Govinda III (793–814 CE) was a famous Rashtrakuta ruler who succeeded his illustrious father Dhruva Dharavarsha. He was militarily the most successful emperor of the dynasty with successful conquests from Cape Comorin in the south to Kannauj in the north, from Banaras in the east to Broach (Bharuch) in the west. He held titles such as Prabhutavarsha, Jagattunga, Anupama, Kirthinarayana, Prithvivallabha, Shrivallabha, Vimaladitya, Atishayadhavala and Tribhuvanadhavala. From the Someshvara inscription of 804 it is known that Gamundabbe was his chief queen.

Early feud[link]

Though Govinda III became the emperor it was not before having to face some internal family feuds. His elder brother Kambarasa (also known as Stambha) who coveted the throne went to war having formed an alliance of twelve chiefs as written in the Navasari record.^[1] Other records like the Sisvayi and Sanjan records mention support to Govinda III from brother Indra and victory against the combined forces of Kambarasa.^[2] Shivamara II of Ganga Dynasty of Talakad had joined Kambarasa but after the defeat was imprisoned for a second time while Kambarasa was pardoned and allowed to govern from Gangavadi.

Capture of Kannauj[link]

From his capital in Mayurkhandi in Bidar district, Govinda III conducted his northern campaign in 800 C.E.. He successfully obtained the submission of Gurjara-Pratihara Nagabhata II, Dharmapala of Pala Empire and the incumbent puppet ruler of Kannauj, Chakrayudha. It is said Nagabhata II ran away from the battle field. The Sanjan plates of Govinda III mentions that the horse of Govinda III drank the icy liquid bubbling in the Himalayan stream and his war elephants tasted the holy waters of the Ganges.^[2] The rulers of Magadha and Bengal also submitted to him. A inscription of 813 states the Govinda III conquered Lata (southern and central Gujarat) and made his brother Indra the ruler of the territory. This in effect became a branch of the Rashtrakuta Empire.^[3] However, another opinion is Govinda III had control over the regions between Vindhyas and Malwa in the north to Kanchi in the south, while the heart of his empire extended from the Narmada to Tungabhadra rivers.^[3]

Southern conquests[link]

The Eastern Chalukyas who had taken an antagonistic stand against the Rashtrakutas again had to face the wrath of Govinda III, who defeated Chalukya Vijayaditya II and installed Bhima Salki as its ruler. He further defeated the king of Kaushal (Kosala) and occupied parts of Andhra and defeated Pallava Dantivarman in 803 at Kanchi. He even obtained the submission of the King of Ceylon without even going to battle. The King of Ceylon is said to have sent him two statues, one of himself and another of his minister as an act of submission.^[4] The Nasari record states that now all the kingdoms of Tamil country, the Cholas, Pandyas and the Keralas paid their tribute to Govinda III.^[4]

Never had the Rashtrakuta Empire reach such levels of military success and zenith of glory.^[5] Govinda III died in 814. His brother Indra during this time founded the Gujarat (Lata) branch. He was succeeded by his son Amoghavarsha I.

Notes[link]

1. ^ From two records of 808, Reu (1933), p64
2. ^ ^{a b} Kamath (2001), p76
3. ^ ^{a b} Reu (1933), p66
4. ^ ^{a b} Kamath (2001), p77
5. ^ A.S. Altekar in (Kamath 2001, p77)

References[link]

• Sastri, Nilakanta K.A. (2002) [1955]. A history of South India from prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar. New Delhi: Indian Branch, Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-560686-8. 
• Kamath, Suryanath U. (2001) [1980]. A concise history of Karnataka : from pre-historic times to the present. Bangalore: Jupiter books. LCCN 8095179. OCLC 7796041. 
• Reu, Pandit Bisheshwar Nath (1997) [1933]. History of The Rashtrakutas (Rathodas). Jaipur: Publication scheme. ISBN 81-86782-12-5. 

External links[link]

• History of Karnataka, Mr. Arthikaje

Alka Yagnik
Background information
Born	(1966-03-20) 20 March 1966 (age 46) Kolkata, West Bengal
Genres	Bollywood and regional filmi playback singing
Occupations	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1979–present

Alka Yagnik (born March 20, 1966^[1] in Kolkata, West Bengal, India) is an Indian singer.^[2] Among the best-known playback singers of Hindi cinema, she is a record seven-time winner of the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer from a record of 35 nominations, a two-time recipient of the National Film Award as well as several other music awards listed below. Further, as many as 20 of her tracks feature in BBC's "Top 40 Bollywood Soundtracks of all time" review.^[3]

Early life and background[link]

Alka Yagnik was born in Kolkata on March 20, 1966. Her mother Shubha Yagnik was a singer of Indian classical music. She received her school education from Modern High School for Girls. At the age of 6, she started singing for Akashvani (All India Radio), Calcutta.^[4] At age 10, her mother brought her to Bombay as a child singer. She was advised to wait until her voice matured, but her mother remained determined. On a subsequent visit, Alka got a letter of introduction to Raj Kapoor from his Kolkata distributor. Kapoor heard the girl and sent her with a letter to noted music director Laxmikant. Impressed, Laxmikant gave her two alternatives — an immediate start as a dubbing artist or a later break as a singer; they settled for the latter.

Career[link]

Alka Yagnik is classically trained and has been one of the leading playback singers in Bollywood since the late 1980s. She began singing bhajans for Akashvani (All India Radio), Calcutta.^[4] at the age of six. Her first song was for the film Payal Ki Jhankaar in (1979), followed by Laawaris (1981) with the hit song "Mere Angene Mein", followed by the film Hamari Bahu Alka (1982). She got her big break with the song "Ek Do Teen" from the film Tezaab (1988). The song turned her into a star overnight and went on to become a pop hit, also winning her a Filmfare Best Female Playback Award. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was also a career maker for her, as she along with Udit Narayan became household names.

She has sung in many languages other than Hindi, including Gujarati, Oriya, Assamese, Manipuri, Nepali, Rajasthani, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. She has worked with Indian composers such as Kalyanji-Anandji, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Rajesh Roshan, Nadeem-Shravan, Jatin Lalit, Anu Malik, A. R. Rahman, Anand-Milind, Himesh Reshammiya, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Ismail Darbar, Aadesh Shrivastava, Viju Shah, M.M. Keeravani, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and many others.

She has also sung in many notable albums such as "Tum Yaad Aaye", as well as "Tum Aaye" and "Shairana" in which she worked in close collaboration with award-winning lyricist Javed Akhtar and noted singer Hariharan. She has also rendered the Hanuman Chalisa and various devotional songs.^[5]

She has lent her voice for three generation of actresses ranging from Hema Malini, Rekha, Shabana Azmi, Rakhi Gulzar, Sridevi to Madhuri Dixit, Raveena Tandon, Manisha Koirala, Juhi Chawla, Kajol, Tabu, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, Karisma Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai to Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Sushmita Sen, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and many others.^[6]

Alka shares the title with Asha Bhosle for the greatest number of Filmfare Awards won (7) by a single female playback singer. Alka has also been the judge of various Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge shows, and Star Voice of India, both singing competition shows, in which children or adults of various age groups compete with one another to win the award for best vocals. In addition to this, her song "Chamma Chamma" from China Gate was featured in the song "Hindi Sad Diamonds" from the soundtrack of the film Moulin Rouge!. She has also been performing in live concerts around the world .

In 2012 she along with Sonu Nigam sang a song 'Shiksha Ka Suraj' as part of National Literacy Mission of India. ^[7] She has also been involved in various projects pertaining to empowerment of the girl child . ^[8]

Significant collaborations[link]

Laxmikant-Pyarelal

Veteran composers Laxmikant-Pyarelal who were instrumental in launching Alka have created several musical hits with her in movies such as Tezaab, Hum (film), Khalnayak, Khuda Gawah and many others.

