Category Archives: My Lists

Suman Kalyanpur – Marathi Movie Songs

My Lists

28 January is the birthday of Suman Kalyanpur, one of the living legends of the golden era of Hindi cine music. But apart from Hindi, the singer par excellence sang in many other languages leaving her impression. It is sad that somehow she did not achieve the popularity and respect as her peers. Blame it on competition, politics or pure bad luck. But her songs remain fresh in the minds of her fans and the music listener.

This is a small tribute by remembering her contribution to Marathi cinema through 10 songs for different music directors. Most of them are stalwarts and it is interesting to see Suman K adapting different styles and delivering her best through her sweet and expressive voice. Here’s wishing Suman K a happy birthday and a healthy life ahead.

1) Song: Jithe Sagara Dharani Milate
Film: Putra Whawa Aisa (1961)
Credits: P. Sawalaram | Vasant Prabhu | Suman Kalyanpur

This can be termed as one of the trademark songs of Suman K. The heroine sings the song leisurely, strolling by the sea and waiting for the workaholic hero’s arrival. Set in Yaman, the song begins with a delightful humming and the honeyed vocals take it forward as if gliding on the water waves. The lyrics, music and of course, the singing do full justice.

2) Song: Are Sansar Sansar
Film: Manini (1961)
Credits: Bahinabai Chaudhari | Vasant Pawar | Suman Kalyanpur

One of the heroine oriented movies of that era. An evergreen song describing the reality of life in simplified terms. Penned by Bahinabai and aptly composed by Vasant Pawar in Pilu. Suman K adds the finishing touch by the poignant rendering.

3) Song: Deva Daya Tujhi Ki
Film: Bolki Bahuli (1961)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Shriniwas Khale | Suman Kalyanpur

Bolki Bahuli is termed as a sequel to Devbappa (1953). Probably the first such instance in Marathi cinema. Suman K sounds sweet as always in a song which describes the character’s happy state of mind. Must say that Suman K was in her prime in the early 60s.

4) Song: Jaag Re Yadava
Film: Prem Andhala Asta (1962)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Ram Kadam | Suman Kalyanpur

Ga Di Ma describes the sunrise and happenings of the morning scene through his writing and Ram Kadam complements with the music. Suman K voice meanders through the composition and the listener can easily visualize the scene being described. Unfortunately the picturization on screen is not up to the mark and could have been better. Indeed, some songs are meant to be heard and not seen!

5) Song: Aai Sarkhe Daiwat
Film: Vaishakh Vanva (1964)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Datta Dawjekar | Suman Kalyanpur

Like Manini, this is a heroine oriented movie. She goes through hardships in her marital life and has to leave her husband’s house. This is a situational “teaching” song. The heroine is teaching the basics of the alphabet and sings a song in praise of the “mother” who is equivalent to God. Needless to say, the song sounds sweeter in the voice of Suman K.

6) Song: Tujhiya Botala
Film: Iye Marathichiye Nagari (1965)
Credits: Vasant Kanetkar | Vasant Desai | Suman Kalyanpur

This is a forgettable V. Shantaram directed movie but with good music like most of his offerings. I don’t recall if the song is included in the movie. Its structured like a natya sangeet composition and Suman K is the surprise package. The fast taans in natya sangeet style is a revelation and brings out the versatility of the singer.

7) Song: Anand Mani Maina
Film: Raigadacha Rajabandi (1965)
Credits: Raja Badhe | D. P. Korgaonkar | Suman Kalyanpur

I recall watching this movie on Doordarshan ages ago but has since got lost in time somewhere! Haven’t heard much about the music director but Suman K sings the song effortlessly and is impactful in the high pitch portion.

8) Song: Tujhya Kantisam Raktapataka
Film: Annapurna / Anna Hi Anna (1968)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Snehal Bhatkar | Suman Kalyanpur

This is an early morning devotional song dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Suman K displays her command in different genres by easily handling the composition. The lyrics talk all about the lord’s features, his liking and virtues. Trivia: The movie was earlier titled Anna Hi Anna and later re-censored as Annapurna by which it is better known today.

9) Song: Limbalona Utaru Kashi
Film: Ekati (1968)
Credits: G D Madgulkar | Sudhir Phadke | Suman Kalyanpur

A mother singing for her son who is away in a different city. A typical filmy mother who has brought up her son single handedly. Her sacrifices and his hard work have paid off. He is now grown up and standing on his feet. She is contented and wishes for his success through the song. Suman K’s rendition brings out the character’s emotions effectively.

