Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music – March 2021

Welcome to March 2021 edition of IX^th Volume of Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music.

We pay our special tribute to Sahir Ludhyanvi on his birth centenary:

Sahir Ludhianvi at 100: Why the poet and film lyricist was the original ‘Angry Young Man’ – Akshay Manwani – With his incisive poetry and plainspokenness, Ludhianvi consistently raised uncomfortable questions and expressed bitter truths.

Remembering Sahir Ludhianvi: Privileged to have sung his lyrics, says muse – Bella Jaisinghani – “Do you know, it was Geeta Dutt and I who originally sang ‘Kabhi Kabhi mere dil mein’ for a Chetan Anand film in 1959-60. It got shelved and I don’t even have a recording. Khayyam Sahab’s tune was nearly the same as the one that was released later’ says Sudha Malhotra.

No other poet expressed separation in the same manner as Sahirsaab: Gulzar – I remember that he was never allowed to leave the stage without reciting his famous poem on the Taj Mahal — ‘Meri mehboob kahi aur mila kar mujhse’ — it was very, very popular with the people.

Sahir Ka Khayal Aaya: Sahir’s Anti-War Poem in a Unique Play – Antara Nanda Mondal – To commemorate legendary poet-lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi’s 100th Birth Anniversary, Delhi-based theatre group Pierrot’s Troupe’s premiered its unique monologue play Sahir Ka Khayal Aaya on March 7 at LTG Auditorium, New Delhi.

Sahir at 100: The ‘pal do pal ka shayar’ who doesn’t fade even 41 years after his death – Unnati Sharma and Shreyas Sharma – his lyrics and poetry still resonate for their philosophical tinge, symbolism & social consciousness.

We now move on to other tributes and memories:

Remembering Indeevar – Part I and Part II pay the tribute to The lyricist on the occasion of his 24th death anniversary.

50 years of Anand: a tribute – Everyone who loves Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Anand agrees that it is one of the warmest, most life-affirming of Hindi films. As it turns fifty, the dominant memory is of the terminally ill hero, played by Rajesh Khanna, spreading cheer and inspiration, determined to live a badi zindagi (big life) even if he isn’t fated for a lambi (long) one.

50 years of Anand — Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s timeless classic is an ode to life – Unnati Sharma – If director Hrishikesh Mukherjee had had his way, his 1971 classic Anand would have looked a lot different. One of Bollywood’s first superstars Raj Kapoor would have played the title character, and Bengali star Saumitra Chatterjee would have been Dr Bhaskar Banerjee.

Remembering Ninu Mazumdar – the composer and the singer is a tribute to Ninu Mazumdar on his 21st death anniversary (9 September 1915 – 3 March 2000)

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

• 50 Years of Sharmilee
• 90 Years of India’s First Talkie Film ‘Alam Ara’
• Nasir Hussain- Always Believed in Long Associations
• 50 Years of ‘Anand’
• SAHIR LUDHIANVI- . In his songs he consistently ra…
• Phaili Hui Hai Sapnon Ki Bahen- The Song Takes You…

March 2021 episode of Fading Memories, Unforgettable Songs takes up Ghulam Mohammed and His Singers: 1943 – 1949. In the month of his death anniversary, we commence an annual series that relives his known and less known songs.

Ghulam Mohammad – A Tribute lists popular songs of Ghulam Mohammed, as a follow-up to Ghulam Mohammad’s rarely heard songs.

On Basu Bhattacharya’s Anubhav: Middle Cinema, meet avant-garde, the first film in Bhattacharya’s ‘marriage trilogy’, the other two being Avishkaar and Griha Pravesh

We will now take up the articles on other subjects:

Amitabh Bachchan and India’s battle to preserve its film heritage – Soutik Biswas – Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, an award-winning filmmaker, archivist and restorer, of the Film Heritage Foundation has been at the forefront of restoring and preserving Indian films efforts.

A still from the 1958 Bollywood drama Night Club, now preserved in the archive

The Perils of Alcohol: Hindi Films’ Moral Lessons and Tips for Women is a list of ‘drunken women songs’, with following caveats:

• Caveat 1: The woman must be the heroine, not the vamp. That knocked Hoon abhi main jawaan out of the running.
• Caveat 2: She must truly be drinking, not pretend drinking. (That took care of a host of ‘sharabi’ songs..)
• Caveat 3: It has to be alcohol, no other forms of intoxication allowed. NoDum maaro dum or Ye aankhen uff yumma.
• Caveal 4: All songs had to be from pre-80s’ films.

Pick of the list is Aaj ye meri zindagi– Yeh Raaste Hai Pyar Ke (1963) – Asha Bhosle- Ravi- Shakeel Badayuni.

Romancing with ‘Zindagi’ confines the list to the songs in which ‘Zindagi’ is the main subject

Songs that Shun Love – for example Jis Pyaar Mein Yeh Haal Ho – Phir Subah Hogi, 1958 – Md.Rafi and Mukesh – Khayyam; Sahir Ludhianvi

Once Upon A Time – Ye Un Dinon ki Baat Hai is divided into three sections – Pen Portraits, Reminiscences and Perspectives.

On Shadow Craft, a book about the aesthetics of black-and-white Hindi cinema – For anyone who loves black-and-white cinema – and likes the idea of a creative work being encountered in its original form rather than disfigured to meet contemporary tastes – the computer-colourisation of old films is cause for teeth-gnashing.

Songs of the Unsure/Insecure Lover – for example – Main Tumhi Se Poochti Hun – Black Cat, 1959 – Md. Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar – N.Datta – Jan Nisar Akhtar.

In continuation to our tradition of ending the post with a few songs of Mohammad Rafi, each one of which basically has a link with the topics discussed in the present post.

Beta Dar Mat….Aahein Bhar Mat… – Bahi Behan (1959) – N Dutta – Sahir Ludhyanvi

Log Kahte Hain Ke Hum Tum Se Kinara Kar Lein – Bahu Begum (1967) – Roshan – Sahir Ludhyanvi

Qaza Zaalim Sahi..Ye Daawa Aaj Duniya Bhar Se – Laila Majnu (1976) – Jaidev – Sahir Ludhyanvi

Hum Mein Hai Kya Ke Humen Koi Haseena – Nawab Saheb (1978) – C Arjun – Sahir Ludhyanvi

I look forward to your inputs to enrich the contents of Carnival of Blogs on 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.

Ninu Mazumdar : A Trifoliate of Note, Lyric and Sound

Ninu is the family pet name of Niranjan Mazumdar (B: 9-9-1915 | D: 3-3-2000), who has 20 Hindi films to his credit as music director, 28 Hindi film songs in his own voice, one film each as lyricist and as a film director. Ninu Mazumdar was born in a community, which was traditionally more literate in those times. His father, Nagendra Mazumdar, was a dramatist and director of silent film era. Nagendra Mazumdar has also acted in a comedy cameo role in K L Saigal’s classic Tansen (1943). Ninu Mazumdar’s childhood upbringing happened under the guidance of his maternal grandmother at the then Gaikwad princely state Baroda. She herself was a leading social reformist. Here Ninu Mazumdar got his initial training in classical music under Ustad Faiyaz Khan and Ustad Imam Chili Khan.

In 1931, he came to Bombay and settled with parents. Here he met wide-ranging film personalities. His early initiation to Rabindra Sangeet also happened in those years. For some time, he had stayed in UP as well, where he picked up his liking for folk music as well as semi-classical music forms like, Chaiti, Hori, Thumri, Dadra etc. Soon he got his chance to compose music for Hindi films. His involvement in the world of music spanned singing, lyrics-writing, and music composition.  Avinash Vyas, his contemporary in the world of Gujarati Light Music, used call him trifoliate bael (Aegle marmelos) leaf  – स्वर, the (sound) note (the seven notes base of Indian Classical music), शब्द, the word (lyric of a poem) and सूर, the tune

The uncertain nature of Hindi films drove him to pick up invitation to join All India Radio (AIR) in 1954. His creativity fully flourished here. He introduced many budding Gujarati singers to the world of radio, and in the process popularized ‘light’ Gujarati music to the masses. He invited leading Hindi, Marathi and Gujarati poets to lend their poems to the AIR programmes to lend the breadth and depth to the Gujarati Light music. He introduced the concept of chorus singing into Gujarati light music with the help Bombay Choir Group (an association with which Salil Chowdhury also was associated). He is also credit with initiating one of the most popular programmed on AIR – Jaymala. His insatiable urge to learn and experiment led to him to learn Sanskrit after his retirement from a 20-year stint at the AIR service in 1974.

Ninu Mazumdar has composed music for 20 Hindi films, spanning a period of 1942 to 1967. Of these films, the films for which there is no trace on YT are: Masterji (1943) -co-music-director B R Deodhar; Pratigya (1943) – as recorded by Shri Harish Raghuvanshi in his famous Gujarati newspaper column article*- ; Rangile Dost (1944), Gudia (1947); Pul (1947); Ramshashtri (1944); Aflatoon (1950): Azamyish (1952) – except one song.  Ninu Mazumdar has penned songs for ‘Paristan’ (1944) and directed ‘Kuchh Naya’ (1948).

The Singer of His Own Compositions

To commemorate the death anniversary of Ninu Mazumdar, we will listen to his compositions in Hindi films in his own voice, as are available on YT at present.

Haay Haay Haay Haay Dil Ko Le Gaya Chor – Black Out (1942) – Ninu Mazumdar, Rehmat Bai – Lyrics: Wahid Qureshi

The song opens with prelude orchestration based on western music instruments. runs on a fast-western rhythm in the male voice and switches over to a slow waltz rhythm in the female voice. Ninu Mazumdar also easily improvises with scale variations in the second line.

If we have had more songs form this very first film of Ninu Mazumdar digitally available, we would have had enough proof of his intense willingness to experiment.

Main To Lambe Safar Ko Jaaungi, Saiyan Mera Ticket Babu – Kiran (1944) – Unidentified Female and Male Singer

HFGK records female and male singer as Unidentified. However, while uploading the following video on YT, Sadanand Kamath identifies female singer as Leela Chitnis and I would place my bet on the male singer as Ninu Mazumdar.

The song is light-hearted romantic song wherein the female singer enlists he wishlist and male singer agrees to meet that and more.

Pal Bhar Ki Aap Se Pahechan… Kal Se Aaj Suhanaa Lage – Paristaan (1944) – Ninu Mazumdar, Amirbai Karnataki – Lyrics: Ninu Mazumdar, Roopdas

The song rendition is more in the typical vintage era style, but Ninu Mazumdar’s orchestration has his own stamp, So are the skilful variations in throw of words by both singers as they melodiously sing the initial lines in after another. Amirbai Karnataki singing only one word ‘Bhala’, @00.54, with a little extension of the last vowel ‘aa’ is again ample testimony of Ninu Mazumdar’s experimentations. The first stanza opens on a higher scale at a slightly rapid beat and then switches on to an easier paced second line. This is how Ninu Mazumdar has used folk tunes in his compositions.

