Category Archives: My Lists

“Asha Bhosle – Challenge and Competition Songs”

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12 April was a sad day for the entertainment world. Asha Bhosle (AB), the versatile singer left us forever, leaving behind a staggering musical treasure. Though primarily a playback singer, she also contributed to the non-film genre. It was always a delight to see her perform on stage. She had a great sense of humour, made witty comments and was a great mimic as well. She stayed connected to her audience.

One point she always mentioned was “rising to the challenge.” If a music director said that he was ready to simplify a tough sounding tune, she would disagree to the proposal. She would rehearse hard and deliver the most difficult of compositions, that too in a single take! Facing challenges became her forte. As years passed, new music directors arrived, trends changed along with the audience’s taste. AB was always around to adapt to the new generation and remain competitive. 

Today’s post is also about some film situations involving a challenge or a competition; AB being an integral part of all these songs. Even scrolling through the list will give the reader an idea of the variety of songs and the ease with which she sung them.

My heartfelt tribute to this truly versatile icon. Hope you enjoy!

1) Song: Dekho Bijli Dole
Film: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | O.P. Nayyar | Asha Bhosle and Usha Mangeshkar

One Asha sings for another. AB and Asha Parekh (AP) shared a long association starting from the latter’s debut film Dil Deke Dekho. AB sang a range of songs for her right from trademark dance numbers to romantic and sad songs. Parde mein rehne do, Daiya ye main kaha aa phansi, Khat likhde sawariya ke naam babu, O mere sona re, Jab chali thandi hawa..it would be a long list of hit songs. In this classical dance competition song AP shows her dancing prowess complemented by AB’s classical singing. It is definitely one of those songs which is a delight to hear and watch. It is a rare classical composition from O. P Nayyar, the music director who arguably had a sizeable contribution in AB’s playback career.

2) Song: Mere Mehboob Mein Kya Nahin
Film: Mere Mehboob (1963)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle

This is a duet between AB and her peerless sister Lata Mangeshkar (LM). Both sisters are in a competitive spirit as they sing for the onscreen pair of Sadhana (LM) and Ameeta (AB). The lyrics describe their beloved and each one tries to outdo the other. A beautiful composition by Naushad and both sisters excel in their art by matching note to note.

3) Song: Kaise Samjhaoon?
Film: Suraj (1966)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi & Asha Bhosle

Mohammed Rafi sang the highest number of duets with AB and their pairing was one of its kind. Again it would be a long list of songs enough to feed multiple blog posts! This Shankar Jaikishan number is a nice give and take song set in raag Bhairavi. A hero v/s the heroine song. AB sings for Vyjanthimala as she taunts the hero (Rajendra Kumar). This is another example of a song where the voice matches the heroine’s expressions perfectly. The singing and dancing is effortless and impactful.

4) Song: Saaf Karo Insaaf Karo
Film: Aashirwad (1968)
Credits: Gulzar | Vasant Desai | Ashok Kumar, H. Chattopadhyay, Hemlata and Asha Bhosle

Lavani is a traditional dance form in Maharashtra state. It’s subset is the sawaal jawaab performance. Questions (riddles) are posed in the form of a song and the other party guesses the answer. The lyrics are witty and set to a melodious tune. AB has sung many lavanis in Marathi films and she is in top form here in it’s Hindi version. The singing has that hint of a mischievous, teasing tone as the competition heats up(!). On screen, we see Ashok Kumar enjoying the performance of the dancer (Leela Gandhi). A different song but highly enjoyable.

5) Song: Raaz Ki Baat Kehdu Toh
Film: Dharma (1973)
Credits: Verma Malik | Sonik Omi | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

I would term this as a suspense song. The dancer Bindu is aware of Nawab Saab’s (Pran) secret and threatens to expose him in public. He warns her to remain silent and the audience is eager to know what happens next. This was an unlikely qawwali duet between supporting actors but it became a roaring hit thanks to the acting, lyrics, music and of course the singing. AB is in top form using a threatening and warning tone to bring about the desired emotions.

6) Song: Hai Agar Dushman
Film: Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle and Chorus

Another blockbuster qawwali featuring the same singers. This is a challenge song where the hero dares the heroine to come forward and proclaim her love for him in full public view. She is reluctant but gathers courage and joins him in the performance. Challenge accepted! AB makes a fully charged entry in this fast faced and difficult composition based on raag Kalavati. Once again, we are awed by her versatility.

7) Song: Saare Niyam Tod Do
Film: Khubsoorat (1980)
Credits: Gulzar | R. D. Burman | Asha Bhosle, Rekha and Chorus

Challenges can be subtle as shown in this song featuring Rekha, Ashok Kumar, Rakesh Roshan and others. Rekha’s character organizes a surprise performance to deliver an important message to the family members. She challenges them to break rules and enjoy their life for the sake of nirmal anand (pure bliss). Needless to say, they are convinced and accept the challenge responding “Inquilaab Zindabaad.”

8) Song: Meri Nazar Hai Tujh Pe
Film: The Burning Train (1980)
Credits: Sahir | R. D. Burman | Asha Bhosle

The 60s and 70s would have these fusion songs (Indian v/s western) which became popular. This is one such song from R. D. Burman. It has Parveen Babi (western) competing against Hema Malini (Indian). And surprise, AB sings for both the ladies. She glides alternately through the western and Indian singing styles and doesn’t loosen her grip. A difficult feat but AB proves her command in handling such experimental songs.

9) Song: Aa Dekhe Zara
Film: Rocky (1981)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar, R. D. Burman and Asha Bhosle

This is a rare song sung by the golden trio of Kishore Kumar, RD and AB. The men sing for Sanjay Dutt and Shakti Kapoor whereas AB sings for Tina Munim and Reena Roy. It is a proper dance competition song full of energy. AB sings full throttle adding the needed punch to the competition.

10) Song: Main Haseena Gazab Ki
Film: Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)
Credits: Indivar | Rajesh Roshan | Asha Bhosle and Sadhana Sargam

And the final song is a face off between Rekha and Sonu Walia. Khoon Bhari Maang was a revenge drama. Rekha plots to seek revenge from Kabir Bedi and this song is the first step towards that goal. AB makes a dashing entry through her engaging vocals to crush the onscreen opponent. Rekha matches the singing with some over the top costumes and dance moves.

“Filmy” Songs

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Its almost the end of the month and my blog will complete 2 years on 31st March. It has been a pleasant experience. Writing about movies in the form of reviews, song lists and articles is extremely satisfying. There is so much to watch and write about when your passion is movies and music!

Today’s post is centered around this passion of mine. It is a songs post and all these are “filmy” songs. We have many films depicting the film industry. Right from Kaagaz Ke Phool, Guddi to Rangeela and Luck By Chance in recent times. And we have songs which pay a tribute to the film industry through its lyrics, cast or picturization. The combination makes the song totally filmy (or filmi), and entertaining. So hope you enjoy this post and do leave your comments.

1) Song: Ek Padosan Peeche Pad Gayi
Film: Gopi (1970)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Kalyanji Anandji | Mahendra Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar and chorus

Let’s start with a dance number featuring the real life couple Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu. Both were highly successful in their careers. They did very few films together, including Gopi which became a hit. Coming to the filmi part of this song – the cleverly written lyrics weave the names of many movies and characters featuring the lead pair, making it an interesting song. It was probably the first song of its kind and showcases the star power and long lasting impact of films.

Ek padosan peeche pad gayi,
Junglee jiska naam,
Pyaar mohabbat kyaa samjhaaye,
Isko Ram aur Shyam,
Ke teri meri nahin nibhni

Jaa main na teri Madhumati,
Na Dhanno mera naam,
Dil bhi dena dard bhi lenaa,
Ye nahin mera kaam,
Ke teri meri nahin nibhni

2) Song: Naach Meri Jaan
Film: Main Sundar Hoon (1970)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Shankar Jaikishan | Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

There are films where the hero or heroine are associated with the film industry. Main Sundar Hoon told the story of a waiter Sundar (played by Mehmood) who becomes a film star. There are many “behind the scenes” which show how movies are made.

This song is a shooting sequence. The first shots show the song recording and we see some well known names including Kishore Kumar, Jaikishan and Anand Bakshi in front of the camera! Then Mehmood and Jayshree T participate in the song’s shooting. The lyrics are nonsensical but the tune is catchy with awesome singing.

3) Song: Loote Koi Mann Ka Nagar
Film: Abhimaan (1973)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Manhar and Lata Mangeshkar

Many of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s films have a character who is connected to music in some way. Remember Anuradha, Aashirwad, Bawarchi, Satyakam, Buddha Mil Gaya and so on?

Abhimaan was the story of two singers. After marriage, Uma (Jaya Bhaduri) is convinced by her husband Subir (Amitabh Bachchan) to become a playback singer. He is already a well established singer. This is the first song they record together. The song show typical views of a recording studio with musicians, sound recordists etc. We also get a glimpse of Nitin Mukesh in a special appearance.

4) Song: Ek Din Sapne Mein Dekha Sapna
Film: Golmaal (1979)
Credits: Gulzar | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar

This is another Hrishikesh Mukherjee movie. The hero Amol Palekar is enjoying a picnic with his friends when he sings this song. He dreams of Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha and Lata Mangeshkar. It’s a fun song with Amitabh and Rekha appearing in unexpected cameos.

5) Song:  Mere Jeevan Saathi
Film: Ek Duje Ke Liye (1981)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Anuradha Paudwal

This is a kind of gimmick song which works because it’s made to be a part of the story. The hero Vasu (Kamal Hassan) has limited knowledge of Hindi. To impress the heroine Sapna (Rati Agnihotri), he sings this song made up of Hindi film names. The entire song is shot in a lift.

Mere jeevan saathi, Pyaar Kiye Jaa,
Jawani Diwani, Khubsoorat Ziddi Padosan,
Satyam Shivam Sundaram

6) Song: John Jaani Janardhan
Film: Naseeb (1981)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant-Pyarelal | Mohammed Rafi

In 2007 came Om Shanti Om in which the song Deewangi Deewangi had a long parade of film stars appearing as guests in the hero Om (Shah Rukh Khan)’s party. But this idea of inviting film stars was first used by Manmohan Desai in Naseeb.

Amitabh Bachchan plays a waiter with a weird name of John Jaani Janardhan. The song portrays the golden jubilee success party of the film Dharam Veer (also made by Manmohan Desai). Stars arrive in full force to join the celebration. Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Randhir Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, Mala Sinha, Sharmila Tagore,  Bindu…the list goes on. A true filmy song and a film fan’s delight!

7) Song: Na Maange Sona Chaandi
Film: Mr. India (1987)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Shabbir Kumar, Anuradha Paudwal and chorus

There was a time when films used to have parody songs. Writing a parody song is not easy. It has to suit the theme of the song, then suitable songs have to be selected and their lyrics altered. The lyrics need to be funny and a perfect fit for the situation. This song is one such fine example. Penned by Javed Akhtar, the parodied songs are all inspired from Laxmikant Pyarelal’s compositions, from films like Dosti, Raja Aur Rank, Milan, Shor, Bobby, Sargam etc. It turned out to be a truly filmy and memorable song!

8) Song: Antakshari
Film: Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
Credits: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Shailendra Singh, Lata Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar and chorus

If we are talking about film songs, we cannot forget “Antakshari” – the well known game of film songs. Highly enjoyable and a perfect way to pass the time, it continues to be popular. Maine Pyar Kiya used this game with a mash-up of Hindi film songs as a way to bring the hero and heroine together. The hero Prem (Salman Khan) is adamant that the heroine Suman (Bhagyashree) apologize to him and say “I Love You” thrice. This happens during the course of the game when she finally relents and says the three words.

9) Song: Dhoom Tana…Kaise Nainon Se Nain
Film: Om Shanti Om (2007)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Vishal-Shekhar | Abhijeet, Shreya Ghoshal and chorus

I was impressed by the usage of computer generated effects in this song and making it more impactful. The character of Shanti (Deepika Padukone) is a film actress. It is expected she works with multiple actors. The song portrays her pairing with 3 actors from the 60s and 70s. Through special effects, we see her dancing with Sunil Dutt, Rajesh Khanna and Jeetendra. The original shots are taken from Amrapali, Sachaa Jhutha & Jai Vijay, with Deepika added as their costar in each song portion. The outcome is impressive. The song has a retro feel and was well received.

10) Song: Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte
Film: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)
Credits: Jaideep Sahni | Salim-Sulaiman | Sonu Nigam

And the last song is a unique song which is a tribute to legendary heroes Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor, pairing them with actresses Nargis, Sadhana, Helen, Sharmila Tagore and Neetu Singh. The starting lyrics are actually a reference to the (then) ruling Khans – Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh.

Shah Rukh Khan performs this delightful number with 5 actresses of the current generation – Kajol, Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji. The lyrics have references of the respective hero’s films and songs. The lyrics seem a bit stretched but the result on screen is just magical and filled with nostalgia.

“Holi” 90s songs

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Its time for Holi and today’s post is a celebration of film songs based on this colorful festival. It is probably the most favorite festival depicted in Hindi cinema. There have been some all time hit songs all the way from Holi Aayi Re Kanhai, Jaa Re Hat Natkhat, Aaj Na Chhodenge Bas Humjoli, Holi Ke Din and Rang Barse. It is a long list and the songs have continued to remain popular.

Today’s post is about post 90s Holi songs. There are some traditional and others with a modern touch in line with the times. Needless to say, the festival and theme continues to stay relevant in Hindi cinema. So enjoy, and which songs do you remember?

