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)

Dulari Ji Is Gone; Unwept, Unheard , Unsung !

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           MAY 09 , 2013           06.45 P.M.

Dulari In Her Twilight Years

On Monday morning I was shocked to read the news of death of Dulari , a veteran yesteryear Hindi film actor . It is so heart-wrenching that she died in January 2013 and the news came in May 2013 , in Monday’s Times of India . If a popular actor dies and the news comes out a full four months later , it shows the callousness of our film industry . How come no one tried to contact her ? How come no one ever called her to say hi ? How come no one inquired about her health and well-being ? I must admit , our film industry is full of cussed , cruel and selfish people .

Today as I am writing this blog , I suddenly remember these lines , which was filmed on her in ” Devdas ” , a Bimal Roy classic .

साजन की हो गयी गोरी ………

अब घर  का आँगन बिदेस लागे  रे  , नैहर का जीवन कलेस लागे  रे …..

साजन की हो गयी गोरी ………

She left this ephemeral , painful world for her eternal journey . She joined her lover , the God , and became one with him .

A Young Dulari

Hindi cinema had many famous and powerful mother figures . Durga Khote , Lalita Pawar , Leela Chitnis , Kamini Kaushal , Achala Sachdev and Sulochna are some of the most famous mothers of Hindi cinema . In recent history Nirupa Roy became an ultimate mother figure . Dulari, though not as famous as her other illustrious peers , was also a popular mother figure of Hindi films .

Dulari – The Poorman’s Mother

She started as a heroine in a couple of films . Immortal hits like  ” Aana Meri Jaan Meri Jaan , Sunday Ke Sunday “  and ” Jawaani Ki Rail Chali Jaaye Re “ , both from ” Shehnai ” [ 1947 ] were filmed on her .

I first noticed her in Bimal Roy’s ” Devdas “ [ 1955 ] . Two songs , written by Sahir Ludhianvi and tuned by Sachin Dev Burman , were filmed on her . ” Aan Milo Aan Milo Shyam Sanware ” and ” Sajan Ki Ho Gayi Gori “ are connoisseurs delight even today .  She played a Vaishnavi Saint with Nana Palsikar as her screen companion . A young Paro , played by Baby Naaz , was sitting on a branch of a mango tree and was remembering Devdas , while Nana Palsikar sang the song and danced . Dulari was just sitting calmly and singing the female version sung by Geeta Dutt . Her calm and serene face remained in my memory . In the same film , years later , when Paro grew older [ played by etherial Suchitra Sen ] , she was again sitting and remembering Devdas . Again same Vaishnav saints came and started singing . Now the song was ” Sajan Ki Ho Gayi Gori ” . I am unable to forget these scenes , these two songs , melancholic face of Paro , played by Baby Naaz and Suchitra Sen respectively and of course Nana Palsikar and Dulari .

Then , years later I watched ” Padosan ” [ 1968 ] and ” Gopi ” [ 1973 ] . In both the films she played the maternal aunt of lead actors ; Sunil Dutt and Dilip Kumar . Memory of her earlier starrers ” Shehnai ” [ 1947 ] , and ” Devdas ” [ 1955 ] once again became fresh in my mind . It is not that I have seen only above mentioned 4 films . I have seen innumerable films of her . But these 4 remain in my memory .

Dulari as Mother Figure

A Kanyakubj Brahman from the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh , she was born and brought up in Maharashtra . She spent her childhood in Nagpur , where she was born on 18^th April 1928. Her name was Ambika but she was nick-named Rajdulari and later on only Dulari remained and the world knew her as Dulari .

Dulari ji’s first film was ‘Bombay Talkies’s’ famous movie ” Jhoola “  [ 1941 ] with Ashok Kumar . Later on she played Jairaj’s younger sister in a Bombay Talkies film ‘Hamari Baat’ . She was also seen as the second lead in  ‘Amar Pictures’ film ‘Adaab Arz’ where her leading man was the famous singer Mukesh . Both the films were made in 1944 .

shayar

Later on she played small roles in films like ” Ghar ” [ 1945 ] , ” Kulkalank “  [ 1945 ] , ‘Ahinsa’, ‘Black Market’, ‘Namak’, ‘Pati Sewa’, ‘Rangeen Kahani’ [ all 1947 ] . But Dulari got her real due with ‘Filmistan’s super hit film ” Shehnai ” [ 1947 ] . She played Rehana’s elder sister in the movie and her leading man was Mehmood’s father Mumtaz Ali . As I mentioned earlier two immortal songs were picturized on her in this film . ” Aana Meri Jaan Meri Jaan , Sunday Ke Sunday “  and ” Jawaani Ki Rail Chali Jaaye Re “ .

After ” Shehnai “ she did films like ” Gunsundari ” , ” Mitti Ke Khilone ” , ” Naav’ ” [ all 1948 ] , ” Nanad Bhaujai ” , ” Shayar “  [ both 1949 ] , ” Apni Chhaya ” , ” Man Ka Meet “  [ both 1950 ] , ” Albela “  [ 1951 ], ” Anjaam ” , ” Bhoole Bhatke ” and ” Veer Arjun “  [ all 1952 ] .

Dulari was seen in an important role in the movie ” Paapi ” [ 1953 ] . In this Ranjeet Movietone film Raj Kapoor played his career’s only double role. Nargis and Dulari played his two heroines .  After it she worked in ” Jeewan Jyoti ” [ 1953 ] , ” Devdas “  [ 1955 ] , ” Zindagi Ke Mele “  [ 1956 ] , ” Ek Gaon Ki Kahani ” , ” Johny Walker ” ,  ” Paying Guest “  [ all 1957 ] ,  ” Kavi Kalidas “  and ” Santaan ” [ 1959 ] .

