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
On her 112th Birth Anniversary today (14 January 1905), we look at how one of Indian cinema's strongest heroines shaped her career.In the begining of indian Cinema men used to play women in our cinema. When we got real women playing heroines in our films, they were not Indians. Anglo-Indian, Jew or Parsi women were cast. Acting was not a respectable career for women of the soil.She was a woman who came from an elite Maharashtrian family. Educated at Cathedral High School,V Shantaram decided to cast her in Ayodhyecha Raja, a bilingual remake of Phalke’s film in 1932. Incidentally, Khote was chosen to play Rani Taramati, the same role that Salunke(Male) played in India’s first film. The film was a big hit, and launched her career as a heroine.
Durga Khote debuted in a minor role in the obscure 1931 silent film Farebi Jaal, by the Prabhat Film Company, followed by Maya Machindra(1932).Shebroke away from the "studio system"and became one of the first "freelance" artistes of that era by working occasionally with the New Theatres, East India Film Co. (both at Calcutta), and Prakash Pictures.She gave a memorable performance in 1936 film Amar Jyoti. In 1937, she produced and directed a film titled Saathi, making her one of the first women to step into this role in Indian cinema.The 40s opened for her in a big way, with award-winning performances in Aachary Atre's Payachi Dasi (Marathi) and Charnon Ki Dasi (Hindi) (1941) and Vijay Bhatt's classic Bharat Milap (1942), both of which got her the BFJA Best Actress Award for two consecutive years.
Durga Khote played a wide variety of roles over a career,during later years, she played several important character roles, such as the mother of the protagonist. Her portrayal of Jodhabai, the queen of Akbar torn between duty towards her husband and love towards her son in Mughal-e-Azam (1960) was well received. her other memorable roles as mother were in Charnon Ki Dasi (1941); Mirza Ghalib; Bobby (1973) and Bidaai (1974). She also ranks among the top ten actresses in mother roles in Hindi cinema,One time she was popularly known as Dev Anand's mother.Her final memorable role was in Subhash Ghai's Karz (1980), where she played the role of the mother of Raj Kiran and later, mother to Rishi Kapoor, who played the role of Raj Kiran's reincarnation after the screen death of Raj Kiran in the movie. She was an active participant of the Indian People’s Theater Association (IPTA), the left leaning group of writers and intellectuals, and acted in several plays.In 1983 when she was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in Indian cinema. Durga Khote died on 22-09-1991 at age of 86 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. India.
Born on 12 January 1918 in Puntamba, a small town in Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra.C Ramchandra studied music under Vinayakbua Patwardhan at "Gandharva Mahavidyalaya" and also under Shankarrao Sapre of Nagpur where he studied music alongside Vasantrao Deshpande.He was one of the pillars of the music of Golden Era of Hindi cinema.He along with Lata and Talat gave us some of the Immortal Songs.The highly popular patriotic song "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo", which was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and penned by poet Pradeep, was a composition of Ramachandra. He himself was a great singer. For his career as an occasional playback singer he used only his surname Chitalkar. He sang some renowned and unforgettable duets with Lata such as Kitna haseen hai mausam in film Azad or Shola Jo bhadke in Albela. He wanted to become Hero, while trying to do bit movie roles to support him found himself in Mumbai, and was introduced to another Maharashtrian bit actor called Bhagvan Palav.As the luck would have it, struggling Bhagvan had secured some finance from an investor to produce a movie in, hold your breath, TAMIL language (An Indian language mostly spoken in the state of Tamilnad in South India) and asked Ramchandra to direct the music for it. He debuted as a music director in two TAMIL films "Jayakkodi" and later in "Vanamohini". Later same Bhagvan,who by now had become Ram’s close buddy, was instrumental in providing him first HINDI film, to direct its music, Sukhi Jiwan, in 1942. In between Ram did bit work here and there including the fact that he became a Harmonium accompanist for Minerva composers Bindu Khan and Habib Khan. He often got opportunities to sing and act in Marathi films of those days. He received public notice as a good composer in Bhagwan Dada's "Sukhi Jeevan", and established a long association that culminated with the musical box office hit "Albela".In Sukhi Jeevan the famous song written by Iqbal Mohammed and translated in Hindi by the famous poet Pradeep , “Sare Jahan Se Acha Hindustan Hamara” in Sukhi Jeevan had its tune composed by none other than C Ramchandra. C. Ramachandra's biggest success as a music composer was the 1953 movie Anarkali starring Beena Roy in the title role and Pradeep Kumar. The songs that he composed for this movie are today legendary. Songs of this movie like "Yeh Zindagi Usiki Hai", "Mujhse Mat Poochh Mere Ishq Main Kya Rakha Hai", "Mohabbat Aisi Dhadkan Hai", "Jaag Dard-e-Ishq Jaag" etc. went on to become huge hits and were also highly acclaimed as masterpieces. Some of His Immortal Songs
The music of India includes multiple varieties of Indian classical music, folk music, filmi and Indian pop. India's classical musictradition, including Hindustani music and Carnatic,The biggest form of Indian popular music is filmi, or songs from Indian films. In the early years of Indian cinema, the music was mainly classical and folk in inspiration, with some Western elements. The most fascinating part of Indian film music is its evolution with time. In the mid 30s the influence of Bengali music was started with the film Dhoop Chhaon.Nitin Bose along with his brother Mukul Bose and music directors RC Boral and Pankaj Mullick introduced play back singing with the song Man ki aankhein khol sung byK C Dey, Parul Ghosh and Suprabha Sarkar.
