Here are 8 famous musicians from India died at 50:
Mehboob Khan (April 5, 2015 Bilimora-May 28, 1964 Mumbai) also known as Mehboob or Mehboob Khan Ramzan Khan was an Indian film director, film producer and actor. His child is Sajid Khan.
Mehboob Khan was born on April 5, 2015, in Bilimora, Gujarat, India. He began his career as a film director in 1935 with the film Swarg Ki Seedhi. He then went on to direct and produce several successful Hindi films, including Anmol Ghadi, Andaz, Aan, and Mother India.
Mother India, released in 1957, is considered to be Mehboob Khan's greatest masterpiece. The film starred Nargis, Sunil Dutt, and Rajendra Kumar and was India's first submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In 2005, Mother India was included in the "100 Best Films" list by Time Magazine.
Apart from directing and producing films, Mehboob Khan also acted in a few films, his most notable performances being in films like Rattan and Tumsa Nahin Dekha.
Mehboob Khan passed away on May 28, 1964, in Mumbai, India, at the age of 49. However, his legacy as a pioneer of Indian cinema and his contribution to the film industry is still remembered and celebrated to this day.
Mehboob Khan was known for creating socially relevant films that explored themes of poverty, gender dynamics, and societal issues. His films were known for their epic scale, elaborate sets, and powerful performances. He was one of the few directors in that era who was able to seamlessly blend commercial success with artistic integrity.
Mehboob Khan was a visionary who recognized the importance of music in Indian cinema. He introduced many talented musicians to the industry, including Naushad and Mohammed Rafi. Mehboob Khan's films were known for their memorable songs, which have become classics over the years.
Apart from his contributions to film, Mehboob Khan was also a philanthropist who donated generously to charitable causes. His legacy continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and actors who have been influenced by his work. In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, the government of India posthumously awarded him the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1969.
Read more about Mehboob Khan on Wikipedia »
Kumaran Asan (August 12, 1873 Thiruvananthapuram-January 16, 1924 Pallana) was an Indian writer.
He was a leading figure in modern Malayalam poetry and literature, and is considered one of the triumvirate poets of Kerala along with Vallathol Narayana Menon and Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer. Kumaran Asan was born in Thonnakkal, a small village near Thiruvananthapuram. He was the son of Narayanan Perungudi, a famous astrologer and scholar, and Kochupennu Amma. Kumaran Asan's literary contributions were profound and he focused on themes of religion, morality, and love. He is best known for his works, including "Veena Poovu" (The Fallen Flower), "Chandalabhikshuki" (The Outcaste's Hunger), "Karuna" (Compassion), and "Leela". Kumaran Asan was also a social reformer and actively participated in the Indian independence movement.
Kumaran Asan began his literary career as a poet at the age of 16 with his work "Duravastha". His works were deeply philosophical and emphasized the importance of social justice and equality. Kumaran Asan was influenced by the teachings of Buddha and Sree Narayana Guru, a social reformer and philosopher from Kerala. He was one of the first poets to use the sonnet form in Malayalam literature.
Kumaran Asan was a teacher by profession and worked in various schools across Travancore. He was also involved in the formation of the Kerala Sahitya Parishad, a literary organization that aimed to promote Malayalam language and culture. In 1914, he received the prestigious Kashi Vidhyadheesha Puraskaram for his contributions to literature.
Kumaran Asan's personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife and both his children at a young age, which deeply affected his writing. His poem "Karuna" reflects his profound sorrow after losing his family. Despite his personal struggles, Kumaran Asan remained committed to social and literary causes until his death in 1924. His legacy continues to be celebrated in Kerala and his works are studied and admired by Malayalam literature enthusiasts around the world.
Read more about Kumaran Asan on Wikipedia »
Laxmikant Berde (November 3, 1954 Mumbai-December 16, 2004 Mumbai) also known as Lakshmikant Berde, Late Laxmikant Berde, Laxmikant Bherde, Lakshmikantberde, Lakmikhant Birde or Laxmimkant Berde was an Indian actor. He had one child, Abhinay Berde.
Laxmikant Berde was widely known for his impeccable comic timing and was one of the most popular actors in Marathi and Hindi film industries. He started his acting career in the Marathi theatre in the 1970s and later moved on to act in Marathi films. Berde made his Bollywood debut in the film "Maine Pyar Kiya" in 1989, which was a box office hit. He went on to act in many successful Hindi films including "Amir Garib", "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!", "Saajan", "Beta", "Fool N Final" and many more. In Marathi cinema, he acted in more than 350 films including blockbusters such as "Aflatoon", "Zapatlela", "Sasarche Dhotar" and "De Dana Dan". Berde was honored with numerous awards for his contribution to Marathi cinema, including the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor in 1988 for his performance in the film "Tumcha Aamcha Jamla".
