Remembering Sardar Malik on his11th Death Anniversary

Sardar Malik,father of Anu Malik the famous Music Director of 90s was also a Music Director of Golden Era .His career as Music composer ran for many years but he was not considered as a hit Music Director by the Industry.Later he started teaching music.In an interview he said that whatever he possesed like House all came from the earnings from teaching.
Sardar Malik was married to Kausar jehan who was a sister of famous lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri,he had three sons-Anu Malik,Abu Malik and Dabbu Malik.He passed away on 27th Jan 2006.
Sardar Malik who was a trained dancer under the famed Uday Shankar at his residential school at Almora. He was a gifted singer and started getting both singing and composing assignments. Seeing the rise of independent playback singers such as Rafi and Mukesh, he realised he could not match them, and confined himself to music direction, and came over to Bombay.  He and Mohan Sehgal started their careers as dancers. They were appointed as dance direc­tors by Nanabhai Bhatt for a film titled 40 Crore This assignment didn't help him further to get more work.He continued performing with Uday Shankar’s troupe and it was here that his singing was noticed by Ramesh Sehgal, a director who gave him a Break as Music Director in "Renuka" released in 1947 in this movie he also sang 4 songs.,the song  Sunti nahin hai duniya fariyaad kisiki. was liked  but even after that his career was not moving.He  tried his hand in composing music for few more films like Ren Basera,Raaz but his luck was not favoring him,the movies for which he was composing were either not running or getting shelved.
His first hit song was" Ae ghame dil kya karoon" sung by Talat Mahmood in the film'Thokar" starring Shammi Kapoor.Next year1954 his film Aulad came,the movie had some great songs"Duniya Tasveer Hai"by Talat Mahmood and"Tum Salamat Raho Hazar baras'by Asha were very popular.same year another film"Chor Bazar"came out with beautiful songs by Lata,'Chalta Rahe Yeh Carvan"and'Dar Dar Ki Thokren Hain"were hit
Saranga's songs were very popular and it remains Sardar Malik's best composition.Specially the song"Saranga Teri Yaad Mein" sung by Mukesh is his immortal composition.
Here are some of my favourite Sardar Malik's unforgettable compositions as a Tribute to this great Music Director of Golden Era.

Song from Saranga 1960

Haan diwana hun main

Song from Saranga 1960

Ae ghame dil kya karoon

Song from Thokar 1953

Song from Laila Majnu 1953

Song from Aulad 1954 (Audio )

Song from Chor Bazar 1954

Song from Chor Bazar 1954

Song from Aab-e-Hayaat (1955)

Song from Mera Ghar Mere Bachche 1960

Song from Madan Manjari (1961) Audio only

Song from Bachpan (1963) Audio only

Song from Bachpan (1963) Audio only

Remembering K L SEHGAL on his Death Anniversary

Today on his 70th Death Anniversary we remember him as the greatest Singer of Hindi Cinema. In his era there was no playback singing A hero or a heroine has to sing his or her own song.He was the first Super Star of Bollywood.
Saigal's distinctive singing was revered and idolised by the first generation of post-independence Hindi Film playback singers, including Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, and Mukesh. Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar have even gone on record in an interview that they consider Kundan Lal Saigal to be their musical guru.
In a career of fifteen years, Saigal acted in 36 feature films– 28 in Hindi, seven in Bengali, and one in Tamil. In addition, he acted in a short comedy Hindi film, Dulari Bibi (three reels), released in 1933. In 1955, B.N. Sircar released a documentary film based on the life of K.L. Saigal, Amar Saigal. In the film, G. Mungheri performed the title role of Saigal. The film contained 19 songs lifted from Saigal's films. In all, Saigal rendered 185 songs which includes 142 film songs and 43 non-film songs. Of the film songs, there are 110 in Hindi, 30 in Bengali and two in Tamil.
 His dependence on alcohol had begun affecting his work and his health. It was said that he could only record a song after being fortified with liquor. He survived ten years of drinking; however, his alcoholism was too advanced for even a single attempt at abstinence, and Saigal died in his ancestral city of Jalandhar on 18 January 1947, at the age of 42.
My TRIBUTE to the First Super Star of Bollywood-K L SEHGAL
Prem Nagar Mein Banoungi

