Category Archives: My Lists

“Parody Songs”

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Welcome to the world of parody songs which was a popular genre at one time but has slowly faded from the current generation of movies. The dictionary meaning of parody refers to a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule. How well said!

Parody songs are not “original” songs in the true sense. A parody composition replaces the original lyrics of a song with (often) funny / satirical lyrics. The tune is same but the lyrics are altered to suit the film situation. They are typically used as part of the comedy side plot where a single song or a string of songs depict the humorous or dramatic situation in the story. In older films, these songs would be commonly picturized on the supporting actors or comedians.

If done correctly, the songs are highly enjoyable and hilarious to watch (a classic example is Mr. India). The fun part is identifying the original songs and appreciating the remixed lyrics. No wonder, the lyricist has to be skilled enough to think of convincing lyrics for every song to make an impact.

I have collated 10 such songs, all from pre-90s films. The links are also shared in the song title. Hope you enjoy and let me know your favourites.

1) Song: Aaye Na Baalam, Ka Karoon Sajni
Film: Main Chup Rahungi (1962)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Chitragupta | Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

This is a cute song from a school drama depicting an orphaned rabbit who takes on the mighty lion. Master Babloo performs the role of the rabbit as Meena Kumari and Sunil Dutt watch the performance. The songs includes parodies of well known songs like Aaye na baalam ka karoon sajni, Yahoo, Itna na mujhse tu pyaar badha, Ehsaan tera hoga mujhpar, Dadi amma dadi amma maan jaao, Husnawale tera jawab nahi, Dhoondo dhoondo re saajana, Zara saamne to aao chhaliye.

2) Song: Jaa Raha Hoon Main
Film: Akashdeep (1965)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Chitragupta | Manna Dey, S. Balbir and Asha Bhosle

Akashdeep was a forgettable movie in spite of big names like Ashok Kumar, Dharmendra, Nanda and Nimmi but it had good music. This song features Mehmood as the performer with his wife Shubha Khote sitting in the audience. He is fed up of his wife and thinking of marrying a second time. This thought is described in the funny song which includes parodies of Ruk jaa o janewali ruk jaa, Jo wada kiya woh, Ae gulbadan, Main to tum sang, Kabhi to milegi, Tum mujhe bhool bhi jaao, Zaroorat hai, Mujhko apne gale lagalo.

3) Song: Dheere Re Chalo Meri Langdi Bandariya
Film: Insaaf (1966)
Credits: Akhtar Romani | Usha Khanna | Johnny Whisky and Usha Khanna

Insaaf was a B Grade movie starring Prithviraaj Kapoor, Dara Singh, Helen etc. This lesser known parody track is enacted by the comedian Johnny Whisky along with Jeevan Kala. It is a typical situation where the comedian is trying to woo his love interest and she asks him to leave her alone. He calls her a monkey and she responds in kind. They sing altered versions of songs like Main kya karu Ram mujhe buddha mil gaya, Gudiya hamse roothi rahogi, Teri pyaari pyari surat ko, Mere mehboob qayamat hogi, Ek tu jo mila, Bol Radha bol sangam. Interestingly, Johnny Whisky is credited as the singer of the song; his voice resembles that of Mukesh.

4) Song: Suno Suno Kanyaon Ka Warnan
Film: Haseena Maan Jayegi (1968)
Credits: Prakash Mehra (?) | Kalyanji Anandji | Mohammed Rafi and Mahesh Kumar

Shashi Kapoor plays a college student conducting “research” about different types of girls. He presents his findings to his friends in the form of 4 parody songs. Mohammed Rafi sings the male song (Mere desh ki dharti), while Mahesh Kumar is credited for the female songs (Pardesiyon se na ankhiyaan milana, Jogan ban jaungi saiyyan tore kaaran, Ab aage teri marzi, originally sung by Lata Mangeshkar). The mimicked female voice sounds like that of Mubarak Begum. Shashi Kapoor looks cute in drag and he performs with conviction proving how good an actor he was!

5) Song: Chhahe Koi Mujhe Bhoot Kahe
Film: Waris (1969)
Credits: Rajinder Krishan | R. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

This song is picturized on Mehmood and Aruna Irani as they try to rescue Baby Sonia (Neetu Singh) from some goons. They sing parodies of numbers like Yahoo, Dil ke jharokhon mein, Tu kitni achchi hai, An evening in Paris, Mere saamne wali khidki, Aaja aaja main hoon pyar tera as they tackle the bad guys. All seem to be enjoying the scene!

