Bollywoodirect

  Celebrating Indian Cinema  

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RIP Dharmendra Ji.

Dharmendra wasn’t just an actor-he was an era. The warmth in his smile, the strength in his presence, and the sincerity in his eyes made him more than a star; he was family to millions.

From Sholay to Satyakam, he gave us moments that defined Hindi cinema and generations that grew up loving him.

Rest in peace, the original He-Man of Indian cinema. Your charm, grace, and spirit will live on in every reel and every heart you touched.

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Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Rajesh Khanna, and Amitabh Bachchan captured during the shoot of Namak Haraam (1973).

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Remembering actor-filmmaker-screenwriter Kishore Sahu on his birth anniversary (22/11). Kishore Sahu was a famed actor, film director, screenwriter, and producer in Hindi cinema. You’d probably remember him as Waheeda Rehman’s husband, Marco, in Vijay Anand's Guide (1965).

In this photo, he is with Talat Mahmood, music director Chitragupt, and Lata Mangeshkar.

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Remembering #DaraSingh Ji on his 96th birthday (19/11/1928). Dara Singh, a name synonymous with strength and versatility, began his career as a wrestler. His physical prowess and indomitable spirit led him to be revered in the world of wrestling, culminating in his posthumous induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. In 1952, Singh made his foray into the film industry with the movie "Sangdil," marking the beginning of a prolific acting career. He gained immense popularity for his portrayal of Hanuman in the 1976 film "Bajrangbali" and the television series "Ramayan." His on-screen presence was commanding, bringing to life the characters of Indian mythology with a rare authenticity. Dara Singh's partnership with actress Mumtaz in 16 Hindi films created a memorable chapter in Indian cinema. Together, they captivated audiences, becoming one of the most celebrated duos of their time. Beyond the wrestling ring and the film set, Singh's influence extended to the political arena. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's Parliament, was a significant recognition of his contributions to the public sphere. It highlighted the respect and admiration he commanded across various fields. As a director, Singh helmed several Punjabi and Hindi films, showcasing his artistic vision and creative prowess. His directorial ventures under the banner "Dara Film" were marked by their engaging storytelling and cultural relevance.

On this day, as we remember Dara Singh, we celebrate not just a wrestler or an actor, but a figure who embodied the spirit of perseverance and excellence. His life's journey from a rural background to national fame serves as an inspiration to countless individuals. Dara Singh's legacy is not confined to his achievements in wrestling, cinema, or politics.

It lies in the hearts of those he inspired, the paths he paved for future generations, and the indelible mark he left on Indian culture. On his birth anniversary, we pay homage to this towering figure, whose life story continues to motivate and resonate with millions. Happy Birthday, Dara Singh. Your legacy continues to shine brightly in the annals of Indian history. #PrithvirajKapoor and Dara Singh at the muhurat of the movie 'Shreemat Bhagwat.'

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"I don’t believe that experimental theatre is different or commercial theatre is different. I only think theatre is either good or bad." – Dr. #ShreeramLagoo. On his birth anniversary (16/11/1927), we remember Dr. Shriram Lagoo, the renowned film and theatre actor in Hindi and Marathi. Dr. Lagoo began his journey in acting while studying medicine. He co-founded the theatre group “Progressive Dramatic Association” with friends. After earning a degree in ENT surgery in Mumbai during the early 1950s, he practiced medicine in Pune for six years before pursuing further training in Canada and England. In the 1960s, he worked as a doctor in Pune, India, and Tabora, Tanzania, all the while continuing to act in India. In 1969, he transitioned to becoming a full-time theatre actor in Marathi plays, debuting with Vasant Kanetkar’s play Ithe Oshalala Mrityu. Dr. Lagoo gained widespread fame for his role in the iconic play Natsamrat, written by Kusumagraj (Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar). He also made a significant impact in Marathi cinema, starring in acclaimed films such as Sinhasan, Pinjra, and Mukta. His wife, Deepa Lagoo, is a celebrated actress in theatre, TV, and films. Together, they had two sons and a daughter. To honor his late son, Dr. Lagoo instituted the Tanveer Samman award, which recognizes emerging talents in Indian theatre. Dr. Lagoo also left his mark on Hindi cinema, often appearing alongside Rajesh Khanna in films like Thodisi Bewafai, Maqsad, and Souten. He delivered memorable performances in other notable films such as Devata, Des Pardes, and Sadma.

