The actor clams that he wants to win by being himself.
Because of Mukesh's much-hailed association with Raj Kapoor, it is often overlooked that the singer has also scored hits with almost all major heroes. On Mukesh's 102nd birth anniversary on July 22, Dinesh Raheja recalls some of his classic songs.
'She was the last of the diggaj kalakaars after Lataji, Kishoreda, Rafi saab and Mannada and with her demise, the golden era of Hindi film music has truly ended.'
'I played five different versions of Woh Subah Kabhie Toh Aayegi for Raj Kapoor, only to be greeted with a totally blank reaction.' 'Thereafter, for 40 minutes, he disappeared, leaving us baffled.' 'But when he emerged, he couldn't stop appreciating our efforts!' 'He said Sahir Ludhianvi's writing was sheer poetry and since all my five tunes were equally wonderful, he would leave it to my discretion to chose the final tune.' 'What could be greater appreciation for an artiste?'
Much, much, much before Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani fussed over What Jhumka, Asha Bhosle trilled in her alluring voice and teased us with tantalising details about the events leading to her precious Jhumka's loss.
'...It was because Lataji sang for us.'
From aadmi to andas, Bollywood songs dispense gyaan for every occasion. But nothing beats its obsession with pyaar.
'Panchamda created an exclusive theme music for Gabbar Singh, which is used throughout the film every time the dacoit makes an appearance, and in both concept and sound, is so eerie and evil.'
Sukanya Verma recaps all those events from 25 years ago.
Sukanya Verma salutes most beloved Rishi Kapoor melodies.
'Many have tried to imitate her. They've fallen flat on their faces.'
Today's Hindi film mothers are younger, trendier, more mischievous. But, truth be told, says Dinesh Raheja, I still do miss sometimes the comforting presence of the trad mother.
'The sweetest, warmest and loving man ever, always smiling, very innocent and child-like.'
Shami last played for India in the ODI World Cup final in November 2023. He had sustained an ankle injury on his left leg that required surgery.
Bappida's softer more creative work got buried in the noise, rues Subhash K Jha as he picks the late lamented composer's most soulful songs.
If there's one thing the full-of-beans star knows, it's how to stay happy, observes Dinesh Raheja.
These six male megastars have formed popular pairs with two starkly different leading ladies. Dinesh Raheja compares and contrasts the chemistry between the onscreen couples, and asks you, dear reader, to vote for your favourite jodi.
'In an era defined by vengeful anger, he was a star who sang and danced while most others hollered and hectored on the big screen,' remembers Saibal Chatterjee.
Deepa Gahlot lists the most popular Yash Chopra films -- the ones he directed, not produced (yes, so that means no DDLJ) -- that can be watched on OTT.
Sukanya Verma looks at the jhoola, and how it's an unforgettable part of many a Bollywood imagery in celebration, romance, frolic and, sometimes, even menace.
'During this dry despondent period I understood that I needed to do something extraordinary to get the focus of people on me and my music.' 'I worked and worked and composed Munni badnaam hui.'
'What Raamlaxmanji did with Sooraj Barjatyaji in Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun was beyond a miracle.'
'Some months before his death, when I had inquired about his health, he was annoyed that people assumed the worst.' '"I am not going anywhere," Rishi snapped as only he could.'
The annual IIFA weekend in Abu Dhabi saw Bollywood's top stars in attendance, as they walked the green carpet and put up power-packed performances.
On his 50th birthday on May 25, Sukanya Verma celebrates the man and his movies.
Joginder Tuteja looks at the hit music Raamlaxman made for Salman Khan.
As we celebrate singer Mukesh's birth centenary on July 22, it is a nice time to recall his closeness to Lata Mangeshkar, who would call him 'Mukesh bhaiyya'.
Sukanya Verma presents a playlist of 100 Lata Mangeshkar songs from different decades of Hindi films -- songs that make me sing, smile, sob and sigh.
As means of transport or metaphor, the romance of trains is unmistakable in Hindi cinema.
'Even after Awaara Hoon and Mera Joota Hai Japani, between 1946 to 1963, there were plenty of upheavals in his career. My parents had moved into two rooms of a chawl, with an attached bathroom, by then, but life was hard, and often there was no food at home.'
Sukanya Verma lists many more Rishi Kapoor chartbusters.
Sukanya Verma makes a playlist of 15 profound Rajesh Khanna ditties.
Using snatches of a cult favourite or evergreen classic in its original form for action, comedy or romance can transform the entire vibe of a scene.
Pancham, like his father, was besotted by Lata Mangeshkar's voice and his career's finest songs were reserved only for her.
'I never behaved like a star. So why would anyone behave like a star with me?'
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