Priyanka Chopra was amazing in What's Your Rashee.

Priyanka Chopra was amazing in What’s your Rashee.

Priyanka Chopra was absolutely amazing while playing the girls of 12 rashees in the film What’ Your Rashee. The movie contained 12 character of 12 different Rashee(zodiac sign) and 1 eligible bachelor. Harman Baweja as Yogesh Kumar Patel was an eligible bachelor working as a waiter in Chicago University and doing MBA. He was also a dj at night bars.

He was called to India out of the blue and was to be married in a matter of days, the reason being that his maternal grandfather on his marriage would be bestowing him 30 crores worth of property and his family need this to survive ruin- their elder son Jeetu (Dilip Joshi) having borrowed and squandered 4 crores of wealth including 1.5 crores of wealth from a local underworld don Moolraj (Yuri) and now running the risk of facing a prison sentence. Yogesh's father's brother Debu (Darshan Jariwala) took charge of showing him the eligible girls. But Yogesh after reading a book on sun signs insisted on seeing only 12 girls, one from each Raashee and then decide whom to marry.

In reality there was 12 different girls from 12 different zodiac signs played by Priyanka Chopra. Two days before the marriage Yogesh was unable to decide the perfect woman for him. He got confused about Sanjana and Hansa, as he liked both of them. In between the don pressurized his family and his parents pressurized him. At the wedding Debu uncle came with a girl and yogesh was confused about the girl and her rashee(zodiac). Ultimately Yogesh got married with Sanjana (aquarian girl) and his Debu uncle revealed the truth that 2days ago. Sanjana was dumped by her boyfriend and she made her decision changed and said yes to marry Yogesh.

Priyanka showed 12 different characters right from docile, soft feminine characteristics to aggressive characteristics. Ashutosh Gowarikar had utilized the talent of Priyanka Chopra to its full potential. This will remain as one of the greatest work of Priyanka Chopra till now.

Feluda Team in Dadagiri

Feluda Team in Dadagiri

The different teams of Satyajit Ray's immortal creation Feluda series appeared in Sourav Ganguly's program Dadagiri in Zee Bangla. The team included old Feluda team like Soumitra Chatterji (Feluda), Siddharta Chatterji (Topse) and Kushal Chakravarty (Mukul). The new Feluda team included Sabyasachi Chakravarty (Feluda), Saswata Chatterji (Topse) and Bibhu Bhattacharya (Jatayu).

While quiz questions were asked the nostalgia relating to Satyajit Ray's immortal creation Sonar Kella and Joy Baba Felunath reflected across everybody's mind. Soumitra admitted the classic shooting in the romantic landscapes of Rajasthan in Sonar Kella gave a new dimension to the film.

It was mentioned that after the death of Santosh Dutta who had previously played the role of Jatayu, Satyajit Ray declined to make any other film on the Feluda series. Jatayu's daughter was called in the program to share her experience.

Sabyasachi Chakravarty reflected about the fact when Satyajit Ray made the films on Feluda within one year of writing the story the picture of Kolkata did not change. But When Sandip Ray made the same films after 20 years of creation of the literature he had to make alterations in the film considering the change of lifestyle of people in Kolkata. During Ray's time Green Ambassador of Jatayu showed status. During Sandip Ray's time BMW cars are common in Kolkata.

Sourav Ganguly conducted the program with brilliance. The viewers expect Sandip Ray to make more films relating to Feluda Series written by Satyajit Ray.

Mubarak Begum Program.

Mubarak Begum program.

Rafi Lovers Circle organized a musical concert Remembering Melody Queens with Mubarak Begum to confer Mohamed Rafi Memorial Award 2009, on Mubarak Begum, reputed Playback Singer of yesteryears . The programme was held on 25th Oct, 09 at the Satyajit Ray Auditorium, Rabindranath Tagore Centre, of The Indian Council for Cultural Relations Kolkata. First of all rich tributes were paid to the incomparable Rafi Saheb by Calcutta's famous aspiring singer Debajit Dutta of Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma fame, who sang Kabhi Na Kabhi To Kahin Na Kahin and Hui Shaam Unka Khayal Aa Gaya.

The Programme took off with a Rafi Saheb and Mubarak Begum Cutain Raiser song....... 1966 film Sushila. Noorjehan, Suraiyya, Shamshad Begum and Geeta Dutt were fondly remembered by crooning their hit songs by the local artists and circle members, as well as by Smt Ruhi Khan, Founder of the Circle who concieved and executed the 3 hour audio visual event. Some of the other songs which cast a slow mesmerising spell on the audience are listed below :

Awaaz De Kahan Hai - Noorjahan ( Anmol Ghadi )
Dil-e Nadaan Tujhe Huva Kya Hai - Suraiyya ( Mirza Ghalib)
Milte Hi Ankhen Dil Huva - Shamshad Begum ( Babul )
Rim Jhim Ke Tarane Le Ke - Geeta Dutt ( Kala Bazar )
Sun Sun Sun Sun Zalima - Geeta Dutt ( Aar Paar )
Mehlon Mein Rehne Wale - Mubarak Begum ( Shabab )
Mujh Ko Apne Gale Laga Lo - Mubarak Begum ( Hamrahi )

When the singers begun the song Meri Neendon Mein Tum, Mere Khwabon Mein Tum... the hall was amused and enthralled. The Hamrahi song "Mujhko Apne Gala Laga Lo..." was the centre of all discussions even during personal talk. Members in audience used to humm this song several times as if it was the Signature song to remember Mubarak Begum. She fondly remembered this song and sang it on the stage. She also sang Bemurrawwat Bewafa, and Kabhi Tanhaiyon mein, Hamari Yaad Aayegi, which also got similar weightage and applause from the well attended concert.

After tributes were paid to the Melody Queens of yesteryears, The Rafi Lovers Circle Founder President Ruhi Khan conferred the Mohd Rafi Memorial Award, along with a stream of gifts by the Executive Committee members, Circle members. Many of the Guests who were invited also came forward and presented her gifts.

A documentary on Mubarak Begum produced by Film Division was also shown during the programme which went very well with the proceedings When asked to speak about her association with Rafi Saheb, Begum Saheba said that Rafi Saheb was a very pious and simple person, during song recordings his focus and committment was divine. he used to be self absorbed, oblivious of his surroundings and totally immersed and in command of the song. He performed Hajj multiple times including Hajj-e-Akbar. At the end of the concert, on behalf of the Circle, Begum Saheb presented to the entire orchestra, all the singers and technicians, a replica of the Mohamed Rafi Memorial Award 2009.

Truely a vintage evening, and after Music Director Ravi Sb ( 2005 ), Music Director Omiji of the Sonik - Omi team ( 2006 ) Music Director & Playback Singer Shardaji ( 2007 ) and Mahendra Kapoor Sb, posthumously in ( 2008 ) another well deserved Mohamed Rafi Memorial Award given to an artist of Rafi Saheb's era who had the good fortunate to rub shoulders with him. Subha Na Ayee, Shaam Na Ayee.... Jis Din Teri Yaad na Ayee. The program had been compiled by Sudershan Pandey of Shankerjaikishen.com Forum.

Blue did not get the opening it expected.

Blue did not get the opening it expected.

The film Blue was expected to be the year’s greatest blockbuster with crores and crores of money being invested behind the film. While the film All the best ended up being super hit, Blue received a very mediocre response.

Director Anthony D Souza got inspired by Hollywood films Jaws and The Deep and made a film related to underwater life. There was treasure hidden underneath the sea, which the three friends Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar and Zaid Khan tried to find.

Lara Dutta’s efforts in learning scuva diving had gone in vain. She had taken very daring stunts in the film Blue. She had learned underwater diving and showed the skills in the film. Even Akshay Kumar’s acrobatic stunts had gone in vain.

The main reasons for the film not doing going business is related to the negative attitude of the audience towards action films. Besides the Indian audience had not been matured enough to embrace adventurous films.

The failure of the film will have no impact on the career of Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Kumar. Sanjay Dutt already got a hit film this year that is All the Best. Akshay Kumar can cover up the loss with his next film De Dana Dan.

The major impact of the film lies on the career of Lara Dutta. She did not get the recognition for her hit films. This time when she had really performed with her physical fitness, her effort had also gone in vain.

Whatever may be the box-office report of the film, the camera work of the film had been excellent and can influence other filmmakers in making daring films in future.

Happy birthday to Raveena Tandon.

Happy birthday to Raveen Tandon.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Raveena Tandon on 26th October, 2009. She was a versatile actress of the 90s. Initially when she joined films her performance opposite Akshay Kumar and Govinda attracted the attention of many viewers.

Her films Mohra opposite Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty, Aatish and Vijeta opposite Sanjay Dutt, Vinashak opposite Sunil Shetty got great box-office success. In Vijeta she played the role of an honest police officer who loved a lawyer Sanjay Dutt. Sanjay Dutt took law in his own hands to punish the killers of his senior lawyer played by Aloknath. Raveena realized that her superior police officer Amrish Puri was a criminal himself and sided with Paresh Rawal. The performance of Raveena in a daring role in Vijeta amazed the viewers. She also showed her comedy skills in the film Andaz Apna Apna opposite Ami Khan ad Salman Khan.

But later on in her career she got challenging roles. She got the national award for the best actress for her brilliant performance in the film Daman. It was related to ill-treatment of women. She was sublime in the film Shool opposite Manoj Vajpayee, where the corruption in politics was at issue.

