The Great Architects Of Golden Era Of Bollywood

The 50s and 60s was the Golden Period of Bollywood. It was the period that saw the Hindi cinema with melodious socials and melodramas with melodious & immortal songs.The films made during that time not only gave entertainment but also social & moral message..this period saw the production of some of India’s most critically acclaimed directors, actors and actresses,Music Directors,Lyricist and films of all time.  

V SHANTARAM -

 In 1929, he founded the Prabhat Film Company along with Vishnupant Damle, K.R. Dhaiber, S. Fatelal and S.B. Kulkarni, which made Ayodhyecha Raja, the first Marathi language film in 1932 under his direction.He left Prabhat co. in 1942 to form "Rajkamal Kalamandir" in Mumbai. In time, "Rajkamal" became one of the most sophisticated studios of the country. Through his 66-year-old career, was known to use cinema as an instrument to effect social change, advocate humanism and expose bigotry and injustice. He was also interested in music and actively participated in the music creation and production of his films. He was also remembered to have ‘ghost-written’ music for many of his music directors.He is most known for films such as Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946), Amar Bhoopali (1951), Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), Navrang (1959),
BIMAL ROY

-  He is particularly noted for his realistic and socialistic films such as Do Bigha Zamin, Parineeta, Madhumati, Sujata, and Bandini, making him an important director of Golden Era of Hindi cinema.He was a filmmaker of great and in-depth understanding of human strengths and weaknesses.He introduced the genius composer Salil Chowdhury to Hindi Cinema with Do Beegha Zameen , but also utilised his writing skills in at least three films. Do Beegha was based on a story Rikshawala written by him back in the ’40s. Parakh was also based on his story and Salil da wrote the screenplay of Prem Patra .

MEHBOOB KHAN -

 The maker of bold saga Aurat (1940),Anmol Ghadi (1946), the romantic drama Andaz (1949), the swashbuckling musical Aan (1951) and the grand social epic Mother India (1957).He set up his production company – Mehboob Productions, and later a film studio – Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai in 1954.

K ASIF -

 A film director, film producer and screenwriter who is famous for his work on the Hindi epic motion picture, Mughal-e-Azam (1960)..His directorial debut, Phool (1945), did very well at the box-office due to the casting of and portrayals by famous actors and actresses of the time such as Prithviraj Kapoor, Durga Khote and Suraiya. He became a successful director due to his perfectionism in weaving his imagination into an art form and gave birth to Mughal-e-Azam, a legendary film in the Indian Film Industry. He died at age 48. 

Raj Kapoor

Raj Kapoor  is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors and filmmakers in the history of cinema.^[5] He was the winner of several accolades including 3 National Film Awards and 11 Filmfare Awards in India.  He was a two-time nominee for the Palme d'Or grand prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his films Awaara (1951) and Boot Polish (1954).He established R K Studio in 1948  and became the youngest film director of his time making his directorial debut with Aag starring himself, He went on to produce and star in several hit films made under his R. K. Banner including Awaara (1951), Shree 420 (1955), Jagte Raho (1956) and Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960)

B R CHOPRA -

He was one of the architects of golden era,Best known for making Hindi films like Naya Daur (1957), Sadhna (1958), Kanoon (1961), Gumrah (1963) and Humraaz (1967).His first film as a director, Afsana, was released in 1951 and featured Ashok Kumar in a double role – the film was a hit and established his name in Bollywood. Chopra made Chandni Chowk, with Meena Kumari as a lead, in 1954. In 1955, B.R. formed his own production house, B.R Films. His first movie for this production house was the highly successful Naya Daur (1957) starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala Bali, the film became a golden jubilee hit. He was instrumental in developing the career of singer Mahendra Kapoor, 

GURU DUTT -

 He was an Indian film director, producer and actor. He made 1950s and 1960s classics such as Baazi, Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Chaudhvin Ka Chand. In particular, Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool are now included among the greatest films of all time, both by Time magazine's "All-TIME" 100 best movies.His first film as Director, Navketan's Baazi, was released in 1951..He also produced Aar Paar 1954 and C I D in 1956.

VIJAY ANAND-

 Also known as Goldie Anand, was a filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, editor and actor, who is known for acclaimed films such as Guide (1965) and Johny Mera Naam (1970). He made most of his films for the in-house banner Navketan Films.He was also the director of Teesri Manzil(1966).He gave us the films like  Nau Do Gyarah(1957),  Kala Bazar (1960),Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963),Jewel Thief (1967),Tere Mere Sapne (1971).

Actors of Golden Era
The three most popular male Indian actors of the 1950s and 1960s were Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, and Dev Anand, each with their own unique acting style.Other actors were Ashok Kumar. Balraj Sahni,Guru Dutt,Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar,Johny Walker and Mehmood while successful actresses included  Nargis, Suraiya, Vyjayanthimala, Meena Kumari, Nutan, Madhubala, Sadhana, Waheeda Rehman and Mala Sinha.

Music Directors Of Golden Era
Naushd,S D Burman,Shankar Jaikishan,O P Nayyar.Madan Mohan,C Ramchandra.Hemant Kumar and Roshan were few of the great composer of that time.

Singers of Golden Era
Lata,Geeta Dutt,Asha Bhosle,Suriya among the female Rafi,Talat Manna De Mukesh and Kishore Kumar were among the male singers.

Vijay Anand- A Committed Filmmaker

He was a trusted filmmaker who regaled cine goers with films that were as flawless and priceless as Guide, Tere Mere Sapne, Taxi Driver, Jewel Thief, Teesri Manzil and Johnny Mera Naam, to name a few.The youngest brother of stalwarts Chetan Anand and Dev Anand, was indeed an ace filmmaker, much ahead of his times. 
Born on  22 January 1934 made his directorial debut with Nau Do Gyarah, which he shot in 40 days.In fact  he wrote a screenplay, he hesitatingly showed it to Chetan Anand. The latter, being out of work, accepted it and shot Nau Do Gyarah in 40 days — with ghar ka hero (Dev Anand), ghar kiheroine' (Kalpana Kartik who was to marry Dev Anand), cameraman and music director S.D. Burman. Both Chetan and Dev Anand got a boost from the film, but Goldie, the writer, a small voice in the family, was sidetracked.
His next script was Taxi Driver,he gave it to Dev anand  on the condition that he (Goldie) would direct it. A reluctant Dev relented. Goldie left his studies (he was doing MA) and plunged into Taxi Driver. The film was a silver jubilee hit! Goldie never looked back. He then directed Kala Bazaar (1960) and Tere Ghar Ke Saamne (1963) for Navketan Productions.
It was the masterpiece Guide (1965) wherein lies Vijay Anand's claim to immortality. Interestingly, Vijay Anand had tried his best to dissuade Dev Anand from making the film. Dev was obsessed with the idea of turning R.K. Narayan's novel into a Hindi-English bilingual in collaboration with Pearl S. Buck. Vijay Anand was horrified when he read the script.He agreed to direct the hindi version only writing his own script.He went off to Khandala and after 18 days returned with a new script. The shooting in Udaipur was completed in 80 shifts.
Next Vijay Anand directed Teesri Manzil for Nasir Hussain. Guide had taken its toll on him and he wanted to make a light film which would make for easy viewing. He gave thrillers the kind of varnish job that made them gleam. It was the first time he directed outside Navketan.The film was a hit.After that he directed Navketan's Jewel Thief in 1967 which was also a hit,by this time he was the No 1 director.
Jewel Thief was followed by Johnny Mera Naam (1970), another superhit. It was so slick that the Principal of the FTII, Pune, showed his students this film to give them an example of a perfect mix of art and the commercial. 
In 1971 he directed Tere Mere Sapne for Navketan in which he acted also,before that he acted in  Kala Bazar 1960,Haqeeqat (1964).As an actor, his most memorable roles were in the films  Kora Kagaz (1974), (in which he starred opposite Jaya Bachchan) and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki(1978). Chor Chor was a songless thriller in which Leena Chandavarkar was his heroine. He acted in Ghoonghroo Ki Aawaz, Double Cross and Chhupa Rustam.
Vijay Anand was known for his stylish song picturization, such as the numbers; "O Haseena" (Teesri Manzil ), "Kaaton Se Kheech" (Guide ) and "Honthon Mein Aisi Baat" (Jewel Thief )
He served a short stint as the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, India's censor board, a position from which he resigned, in 2002, after he ran into ideological differences with the government over the introduction of ratings for adult movies.
Goldie, as he was affectionately called, died on 23 February 2004 due to a heart attack. He was aged 70

Song from Nau Do Gyarah 1957

Song from Kala Bazar 1960

Song from Tere Ghar Ke Samne  1963

Song from Guide  1965

Song from Teesri Manzil 1966

Song from Jewel Thief 1967

Song from Johny Mera Naam 1970

Song from Tere Mere Sapne 1971

Song from Black Mail 1973

50 Years Of Jewel Thief

Some films are defined by their repeat value. Thrillers generally don't fall in this category. But “Jewel Thief” is an exception.Jewel Thief is a 1967 spy thriller Released on 27th October exactly 50 years ago. It was produced by Dev Anand's home production, Navketan Films,directed by Vijay Anand.The film stars Dev Anand, Vyjayantimala and Ashok Kumar in the lead roles. It also features four bond girl-like actresses portrayed by Tanuja, Helen, Faryal and Anju Mahendru.

 The film's basic ethics are drawn from a Hitchcockian model, but Vijay wanted to play by his brother's image as well. So he carved his character in a James Bond mould, somebody who doesn't mind flirting with more than one woman to reach his goal.
The film hangs on the  shoulders of Dev Anand, who played Vinay, mistaken for his supposed lookalike Amar/Prince, the jewel thief.The biggest surprise of the film was the casting of Ashok Kumar against his popular image. 

The film’s complex tale is meticulously plotted, as are the various twists and turns that appear credible despite obvious contrivances. Jewel Thief is also extremely well crafted and nicely paced, and keeps the suspense going for a good part of its running length of around three hours.

 Vyjayanthimala is fine enough as the damsel-in-distress who has her own baggage to deal with. Helen, Faryal and Anju Mahendru effectively do their bits as molls, adding significantly to the eye candy value.

Another highlight of the film was its music SD Burman’s score is hip, lively and contemporary for its time. The songs are extremely well composed, be it the haunting Rula Ke Gaya Sapna Mera, the two romantic duets Aasman Ke Neeche and Dil Pukare or the deftly choreographed club song Baithe Hain Kya Uske Paas.How can we forget the classic song and dance Hothon Pe Aisi Baat Daba ke Chali Ayi and Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara.

The film was a super hit and among the Top 5 films of that year other being Upkar, Ram Aur Shyam and Farz

Songs From JEWEL THIEF 1967

VIJAY ANAND- A Writer, Director Ahead of His Time.

Remembering Vijay Anand also known as Goldie on his 83rd Birth Anniversary today  who was the visionary director of some of Bollywood’s most respected movies.
He was born on 22nd Jan 1934 in Gurdaspur Punjab,he was the youngest of the four Anand siblings, including producer and director Chetan Anand and Dev Anand.

He lost his mother when he was only seven, and he along with his other siblings went to live with his eldest brother Chetan and his wife Uma who raised him like their own child.
While still a teenager, he co-wrote the script with his sister-in-law Uma for his filmmaker brother Chetan Anand. The film was "Taxi Driver" (1954) where his other brother Dev Anand played the title role, and it was inspired by the crime thrillers of Hollywood. It was released through their home production company Navketan and became Goldie's first big hit.

 "Nau Do Gyarah" (1957) was Vijay Anand's directorial debut, which was based on his own script. The film starred his brother Dev Anand and Dev's wife Kalpana Kartik. It became another hit.
 His next film was the story of a black marketer and his redemption in "Kaala Bazaar" (1960). The film starred his brother Dev again, along with Waheeda Rehman. This was also the only film where all three brothers (Chetan, Dev, and Vijay Anand) acted together.The movie was a super hit.
In 1961 another hit movie came HUM DONO,the screenplay was written by him,it is said that he was the director of that film though Amarjeet's name appeared as Director.
In 1963  "Tere Ghar ke Saamne" (1963) with Dev Anand and Nutan was a romantic comedy that became another hit. 

His masterpiece as a filmmaker came with "Guide" (1965). Based on RK. Narayan's novel The Guide, the film is unforgettable for its bold themes about how a man (Dev Anand) and woman (Waheeda Rehman) live together outside the sanctity of a marriage. Composer S.D. Burman's songs were given stunning visuals. The film became a huge hit and won several major awards, including two Filmfare Awards for Vijay himself for directing and for writing the dialogue for the film. With Guide, Vijay Anand became the Hindi film industry's big star filmmaker.

In the next year  "Teesri Manzil" (1966) for producer and writer Nasir Husain. The film starred Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh and gave composer R.D. Burman (S.D. Burman's son) his first major success. 
In the next year(1967) another hit movie Jewl Thief released,Vijay Anand was at the pinnacle of his fame, it seemed like Vijay Anand can do no wrong. But his next film(Khin Aur Chal) proved otherwise. After three hit films in a row (Guide, Teesri Manzil, Jewel Thief), Vijay Anand experienced his first flop.It is said that the financer of that film intentionly made it to be flopped by releasing this film in only one show and that too without publicity.
  He bounced back with "Johnny Mera Naam" (1970), which grabbed the top spot at the box office in 1970. It starred Dev Anand and Hema Malini. Vijay Anand won two Filmfare Awards, one for editing and the other one for his screenplay.
In 1971 another film  "Tere Mere Sapne" (1971) based on the A.J. Cronin's novel "The Citadel." He also played a supporting role as an alcoholic doctor. His acting was appreciated in that film,the film was not a major hit.
 His subsequent films like "Blackmail" (1973), "Chhupa Rustom" (1973), "Bullet" (1976) as a director were major disappointments.
In the mid seventies he was more inclined tqwards acting in films, He acted in two major hit films, Kora Kagaz(1974) and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan ki (1978),
 In 1997, his older brother Chetan Anand's death devastated him. In 2001, he took over as the new censor board chief after Asha Parekh finished out her controversial three year term.
 His first marriage was with Loveleen, a marriage which took place when Vijay Anand was influenced by Rajneesh,and Lovleen had come to interview him for Russian Times, and wanted to marry him. This marriage was later dissolved by Rajneesh himself, when the couple could not go together. His second marriage was with Sushma Kohli, his sister's daughter. They have a son, Vaibhav,
He died on February 23, 2004 due to a heart attack that time he was in the process of making another film with brother Dev Anand.
My Tribute to him

Song from Nau Do Gyarah 1957

Song from Kala Baazar 1960

Song from Tere Ghar Ke Samne 1963

Song from Guide 1965

Song from Jewel Thief 1967

Song from Teesri  Manzil 1967

Song from Johny Mera Naam 1970

Song from Tere Mere Sapne 1971

Song from Blackmail 1973

Song from Chhupa Rustam 1973

Song from Kora Kagaz 1974

Song from Bullet 1976

Song from Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki  1978

Song from Ram Balram  1980

Song from Rajput  1982