on this day

One of the earliest actors associated with the reputed Prithvi theatre, Prem Nath had an eventful career in the Hindi film industry, and even went to star in several Punjabi films in various exciting roles. Born on this day, 21st November in 1926, he made his debut with the film Ajit (1948), after which he gained prominence for his physique and charming looks as a leading man. His career saw him take on a variety of significant roles as a lead actor and a villain. Cinemaazi remembers the remarkable actor on his birth anniversary.

The name of iconic dancer, actress and film personality Helen, is etched in Bollywood cinema history, and she has continued to dominate the Hindi film industry as a legendary figure. Born on this day, 21st November in 1938, Helen impacted the Indian silver-screen in a way no other had done before, and perhaps no one will. Her fame and reputation has lived on as the industry's most celebrated dancing superstar, and a prolific actor, who has worked in over 700+ films in her illustrious career. Cinemaazi wishes the remarkable woman a very Happy Birthday.

Noted for his onscreen villainy, Prem Nathwas born this day, 21 November in 1926 in Peshawar, British India. He initially featured as a leading man, and supporting actor. Making his film debut in one of the first full length colour films, Ajit(1948), he acted in over 100 films across genres such as Aan (1952), Teesri Manzil(1966),Johny Mera Naam(1970), Tere Mere Sapne(1971), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Dharmatma(1975), Kalicharan (1976), Bobby (1975), Heeralal Pannalal (1978), Karz(1982), andDesh Premee (1982). Nominated for four Filmfare Awards respectively for Shor (1972), Bobby(1973), Amir Garib(1974), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), his swagger and physique led to him being considered an original He Man by his peers. His performance in Vijay Anand’s thriller Johny Mera Naam(1970), served as a comeback emphasising his villainy as a smuggler masquerading as a prince. He also directed a film -Samundar(1957) for his home production house P. N. Films. However, he had an unsuccessful run as a producer of four films and three documentaries. He was last seen onscreen in Hum Dono (1985). Prem Nath passed away on 3 November, 1992.
 

Cinemaazi wishes the Cabaret Queen Helen n her birthday. After establishing herself as an accomplished dancer in the industry where she appeared in more than 500 films by 1972, she also charmed the audience with her versatile performances as an actor in films like Gumnam(1966), Pagla Kahin Ka (1970), Ek Se Badh Kar Ek (1976).

Today marks the birth anniversary ofAsha Mathur, born this day in 1934. An actress who was active in the 50s, she was one of the few educated actresses of her time, having completed her BA. She made her debut in Kishore Sahu’s Kali Ghata (1951), alongside Bina Rai, and is perhaps best remembered for playing Ashok Kumar’s suffering wife in Poonam (1952). Mathur featured in films likeAlif Laila (1953),Dhuaan(1953), Mayurpankh (1954), Rajyogi Bharthari (1954), Malka-E-Alam Noorjehan (1954), Amar Kirtan (1954), Amanat(1955), Lakhon Mein Ek(1955), Naqab (1955), Harihar Bhakti(1956) and Taqdeer (1958), which was probably her last film. Some of the popular songs picturised on her include Humsai na poocho koi pyra kiya hai (Kali Ghata, 1951) and Baanki adayein dekh na ji dekh na (Amanat, 1955). Marrying well-known producer-director, Mohan Sehgal, she withdrew from acting.

Noted for his onscreen villainy, Prem Nathwas born this day, 21 November in 1926 in Peshawar, British India. He initially featured as a leading man, and supporting actor. Making his film debut in one of the first full length colour films, Ajit(1948), he acted in over 100 films across genres such as Aan (1952), Teesri Manzil(1966),Johny Mera Naam(1970), Tere Mere Sapne(1971), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Dharmatma(1975), Kalicharan (1976), Bobby (1975), Heeralal Pannalal (1978), Karz(1982), andDesh Premee (1982). Nominated for four Filmfare Awards respectively for Shor (1972), Bobby(1973), Amir Garib(1974), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), his swagger and physique led to him being considered an original He Man by his peers. His performance in Vijay Anand’s thriller Johny Mera Naam(1970), served as a comeback emphasising his villainy as a smuggler masquerading as a prince. He also directed a film -Samundar(1957) for his home production house P. N. Films. However, he had an unsuccessful run as a producer of four films and three documentaries. He was last seen onscreen in Hum Dono (1985). Prem Nath passed away on 3 November, 1992.
 

