Here are 7 famous musicians from India died at 55:
Bimal Roy (July 12, 1909 Bengal Presidency-January 8, 1965 Mumbai) also known as B. Roy or Bimal Da was an Indian film director, film editor, cinematographer, screenwriter and film producer. He had four children, Rinki Bhattacharya, Joy Shankar Roy, Aparajita Sinha and Yashodhara Roy.
Roy was one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of his time and is considered a pioneer of Indian Parallel Cinema. He was known for his socially relevant and humanistic films that often dealt with the struggles of the common man, and were marked by their realism and simplicity. Some of his most notable works include, "Do Bigha Zamin," "Parineeta," "Devdas," and "Bandini," among others. Roy's films won several national and international awards, and he was also the recipient of the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India. Even today, he is remembered as one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of Indian cinema.
Roy started his career in the film industry as a cameraman and assistant director. He worked with New Theatres, one of the leading production companies of the time, before he started making his own films. His first film "Udayer Pathey" which he co-directed with Nitin Bose was released in 1944.
Roy's films were characterized by their strong narrative, effective characterization, and deft handling of emotions. His films often tackled social issues such as poverty, unemployment, and caste discrimination. He was also known for his collaboration with some of the finest actors and musicians of his time. One of his most famous collaborations was with the legendary singer Manna Dey, who sang several memorable songs in his films.
Roy's influence on Indian cinema is still felt today. He inspired a whole generation of young filmmakers who went on to create their own unique style of filmmaking. His films continue to be screened at film festivals around the world, and he is widely regarded as a pioneer of socially conscious filmmaking in India.
In addition to his acclaimed career in filmmaking, Bimal Roy was also known for his commitment to social causes. He was a member of the Indian People's Theatre Association, a leftist cultural organization that aimed to raise awareness about social issues through the performing arts. Roy's films often reflected this commitment and were marked by their strong social commentary.
Roy's legacy also extends to his family. His daughter, Rinki Bhattacharya, is a noted writer and filmmaker who has worked extensively in the field of children's literature. His granddaughter, Aparna Sen, is an award-winning actress and filmmaker in her own right, who has directed notable films such as "36 Chowringhee Lane" and "Mr. and Mrs. Iyer."
Despite his immense contributions to Indian cinema, Bimal Roy remained modest and unassuming throughout his life. He was known for his humility and his sincerity in tackling social issues through his films. His legacy lives on today, as filmmakers continue to be inspired by his unique vision and commitment to socially relevant storytelling.
He died in cancer.
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Parveen Babi (April 4, 1949 Junagadh-January 20, 2005 Juhu) also known as Parveen Wali Mohammad Khan Babi, Parvin Boby, Pravin Babi, poor man's Zeenat Aman, Parveen a Babi, Ms. Babi or The poor man's Zeenat Aman was an Indian actor and model.
Parveen Babi was a popular Bollywood actress who appeared in over 50 films in her career. She started her acting career in the 1970s and quickly became known for her beauty and charisma on the big screen. Babi was also a successful model, and was one of the few Indian actresses to have posed for the cover of the British magazine, “Tatler”.
Babi is known for her roles in blockbusters such as Deewar, Namak Halaal, Amar Akbar Anthony, Shaan, and Kaalia. She was praised for her performances in these films, and quickly became one of Bollywood's most sought-after actresses.
In addition to acting and modeling, Babi was also known for her philanthropic work. She supported causes such as the education of underprivileged children and the prevention of cruelty towards animals.
Despite her success and popularity, Babi's personal life was plagued with mental health issues. She publicly spoke about her struggles with depression and paranoia. Babi passed away at the age of 55 due to complications from diabetes mellitus. She is remembered for her contribution to Indian cinema and her legacy as a style icon.
Babi's life took a tragic turn towards the end. She started showing symptoms of mental illness in the later years of her life. Babi started becoming increasingly isolated and paranoid, and her behavior became erratic. She filed cases against many Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, accusing them of plotting to kill her. Her accusations were later found to be unfounded, and Babi's mental illness was cited as the reason for her paranoid behavior.
In 2005, Babi was found dead in her apartment in Juhu, Mumbai. The police found her body after the society members complained about the stench emanating from her apartment. The post-mortem revealed that Babi had been dead for approximately 72 hours before her body was discovered. The cause of her death was determined to be multiple organ failure due to complications arising from diabetes.
Despite the tragic end to her life, Parveen Babi remains a popular figure in Indian cinema. Her beauty, talent, and style continue to inspire generations of actors and actresses. Babi's struggle with mental health has also brought attention to the issues of mental illness and the need for better healthcare resources in India.
In 2006, a biography titled "Parveen Babi: A Life" was written by film critic Karishma Upadhyay which chronicled the highs and lows of her life. The book delved into her early struggles as a model and actress, her rise to fame, and her eventual decline due to mental illness. The biography shed light on Babi's personal struggles, including her troubled relationships with men and her battles with mental health.
In 2018, Parveen Babi was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th Annual National Awards for Excellence in Journalism event in India. Her legacy as a style icon was also celebrated when her belongings, including her clothing and accessories, were displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London for an exhibition titled, "The Fabric of India."
Babi's death also led to discussions about the importance of mental health awareness and access to healthcare in India. Her life and legacy continue to inspire and educate people on the need for better understanding and support for mental health issues.
She died as a result of diabetes mellitus.
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Murali (May 25, 1954 Kudavattor-August 6, 2009 Thiruvananthapuram) also known as Murli was an Indian actor, film producer, film score composer and author. He had one child, Karthika Murali.
Murali began his acting career in 1980 with the Malayalam film "Njattadi." He appeared in more than 200 films, mostly in Malayalam but also in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2002 for his role in the film "Neythukaran." In addition to his successful acting career, Murali also produced several films and composed the score for a few. He was also an accomplished author, writing a book on his experiences during the making of the film "Neythukaran." Murali was known for his versatile and intense performances, and his untimely death was a great loss to the Indian film industry.
Murali was born as the youngest child among seven siblings in a family of farmers in Kudavattor, Kerala. He completed his education in Kollam and later moved to Thiruvananthapuram to pursue a career in acting. He started his career as a stage actor before making his film debut.
Murali was widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation and was known for his ability to portray complex characters with ease. Some of his other notable films include "Aadharam," "Theerthadanam," "Kanakkinavu," and "Pathram." He also appeared in a few Telugu and Hindi films, including "Dil Se" and "Agni Sakshi."
Apart from his achievements in the film industry, Murali was also actively involved in social causes and was known for his philanthropic activities. He supported the cause of the visually impaired and was a patron of several charitable organizations.
Murali passed away in 2009, leaving behind a rich legacy in Indian cinema. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his contributions to the arts.
Murali was a versatile artist and multi-talented personality, who not only excelled in acting but also showed his great singing talent by rendering many memorable songs in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu languages. He was deeply involved in promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of India and was a staunch advocate of traditional art forms, including Kathakali and Thiruvathira. Murali was a strong believer in the power of education and actively worked towards providing better educational facilities to underprivileged children. He also had a keen interest in sports and was an accomplished athlete in his younger days. Murali's contribution to Indian cinema and society continues to inspire generations of aspiring actors, filmmakers and philanthropists.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
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Duleep Singh (September 6, 1838 Lahore-October 22, 1893 Paris) was an Indian personality. His children are called Victor Duleep Singh and Bamba Sutherland.
Duleep Singh was the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire and the youngest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He ascended to the throne at the age of five, following the death of his father, and was eventually exiled to England in 1854, where he was forced to give up his throne and convert to Christianity. He lived most of his life in England, where he became a prominent figure in Victorian high society and was known for his lavish lifestyle. Despite his wealth and social status, Duleep Singh remained deeply connected to his Sikh heritage and eventually converted back to Sikhism. He died in Paris in 1893, and his remains were later returned to India and buried in the Punjab.
During his stay in England, Duleep Singh developed a keen interest in British culture and became an early advocate for Indian independence, using his position in British high society to lobby for Indian causes. He also became a close friend and confidant to Queen Victoria, who referred to him as her "dear Maharaja". However, his relationship with the British monarchy soured after he began to openly criticize British imperialism in India.
