Kishore Kumar - Intoxicating Classics

Films, India, Music 9 Responses »
Aug 042010

Kishore Kumar was a genius. His repertoire varied. and his legacy phenomenal. He was perfectly at ease with all kinds of music
from the fun & frolic (my name is anthony gonsalves); to the melancholy (manzilen apni jagah hai); from the soft wooing numbers (ek ajnabi hasina se) to the boisterous declaration of intent (haal kya hai dilon ka na pucho sanam). He also was great at the rebel anthem – muqaddar ka sikandar – and the whimsical folksy philo number -which Mukesh did very well – like ruk jaana nahin …

There is another area of songs that Kishoreda excelled in, and that was the inebriated lover. I am not quite sure whether he imbibed or not, but the songs that he sang for the intoxicated lover were quite outstanding. Here in, no order of preference are my favorite Kishore da ‘drunken’ numbers

A) Yeh jo Mohabat Hai - no one sang for a wounded lover, better than Kishoreda. For some reason he managed the bitterness, the hurt and the ‘why me’ feeling better than most. Rafi sahaab’s drunken songs (hum bekhudi mein tum ko pukare) were more melanchonic, Kishore da’s more punchy


Here he is, in the film Kati Patang, drinking to the vagaries of a disloyal love. ‘mar jaye mit jaaye, ho jaaye badnaam’ sound incredibly personal.

B) My Name is Anthony Gonsalves – Kishore Da sings for the Big B. I can’t think of a more endearing drunk than Anthony Gonsalves. Remember the scene in the film, where Anthony after a punch up with Amar (Vinod Khanna) begins applying band aid on the mirror !
This is the song where Anthony chances upon Jenny (Parveen Babi) and promptly gets drunk. The song is a blast and an all time favorite.

The English gibberish ‘the hemoglobin of the atmosphere’ is rapped (before the term came into existence ) by Amitabh Bachchan.

C) Yeh Kya Huva - alcohol does not just get you drunk, it also leads to philosophical clarity (atleast in Hindi films) as is the case in Amar Prem. Kishore Da sings this for Rajesh Khanna who is trying to figure the who, where, when, what, why of life :)

D) Salaam-e-Ishq meri jaan - alcohol doesn’t just make you melanchonic or philosophical, it also lowers your inhibitions. Here is a song from Muqadaar ka Sikandar – my favorite adaptation of Devdas. Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan setting the screen on fire with Salaam-e-Ishq

E) Jai Jai Shiv Shankar - Bhang is not alcohol – but its effects are similar. Loss of inhibition, boisterous behavior, and the belief you can ‘handle’ it. An emotion akin to that felt by idiots who get behind the wheel of a car and drive after one too many. Here is Kishore da (with Lata Mangeshkar) singing for a completely sloshed Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz in Aap ki Kasam

and of course, there is the Big B, after consuming bhang laced paan who has a blast in the old “Don”. Legend had it that Kishoreda, sang the first part of the song with paan in his mouth – whether it was laced with Bhaang or not is anyone’s guess.

F) Thodi si jo Peeli - When you are drunk, you do strange things like dance on tables (a friend has done that) or sing antakshari with Shiv Sena workers (me :) – or you do what AB does in Namak Halaal – tho’ in this song, if memory serves me right, he pretends to be drunk rather than being. But still a good inebriated song. Check for KK’s well timed hiccups


for me, this film was the best that Bappi Da has ever composed for – each song is a classic.

G) Hai Hai Hai Yeh Nighayen - In early Hindi films – 50′s and even 1960′s alcohol meant westernization – unless of course you were getting drunk on country liquor in a tawaif’s kota. It never happenend in a family, party scenario. Here is one of the early Kishore numbers picturised on Dev Anand – who actually didn’t need alcohol to be wobbly :) – The film is Paying Guest

H) Khulam Khula Pyaar Karenge Hum Dono – Alcohol, in Hindi films, is also a pheromone, that brings about strange behavior in those who imbibe it. Such as the desire to make out on a public road in the hill stations. Here are Kishore Da and Asha Bhonsle singing for Rishi Kapoor & Neetu Singh – in Khel Khel Mein.

I) Badi Sooni Sooni Hai - the single drink is a dangerous thing, especially when you are depressed or alone. It accentuates the feeling and pushes you to the second, and the third and so on…. As exhibited by AB in Mili. There is no one more alone than AB in this film – his father murdered his mother when he was a kid, and the neighbours can’t stop talking about him. His salvation is Mili (Jaya B) – classic Mills & Boon plot with a great dose of sentimentality. There is one more first here – AB acted in a chick flic before the term came into existence.

J) Chingari Koi Badke - Alcohol disperses all illusions and makes the world a clearer place – atleast until you stay drunk. The film is Amar Prem, and Kishore Kumar sings for Rajesh Khanna – who is in a permanent state of alcohol induced philosopher mode. One of my favorite songs of all times.

Do add your favorites to this list.

Also check out last year’s list – Classical Kishore - Kishore da singing songs based on classical ragas.

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Posted by gargi at 10:45 am Tagged with: ,

The Nightingale Sings - Solo

Desi Pundit, Films, India, Media, Music 4 Responses »
Sep 282009

Two years ago – i had blogged the bulk of this post. I am using it as a base and just refurbishing it with a few more favorites. Tomorrow, I will look at the duets. September 28th – The birthday of Lata Mangeshkar …. the woman with the golden voice.The first lady of Hindi film Music. For me, the last of the All India Radio generation , the lady and her music was a constant companion when I was growing up. Although in later years – i would think post the late 1980′s- her voice has lost much of the sweetness and melody, her body of work prior to that stands as testimony of her talent. On her birthday, I am going to take on a difficult task – the task of compiling my personal favourites sung by her. This is in no particular order of prefernce – just stuff that i enjoy listening to … the list will be divided into my favourite solo numbers & duets. Today is the list of the favourite solo numbers.

1) Aaj Phir Jeene ki Tamana Hai - the film Guide. A celebration of life. Picturised on Waheeda Rehman – a truly feminist song before the term feminist became popular in India



2) Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha – the film Anpadh. Lata Mangeshkar creates magic with Madan Mohan. Dharmendra looks hot, while Mala Sinha sings to him!



3)Barsaat Mein Humse Mile Tum Sajan – the all time classic. Lata and a chorus sing probably my favourite ‘falling in love’ song. Shailendra‘s lyrics are mind blowing ‘aaj mein tumhari huvi, tum mere sajan… tum mere sajan” and Shankar Jaikishen‘s music a herald of forthcoming greatness

4) Bada Natkhat Hai Yeh – Film Amar Prem – filmed on Sharmila Tagore. the film also starred Rajesh Khanna. Music R.D.Burman, lyrics Anand Bakshi. The film also had the other wonderful Lata solo – Raina Beeth Jaaye….

5) Choti, Choti si Baat — Film Choti Si Baat – music Salil Choudhary, lyrics Yogesh. A wistful song …Najane Kyon… hota hai yeh zindagi ke saath … achanak yeh dil .. .kissi ke jaane ke baad … kare phir uski yaad… choti choti si baat….na jane

6) Doondho Re Doondho – Film Ganga Jamuna – music Naushad lyrics, Shakeel Badauni. The song picturised an ethereal looking Vyjanti Mala singing about the joys of ‘suhaag raat’ with Dilip Kumar

7) Dua Kar Ghame Dil, Khuda se Duva Kar – from Anarkali. In a film full of great songs, including the popular ‘yeh zindagi usi ki hai’ – this song is my personal favourite. You can hear the duva in the voice.

8) Ja Ja Re Jaa, Balamva – Film Basant Bahar. I can’t remember too much about the film except that it stars Bharat Bhushan and everyone dies . But the sound track on this is amazing, so is this song.

9) Jago Mohan Pyare – from Jagte Raho – the sweetness and compassion in Lata’s voice, perfect with the melody by Salil Choudhary and lyrics by  PremDhawan.

10) Jadugar Saaiya - from the film Nagin – a sweet love song, where the woman implores her lover to let her go as it is getting late. Hemant Kumar, Shailendra and Lata once again create magic.

11) Kahi Deep Jale Kahi Dil - Music Director Madan Mohan, lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan and a truly eerie number. For me, it works better as a ‘haunted’ song than Ayega Aanewal from Mahal and Aajare Pardesi from Madhumati.

12) Mausam hai Ashiqana – superb wistfulness and longing in this song from Pakeezah. I personally prefer this song to the more popular ‘chalte chalte’ or ‘inhi logone’

13) Mora Gora Ang Laile – in my list of the most erotic songs in Hindi films ever. Lyrics by a very young Gulzar and music by Sachin Dev Burman


14) Na Jiya Lage Na – Film Anand – Salil Choudhary, Gulzar and Lata Mangeshkar. A great combination of melody, lyrics and voice.

15) Nainon Mein Badra Chaaye – Film : Mera SayaLata & Madan Mohan – and an incredible semi classical composition. A superb rain song….

16) Pyaar Kiya to Darna Kiya – Lata Mangeshkar in this defiant anthem in Moghul-e-Azam. Music Naushad

17) Raaton Ke Saaye Ghane- Film Annadata – music Salil Choudhary. I haven’t seen the film but it has a powerhouse of a sound track.

18)Rajnigandha Phool Tumhare — Film Rajnigandha, Salil Chodhary, Yogesh and Lata Mangeshkar get together to create magic.

19) Rukh Ja Raat – Lata singing for Meena Kumari in Dil ek Mandir and trying to stop the moon set with the power of her voice.

20) Saaware Saaware - from the film Anuradha. Music by Ravi Shankar and a breathless pace that transverses scale. Lata’s complete mastery of Raga’s and melodies comes to the forefront in this song.



21) Vande Mataram - from the film Ananda Math – Music by Hemant Kumar, Lyrics by Bankim Chandra Chaterjee. The ultimate call to battle song. Fight for this country, it is yours and so beautiful….And Lata’s rendition of this song makes it my favourite. It nudges out other ‘patriotic’ numbers like Ay Mere Vatan ke Logon … .

Which are yours.?

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Posted by gargi at 3:26 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Happy Birthday Asha Bhosle

Desi Pundit, Films, India, Music 7 Responses »
Sep 082009

Asha Bhosle is like good wine. she has gotten better with age :) And today on her birthday – here are some of the songs that i would take away with me to a desert island !

The list is in, more or less, alphabetical order. If you are reading this in my FB notes – please note that FB doesn’t (or i haven’t figured how it does) pull embedded videos on blog posts – so to hear the music – you can cut and paste on youtube or come to my site (shameless plug) :)

Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu - The film is Waqt – the music by O.P.Nayyar Ravi- thanks dhubha – and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi . The first of the great lost and found sagas – the film had Ae Meri Zohar Zabin as its other great hit

Aao Huzur Tumko
Music, again, by O.P.Nayyar- for whom Ashatai sang some of her most well known songs- lyrics by Noor Devasi . The film is Kismat. The song is picturised on a Babita who is trying to seduce Biswajit under the influence of fermented Rooh Afza . The film had other great songs like kajra mohobat wala (asha & s, lakhon hein yahan dilwale.

two pieces of trivia here – Babita is the mother of Karishma & Kareena Kapoor ; and the director is Manmohan Desai of Amar Akbar Anthony fame !

Aayiye Meherban

Picturised on Madhubala, the film is Howrah Bridge – and the music director is O P Nayyar and lyrics are by Hasrat Jaipuri.

Bhanwara Bada Nadan Haye

The film is Sahib, Biwi aur Ghulam – directed by Abrar Alvi – not by Guru Dutt as popularly assumed – he was the film’s producer and lead actor. The music is by Hemant Kumar and the lyrics are by Shakeel Badayuni. The film that starred Rehman – as the Sahib, Meena Kumari as the Biwi and Guru Dutt as the Ghulam – is a claustrophobic tale of zamindars and their women -And, the quest of the wife for her husband’s attention that has disastrous consequences !
Asha is playback for Waheeda Rehman in this song

Asha has another great song in this film, and that is for Minoo Mumtaz

Saqiya Aaj Mujhe Neend Nahin

Chain se humko kabhie

the film is Pran Jaye Par Vachan na Jaye – music by O.P. Nayyar.

Chhota Sa Baalama

The film is Ragini. The music director is O.P.Nayyar – and the lyricist is Qamar Jalalabadi.

Dum Maro Dum

Yes – let’s all get high to possibly one of the greatest songs ever that celebrates pot culture. this is clapton and marley rolled (pardon the pun) into one. If this song had been composed today – some nutcase unit would have gone on rampage to get it banned. But, this was the swinging 70′s and Hare Krishna Hare Ram was a superduper hit, with no theater getting burnt :)

Music was by R.D.Burman, and Lyrics were by Anand Bakshi.
the song is picturized on Zeenat Aman (who wasn’t the heroine of this film, Mumtaaz was) and a whole bunch of hippies.

Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge
The film was Mere Sanam. Music by O.P.Nayyar and lyrics by Majrooh.

The film starred Biswajeet and Asha Parekh and had two great Asha numbers this and the one after this !

Yeh Hai Reshmi Zulfon Ka

Here is Asha Parekh trying to seduce Biswajeet – who shows all the charisma and sex appeal of a cold idli !

Jahan Mein Aisa Koun Hai

The film is Hum Dono. Music is by Jaidev
The movie has some of the best songs in Hindi films including Abhi Na Jao Chod Kar, Allah tero Naam, and Mein zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya !

Kaali Ghata Chhaye

The film is Sujata. Music is by S.D.Burman and lyrics by Majrooh.

The director is Bimal Roy – the film touches the issue of unapproachability. Sujata is a untouchable girl brought up in a Brahmin home – and falls for Sunil Dutt, who croon jalte hain jiske liye to her on the phone !. It is about the ‘stigma’ and the taunts that Sujata has to face while growing up.
The name Sujata itself is a pun – Su being good, and jata – being caste (fem).

Katra Katra

The film is Ijazat – a very, very grown up love story starring Nasiruddin Shah, Rekha and Anuradha Patel.

Music is by R.D.Burman, and lyrics by Gulzar.

Man Kyon Behka Re
The film is Utsav – based on the life of the courtesan Vasantsena. The song is a duet between Asha and her older sister Lata Mangeshkar.

Music is by Lakshmikant Pyarelal, and lyrics by Vasant Desai.

Trivia – the film is responsible for inflicting Shekar Suman on an unsuspecting world :)

Mohe Kanha

The film is Sardari Begum – the life of a courtesan that won Kiron Kher her national award. The music is by Vanraj Bhatia

Raat Akeli Hai

Man, can she move across scales without a hitch ! I marvel at her voice control.
The film is Jewel Thief – the actress is Tanuja – mother to Kajol and she is trying to seduce Dev Anand – who is resisting :)

Music is by S.D.Burman and lyrics are by Majrooh

Tanha Tanha
And, finally – the song that only she could sing. Picturised on Urmilla and Jackie Shroff – the film is Rangeela , music is by A.R.Rehman and lyrics are by Mehboob.

These are some of my favorites. what are yours ?

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Posted by gargi at 11:51 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Classical Kishore

Desi Pundit, Films, India, Media, Music 26 Responses »
Aug 062009

Lazy blogging. Yesterday, was Kishore Da’s birthday. and, i thought i will re-cycle last year’s post on classical Kishore- (origianl post August 16th 2008)

Kishore Kumar was a genius. And, it was his birthday about 10 days ago (4th August) yesterday . I had wanted to do a little blog piece on my favourites sung by him. But, there were so many of them, and it was so difficult to make a choice that I went into some sort of a analysis paralysis. And then, about 5 days ago it struck me. Classical Kishore. We all know about the rock & Roll Kishore (hum to mohobbat karega), and the playful Kishore (eena meena dika) and the Romantic Kishore (Phoolonke rang se) – but somehow – despite a solid body of work based on Classical Ragas – we consider him to be a singer purely of fun and contemporary work…But, KK had a fair body of work that was classical.

So here goes my favourite Kishore numbers based on Classical Ragas – again in no particular order of preference ( i love them all) …

1) Aap Ke Anurodh Pe - Kishore’s voice glides effortlessly through the scales. The composition is in Raga Yaman . The film is Anurodh – starring Rajesh Khanna. I have faint memories of the film and all I can remember is two good songs and terribly boring inbetweens ! Music is by Laxmikant Pyarelal, and lyrics by Anand Bakshi

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Other great film songs in this Raga include -Aansoo Bhari Hai (Parvarish);Na Jaao Saayiaan (Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam)

2) Pagh Ghungroo Bandh – Kishore Kumar having fun singing for Amitabh Bachchan in Namak Halal. Music is by Bappi Da and lyrics by Anjaan. The Raga is Darbari Kanara. The film was a fun outing about missing identity, treasures, duty, loyalty and a incredible rain dance by Amitabh and Smita Patil.

3) Mere Naina Sawan Bhadon – Kishore Kumar in a wistful mood singing this compositon in Raga Shivranjani. The song has another version by Lata Mangeshkar, but I always preferred this variation. Music is by R.D.Burman and lyrics by . The film is Mehbooba starring Rajesh Khanna & Hema Malini.

Other famous Hindi Film songs in the same Raga are Dil Jalta Hai by Mukesh from Pehli Nazar, O Duniya Ke Rakhwaale by Rafi for Baiju Bawra

4) Khilte Hai Gul Dil Yahaan – based on Raga Bhimalpaasi, this song is also sung separately by Lata Mangeshkar, but once again I prefer the Kishore version of it. Music is by S.D.Burman, lyrics by Neeraj. The film is about twins – one good and one evil (played by Rakhee) who both fall for Shashi Kapoor. The film is a good romantic thriller with a great sound track.

Check out the fabulous Naino Me Badra Chhaye from Mera Saaya – its in the same Raga.

5) Koi Humdum Na Raha – Film is Jhumroo. I haven’t seen the film, but i kind of like the song. The composition is based on Raga Jhinjhinoti.

other famous songs in this raga are Ja Ja Re Ja Balamwa from the film Basant Bahar sung by Lata and Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya from Guide sung by Rafi.

6) Tere Mere Milan ki Yeh Raina – a duet in Raga Khamaj sung by Kishore and Lata. The story is about two talented people who marry in haste, only to find that the husband’s ego (abhimaan) at her being more acclaimed leading to a fissure in the relationship. Againa a sound track with songs like Meet na Mila re Manka, Teri bindiyaa, Nadiyaan Kinare.

Another great Kishore song in this Raga is from Amar Prem – the fabulous Kuch to Log Kahenge

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Other famous songs in this Raga are O Sajna by Lata from Parakh, Aise to na Dekho by Rafi from Teen Deviyaan.

7) Payal Wali Dekhna – Raga Maru Bihaag. Film Ek Raaz.He sings for himself on screen. I haven’t seent this film either.


Other famous songs based on this Raga are Meethe Bol Bol by Lata and Bhupinder in Kinara and the next song which is also by Kishore Kumar

8) Zindagi ke Safar Mein Bichar Jaaate Hai - film is Aap ki Kasaam. Starring Rajesh Khanna, Mumtaz and Sanjeev Kumar. A film about love, envy, jealousy and break down. A fabulous sond track. Other gems in this film include Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, Aap Ki Kasam

9) Jeevan Se Bhari – A whimsical Kishore in this great song from the film Safar. The film stars Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. For its times it was a seriously grown up love story. The Raga is Rageshwari.


Other famous songs based on this raga are Nain So Nain Nahi Milao, and Na Jiya Lage Na from Anand.

10) Woh Shyaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi - The film is Khamoshi – starring Rajesh Khanna, Waheeda Rehman and Dharmendra. The story is of a nurse in a psychiatrist ward and her relationship with her charges. Somehow I think that they made better films in those days than they do now. And a great sound track. One of my all time favourites. The Raga is Yaman.

11) Meri Bhigi Bhigi Si - Kishore sings this great composition based on the Raga Kirvani.The film is Anaamika staaring Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri.
Music is by R.D.Burman lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri

Other great Kishore Kumar classical hits are Karvatein Badalte Rahe (Aap Ki Kasaam) in Raga Pahadi; Kanchi re Kanchi (Hare Rama Hare Krishna) in the same Raga; Kaise kahe Hum Pyaar ne Humkse, Kya Kya Khel Rachaye (Sharmilee) in Raga Tilang; Choo kar mere man Ko (Yaarana) – Raga yaman; Is Mod se Jaate Hai (Aandhi) – Raga Yaman.
if i have got any of the ragas wrong (quite likely) do let me know !

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Posted by gargi at 2:29 pm Tagged with: , , , , , ,

It is Raining :)

Culture, Desi Pundit, Films, India, Music 6 Responses »
Jun 272009

Rains have been delayed terribly this year. Intermittent, sparse and playing hide & seek with all of us. It has been terribly depressing – without the rains. The body and the mind have both been feeling extremely tired and as thought there is no hope of renewal.

Yesterday, it finally rained. the proper monsoon downpour. the kind of downpour that gets the roads flooded, and sends you towards a samovar of adrak chai. Suddenly the world looks beautiful, the earth smells lovely, and the heart smiles !

The link that India has to rains, is much like the colder nations of the North have towards Spring. A lot of our mental and physical well being is linked to it raining and raining well. it is hardly surprising that monsoons are such an integral part of Hindi Cinema (and regional cinema).

But, before cinema got into the act there was folk and classical music that celebrated the rain gods. In Hindustani Classical Music – Malhar and its many variants cover the whole range from longing for rain (or the love of your beloved); to celebrating it ! With the first rains, i thought i will list some of my favourite film songs based on the rain ragas. do add yours to this list :

Raga Miyan Ki Malhar - by Salamat & Nazakhat Ali Khan – in Satyajit Ray’s masterpiece Jalsaghar. The film is about the passage of time, and the decline of glory – it tells the story of a zamindar who gives a last hurrah to a dying way of life – by hosing a magnificent music concert in his music room. Miyan ki Malhar is a raga that captures the full power of the monsoons – complete with the thunder & lightening

Bole Re Papi Hara - based on Raga Miyan ki Malhar – a fabulous rendition by Vani Jayaram. I always thought that Vani Jayaram’s voice was too mature and strong for a school girl – which is what Jaya Bhaduri played in the film Guddi.

Woh Chup Rahen – in Raga Ramdasi Malhar – a variant of Malhar, picturized on Minoo Mumtaz. Lata Mangeshkar singing this great composition in Malhar for the film Jahan Ara. Bharat Bhooshan showing as much emotion as a block of wood :) , as always, but the lucky man had some of the best songs in Hindi cinema picturized on him

apni zulfein - from Taj Mahal, not the old version – but the unwatchable new version. The music, though, is brilliant, though it feels as it belongs to the last century. I was quite sure that the song itself was composed – in Raga Malhar – for a film made in the 1960′s meant to be sung by Rafi sahaab.  Here is Hariharan crooning the said number -in a composition by Naushad. I never watched the video – because the thought of an over  metrosexualised Zulfi Sayed playing anyone from the past was kind of off putting :)


Kahan Se Aaye Badra - from the film Chashme Badoor . Composed in Raga Megh – it covers the entire gamut of emotions from anticipaiton of love, to heart break and longing. Beautifully sung by Yesudas and a lovely female voice :) .

Ghanana Ghanana - from Lagan, once again captures the longing for rain, rain that nurtures, and renews and rejuvenates.

Megh for me, is the Raga that is associated with the longing for rain, while Malhar & all its variants, especially Miyan ki Malhar is associated with full blown monsoons – with all the power and glory of thunder, lightening and buckets of water

while you are at it, check out the Megh Malhar again by Lata – in the film Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan. The glory & the power of this rendition is in contrast, with the mellowness of the Ramdasi Malhar

Also check out Suresh Wadkar from this great song from the film Saaz . Again a very powerful rendition

But, for the full power of Miyan Ki Malhar – you can’t miss Bhimsen Joshi singing the Raga. It is almost like he will get it to rain with the power of his voice :)
i will leave you with a very young Bhimsen Joshi trying to single handed get the rain gods to listen and grant us their bounty !! enjoy and happy rains

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Posted by gargi at 10:43 am Tagged with: , , ,

Happy Birthday - Manna De

India 6 Responses »
May 022009

Manna De turned 90 yesterday – the 1st of May. Compared to Mohd. Rafi or Kishore Kumar – he didn’t sing as much for Hindi films, but the songs that he sang left a mark.

It’s been a long time since i put together a compilation of songs, in a way my music hearing has been predominantly Hindustani Classical Music. Manna De, more than any other Hindi singer – was completely at ease with the classical form.

Here in no order of preference, are some of my favourite songs sung by Manna De. if you have your favourites, please post them

1) Yeh Raat Bhigi Bhigi - Mukesh is said to be the voice of Raj Kapoor, but i personally preferred the duets that Manna De sang for him with Lata. Be it this, or Pyaar huva or Aaja Sanam …. Shankar Jaikishen composed the music, and the film is Chori Chori . The guitar as the prelude is possibly one of the most distinctive pieces of Hindi film music. i need to hear two chords to identify the song. Enjoy Raj Kapoor & Nargis in this brilliant composition.

2) Tu Pyaar ka Saagar Hai – I used to have this huge crush on Balraj Sahani when i was a kid. in those glorious days of watching Chitrahaar and Hindi films on Doordarshan. I could never understand his films in those days – but i simply thought he looked yummmm :) i still do. and of all his songs, this one was played the most frequently. Soul stirring stuff. Balraj Sahani & Nutan in the film Seema. Music by Shankar Jaikishen.

3) Kaun Aaya mere Dil ke Dwaare – I cannot remember watching this film, though i must i have. i devoured everything on Doordarshan whether it was Krishi Darshan or Santakukdi or Kilbil … Anoop Kumar (Kishore Kumar’s brother) and Anita Guha in Dekh Kabira Roya. Music by Madan Mohan

4) Dil Ki Girah Khol Do – the film “Raat aur Din”. The subject multiple personality disorder. The year 1967. And a commercial success. Nargis in her last leading role. Fabulous film. Fabulous music. Watch it also for a very young Feroze Khan. Music Shankar Jaikishen

5) Ja Tose Nahin Bolu Kanhaya – Raga Hamsadhwani. Lata Mangeshkar & Manna De. The movie is Parivaar and the music director is Salil Choudhary .

6) Hoke Majboor Mujhe - The film Haqeeqat. Possibly the finest war film ever made in India. From the point of view of the men who serve. Directed by Chetan Anand it starred Balraj Sahni (him again), Dharmendra and a host of others it is set around the 1962 war – which no one talks about. The song ‘kar chale ham fida jaan aur tan saathiyo’ by Rafi is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes. But, this song, more philosophical is equally good. Check out Manna De in this

7) Mausam Beeta Jaye – The film “Do Bhiga Zamin”, the director Bimal Roy. Music Salil Choudhary. Actor Balraj Sahni and the voice Manna De. I cry everytime is see this film – nothing has changed for the farmer. When we decided to make our film “Jhing Chik Jhing” i went and rewatched this film — the famers’ lot is the same. there is a line in Jhing Chik Jhing where Bharat Jadhav says ‘we are farmers, we grow food but our children go hungry; we grow cotton and our kids wear torn clothes’. This is not the post to call for agricultral reform or greater support to farmers, but consider it said :( .

By the way, despite the subject this was not an art film. it was a commercially viable film .

8) Zindagi kaisi yeh Paheli - Manna De sings for Rajesh Khanna – a man with a medical death sentance. the music by Salil Da. The film Anand. Lyrics by Yogesh.

9) Laga Chunri Mein Daag – Music by Roshan (grandfather to Hrithik ). The film is Dil Hi to Hai starring Raj Kapoor and Nutan

10) Pucho na Kaise Man - The film was hackneyed but the music was great. Staring Ashok Kumar in a triple role , the film is Meri Surat Teri Aankhen. Music by S.D.Burman

11) Sur Na Saje Kya Gaaon Mein - the film Basant Bahar. music by Shankar Jaikishen – who hitherto had been considered to be ‘pop’ music composers without a handle on classical – and how they proved the world wrong. Starring Bharat Bhushan who possibly had some of the best classical songs featured on him. The other great song in this film is Ketki Gulab Juhi sung by Manna De and Bhimsen Joshi !

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The A to Z meme - films as soul food !

And Finally ..., Desi Pundit, Films, Society 2 Responses »
Dec 202008

Shefaly has a meme up here, on the A to Z of films that she liked, and has very generously asked readers to ‘steal it’ – and i needed something light to blog about — i have overdosed on ‘soapbox’. in fact at times i feel like a soapbox standing on a soapbox giving a lecture :)

when i began this meme, i thought it would be easy. I have watched zillions of films. And, then the debate began. Is it movies that you enjoyed technically, is it movies that you enjoyed cinematically, are they movies that i enjoyed intellectually … for example should it be A for Apu Sansar or A for Amar Akbar Anthony?

So finally i decided, that these are the equivalent of soul movies – just as dark chocoate, or playing with the dog, or getting a massage makes the world seem better, so do these films. These are movies that make me laugh even now. Movies that wave their magic wand and transport me for 3 hours into a world that is entertainment !

Here goes:

Amar Akbar Anthony – I love this film. Despite all its illogical inconsitencies. The opening sequence where Amar, Akbar Anthony are hooked up directly via tubes to Nirupa Roy, donating blood simultaneously right into the receipient; the classic inebriated Amitabh Bachchan having a conversation with his mirror image, Nirupa Roy as mother getting her sight back after a Sai Baba bhajan; and of course Anthony Gonzaves :)

Babe - ok, I am a sucker for fairy tales. Especially where you have stories ugly looking, clumsy animals trying to fit in. And no i don’t want pop psychology :)

Chupke Chupke – Take one ghas phoos waale botony teacher, one jijjaji who likes shudh hindi, a woman who wants both the men in her life (jijaji and husband) to like each other, an English professor who stands in to teach biology and a whole bunch of other craziness, and you have Chupke Chupke. I can watch this film any time and smile :)

Dumbo - An elephant with oversized ears is initially the laughing stock of the circus, but soon proves himself. Dumbo … can still make me sob like a baby :) in the nicest sense of the way . Here is a drunk Dumbo having a blast

E.T. – I was 22 and in London. I had tuberculosis and didn’t know it (till 3 months later). It was Christmas, i was broke, heart broken and ill. I was trying to be strong and brave and live in a state of denial. And, then I saw E.T. I saw the alien wanting to ‘phone home’ and something within me broke – i cried and in crying i healed. I phoned home, my heart mended, my body was healed … so this film is kind of special.

Field of Dreams – ‘if you make it, they will come’ says the voice in Ray’s head – setting the stage for web businesses from then on :) In this case the task is just as improbable – build a baseball pitch in the middle of a corn field – to allow a bunch of players who threw matches to redeem themselves. Yes, that is the other theme that i tend to like – redemption. And, i didn’t even study in a convent !

Golmaal – the story of little white lies that become huge big whoppers through which the entire Tank Corps can pass … Hrishikesh Mukherjee in top form. The silly stick on mustache rules

Hero - Subhash Ghai’s launch of Jackie Shroff as a response to the tantrums of star kids, and a star was born. Has a man ever looked more yummy ? I was a school kid when it came out, and had my first crush. How smile evoking is this film – they have a song called ‘Ding Dong Baby Sing Song”. seriously !

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - great action, wonderful setups, two gorgeous men and some great banter. Not much that can ask for in a movie !

Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron Can there be a movie nuttier than this. Do you remember the Draupadi Vastraharan scene ?

Kranti - this is in for completely the wrong reasons. every time i see Manoj Kumar with that big pendant i have this urge to laugh. Everytime, i see everyone from Prem Chopra to Dilip Kumar; Hema Malini to Sarika hamming it – i crack up. I see this movie, not as a patriotic film, but as an out and out comedy :) . Imagine a bunch of revolutionaries singing ‘channa chor garam ‘ before they blow up a fort !

Lion King - Simba rules as does Hakuna Matata

Midnight Run – a film that seriosly makes me laugh. Robert de Niro and Charles Gordin in a film about a modern day bounty hunter and a con on the run. Great dialogues, great chemistry and a nice film.

Naked Gun – I really like the naked gun series, especially when i feel fried with the world. I love that 60′s feel and earnestness. Leslie Nielsen is a blast

Om Shanti Om – or OSO – mindless, silly, but supremely entertaining. SRK as the bhola and the brat work very well. a movie that has a song called ‘dard e disco’ is not taking itself seriously, why should you ?Leave you logic at home and smile !

Pretty Woman – she is a woman of negotiable affections, he is a man with non existent morals. And they meet, fall in love and live happily ever after. Richard Gere and Julia Roberts sizzle in this reimaging of Cinderella !

Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak – not really but i couldn’t find anything else with Q – not even quantum of solace ! and, yes there is a whole bunch of silliness in the film that makes me smile – still worth watching for a young Aamir Khan and a bubbly Juhi Chawla

Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman – Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla – light up this one. I always saw it as a modern Shri 420

Singing in the Rain – just singing in the rain … Gene Kelly and a track that is magic. for best effect, watch when it is raining :)

and watch Donald o’Connor & Gene Kelly in Moses Supposes

To Have & Have Not - ‘you know how to whistle don’t you. Just put your lips together & blow.’ Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall sizzle in this studio production of romance, smuggling and war !

U – none

V – Not Really … Victoria no. 203 (the older version) but not really :(

When Harry Met Sally – Remember the scene in the restaurant ?

X – definitely not X-men :)

Yalgaar - if the sight of Feroze Khan calling Mukesh Khanna pappa, or dad – cannot crack you up, then nothing can. Like Naked Gun, this should have been a parody – but ….

Z – not really.

We live in times, where it seems that there isn’t much to smile about. but, there is. People, events all manage to make us smile and understand that the bulk of the world is not just good but also good matured. so spread this meme :)

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Posted by gargi at 9:45 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Monsoon Melodies

Films, India, Music 19 Responses »
Jun 122008

It is Monsoons The streets look washed. There skies look silver and grey. The trees are swaying. The air smells fresh. There is a cool breeze that refreshes. The world looks great.

The monsoons have always been my favourite season. Traffic jams, water logging not withstanding — the moment i see a rain cloud my heart sings. The smell of fresh earth at this time of the year drives away any irritation at being stuck indoors. I am known to do silly things like walk in the rain to get wet …. it is almost like the rain is renewing me along with renewing the earth.

And of course, there is hot masala chai, pakodas – grandma used to make these great rava pakodas – and hindi film music. There is not much else you need in life :) .

My favourite rain songs from Hindi films — in no particular order of preference

Aaj Rapat Jaaye to Hame Na Uthayo – Amitabh Bachchan and Smita Patil sizzle in this rain song from Namak Halal. Making out on a hand cart never seemed more appealing :) . Brilliant music by Bappi Lahri and great lyrics by Anjaan.

Barsaat Mein Humse Mile Tum Sajan – A very young Lata Mangeshkar singing for a even younger Nargis. The film is the classic Barsaat. Music by Shankar Jaikishen, lyrics by Shailendra.



Dil Tera Deewana Hai Sanam - Thunder, Lightening and Rain seem to be a good combination for hormones to start acting up. In this song Shammi Kapoor declares undying love for Mala Sinha. The film is Dil Tera Deewana. Music is by Shankar Jaikishen, Lyrics are by Shailendra

Dum Dum Diga Diga – from the movie Chaliya. The director was Manmohan Desai – who gave blockbuster hits like Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb, Dharam Veer etal. It was loosely based on Dostovesky’s White Nights but set in the post Partition refugee space. Nutan and Raj Kapoor Star. Rehman has a wonderful cameo as Nutan’s husband. Music is by Kalyanji Anandji, and lyrics by Qamar Jalalabadi.

Ek Ladki Bhigi Bhagi Si – Kishore Kumar and Madhubala and a broken down car. The chemistry between the actors is sweet and playful. An indicator of a much more innocent era. Music by SD Burman, lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Ghanana Ghanana Ghir – The fabulously energetic rain song from Lagaan. A.R.Rehman as his best. The song is relief, joy, yearning, all melded together with great melody, rythmn and a folksy quality that translates to the people’s link to rain. Lyrics are by Javed Akhtar

Koi Ladka Hai - from the film Dil to Pagal hai. The song has a great sense of innocence and reflects a great sense of the joy of life that has been rejuvenated by rains. The singers are Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan. Music is by Uttam Singh and lyrics by Anand Bakshi. SRK and Madhuri and a gaggle of kids feature in this feel good song on the rains.

Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan – a lovely romantic song by Geeta Dutt. Music is by Kanu Roy and Lyrics are by Gulzar. There is something about a rain drenched Mumbai and romance. The film features Sanjeev Kumar and Tanuja and their post marital ups and downs. The film is Anubhav and the director is Basu Bhattacharya who has the recurrent thread of marital discord running through his films.

O Sajna Barkha Bahar Aayi – Lata Mangeshkar at her sweetest best for this song from the Bimal Roy film Parakh. Music by Salil Choudhary.

Rhim Jhim Gire Sawan - there are two variations of this song, one by Lata Mangeshkar – featured on Amitabh Bachchan – who looked so yummy in this song – & Moushmi Chaterjee and Mumbai in the rains. and the other by Kishore Kumar. The film is Manzil, the music is by R.D.Burman, and lyrics by Yogesh ( not Majrooh Sultanpuri as posted earlier. Thankyou Vinay)

.


The Kishore Kumar variant.
and the Lata Mangeshkar variant


Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhooli woh Barsaat ki Raat – Bharat Bhushan serenading a woman he met in the rain. And, a very wet Madhubala is the object of his music. The music is by Roshan Sahaab, and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. The movie is Barsaat ki Raat.

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Manna De - Happy Birthday

Films, India, Media, Music 6 Responses »
May 042008

The 1950's and 1960's possibly had the best in terms of musical talent in the Hindi Film Industry. The kind of music that was created was superlative by any standards. And, there was choice – there was classical, rock, jazz, folk, fun, … the lot. Amongst the greats of this era was Manna Dey. Not as prolific as either Mohammed Rafi or Kishore Kumar, he managed however to sing some of the best songs in Hindi films. May 1st was his birthday. Here are some of my favourite songs from his repertoire.

a) Yeh Raat Bhigi Bhigi - a lovely romantic duet from the film Chori Chori, starring Raj Kapoor & Nargis. sung by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar, the music is by Shankar Jaikishen & lyrics by Shailendra. Although Mukesh was considered the definitive voice of Raj Kapoor, the duets by Manna Dey were all superaltive. There are two other songs from this film – Jahan Mein Jaati hoon vahi Chale aate ho, and Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandini Mein hum, and two from Shree 420 – Pyaar Huva Ikraar Huva and Mud Mud Ke na Dekh … which are in my list of top songs of all times.

b) Na to Karvan Ki Talaash Hai - My favourte Qawalli from Hindi Films. Manna Dey, Asha Bhonsle, Mohd. Rafi and others. The song runs for almost 10 minutes. Manna De opens the classic piece and Rafi ends it… both are at their best in this song. Roshan Sahab (the father of Rakesh & grand father of Hrithik) composes a masterpiece, lyrics are by Shailendra –

c) Zindagi Kaise Hai Paheli - Manna De in the film Anand, singing for Rajesh Khanna. the muisc director is Salil Choudhary and lyrics are by Yogesh. The film is about a cancer patient, who has no hope of survival and the joy that he brings to people in his life. Possibly Rajesh Khanna’s best performance. The soundtrack is full of gems – Na Jiya Lage Na, Meine Tere Liye Hi saath rang ke sapne chune, Kahi Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye

d) Kaun Aaya Mere Dil Ke Dwaare – Manna Dey sings for Anoop Kumar (trivia – Anoop Kumar is the brother of Ashok Kumar & Kishore Kumar) for the film Dekh Kabira Roya. The film, despite its name, is a comedy. A story of three struggling men and their quest for their muses. Music in the film is by Madan Mohan and lyrics by Rajendra Kishen

e) Pucho Na Kaise Man Rain Bitaye – the film is Meri Soorat Teri Ankhen, the song is picturised on Ashok Kumar. The music is by S.D.Burman and lyrics by Shailendra. The story is about an disfigured abandoned child, who grows up to be a disfigured singer (Ashok Kumar). And, then he falls in love with Asha Parekh !

f) Ketaki Gulab Juhi - a duet with Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. The song is a competition between the two singers, and in typical Hindi Film ishtyle … Pandit Bhimsen Joshi loses. If your mind can overcome this fact… listen to the song…


The other great Manna Dey number from this film is Sur Na Saje, Kya Gaoon Mein.

g) Tu Pyaar Ka Saagar Hai - I always had a crush on Balraj Sahani – and in a way I still do. Everytime I see him on screen, my heart flutters, it truly does. And, it flutters a lot more in this song than in his other on screen appearances. Although, this song is sung as a Bhajan, for me it was a love song … which Balraj Sahni is singing to Nutan. Music by Shankar Jaikishen, Lyrics, Shailendra.

h) Laga Chunri Mein Daag - the film is Dil Hi to Hai. Music by Roshan & Lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. The song is picturised on a very bearded Raj Kapoor. The film is about mistaken identity, honour, love and misunderstandings … in short it could be any Hindi film except that Roshan’s music lifts it above its own mediocrity.

i) O Meri Zohra Zabeen – the Film is Waqt – the first of the last and found sagas …. The song is picturised on Balraj Sahni (be still my fluttering heart),the music is by Ravi and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi.

j) Phir Kahi Koi Phul Khila - the film is Anubhav – a complicated tangle of marital relationships. It has a wonderful sound track. Other classics in this film include the brilliant number by Geeta Dutt – Mujhe jaan na Kahon, meri Jaan. The film stars Sanjeev Kumar and Tanuja as the newly married couple with more than than their share of problems.

k) Mud Mud ke Na Dekh Mud Mud Ke – Asha and Manna De in this fabulous number from Shree 420. Picturised on Nadira & Raj Kapoor. The music is by Shankar Jaikishen and lyrics by Shailendra. The film is about a young idealist Raj Kapoor, who is seduced by wealth, fame and fortune – represented by Maya (nadira) … and brought back to the straight and narrow (not to mention poverty) by Vidya. The song marks the turning point in the film when Raj Kapoor goes over to the evil side….


And, here is Raj Kapoor with Vidya (Nargis) in one of the most famous songs of Hindi Films

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Posted by gargi at 2:33 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

If Music be the Soul of India, Play on

Films, India, Music 5 Responses »
Jan 262008

I had earlier posted a version of this post on Blogbharti, as a part of the spotlight series . Today, on the 58th Republic Day, I thought that it may be appropriate to post it on my blog… This version has pics… and a couple of other songs…

One of the things that interest me is this entire concept of Indian identity. After all, there is nothing that we really have in common – not language, nor culture, not religion or even gods, or even a common philosophy, theology, or even a view of the world. Our multi-party democracy and our zillion paths and our seeming anarchy will drive any one seeing the country right up the proverbial wall. Yet, we know who we are. We may not be able to define it in specific words, but most of us know what we mean when we say we are Indian.

On Republic Day – the day, we the diverse people of India, agreed on the terms and conditions of cohabiting with mutual tolerance, I thought it would be nice to have a list of songs from Hindi Film Music that represent this Indian-ness;not the national identity or the citizenship part of us but something that we recognise in ourselves and others as being ‘Indian’. Why only Hindi Film Songs? well because I have limited exposure to songs in other languages. Here is my top 15, do add to the list.

1) Sare Jahan se Achcha Hindustan Hamara – Written by Iqbal way back at the turn of the last century, the song that, I hope, really defines India. Not just the nation state, not even the geographical land mass, but the spirit of the space. There is a stanza in the song,

Mazhab nahin Sikhata, aapas mein bair rakhna….
Hind hi hai hum, Hind hi hai ham vatan hai,
Hindustan hamara

More than anything else this symbolises secularism in India for me. Not secularism in the western sense of separation of organised state and organised religion, but secularism in the sense of mutual tolerance, acceptance and co-existance. The irony is that Mohammed Iqbal became one of the strong proponents of division on religious lines. I am not really sure if it was ever used in a film, in its entirety. The new version of it for the Incredible India campaign is also worth hearing.
Gateway of India

The Gateway of India, Mumbai

2) Chino Arab Hamara, Hindustan Hamara Rehene Ko Ghar Nahin hai, Sara jahan hamara. Written by Sahir Ludhianvi and sung by Mukesh, for the film Phir Subah Hogi the song possibly is an anti thesis to Sare Jahan se Achcha. It captures the dispossession of the dispossessed. Written for the film made in 1958, the songs lyrics are still valid today. Check out this stanza

Jitni bi buldinge hai, Sethon ne baant li hai,
Footpath Mumbai ke hai aashia hamara

While the number of home owners has definitely increased since the film was released, so has the number of homeless footpath dwellers. There is another song in this film, also sung by Mukesh, that deals with similar feelings – Aasman Pe Hai Khuda, aur Zameen pe hum.
the-little-beggar-girl

The Little Beggar Girl, Mumbai

3) Sajan re Jhooth Mat Bolo, Khuda ke paas Jaana Hai – Mukesh waxes philosophical in this folksy number from Teesri Kasam. Picturised on Mukesh, the lyrics are by Shailendra, and music by Shankar Jaikishen. Check out this stanza

Bhalaa Kije Bhalaa Hoga
Buraa Kije Buraa Hoga
Wahi Likh-Likh Ke Kya Hoga
Yahin Sab Kuch Chukana Hai

At a very core level this is so true. I remember a ricksahawaalah telling me when HKL Baghat died, aise log na aise hi saad saad ke marenge. But, the flip of it is true too. You hear of people giving complete strangers shelter after a downpour, people who risk life and limb to help strangers, water being given away on streets to pilgrims & passers-by.

