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, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe

It is Mohammad Rafi's death anniversary today and hence this post is dedicated to his memory. Mohammad Rafi sang for almost all leading men of his time, but his association with Shammi Kapoor was legendary. There was a wonderful chemistry between them and the two together created so many memorable songs that it would not be wrong to say that Mohammad Rafi was Shammi Kapoor's voice and Shammi Kapoor was the face of Mohammad Rafi's vocals.

Enjoy this iconic solo from "Junglee" (1961) and watch Shammi Kapoor and Saira Banu slide down snowy slopes performing amazing acrobatic stunts. How difficult it must have been to shoot these sequences! The film was an entertaining family drama/romance with a good story and lovely songs. It marked Saira Banu's debut. By the way, the loud roar Yaaaahooo is not in Mohammad Rafi's voice. Actor-director-writer Prayag Raj lent his voice for this call which became the song's identity.

Another song Din saara guzara tore angana from the same film has appeared in this space in an earlier theme.

Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Monday, July 30, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Dil Pukare

After digressing a bit in the last few posts, we are back to the genre of romantic duets today. "Jewel Thief" (1967) is a super-hit spy thriller which is remembered for its intriguing story and melodious music even today. A significant part of the film was shot in picturesque Sikkim, adding a lot of colour and visual delight to the production. Dev Anand and Vyjayanthimala sparkled under the able direction of Vijay Anand. They were supported by an ensemble cast of Ashok Kumar, Tanuja, Helen, Anju Mahendru and Faryal. Perhaps Dev Anand was shown having dalliances with these pretty ladies in an effort to project him as an Indian James Bond.

Enjoy this syrupy sweet song from this film which appeals to listeners across generations and hasn't lost its magic one bit. On the contrary, it has matured well like old wine!

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

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Bheegi Bheegi Fazaa

It is for the first time that I am bringing two songs from the same film back to back. But the one posted yesterday and the one being posted today present such a contrast that I am tempted to feature them one after the other. Kuchh dil ne kaha is restrained, while this is effervescent. That one had a shy Sharmila Tagore humming softly while this one has a bubbly Shashikala at her chirpiest. Sharmila Tagore was strolling gently in the woods, while Shashikala is all over the place, running joyously. That one was in Lata Mangeshkar's voice, and this one is in Asha Bhosle's.

The film "Anupama" (1966), the hills, Kaifi Azmi and Hemant Kumar are the same!

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
Music: Hemant Kumar

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Kuchh Dil Ne Kaha

Several stalwarts came together to create the classic "Anupama" (1966). Its sensitive story blossomed in the able direction of Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Dharmendra plays the role of a scholarly writer while Sharmila Tagore portrays a subdued young woman who is in a difficult relationship with her father.

Kaifi Azmi penned sublime lyrics for the songs and Hemant Kumar composed wonderful music for them. Enjoy a hauntingly beautiful solo from this film today. Lata Mangeshkar's soft voice sounds almost like a whisper. And the words feel like a shower of petals! The hilly landscape adds to the allure of the song.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
Music: Hemant Kumar

Friday, July 27, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Ye Kaun Chitrakar Hai

On the occasion of Guru Poornima, today's song is dedicated to our teachers. It talks of the bounties of Nature and their Creator in a rich yet simple language. Why, it is one of the most beautiful and profound verses said in the praise of the Almighty. It is from "Boond Jo Ban Gayee Moti" (1967). Produced and directed by V. Shantaram, the film starred Jeetendra and Mumtaz.

What makes this song an apt selection for today is the fact that in this film, Jeetendra plays the role of an upright schoolteacher who is falsely charged in a murder case. Shantaram was a master filmmaker who made meaningful films with a social message. This film underlines the importance of honesty and integrity in one's life.

Singer: Mukesh
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: Satish Bhatia

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Koi Nahin Hai

An indulgent dad, a haughty daughter, an honest manager, a wicked thekedaar, a good-natured sidekick, a caring sister, a love triangle, vast estates, superb locales, song and dance, some unsavoury skeletons in the closet, revenge, crime. Some or all of these ingredients have been thrown in to cook up many a potboiler. "Patthar Ke Sanam" (1967) is no exception. Writer Gulshan Nanda used several of these to put together the story of this film. Yet, it did quite well. Good music and a handsome lead trio-- Manoj Kumar, Waheeda Rehman and Mumtaz-- contributed largely to the success of this production.

