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Veteran actor Farooque Shaikh, 65, died after suffering a heart attack in Dubai on Friday night. The actor was well known for his contribution to parallel or alternative cinema, having worked with directors like Satyajit Ray, M.S. Sathyu and Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

His most notable performances include M.S. Sathyu’s Garam Hawa, Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Sai Paranjpye’s Chashme Buddoor and Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan. He was successfully paired with actress Deepti Naval in memorable films like Chashme Buddoor, Saath Saath, Katha and Faasle.

He recently appeared in Dibakar Banerjee’s Shanghai, Ayan Mukherjee’s Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and Avinash Kumar Singh’s Listen…Amaya.

“I always believe that my films should give some hope to the man who comes to watch them for those three hours. If he goes home on an optimistic note, I would feel satisfied at having done my duty.” – Yash Chopra

It was indeed a sad day when news spread that one of India’s finest filmmakers, Mr. Yash Chopra, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 80. Mr. Chopra is an undisputable legend and he has crafted some of the finest commercial films the Bollywood audiences have ever feasted their eyes upon. If Satyajit Ray is considered by Indian film enthusiasts to be the supreme director when it comes to art-house cinema, Yash Chopra can be classified as the definitive director when it comes to mainstream cinema. Yash Chopra is largely famous for making wonderful romantic films, though he has directed a handful of non-romantic films also. Yet no director...

Yash Chopra's soul sister, muse and Mata Saraswati- reincarnated Lata Mangeshkar isn't singing in the director's new venture. It's a first in his long and illustrious career as a filmmaker. From the time Yash Chopra turned producer-director in 1973 with Daag, Lataji's voice has been integral to Yash Chopra's creativity and cinema right until his last directorial venture Veer-Zaara.

In a conversation with this writer Yashji gushed, "Lataji has always been so kind to me. She can never say no to me. As long as I am there and she's there, she'll continue to sing for my films. She's a legend beyond all human definition of the word. She's my sister and I'm so proud of her. That's why I say she's one singer who doesn't follow music, music follows her. When I see her I feel very small and humbled. There're no words to describe her. She's truly the Bharat Ratna.

Shahryar who passed away a few days ago, battling with cancer was one of those poets, who created milestones in Hindi cinema through his pen, and the films that got adorned by the power of his pen became eternal and as long as cinema and its musical fans exist, Shahryar would rule in their hearts.A lyricist who was picked up by Yash Raj banner to score music for their film Faasle, which became one of the musical hits of his time, had the guts to refuse Yash Chopra for writing...

Farooque Sheikh and Deepti Naval in a still from Tell Me O Kkhuda

After a gap of 26 years, the hit on-screen pair of Deepti Naval and Farooque Sheikh team up for Tell Me O Kkhuda

Deepti Naval and Farooque Sheikh lit up the silver screen back in the 80?s with their true to life depiction of people in love in movies such as Chashme Buddoor (1981), Saath Saath (1982) and Katha (1983). Bollywood?s dreamgirl Hema Malini has once again brought the two talented actors together for her upcoming film Tell Me O Kkhuda.

Farooque and Deepti in a still from one of their early films

Even though the two have only cameo roles in the film, Deepti was happy to be re-united with her former colleague Farooque.? I enjoyed my sweet little stint, and mainly because I got a chance to work with one of my favourite co-stars again,? says Deepti.

Interestingly enough,...

Yash Raj Films takes immense pleasure in announcing that at a glittering ceremony, our Chairman, Mr. Yash Chopra was honoured with the title of .Ambassador of Interlaken., in Interlaken last weekend, making him the first recipient of this prestigious award. A silver plaque was also dedicated to him which will be placed in Interlaken along the Hoheweg - Interlaken.s famous main street. Hosted by the Mayor of Interlaken, Urs Graf, the impressive function took place at the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa amidst leading Swiss politicians and industrialists along with selected Indian and Swiss media. This honour for Yash Chopra had been announced on October 25, 2010 in New Delhi by the Swiss Embassy during which Mr. Chopra was also bestowed the .Swiss Ambassador.s Award..A majestic .Yash Chopra Suite. was also inaugurated at the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Interlaken.s most luxurious hotel. The CEO of Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa,...