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.

Hemant Kumar’s Hindi Song Compositions: Female songs – ‘Other’ Singers

We have covered Hemant Kumar’s Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle’s songs earlier.

We now move over to the ‘Long Tail’ of the skewed distribution of Hemant Kumar’s female songs. Hemant Kumar has used the ‘other’ known Hindi female playback singers more as an exception only. Raj Kumari had one dance number in Anand Math (1952). Shamshad Begum has two solos and two FF duets, Sudha Malhotra has one solo, one FF duet and one (an iconic) MF duet – that we will take up discussion separately- and Suman Kalyanpur has two FF duets, and Usha Mangeshkar has one solo and two FF duets. We also have a very rare Mubarak Begum, Sulochana Kadam FF duet and a song by a classic trained singer Lakshmi Shankar, as well

Rajkumari

Dil Ka Paimana Hai, Ulfat Ka Hath Hai – Anand Math (1952) – Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri

Sheila Ramani is so gracious as lead dancer in this court dance song.

Laksmi Shankar

Kaisi Lagi Karjeawa Mein Katar – Ferry (1954) – Lyrics: Rajinder Krishna

Hemant Kumar has used a classic trained singer for Mujra Song. From the initial dialogue in the clip, it seems that the song is seen by the daughter (Geeta Bali) as her mother has to perform for such mehfils

The song is in two parts. The second part has Geeta Bali singing the song on the screen. The feeling of pathos is very clearly felt in the way song is rendered in this part. The context of this change would be clear only when one has seen the film.

Usha Mangeshkar

Kaisi Lagi…..Jiya Jaye To Jiya Jaye – Ek Hi Rasta (1956) – with Asha Bhosle – Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

The song is a duet dance song, so typically planned to celebrate special occasions.

Pyasi Hai Mamata Meri Aaja Dheere Dheere Aa – Maa Beta (1962) – Lyrics: Prem Dhawan

Hemant Kumar has so melodiously weaved lathos of mother being away from her offspring in this lullaby.

Shamshad Begum

Hemant Kumar has used Shamshad Begum for four songs, of which a duet, with Ravi, from ‘Daku Ki Ladki” (1954) do not seem to be traceable on the internet

Meri Itni Araj Hai Huzur Se, Pyar Karna Magar Door Door Se – Hamara Watan (1956) – Lyrics: S H Bihari

We have here a classic mujra song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zik26guG66o

Hum Kisi Se Na Kahenge Chup Chup Se Rahenge– Yahudi Ki Ladki (1957) – with Geeta Dutt – Lyrics: S H Bihari

The song is set to what has now become familiar Arabic dance tunes (thanks to n-number of films based on stories from that milieu) to the listeners of Hindi film songs. Both the singers have been accorded freedom to sing in their natural range.

Pyar Jata Ke Lalchaye Mora Balama –- Hum Bhi Insaan Hai (1959) – Lyrics: Shailendra

This seems to a mujra-styled dance song. Shamshad Begum is her at vintage best, even in 1959.

Sudha Malhotra

Mujhe Tarke Taaluk Samjaya Jaata Hai – Sahara (1958) – Lyrics: Bharat Vyas

Hemant Kumar has so easily been able to present a signature mujra song – with prominent tabla thaaps (beats), beginning of the stanza without the support of any instruments and of course the use of most ubiquitous instrument of a mujra music – the sarangi.

Suman Kalyanpur

Suman Kalyanpur is present in only two FF duets. Both the duets are perfectly composed FF duets, but have differently blended the inherent vocal qualities of different singers in the respective songs.

Kabhi Aaj Kabhi Kal, Kabhi Paraso – Chand (1959) – with Lata Mangeshkar – Lyrics: Shailendra

The song appears to be public dance stage show. As such, both the performers are expected to move and sing in perfect synchronisation. Hemant Kumar has achieved this synchronization in the vocal part of the songs by perfectly blending almost similar sounding voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Suman Kalyanpur.

Phulwa Band Maheke Dekho Dali Dali – Ham Bhi Insaan Hai (1959) – with Geeta Dutt – Lyrics: Shailendra

Shailendra has captured the two points of views of friends in the song, who seem to be visiting the flower garden – both see different hues in the same settings in which both are present together. Hemant Kumar has enlivened this effect by using two naturally different voices – those of Geeta Dutt and Suman Kalyanpur.

Aside Trivia:

The song seems to have been inspired from Meghla Bhanga Rod Utheche (The Sun Rises in the Clouded Sky) – Tar Aar Par Nei. – Pratima Badopadyay – composed by Nachiketa Ghish, lyrics: Pulak Banerjee

Mubarak Begum, Sulochana Kadam

Bharat Ke Lok Geet (Fashion, 1959) is collection of folk songs from different regions.

The song can be heard by clicking on this link

https://gaana.com/song/bharat-ke-lok-geet

Other than these, he has also chosen to experiment with Bengali female playback singers, like Ratna Gupta, Pratima Banerjee, Aarti Mukherjee, his wife Bela Mukherjee and his daughter Ranu Mukhrtjee, Bula Gupta etc.

We will take up Hemant Kumar’s songs of ‘Other’ (Bengali Female Singers in the next episode.

Originally published on SoY as Hemant Kumar’s Female Playback Singers . This is the edited and improved-on-the-inputs-of-discussions thereupon version

Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music, February, 2019

Welcome to February, 2019 edition of Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music.

A Google Doodle created by Bangalore-based artist Muhammed Sajid on Madhubala’s 86the birthday tribute

MADHU BALA: The Bewitching Beauty of Bollywood – DP Rangan pays a rich tribute.

‘6 Iconic fashion statements we owe to Madhubala!’ looks back to some of the fashion trends that she made popular.

We also have post to remember Valentine’s Day – Ten of my favourite romantic serenades. It’s a list of romantic serenades, of people singing in praise of the person they’re in love with (or, as in the case of a couple of fraudulent characters in this list, pretending to be in love with).

For the Love of a Goddess – The article first takes through the narrative journey of a music documentary, Music for Goddess (by Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy and Nazir Ali Jairazbhoy), which explores the sacred music, dance and rituals of devidasis and devidasas, women and men dedicated to the goddess Renuka/Yellamma. It then introduces the instrument, the chaundka—also called chaundke, which the followers of the Goddes use mainly in their dancing and singing. The chaundka sounds similar to the damru. Our cinema has used the chaundka in several songs. The article has listed some of these songs.

Suman Kalyanpur – Sweetness Personified – The name conjures memories of lilting sweet songs, solos and duets that have gained immortality and enriched our music heritage. Peeyush Sharma revisits some of her evergreen melodies, enjoyed and cherished by generations of music lovers. Of the two duets she could get to sing with Mohammad Rafi, Din ho ya raat hum rahein tere saath (Miss Bombay, 1957, Hans Raj Behl / Prem Dhawan) is perhaps more known than Duniya Ye Kehati Hai.. Meri Kismat Mein Likhi Wo Jo Mere Peechhe Baithi Hai

In a tribute to Bharat Vyas in his centenary birth year, last month we had touched Bharat Vyas – The Prolific Lyricist – I and Bharat Vyas – The Prolific Lyricist – II . In part III of the series, his songs from ‘70s has been covered.

Here’s to the Birth or Death Anniversaries of Three Classic Hindi Film Artists Who Certainly Should Not Have Died In Poverty – The article refers to Cuckoo, Meena Shorey and Rajkumari. [I have searched a song in which each one is associated in a duet with Mohammad Rafi. The songs are at the end of the present article.]

Shailendra Sharma @ Golden Era of Bollywood has posted following memorial tribute posts:

The flashback series has why you should watch Waqt (1965), because it’s a near-perfect summary of the “masala” film before the term was commonly used and why you should watch Mem Didi (1961) for the beautiful chemistry between three elderly character actors.

Waheeda Rehman 2.0 – The Grand Diva Of Hindi Cinema – Staying relevant is one of the most crucial elements of Hindi film industry and Waheeda Rehman is a living legend who has stayed relevant in every era since her debut in 1955 in Telugu and Tamil cinema.

Zameen Kha Gayi Aasman Kaise Kaise – Some Non-picturised Songs Of R D Burman – Part 1 and Part 2 – the songs that either recorded but not filmed at all or filmed, but subsequently removed.

February, 2019 episode of Fading Memories, Unforgettable Songs takes up Talat Mahmood’s duets with Mubarak Begum and Madhubala Jhaveri, in continuation to the previous articles . Some of the Talat Mahmood Duets receding from the memory and Talat Mahmood’s Duet Combinations with Rare Co-singers.

And, now the posts on other subjects:

Romancing the Pardesi is a varied collection of beautiful Pardesi songs of separation, longing, betrayal and hope.

What Time It Is? is a theme-based list that has songs mentioning the actual time in the opening line.

With Claps As Percussion – Songs With A Difference, which has several over-riding conditions, one of which it is that it should not be an O P Nayyar composition. Here is one song that comes up as result:

Nacho Jhoom Jhoom Ke – Sarhad (1960) – Chitalkar – C Ramchandra – Majrooh Sultanpuri

By the Sea Shore remembers the songs from the films of 50s-60s and 70s, picturized on a seashore or a beach.

Reluctant Singer? Take a Boat Ride – Transformation happens to many people when they are on a boat that has left the shores some time ago. The songs listed herein are the ones that were sung by such “What, me sing?” folks when on the land. This is a celebration of people who themselves manage to move a sea vessel from one place to another.

Tujhe chaand ke ‘bahaane’ dekhun ki ‘chhat’ par aa ja goriye is a rich collection of songs in which an excuse to go to the terrace is linked up.

‘The Guide’ in English: The story of Dev Anand’s abortive attempt to storm Hollywood – Based on RK Narayan’s novel of the same name, the film was directed by Tad Danielewski. But reviewers thought it was ‘clumsy and artless’.

