Sunday Morning coffee chat with the author Akshay Manwani regards his book "Sahir Ludhianvi : The People's Poet" an exhaustive biography reflecting the life and times of the renowned Urdu poet and Hindi Lyricist to be released in 2014 . . .
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Sahir Ludhianvi: The People’s Poet ( Book Preview by Niilesh A Raje )
"Jo Waada Kiya Woh Nibhaana Padega"
(What has been promised ought
to be honoured)
by : Niilesh A Raje
Author
|
Akshay Manwani
|
Publisher
|
HarperCollins
|
Pages
|
304
|
Price
|
Rs 399/-
|
ISBN
|
9789350297339
|
“Jo
Waada Kiya Woh Nibhaana Padega, Roke Zamaana Chaahe Roke Khudaayee, Tumako Aana
Padega” (What has been promised in the matters of the heart ought to be
honoured . . . You will have to come to meet me)
a lovely number from the movie “Taj Mahal” (1963 release) has been soothing the
ears of the music lover’s even today post five decades of its release. This song
of everlasting romance became so popular then and is even today that it fetched
the renowned Urdu poet, songwriter and Hindi lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi his first
Filmfare Award as the “Best Lyricist”.
The newly released book Sahir Ludhianvi: The People’s Poet by Akshay
Manwani HarperCollins Publication is an exhaustive biography that traces
the poet’s rich life from his troubled childhood and his equally troubled love
relationships and then his rise as one of the pre-eminent personalities of the
Progressive Writers Movement and as a lyricist through the golden era of Hindi
film music.
Author Akshay
Manwani turned to freelance writing after a brief career in the corporate
world. His writings on popular Indian culture have appeared in The Caravan,
Business Standard, Man's World and Mumbai Mirror. His attempt to profile the
life and work of Sahir Ludhianvi stems from the belief that much needs to be
done to preserve the legacy of unsung legends. It is also his way of saying
thank you to the poet-lyricist who gave him immeasurable joy through his songs.
Akshay lives in Mumbai with his wife and daughter.
Born on 8th March
(International Women's Day) Sahir Ludhianvi captivated the hearts of several
women during his life time through the power of written words. Sahir fell in
love several times and always wrote poems as a tribute to his love. Sahir remained
a bachelor all his life.
Sahir (meaning magician) as the name
suggests he was truly a magician of words who spent over 30 years of his life
associated with Bollywood, wrote over 680 songs for over 100 movies. It is said
that while Sahir's heart was more concerned for others, he apparently never
paid enough attention to his own life. He believed in the beauty of relations
to him those who strike relations for life in his opinion were relations of a
higher disposition.
The journey of this legend is covered in the book
spread across 14 chapters. One of the chapter’s in this book talks about an
often repeated phrase spoken by Sahir Ludhianvi. While any discussions took
place between Sahir and Hameed Akhtar directing towards Sahir’s future these
words were most heard off, “Bada Songwriter Banoonga” (I will become a
prominent songwriter). Sahir’s
aplomb in these words were more attributed to his belief in his songwriting
skills rather than keeping it restricted to just his dream.
An interesting anecdote is seen in one of the
chapters which speaks of “New Peaks, New Associations”. Sahir was known for his
exalted ego and when his popularity was at its peak came his temperamental
attitude which started rubbing people the wrong way witnessing his relations
collapse with industry stalwarts like S. D. Burman as is also seen happening with many in real life for keeping their bloated ego.
Once a film maker said in presence of Sahir and
Lata Mangeshkar, “Sahib saab, agar Lata ki awaaz na ho toh aapke geet bejaan hai!” From
that point onwards Sahir insisted that Lata would not sing any of his songs
while taking up a film. On one hand no one could afford to ignore Lata
Mangeshkar while on the other hand no one could even disregard Sahir.
After reading the various defining moments in the
life and times of Sahir Ludhianvi in this book one thing is evident that in
spite of coming out of the woods of the broken heart Sahir never lingered with
one issue for long. Having given the poetic form to the particular episode in
his life he felt he had fulfilled his objective. Experience enriched his life so
much that Sahir’s poetry was always filled with emotions reflecting his experiences
or romantic associations. The chapter “Finding Love in the Shadow of Oedipus”
speaks of this.
