The music provided by Usha Kiran was very very successful. Rafi’s song “dil deke dekho” picturised on Shammi Kapoor and mesemrised the audience with westernized orchestration.


In Jawan Muhobbat, the same combination had entertained the audience another time. In those days films were picturised in Jammu and Kasmir, and Himachal Pradesh, and the romantic locations added flavour in the romantic classics.


Teesri Manzil, directed by Nasir Hussain, became very successful in 1966. It gave RD Burman also the recognition of an innovative composer. The film was related to the investigation of a murder. Very significantly Premnath who featured as a hero before that film, switched to roles of antihero and he acted as a villain in Teesri Manzil for the first time. The successful songs in the film sung by Rafi and Asha include “aja aja”, “o haseena zulfowali”, “janeman janeja”, “diwana tujhsan nahi”, “o mere sona re sona re”, etc. The rock and roll image of Shammi Kapoor was complimented by successful choreography provided by Asha Parekh.


Both of them also did well in the film Pagla Kahin Ka, directed by Shakti Samanta. Shankar Jaikishan had played a very significant role in the success of Shammi Kapoor. The music of the film was composed by Shankar Jaikishan, with leading songs like “tum mujhe yuh bhula na payoge”, sung by Rafi and Lata. Shammi Kapoor did put on a lot of weight in the early 70s, and started performing in character roles.

The films of Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh should be restored to refresh the memory of old viewers and introduce the new generation to the films of the 60s.

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Bobby Deol and Rani Mukherjee

Bobby Deol and Rani Mukherjee.

Few actors and actresses get viewers acclamation even for acting in few films together. That has happened with Bobby Deol and Rani Mukherjee. Bobby Deol established himself in bollywood films with his dashing performance in the films Soldier and Gupt. He did not imitate any contemporary actors and created a style of his own. Similarly Rani Mukherjee impressed the audience with her performance in the films Kuch Kuch Hota Hai with Shahrukh Khan and Ghulam with Amir Khan.


Both Bobby Deol and Rani Mukerjee were well appreciated for their performance in the film Badal. The film was related to terrorist movements in the Northern part of India, including Punjab. Bobby was a victim of ill treatment from related persons and became a terrorist himself. There were police officers who were corrupted and helped the law breakers which gave rise to more hatred and anti-establishment feelings.


Bobby took shelter in Amrish Puri’s house and created a strategy to kill Ashutosh Rana in the film. Bobby in fact provided security for the family and even assaulted the eve-teasers who had harassed the daughter of Amrish Puri.

Johny Lever did well in the relief scenes in the film. Rani Mukherjee entered into affair with Bobby,not knowing that he was a terrorist. She also did well in the film. The film received good reviews also.


In the same way, Rani Mukherjee and Bobby Deol received good remarks for their performance in the film Bicchu. This film was related to narcotic subsntances and related drugs. Ashish Vidhayrti had killed all the family members of Rani Mukherjee in the film.She had a stepmother and was not happy with her life. She got saved because when Ashish Vidyarti opened fire in the house, she went to Bobby’s neighbouring flat. Both of them changed places, as Bobby was also planning for taking revenge against the perpetrators of crime. The action sequences were new and innovative. The film was also successful. The viewers expect the romantic pair to perform well in the new films in the coming years.

By: CR Chatterji.

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Dharmender and Rafi.

Dharmender and Rafi.

Dharmender had a very long a struggling career in bollywoood cinema and at every stage of his career the playback of Mohammad Rafi had an impact on the viewers. Dharmender initially performed in romantic films where music was probably the major element which had contributed for the success of the films. In Mere Humdum ere Dost, all the songs of Rafi including "na ja", "hui shaam unka", were hits.


In Izzat, Laxmikant Pyarelal's composition for Rafi, namely "lute dil pe diya jalta nahi", picturisede on Dharmender created an aded attraction for the film. In Yakeen, Rafi's song for Dharmender tilted "ek hassen shaam ko dil mera kho gaya", became very big hit.

In the early 70s, Dharmender switched to action films, but there also music played a part. In Aaya Sawan Jhukme, LP's compostion and Rafi's songs like "majhi chal", "aya sawan jhumke", contributed a lot in the success of the film in adition to excellent choreography of Asha Parekh. Dharmender gave good lips in the song "aj mausam batra beimann hai" in the film Loafer, opposite Mumtaz.


