Pran no more

Legendary actor passed away on July 12th leaving behind a legacy in Indian film industry and a history of films  and roles he played, he will be always remembered for. A gentleman, family person , perfectionist, very few can achieve what Pran accomplished over six decades of his career.

Before tributes began pouring in and world wakes up to learn about his demise, this piece is just a reverent homage to man most respected, admired and loved by every one in the industry and by his fans across the world. Once I wished him on his birthday through an email and quickly came the reply with his autograph and few pictures .

Every year thereafter, I made a point to send him wishes and always there was a response.

Once a woman mentioned that only actor she would always hate was Pran shows the impact he had with characters he played. Same Actor who always excelled in negative roles changed his image with film Upkar and left an I indelible print on the minds of filmgoers. That role till today, stands out and "Upkar"is one of his signature films.

His cremation was done on July13th Surprisingly, very few film personalities turned up to pay homage.Amitabh, Shatrughan Sinha, Danny, Gulzar, Karan Johar, Raza Muraad, Pankaj Dheer, Shakti Kapoor were the only present.
If Twitter is platform to say everything, many of course posted their message on social media platforms.
Somewhere, personal values and respect for relations are on low ebb. Many were reacting for not having most of film artistes showing up to pay respect for a senior artiste like Pran.

Was it  a rainy day or other engagements or total disregard for one who gave so much to industry, will be known soon but this is not becoming unusual now a days. Only when publicity and need are sought, most film fraternity gather whatever be the occasion. Be a party thrown or an award function, people travel thousands of miles to attend but on a sombre and sad day, when some one is no more, few think it proper to attend the last journey and bid adieu to  a colleague.

All said, Pran will be remembered for years to come and will be part of glorious history of Indian Cinema. He needed no recognition, love, respect as he always had abundance of everything.
Some one pays respect or not doesn't matter to  one who is gone but it pains every one who was close to Pran sahib.

A tweet from Dilip kumar mentioned how he and Pran enjoyed lighter moments and Punjabi jokes  together
Other tweeted:
Amitabh Bachchan:

Pran Saheb passes away ! A gentleman, most collaborative colleague, a senior of immense distinction, a true disciplined professional.

"Another magnificent pillar of the Film Industry, falls. Our illustrious edifice in ruins, as stalwart after stalwart leaves !"

Shah Rukh Khan:

"Why do icons who shaped our lives and emotions have to go away? U will sir, remain etched in our hearts. Allah bless ur soul Pran Sahib"

Riteish Deshmukh: SHER KHAN u will live for ever- RIP Pran Saab
Preity Zinta: R.I.P Pran Saheb ! Did not know him personally but heard he was a perfect gentleman with a heart of gold ! May your soul rest in Peace...
Madhur Bhandarkar: Extremely saddened by the demise of the LEGENDARY PRANSAAB, who revolutionised Villainy on Indian Celluloid !!!
Abhishek Kapoor: oh dear.. RIP Pran saab.. thank you for all those wonderful movies
Manoj Bajpayee: May pran saab's soul rest in peace!in an industry of hero an villain he ruled the space he was given.thank you praan saab!
Sophie Choudry: Just heard the news. End of an era. RIP #Pran Saab. U will always be our Sher Khan. #Legend

Kabir Bedi: Farewell Pran sahib, Godfather of Indian villains, your legendary characters illuminated the annals of Indian cinema. Deepest respects. RIP

Smriti Z Irani: Its your talent that will define your career as an actor not the tag of 'hero' or 'villain'-- that's the example set by Pran Sahab. RIP.
Anupam Kher: Final Curtain Call for one of the Most Loved Actors of Indian Cinema. An Actor & A Gentleman. Pran Saab- We will miss you & your Warmth.RIP

Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik underwent a successful brain surgery for removal of a clot, which is said to have been caused by a head injury he suffered during the shoot of Bang Bangin Phuket, his father and filmmaker Rakesh Roshan had earlier revealed.

The 39-year-old, who was diagnosed with chronic subdural haematoma, was admitted to the hospital on July 6 evening, and he was operated upon the following day.

Jiah Khan

Jiah Khan, 25 -a young actress who shot to fame for  her first role in “Nishabdh” opposite Amitabh Bachchan in 2007 committed Suicide on June 3^rd.

She also acted in Ghajani (Aamir Khan Starrer )and “Houseful”.

Depression was attributed as cause of her untimely death. Her Boyfriend Suraj Pancholi, son of actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab was taken to custody for initial investigations.  Released on bail after three weeks, Suraj will have to continue reporting to police authorities for some more time, until his name is cleared from legal files.
Media has been reporting various versions and stories about her. Probably she made more news after her death than while she was alive. 

Dada Saheb Phalke award for Pran

Pran the veteran actor is awarded Dada Saheb Phalke award, India's highest film award conferred by Government. Award comes in the form of a golden lotus trophy a shawl and 1 million Indian Rupees. Other prominent personalities from industry who received the award are Naushad,Ashoka Kumar,Satyajit Ray,Lata Mangeshkar,Dilip Kumar,Dev Anand,RajKapoor,Manna Dey,B.R.Chopra and Yash Chopra.

Ranbir and Deepika

Ranbir and Deepika were  spotted in a night club "Live". After parting, they are reported seen together quite often. Old flames seemingly, are still kindled and bright.- Source: Filmfare

What stars have to say

"I think ( awards season) is total,utter bull-bleep,and I don't want to be part of it.I don't believe in it.
It's a carrot but it's worst tasting carrot I have ever tasted in my whole life.
I don't want this carrot"

JOAQUIN PHOENIX

What Stars Have to say

"I have always wanted(babies)...I am going to be 38-It's time (my eggs are) hard-boiled and fried and scrambled up in there, so it's time to get those eggs working"

Tyra Banks

Divya Dutta at Toronto, August 2012

At Rose theatre Toronto
Play: Teri Amrita by Javed Siddiqi
August 5,2012

 First Punjabi International Film Academy Awards  were organized at Toronto,Canada.
 Amonst leading personalities  from Bombay Films  were Dharmendra, Divya Dutta, Prem Chopra,
 Om Puri. Much publicity and media coverage brought this event to international platform though it was not expected to be at same level of perfection and grandeur as of most of Bollywood Awards events held internationally or in Mumbai. Overall, it was a daring and herculean task for organizers to initiate such event keeping in mind that even IIFA awards held here in 2011 were not very successful.

The best thing to happen next day on August 5th ,2012  was a play written by Javed Siddiqi where Om Puri and Divya Dutta played the main characters. A simple play with very simple story telling, the two great actors kept audience spellbound. After the play, as lights turned on, people were seen with tearful eyes and emotions which only could be evoked by brilliance of acting and direction.

Irfaan Khan's Official website is here. A good trend that today's stars recognize the value of technology and promote themselves accordingly. Whose website is better is for readers to comment.

Here is link
http://www.irrfan.com/

 Here is MallikaSherawat's Website link. Enjoy browsing

http://www.mallikasherawatwow.com/

Nanda resurfaces

Nanda,the famous star of 60's- never forgotten by millions of her fans but after her self imposed exile didn't make any public appearance for a long time.
Following link reports her recent appearance with Waheeda Rehman.

Nanda resurfaces- A press clipping

Aayeeye Bahar Ko Hum - Farida Jalal & Jalal Agha - taqdeer

March 14th is birthday of our talented beautiful actress Farida Jalal. Wishing her a very happy Birthady.

Thought to ponder

Colonel chats with a Soldier posted during British Days

Posted to India during the days of the Raj, a young soldier was

Posted to India during the days of the Raj, a young soldier was greeted by the colonel of his new regiment.

“You’ll like it here, Caruthers,” he said.

“We keep ourselves entertained. On Monday evening we have a poker session and...”

“I don’t gamble, sir,” interrupted Caruthers.

“Oh,” said the colonel. “Never mind. Tuesday is drinking night.”

“I don’t drink, sir,” said Caruthers.

“That’s all right,” said the colonel. “Maybe Wednesday night is up your street. Girls come and entertain us, if you know what I mean.”

“I don’t associate with loose women,” said Caruthers loftily.

“Look here!” barked the colonel. “You’re not gay, lad, are you?”

“Certainly not, sir,” replied Caruthers.

“Ah, well,” sighed the colonel, “then you won’t like Thursday night, either.” Terry Burgess in Reader Digest Australia

Snake Dance - Waheeda Rehman - Dev Anand - Guide - S.D. Burman - Bollywo...

The famous snake dance of Waheeda Rehman in "Guide" is one of the best ever dances picturised in any Hindi movie

Found a great Canadian Magazine on a recent visit to Buffalo (USA)
here is link:
tm

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet 36 year old British actress will receive an honorary Ce'sar award on Februry 24th from organizers of French equivalent of Academy Awards for Roman Polanski's Clashing couples film Carnage.

Worst films awards are given by Razzies in the west.
check the link below.

Razzies.com

Bollywood stars better watch out. Movie fans in India are handing out their own versions of Razzies,the annual Oscars spoof that spotlights Hollywood's worst performances.
The second Ganta(Bell) Awards and fourth Golden Kela(Golden Banana) awards are doing rounds of social media networkks with fans voting in various categories for the worst films in 2011-Reuters
The Ghanta Awards
Golden Kela Awards

Raj Kanwar eminent director died at Singapore due to kidney ailment on February 3,2012 . He was only 50. Deewana and Andaaz were his most successful films.

he directed following films:

Sadiyaan (2010) Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006) Andaaz (2003) Ab Ke Baras (2002) Farz (2001) Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke (2000) Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega... (2000) Badal (2000) Daag: The Fire (1999) Itihaas (1997) Jeet (1996) Jaan (1996) Kartavya (1995) Laadla (1994) Deewana (1992)

The Stoning of Soraya M. - Official Trailer [HD]

A "Must watch " movie. Some true stories are so touching and heart rending to push one into thinking how some people suffer in agony of misfortune caused by none other than their own people.