One of  the top actresses of 60's Sadhana passed away on December 25th.

 Her smile, popular Sadhana Cut hair style and several hit films of that era will linger in memories of people who watched her journey in Hindi cinema from peak of success  to a total withdrawal  from public life in her later years.

Wedding bells for Soha Ali Khan & Kunal Khemmu

PK

 Raj Kumar Hirani's PK has evoked mixed reactions from cinegoers but Aamir's smile proves that -it is the success at the end that matters. The movie continues to do well at box office

Movies List 2015

Ungli

	Emraan Hashmi  Kangana Ranaut, Randeep Hooda and Sanjay Dutt. Poor performances, weak storyline, Rated    *

2014 was not less eventful; Three great artists (all April Born) passed away in 2014 leaving  their memories behind. 
Suchitra Sen, Zohra Sehgal and Deven Verma, each of them at one point had won the hearts of millions by their  performances, each contributed to Indian Cinema. Sooner or later they will be part of our faint memories, yet whenever, their films will be replayed, they will continue to leave an impact on those watching. 

                                                    Suchitra Sen (April 6,1931- Jan 17, 2014)

Suchitra Sen, Being a bengali actress, was one of the top artistes of  her time , remembered for Agnipariksha, Harano Sur, Saptapadi, Pathey Holo Deri, Kamal Lata, Indrani, Sabar Upore, Suryatoran, Shaare Chuattor, Sadanander Mela, Jiban Trishna, Ekti Raat, Chaawa Paawa, Shapmochan, Bipasha, Naborag, Trijama, Rajlakshmi Srikanto, Har Mana Har, Alo Amar Alo, Ora Thakey Odhare, Grihaprabesh. She & her co star Uttam Kumar together became the most adored and loved pair of over two decades. 
Her last few years were of self denial and in solitude, away from public life.Howevever,those who watched her  will not be able to erase the memory of her profound performances and romatic era, she belonged to.               
                                                 

                                              Zohra Sehgal (April 27, 1912-July 10,2014)


The Veteran adorable actor of Cheeni Kum, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam,Bend it like Beckham,Veer Zaara she lighted up the audience with her lively and cute twinkle in her eyes and pinch of comic role she was so good to perform at.
Her performances and zest for life always made headlines on media.



                                             

                                                 Deven Verma( April 23,1937- Dec 2,2014)

Who can forget Bahadur of  Film "Angoor" which won him Filmfare Award in 1983. Acted in several films from 1960 to  early eighties, he created his own comic style different from  those who saw Johny Walker or Mehmood, Rajendra Nath or Mukri in  early fifty or late sixties. Movie after movie, his popularity grew over time and whether in a smaller or pivotal  role  Deven Verma was  noticed and praised for his talent- Natural and effortless.

Gulzar, his director of  "Angoor" and a friend had this to say about him:
"Gulzar : He was a great actor, I wouldn't call him a comedian
'Angoor' (1983) was one of the major films we worked on together. I was in regular touch with him, even though he had moved to Pune. He had told me about his heart problem. He wanted to have a screening of 'Angoor' at a club and wanted me to present it, but it didn't happen. He was a great actor, I wouldn't call him a comedian. He never used buffoonery that we're used to attaching with comedy, now. He played his two characters in 'Angoor' differently. The only similarity between the two is the name, rest everything — from the body language to the way they spoke — every nuance was distinct. I got the news of his demise from a common friend in Pune and immediately conveyed my condolences. It sounds cliched... There's only so much you can do, hold the hand.. one can't do more than that.. He lived his life well, his sense of humour was there till the end, despite being unwell. While he had a sense of humour and was a very lively person, with spirit and energy, he was also a sober person at the same time. One could consult him on personal matters and he would give sound advice. His demise is a loss."

Sadashiv Amrapurkar

  Veteran actor Sadashiv Amrapurkar dies at a Mumbai hospital. He was 64.

D-Day released in 2013 is fictional underworld movie by Nikhil Advani who has convincingly unfolded a story of an underworld and lives of agents who work tirelessly to nab him.
 Rishi Kapoor,Irrfan Khan, Arjun Rampal, Shruti Hassan and surprisingly a new face Shriswara as Nafisa - all give excellent performances.

Irrfan is one actor who is always a delight to watch and puts his heart and soul in every role he plays but it's the  director who  deserves the kudos to have got such performances from every artist.
One of  well made and  appreciated movies.