Bamna Ki Cchhori Dil Le Gayi, Ho Baniye Ka Put Jiya Le Gaya – Main Kya Karoon (1945) – Ninu Mazumdar, Hameeda Bano – Lyrics: D N Madhok

The song is set to Gujarati folk music – Garba- rhythm, but the delivery of the lyrics is very innovatively presented as a light mood song. In the initial line- mukhda- Hameeda Bano literally cuts through the line being sung by Ninu Mazumdar. In the first stanza, Ninu Mazumdar chirps in, almost as counter melody, at every pose by Hameeda Bano. Interestingly first stanza itself comes in seamlessly with the mukhada, without any intervening interlude music as usual.

O Gori Kahaan Chali Us Paar … Chhod Ke Ganv Ki Bahar – Jail Yaatra (1947) – Ninu Mazumdar, Meena Kapoor – Lyrics: Sajjan

Jail Yatra has attained fame more as Raj Kapoor’s one of those initial films where he was not the lead actor. Ninu Mazumdar has recorded songs filmed on Raj Kapoor in Raj Kapoor’s own voice. So the songs that Ninu Mazumdar has chosen to sing in his voice may have been filmed on the Gajanan Jagirdar, who was the lead actor in the film. Ninu Mazumdar is credited with using Meena Kapoor very early in her career.

The song composition is nearer to vintage ear style, but the song does not progress linearly. Every line of the song has some or other variation in the delivery. Ninu Mazumdar once more demonstrates his improvisation skill in the way he has used the folk dance music at the end of the song from 2.18 onwards.

Duniya Sari Jail Re, Jiski Unchi Hai Deewarein – Jail Yatra (1947) – Ninu Mazumdar – Lyrics: Sajjan

The song is basically set to Bengali folks baul styles tune. Ninu Mazumdar, as can now be expected, introduces his own improvisation in the template. The way chorus has been used in the song one such sweet improvisation.

Aayee Gori Radhika Brij Mein Balkhaati – Gopinath (1948) – Ninu Mazumdar, Meena Kapoor – Lyrics:  Surdas

In the glory of the fame that this song has got as the inspiration of Yashomati maiya se bole nandlala (Satyam Shivam Sundaram, 1978), it is perhaps being missed that is was Ninu Mazumdar who introduced the traditional ‘bhajan’ (prayer) music styles into Hindi films through the Surdas and Meerabai bhajans in this film.

Kaare Badar Baras Baras Kar Thak Jaaein Bar Bar, Re Birhan Ke Dware .. Gae Koi Aaj Koi Gaaye Re Malhar – Gopinath (1948) – Ninu Mazumdar – Ram Murti

Ninu Mazumdar has based the song on the folks ritual singing styles of wandering ascetics.

Piya Milan Kaise Jaogi Gori, Rang Roop Sab Jaat Raho Ri – Kuchh Naya (1948) – Ninu Mazumdar, Meena Kapoor – Lyrics:  Meera Bai

Ninu Mazumdar comes up in new style by singing the song in base scale. As a music director, he uses Meena Kapoor in a contrasting scale, to come down athe same scale in the last line, wherein Ninu Mazumdar also joins to end the song.

Kar Ke Singar Chali, Sajan Ke Dwar Chali Chatura Albeli – Part 1 – Teen Tasweeren (1954) – Kaumudi Munshi, Ninu Mazumdar, chorus – Lyrics: Prem Dhawan

Kaumudi Munshi**, a trained semi-classical singer, popularly known “Nightingale of Gujarat”, is an established and well-respected name in Gujarati ‘light’ music world. She started as chorus singer in AIR music programmes when Ninu Mazumdar was heading the Gujarati music programmes section. Ninu Mazumdar’s first wife, Shardaben, had passed away a few years back. The professional relationship between Ninu Mazumdar and Kaumudi Munishi got converted in personal relationship and they married in 1954.

This song is also set to a ascetic ritual folk rhythm. Ninu Mazumdar has very easily crafted the tune to a different mood, of a young maid expectantly looking forward to proceeding to her new, in-laws home.

The song has a twin part 2 which is a solo by Ninu Mazumdar. Since we only have an audio clip here, we are not able to ascertain the siutaion in which the song would have been filmed on the screen. However, the Kar Ke Singar Chali Sajan Ke Dwar of female version now becomes Kar Le Singar Chatura Albeli Jaan Hoga Sajan Ke Dwar in the opening line and the song takes a form of well-wishing message.

Dekh Liya Jag Wale Tera Jag Dekh Liya – Teen Tasveeren (1954) – Ninu Mazumdar – Lyrics: Prem Dhawan

In song based on wandering ascetic folk song style, Ninu Mazumdar has introduced a novel approach to the orchestration support.

We now have a song in Ninu Mazumdar’s voice, which is technically not his own composition.

Karo Hamein Parnam Karo Jee, Baar Baar Parnam – Manjhu, Ninu Mazumdar, Unidentified voice – Ramshahstri (1944) – Music: G Damle – Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi

Kaumudi Munshi’s site records Ramshastri in Ninu Mazumdar’s filmography. However, HFGK records G Damle as the music director for Hindi version of the film (YT has several videos of film’s Marathi version). The names of the singers have been added in addenda of HFGK , Vol. II -1941-1950, signifying that the information was available at a very late stage.

This led me to approach Shri Harish Raghuvanshi, whose article* mentions this film, Shri Har Mandir Sinh ‘Hamraaz’ of HFGK and Shri Arun Kumar Deshmukh, who has done pioneering posts on Atul’s Song A Day w.r.t. Ninu Mazumdar. Har Mandirji informs that Ninu Mazumdar himself had confirmed to him that he had composed songs for this film with another music director, K. Bhole.

Shri Arun Kumar Deshmukh throws further light on the background of this film. He states that, “Film Ramshastri-44 was originally directed by Raja Nene. During the shooting of the film in 1943, Raja Nene along with Mukhram Sharma, Datta Dharmadhikari and few others decided to quit Prabhat. Keshavrao Bhole was the first MD for this film. He too wanted to quit, but he stayed, completed the work, and then left. This is told by Bhole himself. After Raja Nene left, Vishram Bedekar directed the film, but he too quickly left  and the film was completed by Gajanan Jagirdar as a Director. He was the Lead actor too in it. I do not know who this G. Damle is, mentioned as MD. Ninu might have assisted Bhole in this period.”

The audio version of the song also is very kindly provided by Shri Arun Kumar Deshmukh.

The following are the songs for which I have not been able to locate digital versions. Since, there was enough number of songs already available for one post, I have not troubled knowledgeable sources like Har Mandir Singh ‘Hamraaz’. Harish Raghuvanshi, Arun Kumar Deshmaukh, who already have taken enough pains to provide base material and clarifications even for the present post.

(Note: Subsequent to posting the article, Shri Arun Kumar Deshmukh has sent in audio files of three of the songs in the list herebelow. These files ar now auploaaded along with the respective songs)

Sajan aao chalein kahi door, is neele aakash ke neeche – Black Out (1942) – Ninu Mazumdar, Leela Sawant – Lyrics: Wahid Quereshi

Mauj kare duniya anadi bahar, phoolon se mauj kare – Amanat (1943) – Ninu Mazumdar, Jyoti, Harish – Neelkanth Tiwari, M A

Pujari ab to mandir kholo – School Mater (1943) -Ninu Mazumdar, Chorus – Lyrics: Pt. Indra

1. Sipahi sipahi ab to bigul baja – School Mater (1943) – Ninu Mazumdar, Chorus – Lyrics: Pt. Indra
2. Aa Bahar Kar Ke Phoolon Ka Singar – Pul 1947 – Neenu Mazumdar – Lyrics : Rammurti Chaturvedi
3. Aaye Bhi Nahin Bit Gaye Din Bahar Ke – Pul 1947 – Neenu Mazumdar, Meena Kapoor – Lyrics: Rammurti Chaturvedi
4. He Ji Dagmag Dole Hamari Naiya, Bichhad Gaye hain – Kuchh Naya (1948) – Ninu Mazumdar
5. Bahut Rahi Babul Ghar Dulhin Chal Tere Piyu Bulai Hai – Kuchh Naya (1948) – Ninu Mazumdar
6. Lena Fakiri Phir Kya Dilgiri, Sada Magan Mein Rahena Ji – Kuchh Naya (1948) – Ninu Mazumdar – Lyrics: Meerabai
7. Koi Saaf Na Dekha Dil Ka, Ye Chola Ban Zilmil Ka – Kuchh Naya (1948) – Ninu Mazumdar
8. ………Kar Le Singar – Kuchh Naya (1948) – Ninu Mazumdar

Notes:

1. Rami Dhoban (1953), noted in the filmography of Ninu Majumadar at Kaumudi Mishi’s site**, apparently appears to be an error of memory, since HFGK database records Hiren Bose as music director,
2. Kaumudi Munshi’s site** also notes that Ninu Mazumdar has sung a duet with Sardar Akhtar in Uljhan (1942, Music: Ramchandra Pal), but HFGK database does not validate this claim. All, except, the 20 songs that he has rendered in his own voice, belong to his early career of 40s. As such, I have not been able to locate the digital version of these songs:

Ninu Mazumdar consciously charted his own course at a time when vintage era music directors like R C Boral, Khmechand Prakash, Pt. Amarnath, Anil Biswas, Ghulam Haider, Feroze Nizami held the sway over the public taste. His compositions in the voices of other singers is also an equally interesting area which we will recall at some other opportune occasion.

---

Acknowledgements and references:

1. * Harish Raghuvanshi’s Gujarati article “ઉત્તમ સંગીતના તરફદાર નીનુ મઝુમદાર”
2. ** Kaumudi Munshi’s website: The Life and Art of Kaumudi Munshi
3. A pioneering anthology, ‘Gaurav Gurjari: – Nandini Trivedi, Published 2006; Publisher N M Thakkar and Co, Mumbai 400002., e-version  located at com @ hyperlinked title of the book.

---

The article is first published on Songs of Yore as Remembering Ninu Mazumdar – the composer and the singer.

The Micro View of Best Songs of 1947 : Male Solo Songs – Other Male Singers

On the whole, this list does present quite a kaleidoscopic picture pf the range of male singers. It would be interesting to note the presence of lyricist like G S Nepali or Music Directors like, Bulo C rani or Sardar Malik or even actors like Raj Kapoor in this list. Would it mean that there were not many known names in the field?

G S Nepali – Azad Hai Ham Aaj Se, Jailo Ke Taale Tod Do – Ahinsa – C Ramchandra – G S Nepali

Rafiq Ahmad – Apna Ghar Pahechan Bande..- Amar Asha – Shanti Kumar –

S D Batish – Aashiyan Apna Luta Apni Nazar Ke Samane – Arsi – Lachchiram / Shyam Sundar- Sarshar Sailani

Raj Kapoor – O Duniya Ke Rahanewalo Kahan Gaya Chitchor Bolo Kahan Gaya Chitchor – Dil Ki Rani (1947) – S D Burman  – Y N Joshi

There is a duet version of the song in the film, in which Geeta Roy accompanies Raj Kapoor.

I have not been able to locate the soft link for this song:

Raj Kapoor – Piya Milane Naveli Jaaye Re – Jail Yatra – Ninu Mazumdar – Rammurty

Shyam Sundar –Loot Liya Dil Chitchor Ne – Dil Ki Rani (1947) – S D Burman –Y N Joshi

Shyam Sundar – Muhobbat Ki Na Khana Mithai Na Khana Muhobbat Ki Mithai – Dil Ki Rani (1947)  – Lyrics: (?)

Shyam Sundar – Sar Phod Phod Ke Mar Jaana Kisi Se Dil Na Lagana – Dil Ki Rani (1947) – S D Burman –Y N Joshi

Ninu Mazumdar – Duniya Saari Jail Re Jiski Oonchi Diwarein – Jail Yatra – Ninu Mazumdar – Sajjan

Krishan Chandra Goel – Vrindavan Ki Kunj Galin Mein Lathile Dhen Charae – Krishna Sudama – Shyam Babu Pathak –

Hemant Kumar- Ishare Ishare Mein Duniya Badal Li – Manamani – Kamal Dasgupta –

Bulo C Rani – Kal Chalate Chalate Unse Mulaqat Ho Hayi – Mulaqat – Khemchand Prakash – Qamar Jalalabadi

Amar – Bhool Ja ….Aye Wo Batein Bhool Jaa – Natak – Naushad Ali – Majrooh Sultanpuri

R P Sharma – Aye Bewafa Zamane Ham Se Daga Na Karana – Renuka – Sardar Malik – Qamar Jalalabadi

Malik Sardar – Sunati Nahi Duniya Kabhi Fariyad Kisi Ki – Renuka – Sardar Malik – Qamar Jalalabadi

Rati Kumar Vyas – He He He Mulak Kathiawad Dharti Par Dujo Nahi – Woh Zamana – Bulo C Rani – Pandit Indra

We will take up MY Top Male Solo Songs for 1947 in our next episode.

The Micro View of the Songs of 1948 @ SoY – The Duets – Male Female Duets – Other Male Playback Singers [1]

We will now take up Male-Female Duets Song of male singers other than Mukesh and Mohammad Rafi. Individually, none of these singers have duet songs that may compare with the numbers of Mukesh or Mohammad Rafi. But collectively, these duets present a rainbow of many shades of music directors and combinations of male and female playback singers of vintage and the coning-golden-years era.

The first stage selection of such songs from HFGK has yielded a bountiful numbers that would very respectfully measure up to the numbers of duets that have been rendered by both Mukesh and Mohammad Rafi put together. Many of the songs do not have internet soft link till now. But th eons that I could find would certainly provide a tremendous mix of the vintage era style of orchestration and singing justaposed with golden era style orchestration and singing.

[1]

Shamshad Begum + Surendra – Kyun Unhe Dil Diya, Haye Ye Kya Kiya – Anokhi Ada – Naushad – Shakeel Badayuni

Suraiya + G M Durrani – Kyon Dil Mein Mere Base Hue Ho, Tum Kaun Ho Kya Ho – Aaj Ki Raat – Husnlal Bhagatram – Rajendra Krishna

Suraiya + G M Durrani  – Mere Aansoo Meri Hasraton Meri Zindagi Ko Yah Kya Hua – Aaj Ki Raat – Husnlal Bhagatram – Rajendra Krishna

Shamshad Begum + Shailesh – Kahin Ka Deepak KAhin Ki Baati, AAj Mile Hai Jeevan Saathi – Aag – Ram Ganguli – Saraswati Kumar Deepak

Uma Devi + Moti – Sanjh Ki Bela Jiya Akela – Chandralekha – S Rajeshwar Rao – Bharat Vyas

Amirbai Karnataki + Shankar Dasgupta – Pyari Raat Pyari Raat Aj Aayee Hai Sohag Raat – Didi – Mukund Msaurekar – Indeevar

Johrabai Ambalewali + Surendra – Tum Meet Hamare Hum Meet Tumhare Hain – Dukhiyari – Gyan Dutt – F M Kaiser

Johrabai Ambalewali + G M Durrani – Chandani Raatein, Sar Sar Jaaye Mast Hawaen – Dukhiyari – Gyan Dutt – F M Kaiser

Meena Kapoor + Ninu Majumdar – Aayee Gori Radhika Vrij Mein Bal Khati – Gopi Nath – Ninu Majumdar – Surdas

Shamshad Begum + G M Durrani – Taaron Ki Toliyon Ye Kaisa Hai Nikhar – Ghar Ki Izzat – Pt. Govindram – Ishwar Chandra Kapoor

Ameerbai Karnataki + A R Ojha – Aana Na Tha Jo Dil Mein Aankhon Mein Hi Aate – Gunsundari – Hansraj Behl – Pt. Indra

We will continue with Other Male-Female Duets for 1948 in next episode as well.

Fading Memories…. Unforgettable Songs: August, 2017

Shailendra and “Other” Music Directors

Shankardas Kesarilal , born on 30 August 1923, popularly known to all of us Shailendra ,passed away by living a Chhoti Si Yeh Zindagani, like a comet that lit the sky while it lasted, at (just) the age of 43 on 14 December 1966.

Most of the songs that Shailendra wrote under the batons of Shanker Jaikishan or Salil Chaudhary or S D Burman have already been immortal. In a career[i], spanning around 800 released songs for Hindi films, Shailendra had had opportunity to work with several ‘other’ (than these three) music directors as well. Most of these songs also have been equally live in our memory today.

We will dedicate our August, 2017 episode to Shailendra’s songs with the ‘other’ directors. For this episode, special care has been exercised to cover to select chronologically first film with that music director while casting the net wide enough to cover as broad spectrum of singers as is possible. Also, I have intentionally chosen songs that I have either not heard or those that need a refresher push.

The first set of these songs, coincidentally, have Geeta Dutt as (one of) the singer.Geeta Dutt had hardly any occasion to sing Shanker Jiakishan songs. By the time Shailendra teamed up with S D Burman, S D Burman had switched over to Lata Maageshkar. So is the case with Salil Chudhary’s songs too. Therefore, this has turned out to be good incidence where we can hear Shailendra’s songs in Geeta Dutt’s voice.

Kaise Rokoge Aise Toofan Ko – Anand Math(1952) – Talat Mahmood,Geeta Dutt – Hemant Kumar

The song apparently is meant to divert the chasing British police, but has an apparent message for the inadvertent hurricane the freedom fight is likely unleash. Geeta Bali sings with gay abandon that may also mean the upsurge from the young hearts.

Ghir Aayi Hey Ghor Ghata, Apni Majbooriyon Se Lipat Ke Pyar Rone Laga – Badnaam (1952) – Geeta Dutt – Basant Prakash

The song is an ideal fit with our image of silken smoothness of Geeta Dutt’s voice.

Teri Chahat Mein Balam, Teri Chahat Mein Sanam Meet Gaye Ham Teri Kasam – Shrimatiji 1952 – Geeta Dutt – Jimmy

This is a dance song that seeks to hoodwink the listeners so as to cover the acts of the partner in the deed. So the lyricist has to not only pack in a meaningful, mind-catching message for the lay listeners and but also has to convey an intended message to the target partner.

Yeh Rut Yeh Raat Jawaan – Sailaab (1956) – Geeta Dutt –Mukul Roy

The film had 4 songs penned Majarooh Sultanpuri, 1 by Madhukar Rajashathani and 2 by Hasrat Jaipuri . All songs are in Geet Dutt’s voice, except one which had Laxmi Roy.

We now move on to songs that have other playback singers.

Mere Dil Ki Dhadkhan Kya Bole – Anhonee (1952) – Talat Mahmod, Lata Mangeshkar – Roshan

After SJ, SDB and Salil Chaudhary, Shailendra has written most number of songs for Roshan in films like Nau Bahar , Sanskaar (both in 1952), Aagosh and Mashuqua in 1953, Chandani Chowk (1954), one song each in Cofee House (1957 and Aji Bas Shukriya (1958), Deep Jalte Rahe, Heera Moti and Madhu in 1959, and Soorat Aur Seerat in 1962.

Desh Ki Dharti NeLalkara Gunja Aazadi Ka Naara – Chhatrapati Shivaji (1952):- Chitalker, chorus – C.Ramchandra

This song adds genre of patriotic songs in the Shailendra’s arsenal.

The other film where Shailendra teamed up with C Ramchandra is Anrakali (1953), which has such immortal songs as Aaja Ab To Aaja Mer Kismat Ke  Kharidar and Dua Kar Gham E Dil Khuda Se Dua Kar.

Dil Ki Lagi Khel Nahin – Bhai Saheb (1954):- C H Atma, Kaumudi Munshi – Ninu Majumdar

Each is piece of the song – singers, music directors – except Shailendra is quite rare.

Badi Mushkil Hai (Lata Mangeshkar) /\ Jiyunga Jab Talak (Talat Mahmood) – Chingari(1955) – Manohar

Down the career, Shailendra has given several meaningful twin songs. Here is the one early one.

Sapnon Ki Duniya Mein Naye Rang Laya O Man Bhaya Sawan Aaya – Pipili Saheb (1954) – Usha Mangeshkar, Meena Mangeshkar, Shaminder – Sardul Kwatra

Here is the song that has the basic flavor of a very rustic setting that is presented with in its natural simplest form.

Mehfil Mein Kaisi Chaam Chaam – Dilli Darbaar (1956) – Lata Mangeshkar – S N Tripathi

Shailendra has teamed up with S N Tripathi for more than one film – like mythological Ram Hanuman Yudh (1957) or Shiv Parvati (1962) to a period film Sangeet Samtrat Tansen (1962) to a social film Kunwari (1966).

Chal Ri Ameeren Bhai Chal Re Fakire – Dilli Ka Thug (1958):- Kishore, chorus – Ravi

This is one more example of Shailendra’s comfort in dealing with unusual situations. Here is the song that is a traditional dance song attributed to street-performances of a monkey trainer with his pet monkey. Compare this song with another song of the film, a Kishore- Asha duet – Ye Raatein Yeh Mausam Nadi Ka Kinara.

Chhupa Chhupi O Chhupi Agad bBagad Jai Re, Chuhe Mama O Mama Bhag Billi Ai Re – Savera (1958) – Manna Dey, Lata Mangeshkar – Shailesh  Mukherjee

The lead protagonists become young children in the company of the children and so does Shailendra.

Ho Choonva Moonva…. Deke Daam Lele Maati Ka Khilauna Kaisa Khel Khele Ye Maati Kholauna – Naya Kadam (1958) – Shailesh Mukherjee – Shivram–Narayan

Shailendra deftly uses a traditional street performance to deliver a strong philosophical message. I am not sure that singer of the song, Shailesh Mukherjee, is the same person as music director Shailesh Mukherjee.

Nani Teri Morni Ko Mor Le Gaye, Baaki Jo Bacha Tha Kaale Chor Le Gaye–  Masoom (1960) – Ranu Mukherjee – Robin Banerjee

The film had 5 more songs – 4 by Raja Mahendi Ali Khan and one by Sahir Ludhyanvi. So, obviously Shailendra has been allotted this situation wherein the child artistes perform the song on the screen. The song had been quite popular.

Hai Re Woh Din Kyon Na Aaye, Ja Ja Ke Ritu Laut Aaye Re – Anuradha (1960) – Lata Mangeshkar – Pt Ravi Shankar

In an otherwise an experimental social film, the songs filmed on the heroine, Anuradha (lela Naidu) help strongly develop the characterization of the role. Here is a song that is coposed on a fairly difficult Carnataki Classical Raag – Jansammohini, also known as Shiv Kalyan or Madh Kalyan.

Asides:

The piece that is considered to have inspired the song is  Ganpat Vighanharan  :

शुक्लाम्बरधरं  विष्णुं  शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजं । 
प्रसन्नवदनं  ध्यायेत्   सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तयेत्  ।
अभीप्सितार्थसिध्यर्थम्  पूजितो  यस्सुरासुरैः  । सर्वविघ्नहरस्तस्मै  गणाधिपतये  नमः ।।

गणपत  विघ्न  गण  गजानन ।  विराजती  चन्द्रमा  भाल ।  गणपत  विघ्न  गण  गजानन  ।।

by  Ashwini Bhide

Pandit Ravi Shankar also later on used this raag for the hymn of Asiad Games 1982 – Swaagatam

Here are two representative classical pieces of Raag  Janasammohini:

Pt. Mani Prasad of the Kirana Gharana:

Ustad Aamir Khan Saheb :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-jWtjlZNiw

Jhoomte Sharabhi Zara Hosh Mein Aa– Kaanch Ki Gudiya (1961) – Asha Bhosle – Suhrid Kar

KaanchKi Gudiya invaribaly would conjure a Mukesh and Asha Bhosle duet – Saath Ho Tum Raat Jawan. However, the song that we have selected presents a very different Asha Bhosle to us.

Paisa Nahin Hota Jo Kuchch Nahin Hota – Sautela Bhai (1962) – Anil Biswas, Manna Dey – Anil Biswas
In an otherwise a very serious social subject, Anil Biswas teams with Shailendra to come up with a satirical song.

Their next association is 1965’s Chhoti Chhoti Batein.

Daaton Ka Zamana Pyare Dant Bachana – Begana (1963) – Mahendra Kapoor – Sapan Jagmohan

The obvious reason for picking this song for the present episode is it has Mahendra Kapoor. In the process, we also get the benefit of listening to a very light-hearted song from Shailendra.

Chand Tale Jhoom Jhoom Thirak Rahi Hain Ghoongherwaliyan, Mastiyon Ki Aaj Dhun Baja Rahi Hai Taaliyaan – Jab Se Tumhe Dekha Hai (1963):- Subir Sen, Suman Kalyanpur – Dattaram

As we know well, Dattaram was one of the very important links on the Shankar Jaikishan team. The song has very prominent us of what was popularly known as Dattu Theka – a typical stroke that Dattaram would invariably conjure up in his the accompanying base instrumentation.

Rahi Tu Ruk Mat Jaana Toofan Se Mat Ghabharana, Kahin To Milegi Teri Manzil Kahi Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein – Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein (1964):- Hemant Kumar (in three parts) – Kishore Kumar

One the most respected song- be it from the singer’s perspective or music director’s perspective, from the perspective of a song that includes the film title or from the perspective of the delivery of song writer’s message

I have lined up songs that have Mohammad Rafi in the end of the episode. Incidentally each one represents a very different point of a spectrum of Shailendra’s vast repertoire

Ja Ja Na Ched Maan Bhi Ja – Satta Bazar(1959) – Mohammad Rafi, Suman Kalyanpur  – Kalyanji-Anandji

This is the only song that Shailendra has penned for the film. Hasrat Jaipuri and Indeevar had two songs each, whereas Gulshan Bawra had 3 songs. This also gives us one more of a Johnny Walker song to accompany one of the most illustrious one – Jangal Mein Mor Nacha Kisi Ne Na Dekha

Gham Ki Badli Mein Chamakta Ek Sitara Hai Aaj Apan Ho Na Ho Kal Hamara Hai – Kal Hamara Hai (1959):- Mohammad Rafi, Sudha Malhotra – Chitragupt

As the name of the films suggests, the film essentially would be based on the Patriotism theme. Therefore, it is not quite surprising to see Shailendra being easily able to handle the songs that befit the theme.

Aam Chhum Taam Chhum Haar Ho Ki Jeet Ho Khel Mein Rahe Magana – Chhote Nawab (1961) Mohammad Rafi – R D Burman

Here is the song that depicts the mental state of a grown-up prince.

Illahi Tu Sun Le Hamali Duva, Hame Sirf Ek Asara Hai Tera. Teri Rahamate Rah Roshan Kare, Salamat Rahe Saya Man-bap Ka – Chhote Nawab (1961):- Mohammad Rafi – R D Burman  The song was the game changer in the film. In his maiden venture, RDB, on one hand succeeds in  providing just the right platform to Mohammad Rafi to fully express the emotions of the song and on the other hand has lived up to the challenge of the Shailendra’s very poignant lyrics.

When we look back now, we see one most glaring association missing at the core career path years of Shailendra – with Madan Mohan. Similarly, if we see the presence of R D Burman from the (so-called) next generation of music directors, one may note absence of Laxmikant Pyarelal.

We will continue our search for 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.

[i]   Virasat – Lyricist ‘Shailendra’

 

The Micro View of the Songs of 1948 @ SoY – Male Solo Songs – Other Male Singers

Apart from the four male playback singers that we have covered till now, we can find fairly noticeable presence of other male singers like Ninu Mazumdar, Chitalkar, Manna Dey or Vidyanath Seth in the year 1948. In some cases, their work is more on the side of duets or in some case even when we list the songs from HFGK, these are not yet posted on net.

I have clubbed songs of any one singer here under the respective name. In all other cases, I have mentioned the name of the singer along with the song itself.

On the whole, in the retrospect, this list does present quite a kaleidoscopic picture.

Kare Badar Baras Barasa Kar Jao Bar Bar – Gopinath – Singer: Ninu Mazumdar – Ninu Mazumdar – Ram Murthy

The song seems to have a version in which Kaumudi Munshi joins in and lends a very different style to the song.

Manna Dey

Chal Tu Preet Nagariya, Preet Nagar Ke Koyal Kooke – Veena – Anil Biswas – Prem Dahelvi

Ham Tere Hai Ham Ko Na Thukarana – Hum Bhi Insaan Hai – Manna Dey, H P Das – G S Nepali

Koi Mujh Se Bhi Bole – Hum Bhi Insaan Hai – Manna Dey, H P Das – G S Nepali

Ghar Ghar Ke Diye Buzakar Bane Hai Dhanwan –Hum Bhi Insaan Hai – Manna Dey, H P Das – G S Nepali

Jay Shivshankar, Gaurishwar, Jay Rameshwar – Jay Hanuman – Bulo C Rani – Pt. Indra

Jab Se Dekha Hai Tumhein – Gopinath – Singer Not Known – Ninu Majumdar

Do Ghadi Beet Gayi, Taine Surat Nahi Dkhayee – Hum Bhi Insaan Hai – Parvez Kapadia – Manna Dey, D C Dutt, G S Nepali

(Technically speaking, this may have to be placed in female solos category. However, the song is performed by a male (adolescent) actor on the screen, so I have placed it in this list.]

Koi Sham Rang Gori – Veena – Singer: Chitalkar – C Ramchandra –  Narendra Sharma

Sansar Ke Adhaar Dayaa Hampe – Anjangarh –Singer: Pankaj Mallik– R C Boral –

Tu Dar Na Jara Bhi – Anjangarh –Singer: Pankaj Mallik– R C Boral –Pt. Bhushan

Ek Bholi Bholi Gori Ne Aay Hay Dil Pe Jadoo Liya – Andho Ka Sanasar – Singer: Dost Mohammad– Sridhar Parsekar – Kesarinath Vaidya

Shankar Das Gupta

Ab Kis Nagari Jaun Re Ab Jaane Se Jaa Na Shakunga – Anajaana – D C Dutt – Vishwamitra Adil

Kisi Ka Deepak Jalta Hai, Kisi Ka Deep Bujhata Hai – Didi – Mukund Maurekar – Saraswati  Kumar  Deepak

Sajan Ke Ghar Jana Pagle Sajan Ke Ghar Jana – Sajan Ke Ghar –– K S Sagar – Saraswati Kumar Deepak

Suhagan Kahe Ko Tu Ansoo Bahae Karam Lekha Na Tale – Bichhade Balam – Singer: Mohammad Farooqui – Bulo C Rani – Pt Indar

Bane Hai Ham To Ghar Jawai –  Ghar Ki Izzat – Singer: Ram Kamlani – Pt. Govind Ram –

Vidyanath Seth

Aaj Geet Ke Bol Bol Mein Umada Hai Tufan – Roop Rekha –– Pt. Amarnath – Harikrishna Premi

O Gori Kahe Preet Kare – Roop Rekha –Pt. Amarnath – Harikrishna Premi

Marane Ki Dua Kyon Maangu, Jene Ki Tamanna Kaun Kare – Ziddi – Singer: Kishore Kumar – Khmechand Prakash – Prem Dhawan

We will sum up Male Solo Songs for 1948 in the next episode.