indian cinema heritage foundation

on this day

19March
19 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Navin Nischol on his death anniversary

Navin Nischol was a gold medallist at the Film and Television Institute of India, which led to him being signed on as the lead for Sawan Bhadon (1970). He enjoyed a successful run as a lead hero in the 70s, before transitioning to a character actor. Today is his 10th death anniversary.  

Navin Nischol was a gold medallist at the Film and Television Institute of India, which led to him being signed on as the lead for Sawan Bhadon (1970). He enjoyed a successful run as a lead hero in the 70s, before transitioning to a character actor. Today is his 10th death anniversary.


 
19 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Dada Chandekar on his birth anniversary

One of Hindi cinema’s most influential music directors, Dada Chandekar played a crucial role in the soundscape of the early talkies era. Born on this day in 1897 as Shankar Vishnu Chandekar in Kolhapur, he followed his passion for music and joined Dinanath Mangeshkar’s theatre troupe Balwant as a harmonium player for fifteen years. With the advent of sound in cinema, Chandekar took his chances and joined Kolhapure Cinetone as an indep...
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One of Hindi cinema’s most influential music directors, Dada Chandekar played a crucial role in the soundscape of the early talkies era. Born on this day in 1897 as Shankar Vishnu Chandekar in Kolhapur, he followed his passion for music and joined Dinanath Mangeshkar’s theatre troupe Balwant as a harmonium player for fifteen years. With the advent of sound in cinema, Chandekar took his chances and joined Kolhapure Cinetone as an independent musician. The first Hindi-Marathi bilingual film he composed for was Kalia Mardan (1933). Chandekar is also credited for introducing the angelic voice of Lata Mangeshkar in 1942’s Pahili Mangalagaur. Some of his well-known films are Brandi Ki Botal (1939), Ghar Ki Rani (1940), Amrit (1941), Main Tera Hoon (1947), and Sansar Maher (1954). Later, he worked in All India Radio, Poona towards the end of his career. Cinemaazi remembers the legend on his birth anniversary.
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19 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi wishes a very happy birthday to  Sai Paranjpye

Happy birthday to the legendary Sai Paranjpye, who gave middle cinema a new dimension with her witty, sensitive films like Sparsh (1980), Chashme Buddoor (1981), Katha (1982) and Disha (1990).
Happy birthday to the legendary Sai Paranjpye, who gave middle cinema a new dimension with her witty, sensitive films like Sparsh (1980), Chashme Buddoor (1981), Katha (1982) and Disha (1990).
19 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi wishes Mohan Babu a very happy birthday

Superstar Mohan Babu was born on this day in 1952 as Manchu Bhathavatsalam Naidu. After working as a physical education instructor in YMCA college, he persevered to get an entry into the film world. In 1975, he finally got his chance to appear on screen in Swargam Narakam, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao, a collaborator who plays a significant role in his career. Rechristened as Mohan Babu for the screen, he began his journey in an antagonist rol...
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Superstar Mohan Babu was born on this day in 1952 as Manchu Bhathavatsalam Naidu. After working as a physical education instructor in YMCA college, he persevered to get an entry into the film world. In 1975, he finally got his chance to appear on screen in Swargam Narakam, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao, a collaborator who plays a significant role in his career. Rechristened as Mohan Babu for the screen, he began his journey in an antagonist role and made a name for himself playing such characters in Alluri Seetharama Raju (1974), Driver Ramudu (1979), Sardar Papa Rayudu (1980), Premabhishekaram (1981), Adavi Donga (1985), and Annamayya (1997). The 1978’s blockbuster hit Sivaranjani was a breakthrough film. Despite playing the role of a villain most often, Mohan Babu displayed a wide range in his acting skills. However, it was Assembly Rowdy (1991) that established his superstar status. As a producer, he made films such as Pratigna, Assembly Rowdym Rowdygari Pellam, and Pedarayudu and Major Chandrakanth. He served his tenure as an MP in Rajya Sabha from 1995-2001. Mohan Babu is known for his philanthropic contribution and has been awarded with Padma Shri in 2007. Cinemaazi wishes him on his birthday!

 


 
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19 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Dwarka Divecha on his birth anniversary

Most famously known for his stellar work in Sholay (1975), Dwarka Divecha made his mark as a cinematographer in several successful films like Rattan (1944), Dillagi (1949), Yasmin (1955), Solva Saal (1958), Amrapali (1966) and many more. Today is his birth anniversary.
Most famously known for his stellar work in Sholay (1975), Dwarka Divecha made his mark as a cinematographer in several successful films like Rattan (1944), Dillagi (1949), Yasmin (1955), Solva Saal (1958), Amrapali (1966) and many more. Today is his birth anniversary.
19 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Akbar Bakshi on his death anniversary

Remembering stunt director Akbar Bakshi who passed away this day, 19 March in 1998. His work in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) and Soldier (1998) won him Filmfare awards for Best Action. In Soldier, Bakshi created highly effective fight sequences incorporating a blood-splattered climax in the deserts of Jaisalmer. The entire cast and crew grew so enthusiastic, that even veteran actress Raakhee reportedly shunned the services of a stunt double. Star...
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Remembering stunt director Akbar Bakshi who passed away this day, 19 March in 1998. His work in Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) and Soldier (1998) won him Filmfare awards for Best Action. In Soldier, Bakshi created highly effective fight sequences incorporating a blood-splattered climax in the deserts of Jaisalmer. The entire cast and crew grew so enthusiastic, that even veteran actress Raakhee reportedly shunned the services of a stunt double. Starting off in the 70s, Bakshi debuted as fighter and stuntman. Among the many films he worked on are Dharmatma (1975), Amrit (1986), Khiladi (1992), Baazigar (1993), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), and Aarzoo (1999). He also appeared onscreen, often making brief appearances in the films whose stunts he directed, including Nartakee (1963), Jugnu (1973), Prem Pratigyaa (1989), Vishwatma (1992), and Tarazu (1997). Akbar Bakshi passed away during the making of Soldier. His son Mehmood Bakshi is also an action director, while his daughter Hafiza Akbar Bakshi is a celebrity make-up artist.
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18March
18 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Ajit Merchant on his death anniversary

Singer-music director Ajit Merchant passed away this day, 18 March in 2011. Born in 1925, he started off as a drama artiste, before he found his calling in music. He went on to compose the music for Hindi films such as Refugee (1948), Raj Kumari (1955), Indra Leela (1956), Chandi Pooja (1957), Ram Bhakta Vibhishan (1958), Sapera (1961), Challenge (1964), Lady Killer (1968), as well as Gujarati films like Kariyavar (1948), Divadandi (1950), Lagna...
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Singer-music director Ajit Merchant passed away this day, 18 March in 2011. Born in 1925, he started off as a drama artiste, before he found his calling in music. He went on to compose the music for Hindi films such as Refugee (1948), Raj Kumari (1955), Indra Leela (1956), Chandi Pooja (1957), Ram Bhakta Vibhishan (1958), Sapera (1961), Challenge (1964), Lady Killer (1968), as well as Gujarati films like Kariyavar (1948), Divadandi (1950), Lagna Mandap (1950), and Bahuroopi (1969). His break as a music director on All India Radio came by a stroke of luck—when the designated music director was not available for the day. Merchant’s compositions for the radio feature were appreciated, and there was no looking back. Working as an assistant to Ashok Ghosh composing music for a Ranjit Movietone film, Merchant got his first independent break as music director with Refugee (1948), followed by the Gujarati film Kariyawar (1948). Among his well-known songs are Roop tumhara aankhon se pi lun, Ujadi hui ishq ki duniya tere bagair, and Panchhi gaane lage prabhati. Ajit Merchant was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award by Maharashtra Rajya Gujarati Sahitya Akademi. 

Image source: https://amvaishnav.wordpress.com
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18 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Rajkumari Dubey on her death anniversary

The famed actress-singer Rajkumari Dubey, also known as Rajkumari Banaraswali passed away on this day in 2000. Known for her dulcet voice, she starred in several successful films of the 30s, before deciding to focus solely on playback singing. 
The famed actress-singer Rajkumari Dubey, also known as Rajkumari Banaraswali passed away on this day in 2000. Known for her dulcet voice, she starred in several successful films of the 30s, before deciding to focus solely on playback singing. 
18 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Shashi Kapoor on his birth anniversary

Cinemaazi remembers Shashi Kapoor on his birth anniversary.

Cinemaazi remembers Shashi Kapoor on his birth anniversary.
18 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Minoo Baba on his death anniversary

Fondly called Minoo Baba, Minoo Katrak was one of the top sound recordists through the 50s and 60s. He had a particularly fruitful relationship with Raj Kapoor. Today is his death anniversary.
Fondly called Minoo Baba, Minoo Katrak was one of the top sound recordists through the 50s and 60s. He had a particularly fruitful relationship with Raj Kapoor. Today is his death anniversary.
18 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Fali Bilimoria on his birth anniversary

Cinemaazi remembers documentary filmmaker and cinematographer Fali Bilimoria on the occasion of his birth anniversary – 18 March, 1923. Bombay-born son of a lawyer, Fali quit his medical studies in 1946 to move to politics. A documentary director and producer since the late 40s, he partnered with other makers like P V Pathy and Paul Zils, before starting his own Fali Bilimoria Productions in 1959. Among his well-known documentary films are...
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Cinemaazi remembers documentary filmmaker and cinematographer Fali Bilimoria on the occasion of his birth anniversary – 18 March, 1923. Bombay-born son of a lawyer, Fali quit his medical studies in 1946 to move to politics. A documentary director and producer since the late 40s, he partnered with other makers like P V Pathy and Paul Zils, before starting his own Fali Bilimoria Productions in 1959. Among his well-known documentary films are The House That Ananda Built, A Village in Travancore, The Weavers, Four Families, and Coir Worker. He explored topics such as agricultural technology, co- operative movements in handloom, fisheries, housing, etc. His clients included Shell, British Transport, Deutsche Condor, the USIS and private American sponsors. Bilimoria blurred the line between documentary and fiction narrative in many of his works, by introducing professional actors. This is evinced in his documentary on malaria, titled A Tiny Thing Brings Death, which starred Sombhu Mitra. He also made documentaries on the Congress Sessions of 1947 and 1948. Retiring in 1987, Fali Bilimoria passed away in 2001. 

In image: A still from the House That Ananda Built (1968). Courtesy: Mubi

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18 Mar 2020

Cinemaazi celebrates Navin Nischol on his birth anniversary

This week is the birth (18 March) and death (19 March) anniversaries of Navin Nischol, an actor who starred in several hits. An underrated actor, Navin had a very good voice and flawless diction both of which are rare. He brightened the cinema of 1970s with films such as, Parwana (1971), Victoria No. 203 (1972), Dhund (1973) and Hanste Zakhm (1973) - a film that was the great breakthrough of his career. Nischol played the lead in Parwana, whil...
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This week is the birth (18 March) and death (19 March) anniversaries of Navin Nischol, an actor who starred in several hits. An underrated actor, Navin had a very good voice and flawless diction both of which are rare. He brightened the cinema of 1970s with films such as, Parwana (1971), Victoria No. 203 (1972), Dhund (1973) and Hanste Zakhm (1973) - a film that was the great breakthrough of his career.

Nischol played the lead in Parwana, while Amitabh Bachchan was cast as the villain. Zanjeer was yet to arrive.

Nischol always had some wonderful songs to sing on screen - Raat Kali Ek Khwab Men Aai and Bhali Bhali Si Ek Surat (Buddha Mil Gaya), Dekha Main Ne Dekha (Victoria No. 203), Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho, To Yeh Lagta Hai, Ke Jahaan Mil Gaya and Yeh Maana Meri Jaan, Mohabbat Saza Hai (Hanste Zakhm), are just some examples.

His performance in Lekh Tandon's Ek Baar Kaho is gentle, sophisticated and memorable.

He used to often reminisce about his overnight stardom and the cruelty with which it was snatched away.
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17March
17 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Ghulam Mohammed on his death anniversary

Best remembered for his last work, the evergreen tunes of Pakeezah (1972), Ghulam Mohammed had been involved in theatre from a young age, been an assistant to Naushad and composed for films since the 40s. Today is his death anniversary.
Best remembered for his last work, the evergreen tunes of Pakeezah (1972), Ghulam Mohammed had been involved in theatre from a young age, been an assistant to Naushad and composed for films since the 40s. Today is his death anniversary.
17 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Jyoti Swaroop on his death anniversary

Remembering writer-director Jyoti Swaroop on the occasion of his death anniversary, 17 March, 1991. Starting his career as assistant director with Talaaq (1958), he debuted as director with Miya Bibi Razi (1960), starring Mehmood, Manorama, and David Abraham. Among the films he went on to direct are Bin Badal Barsaat (1963), Padosan (1968), Parwana (1971), and Naya Zaher (1991). Making his debut as screenplay writer with the Sanjay Khan, Parveen...
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Remembering writer-director Jyoti Swaroop on the occasion of his death anniversary, 17 March, 1991. Starting his career as assistant director with Talaaq (1958), he debuted as director with Miya Bibi Razi (1960), starring Mehmood, Manorama, and David Abraham. Among the films he went on to direct are Bin Badal Barsaat (1963), Padosan (1968), Parwana (1971), and Naya Zaher (1991). Making his debut as screenplay writer with the Sanjay Khan, Parveen Babi, and Rakesh Roshan-starrer Trimurti (1974), he also worked on the screenplays of hits such as Satte Pe Satta (1982), Sweekar Kiya Maine (1983), Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985), and Sarphira (1992).
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17 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers Anil Chatterjee on his death anniversary

Best remembered for his passionate performance as Shankar in Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960), Anil Chatterjee was one of the few actors to have featured in the films of almost all the great masters of Bengali cinema, including Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Tapan Sinha, Asit Sen and others. Acting in over 200 films, he also earned acclaim for his performance as Deshbandhu Chittaranjan. Today is his 25th death anniversary.
Best remembered for his passionate performance as Shankar in Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960), Anil Chatterjee was one of the few actors to have featured in the films of almost all the great masters of Bengali cinema, including Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Tapan Sinha, Asit Sen and others. Acting in over 200 films, he also earned acclaim for his performance as Deshbandhu Chittaranjan. Today is his 25th death anniversary.
17 Mar 2021

Cinemaazi remembers R S Junnarkar on his birth anniversary

A noted director and writer, R S Junnarkar made his debut co-scripting Master Vinayak's first directorial venture Vilasi Ishwar/Nigah-e-Nafrat (1935) along with the renowned playwright Mama Warerkar. He continued his association with Master Vinayak in Chhaya (1936), Dharmaveer (1937), Premveer (1937), Jwala (1938). He made his directorial debut alongside Mubarak in Bahurani (1940), followed by Navyug Chitrapat's Sangam (1941). He was call...
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A noted director and writer, R S Junnarkar made his debut co-scripting Master Vinayak's first directorial venture Vilasi Ishwar/Nigah-e-Nafrat (1935) along with the renowned playwright Mama Warerkar. He continued his association with Master Vinayak in Chhaya (1936), Dharmaveer (1937), Premveer (1937), Jwala (1938). He made his directorial debut alongside Mubarak in Bahurani (1940), followed by Navyug Chitrapat's Sangam (1941). He was called upon to complete the filming of Pahili Mangalagaur (1942) when Master Vinayak left Navyug midway. The film was Lata Mangeshkar's debut as a singer. His other films were Ladai Ke Baad (1943), Pundalik (1944), Main Tera Hoon (1947), Pandharicha Patil (1949), Aahuthi (1950), Sant Bahinabai (1953), Baby (1954) and Shashi (1954). Today is his birth anniversary. 

In picture: Miss Rose in Bahurani (1940).

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