Missing the Villain's Den and a Song there in the Climax

 

Among the many things that have vanished from Hindi films are the villain's Den, heroines, and sacrificing mothers tied to pillars waiting to be rescued by the hero. Filmmakers never missed an opportunity to keep a dance song in that situation. This trend started in the 50s and continued till the early 90s.

Among the early villain’s den songs is from Baazi (1951). Tadbeer Se Bigadi Hui Taqdeer Bana Le, The desperate, out-of-luck hero Dev Anand is about to leave the gambler’s den in Star Hotel until the seductive Geeta Bali appears with her guitar and sings, “Apne pe bharosa hai to dav laga le” Another popular song of this situation was Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana  from the 1956 film C I D

In this blog I have selected a few such songs performed in a super villain's hideout when the leading hero or heroine is under captivity. Sometimes lead leading actors are also disguised while performing choreographed dances in the villain's presence to deceive him or extract important information.

Song of Baazi 1951

Song of C I D 1956

This is a very popular song 'Aaiye Meharbaan' picturized on Madhubala in Howrah Bridge(1958) Ashok Kumar tries to get cosy with the bad guys who may be involved in his brother’s death. The hotel’s biggest draw, the beautiful Edna (Madhubala), is fond of Kumar and charms him with Aaiye Meharbaan, while the villain Pyarelal (KN Singh) looks on.

Song of Howrah Bridge 1958

In another Dev Anand starrer, Jaali Note (1960), Anand is an undercover police inspector hobnobbing with criminals in their underground den beneath the Paris Hotel, where they are entertained by a then-unknown Helen dancing to Nigahon Ne Pheka Hain Panje Ka Chakka.

Song of Jaali Note (1960)

In the 1960 film Jis desh mein ganga behti hai Raj Kapoor goes to dacoit place and sing a song 

Song of Vazir e Azam (1961)

Song of Jewel Thief 1967

Song of Ek Phool Ek Bhool(1968)

Song of Johny Mera Naam 1970

Song of Elan 1971

Song of Mera Gaon Mera Desh 1971

Song of Zanjeer 1973

Song of Ameer Gareeb 1974

Song of Pathhar aur Paayal (1974)

Song of Sholay 1975

Song of Shalimar 1978

Choodi (Bangles) Songs of Bollywood

Choodi or Bangles have always been an inseparable part of Indian culture. It is the most important ornament that an Indian woman wears. For married women, bangles hold a special significance as they are a sign of their Suhaag. 
No wonder, bangles feature in so many of our films as well as folk songs. This topic came to my mind a few days back when I was watching the movie of Ashok Kumar, Achhut Kanya released in 1936. The movie has a song and dance by Mumtaz Ali, the father of legendry comedian Mehmood. In this song, he played a Choodi Wala. I have included this rare song in this Blog.
This song belongs to the time when things were looking up for Mumtaz Ali. It reflects in the easy grace with which he sings and dances to this song.

Song of Achhut Kanya 1937

Another popular Choodi song before Independence is from 1941 film Khajanchi. This song was sung by Shamshad Begam. The song is picturized on Manorama who teases her brother (played by S D Narang) in this song by singing this song about “Choodi”( glass bangles)

Song of Khajanchi 1941

This song is from the 1953 film Paapi, Raj Kapoor played a double role in this film. This Choodi song became very popular, sung by Mohammad Rafi for Raj Kapoor.

Song of Paapi 1953

The next song is from “Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyaan” (1967)  that was produced by Kishore Sahu to launch his daughter Naina Sahu.

Song of Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyaan 1967

Song of Do Raste 1970

Song of Gambler 1971

Song of Jaani Dushman” 1979

Song of Chaandni (1989) 

Song of Aaj Ka Arjun 1990

Song of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)