Costume Drama: Mera Joota Hai Japani

An iconic song from "Shree 420" (1955) today. Full of patriotic fervour, this solo became a big hit in the newly independent India. It was very popular in the then Soviet Union too. Enjoy the full song and a shorter version in which Lata Mangeshkar joins Mukesh for playback.

Three other songs from this film have already appeared in this space under different themes. They are Ichak dana bichak dana, Pyaar hua iqraar hua and Mud mud ke na dekh.  

Singer: Mukesh
Lyrics: Shailend
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Garden Of Five Senses: Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh

An elaborate dance sequence from "Shree 420" (1955) today. Nadira is the dancer, Raj kapoor comes into action in the second half, while Nargis appears briefly in the beginning. I had posted another song Ichak dana bichak dana from this film earlier in this space, in "Her Story".

Singers: Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Rain Songs: Pyaar Hua Iqraar Hua

Raj Kapoor and Nargis walking in pouring rain under an umbrella, three kids walking in raincoats, and the familiar strains of pyaar hua iqraar hua...most of us are very familiar with these images and sounds. They have appeared on the telly over and over again. Enjoy this very popular song from "Shree 420" (1955) today. Raj Kapoor was heavily influenced by Charlie Chaplin's "Little Tramp" while making this film that told the story of an orphan. Both, he and his film were very popular in the then Soviet Union.

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Her Story: Off To School! - 1

A child's first few days in school. Her first exposure to the outside world. For her, it is just an extension of her home. At times, she tries to find her mother in her teacher. That is why, it helps to have persons who are sensitive to a child's needs as teachers at the nursery level. Our girl is learning her first lessons at school now. I have two beautiful songs that show a loving and caring mother figure showering affection on her little wards. First, a super-hit duet from "Shree 420" (1955). The other one coming up in the next post.

Trivia: Watch Raj Kapoor at his Charlie Chaplinesque antics while Nargis asks riddles to the kids in her class in what looks like a makeshift school under a tree. This film was a big hit in the then Soviet Union. As a result, Raj Kapoor was very popular there. This particular song struck a chord with Iranians and they used to say "Ichak Dana" if they wanted to refer to someone from India. Antakshari players will surely remember this song, for it is often a favourite option when they are challenged to come up with a number that begins with an "ee".

Singers: Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Music: Shankar Jaikishan