Costume Drama: Baat Chalat Nayi Chunari

Presenting a lovely song from "Rani Roopmati" (1957) as a tribute to Mohammad Rafi on his death anniversary today. Here Rafi has lent his voice to Bharat Bhushan who is taking lessons in singing from his teacher. Well-known singer Krishnarao Chonkar has provided playback for the teacher. Enjoy this beautiful composition based on Hindustani classical music.

Another song Jhananananan jhananananan had appeared in this space in an earlier theme.

According to some sources this film was released in 1957 while some others say that the release date was in 1959.

Singers: Mohammad Rafi, Krishnarao Chonkar
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: S. N. Tripathi

Costume Drama: Are Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Ghazab

A playful duet from "Teen Devian" (1965) today. Dev Anand, Simi Garewal, Nanda and Kalpana featured in this film. It is a story of a poet who falls in love with three women. The inspiration for this story came from D. H. Lawrence's works. The film has many good songs, one of which Kahin bekhayaal hokar has appeared in this space in an earlier theme.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: S. D. Burman

Costume Drama: Maine Rang Li Aaj Chunariya

"Dulhan Ek Raat Ki" (1967) is a drama inspired by Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Nutan, Dharmendra and Rehman played the lead roles in this film. Presenting a beautiful composition by Madan Mohan, made more beautiful on the screen by Nutan.

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

Costume Drama: Sar Se Sarke Sarke Chunariya

"Silsila" (1981) is a romantic drama with great music. Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Rekha, Sanjeev Kumar and Kulbhushan Kharbanda starred in it. Santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and renowned flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia composed music for this film as Shiv Hari. Enjoy this lovely song today.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Hasan Kamal
Music: Shiv Hari

Costume Drama: Laal Chhadi Maidan Khadi

We have had very few male solos in this space. Presenting one from "Janwar" (1965) today. This is a romantic drama starring Shammi Kapoor, Rajshree, Rajendranath, Prithviraj Kapoor, Asit Sen, Rehman, Shyama and Achala Sachdev.

This song was very popular in its time. People liked Shammi Kapoor's antics. Today, the idea of stalking a woman with persistent song and dance looks outdated and uncool, though.

Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Costume Drama: Aanchal Ko Udne Do

Enjoy this sweet song from "Picnic" (1966) today. It is a social drama starring Manoj Kumar, Kalpana, Shubha Khote, David and Murad. A forgotten film and a forgotten song!

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: S. Mohinder

Costume Drama: Odh Li Chunariya

Presenting a duet from "Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya" (1998) today. This is a romantic comedy written and directed by Sohail Khan. His brothers Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan starred in it along with Kajol and Dharmendra.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu
Lyrics: Sudhakar Sharma
Music: Himesh Reshammiya

Costume Drama: Haule Haule Ghoonghat Pat Khole

"Goonj Uthi Shehnai" (1959) was adorned with lovely songs like Tere sur aur mere geet, Akhiyan bhool gayi hain sona and Dil ka khilona hai toot gaya. Presenting a beautiful number from this film today. One more song, Jeevan mein piya tera saath rahe from the same film had appeared earlier in this space in a different theme.

Shehnai pieces played by Ustad Bismillah Khan regale the audiences throughout the film. A jugalbandi between him and Sitar player Abdul Halim Jaffar Khan is a treat too.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: Vasant Desai

Costume Drama: Radha On The Dance Floor

We come across both old and new songs in this space. Enjoy this bubbly dance number from "Student Of The Year" (2012) today. Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan appeared in lead roles in this romantic drama.

Singers: Shreya Ghoshal, Udit Narayan, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravijani
Lyrics: Anvita Dutt Guptan
Music: Vishal Shekhar

Costume Drama: Ghoonghat Ki Aad Se Dilbar Ka

Presenting a duet from "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" (1993) today. Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla starred in this family entertainer. The film won Filmfare Awards for Best Film, Best Actress (Juhi Chawla) and Best Lyricist (Sameer, for this song). It was also the recipient of National Film Special Jury Award for director Mahesh Bhatt and National Film Award in the Best Female Playback Singer category for Alka Yagnik, again for this song.

