'LOLITA' FAME SUE LYON..NO MORE!

American beautiful actress Suellyn Lyon.

Evergreen popular 'Lolita' fame American beautiful actress Sue Lyon.. passed away at the age of 73..three days back!

Pretty gorgeous Sue Lyon in & as 'Lolita' (1962).

Pretty gorgeous Suellyn Lyon started doing modelling at the age of 13. Soon then in 1959 she appeared on television in 'Letter to Loretta' with her full name!

Sue Lyon & James Mason in Stanley Kubrick's film 'Lolita' (1962).

Then in 1962 renowned film - maker Stanley Kubrick chose her for a title role of his classic movie 'Lolita'. Based on novel by Russian author Vladimir - Nabokov it showed unique - picture in which.. the middle-aged professor becomes obsessed by young adolescent girl. This bubbly cute Lolita..superbly played by Sue and won 'Golden Globe Award' for most promising female newcomer!

Sue Lyon in 'The Night of the Iguana' (1964)

After that Sue Lyon appeared in two legendary film makers' movies..in which one was John - Huston's 'The Night of the Iguana' (1964) and second was John Ford's '7 Women' (1966). 

Then she acted in different genre of films like.. 'Tony Rome' (1967) & 'Evel Knievel' (1971) and continued work on television too!

Her last screen appearance was in film - 'Alligator' (1980) in which she did a role of.. news reporter!

Homage to this immortal 'Lolita' Sue Lyon!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

REMEMBRANCE OF GITA SIDDHARTH'S GREAT ROLE!

Jalal Agha & Gita Siddharth before the famous qawwali in film 'Garm Hawa' (1973).

"Doosare ko nahin udane dungi.."

Those were the words of character Amina Mirza greatly portrayed by Gita Siddharth with Jalal Agha..before the famous qawwali in landmark film 'Garm Hawa'!

This, one of my favourite film sequences..I remembered after the news of death of this sensitive actress!..Now Both the artists are no more!

Geeta Siddharth in sensible roles of women centric films!

M. S. Sathyu's film 'Garm Hava' (1973) was based on the story by Ismat Chughtai. It deals with - the plight of a family in the - period after partition of our - India in 1947! This film won... National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration'!


After that Geeta Siddharth acted in various kind of films like 'Gaman' (1978), 'Arth' (1982), 'Mandi' (1983) & 'Ek Chadar Maili si' (1986)..mostly women centric films!

Homage to her!

- Manoj Kulkarni

EXCLUSIVE!!

WHEN DILIP KUMAR MEETS SARHAD GANDHI!

Found this 50 years old rare photo of our legendary actor Dilip Kumar.. meets 'Sarhad Gandhi' Badshah Abdul Ghaffar Khan during trip to our.. India in 1969!

It is mentioned that Badshah Abdul Ghaffar Khan visited our India to participate in inaugural ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi's birth centenary and then to receive the.. 'Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International understanding'! 

Badshah Khan died 30 years ago!

This year we celebrated 150th birth anniversary of Bapuji!

And now Yusufsahab turned 97!

Tribute & Regards!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'GOLDEN GLOBE' HONOUR TO TOM HANKS!

Veteran American Actor & filmmaker Tom Hanks will receive the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' of 'Golden Globe' in new year!

One of the finest & favourite actors of contemporary Hollywood cinema..Tom Hanks showed his excellence in various kind of roles..like in 'Cast Away' (2000) & recent 'A beautiful day in the neighborhood' (2019).

He won many awards as 'Best Actor' including 'Oscar' and 'Golden Globe' twice for his roles in 'Philadelphia' (1993) & 'Forest Gump' (1994).

Congratulation to him on current honour!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'VERGIN SPRING' STILL CONTEMPORARY!

Birgitta Pettersson in Ingmar Bergman's film 'The Virgin Spring' (1960).

Renowned Swedish Filmmaker Ingmar Bergman's great movie 'The Virgin Spring' (1960) is still contemporary!

Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman.

Social picture of Ingmar Bergman's..
'The Virgin Spring' (1960).

On a current social situation once again - remembered this one of my favourite films on which I - already wrote a lot!

A Tribute!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

ISABELLE HUPPERT & CHABROL!

Renowned French Actress Isabelle Huppert was conferred with the.. 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in - recently over our '50th International Film Festival of India'!

On this occasion I would like to focus on her notable films with Claude Chabrol a leading pioneer of French New Wave! In this includes women centric films based on true stories.. 'Violette Noziere' (1978) & 'Story of Women' (1988). And a popular film 'Madame Bovary' (1991) on classic French novel by Gustove Flaubert!

She won 'Best Actress' award in 'Cannes Film Festival' for her role in 'Violette Noziere' and got 'Best Actress' award twice in.. 'Venice Film Festival' for her roles in 'Story of Women' and 'La Ceremonie' (1995) made by Chabrol. And for 'Madame - Bovary' she won 'Best Actress' award in 'Mosco International Film Festival'!..This famous role rated her as one of the most accomplished actresses of world cinema!!

Congratulation to her on 'IFFI's honour!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Strong believe in our 'Secular Democracy'!

SHARMILAJI 75 WITH 60 YEARS IN CINEMA!

Veteran Actress of our Indian Cinema..Sharmila Tagore turned 75! 
And her film career completed 60 years!

Here is b/w picture of her first film Bengali 'Apur Sansar' (1959) made by great Satyajit Ray! And another is colour picture of her first Hindi film 'Kashmir ki Kali' (1964) made by Shakti Samanta!

'Apur Sansar' was a third part of Ray's renowned neo-realistic 'Apu Trilogy' and - Soumitra Chatterjee was her hero in it! And 'Kashmir ki Kali' was a romantic musical.. 
in which Shammi Kapoor was her hero!

Tribute & Regards!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'IFFI'..FLASH BACK!

Rare photo of our first 'IFFI' held at Bombay in 1952.

A week back I wrote here an article about our first 'International Film Festival of India' ('IFFI') which is celebrating it's golden jubilee!

Our first international film festival was organised by 'Films Division' of our.. Government of India during Jan.-Feb., 1952 at Bombay! That was also the first international film festival held in Asia!

Great Srilankan filmmakers Mr.&Mrs. Lester Peries & I in 'IFFI', 2000, Delhi.

That our first film festival was non-competitive and 23 countries were participated in it with almost 200 films. Aim of 'IFFI' was providing a common platform to the international cinema to present it's excellence in art of film making!

After that first event, our 'IFFI' was subsequently taken to the other main cities like Madras, Calcutta & in capital Delhi! At it's 3rd edition 'IFFI' became competitive.And Sri Lankan film 'Gamperaliya' (1963) won the first 'Golden Peacock Award' in it! Then in 5th edition 'IFFI' became the member of 'FIAPF' and classified as an 'A Grade' film festival!

Social picture of Lester James Peries made Srilankan film 'Gamperaliya' (1963)

Before Goa - becomes the - permanent venue.. 'IFFI' travelled.. among all our.. states alternatively with our capital Delhi! That time international film festivals calendar used to start with our 'IFFI' which had fixed dates 10th to 20th - January. And was more than 10 days! But now this - festival happens at the end of year in reduced days! Anyway I have good memories of those 'IFFI's which I started attending in 1995 from Bombay!

This golden jubilee 'IFFI' is screening that first 'Golden Peacock' winner 'Gamperaliya' made by legendary Sri Lankan film maker Lester James Peries. This is his birth - centenary year too! I remember meeting this great filmmakers couple in 'IFFI', 2000 held at New Delhi!

Regards to this '50th IFFI'!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'IFFI' TOWARDS GOLDEN JUBILEE!

Pictures of our 1st 'International Film Festival of India' (IFFI) at Bombay in 1952.

This is a golden jubilee of our 'International Film Festival of India' known as 'IFFI'!

Renowned Italian-American filmmaker Frank Capra with our that time

 Minister of I & B..R. R. Diwakar & other delegates in this festival.

On this occasion here is look on our first international film festival which was happened.. with the support of our first Prime - Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru!

That special event was organised by 'Films Division' of our Government of India in Jan.-Feb., 1952 at Bombay! 

