Happy birthday to Rekha.

Rekha in film Aastha.


Happy birthday to dashing star Rekha.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to dashing star Rekha on 10th October, 2011. She had dominated bollywood films of the 80s.

Being the daughter of Legendary South Indian actor Gemini Ganeshan on 10th October, 1954, Rekha created a separate place for herself in bollywood film industry. She was better known as Bhanurekha Ganeshan. In 1969 she acted opposite Biswajeet Chatterjee in the film Do Shikari. She got the her lead role as heroine opposite Navin Nischal in the film Sawan Bhado.

In the early 70s, Rekha had to fight for her place in the bollywood industry, at a time when Hema Malini, Asha Parekh, Sharmila Tagore were dominating the industry. But she acted in many landmark films during that period including Gora Aur Kala opposite Rajender Kumar, Rampur Ka Laxman opposite Randhir Kapoor, etc.

From the late 70s her films opposite megastar Big B changed her career. Most of the films ended up being super hit including Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr. Natwarlal, Suhaag, Silsila, etc. Rekha gradually developed her acting and became one of the most versatile actresses of the 80s. Rekha had acted opposite all the leading actors of the 80s namely Jeetender, Dharmender, Big B, Vinod Mehra, etc.

She received national award for her memorable performance in the role of a mujrewali in the film Umrao Jaan. She received filmfare award for best actress in her dashing role in the film Khoon Bhari Maang in 1988. She played landmark roles in off-beat films like Gulzar’s Ghar and Ijaazat, Shyam Benegal’s Kalyug, Govind Nihalini’s Vijeta, etc.

Even her films in the 90s like Kamasutra and in 2000 onwards in films like Lajja and Koi Mil Gaya, she showed her metal as a very talented actress. The viewers expect her to continue the brilliant work in character roles in future.

Happy birthday to Vinod Khanna.

Vinod Khanna.

Happy birthday to Vinod Khanna.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Vinod Khanna on 6th October 2011. He had remained a versatile actor and contributed in bollywood films from the 70s.

He started his career as an anti-hero. He played the role of a villain in the film Aan Milo Sajna, where Rajesh Khanna was the lead actor. He also acted in negative role in Shammi Kapoor’s film Jaane Anjane opposite Leena Chandravarkar. With the advent of action films in the mid-70s, Vinod Khanna became a dominating figure in bollywood films. Big B’s appearance in the film Zanjeer created a fair competition between Vinod Khanna and Big B.

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

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

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

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

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

Superstar June Malia had rocked Zee Bangla Mirakkel Program.

June Malia.


Superstar June Malia had rocked Zee Bangla Mirakkel Program.

Superstar June Malia had rocked Zee Bangla Mirakkel Program on 28th September, 2011. She was the guest judge in addition to the other judges Rajatavo Dutta, Srilekha Mitra and Paran Banerjee.
Mir Afsar Ali every week had taken the viewers to a new place , on 28th September, 2011, to Durgapur, in West Bengal.

June Malia had been successful actress of many noted Bengali films like Ek Mutho Chobi, Mondo Meyer Upakhyan, etc. Vicky and Partho was the best performer of the day. They played a skit with Partho being a curd seller of a village. Both the participants had amazed the viewers in the past and did the same on 28th September, 2011.

It was amazing that Raju Middya did not get the maximum votes. He created characters of Durgapuja and mentioned that Paran Banerjee became Lord Shiva, Rajatavo Dutta became Mohishashura, Srilekha Mitra became Goddess Durga, when the Gods themselves went to see the idols in Durgapuja in Kolkata. May be that Raju Middya had created such a high standard that always the judges had expected even more.

Pallabi Mukherjee again did well. She made a skit relating to contesting election. She imitated both Koel Mallick and Rachana Banerjee as usual and did a great job. Sajal created a skit relating to Nightguard and did a great job. June Malia even danced on the song of “awesome sala”. The program was anchored excellently by Mir Afsar Ali.

Happy birthday to Asha Parekh.

Asha Parekh.


Happy birthday to Asha Parekh.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Asha Parekh on 2nd October, 2011. She had been a dancing legend of the 60s. Bollywood industry is indebted to her for her brilliant performance in various films.

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

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

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

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

Asha Parekh had headed the Indian Censor Board for some time. As a member of the Board she did a great job in ensuring decency in the entertainment industry specifically films. The viewers expect her to continue the great work in character roles in the years to come.

Mahalaya and Mohishashur Mordini in All India Radio.

Srabanti Chatterjee in the role of Maa Durga on Mahalaya.


Mahalaya and Mohishashur Mordini in All India Radio.

For Bengalies the greatest festival of the year include Durga Puja. The flavor of the festival is set up by Mahalaya which occurs seven days before the occasion. Mohishahshur Mordini had not lost its appeal even after 60 years of its creation. It is played in All India Radio on the morning of every Mahalaya each year. In 2010 it was also played and it enchanted numerous bengalies all across the world.

The mantra in the entire play was uttered by Birendra Krishna Bhadra who became a living legend in the early 50s. He conducted all the important programs in All India Radio from Kolkata at a time when Television did not appear in India and Radio was the only medium of entertainment.

From Mahalaya the Petripaksha ends and Devipaksha begins. Hindus all over the world worship Goddess Durga and the occasion lies for four days including Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. On Dashami Goddess Durga is immersed in holy Ganges. Mahalay is the day when Hindus do tarpan in the Ganges to remember the ancestors who had died but were still attached with the next generation.

When Birendra Bhadra directed Mohishashur Mordini, the tale relating to Goddess Durga defeating the devil powers under the name of Mohishahur, Singer Pankaj Mallick and Bani Kumar also made notable contribution to bring in all the legendary singers of Bengal and made them sing significant songs.

For example Manobendra Mukherjee sang “tabo achinto”, Dijen Mukherjee sang “jago tumi jago”. The other singers included Supriti Ghosh, Suptrava Sarkar, Sandhya Mukherjee, Shaymal Mitra, Utpala Sen and others.

Birendra Bhadra was unparallel in the manner in which he pronounced the Sanskrit sloks, which could not be replicated and when Uttam Kumar that greatest superstar of Bengal tried to do it, he was criticized and All India Radio again displayed the Mohishashur Mordini directed by Birendra Bhadra. Even Hindus across India celebrate Navratri and Dussehra based on the success of God in defeating evil powers.

Even today Bengalies feel that it creates a Godly atmosphere and gives the feeling that Goddess Durga had really arrived on earth.

These days a lot of programs are held in television to depict mohishashur mordini in television. For example in Zee Bangla channel on 27th September, 2011, Srabanti Chatterjee is going to play the role of Maa Durga in the play Mahishashur Mordini. But the importance of mohishashur mordini in All India Radio cannot be replaced. It is a historical piece of creation and should be restored.

Happy birthday to Mehmood.

Mehmood.


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

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to legendary comedian Mehmood on 29th September, 2011. He was an indispensable actor during the 60s and 70s. He had acted in different types of roles ranging from serious ones in Choti Behen to villainish roles in Pyaasa and obviously serio-comic roles in Gumnaam. He was the other comedian other than Johnny Walker, who had given lips in majority of songs in landmark films. His combination with Subha Khote and Dhumaal, was as brilliant as the legendary pairs of Dharmender Hema Malini or Shashi Kapoor Nanda.

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

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

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

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

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

Anne Hathaway and Hollywood films.

Anne Hathaway.


Anne Hathaway and Hollywood films.

Anne Hathaway had emerged as one of the leading actresses of Hollywood films in the last 10 years. Born on 12th November, 1982, she came to limelight by acting in Television show titled Get Real.

She became very popular by acting in the role of Mia Thermapolis in the Princess Diaries in 2001. In 2004, her performance in the role Ella Enchanted really enchanted viewers from different parts of the world. In 2005, she stormed bollywood with her performances in the films Havoc and Brokeback Mountain.

In 2008, she received nomination for Academy award for best actress for her performance in the film Rachel Getting Married. Although she did not get the award, both the masses and critics appreciated her brilliant performance in the film.

2010 had been a very eventful year for her. She acted in the films Valentine’s Day, Alice in Wonderland and Love and Other Drugs. All these films did excellent business. In 2011, she is acting in the film The Dark Knight Rises. In Rachel getting married she acted opposite Debra Winger. Her performance was as brilliant as that of Debra Winger.

She had acted in other films like One Day, Glee, Passengers, etc. She had used her acting skills in addition to her screen presence in sustaining in Hollywood films amongst other talented actresses. The viewers expect her to continue to do great work and explore herself in future.

Happy birthday to melody-queen Lata Mangeshkar.

Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mehmood, Shankar Jaikishan.

Happy birthday to melody-queen Lata Mangeshkar.

The listeners of music in India and abroad wish happy birthday to Lata Mangeshkar, the melody queen on 27th September, 2011. She had remained a sensation even in her 80s.

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

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

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

Lata Mangeshkar sung songs in more than 15 regional languages including Marathi, Bengali and others. She played a very significant role in Bengali film industry in the world of playback singing. Some of her hit songs included “jago” in Raj Kapoor’s film Ekdin Ratre, composed by Salil Choudhury, “aaj mon cheyeche ami hariye jabo” composed by Sudhin Dasgupta in Uttam Kumar’s film Shankhabela, to name a few.
Goddess Saraswati was very kind to the nightingale of India, Lataji, and that was the reason the sweetness of her voice remained intact for the last 60 years. Articles after articles can be written about the musical genius.
Singers of the present age consider Lataji as their idol and try to emulate her style. Even reputed singers like Sonu Nigam feel privileged to get his son record his son at such tender age with evergreen legend Lata Mangeshkar.

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

Superstar Rachana Banerjee called Lovely Moitra, Priyal Pal and other celebrities in Didi No. 1.

Rachana Banerjee, Didi No.1.

Bengali Superstar Rachana Banerjee called celebrities in Didi No. 1 in Zee Bangla held on 23rd September, 2011. They included Lovely Moitra, Priya Pal, Payel Rai, Ritabhori Chakravarty and Antara Nandi.

All of them are Bengali celebrities who had graced the Bengali small screen and silver screen. They have acted in different TV serials and are known popularly by many viewers all across the country. In the first round they were asked to eat Panipuri or Phujka. The contestant who ate maximum number of them got more points.

In the second round which is the musical round Rachana Banerjee asked their musical questions and brought a singer to ask them questions relating to songs. Rachana Banerjee asked the celebrities about their affairs with people in the industry. Most of the celebrities declined to answer as they are personal in nature. The singer sang Salman Khan’s song “dhinka chika dhinka chika” at the end.

