A lot of celebrities leave such an indelible mark on the world, that their demise creates a void that can never be filled. In the last six months, India has been witness to several such celebrity deaths, and it is no coincidence that several of these have been in the field of art, music, and acting. A
snapshot of some of the legends who are no longer with us today ..
An internationally recognised painter of Indian origin, Maqbool Fida Husain breathed his last on 9th June 2011. Widely acclaimed as the Picasso of India, M F was an inspiration to generations of artists in India. Known for his eccentric barefoot appearances, where he carried a long paintbrush
as a cane, he was associated with Indian modernism in 1940s. This prolific and iconoclastic painter was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1973, but moved to Qatar in 2006 when he was embroiled in controversies over his paintings of Indian goddesses.
A prominent lead actor in Bollywood from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, Shammi Kapoor was the heartthrob of millions of Indians. With his stylish looks,charming personality, and tall athletic body, he soon attained the image of a light-hearted playboy in most of his films. He carved a
unique place for himself in the industry, with his signature dance moves and expressions, leaving women swooning in their seats. This flamboyant hero and gem of a person died on 14th August 2011.
The first name of ghazal singing, Jagjit Singh, lost his battle to cancer on 10th October 2011. This pioneer of modern ghazal singing was also a composer, music director, and entrepreneur, and was the most successful recording artiste outside of Indian film music. His style was trend-setting, with equal emphasis being given to lyrics and music, unlike the music of the times that prioritised music. In 2003, this maestro was awarded the Padma Bhushan, for his glorious contribution to the fields of music and culture. For the last five decades, the Ghazal King has entertained millions of listeners worldwide with the sheer range and breadth of his genre-defining music.
A renowned musician, lyricist, singer, and poet, Bhupen Hazarika succumbed to a multi-organ failure on 5th November 2011. Famous for writing and singing Assamese songs that propagated humanity, empathy and communal amity, he has been a big part of the Indian film industry as well. Credited with introducing the industry to the folk music of Assam, he has been the proud recipient of the Padma Shri in 1977, the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and the Asom Ratna in 2009. His lyrics were ahead of the times, and they had to be diluted when they were translated into Hindi for some arty movies like Rudaali and Daman.
The immensely popular cartoonist, Mario Miranda, passed away on 11th December 2011 in his ancestral home. This respected illustrator, who
started his career with The Illustrated Weekly of India, had created cartoon strips for The Times of India and many other newspapers in Mumbai. Known for his quirky take on Indian culture, he has branded the walls of a famous pub in South Mumbai, Cafe Mondegar, with his unique brand of humour. Winner of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, he held solo exhibitions in over 22 countries, and was widely credited for helping Goa make the transition from a nondescript village to a flamboyant tourist spot.
Bollywood’s evergreen hero, Dev Anand, bade adieu to the world on 4th December 2011. This versatile film personality, known primarily for his box-office hits from the 1950s to the 1970s, was also a writer, director, and producer. He has played the lead in 110 Hindi films, and his over the top gesticulations and soulful eyes endeared him to generations of Indians the world over. Recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Dadasaheb Phalke award in 2002, he was a fighter in every sense of the word, and made cinema with themes that appealed to his sensibilities. The same critics who booed his directorial ventures had to admit his ideas were always ahead of the times.
Ustad Sultan Khan, an Indian sarangi player and Hindustani classical singer, departed for his heavenly abode on 27th November 2011. After his memorable musical score for the Oscar-winning Gandhi in 1984, he was signed on by Merchant-Ivory productions. He also worked in consonance with renowned tabla exponent Zakir Hussain, first as part of an Indian fusion group, and then on the soundtrack of the movie ‘The Custody’. His voice elevated the melody quotient of many movies like Maqbool, Parzania, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Jab We Met, and Mausam. This Padma Bhushan
awardee was also the guru of musical bigwigs like Vishal Bhardwaj, Ilaiyaraja, Salim-Sulaiman, and Gurdas Maan.
Music, art, cinema – all three creative fields, and all three severely impacted by these losses. Ganesha opines that the planetary positions have some role to play in this scenario, and ventures some astrological observations to prove the same.
Ketu, a malefic planet, entered Taurus on 7th June 2011. Since Taurus is ruled by Venus, Ketu is sure to create some chaos until it exits on 23rd
December 2012.
Venus is the prime significator of creativity, so it rules painters, actors, singers, and poets.
Taurus rules the 2nd
House of Finances in the universal zodiac. It also rules the House
of Family in the universal zodiac. Ganesha notes that Rahu is placed in Taurus in the Ascendant. Rahu is the dragon’s head, and can expand or increase whatever it touches, while Ketu is the dragon’s tail, and can contract or decrease results. Therefore, it is safe to assume that Ketu can mar the positives of a good result.
15 August, 1947
00:00 Hours; Delhi
India – Country chart (Nation’s horoscope)
India’s National Horoscope:
In the national Horoscope of India, the Rahu Ketu Half Return is in force till 23rd December, 2012. Ketu will be transiting over the Natal Rahu and Rahu will be transiting over the Natal Ketu. Ketu’s transit through Taurus is sure to impact Indian artistes, irrespective of their current country of residence.
Indian Celebrities
Ketu entered Taurus on 7 June, 2011, post which we have seen the deaths of the famous personalities discussed earlier. It is to be noted that Rahu and Ketu are planets of a larger cycle, which is why they start showing results before they enter the sign. Even deaths that have occurred due to old age or prolonged illness have their roots in the planetary positions, feels Ganesha.
Astrological predictions
In line with the above planetary alignments, Ganesha expects the loss of some more notable personalities in the next year, as Ketu’s transit
lasts all the way till 23rd December 2012. Ganesha prays for the departed souls, and wishes that our respected luminaries outlive this inauspicious period.
With Ganesha’s Grace,
Bhavesh N. Pattni
The GaneshaSpeaks Team