Category Archives: My Lists

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.

Raj Kapoor – Self-Description Songs

My Lists

14th December 2024 was Raj Kapoor’s 100th birthday. Widely regarded as the first showman of Hindi cinema, he carved a place for himself as a successful actor and director. Controversies apart, his all time hit movies and evergreen songs have made him an endured figure in cinematic history. Today’s post is dedicated to this showman. In all the songs, he talks about himself. Some are an introduction to his character while some show his state of mind or how he was treated by others.

1) Song: Main Zindagi Mein Hardam Rota Hi Raha Hoon
Film: Barsaat (1949)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi

This was the second movie directed by Raj Kapoor which established his banner R.K. Films. It marked the successful entry of Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri and Shankar-Jaikishan in the RK camp. In this song, he is expressing his state of despair as the lyrics tell us. Also this is one of the few songs sung by Mohammed Rafi for Raj Kapoor considering Mukesh was his “regular” playback voice.

Umeed ke diye bujhe dil me hai andhera,
Jeevan kaa to saathi na bana koi bhi mera,
Phir kiske liye aaj main jeeta hi raha hoon,
Main zindagi mein hardam rota hi raha hoon

2) Song: Awara Hoon
Film: Awara (1951)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

What can be said about this song? It is so iconic! It established the Charlie Chaplin inspired tramp character firmly in the minds of the audience. The general image of a simple, vulnerable yet charming man continued throughout his career.

Ghar-baar nahin, sansar nahin, mujhse kisi ko pyar nahin,
Us paar kisi se milne ka iqrar nahin, mujhse kisi ko pyar nahin
Sunsan nagar anjaan dagar ka pyara hoon,
Awara hoon, awara hoon

3) Song: Main Dil Hoon Ek Armaan Bhara
Film: Anhonee (1952)
Credits: Satyendra | Roshan | Talat Mahmood

Raj Kapoor on the piano, singing for Nargis (who had a double role). A rare song by Talat Mahmood for Raj Kapoor with Roshan as the music director. A simple tune which suits the character and the mood. (Trivia – The lyrics are by Satyendra Athaiya who later married Bhanu Athaiya.)

Khud maine husna ke hathon mein,
Shokhi kaa chhalakataa jaam diyaa,
Gaalon ko gulaabon kaa rutabaa,
Kaliyo ko labo kaa naam diyaa, naam diyaa
Aankho ko diyaa saagar gehraa,
Tu aake mujhe pehchaan zaraa,
Main dil hoon ik aramaan bharaa…

4) Song: Main Paagal, Mera Manwa Paagal
Film: Ashiana (1952)
Credits: Rajinder Krishan | Madan Mohan | Talat Mahmood

Another beautiful song by Talat Mahmood, set to tune by Madan Mohan in raag Kedar. Raj Kapoor in a sad mood talking about separation.

Kahe ye duniya mai diwana,din mein dekhun sapne,
Diwani duniya kya jaane, Ye sapne hai apane,
Ghayal mann ki hasi udaaye, ye duniya ki reet re,
Main paagal mera manwa paagal, paagal meri preet re

5) Song: Mera Joota Hai Japani
Film: Shree 420 (1955)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

Similar to Awara hoon, this is another iconic song. The clever lyrics ending with the line “Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani” was catchy and instantly caught the imagination of the listener. Raj Kapoor portraying the unemployed common man character who adapts as the movie plot progresses.

Nikal Pade Hai Khulli Sadak Par Apna Seena Taane,
Manzil Kahan, Kahan Rukna Hai, Uparwala Jaane,
Badhte Jaayen Hum Sailani, Jaise Ek Dariya Toofani,
Sar Pe Laal Topi Roosi Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani,
Mera Joota…

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

Raj Kapoor plays an innocent and gullible character who doesn’t know how to play smart and earn money. He comes to know the truth about his love interest (Nutan). She was deceiving him by acting as a poor maid in need of money whereas she is actually a rich heiress. When reality bites, the hero sings this song confirming he is an anari, someone who was not smart and got easily fooled.

