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

Costume Drama: Dhaani Chunar Mori Haay Re

"Madhu" (1959) is one of many films that are forgotten with the passage of time. Karan Dewan and Meena Kumari played the lead pair and Roshan composed some nice songs for this film. Here is a very pleasant and mellow melody. It is a pity that the video is not available.

Does the opening sound like that of Mana janaab ne pukara nahi from "Paying Guest" which was released in 1957, just a couple of years earlier than this film?

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Naqsh Lyallpuri
Music: Roshan

Costume Drama: Laaga Chunari Mein Daag

My parents (God, the creator) have sent me to my marital home (this world) with a clean chunari (self, soul), but I have soiled it by getting involved in worldly pleasures and sins. Now how do I hide it when I go back (leave this world)? How do I face them with a soiled chunari (tainted self)?

This is the essence of this classic from "Dil Hi To Hai" (1963). Raj Kapoor and Nutan played the lead roles in this film. A superb composition by Roshan, philosophical lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi based on a Kabir bhajan (produced below), and Manna Dey's soulful voice make this solo an unforgettable number. Raj Kapoor plays the singer and Padmini, the dancer in this song.

Meri Chunri Mein Parigayo Daag Piya 

 

Panch Tat Ki Bani Chunariya
Sorah So Baid Laag Kiya 
Yeh Chunri Mere Maike Te Aayee
Sasure Mein Manva Khoye Diya
Mal Mal Dhoye Daag Na Chhute 
Gyan Ka Sabun Laye Piya 
Kahat Kabir Daag Tab Chhuti Hai
Jab Sahib Apnaye Liya

Singer: Manna Dey
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Roshan

Garden Of Five Senses: Paaon Chhoo Lene Do

"Taj Mahal" (1963) was a hit musical. Based on the story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, it is known for its music even today. Here is a superb duet from this film. Lovely lyrics, memorable music!

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Roshan

Adornments: Baar Baar Tohe Kyaa Samjhaaye

Tarachand Barjatya is known for producing clean films providing entertainment for family audiences. "Aarti"(1962) was one such, with good story and lovely music. Starring Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari and Pradeep Kumar, it featured the leading lady in the role of a dedicated doctor. Presenting a charming duet from this film today. Both the lady and her man say the word kyaa several times during the song, each time with some variation. I liked the one at 3:19 the best. Check it out for yourself!

Other notable songs from this film are Aapne yaad dilaayaa, Ab kyaa misaal doon and Kabhi to milegi kahin to milegi.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Roshan

Rain Songs: Sharaabi Sharaabi Yeh Saawan Ka Mausam

A gentle solo today from "Noor Jehan" (1967). A nice take on the romance associated with the month of saawan. Helen's exquisite kathak steps followed by Meena Kumari's soft rendering present an interesting contrast.

Singer: Suman Kalyanpur
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Roshan

Rain Songs: Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi

After several songs in which people singing them on the screen get drenched, two versions of a classic melody today. They talk of rain all the time, but not a single drop of rain anywhere in sight. The faces of Bharat Bhushan and Madhubala are good for a study in contrasts...of being expressionless and expressive, that is. This happens to be the second song from "Barsaat Ki Raat" (1960) in this series, the first one being Garajat barasat saawan aayo re.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Roshan

Rain Songs: Pad Gaye Jhoole

In many parts of India, the month of Saawan is all about going high up on swings and singing. Makeshift swings are tied to tall trees and women take turns in going on them. A duet from "Bahu Begum (1967)--a classic Muslim social starring Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar and Pradeep Kumar-- today, one of the few sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle together.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Roshan

Rain Songs: Garajat Barasat

It's the rainy season and possibly the best time to recall some lovely rain songs. The first one that comes to mind is a duet from "Barsaat Ki Raat" (1960). This film is one of Roshan's best works, having many excellent songs. Apparently, he had used the same composition for a melody from "Malhar" (1951). It is a treat! Check out both of them.

Singers: Suman Kalyanpur, Kamal Barot
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Music: Roshan

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Roshan

Her Story: Finale!

We have walked along with our leading lady through various phases in her life. It has been a good life and we wish her well for the remaining part of her journey. We would like to end the story with "she and her family lived happily ever after". But, before that, just listen to what she is saying in this song from "Mamta" (1966).

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Roshan

Her Story: Leaving! - 2

"Kaheko byahi bides" is one of the finest vidaai songs that we have. I was wondering if I should dare to post any more from the same genre after that. But succumbed to the temptation of posting this melody from "Anokhi Raat" (1968).

Trivia: This was Roshan's last film as a composer. This particular song was recorded after his death, based on the tune set by him.

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi, Indeevar
Music: Roshan

Her Story: Love Lyrics - 2

I have stepped into the world of love with a lot of hopes...so says our young lady. Presenting a song from "Malhar" (1951) today.

Trivia: Shammi lip-synced to this song in the film. This was her first film as a solo heroine. She was not much successful as a leading lady, but did much better later, playing different roles in TV serials.

Indeevar's real name was Shyamalal Babu Rai. This is one of his notable songs.

Singer Mukesh was the producer of this film.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh
Lyrics: Indeevar
Music: Roshan