Happy birthday to Anupam Kher.

Happy birthday to Anupam Kher. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Anupam Kher on 7th March, 2015. He had been indispensable during the 80s and 90s and contributed both in commercial films and parallel cinema. 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. In 2014 he was busy with the hindi remake of hit Bengali film Bhooter bhabishyat. The viewers expect him to continue the good work in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Pooja Bhatt.

Happy birthday to Pooja Bhatt. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to sweet actress Pooja Bhatt on 24th February, 2015. 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.

Happy birthday to Shahid Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Shahid Kapoor. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Shahid Kapoor, the successful romantic star on 25th February, 2015. 2015 had been a fabulous year for him. He received filmfare award for the best actor for his brilliant performance in the film Haider. Haider did great business and fetched Shahid Kapoor best actor awards in Life OK Screen awards and all other awards. 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 his film Phata Poster Nikla Hero did not do great business. It was released in August, 2013. But his other film R Rajkumar opposite Sonakhi Sinha did business of more than 70 crores. It was declared super hit. 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. In 2014 he struck gold with Haider. The viewers expect that his films in 2015 will also do good business.

Khayam Jaidev and Mohammad Rafi

When we visualise the golden era of music in Indian cinema we primarily think about the giant music directors like Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, etc., or lyricists like Shakeel Badayani, Shailendra, Majrooh Sultanpuri or singers like Rafi, Lata who made major contribution to the music of that age. Among the legendary giants there were other composers who composed music for less number of films but created their identity and everlasting appeal even with the less number of compositions. Jaidev and Khayyam are two composers who received numerous awards for their classic performance and still remain few of the offbeat composers without whom the firmament of music would be colourless. Jaidev who came to Bombay initially from Ludhiyana to become an actor learnt music from K. Jaokar and Janardan Jaokar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and after ashort span of stay in his home town Ludhiyana, returned to Bombay with his immense command of folk and classical music. As he initially worked with Navketan Banner, he got a scope of working with SD Burman also. His debue with Chetan Anand’s film Joru Ka Bhai, 1955, gave him opportunity to compose independant music but he got recognition with the film Humdono in 1961. Humdono was also the starting point of Jaidev’s relationship with the man with the golden voice, Mohammad Rafi. The unique style of Jaidev included his tunes which appeared not to end with the antara or the sanchari and uniting them with the mukhra unlike other composers. Rafi’s voice had the effect of sedative which doctor’s prescribe for patients who cant sleep in the song “Abhi na jao chor kar, ki dil abhi bhara nahi” in Hum Dono. The way Rafi pronounced adhuri yaas, hardly any playback singer can think even today. The emotions of the character were kept intact and the musical value of the song was enhanced by Rafi in a tremendous way in Humdono. The ghazal in the film “kabhi khud pe kabhi halat pe rona aya” can be categorised as one of the ten best ghazals Rafi did sing in his life. At the same time the other song “main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya” which showed the carefree attitude of Dev Anand, who got admitted in military in the film, had the effect of santoor and the prelude and interlude followed the main song of Rafi that music lovers even memorised them as a song itself. Lata Mangeshkar’s performance in the song “Allah tero naam” in raag gara was probably one of her best performances ever. Jaidev’s return path of the sanchari was again evident in the classical bhajan which is still sung sometimes as prayer song at other times in temples and places of worship. The other film he composed music for include Mujhe Jeene Do, 1963, where Lata’s song “Nadi nare na jao sham” became hit. As it was female oriented film with Wahida Rehman providing the lead performance there were hardly sequences for male songs. In the other film Kinare Kinare, in 1963, Jaidev asked Rafi to sing duet song with Usha Mangeshkar titled “maya anchal jale kaya ka abhiman”. His other notable songs for Rafi include “aaj ki raat hai bus jalwa dikhane ke liye” and “roop ki dhoop to dhalke rahegi” from the film Jiyo Aur Jeene Do, in 1969. Both were successful with Jaidev’s folk effect in the respective songs. In the 1970s, Jaidev shifted towards Ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh for most of his songs, with “Do Diwane Shahar Me” and “Ek Akela is shahar me” from the film Gharonda, 1977, directed by Gulzar with Amol Palekar in the lead role. Runa Laila’s song “tumke hona ho mukhko to itna yakeen hai” looked like it was never going to end with the brilliant lyrics of gulzar. The violin was played so brilliantly in the song “Ek akela is shahar me” depicting urbanised folk songs, that it identified the pathos of Jaidev who was a loner in life. The other successful film of Jaidev included Dooriyan, 1979, acted by Uttamkumar and Sharmila Tagore. There Bhupinder Sing’s song “Zindagi zindagi o mere ghar ana ana zindagi” and “zindagi me jab tumhare gham nahi the” showed Jaidev’s unconventional movement in the rise and fall of the antara and sanchari. Jaidev along with Madanmohan had composed music for Rishi Kapoor’s film Laila Majnu, 1977, where Rafi’s songs “barbad muhobbat ki dua saath liye ja”, “is reshmi pazeeb ki jhankar ke sadpe”, “likhkar tera naam zameen par” were superhits and marked Rafi’s tremendous combination with Rishi Kapoor. Jaidev received national award for the brilliant composition of music in the films Reshma Aur Shera, Gaman and Ankahi, most of which included Rajasthani folk music. Jaidev never got the recognition which he deserved. It is a pity that Jaidev got a scope of composing music for female oriented films where he made the best use of Lata Mangeshkar, because Rafi could have made enormous contribution to Jaidev’s remote style of music composition. Even then the combination of Rafi and Jaidev carry enormous musical value for music lovers across the country. Khayyam better known as Mohammad Zahur Khaiyyam is the other music composer, who had such an immortal appeal in his compositions, yet had not received the recognition he deserved. He was born in Jullundher, Punjab in 1927, and learnt music from Pandit Amarnath and Hunslal Bhagatram. Khayyam initially used Tala Mehmood in the song “Sham-e-gham ki kasam” in Dilip Kumar’s Footpath, 1954, where he made his debue and Mukesh in the songs “Woh subah kabhi to ayegi” and “phir na kije meri gustaq nigaho ka gila” in Raj kapoor’s Phir Subah Hogi, 1958. Although Rafi had one song “jo bor kare yar ko us yaar se touba” in Phir Subah Hogi, 1958 where it was a duet with Mukesh singing for Raj Kapoor and Rafi singing for Rehman. But Khayyam acknowledged the golden voice of Rafi in the film Shola Aur Shabnam, 1961, where most of the lyrics were written by Kaifi Azmi and Rafi’s songs “dhunti rehti yeh ankhe mujhme”, “jeet hi lenge bazzi hum tum”, “pehle to aankh milna”, “phool ko dhoonde pyaasa bhawra” had a soft, passionate flavour of the soil of mountains. The songs were picturised on Dharmender. In the film Shagun, 1964, the song “parbaton ke paron par sham ka basera hai” sung by Rafi carried the intoxicating appeal of Khayyam. The next film Mohabbat is ko kahte hai, 1965, picturised on Shashi Kapoor had a fantastic duet song of Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur titled “thehriye hosh me alun to chale jaiyega” which was a form of a poetry where each of the poets answered one another. In Akhri Khat, in 1966, Rafi’s song “aur thori der theher” had the same folk effect of Khayyam. Lata Mangeshkar was brilliant with her performance of “baharo mera jeevan bhi sawaaro” and “mere chanda mere nanhe” in the same film. In the 1970s, Khaiyyam composed music in lesser films but again came up with creative music and received the filmfare award for composing music for the film Kabhi Kabhi, 1975, where the title song written by Sahir Ludhianvi and sung by Mukesh and Lata were well acclaimed by music lovers of India. His composition in Umrao Jaan, 1981, brought him the second filmfare award and amazed the musical pandits with classical mujra, which became extinct from bollywood music at that time. His songs in the film Bazaar, 1982, picturised on Nasiruddin Shah, titled “karoge yaad to” had ghazal andaz and Bhupinder Singh was sublime with his performance. As Khayyam, like Jaidev, composed music in mostly offbeat films their presence was felt whenever the directors came up with thoughtful stories, powerful direction and rich lyrics. Although they have provided less number of songs for Rafi but the creations of the combination should be restored for the epic value of the folk and classical effects in the songs.

Happy birthday to anniversary to Beauty - Queen Madhubala.

Happy birth anniversary to Beauty – Queen Madhubala. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birth anniversary to legendary actress and Beauty Queen Madhubala on 14th February, 2015. She had rightly been born on Valentine’s Day, the day when human beings show that love to their most beloved persons. She had glorified bollywood films of the 40s, 50s and 60s. She stormed bollywood with her spooky character in the film Mahal in 1947. The song “ayega anewala” sung by Lata Mangeshkar and composed by Khemchand Prakash was a milestone in Indian cinema. Lata rose to fame with that song. The film became extremely successful. In the 40s, she acted in a number of films opposite Raj Kapoor including Neel Kamal, Chitor Bijay, etc. Her films opposite Dilip Kumar like Amar and Sangdil became big hits. She came to number one position with the film Mr. and Mrs 55 opposite Gurudutt. She acted in the role of a rich unmarried girl in the film who lived under the guardianship of Lalita Power. All the songs in the film composed by OP Nayyar became super hit including “thandi hawa”, “jane kaha mera”, etc. Her films opposite Bharat Bhushan became super hit one after the other including Phagun, Barsaat Ki Raat. Barsaat Ki Raat was a musical blockbuster where Roshanlal Nagrath proved his excellence as composed in ghazals like “zindagi bhar nahi bhulegi wo barsaat ki raat”, qawallies like “na to karwanki talash hai na humsafar ki talash hai”. She gave excellent lips in the songs of the films. Her beauty in Raj Kapoor’s film Do Ustad amazed the viewers. The songs in the film composed by OP Nayyar also became super hit including “nazron ke teer mare kas kas kas”, “tu ladki mai ladka”, etc, picturised on Madhubala and Raj Kapoor. Mughal-i-Azam was probably the best film of her career in the role of Anarkali. The film had been remade in colour. K Asif spend huge money for making the historical film and all the performers in the film including Madhubala, Dilip Kumar, Prithviraj Kapoor, Durga Khote gave their best. Naushad’s everlasting music still haunts the audience even today. The relationship of Salim and Anarkali was almost a poetry picturized in celluloid. Due to the romantic relationship of Dilip Kumar and Madhubala, at the end of the film, K. Asif did not show that Anarkali was killed by being buried alive in a dungeon and she was brought out of the wall. Madhubala probably acted opposite all the giants of bollywood industry including Pradeep Kumar in the film Rajhath, Shammi Kapoor in the film Boy Friend, Sunil Dutt in the film Jwala, Dev Anand in Kala Pani, Kishore Kumar in the film Chalti Ka Naam Gari, Ashok Kumar in Howrah Bridge. She gave lips in the songs of all the leading singers of the country, including Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt, Samshad Begum and others. It is difficult to highlight the contribution of beauty queen Madhubala in a small article who is considered the greatest legend ever along with Meena Kumari and Nargis. The viewers pay their tribute to the romantic actress who died more than 40 years ago and left her immortal presence felt through her performances in bollywood films.

Happy birthday to Randhir Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Randhir Kapoor. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Randhir Kapoor on 15th February, 2015. 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.

Happy birth anniversary to Pran.

Happy birth anniversary to Pran. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birth anniversary to Pran Sikand, the legendary actor on 12th February, 2015. 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. He died last year but actually did not leave the hearts of numerous admirers of Bollywood films. 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. He died few years back making everyone sad. His viewers pay respect to the old actor on his birth anniversary who had already received lifetime achievement award from Filmfare for his unique contribution to bollywood cinema.

Raqib and Rafi should have been champions of Zee Bangla Mirakkel 8 Finals.

Raqib and Rafi should have been champions of Zee Bangla Mirakkel 8 Finals.

The Zee Bangla Mirakkel Program 8 end on 8th February, 2015 with a colourful final. Eminent singer Hariharan glorified the finals with his excellent singing. Hariharan sang super hit songs like “tu hi re” from the film Bombay. He sat in the guest judges chair as on of the visiting judges in addition to the existing judges Paran Banerjee, Rajatavo Dutta and Sreelekha Mitra. Eminent singer and composer Jeet Ganguly also came and sang his super hit songs. But the judgement in the finals was wrong. The child contestants Raqib and Rafi were best. Inspite of that they were not selected as the best 3 finalists. Kaju became first, Parash became the first runners and Imon, Sandeep and Aniket shared the second runner up prize. Generally two types of performers perform in laughter shows and comedy shows. One category includes the performers who have strong script and make people laugh with the content. The other category acts out characters to impress the audience. The performers of the second category require more talent. Raqib and Rafi were probably the best actors in the show. They played out different characters and always did justice to them. Imon and Sandeep were the other two actors who always experimented with new roles. It is shocking that they became third. Kaju used to imitate Mridul Bhattacharya and always spoke on jokes relating to a drunkard. Just because his style was effortless who got the best prize. Always it had happened during the history of Mirakkel that the performers who were liked by the audience the most never got the first prize. Apurbo Roy was a sensation. He never won any title. Palash Adhikari was brilliant. He never won any title.

The country remembers Jagjit Singh.

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, 2015. Listeners of ghazals remember the king of ghazals Jagjit Singh on 10th October every year. 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 Wahida Rehman.

Happy birthday to Wahida Rehman. The viewers of Bollywood films wish happy birthday to veteran actress Wahida Rehman on 3rd February, 2015. Wahida Rehman was known for her combination with actor director Guru Dutt. From 1957, the viewers saw thoughtful Guru Dutt in films like Pyaasa and Kagaz Ka Phool. Both the films were based on eternal truth. Pyasa was related to recognition of a poet in a materialistic world. Kagaz Ka Phool was related to story of directors and performers in celluloid, their rise and their fall due to ungratefulness of opportunists in society. The music composed by SD Burman in both these films were of high standard. Wahida Rehman balanced the thoughtful acting of Guru Dutt in these films. Also the lyrics of Sahir Ludhiyanvi were very meaningful. The notable songs included “yeh mahalon yeh takhton yeh tajon ki duniya”, “sar jo tera”, “bichar gaya bari bari” sung by Rafi, “waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam” sung by Geeta Dutt, to name a few. It was very unfortunate that Guru Dutt did not receive the filmfare award for the best actor for his thoughtful performance in the film Pyaasa. Guru Dutt and Wahida Rehman’s onscreen chemistry was accepted by viewers in the film Chaudavi Ka Chand. The title song “chaudavi ka chand ho, ya aaftab ho” sung by Rafi and composed by Ravi can be considered as one of the ten best ghazals composed in the history of bollywood music. Guru Dutt bought colour in the song sequence. The film did great business. It was listed in the top five grosser of bollywood after Mughal-i-Azam, Kohinoor and Barsaat Ki Raat in the year 1960. Guru Dutt as an actor did great job in films like Bharosa, Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam, Saanz Aur Sawera, etc. His early demise in the mid-60s led to huge loss in the film industry as his works were filled with deep thoughts. In the 1960s Wahida Rehman acted in super hit films one after the other. Her successful films included Ram Aur Shyam, Dil Diya Dard Liya opposite Tragedy King Dilip Kumar, Patthat Ke Sanam opposite Manoj Kumar, Teesri Kasam opposite Raj Kapoor, Guide opposite Dev Anand, Dharti opposite Rajender Kumar to name a few. The viewers pay respect to legendary actress Wahida Rehman on her birthday and want the restoration of her works to acknowledge her creativity as actress and versatility.

Shahid Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut won the filmfare awards in 2015.

Shahid Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut won the filmfare awards in 2015. The filmfare awards 2015 were given on 31st January 2015 at Yash Raj Studios. Shahid Kapoor received the filmfare award for the best actor in the film Haider. He had brilliantly acted in the film. Shahid Kapoor had been receiving awards one after the other.Aamir Khan could also have been considered for his performance in the film PK.

Kangana Ranaut won the filmfare award for the best actress for her performance in the film Queen. Vikash Behl received the best director award for the direction of the film Queen. Kay Kay Menon won the best supporting actor male for his performance in the film Haider. Tabu received the best supporting actor female for her performance in the film Haider. Tabu is also winning awards after awards for the performance in the film Haider. Shankar Ehsaan Loy received the filmfare award for the best music director. They received the award for their music in the film 2 States. After a long time they received the filmfare award for the best music director. Ankit Tiwari won the best singer male award for his song “galliyan” in the film Ek Villain. Kanika Kapoor won the best singer female award for her song “baby doll” in the film Ragini MMS 2. Kamini Kaushal won the lifetime achievement award. She was a great actress of the classic age and acted in leading films opposite Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor. It was a great gesture of Filmfare group to award her.