Nadeem-Shravan

Alka Yagnik's collaboration with Nadeem-Shravan in movies such as Saajan (1991),Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Deewana (1992), Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Dilwale (1994), Raja (1995), Barsaat (1995), Agni Sakshi (1996), Jeet (1996), Raja Hindustani (1996), Pardes (1997), Sirf Tum (1999), Dhadkan (2000), Kasoor (2001), Raaz (2002), Andaaz (2003), Dil Hai Tumhaara (2003), etc. has created several chartbuster hits over the years.

Jatin Lalit

Alka Yagnik has often collaborated with Jatin Lalit in movies such as Khiladi, Ghulam, Khamoshi: The Musical, Sarfarosh, Yes Boss, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Chalte Chalte, Hum Tum creating hugely popular scores.

Anu Malik

Alka's collaborations with Anu Malik over the years in films such as Baazigar, Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee, Imtihaan, Refugee, Vijaypath, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Akele Hum Akele Tum, Duplicate, Soldier, Aarzoo, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, Asoka, Umrao Jaan, Fiza, Josh, Ishq Vishk, LOC: Kargil, etc. have all been immensely successful.

A. R. Rahman

Alka's collaborations with A. R. Rahman in movies such as Taal, Lagaan, Zubeidaa, Swades, Yuvvraaj, Ada... A Way of Life, Slumdog Millionaire are all critically acclaimed.

Rajesh Roshan

Alka's work with Rajesh Roshan in films such as Karan Arjun, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000), Koi Mil Gaya (2003), Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage, Koyla, Krrish has been immensely popular.

Anand-Milind

Alka has worked in several films with Anand-Milind notably Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Anjaam, Suhaag, Coolie No. 1 (Hindi film), Loafer, Jaan, Hero No. 1, Mrityudand & Jaanwar.

Himesh Reshammiya

Alka gave Himesh Reshammiya his first break in the movie Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya . Thereafter the duo has worked together creating poplar scores in several movies such as Hello Brother, Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye, Humraaz, Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne, Tere Naam, Bardaasht, Aitraaz, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, Kyon Ki, Banaras, 36 China Town, Milenge Milenge, etc.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Alka's collaboration with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy in films such as Dil Chahta Hai, Mission Kashmir, Armaan (2003 film), Kal Ho Naa Ho, Lakshya (film) & Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna has been immensely successful.

Awards and nominations[link]

Alka Yagnik has won several prestigious music awards for best female playback such as Filmfare Awards, National Awards, IIFA Awards, Star Screen Awards,Zee Cine Awards, etc. She also holds the record for most awards won (7) as well as maximum nominations (35) in Best Female Playback category at the Filmfare Awards.^[9]

Notable Bollywood filmography[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Alka Yagnik at the Internet Movie Database

Karisma Kapoor
Karisma Kapoor at Xtra Innings IPL V, 2012.
Born	Karishma Kapoor (1974-06-25) 25 June 1974 (age 38) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Other names	Lolo
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1991–2003, 2011–present
Spouse	Sanjay Kapoor (2003–present) 2 children

Karisma Kapoor (born on 25 June 1974), often informally referred to as Lolo,^[1] is an Indian actress appearing in Bollywood films. Born into a family where her parents, Randhir Kapoor and Babita, were actors, Kapoor made her acting debut at the age of seventeen with Prem Qaidi in 1991. She subsequently featured in several commercially successful films such as Jigar (1992), Anari (1993), Raja Babu, Suhaag (1994), Coolie No. 1, Gopi Kishan (1995), Saajan Chale Sasural & Jeet (1996).

In 1996, Kapoor earned her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Raja Hindustani, her biggest commercial success, and later received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the romantic drama Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). She went on to play the lead female role in the critically acclaimed projects, Fiza (2000) and Zubeidaa (2001), for which she earned the Best Actress and Best Actress (Critics) trophies at the Filmfare ceremony. Having done so, Kapoor has established herself as one the leading actresses of Hindi cinema.

During her career, Kapoor has received one National Film Award and four Filmfare Awards, among six nominations. In addition to acting in films, Kapoor has played the leading role in the television series, Karishma: The Miracle of Destiny (2003) and has also featured as a talent judge for the reality shows, Nach Baliye and Hans Baliye. Following a high-profile relationship with actor Abhishek Bachchan, Kapoor married Sanjay Kapoor in 2003, with whom she has two children. She subsequently took a sabbatical from acting after her marriage before featuring in Dangerous Ishhq (2012).

Early life[link]

Kapoor was born in Mumbai to Randhir Kapoor, an actor popular during the 1970s and 80s, and actress Babita. She is the granddaughter of actor and filmmaker Raj Kapoor, great-granddaughter of actor Prithviraj Kapoor, grand-niece of actors Shashi Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor, sister of actress Kareena Kapoor, niece of actors Rishi Kapoor and Rajiv Kapoor, and first-cousin of actor Ranbir Kapoor.^[2] Kapoor studied at the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai until grade six.

Career[link]

Debut & Breakthrough (1991–1995)[link]

Kapoor made her debut in the 1991 movie Prem Qaidi, which was a semi-hit. Although most of her multiple releases from 1992–1996 failed to do well at the box office, she had some success with films like Jigar (1992), Anari (1993), Raja Babu & Suhaag (1994), Coolie No. 1 & Gopi Kishan (1995), Saajan Chale Sasural & Jeet (1996) Judwaa & Hero No. 1 (1997).^[3]

Success & Critical Acclaim (1996–2002)[link]

In 1996, Kapoor played the female lead in Dharmesh Darshan's Raja Hindustani opposite Aamir Khan. The movie was the highest grossing film of the year^[4] and she won her first Filmfare Best Actress Award. The following year, she won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award and the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Yash Chopra's super-hit,^[5] Dil To Pagal Hai opposite Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit.

Kapoor took a year break from films in 1998. Her diminutive comeback in 1999 proved to be good as she took part in the year's most successful films. Kapoor starred in four absolute hits. David Dhawan's comedy Biwi No.1 opposite Salman Khan became the biggest hit of the year. She proved to have success with comedy films, as David Dhawan's another film Haseena Maan Jaayegi did fairly well at the box office.^[6]

Kapoor also collaborated for the first time with the Rajshri Productions banner with Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United which also resulted in a hit. Her last release, Jaanwar opposite Akshay Kumar, was another box office hit, making her the most successful actress of the year.^[7]

In 2000, she won her second Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance in Khalid Mohammed's Fiza. Her performance in the film was highly acclaimed and several critics noted her for showing great emotional range and depth. Mimmy Jain of The Indian Express, in a positive review, wrote, "As the young girl who is sick of the suspense and disruption that her brother's disappearance has caused in her family's life, as the obstinate daughter who will not listen to her mother's plea to let her keep hoping for her son, as the determined sister who keeps on in her hunt for her brother despite all odds and then seeks to keep him on the right path, this is a new Karisma, and one that delivers a superbly flawless performance."^[8][9]

In 2001, She also achieved critical acclaim for her role in the film, Zubeidaa. Her performance was appreciated with film critic Taran Adarsh who believed that she "looks every bit the character she is portraying and the effort is laudable. She essays the multifaceted character with flourish and scores every time she comes on screen."^[10] The Tribune complimented her by arguing that she "has surpassed herself as the passionate, defiant, wilful and troubled Zubeidaa, the truly modern woman."^[11] For her work, she was awarded the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.

In 2002, Her performance in Shakti - The Power, was highly appreciated. Kapoor's performance was applauded by critic Taran Adarsh who wrote, "the power clearly belongs to Karisma Kapoor. Breathing fire and venom to win back her son from the clutches of a despot, the actress gives it all to the character of a helpless mother and proves what a virtuoso performer she is. Playing the part of a wounded tigress, this is one performance that overshadows all the performances the year has seen so far",^[12] and earned her many nominations in the Best Actress category.

