Happy birthday to Minissha Lamba.

Happy birthday to Minissha Lamba.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Minisha Lamba on 18th January, 2010. She had been a new icon of bollywood films who had become popular during the last year and is about to act in big banner films.

She started her career in bollywood films with the film Yahaan in 2005. It was directed by Sujit Sircar and he was looking for a newcomer at that time. Minisha Lamba created an impression and bagged an important role in Madhur Bhandarkar’s successful film Corporate.

Corporate was based on the complexities faced by the workers and the employers of the corporate world which is crude reality in the metros. Most of the employees in the corporate world become mentally sick with the monotonous work culture and demand of fulfilling targets. Bipasha Basu gave a lifetime performance in the film and Minisha Lamba also was appreciated for her strong performance.

She acted in small budget films like Anthony Kaun Hai, Dus Kahaniya, Honeymoon Travels Kaun Hai and became a regular actress in contemporary films. Then she got a lifetime role in the film Bacchan Aye Haseeno, opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Newcomers in bollywood dream about getting roles under the Yashraj Banner. Minissha Lamba got the role in the very early part of her career.

Bacchna Aye Haseeno was the story of Ranbir Kapoor who had met three different girls in his life and each of the girls had a great influence on his character. He had different experiences with Minisha Lamba, Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone and all the experiences eventually shaped his character. Minnisha Lamba gave able lips in the song “ki mujhe pyar hai” composed by Vishal Shekhar in the film. The music of the film was very impressive with hit songs like “bacchna aye haseeno”, and other songs.

In 2008, Minisha Lamba also acted in an important character in the action film Kidnap. She played the role of the daughter of Sanjay Dutt was lived separately from her mother due to differences between each other. Imran Khan, the relative of Amir Khan, kidnapped her and asked for heavy ransom from her father Sanjay Dutt.

Although Sanjay Dutt did not fulfill any of the father’s responsibilities till the call of kidnapper was made, his influence in the society was used for releasing his daughter. He took the call of Imran Khan as a challenge and the rest of the film involved the struggle of Sanjay Dutt in bringing Khan to task.

Minissha Lamba was sublime in the film and showed signs of a matured actress. With a number of new actresses like Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Asin, increasing the competition amongst heroines, Minissha Lamba has a challenging task of maintaining her stardom and do even better in the new films in future.

Happy birthday to Deepika Padukone.

Happy birthday to Deepika Padukone.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Deepika Padukone on 5th January, 2009. Deepika Padukone, the daughter of renowned badminton player Prakash Padukone, started her career in the fashion world from where the producers and directors got impressed.

She made a dream debut in the film Om Shanti Om, opposite Shahrukh Khan. Shahrukh Khan was one of the biggest icons of bollywood films till 2007. Akshay Kumar had shaken up the box-office domination of Shahrukh Khan after giving many blockbusters in the last few years. It was a dream which came true for Deepika Padukone to act opposite Shahrukh Khan in the romantic blockbuster. Farah Khan and Shahrukh Khan searched a new face for the film. Deepika Padukone answered their query.

The film was related to reincarnation. Deepika Padukone and Shahrukh Khan had double roles in the film. Deepika was killed by breaking out of fire in a grand studio. The entire story of her death was recreated to bring the perpetrators of crime before the people at large. The soul of Deepika Padukone did the rest.

The film had similar story line like that of Karz. But the excellent music of the film and decent performance from Deepika Padukone and Shahrukh Khan had converted a decent film into a commercially successful mission. The songs of Sonu Nigam and others like “tumko paya hai to jaise”, “om shanty om”, “ankho me teri”, etc., became landmark hits in 2007.

Deepika Padukone bagged the best debutant award in the filmfare and Om Shanti Om bagged filmfare awards under different categories. As Deepika Padukone created a huge expectation from the performance in the first film the viewers started believing in her capability in the following films as well.

She did well again in 2008 in the film Bacchna Aye Haseeno opposite Ranbir Kapoor, Minissha Lamba and Bipasha Basu. The film was related to the story of how Ranbir Kapoor met three girls namely Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba and how their interaction created an impact in the life of Ranbir Kapoor.

Again the fabulous locations and quality music composed by Vishal Shekhar impressed the viewers. The hit songs included “bacchna aye haseeno”, “ki mujhe pyar hai”, etc. Deepika Padukone probably matched Ranbir Kapoor the best if compared with the other performers in the same film.

In 2009, Deepika’s much awaited film Chandni Chowk To China was released in January. She had acted opposite superstar Akshay Kumar who had shown his action skills and comedy skills as well in the film. For the requirement of the film Deepika Padukone had learned martial art as well which was done by Priyanka Chopra in the past. But the film did mediocre business.

The other film of Deepika Padukone that was released in 2009 was Love Aaj Kaal. It was the film of Saif Ali Khan and he acted opposite Deepika Padukone. Although the film was related to romance in London, and the music was melodious, the viewers had very passive reaction.

The viewers expect Deepika Padukone to revive her position and continue her great work in the years to come in bollywood films and other films.

Happy birthday to Vidya Balan.

Happy birthday to Vidya Balan.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Vidya Balan on 1st January, 2010. Vidya Balan had shown her potentiality in sophisticated roles in the past.

Vidya Balan attracted the attention of cultured audience through her soft performance in Pradeep Sarkar’s film Parineeta. It was an adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chatterjee’s successful novel Parineeta. Vidya Balan reached the depth of the character that was related to life of Kolkata during the 18th century.

Vidya Balan acted opposite Sanjay Dutt and Saif Ali Khan and balanced their performance with her own performance. She also gave able lips in the song “piyu bole, piya bole” sung by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal which became super hit.

Vidya Balan was also impressive in the film Lage Raho Munnabhai opposite Sanjay Dutt. The film was based on the story of the transformation of Munna Bhai, who was notorious for his unlawful activities through the dictates of Mahatma Gandhi. He told lies to Vidya Balan about being a Professor, but gathered some courage to tell the truth that he was not a Professor. The songs “pal pal pal” created a theme for the film and he performance of both Sanjay Dutt and Vidya Balan was very impressive.

Although Vidya Balan’s films like Kismat Conection with Shahid Kapoor or Hey Baby opposite Akshay Kumar did mediocre business in the last few years, the viewers had seen her strong performance in the film Bhoolbhulaiya.

She had done a good job opposite Abhishek Bacchan and Big B in the film Paa in 2009. She loved Abhishek Bacchan. Their child Big B suffered from a strange disease. Before death Big B united Abhishek Bacchan and Vidya Balan. Her reserve performance once again amazed the viewers.
She should continue to act in reserve roles which suits her characteristics in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Nana Patekar.

Happy birthday to Nana Patekar.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to actor Nana Patekar on 1st January, 2010. He created a different style of acting which had no similarity with the commercial actors like Shahrukh Khan or art film actors like Naseeruddin Shah. After Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri, he was probably the other actor who allowed the directors to do any experiment with him. He drew the attention of viewers all across the country with his strong performance in the film Prahar in the late 80s.

He not only acted in the film but also directed the film. The film was related to the story of a young boy whose mother was dragged into unlawful activities. He learned took military training and provided guidance to new students who joined the armed forces in India. The training schedule was very hectic and the strictness of Nana Patekar appealed to the masses.

After the training was over, one of his students who lost his legs while facing terrorists was killed by the underworld group. Nana Patekar came to Bombay, and took revenge against all of them. He was given shelter by Dimple Kapadia, who was the sister of Madhuri Dixit, the wife of Nana’s student.

The civilians in the area did not like the intervention of military personnel in the area. After Nana killed all the underworld members, he was tried in a court. The court ordered him to be sent to a mental asylum as he started taking the responsibilities of all the other civilians. The film had a strong social message and was admired by the intellectual viewers.

