Bollywood & Its Pioneers

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Bollywood & Its Pioneers > Sanjeev Kumar / संजीव कुमार

Sanjeev Kumar: One of the greatest actors of Indian cinema, versatility was Kumar's forte. He was funny to the hilt in 'Seeta Geeta' (1972) and 'Angoor' (1982), and pulled off exceedingly challenging serious roles in 'Koshish' (1972) and 'Sholay' (1975) like only a genius could. Few actors managed to get into the skin of the character as Kumar did. He could play a father, son or husband to the same actress with nonchalant ease. There will never be another like him again.

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[QUOTE=rajnish manga;528306]Bollywood & Its Pioneers > Amitabh Bachchan / अमिताभ बच्चन

Amitabh Bachchan: The man who stole Rajesh Khanna's thunder, Big B went on to dominate the Hindi film industry in the 70's and 80's. Starting with 'Zanjeer' (1973), he acted in most of the commercial successful movies over the next decade, alternating between hard-hitting and comic roles while having no qualms playing the anti-hero as well. Evergreen films like 'Sholay', (1975), 'Deewar' (1975), 'Amar Akbar Anthony' (1977), 'Trishul' (1978), Don, (1978) 'Namak Halaal' (1982) and 'Sharaabi' (1984) established him as the superstar of that era.

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Bollywood & Its Pioneers > Rajesh Khanna / राजेश खन्ना

Rajesh Khanna: Kaka's superstardom lasted merely three years and 15 films. However, even in that short span of time he achieved unparalleled fame, enough for him to be anointed the first superstar of Hindi cinema. From the eternal romantic in 'Aradhana' (1969) to the happy-go-lucky cancer patient in 'Anand' (1971) to the disillusioned businessman seeking love in 'Amar Prem' (1972), Khanna portrayed diverse roles at his peak, and became the darling of the masses.

[Dr.Shree Vijay]

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Originally Posted by Dr.Shree Vijay

Nice.........

Thanks for appreciating this photo essay.

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Bollywood & Its Pioneers > Smita Patil / स्मिता पाटिल

Smita Patil: She was only 31 when she died of birth complications. However, her body of work defied her age. Whether it were her hard-hitting roles in parallel cinema -- 'Bhumika' (1977), 'Bazaar' (1982), 'Arth' (1984) and 'Mirch Masala' (1987) - or her performance in mainstream movies like 'Shakti' (1982) and 'Namak Halaal' (1982), Patil flourished in everything she did.

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[QUOTE=rajnish manga;528458]Bollywood & Its Pioneers > Rekha / रेखा

Rekha: From being called ugly to be proclaimed as ****, Rekha has seen it all. As for her acting prowess, she is right up there among the best. From the effervescent youngster in 'Khubsoorat' (1980) to the beautiful courtesan in 'Umrao Jaan' (1981), and from the revenge-seeking wife in 'Khoon Bhari Maang' (1988) to the baddie in 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi' (1996), Rekha pulled off every role with dynamism.

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Bollywood & Its Pioneers > Lata Mangeshkar / लता मंगेशकर

Lata Mangeshkar: Often referred to as the 'Nightingale of India', Lata sang for around seven decades in Hindi cinema, apart from giving her voice to regional movies as well. Expectedly, she has given innumerable hits, and it would be difficult to shortlist a few. For the record, 'Aayega Aanewaala' from 'Mahal' (1949) was among her first major hits and she played a role in immortalising 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960) by giving her voice to 'Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya'. It is impossible to pay a tribute to Lata Mangeshar in a few words.

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Bollywood & Its Pioneers > Asha Bhonsale /आशा भोंसले

Asha Bhosle: RD Burman once referred to Asha as the Gary Sobers of singing while terming Lata as Don Bradman. Coming from a legend like Panchamda, it is enough to conclude how versatile Asha's singing is. Her career spanned six decades, and she has given her voice to practically every leading lady of each era. Asha's award-winning songs comprise 'Parde Mein Rehne Do' from 'Shikar' (1968), 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja' from 'Caravan' (1971), 'Dum Maro Dum' from 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' (1972), 'Yeh Mera Dil' from 'Don' (1978), 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai' from 'Umrao Jaan' (1981) and 'Mera Kuch Samaan' from 'Ijaazat' (1987).

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Bollywood & Its Pioneers > B.R. Chopda /बी.आर. चोपड़ा

B. R. Chopra: The late filmmaker made moves with soul and a social message. 'Naya Daur' (1957) dealt with the man vs machine theme, 'Kanoon' (1980) presented a case against capital punishment, 'Pati Patni Aur Who' (1978) stressed on relationships in a lighter vein and 'Insaaf Ka Tarazu' (1980) depicted the plight of rape victims and their struggle for justice.