Latest news with #Mughal-E-Azam
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Legendary Bollywood producer went bankrupt after building empire from scraps, was sued by financiers while dealing with heart ailments
He was summoned from Pakistan to Mumbai by his cousin Prithviraj Kapoor; he assisted K Asif on Mughal-E-Azam and worked as a secretary to Geeta Bali. He debuted as a producer with a film starring Rajesh Khanna. But things fell apart some years later, when a major flop sent him spiralling into debt. He was too unwell to pay the money back, but was slapped with several legal cases. His son was forced to step up, which he did. The producer's name was Surinder Kapoor, and he was the father of Boney Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Sanjay Kapoor. Surinder Kapoor came to Mumbai after the Partition, and lived in distant relative Raj Kapoor's outhouse with his wife. The family then moved into a one-bedroom 'kholi' in Tilak Nagar, Mumbai. In a recent interview with Nayandeep Rakshit, Surinder Kapoor granddaughter, Anshula, clarified that while she comes from privilege, her father's generation worked its way up from nothing. 'I should make one thing clear, I have grown up in privilege, but my father has worked to give me the privilege. His father, my grandfather, didn't come from the same socio-economic strata… Even Sonam didi and Arjun bhaiya, to a great extent, didn't see that privilege for eight or nine years of their life. That part is overlooked when they think about the Kapoor family,' Anshula said. 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 Two years before his death in 2011, Surinder Kapoor reflected on his early years in the film business. He told Rediff, 'I came to Mumbai in 1950. I was 27 years old then. I am from Peshawar. When I told my cousin Prithviraj Kapoor that I wanted to come to Mumbai for a job, he asked me to come over. When I came to Mumbai, I didn't think I would join films. But Prithviraj was very nice. As soon as I came to Mumbai by Frontier Mail, he took me to K Asif and got me a job as an assistant director on the sets of Mughal-E-Azam. I had become good friends with Shammi Kapoor and Geeta Bali. It was she who helped me become a producer. I could have made my first production, Jab Se Tumhe Dekha (1963), with Madhubala. But I had told Geeta that if I ever make a film, it would be with her only. Geeta helped me get financiers. I got a good crew because of her. I cast Pradeep Kumar, who wasn't giving hits any more, and Geeta, who was on the verge of retirement. But my film did not do well. In fact, I could not give a single hit in my entire career but still, financiers and distributors put their money in my projects.' In an interview with The Times of India in 2003, Boney Kapoor said that he never wanted to become a producer or filmmaker after seeing the toll the business took on his father. 'I didn't want to become a filmmaker: Although my father had pinned his hopes on Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati, the film did average business. Then, when the high-budget, Rajesh Khanna-starrer Shahzaada bombed at the box office, my father was tense for days. Around then, I decided to myself that I would have nothing to do with filmmaking.' Read more – Mughal-E-Azam actor worked in over 500 films, but lived in a house without electricity, could never afford a car In an interview with Nayandeep Rakshi, Boney Kapoor reflected on the humble beginnings of his family. 'We began our journey from an almost chawl-like situation. All four of us were born in Tilak Nagar, in one Kholi. Every floor had a single one-room-kitchen unit. There were three common toilets. My father was brought to Bombay by Prithviraj Kapoor. My grandfather handed over my father to Prithviraj ji because my father left about 10-12 jobs. Left, in the sense, he was thrown out because he was siding with and supporting the workers, fought for their causes. My parents lived in Raj Kapoor's outhouse, the room above the garage. That's where the driver would stay. Perhaps I was conceived there.' Recalling the moment he had to step up, he said, 'Around 1976, my father tool ill. We had a film on the floors, called Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan. Another calamity occurred. Our director died midway through the shoot. Fortunately, we got a director who was ready to complete the film. The film was released in 1978, and it flopped. My father was in debt, we were in debt. We were in a s**thole.' Read more – Legendary Bollywood music composer lived as paying guest in final years, banned family from attending funeral Opening up further about the financial setback that the family had been hit by, Boney Kapoor told News18, 'In those days, my father had a debt of Rs 22 lakh. There were several cases against him because he hadn't been able to repay financiers. The mission with Hum Paanch was to get debt-free. By then, that Rs 22 lakh debt had become Rs 36 lakh. The film made enough profit for me to pay off the debt, and I was left with Rs 1 lakh.' Anil Kapoor was much younger at the time, but he realised that he couldn't just be a spectator as his family struggled. 'We came to know he has heart issues. In those days heart issues were a very big thing. That was kind of a turning point, I said I have to now start working and let my dad chill. I was pretty young, 17-18 years old,' Anil took up any job that he could in order to help out at home. 'I wouldn't call them odd-jobs because I loved doing them, like waking up the actors, picking them up, fetching them from the airport, dropping them to the location, looking after them, getting them right snacks and then the tea breaks. So, all these kind of odd-jobs I did.' Boney Kapoor said that his early experiences taught him to face every challenge head-on. He has experienced several setbacks of his own, like when the film Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja bombed, or, more recently, when the big-budget film Maidaan failed to perform after several delays.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saira Banu pours her heart out as she pens a loving note for Dilip Kumar on his death anniversary: ‘I am still with him'
Saira Banu poured her heart out as she remembered her husband, the legendary Dilip Kumar , on his fourth death anniversary. On 7th July 2025, she shared a long, touching post on social media, showing just how deeply she still feels connected to him. 'Still with him in thought, mind, and life' Marking the day, Saira Banu posted a lovely video full of old photos of Dilip Kumar from his younger days and famous films. Her words showed that even though he's no longer around, she still feels close to him. She wrote, 'The dearth of Sahib could never go… And yet, I am still with him—one in thought, in mind, and in life. In this lifetime, and in the next, my soul has learned to walk beside him even in his absence. Each year, this day finds me cradling Sahib's memories like delicate blossoms. His admirers, well-wishers, friends, and family—they never forget.' She went on, 'Their messages of love and remembrance arrive like prayers, wrapped in warmth. And I read each one with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that the world still holds space for the man Sahib was and forever will be.' 'He was an entire era' While most people remember Dilip Kumar for his powerful performances in classics like 'Devdas,' 'Mughal-E-Azam,' and 'Ram Aur Shyam,' for Saira Banu, he was much more than a film star. She wrote, 'You see, Sahib wasn't just my life's greatest joy. He was an entire era. An inspiration across six generations of actors and the guiding star for those yet to come.' She also shared how he was close to some of India's top leaders. 'He was the finest companion to great statesmen Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Sahab, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sahab, and Narasimha Rao Sahab and counted among his dearest friends some of the sharpest minds—lawyers, economists, and industrialists—but never once was he removed from the common man's soul.' A sports lover at heart Saira Banu also talked about how much Dilip Kumar loved playing sports and how he often wondered about a different life. 'He adored sports, played cricket and football like he'd been born on the field, and often said, 'If not destiny, I would have been a national-level sportsman.' But destiny had its own plans and gave the world the greatest actor of all time instead.' She reminded everyone that behind the superstar was a warm, witty man who found joy in simple things. A playful note that says it all One of the most touching parts of her tribute was when Saira shared a small, sweet memory. She remembered how Dilip Kumar would quietly leave little love notes that still make her smile. She wrote, 'Feeling sleepy, what do you suggest, Aunty? ... Yours 100%.' It's these small, playful moments that keep his memory alive for her. She said, 'He made the ordinary moments eternal. And through every jest, every note, every glance, he left behind something rare: love that lingers.' 'Dilip Sahib is forever' Saira Banu ended her heartfelt note by writing, 'Dilip Sahib is forever. Beyond time. Beyond life.' Even four years after his passing on 7th July 2021, Saira Banu's touching words show that true love never fades. Her tribute was full of tender memories, small joys, and a deep respect for the man who was not only her husband but also an icon for millions.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet Amitabh Bachchan's co-star and Zeenat Aman's uncle who acted in 500 films but couldn't afford a house or car; his son studied under a lamp post
Stories of old-time actors struggling in their later years aren't rare. Many big stars who ruled the film industry in the 1950s and 60s ended up with little to their name because they didn't think of saving for the future. This is exactly what happened with veteran actor Murad. He was seen alongside some of the biggest legends in Indian cinema, from 'Mughal-E-Azam' to 'Do Bigha Zamin'. But behind the fame, Murad's life was far from glamorous. Even after acting in over 500 films, he never owned a house or a car. His son, actor Raza Murad , recently spoke about this in an interview that shines a light on the tough truths of showbiz. What he shared is not just a touching look at his father's legacy but also a lesson on why planning for the future is so important. 'I witnessed difficulties in life' Speaking on the Filmy Charcha YouTube channel, Raza Murad opened up about how hard life really was behind the scenes. Despite Murad's long and iconic career, their family struggled with money. 'I witnessed difficulties in life,' Raza said, remembering his childhood days in Bhopal. He shared that their home didn't even have electricity. 'I used to study for my exams under a lamp post. I would start at midnight and finish at 6 am.' It's hard to believe that while Murad was busy acting in hit films, his own son was preparing for exams under the streetlights. No car, rented house, and no savings Murad was known for memorable roles in films like 'Devdas' (1955), 'Sanyasi', 'Yaadon Ki Baaraat' and 'Tarzan Goes to India' (1962). He was truly one of the most popular character actors of his time. Yet, Raza revealed a surprising truth. 'We never had a car. We used to live in a rented house,' he said. Many actors from the 1950s and 60s didn't think much about saving for the future. Raza added, 'Those actors should have planned for the future.' It shows how being famous doesn't always mean being rich, especially if you don't plan ahead. 'He lived like he wanted to' Even though their family faced money problems, Raza made it clear he never wanted to criticise his father's choices. 'He lived like he wanted to,' he said. Seeing these struggles, however, shaped Raza's own thinking. He decided early on that he wanted a more secure life. That's why the first thing he did after making it in films was to buy a house. Related to Zeenat Aman Not many people know this, but Murad was also related to Bollywood icon Zeenat Aman — she is his niece. The family gave Indian cinema two generations of unforgettable talent. A lesson behind the fame Murad's story is a touching reminder that life on screen is often very different from life off it. Though he acted in more than 500 films, he never owned a house or car. His son Raza's words give us a clear picture of the ups and downs behind the sparkling world of cinema.
India.com
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This actor worked in over 500 films, had no money to afford a car, lived in a house with no electricity, name was..., his son is...
This actor worked in over 500 films, had no money to afford a car, lived in a house with no electricity, name was..., his son is... Stories of yesteryear actors facing financial struggles later in their lives aren't rare. Many major movie stars who are very successful in 90s often found themselves penniless in their old age. This often happened because they didn't save enough money to prepare themselves financially during difficult times. Once such actor who acted in over 500 films, and shared screen space with superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna, found himself destitute in his old age. This Mughal-E-Azam actor struggled financially Recently, in an interview, actor Raza Murad cited his father, veteran actor Murad's example, to talk about the importance of saving money. His father was a character actor, who starred in some iconic films like D o Bigha Zamin, Mughal-E-Azam, Andaz, even did a Hollywood project, Tarzan Goes to India. In a candid chat with Filmy Charcha, Raza Murad recounted the financial difficulties his family faced, despite his father being a consistent actor. 'I have experienced poverty. Our house in Bhopal didn't have electricity. I would have to study for my exams under a lamp post. I would start at midnight and finish at 6 am.' He said. Raza Murad on why many yesteryear stars had no money in the end Raza Murad mentioned that many yesteryear actors were responsible for their own financial setbacks as they didn't plan better for the future. He stated, 'When you earn money, you should think about your old age. Even crew members in our industry have their own houses. They have savings. They know that income could stop any day, they know that their health could fail. Why should you beg before someone? I wouldn't want to take any names, but there were many actors who were extremely busy during their heyday. They earned a lot of money and fame, but they spent all of it. When they grew older, they were forced to live in rented accommodation even though they used to live in lavish bungalows. I saw them travelling by auto rickshaws.' Raza revealed that even though his father worked in several movies, but still it didn't save them from financial distress. 'A lot of people didn't save. There were many heroes from the 50s and 60s who were much in demand during their peak, but had tremendous difficulty in their old age. They should have planned for the future. It's so unfortunate, but such is life. You must think about your family's future as well. If you have children, then it is your responsibility to look after them. I've seen this personally. My father must have worked in over 500 films. But we never had a car, and we used to live in a rented house. The first thing I did after establishing myself was to buy a house. Sometimes, you learn what not to do in life from your elders. I don't want to disparage my father; he lived like he wanted to. But I established myself at the right time, otherwise…' The veteran actor said.
