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Published: 14 August 2014

Last Updated: 14 August 2014

A Year in Hindi Movies 1947 Part I

1947 - Part A: Saigal and Noorjahan gone.

Saigal was born on April 11, 1904 and learnt singing
from his mother Mrs. Kesar Kaur. Made just 28 movies and
sang about 250 songs, including non-filmi songs. The
legendary singer died on January 18, 1947. His last movie
was paravaanaa, his third and last with suraiyaa. Baby
khurshiid, later known as shyaamaa played his
sister. The music was by khurshiid anvar and lyrics were
by madhok. Saigal sang five songs,

Read more: A Year in Hindi Movies 1947

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Published: 27 August 2018

Last Updated: 27 August 2018

Thanks to M N Sardana, 7 more have been recognized. The only remaining ones from the credits are: Maula, D Jyothi, Rajeshwarim Krishna Veni, Surender and Rajesh.

Mamaji and Kedar Sahgal.

Now you know!

Ghazals 4

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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