Bollywood, a term that combines “Bombay” and “Hollywood,” is the popular name for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the largest and most influential film industries in the world.
Bollywood is known for its vibrant, high-energy films, which feature iconic song-and-dance sequences, dramatic storytelling, and musicality. From its early days of black-and-white films like Mughal-e-Azam and Pyaasa, which captured the essence of India’s cultural and social fabric, to blockbusters like Sholay and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Bollywood has continued to evolve with the times. The influence of Bollywood is far-reaching, with Indian diaspora communities worldwide embracing Bollywood films, music, and actors. It has also shaped global pop culture, cementing its place as an iconic and powerful force in the entertainment world.
However, in recent years, the industry has experienced a decline in box office numbers, compounded by factors such as the rise of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which forced theatres to close for extended periods. Audiences, now accustomed to on-demand content, have gravitated toward digital platforms. This shift has led to a restructuring of how films are produced, marketed, and consumed. The focus has now shifted to a more nuanced storytelling, experimental filmmaking, and an exploration of real-world issues, aiming to propel its reach through both theatres and OTT platforms.
In addition to these challenges, Bollywood has faced major controversies, particularly after the tragic suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020. His death ignited widespread discussions about mental health, the pressures of the film industry, and the issue of nepotism. Many pointed to the favoritism shown to industry insiders and the lack of opportunities for outsiders, which led to accusations of a closed and biased system. Furthermore, reports of drug abuse within Bollywood, especially in the aftermath of Rajput’s death, fueled media scrutiny.
Love u Rajendra Kumar Ji….
U r still alive among us with ur films n songs.
U and only u r a jubilee Kumar ….
When I say my favourite hero is Rajendra Kumar my friends laugh at me…. dont knw y … bt still u r my favoirite…… Love from ur youngest fan.
Rajendra Kumar’s career was not affected by Rajesh Khanna’s surge. Rajendra ji gave hits right upto 1972-73 in films like Lalkar and Gora aur Kala. Ageing prevented him from playing romantic hero of yester years. He switched himself to matured roles. He gave hit in Sajan Bina Suhagan in late seventies. Moreover Rajesh Khanna’s super stardom slide down after the advent of Amitabh Bachchan in Zanjeer in 1973. Long live Rajendra Kumar in the hearts of fans.
Rajendra Kumar was the natural choice of hero for the movies Dilip Kumar who believed that he should not over expose himself and therefore refused many films (Sangam, Khanoon, Suraj and many more. It’s said Dilip Kumar acquired the distribution rights of these movies which went on run in theatres continuously for 25 weeks . The two were very close with one another and respected each other tremendously. Rajendra Kumar was so impressed with Dilip Kumar on screen after Gunga Jamuna that he acted as the village rustic in atleast two movies he produced himself.
The sudden tsunami of the impact of Rajesh khanna was too in 1969/70 dealt s devastating blow to the popularity of many many stars including Rajendra Kumar . Rajesh Khanna even purchased Rajendrs Kumar’s house to rename it as Aashirwad which he retained until his end.
What Rajendra Kumar endured during his sunset years is a natural phenomenon everyone icluding “jubilee Kumar’s” have to endure , immortalised by the great Rajesh Khanna in his final message to hid die hard fans “chhahaten ulfatteen this duniya mein rehti nahin, aaj main hoon jahan kal koi aur tha , yeh bhi ek daur hai ,woh bhi ek daur tha”.
The memory of Rajendra Kumar will live long in the innumerable songs Rafi saab sang for him as well as the great movies he has acted in ,the role of a respectable medical doctor or of a gentleman. Long live “jubilee kumar” his Nick name as he has so many movies of his which ran for over 25 weeks.
Rajender Kumar was no doubt a super star of Sixty,s, He was a versatile actor and a nice human being. I had a privilege to meet him at Dehradun in the year 1996, What I feel he was an under rated actor, he did not get his due in film industry, No Filmfare awards, super roles in Mere Mehboob, Sangam, Arzoo, Dil ek Mandir, Zindagi etc .
He was king of emotions. He made me weep, in films: Mere Mehboob, Zindagi, Saathi, Palki, Geet etc. He was every inch an actor. Who can forget the songs of his films–
1. Mere Mehboob tujhe meri muhabbat ki qasam….
2. Muskura ladale…
3.Jo chala gayaa use bhool jaa….
4. Jaane waley tera khudaa Hafiz & other songs.
5. Aajaa tujhko pukaren mere Geet re…
May! His soul rest in peace.
Yes…today’s old generation people can’t forget this Jubilee Kumar. Wah what a performance, what a song, how much emotional acting….wah ..No body can give such a performance. HE IS ” NA BHOOTHO, NA BHAVISHYATHI.” When Mr. Rafee dies he & Shamme wept the whole day. Because of Rafee Rajendra Kumar has become Jubilee star of Bollywood.
He was a genuine Super Star and gave some memorable films.
In Admi, Manoj Kumar (and Not Rajendra Kumar) acted with Dilip Kumar.
The movies and actors at that time period were really the best. Hats off to them. Ya childhood movies which have left good imprints will never be replaced by any now.
Nicely witten on legend, verstatile, perfectionist and Jubblee star Dr. Rajendra Kumar. How we can forget his superb acting in movie Dil Eak Mandir, Sangam, Juk Gaya Asmaan, Aarjoo, Gora Kala and so on.
certainly he was great actor, actor only as known to most of the people. I am sure he wouldn’t have regretted as much as you have tried to Express in words to make your post touching. I couldn’t find anything new here, as it was not only Jubilee Kumar who was asked by the people to get himself retired now. it is with every businessman, sportsman, politician, govt employee. There was no exception with him. Lataji, Ashahji many others are still enjoying their lives but have distanced themselves from their work.
Besides above, which are the other books written on the life of Rajendrakumar.
A brilliant actor, a helpful person & a man who enjoyed his life to the fullest except for the very last when he neared his end. He will always be remembered as long as the Bollywood industry survives.
The star shows emotional acting in his roles like inSangam,Meri mehamooba paigam name a few, excellent actor he was
It is not telegu. It is Telugu.
Until you help others, they are your friends, family members etc.. but if you struggle in life even your shadow will not follow you. Harsh but truth.
Oh! How lovely were those days. Remember looking at your Big Cinema Talkie posters again and again. You are a wonderful persona Kumar saab.
I remember Rajender Kumar from my childhood days because of his roles in movies like Dil ek Mandir, Sangam and Adami . Working with stalewarts like Raj Kumar Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar and leaving an indellible mark on the audience is really commendable . Very few actors , I can say , can match his brilliance and refined sesivity .
Rajendra Kumar was a brilliant and handsome actor and many of his movies got the silver jubilee tag. He acted with the leading heroines of that time and his chemistry with them was tremendous whether it was Saira Bano, Vyjanthimala, Sadhana, Mala Sinha or Asha Parekh. I saw many movies of his and he could play any role extremely well. He was a very helpful and considerate actor but in the end everyone parted ways with him due to which he died prematurely due to cancer.
Love u Sir
Rajinder Kumar was brilliant actor and very helpful and considered as narrated by many who associated with him on daily basis. But time slips away for all and one need to learn that fact as early as possible
Is it possible to have translated into Gujarati ?
Mere Mehboob 1963 and Sangam 1964 are among my earliest childhood memories, from our Colaba days, living close to Strand cinema.