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

Technorati Tags: Hindi Film Industry, Manna Dey, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Salil Choudhary, Madan Mohan, Balraj Sahani

Tags: Anand, Anubhav, Barsaat ki Raat, Basant Bahar, Chori Chori, Dekh Kabira Roya, Dil Hi to Hai, Hindi Film Music, Hindi Films, India, Indian, Lata Mangeshkar, Manna De, Manna Dey, Meri Surat Teri Aankhen, Mohd. Rafi, S.D.Burman, Salil Choudhary, Seema, Shankar Jaikishen, Shree 420, Waqt

Last week marked the 50th anniversary of one my favourite films of all times Madhumati. Directed by Bimal Roy and starring Dilip Kumar, Vyjantimala and Pran, Madhumati was the story of eternal love that cant' be separated by death. One of the key ingredients that has made this movie an all time favourite is the sound track composed by Salil Choudhary.

Salil Choudhary had composed, what for me, is the finest songs in any film. Starting with the peppy Suhana Safar aur yeh Mausam Hasi, to the haunting Mein to Kab se Khadi is Paar, to the earthy Daya re Daya Jangal Chad Gayo Papi Bichua (tnx Kuffir), to the soulful Toothe huve Khawbon ne, to the flirtatious Dil Tadap Ke Keh Raha Hai Abhi Ja, to the drunken Jungal mein More Nache to the lovely mujra Hum Haal-e-Dil Sunaaye ge - the film is full of songs that have endured the test of time…..

But, in a way that was Salil Choudhary's expertise. The music that he composed transcends time…. Here are my favourites from his repertoire. in no particular order of preference

• Suhana Safar aur Yeh Mausam Hasi - sung by Mukesh with lyrics by Shailendra. Picturised on a very young Dilip Kumar - full of hope and a joy for life as he takes on a new assignment working for the villanous Pran. Film Madhumati. The film is full of ever green songs, a fabulous background track and an atmosphere that can very rarely be replicated.

• Aa Jaa Ri Aaa, Nindiya Tu Aa - sung by Lata Mangeshkar, with very basic accompaniment . The song is a mellifluous lullaby. Lyrics by Shailendra. The film is Do Bigha Zameen, and the dierctor Bimal Roy. The film had other wonderful songs like Dharti Kare Pukar Ke, Ajab Tore Duniya O Rama. The story is of a farmer who tries to redeem his Do Bigha Zameen (two measures of land) from the landlord (debt). The movie still resonates with poignancy today, especially in the light of farmer suicides over debt. And, no corporatisation is not the answer.

• Kahi Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye - Sung By Mukesh, Picturised on Rajesh Khanna for the film Anand. Director Hrishikesh Mukherjee. (Trivia: Hrishikesh Mukherjee was mentored by Bimal Roy). The movie is an absolute tear jerker. I remember sobbing my way through the film. Other gems in this movie are Meine Tere Liye Hi Saat Rang Ke Sapne Chune (mukesh), Zindagi Kaise Hi Paheli (Manna De), Naa Jiya Lage Na (Lata)

• Jaago Mohan Pyare Jaago - sung by Lata Mangeshkar, picturised on Nargis, lyrics by Shailender. Directed by Amit Mitra. Prouced by Raj Kapoor - one of the few commercial disasters that he produced. The film is Jaagte Raho and the story is a of a man in search of drinking water in the city. I don't think that Lata's voice has been sweeter in any other song. I get gooseberries everytime I hear this song. The other masterpiece from this film is Zindagi Khwaab Hai (Mukesh)

• Tasveer Tee Dil Mein, Jis Din Se Utari Hai - a lovely romantic duet sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi for the film Maya. The song is picturised on Dev Anand and Mala Sinha. Lyrics are by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The other song from this film that is an all time favourite is Ja Re Ud Jaa Re Panchi (sung by Lata)

• Itna Na Mujhse Tu Pyaar Bada - sung by Lata Mangeshkar & Talat Mehmood for Asha Parekh and Sunil Dutt. Lyrics by Rajender Kishen. The film is Chhaya. Other great songs in this film are Aanknon mein Masti Sharaab Ki, Aansoon Samajh Ke Kyon Mujhe (both by Talat Mehmood)

• O Sajna Barkha Bahar Aayi - sung by Lata Mangeshkar and picturised on Sadhna. The film is Parakh and the lyrics are by Shailendra

• Koi Hota Jisko Apna - sung by Kishore Kumar, the film is Mere Apne. Lyrics by Gulzar

• Jane Man Jane Man - sung by Yesudas and Asha Bhonsle for Amol Palekar & Vidya Sinha. The film is Choti si Baat directed by Basu Chaterjee. The story is of two shy people who come together.  The film had other lovely numbers including Na Jaane Kyon, Hota hai Yeh Zindagi ke Saath (Lata), Yeh Din Kya Aaye, lage phul hase (Mukesh)

