In the last 100 years the greatest number of blockbusters were given by Tragedy King Dilip Kumarsahab.

The nation is shocked by demise of Tragedy King Dilip Kumar sahab's death at 99 years. The success rate of Dilip Kumar in Bollywood films is incomparable. Bollywood films had given superstars of different dimensions over the last 70 years. Right from Ashok Kumar to Rajender Kumar, Amitabh Bacchan to Shahrukh Khan, the superstars had entertained the audience and created records at box office over the years. These days viewers feel Salman Khan is the badshah of 100 crore, 200 crore, 300 crore club as his films Dabaang did business of 140 crores, Dabaang 2 158 crores, Ready 125 crores, Bodyguard 148 crores, Ek Tha Tiger 198 crores, Kick 232 crores, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo 219 crores, Sultan 300 crores and Bajrangi Bhaijaan 320 crores. Even after the records of these superstars are compared, there is incomparable record with one superstar of the millennium, that is Tragedy King Dilip Kumar. One of the reasons why the records are incomparable is due to the span of time that the records are spread over. Dilip Kumar was a superstar in the 1940s. He remained a superstar in 1950s. By the 1960s he became a legend. In the 1980s he became a phenonmenon. During Dilip Kumar’s time, success of films were measured in the context of number of weeks the films used to do business at box office. Now let us see the success in the context of the box office records. Dilip Kumar’s Mela in 1948 was a blockbuster hit doing business for more than 50 weeks and had been called a golden jubilee hit. SU Sunny directed the film. The music was composed by Naushad Ali. The legendary combination of Dilip Kumar, Naushad Ali, lyricist Shakeel Badayani and singer Rafisahab was created by that time. Dilip Kumar’s Andaz in 1949 was also a blockbuster hit and it remained the 2nd biggest blockbuster in 1949 after Raj Kapoor’s Barsaat. Andaz was directed by Mehboob Khan and had Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Nargis in the lead roles. The music was composed by Naushad Ali and the film was declared a golden jubilee hit which ran for more than 50 weeks. Dilip Kumar’s Babul in 1950 was a silver jubilee hit which ran for more than 25 weeks. It was directed by SU Sunny. Naushad Ali composed the music of the film. Dilip Kumar and Nargis played the lead roles in the film. Dilip Kumar’s Deedar in 1951 was again a blockbuster and golden jubilee hit running for more than 50 weeks. Dilip Kumar, Ashok Kumar and Nargis played the lead roles. Nitin Bose directed the film and the music was composed by Naushad Ali. Aan was Dilip Kumar’s first coloured and India’s first coloured film. In 1952, the blockbuster films was directed by Mehboob Khan. It was a multistarrer film with Dilip Kumar, Murad, Premnath, Nimmi and Nadira in the lead roles. The music was composed by Naushad Ali. By that time the equation was Dilip Kumar + Naushad Ali + Shakeel Badayani +Rafisahab = magic. The film did business of more than 50 weeks and became greatest blockbuster of the decade. Dilip Kumar’s Azad and Uran Khatola did business of more than 25 weeks in 1955 and were declared silver jubilees. Azad had Meena Kumari and Dilip Kumar in lead roles and music composed by C Ramchandran. Uran Khatola had Dilip Kumar and Nimmi in lead roles. SU Sunny directed the film and the music was composed by Naushad Ali. Dilip Kumar’s Naya Daur in 1957 was a golden jubilee hit running for more than 50 weeks. BR Chopra and Yash Chopra were involved in production and direction and the film was revolutionary one in the history of Indian films. OP Nayyar composed the music of the film. Dilip Kumar Vaijayantimala, Ajit and Johny Walker were in lead roles. Dilip Kumar’s Madhumati in 1958 was a golden jubilee hit running for more than 50 weeks. Bimal Roy directed the film and music was composed by Salil Choudhury. Dilip Kumar Vaijayantimala Johny Walker, Jayant were in lead roles. The film swept all the awards at filmfare in 1958 including best actor by Dilip Kumar, best composer by Salil Choudhury, best director by Bimal Roy. Dilip Kumar’s Paigham in 1959 was a silver jubilee hit running for more than 25 weeks. Dilip Kumar, Raj Kumar and Vaijayantimala were in lead roles. The music was composed by C Ramchandran. Dilip Kumar’s Kohinoor in 1960 was a golden jubilee hit running for more than 50 weeks. Dilip Kumar Meena Kumari, Kumkum and Jeevan were in lead roles. The music was composed by Naushad Ali, and Rafisahab’s “madhuban be radhika nachere” still is considered phenomenal rendition of raga style music in films. Dilip Kumar’s Mughal-i-Azam in 1960 was an all time blockbuster. It was a diamond jubilee hit running for more than 100 weeks. It created such a brilliant record at box office, that Sholay only broke the record in 1975. Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Prithviraaj Kapoor, Durga Khote were in lead roles. The film was directed by K Asif and music composed by Naushad Ali. Dilip Kumar’s Ganga Jumna in 1961 was a golden jubilee hit running for more than 50 weeks. Nitin Bose directed the film. Dilip Kumar and Vaijayantimala were in the lead roles. The music was composed by Naushad Ali. Dilip Kumar’s Ram Aur Shyam in 1967 was a golden jubilee hit running for more than 50 weeks. T Chanakya directed the film. Dilip Kumar, Mumtaz, Pran and Wahida Rehman were in lead roles. The music was composed by Naushad Ali. Dilip Kumar for the first time acted in a double role. In the 1980s Dilip Kumar gave 2 golden jubilee hits, one was Shakti in 1982 and the other was Karma in 1986. Shakti had Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachan, Rakhee, Smita Patil, Amrish Puri in lead roles. The film was directed by Ramesh Sippy. Karma had Dilip Kumar, Nutan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher in lead roles. Subhash Ghai directed the film and Laxmikant Pyarellal composed music of the film. So in a career of Dilip Kumar of 62 films, more than 25 films ending up as diamond jubilee, platinum jubilee, golden jubilee and silver jubilee is incomparable. India is indebted to Tragedy King for the business he gave over last 80 years. Only the record of Showman Raj Kapoor and in Bengal industry Mahanayak Uttam Kumar can come close to Dilip Kumar. Dilip Kumar always remained a phenomenon.

Arundhuti Debi and superstar Uttam Kumar had a majestic romantic appearance in bengali films.

Uttam Kumar in the 50s and 60s acted opposite different actresses, some who were beautiful, like Sumitra Debi, Suchitra Sen, Sharmila Tagore, etc., while others who had wide ranging acting conceptions like Manju Dey, Sabitri Chatterji and others. Arundhuti Debi was one of the highly educated characters whose qualifications were expressed in the characters she had played in a long career spanning over 25 years. With Uttam Kumar Arundhuti Debi acted in approximately 8 films including Bokul, Shiulibari, Jhinder Bandi, Jotugriha, Nabajanma, Manmayi Girls School, Pushpodhonu and Bicharak. While in Bicharak, she expressed the feelings of a confused sister whose elder sister was married to Uttam Kumar. Uttam Kumar was attracted to Arundhuti Debi and when fire broke out in the house and his first wife Deepti Ray required his help, he declined to help her and allowed her to die. A similar type of case was adjudicated by Uttam Kumar when he was a judge, when Chabi Biswas, the Public Prosecutor talked about the liability of the accused who could have saved the life of his brother, but he did not do so. Uttam Kumar was asked by Arundhuti Debi to examine his own conscience about his liability towards Deepti Roy in Prabhat Mukherjee’s classic film. Arundhuti Debi and Uttam Kumar showed their comedy conception in the film Manmayi Girl’s School, where they had to pretend to be spouses, because their landlord rented his house to them only on the condition of marriage. But their playacting resulted in an affair with one another. In Pushpadhanu, Arundhuti Debi brought up her husband’s child after he deserted her and got attached with Uttam Kumar who understood the feelings of an established dancer who got recognition but was a loner. Jhinder Bandi was made with the historical touch of Prisoner of Zenda and Tapan Sinha astonished the viewers with his treatment in the Indian context. The royal style of living of Rajputs was well demonstrated by both Uttam Kumar and Arundhuti Debi. Shiulibari was directed by Pijus Bose, who utilized the talent of Uttam Kumar and Arundhuti in a story based on the life of villagers of West Bengal. Jotugriha, directed by Tapan Sinha, was probably the most successful film of Uttam Kumar and Arundhuti Debi. In that film lack of begetting a child led to disharmony of the married couple. Both Uttam Kumar and Arundhuti Debi got separated and even after separation never lost the respect of each other. The story ends with both the spouses travelling in to trains which crossed each other. The level of performance of both Uttam Kumar and Arundhuti Debi, was such that there were no Indian actor or actress who could match the standard of performance. Uttam Kumar was the greatest superstar of Bengali cinema and became one-man industry in the 70s. Critics argue that no Indian star other than Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor had the individual charishma which Uttam Kumar had and if his Hindi films clicked he could have created serious competition for the stars of 60s. But Arundhuti Debi’s films with Uttam Kumar were so rich in literature, script and performance that critics argue that the combination addressed the concerns of intellectual audience of the country more than any other combination. The films should be restored for their aesthetic value.

Happy birth anniversary to Pran sahab.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birth anniversary to Pran Sikand, the legendary actor on 12th February, 2023. He expired few years ago but kept a great legacy of villain over a decade of 50 years. He was one of indispensable personality in bollywood films without whom most of the films of the 50s and 60s could not be thought about. He also was a big star who was as popular as an antihero as the leading stars of 50s and 60s including Showman Raj Kapoor and Tragedy King Dilip Kumar. Pran had acted in more than 300 films in his career which spanned over 60 years. He was a notorious dacoit in Raj Kapoor’s Jis Desh Me Ganga Behti Hai, who was reformed and persuaded to surrender before the police at the end of the film. He hammered Dilip Kumar all along the film Dil Diya Dard Liya, not knowing his identity. It was later known that Dilip Kumar was the king of the princely estate after the locket in his body was discovered. Dilip Kumar forgave him even after knowing that his affair with Wahida Rehman never blossomed into marriage due to Pran only. Among romantic songs of Rafi and Lata like “sawan aye ya na aye”, “dilruba main ne tere”, “koi sagar dil ko behlata nahi”, Pran kept a balance with his villanish pursuits. In Ram Aur Shyam, Pran tortured one of the Dilip Kumars who played the role of his brother-in-law. When Dilip Kumar’s twin brother came to his wife he took revenge against the evil deeds of Pran. Both the sequences when Pran whipped Dilip Kumar and when Dilip Kumar whipped Pran remained sensational. The film was serio-comic in nature with Dilip Kumar playing a double role for the first time in Ram Aur Shyam. In the mid-60s, Pran changed his image by playing positive roles like the one he played in the film Upkar. In that film he played the role of a handicapped person but he was an observer who witnessed the good deeds of Manoj Kumar who was a farmer and the bad deeds of his own brother played by Prem Chopra. Pran’s lips in Manna Dey’s songs “kasme wade” is still remembered by cinematic audience today. Pran was sublime in most of the hit films of the 60s like Shammi Kapoor’s Raj Kumar, Kashmir Ki Kali, An Evening in Paris, etc., Joy Mukherjee’s Love in Tokyo, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Biswajeet’s Mere Sanam, Rajender Kumar’s Ganwar, Raj Kumar’s Maryada, Manoj Kumar’s Gumnaam, to name a few. In the 70s he even matched himself with the action heroes of the other generation like Dharmender and Big B. His performance in Big B’s film Zanjeer in the role of a Pathan requires special mention. He gave excellent lips in Manna Dey’s song “yari hai imaan mera yaar mera zindagi” in the same film. In Amar Akbar Anthony, he was the father of Big B, Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor and he faced the evil operations of Jeevan and his men all along the film. He kept his fitness to such an extent that in action sequences, he never looked out of place in a film where Big B, Vinod Khanna who were much younger than him showed their own skills. Pran continued his villainish performances in films of 80s including Dilip Kumar’s Duniya and Big B and Rajnikant’s Andha Kanoon. With notable actors coming in bollywood industry in the 80s like Amrish Puri, Danny, Paresh Rawal, Kader Khan, Anupam Kher, etc., Pran slowly faded away from the industry. By that time he had performed in more than 300 films. Viewers remember him for his unique style of dialogue delivery, unique mannerisms and fantastic body. His viewers pay respect to the old actor on his birth anniver

sary who had already received lifetime achievement award from Filmfare for his unique contribution to bollywood cinema.

Happy birth anniversary to Shashi Kapoorji.

