Happy birthday to Nitu Singh.

Happy birthday to Nitu Singh. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Nitu Singh on 8th July 2019. She had started her career as child actress and later kept a mark as leading actress in commercial films. In the late 60s, her performance in the film do Kaliyan attracted attention. Biswajeet Chatterji and Mala Sinha were the lead performers in the film. Nitu Singh got double role. Both the sisters were sad due to the separation of their parents. At the end of the film the differences between Biswajeet and Mala Sinha were sorted out. She acted in many successful films opposite Rishi Kapoor whom she married later. The successful films included Kabhi Kabhi, Khel Khel Me, Amar Akbar Anthony, Rafoo Chakkar, etc. The songs of Amar Akbar Anthony also created history with Rafi’s qawalli “parda hai parda” and “humko tumse ho gaya hai pyar kya Karen”. The film directed by Manmohan Desai stormed bollywood in the late 70s. Nitu Singh acted opposite all the leading stars of bollywood films in the 70s. Her successful films opposite Big B included Parvarish, The Great Gambler, to name a few. Her successful film opposite Shashi Kapoor included Dewaar. Her successful film opposite Jeetender included Burning Train. Viewers still remember her elegant lips in the song “pal do pal ka saath hamara” sung by Rafi and Asha Bhosle in the film Burning Train. She acted in the films directed by eminent directors like Manmohan Desai in films like Amar Akbar Anthony, Yash Chopra in films like Kabhi Kabhi, Kala Patthar, BR Chopra in films like Burning Train, to name a few. After marrying Rishi Kapoor, she left films in the 80s. Probably she had concentrated in upbringing of Rishi Kapoor’s son and daughter, including Ranbir Kapoor. But she had a lot of acting left in her. She received a number of awards for the performance in the film Do Dooni Char released last year. The film was extremely successful. She acted in a character role opposite Rishi Kapoor and it appeared before the viewers that she had not forgotten acting at all. The viewers of bollywood films wish her to make comeback in contemporary films in character roles.

Happy birthday to Katrina Kaif.

Happy birthday to Katrina Kaif. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Katrina Kaif on 16th July, 2019. In 2019 she has given super hit film Bharat opposite Salman Khan. 2014 was a successful year for her. Her film Bang Bang opposite Hrithik Roshan became a blockbuster doing 181 crores business. 2013 was a great year for Katrina Kaif. Her film Dhoom 3 opposite Amir Khan did business worth 260 crores and still remains India’s greatest blockbuster. 2012 was a great year for Katrina Kaif with her film Ek Tha Tiger opposite Salman Khan doing business of 199 crores and Jab Tak Hai Jaan opposite Shahrukh Khan doing business of 120 crores. In this month itself in 2011 Katrina Kaif’s new film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara was released. She had acted opposite Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and others in this film. Katrina Kaif had remained the uncrowned queen of bollywood films of the last 5 years. Her success in big budget films one after the other had given the number one position and producers and directors had relied upon her while experimenting with various subjects. She was brilliant and gorgeous opposite Salman Khan in the film Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, gave electrifying performance opposite Akshay Kumar in the films Namaste London, Welcome, Singh is Kinng, was sublime opposite Govinda in the film Partner and Akshay Khanna in the film Race. With her gorgeous lips in romantic songs in all these films including “teri ore teri ore”, “allah duhayi hai”, “just chill chill”, etc., youngsters had become mad about her in the last few years. She had also replaced Aishwarya Rai in a number of advertisements and became the brand ambassador herself. Superstars in the past had accepted the fact that reaching the summit of popularity is difficult, but it is more difficult to maintain the popularity. Katrina Kaif had attained the first feat but has to maintain the stardom. In that respect Katrina’s fate was dependent on the success of the film New York. In 2009, her film was getting released for the first time, so lot of viewers have wide expectation from the film. In the film New York, Katrina Kaif had been asked to attend the birthday party by the crew members who were shooting a film in Philadelphia. Katrina was invited along with John Abraham and Kabir Khan. Crew members who came in one car got entry, while the car where Katrina, John Abraham, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Kabir Khan came, entry was denied. Their identity was required. All of them said that they were popular artists in Indian films. But such identification did not suffice the requirement. By the time, all the actors and actresses were successful to provide their identification, the party was over. The film was related to that subject.Katrina Kaif looked gorgeous as ever just like other films. 2010 opened up well for Katrina Kaif with her film Rajneeti opposite Ranbir Kapoor becoming hit. But her two films opposite Akshay Kumar had miserably failed at box-office, one was Priyadarshan’s film De Dana Dana, while the other was Farah Khan’s film Tees Maar Khan. Bollywood is a strange place. If two films fail in the career of even the number one actress she loses stardom and may lose offer of better roles in future. She has to strike form very soon, may be in 2011 itself. She is earning a lot from endorsement of landmarks brands, but that she is managing only due to her strong box-office presence. She acted opposite Ranbir Kapoor in the film Jagga Jasoos. The viewers expect that Katrina Kaif continue giving hits after hits in 2019.

Madanmohansahab and Rafisahab combination is remembered by the nation.

