OPINION | Why Are We All Afraid of Mahatma Gandhi?
In the run-up to the birth anniversary of the ‘father of the nation’, Siddhesh Inamdar, editor of a new graphic novel about Gandhi’s life, introspects
Tag: biography
The Silliest Autobiography in the World – Winning Story
Like Dickens, I was born, except without a caul. Whether or not I am the heroine of my own story is for you to decide. In 2012, I moved from Magnolia, Texas to Mumbai, India; that’s when the silliness started. My days were filled with futile attempts to hear the difference between d se darawaja…… Continue reading The Silliest Autobiography in the World – Winning Story
How Jagjit Singh Won the South Over: An excerpt from ‘Baat Niklegi Toh Phir’
Jagjit rubbed shoulders with many other artistes, some of whom were as passionate as him. Among them […] Subhash Ghai, with whom he would forge a friendship that lasted his entire life. ‘I used to grab the gold medal in dramatics, he would win his for classical music,’ the producer-director said. ‘It was a portent of things to come.’ Ghai and Jagjit continued to meet at other…… Continue reading How Jagjit Singh Won the South Over: An excerpt from ‘Baat Niklegi Toh Phir’
The Ghazal King’s Introduction to Music: An Excerpt from ‘Baat Niklegi Toh Phir’
Music was not a part of [Jagjit Singh’s household’s] daily life, at least not in the way it is today. ‘Radios were a luxury not everyone could afford,’ Jagjit Singh had said of his early years. ‘World War II was on, and I remember going for walks with my father to the park so that…… Continue reading The Ghazal King’s Introduction to Music: An Excerpt from ‘Baat Niklegi Toh Phir’
The Role Ajmer Sharif Played in Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan being Chosen the Successor to Fateh Ali Khan
Nusrat’s father Fateh Ali Khan was diagnosed with throat cancer and died in March 1964, just when Nusrat was appearing for his school-leaving exam. Shortly before his death, one of Nusrat’s sisters, Kaniz Fatima, recalls an intense moment: ‘When our father was going to leave us forever, he called us all around him and asked us to chant the Kalima. We were doing…… Continue reading The Role Ajmer Sharif Played in Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan being Chosen the Successor to Fateh Ali Khan
The Little Qawwal: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
From very early on, Nusrat was deeply interested in everything related to music. In secret, he followed the classes when his father was teaching some of his students, absorbing and storing away all the knowledge he could, even trying to play the harmonium when his father was out of earshot. One day, while Nusrat was engrossed in his attempts to play one of…… Continue reading The Little Qawwal: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
How Pervez Fateh Ali Khan was named Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
On 13 October 1948, a baby boy was born to Fateh Ali Khan’s family—Pervez Fateh Ali Khan, also known by his nickname, Paiji. He was the first boy, born after four girls, which made him the centre of attention and everybody’s darling. His birth was celebrated with great ceremony. Many reputed musicians, like Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Lal Khan, and the…… Continue reading How Pervez Fateh Ali Khan was named Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
5½ Things You Didn’t Know about Rajesh Khanna
He was the man for whom the word ‘superstar’ was coined and reams upon reams have been written about him. But we bet you didn’t know these 5½ things about Rajesh Khanna. 1. It is common knowledge that Rajesh Khanna was born Jatin Khanna, but not as well known that he was adopted by his childless…… Continue reading 5½ Things You Didn’t Know about Rajesh Khanna