Mose Chhal Kiye Jaaye – Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya – Guide – The Twofold Stunner -The Writer / Director, Vijay Anand, wants his songs to take his story forward. He opts for two different songs…back to back and Burman da composes those two songs. Both songs have the same notes!!!! Whereas Lata Mangeshkar song is an accusation of the feeling of cheating, Mohammad Rafi’s song is a romantic plea for the sake of his love.

Songs of दास्तान- ए – हाल – ए -दिल weave anguish or agitation, and some time happiness, or sheer romance, when a person comes up to tell his / her heart-felt feelings.

We are bit late in documenting ‘Songs in the Snow: Ten of my favourites’. The songs should feature some amount of snow; it need not necessarily be all against a backdrop of snow. And the snow, even if it’s not real should at least not look patently fake.

In our tradition of ending our post with article on Mohammad Rafi or a topical song of his, I have picked up a few songs, each one of which basically has a link with the topics discussed in the present post.

Akhiyan Mail Ke Jara Baat Karo Ji – Pardes (1950) – with Lata Mangeshkar – Ghulam Mohammad – ShakeelBadayuni

Aao Chale Manwa More Door Chale Kahin Re – Amar Prem (1948) – with Rajkumari – Dutt Thakur – Mohan Mishra

Tumhein Chupke Se Dil Mein Liya – Ek Do teen (1953) – with Asha Bhosle – Vinod – Aziz Kashmiri

Chowpati Par Kal Jo Tujhse – Afsana (1951) – with Shmashad Begum – Husnlal Bhagatram – Chander Oberoi

Kehdo Kehdo Jahan Se Kehdo Ishq Par Jor Nahin – April Fool (1964) – with Suman Kalyanpur – Shanker Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri

Auraton Ke Dibbe Mein Mard Aa Gaya – Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh (1962) – With Suman Kalyanpur – Hansraj Behl – Prem Dhawan

Tere Peechhe Phirte Phirte Ho Gaya Pura Sal – Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh (1962) – With Suman Kalyanpur – Hansraj Behl – Prem Dhawan

I earnestly solicit your inputs for further broad-basing our cache for the content for our carnival of blogs on the Golden Era of Hindi film music.

Disclaimer: This monthly series of posts is my best-effort-based compilation of posts on Hindi film songs that I normally visit regularly. As I record my sincere thanks to all the original creators of these posts, any other posts that I have nor covered herein shows my lack of awareness of existence of such posts and is by no means any disrespect to their work. The copyrights to the posts, images and video clips remain the properties of the original creators.

Fading Memories…. Unforgettable Songs: February, 2019

Talat Mahmood Duets with Mubarak Begum and Madhubala Jhaveri

In memory of Talat Mahmood’s birth anniversary (24 February, 1924), we have commenced a series of annual articles on Talat Mahmood’s Rare Duets. We commenced with an omnibus overview – Some of the Talat Mahmood Duets receding from the memory – in February, 2017. We had covered one duet per pairing partner and the music director in that article. Then, in February, 2018, we narrowed down to Talat Mahmood’s Duet Combinations with Rare Co-singers. In that article we had covered on Talat Mahmood’s duets with co-singers who can be considered as ‘rare’ combinations.

Now onward, we will further narrow down our focus to Talat Mahmood’s duets with individual co-singers. In the process, we would maintain that either the Talat Mahmood^[1] – Co-singer combination is rare enough or the duet song is relatively less heard one. For the present we will take up Talat Mahood’s duets with Mubarak Begum and those with Madhubala jhaveri.

Talat Mahmood and Mubarak Begum

Mubarak Begum^[2] may not be treated as much ‘front-ranking’ playback singer as Talat Mahmood was, but she has quite a few very well-known solos to her credit. She has some of the very well-known duets to her credit, too. A couple of Talat Mahmood – Mubarak Begum share the top billing of ‘best duets ever’ category. These ‘well-known’ duets can be treated to the rule that the combination of Talat Mahmood – Mubarak Begum remains a ‘rare’ combination.

We have (just) 6 duets and 1 triad from Hindi Film and one NFS At a very first glance, it can be observed that these songs are spread over later part of Talat Mahmood’s mid-career to his end-of-the career years. Whether the Talat-Mubarak duets became hit or remained obscure, the common thread that runs through these songs is that even as none of the films had succeeded on the box office, these songs are the cherished gems for the most of Talat Mahmood or Mubarak Begum fans.

Ghir Ghir Aaye Badarwa Kare… Rang Bhare Ras Bhare Pyare – Dak Babu (1954) – Dhaniram – Prem Dhawan

Here we have a duet, in praise of the gathering clouds of monsoon, set to a semi-classical tune. No wonder that the song is so melodious.

Tera Bachpan Ek Kahani..Bhool Na Jana Balapana Ki Kahaani – Sangam (1954) – Ram Ganguly – S H Bihari

This is a beautifully crafted duet. Talat starts mukhada in a solo, continues with stanza in a solo, while reminiscing those lovely childhood moments, when Mubarak Begum joins him to carry forward those moments to the youth. For that portion of Mubarak Begum solo, the song runs on an altered rhythm, when Talat joins into a complete the stanza in duet. The style repeats in the next two stanza as well.

