Latest news with #MeraGaonMeraDesh
News18
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
2 Villains Who Turned Heroes, Rivalled Amitabh Bachchan On Screen, Later Joined Politics
1/6 Their turning point came in 1971, with Gulzar's critically acclaimed Mere Apne. While the film marked the tragic final performance of screen legend Meena Kumari, it became a launchpad for Sinha and Khanna, propelling them from typecast villains to mainstream heroes. The film's tension-fuelled dynamic between their characters captured the attention of both audiences and filmmakers. One line in particular, " Shyam aaye to kehna Chhenu aaya tha", continues to echo across social media decades later. Before this breakout, both actors had earned their place in cinema playing negative roles. (News18 Hindi) Vinod Khanna, introduced by Sunil Dutt in Man Ka Meet, had a string of villainous parts in films like Sachcha Jhootha and Mera Gaon Mera Desh, where his menacing performance as a dacoit opposite Dharmendra won acclaim. But it was Gulzar again, with Achanak (1973), who helped shift Khanna's image, revealing a brooding intensity that suited leading roles. (News18 Hindi) Shatrughan Sinha, meanwhile, came to Mumbai chasing hero roles but was quickly slotted into antagonist characters, thanks in part to his booming baritone and commanding presence. He became known for stealing scenes from lead actors, with standout performances in Khilona, Bhai Ho To Aisa, and Kala Patthar. But it was 1971's Mere Apne and Gambler that finally recast him as the hero he had always aimed to be. Sinha once reflected on this shift in a candid interview, saying, "I became a hero on my own insistence. It wasn't anyone's favour. I am not grateful to any director or producer for making me a hero. I'm only thankful to God and the audience. I used to get more applause than the hero." (News18 Hindi) 5/6 Their transformation sparked a new phase in their careers, one that saw both actors sharing marquee space with Amitabh Bachchan himself, often competing for the same roles, scripts, and fan attention throughout the 70s and 80s. And yet, their connection with Bachchan extended far beyond cinema. In a rare convergence of stardom and public service, all three actors transitioned into politics. Vinod Khanna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and was elected MP from Gurdaspur four times. Shatrughan Sinha, also with the BJP for most of his political life, represented Patna Sahib multiple times and served as a Cabinet minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government. (News18 Hindi) Amitabh Bachchan, too, stepped into the political arena, contesting and winning the Allahabad Lok Sabha seat in 1984 with a landslide victory. However, his tryst with politics was short-lived. After his name was linked to the Bofors scandal (in which he was later cleared), Bachchan resigned and withdrew from political life entirely. Today, their story stands as a rare blend of Bollywood glamour and political grit, proof that even those cast as villains can script their own heroic narratives, both on screen and in the nation's history. (News18 Hindi)
News18
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
From Superstar To Sannyasi, Reminiscing Vinod Khanna's Spiritual Odyssey
Bollywood's "Sexy Sanyasi" walked away from fame, embraced Osho's commune, then returned as a politician — a journey of transformation, faith and rediscovery Vinod Khanna, one of Hindi cinema's most captivating stars, was known not just for his on-screen charm but also for his surprising decision at the height of fame — to leave everything behind and turn into a spiritual seeker at Osho's ashram. This is his extraordinary journey: From Silver Screen to Spiritual Screen Born on October 6, 1946, in Peshawar, Khanna burst into Hindi cinema in 1968, quickly earning fame with films like Mere Apne, Mera Gaon Mera Desh and Achanak. He soon became a romantic icon in blockbusters such as Amar Akbar Anthony and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. At his peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Khanna was Bollywood's next big superstar. Swami Vinod Bharti: Life at Osho's Commune In 1980, Khanna stunned fans by abandoning his career and entering Osho's ashram in Pune — only to follow the spiritual master to Oregon, USA. There, adopting the name Swami Vinod Bharti, he lived as a gardener, meditation practitioner and devoted disciple. In those years, his lifestyle was radical: he donned orange robes, did menial tasks around the commune, and immersed himself in spiritual practice. Though he eventually parted ways with the commune—some reports even say Osho banned him— Khanna returned to India in the mid-1980s, resuming friendships with Osho's followers and frequently visiting ashrams in Pune, Dharamsala, and Nepal. Hollywood & Hiatus: The Comeback Story Retiring from movies at the peak of his career shocked many. But in 1987, Khanna returned to Bollywood with Insaaf, reestablishing himself on screen and later winning praise for powerful roles in Dayavaan, Wanted, Dabangg, and Dabangg 2. From Sannyasi to Statesman Osho himself encouraged Khanna to enter national life. By 1998, Khanna joined the BJP and won a Lok Sabha seat from Gurdaspur, Punjab. He went on to serve as Union Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, and External Affairs under Prime Minister Vajpayee. His political career mirrored his cinematic one—impactful, charismatic, and deeply connected to public life. The Osho-Bollywood Connection Khanna's transformation left Bollywood abuzz. Many celebrated his courage; some criticised his spiritual detour. Famous stories include Mahesh Bhatt introducing him to Osho, and tensions between Bhatt and the guru, when Khanna stood up to defend spiritual respect. Legacy: A Life Unscripted Vinod Khanna passed away in 2017, but his legacy lives on as a rare blend of glamour, spirituality, and public service. He remains a compelling symbol—a star who dared to walk away, find himself, and return stronger, touching lives both on-screen and off. First Published: July 05, 2025, 09:00 IST
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Filmmaker Raj Khosla at 100: A tale of Dutt, dacoits and a double life
He had the best possible start as an aspiring filmmaker, working as assistant to the great Guru Dutt. He went on to become one of Bollywood's most versatile directors. In a 35-year career (1954-89), he directed 26 films, adroitly shifting between Bombay noir crime thrillers and spooky tales of mystery, love stories, family socials and dacoit dramas. Raj Khosla grew up in Bombay, hero-worshipping the singer KL Saigal, who coincidentally lived close to the Khoslas' home in Matunga. Khosla, in fact, dreamed of being a playback singer. But, given the opportunity to sing a few songs in films such as Bhool Bhulaiyan (1949) and Aankhen (1950), he soon realised he could never stand out in a field dominated by the likes of Mohammed Rafi and Mukesh. So, when Dev Anand — who describes Khosla in his autobiography as 'my coffee-house friend from the days I was working at the military censor office' — recommended him to Dutt instead, Khosla accepted the offer. Dutt, who was working on his directorial debut, Baazi (1951), took him on as one of his two assistant directors. Khosla assisted on his next three films too. In-between, he made his own directorial debut, with Milap (1955). The Dev Anand-Geeta Bali starrer, a tale of a poor country youth who comes into a big inheritance and falls prey to swindlers, flopped at the box office. A still from Mera Gaon Mera Desh, a 1971 precursor to Sholay (1975), about a small-time thief and jailbird who must protect a village from a merciless daku. Fortunately, Dutt stepped in and offered him the chance to direct his next production, the noir thriller CID (1956). CID was a huge hit. Dutt would remain an important figure in Khosla's life and much of his work reveals influences of his guru's cinematic style. These influences are particularly clear in the way he used songs. They weren't just embellishments but carried the story forward. And they were exquisite, truly deserving of the term 'evergreen'. It was Khosla's films from the '50s and '60s that gave us Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan (CID; OP Nayyar), Naina Barse Rim Jhim and Lag Ja Gale (Woh Kaun Thi; Madan Mohan), Mera Saaya and Jhumka Gira Re (Mera Saaya; Madan Mohan). Many of Khosla's films are remembered fondly even today: Do Raaste (1969; starring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz); Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971, starring Dharmendra); Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978; starring Asha Parekh and Nutan); Dostana (1980, starring Amitabh Bachchan). Yet, oddly, the man himself has faded from public memory. In his centenary year — he was born in the same year as Guru Dutt — a new biography by Amborish Roychoudhury seeks to right this strange imbalance. Jabbar Singh! Two genres stand out in Khosla's filmography: suspense and the dacoit drama. In the former, the first two films of his famous trilogy — Woh Kaun Thi (1964), Mera Saaya (1966) and Anita (1967) – were almost Hitchcockian. The suspense is real, the plots taut. Both films keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. (The third was weak and faltered on plot and pace). Among the dacoit dramas, Mera Gaon… foreshadows the blockbuster Sholay (1975): A small-time thief and jailbird Ajit (Dharmendra) must protect a village from the depredations of a merciless daku (who is called Jabbar Singh!). Khosla saw hits and success in his peak years. Behind the scenes, however, a complex personal life was taking its toll. Khosla had fallen in love outside his marriage. Amid the turmoil, he sank into alcoholism. 'Going by several accounts, he was mentally disturbed... The double life he was leading sat heavily on his lean shoulders,' Roychoudhury writes in his biography. Khosla's later films, meanwhile, were neither commercially successful nor did they do justice to his talent. Soon, work started drying up. His time was over. He died in 1991, aged 66, forgotten by the industry. Until the end, he kept a giant photograph of Guru Dutt in his office, Roychoudhury writes. 'In the autumn of his life, it was not uncommon for journalists or assistants to walk in on him weeping in front of the portrait.' Perhaps he was remembering his guru, perhaps he was remembering happier times, or perhaps it was a bit of both. (Poonam Saxena is a writer and translator whose works include Dharmvir Bharati's iconic Gunahon ka Devta, Rahi Masoom Raza's Scene: 75 and Aleph's Greatest Hindi Stories Ever Told)
India.com
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This film in which Vinod Khanna gives tough competition to Dharmendra is trending on OTT after 54 years, name is..., lead actress is...
Bollywood's iconic actor, Dharmendra, has been ruling hearts for decades! With his rugged charm and unforgettable performances, he's left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Today, we are getting into one of his 54-year-old films, a classic that shook the box office. Let's revisit the iconic film, a standout hit in the legendary actor's illustrious career. Any guesses? The story revolves around a small village and its innocent people. In the film, Ajit (Dharmendra) is shown as an unemployed and rebellious boy who falls into bad company in the city. He then gets inclined towards crime, but with time, he wants to change himself. Wondering which film we are talking about? Any guesses? It is 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh'! Ajit's fearless persona and sharp wit ignite the villagers' courage as he takes on the ruthless Jabbar Singh and his goons in an electrifying showdown. After playing the role of a villain, Vinod Khanna became a household name. Directed by Raj Khosla, 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh' featured a captivating score by the legendary duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal. As soon as the film was released, it became a phenomenal success, captivating audiences and raking in impressive earnings at the box office. The film's stellar cast, including Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, Lakshmi Chhaya, Asit Kumar Sen, Jayant, Sudhir, and Bhagwan Palav, made fans go gaga over the film. 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh' was a superhit! For those of you who don't know, the film was made on a budget of approximately Rs 98 lakhs. The movie went on to earn a whopping Rs 3.85 crores worldwide, with Rs 3 crores coming from India alone, making it a superhit. The film's box office verdict is a testament to its enduring appeal. Watch 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh' on this OTT platform Despite being released 54 years ago, the film's impact and story continue to resonate with audiences. This superhit movie, where Vinod Khanna gave Dharmendra tough competition, continues to captivate audiences. Fans can now easily stream 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh' on Amazon Prime Video, enjoying the classic from the comfort of their homes.
Mint
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Raj Khosla@100: Asha Parekh remembers director who helped her break glam girl image with Do Badan
Mumbai, Jun 1 (PTI) Veteran actor Asha Parekh has credited the late writer-filmmaker Raj Khosla with recognising her potential beyond the "glam girl" image by offering her "Do Badan", a film that changed the trajectory of her career. At a retrospective event to mark Khosla's 100th birth anniversary on Saturday evening, Parekh said the filmmaker's decision to cast her in the 1966 drama came as a surprise to her as it went against the industry's perception of her. "Everyone in the industry thought I was just a glam girl, a dancing girl and that I am not a good actress. I do not know what Raj ji had in mind when he came to me and offered me 'Do Badan'. The critics wrote good things about me and my work in the film. It gave me confidence to do more such films," Parekh said at a panel discussion. "Do Badan" tells the story of two lovers -- Asha (Parekh), a wealthy young woman, and Vikas (Manoj Kumar), an orphan -- whose romance takes a tragic turn due to a series of unforeseen events. The film, which became a box-office hit on its release, also featured Simi Garewal and Pran in pivotal roles. The Dadasaheb Phalke award winner revealed that initially, her contemporary, Rakhee, was supposed to star in the film. "I remember, Raj ji called me and said, 'I want to talk to you'. I said, 'okay'. He came home and narrated the story. After the narration, I told him to promise me to make the film as it is. It was a beautifully-written film. It was poetic. I remember, women would cry watching the film," Parekh said. The actor also shared that she had suggested a different climax to Khosla for "Do Badan", one where only her character would die. However, after further discussions, Kumar convinced the director to go with a more tragic ending in which both lovers meet their fate. "He would say what he wanted but leave the artists to emote the way they want," Parekh said about their collaborative process. After "Do Badan", the two also collaborated in "Chirag" (1969), "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971) and "Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki" (1978). Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt was also part of the panel discussion along with Amborish Roychoudhury, the author of "Raj Khosla: The Authorised Biography", and Khosla's daughter, Anita. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, director of the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), moderated the panel discussion. Khosla gave Hindi cinema some of its most memorable songs like "Lag Jaa Gale", "Mera Saaya", "Jhumka Gira Re", "Kahin Pe Nigaahen Kahin Pe Nishaana", "Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan", "Nazar Lagi Raja Tore Bangle Par", "Hai Apna Dil To Awara" and many more. Parekh said she loved the way Khosla shot the song sequences in his movies. "When you work in four films, the whole unit becomes like a family.... Raj ji came from the Guru Dutt school, there was a little bit of Guru Dutt ji that he had while doing (songs)," she said. The daylong retrospective, titled "Raj Khosla 100 -- Bambai Ka Babu", was curated by the FHF at the Regal Cinema in south Mumbai. As part of the celebrations, three of Khosla's acclaimed films -- "CID" (1956), "Bambai Ka Babu" (1960) and "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" -- were screened. The first two films have been restored in 4K resolution by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and National Film Archive of India (NFAI) under the National Film Heritage Mission, an initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Parekh said re-watching "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" brought back fresh memories. "It did bring back fresh memories. I had the most fun working with him. I wish I could see the entire film, but I had to leave," the veteran actor told PTI. "It was a film that was different from the films I was doing. It had beautiful songs. Laxmi Chayya had a better role than I, but despite that, I stood my ground," she added. Earlier in the day, actor Raima Sen introduced "Bambai Ka Babu", which featured her late grandmother, Suchitra Sen, opposite Dev Anand. Sen said she is glad that these classic films are being reintroduced and thanked the FHF for taking the initiative to commemorate Khosla's work. "I am excited to introduce this film, which is my favourite film. For her (Suchitra Sen), to take up this subject was a very bold move because it was not conventional and she was a star. "So to do an unusual film story of a brother and a sister, who till the end do not know that they are brother and sister, and the romance between the two, I think the film was way ahead of its time," Sen said.
