FIRST TRAGIC HIT HERO OF INDIAN CINEMA..SAIGAL!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Legendary Indian Singer-Actor..Kundanlal Saigal!

"Baalam aaye baso more man mein.."

Saigal & Jamuna in 'Devdas' (1935) made by P.C.Barua!

Kedar Sharma wrote this romantic song..in the music of Timir Baran it sung & performed by Saigal as 'Devdas'..for his Paro played by Jamuna!..Though my favourite 'Devdas' is acted by Dilipkumar..I moved by this pioneering tragic actor's emotions in it! This immortal 'Devdas' completed 80 years; but image he created is unforgettable!

Young Kundanlal Saigal!

It's 114th Birth Anniversary of this legendary Indian Singer-Actor Kundanlal Saigal!..Known for tragic roles..Saigal was the first most popular star of Indian Cinema!

Saigal in film 'Chandidas' (1934).

In early 1930s Kundanlal Saigal sung Punjabi songs for music director Harishchandra Bali who brought him to Calcutta. Then Saigal's film career started at B.N.Sircar's great 'New Theatre' where he made his debut on screen with 'Mohabbat ke Ansoo' (1932). And his title role of Nitin Bose directed social 'Chandidas' (1934) got critical acclaim!

Saigal, A. H. Shore & Rajkumari in 'Devdas' (1935).

Then he portrayed the character which define his image & acting career.. 'Devdas' (1935) based on SaratChandra Chattopadhyay's novel and directed by P.C. Barua! In this Saigal naturally performed Devdas with Jamuna as Parvati & Rajkumari as Chandramukhi!

Saigal & Kanan Devi in 'Street Singer' (1938).

Then Kundanlal Saigal acted in few successful films of 'New Theatre'..in which also includes Bengali films like 'Didi' & 'Saathi' (1937). Because he picked up Bengali very well during his staying in Calcutta! 

His songs in that era were in the rich heritage of film music like "Babul mora.." from 'Street Singer' (1938) which he sung in raag Bhairavi! That was Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's song composed by R.C.Boral!..Phani Mujumdar directed in this movie Saigal acted with that time beauty queen Kanan Devi!

Saigal in & as 'Tansen' (1943).

After doing 'Jivan Maran' (1939) & 'Zindagi' (1940)..Saigal moved to 'Ranjit Movietone', Mumbai and acted-sung in it's lyrical films..'Bhakt Surdas' (1942) and 'Tansen' (1943) which was hit and it's song he sung in Deepak raga "Diya Jalao.." was great!

Suraiyya & Saigal in his last film 'Parwana' (1947).

In 1944 he returned to 'New Theatres' and completed film 'My Sister' from which his song "Do naina matware.." was romantic. Before his early death at the age of 42..Saigal sung for music director Naushad in 'Shahjehan' (1946). His last film was 'Parwana' (1947) which he did with singing star Suraiyya!

"Jab dil hi toot gaya.." Saigal in 'Shahjehan'!

Remembered his last hit song from 'Shahjehan' in which Majrooh Sultanpuri first time wrote lyrics...

"Jab dil hi toot gaya..
hum ji ke kya karenge.."

Humble Tribute to him!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti', Pune']