Suman Kalyanpur

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

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

The year 2021 opened on a very unusual note for Blog World of Hindi Film Music with a post Hans Akela: A song that stood tall amid the ruins on SoY. Rahul Bhagwanrao Muli presents the songs that are only the surviving link to the memory of the film. The song is then “Hans Akela“ which is still floating freely, liberated from the mortal debris of the film.

And of course, a post on 26^th January – Republic Day: Reading between the lyrics of five patriotic Hindi film songs – The better and more enduring ones of this gnre, however, make room for other sentiments – celebration with caution, pride tinged with anxiety, a love for the country that is firm but not blind.

We now move on to other tributes and memories:

Boss of Bombay Talkies: How Devika Rani fought innuendo and personal tragedy to get back on her feet – Kishwar Desai presents Edited excerpts from a biography – The Longest Kiss: The Life and Times of Devika Rani, Westland Books – of the movie star and pioneering studio owner.

Mahendra Kapoor: The playback singer who did not need a sound system – Ajay Mankotia – January 9, 2021 was the 86th birth anniversary of the singer who owned the bastion of patriotic and religious songs in Bollywood

Sajjad Husain, the ‘Unsung’ Maestro – Rajan NS – Sajjad Husain was a priceless asset to Hindi film music but could not get the recognition that was his due, despite his prodigious talent.

The Masters: Naushad Ali – After a few forays into working as an instrumentalist in films, Naushad got his first big break when music director Khemchand Prakash took him on as an assistant. It was 1940 before he got his first film as an independent composer – Prem Nagar, for which, Naushad says, he did a lot of research on the folk music of Kutch. Soon, other films followed, but it was with Rattan (1944) that Naushad first tasted success.

The Unlucky Genius N Datta: His songs for ‘other’ singers is a rounding-off article after Hans Jakhar ‘s articles on N Datta’s principal singers, Asha Bhosle and Rafi

The Masters: C Ramchandra – Ramchandra Narhar Chitalkar was born on January 12^th 1918 and died on January 5^th 1982. His debut in Hindi films, as an independent music director was in Jeevan (1942), on the strength of his bond with Master Bhagwan. While the film only did average business, the music was appreciated, and Ramchandra had his foot in the door in the Hindi film industry as well. Bhagwan and he would collaborate professionally on a further 15 films.

Rafi sings for Chitragupt – Part 1 is the solo songs whereas part II is his duets.

How Guru Dutt became the reluctant hero of his masterpiece ‘Pyaasa’ – Excerpted with permission from Guru Dutt – An Unfinished Story, Yasser Usman, Simon & Schuster India.

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

Ae Nargis e Mastana – Remembering Sadhana on her 5^th anniversary on 25^th December.

My favourite ‘Rafi-Suman Kalyanpur’ duets is a tribute to Suman Kalyanpur on her 84^th birthday. Here is one duet that I have picked up as my choice, and the other one is at then end of this episode –

Zara Thehro Ji Abdul Gafaar – Satta Bazaar (1959) – Kalyanji Anandji – Hasrat Jaipuri

January 2021 episode of Fading Memories, Unforgettable Songs takes up Jaidev: Brilliant, But Underrated, Composer: 1972-1973 that covers Jaidev’s music in films Bhavna, Maan Jaaiye (both in 1972) and Prem Parbat (1973). We have covered, the years –

In 2018, we listened to his songs from the most successful films phase of 1955 to 1963.
In 2019, we listened to his more remembered songs from his less remembered films for 1964 to 1970, and
in 2020, we listened to highly appreciated songs from the films that did not succeed in 1971

in the form of our commemorative annual series in the month of Jaidev’s death anniversary month.

We will now take up the articles on other subjects:

Film Songs Based on Classical Ragas (14) – The Melodious Trio: Bageshri, Rageshri and Malgunji – Subodh Agrawal – All three ragas are very sweet and pleasant – ideal for shringar rasa. Malgunji is perhaps the sweetest, while Rageshri has a touch of gravity.

Songs of Music (!) explores different facets of music or where music plays a very important role in the song and / or the movie. For example – Manbhaavan Sangeet Suhavan (Chandramukhi, 1960 – Manna Dey – S.N.Tripathi – Bharat Vyas) , a song based on Raag Basant Bahar, is a perfect tribute to music. It refers to the various gods and goddesses who espouse the cause of music,

Heroine introduces herself! follows up on Hero introduces himself!

