Happy birthday to superstar Rajesh Khannaji

Happy birthday to Rajesh Khanna The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Rajesh Khanna on 29th December, 2024. He died in 2012 and the death was mourned by numerous numbers of Indians. He had remained one of the most popular actors of 70s, before Amitabh Bacchan entered the film arena and gave birth to action films. The other reason why Rajesh Khanna is remembered even today was for the melodious music that he got from Kalyanji Anandji, RD Burman, Salil Choudhury, Laxmikant Pyarellal and other composers. Although he started his career with films like Akhri Khat, Raaz, etc., in the late 60s, he got recognition with Shakti Shamanta’s super hit film Aradhana which was released in 1969. In the 70s, Rajesh Khanna had a dream run with films of different directors including Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Asit Sen, Shakti Samanta and others. Most of his films from 1971 to 1973, were super hit. And the music of these films created history. The songs of the film Anand, composed by Salil Choudhury were super hit, including “kahin door jab din dhal jaye”, “maine tere liye hi saat rang” sung by Mukesh and “zindagi kaisi hai peheli” sung by Manna Dey. The songs of the film Aan Milo Sajna composed by LP became super hit including Rafi’s song “aan milo sajna” and Kishore’s song “accha to hum chalte hai”. The songs of the film Amar Prem composed by RD Burman became super hit including KK’s song “chingari koi bharke”, “kuch to log kahenge”, etc. Amar Prem was the hindi version of Uttam Kumar’s famour Bengali film Nishipadda. Similarly the songs of the film Kati Patang composed by RD Burman became super hit including songs of KK like “ai shaam mastani”, Mukesh’s song “jis gali me”, etc. Similarly songs of the film Safar composed by Kalyanji Anandji became super hit. Kishore’s song “zindagi ka safar” can be considered as one of the best songs that he sang during his long career. The songs of the film Namak Haram composed by RD Burman, Roti composed by LP, Raaz composed by Kalyanji Anandji, Bawarchi composed by Madanmohan, were all very successful. Rajesh Khanna created a romantic image and his films opposite various actresses like Sharmila Tagore in films like Aradhana, Amar Prem, Mumtaz in Aap Ki Kasam, Asha Parekh in Kati Patang, Aan Milo Sajna, Tanuja in Mere Jeevan Saathi, Hema Malini in Mehbooba, and others created an era of romantic films. He became a role model for the younger generation. Rajesh Khanna was remembered as the next door neighbour’s character. Other than the commercial films he acted in Asit Sen’s Safar, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Anand, Shakti Shamanta’s Amar Prem, where the central character was a human being having human feelings. But from the time Amitabh Bacchan entered the film arena he not only dethroned Rajesh Khanna but more than that changed the dimension of bollywood films. He played anti-establishment characters and persuaded other superstars like Vinod Khanna, Shatrughun Sinha, Dharmender, Firoz Khan, Sunil Dutt and others to play similar type of roles. Action films dominated bollywood industry and films like Sholay, Deewar, Kalicharan, Burning Train, Jugnu, Zakhmee, Dharmatma faded away Rajesh Khanna’s romantic films like Soutan, Prem Nagar and other films. Rajesh Khanna’s wife Dimple Kapadia established herself into one of the most powerful actresses of bollywood films with success in Saagar, Jaanbaaz, Rudaali, Lekin, Krantiveer, etc. Even then Rajesh Khanna continued acting for another 20 years and was even seen in recent films in roles of old person. Even Rishi Kapoor did cast him in his directorial venture title A ab laut chale. He had received filmfare best actor award a number of times and also received lifetime achievement award. His films should be restored.

Anari and Paigham were the greatest blockbusters of bollywood films of 1959.

Greatest bollywood hit films of 1959. The year 1959 was very significant in the history of bollywood films. Both social films and historical films dominated bollywood. The biggest hit film of 1959 was Anari. Anari was directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Raj Kapoor, Motilal, Lalita Power and Nutan were the leading artists in the film. The film showed the story of an innocent person who got involved in a case relating to forged medicines. The film was known for its excellent music composed by Shankar Jaikishan. All the songs of Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh, including “yeh chand khila”, “kisiki muskurahaton pe ho nisar”, “sab kuch sikha humne” became smash hits. The film also received the major filmfare awards of 1959. Raj Kapoor got the award for the best actor, Lalita Power got the award for the best supporting actress, Shankar Jaikishan got the award for the best music director, Mukesh got the award for the best singer. The second highest grosser of 1959 included Paigham. Dilip Kumar and Vaijayantimala were the leading artists of the film. The film was directed by S.S. Vassan. Dilip Kumar and Vaijayantimala had given blockbusters in the past like Madhumati, so their online chemistry was accepted by the audience. The third biggest hit film was Navrang. The fourth was Dhool Ka Phool. The fifth hit film was Goonj Uthi Shehnai. Very significantly Rajender Kumar featured in both Dhool Ka Phool opposite Mala Sinha, and Goonj Uthi Shehnai opposite Amita. Both the films were famous for the excellent music composed by Kalyanji Anandji and Vasant Desai. The sixth hit film was Dil Deke Dekho where Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh were the main artists. Music was composed by Usha Khanna. The seventh hit film was Sujata. It was directed by Bimal Roy. Nutan and Sunil Dutt were the main artists. The next three hit films of the year included Choti Behen, Rani Roopmati and Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan. The film was directed by Devendra Goel and music composed by Ravi Shankar Sharma. In Choti Behen directed by L.V. Prasad, Balraj Sahani and Nanda were the main artists. Music was composed by Shankar Jaikishan. In Rani Roopmati, Bharat Bhushan and Nirupa Roy played the lead roles. SN Tripati composed the music of the film. In Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan, Rajender Kumar and Meena Kumari played the lead roles. There were few inferences that can be drawn from the biggest hit films of 1959. While Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar dominated bollywood as main stars, Rajender Kumar emerged as another crowd puller by giving three hits together. As far as actresses were concerned there was brilliant competition between Vaijayantimala, Nutan, Meena Kumari and others. As far as directors were concerned in addition to established directors like Bimal Roy, Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, upcoming directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, L.V. Prasad, B.R. Chopra, Nasir Hussain created a great impact in bollywood films. As far as music director were concerned there was stiff competition between Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad Ali, C. Ramchandran, Ravi Shankar Sharma, Vasant Desai and others.

Rafisahab is remembered on 100th birth anniversary and all actors benefitted from his phenomenal voice

Rafisahab is remembered on 100 th birth anniversary and all the actors and composers between 1940s to 1970s rose to fame due to association with Rafisahab. By: Dr Souvik Chatterji (Associate Professor in Law and Head of Department, JIS University, Kolkata) Rafisahab is remembered all over the world on his 100 th birth anniversary on December 2024. Every actor between the 1940s to 1970s had one of their greatest hit songs sung by Rafisahab. Dilip Kumar’s song “ wo dur ke musafir” in film Uran Khatola sung by Rafisahab always use to top the geetmala in 1956. Naushad Ali Sahab composed music for the film. Ajit sahab’s song “ajake intezar me” in film Halaku sung by Rafisahab and Lataji was his biggest hit song ever. Shankar Jaikishanji composed it in 1956. The chorus song sung by Rafisahab “ramaiya vasta maiyya” in Raj Kapoor film Shree 420 was the biggest hit song in 1955. Shankar Jaikishanji composed the music and Mukeshji and Lataji also sang it along with Rafisahab. Bharat Bhushanji’s song “wo duniya ke rakhwale”sung by Rafisahab in film Baiju Bawra in 1952 was his greatest hit song ever sung. Naushadsahab composed the music of the film. Pradeep Kumarji’s song “ab kya misaal doon” sung by Rafisahab in film Aarti in 1962 was one of his greatest hit songs. Roshansahab composed the music of the film Aarti. Rajender Kumarji’s song “baharon phool barsao” in film Suraj sung by Rafisahab was one of the greatest hit song ever . Shankar Jaikishanji composed the music of film Suraj. Shammi Kapoor sahab’s song “yeh chand sa roshan chehera” in film Kashmir Ki Kali was one of his greatest hit songs. OP Nayyar sahib composed the music in 1964. Joy Mukherjeesahab’s song “Japan love in Tokyo” sung by Rafisahab was one of his greatest hit songs in film Love in Tokyo. Shankar Jaikishanji composed the music of Love in Tokyo. Biswajeetji’s song “pukarta chala hoon mai” in film Mere Sanam in 1965 was one his greatest hit songs. OP Nayyarsahab composed music of the film. Raj Kumarsahab’s song “yeh duniya yeh mehfil” in film Heer Ranjha in 1971 was one of his greatest hit songs. Madanmohan Kohlisahab composed music of the film. Guru Dutt Sahab’s song “chaudhavi ka chand” in film Chaudavi ka Chand was one of his greatest hit songs sung by Rafisahab. Ravi Shankar Sharmaji composed the music of the film in 1960. Shashi Kapoorji’s song “pardesiyo se na ankhiyan milana” in film Jab Jab Phool Khilen in 1965 was his greatest hit song. Kalyanji Anandjisahab composed music of the film. Dharmendersahab’s song “jane kya dhoondti rehti hai yeh ankhen mujhme” was one of his biggest hit songs in film Shola Aur Shabnam in 1961. Khayyamsahab composed the music of the film. Jeetenderji’s song “baar baar din yeh aye” was one of the biggest hit songs in film Farz in 1967. Laxmikant Pyarellalji composed the music of the film. Sanjeev Kumarji’s song “tumhari zulf ke saye me sham kar lunga” was one of biggest hit songs in film Naunihal in 1967. Madanmohansahab composed the music of the film. Chandrasekhaji’s song “subah na aye sham na aye” was one of the biggest hit songs in film Cha Cha Cha in 1963. Iqbal Qureshisahab composed music of the film. Rajesh Khannaji’s song “gulabi ankhen” in film The Train was one of the biggest hit songs sung by Rafisahab in 1971. RD Burmanji composed music of the film. Tariqsahab’s song “kya hua tera wada” in film Hum Kisi Se Kam Naji was one of the biggest hit songs sung by Rafisahab in 1977. RD Burmansahab composed music of the film. Dev Anandsahab’s song “tere mere sapne” in film Guide was one of the biggest hit songs sung by Rafisahab in 1965. SD Burmanji composed music of the film. Rishi Kapoorji’s song “dar-de dil dar-de jigar” in film Karz was one of the biggest hit songs sung by Rafisahab in 1980. Laxmikant Pyarelalji composed music of the film. The list goes on. Every music director and composer between 1940s to 1970s rose to fame due to their association with Rafisahab. Shankar Jaikishansahab received 9 filmfare awards. Out of that they received filmfare award in film Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi with lead role of Raj Kumarsahab in 1961 due to Rafisahab song “jane kahan gaye”. In 1963 SJ received filmfare award in film Professor. There were many landmarks songs of Rafisahab for Shammi Kapoorji like “awaaz deke hume tum bulayo”, “ae gulbadan ae gulbadan”, to name a few. In 1967 SJ received filmfare award in Rajender Kumar film Suraj. Rafisahab sang many landmark songs like “baharon phool barsao”, “itna hai tumse pyar mujhe”, “kaise samjhayun”, “gustai maaf” to name a few. Rafisahab won best filmfare male playback singer award for Rajender Kumar film Sasural for the song “teri pyari pyari surat ko” composed by Shankar Jaikishansahab. Naushad sahib received filmfare award in 1954 for composition of music in Bharat Bhushan film Baiju Bawara. Rafisahab showed over all excellence in classical oriented songs like “o duniya ke rakhwale”, “man tarapata hari darshan ko aaj” to name a few. Naushad sahib received BFJA award for Dilip Kumar film music in Ganga Jumna. Rafisahab sang landmark songs like “nain lad jaihe o manwama”, “o chalia re chalia re man mei hamaar” to name a few. Roshanlal Nagrath sahab received filmfare award for Pradeep Kumar film Taj Mahal in 1964. Rafisahab many landmark songs like “jo wada kiya ho”, “jo baat tujh me hai” “pao chul lene do” to name a few in the film. Rafisahab received Sur Singer award in 1964 for Pradip Kumar film Chitralekha. The music director was Roshansahab and song was “man re tu kahe na dhir dhare” OP Nayyarsahab received filmfare award in 1958 for Dilip Kumar film Naya Daur. Rafisahab sang many landmark songs in the film like “ure jab jab zulfen teri”, “maang ke saath tumhara”, “aana ho to aa”, “saathi haath barana” to name a few. Salil Choudhurysahab received filmfare award in 1959 for Dilip Kumar film Madhumati. Rafisahab sang the landmark song “tute hue khwabon me” and “jangal me mor nacha” in the film. Ravi Shankar Sharma sahab received filmfare award in 1962 for Rajender Kumar film Gharana. Rafisahab sang the landmark song “husnwale tera jawab nahi”. Rafisahab also won best male playback singer award for the song “chaudavi ka chand” composed by Ravisahab in Guru Dutt film Chaudavi Ka Chand. Madanmohansahab received national award for Sanjeev Kumar film Dastak in 1970. Rafisahab sang the song “tumse kahoon ek baat”. Laxmikant Pyarellalji received filmfare award in film Dosti in 1965. Rafisahab sang landmark songs like “chahunga mai tujhe”, “rahi manwa dukh ki chinta”, “koi jab raah nap aye”. Rafisahab son best male playback singer award for the song “chahunga mai tujhe”. Rafisahab received national award in Rishi Kapoor film Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi. The song was “kya hua tera wada” composed by RD Burmansahab. Khayyamsahab shot to fame with Rafisahab song “jane kya dhoonti rehti yeh ankhe mujhme” in film Shola Aur Shabnam. Jaidevsahab rose to fame with Rafisahab song “mai zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya”in film Hum Dono. Chitraguptji rose to fame with Rafisahab song “chal ur ja re panchi” in film Bhabhi. Kalyanji Anandji rose to fame with Rafisahab song “pardesiyon se na ankhiya milana” in film Jab Jab Jab Phool Khilen. Ghulam Mohammadsahab rose to fame with Rafisahab song “chalo dildar chalo” in film Pakizaa. Iqbal Qureshi sahib rose to fame with Rafisahab song “subah na ayi” in film Cha Cha Cha. GS Kohlisahab rose to fame with Rafisahab song “agar mai puchu jawab doge” in film Shikari. Sonik Omi sahib rose to fame with Rafisahab song “dil ne phir yaad kiya” in film Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya. Usha Khannaji rose to fame with Rafisahab song “dil deke dekho” in film Dil Deke Dekho. Rafi's Baharon Phool Barsao was voted the most popular Hindi song in a BBC Asia Network poll commemorating 100 years of Hindi Cinema. In a CNN-IBN survey in 2013, he was voted the greatest voice of Hindi Cinema. In 2001, Rafi was named as the "best singer of the millennium" by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine