Pathetic Facts

Indian musicians died at 46

Here are 5 famous musicians from India died at 46:

Mohan Rakesh

Mohan Rakesh (January 8, 1925 Amritsar-January 3, 1972 Delhi) was an Indian writer and playwright.

He was one of the pioneers of the Indian theatre movement in the 1950s and 1960s, and his work is regarded as a landmark in the history of modern Indian theatre. Rakesh's plays, which were known for their innovative themes and use of language, explored a range of social and political issues such as identity, power, and exploitation. Some of his most famous plays include "Ashadh Ka Ek Din", "Adhe Adhure", and "Leheron Ke Rajhans". In addition to being a playwright, Rakesh was also a well-regarded novelist and essayist, and his works have been translated into numerous languages. He was a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India's highest honour for theatre artists.

Rakesh was born into a Punjabi family in 1925 and grew up in Lahore, Pakistan. He studied at the Government College University in Lahore before moving to Delhi in 1948. In Delhi, he worked as a writer and editor for several newspapers and magazines, including Current, Blitz, and Saptahik Hindustan. Rakesh's literary career began with the publication of his first novel, "Na Aane Wala Kal" in 1954. He soon turned to playwriting, and his first play "Ashadh Ka Ek Din" was staged in 1958 to critical acclaim.

Rakesh's plays were known for their psychological depth and realism, and he was often compared to playwrights like Ibsen and Chekhov. His characters were complex and multifaceted, and he explored their internal struggles with great sensitivity. "Adhe Adhure", one of his most famous plays, is a searing exploration of a dysfunctional family and the power dynamics within it. The play's themes of gender roles and patriarchy are just as relevant today as they were in the 1960s.

Rakesh was also interested in the intersection of theatre and politics, and he was associated with the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) for many years. He believed that theatre had the potential to spark social change and bring about political awakening. His plays often tackled themes of social injustice and inequality, and he was deeply committed to creating a more just and equitable society.

Despite his contributions to Indian theatre and literature, Rakesh's work remains relatively unknown outside of academic circles. However, his legacy lives on, and he continues to be regarded as one of the most important playwrights in the history of modern Indian theatre.

Read more about Mohan Rakesh on Wikipedia »

Dhan Gopal Mukerji

Dhan Gopal Mukerji (July 6, 1890 West Bengal-July 14, 1936 New York City) was an Indian writer and novelist.

Dhan Gopal Mukerji was the first successful Indian man of letters in the United States. He immigrated to the United States in 1910 and became a citizen in 1920. During World War I, Mukerji worked at the War Department in Washington, D.C. as a linguist, cryptologist, and translator. He was the author of many books, including Caste and Outcast (1923), Gayneck: The Story of a Pigeon (1927), and Kari the Elephant (1928). He also wrote for magazines, including Atlantic Monthly and The New Yorker. Mukerji's writing often focused on Indian culture, wildlife, and spirituality. Despite his success as a writer, he struggled with depression and ultimately took his own life in 1936.

Mukerji was born into a Brahmin family in West Bengal, India. He was educated in both India and England, and also traveled widely in Asia, Europe, and North America. In addition to his literary pursuits, Mukerji was also an artist and a lecturer, and he was known for his colorful presentations about Indian culture and spirituality.

Mukerji's book Gayneck: The Story of a Pigeon won the Newbery Medal in 1928, making him the first Indian author to receive this prestigious award for children's literature. His literary achievements helped raise awareness of Indian culture and art in the United States.

In 1935, Mukerji was diagnosed with tuberculosis and given only a short time to live. He decided to end his life on his own terms and wrote a letter explaining his decision before taking poison. Despite his tragic end, Dhan Gopal Mukerji is remembered as one of the pioneering Indian writers in the United States, opening doors for generations of Indian American writers and artists to follow.

He died caused by suicide.

Read more about Dhan Gopal Mukerji on Wikipedia »

J. P. Chandrababu

J. P. Chandrababu (August 5, 1927 Thoothukudi-March 8, 1974 Chennai) also known as Chandrababu, Joseph Panimayadas Rodriguez Chandrababu, Joseph Pichai Panimayadas, Babu or Panimayadas was an Indian singer, actor, comedian, film director, playback singer and dancer.

He was born in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu and began his career as a playback singer in the Tamil film industry in 1952. Chandrababu went on to become a popular actor and comedian in the 1950s and 60s, appearing in over 150 films in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.

He was known for his unique style of humor and quick wit, and often incorporated singing and dancing into his performances. Chandrababu also directed several films and composed music for a few of his movies.

Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Chandrababu's personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and two children in a car accident in 1963, which took a toll on his mental health. He died by suicide in 1974 at the age of 46.