She gave landmark performance in the film Jago opposite Sanjay Kapoor. Her daughter was raped by miscreants in local train in Mumbai and she prayed for justice in court of law. Manoj Vajpayee, the police officer in the film faced the resistance from different members of the society in proving the case.

Raveena Tandon was brilliant in the film Daava opposite Akshay Kumar. It is a pity that when she was at the peak of her career that she left films after getting married and begetting children. The viewers want her to make a return to bollywood films in character roles as she still has a lot of acting left in her.

Happy birthday to Sunny Deol.

Happy birthday to Sunny Deol.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to action star Sunny Deol on 19th October, 2009. He had been a sensation in bollywood films. Being the son of successful actor Dharmender, he had the pressure of proving his capability the early part of his career.

Although he started with romantic films like Betaab in the early 80s, within short period of time he built a macho body and acted in action films one after the other. He became the lead actor in most of the films of Raj Kumar Santoshi. Most of those films were anti-establishment films where his anti-establishment image amazed the viewers.

He received the filmfare best actor award for his brilliant performance in the film Ghayal. He took revenge against smuggling don Balwant Rai played by Amrish Puri. He got awarded for his brilliant performance in the film Damini opposite Meenakshi Sheshadri. He played the role of an upright lawyer who helped a lady like Meenakshi who was threatened by her inlaws against giving testimony in a rape case. The film became the greatest hit of the year.

Sunny’s film Gadar Ek Premkatha, based on hindu-muslim vengeance during partition broke the record of hit films in India. He went to Pakistan to bring his wife Amisha Patel and small son, and faced the resistance of orthodox muslims under the leadership of Amrish Puri. He fought his way out and brought his family to India.

His other hit films included Ghatak, Samandar, Darr, Joshilay, Tridev, Vishwaatma, to name a few. He was considered to be one of the best body-builders of the country in the 90s. Other than Sanjay Dutt, no other actor was as successful as Sunny Deol in action films.

The viewers expect him to continue the strong performance and contribute in bollywood films in future.

Mubarak Begum was remembered by Rafi Lovers Circle.

Mubarak Begum was remembered by Rafi Lovers Circle.

On 25.10.09 Rafi Lovers Circle organized Remembering Melody Queens with Mubarak Begum to confer Mohamed Rafi Memorial Award 2009 to the Singer of so many nice songs.

The programme started at around 6.10 pm at Satyajit Ray Auditorium, Rabindranath Tagore Centre, ICCR, Kolkata with a brief introduction by Shri Hashim Khan, one of the founder members and Chief centre of all these enthusiasm.

First of all rich tributes were paid to Noorjehan, Suraiyya, Shamshad Begum and Geeta Dutt by crooning their hit songs by the local artistes as well as by Smt Roohi Khan, Founder of the Circle.

And here at this point viewers were compelled to think whether in their attempt to promot or use Lata Mangeshkar, Shankar-Jaikishan did injustice to themselves as well towards those beautiful female singers who were in demand that time, except Noorjehan who had left India by the time SJ stepped in. They should have exploited potential of other female singers as well and would have introduced / experimented with new voices like they did with Subir Sen, CH Atma, etc etc.

In the programme most of the songs chosen were composed by OP Nayyar, Naushad and others. When the singers begun song “Meri neendo mein tum mere khwabon mein tum...” the hall was amused and enthralled
For SJ+Mubarak Begum fans, only relieving factor was the Hamrahi song "Mujhko apne Gala Laga Lo..." which was the centre of all discussions even during personal talk members in audience used to humm this song several times as if it was the Signature song to remember Mubarak Begum. She also fondly remembered this song and sang it on the stage. Though her, "Kabhi Tanhaiyon mein, hamari yaad aayegi..." got similar weightage.

A documentary produced by Film Division was also procured by Shri Hashim Khan. An edited version of the docu was shown during the programme in which few of her photographs with Rafi Sahab and others were depicted, but I did not found any Shankar Jaikishan photograph there in the docu. I will have to check it with Hashim Khan Sahab whether in the documentary there any photograph of SJ or either of them is depicted in the documentary.
The report was compiled by Sudershan Pandey of Shanker Jaikishan dot com.

Happy birthday to Shammi Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Shammi Kapoor.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to rock and roll star Shammi Kapoor on 21st October, 2009. He had remained a dancing sensation in the 60s.

Although in the early part of his career he had mediocre films like Laila Majnu, he bounced back in style with the film Tumsa Nahi Dekha in 1957 and Dil Deke Dekho in 1959. His stylish andaz and dancing mannerisms like Elvis Priestley created a separate image before the viewers. He in fact modernized Indian films.

