Happy birthday to dashing star Vinod Khanna

Happy birthday to dashing star Vinod Khanna.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Vinod Khanna on 6th October 2010. He had remained a versatile actor and contributed in bollywood films from the 70s.

He started his career as an anti-hero.He started his career in Sunil Dutt's film Man Ki Meet in 1968. Then he acted in landmark films like Purab Aur Paschim, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Saccha Jhoota. He played the role of a villain in the film Aan Milo Sajna, where Rajesh Khanna was the lead actor. He also acted in negative role in Shammi Kapoor’s film Jaane Anjane opposite Leena Chandravarkar. He acted in landmark roles in Gulzar's film Mere Apne in 1971. In Gulzar's film Achanak in 1973, his film was based on the real life story of KM Nanavati versus State of Maharashtra, the story of an army officer who was enraged by grave provocation.

With the advent of action films in the mid-70s, Vinod Khanna became a dominating figure in bollywood films. Big B’s appearance in the film Zanjeer created a fair competition between Vinod Khanna and Big B.

Both of them featured together in the film Zameer. Both of them showed their action skills against the other actor. In Amar Akbar Anthony, Vinod Khanna played the role of a police officer while Big B played the role of a smuggler. In that film the action skills of Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bacchan was balanced by the romantic style of performance of Rishi Kapoor. Vinod Khanna’s smartness in the role of police officer amazed the viewers. All three of them played the role of the three brothers who were separated earlier but met together at the end of the film. Pran played the role of the father of the three actors.

In Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Vinod Khanna played the role of the friend of Amitabh. Big B sacrificed his life at the end of the film after preventing Amzad Khan from creating any harm to Rakhee. The songs of the film became superhit. Vinod Khanna acted along with Big B in other films like Hera Pheri, Khoon Paseena, Pavarish, etc.

The other notable films of Vinod Khanna included Qurbani with Feroz Khan. Vinod Khanna played the role of his friend who sacrificed his life to save Feroz Khan. Vinod Khanna played a very significant role in the film Burning Train, where Dharmender played the role of his friend. He was the engineer who built the super fast train, but Danny conspired to put a bomb in the train which exploded and burned the train. At the end Dharmender, Jeetender and Vinod Khanna rescued the passengers.

His films Jurm and Satya Mev Jayate also received very positive criticisms. Just like Amitabh Bacchan he established himself as action star, and delivered in action films even in the late 90s, 20 years after his earlier action movies.

After launching his son Akshay Khanna in the film Himalay Putra, Vinod Khanna switched to character roles and got busy with politics. He also joined the Rajnish Ashram in the early 80s. In 2009, he was very impressive in Salman Khan’s super hit film Wanted where he played the role of his father. In 2010, again he played the role of the father of Salman Khan in the blockbuster film Dabaang. His sharpness in respect of acting had not withered away and he just like Amitabh Bacchan had matured into a more composed actor. The viewers expect him to continue the brilliant work in the years to come.

Kangana Ranaut has many releases in 2010.

Kangana Ranaut has many releases in 2010.

Kangana Ranaut, the winner of National Award for supporting actress in the film Fashion, has many releases in 2010. In Indian films, focus always is directed towards the lead actresses. The middle-group of actresses lose their recognition inspite of brilliant performances.

It has been seen during the 70s and 80s, actresses like Aruna Irani, Bindiya Goswami, Reena Roy, did not get their dues inspite of playing the second lead roles, second to the main actresses’ performances. Same has happened with actresses of the last few years like Kangana Ranaut, Neha Dhupia, Isha Koppikar and others. They had given memorable performances but credit was taken away by Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and other frontline actresses.

In 2010, Kangana Ranaut had acted in many films, where her individual performance may get appreciated. She did well in guest role in the film Kites opposite Hrithik Roshan in the first part of the year. The film did not do great business, but her performance was appreciated.

She had played the role of a journalist in the film Knock Out which will be released in first week of October, 2010. She is going to act opposite to veteran actors Sanjay Dutt and Irfan Khan. She already did well in the film Once Upon a Time in Mumbai which had been released recently.

One more of her big releases include No Problem opposite Akshay Khanna which is scheduled to be released in the first week of December, 2010. She will also work in the films Game, Dhamaal 2 which are slated to be released in 2011.

There are few factors relating to Kangana Ranaut which no one can dispute. Firstly she is very beautiful. Secondly she had experimented with many challenging roles at the early part of her career, like Raaz – The Mystery Continues opposite Imraan Hashmi, which many actresses would not have done. Actresses generally want to stay in the comfort zone of dealing with romantic stories.

If the viewers appreciate Kangana Ranaut’s all round skill, she will be one of the lead actresses in future competing with Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and others. The viewers wish their best for Kangana Ranaut’s new releases.

Happy birthday to Asha Parekh.

Happy birthday to Asha Parekh.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Asha Parekh on 2nd October, 2010. She had been a dancing legend of the 60s. Bollywood industry is indebted to her for her brilliant performance in various films.

She started her career opposite Shammi Kapoor in the film Dil Deke Dekho in 1959. The film did great business with hit songs composed by Usha Khanna including “dil deke dekho” sung by Rafi. After that she acted in musical blockbusters most of which were directed by Nasir Hussain. She was sublime in the film Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai opposite Dev Anand. The songs in the film composed by Shankar Jaikishan like “sau saal pehle”, “yeh ankhe uff yumma”, “teri zulfon ki”, “jiya ho” became rich assets of history.

Asha Parekh had a fantastic combination with Joy Mukherjee. Her films Ziddi, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon and Love in Tokyo became superhit. Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon was shot in Kashmir, while Love in Tokyo was shot in Japan. The romantic scenery entertained the viewers. The songs in most of these films composed by OP Nayyar and Shankar Jaikishan stormed box-office. The most famous songs included “banda parwar”, “lakhon hai nigahon me”, “raton ka sila”, “nazneen bara rangin hai wada tera”, “japan, love in Tokyo”, “hume tum mil gaye humdum”, “o mere shahekhuba”, etc. Similarly Asha Parekh’s combination with Biswajeet and Shammi Kapoor was very grand. Her film Mere Sanam with Biswajeet was another musical blockbuster. All the songs of the film like “pukarta chala hoon mai”, “humdum mere maan bhi jayo”, “hue hai tumpe aashiq hum bhala mano bura mano” sung by Rafi stormed box-office in the mid-60s.

Asha Parekh played many serious roles in films like Chirag opposite Sunil Dutt, Kati Patang opposite Rajesh Khanna, Upkaar opposite Manoj Kumar, etc. She got critical acclamation for performance in the film Chirag. Asha Parekh dancing skills gave her a separate recognition during an age when actresses like Vaijayantimala, Rajashree, Mumtaz, Padmini were already created sensation in bollywood.

Asha Parekh’s performance in the film Carwan opposite Jeetender requires special mention. She proved her dancing skills opposite other renowned dancers in the film like Helen and Aruna Irani. She also acted in character roles in films like Bulandi, Kaalia, etc., in the 80s. The viewers expect her to continue the great work in character roles in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Mehmood and remembering him with Shankar Jaikishan and Rafi.

Happy birthday to Mehmood and remembering him with Shankar Jaikishan and Rafi.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to legendary comedian Mehmood on 29th September, 2010. He was an indispensable actor during the 60s and 70s. He had acted in different types of roles ranging from serious ones in Choti Behen to villainish roles in Pyaasa and obviously serio-comic roles in Gumnaam. He was the other comedian other than Johnny Walker, who had given lips in majority of songs in landmark films. His combination with Subha Khote and Dhumaal, was as brilliant as the legendary pairs of Dharmender Hema Malini or Shashi Kapoor Nanda.

Shankar Jaikishan had always been known to set trends and not follow any existing system created by the other compositions. SJ used Lata to her limit in Barsaat in the late 40s, during a time when the other female singers like Noorjahan, Suraiya, Samshad Begum, Rajkumari were also prominent in singing playback songs in bollywood films. SJ never stuck one single team and that was one of their secrets of success in bollywood films. In respect of Mehmood, it was a tradition for most of the composers to use Manna Dey to sing for Mehmood, most of which were very very successful. SD Burman used Manna Dey to sing “duniya bananewale” in the film Ziddi for Mehmood, where he used Rafi to sing the songs for Joy Mukherjee like “bolo bolo, aye dildaar”, etc. RD Burman used Manna Dey to sing the songs “sawaariya” and “ek chaturnaar” in the film Padosan for Mehmood. LP used Manna Dey to sing “o mere maina” in the film Pyar Kiye Ja, for Mehmood.

There are numerous other examples where Manna Dey was used by the composers to suit Mehmood. Shankar Jaikishan had something else in mind. He used Manna Dey in very serious classical songs like “sur na saje” in Basant Bahar, emotional songs like “tu pyar ka sagar hai” in Seema, or folk songs like “chalet musafir” in Teesri Kasam. When it came to Mehmood, SJ experimented with Rafi, and those songs probably are considered the most successful songs of Mehmood in his entire career.

The song “ajahu na aye balma sawan bita jai” in the film Saanjh Aur Sawera, picturized on Mehmood, stands out as one of the most classically oriented compositions of SJ for Rafi. The song had both appeal for the mass and also the class. The song “hum kale hai to kya hua dilwale hai” in Gumnaam, became a trademark song of Mehmood. Rafi almost reproduced the style of dialogue throwing of Mehmood in the song and it appeared to the masses that the song was sung by Mehmood himself. SJ used Rafi to sing the song “mai rickshawala” in the black and white era in the film Choti Bahen, during a time when Mehmood’s image was not created.

Mehmood almost made people cry in the film and the credit goes to Rafi’s emotions in the song. In the film Zindagi, Rafi’s song for Mehmood titled “ghungharwah mora cham cham baje”, became big hit. The other hit songs of Rafi for Mehmood composed by SJ include “o gori chalona hans ki chaal”, “zindagi mujhko dikhade raasta”, “mai hoon jaani tera”etc.

Rafi’s presence was felt in the films Beti Bete, Bhai Bhai, etc. where Mehmood had prominent roles and SJ composed the music of those films. Even the song “bakhma bakhma” in the film Shatranj became successful. Even in the duets that were sung for Mehmood, SJ created a new trend in allowing Suman Kalyanpur to sing some of the songs with Rafi or Sharda to sing some of them, in addition to Lata who had sung around 440 duets with Rafi during the golden age. The songs and the films of the legendary combination of Shankar Jaikishan, Rafi and Mehmood should be restored for their filmic appeal and versatile creations.

Happy birthday to melody-queen Lata Mangeshkar.

Happy birthday to melody-queen Lata Mangeshkar.

The listeners of music in India and abroad wish happy birthday to Lata Mangeshkar, the melody queen on 27th September, 2010. She had remained a sensation even in her 80s.

Starting her journey from the early 40s, Lataji created an impression with the songs “ayega anewala” in the film Mahal, composed by Khemchand Prakash. The songs of the horror film were picturised on Madhubala who later became a legendary star of bollywood films. Lata faced the competition from eminent singers Noorjahan, Suraiya, Shamshad Begum, Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle, Rajkumari, and others and emerged victorious in the 50s and 60s.

Her sweetness of voice compelled composers to give the best tunes ever created in Indian film history. Along with Rafi, Lata had the record of singing songs of almost all the composers of the golden age. Everlasting gems of Lata include “tu jaha jahan chalega” composed by Madanmohan, “duniya kare sawal” composed by Roshan, “hume tum mil gaye humdum” composed by Shankar Jaikishan, “phir teri kahani yaad aye” composed by Naushad, “ajare pardesi” composed by Salil Choudhury, “allah tero naam” composed by Jaidev, “piya tose naina lage re” composed by SD Burman, to name a few.

Lata had sung more than 30000 songs during her singing career which was more than 65 years long. She had sung for Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Nargis, Wahida Rehman, on one hand, and did sing for the new actresses of the 90s namely Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla, etc. Her patriotic songs “aye mere watan ke logon” brought tears even in the eyes of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Articles after articles can be devoted to the Indian nightingale, Lata who had remained an institution in different types of songs including Hindustani classical, folk songs, lift romantic songs, to name a few.

Lata Mangeshkar sung songs in more than 15 regional languages including Marathi, Bengali and others. She played a very significant role in Bengali film industry in the world of playback singing. Some of her hit songs included “jago” in Raj Kapoor’s film Ekdin Ratre, composed by Salil Choudhury, “aaj mon cheyeche ami hariye jabo” composed by Sudhin Dasgupta in Uttam Kumar’s film Shankhabela, to name a few.
Singers of the present age consider Lataji as their idol and try to emulate her style. Even reputed singers like Sonu Nigam feel privileged to get his son record his son at such tender age with evergreen legend Lata Mangeshkar.

The listeners of music all over the world expect Lataji to continue the great work that she started 70 years ago. Her works should be restored.

Kangana Ranaut and Vivek Oberoi spoke on Janmashtami.

Kangana Ranaut and Vivek Oberoi spoke on Janmashtami.

In 2010, Janmastami passed away some time back. Actress Kangana Ranaut and actor Vivek Oberoi spoke on Janmashtami this year.

Vivek Oberoi in fact played the role of Kisna in Subhash Ghai’s big budget film. He said that he was born on Krishna Janmashtami. According to mythology, the day when Lord Krishna was born there was heavy floods which washed away everything. Krishna’s father Vasudev had to carry him on his head, cross the river and send him away from Mathura.

Vivek Oberoi said that he also faced rain on the day he was born. He was born in Hyderabad. His father Suresh Oberoi had to take his mother to hospital in fiat car amidst flood like situation.

When Kangana Ranaut was asked just like Lord Krishna teasing the gopis during his times, who was the bollywood actor who had an image like Lord Krishna, instead of naming the young heartthrobs like Ranbir Kapoor or Imran Khan he mentioned the name of Amitabh Bacchan. According to her he was the Lord Krishna of the modern times.

Kangana Ranaut had mentioned that she was very fond of Krishna Janmashtami and celebrated it with pomp and grandieur.

Happy birthday to Dev Anand.

Happy birthday to Dev Anand.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to evergreen star Dev Anand on 26th September, 2010. Along with Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar he was one of the most popular stars of bollywood films of the 50s and 60s.

He acted opposite most of the leading actresses of the 50s and 60s and most of his romantic of the golden age remained hits. Some of his successful films include Taxi-Driver with Nalini Jayant, CID with Wahida Rehman and Shakila , Tere Ghar Ke Saamne with Nutan, Kalapani with Madhubala, Kalabazar with Wahida Rehman, Jewel Thief with Vaijayantimala, Jaal with Geeta Wali, etc. His production banner Navketan was the pivot around which his brothers Chetan Anand and Vijay Anand contributed a lot.

In the 60s, Dev Anand acted in successful films like Guide, Jewel Thief, etc. Guide was based on the epic literature of RK Narayan. Dev Anand received the filmfare award for the best actor for his performance in the film Guide. He made an English version of Guide too. In Jewel Thief he successfully acted in the role of a detective to combat the group of burglers led by Ashok Kumar.

From the 70s Dev Anand started directing his films including Prem Pujari, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, etc. Even as a director he showed his class. As an actor he was known for his stylish andaz as he emulated the mannerisms of Hollywood actor Gregory Pegg. Another factor for which Dev Anand is still remembered is the quality music given in his films.

Composers like SD Burman, Shankar Jaikishan, Jaidev, OP Nayyar, gave everlasting music with Rafi’s songs like “tujhe jeevan ki dorme” in Asli Nakli, “khoya khoya chand” in Kala Bazar, “tere mere sapne” in Guide, “hum bekhudi me tumko bulaye” in Kala Pani still remaining immortal. Even Kishore’s songs “jeevan ki safar me rahi” in Munimji, “gata rahe mera dil” in Guide, “phulon ke rang se” in Prem Pujari had not lost their colour even today.

Dev Anand received Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his excellence in Indian cinema. He even at his late 80s is interested to produce and direct films. Few years back he made the film Mr. Prime Minister. The viewers expect him to continue the great work that he started 60 years ago.

Rakhi Sawant said Amitabh Bacchan always copied Dilip Kumar.

Rakhi Sawant said Amitabh Bacchan always copied Dilip Kumar.

Rakhi Sawant had given an interview in Times of India on 21st September, 2010. Among other questions when she was asked about films that she had seen this year, she referred the name of Raavan. She liked the performance of Abhishek Bacchan in the film. And then she said that Amitabh Bacchan should learn from Abhishek Bacchan how to act.

The next comment was very bold in nature. She said that for his entire career, Amitabh Bacchan never had any acting style of his own. He always and only copied the style of acting of Tragedy King Dilip Kumar. Amitabh Bacchan had recently won his 3rd National award for the performance in the film Paa, and a comment like copying Dilip Kumar would have raised eyebrows in the minds of his huge fanbase all over the world.

Very significantly Dilip Kumar and Amitabh were actors of two different generations. Dilip Kumar started his career in 1944 with Jowar Bhatta, where as Amitabh started his career with the film Satwa Hindustani in 1969. In the mid-70s, Amitabh carried across his image of angry young man and directors and producers did cast him in roles suiting that image.

Dilip Kumar acted in different types of roles for more than 60 years, but made his mark in tragic-oriented roles where his soft tune of dialogue throwing had created a grammer of acting in bollywood films. But before Rakhi Sawant no one had commented that Amitabh had copied Dilip Kumar although his career.

Rakhi Sawant also said that she hated actresses who used Salman Khan for success in bollywood and left him. Her indication was towards Katrina Kaif after she broke up with Salman Khan. She did not see Peepli Live, so could not comment on the film. She also said that she was very music-minded and whenever she felt good she danced for the audience. The viewers can judge the significance of her comments.

The nation remembers style icon Feroz Khan on his birthday.

The nation remembers style icon Feroz Khan on his birthday.

The nation remembers Feroz Khan on his birthday on 25th September, 2010. He had died in 2009, one year back and the nation had missed the style icon very badly. Feroz Khan started his career with romantic films.

His performance in the film Aarzoo, in the mid-60s with Rajender Kumar and Sadhna is well remembered even today. He played the role of friend of Rajender Kumar who sacrificed his wife for the best interest of his friend Rajender Kumar. While Feroz Khan’s performance in romantic films like Ek Sapera Aur Ek Lutera was well appreciated, his skills in action films like Aadmi Aur Insaan, Mela, etc., created a separate identity for himself.

From the 70s, Feroz Khan got involved in production and direction of his own films and created gold in the next 20 years. His film Apradh with Mumtaz became super hit. He brought in many dimensions of car driving in Indian cinema. He showed car racing in Apradh. His film Dharmatma with Hema Malini and Rekha created history in the mid-70s. It was modeled in the lines of Hollywood film Godfather where Marlon Brando played the lead role. Part of the film was shot in Dubai, and from that time Feroz Khan used Dubai for shooting many of his blockbuster films.

Feroz Khan’s action style mesmerized the viewers. He gave a stylish performance in the film Khote Sikke and Kala Sona. His Robinhood like image haunted the viewers. His style of riding cars, riding horses and jugglery with the guns showed touch of Hollywood actors. With the advent of action films in the mid-70s with the emerging of Amitabh Bacchan in the bollywood scenario, Feroz Khan’s demand in action film increased and increased.

His film Qurbani with Vinod Khanna and Zeenat Aman created storms in the early 80s. Rafi’s song ‘kya dekhteho” picturised on Feroz Khan, became hit in the early 80s. He gave a new definition to action films with the film Jaanbaaz, where he protested against the trade of LSD and other Narcotic drugs. Villains like Raza Murad and Shakti Kapoor gained prominence from Feroz Khan’s films. Feroz Khan used Anil Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Sri Devi in Jaanbaaz in his unique style.

His film Yaalgaar with Sanjay Dutt, Manisha Koirala and Kabir Bedi also became super hit in the early 90s. One of the other shade of character of Feroz Khan was to promote the newcomers. He acknowledged the brilliant skills of Vinod Khanna, Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt, who were much younger than him and formed the next generation of actors.

In the late 90s he promoted his own son Fardeen Khan. Even in recent films like Welcome he showed his comedy skills opposite Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar. His death brought a great loss to the film industry. He is remembered on his birthday and will always be remembered in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Kareena Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Kareena Kapoor.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Kareena Kapoor on 21st September, 2010. She had been the number star of bollywood films and carried forward the grand legacy created by Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor forward.

She started her career with the film Refugee with Abhishek Bacchan. In that film she played the role of a pardanashin muslim girl of Pakistan. It was a big task on the part of Kareena to perform opposite stalwarts like Jackie Shroff, Anupam Kher, Sunil Shetty and others, who were experienced actors and Kareena Kapoor rose up to the occasion and received good reception from all sections of the viewers. Within short time she adapted herself to different types of roles in films like Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai opposite Tushar Kapoor, Yaadein opposite Hrithik Roshan, Ashoka opposite Shahrukh Khan, to name a few.

After two three years her films started flopping, and she bounced back with an off-beat role in the film Chameli. She received the critics award for the best actress in filmfare. From that time she never looked back. Most of her films opposite Shahid Kapoor had been super hit including Chup Chup Ke, 36 China Town and Jab We Met.

She received the filmfare award for the best actress for her effortless performance in the film Jab We Met. The film was related to the romantic relation of her with Shahid Kapoor. All the songs in the film became super hit including “yeh ishq hai”, “nagara nagara”, “tujhse hi tujhse hi”, etc. At the same time her films opposite other stars were appreciated. She was successful opposite Salman Khan in the film Kyon Ki. She was sublime opposite Ajay Devgan in the film Omkara and Golmaal Returns.

In 2009, her film Kambakht Ishq opposite Akshay Kumar did medium business. But she had two mega releases for which the viewers are awaiting anxiously. One was Mai and Mrs Khanna opposite Salman Khan. The other was The Three Idiots opposite Amir Khan. While the first one did mediocre business, the second one broke all bollywood records to do more than Rs 200 crores business. Kareena Kapoor was sublime in the film in the role of the daughter of Boman Irani. She had already two releases in 2010, including Milenge Milenge and We Are Family. She is looking forward to the release of Golmaal 3 which is going to be released soon.

The viewers expect Kareena Kapoor to stand the competition created by beauty queen Katrina Kaif and steady performer Priyanka Chopra in the coming years and emerge victorious.

Shabana Azmi said she is great admirer of Dilip Kumar.

Shabana Azmi said she is great admirer of Dilip Kumar.

Versatile actress Shabana Azmi celebrated her 60th birthday on 18th September, 2010. She gave an interview in Times of India on her birthday.

She commented on many things. She said that in theatre acting there is scope of underacting, as the viewers at the backseat may not recognize lack of expression, but in films that is not possible. For her film acting was a greater challenge.

She also said that acted in both commercial and parallel films. She acted during the transition of the 70s, when the actresses got roles opposite the angry young man played by Big B, Vinod Khanna and others. Female actresses started getting roles which were transformations from the ones of the 60s in films like Mai Choop Rahungi to films in the 80s like Khoon Bhari Maang. But her range was exposed in parallel cinema. She could express the complexity of female mind successfully in the art films directed by Shyam Benegal, Satyajit Ray and others.

When asked about her choice, she said that she would have accepted the role of a sweeper if director Bergman had offered her a role. He was her favourite director. In respect of actors, she commented that Tragedy King Dilip Kumar was her favourite actor. She grew up seeing his acting.

It is very significant that the actress of the callibre of Shabana Azmi who had won 5 national awards also used the name of Tragedy King, who had not learned acting from acting school, but the characters immortal with his sensitive performances over 70 years. The interview was very knowledgeable.

Sobakshi Sinha has three in a row with Salman Khan.

Sonakshi Sinha has three in a row with Salman Khan.

Actress Sonakshi Sinha has three in a row opposite Salman Khan. On one hand she had a dream debut with Dabaang in a row to do business more than Rs 150 crores.

She had bagged the role for the sequel of Dabaang at the outset. It requires no mention that in the sequel too she is supposed to act opposite Salman Khan. It is great news for her.

Sajid Nadiadwala had also signed her opposite Salman Khan in the remake of South Indian super hit film Kick. The film will be directed by Shirish Kunder.

Sonakshi Sinha will be the most luckiest debut maker in the history of bollywood. The success of Dabaang speaks about that. Firstly she had created the lady luck for Salman Khan who was not having super hit film for more than a year after Wanted.

At the same time the viewers accepted her opposite Salman Khan who was more than 20 years older than her. Other newcomers generally had made debut opposite young actors like Imran Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, etc.

Thirdly in an out and out action film like Dabaang, her performance had been appreciated inspite of Salman Khan stealing the show. It has rarely happened in the past. Amisha Patel did a great job in Kahona Pyar Hai, but the media had highlighted the work of Hrithik Roshan and all the credit went to him.

Deepika Padukone also made a dream debut opposite Shahrukh Khan, but she was not so lucky to sign three films opposite the same superstar opposite whom she had got her first blockbuster.

Sonakshi Sinha should grasp the opportunity and do well in future.

Kareena Kapoor said she likes Katrina Kaif.

Kareena Kapoor said she likes Katrina Kaif.

Kareena Kapoor said she likes Katrina Kaif in a recent interview. There was a pre-concept in the minds of the viewers that as one is the rival of the other there is cold war between the two. But Kareena’s statement does not show that.

Kareena Kapoor is more senior than Katrina Kaif in bollywood films. Her first film released in 2000 titled Refugee had given her a separate prestige in bollywood industry. From that time she had worked in different films and showed her metal. After giving a number of hits including Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai she entered into a rough patch for some time when her good performances also did not result in the cash counters of cinema halls ringing. After release of the film Chameli, which was critically acclaimed she again regained box-office.

In the last 2 years two of her films did great business including Jab We Met and The Three Idiots. So obviously she is still there in the bollywood rat race at the same pedestal where Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra are there.

Katrina Kaif on the other hand had started acting almost 4 years later than her. She is younger too. But her luck was great in respect of her films. From the beginning of her career, inspite of her accent having English origin, her films did great business. Right from Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, to Namaste London, to Race, to Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, she had been the most successful actress for the last 4 years.

Viewers generally think that rivals never have good relations and there was gossip about ego-clash between the two successful actresses Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor. But Kareena Kapoor’s statements negated that. Viewers feel that it would best for the bollywood industry, that Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif face each other in films in future and do well.

Big B, Ananya Chatterjee, Rituporno Ghosh won National Awards.

Big B, Ananya Chatterjee, Rituporno Ghosh won National Awards.

The 57th National Awards had been announced. Big B won the award for the best actor for his remarkable performance in the film Paa. He played the role of progeria patient who died at the end of the film. The actress Arundhuti Nag received the award for the best supporting actress.

Actress Ananya Chatterjee won the national award for the best actress for her performance in the film Abohoman. She was surprised with the decision and excited too. Ramesh Sippy, the legendary director being member of the jury, took very bold decisions. It was very significant that Ramesh Sippy himself never won any national award inspite of making blockbusters like Sholay, Shaan, Shakti and Saagar.

Director Rituporno Ghosh won the national award for the best director for the film Abohoman. Rituporno Ghosh won it a number of films. It was a good gesture on the part of the jury to judge regional films on merit.

Viewers feel that there were a long list of talented actors and actresses who never won one national award. Actor Balraj Sahani never received one single national award, actor Dilip Kumar never received one single national award inpsite of landmark performances in Aadmi, Shakti, Mashaal, etc.

Actress Meena Kumari never got any award in her illustrious career. The best actress award was also a question mark in the career of actress Nutan. Therefore those who won the awards should also consider themselves very lucky as whenever two or three artists performed well in the same year, the award went to only one recipient.

Happy birthday to Shabana Azmi.

Happy birthday to Shabana Azmi.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Shabana Azmi on 18th September, 2010. She had remained an institution by herself. She had been considered to be the greatest performer in bollywood films along with Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri.

She started her journey with Shyam Benegal’s film Ankur in 1974. With her debut, the trend of parallel cinema began in bollywood. There existed a clear difference between glamour girls in bollywood and the serious actresses who graced parallel cinema. Shabana Azmi featured in both forms of films but became unparallel in parallel films. She concentrated on the inner emotions of the characters that were played. She was unparallel in the role of a step mother in Shekhar Kapoor’s film Masoom. Her performance was as brilliant as the performance of Naseer in the film. She was the step mother who initially was attached to her own blood-related daughters but later was moved by the sensitiveness of Naseer’s son Jugal Hunsraj whom she accepted at the end of the film.

In Goutam Ghosh’s film Paar, she showed the life of daily wage earner in Kolkata along with Naseeruddin Shah. The scene where Shabana Azmi swam across the Ganges near Bandha Ghat along with a pack of animals which were supposed to be reached the respective destination, body language, physical effort, expressions all get mixed into one. Goutam Ghosh himself accepted that it was the best film he had made till date.

She was as powerful as Smita Patil in the film Arth. Her husband Kulbhushan Kharbanda led an extra-marital relationship with Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi wanted to leave him for those reasons. She also played an important role in Oscar Winning Director Satyajit Ray’s film Shatranj Ki Khiladi. The other notable films which ended up being masterpieces include Khandahaar, Dharavi, Sparsh, etc.

Shabana Axmi was equally successful in commercial films. She played a prominent part in hit film Parvarish along with Vinod Khanna and Big B. Her performance in the film Amar Akbar Anthony opposite Vinod Khanna was appreciated by the commercial crowds. She gave able lips in the song “o humko tumse ho gaya hai pyar kya Karen” opposite Vinod Khanna. She even did a great job in a negative role in the film Godmother.

Her performance opposite Big B in the film Mai Azaad Hoon, in the role of a journalist requires special mention. She received national award a number of times and won it consecutively for three years from 1983 to 1985 for Arth, Khandahar and Paar. She was even unparallel in the film Godmother and won the national award once more. She had created a benchmark which had been followed by actresses of the present era including Dimple Kapadia and Tabu. The viewers expect her to continue the high standard of work in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Sarat Chandra Chatterji.

Happy birthday to Sarat Chandra Chatterji.

The literary community all over India wish happy birthday to literary giant Sarat Chandra Chatterji on 15th September, 2010. He got the title of “katha sahityik” as his words used to put life in the bodies of trees, plants, animals and he portrayed rural life in India in the most lucid manner possible.

He was born in the village of Debanandapur in Hoogly near Kolkata, West Bengal. His two pieces of literature, that is Devdas and Parineeta had lived the test of time and became immortal. Films in bollywood and other languages had been made a number of times on the classic literature. In fact tragedy king Dilip Kumar got his image by brilliant depiction of Sarat Chandra’s character Devdas in Bimal Roy’s film in 1955.

In the Bengali film industry, Sarat Chandra Chatterji’s literature was indispensable and eminent directors experimented with his immortal literature. Legendary actress Kanan Debi featured in many Bengali films based on Sarat literature most of which were directed by her husband Haridas Bhattacharya. Some of the notable films included Mejdidi, Annadadidi O Srikanto, Nababidhan, etc.

The other notable films included the literature of Sarat Chandra relating to biography of himself, which was called the Srikanto series. Uttam Kumar played the role of Srikanto in the films Rajlakshi Srikanto and Kamallata. Bosonto Choudhury played the role of Srikanto in the film Abhaya O Srikanto. Sarat Chandra’s other pieces of literature used in Bengali films included Bardidi, Ramer Shumoti, Nishkriti, Sabyasachi, Grihadaha, Chandranath, etc. The list can go on.

In bollywood industry also Sarat Chandra was indispensable. Eminent Director Gulzar made the film Khusbu based on classic literature of Sarat Chandra titled Pandit Mashay. The film Nishkriti was remade in hindi with the titie Apne Paraye where eminent artists like Shabana Azmi, Amol Palekar, Girish Karnad, Utpal Dutt played notable roles.

Sarat Chandra Chatterji received Kuntolin award for the creation of Mandir and also D Lit. Degree offered by University of Dhaka. His literature should be translated in all the leading languages in India and other languages abroad. It is because his literature had shown the path which was followed by other literary giants like Bibhutibhushan Banerjee, Munshi Premchand and others.

Lara Dutta had geared up for Don 2.

Lara Dutta had geared up for Don 2.

The best of a person is extracted when his or her rival is brought before him and her and both are allowed to face a contest. Vivian Richards had shown his chivalry against ace fast bowler Denis Lillee, Rafi had shown his jugglery of voice in classical contests opposite Manna Dey, Om Puri geared up for his acting charishma whenever he had faced Naseeruddin Shah.

For those reasons, Lara Dutta had geared up to face one of her old rivals Priyanka Chopra in the film Don 2. Both the actresses had come from the fashion world and they kept their mark in beauty contests. Both of them had started their career also in the same film, that was Andaaz opposite Akshay Kumar. From that time, Priyanka Chopra had gone past Lara Dutta in the last few years.

But director Farhan Akhtar had given scope of Lara Dutta to match Priyanka Chopra in Don 2. Lara Dutta had started commencing her fitness program the way she did before release of Blue under instructor Zarine Watson.

Lara Dutta had been on vegetarian diet for some time, eating every two hours. She has given up sweets and oily food. Only liquids, soups, juices and water form major part of her diet. Her only lunch includes salads.

As she is pitted opposite Priyanka Chopra, who is considered to be the most fit actress of bollywood at the moment, it is a test for Lara Dutta to match her in Don 2. Besides both have to prove themselves opposite superstar Shahrukh Khan, who is hungry for a super hit film, after his contemporaries like Amir Khan and Salman Khan had given super hit films this years.

All in all, Don 2 is looking very interesting from the star cast and from the record of Don 1, which was an ambitious project of Farhan Akhtar.

Dabaang is set to break the record of The 3 Idiots.

Dabaang is set to break the record of The 3 Idiots.

Salman Khan’ s Dabaang is all set to break the record of The 3 Idiots. The film had been released few days back. Within the first weekend the film had earned around Rs 50 crores in one week.

The record is very significant considering the immense success of the 3 Idiots in the last year. The film had done business of more than 200 crores and set a all time record in the history of bollywood cinema. Dabaang has to go a long way to actually equal the record of The Three idiots.

But Salman Khan can be very happy about the proceedings. Firstly he had come up after the debacle of the big budget film Veer which did mediocre business. Secondly the news of Katrina Kaif leaving him and getting separated had been made public. In that scenario Salman Khan required a super hit film desperately. Dabaang had answered his critics.

He had played the role of a corrupt police officer in the film. Vinod Khanna did a great job in the role of the step father. Dimple Kapadia played the role of his mother and had shown that she had not forgotten her acting instincts. Arbaaz Khan the producer of the film, played the role of his brother. Salman Khan had left the house after the death of her mother Dimple Kapadia.

But after he met Sonakshi Sinha, the daughter of Shatrughun Sinha, his life changed. Om Puri, Sonu Sood and Anupam Kher were brilliant in their own roles. The music of Sajid Wajid was brilliant. Especially their song “tere mast do nain” sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan had become super hit. Recently in the program of Little Champs, Sonu Nigam had invited Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to be the judge and sing few songs. He had made Sonu Nigam also spellbound with his independent harkats. The other successful songs in the film included “chori kiya re jiya” sung by Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and “munni badnam” sung by Mamta Sharma and Ishwarya Nigam.

The film has all the masala for entertainment. Abhinav Kashyap, the director, Arbaaz Khan, the producer, and Salman Khan, the main actor had done a great job and require credit for giving another blockbuster to bollywood in 2010.

Priyanka Chopra is flooded with films.

Priyanka Chopra is flooded with films.

The monsoons had flooded New Delhi, Maharashtra and other states this year in 2010. But bollywood style icon Priyanka Chopra is flooded with films for the next two years.

Her calendar is booked or blocked till 2011 with films mostly coming from big banners. In 2010, her next big budget release will include Anjana Anjani, opposite Ranbir Kapoor. It is Sajid Nadiadwala’s project and obviously there is a lot of curiousity about the film.

She will be seen in Don 2, another project of Farhan Akhtar in 2011. Again she would be cast opposite superstar Shahrukh Khan whose first part Don – The Chase Begins did great business. Shahrukh Khan used to say that Priyanka Chopra should be named Shero, the feminine version of Hero, because of her capability of pulling the crowds. Many films became super hit due to sheer brilliance of Priyanka Chopra.

She had signed Anurag Basu’s next important film Silence which will be released in 2011. In that film she has the role of deaf and dumb girl. The role is very challenging and can widen the horizon of Priyanka Chopra. Besides she will act opposite superstar Ranbir Kapoor once more in that film who had become a craze for the youngstars.

She will also be seen in Vishal Bharatdwaj’s next film Saat Khoon Maaf. In that film she will act opposite seven husbands. Her combination with the giant director had struck gold in the film Kaminey.

She will also be seen opposite big stars in the film Race 2 and Rock On! 2. She had won national award with Fashion. But more than her serious performances, the commercial audience are crazy about her. Even her biggest competitor Katrina Kaif does not have that many projects in her hand if compared with her dairy.

The viewers expect their best for Priyanka Chopra.

Happy birthday to Mahima Choudhury.

Happy birthday to Mahima Choudhury.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Mahima Choudhury on 13th September, 2010. She had been a big asset of bollywood films in the 90s.

She had been given a great break by Subhash Ghai in the film Pardesh opposite Shahrukh Khan. All the songs in the film became super hit like “do dil mil rahe hai”, sung by Kumar Shanu or “yeh dil diwana” sung by Sonu Nigam, etc. Her traditional role in the film was well appreciated by every section of the viewers. Subhash Ghai had given breaks to new comers all across his career, and just like Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala, Mahima Choudhury also proved her merit in the first film.

After that Mahima Choudhury acted in every type of roles. She was sublime opposite Chandrachud Singh in the film Daag the fire. She had a double role in the film and did very well in the role of an accomplished girl and the role of a prostitude. The two characters were absolutely contrasting in nature. Due to domination of Sanjay Dutt in the film Mahima’s performance did not get the limelight which she deserved.

She did extremely well in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s film Lajja. She was one of the five ladies who faced oppression from the patriarchal society and her way of expressing discontent was very impressive. She was sublime opposite Sanjay Dutt in the film Kurukshetra. Sanjay Dutt was a fearless police officer and faced the hurdles created by the corrupted ministers and the corrupted police officers in his department. Mahima Choudhury, who played the role of his wife in the film expressed her discontent after being the victim of vengeance of the criminals who were arrested by Sanjay Dutt.

Mahima Choudhury did well in smaller roles as well. The one which is most remembered is her performance in the film Dhadkan where Shilpa Shetty, Sunil Shetty and Akshay Kumar had the more prominent roles.

She had featured in less number of films in the recent past. The viewers expect her to contribute in character roles in bollywood films in future.

Remembering Jaikishan on his death anniversary.

Remembering Jaikishan on his death anniversary.

The music lovers all across the country remember the great composer Jaikishan on his death anniversary on 12th September, 2010. Shankar Jaikishan dominated bollywood music for more than 25 years ranging from the late 40s to early 70s.

The Legends of the golden age include Roshan- the king of melody, Madanmohan- the shahenzah of ghazals, Naushad- the Genius of Hindustani classical ragas with a blend of Lucknow Gharana, Salil Chowdhury –the Master of Westernised chorus with Eastern folk and poetic excellence, O. P. Nayyar – the Master of Westernised Tunes with Eastern flavour, Jaidev – the Legend of Urbanised Folk and Rural tunes, and many other Classical composers who have become immortal with their everlasting tunes.

Shankar Jaikishan emerged in that arena with a range of tunes and compositions which could not be categorised under a single head. There were folk songs like “chalat Musafir” sung by Manna dey in “Teesri Kasam”( 1966) to ghazals like “Chalke Teri Aankhose sharab aur ziada” sung by Mohammad Rafi in “Aarzoo”(1965). There were rock and roll compositions like “aajkal tere mere pyarke charche har zabanpar” in Brahmchari(1967) to pure classical composition like “Sur na saje kya gayun mai” in “Basant Bahar”(1957).
They had composed music in almost 200 films in a tenure of around 22 years. So great was the impact of their creative genius that it had a lasting impact on the music of the Hindi films. Shankar-Jaikishan understood the taste of the masses, were able to cater to them, as well as moulded their tastes. No wonder then that during their tenure as music directors, they were exceedingly popular and 75 per cent of the films for which their scores were everlasting hits - many have celebrated silver jubilees.
They were probably the only musical pair, who have given music to all the leading giants who had glorified the silver screen during the 1940, 1950s, and 1960s. They have given music to Dilip Kumar in Yahudi, 1958, Rajender Kumar in Suraj, 1966, Bharat Bhushan in Basant Bahar, 1957, Balraj Sahani in Seema, 1956, Pradeep Kumar in Raat Aur Din, 1966, Dev Anand in Asli Nakli, 1961, Manoj Kumar in Hariyali Aur Raasta, 1962, Shammi Kapoor in Professor, 1962, Shashi Kapoor in Kanyadan, 1969, Biswajeet in April Fool,1964, Joy Mukherjee in Love in Tokyo, 1965, Dharmender in Pyar hi Pyar, 1968, Jeetender in Mere Huzur, 1967, RajKumar in Lal Patthar, 1971.
The team of Shankar Jaikishan consisted of Shankarsingh Raghuwanshi and Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal. Shankar (October 15, 1922 - 1987) was born in Punjab and trained under the famous Husnlal Bhagatram. He later settled down in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Jaikishan (1929 - 1971) hails from Panchal, Gujarat, India. Before the duo met, Jaikishan worked as a carpenter. Their career started as music directors for Raj Kapoor’s 1949 film Barsaat. Songs like “Jiya beqaraar hai” and “Barsaat mein humse mile tum” became a rage. Barsaat was also the starting point of the pair’s long and successful association with the R.K.Banner. Hit music in films like Aah and Awaara followed in the early 1950s. The song “Ghar aaya mera pardesi” went on to become a benchmark for dream-sequence songs. Their music for most R.K.films was considered a huge success, but two films stand out, Shree 420 and Sangam. The songs “Pyaar hua ikraar hua” and “Ramaiyyaa vasta vaiyya” from Shree 420 and “Dost dost na raha” and “Har dil jo pyaar karega” from Sangam were popular favorites.


Due to sad demise of Jaikishan in the 70s, the evergreen combination broke up and critics repent about the end of the contribution of the giant composers. Shankar was very loyal towards the SJ Banner and continued to use it in films after 1971, when Jaikishan died and Shankar had composed the music himself. Jaikishan’s death was a big blow for Shankar who already was shocked about the demise of lyricist Shailendra in the late 60s, who had contributed for the tunes of Shankar. Shankar lost the big banners in the 70s, due to the death of Jaikishan.

For example Raj Kapoor shifted towards the music of Laxmikant Pyarellal from Bobby, in 1973, when Shankar was still alive and gave music in many films in the 70s. Raj Kapoor had never thought about any other composer in his entire career other than SJ, excepting films like Jagte Raho, where he had used Salil Choudhury or Ab Dilli Door Nahi, where Dattaram contributed, who was the assistant of SJ.

The big banner of GP Sippy went to RD Burman after the death of Jaikishan. SJ composed the music for the film Andaz in 1971. But RD Burman got the scope of composing music in films like Seeta Aur Geeta in 1972, Sholay in 1975, Shaan in 1980, Saagar in 1985, all were made under the GP Sippy Banner. Although Shankar continued to compose music in the mid-70s in films of Manoj Kumar like Beimaan or Sanyasi, but the big banner of GP Sippy was lost.

Shankar also lost the banner of Shakti Shamanta after 1971. Previously SJ composed music in Shakti Shamanta’s films An Evening in Paris and Pagla Kahin Ka. But after the death of Jaikishan, RD Burman got the scope of composing music in his films including Kati Patang and Amar Prem which were hit as well.

Whether the music suffered or changed after the death of Jaikishan is another question to be answered, but there is no doubt that Shankar lost most of the big banners in the 70s, after the death of Jaikishan in 1971.

As far as trend of bollywood music was concerned there was a sea change after the death of Jaikishan in 1971. Loud orchestrations were evident in major films because of the trends existing in Hollywood. Beat oriented music prevailed. RD Burman had a beat of his own exhibited in films like Anamika, Jheel Ke Us Paar, Sholay, Shaan, etc. Bappi Lahiri had his own beat exhibited in Disco Dancer, Namakhalal, Sharabi, etc. The composer-duo who did not stick to a beat but shuffled with them included Laxmikant Pyarellal. They were the only duo who compromised with the requirements of the age and transformed their own music in films like Ek Duje Ke Liye or Prem Rog, etc.

But Shankar Jaikishan’s blend of east and west faded away in the 70s. Also the utilization of folk music in films like Shree 420, Teesri Kasam, reduced down.

The compositions of Shankar Jaikishan should be restored and preserved.

Happy birthday to Bhupen Hazarika.

Happy birthday to Bhupen Hazarika.

The viewers wish happy birthday to music maestro Bhupen Hazarika on his 84th birthday on 8th September, 2010. He was born in Sadiya, in Assam in 1926.

He had done MA from Benaras Hindu University. He did his PhD from Columbia University, New York, USA in 1954. While studying in Columbia University, New York, USA he came in close contact with eminent singer Paul Robson, who taught him landmark songs. Bhupen Hazarika’s song “we are in the same boat brother” was the creation of Paul Robson.

He returned back and made a major contribution to Assamese film industry with his songs. He made the Bengali listeners flabbergasted with his brilliant songs. The songs were not only romantic, but more than that had provided social message.

Some of his brilliant compositions included “manush manusheri jonyo”, “ami ek jajabor”, “bistirnodi pare ashonkho manusher hahakar shune nistaba nirabe o ganga tumi o ganga boicho keno”, “ganga amar ma”, etc. He composed music in Uttam Kumar’s film Jibon Trishna, where his song “sagar sangame satar ketechi koto”, became extremely popular.

He composed songs for other landmark singers like Lata Mangeshkar titled “rangila bhashite ke bajae”, Hemant Kumar titled “e dola e dola”, Subir Sen titled “ogo shakuntala”, Ruma Guha Thakurta titled “ek phalli megh bheshe elo akashe”, to name a few.

He received national award for his music in the film Chameli Memsaab in 1977. He received Padmabhushan and also Dadasaheb Phalke award. His composition of music in the film Rudali, with Lata’s song “dil hum hum kare” had made the viewers spellbound.

One article is to small to bring forward the achievements of the great singer, composer and creator Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. It can be said that he was one of the greatest genius that Assam had produced during the golden age. There are statues of the legend made in Guwahati, the capital of Assam.

The musiclovers expect him to continue the great work that he start 60 years ago and pray for his long life. His works should be restored.

Happy birthday to Asha Bhosle.

Happy birthday to Asha Bhosle.

The viewers of bollywood films and listeners of music all across the country wish happy birthday to Asha Bhosle on 8th September, 2010. She had remained a legend of legends in the field of music. She came to limelight in the 70s and 80s and ended up being the most successful female playback singer after Lata Mangeshkar.

In the 50s, Asha Bhosle had to face the competition from other singers dominating the bollywood playback industry like Lata, Shamshad Begum, Noorjahan, Suraiya, Geeta Dutt, Suman Kalyanpur, Sudha Malhotra and many other singers. Asha’s successful songs in the 50s include “mur murke na dekh” composed by Shankar Jaikishan in the film Shree 420, “aiye meherban” composed by OP Nayyar in the film Howrah Bridge, “accha ji mai hari” composed by SD Burman in the film Kala Pani, to name a few.

In the 60s, OP Nayyar backed Asha Bhosle, and her duets with Rafi in films like Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Ek Musafir Ek Haseena, Mere Sanam, Kashmir Ki Kali, are considered milestones in Indian film music. Her famous duets with Rafi include “naznee bara rangeen hai wada”, “mai pyar ka rahi hoon”, “isharon isharon”, “diwana hua badal”, “bahut shukriya”, “zulf ki chayon me chehere ka ujala lekar”, etc. Few other composers only reposed their confidence on Asha like Khayyam who made her sing memorable songs in Raj Kapoor’s film Phir Subah Hogi, Ravi, who had given songs to Asha Bhosle in films like Waqt, Humraaz, Gumraah, etc. Some of her notable songs in those films include “in baharon me in fizayon me”, “wo subah kabhi to ayegi”, etc.

In the 70s Asha Bhosle married RD Burman and it changed the career of the premier singer. Her westernized style of singing was used by RD to give her super hit songs like “piya tu ab tu aja” in the film Karwan, “dum maro dum” in the film Hare Rama Hare Krishna, “chura liya” in the film Yaadon Ki Baraat, etc. She sang in almost all the films where RD Burman composed music. Asha Bhosle had sung landmark qawallies opposite Mohd. Rafi like “hum kisi se kum nahi”, in the film Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahi, “pal do pal ka” in the film Burning Train, etc.

In the 80s, Asha Bhosle crossed new milestones by showing her skills in singing mujras in the film Umrao Jaan, composed by Khayyam. All the songs in the film including “dil cheez kya hai”, “justju”, etc., were appreciated by the critics. Her song “mera kuch saman” in Gulzar’s film Ijazat showed the versatile class of singing of Asha Bhosle. She received filmfare awards a number of times and she balanced the innovative style of singing of Kishore Kumar with her own innovation. It is not possible to cover the accomplishments of legendary singer Asha Bhosle in a single article as she had sung more than 25000 songs in hindi and other languages. Even her songs in Uttam Kumar’s Bengali film Choddobeshi composed by Sudhin Dasgupta was worth mentioning. After marrying RD Burman, she had sung a number of Bengali songs composed by RD Burman.
The listeners expect Asha Bhosle to continue the great work she had started 50 years back.

Happy birthday to Uttam Kumar.

Happy birthday to Uttam Kumar.

The nation remembers Uttam Kumar, one of the greatest superstars of Indian celluloid on his birth anniversary on 3rd September, 2010. This was his 84th birth anniversary. He had died almost 30 years ago, yet the viewers had not forgotten his films and still his presence is felt in the life bengalies in different parts of the world.

Last year the Governer of West Bengal launched the 50 rupees postal stamp having the engraving of Uttam Kumar in it. Previously Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar’s faces were engraved in Postal stamps for remembering their contribution to Indian cinema.

Last year, Mamta Banerjee, the Union Railway Minister, renamed the Tollygunge Metro Station as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station. In fact the people of Tollygunge cannot associate the place without the existence of Uttam Kumar whose works glorified the different studios which carried on the legacy of Bengali Film Industry.

Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray acknowledged the dynamic presence of the legendary superstar in Bengali films and made a film Nayak based on the story of Uttam Kumar. His original name was Arun Kumar Chatterji, who was a clerk in Port Commission before joining Bengali films.

When he joined films with Drishtidaan in 1948, he had to struggle to create his image as against he established heroes like Asit Boron, Bikash Roy and others. In 1952, his film Basu Paribar struck at the box-office and he overtook Bosonto Choudhury, Asit Boron and became the leading superstar of Bengali films. All the qualities of a romantic hero was possessed by him, including a standard height, good complexion, manly voice, romantic hairstyle and unique dialogue delivery. Any dress suited the legendary superstar including Punjabi, dhoti, coat, Bengali dresses, etc.

He had acted in the films of all the legendary directors of the golden age including Satyajit Ray’s Nayak, Chiriakhana, Tapan Sinha’s Jhinder Bandi, Upahaar and Jotugriha, Ajoy Kar’s Harano Sur, Saptapadi, Suno Bara Nari, etc., Agradoot’s Bipasha, Surjo Toron, etc., Agragami’s Sagarika, Shonkhobela, to name a few. Uttam Kumar acted opposite all the leading actresses of Bengali celluloid including Suchitra Sen, Arundhuti Debi, Manju Dey, Sabitri Chatterji, Supriya Choudhury, Mala Sinha, and others. His combination with Suchitra Sen had given everlasting classics and both of them still remains the most romantic pair in Indian silver screen.

Uttam Kumar’s films were based on rich literature including Tagore’s Khokababur Protyaborton, Subodh Ghosh’s Suno Bara Nari, Samaresh Bose’s Kuhak, Sorodindu Bondhopadyay’s Chiriakhana, Shankar’s Chourangi. The films were related to different types of stories including comedy stories, tragic stories, soft romantic stories, etc.

Uttam Kumar had acted in around 205 films (including bollywood films like Amanush, Anand Ashram, Choti Si Mulakat, Dooriyan, Kitaab etc., ) in a span of 35 years, and all his films had remained everlasting treasures. Out of his 205 films, around 37 of them ended up being blockbusters, around 50 were super hit films and around 50 were hit films. Actor Shatrughun Sinha in his interview before Bengali media had disclosed that when he was working in Pune Film and Television Institute, the graduates had unanimous view that Uttam Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar were the greatest superstars of celluloid and had Uttam Kumar acted in more number of bollywood films, he would have remained as great a legend as Dilip Kumar or Raj Kapoor.

Even the singers who had sung for him including Manna Dey, Shyamal Mitra, Hemanta Mukherjee, etc., agreed that they did not find any actor who was parallel to Uttam Kumar in giving lips in songs. He made the viewers feel that he only sang the songs.

Actor Shatrughun Sinha in his interview had said that during his student life in Pune Film and Television Institute, the upcoming actors used to debate about the charishma of Uttam Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar. Although there was no unanimity about the finest actor among them, there was consensus about one fact had Uttam Kumar established himself in bollywood films by acting in more number of films, he would have been equally an international figure like Raj Kapoor or Dilip Kumar.

Articles after articles can be devoted to Uttam Kumar who was one –man –industry in Bengali films. His films should be revisited to create motivation for making better quality films in future.

Happy birthday to Rakesh Roshan.

Happy birthday to Rakesh Roshan.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Rakesh Roshan on 6th September, 2010. He had one the most successful producer and director in the last 10 years. Being born in a prestigious family and the son of legendary composer Roshanlal Nagrath, Rakesh Roshan had to prove a lot when he started his career as an actor in the early 70s.

His film Paraya Dhan with Hema Malini and Balraj Sahani became very successful in the late 60s. The film was remembered for the melodious music composed by RD Burman. The songs “ayo jhume gayere”, “holi re holi” became super hit in the late 60s and early 70s. After that, Rakesh Roshan acted in many films opposite Rishi Kapoor.

The combination of Rakesh Roshan and Rishi Kapoor gave super hit films like Khel Khel Me, Aap Ke Diwane, Yeh Wada Raha, etc. While Khel Khel Me was a suspense thriller, Aap Ke Deewane was a romantic film, where both Rakesh Roshan and Rihi Kapoor proved their worth. The music of LP in the film Aap Ke Deewane was worth mentioning. All the songs of the film super hit. Rakesh Roshan even acted in middle-budget films like Kamchor with Jaya Prada.

From the time Rakesh Roshan launched himself as producer and director, he stormed bollywood. His film Karan Arjun with Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan became super hit in mid-90s. It was an action block-buster where the music composed by Rajesh Roshan, the romance, the comedy everything entertained the viewers. Amrish Puri played the role of corrupt industrialist who killed Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan in their first life, and after they were reborn combated their attack. The major shooting of the film was done in Rajasthan.

In the last 10 years whenever Rakesh Roshan had produced and directed film with his son Hrithik Roshan the films had become the greatest blockbusters of the year. Kahona Pyar Hai stormed bollywood in 2000. It was sheer brilliance of Rakesh Roshan to present his son with bravery in the first film. Till now it had been the best film Hrithik Roshan had acted in his long career. The other hit films of Hrithik Roshan directed by Rakesh Roshan included Koi Mil Gaya and Krissh. Rakesh Roshan chose different actresses like Amisha Patel, Preeti Zinta, Priyanka Chopra in his different films and all of them contributed to make the films successful.

The viewers awaited the release of Hrithik Roshan’s new film Kites in 2010. With Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori in the film, the critics predicted that it was going to be another blockbuster. But due to most of the film having communication in Spanish, the Indian viewers could not appreciate the film to that extent. Viewers look forward to more number of Rakesh Roshan Hrithik Roshan combinations in future. Rakesh Roshan should continue his great work in the years to come.

Karan Johar's We Are Family does not have that much firepower.

Karan Johar’s We Are Family does not have that much of firepower.

Producer Karan Johar had come with another film We Are Family which is recently released. It is directed by Siddharth Malhotra. The film had been the remake of the Hollywood film Stepmom.

But the film does not the firepower of usual Karan Johar’s films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, or Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. At that time Karan Johar also directed those films. There was lot of pomp and grandier relating to them and the films ended up being blockbusters.

We are Family had strong performers in different roles including Kareena Kapoor, Kajol and Arjun Rampal. Kajol was shown in the family being an ideal mother caring for her three children Anchal Munjal, Diya Sonecha and Nominath Ginsburg.

Even after divorce Kajol fulfilled the mother’s duties. Arjun Rampal got involved with another girlfriend played by Kareena Kapoor. After sometime the situation compelled both Kajol and Kareena to stay under the same roof. While Kajol was concerned with the family, Kareena was interested only about her career.

The rest of the film hovered around the battle of the two mothers in the same house. As far as the success of the film is concerned it does not have the firepower of Karan Johar’s other films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. One of the negative aspects is in respect of the same starcast. Kajol had done a great job in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. But the viewers sometimes suffer from monotony after seeing the same actor and actress in the films of the common producer.

Eminent directors in Indian film industry had shuffled with their starcasts. Bimal Roy used Balraj Sahani in Do Beegha Zamin, Dilip Kumar in Devdas, Sunil Dutt in Sujata. Gulzar used Sanjeev Kumar in Mausam, Jeetender in Kinara, Uttam Kumar in Kitaab. Ramesh Sippy used Shammi Kapoor in Andaz, Dharmender in Sholay, Shashi Kapoor in Shaan, Rishi Kapoor in Saagar, Dilip Kumar in Shakti. If the viewers see the same actor in films after films of the common director or produced they get bored. It is high time Karan Johar should look for other alternatives.

The music of Shankar Ehsaan Loy was impressive in the film. His songs “ankhon me needen” sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shreya Ghoshal and “Hamesha and Forever” sung by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal had been very impressive.

The film will do good business. But it is not of the same quality as Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.

Ranvir Shorey married Konkona Sen Sharma.

Ranvir Shorey married Konkona Sen Sharma.

Actress Konkona Sen Sharma had married actor Ranvir Shorey on 3rd September, 2010. Very significantly the marriage had not been full of pomp and grandieur.

They were having the affair more than 3 years now. Ultimately they got married. Even when director Anurag Basu asked Konkona Sen Sharma about marriage in the early part of this year in a program in zee Bangla, she did say that there was no decision for the moment. But it is good that she had decided at the end.

In the entire program which determined the greatest fan of Konkona Sen Sharma, the honesty and humbleness of the talented actress was reflected. References came about the performances of the co-stars of Konkona Sen Sharma, where she admitted that she admired Irfan Khan. She started her career with the film Ek Je Ache Kanya in 2000. Then she got National Award for the performance in the film Mr. and Mrs. Iyer in 2002. It was directed by her mother Aparna Sen.

She acted well in the parallel cinema Page 3 in 2005. Then she received filmfare awards for best supporting actresses in the films Omkara in 2006 and Life in a Metro in 2007. Her performance in the film Omkara also earned her second national award in the category of best supporting actress.

She spoke about her experience of acting opposite popular actress Rani Mukherjee in the film Laga Chunari Me Daag. She said that her dancing skills were quite weak. Her tool flew off and hurt Rani Mukherjee on the first day of shooting. She also did a great job opposite Farhan Akhtar in Zoya Akhtar’s film Luck By Chance which was given positive reviews by critics.

Recently she carried her success in art films to commercial films as well. Her film Wake Up Sid opposite Ranbir Kapoor became a smash hit in 2009. She confessed that she was very comfortable working with the director Vishal Bharatswaj as he was organized and actor Ranbir Shorey who was very intimate to her. The Bengali audience expressed their sadness for not seeing her in many Bengali films. Her Bengali films were limited to only art films like Rituparna Ghosh’s Titli where she acted opposite Mithun Chakravarty and Aparna Sen and the film Doshor where she acted opposite Prasenjit Chatterji. She confessed that she did not get good scripts. But both Anurag Basu and Konkona Sen Sharma said that they will look forward to working in more Bengali films in future.

Ranvir Shorey had acted in landmark films like Singh is Kinng, Emotional Atyachar, Do Not Disturb, Chandni Chowk to China, etc. It is interesting to see how the marriage can help both the stars to carry forward their career in bollywood films.

Actor and director Dilip Roy passed away.

Actor and director Dilip Roy passed away.

Noted actor and director Dilip Roy passed away in Kolkata on 2nd September, 2010, at the age of 78 years. He was born on 17th December, 1930 in Chittagong in Bangladesh.

His brother introduced him to director Sunil Ganguly who gave him a break in the film Sati Behula in 1953. He had a very good voice and got opportunities to act in landmark films directed by eminent director Tapan Sinha including Hansuli Baker Upakatha, Jhinder Bandi, etc.

He at the same time got roles in other films like Shilubari, directed by Pijush Bose, Arogyo Niketan, Rajodrohi, etc. In the second half of his career he developed his skills as a director and directed many landmark films.

He made two films with Uttam Kumar, that was Devdas and Darpachurna. Devdas did not do great business. Reasons were obvious, the viewers could not accept any other actor in the role of Devdas other than Dilip Kumar who brilliant performance in Bimal Roy’s Devdas in 1955 had became immortal over the years. Uttam Kumar played the role of Chunilal in the film. Although Devdas did not impress the viewers, his other film Darpachurna was well appreciated.

In the early 80s, Dilip Roy made the best film of his career titled Amrito Kumbher Sandhane. He worked on the classic literature of Samaresh Bose on the subject. The film was related to the painful experiences of devotees who had gone to give the holy dip in the Prayag Sangam in Allahabad during the Kumbh Mela and died or lost their relative in the process. The fair took an ugly and people got trampled. Actor Subhendu Chatterjee was given the main role who was the observer and realized that the effect of the sacrifice was not sweet called Amrit instead it was labanakto or full of salt.

He also directed the film Garam Bhaat with actor Santu Mukherjee in the mid-80s. He acted in many commercial films like Sunayoni, Shatru, etc., and in a career of more than 100 films, he had been remembered as a character artist who was thoughtful in his performance. The viewers owe their homage to the great director and thoughtful actor.

Sourav Ganguly is back with Dadagiri.

Sourav Ganguly is back with Dadagiri.

Indian ex-captain Sourav Ganguly is back with Dadagiri in Zee Bangla Television Channel. His followers who had seen him conduct the program in 2009 are very happy to find him again as anchor for the season 2010.

Other than qualities like leading the country in cricket matches within India and abroad, Sourav Ganguly had interests in the cultural sphere and that had helped him a lot in conducting a knowledgeable program like Dadagiri. There had been a number of rounds in which the participants and shown their intelligence and knowledge and competed against each other in 2009, among which the googly round was exceptional.

In 2009, Sourav Ganguly, had brought many celebrities in the program. The episodes relating to them were unforgettable. From the film world he brought Mithun Chakravarty, Mamata Shankar, Rituparna Sengupta on screen. He brought actors who played the roles relating to Feluda series directed by Satyajit Ray and Sandip Ray, namely Soumitra Chatterji, Sabyasachi Chakravarty, Siddharta Chatterji, Saswata Chatterji, and others.

He had brought many sports personalities like Kishore Bhimani, Shyam Thapa, and others. They had highlighted about the history of Indian cricket and football. He brought the eminent chefs all across India including Sanjeev Kapoor to highlight about the best menus in leading hotels and restaurants in Indian cities.

He brought his own colleages like Irfan Pathan and S. Sreesanth in the program. Lastly he brought his IPL friend Shahrukh Khan and the episode relating to him had questions relating to his film career.

Sourav Ganguly had rightly said that viewers had heard about the term Dhoom 2 and Don 2. This new series of Dadagiri will be termed Dadagiri 2.

The viewers look forward to exciting episodes of Dadagiri all the way from 2nd September, 2010, and wish their best to master entertainer Sourav Ganguly.