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Published: 13 October 2016

Last Updated: 24 March 2019

Note: These captures from films appeared in a Facebook page Madhubala Magic. I would like to acknowledge the creator. Some of the images are from the Facebook page of Shalini Singh. Thanks you, Shalini.

Madhubala Images 1949 Mahal

Madhubala Images 1950 Nirala

Madhubala Images 1951 Sangdil

Madhubala Images 1951 Tarana

Madhubala Images 1954 Amar

Madhubala Images 1955 Mr-Mrs-55

Madhubala Images 1956 Rajhath

Madhubala Images 1956 Shirin-Farhad

Madhubala Images 1957 Ek-Saal

Madhubala Images 1958 Chalti-Ka-Nam-Gadi

Madhubala Images 1958 Howrah-Bridge

Madhubala Images 1958 Kala-Pani

Madhubala Images 1959 Do-Ustad

Madhubala Images 1960 Barsat-Ki-Raat

Madhubala Images 1960 Jali-Note

Madhubala Images 1961 Jhumroo

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Published: 18 September 2016

Last Updated: 18 September 2016

Extracts from two diaries of Mohd Rafi's songs

They are mostly in Urdu, are from the years 1968-69, and beloved to be written by his secretary.

Diary 57 from 1968

Diary 58 from 1969

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Published: 07 October 2015

Last Updated: 07 October 2015

Article on Azurie (1907-1998)

 Here is what I wrote about her in my book on Edwina Violette.

Azurie (Anna or Annette Marie Gueizielor)

Azurie was perhaps the first dancer who was considered essential to the success of a film. Born in 1907 as an Indo-German, she learned different dancing styles from many teachers. She started her career in the mid-thirties and continued well into the fifties. She migrated to Pakistan in late 50s and died there in 1998.

She is reputed to have introduced Cuckoo into Hindi films. She is remembered well for her dances in Shahjehan (1946). One of her dances in Parwana (1947) picturized on the song, Saiyaan Ne Unglee Maroree Re was considered vulgar enough to be banned from the film. She acted in about 50 Indian (Hindi) films from 1934-1960 and a few in Pakistan, most notably in Jhoomer (1959).

An article appeared in the Screen (1980) based on interviews with her when she visited India.  Enjoy the article, thanks to Kaustubh Pingle.

Azurie Article