Duets(+) of Mukesh: With Male Singers

A tribute to Mukesh on his 99^th Birth Anniversary (b. July 22, 1923 – d.  August 27, 1976)

Films in India, by and large, revolve around different themes of love between a boy and a girl. As such, songs come in very handy as a very strong and direct, easy-to-comprehend, medium to express the different shades of feelings of love. Traditionally, the solo songs occupied the space of prime importance. During vintage era this was more a necessity because the singers were generally actors themselves. Moreover, the recording technology also was in the development stage, which made recording a duet song with two vastly different musical qualities of pitch and timbre of a male and female voice was quite difficult in comparison to the recording of a solo song.

With the playback singers taking over the onus of singing, and advances in the filmmaking and song-recording technologies, the duets started gaining more importance in the film production considerations. Music directors also started taking this genre seriously and started creating duets that stood, almost, at par with solo songs.

Essentially, the duets are categorised as male-female duets, male-male duets, and female-female duets. As can be expected, the bulk of the duets in the films remain male-female duets. Male-male and female-female duets normally remained as duet songs that friends would sing together. However, the traditions of patriotic songs, devotional songs, or dance songs in the greater arena of music also inspired similar male-male and /or female-female songs. The subjects used to vary from manifestation of friendly affection – either positive or negative (jealousy), celebrating the festivities together, sharing of mutual concerns or one teasing/advising/counselling the other. As such, once the choice of subjects and practices of narrating the story evolved over 40s, male-male duets genre also started getting prominence. In the 60s and onwards, with more films being produced with more than one hero, the male-male genre further got more weightage. However, essentially, the core subjects have not changed as materially as that of solos.

In so far as Hindi film songs are concerned, duets of Mukesh constitute roughly 20 % share of his total film songs. Mukesh Geet Kosh also includes duet songs that have some element of chorus in the song, while taking care that these are separately identified. The male-male duets of Mukesh, including those with chorus element, constitute again around 15% of the duets of Mukesh. The male-male duets of Mukesh offer fairly wide-spread range, in terms of subjects of the songs, co-singers, year of the song, and of course, the popularity, to lead me to zero in on this subject for the post to commemorate the 99^th birth anniversary of Mukesh.

Under the broader category of duets, Mukesh Geet Kosh also has separately identified songs that have some actor /actress chipping with Mukesh a line here or there in the song. I have not included such songs here. Mukesh has more than one duet with Mohammad Rafi or Kishore Kumar. I have chosen the one which I like more than other Rafi or Kishore duets. In some cases, I have included a few triads or quartets (with all male or male-female combination), where the context of the narration, or paucity of a right duet, or the need for variety of different subjects or styles or music directors so necessitated. In one particular instance of duet with Talat Mahmood, I have included, rather had to include, an NFS as well.

So here are Duets(+) of Mukesh with Male Singers, generally, in the chronological order of year of the release of the film.

With Shailesh (Mukharjee)

Rab Mere Araj Sun Meri Sharan Ab Teri – Aag (1948) – Lyrics: Saraswati Kumar Dipak – Music: Ram Ganguli

Ram Ganguli has certainly come up with a very different style of composition for a song that is essentially a devotional song.

If we would have strictly followed the chronological sequence of the release of the films, one of the two Mukesh – Mohammad Rafi duets from Chilman (1949) or Thes (1949) would have appeared here. But from the seven Mukesh-Mohammad Rafi duets, the song that liked most happens to be a duet from the film of the year 1958, So that will have to wait for a while.

With G M Durrani

Aise Mein Koi Chham Se Jo Aa Jaye To Kya Ho – Hanste Aansoo (1950) – Lyrics: Shewan Rizvi – Music: Ghulam Mohammad

Here is an exchange of arguments for pros and cons between two friends of locating the bed if a house is built on a given location – one wants to set up his bed at that very doorstep so that when some (a much awaited) beauty comes up suddenly he would not miss it. His friend warns of another extreme possibility of a high-heeled slipper to be awaiting a welcome instead.

