Happy birthday to Padmabhushan Wahida Rehman

Happy birthday to Padmabhushan Wahida Rehman.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to legendary actress Wahida Rehman on 3rd February, 2010. She had played a marathon innings in bollywood films right from the 50s till today. She had recently won the Civilian award Padmabhushan on 26th January, 2011, that is republic day.

In the mid-50s, she cemented her position in bollywood films after giving hits after hits in Guru Dutt’s films. In CID, which was produced by Guru Dutt, she played the role of a seductive character who ultimately led to unfolding of truth relating to murder mystery. She acted opposite Dev Anand and balanced him with her powerful performance. In Pyasa, she played the role of a tawaif who gave shelter to Guru Dutt, an eminent poet in the film. The legendary pair was created in that film and songs like “jane kya” sung Geeta Dutt, “yeh mahalon yeh takhton” sung Rafi became evergreen hits.

Although Kagaz Ka Phool did not do well in the box-office, both Guru Dutt and Wahida Rehman received critical acclamation for their powerful performances in the film. Again hit songs like “waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam” sung by Geeta Dutt and “bichar gaya bari bari” sung by Rafi and composed by SD Burman became landmark songs of the period.

Chaudavi Ka Chaand, marked the most successful film depicting the romantic association of Wahida Rehman and Guru Dutt. Rafi’s song “chaudavi ka chaand” composed by Ravi was dedicated towards Wahida Rehman. The muslim pardanashin community was well depicted by Wahida Rehman in the film. She again did well in the film Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam opposite Meena Kumari and Guru Dutt. It was an adaptation of Uttam Kumar’s legendary Bengali film Saheb Bibi Ghulam directed by Karthik Chatterji. Wahida Rehman played the role of Jaba, which was played by Anubha Gupta in the Bengali film Saheb Bibi Ghulam.

All time great director Satyajit Ray experimented with Wahida Rehman in the role of a rural woman in the film Abhijan in the early 60s. Wahida Rehman’s broken Bengali having hindi accent attracted the attention of the intellectual viewers. In the 60s she transformed herself into a glamorous heroine.

Her second innings included hit films opposite Raj Kapoor like Ek Dil Sau Afsana, Teesri Kasam, superhit films opposite Dev Anand like Guide, Prem Pujari, and everlasting films opposite Dilip Kumar like Ram Aur Shyam, Aadmi, Dil Diya Dard Liya, to name a few. In Teesri Kasam, Wahida Rehman played the role of nautanki dancer who was attached to a cart driver played by Raj Kapoor.

The songs in these films composed by Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, SD Burman, etc. created history. The hit songs of Teesri Kasam included “o aa aa bhi jha”, “paan khai saiya”, “mare gaye gulfam”, the hit songs of Guide included “piya tose naina lagere”, “aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai”, the hit songs of Ram Aur Shyam included “aaye hai barahen meete zulmon sitam. Wahida Rehman’s dancing skills were also exhibited in these films.

She was even sublime in films like Mujhe Jeene Do, Reshma Aur Shera, opposite Sunil Dutt, Bees Saal Baad and Kohra, opposite Biswajeet, Neel Kamal opposite Raj Kumar, Dharti opposite Rajender Kumar, Patthar Ke Sanam opposite Manoj Kumar, to name a few.

Articles after articles can be devoted to the legendary actress who had same box-office popularity like that of legendary star Meena Kumari and Madhubala. Directors like Asit Sen experimented with her in the film Khamoshi, Gulzar experimented with her in the film Namkeen, Yash Chopra experimented with her in the film Kabhi Kabhi.

Viewers had seen her character acting in films like Mashal opposite Dilip Kumar in the 80s to Dilli 6, that was released in 2009. Increase in age had increased her variety of performance and she has been growing old gracefully. The viewers expect her to continue the monumental performances that she had been giving for the last 60 years. Viewers pay respect and regard to the living legend.

Shahrukh Khan and Kajol won the filmfare awards in 2011.

Shahrukh Khan and Kajol won the filmfare awards in 2011.

It was Shahrukh Khan again who had won the filmfare award for the best actor in 2011. He won it for the performance in the film My Name is Khan. Kajol won the filmfare award for the best actress for the performance in the film My Name is Khan. Karan Johar won the filmfare award for the best director for the film My Name is Khan. The film had a great social message and depicted the way certain communities are treated in the 1st world.

Shahrukh Khan won the award for the best actor the 8th time equaling Dilip Kumar’s record. After the major awards being given to My Name is Khan there is no point in at all providing the award for the best film to Dabaang. Besides as Salman Khan did not get the award for the best actor (male) in Dabaang, the other performers in the film winning the awards looked very awkward. Sonakshi Sinha won the award for the best newcomer female. Definitely if Dabaang had done business worth Rs 150 crores, then the acting charishma of Salman Khan had pulled it rather than the insignificant awards for other categories.

Sajid Wajid won the award for the best composer for their music in the film Dabaang. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan won the award for the best male playback singer while the best female playback singer award went to Mamta Sharma for “munni badnaam hui” and Sunidhi Chauhan for “Sheila ki jawani”.

But the Critics choice awards had some rationality behind them. Rishi Kapoor won the award for the best actor for his performance in the film Do Dooni Char. Rishi Kapoor almost represented the sniffles of a middle-class Indian in the film, a role which during the 70s, Amol Palekar or Farooq Sheikh would have been happy to have played.

Vidya Balan won the Critics choice award for the best actress for her performance in the film Ishqiya. Critics appreciated the film to a big extent. Manna Dey won the lifetime achievement award. He had contributed in Indian films for the last 60 years, and sung probably the most difficult songs ever composed in the history of bollywood films. Gulzar had won the award for best lyrics for “ibn batuta” in the film Ishqiya, while the film Udaan won a number of technical awards.

Filmfare awards still raises many eyebrows. Those actors who had won national awards during a number of occasions like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, etc., very rarely featured in the best actor category of filmfare awards. Composers like Madanmohan, actors like Pradeep Kumar, Guru Dutt, actresses like Sadhna, had never won any filmfare awards. If hard work and generosity had won the awards for most of the recipients, sometimes luck also played a big role in bringing the award for many bollywood personalities.

Dhobi Ghaat had remained an excellent project.

Dhobi Ghaat had remained an excellent project.

Aamir Khan had proved his inclination of acting only in films which have very strong social message and are meaningful to the mass. For those reasons the people at large appreciated his contemporary films including Tare Zameen Par, The Three Idiots, etc. Dhobi Ghaat had been no exception.

The film had been directed by Kiran Rao. Aamir Khan, Prateik Babbar, Monica Dogra and Kriti Malhotra are the major actors and actresses in the film. Aamir Khan had produced the film.

Aamir Khan played the role of a lonely painter in the film. Monica Dogra played the role of an American Banker who had come to visit Mumbai. Prateik Babbar was a washerboy who stayed close to Aamir Khan.

The story of the film revolved around the lives of the four characters Aamir Khan, Monica Dogra, Prateik Babbar and Kriti Malhotra whose lives got interwined with one another. Every performer in the film had played their roles very well.

Other artists like Kitu Gidwani, Nafisa Khan had played their roles also well. The music of the film has been given by Gustavo Santaollala. Critics had appreciated the movie to a big extent. The shooting had taken place I different parts of Mumbai.

