Archives for 2017

Shemaroo Entertainment releases Dastaan – E – Rafi, an award winning documentary film based on Mohammed Rafi’s life on DVD to mark his 37th death anniversary. It was launched by the legendary actor Dharmendra who is a self – confessed fan of Mohammed Rafi and for whom Rafi sang several popular songs. Recalling his struggling days, Dharam Ji shared that he always wished for Rafi saab to sing for him. His happiness knew no bounds the day Rafi Saab sang his 1st ever song for him in Shola Aur Shabnam. He actually wanted to shout from roof tops telling the world that Rafi Saab sang for him. He always found him to be a saintly & a simple man. In fact, when other singers started to give playback for him, Dharmendra used to become very uncomfortable and took a long time to adjust. Such was his unconditional love for Rafi Saab. Dastaan – E – Rafi was subsequently presented to Anandji (of Kalyanji Anandji fame), Pyarelal (of Laxmikant Pyarelal fame), singer’s Anuradha Paudwal & Usha Mangeshkar at their respective residences. Dastaan – E – Rafi, directed by Acharya & Vinay Patel, features bollywood personas who have worked closely with Rafi Saab including Shammi Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Jeetendra, Khayyam, Pyarelal, Shamshad Begum, Ghulam Ali, Pandit Jasraj, Bappi Lahiri, Uttam Singh, Amit Kumar, and many more. His brother & children also share their memories about the great man. Prakask Karlekar is Cinematographer of the film. The documentary is an introspective attempt to discover the real human being behind the glory of the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi as industry celebs and his dear ones recall his life journey. The film traces his beginnings, right from his birth in Amritsar to his entry in Bombay; his days of struggle to his achieving stardom; the varied ups & downs in his life including differences with Lata Mangeshkar over royalty issue; his being sidelined after the emergence of Kishore Kumar as a playback singer post 1969 to his powerful comeback in mid – 1970’s and then his untimely death in 1980. Even decades after his death, Mohammed Rafi is fondly loved & remembered by fans all over the world and that proves his genius & greatness. Dastaan – E – Rafi DVD is economically priced at Rs 399/-.

SURAJ KUMAR TO ROMANCE WITH PRIYA SONI IN GUJRATI MOVIE ‘HU TARA ISHQ MA’

Gujarati Cinema has become famous with its intimate & romance scenes. They say romance is an eternal feeling. We believed in the saying only when we saw these actors show us their romantic side. The latest on – screen couple joining the romantic Gujarati Cinema brigade are Suraj Kumar & Priya Soni, who are keeping their romance fresh & hot for their Gujarati film Hu Tara Ishq Ma. Suraj Kumar & Priya Soni are set to portray a scintillating romantic chemistry. The Hu Tara Ishq Ma film helmed by filmmaker Raj Boricha & produced by Chanda Patel is being produced under the Banner of Blue Diamond Production House. The shooting for the film with Suraj & Priya is already underway in Gujarat. The film is about an unlikely couple falling in love with each other during their college life.

NAWAZUDDIN ACTS IN SHORT FILM ‘CARBON’

Nawazuddin Siddiqui has acted in a short film called Carbon, which is a futuristic film set in 2067, starring besides Nawazuddin also Jackky Bhagnani, Prachi Desai & Yashpal Sharma. Keeping in mind the current situation of Global warming, the film takes a look at what the future could look like if there’s no action taken today. Will these 4 characters escape from Carbon? Produced by Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh & Gautam Gupta, Carbon will be released on Large Short Films’ YouTube channel. The makers of Carbon have released 2 intriguing posters & trailer featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui & Prachi Desai respectively followed by Jackky’s poster. The 3 minute trailer takes you to the futuristic world of 2067, where “Oxygen” is a commodity. The only thing available in abundance in this world set in the future is “Carbon”. The film brings forth one of the biggest concerns of the planet and weaves it with unique plot & storyline. “Carbon is a passion project. The team & I’ve made this short film with an aim at creating awareness about some serious environmental issues plaguing our world. So far, the response to our posters has been overwhelming and I’m hoping the response to the trailer is even better,” says actor & producer, Jackky Bhagnani. Set in 2067, Carbon deals with serious environmental issues like global warming, climate change and their impact on the world. “I believe Carbon will be an eye – opener to many!”, says Prachi Desai. “Carbon is a serious film that focuses on environmental issues. It is an attempt to make people aware of the possible consequences of their present lifestyle & environmental choices”, adds Nawazuddin Siddique.

AKSHAY KUMAR TIES UP WITH BMC

Akshay Kumar is all set to promote his upcoming film, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha after returning from London. The actor has a unique promotional strategy in mind for the social drama. In keeping with the film’s message of improving sanitation condition in India, Kumar has decided to meet the city’s clean – up marshals. It was Akshay sir’s idea to get the clean- up marshals of the city together. They understand the city’s inherent issues the best. He is hosted an event recently to honor their contribution in keeping Mumbai moving seamlessly. A representative from each ward in the city was present at the event. Akshay also intends to spearhead a campaign to make the city cleaner. The actor & his team will work with counselors & BMC officials in teaching slum dwellers not to dump garbage into the drains and even educate them about waste management.

AKSHAY KUMAR’S IDEA FOR MIXED CRICKET TEAM LIKE TENNIS

Akshay Kumar attended the Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s cricket ground, London, on 23rd July 2017. Although our women in blue couldn’t lift the cup, they won everyone’s heart back home in India. This has given Akshay an idea: how about Indian men & women cricketers coming together to form one team? “Like there are mixed doubles in tennis, why can’t there be a men & women cricket match against another country? Why can’t they have mixed cricket teams where 6 Indian men & 6 Indian women play against Australia’s 6 men & 6 women? If this kind of a setup happens, it will be the biggest set -up ever,” says Akshay, who was struck by the idea while watching a Wimbledon match on his phone.

TRAILER OF ‘SNIFF’ UNVEILED

Relive your childhood with India’s youngest spy superhero!. Eros International’s Trinity Pictures’ 1st franchise, Sniff!!!, an Amole Gupte Cinema Production, promises to give you a chance to relive your childhood. Helmed by acclaimed director, Amole Gupte, of Taare Zameen Par, Hawaa Hawaai & Stanley Ka Dabba fame, the man reputed to spot talent in children is all set to launch his next discovery – Khushmeet Gill, who plays the 8 – year – old wonder boy who acquires a superpower. The trailer was launched on Eros Now as Sunny Gill goes on a day – out with his gang of friends along with the film’s director Amole Gupte. Khushmeet plays the lead protagonist, Sunny Gill, in this family entertainer that revolves around a young Sikh boy, who is a spy – in – the – making along with his curious gang of extraordinary cohorts. Amole Gupte says, “Sniff!!! is about sniffing, what else could it be! It’s about this wonder boy, Sunny Gill, who walks a lonely path and goes on to become a superhero because of a miracle. He is going to put wings to your imagination and take you on a roller -coaster ride”. Ajit Thakur, CEO, Trinity Pictures adds, “Sniff!!! explores the adventurous world of Sunny Gill, the 8 – year – old hero of the film who fights crime with the help of his superpower. As Trinity’s 1st ever franchise, Sunny Gill’s world will also be seen across comic books, mobile game & an animation series that we have planned. Amole Gupte, known for his wonderful films focused on children has delivered another gem”. Written & Directed by Amole Gupte, Sniff!!!, Trinity Pictures franchise, is scheduled to release on 25th Aug, 2017.

ANUSHKA SHARMA DOES A LIVE TREASURE HUNT ON FACEBOOK

Anushka Sharma has been busy promoting Jab Harry Met Sejal. The actress was recently spotted going LIVE from the Facebook office. Below is a small note on the same. Anushka Sharma is painting the town red with the promotions of Jab Harry Met Sejal. Recently the actress went LIVE from the Facebook office in Mumbai where she took up a treasure hunt challenge to tour the office and was pleasantly surprised at the final destination with a bunch of elated fans waiting to interact with her. The response was spectacular and even the online audience was all glued to see their favorite actress LIVE from Facebook. The video of her visit has crossed 1.5 million views already. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment & directed by Imtiaz Ali, Jab Harry Met Sejal is releasing this week.

AMYRA DASTUR’S 4 YEARS IN B – TOWN

Life has indeed come a full circle for Amyra Dastur! The gorgeous actress who made a stellar debut with Issaq that released on 26th Jul, 2013 has recently completed 4 years in the entertainment industry. While Amyra has successfully carved a niche for herself by showcasing her acting prowess in different genre films including Mr X and the Indo – Chinese production Kung Fu Yoga, she feels blessed to be part of the makers she has worked with and the audiences for showering their love & support. The talented actress has an interesting line up of films releasing this year including the Saif Ali Khan starrer Kala Kandi in which she will be seen in a guest appearance in a song, along with @ big banner South projects. Besides that, Amyra is also busy setting up her Parsi food joint. Way to go girl!

SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT VISITS THE US SPACE & ROCKET CENTER

Sushant Singh Rajput visited the US Space & Rocket Center recently. The US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama is a museum operated by the government of Alabama, showcasing rockets, achievements & artifacts of the US space program.

FARAH KHAN RECEIVES A WARM JAPANESE WELCOME!

Bollywood blockbuster Om Shanti Om directed by Farah Khan, has now been recreated into a play in Japan by Takarazu, the biggest theater company in Japan. Om Shanti Om still runs in theatres across Japan for the last 3 years and now becomes the 1st ever film from the Indian film industry to receive such an honor. Filmmaker Farah Khan flew to Japan this week, for the opening night of the play, for which she was specially invited as a front row guest. Farah spent a considerable amount of time backstage with the lead pair Kurenai & Kasuki, who essay Shah Rukh Khan & Deepika Padukone’s part. Ironically, Takarazu is an all female theater company, with an actress playing the hero’s role. Farah was overwhelmed to see her fans standing with her posters and waving out with Japenese hand fans with her face printed on them, which were later distributed in the theater. When contacted said Farah, “I’m thrilled & honored that Takarazu has made my most loved film into a musical…proving that our countries may be far apart but our hearts have the same emotions”
FAISSAL KHAN BECOMES MENTAL!

Aamir Khan’s younger brother Faissal Khan is back once again with the film titled Mental with Omkar Das Manikpuri & Dalip Tahil in its cast. The film is directed by Sharique Minhaj, his 3rd outing with actor Faissal Khan in a row after the controversial flick Chand Bujh Gaya and the Kashmir based Chinar Daastaan – E – Ishq. His film will be shot in major shooting schedules from Aug, 2017 at Surat, Daman, Saputara & Mumbai locales. Faissal Khan has shown his acting prowess in his earlier films titled Madhosh & Mela. He also featured in a TV serial titled Aandhi. Mental is the hat – trick film in a row between the actor -director. Faissal Khan is excited about this film, “This film’s subject is different from the earlier 2 films we did together. It revolves around a one – sided love affair and the guy goes at all lengths to win his love. He even becomes mental too. I believe in quality rather than quantity. I listen to the script first before giving my nod. When Sharique narrated the script & my role, I eagerly accepted to do it. It is a new -age film; especially for the generation next who are madly obsessed with one – sided affair and who take wrong decisions which is very immoral. ”Sharique Minhaj says, “I work on a subject which touches my heart. I have read it in the newspapers and other media about jilted lovers who do uncanny things which is disturbing to the family and the society on the whole. I felt a film on this subject is the need of the hour. Having worked with Faissal in 2 of my earlier films we share a good rapport. Faissal Khan fits in the character like a hand – in – glove. You could say it is a tailor – made role for him.”

THE LAST FILM THAT LATE OM PURI SHOT FOR ‘MR KABADDI’ TO RELEASE ON 25TH AUG 2017

The late veteran actor Om Puri’s last film written & directed by his 1st wife Seema Kapoor, will release on the 25th Aug, 2017. Mr Kabaddi which stars the late veteran actor Om Puri with Anu Kapoor in lead roles is all set to hit the theatres on 25th Aug, 2017. The film is a rib -tickling satirical comedy written & directed by Om Puri’s 1st wife Seema Kapoor. Anu Kapoor plays the role of a kabadiwala or a scrap dealer, who becomes rich and the series of events that follow make for an entertaining laugh riot. Director Seema Kapoor has roped in the finest actors of Bollywood to make this slapstick comedy. Apart from legendary actor Om Puri & Anu Kapoor, the film also stars Vinay Pathak, Sarika, Brijendra Kala, Rajveer Singh, Kashish Vora, Meenal Kapoor. Produced by Anup Jalota, Rakesh Gupta, Dinesh Gupta & Om Chhangani, Mr Kabaddi will get a nationwide release on 25th Aug, 2017.

MAKERS OF ‘SIMRAN’ SADDENED BY THE GROUNDLESS GOSSIP AROUND THE FILM

Kangana Ranaut’s next release Simran which is set to release on 15th Sept, 2017 has attracted a new rumor on the actress taking over the edit of the trailer for being unhappy by the 1st cut. The entire team who has been working hard on the film is very upset with the baseless rumors. Director Hansal Mehta says, “All this speculation is false, malicious & totally fabricated. It angers me that every time some malicious gossip has to be spread people meaninglessly drag Kangana into their stupid machinations. I’m even more hurt that some malicious person chooses to drag my relationship with Vishal Bhardwaj into this malice. Vishal is one of my dearest friends and if I am making films today it is because of him. I would never say anything that could remotely even hurt or upset somebody I love so dearly and to whom I am so grateful.” Bhushan Kumar says, “We are very saddened with this news. Her sitting on the edit table is completely false. We all work as a team and her feedback on every promo & plan is crucial. At the end, the film is a director’s vision and the film campaign will stay close to that only.” Simran has garnered a lot of appreciation since the launch of the teaser of the film.

VIDYUT JAMMWAL SHOWS HIS JUNGLEE SIDE

Vidyut Jammwal has surprised his fans by releasing a special video that features the daredevil actor performing a stunt that only a few people can, in the entire globe. The actor is seen doing push – ups taking support of 4 beer bottles, 2 on his hands & 2 on his feet. Vidyut enters the frame & effortlessly takes the support of the bottles and starts doing his push – ups. The stunt requires an extreme amount of focus which Vidyut has achieved with relentless handwork and practice that puts him amongst very few people in the world who can perform this stunt successfully. The actor, who has been trained in the oldest form of martial arts – Kalaripayattu since the age of 3, ends the video with a special message. After finishing the stunt he breaks two bottles and tells his fans to “Be Junglee”. Hollywood writer – filmmaker Chuck Russell has joined hands with Junglee Pictures to direct Vidyut Jammwal for a unique action – adventure titled Junglee. Impressed by how Vidyut can perform complex stunts with such ease, Director Chuck Russell said, “In this clip Vidyut’s casual style during a very difficult stunt puts a smile on our faces. I’m looking forward to combining his unique charm & martial arts skills with the positive message of Junglee.” The action – adventure film revolves around a man & an elephant and is set to go on the floors in Oct, 2017 and is targeting a release in summer 2018.

TAAPSEE’S NEXT IS A SOCIAL THRILLER DIRECTED BY ANUBHAV SINHA

Taapsee Pannu whose last films like Baby, Naam Shabana & Pink that went onto becoming major successes at the Box – Office will now soon be seen in a different avatar in her upcoming comedy release Judwaa 2. Taapsee who has been shooting for Judwaa 2 extensively since Apr, 2017 has now signed her next film which is a social thriller. All set to be directed by Anubhav Sinha, Mulk is the title of the film is where Taapsee will be sharing the screen space alongside actor Rishi Kapoor. She plays the role of his daughter – in – law in the movie. The shooting of Mulk will begin in a few months and will be shot in Lucknow & Varanasi. Mulk is a story inspired by true events, about a joint family who are involved in a controversy & Taapsee’s character is helping the family reclaim their honor.

{4th December 1924 – 31st July 1980}

“Woh jab yaad aaye, bahut yaad aaye”. Yes indeed and 31st of July heralded the 37th death anniversary of Mohammed Rafi, Rafi Sahab for one and all, who incidentally was born on 4th of December 1924. So by now it’s more than 3 decades down the unforgettable golden memory lane, time & again reminiscent of his everlasting crooning glory tinged with incidents & anecdotes galore, since his soul had departed for the heavenly abode on 31st July 1980 and more so when it is the case of an eminent and a legendary singing personality like him. Not to forget that he was truly known as “Aawaz Ki Duniya Ka Shahenshah” a phrase which was coined by none other than Ameen Sayani, India’s 1st ever Radio Jockey, on Radio Ceylon during his most popular broadcasting of the ‘Binaca Geetmala’ series.

THE BEGINNING

Since his early childhood Rafi Sahab had an undyingly passionate penchant for singing. But his strictest disciplinarian and a bit orthodox father was dead against his choice. Yet later on it was his uncle who on realizing his ardent desire started imparting the most essential vocal as well as instrumental musical training to him. Once the training session ended his uncle personally introduced him to Feroz Nizami the then managing director of Radio Lahore. The ground work was laid and soon enough after a brief stint out here the millions “Chahita Fankaar” (beloved singer) got his 1st ever playback singing break in a made in Lahore Punjabi film titled Gul Baloch. And the year was 1944.

JOURNEY FROM LAHORE TO BOMBAY

The year was the same, 1944. Gul Baloch numbers had hit the roof in the chart bursting track record on Radio Lahore. Rafi Sahab had then confidently packed up his bag, baggage and his Radio Lahore job and landed up straight in the “Jadunagri of Bambai ki filmi duniya” as it was more popularly known then. No doubt the Lahore success had preceded him and he instantly got his 1st ever Hindi film playback singing break in a film titled Pehle Aap with no other competitive new or old crooner then to pose a serious threat of the “Lucknowi” tradition of “Pehle aap, pehle aap”. The next thing one knew was that he had shot into instant limelight; his very 1st starry brush with stardom was with the memorable number Yahan Badla Wafaa Ka from a runaway hit film titled Jugnu. And then the rest as they say was a melodious history written in golden words in the annals of the history of Indian Cinema in general & Hindi Cinema in particular.

TURNING POINT ANECDOTE

Camp business in the entire filmic arena was prevalent even then. So in spite of gaining instant recognition with Jugnu Rafi Sahab had to wait for his time to enter the big time musical league. And soon enough such an opportunity did come his way. In his heydays his major breakthrough was courtesy a strange incident that had insinuated his foray into the musical giant Naushad Sahab’s music room at Mehboob Studio. It so happened that during the recording of Babul, another eminent singer Talat Mehmood had ended up infuriating him by daring to smoke in his presence. And due to the stringent contract system Talat Mehmood did end up singing all the songs of Babul much to his chagrin. But of course Naushad Sahab had vowed that he would never repeat Talat Mehmood in any film. So when he scored the music for his next film Baiju Bawra it was Rafi Sahab who got a laid out on a platter golden opportunity to sing all its songs including the very symbolic, heart touching & scintillatingly naughty number Maan Mera Ehsaan Arre Nadaan Ke Maine Tuhse Kiya Hai Pyaar from Mehboob Khan’s film Aan.

HIS UNIQUE STYLE HIS FORTE

In this regard it was the then Rafi Sahab’s arch rival the Late Kishore Kumar, who in spite of being a versatile & prolific crooner in his own right had to borrow his playback for one of his own acting role in a film titled Raagini, who had gone on record speaking volumes about his vocal virtuosity, “It sounds unbelievable yet true that all of a sudden Mohammed Rafi’s volcanic talent had emerged like a “Towering Inferno” on the Hindi based Indian musical scene from the 50’s phase onwards. His main forte was his stylish slurring, his mast murki’s, the feel & the tease in his voice in Toto with his excellent ability to mould his voice differently to match all the actor’s voices of our times. Then, of course, his perfect knowledge & understanding of every nuance pertaining to Urdu words in league with the Persian poetry too. While the added bonanza was his unmatched, unparalleled & flawless diction which he often used to infuse with an immeasurable yearning to bring out the exuberant light heartedness in his extremely popular Shammi Kapoor style of songs.”

HIS CAPTIVATINGLY INTOXICATING NUMBERS

To attempt the chronological enlisting of Rafi Sahab’s endless number of hit songs would be strictly unfair as millions, billions, trillions & zillions of his fans hum them all over & all the time even to this day! Yet there is no one on par with him as far as the crooning of the captivatingly intoxicated numbers were concerned, like Choo Lene Do Naazook Hoton Ko, Chalkaye Jaam Aaiye Aapki Aankhon Ke Naam, Maine Pi Sharab Tumne Kya Piya, Yeh Duniya Usiki, Jo Unki Tamanna Hai, Mujhe Duniya Walon Sharabi Na Samjo, Mujhko Yaaro Maaf Karna Main Nashemain Hoon et al.

HIS HEARTWRENCHING SAD NUMBERS

No doubt the ever smiling Rafi Sahab was equally versatile while crooning the pathos ridden melancholic numbers, like Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil, Babul Ki Duaen Leti Jaa, Mile Na Phool To Katon Se Dosti Karli, Aaj Purani Rahon Se Koi Mujhe Aawaz Na De, Yaad Na Jaaye Beete Dino Ki, Hum Ne Wafaa Na Sikhi et al.

HIS LIVELY & PEPPY NUMBERS

Indeed how can one forget his lively, peppy & outstandingly foot tapping numbers, like Tareef Karoon Kya Uski Jisne Tumhe Banaya, Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Hue, Jiya Ho Jiya Ho Jiya Kuch Bol Do, Jaan Pehchaan Hai, Na Rootho, Rootho Na Rootho Meri Jaan, Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe….Yahoooooo, Uff Yu Maa, Uff O Khuda et al.

HIS EVERGREEN ROMANTIC NUMBERS

In this arena he was aptly titled as the “King of Romance” by Indian Cinema historians like Firoze Rangoonwala, the Late Bunny Reuben, Rajiv Vijaykar, Ritu Nanda et al albeit in their musical references making a special mention of Rafi Sahab & his evergreen romantic numbers, like Nisultana Re, Chehre Pe Giri Zulfein, Baharaon Phool Barsao, Teri Pyaari Pyaari Soorat Ko, Yeh Mera Prem Patr Padkar, Mere Mehboob Tujhe Meri Mohabbat Ki Kasam, Bekhudi Mein Sanam Uth Gaye Jo Kadam, Aankhon Hi Ankhon Mein Ishara Ho Gaya et al. Well! The list is never ending and even reams & reams and endless reams of papier-mâché would be in suffice to enlist them all.

IN CONCLUSION

And then finally the voice that had enthralled & entertained the global music lovers was silenced forever on 31st July 1980. Yet his diehard fans all over feel, “Mohammed Rafi Sahab is not lost, only his physical presence is missing, but his heart, his soul & his voice still belongs to all of us.” Yes his was the most recorded voice of the bygone era and even now not a single day passes by without a Rafi number being aired on either Radio or Television. Indeed Rafi Sahab, who did face a declining lean phase, a slow & steady easing out phase in between, still remained the unchallenged musical supremo from 1960 – 1969. Besides he never gave up his riyaz, never compromised and never ever changed his outlook. While as per his son Shahid Rafi, “There can never be another Mohammed Rafi. Yes clones are galore including me in the earlier phase but Mohammed Rafi was Mohammed Rafi. By the way Baba has sung thousands or rather unlimited, uncountable songs in Hindi as well as varied other languages but till his last days his favorite personal choice were only two songs, like Ek Haseen Shaam Ko Dil Mera Kho Gaya Pehle Apna Hua Kartha Tha Ab Kisika Ho Gaya and Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya, Har Fikr Ko Dhuaen Mei Udata Chala Gaya. Which he did! Indeed!”

THE GRAND FINALE SALUTE

Comes from his contemporary colleague Mohammed Aziz aka Munna Aziz’s song, which he croons in all his globetrotting & Indian musical concerts galore till this date which will keep on reverberating everlastingly thereby refreshing his memory till “Qayamat”, Na Insaan Tujhsa Tere Baad Aaya, Na Fankaar Aisa Tere Baad Aaya, Mohammed Rafi Tu Bahut Yaad Aaya. Aameen!