4) Aurat ne Janam diya Mardon Ko, Mardon ne use Bazaar Diya. Lata Mangeshkar in a rant against a system that is male skewed. At the core, India is still very much a man’s world, with women as an after thought. It is still a country where a Prinyanka Todi is not allowed to exercise her choice, and a Priyanka Bhotmange is gang-raped to teach her a lesson, it is a society which is OK with terminating a girl child and a system where women are offered the ‘chance’ to marry their rapist. There are success stories, but by and large she is still property. This has Sahir at his revolutionary best, music by N.Dutta. This film also contains the great Geeta Dutt number Ramji ke Dwar Pe, Tora Manva Kyon Gabraye Re…. Lakh deen dukhiyaare saare, Jag mein mukti paaye. Check out this stanza for its poignancy

mardon ne banaayee jo rasmen, unko haq kaa farmaan kahaa
aurat ke zindaa jalane ko, qurbaani aur balidaan kahaa
kismat ke badle roti di, aur usko bhi ehsaan kahaa

pardhi-woman-and-children
(woman – Marathwada)
5) Vande Maatram.The film Anand Math, Music by Hemant Kumar and sung by Lata Mangeshkar. There are many versions of this song, including the one on All India Radio, and later by A.R.Rehman but, this remains my favourite rendition. It takes a rare genius to take a song about the beauty of the mother goddess and convert it into a marching song.

sapta koti kantha kalakala ninaada karaale
nisapta koti bhujaidhruta kharakarvaale
ka bola ka noma eith bole
bahubal dhaariniin namaami taariniim
ripudalavaariniin maataram
vande maataram …

What does it mean -Aurobindo translates its as -

Glory of moonlight dreams, Over thy branches and lordly streams,
Clad in thy blossoming trees, Mother, giver of ease
Laughing low and sweet! Mother I kiss thy feet,
Speaker sweet and low! Mother, to thee I bow.

6) Yeh Mehlon, Yeh Takhton, Yeh Tajon Ki Duniya – Mohd. Rafi singing for Guru Dutt in one of the most famous scenes from Hindi Films. A silhouetted Guru Dutt singing to a bunch of men and women who have sold their souls for something else Yeh Duniya Agar mil Bi Jaaye to Kya Hai. One of those songs that resonate deep within your soul. The other great songs in this film were – Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind per woh Kahan Hai Kissi.
read all about it

The newspaper vendor

7) Kissi Ke Muskurahato pe Ho Nisaar – Bringing joys to those around you. Mukesh in the film Anari. India is full of men and women who just give up material things to bring happiness to others. Look at the number of NGO’s and the good that they are doing at the grassroots – the people who serve without recognition, because they want to. People who help those less fortunate than themselves:

Maana apni jeb se fakeer hain, Phir bhi yaaron dil ke ham ameer hain

I remember a Dalit activist telling me that he works with the Pardhi’s because they have even less than him. And those stories abound, people who just help each other.
Pardhi School
(A Pardhi school – Maharashtra, run by volunteers. Read more – here)

 8) Chodo Kal Ki Baatein, Kal Ki Baat Purani, Naye daur mein likhenge milkar nayi kahaani Sung by Mukesh for the film “Hum Hindustani”. At a very basic level this epitomises our view of history. While it is a great philosophy to move on, it also means justice sometimes doesn’t get delivered. Check out this stanza:

Aaj puraani zanjeeron ko tod chuke hain
Kya dekhe us manzil ko jo chhod chuke hain
Chaand ke dar pe jaa pahuncha hai aaj zamaana
Naye jagat se hum bhi naata jod chuke hain
Naya khoon hai, nayi umangein, ab hai nayi jawaani

Innocence, Naughtiness, Friendship & Mirth
Children LS - Bikaner
9) Chitthi Aayi hai - Sung by Pankaj Udhas, music by Lakshmikant Pyarelal, lyrics by Anand Bakshi. I remember hearing this song when I was a student abroad, and for some peculiar reason, my eyes filled up. For as long as I lived abroad, this song moved me and on my return I found it cloyingly sentimental. There is something about India as ‘home’ that draws us back. How many of us know people who still call India home after living for donkey’s years in firangland and with firang citizenship? This is the stanza that used to reduce most people to tears :

Saat Samundar Paar Gaya Tu, Humko Zinda Maar Gaya Tu
Khoon Ke Rishte Todh Gaya Tu, Aankh Mein Aansoo Chhodh Gaya Tu
Kum Khaate Hain Kum Sote Hain, Bahut Zyaada Hum Rote Hain
Chitthi Aayi Hai …

10) Mera Jootha hai Japani – Mukesh for Raj Kapoor in a song that is us. In a modern era it may be educated in London, with an Australian citizenship and a home in Spain. But phir bhi dil hai Hindustani. I love the modern reworking of this song too. Udit Narayan sings for Shah Rukh Khan in Phir bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. Check out this stanza for the new Indian chutzpah…

Thode anari hain thode khiladi, Ruk rukke chalti hai apni gaadi
Humein pyaar chahiye, Aur paise bhi
Hum aise bhi hain, Hum hain vaise bhi

11) Mera Rang De Basanti Chola – I love practically every version of this song, utilised in the Hindi Cinema. From the Mukesh & Mahendra Kapoor version in Shaheed to the Sonu Nigam version in the Legend of Bhagat Singh. While the title track from RDB is not strictly mera Rang de Basanti Chola, it too, for me, fits in. Somehow the song represents that part of us that revels in Independence. The modern Indian republic is the first time all of us have been equal stakeholders, and this anthem for me represents not just that part of us that knows that we are free, equal, and independent but the part of us that is willing to fight to keep it that way.

12) Choti si Aasha. We all hope, and we will wish for a better tomorrow. Small little hopes that we wish would come true. Sung by Minmini for the film Roja, the music director is A.R.Rehman. For me this song was more the Indian ethos than the patriotic Bahrat hamko jaan se pyaara hai. This is a new India, where everyone can hope, dream and hopefully can make it. It is the India, where the maid sends her children to an English medium school, where sachets rule the roost in rural India, and where the gardener, the carpenter and the milk man own a mobile to boost their own business, it is an India where we all have small dreams that can be realised.
Determination.
I will be a pilot — says the girl to her brother….

14) Hum Honge Kamyaab – the ultimate optimists song. I remember it right through school, when DD was the only channel, and the song was religiously trumped out on national occassions. The song then always had a wistful prayer to it….. I heard it again this morning on DD – a new avtaar of the old number, and there is a vigour to it…. It is no longer just a prayer but a possibility.

14) Allah tero Naam, Iswar tere Naam – Lata Mangeshkar in one of my favourite Bhajans from Hindi Films. Music by Jaidev, for the film Hum Dono. Tolerance as secularism – a very Indian ethos. And despite Modi, Hindutva and a fatwa per minute, despite Khalistan, moral police and the hardening of stands across the board — that value still persists. Watch ordinary people of all shapes & sizes, and all persuasions passing by religious monuments or on festival days … they still share …. the elite have moved away from this, but the bulk are still ‘secular’ – in their faith.


15) Chak De India – the Indian way of saying Just Do It. This is the India not of the class system or the caste system or the old aristocracy. This is the India of a Sunil Mittal, an Irfan Pathan, a Mahindra Singh Dhoni, a Shah Rukh Khan, the Mayawati. Men and women with no famous lineage, a modest background achieving dreams achieved within their own lifetime, while they are still young. This is the India of the small town IAS officer, the India of, hopefully, the new meritocracy. An India, where we as members of the Republic take charge of our own destiny and move ahead, despite the system.

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