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!

Monday, August 27, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Ban Ke Panchhi Gaye Pyaar Ka Tarana

Today's song will surely bring a smile to viewers' lips. It is from "Anari" (1959). Raj Kapoor and Nutan starred in this film that tells the story of an innocent young man.

This number is a celebration of youth. The leading lady and her friends are on an outing on their bicycles. Nutan is amazing in personifying the happiness, hopes and dreams of a young lady. Her beautiful face, twinkling eyes and the swinging of her pony-tail as she moves her head left and right are all very delightful. Shubha Khote as one of the young cyclists is very charming too. Raj Kapoor makes a brief appearance riding a bicycle. All in all, a very refreshing and enjoyable song!

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

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Ye Parda Hata Do

The story of "Ek Phool Do Mali" (1969) is set in the mountains. The male lead is a mountaineering enthusiast, and the leading lady works at an apple orchard. Sanjay Khan and Sadhana form the lead couple, while Balraj Sahni provides the third dimension to the twosome. It is a fairly successful film of its time, with romance, action, sacrifice, song and dance, comedy, and emotion; all thrown in good measure to appeal to a large cross-section of viewers.

Presenting a delightful duet from this film today. The song not only takes us to beautiful mountainous locations, but to an apple orchard also where the beginning sequence is shot. We have had many songs featuring flowers, parks and gardens; but very few with the backdrop of trees laden with fruit!

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Prem Dhawan
Music: Ravi

Friday, August 24, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Pyaasi Hirni Ban Ban Dhaye

Rajshree is the daughter of legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram and his actress wife Jayshree. She quit her successful career in films after marrying an American gentleman decades ago. Presenting a haunting solo from "Do Dil" (1965) in which she starred with Biswajeet. Hrishikesh Mukherjee directed this beautiful film. The story revolves around the theme of palace intrigue in royal families.

The song has been shot artistically with the lovely Rajshree sprinting across hills and valleys.The camera follows her, giving us breathtaking views of the landscape. Biswajeet is drawn to her mesmerising voice, and he follows her too. In the midst of all this running, we are treated to a superb melody. Kaifi Azmi as the lyricist is a surprise. Someone like Bharat Vyas would have been my guess!

Another song Saara mora kajara from the same film has appeared in this space earlier under a different theme.

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

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Ja Ja Ja Mere Bachpan

Saira Banu debuted in Hindi films with "Junglee" (1961). It was one of the early films in colour. Also, it was shot extensively on location in Kashmir. Presenting a sweet solo from this film today. It is a 'coming of age' song. The leading lady is on the threshold of adulthood, eager to say goodbye to her childhood/adolescence. Lata Mangeshkar croons for this young lady very delicately in a soft, almost hushed tone.

Two other songs from the same film have appeared in this space. They are Din saara guzara tore angana under a different theme and Chahe koi mujhe junglee kahe in the ongoing theme.

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

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Humne Jo Dekhe Sapne

Here is a pleasant duet from "Parivar" (1968). It is a family drama starring Jeetendra and Nanda. The film underlines the importance of keeping one's family small. It was well-timed too, considering India had introduced its family planning program in the early fifties. But somehow it remained just a routine potboiler instead of being a film with a powerful social message. This song however stood out, and it is because of this that we are even talking of the film today.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor
Lyrics: Gulshan Bawra
Music: Kalyanji Anandji


Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Phir Miloge Kabhi

"Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi" (1966) is a gripping suspense thriller with a good story and excellent music. It has been shot in black and white, and that adds to its appeal and mystery. Prithviraj Kapoor plays an eminent archaeologist whose team unearths something sensational at an excavation site. There is a skeleton in the closet (both, literally and metaphorically)! How it affects the lives of his near and dear ones forms the rest of the story.

Presenting a lovely duet from this film today. The scenic location and brilliant cinematography enhance the beauty of the song.

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

Monday, August 20, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Jai Jai Shiv Shankar

Enjoy this super-hit number from "Aap Ki Kasam" (1974) today. This is supposed to have been sung by a group of devotees under the influence of bhang, which is associated with Lord Shiva. It is commonly consumed in the form of a delicious drink on festivals such as Shivaratri and Holi, and often has hallucinogenic effects on people. That explains the erratic steps of Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz! It is a fun-filled, no holds barred performance by both of them.

