Rajendra Kumar (20 July 1929 – 12 July 1999) was one of the most successful Indian Bollywood actors in the 1960s and 1970s.In 1960s Rajendra Kumar had risen to a point, where hardly any star of that era could rise, except the first Superstar Rajesh Khanna. It was noticed and often mentioned by the media that every film starring him was a silver jubilee hit. There were several weeks when he was starring in six or seven films running in their silver jubilee weeks at the same time. The success of this actor was incredible and eventually, Rajendra Kumar was titled as "Jubilee Kumar".
* Birth Name:............. Rajendra Kumar Tuli
* Screen Name........... Rajendra Kumar
* Date of Birth:.......... 20 July 1929
* Birth Place.............. Sialkot (now in Pakistan)
* Death: .................... 12 July 1999
* Death Place:........... Mumbai
* Wife:...................... Shukla
* Son: ....................... Kumar Gaurav (real name Manoj Tuli)
* Dauhters................. Two
* Daughter-in-law..... Namrata (Sanjay Dutt's sister)
* Grand Childrens..... Saachi and Siya.
* Debut Film:............ Jogan
Personal life
Rajendra Kumar was born on 20th July 1929 in in a Punjabi Hindu family in Sialkot,the (in the West Punjab province of British India), now in Pakistan.
He got married with Shukla. He had two daughters and a son named as Kumar Gaurav. Kumar Gaurav is also an actor. Kumar Gaurav married with Namrata Dutt (daughter of Nargis and Sunil Dutt and sister of Sanjay Dutt).
Film Career
He took a long and tedious journey to Bombay during partition. Bitten by acting bug, he wanted to make it big in films. Rajendra Kumar 's first film was Mela in 1948 where he played an extra.
After a stint as an assistant director to H S Rawail,at the age of 21, Rajendra got his first break in Kidar Sharma's'Jogan' during 1950.In which he starred opposite Dilip Kumar and Nargis. He got his first major break in 1955 and the film was Vachan in which he was cast as Geeta Bali 's brother.
In 1956 V Shantaram 's Toofan Aur Diya brightened his prospects.He then shot to fame in the film Mother India in 1957 in which he played Nargis's son. Mother India was a huge hit.
His first major success as a romantic leading man was in Amit Saxenas's musical Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959), co-starring Ameeta.
The film was the fifth highest grosser of the year and declared a 'Hit' at the Indian Box Office, and became the first big hit of actor Rajendra Kumar, who was soon giving dates four years from the day of signing.
When he began his career, Rajendra Kumar benefited because producers wanted a tragedian in the Dilip Kumar mould at an affordable price. Rajendra fitted the bill, both literally and figuratively, perfectly.
He had many successful films including Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Dil Ek Mandir, Mere Mehboob (1963), Sangam (1964), Arzoo (1965), Pyar Ka Sagar, Gehra Daag', Suraj (1966) and Talaash.
During late 1970s, his films were not running so good. Most of the films he was performed flopped at box office. That was a bad timing for him. But he was again come into focus from the film "Sajan Bina Suhaagan" which released in 1978 and opposite to Nutan. This film was much hit on box office. After that film he moved from leading role to character role.
Rajendra appeared in few films after this and his last film appearance was a minor role in Deepa Mehta`s film Earth in 1998.
Style
His gestural style of acting became a signature, as did his quivering lips and emotion-laden voice.
Rajendra Kumar and Mohammad Rafi
Film Maker
In 1981 Rajendra Kumar introduced his son Kumar Gaurav in the film Love Story which he produced, directed and also starred in. The film was declared a blockbuster. Rajendra Kumar produced several other films starring his son. In 1986 he produced Naam with his son and his son's brother-in-law Sanjay Dutt in leading roles. In 1993 he produced Phool.
Relationship with Sunil Dutt
****Rajendra Kumar acted with Sunil Dutt and Nargis in the film Mother India (1957) where Sunil Dutt and Rajendra Kumar played natural sons of Nargis. He had a special relationship with Dutt, who is quoted as having said that "Even though Rajendra Kumar did not win any award throughout his career, he was one of the most genuine human beings I have ever encountered. When I was struggling with the troubles related to the arrest of my son Sanjay Dutt and my house was repeatedly being searched by means of numerous police raids, Rajendra Kumar was the one who came to my rescue by staying at my house and ensuring that raids were conducted using due procedures, false evidences were not planted in the house and valuables were not stolen."****
Death
Known to refuse taking any medication, he succumbed to cancer on July 12, 1999, just a day after his son's 39th birthday, and just 8 days before his 70th birthday.He was known to never have taken medicines in his entire life.
Honours and recognitions
** Rajendra Kumar attained a Ph.D. and had a title of 'Doctor' prefixed to his name
** Rajendra Kumar was honoured with the Padma Shri Award in 1969.
** He was also conferred with Justice of Peace honour and served as Honorary Magistrate.
** He was awarded the National Honour by late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru simultaneously for “Kanoon” (Hindi) and “Mehandi Rang Lagyo” (Gujarati film).
** He received a special Shastri National Award and was associated with several charity schemes.
Awards and nominations
Rajendra Kumar was nominated for Best Actor category three times.
* 1963 - Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Dil Ek Mandir)
* 1964 - Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Aayee Milan Ki Bela)
* 1964 - Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor (Sangam)
* 1965 - Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Aarzoo)
* 1969 - Rajendra Kumar won Padma Shri Award
Filmography:
As an Actor:
* 1950 - Jogan
* 1955 - Vachan
* 1956 - Toofan Aur Deeya
* 1956 - Awaz
* 1957 - Ek Jhalak
* 1957 - Mother India
* 1958 - Talaaq
* 1958 - Khazanchi
* 1958 - Ghar Sansar
* 1958 - Dewar Bhabhi
* 1958 - Santan
* 1959 - Goonj Uthi Shehnai
* 1959 - Do Behan
* 1959 - Dhool Ka Phool
* 1959 - Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan
* 1960 - Patang
* 1950 - Mehndi Rang Lagyo
* 1960 - Maa Baap
* 1960 - Kanoon
* 1961 - Zindagi Aur Khwab
* 1961 - Sasural
* 1961 - Pyar Ka Sagar
* 1961 - Gharana
* 1961 - Dharamputra
* 1961 - Aas Ka Panchi
* 1963 - Mere Mehboob
* 1963 - Hamrahi
* 1963 - Gehra Daag
* 1963 - Dil Ek Mandir
* 1963 - Amar Rahe Yeh Pyar
* 1963 - Akeli Mat Jaiyo
* 1963 - Zindagi
* 1964 - Sangam
* 1964 - Ayi Milan Ki Bela
* 1965 - Arzoo
* 1966 - Suraj
* 1967 - Palki
* 1967 - Aman
* 1968 - Jhuk Gaya Aasman
* 1968 - Saathi
* 1969 - Talash
* 1969 - Shatranj
* 1969 - Anjaana
* 1970 - Mera Naam Joker
* 1970 - Geet
* 1970 - Ganwaar
* 1970 - Dharti
* 1971 - Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee
* 1972 - Tangewala
* 1972 - Gora Aur Kala
* 1972 - Gaon Hamara Shehar Tumhara
* 1972 - Aan Baan
* 1972 - Lalkar
* 1974 - Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam
* 1974 - Do Sher
* 1975 - Teri Meri Ek Jindari
* 1975 - Sunehra Sansar
* 1975 - Rani Aur Lalpari
* 1975 - Do Jasoos
* 1976 - Mazdoor Zindabad
* 1977 - Shirdi Ke Sai Baba
* 1977 - Do Sholay
* 1977 - Daku Aur Mahatma
* 1978 - Sone Ka Dil Lohe Ke Haath
* 1978 - Aahuti
* 1978 - Saajan Bina Suhagan
* 1979 - Bin Phere Hum Tere
* 1980 - Gunehgar
* 1980 - Badla Aur Balidan
* 1980 - Dhan Daulat
* 1980 - Oh Bewafa
* 1981 - Love Story
* 1981 - Saajan Ki Saheli
* 1981 - Yeh Rishta Na Toote
* 1982 - Rustam
* 1983 - Lovers
* 1988 - Main Tere Liye
* 1989 - Clerk
* 1991 - Insaaf Ka khoon
* 1993 - Phool
* 1995 - Andaz (TV Series)
* 1998 - Earth
As a Producer:
* 1981 - Love Story
* 1983 - Lovers
* 1986 - Naam
* 1989 - Jurrat
* 1993 - Phool
* 1994 - The Jungle Book (co-executive producer)
As a Director:
* 1981 - Love Story
As an Editor
* 1989 - Jurrat
As a Presenter:
* 1966 - Phool Aur Patthar
* 1969 - Talash
* 1970 - Ganwaar
* 1970 - The Train
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Three Memorable Films Of Rajendra Kumar
(1) Sasural (1961)
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Sasural is a 1960 Hindi movie produced by L. V. Prasad and directed by T. Prakash Rao. The film stars Rajendra Kumar, B. Saroja Devi, Mehmood and Lalita Pawar. The music is by Shankar Jaikishan. It is a remake of the Telugu film Illarikam (1959).
Details
Produced by.......... L. V. Prasad
Written by ............ Inder Raj Anand (screenplay, dialogue)
................... Vempati Sadasivabrahmam (story)
Music by .............. Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics by............... Shailendra
............. Hasrat Jaipuri
Cinematography.... Dwarka Divecha
Editing by............. Shivaji Awdhut
Release date......... 1960
Country ............... India
Language ............. Hindi
Starcast
Rajendra Kumar ... Shekhar
Saroja Devi .......... Bela
Mehmood ............. Mahesh
Shubha Khote ....... Sita
Lalita Pawar ........ Bela's mother
Bipin Gupta ......... Thakur (Bela's father)
Jayshree Gadkar .. Gauri (Shekhar's sister)
Anwar Hussain .... Rajan 'Rajey' Murari (Gauri's husband)
Dhumal ................ Dharamdas (Shekhar's mama)
Leela Mishra ....... Dharamdas' wife (Shekhar's mami)
Wasti.................... Rajey's father
Ratnamala ........... Thakur's sister
Randhir ............... Thakur's Munim
Moolchand .......... Thanedar
Story
Shekhar lives a poor lifestyle along with his maternal uncle, Dharamdas; his aunt; a cousin, Sita - who is separated from her husband, Mahesh; and also has a sister, Gauri, who had eloped with her lover and everyone believes is dead.
He studies in college along with wealthy fellow collegian, Bela. Both do not get along, but that changes when her dad comes to know about Shekhar's good character and thinks that he will be a suitable son-in-law.
He approaches Dharamdas and arranges their marriage with the condition that Shekhar move in with his family, to which Dharamdas and Shekhar agree but Bela's mom is displeased as she would like her daughter to marry Rajan Murari, the son of their employee, Govindram. Despite of this, the marriage does take place and Shekhar moves in, is employed by Thakur, and the family settles down to a fairly harmonious relationship.
Govindram and Radhey decide to wreak havoc in the Thakur's household and start planning Shekhar's downfall by poisoning everyone's mind against him.While all this is taking place there is the subplot of Mahesh and Sita. Mahesh comes to live in his father-in-law's house because he is tired of living away from his wife. Dharamdas, a thorough miser that he is makes Mahesh do all the household chores so that he scurries back home. But Mahesh is too clever and teaches his father-in-law a lesson.
Shekhar and Bela's lifestyle is shattered when Bela suspects that Sita and Mahesh, who are now together, have stolen her diamond necklace; that Shekhar is having an affair with a dancing girl; that he has embezzled Rs.10,000/- and had gone to an undisclosed location for 3 days. Things get even worse when Thakur meets with an accident, and subsequently passes away - paving the way for his wife to arrange her daughter's divorce and Shekhar's death.
Soundtrack
* Music by ......... Shankar-Jaikishan
(Shankarsinh Raghuvanshi and Jaikishan Dayabhai Pakal)
* Lyrics by......... Shailendra
......... Hasrat Jaipuri
Songs Singers
* Apni ulfat pe zamane ka na pehra hota .................... Mukesh,Lata
* Ek Sawaal Main Karoon Ek Sawaal Tum Karo....... Mohd. Rafi,Lata
* Jaana Tumhaara Pyaar Mein Shaitaan Ban Gaye...... Mukesh
* Kya mil gaya haye kya kho gaya............................... Mohd. Rafi,Lata
* Sataale Ae Jahaan ................................................... Mukesh
* Sunle Meri Paayal ................................................... Lata
* Teri Pyaari Soorat Ko Kisiki Nazar Na Lage.......... Mohd. Rafi
* Ye albela taur na dekha............................................ Mohd. Rafi
Awards
Filmfare Best Male Playback Award for Mohammed Rafi singing "teri pyari pyari soorat ko"
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(2) Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959
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Goonj Uthi Shehnai is 1959 Hindi film directed by Vijay Bhatt, with Rajendra Kumar, Ameeta, Anita Guha and I.S. Johar as leads. The film was the fifth highest grosser of the year and declared a 'Hit' at the Indian Box Office,and became the first big hit of actor Rajendra Kumar, who was soon giving dates four years from the day of signing.
The film narrates the story of a Shehnai player, and features a shehnai recitals by maestro, Ustad Bismillah Khan throughout the film, and it remained the only Hindi film he ever played shehnai in. There is also Jugalbandi between him and Sitar player, Abdul Halim Jaffar Khan .
Details
* Directed by.......Vijay Bhatt
* Produced by......Vijay Bhatt
* Music by...........Vasant Desai
* Lyrics by...........Bharat Vyas
* Release date....1959
* Running time....174 minutes
* Country.............India
* Language..........Hindi
* Box office........Rs. 1,80,00,000
Star Cast
* Rajendra Kumar........Kishan
* Ameeta......................Gopi
* Anita Guha................Ramkali (Rami)
* I.S. Johar...................Kanhaiya
* Ulhas ........................Raghunath Maharaj
* Manmohan Krishna...Gangaram
* Leela Mishra.............Jamuna
* Pratap Kumar............Shekhar
* Prem Dhawan...........Banjara
* Ram Moorti..............Uncle
Story
Childhood sweethearts Gopi and Kishen hope to get married when they are grown up. Gopi dances to the magical tunes of Kishen's clarinet (shenai), and both are virtually inseparable.
But Gopi's mom, Jamuna, would like Gopi to get married to a young man from Lucknow, by the name of Shekhar, who works for All India Radio. Shekhar visits them, meets Gopi, and approves of this marriage, and asks Jamuna to finalize a day for the marriage.
When this news reaches Gopi and Kishen both are heartbroken, as much as Kishen would like to marry Gopi he knows that he is unemployed and poor, and hence not considered a good suitor. Additionally, his mentor and guardian, Raghunath, would like him to marry his daughter, Ramkali, and may ask him to make the ultimate sacrifice by demanding this as his guru-dakshina (teacher's fee).
Then the villagers ask Kishen to leave the town as he has brought shame on them all by continuing to meet with Gopi, who has now been promised to Shekhar. Kishen leaves town, re-locates to Lucknow, meets with Shekhar, who gives him a job at the Radio Station.
It looks like Gopi and Kishen's romance is fated to end tragically - unless and until a miracle occurs that will unite them forever.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack includes the following tracks, composed by Vasant Desai, and with lyrics by Bharat Vyas.
It also featured shehnai pieces, by noted classical instrumentalist, Ustad Bismillah Khan, with vocal renderings Amir Khan, a Hindustani classical music vocalist .
Song Singer (s)
Teri Shehnai Bole .............................Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi
Tere Sur Aur Mere Geet....................Lata Mangeshkar
Maine Peena Seekh Liya...................Mohd. Rafi
Jivan Men Piya Tera Sath Rahe.........Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi
Haule Haule Ghoonghat Pat Khole....Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi
Akhiyan Bhool Gain Hain Sona.........Geta Dutt, Lata Mangeshkar
Mujhko Agar Bhool Jaoge Tum.........Lata Mangeshkar
Kah Do Koi Na Kare Yahan Pyaar....Mohd. Rafi
Dil Ka Khilona Hai Toot Gaya..........Lata Mangeshkar
Awards and nominations
* 1960: Filmfare Award
* 1960: Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award: Anita Guha: Nominated
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(3) Arzoo (1965)
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Arzoo (1965), a romantic film produced by Ramanand Sagar was a big hit. It is remembered for its beautiful locations of Kashmir, beautiful Sadhna, melodious Lata and Rafi, tender lovestory, great family values, wonderful comedy and evergreen songs.
Details
* Production Co.....Sagar Arts Corporation
* Director..............Ramanand Sagar
* Writer.................Ramanand Sagar
* Music..................Shankar Jaikishan
* Lyrics..................Hasrat Jaipuri
* Release Date.......1965
* Country................India
* Laguage...............Hindi
Star Cast
* Rajendra Kumar....Gopal / Sarju
* Sadhana.................Usha
* Feroz Khan............Ramesh
* Nazima..................Sarla
* Mehmood..............Mamdoo (Shikara owner)
* Nasir Hussain.......Diwan Kishan Kishore
* Achala Sachdev....Gopal's mom
* Dhumal.................Munshi Ashadaulal (as Dhoomal)
* Malika..................Sabhi
* Hari Shivdasani...Col. Kapoor
* Praveen Paul........Aunt
* Nana Palsikar.......Doctor
Story
Gopal and Ramesh are next door neighbours and childhood friends. Ramesh works for his businessman father while Gopal has just finished his medical training and become a doctor.
To celebrate, Ramesh buys tickets for the two of them to have a holiday in Kashmir, but his trip has to be postponed at the last minute.
Gopal goes to Kashmir alone and settles into a houseboat 'Jannat 'owned by Mamdoo who call himself mohabbat ka expert.
Gopal meets Usha (Sadhana) first on the flight and then in Kashmir and after a few little tiffs both fall in love with each other.Usha knows him by his fake name 'Sarju'.
Their romance is helped by Usha's uncle Col. Kapoor, aunt and Mamdoo.
Gopal informs Ramesh about his love.Ramesh decides to go to Kashmir to meet Gopal's love as well as to see the girl(Usha), his father has chosen for him.
Meanwhile a parallel story of Mamdoo and Sabhi getting married supplies some comic situations
.
But Gopal has to go to Delhi urgently without meeting Usha's father as well as Ramesh . On the way he meets with an accident and the doctor has to amputate Gopal's leg to save his life.
Ramesh likes Usha and gives his consent for marriage but Usha refuses and comes to Delhi in search of Sarju. Sarla and Usha are classmates and Sarla comes to know that Sarju is actually her brother Gopal.
She forces him to meet Usha and then Gopal reveals about his accident and convinces her that he is not a right choice for Usha and Ramesh should marry her. He goes to Kashmir to join some hospital.
Interesting facts--
The scenes of Mehmood with Dhumal are important ingredient for the success of the film.
Soundtrack
** Aarzoo will always be remembered for its melodious music, beautiful lyrics, melodious voices of singers and beautiful picturisation of songs.
* Music.........Shankar-Jaikishan
* Lyrics........ Hasrat Jaipuri
songs singer(s)
* Ae Nargise Mastna................... Mohammad Rafi
* Ae Phoolon Ki Rani.................. Mohammad Rafi
* Aji Hamse Bachkar................... Mohammad Rafi
* Aji Rooth Kar Kahan Jayiega.... Lata Mangeshkar
* Bedardi Balma Tujhko.............. Lata Mangeshkar
* Chhalke Teri Aankhon Se.......... Mohammad Rafi
* Jab Ishq Kahin Ho Jata Hai....... Asha Bhonsle, Mubarak Begam
** Melody of "Bedardi Balma Tujhko" is enhanced by the subtle use of saxophone and the alaap sung by Lata . Lata Mangeshkar produces the magic that makes her the legend that she is. She sings every song effortlessly.
** Shankar-Jaikishen are at their best in “Aji Rooth Kar Ab Kahaan Jaaiega”, sung sensationally by Lata and Mohammad Rafi.
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