Valmiki
Valmiki composing the Ramayana.
Titles/honours	Revered as the Adi Kavi, which means First Poet, for he discovered the first śloka.
Philosophy	Religious movement called Valmikism is based on Valmiki's teachings.
Composed Ramayana and Yoga Vasistha

Valmiki (Sanskrit: वाल्मीकि, vālmīki) (during Lord Rama's time)^[1] is celebrated as the poet harbinger in Sanskrit literature. He is the author of the epic Ramayana, based on the attribution in the text of the epic itself.^[2] He is revered as the Adi Kavi, which means First Poet, for he discovered the first śloka i.e. first verse, which set the base and defined the form to Sanskrit poetry.

At least by the 1st century AD, Valmiki's reputation as the father of Sanskrit classical poetry seems to have been legendary. Ashvagosha writes in the Buddhacarita:

"The voice of Valmiki uttered poetry which the great seer Chyavana could not compose."

This particular verse has been speculated to indicate a familial relationship between Valmiki and Chyavana, as implied by the previous and subsequent verses.^[3][4]

Early life[link]

Valmiki was the son of Sumali. Maharishi Valmiki was born in a shudra family. His birth name was Ratnakara. But the trust factor of the sources is questionable.When everyone left to travel south Sumali took his son and wife and moved near the bank of Vipasa River (Northern India).^[5] The Uttara Khanda tells the story of Valmiki's early life, as an unnamed highway robber who used to rob people before killing them. Other versions name him Valya Meet.^[6][7][8] Robbing people who passed by was the only source of money for him.^[5]

How he became Valmiki[link]

One day Narada Muni^[9] was passing by that way when he ran into Ratnakara, who insisted them to give everything he owns, from his clothing to the shoes he was wearing. Narada asked Ratnakara why he was committing this sin. Ratnakara answered that this was the only way to provide food for his family. Narada, then, asked him if his family was part of this sin that he was committing and he told him to go ask his family that same question. Ratnakara tied Narada to a tree to make him stay in that same spot until he was back. When Ratnakara asked his parents if they were with him on the sin that he was doing, they replied that it was his job to take care of them, and that he was only responsible for his own sins. His wife also said the same thing. Ratnakara then returned to Narad Muni and fell to his feet. He told him that he alone was responsible for the sins and asked him to help him get rid of the sins he had committed.^[5] Narada told him to repeat Lord Rama's name and that would assist him. Then, after Narada left, Ratnakara went into a deep penance while reciting the Lord's name. Soon, an anthill grew around him. After a long penance, a divine light came upon him and said that he was free from all sins, and that he was to be called "Valmiki" from then (Valmiki meaning 'one who sits in an anthill' in Sanskrit).^[9]

Writer of the Ramayana[link]

The youthful sage Narada at the white-bearded Valmiki's hermitage

Sita in Valmiki's hermitage

The Rāmāyaṇa, originally written by Valmiki, consists of 24,000 verses^[10] in seven cantos (some say six i.e. excluding the Uttara Ramayana) (kāṇḍas). The Ramayana tells the story of a prince, Rama of Ayodhya, whose wife Sita is abducted by the demon (Rākshasa) king of Lanka, Rāvana. The Valmiki Ramayana is dated variously from 500 BC to 100 BC, or about co-eval with early versions of the Mahabhārata.^[11] As with many traditional epics, it has gone through a long process of interpolations and redactions, making it impossible to date accurately.

Notwithstanding the aforesaid, it is pertinent to note that Valmiki is also quoted to be the contemporary of Rama. Rama met Valmiki during his period of exile and had interacted with him. Valmiki had Sita in his hermitage where Kusa and Lava were born to Sita. Valmiki taught Ramayana to Kusa and Lava, who later sang the divine story in Ayodhya during the Aswamedha yaga congregation, to the pleasure of the audience, whereupon, King Rama summoned them to his royal palace. Kusa and Lava sang the story of Rama there, and Rama confirmed that whatever had been sung by these two children was entirely true.

The first śloka[link]

A fowler kills a bird and the cry of its mate gives Valmiki the measures in which he composes the "Ramayana"

Valmiki was going to the river Ganges for his daily ablutions. A disciple by the name Bharadwaja was carrying his clothes. On the way, they came across the Tamasa Stream. Looking at the stream, Valmiki said to his disciple, "Look, how clear is this water, like the mind of a good man! I will bathe here today." When he was looking for a suitable place to step into the stream, he saw a Crane (bird) couple mating. Valmiki felt very pleased on seeing the happy birds. Suddenly, hit by an arrow; the male bird died on the spot. Filled by sorrow its mate screamed in agony and died of shock. Valmiki's heart melted at this pitiful sight. He looked around to find out who had shot the bird. He saw a hunter with a bow and arrows, nearby. Valmiki became very angry. His lips opened and he uttered the following words:

मां निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः। यत्क्रौंचमिथुनादेकम् अवधीः काममोहितम्॥'

mā niṣāda pratiṣṭhāṁ tvamagamaḥ śāśvatīḥ samāḥ

yat krauñcamithunādekam avadhīḥ kāmamohitam^[12]

You will find no rest for the long years of Eternity

For you killed a bird in love and unsuspecting^[13]

Emerging spontaneously from his rage and grief, this was the first śloka in Sanskrit literature. Later Valmiki composed the entire Ramayana with the blessings of Lord Brahma in the same meter that issued forth from him as the śloka. Thus this śloka is revered as the "first śloka" in Hindu literature. Valmiki is revered as the first poet, or Adi Kavi, and the Ramayana, the first kavya.

His first disciples to whom he taught the Ramayana were Kusa and Lava, the sons of Rama.

See also[link]

Poetry portal

• Ramayana
• Balmiki
• Sanskrit literature
• Tulsidas
• Yoga Vasistha

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Valmiki

• Valmiki biography webpage
• Satya Sarada Kandula, "Valmiki - Adikavi", The Ancient Indians
• Shastra Nethralaya, Rishikesh
• Ramayana by Valmiki illustrated with Indian miniatures from the 16th to the 19th century

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Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay (Bengali: হেমন্ত কুমার মুখোপাধ্যায়; Hemonto Kumar Mukhopaddhae) also known as Hemanta Mukherjee (16 June 1920 – 26 September 1989) was a Bengali singer, composer and producer. He sang in Hindi films under the name Hemant Kumar.

Early life[link]

Hemanta was born in the city of Varanasi, India although his family hailed from a village named Baharu in West Bengal. They migrated to Kolkata in the early 20th century. Hemanta grew up there and attended Mitra Institution school of Bhawanipore area. There he met his longtime friend, Subhas Mukhopadhyay who later became a Bengali poet. After passing the intermediate examinations (12th grade), Hemanta joined Bengal Engineering college to pursue Engineering.^[1] However, he quit academics to pursue a career in music, despite parental objection. He briefly tried his hand at literature and also published a short story in a prestigious Bengali magazine called Desh, but by the late-1930s he was committed entirely to music.

Early music career[link]

Under the influence of his friend Subhas Mukhopadhyay, Hemanta recorded his first song for All India Radio in 1933. The first line of the song was Amar Ganete Ele Nabarupi Chirantanii. Hemanta's music career was primarily mentored by the Bengali musician, Sailesh Duttagupta. In an interview on television in the early 1980s, Hemanta had mentioned that he had also received classical music training from Ustad Faiyaz Khan, but his tutelage was cut short by Ustad's untimely death.

In 1937, Hemanta cut his first gramophone disc under the Columbia label. The songs (non-film) on this disc were Janite Jadi Go Tumi and Balo Go Balo More whose lyrics were by Naresh Bhattacharya and music was composed by Sailesh Duttagupta. Thereafter, every year Hemanta continued to record non-film discs for the Gramophone Company of India (GCI) till 1984. His first Hindi songs were Kitana Dukh Bhulaya Tumne and O Preet Nibhanewali, released in 1940 under GCI's Columbia label. Music for these songs were composed by Kamal Dasgupta, lyrics were by Faiyaz Hashmi.

Hemanta's first film song was in the Bengali film Nimai Sanyas released in 1941. Music for this film was scored by Hariprasanna Das. Hemanta's first compositions for himself were the Bengali non-film songs Katha Kayonako Shudhu Shono and Amar Biraha Akashe Priya in 1944. Lyrics of these two songs were by Amiya Bagchi.

His first Hindi film songs were in Irada in 1944 under Pt. Amarnath's music direction. Lyrics were by Aziz Kashmiri.

Hemanta is considered a foremost exponent of Rabindrasangeet. His first recorded Rabindrasangeet was in the Bengali film Priya Bandhabi (1944).^[2] The song was Pather Sesh Kothaye. He recorded his first non-film Rabindrasangeet disc in 1944 under the Columbia label. The songs were Aamar Aar Habe Na Deri and Keno Pantha E Chanchalata.^[3]

His first movie as a music director was the Bengali film Abhiyatri in 1947. Although many of the songs Hemanta recorded during this time received critical acclaim, major commercial success eluded him until 1947. Some contemporary male singers of Hemanta in Bengali around that period were Jaganmay Mitra, Robin Majumdar, Satya Chowdhury, Dhananjay Bhattacharya, Sudhirlal Chakraborty, Bechu Dutta^[4] and Talat Mahmood.

Family[link]

Hemanta had three brothers and a sister, Nilima. His elder brother, Tarajyoti, was a short-story writer in Bengali. The youngest brother, Amal Mukhopadhyay, composed music for some Bengali movies, most notably Hospital and Abak Prithibi. He also recorded a few Bengali songs in the 1960s.^[5]

In 1945, Hemanta married Bela Mukherjee (died 25 June 2009),^[6] a singer from Bengal. Although Bela (maiden name also Bela Mukhopadhyay) had sung some popular songs in a Bengali movie, Kashinath (1943), with music by Pankaj Mullick – she did not actively pursue her musical career after marriage.

They had two children: a son, Jayant, and a daughter, Ranu. Ranu as Ranu Mukhopadhyay pursued a music career in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with somewhat limited success. Jayant is married to Moushmi Chatterjee, an Indian film actress who was popular in the 1970s.

Success and migration to Mumbai[link]

In the mid 1940s, Hemanta became an active member of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) and started an association with another active IPTA member – songwriter and composer – Salil Chowdhury. One of the main driving forces behind the establishment of IPTA was the Bengal famine of 1943 and the inaction of the British administration and wealthy Indians to prevent it from happening. In 1948, Hemanta recorded a non-film song called ganyer badhu (literally translates to 'The rural bride') that had music and lyrics by Salil Chowdhury. The six minute song recorded on two sides of a 78 rpm disc was sung at a varying pace and lacked the conventional structure and romantic theme of a Bengali song. It depicted an idyllic, prosperous and caring rural woman's life and family, and how it gets ravaged by the demons of famine and ensuing poverty. This song generated an unforeseen popularity for Hemanta and Salil in eastern India, and, in a way, established Hemanta ahead of his male contemporaries. Hemanta and Salil paired again in several songs over the next four years and almost all these songs proved to be very popular.^[7]

Around the same period, Hemanta started receiving more assignments for music composition for Bengali films. Some of these films were for a director named Hemen Gupta. When Hemen moved to Mumbai a few years later, he called upon Hemanta to compose music for his first directorial venture in Hindi titled Anandmath under the Filmistan banner. Responding to this call, Hemanta migrated to Mumbai in 1951 and joined the Filmistan Studios. The music of Anand Math (1952) was a moderate success. Perhaps, the most notable songs from this movie is vande mataram sung by Lata Mangeshkar, which Hemanta set to a marching tune. Following Anandmath, Hemanta scored music for a few Filmistan movies like Shart in subsequent years, the songs of which received moderate popularity. Simultaneously, Hemanta also gained popularity in Mumbai as a playback singer.^[8] His songs playbacked for actor Dev Anand under music director Sachin Dev Burman in movies like Jaal, House No. 44, and Solva Saal became quite popular.

Career rise[link]

By the mid-1950s, Hemanta had consolidated his position as a prominent singer and composer. In Bengal, he was one of the foremost exponents of Rabindrasangeet and perhaps the most sought after male singer. In Mumbai, along with playback singing, He also carved a niche as a composer. He composed music for a Hindi film called Nagin (1954) which became a major success owing largely to its music. Songs of Nagin remained chart-toppers continuously for two years and culminated in Hemant receiving the prestigious Filmfare Best Music Director Award in 1955. The very same year, he scored music for a Bengali movie called Shapmochan in which he also played back four songs for the Bengali actor Uttam Kumar. This started a long partnership between Hemant and Uttam as a playback singer-actor pair. They were the most popular singer-actor duo in Bengali Cinema over the next decade.

In the latter part of the 1950s, Hemanta composed music and sang for several Bengali and Hindi films, recorded several Rabindrasangeets and Bengali non-film songs. Almost all of these, especially his Bengali songs became very popular. This period can be termed as the zenith of his career and lasted for almost a decade. He sang songs composed by the major music directors in Bengal such as Nachiketa Ghosh, Robin Chatterjee and Salil Chowdhury. Some of the notable films Hemanta himself composed music for during this period include Harano Sur, Marutirtha Hinglaj, Neel Akasher Neechey, Lukochuri, Swaralipi, Deep Jwele Jaai, Shesh Parjanta, Kuhak, Dui Bhai, and Saptapadi in Bengali, and, Jagriti and Ek Hi Raasta in Hindi.

Movie production[link]

In the late 1950s, Hemanta ventured into movie production under his own banner Hemanta-Bela productions. The first movie under this banner was a Bengali film directed by Mrinal Sen, titled Neel Akasher Neechey (1959). The story of this film was based on the travails of a Chinese street hawker in Calcutta in the backdrop of India's freedom struggle. The movie went onto win the President's Gold Medal – the highest honour for a movie from Government of India. In the next decade, Hemanta's production company was renamed Geetanjali productions and it produced several Hindi movies such as Bees Saal Baad, Kohraa, Biwi Aur Makaan, Faraar, Rahgir and Khamoshi – all of which had music by Hemanta. Almost all of these, except Bees Saal Baad and Khamoshi, weren't major commercial successes. Back in Bengal, Hemanta scored music for a movie titled Palatak in 1963 where he experimented with merging Bengal Folk Music and light music. This proved to be a major success and Hemanta's composition style changed noticeably for many of his future films in Bengal such as Baghini, and Balika Badhu. In Bengali films Manihar and Adwitiya, both of which were major musical as well as commercial successes, his compositions had a light classical tinge. In 1961, for commemorating Rabindranath Tagore's birth centenary, Gramophone company of India featured Rabindrasangeet by Hemanta in a large portion of its commemorative output. This too proved to be a major commercial success. Hemanta also went on several overseas concert tours in this period including his trip to the West Indies. Overall, in the 1960s decade he retained his position as the major male singer in Bengal, and, as a composer and singer to be reckoned with in Hindi films.

Latter part of career[link]

In the 1970s, Hemanta's contribution in Hindi films was nominal. He scored music for a handful of his home productions, but none of these movies were successful nor the music of them. In Bengal, however, he remained the foremost exponent of Rabindrasangeet. His non-film output was popular in the early part of the decade. In 1971, Hemanta debuted as a film director in for his self-produced Bengali movie titled Anindita. The movie didn't fare exceedingly well at the box office. In the early to mid 1970s, two major music composers in Bengal, Nachiketa Ghosh and Robin Chatterjee, who had worked closely with Hemanta since the early 1950s, died. Simultaneously, music composed by Hemanta for Bengali films like Fuleswari, Raag Anurag and Dadar Kirti established Hemanta as the major film music composer in the Bengal movie scene. In 1979, Hemanta re-recorded some of his earlier works with composer Salil Chowdhury from the 1940s and 1950s. This album, titled 'Legend of Glory, vol. 2' was a major commercial success, despite Hemanta's aged and slightly tired voice.

In 1980, Hemanta suffered a major heart attack (myocardial infarction) that severely affected his vocal capabilities, especially his breath control. He continued to record songs in the early eighties, but his voice was a shade of its rich baritone past. In 1984, Hemanta was felicitated by different organizations, most notably by the Gramophone Company of India, for completing 50 years in music. Ironically, that very year Hemanta released his last album with Gramophone Company of India – a 45 rpm extended play disc with four non-film songs. Over the next few years, Hemanta released non-film songs under various small-time labels that had cropped up in the nascent cassette-based music industry. Only a few of these were commercially successful. He composed music for a handful of Bengali movies and one Bengali and one Hindi tele-series. However, by this time he had become an institution, a beloved personality, and a courteous and friendly gentleman. He continued to feature regularly on All India Radio, Doordarshan (TV) and live programmes/concerts during this period.

