Celebrating the career of Bollywood film legend Rajendra Kumar
By Asjad NazirJul 06, 2024
RAJENDRA KUMAR starred in some of the greatest Bollywood films ever made.
The legendary actor was so successful that he was given the nickname Jubilee Kumar because his films earned silver and golden jubilee runs in cinemas. Born on July 20, 1929, the iconic star passed away on July 12, 1999 aged 71 after a life well lived.
Eastern Eye decided to mark the cinema great’s birth and death anniversary this month by listing 20 fascinating facts about his action-packed career.
1 Rajendra Kumar never wanted to be leading man. After small supporting roles in Patanga (1949) and Jogan (1950), he worked as an assistant director.
2 Producer Devendra Goel had noticed Kumar in Jogan and launched him as a leading man in Vachan (1955). The movie became the first of many silver jubilee hits for him.
Mother India
3 The actor played the good son in Mother India (1957), which became India’s first Oscar nominated movie.
4 Kumar’s first major success as a romantic hero was hit musical Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959). Asha Parekh was supposed to be launched opposite him but was replaced by more established star Ameeta. Parekh would be launched in Dil Deke Dekho opposite Shammi Kapoor that year and became an overnight superstar.
5 Bollywood’s greatest director Yash Chopra made his directorial debut with Kumar’s hit film Dhool KaPhool (1959).
6 Kumar made his Gujarati language debut with the film Mehndi Rang Lagyo (1960). He acted in his first Punjabi film Do Sher in 1974.
Kanoon
7 His hit movie Kanoon (1960) was the first Bollywood blockbusters to have no songs in it. The courtroom drama won multiple awards including a National Film Award for best feature film in Hindi.
8 He delivered five hit films in 1961. They included Gharana (1961), Aas Ka Panchhi (1961) and Sasural (1961), which were in the top six highest grossers of that year.
9 Kumar’s hit film Gharana (1961) was a remake of the 1960 Telugu film Shanthi Nivasam. His superhit film Dil Ek Mandir (1963) was a remake of Tamil romantic drama Nenjil Ore Aalayam (1962).
10 He headlined three of the top 10 highest Bollywood grossers of 1963, including the year’s most successful movie Mere Mehboob.
Sangam
11 He starred opposite Raj Kapoor and Vyjayanthimala in iconic romance Sangam, which became the highest grosser of 1964, despite being longest Indian movie made at the time. His film Ayee Milan Ki Bela was the second most successful film of that year.
12 His musical drama Arzoo (1965) became the fourth highest grosser of that year. The following year his romantic drama Suraj was the second most successful film of 1966.
13 He received Filmfare best actor nominations for Dil Ek Mandir (1963), Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964) and Arzoo (1965). He also received a best supporting actor nomination for Sangam (1964), but astonishingly didn’t win any acting awards. He did receive Indian civilian honour the Padma Shri Award in 1970.
14 The actor played his first double role in a commercial venture with Gora Aur Kala, which was the fifth highest grosser of 1972.
15 Kumar was signed up to play the lead role in Mughal-e-Azam (1960) director K Asif’s ambitious drama Sasta Khoon Mehanga Paani, but it remained incomplete after the filmmaker passed away.
16 His hit film Saajan Bina Suhagan (1978) was later remade in Tamil as Mangala Nayagi (1980) and in Malayalam as Oru Kochukatha Aarum Parayathe Kathain (1984).
17 The cinema legend launched his son Kumar Gaurav as a leading man with hit musical romance Love Story (1981). Kumar also produced his son’s movie Naam (1986), which resonated with Indian immigrants globally and became a star-making movie for Sanjay Dutt.
18 Kumar’s last acting roles were for TV serials Andaz and Vansh.
19 The actor’s son-in-law was Hollywood filmmaker Raju Patel, who had produced hit Tom Hanks comedy Bachelor Party (1984).
20 His last movie as a producer and lead star was Phool (1993). He starred alongside Madhuri Dixit, his son Kumar Gaurav and Mother India co-star Sunil Dutt.
Ganwaar
Great Rajendra Kumar performances
Kanoon (1960): The first commercial Bollywood hit without any musical numbers became a blockbuster largely thanks to great lead performances from an accomplished cast. Kumar’s portrayal of the lawyer trying to do the right thing was this path-breaking movie’s heartbeat.
Dil Ek Mandir (1963): Kumar received his first Filmfare best actor nomination for this challenging role. He brilliantly played a doctor treating a cancer patient (Raaj Kumar), needing a lifesaving operation, married to the woman (Meena Kumari) he loves. He puts across inner turmoil brilliantly with his perfectly pitched performance.
Mere Mehboob (1963): That year’s biggest hit saw him portray a poet, who falls in love with a veiled woman (Sadhana). His journey towards being united with her struck a chord with audiences, including a generation of women who fell in love with his sensitive character.
