Monday, November 24, 2008

List of Hindi Movies by Ruma Guha Thakurta

Jwar Bhata (1944)
... aka High and Low Tides


Mashaal (1950)
... aka Saamar (India: Bengali title)
... aka Together
... aka Torch


Afsar(1950)

Raag Rang (1952)

Bairaag (1976)

The Namesake (2006)

Saturday, October 4, 2008

List of Bengali Movies by Ruma Guha Thakurta

The Namesake...............................2007

Malabadal.......................................2001

Chowdhury Paribar......................1998

Himghar.........................................1996

Sangharsha....................................1995

Wheel Chair...................................1994

Indrajit...........................................1992

Bidhilipi..........................................1991

Anurag...........................................1990

Ganasatru......................................1990

Gayak.............................................1987

Bhalobasa Bhalobasa....................1985

Samarpita......................................1984

Suryatrishna.................................1984

Muktir Din....................................1983

36 Chowringhee Lane..................1982

Amritakumbher Sandhane........1982

Troyee..........................................1982

Khana Baraha..............................1981

Maa Bipattarin Chandi...............1981

Swami-Stree................................1981

Bandhan........................................1980

Dadar Kirti...................................1980

Raja Saheb...................................1980

Dour.............................................1979

Pampa........................................1979

Parichoy....................................1979

Striker.......................................1978

Jadi Jantem..............................1974

Sadhu Judhisthirer Karcha....1974

Nishikanya................................1973

Arogya Niketan........................1969

Pratidan..................................1969

Teer Bhumi............................1969

Baghini....................................1968

Hansa Mithun.........................1968

Panchshar..............................1968

Antony Firingee....................1967

Ashite Asio Na.......................1967

Joradighir Chowdhury Paribar........1966

Trishna......................................1965

Kinu Gowalar Gali....................1964

Prabhater Rang.......................1964

Sindure Megh.........................1964

Subha O Debatar Gras..........1964

Nirjan Saikate.......................1963

Palatak.................................1963

Abhijan...................................1962

Benarasi..............................1962

Necklace..............................1961

Ganga................................1960

Kshaniker Atithi.................1959

Personal Assistant..............1959


RESEOURCE : GOMOLO.IN

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Bharotborsho Surjer Ek Naam

Bengali Lyrics : Sibdas Banerjee
Hindi Lyrics : Usha Ganguly
Tune : YS Moolky
Lead Singer : Ruma Guha Thakurta
Arrangement : Ruma Guha Thakurta

Hindi Version Recorded By Delhi Doordarshan in 1998

Bharotborsho Surjer Ek Naam
Amra Roiechi Shei Shurjer Deshe
Leelachonchal Somudrer Abiram
Ganga Jamuna Bhagirothi Jetha Meshe

Bharotborsho Manabotar Ek Naam
Manusher Lagi Manusher Bhalobasha
Premer Jowar-e E Bharot Bhashoman
Jugey Jugey Tai Bisher Jaowa Asha
Sob Tirther Anka Banka Poth Ghurey
Premer Thirtho Bharot Tirthe Meshe

Bharotborsho Shammer Ek Naam
Aspris'o'ta Hingsha O Desh Bhuley
Konthe Sobar Ekotar Joyogaan
Bhedabhed Bhuley Bokkhey Neache Tule
Debota Edeshe Manush Hoiche Jani
Manush Ke Dekhi Gonodebotar Beshe.



---------------- *-------------------

Bharatbarsh Suraj Ka Ek Naam
Hum Hai Washi Suraj Ke Is Desh Mein
Lilachanchal Samundar Ghera
Ganga Yamuna Bhagirathi Ke Mele Mein

Bharatbarsh Manabta Ka Ek Naam
Manabta Manav Ke Prati Prem
Prem Ke Saath Doley Ea Bharat Desh
Yuj Yuj Se Viswa Ka Ana Jana
Sab Thirtha Ki Raho Se Hoo Kar
Prem Ke Tirth Hai ea Bharat Desh


Bharatbarsh Samyata Ka Ek Naam
Aspriswata Hingsha Desh Ko Bhulakar
Kanth Mein Sab Ki Ekta Ka Jaya Gaan
Bhed Bhulakar Lagaley Sabko Galey
Devta Janmein Jaha Manav Ke Vesh Mein
Manavta Jaha Rahey Devta Ke Vesh Mein

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Published in GOMOLO.IN by Chandi Mukherjee


Ruma Guhathakurata was born in Kolkata on November 21st, 1934. Her real name is Kamalika. It was Rabindranath Tagore who named her Ruma. Her father’s name is Satyendranath Ghosh. She was educated first in Loretto and then in Gokhale School and thereafter Sacred Heart School, Lahore and St. Mary Government.

Actress Debika Rani was so impressed by one of her dance performance. She gave her a small role in the film “Jowar Bhata” in the year 1944. Thereafter she acted in the lead role of Hindi film “Rajani”. Her first Bengali film was “Samar” in the year 1950. Ritwik Ghatak wanted her to act in the lead role in his film “Megha Dhaka Tara”, but she was busy in shooting of Rajen Tarafdar’s “Ganga” so she could not accept the offer. In 1962 she acted in Satyajit Ray’s “Abhijaan”. Her major film were “Benarani” (1962), “Palatak” (1963), “Sadhu Judhisthirer Karcha” (1974), “Bhalobasha Bhalobasha” (1985), “Ganasatru” (1990) etc.

She is the founder of Culcutta Choir and one of the founder member of Bombay Choir. She received Soviet Land Nehru Peace Award in the year 1982. She received President’s Medal for her performance in “Nirjan Saikate” in the year 1963. She acted is few Hindi films also. She has produced some Bengali films also. She has performed as a playback in many Bengali films. She married legendary singer Kishore Kumar in the year 1951. Amit Kumar is their son. After she was separated from Kishore Kumar, she married director Arup Guhathakurata. They have one son and one daughter.

The information marked in RED is WRONG

Monday, September 8, 2008

Music entwined our relationship


Ruma Guha Thakurta with Dilip Kumar in Bairaag

Kishore and I had a peculiar marriage. We were married for around seven years, but our relationship, call it friendship, lasted for many more. Marriage is about friendship, and Kishore and I remained friends through the ups and downs, his three marriages and my
remarriage. After we separated in 1958, he hit a bad patch.

When his acting career was not doing too well due to certain reasons, I wrote him a letter to lift his spirits and drew attention to his singing skills, telling him that his music was always there. Kishore then began focusing greatly on his singing-it was anyway his first love. He wasn't a trained singer. But he was a natural and could imbibe music. Very early
on, he would listen t o S a i - gal sah ab, Faiyaz Khan Sahab, Abdul Karim Khan... He was a medley of musical influences, each nuance appreciated and retained. So, it's fitting that music entwined our relationship. Marne ki dunyaein kyon maangoon from Ziddi was one of his first songs and my personal favourite when I was a 10-year-old taking my first steps in the world of playback. I would wait for the song to play on the radio. When I was at Bombay
Talkies for a shooting, the song was playing in my head. Somebody introduced me to a strapping young man... the singer of Marne ki dunyaein... Since then, the music played on in my life. During our marriage, Kishore recorded one memorable tune after another...the melodies that voice our every emotion so perfectly.

Fans who recall his madcap behaviour in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi won't believe how staid and sober, even serious, he was in his personal life. There was none of that clowning around at home. His social circle was limited to a few close friends and family. Our son Amit and he were particularly close. I remember how proud he was when Amit won the Filmfare award for best playback singer for Love Story. He threw a grand party and flew me, my husband and children to Mumbai for it. Kishore was happy when I married Arup. His marriages have been a cause of much curiosity and controversy. He wanted to legalise his relationships, which
explains the marriages. On my part, I was quite friendly with Madhubala, Yogita Bali and Leena Chandavarkar. Leena and I are still very close.
(As told to Dipanita Nath)

Times of India 06/08/2006

Friday, August 29, 2008

Play it again - Siraj Khan


The extended presence of the singing sisters Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle on the Indian film music circuit ended up shortening the singing careers of many fabulous female voices. Some of these women retreated into nondescript and often difficult lives. Yet, the contribution of playback singers such as Shamshad Begum, Sudha Malhotra, Kamal Barot, Usha Mangeshkar, Ruma Guha Thakurta and Mubarak Begum to the rich repertoire of Hindi film music from the 1940s is unforgetta ble.

A person who can sweep the audience away by the sheer variety of her accomplishments is Ruma Guha Thakurta nee Ghosh. Born in 1934, she is an actress, singer, dancer and choreographer all rolled into one astonishing personality. In 1951, Ruma married the legendary Kishore Kumar and the following year Amit Kumar came along. After her divorce in 1958, she settled down in Kolkata, where she formed the Calcutta Youth Choir (CYC) along with composer Salil Chowdhury and filmmaker Satyajit Ray. She must be doing something right because in May this year, CYC — considered a trendsetter in choir culture and the recipient of many international prizes including a first prize at the Copenhagen Youth Festival, Denmark — celebrated its golden anniversary. Ruma has worked with Mother Teresa; sung songs with Manna Dey, Hemant Kumar and Kishore Kumar; acted in over 100 Hindi and Bengali films; and played the lead role in Ganashatru that won an Oscar nomination in 1989. After acting in Mira Nair’s The Namesake in 2006, Ruma’s gusto for life at 74 is as much in evidence today as ever.

Take a look at her accomplishments on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkLGfr4o4DY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPEMo4_ATV0



PUBLISHED ON:Friday, Aug 22, 2008 in BUSINESS LINE at Life[Music & Dance] section

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

We Shall Overcome's bengali choral version by Calcutta Youth Choir

In Bengali-speaking India and in Bangladesh there are two versions of We Shall Over Come, both popular among school-children and political activists. "Amra Karbo Joy" (a literal translation) was translated by the Bengali folk singer Hemanga Biswas and re-recorded by Bhupen Hazarika. Another version, translated by Shibdas Bandyopadhyay, "Ek Din Surjyer Bhor" (literally translated as "One Day The Sun Will Rise") was recorded by the Calcutta Youth Choir arranged by Ruma Guha Thakurta during the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence and became one of the largest selling Bengali records. It was a favourite of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and regularly sung at public events after Bangladesh gained independence.

The Lyrics:

Ruma Guha Thakurta solo:
Ekdin surjer bhor

Ekdin shopner bhor
Ekdin shotter bhor asbei
Ei monay achey bissas
Amra kori bissas
Shotter bhor asbei din.

Choral Part:
Prithibir mati hobey modhumoy
Batash hobey modhumoy
Akash hobey modhumoy ekdin
Ei money achey bissas
Amra kori bissas
Akash hobey modhumoy ekdin

Ar noi dhonsher gaan
Jonotar Oikotan
Sristir shurey hobey gaan ekdin
Ei money achey bissas
Amra kori bissas
Sristir shurey hobey gaan ekdin

Amra maninako badhabondhon
Hate badhi rakhi bondhon
Thambei shob krondon ekdin
Ei money achey bissas
Amra kori bissas
Thambei shob krondon ekdin

Members (Vocalist) of Calcutta Youth Choir performing in a live concert under the headship of Ruma Guha Thakurta

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Albums by Calcutta Youth Choir: Direction Ruma Guha Thakurta

  1. Beje Uthlo Ki Somoyer Ghori, A collection of mass songs released by HMV in 1976
  2. Waqt Ki Awaz (Hindi), A collection of modern songs released by HMV
  3. Prarthna Sangeet, A collection of devotional songs released by CBS
  4. All times Great Calcutta Youth Choir, A collection of selected track from HMV
  5. Amra Tori Beye Jai, A collection of mass songs released by HMV in 1981
  6. Manusher Gaan Gai, A collection of mass songs released by HMV in 1982
  7. Pochis Bochor Dhore, Released by HMV in the year 1983 on 25th Anniversary of the Choir
  8. Bharatbarsho Surger Ek Naam, A collection of Bengali modern songs released by HMV
  9. Swadesi Juger Gaan, a collection of patriotic songs released by HMV
  10. Chetonar Gaan, A collection of songs to welcome Nelson Mandela in India released by CBS in 1988
  11. Besh Sotoker Gaan, A collection of Bengali mass songs released by Hindustan Records in 1990 celebrating 300th birthday of Calcutta
  12. Deshatobodok Gaan, A collection of patriotic songs released by Gathani in 1993
  13. Din Agato Oi, A collection of modern songs released by Gathani in 1994 for the celebration of Bengali New Year (1400 SATABDI)
  14. Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja (Hindi), A collection of INA (Azad Hind Fauj) songs by HMV n 100th birth anniversary of Netaji Suvas Chandra Bose in 1996
  15. Mile Sobe Bharat Santan, A collection of modern songs released by HMV in 1998
  16. Sikol Bhangar Gaan, A collection of Patriotic songs (before India's Independence) released in 2001
  17. Amader Salilda, A collection of mass songs by Salil Chowdhury released by ASHA AUDIO in 2007

Saturday, August 2, 2008

BEES SOTOKER GAAN | Direction Ruma Guha Thakurta | Singer: Calcutta Youth Choir


Songs:

1. ITIHAASH THEKE UTHEY ESHO Tune :V.BALSARA Lyricist:SHIBDAS BANERJEE

2. AAMAAR PRATIBADER BHAASHAA Tune:SALIL CHOWDHURY Lyricist:SALIL CHOWDHURY

3. SWARNAJHARAA SURYA RANGEY Tune:SUDHIN DASGUPTA Lyricist:SUDHIN DASGUPTA

4. AAMAADER JAPTAP MANTRA Tune:ANAL CHATTERJEE Lyricist:ANAL CHATTERJEE

5. EKSAATHEY CHALO Tune:NIBARAN PANDIT Lyricist:NIBARAN PANDIT

6. AAMAADER NAANAAN MATEY Tune:SALIL CHOWDHURY Lyricist:SALIL CHOWDHURY

7. DUAAR BANDHA REKHO NAA Lyrics:PARIMAL DASGUPTA Tune:MANJUSHRI DASGUPTA

8. NEEL AAKAASHER Tune:SUDHIN DASGUPTA Lyricist:SUDHIN DASGUPTA

9. E DESHER DIKEY Tune :ANAL CHATTERJEE Lyricist:ANAL CHATTERJEE

10. TELER SHISHI BHANGLO BOLEY Lyrics:SALIL CHOWDHURY Lyricist:ANYADA SANKAR  ROY

11. We Shall Overcome

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Ruma Guha Thakurta leading Calcutta Youth Choir

Ruma Guha Thakurta performing along with Calcutta Youth Choir in Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata on 21st June 2007 celebrating 30 Years CPI(M) rule in West Bengal

Friday, June 27, 2008

New CD Calcutta Youth Choir, Direction Ruma Guha Thakurta


Songs Include:
  1. Adhikar
  2. Hei Samalo
  3. Cholche Aaj Cholbey Kal Shantir Ei Michil
  4. Gouri Sringa
  5. O Majhi Baio
  6. O Moder Desho Bashi
  7. Ei Desh Ei Desh Amar Ei Desh
  8. Purono Din Purono Mon
    and others

Friday, May 30, 2008

Song performed by school children conducted by Ruma Guha Thakurta

This song was released in the year 1994 in the album "Din Agoto Oi". In the 50th Anniversary of Calcutta Youth Choir, Ruma Guha Thakurta arranged it for the various school children of Kolkata. Assisted by Jayanta and Sugoto on the stage, Accordion: Chandida, Guitar: Rocket Mondal, Dhol: Swapan, Set to tune: V. Balsara,

A Tribute to Satyajit Roy by Calcutta Youth Choir in 50 Years Celebration arranged by Ruma Guha Thakurta

This song was recorded earlier in the year 1983 in the 25th Anniversary of Calcutta Youth Choir under the arrangement of Ruma Guha Thakurta.



On the stage from left sitting Mayor of Kolkata Corporation Bikash Bhattacharia, Actor Soumitra Chatterjee, Smt Ruma Guha Thakurta, sitting speaker of Parliament Sri Somenath Chatterjee, Singer Manna Dey

Monday, May 12, 2008

Song accompanied by dance conducted by Ruma Guha Thakurta



Dancers include Polly Guha, Kamalika Guha Thakurta, Asit, Meera, Nihar Ghosh, Pintu, Jayanti and other members of the choir

Tribute to Salil Choudhury by CYC headed by Ruma Guha Thakurta

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Few Moments of 50th Anniversary of Calcutta Youth Choir




Pic1: Ruma Guha Thakurta honoring Manna Dey. You can see ex-sheriff of Kolkata Smt Suchitra Mitra, Speaker of Parliament Somenath Chatterjee and mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation Sri Bikash Bhattacharia.


Pic2: Ruma Guha Thakurta lighting the candle along with actor Soumitra Chatterjee, singer Manna Dey, sitting speaker Somenath Chatterjee.










Rumadi with Kallyan Sen Barat before the performance of Calcutta Choir


















Ruma Guha Thakurta being honoured by her son's (Amit Kumar) fan club.




Members of Calcutta Youth Choir, Calcutta Choir, Calcutta Peoples Choir and Indian Choir Academy performing song to celebrate 50 years of Calcutta Youth Choir under the direction of Ruma Guha Thakurta.



School children performing "Ei Amader Desh" under the direction of Ruma Guha Thakurta





Members of Calcutta Youth Choir performing "Bharatbarsha Surjer Ek Naam" led by Ruma Guha Thakurta.




Ruma Guha Thakurta performing "Bistirno Duparee" the bengali version of a famous song by Paul Raubson. No other singers in India have a voice range to sing this song at this range. But still now Rumadi performs at the age of 75 assisted by her daughter Sromana Chakrobarty.


Tuesday, April 8, 2008

40th Annual Show of Calcutta Youth Choir

40th Annual Show of Calcutta Youth Choir in 1999 was the first Annual Show for me performing along with the choir. The show was held in Rabindra Sadan for 2 days. The show started with the vedic hymen "Sangachadhang" followed by a dance "Sura Rishi Brinda". The first half of the show was with the songs like "Prothom Adi Tobo Sokti", "Keu Ba Kore Chondi Path", "Sarfaroshi Ki Tammna", "Bandh Bhenge Dao", "Prane Pran Mil Korey Dao" and "Dhonno Ami".
The second half of the show was very interesting with the songs accompanied with dance from the various parts of india. Traditional folk song of Gujrat "He Kannuda", song from Andhara Pradesh "Hailasa", song from Tamil "How Cow", song from Kelara "Tindaro", song from goa "Chio Chio Chi", song from Bihar "Gheri Gheri", song from Kashmir "Bulbul" and many others. Sare Jahan Se Accha, We Shall Over Come, Bharat Barsh Suraj Ka Ek Naam was also performed. The show ended with the song "Bistirnoo Dupareer".



---> This pic was taken while Rumadi performing Keu Ba Korey Chondipath

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

24th March 2008

I got the message earlier from one of the choir member Subrata that Calcutta Youth Choir is going to celebrate their 50th Annual Show on 2nd May 2008 in Rabindrasadan, Kolkata. I was too happy to hear that. on 24th March I called up Rumadi (Ruma Guha Thakurta) at her residence just to say I will be coming for the show. I was surprised that still she recognized me and asked me to come down to Calcutta from Mumbai as this is the 50th Anniversary of the choir.
I still remember my last show with Calcutta Youth Choir. I was so depressed that due to my job placement in Kingdom of Bhutan I may not be performing anymore with the choir but since then I prayed don't let me miss any Annual shows of the choir. Yes it happened, always I have come down to Calcutta whenever there was annual show whether their was any tight schedule in my work place. And yes this time also.









Vocalist of Calcutta Youth Choir performing under the direction of Ruma Guha Thakurta

Saturday, February 23, 2008

36th Annual Show of Calcutta Youth Choir to celebrate Ruma Guha Thakurta for her 50years of Achievement

3rd and 4th December 1994 Calcutta Youth Choir celebrated there 36th Annual Show in Rabindra Sadan, Calcutta in presence of CM Jyoti basu, Bhuddadev Bhattacharia, Bijoya Roy and others. The show started with a performance of a choral song "Chetonar Soikote" with the members of Calcutta Youth Choir, Calcutta Choir and Calcutta Peoples Choir followed by a short documentary on Ruma Guha Thakurta's 50 years achievements .The second half began with a tribute to Rumadi by Calcutta Youth Choir members by a rabindrasangeet "Tumi kemon korey gaan koro he guni..." Later the show started with the choral songs like Prothom na Hoi, Akash theke alo nilam, Sa re jahan se accha, We shall over come, Nomi nomi charaney and of course the famous song by Ruma Guha Thakurta Bistirnoo duparer. Usha Uthup joined with the choir members to sing "We are the World" and "We shall overcome". Saikat Mitra performed "Janey waley sipahi" and Swapan Basu in "Chal mili Assam Jabo". There were also a couple of folk dance and song of various parts of India composed by Rumadi. The main attraction of the show was a dance by Ruma Guha Thakurta even at the age of 60years.
Mrs. Ruma Guha Thakurta performing a bhangra dance