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
D N Madhok (22 October 1902 – 9 July 1982) was a prominent lyricist of Bollywood in the 1930s to 1960s. He started his career with the 1932 film Radhey Sham. Apart from writing lyrics, he wrote screenplays and directed films. He directed almost 17 films.
Filmmaker and songwriter Gulzar considers two lyricists as tops in the old days. Shailendra in the 50's and D N Madhok in the 40's.The immortal song"Diya Jalao" sung by K. L. Saigal was written by him, He was instrumental in introducing the famous composer Naushad to Bollywood He appointed Naushad as an assistant music director in his directorial venture, a Punjabi film Mirza Sahiban (1939). The first film which Naushad composed as an independent music director was Prem Nagar' (1940). This time also it was Madhok who penned the lyrics for the songs of that film.
He joined Ranjit Movietone in 1939. His career as a lyricist took off with several major successes. He wrote lyrics for popular songs in the 1940s and 1950s for films such as Nadi Kinare (1939), Musafir (1940), Pagal (1940), Ummeed (1941), Bansari (1943), Nurse (1943), Bela (1947), Bhakt Surdas (1942), and Tansen (1943).
He worked with almost every prominent music director of the 40s and 50s such as Gyan Dutt, Khemchand Prakash, S. N. Tripathi, Bulo C Rani, Khurshid Anwar, Pandit Amarnath, Sardul Kwatra, Anil Biswas, R. C. Boral, Robin Chatterjee, C. Ramchandra, Sajjad Hussain, Ghulam Haider, Vinod, Gobind Ram, Husnlal Bhagatram, A. R. Qureshi, Roshan, Sardar Malik, Ghulam Mohammad, and Hansraj Behl.
He wrote over 800 songs in his career, some of his notable songs are-
Diya Japao Jagmag Jagmag(Tansen)
Ghata Ghan Ghor Ghor...(Tansen)
Too Kaun Si Badli Mein Mere Chand Hai...(Khandaan)
This super hit song was originally written and composed by Hasrat Jaipuri and Shankar Jaikishan for Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai released in 1961to be picturized on Dev Anand and Asha Parekh. But Dev Anand rejected it because he felt it wouldn't go down well with his personality.
When an upset Jaikishen mentioned Shammi Kapoor about this song, he asked him to play this song for him.he just freaked on it" I love this song"He immediately told Jaikishan to keep it reserved for him, he will use this song in one of his future films.
Shammi Kapoor gave this song to Manmohan Desai who was making 'Budtameez' at that time but he couldn't be picturized for that film. Shammi Kapoor then gave this song to G P Sippy for Brahmachari
This song was picturized on Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz.Bhappi Sonie, the director of the film, wanted Mumtaz to Wear a Sari in this song but Mumtaz declined saying that she would be uncomfortable dancing in a Sari. Bhappie Sonie then discussed this with the costume designer Bhanu Athaiya who tried something innovative which became a rage as the Mumtaz Sari after the release of the film. She devised the Sari with readymade pleats and a zipper on the side.
The song became hit before the film got released. People rushed to the theatres to catch a glimpse of this song and its incredible star cast. Mumtaz draped in a low-waist, unconventional pre-pleated saree, which featured gold gota borders and a frilled hemline form-fitting bright orange saree, paired with a short sleeveless blouse was the attraction. She paired it with gold chandelier earrings, a choker necklace, a hath Patti, and the iconic 60s puffy hairstyle.
The song was one of the Top Songs in Binaca Geetmala of that year competing with Mere Samne Wali Khidki Mein from Padosan. Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz made the Shake Dance popular in India. The signature tune of this song was its Prelude music. As soon as this music starts, everybody started to tap their feet and shake head.
This song has been recreated multiple times since but nobody has come close to repeating what Shammi achieved.
This song from Mausam(1976) was written by Gulzar, composed by Madan Mohan, and sung by Bhupinder. The song has two versions, one a solo by Bhupinder and a duet of Lata Mangeshkar with Bhupinder. The solo was used during the titles of the film and the duet was picturized on the young Sanjeev Kumar and Sharmila Tagore.
The solo version happens to be Gulzar's favorite, is by far the soberer and serene. The duet has a faster tempo. Both versions have three stanzas with different interludes. The Mukhada was taken from a Ghalib ghazal with a slight change. In the ghazal, it is 'Jee Dhoondta Hai', Madan Mohan changed it to Dil Dhoondta Hai., since it worked better for the metre.
This wasn’t the only time Gulzar was inspired by Ghalib. He went a step further in the song Satrangi Re, (Dil Se, 1998), in which he wove Ghalib’s couplet into his lyrics, crediting the source by its name.
This song is the pivot around which the film revolves. It connects the characters in time. the first time when the Doctor(Sanjeev Kumar) is traveling from Calcutta to Darjiling by road where he met Chanda decades ago.
Gulzar in a book told that while composing the interludes of the song Madan Mohan was strolling between his music room and his kitchen. He(Gulzar) had gone to his house for dinner. Madan Mohan was a good cook, he was cooking mutton at that time. During that duration, he composed the tune of this song.
Gulzar was one of the contenders for the National Award for that year. Unfortunately, no award was given to any lyricist that yeat. Similarly, he was nominated for Filmfare's Best lyricist award but lost out to lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi for Kabhie Kabhie.
Madan Mohan had a habit of making 5-6 tunes of one song, he then selects the best out of them. For this song too he made 6 tunes one of which was later used in Veer Zara (2004). Here a clipping is given below, you could see his versatility
Dil Dhoondhta Hai - Madan Mohan sings many tunes for one song
Om Puri (18 October 1950 – 6 January 2017) was an actor par excellence. He displayed his skill in Art as well as Commercial Cinema. He acted in more than 300 movies, bringing many characters to life. He was an unconventional hero, he worked in Bollywood and Hollywood, and British Cinema. He was the first Indian actor to be nominated for the BAFTA award for his role as a Pakistani father in East is East.
As per his biography(Unlikely Hero- Om Puri), written by his wife Nandita Puri in 2011 he had relations with many women but couldn't continue long.In this book, she disclosed that he had sex with his maid when he was 14. He then went on to have another deep, personal, and sexual relationship with another woman who was a caretaker of his ailing, old father.
This was his second marriage to Nandita Puri. His first marriage was with Seema Kapoor, sister of actor Anu Kapoor. This marriage ended in 11 months. After 2 years he married Nandita who was a journalist She was 10 years younger than him, he had a son with this marriage. Their marriage was also not going well. Sema, his ex-wife once again emerged in his life. Before he died Om Puri was planning to divorce her and remarrying Seema again.
Now let's talk about his reel life. He is best known for his author-backed roles in films like Aakrosh (1980), Arohan (1982), Ardh Satya and television films like Sadgati (1981) and Tamas (1987) and also light-hearted roles in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) and Chachi 420 (1997).
His film was Chor Chor Chhup ja, a children's film He made his debut in the mainstream films genre in the 1976 Marathi film Ghashiram Kotwal. He came into prominence with Ardha Satya (1982).for which he got the National Film Award for Best Actor;.He had a cameo in the highly acclaimed film Gandhi (1982, directed by Richard Attenborough).In the mid-1990s, he diversified to play character roles in mainstream Hindi cinema,
His notable roles in commercial Hindi films included Drohkaal, In Custody, Narsimha, Ghayal, Mrityudand, Aastha, Hey Ram, Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha, Farz, Gadar, Lakshya, Dev (2004), Rang De Basanti, Yuva, Singh Is Kinng, Mere Baap Pehle Aap, Billu, Kyunki, Lakshya, Dabang, Bhaji In Problem, Khap, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ghayal Once Again. Puri was seen in the role of Mohammad Ali Kasuri in Road to Sangam (2009).
On 6 January 2017, Puri died at the age of 66, after having a heart attack at his residence in Andheri, Mumbai
Simi has always been ahead of her times. In an era where actresses even refused to kiss, Simi never hesitated from flaunting her svelte figure if the role demanded that. Recall her nude scene in the film Sidhartha which caused some controversy in India. Her immaculate dressing sense was an inspiration for many
She was excellent in supportive roles, she was one of the heroines of Dev Anand in Teen Deviyan. She played the third angle in Raj Khosla's love story Do Badan (1966) She played a spoilt rich girl in Saathi(1968) who sets her eyes on Rajendra Kumar and marries him -- though he remains faithful to his first love Vyjayanthimala. She was awarded as Best Supportive Actress for both the films.
She was born (17th Oct 1947)in Muktsar, Punjab, India, in a Jat Sikh family. Her father, J. S. Garewal served in the Indian Army rising to the rank of Brigadier. After spending much of her childhood in England, Garewal returned to India while a teenager. Her felicity with the English language induced the makers of the English-language film Tarzan Goes to India to offer her a role. A gangly 15-year-old, Garewal made her debut alongside Feroz Khan in Raaz Ki Baat in 1962
During the 1960s and '70s, she was in several notable Indian films, working with leading directors such as Mehboob Khan's Son of India, Satyajit Ray cast her in his Bengali film Aranyer Din Ratri (1969), Raj Kapoor in Mera Naam Joker (1970)., She was in a supportive role in Ramesh Sippy's Andaz (1971), In Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Namak Haram (1973), she was the rich but eternally sympathetic voice of sanity who tries to curb Amitabh Bachchan's anger. In Prakash Mehra's Haath Ki Safai (1974), she just threw her long hair around in the hit number, Waada Kar le Saajna.
By the mid-1970s, Simi's career seemed to have run out of steam. Films like Chalte Chalte, which cast her as an older woman opposite newcomer Vishal Anand did not make waves despite the melodious music; while a blockbuster like Kabhi Kabhie had her in a peripheral role (as Neetu Singh's foster mother). Another notable role she played was as a vamp in Karz (1980).
In the early 1980s, her attention turned to writing and direction. She formed her own production company, Siga Arts International. She hosted, produced and directed a TV series for Doordarshan called It's a Woman's World (1983). She also made a documentary for Channel 4 in the UK called Living Legend Raj Kapoor (1984). This was followed by a three-part documentary on Rajiv Gandhi titled India's Rajiv.
In the late 90s, she anchored a talk show in Television Rendezvous with Simi Garewal which became very popular with the elite class.
Born on 16th Oct1948 to a Tamil-speaking Iyengar family, Hema Malini did her early education in Chennai. Her father was later posted in Delhi, where she attended school at the Delhi Tamil Education Association Senior School (DTEA) on Mandir Marg. After Class 11, she quit commencing her acting career.
She made her debut in Hindi films with Sapno Ka Saudagar(1968). She made her mark next in Dev Anand’s Johnny Mera Naam (1970). After that, there was no stopping Hema. In 1971 her next hit film was Andaz and with the release of Sita Aur Geeta(1972), she was among the top 3 heroines of Bollywood.
She went on to star in a number of hit films -- Sholay (1975), Trishul (1978), Meera (1979), Naseeb (1981), and Satte Pe Satta (1982) to name a few. She emerged as the highest-paid female actor of her time (1976 - 1980).
In the 1990s, she produced and directed the 1992 film Dil Aashna Hai, starring Divya Bharti and Shah Rukh Khan in the leading roles. She also produced and directed her second feature film Mohini (1995), starring her niece Madhoo, both the films flopped. She then focused on dancing and television work.
From 2003 to 2009, she served as an MP to the upper house – the Rajya Sabha, having been nominated by the then President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. In February 2004, Malini officially joined the BJP.In March 2010, Malini was made general secretary of the BJP, and in February 2011, she was recommended by Ananth Kumar, the party general secretary. In the 2014 general elections for the Lok Sabha, Malini defeated the Mathura incumbent, Jayant Chaudhary (RLD) She once again won the Lok Sabha election in 2019. She is very active in Politics.
"Barsaat" was the first film of Shanker Jaikishan and "Patita" was the 10th film from 1949 to 1953. That was the period when Naushad and C Ramchandra were leading Bollywood Music. S D Burman was also emerging. Shankar-Jaikishan's compositions broke new ground in Hindi film music. Apart from relying upon their knowledge of Indian classical music, they also employed western beats and orchestration. They made use of the orchestra and musical instruments (often dozens or hundreds of them) in their songs.
Song of Barsaat 1949
The music of Barsaat brought freshness in film music, its songs, and background music created new records in the Film industry. Barsat had 12 songs, all the songs were hit. The songs like "Jiya Beqarar Hai", "Hawa Mein Udta Jaye", "Barsaat Mein Humse Mile", " Meri Aankhon Mein Bas Gaya Koi Re" Chhod Gaye Balam", and " Patli Kamar Hai" became a rage. Each song was new and had vitality beyond the imagination of the music lovers. With this film, Shankar Jaikishan walked into the hearts of the masses.
Song of Baadal 1951
Baadal*(1951) was the second film of Shankar Jaikishan, Premnath and Madhubala were the lead pair. The film had 8 songs, almost all songs were popular."Aaj Maane, Aaj Maane Na Moraa Jiya ThumakThumak Naache Sawan Ka Mausam Suhana", "Main Raahi Bhatakne Wala Hoon",and "Aye Dil Na Mujhse Chhupa Sach Bataa Kyaa Hua" were very hit.
Song of Aawara 1951
In December 1951, the third film of Shankar Jaikishan," Awara"released' the film was a hit, even more, hit was its soundtrack. The soundtrack was listed by Planet Bollywood as number 3 on their list of 100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks. The film has 10 songs and all the songs were hit. Awara Hoon immediately struck "a chord in audiences from various classes and backgrounds all over India and beyond: in China, in the Soviet Union, in the Middle East. The popularity of "Awaara Hoon" led to the creation of localized versions of the song in Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, the Soviet Union, China, and Romania. Awara has songs of all moods. Hum Tujhse Mohabbat Kar Ke", and Aajao Tadapte Hain Arman of helplessness. Ek Bewafa Se Pyar Kiya" a melody by a heroine accepting her mistake and E Do Teen Aaja Mausam Hai Rangeen a joyful song is still in the heart of music lovers.
Song of Kaali Ghata 1951
Kaali Ghata (1951) was the fourth film of Shankar Jaikishan. starring Kishor Sahu and Bina Rai. The title songO Kali Ghata Ghir Aayi Re, O Bajne Lagi Shehnaai Re, Hamse Na Poocho Koi Pyar Kya Hai,became popular. "Ille belle aa re" became so popular due to its catchy tune.
Song of Poonam 1952
Poonam came after Kaali Ghata in 1952. The film had 8 songs, all except one song are solo of Lata Mangeshkar. The first song of the film "O bhole balma o more sajna, ghunghar baaje chhun chhun , Aayi Aayi Raat Suhani, and "Din Suhane Mausam" became successful
Song of Daag 1952.
In 1952 Shankar Jaikishan had 4 releases. Poonam, Parbat,Nagina and Daag. The music of all these films was super hit. The song of Daag " Ae Mere Dil Kahin Aur Chal" had 3 versions one fast and sad by Talat Mehmood. This song was as hit as "Awara Hoon" With this song Shankar Jaikishan, introduced a new trend. An exuberant song transformed into melancholy. This was the first experiment in Hindi Film music having the same lyrics but different versions.
Song of Parbat 1952
Parbat was another film of Shankar Jaikishan, it had 7 songs, all the songs were popular."Haye Mera Dil Le Gaya Koi Aake Ishaaron Se", and "Kya Bataoon Mohabbat Hai Kya," were romantic songs, appreciated by the masses. The other popular song "Beraham Maar Daale Na Mujhko Tera Gham, Ab To Aa Ja" sung by Lata with the chorus. This song has few words but the interludes and the voice of the chorus win the heart of listeners.I think this song laid the foundation of the future chorus songs of Shankar Jaikishan.
Song of Aah 1953
Aah was the 9th film of Shankar Jaikishan, released after Parbat in 1953. It was an RK Film but directed by Raja Nawathe.. The film was rated "Below Average" at the box office but has various hit songs like "Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat", "Aaja Re Ab Mera Dil Pukara" and "Jaane Na Nazar". The song "Chhoti Si Yeh Zindagani" sung by Mukesh was also picturized on him.
Song of Patita 1953
Patita produced and directed by Amiya Chakrabarty. The film stars Dev Anand, Usha Kiran, Agha was the 10th film of Shankar Jaikishan, by this time this duo was riding high on popularity, with this film they emerged the leading music director. Patita is especially well known for some very melodious and popular songs that include: "Andhe Jahaan Ke" by Talat Mahmood, "Hain Sab Se Madhur Woh Geet Jinhein Hum Dard Ke Sur Mein Gaate Hain" by Talat Mahmood, "Kisi Ne Apna Bana Ke" by Lata Mangeshkar, "Mitti se Khelte Ho" by Lata Mangeshkar and the duet "Yaad Kiya Dil Ne Kahaan Ho Tum" by Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar.
Rekha had no interest in acting and was basically forced to work to sustain her family financially, this was a difficult period in her life. Still, a teenager, acclimatizing herself to her new surroundings was an uneasy process. Coming from the South, she did not speak Hindi and struggled to communicate with co-workers.
Rekha recalls "I was called the ‘Ugly Duckling’ of Hindi films because of my dark complexion and South Indian features. I used to feel deeply hurt when people compared me with the leading heroines of the time and said I was no match for them.
Her first Hindi film was Sawan Bhadon opposite Navin Nischal, when Navin Nischol found out that Rekha had been signed as his co-star for Sawan Bhadon, he complained to the producer: “From where did you pick out this namoona [character]? Itni kaali-kalooti [So dark and ugly]!”.
Rekha transformed her body and started paying attention to her make-up, dress sense, and worked to improve her acting technique and perfect her Hindi-language skills. To lose weight, she followed a nutritious diet, led a regular, disciplined life, and practiced yoga, later recording albums to promote physical fitness. She began choosing her film roles with more care; her first performance-oriented role came in 1976 when she played Amitabh Bachchan's ambitious and greedy wife in Do Anjaane. The audience was floored when there was a swift change in her screen personality, as well as her style of acting.
Her most significant turning point, however, came in 1978, with her portrayal of a rape victim in the movie Ghar. She played the role of Aarti, a newly married woman who gets gravely traumatized after being gang-raped. The film follows her character's struggle and recuperation with the help of her loving husband, played by Vinod Mehra. The film was considered her first notable milestone, and her performance was applauded by both critics and audiences.
Earlier in her career, she was very bold, Rekha’s sexual openness, too, was revolutionary, even by modern standards, and won her yet more ire. It is impossible to imagine a young starlet today saying some of the things Rekha said four decades ago: “You can’t come close, really close, to a man without making love”, “It is a sheer fluke that I have never got pregnant so far” and “Premarital sex is very natural.
Rekha had multiple linkups. One of the first prominent affairs of Rekha in Bollywood was with the superstar Jeetendra. Jeetendra was known for his casual flirting with his female co-stars. Both Rekha and Jeetendra had done in numerous films with each other. It is said that Rekha was quite serious about him but the superstar was already married to Shobha Kapoor when he had met Rekha. When rumors about their alleged dating started doing rounds, Rekha was termed as a 'home-breaker' by many. Thus, their relationship died a bitter death.
Her next affair was with Kiran Kumar but it was a short fling.Kiran was also Vinod Mehra’s best friend, whom she had fallen for later. Their relationship went on for a small time before they decided to call it quits.
Next was Vinod Mehra. There was a rumor that they married at a secret wedding ceremony but it did not last long. Rekha however, had denied having any marital relationships with Vinod Mehra in an interview with Simi Garewal in 2004.
Rekha’s affair with Amitabh Bachchan is the most talked-about romantic relationship that has ever brewed in Bollywood.
Rekha with Mukesh Agarwal
Rekha married Delhi-based business tycoon, Mukesh Agarwal. According to the book, Rekha: The Untold Story, Mukesh was suffering from acute chronic depression and was not at all happy with Rekha’s acting career. To add to that, was their post-divorce trauma. All this led to Mukesh Agarwal’s suicide.
Rekha in her book says I do not invite people into my house. By hook or by crook, those who must find their way in. In fact, my privacy’s worked better than any screenplay. For anything connected with my work, the producers meet me in my office, no one comes into my house except family.
