Director Ajoy Kar and Agradoot had immortal bond with superstar Uttam Kumar

Elegant combination of Uttam Kumar with Ajoy Kar and Agradoot. In the 1950s major films of Uttam Kumar created romantic appeal before the majority of audience of the country. His combination with Ajay Kar and Agradoot was very grand. Ajay Kar did cast Uttam Kumar for the first time in the film Griha Prabesh. It was a social film where Uttam Kumar and Suchitra sen were launched and they acted opposite other established artists like Manju Dey, Bikash Roy and others. In Shyamali in 1956, Ajay Kar utilized Uttam Kumar’s acting potential. It was a film relating to deaf and dumb character played by Kaberi Bose. Uttam Kumar played a very compassionate role and his experience of acting in stage opposite Sabitri Chatterjee in the play Shaymali helped him a lot. In 1957, Uttam Kumar’s film Harano Sir ended up being the biggest blockbuster of the decade. Suchitra Sen played the role of wife of Uttam Kumar. Uttam Kumar met with an accident and for his previous history. Suchitra Sen treated her and married her. But again Uttam Kumar met with an accident and forgot Suchitra Sen. The rest of the film was related to the struggle of Suchitra Sen in bringing back memories of Uttam Kumar of the past. Geeta Dutt’s song “tumi je amar” became bumper hit. Ajay Kar’s Saptapadi stands out as one of the greatest classics of the golden period. Critics argue that Saptapadi released in 1961 stands out as the best film of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen in their entire career. Ajoy Kar probably made the best use of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen in the film Saptapadi. It was a story of Tarashankar Banerjee on affair between hindu Brahmin played by Uttam Kumar with a Christian girl played by Suchitra Sen. Uttam Kumar’s father Chabi Biswas did not accept the marriage. Uttam Kumar became a Christian and a doctor but could not marry Suchitra Sen. The film was made at the backdrop of Second World War. Hemanta Mukherjee’s music in the film was very impressive. Ajay Kar reciprocated the magic in Uttam Kumar’s film Shono Boronari. The film was released in 1960. There Supriya Debi, the daughter of eminent barrister Udasin played by Chabi Biswas fell in love with a homeopathic doctor played by Uttam Kumar. As monetarily Uttam Kumar was no match to Chabi Biswas, a marriage was arranged with industrialist Dipak Mukherjee in the film. At the end of the film Supriya Debi left her house to accept Uttam Kumar. The music of Robin Chatterjee in the film was very impressive. Ajoy Kar made other successful films with Uttam Kumar including Khelaghar opposite Mala Sinha, Bardidi with Sandharani, to name a few. Agradoot included a group of directors were formed in 1946 by director Bibhuti Laha, sound recordist Jatin Dutta, Laboratory specialist Sailen Ghoshal, script writer Nitai Bhattacharya and producer Bimal Ghosh. With Uttam Kumar Agradoot made the film Sahajatri in 1951. Bharati Debi was the heroine of the film. After that Agradoot directed one after the other hit films with Uttam Kumar. Agniparikkha in 1954 directed by Agradoot became super hit. Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen were established as leading stars of Bengal. Anupam Ghatak composed the music of the film. Sandhya Mukherjee sang landmark songs like “gaane more indradhanu”, “ke tumi amare dako”, to name a few. From that time Suchitra Sen, singer Sandhya Mukherjee, music director Robin Chatterjee, Anupam Ghatak stormed Bengali films. Sabar Opore followed. Uttam Kumar played the role of lawyer in the film who re-opened a murder case where his father Chabi Biswas was proved guilty of murder. Again the combination with Suchitra Sen, Sandhya Mukherjee, Robin Chatterjee struck gold. The songs of Sandhya Mukherjee like “ghum ghum chand jhikimiki tara”, and Dhananjoy Bhattacharya like “kantaro aghate chino paye rakta jhare” became super hit. The other super hit films of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen directed by Agradoot include Pathe Holo Deri, Bipasha, to name a few. Majority of Agradoot’s films were produced by MP Production and shot in MP Studio. One interesting statistics about Uttam Kumar Suchitra Sen pair is that from 1953 to 1959, both of them acted in 22 films. Majority of those films were directed by Agradoot and majority of them ended up being super hit films. Chabi Biswas was pivotal in playing the roles of fathers of Suchitra Sen and Uttam Kumar in majority of those films. Agradoot continued with his experiment in other Uttam Kumar films like Kuhak in 1961, Kokhono Megh in 1968, Choddobeshi in 1971. It was a great experiment of Agradoot in casting Uttam Kumar in negative role for the first time in Kuhak. Sabitri Chatterjee was the heroin. He wanted to take away the stolen money from Tarun Kumar’s son but was ultimately killed by Premangshu Basu. In Kokhono Megh Uttam Kumar played the role of detective with Kali Banerjee the villain. Anjana Bhowmick acted opposite Uttam Kumar. Agradoot also directed Uttam Kumar in serio-comic film Choddobeshi. Madhabi Mukherjee, Bikash Roy, Anubha Gupta were the other artists in the film. If the films of Ajoy Kumar and Agradoot were analyzed it will be seen while Uttam Kumar played the pivotal roles in all the films, the success of the films were dependent on outstanding music. The prominent music directors who contributed in the music of the films included Robin Chatterjee and Anupam Ghatak. The outstanding performances by character artists like Chabi Biswas took the films to a different horizon. Other male character artists performed beyond expectation including Kamal Mitra, Nitish Mukherjee, Bikash Roy, Pahari Sanyal, Kali Banerjee, Jahar Ganguly, to name a few. Also the female character artists like Malina Debi, Sunanda Debi, Chandrabati Debi, Chaya Debi, Padda Debi played landmark characters. The excellent literature of legendary writers like Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and contemporary writers like Samaresh Basu, Subodh Ghosh appealed to the masses. If Uttam Kumar became mahanayak, the legendary superstar of Bengal, there was huge contribution of Ajay Kar and Agradoot in making him a superstar. /s320/85a8e35fa5fd27565702cd986d9dbf62%2BUttam%2Bkumar%2Bsharmila.jpg" width="298" height="320" data-original-width="564" data-original-height="606" />

Veteran singer Mahendra Kapoorji is remembered

Veteran singer Mahendra Kapoor was remembered on his death anniversary. Few years ago the great singer had left the listeners. But he is alive in his numerous brilliant basic discs and film songs. He came to limelight in bollywood music with the resemblance of classical singer Mohammad Rafi. In fact Rafi is the idol and guru and Mahendra Kapoor learned singing from the musical giant. Mahendra Kapoor became a big contributor in BR Chopra’s films in the 50s and 60s. In Rajender Kumar’s film Dhool Ka Phool Mahendra Kapoor’s songs were very successful. During that period, Mahendra Kapoor sang a brilliant Bengali modern song “ekti e raat katena” which made viewers spellbound. The song had pathos feeling, romantic appeal, classical touch everything embedded in it. He was unblemish in Sunil Dutt’s film Gumraah released in 1963. His song “chalo ek baar bhir se” became super hit in the early 60s. Composer Ravi had composed many brilliant tunes for Mahendra Kapoor in his illustrious career which included the songs “neele gagan ki tale” in the film Humraaz for which he received filmfare award for the best singer, “in baharon me in ghatayon me tujhko mera dil pukare” in the film Gumraah to name a few. Mahendra Kapoor also sang many songs under composition of OP Nayyar which included “one two three” in Biswajeet’s film Kismat, “lakhon hai mera dilwala” in Biswajeet’s film Kismat, “baharen phir bhi ayegi” in Dharmender’s film Baharen Phir Bhi Ayegi. Mahendra Kapoor also sang important songs in the blockbusters of Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar. In Raj Kapoor’s Sangam his song “har dil jo pyar karega” with Mukesh and Lata became super hit. In Dilip Kumar’s films Ram Aur Shyam and Aadmi, his songs were impressive. Mahendra Kapoor started a new innings with Manoj Kumar’s film Upkaar. He sang numerous number of patriotic songs for Manoj Kumar including “rang de basanti chola” in the film Shahid, “mere desh ki dharti “ in the film Upkaar, etc. He contributed in films like Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Kranti, etc. It is not possible to highlight the contribution of Mahendra Kapoor who had contributed in bollywood films for more than 40 years in a small article. Numerous listeners miss Mahendra Kapoor but remember him in his melodious songs. His songs and films should be restored.