Later in life, Duleep Singh made several attempts to reclaim his lost throne and his wealth, but he was never successful. He also had a tumultuous personal life, with several failed marriages and financial troubles.
Despite the challenges he faced, Duleep Singh remains a revered figure in Sikh history and is remembered as a symbol of Sikh resilience and survival in the face of colonialism. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Sikhs and Indians around the world.
In addition to his interest in British culture, Duleep Singh was also known for his love of sports, particularly cricket. He even formed his own cricket team, which included some of the top players of the time. He was also an avid collector of art and artifacts, amassing a collection of over 11,000 items that included rare manuscripts, paintings, and jewelry.
Despite his wealth and status, Duleep Singh faced many challenges throughout his life, including ongoing legal battles over his inheritance and custody of his children. He also struggled with alcoholism and depression, which was exacerbated by his isolation from his homeland and his family.
In the years leading up to his death, Duleep Singh reconnected with his Sikh heritage and became a vocal advocate for Sikh rights and independence. He also made a pilgrimage to Amritsar, the holiest city in Sikhism, where he was welcomed by the Sikh community as a returning hero.
Today, Duleep Singh is remembered as a complex and fascinating figure who lived a remarkable life in the midst of massive social and political upheaval. His story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the enduring spirit of human determination in the face of adversity.
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Jibanananda Das (February 17, 1899 Barisal-October 22, 1954 Kolkata) was an Indian writer and poet.
He was one of the most important figures in Bengali literature during the first half of the 20th century. Jibanananda Das began his writing career as a poet in the early 1920s and published his first collection of poems, Jhara Palok, in 1927. He is known for his unique style of writing, which is characterized by its use of surrealism and metaphorical language.
Despite his immense contribution to Bengali literature, Jibanananda Das did not gain widespread recognition during his lifetime. He worked as a journalist and was not able to earn a living as a writer. It was only after his death that his works gained popularity and critical acclaim.
Jibanananda Das' most famous works include Banalata Sen, Rupashi Bangla, and Mahaprithibi. These poems are considered to be some of the finest examples of Bengali literature and have been translated into many languages. Jibanananda Das' writings have been a source of inspiration for many Bengali poets and writers who came after him.
Jibanananda Das was a multi-talented individual who pursued several interests besides writing. He was proficient in several languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, and English, and was also a keen observer of art and music. Das was deeply interested in nature and drew much inspiration for his poetry from the natural world. His love for nature is evident in his vivid and evocative descriptions of landscapes and seascapes.
During his lifetime, Jibanananda Das faced several personal and professional challenges. He suffered from financial difficulties and struggled to support his family. He also faced criticism from some quarters for his unconventional style of writing. However, he remained committed to his craft and continued to produce poetry until his untimely death in a tram accident in Kolkata in 1954.
Today, Jibanananda Das is remembered as one of the foremost poets of Bengali literature, and his works continue to inspire and influence generations of readers and writers. He is celebrated for his unique and innovative style of writing, which broke with the traditional conventions of Bengali poetry, and for his ability to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience in his verse.
In addition to his contributions to literature, Jibanananda Das was also involved in politics and social activism. He was a vocal critic of British colonialism and supported the Indian independence movement. Das was also an advocate for women's rights and spoke out against social and gender inequalities in Indian society.Das' life and works continue to be studied and analyzed by scholars and literary enthusiasts around the world. In recognition of his contributions to Bengali literature, the Jibanananda Das Memorial Foundation was established in Kolkata in 2005, with the aim of promoting and preserving his legacy.
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Ramnath Kenny (September 29, 1930 India-November 21, 1985) was an Indian personality.
He was a renowned composer and music director in the Indian film industry. Kenny started his career as a composer in the early 1950s and went on to compose music for over 50 films in his career. He also worked as a music arranger and conductor with some of the biggest names in the Indian music industry. Kenny was known for his versatile style and ability to blend different genres of music seamlessly in his compositions. He received numerous awards and accolades for his contribution to Indian music, including the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Music Director. Despite his untimely death at the age of 55, his music continues to be loved and cherished by fans of Indian cinema to this day.
