When Dilip Kumar countered an aggressive Indira Gandhi in presence of PM Nehru

Vikas Datta | December 11, 2024 11:11 AM

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The matchless thespian of Hindi cinema, he is still remembered for his understated, yet intense roles of brooding and star-crossed lovers, a smitten Mughal Crown Prince, a rustic simpleton-turned-outlaw, boisterous pranksters, dutiful policemen, and many more, yet Dilip Kumar's most significant performance came in a private interaction when he -- politely -- rebuked a future Prime Minister in front of her father.

How velvety-voiced Geeta Dutt's signature songs had an uncanny reflection of her life

Vikas Datta | November 23, 2024 10:35 AM

New Delhi, Nov 23 (IANS) By some unhappy coincidence, three of her most iconic songs aptly reflect her spectacular -- but unfortunately short and ultimately tragic -- life. 'Mera sundar sapna beet gaya', which brought her to prominence, seemed to presage her future, 'Tadbeer se bigdi taqdeer', proved that she was capable of much more than weepy songs or bhajans, and 'Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam' seemed to echo Geeta Dutt's later life.

'Chura liya hai...': Zeenat Aman's captivating cinematic course - and comeback

Vikas Datta | November 19, 2024 10:59 AM

New Delhi, Nov 19 (IANS) She stormed into the spotlight as a tuned-out rebel belting out the subversive and psychedelic 'Dum Maro Dum' in 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' (1971), augmented her presence as the guitar-strumming "lal kapde wali memsahib" in 'Yaadon ki Baraat' (1973), as the stunning Sheela, or rather, 'Laila', of 'Qurbani' (1980) and many other comely charmers. Five decades down, the stylish Zeenat Aman still rules hearts.

Dara Singh: The 'Sikandar' of wrestling and screen, but also Hanuman, Bhim, and Lord Shiva!

Vikas Datta | November 19, 2024 10:38 AM

New Delhi, Nov 19 (IANS) The ethos underpinning his exploits in the wrestling arena and film roles can be understood by his cameo in 'Anand' (1971). Hassled by a gang of roadside ruffians, the film's eponymous hero approaches the neighbourhood 'pehalwan', and "Papaji", learning that women are being harassed, dons his kurta, rolls up his sleeves, flexes his muscles, and sends them packing in terror.

Nainital hills to come alive with sound of literature - and music

IANS | November 15, 2024 6:27 PM

Nainital, Nov 15 (IANS) Returning to a physical form after a three-year-long hiatus, the Himalayan Echoes Literature Festival, in its two-day ninth edition beginning in Nainital on Saturday, will go beyond words to encompass music, environment, conservation, sustainability, and arts from the greater Himalayan region extending all the way to Bhutan.