Seventy-six mayors ruled BMC since 1931

After four years, Mumbai to salute its first citizen Kishori Pednekar Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Snehal Ambekar Sunil Prabhu Mumbai: As the date for appointing Mumbai’s First Citizen looms closer, various political parties have adopted tough posturing to foist their own person for the coveted post of Mayor – the ‘face’ of the country’s commercial capital. Ruling Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have vowed that the city...

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After four years, Mumbai to salute its first citizen Kishori Pednekar Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Snehal Ambekar Sunil Prabhu Mumbai: As the date for appointing Mumbai’s First Citizen looms closer, various political parties have adopted tough posturing to foist their own person for the coveted post of Mayor – the ‘face’ of the country’s commercial capital. Ruling Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have vowed that the city will get a ‘Hindu Marathi’ person to head India’s richest civic body, while the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also harbour fond hopes of a miracle that could ensure their own person for the post. The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) optimism stems from expectations of possible political permutations-combinations that could develop with a realignment of forces as the Supreme Court is hearing the cases involving the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party this week. Catapulted as the largest single party, the BJP hopes to install a first ever party-man as Mayor, but that may not create history. Way back in 1982-1983, a BJP leader Dr. Prabhakar Pai had served in the top post in Mumbai (then Bombay). Incidentally, Dr. Pai hailed from Udupi district of Karnataka, and his appointment came barely a couple of years after the BJP was formed (1980), capping a distinguished career as a city father, said experts. Originally a Congressman, Dr. Pai later shifted to the Bharatiya Janata Party, then back to Congress briefly, founded the Janata Seva Sangh before immersing himself in social activities. Second Administrator The 2026 Mayoral elections have evoked huge interest not only among Mumbaikars but across the country as it comes after nearly four years since the BMC was governed by an Administrator. This was only the second time in the BMC history that an Administrator was named after April 1984-May 1985. On both occasions, there were election-related issues, the first time the elections got delayed for certain reasons and the second time the polling was put off owing to Ward delimitations and OBC quotas as the matter was pending in the courts. From 1931 till 2022, Mumbai has been lorded over by 76 Mayors, men and women, hailing from various regions, backgrounds, castes and communities. They included Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, even a Jew, etc., truly reflecting the cosmopolitan personality of the coastal city and India’s financial powerhouse. In 1931-1932, the Mayor was a Parsi, J. B. Boman Behram, and others from his community followed like Khurshed Framji Nariman (after whom Nariman Point is named), E. A. Bandukwala, Minoo Masani, B. N. Karanjia and other bigwigs. There were Muslims like Hoosenally Rahimtoola, Sultan M. Chinoy, the legendary Yusuf Meherally, Dr. A. U. Memon and others. The Christian community got a fair share of Mayors with Joseph A. D’Souza – who was Member of Constituent Assembly representing Bombay Province for writing-approving the Constitution of India, M. U. Mascarenhas, P. A. Dias, Simon C. Fernandes, J. Leon D’Souza, et al. A Jew Elijah Moses (1937-1938) and a Sikh M. H. Bedi (1983-1984), served as Mayors, but post-1985, for the past 40 years, nobody from any minority community occupied the august post. During the silver jubilee year of the post, Sulochana M. Modi became the first woman Mayor of Mumbai (1956), and later with tweaks in the rules, many women ruled in this post – Nirmala Samant-Prabhavalkar (1994-1995), Vishakha Raut (997-1998), Dr. Shubha Raul (March 2007-Nov. 2009), Shraddha Jadhav (Dec. 2009-March 2012), Snehal Ambedkar (Sep. 2014-March 2017). The last incumbent (before the Administrator) was a government nurse, Kishori Pednekar (Nov. 2019-March 2022) - who earned the sobriquet of ‘Florence Nightingale’ of Mumbai - as she flitted around in her full white uniform at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, earning the admiration of the citizens. Mumbai Mayor – high-profile post The Mumbai Mayor’s post is considered a crucial step in the political ladder and many went on to become MLAs, MPs, state-central ministers, a Lok Sabha Speaker, Chief Ministers and union ministers. The formidable S. K. Patil was Mayor (1949-1952) and later served in the union cabinets of PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Lah Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi; Dahyabhai V. Patel (1954-1955) was the son of India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; Manohar Joshi (1976-1977) became the CM of Maharashtra, later union minister and Speaker of Lok Sabha; Chhagan Bhujbal (1985-1986 – 1990-1991) became a Deputy CM.

The Missing Magic of Festival Songs in Bollywood

Abhijit Joshi
Sep 20, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

The Missing Magic of Festival Songs in Bollywood

It’s common in offices or colleges to hear someone say, “HOLI KAB HAI? KAB HAI HOLI... KAB…

KAB.” This famous line is from Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan, in the classic film Sholay. In the same movie, Hema Malini and Dharmendra, who live in the village Ramgarh, dance to the song Holi Ke Din Jab Dil Mil Jate Hai. Even after 50 years, this film continues to leave an impact, showing how strong Hindi films have been across generations.

Celebrating festivals with singing and dancing is an integral part of Hindi films. But recently, songs celebrating festivals like Diwali, Karwa Chauth, and Christmas have faded from the scene, while songs on Ganpati and Holi took center stage. However, even those songs have become rare in the last few years.

In recent times, a few movies have managed to leave an impact with their festival songs. The Ganpati song from Hrithik Roshan’s Agneepath and the Holi song from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani are examples, but otherwise, festival songs are missing.

There was a time when audiences eagerly waited for festival songs, and films were often released around festivals. Many of these songs are still played during celebrations. Some of the iconic ones include:

Dahi Handi Songs: Dahi Handi, celebrated on the second day of Krishna Janmashtami, is marked with joy in many parts of India, but Mumbai’s celebration is unique. Bollywood has captured this energy in several movies like Bluffmaster, Khuddar, Agneepath, Badla, and Hello Brother. Veteran actor Shammi Kapoor’s iconic song Govinda Aala Re from Bluffmaster (1963) remains popular, but Mach Gaya Shor from Khuddar (1982), featuring Amitabh Bachchan, is an all-time hit that still gets people dancing. The song Chandi Ki Daal Pe from Hello Brother (1999) struck a chord with younger audiences and is still played today. Another favorite is Go Go Govinda from OMG – Oh My God. However, in recent years, no new Dahi Handi song has had the same effect.

Ganpati Songs: A few iconic Ganpati songs have continued to resonate with audiences. Deva Shri Ganesha from Agneepath (2012), thanks to Ajay-Atul’s music, is played throughout the 10-day Ganesh festival. The original Ganpati song from the older Agneepath didn’t have the same impact as the 2012 version. Mourya Re from the remake of Don (2006) starring Shahrukh Khan also became a hit, as did Sadda Dil Vi Tu from ABCD, which is a favorite in Ganesh pandals. However, in the last decade, no new Ganpati songs have been as popular.

Holi Songs: Filmmakers have always loved Holi songs for their ability to show love and festivity. Classic Holi songs like Holi Ke Din (Sholay), Rang Barse (Silsila), Ang Se Ang Lagana (Darr), and Holi Khele Raghuveera (Baghban) continue to be played every year. Recent songs like Lahu Munh Lag Gaya from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Jai Jai Shivshankar from War have added to the collection, but none have achieved the legendary status of Amitabh Bachchan’s Rang Barse. In the last 5-6 years, no new Holi song has stood out.

Diwali Songs: Despite being one of the biggest festivals, Diwali has very few songs associated with it. Only 7-10 Diwali songs are memorable. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a rare example, where Jaya Bachchan’s character waits for her son Shahrukh Khan, welcoming him with an aarti. Films like Vastav, Amdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiya, and Taare Zameen Par feature Diwali songs, but overall, the festival lacks iconic musical representation.Festival songs in Hindi cinema seem to be losing their charm, with no major releases in recent years. Hopefully, Bollywood will bring back the magic of festival songs that audiences love. Let’s hope for the best.

Seventy-six mayors ruled BMC since 1931

The Missing Magic of Festival Songs in Bollywood

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