His combination with Shankar Jaikishan and Mohammad Rafi was very grand. SJ composed music in almost 22 films of Shammi Kapoor and the songs of those films are still considered musical gems. Hit songs include “ehsaan tera hoga mujhpar” sung by Rafi, composed by SJ in Junglee, “tumse accha kaun hai” sung by Rafi, composed by SJ in Janwar, “aye gulbadan” composed by SJ sung by Rafi in the film Professor, “tumne pukara aur hum chale aye” composed by SJ, sung by Rafi in the film Raj Kumar, “aasmaan se aya farishta” composed by SJ and sung by Rafi in the film An Evening in Paris, “mai gayun tum so jayo” composed by SJ sung by Rafi in the film Brahmchari, to name a few. The list can go on.

Shammi Kapoor received filmfare award for best actor only once, for the performance in the film Brahmchari in 1968. But that cannot show his dominance in bollywood films in the 60s. If Rajender Kumar portrayed the sophisticated style of romance in the 60s, Shammi Kapoor portrayed the westernized dimension. Actors like Joy Mukherjee, Biswajeet followed the Shammi Kapoor style and got success in contemporary films like Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Mere Sanam, etc.

Shammi Kapoor acted opposite all the leading actresses of bollywood films in the 60s, including Sharmila Tagore in Kashmir Ki Kali, Sadhna in Raj Kumar, Asha Parekh in Teesri Manzil, Saira Banu in Junglee, Rajashree in Janwar, Hema Malini in Andaz, etc. After the 70s, he switched to character roles and there also showed his skills.

Some of his memorable films in old age include Betaab, Bidhata, Prem Rog, Parvarish, etc. His films and songs should be restored to remember the golden age of Indian films with colourful music.

Sanjay Dutt was unparallel in the film All The Best.

Sanjay Dutt was unparallel in the film All the Best.

Sanjay Dutt was unparallel in the film All the Best. Whenever the viewers have thought about him they had cultivated an action image with him. He was successful in films like Sadak, Aatish, Kurukshetra,
Daag-the Fire, Vaastav, etc. , which were action-pact films.

These days his image in comedy films had amazed the viewers. He had already shown his excellence in comedy films in the film Munna Bhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai. The film All the Best also showed his brilliance in this form of acting.

He came to stay in Fardeen Khan’s house in the film All the Best, just because his flight got late and he required a halt of 4 hours. But when he came to his house he got the wrong image of Bipasha Basu being the wife of Fardeen Khan instead of Ajay Devgan.

Besides he faced the person who had paid rent for the house and came to live there, and also Johnny Lever’s men who came to his house to collect their dues. Sanjay Dutt went on slapping one person after the other, but did it with witty flavor.

Sanjay Dutt played the drums to perfection when Ajay Devgan, Fardeen Khan and their team played music in Goa under a band. Their drummer was absent and Sanjay Dutt filled the gap. He was brilliant in the comedy sequences relating to the maid servant of the house as well.

In the last few years, whenever Sanjay Dutt had acted in comedy films like Dhamaal or Shaadi No. 1., the films ended up being hits. The film All The Best also got a great opening. It will be a hit in the long run.

The viewers expect Sanjay Dutt to continue to show his versatility in acting in the years to come.

All the best got a good opening.

All the best got a good opening.

To the amazement of most of the viewers of bollywood films, the film All the best got a brilliant opening, when released on the same date with the film Blue and Mr. Aur Mrs Khanna. Most of the viewers thought that the other two films would have got a greater opening.

In this film Sanjay Dutt had been shown as a businessman in London. His brother Fardeen Khan always wanted money from Sanjay Dutt. Sanjay Dutt did not marry anyone but pretended to have married Mugdha Godse.

Ajay Devgan was a dealer of cars. He was married to Bipasha Basu. Due to financial debts both Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt borrowed money from the local gangstar Johnny Lever. From there the problems of both the gentlemen started.

The rest of the film was related to the story of how the two individuals Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan managed to face Johnny Lever in relation to their debts. The film had been directed by Rohit Shetty. Ajay Devgan produced the film along with acting in it.

The character actors and actresses in the film did exceeding well including Asrani, Mukesh Tiwari, Ashwini Kalsekar, Sanjay Mishra, to name a few. Pritam had composed the music of the film and one of the songs titled “All the best” had already become a hit.

There are two reasons for the success of the film All the best over Blue and other films. One reason is that the lives of most of the middle-class Indians had been stressed out. They find relief in seeing comedy films over other types of films. So action films and romantic films do not have the same market as comedy films.
The other factor had been the combination of Rohit Shetty with Ajay Devgan and other group of actors. He had used them in Golmaal which was a hit, and therefore knew how to make the best use of their acting talent.

Do not Disturb was related to old subject.

Do not Disturb was related to old subject.

