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

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

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

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

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

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: In Baharon Mein Akele Na Phiro

"Mamta" (1966) touched viewers' hearts with a good story, great music and superb performances by its lead actors: Ashok Kumar, Suchitra Sen and Dharmendra. Deftly directed by Asit Sen, this is a remake of his Bengali film 'Uttar Falguni'. Suchitra Sen featured in both the versions. She is spectacular in her dual role of mother and daughter. The film is a perfect example of how effective melodrama can be if presented with finesse and honesty. It is remembered for its gripping courtroom drama. Presenting a lovely duet from this film today.

Another song Rahen na rahen hum from the same film has appeared in this space in an earlier theme.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Roshan

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: Jab Mera Aanchal Dhalega

An Asha Bhosle-Mohammad Rafi duet to honour Ashatai on her birthday today. This is from "Picnic" (1966).  Asha Bhosle has sung numerous songs in this western dance genre. This is not very well-known, but a nice one and fits well in our theme. Another song Aanchal ko udne do from the same film has appeared in this space under the same theme.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: S. Mohinder

Costume Drama: O Kali Topi Vaale Zara Naam To Bataa

Presenting a duet from "Kali Topi Lal Rumal" (1959) today. It is not much known. Other better known songs from this film are Laagi chhute na ab to sanam and Dagaa dagaa vai vai. Shakila, Chandrashekhar, Agha, Mukri and K. N. Singh are part of the cast.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Chitragupt

Costume Drama: Tu Mere Saamne Hai

Presenting a romantic solo from "Suhagan" (1964) today. It is a family drama starring Guru Dutt and Mala Sinha. David, Feroz Khan, Nazir Hussain, Deven Verma, Om Prakash and Leela Chitnis are part of the cast. Mohammad Rafi excels in sounding slightly intoxicated, especially for this song. Very apt and meaningful lyrics too!

Singer: Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Madan Mohan

Costume Drama: Mahi O Mahi O Dupatta Mera De De

Presenting a duet from "Meena Bazaar" (1950). Ravindra Dave was the director, while Nargis and Shyam Kumar played lead roles in this film. A forgotten song from a forgotten film, but a nice one!

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi
Music: Husnlal Bhagatram

Costume Drama: Baat Chalat Nayi Chunari

Presenting a lovely song from "Rani Roopmati" (1957) as a tribute to Mohammad Rafi on his death anniversary today. Here Rafi has lent his voice to Bharat Bhushan who is taking lessons in singing from his teacher. Well-known singer Krishnarao Chonkar has provided playback for the teacher. Enjoy this beautiful composition based on Hindustani classical music.

Another song Jhananananan jhananananan had appeared in this space in an earlier theme.

According to some sources this film was released in 1957 while some others say that the release date was in 1959.

Singers: Mohammad Rafi, Krishnarao Chonkar
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: S. N. Tripathi

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: Haule Haule Ghoonghat Pat Khole

"Goonj Uthi Shehnai" (1959) was adorned with lovely songs like Tere sur aur mere geet, Akhiyan bhool gayi hain sona and Dil ka khilona hai toot gaya. Presenting a beautiful number from this film today. One more song, Jeevan mein piya tera saath rahe from the same film had appeared earlier in this space in a different theme.

Shehnai pieces played by Ustad Bismillah Khan regale the audiences throughout the film. A jugalbandi between him and Sitar player Abdul Halim Jaffar Khan is a treat too.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas
Music: Vasant Desai

Costume Drama: Mere Lehenge Mein Ghungaroo Laga De

A duet from "Basant" (1960) today. Nutan and Shammi Kapoor starred in this story of a rich spoilt heiress. Nutan looks lovely and the film offers several duets, none of them very well-known though. The opening words of Mere pairon mein ghungaroo bandha de from "Sunghursh" which released in 1968 are very similar to those of this song. A mere coincidence?

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Costume Drama: Chhadi Re Chhadi

We have had various items of clothing featuring in our theme so far. Some new items are set to appear from today onwards that are not clothes, but still are a part of one's costume. Of course, the earlier ones will continue to appear too.

Enjoy a duet from "Mausam" (1975) today. It is inspired by A. J. Cronin's novel, "The Judas Tree". The film was adorned with a good story, superb direction, lovely music and excellent performances by Sanjeev Kumar and Sharmila Tagore. The Silver Lotus Award at the 23rd National Film Festival was conferred on Sharmila Tagore who played dual roles of mother and daughter in this film very competently.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Gulzar
Music: Madan Mohan

Costume Drama: Sar Par Topi Laal

Presenting a lively and energetic duet from "Tumsa Nahin Dekha" (1957) today. It features Ameeta and Shammi Kapoor as the dancing duo.

Ameeta was born as Qamar Sultana. She appeared in some films before the makers of this film decided to promote her in a big way by casting her as the leading lady in this production. But, as luck would have it, the film catapulted the career of Shammi Kapoor who had been a struggling actor until then to newer heights.

Enjoy this O.P. Nayyar composition. It is full of verve and rhythm, a characteristic of the composer.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Saawan Songs: Saawan Ki Pari

Here is a forgotten duet from a forgotten film "Murder On Highway" (1970). It featured Sohrab Modi, Sayeeda Khan and Sujit Kumar in lead roles.The film is a thriller, but details are not available.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Asad Bhopali
Music: C. Arjun