Feroz Khan - The Original Khan of Bollywood.

Feroz Khan (25 September 1939 – 27 April 2009), his father belonged to Tanoli tribe from Ghazni of Afghanistan, He was born and brought up in Bangalore. He moved to Bombay to work in films.
He is one of the few actors, who flaunted his surname, those days changing names or no surname was very common and mandatory to stardom.
Right from the first film, he kept his real name, he is the original Khan. Though Dilip Kumar is also a Khan he too changed his name to get stardom in the Bollywood.
 He made his debut as a second lead in Didi in 1960. Through the 1960s, he appeared in mediocre films opposite starlets in fantastical dramas, including Reporter Raju (Chitra), Samson (Ameeta), Ek Sapera Ek Lutera (Kum Kum) and Char Darvesh (Saeeda Khan). In the Guru Dutt-Mala Sinha starrer Bahurani, he played the baddie. 
In his role as the wayward younger brother of Raj Kumar, he was noticed in the black and white  film Oonche Log (1965), He then played the second lead to Rajendra Kumar in Ramanand Sagar’s Arzoo, to Sunil Dutt in the thriller Pyasi Shaam, It was BR Chopra’s Aadmi Aur Insaan towards the end of the decade, in 1969, where he came into his own. It won him the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.
In 1970 released Safar, in this film the Hero was Rajesh Khanna but Feroz Khan played an important role in this film. In 1971 he appeared in 2 films as the 2nd lead to his younger brother Sanjay Khan( Mela and Upasana).
To improve his career opportunities as a leading man he started his own Production Company. He became a successful producer and director with the 1972 film Apradh, Mumtaaz was his co-star in this film. Apradh was the first Indian movie showing auto racing in Germany, it was a moderate success at the box office. After that, he produced, directed, and starred in the 1975 film Dharmatma, which was the first Indian film to be shot in Afghanistan and was also his first blockbuster hit as a producer, director, and star and marked the appearance of actress Hema Malini in a glamorous avatar. This movie was inspired by the Hollywood film The Godfather. 
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, he was a leading Bollywood star, directing and starring in many of his films. The 1980 film Qurbani, with Zeenat Aman, was the biggest hit of his career and launched the singing career of iconic Pakistani pop singer Nazia Hassan, with her memorable track "Aap Jaisa Koi". In 1986, he directed and starred in Janbaaz, a box office hit, In 1988, he directed and starred in Dayavan, which was a remake of an Indian Tamil film titled Nayakan. After directing and starring in Yalgaar (1992),He launched his son Fardeen Khan's career with the 1998 film Prem Aggan, which, however, was a box office bomb.  he took a long break from acting for 11 years.
He appeared in over 51 films in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and became one of Bollywood's popular style icons His last film as an actor was "Welcome" was a roaring hit in 2007. He died from lung cancer on 27 April 2009 at the age of 69. 
In this blog, I am posting some of his forgotten & rare songs

Song of Mein Shaadi Karne Chala 1962

Song of Reporter Raju  1962

Song of Reporter Raju  1962

Song of Char Dervesh 1964

Song of Teesra Kaun  1965

Song of Oonche Log 1965

Song of Ek Sapera Ek Lootera 1965

Song of Tasveer 1966

Song of Woh Koi Aur Hoga 1966

Song of CID 909 1966

Song of Raat Andheri Thi 1967

 Song of Aurat 1967 

 Song of Aaja Sanam 1968

Song of Anjaan Hai Koi 1969

Madhubala- A Journey from Baby Mumtaz to Madhubala

Madhubala (February 14, 1933 - February 23, 1969) the woman who was born on Valentine's Day as Mumtaz Jehan Begum in Delhi. She was one of the five children in the family. At the age of 9, she became the bread earner of the family. She was signed in for the film Basant in 1942 as a child artist as Baby Mumtaz.In this film, she sang two songs and one of them " Mere Chhote Se Mun Mein Chhoti Si Duniya Re "became immensely popular and got many films as a child artist.
 Actress Devika Rani was impressed by her performances and potential and advised her to assume the name Madhubala. At the age of 14 she got her first film as a heroine opposite Raj Kapoor who was debuting as a hero in the 1947 film" Neel Kamal"In this film her screen name was Madhubala. The film was not a commercial success, but her performance was received well. It was only a matter of time that Madhubala shot to fame and her work in the 1949 film Mahal got her the success she rightfully deserved. She was just 16.

