Ajay Mankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 11-minute read

Mahendra Kapoor: The playback singer who did not need a sound system

January 9, 2021 marks the 86th birth anniversary of the singer who owned the bastion of patriotic and religious songs in Bollywood

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 7-minute read

Remembering Noor Jehan, Malika-e-Tarannum

On her 20th death anniversary, we remember Pakistani singer and actress Noor Jahan, a shared heritage between our two countries who shall always be loved and revered.

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 10-minute read

Usha Mangeshkar: The voice of goddess and poor man's Lata

Usha Mangeshkar, who turns 85 on December 15, will always remain the irreplaceable voice of Goddess Santoshi Maa. Her voice works for large religious gatherings, demanding attention from all devotees.

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 7-minute read

The magic of Farida Khanum, the Queen of Ghazal

Farida Khanum wears the title of Queen of Ghazal with panache. Every song of hers bears her unique identity and soul.

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 11-minute read

50 years of The Beatles split: Why even the gods couldn't prevent it

This year marks the 50th year of The Beatles' break-up, which even the gods could not prevent.

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 7-minute read

Bryan Adams: The mournful romantic

Bryan Adams — one of rock's most talented balladeers with a friendly, world-weathered rasp — turns 61 today.

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 11-minute read

Remembering Manna Dey: The classical titan who deserved better

Manna Dey was too good for his own good. On his seventh death anniversary, here is a tribute to the immense talent and humility of the singing giant.

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 16-minute read

Bollywood movies, Censor Board, and the curious case of deleted songs

Heard melodies are sweet, those unheard are sweeter. But those that are unseen are a matter of regret.

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 9-minute read

Remembering Jagjit Singh: The singer who made ghazals accessible to everyone

There are singers and then there is Jagjit Singh, who remained a perfectionist till his untimely death on October 10, 2011.

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

ART & CULTURE

| 9-minute read

Happy birthday, Sting: Every song you make, we'll be listening to you

Today, October 2, 2020, Sting turns 69. To borrow from his own song, every song that he records, we’ll be listening to it; every move that he makes in music, films and causes, we’ll be following it.

Ajay Mankotia

@ajaymankotia

Open to Opinion

January 9, 2021 marks the 86th birth anniversary of the singer who owned the bastion of patriotic and religious songs in Bollywood

On her 20th death anniversary, we remember Pakistani singer and actress Noor Jahan, a shared heritage between our two countries who shall always be loved and revered.

Usha Mangeshkar, who turns 85 on December 15, will always remain the irreplaceable voice of Goddess Santoshi Maa. Her voice works for large religious gatherings, demanding attention from all devotees.

Farida Khanum wears the title of Queen of Ghazal with panache. Every song of hers bears her unique identity and soul.

This year marks the 50th year of The Beatles' break-up, which even the gods could not prevent.

Bryan Adams — one of rock's most talented balladeers with a friendly, world-weathered rasp — turns 61 today.

Manna Dey was too good for his own good. On his seventh death anniversary, here is a tribute to the immense talent and humility of the singing giant.

Heard melodies are sweet, those unheard are sweeter. But those that are unseen are a matter of regret.

There are singers and then there is Jagjit Singh, who remained a perfectionist till his untimely death on October 10, 2011.

Today, October 2, 2020, Sting turns 69. To borrow from his own song, every song that he records, we’ll be listening to it; every move that he makes in music, films and causes, we’ll be following it.