Here are 12 famous musicians from India died at 66:
Leela Devi (February 13, 1932 Palai-May 19, 1998 Kottayam) was an Indian writer.
She was known for her contributions to Malayalam literature, with her works spanning across various genres including novels, short stories, and essays.
Leela Devi was born in Palai, a small town in Kerala, India. She completed her education in English literature at the Maharaja's College in Ernakulam. Later, she went on to work as a lecturer in English literature at various colleges in Kerala.
Throughout her career, Leela Devi authored several acclaimed books, including her most popular work "Yamini," which went on to win the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1978. She also received a host of other literary awards including the Lalitambika Sahitya Award and the Ankanam Award.
Leela Devi was known for her unique writing style and her ability to capture the complexities of human relationships. She often wrote about women and their struggles with societal norms and gender inequality, making her a prominent voice in the feminist movement in Kerala.
Her contribution to Malayalam literature is acknowledged even today and she is remembered as one of the most influential writers of her time.
Leela Devi also ventured into scriptwriting for film and television, penning scripts for critically acclaimed movies like "Irakal" and "Akale" and popular television shows like "Manthrakodi." Her works were adapted into various languages, including English and Kannada.
Apart from being a writer, Leela Devi was an active participant in social and political causes. She was a member of several organizations working towards gender equality and upliftment of women. She also served as the president of the All India Women's Conference in Kerala.
Leela Devi's legacy continues to inspire young writers and feminists in Kerala and beyond, making her an important figure in Indian literature and feminist movements.
Read more about Leela Devi on Wikipedia »
Raj Khosla (May 31, 1925 Ludhiana-June 9, 1991 Mumbai) otherwise known as Rajveer Singh Khosla was an Indian film director, film producer, screenwriter, actor and writer. His children are Milan Luthria and Sunita Khosla Bhalla.
Raj Khosla began his career in the film industry as an actor in 1948, appearing in small roles in films such as "Gulshan" and "Samaadhi". He then transitioned to directing in 1953 with the film "Milan", which starred Nutan and Sunil Dutt.
Throughout his career, Khosla directed over 50 films, including hits such as "CID" (1956), "Kalapani" (1958), "Woh Kaun Thi?" (1964), and "Mera Saaya" (1966). He was known for his mastery of the thriller genre and his ability to showcase strong performances from his actors.
Khosla received numerous accolades for his work as a filmmaker, including the Filmfare Award for Best Director for "CID" and "Mera Saaya", and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for "Do Raaste" (1969).
In addition to his work in film, Khosla was also an accomplished writer, penning several books including the autobiography "Humsafar Mere Humsafar" and the novel "Kohra". He passed away in 1991, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential filmmakers of his time.
Khosla's contribution to Hindi cinema is significant, particularly in the suspense and thriller genre. He was known for his tight direction, atmospheric cinematography and use of music to build suspense. Many of his films are considered classics of the genre and have been remade or referenced in contemporary Hindi cinema. Khosla was also known for his collaborations with legendary actors such as Dev Anand and Asha Parekh, both of whom starred in multiple films directed by him. In his later years, he worked as a producer, producing the successful films "Karz" (1980) and "Lofar" (1985), both directed by his son Milan Luthria. Despite his success, Khosla remained humble and committed to his craft until his death in 1991. Today, he is remembered as one of the most respected and influential filmmakers of the Hindi film industry.
Read more about Raj Khosla on Wikipedia »
Robert Chambers (January 14, 1737-May 9, 1803) was an Indian judge.
Born to a British family in India, Robert Chambers was educated in England before joining the Indian Civil Service in 1759. He quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed Chief Justice of Bengal in 1775, a position he held for 14 years. During his time as Chief Justice, he played a crucial role in the development of the Indian legal system, helping to codify and clarify a variety of laws governing trade and commerce in the region. He was also a vocal opponent of the British East India Company's monopoly on trade in India, arguing for greater freedom and autonomy for the Indian people. After retiring from public service in 1789, Chambers returned to England, where he continued to write on legal and economic issues related to India.
In addition to his legal work, Chambers was also a prolific writer and scholar. He was a member of the Royal Society, and his publications covered a wide range of topics, including Indian law, economics, and natural history. His most famous work, "A Dissertation on Oriental Gardening," was a treatise on the principles of landscape design in Indian and Persian gardens, and it had a significant influence on European garden design. Chambers was also an avid collector of plants and animals, amassing a large collection of specimens that he donated to the British Museum. He was knighted in 1785 for his service in India and his contributions to scholarship, and his legacy continues to be felt in both the fields of law and botany.
Read more about Robert Chambers on Wikipedia »
S. Rm. M. Annamalai Chettiar (September 30, 1881 Kanadukathan-June 15, 1948 Chennai) was an Indian politician. He had two children, M. A. Muthiah Chettiar and M. A. Chidambaram.
Annamalai Chettiar was an influential figure in the Indian National Congress and served as the President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, as well as a member of the Indian Legislative Assembly. He was also a successful businessman, serving as the Chairman of the Indian Bank and founding several other businesses.
Annamalai Chettiar was known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. He founded several schools and colleges, including the Annamalai University in Chidambaram, which bears his name. Additionally, he played a key role in the establishment of the Cancer Institute in Chennai, which remains one of India's premier cancer treatment centers.
Annamalai Chettiar was a strong advocate for Indian independence and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian National Congress. After India gained independence, he continued to be involved in politics and remained influential in the Tamil Nadu region until his death in 1948.
Annamalai Chettiar was born into a wealthy family in Kanadukathan, Tamil Nadu, and received his education at Madras Christian College. He went on to establish several successful businesses in areas such as banking, transportation, and trading, which helped make him one of the wealthiest men in India at the time. Throughout his life, Annamalai Chettiar was known for his dedication to philanthropy; he contributed to the establishment of several educational institutions and hospitals throughout India.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Annamalai Chettiar was an active politician who played a key role in the Indian National Congress. He served as the President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and held a seat in the Indian Legislative Assembly. Annamalai Chettiar was also a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and worked alongside him in the fight for Indian independence.
Annamalai Chettiar's legacy endures to this day, with the Annamalai University continuing to educate students from across India and the world. Additionally, his contributions to the establishment of the Cancer Institute helped provide much-needed cancer care to people throughout India. His selfless dedication to philanthropy, politics, and business made him an influential figure and an inspiration to many.
Read more about S. Rm. M. Annamalai Chettiar on Wikipedia »
Nellikkal Muraleedharan (December 1, 1948 Nellickal-April 5, 2015) a.k.a. Dr. Nellickal Muraleedharan was an Indian professor of malayalam, poet, critic and writer. He had three children, Smrithi Muralidhar, Sarangi Muralidhar and Surabhi Muralidhar.
He completed his Masters in Malayalam from the University of Kerala and later went on to complete his PhD in Malayalam literature as well. He was a professor at various institutions including Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala and Pembroke College, Oxford. Dr. Nellickal Muraleedharan was known for his contribution to the study and promotion of Malayalam literature and language. He authored several books including "The Dialectics of Nonconformity in Modern Malayalam Poetry" and "Malayalam Literature: A Critical Survey". He was also a recipient of several prestigious awards including the Sahitya Akademi Award for Translation in 2009. Dr. Nellickal Muraleedharan passed away in April 2015, leaving behind a legacy in the field of Malayalam literature.
In addition to his academic career, Dr. Nellickal Muraleedharan was actively involved in cultural and literary circles. He was a member of various organizations including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and served as the chairman of the Kerala Kalamandalam. He was also a regular contributor to various newspapers and magazines, and his articles on Malayalam literature and culture were widely read and appreciated. Dr. Nellickal Muraleedharan's work was not limited to the academic sphere, and he also wrote poetry and translated works from other languages into Malayalam. His contributions to the field earned him widespread recognition and respect from fellow scholars and writers. Today, he is remembered as one of the foremost proponents of Malayalam literature and language.
Read more about Nellikkal Muraleedharan on Wikipedia »
M. N. Roy (March 21, 1887 24 Parganas-January 26, 1954 Dehradun) also known as M.N. Roy was an Indian politician and philosopher.
M.N. Roy was a founding member of the Communist Party of India and later went on to become a Marxist theoretician. He was also a strong advocate of Indian independence and played a key role in the Indian National Movement. Roy's prolific writings on Marxist theory and anti-colonial struggles have had a significant impact on modern Indian intellectual discourse. Interestingly, Roy started his career as a violent revolutionary determined to overthrow British rule in India, but later abandoned violence and turned toward communism as a means to achieve social change. His contributions to Marxist thought were substantial and influential, and his ideas on Trotskyism and the nature of revolution continue to be studied and debated.
In addition to his political work, M.N. Roy was also a prolific writer and philosopher. He wrote extensively on topics such as communism, nationalism, and humanism, and his writings have been translated into many languages. Roy was also a well-known proponent of women's rights and believed strongly in the need for gender equality. Throughout his life, he remained a committed advocate for the working class and oppressed people everywhere. M.N. Roy's life and work continue to inspire political activists and intellectuals in India and around the world.
Read more about M. N. Roy on Wikipedia »
S. S. Vasan (March 10, 1903 Thiruthuraipoondi-August 26, 1969 Chennai) otherwise known as S.S. Vasan, Thiruthiraipoondi Subramanya Srinivasan Iyer, Subramania, Srinivasan, S. S. Vasan or Subramaniam Srinivasan was an Indian film director, film producer, journalist, writer, entrepreneur, politician and editor. His children are called S. Balasubramanian and Lakshmi Narayani.
He was the founder of Gemini Studios, one of the pioneering film studios in India. Vasan started his career as a journalist and went on to make his mark in the film industry with his debut film 'Chandralekha' which broke all box office records at the time. He went on to produce and direct several successful films in Tamil and Hindi, including 'Vanjikottai Valiban', 'Aayirathil Oruvan', 'Paigham', 'Dhool Ka Phool', and 'Chhoti Bahen'.
Besides his work in the film industry, he was also actively involved in politics and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Vasan was a multifaceted personality who played a significant role in shaping the Indian film industry during the Golden Age of Cinema. He won several accolades for his contribution to the film industry, including the Padma Shri award in 1960.
S.S. Vasan was born in Thiruthuraipoondi, Tamil Nadu, India, in 1903. He completed his education in Chennai and started his career as a journalist with the Tamil magazine 'Ananda Vikatan' in the 1920s. During this time, he gained a reputation as a talented and prolific writer, and his articles and stories became widely popular among Tamil readers.
In the early 1930s, Vasan founded Gemini Studios, which soon emerged as one of the leading film studios in India. His debut film, 'Chandralekha' (1948), became a huge success and established Vasan as a director to be reckoned with. The film's innovative use of dance sequences and special effects was widely appreciated, and it went on to become one of the biggest blockbusters of its time.
Vasan's subsequent films, such as 'Vanjikottai Valiban', 'Aayirathil Oruvan', and 'Paigham', continued to break box office records and cement his reputation as a skilled filmmaker. He also ventured into Hindi cinema with 'Dhool Ka Phool' and 'Chhoti Bahen', both of which were well-received by audiences and critics alike.
Apart from his work in the film industry, Vasan was also actively involved in politics. He served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, and was known for his outspoken views on a wide range of issues.
Despite his many achievements, Vasan's personal life was fraught with difficulties. He suffered several setbacks in his business ventures and faced financial difficulties. He passed away in Chennai in 1969, leaving behind a legacy that has continued to inspire generations of filmmakers in India.
