Significance of Holi in the RK Studio.

Significance of Holi in the RK Studio.

The holi festival has come again in 2011. The festival of colours brings a large section of the society together. These days holi is losing significance in the context of bollywood films and the stars involved with film-making. During the lifetime of Showman Raj Kapoor, holi was celebrated in RK Studio. It used to be a very prestigious affair. Other than members of the Kapoor family including Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor and others, celebrities from the film industry used to play holi in the studio.

The event marked the strengthening of relationship of members of the bollywood film industry. The celebration included directors like Manmohan Desai, actors like Dilip Kumar, singers like Mukesh, composers like Shankar Jaikishan, to name a few. The enthusiasm was there even during the 80s, when most of the celebrities who were contemporaries of Raj Kapoor became old.

Raj Kapoor himself stopped it in the late 80s as he started having physical discomfort while playing holi. He had asthma and the contact of colours basically aggravated the disease. The prestigious celebration of holi stopped after 1988, after the death of Raj Kapoor.

After that time, a number of other celebrities started the tradition of inviting the film industry to play holi. But the pomp and grandiuer that was there in RK Studio could not be replicated.

Holi forms an important festival for Indians and bollywood films had devoted a lot of space for holi. It was shown in films like Paraya Dhan, Sholay, Silsila, to name a few. The songs related to holi like “holi re holi” sung by Manna Dey, “holi ke rang” sung by Kishore Kumar, or “rang barse” sung by Big B had not lost their appeal even after 30 years of the release of the films.

Modern producers and directors can also portray the festival of colours in modern films in their innovative style as holi is one of the most popular festivals of the country. Ranbir Kapoor is on the way to be the new superstar of bollywood films with successful performances in films like Bachna Aye Haseeno, Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani. He can make an effort to revive the holi celebrations in RK Studio.

Happy birthday to Tina Munim.

Happy birthday to Tina Munim.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Tina Munim on 11th February, 2011. She is better known as Tina Ambani after marrying Anil Ambani who is one of Indian’s leading business magnets.

She was discovered by Dev Anand and cast in the film Desh Pardesh in 1978. She also acted in the films Lootmaar and Manpasand.

She was most successful opposite Rishi Kapoor, who was the greatest romantic actor in the late 70s and early 80s. Subhash Ghai’s Karz stormed bollywood in the late 70s, where Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim combination was well accepted by the audience. All the songs composed by LP and picturised on Rishi Kapoor and Tina Munim became super hit including “mai sola baraski”, “ek haseena thi”, “darde dil”, “om shanty om”, etc. She also acted in the super hit film Aap Ke Diwane and Yeh Wada Raha opposite Rishi Kapoor. Rakesh Roshan did cast her in the film Akhir Kyon opposite Rishi Kapoor.

She was sublime in Basu Chatterjee’s film Baaton Baaton Me opposite Amol Palekar, and Man Pasand. She acted in a number of films opposite Rajesh Khanna including Souten, Bewafai, Insaaf Mai Karunga, most of which did excellent business.

Sunil Dutt launched his son Sanjay Dutt in the film Rocky opposite Tina Munim. The film did good business in the early 80s. In 1987 she left bollywood films. Later she settled down after marrying Anil Ambani. She had been involved in many charitable works.

The viewers wish Tina Munim to appear in bollywood films in future, as she still has a lot of acting left in her.

Dabaang won majority of Uninor Mirchi Music awards.

Dabaang won majority of Radio Mirchi awards.

The Uninor Radio Mirchi Music Awards 2010 which were held sometime back had been telecast on Sony TV channel on Sunday, 13th February. Popular singers Sonu Nigam and Shaan hosted the event in their own style.

The majority of the awards were won by the successful film Dabaang, which had won the major number of awards in 2011, including Filmfare awards, Zee Cine awards, Star Screen awards. Mirchi award for the best male playback singer went to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for the song “tere mast mast do nain” in the film Dabaang. The best female playback singer award went to Mamta Sharma for the song “munni badnaam hui”. The same song got the award for the best newcomer singer female.

Sajid Wajid won the best composer award for their performance in the film Dabaang. Sandeep Shirodkar won the award for the best background score for the film Dabaang. The only peculiarity about the popular choice award lies in the selection of the item number song for the award. In fact the melodious song “tu ne to pal bhar me chori kiya re jiya” sung by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal was more romantic than the item number of song. Both Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal sang the song with romantic appeal.

Gulzar won the award for the best lyricist for the song “dil to baccha hai ji” from the film Ishqiya. Legendary composer Ravi Shankar Sharma won the lifetime achievement award for his immense contribution to bollywood cinema. Instrumentalist Charanjeet Singh won the Jury award for his immense contribution to bollywood music. Raj Kapoor’s Barsaat won the best music album from the golden age. His son Rishi Kapoor accepted the award on behalf of Late Raj Kapoor. He gave an excellent speech about the manner in which lyricist Shailendra started writing songs for Raj Kapoor from the film Barsaat.

Awards were given on specialized categories like Best Raga Inspired song, Best Indipop song, Best song in Sufi Tradition, etc.

There were good performances from Shreya Ghoshal, Bappi Lahiri, Usha Utthup, Priyanka Chopra and others. Sonu Nigam and Shaan conducted the program in excellent manner with humour, charm and elegance.

Happy birthday to Subhash Ghai.

Happy birthday to Subhash Ghai.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Subhash Ghai on 24th January, 2011. Subhash Ghai was considered to be the second showman of bollywood films after Producer Director Raj Kapoor. Subhash Ghai had made different types of films over the last 30 years and in most of the cases the films had appealed to the masses.