Happy birth anniversary to Shashi Kapoor. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birth anniversary to Shashi Kapoor on 18th March, 2023

. He died sometimes back but he is alive in his works. In 2011 he received the filmfare lifetime achievement award. In 2011, he received Padmabhushan, the civilian award for his excellence in bollywood films. His sickness prevents him from freely walking, but he receives most of his awards on wheel chair. Born in 1938, Shashi Kapoor started his acting career in the film Aag in 1948 directed by his elder brother Raj Kapoor. He also showed his acting skills as a child artist in the film Awara in 1951. The film won different awards in international film festivals and ended up being super hit. Shashi Kapoor acted in off-beat films at the beginning of his career like Prempatra opposite Sadhna. He entertained the audience with the film Jab Jab Phool Khilen in 1965. All the songs of Rafi composed by Kalyanji Anandji in the film became super hit like “pardesiyon se na”, “yahan mai ajnabee hoon”, “na na karke pyar”, etc. From that time Shashi Kapoor acted with Nanda in a number of films like Muhabbat Is Ko Kehte Hai, Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhari, etc. Rafi’s songs in many Shashi Kapoor films did magic including “o dilbar janiye”, “dilbar dilbar”, “bekhudi me sanam”, to name a few. Shankar Jaikishan gave notable tunes to Shashi Kapoor in the film Kanyadan. Madanmohan gave notable tunes to Shashi Kapoor in the film Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhari. In the late 60s Shashi Kapoor acted in many romantic films like Pyar Kiye Jaa, Kanyadaan, Abhinetri, Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati, etc. In Pyar Kiye Ja, he acted opposite actress Nanda, in Kanyadan he acted opposite Asha Parekh, in Abhinetri he acted opposite Hema Malini, in Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati he acted opposite Babita. In the 70s, Shashi Kapoor acted in action films along with Amitabh Bacchan, at a time when action films dominated either types of films in bollywood. His dialogue in the film Dewaar opposite Big B titled “mere paas ma hai” became immortal over the years. He acted in many films opposite Big B like Shaan, Do Aur Do Paanch, Iman Dharam, Namakhalal, Suhaag, Kala Pathhar, Kabhi Kabhi,Trishul, Silsila, etc., and most of those films ended up being blockbusters. Some of these films were multi-starred in nature. For example in Shaan and Kala Patthar he acted opposite Big B and Shatrughun Sinha. It was his sheer talent, that he could adapt himself in the new regime of anti-establishment films in the 70s, starting from Dewaar, which were quite different from the society shown in the romantic films of the 60s. He acted with other bollywood actors like Shatrughun Sinha in films like Gautam Govinda. He was a close friend of Ismail Merchant and featured in many of his English films like Siddharta. He produced impressive films like Junoon directed by Shyam Benegal and Vijeta directed by Govind Nihalini. His sons Kunal Kapoor and Karan Kapoor acted in many films. In the 1990s, Shashi Kapoor put on a lot of weight and stopped acting. He was in tears to receive the filmfare lifetime achievement award. The viewers pay homage to the veteran actor and wish him good health.

The romantic songs of romantic singer Manobendra Mukherjee spanned over 30 years

Manobendra Mukherjee and stylish classical Bengali songs. Manobendra Mukherjee was one of the legendary classical singer of Bengal who had simplified classical ragas and used them in Bengali modern songs. His romantic song “ami eto je tomay bhalobesechi” written by Shyamal Gupta and composed by himself had classical touch embedded in it. His other own composed song “emni kore porbe mone baki jibon dhore” was also a masterpiece related to classical andaz. Manobendra Mukherjee’s pure classical numbers were even more melodious. One example is “ei moushumi mon shudhu rong bodlay”. In this song there was a small alaap or khanak taken at the place “mori je hay” where Manobendra had used the sargam by uttering in “aa aa” form. It was brilliant. There were other romantic songs like “boroshaklanto o duti nayan mele”. The song had been composed by Anal Chatterji. Manobendra Mukherjee had another master piece “bolo raat bolo se kothay”. The song was totally raga oriented. Manobendra Mukherjee was sublime in the song “ei nil nil jal sagore” composed by Probir Mojumdar and “tomar pather prante moner monidip jele rekhechi” composed by Satinath Mukherjee. Some of his own compositions like “ei ganga sei padda” and “sei bhalo ei bosonto noi” had absolute romantic andaz. Manobendra Mukherjee had given adequate expression to songs composed by Himangshu Dutta including “birohini chiro birohini”, “tumi je andhar”, “biroho barisha”, etc. The songs were difficult in nature and Manobendra was probably the most classically trained singer to do justice to them. Manobendra had also sung some of the songs created in thumri style. One example was “koto je soyechi betha” composed by Chinmoy Lahiri. One more classical number included “tumi to dariye acho”. Articles after articles can be devoted to Manobendra Mukherjee whose classical touch was as elegant and stylish as Neil Harvey’s wristy strokes.

Happy birthday to Shahid Kapoorji

Happy birthday to Shahid Kapoor. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Shahid Kapoor, the successful romantic star on 25th February, 2023. 2015 had been a fabulous year for him. He received filmfare award for the best actor for his brilliant performance in the film Haider. Haider did great business and fetched Shahid Kapoor best actor awards in Life OK Screen awards and all other awards. He had acted in very successful films in the recent past, but for some reason or the other did not get the acknowledgement he deserved. In 2013 his film Phata Poster Nikla Hero did not do great business. It was released in August, 2013. But his other film R Rajkumar opposite Sonakhi Sinha did business of more than 70 crores. It was declared super hit. 2011 had not been a great year for Shahid Kapoor. He acted in his father Pankaj Kapoor’ film Mausam, but the film did not do great business. In 2012 he required a successful film to regain the stardom. His film Teri Meri Kahaani opposite Priyanka Chopra did not do good business. Sajid Wajid’s music in the film was impressive. All the songs were hit including “mukhtasar mulakat ki”, “jab se mere dil me uff” became super hit. But the film did mediocre business. He was on top of the world with the success of his film Kaminey opposite Priyanka Chopra few years back. His performance in the film Jab We Met almost pulled the film across the country. His decency and composure in the film was worth mentioning. Yet when the question of recognition did arise the entire credit was taken up by Kareena Kapoor. She received the filmfare award for the best actress for her performance in the film. Even Pritam who composed melodious songs in the film was unrewarded. Shahid Kapoor’s other successful films included Chup Chup Ke. For most part of the film he pretended to be a deaf and dumb person. He worked with Rajpal Yadav in the house of Om Puri and got associated with Kareena Kapoor. Later in the film his identity was disclosed. His performance in that film was also extraordinary. The other successful films of Shahid Kapoor include Kismat Connection with Vidya Balan, 36 China Town with Kareena Kapoor, to name a few. In 36 China Town, Shahid Kapoor along with Kareena Kapoor were suspected for murdering a woman in the house. The investigation was carried out by Akshay Khanna and later the servants of the house were found as the actual murderers. The film was serio-comic in nature with Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever also contributing in respective roles. Shahid Kapoor had outstanding dancing skills. He exhibited it in films like Jab We Met, 36 China Town, etc. With serious competition in the bollywood industry Shahid Kapoor badly needs a big hit in the future to maintain his stardom. He had established himself as a romantic actor. He has to contribute well in action films, political films and other types of films in future. Besides he had been associated with Kareena Kapoor all along his career. He has to create a combination with other actresses in the bollywood industry as well to show his versatility. He has a bright future in bollywood industry. In 2014 he struck gold with Haider. His film Padmavat did business of 300 crores.The viewers expect that his films in future will also do good business.

