HAPPY BIRTHDAY NASEERUDDIN SHAH

Born on 07/20/1949 or 1950 in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, did his schooling at St. Anselm's Ajmer and St Joseph's College, Nainital. He graduated in arts from Aligarh Muslim University in 1971 and attended National School of Drama in Delhi.

He made his acting debut in Shyam benegal's"Nishant"(1975).the next movie was Manthan.In 1977, Shah, Tom Alter and Benjamin Gilani formed a theatre group called Motley Productions. Their first play wasSamuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, which was staged at the Prithvi Theatre on 29 July 1979
He became active in mainstream Bollywood cinema with the 1980 film Hum Paanch. In 1982, he acted in the film Dil Aakhir Dil Hai directed by Ismail Shroff, opposite Rakhee.

 One of his most important films, Masoom, was released in 1983 and was shot at St Joseph's College, Nainital. His next major success in mainstream films was the 1986 multi-starrer film Karma where he acted alongside veteran Dilip Kumar. Starring roles for films such as Ijaazat (1987), Jalwa (1988) and Hero Hiralal (1988) followed.

                          Main Hoon Hero Hero Hiralal - Superhit Classic Bollywood Song - Naseeruddin Shah

Shah has acted in many Paralel Cinemas or Art Cinemas where he did many excellent movies such as Nishant, Manthan,Bhumika,Godhuli,Junoon,Sparsh,Aakrosh, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Ata Hai,Bhavni Bhavai,Chakra,Umrao Jaan, Bazaar,Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Katha,Woh Saat Din,Paar,Mandi, Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho!,Trikal,Mirch Masala, Ardh Satya  and Pestonjee to name a few.
He has acted in several multi-starrer Bollywood films as well, such as Ghulami (1985), Tridev (1989) and Vishwatma (1992). In 1994, he acted as the villain inMohra, his 100th film as an actor.

Shah was praised for his roles in the 1999 Aamir Khan-starrer Sarfarosh, where he played Gulfam Hassan – a ghazal singer-cum-terrorist mastermind — and in Neeraj Pandey's critically acclaimed A Wednesday (2008)

In 1988, he acted in the eponymous television series based on the life and times of Mirza Ghalib, directed by Gulzar and telecast on DD National.
Shah has also starred in international projects, such as Monsoon Wedding in 2001 and a Hollywood comic book adaptation The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in 2003 (co-starring Sean Connery), where he played the role of Captain Nemo.
 He worked in Vishal Bhardwaj's Indian adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, titled Maqbool, in 2003,In 2011, Shah was seen in The Dirty Picture.which was a huge hit.

Shah made his Pakistani film debut in Khuda Ke Liye by Shoaib Mansoor, where he played a short cameo. His second Pakistani film Zinda Bhaag was selected as the country's official entry to the 86th Academy Awards for the Best Foreign Language Film award.

He also tried a hand in Directing a movie  Yun Hota To Kya Hota, was released in 2006. It stars several established actors such as Konkona Sen Sharma, Paresh Rawal,Irfan Khan, then-newcomer Ayesha Takia, his son Imaad Shah and his old friend Ravi Baswani.The movie coldn't run.was a flop.
Shah has two sons from his second marriage, Imaad and Vivaan, both of who are aspiring actors. His second wife is well known stage actress Ratna Pathak who also acted in T V Serials.
In 2003 he was awarded Padma Bhushan Award,the Padma Shri was awarded in 1987.
He won 2 National awards for best Actor(Sparsh 1979 and Paar 1984) and one as Supporting Actor for IQBAL(2006).He was given Filmfare Award for best Actor for Akrosh(1981),for Chakra (1982) and for Masoom(1984).

A rare Ghazal sung by Naseeruddin shah in a movie AMAL

The Genie Award Winning ghazal written by Mir Taqi Mir (1723-1810) Composed and Sung by Dr. Shiva, for the film "AMAL' and filmed on Naseeruddin Shah. Dr. Shiva won the Genie Award (Canadian Academy Award) for this ghazal and became the first Indian Canadian Composer to win this award.

                                                      Dil To Bacha Hai Ji from Ishqiya

                                            Mera Kuch Samaan | Asha Bhosle | Ijaazat 1987 

Remembering Geeta Dutt on her Death Anniversary

GEETA DUTT (23rd Nov 1930-20th July 1972)

Geeta Dutt was born into a rich zamindaar's family as Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri in Faridpur, East Bengal in 1930. In 1942, her parents shifted to a Dadar apartment in Bombay when she was only twelve. K. Hanuman Prasad who lived in the same building took Geeta ji under his patronage, trained and groomed her in singing and later launched her into singing for movies. In 1946, she got the first break with an opportunity to sing in the mythological film Bhakta Prahlad for which Prasad was the music director. She was given only two lines to sing for a few songs.

              Jab chaand jawaan hoga: Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Beghum, Naseem Beghum, Munnawar Sultana

As early as 1946 she sang for the phenomenal music director, Master Ghulam Haider, in the film Bairam Khan which was a Mehtab (future Mrs. Sohrab Modi) starrer. Wali Sahaab penned the song JAB CHAAND JAWAAN HOGAA TAB CHAANDNI RAATON MEIN JANNAT KA SAMAA HOGAA.

CHHANN MEIN BAJEGI BANSURIYA. from Milan 1946

Milan, we remember as the Dilip Kumar starrer and the first Hindi film of actor Abhi Bhattacharya that was released in 1946. It had music by Anil Biswas the legendary Bengali music director. Geeta Roy has two songs, one being a memorable number: CHHANN MEIN BAJEGI BANSURIYA. The other song was TUMHE SAAJAN MANAAYEN TUM ROOTH JAANAA. In fact she had also recorded two songs for Milan's Bengali version, Nauka Doobi. The audios of these are not easily traceable. 

        TUMHE SAAJAN MANAAYEN TUM ROOTH JAANAA.from Milan (1946)

S.D. Burman heard Geeta ji's voice and immediately decided to have her sing in "Do Bhai". Geeta ji had this unconventional way of singing. The music of Do Bhai(1947) became a hit with "Mera sundar sapna beet gaya" topping the charts.

Mera sundar sapna beet gaya from Do Bhai

Yaad karoge, yaad karoge, ik din humko yaad karoge.

 Geeta Roy's fresh and melodious voice combined vivacity and pathos in such a way that, despite a pronounced "Bengali lilt," the song touched the pulse of thousands of music lovers. In the same film she sang the evocative "Yaad karoge, yaad karoge, ik din humko yaad karoge." It was remarkable for a teenager to sing with such maturity.
In the same year (1947) HanumanPrasad's "Rasili" was released in which her 2 songs "Naino Ki Pyali Se Hoto Ki Madira" and "Neha Lagake Mukh Mod Gayaa" became popular.

Kyun Baalam Humse Rooth Gaye - Geeta Roy - DIL KI RANI - Raj Kapoor, Madhubala, Shyam Sunder

1947 was a buisy year for Geeta RoyGeeta Roy recorded songs for B. Vasudev who was the music director of the 1947 flick, Neel Kamal - a Madhubala and Raj Kapoor starrer. Following were her songs: 

Song from Neel Kamal 

YEH HASEENON KE MELE ALBELE. A Duet with Shamshad begum

BOL BOL BAALAM BEDARDI TERI KYAA MARZI RE- with Rajkumari and chorus. 

MAA NE BHEJA DHOR CHARANE- with Rajkumari and chorus. 

AANKH JO DEKHE HAI DHOKA KHAYE HAI- with Mukesh and Rajkumari. 

JAWANI AGAR HOOK DIL KI DABAYE- with Rajkumari and chorus. 

BRIJ MEIN DHOOM MACHA JA - with Rajkumari and Bhatker. 

Bhookh was an Agha-Narmada-Shaikh Mukhtar starrer, where Geeta Roy recorded a duet song with Shamshad Begum: YEH HASEENON KE MELE ALBELE. Another song AANKH MEIN RAHE KYOON ASHQ was her solo song. So also IS JAGG MEIN GHARIBON KA NA KOI THIKAANA. Music was scored by Anil Biswas. 

Chitragupt was the music director of the 1947 release, Jadui Ratan (Magic Gem). It had her following songs: 

NAYANON MEIN AANA,MERE MAN MEIN SAMANA with Radha Govind. 

MERA NANHA SA DIL PIYA LOOT LIYO RE with Radha Govind. 

WOH RUT BADAL GAYI,WOH TARANA BADAL GAYA her Solo song. 

Mukesh Geeta Dutt duet

Some other movies of 1947, where Geeta Roy recorded her songs were:

OH RAAJA MOHE APNI BANA LE RE in Filmistan's Leela which had music by C. Ramchandra. There was a duet song of hers with Binapani also: MERI AANKHEN CHHAM CHHAM..KYA ISIKA NAAM.

Again, Filmistan's Shehnai had C. Ramchandra as the music director. It was a Nasir Khan-Rehana starrer. There was a comedy song: JAWAANI KI RAIL CHALI JAAYE RE which is filmed on the protagonists performing a stage-show in a fair. Along with Geeta Roy, there were Lata Mangeshkar and Chitalkar (C.Ramchandra) and chorus singing the song. In another song, CHADTI JAWAANI MEIN JHOOLO MERI RAANI, Geeta Roy sang along with Chitalkar and Binapani. This song was very popular in those days.

In Geet Govind (1947) Geeta Roy and G.M. Durrani featured in two trios with Abha for songs composed by Gyan Dutt: CHAMKAT DAMKAT DAMINI, and VIYOGAN DEEPSHIKHA SI JARE.

In Utho Jaago it was Aziz Khan who provided the music. Geeta Roy sang HANS HANS KE under his musical direction.

Gaon (Village) was also a 1947 movie the musical score for which was provided by Khemchand Prakash. There was a Geeta Roy-Mukesh duet which went: WATAN KI MAATI HAATH MEIN LEKAR. 

In the initial stages of her career, Geeta's voice seemed suitable for devotional songs. In fact in the Dilip Kumar-Nargis starrer, Jogan, many devotional songs, including ones written by Meera Bai were sung by Geeta, the most popular being Ghoonghat ke pat khol re, tohe piya milenge and Mai toh Girdhar ke Ghar Jaaungi.

Ghoonghat ke pat khol re, tohe piya milenge

Dil Ki Rani was another movie of the year 1947 the music of which was composed by S.D. Burman. Geeta sang: AAYENGE AAYENG RE; KYOON BALAM HAMSE ROOTH GAYE; BIGDI HUWI TAQDEER MERI AAKE BANA DE; AAHA MERE MOHAN NE MUJHKO BULAAYA for this Madhubala-Raj Kapoor starrer. There was also her duet song with two male voices: O DUNIYA KE REHNEWAALE BATAA. (This was the tandem of another solo in the movie sung by Raj Kapoor himself). 

O DUNIYA KE REHNEWAALE BATAA

The 1951 crime thriller, Baazi, was the game-changer. The movie showcased Geeta Dutt's voice in a new avatar to the audience and music directors alike. Few could imagine that her voice could carry a fast 'club' number.

Tadbeer se bigdi hui taqdeer bana le from Baazi

Geeta Dutt's chart-busting "Tadbeer se bigdi hui taqdeer bana le" in Guru Dutt's directorial debut Baazi(1951) was the turning point where "Geeta Roy's vivacity was matched every inch by Geeta Bali on-screen". S. D. Burman had turned a ghazal by Sahir Ludhianvi into a sensual club song much to the chagrin of the famed lyricist-poet: The ploy worked as Baazi proved a hit on the strength of that song alone.
S.D. Burman again took Geeta Roy for the famous Dilip-Kamini starrer, Shabnam. Her solo sound-track song was MERA DIL TADPA KE KAHAAN CHALAA. A duet version with Shamshad Begum of this superhit song also featured in the film. She also sang a duet with Mukesh: QISMAT MEIN BICHHADNA THA. Shabnam happened to be S.D. Burman's most successful movie by then.

QISMAT MEIN BICHHADNA THA. a song from Shabnam

S D Burman fully exploited Geeta Dutt's potential across the spectrum. "Aan milo shyam saanware" (Devdas, 1955), the duet with Manna Dey, has the unmistakable touch of the Baul folk music of Bengal. "Nanhi kali sone chali" (Sujata, 1959) is one of the most popular and heart-touching lullaby ever where Geeta Dutt's voice rings maternal love in every note. The bubbly exuberance of "Aye dil mujhe bata de" (Bhai Bhai, 1956) is in sharp contrast to the pathos of "Waqt ne kiya" in (Kaagaz Ke Phool, 1959).

Not that Geeta Roy did not sing under the baton of Naushad in the Nineteen Forties. She did so for the movie called Dillagi (1949). One of the most popular songs in the movie was the Suraiya - Shyam duet: TUU MERA CHAAND MAIN TERI CHAANDNI. Not many are aware that there is a shorter tandem version too of this song which was rendered by Geeta Roy for the supporting actress Shyama. However, no records were cut for this number. The only other song that she has sung for him is in Mehboob Khan's Son of India (1962): Mujhe Huzoor Tumse Pyaar Hai.

Baazi, which added a fresh buzz to Geeta's professional life, also brought good news on the personal front. It was during the shooting of this movie that she met then-upcoming director Guru Dutt. That was Guru Dutt's first movie as a Director,she was already esteblished singer by that time.Their affair went for more than one year ultimately they got married on 26th May 1953.Geeta and Guru Dutt had three children: Tarun (b. 1954), Arun (b. 1956), and Ninā (b. 1962). Tarun committed suicide in 1985. Arun Dutt died in 2014.

Babooji dheere chalna from Aar Paar

Ja Ja Bewafa from Aar Paar

Yeh Lo Mein Haari Piya

Jaane Kahan Mera from Mr & Mrs 55

Thandi Hawa Kaali Ghata from Mr & Mrs 55

Ironically, Dutt’s entry into her life became both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, as Geeta’s career blossomed and she sang some of the most lilting songs in movies such as ‘Aar Paar’ (1954) and ‘Mr. and Mrs. 55’ (1955). Both were huge hits. Coquettish songs such as ‘Ye lo main haari piya’, ‘Jaa jaa jaa bewafa’ and ‘Babu ji dheere chalna’ became chartbusters.

Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam from Kagaz Ke Phool

Geeta Dutt's singing career began to get affected. As her husband got involved with his new leading lady, Waheeda Rehman, the singer's career too took a dive. Ironically, she continued to be the playback singer for the actress.Geeta Dutt came up with one of her best renditions in the heart-rending "Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam," composed by S. D. Burman and penned by Kaifi Azmi where she poured out her pain, anguish and pathos in every word. 

With Guru Dutt's demise in 1964, Geeta suffered a nervous breakdown. It is said when she recovered, she realised her place was taken by other singers. However, the fighter that she was, she fought her way back, delivering a stunning performance in Anubhav, which also turned out to be her last performance. She ultimately succumbed to cirrhosis of liver and passed away on 20th July 1972.She was only 42 years old that time.
My tribute to Geeta Dutt with her last song sung in Anubhav (1971) "MUJHE JAA.N NA KAHO MEREE JAA.N..."

You are the darling of the nation,you are not physically present but we know that your voice remains,your songs remain at the heart among the millions of your fans all over the globe for all the times to come.

Rarest Of Rare Songs Of GEETA DUTT Non Filmy Song of Geeta Dutt   Geeta Dutt - Jani bhromara kaino - Gauri (Unreleased) A Duet with Mohammad Rafi from Unreleased film Oh Dhanwaan Tu De De from Gandhi Mandir (un released Film)  Rut Albeli Ayi Re from"Flying Prince (1946)

Hindi Cinema of 1950s

1950

 


1950s and 60s was the Golden Era of Indian Cinema.It was the decade when the Star System in present form started to emerge.Three Heroes ,Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor started to dominate the hindi film industry.Each of them with their their unique style of acting and films were giving hits after hits.
Ashok Kumar who was the Star Hero of 1940s was slowly loosing his popularity in the 50s as a hero.In 1950 the No one Hit movie was Samadhi starring Ashok Kumar but Dilip Kumar's Babul and Jogan were next to Samadhi.Raj Kapoor gave 2 Hit movies that year"Dastan"and "Sargam,"Dev Anand's "Afsar" and "Nili" were also among successful movies.
LATA MANGESHKAR emerged the female voice for the years to come,among Music Directors S D Burman,Naushad and C Ramchandra to dominate in Music Industry.

The music Directors like C Ramchandra,S D Burman,Naushad and Khemchand Prakash were the composers who gave hit music in 1950.Mahal's song "Aayega Aane Wala" by Lata dominated in early months of 1950,similarly Mukesh's"Tu Kahe Agar"of Andaz was also popular. "Gore Gore Banke Chhore" (Oh Fair Lad) sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Amirbai Karnataki, and picturised on Kuldip Kaur and Nalini Jaywant, becoming a popular song composed by C. Ramchandra

,A famous song by Talat Mehmood and Shamshad was "Milte Hi Anken Dil Hua Diwana Kisika".Naushad had Talat Mehmood singing for the first and last time under his baton. The famous Talat solo was "Husnwalon Ko Na Dil Do Yeh Mita Dete Hain" The film was "Babul". Another  popular songtht year was from the film "Sangram" was "Yaara Wai Wai, Yaara Wai Wai" 

Another song "Tara Ri Tara ri" sung by Suraiya and Mohammed Rafi, became a popular number was from the film"Dastan".S D Burman gave a hit song from Afsar sung  by Suraiya "Man Mor Hua Matwaala"

"Baaware Nain" came out with great songs by Roshan,The song"Khyalon Mei Kisike"sung by Mukesh and Geeta Dutt and "Teri Duniya Mein Dil Lagta Nahin" by Mukesh were immensely popular.

Khyalon Mei Kisike"sung by Mukesh and Geeta Dutt

Teri Duniya Mein Dil Lagta Nahin

Madan Mohan's first movie as composer"Ankhen"also had popular music of that time"Preet Lagake Maine" by Mukesh and duet of Mukesh and Shamshad Begum "Hamse Nain Milana" with funny words and catchy music are worth mentioning.

Preet Lagake Maine from Ankhen

Hamse Nain Milana from Ankhen

A Rare Song of Talat Mahmood from the film Anmol Ratan

Every song of this film was a masterpiece. Music Director Vinod has dumped all his talents to decorate songs with superb melodeous tunes. Songs like this "Jab Kisi Ke Rukh Pe", "Yaad aane wale phir yad", 'Shikwa tera main gaon - Lata Talat and "Dard mila hay teri payar ki nishani"" chand wahi hay"" meri ghoonghat men do nain - Lata " Lakhon me ek hamare sajna - Nirmla Devi are immortal. Lyrics are penned by D N Madhok.

Infact Anmol Rattan was Talat Mahmood's first movie as a singer but  Arzoo(1950) was released earlier the credit of Talat's first song goes to composer Anil Biswas for the song "Ae Dil Mujhe Aisi Jagah Le Chal". The popularity of that ghazal had Vinod choose Talat for one more film Wafa (1950). Playback singers included Talat Mahmood, Lata Mangeshkar, Nirmala and Asha Bhosle

Ae Dil Mujhe Aisi Jagah Le Chal

Jogan is a 1950 Bollywood romantic drama film directed by Kidar Nath Sharma and starring Dilip Kumar andNargis. It features the song, "Ghungat ke pat khol" sung by Geeta Dutt. Rajendra Kumar in his film debut plays a small role.There were 14 songs in that film,Geeta Dutt sang 11 of them.

Ghungat ke pat khol from Jogan

In the same year music of Dev Anand's movie "Dilruba"also became popular,the music was composed by Gyan Dutt,The romantic song 'Hum Ne Khai Hai Mohabbat Ki Kasam"sung by Geeta Dutt and G M Durrani

Hum Ne Khai Hai Mohabbat Ki Kasam from Dilruba

Another Dev Anand's movie Niralaa had good songs,here is a Lata Mangeshkar song which was very popular acted by Madhubala.Music was given by C Ramchandra.

Aisee Muhobbat Se Ham Baaj Aaye from Niraala

Tooti footi Gaadi from Nirala

 Dil hi to hai tadap gaya dard se bhar na aye kyun – Aadhi Raat

Matwale naino waale ki main waari waari jaaun – Beqasoor 

Koi kisi ka deewana na bane from Sargam, 

Bhool ja ae dil mohabbat ka fasana from Khel, 

                               Abhi Shaam Aayegi - Nalini Jaywant, Lata Mangeshkar, Samadhi Song

Remembering RAJESH KHANNA on His 4th Death Anniversary

RAJESH KHANNA (29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012)

Rajesh Khanna  made his debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat. Through his career he appeared in more than 170 feature films.He was a Super Star,his film Aradhna(1969) gave him this position,he gave 15 hit films in a row from 1969 to 1971.The films were Aaradhna, Do Raaste, Bandhan, Doli, Khamoshi, Ittefaq, Safar, Kati Patang, The Train, Sachaa Jhutha, Aan Milo Sajna, Mehboob Ki Mehndi, Dushmun, Andaaz and Anand. In 1971, he acted in Haathi Mere Saathi, which became that year's highest grossing film and also the biggest grosser In the year 1972, Khanna acted 11 releases, including a guest appearance in Telugu movie called Bangaru Babu directed by V.B. Rajendra Prasad. His Hindi films Dushman,Amar Prem,Apna Desh and Mere Jeevan Saathi, together earned more than Rs.5 crore.

Rajesh Khanna's real name was Jatin.He  was adopted and raised by Chunni Lal Khanna and Leela Wati Khanna, who were relatives of his biological parents.His adoptive parents belonged to a family of railway contractors who had moved from Lahore to Bombay in 1935.He attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School with his friend Ravi Kapoor, who later took the Film name Jeetendra.
Rajesh Khanna did his first two years of Bachelor of Arts in Nowrosjee Wadia College in Pune from 1959 to 1961.He later studied in K. C. College,Bombay.He had interest in theatre, did a lot of stage and theatre plays in his school and college days, and won many prizes in inter-college drama competitions.
After his studies he wanted to become a hero in films.Those days an All India Talent Contest used to be organised by United Producers and Filmfare.These United Producers were BR Chopra, Bimal Roy, GP Sippy, HS Rawail, Nasir Husain, J. Om Prakash, Mohan Saigal, Shakti Samanta and Subodh Mukherji and more,they were the leading Producers and Directors of that time.Rajesh Khanna was one of the eight finalists in the 1965 All India Talent Contest organised by United Producers and Filmfare from more than ten thousand contestants.He won that contest,that made his presence felt in the Industry.G.P. Sippy and Nasir Hussain were the first to sign Rajesh Khanna after he won the contest.

Though "Aakhri Khat" Produced and Directed by Chetan Anand was his first film, his first break as a leading actor was in Ravindra Dave's, "Raaz" in 1967.Being under contract with United Producers, he got projects like Aurat, Doli and Ittefaq. He was then noticed for his performances in films like Baharon Ke Sapne, Aurat (1967),Through Aradhana he rose to "instant national fame" and film critics referred to him as the first superstar of India.

During the peak of his career he would be mobbed during public appearances. Fans kissed his car, which would be covered with lipstick marks, and lined the road, cheering and chanting his name. Female fans sent him letters written in their blood.

 Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Anand to be Khanna’s most memorable film and character. The terminally ill Anand Sehgal’s kinship with the sober and reticent Babu Moshai (Amitabh Bachchan) was modeled on director Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s friendship with Raj Kapoor. Anand’s role was first offered to Kapoor, then Kishore Kumar and Shashi Kapoor. In hindsight it’s inconceivable to imagine anyone but Rajesh Khanna as Anand.

He was at Peak from 1970 t0 1974,soon he was replaced by Amitabh Bachhan who became the No one hero after Zanzeer.

Music remained one of the biggest attractions of all Rajesh Khanna films throughout his career. Many of the musical scores for Khanna's films were composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal Sachin Dev Burman and R. D. Burman. The trio of Rajesh Khanna, Kishore Kumar and R.D. Burman went on to make a number of popular films.

He fell in love with Dimple Kapadia, who was only 16 years old at the time, 15 years younger to him, and they got married after a whirlwind romance in 1973. The marriage lasted 11 years.Twinkle Khanna is his daughter,other daughter Rinkie Khanna also tried her luck in films but couldn't succeed ultimately she married and settled down in Delhi.
Rajesh khanna entered into politics,he joined Congress and became M P(1991-1996) from New Delhi seat,he defeated Shatrughan Sinha (BJP).He was braught in to politics by Rajiv Gandhi in 1984 when he campained for Congress.Amitabh Bachhan also entered in Politics the same year and was elected from Allahabad defeating H N Bahuguna.

 After 1992, he appeared in only 10 films and declined most film offers. He made a comeback as a NRI in Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999), and Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa (2002) and played the solo lead in films Sautela Bhai in 1996, Pyar Zindagi Hai in 2001, Kaash Mere Hote in 2009, Wafaa in 2008 and Riyasaat in 2013. 
 He died at his residence in suburban Bandra after battling ill health for past four months. He was 69.
He won three Filmfare Best Actor Awards, one Filmfare Special Guest Actor Award in 1973, and received a Filmfare Special Award in 1991, after 25 years in the Hindi film industry. He received the Filmfare Life Time Achievement Award at the 50th anniversary Filmfare award ceremony in 2005.