This song has an interesting story attached to it. R.D. Burman had to use extra musicians and chorus for recording it in order to give it the special effect that its picturisation demanded. As a result, the budget for this song went up from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000. Obviously producer director J. Om Prakash was not happy and started lamenting about it by saying pachas hazar kharch kar diye. When Kishore Kumar came to know this, he decided to have fun by singing that phrase towards the end of the song. And surprisingly, something which was meant to be a prank was retained in the final recording. You can listen to it as bajao re bajao imandari se bajao pachas hazar kharch kar diye after 5.05.

Two songs from the same film have appeared in this space earlier. They are Suno kaho kaha suna under another theme and Karvaten badalte rahe in the ongoing theme.

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

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Chalo Bulawa Aaya Hai

So far we have had romance, love for Nature, pining for a lover, patriotism, folk dance and folk music, inspiration, student-teacher sequence, and light-hearted fun as the primary ingredients in the songs that have appeared under this theme. Introducing yet another emotion today: devotion and faith. People have been scaling mountains due to their immense faith in the Supreme. The journey often involves adventure, uncertainty and physical hardship, but the sense of fulfilment after the completion of such a trip is immensely rewarding.

Here is a song from "Avtaar" (1983). Rajesh Khanna and Shabana Azmi starred in this social drama that focused on relationship issues between ageing parents and grown-up children. The story touched a chord in the viewers' hearts and was a commercial success.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mahendra Kapoor, Narendra Chanchal
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Friday, August 17, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Ho Koi Aayega Aayega Aayega

A charming duet by Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle from "Professor" (1962). When the two sisters sing together, they create something special. Here it is an energetic song and dance with folkish steps performed by a group of women in picturesque surroundings.

Another song Main chali main chali peechhe peechhe jahaan from the same film has appeared earlier in this space under the ongoing theme.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Suhana Safar Aur Ye Mausam Haseen

Here is another gem from the black and white era. This lovely solo from "Madhumati" (1958) is an audio-visual delight. Flowers bursting with freshness, rivers gurgling with abandon, mountains kissing the horizon in the distance, and a dapper Dilip Kumar trotting joyously; taking us along with him on this wonderful trip! Some frames are breathtaking, especially the one where he is standing facing the mountains with a lone tree to his left for company.

Two more songs from the same film have appeared in this space. They are Ghadi ghadi mora dil dhadke under another theme and Dil tadap tadap ke under the ongoing theme.

Singer: Mukesh
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Kandhon Se Milte Hain Kandhe

We are forever grateful to our brave soldiers for guarding the borders of our country. They live and work in inhabitable locales under difficult conditions to provide safety and security to their fellow countrymen and women. We always wish well for them, but just as we send our wishes to people on their birthdays even though we mean it all through the year; we express our gratitude to our soldiers on a day like this when we celebrate our Independence Day.

Presenting a song from "Lakshya" (2004) today. It is a war drama that tells the story of an aimless man who gets transformed into a focused army officer due to the circumstances in his life. The events in the film are set against a fictional backdrop of the Kargil War. But the dedication, determination and valour of the men is as real as can be!

Singers: Hariharan, Kunal Ganjawala, Roop Kumar Rathod, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Vijay Prakash
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: Shankar Ehsaan Loy

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Saathi Haath Badhana

"Naya Daur" (1957)  is an important film of its time that brought entertainment and good music to viewers along with raising a relevant question about the human cost of progress. It was originally shot in black and white. A colourised version was released in 2007.

The story is set in a village. The protagonist is one of the tongawallahs who depend on the income they earn by transporting people on their tongas (horse carts). Their existence is threatened by the introduction of a bus service, and the evil intention of the bus owner to throw them out of the village. How they face this challenge forms the rest of the story.

Presenting a motivating song from this film today. It talks about hope, unity and hard work. The message it gives is as valuable today as it was 61 years ago. It has found its way in some Hindi textbooks as an inspirational poem for students.

Two songs Maang ke saath tumhara and Reshami salwaar kurta jaali ka from the same film have appeared in this space earlier under different themes.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Monday, August 13, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Tere Mere Hothon Pe

Sridevi would have been 55 today. She started her career as a child actress and went on to become one of the most successful stars in Indian cinema. She has left behind a large body of work spanning several languages.

Here is a duet from one of her memorable films "Chandni" (1989). It is a romantic musical, and her first with producer director Yash Chopra. Sridevi got an opportunity to put her glamour as well as her acting prowess to good use in her role which required her to portray a lively woman in the first half and a quiet, subdued person in the second half. She shone in both just like a chandni, which incidentally was her character's name too.

Two other songs Mere haathon mein and Lagi aaj saawan ki phir wo jhadi  from the same film have appeared in this space earlier in different themes.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Babla Mehta
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Shiv Hari

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Meri Jaan Balle Balle

"Kashmir Ki Kali" (1964) is a romantic musical which marked Sharmila Tagore's debut in Hindi films. Before that she had appeared in Bengali films. Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore made a lovable pair. They danced and sang their way to viewers' hearts in this film which was shot extensively on location in Kashmir.

This fast-paced number is a delicious mix of Punjab and Kashmir. Scenic Kashmir forms the backdrop to the lively Bhangra that brings the aroma of Punjab with it. Shammi Kapoor's antics are entertaining as ever, and young Sharmila Tagore's beauty and charm complement her fresh face and graceful steps. Go balle balle with this song for its sheer energy and 'feel-good' fun!

Another song Deewana hua baadal from the same film has appeared in this space earlier in another theme.

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

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Megha Chhaye Aadhi Raat

The stories of many Hindi films have been woven around pairs of twins. "Sharmilee" (1971) is one of them. Raakhee excels in her portrayal of two twin sisters: one shy and gentle, while the other bold and outgoing. She was paired with Shashi Kapoor, and the two of them delivered a hit film. Music of course played a big role in the film's success.

Listen to this song! Poet Neeraj's craft shines in his eloquent Hindi. Keeping the nature of the two sisters in mind, S. D. Burman composed a unique track by juxtaposing Western and Indian pieces to create this melody. Interestingly, the lyrics and the music accompanying them evoke melancholy, and the instrumental interludes convey exuberance. Yet, the two together gel wonderfully well to make this beautiful solo.

Two other songs from the same film have appeared in this space earlier. They are Aaj madhosh hua jaaye re in another theme and O meri o meri o meri sharmilee in the ongoing theme.

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

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Aap Yun Hi Agar

There is so much to see and listen to in the duet being featured today that you wonder how much beauty the creators have packed in a sequence lasting just a few minutes. The number is from "Ek Musafir Ek Hasina" (1962). The film is a complete entertainer with good amount of romance, action and mystery in it.

Kashmir is an integral part of the story and Sadhana looks lovely in her Kashmiri outfit. The lyrics are simple, yet they hold your attention. The tune is catchy, with Asha Bhosle rendering the refrain ho jaayega in a different style every time. The vocal and instrumental interludes throughout the song exude much joy. Then there are the little nuances like Sadhana's interaction with the young boy using only her eyes, the sound of anklets accompanying her steps in every stanza, and the peacock dance. All these draw you into the song, and just when you wish there was more to it, it gets over!

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Monday, August 6, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Jaaiye Aap Kahaan Jaayenge

"Mere Sanam" (1965) is one of those films which were not exceptional in the story department, yet they were hits at the box office because of their superlative music and beautiful locations. The story is predictable, the characters are black and white without any shades of grey. They fit in the usual slots of hero, heroine, villain, vamp and comedian. But the film worked, as nothing in it was terribly wrong either. Also, it was in tune with the kind of films being made at that time.

Music is one of the main reasons why we talk about the film even after so many years. Enjoy this solo by Asha Bhosle in her inimitable style. The lovely landscape of Kashmir provides a fitting backdrop to her vibrant vocals.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Yeh Ishq Haaye

Babita and Randhir Kapoor appeared in yesterday's post. Today their daughter Kareena Kapoor dances to a peppy song from "Jab We Met" (2007). The opening sequence of this song was shot in Rohtang Pass, and soon the scene shifts to Naggar Castle; both close to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Naggar Castle is a wood and stone structure built more than 500 years ago. It overlooks a valley offering breathtaking views from its courtyard. The courtyard was transformed into a Tibetan carnival site with huge props, local performers and lion dancers for shooting this song. And as we can see, all this has given a nice local flavour to the song and the dance.

The film was a super hit giving a huge boost to the careers of leading couple Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, and winning many awards in several categories.

Singer: Shreya Ghoshal
Lyrics: Irshad Kamil
Music: Pritam Chakraborty

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Hum Jab Honge Saath Saal Ke

A fun, light-hearted duet from "Kal Aaj Aur Kal" (1971) today. As the name suggests, it is a film about three generations and the difficulties arising out of ideological conflicts between them. Real life grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor, father Raj Kapoor and grandson Randhir Kapoor played their own roles on the screen. The leading lady Babita was already an established actress then, while this was Randhir Kapoor's debut film as an actor and director. The two got married soon after it got released.

It is an average film which was moderately successful, but once in a while it is nice to visit such films and such songs for old times' sake, isn't it? Moreover, it is Kishore Kumar's birth anniversary today so listening to this duet that he sang in his inimitable style with Asha Bhosle is all the more special!

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Shaily Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Friday, August 3, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Ban Ke Titli Dil Uda

A refreshing song today, pleasing to the ears as well as eyes. From "Chennai Express" (2013), the number is a splendid mix of modern and traditional in terms of its lyrics and visuals. It has been shot in the modern style, consisting of a collage of lovely frames. But the frames in turn are made of very traditional scenes showing a temple, a village, and women performing exquisite Bharatnatyam steps in the lush green hills.

Similarly the lyrics in Hindi are contemporary, while the lyrics in Tamil are in praise of Lord Vishnu written by Thiruppan Azhwar, an ancient saint poet born in 2760 BCE. Sisters Charulatha Mani and Madhumitha Mani have lent their voices for these verses. Even if you are not familiar with the language, so powerful are the words and their rendition that you can feel the divinity in them!

Singers: Chinmayi, Gopi Sunder
Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya
Music: Vishal Shekhar

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Oonche Himalay Ke Neeche

If you are compiling Hindi film songs shot in the mountains, you cannot miss the ones from "Himalay Ki God Mein" (1965). The title of the film says it all! Not only are the songs great, but the story is very good also; and with a social message. No wonder it won the award for Best Film, and was nominated in several other categories.

Manoj Kumar plays the role of a conscientious doctor who chooses to live in a Himalayan village and take care of local people who do not have proper medical facilities. Mala Sinha is a sweet young woman from the village, while Shashikala is Manoj Kumar's fiancee from the city who is a doctor too. Predictable story, but beautiful location, excellent music, able direction and competent cast ensured that the film would be a super-hit.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Kalyanji Anandji

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Music In The Mountains: Kitna Haseen Hai Mausam

Meena Kumari would have been 85 today. So, today's post is in her honour and memory. Along with being a fine actress, she was also a singer and a poetess who used 'Naaz' as her pseudonym. Her diction was perfect and she delivered her dialogues with finesse. Born Mahjabeen Bano, she earned the epithet of 'Tragedy Queen' because of the large number of sad roles she essayed in Hindi films.

But she did get to play other roles too, and sang some happy songs on the screen. Presenting one such song from "Azaad" (1955) today. It is a lovely duet. Interestingly, her co-star is Dilip Kumar who was often referred to as 'Tragedy King'. Playback for him is by composer C. Ramchandra who sang occasionally using his last name Chitalkar.

Three songs from this film have appeared in this space earlier in three different themes. They are Jaa ri jaa ri o kaari badariya, Dekho ji bahaar aayi, and Na bole na bole na bole re. It is the first film to be featured here four times. What a great musical!

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, C. Ramchandra
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: C. Ramchandra