Legendary actor Lehri passes away in Karachi

KARACHI: The legendary comedian Safirullah Siddiqui popularly known as Lehri passed away in Karachi after a prolonged illness Thursday morning, Geo News reported.

According to family sources, the veteran actor Lehri, 83 succumbed to his illness this morning. His son-in-law Asad Mehboob told Geo News that the actor was on the ventilator for the past many days after his health deteriorated.

Political leaders and people from all walks of life expressed grief over the actor’s demise.

The legendary comedian was laid to rest at the Yaseenabad graveyard.

Lehri was one of the country’s greatest comedians who made his name in Urdu films. His film career started in the 1950s and lasted until the 1980s.

Lehri won the Nigar Award for around a dozen films. The late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto provided him with a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500 during her first tenure, which he continued to receive, though there has been no increase in the amount.

Lehri’s first film “Anokhi” was released in 1956, and his last production was Dhanak in 1986. The vast majority of his films were in Urdu, though he did perform in a few Punjabi productions as well. Source:http://www.geo.tv

"Green Mile" actor Michael Clarke Duncan dies at 54

LOS ANGELES: Actor Michael Clarke Duncan, nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of a death row inmate in the 1999 drama "The Green Mile," died in a hospital on Monday, less than eight weeks after suffering a heart attack, a spokeswoman said. He was 54.

Duncan died in Los Angeles, his fiancée, the reality television star Omarosa Manigault, said in a statement through Duncan's publicist, Joy Fehily.

He suffered a heart attack on July 13 and "never fully recovered," Fehily said. He passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, she said.

With a commanding screen presence from his deep voice and hulking 6-foot-5 (1.96-metre) frame, Duncan once dug ditches for the gas company in his native Chicago, then moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career as an actor.

He worked as a bodyguard and bouncer and played a few roles of that kind in film and television, before landing a small part in the 1998 movie "Armageddon."

That led to a much larger role in the 1999 prison drama "The Green Mile" with Tom Hanks. Duncan played a death row inmate with magical powers who is put to death for two murders he did not commit.

The role won him a supporting actor Oscar nomination. "Duncan's ... presence is literally and figuratively the biggest thing in the movie," wrote Washington Post critic Desson Howe.

He had roles in 2002 film "The Scorpion King," the 2003 comic book movie "Daredevil" and 2005 release "Sin City." He also did voice work for the 2008 animated film "Kung Fu Panda."

And he starred this year in several episodes of the Fox crime drama "The Finder."

In the 1980s Duncan tried out for the Chicago Bears, and he also played basketball in community college. His affinity for sports included narrating a film about the 2005 World Series champions Chicago White Sox.

Manigault, 38, is best known for her appearances on NBC reality show "The Apprentice," in which she often acted the villain. More recently, she studied Christian theology and became a minister.

"Manigault is grateful for all of your prayers and asks for privacy at this time," Fehily said. (Reuters)

US comedian Phyllis Diller dies at age 95

LOS ANGELES: US actress and comedian Phyllis Diller -- who in the 1960s helped paved the way for female comics in Hollywood -- died Monday at her Los Angeles home at age 95, her manager said.

The trailblazing star -- known for her distinctive laugh, disheveled hair and outlandish wardrobe -- died at 9:30 am (16H30 GMT), said her lifelong manager Milton Suchin.

"Her son Perry found her ... She was at home, and then she died with a smile on her face. She was a true trailblazer. Great lady."

Entertainment news outlet TMZ reported the actress had been ill in recent months after a fall that injured her hip and wrist.

Friend and fellow comic Joan Rivers, 79, wrote on Twitter that she was "beyond saddened" by the death of Diller, an artist she said she "adored."

"The only tragedy is that Phyllis Diller was the last from an era that insisted a woman had to look funny in order to be funny," Rivers said.

"If she had started today, Phyllis could have stood there in Dior and Harry Winston and become the major star that she was."

Born Phyllis Ada Driver in the northeastern state of Ohio in 1917, she began her career as a comedian at age 37.

Before that, Diller was a homemaker for her five children and husband, Sherwood Diller, who insisted that she perform a comedy show at a nightclub. Her act was so successful that she was hired for almost two years.