In the third the participants had to act out characters. One of the participants acted out the film name Taare Zameen Par. The fourth and fifth rounds were related to puzzles on gift items. The poetry related to the gift items had to be identified by the celebrities. The program was very entertaining. Rachana Banerjee anchored the program with wit and style.

Noted actor Bibhu Bhattacharya passed away.

Bibhu Bhattacharya in Gorosthan Sabdhan with Sabyasachi Chakravarty.


Noted actor Bibhu Bhattacharya passed away on 22nd September, 2011. He had been popularly known for his excellent performance in Sandip Ray’s films based on Feluda Series. Bibhu Bhattacharya played the role of Lalmohan Ganguly who was popularly known as Jatayu.

He had died when three of his latest films Royal Bengal Rahasya, Bhuter Bhabisyat and Aalo Chaya had remained unreleased. He had remained a celebrated star of the films Tintoretor Jishu, Bombaiyer Bombete, Gorosthane Sabdhan and Kailashe Kalenkari. All these films were based on the detective stories of Satyajit Ray. He created a great understanding with Sabyasachi Chakravarty as Feluda, and Parambrata Chatterjee as Topse.

Bibhu Bhattacharya became a star in Bengali films from the childhood itself. He played the role of Dhruba in the film Dhruba released in 1953. From that time he acted in many classic Bengali films of the 50s including Rani Rashmoni, Prashna, Bakul, Nababidhan, Ladies Seat, Pudrabadhu and other films. He was liked by the entire Bengali film industry including Uttam Kumar, Chabi Biswas, Malina Debi and many other stalwarts of the golden age.

Viewers are absolutely dejected to know the news of death of Bibhu Bhattacharya who will always live in the hearts of numerous Bengali film lovers as Jatayu.

Happy birthday to Dev Anand.

Dev Anand, Joy Mukherjee, Nasir Hussain, Shammi Kapoor.


Happy birthday to Dev Anand.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to evergreen star Dev Anand on 26th September, 2011. Along with Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar he was one of the most popular stars of bollywood films of the 50s and 60s.

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

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

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

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

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

The nation remembers style icon Feroz Khan on his birthday.

Feroz Khan.


The nation remembers style icon Feroz Khan on his birthday.

The nation remembers Feroz Khan on his birthday on 25th September, 2011. He had died in 2009, two years back and the nation had missed the style icon very badly. Feroz Khan started his career with romantic films.

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

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

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

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

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

Feroz Khan maintained his body for more than 30 years and that was the reason who could act opposite three generation of actresses, including Sadhna in Aarzoo in 1965, to Hema Malini in Dharmatma in 1975, to Sri Devi in Jaanbaaz in 1985.

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

Happy birthday to Shabana Azmi.

Shabana Azmi.


Happy birthday to Shabana Azmi.

Versatile actress Shabana Azmi was remembered on her 61st birthday on 18th September, 2011. Many actresses spoke about her. Nandita Das had said that she had started her career with Fire opposite Shabana Azmi. She had great experience of working with the great actress. She acted with Shabana Azmi in a play named Diary of Anne Frank which was hosted in Kolkata, Bangalore and New Delhi. Director Mahesh Bhatt also said that his career also took a turn after Shabana Azmi acted in his film Arth.

Shabana Azmi gave an interview in Times of India on her birthday in 18th September, 2010, one year back. She commented on many things. She said that in theatre acting there is scope of underacting, as the viewers at the backseat may not recognize lack of expression, but in films that is not possible. For her film acting was a greater challenge.

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

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

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

Pyarellal had rocked Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs Program.

Laxmikant Pyarellal.


Pyarellal had rocked Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs Program.

The child contestants of Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs Program got a scope of interacting with legend of legends composer Pyarellal on 17th September, 2011. He had come with composer Ram Sampat. He appreciated Niladri Chatterjee’s song “pucho na kaise maine rain mitayi”. The song was sung by legendary Manna Dey and composed by SD Burman in the film Meri Surat Teri Ankhen. Pyarellalji told the story that he played the violin in that song during the recording and Manna Dey finished the song in one take. He appreciated Niladri Chatterjee about the manner in which he took the tarana at the end of the song. Ram Sampat did not like Niladri’s other song from Chillar Party and said the lyrics were not clear. Niladri started crying and Adnan Sami consoled him.

When Salman Ali sang the song “chahunga mai tujhe saanjh sawere”, Pyarellal commented that he did not sing the song in the scale in which Mohammad Rafi song. So the song lost its beauty. He said that the song was originally being composed by LP for Lataji, but Majrooh Sultanpuri insisted about being sung by Mohammad Rafi in the film Dosti. The rest was history. LP received their first filmfare award for the song in 1964. Javed Ali showed Salman Ali how the song should have been sung. Kailash Kher commented that it was not right to find too many faults in the song of Salman Ali as the children were too young to take up difficult songs, that too sung by Legend of legends Mohammad Rafi. But Pyarellalji said that whenever he and Laxmikantji composed a song they did it on a particular scale and insited the singer whether Rafi, or Lata, or Manna Dey to sing in that scale.

