Category Archives: My Lists

Laxmikant Pyarelal – Disguise and Deception Songs

My Lists

Laxmikant Pyarelal (LP) were a prolific music director duo of Hindi cinema. They saw unprecedented success and continued to work together from the early 1960s till the late 1990s (Laxmikant had passed away on 25th May 1998). While they had their share of critics, it did not affect their whopping output, delivering one hit after the other across various genres. Similar to other music directors, they created their own brand LP, which had an enduring journey.

Hindi films have situations where the actors are involved in deception for various purposes. This may be to commit a crime, to fool someone, save someone and so on. And may involve the use of disguises. Overall, resulting in some entertaining situations for the audience. Today’s post covers such songs involving disguises and deceptions, all from the able hands of LP. Enjoy!

1) Song: Hansta Hua Noorani Chehra
Film: Parasmani (1963)
Credits: Asad Bhopali | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Lata Mangeshkar and Kamal Barot

Lets start with LP’s debut film Parasmani, a B grade fantasy film. With songs like “Woh Jab Yaad Aaye“, “Mere Dil mein halki si“, “Hansta hua“, “Roshan Tumhi se,” it marked the arrival of LP as new music directors. The hero (Mahipal) in search of the parasmani reaches a strange land ruled(?) by a sorceress. He pretends to be in love with her and she believes the deception. She is happy and arranges an entertainment song through her magical powers. Apparently, LP felt this was a weak song compared to the others but this became the most famous song from the movie. Today, Parasmani is synonymous with this song, what say?

2) Song: Pyar Kiye Jaa
Film: Pyar Kiye Jaa (1965)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kishore Kumar

This delightful comedy film was a remake of a Tamil film. Here, we have Kishore Kumar masquerading as an old man for most of the movie. He teases the young heroine (Kalpana) who doesn’t know it’s her boyfriend behind the beard. LP gave some light compositions suiting the mood of the movie. They seem to give a free hand to Kishore Kumar in this song, who as expected excels in the singing and acting.

3) Song: Mera Naam Hai Chameli
Film:  Raja Aur Runk (1968)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Lata Mangeshkar

Based on the prince and the pauper plot of lookalikes getting interchanged, the movie had all great songs by LP. This is a situational song. A dancer (Kumkum) hatches a plan to free Sanjeev Kumar from the prison. She assumes the role of a gardener (maalan) and reaches the prison with her basket of flowers. In filmy style, she sings this catchy number, diverts the attention of the prison guards and gets closer to the prisoner. Seems its not very difficult to fool filmy security guards through such deceptions.

4) Song: Geet Tere Saaz Kaa
Film: Intaqam (1969)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Lata Mangeshkar

Deception for revenge would be the apt description of this song. Circumstances lead the heroine (Sadhana) to trap the hero (Sanjay Khan) and make him fall in love with her. All this to avenge the wrongdoings of the hero’s villainous father. The beautiful heroine sings the song and the hero enchanted by her voice (and beauty) gets drawn to her. This is a melodious song. Intaqam is better known for the Aa Janeja number, arguably one of few such songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar.

5) Song: Jaipur Ki Choli
Film: Gehri Chaal (1973)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

A not so famous movie but had some catchy numbers by LP. Jeetendra and Hema Malini disguise as dancers and visit Bindu’s house to trick her and get some vital information. They perform this folksy number and get closer to their purpose.

6) Song: Amar Akbar Anthony
Film: Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kishore Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor and Shailendra Singh

A crazy but one of the most entertaining movies from Manmohan Desai complemented by fun songs from LP. Based on the lost and found formula, the three brothers from different religions reunite (in disguises) in this climax song. Once again, LP gave some evergreen songs and won their fourth Filmfare award for this movie.

7) Song: Hum Banjaaron Ki Baat
Film: Dharam Veer (1977)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

Same year, another Manmohan Desai movie. This time a plot of lost and found twins. The songs are a bit weak compared to Amar Akbar Anthony. This is another escape via deception song. Dharmendra is imprisoned by Zeenat Aman. Jeetendra (a prince) gets the help of gypsies (banjaras) to get him freed. He pretends to be a dancer with Neetu Singh and they perform this hit song. This is one of those songs with a grand set and an equally grand musical composition, courtesy LP!