Later, she had her own television show, "The Phyllis Diller Show," and a variety show called "The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show."

In her final appearance on television, she voiced the character of Peter's mother in the irreverent animated series "Family Guy."

Diller also performed in more than 30 films. (AFP)

Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna passes away at 69

MUMBAI: Rajesh Khanna, often referred to as the "first superstar" of Bollywood and the Hindi film industry's biggest heart-throb in his day, died Wednesday after months of being unwell, reports said. He was 69.

He died at his family home in Mumbai after being discharged from hospital earlier this week.

Known as "Kaka" (uncle) to his fans, Khanna was not from an acting dynasty like many big Bollywood names. He was born in the city of Amritsar in the northwest of India in 1942 and enjoyed appearing on stage from his school days.

He made his film debut in "Aakhri Khat" (The Last Letter) in 1966 but his big break came three years later with the runaway hit "Aaradhna" (Worship), followed by many successes in which Khanna typically played the romantic lead.

His prominent hits of the 1970s included "Kati Patang" (Broken Kite), "Anand" (Peace) and "Amar Prem" (Everlasting love).

In total, he appeared in more than 150 Hindi films. (AFP)

Sylvester Stallone mourns death of son in suspected drugs overdose

SYLVESTER STALLONE was last night ‘’devastated and grief-stricken” by his son’s sudden death from a suspected drugs overdose.

Sage Stallone was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment – with reports suggesting that prescription pills were found at the scene.

It is understood the actor did not leave a suicide note, leading police to believe he killed himself accidentally.
Last night, Rocky star Sly, 66 – who co-starred with Sage in Rocky V – was struggling to come to terms with the news.

His spokesman Michelle Bega said: “Sylvester is devastated and grief-stricken over the sudden loss of his son.

“His compassion and thoughts are with Sage’s mother Sasha. He was a very talented and wonderful young man. His loss will be felt forever.”

Emergency services were called to the 36-year-old actor’s home at 3pm on Friday. Medics tried to revive him for 25 minutes but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A postmortem will be held in the next 24 hours.

Police said they found Sage – who was one of two sons from Sly’s marriage to Sasha Czack – while responding to a “welfare check”.

But Sage’s lawyer George Braunstein claimed he was found by a housekeeper who then made the 911 call.
The lawyer added: “I think it was probably some sort of accident. He was in good spirits, working on all kinds of projects.” Source:http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk

Bollywood actor Dara Singh dies at 84

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Dara Singh died at the age of 84 in Mumbai on Thursday, Indian media quoted.

The 84-year-old had suffered severe brain damage following a cardiac arrest last week.

Dara Singh was shifted home from hospital on Wednesday night as his family wanted his final moments to be spent at home.

The 84-year-actor was admitted to Kokilaben Hospital in an emergency condition on July 7. He had suffered a cardiac arrest and since then he has been in the ICU.

The Commonwealth wrestling champion entered film industry in the fifties and is known for his roles in 'King Kong' and 'Faulad'. He was last seen in Imtiaz Ali's 'Jab We Met' (2007) playing Kareena Kapoor's grandfather.

The veteran actor had played the character of Hanuman in Ramanand Sagar's epic television series 'Ramayan'.

Oscar-winning actor Borgnine dead at 95

LOS ANGELES: Veteran actor Ernest Borgnine, the star of dozens of films and television shows who won an Oscar for his portrayal of a shy butcher in love in "Marty", has died, his manager said. He was 95.

"It's a very sad day. The industry has lost someone great, the caliber of which we will never see again. A true icon," the manager,Lynda Bensky, said in an email to AFP.

"But more importantly the world has lost a sage and loving man who taught us all how to 'grow young'. His infectious smile and chuckle made the world a happier place."

Bensky said the actor died on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, with his family at his side.

Born to Italian immigrants on January 24, 1917 in Hamden, Connecticut, Borgnine was primarily known for his roles in comedies such as the popular TV series "McHale's Navy" and dramas like the World War II film "The Dirty Dozen".

The US Navy veteran won an Academy Award for best actor for his role in the 1955 film "Marty", which also took home Oscars for best picture, best director and best screenplay.

Tributes to Borgnine poured in on Twitter, from ordinary folk to fellow actors to Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy.

Actress Marlee Matlin, also an Oscar winner, tweeted: "So sad to read about passing of Ernest Borgnine. We spoke recently at Paramount's 100th anniversary photo. A true legend & a gentleman. RIP."

"God bless Ernest Borgnine. An amazingly strong spirit. R.I.P. Ernie," said actor Gary Sinise.

Borgnine -- who began his career as a stage actor and first shot to prominence in Hollywood when he played Sergeant "Fatso" Judson in "From Here to Eternity" -- was also known for his role on the television series "Airwolf".

He also appeared on the celebrity game show "The Hollywood Squares".

Borgnine continued to work into his 90s, voicing the character Mermaid Man on the animated children's series "SpongeBob SquarePants".

In 2009, he appeared in a guest starring role on long-running TV drama "ER" for which he earned an Emmy nomination.

The year before, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in the made-for-TV movie "A Grandpa for Christmas".

The Screen Actors Guild gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award last year.

"We mourn the loss of Ernest Borgnine. A wonderful man, actor and our 47th Life Achievement Recipient. Ernie, you will be deeply missed," said a tweet on the official feed of the SAG Awards.

The gap-toothed actor wed five times, including once to Broadway megastar Ethel Merman -- a marriage that lasted only a month. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Tova. Borgnine had four children.

In an interview with AFP in 2007, Borgnine emphasized the importance of being a team player as an actor.

"When you're part of an ensemble like I was in 'From Here To Eternity' and 'The Poseidon Adventure' you realize you stick out badly if you try to steal a scene instead of being a part of a team," he said.

"Acting to me is very simple. You just need to use your heart and your head together."

Borgnine said at the time that he would advise aspiring actors to "get a real job before you try to get an acting job."

"Learn about life and then learn your craft. And don't wear dark glasses on screen because you think you're cool. The eyes are an actor's best asset," Borgnine said. AFP

Ghazal king Mehdi Hassan passes away

KARACHI: Legendary Pakistani ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan passed away after a protracted illness in a private hospital in Karachi on Wednesday, Geo News reported.

Only last month, king of ghazal Mehdi Hassan, was discharged from hospital. However, just a day later, he was admitted back due to health problems. This time round though, he hasn't been put on ventilator.

Mehdi Hassan's son Arif confirmed the news and added, "My father has been ill for the last 12 years but this year, his condition has deteriorated significantly and in the last one month, he was released from hospital for just one day before being admitted again."

Arif Mehdi said that the funeral would take place on Friday, June 15.

Mehdi Hassan, who has a huge fan following all over the world, was suffering from lung, chest and urinary tract ailments for the past many years.

He was born on July 18, 1927 in a village called Luna in Rajasthan, India into a family of traditional musicians.

He was honoured with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Pride of Performance and Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan, and Gorkha Dakshina Bahu by the Government of Nepal.

Mehdi Hassan had his musical grooming from his father Ustad Azeem Khan and uncle Ustad Ismail Khan who were both traditional Dhrupad singers. Hassan started to perform at a young age of eight and sang in more than 325 films.

To make both the ends meet Mehdi started working in Chichawatni, in a bicycle shop. He later became a car and diesel tractor mechanic. Despite the hardships, his passion for music didn’t wither and he kept up the routine of practice on a daily basis.

The struggle ended when Mehdi Hassan was given the opportunity to sing on Radio Pakistan in 1957, primarily as a thumri singer, which earned him recognition within the musical fraternity.

TV star, game show host Richard Dawson dead at 79

LOS ANGELES: Richard Dawson, the British-born actor best known as host of the US game show "Family Feud" and for his role on "Hogan's Heroes," has died at age 79 after a battle with cancer, his son said.

Dawson died late Saturday at Ronald Reagan Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles from complications due to esophageal cancer, his son Gary said in a Facebook post.

"He was surrounded by his family. He was an amazing talent, a loving husband, a great dad, and a doting grandfather. He will be missed but always remembered," Gary Dawson said.

Dawson, whose given name was Colin Lionel Emm, was born in Gosport, England on November 20, 1932. A career in stand-up comedy eventually gave way to his acting career.

He appeared on several hit television shows in the 1960s including "Hogan's Heroes" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show", before launching into a long run as the emcee of "Family Feud."

