This BLOG is about the Past of Hindi Films Specially Black and White Cinema We will refresh your memories by bringing out forgotten or unseen songs and clippings of film scenes We will try to give you as much information as we gather from our research.
This Blog was started as a one-man’s passion for film history but has now become an addiction for many music lovers who are equally passionate about Hindi films
Showing posts with label character actor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label character actor. Show all posts
He never ever wanted to become an actor. He came to Bombay to become a director. Those days, actors were looked down upon. They were believed to come from the lowest strata of society. So he joined Bombay Talkies as a technician. he worked in the camera department. Later, he was made a lab assistant." It was sheer fluke that he became an actor. He got the lead role in Jeevan Naiya (1936), a Bombay Talkies production. His first big hit was Achhut Kanya (1936), where he again paired with Devika Rani.
.He was the first superstar of Hindi cinema as well as the first lead actor to play an anti-hero. He was the hero of the first blockbuster film(Kismet 1943) of Indian cinema. He also became the first star to reinvent himself, enjoying a long and hugely successful career as a character actor. He was also the first Bollywood star to enter the small screen (TV)
Post Kismet, Ashok Kumar became the most bankable star of the era, delivering a succession of box office successes with movies like Chal Chal Re Naujawan (1944), Shikari (1946), Sajan (1947), Mahal (1949), Sangram (1950) and Samadhi (1950). He produced several films for Bombay Talkies during the final years of the company including Ziddi (1948), which established the careers of Dev Anand and Pran, Later on, he quit the Bombay Talkies and started Filmistan Studio with Shashdhar Mukharjee, his desire to return to Bombay Talkies was always there." He re-bought Bombay Talkies in 1947. "Devika Rani had left by then. But the Talkies had fallen on bad days. The debts amounted to Rs 28 lakhs. We made movies like Majboor, Ziddi, Mahal and Mashal to repay the debts."
With the advent of the 1950s, Ashok Kumar switched over to more mature roles, with the exception of the 1958 classic Howrah Bridge. Despite the arrival of a younger crop of stars like Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, Ashok Kumar remained one of the stars of the era with hits like Afsana (1951), Nau Bahar (1952), Parineeta (1953), Bandish (1955) and EK Hi Raasta (1956). His most successful film of that era was Deedar (1951), in which he played second fiddle to Dilip Kumar.
Ashok Kumar played an important role in several landmark movies in the 1960s and 1970s, including Bandini(1963), Mamta (1966), Jewel Thief (1967), Aashirwad (1968) (for which he won a Filmfare Award as well as National Award in 1969), Purab aur Pashchim (1970), Pakeezah (1972), Mili (1975), Chhoti Si Baat (1975) and Khoobsurat (1980).
Ashok Kumar's last film role was in the 1997 movie Aankhon Mein Tum Ho.
He passed away on 10th Dec 2001 at the age of 90 following a heart failure.
This was the first song picturized on Sanjeev Kumar on his first film as a hero in Nishaan released in 1965. The song was sung by Mohammad Rafi and composed by Usha Khanna. The film went unnoticed but this song became popular.
He made his film debut with a small role in Hum Hindustani in 1960. His first film as a protagonist was in Nishan (1965). In 1968, he acted alongside the famous actor of that time, Dilip Kumar, in Sangharsh. Dilip Kumar was very much impressed with his acting. He appeared in the 1968 film Shikar, he got the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor He was praised for the 1970 film.Khilona(.
He started accepting the roles of an old man at every young age, recall him in Arjun Pandit, Sholay and Trishul,. His portrayal of the character Thakur, from Sholay, released in August 1975, was one of his stellar performances. In Naya Din Nayi Raat (1974), Sanjeev Kumar reprised the nine-role He also proved his ability to do comedy in films such as Manchali, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Angoor, Biwi-O-Biwi and Hero. His double role in the film Angoor was listed among the 25 best acting performances of Indian cinema
Jeevan (24 October 1915 – 10 June 1987),, played the role of Narad Muni in more than 60 films. Jeevan, born as Omkar Nath Dhar. He has played the role of Narad Muni in more than 60 films. No actor in the history of cinema has played one character so many times.
He wasn’t just Narad Muni, he was also one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic villains. The first time he became a villain in the 1938 film Rajkumari. He is also known for his style of acting and mannerism He came to Bombay to become a photographer but became an actor. His first film was the 1935 film,
In 1935, he was highly recognized for the role in ‘Romantic India’. In 1942, he was notable for his role in Station Master, and in 1946, he was notable for his role in Afasana.His popularity increased from the 1949 film Mela where he played Mehkoo, who lusts after one of the young village girls. He was also seen in many of Dev Anand's films. Recall him as Heera in Johny Mera Naam. Also, recall his character of Robert in the 1977 blockbuster Amar Akbar Anthony,
Jeevan in Johny Mera Naam
Jeevan in Amar Akbar Anthony
He also acted in “Naya Daur”, “Rangoli”, “Nagin”, “Do phool”, “Dharam Veer”, “Roti”, “Laawaris”, “Suhaag”, Waqt”, “Darling darling”, “Sangham”, “Naseeb”, “Takkar”, “Chacha Bhatijia”, “Humraaz”, “Aabru”, “ Bandhan”,“Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya” and many other films. His last movie was “Insaaf Ki Manzil” and it was released in 1986
Om Puri (18 October 1950 – 6 January 2017) was an actor par excellence. He displayed his skill in Art as well as Commercial Cinema. He acted in more than 300 movies, bringing many characters to life. He was an unconventional hero, he worked in Bollywood and Hollywood, and British Cinema. He was the first Indian actor to be nominated for the BAFTA award for his role as a Pakistani father in East is East.
As per his biography(Unlikely Hero- Om Puri), written by his wife Nandita Puri in 2011 he had relations with many women but couldn't continue long.In this book, she disclosed that he had sex with his maid when he was 14. He then went on to have another deep, personal, and sexual relationship with another woman who was a caretaker of his ailing, old father.
This was his second marriage to Nandita Puri. His first marriage was with Seema Kapoor, sister of actor Anu Kapoor. This marriage ended in 11 months. After 2 years he married Nandita who was a journalist She was 10 years younger than him, he had a son with this marriage. Their marriage was also not going well. Sema, his ex-wife once again emerged in his life. Before he died Om Puri was planning to divorce her and remarrying Seema again.
Now let's talk about his reel life. He is best known for his author-backed roles in films like Aakrosh (1980), Arohan (1982), Ardh Satya and television films like Sadgati (1981) and Tamas (1987) and also light-hearted roles in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) and Chachi 420 (1997).
His film was Chor Chor Chhup ja, a children's film He made his debut in the mainstream films genre in the 1976 Marathi film Ghashiram Kotwal. He came into prominence with Ardha Satya (1982).for which he got the National Film Award for Best Actor;.He had a cameo in the highly acclaimed film Gandhi (1982, directed by Richard Attenborough).In the mid-1990s, he diversified to play character roles in mainstream Hindi cinema,
His notable roles in commercial Hindi films included Drohkaal, In Custody, Narsimha, Ghayal, Mrityudand, Aastha, Hey Ram, Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha, Farz, Gadar, Lakshya, Dev (2004), Rang De Basanti, Yuva, Singh Is Kinng, Mere Baap Pehle Aap, Billu, Kyunki, Lakshya, Dabang, Bhaji In Problem, Khap, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ghayal Once Again. Puri was seen in the role of Mohammad Ali Kasuri in Road to Sangam (2009).
On 6 January 2017, Puri died at the age of 66, after having a heart attack at his residence in Andheri, Mumbai
Recall the personality on the Black & White screen, immaculate in his dress - a suit, overcoat, hat, and cigarette. A peculiar style of his own, raising his bushy eyebrows,tough looks, loud and nasty talk, and horrible laugh, cultured, and soft exterior. He appeared in over 250 Hindi films over a long career stretching from 1936 to the late 1980s.
Yes, I am talking about K. N. Singh (1 September 1908 – 31 January 2000) who was a prominent villain and character actor of Hindi films. He appeared in several iconic movies in the 40s and 50s including Sikandar (1941), Jwar Bhata (1944) (Dilip Kumar's Debut film), Humayun(1945),, Awara (1951), Baazi(1951) Jaal (1952), CID (1956), Howrah Bridge (1958), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Amrapali (1966) and An Evening in Paris (1967).
He was selected to represent India in the 1936 Berlin Olympics before circumstances compelled him to go to Calcutta to attend on his ailing sister. There he met his family friend Prithviraj Kapoor, who introduced him to director Debaki Bose, who offered him a debut role in his film Sunehra Sansar (1936). According to his nephew in an interview, his first film was Hawai Daku where he was the protagonist. No records exist of this movie now.
After that, he appeared in Karodpati(1937), Vidyapati (1937), Anand Ashram, and Milaap, all these films he did in Calcutta. He came to limelight after the release of Baghban 1938 in which he played the antagonist. The movie was super hit and his role also became super hit. His suave style, baritone voice, and menacing eyes became legendary.KN Singh and his friends Prithviraj Kapoor and KL Saigal were considered the pioneering stars of the Bombay talkies.
He appeared in many R K Films and Navketan films. He was in Barsaat(1949) as Bholu, Awaea(1951) as Jagga. He was in Baazi as Rajni's father, in Jaal as Carlo, in House No 44 as captain. He was in Aandhiyan, Funtoosh, and almost all the earlier films of Dev Anand. He was also a favorite actor of Guru Dutt, who took him in Baazi, Jaal, Baaz, and CID. He played General Barborosa in Baaz(1953)
As an actor, Singh's thirst for learning was legendary. For example, he studied the style and mannerisms of carriage riders to prepare for the role of a horse carriage driver in Inspector (1956).He played prominent roles in movies such as Jhoota Kahin Ka (1970), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) and Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972). His last prominent role was in the 1973 film Loafer.
He had the distinction of working with three generations of the Kapoor family. He acted with Patriarch Prthiviraj Kapoor in Bidyapati (1937), with Raj Kapoor in Awara (1951) and Rishi Kapoor in Rafoo Chakkar (1975).
Kishore Kumar made him sing and dance in his film Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi in 1974. This is a rare occasion we see K N Singh in a cameo role.
Song of Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi in 1974.
K.N. Singh turned completely blind in his last years. He died in Mumbai on 31 January 2000 aged 91 was survived by his adopted son Pushkar, who is a producer of television serials.
A K Hangal (1 February 1914 – 26 August 2012), was a freedom fighter, he spent 3 years in jail during the freedom struggle He was a stage actor till 1966. and later became a character actor in Hindi language films from 1966 to 2005. He has acted in around 225 Hindi films. He had the rare ability to imbue the smallest and the most ordinary of roles with quality and dignity
We all remember him as Imaam Saab of Sholay (1975). He started his Hindi film career at the age of 52 with Basu Bhattacharya's Teesri Kasam in 1966. He mostly played the roles of a father, uncle, or school teacher in many films. He was a member of IPTA was a friend of Chetan Anand who cast him in Heer Ranjha in 1970. His most notable roles are as Ram Shastri in Aaina (1977), as the Inder Sen in Shaukeen, as Bipinlal Pandey in Namak Haraam, as Anokhelal in Manzil.
Young AK Hangal
AK Hangal in Sholay
He was cast in roles that demanded piety, playing characters that carried the burden of their virtuous poverty with quiet and kindly dignity. Shaukeen was the film in which he played, along with Ashok Kumar and Utpal Dutt, a lecherous old man.
A K Hangal in Shaukeen
He did a number of films with Rajesh Khanna (16 films) a few significant ones with the Amitabh Bachchans and many others.The best performances in his later years were in Shararat (2002) his character roles in Tere Mere Sapne (1997) and Lagaan.
Shambhu-Kaka. of Lagaan
After 2007, Hangal had been suffering from an illnessand could not afford the treatment. Hangal made his last appearance in the television series Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon in May 2012, in which he had a cameo.Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon was a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema. He also gave his voice for the character of King Ugrasen in the animation film Krishna Aur Kans which was released on 3 August 2012. This was final work in his career before his death. He died on 26th Aug 2012 in Mumbai. The government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to Hindi Cinema in 2006.
Manmohan Krishna (11 August 1921 – 3 November 1990), a familiar actor of the 50s and 60s.He worked in nearly 250 films, notably Naya Daur (1957), Khandan ( 1965), Sadhana (1958), Waqt (1965) and Hamraaz (1967)] He won acclaim for his work in Bees Saal Baad (1962)and won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Abdul Rasheed in Dhool Ka Phool (1960), where the song, Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalman Banega, Insaan ki Aulaad Hai, Insaan Banega was picturized on him. He was a favorite for B R Chopra and Yash Chopra. Later in his career, he directed the hit film for Yash Raj Films, Noorie (1980),
He started his career as a professor in Physics and held a master's degree in physics. He anchored radio the show Cadbury's Phulwari, a singing contest.
Many people don't know that Manmohan Krishna started as Hero cum singer from the 1947 film Matwala Shair Ramjoshi (1947), he sang all the songs in that film. The next film he appeared was1949 film Apna Desh where he sang a song. his next song, 'Jhat khol de' in Afsar (1950), a Dev Anand film with music by S.D. Burman. He also sang in 1951 film Aaram where he played a comedian. sang the song 'Yeh Zindagi Hai Yo-Yo'. In the 1955 film 'Railway Platform' he sang a few songs.In this blog, i am posting these rare songs either in audio or video.
We all know Amjad Khan(12 November 1940 – 27 July 1992) as Gabbar Singh. He enjoyed popularity for villainous roles in many Hindi films, It was Satyajit Ray, who changed his image in the 1977 film Shatranj Ke Khiladi. He played the helpless and deluded monarch Wajid Ali Shah, whose Kingdom, Avadh. After this role, Dev Anand gave him a positive role of Buta Singh in 1978 film Des Pardes. Gulzar also gave him the role of King Akbar in 1979 film Meera. In 1980, he played the role of Inspector Amjad Khan in Qurbani and also sang a song. He played many positive roles in films such as Yaarana (1981) and Laawaris (1981) as Amitabh's friend and father respectively. He portrayed Vatsayana, in 1984 film Utsav. and playing comical characters in films such asLove Story, Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986), and Maa Kasam (1986) In 'Love Story', he was nominated for this film as the Best Actor in a Supporting Role. In a career of two decades, he worked over 130 films, many regarded as Bollywood classics. Starting as a child artist, he became the topmost villain and later a character actor. Many of us do not know that he made his debut as an adult actor in Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973). He briefly ventured into direction too and made a couple of movies — Chor Police (1983) and Ameer Aadmi Gareeb Aadmi (1985). He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Dada (1980), Best Supporting Actor – Yaarana (1982), and Best Comedian – Maa Kasam (1986) Due to his increasing weight, he died of myocardial infarction in 1992 at the age of 51. Several of the films he had completed were released after his death, until 1996. The first song picturized on Amjad Khan
Rehman (23 June 1921- 5 Nov 1984), was an integral part of the Guru Dutt team, and most known for his roles in films such as Pyar ki Jeet, Badi Behen, Pyaasa, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, like Guru Dutt he was also signed by Prabhat Studios as 3rd assistant director to Vishram Bedekar during the shooting of Lakharani (1945). He appeared as one of the heroes with Dev Anand in PL Santoshi’s Hum Ek Hain (1946), The movie was a success and Rehman never had to look back. Initially, he played lead roles, but as time passed, he accepted supporting roles and made his mark in some hit films. He will be remembered as the Mr.Ghosh, the publisher of Pyaasa; the insensitive Zamindar (Chhote Sarkar) of Sahib Bibi AurGulam or Nawab of Chaudvin ka Chaand, and Chinoy Seth of Waqt. After college (1942), he joined the Royal Indian Air Force and trained at Poona as a pilot. The Air Force didn't appeal to him and soon left for a career in films at Bombay. His first brush with acting happened almost by chance. Director D.D. Kashyap, whom Rehman was assisting at that time, urgently required someone to play the role of a Pathan in his film ‘Chand’ (1944). Since Rehman was the only one on the sets who could tie a turban the Pathani way, he got this role, for this role he had to speak one dialogue, he had to give 50 takes for this dialogue. The next film was Hum Ek Hain followed by Pyar Ki Jeet(1948) and Badi Behan(1949) as hero opposite Suraiya. Both films were hit but after these films, none of his films as hero clicked. It was Guru Dutt who offered him the character role in Pyasa Rehman also did key roles in ‘Waqt’, ‘Baharon Ki Manzil’, ‘Gomti ke Kinare’, ‘Dushman’, ‘Holi Ayi Re’. Rehman received four Filmfare nominations as Best Supporting Actor for: Choti Bahen (1958), Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (1966). In 1977, he suffered heart attacks after which he got throat cancer and died after a prolonged and painful illness in 1979. The song in which he appeared with Suraiya in Badi Behan will be remembered forever. “Chup Chup Khade ho, Zaroor koi Baat hai”, will always be in our memories.
