on this day

A prolific novelist and screenplay writer Nabedu Ghosh is highly revered for his significant contributions to the field of Indian cinema and literature. Films like Parineeta, Sujata, Bandini, Teesri Kasam and Abhimaan were all written by him, proving his versatility and nuanced understanding of human emotions. In his brief stunt as a director, he made Trishagni which fetched him a National Award for best debut film. Cinemaazi remembers him on his death anniversary today; he passed away on 15th December in 2007.

Padma Sri awardee director Bapu made many successful films in his long-lasting career. In among the many heights of his career was his collaboration with the Hindi cinema star Mithun Chakraborty, who he worked with in films like Pyaari Behna (1985), Prem Pratigyaa (1989), Parmaatma (1994) and more. On the acclaimed director’s birth anniversary today, revisit this Cinemaazi studio YouTube video, as Gautam Chintamani talks about what made this collaboration a hit pair.

Cinemaazi wishes Usha Mangeshkar a very Happy Birthday. The veteran playback singer was born this day, 15 December, in 1935. She is perhaps best known for rendering the devotional favourite Main toh aarti utarun re from the film Jai Santoshi Maa (1975), as well as popular solo songs such as Mungda from Inkaar (1978) and Humse nazar toh milao from Ikraar (1980). Sister of leading singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, and music director Hridaynath Mangeshkar, she enjoyed great success in Marathi music industry.

One of the most versatile actors to grace Hindi cinema, Kanhaiyalal was born on this day in 1938.

Today, 15 December, is the death anniversary of Nazir Kashmiri, a character actor who featured in over 100 Hindi films. Going on to enjoy a long innings in films, he starting his career in Lahore, where he appeared in several productions there. Making the shift to Bombay, as part of Noor Jehan’s production company, he appeared in the playback singer and actress’s Indian films such asZeenat (1945) and Jugnu(1947). Kashmiri was seen in a range of character roles especially in the 50s and 60s. He featured in many Dev Anand, Guru Dutt andI. S. Johar films. Being a regular with B R Chopraand Yash Chopra, he featured in a majority of their films from Ek Hi Raasta (1956), to Kaala Patthar (1979). Among his other notable films are Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962), Return of Mr. Superman (1960) and Saat Samundar Paar (1965).

A true renaissance man, Nabendu Ghosh was an accomplished writer, screenwriter, director and dancer. An acclaimed Bengali writer during the 40's, he later shifted to Bombay with Bimal Roy. Principally known for his work in Roy's seminal films, he was also a National Award winning director himself. He passed away on this day in 2007.

Birthday wishes to the veteran actor-dancer Heera Sawant. She made her debut as the second lead with Hua Savera (1948). Some of her other notable films are Sunehra Din(1949), Har Har Mahadev (1950), Nakhre (1951), Chakradhari (1954) and Musafir (1957). 

One of the unsung music directors of Hindi cinema, Ramlal Choudhary started his career as an assistant toRam Ganguly at Prithvi Theatres. A skilled flautist and shehnai player, he was involved in the songs of Aag (1948). He also played on the songs of Navrang(1959) and Mughal-e-Azam (1960). His first job as an independent music composer came in P L Santoshi's Tangawala. Unfortunately the film was never released. His second film Husnbano (1952) was successful. He worked in a few films like Nag Lok (1957) but they were unsuccessful. His true breakthrough came withV Shantaram's Sehra(1963). Working with Shantaram again in Geet Gaya Pattharon Ne (1965), he delivered another set of memorable songs. Despite these successes, he could not establish himself in the industry. He tried to produce a film called Tyagi under his own banner, but his partner deserted him. He did not work in anymore films after that. Cinemaazi remembers him on his birth anniversary.

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Director of landmark Kannada hits like Mayor Muthanna(1969), Bangarada Manushya (1972) and Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu (1974),S Siddalingaiah was born on this day in 1936.

Cinemaazi wishes  Usha Mangeshkar a very happy 85th birthday. With more than 600 songs she has rightfully earned her place amongst the female singers of repute. Born on 15th December 1935, at Sangli, Usha is the 4th and the youngest sister of Mangeshkars. Belonging to a musically inclined family, apart from singing,she was equally passionate and  interested in painting,and  took lessons from the famous painter,M.R.Achrekar alongside learning music from Pt.Tulsidas Sharma, K. Mahavir and Sushant Maharaj.
At the age of 19 Usha decided to earn herself by singing in films and C.Ramchandra gave her a break with the  song Bhabhi Aayee from Subah ka Tara (1954). Her very first song became so popular that she was flooded with children's song offers. Her next popular song was Aplam chaplam from  the film Azaad (1955). Initially singing duets with her elder sistersLata Mangeshkar andAsha Bhonsle, in 1975,came the biggest hit of her career with Main to aarti utaru re from the film Jai Santoshi Maa (1975). Written byKavi Pradeep , songs of this film shot Usha Mangeshkar’s career to new heights. The success of this film brought accolades to her, through  Best Playback Singer award from Bengal Film Journalists Association, along with a Filmfare nomination.Her foray into Marathi films set a new milestone. She was a favourite of Dada Kondke for all his Jubilee films. She went on to sing at least 200 songs in Marathi, out of which the most popular were Dhagala Lagli Kala and Tumhawar Keli Me Marji Bahar from the film Pinjra (1972). 
Although most of Usha Mangeshkar’s career remained in the shadow of her star sisters Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle, music directors and enthusiasts have credited her voice to be different, attractive and sharp. Some of her most famous songs include Mungda from Inkaar(1978), Goro Ki Naa Kalo Ki from Disco Dancer (1982), Saare Niyam Tod Do fromKhoobsurat (1980), Mujhe Pyaar Ka Tohfa Deke from Kaala Pathar (1979) among others. Usha Mangeshkar is credited for singing songs in Gujrati, Assamese, Bengali, Tamil, Telegu among many other Indian languages.

Image courtesy: Bhaskar.com

Today, 15 December, is the death anniversary of Nazir Kashmiri, a character actor who featured in over 100 Hindi films. Going on to enjoy a long innings in films, he starting his career in Lahore, where he appeared in several productions there. Making the shift to Bombay, as part of Noor Jehan’s production company, he appeared in the playback singer and actress’s Indian films such asZeenat (1945) and Jugnu(1947). Kashmiri was seen in a range of character roles especially in the 50s and 60s. He featured in many Dev Anand, Guru Dutt andI. S. Johar films. Being a regular with B R Chopraand Yash Chopra, he featured in a majority of their films from Ek Hi Raasta (1956), to Kaala Patthar (1979). Among his other notable films are Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962), Return of Mr. Superman (1960) and Saat Samundar Paar (1965).

One of the most versatile actors to grace Hindi cinema, Kanhaiyalal was born on this day in 1938.

A true renaissance man, Nabendu Ghosh was an accomplished writer, screenwriter, director and dancer. An acclaimed Bengali writer during the 40's, he later shifted to Bombay with Bimal Roy. Principally known for his work in Roy's seminal films, he was also a National Award winning director himself. He passed away on this day in 2007.

Birthday wishes to the veteran actor-dancer Heera Sawant. She made her debut as the second lead with Hua Savera (1948). Some of her other notable films are Sunehra Din(1949), Har Har Mahadev (1950), Nakhre (1951), Chakradhari (1954) and Musafir (1957). 

One of the unsung music directors of Hindi cinema, Ramlal Choudhary started his career as an assistant toRam Ganguly at Prithvi Theatres. A skilled flautist and shehnai player, he was involved in the songs of Aag (1948). He also played on the songs of Navrang(1959) and Mughal-e-Azam (1960). His first job as an independent music composer came in P L Santoshi's Tangawala. Unfortunately the film was never released. His second film Husnbano (1952) was successful. He worked in a few films like Nag Lok (1957) but they were unsuccessful. His true breakthrough came withV Shantaram's Sehra(1963). Working with Shantaram again in Geet Gaya Pattharon Ne (1965), he delivered another set of memorable songs. Despite these successes, he could not establish himself in the industry. He tried to produce a film called Tyagi under his own banner, but his partner deserted him. He did not work in anymore films after that. Cinemaazi remembers him on his birth anniversary.

Image courtesy:Facebook

Director of landmark Kannada hits like Mayor Muthanna(1969), Bangarada Manushya (1972) and Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu (1974),S Siddalingaiah was born on this day in 1936.

