Poster of 1st Talkie 'Warner Bros.' 'The Jazz Singer' (1927).

EXCLUSIVE!

 

FIRST TALKIE 

'JAZZ SINGER' 90!

  

- Manoj Kulkarni

'The Jazz Singer's (1927) producer 

Darryl F. Zanuck won Honorary 'Oscar'!

What a great coincidence this is 'International Jazz Day' and first World Talkie 'The Jazz Singer' (1927) is completing 90 years!

'The Jazz Singer's' (1927) 

director Alan Crosland.

'Warner Bros.' produced 'The Jazz Singer' was a first feature-length motion picture with not only a synchronised recorded music score, but also lip-synchronous singing and speech! For this Vitaphone sound-on-disc system was used!


Film which ends the silent era..
'The Jazz Singer' was based on play of same name by Samson Raphaelson! 
It tells the story of a young man's struggle to become a Jazz Singer! Alfred A. Cohn wrote the screenplay of it and Alan Crosland directed this film which cinematographed by Hal Mohr and edited by Harold McCord..And Louise Silvers composed the music in which 6 songs sung by Al Jolson who played the lead role with beautiful actress May McAvoy and Yossele Rosenblat!

'The Jazz Singer's (1927) 

pretty actress May McAvoy.

For this first world talkie..producer Darryl F. Zanuck won Honorary Academy Award!

'The Jazz Singer's (1927) lead actor Al Jolson singing!

My film magazine 'Chitrasrushti's first special issue was on '75 years of world talkies'..which published in 2002!!

Tribute to this first world talkie & it's makers!!

- Manoj Kulkarni 
['Chitrasrushti', Pune, India]

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY!

Here are some of the best dance sequences from history of world cinema..

'West Side Story' (1961) directed by Robert Wise.






 




Ingmar Bergman's classic Swedish film 'Summer Interlude' (1951).

Famous Jene Kelly directed-acted 'Singing in the rain' (1952).



 








Dancing star John Travolta's hit 'Saturday Night Fever' (1977).












 

Recent dance-musical 'La La Land' (2016) written & directed by Damien Chazelle.




Tribute to all such films!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune, India]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

PRETTY PENELOPE CRUZ!

It's birthday of favourite & beautiful Spanish Actress Penelope Cruz Sanchez!
 
Her best screen performances includes in films 'Volver' (2006) & 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (2008).





She was the first Spanish actress who received 'Oscar' and achieved Star status in Hollywood!

Many best wishes to her!!


- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune, India]

Bhanu Athaiya with 'Oscar' award!

BEST WISHES!!

Today is birthday of our renowned Costume Designer Bhanu Athaiya!

Bhanu Athaiya with Ben Kingsley who 

portrayed our great Gandhi in film!

During her 50 years of career she designed costumes for various classic films and received many awards.

She won 'Best Costume Desinger' Oscar for Richard Attenborough's film 'Gandhi' in 1983.

Regards Madam!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti']
  [Pune, India]

EXCLUSIVE!

REMEMBRANCE OF 'DR. KOTNIS KI AMAR KAHANI'

- Manoj Kulkarni

Last month on the occasion of our PM & French President visit to our holy river Ganga at Varanasi..I wrote about French film 'Le Fleuve' ('The River'/1951) which renowned French filmmaker Jean Renoir made in our India at the same place!

 K. A. Abbas..writer of this film.

And now while watching the news of our PM visit to Chinese President in China, I remembered our V. Shantaram's important film 'Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani' (1946) which focused on the great work of our Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis in China during the Japanese invasion in World War II.

Renowned Filmmaker V. Shantaram.

'Rajkamal Kalamandir's this film was based on the novel 'And One Did Not Come Back' wrote by K. A. Abbas who also wrote it's screenplay with V. P. Sathe! It's about Dr. Kotnis who was sent to China during second world war..to provide medical assistance to the troops!..This was very sensibly directed by V. Shantaram with his cinematographer V. Avadhoot!

V. Shantaram & Jayashree in critical scene of 

 'Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani' (1946)

V. Shantaram himself portrayed the great role of Dr. Kotnis in this film. And his wife Jayashree played the role of Chinese girl Ching Lan whom doctor met there! In other roles there were Baburao Pendharkar (General Fong), Master Vinayak (Bundoo), Keshavrao Date (father), Pratima Devi (mother) & V. Shantaram-Jayashree's daughter Rajashree surprisingly played the son of doctor in it!

This Hindi film latter made in English with title 'The Journey of Dr. Kotnis'! And in both the versions director V. Shantaram himself did the title role! This film got international recognition with screening in prestigious film festivals like Venice & Karlovy Vary!

Salute to great work of Dr. Kotnis in China & this film made on it!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune, India]

Filmmaker Nitin Bose!

