Fading Memories…. Unforgettable Songs: Volume IX – March 2024 Edition

Ghulam Mohammad and His Singers: 1954

Ghulam Mohammad (1903 – 17 March 1968) was trained as dholak player, but the strength of his natural insight for rhythm ensured he was equally comfortable and proficient with folk percussion instruments like duff or matka.

At the premiere of Mirza Ghalib 1954

He was as plain and unsophisticated as his music apparently appeared. He was the one to have introduce Naushad to Ustad Jhandekhan during the initial struggling days of Naushad. And yet the irony is that he is known more as assistant to Naushad. Even during the twelve years when he was assisting Naushad for nearly 20 of Naushad’s films, Ghulam Mohammad, simultaneously, composed music independently for his 17 (out of 36 films he has scored music in his career) films.

It is to refresh our memories of multi-talented music director Ghulam Mohammad that we commenced the present series in the month of death of Ghulam Mohammad’s songs with special focus on the playback singers he chose to fructify his creations. Till now we have covered Ghulam Mohammad’s songs for the year

1943 to 1949 in 2021, and

1950-1952 in 2022.

1953 in 2023

Presently, we will listen to the relatively less heard songs of his films – Guzara and Mirza Ghalib – in 1954.

Rang Rangeele Pyaare Pyaare Laaye Hum Khilaune – Guzaara (1954) – Lata / Hridaynath Mangeshkar – Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan,

The song belongs to promotion of the business by self-employed artisans.

In the second part of the song we get to hear girlish voice of adolescent Hridaynath Mangeshkar at the beginning of the two interludes.

Jhoothi Hai Kahani Teri Jhoothi Teri Shaan … Tu Kar Nahi Sakta Hai Muskil Kabhi Aasan – Asha Bhosle – Lyrics: Munir Lakhanavi

The song seems to be a background song.

Jhoom Jhoom Kar Bahar Nache Pavan Phul Barsaye – Guzara (1954) – Shamshad Begum, Mohammad Rafi – Lyrics: Phauq Jaami

The duet spells out the dreams of the couple’s future life. The orchestration sounds similar to what we are used to listen in Naushad compositions, but the rhythm and percussion arrangement bears Ghulam Mohammad stamp.

I could not find YT links for Rula Rula Ke Pehli Aayi Aur Mili Ye Pagar (Shamshad Begum , Mohammad Rafi) and Zamane Hai Re Zalim Zamane (Shyam Kumar).

Mirza Ghalib (1954) epitomizes the play of fate in Ghulam Mohammad’s career. Ghulam Mohammad not only created hugely successful songs like, Aah Ko Chahiye ek Umr Asar Hone Tak, Nukta Cheen Hai Gam-e-Dil, Rahiye Ab Aisi Jagah Ke JahaaN Koi Na Ho, Ye Na Thi Hamari Kismat (Suraiya solos), Dil-e-Naddan Tujhe Hua Kya Hai (Talat, Suraiya), Ishq Mujhko NahiN Vahsat Hi Sahi, Phir Mujhe Deeda-e-Tar Yaad Aaya (Talat Mahmood solos) and Hai Bas Ke Unke Isharre Pe NishaaN Aur (Mohammad Rafi solo), but also defined the ghazal singing as genre in Hindi films. The film also earned National award for best feature film. What more one needs to put the career on to the seventh heaven! But not the luck of Ghulam Mohammad. Eventhough the films was fourth film in among the Top Earners, the tag of unlucky music director remained stuck to Ghulam Mohammad.

Ganga Ki Reti Pe Bangla Chhawaai De Sainya Teri Khair Ho – Mirza Ghalib (1954)- Sudha Malhotra – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

The song shows the dance peroramnce in Bahdur Shah Zafar’s court. The moment king turns away from the dance, Moti Begum (ChaudahviN) picks up Aah ko chaahiye ik umr asar hone tak  in an apparent effort to present to the king the plight of her (more on the platonic platform) affection for Mirza Ghalib to get his release from the royal goal.

Hamne maana ke tagaaful na karoge lekin, Khaaq Ho Jayege Hum Tumko Khabar Hone Tak – Mirza Ghalib (1954) – Suraiya – Lyrics:  Mirza Ghalib

The picturisation shows Moti Begum dying in the arms of Ghalib). This song, a recital by Suraiya, gets played in the background as Suraiya’s body is being carried for burial.

Asides:

These shers are part of the ghazal  Aah ko chaahiye ik umr asar hone tak. The shers included in the song are marked in italics in the original ghazal reproduced here:

aah ko chāhiye ik umr asar hote tak
kaun jiitā hai tirī zulf ke sar hote tak

dām-e-har-mauj meñ hai halqa-e-sad-kām-e-nahañg
dekheñ kyā guzre hai qatre pe guhar hote tak

āshiqī sabr-talab aur tamannā betāb
dil kā kyā rañg karūñ ḳhūn-e-jigar hote tak

tā-qayāmat shab-e-furqat meñ guzar jā.egī umr
saat din ham pe bhī bhārī haiñ sahar hote tak

ham ne maanā ki taġhāful na karoge lekin
ḳhaak ho jā.eñge ham tum ko ḳhabar hote tak

partav-e-ḳhur se hai shabnam ko fanā kī ta.alīm
maiñ bhī huuñ ek ināyat kī nazar hote tak

yak nazar besh nahīñ fursat-e-hastī ġhāfil
garmī-e-bazm hai ik raqs-e-sharar hote tak

ġham-e-hastī kā ‘asad’ kis se ho juz marg ilaaj
sham.a har rañg meñ jaltī hai sahar hote tak

Note:

The original text of the ghazal has ‘hote tak’ as’ radif[1] but the song versions use ‘hone tak’, possibly for better phonetic effect.

Nigaahen Pher LeeN Sab Ne Lutey HaiN AasKke dere … Deewaane Yahaan Tak Aa Pahunche – Mirza Ghalib (1954) – Banda Hasan, Rafi – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Here is a qawwali in its truer form and spirit as prayer to The Almighty. The metaphor Deewane YahaN Tak Aa Pahunche refers to Mirza Ghalib’s wife (Nigar Sultana) and his love, Moti Begum (Suraiya) who both have come to seek the relief of Mirza Ghalib from the goal.

Nahin Ishq Mein Is Ka To Ranj Hamen – Mirza Ghalib (1954) – Mohammed Rafi – Lyrics: Bahadur Shah Zafar

This is recital of three couplets from the full ghazal written by Bahdur Shah Zafar

Asides:

Many singers have presented the ghazal in their own styles. Here is one such version by Habib Wali Mohammad

Chali Pi Ke Nagar Ab Kaahe Ka Dar Ho More Baanke Balam Kotwaal – Mirza Ghalib (1954) – Shamshad Begam – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

The song, being a wedding preparation song is also based on folk theme for such situations.

We continue or exploration of Ghulam Mohammad and his singers in the next (year) episode as well….

We will continue remembering Unforgettable Songs that seem to Fading away from our Memories every second Sunday of the month ……..

Disclaimer: All images are sourced from net and videos from You Tube. All copyrights of the respective image/ video clip remain with the original owner of the image.

[1] Each coupletpf a ghzal ends on the same word or phrase (the radif), and is preceded by the couplet’s rhyming word (the qafia, which appears twice in the first couplet).

Fading Memories…. Unforgettable Songs: Volume VIII – March 2023 Edition

Ghulam Mohammed and His Singers: 1953

Ghulam Mohammed (1903 – 17 March 1968) was trained as dholak player, but on the strength of his natural insight for rhythm ensured he was equally comfortable and proficient with folk percussion instruments like duff or matka. More he also had advantage of accompanying his father to various music programs. That helped him to extend his reach to melody as well. The initial years of struggle after he came down to Bombay in 1924 also worked as blessing in guise, in that his natural  talents got honed to a level of professional excellence. The cruel realities of politics of Hindi film world or the fickleness of destiny could prevent in getting Ghulam Mohammed the success commensurate with his talents but has not been able to obliterate Ghulam Mohammed’s creations in the 37 films for which he scored music as independent music director.

It to refresh our memories of multi-talented music director Ghulam Mohammed that we commenced the present series in the month of death of Ghulam Mohammed’s songs with special focus on the playback singers he chose to fructify his creations in the month of his passing away to the heavenly abode. Till now we have covered Ghulam Mohammed’s songs for the year

1943 to 1949 in 2021, and

1950-1952 in 2022.

Presently, we will listen to the relatively less heard songs of six films – Dil-e-Naadan, Gauhar, Jazar Raatein, Laila Majnu, Naina and Rail Ka Dibba – for which Ghulam Mohammed composed music in the year 1953.

Jagjit Kaur – Chanda Gaye Ragni Chham Chham Barse Chandani, Mast Jiya Lahraye Mora Mast Jiya Lahraye – Dil-e-Naadan (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

While recognizing the talent of Jagjit Kaur, Ghulam Mohammed has so creatively used her voice for this happy song.

Ghulam Mohammed has so effectively further used Jagjit Kaur’s voice in sad song, Khamosh Jindagi Ko Ek Afazana Mil Gaya, that the song instantly got a place of honor in Jagjit Kaur’s all-time greats

Sudha Malhotra – Na Wo Humare, Na Dil Humara, Kahin Bhi Apna NahiN Thikana – Dil-e-Naadan (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed extends his experiment to use voice of Sudha Malhotra for this solo wherein he has a slow-paced mukhada as well as first lines of Antaras to create that specialeffect of pathos.

Asha Bhosle – Lijo Baabul Hamara Salam Re, Ham To Jaate Hai Saajan Ke Gaam Re – Dil-e-Naadan (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

The daughter is trying to assuage the helpness of father. Ghulam Mohammed has chosen the folk tune of a vidaai (bride farewell) to convey the message. He has chosen the then less known voice of Asha Bhosle for this poignant song.

Talat Mahmood – Ye Raat Suhani Raaat Nahi, Aye Chand Sitaro So Jao – Dil-e-Naadan (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Not having seen the film I do not why Talat Mahmood (the hero on the screen) is so disturbed on his first wedding night, but Ghulam Mohammed has effectively used his soft voice at a higher scale to express the mood.

Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi – Haule Haule Dhire Dhire  Haule Haule, Dil Mera Leke Chale – Gauhar (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed has used a novel way of the singers  swinging the lyrics of mukhada to express the bubbling moods of the love birds.

Shamshad Begum – Saavan Mein Yaad Teri Aaye Jab Piya, Ho Dekho Ji Kali Ghata Baras Baras Jaye – Gauhar (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

The pouring rains from the dark clouds of Saavan is a favorite metaphor for poets to express the feelings of the separation of the two birds. Ghulam Mohammed has fallen back on the veteran Shamshad Begum to enliven the pain.

Sudha Malhotra, Shamshad Begum – SaiyaN Tore PaiNYa PaduN Aa Jaa Re,  Mere Man Ki Aag Bujha Ja Re – Gauhar (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Two friends and their friends voice their youthful longings for falling into love with someone of their choice. The song is set to a folk tune.

Mohammad Rafi – Zara Sambhal Ke Beta Jamura Tu Naach Main ChheduN Tamura – Hazaar Raatein (1953) – Shakeel Badayuni

The song is essentially the traditional folk tune used by the street conjurer who moves along with his red-faced monkeys and performs on the street.

Shamshad Begum, Mohammad Rafi – Raja Ji, Raja Ji Tum Meri Kahani Kya Jaano,  Main Hun Kya, Tum Bhala Dil Ki Baatein Puraani Kya Jaano – Hazaar Raatein (1953) – Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed uses a folk tune, retaining  dholak as rhythm instrument and harmonium in the orchestra, smoothly weaving in violin ensemble to give the song  modern touch. He also moves away from the set pattern of antara singing by using Rafi to sing the lines in a very noel manner.

Mohammad Rafi – Milne Ki Hasrat Mein Betabi Ke Saath, Rah Gaye Faila Ke Haye Dono Haath, Ful Do Din Hans Ke Ji Bahla Gaye  Aur Ye Gam Se Bin Khile Murjha Gaye – Laila Majnu (1953)– Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

In this background song, we get to hear Mohammad Rafi in deep tone set to a mildly higher scale, fully expressing the feelings of flying sands gradually covering up the bodies of Qaish and Laila.

Asides: Laila Majnu had two more songs of Mohammad Rafi, as also songs by Asha Bhosle and Shamshad Begum as well. However, in order to cover all these songs we may have to dedicate separate episodes to the cases of such films.

Mohammad Rafi, Khan Mastana – Bulbul Mein Nai Nagame Tere Gul mein Teri Bu Hai, Har Saye Mein Tera Nur Hai Har Chijh Mein Tu Hai – Laila Majnu (1953)– Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Medicants are sinigng a qawalli-styled song, probably as a prayer which so intimately reminds Qaish of his love Laila

Mohammad Rafi, Talat Mahmood – Bhar De Jholi Allah Naam Bhar De Jholi Allah Naam, Sabhi Ki Khair Mayi Baba Ki Khair Tere Banenge Sab Bigade Kaam – Laila Majnu (1953)– Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

The song initially depicts medicants seeking alms from Laila. Qaish also seems to have joined the group, When his turn comes up, the song goes into Talat Mahmood’s solo voice and Qaish uses the opportunity to seek a peek of Laila in the alms.

Naina (1953) had two music directors – Ghulam Mohammed composing three songs and Manna Dey four of total seven songs.

Meena Kapoor – BarbadiyoN Ne Hosh Se Begana Kar Diya, Ab AaNsuoN Ko Dard Ka Afsana Kar Diya – Naina (1953) – Lyrics: Anjum

On th efface of it the song is atypical love-torn heroine’s expression of poignancy. But, Ghulam Mohammed has experimented with voice Meena Kapoor while laying the first line of mukhada and each anatara to aver slow rhythm, thereby transforming the song into a very effective expression of pain of the torn-up love.

Geeta Dutt – Dil Unko De Diya Haye, Dil Ka Amailk Jaan Ke – Naina (1953) – Lyrics: Anjum

When it came to accepting the love, Ghulam Mohammed has switched over to the voice of Geet Dutt.

1953 had three films of Shammi Kapoor – Thokar, Laila Majnu and Rail Ka Dibba. Each one had fared poorly at the box office, ranking 21^st, 22^nd and 19^th respectively in terms of the collections. As a result, all the good work that Ghualm Mohammed had done in composing the songs for the two later films also was swept along in the wave of the ebb of box-office failure.

Shamshad Begum – Chham Chhamaachham Paayal Baaje, Naache Mora Man Ho Naache Mora Man, Chandaa Se Gawaahi Le Le Tu Mere Saajan Ho – Rail Ka Dibba (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

On a stand alone evaluation Shamshad Begum is at her usual gay mood in the song. But, the perplexing part is why should Ghulam Mohammed have chosen Shamshad Begum as playback to petit Madhubala in the year 1953!

Mohammad Rafi, Gandhari – Dunia Jawan Hai Dil Meharban Hai, Aise Mein Sanam Mil Jaaye Sanam Meri Qasam  – Rail Ka Dibba (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

The song has all the mandatory strapping of a street song – harmonium taking the lead in the orchestration, Kakoo dancing with gay abandon.

Shamshad Begum, Mohammad Rafi – La De Mohe Baalma Aasmani ChudiyaN Ji Aasmani ChudiyaN – Rail Ka Dibba (1953) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed has so deftly transformed the mood the traditional folk tune to enliven the playful mood of the two love birds.

Before we formally end the episode, we ough to take note of Talat Mahmood songs composed by Ghulam Mohammed in this year – the songs that remain high order of Talat Mahmood’s all time greats – Zindagi Denewale Sun, Jo Khushi Se Chot Khaye, Muhabbat Ki Dhun BeqararoN Se Poochho (with Jagjit Kaur and Sudha Malhotra) (Dil-e-Naadan), Chal Diya KarwaaN  Lut Gaye Hum Yahaan,  BaharoN Ki Duniya Pukare, Dekh Li Aye Ishq Teri MaherbaniyaN Dekh Li ( both with Asha Bhosle, composed by Sardar Mallik), Aasmanwale Teri Duniya Se Jee Bhar Gaya.

Our journey of refreshing Ghulam Mohammed’s songs still has a long way to go…..

We will continue remembering Unforgettable Songs that seem to Fading away from our Memories every second Sunday of the month ……..

Disclaimer: All images are sourced from net and videos from You Tube. All copyrights of the respective image/ video clip remain with the original owner of the image.

Fading Memories ….. Unforgettable Songs : March 2022

Ghulam Mohammed and His Singers : 1950-1952

Ghulam Mohammed (1903 – 17 March 1968)’s musical scores during the years 1943 to 1949 had established his identity as percussionist who had also gift of composing melodies as well. He had already been successful with the scores of Pugree (1948) and Shair (1949). However, it seems that his concurrent role as assistant to Naushad perhaps had cast some kind of shadow over his own identity as independent music director. This relationship continued till film Aan) 1952. Some historians consider him too naïve a businessman since he continued to assist Naushad even he had getting success by 1948.

This theory seems to hold some merit, because Ghulam Mohammed did get three films in 1950, two in 1951 and three again in 1952. These numbers need to be viewed in the back drop of the fact that several other (so-called) already stablished) music directors were also scoring successful music for the then big production banners in the same period. 1950 had Naushad scoring music for ‘Dastan’ and ‘Babul’, C Ramchandra for ‘Sargam’ and Anil Biswas for ‘Arzoo’. In 1951, along with “Deedar’ of Naushad, S D Buraman’s ‘Bahaar’ and Baazi’, C Ramchandra’s ‘Albela, Anil Biswas’s ‘Taraana’ and Shanker Jaikishan’s “Aawara’ occupied the space. There was hardly any respite in 1952 as well, with Naushad’s  ‘Aan’ and ‘Baiju Bawra’, S D Burman’s Jaal and Shanker Jaikishan’s ‘Daag.’

In all the fairness to Ghulam Mohammed, it should also be noted that some other equally talented music directors also had not been able to break the glass ceiling, even if their music was also noted with high respect o their talent. For example, Bulo C Rani – Jogan (1950), Roshan – Hum Log (1951) and Anhonee (1952), Hemant Kumar – Anand Math (1951) and Madan Mohan – Ashiana (1952) to name a few representative cases.

Be that as it may, our principal focus of the present series to commemorate the death anniversary month of Ghulam Mohammed is to refresh our memories of his compositions and get an overview of Ghulam Mohammed’s repertoire of 37 films as independent music directors with special attention to the wide range of playback singer he has used for his compositions.

As such, we have sidestepped some of his popular compositions for the present series and intentionally chosen songs that may be called as less heard ones so as to get a better appreciation of Ghulam Mohammed’s talent.

Previously, in 2021, we have covered Ghulam Mohamamed’s songs with different singers for the years 1943 to 1949.

With this backdrop to be kept at the back of our minds, we now take up Ghulam Mohammed’s songs for different playback singers during the years 1950 to 1952.

Rajkumari, Mukesh – Maine Sapna Jo Dekha Hai Raat… Bhala Jo Koi Puchhe… To Main Kya KahuN – Hanste Aansoo (1950) – Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

Here is an archetypical vintage era styled composition. However, the song succeeds in conveying the feelings of a girl who has fallen in love, for the first time. Majrooh Sultanpuri also has preferred to use very simple lyrics to truly express the feelings.

One noteworthy feature of Ghulam Mohammed’s  compositions was differently presented stanzas of his compositions, unlike many of his contemporaries who would not waste one more tune in one composition.

Shamshad Begum, Hameeda Banu, Raja Gul – O Jane Wale Theher Ja …., Dil De Ja Ya Le Ja Raja Ulfat Ka Ye Bazaar Hai – Hansate Aaansoo (1950) – Lyrics:  Shevan Rizvi

Ghulam Mohammed has boldly experimented with non-traditional orchestration for this street dance triad song, while maintaining the identity of the song genre with the use of catchy piece of harmonium in the brief prelude.

Shamshad Begum – Hum Dil Hi Apna Haar Gaye – Maang (1950) – Lyrics: Husaini

Comparison of the present composition with the previous one, Maine Sapna Jo Dekha Hai Raat, evidently demonstrates the vastness of range of tunes that Ghulam Mohammed can command to present almost similar feeling.

Since the song is not available on YT, here is an adio link: Hum Dil Hi Apna Haar Gaye.mp3

Uma Devi, Lata Mangeshkar – Na Jaane Aaj Kyon Gabra Rahi Ho – Maang (1950) – Lyrics: Prakash

Ghulam Mohammed recreates magic of blending voices of vintage era icon (Uma Devi) and the rising star of Golden Era) Lata Mangeshkar)

(Rajkumari), Geeta Dutt, Hamida Banu – Aaya Achanak Aisa Jhonka Hind Ka Jagamag Deep Bujha – Maang (1950) – Lyrics: Sagheer Usmani

Here is song that eulogises passing away Mahatma Gandhi. Even he Ghulam Mohammed has very deftly experimented with change in tunes for different stanzas.

It may be noted that Rajkumari is singing along with Geeta Dutt in first part of the song.

Mohammed Rafi, Amirbai Karnataki – Main HuN Bada NaseeboNwala….Hua Tera Mera Pyar Fatafat – Pardes (1950) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed comes all trump in a light-hearted comedy song. The icing on the cake is use of Amirbai Karnataki for such a song!

How imaginatively Ghulam Mohammed has used Mohammad Rafi’s voice for the opening line!

Lata Mangeshkar – KyuN Ae Dil-e- Diwana Hai Hosh Se Beganaa – Bikhre Moti (1951) – Lyrics: Akhtar ul Iman

The influence of vintage era style on Ghulam Mohammed’s compositions, even during 1951, is evident in the way he has used Lata Mangeshkar’s voice in this song.

Talat Mahmood – Chandanee Raato Mein Jis Dam Yaad Aa Jaate Ho Tum Roshani Bankar Meri Ankhoein Mein Chha Jaate Ho Tum – Naazneen (1951) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

I so much regret that this is one Talat Mahmood song that I must have hardly got to hear earlier.

Asides: Shri Arunkumar Deshmukh informs that this was the film in which Amjad Khan has acted as a child artist.

Shamshad Begum, G. M. Durrani, Mohammed Rafi – Do Din Ki Zindagi Hai … Ik Baar Muskara Do, Parde Mein Tum Hansi Ke …. Dil Ki Lagi Ko Chhupaa Lo – Ajeeb Ladki (1952) – Shakeel Badayuni

This song indeed should tell us what effort Rafi must have put into create his own identity in his initial days as we find difficult to the way Rafi handles lower octave mukhada and high pitch opening of the first stanza or chips in with a cameo line in the second stanza.

Zohrabai Ambalewali, Shamshad Begum – Dil Ke Sheesh Mahal Mein Aaya Yeh Matwala Chor – Amber (1952) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

In the stage dances, the dancers take up dress code of two cultures of two regions. Ghulam Mohammed has composed the tune matching to that culture. Especially noteworthy is the multi-instrument orchestra put to use by Ghulam Mohammed.

Mohammad Rafi – Churakar Dil Ko Yun Aankhein Churana Kisse Sikha Hai .. Chale Jaana Tum Door Bade Shaukh Se Huzoor…Mera Dil Mujhe Wapas Kar Do. – Amber (1952) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Unlike majority of Ghulam Mohammed compositions, here we have complex to sing tune, and that too for a song where the hero is trying to please the heroine!

Lata Mangeshkar – Tutegi Nahi Pyar Ki Dor Duniya Chahe Lag Le Jhor – Amber (1952) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed has not only switched to Lata Mangeshkar as lead singer but has also stayed away in using Lata Mangeshkar in the shadow of vintage era singing style.

Shamshad Begum, Mohammed Rafi – Rote Hai Naina Gam Ke Maare, Dekh Rahi HuN Din Mein Taare – Amber (1950 – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

I have selected this ‘masala’ dance song to validate the hypothesis – that Ghulam Mohammed has given Lata Mangeshkar the position of lead singer – put forward in the earlier song as soon as he has been entrusted the music for the film with the ‘hottest’ pair of the day – Nargis and Raj Kapoor.

Noteworthy is the change in the mood o the song that he has accomplished the way he has used Mohammad Rafi.

Mubarak Begum – Jal Jal Ke MaruN Kuchh Kah Na SakuN – Sheesha (1952) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed deploys vast orchestra during mukhada but then the stanza comes rendered with minimal instrumental support! This should easily rate as one of the best Mubarak Begum songs; however, the fact remains that, at least, I have heard it for the first time. So unfortunate that Mubarak Begum did not get many such high-quality singing opportunities!

What a pity that the failure of film at the box office also leads to the very short life of the songs, barring, of course, some exceptions!

Lata Mangeshkar – Jawani Ke Raaste Pe Aaj Mera Dil Hai – Sheesha (1952- Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed sets the tone of happiness of the song by a very catchy prelude and then follows it up with composing the song in the effervescent singing mode.

Thanks to the technology and resourcefulness and the commitment of all the YT uploaders, we can recreate the mesmerising magic of Ghulam Mohammed’s compositions, even today, whether it did cast spell then or not!

We take a break here till the next episode so that we can absorb the nuances and range of present batch of Ghulam Mohammed’s compositions.

Fading Memories…. Unforgettable Songs: March 2021

Ghulam Mohammed and His Singers: 1943 – 1949

Ghulam Mohammed (1903 – 17 March 1968), born in the family of musician in Bikaner (Rajasthan), got his early training from his father, Nabi Baksh, a tabla player and a stage artist. The career of Ghulam Mohammed is littered with ironies of fate that did give him his credit for his creation, but a little too late and far too less.

Every single piece of article written on Ghulam Mohammed would invariably focus on at least one defining characteristic. And yet, the fact that Ghulam Mohammed got to compose music for just 37 films in a career spanning almost four decades does neither tells the full story of his caliber nor it does justice to his talent. As such, in the month of his death anniversary, we commence an annual series that relives his known and less known songs.

We will begin with an overview of Ghulam Mohammed’s career in the form of songs he has composed for different singers. The choice of singers does seem to be a function of the period in which the music for the film is composed. Every song that Ghulam Mohammed created songs with each of this singer had the perfect mix of the singer and of the music director. We have adopted a conscious choice of selecting the songs that can easily be classified as the ones receding from the memory.

Hamida Bano – Ud Ja Re Ud Ja Panchhi Pee Pee Mat Bol – Mera Khwab (1943) – Lyrics: M E Ashq

Ghulam Mohammad got his first break as an independent music director in 1942 for a stunt film, Mera Khwab, released in 1943. However, some sources indicate Banke Sipaahi (1937) as Ghulam Mohammad’s debut film. There does not seem to be unanimity among film historians on this count. This was the period when he was known to be working as an instrumentalist for music directors like Rafiq Ghazanvi, Irshad Ali, Anil Biswas etc. It is further recorded that his first major break that elevated him to the status of assistant was in Sharda (1942; Music: Naushad). Their this relationship lasted till Aan (1953) even after Ghulam Mohammad had charted his own independent course in the meantime. Naushad also paid his tribute to their relationship by completing the unfinished tasks of Ghulam Mohammad swan song film ‘Pakeeza’

Zohrabai Amablewali – Tere Bina O Balam Kaise Kategi Mori Raina Bata Jaa – Mera Geet (1946) – Lyrics: Ramesh Gupta

The film had four music directors – Bal Mukund, Geeta Varma, Shankar Rao Vyas, Ghulam Miyan, Reejram – to compose as many as 16 songs. HFGK has been able to identify only a few songs for their respective composers. Even as we get to read the name is Ghulam MIyan, Cinemaazi confirms that this song is indeed composed by Ghulam Mohammed.

The song has very prominent and distinct use of dholak as rhythm instrument.

G M Durrani – Khel Nahi…Khel Nahi Gir Gir Ke Sambhalana – Doli (1947) – Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

The song is set to what is popularly known as Ghoda songs 9 singer rides a horse or a horse driven cart on the screen). The song is set to a fast pace, but runs on a very low octave, indicating that protagonist is deep thoughts as he sings the song during the ride.