The nation remembers Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray on birth anniversary

Remembering Satyajit Ray on 2nd May, 2025. Viewers of international films all across the world remember Oscar Winning Director Satyajit Ray on his birth anniversary on 2nd May and death anniversary 23rd April, 2025

. Ray was born on 2nd May, 1921, and critics feel it was the birth of legend of legends and probably one of the greatest talents the world has ever produced after Rabindranath Tagore. Ray showed his excellence in every different of film making including script writing, costumes, music direction, costume designing, etc. My father, Chitta Ranjan Chatterji, Ex-Chief Public Prosecutor, Bankshall Court, North, Calcutta, represented Sandip Ray, the son of Satyajit Ray, in a case relating to recovery of manuscripts from Uday Acharya, the brother of Nirmal Acharya, a renowned critic. When the manuscripts of Ray’s films were seized from Udai Acharya’s house and opened from sealed trunk it was seen that they were pictographic in nature. Script of the film Pather Panchali, Gonoshotru had illustrations at every part which showed the secret of Ray’s brilliant characterization in films. Probably some of the actors and actresses in Ray’s films rose to stardom through the images portrayed by Ray. Chabi Biswas mesmerized the film lovers with his dignified performance in the role of Bishambhar Roy in the film Jalsaghar. Charu Prakash Ghosh was unparallel in the role of Birinchibaba in the film Kapurush Mahapurush. Anil Chatterji was unparallel in the role of Post Master in the film Teen Kanya. Utpal Dutt gave his performance for his life in the character Maganlal Meghraj in the film Joy Baba Felunath. Similarly Om Puri and Smita Patil were sublime in their roles in the film Sadgati. Sanjeev Kumar entered the skin of the character played in the film Shatranj Ki Khiladi. Uttam Kumar could not have been replaced by any other actor in the film Nayak. Karuna Banerjee had made the role of mother of Apu immortal in the film Pather Panchali. Sharmila Tagore was outstanding in the film Debi. Tapen Chatterji and Robi Ghosh are still remembered by filmlovers through their character Goopi Bagha. All the Indian directors like Shyam Benegal, Adoor Gopalakrishnan ,had agreed that they learnt the art of story-telling from Ray’ films. Even the theme music of the legendary director had moved the directors all across the world. Audrey Hepburn, the Oscar winning actress while awarding the Oscar award for lifetime contribution of Ray, said in her speech that Ray’s direction had the soul of Apu in the Apu Trilogy march out from the village of West Bengal and explored India and expressed the struggle for existence of every middle-class individual of the country. Whenever classic literature of novelists and writers were used in films, Ray created his own dimension in those films, including the standard of excellence in the films Charulata and Ghare Baire which were based on the epic literature of Tagore. Films made by Ray from his own literature like Sonar Kella, Joy Baba Felunath, Agantuk, etc., were equally brilliant. The films of Ray should be preserved to disseminate the art of script writing, costume designing, theme music, camera work, neat direction, etc. Satyajit Ray is remembered on 23rd April, 2012, his death anniversary. Oscar winning Director Satyajit Ray had been remembered all over the country on 23rd April, 2012. He had died on this day in 1992 at the age of 71 years. He was considered to be a legend of legends. Right from his first film Pather Panchali he changed the world of story telling in Indian films. He used classic literature of noted novelists like Rabindranath Tagore, Munshi Premchand, Bibhutibhushan Banerjee, Tarashankar Banerjee, and others and created a new dimension in the films with those classic stories. He changed the views of directors from shooting within studios and ventured out and captured the different moods of nature. He made crime thrillers like Joy Baba Felunath, Sonar Kella which were written by him and became popular with the children with the name of Feluda series. His use of theme music in films had been a learning experience for noted directors of the 70s like Shyam Benegal, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Govind Nihalini and others. His Apu Trilogi showed the path of a middle-class Indian who travelled the roads of villages and ventured into the urbanized town. Most of his films including Pather Panchali, Jalsaghar, Teen Kanya, Mahanagar, Nayak, were masterpieces. His films and literature should be preserved for their immense artistic value. A big section of intellectuals feel that he was the greatest creator in India to have born after Rabindranath Tagore. His Son Sandip Ray had directed many of the films based on his father’s literature including Bombaiyer Bombete, Tintoretor Jishu, Royal Bengal Rahasya, etc.

Manna Deysahab the badshah of classical song is remembered on birth anniversary

Happy birth anniversary to Manna Dey. The viewers of bollywood films and music lovers all across the country wish happy birthday to Manna Dey on 1st May 2025

. Born on 1st May, 1919, he had contributed in bollywood films for more than 70 years with his baritone voice. He had brilliant classical training and adorned bollywood music with versatile talent. He was awarded the dadasaheb phalke award for his immense contribution to music in India. Manna Dey learned music from Ustad Aman Ali Khan and Ustad Abdul Rahman Khan. He stormed bollywood films with super hit songs in Raj Kapoor’s film Shree 420 in 1955, with immortal songs composed by Shankar Jaikishan like “ramaiya vasta maiyya”, “pyar hua ikraar hua”, “mur mur ke na dekh”. During the golden Manna Dey was probably the only singer other than Mohammad Rafi who had been used by all the leading composers of bollywood music including Shankar Jaikishan in Basant Bahar, the song being “sur na saje”, Madanmohan in Dekh Kabira Roya, the song being “kaun aya mere man ke sware”, Roshan in Dil Hi To Hai, the song being “laga chunari me daag”, SD Burman in Meri Surat Teri Ankhen, the song being “pucho na kaise”, to name a few. Manna Dey had a very sweet relationship with Sudhin Dasgupta. He was used by almost all the leading composers of Bengal namely Anil Bagchi, Nochiketa Ghosh, Salil Choudhury and others. But probably his westernized andaz was used to the limit by Sudhin Dasgupta. Sudhin Dasgupta used Manna Dey in Uttam Kumar’s film Goli Theke Rajpoth with the song “lag lag lag lag bhelkir khela”. Manna Dey’s songs “ami agantuk” and “ke prothom kache esechi” composed by Sudhin Dasgupta in Uttam Kumar’s film Shankhabela created sensation in Bengali celluloid in 1966. Manna Dey’s songs “ami kon pothe je choli” and “bachao ke acho” in Uttam Kumar’s film Choddobeshi became super hit as well. In the 70s, Manna Dey’s songs “esechi ami esechi”, “lekha porata shikhe phele” and “paye paye joriye rakho” in Uttam Kumar’s film Har Mana Har created sensation as well. Uttam Kumar gave the lips of his lifetime in the film Har Mana Har. While major success of Sudhin Dasgupta came in Uttam Kumar’s films, he made major contribution in Soumitra Chatterji’s films as well. The songs “ei shohor theke aro anek dure”, “hoyto tomari jonyo”, “jibone ki pabona” in the film Teen Bhubaner Pare, composed by Sudhin Dasgupta and sung by Manna Dey showed the westernized orchestration of the giant composer. Sudhin Dasupta’s songs in Soumitra’s films Prothom Kodom Phul and Bosonto Bilaap were equally successful. Manna Dey’s all round musical skills were used to perfection in these films. Even the song “ogo tomar sesh bichare asay” sung by Manna Dey in bayul andaz in Kali Banerjee’s legendary film Dak Horkora, and composed by Sudhin Dasgupta made the viewers speechless. Manna Dey sang many numbers of solo numbers as basic discs under the compositions of Sudhin Dasgupta. One of the notable songs included “ami taar thikana rakhini”. The songs of Sudhin Dasgupta and Manna Dey combination should be preserved and restored. Music-lovers wish Manna Dey to continue singing till his last day of life.

Owner of velvetty voice Talat Mehmoodsahab is remembered on death anniversary

The owner of velvette voice Talat Mehmood was remembered on his death anniversary on 9th May, 2025

. The listeners of bollywood music wish happy birthday to legendary singer Talat Mehmood on 24th February, 2015

. He was a leading performer in bollywood films during the 40s, 50s and 60s. Along with Rafi, Mukesh and other leading singers of bollywood Talat Mehmood sang notable songs in the films of leading stars of bollywood. He rendered his voice for most of the actors of the bollywood during the 40s and 50s including Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Bharat Bhushan, and others. His landmark songs included “dil-e-nadan tujhe hua kya hai” composed by Ghulam Mohammad and picturised on Bharat Bhushan, in the film Mirza Ghalib in 1954, “koi nahi mera” composed by Shankar Jaikishan and picturised on Dilip Kumar in the film Daag in 1952, “mai dil hoon ek armaan bhara” picturised on Raj Kapoor in the film Anhonee in 1952, etc. He sang landmark songs for Dilip Kumar also in the films Footpath, Devdas, etc. All the leading composers of bollywood films of that age namely Naushad Ali, Shankar Jaikishan, Roshan Lal Nagrath, Madanmohan Kohli , OP Nayyar, Salil Choudhury, SD Burman and others used him in different films. His other landmark songs included “phir wohi sham” composed by Madanmohan and picturised on Bharat Bhushan in the film Jahan-ara released in 1964. Talat Mehmood acted in a number of films including Dil-e-Nadan opposite Shyama, Raftaar opposite Nadira, Waris opposite Suraiya, Ek Gaon Ki Kahani opposite Mala Sinha and also showed his acting talent in those films. He had been mainly associated with ghazals and soft romantic songs. His vibrating technique in rendition had charmed many listeners of the golden age. He also sang light songs for many composers. His other songs included “jalte hai jiske liye” composed by SD Burman in the film Sujata, “humse aya na gaya” composed by Madanmohan in the film Dekh Kabira Roya, “itna na mujhse tu pyar bara” composed by Salil Choudhury in the film Chaya, “aye mere dil kahin aur chal” composed by Shankar Jaikishan in the film Daag, to name a few.. Talat Mehmood had a number of basic discs in Bengali as well. His landmark songs included “chander eto alo” and “alote chayate” composed by Robin Chatterjee, “duti paakhi duti teere” composed by Kamal Dasgupta, etc. The sweetness of his voice was well appreciated by the Bengali listeners as well. His songs and films should be preserved and restored.

Ajay Devgan film Raid 2 did 130 crores business worldwide and 100 crores business in India in 5 days

In 5 days Ajay Devgan starrer Raid 2 did business of 100 crores in India and 130 crores worldwide. Raid 2 is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Raj Kumar Gupta. The film is a sequel to Raid (2018) and stars Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh and Vaani Kapoor.[3][4] Set 7 years after the events of the first film, it follows the return of IRS officer Amay Patnaik (Devgn), who tracks another white-collar crime. Like the previous film, the sequel is also based on the income-tax raid conducted by the officers of Income Tax Department who work with intelligence agencies to track white-collar crimes. The film was announced in April 2020.[5] Filming was held in Mumbai, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi in the first half of 2024. Raid 2 was released theatrically on 1 May 2025. Plot Indian Revenue Service Officer Amay Patnaik, an honest and daring officer who has seized over ₹420 crores in his raids, gets transferred for the 74th time to Bhopal, where he tracks another white-collar crime, in the form of Manohar Dhankar alias Dada Manohar Bhai, a corrupt politician on his 75th raid. Later through a series of events and mindful tactics, Amay Patnaik tries to find the black money hidden by Dada Bhai during his raid and gets suspended in the process. Later, after his suspension gets revoked, he continues his raid on Dada Bhai with the help of his Income Tax team. However, Dada Bhai arrives with his local goons to attack Amay but is stopped by his mother who was told the whole truth by Malini to help Amay. Dada Bhai realizes his mistake and surrenders. In the end, Rameshwar Singh alias "Tauji", tries and offers to join hands with Dada Bhai, setting the stage for Raid 3. Cast Ajay Devgn as Amay Patnaik IRS, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax Riteish Deshmukh as Manohar Dhankar alias Dada Manohar Bhai Vaani Kapoor as Malini Patnaik (Replacing Ileana D'Cruz from the previous film) Rajat Kapoor as Kaul, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Saurabh Shukla as Rameshwar Singh/"Ramji"/"Tauji" Supriya Pathak as Amma, Dada Manohar Bhai's mother Amit Sial as Lallan Sudheer, Amay's colleague Shruti Pandey as Geeta Devi Brijendra Kala as Vinay Bakaya Yashpal Sharma as Devinder Gehlot Govind Namdev as Kunwar Kuldeep Jayant Rawal as ADC Pritisha Srivastava as Mini Tarun Gehlot as Chhote Navneet Ranag as Mahant Choudhary Sanjeev Jhori as Ashok Kumar Madhavendra Jha as Vishal Mishra Ashish Gokhale as Ashish Verma Vikram Singh as Karan Yadav Vijay Rajoria as Bajaj Sushil Dhaiya as Chief Minister Ankur Sharma as Hawala Operator Vipin Kumar Singh as Abdul Ritika Shrotri as Jaya Umesh Shukla as Parle Chacha Sandeep Kapoor as Puneet Sahani Ayushi Nema as Anita Samayar Singh as Vikram Ghadiyal Avijit Dutt as Lawyer Malani Manoj Shukla as Amay's body double Tamannaah Bhatia (special appearance in the song "Nasha")[6] Jacqueline Fernandez (special appearance in the song "Money Money")[7] Yo Yo Honey Singh (special appearances in the song "Money Money")[7] Production Casting Ajay Devgn reprises his role as Amay Patnaik from the prequel. In January 2024, Riteish Deshmukh joined the cast. [8][9][10] while Vaani Kapoor was cast alongside Devgn, replacing Ileana D'Cruz.[11] Filming Principal photography began on 6 January 2024 and took place in Mumbai, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.[12] The muhurat shot of the film was given by Telugu star Ravi Teja, who headlined the 2024 Telugu remake of Raid.[13] Primary filming wrapped up in April 2024, and patchwork was done by late-May 2024, bringing the film to post-production.[14][15] Director Gupta decided to add two special item numbers before the release of the film after the entire filming was completed in May 2024. The 1st item song with singer-musician Yo Yo Honey Singh and actor Jacqueline Fernandez was filmed in last week of March 2025, while the item song with Tamannaah Bhatia was shot in a Mumbai studio in 1st week of April 2025 over two days, and has been choreographed by Vijay Ganguly.[16][17][18] Soundtrack Raid 2 Soundtrack album by Yo Yo Honey Singh, Amit Trivedi, Rochak Kohli, Sachet–Parampara and White Noise Collectives Released 30 April 2025 Recorded 2024–2025 Genre Feature film soundtrack Length 14:25 Language Hindi Label T-Series External audio audio icon Raid 2 - Full Album on YouTube The film's soundtrack is composed by Yo Yo Honey Singh, Amit Trivedi, Rochak Kohli, Sachet–Parampara and White Noise Collectives while the background score is composed by Amit Trivedi. The first single titled "Nasha" was released on 11 April 2025.[19] The second single titled "Kamle" was released on 16 April 2025.[20] The song "Tumhe Dillagi" was recreation for the film by lyricist Manoj Muntashir and composer Rochak Kohli. Their original were written by Purnam Allahabadi and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and were composed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.[21] The fourth single titled "Money Money" was released on 22 April 2025.[22] Track listingNo. Title Lyrics Music Singer(s) Length 1. "Nasha" Jaani White Noise Collectives Jasmine Sandlas, Sachet Tandon, Divya Kumar, Sumontho Mukherjee 3:00 2. "Kamle" Kausar Munir Sachet–Parampara Sachet–Parampara 3:52 3. "Tumhe Dillagi" Manoj Muntashir Rochak Kohli Jubin Nautiyal 4:12 4. "Money Money" Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh 3:21 Total length: 14:25 Release Raid 2 was originally slated for a theatrical release in February 2025 but later rescheduled to be release on 1 May 2025, to make use of long weekend of International Labour Day and Maharashtra Day.[23][24][25] The film was released on 1 May 2025.

Shankar Jaikishanji gave the maximum number of jubilee hits in 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s