The film Do not disturb was related to old subjects already dealt with by David Dhawan. He had made a number of comedy films in the past and the storylines in the present films appear to be almost the same.

Govinda had been shown to be a husband who is scared with his wife Sushmita Sen. Sushmita Sen was the owner of the company and commanded respect in the office where Govinda also worked. The other character Lara Dutta had an old boyfriend played by Sohail Khan. Govinda spend time with her to avoid his wife.

Once she saw Govinda in a photo with Lara Dutta and from that time the suspicion developed. The other person in the snap was Ritesh Deshmukh. Govinda blackmailed him to tell his wife that Lara Dutta was his girlfriend. His mother was sick. Govinda gave the money for her treatment.

Ritesh compromised for mother’s sickness. Then he had tell lies one after the other. He got beating from Sohail Khan also. The story had a lot of similarity with films made in the past.

Just because comedy films had done a great business in the last few years, most directors had devoted their energy in making comedy films.

But the films can only do good business if the story is new. David Dhawan’s films also had different box-office results. If films like Biwi No. 1 or Partner had done fantastic business, films like Ek Aur Ek Gyarah and others did mediocre business.

Business there is strong competition for comedy films. Do Not Disturb has to compete against All the Best and other films where there is chance of the film getting lesser recognition. The performance of Govinda, Lara Dutta, Ritesh Deshmukh, Sushmita Sen were fine.

Mai Aur Mrs. Khanna got a slow opening.

Main Aur Mrs. Khanna got a Slow Opening.

This year 3 of the bollywood films were released on 16th October, 2009, including Blue, Mai Aur Mrs Khanna and All the best. The directors and producers purposely released it during the period of diwali to allow the viewers to watch the film during festival time.

Although Blue and All the best got a fantastic opening, Mai Aur Mrs Khanna lagged behind. Director Prem Soni had used Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor in a love story titled Mai Aur Mrs Khanna. Salman Khan married Kareena Kapoor against the wishes of his parents and settled in Melbourne, Australia. There he had a successful career of a stock-broker. The moment he lost the job, the internal differences between the couple played by Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor had forced Kareena Kapoor to stay with Sohail Khan.

Salman Khan’s friend Govinda tried to patch up the things so that the marital relationship could be restored. The film had been produced by Ronnie Screwala and Sohail Khan. Kareena Kapoor’s visa expired in Australia before she was working in a watch shop. Due to insistence from her friends she married Sohail Khan.

In the mean time Deepika Padukone also entered the scene and made the play more dramatic. Inspite of good performances from Kareena Kapoor, Salman Khan and Sohail Khan the film did not have a good opening. The music of Sajid Wajid was impressive with Sonu Nigam’s song “don’t say alvida” becoming hit.

Some way or the other the luck is not going in Salman Khan’s favour. Although his TV program “10 ka dum” had been extremely successful most of his films including Wanted are doing mediocre business. He has one last film this year titled New York to prove his stardom. But the film Mai Aur Mrs Khanna should be watched by viewers considering the cameos played by even guest artists like Preeti Zinta and seasoned performances from Kareena Kapoor, Salman Khan, Sohail Khan and others.

Wake Up Sid will do average business.

Wake Up Sid will do average business.

The film Wake up Sid is destined to do average business. Ayaan Mukherjee, the director of the film experimented on a very dry subject. Karan Johar had produced the film and the film had been shot in sensible locations.

Ranbir Kapoor had been shown as a very lazy person who never had any goal in life. His father Anupam Kher got irritated about his carefree life. His mother Supriya Pathak tried to shield his mistakes and when Anupam Kher found him failing in his exams he asked him to leave the house and build his career.

He met Konkona Sen Sharma, who was an aspiring writer from Kolkata. She came all the way from Kolkata to Mumbai to shine in the field of journalism. She was given an opportunity by Rahul Khanna, the editor of the publication house where Konkona got a job.

Konkona met Ranbir Kapoor, became friends and took his help in finding a rented house in Mumbai. She allowed Ranbir Kapoor to stay in her house. Both of them fought together at times. Konkona told Ranbir Kapoor that he did not grow.

She introduced Ranbir Kapoor to a photo developing personality who gave him a job. Both of them worked together. Lastly Ranbir Kapoor told his father Anupam Kher about his development and his father allowed him to return back and stay in his house. Konkona was in her tears to know that Ranbir was returning back. She realized for the first time that she got attached. Ranbir also understood that he loved Konkona Sen Sharma. The story ended here.

The trouble with these films is that only a certain section of the audience has the patience to understand the off-beat subject inspite of star cast of Ranbir Kapoor. Shankar Ehsaan Loy also gave very soft music as opposed to their innovative style of music given in films like Don or Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Wake Up Sid will do average business but can get appreciation from the critics.

Happy birthday to Hema Malini.

