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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Costume Drama: Mera Joota Hai Japani

An iconic song from "Shree 420" (1955) today. Full of patriotic fervour, this solo became a big hit in the newly independent India. It was very popular in the then Soviet Union too. Enjoy the full song and a shorter version in which Lata Mangeshkar joins Mukesh for playback.

Three other songs from this film have already appeared in this space under different themes. They are Ichak dana bichak dana, Pyaar hua iqraar hua and Mud mud ke na dekh.  

Singer: Mukesh
Lyrics: Shailend
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Costume Drama: Pyaare Babul Se Bichhad Ke

We have had several ghoonghat songs in this theme. Most of them were playful or romantic. Presenting a solo in a different mood today. A bride is leaving her parental place to go to her marital home. Very meaningful lyrics by Shailendra, and apt for the occasion too. The film is "Raj Hath" (1956) and the pretty bride, Madhubala. Pradeep Kumar and Sohrab Modi were the other lead actors.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

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: 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

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 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: 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: 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

Garden Of Five Senses: Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh

An elaborate dance sequence from "Shree 420" (1955) today. Nadira is the dancer, Raj kapoor comes into action in the second half, while Nargis appears briefly in the beginning. I had posted another song Ichak dana bichak dana from this film earlier in this space, in "Her Story".

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Garden Of Five Senses: Suno Chhoti Si Gudiya Ki Lambi Kahani

Presenting two versions of a solo from "Seema" (1955). This was a social drama that told the story of a young orphan girl and her quest for love. It featured Nutan and Balraj Sahni in lead roles. It is one of those productions from the black and white era that always came with good story and great music. Notable songs from the film are Tu pyaar ka sagar hai, Man mohana bade jhoothe and Baat baat mein rootho na.

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

Garden Of Five Senses: Tera Jalwa Jisne Dekha

Today's song features a dance sequence performed by Kumkum in "Ujala" (1959). Normally, such songs went to Asha Bhosle, but the playback for this one was given by Lata Mangeshkar. This is a characteristic Shankar Jaikishan composition. Another popular number from this film is Jhoomta mausam mast mahina.

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

Garden Of Five Senses: Paan Khaye Sainya Hamaro

"Teesri Kasam" (1966) was based on a short story Maare Gaye Gulfam by noted Hindi writer Phanishwarnath Renu. Portraying life in rural India, the film was shot in Araria, Bihar. One of the early directorial ventures of Basu Bhattacharya, it won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1967. A beautiful dance number from this film today. With Waheeda Rehman on the screen and Asha Bhosle behind it, it is a classic.

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Adornments: Dhaani Chunari Pahan

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

Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan