Amjad Khan: Biography

Profile
Date of Birth: 12th November, 1940
Nickname: Gabbar Singh
Debut Film: "Hinustan Ki Kasam"
Film Awards: Filmfare Best Comedian for "Maa Kasam"
Filmfare Best Supporting Actor for "Yarana"&"Daada"

Mini Biography
Amjad Khan was born in Hyderabad to a legendry actor of 50's- Jayant. He entered the Hindi film Industry as a child artist with "Ab Dilli Dur Nahi". Before entering into films Amjed Khan was a theatre actor. His debut film was "Hindustan Ki Kasam". The film was made on the theme of Indo-Pak war of 1971. The role that immortalized Amjad Khan in Bollywood was 'Gabbar Singh' of "Sholay". 'Gabbar Singh' made Amzad Khan a household name. For the role of 'Gabbar Singh' Amjad Khan read "Abhishapth Chambal", a book on Chambal dacoits written by Taroon Kumar Bhaduri (father of actress Jaya Bhaduri). Post "Sholay" Amjad Khan acted in a number of movies in negative role opposite Amitabh Bachchan. "Parvarish", "Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin", "Aakhri Goli", "Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan", "Muqadar Ka Sikander", "Kasme Vaade", "Heeralal Pannalal" and "Khoon Ki Pukaar" are some of those movies.

Amjad Khan also played many other unconventional roles. He played the role of helpless and deluded Wajid Ali Shah, who was nawab of Awadh, in the film "Shatranj Ke Khiladi". Amjad won critical acclaims for his performance in this film. Amzad Khan also played a positive role as friend of Amitabh Bachchan in the film "Yarana". In the film "Utsav" he portrayed the character of Vatsyana, the writer of Kamsutra, a treatise on art of love.

Besides acting in films he also tried his hand at directing films. In 1976, he met with a near fatal accident on the Bombay-Goa road, when he rammed his car into a tree while trying to avoid a boulder. The drugs administered to him for treatment caused a serious weight problem for the rest of his life. As a result of his increasing weight he died in 1992 after suffering from a heart failure at the age of 51.

Filmography
Aatank, Hukumnama , Anokhi Chaal , Do Fantoosh , Bechain , Saali Adhi Ghar Waali , Virodhi ,Waqt Ka Badshah , Yaara Dildara , Love , Ramgarh Ke Sholay , Lekin, Maha-Sangram , Pati Patni Aur Tawaif , Dost , Meri Zabaan , Naqab , Paanch Fauladi , Santosh , Bees Saal Baad , Inteqam , Kabristan , Maalamaal , Peechha Karo , Ahsaan , Insaaniyat Ke Dushman , Maashuka , Sitapur Ki Geeta , Chameli Ki Shaadi , Jeeva , Love and God , Mohabbat Ki Kasam , Nasihat , Pahunchey Huwe Log , Vikram , Zindagani , Amir Aadmi Gareeb Aadmi , Ek Se Bhale Do, Mohabbat , Pataal , Bhairavi ¸ Bindiya Chamkegi , Kaamyaab , Maati Maange Khoon , Maqsad Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho! , Utsav , Achha Bura , Bade Dil Wala , Chor Police , Himmatwala , Humse Hai Zamana , Humse Na Jeeta Koi , Jaani Dost , Mahaan , Nastik , Baghawat , Daulat , Desh Premee , Dharam Kanta , Insaan , Samraat , Satte Pe Satta , Teesri Aankh , Teri Maang Sitaron Se Bhar Doon , Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai and Khoon Ka Rishta

Trivia

• Amjad Khan was to be launched as hero in his home production film "Patthar Ke Sanam", but the film did not proceed beyond its inception.
• He died before he could complete his dream project "Lambai Chaurai" with Amitabh Bachchan.

Amjad Khan - Biography Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II2IlrgooEI&feature=relmfu

Mamta Kulkarni owns three flats in Mumbai

She was known for her risque outfits. In fact, in September 1993, when the actress posed topless for a film magazine, she was charged under India's obscenity laws. But the outspoken actress lashed out at the masses calling them 'hypocrites'.
Mamta Kulkarni, reveal industry insiders, is still as bold and outrageous as ever. And she has moved to Dubai. However, what surprised us was the fact that the girl, who made Ranaji famous in Karan Arjun, still owns three spacious flats in Sky Anchorage Apartments in Andheri. What's more, the actress has no intentions of disposing them off in the near future either.

A source close to Mamta revealed that the actress is rather possessive of her property in Mumbai. "She sends about Rs 90,000 to the Sky Anchorage society every year for maintenance. Over and above that, she pays up to Rs 51,000 as property tax. The money is shelled out by her boyfriend Vicky Goswami, who she lives with in the UAE," said the source.

Mirror has learnt that Mamta and Vicky have recently sent Rs 8,75,000 to the society that plans to start redevelopment soon. The couple even made nominations for their Andheri property. "Mamta has nominated her sister as the caretaker. This just goes to show that Mamta and Vicky are still very much together," added the source.

During the 1990s, Mamta Kulkarni was part of several blockbusters including Rakesh Roshan's Karan Arjun, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Aashiq Awaara and Krantiveer. However, after Rajkumar Santoshi's China Gate failed at the box office and the actress accused the filmmaker of having made indecent advances, her Bollywood career took a downturn. Acting offers dried up and she shifted in with her boyfriend Vicky in Dubai.

Aamir Khan stole the concept of my show: Rakhi Sawant

Rakhi Sawant has done it again! This time she claims that Aamir Khan's much talked about show, Satyamev Jayate, is a copy of her show, Rakhi ka Insaaf. Excerpts from the interview:

You have been saying that Satyamev Jayate is a copy of Rakhi Ka Insaaf? The show is a complete copy of Rakhi ka Insaaf. They (the production house) have stolen our concept. The format of my show was similar. There was a point when I was so disturbed after meeting the various people who came on the show with their problems, that I had to be hospitalised, since I was suffering from depression. My show was shifted to a late night slot because of its mature content, but it still registered good TRPs. On the other hand, just because Satyamev Jayate has Aamir Khan, the show is being aired in the morning slot and people are talking about it.

How do you like Aamir's show? I have nothing against Aamir. He is a great guy and I am indebted to him for life. He stood up for me at a time when there was nothing good going for me. In fact, he should be made PM of the country. Seriously, he is genuine and does intelligent work. My only issue is that if Aamir Khan decides to do a show like this, it is termed social work, but if Rakhi Sawant anchors a similar show it is termed as business and a means to garner TRPs. The courts will interfere in my show and say that 'Lets solve these issues' we don't need a show for this. Aren't these double standards? I don't have problems with the remuneration, - Aamir Khan gets Rs three crore for doing this show and I got Rs five lakh for it! Many news channels have earlier hit on these subjects but there was no fast track code set up by the government and I am no one to comment on this. There is nothing original about Aamir's show, because Rakhi ka Insaaf had already done all that. Logon ko rulaana bahot aasan hai, but to take corrective action and

bring about a change in society is difficult! Such shows only play with people's emotions. When Aamir does a show like this, he is applauded and when I do a show like this, they say item girl kya insaaf dilayegi? Having said that, I want my show to be brought back with a sequel.

Are you aware that after this, people will call you a publicity hound? Rakhi sabko buri lagti hai kyunki main hamesha sach bolti hoon. But I am not afraid of anyone, because at the end of the day, truth finally comes out. My plea to the masses and authorities is only about creating objections and issues when I anchor a show like this. The industry will never cease to show double standards.

Karan Johar joins hands with Rohit Shetty

Turning 40 has never been so grand. But trust Karan Johar to make any occasion memorable. After planning nine projects in the year and then taking on the challenge of judging the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa, the filmmaker is now ready to unite with another hitmaker of B'town. Mirror has learnt that KJo's Dharma Productions has joined hands with Rohit 'Golmaal' Shetty for a film that goes on floors next year.