Here is a solo from this film. Shot beautifully against the backdrop of imposing mountains, it focuses exclusively on the charm of Waheeda Rehman; but for the fleeting appearance of Mumtaz towards the end. No change of costume for the leading lady and no army of accompanying dancers!

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Seemaen Bulaaen Tujhe Chal Raahi

When I started working on the current theme, I knew that the majority of songs appearing here would have romance as the common thread. I also expected many songs that would talk about the Nature or seasons or beauty of the hills. While it is true that a large number of memorable songs belong to these categories, I would like to look out for songs that express other emotions. They will give more dimensions to this theme and make it more complete.

The number being featured today is from "LOC Kargil" (2003). It highlights the sacrifice of families who stay behind and send their loved ones to protect the borders of our country from the enemy. Javed Akhtar's words fill your heart with pride for our brave soldiers, making your eyes moist at the same time for those who wait for them at home.

Singer: Alka Yagnik
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: Anu Malik

Monday, July 23, 2018

Music In The Mountains: In Baharon Mein Akele Na Phiro

"Mamta" (1966) touched viewers' hearts with a good story, great music and superb performances by its lead actors: Ashok Kumar, Suchitra Sen and Dharmendra. Deftly directed by Asit Sen, this is a remake of his Bengali film 'Uttar Falguni'. Suchitra Sen featured in both the versions. She is spectacular in her dual role of mother and daughter. The film is a perfect example of how effective melodrama can be if presented with finesse and honesty. It is remembered for its gripping courtroom drama. Presenting a lovely duet from this film today.

Another song Rahen na rahen hum from the same film has appeared in this space in an earlier theme.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Roshan

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Hum Aur Tum

Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore have been paired in some very successful films. Today's song is from one such film "Daag" (1973). Both were at the peak of their careers and had already appeared in 'Aradhana', 'Amar Prem', 'Safar', 'Chhoti Bahu' and some other films before coming together for this film.

Produced and directed by Yash Chopra, this film was written by Gulshan Nanda, based on Thomas Hardy's novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge'. Nanda was a popular writer of romantic novels in Hindi at that time with a huge fan following. This film was a super hit. Raakhee provided the third dimension to this romantic drama.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Friday, July 20, 2018

Music In The Mountains: O Meri O Meri O Meri Sharmilee

Gopaldas Saxena 'Neeraj' passed away yesterday at the age of 93. He was a prominent poet who was equally adept at writing in Hindi and Urdu. He served as a professor of Hindi literature at a college in Aligarh for many years. He has also written lyrics of some very popular songs in Hindi films. His monumental verse Karwan guzar gaya gubar dekhte rahe was used in the 1965 film 'Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal'. Its highly philosophical and deeply meaningful words have been interpreted in many different ways from being gently hurtful to introspective to inspirational.

Today's song is a tribute to him. I was looking for something which would fit into our ongoing theme, and settled on this light-hearted, frothy solo from "Sharmilee" (1971). It was a super-hit film at its time with a good story and wonderful music. Raakhee is the leading lady in a very memorable double role, and Shashi Kapoor is the male lead. While referring to Raakhee's beautiful eyes, Neeraj has inserted his name very aptly in one of the lines of the song. That makes this a little more special!

Another song Aaj madhosh hua jaye re from the same film has appeared in this space in an earlier theme.

Singer: Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Neeraj
Music: S. D. Burman

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Dil Tadap Tadap Ke

"Madhumati" (1958) is an iconic film. It was an ambitious project of Bimal Roy who produced and directed the film. It was adorned with great music by Salil Chowdhury and superb performances by the lead couple--Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala--along with the rest of the cast. The story by Ritwik Ghatak was woven around the theme of reincarnation. It went on to win several awards.

Presenting a duet from this film today. In spite of the outdoor shoot, the song has a certain stillness about it. Dilip Kumar hardly moves while Vyjayanthimala's movements allow us to see the location as the camera follows her. She is a trained classical dancer, but her steps here are simple; suiting her character of an innocent village woman. Only her expressive eyes and face are a giveaway! This is a lovely song composed using elements of Hungarian folk music.

