Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Happy birth anniversary to Pran Sahab/


Happy birth anniversary to Pran. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birth anniversary to Pran Sikand, the legendary actor on 12th February, 2020
. 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.

Khayyamji and Jaidevji made brilliant use of golden voice of Rafisahab.


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 birth 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, 2018. 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 Reena Roy.


Happy birthday to Reena Roy. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Reena Roy on 7th January, 2020
. She faced the strong competition of the performers of the 70s and yet could survive for more than 15 years in bollywood films. She came at a time when Hema Malini, Rekha, Parveen Babi and other actresses were at their peak. But she impressed the viewers with her natural performance in Subhash Ghai’s film Kalicharan, opposite Shatrughun Sinha. The film was based on the story of a prisoner who was reformed and given training to work in the police force and thereafter help the investigation agency in tracking down the culprits. Reena Roy’s dance performance in the song “jareja” sung by Lata, was well appreciated. In the late 70s Reena Roy kept her mark with her performance in the film Nagin. It was a multistarrer film where Firoz Khan, Mumtaz, Jeetender, Sunil Dutt, all were sublime in their respective roles. The story was based on fantasy where the snakes changed their form and took revenge against human beings who had killed their fellow snakes at different periods of time. Although the story had no practical base, but the entertaining performance of most of the stars including Reena Roy, converted a normal film into a hit venture. Reena Roy acted in multistarrer films of other directors like Manmohan Desai. In Naseeb, she played the role of a worker in a restaurant where Big B himself worked. The film became extremely successful with powerful performance of Shatrughun Sinha, Rishi Kapoor and Hema Malini. The music of the film was extremely successful. Pran and Amzad Khan played key roles in negative characters. In the 80s, with the advent of action films new action stars adorned bollywood films. Actors like Rajnikant tried their luck in bollywood after playing successful innings in South Indian films. Even during that period Reena Roy was successful in her performance opposite Rajnikant in the film Andha Kanoon. Andha Kanoon was related to the revenge that was taken by Rajnikant against Pran, Prem Chopra and Danny after they killed his family members. Reena Roy played the romantic character opposite Rajnikant and kept her mark opposite many stars in the film. Later on she married Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan and left films. But even these days whenever she is seen in character roles like the one in Abhishek Bacchan’s film Refugee, the viewers enjoy her presence to a big extent. The viewers expect her to continue her good work in the years to come.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Happy birthday to Minisha Lamba.


Happy birthday to Minissha Lamba. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Minisha Lamba on 18th January, 2020
. She had been a new icon of bollywood films who had become popular during the last few years and is about to act in big banner films. She started her career in bollywood films with the film Yahaan in 2005. It was directed by Sujit Sircar and he was looking for a newcomer at that time. Minisha Lamba created an impression and bagged an important role in Madhur Bhandarkar’s successful film Corporate. Corporate was based on the complexities faced by the workers and the employers of the corporate world which is crude reality in the metros. Most of the employees in the corporate world become mentally sick with the monotonous work culture and demand of fulfilling targets. Bipasha Basu gave a lifetime performance in the film and Minisha Lamba also was appreciated for her strong performance. She acted in small budget films like Anthony Kaun Hai, Dus Kahaniya, Honeymoon Travels Kaun Hai and became a regular actress in contemporary films. Then she got a lifetime role in the film Bacchan Aye Haseeno, opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Newcomers in bollywood dream about getting roles under the Yashraj Banner. Minissha Lamba got the role in the very early part of her career. Bacchna Aye Haseeno was the story of Ranbir Kapoor who had met three different girls in his life and each of the girls had a great influence on his character. He had different experiences with Minisha Lamba, Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone and all the experiences eventually shaped his character. Minnisha Lamba gave able lips in the song “ki mujhe pyar hai” composed by Vishal Shekhar in the film. The music of the film was very impressive with hit songs like “bacchna aye haseeno”, and other songs. In 2008, Minisha Lamba also acted in an important character in the action film Kidnap. She played the role of the daughter of Sanjay Dutt was lived separately from her mother due to differences between each other. Imran Khan, the relative of Amir Khan, kidnapped her and asked for heavy ransom from her father Sanjay Dutt. Although Sanjay Dutt did not fulfill any of the father’s responsibilities till the call of kidnapper was made, his influence in the society was used for releasing his daughter. He took the call of Imran Khan as a challenge and the rest of the film involved the struggle of Sanjay Dutt in bringing Khan to task. She did well opposite Boman Irani in Shyam Benegal’s film Well done Abba. Minissha Lamba was sublime in the film and showed signs of a matured actress. In 2012 she had acted in the film Joker opposite Akshay Kumar and Zilla Ghaziabad opposite Sanjay Dutt and Vivek Oberoi. With a number of new actresses like Deepika Padukone, Sonakshi Singh, Anushka Sharma, increasing the competition amongst heroines, Minissha Lamba has a challenging task of maintaining her stardom and perform even better in the new films in future.

Happy birthday to style icon Hrithik Roshan.


Happy birthday to style icon Hrithik Roshan. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to superstar Hrithik Roshan on 10th January, 2020. He has been considered as one of the greatest style icons of India and probably the most dynamic actor ever to grace Indian silver screen. In 2010, he won the award for the style icon in Lux Sabse Favourite Kaun award. 2013 had been a great year for him. His film Krish 3 did business of more than 230 crores. In 2014 his film Bang Bang did business of 181 crores. In 2016 his film Mohenjodaro did not do great business.But 2019 as a great year for him. His film War did business of more than 310 crores with Tiger Shroff.
2012 had been important year for him. His film Agneepath released in January did business of more than 125 crores. He acted in the same role which Big B had played 20 years back. He had acted opposite Sanjay Dutt and Rishi Kapoor, so viewers were curious to see his performance in the film. He is also working on the film Krrish 2 which is going to be released in the year 2013. When he appeared in his father Rakesh Roshan’s project Kaho Na Pyar Hai in 2000, he broke all types of records that were set up in Indian cinema in respect of revenues derived from successful films. He played a double role with the title Rohit as an Indian and Raj as a Kiwi citizen. The smartness and elegance that he showed in the Kiwi character was unparallel considering the capability of all the leading superstars of the country. He acted opposite Amisha Patel who was also sublime in the film. Last but not the least his dancing capability was appreciated by every section of the crowd, especially in songs like “pyar ki kashti me”, “kaho na pyar hai”, “haseeno ki mehfil”, etc. But after the success in Kaho Na Pyar Hai, his off-beat films like Fiza and Mission Kashmir did not get proper response from the crowd. He gave spirited performance opposite Karishma Kapoor in Fiza and Preeti Zinta in Mission Kashmir. In fact he dared to even act in a negative character in the film Mission Kashmir opposite Sanjay Dutt in the early part of his career, which other actors of his age would not have dared to do. He gave adequate lips in the song “bhumaro bhumaro” in Mission Kashmir. After a series of medium budget films like Mai Pyar Ki Diwani Hoon, he again stormed box-office with the success of his film Koi Mil Gaya. He received the filmfare award for the best actor again with dynamic performance in the role of a mentally retarded person. The film was shot in Australia by director Rakesh Roshan and Preeti Zinta and Rekha did very well in their respective roles. The relationship with Aliens was well expressed by Hrithik Roshan. He again received filmfare award for best actor in the film Dhoom 2. Again he acted in a negative character in the form of international thief. He became notorious for his planned stealing operations in partnership with Aishwarya Rai. His deeds or misdeeds were detected by the intelligent investigator played by Abhishek Bacchan. He left him without charges after Hrithik transferred the stolen property to Abhishek Bacchan. Hrithik Roshan showed some acrobatic stunts which only Hollywood actors could have taken in the film. The dance performance in the song “dhoom machale” was brilliant by international standards. Hrithik Roshan made the viewers speechless with his dynamic performance in the film Krishh. He acted opposite Priyanka Chopra and exhibited the supernatural powers that he inherited from his father who received them from aliens. The scenic beauty of South East Asian countries amazed the viewers along with the performance of Hrithik Roshan. In 2008, Hrithik Roshan’s brilliant performance in the role of Mughal Emperor Akbar astonished the viewers. He complimented the dynamic performance of Aishwarya Rai in the film Jodha Akbar which was first blockbuster of 2008. He won the filmfare award for the best actor in 2009 for best performance in Jodha Akbar. His other hit films included Laksh, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, etc. Indian viewers are not that much fond of westernized performances, otherwise with the multitalented approach to films, Hrithik Roshan would have dethroned Shahrukh Khan from the Number One position long time back. Viewers waited for the 2 grand releases of Hrithik Roshan, namely Kites and Guzarish in 2010. Both the films did not do well in the box-office. If Spanish version being inadmissible and ununderstandable to rural mass of India was the root cause for average business of Kites, lack of interest towards serious films on the part of the audience may have effected Guzarish. But Hrithik Roshan acted well in both the films. But he bounced back with Agneepath. Krishh 3 had been his greatest blockbuster ever after doing business of more than 230 crores. There is lot of expectation from the viewers from his films as he is considered a superstar, so he is required to give a bigger hits in future.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Queen of suspense thriller Sadhnaji is still remembered today.


Sadhna remained sizzling actress in the 60s. Renowned actress Sadhna died in end of December 2015, at the age of 84 years. It was a huge loss for the industry as she was associated with classic films. The viewers of Bollywood films wished happy birthday to Sadhna on 2nd September, 2015. Sadhna Shivdasani remained sizzling actress in the 60s. Born on 2nd September, 1941, her name was given by her father due to his fascination for the actress Sadhana Bose. She acted in a Sindhi film Abana in 1958 where she played the role of the sister of the heroine in the film. Then Subodh Mukherjee did cast her opposite Joy Mukherjee in the film Love in Simla in 1959. The music was composed by Iqbal Qureshi and the songs of the film became big hits. She acted in successful films one after the other after that including Parakh, Hum Dono, Prem Patra. In 1962, her film Ek Musafir Ek Haseena opposite Joy Mukherjee became musical blockbuster. Raj Khosla’s hit became known for the songs composed by OP Nayyar, including Rafi’s songs “aap yuhi agar”, “bahut shukhriya”, “phir tere shahar me”, etc. She also acted in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s film Asli Nakli in 1962, opposite Dev Anand which was also another musical hit. Shankar Jaikishan’s composition became super hit including Lata’s “tera mera pyara amar”, Rafi’s song “tujhe jeevan ki dor me”, etc. Mere Mehboob was the greatest hit of Sadhna opposite Jubilee Kumar Rajender Kumar in 1963. The romantic film created the pair of Rajender Kumar Sadhna who remained sublime during the 60s. Naushad’s composition was brilliant including Rafi’s title song “mere mehboob tujhe meri muhobbat ki kasam”. The other super hit films of Sadhna opposite Rajender Kumar including Aarzoo and Aap Aye Bahar Aye. In 1965 she was married to RK Nayyar. She became famous for her spooky performance in Raj Khosla’s suspense thrillers like Wo Kaun Thi, Mera Saya and Anita. For Wo Kaun Thi she received filmfare nomination for best actress. Her other successful films including Dulha Dulhan opposite Raj Kapoor, Waqt opposite Sunil Dutt, Battamees and Raj Kumar opposite Shammi Kapoor, Ek Phool Do Mali opposite Sanjay Khan, etc. She faded away from the industry in the 70s, as her films Geeta Mera Naam, Ishq Par Zor Nahin, did not do adequate business. Her films should be preserved and restored.

Legendary actress Suchitra Sen was remembered on birth anniversary.


Suchitra Sen was remembered on her death anniversary. Bengal’s Mahanayika Suchitra Sen had become immortal in her works. She had been remembered on 6th April, 2019
. Suchitra Sen died on 17th January, 2014, at an age of 83 years. The entire film fraternity and her numerous lovers had become speechless to hear her death news. She was admitted in Belview Nursing Home more than 2 weeks. Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee mourned her death. Legendary actress Suchitra Sen had been remembered on her 84th birth anniversary on 6th April, 2014. In Star Ananda Channel veteran actress Sabitri Chatterjee had been invited to speak about Suchitra Sen. She acted with the legend in many films like Annapurnar Mondir, Grihadaha, etc. Suchitra Sen started her career with the film Saat Number Qaidi in 1953 and ended up with the film Pranay Pasha in 1978. After that she retired from film acting. Within the span of 25 years she acted in 3 films opposite Uttam Kumar making the romantic pair immortal over the last 60 years. She also acted in bollywood films including Devdas opposite Dilip Kumar, Bombai Ka Babu opposite Dev Anand, Mamta opposite Dharmender and Ashok Kumar, Aandhi opposite Sanjeev Kumar, to name a few. Suchitra Sen had a tremendous combination with singer Geeta Dutt and their understanding both in Bengali films and bollywood films had created history during the golden age, that is the 50s and 60s. In the film Indrani, all the songs sung by Geeta Dutt for Suchitra Sen including “jhanak jhanak madhur badan”, “nir choto khoti nei”, “ogo sundoro”, etc., all became super hit. Suchitra Sen provided hit films one after the other with Uttam Kumar, during that age and Indrani also falls in that category. Even in films where Geeta Dutt had sung only one song for Suchitra Sen, even in those films, the songs had a great impact in the success of the films. The song in the Ajoy Kar’s epic film Harano Sur, in 1957, titled “tumi je amar” had a unique appeal for the audience. Uttam Kumar lost his memory due to meeting with an accident and Suchitra Sen sang the song a number of times in the film. It haunted the viewers and touched the souls of numerous admirers of Bengali films. Geeta Dutt’s song for Suchitra Sen also in the film Hospital also became extremely successful. Ashok Kumar acted opposite Suchitra Sen in the film and the song was “ei shundar sharnali sondhae”. In bollywood films, SD Burman used Geeta Dutt for Suchitra Sen in the film Bombai Ka Babu. Dev Anand acted opposite Suchitra Sen in the film and all the songs were super hits. The main songs included “dekhne me bhola hai”, “pa ma ga”, etc., out of which some of them were duet songs with Mohammad Rafi and their romantic by every musical standard. As Suchitra Sen made memorable contribution in bollywood films for more than 30 years, a lot of legendary singers contributed for her during that period. There were hit songs sung by Sandhya Mukherjee in landmark films like Sagarika, Pathe Holo Deri, Sriti Tuku Thak, Uttar Falguni, Bipasha, etc. At the same time in bollywood films Lata had sung landmark songs for Suchitra Sen including “rahe na rahe hum” composed by Roshan in the film Mamta, “is mor se jate hai”, “tere bina zindagi me shikwa” composed by RD Burman in the film Aandhi. Even then Geeta Dutt was probably the only singer who sang songs for Suchitra Sen both in the Bengali films as well as the bollywood films. As Suchitra Sen’s hindi films were restricted to only Devdas, Champakali, Musafir, Bombai Ka Babu, Mamta, Aandhi, etc, Geeta Dutt got a limited scope of contributing in Suchitra Sen’s hindi films. Even then, the songs are still remembered by many generations and for those reasons the films should also be preserved. It is a pity that Suchitra Sen had gone behind the purdah. The media people cannot approach her to get interview. The films of Suchitra Sen should be preserved and restored.

Rafisahab and OP Nayyar combination gave landmark songs in 1950s and 1960s.


The combination of OP Nayyar and Mohammad Rafi was like tea and milk. The musiclovers had remembered legendary composer Omkar Prasad Nayyar, popularly known as OP Nayyar on his birth anniversary
on 16th January, 2019. He had died few years back, but his tunes had remained immortal for the audience of bollywood films for years. Whenever the name of OP Nayyar appeared in the minds of the audience, the name of immortal singer Mohammad Rafi had come together, without whom OP Nayyar was incomplete. The relationship between the two greats can be compared as tea and milk. OP Nayyar started his career with the film Kaneej in 1949. Guru Dutt had created his image in bollywood films in different categories being a thoughtful director and producer, dynamic actor, good choreographer. One of the numerous reasons for which his films became super hit in the 50s and 60s included the brilliant songs sung by Rafi during the golden age. Rafi’s songs in Guru Dutt’s Aar Paar, released in 1954 and composed by OP Nayyar became super hit. It was followed by Mr and Mrs. 55 released in 1955. Songs picturized on both Guru Dutt and Johnny Walker had melody and sweetness. Rafi’s songs like “dil pe kiya aisa jaadu”, “muhobbat karlo aji karlo”, “sun sun sun sun zaalima”, composed by OP Nayyar, created landmark in the mid-50s and Rafi emerged as the greatest singer of bollywood films during that time. In many of the songs Geeta Dutt did a great job in duets sung along with Mohammad Rafi. The same combination of Guru Dutt, OP Nayyar and Rafi gave everlasting hit in the film 12 O Clock with songs like “mai kho gaya”. Also in CID, OP Nayyar and Rafi combination created gold with songs like “aye dil mushkil jeena yahan”, “leke pehla pehla pyar”, “ankhon hi ankhon me”, etc. The magic combination of Rafi and OP Nayyar mesmerized the audience in Dilip Kumar’s Naya Daur. The super hit songs “saathi hath barana”, “mangke saath tumhara”, “mai bombai ka babu”, contributed a lot in the absolute success of the film. OP Nayyar received the filmfare award for the best music director only once in his career. Credit goes to Rafisahab for the great rendition of each songs of Naya Daur. The brilliant combination of OP Nayyar and Rafi continued in Raj Kapoor’s film Do Ustad. All the songs in the film became extremely popular including “tu ladki mai ladka”, “ruk ruk ruk, chor na de diwane”, “nazron ke teer mare kas kas kas”, etc. Rafisahab was the first choice of OP Nayyar, and inspite of Raj Kapoor’s voice having closeness with Mukesh and Manna Dey. OP Nayyar gave all the songs of Do Ustad released in 1959 to Mohammad Rafi Sahab. Even in Bharat Bhushan’s Phagun, OP Nayyar composed all the songs for great Rafi Sahab. So of the most super hit songs included “kaun se pardesi mera dil le gaya”, “tum rooth ke mat jana”, “mai soya ankhiya miche”. Qamar Jalalabadi’s words were as brilliant as Rafisahab’s velvety voice. Joy Mukherjee’s film Ek Musafir Ek Hasina did brilliant business in the early 60s. Raj Khosla’s musical thriller released in 1962 addressed every section of the society with romantic performance of Joy Mukherjee and Sadhna. All the songs of Rafi and Asha picturized on Joy Mukherjee and Sadhna became super hit. It includes songs like “aap yuhin agar humse milte rahe”, “mujhe dekhkar aapka muskurana”, “phir tere shahar me”, “mai pyar ka rahi hoon”, “bahut shukhriya, bari meherbani”, “humko tumhari isqh ne”, to name a few. Rafi was elegant as ever in the songs “phir tere shahar me” and “humko tumhare ishq ne”. OP Nayyar was probably at his best in the film and his blend of eastern and western music created the romantic mood for the film. Joy Mukherjee, Rafi and OP Nayyar’s magical combination continued in the film Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. Most part of the film released in 1963 was shot at picturesque locations of Jammu & Kashmir and the landscape was as romantic as the songs sung by Rafi and Asha in the film. The prominent songs included “banda parwar, thamlo jigar”, “lakho hai nigahon me”, “nazneen bara rangeen hai wada tera”, “aanchal me sajalena kaliyan”, “zulf ke chayon me chehere ka ujala lekar”, to name a few. Rafi had shown his excellent classical skills in the songs “zulf ke chayon me”, and “aancal me sajalena kaliyan”. Asha Parekh showed her dancing skills to perfection in the film. Rajender Nath played the role of the relief character in the film. In fact OP Nayyar maintained the same standard of music in Shammi Kapoor’s film Kashmir Ki Kali and Biswajeet’s film Mere Sanam which were made after Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. Joy Mukherjee’s combination with OP Nayyar continued in the film Humsaya. In that film Sharmila Tagore got the lead role opposite Joy Mukherjee. By that time due to emergence on new actors and actresses in bollywood films, Joy Mukherjee’s popularity declined and the film also did moderate business. In respect of the songs, Rafi’s song “dil ki awaaz bhi sun” became hit. But OP Nayyar gave a number of songs to Mahendra Kapoor was well which did not strike gold in the box –office. Besides Rafi’s western romantic mood is utilized by OP Nayyar in a very stylish way in the songs “Diwana hua badal, sawan ki ghata chayi” and “Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehera” in the film Kashmir Ki Kali, 1964 picturised on Shammi Kapoor and “Humne to dilko aap ke kadmome rakh diya, is dil ka kya karenge yeh ab aap sochiye” in the film Mere Sanam, 1965 and “Phir Miloge Kabhi is baat ka wada karlo, humse ek aur mulakat ka wada karlo” in the film Yeh Raat Phir Na Ayegi, picturised on Biswajeet. In all these songs the sarengi and santoor had played a very pivotal role accompanied by the intoxicating appeal of Rafi’s voice. In the film Baharen Phir Bhi Aayegi, Rafi’s ghazal “aap ki haseen rukh” composed by OP Nayyar and picturised on Dharmender was extremely romantic and made the audience spellbound in the early 60s. OP Nayyar composed peppy numbers for Rafi Sahab in Dharmender’s film Muhobbat Zindagi Hai in 1966. Rafisahab’s song “na jaane kyun” was as brilliant as “tumhari mulakat se” and “yeh purnur chehra yeh dilkash ada”. The list of films where OP Nayyar and Rafi’s magic flabbergasted the listeners just goes on including films like Tumsa Nahi Dekha, Basant, Phagun, Kismat, etc. One article is too small to explain the domination of OP Nayyar and Mohammad Rafi in bollywood films of the 50s and 60s. But the songs and the films had not become obsolete and listeners can listen to them again and again. The songs and the films should be restored.