Nana Patekar stormed bollywood films with strong performance in the film Krantiveer. The film showed the use of common people by political leaders for creating riots and clashes between different communities. Nana Patekar killed most of them and supported the effort of Dimple Kapadia who played the role of a daring journalist. If his reserve personality in the film Prahar was appreciated, his aggressive acting in the film Krantiveer amused the viewers.

He also acted in comedy roles in films like Raju Ban Gaye Gentleman with Shahrukh Khan and Juhi Chawla. He was also sublime in the film Yashwant with Madhu. His uprightness caused trouble for his wife and friends.

He was also sublime in a muslim role in the film Ghulam-i-mustafa. He played the role of an underworld person who worked for the cause of a political leader played by Paresh Rawal. His wife Ravina Tandon was killed in the process. He then helped a South Indian family led by Aruna Irani, and stayed in her house to prevent the rival groups from creating any trouble against the family. The film had a strong message of national integration.

Nana Patekar also did a fantastic job in the film Hum Dono with Rishi Kapoor. He balanced the romantic acting of Rishi Kapoor opposite Pooja Bhatt with his witty performance and strong action. He did well opposite Big B and Tabu in the film Kohram.

Whenever people saw films like Ab Taak Chappan or Vadh, they had appreciated his strong personality which has always raised voice against the evil practices in the country. His negative acting in films like Parinda opposite Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff was also appreciated.

Nana Patekar was brilliant with Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor in the film Welcome. His role of mafia don amazed the viewers whose sister Katrina Kaif, who wanted to marry Akshay Kumar. But Akshay Kumar’s uncle Paresh Rawal never wanted Akshay to marry Katrina, due to Nana Patekar’s involvement in underworld activities.

The viewers expect him to continue the good work and show more dynamism in commercial and art films in future.

The 3 idiots will beat Ghajini's record.

The 3 idiots will beat Ghajini’s record.

Raj Kumar Hirani’s film The 3 idiots will break Ghajini’s record. Amir Khan’s Ghajini did the best business in December, 2008, earning more than Rs 200 crores. The 3 idiots being released exactly one year later, on 25th December, 2009, had earned Rs 30 crores within first 3 days, so has the indication of breaking Ghajini’s record.

Amir Khan took the moto of acting in less number of films but better films like Dilip Kumar. His philosophy is working to a big extent. The type of anxiousness exhibited by Amir Khan in The 3 idiots had amazed the viewers. On the first day of engineering class when Boman Irani was showing astronaut’s pen, he asked him why they not use pencils. The astronaut’s pen used to be given to the greatest engineer cum scientist. Ultimately Boman Irani gave it to Amir Khan.

The scene where Amir Khan took Sharman Joshi’s paralyzed father to Hospital and treated him, the viewers related themselves with Amir Khan. Besides Amir Khan did a cameo during the birth of the child of Kareena Kapoor’s sister. He used the local devices to generate electricity and used vacuum cleaner to convert into pump.

Sharman Joshi was brilliant in the scene where Boman Irani wanted him to be witness against Amir Khan and leave the institution. He cried and then jumped from 2nd floor to commit suicide. N. Raghaman was brilliant in the scene where he convinced his father Pariksheet Sahani about his talent relating to wild-life photography. He became a wild-life photographer even after completing engineering.

Kareena Kapoor was brilliant in the scene where she gave the keys of the locker room of the institution to the 3 idiots as against the interest of her father Boman Irani. The performance of each and every actor in the 3 idiots was no natural, that the viewers became spellbound. The songs like “all is well”, “zubi zubi”, etc., were impressive and picturized well.

Filmmakers should took lesson from The 3 idiots and make realistic films which touch the soul, as against larger than life images like Blue which are resulting in waste of money.

Uttam Kumar showed his excellence in his last film Ogo Bodhu Sundari too.

Uttam Kumar showed his excellence in his last film Ogo Bodhu Sundari too.

Bengali superstar Uttam Kumar dominated Bengali cinema from the late 40s and for 35 years remained the uncrowned king of Bengali cinema. Even in his last film Ogo Bodhu Sundari released in 1980, he showed his excellence. He died at the set of Ogo Bodhu Sundari after suffering heart attack.

Uttam Kumar played the main role in Pijush Bose’s film Ogo Bodhu Sundari based on Bertrand Russell’s classic literature Pygmalion. He was married to Sumitra Mukherjee in the film. She met Meenakshi Goswami and her new husband Haradhon Banerjee in parties. Uttam Kumar brought Moushumi Chatterji from the streets and taught her Bengali and English.

Uttam Kumar’s assistant Santosh Dutta told him that it was not possible to reform Moushumi Chatterji as she spoke absolutely rustic language. She used to show games with two monkeys on streets. Uttam Kumar taught her horse riding, motor driving, swimming and made her modern.

Sumitra Mukherjee got irritated with Uttam Kumar and went to her grandfather Bikash Roy’s house. Her brother Ranjit Mullick fell in love with Moushumi Chatterji. Uttam Kumar proved that if proper training is given to even an uneducated person, that person can be trained.

Bappi Lahiri composed music for the film and all the songs of Uttam Kumar were sung by Kishore Kumar. The songs like “shudhu tumi nou abalakanto”, “ami ekjon shantoshishto”, “ei to jiban” became super hit. The most striking factor was that it was Uttam Kumar’s last film. He was in his 50s. Even then his glamour and dynamism still played a huge role.

The coloured film became super hit due to sheer brilliance of Uttam Kumar. The comedy sequences in the film were well portrayed by Moushumi Chatterji, Santosh Dutta and Sumitra Mukherjee. It is sad that Uttam Kumar died at such an age, otherwise he could have given super hits for more years later.

Kumar Shanu said Sonu Nigam has ladies voice.

Kumar Shanu said Sonu Nigam has ladies voice.

In a recent interview given in Bengali newspaper Anandabazar Patrika on 26th December, 2009, Kumar Shanu had said a lot of things. He said most of the deliberations will be found in a book which he recently wrote.

When he was asked that why he is hardly found in latest bollywood films, inspite of ruling bollywood films from 89 to 95, he said that a number of lobbies influence music, and he may not be part of them.

He mentioned that music was at its zenith in the 90s when Nadeem Shravan had composed tunes for him in films like Phool Aur Kante. Most of the films became super hit due to the music. He said that at the moment Indian films are filled with westernized compositions and hence the soft romantic numbers that existed during Shanu’s time is disappearing.

He did not agree about the fact that just because Kishore Kumar died in the late 80s, he got break and gave hits after hits. He said that Abhijeet, Amit Kumar, Vinod Rathore, Sudesh Bhosle everyone were in the race but he made it to the top by his sheer brilliance. He did not give any positive comment about Sonu Nigam saying that the tone quality of his voice is not good but praised Shaan and Shreya Ghoshal.

As far as his lessening of domination in bollywood films, he said nobody ruled bollywood music for indefinite period. He said that Mohammad Rafi did not get songs after the 70s and got a heart attack due to that. He said that Kishore Kumar featured in less number of songs before the 70s.

He talked about a present film that he was working on relating to the life of young boys of Goregaon who earned their living by boot polish. He also talked about his business that he is running in Dubai.

As far as his comments on Sonu Nigam are concerned, it is difficult to ignore his success in bollywood music inspite of Kumar Shanu’s comments. The audience is going to judge the relevance of Shanu’s comments.

Ajoy Kar's Bardidi amazed the viewers.

Ajoy Kar’s Bardidi amazed the viewers.

Ajoy Kar used to be considered the Genius of Camerawork. He had used his imagination and innovation in crime-thrillers like Jighansha, social dramas like Shyamali, eternal romantic stories like Saptapadi.

Bardidi was the classic literature of Sarat Chandra Chatterji, one of the most respected writers of the country. Uttam Kumar was the model of Ajoy Kar and perhaps his range of acting was best used by the legendary director. In Bardidi, Uttam Kumar was the son of Pahari Sanyal, an eminent lawyer and zamindar of Pabna district in Bengal.

Uttam Kumar did MA and was told by his friends that he should stand on his own feet. He left his parent’s house and looked for a job. He got a job of tutor of girl in Chabi Biswas’s house. Chabi Biswas’s daughter Sandharani was widow, who lost her husband came back to paternal house and fulfilled the responsibilities there. Everyone called her as bardidi, meaning the elder sister.

Uttam Kumar got engrossed in studies hardly cared about the little girl’s tution. But Sandharani gave Uttam Kumar food three times a day and also provided him a separate room to continue his own studies. After 4 months, Sandharani came to know about Uttam Kumar’s act of hardly teaching anything to the girl and told his to leave the house.

Uttam Kumar left the house and met with an accident and got hospitalized. Sandharani came to see him in the hospital. Chabi Biswas contacted his father Pahari Sanyal and took him back to Pabna. After 5 years both Chabi Biswas and Pahari Sanyal died. Uttam Kumar married Dipti Roy and left the task of managing the zamindari to his clerk played by Dhiraj Bhattacharya.

Sandharani’s elder brother got married and his wife never like Sandharani’s control over the joint family. She returned back to her deceased husband’s house. But due to non-payment of rent to the zamindar the land was auctioned and sold.

Uttam Kumar came to know about it and called up bardidi (Sandharani) while she was returning back to her paternal house. Uttam Kumar drove on horseback to let Sandharani know about the fact that the land had been returned back. Uttam Kumar was very ill and died on the spot. Sarat Chandra Chatterji’s portrayal of village life in Bengal and the odds faced by young widow in the 30s and 40s had well depicted by Ajoy Kar. Uttam Kumar, Chabi Biswas and Sandharani were brilliant in their respective roles. The film did excellent business. It should be revived to show the excellence of classic films of the 50s.

All the leading stars attended the premiere of 3 idiots.

All the leading stars attended the premier of 3 idiots.

All the leading stars attended the premiere of the film The 3 Idiots. Amir Khan invited all the leading stars of bollywood for the premiere.

Salman Khan said that those who were idiots will always remain idiots. But Amir Khan’s performance in the film had been excellent. It is ironical as to whom did he indicate as the idiot.

It is even strange that Shahrukh Khan who few days back said the way Amir Khan tried to promote his film in hindi this act was called “chichorapan”, he attended the same premiere. He even told that he had grown seeing Amir Khan’s acting. It is very difficult to understand the actual stand of Shahrukh Khan. But one fact is very clear, that he never enjoy’s Amir Khan’s success.

All the costars of 3 idiots including R Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, all were present in the premiere. The senior actors like Anil Kapoor provided their best wishes for the film. They liked Amir Khan’s performance. Saif Ali Khan also did the same.

The film had been released and Amir Khan expects that the film should do well. Raj Kumar Hirani had got special respect from the viewers after his Lage Raho Munnabhai was featured in United Nation’s General Assembly.

The film had very power pact performances and good songs sung by Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and others. The film should do well.

Uttam Kumar was unparallel in Sakher Chor.

Uttam Kumar was unparallel in Sakher Chor.

Uttam Kumar was matchless in Sakher Chor. The film did excellent business in the early 60s. The film was directed by Prafulla Chakravarty.

Uttam Kumar played a bet with his friends to steal an item from a renowned person’s house. If he could establish himself as a thief he would win huge sum of money. He required a person to do it. He used Bhanu Banerjee to do it.

Bhanu Banerjee worked in the organization Kamal Mitra who was involved in unlawful activities. Kamal Mitra believed that Uttam Kumar was really a thief. When Uttam Kumar got involved in an affair with Basabi Nandi, the daughter of Kamal Mitra, Uttam Kumar was told not to mix with Basabi Nandi any more.

Basabi Nandi was supposed to be married to Tarun Kumar, the nephew of Chabi Biswas. Chabi Biswas called a lot of visitors in his place to celebrate the engagement ceremony of Tarun Kumar with Basabi Nandi. Uttam Kumar, Kamal Mitra and others were invited.

Tarun Kumar on the other hand never wanted to marry Basabi Nandi, but could not say it before Chabi Biswas. He told everything to Uttam Kumar. He made his work easy.

Uttam Kumar had the uphill task of explaining the situation to Kamal Mitra. He told the entire story about his bet with his friends. Kamal Mitra wrote a letter to Uttam Kumar and went away from the place.

Basabi Nandi was married with Uttam Kumar at the end of the film. Bhanu was absolutely amazed with the entire state of affairs. The music of the film was composed by Shyamal Mitra. The song “mon holo je majhi amar mon holo je majhi” sung by Shyamal Mitra became hit.

The film did not have any significant twist and turn. Inspite of everything it got box-office due to sheer brilliance of Uttam Kumar. He reached a level of excellence from where he could pull on any film on his own shoulders. Had Uttam Kumar acted in equal number of bollywood films he would have become a superstar of excellence at the same level as that of Raj Kapoor or Dilip Kumar. The film should be preserved.

Remembering Naushad on his birthday.

Remembering Naushad on his birthday.

The audience of film music in India remember dignified composer Naushad on his birthday on 25th December, 2009. He was a genius composer and shaped Indian film music with his classical gharana in the 40s from where it just grew with variety and innovation.

Naushad is remembered for his brilliant tunes over a period of 50 years down the memory lane. In the 40s, he composed music in many films including Anmol Ghari, but he stormed bollywood with romantic songs in Dulari, including “suhani raat dhal chuki” sung by Rafi, all the songs of Andaz, where he composed Rafi’s songs for Raj Kapoor and Mukesh’s songs for Dilip Kumar.

In the 50s, Naushad’s composition in Baiju Bawra made the listeners speechless. He won filmfare award for the best composer for his brilliant classical presentation in songs like “wo duniya ke rakhwale”, “man tarapata”, “tu gangi ki mauj”, etc., sung by Rafi and Lata. Rafi’s range was used to perfection and from that time the Rafi Naushad combination provided gems after gems. The different ragas and their timings were explained by Naushad in the film. Bharat Bhushan and Meena Kumari gave able lips in the songs composed by Naushad. Songs of Uran Khatula, like “wo dur ke musafir” sung by Rafi for Dilip Kumar also shook bollywood in the mid-50s.

In the 60s Naushad was unstoppable. His composition in Kohinoor for Rafi titled “madhuban me radhika nachere” and “do sitaron ka zameen” picturised on Dilip Kumar displayed the brilliance of Hindustani ragas. Naushad’s composition in Rajender Kumar’s Mere Mehboob, Naushad displayed the ghazal culture of Lucknow and Aligarh. The songs “mere mehboob tujhe meri muhobbat ki kasam”, “ai husn zara jag”, etc. sung by Rafi and picturised on Rajender Kumar was per se excellent. Naushad composed light songs in Mughal-i-azam for Lata including “pyar kiya to darna kya”, “mohe panghat ke nandlal”, and again composed thumri sung by Bare Ghulam Ali Khan in the same film.

