Category Archives: My Lists

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…

Kalyanji Anandji – Multiple Version Songs

My Lists

Hindi cinema is noted for its music composers and sometimes two composers come together to form a duo. Shankar Jaikishan were arguably the most famous composer duo before they lost their position to Laxmikant Pyarelal.

The brothers’ team of Kalyanji Virji Shah and Anandji Virji Shah more commonly known as Kalyanji Anandji (KA) were the third such pair during this period. Having started as assistants, they formed their own team and became composers. They were highly successful and had a long career from the late 1950s to the 90s. Their musical range covered many genres and they succeeded in contributing some incredible tunes in all of them. Strangely, they did not win many major awards, maybe because of the tough competition of the times! But yes, their songs have remained evergreen for the listener.

In today’s post, we will be remembering some multiple version (or tandem) songs from this duo. 2nd March is the birthday of Anandji (born 1933), so happy birthday to him in the form of this tribute.

1) Song: Mujhko Is Raat Ki Tanhaai Mein Awaaz
Film: Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960)
Credits: Shamim Akhtar Jaipuri | Kalyanji Anandji | Mukesh | Lata Mangeshkar

This was Dharmendra’s debut film. Both versions are sad songs. Dharmendra sings the first version when he thinks he has lost his beloved (Kumkum). Later, Kumkum sings the female version. A simple but effective composition which has a haunting quality. One can see some influence of Shankar Jaikishan in the early KA songs.

2) Song: Humne Tujhko Pyaar Kiya Hai Jitna
Film: Dulha Dulhan (1964)
Credits: Indeevar | Kalyanji Anandji | Lata Mangeshkar | Mukesh

The film stars the odd pair of Raj Kapoor and Sadhana. Raj Kapoor definitely looks aged to be paired with the younger heroine! The first song is a female version where Sadhana sings it admitting her love for the hero. But life is not straight forward, and they get separated afterwards. The male version is a sad version which comes much later in tragic circumstances. The heroine does not recognize him and he makes an attempt to rekindle her memory by singing the same song. Both songs are sung well and the composition brings out the mood of the contrasting situations successfully.

3) Song: Pardesiyon Se Na Ankhiyaan Milana
Film: Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Kalyanji Anandji | Mohammed Rafi | Lata Mangeshkar

This is undoubtedly an evergreen song. The song has 2 versions by Mohammed Rafi, happy followed by sad. One can easily visualize Shashi Kapoor crooning the romantic number on a shikara in Kashmir. Later, the female version is picturized on Nanda. KA deliver a catchy tune which works in all versions.

4) Song: Akele Hai Chale Aao
Film: Raaz (1967)
Credits: Shamim Akhtar Jaipuri | Kalyanji Anandji | Lata Mangeshkar | Mohammed Rafi

A classic song based on raga Charukeshi. The movie starred a very young Rajesh Khanna and Babita. The female version is a typical haunting song format. The heroine (in white) sings the song as the hero follow her but she keeps disappearing and reappearing. Later, the hero sings the male solo as he thinks the heroine may have left him and calls out to her….akele hai chale aao. The singing is awesome, so is the music.

5) Song: Chandan Sa Badan
Film: Saraswatichandra (1968)
Credits: Indeevar | Kalyanji Anandji | Mukesh | Lata Mangeshkar

Saraswatichandra had many good songs. This romantic song is based on the sweet raga Yaman. The song begins with Mukesh humming for the hero (Manish). The heroine (Nutan) hears him and steps out to meet him secretly. He describes her beauty in all its glory.

However, circumstances lead her to marry a different man. When they meet again, she sings the same song in a dream situation. She realizes she still has feelings for him. KA keep the tune simple and focus on presentation of the beauty of the lyrics with full effect.

6) Song: Mere Mitwa
Film: Geet (1970)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Kalyanji Anandji | Mohammed Rafi | Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar

This is one of those typical situational songs. The heroine (Mala Sinha) is visiting Kullu. She is enjoying the scenery when she hears the hero (Rajendra Kumar) singing the song. She searches for the source of the melody. Of course, they are destined to meet, fall in love and sing the song as a romantic duet.

7) Song: Meri Pyaari Beheniyaan
Film: Sachaa Jhoota (1970)
Credits: Indeevar | Kalyanji Anandji | Kishore Kumar | Kishore Kumar

It is interesting how the movie’s story line dictates the situation and it is the music director’s responsibility to supply the most appropriate song for it. This is a brother-sister song. An impoverished Rajesh Khanna leaves his village to go to the city for work. The sole purpose is to earn money to arrange the dowry for his handicapped sister’s marriage. He sings the song in a teasing way before she (Baby Naaz) sees him off at the railway station.

Later in the city, he sees a newly wedded couple’s baraat with all the band baaja. The handicapped bride sitting in the car reminds him of his sister and he blesses the bride and joins the band, singing the same song.

8) Song: Jai Jai Narayan Narayan Hari Hari
Film: Hari Darshan (1972)
Credits: Pradeep | Kalyanji Anandji | Mahendra Kapoor | Lata Mangeshkar

There was a time when mythological movies were a rage and had their own audience. Hari Darshan is such a movie, based on the story of Bhakta Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu . KA made the use of raga Malkans in this catchy composition. The song appears thrice in the movie. Once at the beginning, picturised on Arvind Trivedi (who played the role of Raavan in the TV serial Ramayana). The other versions are picturised on the young Prahlad (Master Satyajeet). He sings the virtues of Lord Vishnu with his fellow students in school though it is strictly prohibited to do so. The final version appears at the end of the movie as Hiranyakashipu moves closer to his imminent fate (i.e. death) at the hands of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar.

9) Song: O Saathi Re
Film: Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)
Credits: Anjaan | Kalyanji Anandji | Asha Bhosle | Kishore Kumar

KA had a long association with Prakash Mehra from Haseena Maan Jayegi, Zanjeer, Haath Ki Safaai to Laawaris. But the best of the lot is Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. A tragic love story. Sikandar (Amitabh Bachchan) sings the male version after Rakhee mocks him and invites him to present a song. And surprise! he sings a very moving song which was sung by Rakhee as a child in her mother’s memory. There is no dancing or action in the song but Amitabh’s “acting” leaves its impression on the viewer. The female version is a birthday song picturised on Baby Shalu, who plays the younger Rakhee.

10) Song: Mere Angne Mein
Film: Laawaris (1981)
Credits: Anjaan, Prakash Mehra | Kalyanji Anandji | Alka Yagnik | Amitabh Bachchan

This is originally a folk song in North India which was “enhanced” and made in to a film song. Rakhee sings the female version at the beginning of the movie; her performance being enjoyed by her lover (Amjad Khan). Years later, Amitabh Bachchan sings it in front of Amjad Khan, unaware that he is Amjad’s illegitimate son. The tune is catchy and Amitabh performs it quite professionally!

The other version is sung by Alka Yagnik which earned her a Filmfare nomination for best playback singer. This is one of her earliest songs and you can feel the rawness in her voice. KA played a role in nurturing her talent and giving her a break at a young age. A few years later she would become one of the most sought after singers in Hindi cinema.

Lata Mangeshkar (1 voice – 10 heroines)

My Lists

6 February 2022, its already been 3 years since India lost a singing legend, someone who can be rightly termed as a national icon. Perhaps no other playback singer has contributed to film music as Lata Mangeshkar did in her multi-decade career. The heroines were so lucky to have her as their onscreen voice. I feel she was superlative in the 1950 to 1970 period.

Today’s post is dedicated to Lata Mangeshkar (LM) and the heroines she sang for in the 1950s and 60s i.e. the top heroines of the 2 decades who were blessed to have many or rather most of their songs sung by LM. All are romantic and happy numbers. So here we go…

1) Song: Mujhe Kisi Se Pyaar Ho Gaya
Film: Barsaat (1949)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

Lets start with Nargis, a combination of beauty and great acting skills. LM has sung many songs for Nargis especially for R. K. Films including Awara, Aah, Shree 420 and Jagte Raho. In this song, we see a very young Nargis with Raj Kapoor. Raj Kapoor plays the violin and Nargis frolics around singing the bouncy song. This was a breakthrough movie for LM along with Mahal and Andaz the same year. She was all set to capture the listeners’ hearts with her incomparable talent.

Aankhon aankhon mein kar ke ishaare,
Kisne dil se kaha hum tumhare,
Haay yeh kya kiya, O salone piya, mora dhadke jiya,
Ho o o o, mujhe kisi se pyaar ho gaya

2) Song: Unse Pyaar Ho Gaya
Film: Baadal (1951)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

A classic beauty Madhubala. Here she is at her chirpy best, bringing out all the expressions that only she can display. And that smile! Madhubala was one of the actresses for whom LM’s voice fits perfectly and this song is no different. Both enchant us in this enduring number based on raag Bhairavi. Like the earlier song, the heroine keeps talking about falling in love and what a lovely feeling that is!

Ulfat ki dekho kaisi ajab kahaani,
Aye na baadal phir bhi barasa hai paani,
Unse pyaar ho gaya unse pyaar ho gaya

3) Song: Ghadi Ghadi Mora Dil Dhadke
Film: Madhumati (1958)
Credits: Shailendra | Salil Chowdhury | Lata Mangeshkar

A southern beauty with unmatched dancing skills – Vyjanthimala. LM sings a song of waiting, the heroine is looking forward to meet Dilip Kumar. Simple lyrics and music but highly effective.

Saari umar ke badale maine maangi thi ye shaam,
Aaj yahi kho jaungi main unki baahen thaam re, unki baaahen thaam,
Pyaar mila aanchal bhar ke, dil dhadke, kyu dhadke
Aaj milan ki bela mein, sar se chunariya kyu sarke,
Ghadi ghadi mora dil dhadke

4) Song: Mora Gora Ang Lai Le
Film: Bandini (1963)
Credits: Gulzar| S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

Nutan was an accomplished actress and good at singing. She was one of the actresses who could lip sync the songs so well being a singer herself. And if the singer is LM, the result is pure gold! This is Gulzar’s first song as a lyricist. The heroine has realized she has fallen in love and brings out her emotions. She even admonishes the moon for peeping at her from the clouds and teasing her plight.

Badari hataa ke chandaa, chup ke se jhaanke chandaa,
Tohe raahu laage bairi, muskaaye ji jalaai ke,
Ho o o o, mora gora ang lai le

5) Song: Ek Tu Jo Mila
Film: Himalay Ki God Mein (1965)
Credits: Indeevar | Kalyanji Anandji | Lata Mangeshkar

Mala Sinha was a singer on All India Radio before she moved to Hindi movies and had a long career as a heroine. In this song, the heroine has realised that the hero (Manoj Kumar) is the one for her. She acknowledges the feeling in an evergreen song based on raag Charukeshi. LM is in top form singing with all emotion and verve in this fast paced composition.

Kabhi jo na bichade wo saathi hu mai,
Tu mera diya teri baati hu mai,
Bujhaya bujhi, jalaya jali,
Khila jo mera dil saari bagiya khili,
Ek tu jo mila

6) Song: Piya Tose Naina Laage Re
Film: Guide (1965)
Credits: Shailendra | S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

An intense actress and a skilled dancer, that was Waheeda Rehman. Guide was one of her most famous and challenging roles, which did not fit into the normal definition of a Hindi film heroine. While the song showcases her dancing and rise as a performer, it also shows the progressing of romance between the 2 lead characters played by Waheeda Rehman and Dev Anand. This is a long and tough song, Waheeda is magic on screen and LM off it.

Rat Ko Jab Chand Chamake, Jal Uthhe Tan Mera,
Mai Kahu Mat Kar O Chanda, Iss Galee Kaa Phera,
Aana Mora Saiyya Jab Aaye,
Chamakana Uss Rat Ko Jab Milenge Tan Mann, Milenge Tan Mann
Piya Tose Naina Laage Re, Naina Laage Re

7) Song: Suno Sajana
Film: Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Lata Mangeshkar

Asha Parekh was known as the “hit girl” who had a string of hits to her credit. In this song, the heroine informs the hero about the arrival of spring. Flowers are blooming all over and so is love. LM’s voice is infectious right from the first alaap; the song on screen showcases the chirping of birds and glory of the nature, slowly blossoming into a romantic number.

Dekho na aise dekho, marzi hai kya tumhaari,
Bechain kar na dena, tumko kasam hamaari,
Hum hi dushman na ban jaaye, kahi apni qaraar ke,
Sambhal jaao chaman waalo, ke aaye din bahaar ke

8) Song: Unse Mili Nazar
Film: Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1966)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

Saira Banu was another beautiful heroine of the 60s. The song involves a cute and funny sequence in the movie. There is a realisation of love song but the lovers are yet to admit it. The heroine describes the hero, her attraction towards him, totally unaware he is in her room under the bed and listening with all interest. It is worth noting how LM modulates her voice to suit the heroine and matching the pace and nature of the song. What a delight to the listener!

Jab woh mile mujhe pehli baar,
Unn se ho gayi aankhein chaar,
Paas na baithe pal bhar woh,
Phir bhi ho gaya unn se pyaar,
Itni thi bas khabar, itni thi bas khabar,
Itni thi bas khabar ke mere hosh udd gaye,
Unn se mili nazar ke mere, hosh udd gaye

9) Song: Kis Liye Maine Pyar Kiya
Film: The Train (1970)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

Nanda had to work as a child actress to support her family and later became a successful heroine. It is said that LM’s voice is a perfect match for her. This is a soft romantic song. Nanda is in a joyous mood and eagerly waiting for Rajesh Khanna’s arrival at her house. He is going to speak about their marriage with her mother.

Aankho mein maine kajal dala, maathe pe bindiya lagai,
Aise me tu aa jaye to, kya ho ram duhai,
Chhup ke mann mein armano ne li kaisi angadai,
Koi dekhe to kya samjhe ho jaye rusvai,
Maine kyon singar kiya, dil ko yuhi bekarar kiya,
Sham savere teri raah dekhi, raat din intazar kiya ho,
Kis liye maine pyaar kiya

10) Song: Mausam Hai Aashiqana
Film: Pakeezah (1972)
Credits: Kamal Amrohi | Ghulam Mohammed | Lata Mangeshkar

And finally, Meena Kumari, a beautiful and brilliant performer. One of the finest from the 1950s & 60s era. Dramatic circumstances lead to the heroine meeting the hero, steering her life in a new direction. The protagonist realises she has fallen in love and bursts into song. LM makes the raag Yaman Kalyan song sound so easy and does full justice.

Suraj kahi bhi jaaye tum par na dhup aaye,
Tumko pukarate hai in gesuon ke saaye,
Aa jaao mai bana du palkon ka shamiyana,
Mausam hai aashiqana