#ajoy bose

[undying-love]

"The cool waters also tempted John and Paul to take a dip in the river. A few times they quietly slipped off their clothes and waded in completely naked."

-Across the Universe: The Beatles in India, by Ajoy Bose

[greensparty]

BEST DOCUMENTARIES OF 2022

Documentary as a genre can encompass any medium: feature film, TV mini-series, or even podcasts. Here are my picks for the best Docs of the year:

Honorable Mentions:    

Meet Me in the Bathroom  Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern

Nothing Compares  Kathryn Ferguson

Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99  Jamie Crawford

George Carlin’s American Dream  Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio

The Beatles and India  Ajoy Bose and Peter Compton

Freedom Uncut  David Austin and George Michael

Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, A Song  Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine

Sidney  Reginald Hudlin

10. Back to the Drive-In  April Wright

9. Like a Rolling Stone: The Life & Times of Ben Fong-Torres  Suzanne Joe Kai

8. Is That Black Enough for You?!?  Elvis Mitchell

7. Claydream  Marq Evans

6. If These Walls Could Sing  Mary McCartney

5. Stutz  Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill sits down with his therapist for a doc about the therapist and his approach, that is insightful and thought-provoking.

4. The Pez Outlaw  Amy Bandlien Storkel and Bryan Storkel

This profile of a man who smuggled rare Pez dispensers into America in the 90s and made millions is so crazy and outlandish you need to see it to believe it!

3. Moonage Daydream  Brett Morgen

Morgen’s doc about David Bowie was made with the Bowie Estate and had some rare footage of the rock legend, but it was really the sci-fi approach to the subject that made this electric!

2. Good Night Oppy  Ryan White

The inspirational story of Opportunity, the Mars rover that was expected to live 90 days and explored Mars for 15 years, was the big screen Event Movie of documentaries in 2022!

1. Last Flight Home  Ondi Timoner

Ondi turned the camera onto her father Eli Timoner towards the end of his life with a cinema vérité account of the family confronting death. This went beyond a movie or a documentary and was truly an emotional life experience that was captured on film by one of the people experiencing it. Nothing but respect and admiration for Ondi and her brave filmmaking at such a time.

[suryamouli-blog1]

A few songs in Bengali Films that sets the mood for the viewers to watch it

It is widely opined that Indian cinema is fundamentally deficient without its alluring songs. Therefore, it comes as no astonishment that we have been bestowed with copious instances of melodious tunes that effortlessly captivate the hearts of the audience, serving as the quintessential companion to the presented opus.

In my particular case, I have chanced upon a few invaluable gems that instantly transport me to the realm of the film, summoning the desired sentiments. Permit me to bestow upon you my adulations:

Tabo Charana Nimne (Oh! Behold the beauty below) - First and foremost, we have the 1966 magnum opus "Subhaschandra", skilfully directed by the venerable Piyush Basu. This cinematic marvel delves into the existence of Subhash Chandra Bose, an extraordinary patriot who played a pivotal role in India's National movement. The film exhibits an array of patriotic melodies, deftly composed to resonate with the narrative and ignite the fervor of patriotism within the hearts of the viewers. In my humble opinion, the song that truly encapsulates this sentiment is none other than 'Tabo Charana Nimne', crafted by the illustrious Rajanikanta Sen. Although I certainly appreciate the other musical offerings, this particular melody, when juxtaposed with the film, instils in me an unparalleled sense of patriotism and motivation. The musical genius Aparesh Lahiri, in collaboration with Maestro Manna Dey, ensures that this song is performed with utmost delicacy and finesse.

2. Haridaser Bulbul Bhaja (A roadside snack prepared by Haridas) - Progressing to Tarun Majumder's romantic comedy extravaganza of 1972, 'Sriman Prithviraj'. Allow me to assert that the captivating opening song, 'Haridasher bulbul bhaja-', wonderfully crooned by the talented Tarun Bandyopadhyay and brought to life on screen by the incomparable Rabi Ghosh, effortlessly grasps the attention of the audience. Unbeknownst to them, it ushers a delightful smile onto their countenances, preparing them for the enchantment that lies ahead. Penned down by the beloved lyricist Gauriprasanna Majumder and composed by the legendary Hemanta Mukherjee, this delightful melody, in my view, wholeheartedly caters to the desires of the audience. One might even consider it an 'anthem' for the roadside food vendors in India, who, as a crucial part of the masses, satiate the hunger of weary travellers with their freshly prepared and reasonably priced delectables.

3. Potaldangar amra kojon bikhyato char murtiman (We are the famous four musketeers from Potaldanga) Now, let us venture into the whimsical world of "Tenida", where we are regaled by the exploits of the spirited Tenida and his three precocious juniors, Habul, Pyala, and Kyabla. Unlike typical elder figures in any group, Tenida not only acts as a member of the gang but also manages to reduce the average age of the group! The song 'Potaldangar amra kojon', penned by the esteemed Shibdas Bandyopadhyay, brilliantly captures the thoughts and aspirations of a teenager embarking on a new world. It seamlessly combines the innocence and purity of adolescence, presented in a simplistic manner. Ajoy Das, with his musical prowess, and the enchanting voice of Manna Dey, add that extra touch of magic! While I personally believe that the film may pale in comparison to the novel, this particular song successfully revives the ambiance and endeavors to engulf the individual in a world of cheer and merriment, far removed from the clutches of despondency.

4. Chalo Ekhono Somoy Ache (Let's go for there is still time) - Next, we step into the enchanting realm of Anjan Dutta's 2008 spectacle 'Chalo Let's Go'. This cinematic masterpiece delves into the themes of camaraderie, intricate relationships, and most importantly, travel. The song 'Cholo ekhono somoy ache', performed by the talented quartet comprising Anjan Dutt, Ujjaini Mukherjee, Sreekanta Acharya, and Rupam Islam, under the skilled musical direction of Neel Dutta, splendidly encompasses the essence of bohemianism, offering a nonchalant glimpse into life accompanied by a wave of nostalgia. The line within the song, 'Ei poth jodi na sesh hoy-', is guaranteed to bring a smile to any Bengali's countenance even today! This song ingeniously combines the Bengali yearning for exploration with a hint of nostalgia. Personally, I find it to be a melodious bridge that seamlessly connects the audience to the film's narrative. Thus, I strongly assert that this song possesses an extraordinary connection.

5. Jekono Bhumikay Somaane Lore Jaai (I fit into any role) - Last but certainly not the least, we have Abhijit Choudhury's 2003 cinematic marvel, "Patalghar". This film bestowed upon us the unforgettable song 'Jekono bhumikay somaane lore jaai-', rendered with great finesse by the talented Kharaj Mukherjee, under the musical supervision of the revered Debojyoti Mishra. This delightful masterpiece isn't merely a song; it encompasses dialogues and harmonious chaos, paying homage to the luminaries of Bengali cinema, such as the legendary Uttam Kumar and Chhabi Biswas.

Allow me to emphasize that what I have just shared is but a minuscule fraction in the vast expanse of mesmerizing songs that adeptly set the ambience and instantaneously connect the audience with the audio-visual experience. And mind you, this is merely within my vernacular! I am acutely aware that there are countless melodies in other languages, awaiting discovery and admiration. Hence, I beseech my cherished readers to share their thoughts and recommendations, as I eagerly yearn to explore even more musical masterpieces within the confines of my own vernacular.

[pablolf]

Film Journal

"The Beatles and India" by Ajoy Bose and Peter Compton

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🎶Finally a joy, thanks #Google • #bose #music #freestuff #gift #ajoy https://www.instagram.com/p/CKmq-GcAWVy/?igshid=m6uob1s36at

[beatlesradioshows]

Beatles,  Things We Said Today #361 – Pete Compton and ‘The Beatles and India’     Download  

In Episode 361 of Things We Said Today, Ken Michaels, Allan Kozinn and Darren DeVivo speak with Pete Compton, who co-directed (with Ajoy Bose) the new film ‘The Beatles in India’ – an expansive look at the Beatles’ involvement with Indian music and spirituality, as well as the Beatles’ impact on India.  

[salonaudiovisualfrancispou-fan]

Traducción del inglés-The Beatles and India es un documental de 2021 dirigido por el autor y periodista político indio Ajoy Bose. Cubre la inmersión de los Beatles en la cultura y la filosofía de la India durante la década de 1960 y la influencia de la banda en la India. Estupendo documental disponible en #hbomax #beatles https://www.instagram.com/francispou/p/CZIfwmKr3xU/?utm_medium=tumblr

[updatesnews]

The Beatles and India: John Lennon ‘tormented by his inner demons and constantly seeking’ | Music | Entertainment

The Beatles and India: John Lennon ‘tormented by his inner demons and constantly seeking’ | Music | Entertainment

A new documentary film called The Beatles and India explores the Fab Four’s relationship with the Asian country. Fans will know the band and their music was influenced in a number of ways by India, in particular George Harrison. And now in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, director Ajoy Bose has shared how John Lennon took to India and what he was hoping to get out of staying there in…

[hadarlaskey]

A new documentary explores the Beatles’ enduring relationship with India

You don’t have to be a Beatles superfan to know that they had a special relationship with India. Yet while John, Paul, George and Ringo took an active interest in the country’s culture and classical music, notably allowing it to seep into their songwriting on ‘The White Album’ and ‘Abbey Road’ – the former having been largely written during an extended stay in the subcontinent – their impact on the Indian public is less well-documented.

Now an enlightening new documentary, which premieres at the UK Asian Film Festival next month, is set to change that. Directors Ajoy Bose and Peter Compton have condensed hours of rare archival footage, much of it never before seen, along with audio recordings, photographs and eye-witness accounts, to tell the story of the band’s time in India as it has never been told before.

The film begins by recounting how the Beatles first came to India in February 1968, seeking creative inspiration, spiritual guidance and, in Harrison’s case, a crash course in sitar playing from the virtuoso composer Pandit Ravi Shankar. Clips of the pair delicately plucking their instruments together against a serene open-air backdrop provide a clear insight into the commitment, craftsmanship and open-mindedness that made Harrison such a supreme talent.

Most famously, it was on this visit that the Beatles became acquainted with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. At the Maharishi’s ashram on the outskirts of Rishikesh in northern India, the band studied Transcendental Meditation alongside the likes of Donovan, Mia Farrow and the Beach Boys’ Mike Love, each hoping to further their artistic development and sense of personal fulfilment. But the Beatles’ reverence for the guru gradually faded, and one by one they returned home to England where they denounced his dubious practices.

Crucially, the documentary is called The Beatles and India – its focus is as much on the legacy of Beatlemania on Indian popular culture as it is on the band’s spiritual retreat in early ’68. Some of the most engaging footage featured here shows four young Indian men clad in matching bowl cuts and mohair suits entertaining a rapt nightclub crowd. (It’s worth noting that the Beatles’ music is absent throughout, though this shouldn’t detract from your overall enjoyment; you’ve heard the songs a thousand times before anyway.)

So at the same time as the Beatles spent several months soaking up India’s distinct sounds and daily rhythms, the reverse was also happening. As various talking-heads experts and musicians testify over the course of the film, the Fab Four changed India as much as it changed them, and more than half a century on from their highly-publicised trip their influence can still be felt here, there and everywhere.

The Beatles and India will receive its world premiere at BFI Southbank on Sunday 6 June as part of the UK Asian Film Festival.

The post A new documentary explores the Beatles’ enduring relationship with India appeared first on Little White Lies.

source https://lwlies.com/festivals/the-beatles-and-india-documentary/

[greensparty]

Documentary Reviews: The Beatles and India / George Michael Freedom Uncut

This week I got to review not one but two music documentaries:

The Beatles and India

There is a long history of documentary films about The Beatles’ connections to specific regions (countries, states, cities). I am a lifelong Beatle fanatic and I’ve seen documentaries about their history with Liverpool, UK; Hamburg, Germany; London, England; NYC, NY, USA; and even lesser ones like Benton, IL. The gist of all of these documentaries is showcasing how the region and the culture played a role in The Beatles’ history and the influence it had on their music. In 2013, I, myself, made a short documentary about The Beatles’ musical connections to Boston, highlighting the concerts they played in the city, connections to Boston musicians and radio outlets. Now, The Beatles history with India is getting the documentary treatment with the documentary The Beatles and India, which screened film festivals last year and is being released on blu-ray and DVD from MVD Entertainment Group this week.

movie poster

In 2018 journalist Ajoy Bose’s book Across the Universe: The Beatles in India was released. After the book’s release, Bose and co-director Peter Compton began making a documentary based on the book. In The Beatles Anthology  (easily the most comprehensive Beatles doc ever made), they covered The Beatles visit to Rishikesh, India in 1968. I am a firm believer that if you are going to make a doc about The Beatles, you need to be shedding light on something new or else you’re just re-iterating what The Beatles Anthology and Compleat Beatles already covered. This is why in the last few years there are been some Beatle docs that try to look at parts of their history that haven’t been covered as much, i.e. Ron Howard’s The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years about their live performance, Peter Jackson’s The Beatles’ Get Back delving deeper into the Get Back / Let It Be recording, and Good Ol’ Freda about their secretary Freda Kelly. The Beatles and India is not trying to tell the entire history of the Fab Four, but just their history with India.

The 1965 Beatles movie Help! featured several Indian musicians and that got the attention of George Harrison. It lead to his friendship with Ravi Shankar. In the years that followed The Beatles began incorporating Indian instruments and musical styles into their own music, i.e. “Norwegian Wood”, “Tomorrow Never Knows” and “Within You Without You”. In 1966, they made a stop in New Dehli, India. In 1967, at the peak of The Beatles fame, they attended Mahareshi Mahesh Yogi’s transcendental meditation seminar in Wales and became engaged with it. In 1968, the Fab Four and their wives and entourage visited Rishikesh to the Maharishi’s ashram. There was eventually a falling out with the Mahareshi (not a spoiler as this was public info from that era). But just the experience of that visit inspired several songs as well. 

The Beatles, Mahareshi Maharesh Yogi and friends at Mahareshi’s ashram in 1968

As a documentary, this is really good at putting the region into the context of Beatles history. There are a lot of historians, authors, journalists and experts who are interviewed. However, the one thing that is missing from doc is Beatles music. It is not surprising that a documentary does not have the budget for Beatles songs, but it felt like something was missing. We’re seeing all of this archival footage and photos and hearing how this experience inspired “Dear Prudence” and this other experience inspired “Sexy Sadie” and we’re not hearing any of those songs. Also - the fact that they didn’t have any of The Beatles interviewed other than archival footage also felt like something was missing. They did get Pattie Boyd (George Harrison’s wife at the time), but everyone else was more historians and journalists, many of whom had terrific insight, but I was hoping for Paul or Ringo or someone else from their camp to comment further. Overall - this was a very well done doc, I just wanted more. As for the blu-ray itself, there’s an extended interview with Ajoy Bose, an Ashram map and production photos. Not a lot in the way of extras, but it is the doc itself that is front and center.

The Beatles and India is being released on blu-ray and DVD by MVD Entertainment Group this week: https://beatlesandindia.com/the-film/

3.5 out of 5 stars

George Michael Freedom Uncut

Just before his death at age 53 in 2016, singer George Michael had actually been working on a documentary about himself that was set to premiere in 2017. After his death, the project was put on hold. Co-director David Austin has completed the documentary George Michael Freedom Uncut and it is getting a one-night only theatrical release on June 22.

movie poster

As part of the U.K. pop duo Wham!, Michael became a superstar in the 1980s. Wham!’s 1984 album Make It Big that really put them on the map. It was one of the first cassette tapes I ever got (after Thriller, Purple Rain and Stay Hungry). They had a cool sing-along vibe to their music that is fun when you’re a kid like I was at the time. They performed at Live Aid and were the first Western pop act to perform in China. At the peak of their fame, Wham! broke up in 1986 and Michael began a solo career. His 1987 album Faith was one of the all-time great albums of the 1980s. A highly underrated album was his 1990 follow-up Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. He was so adamant about being known for his music and not his looks that he didn’t appear in any of the music videos. Even though I was into metal at the time, I kind of dug his solo music. He had such a great voice. 