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Tribute to #Roshan, one of the greatest music composers in the history of Hindi cinema, on his 57th death anniversary. Roshanlal Nagrath (14 July 1917 – 16 November 1967), better known simply as Roshan, was a celebrated Hindi film music composer. He was the father of actor and director Rakesh Roshan and music director Rajesh Roshan, as well as the paternal grandfather of Hrithik Roshan. In 1948, Roshan moved to Mumbai to pursue a career as a Hindi film music director. Initially, he worked as an assistant to Khawaja Khurshid Anwar for the film Singaar. After facing significant struggles, he finally received his break when Kidar Sharma gave him the opportunity to compose music for Neki Aur Badi (1949). While the film did not achieve success, Roshan established himself on the Hindi film music scene with the release of Baawre Nain in 1950. During the early 1950s, Roshan worked with legendary singers like Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, and Talat Mahmood. Films such as Malhar, Shisham, and Anhonee featured his compositions, showcasing his talent. One of his iconic creations from this time was Aeeri Main To Prem Diwani Mera Dard Na Jaane Koi, sung by Lata Mangeshkar in the film Naubahaar. Although he was not consistently commercially successful, Roshan’s work was widely respected. He played a pivotal role in introducing lyricists Indeewar and Anand Bakshi to the industry. Both would later rise to prominence as sought-after songwriters in Mumbai. Anand Bakshi’s first break came in 1956 with Bhala Aadmi, although it was Nissar Bazmi who gave him the opportunity. Roshan later collaborated with Bakshi on CID Girl (1959) and delivered a significant success with Devar (1966). The 1960s marked the golden era of Roshan’s career, where his unique ability to blend folk music with Hindustani classical influences became his trademark. His compositions during this time included memorable songs from films such as Barsaat Ki Raat (Na To Caravan Ki Talaash Hai and Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhoolegi Woh Barsaat Ki Raat), Aarti (Ab Kya Misaal Doon and Kabhi To Milegi), Taj Mahal (Jo Vaada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega, Pao Chhoon Lene Do, and Jurm-e-Ulfat Pe), Dil Hi To Hai (Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai and Laga Chunari Mein Daag), Chitralekha (Sansaar Se Bhaage Phirte Ho and Man Re Tu Kaahe), and Anokhi Raat (Oh Re Taal Mile and Khushi Khushi Kar Do Vida). His work in the film Mamta (1966) with lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri resulted in timeless melodies like Rehte The Kabhi Jinke Dil Mein, Rahen Na Rahen Hum, and the duet Chuppa Lo Yun Dil Mein Pyar Mera with Hemant Kumar. The film Devar also featured iconic songs such as Aaya Hai Mujhe Phir Yaad Woh Zalim, Baharon Ne Mera Chaman Loot Kar, and Duniya Mein Aisa Kahan Sab Ka Naseeb Hai. Roshan’s unique contribution to Hindi cinema was his mastery of the qawwali, which was evident in creations like Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai and Na Khanjar Uthega, Na Talwar Tumse. His ability to craft soulful and memorable music, blending genres with finesse, cemented his legacy as one of the most gifted composers in the history of Indian cinema.

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Naya Sansar isn’t just a story of love and conflict — it’s a powerful look at the ethical challenges and ideas that shape journalism. Written by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas and directed by N.R. Acharya, this 1940 classic dives into the world of radical journalism, making it a perfect tribute for #NationalPressDay.

The film stars Ashok Kumar and Renuka Devi and revolves around Sansar, a progressive newspaper. Premchand (Mubarak), the editor, is a cautious yet idealistic man who finds himself struggling with his principles. Meanwhile, Puran (Ashok Kumar), a passionate reporter, represents the voice of change. Asha (Renuka Devi), a young woman raised by Premchand’s family, is caught between her loyalty to them and her love for Puran. When Premchand compromises his values to work with a corrupt businessman, Puran quits Sansar and starts his own paper, Naya Sansar. This bold step makes Premchand realize his mistake. He not only restores the newspaper’s progressive voice but also supports Asha and Puran’s love.

Naya Sansar is more than just a movie — it’s a timeless reflection on the courage and struggles of journalism. A must-watch, especially on National Press Day!

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Remembering the great Soumitra Chatterjee on his 4th death anniversary (15/11/2020).

Shashi Kapoor, Jennifer Kapoor, her sister Felicity, Soumitra Chatterjee, and Shailen Mukherjee at the Berlinale, Berlin International Film Festival, where Satyajit Ray’s Charulata was awarded the Silver Bear for Best Director (1965).

What are your favorite Soumitra Chatterjee films?

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Remembering Mehmood Junior on his birth anniversary (15/11). Naeem Sayyed, known as Mehmood Junior, was a popular actor, singer, and director in Hindi & Marathi films. The famous name "Mehmood Junior" was given to him by Mehmood Ali. What are your favorite roles of his?

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Remembering Saeed Jaffrey, one of the most beloved actors of British-Indian cinema and television, on his 9th death anniversary (15/11/15).

Saeed Jaffrey, born on 8 January 1929 and passing on 15 November 2015, was a distinguished British-Indian actor with a versatile career spanning over six decades in film, radio, stage, and television. He featured in more than 150 movies across British, American, and Indian cinema. During the 1980s and 1990s, Jaffrey was renowned as Britain’s most prominent Asian actor, with key roles in the movie My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) and TV series like The Jewel in the Crown (1984), Tandoori Nights (1985–1987), and Little Napoleons (1994). He played a pivotal role in connecting filmmakers James Ivory and Ismail Merchant and appeared in several of their Merchant Ivory Productions films, including The Guru (1969) and The Deceivers (1988).

Jaffrey made a significant impact in Indian cinema with his role in Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), earning the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award in 1978. His performance as Lallan Miyan in Chashme Buddoor (1981) endeared him to Indian audiences. He also gained acclaim for his roles in Raj Kapoor's Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) and Henna (1991), which brought him Filmfare nominations.

Jaffrey was the first Asian to be nominated for British and Canadian film awards. In 1995, he was honored with an OBE for his contributions to drama, a first for an Asian actor. His memoirs, Saeed: An Actor's Journey, were published in 1998. Jaffrey’s life ended in London after a brain haemorrhage in 2015, and he was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri in January 2016.

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Remembering Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, on his birth anniversary (14/11). Here, Jawaharlal Nehru is seen with #RajKapoor, #DilipKumar, and #DevAnand.

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‘Sene mein dil hain, Dil mein hain dhadkan, Dhadkan mein hain tu hi tu, Aye meri pheli tammna, Aye meri akhri aarzoo, I love you, I love you’

Celebrating 32 years of Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (13/11/1992)!

Directed by Aziz Mirza and produced by G.P. Sippy, with Vivek Vaswani as co-producer, and written by Manoj Lalwani. The film stars Shahrukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Nana Patekar, and Amrita Singh, with music by Jatin-Lalit and lyrics by Vinod Mahendra, Mahendra Dehlvi, Dev Kohli, Manoj Darpan, and Madan Pal.

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Lux Toilet Soap advertisement featuring the iconic Waheeda Rehman, from 1957.

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'Woh jo tha khwaab sa, kya kahein, jaane de.

Yeh jo hai kam se kam, yeh rahe, ke jaane de.'

Celebrating 7 years of Qarib Qarib Singlle (10/11/2017).

Co-written and directed by Tanuja Chandra, this film was produced by Zee Studios, JAR Pictures, and Sutapa Sikdar. It stars Irrfan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Neha Dhupia in the lead roles. The music was composed by Anu Malik, Rochak Kohli, and Vishal Mishra, with lyrics by Raj Shekhar, Hussain Haidry, and Varun Grover.

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Celebrating 39 Years of Mard (08/11/1985)!

Starring the iconic #AmitabhBachchan alongside Amrita Singh, Dara Singh, Nirupa Roy, Prem Chopra, Bob Christo, Satyendra Kapoor, Manik Irani, Dan Dhanoa, and Goga Kapoor, this classic was directed by the legendary Manmohan Desai.

With lyrics by Prayag Raj and music by Anu Malik, Mard remains a timeless favorite.

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Remembering #MunawarSultana, a popular Hindi film actress of the past, on her 100th birth anniversary (08/11).

In a career spanning 12 years, Munawar Sultana starred as the leading lady in 26 films.

Which of her films is your favorite?

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Celebrating 28 Years of Ghatak (08/11/1996)

Today marks 28 years since 'Ghatak' hit the theatres. This action movie, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, became a favourite for its straightforward storytelling and intense scenes.

#SunnyDeol, #MeenakshiSeshadri, #AmrishPuri, and #DannyDenzongpa led the cast.

Ishwar R. Bidri handled the cinematography, capturing the action scenes well, while V. N. Mayekar's editing kept the pace fast and engaging.

The music of 'Ghatak' was one of its highlights, with R. D. Burman composing most of the tracks. Anu Malik contributed a hit song that's still known today. Vanraj Bhatia's background score added to the tension and drama of the film.

The lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri and Rahat Indori gave depth to the music, making the songs not just tunes but stories.

It's a film that's stayed popular over the years, proving its lasting impact.