Shakeel Badayuni - The Creator of Immortal Love,Romance and Dejection Songs

Shakeel was Naushad’s discovery; it was the composer who got the struggling poet a break in Kardar’s Dard, ending days of poverty for young Shakeel’s large family.He used his experiences of deprivation with painful intensity in his early lyrics.
He confined all his creativity to love, romance and dejection, resisting all temptation to write about social causes. 
Shakeel reached his zenith as lyricist in Mughal e Azam, with each song a lyrical cosmos in itself, the line ‘pyar kiya toh darna kya’ easily the most popular. Another great creation was penning a bhajan as authentic as ‘Man tarpat Hari darshan ko aaj’ from Baiju Bawra.
As the name suggest Shakeel Badayuni was born at Badayun U P on 3rd August 1916.When he joined Aligarh Muslim University in 1936, he started participating in inter-college, inter-university mushairas and won frequently. After completing his BA, he moved to Delhi as a supply officer, but continued participating in mushairas, earning fame nationwide. He was interested in to write songs for films so he moved to Bombay in 1944 where he was introduced in films as lyricist from the film Dard in 1947.
 The songs of Dard proved to be very successful, especially Uma Devi (Tun Tun)'s Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon. Only a few are so lucky that they attain success in their first film, but Shakeel deserved success which started with Dard and continued on over the years. He formed a lasting partnership with Naushad. Together, they would give many hits over the next 25-odd years.
 Among the scores they churned out together, are those of Deedar (1951), Baiju Bawra (1952), Mother India (1957), and Mughal-e-Azam (1960), that stand out. Other films they scored together include Dulari (1949), Shabab (1954), Ganga Jamuna (1961), and Mere Mehboob (1963). Although Shakeel Badayuni worked most extensively with Naushad, he also collaborated with Ravi and Hemant Kumar as well. His lyrics for the song Husnwale Tera Jawab Nahin and Ravi's music score both won Filmfare Awards for the hit film Gharana. His other notable film with Ravi is Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), while Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) is his biggest hit with Hemant Kumar. The title song from Chaudhvin Ka Chand, rendered by Mohammed Rafi, won Badayuni the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1961.He received 3 Filmfare Awards in 1962 for the song husnwale tera jawab nahin in the film Gharana and in 1963 for the song kahin deep jale kahin dil in the film Bees Saal Baad
Shakeel also wrote a substantial chunk of his songs for music director Ravi Sharma. Prominent amongst those were Gharana (1961), Ghunghat,Grahasti (1963), Nartaki (1963), as well as Phool Aur Patthar and Do Badan.
Shakeel Badayuni succumbed to diabetes complications at the age of fifty-three, died on 20 April 1970, at Bombay Hospital.

Song from Dard 1947

Song from Dulari (1949)

Song from Babul (1950)

Song from Deedar (1951)

Song from Baiju Bawra (1952)

Song from Dil - E - Nadan (1953)

Song from Shabab (1954)

Song from Mother India (1957)

Song from Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

Song from Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960)

Song from Ganga Jamuna (1961)

Song from Sahib  Gharana 1961

Song from Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) 

Song from Bees Saal Baad 1962

Song from Mere Mehboob (1963).

Song from Leader (1964)

Song from Ram Aur Shyam (1967)

The Trio of DEV ANAND,DILIP KUMAR and RAJ KAPOOR in 1960s

Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand combined to formed the trilogy of the Indian cinema in the 1950’s and 60’s.All the three started their career as Hero before Independence. In the 1950s all of them were in the peak of their career.Each had their own brand value and distinct persona and loyal following. ..
The decade of 1960s was unique for Bollywood in many ways.With the emergence of Shammi Kapoor, Rajender kumar, Sunil Dutt,and, Dharmendra the position of this trio became shaky.Out of the three only Dev Anand gave the tough competition to them
Dilip Kumar
He started his career with Jwar Bhata(1944).In 1949, he co-starred with Raj Kapoor in the film Andaz, which went to become a major success and made him a star. Tragic roles in popular films such as Deedar (1951) and Devdas (1955) earned him the title of “tragedy king”.He gave one hit after another in the 50s. His greatest hit film Mughal e Azam released in 1960,after that came another hit Ganga Jamuna in 1961.In the next 8 years only 5 films of his were released none of the film except Ram Aur Shyam in 1967 did well in the Box Office.In the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, Dilip Kumar acted in fewer films. Newer actors had taken the spotlight. In the 70s also he worked as hero in 7 films out of them Gopi released in 1970 was a hit,rest of the films were average on the Box office.His notable films in the 1980s and early 90s included Kranti (1982), Shakti (1982), Karma (1986) and Saudagar (1991) which were very successful at the box office.

Song from Andaz 1949

Song from Dard 1952

Song from Madhumati 1958

Raj Kapoor
At age eleven, he appeared in films for the first time, in the 1935 film Inquilab. Raj Kapoor’s big break, however, came when he played the hero’s role in Neel Kamal (1947) by Kidar Sharma.In 1948, at the age of twenty-four, he established his own studio, R. K. Films, and became the youngest film director of his time. His first movie as a director Aag (Fire) (1948) was an immediate success.
During the 50s he acted in more than 25 films as Hero and gave many hits.But in the 60s he gave only 2 hits Jis Desh Mein Ganga Nehti Hai(1960) and Sangam in 1964.

In the 70s he acted in 8 films not as hero except Mera Naam Joker.After the box office failure of his ambitious 1970 film, Mera Naam Joker he appeared along with his father Prithviraj Kapoor in Kal Aaj Aur Kal in 1971 directed by his son Randhir Kapoor.His last film appearances was in Vakil Babu (1982) where he appeared opposite his brother Shashi Kapoor

Song from Awara 1951

Song from Shree 420 (1955)

Song from Mera Naam Joker 1970

Dev Anand
He a break as an actor by Prabhat Talkies to star in their Hum Ek Hain (1946). His first success came with Ziddi (1948).In the 50s he appeared in more than 25 films and gave many hits every year.Some of these films are Baazi(1951),Jaal(1952),Taxi Driver(1954),Munim ji(1955),CID (1956),Nau Do Gyarah(1957),Solva Saal (1958) and Love Marriage(1959).

Song from Jaal 1951

In the 60s he appeared in more than 20 films and still giving hit films every year.In the 1960 he gave 2 super hit films Kaala Bazar and bombai ka Babu.In the next year (1961)out of 4 films released his 3 films were super hit(Maya,Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai and Hum Dono).Some of the other hits of Dev Anand in the 60s are Asli Naqli(1962),Tere Ghar Ke Samne(1963).Guide(1965),Jewel Thief(1967),Mahal(1969).In the 70s he appeared in 19 films and gave his career's super hit film Johny Mera Naam in 1970.Other hit films were Tere Mere Sapne(1971),Hare Rama Hare Krishna(1971),Amir Garib (1974) and Des Pardes (1978).

Song from Munimji 1955

Song from Guide 1965

The Most Memorable Performances Of Dilip Kumar

Dilip Kumar is not only one of the earliest superstars of Hindi cinema, but also one of the few legendary artists India has seen.. Born as Yusuf Khan in Peshawar on December 11, 1922, it’s said that it was Devika Rani who spotted him at Pune’s military canteen. She told him to come to Mumbai and offered him his first film Jwar Bhata (1944).Since then in 6 decades he appeared in 65 films.His span across a staggering 50 + years, is full of some classics and utterly dedicated performances.He won as many as 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Actor (Daag, Azaad, Devdas, Naya Daur, Kohinoor, Leader, Ram Aur Shyam, Shakti)
Daag 1952

Dilip Kumar won the first ever Filmfare Award in the Best Actor category for his performance in this film. The Awards were instituted from 1954. The film fared well at the box office and was declared a hit.Dilip Kumar played the character of Shankar .Who was  addicted to alcohol.He is attracted to Parvati (Nimmi), who also lives a poor lifestyle. Shankar wanted to marry her but being a drunkard her step brother Jagat Narayan refused. In a dramatic turns of events, Jagat Narayan agrees to marry Parvati with Shankar, Shankar quits alcohol and the film finally finishes with a happy ending.

Azaad (1955)

 It was the top grossing Hindi film in the year of its release, and one of the biggest Hindi film hits in the decade.After so many films Dilip Kumar played a light-hearted role and the result was this swashbuckling adventure. The tragic hero was transformed into a Robin Hood character who is also a master of disguises. He uses guile and charm to outwit the villain and woo the heroine played by Meena Kumari who too seemed glad to be out of her three handkerchief roles. 
Devdas 1955

The film had Dilip Kumar in the title role and Vyjayanthimala in her first dramatic role where she played as Chandramukhi, a hooker with a heart of gold and Suchitra Sen in her Bollywood debut as Parvati in the lead. Motilal, Nazir Hussain, Murad, Pratima Devi, Iftekhar and Shivraj were playing other significant roles with Pran and Johnny Walker in extended cameo appearances.
Dilip Kumar played a man driven by unrequited love into being a drunkard to perfection. His eyes are hazy throughout the film and his silences are eloquent. He got so much under the skin of the character that it’s said he had to go to London and consult Harley Street psychiatrists to overcome depression. 

Naya Daur 1957

For this film, Dilip Kumar won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for the third time in a row, being his fourth overall.Man Vs Machine was the theme of this pioneering film which made you question the price of progress. Director BR Chopra’s socialist strand was ever present in this humanist drama. Dilip played the rustic Tangewala to perfection, flirting outrageously with his firebrand heroine Vyjayanthimala. 
Madhumati 1958

The film stars Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala in the lead roles, with Pran and Johnny Walker in supporting roles. The plot focuses on Anand, a modern man who falls in love with a tribal woman named Madhumati. They are unable to have a relationship during their lifetimes and are reincarnated.Excellent performances by both Dilip and Vyjayanthimala. It won nine Filmfare Awards; including Best Film, Best Director, Best Music Director, Best Female Playback Singer, Best Dialogue, Best Art Directionand Best Cinematographer—the most awards for a single film at that time. It also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Kohinor 1960

Kohinoor cast Dilip Kumar and Meena Kumari to play a prince and princess of different kingdoms and was full of sword fights, songs and dances. This film is also notable for some rare comical and funny scenes by Meena Kumari, who is otherwise known as the tragedy queen. Its tone was light and it lacked the intense characterisations of their earlier films. It was a major hit of the year.It had great music by Naushad. Gems like Madhuban mein Radhika naache re (Dilip Kumar reportedly learnt to play the guitar to lend authenticity to the song) and Do sitaron ka zameen par hai milan regale us even today.

Mughal-e-Azam 1960

 Released on 5 August 1960, it broke box office records in India and became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time, a distinction it held for 15 years.Starring Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, and Durga Khote, it follows the love affair between MughalPrince Salim (who went on to become Emperor Jahangir) and Anarkali, a court dancer. Salim's father, Emperor Akbar, disapproves of the relationship, which leads to a war between father and son.

Ganga Jamuna 1961

The film stars Dilip Kumar, Nasir Khan and Vyjayanthimala in leading roles, and Azra, Kanhaiyalal, Anwar Hussain, Nazir Hussain and Leela Chitnis in supporting roles.The film features real life brothers Dilip Kumar (Muhammad Yusuf Khan) and Nasir Khan in the title roles.  It was one of the biggest hits of the 1960s and one of the most successful Indian films in terms of box office collection, domestically in India and overseas.Dilip Kumar's performance as Ganga is considered one of the finest acting performances in the history of Indian cinema.

Ram Aur Shyam 1967

This was perhaps Dilip Kumar’s last big hit as a solo star and what can be more fitting than the fact that he played a double role in the film? It’s to his credit that he was able to infuse two different personalities to the roles.Dilip Kumar’s capability isn’t limited to performing serious roles. He can play a light-hearted or comical character in a commercial film too with equal ease.
Immortal songs of Dilip Kumar

Song from Andaz 1949

Song from Aarzoo 1950

Song from Tarana 1951

Song from Deedar (1951)

Song from Daag (1952)

Song from Footpath 1953

Song from Azaad (1955)

Song from Naya Daur (1957)

Song from Madhumati (1958)

Song from Kohinoor(1960)

Song from Ganga Jamuna (1961)

DEVDAS-The Great Love Triangle of Bollywood

The 1935 classic DEVDAS by actor / director P.C.Barua , made in Bengali  later in 1936 Hindi  version played by K L Sehgal , gave Indian cinema its most recurrent theme : the love triangle.The story of Devdas touched millions of Indians in the 1930s who felt that his anguish would become their own if they dared marry against parental authority. This theme returns regularly every decade with the same name or different name.
When Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Devdas in 1917, he made an impression not only on Bengalis, but on the entire nation. Since then, the novel has lent itself to 12 official screen adaptations (10 completed and two abandoned), from the 1928 Naresh Mitra silent version produced by Eastern Film Syndicate to  Sanjay Leela Bhansali. and modern day Devdas by Anurag kashyap's Dev D in 2009.
K L Sehgal played the first Devdas in 1936  in Hindi version and P C Barua in Bengali version.Both the films were hit.Since then  Devdas became the most sought-after role for the idols of the Indian screen. Dilip Kumar, who had specialised in tragic roles earlier (Mela, 1948; Andaz, 1949; Deedar, 1951; Daag, 1952 and Amar, 1954) was considered the ideal choice when Bimal Roy planned a remake in the mid-1950s.

Devdas 1936

In 1936 the Tamil version directed by P V Rao,in 1953 a Telegu version was made later in 1974 another Devdas was released.Another remake in Bengali was made in 1979. In 1937 an Asamese version by P C Barua was made.

Devdas 1979 bengali

The year 1953 witnessed the filming of the novel in Tamil and Telugu by the Kuchipudi dancer-choreographer-turned-filmmaker, Vedantham Raghavaiah (1919-1971) with the superstar, Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Devadas (Devadasu in Telugu) in both versions. That brilliant actress and multi-lingual star, K. Savithri was Paro while the dancer-actress, Lalitha played Chandramukhi. Both versions were major hits thanks to three factors. The excellent portrayal of Nageswara Rao who reached the heights of histrionics, the empathy-rich acting of Savithri and the memorably melodious music.Devadasu was released on 26 June 1953, and the Tamil version was released three months later, on 11 September 1953. Both versions were critically and commercially successful. 

Devdasu 1953

 The multi-lingual star and filmmaker, Vijayanirmala made a Telugu version in 1974 with her star husband Krishna as Devadas. She was Paro and the buxom multi-lingual star, Jayanthi played Chandramukhi. The film had excellent music (Ramesh Naidu) but it did not do as well as expected. Interestingly when this film was released, the 1953 version (``Devadasu") was also released in competition and it attracted large crowds! The prominent filmmaker, Dasari Narayana Rao made ``Devadasu Malli Puttadu!" (Telugu, 1978) in which Devadas is born again while Paro is old and alive!

In Tamil came another re-hash of the tale, ``Vaazhvey Maayam" (1982) with Kamal Hassan as the hero.The film was a blockbuster and completed 200-day run at the box office. This film was dubbed into Malayalam in the same title as that of its original.

In 2002 Sanjay Leela Bhansali made Devdas ,Shahrukh Khan played the role.Bhansali has taken further liberties. Perhaps, in keeping with his hero Shah Rukh's overseas appeal, he sends Devdas to Oxford, instead of Calcutta, for his education. And for his Oxford-returned look he has made him wear vintage suits from London. 

Dev D released on 6 February 2009. Written and directed by Anurag Kashyap, it was a modern-day take on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic Bengali novel Devdas,The film is set in contemporary Punjab and Delhi, where familial ties are negotiated by the traditions of patriarchy and marriages are reduced to a game of power and "honour".
Now a 3D version of Devdas is in making.It will be an added perk to watch Devdas-Paro-Chandramukhi saga again, but only this time we will literally be in the world of Devdas with its 3D release.
Songs From All the Hindi Devdas

Song from Devdas 1936

Song from Devdas 1955

Song from Devdas 2002

Song from Dev D 2009

50 Years of RAM AUR SHYAM

Exactly today Ram Aur Shyam turns 50.the film was released on 15th Dec 1967.Ram Aur Shyam was the remake of the popular Telugu film Ramudu Bheemudu, which in turn was loosely based on Alexander Dumas’s The Corsican Brothers. The film was a super hit.
The success of Ram aur Shyam, directed by Tapi Chanakya, must be credited to two great actors – Dilip Kumar and Pran. The music by Naushad, with lyrics by Shakeel Badayuni, adds to the movie’s charm. One of the best songs is Aaj Ki Raat Mere Dil Ki Salaami Le Le, in which Shyam bids farewell to Rehman before abandoning his fake identity as Ram. 
Dilip Kumar played Double Role in this film.He got Best Actor award by Filmfare for this film.
He is both Ram, the timid and seemingly mentally-retarded son of a millionaire industrialist, and Shyam, a sturdy yeoman brawler with an appetite like that of the legendary Bhima of the Mahabharata. 

 Ram isn’t really retarded, just terrorized by his sadistic, whip-wielding brother-in-law, Gajendra (Pran, of course), who, goaded by an evil mother, keeps Ram, along with his own wife and daughter, virtual prisoners in their palatial mansion.
 Shyam is strong, brave and mischievous,he is  Ram's long lost twin brother Shyam (Dilip Kumar) lives in a village with his adopted mother Ganga whom he believes to be his birth mother. No one other than Ganga knows the truth about the twin brothers. He escapes to the city, after a mischievous conflict with Ganga, and meets Anjana, who is impressed by his personality. Anjana and her father confuse Shyam with Ram. Ram meets Shanta who thinks he is Shyam and takes him forcefully to his mother. Ram and Shanta develop feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Shyam decides to take the place of Ram to face Gajendra.
The scenes of Dilip Kumar as the flamboyant Shyam are in sharp contrast to those of the timid Ram, who is so terrified of Gajendra that he dare not look him in the eye. The thespian’s bonhomie with his co-stars Waheeda Rehman and Mumtaz is apparent, leading to relaxed and memorable performances from all concerned.
Only a truly fine actor like Dilip Kumar could have done pulled off the double act so convincingly, making Ram Aur Shyam a lasting treat for Hindi film buffs.

Songs of Ram Aur Shyam

Aayee Hai Bahar Mite Zulmo" - Mohammad Rafi & Chorus

Aaj Ki Raat Mere" - Mohammad Rafi

Main Hoon Saqi Tu Hai Sharabi" - Lata, Mohammad Rafi