Another song Ghadi ghadi mora dil dhadke from the same film has appeared in this space in a different theme.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Vaada Karo Jaanam

Enjoy a melodious duet today from "Sabse Bada Rupaiya" (1976). Mehmood produced this film, while S. Ramanathan is the director. Moushumi Chatterji and Vinod Mehra played the lead couple.

The duo Basu Manohari composed music for this film. Basudeb Chakraborty and Manohari Singh had both worked extensively with R. D. Burman as his assistants. They also worked independently as a team and composed musical scores for films. Both were very talented musicians in their own right, yet the effect of their association with R. D. Burman can be felt in this song.

Manohari Singh was a saxophonist, but he had also mastered several other western instruments. He was the main arranger for R. D. Burman and played saxophone in many memorable songs. Similarly Basudeb Chakraborty's contribution resulted in the creation of a large number of unforgettable songs. A big salute to the creativity of these geniuses!

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Basu Manohari

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Yeh Hariyali Aur Yeh Rasta

It is amazing how alluring the hills and the surrounding landscape look in shades of black and white. We can think of different tones of green and blue and can visualise several versions of a given frame in our imagination. Today's song is a good example to try this! It is from "Hariyali Aur Rasta" (1962). It was a successful film in its time. It featured Manoj Kumar, Mala Sinha and Shashikala in lead roles. The director was Vijay Bhatt.

The film was shot extensively in Darjeeling. The cinematography is beautiful. And the happiness in Lata Mangeshkar's voice adds to the appeal of this solo, making the package an absolute delight for viewers and listeners!

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Monday, July 16, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Dil Dhoondhta Hai

Today's song is a two-in-one from "Mausam" (1975). The same lyrics. But one is a duet while the other is a solo. How wonderfully Bhupinder has brought playfulness in the duet and how effectively his solo evokes pathos!

Interestingly, there are other two-in-ones in the film. Sanjeev Kumar appears in two versions: a young man and his older self. Sharmila Tagore plays the dual role of mother and daughter. Written beautifully by Bhushan Banmali, Kamleshwar and Gulzar, and directed skilfully by Gulzar, it is a memorable film. It was written simultaneously with "Aandhi", and Sanjeev Kumar did a great job in both of them.

Gulzar's lyrics bring back memories of the days gone by, of soaking lazily in the winter sun and spending summer nights on beds spread out on terraces. How heartwarmingly nostalgic!

Another song Chhadi re chhadi from this film has appeared in this space in an earlier theme.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Bhupinder
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: Madan Mohan





Sunday, July 15, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Subhanallah Jo Ho Raha Hai

A newer song this Sunday than all the others that have been posted so far in this theme. It is from "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" (2013). A successful film directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar, it starred Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone along with Kalki Koechlin in a supporting role. Sreeramchandra (also mentioned as Sreerama Chandra or Sreerama Chandra Mynampati elsewhere) and Shilpa Rao are showing up for the first time in this space.

Another number Ghagra from the same film has appeared here in an earlier theme.

Singers: Shilpa Rao, Sreeramchandra
Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya
Music: Pritam Chakraborty

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Kora Kaagaz Tha Yeh Mann Mera

The song being featured today is from one of the BIG films in the Hindi film industry. "Aradhana" (1969) had everything going for it. It excelled in every department, not only winning many awards; but also conquering people's hearts. All those who came together to create this classic seem to be at their best while making this film. And the result was spectacular!

Enjoy this phenomenal duet in which Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore light up the screen with their charm while the snowy peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop to them.

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

Friday, July 13, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Main Chali Main Chali Peechhe Peechhe Jahaan

There is a certain charm about seeing a train winding its way in the mountains. Several Hindi films have featured song sequences shot in or on top of trains undulating on curvaceous tracks in scenic hilly areas. Here is one such duet from "Professor" (1962). This is a romantic comedy directed by Lekh Tandon. Shammi Kapoor played a young man and and an old man at the same time, putting his lovable antics to good use. The leading lady is Kalpana. I am amused to see that her outfit is completely in sync with what young women wear today. Coming from a 56-year-old film, it is quite interesting!