Jubilee hit films of Shankar Jaikishan. Shankar Jaikishan are the musical duo who became immortal with their music. Between 1949 to 1971 they became a phenomenon. Their music really enchanted the listeners. Here is the list of jubilee hits of SJ. 1949 - Barsaat - Raj Kapoor - Golden jubilee 1951 - Awaara - Raj Kapoor - Golden jubilee 1952 - Daag - Dilip Kumar - Silver jubilee 1955 - Shree 420 - Raj Kapoor - Golden jubilee 1956 - Chori Chori - Raj Kapoor - Silver jubilee 1956 - Basant Bahar - Bharat Bhushan - Silver jubilee 1958 - Yahudi - Dilip Kumar - Silver jubilee 1959 - Anari - Raj Kapoor - Golden Jubilee 1960 - Jis Desh me Ganga Behti Hai - Raj Kapoor - Golden Jubilee 1960 - Dil Apna Prit Parayi - Raj Kumar - Silver Jubilee 1961 - Junglee - Shammi Kapoor - Silver Jubilee 1961 - Sasural - Rajender Kumar - Silver Jubilee 1962 - Professor - Shammi Kapoor - Silver Jubilee 1962 - Hariyali Aur Raasta - Manoj Kumar - Silver Jubilee 1963 - Dil Ek Mandir - Rajender Kumar - Silver Jubilee 1964 - Sangam - Raj Kapoor, Rajender Kumar - Platinum Jubilee 1964 - Ayee Milan Ki Bela - Rajender Kumar - Silver Jubilee 1964 - Zindagi - Rajender Kumar - Silver Jubilee 1964 - April Fool - Biswajeet - Silver Jubilee 1965 - Aarzoo - Rajender Kumar - Golden Jubilee 1965 - Janwar - Shammi Kapoor - Silver Jubilee 1965 - Gumnaam - Manoj Kumar - Silver Jubilee 1966 - Suraj - Shammi Kapoor - Silver Jubilee 1966 - Love in Tokyo - Joy Mukherjee - Silver Jubilee 1967 - An Evening in Paris - Shammi Kapoor - Silver Jubilee 1968 - Brahmchari - Shammi Kapoor - Silver Jubilee 1968 - Shikar - Dharmender - Silver Jubilee 1969 - Yakeen - Dharmender - Silver Jubilee 1969 - Kanyadaan - Shashi Kapoor - Silver Jubilee 1969 - Prince - Shammi Kapoor - Silver Jubilee 1972 - Beimaan - Manoj Kumar - Silver Jubilee In 1949, Raj Kapoor rose to Stardom with Barsaat. Raj Kapoor’s Barsaat became the greatest blockbuster which was a golden jubilee hit running for more than 50 weeks. Mukesh’s “chor gaye balam”, Lataji’s “hawa me urta jaye” and “jiya beqarar hai” became super hit. In 1951, Raj Kapoor’s Awaara became the biggest blockbuster. It was a golden jubilee hit and ran for more than 50 weeks. It became popular in Russia and Europe as well. Raj Kapoor produced and directed the film. The music was composed by Shankar Jaikishan. Nargis, Raj Kapoor, Prithviraj Kapoor, Leela Chitnis, KN Singh played the lead roles. Mukeshji’s song “awara hoon, yah gardish me hoon aasman ka tara hun”, Lataji’s “jab se balam ghar aye”, “ghar aya mere pardesi” became super hit. In 1952, Dilip Kumar’s Daag was a silver jubilee hit film. Talatji’s song “koi nahi mera is duniya me” and “ei mere dil kahin aur chal” became super hit. In 1955, Raj Kapoor’s Shree 420 became the biggest blockbuster. It was a golden jubilee hit and ran for more than 50 weeks. Raj Kapoor produced and directed the film. The music was composed by Shankar Jaikishan. Rafisahab’s song “ramaiya vasta maiya”, Manna Deysahab’s song “dil ka haal sune dilwala”, “mur murke na dekh”, Lataji’s song “ichakdana” became super hit. In that year Dilip Kumar’s Azaad was the 2nd biggest hit. In 1956 Raj Kapoor’s Chori Chori was a silver jubilee hit running for more than 25 weeks. Nargis, Raj Kapoor, Pran played the lead role. The music was composed by Shankar Jaikishan. Manna Dey’s song “aaja sanam madhu chandni me hum”, “yeh raat bheegi bheegi”, Lataji’s “rasik balma” became super hit. In 1956, Bharat Bhushan’s Basant Bahar also became a silver jubilee hit. Manna Dey’s song “sur na saje”, Bhim Sen Joshi’s “Ketaki gulab”, Rafisahab’s “duniya na bhaye mohe” became big hit. In 1959, Raj Kapoor’s Anari was the biggest blockbuster and a golden jubilee hit. It ran for more than 50 weeks. Hrishikesh Mukherjee directed the film. Shankar Jaikishan composed music for the film. Nutan, Raj Kapoor, Lalita Power played the lead roles. Mukeshji’s song “sab kuch seekha humne”, “kisiki muskurahaton pe ho nisar”, Lataji’s song “yeh chand khilan”, became super hit. Raj Kapoor received the filmfare award for best actor for Anari in that year. In 1960, Raj Kapoor’s Jis Desh Me Ganga Behti Hai became the 4th biggest blockbuster and a golden jubilee hit running for more than 50 weeks. It was produced by Raj Kapoor and directed by Radhu Karmakar. Shankar Jaikishan composed the music of the film. Padmini, Pran acted opposite Raj Kapoor. Raj Kapoor again received filmfare award for best actor for the film. Lataji’s song “o maine pya kiya”, “o basanti pawanapawan”, Mukeshji’s song “aa ab laut chale”, “mera naam raju”, “hoton pe sacchai rehte hai” became super hit. In that year Dilip Kumar’s Mughal I Azam was the biggest blockbuster. In 1960, Raj Kumar’s Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi became silver jubilee hit. Lataji’s songs ‘sheesha-e-dil itna na uchalo”, “dil apna aur preet parayi” became big hit. In 1961, Shammi Kapoor’s Junglee became silver jubilee hit. Rafisahab’s songs “ehsaan tera hoga mujhpar”, “meri yaar shabba khair” became super hit. In 1961, Rajender Kumar’s Sasural became silver jubilee hit. Rafisahab’s song “ek sawal tum karon”, “teri pyari pyari surat ko” became super hit. In 1963, Rajender Kumar, Raj Kumar’s film Dil Ek Mandir became silver jubilee hit. Lataji’’s song “ruk ja raat”, “hum tere pyar me sara alam” and Rafisahab’s “jahan koi nahi”, “dil ek mandir hai” and “yaad na jaye” became super hit. In 1964, Raj Kapoor’s Sangam became the biggest blockbuster and a platinum jubilee hit. It ran for more than 75 weeks. Raj Kapoor produced and directed the film. Shankar Jaikishan composed the music of the film. Rajender Kumar, Vaijayantimala, Raj Kapoor played the lead roles. All the songs became super hit including Rafisahab’s “ki tum naaraaz na hona”, Mukeshji’s “bol radha bol”, “o mehbooba”, to name a few. In 1964, Sangam was Rajender Kumar’s biggest blockbuster in entire career ending up as platinum jubilee running for more than 75 weeks. Raj Kapoor and Vaijayantimala’s performances were as brilliant as Rajender Kumar’s performance. Rafisahab’s song composed by Shankar Jaikishan “ki tum naraaz na hona” haunted the viewers. In the same year, Rajender Kumar’s Ayee Milan Ki Bela and Zindagi ended up as silver jubilee hits running for more than 25 weeks. Again Rafisahab and Shankar Jaikishan’s combination created gold for Rajender Kumar including the songs “tum khamseen ho”, “tu bura maan gaye”, “o sanam tere ho gaye hum”, “aha aye milan ki bela”, “pehele mile the sapno me”, to name a few. Vaijayantimala acted opposite Rajender Kumar in Zindagi, while Saira Banu acted opposite Rajender Kumar in Ayee Milan Ki Bela. In 1965, Rajender Kumar’s film Aarzoo became silver jubilee hit running for more than 25 weeks. Again the Rafisahab, Shankar Jaikishan produced gold, the landmark songs being “aye nargisi mastana”, “chalke teri ankhon se”, “aji humse bachkar kahan jayiega”. Sadhna’s performance opposite Rajender Kumar was brilliant and the film ended up being the 4th biggest hit of the year. In 1966, Rajender Kumar’s film Suraj became silver jubilee hit running for more than 25 weeks. Again it was magic combination of Rafisahab and Shankar Jaikishan which created gold. The landmark songs included “gustaqi maaf”, “kaise samjhayun bari nasamajh ho”, “itna hai tumse pyar mujhe mere raazdaar”, to name a few. Vaijayantimala acted opposite Rajender Kumar in the film. In 1965, Manoj Kumar’s Gumnaam became silver jubilee hit. Rafisahab’s songs “jaan pehchaan ho”, “jaane chaman shola badan” and Lataji’s “gumnaam hai koi” became super hit. In 1965, Shammi Kapoor’s Janwar became silver jubilee hit. Rafisahab’s songs “lal chari maidaan khari”, “tum se accha kaun hai”, Suman Kalyanpur’s “mere sang ga gunguna” became super hit. In 1966, Joy Mukherjee’s Love in Tokyo became silver jubilee hit. Rafisahab’s songs “Japan, Love in Tokyo”, “aaja re aa zara aa” became super hit. In 1967, Shammi Kapoor’s An Evening in Paris became silver jubilee hit. Rafisahab’s songs “akele akele kahan ja rahe ho”, “aasman se aya farishta”, raat ke humsafar” became big hits. In 1967, Dharmender’s Shikar became silver jubilee hit. Rafisahab’s song “shikar karne ko aye” and Ashaji’s song “parde me rahene do” became a big hit. In 1968, Shammi Kapoor’s Brahmchari became silver jubilee hit. Rafisahab’s songs “mai gayun tum so jayo”, “aajkal tere mere pyar ke charche” became super hit. In 1971, Jaikishan’s death brought a big blow to marathon innings of Shankar Jaikishan in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The songs require restoration and preservation as they are still young and immortal.

The version songs of Rafisahab with Sumanji Lataji Geetaji took films to different heights

The Male and female version songs of Rafisahab with Lataji and other singers were masterpieces. By: Dr Souvik Chatterji During the 1950s and 1960s there were many landmark male and female version songs created by composers and poets. The version songs of Rafisahab were masterpieces. Shankar Jaikishanji used Rafisahab in the song “ehsan tera hoga mujhpar” for Shammi Kapoorji in film Junglee in 1961. The same song had Lataji effect for Saira Banuji in the film. Roshanji used Rafisahab in the version song in film Barsaat Ki Raat, where the title song composed by Bharat Bhushanji became blockbuster hit. Lataji sang the version song for Madhubalaji in the film. Naushadji used Rafisahb in Rajender Kumarji song “mere mehboob tujhe meri muhabbat ka kasam” in film Mere Mehboob in 1963. Lataji sang the version song for Sadhnaji in the film. Shankar Jaikishanji used Rafisahab for Dharmenderji version of song “gar tum bhula na doge” where Lataji sang the Sharmilaji version. Rafisahab sang Pradip Kumarji song “dil jo na keh saka” composed by Roshanji in film Bheegi Raat in 1965. Meena Kumariji version was sung by Lataji in the film. In film Mamta in 1966, Suchitra Senji song “rahe na rahe hum” was sung by Lataji. The same song in a different version for Ashok Kumarji was sung by Rafisahab and Suman Kalyanpurji. In Shammi Kapoorji film Pagla Kahin Ka, Rafisahab song “tum mujhe bhula na payoge” was very brilliant where Lataji sang the Asha Parekhji version. In Balraj Sahaniji film Bhabhi, Rafisahab song “chal ur ja re pachi” was created was theme song in film Bhabhi composed by Chitraguptji in 1958. Talatji also sang the same song recorded for Bhabhi. In Joy Mukherjeeji film Love in Tokyo, in 1966, Shankar Jaikishanji composed “o mere shahe khuba” sung by Rafisahab. Lataji sang the version song for Asha Parekhji. In Sunil Duttji film Chirag, Rafisahab sang the song “teri ankhon ke siwa” composed by Madanmohansahab. Lataji sang the version song for Asha Parekhji. In Guru Duttji film Aar Paar, in 1954, Rafisahab sang duet song “sun sun sun sun zalima” composed by OP Nayyarji. Geeta Duttji sang the version song for Shyamaji in the same film. The list goes on. The songs really matched the sequences in the films and the composers also utilized the brilliance of Rafisahab and other singers very well.

Raj Kapoorji Mukeshji and Shankar Jaikishanji came saw and conquered

Shankar Jaikishan had composed more than 350 songs for Mohammad Rafisahab and around 400 songs for Lata Mangeshkarji. But with Mukeshji also they had a great partnership. One of the primary reasons of Shankar Jaikishan association with Mukesh was because both were part of the same team of Raj Kapoor. Raj Kapoor’s films were musical in nature and wherever the 3 met, Raj Kapoor, Mukesh and Shankar Jaikishan they created magic. In Awaara in 1951, Mukesh’s song for Raj Kapoor “awara hoon” created havoc in India and Russia. Shankar Jaikishan’s tune enchanted the audience. Mukesh’s duet song with Lata “dam bhar jo udhar muh phere” became smash hit. In Raj Kapoor’s film Aah, SJ created the successful song for Mukesh and Lata ‘aaja re”. In Shree 420 both the songs of Mukesh “mera juta hai japaani” and “ramaiya vasta maiya” became super hit. Again credit goes to Shankar Jaikishan. In the film Anari in 1959, all the songs of Raj Kapoor sung by Mukesh touched the souls of the audience including “kisiki muskurahato pe ho nisaar”, “sab kuch sikha humne na sikhi hoshiari”, “dil ki nazar se”, to name a few. In Jis Desh Me Ganga Behti Hai, all the songs of Mukesh became super hit including “mera naam raju gharana anar”, “hoton pe sachai rehti hai”, “hum bhi hai tum bhi ho”, “pyar kar le”, to name a few. The magic combination continued in other hit films of Raj Kapoor including Sangam, Deewana, Teesri Kasam, Around the World, Mera Naam Joker. In Sangam Mukesh’s song ‘dost dost na raha”, “o mehbooba” and “mere man ki ganga” really thrilled the audiences. All the songs of the film Deewana were run away hits like “deewana mujhko log kahe”, “pate ka baat kahega”, “tumhare bhi ja jai”, “ae sanam jisne tujhe chand sa surat di hai”, to nam a few. In Mera Naam Joker, Shankar Jaikishan’s composition were in melancholy mood. Mukesh’s song “jeena yahan marna yaha” and “jane kahan gaye wo din’ touched the hearts of the audience. While Mukesh enchanted the audience in Raj Kapoor’s films, in other films also Shankar Jaikishan composed beautiful tunes. In Dilip Kumar’s film Yaahudi the song “yeh mera deewanapan hai” touched the souls of viewers. In Manoj Kumar’s film Hariyali Aur Raasta, Mukesh’s song “ifteda-e-ishq me hum” really mesmerized the audience. The list can go on. Mukesh had sung around 200 songs under the composition Shankar Jaikishan and majority of them became immortal. The songs and the films required restoration.

The nation remembers death anniversary of romantic actor Rishi Kapoorji

Rishi Kapoor died on 30th April 2020 and shocked the nation. One day ago the country was devastated with death news of talented actor Irfan Khan. Rishi Kapoor suffered from cancer and died at an of 1967. He is alive in his works. The viewers of bollywood films wished happy birthday to Rishi Kapoor on 4th September 2019. He had remained one of the most romantic actors that bollywood had ever produced. He started his career as a child artist in Raj Kapoor’s film Mera Naam Joker in 1971. He stormed bollywood films with his romantic performance in the film Bobby in 1973. The film did great business and Rishi Kapoor received the filmfare award for the best actor for his performance in Bobby. Raj Kapoor as producer and director started a new innings with a new team of Laxmikant Pyarellal as against Shankar Jaikishan after the death of Jaikishan in 1971. LP had huge contribution in the music of the films of Rishi Kapoor for the next ten years. From that time onwards Rishi Kapoor remained one the most romantic actors in bollywood films. His films Amar Akbar Anthony in 1977, Laila Majnu in 1976 and Sargam in 1978 were the greatest musical blockbusters of the 70s. The songs composed by Laxmikant Pyarellal, Jaidev and Madanmohan in these films became everlasting hits. The notable songs of Rafi and Lata in this film included “koel boli”, “parda hai parda”, “dafliwale”, “barbad muhobbat ki dua”, “is reshmi pazeeb”, to name a few. LP received the filmfare award for the best composer for 3 Rishi Kapoor’s films namely Amar Akbar Anthony, Sargam and Karz from 1978 to 1980. Rishi Kapoor’s extraordinary capability of giving lips in these songs separated him from other actors of that era. His films Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai, Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahi and Karz created history. He showed his dancing skills in every type of songs of Rafi and Kishore including “hai aga dushman zamana”, “bacchna aye haseeno”, “dard –e- dil”, “om shanty om”, “puchona yaar kya hua”, to name a few. RD Burman and Laxmikant Pyarellal probably gave their best music to Rishi Kapoor in the 70s and 80s. In the 80s, Rishi Kapoor’s films Duniya, Sitamgar, Saagar, Chandni, Cooli, Naseeb, did fantastic business. He got the opportunity of acting opposite stalwarts in the industry namely Dilip Kumar in Duniya, Dharmender in Sitamgar, Kamal Hassan in Saagar, to name a few. In fact due to presence of Rishi Kapoor, producers and directors created romantic stories during an era when Big B, Vinod Khanna, Shatrughun Sinha dominated bollywood with action films. Even in the 90s, Rishi Kapoor’s films Bol Radha Bol, Damini, etc., were appreciated by the audience. He was successful opposite young actresses like Juhi Chawla, Meenakshi Sheshadri, who were one generation younger than him. He had great contribution in the films of eminent directors like Yash Chopra, Manmohan Desai, Subhash Ghai, Ramesh Sippy, David Dhawan, and others. After the debut of his son Ranbir Kapoor in the film Sawaariya, Rishi Kapoor switched to character roles. In 2009 also Rishi Kapoor did well in films like Dilli 6, Pyar Me Twist, Luck By Chance. He received Star Screen award for the best supporting actor in 2010 for his performance in the film Love Aaj Kal. In 2010 he acted in the films Chintuji and Sadiyaan. 2012 had been an excellent year for Rishi Kapoor. At the beginning of the year he acted in a negative character for the first time in his career in the film Agneepath. The film with hero Hrithik Roshan had done business of more than 125 crores. His other film Housefull 2 with Akshay Kumar had become super hit too. It also had done business of more than 110 crores. He is experimenting with new characters in this part of his career. He received best villain award for his performance in the film Agneepath. In 2013, he had acted in the films Chasme Baddoor and Besharam. In 2015 his performance in the film All is Well was very well appreciated. With his death the 3 generation actors Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor ended. It is an irreparable loss to the industry.

Priyanka Chopra films are crowdpullers

Priyanka Chopra will be celebrating her birthday in 2025. After marriage Priyanka Chopra started her second innings. Priyanka Chopra will be celebrating her birthday in 2025, on 18th July with awesome gifts given to her by her mother. She had not disclosed to the media as to what are the surprise gifts. Priyanka Chopra is at the top of the world with her successes in the film Don 2 and Barfi in 2011 and 2012. 2014 had been a great year with her film Gunday opposite Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor doing business worth 75 crores. Her performance in the role of boxer in Mary Kom in 2014 had been widely appreciated. In 2015 she did well in the film Dil Dhadakne Do.In 2017n she did well in Hollywood in Bay Watch. In 2018, she got married and did not act in the film Bharat with Salman Khan. Instead of her Katrina Kaif played the role. She acted in the film Pink Sky opposite Farhan Akhtar in 2019. From Filmfare award to Star screen, the role she played in Barfi fetched her awards and accolades from different parts of the world. Priyanka Chopra had a hectic year 2011. She received positive reviews for her performance in the film Saat Khoon Maaf that was released in the early part of the year. She had many husbands in the film for different reasons. Her film Don- 2, The Chase Continues she had acted opposite Shahrukh Khan once again. Viewers have huge expectation from the films of 2013 including Zanjeer and Krish 3. She is also acting in the film Barfee opposite Ranbir Kapoor. In the film she is playing the role of a mentally challenged girl. She is in fact visiting few mental asylums to get the feel of the role. She is also acting in the film Agneepath. Priyanka Chopra is today’s most popular actress of the bollywood film industry. She had started her career in bollywood films after she won the Miss India contest title. Since then she never looked back. Her first film Andaz opposite Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta did well in the box office. But initially she haven’t got that much recognition, but with the film Mujshe Shaadi Karogi opposite Salman Khan and Akshay kumar , Priyanka Chopra became a leading star of the period. She had got the grace, glamour and attitude in her which is very much wanted by today’s audience and young crowd. She gave stunning performance in the Fashion and got the filmfare award for the best actress for the year 2009. She even won her first prestigious National award for the performance in the film Fashion. Director Madhur Bhandarkar had been known for making realistic films and Priyanka Chopra did adapt her style of performance in the ideal way that Madhur Bhandarkar expected. In the same year she did perform in many films including God Tussi Great Ho, Chamku , Love story 2050, Dostana and Billu Barber in 2009. Her next upcoming film was released in 2009 was titled Kamina opposite Shahid Kapoor. This film also did fabulous business. The big factor which had kept Priyanka Chopra ahead of Kareena Kapoor, Ash, Katrina and others, include her capability to adapt herself in different roles. Whenever the situation demanded she played the role of an upstart American in the film Dostana. She effortlessly managed the comedy sequences along with Abhishek Bacchan and John Abraham. In the film Love Story 2050, she adjusted herself to the hi-tech world that would have emerged around 40 years from now on. Her role in God Tussi Great Ho was totally different. There were misunderstandings and traps set by either Sohail Khan or Salman Khan. She faced the events and was firm in her affection towards Salman Khan. Similarly in Billu Barber, her performance in a dance number opposite Shahrukh Khan requires special mention. In fact she had given elegant lips in the songs “tujhe aksa beach dikhadun”, “salaam-e-ishq”, “tenu le”, etc. The viewers expect her to continue the brilliant work that she had started in 2008 and do even well in 2020

Happy birthday to Pooja Bedi

Happy birthday to Pooja Bedi. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Pooja Bedi, the daughter of legendary actor Kabir Bedi on 11th May, 2025

. She was born in a star family with her mother Pratima Bedi being a classical dancerand father being an established actor. Although she came from an acting family as Kabir Bedi had experience of performing in Hollywood films as well, her contribution in bollywood films had not been that substantial. Her film Vishkanya in the early part of her career was based on the story related to snakes. In Indian films fantasies based on the life of snakes had amazed the viewers in the past. The film Nagin in the mid-70s, with Reena Roy, Jeetender, Mumtaz and others, did fantastic business. So Pooja Bedi was lucky to start her career with such films. The film was well appreciated by the audience. Later on her film with Amir Khan, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, did fantastic business. The film was based on teenage romance. Amir Khan always had a special place in the minds of viewers as his romantic appeal always attracted the female audience right from the release of the film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Pooja Bedi probably had given her best. Pooja Bedi’s role of a teenage girl did fit the requirement of the story and the film. All the songs in the film became successful including the song “pehla nasha, pehla khumar” sung by Udit Narayan. Viewers of different tastes appreciated the film. Her other notable films included Aatank Hi Aatank and Lootere. She was very impressive in Mahesh Bhatt’s film Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Ayee. It was a film related to human relationship and Pooja Bedi’s performance in a supporting role was appreciated by the critics. She was as impressive as Pooja Bhatt and Rahul Roy in the film. In the late 90s, all of a sudden she faded away from the industry. But she continued to appear in television shows. She was the anchor of the TV shows Not Just Page 3 and Just Pooja in Zoom TV. These programs became very popular in the years when they were telecast. In the following period she even participated as contestant in TV shows like Jhalak Dikhlaja in Sony TV, Heart Beat, Mum Tum or Hum, Jodi Kamaal Ki, Nach Baliye, etc., in Star TV, also Fear Factor – Khatron Ki Khiladi in Colors. The viewers expect her make a comeback in bollywood films in the years to come.

Dadasahab Phalke winner actor Manoj Kumarji's demise at 87 years is a shock for the nation

Veteran dadasahab phalke winner Manoj Kumar died on cardiac arrest on 4th April 2025 at the age of 87 years. It is a very shocking news and the entire country mourns the death of the patriotic actor, the romantic actor and player of detective roles in mystery films. Happy birthday to Manoj Kumar. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Manoj Kumar on 24th July, 2024

. He is almost 80

years old now. He started his career as a romantic hero, then showed his skills in the field of direction and created a separate identity as a patriotic hero. He later on earned the name of Bharat Kumar. Harikishan Giri Goswami, better known as Manoj Kumar, was a big admirer of Tragedy King Dilip Kumar. He was obsessed with Dilip Kumar’s performance in the film Shabnam, in 1949, and kept the name of the character of the film, which was Manoj Kumar. Although he started his career in the film Fashion in 1957, he got recognition with a lead role in the film Kaanch Ki Gudiya in 1960. Vijay Bhatt directed Hariyali Aur Raasta in 1962 changed the destiny of Manoj Kumar as a romantic hero. The songs of the film were composed by genius of genius Shankar Jaikishan, and with Mala Sinha’s assistance Manoj Kumar reached the hearts of millions of music lovers in the country. The songs in the film including “ifteda-e-ishq”, “yeh hariyali aur yeh raasta”, sung by Mukesh and Lata astonished the viewers. The film became super hit. In the mid-60s, Manoj Kumar landmark roles in suspense thrillers like Woh Kaun Thi, 1964, and Gumnaam, 1965. Woh Kaun Thi was a horror film of Raj Khosla where Manoj Kumar played the role of the doctor who got scared with the ghostly appearance of Sadhna, who played a double role in the film. He solved the mystery in the film got Prem Chopra arrested at the end after realizing that his wife had a twin sister who was used as a ghost. The music of Madan Mohan was brilliant and Lata’s songs “naina barse rimjhim”, “lagja gale”, etc., created sensation. Gumnaam was a murder thriller which stormed bollywood in the mid-60s. More than seven friends were given offer of going for holidays, but the flight was hijacked and the friends had to land at an island. Each of them was killed one after the other and no one knew who killed them. Manoj Kumar solved the mystery and unearthed the truth that Tarun Bose was the actual murderer. The music composed by Shankar Jaikishan was extraordinary with songs like “jane chaman shola badan” sung by Rafi and Sharda, “gumnaam hai koi” sung by Lata, “is duniya me jeena ho to”, “hum kale hai to kya hua dilwale hai” sung by Mohammad Rafi, etc. Manoj Kumar started his second innings with patriotic films like Shaheed, Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapra Aur Makaan, Kranti, moved the viewers and earned him respect. He directed of those films and got filmfare award for best director for excellent work in films like Upkaar and Roti Kapda and Makaan. His film Upkaar also received the national award for best film in 1967, and he gave life to the slogan of PM Lal Bahadur Shastri titled “jai jawan jai kisan” with Upkaar. In fact Upkaar, was the highest grosser film in 1967, surpassing all the other super hit films like Ram Aur Shyam, Jewel Thief, etc. The songs in Upkaar composed by Kalyanji Anandji were also brilliant including “mere desh ki dharti” sung by Mahendra Kapoor and “kasme wade pyar wafa sab” sung by Manna Dey. After Upkaar a big section of the crowd used to call Manoj Kumar as Bharat Kumar, as his patriotic feelings used to reflect in his creations. His other successful films as hero also include Patthar Ke Sanam, Anita, Aadmi, etc. He acted with childhood idol Dilip Kumar in Aadmi and Kranti. The songs of most of his films were of excellent class. Naushad’s creation in Aadmi, and Rafi’s songs like “na aadmi ka khoi bharosa”, “aaj purani rahon se”, etc., had remained invalueable assets over the period of time. The viewers expect him to continue the excellent work as a director in the years to come.

Happy birthday to reserve actor Ajay Devganji

Happy birthday to Ajay Devgan. The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Ajay Devgan on 2nd April, 2025. He had contributed a lot in bollywood films in the last 20 years. He started his career with the superhit film Phool Aur Kaante. Ajay Devgan's recent film RRR with director Raja Mouli and actors NTR Junior and Ram Charan has crossed 650 crores business in India. As his father Veeru Devgan had a great background of training actors for action sequences and Ajay Devgan started his career with the latent quality of an action hero. The action sequences in Phool Aur Kaante were excellent. Also the music of the film became hit with songs like “premi pagal awara”, “tumko milne ko dil karta hai”, etc., sung by Kumar Shanu and Alka Yagnik, which were picturized on Ajay Devgan and Madhu. The other successful films of Ajay Devgan include Ishq, Dilwale, Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, etc. In Ishq, he acted with Amir Khan, Juhi Chawla and Kajol, and contributed well in the comedy sequences of the film. The film was based on the story of affairs between rich and poor people and the fathers of Juhi Chawla and Ajay Devgan never wanted to get their children married to poor people. The music of the film was very successful with songs like “ishq hua”, “humko tumse pyar hai”, etc. Ajay Devgan also acted in very serious films like Raincoat opposite Aishwarya Rai, which was directed by Rituporno Ghosh, Zakhm, Gangaajal , etc. He had created an identity of a reserve actor and that image helped him in getting landmark roles for the last 10 years. His other successful films include Golmaal and Golmaal Returns. In both Golmaal and Golmaal Returns Ajay Devgan acted with other comedians like Arshad Warsi and Tushaar Kapoor and maintained the rhythm of the film. Tushar Kapoor played the role of a deaf and dumb character in the film and at the end of the film got the job, the girl for marriage, as against the interests of his other friends. Ajay Devgan married successful actress Kajol and both had acted together in a number of films like Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, Ishq, You, Me and Hum, etc., most of which were successful. Even Ajay Devgan’s role of a ghost in the film Kaal opposite Lara Dutta, John Abraham and others were well appreciated by viewers. His performance in patriotic roles like that of Shahid Bhagat Singh also requires special mention. His film All the best did brilliant business in 2011. Although the credit for the success of the comedy film goes collectively to the effort of Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Bipasha Basu and others, but Ajay Devgan’s anticipation of viewers accepting comedy stories require appreciation. 2010 proved extremely successful for Ajay Devgan. In 2010 also he had acted in the comedy film Atithi Tum Kab Jayoge with Konkona Sen Sharma and Paresh Rawal. The serious films in the year like Once Upon a Time In Mumbai did excellent business as compared to Aakrosh. The comedy film Golmaal 3 did excellent business and Ajay Devgan proved his effortlessness opposite actress Kareena Kapoor in style. In 2012 onwards his film Singham did business of more than 100 crores. Also his film Son of Sardar did business of more than 100 crores. But his film Himmatwala in 2013 did not do great business. In the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020, his film Tanhaji did business of 275 crores and remains the biggest blockbuster of Ajay Devgan. His film RRR might end up with 800 crores in India. The viewers expect Ajay Devgan to continue his good work both as an actor and also producer, director in 2020 and in the years to come.

Salman Khan Rashmika starrer Sikandar did 140 crores business worldwide and 75 crores in India in 3 days

Salman Khan Rashmika starrer Sikandar did business of 30 crores in 1st day in India and 40 crores business worldwide. Salman Khan was excellent.

