Legends Retold

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LEGENDS RETOLD NEWS

Kishore Kumar became the voice and soul of Rajesh Khanna

Kishore Kumar's voice made Rajesh Khanna a star, singer was replaced by actor in Anand when Kishore showed up bald for the shoot

August 04, 2025 4:32 pm

On Kishore Kumar's 95th birth anniversary, we look at how the legendary singer's voice became Rajesh Khanna's identity, leading to his stardom.

Actor-filmmaker, Manoj Kumar popularising patriotic themes in Bollywood, often portraying characters that highlighted national pride and social issues. His films Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan are celebrated for their strong patriotic messages.

Manoj Kumar: The OG Bharat Kumar who made Upkar at PM Lal Bahadur Shastri's request, sold his house to make patriotic films

August 05, 2024 9:55 pm

Actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who turns 87 today, became synonymous with "deshbhakti' owing to the patriotic themes in his films, earning him the moniker of 'Bharat Kumar.'

Mukesh was considered one of India's most legendary singers

Mukesh: Forced to sell dry fruit after his first film flopped, he went on to become the voice and 'rooh' of Raj Kapoor

August 05, 2024 10:11 pm

On the legendary singer Mukesh's birth anniversary today (July 22), we look at how he went on to become one of the greatest singers of India and the voice of Raj Kapoor despite not having training in classical music.

Kalpana: The unmatched Malayalam actor who gave even legends a run for their money, but was eclipsed by sister Urvashi's fame

July 18, 2024 10:57 am

Though through no fault of her own, her sister Urvashi's rise to stardom did impact Kalpana's prospects of becoming a lead heroine. But she and the Malayalam film industry soon discovered that Kalpana was a natural pro at comedy.

Karisma Kapoor, who rebelled against her family and forayed into Bollywood, has has own share of struggles in the beginning unlike many star kids of her time (Express Archive Photos)

Karisma Kapoor: Dismissed for her blue eyes and 'firang' looks, actor struggled for years despite coming from Bollywood's first family

August 05, 2024 10:25 pm

On Karisma Kapoor's birthday, we look at the 'blue-eyed' actor, who despite coming from family of actors and filmmakers, struggled in the beginning of her career, was met with failures and criticism, but braced the challenges and became one of '90s sought-after heroine.

While Mithun Chakraborty undoubtedly found a place in the hearts of the young, working-class men who shared his journey, he yearned for more, but the talented actor sought to expand his fan base. (Express Archive Photo)

Mithun Chakraborty: The superstar of the masses was once ridiculed for his skin colour, called 'gareebon ka Amitabh'

June 16, 2024 10:29 pm

From being discriminated for his complexion to being labelled as 'Gareebon ka Amitabh,' thanks to his long stint with B-grade films, A-lister actresses refusing to work with him and strings of flops, Mithun Chakraborty's life has been a roller-coaster ride.

A man of letters with a penchant for literature and sharp political stances that aligned with leftist ideologies, Sukumaran was a no-nonsense person.

Sukumaran: The 'arrogant, defiant, rebellious' Malayalam superstar who never hesitated to play his age and won hearts with his fiery dialogue delivery

June 11, 2024 11:00 pm

A man of letters with a penchant for literature and sharp political stances that aligned with leftist ideologies, Sukumaran was a no-nonsense person.

Dressed in a black miniskirt and white front-knot blouse with polka dots (which came to be known as Bobby prints), Dimple Kapadia floored the nation with her innocence and big expressive eyes, becoming the sweetheart of the ‘70s. (Express Archive Photos)

Dimple Kapadia: The overnight sensation who gave up films to marry Rajesh Khanna at 16, returned to script a success story

June 08, 2024 5:01 pm

On Dimple Kapadia’s 67th birthday, we look at how the actor, who gave up her promising acting career after a smashing debut, returned to cinema with more resilience and maturity after a failed marriage with Rajesh Khanna.

Madhuri Dixit Nene redefined the Bollywood heroine in the '80s and '90s (Photo: Express Archive Photos)

Madhuri Dixit was a bigger star than 'heroes' of her films, was paid more than Salman Khan; shocked India with her 'provocative' songs

May 15, 2024 7:12 pm

As Madhuri Dixit turns 57 today, we look at the timeless actor’s journey, exploring how she made unconventional and often bold choices in her career, defying the stereotypical portrayal of a Bollywood heroine.

On Parveen Babi's 70th birth anniversary. we take a look at her life and journey. (Express Archive Photos)

Parveen Babi, Bollywood's sensual seductress who died alone and forgotten at 50

April 05, 2024 9:00 pm

From her battle with schizophrenia to her turbulent relationships with Bollywood’s leading men, who failed to handle her when her mind was ‘fragile’ and her tragic death in solitude, on Parveen Babi's 70th birth anniversary, we look at how a shinning star faded into oblivion and was alone in her death and in life.