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

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: 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

Costume Drama: Jaipur ki Choli

"Gehri Chaal" (1973) is an action thriller starring Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Hema Malini, Bindu and Prem Chopra. The story revolves around a bank robbery. Amitabh Bachchan plays the role of Hema Malini's brother in this film.

A light-hearted duet towards the end of which Hema Malini passes on some important message to Jeetendra from this film today with playback by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar. It happens to be Kishore Kumar's birthday today.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Costume Drama: Choli Ke Peechhe Kya Hai

It was sensuous, suggestive and sizzling. Yes, the cult song from "Khalnayak" (1993) that I am presenting today. The song created quite a stir and controversy. At first listeners were taken aback by its opening words, but soon the song itself came up with an innocent answer to the bold query and then there was nothing to stop them from enjoying this number. If you were not just listening, but watching it too; then Madhuri Dixit's stunning steps mesmerized you. Adding pizzazz to the proceedings was the rebellious Neena Gupta and her band of charming dancers who turned this piece into a visual extravaganza.

Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun won the Filmfare Award in the Best Female Playback Singer category while Saroj Khan won the same for Best Choreography.

Singers: Alka Yagnik, Ila Arun
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: O Balam Kesariya

A lovely duet from "Bhairavi" (1996) today. Ashwini Bhave, Sridhar and Manohar Singh played the lead in this drama. The story is about a pretty village woman with a golden voice.

Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy, Udit Narayan
Lyrics: Amit Khanna
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ka Mahina Pawan Kare Sor

Think of saawan songs in Hindi films and one of the first songs that comes to mind is the one being posted today. This has indeed been a very popular duet across generations. It appears here as the 50th song in the current theme of Saawan Songs, and as the 250th entry on this blog.

"Milan" (1967) is a remake of a Telugu film, Mooga Manasulu. Starring Sunil Dutt and Nutan, it is one of the early films based on the idea of reincarnation. The film is remembered not only for its star lead pair, but also for its evergreen music. Enjoy this super hit number!

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ke Baadalon Ki

After a sequence of several solos in this space, here is a duet from "Paappi Devataa" (1995) today. Yes, that is how the title of the film is spelt in its posters! It starred Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Madhuri Dixit and Jayaprada.

Singers: Mohammed Aziz, Alka Yagnik
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan Hoga

A very popular song from a very successful film "Jeevan Mrityu" (1970) today. This film marked Raakhee's entry in Hindi films. It is a remake of a Bengali film with the same name starring Uttam Kumar and Supriya Devi in lead roles. This song has two versions, a solo and a duet. The only other song in the film is Zamaane mein aji aise kai naadaan hote hain.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Ae Hawa Ye Bataa

"Ghazab" (1982) is a drama starring Dharmendra in double role and Rekha. It is a remake of Tamil film Kalyanaraman. Dharmendra portrayed a naive, semi-senile wealthy man in one of his roles in this family entertainer.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Aashaon Ke Saawan Mein

A duet from a super hit film "Aasha" (1980) today. The film won several Filmfare Awards. It is a drama starring Jeetendra, Reena Roy, Rameshwari and Girish Karnad. It featured several good songs including the very popular Sheesha ho ya dil ho.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Rim Jhim Ke Geet Saawan Gaye

Here is a duet from "Anjaana" (1969). This was a story of love between a poor boy--though looking at Rajendra Kumar in the video, it will be better to call him a man-- and a rich girl, played by Babita. Yes, the same lady who went on to marry Randhir Kapoor. Both had a mediocre career in Hindi films and are better known as parents of Karisma and Kareena Kapoor.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Patjhad Saawan Basant Bahaar

"Sindoor" (1987) was a family drama starring Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra, Govinda, Jayaprada and Neelam. Rishi Kapoor made a guest appearance. Presenting a very popular song from this film today in its several versions.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Suresh Wadkar, Mohammed Aziz
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Saawan Songs: Kuchh Kehta Hai Yeh Saawan

Hindi film songs have always celebrated the month of saawan (July-August) in their songs and dances. It is that time of the year when everything looks clean, green and fresh. Let us join in the celebrations with some memorable numbers. The first one to appear in this series is a duet from "Mera Gaon Mera Desh" (1971).