Aside Trivia:

This ‘Sangam’ is in the middle of the other two ‘Sanagam’s on each side – first one in 1941 and the later one in 1964.

Meri Bhi Dastaan Bhi Kya Dastaan Hai – Taatar Ka Chor (1955) – a triad with Asha Bhosle – Khayyam – Prem Dhawan

From the title, film appears to be based on some folklore of Tatarstan, a small kingdom on the banks of River Volga. The songs begins with recital of ‘shaers’ by Talat Mahmood and Asha Bhosle. Mubarak Begum, then, seamlessly picks up the mukda.

I listened to this song for the first time.

Asides Trivia:

This is the 3^rd film after Khayyam adopted this pseudonym, first two being Footpath (1953) and Dhobi Doctor (1954).

Raat Kitni Hasen, Zindagi Maherbaan, Baat Kuchcha Nahin, Ban Gayee Dataan – Badal Aur Bijli (1956) – Bipin Babul – Anjum Jaipuri

Here is song that is so much poetic, so melodious, so soothing, set to a pleasing mid-eastern tune… and yet placed in an obscure “B’ grade movie, is destined to be consigned as a ‘forgotten gem’.

Chanda Ke Rang Liye, Taaro Ka Sang Liye…Sapno Ki DUniya Mein Aaj Aa – Harihar Bhakti (1556) – K Datta – S P Kalla

The film is a typical mythology drama, however the song is a sheer beauty of romance. Interstingly, Mubarak Begum is so melodious that many listeners mistake her voice as that of Lata Mangeshkar.

Itne Qareeb Aake Bhii Kyaa Jaane Kis Liye Kuchh Ajnabii Se Aap Hain Kuchh Ajnabii Se Hum – Shagoon (1964) – Khayyam – Sahir Ludhyanvi

Theoretically, the song can be said to be belonging to the end of Talat Mahmood’s career, but Talat’s voice has not lost any of his vintage charm. Mubarak Begum also retains her melodious charm in the company of Talat Mahmood.

This is not only one of the most known of Talat-Mubark duets, it is undoubtedly regarded as one of the finest ever duets of Hindi Films.

Zara Keh Do Fizaaon Se Hamein Itna Satae Na.. Tumhi Keh Do Hawaon Se, Tumhaari Yaad Dilaye Na – Gogola (1966) – Roy Frank – Balkavi Bairagi

We again have a B grade movie, a not-much-known music director pair that has one of the most-remembered romantic duet

We will wrap-up Talat Mamood – Mubarak Begum duets with a NFS, which in fact is a Naat, a form folk-style Muslim prayer.

Hum Sunaate Hain Mohammad Mustafa Ki Dastaan

Talat Mahmood – Madhubala Jhaveri

Madhubala Jhaveri (19-1-1935 // 11-9-2013) active singing career in films is just 7 years from 1951 to 1958. She has sang 110 songs – 55 in Hindi, 27 in Marathi and 3 in Gujarati films. Obviously, Madhubal Jhaveri’s vocal skills have been tested in multiple ways in her songs across different languages. For example, here is a Gujarati poem which has been set to a quawalli-style format:

She was also very active on All India Radio as well. However, we do not have access to that wonderful treasure. For such a promising artist, her duets with Talat Mahmood are few in numbers and quite a few of them may be even less-heard-ones. But the paucity of numbers is more than made up by the pleasure of listening to these two unique voices in different moods.

Madhubala Jhaveri’s on-record debut is Rajput, a 1951 film, for which music was composed by Hansrah Behl.

Jao Jao Aa Gaya Bulawa Jang Ka – Rajput (1951) with Manna Dey – Hansraj Behl – Bharat Vyas

Madhubala Jhaveri was just16 when she recorded the songs for Rajput… but she has been able to passion for patriotism with the romantic emotions like a pro.

Tum Kaun Ho Rajkumari, Yeh Chanda Sa Mukhra Idhar To Karo – Rajput (1951) – Hansraj Behl – Bharat Vyas

This seems to be the song for a famous tradition in those days, wherein the bride-to-be would choose her groom in open contest. The song therefore blends a trace of authority that a young daughter of king would manifest during such an occasion.

Pyar Ki Rut Dorangi Saajana Man Mein Holi Ankh Mein Sawan – Apni Izzat (1952) – Hansraj Behl – Asad Bhopali

The song is created to reflect the pensive mood of the couple deep in the emotions of mutual love. Entire song runs on very soft scale.

Dil Mera Tera Diwana.. Bas Itna Mera Fasana – Apni Izzat (1952) – Hansraj Behl – Pandit Phani

We now have a classic styled duet wherein both the players accept the mutual love.

Jabse Maine Dl Lagaya, Dil Kahin Lagata Nahin – Dost (1954) – Hansraj Behl – Asad Bhopali

The song is set to a Punjabi folk rhythm.

Ae Zamaane Bataa Do Dilo Ki Khata Hamko Barbaad Karke Tujhe Kya Mila – Dost (1954) – Hansraj Behl – Asaad Bhopali

The spectrum of moods of Talat Mahmood- Madhubal Jhaveri is now complete with a pure pathos duet.

Kehne Ko Bahot Kuchh Kehna Thaa Takraayi Nazar Sharma Hi Gaye…. – Diwali Ki Raat (1956) – Snehal Bhatkar – Madhukar Rajasthani

Madhubal Jhaveri and Talat Mahmood are deep in the playful romantic mood of the song.

Hafiz Khuda Tumhara Hamein Bhool Na Jaana – Naqabposh (1956) – Dhani Ram – Munir Arzoo Kazmi

The song would have been a mid-eastern setting, befitting the subject of the film. Madhubala Jhaveri now does justice to urdu diction.

As is obvious, we do not have any song today in Mohammad Rafi’s voice. So we will slightly deviate from our main theme and pick up a Rafi-Talat duet to end our present episode –

Kavita Naam Hai Gyaan Ka Ise Likhanewale Gyaani – Kavi (1954) – C. Ramchandra – Rajinder Krishna

Though set to a bhajan-style rhythm, the duet underscores a discourse wherein one protagonist claims superiority of legacy of the race to the artistic prowess of poetry, to which the other one systematically rebuts.

We will take up Talat Mahmood’s less –heard duets with some more co-singers next year…..

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. All copyrights of the respective image remain with the original owner of the image.

[1] Talat Mahmood – Documentary

[2] A Films Division film on Mubarak Begum

The Micro View of the Best Songs of 1949 @ SoY – Female Female Duets of Lata Mangeshkar

We have covered duets of Mohammad Rafi – with Lata Mangeshkar, with Suraiya and with Shamshad Begum, with Geeta Roy and with other female singers, Duets of Mukesh and then an omnibus Other Male Female duets for 1949 in the previous posts.

Today, we will cover Female Female duets for 1949.

Lata Mangeshkar +

Ahaha, Ahaha, Ao Chale Chale Wahan, Bolo Chale Chalen Kahan– Aaiye – with Mubarak Begum – Shaukat Haidari – Nakhshab Jarachavi

Dar Na Mohabbat Kar Le – Andaz – with Shamshad Begum – Naushad – Majrooh Sultanpuri

Chup Chup Khade Ho Zaroor Koi Baat Hai – Badi Behan – With Premlata – Husnlal Bhagatram – Qamar Jalalabadi

Duniyawalo Mujhe Batao Kya Hai Sachcha Pyar – Balam – With Suraiya – Husnlal Bhagatram – Qamar Jalalbadi

Interestingly, this song also has a Male-Male Version : Mohammad Rafi and S D Batish –

Jara Sun Lo Hum Apne Pyar Ka Afsana Kahate Hai – Bazar – with Rajkumari – Shyam Sundar – Qamar Jalalabadi

Agre Ko Ghagharo Mangva De Raja – Laadli – with Ashalata- Anil Biswas – Nazeem Panipati

Chhota Sa Mandir Banaun Jay Jay Jay Prem Devata – Laadli – with Meena Kapoor – Anil Biswas – Chandrasekhar Pandey

Hum Jaani Re Jaani Re Hum Jaani Re – Sanwaria – with Geeta Dutt – C Ramchandra – P L Santoshi

Chalo Ghunghat Mein Guiyan Chhupake Gajab Tore Naina – Sipahiya – with Geeta Roy – C Ramchandra – Rammurti Chaturvedi

We will take up other Female Female Duets in our next episode.

Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music – July, 2016

Welcome to July 2016 edition of Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music.

Hindi Film Music world lost its two more talented, but not corresponding recognized personalities – Mubarak Begum and Omi (of Sonic-Omi duo). Mubarak Begum made her debut in 1949 and thus saw the transformation of the HFM from vintage era to golden era. Omi (Omprakash Sonic) of Sonic-Omi music director (Uncle, Manoharlal Sonic and his nephew Omi) duo, who did enter the HFM world at the last phase of the golden era and thus saw the transition for the golden era to the present day HFM world.

Here are the tributes to Mubarak Begum:

Mubarak Begum - Woh Na AAyende Palatkar

AAJ KE FANKAR- MUBARAK BEGUM- A TRIBUTE TO MUBARAK BEGUM
CHHAYA GEET- MUBARAK BEGUM, which contains

Ae Dil Bata Hum Kahan Aa Gaye – Khooni Khazana (1965) – S Kishan – Khawar Zaman
Chaah Karani Thi Chaahkar Baithe – Punarmilan (1964) – C Arjun – Raja Mahedi Ali Khan
Itne Kareeb Aa Ke Bhi – with Talat Mahmood – Shagoon (1964) – Khayyam – Sahir Ludhianvi
Mere Aansuon Pe Na muskara – Morey Man Mitwa (1965) – Dattaram –Priyadarshi
Hum Haal-e-Dil Sunayenge – Madhumati (1958) – Ssalil Chowdhary – Shailendra
Mujhhko Apne Gale Laga Lo – with Mohammad Rafi – Humrahi (1963) – Shankar Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri
Bemurrawat Bewafa – Sushila (1966) – C Arjun – Jan Nissar Akhtar