Ghulam Mohammad has come up with so lovely enough orchestration for this composition to induce revisits to the song. If we would have seen the film, we may also have come to know what will have happened after the song is over.

I have picked up a triad next because that provides us with a new combination of singers.

With Khan Mastana

KyuN Shikwa Karein KyuN Aah Bharein – Pagle (1950) – with Talat Mahmood – Lyrics: Anjum Rehmani – Music: V G (Snehal) Bhatkar

The friends have gathered to vent their frustration of non-result bearing efforts of their pursuit to get someone to love them.

Pagle had one more triad, with G M Durrani as the third player –

Ye Aaj Kal Ke Laila Aur Majnu – Pagle (1950) – with G M Durrani – Lyrics: Anjum Rehmani – Music: V G (Snehal) Bhatkar

Another song of the youthful frustration when all efforts to woo the ‘fair sex’ fail, which leads to this deep sigh, in the form of

Ye aaj kal ke Laila or Majnu
.. … …
ik haath se dil ko thamate haiN
ik hath se tata kahate haiN

It would be interesting note that Mukesh Geet Kosh has clearly identified the singers for these songs, but HFGK mentions Jagirdar, Agha and Sheri as the singers, who in fact are the actors singing the songs on screen.

With S D Batish

Jaao Sidharo Hey Radha Ke Shyam – Aarzoo (1950) – with Shamshad Begum, chorus – Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri / Jan Nissar Akhtar – Music: Anil Biswas

Mukesh and S D Batish do not actually get connected through a triad here. What is treated as triad in the credits on the record N 38386, is in fact a three-piece stage show story wherein the first (penned by Majrooh Sutmapuri) and third part (penned by Jan Nissar Akhtar) are S D Batish-Shamshad Begum duets with chorus and the second part (also penned by Jan Nissar Akhtar) is a Mukesh-Shamshad Begum duet with chorus.

With Kishore Kumar

The Kishore Kumar – Mukesh combination has an interesting aspect too. Except for one triad in 1953, they did not have a proper duet during the pre-Aradhana, what is generally called as, Kishore Kumar 1.0 career phase. Then they had a triad-chorus in Satyakam (1969) the transition year. They had first proper duet in 1971, in what can be considered as Kishore Kumar 2.0. Since then, Kishore Kumar has had one more duet with Mukesh, in 1976. The duo further had one triad each with Sushma Shreshtha (Dharam Karam, 1975) and Dilraj Raj Kaur (Chor Mandali, 1983) as well as a quartet with Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar (Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977)

Lo Mil Gayi Degree Pyar Ki – Maalkin (1953) – with Ram Kamlani – Lyrics: Rajendra Krishna – Music: Roshan

This must rank as the only song where Roshan has used Mukesh in a comedy situation.

However, the real irony of the song being treated as a Mukesh triad comes up only when we listen the full song and find that Mukesh just gets two words – first time just ‘KahaaN Bhai?’ after the first line, Din mein sau sau chakkar kate, in the first interlude stanza and then just ‘Kis ki?’ after the first line, Baithe baithe kismet khul gayi’ of the third interlude stanza!

Haal Chaal Thhik Thhaak Hai – Mere Apne (1971) – with chorus – Lyrics: Gulzar – Music: Salil Chowdhury

I have a very sweet connection with this song.

In our BITS Pilani days, we would have one, just-released, film screened every weekend. Mere Apne was one such film. Since the story is about the restlessness of students (particularly because of paucity of jobs even after proper college education), the film had been obviously very well received in the campus. When you pass near any of hostel block, particularly after dinner time, you will invariably get to listen the whistling used in the song. Also, the cleverly split first line had tremendous popularly as an informal greetings exchange among friends – Question: ‘Haal chaal? Answer: ‘Thik Thaak Hai.’ – obviously, in the lyrical mimic of the song!

With Mohammad Rafi

Mukesh and Mohammad Rafi share the maximum number of songs together – 7 duets, 6 duets+chorus, 5 triads – one with Shamshad Begum (Hanste Aansoo, 1950), two with Lata Mangeshkar (Shree 420, 1955 and Ahuti, 1978), two with Suman Kalyanpur (Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, 1966 and Vishwas, 1969), and one with Hemlata (Jaaneman, 1976), and one quartet with Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar (Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977). More important. perhaps, is that the association spans almost the entire career of both of them, with first duet in 1949 (Chilman and Thes) and the last one in 1978 (Ahuti).

I have selected one duet, which I have always relished to listen to.  Just the memory of the song has helped to me ease out any tension coiled in, any time, in my mind.

Phirate The Jo Bade Hi Sikandar Bane Hue ….. Jo Bor Kare Yaar Ko Us Yaar Se Tauba… Jis Pyar Mein Ye Haal Ho Us Pyaar Se Tauba – Phir Subah Hogi (1958) – Lyrics: Sahir Ludhiyanvi – Music: Khayyam

Mohammad Rafi so lively pulls up his friend’s legs that even the Raj Kapoor’s lady love Mala Sinha cannot hide her smile. Moreover, if you close your eyes, the way Rafi goes with his part you can imagine how Rehman, otherwise an actor who plays serious roles, must be freely acting it out on screen, while lip-synching Mohammad Rafi. Every line Sahir has penned for Rafi’s part is just enough for any friend on the other side to break up the relationship!

With Mahendra Kapoor

For the records, Mukesh and Mahendra Kapoor have three duets, however the third one, from Saathi (1968) – Jo chalaa gayaa use bhul jaa, Naushad has used Mahendra Kapoor  for just a higher-scale line being heard as echo Bhul Jaa… Bhul Jaa, as haunting memory from the past that has to be forgotten.

Of the other two, both composed by N Dutta, one is for Dilli Ka Dada (1962) and the other for Holiday in Bombay (1963). I have selected the latter one.

Ye Hasin Bambai Hamein Jam Gayi …. Holiday Holiday Holiday in Bombay – Holiday in Bombay (1963) – Lyrics: Anjaan – Music: N Dutta.

The reasons I have selected this song will sound quite trivial – one: Mukesh gets to playback for the hero (Shashi Kapoor), two: one gets a virtual tour of Mumbai in the video clip, the third: you get to see a glimpse of now totally forgotten, Lambretta scooter (@4.12) and fourth of course, it has a connection with a 2018 SoY post – Bharat Darshan Songs (2) – Metros.

It would not be out of place to record here that Mukesh and Mahendra Kapoor share a triad with Rajendra Mehta, a famous ghazal singer of 60s/70s.

Mera Rang De Basanti Chola – Shaheed, 1965 – Lyrics and Music:  Prem Dhawan

This would rank as one of the best patriotic songs Hindi films have recorded.

With Manna Dey

The proper duet of Mukesh and Manna Dey, very surprisingly, has come up only in 1976 for the film Das Numbri. Even Mukesh, Mohammad Rafi and Manna Dey triad also came up in only 1973, for Teen Chor. As such, I thought it would be patently safe to fall back upon a quartet and a quintet from the earlier years.

Sathi Re…. Kadam Kadam Se Dil Mila Rahein Hai Ham – Char Dil Char Rahein (1959) – with Mahendra Kapoor, Meena Kapoor, chorus – Lyrics: Sahir Ludhiyanvi – Music: Anil Biswas

The song is an inspirational song, wherein multiple singers join to playback for corresponding actor on the screen. It being an Anil Biswas composition, the composition and orchestration are ideal, so are the lyrics of Sahir. It is not surprising that the overall outcome is a song that you would like listen, again and again, for its sheer melody.

I am not able to resist the temptation of including a quintet chorus song, so well-known to me, and almost of all of us for that matter, that came up in different light when I listened to it from the point of view of the present article.

