Bollywood Mourns: Zakir Hussain’s Passing Leaves Celebs and Fans Heartbroken!

On Monday,  the world lost renowned tabla master Ustad Zakir Hussain. The renowned artist, 73, was undergoing treatment for serious heart-related illnesses when he passed away in San Francisco. Several Bollywood celebrities, including Hansal Mehta, Zoya Akhtar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, and others, shared their sadness on social media after the news was made public.

As soon as news of Zakir Hussain's death spread, Akshay Kumar shared a photo of the master on social media. He wrote, "very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country's musical heritage. Om Shanti."

Kareena Kapoor Khan also paid tribute to the well-known musician by sharing a heartfelt picture of herself with Zakir Hussain, Randhir Kapoor, and her father.

Director Hansal Mehta wrote his final farewell to the tabla master on X (formerly Twitter), “The maestro who made so many sleepless nights at Hindustani classical concerts memorable. The man who knew how to engage with an audience through his artistry. The Ustad who made the tabla sexy. Goodbye Ustad Zakir Hussain.”

Ananya Panday shared a picture of Zakir Hussain and a heart emoji on Instagram. Meanwhile, "REST IN PEACE, Ustad Zakir Hussain 1951-2024," was written by Rakul Preet Kaur. Ustad Zakir Hussain's Ji, may you rest in peace. You will always be missed and remembered.

Sunny Deol expressed sorrow at Zakir Hussain's departure and stated, "A monumental loss to India and the world of music with the passing away of Padma Vibhushan #Zakir Hussain, one of the greatest musicians ever. His contribution to music transcended borders. His legacy will forever resonate through the beats of his tabla. Rest in peace, maestro".

Manoj Bajpayee penned, "The rhythm of a maestro can never be muted. RIP Zakir Hussain Sahab AA. Shocked and heartbroken by his passing, his legacy will live on in every beat."

Additionally, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar shared a black-and-white image of Zakir Hussain with the statement on Instagram to show her sorrow, “Ustaad (red heart emoji) #therewillneverbeanotheryou #thankyouforthemusic #zakirhussain #maestro #nationaltreasure #RIP @zakirhq9.”

Actress Nimrat Kaur reflected on her last live performance of Ustad Zakir Hussain at the Prithvi Theatre earlier this year. She disclosed, “On Feb 28th, ’24, when I last watched Ustad Zakir Hussain live at Prithvi Theatre, I recall my heart beating to the beats of the sheer flawless genius of his talent. His international superstardom and the zenith of his achievements are forever here to inspire and energize us.”

She also revealed, “As a human being, to remain the most humble, gracious, and generous through his incomparable life journey is what remains etched as a life goal in my heart. Your kind eyes and mystical being shall outlive generations…rest in glory Ustad ji. Never shall there be another.”The 73-year-old artist has been suffering with blood pressure issues. As a result, his family sent him to a reputable hospital for treatment of serious illnesses. Despite the efforts of the medical staff and the prayers of his millions of fans, the musician tragically passed away. Gossips4fans - Bollywood, Hollywood and Tollywood Latest Information for you: Bollywood Mourns: Zakir Hussain’s Passing Leaves C..

Read More........ → December 26, 2024

Kal Khel Mein Hum Ho Na Ho: One hundred Years of Raj Kapoor

Postage stamp issued in memory of legendary Bollywood actor, producer, director Raj Kapoor. PHOTO: By India Post, Government of India. @commons.wikimedia.org/

He would have been a hundred years old on December 14, and would have been perhaps receiving ovations – the actor, producer, director, showman, Raj Kapoor, of course!

Beginning his love affair with films in 1935, Kapoor spanned decades, making impressive films, winning much accolade and many important awards.

Producing and directing his own films became a regular thing for actor Kapoor soon and he came to be admired as the ultimate showman.

Kapoor developed a serious approach to filmmaking early. Not given to lavish sets and paraphernalia of the so-called showmen of the industry, Kapoor concentrated on the story, the emotions, the portrayal, the acting and the hidden messages. His singular touch could be seen on the minutest detail of a scene.

Poster of movie Phir Subah Hogi. PHOTO: wikimedia.org

A remarkable thing about Kapoor’s films was their positivity. Although presenting a grim picture of existing social conditions, they always had a light at the end of the tunnel.

‘Boot Polish’ was Kapoor’s production where he did not play any role and parts of which he perhaps ghost directed, was a striking film with two children left to survive on the streets, and being taught the value of honest work.

Kapoor’s own productions began presenting the promise of the future after that. Soon followed ‘Shree 420’ directed by him, portraying the allure of the city and its evils.

‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ song from the film became a household song in Russia and Iran and many other countries. Audiences everywhere were taken up by the careless abandon of his character, and his strength of sticking it out in the face of adversity.

A few years earlier, in his film ‘Awaara’, Kapoor had introduced the famous Kapoor persona of a penniless bum with golden heart, wearing cropped pants. Eating ‘chana’ handed out by a vendor which he introduced in yet another of his films, ‘Anari’. ‘Anari’ perhaps gave Hindi Cinema its first mother-son love-hate kind of relation, with both Kapoor and Lalita Pawar excelling at it.

Kapoor’s films and his songs became cults. Kapoor was musically inclined and reportedly discussed personally the music and the lyrics of the songs in his films. He could play various instruments himself and made sure that the songs of his films were singable, meaningful and inspiring.

Poster for Teesri Kasam. PHOTO: indiancinema.sites.uiowa.edu/teesri-kasam

Kapoor’s ambitious project ‘Mera Naam Joker’ captured the idea of being a showman, with seeming dedication to Shakespeare’s ‘all the world is a stage’. Divided into three parts, and directed with his special touches, the first part of the protagonist’s adolescence is an excellent separate film in itself.

Kapoor’s films not only took a critical look at problems in the society, offering a commentary and a suggesting solution through the path of truth and honesty. His characters presented values dear to the middle class. Loyalty and friendship were as important in relationships, his films said.

His film ‘Bobby’ presented that love and friendship are above any social standing, and that change is necessary for a healthy future. The film carried away an entire generation under its spell. Young college students flooded movie theaters leading to ‘housefuls’. The rebellious teenagers became friends of young adults, and the music excelled in its appeal to the young.

The theme of social change became predominant in Kapoor’s later films like ‘Prem Rog’ and ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’. These two films focused on women’s social condition of widowhood and unmarried motherhood. ‘Prem Rog’ presented the onset of new ideas in the form of higher education. The film had some great acting flashes by his son, actor Rishi Kapoor, and his brother, Shammi Kapoor. ‘Ram Teri Ganga…’ also became a film promoting the woman.

Although considered master of the craft of filmmaking, Kapoor’s performances in films of other directors make it to top of the list of his work, putting him down for eternity as an actor.

Kapoor’s performance in ‘Jagte Raho’ became a benchmark for silent but telling performance. Directed by Sombhu Mitra and Amit Maitra, it was a commentary on the class systems, by writer and journalist K.A. Abbas. Kapoor gave one of his best performances in that film with another great performance by actor Motilal.

Still from Mera Naam Joker. PHOTO: videograb from YouTube

City featured in yet another excellent performance of Kapoor’s in ‘Phir Subah Hogi’. Based on Dostoevsky’s famous novel, Crime and Punishment, it was an intense and quite a dark film, with Kapoor portraying the sadness, anger and frustration of his character just right.

Dressing in dhoti again, Kapoor played Hiraman, the bullock cart driver in ‘Teesari Kasam’, directed by noted director Basu Bhattacharya.

Kapoor made Hiraman a simpleton, a straight forward and honest man who gave his heart to a courtesan going to a nautanki to perform. The human situation of pure love developing in the hearts of two dissimilar persons, and of love’s ultimate sacrifice, held a universal appeal. Kapoor’s third vow cut through the heart of not just his character, but also the audience’s.

Kapoor’s talent hit home in an unparalleled portrayal of an old man in ‘Dil Hi To Hai’. He handled the transition between old and young man with fluidity. Just like his brother Shammi Kapoor did it in ‘Professor’.

Still from Awaara Hoon song where Raj Kapoor looks at a watch he just pickpocketed. PHOTO: videograb from YouTube

Entertainment is the purpose of the art of the celluloid. What is noteworthy is that Kapoor tried to bring in message of change through entertainment.

Cinema is what he loved. He remained a true ‘show man’ till the end, smiling and joking about his own pain and discomfort in the face of cancer, so much so that director Hrishikesh Mukherjee based the main character of his film ‘Anand’ on him.

Kapoor seems to have believed that he was an actor on the stage of life, and he was going to play his part till the end. He did just that and also left behind a priceless legacy.

Like the song from his ‘Mera Naam Joker’.Jeena yehan, marna yehan, iske siwa janaa kahaan! Kal Khel Mein Hum Ho Na Ho: One hundred Years of Raj Kapoor

Read More........ → December 11, 2024

Remembering Sanjeev Kumar: Celebrating 5 timeless roles on his birth anniversary

Sanjeev Kumar remembered. PHOTO: X via ANI

New Delhi, July 9: On the occasion of one of Bollywood’s most beloved actors, Sajeev Kumar’s birth anniversary, we celebrate the life and career of one of Indian cinema’s most versatile actors.

Known for his remarkable ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity, Sajeev Kumar left an indelible mark on the film industry.

From intense dramas to light-hearted comedies, his performances have captivated audiences for decades.

Let us revisit these cinematic gems and celebrate the legacy of a true acting genius who continues to inspire and entertain cinephiles even today.

1. Sholay (1975) – Thakur Baldev Singh

Sanjeev Kumar’s portrayal of Thakur Baldev Singh in the epic blockbuster ‘Sholay’ is perhaps one of his most iconic roles. Despite being handless, his character displayed immense courage and determination in seeking justice, making him a pivotal part of the film’s narrative.

2. Angoor (1982) – Ashok R. Tilak/Bhura

In this comedy classic directed by Gulzar, Sanjeev Kumar showcased his exceptional comic timing by playing a double role. His portrayal of both Ashok R. Tilak and Bhura was lauded for its precision and humour, establishing him as a versatile actor.

3. Koshish (1972) – Hari Charan Mathur

‘Koshish’ remains one of the most poignant films in Sanjeev Kumar’s career. Portraying the role of a deaf and mute man alongside Jaya Bachchan, he delivered a deeply moving performance that showcased his sensitivity and depth as an actor.

4. Aandhi (1975) – JK

In ‘Aandhi,’ Sanjeev Kumar starred opposite Suchitra Sen in a role that highlighted his subtlety and ability to convey complex emotions. His portrayal of JK, a conflicted politician, added layers to the film’s narrative and earned him critical acclaim.

5. Khilona (1970) – Vijaykamal

‘Khilona’ marked a significant milestone in Sanjeev Kumar’s career, where he played the role of a mentally unstable man with utmost sensitivity and nuance. His performance not only garnered accolades but also touched the hearts of audiences.

Sanjeev Kumar’s contribution to Indian cinema continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. His versatility, dedication, and ability to immerse himself in diverse roles remain unparalleled.Sanjeev Kumar’s legacy lives on through these timeless performances that have etched a permanent place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts worldwide. Remembering Sanjeev Kumar: Celebrating 5 timeless roles on his birth anniversary

Read More........ → July 10, 2024