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Music and poetry have been a crucial part of India’s freedom struggle against the British who ruled the nation for over 200 years.

The poetry of Sarojini Naidu inspired many in the resistance, even the legendary Bhagat Singh and his comrades Sukhdev and Rajguru sang ‘Mera Rang De Basanti Chola’ on their way to martyrdom.

As India celebrates its 76th Independence Day on Monday, here are some Hindi songs that you can add to your playlist and celebrate the spirit of Independence Day.

1. Sandese Aate Hain: The first song on the list is the iconic song from ‘Border’, a timeless melody with lyrics written by Javed Akhtar, and sung by Sonu Nigam and Roopkumar Rathod. The song perfectly showcases the emotional aspect of a soldier’s life as they often find it difficult to tell their families as to when they would return home.

2. Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera: An...

As expected, Disney’s “Black Widow” had the biggest domestic opening gross since the start of the pandemic; less expected, the $80 million opening was $10 million below initial estimates. However, to focus on that is to bury the lede: Saturday’s domestic sales were off 41 percent from the initial Thursday preview/Friday total and the studio reported that worldwide, first-weekend Premium VOD rentals brought in $60 million.

“Black Widow” took in $210 million so far via all platforms, but the return to Disney is approximately $135 million — estimate an average global share of 50 percent on theatrical revenues, 100 percent of PVOD revenue, and an unknown benefit from the value of Disney+ subscriptions. For theaters, that $210 million haul translated to about $75 million.

“Black Widow” was never going to have the appeal of “The Avengers,” nor the breakout interest of “Black Panther.” In the Marvel world, it is more akin to the “Ant-Man” films. “Ant-Man and the Wasp...

"Out of nowhere, this star was born..." Good Deed Ent. has released a trailer for Audrey, described as "the definitive feature documentary on Audrey Hepburn: Hollywood star, fashion icon and humanitarian." But she is more than what most people know. A hybrid of rare archive and intimate interviews including her son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, Givenchy's former Artistic Director Clare Waight Keller, and Tiffany's Design Director emeritus John Loring, this film brings a truly extraordinary woman to life, who stands as testament to the power of love and forgiveness. The doc film not only examines her life in intimate detail, revealing the truth about who she really was and how she became beloved by the whole world, but also works in dynamic ballet sequences in honor of Audrey's love for ballet. Three dancers play Audrey in various stages of her life including Royal Ballet principal dancer, Francesca Hayward...

Update, with Quaid response In an Instagram video post titled, in caps, “No Good Deed Goes Unpoliticized,” actor Dennis Quaid says he’s “feeling some outrage and a lot of disappointment” about reports in “the cancel culture media” regarding his involvement in a public service campaign about Covid-19.

“It was in no way political,” Quaid says in the video, adding that he was not paid for his involvement – he taped an interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci – and that the purpose of the PSA and interview with Fauci was “about raising awareness of Covid-19 and what we can still do to prevent lives being lost to this terrible, terrible virus. It was about the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing.”

The involvement of Quaid and gospel singer Cece Winans was first reported in a Politico article today about a $300 million White House ad campaign touting the Trump Administration’s...

It was way back in 1966 when Vijay Anand’s Teesri Manzil was released. The film turned out to be a smash success and remains popular till date. While ‘O Haseena Zulfonwali Jaane Jahan’ and ‘Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyar Tera’ remain popular till date, courtesy Mohammad Rafi’s exuberant singing, R.D. Burman’s foot-tapping score, Majrooh Sultanpuri’s catchy lyrics and of course Shammi Kapoor’s dance moves, one track which continues to make for a melodic hear is Asha Bhosle’s ‘O Mere Sona Re Sona Re’.

Now in the 50th year anniversary of Teesri Manzil, the film’s leading lady Asha Parekh has paid a tribute of sorts to the Nasir Hussain musical. The 73 year old veteran actress, who continues to make social appearances, has just made her debut on Dubsmash. The song that she chose? ‘O Mere Sona Re Sona Re’.

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New Delhi, Oct 28: Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal paid tribute to legendary singer Manna Dey at a condolence meeting here and remembered him as a versatile performer with a heart of gold.