Cinemaazi wishes the Cabaret Queen Helen n her birthday. After establishing herself as an accomplished dancer in the industry where she appeared in more than 500 films by 1972, she also charmed the audience with her versatile performances as an actor in films like Gumnam(1966), Pagla Kahin Ka (1970), Ek Se Badh Kar Ek (1976).

Today marks the birth anniversary ofAsha Mathur, born this day in 1934. An actress who was active in the 50s, she was one of the few educated actresses of her time, having completed her BA. She made her debut in Kishore Sahu’s Kali Ghata (1951), alongside Bina Rai, and is perhaps best remembered for playing Ashok Kumar’s suffering wife in Poonam (1952). Mathur featured in films likeAlif Laila (1953),Dhuaan(1953), Mayurpankh (1954), Rajyogi Bharthari (1954), Malka-E-Alam Noorjehan (1954), Amar Kirtan (1954), Amanat(1955), Lakhon Mein Ek(1955), Naqab (1955), Harihar Bhakti(1956) and Taqdeer (1958), which was probably her last film. Some of the popular songs picturised on her include Humsai na poocho koi pyra kiya hai (Kali Ghata, 1951) and Baanki adayein dekh na ji dekh na (Amanat, 1955). Marrying well-known producer-director, Mohan Sehgal, she withdrew from acting.

Cinemaazi wishes the actress Shilpa Shirodkar a very Happy Birthday. Born this day, 20th November in 1973, she featured in several hits such as Kishen Kanhaiya (1990), Benaam Badshah (1991), Hum (1991), Khuda Gawah (1992), Mrityudand (1997), Gaja Gamini (2000), and Guns of Banaras (2020). Initially typecast in roles that were mainly cosmetic in nature she later made a mark for herself as an actress who could do varied roles in both cinema and television.

Cinemaazi wishes singer Meenu Purushottam a very Happy Birthday! Born this day, 20 November in 1944, she sang in films in the 1960s and 1970s. Known for her popular duets such as Salaam tujhpe muqaddar sanwaarnewale from Arab Ka Sitara (1961) along with Mubarak Begum, and Kheench kaanta kheench kaanta uyi from Do Aankhen (1974) with Mohammed Rafi, she managed to make an important mark among the musical legends of the day.

Cinemaazi wishes the vibrant Suhasini Mulay a very Happy Birthday! Born on this day, 20 November in 1950, she had made her acting debut with Bhuvan Shome in 1969. Winning multiple awards for her work as a documentary filmmaker, she has also won attention for her performances on several films and television projects, as well as the National Award for Best Supporting Actress for Gulzar’s Hu Tu Tu (1999). 

 

 

Best remembered for his unforgettable roles in Ritwik Ghatak's Nagarik (1952) and Ajantrik(1958), today marks the beginning of eminent Bengali stage and film actor Kali Banerjee's centenary.  Born in Calcutta in 1921, he joined professional theatre from 1945. He joined the IPTA in the late 40s. He acted in the production of Rabindranath Tagore's Bisarjan. Other notable plays included Satabarsha Agey, Tipu Sultan and Adarsha Hindu Hotel. He worked extensively with Satyajit Ray, Tapan Sinha, Mrinal Sen, Dinen Gupta, Satyen Bose and Tarun Majumdar. He also played a crucial role in Mrinal Sen's Neel Akasher Neechey (1959). Some of his notable films are Barjatri (1951), Rickshawala(1955), Aparajito (1956), Kabuliwala(1956), Louha-Kapat (1957), Parash Pathar(1957), Bari Theke Paliye (1959), Hansuli Banker Upakatha(1962), Arohi (1964), Dinanter Alo (1965), Nimantran (1971),Bawarchi(1972), Debi Choudhurani(1974), Harmonium (1975), among others. A versatile and expressive actor, possesing excellent dramatic range as well as impeccable comic timing, he was regarded as one of the most reliable actors in the industry. Cinemaazi salutes the legend for his contributions.

