Have a story to tell? A theme to work on? An emotion to express? A mood to paint? Easy. You can do all this and more with Hindi film songs. For musical stories or theme-based songs or lyrical expressions of moods or...whatever, this promises to be a fun-filled ride. Come, get on the bandwagon!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Rain Songs: Yeh Neer Kahaan Se Barse

When you think of the music from "Prem Parbat" (1973), the first song that comes to mind is "Yeh dil aur unki nigahon ke saaye". That was a beautiful melody indeed, so popular that it overshadowed other songs from that film. Listen to this gem and enjoy. Jan Nisar Akhtar, the lyricist was a prominent Urdu poet who wrote for Hindi films too, but for today's generation, it might be more relevant to say that he was the father of Javed Akhtar, and the grandfather of Farhan and Zoya Akhtar.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Jan Nisar Akhtar
Music: Jaidev

Monday, July 30, 2012

Rain Songs: Barkha Bairan/Barkha Rani

A song from "Sabak" (1973) today that has two versions, one in female voice and another in male voice. The former one sung by Suman Kalyanpur is much sweeter--with  different words--, while the latter in Mukesh's voice is quite ordinary. The leading lady with Shatrughan Sinha is his wife, Poonam. Coincidentally, the lyricist-music director were a husband-wife team too, though they separated later.

Singers: Suman Kalyanpur/Mukesh
Lyrics: Sawan Kumar
Music: Usha Khanna

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Rain Songs: Chhayee Barkha Bahaar

There are some songs that talk about rain, but are not shot during the rain. This is one such. "Chirag" (1969) was a family drama in which Sunil Dutt and Asha Parekh are a happily married couple until she loses her eyesight.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Madan Mohan

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Rain Songs: Koi Ladki Hai

"Dil To Pagal Hai" (1997) was a successful film with foot-tapping music, good story and the star value of Madhuri Dixit, Karisma Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan. A fun song from this film today, with amusing lyrics and playful steps.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Uttam Singh

Friday, July 27, 2012

Rain Songs: Kajare Badarawa Re

A haunting melody from "Pati Patni (1966) today, where R. D. Burman has used an echo effect for the word badarawa beautifully. One of Sanjeev Kumar's early films, it featured Nanda as the leading lady and Mumtaz in a supporting role.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: R. D. Burman

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Rain Songs: Megha Re Megha Re

Here is a wonderful song from "Pyaasa Sawan" (1981), a reasonably successful film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. It featured Jeetendra in a double role--playing father and son--along with Moushumi Chatterji and Reena Roy as the leading ladies. This duet contains very high-pitched notes throughout, beautifully rendered by Lata Mangeshkar and Suresh Wadkar. Though a gifted singer, Wadkar could not make much of a mark in playback singing for Hindi films.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Suresh Wadkar
Lyrics: Santosh Anand
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Rain Songs: Pad Gaye Jhoole

In many parts of India, the month of Saawan is all about going high up on swings and singing. Makeshift swings are tied to tall trees and women take turns in going on them. A duet from "Bahu Begum (1967)--a classic Muslim social starring Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar-- today, one of the few sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle together.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Roshan

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Rain Songs: Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein

Many popular songs featuring Rajesh Khanna have been playing on the telly ever since the superstar passed away last week. It is ironic that he was remembered more after his death than he ever was during the last two decades or so. Watch him frolicking in the rain with Zeenat Aman in this duet from "Ajanabee" (1974). Don't miss his characteristic tilt of the head in the beginning of the song.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: R. D. Burman

Monday, July 23, 2012

Rain Songs: Garajat Barasat

It's the rainy season and possibly the best time to recall some lovely rain songs. The first one that comes to mind is a duet from "Barsaat Ki Raat" (1960). This film is one of Roshan's best works, having many excellent songs. Apparently, he had used the same composition for a melody from "Malhar" (1951). It is a treat! Check out both of them.

Singers: Suman Kalyanpur, Kamal Barot
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Roshan

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Roshan