#mera saaya (1964)

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Raja Paranjpe, the legendary actor, director, producer, and writer in Marathi cinema, on his 114th birth anniversary (24/04/1910).

Raja Paranjpe was quite a legend in Marathi stage and cinema as a writer, producer, director, and actor, but he did very few Hindi films. Ruling Marathi cinema from 1948 to 1969, he acted in 60 films and directed 27 films, including 13 Hindi films as an actor. His notable Hindi films as an actor include 'Chacha Chowdhury' (1953), 'Bandini' (1963), 'Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli' (1971), 'Piya Ka Ghar' (1972), and 'Us-Paar' (1974). The Hindi films directed by Raja Paranjpe include 'Baap Bete' (1959) and 'Love and Murder' (1966). The super hit Hindi film 'Mera Saaya' (1964) was a remake of his 1964 Marathi film 'Pathlaag.'

Raja Paranjpe's genius lay in his ability to bring a smile to the audience's face without any slapstick comedy and to bring them to tears without adding any glycerine to his own eyes.

In the second photo, Raja Paranjpe and Nutan appear in a still from the movie 'Bandini' (1963).

[indiejones]

INDIES TOP 1036 BOLLYWOOD MUSIC ALBUMS OF ALL TIME!

1.       .Pakeezah (1970)

2.       .Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)

3.       .Aradhana (1969)

4.       .Kati Patang (1970)

5.       .Safar (1970)

6.       .Amar Prem (1970)

7.       .Prem Kahani (1975)

8.       .Do Raaste (196 )

9.       .Anand (1971)

10.   .Prem Nagar (1974)

11.   .Basant Bahar (196 )

12.   .Babul (1950)

13.   . Barsaat (1949)…

14.   .Bambai Ka Babu (196 )…

15.   .Pyaasa (1957)

16.   .Uran Khatola (1955)

17.   .Asli Naqli (196 )

18.   .Shahjehan (1946)

19.   .Nau Do Gyarah (1957)…

20.   .Disco Dancer (1982)

21.   .Ek duuje ke Liye (198 )

22.   .Parakh (1960)

23.   .Daag: A Poem of Love (1973)

24.   .Bhabhi (1957)

25.   .Teesri Manzil (1966)

26.   .Sachcha Jhutha (1969)

27.   .Guide (1965)

28.   .CID (1956)….

29.   .Love Story (1981)...

30.   .Anurodh (197 )

31.   .Aap Ki Kasam (1974)

32.   .Baharon ke sapne (1967)

33.   .Souten (1983)

34.   .Mehboob ki Mehndi (1971)

35.   .Saraswatichandra (196 )

36.   .Jis desh mein Ganga behti hai (195 )

37.   .Madhumati (1958)

38.   .Tansen (1943)

39.   .Do Aankhen Barah Hath (195 )

40.   .Shirdi ke Sai Baba

41.   .Dil Diya Dard Liya (196 )

42.   .Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978)

43.   .Mughal-e-Azam (196 )

44.   .Anari (195 )

45.   .Namak Haraam (1973)

46.   .Dil Ek Mandir (1963)

47.   .Seema (195 )

48.   .The Train (1970)

49.   .Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)

50.   .Joru Ka Ghulam (197 )

51.   .Bandini (1963)

52.   .Bawarchi (1971)

53.   .Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (196 )

54.   .Saagar (1985)

55.   .Ek Dil Sau Afsane (1963)

56.   .Apna Desh (1972)

57.   .Mela (1948)

58.   .Pyar Mohabbat (1966)

59.   .Solva Saal (1958)

60.   .Dr. Vidya (1962)

61.   .Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)

62.   .Dil Hi To Hai (1963)

63.   .Dushmun (1971)

64.   .Tyaag (1977)

65.   .Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972)

66.   .Ganga Jumna (1961)

67.   .Kala Pani (1958)

68.   .Hum Dono (1961)

69.   .Naya Daur (1957)

70.   .Sanjog (1960)

71.   .Chaudhvin ka chand (1960)

72.   .Anuraag (1972)

73.   .Teen Devian (1965)

74.   .Teesri Kasam (196 )

75.   .Taj Mahal (196 )

76.   .Son of India (196 )

77.   .Kismet (1943)

78.   .Junglee (1961)

79.   .Kathputli (1957)

80.   .Tere Ghar Ke Saamne (1963)

81.   .Anupama (196 )

82.   .Aakraman (1975)

83.   .Bundalbaaz (1976)

84.   .Aavishkar (1974)

85.   .Jab Pyar Kisise Hota hai (1961)

86.   .Mahal (1949)

87.   .Kabhi Kabhie (1977)

88.   .Bhai Bhai (195 )

89.   .Rani Rupmati (195 )

90.   .Jai Santoshi Maa (197 )

91.   .Aan Milo Sajna (197 )

92.   .Waqt (196 )

93.   .Mera Saaya (1966)

94.   .Love Marriage (1959)

95.   .Samadhi (1972)