Rating 8/10

Shriswara

"Margarita with a straw "-A new generation movie with difference -starring Kalki Koechlin is about a bisexual Laila who finds love with outspoken activist Khanum(Sayani Gupta)

According to Kalki the role was truly demanding as she had to portray a character which has  a disability(Cerebral Palsy). Written & directed by Shonali Bose, story is inspired by Shonali's cousin, Malini who has cerebral palsy. Kalki was introduced to Malini who she lived with, watched movies together to get to see the world from her perspective and play a true life role. In today's context of Bollywood style of filmmaking, such initiatives have rarely been taken. However, as new generation of movie makers and actors are ready to take plunge into realistic cinema, no wonder we will get to see more meaningful films like "Margarita With a Straw" in very near future. The makers and actors deserve accolades.
(Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move. It is a permanent life-long condition, but generally does not worsen over time. It is due to damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth-https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au)

Film was recently screened at Toronto International Film Festival(TIFF)

Mary Kom

Priyanka Chopra appeared on front page of Toronto Star when she arrived for the world premiere of her film " Mary Kom" in which she portrays a five time world amateur boxing  champion.
Linda Barnard movie writer for Toronto Star had this to say about Priyanka

"India's Angelina Jolie, Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra, changed her body and hopes to change a few minds by playing Indian boxing champion Mary Kom in the self-titled biopic, which had its world premiere at TIFF Thursday"
"Videos of Kom's fights "were my bedtime stories" as Chopra watched them over and over to learn the fighter's style. The right handed Chopra also had to learn to fight "like a southpaw" to match the left-handed Kom and ate a high protein diet to bulk up while doing punishing workouts with heavy weights "to exhaustion"

Priyanka Chopra at Toronto International Film Festival September 6 2014

Sunny Deol

On launch of "Betaab"- 1983 successful film which took Sunny's career instantly to greater heights in the years to follow.

Humpty Sharma ki Dulhan

August 9,2014

 Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt lead the cast of  "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhan"- a Karan Johar production which is latest and instant box office success.

With new fresh and talented faces, film's credit goes more to performances of young stars than the script or overall movie per se. Thinly woven plot goes fast forward obviously  as new version of "Dil Wale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge style" with predictable end. 

Apparently, makers have understood the pulses of younger moviegoers and know how to keep audience engaged with insensate humour and dumb turns.

Wow, "wish such things could happen in real life "but that's not a statement you make while watching a typical spiced Bollywood extravaganza with multi million investment and with a smart film maker who knows how to churn out a successful  and not bother about making a great film.

Rating: **/*****

Mohammad Rafi

July 31, 2014

On his 34 th death anniversary- Remembering Mohammed Rafi who sang over four thousand songs and continues to be favourite even with new generation when many singers come and go without leaving any impression of great singing.Every song he  recorded became popular-This couldn't be attributed to his luck or  wouldn't it be unfair to say that he belonged to an era when lyricists, music directors knew how to create great music  with his voice. His voice suited almost every actor and perfectly pitched to any film situation speaks about ingenuity and God gifted talent he owned.

Whether it was Dilip kumar, or Devanand, Rajendra Kumar,Shammi Kapoor, Jeetendra, Sanjeev Kumar,Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor,Joy Mukherjee, Pradeep Kumar, Guru Dutt,Raaj Kumar and even Mehmood and Johnny Walker - his voice suited every actor or in other words every actor wanted his playback singing on screen.

It's once in a life time such artistes are born. Regretfully, he left too early and entire industry was shocked to hear about his passing away this day but Maestro had written his name with a golden ink on history pages of Indian cinema and his voice will keep enthralling music lovers for years to come.

Dilip Kumar

"If I can be an actor, any one can become an actor" Easlly said by him but so hard to believe. In one of videos he speaks out about his early days.

Watch this:

http://youtu.be/Lll_sa1q_uE

Sanjay dutt

In one of rare pictures Sanjay Dutt with his father Late Sunil Dutt,his brother in law Kumar Gaurav,Late Rajendra Kumar and Mahesh Bhatt.

Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay Dutt spending his term in Pune's Yerawada prison appears to have lost lots of weight and struggling with his health in some released released pictures. His sister Namrata in an interview said she is concerned that her brother's health issues shouldn't aggravate in conditions he is living on and wants him to a be free man.
Family has been denied meeting with him.
According to her he has vein thrombosis,borderline sugar and high cholesterol and triglycerides and due to inadequate medical facilities his health could deteriorate further.

Amitabh in different moods

Rafi 's melodious song from Oonche Log

http://youtu.be/raZFc6ZDb-I

Humpty Sharma ki Dulhan box office news

Boxoffice

A tribute to one of the greatest poets, lyricists of  Indian Cinema Industry -his website was launched by Shabana Azmi

Here is the  Link

Kaifi Azmi Website

Zohra Sehgal, one of the finest artistes and most admired 102 years young actress of Indian cinema industry passed away on Thursday July 10,2014 at her Delhi home.Her role in Cheeni Kam and many more will  remind of her smiles and zestful twinkling eyes.
May God rest her soul in peace and may  she be as  happy in other world as she was here.

Waheeda Rehman

Born: February3,1938

 Notable work: "Guide" "Khamoshi" " Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam" Teesri Kasam"

My Favourite film: ***** Guide

November 21,2025

Waheeda Rehman stands among the finest gems of Indian cinema—an artist whose quiet brilliance and fearless choices set her apart in every era. She was a true maverick, unafraid to step into roles that many of her contemporaries hesitated to touch. Whether it was the layered, emotionally daring character in Guide or the hauntingly complex portrayal in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, she embraced stories that demanded depth, courage, and subtlety.

Her beauty was never loud or overstated; it was a gentle radiance—simple, graceful, and effortlessly captivating. In a time when powerhouses like Nutan, Mala Sinha, Meena Kumari, Asha Parekh, Nanda, and Vyjayanthimala ruled the screen, Waheeda Rehman carved her own path with performances marked by emotional truth, refined expression, and an almost lyrical screen presence.

Working with the greatest actors and filmmakers of her era, she became known not just as a leading lady but as an artist who elevated every frame she appeared in. Her characters were never mere roles—they were portraits painted with nuance, poise, and a deep understanding of human emotion.

Waheeda Rehman’s legacy is that of an actress who blended talent with integrity, glamour with sincerity, and star power with soulful artistry—leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire generations.

**********

She found Devanand very supportive. In one of her interviews, she mentioned that Director Raj Khosla in one scene,wanted her to wear a revealing dress which she wasn't very comfortable doing .Director initially agreed but began picking faults for every dance step in the movie shoot and was apparently showing her the grudge he had for having been refused by actor to wear a sexy outfit.

Devanand on the sets of film argued with director and supported Waheeda's decision.They worked  together in films like Guide, Prem Pujari,Solva Saal, C.I.D, Kaala Paani

************

Novenber22,2025

Watched “Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam” today.

In this 1962 film , her portrayal of Jabba is unforgettable. There’s an innocence in her eyes that speaks long before her words do. When the role calls for her to express tender, playful affection toward the man she loves, she does it with such natural charm. She effortlessly shifts between two shades of her character—one spirited and demanding, the other soft and deeply vulnerable.

Setting the record straight: Preity Zinta on Ness Wadia - The Hindu

Setting the record straight: Preity Zinta on Ness Wadia - The Hindu

"Holiday"- A review

"Holiday"Akshay Sonakshi starrer latest release was another disappointment. Old storyline action and  drama,movie makers had nothing to offer . It's always a surprise  how box office success reflects the quality of film. To great extent today's pre release marketing costs bring in initial audience to collect revenue and declare quick results of success However, that  doesn't make it a great film.

Capt Virat returning home on a short holiday decides to devote his time to  eliminate a dreaded terrorist (was it an official mission or he just decides to do it on his own- leaves one to muse)and subsequent action sequences seem so unrealistic.

Govinda  in a short role has nothing to offer. Sonakshi is a fancy add- on to distract  film's weak points.

Last scene particularly is maker's final folly to have everyone see off the loved one with tearful eyes reminds of  a mock war movie scene where director forgot to add few  people to enact normal emotions.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah whose earlier movies had both content and entertainment( Waqt, Namastey London) seems to have joined bandwagons of makers who believe in making in quick money without taking enough pains and efforts to offer quality. "Holiday" might have been declared one of highest grosser of this year, it will be wiped off memory very soon.

Rating */*****

Bombay Film Industry has a buzz that latest release "Ek Villain" is going to be another success story from Balaji films.
Box office will soon have the figures after its release.
Meantime,enjoy its official trailer.


Ek Villain -Trailer

Lata Mangeshkar Tweeted

Namaskar. Abhi recording khatm karke main ghar laut rahi thi,to Juhu circle pe meri car jab signal par ruki to ek fakirnuma lambi daadhi,gora rang aur uncha kadhwala musalman banda jo logo'n se paise maangta hua meri car ki taraf aaya. To maine bhi unko kuch paise dene ke liye car ka sheesha niche kiya aur unhe paise diye magar unhone mujhe pucha ki aap Lata sahiba hain? To maine unhe haan kaha tab unhone mujhe badi duaien dete hue paise lene se mana kiya aur kaha ki lata ji main aap ke gaano'n ka bohot bada aashiq hun.allah kare aap ki 100 saal ki umr ho aur aap hamesha khush rahein.unki baatein sunke laga ki ye kafi acche ghar ka insaan hai magar shayad haalat thik nahi hai. Is waqt Mujhe mera gaya hua ek gaana yaad aaraha hai. @Mangeshkrlata