Devdas (1955 film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After 1959 , after two years hiatus , she started her second innings from 1961 and for the next 35 years, Dulari played many big and small roles in almost 135 films like ‘Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai’, ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’, ‘Apne Hue Paraye’, ‘Aap Aaye bahaar Aai’, ‘Aaye Din Bahaar Ke’, Anupama’, ‘Teesri Kasam’, ‘Padosan’, ‘Aradhna’, ‘Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke’, ‘Chiraagh’, ‘Inteqaam’, ‘Aan Milo Sajna’, ‘Heer Ranjha’, ‘Johny Mera Naam’, ‘Caravan’, ‘Laal Patthar’, ‘Beimaan’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Raja Rani’, ‘Ameer Gareeb’, ‘Haath Ki Safai’, ‘Deewar’, ‘Do Jasoos’, ‘Aahuti’, ‘Ganga Ki Saugandh’, ‘Biwi O Biwi’, ‘Naseeb’, ‘Prem Rog’, ‘Agar Tum Na Hote and ‘Dharmadhikari’. And then one day she quietly retired from the world of movies.

Later on she did only two films . ” Surya ” [ 1989 ] and ” Ziddi ” [ 1997 ] . Ziddi directed by Guddu Dhanoa is her last film . Thus from ” Jhoola “  [ 1941 ] to ” Ziddi ” [ 1997 ] , her career span was 56 years .

After a career spanning 56 years and after 171 hindi, 35 Gujarati, 3 Marathi and 1 Rajasthani film , she left Mumbai and went to live with her daughter in Indore . She also acted in a ‘Shri Adhikari Brothers’ serial called ‘Waqt Ki Raftaar’ .

During her final years Dulari ji was suffering from Alzheimer and was admitted to ICU in a hospital in PUNE in the last week of December ’12 where at the age of 85 she breathed her last on 18th January 2013 around 10 a.m. She was cremated on 19th January 2013 in the noon in Pune.

…………………………………………………………………………………

Few links of songs filmed on Dulari :

1 – aana meri jaan sunday ke sunday /shehnai/1947

http://youtu.be/eQT_HmOUdRc

2 – jawani ki rail chali jaaye/shehnai/1947

http://youtu.be/oVU-LNCiHWc

3 – aan milo aan milo shyam sanware/devdas/1955

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bUkuqTgeqc&feature=share&list=PL8D7917AD954EC446

4 – sajan ki ho gai gori/devdas/1955

http://youtu.be/9-Ij7oJlUlo

5 – madhav bin saara brij soona/sautela bhai/1962

http://youtu.be/Sv5V4-uSZrY

 …………………………………………………………………………………

I offer my condolences on behalf myself and on behalf of all the students and staff of VIDUR Acting Institute , which is known as Vidur’s Kreating Charakters . May God give eternal peace to Dulari Ji and strength to her daughter and other near and dear ones to bear this loss .

I can visualize a frail ,  85-year-old , lonely lady suffering from Alzheimer , sitting without a friend or companion in an old age home with blank eyes and waiting for some elusive loving one . Long windy nights of winter , dull and dusty days of summer and wet , pouring and dreary evenings of  rainy season must have come and gone  without any trace of succour . It is painful , very painful . Finally , only death could relieve her from her pain .

साजन की हो गयी गोरी ………

अब घर  का आँगन बिदेस लागे  रे  , नैहर का जीवन कलेस लागे  रे …..

साजन की हो गयी गोरी ………

Rest in peace Dulari ji ! A tearful farewell from an ardent fan . I am happy that you left this cruel , selfish , cussed world . May , in next life , you get everything that you have ever desired for you .

[ While writing this blog , I have taken few facts and materials from the article " Aan Milo Aan Milo Shyam Sanware’-Dulari " , written by Shri Shishir Krishna Sharma for his ‘Sahara Samay’ column ‘kya bhooloon kya yaad karoon’ . I am indebted . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

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China’s India War & Timid Congress Response

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           MAY 07 , 2013           08.30 P.M.

China’s India war of 1962 is still fresh in my memory land . Humiliation of my country is yet to get obfuscated in my sub-conscious mind . Deep scars of Chinese slap is yet to get healed in my psyche . Memory of insulting invasion of our motherland refuses to go away from my being . And again almost after 50 years same hegemonic China enacted second part of the same act in 2013 .

India China Border – Conflict Zone

India & China – Areas of Conflict

China , on April 15 , 2013 , intruded 19 km. into Ladakh . She is showing her ugly , belligerent and bellicose face once again . Once again Ladakh is facing the brunt of Chinese hegemony . Chinese are as brazen as ever . And the ruling party of our country , the Indian National Congress , is as pliant , as subservient , as ever . Like its tallest leader Jawahar Lal Nehru , present – day leaders of Congress are again ready for genuflection . Sovereignty of India is being compromised unabashedly .

Chinese Tents in Ladakh’s Daulat Beg Oldie

Chumar in Ladakh

Daulat Beg Oldie

Battleground Ladakh

Raki Nala Ladakh

Daulat Beg Oldie and Chumar are the latest flash points . Chinese soldiers  entered into our territory , erected tents and refused to return to their earlier position . And it is not a minor incursion . Their intrusion is 19 km deep into our Ladakh .

Daulat Beg Oldi is in northernmost Ladakh. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Minister for External Affairs , Shri Salman Khurshid , is ambivalent as usual . Government of India and our Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh is stoic as usual . Something is being cooking up behind our back . All of a sudden news came that Chinese withdrew from Ladakh and the face off ended . Government Of India spokesperson is saying that Chinese withdrawal from our territory is unconditional . That they voluntarily returned to the pre April 15 position . But it seems that Congress , the Indian National Congress , is playing a dirty and dangerous game .

The buzz is that our government agreed to dismantle the infrastructure in Daulat Beg Oldie sector of Ladakh . They have compromised Chumar post . This particular post overlooks Karakoram Pass . The Karakoram Pass and the Karakoram highway is the lifeline of Pakistan for Pakistan Occupied Kashmir [ POK ] . Indian army can keep vigil on troop movement and clandestine arm supply and on any Sino-Pak nefarious designs . That is the reason for the latest face off .

It is widely believed that to force India to dismantle the bunkers and Chumar watch tower , China sent her soldiers to squat on Indian soil . She showed audacious belligerence and timid Congress succumbed to the pressure and agreed to compromise Chumar post .

China withdrew from Indian soil on May 06 , 2013 . But saddest part is that India also withdrew from Indian soil . If needed , China can come again . It is not the question of China’s intrusion or withdrawal . It is question of India’s genuflection . It is question of our leaders betrayal . Since the days of HINDI CHINI BHAI BHAI  , to the day of present day economic cooperation , nothing has changed in the belligerent attitude of China or the subservient attitude of our leaders of Congress .

China has a problem with all her neighbours . Be it India in the south , be it Indo – China in south – east , be it Taiwan in the east , be it Japan in north – east or be it Mongolia in the north . China’s thirst for land and more land is unquenchable .

War Zone India

War Zone South China Sea

Jawahar Lal Nehru betrayed India in 1962 . His descendents are doing the same now . According to Nehru ,  Aksai Chin was the barren area . He infamously said , ” not a blade of grass grows there .” After 50 years his party’s foreign minister says about the Chinese tents , ” it is like acne .” Nehru’s party’s incumbent prime minister says , it is a local problem . “

1st Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sonia Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress and the widow of former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi , grandson of Nehru (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We have to be careful . We have to be vigilant . Congress has history of not protecting our motherland . They are compulsive liars . They can go to any length for protecting their throne , but not the country .

According to me we should engage Japan , Mongolia , Taiwan , Vietnam and Philippines in this war against China’s hegemony and her territorial invasions .

I , on behalf of all the students and staff of VIDUR Acting Institute , which is known as Vidur’s Kreating Charakters   denounce China , her bellicose and belligerent leaders and also the spineless leaders of Congress .

Once upon a time there was a sardar known as Maharaja Ranjit Singh , who conquered Ladakh .

Alas ! Now there is a sardar known as prime minister Manmohan Singh , who compromised Ladakh .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

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Related articles

• Did India agree to remove a bunker to end standoff with China? (ibnlive.in.com)
• China ends Ladakh standoff, troops pull back – Hindustan Times (hindustantimes.com)
• India-China pullback: what happened behind the scenes (ndtv.com)
• China ends stand-off, pulls out troops from Daulat Beg Oldi sector (thehindu.com)
• India, China end Ladakh stand off (thehindu.com)
• China-India stand-off at Ladakh ends, armies withdraw: Press Trust of India (ndtv.com)
• ‘China-India standoff in Ladakh ended after diplomatic level talks’ (ibnlive.in.com)
• No deal was struck with China to end Ladakh face off: Sources (ibnlive.in.com)
• India and China do diplomatic system restore (southasia.typepad.com)
• Work in progress (thehindu.com)

Legendary ? Oh My God !!

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           MAY 05 , 2013           07.00 P.M.

As an acting trainer [ some upstarts call me acting tutor - as if it is derogatory . They also mis-spelt tutor ] I run an acting institute in Mumbai . It is VIDUR Acting Institute known as Vidur’s Kreating Charakters . And to communicate with my acting students , friends & well-wishers around the world , I regularly write blogs , tweet quite frequently and update my activities on facebook account and facebook like page . I am also active on various other social net-working sites . But blog is my most potent tool , most favourite medium of expression .

Almost all the other acting trainers of India have their facebook pages . One gentleman has twitter account also . But no one is an active blogger . Recently some upstarts have started writing blogs .

Since writing blogs is not my sole prerogative , so any one can write blogs after creating  blog-space . But for that you have to know the language . You should know at least basics of the grammar . You should take care that your spelling is correct . But these upstarts are masters of bad English and wrong spelling . They have dearth of matter so abusing me is the only topic they know . They claim to be veterans but the fact of the matter is that they were my students once upon a time .

In one of their recent blog they used the adjective ” LEGENDARY ” for a B-Grade actor . The said actor , in one of his film , played second fiddle to an animal . As for his acting calibre , a video on YouTube can be watched . The so-called ” legendary ” [ ? ] actor was supposed to mouth few lines . He failed repeatedly and instead of being ashamed , he was laughing uproariously and was openly dishing out choicest cuss words and expletives .

So why this generosity to honour such a person with the word ” LEGENDARY ” . It is a syndrome . I call this Pakistan syndrome . Pakistan is just 66-year-old state . So she desperately needs national heroes . Since they don’t have any so they started importing names from Afghanistan . They invoke names of Ghazni and Ghori . Though Mehmood of Ghazni and Mohammad Ghori were the warlords of Afghanistan and they both invaded India to loot and plunder . But Pakistan appropriated them because she was in search of national icons . In the same manner these upstarts need icons for themselves . And they don’t have any . So in desperation they are calling this B-Grade hero ” LEGENDARY ” so that they can feel satisfied that they also have some one in their kitty .

In the process they are insulting the true legends . Only age or seniority cannot be the deciding factor in determining the legends . Ashok Kumar is a legend but Rashid Khan is not . Dilip Kumar is a legend but his contemporary Rajan Haksar is not . Amitabh Bachchan is a legend but Krishna Dhawan is not . Madhubala is a legend but Fariyal is not . Helen is a legend but Lakshmi Chhaya is not .

It is one thing to proclaim his / her acting institute as the most famous acting school of Mumbai , or the most famous acting institute of India , or the most famous acting academy of bollywood , but it is totally different to become the real one . One can blow one’s own rickety and rotten trumpet and proclaim to run the most famous acting school of the world . But this cacophony will not succeed . Time has come and dust is settling down . Soon , very soon , everything will be clear . Till then , abuse me profusely you uncouth morons . It shows your class and upbringing .

I thank God that for becoming famous or for self-glorification  VIDUR Acting Institute , which is known as Vidur’s Kreating Charakters   is not resorting to such tactics .