In September 1989, he travelled to Dhaka, Bangladesh to receive the Michael Madhusudan Award. He performed a concert in Dhaka as well. Immediately after returning from this trip, he suffered a major heart attack (myocardial infarction) on September 26 and died at 11:15 pm in a nursing home in South Calcutta. Interestingly, even 15 years after his death, Gramophone Company of India releases at least one album by him every year, repackaging his older songs, because of the commercial viability of his songs. His legacy still lives on through the numerous songs he has recorded, music he has composed and through many male singers in Bengal and the rest of India who continue to imitate his singing style.

English filmography as a composer[link]

• 1972: Siddhartha

Bengali filmography as a composer[link]

Total number of films: 138

• 1947: Abhiyatri, Purbaraag
• 1948: Bhuli Naai, Padma Pramatta Nadi, Priyatama
• 1949: Diner Par Din, '42, Sandipan Pathshala, Swami
• 1951: Jighansa, Paritran
• 1952: Swapno O Samadhi-(Jointly with Khagen Dasgupta)
• 1955: Shapmochan
• 1956: Suryamukhi
• 1957: Shesh Parichay, Taser Ghar, Harano Sur
• 1958: Lukochuri, Shikar, Surjatoran, Joutuk, Neel Akasher Neechey
• 1959: Deep Jwele Jaai, Khelaghar, Marutirtha Hinglaj, Sonar Harin, Kshaniker Atithi
• 1960: Baishey Shravan, Gariber Meye, Kuhak, Khoka Babur Prayabartan, Shesh Paryanta
• 1961: Dui Bhai, Agni Sanskar, Madhya Rater Tara, Punashcha, Saptapadi, Sathi Hara, Swaralipi
• 1962: Atal Jaler Ahwan, Agun, Dada Thakur, Hansuli Banker Upakatha, Nabadiganta
• 1963: Badshah, Barnachora, Ek Tukro Agun, High Heel, Palatak, Saat Pake Bandha, Shesh Prahar, Tridhara
• 1964: Arohi, Bibhas, Natun Tirtha, Pratinidhi, Prabhater Rang, Swarga Hotey Biday, Sindure Megh
• 1965: Alor Pipasa, Ek Tuku Basa, Ek Tuku Chhonya Lage, Suryatapa
• 1966: Kanch Kata Hirey, Manihar
• 1967: Balika Badhu, Dushtu Prajapati, Nayika Sangbad, Ajana Shapath
• 1968: Adwitya, Baghini, Hansamithun, Jiban Sangeet, Panchasar, Parisodh
• 1969: Chena Achena, Man Niye, Parineeta, Shuk Sari
• 1970: Deshbandhu Chittaranjan, Duti Mon
• 1971: Kuheli, Malayadan, Nabarag, Nimantran, Sansar, Mahabiplabi Arabindo
• 1972: Anindita, Shriman Prithviraj
• 1974: Bikele Bhorer Phool, Thagini, Phuleshwari
• 1975: Agniswar, Mohan Baganer Meye, Nishi Mrigaya, Raag Anuraag, Sansar Simantey
• 1976: Banhi Sikha, Datta, Sankhabish, Pratisruti
• 1977: Din Amader, Hatey Roilo Tin, Mantramugdha, Pratima, Proxy, Rajani, Sanai, Shesh Raksha, Swati
• 1978: Ganadevta, Nadi Theke Sagare, Pranay Pasha
• 1979: Shahar Theke Dooray, Nauka Dubi
• 1980: Bandhan, Dadar Kirti, Paka Dekha, Pankhiraj, Shesh Bichar
• 1981: Kapal Kundala, Khelar Putul, Meghmukti, Subarna Golak
• 1982: Chhoto Maa, Chhut, Uttar Meleni, Pratiksha
• 1983: Amar Geeti, Rajeshwari
• 1984: Agni Shuddhi, Ajantay, Bishabriksha, Didi, Madhuban, Suryatrishna
• 1985: Bhalobasa Bhalobasa, Tagari
• 1986: Pathbhola, Ashirwad
• 1987: Pratibha, Tunibou, Agaman, Boba sanai, Parasmani, Surer Sathi

Hindi filmography as a composer[link]

• A: Anand Math, Anjaan, Anupama, Arab Ka Saudagar
• B: Bahu, Bandhan, Bandi, Bandish, Bees Saal Baad, Bees Saal Pehle, Bhagwat Mahima, Bin Badal Barsaat, Biwi Aur Makaan
• C: Chand, Champakali
• D: Daku Ki Ladki, Do Dil, Do Dooni Char, Do Ladke Dono Kadke, Do Mastane, Durgesh Nandini, Duniya Jhukti Hai,Devi Choudhurani
• E: Ek hi Raasta, Ek Jhalak
• F: Ferry, Faraar, Fashion
• G: Girl Friend
• H: Hamara Watan, Hill Station, Hum Bhi Insaan Hai
• I: Inspector
• J: Jagriti
• K: Khamoshi, Kohraa, Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan
• L: Lagan, Laalten, Love in Canada
• M: Maa Beta, Majhli Didi, Miss Mary
• N: Nagin
• P: Payal, Police
• R: Rahgeer
• S: Sahara, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Samrat, Sannata, Shart
• T: Taj
• U: Us Raat Ke Baad
• Y: Yahudi Ki Ladki

Other languages filmography as a composer[link]

• Ayel Basant Bahar (1961)
• Balma Bada Nadaan (1964)

Hemant Kumar also sang several Marathi songs, notably "Mee Dolkara, Dolkara, Dolakra dariyacha raaja...." (मी डोलकर, डोलकर दर्याचा राजा) with Lata Mangeshkar. This song became immensely popular. Another popular Marathi song by Hemant Kumar, "Gomu sangatina mazya tu yeshil kay" (गोमू संगतीनं माझ्या तू येशील काय), is filmed on the famous actor Kashinath Ghanekar in the film Ha Khel Saavalyancha, हा खेळ सावल्यांचा.

References[link]

This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (June 2009)

Sources[link]

1. Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay, "Ananda dhara", Deb Sahitya Kutir Press, Calcutta, 1970.
2. A. Rajadhakshya and P. Wilhelm, "An Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema," 2nd ed., British Film Institute, 1999.
3. S. Bhattacharya, "Amar gaaner swaralipi," A. Mukherjee Press, Calcutta, 1988.

External links[link]

• Songs of Hemanta Mukherjee
• Hemant Kumar home page
• Mostly complete discography
• Articles on Hemanta Mukherjee
• Hemanta's Hindi Filmography
• Hemanta's Bengali Songs
• Hemanta's Bangla Gaan
• Hemanta Mukherjee's Bengali Songs

Lehmber Hussainpuri (Punjabi: ਲਹਿੰਬਰ ਹੁਸੈਨਪੁਰੀ, lahimbar husainpurī pronounced [lǽmbər husɛːnpuri]; born 17 July 1977 in Punjab, India). He is a popular bhangra singer^[1] in India, UK, US, and Canada. Successfully managed by Platinum-Managerz

Career[link]

Hussainpuri first appeared onto the mainstream bhangra scene in 2001 through Mukthar Sahota on a track titled Sanu Sohni Lagdi. His next song was the all-time classic Das Ja on the album Hype by DJ Sanj. Lehmber then moved onto a collaboration with Dr. Zeus in 2003, on the album Unda The Influence. This album was a success with both traditional and modern bhangra fans with such hits as Ah Ni Kuriye, Mil De Yaar, Mele Vich Jatt and Tin Cheejha. This album put Hussainpuri in the limelight and made him the most sought-after singer in the Bhangra industry at the time. He then did other notable tracks including Mela, Gabru Shakeen, Daru, Kich Ke Legeya and notable appearance on the worldwide smash-hit DesiRock by Swami. Even after working with so many notable artists on many record labels, Lehmber was still unsigned and had not released his debut album.

Things quickly changed in early 2004, as Lehmber signed a one album deal with Envy Records in UK. He then began work on his debut album, produced entirely by Dr. Zeus, which was supposed to be released in 2004 on Envy Records. However in 2005, after numerous delays, Hussainpuri released his solo debut album called Folk Attack in India under BaseLine Records even though he was signed to Envy Records in UK. This led to huge controversy and eventually Lehmber being dropped from Envy Records without ever officially releasing a solo album with Envy. But that was not going to stop Lehmber. He quickly signed a deal in late 2005 with Serious Records, headed by his good friend Jeeti, based in UK.

Later, A compilation The Best of Lehmber Hussainpuri was also released in late 2005 by Jatt Records. An album containing Lehmber's previous material, from before he made it into mainstream, was released by VPearl Records entitled The Great Bhangra King. None of these were official albums, rather just unofficial albums/ compilations by various companies in India to which Lehmber branched off.

