Happy birthday to Mahendra Kapoor.

Happy birthday to Mahendra Kapoor.

The listeners of music all over the world wish happy birthday to Mahendra Kapoor on 9th January, 2011. Few years ago the great singer had left the listeners. But he is alive in his numerous brilliant basic discs and film songs.

He came to limelight in bollywood music with the resemblance of classical singer Mohammad Rafi. In fact Rafi is the idol and guru and Mahendra Kapoor learned singing from the musical giant. Mahendra Kapoor became a big contributor in BR Chopra’s films in the 50s and 60s. In Rajender Kumar’s film Dhool Ka Phool Mahendra Kapoor’s songs were very successful.

During that period, Mahendra Kapoor sang a brilliant Bengali modern song “ekti e raat katena” which made viewers spellbound. The song had pathos feeling, romantic appeal, classical touch everything embedded in it. He was unblemish in Sunil Dutt’s film Gumraah. His song “chalo ek baar bhir se” became super hit in the early 60s. Composer Ravi had composed many brilliant tunes for Mahendra Kapoor in his illustrious career which included the songs “neele gagan ki tale” in the film Humraaz for which he received filmfare award for the best singer, “in baharon me in ghatayon me tujhko mera dil pukare” in the film Gumraah to name a few.

Mahendra Kapoor also sang many songs under composition of OP Nayyar which included “one two three” in Biswajeet’s film Kismat, “lakhon hai mera dilwala” in Biswajeet’s film Kismat, “baharen phir bhi ayegi” in Dharmender’s film Baharen Phir Bhi Ayegi.

Mahendra Kapoor started a new innings with Manoj Kumar’s film Upkaar. He sang numerous number of patriotic songs for Manoj Kumar including “rang de basanti chola” in the film Shahid, “mere desh ki dharti “ in the film Upkaar, etc. He contributed in films like Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Kranti, etc.
It is not possible to highlight the contribution of Mahendra Kapoor who had contributed in bollywood films for more than 40 years in a small article. Numerous listeners miss Mahendra Kapoor but remember him in his melodious songs. His songs and films should be restored.

Happy birthday to Manoj Kumar.

Happy birthday to Manoj Kumar.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Manoj Kumar on 24th July, 2010. He started his career as a romantic hero, then showed his skills in the field of direction and created a separate identity as a patriotic hero. He later on earned the name of Bharat Kumar.

Harikishan Giri Goswami, better known as Manoj Kumar, was a big admirer of Tragedy King Dilip Kumar. He was obsessed with Dilip Kumar’s performance in the film Shabnam, in 1949, and kept the name of the character of the film, which was Manoj Kumar.

Although he started his career in the film Fashion in 1957, he got recognition with a lead role in the film Kaanch Ki Gudiya in 1960. Vijay Bhatt directed Hariyali Aur Raasta in 1962 changed the destiny of Manoj Kumar as a romantic hero. The songs of the film were composed by genius of genius Shankar Jaikishan, and with Mala Sinha’s assistance Manoj Kumar reached the hearts of millions of music lovers in the country. The songs in the film including “ifteda-e-ishq”, “yeh hariyali aur yeh raasta”, sung by Mukesh and Lata astonished the viewers. The film became super hit.

In the mid-60s, Manoj Kumar landmark roles in suspense thrillers like Woh Kaun Thi, 1964, and Gumnaam, 1965. Woh Kaun Thi was a horror film of Raj Khosla where Manoj Kumar played the role of the doctor who got scared with the ghostly appearance of Sadhna, who played a double role in the film. He solved the mystery in the film got Prem Chopra arrested at the end after realizing that his wife had a twin sister who was used as a ghost. The music of Madan Mohan was brilliant and Lata’s songs “naina barse rimjhim”, “lagja gale”, etc., created sensation.

Gumnaam was a murder thriller which stormed bollywood in the mid-60s. More than seven friends were given offer of going for holidays, but the flight was hijacked and the friends had to land at an island. Each of them was killed one after the other and no one knew who killed them. Manoj Kumar solved the mystery and unearthed the truth that Tarun Bose was the actual murderer. The music composed by Shankar Jaikishan was extraordinary with songs like “jane chaman shola badan” sung by Rafi and Sharda, “gumnaam hai koi” sung by Lata, “is duniya me jeena ho to”, “hum kale hai to kya hua dilwale hai”, etc.

Manoj Kumar started his second innings with patriotic films like Shaheed, Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapra Aur Makaan, Kranti, moved the viewers and earned him respect. He directed of those films and got filmfare award for best director for excellent work in films like Upkaar and Roti Kapda and Makaan. His film Upkaar also received the national award for best film in 1967, and he gave life to the slogan of PM Lal Bahadur Shastri titled “jai jawan jai kisan” with Upkaar. In fact Upkaar, was the highest grosser film in 1967, surpassing all the other super hit films like Ram Aur Shyam, Jewel Thief, etc.