God is kind . God is great .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

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Hail Ida Pollock ! 105 Years Old Eternal Romantic

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           MAY 04 , 2013           08.45 P.M.

I must admit that I have never heard the name Ida Pollock / Ida Pallock . When Ida Pollock turned 105 last month and when several newspapers carried articles about her , then I started searching about her . I was startled to know that she has written 70 Mills & Boon novels . I never knew it because for Mills & Boon series she used pseudonyms . She wrote them under the names Susan Barrie, Pamela Kent, Rose Burghley or Mary Whistler.

I was amazed to know that she is such prolific that in her 105 years of life , she has written 123 novels . And at 105 , she is about to publish her 124th novel . I would love to be like her but alas , I am unable to match her accomplishments . Self-proclaimed most famous acting school of Mumbai , self-anointed most famous acting institute of India and self-appointed most famous acting academy of bollywood have no time for such literary giants and their pursuits .

Ida Pollock / Pallock / Crowe (born 12 April 1908) , is a British writer of several short-stories and 123 romance novels under her married name, Ida Pollock, and under her numerous pseudonyms: Susan Barrie, Pamela Kent, Averil Ives, Anita Charles, Barbara Rowan, Jane Beaufort, Rose Burghley, Mary Whistler and Marguerite Bell.

Prolific: Ida still writing at the age of 105

Ida Pollock has written 123 novels and has sold millions of books over nine decades with titles such as White Heat and Interlude for Love.

She has millions of fans but has largely avoided the limelight by writing under a whopping TEN pseudonyms. Her daughter Rosemary said , “ Pen names are very common in romance writing . Mum’s publishers always insisted on them because readers associated different styles with different names. “

Despite turning 105 last week Ida is still writing, and her latest 124th novel , The Runaway is due to be published shortly.

She no longer sits at her typewriter but dictates to daughter Rosemary, 69, at their remote country home in Lanreath near Looe, Cornwall.

 

Pseudonyms … her romantic tales were published under different pen names

SWNS

Born in Lewisham, South London, Ida began writing thrillers in her teens and finished her first, The Hills of Raven’s Haunt, at 14.

After becoming a full-time writer in the 1930s, Ida turned to romance and penned a string of hits under the first of her ten pseudonyms, Joan Allen.

At her most prolific Ida produced 40 books in five years — all based around the timeless formula of naive young heroines saved from danger by rugged, older men.

In 1956 alone Ida had eight romances published under five pen names — each around 70,000 words long and all finishing with a happy ending.

Ida has only released a handful of books under her own name and still publishes under the last of her alter-egos, Marguerite Bell.

Prolific … Ida has written 123 books

SWNS

A Distant Drum, her most recent novel, came out in 2005. Ida’s memoirs, Starlight, were published in 2009.

Famous Ida quotes :

“A romance is never just a romance, there’s adventure, mystery and movement. “

“ You need a grand, dramatic setting — the Swiss Alps were always a personal favourite of mine — and a chance meeting, on a train, a cruise, or perhaps the hero and heroine find themselves shipwrecked on a desert island. “

“The men are normally rich, well-to-do — but never vulgar with their money. Young men lack the maturity to take control so an older man is essential to provide the reassurance the heroine needs. “

“There’s always a fair amount of turbulence before he sweeps in to save the day. A happy ending is an absolute must.”

“I think I was born to write. My mother would put a typewriter on the dining room table and say ‘there you go’. “

“My first story was published in the Christian Herald and they would pay me five guineas. I wrote my first novel when I was just 14. “

“I was into mysteries and thrillers at the time but I eventually I drifted into romance because my mother would always ask me to write ‘something pretty’.

“I’ve never got bored with it because it’s something I absolutely love. My books are full of hope and romance rather than sex.

“They are a form of escapism — you can escape the parts of the world that you don’t like.”

” It takes me about six weeks to write a novel. “

Team … she reads to daughter Rosemary who now types up her novels

Books As Ida Pollock :

Single novels

• The Gentle Masquerade, 1964
• The Uneasy Alliance, 1965
• Lady in danger, 1967
• Summer Conspiracy 1969/02
• Country Air, 1970/08

Non fiction

• Starlight, 2009

On behalf of all the students and staff of VIDUR Acting Institute , which is known as Vidur’s Kreating Charakters  , I wish her a long and healthy life . May God give her some more literary years .

[ Since I was not familiar with her name , so naturally I have culled information about her from internet , Wikipedia and several newspaper articles . I express sincere thanks . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

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Related articles

• World’s oldest romantic novelist Ida Pollock releases 124th book at age of 105 (mirror.co.uk)
• World’s oldest romantic novelist, who has worked under 10 different pseudonyms, is still writing racy bodice-rippers aged 105 (dailymail.co.uk)
• 105-year-old is world’s oldest romantic novelist (metro.co.uk)
• Mills & Boon writer Ida Pollock (aged 105) proves you’re never too old for romance (thetimes.co.uk)
• Legacy of Love (marriagemattersjackson.wordpress.com)

Vidur’s Film Diary – April 2013

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           MAY  03 , 2013          11.35 P.M.

Month of April started with a surprise hit ” Chashme Baddoor ” . For the first time in the history of Indian cinema two films ; the original ” Chashme Buddoor ” and the new ” Chashme Baddoor ” got simultaneous theatrical release and the new version became hit and got appreciation from the critics and public alike .

Tweets

Tweets of eminent trade analysts Mr. Komal Nahta and Mr. Taran Adarsh , which I re-tweet , present the current and authentic trend of film industry :

Komal Nahta ‏@KomalNahta30 Mar

#Himmatwala day 1 net collections 10.5 cr. Considering super wide release & good Friday holiday, collections are below the mark.

Komal Nahta ‏@KomalNahta31 Mar

#Himmatwala collections drop badly. Day 2: Rs. 7.5 crore only. Total: Rs. 18 crore only. Sunday collections below d mark..

Komal Nahta ‏@KomalNahta 2 Apr

Expected loss in HIMMATWALA: Rs. 20 crore at least. May be more!

Komal Nahta ‏@KomalNahta5 Apr

CHASHME BADDOOR is a fair entertainer for the young at heart. Read my complete review at http://komalsreviews.wordpress.com/2013/04/05/chashme-baddoor-review/ …

 Komal Nahta ‏@KomalNahta5 Apr

For those of u who want to read my review of CHASHME BADDOOR in Hindi, u can do so at http://www.bbc.co.uk/hindi/entertainment/2013/04/130405_chashme_baddoorreview_pkp.shtml …

 Komal Nahta ‏@KomalNahta10h

Early estimates suggest that day one for #chashmebaddoor is 5~ 5.25cr!

 Komal Nahta ‏@KomalNahta10h

First day net collection of #Commando Rs 3.75 cr. & #NautankiSaala Rs. 3.25

1. Komal Nahta ‏@KomalNahta 2h

   Ek thi Dayaan: fri – 5.25 cr. Collections on the lower side considering that it stars Emraan Hashmi.

1. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 5 Apr

   #Himmatwala collected approx. Rs 44.89 cr nett in Week 1. Rejected!
2. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 5 Apr

   #MereDadKiMaruti [3rd Week]: 1.05 cr to 1.10 cr. Grand total: approx Rs. 12.20 cr to 12.25 cr.
3. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 5 Apr

   Update: #ChashmeBaddoor has fairly good start… Respectable [weekend] total on the cards! http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/update/id/317/date/2013-04-05 …
4. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 5h

   #ChashmeBaddoor is off to a super start in India. North India and Mumbai circuits leading. Even mass-dominated belt very good!
5. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 4h

   #ChashmeBaddoor *early estimates* should cross 5.5 cr. May even touch 6 cr. Data still pouring in. Super start!

1. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 7h

   #ChashmeBaddoor *revised total* Fri 5.18 cr, Sat 6.27 cr, Sun 7.85 cr, Mon 3.30 cr. Total: Rs 22.60 cr. Rock-steady!

1. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 12 Apr

   #MereDadKiMaruti collected approx. Rs 34 lacs in Week 4. Grand total: Rs 12.54 cr. Above average.

   taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 11 Apr

   #NautankiSaala review: Uncontaminated, witty, amusing. Offers an interesting premise with plenty of good laughs! http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/563926 …
2. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 12 Apr

   Update: #NautankiSaala decent at plexes, #Commando lead at single screens! http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/update/id/318 …

   taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 5h

   #NautankiSaala Fri 3.25 cr. Picked up at plexes of urban centres.
3. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 12 Apr

   #ChashmeBaddoor collected approx. Rs 30 cr nett in Week 1 [domestic BO]. The Overseas total stands at approx. Rs 5 cr. HIT.

   taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 5h

   #Commando Fri 3.75 cr. Excellent at single screens of mass circuits.

   taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 5h

   #ChashmeBaddoor [2nd Week] Fri 1.50 cr. Total: 31.50 cr.

   2. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 15 Apr

      #ChashmeBaddoor collected approx Rs 6 cr nett in Weekend 2. Breakup: Fri 1.50 cr, Sat 2 cr, Sun 2.50 cr. Grand total: Rs 36 cr nett. Hit.
   3. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 15 Apr

      #Commando collected approx Rs 11.18 cr nett in its opening weekend. Breakup: Fri 3.69 cr, Sat 3.39 cr, Sun 4.10 cr.
   4. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 15 Apr

      #NautankiSaala collected approx Rs 13.25 cr nett in its opening weekend. Breakup: Fri 3.25 cr, Sat 4.75 cr, Sun 5.25 cr.

      1. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 3h

         #EkThiDaayan collected approx Rs 18.07 cr in its opening weekend. Breakup: Fri 6.24 cr, Sat 5.63 cr, Sun 6.20 cr.

         taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 26 Apr

         #Shree movie review: Has a fascinating premise, but the erratic writing plays the spoilsport! http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/590335 …

         2. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 5h

            One of those rare Fridays when two new releases have notched solid numbers. Good films can co-exist, #Aashiqui2 and #IronMan3 prove it!
         3. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 5h

            #IronMan3 is on a record-smashing spree. Numbers being compiled, but it’s a stupendous start. Biggest Hollywood opener? Let’s wait!
         4. taran adarsh ‏@taran_adarsh 6h

            #Aashiqui2 has had a fantastic start. Though numbers still being compiled, it’s one of the biggest starts for a film starring newcomers!

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Obituary :

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P. B.Sreenivas  : 

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A Legendary playback singer P. B. Sreenivas a.k.a. PBS died on April 14, 2013 in Chennai . He made his début in 1952 in Gemini’s Hindi film “ Mr Sampat ”, where his song “Aji hum Bharat ki naari”, a duet with Geeta Dutt, became popular.

He sang his most popular duet in Hindi “Chanda Se Hoga Wo Pyaara” with Lata Mangeshkar in the film “ Main Bhi Ladki Hoon ” in 1964 . Years later , after a gap of 37 years , he again came to Hindi film and sang super-hit number ” Kaisi Hai Ye Rut Ki Jisme Phool Banke Dil Khile ” in ” Dil Chahta Hai ” [ 2001 ] .

Though PBS had hit numbers in all the languages that he sang, it was in the Kannada Film Industry that he sang the highest number of songs and delivered the highest number of hits. P. B. Sreenivas ruled the Kannada Industry for over three decades and was the voice for Super Star Dr. Rajkumar .

Posting link of the blog , which I wrote about him :

Kamal N. Chaturvedi ‏@VidurChaturvedi 18 Apr

P. B. Sreenivas : The Golden Voice Is No More http://wp.me/ptyXI-2Sj

Shamshad Begum :

——————————-

Iconic playback singer Shamshad Begum died in Mumbai on April 23 , 2013 at the age of 94 .

Posting link of the blog , which I wrote about her  :

1. Kamal N. Chaturvedi ‏@VidurChaturvedi 1h

   Shamshad Begum : छोड़ बाबुल का घर, आज पी के नगर, मोहे जाना पड़ा http://wp.me/ptyXI-2TF

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New Hindi Film Releases & Me :

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First Week – April 05

————————————————

1 – Chashme Baddoor …………………………………………………. Ayaz Khan

………………………………………………………………………………. Divyendu Sharma

2 – Rise of the Zombie ………………………………………………… X

Second Week – April 12

——————————————–——–

1 – Commando – A One Man Army………………………………… X

2 – Nautanki Saala …………………………………………………….. Krishan Kumar

Third Week – April 19

————————————————-

1 – Ek Thi Daayan …………………………………………………….. Emraan Hashmi

…………………………………………………………………………….. Kalki Koechlin

2 – Saanwariya ………………………………………………………… Ashmit Patel

Fourth Week  – April 26

——————————————–

1 – Aashiqui 2 …………………………………………………………. Krishan Kumar

2 – Shree ……………………………………………………………….. Hussain Kuwajerwala

3 – Kya Yaaron ……………………………………………………….. X

4 – Life Mein HUngama Hai ……………………………………….. X

 

 

In total …………… 10 …………….. films got released in April . Out of these ………….. 10 ………… released films ……….. 06 ………… films have …………… 07 ……………. persons , who are trained by me .

Out of these ………. 07 ……… persons , Krishan Kumar is the Co-Producer of  ” Nautanki Sala  ” and ” Aashiqui 2 “ .

Remaining ………. 06 ………. are actors .

 

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New Regional Films & Me :

==========================

1 – Telugu : Sirish Allu  is making his debut in ” Gauravam “.

My ………….. 01 ………………. student in ……….. 01 ………….. regional film .

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TV Trivia & Me :

======================

1 – Aamir Ali  is playing an important role in   ” Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga “ on Sahara One .

2 – Gaurav S. Bajaj is playing lead in ” Kaisa Ye Ishq Hai , Ajab Sa Risk Hai “ on Life OK .

3 – Rajnish Gore is playing a role in ” Chidiya Ghar “ on SAB TV .

4 – Sachin Chhabra is playing an important role in ” Ek Ghar Banaunga “ on Star Plus .

My ……………. 04 ……….. students in ………… 04 ……………. shows on different channels .

======================

Theatre & Me :

======================

1 – Viraf Patel is playing an important role in ” Bombay Talkies ” .

My ……………… 01 ……………… student in ………………… 01 …………….. play .

 

=======================

Commercials & Me :

=======================

1 – Hritik Roshan is the brand ambassador of Mountain Dew of PepsiCo .

2 – Mahima Chaudhary is the brand ambassador of Pioneer Herbals .

My ………….. 02 …………… student in …………… 02 …………… commercial campaigns .

I am happy as an acting trainer or acting tutor because my 07 students appeared in 06 films , 04 students in 04 TV serials , 01 student in 01 regional film , 01 student in 01 play and 02 students appeared in 02 Ads also . Thus total number of my students working in the month of April comes to 15 . On the contrary self-proclaimed most famous acting school of Mumbai , self-anointed most famous acting institute of India and self-appointed most famous acting academy of bollywood are busy celebrating blink and miss roles of their alumni .

I congratulate all my above mentioned students on behalf of all the students and staff of VIDUR Acting Institute , which is known as Vidur’s Kreating Charakters . May they shine in their chosen field . May , through their endeavour , VIDUR Acting Institute will one day become one of the most famous acting institutes of the world .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

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Shamshad Begum : छोड़ बाबुल का घर, आज पी के नगर, मोहे जाना पड़ा

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           APRIL 30 , 2013           07.00 P.M.

Shamshad Begum

April 14, 1919 – April 23, 2013

Shamshad Begum was one of the first playback singers in the Hindi film industry. She had sung over 6000 songs in Hindi , Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil and Punjabi languages. Her songs from the 1940s to the early 1970s remain popular and continue to be remixed.

Young Shamshad Begum

Shamshad Begum died this month on April 23 , 2013 at the age of 94 and I am forced to write 7th obituary in continuation in the month of April . Shamshad Begum , along with Noor Jahan and Amirbai Karnataki , dominated the pre-Lata Mangeshkar era in Indian playback singing .

Among female playback singers , She was blessed with a distinct voice with slight nasal twang and any lover of Hindi film music can immediately recognize her voice .

Since I was born and brought up in the Lata Mangeshkar era , I was not a fan of Shamshad Begum’s voice initially. But slowly , as my understanding grew , I started appreciating her voice .

The first song of hers , which caught my fancy , was ” Pee Ke Ghar Aaj Pyari Dulhaniya Chali ” . This ” Mother India ” [ 1957 ] song was immensely popular . Other songs of the same film ; ” Holi Ayee Re Kanhayi Rang Chhalke Suna De Zara Bansuri ” and ” Gadiwale Gadi Dheere Haank Re “ are also hit even today . Then I watched ” Mughal – E – Azam ” [ 1960] and its immortal qawwali is still fresh in my mind . ” Teri Mehfil Me Qismat Azma Ke Hum Bhi Dekhenge “ is a connoisseur’s delight . Then I watched ” Aan ” [ 1952 ] and I was permanently hooked to Shamshad Begum’s voice . All her popular songs , like ; ” Aag Lagi Tan Man Me Dil Ko Pada Thamna , Ram Jaane Kab Hoga Saiyyan Ji Ka Samna ” and ” Khelo Rang Hamare Sang Aaj Din Rang Rangeela Aaya “ are still my favourites . But ” C. I. D. ” [ 1956 ] was another revelation . ” Le Ke Pehla Pehla Pyaar , Bhar Ke Aankhon Me Khumar ” and ” Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana , Jeene Do Zalim Banao Na Deewana “ are just immortal . It is surprising that I heard her most popular song very late in my life . ” Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon Kiya Hai Wahan Se Telefoon , Tumhari Yaad Satati Hai “ . This song from ” Patanga ” [ 1949 ] is unforgettable and its several re-mixed versions are still extremely popular . ” Naya Daur ” [ 1957 ] film’s ” Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jaali Ka “ was a craze of its time . Her last hit  ” Kajra Mohabbatwala Ankhiyon Me Aisa Dala “  from ” Kismat ” [ 1969 ] is one of the songs which was re-mixed again & again .