Read more about S. S. Vasan on Wikipedia »
Rahi Masoom Raza (September 1, 1925 Ghazipur-March 15, 1992 India) also known as Rahi Masoom Reza, Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza, Dr. Rahimasoom Reza, Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza, Late Dr. Rahi Massom Reza, Dr Rahi Masoom Reza, Late Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza or Rahi Masoom Raza was an Indian writer, novelist, screenwriter, poet and lyricist. He had one child, Nadeem Khan.
Rahi Masoom Raza is most well-known for his work as a screenwriter and writer in the Hindi film industry. He penned the screenplay and dialogue for the critically acclaimed and popular television series "Mahabharat" (1988-1990), which was based on the Hindu epic of the same name. He also wrote the script for the film "Nikaah" (1982), which tackled the controversial topic of Muslim divorce laws in India. Raza started his literary career in the 1950s, and his notable works include the novel "Aadha Gaon" (1962) and the play "Aadhe Adhure" (1969). He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1984 for his contribution to literature and education. Apart from his literary achievements, he was also a medical doctor and served as the head of the department of physiology at King George Medical University in Lucknow. Raza passed away in 1992 at the age of 66 due to a heart attack.
Rahi Masoom Raza was born in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh and was raised in a family of writers and intellectuals. His father, Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali, was a prominent Urdu poet, writer, and critic. Raza completed his education in both medicine and literature. He earned a medical degree from King George Medical College in Lucknow and went on to receive a master's degree in Urdu literature from Allahabad University.
Raza started his literary career writing short stories and poems for magazines. He later went on to write novels, screenplays, and plays, often exploring human relationships, societal norms, and political issues in his works. His novel "Aadha Gaon" is considered a masterpiece of modern Hindi literature.
Raza's contributions to Hindi cinema include the script for the film "Mere Mehboob" (1963) and the lyrics for the songs in films like "Gharonda" (1977) and "Namak Haraam" (1973). He also wrote the screenplay for the film "Rang Birangi" (1983), which was based on a story by W. Somerset Maugham.
Raza was a firm believer in communal harmony and equality, and he often used his writing to convey these values. He also actively participated in social and political movements such as the anti-Emergency movement of the 1970s and the anti-Shah Bano agitation of the 1980s.
Today, Rahi Masoom Raza is remembered as a gifted writer and a towering figure in the Hindi literary and cultural landscape.
Read more about Rahi Masoom Raza on Wikipedia »
Kotha Raghuramaiah (August 6, 1912 Sangam Jagarlamudi-June 6, 1979 India) was an Indian politician.
He was a member of the Communist Party of India and served as its General Secretary from 1964 to 1972. Raghuramaiah actively participated in the Indian independence movement and was imprisoned several times by the British colonial authorities. He also played a significant role in the Telangana Rebellion, leading the peasant uprising against feudal landlords in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. Raghuramaiah was known for his passionate speeches and fiery rhetoric, and he was considered one of the most prominent communist leaders in India during his time. Despite facing opposition from the government, Raghuramaiah remained committed to his socialist ideals and advocated for the rights of the marginalized sections of Indian society.
After resigning as General Secretary of the Communist Party of India in 1972, Kotha Raghuramaiah continued to work for the welfare of the people. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, from 1952 to 1954, and again from 1964 to 1970. Raghuramaiah was also a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1955 to 1957, and from 1962 to 1967. He was a key figure in organizing the historic All India Kisan Sabha conference held in Hyderabad in 1978. Raghuramaiah was a prolific writer, and his writings on socialism, class struggles, and the Indian freedom struggle are still regarded as influential works. Today, he is remembered as a champion of democracy, equality, and socialism in India.
Read more about Kotha Raghuramaiah on Wikipedia »
Ramesh Saxena (September 20, 1944 Delhi-August 16, 2011 Jamshedpur) was an Indian personality.
He was a renowned industrialist, political leader and philanthropist. Saxena was widely known for his contributions to the steel industry in India, having served as the Managing Director of Tata Steel from 1992 to 1996. He was also instrumental in the establishment of several educational and healthcare institutions in India, including the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences and the Tata Medical Center in Kolkata. Saxena was a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and had held several leadership positions in the party. Despite his success in the industrial and political spheres, Saxena was most admired for his philanthropic work, having donated millions of dollars to charitable causes throughout his life. He passed away in Jamshedpur in 2011 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of service and compassion.
Saxena was born in Delhi in 1944 and completed his education in Delhi and Mumbai. After obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering, he joined the Tata group in 1968 and worked his way up the ranks. Under his leadership, Tata Steel went through a period of significant expansion and modernization. He was also committed to promoting environmental sustainability and worked to reduce the company's carbon footprint.
In addition to his work in the steel industry, Saxena was actively involved in politics. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, from 1998 to 2004. He also served as the president of the BJP's Jharkhand unit and was a member of the party's national executive.
Saxena was passionate about education and healthcare, and his philanthropic efforts in these areas were widely recognized. He served on the governing councils of several universities and educational institutions and was particularly committed to promoting scientific research in India. He also supported various health initiatives, including cancer research and treatment.
Saxena was a recipient of numerous awards and honors for his contributions to industry and society, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards. He is remembered as a visionary leader who was deeply committed to the welfare of his country and its people.
Read more about Ramesh Saxena on Wikipedia »
Sudhakarrao Naik (August 21, 1934 Yavatmal district-May 10, 2001) was an Indian politician.
He served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1991 to 1993. Naik was a member of the Indian National Congress and also worked as a Cabinet Minister in the Government of India. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Nagpur constituency in 1980 and later from Ramtek in 1996. During his political career, Naik played a significant role in the development of his hometown, Yavatmal, and worked towards improving the living standards of the people in the region. He passed away in 2001 due to a heart attack.
Naik was born in the village of Amgaon in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. He completed his education from Morris College, Nagpur and later joined the Indian National Congress. Naik held several important positions during his political career, including the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Minister of State for Planning and Programme Implementation, and Minister of State for Urban Development. As the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, he focused on improving the infrastructure of the state and played a key role in enacting the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Apart from his political career, Naik was also involved in social and cultural activities. He actively supported and participated in local festivals and events in Yavatmal district. Naik was known for his simplicity and was respected by people across party lines. His death in 2001 was mourned by several leaders across the political spectrum. Today, he is remembered as a leader who worked tirelessly for the development and progress of his constituents.
Read more about Sudhakarrao Naik on Wikipedia »
Narain Chand Parashar (July 2, 1934 India-February 21, 2001) was an Indian politician.
He served as a member of parliament multiple times, representing the Indian National Congress party. Parashar also held various positions in the Indian government, such as Minister of State for Agriculture and Parliamentary Affairs. Outside of politics, he was a renowned social worker and contributed to the development of his community. Parashar was known for his charismatic personality, and his death was mourned by many in the political and social spheres of India.
As a politician, Narain Chand Parashar was known to be dedicated to serving the people and was often referred to as the "people's leader". He started his political career as a member of the Haryana Legislative Assembly in 1982 and became a member of parliament for the first time in 1984. He went on to win re-election to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's parliament, in 1989, 1991, and 1996. During his tenure in parliament, Parashar was instrumental in many important legislative initiatives, some of which include the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, and the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937.
Apart from his political work, Narain Chand Parashar was actively involved in several social causes, particularly those related to education and healthcare. He was a patron of several schools and colleges, and his efforts led to the establishment of several educational institutions in his constituency. Parashar also played a significant role in setting up hospitals and healthcare centers in his area, thus ensuring that the poor and needy had access to medical care.
Narain Chand Parashar's contributions to society were recognized by various organizations, and he received several awards and honors during his lifetime. In 1999, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his contributions to public service. Parashar passed away in 2001 due to a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of service to the people of India.
Read more about Narain Chand Parashar on Wikipedia »