Happy birthday to Hema Malini.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to dream girl Hema Malini on 16th October, 2009. She was the uncrowned queen of bollywood films of the 70s.

Her strong dancing skills gave her a separate place in bollywood films. Her performance in the film Sapno Ka Saudagar opposite Raj Kapoor was extremely successful in the late 60s. From there she never looked back. Her film Abhinetri opposite Shashi Kapoor became super hit. Her successful films opposite other stars included Gora Aur Kala opposite Rajender Kumar, Burning Train opposite Dharmender, Johnny Mera Naam opposite Dev Anand, to name a few.

Within short time she formed a brilliant combination with Dharmender and their films started rocking bollywood in the 70s. The pair started off with films like Naya Zamana, Raja Jani and went on to give all time hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Jugnu, Charas, Sholay, etc. If Sholay is remembered for superlative camerawork of Ramesh Sippy, villainish andaz of Amzad Khan, angry image of Big B, then it is also remembered for tremendous dance performance of Hema Malini. She danced on top of glasses in the song “jab tak hai jaan”.

Hema Malini did extremely well in off-beat films as well. One of her landmark films included Kinara opposite Jeetender and Dharmender. Gulzar’s films was based on dancing and Hema Malini’s classical dance balanced the story line where Jeetender’s car struck Dharmender and killed him on the spot. Dharmender was the husband of Hema Malini in the film and she lived with his memory in the film.

Hema Malini’s films opposite Big B also did great business. Some of their hit films included Desh Premi, Satte Pe Satta, etc. In the last few years Hema Malini had been seen contributing in character roles in bollywood films like Baghban.

The viewers still believe that a lot of dancing skills are still left in Hema Malini and she should still act in bollywood films in future.

Happy birthday to Om Puri.

Happy birthday to Om Puri.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Om Puri on 18th October, 2009. Om Puri had been considered to be one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema by critics, eminent directors, international film journalists, etc.

Oscar winning director Satyajit Ray experimented with Om Puri in the film Satgati in the early 80s. Om Puri played the role of a cremator who was employed by the zamindar played by Mohan Agasi to cremate a dead body in a village in North India. Om Puri died at the end of the film as he worked with extreme bad health. Om Puri’s expression relating to pain and misery expressed the exploitation of lower strata of the society in North Indian villages as written by Munshi Premchand.

Om Puri became the automatic choice of renowned directors like Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalini, Sai Paranchpe, Sudhir Mishra, and many other directors who enriched parallel cinema in India. The range of roles of Om Puri included the role of a villager in the film Aakrosh whose tongues were cut to prevent him from speaking, the role of a poor person who donated his eyes in the film Chokh, the role of a police officer who found corruption at every level of the police force in the film Ardha Satya.

Amongst the different directors Govind Nihalini probably made the best use of Om Puri. The performance of Om Puri in the film Tamas in the role of a victim of partition of 1947 requires special mention. The film created controversy as it was related to hindu-muslim riots and when it was featured in TV, its transmission was stopped for certain period of time.

Om Puri made very valuable contribution in commercial films over the last 20 years. His successful films included Ghayal opposite Sunny Deol, Krishna opposite Sunil Shetty, China Gate opposite Naseeruddin Shah, Gupt opposite Bobby Deol, Malamaal Weekly opposite Paresh Rawal, Raat, etc. It is difficult to mention the national and international awards won by Om Puri in his illustrious career in a small article.

The viewers expect him to continue the great work in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Vinod Khanna.

Happy birthday to Vinod Khanna.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Vinod Khanna on 6th October 2009. He had remained a versatile actor and contributed in bollywood films from the 70s.

He started his career as an anti-hero. He played the role of a villain in the film Aan Milo Sajna, where Rajesh Khanna was the lead actor. With the advent of action films in the mid-70s, Vinod Khanna became a dominating figure in bollywood films. Big B’s appearance in the film Zanjeer created a fair competition between Vinod Khanna and Big B.

Both of them featured together in the film Zameer. Both of them showed their action skills against the other actor. In Amar Akbar Anthony, Vinod Khanna played the role of a police officer while Big B played the role of a smuggler. In that film the action skills of Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bacchan was balanced by the romantic style of performance of Rishi Kapoor. All three of them played the role of the three brothers who were separated earlier but met together at the end of the film. Pran played the role of the father of the three actors.

In Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Vinod Khanna played the role of the friend of Amitabh. Big B sacrificed his life at the end of the film after preventing Amzad Khan from creating any harm to Rakhee. The songs of the film became superhit. Vinod Khanna acted along with Big B in other films like Hera Pheri, Khoon Paseena, Pavarish, etc.