TAGORE'S CINEMATOGRAPHER 

& PIONEER..NITIN BOSE!

- Manoj Kulkarni

 
Today is 121st Birth Anniversary of one of the pioneers of our Indian cinema..Nitin Bose!

Rabindranath Tagore in film 'Natirpuja' (1932)

cinematographed by Nitin Bose!

Started working as cameraman in 'New Theatre', Calcutta..Nitin Bose worked for their films like 'Devdas' (1928). Then he cinematographed 'Natirpuja' (1932)..the only film directed by Rabindranath Tagore who also appeared in it!

Umasashi & Saigal in Nitin Bose's Bengali film 'Chandidas' (1934).

He made directorial debut in 1934 with Bengali classic film 'Chandidas' produced by B.N. Sircar! Then in 1935 he introduced the playback singing in our Indian cinema..with his film 'Bhagya Chakra'..for which he discussed with music director Raichand Boral and the first playback singing done by K. C. Dey, Parul Ghosh & Suprabha Sircar! This film latter remade in Hindi with name 'Dhoop Chhaon'!

Nitin Bose's 'Drishtidan' (1948) introduced Uttam Kumar!

After that Nitin Bose came to Bombay and made first movie on Tagore's novel 'Naukadubi' (1947) for 'Bombay Talkies'! Then in next film 'Drishtidan' (1948) he introduced Uttam Kumar who latter became Mahanayak of Bengali cinema! 

Then he directed several films under the banner of 'Filmistan'. His notable films during that era were like 'Deedar' (1951) an emotional drama with artists Ashok Kumar, Nargis & Dilip Kumar!

Dilip Kumar & Vyjayanthimala in Nitin Bose directed hit film 'Ganga Jamuna' (1961).

And in 1961 he directed all time hit movie 'Ganga Jamuna' Produced by Dilip Kumar who also played main role with brother Nasir Khan & Vyjayanthimala in it! Same year he received national award for film 'Pyar Ki Pyas'! 

In 1977 Nitin Bose was honoured with 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award'!

Humble Tribute to this genius filmmaker!!

 
- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune]

SOUTH-INDIAN LEGENDARY FILMMAKER K.VISWANATH

- Manoj Kulkarni

Lgendary South-Indian Filmmaker & Character Actor..K. Viswanath got 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award' last year! He is best known for outstanding work in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam & Hindi film industry!

J. V. Somayajulu & Manju Bhargavi in dance-musical 

hit Telugu film 'Shankarabharanam' (1980).

Began career as Sound Recordist at 'Vauhini Studio' Madras..Kasinathuni Viswanath then shifted to Screenwriting-direction under A. Subba Rao in 'Annapurna Pictures'! In 1965 he became independent director with film 'Atma Gowravam'. Then he made woman centric films like 'Chelleli Kapurum' (1971) & 'Sharada' (1973). He wrote-directed and Jayaprada & Chandra Mohan acted film 'Siri Siri Muvua' (1976) showed his artistic cinematic treatment!

RishiKapoor & Jayaprada in dance-musical 

superhit Hindi film 'Sargam' (1979).

His films initially focused the performing & visual arts. Like his milestone & honoured film 'Shankarabharanam' (1980) which highlighted the neglect of traditional Indian music! J.V. Somayajula & Manju Bhargavi acted in it and K. V. Mahadevan composed the classical music! After this huge commercial successful film his sensitive film 'Swati Mutyam' (1986) depicted the plight of a young widow who is rescued by an autistic man. Kamal Hassan & Radhika Sarathkumar acted this film was submitted for 'Oscar'!

Anil Kapoor & Vijayashanthi in Hindi film 'Eashwar' (1989) and 

 Kamal Hassan & Radhika in original Telugu film 'Swati Mutyam' (1986).

He also made Malayalam films like 'Sangeeta Sangam' (1988). His films handled variety of genres and addressed social issues also..like caste, colour, disability, alcoholism & socio-economic differences. His 'Saptapadhi' was on caste system, 'Subhodayam' & 'Swanyam Krushi' emphasises the dignity and 'Sutradharulu' urges the need of non-violence!

Madhuri Dixit in Hindi film 'Sangeet' (1988).

Some of his south films remade in Hindi like Jayaprada & Rishi Kapoor acted dance-musical hit 'Sargam' (1979) & Anil Kapoor acted 'Eashwar' (1989). He also made good family & social Hindi films like 'Jaag Utha Insaan' (1984), 'Sanjog' (1985) & 'Sangeet' (1988) in which Madhuri Dixit acted!

He also acted as character artists in Telugu films like 'Subha Sankalpam' (1993) & he directed Tamil film ' Pudhiya Geethai' (2003). He made TV shows too like 'Sun TVs 'Chellamey'!

Veteran South-Indian Filmmaker & Character Actor..K.Viswanath 

receiving 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award' from our President of  India!

