Founded of Rajshri Productions  in 1947

His diligence united with sheer talent shaped Rajshri as one of the most prominent distribution and production houses in India. Today, Rajshri Production spans a repertoire of 50 films, a huge distribution network, a television division, and numerous export operations.

Personal Profile of  Tarachand Barjatya

Born on May 10, 1914 at Kuchaman city, Rajasthan, Tarachand Barjatya graduated from Vidyasagar College, Calcutta. At the ripe young age of nineteen, he embarked on a promising career in the film industry by initially working as an unpaid apprentice.

Memorable Flims Produced by Tarachand Barjatya

Some of the memorable films produced by him were Jeevan Mrityu, Uphaar, Piya Ka Ghar, Saudagar, Geet Gaata Chal, Tapasya, Chitchor, Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye, Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se, Sawan Ko Aane Do, Taraana, Nadiya Ke Paar, Saaransh.

Tarachand Barjatya envisioned the inherent potential within his grandson, Sooraj Barjatya. He continuously stimulated the growth of young Sooraj, and encouraged him to independently direct a film for the Rajshri banner.

Awards & Recognition

Tarachand Barjatya was appointed by the Government of India as a member of the committee of films with Mrs. Indira Gandhi as its Chairperson.

He was later again appointed by the Government as a member of the ‘Working Group of Films’ which submitted its report to the Parliament.

He died in 21 September 1992.

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Personal Profile of Asrani

Asrani was born on 1 January 1941 in Jaipur, Rajasthan to a middle class Sindhi family. He completed his matriculation from Xaviers School and did his graduation from Rajasthan College, Jaipur.

He simultaneously worked as a voice artise on All India Radio, Jaipur, to pay for his education. His wife ‘Manju Bansal’ is also an actress ans son- Naveen Asrani  is an established Dentist in Ahmedabad.

Memorable Comic Role of Asrani

Asrani  has acted in more than 300 Hindi & Gujarati film and some has been some memorable, such as the jailer in Sholay, Prashant in Chupke Chupke, Chandru in Abhimaan Babu in Bawarchi and Nagesh in Chhoti si baat.

Directed Movies and Sang Songs

Asrani has also directed some movies: Udaan (1997) Dil Hi To Hai (1992) Hum Nahin Sudhrenge (1980) Salaam Memsaab (1979) Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977) Amdavad No Rikshawalo (1974).

In 1977, Asrani sang two songs in the movie Alaap, both were picturised onto him. A year later he sang a duet with the singing legend Kishore Kumar for the film Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan. Asrani recently made a special appearance in the Punjabi film Yaariyan.

The 90’s and 2000’s have also seen him in a number of blockbuster films lik eJo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Hera Pheri, Chup Chup Ke, Hulchul and Deewane Huye Pagal and he is an integral part of comedies by Sajjid Nadiadwala and Priyadarshan

Awards and Reorganization

• Best Actor, Best Director Award from Gujarat State Government for “Saat Qaidi” (Gujarati)
• Filmfare Award for best comedian in 1973 – Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar
• Filmfare Award for best comedian in 1976- Balika Badhu
• Shama Sushama Award for Best Comedian – Anhonee
• Filmfare Award for best comedian in 1990

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There are many famous cartoonists who specialize in drawing cartoons by applying the traditional method of sketching rough pictures by pencil. Often cartoonists work with intention of online publication an increasingly demanding work in digital media.  Though there are many famous cartoonists in india and Sudhir Tailang is one of them.

Personal & Career Profile of  Sudhir Tailang

Sudhir Tailang was born in Bikaner Rajasthan.  Tailang, who made his first cartoon in 1970, started his career with the Illustrated Weekly of India, Mumbai, in 1982. In 1983, he joined the Navbharat Times in Delhi.

For several years he was with the Hindustan Times, while also doing short stints with the Indian Express and the The Times of India. His present assignment is with the Asian Age.

Launched Book of Cartoons Titled “No, Prime Minister”

He also launched a book of cartoons titled “No, Prime Minister”, a set of cartoons on the current Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh.

This book  includes his cartoons on the prime minister from the Hindustan Times, where he worked for about two decades. Sudhir Tailang is also the creator of the documentary Abu, The Philosopher.

Awarded Padma Shri in 2004

He was awarded Padma Shri in 2004 for his contribution to the art of cartooning.

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It is celebrated in the month of chaitra (March-April), the first month of the Hindu calendar. This month marks the end of winter and the onset of spring. This year Gangaur festival will be on 18 March, 2010.

Honoring the Goddess Gauri

Gangaur is all about honoring the goddess Gauri. A manifestation of Parvati (Lord Shiva’s wife), she represents purity and austerity.

The word ‘Gangaur’ is literally made up of two words, ‘Gana’ and ‘Gaur’. ‘Gana’ is synonymous with Lord Shiva and ‘Gaur’ which stands for Gauri or Parvati.

