Andaz is an Hindustani word (both Hindi and Urdu) word meaning

Music

Andaz (album), an album by the Pakistani rock band Junoon

Bollywood films

Andaz (1949 film), a 1949 film directed by Mehboob Khan

Andaz (1971 film), a 1971 film directed by Ramesh Sippy

Andaz (1994 film), a 1994 film directed by David Dhawan

Andaz Apna Apna, a 1994 film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi

Andaaz, a 2003 film directed by Raj Kanwar

Other

Andaz, a 1994 TV series

Andaz, a hotel brand by Hyatt

Name	Rajesh Khanna
Birthname	Jatin Khanna
Birth date	December 29, 1942
Birth place	Amritsar, Punjab, India
Othername	Jatin KhannaKakaRK
Yearsactive	1966 - 1999, 2008 - present
Spouse	Dimple Kapadia (1973–1984 separated)
Notable role	Anand'Amar Prem

Rajesh Khanna (; , Urdu: راجيش خانة) (born Jatin Khanna on 29 December 1942) is an Indian Bollywood actor, film producer and politician.

During his career, he appeared in over 180 films. He won three Filmfare Best Actor Awards and was nominated for the same fourteen times. He was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Khanna is referred to as the “First Superstar” of Indian cinema. He had "the biggest and the maddest fan following, especially his female fans," which, according to Entertainment One India, has not been duplicated since he rose to fame in the 1970s.

He served a five year tenure as MP in the Indian parliament (1991–1996).

Early life

Jatin Khanna was born in Amritsar on 29 December 1942. He was raised by adopted parents (relatives of his biological parents) since they were childless. Khanna lived in Thakoredwar which was near Girgaon. Khanna attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School in Girgaum, along with his friend Ravi Kapoor, who later took the stage name of Jeetendra. Their mothers were both kirtan pals. Khanna gradually started taking interest in theatre and did a lot of plays in his school and college days and won many prizes in the inter college drama competitions. Khanna became a rare newcomer who struggled in his own MG sports car to get work in theatre and films in the early sixties. Both friends later studied in Kishinchand Chellaram College(KC). When Jeetendra went for his first film audition, it was Khanna who tutored him.

Jatin Khanna's uncle changed Khanna's first name to Rajesh when Khanna decided to join films.His friends and his wife call him as Kaka.

Adult life

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Khanna fell in love with the then fashion designer and actress Anju Mahendru. They were in the relationship for seven years. Mahendru states that the couple did not speak to each other for 17 years after the break up. Later Khanna married Dimple Kapadia in 1973 and has two daughters from the marriage. Khanna and Dimple Kapadia separated in 1984 as his schedule kept him away much of the time and Dimple became interested in pursuing an acting career, and thereafter lived separately, but did not complete the divorce proceedings. In the eighties Tina Munim was romantically involved with Khanna till the time she decided to leave the industry to pursue her higher studies. Following a few years of separation later the distance brought about mutual understanding between Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. Their elder daughter Twinkle Khanna, an interior decorator and also a former Hindi film actress, is married to actor Akshay Kumar and younger daughter Rinke Khanna, also an Indian actress is married to a London-based investment banker Samir Saran.

Early success (1966–1975)

Rajesh Khanna was one of eight finalists in the 1965 All India Talent Contest organised by United Producers and Filmfare from more than ten thousand contestants. He won All India Talent Contest/ He made his film debut in the 1966 film Aakhri Khat directed by Chetan Anand, followed by Raaz directed by Ravindra Dave both of which were a part of his predetermined prize for winning the All-India United Producers’ Talent Competition. G.P. Sippy and Nasir Hussain were the first to sign Rajesh Khanna after he won the contest. Being under contract with United Producers, he got projects like Aurat, Doli and Ittefaq. He was then noticed for his performances in films like Baharon Ke Sapne, Aurat (1967), Aradhana and Ittefaq. Later Waheeda Rehman suggested Asit Sen to take Khanna for the lead role in Khamoshi. Through Aradhana he rose to "instant national fame" and the film critics started calling him the first superstar of India. In that film, Rajesh Khanna was cast in a double role (father and son) opposite Sharmila Tagore and Farida Jalal. The film also saw the resurgence of Kishore Kumar, who eventually became the official playback voice of Rajesh Khanna. The Kishore Kumar-Rajesh Khanna combination worked miracles and it was almost impossible to see them as separate identities. They became a singer-actor duo and together they gave many songs till 1989.

He formed popular on screen pairs with actresses namely Sharmila Tagore, Asha Parekh, Mumtaz, Hema Malini, Tina Munim, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil and Poonam Dhillon.

In the films like "Anand", "Namak Haram", "Bawarchi" and "Naukri" directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Khanna always had author-backed roles and for this reason Khanna charged only half of his market rate while doing these films. Indiatimes ranks Anand amongst the Top 25 Must See Bollywood Films.

Rajesh acted alongside Mumtaz in eight successful films. They were neighbours and got along very well, and as a result they shared a great on-screen chemistry. When Mumtaz gave up films, Rajesh-Mumtaz were the topmost pair. After Khanna married, Mumtaz decided to marry millionaire Mayur Madhwani in 1974. At the time when her marriage was fixed she was doing three films Aap ki Kasam, Roti and Prem Kahani with Khanna. She decided to quit movies only after completing these films. When she left films Khanna felt very lost. In one of her interviews, Mumtaz was quoted saying " I would pull his leg and tease him about his fan following. Whenever Rajesh entered a hotel in Madras, there was a queue of 600 girls waiting to see him at midnight. As a result, even I would get some importance, as people would ask for my autograph as well. He very generous with his associates, and would party a lot."

Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna both of them as a pair were looked upon with affection by the audiences and easily were accepted as a romantic couple in the different musical hits they did together.The audience were happy to them together in film after film. Rajesh Khanna played the role of an lonely unhappy married man who befriends a prostitute played by Sharmila in Amar Prem. Khanna played the role of husband of Sharmila who gets arrested in murder case and subsequently on the way to prison, the police van meets with an accident and later circumstances forces him to marry another girl to give that girl’s illegitimate child his name. Then Aavishkaar saw them as a married couple who try their best to save their marriage. Tyaag saw Khanna plays a boyfriend who convinces his girlfriend that since her father does not approve of the relationship, they should not marry each other. Public liked Khanna’s pairing with Mumtaz and Sharmila, the most as a result there was a big rivalry between the two heroines.

During the peak of his career he would be mobbed during public appearances. Fans kissed his car, which would be covered with lipstick marks, and lined the road, cheering and chanting his name. Female fans sent him letters written in their own blood. There used to be a line of cars of his producers and hysterical fans outside his bungalow every day. Actor Mehmood parodied him in his film Bombay to Goa where the driver and conductor of the bus were called 'Rajesh' and 'Khanna'. Even today, he remains the favourite of mimicry artists, who copy his trademark style and dialogue delivery. During the filming of Amar Prem there was scene that needed to be filmed at Howrah Bridge in Calcutta with a boat carrying Khanna with Sharmila moving under the bridge but the authorities ruled this scene out as they realised that if the public found out that the hero of the film would be there, it may create problems on the bridge itself, and that it might collapse due to the amount of people trying to get a glimpse of their favourite actor. Film critic Monojit Lahiri remembers “Girls married themselves to photographs of Rajesh Khanna, cutting their fingers and applying the blood as sindoor. Rajesh was God, there has never been such hysteria.”

Several songs sung by Kishore Kumar in the 1970s were based on Rajesh Khanna. During the filming of the song 'Mere Sapnon Ki Rani' in Aradhana, Sharmila Tagore was shooting for a Satyajit Ray film and the director Shakti Samanta had to shoot their scenes separately and then join the scenes together.

The BBC made a film on him, Bombay Superstar, in 1974, the shooting for which began the same time when he got married and his film Daag premiered. In the video it can be noticed that Khanna was shooting for Aap Ki Kasam. A textbook was prescribed by the Bombay University contained an essay, 'The Charisma of Rajesh Khanna!'.

Music remained one of the biggest attractions of all Rajesh Khanna films throughout his career, and most of the best scores for his films were composed by Sachin Dev Burman, R.D. Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The trio of Rajesh Khanna, Kishore Kumar and R.D. Burman went on to make several hits, including Kati Patang, Amar Prem, Apna Desh, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Aap Ki Kasam, Ajnabee, Namak Haraam, Maha Chor, Karm, Phir Wohi Raat, Aanchal, Kudrat, Agar Tum Na Hote, Awaaz, Hum Dono, Alag Alag among others.

Rajesh Khanna had 15 consecutive hits between 1969 to 1972, which is still an unbroken record in Indian film history. His success began to diminish in terms of box office results of his films in the period 1976–78.

The Bad Phase (1976–1978)

Post-1976, Khanna had a string of unexpected box office flops up to 1978, including films which were rated highly by critics upon their release and have achieved strong cult status over the years among the viewers for their story content and memorable performances by the cast like Mehbooba, Bundal Baaz, Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein, Naukri, Chakravyuha and Janata Havaldar. He persuaded Samanta to give his sister in law Simple Kapadia a break in films by casting with him. Each film of the combination of Rajesh Khanna-Shakti Samanta were huge blockbusters but Anurodh became an exception by becoming an average grosser in spite of it being given three stars by critics and having awesome music,good storyline and amazing performances by the entire cast. K. Balachander then remade his 1973 National Award for Best Film Arangetram in Hindi as Aaina with Mumtaz in the lead and Khanna in a cameo appearance in 1977 but even this film did not work at the box office.The changing trend from romantic and social movies to action oriented multi-star and lost and formula films in this period caused the decline of Khanna's career in terms of box office ratings to some extent. The declaration of emergency in India had angered the masses and this helped films having the lead character revolting against corruption becoming success. However, Khanna continued basically in solo hero social sober household meaningful films during multi-star masala films' era and played variety of characters. During this phase too he had box office hits like Maha Chor, Chhailla Babu, Tyaag and Karm.

Later Career (1979–present)

Khanna met with more huge success again in challenging roles in the solo hero projects with critically acclaimed box office hits such as Amardeep, Phir Wohi Raat, Bandish, Thodisi Bewafaii, Dard, Kudrat, Dhanwan, Avtaar, Agar Tum Na Hote, Souten, Asha Jyoti, Awaaz, Naya Kadam,Hum Dono, Babu, Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar, Shatru, Insaaf Main Karoonga, Anokha Rishta, Nazrana, Angaarey, Adhikar (1986), Amrit (1979 onwards till 1989). Director Bharathiraja decided to remake his 1978 Tamil box office hit film Sigappu Rojakkal in Hindi with Khanna playing the role of psychopath. Kamal Haasan who played the same role in Tamil won Best Actor Award for Sigappu Rojakal in South Filmfare awards for his portrayal as the antihero. But the Hindi movie was seen as controversial by traditional and orthodox Hindi moviegoers and thereby became a box office failure. Though Rajesh Khanna was praised for his performance in Red Rose by the critics the film did not fetch Khanna even a single nomination for the best actor award at the award functions. Over the years people have rated Red Rose better than the original due to a stellar performance from Khanna.

Tina Munim and Rajesh Khanna became the leading couples of 80’s on and off screen with hits Fiffty Fiffty, Souten, Aakhir Kyun, Bewafai , Insaaf Main Karoonga and Adhikar(1986). Ram Awatar Agnihotri wrote that Tina Munim showed the first sparks of the dedicated actress she would become in the films Alag Alag and Adhikar both with Khanna. He also acted in the Marathi hit film Sundara Satarkar in 1981. He has performed in the least number of multistar films in comparison to his contemporaries and had the main central character in the few multistarrers he acted. During the multi-starrer era, Khanna delivered multi-starrer superhits like Rajput, Dharam Aur Kanoon, Zamana, Dil-E-Nadan, Ashanti, Awam (film) and Ghar Ka Chiraag. He did three potboiler movies with Jeetendra, which were big blockbusters Dharam Kanta, Nishaan and Maqsad. Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar is one of the memorable political film of Rajesh Khanna. Khanna presented a character of corrupt politician and how he gets success for "Power" has been resembled in this film.The viewers praised his role in the film as Khanna was successful acting as the politician. The year 1985 saw him turn a producer with Alag Alag.Ten films with Khanna in the lead role released in the year 1985 and six of them became hits as his films ate up the box office collections of his own films and in addition had three films with him in special appearance.

He shared a very close relationship with R.D. Burman and Kishore Kumar. The trio were very close friends and have worked together in more than thirty films. Work of Pancham with Khanna is regarded as legendary and far superior than any other actor-music director combinations. The king of playback singing Kishore Kumar had even credited Rajesh Khanna for his resurgence, so much so that he sang for Alag Alag,the first film produced by Rajesh Khanna without charging anything. In 1985 Pancham found himself being sidelined after failure of few films but Rajesh Khanna was among the few who continued to stand by him. Rajesh and Pancham worked together even after the death of Kishore in the films Jai Shiv Shankar and the unreleased film Police Ke Peechhe Police,both produced by Khanna and Sautela Bhai.Khanna even helped Leena Gangully and Amit Kumar in completing Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein, the last film directed by Kishore himself as Kishore died before the completion of the film.

Actors who were part of the cast of most of his films include Ashok Kumar, Sujith Kumar, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, Asrani, Bindu, Vijay Arora, Roopesh Kumar and A. K. Hangal, who remained part of his " working team" since the start until the late eighties. The lyricist whom he preferred for his movies were Anand Bakshi. Films by Shakti Samanta with Khanna in the lead, music by Pancham and lyrics by Anand Bakshi had people swooning over. The films Samanta directed without Khanna in the eighties went downhill. His other close friends from the film industry include Raj Babbar, J. Om Prakash and Jeetendra.

Pyarelal quoted in an interview that “Rajesh Khanna was lucky for us and we were lucky for him too. From the 1969 Do Raaste to the 1986 Amrit, we gave hits together both as films and as music scores.... When we went on our first overseas concert tour in 1984, he came and danced to three songs. He was very particular about his music and would take a tape home if he could not assess a song. He would then give his feedback after a day or two. But if he liked a song at the sitting, he would loudly shout “Wah! Wah!” in appreciation…. It was God’s blessing that we came up with such a vast range of hit songs for him, including in his home productions Roti and films like Chhailla Babu, Chakravyuha, Fiffty Fiffty, Amar Deep and Bewafai. Incidentally, he had a stake in Mehboob Ki Mehndi too. He had great interest in music and a terrific sense of melody too. His music is dominated by Pancham (R.D. Burman) and us and we accepted Shakti Samanta’s Anurodh only because Rajesh Khanna had some misunderstanding with Pancham then and did not want to work with him.” The younger generation stars like Imran Khan still regard Rajesh Khanna as someone who would take the top slot as the most romantic hero of all time. Tom Alter confesses “I still dream of being Rajesh Khanna. For me, in the early 1970s, he was the only hero — romantic to the core, not larger than life, so Indian and real — he was my hero; the reason I came into films and he still is.” Rajesh Khanna was the last super star to set fashion trends before stars of post nineties era came in. The trend of wearing guru kurtas and wearing belt on shirts became famous in seventies and eighties because of Khanna.

Akshay Kumar was a fan of Khanna since his childhood and later as he became son in law he told "Look at what destiny had in store for me. I married my idol's daughter! I still can't believe it.Who wasn't his fan in the 1970s? I remember queuing up for hours to watch Aradhana, Amar Prem, Kati Patang. These are among my favourite films of all times." When Action Replayy, a film starring Akshay in the lead released in 2010, Akshay ensured that Rajesh Khanna became the first person to watch the film in theaters.On the eve of the film's release Akshay said "The film is set in the era that belongs to my father-in-law. I am proud of being part of the family now. Mr Khanna will be the first person to watch the film. I'm determined about that." Action Replayy was a film which paid homage to the decade when Rajesh Khanna ruled. Amitabh Bachchan, while presenting the lifetime achievement award to Khanna at the IIFA awards of 2009 acknowledged, "The word superstar in the Indian film industry was for the first time coined for him".

From the early nineties onwards he stopped acting and served as M.P. of New Delhi Constituency from 1991 to 1996. During that period, he returned to acting, appearing in Khudai(1994). He made a comeback as a NRI in Aa Ab Laut Chalen(1999), and Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa(2002). In September 2007, he officially announced his planned return to the big screen, signing a contract for several new films, including some Television serials.

Television

He is a life member of the International Film And Television Research Centre, the International Film And Television Club and the Asian Academy of Film & Television. He is the Guest Faculty of 'Specialized Cinema Courses At Asian School Of Media Studies'. On April 10, 1999 Khanna inaugurated the live concert of S.P. Balasubramanyam held at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad as a tribute to Pancham. In 2001 and 2002, Rajesh played the lead in two television serials: Aapne Parai (B4U & DD Metro) and Ittefaq (Zee TV). He performed in a video album based on Tagore's songs (Rabindra Sangeet) without payment, and is currently in the process of creating his own music channel "R.K. Music Channel". He also endorsed Star se Superstar tak - a talent hunt programme in 2007 and donated a Gold Trophy of Rs. 1 crore with Priyanka Chopra. In its Silver Jubilee Episode on 14–15 March 2008, K for Kishore aired a Rajesh Khanna special. He signed a TV serial with Creative Eye Banner (Dhiraj Kumar) in 2007, and in 2008 performed in a TV serial, Bhabhima, with Leena Ganguly as his co-star. His successful TV serial Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi began in November 2008 and ended in September 2009. Khanna cites there are lack of good roles for actors like him in the films this is the reason he was rarely seen in films after 2000. He said in an interview on being queried about his decision to do TV serials, "The reach of TV is much more than cinema today and one episode of my serial is likely to be watched by more people than a super-hit film". In 2009, on his 67th birthday Shemaroo Entertainment released his films and a song collection titled Screen Legends-Rajesh Khanna-the Original Superstar.

Political and business career

Rajesh Khanna was a member of Parliament for the Congress Party, from the New Delhi constituency, where he won the 1992 by-election, retaining his seat until the 1996 election. He has since been a political activist for the Congress Party.

Khanna and a group of foreign investors have bought land in Shirdi on which they plan to build a religious resort for disciples of Sai Baba of Shirdi.

Awards, honours and recognitions

Filmfare Awards

Won

1971 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Sachaa Jhutha

1972 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Anand

1975 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Avishkaar

1990 –- Special Award for twenty-five years in the film industry

2005 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (Golden Jubilee function)

Nominated

1970 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Aradhana

1970 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Ittefaq

1972 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Kati Patang

1973 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Dushman (1972)

1973 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Amar Prem

1974 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for

1975 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Prem Nagar

1980 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Amardeep

1981 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Thodisi Bewafaii

1982 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Dard

1984 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Avtaar

Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards

Won

1972 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Anand 1973 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Bawarchi 1974 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Namak Haraam 1987 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Amrit

Nominated

1970 – Nominated for the 1970 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Ittefaq

1971 – Nominated for the 1971 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Sachaa Jhutha

1972 – Nominated for the 1972 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Kati Patang

1973 – Nominated for the 1973 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Dushman

1973 – Nominated for the 1973 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Amar Prem

1974 – Nominated for the 1974 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Avishkaar

1975 – Nominated for the 1975 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Aap Ki Kasam

1975 – Nominated for the 1975 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Roti

1976 – Nominated for the 1976 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Prem Kahani

1980 – Nominated for the 1980 BFJA Awards for Best Actorfor Amar Deep

1981 – Nominated for the 1981 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Thodisi Bewafaii

1982 – Nominated for the 1982 BFJA Awards for Best Actorfor Kudrat

1982 – Nominated for the 1982 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Dhanwan

1984 – Nominated for the 1984 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Agar Tum Na Hote

1984 – Nominated for the 1984 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Avtaar

1985 – Nominated for the 1985 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Awaaz

1985 – Nominated for the 1985 BFJA Awards for Best Actorfor Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar

1985 – Nominated for the 1985 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Naya Kadam

1986 – Nominated for the 1986 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Aakhir Kyon?

1986 – Nominated for the 1986 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Babu

1987 – Nominated for the 1987 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Adhikar (1986)

1988 – Nominated for the 1988 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Awam

1990 – Nominated for the 1990 BFJA Awards for Best Actor for Ghar Ka Chiraag

Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award

2008 Dada Saheb Phalke Legendary Golden Actor Award at Mumbai on the occasion of Dada Saheb Phalke Birth day celebration.

IIFA Award

2009 Lifetime Achievement Award for Super Star Rajesh Khanna in Macau, China

Tamil Cine World Award

2009 All India Film Workers Association Life Time Achievement Award

International Pune Film Festival Award

2010 Life Time Achievement Award

Bollywood Awards

2004 Lifetime of Glamour award at the Kingfisher Bollywood Fashion Awards

2004 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bollywood Awards held in US

Sansui Film Awards

2001 Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Third Sansui Film Awards held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium

All India Critics Association Award

1985 All-India Critics Association (AICA) Best Actor Award in 1985 at Calcutta for Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar

Other Awards

1982 – Winner Lions Club, New Delhi– Best Actor Award for Dard

1994 – Winner Russian Film Festival, Ujvegistan- Best Actor for Khudai

2003 Maharashtra State Government's Raj Kapoor Awards presented on April 30, 2003

2006 Yugantar Gaurav Puraskar 2006 awarded by Chandibai Himmatmal Mansukhani (CHM) College as part of the Gaurav Diwas celebrations on 4 February 2006 2006 Award for Outstanding contribution to Indian cinema at the 2006 Bollywood Movie Awards held on June 10, at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya Khanna was a recipient of the Glory of India Award by IIFS, London

Kala Ratna Awards

1995 – Winner Kala Ratna Award

In 1995 Rajesh Khanna was honoured with the Kala Ratna Award by Punjabi Kala Sangam at Delhi by the then Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.

Filmography

Actor

For the list of films see

Producer

Co-Producer

Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971) (Released)

Roti (1974) (Released)

Playback Singer

Raja Rani (1973) (Released)

Amar Prem (1972) (Released)

Daag (1973) (Released)

Ajnabee

Souten (1983) (Released)

References

External links

*

Category:1942 births Category:Living people Category:Indian film actors Category:Hindi film actors Category:Indian film producers Category:Indian politicians Category:People from Amritsar Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Indian Hindus Category:Indian actor-politicians Category:Indian television actors Category:Indian playback singers Category:Lok Sabha members

Name	Raj Kapoor
Birthname	Ranbir Raj Kapoor
Birth date	December 14, 1924
Birth place	Peshawar, Pakistan
Death date	June 02, 1988
Death place	New Delhi, India
Occupation	Actor, Producer, Director
Yearsactive	1935-1985
Othername	The Show Man

Ranbirraj "Raj" Kapoor (, Punjabi: ਰਾਜ ਕਪੂਰ, }} Rāj Kapūr, 14 December 1924 - 2 June 1988), also known as The Show-Man, was an Indian film actor, producer and director of Hindi cinema. He was the winner of nine Filmfare Awards, while his films Awaara (1951) and Boot Polish (1954) were nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1987 for his contributions towards Indian cinema.

Early life and Background

, Pakistan]]

Raj Kapoor was born in Peshawar, British India (present day Pakistan), to actor Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni (Rama) Devi Kapoor (née Mehra). He was the eldest of six children in a Punjabi family. He was the grandson of Dewan Basheshwarnath Kapoor and great-grandson of Dewan Keshavmal Kapoor, part of the famous Kapoor family. Two of Raj's brothers are actors Shashi Kapoor (aka Balbir Raj Kapoor) and Shammi Kapoor (aka Shamsher Raj Kapoor); the other two died in infancy. He also had a sister named Urmila Sial.

Raj Kapoor attended Colonel Brown Cambridge School, Dehradun in the 1930s.

Career

At age eleven, he appeared in films for the first time, in the 1935 film Inquilab. After acting in several other films the next 12 years, Raj Kapoor's big break came with the lead role in Neel Kamal (1947) opposite Madhubala in her first role as a leading lady. In 1948, at the age of twenty-four, he established his own studio, R. K. Films, and became the youngest film director of his time. His first movie as a producer, director and star was the 1948 film Aag which was also the first of his many films with actress Nargis. However the film failed to do well at the box office. In 1949 he once again starred alongside Nargis and Dilip Kumar in Mehboob Khan's classic blockbuster Andaz which was his first major success as an actor.

He went on to produce, direct and star in many box office hits such as Barsaat (1949), Awaara (1951), Shree 420 (1955), Chori Chori (1956) and Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960). These films established his screen image as The Tramp modeled on Charlie Chaplin's most famous screen persona. In 1964 he produced, directed and starred in Sangam which was his first film in colour. This was his last major success as a leading actor. He moved to directing and starring in his ambitious 1960s film, Mera Naam Joker (My name is Joker), which took more than six years to complete. When released in 1970, it was a box office disaster putting him in a financial crisis. Despite this setback, Raj regarded this film as his favorite.

He bounced back in 1971 when he co-starred with his eldest son Randhir Kapoor in Randhir's acting and directorial debut Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971) which also starred Raj's father Prithviraj Kapoor as well as Randhir's wife to be Babita. From then on he acted in films as a character actor and focused on producing and directing films. He launched his second son Rishi Kapoor's career when he produced and directed Bobby (1973) which was not only a huge box office success but also introduced actress Dimple Kapadia, later a very popular actress, and was the first of a new generation of teen romances. Dimple wore bikinis in the film which was quite unique for Indian films then.

In the latter half of the 1970s and early 1980s he produced and directed films which focused on the female protagonists: Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978) with Zeenat Aman, Prem Rog (1982) with Padmini Kolhapure and Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985) which introduced Mandakini.

Raj Kapoor's last major film appearance was in Vakil Babu (1982). His last acting role was a cameo appearance in a 1984 released British made-for-television film titled Kim.

Death

, Pakistan]]

Raj Kapoor suffered from asthma in his later years; he died of complications related to asthma in 1988 at the age of 63. At the time of his death, he was working on the movie Henna (an Indo -Pakistan based love story). The film was later completed by his son, Randhir Kapoor and released in 1991 which became a huge success at the Box Office. When he was given the Dadasaheb Phalke Award; where his brothers, Shashi Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor were also present; the crowd was clapping around when President Venkataraman, who saw Kapoor's discomfort, came down the stage to give the award to the legend in the middle of thundering claps where he was breathing his last breath. And suddenly Kapoor collapsed, and was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment. The country's top cardiologists tried their best, but could not save him.

Legacy

Raj Kapoor is appreciated both by film critics and ordinary film fans. Film historians and movie buffs speak of him as the "Charlie Chaplin of Indian cinema," since he often portrayed a tramp-like figure, who, despite adversity, was still cheerful and honest. His fame spread worldwide. He was adored by audiences in large parts of Africa, the Middle East, the former Soviet Union, China, and Southeast Asia; his movies were global commercial successes. Raj had the knack of getting the best out of any one, since he had mastered all departments of film making and even marketing them. When Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru died in 1964 coinciding with release of Sangam, he took the opportunity to create a scene when Gopal ashes were immersed in Ganges , like Pandit Nehru described in his poetic will. His films reflected the Era in which it was made.

He had a great understanding of the public taste and a great sense of Box-Office.He was one of the pioneers of the Indian cinema, who talked about the potential of Hindi cinema emerging as a great revenue earner from the world market in fifties, which has become a reality today.

Many of Raj Kapoor's movies had a patriotic theme. His films Aag, Shree 420 and Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (In the Country Where the Ganges Flows) celebrated the newly independent India, and encouraged film-goers to be patriots. Raj Kapoor commissioned these famous lyrics for "Mera Joota Hai Japani" , a song from the movie Shree 420:

:Mera joota hai Japani :Ye pataloon Inglistani :Sar pe lal topi Roosi :Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani'''

:My shoes are Japanese :These trousers are English :The red cap on my head is Russian :But still, however, my heart is Indian'''

The song is still extremely popular and has been featured in a number of movies since Shree 420 was released. Indian author Mahasweta Devi stopped the show with her inaugural speech at the 2006 Frankfurt Book Fair when she used these lyrics to express her own heartfelt patriotism and debt to her country.

Raj Kapoor was a canny judge of filmi music and lyrics. Many of the songs he commissioned are evergreen hits. He introduced the music directors Shankar Jaikishan and the lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra. He is also remembered for his strong sense of visual style. He used striking visual compositions, elaborate sets, and dramatic lighting to complete the mood set by the music. He introduced the actors Nimmi, Dimple Kapadia, Nargis and Mandakini, as well as launching and reviving the careers of his sons Rishi, Randhir and Rajiv.

Personal life

The Kapoor family hailed from Lyallpur, British India, which is now called Faisalabad in the Punjab province of present-day Pakistan.

Kapoor is also known to have had a longtime romantic relationship with the renowned actress Nargis during the 1950s. The couple starred in several films together, including Awaara and Shree 420. He is also alleged to have had an affair with Vyjayanthimala, his co-star in Sangam.

Three of Kapoor's grandchildren are currently stars in the Bollywood film industry. His granddaughters are Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, the daughters of Raj's son Randhir Kapoor and his wife Babita. His grandson Ranbir Kapoor, who is the son of Rishi Kapoor and his wife Neetu Singh.

Awards

Kapoor had received many awards throughout his career, including 9 Filmfare Awards and 19 nominations. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 1971 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1987 - the highest award for cinematic excellence in India. In 2001, he was honoured with “Best Director of the Millennium” by Stardust Awards. He was named “Showman of the Millennium” by Star Screen Awards in 2002.

Association with other artists

Shankar Jaikishan

Shankar-Jaikishan were his music director of choice. He worked with them in 20 films in all including 10 of his own films from Barsaat until Kal Aaj Aur Kal. (Jagte Raho with Salil Chowdhury and Ab Dilli Dur Nahin being two exceptions in this period). Only after Jaikishan died, did he turn to a different music director - Laxmikant Pyarelal for Bobby, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, and Preg Rog (later on his children used Laxmikant -Pyarelal for Prem Granth also) and Ravindra Jain for (Ram Teri Ganga Maili and Henna). It is interesting to note that Raj Kapoor never acted in a movie with music by Madan Mohan, and did only one movie with O. P. Nayyar (Do Ustad).

List of films with Shankar Jaikishan: (18 Films)

Barsaat (1949)

Aah (1953)

Awaara (1951)

Boot Polish (1954)

Shree 420 (1955)

Chori Chori (1956)

Anari (1959)

Kanhaiya (1959)

Main Nashe Men Hoon (1959)

Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960)

Aashiq (1962)

Ek Dil Sao Afsane (1963)

Sangam (1964)

Teesri Kasam (1966)

Around the World (1967)

Diwana (1967)

Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968)

Mera Naam Joker (1970)

Nargis

Raj Kapoor and Nargis worked together in 16 films including 6 of his own productions.

Aag (1948)

Andaz (1949)

Barsaat (1949)

Pyaar (1950)

Jan Pahchan (1950)

Awaara (1951)

Amber (1952)

Anhonee (1952)

Ashiana (1952)

Bewafa (1952)

Aah (1953)

Paapi (1953)

Dhoon (1953)

Shree 420 (1955)

Chori Chori (1956)

Jagte Raho (1956)

Mukesh

Mukesh was Raj Kapoor's almost exclusive singing voice in almost all of his films. Also, when Mukesh died, Raj had said, "Maine apni aawaaz ko kho diya..." ("I have lost my voice..."). However Manna Dey has also sung many notable and super-hit songs for Raj Kapoor, for instance in Shree 420 and Chori Chori. Examples of such songs are best illustrated by following songs:

Dil Ka Haal Sune Dil Wala (Shree 420)

Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni Mein Hum (Chori Chori)

Jahan Mein Jati Hoon Wahin Chale Aate Ho (Chori Chori)

Yeh raat bhigi bhigi, yeh mast fizayen (chori chori)

Masti Bhara Hai Samaan (Parvarish)

A bhai zara dekh ke chalo (Mera Naam Joker)

Pyar hua ikrar hua hai (Shree 420)

Laga Chunri mein Daag (Dil Hi to Hai)

Filmography

Further reading

The Kapoors: the first family of Indian cinema, by Madhu Jain. Penguin, Viking, 2005. ISBN 0670058378.

References

Sources

Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul. Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. London: British Film Institute; New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1994

Kishore, Valicha. The Moving Image. Hyderabad: Orient Longman, 1988

External links

Category:1924 births Category:Indian Hindus Category:1988 deaths Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian film directors Category:Hindi film directors Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients Category:Hindi film actors Category:Indian actors Category:Indian film producers Category:Hindkowan people Category:Punjabi people

Name	Kishore Kumar
Background	solo_singer
Spouse	Rama Devi, Madhubala, Yogeeta Bali, Leena Chandawarkar
Birth name	Abhas Kumar Ganguly
Born	August 04, 1929Khandwa, Central Provinces and Berar
Died	October 13, 1987Mumbai, Maharashtra
Genre	Playback, Rabindra Sangeet, rock and roll
Occupation	Singer, actor, director, musician, producer
Years active	1946–1987

Kishore Kumar (, ; 4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was an Indian film playback singer and an actor who also worked as lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter. Kishore Kumar sang in many Indian languages including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya. He was the winner of 8 Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer and holds the record for most number of Filmfare Awards won for that category.

Early life

Kishore Kumar was born into the Ganguly family in Khandwa, Central Provinces and Berar (now in Madhya Pradesh). His birth name was Abhas Kumar Ganguly. His father Kunjalal Ganguly (Gangopadhya) was a lawyer. His mother Gouri Devi came from a wealthy family. Kishore Kumar was the second youngest of four siblings, the other three being Ashok Kumar (the eldest), Sati Devi, and Anoop Kumar.

While Kishore Kumar was still a child, Ashok Kumar became a popular Bollywood actor. (Later, Anoop Kumar also ventured into cinema with the help of Ashok Kumar). Spending time with his brothers, Kishore Kumar also started to take a keen interest in movies and music. He became a fan of singer-actor Kundan Lal Saigal, whom he considered his guru, and he tried to follow Saigal's singing style.

Career

After Ashok Kumar became a Bollywood star, the Ganguly family used to visit Mumbai regularly. Abhas Kumar changed his name to Kishore Kumar and started his cinema career as a chorus singer at Bombay Talkies, where his brother worked. His first film as an actor was Shikari (1946), in which Ashok Kumar played the lead role. Music director Khemchand Prakash gave him a chance to sing the song Marne ki duayen kyon mangu for the film Ziddi (1948). After this, Kishore Kumar got many other assignments, but he was not very serious about a film career. In 1949, he decided to settle in Mumbai.

Kishore Kumar played hero in the Bombay Talkies film Andolan (1951), directed by Phani Majumdar. Although Kishore Kumar got some assignments as an actor with help of his brother, he was more interested in becoming a singer. He was not interested in acting, but his elder brother Ashok Kumar wanted him to be an actor like himself.

He starred in Bimal Roy's Naukri (1954) and Hrishikesh Mukherjee's directorial debut Musafir (1957). Salil Chowdhury, the music director for Naukri was initially dismissive of him as a singer, when he came to know that Kishore Kumar didn't have any formal training in music. However, after hearing his voice, he gave him the song Chhota sa ghar hoga, which was supposed to be sung by Hemant Kumar.

Kishore Kumar starred in films New Delhi (1957), Aasha (1957), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Half Ticket (1962), and Padosan (1968). Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, his home production, starred the three Ganguly brothers, and Madhubala. The film is about romance between a city girl (Madhubala) and a car mechanic (Kishore Kumar), with a subplot involving brothers.

Music director S. D. Burman is credited with spotting Kishore Kumar's talent as a singer, and advancing his singing career. During the making of Mashaal (1950), Burman visited Ashok Kumar's house, where he heard Kishore imitating K. L. Saigal. He complimented Kishore, but also told him that he should develop a style of his own, instead of copying Saigal. He kept Burman's advice in mind, and eventually developed his own style of singing, which featured the yodeling that he had heard on some records of Jimmie Rodgers bought by his brother Anoop Kumar.

S. D. Burman recorded with Kishore for Dev Anand's Munimji (1954), Taxi Driver (1954), House No. 44 (1955), Funtoosh (1956), Nau Do Gyarah (1957), Paying Guest (1957), Guide (1965), Jewel Thief (1967), Prem Pujari (1970), and Tere Mere Sapne (1971). He also composed music for Kishore Kumar's home production Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). Some of their initial films included the songs "Maana Janaab Ne Pukara Nahin" from Paying Guest, "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" from Nau Do Gyarah (1957), "Ai Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa" from Funtoosh, and "Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si" and "Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka" from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). When S. D. Burman was not on good terms with Lata Mangeshkar during 1957-62, he gave patronage to her younger sister, Asha Bhosle. The Asha Bhosle-Kishore Kumar duets composed by S. D. Burman include "Chhod Do Aanchal" from Paying Guest (1957), "Ankhon Mein Kya Ji" from Nau Do Gyarah (1957), "Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka" and "Paanch Rupaiya Baara Aana" from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), "Chhedo Na Meri Zulfein" from Ganga Ki Lahren (1964), and "Arre Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Gajab" from [Teen Devian|Teen Deviyan] (1965).

C. Ramchandra was another music director who recognized Kishore Kumar's talent as a singer.

R. D. Burman frequently used Kishore Kumar as the male singer, and recorded several hit songs with him in the 1970s. Some of the popular Kishore Kumar-R. D. Burman songs include "O Maajhi Re" from Khushboo, "Yeh Shaam Mastaani" and "Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai" from Kati Patang (1971), "Kuchh To Log Kahenge" from Amar Prem (1972), "Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi" from Buddha Mil Gaya (1971), "Musafir Hoon Yaaron" from Parichay (1972), "Diye Jalte Hain" from Namak Haraam (1973), "Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si" from Anamika (1973), "Zindagi Ke Safar Mein" from Aap Ki Kasam (1974), "Agar Tum Na Hote", Humein Tum Se Pyaar Kitna from Kudrat, "Mere Naina Saawan Bhadon" from Mehbooba, and "Chingari Koi Bhadke" (Amar Prem), "Jab Bhi Koi Kangana" from Shaukeen (1986). R. D. Burman also recorded several hit duets pairing Kishore Kumar with Asha Bhosle and with Lata Mangeshkar. Some of these duets include "Panna Ki Tamanna" from Heera Panna (1973), "Neend Chura Ke Raaton Mein" from the film Shareef Budmaash, "Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai" from Sanjay Dutt's debut film Rocky (1981), "Sagar Kinare" from Sagar in [1985], "Aap Ki Aankhon Mein Kuchh" from Ghar, "Jaane Ja Dhoondta" and "Nahi Nahi" from Jawani Diwani, "Kharoshoo" from Harjai (1982).

Apart from the Burmans, Kishore Kumar worked with other music directors as well. The composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal (L-P) also composed many hit songs sung by Kishore Kumar. Some of their hit songs include Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi from Mr. X In Bombay, Mere Naseeb Mein Aye Dost from Do Raaste, Yeh Jeevan Hai from Piya Ka Ghar, Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai from , Nahi Mai Nahi Dekh Sakta from Majboor, Mere diwanepan ki bhi from Mehboob Ki Mehndi, Naach Meri Bulbul from Roti, Chal Chal Mere Haathi from Haathi Mere Saathi, Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai from Dost, Ruk Jaana Nahi from Imtihaan, Ek Ritu Aaye from Gautam Govinda, My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves from Amar Akbar Anthony Bahut Khoobsurat Jawan Ek Ladki from Dostana and Om Shanti Om as well as Paisa Yeh Paisa from Karz. L-P, also composed several hit Kishore-Lata duets, including Achchha To Hum Chalte Hain from Aan Milo Sajna, Gore Rang Pe Na Itna from Roti, Main Solah Baras Ki from Karz, and Din Mahine Saal from Avtaar, Tu Kitne Baras Ki from Karz. L-P also got Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi to sing duets for the films Dostana, Ram Balram and Deedaar-E-Yaar. L-P composed a duet with Kishore Kumar and Alisha Chinoy, I love you (Kaate Nahin Katate Yeh Din Yeh Raat) from Mr. India in (1987). Salil Chowdhury recorded songs like Koi Hota Jisko Apna from Mere Apne and Gujar Gaye Din Din from Annadata. Ravindra Jain recorded Ghungroo Ki Tarah, and the duet Tota Maina Ki Kahani from Fakira. Khaiyyaam recorded beautiful duets with Lata Mangeshkar such as Hazar Rahein from Thodisi Bewafai, Aankhon Mein Humne Aapke Sapne Sajaye Hain, Chandani Raat Mein Ek Bar. Hridaynath Mangeshkar recorded Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main from Mashaal. Kalyanji-Anandji recorded several hit songs with Kishore Kumar including Zindagi Ka Safar and Jeevan se na haar Jeenewale , from Safar, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas from Black Mail, Apne Jeevan Ki Uljhan from Uljhan, Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz from Kora Kagaz, O Saathi Re from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Khaike Paan Banaraswala from Don, Neele Neele Ambar Par from Kalakar and Pal Bhar Ke Liye from Johny Mera Naam''.

Other composers including Rajesh Roshan, Sapan Chakravarty, and Bappi Lahiri also worked with Kishore Kumar. Rajesh Roshan's first hit film Julie featured hit songs sung by Kishore Kumar, Bhool Gaya Saab Kuchh (duet with Lata Mangeshkar) and Dil Kya Kare Jab Kisise. Their other hits include Chhookar mere man ko from Yaarana , Tune Abhi Dekha Nahin from Do Aur Do Paanch and Kahan Tak Ye Man Ko Andhere Chhalenge from Baaton Baaton Mein. Bappi Lahiri also recorded many popular songs with Kishore Kumar, including Pag Ghunghroo Bandh from Namak Halal (1982), Manzilen Apni Jagah Hai from Sharaabi (1984) and Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet from Chalte Chalte (1976), Saason Se Nahi Kadmose Nahi from Mohabbat in (1987) and duets with (Lata Mangeshkar)) like Taa thaiya from Himmatwala in (1984), Albela Mausam from Tohfa in (1985) and another duet Pyar Ka Tohfa from the same film.

During the Indian Emergency (1975–1977), Sanjay Gandhi asked Kishore Kumar to sing for a Congress rally in Mumbai, but Kishore Kumar refused. As a result, the Government put an unofficial ban on playing Kishore Kumar songs on the All India Radio or television.

Later years

Kishore Kumar produced and directed some movies in the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as Badhti Ka Naam Daadhi (1978), Zindagi (1981) and Door Wadiyon Mein Kahin (1980). But none of these films did well at the box office. His last appearance as an actor was in Door Wadiyon Mein Kahin.

With patronage from R. D. Burman and Rajesh Roshan, Kishore Kumar's son Amit Kumar also became a Bollywood singer in the 1980s. Kishore Kumar also continuted singing for several actors. He also did some stage shows, apparently to earn money to pay his income tax arrears.

However, on 13 October 1987, he died of a heart attack in Mumbai at 4:45 pm. His body was taken to Khandwa for cremation. He had recorded his last song a day before he died. The song was Guru Guru, a duet with Asha Bhosle, for the film Waqt Ki Aawaz (1988) composed by Bappi Lahiri for Mithun Chakraborty and Sridevi.

Kishore Kumar's song Pal Bhar Ke Liye from the film Johny Mera Naam (1970) was used in an episode of The Simpsons titled Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore. His songs have also been featured in several films, including Such a Long Journey (1998) and Side Streets (1998). Sony TV organised the television singing contest K for Kishore to search for a singer like Kishore Kumar.

Personal life

Kishore Kumar was born into a Bengali family at Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, on 4 August 1929.

He married four times. His first wife was Ruma Guha Thakurta aka Ruma Ghosh. Their marriage lasted from 1950 to 1958. Kishore Kumar's second wife was the actress Madhubala, who had worked with him on many films including his home production Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). When Kishore Kumar proposed to her, Madhubala was sick and was planning to go to London for treatment. At this time, she didn't know that she had a ventricular septal defect, and her father wanted her to wait and consult the London doctors first. Nevertheless, Madhubala married Kishore Kumar in 1960. Madhubala was a Muslim, and the two had a civil marriage. Kishore Kumar even converted to Islam, and took the name Karim Abdul.

His family was against the marriage, and the couple also had a Hindu marriage to please them, but Madhubala was not accepted by them. The doctors in London told Madhubala that she would not live for long. The marriage lasted for 9 years, and ended with Madhubala's death on 23 February 1969. Kishore Kumar's third marriage was to Yogeeta Bali, and lasted from 1976 to 4 August 1978. Kishore Kumar was married to Leena Chandavarkar from 1980 until his death.

Kishore Kumar had two sons, Amit Kumar (playback singer) with Ruma, and Sumit Kumar with Leena Chandavarkar.

Kishore Kumar is said to have been paranoid about not being paid. Once, when he discovered that his dues hadn't been fully paid, he landed up for shooting with make-up on only one side of his face. When the director questioned him, he replied "Aadha paisa to aadha make-up." (Half make-up for half payment). Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the director of the film, was asked to meet Kishore Kumar to discuss the project. However, when he went to Kishore Kumar's house, he was driven away by the gatekeeper due to a misunderstanding. Kishore Kumar (himself a Bengali) hadn't been paid for a stage show organized by another Bengali man, and had instructed his gatekeeper to drive away this "Bengali", if he ever visited the house. When Hrishikesh Mukherjee (also a Bengali) went to Kishore Kumar's house, the gatekeeper drove him away, mistaking him for the "Bengali" that Kishore Kumar had asked him to drive away. Consequently, Mehmood had to leave the film as well, and new actors (Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan) were signed up for the film.

In spite of his "no money, no work" principle, sometimes Kishore Kumar recorded for free even when the producers were willing to pay. He recorded for free, for some films produced by Rajesh Khanna and Danny Denzongpa. On one occasion, Kishore Kumar helped actor-turned-producer Bipin Gupta, by giving him Rs. 20,000 for the film Dal Mein Kala (1964). When the little-known actor Arun Kumar Mukherjee died, Kishore Kumar regularly sent money to his family in Bhagalpur. Kishore Kumar had put a "Beware of Kishore" sign at the door of his Warden Road flat, where he stayed for some time while his bungalow was being done up. Once, the producer-director H. S. Rawail, who owed him some money, visited his flat to pay the dues. Kishore Kumar took the money, and when Rawail offered to shake hands with him, he reportedly put Rawail's hand in his mouth, bit it, and asked "Didn’t you see the sign?". Rawail laughed off the incident and left quickly. Once, when a reporter made a comment about how lonely he must be, Kishore Kumar took her to his garden. He then named some of the trees in his garden, and introduced them to the reporter as his closest friends.

Once, a producer went to court to get a decree that Kishore Kumar must follow the director's orders. As a consequence, Kishore Kumar obeyed the director to the letter. He refused to alight from his car until the director ordered him to do so. Once, after a car scene in Mumbai, he drove on till Khandala because the director forgot to say "Cut". 1972 - Best Male Playback Singer for Andaz 1973 - Best Male Playback Singer for Hare Rama Hare Krishna 1975 - Best Male Playback Singer for Kora Kagaz

See also

Kishore Kumar filmography

List of Indian playback singers

Hindi songs

References

Further reading

External links

Kishorekumar.org: Rare Kishore Kumar Songs

Excerpt from Kishore Kumar's diary

Category:1929 births Category:1987 deaths Category:Bengali people Category:People from Khandwa Category:Indian male singers Category:Indian actors Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian film singers Category:Cardiovascular disease deaths in India Category:Indian comedians Category:Bollywood playback singers Category:Yodelers Category:Bengali musicians Category:Bengali actors Category:Assamese playback singers Category:Indian former Muslims Category:People from Mumbai Category:Hindi film actors Category:Hindi film directors Category:Indian film directors Category:Indian film producers

Name	Dilip Kumar
Caption	Dilip Kumar at mouthshut.com office (2006).
Occupation	Actor, Producer, Director, Politician
Birth date	December 11, 1922
Birth place	Peshawar, British India, now Pakistan
Other names	Dilip Sahaab
Spouse	Asmaa (1982 - ?) (divorced), Saira Banu (1966 - present)
Years active	1944 - 1998 (retired)
Birth name	Yusuf Khan

Yusuf Khan () (born 11 December 1922), popularly known as Dilip Kumar () is an Indian actor and a former Member of Parliament. He lives in Pali Hill in the Mumbai suburb of Bandra.

Starting his career in 1944, Kumar has starred in films of the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1980s. He was the first actor to receive a Filmfare Best Actor Award and holds the record for most number of Filmfare Awards won for that category. He starred in a wide variety of roles such as the romantic Andaz (1949), the swashbuckling Aan (1952), the dramatic Devdas (1955), the comical Azaad (1955), the historical romance Mughal E Azam (1960) and the social Ganga Jamuna (1961). In 1976 Kumar had a five-year break from film performances. In 1981 he returned with a character role in the film Kranti and continued his career playing central character roles in films such as Shakti (1982), Karma (1986) and Saudagar (1991) his last film was Qila in 1998. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 for his contributions towards Indian cinema.

Early life

, Pakistan]] Dilip Kumar was born Muhammad Yusuf Khan at Mohallah Khudadad, in Qissa Khwani Bazaar in Peshawar, Pakistan. He was born to a Pathan family with twelve children. His father, Lala Ghulam Sarwar, was a fruit merchant who owned large orchards in Peshawar and Deolali in Maharashtra near Nashik. The family relocated to Mumbai in the 1930s and in the early 1940s Yusuf Khan moved to Pune and started a canteen business and supplying dried fruits.

In 1943, actress Devika Rani, who was also the wife of the founder of the Bombay Talkies film studio, Himanshu Rai, helped Khan's entry into the Bollywood film industry. Hindi Author Bhagwati Charan Varma gave him the screen name Dilip Kumar and gave him the leading role in his film Jwar Bhata (1944). Devika Rani and her husband Svetoslav Roerich spotted Khan in one of Pune's Aundh military canteens.

Career

His first film with Nisar Bhai and Hamed Bhai Jwar Bhata was released in 1944. In 1947 he appeared in the film Jugnu. In 1949, he co-starred with Raj Kapoor in the romantic melodrama Andaz, and in 1955 he co-starred with Dev Anand in Insaniyat. He appeared in Deedar (1951), Amar (1954), Devdas (1955) and Madhumati (1958).

He also played lighthearted roles such as a swashbuckling peasant in Aan (1952) and a comic role in Azaad (1955). In 1960 he starred in the historical film Mughal-e-Azam which as of 2008 was the second highest grossing film in Hindi film history. He played the role of the Mughal crown-prince Salim.

In 1961 he produced and starred in Ganga Jamuna in which he and his real-life brother Nasir Khan played the title roles. In 1962 British director David Lean offered him the role of Sherif Ali in his 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia, but Kumar declined the part. The role eventually went to Omar Sharif, the Egyptian actor. In the mid 1960s, he played a dual role of twins separated at birth in the film Ram Aur Shyam (1967).

In the 1976 film Bairaag he played triple roles.

In 1981 he returned to film with Kranti. He went onto play character roles in films including Shakti (1982), Vidhaata (1982), Mashaal (1984) and Karma (1986). In 1993 he won the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. He was awarded the best actor in Shakti in 1982.

In 1996 he was attached to make his directorial debut with a film titled Kalinga but the film was shelved. In 1998 he made his last film appearance in Qila. His films Mughal-E-Azam and Naya Daur were fully colorized and re-released.

Public life

Kumar has been active in efforts to bring the people of India and Pakistan closer together. He has been a member of the upper house of Parliament since 2000.

He was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994. In 1998 he was awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civilian award conferred by the government of Pakistan. He is the second Indian to receive the award. At the time of the Kargil War, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray demanded Kumar return his Nishan-e-Pakistan, arguing that "He must return Nishan-e-Imtiaz following that country's blatant aggression on Indian soil.". Kumar refused, saying:

'''

"This award was given to me for the humane activities to which I have dedicated myself. I have worked for the poor, I have worked for many years to bridge the cultural and communal gaps between India and Pakistan. Politics and religion have created these boundaries. I have striven to bring the two people together in whatever way I could. Tell me, what does any of this have to do with the Kargil conflict?"

'''

Personal life

Kumar married actress and beauty queen Saira Banu in year 1966 when he was aged 44 and she was 22. His brothers are Nasir Khan, Ehsan Khan and Aslam Khan. Kumar's younger brother Nasir Khan was also an actor and appeared opposite him in Ganga Jamuna (1961) and Bairaag (1976). In the early 1980s the news of Dilip's second marriage to a woman named Asma was broken to much hue and cry. It was revealed that Dilip and Asma had been married for three years and that Asma had been kept with Dilip's sister during the whole time. The scandal caused much damage to Dilip's image of a gentleman. For reasons concerned with his image and also Asma's continued links with her first husband Dilip divorced her sometime in the mid 80s.

Awards

Kumar has received many awards throughout his career, including 8 Filmfare Award for Best Actor awards and 19 nominations. He was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. The Government of India honoured him with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 - the highest award for cinematic excellence in India. In 1980, he was appointed Sheriff of Mumbai, an honorary position. In 1991, he was awarded Padma Bhushan from the Government of India. In 1997, Kumar was awarded, Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan's highest civilian award.

He received in 1997 the NTR National Award. He was also awarded CNN-IBN Indian of the Year - Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

Filmography

References

External links

Excerpts from Dilip Kumar’s biography

Category:1922 births Category:Living people Category:Indian actors Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian film directors Category:Indian film producers Category:Nishan-e-Imtiaz Category:Indian Muslims Category:Hindkowan people Category:Pashtun people Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Hindi film directors Category:Hindi film actors Category:Sheriffs of Mumbai Category:Rajya Sabha members Category:Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients Category:Indian actor-politicians Category:People from Mumbai Category:Indian people of Afghan descent