Author: Pran Nevile
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2011
Language: English
Pages: 248
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9780143414063

Description

A tribute to the first singer – superstar of Indian cinema.

Hailed as shahenshah-e-mausiqi (emperor of music) and acclaimed as the ghazal king, K.L. Saigal became a phenomenon in his own lifetime. Idolized for his distinctive style by the first generation of Bollywood playback singers, he is now also the subject of study by several scholars.

With no formal training, Saigal recorded 185 songs, including the immortal Diya jalao jagmag jagmag, Rumjhum rumjhum chaal tihari, Baag laga doon sajani and Jab dil hi toot gaya. He also acted in thirty-six feature films, including Tansen, Street Singer and Shahjehan. His popularity, however, skyrocketed with Devdas in which he played the doomed lover to perfection, a portrayal which would influence every actor playing a tragic hero thereafter.

This book, interspersed with archival photographs and appended with a filmography and selected songs, provides a fascinating account of one of Hindi cinemas greatest legends.

Contents

Author’s Note
Introduction

1. Early Years
2. In Calcutta
3. Devdas
4. Concert at Lahore
5. Ghazal King
6. Saigal’s Ghalib
7. The Singer as a Poet
8. Saigal and the Kotha Culture
9. The Artiste and the Man
10. Saigal’s Heroines
11. Saigal’s Mentors and Associates
12. Last Phase
13. Saigal’s Legacy

Appendix: A – Tribute by Filmindia – February 1947
Appendix: B – Filmography
Appendix: C –
I. Memorable Songs – Author’s Selection for HMV LPs. 1965
II. Other All – Time Favourites
Appendix: D – Synopses of Some Famous Films
Appendix: E – Select Filmindia Reviews of Saigal’s Films
Index