This BLOG is about the Past of Hindi Films Specially Black and White Cinema We will refresh your memories by bringing out forgotten or unseen songs and clippings of film scenes We will try to give you as much information as we gather from our research.
This Blog was started as a one-man’s passion for film history but has now become an addiction for many music lovers who are equally passionate about Hindi films
Throughout his career, Kamal Amrohi directed only 4 films. Mahal in 1949, Dayera 1953, Pakeezah 1972 and Razia Sultan in 1983. Pakeeza was the dream project of his life. He was in deep love with his third wife Meena Kumari. He met Meena Kumari during the filming of Tamasha. Veteran actor Ashok Kumar introduced them. They fell in love and married on 14 February 1952, on Valentine's Day in a much private ceremony. He wanted to present Meena Kumari on the screen as no one had done before: beautiful, sad, sanguine, dejected, calculating, sexy, he ambitioned to capture as many dimensions of her as he knew of. ‘Shah Jahan made Taj Mahal for his wife, on that grand scale he wanted to present Meena Kumari on celluloid. The immortal singer K. L. Saigal discovered Kamal Amrohi and took him to Bombay to work for Sohrab Modi's Minerva Movietone film company, where he started his career working on films like Jailor (1938), Pukar (1939), Bharosa (1940), A. R. Kardar's film (Shahjehan 1946). He made his debut as a director in 1949, with Mahal, starring Madhubala and Ashok Kumar, which was a musical hit, with songs by Lata Mangeshkar and Rajkumari Dubey. He wrote scripts for the movies made by Sohrab Modi, Abdul Rashid Kardar and K. Asif. He was one of the four dialogue writers for the latter's famous 1960 movie, Mughal-e-Azam, for which he won the Filmfare Award. "Dayera" was produced and directed by Kamal Amrohi released in 1953 starring Ashok Kumar and Meena Kumari. The film was a musical hit but not a commercial hit. After the failure of Daera, Pakeezah as an idea was roaming in Amrohi’s mind. The concept, he says, was irretrievably fixed with his love for his wife. He hoped to create a film which would be worthy of her as an actress, and worthy of the love he felt for her as a woman. Thus the creation had only one central character and around the fortunes of this character, the fate of the film revolved.
The mahurat of Pakeezah was done on 18 January 1958. Initially, it was launched as a Black & White venture. Later, with colour technology coming in, Kamal Amrohi started it all again in the new colour format. But soon after that, when Cinemascope also got introduced, Amrohi now wanted to shoot it in Cinemascope. So he brought the required lens from MGM on a royalty basis and started shooting. However, after a while, an error was detected in the shoot being done with the new lens. The matter was reported to MGM, who after studying the problem, didn’t collect their due royalties and also gifted that lens to Amrohi as an appreciation gesture. The film was still being made, when in 1964, Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari got separated due to their mutual differences. The project came to a halt for some time when it was more than halfway complete. Even after separation, Kamal Amrohi persuaded Meena Kumari to complete the film but Meena Kumari told him that she will work only he give her the legal divorce.It took five years for the shooting to resume in 1969 after Sunil Dutt and Nargis persuaded Meena Kumari to complete the film. By this time Meena Kumari has diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and was in serious critical condition under observation.
Kamal Amrohi organized a great reception on 16 March 1969, he gave his wife a peda (sweet) as a peace offering and made a documentary film on her arrival at the studio. Meena Kumari was determined to complete the film and, was well aware of the limited time left for her to live, went out of her way to complete it at the earliest.Her condition became so bad that during the filming of the last song “Teer-e Nazar,” she collapsed. A body double, Padma Khanna, was used who was personally trained by her for the scene. Throughout the song, Padma Khanna's face remained veiled and the veil was lifted at instances to show Meena Kumari's face.
When the project got resumed in 1969, Amrohi was confronted with another difficulty; Ashok Kumar, who was the original hero getting no younger. He had to find a younger leading man for his film. Many names were thought at that time, it was Raj Kumar who fina;;y did the role. After finalizing Raaj Kumar, the role was modified from being a businessman’s character to a forest officer according to the strong built & impressive persona of Raaj Kumar. During the making of the film, composer Ghulam Mohammed and cinematographer Josef Wirsching died, leaving director Kamal Amrohi at a loss. Eventually, though, composer Naushad was brought in to compose the background score; and after Wirsching's death, over a dozen of Bombay's top cinematographers stepped in as/when they had a break from their other assignments, and they maintained an even look. When Pakeezah was resumed in 1969, many exhibitors suggested Kamal Amrohi to change the music according to the then famous trend and style. To this, Amrohi said that he would have readily done this if only Ghulam Mohammed was still breathing alive. But, now he cannot betray a man, who gave him such melodious songs, after his unexpected and untimely death. So he kept his music intact but used fewer songs as planned to keep up with the fast-changing times. Kamal Amrohi saw in Pakeezah an epic, a larger-than-life film with hundreds of extras, with expensive and exotic sets, with the superhuman effort made to preserve period flavour; and all this he wished to do with the collected professional proficiency he had acquired in nearly two decades.
On 3 February 1972 the film released with a grand premiere at Maratha Mandir theatre in central Mumbai and the prints being carried on a decked-up palanquin. Meena Kumari arrived to attend the last premiere of her life. Kumari let Raaj Kumar, for the benefit of the press, kiss her hand and went in to see the film.[Meena Kumari was seated next to Kamal Amrohi during the premiere. When Mohammed Zahur Khayyam complimented Meena Kumari with "shahkar ban gaya" (it's priceless), she was in tears. After watching the film, Meena Kumari told a friend that she was convinced that her husband Kamal Amrohi was the finest film-maker in India. Kumari regarded the film as Kamal Amrohi's tribute to her. The film finally released for the general masses the following day on 4th Feb 1972. The film received a warm reception from the audience, it was Meena Kumari's untimely death on 31 March 1972 which acted as an ultimate push and made it one of the top grossers of that year. Pakeezah was house-full for 33 weeks and even celebrated its silver jubilee. Meena Kumari's performance as a golden-hearted Lucknow nautch girl drew major praise and the film is since then considered a classic cult film and has a status much similar to K. Asif's 1960 magnum opus, Mughal-E-Azam.
The title “Padosan” brings a smile to every face. Produced by Mahmood and N.C. Sippy, the film is one of the best entertainers of all times. The film that immortalises Kishore Kumar and Mehmood as master entertainers. The film is also known for the behind-the-scenes rivalry in the song, “Ek Chatur Naar”, between Manna Dey and Kishore Kumar. The film was released on 29 th Nov 1968 and was a super hit. It is among the Top 50 classics of Hindi Cinema. The film was based on a Bengali story, ‘Pasher bari' (next-door neighbour) written by Arun Chowdhury and adapted in Bengali in 1952, in Telugu as “Pakkinti Ammayi” in 1953, in Tamil as “Adutta Veetu Penn” in 1960 and again in Telugu as “Pakkinti Ammayi” in 1981. The film was Directed by Jyoti Swaroop. The movie stars Sunil Dutt and Saira Banu in lead roles. Kishore Kumar, Mukri, Raj Kishore and Keshto Mukherjee played the supporting roles. Mehmood as the South Indian musician and rival to Sunil Dutt is among the highlights of the film. It was considered one of the best comedy movies made in Hindi film history. Mehmood's portrayal of a south Indian music teacher was one of his noted performances and a key highlight of the film. Kishore Kumar's character of a comical theatre director was also well received. The music of the film was composed by Rahul Dev Burman and the lyrics were written by Rajendra Krishan.R.D. Burman's hit music gave us all-time great songs like “Mere Samne Wali Khidki Mein” (Kishore Kumar) and “Ek Chatur Naar Karke Singaar” (Manna Dey and Kishore Kumar) not to forget “Main Chali Main Chali”, “Sharm Aati Hai Magar”, “Bhai Batur” (all Lata Mangeshkar), “Bindu Re Bindu” and “Kahna Hai Tumse Ye Pahli Baar” (both Kishore Kumar).
Padosan is a story of a simpleton named Bhola (Sunil Dutt) who falls in love with his neighbour Bindu (Saira Banu). To impress her he wants to sing to her. However, he isn't a good singer and so seeks the help of his friend, Guru (Kishore Kumar). Guru, a famous singer, agrees to help his friend.
To impress Bindu, Guru sings in the background and Bhola mouths the words. Bindu is charmed by what she thinks is Bhola's singing. They become friends and fall in love. Bindu has a music teacher named Master Pillai/Masterji (Mehmood) who is also in love with her and keeps proposing to her. Bindu loves Bhola and hence refuses Masterji. One day Bindu finds out about Bhola's lie. She decides to marry Masterji instead. Bhola thinks of a way to get Bindu back. So on the wedding day, Guru gets an idea. He makes Bhola pretend to have committed suicide. Guru goes and tells the news to Bindu. She is shocked. She leaves her wedding altar and runs to Bhola. She reads the note and starts to repent. Bindu then tries to wake Bhola up. Bhola wakes up and Bindu is delighted. She tells Masterji that she wants to marry Bhola and he agrees. Bhola and Bindu get married. With brilliant performances and enduring songs, “Padosan” can be watched any number of times.
In this blog, I have selected the films released from the late 1940s to 1975 which were musically hit. Often before a film was released, a Bollywood movie’s soundtrack was played repeatedly on the radio, reaching the hearts of millions across the country who may not have afforded the luxury to see the actual film in theatres. It is said that the hit music makes a guarantee for its success. But there were many films whose music was super hit but the film was not as successful. This is my Top 20 list of such musical films. Barsaat (1949)
Barsaat was one of the first major hit films directed by Kapoor. This success allowed Kapoor to buy RK Studios in 1950. The music was by Shankar Jaikishan all the songs(11) were popular. Barsaat is ideally one of Hindi cinema’s best soundtracks. Some of the hits are Hawa Mein Udta Jaye – Lata Mangeshkar Chhod Gaye Balam – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh Jiya Beqarar Hai – Lata Mangeshkar Mujhe Kisise Pyar – Lata Mangeshkar Patli Kamar Hai – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh
Produced and Directed by Guru Dutt, written by Abrar Alvi, and starring Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman and Mala Sinha. The movie boasts one of the best performances of S.D. Burman, Sahir Ludhianvi, Geeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi to produce one of the most lyrical Hindi musicals. Pyaasa marked the last collaboration of the long-lasting team of composer Burman and lyricist Ludhianvi Jaane Woh Kaise – Hemant Kumar Aaj Sajan Mohe – Geeta Dutt Hum Aap Ki Ankhon Mein – Geeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi Jane Kya Tune Kahi – Asha Bhonsle Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye – Mohammed Rafi
Indian epichistorical drama film directed by K. Asif and produced by Shapoorji Pallonji. Starring Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, and Durga Khote, The soundtrack was composed by music director Naushad, and the lyrics were written by Shakeel Badayuni. After conceiving the idea of the film, Asif visited Naushad and handed him a briefcase containing money, telling him to make "memorable music" for Mughal-e-Azam. The soundtrack contained a total of 12 songs, which were rendered by playback singers and classical music artists. These songs account for nearly one-third of the film's running time Teri Mehfil Mein Qismat – Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya – Lata Mangeshkar Mohe Pangat Pe – Lata Mangeshkar Mohabbat Ki Jhooti Kahani – Lata Mangeshkar Aye Mohabbat Zindabad – Mohammed Rafi Prem Jogan Ban Ke – Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Yeh Dil Ki Lagi – Lata Mangeshkar
Baiju Bawra was a musical "megahit" which had a mighty run of 100 weeks in the theatres. The film's music director was Naushad, The lyricist was Shakeel Badayuni, a Naushad discovery. For Baiju Bawra, he had to forgo Urdu, and write lyrics in pure Hindi, with songs such as the bhajan "Man Tadpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj", becoming popular.the film's music director, Naushad, also received the inaugural Filmfare Best Music Director Award for the song "Tu Ganga Ki Mauj"; this was Naushad's first and only Filmfare Award win.
The film directed by Shakti Samanta, starring Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna. The soundtrack of the film was composed by S. D. Burman, with lyrics by Anand Bakshi. Burman had written the music for the songs of Aradhana and completed the recording of the songs in the voices of Lata Mangeshkar,Asha Bhonsle,Mohd. Rafi,Kishore Kumar & S.D.Burman himself. Aradhana songs gave big boost to the career of Kishore Kumar as a singer as the songs became extremely popular & broke all records. Roop Tera Mastana – Kishore Kumar Mere Sapnon Ki Rani – Kishore Kumar Kora Kaagaz Tha – Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar Gunguna Rahe Hai Bhanware – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi Baghon Mein Bahar Hai – Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar Safal Hogi Teri Aradhana – S.D. Burman
Song of Aradhana (1969)
Hum Dono (1961)
Hindi film produced by Dev Anand and Navketan films. Amarjeet is credited as the film's director, but producer and star Dev Anand claimed that it was his brother Vijay Anand, who directed the film, based on his own script.The film is also known for its music by Jaidev and became a box office hit.The film has a superhit song "Mai Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya" by Mohammed Rafi and the Lata solo "Allah tero naam". It also has the evergreen duet "Abhi na jaao chhodkar" by Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle.
Song of Hum Dono (1961)
Bandini (1963)
Bandini stars Nutan giving one of the finest performances of her career, along with Ashok Kumar and Dharmendra as leads,composed by S.D. Burman, and with lyrics by Shailendra. The film also mark the debut of Gulzar, who was working as an assistant director on the film as a film lyricist, initially having refused Bimal Roy on the offering saying that he didn't want to become a lyricist, Gulzar relented only after film's music director S.D. Burman convinced him so, and he wrote the song, 'Mora Gora Ang Lai Le' in five days. Rest of lyrics are by Shailendra, who gave classics like, the haunting 'Mere Sajan Hain Us Paar' in the bardic voice of S.D. Burman himself, Mukesh's sad song O Jaanewale Ho Sake, where Burman da uses, Bhatiyali with a variation.
Song of Bandini (1963)
Aar Paar (1954)
Directed by Guru Dutt, it has music by O.P. Nayyar and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. All the 8 songs were hit.
It stars Vyjayanthimala and Pradeep Kumar, and has a hit musical score by Hemant Kumar. This film was partly produced in Technicolor.The film's soundtrack was composed by Hemanta Mukherjee. It included thirteen tracks, including the hit "Man Dole Mera Tan Dole", whose "Been Music" was performed by Kalyanji on clavioline and by Ravi on harmonium, who once worked under Hemanta Mukherjee's direction and later became independent music directors. Man Dole Mera – Lata MangeshkarJadugar Saiyan – Lata Mangeshkar Tere Dwar Khada Ek Jogi – Hemant Kumar Mera Dil Yeh Pukare Aaja – Lata MangeshkarSun Ri Sakhi – Lata Mangeshkar Yaad Rakhna Pyar Ki Nishani – Asha Bhonsle and Hemant Kumar
The music director of the film was C. Ramchandra and the soundtrack was acclaimed, cited as a "classic".[3][5] The film features several westernized songs such as Sholajo badhkeand Ye deewana, ye parwana which are said to have "employed cabaret type dance/choruses featuring bongo drums, oboes,, clarinets, trumpets, saxophones, etc.C.Ramachandra as Chitalkar himself sang most of the male songs in the movie while Lata Mangeshkar sang all the female songs. Apart from the highly popular Western-style songs, the movie also had classic melodies like "Dheere se aaja re ankhiyan me", "Balama bada nadan re" etc...
The film stars Sunil Dutt, Nutan, Jamuna (reprising her role from the original Telugu version), Pran and Deven Varma. The award-winning and very popular music were given by Laxmikant Pyarelal.The lyrics of the film were career-defining for Anand Bakshi and helped take him to the "top", with songs like "Sawan Ka Mahina Pawan Kare Sor", "Ram Kare Aisa Ho Jaaye" and "Bol Gori Bol".other hit songs are Hum Tum Yug Yug Se -Mukesh Lata Main To Diwana - Mukesh Aaj Dil Pe Koi Zor Chalta Nahin -Lata
Song of Milan (1967)
Bobby (1973)
Directed by Raj Kapoor and written by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas. It was the first leading role for Raj Kapoor's son, Rishi Kapoor, and the film debut for Dimple Kapadia.It was a blockbuster, its music was super hit. Especially the song Hum tum Ek Kamre Mein Bund Ho.Other songs are Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate - Lata Mangeshkar and Shailender Singh Main Shayar To Nahin- Shailender Singh Na Mangun Sona Chandi- Manna Dey and Shailender Singh Beshak Mandir Masjid - Narendra Chanchal
Song of Bobby (1973)
Dosti (1964)
Dosti was amongst the top 10 grosser of 1964 and was declared a "Super Hit" at the box office. The lyrics of the film are written by Majrooh Sultanpuri on music composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal. Dosti stands as a landmark in the career history of the musical duo as this won them their first Filmfare Award and made them popular in the film industry. Mohammad Rafi is the main vocalist for the songs. Chahoonga Main Tujhe Saanj Savere Meri Dosti Mera Pyar Rahi Manwa Dukh Ki Chinta Jaanewalo Zara Mera To Jo Bhi Kadam Gudiya Humse Roothi Rahogi Kab Tak Na Hasogi, only song by Lata
