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: 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

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

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

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

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

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