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!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Adornments: Nadiya Kinaare

A lovely solo from "Abhimaan"(1973) to mark S. D. Burman's death anniversary today. I had posted Teri bindiya re from the same film a few days ago.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: S. D. Burman

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Adornments: Jhanan Jhan Bichhua Baaje

A little-known solo from "Chand Aur Suraj"(1965) today. It was a mystery/drama starring Dharmendra, Ashok Kumar, Nirupa Roy, Tanuja and Asit Sen. It is rare to see Tanuja performing a classical dance sequence. Another more popular song from this film was Bagh mein kali khili.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Monday, October 29, 2012

Adornments: Gori Ke Haath Mein

"Mela"(1971) was the first film directed by Prakash Mehra. Set in rural India, it was a hit. Enjoy a duet from this film today. The other popular duets were Rut hai milan ki and Ek baar rakh de qadam zara jhoom ke. 

Singes: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: R. D. Burman


Sunday, October 28, 2012

Adornments: Ke Pag Ghunghroo Baandh

Amitabh Bachchan was at his comic best in some songs. This is one of them. He is a complete entertainer throughout this dance number from "Namak Halaal"(1982). It is a long sequence, with the elegant Smita Patil appearing quietly only towards the end.

Singer: Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Anjaan
Music: Bappi Lahiri

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Adornments: Dhaani Chunari Pahan

"Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyaan"(1967) was a complete Kishore Sahu show. He not only  produced and directed it, but also wrote the story, screenplay and dialogue. His efforts to launch his daughter Naina Sahu in films did not succeed. The title song was quite popular, though.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Friday, October 26, 2012

Adornments: Raat Bhi Hai Kuchh Bheegi Bheegi

A beautiful dance number by one of the most gorgeous dancers in Hindi films. It is Waheeda Rehman in "Mujhe Jeene Do"(1963). Sahir Ludianvi's lyrics, Jaidev's composition, Lata Mangeshkar's voice and Waheeda's grace have come together to create this lovely audio-visual experience. I had posted another song, Maang mein bhar le rang sakhi from this film in an earlier series, Her Story.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Jaidev

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Adornments: Baaj Ri Mori Paayaliya

I stumbled upon a pleasant, yet little-known solo from a practically unknown film "Gauri"(1968). It was an average melodrama starring Nutan, Sunil Dutt, Sanjeev Kumar and Mumtaz. So, nothing memorable about the film, but posting the song anyway because it was a surprise discovery.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Ravi

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Adornments: Mehndi Lagaa Ke Rakhnaa

Presenting a song from the blockbuster "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge"(1995) today. Aditya Chopra's directorial debut, this bagged 10 Filmfare Awards in various categories. It also won the National Film Award for the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment. The film had everything going for it...a good story that appealed to resident as well as non-resident Indians, picturesque locations that have become the hallmark of almost all Yash Chopra productions, excellent star cast and catchy music.

It is interesting to see Mandira Bedi dancing alongside Shahrukh Khan. She was not to make a mark in the world of Hindi cinema!

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Jatin Lalit

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Adornments: Baar Baar Tohe Kyaa Samjhaaye

Tarachand Barjatya is known for producing clean films providing entertainment for family audiences. "Aarti"(1962) was one such, with good story and lovely music. Starring Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari and Pradeep Kumar, it featured the leading lady in the role of a dedicated doctor. Presenting a charming duet from this film today. Both the lady and her man say the word kyaa several times during the song, each time with some variation. I liked the one at 3:19 the best. Check it out for yourself!

Other notable songs from this film are Aapne yaad dilaayaa, Ab kyaa misaal doon and Kabhi to milegi kahin to milegi.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Roshan

Monday, October 22, 2012

Adornments: Meri Bindiya Teri Nindiya

As one can guess, my pick for today has been prompted by the passing away of Yash Chopra yesterday. He has left behind a huge body of work. A very successful mainstream filmmaker, he entertained his audiences with a large number of memorable films. Here is a solo from "Lamhe"(1991). It has been cited as a personal favourite of Yash Chopra from amongst his films. It won the 1992 Filmfare Awards in several categories--Best Film, Best Actress (Sridevi in a double role playing mother and daughter), Best Story (Honey Irani), Best Comedien (Anupam Kher), Best Dialogue (Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza) and Best Costume Design (Neeta Lulla).

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Shiv Hari

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Adornments: Aankhon Se Kaajal Ki Lekar Siyahi

A little-known solo from "Jhoola"(1962) today. This film starred Sunil Dutt and Vyjayanthimala in lead roles. Enjoy this sweet little melody!

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Adornments: Kangana Re

"Paheli"(2005) was an unusual film. Based on a short story by Vijayadan Detha, it was shot on location in Rajasthan. It told the story of a ghost who falls in love with a newly-wed woman. The look of the film was artistic, beautiful and colourful. A dance number from this film today. One of the playback singers Kalapini Komkali is the daughter of noted vocalist Kumar Gandharva.

Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Bela Shende, Kalapini Komkali, Madhushri
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: M. M. Kreem

Friday, October 19, 2012

Adornments: Jhananananan Jhananananan

"Rani Roopmati"(1959) was one of the prominent films of its times. Based on the legendary love story between the beautiful singer Roopmati and poet-prince Baaz Bahadur of Mandu, it had some memorable songs like Aa laut ke aaja mere meet, Udja bhanwar, Aaja bhanwar and Baat chalat nai chundari rang daari. Presenting a duet from this film today. One would expect to see the performers dance, but both Bharat Bhushan and Nirupa Roy have gotten away without dancing.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: S. N. Tripathi

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Adornments: Aankhon Mein Kaajal Hai

Watch Neetu Singh and Rishi Kapoor's superb chemistry in this lovely duet from "Doosra Aadmi"(1977). Also, note how simple and graceful Neetu looks in a plain white salwar kameez, with her long hair tied in a plait. This look has long disappeared from films. Other songs from this film that deserve a mention are Chal kahin door nikal jaayen and Nazron se kah do.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Rajesh Roshan

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Adornments: Ghungharva Mora Chhamm Chhamm Baje

Watch two very talented dancers from the Hindi film world, Helen and Mehmood,  dance to an energetic tune composed by Shankar Jaikishan. This breezy duet is from "Zindagi"(1964). I had posted another song from this film, Ek naye mehman ke aane ki khabar hai in a previous theme, Her Story.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Adornments: Gir Gaya Jhumka

Hema Malini turns 64 today. An accomplished dancer, choreographer, actor, politician, director, mother and wife; she has lived a full life and has aged gracefully. Storming the Hindi film world with her entry in "Sapnon Ka Saudagar" in 1968, she became everybody's favourite dream girl.

Enjoy this duet from "Jugnu"(1973) today. A complete entertainer, this film was the second highest-grossing film in that year, the first being "Bobby". This is the third song featuring Hema Malini, to appear in this space in quick succession. The previous two being Gori tori paijaniya and Meethe bol bole.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore kumar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: S. D. Burman

Monday, October 15, 2012

Adornments: Bole Choodiyaan Bole Kangana

Today's song is from a different era, when many things in the world of Hindi films had begun to change. Films started featuring a galaxy of stars. They were produced keeping the non-resident Indians in mind, with a part of the story taking place in some foreign land. They got released in several cities across the world, ensuring a wider reach amongst their audiences. "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham"(2001) belonged to this new era. Popularly known as K3G, this was a commercially successful film. Enjoy a peppy dance number from this film.

Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Sonu Nigam, Amit Kumar
Lyrics: Sameer
Music: Jatin Lalit

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Adornments: Bindiya Chamkegi

The ongoing theme would not be complete without the inclusion of this charming solo from "Do Raaste"(1969). A very successful film about joint families, relationships and values, it featured several songs that were hugely popular. This one, performed by a bright-looking Mumtaz in an orange saree, in the company of a Rajesh Khanna in a blue shirt and blue mood as well, is one of them. I had posted another one, Chhup Gaye Taare Nazaare in the "Rain Songs" theme.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Adornments: Paayalwali Dekhna

Think Kishore Kumar and the first thing that comes to mind is his versatility. He was a performer par excellence, leaving his distinctive mark in anything he did in different departments of film making. This wonderful solo from "Ek Raaz"(1963) is dedicated to his memory on his death anniversary today. He performs amazingly well both as the playback singer and the actor in this dance number.

Singer: Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Chitragupt

Friday, October 12, 2012

Adornments: Meethe Bol Bole

Another dance sequence by the very talented and beautiful Hema Malini. This is from "Kinara"(1977). A Gulzar offering, this is one of the memorable films from the seventies. It was shot extensively on location in Mandu, an ancient fort city near Indore in Madhya Pradesh.

A few days ago I had posted Gori tori paijaniya in the ongoing theme Adornments.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Bhupinder
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: R. D. Burman

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Adornments: Teri Bindiya Re

A very talented couple. Both are accomplished singers. He is a victim of commercial compulsions. Her music is pure, she sings for herself. "Abhimaan"(1973) was a story of a couple torn apart because of ego, jealousy and pride. Starring real-life couple Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan, this is one of the memorable films in the world of Hindi cinema. Being a story of two singers, it was only natural for it to have great music. Indeed, all the songs from this film are gems.

Presenting one of them on Amitabh Bachchan's birthday today.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: S. D. Burman

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Adornments: Kaan Mein Jhumka

I did not believe that a makeover could do wonders for someone's appearance until I saw Rekha. She became a new person after her makeover! Polished and glamorous!! It is interesting to go back and see what she looked like earlier. Posting a catchy song today from her debut film "Sawan Bhadon"(1970). She was just 16 then. She turns 58 today.

Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Varma Malik
Music: Sonik Omi

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Adornments: Mere Haathon Mein

Sridevi is all over the telly, newspapers and magazines these days, receiving rave reviews for her performance in "English Vinglish". Her constant appearance in the news media has triggered this post. Here is a frothy solo from "Chandni"(1989). It was customary for this number to be played at weddings in those days. Composed by the eminent duo of santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma and flute virtuoso Hariprasad Chaurasia, this was one of the most popular songs from that film. Chandani o meri chandani and Lagi aaj saawan ki were the other notable songs.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Shiv Hari

Monday, October 8, 2012

Adornments: Khanak Gayo Hai Bairi Kangana

Enjoy a melodious composition by Madan Mohan today. It is a solo from "Rishte Naate"(1965). Nutan is flawless in portraying a happy, bubbly, lively woman.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Madan Mohan

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Adornments: Dekho Bijli Dole Bin Baadal Ki

A delightful duet today from the super hit musical "Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon" (1963). It is a lovely dance sequence shot on a grand scale. The composition is excellent too, making the song an audio-visual treat.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Adornments: Mujhse Bhala Yeh Kaajal Tera

A popular duet from the seventies today. It is from "The Train"(1970), a fairly successful mystery thriller of its times. A breezy song, it is very pleasant to listen to. But not so pleasant to watch because of poor choreography. The childish mannerisms of Nanda and Rajesh Khanna look quite comic at times.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: R. D. Burman

Friday, October 5, 2012

Adornments: Baaje Paayal Chhun Chhun

Yesterday's post (Chhun chhun ghunghroo bole) reminded me of a similar song from "Chhalia" (1960). If one has the charming combination of Asha Bhosle and Madhubala, the other is the result of a magical collaboration between Lata Mangeshkar and Nutan. Both are penned by Qamar Jalalabadi. And both are wonderful expressions of happiness.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi
Music: Kalyanji Anandji

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Adornments: Chhun Chhun Ghunghroo Bole

A solo from "Phagun"(1958) today. This film had many songs and several of them were very good. I had posted another number from this film Baraso Re in the previous series "Rain Songs". Other popular songs are Ik pardesi mera dil le gaya and Piya piya na lage mora jiya.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Adornments: Kahaan Se Aaye Badara

The superb duet that I am posting today subtly refers to tears by saying ghulta jaaye kajara. How beautiful! This is from a Sai Paranjpye film, "Chashm-E-Buddoor"(1981). A romantic comedy, this was shot on location in Delhi. Listening to Yesudas makes one wonder why we did not hear more of his voice in Hindi films.

Those who watched "Hum Log" on the telly in the eighties will recognize Vinod Nagpal in the video clip. He played the role of Basesar in that serial. Deepti Naval looks very pretty. She paired well with Farooq Shaikh. Here are two versions of the same song. The clip showing video from the film is shorter, while the one without the video is longer.

Singers: K. J. Yesudas, Haimanti Shukla
Lyrics: Indu Jain
Music: Raj Kamal

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Adornments: Jaanoon Jaanoon Re

A playful duet by Asha Bhosle and Geeta Dutt from "Insaan Jaag Utha"(1959). The two friends are teasing each other about their respective love interests. Simply delightful!

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Geeta Dutt
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: S. D. Burman

Monday, October 1, 2012

Adornments: Haathon Mein Mehndi

"Uphaar" (1971) was a coming of age story of a bride who is childlike in her ways. Based on Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's short story "Samapti", it was produced by the Barjatyas under the Rajshri banner. It starred Jaya Bhaduri as the adolescent bride and she was just perfect for that role. Her husband was played by Swarup Dutt. He was not seen much in other films later.

Today's song features mehndi which is a favourite adornment of women in general and brides-to-be in particular. I had posted a beautiful mehndi song from "Mehboob Ki Mehndi" in an earlier series "Her Story". You may listen to it here.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal