Tuesday, 29 December 2020

The untold Story Behind Rajesh Khanna Film 'Anand'

 


The character Anand made Rajesh Khanna an immortal. He got his second Filmfare Best Actor Award for this character. This role was his favourite character from 180 films he did. He made full use of his strong director-backed role. For this role, he accepted a meagre sum of Rs 7 Lakh. 

Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the director got the idea of making the film when his friend and Indian producer Raj Kapoor was suffering from an illness and everyone thought he would die. Mukherjee’s fear of losing his friend inspired him to pen Anand. 

Kishore Kumar was the original choice for the role of Anand, he was ready to do this role too but when on the day he went to sign him, Kishore Kumar’s watchman didn’t allow Hrishikesh Mukharjee in.  Kishore Kumar had apparently asked his watchman to not allow a Bengali man inside and he mistook Mukherjee to be that man. This made Hrishikesh Da angry and decided to drop the idea of taking Kishore for this role.

 Then he thought of taking Uttam Kumar for this role but he refused the film because the shooting dates clashed with his commitments to Bengali cinema., then he approached Shashi Kapoor for this role, he too was reluctant to accept this role because during those he wanted to consolidate himself as a romantic hero after the success of Jab Jab Phool Khile. 

The film and its script was ready but its cast could not be finalized, in the meantime, Hrishikesh Mukharjee was busy with the films like Aashirwad and Satyakam. In 1969 Rajesh Khanna's Aradhana got released, with this film he became a superstar and was the most sought after hero. Every film of his was making Jubilee, producers were after him to sign their film but it was Rajesh Khanna, who wanted to do the role of Anand. He came to know about this role from Gulzar who was the co-writer of this film.



Rajesh Khanna one day went to Hrishikesh Da, asked him to give this role and complete the film but Hrishi Da was hesitant to work with him because the film was a low budget film, Rajesh Khanna was a Super Star, the film can not afford his price for which Rajesh Khanna said that he is ready to accept whatever they pay. Hrishi Da was aware that Rajesh Khanna had a habit of coming late on sets, so he asked him to report on time and give him his dates as per his requirement. Rajesh Khanna accepted all the terms and conditions to do this film. 


Song of Anand 1971

Song of Anand 1971

Song of Anand 1971

Song of Anand 1971











Monday, 28 December 2020

'Balma' and 'Sajna' have gone from our Bollywood Songs.

 


The vocabulary of our film songs has been changing from one era to another era. The words 'Balma','Sajna' and 'Preetam' were very common in the songs of the 50s and 60s, but now these words are almost missing.

The urbanization of the audience and their interest in modern stories have rejected the words that have rural roots. Today this is replaced by 'Jaanam', 'Jaanu', 'Babu' or 'Baby'. This does not mean that today the young boys and girls do not fall in love but their fantasies have changed, their emotions and expression have changed.

In this blog, I have selected a few of such 'Balma', 'Sajna' or 'Preetam' songs from every decade.

The first song in my list is from the film 'Devdas' 1936 sung by K L Saigal

Song of Devdas 1936


This song was originally sung by C H Atma, it was later sung by Geeta Dutt in the 1955 film Me & Mrs 55
Song by C H Atma

This song is from the Movie Kajal(1948), sung by Allaudin Naved and Shamshad Begum composed by Ghulam Mohammed.

Song of Kajal(1948) Audio

Song of Awaara (1951)



Song of Buzdil (1951)

Song of Gharana (1961)

Song of Mera Naam Joker (1970)


Song of Aap Ki Khatir 1977





Sajan or Sajna
Song of Parakh 1960


Song of Bombai Ka Babu 1960

Song of Bandini 1963

Song of Aaye Din Bahaar Ke (1966)

Song of Sajan 1969


Song of Sajan 1969



Song of Aan Milo Sajna 1970




Song of Saudagar 1973


Song of Swami 1977



Song of Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)





Song of Sajan 1991

Song of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge 1995

Preetam
Song of Mr. & Mrs. 55 (1955)


Song of Pocket Maar (1956)

Song of Main Shadi Karne Chala (1963)



Song of Archana (1973)























Sunday, 27 December 2020

Salman Khan- Deprived of Filmfare Best Actor Awards


Salman Khan( 27 Dec 1965), who made his debut with a minor role in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988) but has been in the business for more than 32 years now, he has been nominated nine times for Filmfare Award for Best Actor; that’s right, NINE times, but has never won one.

Before him, Dharmendra was another popular Hero who never got the Filmfare Best Actor Award despite nominated for 6 times. It was in 1997 he was given the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for contribution to Hindi Cinema. Now let's look into the films for which Salman Khan was nominated.

Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)- 


It was Salman's first film as a hero but couldn't get the best debut award being already made his debut earlier in Biwi Ho To Aisi. He was nominated for Best Actor along with Aamir Khan for Raakh, Rishi Kapoor for Chandini, Anil Kapoor for Eshwar, and Jackie Shroff for Parinda. Jackie Shroff, who took home the Black Lady for Parinda

Karan Arjun (1995)-


 Salman was nominated once again for the prestigious award along with Aamir Khan for Rangeela, Govinda for Coolie No 1, Ajay Devgan for Naajayaz, and the award went to Shahrukh Khan for DDLJ.

Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998)- 


He was nominated for the third time for this film but lost out to Shah Rukh Khan, who won the Best Actor award for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The other nomination was Aamir Khan for Ghulam, Ajay Devgan for Zakhm and Govinda for Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam(1999)- 


This was his fourth nomination for this film. Ajay Devgan was also nominated for this film, Aamir Khan for Sarfarosh, Manoj Vajpayee for Shool and Sanjay Dutt got the award for Vaastav.

Tere Naam(2003)- 


The role that Khan played in this romantic tragedy was very different from his earlier films. He was nominated for this role along with Shahrukh Khan for Kal Ho Na Ho, Amitabh Bachchan for Baghban, Ajay Devgan for Ganga Jal and the award went to Hritik Roshan for Koi Mil Gaya.

Dabangg (2010)-


 Everyone was expecting him the award this time but once again he lost the award to Shahrukh Khan (for playing Rizwan Khan in My Name Is Khan). Other nominees were Hritik Roshan for Guzarish, Ajay Devgan for Once Upon A Time In Mumbai

Bodyguard(2011)- 


Along with him, Shahrukh Khan for Don2, Ajay Devgan for Singham, Hritik for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, but the award was taken by Ranbir Kapoor for Rockstar

Dabangg-2 (2012)-


Three consecutive nominations must have given Khan enough joy to compensate for the fact that he again lost it to Ranbir Kapoor, who won the award for playing the deaf and mute lover boy in Barfi!

Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)- 


This is considered to be one of the best movies that Khan has done in his career, he was nominated but once again deprived of the award this time too. The award went to Ranvir Singh for Bajirao Mastani. The other nomination was Amitabh Bachchan for Piku


Friday, 25 December 2020

NAUSHAD- Creations that have withstood the test of time

 



Naushad (25 December 1919 – 5 May 2006 ) started as an independent music director from the 1940 film Prem Nagar. After just a few years in films, he went to rule the Hindi cinema music world for around two decades, beginning with the landmark Rattan (1944). It was in 1946 he got the superstar status with the two immortal songs from the film Anmol Ghadi. The simple melody in Raag Pahari in the voice of Noorjehan " Jawan Hai Mohabbat" and the duet of Noorjehan and Surendra"Awaz Do Kahan Ho" mesmerized the music lovers. In the same year, K L Saigal gave one of his immortal songs "Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya" under his composition in Shahjehan (1946) in Raag Bhairavi.

He did 65 films during his lifetime, 26 of those films celebrated Silver jubilees (25 weeks run) – 8 celebrated golden jubilees (50 weeks run) and 4 celebrated diamond jubilee. Many of which are musical milestones such as Andaz (1949), Baiju Bawra (1952), Mother India (1957) and Mughal-e-Azam (1960).

His classical genius was the 1952 film 'Baiju Bawra' in which he used the voices if the great Ustad Amir Khan and D V Paluskar. The music in “Baiju Bawra” was divine! It was, in fact, the soul of the film.There are many moments in “Baiju Bawra” when the contribution of Naushad emerges the strongest point of the movie. Mohammad Rafi, lyricist Shakeel Badayuni and Naushad leave you in a trance with the all-time great number “Man tarpat hari darshan ko aaj”


These were many Raag based songs that made Naushad Classical Genius. 
Naushad introduced classical music with deft handling, making it melodious for mass appeal and yet retaining enough artistry as the situation demanded.  Right from composing 'Rimjhim barse badarwa' in raga Pahadi in film Rattan effortlessly rendered by Zohrabai Amabalewali, Naushad emphasized the durable value of Indian classical music. 

His most durable composition Suhani raat dhal chuki was shaped in Pahadi and was from film Dulari made in 1949 that became legendary and is still considered an integral part of any singer’s repertoire in any musical gathering. His other popular number in Pahadi was Tod diya dil mera composed for film Andaz in 1949 and rendered by Lata Mangeshkar.  Another of his milestone songs was Toote na dil toote na picturised on Dilip Kumar in Andaz in 1949 and sung by Mukesh,

Prominent immortal songs composed by Naushad are from  Mela, Deedar, Amar, Uran Khatola, Mother India, Kohinoor, Gunga Jumna, Mere Mehboob, Leader, Dil Diya Dard Liya and Ram Aur Shyam.

Song of Rattan 1944

Song of Shahjehan 1946

Song of Shahjehan 1946

Song of Anmol Ghadi 1946
Song of Anmol Ghadi 1946

Song of Dard 1947

Song of Dulari 1949

Song of Andaz 1949

Song of Deedar 1951

Song of Baiju Bawra 1952


Song of Uran Khatola 1955

Song of Mother India 1957

Song of Mughal e Azam 1960

ong of Gunga Jamuna 1961

Song of Mere Mehboob 1963


































Thursday, 24 December 2020

Mohammad Rafi- The Voice of All Seasons



Mohammad Rafi, who delighted us for over three decades by his golden voice rendered to almost every actor of his time. Singing more than 30 thousand songs were not restricted only in cinema halls but was a household name all over the country. It is unbelievable that there was no one who did not sing or hum his songs. That was the magic of his voice. 

His voice could be heard in cities, towns or the countryside. His voice could be heard in temples or mosques, in a 'Mela' or in a garden, in a social gathering or a Govt. function, the festival of Holi- Diwali or Eid. He was the voice of all occasion and seasons. He was at ease in all genre, Bhajan or Sufi, Classical or western, sad song or romantic song,

His songs captured the maximum space of Radio broadcasting. Every hero of that era wanted to have his voice for his songs on the screen. He was the voice of Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Joy Mukharjee, Shashi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Rajendra Kumar and Dev Anand.

Mohammad Rafi had a unique quality of replicating with the style and mannerism of the hero for whom he is singing. One could close his eye and can guess who is singing this song on the screen. Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Biswajeet and Pradeep Kumar were the heroes of that era insisted producers take Mohammad Rafi as their playback singer.

Rafi sang for a whole bunch of stars, character actors and comedians from the late 1940s right up to the time of his death. In this blog. I am including one song of every actor sung by Mohammad Rafi. 

Dilip Kumar

Rafi sang 75 songs for Dilip Kumar.The first song Rafi sang for Dilip Kumar was a duet with Noorjehan from the 1947 film Jugnu. The song was composed by Naushad, with this song Mohammad Rafi was noticed.The next song was from 'Shaheed', 'Watan Ki Rah Hame Watan'. In 1951 film Deedar, Rafi sang 7 songs for Dilip Kumar, all the songs were hit from here Rafi became the voice of Dilip Mumar. Recall the solo songs 'Hue Hum Jin Ke Liye Barbad' and ' Meri Kahani Bhoolne Wale' from Deedar. The last time Rafi gave voice in a song from 'Kranti'

Song of Jugnu 1947

Raj Kapoor
Rafi sang 32 songs for Raj Kapoor. Mohammad Rafi sang for FRaj Kapoor in the 1947 film Dil Ki Rani after that he sang for him in 1949 film Andaz, interestingly in this film Mukesh sang for Dilip Kumar and Mohammad Rafi sang for Raj Kapoor. He again sang for Raj Kapoor in the 1950 film Sargam, in this film Rafi sang 2 songs for him. In 1952 released two film 'Amber' and 'Dastaan' Rafi sang 3 songs for him in each film.
Song of Andaz 1949


Dev Anand
Dev Anand’s films were best known for their great musical richness and melodious songs. It is a myth that Kishore Kumar was the voice of him but this is a fact many melodious songs of Dev Anand were sung by Mohammad Rafi. In fact, Mohammad Rafi sang for Dev a year before Kishore sang for him. It was in Dev Anand's second film 'Aage Badho' released in 1947, Rafi sang for the first time. This song was penned by Amar Verma, composed by Sudhir Phadke and sung by Mohammed Rafi and Khursheed. After that, he sang in Birha Ki Raat 1950 and Sanam 1951. It was the song 'Aankho Hi Aankho Mei' from CID(1956), Md Rafi sang a hit song for him. S D Burman used his voice for the first time in Nau Do Gyarah (1957), 'Aankhon Mein Kya Jee' became the first super hit song of Rafi.Rafi sang 97 songs for Dev Anand
Song of Hum Dono 1961

Shammi Kapoor
When Mohammad Rafi died, Shammi Kapoor said that I have lost my voice of screen. There was a magic of Rafi and Shammi combination. Do you know that he became his voice only after Tumsa Nahin Dekha, though Rafi sang two songs for him in his first film 'Rail Ka Dibba', after that Talat Mahmood gave playback for him in many films.   In the 60s Mohammad Rafi became his permanent voice.Rafi sang 180 songs for him. The last time he sang was in Shalimar (1978) 

Song of Teesri Manzil 1967

Joy Mukharjee 
Rafi sang 80 songs for Joy Mukharjee. Mohammad Rafi and Joy Mukharjee's association starts from his first film Love In Simla released in 1960. He sang all the songs for him, the film and its music was hit, after that this combination gave one hit song after another. The prominent films of this combination are , and 
Song of Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon 1963

Rajendra Kumar
Rafi was also the playback voice of Rajendra Kumar He sang 124 songs for him including duets, the first song he sang for Rajendra Kumar a duet in the 1957 film 'Duniya Rang Rangilee;.The first solo hit song for him was from the 1959 film 'Goonj Uthi Shehnai'.The next super hit solo song was 'Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko' from 'Sasural' and another solo song  'Husn Wale Tera Jawab Nahin' from Gharana(1961), another super hit songs from Dil Ek Mandir(1963). Rafi sang 6 songs in Hamrahi. In 1964 he sang the immortal 'Yeh Mera Prem Patra' from Sangam, the same year he had 5 songs in Mere Mehboob, all were hit. Aarzoo(1965), and Suraj(1966) were important films.
Song of Dil Ek Mandir(1963)



Shashi Kapoor
The golden combination starts with the film 'Holiday In Bombay'(1963), though the film went unnoticed,its songs were hit. After the release of 'Jaj Jab Phool Khile' 1965, this combination gave us many memorable songs. Rafi sang 121 songs for Shashi Kapoor
Song of Jaj Jab Phool Khile' 1965

Dharmendra
Rafi sang 104 songs for Dharmendra. The first time he gave playback for him was the 1960 film 'Shola Aur Shabnam'. In this film he sang 2 songs for him, one solo 'Jaane Kya Dhoondti' and another a duet with Lata 'Jeet Hi Lenge'. After that Rafi sang many songs in Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964) . Mamta (1966) , Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (1966), Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966), Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966) , Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968) .and Pratigya (1975). The last recorded song was in Mera Karam Mera Dharam released in 1987
Song of Pratigya (1975)


Jeetendra
Mohammad Rafi sang 104 songs for Jeetendra. The first time he sang for Jeetendra was in 1967 film 'Farz', all the song of this film were hit. ' Baar Baar Din Yeh Aaye' has become an immortal Birthday song. After this he sang 2 hit solo songs in Mere Huzoor(1968).In 1969 film Jeene Ki Rah Rafi sang all the songs for him. All the 6 songs were hit. The last song for him was in the 1987 film 'Madadgar'
Song of Caravan 1971

Johnny Walker

Rafi was also the voice of Johnny Walker, he sang 145 songs for him, many of his songs were hit. The first song Rafi sang for him was a duet from 1954 film 'Aar Paar'. The first super hit song was ' Jane Kahan Mera' from 1955 film Mr & Mrs 55. After this, another super hit songs were from CID(1956) 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', 'Sar Jo Tera Chakraye' from Pyaasa(1957) and 'Laal Laal Gaal' from Mr X(1957). The last song on Johnny Walker was in Sanjog(1972)
Song of  Pyaasa(1957)

A Tribute to Mohammad Rafi on his Death Anniversary
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