| MEHMET BITMEZ & NASEER SHAMMA -2- - 166 sec Mehmet Bitmez and Naseer Shamma in Cairo.
(The Oud Made by Ramazan Calay)
Mehmet Bitmez was born in Şanlıurfa, as the second child of Zeliha and
Yahya Bitmez.He graduated from Turkish Classical Music State Conservatory of Istanbul Technical University in 1980.A year later he became an assistant and since then he has been continuing his teaching career at the same University.
For many years he has held the position of head of the lute teaching branch at the same university.He completed his master's degree in 1990 in the social sciences department doing research on the special techniques used by Tanbur player Cemil Bey.
Mehmet Bitmez was inspired by the musical atmosphere provided in his family by his grand father Mahmut Bitmez, santuri ludist, pianist and singer ;his father Yahya Bitmez,who was also a singer and ludist,and his uncle,Bekir Bitmez, who was a singer and composer.
During his conservatory education he took lessons from his lute teacher Prof. Mutlu Torun,and learned the theory of the Turkish Classical Music from ney player Niyzi Sayın,Akagündüz Kutbay,Singer, Bekir Sıtkı Sezgin and ludist Cinuçen Tanrıkorur.
During his school years and afterwards the lute virtuoso Mehmet Emin Bitmez analized the Tanbur virtuoso Cemil Bey's melodic pattern and performing approach and he made a formal coprehensive study of Cemil Bey's advanced technique and style.
Bitmez,who is shown to be among the leading lutists of the world,has studied the styles and technical characteristics of virtuoso Şerif Muhittin Targan and great master ludists Nevres Bey,Yorgo Bacanos and Cinuçen Tanrıkorur.Following this study he developed his own advanced playing style,which is based on traditional and classical features. One of the most outstanding features of his particular style is the pure and clear sound, which is certified by his admirers
He has been making a comprehensive study and research in the field of musicology and he has many instrumental pieces and songs of various forms of Turkish music. He has given many recitals as a representative of Turkish Classical Music in festivals of numerous countries and cities such as
Germany, Italy, Sicily, Sardunia, Island, Venice, Holland, France, Morocco, Tunisia, England, Algeria, Lebanon, Egypt, İsrael, Brasil, USA, Belgium, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, France, Switzerland, Spain, Sudan, Russia and Austria.
He contributed with his ideas and lute playing to the sountrack of the film ''İstanbul Under my Wings'',whose music was later produced for sale on CD.
He performed in recitals with virtuoso Kemençe player İhsan Özgen under the name of ''Anatolia'' and ''Aegean and Balkan Dances'' in the year 1992.This performance was produced on CD and cassette.
In 1992,he played with the Buch Morres Jazz Group in the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall. In 1993, in a group formed by French,Spanish and Turkish musicians, with Ney player Kudsi Erguner he gave a recital,which is called''From Sufi to Flamenco''in the International İstanbul Festival, which was followed by another recital given in an amphitheatre this performance was produced on CD and cassette.
In 1995,under the conduction of İhsan Özgen he performed with the group ''Anatolia'' in the project of ''Tanburi Cemil Bey and Impressions''
In 1996,he gave three recitals and conferences in the cities of Geneva and Bern,in
Switzerland on invitation of "Ateliers D'ethnomusicologie."
In 1999,in the Montreoux Jazz Festival he gave a concert comprised of Ottoman Sufi Music reportoire.He gave an encore under the sponsorship of the German NDR Broadcasting Organization in Hamburg,Bremen,Manhaim.
In 2000,he played in ''Festival de MusiqueSacree''From Sufi to Flamenco'' in the city of Perpignan,in France.In the same year he participated twice in the Whirling Dervishes Ceromony in the Venice Festival.Under the conduction of Prof.Edvin Seroussi he gave two recitals, a conference,a week- long Turkish musicTheory and Lute Lesson by formal invitation of the Hebrew University and Prof. Edwin Seroussi in the performance called ''Mediterranean Musical Dialogue No 5''
In February 2000,under the organization of AAN Het Vruthoff he played with the Kudsi Erguner Group and Prins Kantemir in eight concerts held in Rotterdam, DenHaag, Maastricth, Gent, Bruxelle, Antwerpen, Amsterdam, Utrecht.
In these concerts,under the name ''Prins Kantemir'' he performed the reportoire of Ali Ufki Bey.
On the 14th of June,2000 he performed on lute in the International Izmir Festival and on the16th of June in the international Istanbul Music Ffestival in a String Instruments Orchestra,Percussion Group.He played in the Orchestra of Turkish Music Instruments to perform the compositions of Nazım Hikmet's poems.This performance was later recorded on CD.
In 2002,by invitation of the Moroccan Kingdom he played with Kudsi Erguner's group in a festival- opening concert based on Ottoman Drums.
In 2003,in the Istanbul Festivals he played with the violinist Cihad Aşkın,the world famous violinist Shalomo Mints,Israeli traditional violinist Yair Dalal and Erkan Oğur.
In 2004 He gave two seminars and a concert ın Mediterranean Musıc Project which was organised by En Chordias Music School located in Salonika
Additionally he gave two concerts in the international Music Festivals in eastern Jerusalem he also gave a concert in the ''Now''festival in Berlin.
In Beirut he gave a concert in meetings of Ottoman and Flamenco Music in addition to a seminar and a master class that he performed in Internatıonal Beirut Conservatory
Between 08-11 of June,2005 Bitmez,. gave a lute recital in Athens in the Internatıonal lute meeting.This meeting was included in the Mediterranean Music Project,Which was established and supported by the European Unıon and contınued for three years.
Lute players from many countries attended the meeting.These musicians were the most famous in their own countries and in the world.Bitmez,.was invited to this meeting in order to represent Turkey.Also he conducted a seminar and a master class.
Betwen the dates 6 th_9 th July, 2005 Mehmet Bitmez gave a concert in Ramallah in Palestine Internasionel Festival in 2005.
On the 8 th of November, 2005 he performed in the project of " Goethe's Collection of Liyric Poetry " and in the 'Stutgart Now' festival.
Between the dates of 28 th Nowember and 10 th of December, 2005 he was officially invited by "Damascus" music Institute to give a "seminer " and fort he same Institute he gave lectures on Tukish Music Soound System, melodic patterns and Oud performing in addition to performing in a concert there.
On 5 th of Marc, 2006 he gave a "Oud Recital", called " The Rice of the Sun "at İstanbul Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Which is also the name of this last album.
He has held the position as the chairman of the "Culture and Art Board of Historical Zeyrek Houses" for some time in the name of providing a contribution to protect Turkish culture and historical houses. This is reflection of his belief in protecting the rich historical and cultural background of Turkish culture.
Between the yeras 2004-2006 he held the position of the head of " Scientific and Art Projects, Organsation Comittee ". He still holds the same position and at the same time teachers in İstanbul Technical University State Conservatory.
Besides being a Oud performer to a great extend, he plays an old Turkish Instrument " Lavta " and a secondary instrument " Tanbur ".
MEHMET EMİN BİTMEZ
Annesi Zeliha Hanim, Babasi Yahya Efendi'nin ikinci cocuklari olarak Sanliurfa'da dogdu. 1980 yilinda I.T.U. Turk Musikisi Devlet Konservatuari'ndan mezun oldu. 1981 yilinda kurumda asistan olarak basladigi gorevini halen ayni universitede ogretim gorevlisi olarak surdurmektedir.
I.T.U. Turk Musikisi Devlet Konservatuari Calgi Bolumunde uzun bir zaman" sanat dali baskanligi" gorevinde bulundu.
1990 yilinda I.T.U. Sosyal Bilimler Bolumunde "Tanburi Cemil Bey'in Tanbur Icrasinin Ozellikleri"ni arastirip inceledigi bir calisma ile "Master" (Yuksek lisans) yapti.
Aile ici muzik ortaminda buyuk babasi (Gazelhan, santuri, udi ve piyanist) Mahmud Bitmez (Badilli Mahmut Usta adi ile taninir) den, Gazelhan ve Udi babasi Yahya Bitmez ve amcasi Udi besteci Bekir Bitmez'den feyz aldi.Konservatuar egitimi sirasinda hocasi Prof. Mutlu Torun'dan Ud dersi almistir.Turk Muzigi teorisini Neyzen Akagunduz Kutbay, Bekir Sidki Sezgin ve Cinucen Tanrikorur'dan ogrendi.
Ud virtuozu Bitmez, ogrenim yillari ve sonrasinda da tanbur virtuozu Cemil Bey'in makam ve icra anlayisini analiz ederek, ileri teknik, uslub ve tavri uzerine ciddi ve kapsamli arastirmalar yapti.
Dunyanin en onde gelen ud sanatcilari arasinda gosterilen Bitmez, Serif Muhiddin Targan'in virtuozitesi, Udi Nevres Bey, Yorgo Bacanos ve Cinucen Tanrikorur gibi buyuk ustalarin Ud icralarini, tarzlarini ve teknik ozelliklerini inceleyerek, temelde geleneksel ve klasik ogelere bagli uslup ve tavirla kendine has ileri bir icra teknigi gelistirdi.
Ud'dan cikardigi parlak, net ses ve ileri teknigi usta icraci ve dinleyenler tarafindan onemle vurgulanan en belirgin ozelliklerindendir.
Muzikoloji alaninda genis arastirma-inceleme ve calismalar yapmakta olan Bitmez'in Turk Muziginin cesitli formlarinda bestelenmis cok sayida saz ve sozlu eserleri mevcuttur.
Bitmez Turk Muzigini temsilen cok sayida ulkelerde (Almanya, Italya, "Sicilya, Sardunya adasi, Venedik", Hollanda, Fransa, Fas, Tunus, Ingiltere, Cezayir, Lubnan, Israil, Brezilya, Amerika, Belcika, Romanya, Bulgaristan, Yunanistan, Isvec, Norvec, Danimarka, Finlandiya, Isvicre, Ispanya, Sudan, Rusya, Avusturya vs...) ve bircok sehirlerinde uluslararasi muzik festivalleri kapsaminda konserler vermistir.
"Istanbul Kanatlarimin Altinda" adli sinema filminin muziklerine fikirleri ve Ud icrasi ile katildi. Ayni zamanda bu filmin muzikleri Turkiye'de ilk defa "CD" olarak cikti.
1992'de kemence virtuozu , Ihsan Ozgen ile "Anatolia" adi altinda "Ege ve Balkan Danslari" muziklerinden olusan cesitli konserler verdi. Bu calisma "CD" ve kaset olarak gerceklesti.
1992'de Lawrence "Butch" Morris Caz toplulugu ile Cemal Resit Rey Konser Salonunda caldi.
1993'de Neyzen Kudsi Erguner ile Fransiz, Ispanyol ve Turk sanatcilarindan olusan grupla Tasavvuftan Flamenkoya adli proje ile once Uluslararasi Istanbul Muzik Festivali sonrasinda Barselona'da Anfi Tiyatroda konser verdi. Bu calisma CD ve kaset olarak gerceklesti.
1995'de Ihsan Ozgen yonetiminde Anatolia grubu ile Cemal Resit Rey Konser Salonunda "Tanburi Cemil Bey ve Izlenimler" adli projede caldi.
1996'da Isvicre'nin Cenevre ve Bern sehirlerinde ‘Ateliers d'ethnomusicologie'nin daveti uzerine 3 ud resitali ve konferans verdi.
1999'da Montreoux Jazz Festivali'nde Jazz grubu ile birlikte Kudsi Erguner ile beraber "Osmanlida Saz muzigi" repertuarindan olusan bir konser verdi. Ayni konser Almanya'nin "NDR" yayin organizasyonunun katkilariyla Hamburg, Bremen ve Manhaim sehirlerinde tekrarlanmistir.
2000 tarihinde Fransa'nin "Perpignan" sehrinde "Festival de Musique Sacree" de Musiques, chants Soufis et Flamenco (Tasavvuftan Flamenkoya) projesinde caldi.
2000 tarihinde Venedik (Venesia Italy) de festival kapsaminda 2 (iki) Mevlevi Ayini icrasina ud ile katildi.
Aralik 2000'de "Miskenot sha'anomin, jerusalem" ile Prof. Edwin Seroussi yonetiminde Hebrew Universitesi'nin birlikte organize ettikleri ve "Mediterranean Musical Dialogue No.5 diye adlandirilan calismalara resmi olarak davet edilerek konferans ve 1 hafta suren Turk Muzik teorisi, ud dersleri (workshope ve masterclass) ve 2 resital verdi.