96.   .Chandni (198 )

97.   .Aag (1948)

98.   .Musafir (1957)

99.   .Tarana (1950)

100.                        . Silsila (198 )

101.                        .Aandhi (197 )

102.                        .Albela (1951)

103.                        .Prince (1969)

104.                        .Pagla Kahin Ka (1970)

105.                        .An Evening In Paris (1967)

106.                        .Chhote Sarkar (1974)

107.                        .Preetam (1971)

108.                        .Dillagi (1949)

109.                        .Hatyara (1977)

110.                        .Ajnabee (1974)

111.                        .Anokhi Raat (1968 )

112.                        .Mehbooba (1976)

113.                        .Dil Daulat Duniya (1972)

114.                        .Duniya (1968)

115.                        .Paraya Dhan (197 )

116.                        .Naukri (1978)

117.                        .Lamhe

118.                        .Saajan (1969)

119.                        .Mera Naam Joker (1970)

120.                        .Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

121.                        .Lal Kunwar (1952)

122.                        .Pyar Kiye Jaa (196 )

123.                        .Kinare Kinare (1963)

124.                        .Aashiq (1962)

125.                        .Mukti (1977)

126.                        .Boot Polish (1954)

127.                        .Shree 420 (1955)

128.                        .Phagun (1958)

129.                        .Dil deke dekho (195 )

130.                        .Parichay (197 )

131.                        .Khamoshi (1969)

132.                        .Nagin (1954)

133.                        .Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973)

134.                        .Himalay Ki God Mein (1965)

135.                        .Jaagte raho (195 )

136.                        .Prem Pujari (197 )

137.                        .Bombay (1995)

138.                        .Mere Sanam (196 )

139.                        .Sargam (197 )

140.                        .Daag (1952)

141.                        .Professor (196 )

142.                        .Gambler (1971)

143.                        .Tumse Achha Kaun Hai (1969)

144.                        .Tinku (1977)

145.                        .Yahudi (1958)

146.                        .Nikaah (198 )

147.                        .Lal Patthar (196 )

148.                        .Dhanwan (1981)

149.                        .Prem Bandhan (1979)

150.                        .Ziddi (1948)

151.                        .Mera Desh Mera Dharam (1973)

152.                        .Manoranjan (1974)

153.                        .Talash (1969)

154.                        .1942 A Love Story

155.                        .Raja Rani (1973)

156.                        .Bluff Master (1963)

157.                        .Ishk Ishk Ishk (1974)

158.                        .Munimji (1955)

159.                        .Andaz (1949)

160.                        .Bhola Bhala (1978)

161.                        .Maryada (197 )

162.                        .Brahmachari (1968)

163.                        .Loafer (1973 )

164.                        .Andaz (1971)

165.                        .Amar Deep (1979)

166.                        .Avtaar (1983)

167.                        .Maha Chor (1976)

168.                        .Rajput (1981)

169.                        .Jewel Thief (1967)

170.                        .Roti (1974)

171.                        .Sazaa (1951)

172.                        .Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971)

173.                        .Khel Khel Mein (1975 )

174.                        .Banarasi Babu (1973)

175.                        .Waris (1969 )

[simplicitylovebeauty-blog]

Sadhana Shivdasani (September 2 1941 - December 25 2015) was an Indian actress who was one of the top actresses in the 1960s. She acted in many memorable movies such as Who Kaun Thi 1964, Mera Saaya 1966, and Mere Mehboob 1963. Here she is performing a lovely dance sequence from another hit, Ek Phool Do Mali 1969. We wish her a happy birthday and she will be loved for years to come.

[bigyack-com]

Toddler’s version of Lata Mangeshkar’s classic Lag Ja Gale goes viral. Watch it here - music

Bollywood legend Lata Mangeshkar has many iconic songs to her credit, one of them being ‘Lag Ja Gale...’ from the 1964 movie Woh Kaun Thi. The song is back in public memory, thanks to an amazing rendition by a young girl, not more than three years old.A viral clip online shows a the girl lying on the bed and trying to sing lines from the hit song. With 121 likes on Instagram, the clipping posted on YouTube had got 8,100 views. As per a report in IANS, though the clipping was recorded in June, it got traction on social media after a singer posted it again on December 1. Those who saw the clipping were all praise for the child. “Super talented”, “lovely” and “unique and talented” were some of the remarks by the viewers.The song, which starred Sadhana and Manoj Kumar, was composed by Madan Mohan and was written by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, who is also known for his compositions for films like Mera Saaya (1966) and Shaheed (1948).Also read: Alia Bhatt inconsolable as she talks about sister Shaheen’s depression: ‘I feel guilty for not understanding as much as I should have’In early November, Lata Mangeshkar was rushed to a Mumbai hospital after she complained of chest pain. The 90 year old was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In its official statement, the Breach Candy Hospital has said, “Lata Mangeshkarji had viral chest congestion. Keeping her age in mind, as a precautionary measure, she checked into Breach Candy Hospital in order to ensure antibiotics are given on time to prevent any more infection. She is stable and recovering.” Though the veteran singer stays away from limelight these days, she was in news when she had made a comment on internet’s singing sensation, Ranu Mondal. When asked about Ranu, while Lata had expressed her happiness, she had reservations too. Watch the original song here:“Agar mere naam aur kaam se kissiko bhala hota hai toh main apne-aap ko khush-kismat samajhti hoon (If anyone gets benefited by my name and work then I feel fortunate). “But I also feel imitation is not a reliable and durable companion for success. By singing my songs or Kishoreda’s (Kumar), or (Mohd) Rafi Saab’s, or Mukesh Bhaiyya or Asha’s (Bhosle) numbers, aspiring singers can get short-term attention,” Lata Mangeshkar added.(With IANS inputs)Follow @htshowbiz for more Read the full article

[shankerjaikishen-the-unbeatables]

About Saajan Ki Galiyaan

About Saajan Ki Galiyaan

Sajan Ki Galiyan, 1966. If there is one director Sadhana worked with extensively, it was Raj Khosla. The two teamed up for four films – Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962) and Khosla’s unforgettable mystery trilogy with the actress – Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Mera Saaya (1966) and Anita (1967). Few know that sometime in the 1960s, there was a fifth film the director-actress were working on, Sajan Ki Galiyan.…

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering #Sadhana Shivdasani, one of the most incredible and graceful actresses of Hindi cinema, on her 82nd birth anniversary (02/09).

Sadhana was a prominent figure in Hindi cinema and is remembered as one of its most talented actresses. Known for her striking beauty and fashion-forward style, she earned the nickname "The Mystery Girl" due to her roles in a series of suspense thrillers directed by Raj Khosla in the mid-1960s.

Originally from Karachi, Sadhana moved to Bombay with her family at the age of 7, during the partition of India. She first appeared in an uncredited role in the film Shree 420 (1955) before being mentored by director Sashadhar Mukherjee. Her breakout role came in Love In Simla (1960), where her unique hairstyle became so popular it was dubbed the "Sadhana Cut." She continued to build her reputation as a leading lady in films such as Parakh (1960), Hum Dono (1961), Asli-Naqli (1962), Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962), Mere Mehboob (1963), Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Arzoo (1965), Waqt (1965), Mera Saaya (1966), and Anita (1967).

In the late 1960s, Sadhana faced health challenges due to hyperthyroidism, prompting her to temporarily step away from acting. She traveled to Boston for medical treatment and made a comeback in 1969 with two successful films, Ek Phool Do Mali and Intaqam. In 1974, she ventured into directing with the crime thriller Geetaa Mera Naam, after which she gradually retreated from acting. Her last on-screen appearance was in Ulfat Ki Nayi Manzilein (1994). She was honored with the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.

Sadhana was married to R.K. Nayyar, the director of her film Love in Simla, on March 7, 1966. She was hospitalized at Hinduja Hospital on December 24, 2015, and passed away the following day.

[bollywoodirect]

Tributes to Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, the famous Urdu poet, writer, and Hindi film lyricist, on his 54th death anniversary today.

Raja Mehdi Ali Khan was a famed writer and lyricist who rose to stardom within the Hindi film industry in the late 1940s till the 1960s. Khan was greatly influenced by contemporary Urdu poets and writers, the first of which was his mother, Hebay Saheba. He went on to establish himself as a protean lyricist who could pen ballads of romance alongside spirited verses of patriotic fervor with equal ease.

Born in Karmabad (present-day Pakistan), Khan began his early tutoring under his mother Hebay Saheba. Khan then worked under renowned poet Dr. Allama Iqbal. These early influences greatly inspired his poetry. By the 1940s, Khan began working at All India Radio in Delhi. Khan's association with veteran Urdu writer, Sadat Hassan Manto brought him to Mumbai where he started working as a dialogue writer in Hindi film industry. Khan got his first break as a lyricist with Filmistan's film Do Bhai (1946). The songs of the film were very successful and he went on to pen song lyrics for countless films within a short period of time. These included Shaheed (1948), Actress(1948), Vidya (1948), and Ziddi (1948).

Khan's association with music composer, Madan Mohan created some immortal songs in films such as Ada (1961), Mera Saaya (1966), Woh Kaun Thi (1964), Neela Akash (1965), Anpadh (1962) and Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah (1967) amongst many others.

Raja Mehdi had also been associated with music composers like Khemchand Prakash, Bulo C Rani (Baghdad), S N Tripathi (Hatimtai, Paristaan), Shyam Sunder, Gulam Hyder, S D Burman, Ravi amd Roshan. He has given some wonderful songs with C. Ramchandra (Mere piya gaye Rangoon), O.P. Nayyar (Main Pyar Ka Raahi Hoon) and Laxmikant Pyarelal (for Anita and Jaal).

Raja Mehdi also worked with some lesser known composers like Basant Prakash (Nishan Danka), Iqbal Qureshi, Babul, S. Mohinder (Bekhabar, Paapi), Chic Chocolate (Rangoli), Rono Deb Mukerjhi (Tu Hi Meri Zindagi), Jimmy (Shrimatiji), N Dutta (Bhai Bahen), Nissar Bazmi (Khoj), Dhoomi Khan (Naqabposh), S Haridarshan (Shahi Bazaar), Robin Bannerjee (Masoom), etc.

Raja Mehdi Ali Khan was a close friend of great Urdu writer Saadat Hassan Manto. He wrote a character sketch of him namely “Main, Manto, Kaali Shalwar Aur Dhuwan”. He also wrote a poem in his memory “Jannat Se Manto Ka Ek Khat”.

After a successful career that lasted more than a decade, Khan subsequently withdrew from the Hindi film industry. However, he continued to publish his poetry and short stories such as 'Biswin Sadi', 'Shama Bano' and 'Khilona’ till his death in 1996.

He breathed his last on July 29, 1966, leaving behind a treasure of songs that are still cherished by all lovers of poetry in film songs.

Follow Bollywoodirect बॉलीवुड डायरेक्ट Bollywoodirect

#bollywoodirect #bollywood

[bollywoodirect]

Tributes to Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, the famous Urdu poet, writer, and Hindi film lyricist, on his 91st birth anniversary today. Raja Mehdi Ali Khan was a famed writer and lyricist who rose to stardom within the Hindi film industry in the late 1940s till the 1960s. Khan was greatly influenced by contemporary Urdu poets and writers, the first of which was his mother, Hebay Saheba. He went on to establish himself as a protean lyricist who could pen ballads of romance alongside spirited verses of patriotic fervor with equal ease. Born in Karmabad (present-day Pakistan), Khan began his early tutoring under his mother Hebay Saheba. Khan then worked under renowned poet Dr. Allama Iqbal. These early influences greatly inspired his poetry. By the 1940s, Khan began working at All India Radio in Delhi. Khan's association with veteran Urdu writer, Sadat Hassan Manto brought him to Mumbai where he started working as a dialogue writer in Hindi film industry. Khan got his first break as a lyricist with Filmistan's film Do Bhai (1946). The songs of the film were very successful and he went on to pen song lyrics for countless films within a short period of time. These included Shaheed (1948), Actress(1948), Vidya (1948), and Ziddi (1948). Khan's association with music composer, Madan Mohan created some immortal songs in films such as Ada (1961), Mera Saaya (1966), Woh Kaun Thi (1964), Neela Akash (1965), Anpadh (1962) and Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah (1967) amongst many others. Raja Mehdi had also been associated with music composers like Khemchand Prakash, Bulo C Rani (Baghdad), S N Tripathi (Hatimtai, Paristaan), Shyam Sunder, Gulam Hyder, S D Burman, Ravi, and Roshan. He has given some wonderful songs with C. Ramchandra (Mere piya gaye Rangoon), O.P. Nayyar (Main Pyar Ka Raahi Hoon) and Laxmikant Pyarelal (for Anita and Jaal). Raja Mehdi also worked with some lesser-known composers like Basant Prakash (Nishan Danka), Iqbal Qureshi, Babul, S. Mohinder (Bekhabar, Paapi), Chic Chocolate (Rangoli), Rono Deb Mukerjhi (Tu Hi Meri Zindagi), Jimmy (Shrimatiji), N Dutta (Bhai Bahen), Nissar Bazmi (Khoj), Dhoomi Khan (Naqabposh), S Haridarshan (Shahi Bazaar), Robin Bannerjee (Masoom), etc. Raja Mehdi Ali Khan was a close friend of great Urdu writer Saadat Hassan Manto. He wrote a character sketch of him namely “Main, Manto, Kaali Shalwar Aur Dhuwan”. He also wrote a poem in his memory “Jannat Se Manto Ka Ek Khat”. After a successful career that lasted more than a decade, Khan subsequently withdrew from the Hindi film industry. However, he continued to publish his poetry and short stories such as 'Biswin Sadi', 'Shama Bano' and 'Khilona’ till his death in 1996. He breathed his last on July 29, 1966, leaving behind a treasure of songs that are still cherished by all lovers of poetry in film songs.

[bollywoodirect]

55 Years of Woh Kaun Thi? (07/02/1964) 

The film is a black-and-white psychological mystery film directed by Raj Khosla, starring Sadhana, Manoj Kumar and Prem Chopra. Though the screenplay was written by Dhruva Chatterjee, parts were later rewritten, wherein Manoj Kumar took an active role. Music by Madan Mohan was the asset of this movie. The film became a hit at the box office.