Famously known for his performances in films like Biraj Bahu(1954),Jagriti (1954) and Subarnarekha(1965), the renowned actor Abhi Bhattacharya was born on this day in 1922.

Born 20 November, 1944, today is the birthday of playback singer Minoo Purshottam, who was popular during the 1960s and 1970s. Trained in classical singing under Pandit Laxman Prasad Jaipurwalle, she started off at the young age of 16. Introduced to playback singing by well-known poet Sahir Ludhianviand music director Roshan, she made her debut singing a duet, Na na na re, haath na lagaana with Suman Kalyanpur under music director Roshan for Taj Mahal(1963). She was nominated for the Filmfare for Best Female Playback Singer for Raat piya ke sang from the film Prem Parbat (1973). Among her other popular songs are Unse nazrein mili, from Gazal(1964) with Lata Mangeshkar, Ni main yaar manana ni from Daag (1973) with Lata Mangeshkar, and Huzur-e-wala jo ho ijaazat from Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi (1966) with Asha Bhonsle. She learnt the nuances of the ghazal from music director Madan Mohan. She also worked with music directors such asLaxmikant Pyarelal, S. D. Burman, O. P. Nayyar, Bappi Lahiri, Jaidev, Ravindra Jain, and Sonik Omi. 
A ghazal artiste in her own right, Purshottam also performed several shows abroad with Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor,Talat Mehmood, and Mukesh. She has also appeared on television network programmes in India, Canada, USA, and London. Minoo Purshottam’s bhajans and ghazals are also available on various albums such as Ranj Mein Rahat, Rehe Guzar, O Salone Sanwaria, Bhakti Ras, Krishna Ras, Dashaavtaar, Vaishnava Bhajans (Gujarati), and Man Mandir Mein Sai.

Image courtesy; gaana.com

Born the third daughter of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan and Tarabai Mane who fled from Baroda to Bombay, as their families opposed their union, Hirabai Barodekar became a pioneering classical singer. After their parents separated, her mother opened the music school Nutan Sangeet Vidyalaya. Hirabai Barodekar received her training from her uncle Abdul Wahid Khan and brother Sureshbabu Mane. She started performing publicly in 1920. Her soulful voice was a key reason for the popularity of the Kirana gharana of classical music. She became the first woman artist to hold ticketed concerts. She soon started releasing records which served to make her even more popular. 
Making the transition to become an actress, she acted in two films - Suvarn Mandir (1934) and Pratibha (1937). She also sang 9 songs in films like Pratibha,Lalat(1947), Dolti Naiya (1950). She performed the song Vande Mataram at the Red Fort on 15th August, 1947. She was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1955 and Padma Bhushan in 1970. Cinemaazi salutes the Gaana Saraswati Hirabai Barodekar on her death anniversary.

Cinemaazi wishes actress Suhasini Mulay a happy birthday. Born in Patna in 1950 she was brought up by her mother Vijaya Mulay who was a noted documentary filmmaker and historian. She made her debut in Mrinal Sen's pathbreaking Bhuvan Shome (1969). But despite this initial success, she did not pursue a career in acting. She studied in McGill University in Canada and later assisted Satyajit Ray in Jana Aranya (1976) and Mrinal Sen in Mrigayaa (1976). Since then she has acted sporadically in feature films like Bhavani Bhavai (1980), Aparoopa (1982),Shatranj(1993), Hu Tu Tu (1999), Lagaan (2001), Dil Chahta Hai (2001), and many more afterwards. She won a National Award for her performance in Hu Tu Tu.

Best remembered for his unforgettable roles in Ritwik Ghatak's Nagarik (1952) and Ajantrik(1958), today marks the beginning of eminent Bengali stage and film actor Kali Banerjee's centenary.  Born in Calcutta in 1921, he joined professional theatre from 1945. He joined the IPTA in the late 40s. He acted in the production of Rabindranath Tagore's Bisarjan. Other notable plays included Satabarsha Agey, Tipu Sultan and Adarsha Hindu Hotel. He worked extensively with Satyajit Ray, Tapan Sinha, Mrinal Sen, Dinen Gupta, Satyen Bose and Tarun Majumdar. He also played a crucial role in Mrinal Sen's Neel Akasher Neechey (1959). Some of his notable films are Barjatri (1951), Rickshawala(1955), Aparajito (1956), Kabuliwala(1956), Louha-Kapat (1957), Parash Pathar(1957), Bari Theke Paliye (1959), Hansuli Banker Upakatha(1962), Arohi (1964), Dinanter Alo (1965), Nimantran (1971),Bawarchi(1972), Debi Choudhurani(1974), Harmonium (1975), among others. A versatile and expressive actor, possesing excellent dramatic range as well as impeccable comic timing, he was regarded as one of the most reliable actors in the industry. Cinemaazi salutes the legend for his contributions.

Famously known for his performances in films like Biraj Bahu(1954),Jagriti (1954) and Subarnarekha(1965), the renowned actor Abhi Bhattacharya was born on this day in 1922.

Born 20 November, 1944, today is the birthday of playback singer Minoo Purshottam, who was popular during the 1960s and 1970s. Trained in classical singing under Pandit Laxman Prasad Jaipurwalle, she started off at the young age of 16. Introduced to playback singing by well-known poet Sahir Ludhianviand music director Roshan, she made her debut singing a duet, Na na na re, haath na lagaana with Suman Kalyanpur under music director Roshan for Taj Mahal(1963). She was nominated for the Filmfare for Best Female Playback Singer for Raat piya ke sang from the film Prem Parbat (1973). Among her other popular songs are Unse nazrein mili, from Gazal(1964) with Lata Mangeshkar, Ni main yaar manana ni from Daag (1973) with Lata Mangeshkar, and Huzur-e-wala jo ho ijaazat from Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi (1966) with Asha Bhonsle. She learnt the nuances of the ghazal from music director Madan Mohan. She also worked with music directors such asLaxmikant Pyarelal, S. D. Burman, O. P. Nayyar, Bappi Lahiri, Jaidev, Ravindra Jain, and Sonik Omi. 
A ghazal artiste in her own right, Purshottam also performed several shows abroad with Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor,Talat Mehmood, and Mukesh. She has also appeared on television network programmes in India, Canada, USA, and London. Minoo Purshottam’s bhajans and ghazals are also available on various albums such as Ranj Mein Rahat, Rehe Guzar, O Salone Sanwaria, Bhakti Ras, Krishna Ras, Dashaavtaar, Vaishnava Bhajans (Gujarati), and Man Mandir Mein Sai.

Image courtesy; gaana.com

Born the third daughter of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan and Tarabai Mane who fled from Baroda to Bombay, as their families opposed their union, Hirabai Barodekar became a pioneering classical singer. After their parents separated, her mother opened the music school Nutan Sangeet Vidyalaya. Hirabai Barodekar received her training from her uncle Abdul Wahid Khan and brother Sureshbabu Mane. She started performing publicly in 1920. Her soulful voice was a key reason for the popularity of the Kirana gharana of classical music. She became the first woman artist to hold ticketed concerts. She soon started releasing records which served to make her even more popular. 
Making the transition to become an actress, she acted in two films - Suvarn Mandir (1934) and Pratibha (1937). She also sang 9 songs in films like Pratibha,Lalat(1947), Dolti Naiya (1950). She performed the song Vande Mataram at the Red Fort on 15th August, 1947. She was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1955 and Padma Bhushan in 1970. Cinemaazi salutes the Gaana Saraswati Hirabai Barodekar on her death anniversary.

Cinemaazi wishes actress Suhasini Mulay a happy birthday. Born in Patna in 1950 she was brought up by her mother Vijaya Mulay who was a noted documentary filmmaker and historian. She made her debut in Mrinal Sen's pathbreaking Bhuvan Shome (1969). But despite this initial success, she did not pursue a career in acting. She studied in McGill University in Canada and later assisted Satyajit Ray in Jana Aranya (1976) and Mrinal Sen in Mrigayaa (1976). Since then she has acted sporadically in feature films like Bhavani Bhavai (1980), Aparoopa (1982),Shatranj(1993), Hu Tu Tu (1999), Lagaan (2001), Dil Chahta Hai (2001), and many more afterwards. She won a National Award for her performance in Hu Tu Tu.

Bringing charisma, confidence and a much needed independence to the onscreen leading lady persona of Indian cinema, Zeenat Aman redefined the modern-day female lead in Hindi films of the 70s and 80s. On her birthday today, we take a look back at few of her earliest roles as a free-spirited, outgoing hippie in Dev Anand’s films Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Heera Panna (1973) and more, in this interesting feature on our website. Cinemaazi wishes the charming actress a very Happy Birthday; she was born on 19th November 1951.

Cinemaazi wishes Rehana Sultan, known for her powerful performances in Dastak(1970) and Chetna (1970) a happy birthday

Cinemaazi wishes Rehana Sultan, known for her powerful performances in Dastak(1970) and Chetna (1970) a happy birthday

Cinemaazi remembers the legendary Dara Singh on his birth anniversary today, 19th November. Born in 1928, Dara Singh became synonymous with strength, adventure and masculine charisma in the world of wrestling and in the Indian film industry as well. Working as a farmer and a wrestler until the age of 18, he finally made his foray into acting in 1952. Bringing a distinct nuance and charm to stunt films, his magnetic personality and skills made him a favourite in the Hindi and Punjabi film industry.

Salil Chowdhury, also lovingly known as Salil Da was an eminent composer, poet and writer of the early Hindi cinema. Known for giving the Bengali music a new sound most of his compositions varied based on rhythm arrangements, melodies and the notes, he is still rerevered for his music in films like Madhumati (1958), Kabuliwala (1961), Anand (1971), Rajnigandha (1974) and more. Cinemaazi remembers the legend on his birth anniversary today; he was born on 19th November 1922.

Today marks the death anniversary of Asit Baran, one of the lesser known stars of New Theatres, who passed away on November 27, 1984 at the age of 69. Winning acclaim for his graceful, easy style of acting and fine singing, he was also cultured and affable by nature. Born into a lower middleclass family, Asit Baran Mukherji could not pursue further studies and had to take up a job in the Telegraph Workshop at Alipore. However, music ran in his blood. He joined the Orphic Club in Serpentine Lane near Sealdah where he learnt to play the tabla from leading maestro Jnan Prakash Ghosh. He went on to join the Gramophone Company and AIR Calcutta as a tabla player. Hearing his lilting voice at a music performance, Pahari Sanyal brought him to New Theatres, where he went on to be cast as romantic hero by directorHem Chunder in Bengali film Pratishruti (1941), whose Hindi version Saugandh won much appreciation. Baran enjoyed a spree of success with multiple hits in Bengali and Hindi cinema, includingWapas (1943), Kashinath (1943) and Wasiyatnama.
Also active in Bengali theatre, he later went on to do character roles, including the sensitive portrayal of the character Girin in Bimal Roy’s Parineeta (1953). Some of his best songs include Tumne mujhse prem jata kar duniya se begana kiya from Wapas (1943), Man phoole nahi samaye, a duet withBharati Devi, from Wasiyatnama (1945), and Hum chale watan ki ore from Kashinath (1943).

Today marks the death anniversary of Asit Baran, one of the lesser known stars of New Theatres, who passed away on November 27, 1984 at the age of 69. Winning acclaim for his graceful, easy style of acting and fine singing, he was also cultured and affable by nature. Born into a lower middleclass family, Asit Baran Mukherji could not pursue further studies and had to take up a job in the Telegraph Workshop at Alipore. However, music ran in his blood. He joined the Orphic Club in Serpentine Lane near Sealdah where he learnt to play the tabla from leading maestro Jnan Prakash Ghosh. He went on to join the Gramophone Company and AIR Calcutta as a tabla player. Hearing his lilting voice at a music performance, Pahari Sanyal brought him to New Theatres, where he went on to be cast as romantic hero by directorHem Chunder in Bengali film Pratishruti (1941), whose Hindi version Saugandh won much appreciation. Baran enjoyed a spree of success with multiple hits in Bengali and Hindi cinema, includingWapas (1943), Kashinath (1943) and Wasiyatnama.
Also active in Bengali theatre, he later went on to do character roles, including the sensitive portrayal of the character Girin in Bimal Roy’s Parineeta (1953). Some of his best songs include Tumne mujhse prem jata kar duniya se begana kiya from Wapas (1943), Man phoole nahi samaye, a duet withBharati Devi, from Wasiyatnama (1945), and Hum chale watan ki ore from Kashinath (1943).