His film Karz was based on story of reincarnation of Rishi Kapoor who had been killed by Simi Garewal in his previous life. He identified his mother and sister and unfolded the truth relating to the murder by Simi Garewal. Subhas Ghai was successful to motivate LP to create landmark tunes in the film with Rafi’s song “darde dil” and Kishore’s song “om shanti om” becoming landmark hits in the early 80s. Karz was remade in the recent past with Himesh Reshamiya playing the role of Rishi Kapoor. But the magic of Subhash Ghai’s Karz could not be repeated again.

His film Karma had a subject related to terrorism. Dilip Kumar was the jailor whose family was killed by the terrorist gang led by Anupam Kher. He was imprisoned in the respective jail of Dilip Kumar and took revenge by escaping from the prison and killing his family members. Anupam Kher’s performance opposite Dilip Kumar changed the shape of his career and he became landmark villain in the following years. Dilip Kumar created a force with criminals like Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and Nasiruddin Shah who were facing imprisonment. They helped him in his fight against terrorism and the mission was successful.

Subhash Ghai’s film Khalnayak was based on the creation of an offender by the evil forces. Sanjay Dutt was compelled to become a criminal and joined the criminal gang. He was arrested by Jackie Shroff and he fled from the prison. Madhuri Dixit the wife of Jackie Shroff helped him to catch Sanjay Dutt at the end of the film.

Subhash Ghai also experimented with legendary actors like Dilip Kumar and Raj Kumar in the film Saudagar. He had the guts to experiment with new actor and actresses and many of them rose to stardom with the start given by Subhash Ghai. Manisha Koirala started her career with Khalnayak and later on became a successful actress of the 90s.

His other successful films include Kalicharan with Shatrughun Sinha, Yadein with Hrithik Roshan, Hero with Jackie Shroff, Taal with Anil Kapoor. Very significantly the music in the films of Subhash Ghai had been extremely successful and LP had played an important role in composing music for his films. Last year Subhash Ghai made Yuvvraaj with Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anil Kapoor. The film did not do great business but the music composed by AR Rehman stole the hearts of the audience. All the songs became super hit including “tu muskura”, “shano shano”, etc. Subhash Ghai was instrumental in giving opportunity to new talents in the world of singing like Benny Dayal, Javed Ali in the film Yuvvraaj. Viewers will always remember Subhash Ghai for giving scope to newcomers who had always became great stars in bollywood in future like Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff, to name a few. The list can go on. The viewers expect him to continue the good work and create better films in future.

Happy birthday to Ramesh Sippy.

Happy birthday to Ramesh Sippy.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Ramesh Sippy on 23rd January, 2011. He had been a trend setter in the history of action films in India and was followed by majority of directors of the contemporary period.

Being the relative of GP Sippy, he was associated with hit films from the early part of 70s. The film Andaz with Shammi Kapoor and Hema Malini became a musical blockbuster due to the brilliant tunes created for the film. Shankar Jaikishan composed music of the film and the major songs for the film sung by Rafi like “hai na bolo bolo”, “re mamma re mamma”, “dil use do jo jaan de de” became super hit. Seeta Aur Geeta was another super hit film released in 1972. Hema Malini in a double role was as brilliant as Dharmender and Sanjeev Kumar in their respective roles.

In 1975, Ramesh Sippy made the film of his life, which became the most popular entertainer in the entire millennium. The film was related to the dominance of dacoits in the north and central Indian villages. Amzad Khan in the role of Gabbar Singh gave the best performance of his career in the role of the leader of the dacoits. Sanjeev Kumar showed astounding personality in the role of a thakur of the village who lost his two hands and his entire family in his fight against the dacoits. Amitabh Bacchan and Dharmender being two thieves fought against the dacoits and freed the village from their menace. Ramesh Sippy’s casting in the film including heroines like Hema Malini and Jaya Bacchan, comedians like Asrani, Jagdeep was brilliant. The music of RD Burman mesmerized the viewers with songs like “jab tak hai jaan”, “mehbooba mehbooba”, “holi ke din”, etc.

Ramesh Sippy continued his brilliance in another action film Shaan in 1980. Big B, Shashi Kapoor, Shatrughun Sinha, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Majhar Khan all were their best in the film. The scene where Sunil Dutt as chased by dogs in the films, was extraordinary and the viewers could not distinguish whether they were seeing Hollywood films or bollywood films. Vindya Goswami and Parveen Babi were at their best in the respective romantic roles. The music of RD Burman was brilliant with hit songs of Rafi, Kishore like “janu meri jaan” and Asha like “pyar karne wale”, to name a few.

Ramesh Sippy was unparallel in the film Shakti, where Dilip Kumar’s personality in the role of honest police officer had outcast angry young man Amitabh Bacchan who played the role of his son and a smuggler in the film. Rakhee played the role of the wife of Dilip Kumar and balanced the two personalities in the film. Amrish Puri played the role of notorious smuggler who was eventually killed by Big B. The film became super hit in the early 80s.

Ramesh Sippy was equally evergreen in romantic films like Saagar. He balanced the romantic performance of Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Kamal Hassan in the same film. The songs of the film composed by RD Burman became big hits. The picturesque locations in the film were also treat for the eyes. It is not possible to highlight the achievements of giant director like Ramesh Sippy in a small article considering his success even in the early 90s in films like Akela.

For more than 20 years he was the path-breaker in action films and his films should be preserved and restored to teach the art of film making for the upcoming directors.

Viewers should watch Do Dooni Chaar for the social message.

Viewers should watch Do Dooni Chaar for the social message.

Do Dooni Chaar is a very sweet and entertaining film. Viewers should watch the film for the strong social message relating to middle-class Indians. Director Habib Faisal had directed the film. The biggest bonus for the viewers is the return of on-screen pair Rishi Kapoor and Nitu Singh after 30 years.