Hum Bhi Hai Tum Bhi Ho Dono Hai Amane Samane – Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1961) – with Mahendra Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt and chorus – Lyrics: Shailendra – Music: Shankar Jaikishan

I always admired this song for several stunning features – Shankar Jaikishan and the team for conceiving and executing the rich orchestrion (of particular notice is the violin ensemble piece @ 5.35 -5.52 that so vividly creates the feeling of speed), meticulous details of choreography of Hira Lal, and so creative camera work of Tara Dutt that captures every expression of every actor so lively and the overall direction of Radhu Karamakar – RK’s otherwise default director of photography. Essentially, the song was a chorus song representing dacoits on one side and the reformer (Raju) on the other side.

However, I could now easily see a parallel under-current of a duet too running in the song, beginning with two lines that follow the opening skirmish between Raka and Raju, when Kammo and her friend Bijli charmingly declare Hum bhi haiN (@2.30), to which Raju responds, unwittingly, Dekh lo kya asar kar diya pyar ne. The visuals @0.45 to 0.51, where Kammo longingly eyes Raju, which Raka too does not miss to notice or that fleeting exchange of mutual appreciations @ 1.52 to 2.00 between Kammo and Raju corroborate the implicit germination of soft feelings for each other. The song virtually turns into a duet after the second interlude when Kammo directly intervenes the song with itana sa ye dil tu de de agar sara jag tera ho jaye. (@5.03)

As the songs moves on, the mood of festivity of all so beautifully morphs into acquiescence of love of the two.

We come back to our main track again.

With Talat Mahmood

As we have seen @ #3 here before, Mukesh and Talat Mahmood did get just one triad as early as in 1950. These two may be the only male singers of that period who did not even have one Hindi film duet in their entire career.

Fortunately, three Mukesh – Talat Mahmood NFS duets, composed by Murli Manohar Swaroop, fill up this void. We had had heard one duet, Kisi ko deke dil koi nawa_sanj-e-fughan kyun ho, in the earlier post, Mukesh’s Non-film Hindi Geets and Ghazals.

I have picked up the other one here –

Woh Jo Ruthe To Manana Chahiye …. Zindagi Se Rooth Jaana Chahiye – NFS – lyrics: Jigar Murarabadi + Mirza Ghalib – Music: Murli Manohar Swaroop

To the opening line from Jigar Murarabadi ghazal sung by Mukesh, Talat Mahmood joins by a Mirza Ghalib ghazal line Chahiye achchhoN ko jitana chahiye, ye agar chaahein phir to kya chahiye…  and so forth.

However, we can take consolation that they did have one more song in the Hindi films – an all-male quintet in 1966.

Mujhko Muhabbat Ho Gayi Hai, Bas Muhabbat Ho Gayi Hai …. Anhoni Baat Thi Ho Gayi Hai – Biwi Aur Makaan (1966) – with Joginder, Manna Dey and Hemant Kumar – Lyrics: Gulzar – Music: Hemant Kumar

Normally Mukesh and Talat Mahmood are put at the slow paced, serious film-song-moods spectrum. Another singer, Hemant Kumar also is considered to be the singer of that part of the spectrum. However, Hemant Kumar, the music director, seems to have helped Talat Mahmood switch the role and join him (in the role of the playback singer) in the fast-paced jest-cum-scolding session with that love-infested friend among the ‘five pandav’ friends who have vowed to remain unmarried till everyone gets a job. Talat Mahmood plays back to Keshto Mukhrjee who impersonates a girl along with Biswjeet who lip syncs Hemant Kumar!

I conclude here my part of the choices of Duets(+) of Mukesh with Male singers so as to start pondering over what subject we should take up for the celebration of Mukesh’s 100^th birth anniversary post next year…….

Acknowledgement and disclaimer:

1. Mukesh Geet Kosh, 2020 edition – Harish Raghuvanshi: For the basic data and the information of the songs selected in the present article.
2. The song links have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog claims no copyright over these songs which vests with the respective owners.

Reproduction of the article originally published on Songs of Yore on 22 July 2022

Fading Memories…. Unforgettable Songs : July, 2018

Mohammad Rafi’s Solo Song From The FIRST Film With The Music Director: 1954 -1955

To commemorate Mohammad Rafi’s anniversaries, [Born: 24 December, 1924// Death: 31 July, 1980] we commenced a series of articles on Mohammad Rafi that essentially tried to bring the solo song of Mohammad Rafi from the first film with the music director.  Beginning 2016, we have planned to take up one five-year slot every year, in the chronological order, starting from 1944, the year in which Mohammad Rafi sang his maiden solo song in Hindi Films.

Till now we have covered the first slot of 1944 – 1948 in Part I and Part II in December, 2016,  the second five-year-slot of 1949 – 1953 in our July,2017,  10^th December, 2017 and 17^th December, 2017 articles.

Presently, we will take up the years 1954 and 1955 of the third five-year-slot of 1954-1958.

[For the sake for structured documentation, I will be following the alphabetical sequence of Film names in the post.]

1954

The year 1954 has 44 Hindi solo songs of Mohammad Rafi.  There are many repeat-music directors like  SN Tripathi, Salil Chaudhary, Naushad, Hansraj Behl, Shanker Jaikishan, Chitragupt, Ghulam Mohammad, Madan Mohan, Nissar Bazmi etc, wo composed music for one or more than one film in the year. The films ranged from successful to obscure films.

As a result, with every passing year, we now observe less number of songs that would meet the criteria for our present series, since most of the music directors have had used Mohammad Rafi for a solo song in the years reviewed till now.

Year 1954 is to yield 7 music directors who had a maiden solo song composed for Mohammad Rafi.

Roshan had made his debut in Hindi Films in 1949 with Neki Aur Badi. His first ever use of Mohammad Rafi, wasa Rafi Asha duet Mohabbat Ke Maaron Ka, in Baware Nain (1950).. Then he has used Rafi in a Rafi- Kishore Kumar-Ram Kamlani triad and a Rafi-Kishore Kumar duet, materialized only in Malkin (1953). The first solo comes up now, in 1954. Since then, Roshan’s association with Mohammad Rafi has gone on to become stronger and richer.

Zameen Bhi Vahi Hai Vahi Aasma, Magar Ab Wo Dilli Ki Galiyan Kahan  – Chandni Chowk – Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

This is a background song. The only male solo – Hamein Aye Dil Kahin Le Chal – filmed on the lead male actor has Mukesh for playback.

Datta Davjekar has had one solo – Main Teri Tu Mera – with Mohammad Rafi in 1947 for Aap Ki Sewa Mein. Incidentally, Lata Mangeshkar had had her first solo playback song – Paa Lagun Kar Jori Re, Sham Mose Na Khelo Hori Re – too in this film. However, we now have a film in which Datta Dvajekar and Jagganath share the credits as music directors, hence our present song.

Saheedo Amar Hai Tumhari Kahani, Watan Par Luta Di Jinhone Jawani – Golkonda Ke Qaidi – Lyrics: Anjaan

The film has had three music directors – Datta Davjekar, Jagganath and Kundan Lal – and three lyricists. HFGK records Datta Davjekar’s statement that all songs for the film were in fact composed by him.

There is one more Rafi solo in the film – Uthake Sar Chalo Jawani Shaan Se

Hemant Kumar probably brought in Mohammad Rafi for this song because it is was possibly Rafi only who could effortlessly scale vertically up while delivering ‘Uttho Chhalang Mar Ke Aaksh Ko Chhoo Lo’ and then in the very next line ‘Tum Gaad Do Gagan Mein Tiranga Uchaal Ke’ come back to the normal scale.

Hum Laaye Hai Tufan Se Kashti Nikal Ke Is Desh Ko Rakhana Mere Bachchon Sambhal Ke – Jagriti – Hemant Kumar – Pradeep

In a very rare Hemant Kumar – Mohammad Rafi combination, Mohammad Rafi does full justice to the confidence invested in him.

Shailesh Mukherji, is one of those Bengali music directors who could not comfortably last longer in the Hindi Film world.

Kismat Ka Likha Na Tale Na Koi Bas Chale, Yah Kya Hai Zindagi Haye Yah Kya Hai Zindagi – Parichay – Lyrics: Keshav Trivedi

We have Mohammad Rafi singing a background song in what is now established his signature style.

Sudhir Phadke has used Mohammad Rafi very selectively. In fact, he has used Kishore Kumar also very selectively, but for the film under discussion, Pahli Taarikh, he has created one of the most iconic KK song – Khush Hai Jamana Aaj Pahli Taarikh Hai….

Kahun Kya Ki Kaun Hoon Kya Hoon Main, Kisi Raste Ka Chirag Hoon, Mujhe Jisne Chaha Jala Diya…Gareebon Ki Duniya Mita Denewale  – Paheli Tareekh –  Lyrics : Qamar Jalalabadi

This also seems to be a background song.

Lachchiram (Tamar), composed music for around 20 films.  For most of the Hindi Film fans, the name of this music director would itself, perhaps, be a forgotten name. But his songs – Dhalati Jaaye Raat, Karale Dil Ki Baat (Razia Sultan, 1961), Gori Tere Nain Nainva Kajar Bina Kare, Sab Jawan Sab Haseen Koi Tumsa Nahin, and solo and duet versions of Tu Shokh Kali Main Mast Pawan (all from, Main Suhagan Hun, 1964) – would easily be recognized.

Akaash Ke Aanchal Mein Sitara Rahega – Shaheed E Azam Bhagat Singh – Lyrics: Shauquat Pardesi

Mohammad Rafi exudes nationalistic fervor in every word that he sings in this rally song.

Hafiz Khan is credited as the music director who created a qawwali – Aanhein Na Bhari Shiquaw Na Kiye  (Zeenat, 1945; Noorjehan, Zohrabai, Kalyani) which has the distinction of being the oldest among all the well-known qawwaalis of Hindi movies.  

Apne Diwano Se Daaman Na Chhuda, Bekhabar Hosh Mein Aa – Watan – Lyrics: Shevan Rizvi

We have one more background song…

1955

The year 1955 had 76 songs solo songs of Mohammad Rafi, of which we have 2 solo songs each of B S Kalla and N Dutta and one solo of Bipin Babul from one film each from their respective maiden association with Mohamamd Rafi.

B(alkrishna) S Kalla is quite an unknown name. From various records, we observe that prior to 1955, he has also jointly composed for films like Mangala (1950), Mr. Sampat (1952),  Bahut Din Huye (1954), which were all produced by the then known Tamil banners. Do Dulhe is his solo music direction film.

Naam Hai Mere Baap Ka Soda, Uski Surat Dekh Ke Aata Mujhko Bukhaar – Do Dulhe – Lyrics: Pt. Indra

The present song is a very good comedy genre song. The song is filmed on mentally challenged persons, and had parodied a couple of known songs. Mohammad Rafi has another solo song – Hal Na Kar Paaye Jise Tu Kaun Si Mushkil Hai Wo – which appears to be background song, one duet with Geeta Dutt and a triad with Geeta Dutt and Sarla Devi.

N Datta (a.k.a. Dattaram Baburao Naik) commenced his career as an assistant to S D Burman in films like Bahar, Sazaa and Ek Nazar (1951), Jaal (1952), Jeevan Jyoti (1953) and Angarey (1954), before his got his maiden assignment in Milaap (1954), which was also maiden directorial venture of Raj Khosla.

Ab Woh Karam Kare Ya Sitam Main Nashe Mein Hun – Marine dive – Lyrics: Sahir Ludhyanavi

His early association with Sahir when N Datta was an assistant to S D Burman seems to be continuing and continuing well. In the present song N Dutta comes out in the true elements of his abilities – very soft orchestration, a smooth composition which has some typical twists.

The film had two Mohammad Rafi – Asha Bhosle duet songs, one of which is what is known as Beggar Song genre song in Hindi films – Bata Ae Aasmanwale Tere Bande Kidhar Jaye and another one is a romantic duet – Muhabbat Yun Bhi Hoti Hai.

Bipin (Dutt) and Babul Started their career as assistants to Madan Mohan, Thiers is one more case of a capable music director who did not ring success to the cash box. They have composed two highly respected Rafi songs – Tum Poochhate Ho Ishq Bhala Hai Ke Nahin Hai and Chheda Jo Dil Ka Fasana Hansa Zor Se Kyon Zamana in Naqli Nawab, 1962.

Rukh Se Parda To Hata Zara Nazrein To Mila – Shahi Mehmaan – Lyrics: Anjum Jaipuri

The composition of the song is more on the Sufi style.

While ending the present episode, I am not able to resist the temptation of presenting one of my most favorite Mohammad Rafi songs (for 1954), even at the cost of repeating a music director.

Hai Baski Har Ek Unke Ishare Me Nishan Aur, Karate Hai Muhabbat To Guzarata Hai Guman Aur – Mirza Ghalib (1954) – Ghulam Mohammad

We will take up the years 1956 to 1958 of the third five-year-slot of 1954-1958 in the month of December, 2018

The Micro View of the Songs of 1948 @ SoY – The Duets – Male-Male Duet & Triads, Triads+ Songs

Male-Male Duet Songs

While remaining an essential variant of the duets, male-male duets has neither been a popular format nor been an easy one to compose. We have only two male-male duets for the year, essentially with chorus support.

Mohammad Rafi, Khan Mastana, Chorus – Watan Ki Raah Mein Watan Ke Naujawan Shaheed Ho – Shaheed – Ghulam Haider – Raja Mahendi Ali Khan

Mukesh, Shailesh, Chorus – Rab Mere Araj Sun Meri, Sharan Ab Teri – Aag – Ram Ganguli – Saraswatikumar ‘Dipak’

Triads, Triads+

1948 has quite a fairly large selection of triads or triad+ songs. All of the songs that could be listed form HFGK do not have digital link on the most of the otherwise rich reference platforms.

Popular TRiad Song

Mohammad Rafi, Chitalkar, G M Sajan, Chorus – Aji Khushiyan Manae Na Kyon Hum , Ham Kise Se Kyun Dare, Kismat Hamare Sath Hai, Jalanewale Jalanewale Jala Kare – Khidki – C Ramchandra – P L Santoshi

Its all female version – by Shamshad Begum, Lata Mangeshkar, and Mohan Tara – was equally popular.

Other Triads, Triads+ Songs

Shamshad Begum, Lata Mangeshkar, Unidentified voice – Hello Hello Gentleman, Milate Nahi Kyun Ham Se Nain – Actress – Shyam Sundar- Raja Mahendi Ali Khan

Moahammad Rafi, Chitalkar, Shamshad Begum – Aji Mera Bhi Koi Haal Suno,.. – Khidki – C Ramchandra – P L Santoshi

Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Roy, Chitalkar – Tere Bina Suna Suna, Man Ka Mera Anagana  – Khidki – C Ramchandra – P L Santoshi

Suraiya, Surinder Kaur, Meena Kapoor – Kabhi Panabhat Pe Aaja Mere Sapno Ke Raja – Pyra Ki Jeet – Husnlal Bhagatram – Rajendra Krishna

Suraiya, Surinder Kaur, Meena Kapoor – Rut Rangeeli Hai, Suhani Raat Hai, Tum Chale Aao To Kya Baat Hai  – Pyar Ki Jeet – Husnlal Bhagatram – Rajendra Krishna

Mohammad Rafi, Shamshad Begum, Sulochana  Kadam  – Chalo Jamuna Ke Paar – Lal Dupatta – Gyan Dutt – ?

Chitalkar, Lalita Deulkar, P Chandar, S L Puri – Kathawa Ke Nayaa Banaihe Hai Re Malhawa, Nadiya Ke Paar Tej Dhar– Nadiya Ke Paar – C Ramchandra – Moti B A

We will take up the concluding part of the Duet Songs of 1948 in our next episode.

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’