“Baaraat” of Sajid Khan, a national level skater and coach, skating its way to marriage venue in Bhopal on Sunday night.
Bhopal:
Bhopal, the capital of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, witnessed a unique wedding wherein “Baaraat” (the wedding procession of the bridegroom) on Sunday night skated its way to wedding venue on roller skates.
The “Baaraat”was that of Sajid Khan, a national level skater and roller skating coach in local Delhi Public School, who adopted this unique move to attract people’s attention towards skating and promote the game in the state and ensure recognition to it in international events.
The bridegroom and the “Baratis” all put on their skating shoes to roll on in the marriage procession from Gauhar Mahal to Bagh-o-Bahar, the wedding venue, as vehicular traffic on the VIP road nearly came to a screeching halt. Budding skaters, the disciples of groom Sajid, also danced to the beating of drums as the procession moved on with passersby halting down to have a clear glimpse of this unique “Baaraat”.
Sajid, who is also president of Speed Roller skating Association, Bhopal, skated to have a rendezvous with his bride Shaista Yasmeen, who also happens to be a skater and a roller skating coach. Several national and international junior skaters such as Huzaifa Zafar, Akshay Sharma, Syeda Masooma Fatima, Ahsas Shrivastava, Gautam Sharma, Shayali Kumbhare, Aamir, Nilesh, Sami Khan, Hrithik Khare and others also joined the “Baaraat” with their skates on.
Sajid revealed that it was their students who planned the one-of-its kind wedding and he was happy to accept the unique idea. The wedding shall be remembered for long, not for its grandeur, but for the mode of transport the groom and the members of the “Baaraat”chose to reach the marriage hall.
“It is a historic moment in my life as the people who witnessed the wedding procession shall be attracted towards the roller-skating sports. “We are advertising the skating game through the procession. I spend my whole time in skating and as such I and my students decided to take out wedding procession on skates which is something unique”, Sajid told media persons as he rolled on skates to meet his soul-mate and bring her home.
Meanwhile, Nikah was solemnized at the historical Taj-ul-Masajid, one of the biggest Masjid in Asia, between the Asr and Maghrib prayer timings on Sunday evening. Elite of the town along with large numbers of sportspersons attended the Nikah.
It may be pointed out here that a couple has also tied nuptial knot while rappelling at Kerwa Hills in the city in the past.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Life & Style / by Parvez Bari (pervezbari@eth.net) / September 19th, 2011
The Investiture Ceremony of Al-kareem School was held at the School premises recently.
All the School leaders were honoured and were made to take oath followed by recitation of the School pledge.
School Founder Alhaj Hussaini Baig, School Chairman advocate Kaleem Ulla Baig, School HM Yasmeen Sultana, teachers and students were present on the occasion.
The student leaders are M. Armaan, Syed Junaid, Mohammed Hassan, Junaid Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Mohammed Nabeel, Awaiz Shariff, Amith Kumar, Mohammed Zeeshan, Mohammed Anas, Mohammed Yousuf, Afsha Baig, Simran Banu, Sakeena Banu, Sadiya Taj, Umme Hani, Aiman, Suhana Kouser, Uzma Tehreem, Bibi Ayesha, Bibi Ameena and Farhana Firoze.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 09th, 2018
[SPONSORED CONTENT] Dr Shafi Ul Mulk had an idea that grew into a vision for change. Today, that vision is a reality, having grown his multiple dual concept diagnostic centres into a leading healthcare brand in the region
Through his healthcare services, Dr Mulk touches millions of people from around the world and has been celebrated on many prestigious forums. He has also added significant feathers to his illustrious cap, being honoured with Forbes magazine’s Top 100 Indian Entrepreneurs and Leaders in the Middle East two years in a row.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The origins of Global Hawk were not unlike some world-renowned companies of today. Dr Mulk started with a personal staff of only two, working in Hamriya free zone, Sharjah. Dr Mulk created his company – the internationally acclaimed Global Hawk chain of diagnostic centres (that utilizes Global Hawk’s innovative technology in telemedicine and teleradiology).
THE START OF SUCCESS
The company grew quite rapidly, expanding across the globe and into a world-renowned healthcare empire worth more than US$200 million. The phenomenal success of the establishment can be directly attributed to the visionary leadership of Dr Mulk, who is widely considered the pioneer of teleradiology in the region.
His brainchild, Global Hawk Telemedicine/Teleradiology with IT solutions including RIS, Mulk Digitizers and Mulk Viewers products installed globally in major hospitals and medical centres have revolutionized the healthcare industry. In fact, the runaway success of Global Hawk Telemedicine encouraged him to start the chain of Global Hawk Imaging and diagnostic centres (GHID) which eventually led him to a number of accolades and international awards.
FAST RISE TO THE TOP
From a single branch in Deira, GHID has grown rapidly with many centres across multiple locations all with state of the art radiological technology, all the main imaging modalities – including open and closed MRI, CT scan, CBCT, 2D, 3D/4D Ultrasound, Digital Mammography, Bone Densitometer as well as top rated clinical laboratory diagnostic devices, all under one roof.
The centres are today considered as one of the best in terms of state-of-the-art, high-quality diagnostic imaging services and patient-centred care. With its goal of becoming a dedicated healthcare provider and imaging resource and research centre across the globe, GHID serves as a gateway to international expert standards diagnostic opinions – while also streamlining management and investigative recommendations. Today, this is a vital requisite in the current medical environment.
THE NEXT STEP: MORE GROWTH
Dr Mulk’s company has spearheaded an AED250 million expansion plan, which includes a chain of Global Hawk Diagnostic Centres with dedicated PET-CT / MRI and Cyclotron unites across the GCC, India and Eastern Europe, and a chain of Global Hawk multi-speciality Polyclinics and Medical Centres. The group is also looking to start a 50 bed Mulk oncology charity hospital in India, as well as Mulk speciality hospitals in the UAE.
BACKGROUND IN EDUCATION
Dr Mulk’s passion for innovation and medical technology can trace its roots from his impressive educational experience. A prominent neurovascular radiologist in the UAE, his formative medical education began at Kurnool Medical College, Andhra. He also has completeld fellowships at Michigan, USA and Multon Keynes, UK.
Being a passionate teacher, he freely shares his knowledge by teaching university students and mentoring junior radiologists. Dr Mulk has been consistently invited to speak at major international forums of radiology and imaging, as well as healthcare entrepreneur platforms. He was honoured as a guest speaker by the Arab Health Committee and International Health Organisations for his overall contribution to the Healthcare Sector, resulting from his wealth of experience in Radiology for two decades.
THE MAN BEHIND THE BUSINESS
Dr Mulk’s zeal and enthusiasm for success doesn’t limit itself to the professional fields, but also in his love for sports. A former national Bandminton player, he was named a ‘young Hopeful of India’ by a leading Indian Sportstar magazine at the age of 13. An ardent supporter of Badminton Associations of the region and sponsor of major Badminton tournaments, he is one of the top ranked players in the UAE, with winning accolades in the Masters Men event of the UAE Open Championship of 2016 and 2017.
But one of the most essential characteristics of his personality is his compassionate outlook towards the community. Dr Mulk is a well-respected member of various social and Islamic organizations in India and the UAE, and he actively engages in various charitable activities focusing on building a better tomorrow.
A true believer in strenghth of the family unit, Dr Mulk candidly acknowledges that the support he receives from his soulmate, Dr Yasmeen Ul Mulk, and their sons Zoheb Ul Mulk and Zain Ul Mulk is what most encourages him to follow his passion.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Dr Mulk scored a double win at the Annual Health Awards in the UAE this year, winning the Distinguished Achiever award in Healthcare and Innovative Technology. These accolades add to his illustrious list of accolades and awards in 2017 alone; including being honoured with the World Healthcare Innovative Entrepreneuier of the year 2017, by the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and the Indian Business Exceppent Awards – IBPC 2016 and 2017 – from H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
He has also received the Star Quality Award in Geneva 2014, The World Inspirational Company USA awards in 2015, as well as the International Medical Quality Award May 2016, which was held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Dr Mulk and his company have also been honoured and lauded with the ‘World’s Greatest Brands’ and ‘World’s Greatest Leader’ awards in 2017.
source: http://www.arabianbusiness.com / Arabian Business / Home> CEO> Business / by Global Hawk / July 23rd, 2017
A fusion of solemnity, dedication and exquisite craftsmanship is on display as tazia-makers race against time to complete their work at Rauza-e-Kazmain in old Lucknow on Monday, two days before the Islamic month of Moharram beginning on September 12.
A fusion of solemnity, dedication and exquisite craftsmanship is on display as tazia-makers race against time to complete their work at Rauza-e-Kazmain in old Lucknow on Monday, two days before the Islamic month of Moharram beginning on September 12.
The grand, double-storey gateway that leads to the Nawabi era structure in the densely populated Saadatganj area is packed with makeshift shops displaying colourful ‘tazias’, a replica of Imam Hussain’s mausoleum in Iraq.
Inside, several people are busy erecting makeshift shops for the convenience of those who will arrive to buy the tazias, the prices of which range from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000 each.
Munni Begum, a traditional tazia maker and her family is at work at the rear of the 19th century structure, which is said to be a replica of the tomb of Imam Musa Kazim and his grandson, the ninth Imam Mohammad Taqui of Khorasan in Iran.
“We are running late this time. There are three more tazias left to be completed,” says Munni Begum, who is in her late forties, while placing glitter carefully on a semi-finished tazia made of bamboo shavings and cardboard.
She says making tazias is her ancestral trade and hers is perhaps the third generation carrying forward the family legacy.
“I still remember my mother and grandmother making tazias. In fact, I learnt the art from them. But its preparation is not as easy as it seems. Each one of these (tazias) is an outcome of relentless efforts by all my family members,” says Begum, pointing to around 70 finished tazias, their height ranging from 10 inches to 8 metres.
The preparations began months ahead of Muharram.
“All members in a family have a different role to play. The men make the frame using bamboo shavings,” says Mohammed Saeed, a family member of Munni Begum.
“Only a trained and knowledgeable craftsman can prepare a tazia as it has to look like the mausoleum of Imam Hussain. One has to be careful,” Saeed adds.
Once the frame, either of bamboo, cardboard or empty cigarette boxes, is ready, the other family members take up the remaining work.
“The women ensure the framework is well covered with rough paper, followed by a coating of colourful papers. Children make sure they use the glitter to decorate the tazia,” he says.
Tazia-making this year got delayed due to a delay in procuring a loan from a local money lender, he says.
“We solely depend upon the income from selling tazias. We have to take loans from local money lenders to carry out the work every year. This year, the money lender delayed the funds. With the prices of raw material sky rocketing, it’s really becoming difficult for us to do our work,” he adds.
Like Saeed, there are around 150 families involved in tazia making in the state capital. “We believe it’s a dying art and the government is a mute spectator,” says Mohammed Shahansha, another traditional tazia maker from Kazmain.
“Until two decades back, many families in Faizabad, Kanpur, Agra, Moradabad and other districts were involved in tazia-making. But over the years, their income reduced and the prices of raw material increased drastically, forcing many to give up the ancestral craft,” Saeed says.
Meer Jafar Abdullah, member of a royal family of Awadh, says during Muharram, Shias keep tazias at their respective imambaras in their houses. The tazias have to brought a day before Muharram begins.
“Those who do not have enough space, often use a small portion of the house to keep tazias, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain in the battle of Karbala,” says Abdullah.
Exquisite craftsmanship is on display at Rauza -e-Kazmain in old Lucknow. (HT Photo)
“Mostly, the tazias are buried on the 10th day of Muharram. Some families bury them on Chehellum, the 40th day of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Some bury it on the last day of Muharram,” Abdullah says.
In Lucknow, Shias bury the tazias in Tal Katora Karbala, in Purana Najaf and Kala Imambada (opposite Ghantaghar in old Lucknow). The Sunnis bury tazias at Phool Katora in the Mahanagar area of Lucknow.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Lucknow / by Oliver Fredrick, Hindustan Times,Lucknow / September 11th, 2018
Shaik Ahmed, a roadside tea seller, plans to contribute his earnings on Saturday for rain relief works in Kodagu. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A tea seller at Channarayapatna has contributed his day’s earnings towards the relief works in flood-affected Kodagu. Shaik Ahmed, 60, opened his shop on Bagur Road at 5 a.m. on Saturday with a board stating that whatever he got on the day would go to the flood relief funds.
Till 6 p.m., he had collected a little over ₹7,000. “My aim is to collect at least ₹10,000 for the relief work. I will keep the shop open till 9 p.m. and will hopefully reach the target,” he said.
Mr. Ahmed, a native of Sakleshpur taluk, has been living in Channarayapatna for the past three decades. For years he worked in hotels, but about six months ago he decided to open a tea stall of his own.
Mr. Ahmed, a father of three, was moved by the plight of the victims on news media. “I felt bad for the people affected. My wife and children also supported my decision. We have decided to make Bakrid a simple affair this year,” he said. He added that the business on the day was better than most days. On a normal day, he requires 25 litres of milk, but on Saturday he needed 40 litres.
“I did not give tea or coffee to any customer on credit today.My customers obliged. Many of my friends came to my shop just to give me some business,” he said. He plans to hand over the money to the authorities on Sunday.
Many organisations, including the Hassanunit of Red Cross, have collected donations from people for relief works in Kodagu and Kerala. Members of Prakruti Seva Samudaya, which works for the welfare of transgenders, have also raised funds for flood victims.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Hassan – August 18th, 2018
The booklet edited by Department of Culture chronicles the dargahs of Hyderabad and sets right some of the preconceived notions about them
How many Dargahs does Hyderabad have? It is easy to remember. There is the Yousufain Dargah, Jehangeer Peer Dargah, Shah Khamoush Dargah, Husain Shah Wali Dargah, Shah Raju Qattal Dargah… And there ends the list for an average citizen of Hyderabad. The list, in fact, is quite substantial.
In an age where religious lines are hardening, the dargahs in India remain comparatively open spaces where the faith of the person is not questioned while entering. The people who come to find solace range from men sitting in corners in a forlorn way to women who come with their families and friends and sit outside, and then there are couples who pray for the intercession of the saints buried in the dargahs. Said dargahs also keep the social and spiritual life thrumming as they become epicentres for local festivals dictated by the lunar calendar. Urs, sama, chiragaan, sandal are few of the events inside dargahs that people living in the area wait for.
“Telangana is a confluence of different cultures, religions and beliefs. From the very rustic and rural Bonalu to the newer faiths like Christianity, people in the region have accepted and adopted all streams of beliefs. This book is a tribute to that,” says Mamidi Harikrishna, head of the Department of Culture who has edited the booklet called Culture of Amity being distributed free. The booklet lists 51 dargahs scattered across the city. “The list is exhaustive and we have discovered more. We will be listing 81 dargahs in the next edition of the book,” says Vasanta Sobha Turaga, an architect, who has edited the book along with Harikrishna.
Between the pages
Without delving into each specific religious space the booklet has information about the dargahs and what goes on in them and how they shape beliefs. “The earliest and the oldest are from the 13th to 14th centuries: the Pahadi Shareef (1266) and Jehangir Peer Baba (1318). And the latest is less than 15 years-old.” The booklet also tracks the progression and change in architectural style. “We have looked at the architectural style of the buildings. But we have also tried to look at the rituals and traditions. There is a lot of intermingling of practices and colourful rituals,” says Turaga who has plans to expand the work into something more substantial.
The booklet also sets right some of the beliefs which people have about the various dargahs. It calls out the belief that the structure atop Moula Ali hillock is a dargah while in reality, it is an ashoorkhana with a few practices of a dargah like the urs that is celebrated in the Islamic month of Rajab.
sources: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society> History & Culture / by Serish Nanisetti / September 10th, 2018
Prince Mishaal Bin Majed, governor of Jeddah, presents Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani the key of the car he won as first prize in the Quran memorization project
Jeddah :
Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani, an Indian expatriate, has recently been declared winner of the annual Qur’an memorization contest organized by Jamia Tahfiz-ul-Quran Makkah region.
One thousand huffaz (memorizers of the Holy Qur’an) participated in the event with 13 of them scoring marks between 95 and 99. In the second competition that ensued Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani was declared the winner.
Prince Mishaal Bin Majed, governor of Jeddah, was the chief guest at the gala event with hundreds of senior officials, philanthropists and parents of the participants in attendance.
Prince Mishaal distributed prizes among the winners with first prize going to Hafiz Abdullah Abdul Mateen who was given a car.
Jamia Tahfiz-ul-Quran is an institution and center established for the students to memorize and recite Holy Qur’an.
The Jamia holds the competition every year to encourage students and other participants.
Hafiz Abdullah Abdul Mateen Usmani belongs to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad.
The award winner’s father, Mateen Usmani, thanked Almighty Allah for the honor bestowed on his son and lauded the efforts of Jamia Tahfiz-ul-Quran in memorization and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
source: http://www.saudigazette.com.sa / Saudi Gazette / Home / by Syed Mussarat Khalil / September 08th, 2018
Muslim Vellori, a prominent but not so well-known freedom fighter, did not restrict his public role to the freedom struggle but also played a prominent role in social service
The name of Muslim Vellori does not ring a bell now, but for an older generation of Bangaloreans, particularly Muslims in the city, that name is remembered with a sort of awe as he was a valiant freedom fighter. Born Mohammed Abdul Wahid Khan in 1883 in Ganjam near the historic town of Srirangapatna, Khan grew up to be known as ‘Muslim Vellori’ as he spent most of his childhood studying in a madrasa (Islamic seminary) in Vellore. Even though his father was in the army, Vellori grew up to develop an aggressive anti-British sentiment.
Vellori began working in a shipping company owned by his relatives in Bombay (now Mumbai) after completing his studies in Vellore. His granddaughter Dr. Shakira Khanum, who now teaches in Al-Ameen College, recalled an incident that Vellori had narrated to her. “Once, in Bombay, a Britisher made fun of his beard. My grandfather, who hated the British, was so livid that he almost shot the man,” said Khanum. Working in a shipping company at the time also ensured that he was among the few privileged Indians who could travel as his work took him beyond the shores of India. Vellori travelled to Burma, Sumatra and Java (now part of Indonesia), Mauritius, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Madagascar and to several cities in the Middle East. It was during his travels that he met Mahatma Gandhi in Durban. Gandhi and Vellori supposedly became quite close and the former had a formative influence on Vellori’s life.
As Vellori came of age, he came to acquire a reputation of being a fiery orator and through the course of his life took part in many anti-colonial struggles all over the country. He is particularly remembered for his role during the Khilafat movement (1919-1922) where he met many prominent freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, the Ali brothers: Mohammed Ali and Shaukat Ali, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Saifuddin Kitchlew. Even the great poet Mohammed Iqbal is supposed to have lauded him for his passionate speeches when he exhorted the audience to support the Khilafat movement in Mumbai. Vellori was jailed several times for his provocative speeches and was even incarcerated in Bangalore Central Jail between 1924 and 1927. Even in prison, he is supposed to have been a recalcitrant internee and often questioned the authority of the jailers.
Vellori did not restrict his public role to the freedom struggle but also played a prominent role in social service. He raised funds to found orphanages in Mysore (now Mysuru) and Cuddapah (now Kadapa). Considering that he was close to several Congress leaders in the state and was recognised as a prominent Muslim leader who staunchly opposed the two-nation theory, he was nominated to the Mysore Legislative Council and was a member in the 1950s during the chief ministership of Kengal Hanumanthaiah. In later years, Jawaharlal Nehru called on him when he visited the state. Towards, the end of his long life Vellori became bitter as he was marginalised by the state leadership of the Indian National Congress and was ignored by the Muslims of the state who no longer felt that he was a suitable leader. An early resident of Jayanagar, Vellori died on Oct. 31, 1977.
(Information for this article has been gleaned from a short booklet published by Vellori’s granddaughter, Dr. Shakira Khanum, who teaches Hindi at Al-Ameen Degree College in Bangalore. Dr. Khanum has also painstakingly collected much of the supporting evidence for her grandfather’s illustrious life including a letter from Tulsidas Jadhav, who was Gandhi’s secretary briefly, attesting to Vellori’s close connections with the father of the freedom movement.)
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society> History & Culture / by Vikhar Ahgmed Sayeed / August 02nd, 2018
To commemorate the celebrations of 150th year of the `Sepoy Mutiny’ described by historians as the first war of Independence in India, the Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi, will bring out next year, a book on the `Role of Muslims in Freedom Struggle’ focussing on the participation of freedom fighters belonging to the Muslim community in various struggles and their contribution in making our country free from the clutches of the British rule.
Divided into six chapters, the book will narrate the sacrifice of Muslims all over the country. Each chapter pertains to a cluster of the then Presidencies comprising a few states.
A team of professors and research assistants, led by one author, has been working on the book, identifying the descendants of Muslims who had participated in the freedom struggle.
The sixth chapter comprises three States, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Details about contribution to the cause of freedom movement by Muslim freedom fighters hailing from these States are now being compiled by J. Raja Mohammed, former Assistant Director of Government Museums.
“I adopt a four-pronged strategy for compiling the data and details about the freedom fighters. Interviewing the family members, collection of details from the Madras Achieves, verification of fortnightly reports sent to the British Collectors between 1857 and 1947, and above all press clippings from newspapers including The Hindu , The Mail and Swadesamitran and a few Muslim journals, to present an authentic chapter in the book,” Dr. Raja Mohamed told The Hindu here on Wednesday
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / by M. Balaganessin / March 23rd, 2006
Remembering the past S Rahima, daughter of A M Shahul Hameed. | Photo Credit: M MOORTHY
A film industry stalwart’s daughter recalls the glory days of Central Talkies in Tiruchi
The glossy reprints on S Rahima’s bed are all that remain of a golden era that once defined her life as the daughter of film producer and theatre owner AM Shahul Hameed. The black-and-white pictures, taken in shooting spots and actors’ homes, hark back to a time when the sheen of show business was cemented by real relationships.
For movie buffs in Tiruchi, Central Talkies on Eda Street, Gandhi Market, once used to be the theatre to catch big banner productions of the day.
Started by Shahul Hameed in 1947, the 22,000 square foot complex opened for business with Payithiyakaran, the Tamil film produced by and starring N S Krishnan, the actor’s first assignment after his acquittal in the Lakshmikanthan murder case.
“My father was already constructing the theatre when he was running his rice business in the 1940s,” says Rahima. “Everything, from equipment to seating, was imported from England.”
Shahul Hameed also marketed films through his company called Central Talkies Distributors.
“He was the sole distributor of the 1958 Hindi film Madhumati in Tamil Nadu (starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala Bali). He screened it at a special matinee show for the family in Central Talkies. Madhumati ran for over 100 days in the State, without dubbing,” says Ms Rahima.
Philanthropists
Shahul Hameed was the son of A Mohamed Hussain, a freedom fighter and prominent syrup merchant in Gandhi Market. Interestingly, though partially obscured by encroachments, it is still possible to see a plaque with Hussain named as the benefactor who gifted the Gandhi Market arch to the city of Tiruchi in 1928.
A.M. Shahul Hamid, movie producer and theatre owner, in an official portrait after receiving the Khan Bahadur title from Lord Mountbatten in 1945. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Son Shahul Hameed made his name as a rice merchant, with his Hameedia Rice Mill based in Ariyamangalam. “Like my grandfather, my father was a philanthropist who would readily donate to any worthy public cause,” says Rahima, who is one of seven children born to Shahul Hameed’s second wife.
“He was honoured for his services to the British Government during the Second World War with the title of Khan Bahadur and a gold medal by [the last Viceroy of India] Lord Mountbatten in 1945.”
After Independence, then-Prime Minister Jawaharalal Nehru lauded Shahul Hameed’s generous donation of several truckloads of rice to the Indian troops fighting the Indo-Chinese war in 1962.
Central Talkies also brought the merchant into contact with prominent Indian film personalities.
“Quite early on, my father had gained a reputation as a saviour of films that were stuck in production due to financial problems,” says Rahima. “He helped TR Ramanna to successfully complete the production of Koondukili (1954), and Chinnappa Thevar’s Thaikkupin Tharam (1956), but only as a friendly gesture. Father never indulged in moneylending, because it is against our religious beliefs,” she says.
Becoming a producer
In 1962, Shahul Hameed helped actor-director AP Nagarajan with money to complete the shooting of his directorial debut Vadivukku Valaikappu, starring Sivaji Ganesan, Savitri, VK Ramasamy, MN Rajam and others.
After much persuasion, Shahul Hameed eventually agreed to Nagarajan’s request to produce the film Navarathri in 1964.
“All the stars were signed on for a salary of ₹3 lakhs each,” remembers Rahima. “In those days, you could buy a bungalow for ₹1 lakh in Thillai Nagar.”
A landmark 100th film for Sivaji Ganesan, the movie earned positive reviews for the nine distinct roles essayed by the thespian. It was subsequently remade in Telugu in 1966 with the same title and Akkineni Nageswara Rao in the lead, and in Hindi in 1974 as Naya Din Nayi Raat with Sanjeev Kumar.
Tragedy strikes
The success of Navarathri led to Nagarajan proposing his next film, a mythological, to be produced by Shahul Hameed, in 1965. Originally advertised as Siva-Leela, this was to be later renamed as Thiruvilaiyadal.
“These days, people would probably object to a Muslim producing a Hindu mythological film, but my father never let class or creed affect his friendships,” says Rahima. “He took a personal interest in the film’s production.”
Inspired by the Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam, a collection of 64 Saivite devotional stories written in the 16th century, the film was a critical and commercial success, running for over 25 weeks in theatres.
But it also had a thread of tragedy attached to it, for this was to be Shahul Hameed’s last production.
“A few days after the completion of filming, my father fell sick due to a heart ailment, and passed away on May 20, 1965, at the age of 58. It was as if the light went out of our life immediately,” says Rahima.
Finale
While Thiruvilaiyadal did well, winning awards and setting new standards for Tamil epic films, the lives of Shahul Hameed’s family members were thrown into turmoil.
“My husband Mohamed Kasim had been running the Central Talkies on lease on behalf of my father. Though we initially had a good run, with major films releasing here, my husband was unable to sustain the business due to rising rents,” says Rahima.
Mounting debts forced Shahul Hameed’s heirs to close down Central Talkies in 1983. The complex was sold in 1993.
“The trauma of losing Central Talkies affected my husband’s mental health badly, and he was confined to bed for 18 years,” says Rahima, who nursed him until his death on August 29, 2002.
Living in dire straits in rented accommodation near the Airport, Rahima, now a 70-year-old who suffers from age-related ailments, is supporting an adult son with neurological problems. Protracted property disputes have estranged her from her relatives, says Rahima.
The days of glittering movie premieres are a distant memory. Finding money to pay the bills is a daily challenge for this senior citizen.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Movies / by Nahla Nainar / August 31st, 2018