Sikandar (lit. 'Sikandar') is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by A. R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film stars Salman Khan in the titular role, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Kishore, Jatin Sarna and Sanjay Kapoor. In the film, Sanjay "Sikandar" Rajkot, the king of Rajkot, becomes a target for Minister Rakesh Pradhan after killing his son. When his wife’s donated organs save three lives, Rakesh seeks revenge, forcing Sanjay to protect them. Marking the reunion of Khan and Nadiadwala after Kick (2014), the film was officially announced in April 2024, with principal photography commencing the following June. It was predominantly shot in Mumbai, while a sporadic schedules was held at Hyderabad, before being wrapped by March 2025. The film has songs composed by Pritam, background score composed by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography handled by Tirru and editing by Vivek Harshan. With an estimated production budget of ₹200 crore, it is one of the most expensive Indian films of all time. Sikandar was released worldwide on 30 March 2025, in standard and IMAX formats, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr, to mixed reviews from both critics and audiences alike, with praise for the performances, action, and intense scenes but criticism for its weak story, outdated screenplay, dull dialogues, and pacing. Plot Sanjay Rajkot, the king of Rajkot, Gujarat, is known to the people as "Sikandar." He is married to Saisri, a painter, who is referred to as Rani Saidha. One day, during a flight, Arjun, the son of Minister Rakesh Pradhan, encounters Monica, a former pornographic film actress who has since married and has a son. Arjun threatens to show her past videos to her son in exchange for sex. However, Sanjay, who is also on the flight, intervenes, engaging in a fistfight with Arjun and his bouncers. He ultimately forces Arjun to apologize to Monica. The next day, Minister Rakesh hires Inspector Prakash to arrest Sanjay for attacking his son, personally bribing him for the job. Prakash arrives at Sanjay’s mansion in Rajkot, only to find that he is not there. Saisri informs him that Sanjay has already gone to the police station. When Prakash reaches the station, he finds Sanjay there but with his senior officers, who order Prakash to let him go. Saisri feels that Sanjay is always distant from her. She often notices him forgetting their wedding anniversary and her birthday. One day, she discovers that she is pregnant and tries to share the news with Sanjay. However, at the same time, his query manager sells 40 kilos of explosives, which are threatened to be used at a site. This forces Sanjay to rush there to stop the attack. Unbeknownst to him, Saisri follows him to the site, where she gets caught in a bomb blast and is severely wounded. She is rushed to the hospital but succumbs to her injuries before she can tell Sanjay about her pregnancy. Prior to her death, she had signed up for organ donation, and her lungs, eyes, and heart are transplanted into patients in Mumbai. Upon learning that her organs were used in surgeries there, Sanjay sets out to find the recipients. He soon discovers that her lungs were donated to Kamar, an orphaned child from Dharavi, Mumbai, her eyes to Vaidehi Ranga, and her heart to Nisha. Sanjay first encounters Kamar and learns that he suffers from lung disease due to the severe pollution in his area. The pollution is caused by Virat Bakshi, a businessman, who has bought several acres of land to build a mall. However, in an attempt to force the remaining residents to vacate, he uses the land he owns as a dumping ground for garbage, worsening the living conditions. Next, Sanjay meets Vaidehi and discovers that she lives with her husband, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. She runs a vadam shop, but her business has stopped receiving orders. She believes her strict father-in-law is the reason, as he holds the belief that women should not work. Finally, Sanjay meets Nisha, who is in the hospital because her donated heart has started to fail. Determined to save her, Sanjay arranges for a doctor from Dubai to guide the local doctors through a video call, which helps to stabilize her condition. He later learns that Nisha was born with a heart condition, which worsened after her ex-boyfriend, Kapil, callously informed her that he was getting married, which caused her immense emotional distress. Cast Salman Khan as Sanjay "Sikandar" Rajkot[5] Rashmika Mandanna as Saisri Rajkot, Sanjay's wife Kajal Aggarwal as Vaidehi Rangachari Sathyaraj as Minister Rakesh Pradhan Sharman Joshi as Amar, Sanjay’s aide Prateik Babbar as Arjun Pradhan Anjini Dhawan as Nisha Kishore as Inspector Prakash Jatin Sarna as De Niro, a Taxi driver Sanjay Kapoor as Nisha's father Nawab Shah as Virat Bakshi Vishal Vashishtha as Rangachari Kishori Shahane as Minister's wife Abha Ranta as Aishwarya Pradhan Sulabha Arya as Savithri Vijayant Kohli as Sudarshan Ayan Khan as Kamaruddin "Kamar" Prakash Sudarshan as Aditya Abhilash Chaudhary as Deva Navdeep Tomar as Salim Gurjant Singh as Mayur Anant Mahadevan as Chief Minister Arjun Dwivedi as Kapil's uncle Sunny Thakur as Zuber Ali Abhimanyu Vashishth as Varadachari Adiba Hussain as Asha Neha Iyer as Monica Amitabh Ghanekar as Prashant, Minister's PA Meghna Pandey as Air Hostress Rajesh Jhaveri as Rangacheri's father Dhanya Balakrishna as Saisri's maid Production Development In February 2024, it was reported that Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala would begin production on a film, nearly a decade on from their last collaboration Kick (2014): A.R. Murugadoss was then reported to be the film's director.[6][7] It marks the first film between Khan and Murugadoss, who initially pitched the lead role of Ghajini (2008) to Khan.[8] Nadiadwala and Murugadoss both recruited Khan for Sikandar.[6][7] The film was announced by Khan on his social media platforms on Eid al-Fitr in April 2024, and expressed his excitement about collaborating with Murugadoss and Nadiadwala.[9] The film was scheduled to be filmed soon thereafter across multiple countries, including Portugal and other European countries but was delayed due to Murugadoss' commitments on Madharasi (2025).[6][7][10] Murugadoss eventually worked on Sikandar and Madharasi simultaneously until June 2024,[9][9] although, he completed significant portions of Madharasi before continuing on Sikandar.[9] With an estimated production budget of ₹200 crore,[6] Sikandar is the most expensive film produced by Nadiadwala and one of the most expensive Indian films of all time.[6][7] Casting In May 2024, Rashmika Mandanna was announced as the female lead opposite Khan, marking their first collaboration.[11] Sathyaraj and Prateik Babbar were cast soon thereafter.[12][13] In September, Sharman Joshi, Kajal Aggarwal and Anjini Dhawan were hired,[14][15][16] and one month later, Kishore also joined the cast.[17] Filming Principal photography commenced on 19 June 2024, with aerial-based action sequences shot in Mumbai.[18] An action sequence between Khan and Babbar was filmed in July,[19] and in August, further action sequences, including gun fights and hand-to-hand action sequences, were shot over a period of 40 days across Mumbai.[20] For these sequences, it was reported that sets worth ₹15 crore were created to resemble Dharavi and Matunga.[21] In September, Khan sustained a rib injury during filming.[22] Filming resumed later that month, with a song involving Khan, Mandanna and 200 background dancers being filmed.[23] However, filming was again halted, due to heavy rains across Mumbai.[24] Filming was further halted due to security concerns after Khan received death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi, with a shooting also reported near Khan's home.[25] After increasing on-set security, principal photography resumed in November, with filming taking place in Falaknuma Palace.[26][27] Two songs featuring Qawwali and Holi-style themes were reportedly also filmed.[28] Action sequences involving a train and 350 extras were then filmed on elaborate sets recreating Borivali and Mumbai Suburban.[29] In January 2025, Sikander's final filming period began in Mumbai,[30] with four action sequences shot, reportedly including aircraft, trains, and sets resembling a prison and a hospital.[31] Principal photography concluded on 14 March 2025.[32] Music The film’s music rights were acquired by Zee Music Company, with the songs being composed by Pritam and the background score being composed by Santhosh Narayanan.[33][34] The first single, "Zohra Jabeen", was released on 4 March 2025.[35] The second single, "Bam Bam Bhole", was released one week later,[36] and the third single, "Sikandar Naache", was released on 18 March.[37] The fourth single, "Hum Aapke Bina" was released on 28 March 2025.[38] Track listingNo. Title Lyrics Singer(s) Length 1. "Zohra Jabeen" Sameer Anjaan, Danish Sabri, Mellow D Nakash Aziz, Dev Negi, Mellow D 3:24 2. "Bam Bam Bhole" Sameer Anjaan Shaan, Dev Negi, Antara Mitra 3:38 3. "Sikandar Naache" Sameer Anjaan Amit Mishra, Akasa Singh, Siddhaant Miishhraa 4:06 4. "Hum Aapke Bina" Sameer Anjaan Arijit Singh

Salman Khan Rashmika starrer Sikandar did 30 crores business on 1st day in India and 40 crores worldwide

Salman Khan Rashmika starrer Sikandar did business of 30 crores in 1st day in India and 40 crores business worldwide. Salman Khan was excellent.