Its success had Khosla directing Sadhana in two more suspense thrillers: Mera Saaya (1966) and Anita (1967). Music by Madan Mohan was the asset of this movie. The film became a hit at the box office.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Raja Paranjpe, the legendary actor, director, producer, and writer in Marathi cinema, on his 109th birth anniversary today. Raja Paranjpe was quite a legend on Marathi stage and cinema as a writer, producer, director, and actor but did very few Hindi films. Raja Paranjape, who ruled Marathi cinema from1948 to 1969, has acted in 60 films and directed 27 films, of which 13 were Hindi films as an actor. His notable Hindi films as an actor include Chacha Chowdhury (1953), Bandini (1963), Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1971), Piya Ka Ghar (1972) and Us-Paar (1974). The Hindi films directed by Raja Paranjpe include Baap Bete (1959) and Love and Murder (1966). The super hit Hindi film Mera Saaya (1964) was a remake of his 1964 Marathi film Pathlaag. Raja Paranjape's genius lay in the ability to bring a smile on the audience' face without any slapstick comedy and he had the equal power to bring them to tears without adding any glycerine to his own eyes. In the 2nd photo, Raja Paranjpe and Nutan in a still from the movie Bandini (1963).

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering legendary music composer Madan Mohan on his 94th birth anniversary.

Madan Mohan Kohli (25 June 1924 – 14 July 1975), better known as Madan Mohan, was a music director of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

He scored his first big break with the film Aankhen (1950 film) in 1950. His next film was "Adaa" which saw the beginning of a long lasting collaboration with Lata Mangeshkar; who would go on to sing for many of his films. Two of his composed songs from "Sharabi" "Sawan ke maheeney mein" and the classic song "Kabhi na Kabhi koi na koi toh aayega", both filmed for Dev Anand are among the most well known renditions of the renowned singer Mohammad Rafi. In addition, his other compositions like Wo Chup Rahen To from the film Jahan Ara (1964) and Maine Rang Li Aaj Chunariya from Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1966) are two similar examples. Madan was also able to write songs for male singers such as Talat Mahmood (Phir wahi Sham, wahi dil, wahi tanhayee hai, Main Teri Nazar Ka Suroor Hoon and Teri Aankh Ke Aansoo from Jahan Ara, and Meri Yaad Mein Tum Na from Madhosh) and Mohammad Rafi (Ek Haseen Shaam Ko from Dulhan Ek Raat Ki, Kisi Ki Yaad Mein from Jahan Ara, Main Nigahen Tere Chehere Se from Aap Ki Parchaiyian, Aap Ke Pehlun Mein Aakar Ro Diye from Mera Saaya, the all-time haunting Meri Awaaz Suno and Tumhare Zulf Ke Sayen from Naunihal, Teri Aankhon Ke Siva Duniya Mein from Chiraag as well. Madan did not usually employ Kishore Kumar. Nonetheless their partnership created songs as well; in this category fall songs such as Simti Si, Sharmai Si from Parwana, Zaroorat Hai, Zaroorat Hai from Manmauji, the title song from Ek Muthi Aasman, Mera Naam Abdul Rehman from Bhai Bhai, and Aai Hasino, Naazanino from Chacha Zindabad. Madan often collaborated with lyricists Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Kaifi Azmi, and Rajinder Krishan, Sahir Ludhianvi and Majrooh Sultanpuri for his movies.

In 1957 he came out with a film named Dekh Kabira Roya in which the legendary singer Manna Dey gave his voice to the melodious Kaun Aaya Mere Man Ke Dwaare and unforgettable numbers like Tum Bin Jeevan Kaisa Jeevan in the film Bawarchi. In addition to that, he had Lata sing Tu Pyaar Kare Ya Thukraaye and Meri Veena Tum Bin Roye numbers, and he used Talat Mahmood for the song Hum Se Aaya Na Gaya in the same movie. Once in an interview Manna Dey recalled that Madan Mohan asked him to take special care when singing Kaun Aaya Mere Man Ke Dwaare.

A film scored by Madan was Chetan Anand's Haqeeqat (1964), starring Balraj Sahni and Dharmendra and based on the Sino-Indian War of 1962. In it, he used Rafi, who sang numbers like Kar Chale Hum Fida, Main Yeh Soch Kar. Lata was used for the song Zara Si Aahat Hoti Hai and the unscreened " Khelo na mere dilse". And the same film saw Rafi, Talat, Manna Dey, and Bhupendra singing Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bhulaya Hoga. Bhupendra appeared on the screen as well for the first time, much before he established himself as a playback singer. This song is also the only song in which four top-rated male playback singers have put voices together in a song. In 1966, he again paired with Lata Mangeshkar for Mera Saaya.

Madan Mohan's venture was Raj Khosla's version of "Woman in White", titled "Woh Kaun Thi?". This film has three Lata solos ('Naina barse rim jhim rim jhim', 'Lag ja gale' and 'Jo humne daastaan apni sunayee') and a Lata duet.

