Category Archives: My Lists

“Raag Bhimpalasi” 90s Songs

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This is my second post involving classical music in Hindi cinema after an attempt at raag Shivaranjani last year. You can see that post here. To reiterate(!) I have not learnt classical music or the shastra (science) involving it. But I do have an ear for it.

Today’s post is about raag Bhimpalasi. Like Shivaranjani, this is a popular raag used in many film songs across decades. Probably because it has a certain flexibility and is easy to set to tune. I noted that a number of music directors from the 1990s have made use of this raag many times. Given these are film songs, the structure of the raag may not be pure but that liberty is allowed in light music. A similar sounding raag is Dhaani. In Carnatic music, the raags are called Abheri and Suddha Dhanyasi respectively.

A bit about Bhimpalasi, courtesy Wikipedia. This raga originates from the Kaafi thaat. Re and Dha are not used in the ascending scale, and all the notes are used in the descending scale. Therefore, its Jati is considered to be Audava-Sampoorna. Ga and Ni are soft in it. The Vadi note is Ma and the Samvadi note is Sa.

The time for singing and playing is the third quarter of the day. It evokes feelings of romance, peace, compassion and devotion.

Aaroha-ni_ S, G_, M P Ni_ San.

Descending–Sam, Ni_, Dha Pa, Mag_ Re S.

Catch-ni_sam m, m g_, p m, g_ m g_ res.

So, here is a list of 10 songs which seem to be based on this enchanting raag. I would defer to the experts to share their opinion.

1) Song: Waada Raha Sanam
Film: Khiladi (1992)
Credits: Anwar Sagar | Jatin Lalit | Abhijeet and Alka Yagnik

This is a soft romantic song and I was surprised it has a hint of Bhimpalasi. The lead couple (Akshay Kumar and Ayesha Jhulka) are disturbed as their college friend has been murdered. The situation has a serious undercurrent but the song helps to soften it and bring things to normal. They sing this song to pacify each other and admit their commitment towards each other.

2) Song: Samay O Dheere Chalo
Film: Rudaali (1993)
Credits: Gulzar | Bhupen Hazarika | Asha Bhosle

Rudaali had all great songs. This particular song presents Bhimpalasi in a serious mode. It has a feel of longing and emptiness as the protagonist feels she is losing everything in life. The lyrics, singing and tune leave you spellbound. The film version is song by Asha Bhosle which appears twice in the movie. But the cassette (or album) had versions by Lata Mangeshkar and Bhupen Hazarika too.

3) Song: Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast
Film: Mohra (1994)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Viju Shah | Udit Narayan, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Chorus

This song was very popular and featured for multiple weeks in the popular Top 10 programs of the time. It is “inspired” from a Sufi qawwali and works its magic on the big screen in its highly commercial avatar! Akshay Kumar, Raveena Tandon team up with many side dancers. It is well picturized and choreographed. The tune is catchy. It also demonstrates the flexibility or adaptability of the raag where the same tune can be used to create two songs with totally opposite moods.

4) Song: Tu Mile Dil Khile
Film: Criminal (1994)
Credits: Indeevar | M. M. Kreem | Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik and Chitra

Some films are identified for that one memorable song which stays with you for years. Criminal was a forgettable film but this song became an iconic song of the 90s. The original song is in Telugu probably set in raag Abheri, the Carnatic equivalent of Bhimpalasi.

5) Song: Kismat Se Tum
Film: Pukar (2000)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | A. R. Rahman | Sonu Nigam and Anuradha Paudwal

This raag seems to be a favourite of A R Rahman. He has used it many times in films like Rangeela, Daud, Dil Se, Lagaan and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. This is a masterpiece of a song with the singing, composition and picturization blending beautifully. Its a visual delight. Shot in Alaska, the snowy landscape can be felt throughout the musical composition. The tune showcases the emotions of the lead pair who have been (finally) brought together in extremely trying circumstances. They vow to never separate from one another. Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit sizzle on screen.

6) Song: Mujhe Kehna Kehna Tujhse Hai Kehna
Film: Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001)
Credits: Sameer | Harris Jayaraj | Sonu Nigam and Kavita Krishnamurthy

I came to know about Harris Jayaraj due to this movie. He hasn’t composed much for Hindi films. RHTDM was a remake of a Tamil film Minnale for which Harris had won the Filmfare award. It is a melodious composition presenting Bhimpalasi in a romantic form and it sounds fresh. The southern influence is evident.

7) Song: Eli Re Eli Kya Hai Ye Paheli
Film: Yaadein (2001)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Anu Malik | Udit Narayan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Hema Sardesai and Chorus

Trust Anu Malik to come up with this marvellous tune. Not sure if it’s inspired but the song is effective with it’s singing and arrangement. Arguably, Kavita Krishnamurthy steals the show. The song is one of the saving graces in an otherwise boring film. It is mainly picturized on the 3 sisters’ characters in the film. The song begins with a mischievous tone and ends on a mood filled with sadness when one of the sisters gets married and leaves the house with a heavy heart.

8) Song: Bol Na Halke Halke
Film: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007)
Credits: Gulzar | Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy | Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Mahalaxmi Iyer

When it’s Shankar Ehsaan Loy, we can expect some semi classical touches in the compositions. This song presents the raag in it’s full splendour and can be easily one of their best compositions. The slow tempo matched by the slow motion picturization adds to the effect. The singing is top notch. Overall there is a retro feel. Such songs have indeed become a rarity.

9) Song: Pani Da Rang
Film: Vicky Donor (2012)
Credits: Ayushmann Khurrana | Rochak Kohli | Ayushmann Khurrana

Another song demonstrating how Bhimpalasi can pop up unexpectedly. The story goes that Ayushmann wrote the song during his college days. It was liked and adapted by director Shoojit Sircar in the film. Whether it was specifically based on the raag or it happened naturally is perhaps immaterial. The song is easy on the ears and leaves it’s impact.

10) Song: Aaj Se Teri
Film: Padman (2018)
Credits: Kausar Munir | Amit Trivedi | Arijit Singh

We started with Akshay Kumar and end with him! The last song is a romantic number but of a different sort. Akshay Kumar and Radhika Apte are a newly married couple. The husband describes how their lives are entwined going forward. He will make all efforts to make her feel blessed. Amit Trivedi makes ample use of the shehnai and other instruments create the feel of the marriage celebrations and the events in the daily life of the couple. Bhimpalasi shines.

Majrooh Sultanpuri – “Give and Take” Duets

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Hindi cinema has been blessed to have a variety of lyricists who teamed up with music directors to deliver the best of songs. Majrooh Sultanpuri (MS – born as Asrar ul Hassan Khan) was one of the successful and prolific lyricists who had a long career from the 1940s till 2000. He made his debut with the 1946 film Shahjehan (starring K L Saigal) with music by Naushad. A master of Urdu poetry, he wrote many memorable songs.

MS went on to work with the dominant music directors of that era including O. P. Nayyar, S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Madan Mohan, Roshan, and right up to Jatin Lalit and A.R. Rahman. He won the Filmfare award for Chahunga main tujhe (Dosti – 1964) and was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award in 1993. He passed away on 24 May 2000, today being his death anniversary.

Today’s post is a tribute to this celebrated lyricist through a set of his songs. All these songs are based on the give and take concept. It’s as if the hero and heroine are having a lively conversation. Hope you enjoy!

1) Song: Chhod Do Aanchal
Film: Paying Guest (1957)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

This was probably the first of such songs written by MS. Dev Anand and Nutan enact this romantic song on screen. She admonishes him to behave and he responds to her. A lovely give and take follows.

Main Chalee…Main Chalee Ab Khub Chhedo Pyar Ke Afsaane,
Kuch Mausam Hai Diwaana Kuch Tum Bhi Ho Diwaane,
Zara Sunana Jane Tamanna O Zara Sunana Jane Tamanna,
Itna To Soch Ye Mausam Suhaana Kya Kahega,

O O O Chhod Do Aanchal Zamaana Kya Kahega,
Ha Ha Ha Inn Adaaon Kaa Zamaana Bhee Hai Diwaana
Diwaana Kya Kahega,

2) Song: Ankhon Mein Kya Ji
Film: Nau Do Gyarah (1957)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

Dev Anand and Kalpana Kartik feature in this question answer format of a song. She sings a line, he follows up with the next and so on. They are strangers but circumstances have led them to travel together. There is an indirect reference to romance in the lyrics. The picturization is also impressive by Vijay Anand who made his debut with this film.

Rangi hai mausam,
Tere dam ki bahaar hai,
Phir bhi hai kuchh kum,
Bas teraa itazaar hai

Dekhane me bhole ho par ho bade Chanchal,
Aanchal me kyaa ji,
Ajab si hulchul

Aankhon me kyaa ji,
Rupahalaa baadal,
Baadal me kyaa ji,
Kisi kaa aanchal,
Aanchal me kyaa ji,
Ajab si hulchul

3) Song: Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka
Film: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

This is a rocking fun song in a madcap of a movie. And with Kishore Kumar and Madhubala sharing screen, their chemistry is a delight to watch. The couple tease each other and seem to be enjoying so much. The lyrics, music, singing is all well blended.