Naushad also composed Bhojpuri music for Dilip Kumar in the film Ganga Jumna. The songs “nain lar jaihe” sung by Rafi was one of the examples of Naushad’s control of Bihari folk tune. Naushad was at his best in Dilip Kumar’s Leader. All the songs in the film sung by Rafi and Lata flabbergasted the listeners, including “ek shahenshah ne banwake haseen tajmahal”, “teri husn ki kya tareef karun”, “mujhe duniya walon”, etc. Naushad was excellent in Dilip Kumar’s Ram Aur Shyam. All the songs sung by Rafi and Lata in the film including “aye hai baharen dekho”, “yeh raat dulhan bangayi”, “mai hoon saki”, etc.

Critics consider Dil Diya Dard Liya as one of the best creations of Naushad. All the songs in the film became superhit including Rafi’s “dilruba maine tere”, “koi sagar dil ko behlata nahi”. Naushad Rafi and Dilip Kumar continued with their level of excellence in the film Aadmi, with Rafi’s songs like “na aadmi ka koi bharosa”, “aaj purani rahon se”, etc. Besides, Naushad composed excellent music in Rajender Kumar’s Palki, Saathi, Ganwar, etc. Rafi’s hit songs in those films included “dil-e-betaab ko seene se lagana hoga” sung with Suman Kalyanpur.

Naushad faded away from film music in the 70s, causing huge loss to the film industry. The classical gharana related to thumris, kajris, ghazals, etc., faded away with Naushad. Music became popular, but lost its class. Naushad received Dadasahab Phalke for his excellent contribution to bollywood music. His songs and the films should be preserved and restored.

Satyajit Ray's film Mahapurush amazed the viewers.

Satyajit Ray’s film Mahapurush amazed the viewers.

Satyajit Ray made the film Mahapurush based on the literature of Raj Shekhar Basu, a renowned writer of Bengal. Previously Raj Shekhar Basu’s literature was used by Satyajit Ray in the film Parash Pathar.

Mahapurush was made along with Kapurush by Ray in the year 1965. While Kapurush did not reach the audience, Mahapurush amazed the viewers. Raj Shekhar Basu’s literature was titled Birinchibaba. Charu Prakash Ghosh played the role Birinchibaba in the film Mahapurush.

According to the story, Charu Prakash Ghosh impressed Prasad Mukherjee, an Advocate of Alipore Court, Kolkata while he was returning in train. Prasad Mukherjee lost his wife at old age, and was depressed. He was returning back with his daughter Mitali Ray.

Charu Prakash Ghosh along with his assistant played by Robi Ghosh convinced Prasad Mukherjee that Charu Prakash Ghosh was God’s messenger. Both resided in Prashad Mukherjee’s house. Satindra Bhattacharya had affair with Mitali Roy. When he saw that Mitali Roy started avoiding her due to the presence of the Sadhu, he communicated about the Sadhu before his friends, Satya Banerjee, and others.

Many God fearing people in Kolkata used to visit Charu Prakash Ghosh and listen to his words. He disclosed a lot of informations about Plato, Gautam Buddha, etc. He mentioned that there is no present. Past and future existed. One of the friends of Satindra Bhattacharya, communicated with Santosh Dutta, a famous scientist in Kolkata, to know the formula for producing smoke in the house.

While Charu Prakash Ghosh was giving his sermons in the room, smoke was produced and all the friends of Satindra Bhattacharya, shouted about smoke. Charu Prakash Ghosh tried to escape and he was threatened to live the place. He left the place with Robi Ghosh. Prasad Mukherjee’s family was saved from the false communications of Charu Prakash Ghosh.

Very significantly the satire and wit of Raj Shekhar Basu, was captured by Satyajit Ray in the film. The film did great business and the message reached the masses. The film should be preserved.

Happy birthday to Govinda.

Happy birthday to Govinda.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Govinda on 21st December, 2009. For the last 20 years he had entertained bollywood viewers with his remote style of comedy performance and dancing.

Govinda came to limelight with his impressive performance in the film Ankhen along with Chunkey Pandey. Both Govinda and Chunkey were thrown out of their homes by their father Kader Khan, due to their mischievous acts. They witnessed the kidnapping of the CM played by Raj Babbar. In his place another person was brought who had similarity in looks. Govinda and Chunkey saved the CM and killed the imposter.

Govinda had a brilliant relationship with director David Dhawan. David Dhawan had used Govinda in most of his comedy films, and the dance performance and comedy performance of Govinda charmed the audience. His film Hero No. 1 with Karishma Kapoor became super hit. All the songs of the film including “sona kitna sona hai”, “mai to raste se jaa raha tha”, became very popular. The other films of Govinda like Aunty No.1, Cooli No. 1, also showed his charishma in comedy acting.

Govinda also acted in serious films like Andolan with Sanjay Dutt. He played the role of an engineer who had to compromise with the corrupt builders while building bridges. His revolt against the system was the subject matter of the film. He acted in a number of films with Sanjay Dutt and most of the films did good business. Some of those films included Ek Aur Ek Gyarah.

Govinda’s film Bare Miya Chote Miya with Big B and Raveena Tandon, and Deewane Mastane with Anil Kapoor and Juhi Chawla, did fantastic business as well. In the recent past Govinda’s performance in David Dhawan’s film Partner with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif stormed bollywood. He required the guidance of a love guru played by Salman Khan to impress Katrina Kaif. The songs of the film like “do you want a partner”, “you are my love” became super hit, and Govinda’s dance performances in those songs were excellent.

In 2009, Govinda’s films Life Partner, and Do Not Disturb with Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta, did mediocre business. But he has the potentiality to make a comeback in 2010, and the viewers expect another cameo in the sequel of Partner. Viewers expect that with his busy work as a politician, as he was an MP elected with a Congress Ticket, he can still devote time for films and continue the work of entertainment in the years to come.

Satyajit Ray's Kanchenjungha could not reach the masses.

Satyajit Ray’s Kanchenjungha could not reach the masses.

Satyajit Ray experimented with an abstract subject in the film Kanchenjungha in 1962. Based on the story of Ray himself, the film was related to the greatness of Himalayas, especially Kanchenjungha. But Ray’s message was reflected through the reactions of the actors and actresses of the film and it was hardly understood by the common mass.

It was the first Bengali coloured film, and the entire shooting was done in Darjeeling, the greatest tourist destination of West Bengal. Chabi Biswas played the role of the Rai Bahadur of that time, who was awarded the title by the British Government. He was the Chairman of 5 Companies in West Bengal. He wanted his daughter Aloknanda Roy to get married to N. Viswanathan, a careerist. Chabi Biswas’s entire family came to visit Darjeeling.

Haridhan, a middle-class person brought Arun Mukherjee to Darjeeling. He introduced Arun Mukherjee, with Chabi Biswas, so that he could give him a job. Arun Mukherjee was jobless in Kolkata and earned livelihood through private tution. When Chabi Biswas discussed the contribution of British Colonial Government in shaping Darjeeling and his own life, Arun Mukherjee was not moved by the materialist outlook of Chabi Biswas.

Arun Mukherjee stood in front of the great Himalayas, and the greatness of the mountain range prevented him from praying for his minor material requirements. He told Chabi Biswas that he did not require any job. He said if he wanted to work in any organization he would qualify for the post through hard work, not by reference of an influential person. At the same time, Aloknanda Roy did not find N. Biswanathan’s materialist talks impressive, and did not consent about marriage due to the effect of the romantic location of the place and influence of Kanchenjungha. Even her elder sister Anubha Gupta disclosed the truth to her husband Subrata Sen Sharma about her affair with another person, and agreed to tear away the letters that were related to the affair. They agreed to strengthen their relationship in the interest of their small daughter.

In the serious level of communication, Pahari Sanyal, the brother of Karuna Banerjee, the wife of Chabi Biswas, and Anil Chatterji, the son of Chabi Biswas, were the two relief characters. Anil Chatterji was interested in maintaining relationship with beautiful women, while Pahari Sanyal searched for beautiful birds in the place.