His other successful films as hero also include Patthar Ke Sanam, Anita, Aadmi, etc. He acted with childhood idol Dilip Kumar in Aadmi and Kranti. The songs of most of his films were of excellent class. Naushad’s creation in Aadmi, and Rafi’s songs like “na aadmi ka khoi bharosa”, “aaj purani rahon se”, etc., had remained invalueable assets over the period of time.

The viewers expect him to continue the excellent work as a director in the years to come.

Raj Khosla and bollywood films.

Raj Khosla and bollywood films.

Born in 1925 and died in 1991, Raj Khosla was considered by critics to be the path-breaker in crime-thriller films. His film CID in 1955, created a trend in respect of crime thrillers. He introduced Wahida Rehman and Shakila in the film. The music of the film composed by OP Nayyar was also impressive with hit songs of Rafi like “ankhon hi ankho me ishara ho gaya”, “leke pehla pehla pyar”, etc.

His film Solwa Sal, involved Wahida Rehman being eloped by her boyfriend but later on brought back home by a journalist. In Bombai Ka Babu, there was a killer who entered into the family of the person he killed and then had an affair with the sister of the deceased. Dev Anand and Suchitra Sen played the lead roles in the film.

The 60s saw Raj Khosla’s musical blockbusters. His film Ek Musafir Ek Haseena with Joy Mukherjee and Sadhna stormed bollywood. The songs composed by OP Nayyar for Rafi and Asha were super hit including “bahut shukriya bari meherbani”, “aap yuhi agar”, “hume dekhakar aapka muskurana”, etc. The shooting in Kashmir also raised interest in the minds of the viewers. In 1964, Raj Khosla came up with probably one of the greatest spooky films in bollywood, with the title “Woh Kaun Thi”. Sadhna played the roles of the two sisters who were exploited by Prem Chopra to terrorize Manoj Kumar and get his property. At the end of the film the secret was revealed. The music composed by Madan Mohan was brilliant with landmark songs like “naina barse”, “lagja gale”, etc.

Raj Khosla continued with horror films with Mera Saya and Anita where Sadhna played the role of the ghosts. Sunil Dutt acted opposite Sadhna in Mera Saya while Manoj Kumar acted opposite her in Anita. The music was impressive again.

In the mid-60s Raj Khosla again returned back to romantic dramas like Do Badan with Manoj Kumar and Asha Parekh. The music of Ravi with impressive songs like “jab chali thandi hawa”, require special mention. He also made films related to stories of dacoits like Mera Gaon Mera Desh with Dharmender. His last successful film included Mai Tulsi Tere Angan Ki. Both Nutan and Asha Parekh did well in their respective roles in the films. His other films like Do Badan and Dostana were impressive, but whenever the viewers remember the name of Raj Khosla, the first impressive comes in respect of horror stories and crime thrillers like Mera Saya and Who Kaun Thi. The films should be preserved and restored.

Happy birthday to Manoj Kumar.

Happy birthday to Manoj Kumar.

The viewers of bollywood films wish happy birthday to Manoj Kumar on 24th July, 2009. He started his career as a romantic hero, then showed his skills in the field of direction and created a separate identity as a patriotic hero. He later on earned the name of Bharat Kumar.

Harikishan Giri Goswami, better known as Manoj Kumar, was a big admirer of Tragedy King Dilip Kumar. He was obsessed with Dilip Kumar’s performance in the film Shabnam, in 1949, and kept the name of the character of the film, which was Manoj Kumar.

Although he started his career in the film Fashion in 1957, he got recognition with a lead role in the film Kaanch Ki Gudiya in 1960. Vijay Bhatt directed Hariyali Aur Raasta in 1962 changed the destiny of Manoj Kumar as a romantic hero. The songs of the film were composed by genius of genius Shankar Jaikishan, and with Mala Sinha’s assistance Manoj Kumar reached the hearts of millions of music lovers in the country. The songs in the film including “ifteda-e-ishq”, “yeh hariyali aur yeh raasta”, sung by Mukesh and Lata astonished the viewers. The film became super hit.

In the mid-60s, Manoj Kumar landmark roles in suspense thrillers like Woh Kaun Thi, 1964, and Gumnaam, 1965, created a separate recognition for the actor. Woh Kaun Thi was a horror film of Raj Khosla where Manoj Kumar played the role of the doctor who got scared with the ghostly appearance of Sadhna, who played a double role in the film. He solved the mystery in the film and got Prem Chopra arrested at the end after realizing that his wife had a twin sister who was used as a ghost. The music of Madan Mohan was brilliant and Lata’s songs “naina barse rimjhim”, “lagja gale”, etc., created sensation.

