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Indian Express
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Parents murdered, career crushed, she became Bollywood's first comedian, was left to rot in a chawl with no money for food in final days
Born in the year 1923, she was determined to go as far away from her Uttar Pradesh small town as soon as she could. She was only 23 when she moved to Mumbai, and by 1945, she was singing in the movies. She was born Uma Devi Khatri, and she didn't have a single idea about how to break into the film business. So, she went knocking on music composer Naushad's door, and threatened to jump in the Arabian Sea unless he listened to her voice. He did, and she got her break. But her ambition effectively ended her singing career, when her mentor severed ties with her for working with a rival producer. It was Naushad who suggested that she start acting; it was Dilip Kumar who gave her her stage name: Tun Tun. In an interview with Shishir Krishna Sharma, which was replicated by the Navbharat Times, Tun Tun recalled her tragic youth. Her parents were murdered in a land dispute when she was a toddler, and she was sent to live with her relatives. They didn't allow her to study, so she learned to read and write by herself. When she was a little older, her elder brother was murdered as well. She wanted to run away from it all; all she wanted to do was sing. 'I don't remember who my parents were and how they looked, I would be two to two and half years old when they passed away. I had a brother, eight or nine years old, whose name was Hari. I just remembered that we were living in a village named Alipur. One day, my brother was killed and I was left to relatives, that time I was four or five years old,' she said. Also read – Born out of wedlock, abandoned by father, serially abused in Bollywood, she became industry's biggest female superstar Tun Tun moved to Mumbai to pursue her dreams. After a spate of early success, she decided to take up an offer to sing for the film Chandralekha , produced by Gemini Studios. This angered the man she'd been working with, and her career as a playback singer came to an end. It was Naushad who pointed her in a new direction. She told Femina in 1975, 'Naushad, who is my rakhi brother, knew this defect of mine pretty well and kept on telling me that he saw more of a mischievous comedian in me. I decided to fall in line and on the spur of the moment told him that I would act as a funster only if Dilip Kumar were to act opposite me. Naushad bhai immediately consulted Yusuf bhai and I was baffled and could not believe my own ears when he created a character especially for me in Babul.' Also read – Bollywood director lost entire life's savings after one flop; daughter was forced to dance, son performed for money at beach to repay debts It was Dilip Kumar who suggested the name 'Tun Tun', a crass dig at her weight. Tun Tun was typecast, repeatedly playing secondary roles that reduced her to a punching bag. But she didn't mind, or at least that's what she said in the Femina interview. 'My bulk is my trump card. I don't regret that I am fat. I'm lucky I was born this way. However that does not mean that I am not in favour of dieting. I agree dieting is very essential to maintain a slim and healthy body. But where is the need for me to be slim and ravishingly beautiful?' she said. But, like most performers of her era, she was sidelined from the industry the moment she outlived her usefulness. In an interview conducted by the late actor Tom Alter, just five years before her death, Tun Tun had spoken philosophically about the passage of time, 'I am 75 years old. I am a young lady. But I can still sing if I want to. Manna Dey can still sing, but our time is up. New artists are coming in. If you look at the comedians in films and on TV now, it's their time to shine, we had our time too, and it was great. Time doesn't wait for anybody. Today you're a star, tomorrow it's someone else.' Read more – Patriarch of iconic Bollywood family abandoned his son, forced second family to live in secrecy for decades, went blind in his final days Her final years weren't pleasant. In an interview conducted by Shashi Ranjan for The Times of India, it was revealed that Tun Tun was living in a chawl, forgotten by her fraternity. She didn't have enough money for food or medicines. 'She said that she couldn't walk and had trouble even getting food,' he said. 'I remember she reiterating in the interview that she gave her life for the industry and look at the condition that she was back then. She thanked us for interviewing her and when I requested her, she sang the song Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon. Her specialty was that despite being in such a condition, she didn't lose her sense of humour. She laughed at her poverty, she laughed at the way she was being treated by the world. I liked that very much. Although I felt sad for her it stayed with me that she didn't lose her sense of humour,' he concluded. Tun Tun died at the age of 80, in 2003.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
9 indoor plants you should not keep at home
Not all houseplants are as harmless as they look. While indoor greenery can brighten up your space, clean the air, and boost your mood, some plants may pose unexpected risks. Certain varieties are toxic to pets and children, trigger allergies, or attract pests and mould. Others can be difficult to care for or symbolically linked to negativity. If you're planning to decorate your home with plants, it's worth knowing which ones to avoid. These are nine indoor plants that may not be the best choice for your home, no matter how attractive they seem. Avoid these 9 indoor plants if you want a healthy, happy home Cactus Cacti are popular for their low maintenance and aesthetic appeal, but they come with sharp thorns that symbolise negative energy in Vastu. These thorns are believed to cause arguments, stress, and tension among family members. While some feng shui practices say cacti can ward off intruders when placed outside, they are best avoided inside living spaces, especially in bedrooms or near entrances. Caladium (Elephant ear plant) Caladium, known for its colourful, heart-shaped leaves, contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic if ingested. This makes it dangerous for households with pets or small children. Even touching the plant can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain Keeping You Up at Night? This Trick Could Help Instantly Learn More Undo Aside from the health risk, its high maintenance needs and moisture sensitivity make it a poor indoor choice. Cotton plants Cotton plants may seem decorative, especially with their fluffy white blooms, but they are not recommen ded indoors. According to traditional beliefs, they are associated with poverty and misfortune. Additionally, dried cotton can attract dust, mould, or pests like mites, potentially triggering allergies or affecting indoor air quality. Babul plant (Acacia nilotica) Though valued in traditional medicine, the Babul tree is not considered auspicious for indoor spaces. Vastu Shastra discourages keeping thorny plants like Babul at home, as they are believed to attract discord and conflict. Its strong thorns are also physically hazardous, especially in households with children or pets. Plus, it requires full sunlight and outdoor space to thrive, making it unsuitable as a houseplant. Dead or dying plants Keeping dead, dried, or decaying plants indoors is considered inauspicious in both Vastu and Feng Shui. They are said to block the natural energy flow and symbolise stagnation and decline. On a practical level, these plants may also attract mould, insects, and dust, negatively impacting both aesthetics and hygiene. Always remove withered leaves and replace dead plants with healthy, thriving ones. Dieffenbachia (Dumb cane) This common indoor plant is often chosen for its large, attractive leaves. However, Dieffenbachia contains toxic compounds called calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, it can cause burning sensations, swelling in the throat, nausea, or even breathing issues. It's particularly dangerous for pets and small children who may chew on the leaves. While it's easy to grow, its toxicity makes it risky indoors. Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) While the banyan tree is sacred in many Indian traditions and temples, it is not suitable for indoor growth. According to Vastu, keeping a banyan tree at home can hinder progress and create stagnation. Its expansive roots symbolise entanglement, which may energetically affect the flow of positivity indoors. Moreover, it requires a lot of space and sunlight, something most indoor environments can't provide. English ivy (Hedera helix) Though beautiful as a hanging or wall plant, English ivy is considered invasive and toxic. It contains saponins that can cause skin irritation or gastrointestinal issues in pets and people. Additionally, if not regularly maintained, it may attract pests like spider mites and scale insects. In Vastu, plants that creep or climb without support are thought to bring instability and unpredictability. Lilies Lilies are elegant and fragrant, but many varieties, especially peace lilies, Easter lilies, and tiger lilies, are toxic to pets, particularly cats. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure or severe illness. Some lilies also exude pollen that can stain furniture or trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. From a Vastu perspective, their association with funerals in some cultures may also symbolically invite grief or sorrow. While indoor plants can improve well-being and aesthetics, it's essential to choose them wisely. Plants like Babul, cactus, and cotton may look harmless but could introduce negative symbolism, allergies, or toxicity into your home. Always consider your household needs, pet safety, and the energetic balance you wish to maintain. By avoiding these nine plants and opting for Vastu-friendly, non-toxic alternatives like bamboo, money plant, or areca palm, you can create a safer, more harmonious indoor environment. Also Read: 5 easy ways to bring the 2025 biophilic design trend into your home
India.com
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This actress ran away from home to Bombay at age of 13, became first female comedian of Indian cinema, threatened director because of..., she was...