The late fifties, sixties and the early seventies were the most productive period in Madan Mohan's career. His songs from those decades include compositions for films like Adalat, Anpadh, Dulhan ek raat ki, Mera Saya, Dastak, Hanste Zakhm, Heer Raanjha, Maharaja, and Mausam, among many others. His second last bow was for a film released five years after his death, Chalbaaz. In 1970, during the changing times of western music he gave music based on ragas for Rajinder Singh Bedi's Dastak and won his only 1971 National Film Award for Best Music Direction. Its songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar are still considered her finest.

His legacy wouldn't be complete without mentioning the ghazal he composed for the movie "Dil Ki Rahein" - "Rasm-e-ulfat ko nibhaein to nibhaein kaise". The shayar(lyricist) for the ghazal was Naqsh Lallayalpuri and it was sung by Lata Mangeshkar. It is considered as one of the best songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar, ever.

Madan Mohan's son Sanjeev Kohli recreated 11 of his late father's unused compositions for the soundtrack of the 2004 Yash Chopra film Veer-Zaara. Later on, Kohli brought out an album "Tere Baghair" which contains some of Madan Mohan's songs.

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Sadhana shivdasani on her 76th birth anniversary. Sadhana Shivdasani (2 September 1941 – 25 December 2015), known mononymously as Sadhana, was an Indian actress who was one of the top actresses in 1960s, a period regarded as Bollywood's "golden era". Shivdasani appeared in a Sindhi language film Abaana and entered Hindi film industry through 1960's romantic film Love in Simla. Her fringe haircut became popular during the 1960s and came to be known as "Sadhana cut". She became famous with her three suspense thriller films: Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Mera Saaya (1966) and Anita (1967), all directed by Raj Khosla. She was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for films Woh Kaun Thi? and Waqt in 1965 and 1966 respectively. She took retirement from the film industry in mid 1970s before which she also directed and co-produced few films. Like बॉलीवुड डायरेक्ट Bollywoodirect

[bollywoodirect]

Wishing Prem Chopra many happy returns of the day who turned 82 today.

Prem Chopra (born 23 September 1935) is an Indian actor in Hindi and Punjabi films. He has acted in 320 films over a span of over 50 years. He has a soft-spoken diction despite being a villain in most films. His 19 films with him as antagonist and Rajesh Khanna in the lead role remain popular with audiences and critics.

In Shimla, Prem Chopra developed an interest in acting as he had begun to take part in many plays in his college days. Despite stiff opposition from his parents, he managed to go to Mumbai to pursue his dream of acting in Bollywood films. In his initial days he stayed at guest-houses in Colaba, Mumbai. He started visiting film studios to display his portfolio: The response was not encouraging.

To survive in the fast life of Mumbai, he took up a job with The Times of India while trying to gain a foothold in the film industry. He looked after circulation of the paper in Bengal, Orissa and Bihar and was required to tour 20 days a month. Prem used to cut his touring time by calling the agents to come and meet him at the station so that he could quickly return. This way a tour that would normally take 20 days would get completed in 12, and he would spend the rest of the time going from one studio to the other. While traveling by the suburban train one day, a stranger accosted him and asked if he was interested in joining films. Chopra nodded in agreement and went with that stranger to Ranjit Studios where the producers of Chaudhari Karnail Singh were in search of a hero. Jagjit Sethi, a Punjabi producer, gave him a break as Jabeen's hero in Chaudhary Karnail Singh, a Punjabi film. His debut film was a Hindu-Muslim romantic love story set against the backdrop of Indo-Pak partition and it turned out to be a big hit. The film even won the National award. He was paid Rs 2500 for his debut film. The movie took almost three years to complete.

During his stint with the Times of India, he worked in Punjabi films including Sapani and Hindi films such as Woh Kaun Thi?, Shaheed, Main Shaadi Karne Chala and Teesri Manzil. Prem did not consider acting as a full-time profession in the early 1960s, but he kept trying to get roles in films due to his passion for acting. Among his early films he played Sukhdev in Shaheed, one of his rare positive leading roles. Prem had done four movies before Woh Kaun Thi?, a box office hit of 1964, had released. On the sets of Woh Kaun Thi? which had Manoj Kumar as lead hero, Prem met Manoj for the first time. Manoj offered Prem a positive role in Shaheed, for which Manoj was the presenter. During the shooting of Main Shadi Karne Chala someone suggested that he become a villain. He continued working with ToI, when he was already a part of box office hits like Nishan, Sikandar E Azam in 1965 and Sagaai, Mera Saaya in 1966. After Teesri Manzil and Upkaar, he was flooded with films as a villain.

After Upkaar in 1967, he left The Times of India to concentrate solely on acting.