Chabi Biswas probably provided his most majestic performance of his life in Kanchenjungha, and his dignity, personality and elegance set up the theme of the film. He found that a poor small child singing a son in Darjeeling was happy, and Chabi Biswas’s earthly achievements were overshadowed by the gigantic presence of the evergreen Himalayas. Satyajit Ray brought his philosophy in the film and it won a number of awards in India and abroad, but even then the message did not reach the ordinary common mass due to abstractness of the subject.

Catherine Zeta Jones created a separate identity in Hollywood films.

Catherine Zeta Jones created a separate identity in Hollywood films.

Actress Catherine Zeta Jones created a separate identity in Hollywood films. Born on 25th September, 2009, Catherine Zeta Jones began acting on stage at an early age. She was born in South Wales. She attended the Arts Educational Schools in West London.

Zeta Jones acted in the Television Project, The Return of the Native, in 1994, and Catherine the Great in 1995. In 1996 she got a prominent role in the film The Phantom. In 1998, she stormed Hollywood with her powerful performance in the film The Mask of Zorro. She got Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favourite Female Newcomer.

In 1999, she acted opposite Sean Connery in the film Entrapment. She exhibited her acrobatic skills along with beauty and romantic appeal. She also did well in the film The Haunting.

She stormed bollywood with classic performance in the film Traffic along with husband Michael Douglous. She got Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actress for her performance in the film. She did well in the film America’s Sweethearts in 2001, along with Julia Roberts, Billy Crystal and John Cussack. She was brilliant in the films The Terminal, Ocean’s Twelve, No Reservations, etc.

In 2009, she acted in romantic comedy tilted The Rebound, opposite Justin Bartha. Whenever, her name appears in the minds of the viewers, she is not equated with classic actresses like Liz Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, etc., but her performance in the films like Chicago gives her a separate identity.

She had shown dare-devil characteristics in many films. Her courage and stunts had made many male actors proud. She married Michael Douglous who was much older than her, but had peace in her marriage. The viewers expect Catherine Zeta Jones to explore new frontiers in Hollywood films in the years to come.

Uttam Kumar and Anil Chatterji complimented each other in Agnisangskar.

Uttam Kumar and Anil Chatterji complimented each other in Agisangskar.

Director Agradoot played a pivotal role in the early success of Uttam Kumar in films like Agniparikkha, Sabar Opore in the mid-50s. From that time onwards the main director of Agradoot Bibhuti Laha tried to make realistic films with Uttam Kumar.

In Agnisangskar, Uttam Kumar was the Chief Engineer of the industrial firm owned by Anil Chatterji. Just because Anil Chatterji had partial amount of insanity, his mother Chaya Debi ran the firm with the responsible officers. As the manager Bikash Roy ill-treated the workers, she made Uttam Kumar, the manager. She also asked Supriya Debi to go to the industry and check the working regularly, as she herself was ill. Supriya Debi admired the working of Uttam Kumar and fell in love with him.

Supriya Debi had no relationship with Chaya Debi, but was brought by her with the aim of making her daughter-in-law. In the meantime Uttam Kumar was given the responsibility of bringing back Anil Chatterji from Kolkata, as never liked the native place. Anil Chatterji came back and got involved with Supriya Debi. But she was not interested to marry Anil Chatterji, she asked Uttam Kumar to leave the job. After Uttam Kumar got settled elsewhere Supriya Debi got entangled marriage according to hindu rites.

At that time Anil Chatterji called Uttam Kumar in his native place and after communication left him. He committed suicide and implicated Uttam Kumar for his death. All the evidence went against Uttam Kumar and he was awarded death penalty. At that time the diary of Anil Chatterji was recovered and due to insistence other Board Members of the company like Chabi Biswas, the Judge stopped the sentence and Uttam Kumar was released.
While Uttam Kumar was effortless in his romantic performance, Anil Chatterji showed his range in playing the mentally deranged character. Anil Chatterji already gathered fame by playing brilliant characters in Ghatak’s Meghe Dhaka Tara, Tapan Sinha’s Nirjan Saikate, Satyajit Ray’s Mahanagar. In this film he balanced the romantic appeal of Uttam Kumar with his aggressive acting. The film became successful and attracted the attention of educated viewers. Hemant Kumar’s music was impressive with Sandhya Mukherjee’s song “tomar duarkhani” becoming hit. The film should be preserved

Happy birthday to Rajesh Khanna

Happy birthday to Rajesh Khanna
The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Rajesh Khanna on 29th December, 2009. He had remained one of the most popular actors of 70s, before Amitabh Bacchan entered the film arena and gave birth to action films. The other reason why Rajesh Khanna is remembered even today was for the melodious music that he got from Kalyanji Anandji, RD Burman, Salil Choudhury, Laxmikant Pyarellal and other composers.

Although he started his career with films like Akhri Khat, Raaz, etc., in the late 60s, he got recognition with Shakti Shamanta’s super hit film Aradhana. In the 70s, Rajesh Khanna had a dream run with films of different directors including Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Asit Sen, Shakti Samanta and others.

Most of his films from 1971 to 1973, were super hit. And the music of these films created history. The songs of the film Anand, composed by Salil Choudhury were super hit, including “kahin door jab din dhal jaye”, “maine tere liye hi saat rang” sung by Mukesh and “zindagi kaisi hai peheli” sung by Manna Dey. The songs of the film Aan Milo Sajna composed by LP became super hit including Rafi’s song “aan milo sajna” and Kishore’s song “accha to hum chalte hai”.

The songs of the film Amar Prem composed by RD Burman became super hit including KK’s song “chingari koi bharke”, “kuch to log kahenge”, etc. Amar Prem was the hindi version of Uttam Kumar’s famour Bengali film Nishipadda. Similarly the songs of the film Kati Patang composed by RD Burman became super hit including songs of KK like “ai shaam mastani”, Mukesh’s song “jis gali me”, etc.

Similarly songs of the film Safar composed by Kalyanji Anandji became super hit. Kishore’s song “zindagi ka safar” can be considered as one of the best songs that he sang during his long career. The songs of the film Namak Haram composed by RD Burman, Roti composed by LP, Raaz composed by Kalyanji Anandji, Bawarchi composed by Madanmohan, were all very successful.

Rajesh Khanna created a romantic image and his films opposite various actresses like Sharmila Tagore in films like Aradhana, Amar Prem, Mumtaz in Aap Ki Kasam, Asha Parekh in Kati Patang, Aan Milo Sajna, Tanuja in Mere Jeevan Saathi, Hema Malini in Mehbooba, and others created an era of romantic films. He became a role model for the younger generation.

But from the time Amitabh Bacchan entered the film arena he not only dethroned Rajesh Khanna but more than that changed the dimension of bollywood films. He played anti-establishment characters and persuaded other superstars like Vinod Khanna, Shatrughun Sinha, Dharmender, Firoz Khan, Sunil Dutt and others to play similar type of roles.

Action films dominated bollywood industry and films like Sholay, Deewar, Kalicharan, Burning Train, Jugnu, Zakhmee, Dharmatma faded away Rajesh Khanna’s romantic films like Soutan, Prem Nagar and other films.

Rajesh Khanna’s wife Dimple Kapadia established herself into one of the most powerful actresses of bollywood films with success in Saagar, Jaanbaaz, Rudaali, Lekin, Krantiveer, etc.

Even then Rajesh Khanna continued acting for another 20 years and is even seen in a recent film in a role of an old person. Even Rishi Kapoor did cast him in his directorial venture title A ab laut chale.