Kenny was born in Bangalore, India and showed an early interest in music. He was trained in classical music and later began experimenting with different genres such as jazz and rock. His passion for music and talent earned him a place at the prestigious Trinity College of Music in London, where he honed his skills as a composer and musician. After completing his education, Kenny returned to India and began his career as a music composer.
Some of his most famous works include the music for movies such as "Do Raaste," "Aradhana," "Caravan," and "Bobby." His music was known for its distinct style and catchy melodies, which earned him a large and dedicated fan following. Kenny was also a mentor to many aspiring musicians and composers, and his contribution to the Indian music industry has been recognized and celebrated by his peers.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Kenny was also a prolific composer of devotional music. He composed numerous bhajans and hymns, which are still popular among Indian music lovers.
Kenny's legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be a source of inspiration and joy for millions of people around the world. His contributions to the Indian music industry will always be remembered and cherished.
Kenny's compositions often showcased his ability to fuse elements from different musical traditions, giving his music a unique and innovative sound. He also collaborated with some of the industry's most iconic singers, such as Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, and Lata Mangeshkar, among others. Kenny's music was not only appreciated by his fans but also by his fellow musicians, many of whom hailed him as a musical genius.
Apart from his work as a composer, Kenny also served as a mentor to budding musicians and aspiring composers, encouraging them to follow their passion and pursue their dreams fearlessly. He was known for his generosity and kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Kenny's untimely death in 1985 left a void in the Indian music industry that has yet to be filled. Nevertheless, his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners, highlighting his enduring legacy. His contributions to Indian cinema and devotional music will always be remembered, and his name remains synonymous with outstanding talent and creativity.
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Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu (February 23, 1957 Nimmada-November 2, 2012 Srikakulam) was an Indian politician.
He was a prominent leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from the state of Andhra Pradesh and served in various prominent positions in his political career. He was elected to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) four times and served as the Minister of Rural Development in the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In addition to his political career, Yerran Naidu was also known for his philanthropic work and was involved in numerous charitable initiatives aimed at helping the disadvantaged sections of the society. His death was widely mourned by political leaders from across the spectrum and marked the end of an era of a truly great leader.
Yerran Naidu was born in Nimmada, a small village in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. He began his political career in the early 1980s when he joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) at a young age. He gradually rose through the ranks of the party and became a prominent leader in the state. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Srikakulam constituency in 1998 and was subsequently re-elected three more times in 1999, 2004 and 2009.
As a parliamentarian, Yerran Naidu was known for his oratory skills and his ability to articulate issues concerning his constituents. He was a vocal advocate of the rights of farmers and other disadvantaged sections of the society. He was also instrumental in the implementation of various rural development programs in his constituency.
In 2002, Yerran Naidu was inducted into the Cabinet of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the Minister of State for Rural Development. He served in this position until the Vajpayee-led government was voted out of power in 2004.
Apart from his political career, Yerran Naidu was also actively involved in various philanthropic activities. He founded the Yerran Naidu Foundation, which worked towards the welfare of the poor and needy. He was also associated with several other social and non-governmental organizations.
Yerran Naidu's unexpected and untimely death in 2012 was a shock to the political fraternity as well as his family, friends, and admirers. He died in a tragic car accident while traveling to attend a wedding in Srikakulam district. Yerran Naidu's legacy continues to inspire and motivate many people in Andhra Pradesh and beyond.
Yerran Naidu was known for his simplicity and was loved by people from all walks of life. He was also a strong advocate for the development of education and healthcare facilities in his constituency. In 2005, he played a key role in establishing the RIMS Medical College in Srikakulam, which has since become a leading medical institution in the region.
In recognition of his service to the nation, Yerran Naidu was conferred with several awards and honors during his lifetime. These include the 'Best Parliamentarian Award' in 2002, the 'Bharat Gaurav Award' in 2003, and the 'Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani Award' in 2006.
Yerran Naidu was survived by his wife and two sons. His death was a great loss to the Telugu Desam Party and the people of Andhra Pradesh, who will always remember him as a visionary leader and a true champion of the poor and marginalized sections of the society.
He died caused by traffic collision.
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