Sangam (1964): The legendary love triangle saw Kumar play a man torn between his best friend (Raj Kapoor) and the woman (Vyjayanthimala) he loves. He brought a deep sensitivity to an angst ridden role where his devotion is tested to the limit.
Arzoo (1965): Few could play a tragedy ridden hero quite like Kumar. With this Filmfare best actor award nominated performance he portrays a skiing champion, who decides to sacrifice his love after a life changing accident leaves him disabled.
Ganwaar (1970): This underrated classic featured a brilliant performance from Kumar. He plays an affluent man, who tries to make a positive difference by disguising himself as a poor villager and going on a journey of discovery that chang-es the lives of oppressed farmers.
The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure runs at Hampton Court Palace from 25 July to 7 September 2025
Trail includes interactive games, riddles and character encounters across the gardens
Children can meet a larger-than-life Peter Rabbit in the Kitchen Garden
Special themed menu items available at the Tiltyard Café
£1 tickets available for families receiving Universal Credit and other benefits
Peter Rabbit comes to life at Hampton Court
This summer, families visiting Hampton Court Palace can step into the world of Beatrix Potter as The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure takes over the palace gardens from 25 July to 7 September 2025.
Explore the Kitchen Garden, Tiltyard and WildernessHRP
The family trail, officially licensed by Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co., combines the palace’s historic gardens with the much-loved tales of Beatrix Potter. Visitors will encounter interactive activities, puzzles and games while exploring the Kitchen Garden, Tiltyard and Wilderness.
Interactive activities and wildlife learning
Along the trail, children can try Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s washing equipment to make music, search for Peter Rabbit under wheelbarrows, or test their hopping skills alongside Beatrix Potter’s characters.
The experience also highlights Potter’s role as a committed environmentalist. Young visitors are encouraged to look for real wildlife such as hedgehogs, squirrels and toads while learning about habitats and conservation in the palace grounds.
Children can meet a larger-than-life Peter Rabbit HRP
Meet Peter Rabbit and enjoy themed treats
Peter Rabbit himself will make appearances in the Kitchen Garden at set times each day, where families can take photos among the seasonal produce. Fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the gardens will feature in special Peter Rabbit™ menu items at the Tiltyard Café.
After completing the trail, children can also explore the Magic Garden playground or visit Henry VIII’s Kitchens inside the palace, where live cookery demonstrations take place each weekend.
Tickets and access
The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure is included in general admission:
Off-peak (weekdays and bank holidays): Adults £27.20, Children (5–15) £13.60, Concessions £21.80
Peak (weekends and events): Adults £30.00, Children £15.00, Concessions £24.00
HRP Members go free
Families in receipt of Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits can access £1 tickets throughout the summer (advance booking required).
Membership offers unlimited visits to Hampton Court Palace and other Historic Royal Palaces sites, including seasonal events such as the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival and Henry VIII’s Joust.
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The former Match of the Day presenter was voted best TV presenter by viewers at the ceremony on Wednesday
Gary Lineker named best TV presenter, breaking Ant and Dec’s 23-year run
Former Match of the Day host left BBC after social media controversies
Netflix drama Adolescence wins two awards, including best drama performance for 15-year-old Owen Cooper
Gavin & Stacey takes home the comedy award
I’m a Celebrity wins in the reality competition category
Lineker takes presenter prize after BBC departure
Gary Lineker has ended Ant and Dec’s record 23-year winning streak at the National Television Awards (NTAs). The former Match of the Day presenter was voted best TV presenter by viewers at the ceremony on Wednesday.
Lineker stepped down from Match of the Day in May after 26 years, following controversy around his social media posts. Accepting the award, he thanked colleagues and said the prize showed “it is OK to use your platform to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice.” He added: “It’s not lost on me why I might have won this award.”
Asked if he might work with the BBC again, Lineker said he was uncertain but was “really looking forward to working with ITV.”
The last winner before Ant and Dec’s run was Michael Barrymore in 2000.
Netflix drama Adolescence scores double win
Netflix’s hit drama Adolescence won best new drama and best drama performance for 15-year-old Owen Cooper. The show, which follows the story of a teenage boy accused of murder, became a national talking point earlier this year.
Cooper beat fellow nominee Stephen Graham, who plays his on-screen father, though neither attended the event.
Gavin & Stacey named best comedy
Gavin & Stacey’s Christmas finale, watched by more than 20 million viewers, was named best comedy. Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa, accepted the award and joked: “Alright, calm down. I’m going to the bar now for a pint of wine.”
Backstage, Jones paid tribute to co-writer and co-star James Corden, who could not attend, and addressed reports of a new Apple TV+ project, saying nothing had yet been confirmed.
I’m a Celebrity beats The Traitors
In the reality competition category, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! triumphed over The Traitors, Love Island, and Race Across the World. Presenters including Coleen Rooney and Oti Mabuse collected the award.