Asli nakli chehre dekhe, dil pe sau sau pehre dekhe,
Mere dukhte dil se puchho, kya kya khwab sunehre dekhe,
Toota jis tare pe nazar thi hamari,
Sach hai duniya walon ke hum hai anari

7) Song: Chhalia Mera Naam
Film: Chhalia (1960)
Credits: Qamar Jalalabadi | Kalyanji Anandji | Mukesh

Raj Kapoor giving his introduction as a chhalia (cheat / trickster). The picturization is similar to Awara Hoon where he roams in the street describing himself and robs a rich passerby.

Main hoon galiyon ka shahazaada, jo chaahun woh le loon,
Shahazaade talavaar se khelen, main kainchi se khelun,
Mehanat mera kaam, dena us ka kaam,
Hindu muslim sikh isaai sab ko mera salaam
Chhalia mera naam…

8) Song: Mera Naam Raju
Film: Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

His home production. The song is shot along the Ganga river. Raj Kapoor is once gain playing the simple man character who joins a gang of daakus (bandits). This time he is introducing himself as an orphan and a singer.

Kaam naye nit geet banana,
Geet bana ke jahan ko sunana,
Koi na mile to akele mein gaana,
Kaviraj kahe na yeh taj rahe, na yeh raaj rahe, na yeh raaj gharana
Meet aur preet ka geet rahe, kabhi loot saka na koi yeh khazana
Mera naam Raju gharana anaam

9) Song: Main Aashiq Hoon Baharon Kaa
Film: Aashiq (1962)
Credits: Shailendra | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

A relatively unknown movie of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the song picturization is not so great. Raj Kapoor is wandering around looking bored and singing the song. He describes himself as a traveller and basically a lover of nature and beauty.

Sadiyon se jag mein ata raha main,
Naye rag jeevan me lata raha main,
Har ek des me nit naye bhes me,
Mai aashiq hun baharo ka, fizaon ka nazaron ka

10) Song: Diwana Mujhko Log Kahein
Film: Diwana (1967)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mukesh

This was one of Raj Kapoor’s last movies as a leading man. And in this phase it was jarring to see him play the innocent character (again!) and act with younger heroines like Saira Banu, Rajshri and Hema Malini. He describes himself as a “seedha saadha” person misunderstood by the people around.

Main insaan seedha saadha hoon,
Imaan ka main shehzaada hoon,
Hai kaun bura malik jane,
Main pyar ka parwana,
Diwana mujhko log kahen…

Dev Anand – Female Solo Songs

My Lists

3rd December is the remembrance day of Dev Anand, who passed away in 2011. But we remember the handsome hero through his evergreen movies and songs. His style and mannerisms, that smile, shaking of the head and dangling hands! Today’s theme is a bit different. It does not feature Dev Anand’s solos or duets but rather female solos from his movies. That is solo songs picturised on his distinguished co-stars. But they are not alone. Dev Anand features in all of them. And what is he doing? Controlling his urge to sing and keep reacting in that trademark charming (?) Dev Anand way. Enjoy and do mention your favourite Dev Anand songs in the comments.

1) Song: Tadbeer Se Bigdi Hui Taqdeer Bana Le
Film: Baazi (1951)
Credits: Sahir | S. D. Burman  | Geeta Dutt

Dev Anand with Geeta Bali. He is not in the happiest of moods due to family reasons. He is contemplating how to arrange money for his sister’s treatment. Leena (Geeta Bali) is giving him advice to do some deliberation and resolve his problem. He does so and has no option but to enter the world of gambling. Dev Anand is shown as thoughtful throughout the song before he makes the life changing decision.

Darta hai zamane ki nigahon se bhala kyun, nigahon se bhala kyun
Insaaf tere sath hai ilzaam utha le, ilzaam utha le
Apne pe bharosa hai toh yeh daav lagaale

2) Song: Jaye To Jaye Kahan
Film: Taxi Driver (1954)
Credits: Sahir | S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

Dev Anand with Kalpana Kartik. She (named Mala) is a wannabe singer and its time for both of them to part as she embarks on a career opportunity towards success. He leaves her in front of the music director’s house whom she has been trying hard to locate. But parting for both is difficult. He compels Mala to sing a song to catch the music director’s attention and she reluctantly agrees. Mala’s singing reflects the state of her fragile mind. Mangal (Dev Anand) keeps pushing her to go inside the house and leave him.

