In X Factor the participants and judges praised their idols on 30th July, 2011.

In X Factor the participants and judges praised their idols on 30th July, 2011.

On 30th July, 2011, the participants and judges praised their idols. Sonu Nigam sung a song to dedicate it to his idol Mohammad Rafi. Incidentally it was the birthday of Sonu Nigam on 30th July, 2011. Sonu Nigam’s mother appeared in the program and praised her son for the achievements till now.

After Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal said that her idol was Lata Mangeshkar. Everyday she had learned something new from Lataji. Judge Sanjay Leela Bhansali said his idol was Lataji and amongst composers he was a big admirer of Jaidev and RD Burman.

The performers dedicated their songs to their idols. Nirmeeti Group said that they were followers of composer AR Rehman. They sang the song “humma humma” to dedicate it to AR Rehman. Sajda Sisters sang a song to dedicate it to their idol composer RD Burman. Diwana Group sang a song to dedicate it to their idol Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. They did a great job with the qawalli.

Singer Seema Jha dedicated her song to Lataji who was her idol. Kartar Singh sang the song “ek haseen sham ko dil mera kho gaya” to dedicate it to his idol Mohammad Rafi Sahab. Geet Sagar sang the song “tera jadu chal gaya” to dedicate it to his idol Sonu Nigam.

Diwana Group got the best performer recognition for the week according to the judgement of Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. One day before Gulshan Grover came to the program and commented on the performance of the singers who dedicated the songs to the villains in the bollywood industry.

The viewers expect that the performers are going to perform even better in the weeks to come.

Happy birthday to Sonu Nigam.

Happy birthday to Sonu Nigam.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to popular Singer Sonu Nigam on 30th July, 2011. His mother came in the Indian idol show on 30th July, 2011, and Sonu Nigam showed his respect for the mother on his birthday. He dedicated a song to his idol Mohammad Rafi who had died on 31st July, 1980.

Sonu Nigam in a recent interview given in Anandabazar Patrika and published on 23rd July, 2011, had said that the Indian composers these days hardly call him to sing songs. If there is truth in the statement it is very sad. He said that although he had sung songs in the international platform along with Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine Jackson, he had very few songs in the year 2011. He said that many composers are singing the songs in bollywood films themselves. He did not point his finger at Shankar Mahadevan, as he agreed himself that Shankar, the composer of the Shankar Ehsaan Loy combination, had learned Karnatic classical and always had sung well. But those composers who did not have that amount of trained voice, for singing in shows are rarely using the veteran singers. He said that it is a blessing that there are very few female composers in the industry, otherwise the domination of Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chouhan and others would have got shaken up.

In 2010, he had his romantic voice felt in the film Milenge Milenge, where his song picturized on Shahid Kapoor was well accepted by the viewers. He was also brilliant in the song “tu ne to pal bhar me chori kiya re jiya” along with Shreya Ghoshal in the film Dabaang, composed by Sajid Wajid.

Sonu Nigam had brilliant combination a number of leading composers of bollywood over the last 10 years. Sonu Nigam was associated with Anu Malik as some of his best romantic numbers were composed by him including “hume jab se mohabbat ho gayi hai”, in the film Border, or “sau dard hai” in the film Jaaneman. He was also associated with Sajid Wajid, as most of his romantic numbers like “tumko bhula na payega” from the film Tumko Bhula Na Payenge, or “mujhse shaadi karogi” in the film Mujshe Shaadi Karoge. In 2010, both of them featured together in the film Veer. Although the film did moderate business, the songs became hits.

But Sonu Nigam sang very landmark songs under the composition of Shantanu Moitra in critically acclaimed films. The films included Parineeta, Lage Raho Munnabhai, The Three Idiots, etc. Parineeta was directed by Pradeep Sarkar and was probably the first launching pad of actress Vidya Balan. Sonu Nigam’s duet song with Shreya Ghoshal namely “piyu bole piya bole” composed by Shantanu Moitra maintained the flavor of Rabindrasangeet with a background of Kolkata during the time of writer Sarat Chandra Chatterji. Also the song “yeh hawaye gungunaye” was equally impressive.

In the film Lage Raho Munnabhai, Shantanu Moitra, maintained both the bhai-like mastani flavor as well as the soft romantic mood. Sonu Nigam’s song “pal pal pal pal pal pal har pal” was probably the most romantic song of the film. The other songs like “lage raho munnabhai” did bear a different andaz. If the acting of Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani and Vidya Balan was impressive, the music was equally instrumental in the success of the film.

The Three Idiots had shown the loopholes of India’s higher education system. The songs composed by Shantanu Moitra had the message of the director Raj Kumar Hirani. Sonu Nigam and others in the film sung the theme song “all is well” a number of times in the film. The other song “zubi zubi” sung by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal was also very fast and melodious. Shantanu Moitra had used other upcoming singers like Suraj in the film who had also done a great job in the film. If the acting of Amir Khan, R. Mahadevan and Sharman Joshi had impressed the viewers, the music had made them spellbound.

The audience expect the combination of Sonu Nigam and Shantanu Moitra to provide more number of romantic numbers in future, even in films made under any other banner in addition to the banner of Vidhu Vinod Chopra or direction of Raj Kumar Hirani.

Irresponsible voting had led to exit of Veda in Zee TV Saregama Pa Little Champs.

Irresponsible voting had led to exit of Veda in Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs.


Irresponsible voting had led to exit of talented singer Veda from Zee Saregama Little Champs program. She had been one of the contenders of the champions’ title. Brilliant singer and mahaguru Alka Yagnik became upset due to the exit of Veda.

Javed Ali, Adnan Sami and Kailash Kher as usual had brilliant remarks at the end of the performances of each child contestants. Salman got the highest number of votes from the audience. Nitin from Himachal Pradesh got the second highest votes and Azmat Hussain got the third highest number of votes. Salman sang the song “fashion ka hai ye jalwa” from the film Fashion on 29th July, 2011. Nitin sang the song “lagan lagi” from the film Tere Naam. Azmat Hussain sang the song “dil me tere hai darde disco”, which was sung by Sukhwinder Singh from the film Om Shanti Om.

Rimsha sang the song “lagja gale ke phir” from the film Wo Kaun Thi, composed by Madanmohan. Javed Ali showed the thehrao in the song by displaying the minute harkat in the composition. Priyangshi sang the song “yeh raat me jo maaza hai” from the film Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki, composed by Bappi Lahiri. Barnali sung the song “ishqa ishqa” which was actually sung by Rekha Bhardwaj and composed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

Veda sang the song “kesara sara sara” from the film Pukar composed by AR Rehman and sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy and Shankar Mahadevan. Sanjana sang the song “ayo re ayo re maaro dholna” which was sung by Shobha Mudgal. Niladri Chatterjee sang the sung “jaane tu yaa jane na” composed by AR Rehman from the film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Anmol sang the song “ dil to baccha hai ji” from the film Ishqiya sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and composed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

The child participants are singing brilliantly one after the other. But the audience also should vote very responsibly so that the best singer can get the title of Zee Saregama Little Champs. No praise can be limited for the judges Kailash Kher, Javed Ali and Adnan Sami and Alka Yagnik who had trained the child participants so well. There is a surprise on 30th July, that is the appearance of brilliant singer and music expert Suresh Watkar. Let us hope that the child participants perform even better before him.

The brilliant songs sung by Mohammad Rafi in the year 1960.

The brilliant songs sung by Mohammad Rafi in the year 1960.

Mohammad Rafi is considered to be one of the greatest playback singer that India had ever produced. Right from the early 40s till 1980 when he died, he was the ruler of playback singing in bollywood films. 1960 was a very notable year for Mohammad Rafi.

Few of the films where he had sung landmark songs were probably masterpieces. The lyrics and the compositions were the best in the history of bollywood music. For example his song in the film Chaudavi Ka Chand had the landmark song “chaudavi ka chand ho ya aaftab ho job hi ho tum khuda ki kasam lajawab ho” composed by Ravi can be considered as one of the ten greatest songs, Rafi had ever sung. The song was picturized on Guru Dutt. In the same year Dilip Kumar’s song “do sitaron ka zameen par hai Milan aaj ki raat” stands out as a very romantic duet song sung by Rafi. Rafi had sung it with Lata Mangeshkar. It was sung in the film Kohinoor, where lyrics were written by Shakeel Badayani and music composed by Naushad Ali. In the same film the classical song “madhuban me radhika nachere” astonished the audience with Rafi’s classical andaz.

Roshan Lal Nagrath reserved his best for the film Barsaat Ki Raat also released in 1960. Rafi’s song “zindagi bhar nahi bhulegi wo barsaat ki raat” was praised by music lovers all across the world. The song was also sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Rafi’s song picturised on Bharat Bhushan while Lata’s one was picturised on Madhubala. Rafi also showed his excellence in the qawali titled “na to karawaki talaash hai na humsafar ki talash hai” where Manna Dey showed his classical skill with brilliance. In 1960, Rafi astonished the audience with the song “zindabad zindabad ay muhabbat zindabad” in the film Mughal-i-azam. The song was picturised on Dilip Kumar and music composed by Naushad.

Rafi was brilliant in the film Love in Simla, where music was composed by Iqbal Qureshi. The songs in the films which were picturised on Joy Mukherjee were super hit. Also Rafi’s songs “khoya khoya chand” and other songs in Dev Anand’s film Kala Bazar which were composed by SD Burman became smash hit.

Rafi and Shankar Jaikishan combination provided hit film Singapore with Shammi Kapoor and Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi with Raj Kumar. The songs in all those films were super hit. Rafi sang brilliant songs in Shammi Kapoor’s film College Girl in 1960, composed by Shankar Jaikishan. The landmark songs included “hum aur tum aur yeh sama”, “pehla pehla pyar ka ishara”, “kya haseeno ka dil nahi hota”, “Rafi’s songs in 1960 should be restored and preserved.

Agradoot and bengali films.

Agradoot and bengali films.

Agradoot, group of directors were formed in 1946 by director Bibhuti Laha, sound recordist Jatin Dutta, Laboratory specialist Sailen Ghoshal, script writer Nitai Bhattacharya and producer Bimal Ghosh. They came, saw and conquered. Most of the films directed by Agradoot were produced by MP Productions.

In 1951, they made the film Sahajatri with Uttam Kumar and Bharati Debi. Music was composed by Robin Chatterji. The bond of Agradoot with Uttam Kumar just grew and grew. Very significantly Agradoot gave the maximum number of super hit Bengali films with the pair of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen. If Ajoy Kar had directed the biggest blockbuster of the century namely Harano Sur and Saptapadi, Agradoot gave series of hit films with the eternal pair Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen. The list included Agniparikkha in 1954, Sabar Upare in 1955, Pathe Holo Deri in 1957, Surjo Toron in 1958, Bipasha in 1962. In Agradoot’s film composer Robin Chatterjee created the combination of singer Sandhya Mukherjee with Suchitra Sen. The rest was history. The legendary songs sung by Sandhya Mukherjee for Suchitra Sen in Agradoot’s films included “ghum ghum chand jhikimiki tara” in film Sabar Upare, “tumi na hoi rohite kache”, “e shudhu ganer din”, “ei saanjh ghera logon aaj” in Pathe Holo Deri, “klantir poth bujhiba furabe mor” in Bipasha, to name a few.

Uttam Kumar acted in other films of Agradoot namely Anupama in 1954 opposite Sabitri Chatterjee, Nayika Sangbad in 1967 opposite Anjana Bhowmick, Choddobeshi in 1971 opposite Madhabi Mukherjee, to name a few. At the same time Agradoot made realistic films which became award winning Bengali films. One of the examples included the film Lalu Bhulu in 1958. The film was related to two boys one being blind and the other being handicapped. Their story mesmerized the audience. The music composed by Robin Chatterjee in that film was excellent and Manobendra Mukherjee’s songs were classical in nature including “jar hiya akasher neel nilimay”, “sorjo tomar prothom toron kholo”, “dukher pathe naamly Jodi”, “dukkho amar shesh kore dao probhu”, “ei pranjharona jaaglo”, to name a few. The film was remade in hindi with the title Dosti which also became super hit.

Agradoot was sublime in the film Babla in 1951, Badsha with Kali Banerjee and Khokababur Protyaborton with Uttam Kumar. Agradoot showed the risk of casting Uttam Kumar in the role of a servant in the film Khokababur Protyaborton and murderer in the film Kuhak. Uttam Kumar’s Uttarayan, Agnisangaskar are the other masterpieces of director Agradoot.

One article is too small to highlight the achievements of Agradoot. They had shaped the destiny of Bengali celluloid during 1950s and 1960s. Their films should be preserved and restored.

Happy birthday to Mumtaz.

Happy birthday to Mumtaz.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to brilliant dancer and actress Mumtaz on 31st July, 2011. Mumtaz stormed the silver screen with her dancing capabilities in the bollywood films of 60s. Mumtaz initially acted in small budget films like Boxer, Tarzan, Kingkong, etc. She impressed the viewers with her item number in the film Brahmchari, opposite Shammi Kapoor, titled “aaj kal tere mere pyar ke charche”, where SJs rock and roll composition was given adequate expression by Mumtaz. She acted very well opposite Dilip Kumar in Ram Aur Shyam. She acted as a village girl who did not recognise the difference when Ram came to the village, who had identical get up as Shyam the person she loved. Her role of vamp in Biswajeet’s film Mere Sanam impressed everyone. She gave able lips in Asha Bhoshle’s song “yeh hai reshmi zulfon ka andhera”. She did well opposite Manoj Kumar in the film Patthar Ke Sanam.

Mumtaz matched Jeetender in the film Jeegri Dost. She was very polite and submissive in the film and gave good lips in the songs “raat suhani jag rahi hai” sung by Lata and Rafi and composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal. All her films opposite Jeetender became super hit including Ek Nari Ek Brahmchari, Khilouna, Katputli, Roop Tera Mastana, etc. She had been very successful in the films opposite Rajesh Khanna most of which everlasting hits like Aap Ki Kasam, Roti, etc. In Aap Ki Kasam, she was thrown out of the house by Rajesh Khanna due to misunderstanding, who repented for the cruel act throughout his life. He returned back when Mumtaz had solemnized the marriage of her child at the end of the film.

She also did well in Pyar Kiye Jaa, opposite Mehmood. It was a comedy film where Mehmood wanted to be a director but never got a producer who invested money in his film. He was duped by Shashi Kapoor and Kishore Kumar who posed to be rich men, and when he could not direct any film he ultimately married Mumtaz. Mumtaz showed her rock and roll dancing style in the song “o mere maina”, sung by Asha and Manna Dey and composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal.

Mumtaz also acted in a number of films opposite Firoz Khan, including films like Apradh. She received filmfare award for the best actress for her performance in the film Khilouna. She left films in the late 70s and did not appear even in character roles after that. Viewers still feel that she had acting talent in her and if she wanted she could have acted in modern films. She received filmfare lifetime achievement award too. Still she is remembered by the viewers and whenever her films like Loafer, opposite Dharmender, or Patthar ke sanam, opposite Manoj Kumar is shown in TV Channels, viewers refresh their old memories about her sweet performances in these films.

Azmat Hussain and Priyanshi Srivastava back with wild card entry.

Azmat Hussain and Priyanshi Srivastava back with wild card entry.

Child singers Azmat Hussain and Priyanshi Srivastava are back in Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs. Both of them were eliminated previously on merit. But they were brought back on 23rd July, 2011.

Mahaguru Alka Yagnik and the three judges Javed Ali, Kailash Kher and Adnan Sami encouraged Azmat and Priyanshi. All the participants sang difficult songs having classical renditions. Azmat sang the song “saiyan” which was originally sung by Kailash Kher. Kailash Kher himself got surprised with the performance and also sang himself.

Singer Niladri Chatterjee sang Manna Dey’s song “lapak jhapak” from the film Boot Polish composed by Shankar Jaikishan. Salman sang a classical song which brought tears in the eyes of Kailash Kher and Alka Yagnik. His sereneness of the rendition of the song was unique. His grandfather came to the show. Nitin sang a brilliant song and also shared the fact of doing farming in his native place in Himachal Pradesh. He had cultivated onion.

Barnali Hota sang Lataji’s song “megha chaye aadhi raat” from the film Sharmilee composed by SD Burman. Rimsha sang the song “bhor ayi”. Priyanshi sang the song “baras ja”. Sanjana sang the song “pyar karne wale” from the film Shaan composed by RD Burman and on Saturday sang Shubha Mudgal’s song “ab ke sawan”. Most of the songs were related to the arrival of monsoons in India.

The competition had become more stiff and the fate of the participants will be determined by the voters.

Uttam Kumar was sublime in Saheb Bibi Golam.

Uttam Kumar was sublime in Saheb Bibi Golam.

24th July ever year is remembered for the sad demise of legendary mahanayak of Bengal, namely Uttam Kumar. Uttam Kumar died in 1980 due to a massive heart attack. He had been sublime in the film Saheb Bibi Golam.

Saheb Bibi Golam is remembered for the classic literature of eminent Bengali writer Bimal Mitra. The director Karthik Chatterjee had the monumental task of covering the major portions of the epic literature in a three hours film. In the film Uttam Kumar played the character of Bhutnath in the film. He stayed in the house of Pahari Sanyal when he had to come to Kolkata during the colonial period. Interestingly Pahari Sanyal was a Brahmo, the religion introduced by reformer Raja Rammohan Roy. His daughter Anubha Gupta was married to Uttam Kumar at an early age which she came to know at the end of the film

Uttam Kumar was an observer in the film who saw the decline of the famous Choudhury family, one of the wealthy zamindars other than the Laha family, the Dutta family, the Deb family and Mallick family. Chabi Biswas played the role of the second brother of famous Choudhury family. Nitish Mukherjee was the youngest brother. He was married to Sumitra Debi. She asked Uttam Kumar to buy different things to satisfy her husband, Nitish Mukherjee who was inclined to go to Janbazar where Baijees did mujra.

Uttam Kumar later got the job of Overseer and saw the bangles of Sumitra Debi in the walls of Choudhury Bari, meaning that she was killed by the zaminders and the body buried in the walls of the house. The zamindary declined although Chabi Biswas entered into joint collaboration with The British East India Company in respect of mines existing in Bengal and Bihar. The small characters played in the role were excellent including gharibabu played by Jahar Ganguly, hunkobabu played by Bhanu Banerjee. Uttam Kumar kept his mark amongst the other notable actors in the film including Haridhan, Kanu Banerjee, Shyam Laha and others. Robin Chatterji composed the music of the film and gave landmark songs to Sandhya Mukherjee including “dheere bandhu dheere”.

The film ended up being a blockbuster in 1956, and noted actor, director Guru Dutt was inspired to make a hindi film Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam in 1962. Guru Dutt played the role of Uttam Kumar, Wahida Rehman played the role of Anubha Gupta and Meena Kumari played the role of Sumitra Debi. Uttam Kumar’s films contributed a lot during the 50s and 60s in inspiring bollywood directors making hindi versions of Uttam Kumar’s films.

The film Saheb Bibi Golam, a masterpiece in itself should be preserved and restored.

Irresponsible voting had led to end of Sayiti in X Factor.

Irresponsible voting had led to end of Sayiti in X Factor.

Irresponsible voting had led to end of Sayiti in X Factor. The music competition in X Factor had very tough completion in the recent week. But to the astonishment of the judges Sajda Sisters and Sayita were at the bottom two.

In the knock out round Sayita sung the song “yeh haseen wadiyan” from the film Roja and got eliminated. It is at least good that the Sajda sisters were not eliminated. They had been the most cultured singers in the entire group of singers. While Sonu Nigam shed tears for Sayiti, Sanjay Leela Bhansali asked the voters to be much more responsible.

Megastar Amitabh Bacchan came to the show on 23rd July, 2011. He briefed everyone about his new film Aarakshan. It is a Prakash Jha film. He had played the role of the Principal of Private College. He tried to explain that India lives in two ways. One includes the solvent group who can afford higher education. The other section includes the talented students who cannot afford higher education due to lack of funds.

Most of the singers dedicated their songs to megastar Amitabh Bacchan. Kartar Singh sang Mukesh’s romantic song “kabhi kabhi mere dil me” from the film Kabhi Kabhi. Geet Sagar sang Kishore Kumar’s song “jahan teri yeh nazar hai” from the film Kaalia. Nirmeeti group sang the song “jhuma chuma de de” from the film Hum. Amitabh Bacchan appreciated all of them and blessed them for their honest efforts.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s candidates that is the Diwana group, Nirmeeti Group and Sajda Sisters had faced the stiff competition and fighting for the higher achievements. Shreya Ghoshal’s candidates like Kartar Singh, Geet Sagar and Amit Jadav had also survived the elimination. Sonu Nigam’s group only has Seema Jha left.

The listeners expect even better performances from all the surviving contestants in the coming rounds.

Happy birthday to Sanjay Dutt.

Happy birthday to Sanjay Dutt.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Sanjay Dutt on 29th July, 2011. For the last 30 years, Sanjay Dutt remained one of the actors who had a very steady box-office.

While his first film Rocky was successful in the early 80s, he struggled to create a name till his film Naam with Kumar Gaurav struck box-office. He did undergo a makeover and from the late 80s, his long hair and muscular body changed his career. His performance in the role of a handicapped poet in the film Saajan opposite Madhuri Dixit was well appreciated. The film ended up being blockbuster with hit songs like “mera dil bhi kitna paagal hai”.

Sanjay Dutt’s action films always created an impact in the minds of the viewers. The hit films included Sadak, Khalnayak, Daag –The Fire, etc. He received the filmfare award for the best actor for his performance in the film Vaastav.

Sanjay Dutt and Vidya Balan formed one type of such an unique pair who had been accepted by the viewers of bollywood films. Sanjay Dutt got the scope of performing opposite Vidya Balan at middle-age as opposed to his performance opposite Madhuri Dixit in during his young age in films like Thanedaar, Saajan, Khalnayak, etc.

In Pradeep Sarkar’s Parineeta, Sanjay Dutt’s role was based on the character of a middle aged person who was considerate about the family of Parineeta. Although Vidya Balan was attached with Saif Ali Khan according to the classic literature of Sarat Chandra Chatterji, Sanjay Dutt’s contribution was even greater in the film than Saif Ali Khan. All the songs in the film composed by Shantanu Moitra ended up being super hit, including Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal’s song “piyu bole”.

Lage Raho Munnabhai was probably the greatest hit film of Sanjay Dutt in his entire career. He was a bhai ( underworld don) who pretended to be a Professor and impressed Vidya Balan who was attached to an old-age home. He impressed her with his knowledge on Gandhiji. Mahatma Gandhi’s soul instructed Sanjay Dutt to follow his path related to ahimsa.

The romance in the film was related to matured level of understanding. Sonu Nigam’s song “pal pal pal pal pal pal”, was a landmark hit. After that song Vidya Balan slapped Sanjay Dutt after reading the letter where he mentioned that he was not a Professor. The film with Vidya Balan forgiving Sanjay Dutt for the lies he said to her.

In 2011, Sanjay Dutt’s film Double Dhamaal did mediocre business. But the positive reviews that were received in the film were about Sanjay Dutt, Kangana Ranaut and Mallika Sherawat. 2011 has a lot in store for Sanjay Dutt. The films which are going to be released in 2011 include Rascals, Agneepath, Chatur Singh Two Star, Power and Koochi Koochi Hota Hai.

The viewers are looking forward to more films of Vidya Balan with Sanjay Dutt, as the pair had shown matured level of performance which touched the hearts of millions of viewers all across the world. Sanjay Dutt these days had restricted himself in acting in action films, so if he signs romantic films, the producers and directors should think about Vidya Balan who suits him better than any other actress of bollywood industry.

Happy birthday to Naseeruddin Shah.

Happy birthday to Naseeruddin Shah.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Naseeruddin Shah on 20th July, 2011. Along with Om Puri, Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi, Nasir was the leading actor who had shaped parallel cinema in India. He became the leading actor of art films directed by Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalini, Sudhir Mishra, Saee Paranchpe, Mrinal Sen and others. He was sublime in films like Aakrosh, Sparsh, Khandahaar, etc.

Viewers cannot forget his realistic acting in Goutam Ghosh’s film Paar. He was unparallel in the scene where he along with Shabana Azmi, took the herd of animals across river Ganges for their livelihood. Their standard of acting was extraordinary. He was equally brilliant in a sensitive role in Shekhar Kapoor’ s film Masoom. His son Jugal Hansraj was not accepted by Shabana Azmi, as he was her step son, but at the end of the film Nasir convinced Shabana about accepting the child. The songs in the film like “huzoor is kadar bhi na itra ke chaliye” sung by Bhupinder Singh and Suresh Watkar and composed by RD Burman became extremely popular in the early 80s.

In the late 80s, Nasir got influenced by veteran actor Amrish Puri and joined mainstream cinema. There also he became a grand winner. He gave fabulous performance in the film Tridev along with Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, and also Vishwaatma wit Sunny Deol and Chunkey Pandey. His action skills, comedy skills all were utilized by the commercial directors and became an indispensable figure in the early 90s.

Even as villain he astonished the viewers in films like Mohra. He did outcast the heroes in the film like Sunil Shetty and Akshay Kumar and ended up being the main actor in the feeling. Nasir could play any type of role and in the long run no other actor other than Om Puri could match Nasiruddin Shah’s versatility. In China Gate, both of them faced each other and the viewers enjoyed the dynamic performances of the two legends. Even in films like Monsoon Wedding, Nasir showed that his skill in realistic acting just had got enhanced day after day.

In 2008, he performed perhaps the best film of the year, A Wednesday. He killed the terrorists as an ordinary citizen, to end the threat they had created over a period of time. His showed at his old age that still he is indispensable as an actor in the bollywood industry. His performance was as brilliant as the performance of Anupam Kher in the film.

In 2010, his performance in the film Ishqiya opposite Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi had been highly appreciated by the critics. In songs like “dil to baccha hai ji” his silent manner of imagining his relationship with Vidya Balan showed his brilliance class of acting. The film did good business as well. Even his performance in Prakash Jha’s film Rajneeti impressed the masses. Rajneeti ended up being a blockbuster.

In 2011 he acted in the film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara in a small role. The viewers expect the legendary actor to continue his dynamic performance as he is still irreplaceable in bollywood films.

Happy birthday to Zarina Wahab.

Happy birthday to Zarina Wahab.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Zarina Wahab on 17th July, 2011. She was born in a muslim family in Vishakapatnam.

She learned acting in the Film and Television Institute of Pune. She started her film career in Dev Anand’s film Ishq Ishq Ishq in 1974. She attracted the attention of the viewers with her effortless performance in Basu Chatterjee’s film Chitchor.

She played the role of a village girl in the film who was impressed by the down to earth nature of Amol Palekar. She and her family thought that he was a wealthy engineer. But later they came to know that the actual engineer was Vijayendra Ghadge. The family of Zarina Wahab namely Deena Pathak and AK Hangal stopped Zarina Wahab from mixing with Amol Palekar. But she could not forget his memories, nor her neighbouring brother Master Raju. The film became silver jubilee hit. The music composed by Ravinder Jain stormed bollywood with songs like “tu jo mere sur me”, “kahin deep jale”, etc., sung by Yesu Das and Hemlata. The same plot was used in the film Mai Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, where Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and Abhishek Bacchan played the lead roles.

Zarina Wahab formed a brilliant pair with Amol Palekar and their next film Gharonda which was released in 1977 which was a masterpiece. She played the role of the daughter of Sriram Lagoo. Amol Palekar struggled to get decent job in Mumbai. The film was related to the extreme competition of work in Mumbai and struggle of getting a place to stay. The music of the film composed by Jaidev was excellent. Bhupinder Singh’s song “ek akela is shahar me”, “ do diwane shahar me” and Runa Laila’s song “tumhe honaho mujhko to itna yakeen hai” stormed bollywood in the mid-70s. Zarina Wahab got filmfare nomination for best actress in the film.

Zarina Wahab acted in other films like Tumhare Liye directed by Basu Chatterjee, Sawan Ko Aane Do, and many South Indian films like Gajula Kishtavya, Madanolsavam, etc. As character artist she played the role of the mother of Shahrukh Khan in the film My Name is Khan. She married actor Aditya Pancholi and has son and daughter. She also acted in TV Serial Yahan Me Ghar Ghar Kheli which used to be telecast in Zee TV Channel. The performance showed that she still had not forgotten acting at all.

The viewers expect her to continue the great work that she had started 30 years back.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara got a good opening.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara got a good opening.

The film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara got a very good opening. The film had been directed by Zoya Akhtar and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The film had been made with a budget of Rs 55 crores. Within the first week of release of the film, the film had earned revenue worth Rs 32 crores.

In this film Abhay Deol proposed to Kalki Koechlin. The families met at an engagement party where Farhan Akhtar disclosed a plan of spending the holiday in Spain with Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol. Hrithik Roshan was a hard worker. Initially he was reluctant to accept the proposal. Later on he accepted the proposal. Farhan Akhtar went to find his biological father played by Naseeruddin Shah.

They met Katrina Kaif, who was diving trainer at Costa Brava in Spain. Hrithik Roshan fell in love with Katrina Kaif. She was hired to dive in deep sea, as Hrithik Roshan never knew how to swim. Farhan Akhtar fell in love with Ariadna Cabrol, who was Katrina Kaif’s friend.

Their friendship got deserved due to relationships with their girl friends but at the end they unite again. The music in the film had been composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy. The song “senorita” sung by Maria Fernandez had been a big hit. The performances of Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol and Katrina Kaif had been excellent in their performances.

The film had got the second best opening in 2011 after Ready. It is interesting to see whether the film can maintain the good opening. Both Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif desperately require hit film. May be Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara can provide that hit film.

Remembering Rajender Kumar on his birthday.

Remembering Rajender Kumar on his birthday.

The viewers remember Jubilee Kumar Rajender Kumar on his birthday on 20th July, 2011. He had died few years back and his viewers all over India and outside India had mourned the death of the legendary romantic actor.

From 1963 to 1966, all his films celebrated silver jubilees. From that time he became Jubilee Kumar. His films were designed in the same lines as that of Dilip Kumar, and he was successful in getting appreciation of the refined viewers of the country. Right from Goonj Uthi Shehnai, he acted in roles which were sacrificing nature and most of the roles touched the hearts of the viewers. He was sublime in Mere Mehboob and Aarzoo opposite Sadhna, Dil Ek Mandir, Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan, opposite Meena Kumari. He acted in many films opposite Vaijayantimala and most of them ended up becoming superhit films, including Zindagi, Sangam, Aas Ka Panchi, Ganwar, Suraj, Saathi, to name a few. Mere Mehboob ended up being the biggest blockbuster in 1963, surpassing the other successful films made that year including Taj Mahal and Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon.

Rajender Kumar acted in superhit films opposite Saira Banu as well including Ayee Milan Ki Bela in 1964, Jhuk Gaya Aasman in 1968, Aman in 1967, etc. Rajender Kumar’s films were also remembered by the audience for their everlasting music composed by Shankar Jaikishan and Naushad. SJ’s music in the film Ayee Milan Ki Bela, with Rafi’s songs like “mai pyar ka diwana”, “aha ayee Milan ki bela”, “o sanam tere ho gaye hum”, “tum khamseen ho”, “to bura maan gaye” became invaluable hits. SJ’s music in the film Suraj was equally impressive with Rafi’s songs like “chehere pe giri zulfein”, “kaise samjhayun”, “baharon phool barsao”, “itna hai tujhse pyar mujhe”, etc., storming bollywood in the mid-60s. The sad songs of Rafi composed by Shankar Jaikishan for Rajender Kumar had become immortal over the years like “yaad na jaye”, “dil ke mandir hai” sung in the film Dil Ek Mandir, “surahidaar garden koel si hi awaz” in Aman, “saccha hai ghar” in Jhuk Gaya Aasman, “khuda bhi aasman se” in Dharti, “meherbaan likhoon” in Sangam, to name a few.

Naushad gave his career’s best music in the film Mere Mehboob. All the songs sung by Rafi and Lata including “mere mehboob tujhe”, “ai husn zara jag tujhe”, “tumse izhaar – e – haal”, etc., astonishing listeners in India and abroad. Also the songs of Palki, like “dil –e –betaab ko seene se lagana hoga”, showed the high quality of ghazals which were given adequate expression by Rafi. Suman Kalyanpur sang the duet song along with Mohammad Rafi.

Rajender Kumar produced musical gems during the 70s also. His film Aap Aye Bahar Aye had hit music composed by Laxmikant Pyarellal with successful songs sung by Rafi including “aap aye bahar aye”, “agar tufan nahi ati kinara mila gaya hota”, etc. His superhit film Gora Aur Kala opposite Hema Malini also had hit songs like “tu mere sapno ka rani banegi” sung by Rafi. Rajender Kumar’s film Talash opposite Sharmila Tagore also had brilliant songs composed by SD Burman including Rafi’s brilliant song “palko ke peeche se”.

Rajender Kumar never received any filmfare award for his performance, but the viewers in India and abroad acknowledged his creditable performance in most of the films. His films should be revisited.

Shreya Ghoshal sang "lag ja gale" song in Sony TV X Factor Program on 16th August.

Shreya Ghoshal sang “lag ja gale” song in Sony TV X Factor Program on 16th August.

Popular singer Shreya Ghoshal, being one of the judges and mentors of Sony TV X Factor Program, sang the immortal song “lag ja gale ke phir yeh hasin raat ho na ho” from the film Wo Kaun Thi on 16th August, 2011.

She had been one of the judges along with classical singer Sonu Nigam and creative director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. On 16th August, 2011, the judges kept the theme of lovers day special.

Every participant in the program like Amit Jadav, Kartar Singh, Deewana Group, Nirmeeti Group, Sajda Sisters, and others sang songs keeping in mind the romantic theme of the day. Shreya Ghoshal sang the brilliant song “lagja gale” so well that Sanjay Leela Bhansali hugged her and he too sang one line from the song. Shreya Ghoshal confessed that she had been great admirer of composer Madanmohan and the combination of Madanmohan and Lata Mangeshkar. So she sang one of the songs to show her respect towards both of them.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali had guided the singing groups Nirmeeti, Sajda Sisters and Deewana Group very well from the beginning. Nirmeeti Group had been the most innovative group of the lot and even mesmerized composer Pritam with their innovative performance in the song “haal kaisa hai janab ka”. Deewana Group had been masters of sufiana songs. Sajda Sisters had been a very polite and cultured group and always sang the songs with dignity.

At times Sonu Nigam had been harsh at the participants like Amit Jadav. But by pointing out the mistakes Sonu Nigam had trained the singers like Seema Jha very well who did a good job with the song “tere bina jiya jayena” composed by RD Burman and sung by Lataji in the film Ghar. At times Sonu Nigam had sung the song himself like “kabhi alvida na kehna” in his classical andaz.

Shreya Ghoshal is probably one of the most soft spoken, polite singers of Indian industry. She had showed utmost respect to old singers like Kartar Singh. She had trained Radio Jockey Geet Sagar also very well.

The participants should do even better in the forthcoming rounds.

On Gurupurnima all the gurus including Alka Yagnik, Javed Ali, Kailash Kher and Adnan Sami sang brilliant songs in Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs.

On Gurupurnima all the gurus including Alka Yagnik, Javed Ali, Kailash Kher and Adnan Sami sang brilliant songs in Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs.

On 15th July, 2011, it was gurupurnima. It was a blessing in disguise for music lovers all across the country. All the gurus in the Music Contest Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs sang brilliant songs on that day.

All the child participants in the contest including Niladri Chatterjee, Shilpi, Salman, and others dedicated their songs to their gurus. Singer Javed Ali sang the song “tum mile” in his usual majestic style. Mahaguru Alka Yagnik very honestly said that she never knew the song was sung by Javed Ali.

Adnan Sami with his charishmatic mannerism sung the song “bheegi bheegi raton me”. In fact Niladri Chatterjee received the best singer cap from Alka Yagnik for his performance of the day for the same song “bheegi bheegi raton me”. Kailash Kher sang one of his songs from the Band Kailasha with his own variations.

At the end Alka Yagnik sang the song “jane kitne dino ke baad gali me aaj chand nikla” in her silky voice. She almost enchanted everyone in the show. Very significantly all the judges had disclosed about the creation, composition of those songs, spoke about the lyricists and composers and history of the recording of the songs.

For the child participants it was a very learning experience and they paid their best tribute to their gurus by singing their songs. Competition apart the program Zee TV Saregamapa had created a friendly atmosphere where Kailash Kher with his pure hindi, Adnan Sami with his urdu alfass, Javed Ali with his classical terminology and Alka Yagnik with her musical terminology had praised each other and encouraged the children after telling them their limitations and asking for improvements.

Some contestants had faced defeat at the hands of the others and that may have depressed many music lovers. For example Asmat lost out one week before and Alka Yagnik had confessed that her mother also became sad about the decision. But she had judged the contestants on sheer merit basis, without bias and prejudice.

The viewers expect that all the participants will do even better in the forthcoming rounds and all the gurus will enlighten the music lovers all across the country with their profound musical knowledge.

Dabaang had bagged 7 awards at the IIFA.

Dabaang had bagged 7 awards at the IIFA.

Sohail Khan’s film Dabaang had won majority of awards in India including filmfare awards, Starscreen awards, Zee Cine awards. The same feat had been repeated in IIFA as well.

7 awards were bagged by Dabaang. In 2011, the IIFA awards ceremony was held in Toronto, Canada. This was the 12th IIFA awards. Dabaang won the awards for the best film. Sonakshi Sinha won the award for the best female debutant for her performance in Dabaang. She really had a dream come true by acting opposite Superstar Salman Khan. Ranvir Singh won the award for the best male debutant for his performance in the film Band Baaja Baarat.

Shahrukh Khan won the best actor award for his performance in the film My Name is Khan. IIFA once again had deprived Salman Khan of his best actor award, and it is very strange that the film had done business of more than 150 crores, due to sheer brilliance of Salman Khan. Anushka Sharma won the best actress award for her performance in the film Band Baaja Baarat.

Arjun Rampal won the award for the best supporting actor for his performance in the film Rajneeti. He really deserved the award. Prachi Desai won the award for the best supporting actress for her performance in the film Once Upon a Time in Mumbai. Karan Johar won the best director award for his film My Name is Khan.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan won the best male playback singer award for his brilliant performance in the song “takhte rehte tujhko” in the film Dabaang. Mamta Sharma won the best female playback singer award for her brilliant performance in the song “munni badnaam hui”. Sajid Wajid and Lalit Pandit won the best Music Director award for the performance in Dabaang. They deserved it. The music in the film was excellent. Ritesh Deshmukh won the best comedian award for his performance in the film Housefull.

Dharmender and Asha Bhosle were given lifetime achievement award. Sharmila Tagore received award for outstanding achievement in Indian cinema.

Star Plus Channel is going to telecast the awards on Sunday, 17th July, 2011.

Happy birthday to Manoj Kumar.

Happy birthday to Manoj Kumar.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Manoj Kumar on 24th July, 2011. He started his career as a romantic hero, then showed his skills in the field of direction and created a separate identity as a patriotic hero. He later on earned the name of Bharat Kumar.

Harikishan Giri Goswami, better known as Manoj Kumar, was a big admirer of Tragedy King Dilip Kumar. He was obsessed with Dilip Kumar’s performance in the film Shabnam, in 1949, and kept the name of the character of the film, which was Manoj Kumar.

Although he started his career in the film Fashion in 1957, he got recognition with a lead role in the film Kaanch Ki Gudiya in 1960. Vijay Bhatt directed Hariyali Aur Raasta in 1962 changed the destiny of Manoj Kumar as a romantic hero. The songs of the film were composed by genius of genius Shankar Jaikishan, and with Mala Sinha’s assistance Manoj Kumar reached the hearts of millions of music lovers in the country. The songs in the film including “ifteda-e-ishq”, “yeh hariyali aur yeh raasta”, sung by Mukesh and Lata astonished the viewers. The film became super hit.

In the mid-60s, Manoj Kumar landmark roles in suspense thrillers like Woh Kaun Thi, 1964, and Gumnaam, 1965. Woh Kaun Thi was a horror film of Raj Khosla where Manoj Kumar played the role of the doctor who got scared with the ghostly appearance of Sadhna, who played a double role in the film. He solved the mystery in the film got Prem Chopra arrested at the end after realizing that his wife had a twin sister who was used as a ghost. The music of Madan Mohan was brilliant and Lata’s songs “naina barse rimjhim”, “lagja gale”, etc., created sensation.

Gumnaam was a murder thriller which stormed bollywood in the mid-60s. More than seven friends were given offer of going for holidays, but the flight was hijacked and the friends had to land at an island. Each of them was killed one after the other and no one knew who killed them. Manoj Kumar solved the mystery and unearthed the truth that Tarun Bose was the actual murderer. The music composed by Shankar Jaikishan was extraordinary with songs like “jane chaman shola badan” sung by Rafi and Sharda, “gumnaam hai koi” sung by Lata, “is duniya me jeena ho to”, “hum kale hai to kya hua dilwale hai” sung by Mohammad Rafi, etc.

Manoj Kumar started his second innings with patriotic films like Shaheed, Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapra Aur Makaan, Kranti, moved the viewers and earned him respect. He directed of those films and got filmfare award for best director for excellent work in films like Upkaar and Roti Kapda and Makaan. His film Upkaar also received the national award for best film in 1967, and he gave life to the slogan of PM Lal Bahadur Shastri titled “jai jawan jai kisan” with Upkaar. In fact Upkaar, was the highest grosser film in 1967, surpassing all the other super hit films like Ram Aur Shyam, Jewel Thief, etc. The songs in Upkaar composed by Kalyanji Anandji were also brilliant including “mere desh ki dharti” sung by Mahendra Kapoor and “kasme wade pyar wafa sab” sung by Manna Dey. After Upkaar a big section of the crowd used to call Manoj Kumar as Bharat Kumar, as his patriotic feelings used to reflect in his creations.

His other successful films as hero also include Patthar Ke Sanam, Anita, Aadmi, etc. He acted with childhood idol Dilip Kumar in Aadmi and Kranti. The songs of most of his films were of excellent class. Naushad’s creation in Aadmi, and Rafi’s songs like “na aadmi ka khoi bharosa”, “aaj purani rahon se”, etc., had remained invalueable assets over the period of time.

The viewers expect him to continue the excellent work as a director in the years to come.

Uttam Kumar retrospective to be held in different places during his death anniversary.

Uttam Kumar retrospective to be held in different places during his death anniversary.

The nation remembers Uttam Kumar, one of the greatest superstars of Indian celluloid on his death anniversary on 24th July, 2011. This is going to be his 31st death anniversary. He had died almost 31 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 2011, the walls of the Tollygunge Metro Station had been filled with the pictures of films of Uttam Kumar. 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 in 1966 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 in 1966, Chiriakhana in 1967, Tapan Sinha’s Jhinder Bandi in 1961, Upahaar in 1955 and Jotugriha in 1964, Ajoy Kar’s Harano Sur in 1957, Saptapadi in 1961, Suno Bara Nari in 1960, Agradoot’s Bipasha in 1962, Surjo Toron in 1958, Agragami’s Sagarika in 1956, Shonkhobela in 1966, 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, Manobendra 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.

Remembering legendary actor Chabi Biswas on his birthday.

Remembering legendary actor Chabi Biswas on his birthday.

The nation remembers legendary actor Chabi Biswas on his birthday on 12th July, 2011. His superlative class of performance had been acknowledged by brilliant directors like Satyajit Ray, Hrithik Ghatak, Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, but he had remained unsung, unhonoured, unlamented.

Ray had a very serious personality and hardly required any improvisation as his innovative scripts had almost everything embedded in them. But Chabi Biswas brought out his own dimensions in the role of Feudal Lord in the film Jalsaghar released in 1958. He combined the aristocracy and the dignity of the feudal lord in the colonial period and at times astonished Ray himself with his dynamic performances.

He even sold his wife’s ornaments to organize a musical program in his banquet room to maintain his dominance as a feudal lord. Singers from renowned classical gharana came and performed in the show and the entire village was invited to witness it. With the loss in revenue and poverty during British regime, he committed suicide by dying on horseback.

He was sublime in the film Debi released in 1960, where he visualized Goddess Kali in the human form in Sharmila Tagore, his daughter –in –law. The entire concept was related to his belief and his son Soumitra took exception about the thing but was helpless. Sharmila Tagore became sick as it was awkward on her part to see his father-in-law touching her feet as she was believed to be Debi, the human form of Goddess.

Chabi Biswas was majestic in his classic role in the film Kanchenjungha released in 1962. Ray experimented with a remote subject where the greatness of the Himalayas freed the mental blockade of middle-class bengalies. Arun Mukherjee, one of the unemployed youth even did not accept the job offered by big industrialist played by Chabi Biswas. At the end of the film Chabi Biswas realized the greatness of the great mountain range and surrendered before it. The film could not be understood by mass audience as it dealt with the concept of realization although the colourful photography of Ray in Darjeeling was well appreciated. But critics had acclaimed Chabi Biswas and said that he was the last name for the depiction of aristocracy in any form.

His dignified performance in the films of legendary directors like Ajoy Kar, Tapan Sinha, Prabhat Mukherjee, Agragami, Agradoot had not been forgotten by the mass. He had remained sublime in Prabhat Mukherjee’s Bicharak (1958) in the role of a charishmatic advocate, Tapan Sinha’s Kabuliwala (1957) in the role of an Afghan father, Ajoy Kar’s Suno Baranari (1960) in the role of a wealthy Barrister, Agragami’s Headmaster (1959) in the role of an old headmaster, Bijoli Baran Sen’s film Manik, where he played the role of a handicapped grandfather, Sudhir Mukherjee’s Dadathakur (1962) where he played the role of Sharat Pandit, Premendro Mitra’s film Chupi Chupi Ase (1960) where he played the role of a detective in a crime thriller film, to name a few. He died in a tragic accident in 1962 and Indian celluloid lost one of its greatest actors ever. His films should be preserved for projection of dynamism, class, dignity, aristocracy and majestic demeanour.

Adnan Sami had glorified Zee TV Saregama Little Champs Program.

Adnan Sami had glorified Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs Program.

Singer and composer Adnan Sami had glorified Zee TV Saregamapa little Champs Program held every Friday and Saturday in Zee TV channel. He is one of the judges of the program along with the other judges namely Kailash Kher and Javed Ali. They consult with the Mahaguru Alka Yagnik.

He was born in 15th August, 1973. He had shown his exceptional talent in playing the piano and composing experimental songs in Indian films. He was born and brought up in London, UK. He created his first solo album Raag time in 1991-92. Adnan Sami acted in the film Pakistani film Sargam along with his wife Zeba. Then he created the album Kabhi To Nazar Milao with Asha Bhosle, for which he composed the songs himself.

His song “tu sirf mera mehboob” from the film Ek Ajnabee became a big hit in 2001. His next album Tera Chehra was released in 2002, which also became super hit. He worked with composer AR Rehman in the song “aye uri uri” in the film Saathiya in 2002. From that time he never looked back.

He composed music along with Raghav Sachar in Sunil Shetty’s film Daddy Cool in 2010. In the film the song “daddy cool” sung by Raghav Sachar and Paroma Dasgupta became very popular. He sang the landmark song “nor-e-khuda” along with Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal in the film My Name is Khan released in 2010.

He had won many international awards including the Nigar Award, the Bolan Academy Award, the Graduate award, to name a few.

In the Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs Program his way of guiding the child competitors had amazed the viewers and listeners. His urdu talaffus had been excellent and he had addressed the child participants like Asmat, Salman and others with lot of respect and dignity. All the judges had used their immense talent to guide the children who had sung difficult classically oriented songs brilliantly.

The country expects a lot from the great singer and composers. The viewers expect that Adnan Sami is going to create new dimensions in the field of music in future.

Priyanka Chopra will be celebrating her birthday in 2011.

Priyanka Chopra will be celebrating her birthday in 2011.

Priyanka Chopra will be celebrating her birthday in 2011 with awesome gifts given to her by her mother. She had not disclosed to the media as to what are the surprise gifts. Priyanka Chopra has a hectic year 2011. She received positive reviews for her performance in the film Saat Khoon Maaf that was released in the early part of the year. She had many husbands in the film for different reasons. Her film Don- 2, The Chase Continues is post production. In this film she had acted opposite Shahrukh Khan once again. Viewers have huge expectation from the film. She is also acting in the film Barfee opposite Ranbir Kapoor. In the film she is playing the role of a mentally challenged girl. She is in fact visiting few mental asylums to get the feel of the role. She is also acting in the film Agneepath.

Priyanka Chopra is today’s most popular actress of the bollywood film industry. She had started her career in bollywood films after she won the Miss India contest title. Since then she never looked back. Her first film Andaz opposite Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta did well in the box office. But initially she haven’t got that much recognition, but with the film Mujshe Shaadi Karogi opposite Salman Khan and Akshay kumar , Priyanka Chopra became a leading star of the period.

She had got the grace, glamour and attitude in her which is very much wanted by today’s audience and young crowd. She gave stunning performance in the Fashion and got the filmfare award for the best actress for the year 2009. She even won her first prestigious National award for the performance in the film Fashion. Director Madhur Bhandarkar had been known for making realistic films and Priyanka Chopra did adapt her style of performance in the ideal way that Madhur Bhandarkar expected. In the same year she did perform in many films including God Tussi Great Ho, Chamku , Love story 2050, Dostana and Billu Barber in 2009. Her next upcoming film was released in 2009 was titled Kamina opposite Shahid Kapoor. This film also did fabulous business.

The big factor which had kept Priyanka Chopra ahead of Lara Dutta, Ash, Katrina and others, include her capability to adapt herself in different roles. Whenever the situation demanded she played the role of an upstart American in the film Dostana. She effortlessly managed the comedy sequences along with Abhishek Bacchan and John Abraham. In the film Love Story 2050, she adjusted herself to the hi-tech world that would have emerged around 40 years from now on.

Her role in God Tussi Great Ho was totally different. There were misunderstandings and traps set by either Sohail Khan or Salman Khan. She faced the events and was firm in her affection towards Salman Khan.

Similarly in Billu Barber, her performance in a dance number opposite Shahrukh Khan requires special mention. In fact she had given elegant lips in the songs “tujhe aksa beach dikhadun”, “salaam-e-ishq”, “tenu le”, etc.

The viewers expect her to continue the brilliant work that she had started in 2008 and do even well in 2011 and the years to come.

Happy birthday to Kailash Kher.

Happy birthday to Kailash Kher.

The viewers of bollywood films and the listeners of music wish happy birthday to versatile singer Kailash Kher on 7th July, 2011. He is presently one of the judges of music competition Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs. He teaches the child singers along with other judges Adnan Sami and Javed Ali, and the performances of the child singers are finally judged by Mahaguru Alka Yagnik. The program had unearthed musical talents from different parts of the country including a child classical singer named Asmat who had amazed everyone.

Khailash Kher’s song “rabba ishq na hove” from the film Andaz made him popular. He stormed bollywood with the song “allah ke bande” from the film Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II. He created a band in Mumbai named Kailasa with two brilliant musicians Naresh and Paresh Kamath.

He sang the landmark song “o sikandar” from the film Corporate. He sang a number of high-pitched song in the film Mangal Pandey – the rising. His song “yah rabba de de koi pyar bhi agar” from the film Salaam-e-ishq” composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy mesmerized the audience. Also his song “teri deewani” sung under the band Kailasa had been extremely popular.

He performed in North America in 2007 in a concert named “The Incredibles” along with Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala and Asha Bhosle. Composer AR Rehman had said that when he heard Kailash Kher for the first time he understood that the voice was the voice of a pure soul. Kailash Kher also speaks in very ornamental hindi and high amount of humbleness.

His other hit songs included “meethi meethi bathe” from the film Aap Ki Khatir, “jhatka mare” from the film Kyon Ki, “ankhiyan teri awen” from the film Kaal, “fatak” from the film Kaminey, to name a few.

His march is on. The viewers expect him cross new horizons in future, show his versatile classical touch more and the jugglery of high pitched voice more in the films in future.

Javed Ali in 2011.

Javed Ali in 2011.

Javed Hussain, better known as Javed Ali, was born in a musical family, and his father sang kirtans. He had affiliation towards ghazals, but Anandji of composer duo Kalyanji Anandji asked him to pursue a career in playback singer.

Presently he is the judge of Music Program Zee Saregamapa Little Champs, where he guides a group of talented child singers with the title Javed Ke Abhiroo. He judges the contestants along with the other judges like Kailash Kher, Adnan Sami and mahaguru Alka Yagnik. His comments in respect of the performances of the child singers reflect the gross classical knowledge of music as he gave a recent lecture relating to taan and khatak.

Javed Ali shot to fame in bollywood music in 2007 onwards with his song “ek din teri raahon” from the film Naqaab. He continued the dream run in the film Jodha Akbar with the song “jashn-e-bahaara” composed by AR Rehman.

In 2008, Javed Ali struck form with the song “tu muskura” in the film Yuvraaj composed by AR Rehman. Salman Khan gave lips in the song. Although the film did not do great business, but the songs did great business.

His song in the film Ghajini also did great business. The song was titled “guzaarish” and picturised on Amir Khan and the film excellent business in 2008. The songs also contributed a lot for the success of the film. The music was composed by AR Rehman.

He had also sung the songs in the film Dilli 6. AR Rehman composed music for the film. In 2009, he sang relevant songs in successful films like De Dana Dan and Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani.

He carried forward his success in the films of the following years. He sang in the film Raavan in 2010. In 2011 also he sang in landmark films. He sang in the film Yamla Pagla Deewana. He had also sang in the film Yeh Saali Zindagi. He recent hit songs include “dil dar-ba –dar” in Yeh Saali Zindagi, “tinku jiya” in Yaamla Pagla Diwaana, “maaya yashoda” in Jhoota Hi Sahi, “sauda hai” in Aakrosh, “ranjha ranjha” in Raavan, “gale lag ja” in De Dana Dan, “tu hi haqeeqat” in Tum Mile. The audience expect him to do well in the films of the future.

Suresh Watkar is a musical genius.

Suresh Watkar is a musical genius.

Singer and music trainer Suresh Wadkar is a musical genius and a living legend. Born in 1954, he took musical training from Acharya Jialal Vasant from the age of eight years.

Acharya Jialal Vasant gave him the task of teaching vocal classical to a pupil when Suresh Watkar was at the age of 13 years. From that time onwards Suresh Watkar had remained one of India’s great learning institutions. Acharya Jialal Vasant in interviews had confessed that he got a torch bearer in the form of Suresh Watkar who could travel a distance.

Suresh Watkar got his Prabhakar degree and joined Arya Vidya Mandir in Mumbai as music teacher. He got music schools both in Mumbai, Suresh Watkar Ajivasan Music Academy, and also music school in New Jersey, New York.

He won the Sur Singar Competition in 1976, where Jaidev was one of the judges. Jaidev gave break to Suresh Watkar in the film Gaman in 1977 with the song “seene me jalan”. Suresh Watkar stormed bollywood with his majestic singing in Raj Kapoor’s film Prem Rog in 1982. The music was composed by Laxmikant Pyarellel. He received filmfare nomination for the best singer for splendid performance in the songs “mai hoon prem rogi” and “meri kismet tu”. The film did excellent business and the music became super hit. From that time Suresh Watkar never looked back.

In Sekhar Kapoor’s film Masoom released in 1983, Suresh Watkar was brilliant in the song “huzur is kadar na itrake chaliye” along with ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh. It was composed by RD Burman and was a masterpiece. In the film Sadma in 1983, composer Illayaraja composed two brilliant songs for Suresh Watkar, “ay zindagi gale laga le” and “yeh hawa yeh fiza”.

Suresh Watkar continued his dream run in the film Utsav. Laxmikant Pyarellal composed brilliant songs for Suresh Watkar namely “mere man baja mridang” and “sanjh dhale gagan tale”. Composer Ravindra Jain used Suresh Watkar in Raj Kapoor’s film Ram Teri Ganga Maili, where all the songs of Suresh Watkar were smash hits.

RD Burman used Suresh Watkar very well in the Parinda for landmark songs like “tumse milke” and “pyar ke mod pe”. Suresh Watkar stormed bollywood again with RK film Henna in 1991, where all his songs composed by Ravindra Jain were masterpieces. He showed his classical excellence in Gulzar’s landmark film Lekin, in the song “surmai sham”. It was composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar.

Suresh Watkar went on singing masterpieces in films like Premgranth, Maachis, Satya, Hu Tu Tu, Omkara, Saat Khoon Maaf. His dream run is still on.

One article is too small to highlight the greatness of the versatile genius Suresh Watkar who had contributed in the musical arena of India for more than 40 years. His admirers all over the world want him to continue the high class of classical singing and his music teaching in the years to come.

Contribution of Rafi in Biswajeet's films.

Contribution of Rafi in Biswajeet’s films.

Bengali actor Biswajeet Chatterjee after acting in hit films in Bengali namely Mayamrigo in 1960 and Dui Bhai in 1961 went to Mumbai to pursue his acting career there. He made his debut in the film Bees Saal Baad where Hemant Kumar was the producer of the film and also the music composer.

In a short period of time Biswajeet got roles to play in films of different producers and directors namely Nasir Hussain, Satyen Bose, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and others. Mohammad Rafi played a very important role in the success story of Biswajeet’s films because most of the films ended up being musical blockbusters.

In the film April Fool, released in 1964, Shankar Jaikishan’s composition for Rafi picturised on Biswajeet became super hit including “April Fool banaya”, and “aa gale lag ja”. In Shenai in 1964, Ravi’s composition for Rafi namely “na jhatko zulf se paani” became smash hit. Composer Hemant Kumar used Rafi in Biswajeet’s film Bin Badal Barsaat in 1963 in the song “dil me teri yaad sanam”.

Mere Sanam released in 1965 was the greatest hit film of Biswajeet where Rafi was unparallel. OP Nayyar’s stylish westernized compositions were given expression by Rafi in the songs “pukarta chala hoon mai”, “hue hai tumpe aashiq hum”, “humdum mere maan bhi jayo”, “thukre hai mere dilki ay jaan teri aansoon”, “haji baba”, “humne to dilko aapke kadmo pe rakh diya”, “roke kaibaar maine dilki umangko”, to name a few. After that Rafi and Biswajeet went on giving hits after hits.

In Do Dil, composer Hemant Kumar composed a soft romantic song for Rafi namely “tera husn rahe mera ishq rahe”, which touched the souls of music lovers. All the songs in the film Yeh Raat Phir Na Ayegi in the year 1966 became super hit. OP Nayyar’s composition in the song “phir milogi kabhi is baat ka yaada karlo” stands out. It was a duet where Rafi was as romantic as Asha Bhosle. Ravi composed excellent music in the film Sagaai, in 1966, where Rafi’s song “nay eh zameen thin a aasman tha” became immortal. LP composed super hit song in the film Aasra, in 1966, where Rafi’s romantic song “sokhiyan nazar me hai” stands out.

Laxmikant Pyarellal made the musiclovers spell bound in Night in London in 1967, with Rafi’s songs “night in London”, “o my love” and “bahosh –o –awaz me diwana”. Rafi was sublime in all the songs. LP continued the dream run in the film Jaal in 1967 with Rafi’s songs “akela hoon mai humsafar”, “mizaaz-e-garami”, etc. Shankar Jaikishan composed excellent music in the film Hare Kaanch Ki Churiya in 1967 with hit Rafi number namely “aye janeman” and “panchi re panchi”.

Madanmohan was excellent in the film Ghar Ka Chirag in 1967, where Rafi’s song “aaj rota hai kyun” stands out. In the film Vaasna in 1968, all the songs of Rafi composed by Chitragupt became super hit including “itni nazuk nabano”, “yeh parbaton ke dayre”, “aaj is darja pila do”. The Chitragupt and Rafi magic continued in Biswajeet’s next film Pyar Ka Sapna in 1969 in songs like “ay meri zindagi”, “tere chehere se haten ankh to”.

Rafi was the major contributor in Biswajeet’s other films like Do Kaliyan, Ishq Par Zor Nahi, Mai Sunder Hoon, Shararat, etc. In the 70s with the advent of action films Biswajeet faded away from the industry. All the giant composers of golden age namely Shankar Jaikishan, OP Nayyar, Ravi, Chitrgupt, Madanmohan, Laxmikant Pyarellal, Hemant Kumar and other composed music in the films of Biswajeet. Rafi’s songs in Biswajeet’s films require recognition and restoration

Dhananjoy Bhattacharya sang in the golden age like a King.

Dhanonjoy Bhattacharya sang in the golden age like a King .

Dhanonjoy Bhattacharya sang different songs in Bengali during the golden age, that is the 50s, 60s and 70s like a King. He was the one of the legendary classical singer of Bengal of the 50s and 60s, who showed his excellence in films songs, Bengali modern songs and shyamasangeet. He did not get the recognition he deserved as the major attention of the media was focused only towards Hemant Kumar, the romantic singer of Bengal, but along with Manobendra Mukherjee, Manna Dey, Akhilbondhu Ghosh, Satinath Mukherjee and others, Dhanonjoy’s classical touch inspired the composers to compose pure classical and semi-classical songs.

His film song “jibon parabarer majhi” written by Sailen Roy and composed by Robin Chatterjee is an example of a divine song having words about God. He sang “e maya proponchopmoy” devoted to Goddess Kali in the film Sare Chuattor in 1953, which was composed by Kalipada Sen. His notable basic discs during that period included “andhar ratri” composed by Robin Chatterjee, “bhalobesechinu bhulona”, “chena chena mukh sari sari” composed by Sudhin Dasputa, “mon re krishi kaj janona” composed by Ram Prashad Sen, “ e mon modhur dhoni”, “mukto karo ma muktokeshi” to name a few.

Dhanonjoy’s evergreen modern songs included “matite jonmo nilam” composed by Prabir Mojumdar, “kabir kheyale premomoy tumi samrat shahjahan” composed by himself, “jhanana jhanana baje” composed by Salil Choudhury, “ei jhir jhir jhir batashe” composed by Sudhin Dasgupta, “ruma jhuma jhum” composed by Rotu Mukherjee, “antabihin oi andharater” composed by Salil Choudhury, “shilpi moner bedona”, “tandra elo bolo jaagi kemon kore”, “chameli melona ankhi”, “bashorer deep aaj” to name a few. The song “matite jonmo nilam” was composed by Probir Mojumdar on the background of sacrifice made by Indians during the freedom movement. Dhananjoy Bhattacharya gave able expression in the song.

There were other impressive songs of Dhananjoy Bhattacharya including “hridoye mor rakto jhore”, “hai cholona” and “ogo guni bajao suni”. There were few Bengali version songs sung by Dhananjoy Bhattacharya based on the bollywood songs that were composed in films. Few of them include “shono go priyotama” which was based on Lata Mangeshkar’s epic song “ayega anewala” composed by Khemchand Prakash in the film Mahal. There were other songs like “sono sono kothati sono” based on the song “chori chori”. Dhananjoy Bhattacharya was sublime in songs based on somber mood like “bidae nite ki ele” and “kotodin dekha hoyni dujone”. His bass and classical elegance stands out in these evergreen songs.

Dhanonjoy Bhattacharya acted in Bengali films like Pasher Bari (which was remade in hindi with the title Parosan where Kishore Kumar played his role), nobo bidhan, etc. His brilliant songs in Bengali films included “jagannath swami gamanapathagami bhabatue” sung in the film Nilachole Mahaprobhu, composed by Raichand Boral, “jhir jhir jhir jhir jhir borosha” in the film Pasher Bari, composed by Salil Choudhury, “katharo aghate chinno paye rokto jhare” in Uttam Kumar’s film Sabar Upare, composed by Robin Chatterji, etc. He made major contribution in Uttam Kumar’s film Nabajanmo, Uttam Kumar’s film Shilpi, etc.

Besides, Dhanonjoy Bhattacharya had sung more than 200 shyama sangeet (devotional songs sung for Goddess Kali). Some of his legendary shyama sangeet included “e maya proponchomoy” in the Uttam Kumar’s film Share Chuattor, “gaya ganga prabashadi” in the film Rani Rashmoni, also major songs in the films Sadhok Bamakhepa and Joto Mot Tato Poth. His brother Pannalal Bhattacharya became a legend in the world of Shyama sangeet.

Dhanonjoy died in the early 1990s, after leaving a huge treasure of classical songs and still remains a king (samrat) in the minds of numerous music lovers in the country. His songs and works should be preserved and restored.