Radio Ceylon 19-07-2016~Tuesday Morning~01 Film Sangeet – Mubarak Begum
Mubarak begum- Documentary by Films Division
Radio Ceylon 04-06-2016~Saturday Morning~01 Ek Aur Anek – Mubarak Begum with various singers , which presents a quite wide fare of her duet songs :

Hamrahi (1963) – Mubarak Begum & Rafi – Mujh Ko Apnay Galay Lagaa Lo, Ae Meray Hamraahi – Shankar Jaikishan (Hasrat Jaipuri)

Gogola (1966) – Mubarak Begum & Talat – Zara Keh Do Fizaayo.n Se Aame.n Itnaa Sataye Na – Roy & Frank (Baalkavi Bairagi)

Phoolon Ke Haar (1951) – Mubarak Begum & Devendar Goel – Jhoom Jhoom Kar Door Gagan Pe Badal Kare.n Ishaaray – Hans Raj Bahal (Varma Malik)

Basera (1950) – Mubarak begum & BS Nanji – Dekho Ji Baat Suno, Tum Mujhse Aan Milo– MA Rauf (Sardar Ilham)

Awara Shehzadi (1956) – Mubarak Begum & Shashikant – Karlo Ji Pyaar Karlo Ji Pyaar Dil waalo Pyaar Kar Lo – Nashad (Sartaj)

Patit Paawan (1955) – Mubarak Begum & Sudha Malhotra – Jeevan Ka Tu Ujiyaara Hai, Rakhwaara Bansi Waara Hai – Jamal Sen (Bharat Vyas)

Haar Jeet (1954) – Mubarak Begum & Geeta Dutt – Bechain Hai Betaab Hai Is Dil Ka Fasaanaa Sun Le – SD Batish (Kaif Irfani)

Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966) – Mubarak Begum & Asha – Saaqiyaa.n Ek Jaam Vo Bhi To De – Madan Mohan (Rajendar Krishan)

SoY also had posted An evening with Mubarak Begum on January 5, 2013. I have selected these two songs from this post:

Hume Dum Daike Sautan GharJana – Ye Dil Kisko Dun (1963) – with Asha Bhosle – Iqbal Qureshi – Qamar Jalalabadi
Hai Mohabbat Bahut Hi Tumse Mujhe – Teesri Qasam (1966) – with (?) – Shanker Jaikishan

And the tributes to Omprakash Sonic:

AAJ KE FANKAR- A TRIBUTE TO COMPOSER OMI (DUO SONIK- OMI)

We also recollect Omi ji (of Sonik-Omi) in an exclusive interview with Anmol Fankaar and “Sansaar Hai Ik Nadiya” – (Sonik) Omi

We now take up posts that remember the Anniversaries:

Sanjeev Kumar – The Actor Who Rose Above The ‘Hero’ – From among his several costars, ranging from Hema Malini to Sharmila Tagore, from Raakhee to Vidya Sinha, Suchitra Sen to Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar experimented the most with his female lead and bosom pal Jaya Bhaduri (Bachchan). These two superbly talented actors played out all kinds of relationships on screen – husband-and-wife (Koshish), father-in-law and daughter-in-law (Sholay), lovers (Anamika), father-daughter (Parichay), the multifarious 9-character role in Naya Din Nayi Raat, ending up as the doctor and patient who hesitatingly comfort each other on finding that their respective spouses are having an affair (Silsila).

Shankar-Jaikishan’s songs for Mukesh – Continuing the series on Shankar-Jaikishan, SoY presents the songs composed by them for Mukesh as a tribute to the singer on his 93^rd birth anniversary (22 July 1923 – 27 August 1976). All the songs that are posted present a good panorama of their association. I have added a few on my art here. Except for ‘Apne Hue Paraye’ song, these songs that immediately popped up, but had remained dormant till the memory was jolted out by this post….

Woh Zindagi – Sapno Ka Saudagar 1968
Gunahon Ka Devta – Title Song
Koyi Bulaye Aur Koyi Aaaye – Apne Hue Paraye 1964
Apni Bhi Kya Zindagi Hai – Aas Ka Panchhi (1961)
Yeh Shehar Bada Albela, Yahan Har Taraf HaseenoN Ka Mela – Singapore [1960]

‘Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega, Mera Saya Saath Hoga’ – The Everlasting Songs of Raja Mehdi Ali Khan – From patriotic to sentimental, from humorous to romantic, Raja Mehdi Ali Khan penned a wide range of songs that were simple yet sublime. In a tribute, we revisit some of those everlasting songs on the extreme end of the spectrum:

Watan ki raah mein watan ke naujawan shaheed ho –Shaheed, 1948 – Ghulam Haider / Raja Mehdi Ali Khan / Mohd Rafi, Khan Mastana
Is duniya mein sabse achchhi cheez hai paisa – Mehlon Ke Khwab, 1960 – SS Mohinder / Raja Mehdi Ali Khan / Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle

Music Makers of Golden Era

The Music Makers of the Golden Era – Roshan, Anil Biswas, Hemant Humar, Mohd. Shafi, Naushad, Jaikishan, C. Ramchandra and Madan Mohan

‘Rehearsals were Never Easy, Music Sittings were Always Fun’ – Remembering Madan Mohan – Madan Mohan, the creator of immortal melodies and film ghazals, had a fun-loving, outgoing personal side as a gracious cook and host, a wrestling and racing enthusiast, a car freak among other energetic interests – his eldest daughter Sangeeta Gupta in a conversation with Peeyush Sharma.

Orthodox RD Burman – an extremely talented and creative composer with a solid foundation in the orthodox style of composition., a style of composition where there is an emphasis on melody and melodic content in the vocals of the song. We can listen to 30 handpicked songs in his orthodox style in a playlist by clicking LINK TO R D BURMAN PLAYLIST

Tumko Piya Dil Diya Kitne Naaz Se – GS Kohli, the Unsung Music Composer – We have picked up only one song here to simply illustrate the versatility of GS Kohli.

Pyaar ki raah dikha duniya ko, roke jo nafrat ki aandhi (Lambe Haath, 1960) G S Kohli / Anjaan/ Rafi

We now take a look at posts on other subjects –

My Favourites: Songs of Strangers – in honour of those long-gone days, when pardesis seemed to make frequent trips to far flung villages and find the love of their lives in those unsullied vales, here are some of my favourite pardesi songs.

Maane na maane na haay balam pardesiya – Jagir (1959) – Lata Mangeshkar – Madan Mohan – Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Mohe apna bana ke gaya bhool re pardesi balam – Laxmi (1957) – ? – Avinash Vyas – Qamar Jalalabadi
Pardesi Ho, Hum Se Rakhiyaa Bandhaa – Gaali (1944) – Manju – Hanuman Prasad, Pt Indra

My Favourites: ‘Where Are You?’ Songs – I have picked up two of the less heard songs from this list to give us the idea about what the subject is about –

Kahan ho kahan ho mere jeevan sahaare – Sangdil (1952) – Talat Mehmood – Sajjad Hussain – Rajinder Krishan
Main doondhti hoon kahan ho sanam – Shrimati 420 (1956) – Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi – OP Nayyar – Majrooh Sultanpuri

D P Ranagan, in one more of his highly innovatively informative article, Star showers in Bollywood, has presented Hindi Films songs that have featured the stars

Book Review: Dorothee Wenner’s ‘Fearless Nadia: The True Story of Bollywood’s Original Stunt Queen’

In her biography of Hindi cinema’s ‘original stunt queen’, German film-maker and curator for the Berlin International Film Festival, Dorothee Wenner sets out to explore the life and times of this fascinating actress. Fearless Nadia: The True Story of Bollywood’s Original Stunt Queen (Translated by Rebecca Morrison; ISBN: 0-14-303270-4; Penguin Books; 248 pages; Rs 295)

Ten of my favourite Dupatta/Chunri/Chunariya songs – a salwar-kurta (or churidar–kurta) or a sharaara, or even a ghaagra, the dupatta served to drape the upper part of the body: the bosom, at least, but in some cases, even the head. It thus became a symbol of modesty—and, in some instances, an extension of the heart, the feelings of the wearer. More than the saree or any other garment, the dupatta became the theme for songs. (It even gave its name to one really lovely Pakistani film starring Noorjehan). However, this post is really a response-in-kind of “absolutely lovely dupatta” that friend, fellow blogger and soul sister Anu’s gift to the author.

Gora rang chunariya kaali motiyon waali (Howrah Bridge, 1958)
Dupatta mera malmal ka rang saleti halka (Adalat, 1958)
Main toh odhoon gulaabi chundariya aaj re (Humayun, 1945)
Dupatte ki gireh mein baandh lijiye –(Apne Hue Paraye (1964)

Three Queens of the Indian Drums focuses on some great contemporary female players of Indian drums.

Pakistani Stars endorsing Lux Soap – The first Pakistani actress to endorse Lux Soap was Meena Shorey in 1956

Guru Dutt with his family (1957)

guru-dutt-family

Back row: Guru Dutt with his father, mother and Geeta Dutt. Front row: Guru Dutt’s brother Atma, his wife, sister Lalita and her husband. The children are those of Guru and Atma Dutt.

Autographs of Hindi Film Stars – I and II – and links to the profiles of – Om Prakash, Cuckoo,Nalini Jaywant, Vimla, Kuldeep Kaur, Jairaj, Sajjan and Veera

Biswajeet – Memories – as told to Santosh Sud in1990 – throws light on some very interesting facets of him.

