Radha (Devanagari: राधा, IAST: Rādhā), also called Radhika, Radharani and Radhikarani, is the childhood friend and lover of Krishna in the Bhagavata Purana, and the Gita Govinda of the Vaisnava traditions of Hinduism. Radha is almost always depicted alongside Krishna and features prominently within the theology of today's Gaudiya Vaishnava sect, which regards Radha as the original ''Goddess'' or ''Shakti''. Radha is also the principal object of worship in the Nimbarka Sampradaya, as Nimbarka, the founder of the tradition, declared that Radha and Krishna together constitute the absolute truth. Radha's relationship with Krishna is given in further detail within texts such as the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Garga Samhita and Brihad Gautamiya tantra.

Radha is often referred to as Rādhārānī or "Radhika" in speech, prefixed with the respectful term 'Srimati' by devout followers. Radha is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Radha the Gopi

In the story of Krishna, as told in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana, he spends much of his childhood in the company of young cow-herd girls, called Gopis in the village of Vrindavan. Krishna left his native place at the age of twelve for study at gurukul .The Mahabharata does not describe Krishna's earlier life in Vrindavan in much detail, and focuses more on the later battle of Kurukshetra but within the Bhagavata Purana the child-hood pastimes of Krishna are described very vividly. Within the Bhagavata Purana, Radha is not mentioned by name but is alluded to within the tenth chapter of the text as one of the gopis whom Krishna plays with during his upbringing as a young boy. Krishna left Vrindavan for Mathura at the age of 10 years and 7 months according to Bhagavata Purana. So Radha is assumed to be also 10 years old or less when Krishna left Vrindavan. It is in later texts such as the Gita Govinda where we find the story of Radha given in more detail.

Within Vaishnavism

In the Vaishnava devotional or bhakti traditions of Hinduism that focus on Krishna, Radha is Krishna's friend and advisor. For some of the adherents of these traditions, her importance approaches or even exceeds that of Krishna. She is considered to be his original shakti, the supreme goddess in both the Nimbarka Sampradaya and following the advent of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also within the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. Other gopis are usually considered to be her maidservants, with Radha having the prominent position of Krishna's favour "Among the eternal associates of the Lord the gopis are the most exhalted, and among the gopis ''Srimati Radharani is the best''. It has been mentioned in the narration of the Skanda Purana that out of many thousands of gopis, 16,000 are prominent. Out of these, 108 are important, and out of 108, eight are principal. Out of eight gopis, Radharani and Candravali are chief, and out of these two ''Srimati Radharani is superior''."

Her connection to Krishna is of two types: ''svakiya-rasa'' (married relationship) and ''parakiya-rasa'' (a relationship signified with eternal mental "love"). The Gaudiya tradition focuses upon ''parakiya-rasa'' as the highest form of love, wherein Radha and Krishna share thoughts even through separation. The love the gopis feel for Krishna is also described in this esoteric manner as the highest platform of spontaneous love of God, and not of a sexual nature.

Proponents of the Gaudiya and Nimbarka schools of Vaishnavism give the highly esoteric nature of Radha's relationship to Krishna as the reason why her story is not mentioned in detail in the other Puranic texts.

Birth

Radha was the daughter of Vrishbhanu who was king Suchandra in his previous life. Suchandra and his wife had acquired a boon from Brahmaji that in the Dwapar age Shri Laxmi will be born as a daughter to them in the form of Radha. King Suchendra and Queen Kalavati only were reborn as Vrishbhanu and Kirtikumari and Laxmiji was incarnated as Radha.

It is said that at the time of Radha’s birth, Devarshi Narad himself went and met Vrishbhanu and informed him, “This girl’s beauty and nature is divine. All the houses, wherever her footprints are, Lord Narayan with all other deities will reside. Nurture this girl thinking her to be a Goddess.” According to Naradji’s advice, Vrishbhanu nurtured Radha with great love and care. Nandbaba who lived in the nearby village was friends with Vrishbanu. Once during the festival of Holi; Vrishbanu went to Gokul to meet Nandrai. At Nandrai and Yashoda’s house Krishna (who was growing up as their son) met Radha. Their union was divine, phenomenal and incessant. This meeting was Radha and Krishna’s first meeting which became eternal.

Radha’s love towards Krishna in the terrestrial or customary meaning is not just the relation between a man and woman. The feeling of this love is divine and phenomenal which gives this love a pious form. The philosophical side of this reduces the distance of the support and supportive, also the difference between the worshipper and worshipful is not there. Krishna is the life of Vraj; Radha is the soul of Krishna. That is why, it is said, “Atma Tu Radhika Tasya” (Radha, you are His soul). One form of Radha is, she is a devotee, worshipper of Krishna and in the second form she is the worshipful, devoted by Krishna. ‘Aradhyate Asau itii Radha.’ Radha – Krishna’s love is the symbol of the feeling of being united. When two souls are united, the difference of the other or the second vanishes.Her father Vrsabhanu was the king of cowherds GopYadavas. Vrsabhanu was a partial incarnation of Lord Narayana while her mother Kalavati was a partial incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Her worship is especially prominent in Vrindavan, the place where Krishna is said to have lived. Wherein Her importance surpasses even the importance of Krishna. Radha's love for Krishna is held within Gaudiya Vaishnavism as the most perfect primarily because of its endless and unconditional nature. Thus she is the most important friend of Krishna, 'His heart and soul', and His 'hladini-shakti' (mental companion potency).

In the Brihad-Gautamiya Tantra, Radharani is described as follows: "The transcendental goddess Srimati Radharani is the direct counterpart of Lord Sri Krishna. She is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune. She possesses all the attractiveness to attract the all-attractive Personality of Godhead. She is the primeval internal potency of the Lord."

Nimbarka

Nimbarka was the first Vaishnava acharya to disseminate teachings about Radha.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

The Bengali saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534) is believed by many (see especially the modern-day ISKCON movement) to be an incarnation of both Radha and Krishna, simultaneously in one form. Throughout his life, Chaitanya lived as a devotee of Vaishnava tradition, not openly claiming to be any form of Avatar, but in his biographies it is claimed that he revealed his ''divine'' form to some of his closer associates.

Names & Worship

Radha has many epithets describing her qualities and characteristics.

Radhika - This is the most common epithet, meaning she whose worship of the Krishna is all powerful. She who embodies supreme focus and mental clarity. The incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. Beauty, intelligence, and good fortuned one.

Gandharvi - Expert singer

Govinda-nandini - She who gives happiness to Govinda (Krishna)

Govinda-mohini - She who mystifies Govinda

Govinda-sarvasva - One to whom Govinda is the all-in-all, or everything.

Sarva-kanta Shiromani - The crown jewel of all Krishna's consorts

Krishnamayi - The one who sees Krishna both within and without

Madan-Mohan-Mohini - Within Gaudiya tradition Krishna (as the Supreme Person) is believed to be the enchanter of all living beings, including even Kamadeva (Madan) - The god of attraction. Because Radha has the unique position of being able to enchant even Krishna she is therefore known as Madan-Mohan-Mohini: ''the enchanter of the enchanter of Cupid''.

Aradhana - The root name of Radharani, meaning one who excels in worshiping Krishna

Sarva-lakshmi - The original source of all the goddesses of fortune

Vrshabhanu-nandini - Daughter of Vrishabanu

Vrshabhanu-suta - Daughter of Vrishabanu

Vrshabhanu-Dulari - loving daughter of Vrishabanu

Vrndavaneshvari - Queen of Vrindavana

Lalita-Sakhi - Friend of the gopi Lalita

Gokula-Taruni - She whom all young girls of Gokul worship

Damodara Rati - She who dresses herself to please Damodara (Krishna)

Radharani – Radha the queen

RadhaKrishna - Krishna Himself in the form of Radha (Worship of Krishna with Radha)

Vrajrani - Queen of Vraj ( Krishna being the king)

Swaminiji- The companion of Krishna

Karika_Mix form of Krishna and Radha; Verse; Reborn

Ramika_Reborn; New Face; Modern

Sakalepsitdaatri- She fulfills all desires of her devotees.

Raaseshwari - The goddess of raas (folk-dance).

Sarveshwari - The one who is goddess of all.

Raj- Rajeshwari - The goddess of god.

Ladali - The beloved.

Barsaane Wali - The one who lives at Barsaana.

Krishna-Priya - beloved of lord Krishna.

Haridaas-Dulari - beloved of swami Haridas

One of her names, ''Hara'' (mentioned in Narada-pancaratra 5.5.59), in vocative ''Hare'', forms a part of the Hare Krishna 'Maha-Mantra', one of the most popular Vedic mantras, especially amongst Gaudiya Vaishnavas. Radharani's names hold a place of prime importance within Gaudiya Vaishnava religious practices.

View Complete Namavali with essence of each name of Radharani -100 auspicious names in IPA Sanskrit.

Temples dedicated to Radha

Barsana and Vrindavan in Mathura District, Northern India contain a large number of temples dedicated to both Radha and Krishna, including the Radhavallabh Temple.

Barsana Dham in Austin, Texas, USA,

Temple Deities in India and abroad are generally named in order of Radharani first and then Krishna. Krishna is approachable through the mercy of Srimati Radharani and no one else. So for example, if one were to enter the Govindaji temple in Vrindavan the Deities are named Radha Govinda and devotees of Krishna would pray to Radha and Govinda not just Krishna. This is because Krishna is controlled by Radharani's love.

Mantras and shloks

"Radha tu meri swamini , main Radhey ko daas, janam janam mohe dijiye , shri vrindavan ko vaas."

"Sab Dwaran ko chodd kar , aayo tere dwar, Shri Vrshbhanu-ki-ladali meri aur nihaar."

"Radha sadhyam, saadhnam yasya radha , Mantro radha mantra daatri ch Radha, Sarvam Radha , jeevanam yasya Radha , Radha radha vaachkin tasya shesham."

"Radhey tu badbhagini, kaun tapasya kinhi, Teen lok taaran taran, hain radhey tere aadheen."

Quotations about Radha

"Although the effulgence of the moon is brilliant initially at night, in the daytime it fades away. Similarly, although the lotus is beautiful during the daytime, at night it closes. But, O My friend, the face of My most dear Srimati Radharani is always bright and beautiful, both day and night. Therefore, to what can Her face be compared?" (Vidagdha-madhava 5.20)

"When Srimati Radharani smiles, waves of joy overtake Her cheeks, and Her arched eyebrows dance like the bow of Cupid. Her glance is so enchanting that it is like a dancing bumblebee, moving unsteadily due to intoxication. That bee has bitten the whorl of My heart." (Vidagdha-madhava 2.51)

"Just as Srimati Radharani is most dear to Krishna, Her bathing pond is similarly dear. Of all the gopis, She is the most beloved of the Lord." (Padma Purana)

"The transcendental goddess Srimati Radharani is the direct counterpart of Lord Sri Krishna. She is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune. She possesses all attractiveness to attract the all-attractive Personality of Godhead. She is the primeval internal potency of the Lord." (Brihad-gautamiya-tantra)

"Among all persons, it is Sri Radha in whose company Lord Madhava is especially glorious, as She is especially glorious in His." (Rig-parisishta)

"Radharani is the source of spiritual inspiration" (A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada)

See also

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Gaudiya Vaishnavism

Hare Krishna (mantra)

Lakshmi

Nimbarka Sampradaya

Rukmini

Shakti

Shri Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu

Sita

Further reading

''Krsna: The Supreme Personality of Godhead'' (ISBN 0-89213-354-6) by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

''Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions'' (ISBN 81-208-0379-5) by David Kinsley

Hawley J.S. & D.M. Wulff (ed.) (1986) ''The Divine Consort: Radha and the Goddesses of India'', Beacon Press, Boston, ISBN 0-8070-1303-X.

Footnotes

External links

General Information

Sri Radha Sakhi Homepage

Krishna.com: Who Is that Girl with Krishna?

Sri Radha in detail

Sri Radha the supreme power Radhavallabh Homepage

Srimati Radharani - Personality

Sri Radha's detailed supreme existence

Radharani brought to life by Srila Prabhupada

Festivals

Celebrating Radhastami

Srimati Radharani's Appearance

Radhashtami the festival of delight

Radhashtami Celebration in Vrindavan

Names of Radha

Sri Radha's name in Bhagavata Purana

The Names of Srimati Radharani

Sri Radha rani's 100 essence filled divine names.

Sri Radha Sahastra Naam (1000 Names of Sri Radha)

Further resources

Krsna and Radha, Goloka - references

Zipped Downloadable Information

Category:Hindu goddesses Category:People related to Krishna Category:Krishna Category:Sanskrit words and phrases Category:Gurjar

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Coordinates	33°55′31″N18°25′26″N
name	Raj Kapoor
birth name	Ranbir Raj Kapoor
birth date	December 14, 1924
birth place	Peshawar, British India Permanent Residence: Chembur, Mumbai, India
death date	June 02, 1988
death place	Chembur, Mumbai, 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. His performance in ''Awaara'', was ranked one of the "Top-Ten Performances of all time", by the Time Magazine. 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

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 (a.k.a. Balbir Raj Kapoor) and the late 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 the age of 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 making his directorial debut with the film ''Aag''. ''Aag'' marked the first of many films in which he and Nargis appeared together. In 1949 he co-starred alongside Dilip Kumar in Mehboob Khan's 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), ''Jagte Raho'' (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. Outisde of his home productions his other notable films were ''Anari'' (1959), ''Chhalia'' (1960) and ''Teesri Kasam'' (1963). He produced, directed and starred in his ambitious 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.

In 1971 he launched his eldest son Randhir Kapoor in Randhir's acting and directorial debut ''Kal Aaj Aur Kal'' which also starred Raj's father Prithviraj Kapoor as well as Randhir's would-be-wife Babita. 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. He acted in fewer films by the late 1970s and early 1980s and focused on producing and directing films. He starred alongside Rajesh Khanna in ''Naukri'' (1979) and played the title role alongside Sanjay Khan in ''Abdullah'' (1980).

Raj Kapoor's last major film appearance was in ''Vakil Babu'' (1982) where he appeared with his younger brother Shashi. His last acting role was a cameo appearance in a 1984 released British made-for-television film titled ''Kim''.

Death

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 ''Heena'' (an Indo-Pakistan based love story). The film was later completed by his sons Randhir and Rishi Kapoor, and narrated by his brother Shammi Kapoor. The movie was released in 1991 and 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'' (My shoes are Japanese) : ''Ye patloon Inglistani'' (These trousers are English) : ''Sar pe lal topi Roosi'' (The red cap on my head is Russian) : ''Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani'' (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 lyricists 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 actresses 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 Peshawar and were Hindkowan Punjabis but they were also landowners in the canal colony of Lyallpur, British India, which is now called Faisalabad in the Punjab province of present-day Pakistan where the family lived for a while. He was married to Krishna Kapoor, sister of actors, Rajendra Nath and Prem Nath.

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''. Due to the common rumors about the personal lives of entertainment stars it is impossible to separate the truth from gossip in these domains.

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 3 Filmfare Awards and 19 nominations. His films ''Awaara'' (1951) and ''Boot Polish'' (1954) were nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. His acting in the former was rated as one of the "Top-Ten Performances of all time", by the Time Magazine. His film ''Jagte Raho'' (1956) also won the Crystal Globe award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

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.

In June 2011, Noah Cowan, Artistic Director of TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft along with members of the Kapoor family came together to pay tribute to the life and work of Indian actor, director, mogul and legend Raj Kapoor, as presented in partnership by TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA), and the Government of Ontario.Indian Mirror

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 ''Prem 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 acted in a movie with music by Madan Mohan only once i.e. ''Dhoon'' (1953) which featured duet ''Hum pyar karenge'' by Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, only instance Hemnat Kumar giving playback to Raj Kapoor, 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'' (1949)

''Andaz'' (1950)

''Barsaat'' (1949)

''Pyaar'' (1950)

''Jan Pehchan'' (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, ''Main ne 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 the following list:

"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 Iqrar 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

Notes

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

12 Indians who are famous in Russia

Category:1924 births Category:Indian Hindus Category:1988 deaths Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian film directors Category:Hindi-language 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

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Coordinates	33°55′31″N18°25′26″N
name	Jagjit Singh
background	solo_singer
born	February 08, 1941Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India
genre	Ghazal, Classical, Devotional, Folk
occupation	Composer, Singer, Music Director, Activist, Entrepreneur
instrument	Vocals, Harmonium, Tanpura, Piano
years active	1966–present
label	EMI, HMV, Saregama, Universal Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Polydor, TIPS, Venus, T-Series
spouse	Chitra Singh
website	www.jagjitsingh.co.uk }}

Jagjit Singh (, , ) (born February 8, 1941) is a prominent Indian Ghazal singer, composer, music director, activist and entrepreneur. Popularly known as "The Ghazal King" he gained acclaim together with his wife, another renowned Indian Ghazal singer Chitra Singh, in the 1970s and 1980s, as the first ever successful duo act (husband-wife) in the history of recorded Indian music. Together, they are considered to be the pioneers of modern Ghazal singing and regarded as most successful recording artistes outside the realm of Indian film music. He has sung in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Sindhi and Nepali languages. He was awarded India's third highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 2003.

Widely credited for the revival and popularity of Ghazal, an Indian classical art form, through his music in landmark films such as ''Prem Geet'' (1981), Arth and ''Saath Saath'' (1982), and TV serials Mirza Ghalib (1988) and Kahkashan (1991), Jagjit Singh is considered to be the most successful ghazal singer and composer of all time, in terms of both critical acclaim and commercial success. With a career spanning over five decades and a repertoire comprising 80 albums the range and breadth of his work has been regarded as genre-defining. He is the only composer and singer to have composed and recorded songs written by Prime Minister - Atal Behari Vajpayee, also a critically acclaimed poet - in two albums, ''Nayi Disha'' (1999) and ''Samvedna'' (2002). India's current Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur are known to be his avid admirers.

On May 10, 2007, in a milestone joint session held in the historic Central Hall of India's Parliament (Sansad Bhawan), Jagjit Singh rendered the last Moghul Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar's famous ghazal ''"Lagta nahin hai dil mera"'' to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's First War of Independence (1857). President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and dignitaries including former Prime Ministers, Members of Parliament, Foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners were in attendance.

Jagjit Singh is the first Indian composer, and together with his wife Chitra Singh the first recording artist in the history of Indian music to use digital multi-track recording for their (India's first digitally recorded) album, ''Beyond Time'' (1987). He is regarded as one of India's most influential artistes. Together with sitar legend Ravi Shankar and other leading figures of Indian classical music and literature, Singh has voiced his concerns over politicisation of arts and culture in India and lack of support experienced by the practitioners of India's traditional art forms, particularly folk artists and musicians. He has lent active support to several philanthropic endeavors such as the library at St. Mary's School, Mumbai, Bombay Hospital, CRY, Save the Children and ALMA.

Early years and background

Jagjit Singh was born in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan to Amar Singh Dhiman, a government employee, a native of Dalla village in Punjab (India) and his mother, Bachan Kaur from Ottallan village, Samrala. He had four sisters and two brothers and he is known as Jeet by his family. He was raised as a Sikh by religion.

He went to Khalsa High School in Sri Ganganagar and then studied science after matriculation at Government College, Sri Ganganagar and went onto graduate in Arts at DAV College, Jalandhar. He is a post-graduate in history from Kurukshetra University in Haryana.

His association with music goes back to his childhood. He learnt music under Pandit Chaganlal Sharma for two years in Ganganagar, and later devoted six years to learning Khayal, Thumri and Dhrupad forms of Indian Classical Music from Ustad Jamaal Khan of the Sainia Gharana school.

Career

Early career

The Vice-Chancellor of Punjab University and Kurukshetra University, Late Professor Suraj Bhan encouraged his interest in music. He arrived in Mumbai in 1965 in search of better opportunities for being a musician and singer. His early struggle in the music industry, though not too harsh by his own account, still had its share of trials and tribulations. He lived as a paying guest and his earlier assignments were singing advertisement jingles or performing at weddings and parties.

First Entry Into Movies

Jagjit Singh was first offered to sing in a Gujarati Film. "Dharati Na Chhoru" produced by Mr. Suresh Amin, famously known by Jagjit Singh as "Jholi Vaaley Baba" : known so, because he carried a Red Shoulder Bag wherever he went. Mr Suresh Amin was from Baroda-Gujarat and was associated with Scad Consultants Pvt Ltd. When, Mr Suresh Amin died in 1998 and Scad Consultants, Baroda, Organized a Live Concert by Jagjit singh in December 1998 - Jagjit Singh [Famously Called by friends as Maharaj] paid a special Tribute to Mr Suresh Amin and dedicated the Scad Consultants Concert to Mr Suresh Amin by Singing the song " Chitthi Na Koi Sandesh ", the perfect song to match his unawareness of Suresh Amin's Death.

Rise to fame

During 1970s, the art of ghazal singing was dominated by well-established names like Noor Jehan, Malika Pukhraj, Begum Akhtar, Talat Mahmood and Mehdi Hassan. However, he was able to make his mark and carve out a niche for himself. In 1976, his album ''The Unforgetables'' (On HMV LP Records) hit music stores. Essentially a ghazal album, its emphasis on melody and Jagjit's fresh voice was a departure from the prevalent style of ghazal rendition, which was heavily based on classical and semi-classical Indian music. Skeptics had their own reservations, purists scorned it but it was widely successful among listeners and the album set new sales records.

In 1967, Jagjit met Chitra, also a singer. After a two year courtship they got married (1969). They epitomize the first successful husband-wife singing team. Jagjit and Chitra Singh have made immense contributions to 'Ghazal' music and the Indian music industry in general.

Successful releases of the duo include ''Ecstasies'', ''A Sound Affair'' and ''Passions''. While these albums were breezy, ''Beyond Time'' released in the opening years of 1990s was an experimentation with sounds and conveyed a feeling that was beyond space and time.

Around this time the duo was struck by grief, when their only son, Vivek (21), met an untimely death in a road accident on 28 July 1990. Their subsequent album 'Someone Somewhere' was the last album with ghazals sung by both. The album is a tour of the soul, ethereal, conscientious and introspective. These ghazals have a moving quality to them since they embody a feeling of deep personal loss. After that Chitra Singh quit singing.

Jagjit Singh's later albums, including ''Hope'', ''In Search'', ''Insight'', ''Mirage'', ''Visions'', ''Kahkashan'' (meaning "Galaxy"), ''Love Is Blind'', ''Chirag'' (meaning "Lamp"/"Flame") also achieved success. ''Sajda'' (an Urdu word meaning "prostration"), which has ghazals sung by Jagjit and Lata Mangeshkar was another brilliant release and made its mark as a classic Ghazal album. The combined successes of his many albums made him the number one ghazal singer in India. The audience wanted more and Jagjit Singh obliged with his Punjabi albums. Ebullient, effervescent and bubbly, his Punjabi songs are pleasant as well as joyous. His enchanting ghazals use the choicest poetry by renowned poets including Mirza Ghalib, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Qateel Shifai, Shahid Kabir, Ameer Meenai, Kafeel Aazer, Sudarshan Faakir and Nida Fazli, and contemporary writers like Zaka Siddiqi, Nazir Bakri, Faiz Ratlami and Rajesh Reddy.

Jagjit also sang (as playback singer) for various songs in Bollywood films including ''Arth'', ''Saath Saath'', and ''Premgeet'' (all from 1980s). These scores remain popular even today. In fact, all the songs of film ''Premgeet'' were composed by Jagjit. His compositions for the TV serial ''Mirza Ghalib'' (based on the life of the poet Mirza Ghalib), remain extremely popular among ghazal aficionados. The exclusive element of Ghalib's poetry was sensitively and wonderfully brought out in the soulful compositions of Ghalib's ghazals by Jagjit Singh. The album could veritably be called a magnum opus.

Compared to his earlier ghazals (sung during 70s and 80s) his later ghazals have acquired a more soulful and poignant demeanour, as in albums such as ''Marasim'', ''Face To Face'', ''Aaeena'', ''Cry For Cry''. But all through this, romance never took a backseat! The journey to the soul is punctuated by romantic pauses like ''Dil Kahin Hosh Kahin''. A testimony to his popularity is his ghazals in recent Bollywood flicks like ''Dushman'', ''Sarfarosh'', ''Tum Bin'' and ''Tarkeeb''.

Most of the earlier albums of Jagjit Singh had English titles. Later, these had Urdu names like ''Sahar'' (meaning "Dawn"/"Morning"), ''Muntazir'' (meaning "In waiting"), ''Marasim'' (meaning "Relation"/"Relationship"/"Affinity" ), and "Soz" (meaning Pathos). The switchover may not be deliberate but marks a milestone in his singing. These new albums show a far better selection of lyrics and his singing has scaled new peaks.

Besides ghazals, Jagjit Singh has also sung Bhajans and Gurbani (Hindu and Sikh devotional hymns respectively). Albums such as ''Maa'', ''Hare Krishna'', ''Hey Ram...Hey Ram'', ''Ichhabal'' and also ''Man Jeetai Jagjeet'' in Punjabi, put him in the league of Bhajan singers such as Mukesh, Hari Om Sharan, Yesudas, Anup Jalota and Purushottam Das Jalota. The soothing effect that Jagjit's voice has on frayed nerves has prompted psychiatrists in metros (as large cities in India are called) to prescribe them as stress relievers.

Influence

Jagjit Singh is accredited with bringing the ghazal genre, which was previously restricted to the elite classes, to the masses. His music direction can be seen to be pioneering in changing the sound layout by adding more Western instruments while mostly retaining the traditional orchestra (which includes a tablaa, dholak, bongos, sitar, sarod, santoor, flute, and harmonium, and a couple of string instruments]. Jagjit Singh is also nicknamed Ghazaljeet Singh.

Jagjit Singh is accredited with finding a famous singer of modern times Kumar sanu. Sanu himself confessed that Jagjit singh offered him the first chance to sing.

Jagjit Singh voiced his opinion against artists from Pakistan being allowed to sing in India, when Pakistan refuses to reciprocate the gesture.

In addition to cultivating his own successful career, Jagjit Singh has been involved in guiding many new, talented singers such as Abhijeet, Talat Aziz, Ghanshyam Vaswani, Ashok Khosla, Siza Roy, Vikram Singh, and Vinod Sehgal. He also lends active support to several philanthropic endeavors such as the Library at St. Mary's (Mumbai), Bombay Hospital, CRY, and ALMA (an organization that adopts under-privileged students for further education and development). He assisted Peta India in asking the Minister of Railways to enforce speed restrictions to prevent further elephant deaths from collisions with speeding trains.

Personal life

Jagjit Singh married the popular singer Chitra Singh in 1969. They live in Vivek Singh Lane (a road dedicated to their son) on Breach Candy in Mumbai. Their only son, Vivek, died in a road accident in the early 1990s.

In January 1998, Jagjit Singh had his heart attack, which led him to quit smoking. In October 2007, he was hospitalized following blood circulation problems.

Music career

Ghazals

There are many successful ghazals composed by Jagjit Singh. Some of them are listed below:-

Yaarian Rab Kar Ke (Sang for Shiv K. Batalvi)

Umr Jalwon mein basar ho

Der lagi aane mein tumko

Apni aankho ke samundar mein utar jaane de

Koi paas aayaa sawere-sawere

Apne hothon par sajaana chaahta hoon

Meri zindagi kisi aur ki, mere naam ka koi aur hai

Apne haathon kee lakeeron mein

Sadma to hai mujhe bhi ke tujhse juda hoon main

Aadmi aadmi ko kya degaa

Haath chhooten bhi to

Garaj baras pyaasi dharthi par phir paani de maula

Apni marzi se kahan apne safar ke hum hain

Ik barahman ne kaha hai

Main na hindu na musalmaan mujhe jeene do

Kaise kaise haadse sehte rahe

Wo jo hum mein tumme qaraar tha

Patta-patta boota-boota haal hamaara jaane hai

Chak jigar ke see lete hain

Main bhool jaaoon tumhe, ab yahi munaasib hai

Jaate jaate wo mujhe achchhi nishaani de gaya

Shaam se aankh mein namin si hai

Tere baare mein jab socha nahin thaa

Tere aane ki jab khabar mehke

Tamanna fir machal jaaye agar tum milne aa jaao

Ab main ration ki kataron mein nazar aata hoon

Tujhse milne ki saza denge tere shehar ke log

Patthar ke khuda, patthar ke sanam

Huzoor aapka bhi ahtraam karta chaloon

Din aa gaye sabaab ke aanchal sambhaaliye

Gulshan ki faqat phoolon se nahin kaaton se bhi zeenat hoti hai

Baat saaqi ki na taali jaayegi

Roshan jamal-e-yaar se hai anjuman tamaam

Tera chehra kitna suhaana lagta hai

Tum nahin, gham nahin sharaab nahin

Sarakti jaaye hain rukh se naqaab aahistaa-aahista

Ae khuda ret ke sehra ko samandar kar de

Yeh daulat bhi le lo, yeh shohrat bhi le lo

Hoshwalo ko khabar

Honthon se chhoo lo tum

Koi yeh kaise bataye

Tere khat

Bahut khoobsurat hai

Kiska Chehera

Kal chodvi ki raat thi

Baat niklegi to

Der laagi ane mein tumko

Main nashe mein hoon

Pyar mujhse jo kiya tumne

Tera chehera hai aaeene jaisa

Chitthi na koi sandesh

Tum itna jo muskura rahe ho

Jab se kareeb ho kay chale zindagi se hum

Koi fariyaad

Kahin duur jab din

Kehta hai baabul

Jhuki jhuki si nazar

Tumko dekha to yeh khayal

Sehma sehma

Yaad kiya dil ne kaha ho tum

Aap ko dekh kar

Jab saamne tum

Hazaron khwaishe aisi

Ya to mit jaaeeye ya mita deejiye

Tere aane ki jab khabar mehke

woh khat ke purje jala raha tha

tum ye kaise khafa ho gaye

hum to hai perdes mein desh mein

Jeevan Maran Chhe Ek (in Gujarati)

Woh kaaghaz ki kashti

Badi Najuk he ye manzil mohabbat ka safar he

Awards

In 2003, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours, by the Government of India

In 2006, he was presented the Teacher's Achievement Awards

Discography

Song for films

Film Name !! Year !! Details
Dear Friend Hitler	2011	"''Har or tabahi ka manzar''"
Pyar Kare Dis : Feel The Power of Love	2007
Umar	2006
Kasak	2005
Dhoop''	2003
Joggers' Park	2003
Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai	2003
Leela	2002
Vadh	2002
Deham	2001
Tum Bin	2001
Tarkieb	2000
Shaheed Udham Singh	2000
Bhopal Express	1999
Sarfarosh	1999
Dushman	1998
Khudai	1994
Mammo	1994
Khal Nayak	1993
Nargis	1992
Billoo Badshah	1989
Aakhri Kahani	1989
Doosra Kanoon	1989
Kaanoon Ki Awaaz	1989
Mirza Ghalib	1988
Rahi	1987
Aashiana	1986
Long Da Lishkara	1986
Phir Aayee Barsat	1985
Ravan	1984
Bahuroopi	1966
Bhavna	1984
Kalka	1983
Tum Laut Aao	1983
Zulf Ke Saye Saye	1983
Arth (film)	Arth	1982
Saath Saath	1982
Sitam	1982
Prem Geet	1981
Ek Baar Kaho	1980
Griha Pravesh	1979
Avishkaar	1973
Heena	1999
Neem Ka Ped	1994
Hello Zindagi	19**

Ghazal albums

The Unforgettables (1976)

Birha Da Sultan(Shiv Kumar Batalvi) Jagjit & Chitra (1978

Live in Pakistan (1979)

A Milestone (1980)

Main aur Meri Tanhaayee (1981)

The Latest (1982)

Ae mere Dil (1983)

Live at Royal Albert Hall ª(1983)

Ecstasies (1984)

A Sound Affair (1985)

Echoes (1985–86)

Beyond Time (1987)

Mirza Ghalib (Two Volumes) (1988), TV Serial Directed by Gulzar

Passion / Black Magic (1988)

Ghazals from Films (1989)

Emotions

Man Jite Jagjit (1990)

Memorable Ghazals of Jagjit and Chitra (1990)

Someone Somewhere (1990)

H O P E (1991)

Sajda (Two Volumes with Lata Ji) (1991)

Kahkashan (Two Volumes) (1991–92), TV Serial Directed by Jalal Agaa

Visions (Two Volumes) (1992)

In Search (1992)

Rare Gems (1992)

Face to face (1993)

Your Choice (1993)

Chiraag (1993)

Desires (1994)

Insight (1994)

Cry for Cry (1995)

Mirage

Unique (1996)

Come Alive in a Concert (1998 (CD))

Live at the Wembley

Love is Blind (1998)

Silsilay (1998) (Lyrics by Javed Akhtar)

Marasim (1999) (Lyrics by Gulzar)

jaam utha(1999)

Saher (2000)

Samvedna 2002 (Atal Behari Vajpayee's poetry))

Soz (2002) (Lyrics by Javed Akhtar)

Forget Me Not (2002)

Muntazir (2004)

Jeevan Kya Hai (2005)

Tum To Nahin Ho (Lyrics by Bashir Badr) (2005)

Life Story (2006)

Best of Jagjit & Chitra Singh (includes Mere Darwaaze Se Ab Chand Ko Ruksat Kar do by Ali Sardar Jaffrey)

Koi Baat Chale (Lyrics by Gulzar)

Jazbaat(2008)

Inteha (2009)(Promoted on Banoo Main Teri Dulhann)

Aeena (2009)

Vakratunda Mahakaya (2009)

His Nepali Ghazal 'Kun Maya Sadar Bho, Mero maya badar bho...' [which love has been granted, my love has been disproved]is a big hit... some other songs in the same album is romantic song which is 'not his type'sung with Sadhana Sargam. though his nepali pronunciation in romantic songs are not perfect still worth listening.

Vakratunda Mahakaya

The album Vakratunda Mahakaya was released on December 4, 2009 and was published by Times Music, a subsidiary of The Times Group. The album contained 3 tracks, each about 30min in length.

Tracks

Vakratunda Mahakaya

Om Gam Ganapatayenamah

Jai Ganesh Deva - Aarti

All three tracks are composed of multiple layers of Jagjit's voice with a subtle Tabla rhythm in the background to produce a powerful, transcendental tone to the music.

Trivia

The album 'Beyond Time' is the first digitally recorded album of India.It was recorded in the studio 'Western outdoor' by sound recordists duo 'Daman Sood and Avinash Oak.

References

External links

Jagjit Singh's Official website

IMDB entry

Twitter

Article on the Genius of Jagjit Singh in Asian Lite Magazine by Sreeram Chaulia

Review of Jagjit Singh's Biography, ''Beyond Time'', in Asia Times by Sreeram Chaulia

Jagjit Singh Lyrics and Translations

Bazm-E-Jagjit

Jagjit Singh Albums and Lyrics

Ghazal singer Jagjit Singh in Dulhann

Dollar Mehta does a PhD on Jagjit-Singh

Category:1941 births Category:Living people Category:Indian composers Category:Indian ghazal singers Category:Indian Sikhs Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan Category:People from Sri Ganganagar district

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