One of the three child actors in the film is Kunal Khemu. He is married to Soha Ali Khan.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu
Lyrics: Sameer
Music: Nadeem Shravan

Costume Drama: Mere Lehenge Mein Ghungaroo Laga De

A duet from "Basant" (1960) today. Nutan and Shammi Kapoor starred in this story of a rich spoilt heiress. Nutan looks lovely and the film offers several duets, none of them very well-known though. The opening words of Mere pairon mein ghungaroo bandha de from "Sunghursh" which released in 1968 are very similar to those of this song. A mere coincidence?

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Costume Drama: Hawa Mein Udta Jaaye

"Barsaat" (1949) was an important milestone for several people associated with it. It was one of the early films directed by Raj Kapoor. He purchased RK Studios in 1950 with the earnings he made from this film. Raj Kapoor, Nargis, Prem Nath and Nimmi appeared in the lead roles.

Shankar Jaikishan made their debut in the world of composing with superb work here. Most of the 10 songs they composed for this film went on to become major hits. Presenting a lovely solo today. Lata Mangeshkar's young voice sounds so different here singing as she was in the style prevalent in those days. Dr. Ramesh Shastri, a Sanskrit scholar wrote the lyrics for this song. He did not stay on in Hindi films because of his religious and academic leanings. He taught in some colleges, satisfying his creative urge by writing bhajans under the pen name of Ramsharan.

RK Studios's well-known logo was inspired by one of the posters of this film.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Ramesh Shastri
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Costume Drama: Chhadi Re Chhadi

We have had various items of clothing featuring in our theme so far. Some new items are set to appear from today onwards that are not clothes, but still are a part of one's costume. Of course, the earlier ones will continue to appear too.

Enjoy a duet from "Mausam" (1975) today. It is inspired by A. J. Cronin's novel, "The Judas Tree". The film was adorned with a good story, superb direction, lovely music and excellent performances by Sanjeev Kumar and Sharmila Tagore. The Silver Lotus Award at the 23rd National Film Festival was conferred on Sharmila Tagore who played dual roles of mother and daughter in this film very competently.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: Madan Mohan

Costume Drama: Laal Dupatta Ud Gaya Re

Presenting a song from "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" (2004), a romantic comedy directed by David Dhawan. Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra are in the lead roles. This film is inspired by the Hollywood film, Anger Management.

The selection of this number has a special significance as it happens to be Priyanka Chopra's birthday today.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan
Lyrics: Arun Bhairav
Music: Sajid Wajid

Costume Drama: Choli Ke Peechhe Kya Hai

It was sensuous, suggestive and sizzling. Yes, the cult song from "Khalnayak" (1993) that I am presenting today. The song created quite a stir and controversy. At first listeners were taken aback by its opening words, but soon the song itself came up with an innocent answer to the bold query and then there was nothing to stop them from enjoying this number. If you were not just listening, but watching it too; then Madhuri Dixit's stunning steps mesmerized you. Adding pizzazz to the proceedings was the rebellious Neena Gupta and her band of charming dancers who turned this piece into a visual extravaganza.

Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun won the Filmfare Award in the Best Female Playback Singer category while Saroj Khan won the same for Best Choreography.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Ila Arun
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Costume Drama: Kyun Uda Jaata Hai Aanchal

Sometimes you come across some hidden beauties while searching for a song. Today's solo is one such. It is from a social drama "Shriman Satyawadi" (1960) starring Raj Kapoor and Shakeela.

The music for this film is composed by Dattaram Wadkar. He was a native of Goa. He came to Mumbai as a young man looking for work and met Shankar. Shankar saw some promise in him and made him a part of the Shankar Jaikishan team as an arranger and percussionist. He composed music for some films independently and was successful too, but continued assisting Shankar Jaikishan until much later.

Singer: Suman Kalyanpur
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Dattaram Wadkar

Costume Drama: Dhalki Jaaye Chundariya

"Nau Do Gyarah" (1957) is an engaging thriller. Produced by Dev Anand, this was his brother Vijay Anand's first directorial venture. It starred Dev Anand, his wife Kalpana Kartik, Madan Puri, Shashikala and Jeevan. Listen to a sweet solo from this film today. Some of the other lovely melodies from the same are Aankhon mein kya jee, Aajaa panchhi akela hai and Hum hain raahi pyaar ke.