The films of Ayesha Takiaji are still relevant

Actress Ayesha Takia left films after few successful ones otherwise she had a very bright future in bollywood films. There are two categories of actresses who perform in bollywood films. The first category includes the daughters of celebrities who make their debut in films made by their parents. Examples include Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, whose first films had lot of curiousness created in respect of the performance. The second category includes the other actresses who prove their capability by performing in films over a period of time. Ayesha Takia fall in that category. She was born on 10th April, 1986. Her father Nisith or mother Faridah were not celebrities to the stature of Jeetender, or Feroz Khan or Hema Malini whose children joined bollywood films. Ayesha did advertisement relating to complain girl and acted in music video of Falguni Pathak titled “meri chunari ur ur jaye”. She received the filmfare award for best debutant for the performance in the film Tarzan, The Wonder Car. After that few average films like Socha Na Tha, Dil Mange Mor followed. She created attention in the film Shaadi No. 1, where Esha Deol and Soha Ali Khan acted with her. All three of them had husbands like Fardeen Khan, Sharman Joshi, etc., who were addicted towards other ladies. Sanjay Dutt came over there and disclosed the truth relating to the affairs of their husbands with other girls like Riya Sen. At the end of the film Ayesha’s husband and the husbands of Esha Deol and Soha Ali Khan understood their mistake and followed the right path. Ayesha Takia was sublime in the film Salaam-e-Ishq opposite Akshay Khanna. Initially Akshay Khanna did not wanted to marry her for not taking up responsibilities of husband. But later he got convinced and married her. Ayesha gave able lips in the songs “salaam –e-ishq”, “dekho to dekho aisa hota to”, etc. Although the film did mediocre business the songs of the film became super hit. In 2008 and early part of 2009 her films De Taali, Sunday and 8*10 Tasveer did mediocre business. In 2009, Ayesha Takia acted in super hit film Wanted opposite Salman Khan. Her romantic performance opposite Salman Khan was appreciated by all sections of the crowd. Her softness and submissiveness is liked by different sections of audience. The song “love me love me” became hit in the film. The film did business of more than 75 crore and established Ayesha Takia as a leading actress along with Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. The viewers expect her to make a comeback.

Shankar Jaikishanji were the highest paid music directors of 1940s, 1950s, 1960s.

