Tun Tun
Tun Tun[1] (11 July 1923 – 24 November 2003)[2] was the screen name of Indian playback singer and actress-comedienne, Uma Devi Khatri, who was called "Hindi cinema's first-ever comedienne".[3]
Tun Tun (Uma Devi Khatri) | |
|---|---|
| Born | Uma Devi 11 July 1923 |
| Died | 24 November 2003 |
| Occupation | Singer actress-comedian |
| Years active | 1946–1990 |
Childhood
Uma was born in a small village near Amroha District of present-day Uttar Pradesh, India in 1923. Her parents and brother were murdered for land arrogate. Just before two days of her demise she had been interviewed by film critique and historian Shishir Krishn Sharma. She said : "I don't remember who my parents were and how they looked, I would be two to two and half years when they passed away, I had a brother eight or nine years old whose name was Hari, I just remembered that we were living in a village named Alipur. One day brother was killed and left for maid servant to relatives in exchange for two times meal, that time I was four or five years old".
Uma Devi's childhood was marked by poverty. She later met Akhtar Abbas Kazi, an Excise Duty Inspector, who helped and inspired her. At the time of the India-Pakistan partition, Kazi moved to Lahore, Pakistan. She was fed up of the circumstances of the time and she moved to Bombay to pursue singing in movies. Kazi also eventually moved to Bombay, where they got married in 1947.
Career
She arrived in Bombay (Mumbai) at the age of 23, having run away from home, and knocked on composer Naushad Ali's door. She told him that she could sing and that she would throw herself in the ocean if he didn't give her a chance. He auditioned her, and hired her on the spot. She made her debut as a solo playback singer in Nazir's Wamiq Azra (1946).[4][5] She soon signed a contract with the producer-director A.R. Kardar, who used Naushad as music director, and went on to make a place for herself amidst music stalwarts like Noor Jehan, Rajkumari, Khursheed Bano and Zohrabai Ambalewali.
In 1947, she had huge hits with "Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon Dil-e-Beqarar Ka", "Yeh Kaun Chala Meri Aankhon Mein Sama Kar" and "Aaj Machi Hai Dhoom Jhoom Khushi Se Jhoom", which she sang for actress Munawar Sultana in A.R. Kardar's Dard (1947), again under the music direction of Naushad, she also sang a duet; "Betaab Hai Dil Dard-e-Mohabat Ke Asar Se", with Suraiya.[6] In fact, a gentleman from Delhi was so enamoured by her song "Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon", that he stayed with her in Bombay. They got married, and the couple had two daughters and two sons; her husband, whom she called Mohan, died in 1992.[7]
The success of Dard meant that she next received Mehboob Khan's Anokhi Ada (1948), which again had two hit numbers, "Kahe Jiya Dole" and "Dil Ko Lagake Humne Kuch Bhi Na Paya". This brought her into the league of highly rated playback singers.[5] She reached her peak as a vocalist in director S.S. Vasan's Chandralekha (1948) made by Gemini Studios, Madras. Her seven songs, which include hits such as "Saanjh Ki Bela" remain her most accomplished work in her singing career, though signing for the film also meant a breach of contract with producer-director Kardar, which led to her dwindling fortunes in the industry.
Moreover, in the following years, owing to her older style of singing and limited vocal range, she found it difficult to compete with the rising singing stars Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Eventually Naushad suggested that she take up acting, because she had a very bubbly personality and wonderful comic timing. She was inspired and awestruck by Dilip Kumar and had a wish, maintaining it stubbornly that in her first film, she would act alongside him. Knowing about this crazy love for Dilip Kumar, Naushad asked Dilip Kumar, who was his friend, to cast her in one of his films, and she appeared in Babul (1950) with him, which had Nargis as the lead actress; it is he who renamed her "Tun Tun" to suit her comic persona,[3] the name stayed with her, and a comedic legend was born.