Both of them played the role of the husband and wife, thereby portraying the Duggal Family. Rishi Kapoor had the burden of buying a four-wheeler in the film. It was shown that he was a simple school teacher and never indulged in dishonest activities.

Rishi Kapoor had been shown as an honest person. He scolded his son whenever he saw junk TV programs. Nitu Singh had been shown as an ideal wife who was very cheerful and dutiful towards her children. Rishi Kapoor was very hardworking middle-class person who took up tuitions after his normal school hours to earn some more money to defray family expenses. But Rishi Kapoor gave right advises to his children as well. When his daughter got a job in a local Call Centre, he refused to allow to her take up the job. He thought the jobs of Call Centres, do not require specialization. People get quick money but work for night shifts and spoil their beauty. Instead he insisted that his daughter should do graduation and study more instead of taking up Call Centre Work. His son also indulged in betting to get quick money. Sometimes he won some sum of money, at other times he lost.

The excitement of the film hovered round the fact whether the Duggal Family would be able to buy a four wheeler at all, which was known at the end of the film. Rishi Kapoor and Nitu Singh were insulted by their neighbours when they took the car to visit a relative’s wedding and the car got a small scratch.

Rishi Kapoor got a scope of earning by unfair means. By passing a failure student he had the scope of earning Rs 1000 per 1 mark. When the parents of his other student met him and greeted him for his teaching his conscience told him not to earn money by unfair means. His son, daughter and Nitu Singh also supported him in that endeavour. The same parents of the child who wanted to pay for passing their son, asked Rishi Kapoor to take extra tuitions and improve the standard of studies of that child. Viewers must have got tears in their eyes at the finishing of the film.

Stories relating to middle-class families did great business during the late-70s including Golmaal, Saath Saath, Choti Si Baat, etc. Amol Palekar, Farooq Sheikh and others played cameos during their young age.

In this film also both Rishi Kapoor and Nitu Singh showed their comedy potentials and did a brilliant job. It never looked that Nitu Singh was out of touch for long time. Rishi Kapoor had acted in comedy films during the days of Khel Khel Me and always had excellent timing sense. He just matured and matured into a better with the passing of time. The child artists also did very well in their respective roles.

Viewers will be entertained by the story and should watch the film.

Do Dooni Chaar is a sweet film.

Do Dooni Chaar is a very sweet film.

Do Dooni Chaar is a very sweet and entertaining film. Director Habib Faisal had directed the film. The biggest bonus for the viewers is the return of on-screen pair Rishi Kapoor and Nitu Singh after 30 years.

Both of them played the role of the husband and wife, thereby portraying the Duggal Family. Rishi Kapoor had the burden of buying a four-wheeler in the film. It was shown that he was a simple school teacher and never indulged in dishonest activities.

Rishi Kapoor had been shown as an honest person. He scolded his son whenever he saw junk TV programs. Nitu Singh had been shown as an ideal wife who was very cheerful and dutiful towards her children.

The excitement of the film hovered round the fact whether the Duggal Family would be able to buy a four wheeler at all, which was known at the end of the film.

Stories relating to middle-class families did great business during the late-70s including Golmaal, Saath Saath, Choti Si Baat, etc. Amol Palekar, Farooq Sheikh and others played cameos during their young age.

In this film also both Rishi Kapoor and Nitu Singh showed their comedy potentials and did a brilliant job. It never looked that Nitu Singh was out of touch for long time. Rishi Kapoor had acted in comedy films during the days of Khel Khel Me and always had excellent timing sense.

Viewers will be entertained by the story and should watch the film.

Rishi Kapoor Nitu Singh came in Zee TV Saregamapa Program.

Rishi Kapoor Nitu Singh came in Zee TV SaregamaPa Program.

Famous romantic pair of the bollywood films Rishi Kapoor and Nitu Singh came in Zee TV Saregama Pa program on 1st October, 2010. Both were heartthrobs of the 70s and the viewers are anxiously waiting for their new film Do Dooni Char where they acted together after 30 years.

The participants sung the duet songs which were given lips by Rishi Kapoor and Nitu Singh during their teenage. They performed infront of established composers like Sajid Wajid, Vishal Shekhar, and singers like Daler Mehendi, etc.

Rishi Kapoor performed before the participants on landmarks songs like “dafliwale dafli baja” sung by Lata and Rafi in the film Sargam, “parda hai parda” sung by Rafi in the film Amar Akbar Anthony. Rishi Kapoor through his conversation reiterated the fact that the individual instruments like Dholak in “dafliwale” or the trumpet in other songs are hardly played and he was sad that tracks are created at the beginning without the requirement of real life instruments. His words showed that he was an equal musical expert like Showman Raj Kapoor.

Besides Rishi Kapoor spoke about the expression required to be given in singing. He gave example of Kishore Kumar who had sung many songs for the romantic actor. He said when Kishore Kumar used to sing he used to give jerk and emphasis at the juncture where the taal or rhythm broke up, he gave example of the song “tere chehere se” from the film Kabhi Kabhi composed by Khayyam.

He also talked about the hard work he and Nitu Singh had done in their young days to give expression in songs in landmark films like Khel Khel Me, Amar Akbar Anthony or Kabhi Kabhi. He was not trained singer, but he worked for hours with the choreographer to give his best. He did not lose his sense of humour.

When the host said, during their period song like “chor do aanchal zamana kya kahega” were made, he responded saying that his songs were ahead of his times having words like “hum tum ek kamreme bandh ho aur chabi kho jay”.

The participants and the judges really were flabbergasted with the music sense of Rishi Kapoor and showed their love and respect to both Rishi Kapoor and Nitu Singh in the program even by bringing reference of his son Ranbir Kapoor who came in the same program a week back.

Happy birthday to Rakesh Roshan.

Happy birthday to Rakesh Roshan.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Rakesh Roshan on 6th September, 2010. He had one the most successful producer and director in the last 10 years. Being born in a prestigious family and the son of legendary composer Roshanlal Nagrath, Rakesh Roshan had to prove a lot when he started his career as an actor in the early 70s.

His film Paraya Dhan with Hema Malini and Balraj Sahani became very successful in the late 60s. The film was remembered for the melodious music composed by RD Burman. The songs “ayo jhume gayere”, “holi re holi” became super hit in the late 60s and early 70s. After that, Rakesh Roshan acted in many films opposite Rishi Kapoor.

The combination of Rakesh Roshan and Rishi Kapoor gave super hit films like Khel Khel Me, Aap Ke Diwane, Yeh Wada Raha, etc. While Khel Khel Me was a suspense thriller, Aap Ke Deewane was a romantic film, where both Rakesh Roshan and Rihi Kapoor proved their worth. The music of LP in the film Aap Ke Deewane was worth mentioning. All the songs of the film super hit. Rakesh Roshan even acted in middle-budget films like Kamchor with Jaya Prada.

From the time Rakesh Roshan launched himself as producer and director, he stormed bollywood. His film Karan Arjun with Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan became super hit in mid-90s. It was an action block-buster where the music composed by Rajesh Roshan, the romance, the comedy everything entertained the viewers. Amrish Puri played the role of corrupt industrialist who killed Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan in their first life, and after they were reborn combated their attack. The major shooting of the film was done in Rajasthan.

In the last 10 years whenever Rakesh Roshan had produced and directed film with his son Hrithik Roshan the films had become the greatest blockbusters of the year. Kahona Pyar Hai stormed bollywood in 2000. It was sheer brilliance of Rakesh Roshan to present his son with bravery in the first film. Till now it had been the best film Hrithik Roshan had acted in his long career. The other hit films of Hrithik Roshan directed by Rakesh Roshan included Koi Mil Gaya and Krissh. Rakesh Roshan chose different actresses like Amisha Patel, Preeti Zinta, Priyanka Chopra in his different films and all of them contributed to make the films successful.

The viewers awaited the release of Hrithik Roshan’s new film Kites in 2010. With Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori in the film, the critics predicted that it was going to be another blockbuster. But due to most of the film having communication in Spanish, the Indian viewers could not appreciate the film to that extent. Viewers look forward to more number of Rakesh Roshan Hrithik Roshan combinations in future. Rakesh Roshan should continue his great work in the years to come.

Happy birthday to Rishi Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Rishi Kapoor.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Rishi Kapoor on 4th September 2010. He had remained as 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 1977 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”, “dared 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.

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 is busy with the films Chintuji and Sadiyaan.

The viewers expect him to continue the high standard of acting in the years to come and continue the legacy created by Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor.

Happy birthday to gorgeous icon Sri Devi.

Happy birthday to gorgeous icon Sri Devi.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to gorgeous icon and evergreen actress Sri Devi on 13th August, 2010. She was the most dominating figure in bollywood films in the 80s. Her excellent dancing skills gave her an edge over other actresses of that period.

She was brilliant in the film Himmatwala opposite Jeetender. The film was a South Indian production and the dancing skills of both Sri Devi and Jeetender mesmerized the viewers. The music of the film was also very popular. Sri Devi got a landmark role in Feroz Khan’s film Jaanbaaz. She played the role of the wife of Jeetender who was given drugs forcefully by Shakti Kapoor, Raza Murad and their men. She died due to consumption of the drugs. Feroz Khan along with Anil Kapoor took revenge against her brutal killing.

Sri Devi’s combination with Anil Kapoor was appreciated by the viewers of the 80s. Their film Mr. India, directed by Shekhar Kapoor became everlasting hit. Sri Devi displayed her comedy skills as against the innocent performance of Anil Kapoor in the film. Anil Kapoor’s device for becoming invisible amazed the viewers. Amrish Puri was matchless in his performance in the role of Mogambo. Sri Devi’s dance number opposite Anil Kapoor in a blue dress during a rainy day haunted many youngstars of the 80s.

Big B acted in many films opposite Sri Devi including Inquilab, Akhree Rasta and others. Most of those films ended up being blockbusters. In Akhree Raasta she had show her mettle opposite another South Indian beauty Jaya Prada. Her performance was as good as Jaya Prada, and both the actresses justified their selection opposite Megastar Big B. Sri Devi gave many hits opposite Rishi Kapoor including Yash Rash film Chandni. In Chandi, Sri Devi looked gorgeous. Rishi Kapoor was considered to be most romantic actor of the 80s. Sri Devi had the challenge of matching him in a Yash Raj film, where shooting is done in Switzerland and costly dresses are used for the stars. Sri Devi rose up to the occasion and got the viewers flabbergasted with her performance. Even then viewers considered Anil Kapoor the best combination opposite Sri Devi. Their superhit films included Laadla, Lamhe, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, and others.

Sri Devi had a fantastic career in South Indian films as well. Her performance in films opposite Rajnikant and Kamal Hassan became super hit in the 8os. She acted in hit bollywood films opposite Rajnikant like Chaalbaaz where she played a double role.

With the domination of Madhuri Dixit in bollywood films in the 90s, Sri Devi faded away from the film arena. Besides she added weight after marrying Boney Kapoor. Although viewers cannot expect the same glamour and charm of Sri Devi in her late 40s, yet they want her presence in bollywood films, as lot of acting is still left in her. The viewers expect her to make a comeback soon in character roles.

Happy birthday to Arbaaz Khan

Happy birthday to Arbaaz Khan.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Arbaaz Khan on 4th August, 2010. Actor Arbaaz Khan did well in the film Daraar. It was the film where he created attention for the first time. He acted in a negative role opposite Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla and created an impact in the film.

His rough style of acting gave him an image of his own. His brother Sohail Khan till now had generally done positive characters, but as there had been huge similarity with Salman Khan, he still now had not created his own identity.

The film Daraar, directed by Abbas Mastan was released in 1996. The film was inspired by the Hollywood film Sleeping With The Enemy where actress Julia Roberts played a notable role. Arbaaz Khan received the filmfare award for the best villain for his performance in the film Daraar.

Arbaaz Khan married Juhi Chawla, but whenever he saw any person praising his wife, he got angry. He became over-possessive and did beat Juhi Chawla. He asked her whether she could swim. She said no. Then Juhi Chawla sailed in a boat and later on escaped to Shimla. Arbaaz Khan thought that she had drowned.

Rishi Kapoor met her and wanted to marry her. When Juhi Chawla gave a letter to him mentioning that she was married, Johnny Lever lost the letter and send a wrong letter. Rishi Kapoor declined to marry Juhi Chawla. But when the original letter was found, Rishi Kapoor agreed to marry Juhi Chawla.

Arbaaz Khan read in newspaper that Juhi Chawla was alive. He went to Shimla and wrongly send Rishi Kapoor to prison. He killed Juhi Chawla’s friend. Later on when she tried to kill Juhi Chawla, she was saved by Rishi Kapoor.

The songs sung in the film by Kumar Shanu, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Abhijeet, Sadhna Sargam and others became successful. Music was composed by Sandip Chowta and Anu Malik. Songs were written by Hasrat Jaipuri, Majrooh Sultanpuri and others. The film did good business.

Many of the following roles played by Arbaaz Khan in the future in films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya or Hulchul were inspired by the performance in the film Daraar. In all the serious roles he kept his mark. Even in comedy roles in films like Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, Malamaal Weekly he was very impressive. Presently he had produced the film Debaang, where his elder brother Salman Khan is playing the lead role. The viewers provide their best wishes for career of Arbaaz Khan both as an actor and a producer.

Happy birthday to Nitu Singh.

Happy birthday to Nitu Singh.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Nitu Singh on 8th July 2010. She had started her career as child actress and later kept a mark as leading actress in commercial films.

In the late 60s, her performance in the film do Kaliyan attracted attention. Biswajeet Chatterji and Mala Sinha were the lead performers in the film. Nitu Singh got double role. Both the sisters were sad due to the separation of their parents. At the end of the film the differences between Biswajeet and Mala Sinha were sorted out.

She acted in many successful films opposite Rishi Kapoor whom she married later. The successful films included Kabhi Kabhi, Khel Khel Me, Amar Akbar Anthony, Rafoo Chakkar, etc. The songs of Amar Akbar Anthony also created history with Rafi’s qawalli “parda hai parda” and “humko tumse ho gaya hai pyar kya Karen”. The film directed by Manmohan Desai stormed bollywood in the late 70s.

Nitu Singh acted opposite all the leading stars of bollywood films in the 70s. Her successful films opposite Big B included Parvarish, The Great Gambler, to name a few. Her successful film opposite Shashi Kapoor included Dewaar. Her successful film opposite Jeetender included Burning Train. Viewers still remember her elegant lips in the song “pal do pal ka saath hamara” sung by Rafi and Asha Bhosle in the film Burning Train.

She acted in the films directed by eminent directors like Manmohan Desai in films like Amar Akbar Anthony, Yash Chopra in films like Kabhi Kabhi, Kala Patthar, BR Chopra in films like Burning Train, to name a few. After marrying Rishi Kapoor, she left films in the 80s.

Probably she had concentrated in upbringing of Rishi Kapoor’s son and daughter, including Ranbir Kapoor. But she had a lot of acting left in her. The viewers of bollywood films wish her to make comeback in contemporary films in character roles.

Songs in Ranbir Kapoor's films.

Songs in Ranbir Kapoor’s films.

Songs play a very vital role in the careers of leading stars of bollywood films. Whenever the name of Raj Kapoor comes in the minds of viewers the songs namely “mera juta hai japani”, “awara hoon”, “mur murke na dekh”, “o mehbooba” comes in the minds of the viewers. Similarly Dilip Kumar is associated with songs like “madhuban me radhika nachere”, “do sitaron ka zameen par hai Milan”, “ek shahenshah ne banwake haseen tajmahal”, “aaj ki raat mere”, etc.

In that respect Ranbir Kapoor is blessed with good songs. He has acted in 4 films till now, namely Sawariya, Bacchna Aye Haseeno, Wake Up Sid, Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani. All these films had very promising songs. The film to be released on 4th June, that is Rajneeti is also full of meaningful songs.

The songs “sawariya” and “jab se tume dekha” in the film Sawariya, had done great business inspite of the film not doing that well. The songs of the film Bacchna Aye Haseeno composed by Vishal Shekhar created storms. All the songs in the film became super hit.

The notable songs in Bachna Aye Haseeno included “khuda jane ke mai fida hoon”, “bacchna aye haseeno”, “ahista ahista”. The excellent lips of the actresses Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba had helped Ranbir Kapoor to maintain balance in the film. Besides, the exotic locations in the film were also appreciated by the viewers.

Wake Up Sid was a serious film and as such the music did not matter that much. Even then the music was very decent in the film. The performance of Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor was very realistic and that created a separate impression in the minds of the viewers.

Pritam did a grand job in the film Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani. It had been the greatest hit of the career of Ranbir Kapoor. All the songs in the film became super hit. The leading song included “prem ki naiya”, etc. The onscreen chemistry of Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif had made the viewers speechless.

On 1st May Ranbir Kapoor appeared in Indian idol show, along with renowned composer Pyarellal. He encouraged the participants by dancing with them. His songs were played like “sawariya”, “tera hone laga hoon”, etc. He honoured Pyarellal for giving splendid music in the films of his father Rishi Kapoor, like Bobby, Prem Rog, Karz, Amar Akbar Anthony, etc. Everyone in the show including Anu Malik, Sunidhi Chauhan, Salim Merchant had wished best of luck for Ranbir Kapoor’s new film Rajneeti to be released on 4th June.

The viewers are looking forward to more hit songs in the upcoming films of Ranbir Kapoor in future.

Happy birthday to Dimple Kapadia.

Happy birthday to Dimple Kapadia.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Dimple Kapadia on 8th June, 2010. She had been considered as one of the most dynamic actresses of bollywood films after Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil.

She started her career with a bold, sizzling demeanor in Raj Kapoor’s Bobby in 1973 opposite Rishi Kapoor. Raj Kapoor introduced the concept of teenage romance in the 70s and his effort got justice due to brilliant performance of both Dimple and Rishi Kapoor. Dimple’s smart, dashing lips in the songs “hum tum ek kamre me bandh ho”, “jhoot bole kowa kate”, “mujhe kuch kehna hai” sung by Lata and composed by LP just flabbergasted the audience of the 70s. Viewers thought both Dimple and Rishi Kapoor were made for each other.

But after Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia, he stopped her acting, and bollywood films lost one of the most promising actresses for 13 years. Again she made a classic comeback in Ramesh Sippy’s Saagar. The film showed a triangular love story with Kamal Hassan and Rishi Kapoor. The brilliant locations, powerful music composed by RD Burman, all contributed for the success of the super hit film. Rishi Kapoor was always considered to be the most romantic actors produced by Indian films. He proved it again in Saagar. Dimple balanced the sacrificing performance of Kamal Hassan who died at the end of the film to save Rishi Kapoor and allow Dimple marry her. All the three performers were brilliant in the lips given in the songs “o maria”, “saagar kinare”, “yeh to bata tera naam kya”, etc., sung by Lata, Bal Subhramanium, Kishore Kumar, etc.

In the mid -80s, Dimple acted in most of the successful commercial films opposite leading stars like Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Sunny Deol, etc. She was brilliant in Feroz Khan’s Jaanbaaz. In fact her smart performance balanced the cowboy image of Anil Kapoor in the film. She was sublime opposite Jackie Shroff in the film Kaash.

In the late 80s, producers and directors experimented with her in challenging roles. She was exceptional in Gulzar’s film Lekin. Lata’s songs “yara silli silli”, Suresh Watkar’s “surmai sham” composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar were landmarks of classical music in Indian films. Dimple Kapadia portrayed the character of rajasthani folk community who were used for crying in funerals in the film Rudaali. She played the role of her lifetime and got national and international awards. Her lips in Lata’s song “dil hum hum kare” composed by Bhupen Hazarika, still haunts the listeners 20 years after its creation.

Her other successful films include Ram Lakhan, opposite Jackie Shroff, Krantiveer and Prahar opposite Nana Patekar. Her performance in the off-beat films gave her a special place just like Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Even in her middle-age she amazed viewers with brilliant performance in the film Dil Chahta Hai opposite Akshay Khanna who was at least 15 years younger than her. She again amazed the viewers in character roles opposite Rishi Kapoor in the films Pyar Me Twist and Farhan Akhtar’s Luck By Chance.

In 2010, her film Tum Milo Toh Sahi had addressed the concerns for the middle-aged couples and bachelors in Mumbai. Her performance was as brilliant as that of Nana Patekar in the film. The viewers expect her to continue the brilliant work and go on astonishing the viewers with dynamic performances like before.

Happy birthday to Jaya Prada.

Happy birthday to Jaya Prada.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Jaya Prada on 3rd April, 2010. Jaya Prada was considered as one of the most gifted actresses of bollywood films of the 80s. She shook the Indian audience with her dancing skills in the film Shankaravaranam.

In the late 70s her film Sargam opposite Rishi Kapoor became superhit with a brilliant story and excellent songs. She played the role of a deaf and dumb girl who had immense dancing callibre which was unearthed by Rishi Kapoor in the film.

The music composed by LP was brilliant by every musical standard and Lata and Rafi were sublime in the songs “dafliwale dafli baja”, “koel boli”, “ramjiki nikli sawari”, etc. In an age of action pact films of Big B, Vinod Khanna, Sargam being a romantic film with Rishi Kapoor and Jaya Prada did excellent business.

From that time Jaya Prada became the no. 1 bollywood actress and acted opposite all the leading stars of bollywood. Her other superhit films include Sharabi, opposite Big B, Akhree Rasta opposite Big B, Kamchor opposite Rakesh Roshan, to name a few.

She acted in a number of films opposite Jeetender as well and all of those films were successful. At that time she got stiff competition from Sri Devi, another South Indian actress who had both acting talent and dancing talent. The films where both of them acted together, the viewers were confused to choose between the two. In Akhree Rasta Jaya Prada did equally well like Sri Devi.

In the 90s, also Jay Prada’s films especially opposite Big B did good business, like Indrajeet or Aaj Ka Arjun. In those films while Big B concentrated on action sequences, Jaya Prada played the romantic part to perfection. With the emergence of new actresses in bollywood films in the 90s like Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, Jaya Prada faded away from the bollywood industry.

She joined politics and had been the parliamentarian for more than a decade. Besides she had played important roles in tamil films and other South Indian films over the years.

