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Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music – December, 2017

Welcome to December, 2017 edition of Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music.

December, 2017 in any case has several anniversary / birth dates of people connected with HFM.

This month, Shashi Kapoor bade farewell to this mundane world. That would have led to Muhammad Rafi’s birthday, in the presence of Shashi Kapoor in the heaven. The first time it happened in Yeh Dil Kisko Doon (music : Iqbal Qureshi, Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi) in 1963,  a black and white film by K Mishra, that had over half a dozen songs from Mohammad Rafi. Here are the duets:

I have recalled the solos at the end of the present post.

Here are some other tributes to Shashi Kapoor:

Some other December tributes:

Diip Kumar:

The Many Moods of Dilip Kumar – He was a fantastic actor, a man who was equally good at comedy and romance (if you don’t believe me, just watch Beimaan tore nainwa from Tarana) as he excelled at the intense, angst-ridden characters he so often played.

Naushad:

  • Always Aashiqana With Naushad Ali’s Music presents some of the gems on the maestro’s birth anniversary (25 December)
  • Aawaz De Kahaan Hai: The Golden Music of Naushad – Naushad’s destiny was written in music, by music to be dedicated to music. Peeyush Sharma, in ‘Silhouette’ pays tribute with a glimpse of his musical journey.
  • NAUSHAD-Once All of India was crazy about his Melodies. – This master composer first made both Mukesh (Andaz) and Talat Mahmood (Babul) sound surpassingly individualistic on Dilip Kumar He was, near clandestinely, getting Mohammed Rafi ready for the big leap. From his first Anmol Ghadi solo, Tera khilauna toota baalak (1946), to O door ke musafir on Dilip Kumar in Uran Khatola (1955), Rafi came a long, long way, once the Baiju Bawra (above) miracle happened in 1952..

Noor Jehan:

My Favourites by Shailendra (30 Aug 1927 – 14 Dec 1966), who worked with nearly all music directors ( exceptions being Naushad & O P Nayyar).

Remembering Meena Kapoor, who passed away on 23rd of November 2017. Meena’s last playback singing was for the movie ‘Chhoti Chhoti Baatein’ that was released in 1965 and was also Anil da’s last film as a music director.

Chalte Chalte Mere Yeh Geet Yaad Rakhna: Bappi Lahiri’s Melodious Hits – On 27th November this year Bappi da turns 65. Also, with his first film, Nanha Shikari, released in 1973, he has completed 45 years in this industry as a music director. Peeyush Sharma takes us on a trip down his memorable songs.

Google remembered Mirza Ghalib on 27th December.

Who is Mirza Ghalib, featured on today’s Google Doodle?

Mirza Ghalib’s 220th birth anniversary: Google Doodle pays tribute to legendary poet

Here are some more posts on this occasion:

Mohammad Rafi has a special place in December on this blog:

We have two parts episode of Fading Memories, Unforgettable Songs for December, 2017 in the memory of Mohammad Rafi. In the series of articles featuring Mohammad Rafi’s Solo Song from FIRST film with the Music Director, we have covered years 1952-1953, after having covered years 1950-1951 earlier this month and year 1949 earlier this year of the 2nd five-year-slot of 1949 to 1953.

And then, we have –

And, now the posts on other subjects:

My Favourite Lullaby Songs – one of the first popular lullby songs from a Hindi movie is ‘So Ja Rajkumari So Ja‘ sung by K L Saigal from Zindagi-1940 (Music by Pankaj Malik). The song is still considered to be an ultimate lori

Ravindra Kelkar has presented three more posts on O P Nayyar @ SoY:

Raj Kapoor: ‘I dream cinema, I breathe cinema and I live cinema’ – Ritu Nanda – An excerpt from a compilation of writings by and about the legendary actor and filmmaker.

Beauties bond over baubles in ‘Mann Kyun Behka’ from ‘Utsav’ – Nandini Ramnath – Rekha and Anuradha Patel are visions to behold in the Laxmikant-Pyarelal song from Girish Karnad’s movie.

Ten of my favourite ‘Unusual Singer’ songs, which means:

(a) That it’s the person who’s lip-syncing to the song (and not the playback singer) who’s unusual…

(b) and unusual because the actor in question is a well-known face, but doesn’t usually lip-sync to songs.

