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On This Day

25 Apr, 1918

Cinemaazi remembers Shahu Modak on his birth anniversary

25 Apr, 1943

Cinemaazi remembers Devika on her birth anniversary

25 Apr, 1951

Cinemaazi remembers Shyam on his death anniversary

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25April
25 Apr 2000

Cinemaazi remembers Mukhram Sharma on his death anniversary

A teacher by profession, Pandit Mukhram Sharma had started writing literature before he ventured into the world of cinema. As a screenwriter and lyricist for films, Mukhram Sharma was a man of integrity who never compromised on his ideals, and always wrote on his own terms. A talented author marked for the nuance of his scripts, Mukhram Sharma laid the foundation for the manner in which Hindi films were written and made for decades to come. 
A teacher by profession, Pandit Mukhram Sharma had started writing literature before he ventured into the world of cinema. As a screenwriter and lyricist for films, Mukhram Sharma was a man of integrity who never compromised on his ideals, and always wrote on his own terms. A talented author marked for the nuance of his scripts, Mukhram Sharma laid the foundation for the manner in which Hindi films were written and made for decades to come. 
25 Apr 1951

Cinemaazi remembers Shyam on his death anniversary

Shyam began his film career with Punjabi films. He made his debut with the film Gowandhi (1942), directed by G.R. Sethi, opposite the debuting actress Veena. Shyam’s grandfather was a village Patwari, and his father was a hospital store-keeper in the Indian Medical Service. Due to the nature of his father’s work, young Shyam moved through the various cantonment towns of Punjab throughout his childhood.
Shyam began his film career with Punjabi films. He made his debut with the film Gowandhi (1942), directed by G.R. Sethi, opposite the debuting actress Veena. Shyam’s grandfather was a village Patwari, and his father was a hospital store-keeper in the Indian Medical Service. Due to the nature of his father’s work, young Shyam moved through the various cantonment towns of Punjab throughout his childhood.
25 Apr 1943

Cinemaazi remembers Devika on her birth anniversary

Devika achieved great success in the Tamil and Telugu industries, having made a stellar debut in AVM's Mudhalali (1957). She was the granddaughter of one of Telugu cinema's pioneers - Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu. She is known for her stellar performances in films like Sumaithaangi (1962), Anandha Jodhi (1963), Kulamagal Radhai (1963), Nenjam Marappathillai (1963) among others. Today is her birth anniversary. She continued acting till the mi...
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Devika achieved great success in the Tamil and Telugu industries, having made a stellar debut in AVM's Mudhalali (1957). She was the granddaughter of one of Telugu cinema's pioneers - Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu. She is known for her stellar performances in films like Sumaithaangi (1962), Anandha Jodhi (1963), Kulamagal Radhai (1963), Nenjam Marappathillai (1963) among others. Today is her birth anniversary. She continued acting till the mid-80s. Her daughter Kanaka is also an actress.
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25 Apr 1918

Cinemaazi remembers Shahu Modak on his birth anniversary

A film genre perhaps unique to India, the mythological played a formative role in the early development of the art form on the subcontinent. Among the many stalwarts who enriched the genre with their ground-breaking creativity and industry, Shahu Modak stands apart. An iconic actor in the mythological genre, there was hardly a role from the Mahabharata or the Ramayana he did not essay onscreen. Equally prolific in Hindi and Marathi cinema, he bec...
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A film genre perhaps unique to India, the mythological played a formative role in the early development of the art form on the subcontinent. Among the many stalwarts who enriched the genre with their ground-breaking creativity and industry, Shahu Modak stands apart. An iconic actor in the mythological genre, there was hardly a role from the Mahabharata or the Ramayana he did not essay onscreen. Equally prolific in Hindi and Marathi cinema, he became synonymous with the image of Krishna in Indian cinema, portraying the deity as many as 29 times in his career.
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24April
24 Apr 2000

Pearl Padamsee

Cinemaazi remembers Pearl Padamsee, the stage artiste, producer and director during 1950s–1990s in Bombay on her death anniversary. Image credit:  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f7/Pearl_Padamsee.jpg
Cinemaazi remembers Pearl Padamsee, the stage artiste, producer and director during 1950s–1990s in Bombay on her death anniversary.