Sabbatical (2003–2010)[link]

After her film Baaz: A Bird in Danger and Karishma: The Miracle of Destiny, released in 2003, she took a sabbatical from full time acting for three years. In 2006, Kapoor was seen in two delayed films Mere Jeevan Saathi opposite Akshay Kumar and Ameesha Patel, in which she played a negative role, and Zamaanat starring alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Arshad Warsi. In 2007, Kapoor was seen on Karan Johar's chat show Koffee with Karan, with her sister Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, she also won the Koffee Award for Best Supporting Appearance. In 2008, alongside actor Arjun Rampal and director/choreographer Farah Khan, Kapoor began judging the dance show Nach Baliye 4, and continued the following year with Hans Baliye alongside David Dhawan. In addition, she made a cameo role, along with numerous other Bollywood stars in 2007's Om Shanti Om. She was also seen as guest on the reality TV show Wife Bina Life (2010). Kapoor also voiced the role of Chhaya in the Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor starrer Bodyguard.

Return To Films (2011–present)[link]

In 2011, Kapoor officially announced she is returning to movies in Vikram Bhatt's next, a 3D film titled Dangerous Ishhq. Her performance was appreciated with film critics Komal Nahta commented: "Karisma Kapoor who makes a comeback is profiled in almost every possible manner and given almost every range of acting in this film. Directors notice please! So you have the age-defying mother of two in real life, hopping around in big heals, is eternally decked up with proper make-up and hair romancing, weeping, gun-totting, turning Punjabi, Rajasthani and even Islamic all with stressful accents throughout the film". Mansha Rastogi commented: "Karisma Kapoor who makes a comeback is profiled in almost every possible manner and given almost every range of acting in this film. Directors notice please! So you have the age-defying mother of two in real life, hopping around in big heals, is eternally decked up with proper make-up and hair romancing, weeping, gun-totting, turning Punjabi, Rajasthani and even Islamic all with stressful accents throughout the film". Taran Adarsh commented: "Karisma Kapoor puts forth her best efforts, getting to deliver lines in varied dialects. She gets the dialects right, especially Urdu and Rajasthani". Filmfare commented: "Full marks to Karisma for her conviction though. She’s as powerful and confident as any of her earlier performances". Times of india commented: "After long, Karisma Kapoor is reincarnated onscreen. Between panic-struck moments and over dramatic emotions, in almost every frame, she seems stuck in the 90s. There are moments of brief intensity where she performs well, but nothing that jumpstarts us back to life". Mumbai Mirror commented: "Karisma Kapoor makes an ‘entry’ like the stars of old-school Bollywood as she walks the ramp. The fact that you also see her eventually as a Rajput dasi in the 1500s with several avatars in between is testament to the fact that she’s worked hard. Acting is a skill you can lose without practice".

Kapoor will be featured in the remake of Satte Pe Satta opposite Sanjay Dutt which started filming in January 2012.^[13] Karisma Kapoor endorsed Babyoye.com, an online portal that sells baby care products, at Taj Lands End in Bandra.^[14]

Personal Life[link]

Karisma Kapoor with younger sister Kareena Kapoor.

Hailing from a family deeply involved in the Bollywood film industry, Kapoor faced the media spotlight from a very young age.[16] As a child, Kapoor regularly attended award ceremonies and events with her mother Babita and father Randhir Kapoor.

Karisma was engaged to Abhishek Bachchan. The engagement was announced in October 2002 on the 60th birthday of Abhishek's father, Amitabh Bachchan. Four months later in February 2003, they split up.^[15] On 29 September 2003, she married industrialist Sanjay Kapur, CEO of Sixt India. In typical Kapoor tradition, Karisma was married at the home of her grandfather (the late Raj Kapoor): R K Cottage. They opted for an hour-long Sikh wedding ceremony.^[16] The couple's daughter Samaira was born on 11 March 2005. After the birth of her daughter, there was considerable rift between her and her husband. The couple has subsequently patched-up. She gave birth to their second child, son Kiaan Raj Kapoor on 12 March 2010.^[17]

Stage Performances[link]

Kapoor has been part of several stage shows and world tours since 90's. The Heartthrobs: Live in Concert, was successfully performed across the United States and Canada alongside Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, and Aftab Shivdasani.

Filmography[link]

Television[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Karisma Kapoor

• Karisma Kapoor at the Internet Movie Database