Michael in his prime in the 80s

This doc shows the progression from Wham! to the mature crooner he was towards the end of this life. An interesting device this doc does is showing various interviewees listening to some of Michael’s songs on vinyl and their reaction. While it was engaging to hear the likes of Elton John, Liam Gallagher, Mary J. Blige and James Corden unpacking the music and lyrics of some of his famous songs, it did go on a little longer than it should have. But what this doc got very right was Michael telling his story in his own words. He addresses being in the closet, his battle with his label Sony and his various scandals. The most powerful part was when he performed “Somebody to Love” at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert at a time when Michael’s partner was suffering of AIDS, as Michael performed at an AIDS benefit paying tribute to Mercury, who had recently died of AIDS. The fact is no one can sing like Mercury, but boy did Michael rise to the challenge and then some! Easily his greatest performance!  The doc is not the most comprehensive as it definitely glossed over his career from 2000-2016. But it is Michael posthumously able to tell his story, which is worth hearing and seeing!

For info on George Michael Freedom Uncut: https://www.georgemichaelfreedomuncut.com/

3.5 out of 5 stars

[adeaction]

Get ABP Ad agents contact details, Anandabazar Patrika Advertisement contact Details of All West Bengal & Kolkata for all locations and book Ads in ABP online. For booking Please check http://anandabazarpatrika.adeaction.com/ or call +91 7098989891

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Shyambazar, Hatibagan, Maniktala, Kankurgachi, Rajabazar, Shobhabazar, Shyampukur, Tala, Sonagachi, Kumortuli, Bagbazar, Jorabagan, Burrabazar, Jorasanko, Phoolbagan, Ultadanga, Chitpur, Pathuriaghata, Cossipore, Belgachia and Sinthee

Central Kolkata-

Park Circus, Sealdah, College Street, Burrabazar, Bowbazar, Taltala, Janbazar, Entally, Chandni Chowk, Lalbazar, Chowringhee, Dharmatala, Rabindra Sadan, Tiretti Bazaar, Bow Barracks, Babughat, Princep Ghat, B. B. D. Bagh, Esplanade, Strand Road, Chowringhee, Camac Street, Wood Street, Loudon Street, Shakespeare Sarani and A. J. C. Bose Road, Maidan and Hastings.

South Kolkata –

Ballygunge, Alipore, New Alipore, Lansdowne, Bhawanipore, Kalighat, Gariahat, Charu Market, Chetla, Jodhpur Park, Lake Gardens, South City, Jadavpur, Dhakuria and Tollygunge.

East Kolkata-

Beliaghata, Topsia, Picnic Garden, Tangra, Gobra, Kustia, Tiljala, Anandapur, East Kolkata Twp, Panchasayar, Madurdaha, Nayabad, Kalikapur, Survey Park, Purbalok, Mukundapur, Ajoy Nagar, Hiland Park, Chak Garia, Patuli, Budherhat, Nayabad and New Garia.

[omgstupendousbouquetbasement]

