Kishore Kumar was actually born to sing. He sang from his heart, won millions of hearts and became a legend without any formal education in music and singing. His death, just one day after he recorded his last song also speaks volumes on his heart to heart relationship with songs.
Born to Kunjalal Ganguly and Gauri Devi he spent his childhood in Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh). As the youngest child in the family of four children of lawyer Kunjalal Ganguly, he studied in Bombay Bazar School and later studied for about one and a half year at Christen College in Indore. He moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) without completing his education and joined his elder brother.
Kishore's elder brother Ashok Kumar was 19 year his senior and was big film star in Bombay.
Ashok Kumar helped Kishore to get acting assignments as he did not have much faith in his singing capability.
As Kishore did not have any formal training in music, he learned on his own by singing songs of K L Saigal. He was a big fan of K L Saigal. Once he got a chance to sing in front of Saigal who advised him to work towards removing 'sharir dosha' from his singing, he also gave him tips on how to move his body while singing.
Though Kishore acted in films but he did not like acting. His heart was in music and that is what he wanted to do. Once he told Ashok Kumar 'acting is fake, music is real as it comes from the heart'.
Music director Khemchand Prakash gave Kishore his first chance to sing a solo song 'Marne ki duayen kyon mangu' for the film Ziddi in 1948. Over all Kishore recorded 2905 songs out of which 2825 were for films. He sang 2648 songs in Hindi, 154 in Bengali, 8 in Gujarati, 3 each in Marathi & Oriya, and 1 each in Assamese, English, Kannada, Malayalam and Punjabi. Out of 80 non film songs recorded by Kishore, 67 were in Bengali and 13 in Hindi.
While Kishore debut film as an actor was Shikari but as the lead hero his first film was Andolan. Kishore acted in 102 films including self production wherein he was also music director, producer, director, script writer and dialogue writer.
Kishore married four times. His first marriage was with Ruma Devi at age of 22, she was a Bengali actress. They had a son - Amit Kumar - who also became a famous singer, they were married for eight year from 1950 till 1958. Second time he married Madhubala who was a big film star. They got married in 1960 and marriage lasted till Madhubala's death in 1969. Kishore's third marriage was with Yogeeta Bali who was also a film star, they were married for about two years between 1976 and 1978. In 1980 Kishore married Leena Chandavarkar again a film star and was married to her till his death. They had a son - Sumit Kumar - who is an aspiring singer.
Kishore recorded his last song on October 12, 1987 for music director Bappi Lahiri for film 'waqt ki awaz' next day he died. He had a peaceful death with his family around him at his home. This day was also birth day of Ashok Kumar, who never celebrated his birthday after 1987.
Watch out for stories behind some of Kishore's songs
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Bhagavad Gita - First Shloka Insights & interpretation
Dhritarashtra uvacha :
"Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre samaveta Yuyutsavah
Mamakah Pandvashchaiva kimakurvata Sanjaya"
Translation :
Dhritrashtra said : O Sanjaya, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do as they assembled at the holy place of Kurukshetra to fight
Insights & Interpretation :
Origin of Gita is Geet or song. It is a scripture which is not to be read as a normal book. One should read one verse of Gita at a time and then ponder over it. Each verse is loaded with deep insights and meaning.
Any war is a 'Dharamakshetra' as it is the field of righteousness and ground for moral struggle.
The world that we live in is also a 'Dharamakshetra' as we constantly struggle between 'right' and 'wrong', the decisive factors lies in our heart or conscience where the battles are fought daily and hourly. Our Karmakshetra or our karmabhoomi where we do our karma ie. action and fulfill the purpose of soul making is the foundation of our 'Dharamakshetra'.
The Gita teaches practice and not theory of Karma as the foundation for Dharma.
Man is deeply related to Dharma, though one may argue that even animal is related to Dhrama but there is difference between animal and man. Man has knowledge of 'Right' and 'Wrong' which is not with animal. If an animal is domesticated, to a certain extent he understands right or wrong but that is the human touch which helps him understand the difference. Recently there was an article in newspapers about a dog who tried saving children of his masters who were caught in a fire by jumping into the fire and burning himself in the process. You cannot find any such instance in animal world. Animals by nature are innocent but lack wisdom of right or wrong. Man is higher animal, he is called higher animal or hidden animal because at times man does actions lower than those done by animals. If the man ignores right and wrong sooner or later he will face a war and pay heavy price for his conduct.
Dhritarashtra's words which distinguish 'my sons' and 'Pandu's sons' cannot be interpreted as ordinary as they are loaded with partiality towards his own sons. Dhritarashtra was blind physically but his fondness for his eldest son Duryodhan made him blind even mentally. Inspite of knowing all ill plans of his sons against Pandavas and inspite of being the king he ignored all the rule of governance. As the king his Dharma required him to be impartial but the partiality in his karma towards his sons ultimately resulted in all his sons dying untimely death and in complete destruction of his clan. Hindus have sought sons as one of the main function that a son does is to lit the pyre of his parents when they dye. Dhritarashtra's karma resulted in a situation wherein not single son of his was left to lit his pyre. All his sons died infront of him and ultimately this is the price that he paid for displaying partiality towards his sons and against Pandu's sons. Dharma cannot be selected as Dharma is like a mother which one gets without choice. You can select your spouse but not your mother. So Dharma is like mother or equivalent of God.
Kurukshetra : Kuru is the clan for both Kauravas and Pandavas, it is also a place in Haryana. Kurukshetra is the battle ground for the Kurus. By not following Dharma, Kurus are now set to fight a battle that will be the bloodiest and toughest of battle ever fought by man kind.
The witness to this war is Sanjay who is chariot to Dhritarashtra and is blessed with divya drishti (divine sight) by sage Vysya.
Mahabharat was originally titled 'JaiBharat' but later it became Mahabharat perhaps because of the size of the scripture.
Mahabharat establishes that injustice and attachments ultimately result into pain and destruction and that the biggest battle ground is ones mind where there is a constant battle happening between right and wrong.
"Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre samaveta Yuyutsavah
Mamakah Pandvashchaiva kimakurvata Sanjaya"
Translation :
Dhritrashtra said : O Sanjaya, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu do as they assembled at the holy place of Kurukshetra to fight
Insights & Interpretation :
Origin of Gita is Geet or song. It is a scripture which is not to be read as a normal book. One should read one verse of Gita at a time and then ponder over it. Each verse is loaded with deep insights and meaning.
Any war is a 'Dharamakshetra' as it is the field of righteousness and ground for moral struggle.
The world that we live in is also a 'Dharamakshetra' as we constantly struggle between 'right' and 'wrong', the decisive factors lies in our heart or conscience where the battles are fought daily and hourly. Our Karmakshetra or our karmabhoomi where we do our karma ie. action and fulfill the purpose of soul making is the foundation of our 'Dharamakshetra'.
The Gita teaches practice and not theory of Karma as the foundation for Dharma.
Man is deeply related to Dharma, though one may argue that even animal is related to Dhrama but there is difference between animal and man. Man has knowledge of 'Right' and 'Wrong' which is not with animal. If an animal is domesticated, to a certain extent he understands right or wrong but that is the human touch which helps him understand the difference. Recently there was an article in newspapers about a dog who tried saving children of his masters who were caught in a fire by jumping into the fire and burning himself in the process. You cannot find any such instance in animal world. Animals by nature are innocent but lack wisdom of right or wrong. Man is higher animal, he is called higher animal or hidden animal because at times man does actions lower than those done by animals. If the man ignores right and wrong sooner or later he will face a war and pay heavy price for his conduct.
Dhritarashtra's words which distinguish 'my sons' and 'Pandu's sons' cannot be interpreted as ordinary as they are loaded with partiality towards his own sons. Dhritarashtra was blind physically but his fondness for his eldest son Duryodhan made him blind even mentally. Inspite of knowing all ill plans of his sons against Pandavas and inspite of being the king he ignored all the rule of governance. As the king his Dharma required him to be impartial but the partiality in his karma towards his sons ultimately resulted in all his sons dying untimely death and in complete destruction of his clan. Hindus have sought sons as one of the main function that a son does is to lit the pyre of his parents when they dye. Dhritarashtra's karma resulted in a situation wherein not single son of his was left to lit his pyre. All his sons died infront of him and ultimately this is the price that he paid for displaying partiality towards his sons and against Pandu's sons. Dharma cannot be selected as Dharma is like a mother which one gets without choice. You can select your spouse but not your mother. So Dharma is like mother or equivalent of God.
Kurukshetra : Kuru is the clan for both Kauravas and Pandavas, it is also a place in Haryana. Kurukshetra is the battle ground for the Kurus. By not following Dharma, Kurus are now set to fight a battle that will be the bloodiest and toughest of battle ever fought by man kind.
The witness to this war is Sanjay who is chariot to Dhritarashtra and is blessed with divya drishti (divine sight) by sage Vysya.
Mahabharat was originally titled 'JaiBharat' but later it became Mahabharat perhaps because of the size of the scripture.
Mahabharat establishes that injustice and attachments ultimately result into pain and destruction and that the biggest battle ground is ones mind where there is a constant battle happening between right and wrong.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Leonardo da vinci
Leonardo da vinci (april 15, 1452 - May 2, 1519) was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, engineer, scientist, mathematician. He is one of the brightest minds that visited this planet.
His surname 'vinci' is name of a town near Florence in Italy. His mother, Caterina was a peasant who was never married by his father Piero and so Leonardo was illegitimate son of his parents. Leonardo's mother later married some other person. His father also married another woman but as he could not have children from her hence he adapted Leonardo and gave him best education.
Leonardo started painting in early age. Seeing his potential his father sent him to Andrea del Verrocchio who was renowned sculptor, painter and goldsmith. Under Verrocchio, Leonardo learned techniques and methods that supplemented his skill. Soon he was excelling in geometry, he picked up art of making colors, preparing panels for placing paintings, clay and bronze casting and his skills in painting were honed. At age of 20, Leonardo was enrolled as master in painters guild, he also ended his apprenticeship at this age. However he continued working with his master.
Leonardo did more sketches and drawings then paintings. His notebook which had about 4200 pages recorded his work, interesting thing about this notebook is that one has to use mirror to read it as Leonardo recorded notes in reverse way.
Aircraft : In the beginning of 16th century Leonardo studied birds. It is said that his fascination with birds was due to his early childhood encounter with birds, when he was two one bird fell at the cot on which he was sleeping. As an adult Leonardo would love to buy birds and set them free from cage. His first design for flying machine ornithopter (orinthos - birds & Pteron - wings) was aimed to make human beings fly like birds. He also developed designs for aircraft, gliders, helicopter and even parachute. His helicopter design had a revolving rotar on a vertical axis. Similarly his glider model had frame and six wings. Principle of aerodynamics were used by him. Parachute was also first conceived by Leonardo. In 1785 Jean Pierre Blanchard mentioned Leonardo as an influence in his quest for parachute.
More than 10,000 drawings of Leonardo have been found worldwide.
Anatomy - Vitruvian man (drwaing of anatomy of man) has become classical symbol of human body over centuries.
Painting - Mona Lisa (also called La Gioconda) which was commissioned by her husband Francesco is the most famous painting in the world. This painting gives an impression that her eyes are looking at you. In India it is believed that master painters keep in mind concept of third eye which is related to 'Shiva' this results in feeling that painting is looking at the person who is seeing it.
The Last Supper - This painting represents scene of the last supper of Jesus with his twelve apostles.
Music - Leonardo was a good singer. He played Lyre. He became proficient in music very fast.
Leonardo da vinci's scope and depth of interest are without precedence in human history. His mind, personality and achievement are of superhuman and yet the person himself was mysterious and remote.
His surname 'vinci' is name of a town near Florence in Italy. His mother, Caterina was a peasant who was never married by his father Piero and so Leonardo was illegitimate son of his parents. Leonardo's mother later married some other person. His father also married another woman but as he could not have children from her hence he adapted Leonardo and gave him best education.
Leonardo started painting in early age. Seeing his potential his father sent him to Andrea del Verrocchio who was renowned sculptor, painter and goldsmith. Under Verrocchio, Leonardo learned techniques and methods that supplemented his skill. Soon he was excelling in geometry, he picked up art of making colors, preparing panels for placing paintings, clay and bronze casting and his skills in painting were honed. At age of 20, Leonardo was enrolled as master in painters guild, he also ended his apprenticeship at this age. However he continued working with his master.
Leonardo did more sketches and drawings then paintings. His notebook which had about 4200 pages recorded his work, interesting thing about this notebook is that one has to use mirror to read it as Leonardo recorded notes in reverse way.
Aircraft : In the beginning of 16th century Leonardo studied birds. It is said that his fascination with birds was due to his early childhood encounter with birds, when he was two one bird fell at the cot on which he was sleeping. As an adult Leonardo would love to buy birds and set them free from cage. His first design for flying machine ornithopter (orinthos - birds & Pteron - wings) was aimed to make human beings fly like birds. He also developed designs for aircraft, gliders, helicopter and even parachute. His helicopter design had a revolving rotar on a vertical axis. Similarly his glider model had frame and six wings. Principle of aerodynamics were used by him. Parachute was also first conceived by Leonardo. In 1785 Jean Pierre Blanchard mentioned Leonardo as an influence in his quest for parachute.
More than 10,000 drawings of Leonardo have been found worldwide.
Anatomy - Vitruvian man (drwaing of anatomy of man) has become classical symbol of human body over centuries.
Painting - Mona Lisa (also called La Gioconda) which was commissioned by her husband Francesco is the most famous painting in the world. This painting gives an impression that her eyes are looking at you. In India it is believed that master painters keep in mind concept of third eye which is related to 'Shiva' this results in feeling that painting is looking at the person who is seeing it.
The Last Supper - This painting represents scene of the last supper of Jesus with his twelve apostles.
Music - Leonardo was a good singer. He played Lyre. He became proficient in music very fast.
Leonardo da vinci's scope and depth of interest are without precedence in human history. His mind, personality and achievement are of superhuman and yet the person himself was mysterious and remote.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Festivals of India - Vasant Panchami
Vasant or Spring is the king of all seasons.
It is a festival for Hindus which is celebrated on fifth day (panchami) of Indian month of maagh (January / February).
Winter is just over and shrubs, plants and flowers spring forth, may be this is the reason why this time is called 'spring'
Vasant Panchami is birthday of Goddess Saraswati, who is goddess of learning, wisdom, fine art, music, poetry, literature, spiritual knowledge etc.
On this occasion, Goddess Saraswati is worshiped and if a child is about to begin formal education he is initiated (Diksha) on this day. In olden times child's tongue was in-scripted with 'Om' with golden pen dipped in honey. Similarly those who wish to learn music, start music training on this auspicious occasion.
Goddess Lakshmi is also remembered on this day (as well as on Deepawali). As she is the goddess of wealth hence this day is also called 'Shree Panchami', 'Shree' signifies beej mantra of Goddess Lakshmi and 'Panchami' is fifth day.
Every house hold celebrates this festival with sweets. People visit each others house and take the blessing of the elders and exchange sweets.
Yellow is the colour of season, as it is colour of gold hence this colour signifies bounty of the season.
Vasant Panchami is more of a festival of fun and frolic rather than rituals.
While vasant panchami is celebrated more in the northern India but Bengal too celebrates it in a big way. In Bengal idols of Goddess Saraswati are taken out in procession and then later immersed in holy Ganges. In some parts of India, married women observe fast for happy married life.
On this day the newly harvested crop is offered to the family deity (Isht Dev) and only after this ritual it is taken for consumption of family and for commercial sale.
Beej Mantra : 'Om Een (Saraswati) Hreen (Lakshmi) Kleen (Kali) Chamundaye Vichaye' is chanted on this occasion as well as Diwali and Navratri by house holders.
Gayatri Mantra : is the sum of Vedas and Gayatri is mother of Vedas (Ved Mata Gayatri), Gayatri is also called Saraswati and Savitri. Om is essence of Gayatri mantra and essence of Vedas. Om is special name of God.
On Vasant Panchami as well as on all special days, Hindus chant 'Om' which is the most sacred and pure form of remembering The All Mighty
It is a festival for Hindus which is celebrated on fifth day (panchami) of Indian month of maagh (January / February).
Winter is just over and shrubs, plants and flowers spring forth, may be this is the reason why this time is called 'spring'
Vasant Panchami is birthday of Goddess Saraswati, who is goddess of learning, wisdom, fine art, music, poetry, literature, spiritual knowledge etc.
On this occasion, Goddess Saraswati is worshiped and if a child is about to begin formal education he is initiated (Diksha) on this day. In olden times child's tongue was in-scripted with 'Om' with golden pen dipped in honey. Similarly those who wish to learn music, start music training on this auspicious occasion.
Goddess Lakshmi is also remembered on this day (as well as on Deepawali). As she is the goddess of wealth hence this day is also called 'Shree Panchami', 'Shree' signifies beej mantra of Goddess Lakshmi and 'Panchami' is fifth day.
Every house hold celebrates this festival with sweets. People visit each others house and take the blessing of the elders and exchange sweets.
Yellow is the colour of season, as it is colour of gold hence this colour signifies bounty of the season.
Vasant Panchami is more of a festival of fun and frolic rather than rituals.
While vasant panchami is celebrated more in the northern India but Bengal too celebrates it in a big way. In Bengal idols of Goddess Saraswati are taken out in procession and then later immersed in holy Ganges. In some parts of India, married women observe fast for happy married life.
On this day the newly harvested crop is offered to the family deity (Isht Dev) and only after this ritual it is taken for consumption of family and for commercial sale.
Beej Mantra : 'Om Een (Saraswati) Hreen (Lakshmi) Kleen (Kali) Chamundaye Vichaye' is chanted on this occasion as well as Diwali and Navratri by house holders.
Gayatri Mantra : is the sum of Vedas and Gayatri is mother of Vedas (Ved Mata Gayatri), Gayatri is also called Saraswati and Savitri. Om is essence of Gayatri mantra and essence of Vedas. Om is special name of God.
On Vasant Panchami as well as on all special days, Hindus chant 'Om' which is the most sacred and pure form of remembering The All Mighty
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