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: 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

Saawan Songs: Deewana Hua Baadal

Some songs are evergreen. The duet that I present today is one such. Shot entirely on shikaras in Kashmir, it is as fresh as it was 50 years ago. Yes, it is from "Kashmir Ki Kali" (1964). Watch Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore glide gently on the lake in their boats singing this lovely song. Enjoy!

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi
Lyrics: S. H. Bihari
Music: O. P. Nayyar

Adornments: Kajra Mohabbat Wala

We don't always need very expensive ornaments to adorn ourselves. Sometimes, just a touch of kaajal (kohl) is enough to enhance one's looks. A very entertaining duet today that starts with kajra and talks about some other trinkets as it progresses. It is from "Kismat"(1968).

It is quite common to see men dressed as women in films these days. But this song was one of the first instances when a male lead (Biswajeet) appeared as a woman. To add to the fun, the female lead (Babita) portrayed a man. The harmonium pieces that are spread generously all over the song are simply magical. A superb composition by O. P. Nayyar in Asha Bhosle and Shamshad Begum's voices, this charming number has brought cheer to generations of listeners.

Other popular songs from this film were Aao huzur tumko, Lakhon hain yahan dilwale and Aankhon mein qayamat. The last two are especially relevant as the playback for them was by Mahendra Kapoor and it is his death anniversary today.

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Shamshad Begum
Lyrics: S. H. Bihari
Music: O. P. Nayyar