The viewers expect Rajesh Khanna to contribute in character roles the way Big B, Vinod Khanna and other veteran actors have done over the years.

Happy birthday to Twinkle Khanna.

Happy birthday to Twinkle Khanna.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Twinkle Khanna on 29th December, 2009. She has left films after marrying Akshay Kumar, but her performances in the recent past still haunts the viewers of bollywood films.

She was very successful in the film Barsaat opposite Bobby Deol. Bobby Deol started his career with that film and it was produced by Dharmender. The music was impressive. Twinkle Khanna expressed her romantic feelings very well in the film. With the success of the film in the early 90s, Twinkle Khanna became a readymade choice for any type of film.

She acted with Shahrukh Khan in the film Badshah. Just like other films of Shahrukh Khan the film was based on fantasy and funny acts. Twinkle Khanna played her part very well in the film. The song “humto diwane hue yaar” became superhit. Twinkle Khanna also acted in the comedy film Joru Ka Ghulam with Govinda. As the name suggested, the film was related to the story of how a groom became obsessed with the bride and almost became her servant. Although the term was used in the literal sense, Govinda’s character proved the title of the film. Johnny Lever did well in the film.

Twinkle Khanna got a challenging role in Amir Khan’s film Mela. The story was related a girl being chased by dacoits and how she was saved. Amir Khan’s own brother acted in the film. The film had action sequences as well. Sonu Nigam’s song in the film “mela dilon ka aya hai” became super hit. The other challenge was matching Amir Khan’s acting performance in the film as in most of his films he had strived to reach perfection in the respective roles. The viewers accepted Twinkle Khanna’s performance opposite Amir Khan in the film.

Probably Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai with Salman Khan was the most successful film of her career. The film was shot in UK, Switzerland and other European Countries. All the songs of the film were super hit including “o jana”, “is dil me kya hai”, “pehli pehli baar”, etc. In the film the love of Salman Khan for her reformed Salman Khan’s character, who was a playboy before that. Twinkle Khan looked gorgeous in the film.

Twinkle Khan in a number of films opposite Ajay Devgan also in the late 90s. She had acting in her blood, as her mother Dimple Kapadia is considered one of the greatest actresses of bollywood films with landmark performances in films like Lekin, Prahar, Krantiveer, Sagar, Rudali, to name a few. Besides her father Rajesh Khanna was a superstar of the 70s.

When Twinkle Khanna looked like dethroning Juhi Chawla, Preeti Zinta or Kajol in bollywood films, she married Akshay Kumar and ended her career. She must have been a proud wife as Akshay Kumar had proved himself to be the greatest entertainer of 2007 and 2008, with majority of his films becoming blockbusters.

But a lot of acting was still left in Twinkle Khanna. The viewers of bollywood films expect Twinkle Khanna to make a comeback and contribute in character roles where there are not many matured actresses at the moment.

Rocket Singh should do good business.

Rocket Singh should do good business.

Simith Amin had created attention in bollywood films with his brilliant effort in the film Chak De India, that was released few years back. Viewers commented that Shahrukh Khan did not take that amount of make up and with realistic performance he had given his best.

This time Simith Amin had come up with a similar sort of realistic film with Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role. In the poster also only Ranbir Kapoor is featured with the title, Rocket Singh – Salesman of the year. In the film Ranbir Kapoor was a graduate who got a job in sales.

He joined office in a company related to computer sales and service. He had one target in mind. That was to become the salesman of the year. He was too honest and for those reasons his superior officer considered him a failure. Manish Choudhury played the role of the boss of Ranbir Kapoor and did a great job. He avoided overacting that is generally done in big-budget films.

Gaohar Khan, who played the role of the receptionist in the film, also showed natural performance. Lastly Ranbir Kapoor had shown that if a powerful script is given he can provide natural performance. In the 70s and 80s, in realistic films of Basu Chatterji and Basu Bhattacharya, these roles were played by Sanjeev Kumar, Amol Palekar, Farooq Sheikh and others. Ranbir Kapoor had taken a risk in acting and performing in these types of roles at the moment when the halls were flooded with big budget films like Paa and Kurbaan.

Ranbir Kapoor had been the most profitable face of the year with hit films like Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, surpassing Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan. And due to his presence, the director and unit of Rocket Singh can dream about success. The viewers will realize the good effort of the director and producer to make a film without romantic heroine, ten to fifteen songs, pomp, hype, etc. and the film will do well.

The Three Idiots will entertain the viewers.

The Three Idiots will entertain the viewers.

Rajkumar Hirani, the successful director of bollywood films, had experimented with Amir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi, in the film The Three Idiots. Amir Khan, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi were college friends.

The story of the film was related to Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone, and the production was controlled by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. In the film Madhavan and Sharman Joshi recollected an old bet they were involved with. The bet was related to a wedding that they would have crashed into and a funeral which went out of control.

They searched their college friend Amir Khan who was involved in an affair with Kareena Kapoor and also was rebuked by Boman Irani. After the college days, all of a sudden, Amir Khan disappeared. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi could not trace him.

The music of the film had been composed by Shatanu Moitra who had followed up his successes in Parineeta and Lage Raho Munnabhai. The main songs which were catchy include “all izz well” sung by Sonu Nigam, Shaan and Swanand Kirkire, “behti hawa sa tha who” sung by Shaan, Shantanu Moitra, “jaan nehi denge tujhe” sung by Sonu Nigam, “give me some sunshine” sung by Suraj jagan, Sharman Joshi, to name a few.

Raj Kumar Hirani had only tasted success from the time he had made films related to Munnabhai series. Both Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai had been super hit. Going by that track record The Three Idiots is also going to be hit.

Besides Amir Khan, Mr. Perfectionist is destined to put his stamp with the success of the film The Three Idiots after the successes of Ghajini and Taren Zameen par released in the previous years respectively.

Remembering Rafi on his birthday.

Remembering Rafi on his birthday.

Music lovers all across the world remember, the unforgettable musical maestro Mohd Rafi, on his birthday on 24th December, 2009. He had died in 1980 and 28 years passed after his death. Yet he had created an everlasting appeal during his 35 years illustrious career which has not faded away at all.

Whenever his reference comes music-lovers imagine about “do sitaron ka zameen par hai milan” composed by Naushad, “mai gayoon tum so jao” composed by Shankar Jaikishan, “ab kya misaal doon” composed by Roshan, “chaudavi ka chaand” composed by Ravi, “mai zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya” composed by Jaidev, “janewalon zara” composed by Laxmikant Pyarellal, “pukarta chala hoon mai” composed by OP Nayyar, “teri aankhon ke siva” composed by Madanmohan, to name a few.

Very significantly he was associated with all the leading actors of bollywood industry in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, which starts with Bharat Bhushan, Pradeep Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Rajender Kumar, Raj Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Joy Mukherjee, Biswajeet, Guru Dutt, Balraj Sahani and extends upto Big B, Rishi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, etc. Even comedians like Johnny Walker, Mehmood, Rajendranath were indebted to the maestro for his modification of the voice in favour of them which entertained the audience to a big extent.

Rafi had raised us from sleep, he had made us sleep too. Almost all emotions of human beings are captured in the songs of Rafi. Listeners hear Rafi’s songs to keep away from stress and strain. What is important at this point is to revisit his songs and help the new generation to hear his songs. A huge number of the Rafilovers themselves had heard around 10000 songs and still require to hear his private albums, bhajans, ghazals, etc.


Rafi had sung 26,000 songs in 35 years and that covered the creations and compositions of the most talented composers and lyricists of India. Hardly any singer can be compared or equated with the giant singer. Audience of the modern generation is more used to hear fast numbers due to the trend of music available at this moment. If Rafi’s songs are prioritized in the media, the taste of melodious music can be revived, because Rafi had taken music to a higher dimension. Rafi had not been substituted. The sweetness of voice that God had given him was unparallel.

The media can devote separate programs on Rafi’s association with Naushad, Shankar Jaikishan, Roshan, Khayyam, Madanmohan, Ghulam Mohammad, OP Nayyar, etc., and also his association with giants lyricists like Shakeel Badayani, Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Kaifi Azmi, etc. The landmark musical blockbusters like Taj Mahal, Jahanara, Baiju Bawra, Mere Sanam, Kohinoor, etc., are required to be shown in the popular channels and scanned. Any research on Rafi can only enlighten the listeners about rich music of different class including Hindustani classical, bhajans, ghazals, westernized songs, folk songs, etc. We all pay are best tribute to noble soul Mohammad Rafi.

Shahrukh Khan's statement about Amir Khan's promotional tactics.

Shahrukh Khan’s statement about Amir Khan’s promotional tactics.

Very recently Amir Khan came to Kolkata to reach Sourav Ganguly’s house. He came in disguise and enquired about the address of Sourav Ganguly in Behala. The gatekeepers did not recognize him.

Later when Sourav Ganguly returned home he entertained Amir Khan. Amir Khan was offered a grand dinner at night in Sourav Ganguly’s house. Amir Khan invited both Sourav Ganguly and Dona Ganguly to Mumbai to attend the Premier of Amir Khan’s film The Three Idiots to be released during Christmas.

Amir Khan had done all these activities as part of his film promotion. He had started his promotion from Benaras. That is the place where Amir Khan’s mother was born. There also Amir Khan went in disguise.

Shahrukh Khan had opened his mouth in respect to the promotional tactics of Amir Khan. He said that Amir Khan’s promotional tactics can be better termed as “chichorapan”. According to Shahrukh Khan these are very cheap standards of promoting a film.

Shahrukh Khan himself had started his publicity campaign for the upcoming film My name is Khan. Shahrukh had acted along with Kajol in the film made by Karan Johar. The film is scheduled to be released in February, 2010, but Shahrukh Khan had started his campaign from now itself.

Returning back to the comments made by Shahrukh Khan about Amir Khan, it is evident that Shahrukh Khan is jealous about Amir Khan. As far as the acceptability of Amir Khan amongst intellectuals are concerned, Shahrukh Khan is match.

In the last two years Amir Khan had acted only in one film per year, that is Taren Zameen Par in 2007 and Ghajini in 2008. Even the films became the best films of the year. Just like Dilip Kumar, Amir Khan had been selective in choosing roles. Shahrukh Khan had a great appeal with the mass, but as far as perfections in performances, Amir Khan is a better choice for creative directors. The Three Idiots should also do well.

Wanted revived the stardom of Salman Khan.

Wanted revived the stardom of Salman Khan.

Salman Khan had a soft start of 2009. His film Mai Aur Mrs Khanna did average business. The brilliant shooting in different parts of Australia and melodious music failed to create the magic created by Salman Khan in the 90s with films like Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai. After Mai Aur Mrs Khanna, Salman Khan relied a lot on his next action film Wanted.

Wanted was the remake of the 2006 Telegu film Pokiri. It was directed by Prabhudeva, and was very successful back in South India. The hindi version had also been directed by Prabhu Deva. Boney Kapoor had been the producer of the film. In the hindi version, Salman Khan had been projected as a fearless person, who had worked under the mafia don Prakash Raj. His ruthlessness changed altogether when he met Ayesha Takia.

Salman Khan’s affair with Ayesha Takia completely changed his personality. Previously he was shown as an ill-tempered person who had used his ammunition whenever he had slightest disputes. He became more reasonable after spending time with Ayesha Takia.

Ayesha Takia tried her best to take away Salman Khan from the underworld. A time came when she faced Prakash Raj and spoke with him. She neither supported him nor agreed to his deals. Even she declined to work for him.

The rest of the film was related to the consequences of the refusal of Ayesha Takia to work for the mafia don. After a long time Salman Khan had acted in an action film. His previous films like Veergati, Auzaar, etc. were different from the present film.

Ayesha Takia was very impressive in her individual role. Other performers also did well in the film. There was concern that very few action films had done good business in the last 3 years. In that respect it was very risky on the part of Salman Khan to sign an action film. Even then the film had the elements of entertainment and was well received by the audience. Vinod Khanna did well in a small role. The success of Wanted and London Dreams revived the stardom of Salman Khan who was considered to have equal box-office like that of Shahrukh Khan few years back.

Happy birthday to Salman Khan.

Happy birthday to Salman Khan.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Salman Khan on 27th December, 2009. He had been the other superstar other than Shahrukh Khan who had ruled bollywood films for the last 20 years. Although he had mixed results in respect of success of his films released in 2009 and 2008, his popularity and box-office had remained intact.

He created an impression before the viewers with his romantic film Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989. After that he had acted in every type of film including comedy films, action films etc. His musical blockbusters include Khamoshi with Manisha Koirala, Andaz Apna Apna with Amir Khan, Karishma Kapoor and Ravina Tandon, Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai opposite Twinkle Khanna, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega opposite Preeti Zinta, to name a few.

He build a manly body from the early part of his career and from that time became the role model of many youngstars of the country. His action films included Auzaar with Shilpa Shetty, Tumko Na Bhool Payenge with Diya Mirza, Tere Naam, Karan Arjun opposite Mamta Kulkarni, to name a few. His recent action film in 2009 titled Wanted opposite Ayesha Takia did brilliant business. Although he did not shape his career as an action hero like Sunny Deol or Sanjay Dutt, his performance in action films were very impressive.

He acted in landmark comedy films during his career, which included Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya opposite Katrina Kaif and Sushmita Sen, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge opposite Priyanka Chopra, Partner opposite Lara Dutta, God Tussi Great Ho opposite Priyanka Chopra, to name a few. In 2009, he acted in romantic films Mai Aur Mrs Khanna, opposite Kareena Kapoor, and also London Dreams with Ajay Devgan and Asin. Although Mai Aur Mrs. Khanna did average business, London Dreams became super hit.

If his films in 2008 can be analyzed it can be said that his film Heroes with Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol and Preeti Zinta, had done best business so far. The films God Tussi Great Ho did average business and the film Yuvvraaj could not rise up to the hype that was created by strong promotion of Subhash Ghai. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s performance had been well appreciated by the film-lovers and the film had created aesthetic values with innovative music and good locations. In 2010 his upcoming film Veer has both romantic elements and action elements as well.

His television show Dus Ka Dum in Sony Channel got fantastic response. The leading actors of bollywood films including Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Jeetender, Tusshar Kapoor, Amir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, all appeared in that show and Salman Khan helped all of them for the promotion of their films that were released this year.

Salman Khan had been extremely popular for the viewers of TV Channels for his straight forward communications. He appeared in Saregamapa Music Competition in Zee TV with Katrina Kaif and asked Aditya Narayan, Himesh Reshammiya, Pritam, Shankar Mahadevan and others about the fate of Aneek, Raja and others who had won the competition before. He enquired whether they had got chance in bollywood films or whether they were still struggling. No other bollywood actor would have ever been concerned about the fate of upcoming talents including singers, dancers, actors, etc.

Salman Khan had always been involved with controversies and his good deeds got neutralized due to the killing of deers in Jodhpur, offense relating to rash and negligent driving, etc. But those who had behaved well with Salman Khan know that he is a gem of a human being.

The viewers expect him to get settled after marrying Katrina Kaif and giving lifetime performance in his next film Veer which is going to be released in 2010.

Marlon Brando and Hollywood films.

