Exclusive | Remembering the Superstar: 9X Jalwa's Imtiaz Baghdadi

On 18 July 2012 the first superstar of Hindi cinema’s zindigi ka safar came to an end. Within 24 hours, Sa Re Ga Ma, the music company decided a two-CD tribute to the music rage of the 1970s — Rajesh Khanna. The music company plans the CD set to be titled as Super Star: Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli and has sent it for production. The two CD pack is expected to be in the stores by next week.

 

Music remained one of the biggest attractions of all Rajesh Khanna films throughout his career. Many of the musical scores for Khanna's films were composed by Sachin Dev Burman, R.D. Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The trio of Rajesh Khanna, Kishore Kumar and R.D. Burman went on to make a number of popular films, including Kati Patang, Amar Prem, Shehzada, Apna Desh, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Aap Ki Kasam, Ajnabee, Namak Haraam, Maha Chor, Karm, Phir Wohi Raat, Aanchal, Kudrat, Ashanti, Agar Tum Na Hote, Awaaz, Hum Dono and Alag Alag.

 

During the era of Superstar Khanna the only form of media platforms were Radio and Gramophone Records and later the records were replaced by taped cassettes. In 2012 we have many 24X7 television channels delivering only music. One such leading channels in the Indian air space is 9XM created to deliver quality music all throughout the day and night and round the year.

 

Adgully thought it’s apt to speak to Imtiaz Baghdadi, the Content Head of 9X Jalwa, the newly launched channel from the stable of 9X that delivers Timeless Bollywood Hits. While talking to Adgully Baghdadi shared some of his most favorite films and the music of the superstar. Excerpts:

 

 

Imtiaz Baghdadi (IB): ‘Anand’ – the movie which teaches us how to live in the face of death like the film’s central character. Secondly ‘Aradhana’ – the film that gave us great music and India’s first Super Star

 

 

IB: ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani’ from the film ‘Aradhana’, ‘ Zindagi Ek Safar’ from the film ‘ Safar’ . Others favourites are, ‘ Kahin door jab din dhal jaye’ from the film ‘Anand’ and        ‘Mere naina sawan bhadon’.

 

 

IB: That would be “Babu Moshai…zindagi aur mauth upparwale ke haat mein hai” – from the film ‘Anand’

 

 

IB: He will always be the superstar – larger than life figure who ruled over three generations’ mind & soul.