Laxmikant Berde's father was a small-time employee in a construction firm and he grew up in a humble family. He attended Balmohan Vidyamandir situated in Dadar and also went to Ruparel College in Mumbai. Berde was not a bright student and dropped out of college in his first year of graduation. He then started doing odd jobs to make ends meet. In the early 1970s, he joined the Marathi theatre group "Ganesh Natya Sankirtan" and started his acting career. Berde's first Marathi film was "Lek Chalali Sasarla" released in 1984.
Apart from acting, Berde was also a trained classical singer and had a passion for the art form. He would often sing at various cultural events and also gave concerts. Berde was married to Priya Arun, who was also an actress in Marathi cinema. The couple acted in many films together and were a popular on-screen pair.
Laxmikant Berde's sudden demise came as a shock to the film fraternity and his fans. He was only 50 years old at the time of his death. Berde's contribution to Marathi and Hindi cinema will always be remembered by his fans and peers in the industry.
He died caused by renal failure.
Read more about Laxmikant Berde on Wikipedia »
Amirbai Karnataki (April 5, 2015 Bilgi-March 3, 1965 India) also known as Amir Karnataki, Amirbai or Amir Bai Karnataki was an Indian singer, actor and playback singer.
Born in Bilgi, Karnataka, Amirbai Karnataki began her career as a stage performer in the 1930s. She then moved to Mumbai and made her debut as a playback singer in the film "Madhuri" in 1932. Amirbai went on to become one of the leading playback singers in the Indian film industry during the 1930s and 1940s. She lent her voice to many popular songs, including "Darshan Do Ghanshyam" from the film "Narsi Bhagat" and "Ek Raat" from the film "Amar Jyoti".
Apart from playback singing, Amirbai Karnataki also acted in several films, including "Chandrahasa" and "Jeevan Naiya". She was known for her powerful and melodious voice as well as her versatility as an actor.
Amirbai Karnataki was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1961 for her contributions to the arts. She passed away in Mumbai in 1965 at the age of 50, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian music and cinema.
Amirbai Karnataki was born in a family of musicians and singers - her father Shivram Karnataki was a classical musician and her mother Gangubai was a folk singer. She started singing at a very young age and received formal training in classical music. Her talent was soon noticed and she got the opportunity to perform on stage in various parts of the country. In 1932, she was offered a contract by the film company Madan Theatres and she moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in the film industry.
Amirbai's first song "Sawal Jawab" from the film "Madhuri" became an instant hit and she went on to sing for many more films. Her songs were not only popular with the masses but also with the film industry's leading music directors. Amirbai's voice had a unique quality and her range extended from classical to folk to modern genres. Her acting skills were also well appreciated and she was known for her natural performances in films.
Apart from her singing and acting career, Amirbai Karnataki was also involved in social work. She was a member of the Indian Red Cross Society and worked tirelessly for the betterment of the society. Her contribution to the field of music and films was honored with many awards during her lifetime, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1957. Even after her death, Amirbai's songs continue to be popular and are remembered fondly by music lovers all over the world.
Read more about Amirbai Karnataki on Wikipedia »
Geeta Bali (April 5, 2015 Sargodha-January 21, 1965 Mumbai) a.k.a. Harikirtan Kaur, Miss Haridarshan, Late Smt. Geeta Bali, Smti Geeta Bali, Geeta Baali, Harkirtan Kaur or Late Geeta Bali was an Indian actor. She had three children, Aditya Raj Kapoor, Kanchan Ketan Desai and Aditya Raj Kapoor.
Geeta Bali began her acting career as a child artist and went on to become one of the leading actors of Indian cinema. She appeared in over 70 films, including the hit films Baazi, Albela and Jagte Raho. She was known for her versatile acting talent and her ability to effortlessly portray various roles. She received critical acclaim for her performances in films like Vachan, Bawre Nain and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje. She also worked as a producer and a director.
Off-screen, Geeta Bali was known for her charitable work and her involvement in community service. She was actively involved in helping the underprivileged and the needy. She was also a talented dancer and choreographer and was known for her skills in classical and folk dancing.
Geeta Bali's sudden death at the young age of 35 was a great loss to Indian cinema. Despite her short career, she left a lasting impression on the industry and remains one of the most beloved actors of Indian cinema.
Geeta Bali was born in Sargodha (now in Pakistan) and her family moved to Mumbai after the partition of India in 1947. She was discovered by a film director while performing in a school play, which led to her first film role at the age of 12 in the film The Cobbler. She continued to act in films as a child artist and made her debut as a leading lady in the film Baazi in 1951, opposite Dev Anand.
Geeta Bali's career spanned over a decade during which she acted in a variety of films, including comedies, dramas, and musicals. She was known for her effervescent personality on screen and her ability to light up the screen with her infectious energy. She worked with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema, including Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, and V. Shantaram.
