Tuesday 13 November 2018

Top 20 Bollywood film soundtracks of Golden Era


In this blog, I have selected the films released from the late 1940s to 1975 which were musically hit. Often before a film was released, a Bollywood movie’s soundtrack was played repeatedly on the radio, reaching the hearts of millions across the country who may not have afforded the luxury to see the actual film in theatres. It is said that the hit music makes a guarantee for its success. But there were many films whose music was super hit but the film was not as successful. This is my Top 20 list of such musical films.

Barsaat (1949)

 Barsaat was one of the first major hit films directed by Kapoor. This success allowed Kapoor to buy RK Studios in 1950. The music was by Shankar Jaikishan all the songs(11) were popular. Barsaat is ideally one of Hindi cinema’s best soundtracks. Some of the hits are
Hawa Mein Udta Jaye – Lata Mangeshkar
Chhod Gaye Balam – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh
Jiya Beqarar Hai – Lata Mangeshkar
Mujhe Kisise Pyar – Lata Mangeshkar
Patli Kamar Hai – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh
Song of Barsaat (1949)


Guide (1965)


 A romantic drama film starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. It was directed by Vijay Anand, who contributed to the screenplay. The film is based on the novel The Guide, by R. K. Narayan. The film's music was composed by Sachin Dev Burman, the songs were written by Shailendra and they were sung by Mohammed RafiLata MangeshkarKishore KumarManna Dey and Sachin Dev Burman.
 Din Dhal Jaaye – Mohammed Rafi
Aaj Phir Jeene Ki – Lata Mangeshkar
Piya Tose – Lata Mangeshkar
Tere Mere Sapne – Mohammed Rafi
Gaata Rahe Mera Dil – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi
Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya – Mohammed Rafi
Saiyan Beiman – Lata Mangeshkar
Song of Guide (1965)


Pyaasa (1957)


Produced and Directed by Guru Dutt, written by Abrar Alvi, and starring Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman and Mala Sinha. The movie boasts one of the best performances of S.D. BurmanSahir LudhianviGeeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi to produce one of the most lyrical Hindi musicals. Pyaasa marked the last collaboration of the long-lasting team of composer Burman and lyricist Ludhianvi
Jaane Woh Kaise – Hemant Kumar
Aaj Sajan Mohe – Geeta Dutt
Hum Aap Ki Ankhon Mein – Geeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi
Jane Kya Tune Kahi – Asha Bhonsle
Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye – Mohammed Rafi
Song of Pyaasa (1957)


Madhumati (1958)


Produced and directed by Bimal Roy, and written by Ritwik Ghatak and Rajinder Singh Bedi. Its music was composed by Salil Choudhury, with lyrics written by Shailendra. The film stars Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala in the lead roles with Pran and Johnny Walker. It was one of Bimal Roy's greatest commercial successes.All the 12 songs were hit
Aaja Re Pardesi – Lata Mangeshkar
Dil Tadap Tadap – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh
Suhana Safar – Mukesh
Ghadi Ghadi Mora Dil – Lata Mangeshkar
Chadh Gayo Papi Bichua – Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey
Song of Madhumati (1958)


Mughal E Azam (1960)


Indian epic historical drama film directed by K. Asif and produced by Shapoorji Pallonji. Starring Prithviraj KapoorDilip KumarMadhubala, and Durga KhoteThe soundtrack was composed by music director Naushad, and the lyrics were written by Shakeel Badayuni. After conceiving the idea of the film, Asif visited Naushad and handed him a briefcase containing money, telling him to make "memorable music" for Mughal-e-AzamThe soundtrack contained a total of 12 songs, which were rendered by playback singers and classical music artists. These songs account for nearly one-third of the film's running time
Teri Mehfil Mein Qismat – Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum
Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya – Lata Mangeshkar
Mohe Pangat Pe – Lata Mangeshkar
Mohabbat Ki Jhooti Kahani – Lata Mangeshkar
Aye Mohabbat Zindabad – Mohammed Rafi
Prem Jogan Ban Ke – Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Yeh Dil Ki Lagi – Lata Mangeshkar
Song of Mughal E Azam (1960)


Taj Mahal (1963)


The movie's musical score is by Roshan, lyrics are by Sahir Ludhianvi and most of the songs are performed by Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.
Jo Wada Kiya Woh – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi
Jo Baat Tujh Mein Hai – Mohammed Rafi
Jurm-e Ulfat Pe – Lata Mangeshkar
Paaon Choo Lene Do – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi
Chandi Ka Badan – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi
Song of  Taj Mahal (1963)


Baiju Bawra (1952)


Baiju Bawra was a musical "megahit" which had a mighty run of 100 weeks in the theatres. The film's music director was Naushad, The lyricist was Shakeel Badayuni, a Naushad discovery. For Baiju Bawra, he had to forgo Urdu, and write lyrics in pure Hindi, with songs such as the bhajan "Man Tadpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj", becoming popular.the film's music director, Naushad, also received the inaugural Filmfare Best Music Director Award for the song "Tu Ganga Ki Mauj"; this was Naushad's first and only Filmfare Award win.
Song of  Baiju Bawra (1952)


Pakeezah (1971)


The film starred Meena KumariRaaj KumarAshok KumarNadiraD.K. Sapru and Veena . The music is by Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad Ali Ghulam Mohammed, the music director of Pakeezah, sadly could not be alive to see the success of his film. There were total 18 songs recorded, however, only 9 of them were used in the film.
Chalte Chalte – Lata Mangeshkar
Taare Rahiyo – Lata Mangeshkar
Teer-e Nazar – Lata Mangeshkar
Chalo Dildar Chalo – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi
Inhi Logon Ne – Lata Mangeshkar
Mausam Hai Aashiqana – Lata Mangeshkar
Song of  Pakeezah (1971)


Aradhana (1969)

The film directed by Shakti Samanta, starring Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh KhannaThe soundtrack of the film was composed by S. D. Burman, with lyrics by Anand Bakshi. Burman had written the music for the songs of Aradhana and completed the recording of the songs in the voices of Lata Mangeshkar,Asha Bhonsle,Mohd. Rafi,Kishore Kumar & S.D.Burman himself. Aradhana songs gave big boost to the career of Kishore Kumar as a singer as the songs became extremely popular & broke all records.
Roop Tera Mastana – Kishore Kumar
Mere Sapnon Ki Rani – Kishore Kumar
Kora Kaagaz Tha – Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar
Gunguna Rahe Hai Bhanware – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi
Baghon Mein Bahar Hai – Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar
Safal Hogi Teri Aradhana – S.D. Burman
Song of  Aradhana (1969)


Hum Dono (1961)


 Hindi film produced by Dev Anand and Navketan films. Amarjeet is credited as the film's director, but producer and star Dev Anand claimed that it was his brother Vijay Anand, who directed the film, based on his own script.The film is also known for its music by Jaidev and became a box office hit.The film has a superhit song "Mai Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya" by Mohammed Rafi and the Lata solo "Allah tero naam". It also has the evergreen duet "Abhi na jaao chhodkar" by Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle.
Song of Hum Dono (1961)


Bandini (1963)


Bandini stars Nutan giving one of the finest performances of her career, along with Ashok Kumar and Dharmendra as leads,composed by S.D. Burman, and with lyrics by Shailendra. The film also mark the debut of Gulzar, who was working as an assistant director on the film as a film lyricist, initially having refused Bimal Roy on the offering saying that he didn't want to become a lyricist, Gulzar relented only after film's music director S.D. Burman convinced him so, and he wrote the song, 'Mora Gora Ang Lai Le' in five days. Rest of lyrics are by Shailendra, who gave classics like, the haunting 'Mere Sajan Hain Us Paar' in the bardic voice of S.D. Burman himself, Mukesh's sad song O Jaanewale Ho Sake, where Burman da uses, Bhatiyali with a variation.
Song of Bandini (1963)


Aar Paar (1954)


 Directed by Guru Dutt, it has music by O.P. Nayyar and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. All the 8 songs were hit.
  • Babuji Dheere Chalna – Geeta Dutt
  • Sun Sun Sun Zalima – Geeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi
  • Kabhi Aar Kabhi Par – Shamshad Begum
  • Yeh Lo Main Haari Piya – Geeta Dutt
  • Hoon Abhi Main Jawan – Geeta Dutt
Song of Aar Paar (1954)

Teesri Manzil (1966)


 A 1966 Indian musical thriller film directed by Vijay Anand and produced by Nasir Hussain. It starred Shammi KapoorAsha Parekh, along with Laxmi ChhayaPremnathPrem ChopraIftekharHelenK. N. Singh and Salim Khan. The film became a hit at the box office. with the music and songs setting records, this movie is considered among the best offerings of R.D.Burman's career.
Aaja Aaja – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi
Deewana Mujhsa Nahin – Mohammed Rafi
O Haseena Zulfonwali – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi
O Mere Sona Re – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi
Tumne Mujhe Dekha – Mohammed Rafi
Song of Teesri Manzil (1966)


Nagin (1954)


It stars Vyjayanthimala and Pradeep Kumar, and has a hit musical score by Hemant Kumar. This film was partly produced in Technicolor.The film's soundtrack was composed by Hemanta Mukherjee. It included thirteen tracks, including the hit "Man Dole Mera Tan Dole", whose "Been Music" was performed by Kalyanji on clavioline and by Ravi on harmonium, who once worked under Hemanta Mukherjee's direction and later became independent music directors.
Man Dole Mera – Lata MangeshkarJadugar Saiyan – Lata Mangeshkar
Tere Dwar Khada Ek Jogi – Hemant Kumar
Mera Dil Yeh Pukare Aaja – Lata MangeshkarSun Ri Sakhi – Lata Mangeshkar
Yaad Rakhna Pyar Ki Nishani – Asha Bhonsle and Hemant Kumar
Song of Nagin (1954)

Chori Chori (1956)

A  romantic comedy film directed by Anant Thakur, with music by Shankar Jaikishan and lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra.The music of Chori Chori had popular tracks including "Aaja Sanam", "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" in the voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey; "Jahan Mein Jati Hun" by Lata and Manna and "Sawa Lakh Ki Lottery," by Mohammad Rafi.
Song of Chori Chori (1956)

Albela (1951)

The music director of the film was C. Ramchandra and the soundtrack was acclaimed, cited as a "classic".[3][5] The film features several westernized songs such as Sholajo badhkeand Ye deewana, ye parwana which are said to have "employed cabaret type dance/choruses featuring bongo drums, oboes,, clarinets, trumpets, saxophones, etc.C.Ramachandra as Chitalkar himself sang most of the male songs in the movie while Lata Mangeshkar sang all the female songs. Apart from the highly popular Western-style songs, the movie also had classic melodies like "Dheere se aaja re ankhiyan me", "Balama bada nadan re" etc...
Shola Jo Bhadke - Lata Mangeshkar & Chitalkar
Shaam Dhale Khidki Tale - Lata Mangeshkar & Chitalkar
Bholi Soorat Dil Ke Khote - Lata Mangeshkar & Chitalkar
Song of Albela (1951)




Milan (1967)


The film stars Sunil DuttNutanJamuna (reprising her role from the original Telugu version), Pran and Deven Varma. The award-winning and very popular music were given by Laxmikant Pyarelal.The lyrics of the film were career-defining for Anand Bakshi and helped take him to the "top", with songs like "Sawan Ka Mahina Pawan Kare Sor", "Ram Kare Aisa Ho Jaaye" and "Bol Gori Bol".other hit songs are
Hum Tum Yug Yug Se -Mukesh Lata
Main To Diwana - Mukesh
Aaj Dil Pe Koi Zor Chalta Nahin -Lata
Song of Milan (1967)



Bobby (1973)


Directed by Raj Kapoor and written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. It was the first leading role for Raj Kapoor's son, Rishi Kapoor, and the film debut for Dimple Kapadia.It was a blockbuster, its music was super hit. Especially the song Hum tum Ek Kamre Mein Bund Ho.Other songs are
Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate - Lata Mangeshkar and Shailender Singh
Main Shayar To Nahin- Shailender Singh
Na Mangun Sona Chandi- Manna Dey and Shailender Singh
Beshak Mandir Masjid - Narendra Chanchal
Song of Bobby (1973)


Dosti (1964)

Dosti was amongst the top 10 grosser of 1964 and was declared a "Super Hit" at the box office. The lyrics of the film are written by Majrooh Sultanpuri on music composed by Laxmikant PyarelalDosti stands as a landmark in the career history of the musical duo as this won them their first Filmfare Award and made them popular in the film industry. Mohammad Rafi is the main vocalist for the songs.
Chahoonga Main Tujhe Saanj Savere
Meri Dosti Mera Pyar
Rahi Manwa Dukh Ki Chinta
Jaanewalo Zara
Mera To Jo Bhi Kadam
Gudiya Humse Roothi Rahogi Kab Tak Na Hasogi, only song by Lata
Song of Dosti 1964



Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973)


Song of  Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973)


Directed by Nasir Hussain and written by Salim-Javed (Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar). It featured an ensemble cast, starring DharmendraZeenat AmanAjit KhanVijay AroraTariq KhanNeetu Singh. It is still remembered fondly for its Hindi soundtrack, composed by music director R.D. Burman. The track "Chura Liya Hai", sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi, is particularly well-known.Apart from the title song, the other best-remembered numbers are "Lekar Hum Deewana Dil" and "Meri Soni Meri Tamanna






Monday 12 November 2018

The Punjabification of Bollywood


Bollywood has been open about merging cultures and ethnicity. Before independence, the influence of Mythological and Bengal was visible in Hindi films and Hindi film music. The film like Devdas influenced most of the producers."After Partition, several of the Punjabi filmmakers moved to India from Lahore. The Chopras, the Sippys, the Kapoors, are all Punjabis. It's obvious that they will make movies about what they know. Besides Punjabi two other community, Bengalis and Muslims rule the Bollywood. only 10% are from outside of this trio. 
Punjabification of Bollywood isn't a new trend which is evident only within the latest Bollywood movies. The upbeat and celebratory Punjabi culture has constantly been an overplayed theme in Bollywood. It was B.R Chopra. and Raj Kapoor led the 'Punjabification' of the Indian film industry.  Punjabi music was first introduced by Gulam Haider. In the 50s and 60s, we saw the influence of Urdu and Muslim influence in Hindi songs and films besides Bengali. It's just that earlier, the hero-heroine never had the last name. Initially in the 50s, though many heroes belong to Punjabi community like Dharmendra, Rajendra Kumar, Manoj Kumar, In the past, Bollywood movies with Punjabi actors and South Indian actresses used to portray characters from the Hindi region of India peppered with lots of Hindi songs and dance. Actors even used to change their names to appear more Hindi instead of Punjabi or any other non-Hindi ethnicity. Bollywood is a family/community dominated industry where whom you know and which family you belong to matters more than talent. Bollywood like Hollywood is meant for thrilling people where talent matters little. It is like some kind of an exclusive club where you can only become a member if you belong to a particular group. More than 80% directors, actors, producers etc are related to one another in one way or the other. The late 90s where the majority of the Hindi films were being produced and directed by Punjabis with Punjabi actors playing Punjabi characters in Hindi movies. This was a big shift in the Bollywood formula. Punjabi was in Hindi was liked by the audience. This was followed by Bollywood songs and dances having more Punjabi than Hindi influence. Thanks to Yash Chopra and Johars who gave a new trend in Hindi Cinema.Since Bollywood relies more on formula and masala rather than innovation. As the Punjabi masala was successful, everybody is following it.
 Today's generation is very fond of those rocking songs as composed in the Punjabi language. They like the beats which these Hindi songs have, they do not care about the lyrics whether they understand the Punjabi words or not they just want peppy beats. The sound of dhols and beats make the songs more energetic. Here are some of these songs. My first song on the list is the song from Yamla Jatt released in 1940 sung by Noorjehan
Song of Yamla Jatt 1940


Song of  Jagte Raho 1956


Song of New Delhi 1956


Song of Naya Daur 1957


Song of Naya Daur 1957


Song of  Shaheed 1965


Song of  Sawan Ki Ghata 1966

Song of Heer Ranjha 1970


Song of Daag 1973


Song of  Pratigya 1975


Song of Dada 1978


Song of  Maachis 1996


Song of Arjun Pandit 1999


Song of Gadar 2001

Song of  Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum 2001

Song of Monsoon Wedding 2001

Song of Jab We Met 2007


Song of  Desi Boyz 2011


Song of  Rockstar 2011


Song of Queen 2014









Sunday 11 November 2018

Mala Sinha - One of the most sought-after actresses in the 1950s, 1960s


Mala Sinha (Born on 11th Nov 1936) was the highest-paid actress from 1958-65 with Vyjanthimala, Recall the song 'Aapki nazaron ne samjha, pyaar ke kaabil mujhe..'from Anpadh which was Lip-synced by Mala Sinha became so popular, made her the darling of millions of people of film lovers. She became one of the superstars who ruled the celluloid from the era of the 50s to 70s, the actress never defied from taking up roles which her contemporaries feared to touch back then.
As per Mala Sinha Pyaasa 1957 was the turning point of her career. After Pyaasa, her major successe was Phir Subah Hogi (1958) She then appeared in Dhool Ka Phool 1959 where she played the role of an unwed mother, which made her a star.
It was Geeta Bali who introduced her to Kidar Sharma who cast her as a heroine in his Rangeen Ratein. Her first released Hindi film was Badshah opposite, Pradeep Kumar, She was the heroine of many successful films from 1958 to the early '60s such as Parvarish (1958), UjalaMain Nashe Main HoonDuniya Na ManeLove Marriage (1959), Bewaqoof (1960), Maya (1961), Hariyali Aur RastaDil Tera Deewana(1962), Anpadh and Bombay Ka Chor (1962).
She was regularly paired with Pradeep Kumar but later she paired with Biswajeet.  She worked with many newcomers of her era including Manoj KumarDharmendraRajesh KhannaSunil DuttSanjay KhanJeetendra and Amitabh Bachchan.Her character's power was as much as the heroes and most of the time her roles were more powerful than the hero. In most of her films from the 1960s, 
Her pairings opposite Raaj KumarRajendra KumarBiswajit and Manoj Kumar in woman-oriented films were appreciated by audiences, with her work opposite Biswajit being the most popular. With Raaj Kumar, she gave box office hits like Phool Bane AngaareMaryada and Karmayogi and opposite Manoj Kumar, gave commercial successes like Hariyali Aur RastaApne Huye Paraye and Himalaya Ki God Mein. The hits with Rajendra Kumar were  Dhool Ka Phool, Devar Bhabhi, PatangGeet and Lalkar.
With Biswajit, her popular movies include AasraNight in LondonDo KaliyaanTamannaNai Roshni and critically acclaimed films Pyar Ka SapnaPaisa Ya PyaarJaal and Phir Kab Milogi. She did ten films with Biswajit
In 1966, Mala Sinha went to Nepal to act in a Nepali film called Maitighar when the Nepali film industry was still in its infancy. This was the only Nepali film she did in her career. The hero was an estate owner called Chidambar Prasad Lohani with whom she married in 1966.
Some of her best-remembered performances were in  Bahurani (1963), GumrahGehra DaagApne Huye ParayeNayi Roshni and Jahan Ara.
Song of Pyaasa 1957



Song of Phir Subah Hogi 1958



Song of Parvarish 1958




Song of Ujala 1959



Song of Love Marriage 1959



Song of Dhool Ka Phool  1959



Song of Maya 1961



Song of Dil Tera Diwana 1962



Song of Anpadh 1962



Song of Hariyali Aur Rasta 1962


Song of Gumrah 1962


Song of Jahan Ara 1964


Song of Himalaya Ki God Mein 1965


Song of Aankhen 1968


Song of Geet 1970


Song of Maryaada 1971





Thursday 8 November 2018

Usha Uthup - A Journey from Night Club to Bollywood


Usha Uthap( 8th Nov 1947) came in at a time when people thought that ladies' voices should be pretty and gentle. She became the first female Pop Singer of India. She started her singing career as a Night Club singer in Madras. After that, she began singing in Calcutta at nightclubs such as "Trincas"
I was in my teens when I listened to her very popular song "Scotch and Soda".Those days she was known as Usha Iyer and she used to sing cover versions of many popular songs. In 1968, she recorded covers of two pop songs in English, "Jambalaya" and The Kingston Trio's "Greenback Dollar", on an EP. Her deep husky resonance roused the passions of a million young hearts 
https://youtu.be/Io2a0jnwYTI

No one expected a woman in a saree singing in a nightclub but that was the fact. People were surprised to see a typical South Indian Girl singing Pop Songs. After Trincas, her next engagement took her to Delhi where she sang at the Oberoi hotels. Here in Oberoi Hotel once Shashi Kapoor and few unit members of Navketan heard her singing the English songs and were influenced with her unique voice.
As a result, she started her Bollywood career with Ivory-Merchant's Bombay Talkies (1970) in which she sang an English number under Shanker-Jaikishan and then Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Originally, she was supposed to sing Dum Maro Dum along with Asha Bhosle for Hare Rama Hare Krishna. However, as a result of internal politicking on the part of other singers, she lost that chance but ended up singing an English verse.
Uthup sang several songs in the 1970s and 1980s for music directors R D Burman and Bappi Lahiri. She also reprised some of R.D. Burman songs that were sung by others such as Mehbooba Mehbooba and Dum Maro Dum and popularised them to a distinct end.
She has 200 albums under her belt and soundtracks for 150 Hindi and regional films. She has sung French, Spanish, Italian, Swahili, Zulu, Russian, Creole, Hebrew, Sinhala and Chinese. 
Usha married Jani Uthup, who was her fan in Kolkata. The couple has a daughter, Angeli and son, Sunny. The diva is a grandmother now
Summertime by Usha Iyer


Fever by Usha Iyer


Song of Hare Rama Hare Krishna 1971



Song of Shalimar 1978


Song of Shan 1980




Song of Pyara Dushman 1980



Song of Wardat 1981



Song of Arman 1981



Song of Disco Dancer 1982



Song of 7 Khoon Maaf 2011





Tuesday 6 November 2018

Rahi (1952) - India's First Film to Venice and Moscow International Film Festivals in 1954


The film starred Dev Anand and Nalini Jaywant with Balraj Sahni produced and directed by K A Abbas. The film was based on Mulk Raj Anand's novel "Two Leaves and a Bud". It was produced as a bilingual in Hindi as Rahi and in English as The Wayfarer, under the Naya Sansar banner. It was also dubbed in Russian. The Russian version called Ganga was released in the USSR

The story revolved around an ex-army man played by Dev Anand, who takes up a job in a tea estate, only to get disillusioned with the management, and his situation. Nalini Jaywant played his love interest as a tea leave picker. Her acting was appreciated in the film getting "great critical acclaim".
Dev Anand sans mannerisms delivers a sincere and honest performance, Balraj Sahni shines as usual in his cameo, David proves his brilliance in villainy
The songs melodiously tuned by Anil Biswas are rendered by Hemant Kumar, Geeta Dutt.
Song of Rahi 1953



Song of Rahi 1953



Song of Rahi 1953



Song of Rahi 1953




Friday 2 November 2018

Sohrab Modi - His films always carried Social or National Message


Sohrab Modi (born 2 November 1897) a great filmmaker of the 1930s 1940s.and 1950s. He launched Minerva Movietone in 1936. His early films at Minerva dealt with contemporary social issues such as alcoholism in Meetha Zaher (1938) and the right of Hindu women to divorce in Talaq(1938). His greatest film was Sikander(1941), which immortalized Prithviraj Kapoor playing the title role.

He started his career as a Parsi theatre actor with some experience in silent films. He earned quite a reputation as a Shakespearean actor, travelling throughout India with his brother's theatrical company and enjoying the tremendous sense of fulfilment every time the curtain came down and the audience applauded.