Other winners of the night
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show won the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award
Molly-Mae Hague’s Behind It All won best authored documentary
Wallace & Gromit received a special recognition award
Gogglebox won factual entertainment, while Call the Midwife secured returning drama
The NTAs remain unique in British television for being entirely voted for by the public.
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The Financial Times, which interviewed Arundhati at her home in Delhi, reveals: “In an episode to which the writer makes oblique reference early in the book but withholds until later — because of the pain it caused — she returned from boarding school for the holidays, aged 13, to find that Mrs Roy had had her beloved pet dog, Dido, shot and buried as ‘a kind of honour killing’ after Dido mated with an unknown street dog.”
In 1996, someone tipped me off that a publisher had won an auction by paying £1 million for The God of Small Things by an unknown Indian writer. This was unprecedented for a debut novel. But the buzz among the bidders was that the novel was a possible contender for the Booker Prize.
As I was writing my story at the Daily Telegraph, the night editor, Andrew Hutchinson, leant over and quipped: “Writing about your sister again?” As we know, Arundhati Roy did win the Booker in 1997. I had actually met Arundhati two years previously when she had stuck up for Phoolan Devi, the subject of Shekhar Kapur’s movie, Bandit Queen, based on Mala Sen’s biography.
Phoolan had been repeatedly raped by upper class Thakurs (the men were later lined up in the village of Behmai and executed by Phoolan’s gang in 1981). The film was exploitative, claimed Arundhati, because for Phoolan, it was like being raped again. She wrote a piece in Sunday in Calcutta (now Kolkata), headlined, “The Indian rape trick”.
Mala arranged for me to interview Phoolan who was refusing to talk to Channel 4 which was making a documentary in India on the controversial movie. In public, she supported Arundhati, but behind the scenes did a deal with C4 which paid her £40,000.
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The mural has been covered and is being guarded by security
A new mural by street artist Banksy has appeared on the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London.
The artwork depicts a judge hitting a protester, with blood splattering their placard.
It comes days after nearly 900 arrests at a London protest against the ban on Palestine Action.
The mural has been covered and is being guarded by security; Banksy confirmed authenticity via Instagram.
Banksy’s latest work at the Royal Courts of Justice
A new mural by the elusive Bristol-based street artist Banksy has appeared on the side of the Royal Courts of Justice building in central London.
The artwork shows a judge in traditional wig and black robe striking a protester lying on the ground, with blood depicted on the protester’s placard. While the mural does not explicitly reference a specific cause or incident, its appearance comes just two days after almost 900 people were arrested during a protest in London against the ban on Palestine Action.
Security and public access
Social media images show that the mural has already been covered with large plastic sheets and two metal barriers. Security officials are guarding the site, which sits beneath a CCTV camera.
Banksy shared a photo of the artwork on Instagram, captioning it: “Royal Courts Of Justice. London.” This is consistent with the artist’s usual method of confirming authenticity.
Location and context
The mural is located on an external wall of the Queen’s Building, part of the Royal Courts of Justice complex. Banksy’s stencilled graffiti often comments on government policy, war, and capitalism.
Previous works in London
Last summer, Banksy launched an animal-themed campaign in London featuring nine works. The series concluded with a gorilla appearing to lift a shutter at the London Zoo. Other notable pieces included piranhas on a police sentry box in the City of London and a howling wolf on a satellite dish in Peckham, which was removed less than an hour after unveiling.
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Works are painted on bark cloth from Lake Victoria
Artist Shafina Jaffer presents a new chapter of her Global Conference of the Birds series.
The exhibition runs from 7–12 October 2025 at Mall Galleries, London.
Works are painted on bark cloth from Lake Victoria, combining spiritual themes with ecological concerns.
Exhibition details
Artist Shafina Jaffer will open her latest exhibition, Whispers Under Wings (Global Conference of the Birds), at the Mall Galleries in London on 7 October 2025. The show will run until 12 October 2025.
This practice-led series reinterprets Farid ud-Din Attar’s 12th-century Sufi allegory, Conference of the Birds, reflecting on themes of unity, self-realisation and the idea that the Divine resides within.
Material and meaning
Each work is painted on sustainably sourced bark cloth from the Lake Victoria region, using natural pigments, minerals and dyes. Large panels are formed from the bark of single trees, aligning material ecology with the spiritual narrative.
The series weaves together sacred geometry, Qur’anic verses and depictions of endangered bird species, underscoring the connection between ecological fragility and spiritual awakening.
Previous recognition
Whispers Under Wings follows earlier presentations in London and Dubai, extending the project’s message of peace, unity and environmental care.
A central work from the series — the Simurgh, conceived as a symbol of light (Noor) — was recently acquired by Prince Amyn Aga Khan for the new Ismaili Centre in Houston. A feature on the exhibition also appears in the September edition of Twiga, Air Tanzania’s inflight magazine.