Manna Dey passed away Nov 24 after a prolonged illness. He was 94.

Kamini Kaushal, 86, said that Dey was not only a versatile singer but was also a very simple person with a heart of gold.

Manna Dey's song "Kasme waade pyaar wafa" from 1967 film "Upkar", in which the actress was seen with Manoj Kumar and late actor Pran, was one of her top favourites, said a statement.

The meet was organised by cultural society Sakha.

Asha Parekh, the legendary actress of the 50s and 60s is also regarded as Jubilee Actress of 60s for giving a string of hits from 1960 to 1969. Each year she gave minimum one hit. Her major hits include Ghunghat (1960), Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai (1961), Apna Banake Dekho (1962), Bharosa (1963), Ziddi (1964), Mere Sanam (1965), Teesri Manzil (1966), Upkar (1967), Shikar (1968) Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969).In fact the year 1966 was a special year for Asha as this year she gave a stri...

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, best remembered for his films Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Upkar, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan and Kranti, was recently admitted to a suburban hospital. This came post the actor complained of pain his gall bladder. Manoj Kumar, who was admitted last week, has since been under treatment at the Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri. It is being said that the actor's health condition has improved and he will be discharged from the hospital in a couple of days.

Mumbai, July 22: Manoj Kumar was admitted to the Kokilaben Hospital two days back and will be discharged in a day or two, a source close to veteran actor and director said.

"He was hospitalized two days back and he is fine now. He shall be discharged in a couple of days," said the source.

The 75-year-old reportedly complained of pain in his gall bladder.

Manoj Kumar is known for making movies based on moral values and patriotism like "Shaheed", "Upkar", "Purab Aur Pashchim", "Yadgar", "Shor", "Roti Kapda aur Makan" and "Kranti".

--Indo-Asian News service

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Aamir Khan has joined the circle of people from the Bollywood film industry who have paid tribute to legendary actor Pran, who sadly died last week aged 93. Aamir was fortunate enough to have worked with Pran in the film Isi Ka Naam Zindagi (1992). “He was an institution and we have lost one of the legends of Indian cinema,” said Aamir to the Indian press. “We have learnt a lot from him. I was fortunate that I got to work with him in the beginning of my career in Isi Ka Naam Zindagi. He was the ‘pran’ (life) of every film.”

Speaking about the distinctive impact which Pran had on Aamir, he had this to say. “I remember as a kid when I used to see Pran saab’s name in the titles, I used to get scared such was his impact and work. He made a huge contribution to the Indian cinema.

Mumbai, July 13: Not too many people know this, but Pran has a hugely impressive body of songs associated with his characters on screen. Here's looking at Pran's chartbusters.

* Kasme vaade pyar wafa: "Upkar" (sung by Manna Dey)

* Jeena toh hai usski jissne yeh raaz jaana hai kaam aadmi ka auron ke kaam aana: "Adhikar". This evergreen qawaalli sung by Mohd Rafi and filmed on Pran embodies Pran's real-life philosophy.

* Yaari hai imaan mera: "Zanjeer". When Manna Dey sang for a second time for Pran after "Upkar", it had to be something special. This qawwalli was a bigger hit than the other Kalyanji-Ananji chartbusters in "Zanjeer".

*.

Pran, who is considered to be one of the greatest actors and villains in Bollywood history died on Friday aged 93 at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. The veteran actor was admitted to the hospital a month ago, where he had been ailing for some time. Pran was known for convincing portrayals in films such as Madhumati (1958), Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960), Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Upkar (1967) and as Sher Khan in the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Zanjeer (1973). Pran and Bachchan shared a special relationship and also starred together in other hits like Don (1978) and Amar Akbar Anthony (1977).

Speaking to the Indian media, Pran’s daughter Pinky had the following to say. “He died after a spell of prolonged illness. He was not keeping well, he was very weak. His health was deteriorating.” Pran was recently awarded with the Dadasaheb Phalke award for his contributions to Indian Cinema in a year which also marks the industry’s centenary.