She went on to act in Guru Dutt's classics such as Aar Paar (1954), Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955) and Pyaasa (1957).[8] In the 1960s and 1970s, she was a permanent comic relief in numerous Bollywood films; a few years down the line, she most notably starred with Amitabh Bachchan in Namak Halaal (1982), a Prakash Mehra blockbuster.[4]
In her career spanning five decades, she acted in about 198 films in Hindi/Urdu and other languages like Punjabi etc., pairing with top comedy actors of her times such as Bhagwan Dada, Agha, Sunder, Mukri, Dhumal, Johnny Walker and Keshto Mukherjee.[9] She was last seen in Hindi films in Kasam Dhande Ki (1990).
Owing to her popularity, the name Tun Tun has become synonymous with fat women in India.
Death
She died on 23 November 2003 in Andheri, Mumbai,[10] after a prolonged illness at the age of 80 and is survived by her four children and four grandchildren.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Kasam Dhande Ki | Prema | |
| 1989 | Shehzaade | Hitler's Bride | uncredited |
| 1988 | Ek Aadmi | ||
| 1987 | Deewana Tere Naam Ka | ||
| 1986 | Khel Mohabbat Ka | House Maid | |
| 1985 | Lover Boy | Phoolmati | |
| 1985 | Ghar Dwaar | ||
| 1985 | Salma | Lady Singer – "Mumtaz's marriage" | |
| 1984 | Shorgul | ||
| 1984 | Kamla | ||
| 1984 | Raja Aur Rana | Havaldar's wife | as Tuntun |
| 1984 | Unchi Uraan | ||
| 1983 | Coolie | Mother of 7 babies | |
| 1983 | Haadsa | Ladies Health Club Member | |
| 1983 | Painter Babu | Koyal | |
| 1982 | Heeron Ka Chor | ||
| 1982 | Disco Dancer | Bride | uncredited |
| 1982 | Meharbaani | ||
| 1982 | Haathkadi | ||
| 1982 | Apradhi Kaun? | Nurse | |
| 1982 | Maine Jeena Seekh Liya | Miss Tun Tun | |
| 1982 | Namak Halaal | Female guest with a dog | |
| 1982 | Samraat | Woman aboard ship | uncredited |
| 1982 | Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya | ||
| 1981 | Sannata | ||
| 1981 | Biwi-O-Biwi | Mrs. Singh's friend – Faints at swimming pool | uncredited |
| 1981 | Saajan Ki Saheli | Maria | |
| 1980 | Andhera | ||
| 1980 | Qurbani | Fat woman in car | |
| 1980 | Gori Dian Jhanjran | Bulbul's mother | |
| 1980 | Saajan Mere Main Saajan Ki | ||
| 1980 | Yari Dushmani | ||
| 1979 | Baton Baton Mein | Imaginary Nancy's mother | |
| 1979 | Sarkari Mehmaan | Bank employee | |
| 1979 | Lok Parlok | Sundari | |
| 1978 | Dil Aur Deewar | Madame | |
| 1978 | Phandebaaz | ||
| 1978 | Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se | Fat lady in the theatre | |
| 1978 | Nasbandi | Tonica | |
| 1978 | Ankh Ka Tara | ||
| 1978 | Heeralal Pannalal | ||
| 1978 | Premi Gangaram | ||
| 1978 | Satyam Shivam Sundaram | Fat Lady | |
| 1977 | Pandit Aur Pathan | Champakali | |
| 1977 | Aap Ki Khatir | Dancer/Singer | |
| 1977 | Kabita | ||
| 1977 | Tyaag | ||
| 1977 | Agar... If | Champakali (Agarwal housemaid) | |
| 1977 | Amaanat | Referee | |
| 1977 | Chacha Bhatija | Kesto's bride | |
| 1977 | Do Sholay | Guest Appearance | |
| 1977 | Gayatri Mahima | ||
| 1977 | Paapi | Laila | |
| 1977 | Taxi Taxie | Mother of 9 children | |
| 1977 | Aafat | ||
| 1976 | Hera Pheri | Mrs. Dhaniram | |
| 1976 | Nagin | Maid | |
| 1976 | Aap Beati | Customer at Lord's Shoes | |
| 1976 | Bhagwan Samaye Sansar Mein | (as Tuntun) | |
| 1976 | Bundal Baaz | Rajaram's customer | |
| 1976 | Rangila Ratan | ||
| 1975 | Aag Aur Toofan | as Tuntun | |
| 1975 | Dhoti Lota Aur Chowpatty | Film heroine's mother | as Tun-Tun |
| 1975 | Stree Purush | ||
| 1974 | Amir Garib | Governess | |
| 1974 | Naya Din Nai Raat | Mental Patient | |
| 1974 | Dil Diwana | ||
| 1974 | Hamrahi | ||
| 1974 | Maa Bahen Aur Biwi | ||
| 1974 | My Friend | ||
| 1974 | Sacha Mera Roop Hai | ||
| 1974 | Shaitaan | Meena Advani | |
| 1974 | Thokar | Mukhti's wife | |
| 1973 | Kuchhe Dhaage | Ramaswanti Bharose | |
| 1973 | Bandhe Haath | Kavita | |
| 1973 | Heera | ||
| 1973 | Jalte Badan | Chameli | |
| 1973 | Naag Mere Saathi | ||
| 1972 | Gomti Ke Kinare | Petrol Pump owner's wife | |
| 1972 | Lalkar (The Challenge) | Danko | |
| 1972 | Aankhon Aankhon Mein | Mrs. Pereira | |
| 1972 | Apradh | Mrs. Fernandes | |
| 1972 | Be-Imaan | ||
| 1972 | Bindiya Aur Bandook | ||
| 1972 | Chori Chori | ||
| 1972 | Dil Daulat Duniya | Baby's Mother | |
| 1972 | Ek Hasina Do Diwane | Phool Kumari | |
| 1972 | Garam Masala | Queen Khatoria | |
| 1972 | Mele Mitran De | Punjabi | |
| 1972 | Mome Ki Gudiya | Daisy's mother | |
| 1972 | Sabse Bada Sukh | ||
| 1972 | Samadhi | Kalavati | |
| 1971 | Hungama | Jagdeep's Mother | |
| 1971 | Upaasna | ||
| 1971 | Ek Paheli | Lily | |
| 1971 | Hulchul | Philomena D'Costa | |
| 1971 | Johar Mehmood in Hong Kong | Sonia's Aunt | |
| 1971 | Preet Ki Dori | ||
| 1971 | Shri Krishna Leela | Rasili's Chachi | |
| 1971 | Tulsi Vivah | Senapati's mother-in-law | |
| 1971 | Woh Din Yaad Karo | ||
| 1970 | Heer Raanjha | Allah Rakhi | |
| 1970 | The Train | Guest Appearance | |
| 1970 | Aansoo Aur Muskan | Bhagwanti | |
| 1970 | Ehsan | Mrs. Chaturmukh | |
| 1970 | Geet | Champavati 'Champa' | |
| 1970 | Himmat | Tiger's mother | |
| 1970 | Pehchan | Ganga's prospective bride | |
| 1970 | Rootha Na Karo | Neeta's maidservant | as Tuntun |
| 1970 | Sharafat | Champakali | as Tuntun |
| 1969 | Do Raaste | Swimming pool attendant | |
| 1969 | Anjaana | Mrs. Kapoor (Cooper) | |
| 1969 | Anmol Moti | ||
| 1969 | Badi Didi | ||
| 1969 | Shart | Lady at the Massage Parlour | |
| 1969 | Talash | Kamini | |
| 1968 | Duniya | Chabeeli | uncredited |
| 1968 | Aabroo | Whisky Rani | |
| 1968 | Abhilasha | Fat Lady | song "Yaaron Hamara Kya" |
| 1968 | Baharon Ki Manzil | Glory D'Silva | |
| 1968 | Dil Aur Mohabbat | ||
| 1968 | Har Har Gange | ||
| 1968 | Kanyadaan | Bansi's mother-in-law | |
| 1968 | Kismat | ||
| 1968 | Parivar | Sitaram's employee | |
| 1968 | Sadhu Aur Shaitaan | Sundari | |
| 1968 | Suhaag Raat | Titli Banu | |
| 1967 | Pind Di Kuri | Punjabi | |
| 1967 | Aag | Phoolmati | |
| 1967 | Badrinath Yatra | Maid at brothel | |
| 1967 | C.I.D. 909 | Julie Fernandes D'Silva Ghobewali | |
| 1967 | Dil Ne Pukara | Kamla | |
| 1967 | Duniya Nachegi | ||
| 1967 | Gunahon Ka Devta | ||
| 1967 | Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan | Julie's Mother | as Tuntun |
| 1967 | Upkar | Lakhpati's Wife | as Tuntun |
| 1966 | Aakhri Khat | ||
| 1966 | Afsana | ||
| 1966 | Dil Diya Dard Liya | Mrs. Murlidhar | |
| 1966 | Dillagi | ||
| 1966 | Kunwari | ||
| 1966 | Ladka Ladki | Rajkumari Nirmala Devi | |
| 1966 | Phool Aur Patthar | Mrs. Alopinath (Guddki) | as Tuntun |
| 1966 | Sagaai | Anarkali | |
| 1966 | Tarzan Aur Jadui Chirag | ||
| 1966 | Thakur Jarnail Singh | ||
| 1966 | Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1966 film) | ||
| 1965 | Johar-Mehmood in Goa | Simmi's Cellmate | |
| 1965 | Ek Sapera Ek Lutera | Bindu | |
| 1965 | Jab Jab Phool Khile | Mary | Guest Appearance |
| 1965 | Kaajal | Amba | |
| 1965 | Lutera | ||
| 1965 | Maharaja Vikram | ||
| 1965 | Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain | Baby | as Tuntun |
| 1965 | Raaka | ||
| 1965 | Rustom-E-Hind | ||
| 1965 | Saheli | Mother of 5 children | |
| 1964 | Cha Cha Cha | Mohan's Mother | |
| 1964 | Rajkumar | Champakali | |
| 1964 | Aaya Toofan | Maha Dasi | |
| 1964 | Darasingh: Ironman | Rangili's mother | |
| 1964 | Fariyad | ||
| 1964 | Ganga Ki Lahren | Maid | |
| 1964 | Kashmir Ki Kali | Rama Devi | |
| 1964 | Khufia Mahal | ||
| 1964 | Mr. X in Bombay | Kamini | |
| 1963 | Bluff Master | Lajwanti | |
| 1963 | Ek Dil Sao Afsane | Wedding Guest | |
| 1963 | Ek Raaz | Champakali | |
| 1963 | Gehra Daag | Sundari | as Tuntun |
| 1963 | Godaan | ||
| 1963 | Jab Se Tumhe Dekha Hai | Kitty's servant | |
| 1963 | Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya | ||
| 1963 | Naag Rani | Chand's friend (uncredited) | |
| 1963 | Phool Bane Angaare | Kamla's sister-in-law | |
| 1963 | Shikari | ||
| 1963 | Ustadon Ke Ustad | Hostess of Qawwali contest | |
| 1963 | Sapni |Punjabi movie| | ||
| 1962 | China Town | | | Mahakali | |
| 1962 | Half Ticket | Real Munna's Mother | |
| 1962 | Jhoola | Mother | |
| 1962 | Professor | Phool Rani | |
| 1962 | Son of India | Gopal's foster mother | |
| 1962 | Ummeed | ||
| 1962 | Vallah Kya Baat Hai | ||
| 1961 | Chaudhvin Ka Chand | Naseeban | as Uma Devi |
| 1961 | Gunga Jumna | Bhajiwali | uncredited |
| 1961 | Passport | Woman who offers shelter to Reeta & Shekhar | |
| 1961 | Shama | Vee Aapa | |
| 1960 | Bombai Ka Babu | ||
| 1960 | Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai | Haseena | |
| 1960 | Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere | Moti's Mother | |
| 1960 | Ek Phool Char Kaante | Jamnabai | |
| 1960 | Jaali Note | Mrs. Malik | uncredited |
| 1960 | Kiklee | ||
| 1960 | Kohinoor | ||
| 1959 | Bank Manager | ||
| 1959 | Bhai-Bahen | Julie | |
| 1959 | Black Cat | Mrs. Ramanlal | uncredited |
| 1959 | Chacha Zindabad | ||
| 1959 | Jungle King | ||
| 1959 | Kaagaz Ke Phool | Telephone Operator | |
| 1959 | Kavi Kalidas | Kali's step-mom | |
| 1959 | Qaidi No. 911 | ||
| 1959 | Ujala | ||
| 1958 | 12 O'Clock | Kumari Natesh Sundari | as Uma Devi |
| 1958 | Aakhri Dao | Muthuswami's Daughter | |
| 1958 | Aji Bas Shukriya | ||
| 1958 | Lajwanti | Tun Tun | uncredited |
| 1958 | Malik | ||
| 1958 | Criminal | Lajwanti 'Lajo' | |
| 1958 | Phir Subah Hogi | Ram's Landlord | uncredited |
| 1958 | Solva Saal | Aspiring actress/Singer | |
| 1957 | Pyaasa | Pushplata | |
| 1957 | Captain Kishore | ||
| 1957 | Do Roti | ||
| 1957 | Mirza Sahiban | ||
| 1957 | Ram Lakshman | ||
| 1956 | Anuraag | ||
| 1956 | C.I.D. | Complainant in police station | as Uma Devi |
| 1956 | Fifty Fifty | ||
| 1956 | Jagte Raho | Sati's mother | uncredited |
| 1956 | Pocketmaar | Shukal's prospective mother-in-law | uncredited |
| 1956 | Raj Hath | ||
| 1956 | Kismet Ka Khel | as Uma Devi | |
| 1955 | Shree 420 | Maya's neighbour | as Uma Devi |
| 1955 | Albeli | ||
| 1955 | Bahu | ||
| 1955 | Hatimtai Ki Beti | ||
| 1955 | Marine Drive | Johny's wife (as Uma Devi) | |
| 1955 | Milap | Mrs. Akhrodwala | |
| 1955 | Mr. & Mrs. '55 | Lily D'Silva | as Uma Devi |
| 1955 | Pehli Jhalak | Dancer (song "Achchi Surat Huwi") | |
| 1955 | Uran Khatola | Hira's girlfriend | as Tuntun |
| 1954 | Aar-Paar | Rustom's mother | |
| 1954 | Gul Bahar | as Uma Devi | |
| 1953 | Baaz | A masseuse | |
| 1953 | Gunah | ||
| 1951 | Deedar | Rai' s maidservant | as Uma Devi |
| 1951 | Dholak | Aaya | as Uma Devi |
| 1950 | Babul | ||
References
- ...THE DEATH OF ACTRESS TUN TUN Press Release, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 25 November 2003.
- Pandya, Haresh (8 January 2004). "Obituary: Tun Tun". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
- "Hindi cinema's first-ever comedienne". The Tribune. 7 December 2003. Archived from the original on 22 December 2003.
- Obituary: Uma Devi The Independent (London), 17 December 2003.
- Obituary – Tun Tun The Guardian, 8 January 2004.
- "Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon" on YouTube
- Tun Tun (Uma Devi)—a tribute Archived 28 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine The Tribune, 13 December 2003.
- Unfair fun The Tribune, 27 August 2006.
- Tun Tun at IMDb
- Tun Tun lifeinlegacy.com.