In 60 years of film career K. Viswanath made 53 films and won many awards like 5 National Awards, 5 State Nandi Awards, 10 Filmfare South & Hindi Awards. In 1992 he received Andhra Pradesh's 'Raghupathi Venkaiah Award' and our Government of India's 'Padmashree' honour! In addition to this he got international recognition like..his films dubbed in Russian languages and got felicitation at France!

Congratulation for this highest 'Dadasaheb Phalake Award' sir!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune]

EXCLUSIVE!!

 

ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST KONKANI FILM! 

- Manoj Kulkarni

Poster of First Konkani Film 'Mogacho Anvddo' (1950)

'Mogacho Anvddo'..the first full length Konkani film released in this month on 24th April in 1950 at 'Dashrat Cinema' Mapusa. So this date celebrated as 'Konkani Cinema Day'!

Father of Konkani Cinema..Al Jerry Braganza made this first Concanim motion picture 'Mogacho Anvddo' (Love's Craving) under the banner of 'Etica Pictures'..66 years ago! This film was based on the novel 'Mogachi Odd' written by Diaoguinho De Melo who himself written the screenplay of film. It's a love story between spoiled rich boy and poor girl!

Leena Fernades & Al Jerry Braganza 

in film 'Mogacho Anvddo' (1950).

Native of Mapusa Al Jerry Braganza Produced, Directed & also played lead role in this Konkani film 'Mogacho Anvddo' (1950) with Leena Fernades, Irene Amaral & Elizabeth D'Abreo! It's Goa kind music composed by Alfred Almeida! After Mapusa this film also released in Bombay!

Popular Konkani film 'Sukhache Sopon' (1960).

After this film..Al Jerry Braganza also made Konkani films like popular 'Sukhache Sopon' (1960). L. M. Ratus wrote this film directed by Braganza who himself acted in this with Antonette & Fatima. Then Konkani cinema slowly progressed!

First Colour Konkani Film 'Mog Ani Moipass' (1977)

After 1975 'Bhuierantio Munis' achieved good success! In 1977 'United Youngsters of Mangolore' brought out the first Coloured Konkani film 'Mog Ani Moipass'! 
But..next 25 years were dull for Konkani cinema according to local Goan filmmaker!

In 2004 our 'International Film Festival of India' arrived at Goa and Talak's film 'Aleesha' (acted by Priyanka Bidaye) premiered in it! This film won 'Best Konkani Film' national award!..And again Konkani cinema flourished by it's other filmmakers too!

Priyanka Bidaye in film 'Aleesha' (2004).

I wrote about Konkani cinema's achievement with article on 'IFFI', Goa in my film magazine 'Chitrasrushti's special issue, 2005!

Tribute to pioneers of Konkani cinema!!

Happy 'Konkani Cinema Day'!!!

 - Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune]

SHAHENSHAH OF INDIAN CINEMA!

- Manoj Kulkarni

At the launch of autobiography of  acting king Dilip Kumar..with sahab

(from left) Salim Khan, Udaya Tara Nair, Vyjayanthimala, Saira Banu,  

Javed Akhtar, Amir Khan, Subhash Ghai, Madhuri Dixit,  

Amitabh Bachchan & Priyanka Chopra!

Abhishek Bachchan.

I remember..acting king Dilip Kumar was felicitated with 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in the 'MAMI's 4th International Film Festival' at Mumbai in 2001. In the beginning of that function Abhishek Bachchan came for introduction..but surprised he only said.."Yeh mere baap ke bhi baap hai!"

At the launch of autobiography of  acting king Dilip Kumar..with sahab

(from left) Dharmendra, Amir Khan, Saira Banu & Amitabh Bachchan!

And the great honour for Dilip Kumarsahab also experienced in the grand event of his autobiography launch at Mumbai years back!.In that almost entire Bollywood gathered and gave him salute!!

Get well soon.. Yusufsahab!!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti'] 
    [Pune]

Icon of Kannada Cinema..Dr. Rajkumar!

KANNADA NATASARVABHOUMA 

RAJKUMAR!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Today is Birth Anniversary of one of the most popular Actors of South-Indian Cinema..Dr. Rajkumar!

Rajkumar & famous Lakshmi in 'Olavu Geluvu' (1977).

Icon of Kannada Cinema..Singanalluru Puttaswamayya Muthuraju known by name Rajkumar which he got on stage..'Gubbi Drama Company' where he started acting at the age of 8..And in 1954 he appeared on screen with film 'Bedaru Kannappa!

Then Rajkumar acted mostly in mythological & historical films like..'Bhakta Kanakadasa' (1960), 'Raja Harishchandra' (1965), 'Immadi Pulikeshi' (1967) & 'Mayura' (1975). He also acted in social & family films like 'Kasturi Nivasa' (1971) & 'Olavu Geluvu' (1977) with famous actress Lakshmi! 

Rajkumar playing instrument with singing!

He also sung for his own films and some of his popular songs are "Yaare Koogadali..", "Hey Dinkara.." & "Naadmaya.." for which he got 'Best Playback Singer National Award'!

Rajkumar played variety of roles in 220 films. His last film was 'Jogi' (2005). He got 11 'Karnataka State Film Awards', 10 South Filmfare awards and one national award! He was awarded honorary doctorate from 'Mysoor University'! In 1983 he received 'Padma Bhushan' and in 1995 honoured the highest 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award'!

Humble Tribute!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune]

Great Filmmaker Satyajit Ray with Honorary 'Oscar'!

REMEMBERING RAY

 

Young Satyajit Ray directing!

Today is 26th Death Anniversary of greatest Indian Filmmaker.. 'Bharatratna' & 'Oscar' honoured..Satyajit Ray!

Great Filmmaker Satyajit Ray's world famous 'Apu Trilogy'...

('Pather Panchali'/1955, 'Aparajito'/1956, & 'Apur sansar'/1959)

One of the great directors of World Cinema..Satyajit Ray considered as a complete filmmaker who did scripting (with himself sketched storyboard), directing, music scoring & editing of his own films.

Satyajit Ray's own favourite 'Charulata' (1964).

Satyajit Ray made 36 films including feature, documentary & short..among which his 'Apu Trilogy' ('Pather Panchali'/1955, 'Aparajito'/1956, & 'Apur sansar'/1959) is renowned!..And other films like 'Mahanagar' (1963), 'Charulata' (1964) & 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi' (1977) are unforgetable!

Satyajit Ray received 32 national awards & many international awards with honour in prestigious international film festivals.

In 1992 the Government of India honoured Satyajit Ray with 'Bharat Ratna'! And same year he received Honorary Academy Award!
 
Humble Homage to Manikda!!

 - Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune]

SOCIAL FILMMAKER OF INDIA

B. R. CHOPRA.

- Manoj Kulkarni

Today is 104th Birth Anniversary of our legendary Film-TV Producer-Director..B. R. Chopra!

Film Journalist turned Filmmaker..Baldev Raj Chopra started directing film with successful 'Afsana' (1951) in which Ashok Kumar played double role! 

B. R. Chopra's first hit film 'Naya Daur' (1957).

In 1955 B. R. Chopra  formed his production house 'BR FILMS' and made 'Naya Daur' (1957) on man vs machine! Dilip Kumar & Vyjayanthimala starrer this film was a golden jubilee hit!

AshokKumar, RajendraKumar, Nanda in 'Kanoon'

After that B.R. always made films with social concern..like 'Sadhana' (1958)..And did experiment in 'Kanoon' (1960) which was a songless talkie! In 'Gumrah' (1963) and 'Humraz' (1967) he handled unique love triangles!

Then 'Pati, Patni aur Woh' (1978) focused on sensitive family issue! His films 'Insaf Ka Tarazu' (1980) & 'Nikah' (1982) are still contemporary & relevant!

B. R. Chopra's 'Nikaah' (1982) still contemporary!

He also produced television serials in which late 1980s 'Mahabharat' got huge popularity!

In 1963 he was in the jury of '13th Berlin International Film Festival'. Then in 1998 he was awarded the 'Dadasaheb Phalake Award & in 2001 honoured with 'Padmabhushan'!

Tribute to Chopra sahab!!


- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune, India]

FILMMAKER  OF NEW DUTCH CINEMA..EDDY TERSTALL!

- Manoj Kulkarni

 

Famous & bold Dutch Filmmaker..Eddy Terstall!

Tt's Birthday of famous & bold filmmaker from Netherlands...Eddy Terstall!

Dutch Filmmaker Eddy Terstall directing!

Born in beautiful city Amsterdam he studied Sociology & Political Science there. In 1992 he wrote & directed his debut Dutch film 'Transit' which addressed the issue of illegal immigrants in the Netherlands!

Pretty Femke de Brouwer in Eddy Terstall's film 'Babylon' (1999).

As a bold filmmaker..he made a trilogy on the themes of death, sexuality and the rule of law! This includes films 'Simon' (2004), 'Sextet' (2007) & 'Vox Populi' (2008).


He also did theatre like play 'The Death of Theo Van Gogh' (2011). His recent romantic movie is 'Meet Me in Venice' (2015).

Eddy Terstall's film 'Meet Me in Venice' (2015).

He won awards like 'Golden Calf for Best Director'!

I remember meeting him and beautiful actress Femke de Brouwer in our 'International Film Festival of India', 1999 held at Hyderabad..in which their satiric film 'Babylon' screened!

Best wishes to them!!


- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune, India]