Shamshad Begum’s career was somewhat eclipsed with the advent of Lata Mangeshkar . She sang her first duet ” Dar Na Mohabbat Kar Le “ with Lata Mangeshkar in ” Andaz ” [ 1949 ] and her last duet with Lata Mangeshkar was ” Teri Mehfil Me Qismat Azma Kar Hum Bhi Dekhenge “ from ” Mughal – E – Azam ” [ 1960 ] . Within these 13 years Shamshad Begum’s career went downhill and after giving her last hit ” Kajra Mohabbatwala “ in 1969 , she bid adieu to playback singing .

Some Famous Songs of Shamshad Begum :

• Leke pehla pehla pyar, (CID 1956), (music: O.P. Nayyar)
• Milte hi aankhen dil hua, (Duet with Talat Mehmood), (Babul), (music: Naushad)
• Chali chali kaisi yeh hawa yeh, (Duet with Usha Mangeshkar), (Bluffmaster 1965), (music: Kalyanji Anandji)
• Kabhi aar kabhi paar lagathi re nazar, (Aar Paar), (music: O.P. Nayyar)
• O Gadiwale Dheere – Mother India – Naushad
• Kahin pe nigahen kahin pe nishana – CID (1956) – music O.P. Nayyar
• Boojh Mera Kya Naam Re – (1956) – music O.P.Nayyar
• Mere piya gaye Rangoon – Patanga – music C.Ramchandra
• Ek Tera Sahara – Shama – music Master Ghulam Haider
• Holi aayee re Kanhaai – Mother India (1957) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni, Music: Naushad
• Naina Bhar aye neer – Humayun – music Master Ghulam Haider
• Nazar Phero Na Humse -(Duet with G M Durani) – Deedar (1951) – music Naushad
• Chod Babul Ka Ghar – Babul – music Naushad
• Kajra Mohabbatwala Ankhiyon mein Aisa dala (Duet with Asha Bhosle) – Kismat (1968) – Music: O.P. Nayyar
• Meri neendon main tum, meri khwabon mein tum (Duet with Kishore Kumar) – Naya Andaz – Music: O.P.Nayyar
• Teri Mehfil Mein Qismat (Duet with Lata Mangeshkar) – Mughal-E-Azam
• Saiyan Dil mein aana re – Bahar
• Reshmi salwar kurta jaali da – Naya Daur
• Milte Hai Ankhen Dil Deewana Hua Kisika – Babul – with Talat Mahmood
• Kisike Dil Mein Rehna Tha – Babul – with Lata
• Dharti Ko Aakash Pukare – Mela – with Mukesh
• do teen aaja mausam hai rangeen – Awara

Shamshad Begum’s fans often allege that her career suffered because of the monopolistic politics of Lata Mangeshkar . I beg to differ . Shamshad Begum played her innings and retired gracefully . Her career suffered because of the changing times and changing taste of film-goers . Talat Memood’s career went downhill with the advent of Mohammad Rafi . Even mighty Mohammed Rafi , towards the end of his career , was confined in his home for many years without recording a single song and Kishore Kumar ruled that era . In the field of art such things happen .

Her distinct style , her nasal twang and her strong voice , which was her forte in the earlier years of her career , became her nemesis towards the end . It is not for nothing that towards the fag-end of her career , her voice was used for vamps and her last hit ” Kajra Mohabbatwala “ in ” Kismat ” [ 1969 ] was filmed on Vishwajeet , who was masquerading as woman in the said film .

On behalf of all the students and staff of VIDUR Acting Institute , which is known as  Vidur’s Kreating Charakters  , I offer my condolences to the family of the iconic singer . Self-proclaimed most famous acting school of Mumbai , self-anointed most famous acting institute of India and self-appointed most famous acting academy of bollywood has no time for such courtesy .

Shamshad Begum

May her soul rest in peace ! Her ephemeral body is gone but her perennial voice , the temple bell , will live on forever .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

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Related articles

• Legendary singer Shamshad Begum passes away (thehindu.com)
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• Shamshad Begum & The Original ‘Katiya Karoon’! (tcrcindia.wordpress.com)
• Mesmerising voice of Shamshad Begum falls silent (thehindu.com)
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Remembering Margaret Thatcher ; The Iron Lady

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           APRIL 18 , 2013           10.45 P.M.

Alas !!

This is my 6th obituary in April and the month is yet to get over . I am extremely sad that in April so many luminaries from various walks of life left us for their final journey . First Hugo Chavez , then B. M. Vyas , then Ruth Prawer Jhabvala , then Roger Ebert , then P. B. Sreenivas and now Margaret Thatcher , The Iron Lady , the first and only woman Prime Minister of Great Britain also left us . Margaret Thatcher was not only the first woman Prime Minister of Britain but she was one of the longest-serving Prime Minister of the country .

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Margaret Hilda Thatcher

Baroness Thatcher

13 October 1925 – 8 April 2013

Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and the Leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990.

A Soviet journalist called her the “Iron Lady“, a nickname that became associated with her uncompromising politics and leadership style. As Prime Minister, she implemented policies that have come to be known as Thatcherism.

Edward Heath appointed her Secretary of State for Education and Science in his 1970 government. In 1975, Thatcher defeated Heath in the Conservative Party leadership election to become Leader of the Opposition and became the first woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom. She became Prime Minister after winning the 1979 general election.