I have posted some beautiful saawan songs in an earlier series, Rain Songs. They are: Garajat Barasat, Pad Gaye Jhoole, Hariyala Saawan Dhol Bajata Aaya, Aaya Saawan Jhoom Ke, Rim Jhim Gire Saawan, Saawan Ki Ghataon, Hai Hai Yeh Majboori, Kaise Bhaaye Sakhi Rut Saawan Ki, Sawan Barase Tarase Dil and Sharaabi Sharaabi Yeh Saawan Ka Mausam. Enjoy these melodies along with today's song and the ones to follow.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

 

Garden Of Five Senses: Mann Kyon Behkaa

"Utsav" (1984) is an adaptation of a well-known Sanskrit play Mrichchhakatikam. Playwright Sudraka is supposed to have drawn the story for his play from an earlier work Daridra Charudatta by Bhasa. Produced by Shashi Kapoor and directed by Girish Karnad, the film has an impressive cast with Rekha playing the courtesan Vasantasena. It features elaborate sets, beautiful costumes and lovely jewellery. The music is memorable too. Today's presentation is one of the few duets sung by sisters Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar. Enjoy! The film clip does not have the full song. So, I am including another video (it is only a still picture) with the full song.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Vasant Dev
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Garden Of Five Senses: Daal Roti Khaao

The duet that I am presenting today had vanished from my memory. I found it when I was looking for songs related to food. It is one of those songs that were pleasant, but not extra-ordinary. A hummable number with a good message, this is from "Jwar Bhata" (1973). This was a family drama featuring separation and reunion of a grandfather with his grandson.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Rajendra Krishan
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Garden Of Five Senses: Jara Sa Usko Chhua To

"Shor" (1972) was a Manoj Kumar baby. He not only produced, directed, wrote and edited it, but played the lead role in it also. A peppy solo from this film today which was overshadowed by the more popular "Ek pyaar kaa nagmaa hai" and "Paani re paani ". Saw this video after decades. It reinforced the fact that Jaya Bachchan (she was Jaya Bhaduri then) was not very comfortable when it came to dancing.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Santosh Anand
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Garden Of Five Senses: Meri Saanson Ko

While looking for songs featuring the five senses, I realized that the reference to sight, hearing and touch is more direct in most of the songs, while the reference to smell could be subtle. Songs mentioning food and drink could be included in the taste category, and these are generally light-hearted and sometimes funny. Hopefully, we will get a set of songs depicting a variety of moods in this series.

Today's presentation is a melodious duet from "Badaltey Rishtey" (1978). Starring Jeetendra, Rishi Kapoor and Reena Roy, this was a musical that did fairly well. Enjoy this classic Laxmikant Pyarelal composition. When you look at Reena Roy on the screen, you can't miss noticing the resemblance between her and Sonakshi Sinha.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mahendra Kapoor
Lyrics: Anjaan
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Garden Of Five Senses: Suno Sajna

There is a lovely place in Delhi called the Garden Of Five Senses. You can read all about it here. I am not writing about the park, merely borrowing its beautiful name to be used as a title for my next series of songs.

We have been gifted with five wonderful senses--taste, smell, sight, touch and hearing-- that help us appreciate various things which enrich our life. Let us celebrate our five senses with some delightful melodies from Hindi films. Each of these songs will feature words related to at least one of the senses in its lyrics.

Opening the series with a soft romantic solo from Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966). Embellished with beautiful pieces from flute and tabla, this song is a treat. Enjoy it!

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal

Adornments: Bindiya Chamkegi

The ongoing theme would not be complete without the inclusion of this charming solo from "Do Raaste"(1969). A very successful film about joint families, relationships and values, it featured several songs that were hugely popular. This one, performed by a bright-looking Mumtaz in an orange saree, in the company of a Rajesh Khanna in a blue shirt and blue mood as well, is one of them. I had posted another one, Chhup Gaye Taare Nazaare in the "Rain Songs" theme.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal