Google celebrates K L Saigal's 114th birthday with a doodle

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Google is celebrating the 114th birth anniversary of Kundanlal Saigal
Google is celebrating the 114th birth anniversary of Kundanlal Saigal

New Delhi : India is celebrating the 114th birth anniversary first superstar of the Hindi film industry, Kundanlal Saigal. To honour the veteran actor, Google has dedicated a doodle which includes a pictorial presentation of Saigal singing song in the background of Kolkata where the Hindi film industry or Bollywood was based initially. The google doodle has been designed by y Vidhya Nagarajan.

Late Kundanlal Saigal was born on April 11, 1904 in Jammu and is known for his contribution in the Indian Cinema. He sang at least 200 film and non-film songs that continue to mesmerize music lovers till today. 

Saigal’s father Amarchand Saigal was a Tehsildar in the court of the King in Jammu while his mother Kesarbai was very much inclined towards music.

In the 1930s, Saigal joined the New Theatres in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and started his first job in the film studio for a salary of Rs 200 per month. This was the beginning of his musical journey in the Hindi film industry. 

He has performed in almost 36 films in three languages for over 15 years. Singing over 185 songs throughout his career, his voice has been alluring his listeners for years till now.

Saigal popular films include 'Mohabbat Ke Ansu', 'Subah Ka Sitara' and 'Zinda Lash' in 1932 followed by 'Yahudi Ki Ladki' in 1933. In the same year, he sang four bhajans for a film titled 'Puran Bhagat' which became popular across the country. 

Saigal's music education came informally, probably from his humble family background. He use to sing along with people at a local holy places and use to participate in religious ceremonies with his mother.

By the mid-1940s, Saigal was not just a superstar. But, with 'Devdas' (1935), Saigal became a national icon. He succeeded as an actor too in the film. 

His films such as 'President', 'My Sister', 'Zindagi', 'Chandidas', 'Bhakta Surdas', 'Tansen' became hit and still in the must-watch lists.

However, the celebrated artist died at an early age of 42 in the year 1947. He left behind his inspirational works in the film world.