“Nazar Lagi Tore Bangle Par” and Zarina Begum, who was a protégé of Begum Akhtar.  Both famously sung a version of “Nazar Lagi Tore Bangle Par” that predated the one in Kala Pani.

In our series Micro View of Best Songs 1948 @SoY of Best songs of 1948: And the winners are? , we completed the third part of Lata Mangeshkar solo songs, and then summed the Female Solo Songs for 1948 with  My Top Female Solo Songs and then went on to take up Male- female Duets in the Duets section. We covered the male female duets of Mukesh as well as those of  Mohammad Rafi. SoY has concluded the series with Best songs of 1948: Wrap Up 3 and Best songs of 1948: Final Wrap Up 4.

We have placed the articles paying tributes to Mohammad Rafi in the space for the tributes here before in the present article. So we will take up two songs of Mohammad Rafi, form the first film he played back solo for Shashi Kapoor to begin the end of the article:

Ye Dil Kiso Dun – Ye Dil Kisko Dun (1963) – Iqbal Quereshi – Qamar Jalalabadi

Mera Dil Tum Pe Aa Gaya., Mere Pahlu Se Dil Gaya – Ye Dil Kisko Dun (1963) – Iqbal Quereshi – Qamar Jalalabadi

‘The Christmas Celebration in Hindi Films’ picks up the rare, ddelightful Christian characters, which always brought a smile on our lips.

On that note of festive smile, I wish you all a very HAPPY & PRPOSPEROUS 2018 that keeps providing rich music to your Life.

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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’

 

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

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

We will begin our present episode on a lighter note with You’ve never heard the demonetized version of this famous song from Guru Dutt’s ‘Pyaasa’. As a parody, ‘When it was our turn in the queue, the bank’s coffers were empty‘ is a part of sort of mini cottage industry – These Bollywood spoofs on demonetisation will tide you over the cashless blues.

December, 2016 also had another major event- passing away of Tamil Nadu CM, J Jayalalithaa.

Wadia and Nadia: How love kicked in pre-Bollywood filmdom – Nadia was a JBH discovery. But it was Homi (May 22, 1911 – December 10, 2004) who gave this memsahib with a thick Scottish accent, a voice. “Homi realised her language was her ‘body’,” says film theorist and curator Amrit Gangar. “He kept Nadia’s dialogue to a bare minimum because of her difficulty with Hindi.”

mary-ann-evans-aka-fearless-nadia-in-a-still-from-carnival-queen-1955
Mary Ann Evans aka Fearless Nadia in a still from Carnival Queen, 1955

Happy Birthday Dharmendra: As he turns 81, we bring you his various filmi moods – He was probably the first Indian male star who appeared bare-chested in a song in Phool Aur Patthar. From Anupama (1966) to Satyakam (1969), Dharmendra tried to create a space for himself as an actor. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Chupke Chupke is another film which proved that the actor could balance subtle comedy just as well as slapstick elsewhere.

MS Subbulakshmi: A journey from Kunjamma to Meera – is N Venkataraman’s tribute on her birth centenary (16 September 1916 – 11 December 2004).

December is also a month of birth dates of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, two fulsome actors of the Great Triad.

dilip-kumar

Dilip Kumar – Leaves from My Diary in an interview conducted in 1957.

prithivi-raj-kapoor-with-sons-and-a-grand-son

Prithivi Raj Kapoor with sons and a grand son

15 Songs of Shailendra: The Art of Simply Expressing Deepest Thoughts – On Shailendra’s death anniversary,Antara Nanda Mondal and Peeyush Sharma have compiled a brief list of 15 songs that give a glimpse of his massive range – encompassing songs of love and romance, songs of introspection and philosophies, songs of spiritual awakening and harsh social realities, songs of that celebrate liberation and songs that express the anguish of entrapment.

sitara-devi

We have an excellent career-sketch of Sitara Devi: The Twinkling Star profiled by Karan Bali on her second death anniversary on 25th November.  Some of her memorable films are Judgement of Allah (1935), Achhut (1940), Pagal (1940) and India Today (1940)., Roti (1942), Najman (1943) or her snake dance in Anjali (1957) or the Holi dance in Mother India (1957).

We will also take note of A Short Film Tribute to Sitara Devi   

Karan Bali has also profiled PC Barua, who is most easily remembered for K L Saigal’s songs of Devdas (1935) or Saigal’s So Ja Raajkumari So Ja (Zindagi).

The December, 2016 episode of Fading Memories, Unforgettable Songs was dedicated to Mohammad Rafi’s solo song from the first film with the music director. This part of the article covered the first three years of the first-five-year-period of 1944-1948. The second part of the article, has covered songs from 1947 and 1948 @ Mohammad Rafi’s Solo Song From The FIRST Film With The Music Director ||2||.

Here are posts on other subjects as well:

Shyam Benegal’s ‘Ankur’ and the beginning of a film movement – A Book Review by Sangeeta Datta – A script written during the filmmaker’s college years became the foundation of his sparkling career as one of cinema’s greatest realists.

smita-patil-image-credit-jhelum-paranjape

Smita Patil as a child: Mischievous, adventurous, emotional and an excellent mimic – In her review Maithili Rao notes that  Smita Patil biography reveals that the acclaimed actor, whose death anniversary is on December 13, was ‘prem mayee’: a being suffused with love.

More Delicious Chutney Covers of Hindi Film Songs – After the introductory piece, we can now expect this to be a regular fare.

Southern Spice in Hindi Music highlights key aspects of South Indian music that have been absorbed in Hindi film songs, that have added what one would call as a dash of Southern spice in Hindi film music. This is not about the vocal styles from South India, but instruments from South India. LINK TO PLAYLIST FOR SOUTHERN SPICE IN HINDI FILM MUSIC takes us to 12 such songs from 1940s to’60s, with one exception.

I have been able to land upon this quite an imaginative subject – “Samne waali khidki” songs rather belatedly.

Shankar-Jaikishan’s multi-faceted genius with ‘other’ singers – have covered so far their best songs for his leading singers, Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh, Rafi and Manna Dey. also presented his best dance songs for Lata Mangeshkar and female dance duets. presenting my final tribute to SJ with their songs for ‘other’ singers which give a glimpse of their multi-faceted talent.

My Favourites: Heroes – 1 (40s-70s)  is the pairing list of earlier  My Favourites: Heroines – 1 (40s-70s) , based on an idea of Stars and Songs, that the author, Ava Suri, particularly like featuring the actress. In the continuum, Zeenat Aman – My favorite Songs is a collection of Baker’s dozen songs that have matching visuals to the catchy lyrics with Zeenat Aman in the focus and Ashok Kumar – 10 favorite songs that the actor sang as well as performed on the screen.

‘Diya Na Bujhe Ri Aaj Hamara’ – Kumkum The first song I got as a dancer was the song “Angana Baaje Shehnai Re, Aaj Mori Jagmag Atariya” in the film Sheesha which was sung by Shamshad Begum. ‘Raat Ke Raahi’s song ‘Daayein Baayein Chhup Chhupa Ke Kahaan Chale’ was picturized on Kumkum’s younger sister Radhika and Shammi Kapoor.Radhika also stays with her family in Mumbai.

Trios, Quartets, and More: Ten of my favourite songs has presented songs such as:

Bas mujhko mohabbat ho gayi hai (Biwi aur Makaan), 1966); Mukesh, Manna Dey, Hemant, Talat Mahmood. There is one more such experiment in the same film – Nahi Hota… Aa Tha Jab Janam Liya – Mukesh, Manna Dey & Hemant Kumar

The Legends: Asha Bhosle sets the tone with the help of solos and The Legends: Asha Bhosle – Part 2 has her duets.

We end today’s episode with a short film on songs and life of Mohammad Rafi: Part 1| Part 2 | Part 3. 

I take this opportunity to wish a great 2017 to all of you and look forward to your valued suggestions to keep our content more engrossing…

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Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music – January 2015

Welcome to January, 2015 edition of Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music.

It is Songs of Yore once again to bang start the New Year with The Jewel in the Crown of Naushad: ‘Rattan’ (1944) so as celebrate 2015 as the Year of Naushad in the 75th year of his debut.

On Naushad’s birthday (25th December), a different aspect of his music is presented in Eight Instrumental Dance Numbers by Naushad (and a pic from a ninth), which are positively delightful, even though they might not be as well-known as his vocal songs:

  1. Cuckoo in Anokhi Ada
  2. The snake dance from Dastan
  3. The festival dance in Mela
  4. Cuckoo in Aan
  5. The “Blind Man’s Bluff” dance in Dillagi
  6. Sitara Devi’s dance in Mother India
  7. The festival group dance from Dulari and 8. Geeta Bali’s gypsy dance in the same film

And a pic from Suraiya’s lovely little semi-classical dance at the miserable wedding in Anmol Ghadi:

suraiya-anmol ghadiOn C Ramchandra’s birth anniversary (12th January) SoY has chosen The Master of Musical Comedies C Ramchandra and his ‘Patanga’ (1949), “because it comes in the watershed year of the change of era when Lala Mangeshkar hits the scene like a tornado, and sweeps away the yesteryear singers like Amirbai Karnataki, Shamshad Begum etc.” On a more broader canvas, Ten of my favourite C Ramachandra songs….is specifically (the) songs which he composed, not just songs he sang.

My favourite O.P. Nayyar songs – It is an irony that one of the finest music composers in Hindi cinema is known today more for the one thing he did not do [did not record a song with Lata Mangeshkar], rather than what he did!

I have picked up Poocho Na Hamein (Mitti Mein Sona, 1960, Asha Bhosle) from the songs listed in the post.. There is no video available and the longer version of the song is also not easily traceable. There is another beautiful song in the same film sung by Asha Bhosle, Yeh duniya rahe na rahe kya pata, mera pyar tujhse rahega sada.

We have two excellent links to the Radio Ceylon program on O P Nayyar: Tribute to O.P.Nayyar~Radio Ceylon 28-01-2013~Morning – Part 1 and Part 2 and Part 3

OPN died a reclusive man, in touch with only a few friends on 28th January, 2007.

Remembering N. Dutta (Datta Naik) – 30th December, 2014 marks the 27th death anniversary of the unfairly under-rated and lesser known composer, Datta Naik, also credited as N. Dutta.

I have picked up these songs from the songs posted:

• Chand Bhi Koi Diwana Hai (Apna Ghar Apni Kahani, 1968, Singers: Mahendra Kapoor and Asha Bhosle):

• Aye Dil Zuban Na Khol (Naach Ghar, 1959, Lata Mangeshkar)

• Nashe Mein Hum Nashe Mein Tum Mohammad Rafi-Suman Kalyanput (Black Cat, 1959).

• Naina Kyun Bhar Aaye (Dharmputra, 1961, Asha Bhosle)

• Laage To Se Nain (Chandi Ki Deewar, 1964, Talat Mahmood and Asha Bhosle)

In addition, I have one more song Askon Ne Jo Paaya Hai (Chandi Ki Diwar, Talat Mahmood), which has been very fondly been referred to by Captain Narendra Phanse in his regular article in Web Gurjari.

My favourite Mahendra Kapoor songs – Ends with a very rare song sung by Asha Bhosle, Usha Khanna and Mahendra Kapoor from the 1969 film B-grade film Killers, starring Ajit, Dara Singh and Sheikh Mukhtar. “Mere Dil Zindagi Safar Hai” is picturised on Helen and Dara Singh in a circus. A lovely song, Usha Khanna sings surprisingly well and MK has a small bit right towards the end. Brilliant music by OPN.

On her 76th birth anniversary on 8th January, from My favourite songs of Nanda, I have selected

• Kajrey Badarwa (Pati Patni, 1966, Lata Mangeshkar, R D Burman)

• Pyar Bhari Yeh Ghatayein (Qaidi No 911, Manna Dey-Lata Mangeshkar, Dattaram)

From my side I would add Thahariye Hosh Mein Aaoon To Chale Jaaiyega (Mohabbat Isko Kahate Hain, Mohammad Rafi, Suman Kalyanpur, Khayyam).

IMIRZA777 pays A Tribute… People who left us in 2014.

Last month, we had taken note of the articles published on Shailendra’s birth anniversary. We have been able to find two more very interesting video features – An Affair to Remember: Celebrating Shailendra, the lyrical genius and Rajya Sabha TV’s Virasat in which Rajesh Badal has anchored Lyricist ‘Shailendra’

A thumri from different films has presented Baat Chalat Nahi Chunari Rang Daari from Ladki – 1953 (Singer: Geeta Dutt, composer: C Ramchandra) and Rani Rupmati -1959 (Singers: Mohammad Rafi and Krishna Rao Chonkar, Music: S N Tripathi)

Our friend Samir Dholakia has forwarded Hanste dekha to boley sitaare…o piyaa pyaare, which sounds C Ramchandra-like, is composed by S D Burman for “Chaalis Baaba Ek Chor”(1954). Bhagwan Thavrani helps in remembering Jaane Kitni Baar Hriday Se Maine Use Pukara (Sapna – 1969 – Jaidev).

The story of Film Music will never be complete without taking the due cognizance of some of the great musicians and arrangers who worked ‘behind the curtain’ in creating these songs were Antony Gonsalves, Antanio Vaz (Chic Chocolate), Sebastian D’souza, Frank Fernand, Enoch Daniels, Van Shipley, Manohari Singh, Kersi Lord, Maruti Rao Keer among many others. One such unsung music arranger is Kishore Desai, presented @ Bahaaron se keh do mere ghar na aayen. A few of the popular songs of the golden period of Hindi film songs in which he played mandolin/sarod are as under:

Song Movie Music director
Bechain nazar betaab jigar Yasmeen (1955) C Ramchandra
Dil ka na karna aitbaar koi Halaku (1956) Shankar Jaikishan
Kaun aaya mere man ke dwaare Dekh Kabira Roya (1957 Madan Mohan
Ghadi ghadi mora dil dhadke Madhumati (1958) Salil Chowdhury
Sakhi re mera man uljhe tan dole (played Sarod) Chitralekha (1964) Roshan
Aage bhi jaane na tu Waqt (1965) Ravi
tum bin jaaun kahan (Rafi version) Pyaar Ka Mausam (1969) R D Burman

Kishore Desai composed many NFSes. The present article has remembered Bahaaron se keh do mere ghar na aayen (1965) Singer-Mukesh, Lyrics-Shiv Kumar Saroj. Incidentally, Captain Narendra Phanse in his regular article in Web Gurjari (referred hereinbefore, too) remembers Shiv Kumar Saoj’s song in Mukesh’s voice – Tere Labon Ke Muquabil Gulab Kya Hoga.

We also take note of Text of 75 Cult Songs (1931-2006), wherein, on the occasion of (in 2007) platinum Jubilee of talkies, ‘Screen’’s attempts to look at 75 cult songs – the creme-de-la-creme of mega-hits that have crossed economic, cultural and geographical barriers and thus defined and redefined tastes and trends in Hindi film music have been captured.

SoY has continued with the Multiple Version Songs series with Multiple Versions Songs (20): Male Solo and Duet or Chorus.

And now over to exclusive articles on Mohammad Rafi…

§ On the 90th birthday anniversary of Mohd Rafi saab some rare mix melodies

§ JIS RAAT KE KHAWB AAYE– RAFI (WITH NAUSHAD SPEAKS)- FILM- HABBA KHAATOON (UNRELEASED)

§ A Tribute to Mohd Rafi – Part 1- From among 25 songs presented in this part , I have selected Tum Poochtey Ho Ishq Bala Hai Ki Nahin (Nakli Nawab, 1962, Bipin-Babul)

§ A Tribute to Mohd Rafi – Part 2 also has a very wide range of duet songs, of which I have selected

• Mat Poochiye Dil Hai Kahan, Dil Ki Manzil Hai Kahan (Hum Matwale Naujawan, 1961, Co-singer – Mukesh, MD: Chitragupta)

• Tumhein Dil Se Chaaha Tumhein Dil Diya Hai (Chand Aur Suraj, 1965, Co-singer: Suman Kalyanpur, MD: Salil Choudhary

• Dil Toh Pehle Se Hi Madhosh Hai (Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi, 1966, Co-singer: Asha Bhosle, MD: OPN)

• And of course we have a score of recent posts on Meri Awaaz Suno

• Ravi Shankar Sharma and Mohammad Rafi’s combination is remembered for generations

• Why I see Rafi Sahab as a role model?

• What makes Rafi Sahab the ONE and ONLY

• Mohammed Rafi – Suron Ke Betaaj Badshah

• Aa Rafi Phir Aa

We would continue our pursuit of the golden period of Hindi Film Music during 2015 …….