Hussainpuri, from 2005 to 2006, became one of the greatest Punjabi singers of recent times having hit songs such as Sadi Gali, Seetiyan, Ne Baliyeh, Tokh Tokh Ke, Panj Bindiyan, Tere Ote Dil Ageya, and Ishq Brandy. He worked with Aman Hayer, Simon Nandhra, RDB, DJ S-Bolina, DJ Sanj, Lil Sach and many others.^[2]

His first album on Serious Records, Chalakiyan, was released in October 2006 and contained tracks produced by Jeeti, Kam Frantic and Aman Hayer. The album was a massive success not only in UK but also in India and North America. Chalakiyan won ALBUM OF THE YEAR for 2006 at the UK Asian Music Awards. The title song Chalakiyan and the song Hauli Nach were both nominated for Song of the Year but did not win.

In March 2007 Envy Records, the former label which Hussainpuri was signed to, released a new album entitled 21st Century King of Bhangra featuring 3 new tracks and all of Hussainpuri's hit tracks from his Envy days. In response to this Hussainpuri released a video asking people not to buy the album and to only buy his albums which have been released by Serious Records. It has been stated that this is an attempt by Envy Records to get money back from Hussainpuri after he released Folk Attack early in India while being signed to Envy Records.

On September 19, 2007 Hussainpuri's compilation "Phuchal" was released in India. It contained previously released songs produced by Simon Nadhara, DJ VIX, Popsy, and Metz n Trix. This album was just a compilation of songs that previously appeared on other producers' albums. This album was not an official release, rather a compilation released in India. The North American version was released as "Bhuchal" by Planet Recordz.

In 2008 he made appearances on 2 CDs, XS-BASS' July 2008 release, "Amplified", and DJ H & DJ Rags' August 2008 release, "Reloaded", on the songs "Mitran Da Dhol" and "Gulaab". In a 2008 interview, Lehmber stated that he began work on his new album and it would be releasing soon from Serious Records.

In February 2009, Lehmber appeared on 2 songs on Jeeti's Serious Duets. One was titled Mera Mahi Tu Pateya, which is actually just the re-worked Boliyan (this one featuring Miss Pooja) from Lehmber's album Chalakiyan. The other song, also from Chalakiyan, titled Dil De Hoor, contained somewhat similar lyrics from the smash hit Ah Ni Kuriye

In January 2010, Lehmber appeared on many song such as Kudi from Hardcore Desi 2; Giddhe Wich from Sher Punjabi; Ik Peg from Mohabttan 2010; & Akh Teri from Velley Boyz. In March 2010, Lehmber Hussainpuri appeared on the songs Dil Lagee (Desi Version) and Dil Lagee (Hip Hop Version) on the album Absolut Bhangra 4: The Double Shot by North American group Dhol Beat International.^[3] The Desi Version of Dil Lagee became an instant hit and definitely a dance floor shaker.

On April 28, 2010, it was announced that MovieBox Records, based out of UK, had acquired Serious Records.^[4] As part of the deal, Moviebox received Serious Records' music catalogue as well as their current lineup of artists. Thus Lehmber Hussainpuri is now officially signed to MovieBox Records (Serious Records Label). In the press release, MovieBox also announced that Lehmber's album will be released in July 2010 with production coming from Jeeti, Kam Frantic, and Panjabi By Nature. Lehmber's signing with MovieBox is a huge benefit for Lehmber, because now he can work with MovieBox's ever-expanding lineup of top class producers.

In a July 2010 interview, Lehmber gave insight into his upcoming projects. Hussainpuri said, "Besides my solo album, I have a devotional album also coming out this year." Lehmber also stated that for his next solo project he was trying his hand singing qawwalis and songs which address a social cause, quite a different approach then his usual fast-beat party tunes. Lastly, he mentioned that he was heading towards Bollywood. Lehmber said, "Akshay Kumar has expressed his desire to work with me and we shall come out together with a project soon."^[5]

In November 2010, Lehmber Hussainpuri appeared on Panjabi MC's album, The Raj on the song Akh Da Eshara. In January and February 2011, Lehmber Hussainpuri appeared on the songs Mittro Ki Kariye by Tejwant Kittu, Hawavan by Jassi Bros, and Nakharah by MidLand DJs

In Feb 2011, his single "Sadi Gali (RDB)" reached number one on various Bollywood charts. The single was initially released on RDB (Rhythm Dhol Bass)'s album 'Three' in 2005, but then due to its huge success in the Bhangra scene, it was re-released on the soundtrack of the movie 'Tanu Weds Manu' (2011). Lehmber also featured on the soundtrack of the Hindi film Mausam (2011 film) on the song Mallo Malli with Hard Kaur^[6]

On 13 May 2011 Lehmber was featured on Bups Saggu's debut album 'Redefined' with the smash hit 'Matha Tekhiya', with the official music video releasing on September 23, 2011.^[7] Also released on October 7, 2011 was Lehmber's Jukebox Boli, the sequel to his all-time smash hit Chalakiyan Boliyan. This song was featured on Jeeti's new album, Jukebox.

On October 21, 2011 Lehmber Hussainpuri's new album Folk Attack 2 released on Serious Records and it featured production from Jeeti, Kam Frantic, Bhinda Aujla, Sukhi Chand, and Panjabi By Nature.^[8] The much awaited and highly anticipated album finally ended the long hiatus Lehmber took from the UK Bhangra scene. Folk Attack 2 released exactly 5 years since Lehmber's last solo effort, Chalakiyan. The first single from the album, Jatt Pagal Karte (produced by Jeeti) was released October 14, 2011 and was followed by the second single Pulli Phirdi (produced by Kam Frantic) on November 4, 2011.

Feud[link]

Lehmber and Dr. Zeus made one of the best collaborations bhangra had seen since the likes of Jazzy B & S.Shinda. Together these two had various hits. But an incident around an album caused their breakup leaving yet another potentially greatest bhangra producer & singer duo lost. The last big breakup in the bhangra industry was of the band B21.

After working on Unda da Influence with Dr. Zeus, Lehmber wanted his own solo debut album. Zeus agreed to produce an album for Lehmber for free because he felt Lehmber should get credit and not producers. Zeus agreed only as long as Envy Records got to release the album in the UK. Zeus also agreed that Lehmber could release the Indian version of the album himself. Therefore Lehmber signed a one album contract with Envy Records in early 2004. Zeus agreed to finish production and have the album set for release in mid 2004. However, Dr. Zeus kept delaying the album numerous times for various reasons. Thus, Lehmber took the uncompleted tracks to India behind Zeus' back. He released the songs in 2005 on an album "Folk Attack" under BaseLine Records even though he was signed to Envy Records in UK. Zeus was unhappy about how the tracks were released without his permission and therefore dropped Lehmber from Envy Records. Zeus put the finishing touches on the songs (adding raps, backup singers, and skits) and released it as "The Original Edit" under his own name in UK. Both versions of the albums were well received by listeners

Discography[link]

Official Albums[link]

Compilations/Unofficial Albums/Foreign Releases[link]

Bollywood Soundtracks[link]

References[link]

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (August 2010)

Hrishitaa Bhatt
Born	(1981-05-10) 10 May 1981 (age 31)[1] Mumbai, India
Occupation	Actress, model

Hrishitaa Bhatt (Bengali: হৃশিতা ভট্ট; born 10 May 1981), also spelled as Hrishita Bhat, is a Bollywood actress and model. She debuted in the film Asoka (2001) opposite Shah Rukh Khan, but it was Haasil (2003), that brought major turn into her career. Bhatt got acclaim by this role and appeared in films like Ab Tak Chappan and Jigyaasa. In 2008, she appeared in IshQ Bector's music video Daaku Daddy with Shakti Kapoor.

Early and personal life[link]

Bhatt was born into a Bengali-speaking family in Mumbai. She used to take dance lessons as a child, was athletic and believed in keeping fit from her school days. She wanted to be a pilot, but after completing her education at Trinity College, London; took Kathak lessons from choreographer Shiamak Davar; and some modeling assignments, she successfully auditioned for the Liril advertising campaign. She was selected and became the Liril girl with the cute smile. She has also appeared in a music video album, "Aankhon Me Tera Hi Chehra" by Aryans, with Shahid Kapoor. She is now the life member of the International Film And Television Club of Asian Academy of Film & Television.

Filmography[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Hrishitaa Bhatt at the Internet Movie Database