2000 yili Subat ayinda Theater AAN Het Vruthof'un organizasyonunda Kudsi Erguner toplulugu ile Prins Kantemir ve Ali Ufki Bey'in Repartuarindan olusan Rotterdam, Den Haag, Maastricht, Gent, Bruxelle, Antwerpen, Amsterdam, Utrecht'te 8 konserde caldi.Bu proje CD olarak cikti.
14.06.2000 tarihinde Uluslararasi Izmir, 16.06.2000 tarihinde de Uluslararasi Istanbul Muzik Festivalleri'nde Fransiz Yayli Sazlar Orkestrasi, Perkusyon (percussion) grubu, Turk Muzigi sazlarindan olusan buyuk orkestra ile Fransiz, Turk ve Hintli unlu ses sanatcilarinin eslik ettigi, (tamami Nazim Hikmet'in siirlerinin bestelerinden olusan) "Olum ve Yasama Dair" adli iki konsere ud icracisi olarak katildi. Bu calisma CD olarak hazirlandi.
2002'de Fas Kralligi'nin davetlisi olarak Kudsi Erguner grubu ile beraber "Osmanli Davullari" projesi ile festival acilis konserinde caldi.
2003'de Uluslararasi Istanbul Muzik Festivalinde Dunyaca unlu kemanci Shlomo Mintz, Cihad Askin, Israilli Geleneksel Kemanci Yair Dallal ve Erkan Ogur'la birlikte caldi.
2004'de Selanik'te bulunan En Chordais muzik okulu'nun organizasyonu ile gerceklestirilen geleneksel Akdeniz Muzikleri projesin de iki seminer ve bir konser gerceklestirdi.
2004'de Dogu Kudus (Filistin) uluslar arasi festivalinde iki konser verdi.
2004'de Berlin'de duzenlenen " Simdi Now " Festivalinde konser verdi.
2004'de Beyrut'ta gerceklestirilen Osmanli ve Flamenko muzikleri bulusmasi ile bir Konser, Ulusal Beyrut Konservatuarin da ise; seminer verdi ve master class yapti.
Avrupa Birliginin destegi ile kurulmus ve uc yil devam eden, "Akdeniz muzikleri" Projesi cercevesinde 08-11 Haziran 2005 tarihlerinde "Uluslararasi Ud Mitingi" (Internationel Lute Meeting) adi ile gerceklestirilen projede, her ulkeyi temsil etmek uzere en onde gelen ve dunyaca taninmis bir ud sanatcisi'nin davet edildigi bulusmada Turkiye'yi temsil etmek uzere Atina'da Ud resitali verdi. Bir seminer ve master class gerceklestirdi.
06-09 Temmuz 2005 tarihlerinde Uluslararasi Filistin festivali'nde ( PALESTINE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2005) Ramallah ta konser verdi.
18 Kasim 2005 tarihinde "Goethe'nin Dîvâni'ndan Gazeller " projesinde icraci olarak yer aldi. Devaminda ayni proje ile "Simdi Stuttgart" Festivali'ne icraci olarak katildi.
28 Kasim-10 Aralik 2005 tarihinde resmi gorevli olarak davet edildigi Sam Yuksek Muzik Enstitusunde bir seminer vermis. Ayni Enstitu de Turk Muzigi Ses Sistemi, Makam bilgileri ve Ud konularinda ders vererek Sam unlu Opera binasinda birde konser gerceklestirmistir.
05 Mart 2006 tarihinde Cemal Resit Rey konser salonunda kendi projesi olan "Gunesin Dogusu" adli bir konser verdi.
Turk Kultururunu, tarihi yapilarini korumak, yasatmak ve bu zengin mirasi ulusal bilinc ve sorumluluk anlayisi icinde once ulkemize, sonra evrensel bir degere tasiyarak, Dunya mirasi olarak kalmasini saglamak amaci ile kisa bir sure, tarihi zeyrek evlerinin kultur ve sanat kurulu baskanligi gorevini yuruttu.
2004-2006 tarihleri arasinda ITU Turk Musikisi Devlet Konservatuari'nda BISED (Bilimsel ve Sanatsal Etkinlikleri Duzenleme Kurulu)Baskanligi gorevini yuruttu. Halen ayni universitede ogretim uyesi olarak gorevini surdurmektedir.
Bitmez, ud icraciliginin yaninda eski bir Turk calgisi olan lavta'yi onemli derecede ve yardimci olarak da tanbur calmaktadir. Tags:mehmet bitmez ud oud naseer shamma schools hicaz taksim taqseem cairo ramazan calay عود تقاسيم egypt turkey نصير شمة  | | MEHMET BITMEZ & NASEER SHAMMA -1- - 143 sec Mehmet Bitmez and Naseer Shamma in Cairo.
(The Oud Made by Ramazan Calay)
Mehmet Bitmez was born in Şanlıurfa, as the second child of Zeliha and
Yahya Bitmez.He graduated from Turkish Classical Music State Conservatory of Istanbul Technical University in 1980.A year later he became an assistant and since then he has been continuing his teaching career at the same University.
For many years he has held the position of head of the lute teaching branch at the same university.He completed his master's degree in 1990 in the social sciences department doing research on the special techniques used by Tanbur player Cemil Bey.
Mehmet Bitmez was inspired by the musical atmosphere provided in his family by his grand father Mahmut Bitmez, santuri ludist, pianist and singer ;his father Yahya Bitmez,who was also a singer and ludist,and his uncle,Bekir Bitmez, who was a singer and composer.
During his conservatory education he took lessons from his lute teacher Prof. Mutlu Torun,and learned the theory of the Turkish Classical Music from ney player Niyzi Sayın,Akagündüz Kutbay,Singer, Bekir Sıtkı Sezgin and ludist Cinuçen Tanrıkorur.
During his school years and afterwards the lute virtuoso Mehmet Emin Bitmez analized the Tanbur virtuoso Cemil Bey's melodic pattern and performing approach and he made a formal coprehensive study of Cemil Bey's advanced technique and style.
Bitmez,who is shown to be among the leading lutists of the world,has studied the styles and technical characteristics of virtuoso Şerif Muhittin Targan and great master ludists Nevres Bey,Yorgo Bacanos and Cinuçen Tanrıkorur.Following this study he developed his own advanced playing style,which is based on traditional and classical features. One of the most outstanding features of his particular style is the pure and clear sound, which is certified by his admirers
He has been making a comprehensive study and research in the field of musicology and he has many instrumental pieces and songs of various forms of Turkish music. He has given many recitals as a representative of Turkish Classical Music in festivals of numerous countries and cities such as
Germany, Italy, Sicily, Sardunia, Island, Venice, Holland, France, Morocco, Tunisia, England, Algeria, Lebanon, Egypt, İsrael, Brasil, USA, Belgium, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, France, Switzerland, Spain, Sudan, Russia and Austria.
He contributed with his ideas and lute playing to the sountrack of the film ''İstanbul Under my Wings'',whose music was later produced for sale on CD.
He performed in recitals with virtuoso Kemençe player İhsan Özgen under the name of ''Anatolia'' and ''Aegean and Balkan Dances'' in the year 1992.This performance was produced on CD and cassette.
In 1992,he played with the Buch Morres Jazz Group in the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall. In 1993, in a group formed by French,Spanish and Turkish musicians, with Ney player Kudsi Erguner he gave a recital,which is called''From Sufi to Flamenco''in the International İstanbul Festival, which was followed by another recital given in an amphitheatre this performance was produced on CD and cassette.
In 1995,under the conduction of İhsan Özgen he performed with the group ''Anatolia'' in the project of ''Tanburi Cemil Bey and Impressions''
In 1996,he gave three recitals and conferences in the cities of Geneva and Bern,in
Switzerland on invitation of "Ateliers D'ethnomusicologie."
In 1999,in the Montreoux Jazz Festival he gave a concert comprised of Ottoman Sufi Music reportoire.He gave an encore under the sponsorship of the German NDR Broadcasting Organization in Hamburg,Bremen,Manhaim.
In 2000,he played in ''Festival de MusiqueSacree''From Sufi to Flamenco'' in the city of Perpignan,in France.In the same year he participated twice in the Whirling Dervishes Ceromony in the Venice Festival.Under the conduction of Prof.Edvin Seroussi he gave two recitals, a conference,a week- long Turkish musicTheory and Lute Lesson by formal invitation of the Hebrew University and Prof. Edwin Seroussi in the performance called ''Mediterranean Musical Dialogue No 5''
In February 2000,under the organization of AAN Het Vruthoff he played with the Kudsi Erguner Group and Prins Kantemir in eight concerts held in Rotterdam, DenHaag, Maastricth, Gent, Bruxelle, Antwerpen, Amsterdam, Utrecht.
In these concerts,under the name ''Prins Kantemir'' he performed the reportoire of Ali Ufki Bey.
On the 14th of June,2000 he performed on lute in the International Izmir Festival and on the16th of June in the international Istanbul Music Ffestival in a String Instruments Orchestra,Percussion Group.He played in the Orchestra of Turkish Music Instruments to perform the compositions of Nazım Hikmet's poems.This performance was later recorded on CD.
In 2002,by invitation of the Moroccan Kingdom he played with Kudsi Erguner's group in a festival- opening concert based on Ottoman Drums.
In 2003,in the Istanbul Festivals he played with the violinist Cihad Aşkın,the world famous violinist Shalomo Mints,Israeli traditional violinist Yair Dalal and Erkan Oğur.
In 2004 He gave two seminars and a concert ın Mediterranean Musıc Project which was organised by En Chordias Music School located in Salonika
Additionally he gave two concerts in the international Music Festivals in eastern Jerusalem he also gave a concert in the ''Now''festival in Berlin.
In Beirut he gave a concert in meetings of Ottoman and Flamenco Music in addition to a seminar and a master class that he performed in Internatıonal Beirut Conservatory
Between 08-11 of June,2005 Bitmez,. gave a lute recital in Athens in the Internatıonal lute meeting.This meeting was included in the Mediterranean Music Project,Which was established and supported by the European Unıon and contınued for three years.
Lute players from many countries attended the meeting.These musicians were the most famous in their own countries and in the world.Bitmez,.was invited to this meeting in order to represent Turkey.Also he conducted a seminar and a master class.
Betwen the dates 6 th_9 th July, 2005 Mehmet Bitmez gave a concert in Ramallah in Palestine Internasionel Festival in 2005.
On the 8 th of November, 2005 he performed in the project of " Goethe's Collection of Liyric Poetry " and in the ‘Stutgart Now' festival.
Between the dates of 28 th Nowember and 10 th of December, 2005 he was officially invited by "Damascus" music Institute to give a "seminer " and fort he same Institute he gave lectures on Tukish Music Soound System, melodic patterns and Oud performing in addition to performing in a concert there.
On 5 th of Marc, 2006 he gave a "Oud Recital", called " The Rice of the Sun "at İstanbul Cemal Reşit Rey (CRR) Which is also the name of this last album.
He has held the position as the chairman of the "Culture and Art Board of Historical Zeyrek Houses" for some time in the name of providing a contribution to protect Turkish culture and historical houses. This is reflection of his belief in protecting the rich historical and cultural background of Turkish culture.
Between the yeras 2004-2006 he held the position of the head of " Scientific and Art Projects, Organsation Comittee ". He still holds the same position and at the same time teachers in İstanbul Technical University State Conservatory.
Besides being a Oud performer to a great extend, he plays an old Turkish Instrument " Lavta " and a secondary instrument " Tanbur ". Tags:mehmet bitmez ud oud naseer hicaz taksim taqseem cairo ramazan calay عود تقاسيم egypt turkey istanbul turkish arab | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | SHAMMA JALEE YANA JALEE - PAAPI - 223 sec SONG:SHAMMA JALEE YANA JALEE ROSHAN HAI APNA
MUSIC:BAPPI LAHIRI
LYRICS:NAQSH LYALPURI
SINGER:LATA MANGESHKAR
MOVIE:PAAPI 1977
ZEENAT AMAN
SUNIL DUTT
SANJEEV KUMAR
PADMA KHANNA
Zeenat Aman born November 19, 1951) is a famous Bollywood actress. She was the second runner up in the Miss India Contest and went on to win the Miss Asia Pacific in 1970.
Upon making her debut in Bollywood, Aman was credited with bringing the Western heroine look to Hindi cinema, and thorughout her career has been considered a sex symbol.
Zeenat Aman was born to a Muslim father . Her father, Amanullah, was one of the writers for the blockbuster movie Mughal-e-Azam. He died when Zeenat was just 13.
Aman graduated from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai and went to Los Angeles for her studies. Upon returning to India, she first took a job as a journalist for Femina and then later on moved on to modeling. One of the first few brands that she modeled for was Taj Mahal Tea. She was the second runner up in the Miss India Contest and went on to win the Miss Asia Pacific in 1970.
Aman's sultry persona was a contrast to many of the more conservative stars of the era. At a time when heroines were obedient wives and lovers on screen, Aman was drawn to more unconventional roles - she was cast as the opportunist who deserts her jobless lover for a millionaire (Roti Kapda Aur Makaan), the ambitious girl who considers aborting her baby to pursue a career (Ajnabee), the happy hooker (Manoranjan), the disenchanted hippie (Hare Rama Hare Krishna), the girl who falls in love with her mother's one-time lover (Prem Shastra), and a woman married to a caustic cripple but involved in an extramarital relationship (Dhund).
She managed to balance these roles with acting in more conventional films such as Chori Mera Kaam, Chhaila Babu, Dostana and Lawaaris, which is considered by many to be a landmark in Indian Cinema.
After having studied in Los Angeles, winning the Miss Asia pageant and a successful modeling career, Aman's film career began with a small role in O. P. Ralhan's Hulchul in 1971. A second role in Hungama (1971), starring singer Kishore Kumar, was also not successful.
Dev Anand offered Zaheeda (his second heroine in Prem Pujari) the role of sister in Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1972). Not realizing the importance of this secondary role, Zaheeda wanted the lead female part (eventually played by Mumtaz), and she opted out.
Aman was chosen as a last-minute replacement.
In Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Aman, aided by R. D. Burman's song "Dum Maro Dum" (Take Another Toke), won over the audience as Janice. She earned a filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award and BFJA Award for Best Actress. Throughout the 1970s, the Dev-Zeenat pairing was seen in half a dozen films: Heera Panna (1973), Ishq Ishq Ishq (1974), Prem Shastra (1974), Warrant (1975), Darling Darling (1977) and Kalabaaz (1977). Of these, Warrant, was the biggest box-office success.
In December 1974, Cine Blitz magazine was launched with Zeenat Aman on its cover, a testimony to her popularity at the time.
Aman, in her later career, found success with other banners such as B. R. Chopra, Nasir Hussain, Shakti Samanta, Manoj Kumar and Manmohan Desai.
In 1978, she starred in Raj Kapoor's massively publicised Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), however, the film was not much of a success. The subject ironically dealt with the notion of the soul being more attractive than the body, but Kapoor chose to showcase Aman's sex-appeal. The actress was highly criticized for her exposure but somehow, the film had a great deal to do with her later fame.
She also earned a Filmfare nomination as Best Actress for this film.
Aman's entry into Hollywood also backfired when Krishna Shah's Shalimar (1978), co-starring Dharmendra and international names like Rex Harrison and Sylvia Miles, proved to be a failure in the USA and in India. Zeenat possessed a convent schoolgirl accent and a penchant for revealing dresses. She matched Sophia Loren in the battle of oomph at Shalimar's launch. 1978 could have been a disaster year for her, because of the diminishing box office returns of Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Shalimar, but it was Don that came to the rescue and set her career soaring again. Ironically, her reasons for accepting the role in Don were altrustic, and she didn't even take any remuneration for it, because she wanted to help the producer, Nariman Irani, who passed away midway filming. Her role of a Westernized revenge-seeking action heroine contributed to the film's huge success, and her fans reconnected with her again. Westernised heroines like Parveen Babi and Tina Munim now followed in her footsteps, by the late 1970s. Aman continued to act in hits like Dharam Veer , Dostana.and Abdullah Tags: zeenat.aman sunil.dutt sanjeev.kumar bappi.lahiri lata.mangeshkar mahendra.kapoor mohd.rafi padma.khanna |
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