The game show, which pitted two families against each other in a contest to guess the correct answers to survey questions, debuted in 1976.

Dawson, who was known for kissing female contestants, became the highest-paid game show host at the time, and won a daytime Emmy award for his work in 1978.

The show was canceled in 1985, but was later reborn in syndication. It is currently hosted by actor-comedian Steve Harvey.

Dawson sent up his own TV persona in the 1980s sci-fi film "The Running Man" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, playing game show host Damon Killian.

Dawson's first wife was British actress Diana Dors. He is survived by his two sons from that marriage, Mark and Gary, as well as his second wife Gretchen -- a one-time contestant on "Feud" -- and their daughter Shannon. (AFP)

Disco queen Donna Summer dies at 63

LOS ANGELES: Donna Summer, whose music dominated the 1970s disco era, died of cancer on Thursday at age 63, leaving a legacy of hit singles like "Love to Love You Baby," "Last Dance" and "Bad Girls."

Summer, who won five Grammys and sold more than 130 million records worldwide, died surrounded by her family in Naples, Florida, publicist Brian Edwards said.

Edwards said she died of cancer but he declined to comment on a report from celebrity website TMZ.com that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer.

"Early this morning, surrounded by family, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith. While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy," the singer's family said in a statement.

Summer, known as the queen of disco, had three children and married twice. Her second husband, musician Bruce Sudano, was at her bedside, Edwards said.

She began her career in Germany where she performed in productions of the shows "Hair" and "Porgy and Bess" and worked as a studio session singer.

But it wasn't until 1975 that she found fame with the moaning vocals and grinding beat of "Love to Love You Baby" that was a huge, but controversial, hit in European nightclubs.

Summer followed up with a string of other disco tunes in the 1970s and into the mid-1980s, including "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff," "Bad Girls," "I Feel Love" and her cover version of the ballad "MacArthur Park," which was her first No. 1 record in the United States in 1978.

In 1983, she scored a massive hit with "She Works Hard for the Money," as she sought to branch out of the disco genre.

Summer's recording career declined in the 1990s, but she sang at Nobel Peace Prize concert in Norway in 2009 in honor of Nobel laureate, U.S. President Barack Obama.

Her family asked on Thursday that fans make donations in Summer's honor to the Salvation Army. (Reuters)

Whitney Houston dead at 48, on eve of Grammys

LOS ANGELES: Grammy-winning pop legend and actress Whitney Houston was found dead Saturday in Beverly Hills, police said. She was 48.

The shock news came as the music industry gathered in Los Angeles for the annual Grammy awards show on Sunday, and a few hours ahead of a traditional pre-Grammys dinner in the hotel where Houston died.

Musicians took to Twitter to pay tribute to the singer, famous for songs including "I Will Always Love You," who had led a public battle with drugs.

"Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend ... She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth," wrote Mariah Carey.

Police confirmed her death in a brief statement outside the Beverly Hilton hotel, where stars were gathering for an annual pre-Grammys dinner hosted by veteran producer Clive Davis.

"At 3:55 pm, Whitney Houston was pronounced dead at the Beverly Hilton hotel," said Mark Rosen, a police spokesman.

Rosen said police received an emergency call from someone in her entourage and found Houston on the floor of her room on the hotel's fourth floor as attempts were being made to resuscitate her.

"There were no obvious signs of criminal intent at this time, and it is being investigated by the Beverly Hills police department," the police spokesman added.

The cause of death was not immediately known.

A mobile crime laboratory and a number of police cars were stationed outside the hotel, while inside guests watched live television coverage about Houston's death in the bar and lobby areas.

Condolences poured in on Twitter from shocked fans and from the famous, as
sadness over the news spread through the entertainment world.

"We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney's family. She will be missed," said Christina Aguilera, while Rihanna wrote simply: "No words! Just tears #DearWhitney."

Grammys organizers the Recording Academy are scrambling to include some kind of tribute to Houston in Sunday's show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, according to CNN.

With a ferociously powerful voice and a dazzling range, Houston achieved stardom as a pop-soul singer known as "The Voice" and the "Queen of Pop."

She also appeared in hit movies like "Waiting to Exhale" and "The Bodyguard."