Madanmohansahab and Rafisahab combination is remembered by the nation. The country remembers the death anniversary of legendary composer Madanmohan Kohli on 14th July, 2019. The legendary composer left us more than 38 years ago but left the country with innumerable treasure of ghazals. If any composer had utilised the ghazal andaz of Mohammad Rafi to the best of his potentiality it is Madanmohan whose name appears in the minds of the lovers of music across the nation. Madanmohan’s father Rai Bahadur chunnilal send his son to Dehradun to join the army. Instead he left the army and joined All India Radio in Lucknow. He came in contact with Ustad Faizz Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and carried on their legacy in the compositions he made for 30 years which can be classified as masterpieces. As Madanmohan was not associated with the Big Banners like RK or Navketan, he was not categorised with any star of bollywood during 50s, 60s, 70s. Further he never wanted to balance the popular test of music and excellent class of classical compositions he created. But the compositions were so rich in lyrics and tunes that the musical pandits had no way but to admire them. The golden age of bollywood music was categorised with the excellence of Mohammad Rafi and as such if any composer neglected Rafi and tried to reach the summit of popularity they have invited their own downfall. Madanmohan did not make such a mistake. He started his career with the film Ankhen in 1950. He also composed music for Raj Kapoor’s film Ashiana in 1952. His notable songs for Rafi in the film Railway Platform, 1956, include “basti basti parbat parbat”. In Gateway of India, 1957, Madanmohan used Mohammad Rafi for the song “do ghari woh jo pass aa baithe” picturised on Bharatbhushan. It was very successful and strengthened the everlasting bond of Rafi with Madanmohan. Rafi’s intoxicating appeal in the song “kabhi na khabhi kahin na kahin koi na koi toi ayega” in the film Sharabi, 1964, composed by Madanmohan can be classified one of the best songs in sombre mood. The most majestic ghazals of Rafi composed by Madanmohan include “kisiki yaad me apnako hai bhulaye huye” and “baad muddat ke yeh ghari ayi” from the film Jahan ara, 1964, picturised on Bharat Bhushan. Talat Mehmood’s song in the same film “phir wohi sham wohi gham wohi tanhai hai” was also based on ghazal andaz. The classic lyrics were written by Rajinder Kishan. The film titled Ghazal, in 1964, was based on ghazals and Rafi was outstanding by every standard in the song “rang aur noor ki baraat kise pesh karun.” In the same year Rafi’s patriotic flavour was bolstered in the song “kar chale hum fida jan-o-tan sathiyon” in the film Haqeeqat, where Rafi’s ghazal titled “hoke majboor usne bulaya hoga” shared with Bhupinder Singh, Manna Dey and Talat Mehmood was sensational. The majestic lyrics were written by Kaifi Azmi. In the film Neela Akash, 1965, picturised on Dharmender, Rafi’s song “akhri geet muhobbat ka sunayun to chalun” showed the tragic note of Madanmohan. In the film Need Hamari Khwab Tumkhari, all the songs were sung by Rafi including “husn ne jab isq se takraya tha”. Returning back to ghazals, Rafi’s song “aap ke pehlu me akar” in the film Mera Saya, 1966, was as outstanding as Lata’s title song “tu jahan jahan chalega mera saya saath hoga”. The lyrics were written by Raja Mehendi Ali Kahan. Raj Khosla’s crime thriller ended up becoming a musical blockbuster just like Woh Kaun Thi, in 1964, where Madanmohan’s composition “naina barse,” “lagja gale”, etc. for Lata Mangeshkar was probably the most immortal creation in the history of film music, with Sadhna giving life time performances in ghostly characters in both these films. The landmark ghazal “tumhari zulf ke saye me sham karlunga” in the film Naunihal, in 1967, is probably one of the five best ghazals Rafi did sing in his life. Experts in music realise that ages will pass, but no second singer can provide blood and flesh in the superlative ghazal of Madanmohan the way Rafi had done in this song. Kaifi Azmi has written sensational lyrics for the abovementioned song. People started thinking that Rafi and Madanmohan were made for each other. The belief was put to action in the next film Dulhan Ek raat ki, in 1967, picturised on Dharmender in the song “ek haseen sham ko dil mera kho gaya. In the film Chirag, 1969, “teri aakhon ke siwa duniya me rakkha kya hai” Madanmohan combined ghazal with light orchestration to try to inspire the common listeners in understanding these type of songs. In the film Heer Ranjha, 1971, picturised on Rajkumar, Rafi’s song “yeh duniya yeh mehfil” was well acclaimed by music lovers. Rafi was outstanding by every standard in the song “tum jo mil gaye ho” in the film Hanste Zakhm, 1973, where Madanmohan synchronised lightning with his own orchestration. Madanmohan also gave a tremendous break to Bhupinder Singh in the song “dil dhoonta hai, phir wohi, fursat ke raat din” written by Gulzar in Sanjeev Kumar’s Mausam in 1975. Rafi had the song “chari re chari kaise gale me pari.” Madanmohan’s last performance with Jaidev brought out Rafi’s Himalayan range in the film Laila Majnu in 1977. Rafi’s songs “tere dar pe aya hoon,” “barbad muhobat ka duya saath liye ja”, picturised on Rishi Kapoor showed his master spirit of adapting to tunes of middle east which was the geographical location where the story was based. Madanmohan died in 1975, without even seeing the success of Laila Majnu, it appeared like out of seven sur in every octave one sur had gone, because, the majestic combination of Madanmohan with Rafi cannot be forgotten through ages. Rafi’s archive should restore Madanmohan’s combination to let the next generation know about the high esteem with which Madanmohan addressed Mohammad Rafi during the golden age of film music. Rafi and Madanmohan combination created artistic songs. There are two types of songs composed in Bollywood films. One form of the songs are those songs which are created for the sequences of the films and for public tastes. The other forms are those songs which are created to attain artistic excellence. Madanmohan Kohli’s compositions for Mohammad Rafi fall in the second category. Majority of the songs composed by Madanmohan Kohli were in the form of ghazals. In Bharat Bhusan’s film Jahanara, released in 1964, 2 of Rafi’s songs composed by Madanmohan were masterpieces including “baad muddat key eh ghari ayi” and “kisiki yaad me apna ko hai bhulaye hue”. In Sunil Dutt’s film Ghazal, released in 1964, all the songs sung by Rafisahab for Madanmohan were masterpieces including “rang aur noor ki baraat kise pesh karoon”, “ishq ki garmiye- jazbaat kise pesh karun”, “mujhe yeh phool na den”, “meri mehboob kahi aur milan kar mujhse”, to name a few. Sahir Ludhiyanvi wrote the lyrics of the songs. They were majestic by every musical standards. Madanmohan’s casting of Mohammad Rafi in those songs was point blank. Rafisahab’s patriotic andaz was captured by Madanmohan Kohli in the film Haqeeqat in 1964. The songs “kar chale hum fida”, “hoge majboor usne bulaya hoga” still brings patriotic feeling in numerous Indians even 50 years after the creation. In Dharmender’s film Neela Akash, in 1965, all the songs of Rafi Madanmohan combination stormed Bollywood including “akhri geet muhobbat ka sunalun”, “aapko pyar chupane ki buri aadat hai”. In Sunil Dutt’s film Chirag, the Rafi Madanmohan combination again created magic. The songs were outstanding including “chirag dil ka jalao bahut andhera hai”, “teri aankhon ke siva duniya me rakkha kya hai”. All the songs of Rafi Madanmohan combination in Dharmender’s film Dulhan Ek Raat Ki require special mention. The songs like “ek haseen sham ko”, “kisi ka kuch kho gaya hai”, were romantic in nature. In the 1970s also Madanmohan Kohli composed immortal tunes for Rafisahab. Some of the gems included “yeh duniya yeh mehfil” from film Heer Ranjha, “tum jo mil gaye ho to yeh lagta hai’ from film Hanste Zakhm, “barbaad muhobbat ka dua saath liye ja” from the film Laila Majnu. No one can forget the enchanting appeal of Rafisahab’s rendition of the song “tumhari zulf ke saye me sham karlunga’ another gem of Madanmohan Kohli. Madanmohan Kohli’s untimely death in mid-1970s ended the dream combination. But the songs and films are rich assets and huge amount of preservation is required to pay respect to the departed souls of Madanmohan Kohli and Mohammad Rafi.