Shankarji Jaikishanji had very high remuneration during golden age of music. Shankarji Jaikishanji were the highest paid composers of their time.In 50s their fees per film ranged from 20000 TO 50000, till 1958. Choti Behen – They received Rs 75000 for film Chhoti Bahen. The film is remembered for great music in addition to lovely story. Anari – They received Rs75000 for Anadi in 1959. Raj Kapoorsahab and Nutanji played the lead characters and Raj Kapoorsahab and Shankar Jaikishanji received filmfare awards respectively for best actor and music director in that year. Love Marriage – SJ received Rs 75000 for film Love Marriage in 1959. Dev Anandsahab and Mala Sinhaji played the lead roles. Aas Ka Panchi – SJ received Rs 125000 for film Aas Ka Panchhi released in Feb 1961. Rajender Kumarji and Vaijayantimalaji played the lead roles. Sasural – SJ received Rs175000 for film Sasural in 1961.Rajender Kumarji and Saroja Deviji played the lead roles and Rafisahab received filmfare award for best male playback singer for the song “teri pyari pyari surat ko kisi ki nazar na lage” in film Sasural. Junglee – SJ received Rs 175000 for film Jungli released in Oct 1961. Shammi Kapoorji and Saira Banuji played the lead roles. Professor – SJ received Rs 225000 for film Professor released in 1962. Shammi Kapoorji and Kalpanaji played the lead roles and SJ won the filmfare award for the best music director in the year for the film Professor. Hamrahi – SJ received Rs 300000 for film Hamrahi released in 1963. Rajender Kumarji and Jamunaji played the lead roles. Dil Ek Mandir – SJ received Rs 300000 for film Dil Ek Mandir released in 1963. Rajender Kumarji and Meena Kumariji played the lead roles. Ayee Milan Ki Bela – SJ received Rs 350000 for film Ayee Milan Ki Bela in 1964. Rajender Kumarji and Saira Banuji played the lead roles in the film. 1964 Zindagi – SJ received Rs 450000 for film Zindagi in 1964. Rajender Kumarji and Vaijayantimalaji played lead roles in the film. Aarzoo – SJ received Rs 500000 for film Arzoo ( All time high ) in 1965. Rajender Kumarji and Sadhnaji played lead roles in the film. In 1967, J Om Prakash paid 70000/- to L.P. for music of Aaye Din Baharke. ( just 20% amount of his last SJ film Aayee Milan Ki Bela. These details are derived from Raju Bharatan's following two books. 1. Naushadnama 2. The down melody Lane. Looking back at Shankar Jaikishan and remembering the bond with Mohammad Rafi. Shankar Singh Raghuwanshi is remembered on his anniversary on 15th October, 2021. Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal is remembered on 12th September, his death anniversary in 2021. The listeners of music all over the world wished happy birthday to legendary composer Jaikishan better known as Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal on 4th November, 2021. He was part of the legendary duo Shankar Jaikishan who dominated bollwood music during the 1950s and 1960s. Rafisahab had a very sweet relationship with Shankar Jaikishan but unfortunately their relationship had not been glorified in bollywood history. Whenever contribution of composers relating to classic creations involving Rafi are highlighted the name of Naushad, Roshan, Madanmohan, OP Nayyar are glorified and the contribution of Shankar Jaikishan is ignored. If Rafi’s stylish andaz relating to westernized compositions are adequately it is Shankar Jaikishan who had used it to perfection. They had used Rafi for singing romantic songs with Japanese orchestration in Love in Tokyo including songs like “aja re aa zara aa”, “Japan, Love in Tokyo”, “ o mere shahekhuba”, etc. In Biswajeet’s April Fool SJ’s composition for Rafi including “aa gale lag ja” had westernized background. SJ’s composition for Rafi in Shammi Kapoor’s An Evening in Paris like “akele akele kahan ja rahe ho”, “raat ke humsafar”, had loud French music with echo effect and Rafi’s intonation was also westernized. Shankar Jaikishan gave a completely different style of music to Rafi in Rajender Kumar’s Aarzoo with songs like “aji ruth kar ab”, “chalke teri aankho se”, “ai nargisi mastana”, etc. SJ had given songs addressing children to Rafi including “nanne munne bache teri mutthi me kya hai” in Boot Polish, “hai na bolo bolo”, “re mamma re mamma re” in Shammi Kapoor’s Andaz and “chakke p chakka” in Brahmchari. Rafi pronounced the words with childish accent and SJ used the orchestration to attract children. There were ghazals also given by SJ for Rafi including “rukh se zara nakab” in Jeetender’s Mere Huzoor, “unke khayal aye to” in Raj Kumar’s Lal Patthar, “saaze dil ched de” in Pradeep Kumar’s Rajhaath, etc. Besides SJ’s creation involving Rafi in somber mood had created great impact including songs like “teri zulfon ki judai to nahi maangi thi” in Dev Anand’s Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, “ehsaan tera hoga mujhpar” in Shammi Kapoor’s Junglee, “yaad na aye” in Rajender Kumar’s Dil Ek Mandir. Shankar Jaikishan had used Rafi’s classical andaz in the songs “radheke tune bansoori churai”, “ajahu na aye”, etc., and combined the ragas with devotional andaz. SJ had given music in almost 200 films within the span from 1949 to 1971, and at least each year they composed music for approximately 10 films. As Rafi was given predominance over other male singers SJ had use him in regular intervals even without doing injustice to Mukesh, Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar, Talat Mehmood and others. Songs like “kaun hai jo sapno me aya” from Jhuk Gaya Aasman, “to bura maan gaye” from Ayee Milan Ki Bela, “yeh ankhen” from Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, “tujhe jeevan ki dor se” from Aasli Nakli, “dheere dheere chal” from Love Marriage, “badan pe sitaren lapete hue” from Prince, “mai kahin kavi na banjayun” from Pyar Hi Pyar, “mai gayun tum so jao” from Brahmchari, had not lost their flavour even 40 years after their creation due to sheer brilliance of Shankar Jaikishan. It is really tragic neither Shankar Jaikishan had received the accolades that they deserved nor Rafi’s association with them had been glorified but history says that the combination of Rafi with Shankar Jaikishan had produced invaluable creations which had become immortal over the period of time. Rafi had a dream run in the 60s, mainly in the films of Jubilee Kumar, Rajender Kumar for more than a number of reasons. Firstly Rajender Kumar acted in the production and direction of biggest banners of bollywood in the 60s. Secondly from 1963 to 1966, all his films ended up in silver jubilee showing his immense popularity and strong presence in the box-office. Shankar Jaikishan was equated with God in the early 60s and the main reason of the box-office success of Jubillee Kumar’s films was the superlative music given to him by both SJ and Naushad. In the film Ayee Milan Ki Bela, all the songs of SJ, picturised on Rajender Kumar and sung by Rafi became super hit The immortal songs include “mai pyar ka diwana“, “aha aye Milan ki bela“, “tum khamseen ho“, “to bura maan gaye“, “o sanam tere ho gaye hum“. Rajender Kumar and Saira Banu’s online chemistry in the film helped in the success of the film. SJ’s composition in the film Aarzoo, Humrahi and Sasural for Rajender Kumar and Rafi were equally rich. The brilliant songs include “chalke teri aankhose“, “ae nargisi mastana“, “aji ruth kar ab“, “yeh aansoo meri dil ki zubaan hai“, “teri pyari pyari surat ko“, “mujhko apne gale laga lo“, to mention a few. Sadhna complimented the powerful performance of Rajender Kumar in Aarzoo. The brilliant combination of Rafi, SJ and Rajender Kumar, continued in the film Dil Ek Mandir and Jhuk Gaya Aasman. Prominent songs include “yaad na jaye“, “jahan koi nahi“, “dil ek mandir hai“, “o priya kaun hai jo sapno me aya“, “kahan chal diye“, to mention a few. SJ Rafi and Rajender Kumar continued in the film Aman, where songs like “surahidar garden koel si hi awaz” still mesmerizes the listeners. Rafi, Rajender Kumar and SJ created history even in the film Suraj. The songs “kaise samjhayun“, “chehere pe giri zulfein“, “itna hai tujhse pyar mujhe“, “baharon phool barsao” had become immortal over the years. Rajender Kumar and Vaijayantimala’s screen presence were as majestic as the voice of Rafi and the quality of music of Shankar Jaikishan. The other films where the magic combination of Rafi, Rajender Kumar and Shankar Jaikishan made people speechless include Zindagi and Sangam, with the prominent songs being “pehle milethe sapno me” and “meherban likhoon“. When Shammi Kapoor was informed about Rafi’s death in 1980, he was told by the informer that he had lost his own voice. In other words it was said that Rafi’s voice had reached the soul of Shammi Kapoor, whose success in bollywood films was largely dependent on the golden voice of Rafi. Shankar Jaikishan had contributed in around 22 films of Shammi Kapoor and without the magical duo Rafi’s combination with Shammi Kapoor would not have fulfilled the popular demands of the musical audience. If SJ’s composition for Raj Kapoor mark the music catered to the masses, the composition for Rajender Kumar mark the sophisticated tunes catered towards the cultured audience, the compositions for Shammi Kapoor mark the westernized andaz addressed for the young generations. Shammi Kapoor brought the rock and roll andaz of Hollywood films in hindi films, and SJ and Rafi combined together to bring the energetic andaz of Shammi Kapoor who was considered to be a rebel star in the 60s. In fact his style was imitated by Joy Mukherjee and Biswajeet who were also blessed with melodious songs sung by Rafi in the 60s. SJ, Shammi Kapoor and Rafi combined together to give superhit songs in the film Junglee, including “ehsaan tera hoga mujhpar”, “meri yaar shabba khair”, “chahe koi mujhe jungle kahen”, etc. Saira Banu made her debut opposite Shammi Kapoor and the Subodh Mukherjee film became a trend setter for other directors of producers of the 60s. SJ, Shammi Kapoor and Rafi created the same magic in the film Janwar. Songs like “tumse achha kaun hai”, “lal chari maidan khari” became superhit along with romantic performance of Rajashree in the film. SJ, Shammi Kapoor and Rafi combination in the film Raj Kumar was equally sublime with songs like “hum hai rajkumar”, “tumne pukara aur hum chale ayen”, “tumne kisiki jaan ko”, to name a few. Sadhna was sublime along with Shammi Kapoor in the film. SJ, Shammi Kapoor and Rafi created magic again in the film An Evening in Paris. All the songs of the film became super hit including “aji aisa mauka”, “aasman se aya farishta”, “raat ke humsafar”, “akele akele kahan ja rahe ho”, “mera dil hai tera”, “diwane ka naam to pucho”, to name a few. The foreign locations of Paris were as majestic as the European music of SJ and modernized performance of Sharmila Tagore in the film. The brilliant combination of SJ, Shammi Kapoor and Rafi again created magic in the film Brahmchari. All the songs in the film including “dil ke jharoke me”, “chakke pe chakka”, “mai gavun tum so jayo”, “aajkal tere mere pyar ke charche” created storm in bollywood films. Shammi Kapoor won the filmfare for best actor for his performance in Brahmchari, and Shankar Jaikishan won the film fare for best music director for the same film, while Rafi won the filmfare for best singer for singing the song of the same film. Again Rajashree was sublime in the film. SJ, Shammi Kapoor and Rafi were equally brilliant in the film Prince where Vaijayantimala acted opposite Shammi Kapoor. Rafi’s songs “muqabla hum se na karo” was as hit as “badan pe sitaren lapete hue”. The same combination came up with brilliant songs in the film Laat Sahab. The songs “sawerewali gari se chale jayenge” and “aye chaand zara chup ja” became superhit. Nutan contributed well opposite Shammi Kapoor. The magic combination of SJ, Shammi Kapoor and Rafi contributed even in GP Sippy film, Andaz. All the songs of Rafi like “dil use do jo jaan deden”, “hai na bolo bolo”, “re mamma re mammare” became superhit. Hema Malini performed for the first time opposite Shammi Kapoor. The brilliant combination of SJ, Hasrat Jaipuri, Shailendra, Shammi Kapoor and Rafi ended with sad demise of Jaikishan in 1971. Articles after articles can be devoted on the magic combination who even created magic in other films like Tumse Accha Kaun Hai, Jawan Muhobbat, etc. Critics argue that OP Nayyar and Ravi also contributed in Shammi Kapoor’s films, but their music was also influenced by Shankar Jaikishan’s tunes. The films and the songs of Shammi Kapoor, Shankar Jaikishan and Rafi should be preserved for the future generations. A big section of music lovers agree that had Jaikishan not died in 1971, Rafi’s dominance in bollywood music not suffered at all. In fact SJ’s tunes were brilliant and were specifically catered towards the likings of common mass. They were not that technical which could not reach the audience. Besides SJ gave tunes in around 10 films per years all along the 50s and 60s, the era when Rafi was unbeatable.

Happy birthday to actress Tina Munimji

Happy birthday to Tina Munim. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Tina Munim on 11th February, 2023. She is better known as Tina Ambani after marrying Anil Ambani who is one of Indian’s leading business magnets. She was discovered by Dev Anand and cast in the film Desh Pardesh in 1978. She also acted in the films Lootmaar and Manpasand. She was most successful opposite Rishi Kapoor, who was the greatest romantic actor in the late 70s and early 80s. Subhash Ghai’s Karz stormed bollywood in the late 70s, where Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim combination was well accepted by the audience. All the songs composed by LP and picturised on Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim became super hit including “mai sola baraski”, “ek haseena thi”, “darde dil”, “om shanty om”, etc. Karz was remade few years back with Himesh Reshammiya playing the role of Rishi Kapoor in the new version. She also acted in the super hit film Aap Ke Diwane opposite Rishi Kapoor. Rakesh Roshan did cast her in the film Akhir Kyon opposite Rishi Kapoor. She was sublime in Basu Chatterjee’s film Baaton Baaton Me opposite Amol Palekar, and Man Pasand. She acted in a number of films opposite Rajesh Khanna including Souten, Bewafai, Insaaf Mai Karunga, most of which did excellent business. Souten did good business in the early 1980s. Padmini Kolhapuri played an important role in that film. She had acted opposite other actors also but viewers remember her combination the most with Rishi Kapoor. Her performances opposite Rishi Kapoor in the films Bade Dilwale, Deedar-E-Yaar and Aap Ke Deewane are remembered by the viewers. Aap Ke Deewane did great business in 1980. Rakesh Roshan also acted opposite Tina Munim where Rishi Kapoor played the main role. The music of Rajesh Roshan became super hit including Rafi’s songs “aap ke dewaane hai”, “tum ko khush dekhkar mai bahut khush hua”, etc. Sunil Dutt launched his son Sanjay Dutt in the film Rocky opposite Tina Munim. The film did good business in the early 80s. In 1987 she left bollywood films. Later she settled down after marrying Anil Ambani. She had been involve

Looking back at legendary singer Sandhya Mukherjee and great songs at her death anniversary

Geetashree Sandhya Mukherjeeji

the legendary bengali singer died on 15th February 2022. Her demise ended the golden era of bengali music. Her brilliant combination with greatest bengali actress Suchitra Sen has remained immortal. From prime minister of India and chief minister of West Bengal all the dignitories mourned the death of the legendary singer. She has sung more than 100 songs in the films of Suchitra Sen and Uttam Kumar. Her landmark songs for Suchitra Sen included "ke tumi amare dako" in Agniparikka "gane more indradhanu" in film Agniparikkha, "ghum ghum chand" in film Sabar Opore, "e sudhu ganer din" in film Pathe Holo Deri, "ei to amar pratham phaguna bela" in film Sagarika, "klantir poth buhiba phurale mor" in film Bipasha, "moner madhuri mishaye" in film Sriti Tuku Thak, to mention a few. The list just goes on and on. Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen acted in 30 films and are considered the biggest romantic pair of stars in entire Asia. Sandhya Mukherjee contributed the most in the super hit films and blockbusters of Suchitra Sen and Uttam Kumar which includes Agni Parikkha, Sagarika, Pathe Holo Deri, Bipasha, Saptapadi, Kamallata, Shap Mochon, Surjo Toron, to mention a few. Articles after articles can be devoted to the greatest female singer of Bengali Sandhyaji who will remain immortal in her songs. She also sang duet song with Lataji in film Tarana, where Anil Biswas composed her song for Shyamaji and Lataji sang for Madhubalaji. She sang around 17 songs in bollywood films. 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.

Looking back at great creations of Bappi Lahiriji on his death anniversary.

Sad demise of great composer and singer Bappi Lahiriji. The entire country is shocked with demise of Bappi Lahiriji who died out of cardiac arrest on 15th February 2022. The viewers of bollywood films wished happy birthday to Bappi Lahiri on 25th November, 2021. He had huge contribution in bollywood music during the 70s and 80s and his compositions are remembered even today. He is the son of famous Bengali singer and composer Aparesh Lahiri. Aparesh Lahiri had very impressive basic discs and the songs like “takka tare”, “jhar” stormed the Bengali audience in the 50s. His composition for Lata Mangeshkar, titled “ekbar bidae de ma” in Bengali films should his capability of using powerful resources successfully. Bappi Lahiri emerged in the bollywood film arena, when composers like Shankar Jaikishan, Roshan, Madan Mohan, SD Burman, died and composers like Laxmikant Pyarellal, RD Burman, Kalyanji Anandji were the main competitors in the late 70s. Bappi created an impression before the audience with his compositions for the film Zakhmee where Sunil Dutt and Asha Parekh were the main performers. The music of his film Namakhalal became super hit. Big B’s lips and Kishore Kumar’s song “ki pag ghungru”, made Bappi Lahiri a big star in the early 80s. He also gave ppular music in the film Sharabi, where again the Big B, KK combination stormed bollywood. The song “imtehan ho gayi intezr ki” became super hit. Bappi Lahiri and KK combination did work also in the films of Mithun Chakravarthy. All the songs of the film Disco Dancer became super hit where Bappi Lahiri himself sang hit songs like “yaad aa rahai”, etc. The other hit films where Bappi Lahiri contributed well include Thanedaar, with Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit, where the song “tama tama loge” became very popular. Bappi Lahiri was very successful in his composition of music for Bengali films as well. His music in Uttam Kumar’s last film Ogo Bodhu Sundari became super hit. KK’s songs “ami ekjon santoshito”, “shikte tomai hobe”, etc., became very successful. The other hit Bengali films where Bappi Lahiri made valuable contribution include Guru Dakhina and Amar Sangi. The hit songs include “o amar gurudakhina”, “prithibi hariye geche”, “sangi, sangi”, “jekhanei thako”, etc. He sang the song “u lala u lala” in the film Dirty Picture. The film had reciprocated the great music trend of 1980s when Bappi himself composed music in films like Himmatwala. Bappi Lahiri had been often criticized for copying music from international films and other sources, as his tunes were very similar to others tunes. But that controversy is faced by lot of modern composers as well. The big thing is Bappi Lahiri had entertained audience of bollywood films for more than 15 years. His admirers salute his east west blend of music will cherish his happy memories for ever.

Beauty queen Saira Banuji and jubilee star Rajender Kumarji pair gave golden jubilee and blockbuster film in 1960s.

Rajender Kumarji and Saira Banuji Rajender Kumar, better known as Jubilee Kumar, had acted in memorable films in the 60s, ranging from Mere Mehboob, to Sangam, Aarzoo to Suraj, etc. During that span he had acted with all the leading actresses of bollywood films including Vaijayantimala, Sadhna, Meena Kumari, Wahida Rehman, etc. His combination with Saira Banu was well accepted by the viewers. Most of their films became successful and did very good business during the 60s. Their film Ayee Milan Ki Bela was a romantic film with melodious songs composed by Shankar Jaikishan. The memorable songs sung by Rafi and Lata include “to bura man gaye”, “o sanam tere ho gaye hum”, “aha aye Milan ki bela dekho aye”, “tum khamseen ho”, “mai pyar ka diwana”, to name a few. Dharmender got a supporting role in the form of brother of Rajender Kumar. He also did well in the film. Their film Jhuk Gaya Aasman was based on reincarnation. Rajender Kumar met with an accident and took the place another person who had huge property. The other Rajender Kumar was subject to conspiracy Prem Chopra and others who were interested to take his property. Music again played a notable role with Shankar Jaikishan providing westernized tunes for Rafi and Lata. The hit songs sung by Rafi and Lata included “o priya, kaun hai jo sapno me aya”, “saccha hai ghar”, “kahan chal diye”, to mention a few. The popularity of Rajender Kumar and Saira Banu contributed a lot for the success of the film. Rajender Nath, the brother of Prem Nath did well as a relief character. The film which was less known involving Rajender Kumar and Saira Banu, included Aman. The film was based on the victims of Second World War. Rajender Kumar was a doctor and went to Hiroshima and Nagasaki to treat the victims who got infected due to hurling of Atom Bomb during the Second World War. Rajender Kumar went there against the wishes of his father played by Balraj Sahani. There he met Saira Banu and got involved with her. The film depicted the damage that caused in most parts of Japan including the population and their property. It was not a romantic film in that sense. But the music of Shankar Jaikishan again appreciated by the audience. The notable songs included “surahidar garden, koel si hi awaaz”, “aaj ki raat”, etc. Rajender Kumar died at the end of the film. The films of Jubilee Kumar and Saira Banu should be restored for the next generation as their romantic pair provided entertaining performances in the 60s.

Jaidevji and Khayyamsahab gave landmark songs to 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 Madhubalaji

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, 2023. 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.

Looking back at super hit films of Nadiraji.

Nadira – the sizzling star of golden age. Nadira used to be considered a sizzling star of the 50s and 60s, the golden age of bollywood cinema. Her beauty was different than the traditional stars like Nargis or Madhubala, and her charishmatic intonation had created a separate place in the minds of viewers. She acted in the first coloured film of bollywood that is Aan, made in the early 50s opposite Dilip Kumar. From Aan itself, the smartness of Nadira reflected in her acting as the film required horse-riding and adventurous acts which were difficult for other actresses of the same era. In 1955, Raj Kapoor gave the role of her lifetime in the film Shree 420. Her villainish performance in the film did outcast Nargis in the same film. The song “mur murke na dekh” composed by Shankar Jaikishan and sung by Asha Bhosle and Manna Dey was picturised on Nadira and Raj Kapoor. The lips of Nadira created a lasting impact in the minds of the viewers and Shree 420 became a super hit film. The good part of Shree 420 in the career of Nadira was that it made her a rising star. But the bad part was that from that film her image in negative characters got bolstered and producers and directors started casting her in negative roles. In Dil Apna Aur Preeti Parayi, she acted opposite Raj Kumar and Meena Kumari. Raj Kumar had affair with Meena Kumari, a nurse in the film, and after marriage with Nadira, the weakness towards Meena Kumari led to disharmony in the family. Nadira matched Meena Kumari in acting in a musical blockbuster, where once again Shankar Jaikishan amazed the viewers with songs like “ajeeb dastan hai yeh”. Nadira’s strong command over urdu had earned her majestic roles in films like Pakiza, where the muslim pardanashin community was shown. Nadira’s performance in the film was appreciated by the critics who consider the epic film of Kamal Hamrohi, as one of the greatest films of all times. In the mid-70s, with advent of action films, characterization of negative personalities underwent a change. Even in those films Nadira contributed in her own way. Her performance as a step-mother of Shabana Azmi in the film Amar Akbar Anthony created special attraction. Her torture towards Shabana’s family was detected by Vinod Khanna, who was police officer in the film and she was arrested. In the mid-80s, she made valuable contribution in Ramesh Sippy’s romantic film Saagar. She was associated with Kamal Hassan, who made the viewers cry at the end of the film when his romance ended in failure. She loved Dimple Kapadia who was addicted towards Rishi Kapoor. When Rishi Kapoor was attacked by his relatives Kamal Hassan saved at the cost of his own life. Kamal Hassan had special relation with Nadira and he used to disclose his private matters to her. Nadira was compassionate towards Kamal Hassan when she came to know about his sacrifice. In the 90s, Nadira’s performance in the TV serials directed by Gulzar, where Om Puri interviewed her about her film career, was equally impressive. Kamini Kaushal also acted in the serial and matched Nadira in the special role. Nadira’s films should be preserved to grace her remote style of performance having sizzling effect and also lasting appeal.

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Superstar Shahrukh Khan John Abraham film Pathan did business of 372 crores in 10 days with 350 crores in oversees market.

In 2 days film Pathan had done business of 120 crores. It is going to end up as a blockbuster with a budget of 250 crores. In 2019, the Indian Government revokes Article 370, which grants special status for Jammu and Kashmir. The news impacts a cancer-ridden Pakistani army general, Qadir, who decides to exact vengeance against India. He signs a contract with Jim, who leads "Outfit X", a private terrorist group. Meanwhile, Pathaan, a vulnerable RAW agent, and his senior officer Nandini open a unit dubbed Joint Operation and Covert Research (JOCR) which recruits agents, who were retired from trauma and injury in the past, but still have a passion to serve the country. With RAW joint secretary, Colonel Sunil Luthra's acceptance, Pathaan and his team head to Dubai to stop Outfit X's plans of attacking the President of India at a scientific conference, but realize that their plan actually kidnapping two scientists Dr. Sahani and Dr. Farooqui. Jim attacks the scientists's convoy and Pathaan tries to stop him. A fight ensues, where Jim manages to escape with Dr. Sahani, while Dr. Farooqui is saved. At the headquarters, Luthra reveals that Jim was a former RAW agent, who was declared dead years ago, but actually faked his death in order to seek vengeance against his country for letting his wife and unborn child killed at the hands of Somalian terrorists. Pathaan learns about the codeword dubbed "Raktbeej" and also that the dead persons in Dubai were ex-secret agents/soldiers and their money was transferred to Rubina Mohsin, a Pakistani doctor in Spain. He travels to Spain and is captured by Jim's men, where he also learns that Rubina is an ex-ISI agent. When Jim leaves his hideout, Rubina attacks Jim's men and escapes with Pathaan. Later, Rubina reveals that Raktbeej is in Moscow, where Jim is after stealing it. The duo travel to Moscow and steals the Raktbeej before Jim. Pathaan and Rubina manage to gain access to the tower where the Raktbeej is held, and manages to steal it, but Rubina betrays Pathaan and has him captured by the police. It is revealed that Jim actually used Rubina to make Pathaan steal Raktbeej for himself by using his weakness for emotions. Pathaan is taken to prison by train, but is left to die at the hands of prisoners. He battles with the prisoners where Avinash "Tiger" Singh Rathore arrives to save him, as informed by Nandini through Morse code. Pathaan and Tiger thwarts the policemen and convoy in a gunfight and escapes. 3 years later, Pathaan travels to Africa and captures Jim's henchman Raafe, and escapes. He later meets Nandini at his hideout in Russia and reveals about Jim purchasing two saber missiles, where Nandini reveals Rubina's location in Paris. Pathaan meets Rubina, who reveals that the Raktbeej is a smallpox-designed mutated virus which will kill a person within a few hours and Jim is planning to spread the virus with the reluctant help of Dr. Sahani. She also reveals that she felt guilty about betraying Pathaan without knowing that her country would plan such heinous attacks. Rubina reveals the location of Jim's lab, where Pathaan and his team attack the lab and manages to recover one orb which contains the virus, while the other orb is with Jim, who escapes with it. Pathaan and his team head to the Indian Institute of Contagious Diseases (IICD) to prepare a vaccine for the virus, where Jim calls them and reveals that the orb has already spread the virus in the lab. The infected scientists, along with Nandini die in the lab, which makes Pathaan determined to catch Jim. The lab is destroyed in a blast to prevent the spread of the virus. Jim provides an ultimatum to evacuate Indian soldiers out of Kashmir within 24 hours. Pathaan interrogates Raafe about the location of the missile, and he learns that the missile is situated in Afghanistan. By luring Jim's soldiers into a trap, Pathaan, Rubina, and his team attack Jim's base where Qadir is killed by Rubina before activating the virus. Pathaan chases after Jim with a jetpack, and they crash land in a cabin. Meanwhile, Rubina finds that the Raktbeej is not in the missile, but is in a passenger bounded airplane landing towards Delhi, where she informs Pathaan, who finds that Jim has the detonator. Luthra calls the air traffic control to prevent the plane from landing in Delhi. In the cabin, Pathaan and Jim fight where despite getting stabbed by Jim, Pathaan steals the detonator and deactivates Raktbeej, thus saving the passengers, and kills Jim by throwing him off the cliff. After this, Pathaan is reinstated and made as the head of JOCR, while Nandini is posthumously awarded for her bravery. In the post-credits scene, Pathaan and Tiger are seen thinking about retiring and suggesting young agents who can replace them, without revealing their names. Cast Shah Rukh Khan as Pathaan, a RAW field agent Deepika Padukone as Rubhina Mohsin, a former ISI agent John Abraham as Jim, Leader of "Outfit X" and former RAW agent Dimple Kapadia as Nandini, Head of JOCR Ashutosh Rana as Colonel Sunil Luthra Shaji Choudhary as Raza, member of JOCR Ekta Kaul as Shweta, member of JOCR Aakash Bhatija as Amol, member of JOCR Diganta Hazarika as Joseph, member of JOCR Viraf Patel as Rishi, member of JOCR Manish Wadhwa as General Qadir Prakash Belawadi as Dr. Sahani Prem Jhangiani as Dr. Farooqui Salman Khan as Avinash Singh "Tiger" Rathore (cameo appearance) Pathaan received positive reviews from critics for Anand's direction, performances (Specially Khan, Padukone and Abraham), action sequences, background score and music.