Since 1967, he has been a leading villain in Hindi films and his peak period as main villain was from 1967 to 1994. In the 1970s he got plum roles as villains often with Amjad Khan and Ranjeet. In a few films he played secondary villain to villainous characters of Ajit, Madan Puri, Pran, Jeevan in the 1970s and 1980s and to Amrish Puri and Amjad Khan in the late 1980s. In the critically acclaimed comedy film Hulchul (1971), a remake of Anubhavam Pudhumai, he played the lead hero in this suspense thriller. He played the main lead in the 1970 box office hit small budget comedy film Samaj Ko Badal Dalo as lead hero, and was paired opposite Telugu actresses Kanchana and Sarada. The song sung by Rafi and picturised on Prem Chopra - "Tum Apni Saheli Ko Itna Bata Do Ki Usse Koi Pyar Karne Laga Hai" from this 1970 film and the song "Rah Mein Kaliya" - a song sung by Kishore Kumar and performed on-screen by Prem Chopra in the film Nafrat (1973), a box office flop, continues to be popular. The dialogue " Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra" (My name is Prem, Prem Chopra) from the film Bobby has been very popular. Another famous Prem Chopra dialogue is from the film Souten - "Main wo bala hoon jo sheshay se pathar ko todte hai" which closely translates to "I am that trouble which crushes stones with glass". Another dialogue from Souten was - "Jinke Ghar Sheeshe Ke Hote Hain Woh Batti Bhujakar Kapde Badalte Hai". "Main jo aag lagata hoon use boojhana bhi jaanta hoon" from Kati Patang was famous as well. He was the regular in villainous roles in the films with Rajesh Khanna in the lead role from 1969 to 1991 from Doli (1969) till Ghar Parivaar (1991). The duo of Prem and Rajesh Khanna acted in 19 films together and 15 of them were box office hits, and they were very close friends in real life till Khanna's death. Prem quoted in an interview "Rajesh Khanna and I were considered a lucky pair and distributors used to tell Rajesh Khanna that we don't care who your heroine is, all we want to know is whether Prem Chopra is in the film." He also mouthed dialogues in the song "Aaj Pila Dey Saathi Apni" sung by Mahendra Kapoor from the film Doli (1969).He also mouthed dialogues in the song "Lo Mera Pyar Lelo" from Nafrat in 1973 with Asha Bhosle and "Kab Se Ye Dil Hai Pyaasa" from Mera Muqaddar in 1988.

Unlike other villains, Chopra's on-screen evil didn't rely on gizmos, his characters didn't rely on henchmen to do the dirty work and he never needed wicked names. Some of his famous dialogues from the 1990s include - "Sharafat aur imaandaari ka certificate ye duniya sirf unhe deti hai jinke paas daulat hoti hai" from Aag Ka Gola (1990), "Bhains poonch uthayegi to gaana to nahi gayegi, gobar hi degi" from Aaj Ka Arjun (1990), "Tu Madhuri se thodi kum aur Mandakini se thodi zyada hai" from Aaj Ka Goonda Raj (1992), "Rajneeti ki bhains ke liye daulat ki lathi ki zaroorat hoti hai" from Khiladi (1992), "Kar bhala to ho bhala" from Raja Babu (1994) and "Nanga nahayega kya aur nichodega kya" from Dulhe Raja (1998).

Like बॉलीवुड डायरेक्ट Bollywoodirect

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Raj Khosla on his 26th death anniversary. Raj Khosla (31 May 1925 – 9 June 1991) was one of the top directors, producer and screenwriter in Hindi films from the 1950s to the 1980s. He was known for bringing in "neo-noir" and style in Indian cinema since black and white times, and also as a "women's director" because he showcased actresses at their best. He is often credited for the success of actors such as Dev Anand. Starting his career under Guru Dutt, he went on make hit films like, C.I.D. (1956), Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Mera Saaya (1966), Dostana (1980) and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978), which won the Filmfare Best Movie Award. His early background in classical music ensured that most of his films excelled in music. After his death "The Raj Khosla Foundation" was established by his daughter Sunita Khosla Bhalla, with Shatrughan Sinha, as its chairman, and members like Manoj Kumar, Moushumi Chatterjee, Kabir Bedi, Mahesh Bhatt, Amit Khanna and Johny Bakshi. Like बॉलीवुड डायरेक्ट Bollywoodirect

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering legendary music composer Madan Mohan on his 93rd birth anniversary. Madan Mohan Kohli (25 June 1924 – 14 July 1975), better known as Madan Mohan, was a music director of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. He scored his first big break with the film Aankhen (1950 film) in 1950. His next film was "Adaa" which saw the beginning of a long lasting collaboration with Lata Mangeshkar; who would go on to sing for many of his films. Two of his composed songs from "Sharabi" "Sawan ke maheeney mein" and the classic song "Kabhi na Kabhi koi na koi toh aayega", both filmed for Dev Anand are among the most well known renditions of the renowned singer Mohammad Rafi. In addition, his other compositions like Wo Chup Rahen To from the film Jahan Ara (1964) and Maine Rang Li Aaj Chunariya from Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1966) are two similar examples. Madan was also able to write songs for male singers such as Talat Mahmood (Phir wahi Sham, wahi dil, wahi tanhayee hai, Main Teri Nazar Ka Suroor Hoon and Teri Aankh Ke Aansoo from Jahan Ara, and Meri Yaad Mein Tum Na from Madhosh) and Mohammad Rafi (Ek Haseen Shaam Ko from Dulhan Ek Raat Ki, Kisi Ki Yaad Mein from Jahan Ara, Main Nigahen Tere Chehere Se from Aap Ki Parchaiyian, Aap Ke Pehlun Mein Aakar Ro Diye from Mera Saaya, the all-time haunting Meri Awaaz Suno and Tumhare Zulf Ke Sayen from Naunihal, Teri Aankhon Ke Siva Duniya Mein from Chiraag as well. Madan did not usually employ Kishore Kumar. Nonetheless their partnership created songs as well; in this category fall songs such as Simti Si, Sharmai Si from Parwana, Zaroorat Hai, Zaroorat Hai from Manmauji, the title song from Ek Muthi Aasman, Mera Naam Abdul Rehman from Bhai Bhai, and Aai Hasino, Naazanino from Chacha Zindabad. Madan often collaborated with lyricists Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Kaifi Azmi, and Rajinder Krishan, Sahir Ludhianvi and Majrooh Sultanpuri for his movies. In 1957 he came out with a film named Dekh Kabira Roya in which the legendary singer Manna Dey gave his voice to the melodious Kaun Aaya Mere Man Ke Dwaare and unforgettable numbers like Tum Bin Jeevan Kaisa Jeevan in the film Bawarchi. In addition to that, he had Lata sing Tu Pyaar Kare Ya Thukraaye and Meri Veena Tum Bin Roye numbers, and he used Talat Mahmood for the song Hum Se Aaya Na Gaya in the same movie. Once in an interview Manna Dey recalled that Madan Mohan asked him to take special care when singing Kaun Aaya Mere Man Ke Dwaare. A film scored by Madan was Chetan Anand's Haqeeqat (1964), starring Balraj Sahni and Dharmendra and based on the Sino-Indian War of 1962. In it, he used Rafi, who sang numbers like Kar Chale Hum Fida, Main Yeh Soch Kar. Lata was used for the song Zara Si Aahat Hoti Hai and the unscreened " Khelo na mere dilse". And the same film saw Rafi, Talat, Manna Dey, and Bhupendra singing Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bhulaya Hoga. Bhupendra appeared on the screen as well for the first time, much before he established himself as a playback singer. This song is also the only song in which four top-rated male playback singers have put voices together in a song. In 1966, he again paired with Lata Mangeshkar for Mera Saaya. Madan Mohan's venture was Raj Khosla's version of "Woman in White", titled "Woh Kaun Thi?". This film has three Lata solos ('Naina barse rim jhim rim jhim', 'Lag ja gale' and 'Jo humne daastaan apni sunayee') and a Lata duet. The late fifties, sixties and the early seventies were the most productive period in Madan Mohan's career. His songs from those decades include compositions for films like Adalat, Anpadh, Dulhan ek raat ki, Mera Saya, Dastak, Hanste Zakhm, Heer Raanjha, Maharaja, and Mausam, among many others. His second last bow was for a film released five years after his death, Chalbaaz. In 1970, during the changing times of western music he gave music based on ragas for Rajinder Singh Bedi's Dastak and won his only 1971 National Film Award for Best Music Direction. Its songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar are still considered her finest. His legacy wouldn't be complete without mentioning the ghazal he composed for the movie "Dil Ki Rahein" - "Rasm-e-ulfat ko nibhaein to nibhaein kaise". The shayar(lyricist) for the ghazal was Naqsh Lallayalpuri and it was sung by Lata Mangeshkar. It is considered as one of the best songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar, ever. Madan Mohan's son Sanjeev Kohli recreated 11 of his late father's unused compositions for the soundtrack of the 2004 Yash Chopra film Veer-Zaara. Later on, Kohli brought out an album "Tere Baghair" which contains some of Madan Mohan's songs. Like बॉलीवुड डायरेक्ट Bollywoodirect

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Raj Khosla on his 92nd birth anniversary. Raj Khosla (31 May 1925 – 9 June 1991) was one of the top directors, producer and screenwriter in Hindi films from the 1950s to the 1980s. He was known for bringing in "neo-noir" and style in Indian cinema since black and white times, and also as a "women's director" because he showcased actresses at their best. He is often credited for the success of actors such as Dev Anand. Starting his career under Guru Dutt, he went on make hit films like, C.I.D. (1956), Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), Mera Saaya (1966), Dostana (1980) and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978), which won the Filmfare Best Movie Award. His early background in classical music ensured that most of his films excelled in music. After his death "The Raj Khosla Foundation" was established by his daughter Sunita Khosla Bhalla, with Shatrughan Sinha, as its chairman, and members like Manoj Kumar, Moushumi Chatterjee, Kabir Bedi, Mahesh Bhatt, Amit Khanna and Johny Bakshi. Like बॉलीवुड डायरेक्ट Bollywoodirect