Azmat Hussain sang LP’s song “ek haseena thi” from the film Karz. Adnan Sami came up on the stage and played the piano for the same tune excellently. Pyarellalji was mesmerized at the performance. Nitin Kumar sang LP’s song “badra hai” from the film Aya Sawan Jhumke which was originally sung by Mohammad Rafi. Pyarellalji appreciated his performance too. All the gurus including Alka Yagnik said that in front of Pyarellalji she felt shy if people called her Mahaguru. Whatever she had achieved till now was due to Laxmikantji and Pyarellalji. The program was excellently anchored by Jay Soni.

Rimsha Deb ended her journey in Zee TV Saregamapa Little champs before Ramdev Baba

Swami Ramdevji.


Rimsha Deb ended her journey in Zee TV Saregamapa before Ramdev Baba.

The master of Yoga and Ayurveda Ramdev Baba was the star attraction of Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs Program held in Zee TV on 16th September, 2011. Ramdev Baba had been teaching different forms of yoga to millions of people all across the world and cured numerous diseases of many people.

Due to his presence the theme of the songs in the program was Bhakti Ras. At the beginning the 5 child participants Rimsha Deb, Niladri Chatterjee, Azmat Hussain, Salman Ali and Nitin Kumar sung songs relating to Ganesh Puja. Rimsha Deb sang the song “tum asha” which was actually sung by Lata Mangeshkar and composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar. Alka Yagnik said that the rendition should have been little more soft considering it was a bhajan.

Niladri Chatterjee sang the song “aisi laagi lagan” which was originally sung by Bhajan king Anup Jalota. He sung the song with such brilliance providing each and every taan and harkat that Baba Ramdev came to the stage and sung the song himself. Alka Yagnik said if somebody had kajal she would have put it in the head of Niladri Chatterjee so that nazar na lag jay. Ramdev Baba said that those who get blessings of elders they never suffer from nazar. Swami Ramdevji said Anup Jalota had sung the song in his own way and brilliantly. But Niladri’s performance could not be compared with anyone. Swami Ramdev taught Niladri few yoga of the stomach and asked him to do it so that his obesity disappears. He is fat and other children make a mockery of that. Javed Ali said that Niladri Chatterjee had the touch of great Manna Dey Sahab and said he did a great job. Adnan Sami being his guru, appreciated his effort. Kailash Kher also congratulated him.

Azmat Hussain sang the song “jai mata di” from the film Aasha, which was originally sung by Mohammad Rafi and N. Chanchal and composed by Laxmikant Pyarellal. Azmat sang excellently. Swami Ramdevji said that Azmat should do the yoga relating to deep breadth and it can cure stammering of voice. He notice that Azmat never stammered during singing but stammered during speaking. Adnan Sami said that his pronunciation was better on that day. Nitin Kumar and Salman Ali sang their bhajans excellently and Swami Ramdevji said that they had brought down the barriers of religions. All the child contestants had made India famous and spread brotherhood feeling amongst every Indian.

Rimsha Deb was eliminated at the end of the show when anchor Jay Soni read out the report card. She cried a lot. But the viewers will remember her effortless performances in difficult songs like “lag ja gale”, “tum asha”, etc. Swami Ramdev had really rocked the show.

Happy birthday to Kareena Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Kareena Kapoor.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Kareena Kapoor on 21st September, 2011. She had been the number star of bollywood films and carried forward the grand legacy created by Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor forward.

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

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

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

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

2011 had been a lucky year for Kareena Kapoor. Her film Bodyguard opposite Salman Khan had done business more than 120 crores and emerged as the greatest blockbuster of the year. She is looking forward to her next film Raone with Shahrukh Khan which is also going to be released this year only.

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

Happy birthday to Kavita Seth.

Happy birthday to Kavita Seth.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to successful singer Kavita Seth on 14th September, 2011. She is famous for her Karwaan group, which had produced a huge number of sufi songs till date.

She had done post graduation in music (sangeet alankar) from Gandharva Mahavidyalay in New Delhi. She learned Hindustani classical music from ND Sharma of Gwalior gharana, Vinod from Gandharva Mahavidyalay and Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan of Delhi gharana.

As far as her bollywood playback career was concerned it started with the film Vaada in 2005, where her song “zindagi ko maula” became successful. In Anurag Basu’s Gangster in 2006 her song “mujhe mat roko” was became very popular. She stormed bollywood with the song “iktara” in Wake Up Sid. The song was composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and the film became super hit. Kavita Seth received filmfare award for best female playback singer in 2010 for the song “iktara”.

From that time she never looked back. In 2009, she composed music for the film Yeh Mera India. Her song “mora piya” in the film Rajneeti released in 2010 was extremely popular.

Kavita Seth had performed in many international concerts and had been one of the most talented sufi singers the country had produced till now. The viewers expect her to continue the brilliant work and sing brilliant songs in future.

Happy birthday to Mahima Choudhury.

Mahima Choudhury

Happy birthday to Mahima Choudhury.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Mahima Choudhury on 13^th September, 2011. She had been a big asset of bollywood films in the 90s.

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

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

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

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

She had featured in less number of films in the recent past. The viewers expect her that her next film Pusher that was started in 2010 is going to do well in future.

Jaikishan had been remembered on his death anniversary.

Indira Gandhi Shankar Jaikishan.

Jaikishan was remembered on his death anniversary on 12th September, 2011. He had left the world in 1971, and the great combination of Shankar Jaikishan got effected due to his death. The country remembered the great musical duo. At the same their combination with Shailendra and Rafi require special mention.
Poet and lyricist Shailendra had glorified the world of bollywood music with his romantic words. He had tremendous combination with legendary composer Shankar Jaikishan. Both of them in turn had magical relationship with immortal singer Mohammad Rafi.

The magic combination came together in the film Boot Polish with the song “nanhe munne bacche tere mutthi me kya hai” which had become immortal over the years. In the film Shikast, the combination came together in the song “gham me jal raha hai”.

In the mid-50s, all of them Shailendra, SJ and Rafi became superstars and icons in their individual departments. SJ composed excellent song with the words of Shailendra sung by Rafi,Mukesh and Lata in Raj Kapoor’s film Shree 420 titled “ramaiya vasta maaiya”. In 1955 the film ended up being blockbuster. In Seema, the song “kahan jaraha tu” stands out. Manna Dey’s song “tu pyar ka sagar hai” was also a masterpiece.

Rafi made the audience spellbound with the song “duniya na bhaye mohe” in the film Basant Bahar. Shailendra and SJ were brilliant as ever. Rafi’s song “mai rickshawala” in the film Choti Behen had realistic andaz. In Dev Anand’s Love Marriage, Rafi’s songs “kaha ja rahe the” had romantic andaz. In Shararat, the combination got together with the song “ajab hai dastan” which was very melodious.

The same soft romantic Shailendra with SJ and Rafi changed their gears in aggressive songs of Shammi Kapoor in the film Junglee with the songs “yahoo, chahe koi mujhe jungle kahe”, “ayi ayi ya suku suku”, etc. The combination made the audience spellbound in Rajender Kumar’s film Sasural with the song “ek sawal mai karoon.”

In Shammi Kapoor’s song “dil tera diwana” in the film Dil Tera Diwana, really the song balanced the lightning and rain. The combination continued in Shammi Kapoor’s film Professor with the songs “mai chali mai chali”, “khuli palak me” etc. The same combination brought tears in the eyes of the audience in Rajender Kumar’s film Dil Ek Mandir with the song “yaad na jaye”.

The magic combination continued together in the blockbusters of the mid 60s, including Biswajeet’s April Fool in 1964, Shammi Kapoor’s Janwar and Rajkumar in 1965, Rajender Kumar’s Humrahi in 1963, Ayee Milan Ki Bela in 1964, Aarzoo in 1965, Suraj in 1966, Joy Mukherjee’s Love in Tokyo in 1966, Dev Anand’s Pyar Muhobbat in 1966, Uttam Kumar’s Choti Si Mulakat in 1968, to name a few.

The unfortunate death of Shailendra in 1966 ended the marathon that was played by Rafi and SJ with the immortal lyricist for more than 20 years. His lyrics were used in films that were released later after his death in films like Shammi Kapoor’s Bhramchari, Rajender Kumar’s Jhuk Gaya Aasman and Dharti, Jeetender’s Mere Huzoor, to name a few.

Articles after articles can be devoted to the genius Shailendra, Shankar Jaikishan and Rafi who had produced only gems after gems during the golden age of Indian music. They had made the audience laugh, smile, cry and repent with the words, tunes and rendition of voices. The songs and the films should be preserved.

Sonam Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor rocked Zee TV Saregamapa Little Champs Program.

Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor.


Sonam Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor rocked Zee Saregamapa Little Champs Program.

Actor Shahid Kapoor, the son of actor Pankaj Kapoor, and Sonam Kapoor, the daughter of superstar Anil Kapoor, had rocked Saregamapa Little Champs Program on 9th September, 2011. Both of them came for the promotion of their new film Mausam, which is going to be released in September only. Very significantly the film had been directed by Pankaj Kapoor.

Shahid Kapoor said very valuable things, that if he could achieve even 5% of what Pankaj Kapoor had achieved as an actor, he would feel privileged. While Shahid Kapoor talked about the serious effort given in the film, Sonam Kapoor, said she also had a great experience of working with Pankaj Kapoor.

Zee Saregamapa Little Champs provided a surprise by showing clipping of Javed Ali’s singing at the age of 11 years. Javed Ali’s father and mother came in the program and glorified the program. His mother said that Javed Ali did not even have the money to have tiffin in school, but continued his classical riyaz for which he had reached the destination, being a celebrity. Rimsha Deb sang a song from film Saawariya and also sang the song “saas gaali dewe” from the film Dilli 6, which was composed by AR Rehman and sung by Rekha Bhardwaj. Rimsha Deb’s father danced in the crowd in a typical manner and Shahid Kapoor called him up to dance in the floor.

Niladri Chatterjee sang the song “na hai jo paana” from the film Jab We Met, which was composed by Pritam and sung by Mohit Chauhan. Alka Yagnik told him that he did a “dudanto” job, meaning excellent singing in the Bengali language. Azmat Hussain sang the song “nagara nagara nagara baja” from the film Jab We Met which was originally sung by Javed Ali. Shahid Kapoor showed some brilliant steps to the child participants which he did in those songs.

Nitin Kumar and Salman Ali sang their songs excellently. At the end Nitin Kumar was eliminated but Alka Yagnik used her veto power to call him back and retain him. Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, spoke very well in the program.

Happy birthday to Asha Bhosle.

Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi, OP Nayyar.


Happy birthday to Asha Bhosle.

The viewers of bollywood films and listeners of music all across the country wish happy birthday to Asha Bhosle on 8th September, 2011. She had remained a legend of legends in the field of music. She came to limelight in the 70s and 80s and ended up being the most successful female playback singer after Lata Mangeshkar.

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

In the 60s, OP Nayyar backed Asha Bhosle, and her duets with Rafi in films like Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon released in 1963, Ek Musafir Ek Haseena released in 1962, Mere Sanam released in 1965, Kashmir Ki Kali in 1964, are considered milestones in Indian film music. Her famous duets with Rafi include “naznee bara rangeen hai wada”, “mai pyar ka rahi hoon”, “isharon isharon”, “diwana hua badal”, “bahut shukriya”, “zulf ki chayon me chehere ka ujala lekar”, etc. Few other composers only reposed their confidence on Asha like Khayyam who made her sing memorable songs in Raj Kapoor’s film Phir Subah Hogi, released in 1958. Ravi had given songs to Asha Bhosle in films like Waqt, Humraaz, Gumraah, etc. Some of her notable songs in those films include “in baharon me in fizayon me”, “wo subah kabhi to ayegi”, etc. Roshanlal Nagrath’s famous qawalli “na to karwaki talaash hai” in Barsaat Ki Raat in 1960 featured Mohammad Rafi, Manna Dey, Asha Bhosle and Sudha Malhotra. Shankar Jaikishan used Asha Bhosle in Rajender Kumar Vaijayantimala starrer Suraj, notably in the song “kaise samjhayun” which was a classical duet song between Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle. The list can go on.

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

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

Happy birthday to Rakesh Roshan.

Rakesh Roshan, Aapke Deewane.

Happy birthday to Rakesh Roshan.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Rakesh Roshan on 6^th September, 2011. He had remained one of the most successful producer and director in the last 10 years. Being born in a prestigious family and the son of legendary composer Roshanlal Nagrath, Rakesh Roshan had to prove a lot when he started his career as an actor in the early 70s.

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

The combination of Rakesh Roshan and Rishi Kapoor gave super hit films like Khel Khel Me, Aap Ke Diwane, Yeh Wada Raha, etc. While Khel Khel Me was a suspense thriller, Aap Ke Deewane was a romantic film, where both Rakesh Roshan and Rihi Kapoor proved their worth. The music of Rajesh Roshan in the film Aap Ke Deewane was worth mentioning. The title song “aapke diwane hai”, and "tumko khush dekhkar mai bahut khush hua" sung by Rafi and Kishore became super hit in the late 70s. All the songs of the film became super hit. Rakesh Roshan even acted in middle-budget films like Kamchor with Jaya Prada. In those films also the music played a role with hit songs like “yogi ha yagi haat me tera likkha hai” sung by Kishore Kumar.

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

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

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

Happy birthday to Rishi Kapoor.

Rishi Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Rishi Kapoor.


The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Rishi Kapoor on 4th September 2011. He had remained one of the most romantic actors that bollywood had ever produced.

He started his career as a child artist in Raj Kapoor’s film Mera Naam Joker in 1971. He stormed bollywood films with his romantic performance in the film Bobby in 1973. The film did great business and Rishi Kapoor received the filmfare award for the best actor for his performance in Bobby. Raj Kapoor as producer and director started a new innings with a new team of Laxmikant Pyarellal as against Shankar Jaikishan after the death of Jaikishan in 1971. LP had huge contribution in the music of the films of Rishi Kapoor for the next ten years.

From that time onwards Rishi Kapoor remained one the most romantic actors in bollywood films. His films Amar Akbar Anthony in 1977, Laila Majnu in 1976 and Sargam in 1978 were the greatest musical blockbusters of the 70s. The songs composed by Laxmikant Pyarellal, Jaidev and Madanmohan in these films became everlasting hits. The notable songs of Rafi and Lata in this film included “koel boli”, “parda hai parda”, “dafliwale”, “barbad muhobbat ki dua”, “is reshmi pazeeb”, to name a few. LP received the filmfare award for the best composer for 3 Rishi Kapoor’s films namely Amar Akbar Anthony, Sargam and Karz from 1978 to 1980.

Rishi Kapoor’s extraordinary capability of giving lips in these songs separated him from other actors of that era. His films Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai, Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahi and Karz created history. He showed his dancing skills in every type of songs of Rafi and Kishore including “hai aga dushman zamana”, “bacchna aye haseeno”, “dard –e- dil”, “om shanty om”, “puchona yaar kya hua”, to name a few. RD Burman and Laxmikant Pyarellal probably gave their best music to Rishi Kapoor in the 70s and 80s.

In the 80s, Rishi Kapoor’s films Duniya, Sitamgar, Saagar, Chandni, Cooli, Naseeb, did fantastic business. He got the opportunity of acting opposite stalwarts in the industry namely Dilip Kumar in Duniya, Dharmender in Sitamgar, Kamal Hassan in Saagar, to name a few. In fact due to presence of Rishi Kapoor, producers and directors created romantic stories during an era when Big B, Vinod Khanna, Shatrughun Sinha dominated bollywood with action films. Even in the 90s, Rishi Kapoor’s films Bol Radha Bol, Damini, etc., were appreciated by the audience. He was successful opposite young actresses like Juhi Chawla, Meenakshi Sheshadri, who were one generation younger than him. He had great contribution in the films of eminent directors like Yash Chopra, Manmohan Desai, Subhash Ghai, Ramesh Sippy, David Dhawan, and others.