Sikandar (lit. 'Sikandar') is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by A. R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film stars Salman Khan in the titular role, alongside Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Prateik Babbar, Kishore, Jatin Sarna and Sanjay Kapoor. In the film, Sanjay "Sikandar" Rajkot, the king of Rajkot, becomes a target for Minister Rakesh Pradhan after killing his son. When his wife’s donated organs save three lives, Rakesh seeks revenge, forcing Sanjay to protect them. Marking the reunion of Khan and Nadiadwala after Kick (2014), the film was officially announced in April 2024, with principal photography commencing the following June. It was predominantly shot in Mumbai, while a sporadic schedules was held at Hyderabad, before being wrapped by March 2025. The film has songs composed by Pritam, background score composed by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography handled by Tirru and editing by Vivek Harshan. With an estimated production budget of ₹200 crore, it is one of the most expensive Indian films of all time. Sikandar was released worldwide on 30 March 2025, in standard and IMAX formats, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr, to mixed reviews from both critics and audiences alike, with praise for the performances, action, and intense scenes but criticism for its weak story, outdated screenplay, dull dialogues, and pacing. Plot Sanjay Rajkot, the king of Rajkot, Gujarat, is known to the people as "Sikandar." He is married to Saisri, a painter, who is referred to as Rani Saidha. One day, during a flight, Arjun, the son of Minister Rakesh Pradhan, encounters Monica, a former pornographic film actress who has since married and has a son. Arjun threatens to show her past videos to her son in exchange for sex. However, Sanjay, who is also on the flight, intervenes, engaging in a fistfight with Arjun and his bouncers. He ultimately forces Arjun to apologize to Monica. The next day, Minister Rakesh hires Inspector Prakash to arrest Sanjay for attacking his son, personally bribing him for the job. Prakash arrives at Sanjay’s mansion in Rajkot, only to find that he is not there. Saisri informs him that Sanjay has already gone to the police station. When Prakash reaches the station, he finds Sanjay there but with his senior officers, who order Prakash to let him go. Saisri feels that Sanjay is always distant from her. She often notices him forgetting their wedding anniversary and her birthday. One day, she discovers that she is pregnant and tries to share the news with Sanjay. However, at the same time, his query manager sells 40 kilos of explosives, which are threatened to be used at a site. This forces Sanjay to rush there to stop the attack. Unbeknownst to him, Saisri follows him to the site, where she gets caught in a bomb blast and is severely wounded. She is rushed to the hospital but succumbs to her injuries before she can tell Sanjay about her pregnancy. Prior to her death, she had signed up for organ donation, and her lungs, eyes, and heart are transplanted into patients in Mumbai. Upon learning that her organs were used in surgeries there, Sanjay sets out to find the recipients. He soon discovers that her lungs were donated to Kamar, an orphaned child from Dharavi, Mumbai, her eyes to Vaidehi Ranga, and her heart to Nisha. Sanjay first encounters Kamar and learns that he suffers from lung disease due to the severe pollution in his area. The pollution is caused by Virat Bakshi, a businessman, who has bought several acres of land to build a mall. However, in an attempt to force the remaining residents to vacate, he uses the land he owns as a dumping ground for garbage, worsening the living conditions. Next, Sanjay meets Vaidehi and discovers that she lives with her husband, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. She runs a vadam shop, but her business has stopped receiving orders. She believes her strict father-in-law is the reason, as he holds the belief that women should not work. Finally, Sanjay meets Nisha, who is in the hospital because her donated heart has started to fail. Determined to save her, Sanjay arranges for a doctor from Dubai to guide the local doctors through a video call, which helps to stabilize her condition. He later learns that Nisha was born with a heart condition, which worsened after her ex-boyfriend, Kapil, callously informed her that he was getting married, which caused her immense emotional distress. Cast Salman Khan as Sanjay "Sikandar" Rajkot[5] Rashmika Mandanna as Saisri Rajkot, Sanjay's wife Kajal Aggarwal as Vaidehi Rangachari Sathyaraj as Minister Rakesh Pradhan Sharman Joshi as Amar, Sanjay’s aide Prateik Babbar as Arjun Pradhan Anjini Dhawan as Nisha Kishore as Inspector Prakash Jatin Sarna as De Niro, a Taxi driver Sanjay Kapoor as Nisha's father Nawab Shah as Virat Bakshi Vishal Vashishtha as Rangachari Kishori Shahane as Minister's wife Abha Ranta as Aishwarya Pradhan Sulabha Arya as Savithri Vijayant Kohli as Sudarshan Ayan Khan as Kamaruddin "Kamar" Prakash Sudarshan as Aditya Abhilash Chaudhary as Deva Navdeep Tomar as Salim Gurjant Singh as Mayur Anant Mahadevan as Chief Minister Arjun Dwivedi as Kapil's uncle Sunny Thakur as Zuber Ali Abhimanyu Vashishth as Varadachari Adiba Hussain as Asha Neha Iyer as Monica Amitabh Ghanekar as Prashant, Minister's PA Meghna Pandey as Air Hostress Rajesh Jhaveri as Rangacheri's father Dhanya Balakrishna as Saisri's maid Production Development In February 2024, it was reported that Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala would begin production on a film, nearly a decade on from their last collaboration Kick (2014): A.R. Murugadoss was then reported to be the film's director.[6][7] It marks the first film between Khan and Murugadoss, who initially pitched the lead role of Ghajini (2008) to Khan.[8] Nadiadwala and Murugadoss both recruited Khan for Sikandar.[6][7] The film was announced by Khan on his social media platforms on Eid al-Fitr in April 2024, and expressed his excitement about collaborating with Murugadoss and Nadiadwala.[9] The film was scheduled to be filmed soon thereafter across multiple countries, including Portugal and other European countries but was delayed due to Murugadoss' commitments on Madharasi (2025).[6][7][10] Murugadoss eventually worked on Sikandar and Madharasi simultaneously until June 2024,[9][9] although, he completed significant portions of Madharasi before continuing on Sikandar.[9] With an estimated production budget of ₹200 crore,[6] Sikandar is the most expensive film produced by Nadiadwala and one of the most expensive Indian films of all time.[6][7] Casting In May 2024, Rashmika Mandanna was announced as the female lead opposite Khan, marking their first collaboration.[11] Sathyaraj and Prateik Babbar were cast soon thereafter.[12][13] In September, Sharman Joshi, Kajal Aggarwal and Anjini Dhawan were hired,[14][15][16] and one month later, Kishore also joined the cast.[17] Filming Principal photography commenced on 19 June 2024, with aerial-based action sequences shot in Mumbai.[18] An action sequence between Khan and Babbar was filmed in July,[19] and in August, further action sequences, including gun fights and hand-to-hand action sequences, were shot over a period of 40 days across Mumbai.[20] For these sequences, it was reported that sets worth ₹15 crore were created to resemble Dharavi and Matunga.[21] In September, Khan sustained a rib injury during filming.[22] Filming resumed later that month, with a song involving Khan, Mandanna and 200 background dancers being filmed.[23] However, filming was again halted, due to heavy rains across Mumbai.[24] Filming was further halted due to security concerns after Khan received death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi, with a shooting also reported near Khan's home.[25] After increasing on-set security, principal photography resumed in November, with filming taking place in Falaknuma Palace.[26][27] Two songs featuring Qawwali and Holi-style themes were reportedly also filmed.[28] Action sequences involving a train and 350 extras were then filmed on elaborate sets recreating Borivali and Mumbai Suburban.[29] In January 2025, Sikander's final filming period began in Mumbai,[30] with four action sequences shot, reportedly including aircraft, trains, and sets resembling a prison and a hospital.[31] Principal photography concluded on 14 March 2025.[32] Music The film’s music rights were acquired by Zee Music Company, with the songs being composed by Pritam and the background score being composed by Santhosh Narayanan.[33][34] The first single, "Zohra Jabeen", was released on 4 March 2025.[35] The second single, "Bam Bam Bhole", was released one week later,[36] and the third single, "Sikandar Naache", was released on 18 March.[37] The fourth single, "Hum Aapke Bina" was released on 28 March 2025.[38] Track listingNo. Title Lyrics Singer(s) Length 1. "Zohra Jabeen" Sameer Anjaan, Danish Sabri, Mellow D Nakash Aziz, Dev Negi, Mellow D 3:24 2. "Bam Bam Bhole" Sameer Anjaan Shaan, Dev Negi, Antara Mitra 3:38 3. "Sikandar Naache" Sameer Anjaan Amit Mishra, Akasa Singh, Siddhaant Miishhraa 4:06 4. "Hum Aapke Bina" Sameer Anjaan Arijit Singh

Nandaji films are relevant even today

It is a shocking news for the lovers of Indian films that Nanda had died today, on 25th March, 2014, at the age of 75 years. She suffered a massive heart attack. Her friend Mala Sinha shared her experiences with the press and media about acting with Nanda. Both of them acted in the film Dhool Ka Phool. Nanda having huge amount of acting potentials never received her dues. Born in a Maharashtrian family she learned acting from childhood. Eminent director V Shantaram gave her a prominent role in the film Toofan Aur Diya in 1956. She was brilliant in the film Bhabhi in 1957. She played the role of the younger sister of Pandari Bai, the wife of Balraj Sahani in the film. She became widow at a very early age and the information was not given to her by Pandari Bai. She played a very juvenile role in the first part of the film and in the second part became serious. She received the nomination for best supporting actress in 1957 for her role in Bhabhi but did not win it. She was sublime in the role of the wife of Rajender Kumar in the film Dhool Ka Phool in 1959. She followed it up by a brilliant performance in the film Choti Behen. Again she had the challenge of acting with Balraj Sahani. She did a great job. In 1960s, Nanda became a stylish heroine and acted in glamour oriented roles. With Manoj Kumar she had a fantastic combination. She did a great job in the film Bedaag. Gumnaam was the blockbuster film of Nanda which did fabulous business. Shankar Jaikishan’s music stormed Bollywood in 1965 with Gumnaam. Nanda gave soft lips in the song “jaane chaman sholabadan” which was sung by Sharda and Mohammad Rafi. The she was paired opposite Shashi Kapoor in more than 7 films. The romantic pair started their journey in the film Jab Jab Phool Khilen. It was a music oriented film which created magic. Kalyanji Anandji’s music was appreciated by the audience. Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur’s duet song “nanakarte pyar humhi to kar baite” became bumper hit. The combination just gave hits after hits. The other notable films included Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhari, Muhobbat Is Ko Kehte Hai, to name a few. The movies were shot in romantic locations of Jammu Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The music created magic and the audiences admired the films. In the 1970s and 1980s, Nanda shifted to character roles. There also she showed excellence. In Manoj Kumar’s film Shor she played a compassionate character. In Dilip Kumar’s film Mazdoor she played the role of his wife. She also gave a landmark performance in Raj Kapoor’s film Prem Rog in 1982. Her character role of the mother of Padmini Kolhapuri caught the attention of the viewers. In her career around 40 years, she had acted in diverse roles. But neither was she honoured, nor recognized for the great callibre shown over the years. Her films should be preserved.