Rattan Kumar and Neelo in Alladin Ka Beta (1960)

According to Pakistani Film Critics, there were two reasons behind Rattan Kumar’s failure as a leading man. 1. Rattan Kumar grew up to be quite a handsome man, but his facial features were delicate, making him unsuitable for macho roles and only suitable for romantic roles. 2.  Another problem facing …

Lollywood . Neelo . Rattan Kumar Miscellaneous

Amarnath the actor and Amarnath the music director

Today, during my routine surfing sessions, I noticed a mistake on “downmelodylane” website and few other forums. On the following link, they have wrongly labelled Amarnath the actor as Amarnath the music director. Amarnath the music director was the elder brother of the music director duo Husnlal-Bhagatram. He belonged to …

Amarnath . Bollywood . G.M. Durrani . Geeta Dutt . Husnlal-Bhagatram . Noor Jehan Miscellaneous

Film Milestones – Hatim Tai (1956) – Starring Shakila and Jairaj

It was an era of no complaints. Back in the ’50s, the audience didn’t think of huffing about warmed-over goods. Quite often, the plot wasn’t what they had come for. Their hope was that for the price of admission they might gain temporary entrance to a charmed world. Hatim Tai …

Bollywood . Jairaj . Shakila Miscellaneous

Help Wanted – Hindi Film from 1965

In February 1965, I was skiing north of Simla,. At the time an indian film producer was shooting scenes where I was and he asked me to show my skiing skills while filming me. My parents had sent my ski equipment to me in New Delhi and I traveled to …

Miscellaneous

The Curious Question Mark – Who wrote the story of Dilip-Nargis starrer Jogan (1950) ?

Viewers may have been intrigued to see the story of Kidar Sharma’s Dilip Kumar-­Nargis starrer, Jogan, being credited to a question mark. Veteran Kidar Sharma, told us the untold story behind the curious question mark. “The man who wrote the story declined to take credit for it at the last …

Bollywood . Dilip Kumar . Kidar Sharma . Nargis Miscellaneous

2 rare stills from Chitralekha (1941) – directed by Kidar Sharma

Bollywood . Kidar Sharma Miscellaneous

3 rare Lobbycards showing Indian actress Sheila Ramani in Pakistani Film Anokhi (1956).

Sheila Ramani, along with Sadhana, was Sindhi. She was invited by her uncle to Pakistan to work in Anokhi (1956). Anokhi and its Indian counterpart Albeli (1955) were copies of Hollywood’s film The Fabulous Senorita (1952). Anokhi was produced at Karachi [ 1956 was the year when 2 new film …

Bollywood . Lollywood . Nayyar Sultana . Shad . Shahnawaz . Sheila Ramani Miscellaneous

Hindi Movie Mistakes/Goofs/Bloopers/Continuity Errors etc

 Hamraaz – 1967 The Caravelle’s registration number changes from DUI to DPO by the time it reaches Bangalore. Wasn’t Sunil Dutt satisfied with disguising himself? Jewel Thief – 1967 Vyjayanthimala presents fancy clothes to Vinay. When he enters Vyjayanthimala’s bungalow he sees his own photo wearing those same clothes. How …

Bollywood Miscellaneous

Quiz 5 – Do you recognize these eyes?

Here are some random Bollywood actresses from 1940s – 1980s. Try to recognize these actresses from their eyes and then match them with the clues below :- 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Clues A. Why people compare me with Sridevi. Can’t they see we …

Miscellaneous

Pran’s ‘attack’ on Bina Rai (1954) – The only instance where Pran mishandled a heroine

In one of his early interviews given to Screen (18th January, 1952), Pran said: ‘I like being “rough” with the females on screen so much so that my friends wonder if I am really the rascal that I portray. I admit I am. I love to give the impression of …

Bina Rai . Bollywood . Pran Miscellaneous