Karan Johar confirmed the news and said, "Dharma Productions and Rohit Shetty will come together. All of us in the company are really excited about this association. Rohit is an extremely talented mainstream filmmaker and I am sure, together we will make a very special film."

When contacted, Rohit Shetty too confirmed the news. He added, "I have immense respect for Karan's father. He is an excellent director himself and a director's producer. We have met and finalised that we would be doing a film soon. We will decide the set up and other details very soon. I am sure it will be a great experience."

Needless to say, Rohit, after a string of hits including the successful Golmaal series and Ajay Devgn starrer Singham, has become one of the most sought after directors in the Hindi cinema industry. "Rohit is commanding a price and respect like few others in the industry today. His success has not gone unnoticed. And now, he has been signed by Karan Johar to make a film," said a source.

The source revealed that Karan and Rohit have been in touch for a while now. "Rohit was busy with the shoot of his film Bol Bachchan. Karan too was busy with his directorial Student Of The Year. However, on Sunday night, after Karan returned from his outdoor schedule in Bangkok, they signed the deal," added the source.

The casting of the film is yet to be finalised. "Dharma Productions will be producing he film and Rohit will be directing it, since he had always been clear about not wanting to get into production as of now," the source told us.

‘Satyamev Jayate’: Truly Soul Stirring

Satyamev Jayate, a reality show anchored by Khan that dealt with the issue of female foeticide in its first episode, saw huge support from viewers on social networking websites within hours of its broadcast on Sunday morning.

The show, aired on television channels run by Star India Pvt. Ltd, including Star Plus and Star World and other regional channels in the Star bouquet, was among the top five trends in India on microblogging website Twitter.
Satyamev Jayate was also the top search in India on Google Trends.
“I am really touched and emotionally moved with the response,” Khan said. “I am glad people have liked it.”
Satyamev Jayate’s website received 42,000 likes on Facebook by around 9pm. On Twitter, at least 3,800 tweets were posted on the subject.
The debut episode of Satyamev Jayate was made available for viewing on its website soon after the telecast. “Our website crashed twice,” Khan’s spokesperson said.
Star India plans to upload the episodes on YouTube, a video website run by Google Inc.
Viewers lavishly praised the show, which also marked Khan’s television debut, on Facebook, the leading social networking website.
“Great show…and hope lots of other issues of importance would be covered,” said Rajan Sekhir. Another viewer, Ali Akbar Barodawala, said, “Great show and hosted it beautifully Aamir bhai. God bless and we are all with you supporting the cause.”
Satyamev Jayate aims to address India’s socioeconomic issues in 13 episodes, which will be aired every Sunday at 11am. The first episode dealt with the issue of female foeticide. The one-and-a-half-hour episode also featured a song, O Ri Chiraiya, performed by Swanand Kirkire and Ram Sampath.
The song, too, was well received by viewers. “A song that brings tears to the eyes,” Shweta Patil posted on Facebook.
Viewers outside India also praised the show. One such viewer, Ankit, tweeted, “I loved it and so did my entire family with whom I revived the lost Sunday morning tradition of watching TV. Thank you for that Satyamev Jayate.”
“A show which brings tears in our eyes and force us to think upon such a major issue,” another viewer, Raghib Khan, tweeted. “Hats off to Aamir and Satyamev Jayate team.”
Corporate India, social activists, and film and cricket celebrities also joined the praise bandwagon.
Anti-corruption campaigner Kiran Bedi tweeted, “Aamir’s Satyamev Jayate on Star Plus turned an idiot box into collective inspirational seeding, across professional cultural or age differences.”
Neeraj Roy, managing director and chief executive of Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, tweeted, “Stop being cynical and start acting. Watching Satyamev Jayate. Brilliant effort. Well done Aamir Khan and Satya. We can make a difference.”
Khan and his team have left no stone unturned in making sure viewers participate through phone messages. Satyamev Jayate’s tweet said, “Thanks. SMS Y to 5782711 if the Rajasthan govt should set up a fast track court to tackle female foeticide.”
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted, “If Aamir Khan provides the action promised, Satyamev Jayate will truly succeed. For that action, we too have to be involved. SMS for a start.”
Shabana Azmi tweeted, “Aamir Khan’s show can bring a revolution. Thoroughly researched, covers all aspects, touches emotional chord n forces us to re-examine ourselves.”
Bollywood actor Preity Zinta tweeted, “Watching Aamir Khan on Satyamev Jayate discussing female feticide. I love this effort from him and thank him as a woman.” Film-maker and actor Farhan Akhtar tweeted, “Satyamev Jayate. A show with a heart.”
Khan is earning Rs. 3 crore to anchor each episode, a record in Indian television, Mint had reported on 21 April.
The broadcaster Star India is betting big on the show. It hopes to earn Rs. 10 lakh per 10 seconds of commercials aired during the show. According to Kevin Vaz, president, advertising sales, Star India, each episode of the show has just 30 seconds of inventory still available for advertisers.
Bharti Airtel Ltd is the presenting sponsor of the show and has paid around Rs. 18 crore, while water purifier brand Aquaguard, another sponsor, has paid some Rs. 16 crore, according to media buyers and channel executives.
The six associate sponsors—Axis Bank Ltd, Coca-Cola India, Skoda Auto India, Berger Paints India Ltd, Dixcy Textiles Pvt. Ltd, and Johnson and Johnson Ltd—have paid between Rs. 6 crore and Rs. 7 crore each.