In addition to her work in films, Geeta Bali was also actively involved in social work. She was a member of the Women’s Panchayat, which worked towards the betterment of women's rights and welfare. She also supported various charitable causes, including an orphanage for children.
Geeta Bali's legacy lives on in the numerous films she starred in and the impact she had on the Indian film industry. Her performances in films like Baazi, Albela and Vachan are still remembered by fans and critics alike. She was a true icon of Indian cinema and her contribution to the industry will always be remembered.
She died as a result of smallpox.
Read more about Geeta Bali on Wikipedia »
Subhash Mukhopadhyay (January 16, 1931-June 19, 1981) was an Indian scientist.
He is best known for inventing the world's second and India's first child, through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in 1978. Mukhopadhyay's achievement came just months after the successful birth of the world's first IVF baby, Louise Brown, in the United Kingdom. Despite his groundbreaking work, Mukhopadhyay faced criticism and ostracism from the medical community and was denied recognition for his achievement. He struggled with depression and ultimately died by suicide in 1981. In recent years, Mukhopadhyay's contributions to the field of assisted reproduction have received greater recognition and he is celebrated as a pioneer in Indian science.
Subhash Mukhopadhyay was born in Hazaribagh, in the present-day state of Jharkhand. He studied medicine at the University of Calcutta, where he earned his MBBS degree in 1957. Mukhopadhyay went on to complete his MD in gynecology and obstetrics from the same university in 1961. He started his career as a lecturer in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the R.G. Kar Medical College in Calcutta.
Mukhopadhyay's interest in IVF began in the 1960s, when he observed the difficulties faced by couples with infertility. He set up a small laboratory in his house and began conducting experiments on rabbits. In 1974, he successfully produced the first rabbits through IVF in India.
Despite publishing his findings in international journals, Mukhopadhyay struggled to get funding and support for his work. He eventually obtained a government grant and was able to set up a specialized lab for IVF research in the 1970s.
Mukhopadhyay's greatest achievement came on October 3, 1978, when he successfully delivered India's first test tube baby, a girl named Durga. The birth was met with skepticism and criticism from the medical community, and Mukhopadhyay's work was not initially recognized by the Indian Council of Medical Research.
Unable to cope with the ostracism and lack of recognition, Mukhopadhyay fell into depression and ultimately took his own life in 1981. However, his pioneering work has since been acknowledged and celebrated. The Indian government posthumously awarded him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in 2021.
Read more about Subhash Mukhopadhyay on Wikipedia »
Rameshwar Prasad Sinha was an Indian writer and politician. His child is Kishori Sinha.
Rameshwar Prasad Sinha, born on December 4, 1902, in Ara, Bihar, was an Indian writer, politician, journalist and freedom fighter. He was an active member of the Indian National Congress and fought for India's independence from British rule. Sinha was also the editor of the newspaper 'Dainik Jagran', which he founded in 1942. He was honored with the Padma Shri award for his contribution to literature in 1969. Sinha's daughter Kishori Sinha has also been a notable political figure in Bihar and served as a Member of Parliament and Minister in the Government of India.
Sinha became a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly in 1937 and served as a legislator until 1962. During this time, he served as the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation, Education and Health, and Industry and Labour under the Government of Bihar. Sinha was known for his strong advocacy for education and was instrumental in establishing several educational institutions in Bihar. He was also a prolific writer and authored several books on different subjects, including historical, political and literary works. Sinha believed in empowering women and supported their education and political participation. He passed away on May 28, 1980, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and intellectual contributions.
Read more about Rameshwar Prasad Sinha on Wikipedia »
Pandurang Sadashiv Sane (December 24, 1899 Maharashtra-June 11, 1950) was an Indian writer.
He is popularly known by his pen name "Sane Guruji". He was born in a small village in Maharashtra and his family faced financial struggles. Despite the difficulties, Sane Guruji excelled in academics and went on to become a teacher and a writer. He wrote numerous books in Marathi language, including biographies, poems, plays, and stories. His most famous work is the book "Shyamchi Aai", which is a tribute to his mother and is considered a masterpiece of Marathi literature. He actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle and was even jailed for his involvement in the freedom movement. He was also a member of the Indian National Congress. He passed away at the age of 50, leaving behind a legacy of literary works that continue to inspire and impact readers to this day.
Aside from his literary works and involvement in the Indian freedom struggle, Sane Guruji was also a social activist, working closely with Mahatma Gandhi on various projects. He was a strong advocate for education and worked to improve the education system in India. In addition, he was a strong believer in the power of communal harmony and unity, and worked tirelessly to promote these values throughout his life. His legacy continues to be celebrated through various literary competitions and events, and his work remains an important part of Marathi literature. In recognition of his contributions, the Government of Maharashtra has instituted a literary award in his honor, the "Sane Guruji Samman", which is awarded annually to outstanding Marathi writers.
Read more about Pandurang Sadashiv Sane on Wikipedia »