Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar , A Tribute

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           MAY 10 , 2013           11.55 P.M.

Zia Fariduddin Dagar

15 June 1932 – May 8, 2013

I must state in the beginning that I am not an expert on Indian Classical Music , whether Hindustani or Karnatak . I am just a connoisseur , an ardent fan . I was introduced to Classical music by my friend Shri Lakshmi Kant Tiwari . When we both were living in Deoria , my native place , we used to meet almost every evening and talk about classical music , its various aspects and about various singers . He introduced me to the world of Pandit Onkar Nath Thakur , Pandit Bheem Sen Joshi , Pandit Jasraj , Pandit Rajan Mishra and Pandit Sajan Mishra and of course Dagar Brothers . He gave me cassettes of Pandit Onkar Nath Thakur and Dagar brothers . And thus a life-long addiction to Dhrupad started .

Dhrupad  is the oldest existing form of north Indian classical music (Hindustani classical music) . Ustad Nasiruddin Khan Dagar was the man responsible for the resurrection of Dhrupad in modern India . After his early and untimely demise , his sons Ustad Nasir Moinuddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Aminuddin Dagar carried the flag forward and revived the Dhrupad tradition .

Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar was the one more torch-bearer of Dhrupad in the illustrious family of Dagars . He was the most influential Dhrupad vocalist in India after the senior Dagar Brothers ; Ustad Nasir Moinuddin Dagar & Ustad Nasir Aminuddin Dagar.

He toured in India and abroad for the propagation of Dhrupad . He performed widely in India and abroad . By 1980, he had virtually settled down in Austria teaching Dhrupad in Austria and France. Once, during a visit to India, one of his disciples, the filmmaker, Mani Kaul came to him and pleaded with him to provide the background score for a film, The Cloud Door (1994) ^,  he was making on Madhya Pradesh. During the making of the film, they spent over two months in Madhya Pradesh . Later on he settled in Bhopal and taught at the Dhrupad Kendra, Bhopal, along with his elder brother, Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar for 25 years . There he trained students like the Gundecha Brothers.

He was awarded the 1994 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in Hindustani music-Vocal by Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama.

Padma Shri- India’s fourth highest civilian honor been conferred upon him in year 2012 – but he turned it down, saying the government did not care about his seniority as he was chosen for it after much younger Dhrupad singers were conferred the honour.

He also received the Tansen Samman from the Madhya Pradesh government and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. In 2005, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the North American Dhrupad Association.

He was a distinguished guest faculty at ‘Dhrupad Sansar’, IIT Bombay for a span of 5 years.

Later on towards the fag-end of his career,  he was staying and teaching at the Dhrupad Gurukul near Panvel, which was built by his elder brother Ustad Z. M. Dagar and continued to perform in India and abroad untill his brief illness and death on 8th May 2013.

On behalf of all the students and staff of VIDUR Acting Institute , which is known as Vidur’s Kreating Charakters  , I offer my heart-felt condolences on the sad demise of the titanic figure of Dhrupad tradition .

I am also grateful to my friend Shri Lakshmi Kant Tiwari for introducing me to the world of Dagar Brothers and Dhrupad .

[ Some facts about his life has been taken from Wikipedia . I am grateful . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

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Related articles

• The force behind Dhrupad’s revival (thehindu.com)

Phalke Award ……………….. And Pran

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           APRIL 16 , 2013           00.10 A.M.

I was happy to read the news that Pran Saheb was awarded Dada Saheb Phalke Award 2012 . As a veteran actor , who has worked in more than 400 films , he deserved much better . He should have got the award long back . But Pran Saheb , the gentleman villain of Hindi film industry got it very late . If you count his active years in films , he stands second in the hierarchy . Dev Anand [ Hum Ek Hain - 1946 to Chargesheet - 2011 === 113 films === 65 active years ] . Pran [ Yamla Jat - 1940 to Kiska Dosh - 2003 === 400 films === 63 active years ] . Legendary Ashok Kumar comes third . From [ Jeevan Naiya - 1936 to Aankhon Me Tum Ho - 1997 === 301 films === 61 active years ] . These three are the only Indian actors who can boast of such long and illustrious innings in Hindi films . In seniority he is second and second only to Ashok Kumar . Dilip Kumar , Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor came much later .

I have seen his films and in his films invariably Pran Saheb’s name used to come at the end . He used to be billed as ……………. and Pran . It is uncanny that this happened to him this time also .

Pran (Photo credit: Kaddele)

In his prolific career , he did more than 400 films . I am fortunate that I have seen more than100 films of Pran Saheb . I am posting names of important films of his career .

1940s

• Yamla Jat (1940)
• Chaudhry (1941)
• Khajanchi (1941)
• Khandaan (1942)
• Sahara (1943)
• Dasi (1944)
• Kaise Kahun (1945)
• Ragini (1945)
• Pardesi Balam (1945)
• Badnami (1946)
• Khamosh Nigahen (1946)
• Paraye Bas Mein (1946)
• Rehana (1946)
• Shahi Lutera (194?)
• Gupt Raj (194?)
• Do Saudagar (194?)
• Arsi (1947)
• Mohini (1947)
• But Tarash (1947)
• Barsat Ki Ek Raat (1948)
• Birhan (1948)
• Chunaria (1948)
• Nek Dil (1948)
• Ziddi (1948)
• Grahasti (1948)
• Aparadhi (1949)
• Badi Bahen (1949)
• Roshani (1949)
• Janmapatri (1949)
• Rakhi (1949)

1950s

• Biwi (1950)
• Putli (1950)
• Lajawab (1950)
• Sangeeta (1950)
• Sheesh Mahal (1950)
• Afsana (1951)
• Bahar (1951)
• Daman (1951)
• Sabz Baag (1951)
• Pyar ki baaten (1951)
• Bewafaa (1951)
• Chham Chhama Chham (1952)
• Sanskar (1952)
• Sindbad The Sailor (1952)
• Zamane Ki Hawa (1952)
• Moti Mahal (1952)
• Aah (1953)
• Alif Laila (1953)
• Ansoo (1953)
• Baagi (1953)
• Farmaish (1953)
• Malkin (1953)
• Rahbar (1953)
• Biraj Bahu (1954)
• Pehli Jhalak (1954)
• Pilpili Saheb (1954)
• Sheeshe Ki Diwar (1954)
• Angaarey (1954)
• Lakeeren (1954)
• Meenar (1954)
• Toofan (1954)
• Aab-e-Hayat (1955)
• Amanat (1955)
• Azad (1955)
• Baradari (1955)
• Chingari (1955)
• Bahu (1955)
• Jashan (1955)
• Kundan (1955)
• Munimji (1955)
• Devdas (1956)
• Aan Baan (1956)
• Chori Chori (1956)
• Hum Sab Chor Hain (1956)
• Hotel (1956)
• Halaku (1956)
• Kar Bhala (1956)
• Inspector* (1956)
• Naya Andaz (1956)
• Tankhah (1956)
• Ek Jhalak (1957)
• Miss India (1957)
• Asha (1957)
• Champakali (1957)
• Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957)
• Mr.X (1957)
• Chandu (1958)
• Adalat (1958)
• Amar Deep (1958)
• Daughter Of Sindbad (1958)
• Madhumati (1958)
• Raj Tilak (1958)
• Chandan (1958)
• Bedard Zamana Kya Jaane (1959)
• Daaka (1959)
• Do Gunde (1959)
• Guest House (1959)
• Madam X.Y.Z. (1959)
• Pyar Ki Rahen (1959)
• Jaalsaaz (1959)

1960s

• Basant (1960)
• Bewaqoof (1960)
• Chhalia (1960)
• Delhi Junction (1960)
• Gambler (1960)
• Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960)
• Maa Baap (1960)
• Trunk Call (1960)
• Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961)
• Dil Tera Diwana (1962)
• Half Ticket (1962)
• Manmauji (1962)
• Jhoola (1962)
• Bluff Master (1963)
• Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)
• Ek Raaz (1963)
• Mere Armaan,Mere Sapne (1963)
• Dil Hi To Hai (1963)
• Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1963)
• Mere Mehboob (1963)
• Door Ki Awaz (1964)
• Ishara (1964)
• Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)
• Pooja Ke Phool (1964)
• Rajkumar (1964)
• Do Dil (1965)
• Khandan (1965)
• Gumnaam (1965)
• Mere Sanam (1965)
• Shaheed (1965)
• Teesra Kaun (1965)
• Biradari (1966)
• Dus Lakh (1966)
• Do Badan (1966)
• Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966)
• Sawan Ki Ghata (1966)
• Love in Tokyo (1966)
• An Evening In Paris (1967)
• Around The World (1967)
• Patthar Ke Sanam (1967)
• Ram Aur Shyam (1967)
• Aurat (1967)
• Milan (1967)
• Upkar (1967)
• Safar (1968)
• Aadmi (1968)
• Brahmchari (1968)
• Kahin Din Kahin Raat (1968)
• Sadhu Aur Shaitan (1968)
• Muskurahat (1968)*
• Anjaana (1969)
• Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool (1969)
• Bhai Bahan (1969)
• Madhvi (1969)
• Nanha Farishta (1969)
• Tum Se Achcha Kaun Hai (1969)
• Pyar Hi Pyar (1969)
• Sacchai (1969)

1970s

• Bhai Bhai (1970)
• Ganwaar (1970)
• Tum Haseen Main Jawaan (1970)
• Gopi (1970)
• Heer Raanjha (1970)
• Humjoli (1970)
• Johny Mera Naam (1970)
• Kab Kyon Aur Kahan (1970)
• Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar (1970)
• Purab Aur Paschim (1970)
• Samaj Ko Badal Dalo (1970)
• Yaadgaar (1970)
• Guddi (1971)
• Johar Mehmood In Hong Kong (1971)
• Jawan Mohabbat (1971)
• Jwala (1971)
• Lakhon Mein Ek (1971)
• Naya Zamana (1971)
• Maryada (1971)
• Adhikaar (1971)
• Parde Ke Piche (1971)
• Ganga Tera Pani Amrit” (1971)
• Preetam (1972)
• Aan Baan (1972)
• Aankhon Aankhon Mein (1972)
• Be-Imaan (1972)
• Buniyaad (1972)
• Ek Bechara (1972)
• Jangal Me Mangal (1972)
• Parichay (1972)
• Roop Tera Mastana (1972)
• Victoria No. 203 (1972)
• Sazaa (1972)
• Yeh Gulistan Hamara (1972)
• Zanjeer (1973)
• Bobby (1973)
• Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara (1973)
• Ek Mutthi Asmaan (1973)
• Dharma (1973)
• Jugnu (1973)
• Gaddaar (1973)
• Insaaf (1973)
• Jeewan Rahasya (Bengali) (1973)
• Joshila (1973)
• Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973)
• Rikshawala ( 1973)
• Panch Dushman (1973)
• Kasauti (1973)
• Jeewan Rekha (1974)
• Majboor (1974)
• Zehreela Insaan (1974)
• Chori Mera Kaam (1975)
• Do Jhooth (1975)
• Lafange (1975)
• Sanyasi (1975)
• Zinda Dil (1975)
• Warrant (1975)
• Dus Numbri (1976)
• Khalifa (1976)
• Shankar Dada (1976)
• Amar Akbar Anthony (1977 )
• Chandi Sona (1977)
• Chakkar Pe Chakkar (1977)
• Dharam Veer (1977)
• Hatyara (1977)
• Chor Ho To Aisa (1978)
• Chor Ke Ghar Chor (1978)
• Des Pardes (1978) – Samir Sahni
• Do Musafir (1978)
• Don (1978)
• Ganga Ki Saugandh (1978)
• Kala Aadmi (1978)
• Khoon Ki Pukar (1978)
• Phaansi (1978)
• Rahu Ketu (1978)
• Vishwanath (1978)
• Atmaram (1979)
• Teen Chehrey (1979)

1980s

• Aap Ke Deewane (1980)
• Bombay 405 Miles (1980)
• Desh Drohi (1980)
• Dhan Daulat (1980)
• Dostana (1980)
• Jwalamukhi (1980)
• Jal Mahal (1980)
• Karz (1980)
• Patthar Se Takkar (1980)
• Khuda Kasam (1980)
• Zalim (1980)
• Kaalia (1981)
• Khoon Ka Rishta (1981)
• Krodhi (1981)
• Ladies’ Tailor (1981)
• Naseeb (1981)
• Man Gaye Ustad (1981)
• Waqt Ki Deewar (1981)
• Jiyo Aur Jeene Do (1982)
• Takdir Ka Badshah (1982)
• Partner (1982)
• Taaqat (1982)
• Andha Kanoon (1983)
• Daulat Ke Dushman (1983)
• Ek Jaan Hain Hum (1983)
• Film Hi Film (1983)
• Janwar (1983)
• Laalach (1983)
• Naukar Biwi Ka (1983)
• Souten (1983)
• Woh Jo Hasina (1983)
• Nastik (1983)
• Bade Dilwala (1984)
• Insaaf Kaun Karega (1984)
• Farishta (1984)
• Haisiyat (1984)
• Jagir (1984)
• Laila (1984)
• Raja Aur Rana (1984)
• Rajtilak (1984)
• Duniya (1984)
• Sohni Mahiwal (1984)
• Sharaabi (1984)
• Inquilab (1984)
• Durga (1985)
• Hoshiyar (1985)
• Bewafai (1985)
• Karamyudh (1985)
• Maa Kasam (1985)
• Sarfarosh (1985)
• Yudh (1985)
• Paatal Bhairavi (1985)
• Dosti Dushmani (1986)
• Dilwala (1986)
• Dharam Adhikari (1986)
• Jeeva (1986)
• Love & God (1986)
• Ricky (1986)
• Suhaagan (1986)
• Dilruba Tangewali (1987)
• Goraa (1987)
• Insaf Kaun Karega (1987)
• Imaandar (1987)
• Kudrat Ka Kanoon (1987)
• Hifazat (1986)
• Muqaddar Ka Faisla (1987)
• Maa Beti (1987)
• Sitapur Ki Gita (1987)
• Dharam Shatru (1988)
• Paap Ki Duniya (1988)
• Sherni (1988)
• Aurat Teri Yahi Kahani (1988)
• Dharma Yudh (1988)
• Gunahon Ka Faisla (1988)
• Kasam (1988)
• Shahenshah (1988)
• Mohabbat Ke Dushman (1988)
• Ram O Rama (1988)
• Bade Ghar Ki Beti (1989)
• Chingari (1989)
• Jaadugar (1989)
• Mitti Aur Sona (1989)
• Nigahen (1989)
• Shukriya (1989)
• Toofan (1989)
• Zooni (1989)

1990s

• Azaad Desh Ke Ghulam (1990)
• Pyar Ka Toofan (1990)
• Roti Ki Keemat (1990)
• Sanam Bewafaa (1990)
• Lakshman Rekha (1991)
• Banjaran (1991)
• Jigarwala (1991)
• Mashooq (1992)
• Meera Ka Mohan (1992)
• Do Hanson Ka Joda (1992)
• Bewafa Se Wafa (1992)
• Panah (1992)
• Isi Ka Naam Zindagi (1992)
• Chandramukhi (1993)
• Dosti Ki Saugandh (1993)
• Gurudev (1993)
• Kohra (1993)
• Aaja Meri Jaan (1993)
• Bhagyawaan (1993)
• 1942: A Love Story (1994)
• Hum Hain Bemisal (1994)
• Saajan Ki Bahon Mein (1995)
• Vaapsi saajan Ki (1995)
• Lalchi (1996)
• Dadagiri (1997)
• Gudia (1997)
• Lakha (1997)
• Luv Kush (1997)
• Kaun Rokega Mujhe (1997)
• Mrityudaata (1997)
• Salma Pe Dil Aa Gaya (1997)
• Badmash (1998)
• Tere Mere Sapne (1999)
• Jai Hind (1999)

2000s

• Dosh (2002)
• Ek Hidustani (2002)
• Mohabbat Pehli Nazar Mein (2002)
• Suryakant (2002)
• Tum Jiyo Hazaron Saal (2002)
• Deewan Tere Pyar ka (2003)
• Kiska Dosh (2003)

If my memory is not failing me , the first movie of Pran Saheb , which I watched was ” Khandan ” [ 1965 ] . It was in Vijay Talkies , Deoria and perhaps the year was 1966 . Same year I watched ” Dil Diya Dard Liya “ and my admiration for Pran Saheb , in the garb of hate , began . Next year I watched ” Ram Aur Shyam ” [ 1967 ] in Pushparaj Talkies , Allahabad and it fortified my admiration for him and since then I am a die-hard fan of this legendary actor .

I may not be running most famous acting school of Mumbai , or most famous acting institute of India or most famous acting class of bollywood or most famous acting academy of world but I think it is my duty to offer my greetings to the legend .

I congratulate Pran Saheb on behalf of all the students and staff of Vidur Acting Institute , which is known as  Vidur’s Kreating Charakters . May God give long and healthy life to the legend called Pran Krishna Sikand , a.k.a. Pran.

Dada Saheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 . Till date 43 luminaries have got this prestigious award . Pran Saheb is 44th .

Devika Rani got it in 1969

…………………….. and  Pran in 2012

[ List of his flms is being re-produced from Wikipedia . I express profound gratitude . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.kreatingcharakters.net

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60 Years of Film ” Baiju Bawra “

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           DECEMBER 06 , 2012           11.30 P.M.

Today sitting in the office of my acting institute in Mumbai , I was going through some old issues of Screen . Suddenly I saw an article and came to know that the iconic film ” Baiju Bawra “ is now 60 years old . It was released in 1952 . It is the same year when I was born .

Baiju Bawra (1952 film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

When I started following Hindi film songs in 1967 , I heard some of the songs of the film ” Baiju Bawra ” . In 1967 during my High School days , I didn’t know either Meena Kumari or Bharat Bhushan , the protagonists of ” Baiju Bawra ” . I was not even aware of Naushad or Shakeel Badayuni also , who gave music and wrote lyrics of the film respectively . I simply knew Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi , the singers of the film .

After passing High School from the Government Inter College , Deoria , I went to Government Inter College , Allahabad for intermediate in July 1967 . It was in Allahabad that I started following films religiously . There I watched ” Baiju Bawra “ and became aware of Meena Kumari and Bharat Bhushan . I became aware of the legendary status of Naushad and about the good work of lyricist Shakeel Badayuni .

Earlier I had heard the songs of ” Baiju Bawra “ but after watching the film , I started appreciating them in a more positive way . Mohammad Rafi’s ” O Duniya Ke Rakhwale ……… ” and ” Man Tadpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj ……….. “ were my favourites and they still have same sway over me . They are my perennial favourites . ” Tu Ganga Ki Mauj , Main Jamuna Ka Dhara ……….. “ is hugely popular even today .

 

Meena Kumari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Meena Kumari and Bharat Bhushan were not stars when this film was made with them . Naushad , Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi were the only known names and they were the only stars of this non – star cast film . Music of the film was hit and is still remembered by all the connoisseurs of Hindi films .

Musician Naushad (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lata Mangeshkar as a young woman (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mohammed Rafi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

All lyrics written by Shakeel Badayuni, music composed by Naushad.

No.	Title	Singer(s)	Length
1.	“Tu Ganga Ki Mauj” (Raga Bhairavi)	Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar
2.	“Aaj Gawat Man Mero Jhoomke” (Raga Desi)	Ustad Amir Khan, D. V. Paluskar
3.	“O Duniya Ke Rakhwale” (Raga Darbari)	Mohammad Rafi
4.	“Door Koi Gaye” (Raga Des)	Lata Mangeshkar, Shamshad Begum and chorus
5.	“Mohe Bhool Gaye Sanwariya” (Raga Bhairav with traces of Raga Kalingda)	Lata Mangeshkar
6.	“Jhoole Mein Pawan Ki Aai Bahar” (Raga Pilu)	Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar
7.	“Man Tarpat Hari Darsan Ko Aaj” (Raga Malkauns)	Mohammad Rafi
8.	“Bachpan Ki Muhabbat” (Based on Maand)	Lata Mangeshkar
9.	“Insaan Bano” (Raga Todi)	Mohammad Rafi
10.	“Tori Jai Jai Kartar” (Raga Puriya Dhanashree)	Ustad Amir Khan
11.	“Langar Kankariya Ji Na Maro” (Raga Todi)	Ustad Amir Khan, D. V. Paluskar
12.	“Ghanana Ghanana Ghana Garjo Re” (Raga Megh)	Ustad Amir Khan
13.	“Sargam” (Raga Darbari)	Ustad Amir Khan

This Vijay Bhatt directed film ran for 100 weeks and created history . It is so heartening to note that ” Baiju Bawra “ is now 60 years old and for a film connoisseur like me its magic refuses to fade away even after so many years .

As an acting trainer , its my job to make my students aware of these iconic films and I do it regularly in my acting class in Mumbai .

I , on behalf of all the students and staff of my acting school Vidur’s Kreating Charakters , express my happiness on this historic day .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

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A Tearful Tribute to Bala Saheb Thackeray

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           NOVEMBER 22 , 2012           11.20 P.M.

I was trying to write this obituary since Saturday . But I couldn’t . There were many things , many thoughts running in my mind simultaneously . And in such circumstances flood-gates of memory gets opened and submerges our psyche .

On Saturday November 17 , 2012 , I was sitting in the office of my Acting Institute , Vidur’s Kreating Charakters , when I heard about the demise of Shri Bala Saheb Thackeray . I closed my Acting Class immediately and returned home . Then I started watching TV . Every channel was full of the sad news . While watching the channels , I was thrown into the year 1967 , the year I passed high school examinations , left my native place Deoria and went to Allahabad for higher studies .

In Allahabad I heard about Shiv Sena , the 1-year-old new emerging force in Maharashtra .

Shiv Sena Symbol (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The year was 1967 and Shiv Sena was just 1-year-old organization . I took admission in the Government Inter College , Allahabad and like all the youngsters of my age , I was trying to gather more knowledge , was trying to know more things about the world . I , along with my friends , used to read news papers and discuss events and personalities . Because of Shiv Sena’s pro – Marathi policies and staunch parochial attitude , the organization Shiv Sena and its leader Bal Thackeray [ as Bala Saheb was known then ] , was centre of debate and topic of many heated discussions .

I finished my studies , returned to my native place again and started my life afresh . Destiny sometimes plan things differently and plays unique games . So in 1989 I landed up in Bombay . The city , yet to be rechristened Mumbai , became my permanent abode . In 1989 Shiv Sena got registered as a political party . So my life in Mumbai and life of Shiv Sena as a political party began simultaneously in 1989 .

As I started living in Mumbai , I took note of Shiv Sena , started reading about it and started appreciating Shri Bala Saheb Thackeray and his ideology . I was not mature in 1967 , so I was critical of Bala Saheb’s policies and as a north – Indian felt bad when he uttered something against the north Indians . But as my life began in Mumbai , I started feeling that if someone feels that Marathi language , Marathi culture should be paramount in Maharashtra , there is no harm . If a leader says that Marathi should get preference in Maharashtra and it should be the state language , it is absolutely fine . Marathi language should get preference as the state language . If some organization advocates , propounds and is vocal about jobs for the son – of – the – soil , I feel that it is not unjustified at all and is definitely not anti – national .

So re – evaluation of Bala Saheb as a person and as a leader of Shiv Sena began in my mind . I must admit that slowly all the misgivings of previous years evaporated from my mind . 1990 onwards I could appreciate him in a much better way . I came to know about his early days as a cartoonist in ” The Free Press Journal ” . I saw some of the cartoons , which were published in ” Marmik ” , a magazine which he started after leaving ” The Free Press Journal “. He was second to none as a cartoonist , not even to the legendary R. K. Laxman . His cartoon character Kaka Ji , though not as famous as the Common Man of R. K. Laxman , was a poignant work of art . He even designed the famous logo of Raj Kapoor‘s R. K. Films .

As an orator , he had few equals . His connect with the masses was absolute . When I heard him for the first time , I was mesmerized , though my knowledge of Marathi was limited in those days .

It is unfortunate that I could not meet him in person . I am writing a book on acting and it was my secret wish that Bala Saheb should launch the book . Alas , along with so many wishes , my this wish will also remain unfulfilled .

While sitting at home and watching his funeral procession on Sunday , I remembered some other funeral processions of eminent Indians . I have seen Mahatma Gandhi’s funeral procession in photos . He attracted mammoth crowd even after his death . I do remember Jawahar Lal Nehru’s and Indira Gandhi’s last journey . Again the crowd was unprecedented . Last year I visited Anna Durai’s memorial in Puducherri and was stunned to see photos of his last journey . Apart from these above mentioned last journeys of  great Indian leaders , I have never seen such huge crowd for anybody’s last journey . Jawahar Lal Nehru , Indira Gandhi and Anna Durai held high positions in government . Mahatma Gandhi is the sole example of not holding any post and still commanding such respect after his death . Bala Saheb stands second only to Mahatma Gandhi .

I am sad that I could not meet him earlier and now after his demise it is not possible anymore .

Photo of Uddhav Thackeray (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On my behalf and on the behalf of my acting institute Vidur’s Kreating Charakters , I offer condolences to Shri Uddhav Thackeray and the whole Thackeray family .

Nation lost a great leader and I lost an opportunity .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.kreatingcharakters.net

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

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50 Years of Cuban Missile Crisis

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           OCTOBER 30, 2012           00.45 A.M.

Year 1962 in general and October 1962 in particular is permanently etched and engraved in my memory for two historical events . First is Chinese invasion of India and the second one is Cuban Missile Crisis .

I was 10 years old boy living in Deoria , Uttar Pradesh . My adolescent mind was getting awakened to the happenings of the world . I was curious . I was eager to gather knowledge . I was fascinated by the twists and turns of history . And these two epoch – making chapters of history opened in front of my eyes . I will write a separate blog about Chinese Invasion of India . Let me concentrate here on Cuban Missile Crisis .

 

U.S. reconnaissance photograph of soviet missile sites on Cuba, taken from a Lockheed U-2 spy plane following the Cuban missile crisis. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

CIA reference photograph of Soviet medium-range ballistic missile (SS-4 in U.S. documents, R-12 in Soviet documents) in Red Square, Moscow. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Two main protagonists of the drama are now gone . J. F. Kennedy , the then President of U.S.A. got assassinated and Nikita Khrushchev , the then Premier of U.S.S.R. was deposed and subsequently died a natural death . But Comrade Fidel Castro , the then President of Cuba is still alive . His brother Raul Castro , who held parley with Nikita Khrushchev , is now President of Cuba . Let me unveil the incidents of the crisis , which might have escalated into World War III .

 

John F. Kennedy meeting with Nikita Khrushchev in Vienna. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

EXCOMM meeting at the White House Cabinet Room during the Cuban Missile Crisis on October 29, 1962. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The Soviet Union sending nuclear warheads to Cuba followed the 1958 deployment by the United States of Thor IRBMs in the UK (Project Emily) and Jupiter IRBMs to Italy and Turkey in 1961 – more than 100 US-built missiles having the capability to strike Moscow with nuclear warheads. After provocative political moves and the failed US attempts to overthrow the Cuban regime (Bay of Pigs, Operation Mongoose), in May 1962 Nikita Khrushchev proposed the idea of placing Soviet nuclear missiles on Cuba to deter any future invasion attempt. During a meeting between Khrushchev and Raúl Castro that July, a secret agreement was reached and construction of several missile sites began in the late summer. These preparations were noticed, and on 14 October an US U-2 aircraft took several pictures clearly showing sites for medium-range and intermediate-range ballistic nuclear missiles (MRBMs and IRBMs) under construction. These images were processed and presented on October 15, which marks the beginning of the 13-day crisis from the US perspective.

The United States considered attacking Cuba via air and sea, but decided on a military blockade instead, calling it a “quarantine” for legal and other reasons. The US announced that it would not permit offensive weapons to be delivered to Cuba, demanded that the Soviets dismantle the missile bases already under construction or completed, and return all offensive weapons to the USSR. The Kennedy administration held only a slim hope that the Kremlin would agree to their demands, and expected a military confrontation.

On the Soviet side, Premier Nikita Khrushchev wrote in a letter from October 24, 1962 to President John F. Kennedy that his blockade of “navigation in international waters and air space” constituted “an act of aggression propelling humankind into the abyss of a world nuclear-missile war”.However, in secret back-channel communications the President and Premier initiated a proposal to resolve the crisis. While this was taking place, several Soviet ships attempted to run the blockade, increasing tensions to the point that orders to US Navy ships to fire warning shots and then open fire were sent out. On 27 October a U-2 was shot down by a Soviet missile crew, an action that could have resulted in immediate retaliation from the Kennedy crisis cabinet, according to Secretary of Defense McNamara‘s later testimony. However, in the event itself, Kennedy stayed his hand and the negotiations continued.

 

The engine of Lockheed U-2 which has been brought down above Cuba in Museum of the Revolution in Havana (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

Nikita Kruschev letter to President Kennedy stating that the Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine “constitute[s] an act of aggression propelling humankind into the abyss of a world nuclear-missile war.” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The confrontation ended on October 28, 1962,when Kennedy and United Nations Secretary-General U Thant reached an agreement with Khrushchev. Publicly, the Soviets would dismantle their offensive weapons in Cuba and return them to the Soviet Union, subject to United Nations verification, in exchange for an US public declaration and agreement never to invade Cuba. Secretly, the US agreed that it would dismantle all US-built Jupiter IRBMs deployed in Turkey and Italy.

 

Adlai Stevenson II shows aerial photos of Russian missiles in Cuba to the United Nations Security Council in the presence of USSR ambassador Valerian Zorin. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

I am quoting the events of the crisis from Wikipedia . Because , though I vividly remember the crisis but day-to-day events in chronological order have been almost obfuscated from my memory .

While I was sitting in the office of my acting institute Vidur’s Kreating Charakters , I suddenly remembered those fateful days and decided to write a blog on the topic in the night .

I still wonder , what would have been fate of the world in general and India in particular , had the crisis been not diffused in 1962 ?

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.kreatingcharakters.net

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

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Yash Chopra : ” Waqt ” Stopped ; ” Silsila ” Snapped

Yash Chopra at Suzanne Roshan’s The Charcoal Project Launch (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           OCTOBER 23, 2012           11.59 P.M.

Yash Chopra , the eternal romantic died on October 21 , 2012 . He was 80 years young at the time of his death .

On Sunday night , I was sitting in my study and was writing blog about Karan Johar’s  film ” Student Of The Year “ , I suddenly checked my twitter handle and was shocked beyond words . There were spate of tweets about the demise of legendary film maker Yash Raj Chopra .

Within moments several posters of his films , many scenes of his all – time classics rushed to the firmament of my memory lane . Though unaware of his greatness then , first Yash Chopra film , which I watched was ” Waqt ” [ 1965 ] . I watched it in Amarjyoti Talkies , Deoria . During my years in Allahabad , I watched many of his films and became aware of his greatness . This ” Silsila ” [ 1981 ] continued till ” Veer Zaara ” [ 2004 ] .