Happy birthday to Karishma Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Karishma Kapoor. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Karishma Kapoor on 25th June, 2019. She had been probably the only descendant of the Kapoor family who did not arrive in the bollywood industry with pomp and show. Her debut was made in a small manner. She had to struggle hard and got good roles in films like Hero No.1 opposite Govinda. In Hero No. 1 Karishma showed her good dancing skills in songs like “mai to raste se jar aha tha”. Karishma was very impressive in the film Dil To Paagal Hai opposite Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. It was one of the romantic films made under Yash Raj Banner. The film showed triangular love story and strong music of Uttam Singh. Karishma gave good lips in the songs “le gai le gai”. That was one of her successful films under Yash Raj Banner. Karishma Kapoor ventured in parallel films like Shyam Benegal’s Zubeida. Her performance opposite Manoj Vajpayee amazed the viewers. She was equally impressive opposite Hrithik Roshan in the film Fida. She played a non-glamourous role in the film. She was the sister of Hrithik Roshan. She wanted Hrithik to return back to mainstream society. She did not show any mannerisms in the film. At the same time Karishma Kapoor played important roles in commercially hit films. In Krishna, her performance opposite Sunil Shetty was appreciated by all the viewers. Her dance performance in the song “jhanjhariya buddhi khanak gayi” was very impressive. Similarly her performance in the song “batti na bujhao” and “hai hooku hai hukoo” opposite Sunil Shetty created sensation in bollywood. Karishma Kapoor did well in comedy films as well. She was sublime opposite Salman Khan in the film Judwaa where Salman Khan had double role. She did even better in the film Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge opposite Salman Khan. In that film she had to balance the comedy andaz of Paresh Rawal, Anupam Kher and Om Puri and she did that in style. Even her lips in the song “jane kya hua hai dekho jiya bekarar” was very impressive. She was even more successful opposite Salman Khan in the film Biwi No. 1 directed by David Dhawan. She played the role of the wife of Salman Khan who was neglected. Salman Khan married Sushmita Sen. Anil Kapoor advised Karishma Kapoor to send the children to Sushmita’s house. She failed to fulfil the duties of the mother. So Salman Khan understood that Karishma Kapoor was ideal wife for him and he returned back home. The music of Anu Malik in the film was very successful. Karishma gave good lips in the songs “jangal me aadhi raat”, “biwi no. 1”, etc. Karishma Kapoor suited Govinda’s style of acting the most and contributed a lot in comedy films opposite him including Haseena Maan Jayegi. It was a multi-starrer film with other actors like Sanjay Dutt, Kader Khan, Anupam Kher and others. She balanced the strong dancing skills of Govinda with her own aggressive dancing style. She also did well in Shyam Benegal’s film Zubeida. She left films at a time when she learned acting. In 2012 she is made a comeback. The viewers expect her to make a comeback in character roles in future.

Rafisahab's tragedy oriented songs for Dilip Kumar made him immortal.