Jaane Waale Daaman Chhudake, Mushkil Hain Jeena, Tujhko Bhula Ke
Isse To Hain, Maut Aasan,
Jaaye To Jaaye Kahan, samjhega Kaun Yahan,
Dard Bhare Dil Ki Zubaan, Jaaye To Jaaye Kahan

3) Song: Mere Mann Kaa Bawara Panchhi
Film: Amardeep (1958)
Credits: Rajendra Krishan | C. Ramchandra | Lata Mangeshkar

Dev Anand plays a man who has lost his memory. Circumstances lead him to meet Roopa (Padmini), a street performer. She likes him and voices her feelings while he is confused about his identity and unable to reciprocate.

Dil Ko Lagan Hai Uski Mithi Nazar Hai Jiski,
Hum Paas Hai Tumhare Phir Dil Me Yaad Hai Kis Ki,
Tum Jo Nazar Milao, Dil Me Bahar Dole
Mere Mann Kaa Bawara Panchchi Kyu Bar Bar Dole

4) Song: Dil Laga Ke Kadar Gayi Pyaare
Film:  Kala Pani (1958)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D Burman | Asha Bhosle

Probably one of Dev Anand’s finest performance was in this movie. Karan’s (Dev Anand) mission is to retrieve evidence from Kishori (Nalini Jaywant), a dancer in order to prove his father’s innocence. He impresses her with his shayari and singing and pretends to fall in love with her. She has developed genuine feelings for this fraud customer and sings a mujra addressed to him.

5) Song: Dekhne Mein Bhola Hai
Film: Bambai Ka Babu (1960)
Credits: A | S.  D. Burman| Asha Bhosle

Dev Anand with Suchitra Sen. As per the film’s plot, he is her long lost brother who has recently returned home. Her curious friends have come to “meet” her bhaiya. She runs to warn him about the village girls. And then sings this mischievous number. Dev Anand is standing and enjoying the attention showered on him.

6) Song: Sach Huey Sapne Tere
Film: Kala Bazaar (1960)
Credits: Shailendra | S.D. Burman | Asha Bhosle

Dev Anand with Waheeda Rehman. Dramatic scenes before the song lead to sorting out the path of love for the lead pair. The heroine arrives to convey the happy news to the hero and changes his mood.

Bekal mann ka dheeraj lekar mere saajan aaye,
Jaise koi subah ka bhula saanjh ko ghar aa jaye,
Preet ne rang bikhere, jhoom le o mann mere,
Chiki chiki chik chah, chah chhai
Chiki chiki chik chah,
Sach huey sapne tere

7) Song: Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai
Film: Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai  (1961)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

Dev Anand with Asha Parekh. Differences arise between the lead pair. He is walking away hurt and behaving indifferently. She follows him trying to pacify him with some fast paced and high pitch singing. Seems the singing is effective and they come close after the song!

Tum bhee toh iss aag me jalte ho, chehre se bayan ho jata hain,
Har baat pe aahe bharte ho, har bat pe dil tharrata hai,
Jab dil pe chhuriya chalatee hain, toh chain se koi sota hai
Jiya o jiya o jiya kuchh bol do, arey o dil kaa parda khol do

8) Song: Yeh Tanhai Haye Re Haye
Film: Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

Dev Anand with Nutan. He is a bit cross with her and she calms him down successfully. This is a confession of love song between the two. They are ready to stay together and face the challenges ahead, which are waiting to arrive soon!

Aaj Samay Aaya Maine Tujhe Paaya, Main Lata Hoon Tere Pyar Ki,
Phool Naye Laau Tujhko Mehekaau, Main Kali Hoon Tere Haar Ki,
Pyar Ki Hamaare, Amar Ho Umariya,
Thaam Lo Bahe Thaam Lo Bahe

9) Song: Raat Akeli Hai
Film: Jewel Thief (1967)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Asha Bhosle

Dev Anand with Tanuja. A seductive Tanuja trying to woo her father’s employee. Dev Anand appears to be impressed and enjoying the show.

10) Song: Jaise Radha Ne Mala Japi Shyam Ki
Film: Tere Mere Sapne (1971)
Credits: Neeraj | S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

And the last song in this list. Dev Anand and Mumtaz enjoying their newly married life. She is blessed to have him in her life. There is great chemistry between the both.

Paa liya tujhe, paayi har khushi,
Chaahu baar baar chadhu teri palaki,
Subah sham ki yeh pyaas bade kaam ki,
Radha ne mala japi Shyam ki,
Maine odhi chunariya tere naam ki