'Jalebi bai' (video song) 'Double Dhamaal' Feat. Mallika Sherawat

Bollywood hit 'Vicky Donor' causes flood of sperm donors

AHMEDABAD: "I want to donate sperm for the welfare of the society. I am a 23-year-old BBA final year student." 

"I am an event manager from a Gujarati family with business background. I want to donate sperm." 

"I am interested in sperm donation in Delhi so that I can get some money and help for a noble cause as well" 

"I would like to donate my sperm to help others and for some extra income" 

Innumerable mails like these from educated youngsters have been flooding inboxes of IVF clinics in Gujarat post the release of surprise Bollywood hit 'Vicky Donor'. Vicky has done what years of counseling could not accomplish - convince educated youngsters to donate sperm. 

Before the film's release, sperm banks that put up stalls during talent evenings in medical, engineering and management institutes urging students to turn sperm donors and help a childless couple got little response. 

Post the release of 'Vicky Donor', a romantic comedy based around the central these of sperm donation, youth are queuing up to do their bit at invitro fertilization (IVF) centres and sperm banks. 

"The subject of sperm donation is no longer discussed in whispers. It is openly debated - an accepted option to help in a noble cause and earn some extra money," says Dr Himanshu Bavishi, fertility expert. 

Anand-based surrogacy and IVF specialist Dr Naina Patel says calls from youths wishing to donate sperm were rare till 'Vicky Donor' happened. "In the past two weeks, we have received innumerable mails and calls from educated youths," she says. 

Sperm donors are offered anywhere between Rs 500 and Rs 3,500 per sample depending upon their eligibility criteria and specific demands of couples. Guidelines permit a man to donate sperms 85 times in their lifetime. 

Experts, however, say sperm donation is more technical than is essayed in the movie. 

"The sample is taken and incubated for six-odd months. Tests for all infections are carried out to rule out infections like HIV. It is only after these formalities that the sample is used. Moreover, remuneration is also not all that handsome as the young may believe," says Bavishi.

Movie Review:Jannat 2 is a tumultuous rollercoaster journey with weak plot

'Jannat 2' is a tumultuous rollercoaster journey of a hard-bitten cop and his hustling informer set against the explosive murky backdrop of the arms trade in North India.

One ordinary man, Sonu's (Emraan Hashmi) quest for his personal heaven creates hell for all around him until with the help of a cop Pratap (Randeep Hooda), he breaks away from it all and does something extraordinary to make things better for the greater good of the community.

Sonu is a smooth talking street-smart gun runner, who has the gift of the gab and knows his trade inside out.

ACP Pratap is a hardened maverick cop, who has a personal vendetta against the gun nexus. He will go to any lengths to crack down this nexus and he handpicks Sonu to do this job, as he is the perfect candidate to enter this racket undercover and make his way to the top and expose everybody involved in the illegal gun trade. Sonu falls in love with a beautiful young doctor Jhanvi, along his journey and that throws his life's course into a tailspin with unforeseen and far-reaching consequences for all 3 of them.

Directed by Kunal Deshmukh, the movie stars Emraan Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Manish Chaudhari and Esha Gupta.

Emraan Hashmi plays Sonu Dilli, a street-smart brat who is a combination of fortitude and charisma, effortlessly. Trust me, you cannot envision anyone else doing what he does. Emraan, with his credible act, makes the devil seem charming and wickedness, charismatic. In fact, the actor is sure to astonish you with the mellowness of his performance. Randeep Hooda made you sit-up and notice his talent in ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI and SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER and now, once again in JANNAT 2, the actor delivers yet another knockout performance. He dominates in several sequences, making you realize that if given an opportunity, the guy can steal the thunder from the best of actors. 

Debutante Esha Gupta enchants you with her captivating charm. She appears a tad unrefined at places, nonetheless she handles her part assertively. Manish Chaudhuri, who was wicked as hell in the recent BLOOD MONEY, outshines himself in JANNAT 2. He's simply superb! Brijendra Kala is admirable as Randeep's trusted colleague. Sumit Nijhawan, as Sarfaraz, is effective. Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, as Emraan's friend Balli, is top notch. Arif Zakaria is excellent. 

On the whole, JANNAT 2 is an engaging film with tremendous appeal for the masses. An absorbing story, a swift and coherent narrative, exemplary direction, fantastic action, soothing music and stellar performances summarize the highlights of this triumphant franchise.

Satyamev Jayate(1987): The Movie

• Release Date

• 7 Mar 1987

Aamir Khan exhorts district Sangrur's village to shunt out liquor vend

Sangrur (Punjab) - It was a Taare Zameen Par moment for Changal, a village five kilometres from Sangrur city. One of the 50-odd villages which had shot to fame following their panchayat’s resolution to close down liquor vend as part of their fight against growing menace of alcoholism, on Friday got a thumbs up from Bollywood star Aamir Khan, whose crew came down to hold a special video conferencing of the actor with the villagers.

It was in 2009 that Changal decided to say no to liquor during the panchayat elections. In October last year, the crew of Aamir Khan Productions had come down to the villages of Sangrur to shoot a documentary on their fight against alcoholism. Today, the village had a date with the star himself. Village sarpanch Paramjit Singh says he told Aamir that women had assured him their votes during the panchayat elections after he promised to rid the village of the liquor vend.

“On becoming a sarpanch, our panchayat passed a resolution to shut it down. The resolution was forwarded to the department of excise, which was forced to shunt it out in 2009. Again last year, we passed the same resolution and there has been no liquor vend in the village for two years now,” he says.

Alcoholism is one of the many reasons for rising cases of debt in Sangrur villages, which also shares the dubious distinction of being the farmer suicide belt of the state, says NGO, People for Transparency.

“We have been working in Sangrur since 2007. We helped panchayats understand that their decision was binding on the government. Initially, just four villages did so. In two years, the number has gone up to over 50 in Sangrur district alone and over 70 in Punjab,” says Kamal Anand of the NGO.

He points out how government excise policy is the biggest encouragement to rising problem of alcoholism. “The excise quota fixed by the department for this year is 30 crore bottles. Assuming that only those above the age of 18 who are eligible to vote also have a right to drink, the per capita allocation is two bottles a month going by the voter count of 1.7 crore for Punjab. This is both absurd and dangerous,” Anand says.

The fight of the panchayats was as much against the resistance of tipplers as it was with the government as each village vend fetches the excise department revenue between Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.5 core. “No wonder the department had turned down the requests of many panchayats arbitrarily. It took us a fight through courts and right to information (RTI) Act to get the government to accept the verdict of the panchayats,” he adds.

And poll slogans of political parties are no more what Changal is now talking about. It is now just the slogan given by the star, Punjabio jagte raho.

Manna Dey turns 93: His Birthday special

Padmabhusan Manna Dey is a legendary figure in Indian music. His fame is not restricted to the Indian domain only but has over flown to every part of the globe, where an Indian heart resides. In fact his is not merely a name that is deified everywhere, rather it creates a ripple of mixed feeling of love and worship whenever cited.

People venerate him not only for his musical bearing but because he epitomizes a wonderful combination of melody and poetry. His stance in Indian music vindicates the axiom – the art outlives the artist.

Born on 1st of May 1919, Manna Dey was christened by his parents as Probodh Chandra Dey. Theirs was an orthodox joint family of North Calcutta, residing in the huge ancestral house at Simla, 9 Madan Ghose Lane. Prior to Manna Dey another brilliant artist of similar stature Krishna Chandra Dey too was born in this very house.

Purna Chandra Dey was Manna Dey’s father and Mahamaya Dey was his mother. Apart from them there was this legendry youngest paternal uncle Sangeetacharya Krishna Chandra Dey residing in the same house, who both loved and pampered little Mana. 

He received his early education, in a small pre-primary school popularly known as Indu Babur Pathshala. Thereafter he was sent to Scottish Church Collegiate School to complete both his schooling and intermediate studies. He next got admitted to Vidyasagar College for his graduations. 

From very childhood Manna Dey manifested a keen liking for sports events like wrestling and boxing and excelled in both. Apart from sports Manna Dey was also renowned for playing pranks upon people. His contemporaries readily acknowledged him as their leader in this field.

It was during his intermediate classes at Scottish Church College, Manna Dey’s singing talent became apparent. During the recess beating the tables of the classroom and singing aloud to entertain his compatriots, became a common feature for the budding talent. 

Later he started taking singing lessons from his uncle Krishna Chandra Dey and from Ustad Dabir Khan. And it was at this period of time Manna Dey stood first for three consecutive years in three different categories of inter-collegiate singing competitions. A star in the realm of Indian music was born.

In 1942, Manna Dey accompanied his renowned uncle Krishna Chandra Dey on a visit to Mumbai. And there first under the tutelage of his uncle, then Sachin Dev Burman, Manna Dey started working as a successful assistant music director. 

Later he also assisted other famous music composers for some time and then decided to work independently. But even while working separately as a music director for different successful Hindi films Manna Dey never stopped taking musical lessons in Hindustani Classical music from two classical stalwarts, Ustad Aman Ali Khan and Ustad Abdul Rahman Khan.

Manna Dey started his career in playback singing with the film Tamanna in 1943. The musical score was set by his uncle Krishna Chandra Dey and he had to sing a duet with Suraiya. The song was an instant hit. People across the country loved the song. In 1950, Mashal was the second film where Manna Dey got the opportunity to sing a solo ‘Upar gagan vishal’ and this time the melody was created by Sachin Dev Burman. In 1952, Manna Dey sang both for a Bengali and a Marathi film of the same name and storyline – Amar Bhupali, and established himself as a booming Bengali playback singer.

It was on the 18th December 1953, Manna Dey married Sulochana Kumaran from Kerala. Suroma the eldest daughter of this eminent couple was born on 19th October 1956, and on 20th June 1958, Sumita followed.

Versatile genius that he is Manna Dey is adept at singing Rabindra Sangeet as well. In fact it’ll not be wrong to claim that it was he who pioneered a new genre in Indian music where he infused Indian classical music within a pop frame work. 

His experimentation with western music too produced many unforgettable melodies. Till date there is no Indian language which has not been blessed by the melody of this multitalented singer. He has also recorded more than 3500 songs. 

His music has enthralled the audience throughout the world. And justifiably he has been showered with innumerable awards and titles like the National singer, Padmasree, and Padmabhusan. Also he was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by Filmfare in 2011.