Chandrababu's legacy lives on today, as his contributions to the Tamil film industry are still celebrated and remembered by many.

Chandrababu was a versatile artist who not only acted and sang but also wrote scripts, directed films and produced many works of art. His ability to perform different roles and bring humor into his performances made him a beloved figure among film-goers. He won critical acclaim for his performances in films such as Erendira Bedtime Story (1979), Edhir Neechal (1968) and Konjum Salangai (1962). Chandrababu also composed music for his films and wrote songs which became popular hits. His song "Jilendru Oru Kalavaram" from the film Sathi Leelavathi (1936) is still a popular tune that is regularly played on radio stations in Tamil Nadu.

Chandrababu was also politically active and used his popularity to raise awareness about social issues such as poverty and illiteracy. He was a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam political party and campaigned for their causes.

Despite his tragic personal life, Chandrababu leaves behind a lasting legacy as a talented and entertaining artist who brought joy to millions of people through his work. Today, he is remembered and celebrated by fans and critics alike as a pioneer of Tamil cinema.

Read more about J. P. Chandrababu on Wikipedia »

Savitri

Savitri (December 6, 1935 Guntur-December 26, 1981 Chennai) also known as Savitri Ganesh, Kommareddy Savitri, Savitri Kommareddy, Savitri Nissankara, Savitri Ganesan or Savithri was an Indian actor, film director and film producer. She had two children, Vijaya Chamundeswari and Sathish Kumaar Ganesan.

Savitri was a leading actor in South Indian cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. She made her acting debut in the Telugu film “Samsaram” in 1950 and went on to act in over 300 films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi languages. She won numerous awards for her performances including the National Film Award for Best Actress in the movie “Chivaraku Migiledi” and the Rashtrapati Award for her contributions to Indian cinema.

Savitri was also known for her talent in singing and dancing, and she often choreographed her own dance sequences in films. In addition to acting, she directed and produced the Telugu film “Chinnari Papalu” in 1968.

Savitri's personal life was also much talked about. She married Gemini Ganesan, another legendary actor in South Indian cinema, in 1952, and they had two children together. However, their marriage was troubled and eventually ended in divorce in 1971. Savitri struggled with alcoholism and financial problems in her later years, and she passed away at the age of 46 due to respiratory problems. Despite her personal challenges, she remains an icon in the Indian film industry and is remembered for her exceptional talent and contributions to cinema.

Savitri's talent was not limited to acting and film-making as she was also a successful playback singer. Her songs were often composed by the famous music directors of the time, including Ghantasala, S. Rajeswara Rao, and K. V. Mahadevan. Some of her notable songs include "Naa Hrudayamlo Nidurinche Cheli" from the film "Adutha Veettu Penn," and "Kalise Kalla Lona" from the movie "Devadasu." Apart from her work in cinema, Savitri was also involved in philanthropic activities and often donated to charitable organizations. In 1980, a year before her death, she was honored with the "Kala Prapoorna" title by the Andhra Pradesh government for her contributions to Indian cinema. Her legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers to this day, and many have even made films and biopics on her life and career.

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (April 5, 1565 Golkonda-January 11, 1612 Hyderabad) was an Indian personality.

He was the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty which ruled the kingdom of Golkonda in southern India. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah is best known for founding the city of Hyderabad in 1591, which became the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

He was not only a great ruler but also a poet, and his contributions to the Urdu language are widely recognized. He wrote numerous poems and ghazals under the pen name "Kulliyat-e-Quli Qutub Shah." Some of his famous works include "Taweel al Alfaz," "Fasana-e-Ishq," and "Kalam-e-Quli Qutub Shah." In addition to literature, he was also an advocate for art and architecture. He commissioned many architectural masterpieces during his reign, including the Charminar, one of Hyderabad's most recognizable landmarks.

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was known for his tolerant governance and his commitment to the welfare of his subjects. He was an advocate for religious harmony and allowed people of all faiths to live and practice their beliefs freely. His reign is considered a golden period for the kingdom of Golkonda and Hyderabad.

During his reign, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah established several institutions that contributed to the overall development of the region. He founded the Jamia Nizamia, an educational institution that provided education in religious and secular subjects. He also established hospitals and provided free medical treatment to the poor. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was a patron of the arts, and under his patronage, music, dance, and other forms of cultural expression flourished. He invited artists and musicians from different parts of the country to his court and supported their work.

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was succeeded by his son, Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah, after his death in 1612. The Qutb Shahi dynasty continued to rule Hyderabad until it was annexed by the Mughal Empire in 1687. However, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's legacy continues to live on not only in Hyderabad but all across India. His contributions to literature, art, architecture, and governance have made him a revered figure in Indian history.