That was also the first international film festival held in Asia!

Our that first film festival was non-competitive and 23 countries participated in it with almost 200 films. Aim of 'IFFI' was providing a common platform to the international cinema to present it's excellence in art of film making!

Our that time Minister of I & B..R. R. Diwakar and..

film personalities with beautiful actress-singer Suraiya!

Renowned film - maker Frank Capra specially came with US delegation to Bombay for that our first 'IFFI' in 1952. Our leading film personalities during that era like beautiful actress-singer Suraiya.. graced this show. That time Minister of I & B..R. R. - Diwakar looked- after this function!

I also started attending our 'IFFI' in Bombay from 1995!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Why so much debate on Myth..

Is that important than Real Life?

- Manoj Kulkarni

OLIVIA MARY DE HAVILLAND..103! 

Veteran Actress Olivia Mary de Havilland.

One of the last surviving artists of the Golden Era of Classical Hollywood.. Olivia Mary de Havilland is now 103 years old!

She acted in almost 50 films, but we remember her as Melanie Hamilton, beautiful sister-in-law of Scarlet O'Hara from legendary film 'Gone With The Wind' (1939) which completed 80 years now!

Beautiful Olivia Mary de Havilland in 'Gone With The Wind' (1939).

She also acted on theatre & appeared on Broadway's.. 'Romeo and Juliet' (1951). She worked on television too and her role in 'Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna' (1986) was notable!

She won various awards like 'Golden Globe', 'Hollywood Walk of Fame'..And received 'National Medal of the Arts' in France where she lived!

Wishing good health to this legendary actress!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

TRIBUTE TO GANDHI ON SCREEN!

Great victory of our Gandhian philosophy was British filmmaker made a movie on him and British actor portrayed the role of Mahatma!

Ben Kingsley & Richard Attenborough on set of 'Gandhi' (1982).

Great Richard Attenborough produced and directed film.. 'Gandhi' (1982) in which Ben Kingsley portrayed the title role greatly!

This film got big admiration in world & won 8 'Oscar' Awards!

Tribute to this milestone great film!

- Manoj Kulkarni

FRONTIER GANDHI WITH MAHATMA GANDHI!

A rare picture of Badshah Abdul Ghaffar Khan known as 'Frontier Gandhi' and Mahatma Gandhi during a public rally in 1938!

Great struggle with nonviolence way for our..Free Secular nation!!

Remembering Bapuji's bhajan..
"Ishwar Allah tero naam..sabko sanmati de bhagawan!"

Humble Tribute!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

SALUTE TO..

Our 'Father of the Nation' Mahatma Gandhiji on 150th Birth Anniversary!
And former Prime Minister of our India..Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastriji on.. 115th Birth Anniversary!

- Manoj Kulkarni

WHEN CHAPLIN MET GANDHIJI!

It's a 150th birth anniversary of our Mahatma Gandhiji!

On this occasion posting one joyous moment's rare photo..in which silent cinema legend Charlie Chaplin meeting Gandhiji! (It was happened in 1931 at London!) Chaplin was a great admirer of Bapuji!

Humble Tribute!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

SPANISH FESTIVAL HONOURED PENELOPE CRUZ!

My favourite beautiful Spanish Actress Penelope Cruz has received 'San Sebastian Film Festival's highest award 'Donostia Award'! This is like lifetime achievement award for the contribution to cinema!

Penelope Cruz (45) is the youngest actress to receive that award. Ten years back also..she became the first Spanish actress to win 'Oscar'. That she got for her role in Woody Allen's 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (2008). She was also praised for her - performances in films like Pedro Almodovar's 'Volver' (2006) and Rob Marshall's 'Nine'  (2009). She is the first Spanish actress who got Star status on 'Hollywood Walk of Fame'!

Congratulation to her!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

PHALKE AWARD TO BIG B!

Good news that..one of the most popular actors of world cinema and.. legendary megastar of our Indian Cinema..favourite Amitabh Bachchan has been selected for 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award', 2019.

It's great coincidence that this is golden jubilee year of Amitabh Bachchan's film career!

I  have written a lot on Amitabh Bachchan..And published detail special article on  him as cover story in my 'Chitrasrushti's Diwali issue, 2014!

Congratulation Big B!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'Gully Boy' for 'Oscar'??? 

"Apana time (shayad) iss baar bhi nahin aayega..!"

MAGGIE'S 'IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE'!

Beautiful actress from Hong Kong..Maggie Cheung!

Today is birthday of favourite beautiful actress from Hong Kong..Maggie Cheung! She is 55 now!

Maggie Cheung & Tony Leung in film 'In The Mood for Love' (2000).

Maggie Cheung's famous 'In The Mood for Love' (2000) is in the top 5 of 100 best films of 21st Century as.. 'Guardian' stated! Hong Kong - cinema's hit pair Maggie & Tony Leung acted that film was made by renowned Chinese director Wong - Kar-Wai who is now 61! 

Renowned Chinese filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai!

One of my favourite films from contemporary world cinema..'In The Mood for Love' (2000) is about two neighbours..woman and man who develops platonic relations, after they suspect extramarital activities of their spouses! Wong Kar-Wai.. romantically pictured this film with unique light system & sets! This film was premiered at Cannes & screened at various film festivals and won awards!

I met to Maggie in our 'IFFI', 1997 at Trivandrum and to Wong Kar-Wai during his felicitation at 'IFFI', Goa few years back!

Regards to both of them!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'PRABHAT'S GREAT SOCIAL 'MANUS'/'AADAMI'..80!

'Prabhat's social film 'Manus/Aadami' (Marathi/Hindi-1939).

One of the prominent film companies of our India..'Prabhat's social film.. 'Manus'/'Aadami' (Marathi/Hindi) made in 1939..completed 80 years!

Great filmmaker V. Shantaram with camera!

Great maker of social reformist films..V. Shantaram directed this film was based on the short story 'The Police Constable'.. wrote by Bhaskarrao Amembal. It's screenplay-dialogues were written by Anant Kanekar. This film was simultaneously made in Marathi and Hindi.

Shahu Modak & Shanta Hubalikar in 'Manus/Aadami' (1939).

It was an unusual love story of policeman and prostitute..in which he goes against the society & rehabilitates her! Shahu Modak (known for acting in mythological films) did the character of Ganapat Hawaldar and powerful actress Shanta Hubalikar played the role of Maina in it! With them Sundara Bai, Ram Marathe, Narmada & Raja Paranjpe played notable parts in it!

Shanta Hubalikar in that song of 'Manus/Aadami' (1939).

Art Director S. Fattelal created the sets of this film realistically in 'Prabhat Studio', Pune. 
Then V. Avadhoot did the cinematography effectively in which includes meaningful close-ups of Ganapat & Maina with proper lighting ! Music was also essential part of this which composed by Master Krishna Rao..And Shanta Hubalikar herself sung her songs in which includes multi-lingual "Kashala udyachi baat.."

Shanta Hubalikar & Shahu Modak in 'Manus/Aadami' (1939).

However, this film had some similarity to American classic 'Waterloo Bridge' (1931) made by James Whale! Apart from that 'Manus'/'Aadami' kept it's own identity with handling the social problem in different way! Our audiences appreciated this film..And special thing was great artist Charlie Chaplin admired it!

I got opportunities to meet Shahu Modak and Shanta Hubalikar in their old age..And heard about the characters they portrayed from them!

Tribute to this 'Prabhat's landmark film!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

TRAFFIC JAM ON SCREEN!

Famous car-traffic sequence from Tarkovsky's Soviet/Russian film 'Solaris' (1972).

When watched advertisement about 'Mumbai Metro' as the solution for traffic jam..I remembered three nicely pictured traffic sequences from history of cinema!

Romantic scene from French Short 

Film 'Happy Anniversary' (1963).

Satiric scene from Pierre Etaix' French 

Short Film 'Happy Anniversary' (1963).

First: French Short Film with reference to Paris traffic jam..'Heureux  Anniversaire' 'Happy Anniversary'  1963) made by Pierre Etaix! In this at one side modern wife is preparing romantic dinner and other side husband is struggling (with gifts) in traffic jam! In parallel cutting it used shot composition effectively with appropriate close-ups & long shots! This film won 'Oscar'!