From a musical family that included mother Cissy Houston, a gospel star, and Dionne Warwick, her cousin, Whitney Houston started out as a teen model and then made a dazzling segue to music.

Her hits included "How Will I Know," "Saving all My Love for You," and "I
Will Always Love You."

Houston's trove of six Grammy awards included one for record of the year -- for a soaring cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You," and another for album of the year for "The Bodyguard."

Houston, who grew up in New Jersey, was also a supporter of the anti-apartheid movement and South Africa's Nelson Mandela, on whose behalf she campaigned during his imprisonment.

She struggled with substance abuse, which took a toll on her health and career.

Houston has sold more than 170 million records worldwide but suffered a major career setback after admitting drug use during an abusive relationship with ex-husband Bobby Brown.

Brown was one of the hottest rhythm and blues singers in the late 1980s and early 90s, but became better known as the husband of Houston and for his frequent brushes with drugs and the law.

The pair, who were divorced in 2007, starred in a television reality series, "Being Bobby Brown," that featured their marriage, warts and all. They have a daughter Bobbi Kristina.

Brown was detained in Atlanta in 1993 for lewd conduct and for brawling in 1995. He was arrested for drunk driving in 1996 and for alleged battery of Houston in late 2003. (AFP)

Director Raj Kanwar dies, aged 50

Bollywood director Raj Kanwar has died at the age of 50.

He passed away in Singapore after travelling there for a kidney transplant.

Kanwar is most famous for launching the career of Shah Rukh Khan in 1992 with the film Deewana. The actor led the tributes on Twitter, writing: "My friend Raj Kanwarji passed away. The impermanence of life, makes one feel so helpless. May his soul rest in peace. Aisi Deewangi... miss u sir."

The director also signed up Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra for their first Bollywood endeavour, 2003's Andaaz.

"Saddens me so much, my first director Raj Kanwar passed away..RIP Rajji..You believed in me when even I didn't. Andaaz taught me everything I know," Chopra tweeted.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan said: "Terribly saddened by the passing of Raj Kanwar. Was the first person to sign me after Refugee. He made Aishwarya and my 1st film together. Dhai Akshar Prem Ke.

"Was a lovely man, always happy, smiling and joking. Have wonderful wonderful memories of him. Now no more. Thank you so much Raj ji for the memories. I will miss you."

Veteran actor Dev Anand dies of cardiac arrest in London

LONDON: Dev Anand, the 'Evergreen Romantic Superstar' of Indian cinema, has passed away here last night following cardiac arrest. He was 88. Dev Anand, who had come here for medical check up, was not keeping well for the last few days, Indian media reported.

His son Sunil was with him when he breathed last. Dev Anand made his debut as an actor in 1946 in "Hum Ek Hain". By the time his "Ziddi" was released in 1947 he was a superstar and has never looked back.

Versatile Dev Anand has given countless hits like "Paying Guest", "Baazi", "Jewel Thief ", "CID", "Johny Mera Naam", "Amir Garib", "Warrant", "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" and "Des Pardes".

Sir Jimmy Savile dies, aged 84

Sir Jimmy Savile has died at his home at the age of 84.

The DJ and TV presenter, most famous for his show Jim'll Fix It, was just two days away from his 85th birthday.

Police were called to his address in Roundhay, Leeds at 12.10pm, where they discovered his body. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Last month, it was reported that Sir Jimmy had been taken to Leeds General Infirmary after suffering a bout of pneumonia. It is as yet unknown whether the illness was the cause of his death.

Friend and fellow DJ Dave Lee Travis paid tribute to Sir Jimmy, saying: "For some unknown reason, with Jim, you couldn't anticipate that he wasn't going to be around anymore - he was such a powerful presence.

"He was one of the first DJs that actually became a personality."

Born in 1926, Sir Jimmy was the youngest of seven children, and worked in the coal mines during the war.

He became a Radio 1 DJ before fronting the original series of Top of the Pops in 1964. In 1975, he landed his own family show, Jim'll Fix It. At its peak, the show attracted 20,000 letters every week from children and adults who wanted the host to grant their wish.

Renowned for his trademark tracksuits, gold chains and cigars, he was also extremely charitable, and is thought to have raised more than £40m for good causes in his lifetime. A long-time friend of members of the royal family, he was knighted by the Queen in 1990.

Former Radio 1 DJ Mike Read said: "He was an exceptional character in a world that's got greyer, more normal, more dull. He was a one off. He was the first to go into halls and clubs and play records. You knew it was Jimmy, he stood out in the crowd. He was pure, pure showbiz."

Renowned ghazal singer Jagjit Singh passes away

Renowned Indian ghazal singer Jagjit Singh passed away Monday at the age of 70 in the Intensive Care Unit of Mumbai Lilavati hospital in India due to brain hemorrhage.

The singer was admitted in ICU and underwent emergency Nueoro surgery twice. Jagjit Singh also had a history of heart ailments which were suspected to have trigger the damaged, reported a private news channel.

Singh was breathing with the aid of a ventilator. The 70 -years old also suffered from hypertension.

He was born on 8 February, 1941 in Rajhistan. 'The Ghazal King' was a singer, composer, activist and entrepreneur. He had sung in several languages including Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Nepali.

Singh entered the music industry at a time which was primarily dominated by Pakistani ghazal singers, and Indian singers were considered relatively lesser authentic than their Pakistani counterparts.

Singh was the first Indian music director to use the technique of multi-track recording for his album 'Beyond Time'. Singh was admitted jus hours before he was to perform with another ghazal maestro, Ghulam Ali, in Mumbai.

Unlike other ghazal singers, Singh did not hesitate in lending his voice for films. His silky voice ruled during early 80's in films like Prem Geet, Saath Saath and Arth. However, his major work is spread over more than 60 filmy and non-filmy albums.

His music became popular in mass media through films such as Prem Geet (1981), Arth and Saath Saath (1982), and TV serials Mirza Ghalib (1988) and Kahkashan (1991).

Jagjit Singh is survived by his wife Chitra Singh, with whom he had produced several record-breaking albums. Their only son Vivek Singh had died in a road accident in 1990. (APP)

Anil Kapoor's father dies, aged 84

Film producer Surinder Kapoor, the father of Anil Kapoor, died on Saturday following a cardiac arrest at the age of 84.

The veteran filmmaker produced films including Woh Saat Din, Pukaar, Loafer and Judaai, and had assisted director K. Asif during the making of Mughal-e-Azam.

Anees Bazmee, the director of Kapoor's home production No Entry, told IANS: "I'm at Surinderji's house right now. He had gone for a walk in the evening. He came back, drank a glass of water and while he was untying the laces of his shoes he suffered a heart attack and died on the spot."

Film critic Taran Adarsh was one of the first people to tweet his condolences, saying: "Veteran producer Surinder Kapoor, father of Boney Kapoor, Anil Kapoor & Sanjay Kapoor and grandfather of Sonam & Arjun Kapoor, has passed away. Condolences to the entire family. RIP."

Kapoor was the president of the Film and Television Producers Guild of India from 1995 to 2001 and was also given the L.V. Prasad Phalke Award in 2009.

Kapoor is survived by his wife, three sons Boney, Anil, Sanjay and daughter Reena.

Death of traditional qawwali?

‘Sar-i-Lamakaan se talab hui’, crooned the Sabri Brothers at their best. Yes, he’s been summoned by the Lamakaan, ‘One with no fixed abode’. And with this comes to an end a glorious chapter in traditional qawwali singing with the passage of Maqbool Ahmed Sabri (1941-2011). The erstwhile surviving of the legendary brothers breathed his last in a South African hospital on September 21. He had gone there for treatment, having abandoned singing three months before due to his failing health. This meant for him having had to leave the passion of his 70-year lifetime, a passion that had begun as early as at age four or five under the supervision of his own father, Inayet Sen Sabri—the middle name Sen kept in deference to their claimed ancestor, Taan Sen, whose singing talent shot to fame at the court of Akbar in 15th century Agra.

The Sabri Brothers, Ghulam Fareed (d.1994) and Maqbool Ahmed, however, garnered their own share of skyrocketing fame in our times. They were the trailblazers who ventured out to New York in 1975 to seek western audiences for the traditional qawwali, and kept winning laurels for their performing talent, both at home and abroad for a long time to come. Aziz Mian (d. 2000), Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (d. 1997), and now Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, were to reap the fruits of the trail that the Sabris laid so early in the day. Modern qawwali has long since come out of the shrine and made it to international pop charts, though the traditional genre has seen a tremendous setback through the loss of stalwarts like the Sabris and Aziz Mian. Amjad Sabri may look determined to keep the Sabri tradition alive, but where have the listeners gone?

The cultural onslaught of puritan, fundamentalist doctrine of Islam, especially through the petro-dollars poured into spreading this creed, has seen the audience of the traditional qawwali shrink in Pakistan (India has largely escaped this onslaught thanks to that state’s inherent pluralism which it has jealously guarded) by redefining cultural values. So much so that two years ago in Ramazan, a corporate giant in Pakistan shamelessly flouted its dishonesty by altering the lyrics of a Sabri super hit number, ‘Bhar do jholi meri, Ya Muhammad’ to ‘Ya Ilaahi’ in its advertising campaign. The change in insisting on supplicating to Allah (Ilaahi) alone and not to his Prophet or through his Prophet (or a Sufi saint by extension) was indicative of the growing literalism being associated with a faith whose practitioners have never been a homogenised entity – there being four established schools of fiqh amongst the Sunni majority alone, even if you leave aside the Sufi tradition and the followers of many minority Muslim sects. According to the Salafi creed, building shrines and praying besides the Sufis’ graves is shrine worship and therefore blasphemy.

The point is that if this kind of Salafi cultural onslaught backed by petro-dollars continues, Muslims everywhere risk losing their cultural genres, be they in the form of traditional qawwali in Pakistan or the tradition of Mawlud (Eid-i-Milad), celebratory poetry recitals (and dances) associated with Naat and Manqabat, which are so well entrenched in societies across the Muslim world, from Morocco to Indonesia. The authoritative and the earliest of the biographies of the Prophet of Islam are full of Arabic Qasida and Manqabat in the praise of the Prophet, but the Arabian peninsula is the only missing link today, from where the puritan Salafis rose with a mission to reconvert Muslims with a new zeal in the 19th century and gained more power as their wealth grew when they hit oil in the 20th century. In the subcontinent the Darul Uloom Deoband, UP, (est. 1866) pursued a similar puritan line in its interpretation of the Hanafi doctrine, while most Salafi followers are the adherents of the Hanbali school of thought centered on the Arabian peninsula, followed by the Malikis; Shafi’is have largely stayed away from fundamentalist doctrines though the Jamaa Islamiya in Indonesia remains a key proponent of this doctrine.

As for traditional qawwali in Pakistan (as in India), its sustaining spirit has been the shrine, from a neighbourhood one to that of a patron saint for the wider community with followers literally spread around the world. In Pakistan, however, the shrine culture has been in recession, first following the spread of more puritan strains of the faith, which has weaned away many of the better educated and wealthy patrons, and then the shrines coming under terrorist attacks by Islamic militants. This in turn has also meant a decline in the number of the initiated patrons of the shrine culture and the qawwali performances there. Under the circumstances, younger qawwals like Amjad Sabri need a lot of luck to keep the genre alive in its traditional form. Thus there’s no telling whether or when we’ll see another great Sabri or Aziz Mian with a matching fame and fanfare. However, modern qawwali, with fusion music as its survival kit and pop culture as its rendezvous, is in safe hands—that is, as long as modern qawwals delving in their jazzed-up versions continue to undergo rigorous training in classical singing which is a prerequisite. Credit

'Spartacus' star Andy Whitfield dies - Hollywood pays tribute

Spartacus creator Steven DeKnight and comedian Joel McHale are among the stars who have paid tribute to the late Andy Whitfield.

Whitfield died at age 39 on Sunday after a long battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Spartacus exec DeKnight said that he was very sad to hear of Whitfield's passing, tweeting: "No words to express the depth of such a loss. You will be deeply missed, my brother."

Whitfield's Spartacus co-star Lucy Lawless said she was lucky to have known the actor, telling Entertainment Weekly: "Obviously, Andy Whitfield left an indelible mark on all of us in the Spartacus family. He was a gentle man who never said a bad word about anyone, a gifted photographer, engineer (no really!) and a brilliant actor.