The author has made detailed efforts to cover the
“List of Film Songs”, “Select Bibliography” and “Index of Poems and Film
Songs”.
The biography is indeed motivating and sets the
reader’s thinking that in spite of so much mental turmoil and bitter
experiences in his personal life it did not make Sahir a bitter person. Rather,
it transformed his mind to look beyond his personal life. His phrases were
simple but always left a profound impact on the minds of the readers. To sum it
up in his own words, “Jo mil gaya usi ko
muqaddar samajh liya, Jo kho gaya main usko bhulaata chala gaya, Main zindagi
ka saath nibhata chala gaya”.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Niilesh A Raje on 107.8 FM Coverage
With the wonderful and dear RJ on command . . .Thank you to 107.8 FM for their support for my upcoming program "Dil Dhoondtha Hai . . ." an audio visual programme on the living legend Gulzar on Saturday 5th October 2013 at Ravindra Natya Mandir 8 PM
Niilesh A Raje on 107.8 FM
With the wonderful and dear RJ on command . . .Thank you to 107.8 FM for their support for my upcoming program "Dil Dhoondtha Hai . . ." an audio visual programme on the living legend Gulzar on Saturday 5th October 2013 @ Ravindra Natya Mandir
Monday, September 9, 2013
Niilesh A Raje presents upcoming event ‘Dil Dhoondtha Hai’ , an Audio-Visual programme on living legend Gulzar Saab
On this auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi we take pleasure in presenting the upcoming event ‘Dil Dhoondtha Hai’, an Audio-Visual programme on living legend Gulzar Saab.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Love works wonders when you listen to your inner voice admits Tejas Deoskar : Interviewed by Nileysh A Raje
In today’s age of social media where one’s goal,
career, aspirations takes precedence it’s equally true that when it comes down
to the matters of the heart love makes people tick. The love our parents
enjoyed in their own way was different and how today’s college going youth or
corporate executive views their love is different. Also, with easy access to SMS,
Whatsapp, BBM and many more communication tools is there a secret recipe for
one to be successful in love looking at the technology advancement that helps
you be connected with your better half anytime anywhere?
At one time one leaves their love and goes away from their
life but comes back again with passage of time only to realize that no this is
my love and this is the one with whom I want to marry and spend the rest of my
life.
Mumbai based writer Nileysh A Raje speaks to the
Director Tejas Vijay Deoskar about his new Marathi Movie titled “Premsutra” to
be released this Friday where he feels that in today’s age “Love is Never Blind”.
Tell
me why love makes people tick?
For every person their love is unique and the
experience one gets in their love is also unique. Love means commitment or
marriage for some. It could mean possessiveness or jealousy for the other. Love
could also mean insecurity or showing dominance over the other. No matter what
form it takes but its all part of love. In a relationship when an individual gets
that feeling of a fish with no water I would say that it’s this feeling in love
that makes people tick admits Tejas.
Has
the definition of love changed of what it meant for the older generation and
what it means for today’s youth?
Premsutra is everybody’s story. The older generation viewed
love as their benchmark of commitment. But, in today’s age one’s career, goals,
finance, achievements and aspirations takes much precedence.
Premsutra is a love story where the plot revolves
around Anand played by Sandeep Kulkarni, a young Manager of a Corporate House
posted at Goa for project work. It puts one in a situation where decision to follow
your heart is over ruled by materialistic things in the world. Finally it’s the
love that drives one towards their destination.
There are some individuals who just follow their
heart. In the longer run, it is always your heart that takes you through. Premsutra
tells one to follow your heart and believe in the beauty of one’s chosen dreams.
The
major part of your movie was shot in Goa. Any message you would like to convey
to your audience by showcasing love in Goa in this movie?
Goa, is a relatively smaller state situated on the
western coast of India is famous for its beautiful beaches churches and very
popular for tourism. In spite of it being so close on our western coast we
haven’t seen many Marathi movies being shot in Goa. As the theme of the movie
revolves around love we thought it would be ideal to have Goa as the preferred
romantic destination.
The message we want to convey to the masses is Goa is
not just about beaches and parties but also involves families who are
conservative and very cultured. It’s fun to watch them and see how through the
medium of songs and dance the whole families unite bringing about bonding
within the family.
The movie has been shot in the coal mines in Goa and
just as one goes deep into the coal mines in a similar manner the deeper one
goes in love the clearer their love and message is. In fact love works wonders
if one listen’s to their inner voice.
The
crew in the movie “Premsutra” also includes other well known artistes
Yes. The film “ Premsutra also has other well known
artistes like Shruti Marathe, Pallavi Subhash, Lokesh Gupte, Shishir Sharma,
Ila Bhate, Shubha Khote, Prasad Pandit, Pradeep Athavale and others. Based on
the concept designed by Sandeep Kulkarni, the script of the film has been
expanded by Prasad Mirasdar and me with dialogue support coming from Mahendra
Teredesai. Film’s music has been composed by Susmit Limaye with editing work
done by Apoorva Motiwale and Asish Mhatre. It’s Fincraft Media and
Entertainment and Kshitij Entertainment in association with Kathakkar.
Here’s wishing Tejas Deoskar and the whole team great
success for his movie “Premsutra” slated for release on 21st June 2013. To get
the feel of how love works wonders go and watch the movie “Premsutra” (Love Is
Never Blind) at your nearest theatre.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Niilesh A Raje on getting "Reader of the Week" award
Niilesh A Raje on getting "Reader of the Week" award on having piece published and judged as the winning entry in Hindustan Times . . .
Friday, June 14, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
“Love is Never Blind”: Actor Sandeep Kulkarni in a brief conversation with writer Nileysh A Raje talks about his forthcoming release Marathi Movie “Premsutra”
by: Nileysh A Raje
In a brief chat with Nileysh A Raje here’s
what actor Sandeep Kulkarni has to say about his forthcoming release “Premsutra”.
Sandeep plays the lead role of Anand a typical metropolitan executive from the
corporate world in this movie.
Sandeep has acted in three National
Award-winning films: Shwaas (2004), India's official entry to the Oscars;
Dombivali Fast (2006); and Traffic Signal (2007). He has won three Maharashtra
State awards in the Best Actor category for Shwaas in 2004, Dombivali Fast in
2006 and Adhantari in 2005. He has also won the Best Actor Award in the Nigerian
Film Festival for his critically acclaimed performance in the film Ek Daav
Sansaracha in 2009. His remarkable contributions were steps in the positive
direction to lift Marathi movies at an International platform.
Can you add more details regard your forthcoming release “Premsutra”
whose concept was designed by you?
The movie is set on the backdrop of
scenic Goa is all about a love story directed by Tejas Vijay Deuskar under the
banner of Kshitij Entertainment. The plot revolves around Anand, a young
Manager of a Corporate House posted at Goa for project work. The movie is to be
released on 21st June 2013.
Can you tell me more about the role of Anand you are playing in this
movie who is impressed with the girl Saniya’s free nature and clear
understanding about “love, sex and marriage”?
Anand is a metropolitan executive
working in the corporate world. Though he is sensitive and sensible but for him
career is the most important milestone in his life and not marriage. Anand is commissioned as a Manager in a Mine
in Goa. Accidentally, Anand meets Saniya a simple nature loving local catholic Girl living
in a typical orthodox catholic family. She is enthusiastic and free soul from
Goa. She loves nature and is free from the materialistic desires. Anand is
impressed by Saniya’s free nature and clear understanding about “love, sex and
marriage”. It's all about their love story.
The character Anand an executive from the corporate world seems to be more
focussed on the career front rather than his very own espousal. How does the
story unfold in “Premsutra”?
Anand as you see is impressed by
Saniya's free nature. Sujit is Anand's colleague and they both share a good
understanding and friendship. Malavika is Anand's boss's daughter and has
infatuation towards Anand. Anand is of the firm opinion that he needs to
concentrate on climbing up the corporate ladder rather than getting married.
One fine day, Anand and Saniya find themselves
at crossroads where Anand is confused on taking a decision on his personal and
professional front whereas Sania is confident on her part. The fact is their Love
is not blind but what unfolds in their journey of real love an attraction,
affection, possession, seduction or responsibility. I think one needs to wait
and watch "Premsutra" that would answer all these questions.
The crew in the movie “Premsutra” also includes other well known artistes
Yes. The film “ Premsutra also has
other well known artistes like Shruti Marathe, Lokesh Gupte, Shishir Sharma,
Ila Bhate, Shubha Khote, Prasad Pandit, Pradeep Athavale and others. Based on
the concept designed by Sandeep Kulkarni, the script of the film has been
expanded by Prasad Mirasdar and Tejas Vijay Deuskar with dialogue support
coming from Mahendra Teredesai. Film’s music has been composed by Susmit Limaye
with editing work done by Apoorva Motiwale and Asish Mhatre.
Here’s wishing Sandeep Kulkarni and
the whole crew All The Best for the release of the movie “Premsutra” slated for
release on 21st June 2013.
Interviewed by: Nileysh A RajeSunday, June 9, 2013
Niilesh A Raje achieves the status as an "Expert Author" with EzineArticles.com
Niilesh A Raje achieves the status as an "Expert Author" with EzineArticles.com
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Mr. Bachchan quotes my name on his twitter today . . .
Mr. Bachchan quotes my name on his twitter today . . .
Twitter . . .
Thank you Mr. Bachchan Ji for quoting my name on your twitter today something that I shared with you yesterday . . .
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Actor Mac Mohan : Cricketer Becomes Sambha
Actor
Mac Mohan: Cricketer Becomes Sambha
by: Niilesh A Raje
24th April is the birthday
of actor Mac Mohan popularly known as Sambha from the movie Sholay. Let me take
this opportunity to write a small piece on the life and times of actor Mac
Mohan whose contribution has been immense towards our Indian Film Industry
which is currently celebrating the historic and most glorious moment - 100
Years of Indian Cinema (1913-2013).
First and foremost my
sincere Thanks to all the family members of actor Mac Mohan for sharing their
valuable time and information with me absence of which my endeavour to write
this article would have been lackluster. My Thanks to his wife (Minny Makijany),
daughters (Manjari and Vinati) and son Vikrant Makijany.
Mac
Mohan - A Fabulous Cricketer
Actor Mac Mohan was born in
Karachi in British India state. His father was an army officer. When the family
relocated from Lucknow to Mumbai Mac Mohan made up his mind to become a
cricketer. He held the reputation for playing fabulous cricket and was also
known to participate in cricket tournaments. But destiny had its own plans.
His
Style of Dressing
I learnt from his daughter
Manjari that most of the costumes her father worn in the movies were primarily
his own choice. His designer costumes were usually stitched at Madhav’s in
Bandra or Kachins Clothing located townside. A widely travelled person her
father considered Los Angeles his second home where he did most of his shopping
be it his choice of expensive suite or owning an exquisite collection of
imported perfumes.
Lover
of Reader’s Digest Magazine
One thing the family admired
the most in their father was his involvement into the discipline of reading.
Mac Mohan had an excellent command over spoken and written English. Apart from
reading newspapers at length he loved reading the Reader’s Digest magazine a
lot.
Travelled
27 Times to Bangalore for the Sholay Shooting
The three words “Poore Pachaas Hazaar” in the movie
Sholay shot Mac Mohan or the gun
toting Sambha to fame. Sounds difficult to believe but yes the actor who played
the smallest roles in the film travelled 27 times from Mumbai to Bangalore to
complete the take. Initially the role of Sambha was much more but post editing
it was reduced to just three words admits his daughter Manjari.
The movie Sholay ran and
nobody could forget the character Sambha not even the tough looking Immigration
Officer in New York who recognized Mac Mohan as the Sambha from Sholay such was
the impact of his small but significant character.
One Big Success Wipes Out All Your
Previous Failures
An interesting anecdote the
family revealed during the course of my conversation. Once while they had been
for visit in Pune and the crowd outside learnt that actor Mac Mohan was there and
then they all started shouting “Sambha Sambha”. When the commotion became too
loud the police had to be called in before Mac Mohan could leave quietly. An
incident that totally shocked each of the family members as they never knew or
guessed the impact could be so massive immortalized by just his three words “Poore Pachaas Hazaar”.
Rightly said, All it takes
is one big success to wipe out all
your previous failures and for Sambha
the movie Sholay had been no exception.
Favourite Movies
As the conversation
continued I was inquisitive to know which are the favourite movies of Mac Mohan
the kids admired the most. The answers revealed Sholay, Don, Shaan and of
course Kaala Pathar a scene that makes them cry even today where apparently Mac
Mohan sacrifices his life so that his co-workers can live which only depicts he
was so giving by nature with concern for all be it in reel life or real life.
Mac
Productions
Mac Mohan’s wife Minny is an
ayurvedic doctor. It was when Mac
Mohan’s father was admitted in Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu that their
interaction first started and later the relationship culminated into marriage. Mac
Productions was founded by ‘Mac Mohan’ with an aim to produce feature films. The
same is now headed by his two daughters Manjari and Vinati Makijany together
with their efficient team. Manjari is an emerging young filmmaker and Vinati is
a talented theatre artist. “The Last Marble” short film written and directed by
Manjari has just won a trophy at the 55th Rochester International Film
Festival, USA. One advice Mac Mohan always gave to his kids. You can mould your
career in anything one may aspire provided you take passion and pride in your
chosen craft and give complete justice and total commitment towards it.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
An Evening With Amitabh Bachchan
An
evening that was "Global Sounds of Peace Concert" with Amitabh
Bachchan, a special invite extended to me as part of his EF . . .
Amar Akbar Anthony : by Niilesh A Raje
As the Indian film industry marks
its centenary year, I would like to share a small piece on the evergreen
entertainer, 'Amar Akbar Anthony', which has captivated millions of
audiences even thirty five years after its release.
The Story Line
The Original Cast
Initial cast decided was Rakesh Roshan for Amar, Vijay Arora as Akbar and Navin Nishcol as Anthony. But the distributors agreed to pump in more money if top stars could be considered. Accidentally, it was Desai who happened to meet Prakash Mehra near Sumeet studio and showed him rushes of his forthcoming project Hera Pheri. It was here that Desai decided for Amitabh Bachchan as Anthony Gonsalves, Vinod Khanna as Amar and Rishi Kapoor for Akbar Allahabadi’s role.
My name is Anthony Gonsalves
The inspiration for Anthony came to Desai from the real life character Antav, a bootlegger who was staying closer to his home in Khetwadi. He used to wear a funny hat and used to converse with Desai in his lingo, “Desai Kaisa Hai Dikhtaich Nahin”. Director Desai was very much fascinated by his character and decided to showcase him on the screen.
In the song 'My name is Anthony Gonsalves' (You see, the whole country of the system is juxtapositioned by the haemoglobin in the atmosphere because you are a sophisticated rhetorician intoxicated by the exuberance of your own verbosity) spoken by Anthony when he emerges from the Easter egg, is an almost exact quotation from a speech in the Parliament of the United Kingdom given by British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli in 1878. Disraeli (who was referring to William Ewart Gladstone) used the word "inebriated" rather than "intoxicated.”
Medical Disaster
As said by Amitabh Bachchan: "He (Desai) would first design the `items' that he wanted in the film then he would shoot them and then write the (screenplay) to link them up." He was known to do some of the craziest stuff but it always worked for him.
If we were to talk about the famous `blood donation' scene (where three sons of a mother give her blood at once) Bachchan says, "It was a medical disaster. Where in the world you have three people lying in the same room giving transfusion from one bottle?"
"It was a medical impossibility. But Desai did it, and it worked. When the (scene) opened, there was unbelievable applause in the theatre." That’s the creativity director Manmohan Desai exhibited.
The Man Himself Manmohan Desai
In most of the films of Manmohan Desai, one thing was evident; he always showcased his profound respect for Mother figure. Desai always believed that parents came above God and of course, above self. Hurt them and you hurt yourself, was his simple belief which continues to echo even today in the world of cinema.
Amar Akbar Anthony turned out to be one of the biggest box office hits. Even today after thirty five years of its release it continues to be one of the most cherished evergreen entertainers of all times. Why not, "Anahoni ko honi kar den honi ko anahoni Ek Jagah Jab Jama Hon Teenon Amar Akbar Anthony.”
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