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

Costume Drama: Rimjhim Badarwa Barse

A lovely rain song to match the season! From "Tangewali" (1955). Lata Mangeshkar's voice sounds young and fresh. Hindi films of yesteryears are adorned with beautiful melodies many of which are forgotten. This solo is one of them.

The video clip is a 2-in-1. The Hindi song is followed by the original Bangla song from "Pasher Bari" (1952). Evergreen comedy "Padosan" (1968) was based on this film.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Prem Dhawan
Music: Salil Chowdhury

Adornments: Baajuband Khul Khul Jaaye

A classical delight in Bhairavi today. It is a thumri that has been rendered by several prominent vocalists beautifully. Listen to this version in Lata Mangeshkar's voice from "Bazooband"(1954). The on-screen lead pair is Balraj Sahni and Roopmala.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Prem Dhawan
Music: Mohammed Shafi

Her Story: Love Lyrics - 1

Having said what had to be said, and seeing that he reciprocates her feelings; she is happy. Now, there are several songs in Hindi films-old and new-that are written around this idea. It is interesting to see how the treatment changes with time, while the emotion remains the same. I am amused by this and I will keep posting both, old and new songs that are apt for a certain situation. Today, enjoy an old gem from "Ada" (1951). I could not find a video from the film, but decided to post this lovely melody anyway, for the beautiful words, lilting tune and the sheer pleasure of listening to the fresh voice of a young Lata Mangeshkar.

Trivia: The cast for this film included names such as Rehana, Shekhar, Gope, Madan Puri, Mohana and Shanta Kanwar. Did Rehana lip-sync to this song? I wonder.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Prem Dhawan
Music: Madan Mohan