Saawan Songs: Saawan Ki Raaton Mein

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar turns 85 today. We celebrate the day with a lovely duet from "Prem Patra" (1962). This is one of the lesser known films produced and directed by Bimal Roy. It is an emotional drama with several twists and turns. Shashi Kapoor and Sadhana played the lead roles.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Saawan Songs: O Balam Kesariya

A lovely duet from "Bhairavi" (1996) today. Ashwini Bhave, Sridhar and Manohar Singh played the lead in this drama. The story is about a pretty village woman with a golden voice.

Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy, Udit Narayan
Lyrics: Amit Khanna
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Aayi Saawan Rut Aayi

A happy duet from a mostly sad film "Mela" (1948) today. Starring Dilip Kumar and Nargis, this is a weepy drama. Some other songs from this film are Gaye jaa geet milan ke, Ye Zindagi ke mele, Mohan ki muraliya baaje, Pardes balam tum jaaoge and Main bhanwra tu hai phool.

Singers: Shamshad Begum, Naushad
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Naushad

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ko Aane Do

Here is a song from "Saawan Ko Aane Do" (1979). The film is a typical Rajshri offering with a simple story and good music. Featuring Arun Govil, Zarina Wahab, Amrish Puri and Rita Bhaduri in lead roles, it is made in a rural setting. It was shot in Lucknow and its surroundings. Arun Govil went on to play Ram in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan on the telly. The video quality of this clip is rather poor. I could not find a better one. 

Singers: Jaspal Singh, Kalyani Mitra
Lyrics: Gauhar Kanpuri
Music: Raj Kamal

Saawan Songs: Yeh Pehli Ghataa Saawan Ki

A playful song from "Maa Baap" (1960) today. Rajendra Kumar and Kamini Kadam play the lead in this family drama. This song seems to have been shot in the Vrindavan Gardens near Mysore.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Chitragupt

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ka Mahina Pawan Kare Sor

Think of saawan songs in Hindi films and one of the first songs that comes to mind is the one being posted today. This has indeed been a very popular duet across generations. It appears here as the 50th song in the current theme of Saawan Songs, and as the 250th entry on this blog.

"Milan" (1967) is a remake of a Telugu film, Mooga Manasulu. Starring Sunil Dutt and Nutan, it is one of the early films based on the idea of reincarnation. The film is remembered not only for its star lead pair, but also for its evergreen music. Enjoy this super hit number!

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ka Mahina

A peppy dance number from "Hulchul" (1995) today. It is an action/romance film starring Vinod Khanna, Ajay Devgn and Kajol. Looks like this is a popular title for a film. At least two more films were made with the same title, one in 1951 and another in 2004. The older one was directed by K. Asif and the newer one by Priyadarshan. The middle one that features today's song is written and directed by Anees Bazmee.

Singers: Alisha Chinoy, Vinod Rathod
Lyrics: M. G. Hashmat
Music: Anu Malik

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ke Din Aaye Re

"Sikandar" (1941) was an ambitious project. It is a historical epic set in 326 BC. It starred Prithviraj Kapoor in the role of Alexander the Great. Sohrab Modi played the Indian king Puru, also known as Porus in Greece. The female lead Sheela is credited as the singer of this song. There are other voices too, but they are not credited. The expressions on the actors' faces and their body language is interesting, reflecting the style of those days.

Singer: Sheela
Lyrics: Pandit Sudarshan
Music: Mir Sahib, Rafiq Ghaznavi

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ki Pari

Here is a forgotten duet from a forgotten film "Murder On Highway" (1970). It featured Sohrab Modi, Sayeeda Khan and Sujit Kumar in lead roles.The film is a thriller, but details are not available.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Asad Bhopali
Music: C. Arjun

Saawan Songs: Aaye Re Din saawan Ke

"Gaban" (1966) is based on Munshi Premchand's novel of the same name. It featured Sunil Dutt and Sadhana in the lead roles. A happy song from this film. The visuals are rural scenes with people engaged in their day-to-day activities. Yet, they convey a lot of happiness. And their simplicity is not only noticeable, but also very likeable.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ke Baadalon Ki

After a sequence of several solos in this space, here is a duet from "Paappi Devataa" (1995) today. Yes, that is how the title of the film is spelt in its posters! It starred Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Madhuri Dixit and Jayaprada.

Singers: Mohammed Aziz, Alka Yagnik
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Saawan Aawan Kah Gaye

The word saawan appears in today's song only once, but it is such a sweet number that I am tempted to include it in the ongoing theme. It is from "Kanhaiya" (1959), a family drama starring Raj Kapoor and Nutan. It tells the story of a village woman who is devoted to Lord Krishna, but the Kanhaiya in her life happens to be a good-for-nothing drunkard. Shankar Jaikishan have composed wonderful music for this film. Other songs are Ruk jaa o jaanewaali ruk ja, Ni baliye rut hai bahaar ki, O mere saanware salone piya, O Kanhaiya O Kanhaiya aaj aana khwaab mein, Kahaan hai kahaan hai Kanhaiya, Mujhe tumse kuchh bhee na chahiye and Yaad aayi aadhi raat ko.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Saawan Songs: Ab Ke Na Saawan Barase

Hema Malini features for the second consecutive day today in this lovely solo from "Kinara" (1977). Also, this happens to be the second song from this film to appear in this space. The first was Meethe Bol Bole in the Adornments theme.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: R. D. Burman

Saawan Songs: Aiso Paapi Saawan Aayo

A solo from "Patthar Aur Payal" (1974) today. This film is about a gang of bandits. Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Vinod Khanna, Ajit, Rajendra Nath, Iftekhar and Jayshree T. are part of the cast of this entertainer.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Varma Malik
Music: Kalyanji Anandji

Saawan Songs: Manbhaawan Saawan Aaya

Uma Devi Khatri who was more popular in Hindi films as comedienne Tun Tun started her career as a playback singer. She had to compete with her contemporaries Noor Jehan, Khursheed, Rajkumari and Zohrabai Ambalewali. One of her most popular numbers is Afsana likh rahi hoon from the 1947 film Dard. Later it became difficult for her to survive because of her old style of singing and limited range. Her mentor Naushad had noticed that she had a flair for comedy and suggested that she give a try to acting in films. That clicked for her, and Tun Tun was born.

Listen to a solo in her voice from "Chandralekha" (1948)-a fictional tale of two princes and a village dancer-today. It was a big budget film made first in Tamil and then in Hindi. The film made history as India's first nationwide hit. It was dubbed in several foreign languages and screened at Indian and international film festivals.

Singer: Uma Devi
Lyrics: Pandit Indra
Music: S. Rajeswara Rao

Saawan Songs: Aaya Aaya Re Aaya Re

Presenting a song from "Saawan Aaya Re" (1949) today. The title of the film couldn't have matched the current theme better! All three creators of this song, the singer, lyricist and composer appear for the first time in this space. Sometimes one stumbles upon some forgotten numbers while searching. This is one such.

Singer: Lalita Deulkar
Lyrics: Rammurti Chaturvedi
Music: Khemchand Prakash

Saawan Songs: Bechara Dil Kya Kare

It is Asha Bhosle's birthday today. To celebrate the day, here is a beautiful solo by her from "Khushboo" (1975). Based on a story by Saratchandra Chatterjee, this film featured Jeetendra and Hema Malini in lead roles; though it is Farida Jalal who sings this song on the screen.
 
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: R. D. Burman

Saawan Songs: Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan Hoga

A very popular song from a very successful film "Jeevan Mrityu" (1970) today. This film marked Raakhee's entry in Hindi films. It is a remake of a Bengali film with the same name starring Uttam Kumar and Supriya Devi in lead roles. This song has two versions, a solo and a duet. The only other song in the film is Zamaane mein aji aise kai naadaan hote hain.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Kahe Jiya Ki Umang

Here is another solo by Lata Mangeshkar from "Ehsaan" (1954). The film featured Shammi Kapoor and Munawwar Sultana in lead roles. The sweetness of the song lies in its simplicity.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Kaif Irfani
Music: Madan Mohan

Saawan Songs: Lagi Aaj Saawan Ki Phir Wo Jhadi

Saawan is not always about song and dance. It is about melancholy too. As in today's song. It is from "Chandni" (1989). This is the second song to appear in this space from this film. The first one was Mere haathon mein posted in the Adornments theme.

Singers: Suresh Wadkar, Anupama Deshpande
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Shiv Hari

Saawan Songs: Aaj Maane Na Mora Jiya

Listen to another Lata Mangeshkar solo oozing with sweetness! This is from "Badal" (1951). Inspired by the legend of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest, this film featured Madhubala, Premnath and Purnima. The dancer is this video clip is Purnima.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Saawan Songs: Beeta Hua Ek Saawan

A rare song today. This was composed for a film called "Shokhiyan" (1951). For some reason it did not feature in the film. Later it was used in a telefilm, "Pehla Qadam" (1980). A lovely song indeed, and Lata Mangeshkar's voice sounds so young!

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Kedar Sharma
Music: Jamal Sen

Saawan Songs: Ae Hawa Ye Bataa

"Ghazab" (1982) is a drama starring Dharmendra in double role and Rekha. It is a remake of Tamil film Kalyanaraman. Dharmendra portrayed a naive, semi-senile wealthy man in one of his roles in this family entertainer.

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

Saawan Songs: O Sajan Beet Na Jaaye Saawan

Presenting a duet from "Mardon Wali Baat" (1988) today. It is an action film starring Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, Jayaprada and Sanjay Dutt. Neither the film, nor its music seem to have made much impact. But this is quite a nice song!

Singers: Asha Bhosle, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Lyrics: Indeevar
Music: R. D. Burman

Saawan Songs: Aashaon Ke Saawan Mein

A duet from a super hit film "Aasha" (1980) today. The film won several Filmfare Awards. It is a drama starring Jeetendra, Reena Roy, Rameshwari and Girish Karnad. It featured several good songs including the very popular Sheesha ho ya dil ho.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Aayi Ghir Ghir Saawan Ki Kali Kali Ghataen

A rare song from "Anokha Daan" (1972) today. Asit Sen was the director of this film. Kabir Bedi, Anil Dhawan, Zaheera and Archana played the main roles. It is a good song. Not much is known about the story, though.

Singers: Kishore Kumar, Sabita Chowdhury
Lyrics: Yogesh
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Saawan Songs: O Matwala Saawan Aaya

Greetings to all on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi!

Appropriately, a saawan song from "Shree Ganesh" (1962) today. It is a duet, but I could not find out who the second singer is. Indeevar and Madhur have been credited with some songs from this film, but not sure who wrote this particular number. It is a lovely dance sequence, though.

Singer: Suman Kalyanpur
Lyrics: Info not available
Music: Bulo C. Rani

Saawan Songs: Bella Bambina

Bella Bambina is Italian for beautiful girl. It is used as a refrain in this song from "Ek Do Teen" (1953). This film featured Meena Shorey, Yashodhara Katju, Motilal and Iftekhar in leading roles.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Aziz Kashmiri
Music: Vinod

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ke Din Aaye

Many great personalities contributed in the making of "Bhumika" (1977), a film inspired by Marathi stage and screen actress of the 1940s Hansa Wadkar's memoirs, Sangtye Aika. Smita Patil gave an excellent performance in the role of the protagonist. Shyam Benegal was the director. Naseeruddin Shah, Amol Palekar, Anant Nag, Amrish Puri, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Om Puri were part of the cast. Girish Karnad and Pandit Satyadev Dubey wrote the screenplay and dialogue respectively. A beautiful duet from this film today. The clip with the full song does not have the video from the film, while a slightly shorter version of the song is with the actual visuals. So posting both the clips.

Singers: Preeti Sagar, Bhupinder
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Vanraj Bhatia

Saawan Songs: Rim Jhim Saawan Barase

This lovely duet is from a recently released album "Back 2 Love" (2014). It is fresh, sweet and very melodious. Enjoy!

Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Lyrics: Imran Raza
Music: Sahir Ali Bagga, Salim Merchant

Saawan Songs: Aayo Re Aayo Re Aayo Re

Here is a solo from "Bandhan" (1969), a drama starring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz. The song celebrates the month of saawan very energetically. Some rain would have added value to the visuals, though.
 
Singer: Mahendra Kapoor
Lyrics: Indeevar
Music: Kalyanji Anandji

Saawan Songs: Paigaam Laaya Saawan

A duet from "Lakeer--Forbidden Lines" (2004) today. It is an action/romance drama that flopped at the box office. A. R. Rahman has reused his composition from a Tamil film, Rhythm for making this song. I am also including the clip for the Tamil song.

Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shaan
Lyrics: Mehboob
Music: A. R. Rahman

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ki Aayi Hai Bahaar

Another song featuring saawan ke jhoole! Swings are an integral part of saawan in our culture and traditions. This beautiful number is from "Anjaan" (1956). Vyjayanthimala and Pradeep Kumar were the lead actors in this film.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Hemant Kumar

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ke Jhoole Pade, Tum Chale Aao

A lovely song with two versions from "Jurmana" (1979) today. Both the versions are in the same clip. I have given a longer title to this post to distinguish it from Saawan ke jhoole pade posted earlier.

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

Saawan Songs: Saawan Nahin Bhadon Nahin

Presenting a lively composition by R. D. Burman today. This energetic duet is from "Kudrat" (1981). This is a drama based on the theme of reincarnation. It was written and directed by Chetan Anand. It featured Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini in lead roles. The cast included Vinod Khanna, Priya Rajvansh and Raaj Kumar. Other well-known songs from this film are Humein tumse pyaar kitna, Tune o rangeele kaisa jaadu kiya and Chhodo sanam kaahe ka gham. In spite of having a great cast and good music, the film did not do well commercially. It did win the Filmfare Award for Best Story, though.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Suresh Wadkar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: R. D. Burman

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ke Nazaare Hain

"Khazanchi" (1941) is a murder mystery. Set in pre-partition Lahore and Bombay (as Mumbai was called then), it was a super-hit and the top earner of 1941. It starred M. Ismail, S. D. Narang, Ramola Devi, Manorama and Janki Das. Composer Ghulam Haider created a flutter in the music industry by combining elements of Hindustani classical music with those of Punjabi folk songs while working on this film. Almost all the songs were popular. There is a distinct male voice in today's presentation, but the name of the singer is not credited. I wonder if it is Ghulam Haider himself.

Singer: Shamshad Begum
Lyrics: Wali Sahab
Music: Ghulam Haider

Saawan Songs: Zulfon Ki Ghata Lekar

A sweet duet from "Reshmi Rumal" (1961) today. This film featured Manoj Kumar and Shakila in lead roles. I could not find a better clip, so some of the charm of this number is lost because of the poor video and somewhat jerky audio. But do listen to the song and enjoy it anyway!

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey
Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Music: Babul

Saawan Songs: Ab Ke Sajan Saawan Mein

"Chupke Chupke" (1975) is one of those films that provided clean entertainment to family audiences. Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, it is a remake of a Bengali film, Chhadmabeshi. Starring Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore and Jaya Bachchan, it is a wholesome comedy. Dharmendra's shudhha Hindi and Amitabh's impeccable English along with other comic situations make this film a delightful watch.

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

Saawan Songs: Barase Boondiyaan Saawan Ki

Today we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami. I was looking for a suitable song for the occasion that would fit in my current theme. And I thought of this beautiful bhajan. I must have heard it many years ago on the radio. It did not appear in any film. But perhaps it was well-known in the non-film music category.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Meerabai
Music: Hridaynath Mangeshkar

Saawan Songs: Deewana Hua Baadal

Some songs are evergreen. The duet that I present today is one such. Shot entirely on shikaras in Kashmir, it is as fresh as it was 50 years ago. Yes, it is from "Kashmir Ki Kali" (1964). Watch Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore glide gently on the lake in their boats singing this lovely song. Enjoy!

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: S. H. Bihari
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Saawan Songs: Aisa Des Hai Mera

Greetings! India celebrates its Independence Day today.

It is mostly fun and sometimes a challenge to find a song for a special day as today, and match it with the ongoing theme. I am happy to present a beautiful song from "Veer Zaara" (2004) today. The visuals are stunning and the lyrics lovely. The composition is pleasant too. And yes, there is a bit of saawan in it, with Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta getting drenched in the rain in spite of being under a blue plastic sheet.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan, Gurdas Maan, Pritha Majumdar
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: Madan Mohan

Saawan Songs: Boli Saawan Ki Raat

A forgotten song from "Yaadgaar" (1970) today. Manoj Kumar and Nutan played the lead roles in this film. Nutan sings in her own voice in this song. This film featured several songs that are better known. Jis path pe chala, Iktara bole tun tun, Baharon ka hai ye mela are some of them.

Singers: Mahendra Kapoor, Manhar Udhas, Nutan, Junior Mehmood, Birbal
Lyrics: Varma Malik
Music: Kalyanji Ananadji

Saawan Songs: Saawan Bairi

Enjoy a song from a fairly recent film "Commando--A One Man Army" (2013) today. It is an action thriller featuring the very athletic Vidyut Jamwal in the title role. The voice is unmistakably that of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Lyrics: Mayur Puri
Music: Mannan Shah

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ke Jhoole Pade

A very sweet duet from "Pyaar Ki Pyaas" (1961) today. This was a drama about a couple and their adopted daughter. It featured Shreekant and Nishi in lead roles. The daughter was played by Honey Irani. It would have been nice to see the video, but I could not find it.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: Vasant Desai

Saawan Songs: Rim Jhim Ke Geet Saawan Gaye

Here is a duet from "Anjaana" (1969). This was a story of love between a poor boy--though looking at Rajendra Kumar in the video, it will be better to call him a man-- and a rich girl, played by Babita. Yes, the same lady who went on to marry Randhir Kapoor. Both had a mediocre career in Hindi films and are better known as parents of Karisma and Kareena Kapoor.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Ab Ke Baras Bhejo

"Bandini" (1963) was the last directorial venture of noted director, Bimal Roy. Starring Nutan, Dharmendra and Ashok Kumar, it tells the story of a woman prisoner serving life imprisonment for murder. It did well at the box office and was critically acclaimed too, winning several Filmfare Awards. It features memorable songs composed by S. D. Burman. O re maajhi, O jaanewale ho sake to laut ke aana, Mora gora ang lai le, Jogi jabse tu aaya mere dwaare are some of them.

Today's song is from this film too. It conveys the emotions of a woman who is reminiscing about the month of saawan in her native place and wishing that her brother came to take her to her parental home. Today we celebrate Rakshabandhan, a festival highlighting the bond between brother and sister; so this solo is quite apt for the day.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: S. D. Burman

Saawan Songs: Tere Bin Saawan Kaise Beeta

A soulful solo from "Jab Yaad Kisi Ki Aati Hai" (1967) today. This film starred Dharmendra and Mala Sinha. It was a family drama/romance with a bit of suspense.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Music: Madan Mohan

Saawan Songs: Patjhad Saawan Basant Bahaar

"Sindoor" (1987) was a family drama starring Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra, Govinda, Jayaprada and Neelam. Rishi Kapoor made a guest appearance. Presenting a very popular song from this film today in its several versions.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Suresh Wadkar, Mohammed Aziz
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Thandi Thandi Saawan Ki Phuhar

Here is a melody from "Jagte Raho" (1956). In this film, Raj Kapoor was seen in the role of a poor peasant who comes to the city looking for work. Nargis did a cameo. Kahe ko byahi bides which was posted in an earlier series, Her Story; has a strong resemblance to this song.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ka Maheena Aa Gaya

A duet from another Sunil Dutt starrer today, "Nehle Pe Dehla" (1976). The leading lady is Saira Banu. Perhaps this is one of those songs that were good, but not very popular.

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

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ki Raat Kaari Kaari

A delightful solo from "Mehrban" (1967) today. This was a family drama starring Sunil Dutt and Nutan. It is a pity that I could not find a video for this song.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Ravi

Saawan Songs: Ab Ke Saawan Mein Jee Dare

Today is Kishore Kumar's birth anniversary. And as a tribute to him, the first song that comes to mind which would fit in the current theme is Rim Jhim Gire saawan. But that has already been posted in an earlier series, Rain Songs. So, here is a duet from "Jaise Ko Taisa" (1973) with Jeetendra, Reena Roy and pouring rains.