The other notable films of Vinod Khanna included Qurbani with Feroz Khan. Vinod Khanna played the role of his friend who sacrificed his life to save Feroz Khan. Vinod Khanna played a very significant role in the film Burning Train, where Dharmender played the role of his friend. He was the engineer who built the super fast train, but Danny conspired to put a bomb in the train which exploded and burned the train. At the end Dharmender, Jeetender and Vinod Khanna rescued the passengers.

After launching his son Akshay Khanna in the film Burning Train, Vinod Khanna switched to character roles and got busy with politics. He also joined the Rajnish Ashram in the early 80s. The viewers expect him to continue the brilliant work in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Amitabh Bacchan.

Happy birthday to Amitabh Bacchan.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to the megastar of bollywood films Amitabh Bacchan. He had been the most popular actor of the entire millennium.

In the 70s his films like Zanjeer, Sholay, Deewar created a new age of action films. His angry young man image created a revolution during an age when corruption became rampant in India. If Zanjeer was related to the obstacles faced by an honest police officer to safely perform his duties, Deewar was based on the contradiction of two brothers of whom one was a police officer, while the other was compelled to be a smuggler due to social compulsions. Sholay was based on the story of domination of the Chambal region of India by dacoits. The Thakur (played by Sanjeev Kumar) of the village employed two brave criminals namely Big B and Dharmender to face the dacoits.


Big B was a very powerful actor and became the choice of all the leading directors of the 70s and 80s. His films included Abhimaan directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Sholay directed by Ramesh Sippy, Zanjeer directed by Prakash Mehra, Deewar directed by Yash Chopra, Barsaat Ki Ek Raat directed by Shakti Samanta, to name a few. The other factor which singled out Big B with the other actors in terms of his versatility was his baritone voice which he modulated to perfection.

His comedy films like Namakhalal, Chupke Chupke, Amar Akbar Anthony, created new dimensions in Indian film history. His notable films during the 80s included Shakti, Akhree Rasta, Inquilab, etc. Even in the 90s his films like Akela and Indrajeet carried his strong personality forward.

Big B had played a huge innings as a character actor and his films like Black, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, etc., showed the viewers, that after Dilip Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar, Big B was an actor with whom the directors could do any experiment. His performance in his son Abhishek Bacchan’s films like Bunty Aur Babli had also been notable. The viewers expect him to continue the great work that he started 40 years back.

Utpal Dutt was unparallel in Bikele Bhorer Phool.

Utpal Dutt was unparallel in Bikele Bhorer Phool.

Utpal Dutt was unparallel in the film Bikele Bhorer Phool. Eminent director Pijush Bose directed the film in 1973 and it was a very successful film of Uttam Kumar.

The story of writer Samaresh Bose in the film was related to the love story of a young girl played by Sumitra Mukherjee with an old novelist Uttam Kumar. Uttam Kumar at the end of the film convinced Sumitra Mukherjee that he was too old and the difference of age stood in the way of their romance, so the relationship could not go in any other direction.

Utpal Dutt played the role of a District Magistrate in the film who met Uttam Kumar, the novelist in Digha when he went for a holiday. Utpal Dutt did not have any children and he loved children a lot.

When he was called by the female group of students in their hotel for giving a lecture, he addressed all of them as mothers. The girls laughed a lot. Then he sang a song with the lyrics “ma howa ki mukher kotha” in the most hilarious way that was possible. He wanted to prove that it was not easy to be a mother.

He being a DM, had other official duties. But when he spent time to write poems then the poems were all dedicated towards children. Uttam Kumar was moved by his performance.

Utpal Dutt, having a grand experience of acting in theatre, especially in Minerva Theatre in Kolkata, used to create a great impression even in films where his roles were short. His voice modulation and use of the eyes created a separate identity for which the legendary directors like Satyajit Ray, Ajoy Kar, Tarun Majumdar reposed confidence on him.

His performance in Bikele Bhorer Phool created added attraction for the viewers for which the film should be restored.

Chitragupt's memorable combination with Rafi.

Chitragupt’s memorable combination with Rafi.

Chitragupt gave very melodious tunes in the 50s and 60s and as most of his songs were sung by legend of legends Mohd Rafi, the songs became immortal after creation. Rafi’s song “chal ur ja re panchi” composed by Chitragupt in the film Bhabi brought tears in the years of numerous viewers. Rafi used his emotions towards fulfillment of the literary value of the song and Balraj Sahani’s lips in the song also require special mention.

Chitragupt Srivastav, better known as Chitragupt, was born in Karmaini, Bihar in 1917, and due to his experience in the hindu heartland most of his tunes had the fragrance of folk songs. Besides as he was a lecturer in Patna, his academic brilliance did blend with his musical excellence which was given expression by Rafi. Rafi’s song “chaand jane kahan kho gaya” in the film Mai chup Rahungi, composed by Chitragupt, written by Rajinder Kishan, and picturised on Sunil Dutt and Meena Kumari showed the use of light music as well from Chitragupt. Lata Mangeshkar sang the duet song with Rafi. The other hit duet in the film included “koi bata de dil hai kahan” sung by Rafi and Lata in the film.