If there is no comedy in films, then the fun fades a bit. There are many famous comedians in the Bollywood industry, who bring life to films with their funny style, but do you know about the first female comedian of Hindi cinema? Who Was Uma Devi Khatri? Here we are referring to the first female comedian of Hindi cinema was Tuntun, whose real name was Uma Devi Khatri. She made people laugh a lot through films. She made a place in the hearts of the audience with her comedy timing in many famous films like Babul (1950), Mr. and Mrs. '55 (1955), Pati, Patni Aur Woh (1978). As cheerful as Tuntun appeared in films, her life was also full of tragedy. She was born in a small village near Amroha in Uttar Pradesh in the year 1923. How Was Uma Devi Khatri's Personal Life? According to media reports, Uma Devi's family was murdered due to a land dispute and she became an orphan at a very young age. The faces of her parents and brother remained only a vague memory in her mind. When famous film critic Shishir Krishna Sharma interviewed her a few days before her death, Uma said that she did not remember what her parents looked like and one day her brother was also murdered. Let us tell you, after the demise of the family, she was struggling with poverty and loneliness. After losing her family, Uma was kept by her relatives, who lived with her like a maid. Music was the only solace in Uma Devi's life. She used to listen and sing songs and dreamed of becoming a popular singer. But Uma's life took a turn when she met Excise Duty Inspector Akhtar Abbas Qazi, who inspired her to sing. When Uma Threatened The Music Director At the age of 13, Uma ran away to Mumbai to try her luck in playback singing and reached the house of music director Naushad Ali. Desperate to prove herself, Uma threatened Naushad Ali that if she did not get a chance to audition and work, she would jump into the sea. After which Naushad was impressed by her voice and gave her a chance to sing. Uma started singing in 1946 with the film 'Vamik Azra', but the song 'Afsana likh rahi hun dil-e-beqarar ka' from the film 'Dard' brought her success. How One Advice Changed Her Life? In the 1950s, Naushad advised Tuntun to do comedy acting due to her cheerful nature. After which, she never looked back and even today her acting is well remembered. She went on to perform in Guru Dutt's timeless classics like Aar Paar (1954), Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955), and Pyaasa (1957).[14] During the 1960s and 1970s, she consistently provided comic relief in a multitude of Bollywood films. She passed away on 23 November 2003 in Andheri, Mumbai, after battling a long illness at the age of 80, leaving behind her four children and four grandchildren.
India.com
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actress, whose film made history, ran in theatres for 100 days, suddenly left a hit show due to..., name is...
Meet actress, whose film made history, ran in theatres for 100 days, suddenly left a hit show due to..., name is... Bollywood actress Upasana Singh has starred in several Hindi and Punjabi hits. Her acting prowess and captivating screen-presence have stolen the hearts of many. One of her most memorable performances that made a terrific impact was from the 1997 film Judaai. Starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi and Urmila Matondkar in the lead roles, Upasana portrayed a double role in the film. She played the role of a deaf-mute. she was Paresh Rawal's wife, while at the same time, she was his daughter and played Johnny Lever's love interest. Her dialogue 'abba dabba jabba,' brought her instant fan following. Moreover, the film garnered praise from many. Which film of Upasana Singh ran for 100 days? Upasana stepped into acting as a child artist in 1986 with the film Babul . Later, she appeared in 1988 film Bai Chali Sasariye , a Rajasthani language film. The film ran in theatres for 100 days and created history in Rajasthan cinema. Following that she portrayed numerous supporting roles in films such as Darr, Jawani Zindabad, Loafer, Judaai, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, Old Is Gold, My Friend Ganesha, Golmaal Returns, and Hungama. Singh also captivated audiences with her comic roles, and also appeared in many popular series like Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, Pari Hoon Main, Maayka, Ye Meri Life Hai, Bani – Ishq Da Kalma and Sonpari. Why Upasana Singh left Kapil Sharma's show? Singh later became a household name as 'Bua' in the hit TV show Comedy Nights with Kapil. Her humours style was a massive hit, quickly making her fan-favourite. Despite enjoying immense popularity on the show, Upasana revealed that why she unexpectedly left the show mid-way. Explaining the reason behind her departure from The Kapil Sharma Show, Singh told Siddharth Kannan, 'Kapil Sharma's show ran for two and a half years, but at one point, I felt there was nothing left for me to do, yet I continued working. I didn't leave the show because of any issues; I had already discussed this with Kapil beforehand.' After some 'friction' with the channel, Upasana told that she couldn't join the show back as she was contractually obligated to Colors. 'At that time, Kapil was trying to crack the role of main lead. He also said that let me get out of all his, then I will do it. It was during that time that Kapil and Colors had some friction. My contract was with Colors and I did not have a contract with Kapil's team. So when Kapil moved to Sony, I couldn't because I had a contract with Colors.' Singh added.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
6 Ayurvedic ingredients that promise brighter teeth and healthier gums
W hen people think about health, the first thing to come to mind is the body. Fitness, being away from obesity and diseases, and the likes come first. And then there is mental health. But what is often overlooked is the Oral health part. While modern dental care focuses heavily on brushing, flossing, and the occasional dentist visit, ancient Indian wisdom and techniques give a more holistic approach to oral care. Ayurveda, India's healing system, has long emphasised the importance of oral hygiene, using natural herbs and ingredients to maintain strong teeth and healthy gums. In fact, many Ayurvedic remedies are still relevant and effective today, especially when it comes to getting brighter teeth and preventing gum disease. Here we mention 6 Ayurvedic ingredients that are good for oral hygiene. Akarkara Akarkara is a lesser-known but powerful herb that is used in Ayurvedic medicine, especially for oral and dental issues. It is known for its elements and properties that help increase blood flow in the gums and with increased circulation, comes improved gum strength and a reduction in the risk of gum diseases. When chewed or used as a paste, Akarkara helps stimulate the salivary glands, promoting the body's natural cleaning process. Babul The ancient treasure of India, Babul, is famous in Ayurveda for its natural astringent and antibacterial properties. Babul bark is often used to strengthen gums, reduce inflammation, and prevent bleeding, and it also helps in tightening loose teeth and healing oral ulcers. Babul has tannins that naturally fight plaque formation and reduce bacteria in the mouth, making it excellent for maintaining oral cleanliness. In fact, before toothpastes became an essential in the oral hygiene era, Babul twigs were used as 'datun'. Neem Neem is one of the most useful herbs in Ayurvedic dental care and is known for its powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Neem helps combat the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease and it also helps in preventing plaque buildup and controlling bad breath. Neem twigs too used to be used as Datun and were chewed by people for gum and teeth health. Turmeric Turmeric, or wild haldi, is also used in Ayurveda for gum strengthening. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help relieve gum pain, reduce inflammation, and fight oral infections. And so people who suffer from swollen gums use diluted Haldi powder or paste on their gums. Clove Another amazing common kitchen ingredient for oral health is Cloves. Cloves are said to have pain-relieving and antibacterial effects, and in Ayurveda, cloves are used to relieve toothaches and prevent oral infections. Clove oil, powder, and even whole cloves are used in dental care. Pippali Pippali, or long pepper, is also used in oral hygiene and has a lot of other benefits as well. It is used for its antimicrobial and rejuvenating properties, and is believed to stimulate gum tissue and reduce the accumulation of toxins in the mouth. And all of these Ayurvedic ingredients are a part of many toothpastes that are now in the market. But even in that arena, many prefer Dant Kanti, Patanjali's toothpaste, for healthier gums and better teeth. Many elderly people believe in Dant Kanti's composition, some associate it with ancient Indian wisdom, and some others prefer it owing to Baba Ramdev's association with Patanjali. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