Waqt (1965 film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kaala Patthar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Silsila (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dil To Pagal Hai (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cover via Amazon

I have nothing new to say about Yash Chopra . Everything is there in news papers . What I would like to say is , I had honour and privilege to meet Yash ji , as he is fondly called, several times .

Mohabbatein (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I was called by Aditya Chopra to train 6 new – comers of  ” Mohabbatein ” [ 2000 ] . One day when I finished class with Jimmy Sheirgill , Uday Chopra , Jugal Hansraj , Shamita Shetty , Preeti Jhangiani and Kim Sharma and came out of the room , I saw Yash ji sitting there in the outer room . I rushed to greet him . He fondly shook hand with me and said , ” I am hearing great things about you .” I was overwhelmed . ” Mohabbatein “ was my first big film . And Yash Raj Films was my first big banner , I was sure that after the release of this film I would be able to come out of my obscurity . And here was a legend complimenting me about my training , I felt ecstatic .

It was not a compliment by some wannabe . It was from The Legend himself . To understand my feelings and elated state after Yash ji’s compliment just look at his credentials .

FILMS AS DIRECTOR :

” Dhool Ka Phool ” [ 1959 ] , ” Dharmputra ” [ 1961 ] , ” Waqt ” [ 1965 ] , ” Aadmi Aur Insaan ” [ 1969 ] , ” Ittefaq ” [ 1969 ] , ” Daag ” [ 1973 ] , ” Joshila ” [ 1973 ] , ” Deewar ” [ 1975 ] , ” Kabhi Kabhie ” [ 1976 ] , ” Trishul ” [ 1978 ] , ” Kaala Patthar ” [ 1989 ] , ” Silsila “[ 1981 ] , ” Mashaal ” [ 1984 ] , ” Faasle ” [ 1985 ] , ” Vijay ” [ 1988 ] , ” Chandni ” [ 1989 ] , ” Lamhe ” [ 1991 ] , ” Parampara ” [ 1992 ] , ” Darr ” [ 1993 ] , ” Dil To Pagal Hai ” [ 1997 ] , ” Veer – Zaara ” [ 2004 ] and ” Jab Tak Hai Jaan ” [ 2012 ] .

FILMFARE AWARDS :

1965 , Filmfare Best Director Award , ” Waqt “

1969 , Filmfare Best Director Award , ” Ittefaq “

1973 , Filmfare Best Director Award , ” Daag “

1975 , Filmfare Best Director Award , ” Deewar “

1991 , Filmfare Best Movie Award , ” Lamhe “

1975 , Filmfare Best Movie Award , ” Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge “

1997 , Filmfare Best Movie Award , ” Dil To Pagal Hai “

2004 , Filmfare Best Movie Award , ” Veer – Zaara “

2006 , Filmfare Power Award

2007 , Filmfare Power Award

2008 , Filmfare Power Award

NATIONAL FILM AWARDS :

1998 , Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment , ” Dil To Pagal Hai “

2005 , Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment , ” Veer – Zaara “

AWARDS & HONOURS :

2001 , Dadasaheb Phalke Award

2005 , Padma Bhushan

2008 , Officier de la Legion d’Honneur

FILMS AS PRODUCER :

Daag (1973) Kabhi Kabhie (1976) Doosra Aadmi (1977) Trishul (1978) Noorie (1979) Kaala Pathar (1979) Silsila (1981) Nakhuda (1981) Sawaal (1982) Mashaal (1984) Faasle (1985) Vijay (1988) Chandni (1989) Lamhe (1991)

Darr (1993) Aaina (1993) Yeh Dillagi (1994) Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) Humko Ishq Ne Maara (Telefilm) (1997) Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) Mohabbatein (2000) Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002) Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (2002) Saathiya (2002) Hum Tum (2004) Dhoom (2004) Veer-Zaara (2004)

Bunty Aur Babli (2005) Salaam Namaste (2005) Neal N Nikki (2005) Fanaa (2006) Dhoom 2 (2006) Kabul Express (2006) Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007) Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007) Chak De India (2007) Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007) Aaja Nachle (2007) Tashan (2008) Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (2008) Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008)

Roadside Romeo (2008) Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) New York (2009) Dil Bole Hadippa (2009) Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) Pyaar Impossible (2010) Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011) Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011) Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011) Ishaqzaade (2012) Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

When I was working with Uday Chopra as his private tutor , I used to go to Yash ji’s iconic bungalow in Juhu . I bumped into him several times . He was always gracious , always kind . Though he was a legend and I was not even a spec in the scheme of universe .

Once , years later , I went to meet Uday Chopra at Yash Raj Studio . I came out of his office after meeting him and approached the lift . Yash ji was standing there . Door of lift opened . Yash ji went in . I hesitated to enter and was standing still in front of the door . To my utter surprise Yash ji told me to come in . I went in and was almost numb that I am standing so close to him . I am sharing the space with him . Any other person of his stature would have ignored a non – entity like me . But Yash ji , in spite of being a legend , was kind enough to gesture me to come in . I will never forget that moment .

I am honoured that I got an opportunity to work with his banner . It was an experience to remember . Today as I am writing this blog , I remember several fond memories of the legend , who was so kind , ever smiling and always benevolent .

Apart from Mr. Dev Anand , Mr. Yash Raj Chopra is the most important factor in my life . He , along with Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra , helped an obscure Acting Trainer and thus made me what I am today .Vidur’s Kreating Charakters ,  as an Acting Institute and Acting Trainer Vidur , as a person owe their existence to Yash ji and his Yash Raj Films .

Thank you sir ! I will always be grateful to you because you never made me feel small in your presence . I always got love from you , though I deserved none . You were always condescending , though I was not worthy of anything . You were always kind , though I was just a pigmy in front of a titan like you .

Rest in peace sir !

[ List of his films have been taken from Wikipedia . I express my gratitude . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.kreatingcharakters.net

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

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The Curious Case of Fareed Zakaria

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           AUGUST 18, 2012           11.45 P.M.

Last week there were surfeit of news items about Indian – American writer , columnist and TV show host Mr. Fareed Zakaria . I was intrigued and wanted to unearth the real fact . But before I could finish my blog , I just read in today’s papers that he has been exonerated of the charges of plagiarism and has been re – instated by ” Time “ magazine and CNN . I became more curious . If he was not guilty , then why this whole drama about plagiarism was blown out of proportion , which led to his subsequent suspension ? And if he was really guilty of plagiarism , they why has the suspension been revoked today ? In between , ” Washington Post “ , which few days ago fished in the troubled water and accused him of plagiarism , has apologised for wrongly accusing him of plagiarism . It was too much . So naturally Fareed Zakaria’s case became a curious case for me .

I used to admire his father a lot . His father Late Dr. Rafiq Zakaria , a minister in the Congress government of Maharashtra , was a scholar of Islamic history and a great writer of repute . He used to write regularly for ” The Illustrated Weekly of India ” , a Times of India periodical being published from Mumbai [ then Bombay ] . I have several old copies of the said magazine in the library of my ancestral house at Deoria . Those copies of ” The Illustrated Weekly of India “ still remind me about the writings of Dr. Rafiq Zakaria . His mother Fatima Zakaria was also a writer and served as the editor of Sunday Times of India .

So curiosity about Fareed Rafiq Zakaria was immense . I refered to Wikipedia and came to know that he was born in Mumbai on January 20 , 1964 . He studied at Yale University and Harvard University in U.S.A. and later on started his immensely successful career in United States of America as a columnist , writer , TV show Anchor and political commentator .

Fareed Zakaria, Editor, Newsweek International , United States. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In 1992 he started his career as managing editor of ” Foreign Affairs “ magazine . Later on he moved to ” Newsweek International ” and wrote a weekly foreign affairs column for the said magazine [ from 2000 to 2010 ] and was its editor too . Later on he became Editor – at – large of ” Time “ [ from 2010 till Present ] .

Apart from these above mentioned reputed magazines , he also wrote for the ” New York Times ” , ” Wall Street Journal ” and ” New Yorker ” .

He also hosts a TV show ” Fareed Zakaria GPS “ on CNN since 2008 . Before that , he anchored shows as political analyst on ABC [ 2002 to 2007 ] and on PBS [ 2005 to 2008 ] .

Dmitry Medvedev is interviewed by Fareed Zakaria, CNN (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fareed Zakaria, Host, “Fareed Zakaria GPS;” Editor-at-Large, Time Magazine; Columnist; The Washington Post and Harold Ford Jr., Former U.S. Representative; NBC News Analyst (Photo credit: Detroit Regional Chamber)

He is also a very admired and sought after speaker at various world forums . He is considered an authority on America’s political situations and current world affairs .

English: Christopher Murray, Jens Stoltenberg, Bill Gates, Gordon Brown, Olusegun Obasanjo, Fareed Zakaria and Giulio Tremonti during the World Economic Forum 2006. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fareed Zakaria speaks at Blumenthal (Photo credit: Willamor Media)

Fareed Zakaria , apart from his hugely acclaimed columns , has also written 3 books like ; ” From Wealth to Power : The Unusual Origins of America’s World Role ” [ 1998 ] , ” The Future of Freedom ” [ 2003 ] and ” The Post American World ” [ 2008 ] .

Cover of The Post-American World

Apart from various international and American awards , he has also been awarded Padma Bhushan by the government of India .

A person of this repute cannot easily be accused of plagiarism . But this month he was accused of plagiarism by Newsbusters and was subsequently suspended by ” Time “ and CNN . Newsbusters reported that Fareed Zakaria’s ” Time “ column on gun control [ August 20 , 2012 ] bears similarity to an article published in ” New Yorker “ and that he quoted from the article without giving credit to the original author , Mr. Jill Lepore .

After much hyped furore , Zakaria tendered unconditional apology on his twitter handle @FareedZakaria .

11 Aug Fareed Zakaria ‏@FareedZakaria

I apologize unreservedly. http://bit.ly/OcOxtA

And after a week – long investigation ” Time “ and CNN accepted his apology , cleared him and reinstated his column and TV show . A needless controversy ended .

17 Aug Fareed Zakaria ‏@FareedZakaria

RT @CNNPR CNN Statement on Fareed Zakaria http://bit.ly/NGsMPv  // RT @TIMEComms Update from TIME on Fareed Zakaria – http://on.fb.me/RkXhzz 

I started thinking about the controversy . Was it really plagiarism ? Or Mr. Fareed Zakaria swallowed more than he could chew ? I think the latter explanation is more appropriate .

These days multi – tasking is the order of the day . Mr. Zakaria writes weekly column , writes and hosts a weekly TV show , tweets on the micro – blogging sites like twitter , writes books and is a globe – trotting intellectual , who is much sought after speaker . Naturally he also has only 24 hours at his disposal like lesser mortals . It’s a norm in USA to have assistants , who help busy writers like him and suggest topics , links and source materials . Obviously Mr. Zakaria must have been given the paragraph of Mr. Jill Lepore and inadvertently he mentioned it without giving credit .

According to me he just made a mistake . It was just a lapse . And prudently Mr. Zakaria apologised without hesitation . And a needless and avoidable controversy ended .

[ Some facts of Mr. Fareed Zakaria's life have been quoted from Wikipedia . I express gratitude .]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

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200 Years of Charles Dickens

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           JULY 29 , 2012           00.30 A.M.

Charles Dickens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Years ago , when I was still a child , my grand father introduced me to the world of books . He bought some books from Gita Press , Gorakhpur and gave them to me . Those were illustrated books about the lives of Bhagwan Ram and Bhagwan Krishna . Each illustration was explained with the help of a couplet . I still remember the name of the books ; BAL CHITRAMAYA RAM LEELA and BAL CHITRAMAYA KRISHNA LEELA  . I read those books countless times , almost mugged up each line and I still possess those books in my library in Deoria .

Since then I was hooked to the world of books and the fascination still continues many decades later . When I was in High School , I became member of GHARELU LIBRARY YOJNA of  HIND POCKET BOOKS , which was initiated by a famous Hindi publication house , Rajpal & Sons .

I used to order books and used to receive them through post office . One muggy afternoon , when the post man delivered packet of books to me , I opened the packet with excitement . There was a book titled DO SHEHRON KI DASTAN . I glanced the book and went through the introduction and got to know the name of the writer . It was Charles Dickens . I also got to know that original name of the book in English . It was A TALE OF TWO CITIES .

It was my first introduction with the celebrated British writer . Though I could not complete the reading because I got bored . Many years later , when I was doing post graduation in Allahabad University , I got to know the writer once again . A TALE OF TWO CITIES was in my course and this time I was able to understand it properly . I then realized beauty of his prose and appreciated his style of narration . Hindi translation , which I read years ago , was not lucid enough .

 

Cover via Amazon

When I read in the papers that 2012 is the 200th birth anniversary of the celebrated British author and novelist , I decided to note down my encounter of Charles Dickens also . These old memories , which were consigned in some dark and hither to unvisited corners of my being , rushed to the firmament and I decided to become a part of the 200th anniversary celebration of Charles Dickens .

My curiosity reached its zenith , when I read a news item in a paper . The heading was enough to draw my again to Charles Dickens .  “  Christopher and Jonathan Nolan Explain How A TALE OF TWO CITIES Influenced THE DARK KNIGHT RISES “

Charles Dickens a.k.a. Charles John Huffam Dickens , ( 7 February 1812 – 9 June 1870) was an English writer and social critic who is generally regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian period and the creator of some of the world’s most memorable fictional characters .During his lifetime Dickens’s works enjoyed unprecedented popularity and fame , and by the twentieth century his literary genius was fully recognized by critics and scholars . His novels and short stories continue to enjoy an enduring popularity among the general reading public .

Born in Portsmouth , England , Dickens left school to work in a factory after his father was thrown into debtors’ prison . Though he had little formal education , his early impoverishment drove him to succeed . He edited a weekly journal for 20 years , wrote 15 novels and hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles , lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer , and campaigned vigorously for children’s rights , education , and other social reforms .

 

Charles Dickens (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dickens rocketed to fame with the 1836 serial publication of The Pickwick Papers . Within a few years he had become an international literary celebrity , celebrated for his humour , satire , and keen observation of character and society . His novels , most published in monthly or weekly instalments , pioneered the serial publication of narrative fiction , which became the dominant Victorian mode for novel publication .The instalment format allowed Dickens to evaluate his audience’s reaction , and he often modified his plot and character development based on such feedback . For example , when his wife’s chiropodist expressed distress at the way Miss Mowcher in David Copperfield seemed to reflect her disabilities , Dickens went on to improve the character with positive lineaments . Fagin in Oliver Twist apparently mirrors the famous fence , Ikey Solomon ; His caricature of Leigh Hunt in the figure of Mr Skimpole in Bleak House was likewise toned down on advice from some of his friends , as they read episodes . In the same novel , both Lawrence Boythorne and Mooney the beadle are drawn from real life – Boythorne from Walter Savage Landor and Mooney from ‘Looney’ , a beadle at Salisbury Square . His plots were carefully constructed , and Dickens often wove in elements from topical events into his narratives .Masses of the illiterate poor chipped in ha’pennies to have each new monthly episode read to them , opening up and inspiring a new class of readers .

Dickens was regarded as the ‘literary colossus’ of his age .His 1843 novella , A Christmas Carol , is one of the most influential works ever written , and it remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre . His creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to G. K. Chesterton and George Orwell—for its realism , comedy , prose style , unique characterisations , and social criticism . On the other hand Oscar Wilde , Henry James and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth , loose writing , and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism .

Most of Dickens’s major novels were first written in monthly or weekly instalments in journals such as Master Humphrey’s Clock and Household Words , later reprinted in book form . These instalments made the stories cheap , accessible and the series of regular cliff-hangers made each new episode widely anticipated . When The Old Curiosity Shop was being serialized , American fans even waited at the docks in New York , shouting out to the crew of an incoming ship , “Is little Nell dead ? ” Part of Dickens’s great talent was to incorporate this episodic writing style but still end up with a coherent novel at the end .

Charles Dickens published over a dozen major novels , a large number of short stories (including a number of Christmas-themed stories) , a handful of plays , and several non-fiction books . Dickens’s novels were initially serialised in weekly and monthly magazines , then reprinted in standard book formats .

Novels

The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club (Monthly serial, April 1836 to November 1837)[125] The Adventures of Oliver Twist (Monthly serial in Bentley’s Miscellany, February 1837 to April 1839) The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby (Monthly serial, April 1838 to October 1839) The Old Curiosity Shop (Weekly serial in Master Humphrey’s Clock, 25 April 1840, to 6 February 1841) Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of ‘Eighty (Weekly serial in Master Humphrey’s Clock, 13 February 1841, to 27 November 1841) The Christmas books: A Christmas Carol (1843) The Chimes (1844) The Cricket on the Hearth (1845) The Battle of Life (1846) The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain (1848) The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit (Monthly serial, January 1843 to July 1844)

Dombey and Son (Monthly serial, October 1846 to April 1848) David Copperfield (Monthly serial, May 1849 to November 1850) Bleak House (Monthly serial, March 1852 to September 1853) Hard Times: For These Times (Weekly serial in Household Words, 1 April 1854, to 12 August 1854) Little Dorrit (Monthly serial, December 1855 to June 1857) A Tale of Two Cities (Weekly serial in All the Year Round, 30 April 1859, to 26 November 1859) Great Expectations (Weekly serial in All the Year Round, 1 December 1860 to 3 August 1861) Our Mutual Friend (Monthly serial, May 1864 to November 1865) The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Monthly serial, April 1870 to September 1870. Only six of twelve planned numbers completed)

Short story collections

• Sketches by Boz (1836)
• The Mudfog Papers (1837) in Bentley’s Miscellany magazine
• Reprinted Pieces (1861)
• The Uncommercial Traveller (1860–1869)

Christmas numbers of Household Wordsmagazine: What Christmas Is, as We Grow Older (1851) A Round of Stories by the Christmas Fire (1852) Another Round of Stories by the Christmas Fire (1853) The Seven Poor Travellers (1854) The Holly-Tree Inn (1855) The Wreck of the “Golden Mary” (1856) The Perils of Certain English Prisoners (1857) A House to Let (1858)

Christmas numbers of All the Year Roundmagazine: The Haunted House (1859) A Message from the Sea (1860) Tom Tiddler’s Ground (1861) Somebody’s Luggage (1862) Mrs. Lirriper’s Lodgings (1863) Mrs. Lirriper’s Legacy (1864) Doctor Marigold’s Prescriptions (1865) Mugby Junction (1866) No Thoroughfare (1867)

Selected non-fiction, poetry, and plays

The Village Coquettes (Plays, 1836) The Fine Old English Gentleman (poetry, 1841) Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi (1838) American Notes: For General Circulation (1842) Pictures from Italy (1846)

The Life of Our Lord: As written for his children (1849) A Child’s History of England (1853) The Frozen Deep (play, 1857) Speeches, Letters and Sayings (1870)

[ Facts of his life and list of the books , written by him , are taken from Wikipedia . I express my deep gratitude . ]

 

Charles Dickens & His Famous Chair (Photo credit: Penn State Special Collections Library)

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

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Remembering Dara Singh : Hindi Cinema’s 1st He Man

Dara Singh – A Young Wrestler

Dara Singh – An Old Father Figure

Dara Singh – An Era Ends

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           JULY 19 , 2012           01.35 A.M.

Hindi cinema‘s 1st he man , Hindi cinema’s 1st action hero , Hindi cinema’s 1st super hero and Hindi cinema’s 1st actor to appear on-screen without shirt , [ it happened much before Dharmendra and Salman Khan ]  wrestler turned actor Dara Singh a.k.a. Deedar Singh Randhawa died on July 12 , 2012 in Mumbai . He was 83 years old at the time of his death .

Much before he entered Hindi film world as an actor , he was a world-famous wrestler . From a small village Dharmuchak near Amritsar , Punjab to the world arena of free – style wrestling , he bestrode it like a colossus . He went to Singapore and became Champion Of Malaysia in 1947 . After that he never looked back and never got defeated till the very end of his career . In 1983 in his last tournament in Delhi , he himself announced his retirement . An invincible inning thus ended . Winning titles like ; RUSTAM – E – PUNJAB [ 1966 ] , RUSTAM – E – HIND [ 1978 ] and RUSTAM – E – ZAMAN during his long , illustrious and always victorious career , enhanced his prestige and his popularity soared to new heights in India and he became an idiom for the whole generation of Indians .

I still remember watching his posters and other publicity materials during my childhood and teenage years with curiosity and with wide eyes . His wrestling events , which were highly popular and known as free – style wrestling , were talk of the nation during those days .

I could never watch his wrestling in akhada . Though I have heard his name during my school – college days . Me and my classmates were his huge fans .

Old Poster of Dara Singh’s Wrestling Event

In Wrestling Arena

I only knew him through his films . When I heard about his death , I was deeply saddened as one more icon of my childhood days , one more film hero of my growing years is gone forever . In those days his films were considered and were categorized as B – Great movies . But I have no shame to admit that I was his huge fan and used to watch his black & white flicks in the cinema halls of my home town Deoria . I still remember several noon and afternoon shows in Amarjyoti Talkies and Vijay Talkies of Deoria , when I sneaked into the dark interiors of these cinema halls to watch his films and used to wait for his arrival on-screen . His first appearance on-screen was always greeted with deafening uproar , whistles and claps of the audience including me . I still remember his action scenes and deeply miss them . His action scenes were raw , rustic and had their own charm . They were not mechanically choreographed like present day action scenes .

His first Hindi film was ” Sangdil ” [ 1952 ] . It coincides with my birth year . His first commercial hit was ” King Kong ” [ 1962 ] . His first Hindi film , which I watched , was “Faulad ” [ 1963 ] . This film , along with Dara Singh , had Mumtaz , her sister Minoo Mumtaz , who incidentally married Dara Singh’s younger brother Randhawa and Kamran , whose son Sajid Khan and daughter Farah Khan are well-known to the present generation of film – goers .

Later on I watched his other hits like ; ” Sikandar – E – Azam ” [ 1965 ] , ” Daku Mangal Singh ” [ 1966 ] , ” Balram Shri Krishna ” [ 1968 ] , ” Toofan ” [ 1969 ] , ” Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar ” [ 1970 ] , ” Mera Naam Joker ” [ 1970 ] , ” Sultana Daku ” [ 1972 ] , ” Lalkar ” [ 1972 ] , ” Mera Desh Mera Dharam ” [ 1973 ] , ” Har Har Mahadev ” [ 1974 ] , ” Warrant ” [ 1975 ] , ” Dharam Karam ” [ 1975 ] , ” Jai Bajrang Bali ” [ 1976 ] , ” Mard ” [ 1985 ] , ” Kal Ho Na Ho ” [ 2003 ] and ” Jab We Met ” [ 2007 ] .

He also appeared in some popular serials like ; ” Ramayan ” [ 1986 ] , ” Mahabharat ” [ 1988 ] , ” Uttar Ramayan ” [ 1989 ] and ” Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka ” [ 2006 ] .