In the Micro View of Songs of 1945 we have carried forward the micro view of solo songs of Female singers – now in the form of Naseem (Banu) | Naseem Akhtar | Munnavar Sultana, Other female singers – Part I and Part II and the Summing up post on Female Solo songs – My TOP female solo songs. We, then, commenced the Micro View of the Duets for the year 1945 with Duets (+) of Golden Era (Male +) Singers.

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.

Sambhal Sambhal Kar Jaiyo O Banjare.. Dilhi Door Hai – Saajan (1947) – with Lalita Deulkar, Gereta Roy – C Ramchandra – Ram Murti Chaturvedi

Tum Ho Jaao Hamare, Hum Ho Jaaye Tumhare – Roop Lekha (1949) – with Surinder Kaur – Sajjad Hussain – Khumar Barabankvi

Chhin Ke Pher Li Aankhein Jaan Gaye Ham Jaan Gaye – Chandani Raat (1949) – with Shamsahd Begum – Naushad Ali – Shakel Badayuni

Ghata Mein Chhup Kar….Jo Dil Ki Baat Hai..Nazar Tak AAyee Jaati Hai – Baaz (1953) – with Geeta dutt – O P Nayyar – Majrooh Sultanpuri

Sambahl Ke Baitho Jhara, ChhaoN Mein BaharoN Ki,,,,Chand Hai Taare Bhi Aur Ye Tanhai Bhi – Roop Lekha (1962) – with Suman Kalyanpur – Nashad – Farooq Qaiser

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.

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

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

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

Rajkumari

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

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

Laksmi Shankar

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

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

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

Usha Mangeshkar

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

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

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

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

Shamshad Begum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sudha Malhotra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aside Trivia:

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

Mubarak Begum, Sulochana Kadam

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

The song can be heard by clicking on this link

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And, now the posts on other subjects:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music – February, 2018

Welcome to February, 2018 edition of Carnival of Blogs on Golden Era of Hindi Film Music.

We begin our February, 2018 episode with Bharat Darshan – Bharat Darshan in Songs (1): Small towns followed by Bharat Darshan in Songs (2): Metros. Once we tour India, how can we be satisfied without having a look Around the World in Songs.

Knowing fully well that a mere mention of the these tours will not suffice, I have selected one song from each post to taste the potentials of these tours

Tum Dilli Main Agra Mere Dil Se Nikle Haaye – Pahle Aap (1944) – Shyam Kumar and Mohammad Rafi – Naushad – DN Madhok

Bombay Purani Kalkatta Purana – Umar Qaid (1961) Mohammad Rafi and Kamal Barot – Iqbal Qureshi – Hasrat Jaipuri

Ek Din Lahore Ki Thandi Sadak Par Shaam Ko Ja Rahe The – Sagai (1951) – Chitalkar, Rafi and Shamshad Begum – C Ramchandra – Rajendra Krishna

Around the World in Ten Songs also is an off-shoot of the aforementioned Bharat Darshan posts. There are songs—the ones shot abroad—merit a separate post, because so many of them (Akele-akele kahaan jaa rahe ho, O mere shahekhubaan, Raat ke humsafar, Aye meri zindagi tu ajnabi toh nahin, etc) have little to do with the place itself. The present list is limited to the songs that actually name a city or town, whether or not the song itself is shot there, e.g. Bade Bhaiya Laaye Hain London Se Chhori – Ek Hi Raasta, (1956) – Asha Bhosle – Hemant Kumar – Majrooh Sutanpuri

And, now, we take up the tributes in January (post-our January, 2018 issue) / February, 2018:

The first five posts are w.r.t. the Valentine Day.

Valentine’s Day! – Some songs describe the emotions after he/she realizes they are falling in love with someone special! He/She just dance around cheerfully, singing and humming or they confess it to their friend…In some of the songs the hero declares his love in public to tease her.
Ten from the heart is a list of love songs for Valentine’s Day..
Lessons on unrequited love from Hindi masala movies from the films/songs/actors that illustrate the longing of unrequited love.
Some love stories last. . . forever is the list of the author’s most favourite love stories from Bollywood.
25 Beautiful Bollywood songs that you can dedicate to your partner in order to express love that look certain to last for a long, long time, perhaps even forever.

Valentine Day also is the birth date of Madhubala.

The Many Moods of Madhubala – On her 85^th birth anniversary on 14^th February, 2018 – Her obvious beauty blinded people to her talent, and her ill-health didn’t allow her much of a chance to explore roles that might have rewarded her latent talent.

Barsat Ki Raat Part 1: A Musical Romance – On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, and the birthday of Hindi films’ Venus, Madhubala, Monica Kar revisits the classic musical Barsat Ki Raat 1960, exploring the evergreen memorable songs and scenes of this delightful romantic story. [We will include the Part II of the article in our next episode.]

Happy Birthday Suman Ji! presents her representative solo songs on her 81^st birthday on 28^th January, 2018. This is followed up with Suman Kalyanpur – Duets. I have picked up a duet with Mohammad Rafi from her one of the first films just after her marriage:

Jara Thahero Abhdul Gaffar Rumal Mere Leke Jaana – Satta Bazar (1959) – Kalyanji Anandji – Gulshan Bawra – The tune is composed on Gujarati Garba folk song tune.

The Many Moods of Waheeda Rehman – a ‘song’ tribute to Waheeda Rehman on her 80^th birthday (3^rd February, 2018), songs that she sang on screen presenting her in a different mood and/or emotion.

OP Nayyar — Music Alchemist – In a tribute to the legendary music director OP Nayyar, Silhouette presents a unique collection of essays curated by noted musicologist and author Manek Premchand, admin of the RTS group. The group draws its name from Manek’s book ‘Romancing the Song’, an in-depth encyclopedic lyrical journey through the history of the Hindi film song.

Khayyam: The Poets’ Musician – The earnestness, the depth and the genius of Khayyam led to the creation of masterpiece ghazals, songs and nazms that are among the most beautiful melodies in Hindi film music. Vijay Kumar explores a few of Khayyam’s everlastings songs on the music maker’s birthday on 18^th February, 2018.

Pankaj Mallik-The Singer,Composer Admired By Rabindranath Tagore – The credit of taking Tagore’s songs and music, which have come to be known as ‘Rabindra Sangeet’, to the masses goes to ‘Mukti’.

Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi: Bharat Bhushan’s Unforgettable Singer-Poet Musicals – By Peeyush Sharma – Bharat Bhushan’s educated, decent, quiet and humble personality made him excel in unforgettable musicals as historical singer-poet or romantic shayar.

February, 2018 episode of Fading Memories, Unforgettable Songs is dedicated to: Talat Mahmood’s Duet Combinations with Rare Co-singers. I plan to follow the practice of following-up one artist every month every year. E.g. Our present episode is follow-on post to the February, 2017 episode: ‘Some of the Talat Mahmood Duets receding from the memory’.

And, now the posts on other subjects:

The mesmerizing Qawwaalis from Hindi movies – Listening to a good Qawwaali may take you into a state of trance. Bollywood movies have carried the Qawwaali tradition a long way through several memorable Qawwaalis.

Bombay Returned is Manek Premchand’s maiden article as far as this blog carnival is concerned. The post looks at many actors, singers, composers or filmmakers who came to Bombay to try their fortunes in Hindi films, only to go back to where they were known better through the prism of lens of their Hindi Film Songs.

Great Theme Music of Bollywood – Theme music is a piece that is often played during the intro, opening credits and/or ending credits. This music is a Signature Music of a Film. For example – Alaap at the end of a musical piece from ‘Pakeeza’. In the early years of radio and television, celebrities often had a signature song associated with them that became their theme.

‘Bandini’ is about crossings real and imagined, literal and metaphorical – Rudradeep Bhattacharjee – Gulzar made his debut as a lyricist with the 1963 Bimal Roy classic, starring Nutan, Ashok Kumar and Dharmendra and scored by SD Burman…Mora Gora Ang Lai Le is the only song Gulzar wrote for Bandini. By then Burman and Shailendra had made their peace, and the latter wrote the remaining songs. [A concerned Bimal Roy then asked Gulzar to join in on his next production, which was being directed by Hemen Gupta. Kabuliwala, for which Gulzar wrote Ganga Aaye Kahaan Se, went on to release earlier than Bandini.].This song also is the first after SDB and Lata’ feud was patched up.

25 All Time Great Whistling Songs Of Bollywood – Whistling is an old art used in songs started in 1930s and 40s. A whistle can be used to express happiness or woo a beloved. Many a times whistling is a part of hero’s introduction song, where he is shown to whistle happily, either walking or riding a bicycle, or driving a car.

‘Gharonda’ remains one of the most resonant films about Mumbai’s housing woes – Nandini Ramnath – House-hunting leads to heartbreak in Bhimsain’s 1977 morality tale, starring Amol Palekar, Zarina Wahab and Shreeram Lagoo.

Devika Rani is a free-spirited bird in ‘Main Ban Ki Chidiya’ – Archana Nathan – The famous song from Franz Osten’s ‘Achhut Kanya’ is a perfect ode to Devika Rani.

Zara Dekhiye Meri Saadgi’ – Dara Singh – His first real acting film was Bhaktraj (1960). But he came in a hero in Faulad (1963), and then went to act in 80 films in the lead role. The song that the article title refers to is from Nasihat(1967) – rendered by Mahendra Kapoor and composed by O P Nayyar.

We concluded our series Micro View of Best Songs 1948 @SoY of Best songs of 1948: And the winners are? with the final post that presents my views on the Top Music Directors for 1948. If we recall, SoY had concluded the series with Best songs of 1948: Final Wrap Up 4. All the posts of the Micro View of Best Songs of 1948 can be accessed @ The Songs of 1948 @SoY.

In our tradition of ending our post with article or topical song, I have picked up one duet with Suman Kalyanpur and one rarely heard composition of O P Nayyar and Roshan each, in continuation to leads that we have had earlier in this episode::

Aankade Ka Dhandha Ek Din Teji – Satta Bazar (1959) – Kalyanji Anandji – Gulshan Bawra

Sharab Ka Sahara Leke Bahal Saka Na Mera Dil – Commecrical Pilot Officer (1963) – Roshan- Anand Bakshi

Bana De Bana De Prabhuji Tu Bigdadi Bana De Prabhuji – Phaagun (1958) – With Asha Bhosle – O P Nayyar – Qamar Jalalabadi

Madhubala and Bharat Bhushan lip sing the song on the screen.

I earnestly seek your suggestions / inputs / criticisms so as to make our Film Blog Festival more interesting and live.

Fading Memories…. Unforgettable Songs: August, 2016

Welcome to our August, 2016 episode of ‘Fading Memories. Unforgettable Songs’.

We will dedicate our present episode to Mohammad Rafi (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980), as our tribute on his 36^th death anniversary.

Sudhir Kapoor, in his post – Jaane Meri Akhiyon Ne Dekha Hai Kya – so rightly states that voice – the magic, the magnetism, the feeling of surreal contentment that descends into the being, and ensconces it with a joyous delight…The most remarkable trait of Rafi Sb’s singing is his ability to project performance through sound. The song under the discussion here is:

Jaane Meri Akhiyon Ne Dekha Hai Kya – Pyaar Ki Jeet (1962) – Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle,– Sudhir Phadke – Qamar Jalalabaadi

SoY has dedicated My favourite Rafi songs by Shankar-Jaikshan – A tribute to Rafi.: Lakshmikant Pyarelal (389); Shankar-Jaikishan (374); Chitragupta (261) and OP Nayyar (216) are four music directors who have composed maximum songs of Mohammad Rafi. The generally regarded three ‘Best’, Naushad, SD Burman and Roshan’s songs are far less than the above numbers. The post and the discussion thereon picks up some not so well-membered songs from SJ-Rafi combine. We will pick up one from Archana (1974) – enacted by Sanjeev Kumar – for our present episode:

Jaane Kis Roop Ki Jaadubhari Parchhai Ho, Log To Log Rahe Apne Se Sharmati Ho

On our part, we will listen to duets of Mohammad Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur today. The songs that we have picked up are the ones that certainly need brushing up of the memories. I have selected the songs without any specific common theme in the mind.. just to see how does the random pick up of Rafi- SK duets of different music directors sound today…..We have selected only one song of a given music director.

So here we go, in the descending chronological order:

O Chhokari Tu Hai Ras Bhare Phooln Ki Tokri – Bhai Behan (1959) – N Datta – Sahir Ludhianvi

Sahir can also play so easily with playful lyrics….

Zara Thehro Ji Abdul Gaffar- Satta Baazaar(1959 – Kalyanji Anandji – Hasrat Jaipuri

Arun Kumar Deshmukh in his post on this song feels that Naushad seems to have been inspired from this song when composing Mere Pairon Mein Ghunghroo Bandha De from Sanghursh (1968). May be, but the song certainly is set to a typical Garba (gujarati folk dance) tune. KA has used this tune in Saraswati Chandra (Main To Bhool Chali Babul Ka Desh)

Aurato Ke Dabbe Mein – Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh (1960) – Hansraj Behl – Prem Dhawan

Bharat Bhushan is not only pitted in real difficult position of being in Women Only coach, since the song calls for quite a different acting prowess than his usual roles. And he does seem to have lived up to the exception…

Collection of Couplets – Saranga (1960) – with Hemant Kumar as well – Sardar Mallik

We get to listen to quite a different Mohammad Rafi, and so too Suman Kalyanpur, in these couplets

Muskuraaye Khet Pyaase Tarse Tarse – Love in Simla (1960) -Iqbal Qureshi – Rajinder Krishan

Enacting an Indian farm on a stage show……..with a Dutch-designed wind mill in the background

Mujhe Jag Di Bana De Malika -Dark Street (1961) – Dattaram – Gulshan ‘Bawra’

Dattaram has deftly handled a pure Punjabi folk tune

Chhail Chhabeela Chhokra Maine Le Gayo Nadiya Paar – Hamaari Yaad Aayegi (1961) – Snehal Bhatkar – -Kidar Sharma

Here is a song that is set to a Rajasthani folk tune..

Zinda Hai Zinda Hai Hamse Wafa Ka Naam – Ramu Dada (1961) – Chitragupta- -Majrooh Sultanpuri

And now we have a quawwali too

Ho Maine Kaha Ho Suno Zara – Gypsy Girl (1961) -Sardul Kwatra – Anjum Jaipuri

A very light, lilting tune…. One can almost correlate it with a typical Jhonny Walker song.. However, as we do not have the vide in this clip let us not speculate anymore..

Is Gulshan Ko Aag Lagaa Do – Zarak Khan (1963) – S Mohinder – -Anand Bakshi

On a standalone basis, it is slightly difficult to judge what the song has to covey…

Kisne Mujhe Pukaara Kisne Mujhe Sada Di – Saaz Aur Aawaaz (1966) – Naushad – Khumar Barabankwi

The song is possibly first duet that has an element of a typical suspense film formula – image of the heroine shrouded in the ‘clouds of smoke’ and hero chasing the voice that sings the song…

The song has another version as well, one with a subtle variation in tempo and scale..

Aa Hum Ahd-e-wafa Kar Le – Do Bhai (1969) – Laxmikant Pyarelal

LP also using Suman Kalyanpur in a duet with Mohammad Rafi – possible the dictates of the times…one can find many other such songs in ‘67 to ‘69 period on YT – quite a few of them had become popular too at that time.

Mere Yaar Ki Yaari Dekh Ke – Insaaniyat (1974) – Shankar Jaikishan -Hasrat Jaipuri

Post-Jaikishan period Shanker has attempted using Rafi’s theatrics to present the formula playboy mood of the song.. Suman Kalyanpur matches note to Rafi’s note

Well, that should be enough for the day….

If you have songs to share, you are most heartily welcome…..

Fading Memories….Unforgettable Songs: February, 2016

We are meeting soon after the 26^th January, India’s Republic Day. If we do not get to listen to the patriotic songs from films on such an occasion, then the celebrations would seem to have to remain incomplete. Our friend Samir Dholakia does not disappoint and has very timely remembered

Mere Watan Se Achchha – Ladki (1953) – Lata Mangeshkar – C Ramchandra – Rajinder Krishna

Naresh Mankad also has added up

Main Hoon Bharat Ki Ek Naar – Lata Mangeshkar – N. Sudershan, from the same film.

Harish Raghuvanshi has sent in a gem of the vintage era:

Main To Udas Hoon Magar, Woh Bhi Hai Sogwar kyoon, Unke Bhi Dil Men Dard Hai, Aye Dil-e-Bequarar Kyon – Kamal (1949) – Surendra – S D Burman – Prem Dhawan

The full lyrics of the song are posted @ Main to udaas hoon magar.

Atul’s Songs A Day has posted nine other songs from this film:

Samir Dholakia remembered Ye Duniya Rahe Na Rahe Kya Pata – Mitti Mein Sona (1960) -Asha Bhosle – O P Nayyar – S H Bihari

Bhagwan Thavrani sees the similarity of this one with Madan Mohan tune which was composed almost 4 years earlier…. Kahin Chal Na Dena – Ek Shola (1958) – Mohammad Rafi, Asha Bhosle

Bhagwan Thavrani also very fondly informs us that his elder brother is even a greater ‘music buff’. They hold long sessions in the evenings, discussing songs around a particular music director, singer, lyricist, era or raag. Here is one song that had come up in one of these sessions, while discussing notable Suman Kalyanpur songs –

Likh De Piya Ka Naam, Sakhi Ri Piya Ka Naam – Saranga (1961) – Saradar Mullik – Bharat Vyas

Here is one more equally poignant VIDAI – farewell to the bride to her new married life – song, composed by Ravi, who, perhaps next to O P Nayyar, has given some of the best songs of Asha Bhosle.

Jaa Ri Sakhi Saj Dhaj Ke – Ghunghat (1960) – Lyrics : Shakeel Badayuni

In a tribute to Mahendra Kapoor, Bhagwan Thavarani states that this duet may not qualify as a vintage corner forgotten melody which needs to be dusted off and presented to all connoisseurs of music…but I’m helpless ! For two reasons – one, I have a personal affinity for this duet…..or perhaps, for some personal reasons hidden in the subconscious…AND then for the Great Helen ! She has no peer as far as dancing is concerned. Just watch body movements….. she displays during each interlude. It’s lightening, killing, intoxicating, maddening and what not !

Chhod Kar Tere Pyaar Ka Daman Ye Bat Den Ke Ham Kidhar Jaayen – Who Kaun Thi (1964) – Mahemdra Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar – Madan Mohan – Raja Mendi Ali Khan

We also take up the opportunity to recall some of the (relatively) for gotten solo songs of Mahendra Kapoor

Kho Gaya Hai Mera Pyar – Hariyali Aur Rasta (1961) – Shanker Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri

Tum Kitni Khubsurat Ho – Wahan Ke Log (1967) – C Ramchandra – Shakeel Badayuni

In a tribute to Subir Sen, on his passing away in December, 2015, Samir Dholakia has remembered

Sedin Dujane Dulechhinu Bone, Phulodore Bandha Jhulona Bolo Na Bolo Na – Anubhav (1971) – Kanu Roy

This Ravidra Sangeet song has been rendered in their own style by several other artistes. We have picked up its famous Hindi version Nain Deewane – Afsar (1950) Suraiya S D Burman and Hemant Kumar (Mukhopadhyay)’s Bengali rendition in this clip.

Pandit Ravi Shankar had sang this song along with his rendition on sitar at a London concert in June 2011.

Na Jaane Kyon Hota Hai Yeh Jindagi Ke Saath – Chhoti Si Baat (1976) – Lata Mangeshkar – Salil Chaudhary – Yogesh , which had a beautiful Bengali version Pogol Hawa by Subir Sen

In the 1950s, Sen added a unique romantic touch to hit Bengali songs such as “Monalisa Tumi Ki Bolona”.

We have picked up a few more of his rare (duet) songs from Hindi films:

Gori Tere Nakhat Naina – Hum Bhi Insaan Hai (1959) – with Geeta Dutt – Hemant Kumar – Shailendra

Dil Leke Jaate Ho Kahan – O Tera Kya Kahana (1959) – with Kamal Barot – Kalyanji Virji Shah – Farooq Kaiser

Pyar Mein Milna Sanam – Ardhangini (1959) – with Lata Mangeshkar – Vasant Desai – Majrooh Sultanpuri

Ghar Tum Bura Na Mano – Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960) – With Asha Bosle – S Mohinder – Raja Mahendi Ali Khan

We shall conclude our present episode with the journey with Peeyush Sharma through everlasting songs of Mohammad Rafi songs Fifty Years Ago: Films and Music of 1965 that seem to be on the path of oblivion…

Sab Mein Shamil Ho Magar Sab Se Juda Lagti Ho – Bahu Beti – Ravi – Sahir Ludhyanvi

Zindagi Ke Mod Pe Jo Koi Rasta Mila, Teri Gali Se Ja Mila – Bedagh – Roshan – Shakeel Badayuni

Phir Teri Yaad Naye Geet Sunane Aai – Bekhabar – S Mohinder – Raja Mehndi Ali Khan

Mera Ban Jaye Koi Ye Meri Taqdeer Nahin – Ek Sapera Ek Lootera – Usha Khanna – Asad Bhopali

Meri Nigaah Ne Kya Kaam Lajawab Kiya – Mohabbat Isko Kahate Hain – Khayyam – Majrooh Sultanpuri

Hamen Kya Jo Har Su Ujale Huye Hain, Ke Hum To Andheron Ke Paale Huye Hain – Namaste Ji – G S Kohli – Anjaan a.k.a. Lal Ji Pandey

Kuchh Aisi Pyari Shakla Mere Dilruba Ki Hai, Jo Dekhta Hai Kehta Hai, Kudrat Khuda Ki Hai – Naya Kanoon – Madan Mohan – Hasrat Jaipuri

Dil Tadpe Tadpaye, Jo Unke Milan Ko Tarse Wo To Na Aaye, Mausam Aaye Jaaye – Poonam Ki Raat – Salil Chaudhary – Shailendra ( Peeyush Sharma notes : Salil was not in favour of taking Rafi for this song. I have personally confirmed this with him during my three meetings with him. After trying out Mukesh and Manna Dey, Kishore Sahu insisted on Rafi, who was summoned to render this difficult number. And what a job he did!)

Teri Meherbani Hogi Badi Meharbaani Haye Teri Meherbaani – With Asha Bhosale and Chorus – Raaka – Dattaram – Asad Bhopali

Icing on the cake is this song sent in by Biren Kothari:

Maar Gandasa Mar Jaana – Chhai (1950) – Hansraj Behl, Verma Malik – a Punjabi comic song is from very old classic punjabi movi. Very – very rare feature of the song is PRAN along with SUNDER and KHARAITI on the screen. . .

The song seems to have been inspired on Mohammad Rafi – Ameerbai Karnataki superhit Maar Katari Mar Jaana – Shenai (1947) – C Ramchandra

We will meet again on 2^nd Sunday of the next month… with more unforgettable songs that have started slipping out of our memory….

If you have such songs to share, you are most heartily welcome…..

Fading Memories….Unforgettable Songs: January, 2016

The songs that we have for the present episode, incidentally, presents quite an interesting mix – both in terms of music directors or playback singers or even the year in which these songs were first released.

Harish Raghuvanshi remembers:

All songs of ‘Saawan’ (1959) – Hansraj Behl – Prem Dhawan

As we listen to this anthology, we get to listen to several songs that have faded up in the memory, along with some which remain evergreen…..

For those who would prefer to listen to each song individually, here is the bouquet of these gems to pick and choose from:

Bheega Bheega Pyaar Ka Sama – Shamshad Begum, Mohammad Rafi
Tumne Kahaa Chhu, Maine Chhu Liya – Suman Kalyanpur, Mahendera Kapoor
Hame Kuchh Ho Gaya Jee – Shamshad Begum, Mohammad Rafi
Dekho Bina Saawan Baras Rahi Badli – Mohammad Rafi
Meri Ghaghri Nu Ghungroo Lava De – Shamshad Begum, Mohammad Rafi
Kaanha Chhedo Baansuri – Lata Mangeshkar
Murli Teri Payal Meri , Tu Gaye Main Nachun Chham Chham Chham – Lata Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor
Nain Dwaar Se Man Mein Woh Aa Ke Tan Mein Pyaas Jagaye – Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh
Tumhe Yaad Kiya Mere Dil Ne – Lata Mangeshkar

Bhagwan Thavrani has remembered a wide range of the songs, with equally interesting commentary:

Mere Laadlo Tum to Fulofalo – Sant Gyanenshwar (1964) – Lata Mangeshkar – Laxmikant Pyarelal

This is a wonderful lori with wonderful words and usual Lata magic, still it’s almost forgotten…

There is a second version of this song.. in Mohammad Rafi’s voice

O Mrignayani Chnadramukhi – Rang Birangi (1983) – R D Burman

It’s a classical song by Pt. Vasantrao Deshpande with (perhaps) Arti Mukherjee…but I like the picturisation of the song and wonderful rendering by the Maestro Om Prakash and Chhaya Deviboth actors enact their “seen it all ” feelings in a deft manner and their love for each other shows…and how ! साथ जियेंगे साथ मरेंगे गाते गाते गाना.. ..lyrics is by Yogesh ( or is it Maya Govind ! )..

Saari Duniya Se Poochha – Milan (1958) – Lata Mangeshkar – Hansraj Behl

We all remember this 1958 film MILAN for that divine Lata number हाए जिया रोए, but listen to this one…it is a wonderful tune which all of you might have heard often …just trying to take it out from the shadows of more famous one….!

Jahanwale Tune Ye Kya Jindagi Di Jo Aaj Tak Hua Na – Gule Bakawali (1963) – Mohammad Rafi – Hansraj Behl – Gulshan Bawra

Immortal Rafi … Raag Darbari tune by Hansraj Behl . same Raag as in . हाए जिया रोए

Alvida Jaan-e-wafa – Benazir (1964) – Lata Mangeshkar – S D Burman

This gem is from Bimal Roy’s BENAZIR, a flop and forgotten film of the 60’s. It was directed by an unknown director Khaled. It was a Muslim social featuring Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumara, Shashi Kapoor and Tanuja among others. Music had the unique combination of Sachin Dev Burman and Shakeel Badayuni. The film had famous Rafi solo ‘ Dil Me ek Jaan-e-Tamanna Ne Jagah Pai hai ‘ and a couple of other Lata solos which are excellent yet not very popular. To me, this Lata song takes the cake. It was deleted from the film, hence only audio of the song is available. The lyric is so meaningful and a bit tragic.

Samir Dholakia remembers songs –

Beeta Hua Ek Sawan – Shokhiyan (1951) – Lata Mangeshkar – Jamal Sen, as remembered by Mahesh Joshi of Rajkot

One of his melodious but lesser known song…… This song was originally created for film “Shokhiyan “of Kedar Sharma, who introduced him in film. But somehow this beautiful song was not included in that film. After the death of Jamal Sen in 1979 , Kedar Sharma utilized the same in tele film named “Pahela kadam” in 1980.

Here are two songs which were the main subject of Arun Kumar Deshmukh’s posts on Atul’s Song A Day

Samaa Ye Pyaar Ka Bahaar Ke Ye Mele – Baaghi Sipaahi – (1958) – Manna Dey, Asha Bhonsle – Shankar Jaikishan –

This is the 2^nd of Manna Dey – Asha Bhosale duets. First one – Raat Gayi Phir Din Aata Hai – was in 1953 film – Boot Polish. Boot Polish also had triad – Thahar Jara O Jaanewale (Manna Dey, Asha Bhosle, Madhubala Zaveri). They went on to record 168 duets till 2005. As against this, Manna Dey – Lata Mangeshkar pair have recorded 106 duets.

Aaja Aaja Aaja Nadiya Kinaare – Raajhath (1956) – Lata Mangeshkar -Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra –

presented by Helen on the screen

In Four Aces and A Queen, Parag Sankla has presented less remembered songs of Geeta Dutt, by Hansraj Behl, Chitragupt, Bulo C Rani and Avinash Vyas. We have picked up one representative song of each of the music directors mentioned in the article but for which the video links were not provided

Do Roz Ka Jalwaa Hain, Dikhane Ke Liye Hain – Rajput (1951) – Geeta Dutt, Hameeda Bano and Chorus – Hansraj Behl –

An all-female quawaali, indeed a rare one in so far as Geeta Dutt is concerned.

Nadiyaa Kinaare Mora Dera, Mashal Jale Saari Ratiya – Tarang (1952) –

a quartet with Mohammad Rafi, Shamshad Begum, Geeta and composer Chitragupt himself singing a few lines! Between the year 1958 and 1963, this wonderful singer and Chitragupt created as many as fifty plus songs….

Jawaniya Nigodi Sataaye, Ghoonghat Mora Khul Khul Jaaye – Darogaji (1949) – Bulo C Rani – Geeta’s voice could turn so youthful and natkhat…..

Gun Gun Gunjan Karata Bhanwara – Har Har Mahadev (1950) – Avinash Vyas – Gun Gun so creatively succeeds in recreating the humming of the wasp…

K S Bhatia and other readers have been in enriching the post My favourite ‘special’ Asha Bhosle songs by way of quite interesting add-on comments. In fact the avalanche of such songs by all the readers would call for several separate posts to do the justice. We have picked up one song here:

Aap Ki Baaten Aap Ki Kasmen Sab Jhoote – Kala Samunder (1962) – N. Dutta

The discussion also has added a few songs like this one by Suman Kalyanpur as well.

Meri Preet Mera Pyar Bole Aaj Baar Baar – Teerath Yatra (1958) – Suman Kalyanpur – Suresh Talwar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qnkA_d_No4

I had fairly encouraging discussion with Maulika Dersari w.r.t. our December, 2015 episode. While she fondly remembered Zindagi Kitni Khoobsurat Hai, Aayie Aap Ki Zaroorat Hai (Hemant Kumar in 1963 film ‘Bin Badal Brsaat’ ). This one has twin version in Lata Mangeshlar’s voice as well. That led me to search for Hemant Kumar’s duet with Lata Mangeshkar :

Ho Dheere Dheere – Aagosh (1953) – Roshan – Shailendra