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Happy birthday to Reena Roy.


Happy birthday to Reena Roy. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Reena Roy on 7th January, 2020
. She faced the strong competition of the performers of the 70s and yet could survive for more than 15 years in bollywood films. She came at a time when Hema Malini, Rekha, Parveen Babi and other actresses were at their peak. But she impressed the viewers with her natural performance in Subhash Ghai’s film Kalicharan, opposite Shatrughun Sinha. The film was based on the story of a prisoner who was reformed and given training to work in the police force and thereafter help the investigation agency in tracking down the culprits. Reena Roy’s dance performance in the song “jareja” sung by Lata, was well appreciated. In the late 70s Reena Roy kept her mark with her performance in the film Nagin. It was a multistarrer film where Firoz Khan, Mumtaz, Jeetender, Sunil Dutt, all were sublime in their respective roles. The story was based on fantasy where the snakes changed their form and took revenge against human beings who had killed their fellow snakes at different periods of time. Although the story had no practical base, but the entertaining performance of most of the stars including Reena Roy, converted a normal film into a hit venture. Reena Roy acted in multistarrer films of other directors like Manmohan Desai. In Naseeb, she played the role of a worker in a restaurant where Big B himself worked. The film became extremely successful with powerful performance of Shatrughun Sinha, Rishi Kapoor and Hema Malini. The music of the film was extremely successful. Pran and Amzad Khan played key roles in negative characters. In the 80s, with the advent of action films new action stars adorned bollywood films. Actors like Rajnikant tried their luck in bollywood after playing successful innings in South Indian films. Even during that period Reena Roy was successful in her performance opposite Rajnikant in the film Andha Kanoon. Andha Kanoon was related to the revenge that was taken by Rajnikant against Pran, Prem Chopra and Danny after they killed his family members. Reena Roy played the romantic character opposite Rajnikant and kept her mark opposite many stars in the film. Later on she married Pakistani cricketer Mohsin Khan and left films. But even these days whenever she is seen in character roles like the one in Abhishek Bacchan’s film Refugee, the viewers enjoy her presence to a big extent. The viewers expect her to continue her good work in the years to come.

The country remembers soft actress Nandaji on birth anniversary.


The country remembers the great actress Nandaji on her birth anniversary on 8th January, 2020
. Last year she died and made the viewers of realistic films very sad. Nanda, is known for her soft performance in notable bollywood films of the 60s and 70s. She acted as the wife of military major played by Dev Anand in the film Hum Dono, where the major died, and another military officer, having resemblance with the major came to her house to give the news of his death. As her mother-in-law was blind and had no other bread-earner, Nanda asked the officer to pretend to be her son, as she was not strong enough to bear the news of his death. It was a very landmark film, with unique story having resemblance with Uttamkumar’s film Uttarayan. Nanda gave very impressive lips in Lata’s bhajan “allah tero naam”, composed by Jaidev in raag gour-sarang. Nanda made the viewers spellbound with her performance in the film Bedaag opposite Manoj Kumar. Her sacrificing role touched the souls of viewers. Nanda was outstanding in Balraj Sahani’s film Bhabhi in 1957. Even before becoming a stylish actress she brought tears in everyone’s eyes in a role relating to joint family where she was always at the mercy of the family members. In the 60s, Nanda had acted in successful films opposite Shashi Kapoor, including Jab Jab Phool Khile, Neend Humari Khwab tumhari, Mohabbat is ko kehte hai, etc. The songs composed in these films by Kalyanji Anandji, Khayyam, and sung by Rafi, Lata, Suman Kalyanpur, were very unique, including “pardesiyon se na aankhiya milana”, “mai yaha ek ajnabi hun”, “theheriye hosh me aalun, to chale jaiyega”, etc. In the film Gumman, in 1965, she transformed her docile image into stylish image and provided landmark performance opposite Manoj Kumar. It was crime-thriller, with 7 murders, and the actual criminal played by Tarun Bose, was detected at the end of the film. Shankar Jaikishan, as usual, had given memorable tunes including “gumnaam hai koi”, “ek ladki ne”, “jaan pehchaan ho”, “is duniya me jeena ho to”, “o mere maan”, etc. Nanda had balaned the strong performance of Helen, Pran, Mehmood and others in the film. In the 70s, she was sublime in the serene performance in the film Shor, opposite Manoj Kumar, where she died, and her son was nurtured with her memory, although the film. The song “ek pyar ka nagma hai”, sung by Lata and Mukesh, composed by Laxmikant Pyarellal has become immortal with passage of time. Jaya Bachhan also performed well in the film. Nanda’s other notable films include The Train, and Joru ka ghulam, opposite Rajesh Khanna, and a familydrama titled Bhabi. She showed her metal even in the eyes in excellent character roles in Raj Kapoor’s film Prem Rog and opposite Tragedy King Dilip Kumar in the film Masdoor. If the films of the 60s and 70s involving soft romantic stories are remembered, Nanda’s performance will be adored as well, as the style of dialogue delivery was soft, unique and impressive.

