Rain Songs: Hariyala Saawan Dhol Bajata Aaya

"Do Bigha Zamin" (1953), a film with a socialist theme received various critical acclaims and inspired a generation of filmmakers. It was named after one of Rabindranath Tagore's poems "Dui Bigha Jomi". This little nugget of information deserves a special mention today because it happens to be Gurudev's death anniversary. Presenting an energetic song from this film in which villagers are celebrating the advent of saawan with great gusto.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Rain Songs: Ghir Aayi Kaari Ghata Matwali

"Junoon" (1978) was a Shyam Benegal period classic based on Ruskin Bond's "A Flight Of Pigeons". Set around the rebellion of 1857, it tells the story of a Nawab and two Anglo-Indian ladies--a mother-daughter duo--beautifully. Listen to this lovely song from this film today.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Varsha Bhosle
Lyrics: Yogesh Praveen
Music: Vanraj Bhatia



The above clip has the popular version of the song, but the video is not from the film. Here is a video from the film with a slower version of the song, and an English song in the voice of Jennifer Kendall "Come live with me and be my love". And what an eclectic mix of very talented women on the screen, Sushma Seth, Deepti Naval, Nafisa Ali, Ismat Chughtai and Jennifer Kendall!

Rain Songs: Jhilmil Jhilmil Leharon Ka Aanchal

A rare song from "Stree" (1961) today. This was a fantasy directed by V. Shantaram. He had an unusual eye for beauty, especially when shooting song sequences in his films. His touches are evident in this lovely solo.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: C. Ramchandra

Rain Songs: Ghanan Ghanan

"Lagaan" (2001) was a film in which rains--rather the absence of rains--formed the crux of the story. A very popular song from that film today. The whole village has gathered in anticipation of rain showers. Celebrations have already begun. But a hush descends as the clouds decide to give the village a miss and start receding.

Singers: Sukhwinder Singh, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Shaan, Shankar Mahadevan
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: A. R. Rahman

Rain Songs: Barkha Bahaar Aayi

Listen to this song that is more than five decades old. It is one of those songs that were quite good but somehow got lost. It is from "Barkha" (1959)...what an apt name to match our theme! The composer is the father of the duo Anand Milind, who worked as assistant music directors with him for eight years before venturing out on their own.

The video is available on YouTube.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Chitragupt

Rain Songs: Baraso Re Megha

A village belle dancing with abandon in the beautiful surroundings of her home. It is raining. Lovely lakes and wondrous waterfalls thrown in for good measure. Well, that is the setting of today's song from "Guru" (2007).

Singer: Shreya Ghoshal
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: A. R. Rahman

Rain Songs: Rim Jhim Rim Jhim

"1942: A Love Story" (1994) was a good film with memorable music by R. D. Burman. It was the last film that he composed for. In fact, it was released after he passed away. A sweet duet from that film today.

Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy, Kumar Sanu
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: R. D. Burman