6) Song: Chal Chal Re Naujawaan
Film: Ek Phool Do Mali (1969)
Credits: Prem Dhawan | Ravi | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

This is a comedy song enacted by the supporting characters of David, Manorama, Brahmachari and Shabnam. Manorama wants her son in law (Brahmachari) to climb a mountain. He has no intention of doing so but is coaxed by his in-laws and wife. This leads to some funny lyrics from songs like Chal chal re naujawan, Jo wada kiya woh, Dil ke jharokhon mein, Zindagi bhar nahi bhoolegi, Dil ki kahaani rang layi, Neel gagan par udte baadal, Mere saamne wali khidki mein, PArde mein rehne do and Ye Raste Hai Pyaar Ke. The singing and the acting is too good.

7) Song: Mere Saamne Wale Kamre Mein
Film: Lakhon Mein Ek (1971)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Manna Dey and Asha Bhosle

Lakhon Mein Ek was one of the films where Mehmood played the central character. The film revolves around his character and his neighbours, who all stay in a chawl. There is a married couple played by Ramesh Deo and Shubha Khote. The wife starts singing the song to tease her husband. They sings versions of RD & SD Burman songs like Mere saamne wali khidki mein, Puchho ho na kaise maine, Ye jo mohabbat hai, Jhan jhan jhan jhan paayal baaje, Mere sapno ki rani and O mere sona re.

8) Song: Ye Kaun Hai Ye Kaun Hai
Film: Main Sundar Hoon (1971)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Shankar Jaikishan| Mukesh, Manna Dey and Asha Bhosle

This is another film in which Mehmood plays the central character. He is Sundar, who becomes a film star. In this scene, he is part of a fund raising campaign organized by film stars. He performs a skit on family planning. Aruna Irani plays his wife. The performance is filled with parodies of songs like Wo kaun hai wo kaun hai, Teri pyaari pyaari surat ko, Roop tera mastana and Ae bhai zara dekh ke chalo.

9) Song: Radha Pyaar De
Film: Insaaf Ki Awaaz (1986)
Credits: Indeevar | Bappi Lahiri | Kishore Kumar, S. Janaki and Chorus

This in one of the cringiest songs and shows everything that was wrong in 1980s cinema. There is a comedy track between a married couple Jagdeep and Aruna Irani. Her ex-lover Asrani shows up and openly flirts with her. The result is this song which depicts Asrani as Lord Krishna and Aruna Irani as Radha; they belt out parodies of Bappi Lahiri songs. The lyrics are funny but the picturization is offensive. I doubt if such a song can be imagined and executed today.

10) Song: Na Maange Sona Chandi
Film: Mr India (1987)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Shabbir Kumar, Anuradha Paudwal and Chorus

And finally the all time favorite song. It is a rare parody song which is picturized on the main leads. All songs parodied are compositions by Laxmikant Pyarelal. From Na maangu sona chandi (Bobby) to Om Shanti Om (Karz), it is amusing to listen to and view the classic songs in a different context.

“Rain duets” 90s Songs

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It is the rainy season again and time for a post on this theme. I had written on the rain duets from the pre-90s  era a couple of years back. The post can be found here. Rain songs have their own charm. Most of the time they are used in romantic situations but sometimes they speak about longing and separation too. Today’s post is about rain duets all from the 1990s and beyond. Each song presents a different flavour of this much awaited season. Which songs do you remember?

1) Song: Saawan Jo Aag Lagaye
Film: Kasam Teri Kasam (1993)
Credits: Sameer | Naresh Sharma | Mano and Anuradha Paudwal

This was a forgettable film courtesy Gulshan Kumar and T-Series. But the film had good songs. It starred his brother Krishan Kumar along with Kanchan and Neeta Puri. He is married to Neeta but attracted towards his employee (Kanchan). This rain filled number is one of the better songs of the movie. The tune is melodious and is well sung. The male singer is Mano whose voice resembles S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.

2) Song: Pehle Pyaar Ki Pehli Ye Barsaat Hai
Film: Dil Hai Betaab (1993)
Credits:  K. K. Verma| Laxmikant Pyarelal | Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy

This is probably another forgettable film of the 90s starring Ajay Devgan, Vivek Mushran and Pratibha Sinha. But this song was popular during its time. Ajay Devgan imagines he is singing this duet with his first love. This is probably one of the few songs where Ajay Devgan is made to dance! There is a lot of jumping around in the rain by the actors which looks funny.

3) Song: Rimjhim Rimjhim
Film: 1942: A Love Story
Credits: Javed Akhtar | R. D. Burman | Kumar Sanu and Kavita Krishnamurthy

What can we say about this song! It is subtle, melodious and leaves its impact. The picturization is lovely as we see the blossoming of love between the lead actors Anil Kapoor and Manisha Koirala. Many feelings are conveyed though they are not said openly.

4) Song: Tip Tip Barsa Paani
Film: Mohra (1994)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Viju Shah | Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik

This list cannot be complete without this song. The music pattern, singing and the picturization have made it an iconic song. A sensous Raveena Tandon woos a reluctant Akshay Kumar. He cannot resist her appeal and moves closer to her. There is a display of sizzling chemistry onscreen.