Tragedy-oriented songs of Dilip Kumar were given adequate expression by Rafisahab. Rafisahab had great combination with Tragedy King Dilip Kumar. The most pathos oriented and tragedy oriented songs of Dilip Kumar were given right expression by Rafisahab. In film Deedar, in 1951, Rafisahab’s song “meri kahaani bhoolne wali” for Dilip Kumar gave the right tragedy expression. It was composed by Naushad sahib. In 1956, film Uran Khatola had a fantastic tragedy song. Rafisahab sang “o door ke musafir hum ko bhi saath le le re”. This song was picturized on Dilip Kumar with garland from his shoulders flew to Nimmiji’s shoulder at the end of the film when both of them died together. Shakeel sahib wrote the lyrics while Naushad sahib composed the music. In Dilip Kumar’s Madhumati, Rafisahab’s song ‘tute hue khwabone humko yeh sikhaya hai” was the best tragedy oriented song. It was composed by Salil Choudhury. In Dilip Kumar’s Yahudi, Shankar Jaikishan used Mukeshji to sing the tragedy song “yeh mera deewanapan hai”. In 1966 film of Dilip Kumar titled Dil Diya Dard Liya, 3 of Rafisahab’s songs stand out as great tragedy songs, including “guzren hai aaj ishq me”, “koi sagar dil ko behlata nahi” and “dilruba maine tere”. All the songs were composed by Naushad sahib. In 1967, Rafisahab’s song “aaj ki raat mere dil ki salami lele” was the best tragedy song of film Ram Aur Shyam. Naushadsahab composed the music of the film. In 1968, Rafisahab’s song “aaj purani rahon me” in film Aadmi was the best tragedy song of the film. Naushad sahib composed the music. Dilip Kumar’s expression was outstanding. In 1971, Rafisahab’s song “na tu zameen ke liye” in film Daastan was another landmark tragedy song. It was composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal. Whenever there used to be tragedy songs, Rafisahab gave the best expression for Dilip Kumar. The acting of Dilip Kumar was as outstanding as the singing of Rafisahab. The songs and films require restoration.

Remembering Hemant Kumar on birth anniversary.

Remembering Hemant Kumar on his birth anniversary. The viewers of bollywood and Bengali films pay their homage to evergreen singer Hemant Kumar on his birth anniversary on 16th June, 2014. He had died more than 16 years back, but had left lot of memories which are cherished by the following generations. He composed music in many bollywood films in the 50s and 60s and carried forward the legacy of Rabindra Sangeet beyond the Bengal border and made it popular all across India. He composed music in the film Nagin and got the filmfare award for the best composer in 1955. His tune “man dole” sung by Lata for Vaijayantimala became extremely popular in the mid -50s. He sang a number of songs for Dev Anand including “yeh raat yeh chandni” in the film Jaal, “yeh apna dil” in Solwa Saal composed by SD Burman, songs in Patita composed by Shankar Jaikishan, etc. He also sang the legendary song “jane yeh kaise” for Guru Dutt in the film Pyaasa. His composition in Biswajeet’s films Bees Saal Baad and Kohra, became super hit. Successful songs included “yeh nayan dhali dhali”, “zara nazron se kahdo ji”, etc. In fact Hemant Kumar produced the film Bees Saal Baad, which was the sequel of Bengali crime thriller Jighansha, directed by Ajoy Kar. Hemant Kumar’s composition in the other films included Biswajeet’s Do Dil, Dilip Kumar’s Paigam, Dharmender’s Khamoshi, Guru Dutt’s Sahe Bibi Aur Ghulam, to name a few. Some of the hit songs sung by Hemant Kumar in those films included “tum pukarke”, and others. Besides he had given many hit songs to Lata, Asha and Geeta Dutt in those films. Hemant Kumar had sung majority of playback songs for Bengali superstar Uttam Kumar in the 50s. His songs included “surer akashe tumi je go shuktara” from the film Shapmochon in 1955, “tare bole diyo” from the film Dui Bhai in 1961, “nir choto khoti nei” from the film Indrani in 1958, “ei poth Jodi na shesh hoi” from the film Saptapadi in 1961, “jai chole jai” from the film Kal Tumi Aleya in 1965, “sapno jagano raat” from the film Shudhu Ekti Bachar in 1966, “mou bane aaj” from the film Bondhu in 1958, to name a few. Besides most of the Rabindra Sangeet sung by Hemant Kumar in Bengali films became hits, including “tumi robe nirobe” in Biswajeet’s Kuheli, “ami pothbhola ek pathik” in Uttam Kumar’s Mon Niye, “jokhon porbe na mor” in Uttam Kumar’s film Bibhas, “purano shei diner kotha” in Uttam Kumar’s Agnisshar, etc. Hemant Kumar had composed songs in more than 50 bengali films like Shap Mochon, Harano Sur, Saptapadi, Deep Jele Jai, Sathihara, Palatak, Phuleshwari, Dadar Kirti, Dui Bhai, Surjotoron, etc., most of which became dashing hits. Hemant Kumar had sung more than 1000 bengali modern songs under different composers. He had sung trend-setting songs composed by Salil Choudhury like “runner”, “kono ek gayer bodhu”, “patha harabo bole ebar”, “palki chole”. Nochiketa Ghosh composed landmark song for Hemant Kumar titled “amar ganer shorolipi lekha robe”. He had sung many ranbindra sangeet and showed his own skill aside other giants like Pankaj Mallick, Subinoy Ray, Dijen Mukherjee, Debrata Biswas and others. Hemant Kumar’s contribution in Bengali modern songs and film songs is so huge that articles after articles can be devoted for the melody king of Bengal. The viewers pay their respect for the departed soul of legendary singer Hemant Kumar on his birthday.

Happy birthday to Sonakshi Sinha.

The viewers wish happy birthday to Sonakshi Sinha on 2nd June, 2019. Sonakshi Sinha, the daughter of renowned bollywood actor Shatrughun Sinha had started her acting career with the bollywood film Dabanng opposite Salman Khan. The big question that comes in the minds of many viewers is that whether there is any future of her in the industry. She is acting Dabaang 3 opposite Salman Khan which is going to get released in December 2019. Before considering her potentiality, the careers of noted actors and actresses can be looked at. While the sons of legendary actor Dharmender, namely Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and the son of Showman Raj Kapoor, namely Rishi Kapoor, and in the third generation Ranbir Kapoor, had got equal success like their fathers, there is a line of actors and actresses who had not achieved the desired stardom. Hema Malini ruled bollywood films during the 70s. She was associated with biggest bollywood hits of that age including Jugnu, Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, etc. But her daughter Esha Deol had an average career so far. Same is the case of Tanuja’s daughter Tanisha. Although Kajol was successful, Tanisha could not reach stardom. Fardeen Khan’s stardom is nowhere compared with Stylish actor Feroz Khan, while Tushar Kapoor had not been a match to Jeetender. Even Abhishek Bacchan when compared with the success of Big B, looks a mediocre, who had hit films but is not the ruler of bollywood. The biggest challenge that is faced by the sons and daughters of stars is the comparison that is made with their fathers of mothers. The viewers see their performance with the mindset that they will have the same qualities as that of their star parents. In some case, they have their individuality, in other cases where they try to imitate their parents, the viewers never accept it. Keeping that in mind Sonakshi Sinha also has a very strong challenge to rise up to the occasion. She had remained successful as a model. But if the fate of other star daughters are seen in the recent times (Anil Kapoor’s daughter Sonam Kapoor is still struggling), Sonakshi Sinha will have a monumental task to get acceptance from the viewers. Sonakshi Sinha’s films opposite Salman Khan had always been super hit. Both Dabaang and Dabaang 2 became blockbuster. Sonakshi Sinha’s films opposite Ajay Devgan in Son of Sardar and Akshay Kumar in Rowdy Rathore became smash hits. But she faced failures also. Her film Lootera and Action Jackson bombed at box office. The viewers can wish her good luck in the film Akira.

Salman Khan's Bharat did business of more than 200 crores.

Salman Khan's Bharat did business of more than 200 crores in 11 days. Salman Khan's Bharat did business of more than 100 crores in 3 days. Salman Khan’s Bharat has done business of over 45 crores on the first day. Salman Khan’s Bharat which was released on the day of Eid on 5th June, 2019, did business of over 45 crores on the 1st day. It will definitely be a blockbuster and cross 300 crores business. The director Ali Abbas Zafar has been outstanding. Salman Khan was brilliant in his role that span between 18 years to 70s years. Sunil Grover, Katrina Kaif, Taboo and all the character artists did exceedingly well. The music and film locations were also noteworthy. Bharat (transl. India) is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language action drama film written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. It is jointly produced by Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Nikhil Namit and Salman Khan under the banners Reel Life Productions, Salman Khan Films and T-Series. The film stars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Tabu, Disha Patani and Jackie Shroff. It traces India's post-independence history from the perspective of a common man, and follows his life from the age of 18 to 70. Based on the 2014 South Korean film Ode to My Father, principal photography for Bharat began in April 2018. Shooting took place at such locations as Abu Dhabi, Spain, Malta, Punjab and Delhi. Kaif joined the cast soon after Priyanka Chopra opted out of the role after filming commenced, for her impending engagement to Nick Jonas. Filming concluded in March 2019. The film's soundtrack was composed by Vishal-Shekhar, with lyrics written by Irshad Kamil, and released under the banner T-Series. Bharat was theatrically released in India on 5 June 2019, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. It received mixed reviews from critics, with praise directed to Khan and Kaif's performance, while Zafar's adaptation and screenplay received criticism. Bharat is based on the South Korean film Ode to My Father (2014), which traces the history of South Korea parallel to a man's life, spanning from the 1950s to the 2010s.During the Partition of India in 1947, Bharat's father stays back in present-day Pakistan and makes his eight-year-old son promise to lead the household and keep the family together, no matter what.Bharat's life over a period of 60 years, from 18 to 70 years of age, traces India's post-independence history. Bharat joins The Great Russian Circus in 1964 and earns a reputation for being a playboy. The discovery of oil in the Gulf region in the mid-1970s leads to a subsequent Indian migration to the territory; here, Bharat begins a romantic relationship with his chief engineer Kumud Raina. He volunteers for the Indian Navy and later holds the family business together during the period leading to economic liberalisation in the 1990s, all the while keeping his promise to his father It has been great experience to watch Bharat. The viewers were overwhelmed with the subject and presentation.

Salman Khan's Bharat did business of more than 100 crores in 3 days.

Salman Khan's Bharat did business of more than 100 crores in 3 days. Salman Khan’s Bharat has done business of over 45 crores on the first day. Salman Khan’s Bharat which was released on the day of Eid on 5th June, 2019, did business of over 45 crores on the 1st day. It will definitely be a blockbuster and cross 300 crores business. The director Ali Abbas Zafar has been outstanding. Salman Khan was brilliant in his role that span between 18 years to 70s years. Sunil Grover, Katrina Kaif, Taboo and all the character artists did exceedingly well. The music and film locations were also noteworthy. Bharat (transl. India) is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language action drama film written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. It is jointly produced by Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Nikhil Namit and Salman Khan under the banners Reel Life Productions, Salman Khan Films and T-Series. The film stars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Tabu, Disha Patani and Jackie Shroff. It traces India's post-independence history from the perspective of a common man, and follows his life from the age of 18 to 70. Based on the 2014 South Korean film Ode to My Father, principal photography for Bharat began in April 2018. Shooting took place at such locations as Abu Dhabi, Spain, Malta, Punjab and Delhi. Kaif joined the cast soon after Priyanka Chopra opted out of the role after filming commenced, for her impending engagement to Nick Jonas. Filming concluded in March 2019. The film's soundtrack was composed by Vishal-Shekhar, with lyrics written by Irshad Kamil, and released under the banner T-Series. Bharat was theatrically released in India on 5 June 2019, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. It received mixed reviews from critics, with praise directed to Khan and Kaif's performance, while Zafar's adaptation and screenplay received criticism. Bharat is based on the South Korean film Ode to My Father (2014), which traces the history of South Korea parallel to a man's life, spanning from the 1950s to the 2010s.During the Partition of India in 1947, Bharat's father stays back in present-day Pakistan and makes his eight-year-old son promise to lead the household and keep the family together, no matter what.Bharat's life over a period of 60 years, from 18 to 70 years of age, traces India's post-independence history. Bharat joins The Great Russian Circus in 1964 and earns a reputation for being a playboy. The discovery of oil in the Gulf region in the mid-1970s leads to a subsequent Indian migration to the territory; here, Bharat begins a romantic relationship with his chief engineer Kumud Raina. He volunteers for the Indian Navy and later holds the family business together during the period leading to economic liberalisation in the 1990s, all the while keeping his promise to his father It has been great experience to watch Bharat. The viewers were overwhelmed with the subject and presentation.

Vaijayantimala and Rajender Kumar were outstanding in film Aas Ka Panchi.

Rajender Kumar and Vaijayantimala did well in the film Aas Ka Panchi. The film Aas Ka Panchi was released in the year 1961. It was directed by Mohan Kumar. The music was composed by Shankar Jaikishan. The film was produced by J Om Prakash. The hero and heroine Rajender Kumar and Vaijayantimala did well in the film. In the film it was shown that Rajender Kumar, the son of Naseer Hussain had a childhood ambition of being a military officer. His father never liked that. When Rajender Kumar passed his BA exam, he got him employed in the same office where he had worked in the post of accountant. As Rajender Kumar was not inclined for that job he could not do it properly and lost the job after some period of time. He fell in love with Vaijayantimala, the daughter of Raj Mehra. Vaijayantimala told Rajender Kumar that he could not qualify to get officerial post in the military, he could start as ordinary jawan. He took her advise and joined the army. Raj Mehra wanted to get Vaijayantimala married to a doctor played by Shivraj. As Raj Mehra expected his daughter to marry a respectable person in the society, he could not tolerate her love affair with an ordinary soldier in the army like Rajender Kumar. While Rajender Kumar represented the army in one of the wars, he was severly injured, the operation of him was done by his friend Shivraj. He finally recovered. Vaijayantimala accepted him as her husband. The music in the film was very impressive. The lyrics were written by Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri. The landmark songs included “dil mera ek aas ka panchi” sung by Subir Sen, “dheere chalo zara” sung by Subir Sen and Lata Mangeshkar, “tumi roothi raho” sung by Mukesh, “ab char dino ki chutti hai’ sung by Mohammad Rafi, to mention a few. Very significantly Subir Sen was given a big break by Shankar Jaikishan after the film katputli. The performances of all the character artists in the film were excellent including Raj Mehra, Nasir Hussain, Mumtaz Begum, Leela Chitnis, Sundar and others. Vaijayantimala was ruling the film industry at that time, so her name was name to carry any film. Although Rajender Kumar did not become Jubilee Kumar by that time, yet Aas Ka Panchi showed that he had a lot of promise. The film should be preserved and restored.

Rafisahab had brilliant combination with composer Chitraguptsahab.