"Andy's incandescent film presence made men want to be him and women want to marry him. Andy's two babies will always know that their Daddy cherished them and their mother, Vashti, above all things. How lucky we were to have him grace all our lives. Godspeed, Andy!"

The Soup host McHale described Whitfield's death as "terribly sad", while Dexter star Julie Benz wrote: "A life cut way too short. So sad."

Grounded for Life actor Donal Logue suggested that Whitfield's cancer battle should encourage his fans to donate bone marrow, writing: "Non-hodgkins lymphoma & 67 other terminal illnesses need not be fatal if a marrow donor can be found- @bethematch.org. save a life. (sic)"

Battlestar Galactica's Katee Sackhoff called Whitfield a "great talent and a true warrior" and Body of Proof actress Jeri Ryan added that "cancer sucks".

Whitfield is survived by his wife Vashti and their two children. Source

Samir Chanda dies, aged 54

Celebrated Indian art director Samir Chanda has died as a result of a heart related illness.

Known for his work in films such as Guru, Omkara and Rang De Basanti, Chanda won the National Film Award for 'Best Art Direction' three times in his 32-year career.

Speaking of his passing, director Sangeeth Sivan told NDTV: "It is with deep regret that I convey the tragic news of the demise of my dear friend and reputed art director Samir Chanda a few hours back of a heart failure."

A favourite of film director Mani Ratnam, Chanda provided the art direction for films such as Dil Se, Aks, Raavan, Krrish and Ram Lakhan.

A trained painter from Calcutta Art College, Chanda drew on his training and understanding of Indian art and architecture to create sets from the 10th century to the present day.

film director Buddhadeb Dasgupta said: "We have worked together many times. He was a very good person and had a creative head. It will be difficult for the industry to get a man like him."

Filmmaker Goutam Ghose, who was to work with Chanda in his forthcoming film, expressed his sadness at the news.

"I am in deep pain after hearing this. He was a very down to earth despite being in the glamour world," he said.

Several Bollywood stars have paid their personal tributes to Chanda on Twitter.

Anupam Kher said: "Sad and shocked to knw about d sudden demise of Samir Chanda. One of d most brilliant art directors in d country. And a great person. RIP. (sic)"

Priyanka Chopra commented: "RIP Samir Chanda.Had the good fortune of knowing the incredible man he was in Kaminey and Saat khoon maaf. Thank u for always believing in me"

Singer Shreya Ghoshal wrote: "R.I.P. Samir Chanda. The extraordinary art director of so many stunning films. His contribution to indian films was immense."

Legendary Bollywood actor Shammi Kapoor, dies at 79

Legendary Bollywood actor Shammi Kapoor, whose acting and dancing style heavily influenced modern-day Indian film stars, died on Sunday aged 79.

"Shammi Kapoor ji passed away this morning at 5:15 am," Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan wrote on Twitter, using the Hindi honorific, saying Kapoor brought had "flamboyance and joie de vivre" to the screen.

Nikhil Gangavane, a family friend who headed the official Shammi Kapoor fan club, said the actor was admitted to the private Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai earlier this week.

"He was on a ventilator for three or four days. He was having some chest infection, which he had had for the last one or two years. He died of renal failure this morning," Gangavane told AFP.

"He had been undergoing dialysis for the last six or seven years but developed complications."

Kapoor's dance performances in romantic hits like Tumsa Nahin Dekha" (You're One of a Kind, 1957), "Dil Deke Dekho" (Give Your Heart and See, 1959) and "Junglee" (Wild, 1961) earned him comparisons with US singer Elvis Presley.

Key to his success was his avid interest in music. Kapoor personally selected the songs he would dance and mime to, mindful that they needed to fit his exuberant on-screen style.

In doing so, he and singers like Mohammed Rafi provided some of the industry's most popular and memorable tunes.

In later years, as he withdrew from acting and direction, Kapoor became a champion of the Internet and was the founder-chairman of the Internet Users Community of India, maintaining a Facebook page and a Twitter account.

His own web site www.junglee.org.in profiled his famous family, the Kapoors, who have dominated Hindi-language cinema virtually since its inception.

He described himself on his Twitter account profile as a "Renaissance man, retired actor, computer buff". (AFP)