Singers; Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics; Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale

Deviating from the romantic songs that have appeared so far in this series, let us listen to a sturdy mountain song that is folkish in nature. Embellished with Gulzar's beautiful lyrics and Vishal Bhardwaj's lively composition, this is a number that makes us tap our feet and clap along with its energetic rhythm. This is from "Maachis" (1996), a film woven around the Sikh unrest in Punjab in the 1980s. In spite of the dark shadow of militancy in the background, this is a light-hearted song where friends rejoice and reminisce about their lovers/fiancees back home in rural Punjab. Along with penning the lyrics, Gulzar wrote and directed the film too. Tabu, Om Puri, Chandrachur Singh and Jimmy Shergill were part of the cast.

Singers: Hariharan, Suresh Wadkar
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: Vishal Bhardwaj

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Husn Pahadon Ka

The lovely song I am featuring today is from "Ram Teri Ganga Maili" (1985), a super hit film produced and directed by Raj Kapoor. His youngest son Rajiv Kapoor and newcomer Mandakini played the lead couple. The film follows the course of the river Ganga from Gangotri to Kolkata, personified by the character played by Mandakini, also named Ganga. The title of the film aptly underlines the symbolism of how Ganga is fresh and pure at her source and how she gets polluted along the way.

Mandakini's real name was Yasmin Joseph. An anglo-Indian from Meerut, she was given her screen name by Raj Kapoor. She appeared in a few other films, but they were not as successful.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Suresh Wadkar
Lyrics: Ravindra Jain
Music: Ravindra Jain

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Karvaten Badalte Rahe

This popular duet from "Aapki Kasam" (1974) has been shot entirely in the snow-clad peaks of Kashmir, making it very worthy of inclusion in the current theme. Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz both sport winter clothes, not flimsy chiffons and summer casuals, as has been the trend in some later films. A sweet song with a cool backdrop!

Another song Suno kaho kaha suna from the same film has been posted in this space in an earlier theme.

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

Monday, July 9, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Yeh Haseen Vaadiyan

"Roja" (1992) is a celebrated Tamil film written and directed by Mani Ratnam. It is a romantic thriller with patriotism woven in the story. Beautifully shot by acclaimed cinematographer Santosh Sivan, it tells the story of a young couple whose marital bliss is shattered by a heinous act of terrorism. The film was dubbed in Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, and Telugu. It won several awards in different departments including best film and best music. This was A. R. Rahman's first film as a composer. Arvind Swamy and Madhoo play the lead couple.

Presenting a lovely duet from this film today. Enjoy the tuneful music and the breathtaking visuals!

Singers: Chithra K. S. , S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Lyrics: P. K. Mishra
Music: A. R. Rahman

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Ae Ri Pawan

" Bemisal" (1982) is a Hrishikesh Mukherjee film starring Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee, and Vinod Mehra. It is a remake of an Uttam Kumar film Ami Se O Shakha (1975), which in turn was based on a Bengali story by Ashutosh Mukherjee. The plot is all about friendship and sacrifice, an idea used in several other films.

Enjoy this beautiful solo from this film today.

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Is Mod Se Jaate Hain

It has been a long time since I updated this blog. Now starting with a fresh theme: Music In The Mountains. The idea is to enjoy melodious songs that have been shot in mountainous locations. Along with mountains, we will also get views of gurgling streams, luxurious valleys, flocks of sheep, towering conifers, snow-clad peaks, spectacular gardens, and colourful flowers. So, get ready for some wonderful audio-visual treats in the days to come!

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The first song to appear in this series is a superb duet from "Aandhi" (1975). This is an important film of its time. It is a political drama showcasing the trials and tribulations of a married couple where the wife is a career politician and the husband is a hotel manager. Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar play the lead couple. This was Suchitra Sen's last Hindi film. Vyjayanthimala was offered this role in the beginning, but she turned it down. 


Gulzar is the director, screenplay writer (with Bhushan Banmali) and lyricist, which makes this a sensitively handled, beautiful and meaningful film. The duet being featured today is supposed to have been shot in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

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