Did you know Dev Anand worked as a clerk at a salary of Rs 85 before he became an actor?
'She is the gorgeous Lata, the love of my life.'
'As soon as the plane touched down and we emerged, barricades came down and his fans rushed towards us.' 'Then, before my astonished eyes, they had lifted him up and he was being passed along over the heads of people.' 'It was an incredible sight!'
Gems you can enjoy from the time he was at his handsome and magnetic best.
S D Burman is that unique composer who remained successful right up to his death with his creative engines never running on empty.
Presenting an excerpt from Dev Anand's autobiography, Romancing With Life.
Presenting an excerpt from Dev Anand's autobiography, Romancing With Life.
Can anyone forget S D Burman's classic songs in Devdas, Sujata and Bandini?
Presenting an excerpt from Dev Anand's autobiography, Romancing With Life.
'Bappi Lahiri was looking for a break so he and his father would meet me.' 'I told Director Bhisham Kohli about this promising young boy from Kolkata, and Bappi came over with his harmonium.' 'Bappi played this composition and Bhisham liked it immediately.' 'As we were discussing, I said I would give the words, and that's how I wrote this song.'
'If you watch songs like Acha Ji Main Haari Chalo Maan Jao Na, Lag Ja Gale or Jhumka Gira Re, you'll notice they're not just a distraction. There's a story unfolding within them.'
The song that best encapsulates Geeta Dutt's unfairly abbreviated life would probably be: Yaad Karoge, Yaad Karoge, Ek Din Humko Yaad Karoge. On her 95th birth anniversary on November 23, Dinesh Raheja pieces together the life of this talented singer.
'At a time when there was little awareness of world music, playing western tunes on eastern instruments like the flute and the dholak, blending vocal polyphony with Indian folk and contemporary styles, Salilkaku created a new musical genre in Bengal called Gana Sangeet.'
'The pain of not having a home is bearable, but the pain of having one -- and not finding peace in it -- is far worse.'
A great admirer of Raj Kapoor's film songs, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai says his all-time Raj Kapoor favourite song is the magical duet Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua.
Guru Dutt took an overdose of pills twice, once even swallowing opium, calling out for Geeta Dutt even when he was not fully conscious. One suicide attempt, according to sister Lalita Lajmi, was definitely deliberate with Guru Dutt leaving a letter for brother Atma Ram asking him to take care of the production company, his wife and the kids. But she always wondered if the third attempt was actually suicide since there were no calls and no letters.
Dinesh Raheja celebrates Lata's 96th birth anniversary on September 28 by picking some choice examples of her non-typical songs that are tinged with a rare eroticism.
'When Aamir Khan was being launched in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Director Mansoor Khan needed a young vibrant youth anthem, a song that described the uncertain adventures of the young, as they stepped into the real world.'
As Hrithik Roshan announces his plans to turn direct films, one looks forward to an altogether different grammar coming into action.
Forty four years after Mohammed Rafi's untimely demise on July 31, 1980, at the young age of 55, the singer's work continues to enjoy a musical afterlife on radio, television and modern streaming channels.
'I just took the Almighty's name and plunged into it.'
Dinesh Raheja doffs his hat to the movie legend, who will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award this year.
Subhash K Jha lists the inimitable Mohammad Rafi's five most enduring romantic songs.
'When I heard the tune for Abhi Na Jao I was bowled over.' 'Of course, I never knew it would be such a timeless rage.'
Zeenat Aman had scored more hit songs than any of her contemporaries. This can be attributed partly to happenstance and partly to the fact that her forte for high glamour could be showcased most winningly in a crowd-pleasing number, observes Dinesh Raheja.
The iconic Waheeda Rehman tells Subhash K Jha why she refused her most memorable role in Guide until...
In these pandemic stricken, music bereft times, what can be more joyous than a playlist of golden melodies?
She sang the chartbusters Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche in Brahmachari, Tumse Oh Haseena Kabhi Mohabbat Na Maine Karni Thi in Farz and Ajhu Na Aaye Balma in Saanjh Aur Savera.
Sukanya Verma remembers the Boss in 30 of his underrated, overlooked gems in Hindi film music.
'I came into politics to bring a smile on people's faces.'
Mohammad Rafi had a powerful range that could accommodate anything from the sublime O duniya ke rakhwale for Bharat Bhushan in Baiju Bawra to the eccentric Badan pe sitare lapete huye for Shammi Kapoor in Prince.
If Rajesh Khanna was the greatest star of Hindi cinema, the songs played a major part in his superstardom.
'Asha atya remains down-to-earth and frank.' 'If she likes something, she will tell you to your face.' 'Ditto, if she doesn't.' 'She is full of life and energy, I have never seen her brood.'
As India successfully lands Chandrayaan-3, does the moon look as beautiful as one's beloved or has the Chanda Mama of folk ditties acquired a whole new meaning?
Many believe Kishore Kumar serenaded the ladies better than any other iconic playback singer.
A look at the top tweets from your favourite Bollywood celebrities.
Sukanya Verma lists 25 unforgettable Dilip Kumar melodies to love and listen to.
Rahul Dev Burman's collaboration with Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar was unique, but he saved his best for Lata Mangeshkar.
Subhash K Jha selects his favourite rain songs. Do list your favourites in the message board below!
Subhash K Jha salutes the evergreen, effervescent, Jaggu Dada.
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