Whether the film does a good business or not; directors, producers and actors should be encouraged to make films like Dhobi Ghaat.

Wahida Rehman, Shashi Kapoor received Padmabhushan.

Wahida Rehman, Shashi Kapoor received Padmabhushan.

The Indian civilian awards were given on Republic day, the 26th January, 2011. This year India did not give Bharatratna, the greatest civilian award to anyone. Sachin Tendulkar’s name emerged but due to age and other factors, he did not receive it.

Many bollywood personalities did receive the prestigious awards. Veteran actress Wahida Rehman, Shashi Kapoor and composer Khayyam received Padmabhushan. Composer Khayyam deserved it long time back, with his brilliant creations in the films Phir Subah Hogi, Akhri Khat, Kabhi Kabhi, Shagun, Umrao Jaan, etc. He deserved the national award for the best music a number of times. But it is sad that other talented composers like Shankar Jaikishan, Roshanlal Nagrath, Madanmohan did not receive the award. Wahida Rehman played epic roles in Guru Dutt’s films Pyaasa, Kagaz Ka Phool, etc., Raj Kapoor’s Teesri Kasam, Vijay Anand’s Guide, etc. She had rightly received the award during her lifetime. It is good that Shashi Kapoor had received during his lifetime also, as he is very sick at the moment. Singer S. P. Balasubhramanium received this award for his excellence in music. He received national award as best singer 6 times in his career.

Many bollywood personalities received Padmashree award, including actress Tabu, Kajol and Irfaan Khan. Irfaan Khan had kept his mark in the field of parallel films for a long time, and lastly got his dues for epic performances in films like Billu Barber, Knock Out, Corporate, etc. Tabu had remained a powerful actress with landmark performances in films lime Maachis, Tarqueeb, Astitva, etc.

Actor A. Nageshwara Rao of Telegu Film Industry received Padmabishushan. He had remained unparallel in his performances in films like Dharampatni. He had been in the industry for more than 69 years.

Singer Usha Uthup who had sung in many languages pop songs, classical singer Pandit Ajoy Chakravarty and veteran Rabindrasangeet singer Dwijen Mukherjee received the Padma awards. All of them deserved it and should have received quite earlier. It is very sad that just because singer Mohammad Rafi passed away in his 50s he neither received Padmabhushan, or Padmabibhushan.

Many other scholars, talented Indians, sports personalities received the Padma awards, including Indian cricketer VVS. Laxman.

Happy birthday to Suman Kalyanpur.

Happy birthday to Suman Kalyanpur.

The listeners of film songs wish happy birthday to legendary singer Suman Kalyanpur on 28th January, 2011. Suman Kalyanpur glorified Indian music of the 50s and 60s, with her romantic rendition of landmark songs. She had sung songs in many languages. She had sung almost 200 duet songs with immortal singer Mohammad Rafi.

Shankar Jaikishan in the 60s made immense number of experiments in bollywood film music. Right from westernized compositions to Indian classical songs to folk tunes, the compositions had a wide variety. Rafi was the automatic choice of the legendary musical duo, with his tremendous range and romantic appeal. Suman Kalyanpur sang landmark duet song with Rafi under the composition of giant composers during the 60s, including Naushad “dil-e-betaab ko sinese lagana hoga”, in Palki, Madanmohan “baad muddat ke yeh ghari aye”, Jahanara, Roshan “rahe na rahe hum”, in Mamta, Khayyam “parbaton ke pero par sham ka basera hai”, in Shagun, to name a few. Suman Kalyanpur sang many immortal duet songs with Rafi in the 60s and 70s under the composition of Shankar Jaikishan.

In Dil Ek Mandir, the title song “dil ek mandir hai” was sung by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur with utmost elegance in 1963. The song was sung after the death of Rajender Kumar in the film and therefore the singers displayed the tragic andaz in the song. Rafi had his own solo songs in the film like “jahan koi nahi” and “yaad na jaye” which immortal over a period of time. Suman Kalyanpur’s solo song “juhi ki kali meri ladli” also had a soothing appeal. In Saanjh Aur Sawera, in 1964, the classical song “ajahuna aye balma, sawan bita jaye” was probably one the most immortal duet sung by Suman Kalyanpur with Rafi composed by SJ.

In 1964, Biswajeet’s April Fool had a number of romantic songs of SJ sung by Rafi. Rafi was unparallel in the song “aa gale lag ja”. Suman Kalyanpur accompanied Rafi very well in the songs “tujhe pyar karte karte” and “kehdo kehdo jahan se kehdo”. In Sunil Dutt’s film Beti Bete, the song “agar terii jalwa numai na hoti” showed the melodious impact of duet of Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur under the composition of Shankar Jaikishan. The duet “tumne pukara aur hum chale aye” sung by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur composed by SJ in Shammi Kapoor’s Rajkumar again stormed box-office in 1964.

In 1966, Rafi and Suman’s duet “itna hai tujhse pyar mujhe mere raazdaar” in Rajender Kumar’s super hit film Suraj stands out as the most romantic song of the film. Rafi sang for Rajender Kumar while Suman Kalyanpur sang for Vyjayantimala.

In the late 60s, Shankar Jaikishan’s rock and roll composition for Shammi Kapoor in the film Brahmchari had probably the most entertaining duets of Rafi with Suman Kalyanpur titled “aajkal tere mere pyar ke charche har jawanpar”. The brilliant orchestration was loud but rhythm –oriented as well. The film ended up being blockbuster and the music of the film played a very important role in the success of the film. Shankar Jaikishan composed a very romantic duet in Uttam Kumar’s film Choti Si Mulakat, titled “tumhe dekha, tumhe chaha” Rafi and Suman. Rafi sang Uttam Kumar’s portion while Suman Kalyanpur had sung Vaijayantimala’s portion. The list of Rafi Suman duets under Shankar Jaikishan was too long.

In the early 70s, SJ’s composition for Suman Kalyanpur in Shammi Kapoor’s film Andaz was well received by the audience. The song “hai na bolo bolo” was sung by Rafi, Suman Kalyanpur, Sushma Shreshta and Pratibha.

After the death of Jaikishan in 1971, many producers and directors who were involved with Shankar Jaikishan shifted towards RD Burman and Laxmikant Pyarellal. So Suman Kalyanpur’s scope of singing duets with Rafi reduced down inspite of Shankar providing good tunes to both Suman Kalyanpur and Rafi. Shankar Jaikishan composed hit song of Suman in Dharmender’s film Resham Ki Dori, “behnane bhai ki kalayi se” in the mid -70s. Rafi’s duets with Suman Kalyanpur under the composition of Shankar Jaikishan require both restoration and publicity.

Actress Gita Dey and singer Pintu Bhattacharya passed away.

Actress Gita Dey and singer Pintu Bhattacharya passed away.

Legendary actress Gita Dey and romantic singer Pintu Bhattacharya passed away on the same day, on 17th January, 2011. Geeta Dey was 79 years old.

Gita Dey had acted in more than 200 bengali films in a span of 60 years. She was brilliant in her stage performances that spanned over 60 years. She had learned acting from Natyacharya Sishir Bhaduri and directors experimented to their limit with Geeta Dey due to her depth acting. She had played every type of role including villainish roles, serio-comic roles, tragic roles, etc.

She remembered the most for her epic performance in director Hrithik Ghatak’s award winning film Meghe Dhaka Tara. She played the role of mother of Anil Chatterji and Supriya Choudhury. She also acted in other landmark films of Ghatak including Komol Gandhar and Subarnarekha. She was sublime in Satyajit Ray’s award winning film Samapti, one of the three stories titled Teen Kanya.

Along with classic films she acted in numerous mainstream films like Abhaya Srikanto directed by Haridas Bhattacharya, Prothom Pratisruti directed by Dinen Gupta, Phuleshwari directed by Tarun Majumdar, Shilpi directed by Agragami, Mouchak directed by Arobindo Mukherjee. She was unblemish in her performance in the Television Serial Subarnalata. She played the role of Muktakeshi, the mother-in-law in the serial.

On the same day renowned singer Pintu Bhattacharya died. He sang many memorable songs during the 60s, including “ ek tajmahal”, “sona roder gaan”, “cholona dikhar saikat chere”, “sei prothom sei to shesh”, "jani prithibi amay jabe bhule", etc. During the days of huge competition in Bengali modern songs and domination of Manobendra Mukherjee, Shyamal Mitra, Manna Dey and others, Pintu Bhattacharya kept his mark with his unique style of singing.

The films, works of Geeta Dey and songs of Pintu Bhattacharya should be preserved and restored.

Happy birthday to Preeti Zinta.

Happy birthday to Preeti Zinta.

The viewers wish happy birthday to Preeti Zinta on 31st January, 2011. Her age and the success of upcoming stars like Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra create eyebrows in the faces of most of her fans. In 2009 she had acted in a challenging role in Deepa Mehta’s film Videsh which was made in the background of the life of Indians in Canada. Although her performance was extraordinary and the film is destined to win a number of awards just like any other film of Deepa Mehta, the film cannot determine the destiny of Preeti Zinta in bollywood films, as such type of films are seen by mainly intellectual audience. She also played an item number in Salman Khan’s film Mr. and Mrs. Khanna titled “amen”. But apart from them she had shown her substantial presence in bollywood films.

If her success in bollywood films is examined, it will be seen that the films related to Australia had always stormed bollywood. Her first film Soldier opposite Bobby Deol became superhit. She was sublime in Farhan Akhtar’s super hit film Dil Chahta Hai, where again her romance with Amir Khan in the film was associated with Australia. Her super hit film Salaam Namaste with Saif Ali Khan was based in Australia. Even Rakesh Roshan’s mega project Koi Mil Gaya was also based in Australia and Preeti Zinta’s career was given new turn along with Hrithik Roshan.

Besides earlier her acceptance of any role was backed her age and popularity amongst viewers. Her film Kya Kehna was accepted by the viewers, her role in Kabhi Alvida Ne Kehna opposite Shahrukh Khan was also accepted. She was sublime in Salman Khan’s film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, etc. , where Rani Mukherjee also played major part. Even last year her performance in the film The Heroes opposite Salman Khan was appreciated by the viewers. Her record in bollywood films show that she had achieved name, recognition and identity in bollywood films.
The test of popularity is under scanner as the new actresses had created fierce competition in the recent years. Besides, the role of smart tall models like the ones played by Priyanka Chopra in Dostana or Katrina Kaif in Race or Lara Dutta in Partner cannot suit Preeti Zinta. From the time she acted in the film Jhoom Barabar Jhoom her fortune started going in the other direction.

She had been busy playing the role of franchisee in the context IPL Cricket League. Her team Kings Eleven Punjab had faced a lot of hurdles and she got involved in keeping her team alive in IPL League. If it had brought smiles in the faces of cricket lovers, it had raised eyebrows in the minds of audience of bollywood films. Her presence in recent films is decreasing day by day.

Viewers expect her to face the odds and still make valuable contribution in bollywood films as there is no doubt that she is still beautiful, fare, talented and crowdpuller. If the age comes in the way, she can look forward to character roles where her immense maturity can make the difference.

Yamla Pagla Diwana had got a good opening.

Yamla Pagla Diwana had got a good opening.

The film Yamla Pagla Diwana had got a very good opening. Dharmender and Sunny Deol had a brilliant box-office presence in bollywood films for the last 50 years. So any film where both appeared together is destined to do well. The film had been directed by Samir Karnik. The title of the film was inspired from the 1975 Dharmender’s film Pratigya’s landmark song. The song was titled “mai jaat yamla pagla diwana” which was sung by legendary singer Mohammad Rafi, where Rafi had almost imitated the dialogue delivery style of Dharmender.

This is another film where the entire Deol family had acted together after Apne. Dharmender, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol had acted in the film. The film had been released on 14th January, 2011. Sunny Deol played the role of an NRI family person who lived in Vancouver, Canada. He stayed there with his mother played by Nafisa Ali and wife.

He missed his father played by Dharmender and brother played by Bobby Deol, who were segregated because Dharmender lived the life of a criminal. Sunny Deol went to India to bring back his younger brother, as his mother was too attached with the child and wanted to see him. Sunny Deol came to Varanasi, and was cheated in a Money Exchange Office. When he saved Dharmender and Bobby Deol from a group of gangsters who attacked them due to cheating, both his father and brother came close to him.

Bobby Deol had an affair with Kulraj Randhawa. But her elder brother Anupam Kher wanted to get her married to an NRI. But he was interested to marry his sister to Sunny Deol, not Bobby Deol. In the meantime Anupam Kher contested election from a constituency in Punjab. Due to the mess relating to marriage of her sister, Sunny Deol’s wife came all the way from Canada. At the end the chaos was sorted out and Bobby Deol got married to the sister of Anupam Kher. Sunny kept his promise and took the entire family back to Canada.

The performances of the most of the artists in the film was excellent including Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Nafisa Ali, Dharmender, Anupam Kher and others. The music of the film composed by a group of composers like Anu Malik, Sandesh Sandilya, Rahul Seth, Sanjoy Choudhury was very entertaining. The songs like “yamla pagla diwana” sung by Sonu Nigam and Nindy Kaur, “charha de rang” sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sweta Pandit, had very popular. The comedy timing of most of the performers were excellent and the director requires credit for utilizing the talents of the actors and actresses.

The film had earned more than 22 crores in the first week and is destined to become a hit film. Viewers should watch the film.

Happy birthday to Subhash Ghai.

Happy birthday to Subhash Ghai.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Subhash Ghai on 24th January, 2011. Subhash Ghai was considered to be the second showman of bollywood films after Producer Director Raj Kapoor. Subhash Ghai had made different types of films over the last 30 years and in most of the cases the films had appealed to the masses.

His film Karz was based on story of reincarnation of Rishi Kapoor who had been killed by Simi Garewal in his previous life. He identified his mother and sister and unfolded the truth relating to the murder by Simi Garewal. Subhas Ghai was successful to motivate LP to create landmark tunes in the film with Rafi’s song “darde dil” and Kishore’s song “om shanti om” becoming landmark hits in the early 80s. Karz was remade in the recent past with Himesh Reshamiya playing the role of Rishi Kapoor. But the magic of Subhash Ghai’s Karz could not be repeated again.

His film Karma had a subject related to terrorism. Dilip Kumar was the jailor whose family was killed by the terrorist gang led by Anupam Kher. He was imprisoned in the respective jail of Dilip Kumar and took revenge by escaping from the prison and killing his family members. Anupam Kher’s performance opposite Dilip Kumar changed the shape of his career and he became landmark villain in the following years. Dilip Kumar created a force with criminals like Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and Nasiruddin Shah who were facing imprisonment. They helped him in his fight against terrorism and the mission was successful.

Subhash Ghai’s film Khalnayak was based on the creation of an offender by the evil forces. Sanjay Dutt was compelled to become a criminal and joined the criminal gang. He was arrested by Jackie Shroff and he fled from the prison. Madhuri Dixit the wife of Jackie Shroff helped him to catch Sanjay Dutt at the end of the film.

Subhash Ghai also experimented with legendary actors like Dilip Kumar and Raj Kumar in the film Saudagar. He had the guts to experiment with new actor and actresses and many of them rose to stardom with the start given by Subhash Ghai. Manisha Koirala started her career with Khalnayak and later on became a successful actress of the 90s.

His other successful films include Kalicharan with Shatrughun Sinha, Yadein with Hrithik Roshan, Hero with Jackie Shroff, Taal with Anil Kapoor. Very significantly the music in the films of Subhash Ghai had been extremely successful and LP had played an important role in composing music for his films. Last year Subhash Ghai made Yuvvraaj with Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anil Kapoor. The film did not do great business but the music composed by AR Rehman stole the hearts of the audience. All the songs became super hit including “tu muskura”, “shano shano”, etc. Subhash Ghai was instrumental in giving opportunity to new talents in the world of singing like Benny Dayal, Javed Ali in the film Yuvvraaj. Viewers will always remember Subhash Ghai for giving scope to newcomers who had always became great stars in bollywood in future like Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff, to name a few. The list can go on. The viewers expect him to continue the good work and create better films in future.

Looking back at combination of OP Nayyar and Mohammad Rafi.

Looking back at combination of OP Nayyar and Mohammad Rafi.

The musiclovers had remembered legendary composer Omkar Prasad Nayyar, popularly known as OP Nayyar on his birthday on 16th January, 2011. He had died few years back, but his tunes had remained immortal for the audience of bollywood films for years. Whenever the name of OP Nayyar appeared in the minds of the audience, the name of immortal singer Mohammad Rafi had come together, without whom OP Nayyar was incomplete. OP Nayyar started his career with the film Kaneej in 1949.

Guru Dutt had created his image in bollywood films in different categories being a thoughtful director and producer, dynamic actor, good choreographer. One of the numerous reasons for which his films became super hit in the 50s and 60s included the brilliant songs sung by Rafi during the golden age.

Rafi’s songs in Guru Dutt’s Aar Paar, released in 1954 and composed by OP Nayyar became super hit. It was followed by Mr and Mrs. 55 released in 1955. Songs picturized on both Guru Dutt and Johnny Walker had melody and sweetness. Rafi’s songs like “dil pe kiya aisa jaadu”, “muhobbat karlo aji karlo”, “sun sun sun sun zaalima”, composed by OP Nayyar, created landmark in the mid-50s and Rafi emerged as the greatest singer of bollywood films during that time. In many of the songs Geeta Dutt did a great job in duets sung along with Mohammad Rafi.

The same combination of Guru Dutt, OP Nayyar and Rafi gave everlasting hit in the film 12 O Clock with songs like “mai kho gaya”. Also in CID, OP Nayyar and Rafi combination created gold with songs like “aye dil mushkil jeena yahan”, “leke pehla pehla pyar”, “ankhon hi ankhon me”, etc.

The magic combination of Rafi and OP Nayyar mesmerized the audience in Dilip Kumar’s Naya Daur. The super hit songs “saathi hath barana”, “mangke saath tumhara”, “mai bombai ka babu”, contributed a lot in the absolute success of the film. The brilliant combination of OP Nayyar and Rafi continued in Raj Kapoor’s film Do Ustad. All the songs in the film became extremely popular including “tu ladki mai ladka”, “ruk ruk ruk, chor na de diwane”, “nazron ke teer mare kas kas kas”, etc.

Joy Mukherjee’s film Ek Musafir Ek Hasina did brilliant business in the early 60s. Raj Khosla’s musical thriller released in 1962 addressed every section of the society with romantic performance of Joy Mukherjee and Sadhna. All the songs of Rafi and Asha picturized on Joy Mukherjee and Sadhna became super hit. It includes songs like “aap yuhin agar humse milte rahe”, “mujhe dekhkar aapka muskurana”, “phir tere shahar me”, “mai pyar ka rahi hoon”, “bahut shukhriya, bari meherbani”, “humko tumhari isqh ne”, to name a few. Rafi was elegant as ever in the songs “phir tere shahar me” and “humko tumhare ishq ne”. OP Nayyar was probably at his best in the film and his blend of eastern and western music created the romantic mood for the film.
Joy Mukherjee, Rafi and OP Nayyar’s magical combination continued in the film Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. Most part of the film released in 1963 was shot at picturesque locations of Jammu & Kashmir and the landscape was as romantic as the songs sung by Rafi and Asha in the film. The prominent songs included “banda parwar, thamlo jigar”, “lakho hai nigahon me”, “nazneen bara rangeen hai wada tera”, “aanchal me sajalena kaliyan”, “zulf ke chayon me chehere ka ujala lekar”, to name a few. Rafi had shown his excellent classical skills in the songs “zulf ke chayon me”, and “aancal me sajalena kaliyan”. Asha Parekh showed her dancing skills to perfection in the film. Rajender Nath played the role of the relief character in the film. In fact OP Nayyar maintained the same standard of music in Shammi Kapoor’s film Kashmir Ki Kali and Biswajeet’s film Mere Sanam which were made after Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon.
Joy Mukherjee’s combination with OP Nayyar continued in the film Humsaya. In that film Sharmila Tagore got the lead role opposite Joy Mukherjee. By that time due to emergence on new actors and actresses in bollywood films, Joy Mukherjee’s popularity declined and the film also did moderate business. In respect of the songs, Rafi’s song “dil ki awaaz bhi sun” became hit. But OP Nayyar gave a number of songs to Mahendra Kapoor was well which did not strike gold in the box –office.

Besides Rafi’s western romantic mood is utilized by OP Nayyar in a very stylish way in the songs “Diwana hua badal, sawan ki ghata chayi” and “Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehera” in the film Kashmir Ki Kali, 1964 picturised on Shammi Kapoor and “Humne to dilko aap ke kadmome rakh diya, is dil ka kya karenge yeh ab aap sochiye” in the film Mere Sanam, 1965 and “Phir Miloge Kabhi is baat ka wada karlo, humse ek aur mulakat ka wada karlo” in the film Yeh Raat Phir Na Ayegi, picturised on Biswajeet. In all these songs the sarengi and santoor had played a very pivotal role accompanied by the intoxicating appeal of Rafi’s voice.
In the film Baharen Phir Bhi Aayegi, Rafi’s ghazal “aap ki haseen rukh” composed by OP Nayyar and picturised on Dharmender was extremely romantic and made the audience spellbound in the early 60s. The list of films where OP Nayyar and Rafi’s magic flabbergasted the listeners just goes on including films like Tumsa Nahi Dekha, Basant, Phagun, Kismat, etc.

One article is too small to explain the domination of OP Nayyar and Mohammad Rafi in bollywood films of the 50s and 60s. But the songs and the films had not become obsolete and listeners can listen to them again and again. The songs and the films should be restored.

Happy birthday to dashing star Namrata Shirodkar.

Happy birthday to dashing star Namrata Shirodkar.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to dashing star Namrata Shirodkar, one of the successful actresses of 90s, on 22nd January, 2011. She was the sister of successful star Shilpa Shirodkar and also a colourful personality. She showed her skills in the fashion world as well.

She did extremely well in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s film Pukar, opposite Anil Kapoor. She played the role of the daughter of a military major and interacted with Anil Kapoor. Anil Kapoor wanted to marry her, but her mother played by Rohini Hattangiri, was not interested as she got sick with the life military personnel.

Madhuri Dixit was a friend of Anil Kapoor, and due to jealousy with Namrata Shirodkar, she hatched a plan of disgracing Anil Kapoor. A false case was filed against him and he was thrown out from the armed forces. Namrata also left for accomplishing her career as a model and Anil Kapoor had to struggle to prove himself to be innocent.

The film took a turn in the second half as Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit worked together to prevent a terrorist attack from Danny and his men. Anil Kapoor received national award for his impressive performance in Pukar. Namrata’s performance was well appreciated.

Namrata Shirodkar was sublime in her role in the film Aghaaz. Sunil Shetty came to the city of Mumbai for education of her sister. But as Sunil Shetty did not fulfill the demands of the underworld group in the film, his sister was raped. Sunil Shetty filed a suit against all the members of the housing complex to make them aware of their responsibilities. All of them had scene the incident yet due to fear none of them raised any hue or cry.

Namrata Shirodkar helped Sunil Shetty a lot in understanding the nature of people in Mumbai who were professionals and not as simple as rural people. Her friendship with Sunil Shetty was depicted well in the film. She even played a significant role in getting his sister admitted in a college in the neighbouring area. Sunil Shetty united the local people in their fight against the demands of the underworld and killed the suspected culprits.

Namrata did her best in the film Vastav, opposite Sanjay Dutt. It was film totally based on the underworld people in Mumbai. Sanjay Dutt, who was a law-abiding citizen, killed one of the underworld person and from that time went on killing the other mafias and became an underworld don. But he also faced the agonies of living a life full of fear against the police. Namrata Shirodkar played the role of the wife of Sanjay Dutt in the film. She adjusted herself with the life led by Sanjay Dutt. Sanjay Dutt received filmfare award for his performance in the film.

Namrata Shirodkar left films at a time when she was being given good offers and challenging roles by many bollywood directors and producers. The viewers of bollywood films expect her to make a comeback as it there is requirement of experienced actresses in characters roles in modern films.

Star Plus will telecast the Annual Starscreen awards 2011.

Star Plus will telecast the Annual Starscreen awards 2011.

Star Plus will telecast the Annual Starscreen awards 2011 on 22nd January, 2011, (Saturday). Dabaang again swept across Starscreen awards. Salman Khan received the best actor award for his epic performance in the film Dabaang. Salman Khan had very bad luck in respect of receiving awards. He had not received any filmfare award or starscreen award for the best actor inspite of giving blockbusters one after other like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, Wanted, etc. At last viewers are happy that Salman Khan had received Starscreen award for the best actor.

Vidya Balan in the recent times is emerging out as another potentially powerful actress like Dimple Kapadia or Tabu. She won the best actress award for her brilliant performance in the film Ishqiya. Arshad Warsi won the award for the best supporting actor for his performance in the film Ishqiya. He had the hard task to balance the powerful performance of Naseeruddin Shah and Vidya Balan. Shernaz Patel won the award for the best supporting actress for her brilliant performance in the film Guzarish.

Sajid Wajid had won the best composer award for their splendid music composed in the film Dabaang. They had done great job in other films like Veer, Tumko Bhoola Na Payenge, Wanted, etc., but never got the reward for their great work. They really deserved it. Shankar Ehsaan Loy also won the Starscreen award the best composer for their composition of music in the film My Name is Khan. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan received the award for the best singer for the song “takte rehte jisko saanjh sawere” in the film Dabaang. He sang the other song “sajda” in the film My Name is Khan equally well. Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal sang the duet song “tune to palbhar me chori kiya re jiya” in the film Dabaang extremely well. There is only one award, so Sonu Nigam lost it to Rahat Fateh Ali in 2011. Shreya Ghoshal won the award for the best female singer for the song “bahara” in the film I hare Luv Stories.

Salil Choudhury had composed gems for all the legendary singers of golden age.

Salil Choudhury had composed gems for all the legendary singers of golden age.

Salil Choudhury, genius of words and tunes had composed brilliant tunes for most of the giants of Bengali music in the 50s and 60s. He composed melodious song for Tarun Banerjee titled “eso kache boso” which had the rhythm of railways. The song “pallabini go sancharini” composed for Dijen Mukherjee remains one of the most striking modern songs he had sang during his life.

The song “ami parini bujhite parini” had classical touch and Salil Choudhury did justice by composing it for the best classical singer of the 50s Manobendra Mukherjee. He almost converted it into a ghazal. Admirers of Salil Choudhury who glorified his westernized creations would salute him for his classical creations of the standard of “Ami parini bujhite parini” sung by Manobendra Mukherjee. Salil Choudhury created equally brilliant song “jhanana jhanana baje” for legendary singer Dhananjoy Bhattacharya.

Salil Choudhury was unparallel in the song “jhilmil jhauer bone jhikimiki” composed for Sabita Choudhury. The words banged against each other and carried the music together. He was equally brilliant in the song “jaak dhuye jaak muche jaak” sung by Shyamal Mitra. Salil Choudhury even composed song for actor Biswajeet Chatterjee titled “jay jay din” which became big hit in the late 60s.

Salil Choudhury was amazing in the song “mon matal sanjh sakal” sung by Mukesh having a pensive mood attached with it. Sandhya Mukherjee’s “neel neel pakhi” composed by Salil Choudhury was another gem with brilliant orchestration. Salil Choudhury was brilliant in the song “guru guru megher mondro bahare” which had western chorus attached with the solo piece.

Salil Choudhury’s philosophical words were given expression in the song “path harabo bole pathe nemechi” by Hemanta Mukherjee. Besides Lata’s song “ki je kori” also had equally brilliant music and words of Salil Choudhury. In fact Salil Choudhury’s songs written and composed by himself remains as some of bengal’s greatest intellectually oriented songs having multi-dimensional effect.

After Rabindranath Tagore, Dwijendralal Roy, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Atul Prashad Sen, Rajanikanto Sen and others probably Salil Choudhury was the greatest individual musical talent that Bengal had given birth to whose contribution in bollywood films, Bengali films, Bengali modern songs and IPTA’s works remain priceless gems which can be cherished for gems.

Happy birthday to Ramesh Sippy.

Happy birthday to Ramesh Sippy.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Ramesh Sippy on 23rd January, 2011. He had been a trend setter in the history of action films in India and was followed by majority of directors of the contemporary period.

Being the relative of GP Sippy, he was associated with hit films from the early part of 70s. The film Andaz with Shammi Kapoor and Hema Malini became a musical blockbuster due to the brilliant tunes created for the film. Shankar Jaikishan composed music of the film and the major songs for the film sung by Rafi like “hai na bolo bolo”, “re mamma re mamma”, “dil use do jo jaan de de” became super hit. Seeta Aur Geeta was another super hit film released in 1972. Hema Malini in a double role was as brilliant as Dharmender and Sanjeev Kumar in their respective roles.

In 1975, Ramesh Sippy made the film of his life, which became the most popular entertainer in the entire millennium. The film was related to the dominance of dacoits in the north and central Indian villages. Amzad Khan in the role of Gabbar Singh gave the best performance of his career in the role of the leader of the dacoits. Sanjeev Kumar showed astounding personality in the role of a thakur of the village who lost his two hands and his entire family in his fight against the dacoits. Amitabh Bacchan and Dharmender being two thieves fought against the dacoits and freed the village from their menace. Ramesh Sippy’s casting in the film including heroines like Hema Malini and Jaya Bacchan, comedians like Asrani, Jagdeep was brilliant. The music of RD Burman mesmerized the viewers with songs like “jab tak hai jaan”, “mehbooba mehbooba”, “holi ke din”, etc.

Ramesh Sippy continued his brilliance in another action film Shaan in 1980. Big B, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughun Sinha, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Majhar Khan all were their best in the film. The scene where Sunil Dutt as chased by dogs in the films, was extraordinary and the viewers could not distinguish whether they were seeing Hollywood films or bollywood films. Vindya Goswami and Parveen Babi were at their best in the respective romantic roles. The music of RD Burman was brilliant with hit songs of Rafi, Kishore like “janu meri jaan” and Asha like “pyar karne wale”, to name a few.

Ramesh Sippy was unparallel in the film Shakti, where Dilip Kumar’s personality in the role of honest police officer had outcast angry young man Amitabh Bacchan who played the role of his son and a smuggler in the film. Rakhee played the role of the wife of Dilip Kumar and balanced the two personalities in the film. Amrish Puri played the role of notorious smuggler who was eventually killed by Big B. The film became super hit in the early 80s.

Ramesh Sippy was equally evergreen in romantic films like Saagar. He balanced the romantic performance of Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Kamal Hassan in the same film. The songs of the film composed by RD Burman became big hits. The picturesque locations in the film were also treat for the eyes. It is not possible to highlight the achievements of giant director like Ramesh Sippy in a small article considering his success even in the early 90s in films like Akela.

For more than 20 years he was the path-breaker in action films and his films should be preserved and restored to teach the art of film making for the upcoming directors.

Salman Khan and Vidya Balan received Starscreen awards.

Salman Khan and Vidya Balan received Starscreen awards.
Dabaang again swept across Starscreen awards. Salman Khan received the best actor award for his epic performance in the film Dabaang. Salman Khan had very bad luck in respect of receiving awards. He had not received any filmfare award for the best actor inspite of giving blockbusters one after other like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, Wanted, etc. At last viewers are happy that Salman Khan had received Starscreen award for the best actor.

Vidya Balan in the recent times is emerging out as another potentially powerful actress like Dimple Kapadia or Tabu. She won the best actress award for her brilliant performance in the film Ishqiya. Arshad Warsi won the award for the best supporting actor for his performance in the film Ishqiya. He had the hard task to balance the powerful performance of Naseeruddin Shah and Vidya Balan.

Sajid Wajid had won the best composer award for their splendid music composed in the film Dabaang. They had done great job in other films like Veer, Tumko Bhoola Na Payenge, Wanted, etc., but never got the reward for their great work. They really deserved it. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan received the award for the best singer for the song “takte rehte jisko saanjh sawere” in the film Dabaang. He sang the other song “sajda” in the film My Name is Khan equally well. Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal sang the duet song “tune to palbhar me chori kiya re jiya” in the film Dabaang extremely well. There is only one award, so Sonu Nigam lost it to Rahat Fateh Ali in 2011.

The awards did justice to most of the aspiring candidates in bollywood films in 2011.

Happy birthday to Kavita Krishnamurthy.

Happy birthday to Kavita Krishnamurthy.

The listeners of film music in India wish happy birthday to successful singer Kavita Krishnamurthy on 1st January, 2011. She had been a sensation in the field of music for last 25 years. The viewers of Zee Bangla remember her appearing in Sourav Ganguly’s Dadagiri program on 21st October, 2010.

Sourav Ganguly brought singing superstars in Dadagiri on 21st October, 2010. He had brought many superstars, both Bengali and national superstars in the program a number of times.

On 21st October, he brought Kavita Krishnamurty, Debojyotida (Salil Choudhury’s assistant), Shaan, Shovam, Kunal Ganjawala and Mitali Singh (wife of Bhupinder Singh) in the program. Kavita Krishnamurthy sang the rabindrasangeet “sakhi kamona kahare bole” from the film Shreeman Prithviraaj in style. She also sang “pyar hua chupke se” from 1942 A Love Story brilliantly. Kavita Krishnamurthy said that her original name was Sharda. But just became singer Sharda who was associated with composer Shankar Jaikishan was famous during the early 70s, she was asked to change her name to Kavita by singer Hemant Kumar. She changed it and created an identity of her own.

Mitali Singh shared the experience of Bhupinder Singh with RD Burman. Both were friends and sometimes due to the friendly quarrel between the two the singer Asha Bhosle had to wait for sometime while a show was in progress. She admitted that her husband Bhupinder Singh had a distinct bass and tone and listeners admired it. She also disclosed that she was from Maymanshingha in Bangladesh. It was music which brought her and Bhupinder Singh together.

Shaan and Shovam had been friends and during the show they enjoyed the communication of one with the other. Shaan sung the song “musumu suhasi” very well. Shovam sang his song. Kunal Ganjawala won the quiz at the end. He sang the song “bheege hoont tere” in style. Debojtoti Babu played the violin in style and played the song “kahin dur jab din dhal jaye” composed by Salil Choudhury in the film Anand.

Sourav Ganguly was brilliant as a host and kept all the celebrities in good humour. Viewers expect Sourav Ganguly continue his great work of bringing together giants from different spheres of life in Dadagiri program in Zee Bangla.

Kavita Krishnamurthy had made listeners spellbound with her brilliant performance in the film Khamoshi. Her song “aaj mai upar” had made listeners sleep. Singers of the new generation should learn from her humility. She should continue her great work and enrich bollywood music with her sweet voice and classical orientation.

Happy birthday to AR Rehman.

Happy birthday to AR Rehman.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to AR Rehman, on 6th January, 2011. AR Rehman had remained a master composer in Indians films for more than 15 years. He received Oscar Award for his epic composition “jai ho” in the film Slumdog Millionaire. He is considered probably the best composer of the country at this time.

His variety and versatility had been exhibited with the landmark tunes given in films like Roza, Saathiya, Taal, Bombay, etc. Successful songs under his composition include “sathiya, sathiya” sung by Sonu Nigam in the film Saathiya, “dil hai chotasa choti si asha”, “roza janeman” in the film Roza, “tuhi re” sung by Hari Haran in the film Bombay, “maiya maiya” in the Guru. He had received 7 filmfare awards for the best composer only next to the genius musical duo Shankar Jaikishan who had won it 9 times. The other composers like Shankar – Ehsan – Loy, Vishal Shekhar, Anu Malik, Pritam have special regard for the versatile composer AR Rehman. He created a separate image for himself inspite of strong competition fro the above mentioned composers.

In 2008, AR Rehman gave landmark tunes in most of the films. He was sublime in the film Jane Tu Yaa Jane Na. All the songs “pappu cant dance sala”, “kabhi kabhi aditi”, impressed the teenagers with the catchy numbers.

He was totally different in Subhash Ghai’s venture Yuvvraaj. Gulzar wrote the lyrics of the film and the combination of Subhash Ghai, Gulzar and AR Rehman created magic. The songs “tu muskura”, “shano shano”, “mastam mastam” sung by Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and other popular singers had created a lasting impact inspite of the mediocre business of the film. In fact AR Rehman compelled Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor and others to work harder for giving lips in the songs created for the respective film.

AR Rehman was even brilliant in Amir Khan’s film Ghajini. Although the film was related to the revenge that was taken by Amir Khan after his girlfriend was killed by his enemies. Sonu Nigam’s song “hai guzarish” stormed the bollywood audience even before the release of the film.

AR Rehman had been so versatile that his music in one film never matched with the music of the other film. His composition in the film Dil Se, titled “chal chaiya chaiya” sung by Sukhwinder Singh and picturised on Shahrukh Khan was totally different from the composition in the film Taal, titled “ishq bina kya jeena”, picturised on Aishwarya Rai.

Again his composition for the film Roza titled “dil hai chota sa” sung by Chitra and picturised on Madhu was totally different from the song “saathiya, saathiya” in the film Saathiya sung by Sonu Nigam and picturised on Vivek Oberoi. He had blended western tune with Indian classical music. He also composed successful music in South Indian films.

He had done experiments in the film Dilli 6, with songs like “massakali”, Jane Tu Ya Jane Na with songs like “nazren churana”, etc.

The viewers expect him to make more experiments in Indian films in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Mahendra Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Mahendra Kapoor.

The listeners of music all over the world wish happy birthday to Mahendra Kapoor on 9th January, 2011. Few years ago the great singer had left the listeners. But he is alive in his numerous brilliant basic discs and film songs.

He came to limelight in bollywood music with the resemblance of classical singer Mohammad Rafi. In fact Rafi is the idol and guru and Mahendra Kapoor learned singing from the musical giant. Mahendra Kapoor became a big contributor in BR Chopra’s films in the 50s and 60s. In Rajender Kumar’s film Dhool Ka Phool Mahendra Kapoor’s songs were very successful.

During that period, Mahendra Kapoor sang a brilliant Bengali modern song “ekti e raat katena” which made viewers spellbound. The song had pathos feeling, romantic appeal, classical touch everything embedded in it. He was unblemish in Sunil Dutt’s film Gumraah. His song “chalo ek baar bhir se” became super hit in the early 60s. Composer Ravi had composed many brilliant tunes for Mahendra Kapoor in his illustrious career which included the songs “neele gagan ki tale” in the film Humraaz for which he received filmfare award for the best singer, “in baharon me in ghatayon me tujhko mera dil pukare” in the film Gumraah to name a few.

Mahendra Kapoor also sang many songs under composition of OP Nayyar which included “one two three” in Biswajeet’s film Kismat, “lakhon hai mera dilwala” in Biswajeet’s film Kismat, “baharen phir bhi ayegi” in Dharmender’s film Baharen Phir Bhi Ayegi.

Mahendra Kapoor started a new innings with Manoj Kumar’s film Upkaar. He sang numerous number of patriotic songs for Manoj Kumar including “rang de basanti chola” in the film Shahid, “mere desh ki dharti “ in the film Upkaar, etc. He contributed in films like Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Kranti, etc.
It is not possible to highlight the contribution of Mahendra Kapoor who had contributed in bollywood films for more than 40 years in a small article. Numerous listeners miss Mahendra Kapoor but remember him in his melodious songs. His songs and films should be restored.

Happy birthday to Reena Roy.

Happy birthday to Reena Roy.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Reena Roy on 7th January, 2011. She faced the strong competition of the performers of the 70s and yet could survive for more than 15 years in bollywood films. She came at a time when Hema Malini, Rekha, Parveen Babi, Zeenat Aman and other actresses were at their peak.

But she impressed the viewers with her natural performance in Subhash Ghai’s film Kalicharan, opposite Shatrughun Sinha. The film was based on the story of a prisoner who was reformed and given training to work in the police force and thereafter help the investigation agency in tracking down the culprits. Reena Roy’s dance performance in the song “jareja” sung by Lata, was well appreciated. She was also successful opposite Shatrughun Sinha in the film Vishwanath. She did extremely well opposite Rishi Kapoor and Jeetender in the film Badalte Rishte. Her film Aasha opposite Jeetender was a box-office success without brilliant songs sung by Rafi and Lata including “ashawon ki sawan me” composed by LP.

In the late 70s Reena Roy kept her mark with her performance in the film Nagin. It was a multistarrer film where Firoz Khan, Mumtaz, Jeetender, Sunil Dutt, all were sublime in their respective roles. The story was based on fantasy where the snakes changed their form and took revenge against human beings who had killed their fellow snakes at different periods of time. Although the story had no practical base, but the entertaining performance of most of the stars including Reena Roy, converted a normal film into a hit venture.

Reena Roy acted in multistarrer films of other directors like Manmohan Desai. In Naseeb, she played the role of a worker in a restaurant where Big B himself worked. She had to do play acting with Big B to convince Hema Malini that Big B was a bad person and marry Shatrughun Sinha. The film became extremely successful with powerful performance of Shatrughun Sinha, Rishi Kapoor and Hema Malini. The music of the film was extremely successful. Pran and Amzad Khan played key roles in negative characters.

She was extremely successful in the multi-starrer film Jaani Dushman. Again she was cast opposite Shatrughun Sinha. She loved Sunil Dutt but Shatrughun Sinha had weakness towards her in the film. The film was related to horror story with star performances from Jeetender, Sanjeev Kumar, Rekha and Amrish Puri.

In the 80s, with the advent of action films new action stars adorned bollywood films. Actors like Rajnikant tried their luck in bollywood after playing successful innings in South Indian films. Even during that period Reena Roy was successful in her performance opposite Rajnikant in the film Andha Kanoon. She played the role of the wife of Rajnikant in the film.

Andha Kanoon was related to the revenge that was taken by Rajnikant against Pran, Prem Chopra and Danny after they killed his family members. Reena Roy played the romantic character opposite Rajnikant and kept her mark opposite many stars in the film.

Later on she married Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan and left films. But even these days whenever she is seen in character roles like the one in Abhishek Bacchan’s film Refugee, the viewers enjoy her presence to a big extent.

The viewers expect her to continue her good work in character roles in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Hrithik Roshan.

Happy birthday to Hrithik Roshan.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to superstar Hrithik Roshan on 11th January, 2011. He has been considered as one of the greatest style icons of India and probably the most dynamic actor ever to grace Indian silver screen. In 2010, he won the award for the style icon in Lux Sabse Favourite Kaun award.

When he appeared in his father Rakesh Roshan’s project Kaho Na Pyar Hai in 2000, he broke all types of records that were set up in Indian cinema in respect of revenues derived from successful films. He played a double role with the title Rohit as an Indian and Raj as a Kiwi citizen. The smartness and elegance that he showed in the Kiwi character was unparallel considering the capability of all the leading superstars of the country. He acted opposite Amisha Patel who was also sublime in the film. Last but not the least his dancing capability was appreciated by every section of the crowd, especially in songs like “pyar ki kashti me”, “kaho na pyar hai”, “haseeno ki mehfil”, etc.

But after the success in Kaho Na Pyar Hai, his off-beat films like Fiza and Mission Kashmir did not get proper response from the crowd. He gave spirited performance opposite Karishma Kapoor in Fiza and Preeti Zinta in Mission Kashmir. In fact he dared to even act in a negative character in the film Mission Kashmir opposite Sanjay Dutt in the early part of his career, which other actors of his age would not have dared to do. He gave adequate lips in the song “bhumaro bhumaro” in Mission Kashmir.

After a series of medium budget films like Mai Pyar Ki Diwani Hoon, he again stormed box-office with the success of his film Koi Mil Gaya. He received the filmfare award for the best actor again with dynamic performance in the role of a mentally retarded person. The film was shot in Australia by director Rakesh Roshan and Preeti Zinta and Rekha did very well in their respective roles. The relationship with Aliens was well expressed by Hrithik Roshan.

He again received filmfare award for best actor in the film Dhoom 2. Again he acted in a negative character in the form of international thief. He became notorious for his planned stealing operations in partnership with Aishwarya Rai. His deeds or misdeeds were detected by the intelligent investigator played by Abhishek Bacchan. He left him without charges after Hrithik transferred the stolen property to Abhishek Bacchan. Hrithik Roshan showed some acrobatic stunts which only Hollywood actors could have taken in the film. The dance performance in the song “dhoom machale” was brilliant by international standards.

Hrithik Roshan made the viewers speechless with his dynamic performance in the film Krishh. He acted opposite Priyanka Chopra and exhibited the supernatural powers that he inherited from his father who received them from aliens. The scenic beauty of South East Asian countries amazed the viewers along with the performance of Hrithik Roshan.

In 2008, Hrithik Roshan’s brilliant performance in the role of Mughal Emperor Akbar astonished the viewers. He complimented the dynamic performance of Aishwarya Rai in the film Jodha Akbar which was first blockbuster of 2008. He won the filmfare award for the best actor in 2009 for best performance in Jodha Akbar. His other hit films included Laksh, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, etc.

Indian viewers are not that much fond of westernized performances, otherwise with the multitalented approach to films, Hrithik Roshan would have dethroned Shahrukh Khan from the Number One position long time back.

Viewers are waited for the 2 grand releases of Hrithik Roshan, namely Kites and Guzarish in 2010. Both the films did not do well in the box-office. If Spanish version being inadmissible and ununderstandable to rural mass of India was the root cause for average business of Kites, lack of interest towards serious films on the part of the audience may have effected Guzarish. Bur Hrithik Roshan acted well in both the films. Even with limited success, the viewers expect Hrithik Roshan to continue his good work and do even better in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Minissha Lamba.

Happy birthday to Minissha Lamba.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Minisha Lamba on 18th January, 2011. 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.

She also acted in Shyam Bengal’s film Well Done Abba playing the role of the daughter of Boman Irani. She changed her image of commercial films and tried to display natural performance.

Minissha Lamba was sublime in the film and showed signs of a matured actress. Presently she is busy with a movie series titled “Mysticism”. With a number of new actresses like Sonakshi Sinha, Sonam Kapoor, Asin, increasing the competition amongst heroines, Minisha Lamba has a challenging task of maintaining her stardom and do even better in the new films in future.

Happy birthday to Sonali Bendre.

Happy birthday to Sonali Bendre.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Sonali Bendre on 1st January, 2011. Sonali Bendre showed a lot of promise in the 90s when she joined bollywood films. She had spontaneity in her performance and did not imitate any star. She was sublime in Aamir Khan’s film Sarfarosh.

Sarfarosh was the film based on the story of an honest police officer who addressed the corruption existing in the police department itself and the other wings of the Govt. Sonali Bendre ably assisted Aamir Khan in his noble mission. Jagjit Singh’s song “husnwale” became very successful.

Her performance in Sunil Shetty’s film Bhai requires special mention. Although she loved Sunil Shetty like Pooja Batra but when she knew that Pooja Batra was also attached to him, she sacrificed her love. She died at the end of the film while fighting for the cause of Sunil Shetty. In fact she helped Sunil Shetty to learn urbanized style of living as he came from the hills and was uneducated.

She acted in completely different role opposite Shahrukh Khan in the film Duplicate. Shahrukh Khan played a double role in the film, one having an affair with Juhi Chawla while the other having an affair with Sonali Bendre. She acted opposite Shahrukh Khan who played the role of the smuggler. From the time the two characters interchanged Sonali Bendre expressed the astonishment in style. Her lips in the song “mere mehboob mere sanam” require special mention. Although the film had mainly comedy element in it, the powerful performance of Sonali Bendre and Juhi Chawla helped the film to be successful.

Her other hit films include Hum Saath Saath Hai, opposite Salman Khan, Zakhm with Ajay Devgan, to name a few. She received the star-screen best supporting actress award for her brilliant performance in the film Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai. Her performance in the film was as outstanding as Anil Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai.

After success in films like Jis Desh Me Ganga Rehta Hai with Govinda, Major Sahab, etc., she left films in 2002. He appeared in many TV programs in a number of private channels, in some of them being the judges of those programs. But she was not found in prominent roles in the films released in the last few years. The viewers expect her to make a comeback in character roles in future.

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 received the filmfare award for the best actress in 2010 for her brilliant performance in the film Paa.

In 2010, her other performance in the film Ishqiya opposite Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi was well appreciated by the viewers. Her role of a widow was really experimental in nature. The character as depicted by Vidya Balan had amazed many viewers. She received the star entertainment award for the best actress for the phenomenal performance in the film Ishqiya.

She should continue to act in reserve roles which suit 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, 2011. 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. In Vadh he went on killing persons one after the other till it was discovered that he was the real killer. 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 film ended up being one of the super hit films of 2009.

He also showed his skills in the film Dus Kahaniya. The film consisted of 10 different stories compiled together. In one of the stories he played the role of a Christian who lost his wife. He travelled in a bus with balloons and disclosed to a fellow traveler that he was taking it to give the gifts in the birthday of his wife. The fellow traveler landed in a graveyard and understood that he was giving it in the grave of his wife. It was one of the films where Nana Patekar’s performances touched the minds of the viewers.

He continued his different type of acting in other types of films like Ek: The Power of One. Bobby Deol was the leading actor in the film. Nana Patekar was the investigating officer who discovered that Bobby Deol was the criminal.

The viewers expect him to continue the good work in 2011 and show more dynamism in commercial and art films in future.