Category Archives: My Lists

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

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.