Chitragupt’s memorable combination with Rafisahab. Chitragupt gave very melodious tunes in the 50s and 60s and as most of his songs were sung by legend of legends Rafisahab, the songs became immortal after creation. Just because the world of music in 1960s was dominated by giants like Naushad Ali, Shankar Jaikishan, Roshanlal Nagrath, Madanmohan Kohli, less known composers like Chitragupt did not receive the recognition he derserved. Rafi’s song “chal ur ja re panchi” composed by Chitragupt in the film Bhabi in 1957 brought tears in the years of numerous viewers. Rafi used his emotions towards fulfillment of the literary value of the song and Balraj Sahani’s lips in the song also require special mention. In the same film “chali chali re patang” sung by Rafisahab and picturized on Jagdeep was require mention. Chitragupt Srivastav, better known as Chitragupt, was born in Karmaini, Bihar in 1917, and due to his experience in the hindu heartland most of his tunes had the fragrance of folk songs. Besides as he was a lecturer in Patna, his academic brilliance did blend with his musical excellence which was given expression by Rafi. Rafi’s song “chaand jane kahan kho gaya” in the film Mai chup Rahungi, composed by Chitragupt, written by Rajinder Kishan, and picturised on Sunil Dutt and Meena Kumari showed the use of light music as well from Chitragupt. Lata Mangeshkar sang the duet song with Rafi. The other hit duet in the film included “koi bata de dil hai kahan” sung by Rafi and Lata in the film. Rafi’s song “itni nazuk na bano” in the film Vaasna composed by Chitragupt created a very romantic appeal. The song of Rafisahab “aaj ek darja pila do” in somber mood flabbergasted the audience. It was picturized on Raj Kumar and used in the film Vaasna. Also Rafi’s song “yeh parbaton ke dayre” became a big hit in the late 60s. Besides Chitragupt gained attention in the late 1950s with the songs of Rafi “chupakar meri aankhon ko” and “chali chali re patang” in the film Bhabhi which were very impressive. Chitragupt’s compositions in somber mood for Rafi had a great impact. One example is “mujhe dard-e-dil ka pata na tha” from the film Akash Deep in 1965. It was picturized on Dharmender. In Sunil Dutt’s film Nartaki, Chitragupt Rafi combination provided the song “zindagi ke safar me akele the hum”, which became hit. The song “raste me hai tere kab se khare” sung by Rafi and Lata in the film Opera House require special mention. In Jeetender’s film Aulad, Chitragupt and Rafi combination produced timeless romantic song “aabke bahar ayi hai tere hi naam ke”, and “aarman tha hume jinka” which became super hit. In Feroz Khan’s film Oonche Log, Rafi’s song “jag dil-e diwana” became super hit. It was very romantic. There was hit song in the film Pyar Ka Sapna titled “ae meri zindagi” sung by Mohammad Rafi. There were other hit songs of Rafi for Chitragupt including “yeh mana ji dil se” in the film Zimbo, “chand kitne door tha” in the film Afsaana, “itni badi duniya” in the film Toofan Me Pyar Kahan, “o duniya ke malik” in the film Shiv Bhakt, “ek baat hai kehne ki” in the film Samson, “mujhe apne sharan me” in the film Tulsidas, “aap moujud yahan” in the film Baaghi, etc. Although Chitragupt gave landmark music in films like Oonche Log, Ganga Ki Lehre, Zabak, Bada Aadmi, etc., he did not get recognition during the golden age due to dominance of Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, Roshan and others, and may be due to his composition of music in less significant films. He hardly got an opportunity to compose music in big banners like RK or Guru Dutt, otherwise his contribution was very grand during the golden age.

Happy birthday to Dimple Kapadia.

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Happy birthday to Shilpa Shetty.

Happy birthday to Shilpa Shetty. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Shilpa Shetty on 8th June, 2017. She had maintained her romantic image and brilliant figure for over 15 years. She had remained indispensable for the last 15 years. Starting her journey with Shahrukh Khan in the film Baazigaar, in the early 90s, she had acted in different types of films. She acted in romantic films like Dhadkan opposite Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty. The film had successful songs like “tum dil ki dhadkan me”. She also acted in action thrillers like Prithvi, opposite Sunil Shetty. She was also sublime in off-beat films like Tarqueib. Nana Patekar played the role of the crime-investigator in the film. She was the friend of Tabu, the girl killed in the film. She also had speaking terms with Ashutosh Rana who was initially suspected to have murdered Tabu. Nana Patekar at the end of the film found out the murderer. But Shilpa Shetty showed her acting skills while relying to interrogation of Nana Patekar in the film. Her performance in the film Auzaar opposite Salman Khan and Sanjay Kapoor, also require special mention. Salman Khan was a CBI investigator in the film and was given the task of investigation the unlawful business affairs of Sanjay Kapoor. In fact the underworld involvement of Paresh Rawal, the father of Sanjay Kapoor was at issue. Shilpa Shetty bridged the gap between Salman Khan and Sanjay Kapoor, after Salman convinced her that he concealed his identity for the benefit of Sanjay Kapoor, his friend. Shilpa gave brilliant lips and danced well in the songs “oye oye oye oyeoye”, and other songs composed by Anu Malik. Shilpa Shetty had shown her comedy instincts in a number of films like Chor Machaye Shor. She played the role of the daughter of Paresh Rawal, and got attached with Bobby Deol, who was a subordinate of Paresh Rawal. He pretended to be twin brother, one having a moustache, the other without a moustache. In that comedy drama, Shilpa Shetty should her innocence and comedy instinct along with Bipasha Basu, who also played a significant role in the film. Even at her middle age she had shown dance numbers which could have made young actresses envious about her. For example, in Dostana, released in 2008, she performed in a dance number opposite John Abraham, which amazed the viewers. After marrying Raj Kundra she had reduced signing in as many number of films as she used to do earlier. She also had bought major share of Rajasthan Royals team which played IPL cricket in 2010. In 2011 her team Rajasthan Royals did not fare well in IPL, so she should concentrate in films. In 2013, she had been accused of being part of match-fixing scandal. Both her husband Mr. Kundra and herself faced charges of match fixing. She should act in more films. She should be followed by the new generation of actresses who want to stay fit and contribute in bollywood films for more than 20 years.

Happy birthday to Sonu Nigam.

Happy birthday to Sonu Nigam. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to popular Singer Sonu Nigam on 30th July, 2017. In 2013, Sonu Nigam won the best singer award in Zee Cine Awards 2013. The award was given for his famous song “abhi mujh me kahin” sung in the film Agneepath. He won the Mirchi award and Toifa award also for the same song. His mother came in the Indian idol show on 30th July, 2011, and Sonu Nigam showed his respect for the mother on his birthday. He dedicated a song to his idol Mohammad Rafi who had died on 31st July, 1980. Sonu Nigam in a recent interview given in Anandabazar Patrika and published on 23rd July, 2011, had said that the Indian composers these days hardly call him to sing songs. If there is truth in the statement it is very sad. He said that although he had sung songs in the international platform along with Michael Jackson’s brother Jermaine Jackson, he had very few songs in the year 2011. He said that many composers are singing the songs in bollywood films themselves. He did not point his finger at Shankar Mahadevan, as he agreed himself that Shankar, the composer of the Shankar Ehsaan Loy combination, had learned Karnatic classical and always had sung well. But those composers who did not have that amount of trained voice, for singing in shows are rarely using the veteran singers. He said that it is a blessing that there are very few female composers in the industry, otherwise the domination of Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chouhan and others would have got shaken up. In 2010, he had his romantic voice felt in the film Milenge Milenge, where his song picturized on Shahid Kapoor was well accepted by the viewers. He was also brilliant in the song “tu ne to pal bhar me chori kiya re jiya” along with Shreya Ghoshal in the film Dabaang, composed by Sajid Wajid. Sonu Nigam had brilliant combination a number of leading composers of bollywood over the last 10 years. Sonu Nigam was associated with Anu Malik as some of his best romantic numbers were composed by him including “hume jab se mohabbat ho gayi hai”, in the film Border, or “sau dard hai” in the film Jaaneman. He was also associated with Sajid Wajid, as most of his romantic numbers like “tumko bhula na payega” from the film Tumko Bhula Na Payenge, or “mujhse shaadi karogi” in the film Mujshe Shaadi Karoge. In 2010, both of them featured together in the film Veer. Although the film did moderate business, the songs became hits. But Sonu Nigam sang very landmark songs under the composition of Shantanu Moitra in critically acclaimed films. The films included Parineeta, Lage Raho Munnabhai, The Three Idiots, etc. Parineeta was directed by Pradeep Sarkar and was probably the first launching pad of actress Vidya Balan. Sonu Nigam’s duet song with Shreya Ghoshal namely “piyu bole piya bole” composed by Shantanu Moitra maintained the flavor of Rabindrasangeet with a background of Kolkata during the time of writer Sarat Chandra Chatterji. Also the song “yeh hawaye gungunaye” was equally impressive. In the film Lage Raho Munnabhai, Shantanu Moitra, maintained both the bhai-like mastani flavor as well as the soft romantic mood. Sonu Nigam’s song “pal pal pal pal pal pal har pal” was probably the most romantic song of the film. The other songs like “lage raho munnabhai” did bear a different andaz. If the acting of Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani and Vidya Balan was impressive, the music was equally instrumental in the success of the film. The Three Idiots had shown the loopholes of India’s higher education system. The songs composed by Shantanu Moitra had the message of the director Raj Kumar Hirani. Sonu Nigam and others in the film sung the theme song “all is well” a number of times in the film. The other song “zubi zubi” sung by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal was also very fast and melodious. If the acting of Amir Khan, R. Mahadevan and Sharman Joshi had impressed the viewers, the music had made them spellbound. The audience expect Sonu Nigam to provide more number of romantic numbers in future, even in films made under any other banner in addition to the banner of Vidhu Vinod Chopra or direction of Raj Kumar Hirani.

Salman Khan's Bharat has done business of over 45 crores on the first day.

Salman Khan’s Bharat has done business of over 45 crores on the first day. Salman Khan’s Bharat which was released on the day of Eid on 5th June, 2019, did business of over 45 crores on the 1st day. It will definitely be a blockbuster and cross 300 crores business. The director Ali Abbas Zafar has been outstanding. Salman Khan was brilliant in his role that span between 18 years to 70s years. Sunil Grover, Katrina Kaif, Taboo and all the character artists did exceedingly well. The music and film locations were also noteworthy. Bharat (transl. India) is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language action drama film written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. It is jointly produced by Atul Agnihotri, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Nikhil Namit and Salman Khan under the banners Reel Life Productions, Salman Khan Films and T-Series. The film stars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Tabu, Disha Patani and Jackie Shroff. It traces India's post-independence history from the perspective of a common man, and follows his life from the age of 18 to 70. Based on the 2014 South Korean film Ode to My Father, principal photography for Bharat began in April 2018. Shooting took place at such locations as Abu Dhabi, Spain, Malta, Punjab and Delhi. Kaif joined the cast soon after Priyanka Chopra opted out of the role after filming commenced, for her impending engagement to Nick Jonas. Filming concluded in March 2019. The film's soundtrack was composed by Vishal-Shekhar, with lyrics written by Irshad Kamil, and released under the banner T-Series. Bharat was theatrically released in India on 5 June 2019, on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. It received mixed reviews from critics, with praise directed to Khan and Kaif's performance, while Zafar's adaptation and screenplay received criticism. Bharat is based on the South Korean film Ode to My Father (2014), which traces the history of South Korea parallel to a man's life, spanning from the 1950s to the 2010s.During the Partition of India in 1947, Bharat's father stays back in present-day Pakistan and makes his eight-year-old son promise to lead the household and keep the family together, no matter what.Bharat's life over a period of 60 years, from 18 to 70 years of age, traces India's post-independence history. Bharat joins The Great Russian Circus in 1964 and earns a reputation for being a playboy. The discovery of oil in the Gulf region in the mid-1970s leads to a subsequent Indian migration to the territory; here, Bharat begins a romantic relationship with his chief engineer Kumud Raina. He volunteers for the Indian Navy and later holds the family business together during the period leading to economic liberalisation in the 1990s, all the while keeping his promise to his father It has been great experience to watch Bharat. The viewers were overwhelmed with the subject and presentation.