Song from 1934 film Chandidas

Balam Aaye Baso More Man Mein

Song from 1936 film Devdas

Ek Bangla bane Nyara

Song from 1937 film President

Mein kya Janoo kya Jadu Hai

Song from 1940 film Zindagi

So Ja Rajkumari Soja

Song from 1940 film Zindagi

Kahe Ko Raad Machai

Song from 1941 film Lagaan

Diya Jalao Jagmag

Song from 1943 film Tansen

Do Naina Matware

Song from 1944 film My Sister

Thukra Rahi Hai Duniya

Song from 1944 film Bhanwaraa

Mere Sapnon Ki Rani Ruhi

Song from 1946 film Shenshah

Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya

Song from 1946 film Shenshah

Aye Dil e Bekraar Jhoom

Song from 1946 film Shenshah

Mohabbat Mein Kabhi Aisi

Song from 1947 film Parwaana

The Magic of Geeta Dutt-Some of my Favourite songs

We all remember the song "Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya" with this song Geeta Dutt became famous That was in 1947 with the release of Do Bhai music was given by S D Burman. Disc sales of the song rocketed to new heights. 1947-1949 saw Geeta Roy rule as the number one playback singer in the Mumbai film industry as she moved from strength to strength.

In 1949 released the film Mahal and its song  'Aayega Aane Wala' from Mahal soared to heights of till then unseen popularity. ( It remains an all time favourite even today ) The singer was Lata Mangeshkar. Lata went on to become the greatest playback singer the Indian screen has ever seen. Only two singers managed to survive the Lata onslaught in the 1950s Shamshad Begam and Geeta Dutt.Though relegated to the second spot, Geeta managed to hold her own against Lata for more than a decade and she and Lata were the premier two female playback singers of the 1950s.

The first thing that strikes one when you hear Geeta Dutt sing was that she never sang. She just glided through a tune. She was perfact in Bhajan as well as western songs.The sex appeal in her voice and the ease with which she went western was marvellous to behold.

She was at her best  when she sang under the baton of two music directors, S.D. Burman and O.P.Nayyar.

She was the only singer with whom Lata was really feared during her career   Raju Bharathan, Music critic in Filmfare February 1-15, 1985 wrote  "In training and technique Lata was way ahead but neither training nor technique was of much use when pitted against Geeta in the recording room........This put Lata on the defensive and I think she avoided singing with Geeta as far as possible. "

Mera sundar sapna beet gaya

Song from Do Bhai 1947

Khayalon mein kisike

Song from Baawre Nain 1950

Tadbir se bigdi hui taqdeer

Song from Baazi 1951

Yeh lo main hari piya

Song from Aar Paar 1954

Babuji dhire chalna

Song from Aar Paar 1954

Thandi hawa kali ghata

Song from Mr & Mrs 55 (1955)

Ae dil mujhe bata de

Song from Bhai Bhai 1956

Jaane kya tunhe kahi

Song from Pyaasa 1957

Mera naan chin chin choo

Song from Howrah Bridge 1958

Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam

Song from Kaagaz Ke Phool 1959

Hawa dhire aana

Song from Sujaata 1959

Na jaao saiyaan chudha ke baiyaan

Song from Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam 1962

Hindi Cinema in 1953,10 Top Films and 10Top Songs

Indian Cinema in 1953
 -The Cinematograph Act is amended extending the power of various authorities      to suspend exhibition of certified films. 
-Aan becomes the first Technicolor Indian film It was directed by Mehboob Khan. 
-The Film Federation of India accepts an Advertising Code. 
-The Trade Weekly Trade Guide is started. 
-Maiden Filmfare Awards are inaugurated.
-Binaca Geetmala Started.
 -Prabhat Studio ceases production. 

The ten highest-grossing films of 1953

Anarkali

 Directed by Nandlal Jaswantlal and based on the historical legend of the Mughal emperor Jahangir It was the top grossing Hindi film in the year of its release, and one of the biggest Hindi film hits in its decade.Pradeep Kumar was the Hero and Bina Rai was the Heroine.C Ramchandra was its Music Director,infact initially Vasant Prakash began work as music director, but died having recorded just one song with Geeta Dutt. C. Ramchandra took over as composer and insisted not only that all songs be sung by Lata Mangeshkar but that the Geeta number be removed from the film. Although the Filmistan people agreed, the Geeta song stayed in the movie and was the famous "Aa Jaane Wafaa"............

Ladki

is a 1953 Hindi romantic comedy film written by V.S.Venkatasalam and directed by M. V. Raman. The film starred Vyjayanthimala, Kishore Kumar, Bharat Bhushan and Anjali Devi in the lead while Chittor V. Nagaiah, Leela Mishra, Om Prakash, Raj Mehra and Master Chhotu as the ensemble cast. The film was produced by A. V. Chettiar of AVM Productions. The film's score was composed by R. Sudarsanam and Dhaniram, edited by K. Shankar and M. V. Raman and was filmed by Yusuf Mulji and T. Muthu Sami. The song Baat Chalat Nai Chunari Rang Dari and Shaadi Shaadi sung by Geeta Dutt and Kishore Kumar respectively becomes the successful song of the film.At the end of its theatrical run, the film grossed around ₹1,50,00,000, and became the second highest grossing film of 1953 with verdict hit.

Do Bigha Zameen

 Hindi film, directed by Bengali film director Bimal Roy and starring Balraj Sahni and Nirupa Roy in lead roles. The film is known for its socialist theme, and is an important film in the early parallel cinema of India and is considered a trend setter.A bigha is a measure of land area but is not same as an acre, though translating the title as such serves the purpose. it was awarded the All India Certificate of Merit for Best Feature Film, it became the first film to win the Filmfare Best Movie Award and the first Indian film to win the International Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, after Neecha Nagar (1946), which won the Palme d'Or 

Parineeta

Bollywood film starring Ashok Kumar and Meena Kumari, based upon the 1914 Bengali novel of the same name by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay, which was earlier filmed in Bengali. The film was directed by Bimal Roy. This version of the film is considered by many to be the most faithful adaptation of the novella, particularly due to Meena Kumari's interpretation of the role of Lalita.Ashok Kumar was the Hero of this film.

Footpath

Written and directed by Zia Sarhadi. The film stars Dilip Kumar, Meena Kumari and Anwar Hussain. The music of the film is by Timir Baran and Khayyam.Footpath is one of the films featured in Avijit Ghosh's book, 40 Retakes: Bollywood Classics You May Have Missed.Dilip Kumar played the role of Noshu, a newspaperman abandons his scruples and starts to make money as a black marketeer. He gains his fortune but ruins his brother's life causing him to lose his job, his home and his wife whilst simultaneously losing his own self-respect and that of his former neighbours and his girl. Tormented by his conscience, he writes an expose of the illegal trade but cannot prevent his own brother becoming a victim when an epidemic rages unchecked because criminals have stock-piled all the medicine.

Jhamela

Its a comedy thriller film produced and directed by Bhagwan, for his Bhagwan Art Productions.The film was a repeat formula Bhagwan had earlier used in his commercially successful film Albela (1951). With music again composed by C. Ramachandra, and casting actress Geeta Bali, Bhagwan tried to recreate the magic of Albela with little success.It starred Geeta Bali, Bhagwan, Shakuntala, Sunder, Anwar Hussain and Badri Prasad.One of the popular song was "Dekho Ji Dekho Mera Dil Le Ke" sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Rajendra Krishan wrote the lyrics for the film. The playback singers were Lata Mangeshkar, C Ramchandra (Chitalkar), Meena Kapoor and Francis Vaz.

Shikast

 Produced and Directed by Ramesh Sehgal. The film stars Dilip Kumar, Nalini Jaywant, Durga Khote, Om Prakash and K. N. Singh. The films music is by Shankar Jaikishan. Wajahat Mirza wrote the story and Dialogues for this Film.

Humsafar

Its a Dev Anand movie with kalpna Kartik as Heroine,Chetan Anand also appeared in this movie.This was Directed by A. N Banerjee,Music: Ali Akbar Khan Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi.Not much detail of this movie is available.

Aah

It is a 1953 black and white Bollywood romantic drama film starring Raj Kapoor and Nargis in lead roles. The film was produced by Raj Kapoor and directed by Raja Nawathe. This was Nawathe's first independent directorial venture. He had previously worked as assistant director to Kapoor in Aag (1948), Barsaat (1949) and Awaara (1951).The film was rated "Below Average" at the box office^[ but has various hit songs like "Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat", "Aaja Re Ab Mera Dil Pukara" and "Jaane Na Nazar". The song "Chhoti Si Yeh Zindagani" sung by Mukesh was also picturised on him. 

Rahi

 The film starred Dev Anand and Nalini Jaywant with Balraj Sahni, David, Achla Sachdev and Manmohan Krishan. The film was based on Mulk Raj Anand's novel "Two Leaves and a Bud" (1937), which was scripted by K A.Abbas,who also Directed it.

The story revolved around an ex-army man played by Dev Anand, who takes up a job in a tea estate, only to get disillusioned with the management, and his situation. Nalini Jaywant played his love interest as a tea leave picker. Her acting was appreciated in the film getting "great critical acclaim"
TOP  SONGS of 1953

Ye Zindagi Usi Ki Hai, Jo Kisi Ka Ho Gaya, Pyar Hi Me Kho Gaya from Anarkali (1953)

Song from Anarkali 1953

Shaam-E-Gham Ki Kasam from Footpath 1953

Song from Footpath 1953

 Aye Gham-E-Dil Kya Karu (By Talat Mahmood) from Thokar 1953

Song from Thokar 1953

Yaad Kiyaa Dil Ne Kahaan Ho Tum 

  from  Patita 1953

Song from Patita 1953

 Zindagi Denewale Sun, Teri Duniya Se Dil Bhar Gaya

from Dil - E - Nadan(1953)

Song from  Dil - E - Nadan 1953

Aaja Re, Ab Mera Dil Pukara

from Aah 1953

Song from  Aah 1953

 Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke, Bij Bichha Le Pyar Ke, Mausam Bita Jaay

from Do Bigha Zameen 1953

Song from  Do Bigha Zameen 1953

 Kaare Badaraa Tu Na Jaa Na Jaa Bairi Tu Bides Na Jaa

 from Shikast 1953

Song from Shikast 1953

                                      Muhaabbat Ki Daastaan Aaj Suno

                                       from Mayurpankh 1953

Song from Mayurpankh 1953

\

Raaja Ki Aayegi Baraat from Aah 1953

Song from Aah 1953

Interesting To Note 

This year 88 hindi films were released.

A movie called Shole was released that year Directed by B R Chopra,Ashok Kumar  and Bina Rai were the main lead.I am posting a song from this film

Song from Shole 1953

A movie called Chacha Chaudhary ,Directed and acted by Raja Pranjpe,This title later on was picked up by a famous Hindi Comic,here I am posting one song from this film

Shammi Kapoor made his debut with JEEVAN JYOTI ,Chand Usmani was his heroine,Directed by Mahesh Kaul

Music Director Salil Chaudhary made his debut with Do Bigha Zameen with all time great Duets by Manna De and Lata Hariyala sawan dhol bajata aya and Mausam beeta jaye, and one of the greatest lullabies by Lata Mangeshkar, Aa ja ri aa nindiya tu aa.

As per Cineplot.com Helen made her debut as an independant Dancer in this year from the film Alif Laila

Song from Alif Laila 1953

 This year also had some unusual screen appearances in songs, which are well known to the readers – Shailendra in the song Chali kaun se des gujariya (Boot Polish), and Mukesh in Chhoti si ye zindagani (Aah).

Lyricist Shailendra Acting in this song

Singer Mukesh acting in this song

 Hridaynath Mangeshkar t he younger brother of Lata ji made his debut in a hindi movie Baabla, lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanvi, music SD Burman.If you hear this song without knowing its detail, you would probably guess it is by Geeta Dutt.but its not so this is the voice of Hridyanth Mangeshkar who was probably 15 0r 16 year kid. It is surprising that at this age, his voice should be so thin resembles a female voice.For your interest I am posting this song here.