Rafi had followed the diaglogue throwing and mannerism of a number of actors in his long career, and in respect of Dharmender, whenever he did sing any song it appeared to the audience that Dharmender was singing it himself. The songs of the film Jeevan Mrityu, composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal and sung by Rafi including "jhilmil sitaron" became very very successful.

The bond of Rafi and Dharmender was strong that the last song Rafi sung in his career, was dedicated to Dharmender in the film Aas Pas. The other succesful songs of Rafi which were picturised on Dharmender include "sare gama" from the film Chupke Chupke, composed by SD Burman, "aakhree geet muhabbat" composed by Madanmohan, "mai kahee kavi na banjayun", from film Pyar Hi Pyar, composed by Shankar Jaikishan, all the songs of Ram Balram, etc.


As Rafi had sung around 26000 songs within 35 years and Dharmender had acted in more than 200 films within period, it is not possible to mention all the successful songs sung by Rafi for Dharmender. But the songs and the films should be restored for the viewers and the musiclovers.

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Uttam Kumar and Sharmila Tagore.

Uttam Kumar and Sharmila Tagore.

Uttam Kumar was the greatest superstar of the Bengali silver screen and was in one way one-man-industry. When he performed in bollywood films, Sharmila Tagore was the actress who complimented his romantic performance with her soft performance.


The pair had been very successful in the film Amanush, directed by Shakti Samanta. The film was based on the life of villagers of Sunderbans. There was fishing community who faced a lot of oppression from the zaminders. Utpal Dutt played the role of the villain who created misunderstanding in the minds of Sharmila Tagore which resulted in deterioration of relationship with Uttam Kumar. Anil Chatterji, the police officer in the film investigated the matter and ultimately helped Uttam Kumar to establish his innocence. The songs composed by Shyamal Mitra and sung by Kishore and Asha became very successful. In fact, Kishore Kumar got the filmfare award for the best singer in the year for the song “dil aisa kisine mera tora” from Amanush. Uttam Kumar was brilliant in giving lips in songs all through his career, so he did a great job in this song also. The Bengali version of the film Amanush, released in 1974, also was successful.


In Anand Ashram, Uttam Kumar played the role of a doctor. He had differences with his father played by Ashok Kumar that led to leaving his ancestral house and settling in a village. He married Sharmila Tagore and she helped him in fulfilling his goal of providing adequate healthcare to rural persons. But Sharmila died while giving birth to her son. Rakesh Roshan played the role of the son and ultimately bridged the gap between Uttam Kumar and Ashok Kumar in the film. The songs in the film was again successful.


Uttam Kumar and Sharmila Tagore were sublime in the film Dooriyan. It was also based on family relationship. Both of them loved each other and gave birth to two children and misunderstanding between them led to separation and each of them lived with one child. The children missed the other parents and both Sharmila and Uttam Kumar never wanted to compromise but ended their misunderstanding at the end of the film. Bhupinders Singh’s song “zindagi zindagi”, and “zindagi me jab tumhare gham nahi the” composed by Jaidev became very successful. Uttam Kumar and Sharmila acted together in Bengali films like Nayak, directed by Satyajit Ray, Shesh Anka, Jadubanghsha, etc. the films should be restored for immense filmic value.

By: CR Chatterji.

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Jackie Shroff – the reserve personality of bollywood.

Jackie Shroff – the reserve personality of bollywood.

Jackie Shroff had shown his reserve personality in the films he had acted in the last 20 years. He had shown his acting skills in Subhash Ghai’s film Hero, opposite Meenakshi. The viewers accepted the new pair at that time.

Jackie had mainly acted in successful films opposite Anil Kapoor. In Karma, he was one of the three prisoners who were facing life sentence who were brought by Dilip Kumar and used in the war against terrorism. On one hand Jackie kept his mark during the action sequences, on the other hand did well with Sri Devi, with whom he had an affair in the film.


Jackie was sublime in his performance in the film Kaash, opposite Dimple Kapadia. Even in Ram Lakhan, he played the role of the elder brother of Anil Kapoor and the police officer. He was honest and dutiful, as opposed to Anil Kapoor who used his cleverness for giving fitting reply to lawbreakers. Dimple, also did well in her role as the wife of Jackie in the film.

In Khalnayak, Jackie played the role of the police officer, who arrested Sanjay Dutt for his unlawful activities. Although Sanjay escaped from the prison and that led to lot of criticism of Jackie, but ultimately he brought Sanjay before the court of law. Madhuri Dixit did well in the film opposite Jackie.


From mid-90s, Jackie acted in character roles, and showed his variation of acting. He played the role of Chunillal in Shahrukh Khan’s Devdas. He amazed the viewers with negative performance in the film Mission Kashmir. He played the role of the terrorist who persuaded Hrithik to be involved in terrorism and kill Sanjay Dutt. He adapted the general characteristics of terrorist in the film.

His other successful films include Gardish, Aaj Ka Daur, 100 days, etc. In 100 Days, he was the murderer who killed Madhuri’s sister. He has transformed himself as a good character actor and the audience expects him to continue his good work in the years to come.

By: Rumi Chatterji.

Pradeep Kumar and Meenakumari.

Pradeep Kumar and Meenakumari.

Pradeep Kumar and Meenakumari had acted together in successful films in the 60s and most of them created a lasting impact in the minds of the viewers. They performed well in the film Aarti. Pradeep Kumar was suffering from incurable disease in the film and Meena Kumari shared his grief in the film. Ashok Kumar also did well. Rafi and Lata’s songs in the film composed by Roshan including “aapne yaad dilaya”, “aab kya missal doon”, etc., created history.

Both of them were sublime in the film Bheegi Raat. They had an affair but after Meena Kumari met with an accident the engagement broke and Meenakumari lived with Ashok Kumar. Meenakumari attended the little child of Ashok Kumar. At the end of the film Ashok Kumar sacrificed his love and asked Pradeep Kumar to marry Meena Kumari. The songs in the film sung by Rafi and Lata and composed by Roshan including “dil jo na keh saka”, “jane who kaun hai”, etc. became big hits.


Bahu Begum had historical touch and showed the muslim pardanashin community. Again the affair between Pradeep Kumar and Meenakumari, could not succeed due to social obstacles. Meena Kumari was scheduled to marry Ashok kumar and she left her house on the day of marriage. Then she found herself in a kotha. The story had a number of twists and turns and ultimately Ashok Kumar burnt himself to sacrifice his love. The film depicted the conservative society very well and the actors showed the restraint that was followed at that point of time. Again Roshan came out with memorable compositions including songs given to Rafi, Lata, Asha, like “nikle the kaha”, “hum intezar karenge”, “duniya kare sawal”, etc.


Pradeep Kumar and Meena Kumari also acted in the film Chitralekha. The subject matter was bit complicated with philosophical thoughts being embedded in the film. Rafi’s song “man retu kahe nadhir dhare” had lyrics which raised a lot of questions. The film did moderately in the box-office.


Pradeep Kumar and Meena Kumari had tremendous popularity and their screen presence had helped in bringing serious subject matters close to the mass. The films should be preserved for aesthetic values.

By: Supriya Chatterji.

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Amitabh and Jaya Bacchan.

Amitabh and Jaya Bacchan.

Amitabh and Jaya Bacchan had performed together in the realistic films of 70s and impressed the viewers with their powerful performance. In Abhimaan, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Big B played the role of a singer who went to a village and got impressed with Jaya and married.

Jaya’s musical talent was unearthed and she also became a renowned singer. She became more popular than Big B and it led to family tensions and Jaya left her singing career. At the end of the film the misunderstandings were resolved and they sang together. The songs in the film composed by SD Burman including “tere mere Milan ki yeh rehna”, “teri bindiya re”, etc., became very very successful.


Jaya and Big B did well in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Milli. Both of them stayed in the same apartment complex. Jaya became extremely sick and died at the end of the film. Ashok Kumar performed well in his character role. The songs in the film composed by SD Burman like “maine kaha phulo se”, “bari suni suni”, etc. became hits.


Both of Jaya and Big B did well in the film Zanjeer. The film was based on the story of a police officer who faced a number of obstacles to face the smugglers and lawbreakers in the society. In fact Big B got his image of angry young man from this film. Jaya supported him very well in the film and showed her concern during strong encounters. Pran did well in the film, specially the lips he gave in Manna Dey’s song “yari hai iman mera yaar meri zindagi” composed by Kalyanji Anandji.


Jaya and Big B also did well in the film Silsila, where Rekha also provided memorable performance. The film was shot in Kashmir and other picturesque locations and the music composed by Shiv Hari was extraordinary. Songs of Lata like “yeh kaha agaye hum” had mesmerised the viewers and is remembered even today.

Jaya and Amitabh also had other hit films including Sholay, Bangsi Aur Birju, Chupke Chupke, etc. As both of them had versatility in their performance, whenever the pair had combined in bollywood films, the films became box-office hits and also got critics acclamation.

By: CR Chatterji.

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