While in the office , Thatcher introduced a series of political and economic initiatives intended to reverse high unemployment and Britain’s struggles in the wake of the Winter of Discontent and an ongoing recession . Her political philosophy and economic policies emphasised deregulation , flexible labour markets, the privatisation of state-owned companies, and reducing the power and influence of trade unions.

The 1982 Falklands War brought a resurgence of support for her , resulting in her re-election in 1983.

Thatcher was re-elected for a third term in 1987. During this period her support for a Community Charge (popularly referred to as “poll tax”) was widely unpopular and her views on the European Community were not shared by others in her Cabinet. She resigned as Prime Minister and party leader in November 1990, after Michael Heseltine launched a challenge to her leadership.

After retiring from the Commons in 1992, she was given a life peerage as Baroness Thatcher, of Kesteven in the County of Lincolnshire, which entitled her to sit in the House of Lords.

She effectively retired from politics due to ill-health in 2002 following a stroke, and on 8 April 2013, she died of another stroke in London at the age of 87.

These days world is ravaged by the numerous small and big battles being fought in the various countries of the world . But in those comparatively peaceful days , the 1982 Falklands War is the only war , apart from Indo-China War in 1962 and Indo-Pakistan Wars in 1965 & 1971 , which I vividly remember . I started admiring Margaret Thatcher after the Falklands War .

I am not a war-monger , but I liked the way Margaret Thatcher handled the Falklands crisis . My admiration for her became stronger when I read about her bold decisions , which she took for the betterment of her country . It is not for nothing that she is admired by so many people all over the world .

It is disgusting that a microscopic minority is celebrating her death . At least they should learn to respect an old lady , who served her country to the best of her ability and served with true grit and unflinching determination .

Anti-Margaret Thatcher badge (Photo credit: dannybirchall)

Margaret Thatcher toilet paper (Photo credit: Ulleskelf)

Two images which I have posted above are in bad taste . This is not the way to treat a lady , an old lady , a dead lady . But figure bears true testimony . There were more than 4000 well-wishers clapping all along the way and there were only 200 ill-wishers showing their back and shrieking , ” witch …… witch ……… witch . I condemn these uncouth protesters .

On behalf of all the students and staff of VIDUR Acting Institute , which is known as  Vidur’s Kreating Charakters  , I offer my heartfelt condolences to the near and dear ones of Baroness Thatcher .

My acting institute is not the most famous acting school of Mumbai , or the most famous acting institute of India and or the most famous acting academy of bollywood , but I consider it my duty to offer my condolences and express my respect for the one of the greatest British leaders of our time .

[ Some facts and figures of this blog has been taken from Wikipedia and is being re-produced here . I express gratitude . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

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Related articles

• ‘Lying here, she is one of us’ (standard.co.uk)
• Thatcher funeral protesters will turn backs on coffin as it passes (belfasttelegraph.co.uk)
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• Gallery: Margaret Thatcher’s funeral (globalnews.ca)
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P. B. Sreenivas : The Golden Voice Is No More

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           APRIL 18, 2013           00.50 A.M.

Legendary playback singer P. B. Sreenivas a.k.a. PBS died on April 14, 2013 in Chennai at the age of 82 .

P. B. Sreenivas

He made his début in 1952 in Gemini’s Hindi film “ Mr Sampat ”, where his song “Aji hum Bharat ki naari”, a duet with Geeta Dutt, became popular. I still remember ” Mr. Sampat “ because of the sterling performance of Late Moti Lal , who played the lead in the film . He played a con man and played it with such aplomb , that his sherwani clad persona with swagger in his walk is still etched in my memory and his histrionics is still fresh . Though I had forgotten the above mentioned song .

PBS sang his most popular duet in Hindi “ Chanda Se Hoga Wo Pyaara , Phoolon Se Hoga Wo Nyara ; Naachega Aangan Men Chham Chham , Nanha Sa Munna Hamara ” with Lata Mangeshkar in the film “ Main Bhi Ladki Hoon ” in 1964 . Music director of this song was Chitragupta and lyrics were written by Rajendra Krishan . It is sad that till recently I was under impression that the male voice in this song is of Hemant Kumar . It is only after the death of PBS that I got to know through the newspaper articles that the male singer in this song is P. B. Sreenivas and not Hemant Kumar .

This film was made by A.V.M. studio Chennai and it had Meena Kumari and Dharmendra in stellar role . Balraj Sahni , Om Prakash , Manorama and Bhagwan Dada also starred in the film . Meena Kumari’s enchanting persona and this melodious song is still remembered by the connoisseurs of Hindi cinema . ” Main Bhi Ladki Hoon “ is unforgettable even today .

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

Meena Kumari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dharmendra (Photo credit: Kaddele)

Though PBS had hit numbers in all the languages that he sang, it was in the Kannada Film Industry that he sang the highest number of songs and delivered the highest number of hits. P. B. Sreenivas ruled the Kannada Industry for over three decades and was the voice for Super Star Dr. Rajkumar . His first song for Rajkumar was in 1956 film ” Ohileshwara “ . He , later on , sang almost 300 hit songs for the Kannada Super Star .

In the Tamil industry, his maximum number of songs are for Gemini Ganesan. The most memorable hit of this duo was ‘Nilave ennidam nerungathe’.

 

Gemini Ganesan in the 1947 Tamil film Miss Malini (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

Gemini Ganesan & PBS

He had sung for other actors as well but incidentally, he had sung very few songs for M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan .

Legend of Kannada cinema industry, Dr. Rajkumar. This was clicked in his residence on Oct 1993. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With Dr. Rajkumar

Almost all his Kannada songs became famous and though he sang in many languages , he is considered a Kannadiga playback singer .

Most famous acting school of Mumbai , or most famous acting institute of India , or most famous acting academy of bollywood will not recognise him . They are oblivious of his contribution . God bless them !

On behalf of all the students and staff of  VIDUR Acting Institute , which is known as  Vidur’s Kreating Charakters  , I offer my heartfelt condolences .

May eternal peace be bestowed on him !

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

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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

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