Second: Opening scene of Italian film 'Otto e mezzo' ['8 and 1/2' (1963] made by great Federico Fellini! In this filmmaker tries to find his way in traffic jam of Rome..It was symbolic and shown in a satiric way! 

Satiric scene of traffic jam from Federico Fellini's 

Italian film 'Otto e mezzo' ['8 and 1/2' (1963].

Third: Stunning car-traffic sequence from Soviet/Russian film 'Solaris' (1972) made by master Andrei Tarkovsky! It starts in black & white and reaches at high way in colour with beautifully taken long shots!

All such scenes are inspirational ..for effective social advertising film also!

- Manoj Kulkarni

PRETTY PENELOPE AT VENICE!

Gorgeous Penelope Cruz in this 'VIFF'.

My favourite beautiful Spanish actress Penelope Cruz is at this '76th Venice International Film Festival'. She acted French film- maker Oliver Assayas' political thriller 'Wasp Network' is in the competition of this festival & also for world premier!

Pretty look of Penelope Cruz!

This year she was also at '72nd Cannes Film Festival' for the premier of her film 'Pain and Glory' semi-autobiographical of renowned..
Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar!

All the best to her!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

'VENICE' HONOURS JULIE ANDREWS!

Veteran Actress-Singer Julie Andrews.

This '76th Venice International Film Festival' is honouring veteran Actress & Singer Julie Andrews with 'Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement'!

Julie Andrews in Disney's film 'Mary Poppins' (1964).

In the beginning of her film career Julie Andrews won 'Oscar' Award of Best Actress for her title role in Disney's film 'Mary Poppins' (1964). Then her famous role came as Maria Von Trapp in Robert Wise made classic musical 'The Sound of Music' (1965) for which she won 'Golden Globe of Best Actress'. Then films from 'Star' (1968) to 'That's life!' (1986) she gave notable performances on screen!

Julie Andrews & that time child artists in classic 'The Sound of Music' (1965).

I still remember nice scene from 'The Sound of Music' in which Julie Andrews as Maria gives lesson of music to children in the beautiful nature saying "A very good place to start"..And then all sings with her "Do..Re..Mi.."

Congratulation to her on award!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

HOMAGE TO..BERGMAN AND ANTONIONI!

Great filmmakers Ingmar Bergman (Sweden) & Michelangelo Antonioni (Italy).

It was a sad coi-in-cidene..two renowned filmmakers Ingmar Bergman (Sweden) and Michelangelo Antonioni (Italy) left the world on this same day..30th July, 2007. Today is their 12th Death Anniversary!

BERGMAN:

One of the most accomplished and influential auteurs of all time..Ingmar Bergman's most famous films were 'Summer Interlude' (1951), 'Wild Strawberries' (1957), 'Persona' (1966), 'Cries and Whispers' (1972) & 'Fanny and Alexander' (1982).

Bergman's Swedish film 'The Seventh Seal' (1957).

Today I remember Bergman's philosophical film 'Det Sjunde Inseglet' ('The Seventh Seal'/ 1957). More than sixty years completed this film focused on 'Life & Death' which Bergman developed from his own play 'Wood Painting'!..In this protagonist plays Chess with Mr. Death! Bengt Ekerot & Mox Von Sydow played the roles!


ANTONIONI:

Best known for his trilogy on modernity and its discontents..'L'Avventura' (1960), 'La Notte' (1961) & 'L'Eclisse (1962)...Michelangelo Antonioni redefined the concept of narrative cinema!

Antonioni's colour Italian film 'Red Desert' (1964).

Today I remember Antonioni's first colour film 'Il Deserto Rosso' (Red Desert'/1964). Favourite heroine Monica Vitti acted this film was about a woman trying to survive in the modern world of cultural neurosis and existential doubt. Richard Harris, Carlo Chiorietti & Xenia Valderi also acted in it. This film is famous for its scenic design..the work largely takes place on industrial landscapes!

Homage to both the genius!

- Manoj Kulkarni