Yaadgaar Taraane Band, Mumbai

06/09/2026

*FORGETABLE FILM UNFORGETABLE SONG*
There are many films which are called 'C' grade films. There are noted for poor production values, thin story lines, little known starcast, shoddily made . Public does not expect much from these films which usually have a poor run at the box office .
But occasionally such films spring a surprise and become ' sleeper hits'..
The film 'Jai santoshi maa' was one such hit
A decade earlier in 1965 a film maker decided to make a low cost film with comedian Jagdeep in the lead . With an illogical story he made a fantasy film . To keep costs low he recruited a quawwal Jani Babu to compose music and an unknown lyricist Afghani to pen the songs. Since he could not afford Lata he turned to Suman Kalyanpur to sing. She delivered a song that ranks among her best and is among the finest 'haunting' melodies in hindi films .
Here is that song:
https://youtu.be/BSFF2bx0iFk?si=a1TT0oBdHjEVFH8M
Film 'Noor mahal' was a flop but Sumanji's evocative song is immortal.
TRIVIA QUIZ
1) By which name do we better know Sayeed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jaffrey?
2) this bollywood actor married 5 times Can you name him?

Noor Mahal is a story of a revenge taken by Vir Singh in greediness...

06/04/2026

ANSWERS TO SUMAN KALYANPUR QUIZ
1) Where was she born?
Answer: Dhaka
2) for which hindi film did she first recorded a song?
Answer:film 'Mangu'
3) which was her first released hindi film song?
Answer: film 'Darwaaza'
4) which was her last hindi film song?
Answer : saathi re ( film Veerana)

5)which was her only duet with Lata?
Answer: Kabhi aaj( film Chand)
6) which duet did she sing with Manna De?
Answer: Na jaane kahan tum they'
7) in which film starring Amitabh B did Suman sing a song?
Answer: film 'Naseeb'
8)what was the name of her husband?
Answer: Ramanand Kalyanpur
9) which was the song composed by Anu Mallik sung by Sumamji?
Answer: phool rahon mein Film Aapas ki baat

10)three songs were sung at the funeral of Sumanji
Can you name these songs?
Answer: Ajhun na aaye& Rahen na rahen hum and a marathi song

06/03/2026

SUMAN KALYANPUR QUIZ
1) Where was she born?
2) for which hindi film did she first recorded a song?
3) which was her first released hindi film song?.
4) which was her last hindi film song?
5)which was her only duet with Lata?
6) which duet did she sing with Manna De?
7) in which film starring Amitabh B did Suman sing a song?
8)what was the name of her husband?
9) which was the song composed by Anu Mallik sung by Sumamji?
10)three songs were sung at the funeral of Sumanji
Can you name these songs?

05/08/2026

*WAS IT BASED ON INDIRA GANDHI?*
Ever since film 'Aandhi' was released on Feb 14 1975 the hot topic has been( then and now) whether the film was based on Indira Gandhi. The author Kamleshwar whose novel the film is based on as well as director Gulzar have repeatedly denied that the life of Mrs Gandhi had inspired them .
It is true that Suchitra Sen the lead actress who plays the role of Aarti adopts some aspects of the style and mannerisms of the then PM but that is all.
The brisk walk, the way she walked on a staircase, the way she came out of a helicopter were replicas of the style of Gandhi. The streak of grey in the hairdo. Here is a curious story about the streak.
In real life Indiraji's hair was grey with a streak of black! A French hairdresser used to dye her hair into black with a streak of grey .
In south India 'Aandhi ' was advertised as being based on the PM and on reciept of complaints the film was banned after it had run for 24 weeks. The ban was later revoked.
The film sensitively portrays the private life of a public figure . This drew parallels with the relationship between Indira and Feroze Gandhi.
The highlights of the film were extraordinary performances by Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar who plays JK the estranged husband. And then the outstanding songs composed by RDB to evocative lyrics by Gulzar..
One song needs special mention RDB had composed a Bengali song for Durga pooja which i present here . No prizes for guessing which 'Aandhi' song is inspired by this song:
https://youtu.be/0Ic-twQDcl0?si=yOAE3rQmdNLUcGR
Answer to previous quiz( Umrao jaan)

1) for which song did Asha win the National award?
Dil cheez kya
2) Which composers were considered before Khayyam?
Answer: Jaidev and Naushad
3) When Rekha won the Best actress award there was a feeling that another actress deserved it more. Who was that actress and for which film?
Answer: Jeniffer Kendal for '36 Chowringee Lane'.
4) during the recording of songs there was a dispute between Khayyam and Asha that nearly derailed the music. What was the dispute?
Answer: the pitch of the songs.
Today's quiz
1) which song from 'Aandhi' is based on the Bengali song in my post?.
2) who was considered for the role that went to Suchitra sen in 'Aandhi'?
3)which other Hindi film has a story identical to that of 'Aandhi'?
4) RDB considered his music for 'Aandhi' to be among his 3 best. Which were the other 2?
5) he lost his baby sister when the latter was only 2. He abandoned his college studies to pursue an acting and singing career. Rose to superstardom with the highest price tag in his industry. Shot into national headlines in a different field Who is he ?
6) Aandhi was released in 1975. That year several landmark films were released.Can you name 3 ?

52K likes, 1.6K comments. "Jete Jete Pathe Holo | Lyrical | জেতে জেতে পথ হোলো | R.D. Burman | Best Of Rahul Deb Burman"

05/04/2026

* *A DRUNKARD AUTHORS A CLASSIC*
In the mid 1890s Mirza Russwa was a fairly well known poet and novelist. But he had one shortcoming. He was an alcoholic. Once when he ran out of money he begged a friend to lend him money to buy alcohol. The friend agreed on one condition: that he write a novel. Russwa agreed and proceeded to write a book that was published in 1899. That book created a sensation for its brilliant depiction of the life of a courtesan in 19th century Lucknow. That novel was 'Umrao jaan' .
So realistic was the novel's portrayal that a debate ensued whether a courtesan by that name really existed.
Not surprisingly at least 3 films were made based on the story.The first was in Pakistan. We in India have been treated to the exquisite Muzaffar Ali film 'Umrao jaan'(1981).
Ali took up the project fully aware of the inevitable comparison with 'Pakeeza' .(1972). He chanced to see a pic of Rekha and was mighty impressed by her seensuos looks and eyes. He approached her and she readily agreed.. The rest is history..
In the wake of the passing away of Asha Bhosle people were reminded of her splendid ghazals in 'Umrao jaan' With lyrics by Shahriyar and composed by Khayyam the songs sung by Asha are remembered to this day.
But lost in all this is a superb ghazal in 'Umrao jaan' that is brilliant in its own right.Sung by Talat Aziz the song written by Shahriyar it is full of pathos:
https://youtu.be/8wOekNefIME?si=pJePtfN5fNZId4eo
Answer to previous quiz
*ABHIMAAN (1973) QUIZ*
1) Who produced the film?
Answer: Amitabh Jaya and his secretary
2) according to the director the film was based on whose life?
Answer: Kishore Kumar and Ruma
3) the film is partly inspired by which hollywood film?
Answer: A star is born
4) what was the title of the film before it was changed to 'Abhimaan"?
Answer: Raag ragini
5) who was to sing the song 'lute koi man ka nazar' before it went to Manhar?
Answer: Kishore kr
6) who initially objected to the quality of the songs of the film but was over ruled?
Answer: ,A B
*Today's Umrao jaan quiz*
1) for which song did Asha win the National award?
2) Which composers were considered before Khayyam?
3) When Rekha won the Best actress award there was a feeling that another actress deserved it more. Who was that actress and for which film?.
4) during the recording of songs there was a dispute between Khayyam and Asha that nearly derailed the mi.ummmmmusic. What was the dispute?
NOTE.
The quiz is for fun. So pl do not google for the answers😀

434 likes, 81 comments. "Zindagi Jab Bhi Teri Bazm - (Ghazal With Dialogue) Umrao Jaan (1981) Talat Aziz / Khayyam / Shahryar"

04/19/2026

*SUNDAY QUIZ*
Answer to previous quiz
1) who composed music for Malayalam film cited above?.
Answer: Ravindra Jain
*Film 'Guddi' mini quiz*
a) who was to act in the role that went to Jaya Bhaduri?.
Answer: Maushumi C
b) why did the lady first considered refuse the role?
Answer: role involved wearing a mini skirt
c) who was to act as Jaya's fiance in the film but was not finally selected?
Answer: Amitabh B
d) who got the role of the fiance?
Answer: Samit Bhanja
e) which actor in this film took part in the Republic day parade in New Delhi and got a prize?
Answer: Jayaji
TODAY'S QUIZ
*ABHIMAAN (1973) QUIZ*
1) Who produced the film?
2) according to the director the film was based on whose life?
3) the film is partly inspired by which hollywood film?
4) what was the title of the film before it was changed to 'Abhimaan"?
5) who was to sing the song 'lute koi man ka nazar' before it went to Manhar?
6) who initially objected to the quality of the songs of the film but was overruled?

04/18/2026

*HER ONLY SONG*
Late lamented Asha Bhonsle sang for 7 decades in a variety of genres and in 20 languages.
It was the mid 1970s when a Malayalam film maker was discussing his film's music with Yesudas. This legend suggested doing something unusual : getting a bollywood composer to do the honours. The composer chosen? Try to guess!
This composer suggested that a particular song was best suited to Ashaji's voice. The problem? Ashaji's unfamiliarity with the Malayalam language. Asha had on occasions expressed her admiration for Malayalam film music due to their melody and classical base .
Jesudas heartily agreed with the suggestion of the composer since the two had delivered many hits in bollywood .
The recording took place at R K studios. Asha took great pains to get her accent right considering that some malayalam sounds had no equivalent in English or Hindi. She persevered and delivered a song, her only Malayalam song, which went on to be a classic. The 1977 song,a shaadi song, from film 'Sujatha' is sung at weddings to this day. Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/PRFPbWAsosM?si=vIc1zb5m0goVvw8b
*Answer to previous quiz*
1) who composed music for 'Jai Santoshi maa'?
Answer: C Arjun
2) starting as an actor she achieved success as an author. Daughter and wife of top star. Who is she?
Answer: Twinkle Khanna
3) this well known actor is the grandson of a top cricket commentator.
Answer:Akshay Khanna
4) in the Bandra cinema hall referred to,another film made dubious history.
This Marathi movie had ladies in tears show after show. Such was the situation that a local businessman used to hand out handkerchiefs to people entering the hall😀 Can you guess the name of the film?
Answer: Marathi film 'Maherchi Sadi'.
*Today's quiz*
1) who composed music for Malayalam film cited above?.
*Film 'Guddi' mini quiz*
a) who was to act in the role that went to Jaya Bhaduri?.
b) why did the lady first considered refuse the role?
c) who was to act as Jaya's fiance in the film but was not finally selected?
d) who got the role of the fiance?
e) which actor in this film took part in the Republic day parade in New Delhi and got a prize?

ഫിലിം ... സുജാത ,വർഷം ...1977 ,ഗാനരചന ... മങ്കൊബ് ഗോപാലകൃഷ്ണൻ ,സംഗീതം ... രവീന്ദ്ര ജയ്ൻ ,ആലാപനം ... ആശാ ബോസ്ലെ .

04/11/2026

SHE COULD NOT CONCEIVE
The story goes that the wife of a certain Mr Aggarwal could not conceive.
As a last resort she did a vrat for Santoshi ma . She was blessed with a baby. She exhorted her husband to finance a film on her fav deity. Thus was born the blockbuster film 'Jai santoshi maa' released on 30th may 1975.
Made with a small budget of Rs 3 lacs it went on to collect in excess of Rs 5 cr, a record.
All this is well known. But the back story is not so well known and is a sad story.
The producer went bankrupt and as for the lead actress it ended in tragedy.
It is said that even in the upmarket halls in Bandra Mumbai people used to leave their footwear outside the Bandra hall,and carry pooja articles and dance and perform pooja whenever Jai Santoshi maa( played by Anita Guha) appeared on the screen.
Whenever people saw her they would touch her feet .For a lady who was addicted to makeup Anita developed leukoderma and withdrew from the public eye. Her final desire was that she should be cremated in full makeup.This was done.
The title song created a sensation that year 1975 and is a popular bhajan to this day. Sung by Usha Mangeshkar i post here that song sung live by Ushaji:
https://youtu.be/aAt3hj8kUjs?si=mNFvBGyIZab63g3l
Answer to previous quiz:
*Deewaar quiz*
1) who was considered for the role that went to Bachchan?
Answer: Dev Anand, Rajesh k
2) who was considered for the role that went to Nirupa Roy?
Answer' Vyjayantimala and Waheeda R
3) who was considered for the role that went to Sashi kapoor?
Answer: Navin Nischal
4) Bachchan shot all his scenes only at a particular part of the day. ,
Can you identify?
Answer: at night
5) Bachchan lip synched to which song?
Answer: no such song
6) Bachchan's role was based on which real life person?
Answer' Haji Mastaan
7) Salim Javed were inspired by which other films?
Answer: Ganga Jamuna
8) the script was written in how many days/months?
Answer: 18 days
9)why did Bachchan fold and tie his shirt into a knot?
Answer: the shirt was too long
Today's quiz
1) who composed music for 'Jai Santoshi maa'?
2) starting as an actor she achieved success as an author. Daughter and wife of top stars. Who is she?
3) this well known actor is the grandson of a top cricket commentator.
4) in the bandra cinema hall referred to above years after 1975 another film made dubious history
This marathi movie had ladies in tears show after show. Such was the situation that a local businessman used to hand out handkerchiefs to people entering the hall😀 Can you guess the name of the film?

to aarti utaru re santoshi mata ki - usha mangeshkarnarmada mahotsavlive concert in jabalpur

04/02/2026

THE DEWAAR QUIZ
Answer to previous quiz
Qs
1) who acted with Kishoreda in the shelved Guru Dutt film referred to in the post?
Answer:Waheeda Rehman
2)which is the oldest film industry in India?
Answer: Marathi
3) who is the first Lady of Indian cinema?
Answer:Devika Rani
4) who was the cinematographer of 'Sholay'?
Answer: Dwarka Divecha
5,) an actor who played a small role in ' Professor' went on to become a celebrated screenplay writer. Who is he?
Answer: Salim Khan
*DEEWAAR QUIZ*
1) who was considered for the role that went to Bachchan?
2) who was considered for the role that went to Nirupa Roy?
3) who was considered for the role that went to Sashi kapoor?
4) Bachchan shot all his scenes only at a particular part of the day. ,
Can you identify?
5) Bachchan lip synched to which song?
6) Bachchan's role was based on which real life person?
7) Salim Javed were inspired by which other films?
8) the script was written in how many days/months?
9)why did Bachchan fold and tie his shirt into a knot?

03/25/2026

A TROUBLED FILM THAT BECAME A SUPERHIT
Shanti Bhushan gave his script to Guru Dutt in the late 1950s .Dutt started filming with Kishore Kumar and a top actress.
As was his practice Dutt shot 3 reels and showed them to the censors who rejected them. Dutt handed the script back to Bhushan. The latter approached a struggling Lekh Tandon who accepted it.He got Abrar Alvi to rework the screenplay and dialogues. Tandon approached Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor who rejected the request to act in the film. At this juncture Shammi Kapoor agreed to act but insisted on Nassir Hussein or Shakti Samantha to direct it. A compromise was reached: Tandon would direct 3 reels after which Kapoor would decide if Tandon was acceptable to him.
3 reels later Kapoor was delighted with Tandon's work.
The film starring Shammi Kapoor , Kalpana went on to feature in the top 3 films of 1962. The film 'Professor' may be Kapoor's best as an actor and fetched him a Filmfare nomination. The songs composed by SJ ( They won a Filmfare award for this film)are enjoyed to this day. All the songs were good .i post here my fav song from the film. It was a Rafi Lata duet but i post here Sonu Nigam and Anuradha Paudwal singing the same song:
https://youtu.be/-Mm6KzY8Fx8?si=lEcBuW_LrIbeG-jo
Answer to previous quiz
1) has Lata sung for Ilayaraja?
Answer: yes In a Tamil film
2) spotted and encouraged by a dress designer this actor with an army background went on to be a .model, actor, producer and has won awards.He is a fitness freak. who is he?
Answer: Arjun Rampal
Today's quiz
1) who acted with Kishoreda in the shelved Guru Dutt film referred to in the post?
2)which is the oldest film industry in India?
3) who is the first Lady of Indian cinema?
4) who was the cinematographer of 'Sholay'?
5,) an actor who played a small role in ' Professor' went on to become a celebrated screenplay writer. Who is he?

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