Marlon Brando and Hollywood films.

Marlon Brando was considered as one of the most powerful actors of Hollywood films of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Born on April 3rd, 1924, Marlon Brando became one of the most dominating actors of Hollywood films of all times. He was named the fourth Greatest Male Star of all times by the American Film Institute and Time Magazine’s Time 100: The Most People of the Century.

Brando was born in Omaha, Nebraska, as the son of actress Dorothy Julia Pennebaker Brando. After his family shifted to Illinois in 1935, his parents separated. Marlon Brando got attention in the drama I remember Mama in 1944. In 1946, Brando acted in the drama A Flag is born. In 1951, Brando rose to stardom by performing in the film A Streetcar named desire.

From that time onwards Brando never looked back. He succeeded in the film Viva Zapata in 1952, Julius Ceaser in 1953 in the role of Mark Antony, and On the Waterfront in 1954. Brando also established himself as rough and tough actor in the film Arms and the Man.

Brando won Oscar for his role in the film On the Waterfront. The 60s saw matured Brando in the films Mutiny on the Bounty, One eyed Jacks, The Chase, Reflections in a Golden Eye, etc. At a higher age, Marlon stormed Hollywood in the film Godfather in 1972. He was leader of crime family. A number of directors all over the world made films in the same lines of Godfather, including India’s Feroz Khan who made the film Dharmatma in 1975.

Brando won the Oscar for best actor for his performance in the film Godfather, but turned it down for specific reasons. His other landmark films include Bernando Bertolucci’s film Last Tango in Paris, for which he was again nominated as best actor. He also acted in the film Superman. In his old age, he acted in films like A Dry White Season, The Freshman, The Score, etc. He died in 2004, leaving a treasure of films which are considered as classics.

Brando’s films should be restored and preserved because the works in the films On the Waterfront, The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, A Streetcar named Desire, had showed style, diction, personality, variation which are the biggest assets of leading stars of Hollywood who are followed all across the world.

Uttam Kumar's Khelaghar has appeal even today.

Uttam Kumar’s Khelaghar has appeal even today.

Mahanayak Uttam Kumar gave a brilliant performance in Ajoy Kar’s film Khelaghar released in early 60s. Ajoy Kar always considered Uttam Kumar as his model in most of the films including the greatest hits of all times, Harano Sur and Saptapadi. Uttam Kumar’s appeal had not died out even today after 29 years of his death. That is the reason Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee renamed Tollygunge Metro Station as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station in the recent past to show homage to the greatest superstar of all times.

In Khelaghar, Uttam Kumar surrendered before Kolkata Police after being involved in anti-national activities. He was a freedom fighter. He ran out of the prison and entered the room of Mala Sinha, tied her up and by wearing the clothes of Mala Sinha’s father Chabi Biswas escaped.

The entire film was related to the efforts made by the Kolkata Police to arrest Uttam Kumar. In the meantime Mala Sinha did not want to marry the person selected by Chabi Biswas. So she left her house and took Uttam Kumar’s help to escape from the hands of local gundas.

The relationship developed into affection. Rafi sung for Asitboron in the film while Hemant Kumar sang songs for Uttam Kumar. At the end of the film, the actual freedom fighter for whom Uttam Kumar surrendered before the police appeared in Court and disclosed the truth. Uttam Kumar was a musician who had love for his country, so guarded the freedom fighter. Uttam Kumar was send to two years imprisonment for false personification under section 419 of the Indian Penal Code.

There were very few performers in the film including Chabi Biswas, Uttam Kumar and Mala Sinha. So these few characters Ajoy Kar, the giant director managed to deliver a hit film for the audience. The story still has relevance and Uttam Kumar’s appeal in the film had not died out. The film should be restored and preserved.

Happy birthday to Shekhar Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Shekhar Kapoor.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Shekhar Kapoor on 6th December, 2009. He was one of the thoughtful directors of bollywood films and still his films are cherished by a big section of the viewers today.

He directed a meaningful film Masoom in the early 80s. He used the most dynamic actors and actresses of the contemporary period that was Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddun Shah. Naseeruddin had a previous wife who died leaving his small child played by Jugal Hansraj. He married Shabana Azmi who already had her own daughters including Urmila Matondkar. It was difficult for Shabana Azmi to accept the step son when her own daughters’ interests were related. Naseeruddin Shah decided to send the young child to boarding, but Shabana Azmi’s conscious spoke and she brought him back at the end of the film. RD Burman’s composition titled “huzur is kadar bhi” sung by Bhupinder Singh and Suresh Watkar, and “tushse naraz nahi zindagi” sung by Lata appealed to the masses.

Shekhar Kapoor astonished the viewers with a masala film Mr. India in the mid-80s. Anil Kapoor found a device which could make people invisible. He used the device to encounter a big smuggler played by Amrish Puri with the title Mogambo. Anil Kapoor ran an orphanage full of children and after becoming Mr. India used the children in his fight against Mogambo. Anil Kapoor’s compassionate performance, Amrish Puri’s fiery acting, Sri Devi’s dance numbers, everything appealed to the masses and the film ended up being the greatest hit of the year. Laxmikant Pyarellal’s music in the film became super hit including songs like “hawa hawai”, “karte hai hum pyar Mr. India se”, etc.

Shekhar Kapoor was criticized the most for his film Bandit Queen based on the life of dacoit Phoolan Devi. Shekhar Kapoor tried to show the torture faced by Phoolan Debi who was a malwa, by the Thakurs of the area, which compelled her to become dacoit. But the film gathered controversy due to the details shown by Shekhar Kapoor in respect of humiliation faced by Phoolan Debi. The Censure Board came in the way. Shekhar Kapoor got criticized all the way. His other film Elizabeth was also a noble venture. Shekhar Kapoor is also known for his acting in TV serials like Khandan.

The viewers expect Shekhar Kapoor to continue his innovative film making in the years to come.

Teen Murti had memories of Tapan Sinha.

Teen Murti had memories of Tapan Sinha.

Teen Murti had memories of Dada Saheb Phalke Award Winner director Tapan Sinha’s pleasant memories. Tapan Sinha’s story, screenplay and music had been given expression by director Raja Sen in the film Teen Murti.

In the film, Manoj Mitra, Dipankar Dey and Ranjit Mallick at their old age opened a tea stall. Manoj Mitra was a retired ex-station master, Ranjit Mullick was a retired professor, while Dipankar Dey was a senior official who had once worked in the corporate sector. They opened the tea-stall to give a new meaning to their own lives.

Their fight against the social barriers inspire the other generation full of worries including the lives of Joy and Paoli. Paoli had depression for her resentments in romantic life. Manoj Mitra had differences with his wife played by Sabitri Chatterji, that did not stand in the way for going ahead with the project of the tea stall. The bigger reason was to keep themselves busy with some work after the busy life had changed its course.

While the tea stall was opened, the three veterans faced a lot of resistance from the local hooligans. One of such characters was played by Subhashish Mukherjee, a local mastan. The unity between the three vetarans could not allow the hooliganism of Subhashish to outweigh the project of the tea stall. The performances of Ranjit Mullick, Dipankar Dey and Manoj Mitra were excellent. Sabitri Chatterji was one of the most versatile actresses of Bengali films and professional theatre. So nothing new is mentioned if her acting efforts are appreciated.

The new actors and actresses like Paolomi and Joy did well. Even the character artists Papiya Sen and Kanchana Mitra did a good job. The film did not have a commercial masala of entertainment.

But viewers should watch the film to appreciate the efforts of Tapan Sinha in delivering a practical story which is related to an eternal truth that everyone are supposed to be old at some point of time and fight life at that old age with dignity.