Cinemaazi wishes  Usha Mangeshkar a very happy 85th birthday. With more than 600 songs she has rightfully earned her place amongst the female singers of repute. Born on 15th December 1935, at Sangli, Usha is the 4th and the youngest sister of Mangeshkars. Belonging to a musically inclined family, apart from singing,she was equally passionate and  interested in painting,and  took lessons from the famous painter,M.R.Achrekar alongside learning music from Pt.Tulsidas Sharma, K. Mahavir and Sushant Maharaj.
At the age of 19 Usha decided to earn herself by singing in films and C.Ramchandra gave her a break with the  song Bhabhi Aayee from Subah ka Tara (1954). Her very first song became so popular that she was flooded with children's song offers. Her next popular song was Aplam chaplam from  the film Azaad (1955). Initially singing duets with her elder sistersLata Mangeshkar andAsha Bhonsle, in 1975,came the biggest hit of her career with Main to aarti utaru re from the film Jai Santoshi Maa (1975). Written byKavi Pradeep , songs of this film shot Usha Mangeshkar’s career to new heights. The success of this film brought accolades to her, through  Best Playback Singer award from Bengal Film Journalists Association, along with a Filmfare nomination.Her foray into Marathi films set a new milestone. She was a favourite of Dada Kondke for all his Jubilee films. She went on to sing at least 200 songs in Marathi, out of which the most popular were Dhagala Lagli Kala and Tumhawar Keli Me Marji Bahar from the film Pinjra (1972). 
Although most of Usha Mangeshkar’s career remained in the shadow of her star sisters Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle, music directors and enthusiasts have credited her voice to be different, attractive and sharp. Some of her most famous songs include Mungda from Inkaar(1978), Goro Ki Naa Kalo Ki from Disco Dancer (1982), Saare Niyam Tod Do fromKhoobsurat (1980), Mujhe Pyaar Ka Tohfa Deke from Kaala Pathar (1979) among others. Usha Mangeshkar is credited for singing songs in Gujrati, Assamese, Bengali, Tamil, Telegu among many other Indian languages.

Image courtesy: Bhaskar.com

Arguably the greatest lyricist of Hindi cinema's golden era, Shailendra passed away on this day in 1966. Cinemaazi looks baack at his illustrious career on his death anniversary. 

Image courtesy: Business Standard

Arguably the greatest lyricist of Hindi cinema's golden era, Shailendra passed away on this day in 1966. Cinemaazi looks baack at his illustrious career on his death anniversary. 

Image courtesy: Business Standard

Cinemaazi wishes Biswajit a very happy birthday! The leading man of 1960s, he had a successful career in Hindi and Bengali film industry. Some of his popular films include Maya Mriga (1960), Dui Bhai (1961),Bees Saal Baad (1962), Kohraa (1964), Do Dil(1965), Main Sunder Hoon (1971), Kahtey Hain Mujhko Raja (1975), Abichar (1981) and Sonar Bangle (1982). He has also dabbled in singing and released two Bengali songs composed by Salil Chowdhury in 1970s.

Cinemaazi wishes Biswajit a very happy birthday! The leading man of 1960s, he had a successful career in Hindi and Bengali film industry. Some of his popular films include Maya Mriga (1960), Dui Bhai (1961),Bees Saal Baad (1962), Kohraa (1964), Do Dil(1965), Main Sunder Hoon (1971), Kahtey Hain Mujhko Raja (1975), Abichar (1981) and Sonar Bangle (1982). He has also dabbled in singing and released two Bengali songs composed by Salil Chowdhury in 1970s.

One of the luminaries of the Parallel Cinema movement in India,Shyam Benegal is widely regarded as one of the finest filmmakers in Indian cinema history. Cinemaazi wishes him a very happy birthday. 

One of the luminaries of the Parallel Cinema movement in India,Shyam Benegal is widely regarded as one of the finest filmmakers in Indian cinema history. Cinemaazi wishes him a very happy birthday. 

Cinemaazi remembers the eternal showman of Hindi cinema, Raj Kapoor on his 96th birth anniversary. His portrayal of the tramp figure in 50's cinema, cemented his iconic status in film history.

Today we remember Surya Kumar, who along with his brother Krishna Kumar, formed a popular choreographer duo. Surya Kumar was born on 14 December, 1924. A trained dancer, he took dance lessons from Madam Azurie (Anna Marie Gueizelor), who was a trained dancer in ballet and classical forms of dance. Apparently, Surya Kumar’s earlier name was Robert, while Krishna Kumar’s was Tony. As the demand for dance numbers in films grew, Surya Kumar started off as a choreographer along with his brother. He choreographed several early Helen numbers orCuckoo numbers, such as the song Dil se dil takraye fromLove Marriage (1959) picturised on Helen. His filmography includes Albela (1951), The Savage Princess (1952),Aan(1952),Jeevan Jyoti (1953), Lagan (1955), Pyaasa (1957), Yahudi (1958), Ustadon Ke Ustad (1963), Wahan Ke Log (1967), and many more up until Jungle Ki Beti (1988). Surya Kumar also trained dancers and other dance choreographers such as Satyanarayan, Bapriprasad andOscar. Surya Kumar passed away on 18 September, 1987 in Bombay.

Image courtesy: Cinestaan

Cinemaazi remembers the eternal showman of Hindi cinema, Raj Kapoor on his 96th birth anniversary. His portrayal of the tramp figure in 50's cinema, cemented his iconic status in film history.

Today we remember Surya Kumar, who along with his brother Krishna Kumar, formed a popular choreographer duo. Surya Kumar was born on 14 December, 1924. A trained dancer, he took dance lessons from Madam Azurie (Anna Marie Gueizelor), who was a trained dancer in ballet and classical forms of dance. Apparently, Surya Kumar’s earlier name was Robert, while Krishna Kumar’s was Tony. As the demand for dance numbers in films grew, Surya Kumar started off as a choreographer along with his brother. He choreographed several early Helen numbers orCuckoo numbers, such as the song Dil se dil takraye fromLove Marriage (1959) picturised on Helen. His filmography includes Albela (1951), The Savage Princess (1952),Aan(1952),Jeevan Jyoti (1953), Lagan (1955), Pyaasa (1957), Yahudi (1958), Ustadon Ke Ustad (1963), Wahan Ke Log (1967), and many more up until Jungle Ki Beti (1988). Surya Kumar also trained dancers and other dance choreographers such as Satyanarayan, Bapriprasad andOscar. Surya Kumar passed away on 18 September, 1987 in Bombay.

Image courtesy: Cinestaan

A popular radio interviewer turned actor and also lyricist, today is the birth anniversary of Madhup Sharma, who was born this day in 1921 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Balkrishna Sharma ‘Madhup’, which is his original name, was essentially a poet. In 1946, while doing his BA from Agra University, his first poem ‘Yeh Path Anant’ was published. Desirous of writing songs for Hindi films, he moved to Bombay, and got the opportunity to pen a few songs between 1952 and 1953. In 1954, on the strength of his voice, he landed a job with Akashwani, Bombay. Post quitting his job, he went on to write numerous novels, stories and poems. Along with writing, he also acted in several films, such as Sujata (1959), Mere Lal (1966), Jeevan Mrutyu (1970), Amar Prem (1971), Raja Jani (1972),Anamika(1973), Dost(1974),Aandhi(1974), Dharam Karam (1975), Sanyasi(1975), Azad (1978), Ram Balram (1980), and Rajput (1982). In Johny Mera Nam (1970), he played a Police Inspector and father of Dev Anand and Pran, in the childhood period. Madhup Sharma passed away on 13 April, 2012. He remains especially memorable for his lyrics – Do bol tere meethe meethe from the film Dara (1953).

A popular radio interviewer turned actor and also lyricist, today is the birth anniversary of Madhup Sharma, who was born this day in 1921 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Balkrishna Sharma ‘Madhup’, which is his original name, was essentially a poet. In 1946, while doing his BA from Agra University, his first poem ‘Yeh Path Anant’ was published. Desirous of writing songs for Hindi films, he moved to Bombay, and got the opportunity to pen a few songs between 1952 and 1953. In 1954, on the strength of his voice, he landed a job with Akashwani, Bombay. Post quitting his job, he went on to write numerous novels, stories and poems. Along with writing, he also acted in several films, such as Sujata (1959), Mere Lal (1966), Jeevan Mrutyu (1970), Amar Prem (1971), Raja Jani (1972),Anamika(1973), Dost(1974),Aandhi(1974), Dharam Karam (1975), Sanyasi(1975), Azad (1978), Ram Balram (1980), and Rajput (1982). In Johny Mera Nam (1970), he played a Police Inspector and father of Dev Anand and Pran, in the childhood period. Madhup Sharma passed away on 13 April, 2012. He remains especially memorable for his lyrics – Do bol tere meethe meethe from the film Dara (1953).

Playing a key role in popularising Indian music abroad, S D Batish worked in BBC, played for The Beatles, taught the dilruba to Pattie Boyd and also taught music at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He also worked extensively in Hindi cinema prior to that. Cinemaazi remembers him on his birth anniversary. 


Image courtesy: Worldmusiccentral

Playing a key role in popularising Indian music abroad, S D Batish worked in BBC, played for The Beatles, taught the dilruba to Pattie Boyd and also taught music at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He also worked extensively in Hindi cinema prior to that. Cinemaazi remembers him on his birth anniversary. 


Image courtesy: Worldmusiccentral

One of the leading actresses of parallel Indian cinema, who rose to fame and stardom during the 70s and 80s era of the Hindi film industry, Smita Patil was a prolific stage and film actor, who dazzled the audience with her charm and graceful acting prowess. It is thus perhaps, that her presence is sorely missed on the Indian silver-screen. On the acclaimed actor's death anniversary today, 13th December, we reminisce her exemplary talents through this #archivalreproduction on the Cinemaazi website.

An industrious and intelligent cinematographer,Pandurang Naik was one of the great innovators of the craft in the early years of Indian cinema. Today is his birth anniversary. 

An industrious and intelligent cinematographer,Pandurang Naik was one of the great innovators of the craft in the early years of Indian cinema. Today is his birth anniversary.