Here are 5 famous musicians from India were born in 1908:
Devika Rani (March 30, 1908 Visakhapatnam-March 9, 1994 Bangalore) otherwise known as The Dragon Lady, Devika Rani Choudhury, Devika Rani Chaudhuri Roerich or Devika Rani Chaudhuri was an Indian actor.
She was also a producer and is considered to be one of the most prominent figures in the Indian film industry. Devika Rani was born in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and went on to study in England before making her acting debut in 1926. She made her mark in the Indian film industry through her skillful acting and soon became known as the First Lady of Indian cinema. After starring in several blockbuster hits, Devika Rani went on to found Bombay Talkies along with her husband, Himanshu Rai. As a producer, she contributed immensely to the development of Indian cinema and laid the foundation for modern Indian filmmaking. In recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema, Devika Rani was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1958. Throughout her lifetime, she remained a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration for generations of aspiring actors.
Devika Rani’s acting career spanned over a decade, during which she starred in some of the most iconic films of the time. She was known for her versatility and ability to portray different characters with ease. Some of her notable films include “Achhut Kanya” (1936), “Karma” (1933), “Jawani Ki Hawa” (1935), and “Izzat” (1937).
Apart from her acting skills, Devika Rani was also recognized for her contributions to the field of costume design. She was known for her impeccable sense of fashion and her ability to design costumes that complemented the characters she played.
After the establishment of Bombay Talkies in 1934, Devika Rani shifted her focus to the production side of filmmaking. She produced and acted in several films under the banner, including “Jeevan Naiya” (1936), “Nirmala” (1938), and “Achhut Kanya” (1936).
Devika Rani’s personal life was also as intriguing as her professional one. She was married to fellow filmmaker Himanshu Rai, and the two shared a creative partnership that was instrumental in the development of Indian cinema.
Overall, Devika Rani was a trailblazer and one of the most influential figures in the Indian film industry. Her contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire and influence filmmakers and actors to this day.
Despite her immense success in the film industry, Devika Rani's personal life was marred by tragedy. Her marriage to Himanshu Rai ended in 1940 and she went on to marry the Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich. However, this marriage was also short-lived as Roerich died in 1993, just a year before Devika Rani passed away. She spent her later years in solitude at her estate in Bangalore.Devika Rani was also known for her philanthropy and was actively involved in various social causes. She was a patron of the arts and established the Roerich Trust to promote Indian art and culture. Her legacy continues to thrive through the many awards and accolades she has received, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Film Industry in 1990. She will always be remembered as a pioneering force in Indian cinema, whose contributions continue to inspire filmmakers and actors to this day.
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N. S. Krishnan (November 29, 1908 Nagercoil-August 30, 1957 India) a.k.a. NSK, Nagerkoyil Sudalaimuthu Krishnan, Kalaivanar, நாகர்கோயில் சுடலைமுத்து கிருஷ்ணன், 'Kalaivanar' N. S. Krishnan, N.S. Krishnan, Charlie Chaplin of India or Nagercoil Sudalaimuthu Krishnan was an Indian actor, comedian, playback singer, writer and film director. He had one child, Kalaiselvi Krishnan.
N.S. Krishnan is regarded as one of the finest comedians and actors of Indian cinema. He started his career as a stage artist and later became a prominent figure in Tamil cinema. He was known for his impeccable comic timing, witty one-liners and flawless acting skills. Apart from acting, he had also directed a few films and composed music for a few of them.
Krishnan was also a well-known playback singer, and his songs continue to be popular to this day. His most famous song is "Suttum Vizhi Sudar Thaan Kannamma" from the movie "Karnan," which is considered a timeless classic.
Krishnan was an advocate of social justice and he often used his films to address social issues such as untouchability, gender discrimination and casteism. He was also involved in the Indian independence movement and was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.
Krishnan passed away at the age of 48 due to a heart attack, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema. He is still remembered and celebrated by his fans as one of the greatest comedians in the history of Indian cinema.
In addition to his successful career in cinema, N.S. Krishnan was also a well-known and respected theater artist. He began his career in the 1920s with the Madurai Original Boys drama troupe and later formed his own troupe, the Krishnan and Ananthan drama company. He wrote and acted in many plays, some of which were adapted into successful films.
Krishnan was also a philanthropist and actively participated in social service activities. He founded the Thiruvalluvar Nataka Mandram in Chennai, which gave opportunities to aspiring artists to showcase their skills. He also established the Natesa Mudaliar Charitable Trust, which helped poor and marginalized sections of the society.
Despite facing discrimination and prejudice due to his Dalit background, Krishnan persevered and became one of the most successful and beloved actors in Indian cinema. He continues to be a source of inspiration for many aspiring artists and social activists.
Additionally, N.S. Krishnan was a pioneer in the Tamil film industry, being one of the few actors to venture into producing and directing films in the early years. He co-produced and starred in the film "Vasantha Sena" in 1947, which dealt with the issue of child marriage. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Krishnan received praise for his efforts in addressing social issues on-screen.
Krishnan was also known for his close friendship with fellow comedian and actor T.A. Mathuram, with whom he starred in over 80 films together. The duo's on-screen chemistry and comic timing were highly acclaimed, making them one of the most successful and sought-after pairs in the history of Tamil cinema.
Despite facing personal and professional setbacks, including a brief imprisonment for participating in the Quit India movement, Krishnan remained committed to his art and social causes till the end. His contributions to Indian cinema and society as a whole have earned him a revered place in the hearts of millions of fans and followers.
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Dandapani Desikar (August 27, 1908 India-June 26, 1972) a.k.a. M M Dandapani Desikar was an Indian actor.
His albums include Paddhatti - M M Dhandapani Desigar Live Concert - 1964 - Vol I.
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Palani Subramaniam Pillai (April 20, 1908-May 27, 1962) was an Indian , .
Genres: Indian classical music.
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Abdul Rashid Khan (August 19, 1908-) also known as Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan or Rasan Piya is an Indian singer.
His most well known albums: , , and .
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