Young Wrestling Hero – 1

Young Wrestling Hero – 2

Young Wrestling Hero – 3

Young Wrestling Hero – 4

Young Wrestling Hero – 5

Young Wrestling Hero – 6

Young Wrestling Hero – 7

Young Wrestling Hero – 8

Young Wrestling Hero – 9 With Mumtaz

Young Wrestling Hero – 10 With Helen

Young Wrestling Hero – 11 With Mumtaz

Young Wrestling Hero – 12

Young Wrestling Hero – 13

Young Wrestling Hero – 14

Young Wrestling Hero – 15 With Mumtaz

Young Wrestling Hero – 16

Young Wrestling Hero – 17 in Colour Era

Young Wrestling Hero – 18 in Colour Era

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 1

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 2

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 3

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 4

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 5

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 6

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 7

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 8

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 9

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 10

Dara Singh’s Film Poster – 11

Mera Naam Joker (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dharam Karam (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Film Poster (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jab We Met – The Last Film of The Legend

In Ramanand Sagar‘s Ramayan he played Bhagwan Hanuman and this portryal made him immortal .

Ramayan (TV series) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As Hanuman in ” Ramayan ” Serial

His record in films , apart from wrestling arena , were also enviable . He directed 7 Punjabi films and 2 Hindi films . Apart from these , he produced 8 films and wrote story for 7 films . As an actor he appeared in 121 Hindi films and 21 Punjabi films . Out of these total 144 films , he played main lead in 58 films . Out of these 58 films , he worked with Mumtaz in 16 films and out of those 16 films 10 were super hits .

He was the first sportsman to be nominated to Rajya Sabha by Bharatiya Janata Party . He served as an MP from 2003 to 2009 .

With Ashok Kumar

With Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi & Amitabh Bachchan

Shri Dara Singh inaugurating Harakh Chand Nahata Marg (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

All India Jat Mahasabha Centenary Celebration 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Two Shades of The Legend

Collage of The legend

Life is ephemeral . One day one has to go for one’s celestial journey . It is heart – breaking that one by one all the icons of my growing years are leaving this world .

Farewell Dara Singh ji ! You were pride of our generation . I know there would be no one like you .

Rest in Peace sir !

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

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Sunset Boulevard ( 7 ) : ” Vanishing Milestones “

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           JULY 07 , 2012           01.00 A.M.

I wrote 1st blog in the ” Sunset Boulevard ” category on December 28 , 2009 . It was about Bajaj Scooter . There was news that owners of Bajaj are discontinuing the production of their iconic Bajaj scooter permanently . A sense of nostalgia gripped me and I wrote about ” Hamara Bajaj ” . I never thought that one day I would be writing 7th blog in this category .

Recently when I visited my native place Deoria , I suddenly noticed that ubiquitous milestones are slowly but steadily vanishing from the roads . Such iconic part of one’s life is now giving way to some metallic mileposts and no one is noticing it .

What is a milestone ?

As dictionary explains its meaning ; ” a milestone is a stone functioning as a milepost .”

Later on the word milestone started carrying other meaning also . A milestone is refered to as ” a significant event or stage in the life , progress , development in the life of a person and / or a nation . “

Since olden times , milestones are used on the roads to show a mile of distance from one place to another . In those days of yore when ” Google Earth ” and ” Google Maps ” were yet to appear and digital maps with the ; GPRS [ Global Positioning Radio System ] or GPS [ Global Positioning System ] technology were yet to become a part of our lives , a milestone was the only indicator or sign which indicated that we are travelling on the right path .

Roman Empire

Milestones were originally stone obelisks – made from granite ,  marble or whatever local stone was available – and later concrete posts. They were widely used by Roman Empire road builders and were an important part of any Roman road network . Many Roman milestones only record the name of the reigning emperor without giving any place names or distances.  The first Roman milestones appeared on the Appian way. At the centre of Rome, the “Golden Milestone” was erected to mark the presumed centre of the empire : this milestone has since been lost. The Golden Milestone inspired the Zero Milestone in Washington, D.C., intended as the point from which all road distances in the United States should be reckoned.

Zero Milestone (1923), The Ellipse, Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 Byzantine Empire

A mile-marker monument, the Milion , was erected in the early 4th century AD in Constantinople . It served as the starting point for measurement of distances for all the roads leading to the cities of the Byzantine Empire , and had the same function as the Milliarium Aureum of Ancient Rome . The Milion survived intact until at least the late 15th century. Its fragments were discovered again in the late 1960s. A fragment is re-erected as a pillar.

Post Medieval Europe

In Europe , the distance measured typically starts at specified point within a city or town , as many roads were named for the towns at either end . For example in London , United Kingdom , a plaque near the Eleanor cross at Charing Cross is the reference point from which distances from London to other towns and cities are measured . In the UK, milestones are especially associated with former Turnpike roads .

 Modern highways

The historical term milestone is still used today, even though the “stones” are typically metal signs and in most countries are based on metric rather than imperial units of measure . Also found today are more closely spaced signs containing fractional numbers , and signs along railways, beaches and canals .

Milestones on Indian highways typically have white backgrounds with yellow tops (on national highways) or green tops (on state highways) . The names of cities and distances are painted in black . The names of the nearest towns and cities are written along with distance in kilometres . On undivided highways , both sides of the milestones are used , telling the distance to the nearest cities in each direction . The highway number is written on the head of the milestone . The sum of the distances of two nearest cities in each direction from the milestone is listed on the side .

I am posting recently clicked photo of Zero Milestone of Deoria city . It is freshly painted because it is just opposite the District magistrate’s Bungalow .

A Milestone at Deoria

A Milestone at Deoria

This huge stone structure , which gives the distance of various city from Deoria , is also freshly painted and it stands just in front of the District Magistrate’s Bungalow . These three are a part of my life . I have seen these three milestones or mileposts since my childhood days . I am a wanderer and am used to see milestones while travelling  .

A Milestone at Deoria [ Larger Version ]

 These photos , which I have taken from the internet , tell us that a milestone is the part of our civilization since the days of Roman Empire .

Slate milestone near Bangor, Wales (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Newell Green milestone (Photo credit: sleepymyf)

Milestone, Bath Road (Photo credit: Pete Reed)

Zero Milestone (1923), The Ellipse, Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Milestone (Photo credit: A.M. Kuchling)

But alas , things are changing . Roads of yore are gone . Now Highways and Expressways have taken their place . And with the advent of these Highways and Expressways , milestones are also gone . Now metal mileposts with fluorescent colours have taken their place . On my numerous journeys , I have noticed these new age milestones but it never occurred to me that old milestones of my childhood will vanish one day .

These metal milestones are more convenient and easy to see during night because of the fluorescent colours , but the older version of the milestones have some distinct charm and some romantic attraction .

New Age Milestone

New Age Milestone

On my recent visit to Deoria when I travelled to my wife’s village Ghortap , I noticed the pitiable condition of the milestones . You can watch yourselves . You can’t read the name or distance because it is almost buried in the ground and also not painted . And remember , this road connects Deoria to Kushinagar , a Buddhist pilgrimage centre where Gautam Buddha attained NIRVANA . Several foreign dignitaries visit this place quite often .

Current State of Milestone

Current State of Milestone

Current State of Milestone

Current State of Milestone

Milestones of foreign countries are also going through the same phase .

Milestone, Bath Road (Photo credit: Pete Reed)

Milestone, Datchett (Photo credit: Pete Reed)

Very soon these new age milestones or mileposts will replace our age-old milestones made of stone or rock . People of younger generation will forget about these ubiquitous milestones , which were so intrinsically attached to our being not very long ago .

New Age Milestone

Alas ! One more part of my life will cease to exist very soon . There is no official announcement . There is no official order of discontinuation of old milestones . But I know it wont be seen anymore . It wont be around few years after .

Milestone will be googled and it will only be seen in some dictionary or encyclopaedia .

[ Some information about Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire is taken from Wikipedia . I express gratitude . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

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