8) Song: Band Aankh Se Dekh Tamasha
Film: Parvarish (1977)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kishore Kumar, Amit Kumar and Chorus

And one more Manmohan Desai movie with all the masala elements of lost and found, crime, revenge etc. Almost all songs from this movie involve some disguise or deception! Hum premi prem karna jaane and Jaate ho jaane jaana are more famous compared to this song. In this song, Amitabh pretends to be blind. He visits his brother Vinod Khanna who teaches in a blind school. In reality, Vinod is a smuggler. Amitabh joins the blind students on a boat tour. But his purpose is to catch his brother red handed while completing a smuggling operation in the sea. It is fun to note that Vinod Khanna “teaches” a song to the students by playing the tape recorder while he completes his smuggling job in a nearby boat. The things that happen in movies!

9) Song: Hawa Hawai
Film: Mr. India (1987)
Credits: Javed Akhtar | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Kavita Krishnamurty and Chorus

A delightful movie that became a cult classic. And what an iconic composition by LP! A reporter (Sridevi) overhears a conversation involving some villains and a dancer called Hawa Hawai. Being the investigative journalist, she presents herself as Hawa Hawai and performs this weird song.

10) Song: Choli Ke Peeche
Film: Khalnayak (1993)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Alka Yagnik, Ila Arun and Chorus

Sanjay Dutt is the Khalnayak. Madhuri Dixit is the policewoman tracking him in order to capture him. And being Madhuri, a dance performance is the best way to try and trap the offender. A controversial song but LP prove they still had it in them to give a chartbuster, 30 years after Parasmani. Indeed, this catchy rhythmic song has become synonymous with the movie. It also got the Filmfare awards for its singers.

Shankar Jaikishan – Party Songs

My Lists

Shankar Jaikishan (SJ) were the one of the most successful composers of Hindi Cinema. Their pairing ensured a long list of evergreen compositions. These continue to be cherished by music fans. Their repertoire covered many themes as per the requirement of the song including romantic, sad, longing, naughty, dance numbers, classical and even qawwali. And incredibly they were able to deliver one hit after the other. They created magic teaming up with lyricists Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri and utilizing the top singers of that era. A formidable team indeed!

26 April is the remembrance day of Shankar (Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi). This post covers some of the party numbers composed by this talented duo. The songs depict varied emotions like happy, sad, disappointment and fun. All are highly enjoyable and prove the versatility of the composers.

1) Song: Ek Bewafa Se Pyaar Kiya
Film: Awara (1951)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

SJ had a long collaboration with Raj Kapoor starting from Barsaat. This song is from Awara. Its Nargis’s 21st birtday celebration. She is happy but a dramatic scene involving Prithviraj Kapoor, herself and Raj Kapoor unknowingly reveals the truth about Raj’s character. She is still coming to terms with the revelation, when the performer (Honey O’Brien?) starts singing and dancing. Why someone would such a song at a birthday party is another matter, but it brings out Nargis’s state of mind effectively. SJ deliver a catchy tune which is enhanced by the lyrics, singing and the heroine’s expressions.

Ek bewafa se pyaar kiya, usse nazar ko chaar kiya,
Hai re humne yeh kya kiya hai kya kiya…

Bholi surat waala nikla lootera,
Raat chhupaaye dil mein munh pe savera,
Oye humne dil nisaar kiya, usko beqaraar kiya,
Hai re humne yeh kya, hai kya kiya

2) Song: Sunte The Naam
Film: Aah (1953)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

Aah came after Awara and was not that successful but its music was at par. SJ gave Lata Mangeshkar some of the best songs of her career. These were across multiple genres showcasing the adaptability of her incomparable voice.

In the movie scene, Nargis’s elder sister (played by Vijayalaxmi) is requested to sing at a party. She makes excuses but her mood changes when she sees a dashing young man (Raj Kapoor). On knowing his identity, she bursts into song.

Sunte the naam hum jin ka bahaar se,
Dekha to dola jiyaa jhoom-jhoom ke..

Chhupate rahe jo meri nazar se, dil bole mera tum hee to ho,
Ho, dil bole mera tum hee to ho,
Aankhon se rang mere dil ki umang pe, daalaa to dola jiyaa jhoom-jhoom ke…

3) Song: Sab Kuch Seekha Humne
Film: Anari (1959)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

Moving to a sombre number. Anari was the story of a rich girl (Nutan) and a poor and simple man (Raj Kapoor, who else?). He thinks she is a poor girl and falls in love with her. The truth gets revealed at her birthday party. Her uncle requests him to sing a song. He sings about himself. How he got fooled, he is really an “anari.” Mukesh was Raj Kapoor’s voice and SJ contributed some great songs throughout for this partnership. It also shows their ability to blend a song suited to the character’s personality and the singer’s expertise. Simple but impactful.

Sab kuch seekha hum ne, na seekhi hoshiyaari,
Sach hai duniya walon, ke hum hain anadi..

Duniya ne kitna samjhaya, kaun hai apna kaun paraya,
Phir bhi dil ki chot chhupa kar, hum ne aap ka dil behlaya,
Khud hi mar mitne ki yeh zid hai hamari,
Sach hai duniya walon, ke hum hain anadi..

4) Song: Tumhe Aur Kya Doon Main
Film: Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

A double birthday celebration! Its Rajendra Kumar and Dharmendra’s birthday on the same day. The party is arranged and the guests arrive. The heroine Saira Banu presents the song wishing them a long life. Set by SJ in their favorite raag Bhairavi, the singing is so effective and Saira Banu looks enchanting on screen.

Tumhe aur kya doon main dil ke siway, tumko hamari umar lag jaaye..

5) Song: Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega
Film: Sangam (1964)
Credits: Shailendra |Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh, Lata Mangeshkar and Mahendra Kapoor

Sangam was a love triangle directed by Raj Kapoor. Rajendra Kumar has returned to India after becoming a lawyer and the grand party is for celebrating his success. Vyjanthimala is looking forward to meet him and confess her love. But Raj Kapoor is also in the picture (he loves Vyjanthimala). Handy with his accordion, he becomes the party entertainer and sings this song. He is joined by the other leads who voice their intentions. A brilliant composition, well sung and enacted. And the ace director’s touch is evident in the song’s presentation.

Har dil jo pyaar karega woh gaana gaayega,
Deewaana saikadon men pehchaana jaayega, deewana..

Aap hamaare dil ko chura ke aankh churaaye jaate hain,
Ye ik-tarafaa rasam-e-wafaa ham, phir bhi nibhaaye jaate hain,
Chaahat ka dastoor hai lekin, aap ko hi maaloom nahin,
O o o, jis mehfil men shama ho, parwaana jaayega,
Deewaana sainkadon men pahachaana jaayega, deewana..

6) Song: Aji Rooth Kar Ab
Film: Arzoo (1965)
Credits:  Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

This is another typical party scene. Sadhana is requested to sing but she is horrified at the suggestion. Her uncle gets upset with her and so does the hero (Rajendra Kumar). She responds to him through the song and pacifies him. Of course, there is an undercurrent of romance in the lyrics. The song is known for its impossibly high notes and was challenging to sing.

Aji rooth kar ab kahan jaiyega,
Jahan jaiyega hamein paiyega…

Khayalon mein bhi tum na aao to jaane,
Aji lakh pardon mein chhup jaiyega,
Nazar aaiyega, nazar aaiyega…

7) Song: Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye Humdum
Film: Love in Tokyo (1966)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

This is like a pre-climax song of the movie. Everything has been sorted, the only thing that remains is the union of the hero (Joy Mukherjee) and heroine (Asha Parekh). She sings to him acknowledging his presence in her life. He accompanies her on the piano. Everything is happy and romantic but the mood changes with Pran’s arrival. This change is reflected in the musical composition effectively as it brings out the varied expressions of joy, shock and anger of the character(s).

Mujhe tum mil gaye humdum,
Sahara ho toh aisa ho,
Jidhar dekhu udhar tum ho,
Nazaara ho toh aisa ho….

8) Song: Chhoti Si Mulaqat
Film: Chhoti Si Mulaqat (1967)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

Birthdays seem to be a common theme for many songs in this list. This time it is Vyjanthimala’s celebration. She is eagerly waiting for the hero’s (Uttam Kumar’s) arrival. He arrives, then there is a so called funny scene and both start singing the catchy composition with some weird lyrics. A true party song which brings out the energy and romantic involvement of the lead pair.

Chhoti si mulaqat pyar ban gayi,
Pyaar banke gale ka haar ban gayi,
Ya ya yippi yippi ya ya ya,
Ya ya yippi yippi ya ya ya,

9) Song: Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche
Film: Brahmachari (1968)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur

This is one of those situational songs. Conveniently, Shammi Kapoor arrives at Pran’s party. He is a singer and is requested to sing and dance with Mumtaz. And him being Shammi Kapoor, he sings a flirty number. Another evergreen song from SJ.

Aajkal tere mere pyar ke charche har zubaan par,
Achha – sab ko maloom hai aur sabko khabar ho gayi,
Toh kya…

10) Song: Meri Zindagi Mein Aate To Kuch Aur Baat Hoti
Film: Kanyadaan (1968)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri| Shankar Jaikishan| Mohammed Rafi

And to the end a list, a sad song. Shashi Kapoor (a poet) arrives at the marriage anniversary party of his friend. He is requested or rather forced to sing his composition. He does so reluctantly, addressed to the heroine (Asha Parekh). A typical SJ composition, rendered by Mohammed Rafi in his effortless manner. SJ had started to become a bit repetitive at this stage of their career and faced stiff competition from new composers like Laxmikant Pyarelal.

Unki zulfein unke chehre se hata sakta nahin,
Dil ki betaabi kisi soorat chhupa sakta nahin,
Kitni dilkash hain mohabbat ki jawan majbooriyan,
Saamne manzil hai aur paanv badha sakta nahin,

Meri zindagi mein aate to kuch aur baat hoti,
Toh kuch aur baat hoti, Toh kuch aur baat hoti,
Yeh naseeb jagmagaate to kuch aur baat hoti…

Raat – Duets

My Lists

Raat (night) – appears in so many forms in cinema. It can be a frightening aspect. A night of separation, longing. One that brings negativity. On the other hand, it can be a night of togetherness and romance. It makes way for the positive tomorrow. Hindi cinema has made use of raat in many songs. Ye hawa ye raat ye chandni, Suhani raat dhal chuki, Raat ka sama, Raat bhi hai kuch bheegi bheegi, Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan, Raat akeli hai, Raat bhar ka hai mehmaan are some of the interpretations resulting into great songs. They make use of the night and its accompanying elements like the moon, moonlight, the sky, the stars to bring out the emotions of the onscreen character.

Today’s post is about duet songs all talking about “raat.” All from different music directors. Which songs would you add here?

1) Song: Ye Raat Bheegi Bheegi
Film: Chori Chori (1956)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar

A rich heiress (Nargis) and a reporter (Raj Kapoor) become fellow travelers and are forced to spend the night together. Its about to rain. He starts singing describing the moist atmosphere and she joins in. The lyrics are suggestive, is love in the air….or the weather?

Ithlati hawa nilam sa gagan, kaliyo pe ye behoshi ki nami,
Aise me bhi kyun bechain hai dil, jivan mein na jane kya hai kami,
Kyun aag si laga ke gumsum hai chandani,
Sone bhi nahi deta mausam ka ye ishara,
Ye raat bheegi bheegi ye mast fizaye,
Utha dheere dheere wo chaand pyara pyara…

2) Song: O Raat Ke Musafir
Film: Miss Mary (1957)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | Hemant Kumar | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

Miss Mary is a story of 2 people who are forced to behave as a married couple in order to get a job. They keep bickering a lot. One night, after another fight, the hero Gemini Ganeshan steps out and addresses the moon to help him out. The heroine Meena Kumari mellows down and joins him with her perspective.