Gumnaam was a murder thriller which stormed bollywood in the mid-60s. More than seven friends were given offer of going for holidays, but the flight was hijacked and the friends had to land at an island. Each of them were killed one after the other and no one knew who killed them. Manoj Kumar solved the mystery and unearthed the truth that Tarun Bose was the actual murderer. The music composed by SJ was extraordinary with songs like “jane chaman shola badan” sung by Rafi and Sharda, “gumnaam hai koi” sung by Lata, “is duniya me jeena ho to”, “hum kale hai to kya hua dilwale hai”, etc.

Manoj Kumar's second innings with patriotic films like Shaheed, Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapra Aur Makaan, Kranti, moved the viewers and earned him respect. He directed most of those films and got filmfare award for best director for excellent work in films like Upkaar and Roti Kapda and Makaan. His film Upkaar also received the national award for best film in 1967, and he gave life to the slogan of PM Lal Bahadur Shastri titled “jai jawan jai kisan” with Upkaar.

His other successful films as hero also include Patthar Ke Sanam, Anita, Aadmi, etc. He acted with childhood idol Dilip Kumar in Aadmi and Kranti. The songs of most of his films were of excellent class.

The viewers expect him to continue the excellent work as a director in the years to come.

Remembering Mahendra Kapoor

Remembering Mahendra Kapoor.

The audience of bollywood films remember Mahendra Kapoor, the dignified playback singer of the golden age on 9th January, 2009. He learned music from the giant singer Mohammad Rafi and had a very strong background to sing complex tunes made during the 50s and 60s.

He mainly contributed in BR Chopra’s films and attracted the attention of the audience who were used to hear the voices of legendary singers like Rafi, Manna Dey, Mukesh, Kishore, Talat Mehmood, etc. In Sunil Dutt’s film Gumrah, Mahendra Kapoor’s song “chalo ekbaar phir se” composed by Ravi became super hit. From that time the team of BR Chopra, Mahendra Kapoor and Ravi had provided many memorable hits.

In the film Waqt, Mahendra Kapoor’s duet song with Asha titled “dil je sahare aja pyar Karen” became super hit. His songs were picturised on both Sunil Dutt and Shashi Kapoor in the film. He even received the filmfare award for the best singer in the late 60s for his song “nile gagan ke tale” composed by Ravi and picturised on Raj Kumar in the film Humraaz.

Manoj Kumar gave a different dimension to the singing career of Mahendra Kapoor by asking him to sing patriotic songs in his films. His song “rang de basanti chola” in the film Shahid became extremely popular along with Rafi’s song “aye watan aye watan”. The most popular song in the career of Mahendra Kapoor was “mere desh ki dharti” from the film Upkar.

Manoj Kumar made the film with Lal Bahadur Shastri’s vision for the country with the slogan “jai jawan jai kisan”. Mahendra Kapoor addressed the farmers of the country, the military personnel and the freedom fighters with the song “mere desh ki dharti” composed by Kalyanji Anandji. The film became super hit and Mahendra Kapoor became a legendary singer of the contemporary generation.

The partnership of Manoj Kumar with Mahendra Kapoor continued in following films like Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapra Aur Makaan, Kranti, etc. With increase of age more maturity was witnessed in the voice of Mahendra Kapoor.

Mahendra Kapoor sang many romantic songs in his illustrious career including “har dil jo pyar karega” composed by Shankar Jaikishan in the film Sangam. His song was picturized on Rajender Kumar when Lata Mangeshkar sang the same song for Vaijayantimala and Mukesh sang it for Raj Kapoor. Mahendra Kapoor kept his mark amongst the other established singers.

His contribution cannot be expressed in a small article taking account of his presence over 40 years in bollywood industry. The viewers want to pay respect to the noble soul on his birthday on 9th January, 2009.

Prem Chopra - the Gentleman Villain of Bollywood

Prem Chopra – The gentleman villain of bollywood.

Prem Chopra had remained an indispensable figure in bollywood films for more than 40 years. He started his career with positive roles, like the one he played in the film Shahid where Manoj Kumar played the lead role. Prem Chopra did well in the film. But within short period of time his skills as villain was discovered by the directors and he got a landmark role in Raj Khosla’s Woh Kaun Thi and Mera Saya. In both the films, Sadhna had a double role and one of the sisters were used by Prem Chopra for creating ghostly atmosphere against Manoj Kumar and Sunil Dutt respectively in both the films.

In the 60s, as Pran, Ajit, Jeevan, and other villains were playing dominating roles, Prem Chopra had played supporting roles in most of the films. In the 70s, he got the lead roles as villains and developed a style of acting whereby he was categorized as gentleman villain. His successful films included Jugnu opposite Dharmender, Jheel Ke Us Par opposite Dharmender, Gora Aur Kala opposite Rajender Kumar, Kala Sona opposite Firoz Khan, Do Anjane opposite Big B, to name a few.