In 2010, she had been expelled from the Samajwadi Party by Mulayam Singh Yadav along with other primary members. That can give her some time to devote in bollywood films as well. The viewers expect her to make a comeback in bollywood films in character roles as many of them feel that she still has a lot of acting left in her.

Arbaaz Khan did well in the film Daraar.

Arbaaz Khan did well in Daraar.

Actor Arbaaz Khan did well in the film Daraar. He acted in a negative role opposite Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla and created an impact in the film.

His rough style of acting gave him an image of his own. His brother Sohail Khan till now had generally done positive characters, but as there had been huge similarity with Salman Khan, he still now had not created his own identity.

The film Daraar, directed by Abbas Mastan was released in 1996. The film was inspired by the Hollywood film Sleeping With The Enemy where actress Julia Roberts played a notable role. Arbaaz Khan received the filmfare award for the best villain for his performance in the film Daraar.

Arbaaz Khan married Juhi Chawla, but whenever he saw any person praising his wife, he got angry. He became over-possessive and did beat Juhi Chawla. He asked her whether she could swim. She said no. Then Juhi Chawla sailed in a boat and later on escaped to Shimla. Arbaaz Khan thought that she had drowned.

Rishi Kapoor met her and wanted to marry her. When Juhi Chawla gave a letter to him mentioning that she was married, Johnny Lever lost the letter and send a wrong letter. Rishi Kapoor declined to marry Juhi Chawla. But when the original letter was found, Rishi Kapoor agreed to marry Juhi Chawla.

Arbaaz Khan read in newspaper that Juhi Chawla was alive. He went to Shimla and wrongly send Rishi Kapoor to prison. He killed Juhi Chawla’s friend. Later on when she tried to kill Juhi Chawla, she was saved by Rishi Kapoor.

The songs sung in the film by Kumar Shanu, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Abhijeet, Sadhna Sargam and others became successful. Music was composed by Sandip Chowta and Anu Malik. Songs were written by Hasrat Jaipuri, Majrooh Sultanpuri and others. The film did good business.

Many of the following roles played by Arbaaz Khan in the future in films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya or Hulchul were inspired by the performance in the film Daraar.

Combination of Rafi with Rishi Kapoor.

Combination of Rafi with Rishi Kapoor.

Mohammad Rafi virtually ruled bollywood music during the 50s and 60s. Therefore his contribution was unique in the career of all the leading stars of the golden age including Dilip Kumar, Rajender Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Pradeep Kumar, Bharat Bhushan, Guru Dutt, Pradip Kumar, Joy Mukherjee, Biswajeet, Dharmender, Jeetender and others.

But in the 70s, Rafi did not get the same amount of songs from the upcoming composers if compared with his domination in the 60s. He made his existence felt in style with romantic combination in the films of Rishi Kapoor. Two factors went in his favour. Firstly Rishi Kapoor was the leading romantic actor of that age who balanced the action films of Big B, Vinod Khanna, Shatrughun Sinha and others with his romantic films. At the other hand Laxmikant Pyarellal, the composer who was loyal to Rafi till the last day of his life was the main contributor in Rishi Kapoor’s films.

In the film Badalte Rishtey, Rafi’s song for Rishi Kapoor “woh woh na rahen” reminded the viewers about the romantic andaz that he displayed for the previous 30 years. Besides the song “yeh duniya ke badalte rishte” was equally impressive. Madan Mohan and Jaidev combined together to compose the songs for Rishi Kapoor’s epic film Laila Majnu.

Laila Majnu flabbergasted the viewers with the flavor of music of middle-east, the area related to the subject matter of the film. Each song of Rafi had a class of its own including “ mai tere dar pe aya hoon”, “barbad muhobbat ki dua saah liye ja”, “is reshmi pazeeb ki jhankar ke sadpe” (sung by Lata and Rafi), “likhkar tera naam zamee par” (sung by Lata and Rafi).

Rafi and Rishi Kapoor continued the romantic combination in the film Sargam. All the songs in the film were backed by very loud melodious orchestration. Rafi’s songs with Lata became super hit including “ramjiki nikli sawari”, “dafliwale dafli baja”, “koel boli duniya doli”, to name a few. Rafi’s solo numbers in the film like “hum to chale pardes”, “kahan tera insaaf hai”, appealed to the masses. Rishi Kapoor’s excellent lips were complimented by Jaya Prada’s classical dance in the film. Rafi was brilliant as ever.

Rishi Kapoor and Rafi combination entertained the viewers and listeners in the film Amar Akbar Anthony as well. All the songs composed by LP for Rafi created sensation. The qawalli “parda hai parda” was considered to be the last conventional qawalli composed in the 70s which faded away in the 80s and 90s due to absence of Rafi and had been revived in recent times. The other songs “shirdi wali saibaba” required high pitch which Rafi provided in style. Rafi sang the song “humko tumse ho gaya hai pyar kya Karen” with Kishore and Mukesh in the same film.

The Rafi Rishi Kapoor combination continued in the film Karz. The song “darde-dil darde-jigar” had remained one of the leading songs that are played on Valentine’s day for years. LP’s strong insistence for Rafi with Rishi Kapoor also motivated RD Burman to use Rafi in films of Rishi Kapoor. The song “pucho na yaar kya hua” showed Rafi’s elegance in westernized songs where Rishi Kapoor gave brilliant lips. Also Rishi Kapoor gave able lips in the qawalli sung in the film Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahi in late 70s. Rafi was outstanding by every musical standard.

It was a huge tragedy that Rafi died in 1980, otherwise he could have sung many romantic songs for Rishi Kapoor who gave adequate expression in the songs sung by Rafi. Although Rafi’s songs for Rishi Kapoor did not have the class that was evident in the songs of the 60s as giants of giants like Naushad, Roshan, Ghulam Mohammad, Shankar Jaikishan, OP Nayyar, Madanmohan were at their zenith during that age, the combination of Rafi and Rishi Kapoor still has importance because it came at a time when action films eroded the requirement for soft romantic songs in films. For those reasons the songs and the films should be preserved.

Starscreen awards do not prove excellence.

Starscreen awards do not prove excellence.

Starscreen awards were given in 2010. Although some good awards were given for the performance of films in 2010, Some of the other categories surprised the viewers.

Raj Kumar Hirani received the best director award for his film The Three Idiots. The film did business of more than 100 crores and the best director award was justified. The Three Idiots was also adjudged the as best film.

But to everyone’s surprise AR Rehman received the award for the best composer for the music of the film Delhi 6. The film’s music was very ordinary compared to the music of the films Saathiya or Roza, etc. On the other hand Pritam having nominations in three films did not receive any award. In fact the film Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani did great business due to the brilliant music of Pritam. It is very strange that Sonu Nigam did not receive a nomination for the best singer inspite of singing brilliantly the song “zubi zubi” in The Three Idiots. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan received the best singer award. Shantonu Moitra did not receive even a nomination for his music in the film The Three Idiots. Kavita Seth also won the best female singer award surpassing Shreya Ghoshal to everyone’s surprise.

Amitabh Bacchan and Vidya Balan won the best actor and actress award for the film Paa. These days Big B wins awards due to only his brand name. It is very sad. Ranbir Kapoor did not win best actor award inspite of giving versatile performances in the films Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani. Salman Khan was not there is the nomination also inspite of Wanted doing a business of more than 70 crores. Vidya Balan is a very natural actress. But in respect of her box-office, she is neither a competitor of Priyanka Chopra, nor Katrina Kaif, nor Kareena Kapoor. These days it has been a fashion that the moment an actress acts in a film with Big B or Abhishek Bacchan, she automatically wins an award.

Starscreen thinks that Shahrukh Khan requires an award even if he does not perform in any particular film. None of his films were released this year. Yet he won the award for the Jodi of the decade with Kajol. Similarly Big B and Abhishek Bacchan won the award for the best Jodi. These days it has been a fashion to give best awards to two male performers. Raj Kapoor Nargis, or Dilip Kumar Vaijayantimala would have fainted to see the best Jodi award. Boman Irani’s award for best villain for The Three Idiots is well justified. Also Omi Vaidya’s award for the best comedian is well justified.

Rishi Kapoor’s award for the best supporting actor in the film Luck By Chance is well justified. At the same time Sharman Joshi and R Madhavan should have an award in some category for their best performance in the film The Three Idiots. Neither the awards proven any level of excellence, nor the awards show popularity. Kareena Kapoor won the award the most popular actress for her performance in the film The Three Idiots. Katrina Kaif won the best entertainer award.

If filmfare also follows the same trend it will be a very sad precedent. The awards do not mean anything when stalwarts like Om Puri or Naseeruddin Shah are neither nominated nor receive anything, the hit films like Wake Up Sid, or Wanted, or Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani are left behind.

Happy birthday to Subhash Ghai.

Happy birthday to Subhash Ghai.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Subhash Ghai on 24th January, 2010. Subhash Ghai was considered to be the second showman of bollywood films after Producer Director Raj Kapoor. Subhash Ghai had made different types of films over the last 30 years and in most of the cases the films had appealed to the masses.

His film Karz was based on story of reincarnation of Rishi Kapoor who had been killed by Simi Garewal in his previous life. He identified his mother and sister and unfolded the truth relating to the murder by Simi Garewal. Subhas Ghai was successful to motivate LP to create landmark tunes in the film with Rafi’s song “darde dil” and Kishore’s song “om shanti om” becoming landmark hits in the early 80s. Karz was remade in the recent past with Himesh Reshamiya playing the role of Rishi Kapoor. But the magic of Subhash Ghai’s Karz could not be repeated again.

His film Karma had a subject related to terrorism. Dilip Kumar was the jailor whose family was killed by the terrorist gang led by Anupam Kher. He was imprisoned in the respective jail of Dilip Kumar and took revenge by escaping from the prison and killing his family members. Anupam Kher’s performance opposite Dilip Kumar changed the shape of his career and he became landmark villain in the following years. Dilip Kumar created a force with criminals like Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and Nasiruddin Shah who were facing imprisonment. They helped him in his fight against terrorism and the mission was successful.

Subhash Ghai’s film Khalnayak was based on the creation of an offender by the evil forces. Sanjay Dutt was compelled to become a criminal and joined the criminal gang. He was arrested by Jackie Shroff and he fled from the prison. Madhuri Dixit the wife of Jackie Shroff helped him to catch Sanjay Dutt at the end of the film.

Subhash Ghai also experimented with legendary actors like Dilip Kumar and Raj Kumar in the film Saudagar. He had the guts to experiment with new actor and actresses and many of them rose to stardom with the start given by Subhash Ghai. Manisha Koirala started her career with Khalnayak and later on became a successful actress of the 90s.

His other successful films include Kalicharan with Shatrughun Sinha, Yadein with Hrithik Roshan, Hero with Jackie Shroff, Taal with Anil Kapoor. Very significantly the music in the films of Subhash Ghai had been extremely successful and LP had played an important role in composing music for his films. Last year Subhash Ghai made Yuvvraaj with Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anil Kapoor. The film did not do great business but the music composed by AR Rehman stole the hearts of the audience. All the songs became super hit including “tu muskura”, “shano shano”, etc. The viewers expect him to continue the good work and create better films in future.