October 01, 2011
Shammi Kapoor
August 14th ,2011 Indian film industry lost one of its most beloved actors- Shammi Kapoor.
Entire industry paid homage, showcased his immense popularity. This 79 year veteran had a career spanning over 50 years.
His personal life was like rollercoast rides with peaks and lows in personal and professional life.
At the peak of his career, he suddenly lost his wife Geeta Bali.Family turmoil with young kids, left Shammi disillusioned and aloof. His career took a sharp dip from a level when he was regarded as one most successful stars of the ara after front liners of Dilip,RajKapoor,DevAnand.
In one of the interviews ('Shammi Kapoor unplugged')he revealed his desire ever was to work with Ashok kumar, the opportunity he never got in a film but sometime in 1980's an offer to do a Paan Parag commercial with Dadamuni(Ashok kumar) impulsively made him accept the offer to fulfil his dream.The commercial advertisement made both product and Shammi popular again.
The incident , Shammi kapoor narrated was of a family visit to Honkong where crowd cheered his brothers Raj & Shashi Kapoor. But as reached airport, crowd screamed at him as Paan Parag.
Raj according to Shammi's own words was dismayed and reacted what di he do to his glorious successful films like Teesri Manzil, Junglee, Professor, Tum sa nahi dekha. His PanParag ad had erased his image with this name. Shammi was always impetuous and respected Raj's advice,yet he just wanted to work with Ashok Kumar
Signature Film: Brahamchari
Shammi Kapoor’s death saddens his childhood friends
The elders of Dhaki Munawar Shah still reminisce the good days they spent with Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor.
The house of the legendary Kapoors at Dhaki Munawar Shah, in the heart of the Peshawar City, is still known as “Kapoor’s house” and the dwellers recall that before partition, Prithvi Raj, father of Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, used to live in this house along with other family members.
In late 1930, Prithvi Raj went to Bombay and started his acting career. He was followed by his son Raj Kapoor.
“I used to play with Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor and had friendly association with them,” recalls Muhammad Yousaf, an octogenarian who resides in neighborhood of Kapoor’s house. Shashi Kapoor was much junior at that time and therefore I did’nt have association with him, he added.
Yousaf said though he had no contact with Kapoors after migration to India, but the death of Shammi Kapoor has saddened him. “In fact he was my childhood friend,” he murmured.
During our childhood there was no concept of Hindu-Muslim and we used to play together in streets and even eat meal at each other houses.
There was no restriction in visiting each other houses and people of that time were very loving and relations between neighbors were very cordial. Another man Yaqoob Khan who was a schoolfellow of Raj Kapoor and an erstwhile milk-seller said he had studied with Raj Kapoor in a primary school and later both got admission to Khalsa Dharam School at Khyber Bazar, Peshawar to seek education in higher grade.
Fawad Ismail, a city dweller, informed APP that his father Muhammad Ismail who died recently, was not only a class fellow of Shammi Kapoor, but also his desk fellow in a primary school at Dhaki. “My father told me that he and Shammi Kapoor studied together in primary school of Headmaster Devan Dena Naath. The school building was later acquired by Muhammad Aashiq who made it his residence”, Fawad Ismai added.
Fawad said death of Shammi also saddened him because he regarded him as friend of his father. In early sixties, my father (Ismail) along with some other friends, including trader’s leader Haji Haleem Jan, Gama Pehalwan (paternal uncle of Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan) and Abdul Manan went to India and met the Kapoors who welcomed their Peshawari friends with open arms and played host to them, Fawad said. “My late father was very happy that Kapoors had not forgotten their childhood friends, and that their love for their native city-Peshawar-and its people was intact,” Fawad said with sense of pride.
“Being a human being, Shammi departs, but his memories will remain alive in the minds of his fans and people of his birthplace,” commented Yaqoob.—APP
Source: an article from Pakistan Observer.
His Son aditya pays homage to his father:
Late legend Shammi Kapoor's son Aditya Raj Kapoor says his father "wrote the manual for our future generations" but yet he would like to be compared to his mother Geeta Bali for his acting.
"At the age of 76 he played my career guide and mentor. My father allowed me to go where I wanted away from home and do whatever I wished. Today, I've allowed both my children the same freedom. My father wrote the manual for our future generations," said Aditya.
"Nothing can compare with my father. I recently told my dad I look, walk and talk like him. But for my acting I want to be compared with my mother. I can only try to be a good human being. Besides that I want to build a memorial for my parents. My first mother grew up in penury and died before she could enjoy a good life. Today my parents are united."
Shammi Kapoor, known for hits like Dil Deke Dekho and Teesri Manzil, died Monday after kidney failure.
Aditya fondly remembers his father as someone who allowed him to chart out his own life and says that he followed his dad's footsteps by letting his children chase their dreams.
"There's a black-and-white photograph we put up for the chautha. That's the first picture I remember of my dad taken when we moved into the house where I now live. We moved in when I was three years old after his first flush of success with the release of Tumsa Nahin Dekha. Looking at that photograph, I remembered how much fun I had going for the shooting with him," said Aditya.
"When I was driving down to the cremation ground with his body, people had put his songs on loudspeakers. Chahe mujhe koi junglee kahe was being played for the final send-off.
"People peeped into the ambulance, threw flowers inside and said, Yahoo. I realised my father's mantra only after he died. Shammiji ka mantra Yahoo tha. At that moment I had the full and complete realization of what it meant to be Shammi Kapoor's son," he added.
Aditya was sent to Lawrence School in Sanawar when he was only six-year-old.
"Dad came every year for the Founders Day. Pran saab and Sunil Dutt saab also came because their children were also there. Sanju and Pran saab's daughter Pinky in fact came to meet me yesterday. Pinky was my local guardian-sister in Sanawar. When I wanted more money, I had to take her permission.
"My mother Geeta Bali, an almost-uneducated woman, came to see me at boarding school more often than my father. My mother had given up her career and my father's had just started. So she had more time to visit me. My mother was the original Sridevi. She passed away when I was 9."
Those were not easy years for Aditya.
"Mom was gone. Dad had become so successful he had no time for me. Superstars today have organised lives. In my father's time, fans used to barge into our home at any time. I was left with no space that I could call my own with my father," said Aditya who gives credit to his step mom Neela Devi for putting his life on track.
"She (Neela Devi) devoted her life to my father, decided not to have any children of her own because me and my sister were already there. Neela Devi was the best bandage on my tender wounds. She turned me from a wounded anguished rebellious howling animal to a human being."
Aditya never stopped missing Geeta Bali, though.
"My first and second mothers were different persons. Do you know, my second mother was a fan of Shammi Kapoor and Geeta Bali. She once went for an autograph. Geetaji wrote, 'Remember 'M' remember 'E', put them together and remember 'Me'. Geetaji almost blessed Neela Devi as though she knew what was going to happen.
"Geetaji was very adventurous. She was the only woman in the word who could punch my dad and get away with it. She is the one who made Shammi Kapoor into a star. Before Geetaji, Shammi Kapoor was under the shadows of his father Prithiviraj Kapoor and his brother Raj Kapoor."
Geeta Bali's end came all of a sudden.
"My mother was gone in just 15 days. She had gone on location in rural Punjab where she contracted smallpox. It was for a film called Rano, which was later made with Rishi Kapoor and Hema Malini as Ek Chadar Mali Si. At that time Dharmendra was playing Rishi's role and Mummy was playing Hema's role. Then she fell ill. My father left his shooting and picked both of us up. She got worse and died. Dad was doing Teesri Manzil when she died." The death of his mother scarred Aditya for life.
"It took my second mother a good 10 years to heal me of that loss. By the time I was 17. I was a rebel without a cause. I was going to make my film debut. Then I found my spiritual guru and he told me - Leave The Film Industry'. I left. My father questioned my decision over and over again. But I was adamant.
He worked with shipping magnate Yogendra Madhav Lal and then Rajan Nanda.
"Then I started my own company. For 25 years, I never looked at cinema, stopped seeing films... After my Guruji's death too I didn't look at the film industry. Only after I migrated to Dubai did I return to movies. Circumstances forced me to direct 300 episodes of a TV serial. I directed my first English-language film, followed by two other films. Then I returned to Mumbai at the age of 52, I became an actor...finally
Shammi Kapoor developed his own website. Here is link:
Shammi Kapoor website
September 14, 2011
August 21, 2011
Tumhe Yaad Karte Karte
Song of this week : Film Amarapali(1966) Lata's soft melodious voice and great music made this song one of all time favourites. Vyjanthimala looked stunningly beautiful.
August 20, 2011
July 08, 2011
July 05, 2011
Raghuvir Yadav
One of the most talented actors Hindi Film Industry has ever had. Indian Audiences however, do rarely appreciate such talents. Movies after movies he has proven his acting talents. Commercial success however, is far flung for the likes of true artists like him.Yet, he will go in the history of Indian cinema as ever shining performer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raghubir_Yadav
June 28, 2011
IIFA 2011 Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby Performance
Dharmedra spoke straight from his heart in IIFA 2011 at Toronto.Crowd cheered him every time he spoke in Punjabi and had Urdu shayari in his unique style.
Amazing to see his charisma even after being almost five decades in industry.
April 17, 2011
April 04, 2011
Divya Dutta
Indian cinema always had beautiful, charming actresses in lead roles as well in support. From 50s' till date Nadira,Nanda,Nazima,Naaz ,Shashikala,Kumkum,Bharti,Farida Jalal contributed no less than those in forefront playing lead roles. Nazima in Arzoo, Mehre Mehboob and several other films can't be forgotten so easily. Nadira stole the screen with her performances in Shri 420, Aan & Julie and so the others. Divya Dutta is one of contemporaries who have created a niche in the industry as one of the most verstile, bold, beautiful and talented actresses.Her role in Train to Pakistan, Veerzaara ,Joggers's park,Welcome to Sajjanpur will be always remembered .Ironically she didn't get due share of credit she deserves. Directors in Hindi cinema fear to experiment with great artistes. They rather look for commercial saleability of a person and cast those who fit best. All it needs is,one great film to be signature movie to takeoff star's career to greater heights.
March 12, 2011
Tsunami
Wake up like on a normal day to find world has changed so much in matters of few seconds. This is how it felt like on March 11 when twitter did the magic work spreading news across the world that Japan was reeling under worst earthquake in its history of 8.9 magnitude- 8000 times stronger than one, that impacted Newzealand early this year. Till now, several hundreds have lost lives and several are reported missing. Tragedy had struck in the ugliest form and all one can hope and pray for the safety and health of people. There is saying that only one "who wears, knows where the shoe pinches"- is true in its meaning that it's only people and nation will know how much such disaster will affect them now and in days to come.Japanese are tough people who have embraced adversities in the past if we go by history and built their nation from scratch. All one can hope is that they will recover soon and no other natural calamities may come their way. Few of our film actors and artistes responded in their tweets to share their concern. Amitabh Bachchan(he is always first to respond),Sonakshi Sinha,Vivek Uberoi,Shreya Ghoshal used Twitter to express shock. Not that others did't react but probably thir own silence and not through modern day social networking media. This Blog started to cover people in Hindi Films, but then now on why now we will share other information also, thorough the eyes of Bombay Studios Blog.We can"t live in islands with no one around. our feeling and emotions should encompass the entire humanity and people all over the world. Will share with you more news on Tsunami. In the meantime,Readers -please post your comments and views.
March 07, 2011
February 19, 2011
Kareena doesn't think Kat, PC are actors - Hindustan Times
In an interview to Mid Day Kareena was asked whether she felt any competition from Katrina and Priyanka. She quipped" I thought you were talking about actors" A good actor is always modest. No one is great enough in this industry to put others down.History is replete with great examples who were once "The Great"are todays forgotten stars or actors.
Kareena doesn't think Kat, PC are actors - Hindustan Times
Kareena doesn't think Kat, PC are actors - Hindustan Times
February 16, 2011
February 14, 2011
On February 12th 2011, Pran, one of the all time great actors of Hindi Cinema celebrated his 91st Birthday.Like every year, I sent him my best wishes this year too. His reply came quick with some pictures he sent me. I really appreciate his zeal for life and being so popular within Industry speaks a lot about his personality.His family support and happiness, love of millions of his arden fans will make him always one of the most shining stars of Indian Cinema.
Once again,Pran ji , Wishing you all the happiness, good health and many years to live. Your films will continue to entertain every one .
Once again,Pran ji , Wishing you all the happiness, good health and many years to live. Your films will continue to entertain every one .
February 07, 2011
What`s troubling Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh, acclaimed King of Bollywood has not been very likeable with Industry in recent years. I remember, Rajesh Khanna in 70's had similar accolades showered on him by everyone while there were greats of Dilip Kumar, Devanand and ohers overshadowed by his current Charisma.History repeats itself and I am seeing same story being repeated by Shahrukh. His claim to kingdom( self claimed or created by his circle of friends- not known)has invited wrath of his several contemporaries. In every award fuction, he was seen making fun of others. Not to every one liking, he obviously is loathed by every one. From Aamir Khan to Salmaan, Neel Nitin Mukesh and others he has found himself in troubled waters recently.
Money and glory are phases and continue to change their courses. Only those with modesty and down to earth approach continue to play long innings in this Industry.
Will Shharukh will be there to rule the industry in the years to come is difficult question to answer but odds are not too favourite. I hope,Shahrukh's story doesnot look like a sequel to Rajesh Khanna's era of 1970s
Romancing with Life
At the launch of his book in Bhartiya vidya Bhawan, New York
I am still looking for Dev Saheb's book "Romancing with life" No wonder the title of the book perfectly matches his zest to live life to fullest. Devanand is one actor in bollywood who is always seen brimming with unimaginable amount of energy and enthusiasm. Like contemporaries of Dilip Kumar and Pran , I wonder there should be some common factors for these artistes to live such a beautiful long journey of life and still remaining as excited as before. An industry where people climb glorious heights and fade away soon, there remains enigma of these people who are still around and enjoying life as ever. God bless them!
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