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.

Swarg (1990)

My Reviews, ,

Rajesh Khanna, fondly known as the first superstar of Hindi cinema was born on 29 December 1942. He saw unprecedented success followed by an unfortunate bad phase, accompanied with fading stardom. But he continued to act in movies irrespective of their fate at the box office. Today’s movie is perhaps his last hit where he plays a central character. Swarg is directed by David Dhawan This was before his entry into the comedy genre for which he is more famously known.

The Plot

Swarg means heaven and here it is the name of a mansion like house owned by Kumar (Rajesh Khanna). Kumar lives with his wife Janki (Madhavi). The other occupants are his 3 step siblings – Ravi (Dilip Dhawan), Vicky (Raja Bundela), and Jyoti (Juhi Chawla). Ravi’s wife is Naina (Neena Gupta). Kumar had promised his dying stepmother (Shammi) that he and Janki will shower all their love and care on the 3 siblings. In order to avoid complications(!), they decide not to have children. Kumar sells the old house they were living in and sets up a garment business with the money. He achieves success through his hard work and becomes a rich and respected businessman.

Their is one more occupant in Swarg – Krishna (Govinda), an orphan. Kumar had met the young boy Krishna is a temple and brought him home. Krishna grows up as a servant in the house but he is a servant only in name. He worships Kumar and can go to any extent to ensure his happiness and well being. Krishna also has some light hearted moments with the college going Jyoti. Krishna is a movie buff and crazy about acting. He likes to sing songs and mimic well known actors. His dream is to become a successful hero.

Kumar has received a substantial business order and needs a loan of Rs 50 lakhs. He has approached Chowdhary (Vikas Anand) for the loan. It is agreed that Swarg will be kept as mortgage and the loan is sanctioned. All is going well.

But where there is heaven, there is bound to be hell. In the Mill Owners Association’s election, Kumar defeats his rival Dhanraj (Paresh Rawal), who was the president for many years. Dhanraj is the opposite of Kumar. He is a corrupt businessman and is afraid that his misdeeds in running the association will be exposed by Kumar. He tries to bribe Kumar, who slaps him in public, warning him not to try such antics.

Kumar and Janki arrange Jyoti’s engagement with Choudhary’s son. The engagement day arrives, celebrations are in full swing. Then disaster strikes. Kumar gets a call that his factory has caught fire. The whole factory is gutted and life takes a turn for all.

Money lenders arrive at Kumar’s house requesting him to pay their debts. Kumar seeks money to rebuild his business and requests his siblings to act as guarantors. Apparently, they have their own businesses. They blatantly refuse his request. Kumar manages to use his savings and satisfy the debtors. Jyoti’s engagement is broken.

Ravi, Vicky and Naina start showing their true colours. Kumar asks them to not indulge in avoidable expenditures like arranging a grand party for Naina’s birthday but he gets insulted. Vicky goes to the extent of stealing Jyoti’s wedding jewellery and put the blame on Krishna. Surprisingly, Kumar believes Krishna is the culprit and asks him to leave the house. Krishna is shocked and has no option but to leave.

Janki admonishes Kumar, who explains to her that he did not want Krishna to live in this polluted atmosphere and had to send him away with a heavy heart.

Krishna heads to Mumbai. After a dramatic encounter with a local goonda, he befriends a film production manager with a funny name Airport/ Adda (Satish Kaushik). Airport offers him accommodation and the job of a spot boy in the film studio. Krishna is a hard worker and one day luck shines upon him unexpectedly. He gets a chance to perform a movie scene when the actor performing it keeps on bumbling leading to multiple retakes. Krishna accepts the challenge and performs the scene brilliantly. He gets cast in the role. He gradually becomes a celebrated actor.

And Kumar? Life is hell. His step brothers are against him. Dhanraj arranges for Swarg to be auctioned to further humiliate Kumar. Janki can’t bear this and commits suicide. Ultimately Kumar leaves with Jyoti and start leading a poverty driven life.

A rich and successful Krishna arrives in Swarg to find it locked. He comes to know the shocking events and changes that have taken place since he left and plots revenge from Dhanraj, Ravi and Vicky. He hatches a plan with Airport to destroy them financially and teach them a lesson. Will he succeed? Will he be able to reunite with Kumar and take him back to his “Swarg”?

The Music

The lyrics are by Sameer and music by Anand Milind. The songs have the typical late 1980s and early 90s vibes. Govinda gets to dance in most of them like Filmon ke saare hero, Bam bam bam bam Bambai, Tum sajana ke ghar and the love duet Kaise kate din. One song is a sad song Ae Mere Dost picturised on Rajesh Khanna after Govinda leaves the house.

My Thoughts

Swarg’s plot is stale and can be seen in many multi starrer movies made during this period. A well to do family falling on bad times, there is separation, sacrifice and ultimately time for reunion. Rajesh Khanna hams at times but performs well in the emotional scenes. Govinda shows his acting mettle in the initial scenes where there are light hearted moments and later when he becomes a star and starts planning revenge. There is the inevitable love angle between Krishna and Jyoti which thankfully is very short and portrayed through a song. Paresh Rawal is effective as the scheming Dhanraj. So is Satish Kaushik as Krishna’s friend and co-plotter.

Overall, though predictable, David Dhawan succeeds in weaving a cohesive and entertaining story. Its strange he stopped making such movies eventually and stuck to the comedy genre.

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.