Song from Dhoop Chhaon 1935
R C Boral and Pankaj Mallick not only introduced Bengali Bhakti Sangeet but also introduced Western orchestration in the interlude music.Another remarkable innovation of RC Boral and Pankaj Mullick was very long instrumental prelude to the main song, for example Ek bangla bane nyara. Its long instrumental prelude is as charming as the song.” The music of Vidyapati, 1937. was a great hit,Kanan Devi with her typical Bengali lilt became the number one singer-star of New Theatres on par with K L Saigal with the popularity of Vidyapati’s songs. In Dhartimata (1939), Pankaj Mullick composed Duniya rang rangeeli baba, sung by KC Dey, Uma Shashi and K L Saigal. Another remarkable thing about ‘Duniya rang rangili baba’, which you can’t miss is that each antara is in a different tune – might be again the first of its kind.
Song from Vidyapati, 1937
In Bengali Music the Rabindra Sangeet is the main along with folk and bhakti.Tagore’s composition was first introduced to Hindi cinema in 1941 by Pankaj Kumar Mullick for the film titled Doctor.K L Saigal was the first non-Bengali singer to sing Rabindra Sangeet. Mullick later used the tune of Kharo vayu vayu meghe in the film Zalzala popular song Pawan Chale Zor.The far reaching influences of the Rabindra Sangeet is apparent on several music directors and not all of them were Bengali.
Song from Doctor 1941
In the 30s Anil Biswas came to Bombay established himself as a musical force in the film industry.with the success of Jagirdar (1937).He introduced Folk from North East, Boatman’s songs, farmers’ songs, palli geeti, Kirtan, Raag Pradhan compositions to Hindi films. After Anil Biswas it was S D Burman who used Bengali sangeet in Hindi films.
Song from Do Bhai, 1947
Inspired by this song of Rabindra Sangeet
Sachin Dev Burman, whose compositions tend to draw upon inspiration from Bengali folk traditions (e.g. bhatiaalii, saari, etc.), have composed several tunes derived from Rabindra Sangeet. Mera sundar sapna beet gaya (Do Bhai, 1947) draws a faint inspiration from O je maane na maana. In fact S D Burman gave us many hit songs from his Bengali Tunessuch as Ghum bhulechhi made way for the leisurely Hum bekhdudi mein tumko;Mono dilo na bondhu was turned into Jaane kya tuney kahi(Pyaasa); Dur Kon Parabase became Wahan kaun hai tera musafir jayega kahan (Guide) to name a few.
Mono dilo na bondhu
inspired version in Hindi
Song from Pyaasa 1957
Hemant Kumar who was the greatest artist of Rabindra Sangeet.gained popularity in Mumbai as a playback singer.By the mid-1950s, Hemanta had consolidated his position as a prominent singer and composer.The poignant and heart rending Na jaao sainyya chhudake bainyya by Geeta Dutt is inspired from his own Bengali hit Oliro kotha shune bokul haashe although the two songs sound very different in mood.
Oliro kotha shune bokul haashe by Hemant Kumar
Inspired song in Hindi
Song from Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam 1962
Salil Chowdhury whois known for his eclectic combination of Bengal folk with Western classical and banked on creating honey sweet melodies.Salil Chowdhury’s Tasveer tere dil mein (Maya by Lata and Rafi) was first recorded in Bengali as a Lata solo Ogo aar kichhu to noy, O Sajana (Parakh) was inspired from Na jeyo na (both Lata) and Mukesh’s Kahin door jab din dhal jaaye (Anand) was taken from the Hemant Kumar hit Amai proshno kore neel dhroobotara to name just a few.
Ogo Ar Kichu To Nai by Lata Mangeshkar
Inspired version in hindi
Song from Maya 1961
RD Burman – recreated his creations, often his own records – the best example perhaps is Jete jete pathe holo deri, which Gulzar Saab had booked for himself the moment he heard it first. It turned into Tere bina zindagi se koi (Aandhi, 1975)– both songs are peerless.RD Burman camouflaged his Bengali tunes with such varied orchestration to make it sound different .For instance, notice the use of the typically Bengali instrument the maadol in Tere bina jiya jaaye na(Ghar, 1978), or the distinctly Bhakti sangeet beginning to a rocking fun song Kal kya hoga kisko pata (Kasme Vaade, 1978), in which Bhagwan Dada made a guest appearance complete with an ektara! Jete jete pathe holo deri, by R D Burman
Inspired version in Hindi
Song from Aandhi 1975
The influences of the Rabindra Sangeet too ran deep in RD Burman. Sample just one of those influences – the proverbial Zindagi ke safar mein guzar jaate hain jo makaam, woh phir nahin aate (Aap Ki Kasam, 1974) that draws an inspiration from Tagore’s Jaagorone jai bibhaabori. 1942 A Love Story (1994) song "Kuchh Na Kaho"had heavy Bengali influence.
Bappi Lahiri – the softer compositions of Zakhmee (1975), Toote Khilone (1978) or Lahu Ke Do Rang (1979) are more in line with the Bengal genre of music.
The music of the Basu Chatterji film Apne Paraye (1980), based on a story by Sarat Chandra Chatterjee gave Bappi Lahiri an ideal opportunity to experiment with Bengal’s Bhaktigeeti and kirtan once more. Rajesh Roshan was very much influenced by Rabindra Sangeet many of his songs were inspired by Bengali Music.One of his great songs Chhokar Mere Mann Ko from Yaarana was inspired by this song Tomar holo shuru, amar holo shara.
In the present Century of Indi Pop or Bhangra Music we can sometime hear beautiful melody from Bengal."Piyu bole" from Pareenita 2005 is one such composition from Shantanu Moitra.And thus Bengal’s music continues to leave its lyrical and melodious stamp in Hindi film music…
Before he became a Director, Basu Chatterjee worked as an illustrator and cartoonist for the famous weekly Tabloid, Blitz.He assisted Basu Bhattacharya on his film, ‘Teesri Kasam’ (1966).Sara Akash’ in 1969 was his first film as Director.He proved his worth with sweet romantic movies such as ‘Rajnigandha’ (1974), ‘Chhoti Si Baat’ (1976) and ‘Chitchor’ (1976). These films were huge success at the box office since they were light hearted, fun, romantic and the audience instantly connected with the characters depicted in the film. Born on 10th Jan 1930 at Ajmer started his career as an illustrator and cartoonist with the weekly tabloid Blitz published in Bombay.He worked there for 18 years.It was Basu Bhattacharya who brought him to film Industry.After assisting him in Teesri Kasam he assisted Govind Saraiya for 1968 film Saraswatichandra.After independently directing he directed Rajshri's Piya Ka Ghar in 1972.The film was an average at Box office.Us Paar in 1974 was his next directorial film starring Maushumi Chatterjee and Vinod Mehra. He became a successful Director after Rajnigandha in 1974.His films Chhoti Si Baat (1975), Chitchor (1976),Khatta Meetha(1978) , Baton Baton Mein(1979) Man Pasand(1980),Shaukeen(1982) and Chameli Ki Shadi (1986) were successful. He has also directed many Bengali films such as Hothat Brishti, Hochcheta Ki and Hothat Shei Din.He also directed the TV Series Byomkesh Bakshi and the popular Rajani (TV series) for Doordarshan. Some of the Popular Songs from Basu Chatterjee
Like Mukesh was the soul of Raj Kapoor, Mahendra Kapoor was Manoj 'Bharat' Kumar's voice; he sang a host of hits for the actor from Mere desh ki dharti (Upkar ) to Aur nahin bas aur nahin from Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. He was among the handful of singers dominating the golden age of Hindi film music.Among his popular songs are Tere pyaar ka aasra chaahta hoon (Dhool Ka Phool), Neele gagan ke tale (Hamraaz) and Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se(Gumrah). Born on 9 January 1934 started learning classical music under classical singers like Pt. Hussanlal, Pt. Jagannath Bua, Ustad Niaz Ahmed Khan, Ustad Abdul Rehman Khan and Pt.Tulsidaas Sharma. Got his debut as a playback singer in V. Shantaram's Navrang in 1958, singing Aadha Hai Chandrama Raat Aadhi, under the musical direction of C. Ramchandra. It was the song Chalo ek baar phir se ajnabee ban jaaye from B R Chopra's Gumrah that set him on the path to fame. Subsequently, Kapoor sang his best songs for B R Films and the latter's favorite music director Ravi. He remained as one of the most popular singer in the Bollywood who has given his voice to almost all of the popular heroes like Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Shahsi Kapoor, Biswajeet, Raj Kumar, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bahchcan, Manoj Kumar, Vinod Khanna, Shatrughina Sinha and many more. For Punjabi movies he has given his voice to Varendra, Mehar Mittal, Prem Nath and many more. Kapoor sung in a large number of Indian languages, and is the playback singer who has performed in the largest number of in Gujarati, Punjabi, Bhojpuri and Marathi movies.[3] He also performed the title song for the TV series Mahabharat. In Marathi he was very popular for being the voice of Dada Kondke in all his movies. Kapoor had a very large vocal range, and he is sometimes known as The Vibrant Voice of India.[citation needed] He was the first Indian playback singer to record music in English[citation needed]. He was asked by the group Boney M to sing their songs in Hindi with Musarat from Pakistan, which resulted in the Pop Album M-3. Some of the songs on the album are "Chori Chori Chalo!!"(Original, Hoorray! Hoorray! by Boney M), "O Meri Champe Ki Daali" He died On 27 September 2008 due to cardiac arrest.He was awarded Dada Saheb Phalke Award the same year.
Nanda, who has done some unforgettable work in Bollywood and has given films like like Hum Dono, ‘Dhool Ka Phool’, ‘Dulhan’, ‘Bhabhi’, ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’, ‘Gumnaam’, ‘Shor’, ‘Parineeta’, and ‘Prem Rog’ was one of the highest paid actresses of her time. She was the second highest paid Hindi actress along-with Nutan from 1960-1965 and second highest paid Hindi actress in 1966-1969 along-with Nutan and Waheeda She was born on 8th Jan1939 at Kolhapur. Maharashtra.She was eight years old when her father died.She became a child actress, helping her family by working in films.She made her debut with Mandir in 1948.she was a child actor from 1948 to 1956. She was first recognized as "Baby Nanda". In the films like Mandir, Jaggu, Angaarey, and Jagriti.
It was the renowned film producer-director V. Shantaram who was her maternal uncle gave Nanda a big break by casting her in a successful brother-sister saga; Toofan Aur Diya (1956).She played supporting roles initially, She received her first Filmfare Award nomination as Best Supporting Actress for Bhabhi(1957). She played second lead in Dhool Ka Phoo and was in Kala Bazar as Dev Anand'sister.
She became a lead heroine with the 1959 film Chhoti Behen,The movie was a big hit, making her a star.She then played lead roles, such as one of Dev Anand's heroines in Hum Dono (1961) and Teen Deviyan. Both films were acclaimed as hits.
She was the heroine in B.R. Chopra's Kanoon (1960), She signed eight films with Shashi Kapoor at a time when he was yet to become successful in Hindi Cinema. Their earlier two films Char Diwari (1961) and Mehndi Lagi Mere Haath (1962) were flop but she continued to work with him till Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) released.The film was a hit,she played a westernised role for the first time and it helped her image.They became a successful screen pair.They gave many hit films like Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain (1965),Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966), Raja Saab (1969) and Rootha Na Karo (1970).
The year 1965 was lucky year for her,she gave hit films like Gumnam and Teen Deviyan beside Jab Jab Phool Khile. She signed with new leading man Rajesh Khanna in the songless suspense thriller Ittefaq (1969), for which she received a Filmfare nomination as Best Actress and which became successful at the box office. After Khanna became a super-star, he signed two more films with her; the thriller The Train (1970) and the comedy Joroo Ka Ghulam (1972) which became hits. Jeetendra, too, had some hit films with her such as Parivar and Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke, with Sanjay Khan, she had a hit in Beti and Abhilasha,
She did a small role in Manoj Kumar's Shor (1972), Nanda did a few more critically acclaimed films such as Chhalia (1973) and Naya Nasha (1974), which flopped, and she then stopped acting. In 1982, she came back with three successful films, all coincidentally having her play Padmini Kolhapure's mother in Ahista Ahista, Mazdoor and Raj Kapoor's Prem Rog. Then she permanently retired.In 1992, a middle-aged Nanda became engaged to director Manmohan Desai at the urging of Rehman. But he died before they get married. Nanda remained un married till she died.She died in Mumbai on 25 March 2014 at her Versova residence, aged 75, following a heart attack.