Image credit:  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f7/Pearl_Padamsee.jpg
24 Apr 1999

Cinemaazi remembers Nanabhai Bhatt on his death anniversary

Nanabhai Bhatt was born as Yeshwant Bhatt in Porbandar, Gujarat on 12 June, 1915. He first joined the film industry as a sound recordist at Prakash Pictures, under his elder brother Balwant Bhatt. He also wrote scripts under the pseudonym Batuk Bhatt. By 1941, he had become the chief sound recordist. He soon left Prakash Pictures and joined Wadia Movietone along with another B movie luminary, Babubhai Mistry. He co-directed two films witth Babubh...
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Nanabhai Bhatt was born as Yeshwant Bhatt in Porbandar, Gujarat on 12 June, 1915. He first joined the film industry as a sound recordist at Prakash Pictures, under his elder brother Balwant Bhatt. He also wrote scripts under the pseudonym Batuk Bhatt. By 1941, he had become the chief sound recordist. He soon left Prakash Pictures and joined Wadia Movietone along with another B movie luminary, Babubhai Mistry. He co-directed two films witth Babubhai Mistry – Muqabala (1942) and Mauj (1943), under the name of Batuk Bhatt. He directed two more films as Batuk Bhatt, Homi Wadia's Hunterwali Ki Beti (1943) and Liberty Pictures Sudhar (1949). 
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24 Apr 1997

Cinemaazi remembers Murad on his death anniversary

Actor Murad had a long and successful innings as a character actor in films starting from the 1940s right up until 1995. Born in 1910, he went on to feature in more than 100 films in the course of his career, such as Anmol Ghadi (1946), Do Bigha Zamin (1953) in which he played a cruel landowner, Sangam (1954), Devdas (1955) in which he essayed the role of Devdas’ father, Mughal-E-Azam (1960), Taj Mahal (1963), Begunah (1970), Yaadon Ki Baar...
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Actor Murad had a long and successful innings as a character actor in films starting from the 1940s right up until 1995. Born in 1910, he went on to feature in more than 100 films in the course of his career, such as Anmol Ghadi (1946), Do Bigha Zamin (1953) in which he played a cruel landowner, Sangam (1954), Devdas (1955) in which he essayed the role of Devdas’ father, Mughal-E-Azam (1960), Taj Mahal (1963), Begunah (1970), Yaadon Ki Baarat (1973), and Jhumka (1995). He also featured in the Hollywood film Tarzan Goes to India (1962), playing a maharaja.
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24 Apr 1938

Cinemaazi remembers Mac Mohan on his birth anniversary

Mac Mohan, the iconic Sambha from Sholay (1975) and memorable character actor from countless other films, was actually a talented cricketer, even representing Uttar Pradesh! Today is his birth anniversary.
Mac Mohan, the iconic Sambha from Sholay (1975) and memorable character actor from countless other films, was actually a talented cricketer, even representing Uttar Pradesh! Today is his birth anniversary.
24 Apr 1929

Cinemaazi remembers Shammi on her birth anniversary

A popular artist during 50's Hindi cinema, Shammi Aunty wowed audiences with her spirited performances and comic prowess. She was born on this day in 1929.
A popular artist during 50's Hindi cinema, Shammi Aunty wowed audiences with her spirited performances and comic prowess. She was born on this day in 1929.
24 Apr 1929

Cinemaazi remembers Dr Rajkumar on his birth anniversary

Born on this day in Gajanur in 1929, Singanalluru Puttaswamy Muthuraju would go on to attain legendary status in Karnataka as Dr. Rajkumar the undisputed top star of the Kannada film industry for decades. Cinemaazi remembers him for his contributions.
Born on this day in Gajanur in 1929, Singanalluru Puttaswamy Muthuraju would go on to attain legendary status in Karnataka as Dr. Rajkumar the undisputed top star of the Kannada film industry for decades. Cinemaazi remembers him for his contributions.
24 Apr 1928

Cinemaazi wishes Shyam Kapoor a very happy birthday

Ever wondered who was the other artiste dancing with Sheela Vaz in the classic O leke pehla pehla pyar song from C.I.D (1956)? That was Shyam Kapoor, a refugee from Lahore, who was born on this day in 1928. He had come to Mumbai only with the desire to see the city, but ended up becoming a junior artiste by chance, appearing in small roles in many films. Cinemaazi wishes him a happy birthday! 
Ever wondered who was the other artiste dancing with Sheela Vaz in the classic O leke pehla pehla pyar song from C.I.D (1956)? That was Shyam Kapoor, a refugee from Lahore, who was born on this day in 1928. He had come to Mumbai only with the desire to see the city, but ended up becoming a junior artiste by chance, appearing in small roles in many films. Cinemaazi wishes him a happy birthday! 
24 Apr 1916

Cinemaazi remembers Sadanand Desai on his birth anniversary

A well-known film editor, Sadanand Desai was highly respected for his meticulous dubbing and editing skills. He edited the film Municipalti (1941), as well as more than 55 Soviet Union films between 1947 and 1970. He also produced the film Chhota Jawan (1963), which won the state’s Best Film of the Year award in 1964.
A well-known film editor, Sadanand Desai was highly respected for his meticulous dubbing and editing skills. He edited the film Municipalti (1941), as well as more than 55 Soviet Union films between 1947 and 1970. He also produced the film Chhota Jawan (1963), which won the state’s Best Film of the Year award in 1964.
24 Apr 1910

Cinemaazi remembers Raja Paranjape on his birth anniversary

An actor, director, producer and a vocalist, Raja Paranjape was the complete film personality. As a filmmaker, his vision and skills helped cinema make valuable strides. The hallmark of his films was that they were ahead of their times, and were not restricted by language but could communicate and connect with audiences via their humanism.
An actor, director, producer and a vocalist, Raja Paranjape was the complete film personality. As a filmmaker, his vision and skills helped cinema make valuable strides. The hallmark of his films was that they were ahead of their times, and were not restricted by language but could communicate and connect with audiences via their humanism.
23April
23 Apr 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Amit Mistry on his death anniversary

Actor Amit Mistry is known for films such as Bhoot Police (2021), What's Your Raashee? (2009), Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (2007), and Shor In The City (2010). Seen in supporting roles in films, he was also a known name in theatre—especially the Gujarati stage—as well as television. Image credit: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1796962/

Actor Amit Mistry is known for films such as Bhoot Police (2021), What's Your Raashee? (2009), Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (2007), and Shor In The City (2010). Seen in supporting roles in films, he was also a known name in theatre—especially the Gujarati stage—as well as television.

Image credit: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1796962/

23 Apr 2013

Cinemaazi remembers Shamshad Begum on her death anniversary

Cinemaazi remembers Shamshad Begum, whose clear voice was often described as a “temple bell”, on her 7th death anniversary.
Cinemaazi remembers Shamshad Begum, whose clear voice was often described as a “temple bell”, on her 7th death anniversary.
23 Apr 2013

Cinemaazi remembers Rehana on her death anniversary

Rehana is regarded as the first ‘Jhatka Queen’ of the film screen. A rage during the more puritanical 1940s and 1950s, her dances may not have won the appreciation of the educated classes but they were lapped up by the masses.
Rehana is regarded as the first ‘Jhatka Queen’ of the film screen. A rage during the more puritanical 1940s and 1950s, her dances may not have won the appreciation of the educated classes but they were lapped up by the masses.
23 Apr 1992

Cinemaazi remembers Satyajit Ray on his death anniversary

On Satyajit Ray's death anniversary, we take a look back at his most iconic film Pather Panchali (1955), through the eys of Uma Dasgupta who played the role of Durga. The essay was originally published in 'Satyajit Ray-er Pather Panchali', edited by Arun Sen, published by Pratikshan and has been translated by Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri. Uma Dasgupta pens a wonderful tribute to the maestro and shares some delightful anecdotes from the maki...
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On Satyajit Ray's death anniversary, we take a look back at his most iconic film Pather Panchali (1955), through the eys of Uma Dasgupta who played the role of Durga. The essay was originally published in 'Satyajit Ray-er Pather Panchali', edited by Arun Sen, published by Pratikshan and has been translated by Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri. Uma Dasgupta pens a wonderful tribute to the maestro and shares some delightful anecdotes from the making of the film.
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23 Apr 1940

Cinemaazi remembers Narhar Damodar or Nanasaheb Sarpotdar on his death anniversay

Actor, writer and filmmaker of the silent era of cinema, Narhar Damodar—or Nanasaheb Sarpotdar as he was popularly known—had a penchant for historical films. Acknowledged as one of the earliest sculptors of Marathi cinema, he directed more than 25 films in the course of his career such as Prabhavati (1925), Chhatrapati Sambhaji (1925), Thoratanchi Kamala (1927), Prithviraj Sanyogita (1929), Bhimsen The Mighty (1930), and Chandbibi (19...
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Actor, writer and filmmaker of the silent era of cinema, Narhar Damodar—or Nanasaheb Sarpotdar as he was popularly known—had a penchant for historical films. Acknowledged as one of the earliest sculptors of Marathi cinema, he directed more than 25 films in the course of his career such as Prabhavati (1925), Chhatrapati Sambhaji (1925), Thoratanchi Kamala (1927), Prithviraj Sanyogita (1929), Bhimsen The Mighty (1930), and Chandbibi (1931). His production house Aryan Film Company produced over twenty silent pictures. 
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23 Apr 1938

Cinemaazi wishes S Janaki a very happy birthday

A legendary singer in South Indian cinema, S Janaki has mesmerised film audiences for decades. Beginning in 1957, she has been the recipient of 4 National Awards and has sung in 17 languages. Cinemaazi wishes her a happy birthday!
A legendary singer in South Indian cinema, S Janaki has mesmerised film audiences for decades. Beginning in 1957, she has been the recipient of 4 National Awards and has sung in 17 languages. Cinemaazi wishes her a happy birthday!

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