5) Song: Chhatri Na Khol Barsaat Mein
Film: Gopi Kishan (1994)
Credits: Sameer | Anand Milind | Kumar Sanu and Poornima

This is a typical song from Anand Milind. The picturization is actually amusing to watch. Shilpa Shirodkar is trying to convince Sunil Shetty to leave the umbrella aside and enjoy the rain,. But he is not interested and asks her to leave him alone. The song is sung impressively by the underrated Poornima.

6) Song: Koi Ladki Hai
Film: Dil To Paagal Hai (1997)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Uttam Singh | Udit Narayan, Lata Mangeshkar and chorus

This is a delightful song and stands out for its catchy tune and infectious rhythm. Right from the intro lines Ghode jaisi chaal haathi jaisi dum, o saawan raja kahaan se aaye tum? to the rhythmic lyrics Chaak dhoom dhoom, Chaak dhoom dhoom, it hooks you completely. Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor add their charm on screen with a bunch of kids frolicking in the rain.

7) Song: Jo Haal Dil Ka
Film: Sarfarosh (1999)
Credits: Sameer | Jatin Lalit | Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik

This is a well picturized duet song on Aamir Khan and Sonali Bendre. The song begins with a surprise birthday celebration and the scene transforms to a dreamy rainy setting. Love is finally admitted. Interestingly, the lyrics do not have a direct reference to the rainy weather or the feelings invoked because of it.

8) Song: Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala
Film: Koi Mil Gaya (2003)
Credits: Ibrahim Ashk | Rajesh Roshan | Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik

This is a cute song between the unlikely pair of Rohit (Hrithik Roshan) and Nisha (Preity Zinta) as depicted in the movie. It starts raining suddenly and Rohit starts singing and dancing. Hrithik gets a chance to display his impressive dancing skills. It is well choreographed by Farah Khan (she won the Filmfare Award).

9) Song: Saason Ko…Hum Tum
Film: Hum Tum (2004)
Credits: Prasoon Joshi | Jatin Lalit | Babul Supriyo and Alka Yagnik

This is a soft romantic duet starring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee. The lead couple are caught in the rain. She sees the people around them engaged in romantic situations. She imagines herself and the hero in place of those people. The rain does its job of bringing them together.

10) Song: Lagaa Lagaa Laaga Re Laaga Premrog
Film: Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya (2005)
Credits: Sameer | Himesh Reshammiya | Kamaal Khan and Alka Yagnik

This is a random song in this messy comedy film. The rain is incidental to the situation. The wind is blowing, there is a hint of rain and Sushmita Sen starts performing the song. Salman Khan is embarrassed but he joins later after it starts raining heavily. The tune is catchy and Sushmita dances well.

“Songs Addressed to the Wind”

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Songs depicting the wind in various forms have been popular in Hindi cinema. Hawaa or its variations pawan, purwai, purwaiyya, saba, vaat are used by lyricists to create memorable songs. They evoke a wide range of emotions including romance, separation, mischief, pathos etc as per the situation.

Today’s post features songs where the onscreen performer is addressing the wind. It is either a request, a pleading or an invitation. In spite of being invisible, the hawaa makes its presence felt enabling the actor to converse with it freely. It becomes a means to voice out their feelings. So, over to 10 songs on this theme.

1) Song: Ae Baad-e-Saba Ahista Chal
Film: Anarkali (1953)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | C. Ramchandra | Hemant Kumar

This is a nice song which is less talked about compared to other hit songs of this movie. The song plays during the titles. The singer is narrating the love story of Salim and Anarkali. He requests the gentle breeze (baad-e-saba) to blow softly as this is the resting place of Anarkali. The eternal wind blows over the mazaar (shrine or tomb) which is a mark of their romance.

Ae baad e saba ahista chal…
Yahan soyi hai Anarkali…
Ankho me jalwe Salim ke
Liye khoyi huyi hai anarkali

2) Song: Hawaa Dheere Aana…Nanhi Kali Sone Chali
Film: Sujata (1959)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Geeta Dutt

There was a time when lories were popular in Hindi cinema. This is a beautiful lullaby where the mother (Sulochana) tells the wind to be mindful as her young one is about to sleep. The lyrics begin with the phrase hawa dheere aana. The picturization is interesting as an orphan baby girl is crying nearby and she calms down after listening to the lullaby. The girl grows up to be the protagonist “Sujata.”

Hawaa dheere aanaa…
Neend bhare pankh liye jhoolaa jhulaa jaanaa,
Nanhi kali sone chali hawaa dheere aanaa,
Neend bhare pankh liye jhoolaa jhulaa jaanaa

3) Song: O Basanti Pawan Paagal
Film: Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

Basanti pawan is the term used in this song. It is not clear whether the heroine is referring to the wind or using it as a metaphor for the hero. It is difficult to stop the flow of the wind. Whatever, it is a great song where Padmini pleads Raj Kapoor to stay back for the sake of love.

O basanti pawan pagal,
Na ja re na ja roko koi,
O basanti…

4) Song: Dheere Dheere Chal Ae Bheegi Hawaa
Film: Boyfriend (1961)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

A rare film starring Shammi Kapoor and Madhubala. Madhubala is pretending to be asleep and enjoying the hero’s attention. He sings and requests the moist wind to blow softly as his beloved is sleeping. Strangely, it is a fast faced song which makes it irritating to listen and watch! A softer approach would have created a winner of a song.

Dheere chal dheere chal ae bheegi hawaa,
Ke mere bulbul ki hai neend jawaan,
Ke kahin laage naa kisi ki use badnazar,
Ke meethe sapnon mein khoyi hai wo bekhabar,
Ke dheere chal dheere chal ae bheegi hawaa..

5) Song: San Sanan Jaa Ri O Pawan
Film: Sampoorna Ramayana (1961)
Credits: Bharat Vyas | Vasant Desai | Lata Mangeshkar

This is a film based on Ramayan and this song depicts the period when Sita is held captive by Raavan. Sita desperately pleads to the wind to pass on her message to Lord Ram. This is arguably one of the best songs of Lata Mangeshkar with its piercing high pitch rendition. It is based on raag Chandrakans (rare in Hindi films) which is effective in bringing out the emotions. Great composition by Vasant Desai.

San sanan sanan sanan jaa ri o pawan,
Door desh leja sandesh jahan mere sajan,
Jaa ri o pawan

Chhu ke charan kehna pawan, birha agan ab ho na sehen,
Tan hai yaha aur praan waha, meri puja yaha aur bhagwan waha,
Ye doori sahe kaise man ki mayuri, baraste hai naino ke ghan,
O o san sanan…

6) Song: Jaa Ri Pawaniya
Film: Do Boond Paani (1971)
Credits: Kaifi Azmi | Jaidev | Asha Bhosle

Feeling wise the song is similar to the earlier song. Simi Garewal requests the wind to deliver a message to her husband. Her husband has left the drought ridden village and gone to work far way on a canal construction site. She is left alone and remembers him.

Jaa ri pawaniya, piya ke des jaa,
Itna sandesha mora kahiyo jaa,
Piya so sandesha mora kahiyo jaa..

7) Song: Sun Jaa Ae Thandi Hawaa
Film: Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

This is a catchy, romantic song from the blockbuster Haathi Mere Saathi. The picturization is unique as the hero and heroine are swinging in hammocks throughout the song. They invite the wind to visit them but warn her not to gossip about their romance. They remind her that she too goes to meet the cloud who is her companion.

Sun jaa ae thandi hawaa,
Tham jaa aye kaali ghataa,
Kuchh pyaari pyaari baatein hamaari,
Aa jaate jaate tu bhi sun jaa

8) Song: Sun Ri Pawan, Pawan Purwaiyya
Film: Anuraag (1972)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | S.D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

Anuraag was the story of a young blind girl who falls in love. In this raag Bhairavi based song, the heroine Moushumi Chatterjee talks about her life by speaking to the pawan purwaiyya. She talks about being alone and if the wind can become her companion.

Sun ri pawan pawan purwaiyya,
Mai hoo akeli albeli,
Tu saheli meri ban ja sathiya..

9) Song: Chupke Chupke Chal Ri Purwaiyya
Film: Chupke Chupke (1975)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | S.D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

The well known title song from Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s classic is picturized on Jaya Bhaduri and Amitabh Bachchan. She addresses the eastern wind or purwaiyya. The reference is obviously to the young woman’s feelings, about blossoming of love and the accompanying hesitation.

Chupke chupke chal ri purawaiyya…
Baansuri bajaaye re, raas rachaaye dayya re dayya,
Gopiyon sang Kanhaiya,
Chupke chupke chal ri purawaiyya

Pagal pawan se, kaise koi bole,
Gori ke mukh se, ghunghata na khole, dole,
Haule se man ki naiyya, gopiyon sang Kanhaiyya..
Chupke Chupke…

10) Song: Ae Ri Pawan Dhoondhe Kise
Film: Bemisaal (1982)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

Picturized in scenic Kashmir, the song stars Amitabh Bachchan, Rakhee and Vinod Mehra. In a literal sense, Rakhee converses with the wind, but deeper, a woman is thinking about her loneliness, relationship, and her purpose.

Baadal se tera kya hai kuchh naata,
Ho, baadal se tera kya hai kuchh naata,
Kaahe jhoome naache gaaye aaye jab saawan,
Baanwari si tu phire, Kaun hai tera sajan,

Ho, ae ri pawan dhoondhe kise tera mann
Chalte chalte