Rafi’s song “itni nazuk na bano” in the film Vaasna composed by Chitragupt created a very romantic appeal. Also Rafi’s song “yeh parbaton ke dayre” became a big hit in the late 50s. Besides the songs of Rafi “chupakar meri aankhon ko” and “chali chali re patang” in the film Bhabhi were very impressive. Chitragupt’s compositions in somber mood for Rafi had a great impact. One example is “mujhe dard-e-dil ka pata na tha” from the film Akash Deep. The song “raste me hai tere kab se khare” sung by Rafi and Lata in the film Opera House require special mention.

Although Chitragupt gave landmark music in films like Oonche Log, Ganga Ki Lehre, Zabak, Bada Aadmi, etc., he did not get recognition during the golden age due to dominance of Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, Roshan and others, and may be due to his composition of music in less significant films. He hardly got an opportunity to compose music in big banners like RK or Navketan, otherwise his contribution was very grand during the golden age.
Rafi’s songs composed by Chitragupt should be restored and revisited.

Manna Dey and Sudhin Dasgupta.

Manna Dey and Sudhin Dasgupta.

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.

Happy birthday to Asha Parekh.

Happy birthday to Asha Parekh.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Asha Parekh on 2nd October, 2009. She had been a dancing legend of the 60s. Bollywood industry is indebted to her for her brilliant performance in various films.

She started her career opposite Shammi Kapoor in the film Dil Deke Dekho in 1959. After that she acted in musical blockbusters most of which were directed by Nasir Hussain. She was sublime in the film Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai opposite Dev Anand. The songs in the film composed by Shankar Jaikishan like “sau saal pehle”, “yeh ankhe uff yumma”, “teri zulfon ki”, “jiya ho” became rich assets of history.

Asha Parekh had a fantastic combination with Joy Mukherjee. Her films Ziddi, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon and Love in Tokyo became superhit. The songs in most of these films composed by OP Nayyar and Shankar Jaikishan stormed box-office. The most famous songs included “banda parwar”, “raton ka sila”, “nazneen bara rangin hai wada tera”, “japan, love in Tokyo”, “hume tum mil gaye humdum”, etc. Similarly Asha Parekh’s combination with Biswajeet and Shammi Kapoor was very grand. Her film Mere Sanam with Biswajeet was another musical blockbuster. All the songs of the film like “pukarta chala hoon mai”, “humdum mere maan bhi jayo”, “hue hai tumpe aashiq hum bhala mano bura mano” sung by Rafi stormed box-office in the mid-60s.

Asha Parekh played many serious roles in films like Chirag opposite Sunil Dutt, Kati Patang opposite Rajesh Khanna, Upkaar opposite Manoj Kumar, etc. Asha Parekh dancing skills gave her a separate recognition during an age when actresses like Vaijayantimala, Rajashree, Mumtaz, Padmini were already created sensation in bollywood.

Asha Parekh’s performance in the film Carwan opposite Jeetender requires special mention. The viewers expect her to continue the great work in character roles in the years to come.

Katrina Kaif shall continue to have her dream run.

Katrina Kaif shall continue to have her dream run.

When Katrina Kaif initially had successful films opposite leading stars of bollywood, many section of the viewers anticipated that she would not be the horse which will run a long distance. Her dialogues had to be dubbed and as she had nothing other beauty.

But Katrina Kaif in the last two years had proved herself and established her indispensability in bollywood films. She was brilliant in Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya opposite Salman Khan, in a film where the other beauties like Sushmita Sen and Isha Kopikaar were tested opposite her. Yet she came out successful. Her songs “just chill chill” created the maximum attention.

She was successful in the film Race opposite Akshay Khanna and Saif Ali Khan. The beauty of Katrina Kaif overpowered the performances of other style icons like Bipasha Basu and Sameera Reddy. Katrina Kaif was sublime in films like Welcome and Namaste London where she was the most appropriate character opposite Akshay Kumar.

Katrina Kaif was absolutely successful in the film Singh is Kingg. The song that was picturised on Katrina Kaif namely “teri ore teri ore” sung by Shreya Ghoshal received most of the awards of last year. Katrina Kaif complimented Akshay Kumar in the film.

Even in 2009, Katrina Kaif has big releases like Blue and Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani. In both these films other stars are acting along with Katrina Kaif, but the beauty of Katrina Kaif will be a big asset of the film.

These days Katrina Kaif had learned hindi and got Rajib Gandhi award for excellence in bollywood films. That had made her presence in bollywood films more material. She is expected to storm bollywood with her upcoming films and continue her dream run.