Category Archives: My Lists

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…

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.