10) Song: Nimbonichya Zaadamage
Film: Bala Gaau Kashi Angai (1977)
Credits: Madhusudan Kalelkar | N. Datta | Suman Kalyanpur

One of the memorable and enduring lullabies of Marathi cinema. This was probably one of the last hits of Suman K and has retained its charm for many years. There is a sad version of the song later in the movie. Both versions are equally compelling in Suman K’s voice.

R.D. Burman – Multiple Version/ Tandem Songs

My Lists

Rahul Dev Burman or R.D. or Pancham was one of the most talented and prolific music directors in Hindi cinema. Its been more than 30 years since he passed away on 4th January 1994. Arguably, he is the most well known of the composers of a bygone era for today’s generation. He is widely known for his musical “experiments” and attempts to create the desired sounds and effects in his songs.

Coming to the theme based on R.D. songs. We find there are different versions of one song used in the same movie. Sometimes, one version is happy and the other one is sung in sadder times. Both versions may be solos, sung by the same or different singer(s). Or can be a solo and later a duet. There are multiple variations to the theme itself! In today’s post, we will be visiting some multiple version or tandem songs, all composed by R.D. Burman. Which similar songs do you remember?

1) Song: Wadiyaan Mera Daaman
Film: Abhilasha (1968)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi | Lata Mangeshkar

Abhilasha is probably remembered only for its two famous songs. The catchy Pyar hua hai jabse and this multiple version song. The first version is a Mohammed Rafi solo. Sanjay Khan is romancing Nanda and crooning the song. Later, Nanda is remembering him and singing this song. But this time she is accompanied by his brother (played by Kashinath Ghanekar). He misinterprets her thoughts for him, leading to misunderstandings.

2) Song: Tum Bin Jaoon Kahaan
Film: Pyar Ka Mausam (1969)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Kishore Kumar | Mohammed Rafi

Another memorable song and R.D. excels. The song first appears as a Kishore Kumar solo when Bharat Bhushan is singing for his wife (Nirupa Roy) and young son. Then tragedy strikes and they get separated. The song appears again with an older and impoverished Bharat Bhushan singing on the roadside (Kishore Kumar again). Coincidentally, his long lost son, grown up as Shashi Kapoor is (conveniently) sitting nearby to hear, like and memorize the song. Shashi Kapoor later sings it for Asha Parekh as a romantic solo (this time voiced by Mohammed Rafi). While both the versions are famous, it sounds odd to think of Kishore Kumar as Bharat Bhushan’s voice in place of Mohammed Rafi who has sung so many hit songs for him in films like Baiju Bawra, Barsaat Ki Raat, Phagun etc.

3) Song: Chanda O Chanda
Film: Lakhon Mein Ek (1971)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar | Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar

Lakhin Mein Ek is a remake of a Tamil movie “Edhir Neechal” (1968). The movie is centered around an orphan, played by Mehmood. The first version is a female solo. A sad Radha Saluja is unable to sleep. She addresses the moon and compares their plight. Later, in a filmy contrived situation, Mehmood is forced to take care of a neighbour’s child and make him sleep. He sings the same song as a lullaby. The song is melodious and R.D. manages to impart a sorrowful layer to it, suitable for the situation.

4) Song: Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka
Film: Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1972)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar | Kishore Kumar

This is one of the famous brother-sister songs in Hindi movies. The first version is a childhood song. The brother is singing for his sister in happier times (featuring Master Satyajeet and Baby Guddi). But their life changes when the parents separate and so do the children. A grown up Dev Anand searches for his sister Zeenat Aman who has joined a band of hippies in Nepal. He sings the song in an attempt to remind her of the younger days. The song appears at a crucial point in the movie. A simple but impactful composition.

5) Song: Yaadon Ki Baaraat
Film: Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar , Padmini Kolhapure & Shivangi Kolhapure | Kishore Kumar & Mohammed Rafi

Another song where the two versions are set years apart. The first version is sung together by a family comprising of 3 sons. Their parents get killed. Circumstances lead the brothers to get separated and meet after 15 years. By coincidence, all 3 of them are in the same location, a hotel. The youngest brother (Tariq), sings the song and is soon joined by Vijay Arora. The eldest brother Dharmendra is unable to join the singing but is happy to see his brothers reunite after so many years.

6) Song: Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka
Film: Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973)
Credits: Sahir | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar | Kishore Kumar & Sushma Shreshtha

Aa Gale Lag Jaa was a rich heroine & poor hero story where the 2 lovers are separated by the cunning father of the heroine. They meet again a few years later.

The hero Shashi Kapoor sings this song for Sharmila Tagore initially as a romantic solo. Years later, his son sings this song in a party and is also joined by his father. The heroine is unaware of the bitter truth that the boy is actually her own son.

7) Song: Kahi Karti Hogi
Film: Phir Kab Milogi (1974)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Mukesh | Mukesh & Lata Mangeshkar

A highly forgettable movie directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. And featuring the rare combination of Mukesh with R.D. Burman. Biswajeet sings the male version thinking of the girl who will be entering his life as his beloved. Later, the same song is sung as a duet with the heroine Mala Sinha.

8) Song: Mere Naina Saawan Bhado
Film: Mehbooba (1976)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | R.D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar | Kishore Kumar

Mehbooba was a flop movie but its songs remain popular. The movie is based on the reincarnation theme where the lovers separate in one life and meet again in another life. Rajesh Khanna, a singer is reminded of his previous life through this song. A ghostly Hema Malini walks around the palace and its grounds. He follows her through the palace as she makes him recall his earlier life. And later he is destined to meet the present day Hema Malini. He sings the same song reminding her of the connection of their past lives. Set in raag Shivaranjani, this is a haunting composition by R.D. Burman.

9) Song: Rijhim Gire Saawan
Film: Manzil (1979)
Credits: Yogesh | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar | Lata Mangeshkar

This can be termed as an iconic song, and Kishore Kumar’s version is heard more often. The male version occurs at the beginning of the movie. Amitabh Bachchan is singing in his friend’s house. The singing is subdued but effective. The second version is slightly faster paced but musically rich in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. Its a background song. The leads Amitabh and Moushumi are walking and running around Mumbai, in the rains. Highly enjoyable. Again, R.D. does a great job in both the versions!

10) Song: Hume Tumse Pyar Kitna
Film: Kudrat (1981)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R.D. Burman | Parween Sultana | Kishore Kumar

And the last song from a movie based on reincarnation. The first version is a classical inclined composition picturised primarily on Aruna Irani with the main leads watching her performance. She meets Rajesh Khanna before the show and remembers this old song which she has not sung for 30 years. Parween Sultana won the Filmfare award for this song.

The second version occurs in a flashback. Rajesh Khanna sings for Hema Malini in their previous life. Kishore Kumar’s version is subtle and romantic. Both songs are equally impactful as per their situations, courtesy R.D. Burman.

Naushad – Challenge and Competition Songs

My Lists

Today’s post is dedicated to the late music director Naushad Ali (born 1919), his birthday falls this week on 25 December. He was a passionate advocate of Indian classical and folk music, which he used predominantly in his compositions.

Today’s list theme involves a competition or challenge situation occurring in the movie’s story line, which then results into a song. All 10 songs are based on this situation and composed by Naushad, which in a way showcase his range and versatility. Hope you enjoy and do leave your comments on this great composer.

1) Song: Aaj Gawat Mann Mero Jhoomke
Film: Baiju Bawra (1952)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Ustad Amir Khan and Pt. D. V. Paluskar

The first song in the list is a direct face-off between Tansen (Surendra) and Baiju (Bharat Bhushan in Akbar’s court. Its a singing competition where the two accomplished singers will sing all through the night and try to melt a block of marble demonstrating their singing prowess. A classical number in raag Desi, brilliantly performed by stalwarts Ustad Amir Khan (singing for Tansen) and Pt. D. V. Paluskar. It makes for an exciting watch as the outcome will decide if Baiju will be able to avenge his father’s death and fulfill his life long objective of killing Tansen.

Prem ke karan premi gaawe,
Taanon se patthar pighlaawe,
Jagat mein rahe maan re
Aaj gawat mann mero jhoom ke

2) Song: Chandan Ka Palna
Film: Shabab (1954)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Hemant Kumar

Another royal setting. Here the princess (played by Nutan) suffers from insomnia. However hard she tries, she is unable to have a peaceful sleep. She realises that music may be a remedy to her ailment. Soon musical exponents from all over are invited and challenged to cure the princess with a display of their talent. Many come and try but are unsuccessful. Finally, the hero (Bharat Bhushan) accepts the challenge. He presents this moving lullaby set in raag Pilu and emerges successful. Naushad makes use of very few instruments fitting the situation and Hemant Kumar sounds soothing.

3) Song: Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat Azamaakar
Film: Mughal-e-Azam (1960)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar, Shamshad Begum and Chorus

It is entertainment hour for Prince Salim (Dilip Kumar). Anarkali (Madhubala) and Bahar (Nigar Sultana) compete against each other in bait baazi (a verbal game of Urdu poems). They are presenting the differing perceptions about the concept of love. Prince Salim will pick the winner.

