Monday 31 July 2017

Mohammad Rafi-The Effortless Singer


It’s been 37 years since Rafi passed away on July 31, 1980, he was only 55. His impact on Hindi cinema and his contributions to the Hindi film song cannot be outlined in a few hundred or thousand words.His effortless singing is almost impossible to match.He sang for Raj Kapoor , Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor,Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Jeetendra and Amitabh Bachchan,he also sang for Kishore Kumar.In this Blog I have selected my favorite 15  Solo songs he sung for Dev Anand.
 It is an established truth that Rafi had a peerless skill to twist his voice according to the Hero, so he did perfectly for Dev Anand.If you carefully watch the videos of these songs, you will find that the lips movement and expressions given on face by Dev Anand, perfectly matches the Rafi’s throw of words. Rafi sang for Dev Anand  (One year before than Kishore ) “Sawan ki gahatao dheere dheere aana” Aage Badho in 1947.
There are number of Rafi song in the classic movies of Dev Anand like CID, Nau Do Gyarah, Kala Bazar, Kalapani, Hum Dono, Sharabi, Love Marriage, Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Maya, Asli Naqli, Guide, Jewel Thief, Teen Devian, Gambler, etc.Here are my top 15 favorite songs.
Song from Tere Ghar Ke Samne 1963



Song from Kala Bazar 1960




Song from Hum Dono 1961




Song from Kala Paani 1958




Song from Guide 1965




Song from Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961)




Song from Asli Naqli (1963)



Song from Maya (1961)



Song from Asli Naqli (1963)




Song from Sharabi (1964)




Song from Kala Bazar (1960)




Song from Guide (1965)




Song from Bombai Ka Babu (1960)




Song from Gambler (1971)




Song from Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962)





Saturday 29 July 2017

A Tribute to JOHNY WALKER-The man who brought smiles to many faces in the Golden Era of Bollywood


Today on the 14th Death Anniversary of the Star comedian Johny Walker I pay my Tribute to him with the 15 Rare songs picturised on him.Johnny Walker was a man of many talents. He could play all kinds of roles but people wanted to watch him as a funny man always.His real name was Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi. He worked as an extra in films on Sundays and was spotted by the great Balraj Sahni entertaining the crowd actors Guru Dutt gave him a break with Baazi in 1950 and changed his name to Johny Walker,a popular brand of whiskey.It was Navketan and Guru Dutt who gave him roles, His Aye dil hain mushkil jeena yahan picturised on Johnny Walker became a rage and distributors insisted that a song be picturised on him in every film.
Song from Taxi Driver 1954

Song from Chandan (1958)


Song from Khota Paisa (1958)


Song from  Marine Drive 1955


Song from  Railway Platform 1955


Song from  Naya Andaz 1956


Song from Choo Mantar  1956


Song from Johnny Walker  1957


Song from  Mr. X 1957 Audio only


Song from Gateway of India 1957


Song from Amar Deep 1958


Song from Mr. Qartoon M.A. 1958


Song from Paigham. 1959


Song from Ek Phool Chaar Kaante. 1960


Song from Ghar Basake Dekho 1963

Wednesday 26 July 2017

Songs Picturised on famous Vilains of Bollywood


Villains play an important part of any Bollywood movie.Villainous characters have generated fear, hatred and power amongst audiences through the iconic roles they have portrayed.But these villains of bollywood also have  played  other characters also.Many hit songs were picturised on them,In this blog I have taken such songs which were picturised on them.

K.N. Singh- one of the earliest and most memorable bad guys of Bollywood.Singh’s menacing tall frame and sharp eyes intimidated audiences. With his special suiting style and distinctive voice, he was known for portraying a ‘gentleman’ type of villain.Kishore Kumar presented him in a totally different avataar, in his mad mad comedy, Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi (1974). Watch him Dancing on screen and notice, how superbly Kishore Kumar has tried to imitate KN Singh saab's voice and style in his singing.
Song from Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi (1974)
 Jeevan- villain in many films of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He has played the role of Narad Muni in more than 60 films .Jeevan appeared in several of Dev Anand films from 1946–1978 and in Manmohan Desai movies like Amar Akbar Anthony and Dharam Veer as villain.In 1966 he played a comic character in Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya where a song was picturised on him
Song from  Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya 1966

Pran-his first film was in Punjabi called Yamla Jat (1940), where he played a villain. It was a huge hit.In one of his early films, Pran played hero to Noor Jehan in Khandaan (1942).Ziddi in 1948 was his first film of bollywood as villain After that he plyed Villain role in 100s of films,Pran brought many of his intense shady characters to life through various accents, hairstyles, facial looks and mannerisms.After doing negative roles for a long time, it was Manoj Kumar who gave him the positive role of a handicapped person in Upkaar (1967).As a character artist many hit songs were picturised on him.

Song from Jis Desh Main Ganga Behti Hai 1960


Song from Half Ticket 1962




Song from Upkar 1967




Song from Victoria No 203 (1972)




Song from Dharma 1973



Song from Zanjeer 1973



Song from Majboor 1974





Song from Kasauti 1974

Ajit - villain known for his supreme dialogues, including: “Mona darling,” from Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973) ,: “Lilly don’t be silly,” in Zanjeer (1973).and  “Sara shehar mujhe lion ke naam se jaanta hai.” from Kalicharan 1976.His stylish acting along with his golden wigs, cigars and nightgowns made him one of the most dashing villains of Bollywood.He started as a hero  and did quite a few creditable films as lead artiste in NastikBada BhaiMilanBaradariDholak and later as a second lead in Mughal-e-Azam and Naya Daur.Ajit switched over to play the villain. His first movie as a villain was Suraj,1966 followed by films such as Zanjeer and Yaadon Ki Baaraat.and Kalicharan.

Songs from Anand Math (1952)


Song from Halaku 1956




Song from Naya Daur (1957)

Prem Chopra -popular for villain roles in Bollywood.His unique style of dialogues made him look more dangerous on-screen.He added a new dimension to his dirty-minded roles with the famous dialogue: “Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra,” in Bobby (1973). His peak period as main villain in Hindi films was from 1967-1994.He played the main lead in 1970 box-office hit small budget comedy film Samaj Ko Badal Dalo as lead hero and was paired opposite Telugu actresses Kanchana and Sarada. The song sung by Rafi and picturised on Prem Chopra -Tum Apni Saheli Ko Itna Bata Do Ki Usse Koi Pyar Karne Laga Hai from this 1970 film 

Song from Samaj Ko Badal Dalo 1970




Song from Nafrat(1973)

Amjad Khan - ‘Gabbar Singh’ from Sholay (1975), Amjad Khan’s fantastic performance as the dacoit leader shot him to overnight fame.He worked in over 130 films in a career spanning nearly twenty years. He enjoyed popularity for his villainous roles in Hindi films,He is also acclaimed for playing many unconventional roles. In the critically acclaimed film Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977) (based on the novel of the same title) by Munshi Premchand and directed by Satyajit Ray, Khan played the helpless and deluded monarch Wajid Ali Shah, He excelled at playing comical characters in films such as Qurbani (1980), Love Story, and Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986).

Song from Qurbani 1980




Song from Yaarana 1981





Song from Teri Maang Sitaron Se Bhar Doon 1982

Danny Denzongpa-made his mark as a villain in movies such as Hum (1991) and Ghatak (1996).He has acted in around 190 Hindi films since 1971.With his slick back hair and cool sunglasses in Agneepath, Danny recited the stylish dialogue: “Bohat dino baad ek Hindustani machli hamare samundar mein dikhai diya.”His best known villainous roles are from Dhund36 GhanteBandishJeeo Aur Jeene DoDharm Aur QanoonAgneepath and is remembered for his performances in positive roles like in FakiraChor Machaye ShorDevata (1978 film)KalicharanBulundi and Adhikar (1986 film).He also sings here I am posting a Rare song

Danny denzongpa and Asha Bhosle Very old Nepali song

Stage Performance

Another song from the 1972 film Yeh Gulistan Hamara  In this song Danny has given playback for Johny walker



Yeh Gulistan Hamara 1972



Song from Mere Apne 1971




Song from KALA SONA 1975, Danny sings for himself




Song from Lahu Ke Do Rang(1979)




Song from Bulandi 2000

Amrish PuriHe is remembered for playing iconic negative roles in Hindi cinema .His famous dialogue: “Mogambo Khush Hua,” in Mr India (1987) elevated his status to new heights. He was noticed in the 1980 super-hit movie Hum Paanch in which he played the main villain.In 1982, Puri played the main villain, Jagavar Choudhary in the Subhash Ghai super-hit film Vidhaata. That same year, he again played the main villain, JK in the movie Shakti starring two legends- Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. Next, in 1983, Subhash Ghai again cast him as the main villain, Pasha in the superhit movie Hero.

Song from Pardes




Song from Tahalka 1992

Shakti Kapoor - Known for his villainous and comic roles in Hindi films, he has featured in more than 700 films throughout his career.Chaalbaz,Aankhen,Mai Khiladi Tu anari,Gunda are some of his memorable films as villain.

Song from Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri 1990



Song from Veeru Dada 1990



Song from Naachne wale Gaane Wale

Gulshan Grover -He is also known with the name "Bad Man" in Bollywood.He  has appeared in over 400 films. He has  played villainous roles in films such as Ram Lakhan (1989) and International Khiladi (1999).



Song from Yaariyan



Song from Dariyadil












Monday 24 July 2017

Happy Birthday MANOJ KUMAR-Mr BHARAT


 Manoj Kumar, also known as “Bharat” Kumar for his nationalist and patriotic films like Purab Aur Paschim, Upkar and Kranti was born on 24th July 1937.He may not have Dev Anand's inborn flamboyance (or scarves collection) or Shammi Kapoor's maverick style but Manoj Kumar is a picture of sleek sophistication in his reliable stock of tweeds, bandhgalas and berets. 
The actor got his first big break in 1960 with Kaanch Ki Gudia, but it was Hariyali Aur Raasta that established him. He went on to star in romantic hits like Honeymoon, Apna Banake Dekho, Naqli Nawab, Do Badan, Paththar Ke Sanam, Sajan and Sawan Ki Ghata.Kumar's image as the patriotic hero started with the 1965 film Shaheed, based on the life of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri asked him to create a film based on the popular slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kissan (hail the soldier, hail the farmer).The result was Kumar's magnum opus and his directorial debut, Upkaar (1967). In it, he played both a soldier and a farmer. The film was also noted for the famous song Mere Desh Ki Dharti, written by Gulshan Bawra, composed by Kalyanji-Anandji and sung by Mahendra KapoorUpkaar was a hit and won Kumar his first Filmfare Best Director Award.
Manoj Kumar is a multitalented person he not only acted but also produced,directed and edited many films.His obsession with inventive camera angles and unique compositions is most visible and much appreciated by his colleagues, collaborators and cinemagoers.He has Keen ears for the music also.He deserves an extra pat on his back for extracting many unforgettable melodies like Shor's Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma, Kranti's Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi, Purab Aur Paschim's Koi Jab Tumhara Hriday Tod De, Upkar's Mere Desh Ki Dharti or Roti Kapda Aur Makaan's Main Na Bhoolunga, from his music directors and lyricists.
After Kranti, Kumar's career began to decline in the 1980s as all of his subsequent films failed at the box office. In 1989, he cast Pakistani actors Mohammad Ali and Zeba in his film Clerk. He quit acting after his appearance in the 1995 film Maidan-E-Jung. He directed his son, Kunal Goswami, in the 1999 film Jai Hind which had a patriotic theme. The film was a flop and was the last film Kumar worked on.
In 1992, he was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India. India's highest award in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, was bestowed him in 2016.
Song from Manoj Kumar's First Film Fashion 1957
Song from Fashion 1957


Song from Hariyali Aur Rasta 1962


Song from Ghar Basake Dekho 1963

A RARE SONG of MANOJ KUMAR
Song from Woh Kaun Thi 1964


Song from Shaheed 1965


Song from  Himalaya Ki God Mein 1965


Song from Do Badan 1966


Song from Patthar Ke Sanam 1967


Song from Pehchan 1970



Sunday 23 July 2017

Mehmood -A Comedy Genius


Mehmood was  the ‘King of Comedy’ undoubtedly.He was the only actor for whom the audience came to the theatre before the movie started. His huge fan following spoke of his dedication and talent. He was a superstar,his name helped producers sell their film in advance and his picture on the poster ensured that crowd turned up at the theatres.Many heroes of his time were insecure about sharing screen space with him. He was a star of Golden Era Of Bollywood.He was one of the few comedians who managed to deliver box-office hits with some films riding solely on his shoulders.His specialty was that he cracked a lot of impromptu jokes and that brought the audiences closer to him.As a Tribute on his13th Death anniversary I have selected 11 films that prove he was truly a genius.

Dil Tera Diwana - a 1962 Hindi comedy film. It stars Shammi KapoorMala SinhaMehmoodPran and Om Prakash. The music is by Shankar Jaikishan The music of the film was popular. Mehmood was given Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for this film.


Gumnaam- a 1965 Indian Bollywood suspense thriller film, directed by Raja Nawathe, and starring Manoj KumarNandaPranHelen and Mehmood The music for the film was composed by Shankar-Jaikishan.Remember the song Hum Kale Hain To Kya Hua Dilwale acted by Mehmood,he was nominared for Filmfare for this film.Mehmood played Butler in this film.According to film expert Rajesh Subramanian,a cold war prevailed between Mehmood and Manoj Kumar during the making. The latter even tried to influence the director so as to discard the song 'Hum kaale hain toh kya hua' (picturised on Mehmood) from the film. However, the song was retained and it proved to be a smash hit and one of the highlights of the film




Pyar Kiye Ja -a 1966 Hindi film directed by C. V. Sridhar starring Kishore KumarShashi KapoorMehmoodOm PrakashMumtazKalpana and Rajasree. Mehmood was given Filmfare Award for this film.Mehmood acknowledged that Om Prakash, who played his father in the film,equally deserved the award and his fabulous reactions made the scenes more entertaining.

Love In Tokyo -a 1966 Hindi film that became a hit at the box office.The film stars Joy MukherjeeAsha ParekhPranMehmoodLalita PawarAsit Sen and Madan Puri. Music was by Shankar Jaikishan while Hasrat Jaipuri wrote the lyrics.Mehmood got Nomination for Best Performance in a Comic Role


Padosan- a 1968 hindi comedy film. Directed by Jyoti Swaroop. It was produced by Mehmood,The movie stars Sunil Dutt and Saira Banu in lead roles. Kishore KumarMukri, Raj Kishore and Keshto Mukherjee played the supporting roles. Mehmood as the South Indian musician and rival to Sunil Dutt is among the highlights of the film. It was considered as one of the best comedy movies ever made in Hindi film history. Mehmood's portrayal of a south Indian music teacher was one of his all time best 



Waris-1969 Hindi ActionComedy film, produced by Vasu Menon on Vasu Studios banner and directed by Ramanna. Starring JeetendraHema MaliniPrem ChopraMehmoodAruna Irani, in the lead roles and music composed by R. D. Burman.He was awarded Filmfare award for this film.



Humjoli - a 1970 Bollywood drama film, produced by Prasan Kapoor on Tirupati Pictures banner and directed by T. R. Ramanna. The film stars JeetendraLeena Chandavarkar in the lead roles and music is composed by Laxmikant PyarelalMehmood played a triple role in this movie as Prithviraj Kapoor,Raj Kapoor and Randhir kapoor.He got Filmfare Award for this film.


Paras -a 1971 Hindi film starring: Sanjeev KumarRaakheeMehmood, Farida JalalShatrughan SinhaMadan Puri.Mehmood playing as Munna Sarkar,was given Filmfare Award for this role.



Main Sunder Hoon-1971 Bollywood drama film directed by R. Krishnan and Nazir Hussain. The film stars Mehmood and Leena ChandavarkarMehmood played Sundar who works in a hotel.He is a very funny, uneducated man, with a suitably funny face, opposite to his name.He falls in love Leena Chandravarkar who often comes to the hotel, and Sunder happens to meet her and amuse her with funny jokes. 


Do Phool 1973 Indian Hindi-language comedy film directed by S. Ramanathan. The film stars Ashok KumarVinod Mehra and Mehmood .He played Double Role in this film as Pavitra Kumar Rai 'Puttan' / Mani


Kunwara Baap- a 1974 Hindi movie produced by Amarlal Chabria and directed by and starring Mehmood.It's a film with a serious message about polio vaccination. However, Mehmood did some comedy scenes in the film to earn a Filmfare nomination as Best Comic, the only nomination for the film.The hijra song "Saj Rahi Gali" sung by Mohd. Rafi topped the annual Binaca Geet Mala'