Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages today celebrated 115th birthday of Kundan Lal Saigal, internationally renowned singer, artist and director of international repute by organizing the musical concert at K L Saigal Hall.
Prof Raj Kumar, Hindi writer, poet, scholar and former HoD, PGD of Hindi University of Jammu was the chief guest. Prof Kumar, while speaking on the occasion said that Kundan Lal Saigal, the legend artist, singer and director of the classic films from Jammu excelled in his field and became an instrumental in initial stage of Indian film industry.
Appreciating the performances of the artist, he said that the songs of the some of the popular films presented by Anil Tickoo in Saigal’s getup and makeup and the songs presented by Sunil Kumar and Rakesh Anand popularly known as Synth and flute artists were very impressive and succeeded in creating the environment accordingly. He also complimented Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for remembering the son of the soil in such an impressive manner and arranging a memorable event.
Earlier, while welcoming the artists, distinguished guests and the audience, Dr Aziz Hajini, Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages said that organizing activities to remember the stalwarts and legends who globally introduced himself as actor, director, singer and artist and gave classical films and songs to the Indian film industry.
Born on April, 11, 1904 at Link Road, Jammu, Late Saigal acted and directed in 28 Hindi, 7 Bengali and one Tamil films including classic films like Devdas, President, Crorepati, Yahudi Ki Larki, Roop Rekha, Street Singers. He sung 185 songs in Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali and Persian languages and some of songs are more popular even today amongst the youth in particular.
The artists who performed today include: Rakesh Anand (Singer and Flute), Sunil Sharma(Singer and Synth), Anil Ticku (singer), Rita Khatyal (singer) and Bishan Das (Harmonium).
Vijay Attri, renowned artist and broadcaster conducted the proceedings of the programme in a befitting manner while Dr Arvinder Singh Amn, Additional Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages presented vote of thanks.
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