MEENA KUMARI-Unlucky and Unloved

Veteran journalist Vinod Mehta wrote the biography of Meena Kumari in 1972.In this book he wrote about the exploitation of Meena Kumari whoever came close to her.She was first exploited by her family.She started out as Baby Meena, a child artist and a breadwinner of the family. As a child  she wasn't interested in a film career, and would rather attend school. In spite of this, her parents started peddling four-year-old Mahjabeen(Real Name of Meena Kumari) to film studios for work opportunities so she was deprived of her childhood..

One of the major blows in Meena Kumari's life was the death of her mother.She was only 14 then.In the film Industry also she struggled  initially,though she was getting work but paid poorly.It was only after Baiju Bawra 1952 she got recognition.
On May 21, 1951 Meena Kumari was involved in a motor car accident while returning from Mahabaleshwar to Bombay.She was admitted to Sasoon Hospital in Poona, injured around the left hand. Kumari went through bouts of depression.This accident left Meena Kumari with a banded left pinky which remained banded throughout her life, and she used to cover her left hand with a dupatta or saree during shoots. During this time Kamal Amrohi used to visit her in the hospital.For four months this hospital affair continued and love blossomed.

She married at the age of 18 Kamal Amrohi that time he was 34.It was his third marriage.After their marriage, Kamal Amrohi allowed Meena Kumari to continue her acting career, but on the conditions that she should not remit anyone in her makeup room but her makeup artist and return home in her own car by 6:30 every evening. Meena Kumari agreed to all terms, but with passing time she kept breaking them.
Meena Kumari was a patient of chronic insomnia and was on sleeping pills for a long time.As an alternative to sleeping pills she started drinking.She was interested in Urdu poetry,this brought her close to another poet Gulzar.Once she was slapped  on the set of  Pinjre ke Panchhi,by Kamal Amrohi's assistant, Baqar when she allowed Gulzar enter her makeup room.After this incident in 1964 they divorced.
Dharmendra was the next person in her life.He signed Purnima as her Hero,he was a fan of Meena kumari,it was his dream to act opposite Meenaji.When he was introduced to her, she was warm and friendly and welcomed him with kind encouragement. Coincidentally, at this particular moment of her life, Meena Kumari required a stable and devoted man: big and strong, someone on whom she could literally rest her head, and someone who was not too famous. 

Dharmendra was almost a daily visitor at Janki Kutir. Together they would open a bottle and spend a few hours. These were the good times.Meena Kumari insisted her Producers to take Dharmendra as his Hero,both of them worked in 7 films.Dharmendra established himself as a hero because of Meena Kumari.However, a much younger and already married Dharmendra had nothing to offer in terms of the love and security Meena was searching for.They were intimate for three years.
Meena Kumari had a strong love for children,she wanted her own child here too she was deprived by her husband Kamal Amrohi.
Songs Of Meena Kumari

Song from Baiju Bawra 1952

Song from Azaad 1955

Song from Miss Mary, 1957

Song from Dil Apna Preet Parai, 1960

Song from Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan 1961

Song from Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam, 1962

Song from Dil Ek Mandir 1963

Song from Kaajal, 1965

Song from Bahu Begum, 1967

Song from Pakeezah, 1972

Anand Bakshi-The Lyricist who understood the pulse of Cinema lovers

Anand Bakshi was one of the most prominent and successful lyricists of Bollywood.He was not as great poet as Nirala, Sumitranandan Pant or Sahir.He plucked words from the common man's dictionary.His words were simple.He believed that simplicity is the key to reach to.the common man. He would dive into philosophy in the ‘antara’ only after he was sure he had connected with the audience in the ‘mukhra’.

 Anand Bakshi (Bakhshi Anand Prakash Vaid) was born in Rawalpindi, now in Pakistan, on 21 July 1930.He came to Bombay to make a name for himself in writing and singing, but ended up becoming more successful in writing lyrics. He got his break writing songs in a Brij Mohan's film titled Bhalaa Aadmi (1958), acted by Bhagwan Dada. He wrote four songs in this film. His first song in this film was "Dharti Ke Laal Na Kar Itna Malaal" .

After writing for a few movies from 1956 onwards, he first found success in 1962 with Mehendi Lagi Mere Haath, which was produced by (LimeLight), Music Kalyanji & Anandji, Music Pub-HMV/Saregama. Bakshi later made another mark for himself writing a quawwali for the 1962 film Kala Samundar, the song was "Meri Tasveer Lekar Kya Karoge Tm". He got his real big breakthroughs in 1965 with Himalay Ki God Mein, and a huge breakthrough again in 1965 with the super-hit film Jab Jab Phool Khile, starring Shashi Kapoor; and yet again in 1967 with the super-hit movie Milan(starring Sunil Dutt). These six hit films within a decade of his entry into films cemented his status as a lyrics writer of immense caliber.

He wrote more than 3500 songs in Hindi and Punjabi films.He worked with almost all the Music Directors of his time He wrote for more than 500 films out of which he worked with Laxmikant Pyarelal in 300 films and R D Burman in 100 films. However it was only with the blockbuster Milan (1967) that he was recognized as a lyricist par excellence, with tunes from the film being hummed all over the country.

His career kept at an all-time high until 30 March 2002, when he passed away in Bombay. He had been quite ill for a few months and had been undergoing treatment for cardiac-related problems. His death was a tragic loss to Bollywood Cinema,

He holds a record of 41 nominations for Best Lyricist in Filmfare Awards but won only three.He holds the record of getting nominated for consecutively 13 years from 1970 till 1982, resulting in 23 nominations 

Some of the Most Memorable Songs of Anand Bakshi

Song from Hariyali Aur Raasta  1962

Song from Jab Jab Phool Khile 1965

Song from Milan 1967

Song from Aradhana  1969

Song from Kati Patang  1971

Song from Hare Rama Hare Krishna 1971

Song from Amar Prem 1972

Song from Bobby 1973

Song from Sholay 1975

Song from Mehbooba 1976

Song from Karz 1980

Song from Ek Duuje Ke Liye 1981

Song from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge 1995

Song from Pardes 1997

Song from Gadar: Ek Prem Katha 2001

JAGDEEP-Soorma Bhopali of Sholay

Jagdeep the comedian of Golden Era started his film career as a child artist extra in B. R. Chopra's Afsana, then went on to do films as a child artist in films like Ab Dilli Door Nahin, K. A. Abbas's Munna, Guru Dutt's Aar Paar, Bimal Roy's Do Bigha Zamin and AVM's Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke. After Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke, he received various accolades and high praise for his roles. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru has gifted his personal staff to Jagdeep for his stellar performance in Hum Panchi Ek Daal Ke.

Still from Do Beegha Zameen

He was launched as a leading man by AVM in the films Bhabhi, Barkha and Bindaya, and went on to do a few more films as a leading man.Later on he established himself as a comedian.His role of Soorma Bhopali of Sholay will always be in the mind of cinema lovers.
He was born on  29 March 1939 in M P.,At the age of 6 his mother brought him to Bombay where his cousin brother was already settled.He had a very poor childhood and couldn't complete his schooling.He started selling soap and combs for living. even sold kites,One day an unknown person offered him work as an extra for BR Chopra's Afsana for which he was offered Rs 6 per day.After that he played the role of young Kishore Kumar in Dhobi Doctor.This role was appreciated by Bimal Roy who took him for his next Classic film Do Beegha Zameen.After that he was offered a children's film, Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke, for which the then prime minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, honoured him and the other artistes.
That year proved to be a milestone in Jagdeep's young life. All the films nominated for the best children's film category -- Raj Kapoor's Ab Dilli Door Nahin, K A Abbas' Munna and AVM's Hum Panchi Ek Dal Ke -- had a common factor, Jagdeep. 

Jagdeep in Bhabhi

He was launched as a leading man by AVM in the films Bhabhi, Barkha and Bindaya, and went on to do a few more films as a leading man.He played hero in five films, opposite heroines like Nanda (Bhabhi), Azra, Amita and Naaz.  He established himself as a comedian since the movie Brahmachari.
He appeared in more than 400 films. He is especially known for his comic roles. He played Soorma Bhopali in Sholay (1975), Machchar in Purana Mandir (1984), Salman Khan's dad in Andaz Apna Apna (1994) 
He is also known for his appearances in many horror movies, especially in projects of the Ramsay Brothers. He appeared in famous hits like Purana Mandir.
 Some hit songs are picturised on him like "Paas baitho tabiyat bahal jayegi" from Punarmilan, "In pyar ki rahon mein" from the same film, "Chal ud ja re Panchhi" and "Chali Chali re Patang", from the superhit movie Bhabhi, where he is paired opposite Nanda, and "Aa Gaye Yaaro Jeene Ke Din" from Phir Wohi Raat.

Song from Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke (1957) 

Song from Bhabhi 1957

Song from Bhabhi 1957

Song from  Barkha (1959

Song from Punarmilan 1964

Song from Punarmilan 1964

Song from Khilona 1970

Song from Phir Wohi Raat.1980

EMRAAN HASHMI-The Obsessive Lover

Emraan Hashmi(24th March 1979) made his acting debut in 2003, with Vikram Bhatt's thriller Footpath. Became popular with  Anurag Basu's erotic thriller Murder with Mallika Sherawat. His performance in the film him popular among the youth.  Enacting the role of an obsessive lover with flourish and hit songs made him in demand.Following Murder (2004), Zeher (2005), Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005) , and Gangster (2006) established him a Star.
 In 2007, Hashmi appeared in three films. He first starred in the comedy Good Boy Bad Boy then  in Mohit Suri's romantic thriller Awarapan.and The train.Only Awarapan was both a commercial and critical success becoming the best film of his care
In 2008 it was Kunal Deshmukh's Jannat, a love story set against the backdrop of match fixing was another turning point of his career.After this released Mohit Suri's supernatural horror Raaz – The Mystery Continues, alongside Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman. The film's domestic collection exceeded ₹340 million (US$5.2 million), and emerged as a success. Hashmi's portrayal of a painter attracted favourable reviews; 
The following year, Hashmi featured in Milan Luthria's period action-drama Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai with an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgan, Randeep Hooda, Kangana Ranaut and Prachi Desai. For his performance, Hashmi earned positive reviews from critics and received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 56th Filmfare Awards.
In 2011, Hashmi first appeared in Madhur Bhandarkar's romantic comedy Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, alongside Ajay Devgan, This year was very lucky for him,he came out very successful with Murder 2,The Dirty Picture and Jannat 2 were hits.But after this most of his films are not doing well.One point to highlight is that the music of his films is always hit.

Song from Footpath 2003

Song from Murder 2004

Song  from Tumsa Nahin Dekha 2004

Song from Zeher 2005

Song  from Aashiq Banaya Apne 2005

Song  from Gangster 2005

Song  from The Killer 2006

Song  from  Aksar  2006

Song from Awarapan 2007

Song from Once Upon A Time in Mumbai 2010

Bollywood Films Based on Bhagat Singh

 Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas is observed on March 23.On this day in 1931. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru  sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.The lives of these freedom fighters have not only inspired India’s independence movement but also Bollywood.The first film based on the life of Bhagat Singh was released in 1954. The role of Bhagat Singh was played by Jairaj..The next film released in 1963 Shaheed Bhagat Singh this role was played by Shammi Kapoor.After this in 1965 came Manoj Kumar's "Shaheed" After 35 years Sonu Sood played this role in 2002 film"Shaheed e Azam".
Ajay Devgan also played the role in The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002),same year another film released "23rd March 1931: Shaheed" (2002) in this film Bobby Deol played the role of Bhagat Singh.
Beside this Som Dutt,the younger brother of Sunil Dutt played the role of Bhagat Singh in 1974 film "Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh" made in Punjabi and Hindi.
‘Shaheed-e-Azad Bhagat Singh

 The first film based on the life of Bhagat Singh. Directed by Jagdish Gautam, the film features Prem Abeed, Jairaj, Smriti Biswas and Ashita Mazumdar in lead roles. The film also has the classic patriotic song ‘Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab humare dil main hain..’ in Mohammed Rafi’s melodious voice.

Song from Song from Shaheed-e-Azad Bhagat Singh 1954

Shaheed Bhagat Singh (1963)

 Directed by KN Bansal, the film features Shammi Kapoor essaying the role of Bhagat Singh. Besides Shammi Kapoor, the film stars Shakeela, Premnath, Ulhas and Achla Sachdev.  

Song from Shaheed Bhagat Singh (1963)

Shaheed (1965)

 it was produced by Kewal Kashyap and directed by S. Ram Sharma and stars Manoj Kumar, Kamini Kaushal, Pran, Iftekhar, Nirupa Roy, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri and Anwar Hussain in lead roles.Shaheed was the first of Manoj Kumar's series of patriotic films,

Song from Shaheed  (1965)

Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh 1974

 Directed by Omi Bedi. With Rajni Bala, Som Dutt, Achala Sachdev, Dara Singh. ... Also Known As: Shaheed-E-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh The film was made in Punjabi and hindi released in 1974.

Song from Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh 1974

Shaheed-E-Azam (2002)

It is a 2002 Hindi film directed by Sukumar Nair. The film, based upon the life of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, caused some controversy as the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a notice to the producers calling for a ban of the movie.It was released in 2002.

Song from Shaheed-E-Azam (2002)

The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)

It is a 2002 Indian historical biographical film about Bhagat Singh,. It was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and starred Ajay Devgn, Sushant Singh, and D. Santosh. At the 50th National Film Awards, The Legend of Bhagat Singh won the Best Feature Film in Hindi and Devgn received the Best Actor award.

Song from the legend of bhagat singh (2002)

23rd March 1931: Shaheed (2002)

It is a 2002 Indian Hindi historical biographical film about Bhagat Singh, directed by Guddu Dhanoa which depicts the events leading up to the hanging of Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and his companions Rajguru and Sukhdev .The film stars Bobby Deol as Bhagat Singh, his elder brother Sunny Deol as Chandrashekhar Azad 

Song from 23rd march 1931 shaheed (2002)

Rang De Basanti (2006)

The movie revolves around the life of a group of friends who work together on a documentary film on the revolutionaries.The film features an ensemble cast comprising Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Siddharth Narayan, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Atul Kulkarni and British actress Alice Patten.