Guest article by DP Rangan as a tribute to Naseem Banu on her 104th birth anniversary (4 July 1916 – 18 June 2002)
(Naseem Banu was arguably the most bewitching beauty of her time. When Saira Banu burst on the screen in the 1960s, she was immediately hailed as a Beauty Queen, and the media coverage was replete with references to her mother, Naseem Banu, who was regarded as even more mesmerising than her daughter. She achieved great fame as the lead actress of Sohrab Modi’s historical magnum opus, Pukaar (1939). And in keeping with the times she also sang many songs for films, but gradually let regular playback singers sing for her. She deserves to be remembered on Songs of Yore in a befitting manner, and DP Rangan is ever ready for doing the honours.
As the regulars of SoY are aware, Mr Rangan is a unique person. Though not familiar with the language, he has nevertheless written over twenty guest articles on various themes relating to old Hindi film songs, including on stars like Meena Kumari, Suraiya and Madhubala. He does an equally competent job, typical of him, for Naseem Banu. Thank you Mr Rangan for this tribute to Naseem Banu. – AK)
The Industrial Revolution from the mid-nineteenth century ushered in an era of prosperity for a few and misery for the majority. Entertainment avenues also underwent a radical change. Introduction of cinematography was one such event and people crowded theatres to enjoy silent movies. Advent of talkies in 1927 was a fillip to boost people’s interest and India had its first talkie in 1931. Cinema viewing was a new rage among the populace and film actors commanded a huge following. The time was ripe for the arrival of a maiden of beauty and the miracle did happen.