Happy birthday to Sonali Bendre.


Happy birthday to Sonali Bendre. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Sonali Bendre on 1st January, 2020
. Sonali Bendre showed a lot of promise in the 90s when she joined bollywood films. She had spontaneity in her performance and did not imitate any star. She was sublime in Aamir Khan’s film Sarfarosh. Sarfarosh was the film based on the story of an honest police officer who addressed the corruption existing in the police department itself and the other wings of the Govt. Sonali Bendre ably assisted Aamir Khan in his noble mission. Jagjit Singh’s song “husnwale” became very successful. Her performance in Sunil Shetty’s film Bhai requires special mention. Although she loved Sunil Shetty like Pooja Batra but when she knew that Pooja Batra was also attached to him, she sacrificed her love. She died at the end of the film while fighting for the cause of Sunil Shetty. In fact she helped Sunil Shetty to learn urbanized style of living as he came from the hills and was uneducated. She acted in completely different role opposite Shahrukh Khan in the film Duplicate. Shahrukh Khan played a double role in the film, one having an affair with Juhi Chawla while the other having an affair with Sonali Bendre. She acted opposite Shahrukh Khan who played the role of the smuggler. From the time the two characters interchanged Sonali Bendre expressed the astonishment in style. Her lips in the song “mere mehboob mere sanam” require special mention. Although the film had mainly comedy element in it, the powerful performance of Sonali Bendre and Juhi Chawla helped the film to be successful. Her other hit films include Hum Saath Saath Hai, opposite Salman Khan, Zakhm with Ajay Devgan, to name a few. She received the star-screen best supporting actress award for her brilliant performance in the film Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai. Her performance in the film was as outstanding as Anil Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai. After success in films like Jis Desh Me Ganga Rehta Hai with Govinda, Major Sahab, etc., she left films in 2002. She appeared in many TV programs in a number of private channels, in some of them being the judges of those programs. But she was not found in prominent roles in the films released in the last few years. She also acts in a number of TV serials in Private Channel. The viewers expect her to make a comeback in character roles in future.

Happy birthday to stylish star Bipasha Basu.


Happy birthday to Stylish star Bipasha Basu. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Bipasha Basu on 7th January, 2020
. She had remained one of the smart aggressive actresses who acted in different kinds of roles over the last 5 years. 2012 is very important for her. Her film Players had been released in 2012 where she acted opposite Abhishek Bacchan, Bobby Deol and Sonam Kapoor. Her film Aatma in 2014 relating to ghoshts was very frightening. Bipasha Basu showed her romantic presence in landmark films in 2009 like All the best. She acted opposite Ajay Devgan and made everyone laugh with her hilarious performance. She has been one of the most sought after models who had become indispensable in bollywood films in the last few years. In the Lux Sabse Favourite Kaun night she won the award for the most style icon of 2009. Her stylish andaz had been appreciated by the viewers of the modern days. When she initially joined bollywood films in Ajnabee with Akshay Kumar, Bobby Deol, Kareena Kapoor, her smartness and aggressive performance was discussed amongst producers and directors. With passage of time new producers found similarity of Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie and Sofia Lorrain and started giving her roles which were both bold and beautiful. She was considered an art-film actress after her restrained performance in Madhur Bhandarkar’s off-beat project Corporate. Her hit films include Ajnabee, Bacchna Aye Haseeno, Race, etc. She had bagged the award for the most stylish icon last year in 2008, during a year when other bollywood stars like Aishwarya Rai, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra had stormed bollywood films with their stylish performances and westernized dress-ups. Although the complexion of Bipasha Basu was darkish, her looks were unique and that was the reason she was used by directors of different dimensions. In films like Dhoom 2, where Aishwarya Rai showed challenging stunts opposite Hrithik Roshan, Bipasha Basu complimented Abhishek Bacchan in the film with her smart performance. Till date she had performed in more stylish roles than tradional characters. It did not matter to her that she had not been identified as romantic stars like Preeti Zinta, or Rani Mukherjee or Kareena Kapoor, who had ruled bollywood films for the last 5 years, as long as her performance in contemporary films were appreciated and her films did brilliant business in India and abroad. Even with increase of age, viewers had to accept her presence in films in 2008, like Bacchna Aye Haseeno, where she had performed opposite younger stars like Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba. In an interview before a private channel Ranbir Kapoor mentioned that Bipasha Basu was the most matured actress who had acted opposite her in his short career. Beyond style and dance performances she had very strong acting conception which had still kept her in the rat race. In 2010 she acted in offbeat roles like the one in the film Aakrosh where she played the role of the wife of Paresh Rawal. She acted very well opposite Akshay Khanna and Ajay Devgan in the film. In 2015 Bipasha Basu again acted in a horror film. The viewers expect her to continue her brilliant work in bollywood films and show more dynamism in future.

Looking back at performances of Om Puri.


It is sad that Om Puri passed away with a massive heart attack in January, 2017. He died at the age of 66 years. The viewers of bollywood films wished happy birth anniversary to actor of actors Om Puri on 18th October, 2019. Om Puri, along with Naseeruddin Shah used to be considered and is still considered the most versatile actor of all times. Born on 18th October, 1950, Om Puri learned acting from Film and Television Institute of India. He was an alumnus of 1973 batch of Delhi School of Drama along with Naseeruddin Shah. He was the automatic choice of the greatest directors of Indian films like Satyajit Ray who did cast him in Sadgati, Govind Nihalini who had cast him in Aakrosh, Ardha Satya, etc., Ketan Mehta who had cast him in Mirch Masala, Gulzar, who had cast him in Maachis, to name a few. But when question came in relation to awards, critics feel that Om Puri, did not receive the recognition he deserved. He received national awards for best actor for his performance in the films Arohan and Ardhya Satya. But there is no justification as to the fact why did not receive a national award for his lifetime performance in the film Aakrosh. He did not have a single dialogue, and in a mute role, he expressed his agony, which was at par with some of the best Hollywood actors of all times. His performance in Satyajit Ray’s film Sadgati requires special mention. He died at the end of the film while cutting wood for cremation purposes for Mohan Agase in the film. He made the classic literature of Munshi Premchand immortal with his performance. He was sublime in Mirch Masala. He was outstanding in Tamas. Although he won a number of international awards, that does not justify his immense acting skills. He won the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Award for his performance in the film Ardhya Satya in 1984. He won Brussels International Best Film Actor award in 1998 for his performance in the film My Son the fanatic. Even his performance in commercial films like Ghayal or Gupt or China Gate requires special mention. In the last 10 years he had featured in every alternate films including Gulzar’s Maachis, Priya Darshaan’s Malamaal Weekly, Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Pukar, Sohail Khan’s Dabaang. His performance in small roles in landmark films like Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi had amazed everyone. In the last few years his performance in Saif Ali Khan’s film Qurbaan, Ashay Kumar’s film Action Replay had been very impressive. Even in commercial films like Salman Khan’s Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, Om Puri played the role of a wrestler very well. He balanced the performances of Paresh Rawal and Anupam Kher. In 2011, viewers are waiting to see his performance opposite Shahrukh Khan in the film Don 2 – the chase continues. The viewers and critics feel that Om Puri should continue his brilliant work irrespective of adequate justice being done through the awards, because his actual admirer are the immense number of viewers who had always considered him a genius of genius. In 2012, he played an important role in the film Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal with Nana Patekar and others. Om Puri will always live in the hearts of people with brilliant performances.

Happy birthday to Deepika Padukone.


Happy birthday to Deepika Padukone. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Deepika Padukone on 5th January, 2019. Deepika Padukone, the daughter of renowned badminton player Prakash Padukone, started her career in the fashion world from where the producers and directors got impressed. 2013 had been a great year for her. Her film Chennai Express opposite Shahrukh Khan had done business of more than 230 crores. Her film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani opposite Ranbir Kapoor did business of 189 crores. Her film Race 2 opposite Saif Ali Khan did business of 95 crores. 2014 also had been great year for her. Her film Happy New Year did business of more than 202 crores. She also received best actress award for her performance in the film Ramlila in 2014. In 2015 Deepika’s films Piku and Bajirao Mastani had been super hit. In 2017 Deepika's film Padmavat did business of 300 crores.
She made a dream debut in the film Om Shanti Om, opposite Shahrukh Khan. Shahrukh Khan was one of the biggest icons of bollywood films till 2007. Akshay Kumar had shaken up the box-office domination of Shahrukh Khan after giving many blockbusters in the last few years. It was a dream which came true for Deepika Padukone to act opposite Shahrukh Khan in the romantic blockbuster. Farah Khan and Shahrukh Khan searched a new face for the film. Deepika Padukone answered their query. The film was related to reincarnation. Deepika Padukone and Shahrukh Khan had double roles in the film. Deepika was killed by breaking out of fire in a grand studio. The entire story of her death was recreated to bring the perpetrators of crime before the people at large. The soul of Deepika Padukone did the rest. The film had similar story line like that of Karz. But the excellent music of the film and decent performance from Deepika Padukone and Shahrukh Khan had converted a decent film into a commercially successful mission. The songs of Sonu Nigam and others like “tumko paya hai to jaise”, “om shanty om”, “ankho me teri”, etc., became landmark hits in 2007. Deepika Padukone bagged the best debutant award in the filmfare and Om Shanti Om bagged filmfare awards under different categories. As Deepika Padukone created a huge expectation from the performance in the first film the viewers started believing in her capability in the following films as well. She did well again in 2008 in the film Bacchna Aye Haseeno opposite Ranbir Kapoor, Minissha Lamba and Bipasha Basu. The film was related to the story of how Ranbir Kapoor met three girls namely Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba and how their interaction created an impact in the life of Ranbir Kapoor. Again the fabulous locations and quality music composed by Vishal Shekhar impressed the viewers. The hit songs included “bacchna aye haseeno”, “ki mujhe pyar hai”, etc. Deepika Padukone probably matched Ranbir Kapoor the best if compared with the other performers in the same film. In 2009, Deepika’s much awaited film Chandni Chowk To China was released in January. She had acted opposite superstar Akshay Kumar who had shown his action skills and comedy skills as well in the film. For the requirement of the film Deepika Padukone had learned martial art as well which was done by Priyanka Chopra in the past. But the film did mediocre business. The other film of Deepika Padukone that was released in 2009 was Love Aaj Kaal. It was the film of Saif Ali Khan and he acted opposite Deepika Padukone. The film became a big hit and the romantic combination of Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone was accepted by the audience. The music of Pritam was well appreciated by the audience including the song “chor bazari”. After that Deepika Padukone had acted in many films in 2010, including Billo Barbar, Lafange Parindey, Larenge Hum Ji Jaanse, etc., and acted opposite many actors including Farhan Akshtar, Abhishek Bacchan (where he played the role of Masterda Surjo Sen in Ashutosh Gowarikar’s flm), etc. 2011 had been a successful year for Deepika Padukone. Her performance opposite Saif Ali Khan and Big B in the film Aarakshan had been appreciated by the viewers. The film did excellent business too. In 2012 her film Cocktail opposite Saif Ali Khan did good business. The viewers expect Deepika Padukone to revive her position in 2016 with the success of the films Race 2, Chennai Express and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Happy New Year and continue her great work in the years to come in bollywood films and other films.

Happy birth anniversary to Royal Indian actor Pradip Kumar.


Viewers of Bollywood films wish Happy birth anniversary to brilliant actor Pradeep Kumar on 4th January, 2019. Whenever any reference relating to everlasting singer Mohammad Rafi comes, the attention goes to the big budget films and songs for big banners. Rafi is known the most for singing catchy numbers for Shammi Kapoor under the composition of Shankar Jaikishan and classical songs for Dilip Kumar under the composition of Naushad Ali. Although Rafi had sung brilliant songs for all the leading actors of 40s, 50, and 60s, much had been written about the successful films where both the songs and the films did excellent business. But Rafi had sung excellent songs for Pradeep Kumar under the composition of Roshanlal Nagrath, where even if the mass was not touched, the class was addressed and the royal andaz of singing showed the range of Rafi to suit his voice for any form of playback singing. The magic of Roshanlal Nagrath, Pradeep Kumar and Mohammad Rafi started in Aarti released in 1962. Phani Majumdar directed the film. Four of the songs of Rafi stand out, “aapne yaad dilaya”, “ab kya misaal doon”, “baar baar tohe kya” and “tere bin lage na jiya”. Some of them were solo songs, while others were duet songs sung with Lata Mangeshkar. There were other duet songs of Rafi with Asha Bhosle, but the ones in pathos andaz like “aapne yaad dilaya” mesmerized the audience. The lyrics of Majrooh Sultanpuri, the composition of Roshanlal Nagrath, the voice of Mohammad Rafi and lips of Pradeep Kumar made the viewers spellbound. None of the songs had lost their charm even today. The magic continued in the film Tajmahal in 1963. M. Sadiq directed the film. Pradeep Kumar played the role of Shahjahan while Beena Roy played the role of Mumtaz Mahal. Here the combination was different with Sahir Ludhiyanvi writing the songs for Roshan which were sung by Mohammad Rafi. Four of Rafi’s songs were masterpieces including “jo wada kiya wo nibhana parega”, “paon chulene do phulonko inayat hogi”, “chandi ka badan”, and “jo baat tujhme hai”. Roshanlal Nagrath won the filmfare award for the best composer only once in his life, that was for the composition of the music of the film Tajmahal. He deserved it many more number of times. Sahir Ludhiyanvi won the best lyricist award for the lyrics of the film. Rafi was as outstanding as Pradeep Kumar in the role of Shahjahan. The magic continued in the film Chitralekha in 1964. Kidar Sharma directed the film. Pradeep Kumar, Meena Kumari and Ashok kumar played the main roles. Rafi’s song “man re tu kahe na dheer dhare” is still considered one of the 10 best bhajans Rafi had sung. Sahir Ludhiyanvi wrote the songs of the film. Rafi’s other song “cha gaye badal” was equally impressive. The Roshan, Rafi, Pradeep Kumar combination continued in the film Bheegi Raat in 1965. It was directed by Kalidas. Rafi’s songs in the film “dil jo na keh saka”, “aise to na dekho”, “jane wo kaun hai kya naam hai”, “mohabbat se dekha” all were masterpieces. Some were duets with Suman Kalyanpur, while the others were solo songs sung by Mohammad Rafi. Lyrics were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The words were excellent. Rafi was unparallel in all the songs. The combination continued in the film Bahu Begum in 1967. It was directed by M. Sadiq. Rafi’s songs “hum intezar karenge tera qawamat tak”, “dhoond ke layun kahan se”, “vakiv hoon ishqgade” were all masterpieces. While some had ghazal andaz, the others were stand out qawallies with Manna Dey. Roshan was as brilliant as Mohammad Rafi as Sahir Ludhyianvi. In the same year, the combination was sublime in the film Noorjahan. Rafi sang the songs “aap jab se kareeb aye hain” and “wo mohabbat wo wafayen” in style. For a change the lyrics were written by Shakeel Badayani. The unfortunate death of Roshanlal Nagrath in 1967, ended the journey of Rafi with Roshan and Pradeep Kumar. Otherwise masterpieces after masterpieces could be created. Rafi’s archive should preserve the songs of Pradeep Kumar and Roshan, which showed the royal andaz of music existing in the courts of Mughals, Pathans and Sultans in India.