After the debut of his son Ranbir Kapoor in the film Sawaariya, Rishi Kapoor switched to character roles. In 2009 also Rishi Kapoor did well in films like Dilli 6, Pyar Me Twist, Luck By Chance. He received Star Screen award for the best supporting actor in 2010 for his performance in the film Love Aaj Kal. In 2010 he acted in the films Chintuji and Sadiyaan.

The viewers expect him to continue the high standard of acting in the years to come and continue the legacy created by Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor.

Remembering Salil Choudhury.

Salil Choudhury.

Remembering Salil Choudhury.

Salil Choudhury, noted scholar, poet, composer and literary giant was remembered on his death anniversary on 5th September, 2011. He was also remembered on his birthday on 19th November, 2010. As he was a versatile scholar, his scholarly attributes were reflected in his creations. He was both the lyricist and the composer and numerous songs sung by legendary singers over 50 years.

His creation “ami parini bujhite parini” and “tumi jaante” for Manobendra Mukherjee were created with two different andaz, one having classical orientation while the other having westernized treatment. His creation “jhanana jhanana baje” and “antabihin oi andharater shesh” for Dhanonjoy Bhattacharya showed his class in handling classical singers.

On the other hand his strength in folk songs were evident in his song “sunayoni sunayoni” sung by Nirmalendu Choudhury and Sabita Choudhury. Nirmalendu became famous all across the world with his folk numbers. Salil Choudhury hugely experimented with Shymal Mitra in songs like “jadi kichu amare shudhao”, “aha oi ankabanka poth jai shudure”, “dur nai beshi dur oi”, “ja jare ja ja pakhi”, to name a few. In “jadi kichu amare shudhao”, Salil Choudhury’s orchestration was unique, half of the song was blank verse while the other half had musical treatment.

Salil Choudhury created a gem with the song “nil nil pakhi” for Sandhya Mukherjee. Besides, bengal’s literary community were astonished with Salil Choudhury conversion of famous poetry “ujjal ek jhak paira” sung by Sandhya Mukherjee into song. The poet’s feelings were translated into musical tune by sheer brilliance of Salil Choudhury. Other examples of converting legendary poems into songs include “runner” written by Shukanto Bhattacharya and “palki chole” written by Satyendranath Dutta which were sung by Hemanta Mukherjee which both became history. In “runner” the march of the postman on foot from remote corners of village was given adequate expression by Salil Choudhury.

Salil Choudhury’s national fame allowed him to do numerous experiments with bollywood singers like Mukesh and Lata. Articles after articles can be devoted to Lata Salil Choudhury creations in Bengali. Mukesh also sung hit song “jhum jhum pakshi nachona” composed by Salil Choudhury.

Salil Choudury created his masterpieces in Bengali films as well like Shyamal Mitra’s song “onek ghuriya sheshe” in Hrithik Ghatak’s film Bari Theke Paliye, Nirmalendu Choudhury’s song “sojoni o sojoni” and Manna Dey’s “uthali pathali amar buuk” in Rajen Tarafdar’s film Ganga. Besides his song “he bhai re bhai” and “baje go beena” sung by Manna Dey in the film Marjina Abdulla made the listeners speechless. Even Lata’s song “bujhbe na keu bujhbena” was equally popular.

Bimal Roy’s film Do Bigha Zameen was based on Salil Choudhury’s literature. His music in the films Do Bigha Zameen, Madhumati, Musafir, Parakh, Jagte Raho, Anand, Maya, Rajnigandha, etc., stand out as landmarks in Indian film history. He received filmfare award for brilliant performance in the film Madhumati. All the songs in the film including Lata’s “aja re”, “ghari ghari”, Rafi’s “tute hue khwabonme”, “jangal me mor nacha”, Mukesh’s “dil tarap tarap ke”, “suhana safar aur mausam hasin” touched the souls of numerous Indians in the late 50s.

Other notable songs of Salil Choudhury in bollywood films include “tasveer teri dil me” from Maya, “zindagi kaisi hai paheli hai”, “kahin dur jab din dhal jaye” from Anand, “rajnigandha” from Rajnigandha, “jago mohan pyare” from Jagte Raho, to name a few.

Bengal and India was as a whole was indebted to a maestro like Salil Choudhury and several researches can be undertaken for finding out the history behind his creations. One article is not enough to reiterate the immortal works of the giant creator. The creations should be preserved and restored.

Uttam Kumar was remembered on his birth anniversary.

Uttam Kumar Stamp.

Uttam Kumar was remembered on his birth anniversary.

The nation remembers Uttam Kumar, one of the greatest superstars of Indian celluloid on his birth anniversary on 3rd September, 2011. This is going to be his 85th 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. Mamta Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal had also provided support to revive the Uttam Mancha and take care of Shilpi Sangsad, an organization created by Mahanayak Uttam Kumar to help the needy actors, actresses, technicians, etc.

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.

Happy birthday to Pyarellal.

Laxmikant Pyarellal

Happy birthday to Pyarellal.

The viewers of bollywood films and listeners of bollywood music wish happy birthday to Pyarellal Ramprasad Sharma on 3rd September, 2011.
When Laxmikant Pyarellal made their debut with the film Parasmani in 1963, they had the hard task matching the great composers of the golden age. Already the film industry has created its own unique standard due to the sheer brilliance of Musical Giants like Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, Madanmohan, Roshan, Khayyam, Salil Chowdhury and many others and the versatile performance of Mohammad Rafi for over 15 years.
Laxmikant Pyarellal the legendary musical duo included Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar (1937-1998) and Pyarellal Ramprasad Sharma (born in 1940). Laxmikant was quite impressed with Mandolin and learnt to play it by his own. He used to play mandolin in street functions. Pyarellal was the son of renouned trumpeter Pandit Ramprasad Sharma and his specialisation was violin. Laxmikant and Pyarelal met at Sureel Kala Kendra, a music academy for children, run by the Mangeshkar family. After Lata Mangeshkar came to know about their financially poor backgrounds, Lata recommended their names to different music directors in the film industry. Both of them started their career with the film Parasmani (1963). Two songs of Mohammad Rafi “Woh Jab Yaad Aye, bahut yaad aye” and “Roushan tumhi se duniya” brought fame for the musical duo. Laxmikant was fond of the orchestration of Shankar Jaikishan to such an extent that some of their earlier tunes were similar to a huge number of Shankar’s compositions.

In the film Dosti, released in 1964, Laxmikant Pyarellal got inspired by a very extraordinary standard of musical performance by Bengali music Director Robin Chatterji who composed music for the Bengali films Lalu Bhulu “ei pranjhorona jaglo“, 1958. The story depicted a blind boy and a his friend who did not have one leg. In the bengali film all the songs were sung by Manobendra Mukherjee who was a genius in hindustani classicals and has rich collection of Bengali modern songs, Kirtan, Nazrulgeeti and Bhaktigeeti. The notable songs include “Dukkho amar shesh kore dao probhu“,”Jar hiya akasher neel nilimaye“,”Ei pranjholona jaglo“.The striking part of the film was that no conventional hero or herione were depicted in the story, as the tragic story of the two handicapped friends was the central attraction.
Laxmikant Pyarellal had a huge challenge to match the music of the bengali film and create the same standard of excellence. Both Laxmikant Pyarellal and Majrooh Sultanpuri sat together to compose the songs. The result was history. Rafi’s song “Chahunga mai tujhe saanj sawere“, “Mera to joh bhi kadam hai“, “rahi manwa dukh ki chinta kyun satati hai“, “janewalon zara” brought tears in the pandemonium hall. Rafi was so impressed with the compositions of Laxmikant Pyarellal that he had taken just one rupee for singing the song because it was the custom of a singer to take something in return for a professional song. The film became a huge success. Laxmikant Pyarellal won the filmfare award in 1964 for composing best music in a year when Shankar Jaikishan has composed songs for Sangam, 1964, Naushad had composed songs for Leader, 1964, Madan Mohan had composed songs for Woh Kaun thi, 1964.

From that time, Laxmikant Pyarellal never looked back and their everlasting bond with Rafi just grew with time. Their similarity with Shankar-Jaikishan is evident in the composition of the songs “woh hai zara khafa khafa” in the film Shagird, 1967 picturised on Joy Mukherjee and “Nazar na lag jaye” in the film Night In London, picturised on Biswajeet, 1967. These compositions had led to Shankar Jaikishan transforming their own style as people started getting mixed up with their compositions.
But one factor was unique. The amount of affection Shankar Jaikshan had for Mohammad Rafi, the same passion was carried on by Laxmikant Pyarellal till Rafi’s death in 1980 as his last song in the film Aas Paas , 1980, was composed by Laxmikant Pyarellal. Dharmender and Jeetender had different story lines in the films of late 1960s and early 70s, but one thing was common. both had some of the extraordinary songs of Mohammad Rafi composed by Laxmikant Pyarellal. Examples can be “Hui sham unka khayal agaya” from the film Mere Humdum Mere Dost, 1968, “Baar Baar Din Ye Aye” from the film Farz, 1967. Besides LP pair had provided tunes sungs by Mohammad Rafi in the films of Jeetender namely Jigri Dost, Banphool, Humjoli and the hits of Dharmender namely Aya Sawan Jhumke, Jeevan Mrityu, Izzat, etc.

And after the death of Jaikishan in 1971, Raj Kappor engaged Laxmikant Pyarellal for his films starting with Bobby in 1973. The song “hum tum ek kamre me bandh hai” had the same effect with the accordian as Shankar Jaikishan used to have in RK films. That led to LP pair ruling the film industry in the 1970s when most of the legendary music directors died and his only rivals included RD Burman and Kalyanji Anandji. In a very action pact scenario when the films of Amitabh Bacchan, Vinod Khanna had more concentration towards violence, LP pair created soft songs for Rishi Kapoor. Rafi’s songs “Dafli wale“, “Ramjiki nikli sawari” in the film Sargam, 1978 and “Parda hai Parda“, “Shirdiwali Saibaba” in Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977 and “Darde dil” in the film Karz, 1979, had brought filmfare awards for Laxmikant Pyarellal one after the other. He had tremendous combination with Rishi Kapoor and Mohammad Rafi and balanced romantic songs with the popular taste of film music. As they survived for the longest period of time, substantial number of Rafi’s songs are composed by them. So the creations of LP involving Rafi should be preserved in the archives where Rafi’s other songs are restored.