It’s believed that Parvati returned to her parental home during Gangaur, to bless her friends with marital bliss. On the last day, Parvait was given a grand farewell by her loved ones and Lord Shiva arrived to escort her home.

The festival is predominantly for women, who dress up in their best clothes pray for a husband of their choice, or the welfare of their husbands.

Traditional Procession of Gangaur in Jaipur

A traditional procession of Gangaur commences form the Zanani- Deodhi of the City Palace, passing through Tripolia Bazaar, Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, Chaugan stadium and finally converges near the Talkatora. The procession is headed by a colorful pageantry of elephants, old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts and performance folk artistes.

In Jaipur, a sweet dish called ghewar is popularly distributed amongst friends and relatives.

Boat procession in Udaipur

In Udaipur, there’s a boat procession on Lake Pichola, and fireworks. Women balance several brass pitchers on their heads add to the interest. The occasion ends with fireworks on the banks of the lake.

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Personal Profile of Lakshmi Niwas Mittal

Lakshmi Mittal  was born in Sadulpur village, in the Churu district of Rajasthan. He studied accounting and business at the prestigious St. Xavier’s College of Calcutta.

Career Growth of LN Mittal

He began his career working in the family’s steelmaking business in India, and in 1976, when the family founded its own steel business, Mittal set out to establish its international division, beginning with the buying of a run-down plant in Indonesia.

Since 2005, Mittal has been the richest person residing in the United Kingdom, the richest person in Asia and the fourth richest person on the planet.

He is the President of the Board of Directors and CEO of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest producer of steel. In March 2008, Mittal was reported to be the 4th wealthiest person in the world by Forbes Magazine.

Fifth Richest Person in World

As of 2010, Mittal is the fifth richest person in the world. He is also the richest person in the Europe with personal wealth of US$28.7 billion or £19.04 billion in 2010.

He presently lives in Kensington, London. His residence at 18-19 Kensington Palace Gardens which was purchased from Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone in 2004 for £57 million (US$128 million), making it the world’s most expensive house at the time.

Awards

Mittal was awarded Fortune magazine’s “European Businessman of the Year 2004” and also “Steelmaker of the Year” in 1996 by New Steel, and the “Willy Korf Steel Vision Award” in 1998, for outstanding vision, entrepreneurship, leadership and success in global steel development from American Metal Market and PaineWeber’s World Steel Dynamics.

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Personal Profile of  Kanhaiyalal Sethia

He was born in Sujangarh, Churu District in the Indian state of Rajasthan. His father’s name was Chhagan Mal Sethia and mother was Smt. Manohari Devi. He has two sons Jay Prakash and Vinay Prakash and also a daughter named Smt Sampat Devi Dugar.

Patriotic Fervor for Rajasthan

The poetry of Kanhaiyalal shows his patriotic fervor for Rajasthan. His poems reflect the silent changes taking place in rural life of Rajasthan. Some of his poems are full of religious and spiritual overtones.

His first collection Ramaniyai ra soratha, was written in the traditional style of didactic poetry rich in images and similes. His other books of poems are Minjhara, Kum kum, Lilatamsa, Dhara kuncam dhara majalam, Mayada ro helo, Sabada, Satavani, Aghori kala.

Dharti Dhoran Ri – The Anthem Song of Rajasthan

His two Rajasthani poems are world famous and have attained cult status. “Dharti Dhoran Ri” is recognized as the Anthem Song of Rajasthan through out the world.

Internationally acclaimed film maker Gautam Ghosh has made a documantary based on this poem Titled “Land Of The Sand Dunes” which was awarded the”Swarna Kamal”( Golden Lotus ) by the Govt Of India.His other poems which are extremely well known are ” Pathal’R'Pithal”,”Kun Jameen Ro Dhani” which are in the hearts of more than 100 Million Rajasthanis living throughout the world.

Awarded Literary Geniuses of the 20th Century

Kanhaiyalal Sethia received the Sahitya Akademi award for the poem Lilatamsa. He has also won Jnanapitha Moortidevi Award in 1986, Surajmal Misrana Sekhar Award in 1987.

The United States Library of Congress has chosen him as one of the literary geniuses of the 20th century. His books have been archived by the Library, and his recordings are available on the Internet.

He died in Kolkata, West Bengal in year 2008.

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Famous Kalbeliya Dancer  – Gulabo

Gulabo is a famous Kalbeliya dancer of rajasthan who well known as ‘Gulabi Sapera’  across world.

Kalbeliya Dance Features

The Kalbeliyas, is a snake-charmer community from Rajasthan, which performs the Kalbeliya dance. They rely heavily on this dance performance for their living.

The Kalbeliya women dancers wear long, black coloured, drindled-skirts heavily worked with embroidery and light-coloured thread along with small pieces of mirrors. This costume draws the attention in a somewhat strange way.

Part of International Culture & Jazz Band

Gulabo lives in Jaipur, where many other Kalbeliyas have begun to live rooted lives, sending their children to schools and looking at opportunities modern India offers.

She is part of the international culture and music circuit, part of jazz bands and a performer in films. She is also a visiting teacher in Copenhagen, Denmark every year, to train children there in body-awareness and dance.

Check out the  catalog of  Gulabo’s  Performance

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Personal Profile of Irrfan Khan

Irffan Khan was born on born 7 January 1962  in Jaipur, Rajasthan into a Muslim Nawab family. His Mother is Sayeeda Begum, from Tonk Hakim Family and Father Late Yaseen Khan Jagirdar of Khajuriya village near Tonk district of Rajasthan.

He was studying for his M.A.degree when he earned a scholarship to study at National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi in 1984. He is married to Sutapa Sikdar, a writer and has two children.

Irrfan Khan’s Career

He made his debut in Bollywood with the film Salaam Bombay. Irrfan has also acted in TV serials such as Banegi Apni Baat and Chandrakanta.

In 1991, Irrfan appeared in the critically acclaimed film Ek Doctor Ki Maut. In 2003, Irrfan Khan played the title role in the critically acclaimed Maqbool, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Even after becoming a successful actor in bollywood, he has not severed his ties with television. He used to anchor a show ‘Mano ya na mano’.  He had hosted another programme called “Kya Kahen” which was on the similar lines of Mano Ya Na Mano like Superstition and Extra Sensory Perception etc.

International Success

His international recognition came when he portrayed the role of a Non Resident Bengali Professor in the USA in the lead role of the English movie The Namesake directed by Mira Nair.

He has a small role in the award-winning Slumdog Millionaire, but has earned him more recognition with the film’s success

Recognition and Awards

He received recognition for his roles in The Warrior (2001), Maqbool  (2003), Haasil  (2004), The Namesake (2006), A Mighty Heart (2007), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Billu (2009) and New York (2009)  and Vodafone  commercials ads.

He has won two Filmfare Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

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Personal Life of  Mehdi Hassan

Hassan was born in the village of Luna in Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan in 1927 into a Sunni Muslim family of traditional musicians. He claims to be the 16th generation of hereditary musicians hailing from the Kalawant.

His father Ustad Azeem Khan and uncle (’chacha’) Ustad Ismail Khan were notable classical singers of their time. Mehdi Hassan started learning classical music and voice production within the framework of classical forms of Thumri, Dhrupad, Khayal  and Dadra, at a very young age from his father.

It is said Mehdi Hassan started to perform with his elder brother Ghulam Qadir Khan as Darbari Gawayya and the first concert of Dhrupad and Kheyal at the darbar of Maharaja of Barodah.

After the independence, 20 years old Mehdi Hassan and his family migrated to Pakistan and settled in Cheecha Watni, district Sahiwal. He is  married and his son Asif Mehdi is also a ghazal singer.

Undisputed Emperor of Ghazals

His unsurpassed vocal range and his mastery over even the most difficult of raags makes him the undisputed emperor of ghazals. His popularity, appreciation and continued success among masses over five decades makes him on par with Noor Jehan in the league of the greatest Pakistani singers of all time.

Mehdi Hassan also had a passion for Urdu poetry and started to experiment by singing ghazals on a part time basis. He cites radio officers Z.A. Bukhari and Rafiq Anwar as additional influences in his progression as a ghazal singer. They gave him ample opportunities to display his mastery over the ghazal on radio. He sang ghazals of all the renowned Urdu poets and soon his innovative style was soon appreciated by both the masses and discerning audiences.

Awards and Recognitions

He has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. The government of Pakistan has awarded Mehdi Hassan the pride of performance as a recognition to his services rendered to music, and he was also recently awarded a life achievement award by Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation.

Besides the Nigar Film and Graduate Awards from Pakistan, he was presented the Saigal Award in Jalandhar, India, in 1979, whereas the Gorkha Dakshan Bahu Award was given to him in Nepal in 1983.

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Vishwa Mohan Bhatt’s Mohan Veena

He has attracted international attention by his successful combination of the western Hawaiian guitar with his perfect assimilation of sitar, sarod & veena techniques, by giving it a evolutionary design & shape and by adding 14 more strings helping him to establish the instrument MOHAN VEENA to unbelievable heights.

With blinding speed and faultless legato, Bhatt is undoubtedly one of the most expressive, versatile and greatest slide player s in the world.

Personal Life of Vishwa Mohan Bhatt

Vishwa Mohan Bhatt was born on July 12, 1952. He is married to Padma and lives in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, with his two sons and his wife. His elder son Salil Bhatt is a renowned Mohan veena player, while his younger son Saurabh Bhatt is a well known composer.

Awards – Grammy Award Winner

He won the highest music award of the world, the Grammy Award in 1994 along with Ry Cooder for their World Music Album, ‘A MEETING BY THE RIVER’ enhancing his celebrity status not only as a star performer but also as an improviser and a soulful composer.

He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1998 and the Padma Shri in 2002.

Check out the  catalog of  Vishwa Mohan Bhatt’s Performance

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