In Micro View of the Best Songs of 1949 @SoY, having covered G M Durrani, Talat Mahmood, Surendra and ‘Other’ Male Playback Singers , Mukesh and Mohammad Rafi’s ever green solo songs, first and second part of Other Noteworthy Solo songs in the Male Solo Songs category till now, I also declared MY Top Male Solo Songs, choosing Mohammad Rafi as the Best Male Singer for 1949 and his Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki (Dulari, Naushad) as the Best Song. SoY also has released Best songs of 1949: Wrap Up 1, choosing Mukesh as the Best Male Singer and Tu kahe agar as the Best Male Solo.

Then I have taken up Solo Songs of ‘Other Than Lata Mangeshkar’ Female Singers, in which we covered Suraiya, Geeta Roy , Shamshad Begum, Raajkumari, Asha Bhosle, Surindar Kaur.

On Mohammad Rafi’s anniversary we end our present episode with a few of Sonic-Omi’s Mohammed Rafi songs that did not gain ‘high’ popularity:

Haseen JulfoN Ka Rang De Do – Beti (1969) – Shakeel Badayuni

Mere Mehboob Tu Mujhko – Beti (1969) – Shakeel Badayuni

Yeh Dil Nahin Hai – Aabroo (1968) – GS Rawal.

We will take up an exclusive article on Mohammad Rafi in our next Fading Memories.. Unforgettable Songs episode…..

I look forward to receive your inputs for further enriching the contents of the posts…..

The Micro View of The Best Songs of 1950 @ Songs of Yore – Male – Male And Female – Female Duets

We continue with very interesting variations of Duets, as part of our journey through the ‘Best songs of 1950: And the winners are?

We have had a quite an extensive Tet-e-tat with Male-Female Duets of 1950. This is the year wherein we have quite a rich fare of Male-Male and Female-Female Duets.

Today we will first take up Male – Male Duets :

The first two are quite unique combinations, whereas Chitalkar pairs with Rafi to present very peppy numbers.

Mukesh + GM Durrani –

Aise Mein Koi Chham Se Jo Aa Jae – Hanste Ansoo – Shevan Rizvi – Ghulam Mohammad

Mohammad Rafi + Raja Gul –

Ek Chakkar Paon Mein Hai, Ek Chakkar Sar Mein Hai – Shadi Ki Rat – Sarshar Sailani – Pt. Gobind Ram

Chitalkar + Mohammad Rafi –

Kahnewale sach kah gaye hain – Nirala– PL Santoshi – C Ramchandra

Are Kismat Ka Sitara Chamka ….Sab Kuchh Deta Chhappar Fad Ke Deta – Sangeeta – P L Santoshi – C Ramchandra

We then turn over to another very frequently used variation of the duets – Female- Female Duets

Lata Mangeshkar + Shamshad Begum –

Kas ke kamar ho jaa tayyaar – Sangram – P L Santoshi – C.Ramchandra

Trivia: (Boy) Shashi Kapoor and (Baby) Tabassum playfully grace the song.

Lata mangeshkar + Uma devi –

Na Jaane Kyon Ghabara Rahi Ho, Nazar Kuchch Bahaki – Maang – Prakash – Ghuam Mohammad

Lata Mangeshkar and Geeta Roy + Chorus –

Panghat pe na jaiyo gori ghunghat utaar ke – Raj Mukut – Bharat Vyas – Govind Ram

Lata Mangeshkar and Amirbai Karnataki –

Gore gore O baanke chore – Samadhi – Rajendra Krishna – C Ramchandra

Lata Mangeshkar and Sarswati Rane –

Jab dil ko sataye gham tu chhed sakhi sargam – Sargam – PL Santoshi – C Ramchandra

Tinak tin tani do din ki zindagani – Sargam – PL Santoshi – C Ramchandra

Lata Mangeshkar + Raj Kumari –

Ham Aah Bhi Karate Hai …. Nazar Ne Loot Liya – Wafa – Hasrat Jaipuri – Vinod

Geeta Roy + Meena Kapoor –

Maine Balam Se – Aadhi Raat – Rajendra Krishna – Hansraj Behl

Meena Kapoor sings the main song whereas Geeta Roy leads the chorus.

Geeta Roy + Suraiya –

Preet ka nata jodnewale – Afsar – Narendra Sharma – S D Burman

Geeta Roy + Asha Bhosle –

Mausam Hai Namkeen Sanwariya , Aa Jaa Re – Bewee – Nazim Panipatti – Aziz Hindi

Geeta Roy + Zohrabai Ambalewali –

Ek Taraf Jal Raha Deepak – Preet Ka Gee – Shyam Babu Pathak

Mubarak Begum + Sulochana Kadam –

Sham Hui Aur deep Jale…..Aakash Pe Taare Naachenge – Basera – Sardar Ilham – M A Rauf

(Combination of Mubarak Begum and Sulochana Kadam is one of the rarest ones. We could not find video / audio clip of this song. We trust by bringing up here, we will get the song also on internet platform someday.)

Raj Kumari + Lalita Deulkar –

Mora Bhola Sa Balma Re, Naahin Samajhe Hamare Ishare – Khamosh Sipahi – D N Madhok – Hansraj Behl