Baby Mumtaz(Madhubala) in Basant 1942

As Baby Mumtaz, she worked in 5 films, Basant(1942) was her first film but her second film " Dhanna Bhagat" came after 3 years in 1945.. In 1946, her 3 films got released. Pujari released first in this film also she sang a song, the next release was "Phoolwari". It was the third highest grossing Indian film of 1946. The film was directed by Chaturbhuj Doshi for Ranjit Studios and is cited as one of the important films of actor Motilal. The third film of that year was Rajputani.

Madhubala in Neel Kamal 1947

Her first film as Madhubala was Neel Kamal which was released in 1947. The next year, she starred in a number of films, namely ‘Parai Aag’, ‘Lal Dupatta’, ‘Desh Sewa’ and ‘Amar Prem’. However, none of them did much to promote her career as an actress, in fact, she appeared in 12 films after Neel Kamal none of the films clicked in Box Office.
It was in the year 1949 that success finally came Madhubala’s way. She starred in Bombay Talkies production, ‘Mahal’, opposite seasoned actor Ashok Kumar. The film went on to become a major success and established her as a star. She was applauded not only for her talent, but also for her enigmatic screen presence and beauty. Following ‘Mahal’, Madhubala was seen in a number of successful films.

Madhubala in Mahal 1949

After Mahal, Madhubala's film Dulari was released the same year that stars Madhubala, Geeta Bali, Shyam, Jayant and Suresh. The song has the hit song "Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki" sung by Mohammed Rafi and featuring Suresh. Dulari was the year's eighth-highest-grossing.

Madhubala in Mughal-e-Azam 1960

During the career span of 22 years, Madhubala was known for her roles in more than 70 films of variety of genres such as Mahal (1949), Dulari (1949), Beqasoor (1950), Tarana (1951), Amar (1954), Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Howrah Bridge (1958) and Mughal-e-Azam (1960) with actors such as Dilip Kumar, Guru Dutt, Ashok Kumar, Dev Anand, Kishore Kumar and many more as her co-stars. Out of 73 Hindi films, only fifteen of them were successful at box office. She received her only nomination for a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in Mughal-e-Azam (1960).
Madhubala had a long relationship with actor Dilip Kumar, but instead, she married her Chalti Ka Naam Gaadico-star Kishore Kumar in 1960. Together they had worked in films such as Dhake Ki Malmal (1956), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Jhumroo (1961), Half Ticket(1962). Madhubala's life and career were cut short when she died on 23 February 1969 from a prolonged illness at the age of 36 thus ends the journey of Madhubala.
Madhubala is, by far, the most iconic silver screen goddess India has produced.

Watch Madhubala as Baby Mumtaz singing in her own voice 

Song of Basant 1942

Song of Neel Kamal 1947

Song of Mahal 1949

Song of Dulari 1949

Song from Tarana 1951

Song from Mr &Mrs 55 1955

Song from Phagun 1958

Song from Kala Paani 1958

Song from Howrah Bridge 1958

Song from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi  1958

Song from Barsaat Ki Raat  1960

Song from Mughal-e-Azam  1960

Songs were the Integral Part of Dev Anand Personality

Can you imagine a film with Dev Anand without singing a song in that film? Songs were always an integral part of his personality. Could you believe that he got to sing very few songs in his early films? Maybe it was a trend in those days but the heroines got all the songs. Between 1946 to 1952 he had 28 films but there were hardly a few noteworthy songs for him. Even in his debut production’Afsar’ he had no song. A film like ‘Aaram’ which had such good songs, one song -Shukriya ai pyar tera shukriya’ was filmed on Talat Mehmood himself and another great song ‘Ai jaane jigar’ sung by Mukesh was lip synced by Prem Nath. In another film, Manmohan Krishna playing a sidekick of Dev Anand had two good songs while Dev had none. Even in ‘Milap’ directed by his close friend Raj Khosla the Hemant Kumar song Yeh baharon ka samaan filmed on Dev Anand is edited out in the film while the female version is there. It was only, later on, say after 1955 that he got to sing many songs and he developed his signature style in song picturisations.

It is also seen that the majority of the songs from his movies are lip-synced by him. A solo or a duet – but Dev Anand got to lip sync even if it was a word or 2.He even appear in the frame whether he has no line to lip sync.

In this Blog I have selected those songs where Dev Anand is in the same frame with his co-actor but not lip syncing.

The first song in my list is from CID (1956), the song is Boojh Mera Kya Naam Re

It is a complete village belle song but wouldn’t be complete without Dev Anand. He just smiles throughout the song and that makes the song so much more charming!!

Song of  CID (1956)

In this song from House No 44 released in 1955,Dev Anand  is a part of the song even if he is just humming. Like in Peechhe peechhe aakar all he does is just hmm hmm hmm hmm.

Song of House No 44 (1955)

The next song is Hum Jaan Gaye Sarkar Tum Lakh Karo Inkaar from the film Love Marriage (1959), here Mala Sinha is all delighted to tease Dev Anand. Insisting that he’s in love and Dev Anand like an innocent boy keeps denying.

Song of Love Marriage (1959)

Another song in my list is from Bombai Ka Babu 1960, in this song Suchitra Sen is singing and dancing with her friends but Dev Anand appears on full frame.

Song of Bombai Ka Babu 1960,

Sach Hue Sapne Tere-Kala Bazaar 1960

In this song, Waheeda Rehman teasing Dev Anand while he is sulking. But we’re treated with a charming Dev smile by the end of the song.

Song of Kala Bazar 1960,

In the song, Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai from Guide Waheeda Rehman sings a solo but it will be incomplete without the caring and charming yet a silent guide beside her.

Song of Guide 1965

Honthon pe aisi baat is an all Vyjayantimala song, but here too Dev Anand gets to sing that inimitable call O Shalooooo. 

Song of Jewel Thief 1967

JAISE RADHA NE MALA JAPI SHYAM from Tere Mere Sapne 1971 is one such song ia a heroine song but Dev Annand in full frame

Song of  Tere Mere Sapne 1971

Koi Koi Raat Aisi Hoti Hai from the film is one such song where heroine Rakhi is singing a solo song but Dev Anand is shown in full frame even his photograph is shown in full frame.

                                                             Song of Banarsi Babu 1973

Lootmar, the 1980 film where a cabaret was picturised on Simple Kapadia, the song 

Jab Chaye Mera Jadoo-Koi Bach Na Paye here also Dev Anand appears on full frame

Song of Lootmar 1980

The Great Romantic Heroes of Bollywood

Starting from the black and white era to the present digital era, the romance has blossomed. As the generation changes the new actors take the throne of the king of romance. Shahrukh Khan is called as King of Romance but the original King was Dev Anand followed by Rajesh Khanna. Over the years, a number of Chocolate Heroes or Romantic heroes have emerged on the silver screen giving the cine-goers a feel of romance.
 Here are the great Romantic Heroes of Bollywood.
The first in my List is
Dev Anand.

Dev Anand gave us many romantic hits. Some of the great such films are Afsar(1950), Sanam(1951) both with Suraiya. Later Munimji 1955 was his a hit film. Another hit romantic movie was Paying Guest in 1957 with Nutan. Both of them have a great romantic film Tere Ghar Ke Samne in 1963.
With Waheeda Rehman Dev Anand gave Guide in 1965 and Prem Pujari 1970. Some of the great romantic films with other heroines are Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai 1961,  Hum Dono 1961,Maya 1961,  Asli Naqli 1962. Love Marriage 1959, Teen Deviyan 1965.

Song of Tere Ghar Ke Samne 1963

Rajesh Khanna

With romantic films like ‘Aradhana’, ‘Amar Prem’, ‘Daag’, ‘Mere Jeevan Saathi’ and ‘Aap Ki Kasam’ to name a few, Rajesh Khanna was one of the most iconic romantic actors of his time. He pulled off his lover boy image with ease and that wasn’t restricted to reel life only. Khanna had women swooning over him and if stories are anything to go by, it is said that girls used to send him love letters written in their own blood!

Song of Aradhana 1969

Rishi Kapoor

Rishi Kapoor began his career in a lead role with his father’s ‘Bobby’, started out as a romantic hero. With less violence and much romance in his long list of films like ‘Saagar’, ‘Chandni’, ‘Prem Rog’, ‘Yeh Vaada Raha’, ‘Laila Majnu’ 'Kabhie Kabhie'etc, Rishi Kapoor, too, belonged to the new breed of young romantic actors from the late 80s.

Song of Bobby 1973

Shahrukh Khan

 He made his Bollywood debut in 1992 with Deewana. Early in his career, Khan was recognised for portraying villainous roles in the films Darr (1993), Baazigar (1993) and Anjaam (1994). He then rose to prominence after starring in a series of romantic films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Mohabbatein (2000) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001).

Song of DDLJ 1995

  Shashi Kapoor

 Raj Kapoor’s younger brother entered the film industry when his eldest brother had a successful stint in acting and had turned to direction. With movies like ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’, 'Haseena Maan Jayegi;‘Kabhi Kabhie’ and ‘Sharmeelee’, Shashi Kapoor, set an image of a romantic actor and the audiences loved him in such roles too.

Song of Jab Jab Phool Khile 1965

Aamir Khan

Mr Perfectionist entered into Bollywood as a chocolate-hero in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and had sustained likewise in several films to follow—from Love, Love, Love, Dil, Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin,  Raja Hindustani, Ishq. Now, no matter how much of a social activist he becomes, tearing off the garb of a chocolate-hero is just impossible! 

Song of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak 1989

Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor is steadily climbing the ladder to becoming the king of the romance of today’s times. His films like ‘Rockstar’, ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, ‘Saawariya’, ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ and the rest prove – like father, like son!

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Raj Kapoor

Raj Kapoor (1924-1988) perfected a screen image of a lovable, Chaplin-like tramp with roles that often saw him playing an innocent lad in an unjust society, His pairing with Nargis gave us some of the iconic films.

Song of Shree 420  (1955)

MEHMOOD - The Original Bhaijaan

Today Salman Khan is known as the Bhaijaan of Hindi Film Industry but the original Bhaijaan was Mehmood. At his peak, he was paid more than the film’s hero. Mehmood had a big heart too. He helped many struggling actors find work in the industry. When Amitabh Bachchan was new to Mumbai and still struggling to find a foothold in the industry, it was Mehmood who helped him and offered him a room at his own house. He gave Amitabh the hero’s role in Bombay To Goa in 1972. It was due to this movie that writer duo Salim- Javed picked Amitabh for the iconic role of  Inspector Vijay Khanna in the action film Zanjeer.
There was a time It was difficult to imagine Hindi film comedy without Bollywood’s original Bhaijaan. His movie comes with an assurance of fun, frolic, drama, dance and great music. Well, dancing came naturally to him and so did acting and performance. There was no movie without a song of Mehmood.
In this Blog I have included some of the forgotten hit songs of Mehmood.this will refresh your memory.

Song of  Parvarish (1958)

Song of Howrah Bridge (1958) 

Song of Chhoti Bahen (1959)

Song of Pyase  Panchhi 1961

Song of Pyase  Panchhi 1961

Song of Sasural 1961

Song of Aarti 1962

Song of Grahasti (1963)

Song of Hamrahi (1963)

Song of  Shabnam 1964

Song of Bhoot Bangla 1965

Song of Pati Patni' (1966)

Song of  Around the World 1967

Song of Jawab 1970

Song of Main Sundar Hoon (1971)

If Hollywood can be punctual, why can't Bollywood

Bollywood is always been known as the most undisciplined and mismanaged Industry. A handful of actors like Amitabh Bachchan do come on time for every event, but we can count professionals like him on our fingers.On the other hand the Hollywood actors, with fan followings across the globe and with tons of commitments reach the venue bang on time. 
In Hollywood, not just interviews, even red carpet events with thousands of fans go as per schedule. If the premiere is at 7 pm, the talent will start coming one by one at 7 pm. The event will end at 8 pm.
In Bollywood even during the Golden Era the indiscipline was there.We have heard horror stories of stars making even filmmakers wait. Isn't it funny that the production crew is on time, the dancers are always waiting in their costumes, the entire set crew is ready, but the lead star is always stuck in traffic? 

Kishore Kumar  was infamous for being always late,Raj Kumar was also infamous for his tantrums. Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar were known for their discipline and professionalism.In the 70s Rajesh Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha were infamous for their late comings while the most discipline star remains Amitabh Bachchan. There are many stories about his punctuality.Many time he reported at the studio well before production team or the gatekeeper arrives.Due to his punctuality, he occasionally opens the gate of Filmistan studio all by himself.

Of the present lot Akshay Kumar and John Abraham are very punctual.Out of three Khans Aamir Khan is always on time. Salman Khan is infamous for coming late.Before him it was Govinda who was infamous for coming late on the sets.

Among the heroines Kajol and Karina Kapoor are  late comers. During an interview with Aamir Khan, he mentioned he is not too fond of working with Kajol because she is one of the most non-punctual actresses to work with. Is that why we haven't seen them together after Fanaa  while Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra are very disciplined.