Kalpana Kartik's maiden name was Mona Singha. She featured in only six films in the 1950s, co-starring with Dev Anand in all of them.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: S. D. Burman

Costume Drama: Gori Ghoonghat Mein Mukhda Chhupao Na

A nice but forgotten solo from "Ghunghat" (1960) today. This was a successful film starring Bharat Bhushan, Leela Chitnis, Pradeep Kumar, Bina Rai, Asha Parekh, Helen, Rajendranath, Rehman and Agha. Laage na mora jiya and Mori chham chham baaje payaliya are better-known amongst the other good songs from the film.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Ravi

Costume Drama: Agre Se Ghagaro

Enjoy a solo by Asha Bhosle today from a hit film "Chor Machaye Shor" (1974) starring Shashi Kapoor and Mumtaz. All the songs from this film were appreciated by the audiences. However, the most popular amongst them Le jayenge le jayenge is still a favourite at weddings.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Ravindra Jain
Music: Ravindra Jain

Costume Drama: Dulhe Ki Saaliyo

"Hum Aapke Hain Koun" (1994) is a mega film. The highest grossing Hindi film ever, it is a long film with a huge star cast and features 14 songs. Many dubbed it as a "wedding video" on account of its long wedding sequences and songs. Presenting one of the songs from this film. It is centred around the playful tradition of the bride's sisters and friends hiding the groom's shoes and demanding money for their return.

Raamlaxman's music is one of the high points of this film. His real name is Vijay Patil. He formed a team with composer Raam under the title of Raamlaxman. After Raam's passing away, he continued to compose music with the same title.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Lyrics: Ravinder Rawal
Music: Raamlaxman

Costume Drama: Sar Par Topi Laal

Presenting a lively and energetic duet from "Tumsa Nahin Dekha" (1957) today. It features Ameeta and Shammi Kapoor as the dancing duo.

Ameeta was born as Qamar Sultana. She appeared in some films before the makers of this film decided to promote her in a big way by casting her as the leading lady in this production. But, as luck would have it, the film catapulted the career of Shammi Kapoor who had been a struggling actor until then to newer heights.

Enjoy this O.P. Nayyar composition. It is full of verve and rhythm, a characteristic of the composer.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Costume Drama: Pallo Latake

A playful duet from "Nauker" (1979) today. This was a family entertainer with Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri playing the lead roles. This duet is based on a traditional Rajasthani folk song.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: R. D. Burman

Costume Drama: Ghoonghat Nahi Kholoongi

"Mother India" (1957) is a classic and one of the all-time box office hits. Starring Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar and Raaj Kumar; this is the story of an ideal Indian woman. Sunil Dutt, who went on to marry Nargis in real life later, played the role of her son in this film. Here is a solo from this film featuring Rajendra Kumar and Kumkum.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Naushad

Costume Drama: Dupatta Mera Dhalak Gaya

An old solo from "Darbaar" (1955) today. The cast included Mahipal, Chitra, Sunder, Tiwari, Kammo, Kamal and Niranjan Sharma. Presenting only audio here as video of this song is not available.

Singer: Geeta Dutt
Lyrics: Asad Bhopali
Music: Hansraj Behl

Costume Drama: Doongi Tainu Reshami Rumaal

Rumaal, the small piece of cloth that is used by adults and children, men and women, the rich and the poor alike appears as today's subject in our ongoing theme. Primarily used as a handy wipe, its larger variety is sometimes used as a neckwear or a headscarf. Trays of gifts exchanged on ceremonious occasions and offerings to deities in temples are often covered with decorative rumaals. Chamba rumaal from Himachal Pradesh is well-known for its beautiful embroidery depicting mythical stories.