Mohabbat Karne Waalon Ka Hai Bas Itna Hi Afsana,
Tadapnaa Chupke Chupke Aahe Bharnaa Ghut Ke Mar Jaana,
Kisi Din Ye Tamasha Muskuraa Kar Ham Bhi Dekhenge,
Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat Azamaakar Hum Bhi Dekhenge,
Aji Haa Ham Bhi Dekhenge

4) Song: Madhuban Mein Radhika
Film: Kohinoor (1960)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi and Ustad Niaz Ahmed Khan

Rajlakshmi (Kumkum) is ready for her dance performance but the experienced musicians are not ready to play for a “fresher.” A young man Rajkumar Dhivendra Pratap (Dilip Kumar) steps in. He is ready to perform with her as a singer cum musician. They end up challenging each other. The dancing, singing, music are all top notch. Dilip Kumar plays the sitar convincingly in this raag Hameer composition.

5) Song: Mere Mehboob Tujhe
Film: Mere Mehboob (1963)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi

This is an annual mushaira, where Urdu poets are competing by reciting their shayari compositions. One of the participants is the hero Anwar (Rajendra Kumar). He presents this romantic song. It is dedicated to the burkha clad girl he had collided with, resulting in a romantic encounter. Once again, the focus is on the poetry presentation and singing with minimal use of instrumentation.

Bhool sakti nahin aankhen woh suhana manzar,
Jab tera husn mere ishq se takraraya tha,
Aur phir raahon mein bikhare the hazaron naghmein,
Mein woh naghmein teri aawaz ko de aaya tha, Saaz-e-dil ko unhi geeton ka sahara de de,
Mere khoya hua rangeen nazaara de de,
Mere mehboob tujhe…

6) Song: Mere Mehboob Mein Kya Nahin
Film: Mere Mehboob (1963)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle

From the same movie, we have another song between 2 friends Husna (Sadhana) and Naseemara (Ameeta). They are conversing about their respective beloved which soon progresses into a competitive song. Through the song they describe him and try to outdo each other. There is a lot of comparison, adjectives and superlatives used. Both are unaware they are describing the same person which is going to lead to complications!

Mera mehboob ek chaand hai husn apana nikhaare huey,
Asmaan ka farishta hai woh roop insaan ka dhaare huey,
Rashk-e-jannat hai woh mehejabin,
Mere mehboob mein kya nahin

7) Song: Aaj Hai Pyaar Kaa Faisla
Film: Leader (1964)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar

Leader is a mess of a movie. This song is a dream/fantasy sequence which appears randomly in the plot. Dilip Kumar and Vyjanthimala are on the run. He is injured and they take refuge in a temple during a stormy night. He is resting. She lies down next to him and enters a dreamy world. Her lover has been converted to stone. She is challenged to bring him back through her love and dedication. And being a Hindi movie heroine, this is an opportunity to display her impactful singing and dancing skills! A random song but nevertheless beautiful composition by Naushad.

8) Song: Saaz Ho Tum
Film: Saaz Aur Awaaz (1966)
Credits: Khumar Barabankvi | Naushad | Mohammed Rafi

A contrived situation resulting in a challenge. An uninvited Joy Mukherjee meets Saira Banu. She is angry with him and they insult each other. He challenges her she won’t be able to control herself and start dancing once he begins singing. And that is what happens. Naushad blends many raagas and instruments in this song. A melodious number with impressive singing by Rafi.

9) Song: Teri Payal Mere Geet
Film: Teri Payal Mere Geet (1993)
Credits: Hasan Kamal | Naushad | S. P. Balasubrahmaniam

This is one of Naushad’s last movies. The song is between a dancer Laila (Meenakshi Sheshadri) and singer Premi (Govinda). Laila has been invited to perform at a wedding but refuses to perform due to personal reasons. She makes an excuse that she is unable to think of a song. Premi volunteers to sing a song and she can accompany him. Both challenge each other and end up performing together. While the song is forgettable, Meenakshi’s dancing is exquisite and a delight to watch.

10) Song: Ishq Ki Dastaan
Film: Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story (2005)
Credits: Naqsh Lyallpuri, Syed Gulrez | Naushad | Kavita Krishnamurthy and Preeti Uttam

This was the last movie in Naushad’s career. The song is a qawwali style competition between the 2 performers Arjuman Bano (Sonya Jahan) and Ladli Begum (Kim Sharma). While one talks about being open about love, the other counters stating that love is a feeling and doesn’t need to be made public.