Raj Kapoor used the famous dialogue for Prem Chopra in the film Bobby, where he said “prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra”. His performance was well appreciated opposite Pran and Prem Nath. In the 80s, a tradition was evolved in bollywood films, that is casting many villains in the same film. In the film Duniya, Prem Chopra, Pran and Amrish Puri conspired against Dilip Kumar and killed his wife. Dilip Kumar took revenge against all the villains one after the other.

Prem Chopra again significant role in Rajanikant’s film Andha Kanoon. There also he acted with Pran and Danny and were killed by Rajanikant at the end of the film. He appeared in every alternative film during that time. His successful films included Khuddar opposite Big B, Andha Kanoon opposite Big B, to name a few.

Prem Chopra lost his hair. But that did not matter as he took different make ups all along his career. He acted as villain against actors of 4 decades. That requires special mention because a lot of fitness is required to match the heroes of bollywood films.

He even acted opposite Big B’s son Abhishek Bacchan, as a Punjabi truck driver in the film Bunty Aur Bably. It was a positive role and he impressed the viewers with his performance in the film.

Whenever viewers reflect back they find the same Prem Chopra in landmark films in the 60s and 70s like Teesri Manzil, Upkaar, Apradh, and many other films. The viewers expect him to continue his good work in the future too, as his performance in more than 300 films shows his indispensability in the film industry for many generations.

Patriotic actor Manoj Kumar

Manoj Kumar – the patriotic actor of bollywood

Manoj Kumar, better known as Bharat Kumar, was one of the most patriotic souls in bollywood who devoted his life towards the making of patriotic films. Born on 24th July, 1937, Harikishen Goswami, better known as Manoj Kumar, made his debut in the film Fashion in 1957. As he was obsessed towards Dilip Kumar, one of the greatest actor of bollywood and started keeping his name in the name of Manoj Kumar, the character played by Dilip Kumar in the film Shabnam.

He got recognition in Vijay Bhatt’s film Hariyali Aur Raasta, in 1962, opposite Mala Sinha, where the music of Shankar Jaikishan, became super hit and the film provided him stable place in bollywood. He got a notable role in Raj Khosla’s crime thriller “woh kaun thi” where the twin sister of his wife played by Sadhna was shown at different times to make him insane and he unfolded the truth on the death of the twin sister when everyone came to know that Sadhna was not ghost, but the villain Prem Chopra had used her to make Manoj Kumar insane and inherit the property according to the will created by his ancestors. It wasthe greatest horror film of that age and outstanding music of Madan Mohan had hypnotised the audience.

His next film directed by Vijay Bhatt titled Himalay Ki God Me, in 1965, was also successful. Manoj Kumar again acted in a suspense thriller titled Gumnam, where the members of dance club were hijacked and left in an island and the villain Tarun Bose went on killing one after the other. The music of Shankar Jaikishan was super hit with immortal songs of Lata titled “gumnam hai koi”, songs of Rafi titled “ek ladkine mera jina mushkil kar diya” and “o mere man”, etc. Also Mehmood’s song sung by Rafi, “hum kale hai to kya hua dilwale hai” amused the crowds.

From 1965, Manoj kumar associated himself with patriotic films and his film Shaheed based on the life of Bhagat Singh became very big hit with Rafi’s song “ay watan ay watan” creating patriotic passion in the minds of numerous Indians. Bhagat Singh had been remade in the recent years with Ajay Devgan and Bobby Deol playing the role that Manoj Kumar had played before. He was inspired by the slogan of Lal Bahadur Shastri, that is “jai jawan jai kisan” and made a film based on that subject titled Upkaar in 1967. the film showed the life of a farmer and also brought patriotic subject related to Indian army. Mahendra Kapoors’ song “mere desh ki dharti” became superhit and people identified Manoj Kumar as Bharat Kumar. Manoj Kumar received the film fare award for best direction for the film Upkaar.

Manoj Kumar’s other films like Aadmi, opposite Dilip Kumar, Patthar ke Sanam also became successful. Rafi’s title song in Patthar ke Sanam, astonished the listeners. He also acted in the film Do Badan, where music composed by Ravi and sung by Rafi, including “bhari duniya me”, etc., appealed to the crowd. Manoj Kumar continued with his patriotic films by either directing, or acting in films like Puram aur Paschim, Beimaan, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Kranti, etc. Puram aur Paschim depicted the relationship of life of the eastern countries and western countries.He received the film fare award for the best actor in 1972 for performing in the film Beimaan.

He also acted in a number of crime thrillers like Anita and in the major number of these films he played the role of the doctor. In the 80s his film Kranti, which was based on the freedom movement of India became successful with Dilip kumar, Shatrughun Sinha also providing notable performances. His films should be restored for revisiting the freedom struggle movement of India and admiring his patriotic spirit displayed in several films.