Does India’s Congress Party Have a Future in Face of Modi Onslaught

It was India’s “Grand Old Party.” The Congress Party ruled the country for 55 out of 71 years since independence. But following the party’s crushing electoral debacle for a second time, there are questions about its future as the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty at its helm is unable to counter the most powerful leader India has produced in decades: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.   Contrary to expectations, India’s mammoth general election turned out to be virtually a no-contest between Modi and Congress Party president Rahul Gandhi as it became a presidential-style battle.   “It is not what went wrong with the Congress, it is more of a story of what went right for Prime Minister Modi. He stood as a tall leader, as an achiever, as somebody who understood people’s aspirations,” says political commentator Rasheed Kidwai, who has authored a biography of Rahul Gandhi’s mother, Sonia Gandhi. On the other hand, “Rahul Gandhi is temperamentally not a power wielder. He is a trustee of power.”   The sixth member of the Nehru Gandhi family to lead the party, Rahul is often seen as a “reluctant politician”, despite his spirited campaign to revive the party and challenge Modi after its rout in 2014.   Gandhi’s rallies drew crowds, but his efforts to project Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party as a threat to India’s secular traditions or to highlight issues of economic distress failed to resonate. His attempts to nail him for corruption in a deal to buy Rafale French fighter jets fell flat. His promise of a minimum wage for India’s poorest families was met with skepticism, even among the poor.   On the other hand, Modi, successfully wooed voters with his message of strident nationalism and subtle appeal to the majority Hindu community. Along with it, there was another theme: he projected himself as the humble son of a tea seller, a self made man who fought all odds to reach the top post in contrast to what he called the “entitled” Gandhi who had inherited the mantle of leadership of the Congress Party.   It drew cheers from the country’s emerging middle and lower-middle classes, exhausted with dynastic politics.   The Congress Party’s tally of 52 seats in parliament was only a notch higher than the 44 seats it won in 2014 in the 545-member parliament. The party’s candidates returned empty-handed in half the Indian states and in several others the party only mustered a single digit tally.Modi's BJP won 303 seats.   The scale of its losses not just crushed hopes the Congress Party would either lead a credible challenge to Modi or return as invigorated opposition - it once again raised questions over the leadership of the Gandhi family.   Rahul Gandhi has offered to resign, but expectedly the party that has no second rung of leadership has turned it down. “The party will fulfill its role as a strong opposition. We need Rahul Gandhi to lead us in these challenging times,” Congress Party spokesman Randeep Surjewala said after a meeting of the party’s senior leaders on the weekend. Rahul Gandhi also lost the Amethi constituency the party had held for 50 years in Uttar Pradesh state. In another humiliating blow for the Gandhi family, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was appointed in a senior post to revive the party, failed to make an impact. Rahul's mother, Sonia Gandhi, won her party's only seat in the state. Rahul Gandhi’s victory in another constituency in South India means he will continue to be a lawmaker.   Dynastic politics is not limited to the Congress Party: lawmakers from political families are a routine feature of Indian politics.   But political commentators say in an era showing a preference for strong, populist leaders, Modi was the clear victor.   “There is a new sense of nationalism sweeping across many conventional democracies. There is a yearning for a strong leader that captures the public imagination,” according to political analyst Ajoy Bose. “I don’t really see the conventional Congress Party or the conventional leadership mounting a challenge to Modi. He has completely taken the country by storm.”   Gandhi tried to give a positive message after the party’s rout. “We have a different vision of India [from Modi]”, said the head of the party that has long projected itself as a defender of India’s minorities, such as Muslims who worry about religious polarization and a rise in hate crimes since Modi came to power. "There is no need to be afraid. We will continue to work hard and we will eventually win."   But it may be difficult to reinvent what analysts call a “fading party.” They say Modi’s BJP now occupies the dominant political space that the Congress party did for decades. “Congress is going to get reduced to, you know, like the Liberals did in Britain,” says Rasheed Kidwai.                     from Blogger http://bit.ly/2MdlISx via IFTTT

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Ustad Amir Khan on his 105th birth anniversary.

Ustad Amir Khan (15 August 1912 – 13 February 1974) was a well-known Indian classical vocalist. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Hindustani classical music, and the founder of the Indore Gharana.

Amir Khan had a rich baritone voice with a three-octave range, and could move equally effortlessly in any octave. He developed his own gayaki (singing style), influenced by the styles of Abdul Waheed Khan (vilambit tempo), Rajab Ali Khan (taans) and Aman Ali Khan (merukhand). This unique style, known as the Indore Gharana, blends the spiritual flavor and grandeur of dhrupad with the ornate vividness of khyal. Amir Khansahib presented an aesthetically detailed badhat (progression) in ati-vilambit laya (very slow tempo) using bol-alap with merukhandi patterns, followed by gradually speeding up sargams with various ornamentations, taans and bol-taans with complex and unpredictable movements and jumps while preserving the raga structure, and finally a madhyalaya or drut laya (medium or fast tempo) chhota khyal or a ruba'idar tarana. He helped popularize the tarana, as well as khyalnuma compositions in the Dari variant of Persian. While he was famous for his use of merukhand, he did not do a purely merukhandi alap but rather inserted merukhandi passages throughout his performance.

Khansahib often used the taals Jhoomra and Ektaal, and generally preferred a simple theka (basic tabla strokes that define the taal) from the tabla accompanist. Even though he had been trained in the sarangi, he generally performed khyals and taranas with only a six-stringed tanpura and tabla for accompaniment. Sometimes he had a subdued harmonium accompaniment, but he almost never used the sarangi.

While he could do traditional layakari (rhythmic play), including bol-baant, which he has demonstrated in a few recordings, he generally favored a swara-oriented and alap-dominated style, and his layakari was generally more subtle. His performances had an understated elegance, reverence, restrained passion and an utter lack of showmanship that both moved and awed listeners. According to Kumarprasad Mukhopadhyay's book "The Lost World of Hindustani Music", Bade Ghulam Ali Khan's music was extroverted, exuberant and a crowd-puller, whereas Amir Khan's was an introverted, dignified darbar style. Amir Khansahib believed that poetry was important in khyal compositions, and with his pen name, Sur Rang ("colored in swara"), he has left several compositions.

He believed in competition between the genres of classical music and film and other popular music, and he felt that classical renderings needed to be made more beautiful while remaining faithful to the spirit and grammar of the raga. He used to say, "नग़मा वही नग़मा है जो रूह सुने और रूह सुनाए" (music is that which originates from the heart and touches the soul).

Besides singing in concerts, Amir Khan also sang film songs in ragas, in a purely classical style, most notably for the films Baiju Bawra, Shabaab and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje. This attempt to introduce classical music to the masses through films significantly boosted Khansahib's visibility and popularity. He also sang a ghazal Rahiye Ab Aisi Jagah for a documentary on Ghalib.

Khansahib's disciples include Amarnath, A. Kanan, Ajit Singh Paintal, Akhtar Sadmani, Amarjeet Kaur, Bhimsen Sharma, Gajendra Bakshi, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Kamal Bose, Kankana Banerjee, Mukund Goswami, Munir Khan, Pradyumna Kumud Mukherjee and Poorabi Mukherjee, Shankar Mazumdar, Singh Brothers, Srikant Bakre and Thomas Ross. His style has also influenced many other singers and instrumentalists, including Bhimsen Joshi, Gokulotsavji Maharaj, Mahendra Toke, Prabha Atre, Rashid Khan, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Rasiklal Andharia, Sanhita Nandi, Shanti Sharma, Nikhil Banerjee, the Imdadkhani gharana, and Sultan Khan. Although he referred to his style as the Indore Gharana, he was a firm believer of absorbing elements from various gharanas.

Amir Khan was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1967 and the Padma Bhushan in 1971.

Like बॉलीवुड डायरेक्ट Bollywoodirect

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India state polls test Modi popularity after currency chaos

Politics

India state polls test Modi popularity after currency chaos

Nearly three years ago, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a sweeping national election victory with promises to develop the economy and root out corruption. But with a series of key state elections beginning this weekend, Modi's popularity — and his surprise currency decree that sparked months of financial uproar — is now being tested.India is just emerging from the fallout of a November decision that withdrew India's two largest currency notes from circulation and caused weeks of chaos as people waited to get their money back in new bills.Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party hailed the move as a way to curb tax fraud and corruption and push India toward more digital spending.

said Ajoy Bose, a political analyst in New Delhi.

years ago, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Elections in Uttar Pradesh begin on Feb. 11, but because of the state's size, voting is divided into seven phases. Results from all the elections will be declared on March 11.

If the BJP were to lose in Uttar Pradesh, it would be a huge setback, both for the party and for Modi. It would destroy the myth of Modi, who has been projected as this political juggernaut of invincible proportions.

years ago, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi