Saturday, 30 July 2016
Golden Era of Bollywood: Happy Birthday SONU NIGAM
Golden Era of Bollywood: Happy Birthday SONU NIGAM: Sonu Nigam (30 July 1973) Turns 43 on 30th July 2016 He has been one of the highest paid Indian singers. His singing style is ...
Happy Birthday SONU NIGAM
Nigam began his singing career at the age of four, when he joined his father Agam Kumar Nigam on stage to sing Mohammed Rafi's song "Kya hua tera wada".From then on, Nigam accompanied his father on his singing appearances at weddings and parties. He moved to Mumbai with his father to begin his Bollywood singing career at the age of 18.He was trained by Hindustani classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.
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| Sonu with his Guru Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan |
His First Released Song Was O Aasman Wale From Movie Aaja Meri Jaan(1992). He Released His First Album Rafi Ki Yaadein in 1992.In fact Sonu Nigam got his first break as a singer was in a film Janam (1990), which was never officially released.So the songs of that film never reached public. He then began making radio commercials and also acted in some of them.
Accha Sila Diya Tune from Bewafa Sanam
The song that gave him fame was 'Accha Sila Diya Tune' from the film 'Bewafa Sanam.Later 'Yeh Dil Deewana' from Subhash Ghai’s film 'Pardes'made him Super Star in Playback Singing.
His songs from films like 'Pardes', 'Dil Se', 'Border', 'Refugee', 'Sarfarosh', ’Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai’,'Parineeta',’Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’, 'Saathiya’, ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’, ‘Main Hoon Na’, ‘Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna’, ‘The Legend Of Bhagat Singh’,’Fanaa’ and ’Om Shanti Om’ and the '3 Idiots' are among a few milestones in his singing career.
Sandese Aate Hai from Border
kal ho na ho
Main Hoon Na
Sonu Nigam is a multi talented person he is a very good stage performer and good in mimicry.
sonu nigam mimicry
He began hosting the TV show, Sa Re Ga Ma in 1995 which became very popular.He did 5 seasons of that show.He returned on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs International as a judge with Suresh Wadkar in October 2007. Nigam was a celebrity judge on the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Mega Challenge grand finale on 12 December 2009 .He appeared as the judge on Indian Idol in seasons 1 (October 2004 – March 2005) and 2 (November 2005 – April 2006), and was a celebrity judge in seasons 3 (17 August 2007) and 4 (16 January 2009 and 6 February 2009).
Sonu Nigam hosting the first episode of Sa Re ga ma
He composed the title track of the film Singh Saab The Great in 2013 and has also composed music for other films including: Sooper Se Ooper and Jal, in collaboration with percussionist Bickram Ghosh in the same year.
Sonu released his first Indipop album, Sapney Ki Baat in 1997 in collaboration with T-Series which generated a remarkable response from the listeners. Following that, In 1998, Magnasound came up with a lucrative offer for Sonu to launch the albums, 'Kismat' and 'Mausam', both of which contributed to his title as the Golden Voice of Indipop. The singles 'Tu' and 'Bijuriya' are still considered to be two of his biggest dance hits. History was made when Sonu launched his album 'Deewana' in 1999 with T-Series. It led Sonu to the heights of his singing career.
Bijuriya by Sonu Nigam
Deewana tera
Year 2008 saw 3 historic projects - Classically Mild, Rafi Resurrected and Maha Ganesha. His recent foray into the international music scene has been path-breaking too with singles 'Lets Go For Glory' and 'This Is It' being released globally by Universal Music. The remix of 'I Wanna Go' with Britney Spears created a huge sensation too India and overseas.
Sonu Nigam also acted as Hero in Hindi films, he acted in films such as Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani, Kash Aap Hamare Hote andLove in Nepal.In fact Sonu Nigam started as a child actor in films including Betaab (1983).,Kamchor
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| Sonu Nigam in Betaab |
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| sonu in Kamchor |
He has not only sung in Hindi but in several languages, including Kannada, Oriya, Assamese, Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu and Nepali.
Nigam's first song in Kannada was in 1996 for the super hit film Jeevanadhi starring South Super Star Dr.Vishnuvardhan. The song's music was composed by Saluri Koteswara Rao with lyrics by R. N. Jayagopal. Nigam has sung over 600 Kannada songs.He is known as the The Golden Singer Of Karnataka.
Chendutiya Pakkadali from kannada film Drama
He was given many awards for his song "Sandeshe aate hain" from Border in 1997,he got his first Filmfare Award in2002 for the song"Saathiya" for the film Saathiya.Next year in 2003 he was again awarded Filmfare Award for the Song"Kal Ho Na Ho"from kal Ho Na Ho,he was given National Award for the same song in 2004.In 2008 he was given Filmfare Award for KannadaBest Playback Singer for Ninnindale, Milana..In 2009 he was again given Filmfare Award for KannadaBest Playback Singer for Yenagali, Mussanje Maathu.2012-2013 Filmfare Awards South - Best Playback Singer Male for the song "Chendutiya Pakkadali" from the movie Drama
After the death of Michael Jackson, Nigam released a song as a tribute to Jackson which was included on the tribute album The Beat of Our Hearts
The Beat of Our Hearts
In November 2007, at the inauguration of Harvard University's 28th president, Drew Gilpin Faust, Nigam sang Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan, "Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye", with the Harvard College Sangeet
In 2011 Nigam collaborated with Britney Spears on a remix of her "I Wanna Go" track.
He was ranked the Number 1 artist on the US Billboard Uncharted charts twice in 7 September and 5 October 2013
His song "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" from Agnipath(2013) also gave Sonu Nigam lots of Music Awards
2015 Oscar 2015 nomination list "Jal" Sonu Nigam and Bickram Ghosh for their rustic compositions for the drama film.
Sonu Nigam | Crazy Dil | Brand New Song
Dard Full Song | SARBJIT | Randeep Hooda, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan | Sonu Nigam, Jeet Gannguli, Jaani
Rare Pictures of SONU NIGAM
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| Child Sonu Nigam on stage |
with his son
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| with his parents and younger sister |
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| when he was a baby |
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| with his mother |
Friday, 29 July 2016
Remembering JOHNNY WALKER on his 13th Death Anniversary
Johnny Walker (11 Nov 1920 – 29 July 2003)
He was born as Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi in Indore,the son of a mill worker. Looking after his 15-member family was tough; five of the family died young. Johnny Walker tried his hand at almost everything, including working in the Bombay Electric Supply Transport buses as a conductor. He was posted at the Dadar bus depot but worked on several routes.
Comedians like Noor Mohammad and Charlie were his idols. Johnnysaab had always wanted to be a comedian; he believed it was his God-given duty to make people laugh.
His Golden Period was 50s and 60s when he gave memorable and great performances.
He was a natural comedian, his comedy was never crude or vulgar. But, 1970 onwards, comedy began to change. Some of the comedians indulged in lewd gestures and relied on double-entendre.Johnny Walker never tried that type of comedy,In an interview he said that though he acted more than 300 films and the Censor Board never cut even one line of his character.
He was the comedian for whom famous music directors like S D Burman and O P Nayyar tuned some of their most memorable hits. Remember Tael maalish, champee or Yeh hain Bombay meri jaan? His drawing power at the box office was such that Distributors insisted the Producers and Directors to have atleast one song to be done with him.His song sequences in Doordarshan'sChitrahaar or cable television are highly appreciated.
During the mid-eighties, Johnny Walker tried to produce a film but was quickly disillusioned by the attitude of the industry people, particularly the stars.His last movie was Chachi 420(1997) did after the gap of 14 years.
He was given his first Filmfare award as the Best Supporting Actor in Madhumati(1958) and later the best Comedian award for Shikar(1968)
Johny Walker died at the age of 79 on 29th July 2003.He is survived by his wife,3 sons and 3 daughters.His actor son Nasir was on his side when he breathed his last at 1.10 P M
To Give Him Tribute,I am posting here some of his best comedy scenes from his movies
Comedy scene from Paigham(1959)
He was born as Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi in Indore,the son of a mill worker. Looking after his 15-member family was tough; five of the family died young. Johnny Walker tried his hand at almost everything, including working in the Bombay Electric Supply Transport buses as a conductor. He was posted at the Dadar bus depot but worked on several routes.
Comedians like Noor Mohammad and Charlie were his idols. Johnnysaab had always wanted to be a comedian; he believed it was his God-given duty to make people laugh.
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| Scene from Baazi(1951) |
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| Scene from Taxi Driver |
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| scene from Pyaasa |
song from Taxi Driver
song from CID
He did his first bit role in the early 1950s and had enacted similar snippets in about 20 films but the real break was given by Guru Dutt in Baazi(1951),his new screen name Johnny Walker was given by Guru Dutt.Thereafter he was doing all the films of Guru Dutt.Films like Taxi Driver(1954) CID,Pyaasa,Madhumati,Naya Daur and Mere Mehboob made him a star.He was sought by the best banners and the best directors and was equal to the task of acting with the best of the stars.
Comedy Scene from Mere Mehboob
Comedy Scene from CID
Comedy Scene from Aar Paar
He was offered many films(around 12) as a hero such as JOHNNY WALKER ,Mr Cartoon, These, of course, had comic themes but were embellished with wonderful music and did well at the box office. His Golden Period was 50s and 60s when he gave memorable and great performances.
He was a natural comedian, his comedy was never crude or vulgar. But, 1970 onwards, comedy began to change. Some of the comedians indulged in lewd gestures and relied on double-entendre.Johnny Walker never tried that type of comedy,In an interview he said that though he acted more than 300 films and the Censor Board never cut even one line of his character.
He was the comedian for whom famous music directors like S D Burman and O P Nayyar tuned some of their most memorable hits. Remember Tael maalish, champee or Yeh hain Bombay meri jaan? His drawing power at the box office was such that Distributors insisted the Producers and Directors to have atleast one song to be done with him.His song sequences in Doordarshan'sChitrahaar or cable television are highly appreciated.
song from Mr & Mrs 55
song from Khota Paisa
song from Chaudhavin Ka Chaand
song from Chori Chori
song from Mere Mehboob
song from Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi
During the mid-eighties, Johnny Walker tried to produce a film but was quickly disillusioned by the attitude of the industry people, particularly the stars.His last movie was Chachi 420(1997) did after the gap of 14 years.
He was given his first Filmfare award as the Best Supporting Actor in Madhumati(1958) and later the best Comedian award for Shikar(1968)
Comedy scene from SHIKAR(1968)
Johny Walker died at the age of 79 on 29th July 2003.He is survived by his wife,3 sons and 3 daughters.His actor son Nasir was on his side when he breathed his last at 1.10 P M
To Give Him Tribute,I am posting here some of his best comedy scenes from his movies
Comedy scene from Mr & Mrs 55
Comedy scene from Paigham(1959)
Comedy scene from Anand
Comedy scene from Baat Ek Raat Ki
Comedy scene from Kaagaz Ke Phool(1959)
Comedy scene from Chupke Chupke
Comedy scene from Chori Chori
Comedy scene from Sanjog(1971)
comedy scene from Chaudhavin Ka Chaand
comedy scene from Barati
comedy scene from Mr Cartoon M A
Thursday, 28 July 2016
Remembering LEELA NAIDU on her Death Anniversary
Leela Naidu (1940 – 28 July 2009)
Leela Naidu was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. Her father, Dr Pattipati Ramaiah Naidu, a well known nuclear physicist , hailed from Madanapalle, Chittoor Dist., Andhra Pradesh, who had worked under the supervision of Nobel Laureate Marie Curie for his doctoral thesis in Paris. Her mother, journalist and Indologist, Dr. Marthe Mange Naidu, was of Swiss-French origin, from Pont d'Avignon, South-France .Sarojini Naidu, a senior Congress leader and freedom fighter was her aunt.
Leela Naidu was crowned Femina Miss India in 1954, and the same year was featured in Vogue magazine's list of the world's ten most beautiful women..In 1956 at the age of 17 she married to Tikki Oberoi of Oberoi Group of Hotels with whom she had twin daughters.The brief marriage ended in divorce, and Oberoi won custody of the girls.She was shattered and lived alone in Bombay.
Raj Kapoor was the first film maker to have noticed her, and wanted to sign her for a four movie contract, sometime in the late 1950s. He even got a photo shoot done. Leela Naidu turned down the offer and went to Oxford.
In 1960 she was selected by Hrishikesh Mukharjee as the lead actress against Balraj Sahini for his film ANURADHA..Though the film was commercially not a success but the film went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 11th Berlin International Film Festival in 1961.
Her next film was Nitin Bose's Ummeed (1962), alongside Ashok Kumar and Joy Mukherjee this film was also not successful.Her next film was Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke (1963), directed by RK Nayyar. The movie, which co-starred Sunil Dutt and Rehman, was based on the real life case K. M. Nanavati vs. State of Maharashtra.Despite its topical nature and controversial theme, the movie flopped; however, some of its songs, notably Ye Khaamoshiyaan, Ye Tanahaaiyaan, became quite popular.
In 1963, Naidu played the lead role of a rebellious young bride in the first Merchant Ivory film, The Householder, directed by James Ivory.After watching her performance in the The Householder, Satyajit Ray who had actually assisted and guided Merchant-Ivory in their first film venture, planned an English film, The Journey, with Marlon Brando, Shashi Kapoor and Naidu, but sadly the film was never made. She was considered for the role of Rosie in Vijay Anand's Guide (1965), but the role required a trained dancer, and so Naidu lost out to Waheeda Rehman.
Later, Naidu made a guest appearance in the Merchant-Ivory film, The Guru (1969)
She acted in a few films here and there. Married Dom Moraes in 1969, and given Moraes' terrible communication skills, acted as his unpaid secretary, when he wrote commissioned articles and books. She edited the Society magazine, after Shobha De.Leela Naidu and Dom Moraes lived in Hong Kong,New York,New Delhi and Mumbai for 25 years but their marriage didn't last further.After the relationship ended she led a somewhat reclusive life in Colaba Mumbai.
She returned to cinema in 1985 to play a Goan matriarch in Shyam Benegal's period film,Trikaal. Her appearance in Electric Moon (1992), directed by Pradip Krishen, turned out to be her last cinematic role.
Leela Naidu died in Mumbai on 28 July 2009, due to lung failure after a prolonged bout of influenza, at the age of 69
Some Photographs
Leela Naidu was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. Her father, Dr Pattipati Ramaiah Naidu, a well known nuclear physicist , hailed from Madanapalle, Chittoor Dist., Andhra Pradesh, who had worked under the supervision of Nobel Laureate Marie Curie for his doctoral thesis in Paris. Her mother, journalist and Indologist, Dr. Marthe Mange Naidu, was of Swiss-French origin, from Pont d'Avignon, South-France .Sarojini Naidu, a senior Congress leader and freedom fighter was her aunt.
Leela Naidu was crowned Femina Miss India in 1954, and the same year was featured in Vogue magazine's list of the world's ten most beautiful women..In 1956 at the age of 17 she married to Tikki Oberoi of Oberoi Group of Hotels with whom she had twin daughters.The brief marriage ended in divorce, and Oberoi won custody of the girls.She was shattered and lived alone in Bombay.
Raj Kapoor was the first film maker to have noticed her, and wanted to sign her for a four movie contract, sometime in the late 1950s. He even got a photo shoot done. Leela Naidu turned down the offer and went to Oxford.
In 1960 she was selected by Hrishikesh Mukharjee as the lead actress against Balraj Sahini for his film ANURADHA..Though the film was commercially not a success but the film went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 11th Berlin International Film Festival in 1961.
Her next film was Nitin Bose's Ummeed (1962), alongside Ashok Kumar and Joy Mukherjee this film was also not successful.Her next film was Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke (1963), directed by RK Nayyar. The movie, which co-starred Sunil Dutt and Rehman, was based on the real life case K. M. Nanavati vs. State of Maharashtra.Despite its topical nature and controversial theme, the movie flopped; however, some of its songs, notably Ye Khaamoshiyaan, Ye Tanahaaiyaan, became quite popular.
In 1963, Naidu played the lead role of a rebellious young bride in the first Merchant Ivory film, The Householder, directed by James Ivory.After watching her performance in the The Householder, Satyajit Ray who had actually assisted and guided Merchant-Ivory in their first film venture, planned an English film, The Journey, with Marlon Brando, Shashi Kapoor and Naidu, but sadly the film was never made. She was considered for the role of Rosie in Vijay Anand's Guide (1965), but the role required a trained dancer, and so Naidu lost out to Waheeda Rehman.
Later, Naidu made a guest appearance in the Merchant-Ivory film, The Guru (1969)
She acted in a few films here and there. Married Dom Moraes in 1969, and given Moraes' terrible communication skills, acted as his unpaid secretary, when he wrote commissioned articles and books. She edited the Society magazine, after Shobha De.Leela Naidu and Dom Moraes lived in Hong Kong,New York,New Delhi and Mumbai for 25 years but their marriage didn't last further.After the relationship ended she led a somewhat reclusive life in Colaba Mumbai.
She returned to cinema in 1985 to play a Goan matriarch in Shyam Benegal's period film,Trikaal. Her appearance in Electric Moon (1992), directed by Pradip Krishen, turned out to be her last cinematic role.
Leela Naidu died in Mumbai on 28 July 2009, due to lung failure after a prolonged bout of influenza, at the age of 69
Some Photographs
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