Haal kaisa hai janaab kaa,
Kya khayaal hai aap kaa,
Tum to machal gaye ho ho ho
Yun hi fisal gaye haa haa haa

Bahaki bahaki chale hai pawan,
Jo ude hai tera aanchal,
Chhodo chhodo dekho dekho,
Gore gore kaale kaale baadal,
Kabhi kuchh kehati hai, Kabhi kuchh kehati hai
Zara nazar ko sabhalna,
Haal kaisa hai janaab kaa..

4) Song: Achchaa Ji Main Hari
Film: Kala Pani (1958)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

Madhubala once again, this time with Dev Anand. This is a roothna manana song where the heroine is trying to pacify the hero. There is a pleading and retort in the lyrics. The impressive singing and the picturization bring the song to life.

Achchaa Ji Main Haari, Chalo Maan Jaao Naa,
Dekhi Sabaki Yaari, Meraa Dil Jalaao Naa,

Chhote Se Kasoor Pe, Aise Ho Khafaa,
Roothe To Huzoor The, Meri Kyaa Khataa,
Dekho Dil Naa Todo,Chhodo Haath Chhodo
Dekho Dil Na Todo, Are! Chhodo Haath Chhodo

Chhod Diyaa To Haath Maloge Samajhe?
Ajii Samajhe!

5) Song: Chhedo Na Meri Zulfein
Film: Ganga Ki Lehren (1964)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Chitragupt | Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

The first four songs were by the same music director S. D. Burman. This one is by Chitragupt with whom MS worked in many films. The lyrics remind you of Chhod do aanchal with its tone. It features Kishore Kumar and Kumkum engaged in a romantic give and take.

Chhedo na meri zulfein,
Sab log kya kahenge,
Sab log kya kahenge,

Hum ko deewana tum ko,
Kaali ghata kahenge,
Kaali ghata kahenge

6) Song: Likha hai Teri Ankhon Mein
Film: Teen Deviyan (1965)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

This seems to be becoming a MS – S.D. Burman combo list! In another hit song, Dev Anand and Nanda are out in the fields. She asks him a question and he responds to her lightheartedly.

Likha Hai Teri Ankhon Mein Kisjka Afsana,
Agar Ise Samajh Sako, Mujhe Bhi Samjhana

7) Song: O Haseena Zulfo Waali
Film: Teesri Manzil (1966)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

MS and R.D. Burman had a long association primarily in films by Nasir Hussain like Teesri Manzil, Pyar Ka Mausam, Caravan etc. This is a dance number but the format is conversational. Shammi Kapoor teams up with Helen as Asha Parekh watches their performance in this evergreen number.

O Hasina Zulfo Waali Jaanejahan,
Dhundhatee Hain Kaafir Aankhen Kiska Nishaan,
Mehfil Mehfil Ae Shama Phirtee Ho Kaha,
Woh Anjaana Dhundhatee Hu, Woh Dewaana Dhundhatee Hu,
Jalaakar Jo Chhip Gaya Hai, Woh Parwaana Dhundhatee Hu

8) Song: Palkon Ke Peechhe Se
Film: Talash (1969)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

This is a song where the hero (Rajendra Kumar) and heroine (Sharmila Tagore) admit their love. There is a bit of hesitation with acceptance in the lyrics. A melodious and a colorful song set in scenic Kashmir.

Palkon ke peechhe se kya tum ne keh daala,
Phir se to farmana,
Nainon ne sapnon ki mehfil sajaayi hai,
Tum bhi zaroor aanaa

9) Song: Bhali Bhali Si Ek Surat
Film: Buddha Mil Gaya (1971)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

This song has a mischievous tone. To tease each other, the hero and the heroine describe an imaginary “dilruba” as a perfect person. I wonder how much a lyricist has to think to come up with the perfect lyrics for every situation!

Bhali bhali si ek surat,
Bhala sa ek naam,
Dhadkan hai mere dil ki,
Subah ho ya shaam,
Kaun hai woh dilruba,
Arey kaho na humse zara

10) Song: Teri Bindiya Re
Film: Abhimaan (1973)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

And the last song is of a newly married couple. It’s their marriage celebration party. A nice give and take song that brings out the emotion of love between the 2 characters. A cleverly written song when you consider its structure.

Teri bindiya re, re aay haay, teri bindiya re,
Sajan bindiya le legi teri nindiya,
Re aay haay, teri bindiya re

“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.