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Golden era Mughal-E-Azam actor worked in over 500 films, but lived in a house without electricity, could never afford a car
Stories about yesteryear actors falling on hard times aren't uncommon. Major movie stars who ruled over the industry in the 1950s and 1960s often found themselves destitute in their old age, because they didn't have the foresight to save up for a rainy day. In a recent interview, actor Raza Murad cited his own father's example to make a point about the importance of saving money. His father was the famous character actor Murad, who worked in over 500 films over the course of his career, which began before India gained Independence. He went on to work in iconic films such as Do Bigha Zamin, Mughal-E-Azam, Andaz, and even a Hollywood project, Tarzan Goes to India. Chatting on the Filmy Charcha YouTube channel, Raza Murad said, 'I have witnessed difficulties in life. I have experienced poverty. Our house in Bhopal didn't have electricity. I would have to study for my exams under a lamp post. I would start at midnight and finish at 6 am.' When it was mentioned that several yesteryear performers in the film industry have experienced financial setbacks in the final years of their life, Raza Murad said that they are responsible for their own misfortunes, because they should have planned better. He continued, 'When you earn money, you should think about your old age. Even crew members in our industry have their own houses. They have savings. They know that income could stop any day, they know that their health could fail. Why should you beg before someone? I wouldn't want to take any names, but there were many actors who were extremely busy during their heyday. They earned a lot of money and fame, but they spent all of it. When they grew older, they were forced to live in rented accommodation even though they used to live in lavish bungalows. I saw them travelling by auto rickshaws.' Read more – Bollywood's greatest character actor died in abject poverty, was 'banned' by Shiv Sena, funeral went unattended by big Bollywood stars The veteran actor added, citing the example of his own father, 'A lot of people didn't save. There were many heroes from the 50s and 60s who were much in demand during their peak, but had tremendous difficulty in their old age. They should have planned for the future. It's so unfortunate, but such is life. You must think about your family's future as well. If you have children, then it is your responsibility to look after them. I've seen this personally. My father must have worked in over 500 films. But we never had a car, and we used to live in a rented house. The first thing I did after establishing myself was to buy a house. Sometimes, you learn what not to do in life from your elders. I don't want to disparage my father; he lived like he wanted to. But I established myself at the right time, otherwise…' In an earlier chat with the media, he spoke about his early days in the film business, and the teachings that he received from his father. 'In those days, we didn't have a car. I would travel by the bus or by train. He would tell me, 'Son, if you see a lady standing, offer your seat to her. And if a lady is sitting and there is an empty seat next to her, take her permission before sitting down'. He moved to Mumbai in 1938 because he had no option. He was banished from his home town because he had an altercation with Raza Ali Khan, the nawab of Rampur. He was given 24 hours to leave. He wanted to become a writer, but Mr Mehboob hired him as an actor. He worked in over 500 films, and he probably has a world record for playing judges. He played a judge in 300 films. He made Rampur world-famous, he was known as Murad Rampuri.' Also read – Star of Bollywood's Golden Era died penniless due to flamboyant lifestyle, influenced Amitabh Bachchan and won praise from Mahatma Gandhi Asked about the circumstances in which he started his acting journey, Raza Murad told Sadabahar Fankar, 'My father was getting on in age, and I knew that I had to start working to run the household. In 1968, my father told me that he would try and get me into FTII after I complete my higher education. I decided, while doing the course, that I would give acting five years. If it doesn't work out for me in five years, I would try another profession.' Raza Murad has established himself as a character actor of his father's calibre, with hundreds of movies on his resume. Murad died in 1997.
