indian cinema heritage foundation

on this day

31May
31 May 2022

Cinemaazi remembers KK on his death anniversary

Krishnakumar Kunnath (23 August 1968 – 31 May 2022), popularly known as KK is regarded as one of the most prolific playback singers in India. Noted for his versatility in a variety of music genres, he recorded songs primarily in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada language. KK was a recipient of several accolades including two Screen Awards, along with six Filmfare Awards nominations.
31 May 2006

Cinemaazi remembers Vasant Painter on his death anniversary

Vasant Painter joined Maharashtra Film Company as a poster painter, but went on to become a successful Hindi and Marathi filmmaker. He made his directorial debut with Gokul (1947). He passed away on 31st May, 2006.
31 May 2003

Cinemaazi remembers Anil Biswas on his death anniversary

Remembering pioneering Hindi film music director Anil Biswas on the occasion of his death anniversary. Born in 1914, he went on to popularise playback singing and orchestral music in films. Credited with introducing orchestral music and effects into Indian film music, he also incorporated Indian classical and folk elements. Biswas also had an uncanny ability to pick and groom singers. To him goes credit for introducing singers like Zohrabai...
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31 May 1987

Cinemaazi remembers John Abraham on his death anniversary

Introducing new idioms of realism in Malayalam cinema, John Abraham's influence on parallel cinema of later years runs deep. One of the most enigmatic figures of Indian cinema, the maverick director passed away on 31st May, 1987. His films Vidyarthikale Ithile Ithile (1972), Agraharathil Kazuthai (1977), Cheriyachante Kroorakrithyangal (1979) and Amma Ariyan (1986) remain much lauded classics
31 May 1925

Cinemaazi remembers Raj Khosla on his birth anniversary

One of the most accomplished directors of the noir-ish crime thriller, Raj Khosla was born on 31st May, 1925. An assistant to Guru Dutt in films like Baazi (1951), Jaal (1952) and Baaz (1953), he truly arrived on the scene with his second directorial C.I.D (1956). This was followed by classics like Silva Saal (1958), Kala Paani (1958), Bombai Ka Babu (1960) and Woh Kaun Thi? (1964).
30May
30 May 2017

Cinemaazi remembers Dasari Narayana Rao on his death anniversary

The great Darsaka Ratna, Dasari Narayana Rao passed away on 30 May, 2017. A National Award winning filmmaker, his films played a huge role in popularising Telugu cinema nationwide.
30 May 2013

Cinemaazi remembers Rituparno Ghosh on their death anniversary

On 30 May, 2013, Bengali cinema lost one of its most significant directors of modern times in Rituparno Ghosh. A brilliant economics student from Jadavpur University, Rituparno started in advertising, before debuting with Hirer Angti in 1992. During a career studded with high acclaim, Ghosh made a wide range of film genres, from literary adaptations to the detective mystery. In the process, these films played a key role in bridging the gap bet...
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30 May 2013

Cinemaazi remembers Oscar Unger on his death anniversary

Choreographing many famous dance sequences as part of the Vijay-Oscar duo as well as appearing as part of the Ted Lyons and His Cubs band in many films, Oscar Unger passed away on 30 May, 2013. Beginning in the 60s he worked till as late as 2007 in Sudhir Mishra's Khoya Khoya Chand. Image Source: The Indian Express
30 May 2003

Cinemaazi remembers Noor Lakhnavi on his death anniversary

A renowned Ghazal writer and lyricist, Noor Lakhnavi passed away on 30 May, 2003. He worked for several films in the 1950s. 
30 May 2003

Cinemaazi remembers Shamim Jaipuri on his death anniversary

A famous mushaira poet, Shamim Jaipuri wrote lyrics for several films in the 1960s and 70s. He was deeply influenced by Jigar Moradabadi in his work. Image source: www.rekhta.cpm
30 May 1945

Dhritiman Chatterjee

Cinemaazi wishes actor Dhritiman Chatterjee a very Happy Birthday!
30 May 1938

Cinemaazi remembers Madhumati on her birth anniversary.

Madhumati, the versatile actress and dancer who worked in about 150 films was born on this day in 1938. She passed away on 15 October 2025.
30 May 1903

Cinemaazi remembers Y V Rao on his birth anniversary

Director of the first Kannada talkie Sati Sulochana (1934),Y V Rao was a pioneering figure in South Indian cinema, working across the Tamil, Telugu and Kannada industries. He made several significant films such as the blockbuster Chintamani (1937), and cast M S Subbulakshmi as Narada in Savithri (1941). He was born on 30 May, 1903. 
29May
29 May 2020

Cinemaazi remembers Yogesh on his death anniversary

Yogesh also known as Yogesh Gaur / Yogesh Gaud had only Rs 500 with him when he started looking for jobs in Bombay. It was Gulshan Bawra who introduced him to Robin Banerjee that kickstarted his career. Initially working in stunt films, his luck changed when he met Salil Chowdhury who gave him the opportunity to write lyrics for Anand (1970). There was no looking back after that.
29 May 2007

Cinemaazi remembers Vanmala on her death anniversary

Vanmala was born Susheela Devi Pawar on 23 May 1915 in Ujjain, where her father, Colonel Raobahadur Bapurao Anandrao Pawar, was the state collector and commissioner. Brought up in the lap of luxury in Gwalior, she was trained in horse-riding, swimming, polo and fencing as a child. Vanmala completed her early education from Sardar Daughter’s School and received her Bachelors’ degree from Gwalior. Thereafter, she moved to Mumbai to purs...
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29 May 2007

Cinemaazi remembers Snehal Bhatkar on his death anniversary

Kidar Sharma got Snehal Bhatkar his first chance in films in 1944, but it wasn't until the 50s that he reached the peak of his career. He decided to go by the Snehal after his daughter's name Snehalata. He passed away on 29 May, 2007. 
29 May 1972

Cinemaazi remembers Prithviraj Kapoor on his death anniversary

His powerful acting, regal persona and booming voice set him apart from all actors of his era. Prithviraj Kapoor, who mesmerised both theatre and cinema audiences with his performances passed away on 29 May, 1972.
29 May 1954

Cinemaazi wishes a very happy birthday to Pankaj Kapur

A very happy birthday to Pankaj Kapur! The veteran actor is a three time National Award winner - for Raakh (1989), Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1990) and Maqbool (2004). Known for his ability to disappear within a role, he was an NSD graduate, before making his film debut with Arohan (1982). He also had a prominent role in Richard Attenborough's Gandhi (1982). Over the years he has played beloved character roles in films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983),...
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29 May 1952

Cinemaazi remembers  Ambarish on his death anniversary

Launched by Puttanna Kanagal in the National Award winning Naagarahavu (1972), Ambarish went on to become the angry young man of the 80s in films like Antha (1981). The famous star was born on 29 May, 1952.
29 May 1928

Cinemaazi remembers Bela Mukherjee on her birth anniversary

Born on 29 May, 1928, Bela Mukherjee got her first break in Kashinath (1943). After her marriage to Hemant Kumar she collaborated with him on a number of films. She also managed the production company Geetanjali Pictures.
29 May 1909

Cinemaazi remembers Mukhram Sharma on his birth anniversary

A celebrated lyricist, dialogue and scriptwriter, Pandit Mukhram Sharma was born on 29 May, 1909. Beginning with writing the lyrics for Sant Dnyaneshwar (1940), he did some of the best work of his career with B R Chopra. He also worked extensively with AVM and Gemini films. 
29 May 1905

Cinemaazi remembers Hirabai Barodekar on her birth anniversary

Here’s remembering Hirabai Barodekar, known by the sobriquet ‘Gaan Hira’ or sparkling gem in the musical arena, on her birth anniversary. A leading Hindustani classical music vocalist, she was born on 29 May, 1905 to Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, founder of the Kirana gharana, and Tarabai who came from a royal background. Her musical training started early. She first performed onstage at the anniversary celebrations of Gandharva...
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