That 2012 began with an overwrought hyper-melodramatic brutal and tumultuous remake of Agneepath and ended with Yash Chopra’s muted mellow all-heart-no-malice ode to romance Jab Tak Hai Jaan seems indicative of the direction that Bollywood seems headed for. The journey, as we can see, is unpredictable and largely exciting. Looking back, some films of 2012 that fetched hype-star ratings seem bloated and over-eager to please either critics or the masses, but never both. Luckily the films that were truly meritorious did get a place under the swoon.

Each year Bollywood surprises us, and not always in a good way. 2012 seems like a watershed year even by the continuously evolving standards of filmmaking set by envelope-pushing directors who have filtered into filmdom during the past years. 2012 was the year when Tigmanshu Dhulia, Sujoy Ghosh and Shoojit Sircar came into their own with films that took mainstream cinema to new heights. It was...

Pran Kishan Sikand

Pran Kishan Sikand dreamt of becoming a professional photographer. Little did he know that a measly, humble ‘paan’ (betel leaf) would change his life and set him on his destined path. It was 1939 or thereabouts. Pran was at a ‘paan’ shop at Lahore, enjoying a munch with his friends when a stranger approached him and asked whether he wanted to act in films. Pran was amused and asked his name. Stranger introduced himself as Muhammad Walli, a renowned film maker in the flourishing film district of Lahore. He said he was making a Punjabi film and Pran looked a perfect fit for the role of a villain in the film. Pran just brushed him off. Walli kept insisting that he pay a visit to the studio, and pushed a piece of paper with his address into Pran’s hands. The film was Yamla Jat (1940), a runaway hit that year.

Manoj Kumar is all set to return to direction with a film called DNA Report. This would be Kumar's first directorial venture since the badly-received Clerk in 1989. Informs the veteran director, "I haven't been able to make any film because of my back problem. But now my script is ready. It's a film called DNA Report. It's about how a man becomes a victim of a DNA test when he has never had any emotional or physical relationship with a woman. Then how does the DNA report say he's the father of the woman's child? This is a subject I've never been into." Says Manoj Kumar regretfully, "I don't have the comfort of working with Manoj Kumar the actor anymore. He is capable of telling home truths in the most understated manner. So I've to select from the stars today. It's an expensive film. I have zeroed in on an actor.

Manoj Kumar

Superstar Manoj Kumar agrees to let his song be used in a documentary on Baba Ramdev

Legendary actor-producer-writer-director, Manoj Kumar has given his consent to use his evergreen patriotic song, ?Mere desh ki dharti? from the movie Upkar (1967) in a documentary on Baba Ramdev.

Says the yesteryear superstar, ?I received a letter seeking permission to use the song from Upkar and I?ve given them the go-ahead. I?ve met him on occasion. He has revolutionized yoga as a way of life and has been openly singing my songs, including Bharat ka rahnewala hoon, Bharat ke baat sunata hoon.. from Purab Aur Paschim. Why shouldn?t this one too be associated with him??

Baba Ramdev

The Baba began an indefinite hunger strike on Saturday at 7 am in the capital?s Ramlila maidan after talks with the government at a five-star hotel fell through. The protest has been described...

Actor-producer-director-writer Manoj Kumar has given the nod to one of his evergreen patriotic songs from Upkar, Mere desh ki dharti…, to be used for a documentary on Baba Ramdev. The Baba began an indefinite hunger strike on Saturday at 7 am in the capital’s Ramlila maidan after talks with the government at a five-star hotel fell through. The protest has been described as a “satyagraha against corruption and black money” and is targeted at ensuring that “the poor get a good life.” It gets the nod of approval from Mr Bharat. Says the yesteryear superstar, “I received a letter seeking ...

Actor-producer-director-writer Manoj Kumar has given the nod to one of his evergreen patriotic songs from Upkar, Mere desh ki dharti…, to be used for a documentary on Baba Ramdev. The Baba began an indefinite hunger strike on Saturday at 7 am in the capital’s Ramlila maidan after talks with the government at a five-star hotel fell through. The protest has been described as a “satyagraha against corruption and black money” and is targeted at ensuring that “the poor get a good life.” It gets the nod of approval from Mr Bharat. Says the yesteryear superstar, “I received a letter seeking ...

Actor-producer-director-writer Manoj Kumar has given the nod to one of his evergreen patriotic songs from Upkar, Mere desh ki dharti…, to be used for a documentary on Baba Ramdev. The Baba began an indefinite hunger strike on Saturday at 7 am in the capital’s Ramlila maidan after talks with the government at a five-star hotel fell through. The protest has been described as a “satyagraha against corruption and black money” and is targeted at ensuring that “the poor get a good life.” It gets the nod of approval from Mr Bharat. Says the yesteryear superstar, “I received a letter seeking ...

September 29, 2010: Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar is going to be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 12th Mumbai Film Festival, which will be held from October 21 to 28. The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (Mami) is organizing the festival.

The actor has given more than three decades of his life to the Bollywood. Manoj Kumar is mostly remembered for his patriotic movies like Purab Aur Paschim, Upkar, and Kranti. The patriotic image of the actor was set with his 1965 film Shaheed, which was based on the life of great patriot Bhagat Singh.

The 73 year old actor was quoted saying in a.

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, will be felicitated with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Mami's 12th Mumbai Film Festival this year.The world of Bollywood best knows him as Bharat Kumar for his patriotic roles and exceptional work in films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti. The Indian audiences have showered their love and appreciation on him for all his characters.The legendary actor-director has been bestowed with Padma Shri Award, Phalke Ratna Award, Best Director Award, Best Actor Award and many more for his exceptional contribution to Indian Cinema. ...

New Delhi, Sep 24 – Bollywood veteran Manoj Kumar says he has fond memories of legendary singer Mahendra Kapoor, who sang many songs for him including National Award winning number ‘Mere desh ki dharti’ in ‘Upkar’.

‘I shared many memorable moments with Mahendra Kapoor. I remember him everyday, after all he was my voice,’ Manoj said in a press statement.

Mahendra died following cardiac arrest Sep 27, 2008. He was 73.

Some of his timeless hits are ‘Neele.

The most loved patriotic hero of Bollywood, Manoj Kumar, will be felicitated with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Mami's 12th Mumbai Film Festival this year. The world of Bollywood best knows him as Manoj 'Bharat' Kumar for his patriotic roles and exceptional work in films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti. The Indian audiences have showered their love and appreciation on him for all his characters. In the past, the legendary actor-director has been bestowed with awards such as the Padma Shri Award, Phalke Ratna Award, Best Director Award, Best Actor Award and many more for his exceptional contribution to Indian Cinema. But this year, the 12th Mumbai Film Festival takes a proud step towards honouring Manoj Kumar with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his valuable contribution. The extremely talented and soft-spoken Manoj Kumar continues to stay in everyone's heart and this award is Mami's humble way to refresh his remarkable journey.

Bollywood has been an old companion of Indian patriotism. It began with pro-British films like Gyan Mukherjee’s Kismet (1943) and are now delivering films like Rang De Basanti (2006). The transformation of patriotic films has been quite incredible in both form and content.

Manoj Kumar is the man whose face flashes in front of our eyes whenever we think of Patriotic Films. His films, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Hindustan Ki Kasam and Kranti had been the yardsticks of patriotism in Bollywood during the era of 1960-1980.

In one of his interviews, Manoj Kumar has been quoted saying, “My countrymen are.

Bollywood has been an old companion of Indian patriotism. It began with pro-British films like Gyan Mukherjee's Kismet (1943) and are now delivering films like Rang De Basanti (2006). The transformation of patriotic films has been quite incredible in both form and content. Manoj Kumar is the man whose face flashes in front of our eyes whenever we think of patriotic Films. His films, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Hindustan Ki Kasam and Kranti had been the yardsticks of patriotism in Bollywood during the era of 1960-1980....

It may not be official. But there is more in common between Manoj Kumar’s 1967 paean to patriotism Upkar and Sohail Khan’s Kissan than the song Mere desh ki dharti for which Sohail has officially taken the rights from Manoj Kumar.

The two films share a common theme as well, so much so that the basic plotting of the two films is almost identical.

Take a look. Upkar is about a mother Radha (Kamini Kaushal) from an agricultural family in a village. She can only afford to send one son for education to the city. While Bharat (Manoj Kumar) grows up to be an uneducated patriotic son of the soil,.