Happy birthday to Anupam Kher.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Anupam Kher on 7th March, 2013. He had been indispensable during the 80s and 90s and contributed both in commercial films and parallel cinema. In 2010, he acted in his brilliant style in Salman Khan’s super hit film Dabaang. He initially attracted the attention of critics by performing well in the film Surhansh. He played the role of an old person who had served the nation but was neglected after retirement. At that time he got the offer of playing the role old persons one after the other at a young age. His performance in the films Daddy, Janam, etc., were well appreciated by the thoughtful viewers. But the film that had made him a star was Karma. The film Karma directed by Subhash Ghai was released in 1985 and after that Anupam Kher never looked back. Anupam Kher acted opposite Dilip Kumar in Subhash Ghai’s multi-starrer venture Karma. He played the role of a terrorist leader named Dr. Dang. He was arrested by Dilip Kumar, but his men blew up the prison and released him. He then took revenge by killing the family members of Dilip Kumar. Dilip Kumar created an army full of prisoners who were suffering life sentences including Anil Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah and Jackie Shroff. He fought against the men of Anupam Kher and addressed terrorism with style. From that time onwards, commercial directors started casting Anupam Kher either in villainous roles or comedy roles. He successfully acted in comedy roles in the film Ram Lakhan, as the father of Madhuri Dixit, Jamai Raja as the brother of Hema Malini, Khel, as the partner of Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit. He received the maximum number of filmfare awards for comedy performance in the history of bollywood cinema. He showed his comedy instincts also in the film Apna Sapna Money Money opposite Ritesh Deshmukh. Apart from relief characters, Anupam Kher acted in serious films and his performance was very natural over there. His performance in the film Kahona Pyar Hai, in the role of the father of Amisha Patel was very impressive. He sent killers to murder Hrithik Roshan, yet he concealed his own involvement in the plan to his daughter in style. He did very well in the film A Wednesday opposite Naseeruddin Shah. His performance in the film 1942 a love story, in the role of the father of Manisha Koirala also require special mention. He received best supporting actor Star Screen Award for the performance in the film. He also received Padmashri in 1994. His performance in the film China Gate, Khosla Ka Ghoshla, Akhree Rasta, requires special mention. He had acted in more than 450 films in a span of 25 years. In that respect no other actor other than Amrish Puri, Kader Khan and Paresh Rawal, had such a huge contribution in bollywood films like Anupam Kher. He was very impressive in 2009 in the films God Tussi Great Ho, where he played the role of the father of Salman Khan, A Wednesday, etc. Still critics feel that had he not got typecast in comedy roles, he was more versatile and could have contributed more in serious roles. In 2013, Anupam Kher had acted in the films Special 26, Chasme Badoor and Yamla Pagla Dewaana 2. The viewers expect him to continue the good work in 2013 and in the years to come.

Zee Mirakkel 7 Program started again in Zee Bangla Channel.

Zee Mirakkel 7 Program started again in Zee Bangla Channel. One of the most popular programs of Zee Bangla Channel, that Zee Bangla Mirakkel Program 7 had started again on 25th February, 2013. It started yesterday. Mir Afsar Ali had remained the anchor again. The same judges Rajatavo Dutta, Srilekha Mitra and Paran Banerjee are the judges again. The program was ended with the performances of the mentors who depicted characters of Satyajit Ray’s Hirak Rajar Deshe. The same mentors again played the characters of Hirak Rajar Deshe on the opening day of Mirakkel 7 Program. On the first day Mir sang the song “esho boss, bosho boss” with Rajatavo Dutta. Judge Paran Banerjee had grown beard. Mir asked what was the reason of the beard? He said it was just for no reason. Srilekha Mitra was very happy to be back in the show. She enjoyed her role as judge in the previous seasons of Zee Mirakkel Program. All the mentors were very happy including Subhadhip and others. All the finalists like Sajal, Apurbo Roy were also very happy. For the 5 rounds there will not be any elimination. After that the elimination rounds will start.

Happy birthday to Shahid Kapoor.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Shahid Kapoor, the successful romantic star on 25th February, 2013. He had acted in very successful films in the recent past, but for some reason or the other did not get the acknowledgement he deserved. In 2013 he is looking forward to his new film Phata Poster Nikla Hero. It will be released in August, 2013. 2011 had not been a great year for Shahid Kapoor. He acted in his father Pankaj Kapoor’ film Mausam, but the film did not do great business. In 2012 he required a successful film to regain the stardom. His film Teri Meri Kahaani opposite Priyanka Chopra did not do good business. Sajid Wajid’s music in the film was impressive. All the songs were hit including “mukhtasar mulakat ki”, “jab se mere dil me uff” became super hit. But the film did mediocre business. He was on top of the world with the success of his film Kaminey opposite Priyanka Chopra few years back. His performance in the film Jab We Met almost pulled the film across the country. His decency and composure in the film was worth mentioning. Yet when the question of recognition did arise the entire credit was taken up by Kareena Kapoor. She received the filmfare award for the best actress for her performance in the film. Even Pritam who composed melodious songs in the film was unrewarded. Shahid Kapoor’s other successful films included Chup Chup Ke. For most part of the film he pretended to be a deaf and dumb person. He worked with Rajpal Yadav in the house of Om Puri and got associated with Kareena Kapoor. Later in the film his identity was disclosed. His performance in that film was also extraordinary. The other successful films of Shahid Kapoor include Kismat Connection with Vidya Balan, 36 China Town with Kareena Kapoor, to name a few. In 36 China Town, Shahid Kapoor along with Kareena Kapoor were suspected for murdering a woman in the house. The investigation was carried out by Akshay Khanna and later the servants of the house were found as the actual murderers. The film was serio-comic in nature with Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever also contributing in respective roles. Shahid Kapoor had outstanding dancing skills. He exhibited it in films like Jab We Met, 36 China Town, etc. With serious competition in the bollywood industry Shahid Kapoor badly needs a big hit in the future to maintain his stardom. He had established himself as a romantic actor. He has to contribute well in action films, political films and other types of films in future. Besides he had been associated with Kareena Kapoor all along his career. He has to create a combination with other actresses in the bollywood industry as well to show his versatility. He has a bright future in bollywood industry. The viewers expect that Phata Poster Nikla Hero will be hit in 2013.

Kai Po Che got a good opening.

The film Kai Po Che got a good opening. The film was directed by Abhishek Kapoor based on the novel of Chetan Bhagat titled The Three Mistakes of Life. The music of the film was composed by Amit Trivedi. The film had been produced by Ronnie Screwala and Siddharth Roy Kapoor and directed by Abhishek Kapoor. Sushant Singh Rajput, Raj Kumar Yadav and Amit Sadh played the character of three friends in the film. The friends wanted to do business together. One of the friends was Ex-District player. He was the victim of politics. He was a victim of politics. That was the reason his success in the field of cricket got hauled up. His other friend was the nephew of old politician. The other friend thought of creating a sports academy. But all the three friends faced crude reality of life like Gujarat earthquake and also the Gujarat riots. The word Kai Po Che in the Gujarati language means the words used when kites are cut in the air. The music of Amit Trivedi was very impressive. The song “manja” had been sung by himself. The film was a break for Sushant Singh Rajpurohit. He had been a very popular television personality who was seen in the Zee TV serial Pavitra Rishta. In fact his onscreen chemistry with the Serial character Archana, the role played by Ankita Lokhande was the backbone of the success of the serial. The film got good reviews. It also got a good opening after being screened in more than 1000 screens in India. Viewers should watch the film.

Happy birthday to Pooja Bhatt.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to sweet actress Pooja Bhatt on 24th February, 2013. She being the daughter of eminent director Mahesh Bhatt, had the task of proving herself in the early phase of her career. Her first film Daddy in 1989 itself created attention. It was directed by her father Mahesh Bhatt. She was in search of her alcoholic father Anupam Kher in the film. It was a great effort. Her next films Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi with Aamir Khan, Sadak with Sanjay Dutt stormed bollywood in 1991. In all the films of Pooja Bhatt, the stories and the music touched the souls of the viewers. All the songs of Dil Hai ki Manta Nahi and Sadak like “dil hai ki manta nahi” or “tujhe apna bananeki” became big hit. She acted in a number of films in the 1990s including Tadipaar opposite Mithun Chakravarty, Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Ayi, Angrakshak opposite Sunny Deol, etc. Her film Humdono opposite Rishi Kapoor and Nana Patekar was very impressive. She was also sublime in the films Prem Diwane, Satwaan Asmaan. In Satwaan Aasman she played the character of a cancer patient who died at the end of the film. She received National Award for best film on other social issues for her film Tamanna. Her other film Zakhm opposite Ajay Devgan touched the souls of cinegoers. Her film Border in 1997 was also a big hit. After late 1990s, Pooja Bhatt concentrated in film direction. She made impressive films like Holiday, Dhoka, Jism 2, etc. She also produced a number of these films. Her films should be restored for meaningful stories and melodious music.

Pankaj Kapoor and Annu Kapoor were outstanding in Ek Ruka Hua Faisla.

Basu Chatterjee gave many entertaining films in the 1970s including Choti Si Baat, Chitchor, Rajnigandha. He also directed and produced the intellectual film Ek Ruka Hua Faisla in 1986. The film was based on the same story as Hollywood film 12 Angry Men, directed by Sydney Lumet. The story was related to a murder case where the accused had killed his father. The judge asked the 12 jurors to decide about the verdict, come back and let him know. If they decide that the accused was guilty then it should be accompanied by mandatory death sentence. The 12 jurors including Pankaj Kapoor, Annu Kapoor, KK. Raina, Subhash Udghate, Shailendra Goel and others sat in a room, discussed the events and came at a finding. Voting took place about the decision of the jurors. Out of the 12 jurors, 11 of them voted in favour of the accused being guilty. Only KK Raina, had doubts in respect of liability of accused. He did not believe that the pocket knife produced in the court to be conclusive evidence. He brought a pocket knife of similar nature. He then said he wanted to have a secret ballot and if still 11 jurors are convinced then he wanted to agree to them. At that time Annu Kapoor voted in favour of the accused. MK Raina got irritated because he bought tickets to see Dilip Kumar’s film Mashal. Time was wasted according to him. Subhash Udghate also changed his vote. KK Raina raised the question whether it was possible on the part of the old witness in the Court to walk huge distance in 15 seconds and see the accused running out of the house after killing his brother. Pankaj Kapoor accused Subhash Udghate of changing the vote because he lived in slums and had weakness for slum children. Question was raised also of the testimony of a woman witness who was travelling in train and saw the accused killing his father from the windows of the train. It was said that she used to wear spectacles and did not wear it in court, so question of seeing the face of the accused from such a huge distance was impractical. One after the other all the jurors changed stands including Aziz Qureshi, Amitabh Srivastav, Hemant Mishra, S.M. Zaheer, Subbiraj, Shailendra Goel, Deepak Qasir. Only Pankaj Kapoor maintained his stand of voting against the accused. Pankaj Kapoor was adamant due to the fact that his son who went abroad also had not returned within 2 years. He cried at the end of the film. The performances of Pankaj Kapoor, Annu Kapoor, S. M. Zaheer, KK Raina were excellent. Basu Chatterjee gave excellent direction in the film. The film did not have any songs. It was hardcore intellectual film showing the truth that it was very difficult to rely on hearsay evidence. If a murder case was supposed to proved by circumstantial evidence, any doubt in respect of one of the evidences could make the circumstantial chain incomplete and the benefit of doubt should go to the accused.

