Veteran singer and film producer Dada Satram Rohra passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a rich legacy in the Indian film industry. Renowned for producing the 1975 film "Jai Santoshi Maa," Rohra's death was announced by Radio Sindhi's Instagram page, which shared an official note expressing deep sorrow over his passing. The note stated, “We are deeply saddened to share that the Famous Singer & Film Producer Dada Satram Rohra passed away on 18th July 2024. May Almighty rest his noble soul in peace and give strength to his family in this difficult time. Dada Satram Rohra gave so many superhit songs along with famous singers like Dada Ram Panjwani, Bhagwanti Navani, Kamla Keswani, and many more."
The note further highlighted his contributions to the Sindhi community and the film industry, mentioning, “He produced the blockbuster Sindhi movie ‘Hal Ta Bhaji Haloon’ and the Hindi movie ‘Jai Santoshi Maa.’ He is the only one who could convince Legendary Singer Lata Mangeshkar to sing a Sindhi song. Dada Satram Rohra’s demise is a great loss for the Sindhi Community, and the void cannot be filled by anyone.” Born on June 16, 1939, in a Sindhi family, Satram Rohra carved a niche for himself as both a producer and a singer. His debut production was the 1966 film "Shera Daku," followed by "Rocky Mera Naam" in 1973. He achieved significant success with the devotional blockbuster "Jai Santoshi Maa." Rohra also produced notable films such as "Nawab Sahib," "Ghar Ki Laj," "Karan," and "Jai Kaali," featuring prominent actors like Jeetendra and Hema Malini.
JAI SANTOSHI MAA released today in 1975
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) May 30, 2022
One of highest grossers ever - “people traveled miles in bullock carts to watch this film, threw flowers/coins on screen, some left footwear outside the theatre & small cinema hall owners even kept a donation box to earn money” pic.twitter.com/3ZMpo1Kd1b
In addition to his work as a film producer, Rohra was a celebrated singer, known for his Sindhi tracks such as "Jhulelal," "Hal Ta Bhaji Halu," "Shal Dhyar Na Jaman," and "Ladli." His film "Jai Santoshi Maa," directed by Vijay Sharma and written by R. Priyadarshi, was a significant milestone in his career. The film, released on May 30, 1975, in Hindi, featured stars like Kanal Kaushal, Ashish Kumar, Rajnibala, Bharat Bhushan, Anita Guha, and Bela Bose. The movie's soundtrack, with hit tracks sung by Usha Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor, and Kavi Pradeep, contributed to its immense popularity.
Dada Satram Rohra's contributions to the film and music industry, especially within the Sindhi community, are profound and enduring. His ability to blend traditional Sindhi culture with mainstream cinema and music has left an indelible mark. His passing is not only a significant loss to his family and close ones but also to the entire entertainment industry, which will remember him for his artistic excellence and cultural impact. As the industry mourns his loss, the legacy of his work continues to inspire and resonate with many.
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