September marks the birthday of several illustrious personalities of Indian cinema, some of whom are featured here Not just birthdays — September is a celebration of legacy, talent, and timeless contributions to Indian cinema across eras

September boasts of many legendary figures from the Indian film industry. Bengali super star Uttam Kumar was born on September 3. Known as an actor who didn’t need glycerin, Uttam Kumar was the heartthrob of every Bengali woman of 60s and 70s. His high-voltage smile on the screen was enough to make a few women scream in theatres. Women were beating their head and chest like they had lost their lover when he died in 1980.

The month ends with another Bengali – Hrishikesh Mukherjee on September 30th. Hrishida was almost forced to be a director by Dilip Kumar who saw the potential in him. The veteran acted in Hrishida’s first film Musafir on a pro bono basis as well. Hrishida went on to become one of the most successful directors of heartwarming, simple, family films that are termed as cult classics today. 

September is also the birthday month of two nightingales – Asha Bhosle (September 8) and Lata Mangeshkar (September 28). Asha Bhosle was always the rebel of the Mangeshkar family. She, with her multi-faceted persona and voice, carved herself a niche in the competitive world of playback singing in Hindi cinema. Though known for her cabaret numbers, she has also sung a bhajan like Tora man darpan keh laye or ghazals with Gulam Ali with equal aplomb and ease. Her Marathi Bhavgeets (songs of emotion) are steeped in honey and emotions. Her rendition of her father’s Suhasya tujhe (original and the adaptation Mi maj harpoon basle) is awe-inspiring. 

Lata Mangeshkar was the eldest of the five siblings and had to start work at a very early age to provide for the family after her father’s death. She, born on September 28 started as a child actor in a Marathi film. And later started singing first for Marathi films. Her talent took her to the pinnacle where nobody has, yet, reached in playback singing. Her swar was very pure. There’s an anecdote about that… Once veteran Marathi music director, Shrinivas Khale, was questioned by an upcoming singer about why he gave all his songs to Lata and not to her. She requested him to listen to her rendition of one song. He agreed. She asked for harmonium so that she could modulate her voice to the swar she wanted to sing in. “haach pharak aahe… tumhala peti shivay swar lavtaa yet naahi, Latachya swaravar tambora lavta yeto!” Meaning, this is the difference – one can tune the tanpura to Lata’s swar, whereas you can’t find your note without help!

The first star bestowed with the term ‘Evergreen’ – Dev Anand would have been 102 this September 26. The second brother of three, he never really had to work to be different; he was different from his elder brother in more than one way. His energy was high and infectious. I still remember him taking two steps at a time during a climb to the third floor of Sunny Sound Studio at the age of 77, when I was struggling with my breath after the second floor despite my slow speed. 

Yash Chopra born on September 27 has a memorial in Switzerland as a tribute to his contribution to tourism. He was the first to introduce the Dutch tulips garden to Indian film audience and make Swiss alps a regular feature in his films. Chopra has many more firsts to his credit. Responsible for the first multi-starrer hit of Bollywood with lost-and-found formula, Waqt, he directed Deewar (action) and Kabhie Kabhie (romance) almost at the same time. He came up with a songless thriller Itefaq in record 37 days when his heroine for Aadmi Aur Insaan (romance, family drama) fell sick and couldn’t report for shooting.

Producer of Sholay, GP Sippy was born on September 14. His production values and varied topics since the 60s were something that his peers tried to match. Along with Sholay, he also gave classics like Patthar Ke Phool and Bramhachari, films that are watched even today for histrionics and music.

I might have missed some legends in my aggrandizement of the mentioned legends… my apologies if I have.

Going forward, when someone revisits the subject and writes about the legends born in the month of September, one of the prominent names will be Shabana Azmi born on September 18th. One of the very few who managed the tight rope walk of balancing parallel cinema and commercial cinema when the separating lines were bold and not as blurred as today. Her range of work is amazingly large and all encompassing.

Another woman who will deserve a place is Kareena Kapoor, who will be 45 on September 21st. She too has done myriad roles with an aplomb and ease. Her cousin Ranbir Kapoor matches her achievements. Born on September 28th, he is one of the few men from mainline cinema who have experimented with different characters. Akshay Kumar born on September 9th is also known for variety.

One might want to add Chunky Pandey born on September 26th! His resilience is certainly worth an applause.