Mukesh, Shamshad Begum – Tere  Naaz Uthane Ko Jee Chahta Hai – Grihasthi (1948) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

The song uses a duff (sometimes spelt as ‘daf’, too), another rhythm instrument that Ghulam Mohammed is credited with popularizing in Hindi film songs.

Knowledgeable bloggers inform us that this song was filmed on Pran and Sharda who was the sister of actor of ‘70s-‘80s Vinod Mehra

Mohammad Rafi – Nigahein Milane Ko Jee Chahata Hai – Parai Aag (1948) – Lyrics: Tanveer Naqvi

Composed to a softer, but relatively a fast, ‘qawwali’ style, and set to a soft Mohammad Rafi rendition, this easily the forgotten preceding song with the initial lyrics – Nigahein Milane Ko Jee Chata Hai. Yes, the one with better recall value is one which was used in Asha Bhosle qawwali song by Roshan (Dil Hi To Hai, 1963 – Lyrics: Sahir Ludhyanavi)

Suraiya – Mohe Mera Bachpana La De … Jawani Bhaye Na – Kaajal (1948) – Lyrics: D N Madhok

The orchestration has strong resemblance to what is used in Naushad’s songs. However, this playful song is well-remembered by Suraiya fans.

Sitara Kanpuri – Dil Ki Lagi Zubaan Par Aaye To Kya Karun – Pugree (1948) – Lyrics:  Shakeel Badayuni

‘Pugree’ is the second film that Ghulam Mohammed composed music for the production house All India Pictures, after Doli (1947). All India Pictures perhaps is the only banner that Ghulam Mohammed had under his belt as an independent music director. Other films that followed were: Paras (1949), Pardes (1950), Nazneen (1951), Guahar (9153), Rail Ka Dibba (1953), Laila Majnu (1953), Hoor-e-Arab (1955) and Sitara (1955).

Songs of ‘Pugree’ were resounding success in those days.

Shamshad Begum – Masti Bhari Bahar Ne Masatana Kar Diya – Pugree (1948) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

So ever young Shashikala lip-syncs Shamshad Begum on the screen.

Geeta Dutt – Na Tum Mere Na Dil Mera, Azab Hai Bebasi Meri – Dil Ki Basti (1949) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed had two other solos, two male-female duets and one female-female duets in the film. However, Ghulam Mohammed has also used Lata Mangeshkar for two solos as well.

Lata Mangeshkar, G M Durrani – Do Bichhade Hue Dil Lo Aapas Mein Gaye Mil – Shair (1949) – Lyrics:  Shakeel Badayuni

‘Shair’ was also quite popular album, in the year wherein blockbusters like Andaz or Barsaat or Mahal would have occupied the memory space of the listeners.

It should be interesting to note that G M Durrani is preferred as a playback voice to the male lead, Dev Anand.

Even as I had planned to take up film-wise song later in this series, it would be opportune to listen to two other duets from Shair, for the use of different percussion instruments.

Mukesh, Lata Mangeshkar – Ye Duniya Hai Yahan Dil Ka Lagana Kisko Aata Hai – Shair (1949) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Ghulam Mohammed has used ‘matka’ (an earthen clay pot) in this song. Matka was another percussion instrument that is credited to Ghulam Mohammed for being popularly used in Hindi film song.

Playback voice now shifts to Mukesh, possibly because the of the pathos mood of the song

This duet was also a chart buster of those days.

Mohammad Rafi, Shamshad Begum – O More Balma…Kahe Maari Kataar…. Haye… Daiya…. Daiya – Shair (1949) – Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Since my knowledge of music, and as a natural corollary, that of music instruments, is abysmally limited, I could only recognize a different instrument is used here, possibly a mix of dholak and matka, but do not which one it is!

A few strains of orchestration in the prelude seem to have faint the precursors of orchestration that we got to listen in the music of Pakeeza.

One interesting, and equally very rare as well, trivia to be observed is that Cuckoo is in the spectator’s gallery and enjoying the dance on the stage.

I plan to take up a few more singers in the next episode, before switching over to the usual format of remembering the songs from different films in chronological order.

We will continue remembering Unforgettable Songs that seem to Fading away from our Memories every second Sunday of the month next year too……..

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