SHAJI KARUN NO MORE!

 

It is sad that renowned cinematographer & filmmaker of Malayalam Cinema..Shaji N. Karun passed away!

I remember the first interaction to him during my 'Film Appreciation Course' at FTII in 1989. His first directorial film 'Piravi' was screened in it and its neo-realist treatment made powerful impact!

After that I have watched his films in festivals like our main 'IFFI'. His cinema depicted human emotions & struggle like in 'Piravi' (1988) and 'Swaham'(1994). Most of the time this was shown on the backdrop of Kerala's culture and performing arts like in 'Vanaprastham' (1999) legendary Mohanlal co-produced & intensely acted and in 'Swapaanam' (2014).

Shaji Karun's films got state, national awards & international recognition in film festivals like London, Chicago & Cannes! He was the first chairman of 'Kerala State Chalachitra Academy'. He got 'Padma Shri' award and..few days back he was honoured with 'J. C. Daniel Award' for lifetime contribution to Malayalam Cinema!

I still remember meeting Shaji Karun in film festivals like in 'IFFI' at Trivandrum and other cities! He was very soft spoken & down to earth person!

My humble homage to him!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

CINEMA..130!

French pioneers of Cinematograph..(Auguste & Louis) Lumiere Brothers first screened their motion pictures on 22nd March, 1895 at Paris!

After that, Lumiere Brothers presented their six short films in our India at Bombay on 7th July, 1896!

Now Cinema is 130 years old!!

A Tribute!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

"Jago mohan pyare.."
Lata Mangeshkar sung this Shailendra's song was the climax of one of our India's neo-realistic films..'Jagate Raho' (1956) produced-acted by Raj Kapoor!

It was directed by Amit Maitra & Sombhu Mitra..with them K.A. Abbas wrote this film! And excellent cinematographed by Radhu Karmakar!

Nargis did cameo in it!..And it was the last time she appeared in 'R.K. Films'!

'Jagate Raho' won national award and 'Crystal Globe Grand Prix' at 'Karlovy Vary International Film Festival' in Czechoslovakia!

On this 'World Water Day' I remembered this..as metaphor!
And recently RK's birth centenary happened!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Love, Amour, Lyublyu, Ai, Mohabbat

Hope to hear such words in the world

Let only Love spread everywhere...!

- Manoj 'maanas roomani'

(With Valentine's Day wishes!)

At the Alumni Meet - 2025 of our 'Department of Communication and Journalism' (Pune University), Ranade Institute!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Yesterday, attending the Alumni Meet of our 'Department of - Communication and Journalism' (Pune University) at Ranade - Institute..was like going down memory lane!

- Manoj Kulkarni 

BOLLYWOOD SHOWMAN SUBHASH GHAI..80!

Today is 80th Birthday of veteran Film Producer, Director, Writer & Actor of our Popular Indian Cinema..Subhash Ghai ji!

His film making career completed almost 50 years! He made different genres of hit films from romantic thrillers 'Karz', 'Hero', 'Meri Jung' to multi-starrer drama 'Karma', 'Saudagar'! He got various awards including 'National' and 'IIFA'!

 

Here is 30 years old picture of mine with him. It was taken when he presented 'Cinema Cinema' programme on the occasion of 100 years of cinema during '26th International Film Festival of India' held at Mumbai in 1995!

Salgirah Mubarak Ghai sahab!!

- Manoj Kulkarni