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

Saawan Songs: Saawan Aaye Ya Na Aaye

Today, I present a duet that excels in all the departments. Lovely lyrics, wonderful composition, sublime voices of Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi, and the ever beautiful Waheeda Rehman and handsome Dilip Kumar on screen. This song is from "Dil Diya Dard Liya" (1966). Here, saawan is not used in its traditional sense of rainy season, but more as a symbol of the leading couple's blissful state of mind.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Naushad

Saawan Songs: Ajhun Na Aaye Balma

A delightful duet from "Sanjh Aur Savera" (1964) today. This composition is based on Hindustani classical music and is indeed very pleasing to the ear. The visuals are a complete misfit, though. Mehmood's antics look out of place!

Singers: Suman Kalyanpur, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Saawan Songs: Kuchh Kehta Hai Yeh Saawan

Hindi film songs have always celebrated the month of saawan (July-August) in their songs and dances. It is that time of the year when everything looks clean, green and fresh. Let us join in the celebrations with some memorable numbers. The first one to appear in this series is a duet from "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971).

I have posted some beautiful saawan songs in an earlier series, Rain Songs. They are: Garajat Barasat, Pad Gaye Jhoole, Hariyala Saawan Dhol Bajata Aaya, Aaya Saawan Jhoom Ke, Rim Jhim Gire Saawan, Saawan Ki Ghataon, Hai Hai Yeh Majboori, Kaise Bhaaye Sakhi Rut Saawan Ki, Sawan Barase Tarase Dil and Sharaabi Sharaabi Yeh Saawan Ka Mausam. Enjoy these melodies along with today's song and the ones to follow.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

 

Garden Of Five Senses: Khaike Paan Banaraswala

Presenting a super-hit song from a super-hit film "Don" (1978) today. Written by the talented duo of Salim-Javed, it featured Amitabh Bachchan in a double role. It was remade twice, in 2006 as Don--The Chase Begins Again, and in 2011 as Don 2.

Singer: Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Anjaan
Music: Kalyanji Anandji

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Posting songs in this theme--Garden Of Five Senses--has been a lot of fun. Though there are many good songs that are apt for this theme, I am concluding this series with today's presentation. Will be back with a new theme soon. Let us end this delicious meal with a meetha paan!

Garden Of Five Senses: Mann Kyon Behkaa

"Utsav" (1984) is an adaptation of a well-known Sanskrit play Mrichchhakatikam. Playwright Sudraka is supposed to have drawn the story for his play from an earlier work Daridra Charudatta by Bhasa. Produced by Shashi Kapoor and directed by Girish Karnad, the film has an impressive cast with Rekha playing the courtesan Vasantasena. It features elaborate sets, beautiful costumes and lovely jewellery. The music is memorable too. Today's presentation is one of the few duets sung by sisters Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar. Enjoy! The film clip does not have the full song. So, I am including another video (it is only a still picture) with the full song.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Vasant Dev
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Garden Of Five Senses: Mujhe Chhoo Rahi Hain

Enjoy a romantic duet from "Swayamvar" (1980) today. It is a family drama starring Sanjeev Kumar, Vidya Sinha, Shashi Kapoor and Moushumi Chatterji.It is a remake of a Telugu film, Gundamma Katha (1962).

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: Rajesh Roshan

Garden Of Five Senses: Baar Baar Dekho

A super-hit solo from "China Town" (1962) today. It is a thriller featuring Shammi Kapoor in a double role. This song--a dance number in a club--achieved phenomenal popularity, and is played by band groups at weddings even to date.

Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Ravi

Garden Of Five Senses: Suno Kaho Kaha Suna

"Aap Ki Kasam" (1974) is a J. Om Prakash film. He made many films starting with the letter "A". Presenting a duet from this film today. It is a typical number from the seventies, complete with Rajesh Khanna's mannerisms and Mumtaz's artificial hair. Other popular songs from this film include Zindagi ke safar mein, Jai jai Shiv Shankar, Karvaten badalte rahe, Chori chori chupke chupke, and Paas nahin aana door nahin Jaana.

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

Garden Of Five Senses: Bheeni Bheeni Mehki Mehki Hawaaen

"Welcome To Sajjanpur" (2008) is a simple comedy directed by Shyam Benegal, who is more known for his work in parallel cinema. The story is set in rural India. Shreyas Talpade plays the male lead who writes letters for the illiterate people in his village. Several stories unfold through the people who come to him to get their letters written. And we get to see a slice of life in their village. Presenting a duet from this film today. It has a striking similarity to Dheemi dheemi bheeni bheeni that was posted here a few days ago.

Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Krishna Kumar
Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire
Music: Shantanu Moitra

Garden Of Five Senses: Kahin Bekhayaal Hokar

"Teen Devian" (1965) is a romantic musical with many wonderful songs such as Aise toh na dekho, Khwab ho tum ya koi haqeeqat, Are yaar meri, Likha hai teree aankhon mein, Uff kitni thandi hai and Kahin bekhayaal hokar. Presenting one of these today. Sorry about the audio. It jumps at a couple of places.

Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: S. D. Burman

Garden Of Five Senses: Ber Le Lo Ber

We have had Mumtaz selling nariyal paani, Farah Khan singing about strawberry and Aishwarya Rai dancing to a nimbu song in the last few days. Today, it is Tanuja's turn to peddle ber in this song from "Paisa Ya Pyar" (1969). It is interesting to see familiar sites of Mumbai with hardly any people in sight.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Ravi

Garden Of Five Senses: Haye Unki Woh Nigaahen

A sweet, little-known solo from "Aakhri Dao" (1958) today. Nutan looks as fresh as a daisy, and emotes well. Since the whole song takes place while she is seated in the back seat of a car, she conveys everything with her extra-ordinarily expressive face. Tujhe kyaa sunaoon main dilruba is the more popular song from this film. Shekhar played the male lead.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Madan Mohan

Garden Of Five Senses: Sun Re Sun Albele

Presenting a dance number from "Tarzan Comes To Delhi" (1965). In today's times, this would be called an item song. Helen is the dancer, while Mumtaz sits at the table with Dara Singh. Bhagwan is there too. Interesting to see Bhagwan and Dara Singh trying to match steps with Helen. Could the albele be referring to Bhagwan's Albela?

Singer: Suman Kalyanpur
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Datta Naik

Garden Of Five Senses: Nimbudaa Nimbudaa

Over to the humble nimbu on our taste trail! Enjoy this very well-known dance number from "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" (1999) today. This is based on a Rajasthani folk song. With this song, Aishwarya Rai appears on two consecutive days in this space.

Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy, Karsan Sargathia
Lyrics: Mehboob
Music: Ismail Darbar

Garden Of Five Senses: Phoolon Mein Jo Khushboo Hai

Watch Aishwarya Rai and Prashanth frolicking around the seven wonders of the world in this romantic duet from "Jeans" (1998). It was made originally in Tamil and later dubbed in Hindi. It was the most expensive Indian film made at that time. India nominated this film as its official entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category for the Academy Awards in 1998.

Singers: Sadhana Sargam, Hariharan
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: A. R. Rahman

Garden Of Five Senses: Sili Hawa Chhoo Gayi

"Libaas" (1988) never got released in India because of the Censor Board's objection to its theme of adultery and extra-marital relationships. However, it won critical acclaim in international film festivals. Presenting a lovely solo from this film today. Gulzar's lyrics are beautiful. He not only wrote lyrics for the songs in the film, but also directed it.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: R. D. Burman

Garden Of Five Senses: Suno Na Suno Na

This solo from "Chalte Chalte" (2003) is shot on a beautiful location. Good lyrics and peppy music go hand in hand to make it a hummable, likeable song. It was perhaps the most popular number from the film's repertoire.

Singer: Abhijeet
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: Aadesh Shrivastava

Garden Of Five Senses: Meethi Meethi Baatein

Let us begin the New Year with some Meethi meethi baatein. Presenting a romantic duet from "Morning Walk" (2009). This film featured Anupam Kher and Sharmila Tagore in lead roles. However, young actors Shayan Munshi and Nargis Bagheri appear on the screen in this song.

Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan
Lyrics: Nida Fazli
Music: Jeet Ganguly