1) Song: Ang Se Ang Lagaana
Film: Darr (1993)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Shiv-Hari | Sudesh Bhosle, Vinod Rathod, Devaki Pandit, Alka Yagnik and chorus

Darr is the story of love and obsession. Sunny Deol and Juhi Chawla are celebrating Holi with her bhaiya Anupam Kher and bhabhi Tanvi Azmi. Everything is all right until Shah Rukh Khan enters disguised as a Dhol player. An entertaining song as you wait to see what happens next. Shiv Hari had given us the evergreen Rang Barse from Silsila, which was also a Yash Chopra production.

2) Song: Rang Di Rang Di
Film: Dhanwaan (1993)
Credits: Sameer | Anand-Milind | Nitin Mukesh, Suresh Wadkar, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Chorus

This is a melodious composition in Raag Shivaranjani. The song starts on a sombre note but becomes lively when Karisma Kapoor remembers the Holi celebrations in a flashback. Ajay Devgan and Manisha Koirala are her co-actors, celebrating in full swing.

3) Song: Jhankaaro Jhankaaro
Film: Krantiveer (1994)
Credits: Sameer | Anand-Milind| Udit Narayan, Sapna Awasthi and chorus

Krantiveer was a hard hitting film but also featured some melodious and catchy numbers. Nana Patekar forces Dimple Kapadia to tell her story. She reacts in shock and mentions one word “Holi” as she remembers this song in a flashback. In happier times, she is celebrating Holi with her lover (played by Girish Malik) but their life is going to change soon.

4) Song: More Kanha Jo Aaye Palat Ke
Film: Sardari Begum (1996)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Vanraj Bhatia | Asha Bhosle

And now a different flavour. This is not a typical song with Holi visuals. The protagonist Kirron Kher (and Smriti Mishra who played the young Sardari) enact the song as part of a song recording scene and a stage performance. It is a thumri style song based on raag Pilu. It describes the Holi sequence involving Lord Krishna or Kanha. The lyrics, music, and rendition are all impactful.

5) Song: Soni Soni Ankhiyon Wali
Film: Mohabbatein (2000)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Jatin-Lalit | Udit Narayan, Jaspinder Narula, Manohar Shetty, Udbhav, Ishaan, Shweta Pandit, Sonali Bhatawdekar, Pritha Mazumdar

This is a multi starrer of a song in all respects. Shah Rukh Khan enjoys the festivities with his students (Uday Chopra, Jimmy Shergill and Jugal Hansraj), and their love interests (Shamita Shetty, Preeti Jhangiani and Kim Sharma). Not to forget Anupam Kher and Archana Puran Singh carrying forward their track from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). Aishwarya Rai makes an appearance as well. The song is a combination of festive celebration, teasing with a touch of romance.

6) Song: Hori Khele Raghuveera
Film: Baghban (2003)
Credits: Sameer | Aadesh Shrivastava | Amitabh Bachchan, Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik

This song immediately reminds you of Rang Barse. The tune is inspired from the folk music of Uttar Pradesh and sung by Amitabh Bachchan himself. While he plays an aged character, he enjoys to the fullest with his wife (played by Hema Malini) and joined by family and friends.

7) Song: Holi Re
Film: Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | A. R. Rahman | Aamir Khan, Udit Narayan, Madhushree, Srinivas and Chinmayee Sripada

This song has the stamp of A. R. Rahman and you are reminded of Lagaan’s music. A good song but somehow not remembered easily today. The song showcases a boisterous celebration of Holi with Aamir Khan and Rani Mukherji participating.

8) Song: Do Me A Favour Lets Play Holi
Film: Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005)
Credits: Sameer | Anu Malik | Anu Malik and Sunidhi Chauhan

A desi song with a western twist, courtesy Anu Malik. He also lends vocals to this different number. Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra perform the song which is a mix of traditional and western elements, right from the lyrics, choreography to the costumes. Its different, but catchy.

9) Song: Itna Mazaa…Balam Pichkari
Film: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Credits: Amitabh Bhattacharya | Pritam | Vishal Dadlani & Shalmali Kholgade

This is arguably the most famous Holi song post 1990s. The infectious tune makes you want to groove. And it is a treat to watch. Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapur add their glamour to to the setting.

10) Song: Gori Tu Latth Maar
Film: Toilet – Ek Prem Katha (2017)
Credits: Siddharth-Garima | Manas-Shikhar | Sonu Nigam & Palak Muchhal

And the final and a unique song in this list. It showcases the tradition of Latth Maar Holi from the Barsana and Nandgaon towns in Mathura. Here the women hit the men with sticks who try to shield themselves. In the movie, the heroine Bhoomi Pednekar is adamant to have a toilet installed in her husband’s house. He disagrees and she leaves him. He comes to meet her during Holi. This is an opportunity for him to seek forgiveness. Will she relent?