At Kamini Kaushal prayer meeting on November 18,2025.
Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal passed away on November 14,2025
Vyjayanthimala is a name etched permanently in the memory of Indian cinema. For anyone who has loved Hindi films, she stands as one of the rare actresses who truly ruled the industry from the late 1950s through the early 1970s—a period regarded as one of the richest eras in Indian film history.
What makes her legacy remarkable is not merely her beauty or screen presence, but the consistency with which she delivered memorable performances alongside every major star of her time. From Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Raj Kapoor to Raaj Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Sunil Dutt, and Dharmendra, she shared the screen with all, and her films with them found both critical and commercial success. The list is long and glittering.
Among her many achievements, one film remains especially close to the hearts of cinephiles: “Ganga Jamuna.” I often call it her signature film. What astonished audiences then—and still impresses viewers today—is her effortless command over the Purbi (Bhojpuri-inflected) dialect, spoken with a fluency so natural that it’s hard to believe she was not a native speaker. Her performance in the film stands shoulder-to-shoulder with that of Dilip Kumar, which is no small compliment given the legendary intensity he brought to the role.
A professionally trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Vyjayanthimala brought to the screen a rare synthesis of grace, discipline, and emotive precision. Her classical grounding gave her a refined edge over many of her contemporaries—an elegance in movement, a poise in expression, and a command over rhythm that elevated even the simplest scenes. Whether in dramatic roles, romantic pairings, or elaborate dance sequences, she radiated a sense of artistry that set her apart.
In every sense, Vyjayanthimala was not just a star—she was an artist of exceptional calibre, whose contributions helped define the golden age of Hindi cinema.
From her autobiography:
Born: December 21,1963
Govinda is a star celebrated for his impeccable comic timing and distinctive dance style. His slapstick humour won over audiences, and his unique moves turned many of his films into box-office hits throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Despite his popularity, he has often been viewed as an underrated actor who never quite received the memorable, substance-driven roles his talent deserved—a situation shared by several of his contemporaries. Govinda’s films were undeniably entertaining and enjoyed strong commercial runs, but he always needed visionary directors and serious filmmakers who could fully harness his potential.
Born: September 28,1982
Ranbir Kapoor has steadily ascended the ladder of cinematic success ever since his debut in Saawariya. With early commercial hits like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Sanju, and the recent blockbuster Animal, he has firmly established himself as an actor of remarkable versatility. Among his most memorable performances remains “Barfi”!, where he portrayed a deaf and mute character with extraordinary finesse, complemented by Priyanka Chopra’s powerful performance. Although Animal drew considerable criticism for its bold and aggressive character portrayals, Ranbir’s acting was widely applauded, reaffirming his stature as both a critically respected performer and a commercially bankable star capable of anchoring a film to box-office success.
Facebook :Naseeruddin Shah Facebook Page
As a lifelong admirer of Naseeruddin Shah, I have always waited for his new film release with a sense of eager anticipation—even though I was never fortunate enough to witness his brilliance unfold on stage. My following of his journey in cinema began with Junoon, followed by the powerful Aakrosh, and from that point onward, an extraordinary filmography took shape.
The list of his performances is long, but what truly sets him apart is the unmistakable imprint he leaves in every role, especially in the world of parallel and non-mainstream cinema. Naseeruddin Shah never seemed to “act”—he simply became the character. His presence was natural, unforced, and deeply aligned with the soul of the person he portrayed.
In an era when conventional good looks were often considered essential for stardom, he was not someone the industry would have initially expected to rise to such prominence. Yet, his journey defied every assumption. Through sheer resilience, disciplined craft, and an unshakeable passion for storytelling, he carved out a place not just as a successful actor, but as a true artist—one whose work continues to elevate Indian cinema.
Naseeruddin Shah stands today as one of the finest performers the industry has ever known, a master of nuance and authenticity, and an enduring reminder that talent, honesty, and dedication can outshine every superficial barrier.
The more I try to find the right words to appreciate Naseeruddin Shah’s artistry, the more I realize how inadequate language feels in front of his talent. His performances are not merely acts on screen—they are experiences that stay with you long after the film ends. With every character he inhabits, he reveals new shades of humanity, as if peeling back layers of truth that only he has the courage to portray.
Whether in mainstream cinema or the quiet landscapes of parallel film, Naseeruddin Shah brings a rare sincerity that cannot be taught or imitated. His craft is subtle yet powerful, understated yet unforgettable. He doesn’t just perform a role; he gives it life, depth, and a soul of its own.
There is a quiet brilliance in him—an integrity of purpose, a devotion to the art of storytelling—that sets him apart from almost anyone of his generation. In an industry often swayed by glamour and surface appeal, he stood firm with nothing but raw talent, discipline, and relentless passion. And through that, he became an institution in himself.
It is difficult to summarise his contribution because he has expanded the very meaning of acting in Indian cinema. Words fall short; admiration feels small; but his work continues to speak for him, louder than any tribute ever could.
Updated on: 30 November,2025 04:59 PM IST | Mumbai
mid-day online correspondent
Hema Malini’s Tweet
Two separate prayer meetings were held for Dharmendra on November 27 — one by Prakash Kaur with Sunny and Bobby Deol, and another by Hema Malini with daughters Esha and Ahana
Dharmendra
In a surprising turn of events, two separate prayer meetings were held in the memory of the late Dharmendra on the same day - November 27. The veteran star passed away on November 24 at his home in Mumbai.
Finding the right words to honour someone adored by millions is always challenging—and it feels especially true in the case of Dharmendra’s passing. The year 2025 will be remembered as a difficult chapter for Bollywood, marked by the loss of iconic personalities like Manoj Kumar, Asrani, Satish Shah, and now Dharmendra.
Countless memories and anecdotes surface when one looks back on Dharmendra’s journey. He once shared, with his trademark simplicity, that he used to get a new suit stitched every year for the Filmfare Awards, hoping that perhaps that year he might finally receive the trophy he felt he had earned. Yet when the award didn’t come, he never complained. Instead, he would say that the affection he received from the audience was far greater than any trophy could ever bring. That humility was the essence of Dharmendra.
A man deeply connected to his roots, he carried a simplicity and warmth that made people feel close to him—even from afar. Bollywood has seen legends such as Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, and Rajesh Khanna—icons whose cinematic legacy will endure for generations. But with Dharmendra, there was something more: his fans cherished him not only for his stardom but for the goodness of the human being behind it.
He openly admitted that he never cared to race to the top of the professional ladder. All he wanted was to remain steady, sincere, and true to the work he loved. A life free of pretence, filled with generosity, kindness, and an easy-going grace—these qualities made Dharmendra beloved in a way few stars ever are.
Films like Satyakam and Chupke Chupke should have earned him far greater formal recognition as a natural and gifted actor. Yet he remained content, grateful for whatever came his way. Perhaps that is what made him truly remarkable—a man who never measured his worth through awards but through love, relationships, and authenticity.
Dharmendra’s contribution to Indian cinema, and the warmth he brought to people’s lives, will be remembered for years to come.