Enjoy a song from "Prem Pujari" (1970) today in which the rumaal appears as a part of the colourful costume sported by a group of women dancers. This was the first film directed by Dev Anand. He was the writer, producer and the male lead too. The film is remembered for some evergreen songs like Rangeela re, Shokhiyon mein ghola jaye and Phoolon ke rang se. Watch the beauteous Waheeda Rehman perform the spirited gidda with her friends in this lovely composition.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Neeraj
Music: S. D. Burman

Costume Drama: Tirchhi Topi Wale

We have had songs featuring dupatta, salwar kurta, chunari, aanchal and ghagra over the last few days. Here is a song featuring men's headwear, topi from an action thriller "Tridev" (1989). This was a successful film starring Sunny Deol, Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, Sonam, Sangeeta Bijlani, Anupam Kher, Amrish Puri and Raza Murad as part of the huge cast. Naseeruddin Shah and Sonam perform in this flashy dance sequence with ease. Look how comfortably Naseer, the Badshah of serious acting shakes a leg in this seemingly insane fare. Truly the mark of a great actor!

Singers: Sapna Mukherjee, Amit Kumar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Kalyanji Anandji

Costume Drama: Ghagra

Today it is the turn of a rollicking item song from "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" (2013). Madhuri Dixit and Ranbir Kapoor dazzle in this pacey number. Madhuri made a special appearance as Mohini in this film only for this song.

Singers: Rekha Bhardwaj, Vishal Dadlani
Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya
Music: Pritam Chakraborty

Costume Drama: Chhod Do Aanchal

A lovely romantic duet today from "Paying Guest" (1957). It starred Dev Anand and Nutan in lead roles. Some of the other very good songs from this film are Chand fir nikla, Mana janab ne pukara nahi, O nigahe mastana.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: S. D. Burman

Costume Drama: Chunari Sambhal Gori

Presenting an early R. D. Burman composition today. This energetic song from "Baharon Ke Sapne" (1967) features Rajesh Khanna, Asha Parekh, Anwar Hussain and Bela Bose with a group of dancers. Anwar Hussain was Jaddanbai's son and Nargis' half-brother.

The tune has a wonderful folkish touch to it. The number sounds fresh and is enjoyable even today. Most of the film was shot in black and white. So the visuals have an old world charm about them. It is a pity that the video is not of a very good quality.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: R. D. Burman

Costume Drama: Reshami Salwaar Kurta Jaali Ka

A peppy song from "Naya Daur" (1957) today. Originally shot in black and white, this film was re-released in colour in 2007. The film is set in a small town where the livelihood of horse cart operators (tongawallahs) is threatened when a bus service is introduced there.The film did very well in spite of being embroiled in controversies. According to wikipedia:

During filming, the Naya Daur production was involved in a highly controversial and widely publicized court case. Initially the actress Madhubala was cast as the female lead. An advance payment was given to her and shooting began and continued smoothly for 15 days. B.R. Chopra, the director, wanted the unit to travel to Bhopal for an extended outdoor shooting. Ataullah Khan, the father of Madhubala, objected to this and claimed that the entire Bhopal schedule was a ruse to give Dilip Kumar the opportunity to romance his daughter (Kumar and Madhubala were in a relationship at the time). Finally, Chopra sued Madhubala for the cash advance she received from him for a film she now had no intention of completing.
He replaced her with the South Indian actress Vyjayanthimala who acted with Kumar in Devdas. Madhubala obediently supported her father despite her commitment to Dilip Kumar. Kumar testified against Madhubala and Ataullah Khan in favor of the director B.R. Chopra in open court. The case was lost by Madhubala and her father amid much negative publicity. During the case, the film was released and declared a success. Chopra dropped the case and saved Madhubala from the humiliation of a possible prison sentence.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Shamshad Begum
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Costume Drama: Inhin Logon Ne

I am happy to be updating my blog after a long gap with a new theme: Costume Drama. As the name suggests, I will present songs from Hindi films that feature different items sported by a character as a part of his or her costume. Hoping to come across some great songs here! Unlike my earlier themes, I will not conclude this theme at any point. Instead, will post as and when I find good songs that fit in this theme.

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Here is an evergreen number from "Pakeezah" (1972) to open this new series. This film was Kamal Amrohi's ambitious project that he started in the early '60s with his then wife Meena Kumari. But soon the couple fell apart and as a result, work on the film stalled. Shooting resumed more than a decade later where a visibly older and unwell Meena Kumari completed her scenes as well as dance sequences. The film did not do too well initially after its release. Ironically, it picked up after its leading lady's passing away within a few weeks.

Ghulam Mohammed's wonderful compositions were and are still very popular.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Ghulam Mohammed