O chaand aasman ke dam bhar zameen pe aaja,
Bhula huaa hai raahi tu raasta dikha jaa,
Bhataki hui hai naiyaa saahil ise dikha de
Mera qusur kya hai, tu faisla suna de

3) Song: Ye Raatein Ye Mausam
Film: Dilli Ka Thug (1958)
Credits: Shailendra | Ravi | Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

This is one of the softer songs of Kishore Kumar. Here he romances with Nutan as they describe the night and their romantic feelings.

Ye kya baat hai aaj ki chaandni mein,
Ke ham kho gaye pyaar ki raagini mein,
Ye baahon mein baahen, ye behaki nigaahen,
Lo aane laga zindagi ka maza,
Ye raatein ye mausam nadi ka kinaara ye chanchal hawa…

4) Song: Aadha Hai Chandrama Raat Aadhi
Film: Navrang (1959)
Credits: Bharat Vyas | C. Ramchandra | Mahendra Kapoor and Asha Bhosle

This is a dream song sequence set in the night. Halfway in the night, the film’s protagonist poet (Mahipal) meets his imaginative muse Mohini (Sandhya). The overall song talks about incompleteness and parting. This is probably one of the most difficult choreographed songs with the heroine balancing multiple pots on her head, singing and dancing in sync.

Piyaa aadhi hai pyaar ki bhaashaa,
Aadhi rahne do man ki abhilaashaa,
Aadhe chhalke nayan aadhe dhalke nayan,
Aadhi palkon ki bhi hai barsaat aadhi,
Aadhaa hai chandramaa…

5) Song: Do Sitaron Ka Zameen Par Hai Milan Aaj Ki Raat
Film: Kohinoor (1960)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

The two stars (sitaare) here are Dilip Kumar and Meena Kumari who are converging together slowly towards their meeting place. The heavenly night setting and the feeling of anticipation is beautifully described and enacted here.

Husnwale teri duniya mein koi aaya hain,
Tere deedar ki hasarat bhi koi laya hain,
Tod de tod de parde ka chalan aaj ki raat,
Muskurata hain ummeedo ka chaman aaj ki raat,
Do sitaron ka zameen…

6) Song: Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhoolegi Woh Barsaat Ki Raat
Film: Barsaat Ki Raat (1960)
Credits: Sahir | Roshan | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

The solo version is more famous but the duet has its own charm too. Madhubala has run away from her home to meet Bharat Bhushan. He asks her to return home. She starts singing the song, he completes the duet and they agree to stay together come what may. This is one of those songs where it is difficult to decide whether its the lyrics, music or the singing that outshine each other. And Madhubala (!)

Haay jis raat mere dil ne dhadakna seekha,
Shokh jazbaat ne seene mein bhadakna seekha,
Meri taqdeer se nikli wahi sadmaat ki raat,
Zindagi bhar nahin bhoolegi…

7) Song: Dhalti Jaaye Raat
Film: Razia Sultana (1961)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Lachchiram | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle

Jairaj and Nirupa Roy are the lovers in this song but two unknown(?) singers are singing the song and bringing out the emotions of the lead pair. Definitely, a musical gem from one of the lesser known composers.

8) Song: Aaj Ko Junili Raat Maa
Film: Talash (1969)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

This melodious song is set in a village. Junli raat means the night of the full moon. This is a celebratory song. The lead pair Rajendra Kumar and Sharmila Tagore have decided to get married and voice out their joy together.

9) Song: Raat Suhani Jaag Rahi Hai
Film: Jigri Dost (1970)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Mohammed Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur

Jeetendra and Mumtaz get romantically involved in a fantasy song. The song is a weird combination of set pieces, dance steps and costumes considering it is meant to be a romantic song!

10) Song: Hum Tum Gumsum Raat Milan Ki
Film: Humshakal (1974)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle

And to end the list, a romantic song with a haunting quality. Newly weds Rajesh Khanna and Moushumi are in a fishermen’s colony, they sing the duet and come closer.

Jhoke pawan ke khidki se jhake chedo na tum balma,
Sunle na koi zalima, zalima re,
Bajne lage hai mere kangna jhun jhun,
Jhumna Jhumna Jhumna Jhumna….
Hum tum gumsum raat milan ki…