Success of Pooja Batra in the 90s.

Pooja Batra made a very impressive entry in bollywood films in the 90s. Her success in the fashion industry attracted producers and directors of that period. She got very landmark roles like the one in the film Virasat. She played the role of the girlfriend of Anil Kapoor, who returned from US and tried to adjust herself in the rural environment of the village where Anil Kapoor lived. But all of a sudden his father Amrish Puri died, and Anil Kapoor had to take charge of the administrative duties and for those reasons Pooja Batra returned back to US. The short role of Pooja Batra was very impressive. In Sunil Shetty’s Bhai, Pooja Batra got a serious role. She taught Sunil Shetty’s brother, who got killed by miscreants. Even her father Om Puri, the lawyer in the film got killed. Pooja Batra married Sunil Shetty, after he became the leader of deprived people of the locality. Although the film was action based, the performance of Pooja Batra was as impressive as Sonali Bendre who also had attachment towards Sunil Shetty. Pooja Batra was sublime as assistant reporter in Anil Kapoor’s film Nayak. Anil Kapoor was a reporter in the film who was asked to take the interview of Amrish Puri, who played the role of the Chief Minister of Maharastra. Anil Kapoor asked very bold questions and showed the statistics relating to the performance of the respective ministry. It was poor and required introspection. Amrish Puri gave him the challenge of bringing in reforms within one day and by passing an ordinance handed over the chair of CM to Anil Kapoor. In one day Anil Kapoor arrested the wrongdoers, brought cases against unlawful businessmen and created sensation in the state. Pooa Batra assisted him in his work along with Paresh Rawal. Although Rani Mukherjee was the main actress in the film, Pooja Batra’s role was equally important. To everyone’s surprise Pooja Batra left films in the late 90s, when she looked the most matured. The viewers still feel that lot of acting is left in her and she should make a comeback in character roles in future.

Prashun Banerjee, Ashok Viswanathan, Madhumanti stormed Zee Bangla Didi No. 1 Program.

On 13th February, 2013, Rachana Banerjee called up renowned couples of Bengal in the Zee Bangla Didi No. 1 Program. The persons who came included All India Radio Employees Urmimala Basu and Jogonnath Basu, footballers Prashun Banerjee and his wife, footballer Goutam Sarkar and his wife and film director Ashok Viswanathan and his wife Madhumanti. Prashun Banerjee is the brother of famous footballer Pradip Banerjee also known as PK Banerjee. Significantly when Prashun Banerjee played in Mohunbagan Club, his friend Goutam Sarkar also played in Mohunbagan Club. All these personalities are very well known in Bengal. In the first round Rachana Banerjee asked the celebrities to put garlands on their wives. When Prashun Banerjee was asked by most notable moment of his life before Valentine’s Day, he said when his daughter was born it was the most notable moment, when he named her Prerona and when his son was born he named him Platini. Singer Indranil Sen came in the second round and asked the celebrities to sing songs on themes. Madhumanti sang the song “tumi je amar”. Indranil Sen sang SD Burman’s song “barne gandhe chande gitite” very well. Goutam Sarkar said he respected the footballers Prashun Banerjee and Samaresh Choudhury very much. In the third round, Madhumanti was asked to act out the character of the woman who ties hairs also works outside in office. Her husband Ashok Vishwanathan identified the idiom which she played. Urmimala Basu and Jagannath Basu did a small srutinatak. They conversed the character of a deaf person who never understood the words of the other speaker. Madhumanti and Ashok Viswanathan won the championship and Madhumanti played the rapid fire round and answered all the 5 questions in a row to become Didi No. 1 and win all the prizes available. Rachana Banerjee anchored the program before Valentine’s day very well.

Happy birthday to Randhir Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Randhir Kapoor. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Randhir Kapoor on 15th February, 2013. He being the eldest son of Showman Raj Kapoor and grandson of Prithviraj Kapoor had great legacy to carry forward. He acted in landmark films in the 70s and later on settled down as a director and producer. He acted in the film Kal Aaj Aur Kal, in early 70s along with Raj Kapoor and Prithviraj Kapoor. The three generations of the Kapoor generation was shown together in the film and the generation gap between Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor was also shown. Babita was the heroine in the film who was later married by Randhir Kapoor. Shankar Jaikishan composed the music of the film and it became big hit. Randhir Kapoor’s film Jawani Diwani, opposite Jaya Bacchan became very successful. Randhir Kapoor played the role of reckless young generation of the early 70s. The music of RD Burman brought a new trend of songs which added attraction in the film. The other successful films of Randhir Kapoor included Rampur Ka Laxman with Rekha, Kasme Wade with Big B and Rakhee. In the mid-70s he again acted in a film under RK Production titled Dharam Karam. He was the son of Raj Kapoor who was interchanged during his birth. Prem Nath’s son lived with Raj Kapoor while Raj Kapoor’s son lived with Prem Nath. Raj Kapoor was a noted singer in the film. Whenever he tried to teach music to his son, he never learned anything. While Randhir Kapoor picked up his tune “ek din bik jayega mati ke mor” sung by Mukesh and composed by RD Burman. At the end of the film the identity of the two sons were unfolded and it was proved that the genetic origin determined the characteristics of human beings more than the surrounding where they were brought up. In the 80s, Randhir Kapoor added weight and after partial success in films like Chacha Bhatija, Biwi O Biwi, which switched on to direction and production of films. Randhir Kapoor completed the incomplete project of Raj Kapoor under RK Production titled Henna. It was a cross-border love story, where the affair between Zeba Bakhtiar and Rishi Kapoor were portrayed. The manner in which Henna helped Rishi Kapoor to get back to India against all the odds made the film very interesting. The music of Ravindra Jain in the film was excellent including Lata’s songs “bedardi tere balma”. Randhir Kapoor directed the film Prem Granth under RK Production with Rishi Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit in the early 90s. The film was related to their affair and the manner in which Madhuri Dixit was sexually assaulted by a person and the consequences of such crime. Shammi Kapoor, Om Puri and Anupam Kher acted well in their respective roles in the film. Randhir Kapoor acted in contemporary films like Armaan. In 2012, Randhir Kapoor did a good job in the film Housefull 2, where he played the role of the brother of Rishi Kapoor. The film did business of more than 100 crores. Randhir Kapoor’s daughters Kareena Kapoor and Karishma Kapoor are busy acting in mainstream cinema in bollywood. The viewers expect Randhir Kapoor to continue making meaningful films under RK Production, the Banner which had nurtured the film culture in India over 60 years.

Atif Aslam is back with a bang.

Singer Atif Aslam is back with successful song “be imtihah” in film Race 2. The film had been the first bollywood film on 2013 to cross the 100 crores mark. The song had been picturized on Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in the film Race 2. When he sang the song “wo lamhe” in the film Zeher in 2005, he created an impression in Indian films with his stylish singing. The style was appreciated with the song “pehli nazar me aisa jadoo kar diya” in the film Race in 2008. At that time he became popular as a singer in India. Pritam composed the music of the film. He followed it up with the song “bakhuda tumhi ho’ in the film Kismat Connection. 2009 was the most successful year of Atif Aslam. He sang hit songs one after the other. His voice suited Ranbir Kapoor a lot in the film Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahaani. All the songs including “tera hone laga hoon” with Alisha Chinoy and song “tu jaane na” became bumper hit. The film also became super hit. 2010 and 2011 were lean years for Atif Aslam. Although he sang songs in the film Prince and Faltu, the songs did not create any impact. In 2012, his song “piya ore piya” with Shreya Ghoshal became super hit. It was picturized on Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia Desouza in the film Tere Naal In 2013, his songs in the film Race 2 already created storms. He sang the song “be imtihah” with Sunidhi Chauhan. He also sang the song “allah duhai hai” with Vishal Dadhlani and Anushka Manchanda. His music albums Jalpari, Doori and Meri Kahaani are very popular in India. He also adjudicate musical rounds in the music competition Sur Kshetra along with other judges like Asha Bhosle, Runa Laila, etc. The Indian composers like Pritam, Salim Sulaiman, Vishal Shekhar should use him frequently because his style of singing is unique.

Jagjit Singh’s excellent compositions will remain immortal forever.

The listeners of music all over the world wish happy birthday to Ghazal Maestro Jagjit Singh on 8th February, 2013. Ghazal King Jagjit Singh passed away on 10th October, 2011. In respect of his excellent ghazals his listeners have remained speechless. His voice had been used to heal sadness and sickness. He had been the only singer who had composed and sung songs on the poetry of legendary Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee titled “Nayidisha” in 1999 and “Samvedna” in 2002. Along with his wife Chitra Singh, he was the first Indian composer to have used digital multi-track recording for the album “Beyond Time” in 1987. His original name was Jagpreet Singh. He learned khayal, dhrupad, thumri from Ustaad Jamaal Khan. His album “The unforgetables” in 1976, mesmerized the audience. His baritone voice made everyone enchanted. He departed from classical ghazals to a more refined romantic rendition, by keeping the soul of the lyrics intact. He created a different gharana, a bit different from the other legends of ghazals like Mehedi Hassan, Talat Mehmood, Mohammad Rafi, Noor Jahan, Begum Akhtar, etc. His compositions in the duet albums “Ecstasies”, “A Sound Affair”, “Passions”, with Chitra Singh were unparallel. Jagjit Singh’s excellent bass was balanced by Chitra Singh’s high notes in most of the ghazals. Duet ghazals like”duniya jise kehte hai jadoo ka khilouna hai”, “kaun keheta hai muhobbat ka zuban hoti hai”, etc., will remain immortal for ever. After the death of his son Vivek at the age of 21 years, Chitra Singh left singing. But Jagjit Singh’s later albums were full of pathos, but the excellent lyrics of the shayar’s or poets or given adequate expression by the legendary Ghazal King. The titles of his music albums were also thoughtful including Hope, Insight, Mirage, Kahkashan (Galaxy), etc., to name a few. Jagjit Singh probably had sung with the best poets of the country in the 80s and 90s including Nida Fazli, Qateel Shifai, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Sudarshaan Fakir, Zaka Siddiqi, Nazir Bakri, Faiz Ratlami and others. It required huge talent and innovation to do justice to the thoughtful words shown in the poem. In whichever field of music Jagjit Singh had ventured he had struck gold, whether his albums in bhajans or gurbani. Jagjit Singh enriched hindi film music with his excellent compositions in the film Saath Saath and others. His film songs like “tumko dekha to ye khayal aya”, “tum itna jo muskura rahi ho”, “hoton se chulo tum” had remained historical masterpieces. His songs in TV Serial Mirza Ghalib had enchanted numerous listeners. A Padmabhushan being awarded to the musical maestro was not enough to reward his brilliance. One article is too small to highlight his achievements. His immortal works should be preserved and restored.

Happy birthday to Pran.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Pran Sikand, the legendary actor on 12th February, 2013. He was one of indispensable personality in bollywood films without whom most of the films of the 50s and 60s could not be thought about. He also was a big star who was as popular as an antihero as the leading stars of 50s and 60s including Showman Raj Kapoor and Tragedy King Dilip Kumar. Pran had acted in more than 300 films in his career which spanned over 60 years. He was a notorious dacoit in Raj Kapoor’s Jis Desh Me Ganga Behti Hai, who was reformed and persuaded to surrender before the police at the end of the film. He hammered Dilip Kumar all along the film Dil Diya Dard Liya, not knowing his identity. It was later known that Dilip Kumar was the king of the princely estate after the locket in his body was discovered. Dilip Kumar forgave him even after knowing that his affair with Wahida Rehman never blossomed into marriage due to Pran only. Among romantic songs of Rafi and Lata like “sawan aye ya na aye”, “dilruba main ne tere”, “koi sagar dil ko behlata nahi”, Pran kept a balance with his villanish pursuits. In Ram Aur Shyam, Pran tortured one of the Dilip Kumars who played the role of his brother-in-law. When Dilip Kumar’s twin brother came to his wife he took revenge against the evil deeds of Pran. Both the sequences when Pran whipped Dilip Kumar and when Dilip Kumar whipped Pran remained sensational. The film was serio-comic in nature with Dilip Kumar playing a double role for the first time in Ram Aur Shyam. In the mid-60s, Pran changed his image by playing positive roles like the one he played in the film Upkar. In that film he played the role of a handicapped person but he was an observer who witnessed the good deeds of Manoj Kumar who was a farmer and the bad deeds of his own brother played by Prem Chopra. Pran’s lips in Manna Dey’s songs “kasme wade” is still remembered by cinematic audience today. Pran was sublime in most of the hit films of the 60s like Shammi Kapoor’s Raj Kumar, Kashmir Ki Kali, An Evening in Paris, etc., Joy Mukherjee’s Love in Tokyo, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Biswajeet’s Mere Sanam, Rajender Kumar’s Ganwar, Raj Kumar’s Maryada, Manoj Kumar’s Gumnaam, to name a few. In the 70s he even matched himself with the action heroes of the other generation like Dharmender and Big B. His performance in Big B’s film Zanjeer in the role of a Pathan requires special mention. He gave excellent lips in Manna Dey’s song “yari hai imaan mera yaar mera zindagi” in the same film. In Amar Akbar Anthony, he was the father of Big B, Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor and he faced the evil operations of Jeevan and his men all along the film. He kept his fitness to such an extent that in action sequences, he never looked out of place in a film where Big B, Vinod Khanna who were much younger than him showed their own skills. Pran continued his villainish performances in films of 80s including Dilip Kumar’s Duniya and Big B and Rajnikant’s Andha Kanoon. With notable actors coming in bollywood industry in the 80s like Amrish Puri, Danny, Paresh Rawal, Kader Khan, Anupam Kher, etc., Pran slowly faded away from the industry. By that time he had performed in more than 300 films. Viewers remember him for his unique style of dialogue delivery, unique mannerisms and fantastic body. His viewers pay respect to the old actor on his birthday who had already received lifetime achievement award from Filmfare for his unique contribution to bollywood cinema.

Jeetender and Mumtaz were sublime in Boond Jo Ban Gayi Moti.

V. Shantaram gave the first break in the career of Jeetender with the film Geet Gaya Pattharon Ne in 1964. In 1967, V. Shantaram again gave a prominent role to Jeetender in the film Boond Jo Ban Gayi Moti. Satish Bhatia composed the music of the film. In the film Jeetender played the role of an honest school teacher. He lived in a village in Himachal Pradesh. He got a job in a Government school where Nana Palsikar was the Head-master. He tried to preach new style of teaching, like taking the students to paddy fields, villages and make the understand the soil of the country. Mukesh’s song “yeh kaun chitrakar hai” was sung in that background. Actor Surendra played the role of a lawyer who was a friend of Jeetender. But Jeetender’s brother was a criminal. He loved Surender’s daughter played by Vaishali, but when she carried his child, he took her near a pond and killed her. Her dress was found in the house of Jeetender and he was arrested. Mumtaz helped Jeetender. She had a handicraft shop in the village. She brought similar type of dress that was found in Jeetender’s house. She said she lost the dress and the ornament and saved Jeetender with her clever testimony in Court. When Jeetender read the letter written by Surender’s daughter Vaishali to his own brother played by Akashdeep, he took his brother to police-station and compelled him to confess about the crime. He received life-imprisonment. Jeetender played the character of the honest school-teacher very well. Mumtaz balanced Jeetender’s calm performance with her agile performance. The title song “boond jo ban gayi moti” was sung well by Manna Dey and Asha Bhosle. V. Shantaram provided excellent social message in the film. The film did good business in 1967 and helped Jeetender and Mumtaz in advancing their careers. The film and the music of the film should be preserved.

Happy birthday to Tina Munim.

Happy birthday to Tina Munim.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Tina Munim on 11^th February, 2013. She is better known as Tina Ambani after marrying Anil Ambani who is one of Indian’s leading business magnets.

She was discovered by Dev Anand and cast in the film Desh Pardesh in 1978. She also acted in the films Lootmaar and Manpasand.

She was most successful opposite Rishi Kapoor, who was the greatest romantic actor in the late 70s and early 80s. Subhash Ghai’s Karz stormed bollywood in the late 70s, where Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim combination was well accepted by the audience. All the songs composed by LP and picturised on Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim became super hit including “mai sola baraski”, “ek haseena thi”, “darde dil”, “om shanty om”, etc.  Karz was remade few years back with Himesh Reshammiya playing the role of Rishi Kapoor in the new version. She also acted in the super hit film Aap Ke Diwane opposite Rishi Kapoor. Rakesh Roshan did cast her in the film Akhir Kyon opposite Rishi Kapoor.

She was sublime in Basu Chatterjee’s film Baaton Baaton Me opposite Amol Palekar, and Man Pasand. She acted in a number of films opposite Rajesh Khanna including Souten, Bewafai, Insaaf Mai Karunga, most of which did excellent business. Souten did good business in the early 1980s. Padmini Kolhapuri played an important role in that film. She had acted opposite other actors also but viewers remember her combination the most with Rishi Kapoor. Her performances opposite Rishi Kapoor in the films Bade Dilwale, Deedar-E-Yaar and Aap Ke Deewane are remembered by the viewers. Aap Ke Deewane did great business in 1980. Rakesh Roshan also acted opposite Tina Munim where Rishi Kapoor played the main role. The music of Rajesh Roshan became super hit including Rafi’s songs “aap ke dewaane hai”, “tum ko khush dekhkar mai bahut khush hua”, etc.

Sunil Dutt launched his son Sanjay Dutt in the film Rocky opposite Tina Munim. The film did good business in the early 80s. In 1987 she left bollywood films. Later she settled down after marrying Anil Ambani. She had been involved in many charitable works.

The viewers wish Tina Munim to appear in bollywood films in future, as she still has a lot of acting left in her.

Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna received Padmabhushan Awards 2013.

Actress Sharmila Tagore and actor Rajesh Khanna received Padmabhushan Awards 2013. It is sad that Rajesh Khanna received the award, but he did he receive after his death. He died last year at the age of 69 years. Singer Sudha Malhotra had been awarded with Padmashri Award. She had sung legendary songs in bollywood films like Barsaat Ki Raat. Some of her beautiful songs included “yeh ishq ishq hai ishq ishq”, “tum agar bhul bhi jayo”, etc. She made a notable contribution during the bollywood films of 1960s. Bengali folk singer Purna Das Bayul received Padmashri award. Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy received Padmashri. His films Sholay, Shakti, Shaan, Saagar stormed bollywood during 1970s and 1980s. He utilized the talents many notable actors of the 1970s and 1980s like Sanjeev Kumar, Amzad Khan, Amitabh Bacchan, Dilip Kumar, Rishi Kapoor and entertained the audience with quality films. There is a big discrepancy in respect of Padma Awards. The popular personalities in the film world never won any Padma Awards. Bengali Superstar Uttam Kumar never won it. Bollywood actors like Bharat Bhushan, Pradip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Sadhna, Madhubala never won it. Composers like Madanmohan Kohli, Ravi Shankar Sharma never won it. Directors like Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ajoy Kar, never won the awards. Those who get these awards they are lucky. Those who don’t get they also deserve awards.