Sohrab Modi was also known for making Historical films. He made  Pukar (1939),it was based on Mughal Emperor JehangirThe charisma of its stars, Chandra Mohan and Naseem Bano, and Kamaal Amrohi's oration, with its literary flourish and innate grace, ensured the film's popularity. Following Pukar came Sikander in 1941. The film, due to its underlying theme of nationalism at a time when India was still some years away from freedom, proved a hit among the masses, wherein it was later banned from some theatres.
Prithvi Vallabh was his next film released in 1943, it was based on K.M. Munshi's novel of the same name. The film's major highlights were the confrontations between Modi and Durga Khote, the haughty queen Mrinalvati, who tries to humiliate him publicly but then falls in love with him.
In 1945 he made Ek Din Ka Sultan. The film was a "minor historical" using a small incident from the time of Emperor Humayun's reign. Gangar cites that Ek Din Ka Sultan was hailed as a "well-directed" film with "some beautiful production values.
In 1950, when Sohrab Modi's Sheesh Mahal was being screened at Minerva Theatre in Bombay, the actor was present at the hall. Mr. Modi noticed a man sitting in the front row with closed eyes. Upset with such a reaction, he asked an attendant to let the viewer out and to return his money. The employee came back to say that the person was blind but had come just to hear Sohrab Modi's lines.

He made Jhansi Ki Rani in 1953. It was  India's first technicolour film, Modi had technicians flown in from Hollywood. Mehtab starred as the young queen of Jhansi who took up arms against the British during the Mutiny of 1857 with Modi playing the role of the Rajguru, her chief advisor. The film was notable for its authenticity in creating the right period and delineating historical events, its spectacular battle scenes and Mehtab's stirring performance though she was far too old for the role. 

Next year released his another film Mirza Ghalib. The film, based on the life of the great Indian poet who lived during the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last of the Mughal Emperors, won the President's Gold Medal for Best Feature Film of 1954. 
Modi's later films did not reach the heights of his earlier work though Kundan (1955), Nausherwan-e-Adil and Jailor (1958) had their moments. The last he made was Mera Ghar Mere Bachhe released in 1969 but he was acting here and there in very selected films till 1983. he last appeared in Kamal Amrohi's Razia Sultan.
Sohrab Modi received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1980. He was the tenth recipient of the award. He suffered from cancer of the bone marrow and succumbed to the disease on 28 January 1984.
Song of Sikandar 1941



Song of Jhansi Ki Rani (1953)



Song of Mirza Ghalib (1954)



Song of Mirza Ghalib (1954)



Thursday 1 November 2018

The Song "Gata Rahe Mera Dil" was the Last Addition in Guide


You would be surprised to know that this super hit song was originally not in the film. Vijay Anand in an interview said that the song Gata Rahe Mera Dil was inserted later, like a patchwork. We shot that song after the film was completed and then it was added. He said he along with Dev Anand thought that there was no song of Kishore Kumar, in fact, Kishore had not sung for Dev since Paying Guest in 1957.
It happened just like that. Firstly, Kishore Kumar was preoccupied with Madhubala’s health. He was not being able to devote time to rehearsals and recordings. And then with Rafi Sahab, their association was working perfectly. But Dev Bhai was missing Kishore for a long time and so he went to meet him. And then caught hold of him and sort of dragged him to Burman Dada’s home.
 The moment he saw Kishore he said in Bengali, ‘why didn’t you come all these days’ and hugged him. They loved each other a lot. Burman Dada then said let us start the rehearsal, we are going to record a song.
That time S D Burman was composing a song for Teen Deviyan and the song was Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat. This song was the first song Kishore recorded for Dev Bhai after a long hiatus under Burman Dada’s music direction. Kishore sang it so wonderfully, he won everyone’s heart. This is exactly what all of us, including Dev Bhai, was missing. Burman Dada kissed his (Kishore’s) head. He was delighted.
Guide was completed and about to release earlier than Teen Deviyan because there was some work still left with the latter. Besides, Teen Deviyan was being made in black and white and on a much smaller canvas. Guide had been mounted on a large scale and it was in colour and thus it was a much-awaited film. So why not include a song by Kishore in Guide.
So immediately Shailendra was called to write a romantic song thus this song was recorded in a record time. The song was a very big hit. It was the only song of Kishore Kumar in the film.
Song of Guide 1965