• Rajngandha Phool Tumhare - Sung by Lata , picturised on Vidya Sinha. the film is Rajnigandha. Like many Basu Chaterjee movies this too focused on the complexities of a man woman relationship and the feeling that the grass in greener elsewhere. Check out the Mukesh number in this film - Kahi baar yuhi dekha hai…yahi man ki seema rekha hai….
• Nain Hamare Saanj Saakare .. a whimsical number sung by Mukesh. The film is Annadata starring Jaya Bhaduri and Anil Dhawan. I found the movie terribly dragging — but its soundtrack is superlative. Other lovely numbers in the film are Raton ke Saaye (Lata), Guzar Jaye Din Din (Kishore)

There are other great numbers from movies that I haven't seen…. Ai Mere Pyaare Watan (sung by Manna De for kabuli wala), Baag Mein Kali Khili (sung by Asha for Chand aur Suraj), Kanha Bole Na (sung by Lata for Sangat); Ni Sa, Ga Ma Pa Ni, Sa Re Ga, Aa Aa Re Mitavaa (sung by Yesudas). The list is quite large. 

These are some of my favourites…. But, the trouble with Salilda's music is that every song that you hear of his you think to yourself ….. but that is my favourite….

Also check out The World of Salil Choudhary for his entire collection of his compositions  in all languages. 

Technorati Tags: Madhumati, Salil Choudhary

Tags: Amol Palekar, Anand, Asha Bhonsle, Balraj Sahani, Bimal Roy, Choti Si Baat, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, Do Bigha Zameen, Hindi Film Songs, Hindi Films, Jaagte Raho, Kishore Kumar, Madhumati, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Mala Sinha, Mukesh, Nargis, Pran, Raj Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Salil Choudhary, Shailender, Vidya Sinha, Vyjantimala, Yesudas

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.

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, 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

(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.

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.

(A Pardhi school - Maharashtra, run by volunteers. Read more - here)

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

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.

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.

Tags: Hindi Film Music, Hindi Films, India, Indian culture

16th of November is music director Roshan’s death anniversary….. the father of Rakesh & Rajesh & Grand Father to Hrithik Roshan - Roshan gave Hindi Film Music gems such as Taal Mile Nadi ke Jaal Mein, and Barsaat ki Raat…… Here are my top picks from his collection :

• The Entire sound track of Barsaat Ki Raat. Garjat Barjat Sawan Aayo Re sung by Kamal Barod & Suman Kalyanpur in complete synch in this classical duet, Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi woh Barsaat ki Raat, Rafi is Godly in this one; Meine Shaayad tumhe Pehle bhi Kahin Dekhaa Hai, Rafi once again delivering a lovely composition; and the qawalli Na to Karvan Ki Talaash Hai that culminates in Ishq Ishq . If Roshan had just composed this album and no other … his fame would have been assured, but he came up with other incredible gems as well….

• The entire sound track of Chitralekha - remember those songs played on DD where there were these tiny little dancers on those very large drums……. Gems include Rafi seducing with Man Re, Tu Kahe na Dheer Dhare; Lata liltingly lovely with Ae Ri Jaane Na Doongi; Lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi
• Teri Duniya Mein Dil Lagta Nahin, Vaapas BhulaLe – Mukesh at his soulful best, beseeching the Good Lord to call him back. Film - Baawre Nain, Lyrics - Kedar Sharm. The other great song from this film is Khaayalon Mein Kisse Ki, Is Tarah Aaya Nahin Karte - Mukesh & Geeta Dutt in a rare, flirtatious duet.
• Ab Kya Misaal Doon, Mein tere Shabaab Ki - Mohammed Rafi seductively croons in the film Aarti. Lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The film has other great songs including Rafi’s duet with LataMangeshkar Bar Bar tohe Kya Samjhaye Payaal Ki Jhankaar
• Aho Re, Taal Mile Nadi Ke Jaal Mein - Mukesh philosophizes in this great song from the film Anokhi Raat. Lyrics by Indevar.
• Baharon Ne Mera Chaman Lootkar - Mukesh & Roshan teamed up again for this melancholic song from Devar. Lyrics - Anand Bakshi
• Chupa Loon Yun Dil Mein Pyaar Mera - Lata and Hemant Kumar in this reall, really sweet song from Mamta. Lyrics by Majrooh.
• Laga Chunri Mein Daag Hataon Kaise - Manna De is a great classical composition by Roshan. The film Dil Hi to Hai, and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi. Check out Asha Bhonsle in the fabulous Nigahe Milane ko Je Chahta Hai
• Mein Dil Hoon Ek Armaan Bara - Talat Mehmood mellifluous in his renditionof this composition. The film Anhonee.
• Paon Chule Ne Do, Phoolon Ko Inaayat Hogi - Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi in Taj Mahal. The other favourite, of course is the timeless Jo Vada Kiya Wo

Technorati Tags: Hrithik Roshan, Hindi Film Music, Mukesh, Geeta Dutt, Mohammed Rafi, LataMangeshkar, Hemant Kumar, Manna De, Asha Bhonsle, Talat Mehmood

Tags: Hindi Film Music, Hindi Films, India, Roshan

31st October is the death anniversary of one of the greatest music directors of the Hindi Film Industry. This is the first person who went beyond Indian Classical roots, or western classical roots - like many of his contemporaries - and made folk music the basis for his brand of Hindi Film Music. He left behind a body of work that is solid, inspirational and just gets you to forget everything and be mesmerized in his music……. Here on the day before his death anniversary - my favourite…. and be very clear… it wasn’t an easy choice. And as always - there is no favourite - i love them all…..So here go, my Bakers’ dozen

1. Waqt ne kiya - shot gloriously for Khagaz ke Phool. the voice of Geeta Dutt. I personally prefer this SD & Geeta collaboration to other greats like Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya or Tabdeer se Bigadi huvi Taqdeer bana de…- purely because of the character of the song….. This song could be for any of us and our relationships…………One of my all time favourite songs from all time in any language……
   
2. Sun Ja Dil Ki Dastaan - [tag]Hemant Kumar and Geeta Dutt for Dev Anand & Geeta Bali and lots of oomph by the sea. The film is Jaal - where Dev Anand plays the sexy, no good wastrel Michael and Geeta Bali plays Maria -  the woman torn between her man, and what is right….What an enjoyable film…and what a great sound track. Lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi
   
3. Oh Jaane Wale Ho Sake to Laut Ke Aana - Mukesh at his philosophical best. The movie is Bandini - directed by Bimal Roy. Th song, if I am not mistaken, is a back ground song…. and captures the sheer sense of desperation and claustrophobia in the film. The music in the film is phenomenal. Every piece is a master piece. There is the brilliant number by Lata Mangeshkar - Mora Ang Layle, and there is Asha lilting with Abke Baras more baaye se babul.. and SD himself with the completely folksey More Saajan Hai us Paar
   
4. 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 silouhetted 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, Aaj Sajan More Ang Laga Lo, Jaane Kya Tu Ne Kahi, Jaane Kya Maine Suni
5. Tere Mere Sapne Ab Ek Rang Hai - The most romantic song ever, in my books. Dev Anand singing to Waheeda Rehman in the film Guide. In an album packed with heart breakers — this one breaks your heart the most, purely because of its sweetness and melody. You know it is not going to last. But, while it lasts - make the most of it. Other songs worth looking out for in the album - Kaanton se Kheechke Ye anchal - by Lata, Din Dhal Jaaye by Rafi and the fabulous Wahan Kaun Hai Tera by S.D. Burman himself…
6. Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka - Asha & Kishore having a blast in Chalti Ka Naam Gadi. Again a film with a great track - Ek Ladki Bhigi Bhagi Si, Paanch Rupaya Barah Aana, Hum te Woh Te aur sama Rangeen Samajgaye na……Remember Kishore Kumar chasing a hen in this song, and you will see why the whole movie is such good fun…
7. Mana Janab Ne Pukara Nahin - The Film Paying Guest. The singer Kishore Kumar. Incidentally, Kishore Kumar’s association with SD Burman was probably as prolific and fascinating as his collaboration with RD Burman. This was a film with one of the best sound tracks ever - Oh Nigahe Mastana , Chand Phir Nikla, Chhod Do Aanchal Zamaana Kya Kahega, Haye Haye Haye Yeh Nigaahen
8. Nazar Lagi Raja Tore Bangle Par - the ultimate mujra number, delivered with incredible gusto by Asha Bhonsale. The film is Kala Pani. I have seen it when I was all of 7 years ago - and although a goolgle search may tell me what the movie was about — it would be cheating.
9. Jise Tu Kabul Karle - sung by Lata Mangeshkar for Devdas. before Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the garishness called Devdas — was a much better thought through story starring Dilip Kumar as Devdas, Vyjantimala as Chandramukhi & Suchitra Sen as Paro. My other favourite from this film is the Geeta Dutt & Manna De duet - Aan milo aan milo shyaam saanware
10. Jaaye to Jaaye Kahan - S.D.Burman at his bluesy best. Talat Mehmood sings for Dev Anand. There is aa Lata variation of the same song, but it doesn’t have the same impact as this version..
11. Na Tum Hume Jaano - Hemant Kumar sings for the maestro.
12. Megha Chaaye Aadhi Raat - Lata singing about unrequited love in the film Sharmilee for Rakhee. There are two Rakhees in the movie - one a good Indian girl, and the other a slut (btw there are only two types of women according to films - the devi and the slut). This is sung for the good girl, who is pining for her love - who is in love with her twin sister…. Other great songs in this film Khilte Hai Gul Yahaan, Oh meri Sharmilee, Reshmi Ujala Hai Makhmali Andhera
13. Mere Sapnon Ki Rani - Kishore Kumar singing for Rajesh Khanna in the movie that made the latter a superstar.

There is a treasure trove that i have not even looked at….. a volume of work that goes beyond a hit and miss post. If i searched my memory banks more … i may come up with a few more gems…….. but for now this is my bakers’ dozen…

Technorati Tags: Hindi Film Industry, Hindi Film Music, Geeta Dutt, Bimal Roy, Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi, Dev Anand, Waheeda Rehman, Chalti Ka Naam Gadi, Asha Bhonsale, Lata Mangeshkar, Devdas

Tags: Hindi Film Music, Hindi Films, India, S.D.Burman