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
When you think of Raj Kapur,the name of Mukesh automatically comes in our mind as the voice of Raj Kapoor.Raj was convinced that only the voice of Mukesh suited him, so in all the films that he produced or directed, he used to try using Mukesh for his songs. However,as a true Professional, if he were to work for some other producer or under a different Director, he followed the policy of strict Non-interference. So, in such films, we see other singers giving playback to Raj Kapoor, depending on the choice of the producer or director. After Mukesh, Manna Dey was the alternate voice of Raj Kapoor. Remember the songs Pyaar hua ekraar hua, Ye raat bheegi bheegi, A ja sanam madhur chandni mein humand many more songs.Manna Dey later sang for Raj Kapur in Parvarish (Masti bhara hai sama), Dil Hi To Hai (Laga chunari mein daag), Mera Naam Joker (Ae bhai zara dekh ke chalo). It is creditable that all the Manna Dey songs, though few in number, acquired iconic status. Mohammad Rafi also sang for Raj Kapoor.I have come across at least five films in which the songs on Raj Kapur are in the voice of Rafi. You will be surprised to know that in Andaz (1949) Mukesh sang for Dilip Kumar and Rafi sang for Raj Kapoor the duet Milnewale kahin ulfat mein juda hote hain. is one of them.Next film was Dastan released in 1950 in which Surraiya starred with Raj Kapoor the famous song Tara Ri Aara Ri was sung by Rafi. There was a film Amber (1952) starring Raj Kapur and Nargis music was given by Ghulam Mohammad a beautiful duet with Lata, which would rank among the best of Ghulam Mohammad and the best of Rafi-Lata duets. The song is" Hum Tum Yeh Bahar" Another film was Paapi released in 1953 remember the song "tera kaam hai jalna parvane".There was a film Do Ustaad(1959)starring Raj Kapur, Madhubala and Music by OP Nayyar "Dil Ka Makaan"
Song from Andaz (1949)
Song from Dastan (1950)
Song from Amber (1952)
Song from Paapi (1953)
Song from Do Ustaad (1959)
Song from Do Ustaad (1959)
Talat sang a total of ten songs for Raj Kapoor in 4 films, as following-
S No.
Song
Movie (Year)
Director
Music Director
1.
Armaan bhare dil ki lagan hai
Jaan Pehchan(1950)
Fali Mistry
Khemchand Prakash
2.
Main hoon dil ek armaan bhara
Anhonee(1952)
K A Abbas
Roshan
3.
Mere dil ki dhadkan kya bole
Anhonee(1952)
K A Abbas
Roshan
4.
Sama ke dil mein hamaare
Anhonee(1952)
K A Abbas
Roshan
5.
Main paagal mera manawa paagal
Ashiana(1952)
B. Trilochan
Madan Mohan
6.
Mera qaraar le jaa
Ashiana(1952)
B. Trilochan
Madan Mohan
7.
Dil matwala lakh sambhala
Bewafa(1952)
M L Anand
A R Qureshi
8.
Kaam hathon ka hai
Bewafa(1952)
M L Anand
A R Qureshi
9.
Tu aaye na aaye
Bewafa(1952)
M L Anand
A R Qureshi
10.
Tum ko fursat ho meri jaan
Bewafa(1952)
M L Anand
A R Qureshi
One can see from the above list that 7 out of the 10 Talat songs had been Hits-that is 70%- in those days and they are Talat lovers’ favourites even today.
Song from Jaan Pehchan(1950)
Song from Anhonee(1952)
Song from Anhonee(1952)
Song from Ashiana(1952)
Song from Bewafa(1952)
Kishore Kumar has also sung for Raj Kapur. The only film having this distinction is Pyar (1950), lyrics by Rajendra Krishna and composed by who else but SD Burman. Though there were many songs of Kishore Kumar for Raj Kapoor in the film, only audio is available.
There is a saying that Music has no Language and no Boundaries.This classic song from Awara has proven it.This was the song that mesmerized Russian decades ago.Later it went popular in Turkey now in China.This generation of youth may have not heard this song or liking for old songs but `Awaara Hoon` ring tone is very popular among today`s Russian youth.This Bollywood song is so loved internationally that it has a localised version in Greece, Turkey, Middle East, Russia and China.The song is so popular that people abroad sing the original version as well. Don’t believe me? See for yourself. One of the reasons for the popularity of the song, and Indian films in general, is the quality of the literature present in them. Take 'Awara hoon' for instance. The song was written by Shailendra(coincidentally called 'Pushkin', after the revolutionary Russian poet, for his socialist leanings) was filled with a melancholy that is simultaneously uplifting. The story goes that on hearing the passionate, and dark, narration of the story by KA Abbas, Shailendra explained his understanding of the story in his simple lines. Recently Prime Minister visited China,on his arrival the tune of a bollywood song was played.Indian films have become very popular in China.Aamir Khan is now the most popular Indian actor in China. Here are some versions of Awara Hoon Watch This Turkish Song from which Awara Hoon was inspired.This film was released in 1946 five years before Awara (1951)
Remembering SHAILENDRA(30th Aug 1923) the Lyricist on his 94th Birth Anniversary. Poetry was his first love but family situation forced him to take up a job of a railway mechanic.His job in Indian Railways brought him to the city of Bombay.Here in a Kavi Sammelan Raj Kapoor heard him reciting his poems,Raj Kapoor got impressed with his poetry and offered him to write songs for him.Which he initially refused but due tosome domestic reasons and responsibilities, need of money he aproached Raj Kapoor after 6 months and agreed to his terms. His first project was 'Barsaat'. Shailendra wrote his first song 'Barsat Mein Tum Se Mile Hum Sajan..' for Raj Kapoor.His poetic genius was in his ability to convey deepest of thoughts in simplest of words. Eventually, Barsat was also the first film for the emerging music director duo Shankar-Jaikishan. The film proved very successful and after the success of Barsaat Raj Kapoor, Shankar-Jaikishan and Shailendra always worked together. No doubt, Shailendra gave his best with Shankar-Jaikishan, but he shared equally pleasant rapport with musical giants of those days, like Salil Chowdhary, S. N. Tripathi and S.D. Burman. Here are my favorite songs of Shailendra
On the 41st Death Anniversary of Mukesh I look back at the Magical Combination of this legendary singer with SJ and Raj Kapoor. Mukesh debuted as (actor-)singer in 1941 with Nirdosh,his association with Raj Kapoor took place in 1949 when he sang for RK in Aag,the song was “Zinda Huwe, Is Tarah Ke Hamen” composed by Ram Ganguli.Raj Kapoor realized that now he found his soul in the voice of Mukesh. In the very next film Barsaat 1950,Shankar Jaikishan made their debut as music director,from this film the trio of Mukesh,SJ and Raj Kapoor formed.After that they gave many immortal songs to Bollywood . Barsaat’s musicwas dominated by Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh getting two duets with her. But their next venture, Awara (1951), had the title track which became a global sensation making Raj Kapoor-Nargis one of the most recognizable faces abroad, and India’s cultural ambassador. In the same year, in a non-RK film Baadal, too, SJ created an outstanding solo, Main raahi bhatakane wala hun, and an equally good duet with Lata Mangeshkar, Ae dil na mujhse chhupa. RK-SJ’s next film Aah (1953) didn’t fire up the box-office, but what great songs Mukesh sang! The two solos, Raat andheri door kinara, Chhoti si ye zindagani, and the two duets with Lata Mangeshkar, Jaane na jigar pahchaane nazar, Aa ja re ab mera dil pukara are among the most loved songs for Mukesh fans. With Mukesh becoming identified as Raj Kapoor’s voice, in almost all the films of Raj Kapoor whether under RK banner or outside, if SJ were the music director Mukesh was almost invariably the voice for him. And every film had great songs remembered till today:Here are some of the immortal songs of this Trio.
Remembering Mukesh on his 94th Birth Anniversary,his unique singing style would make his songs popular soon after their release.His forte were both sad and jolly songs such as “Yeh mera diwana pan hai” (Yahudi), “Suhani chandni raaten” (Mukti), “Aa laut ke aaja mere meet” (Rani Roopmati), “Awara hoon” (Awara) and “Dum dum diga diga” (Chalia)”. He sang romantic songs with equal ease: “Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein” (Kabhi Kabhi) and “Naina hain jadoo bhare” (Bedard Zamana). In this blog I have selected his Jolly and Happy songs only. Mukesh was born on 22nd July 1923.At the age of 18 he was offered a role as an actor-singer in a Hindi film, Nirdosh (1941). The real break as a playback singer came for him in 1945 when he sang for Motilal for the film Pehli Nazar.It was the song "Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De". composed by Anil Biswas and lyrics written by Aah Sitapuri.made him popular.Though the song was in the style of K L Sehgal but it became instant hit.Mukesh created his own singing style with the help of music director Naushad Ali, who helped Mukesh to come out of his Saigal style and create his own style. Naushad gave him songs for the film Andaz.All the songs became hit. Mukesh became the voice of Raj Kapoor with Barsaat.He gave many immortal songs for Raj Kapoor.Mukesh is best known for the songs that he sung for actor Raj Kapoor in Bollywood. The two decades spanning the 1950s to 1970s saw the rise and shine of the man who was to be immortalized in the pages of Bollywood playback singing. On Mukesh’s demise, he said ‘I have lost my voice.’ It wasn’t exaggeration. You try to remember Raj Kapoor, and you’ll end up humming Mukesh. Mukesh recieved 4 Filmfare Awards for Best Playback Singer for films 'Anari', 'Pehchan', 'Beimaan' and 'Kabhie Kabhie'.In 1974 he was bestowed with the National Film Award for the Best Male Playback Singer for his song 'Kain Baar Yoon Bhi Dekhaa Hai' from the film 'Rajnigandha'. Mukesh died on August 27, 1976 at the age of 53. The singer succumbed to a heart attack while on a concert tour to the United States. Here is my tribute to him on his 94th Birth Anniversary today with a compilation of my few of the favourite ‘Happy’ and Romantic songs of Mukesh.
Song from Shree 420 (1955)
Song from Madhumati 1958
Song from Kanhaiya (1959)
Song from Ujala 1959
Song from Chalia 1960
Song from Jis Desh Main Ganga Behti Hai 1960
Song from Hum Hindustani 1960
Dekho mausam kya bahar hai Song from Opera House 1961
Born on 22nd July 1923 and died on 27th August 1976 was one of the most popular and legendary singers of his era.Mukesh was born in Delhi in aMathurKayastha family. His parents were Zorawar Chand Mathur, an engineer, and Chand Rani.his mother
Dil Hi Bujha Hua Ho To the first song of Mukesh
Mukesh's voice was first noticed by famous actor Motilal, a distant relative, when he sang at his sister's wedding. Motilal took him to Mumbai and arranged for singing lessons by Pandit Jagannath Prasad. During this period Mukesh was offered a role as an actor-singer in a Hindi film, Nirdosh (1941). His first song was "Dil Hi Bujha Hua Ho To" as an actor-singer for Nirdosh. He got his break as a playback singer for actor Motilal in 1945 with the film Pehli Nazar with music composed by Anil Biswas and lyrics written by Aah Sitapuri. The first song that he sang for a Hindi film was "Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De".
Mukesh won 4 Filmfare Awards,Sab Kuch Seekha Humne from Anaari 1959,Sabse Bada Naadan from Pehchan 1970,"Jai Bolo Beimaan Ki" from Beiman 1972 and "Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein" from Kabhi Kabhi 1976
He was nominated for Filmfare Award for "Hothon Pe Sacchai Rehti Hai" from Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai 1960 and "Dost Dost Na Raha" for Sangam 1966.
Hothon Pe Sacchai Rehti Hai"
Mukesh died of a heart attack on 27 August 1976 in Detroit, Michigan, US, where he had gone to perform in a concert. His body was flown to India by Lata Mangeshkar, where a grand funeral ceremony was held in the presence of several actors, with personalities of the Indian film industry and fans paying tribute.
After Mukesh's death, his newer, hitherto unreleased, songs were released in 1977 in films such as Dharam Veer, Amar Akbar Anthony, Khel khiladi ka, Darinda and Chandi sona. The year 1978 also featured a considerable number of Mukesh's songs in films such as Aahuti, Paramatma, Tumhari kasam and Satyam Shivam Sundaram, where Mukesh sang his last film song Chanchal sheetal nirmal komal for Raj Kapoor's younger brother, Shashi Kapoor.
SOME OF THE RARE MUKESH DUETS
MUKESH and SURAIYA Duets
This is a Rare Duet of Mukesh and Suraiya from the film “Do Dil” (1947) was directed by Jagdish Sethi. It had Motilal, Suraiya , Karan Diwan , Badri Prasad .Only Audio is available
Kaaghaz ki meri naao from “Do Dil” (1947)
This is also a duet by Mukesh and Suraiya,both acted in this song,the film was Mashuka(1953),though the film was a flop but this song was popular
Jhilmil taare kare ishaare sojaa from Mashuka
MUKESH and GEETA DUTT Duets
This song from Dr Shaitan(1960) is sung by Mukesh and Geeta Dutt. Jaan Nisaar Akhtar is the lyricist. Music is composed by N Datta.The movie had Premnath, Shakila, Sheikh Mukhtar, Sunder, Tiwari etc in it.Only Audio is available
Mausam suhaana hai door kahin chal
Here is this wonderful duet from “Pyaar Ki Baaten” (1951) for the music lovers.Manohar Lal Khanna (father of Usha Khanna) is the lyricist. Music is composed by Bulo C Rani.
Mast chaandni jhoom rahi hai
MUKESH and SUMAN KALYANPURI Duets
This song is rendered by Suman Kalyanpur and Mukesh. The song is written by Bharat Vyas which is set to music by S N Tripathi, the doyen of historical and mythological film music. The song is picturised on Jayshree Gadkar and Asim Kumar in MAHASATI AUNUSUYA (1965)
Bahut dinon se bichhda man ka meet mila from Mahasati Ansuya
Here is a song from “Sanyasi” (1975) This song is a cabarat song picturised on Helen, Arpana Chaudhary and Jayshree T. For the first time Suman Kalyanpur sang this type of song that too with Mukesh.
Tu mera din hai main teri raat
MUKESH and SUDHA MALHOTRA Duets
This is an immortal duet of Sudha Malhotra and Mukesh.surprisingly the music of this song was given sudha Malhotra herself.Lyrics were written by Sahir Ludhianvi.The film was Didi (1959)
Tum mujhe bhool bhi jaao
This is a non filmy song a Rare with Mukesh and Sudha Malhotra Versionrecorded in 1960.This popular song has been sung by many prominent singers like, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali, Abeeda Parveen, Chhaya Ganguli, Sabri Brothers etc. While some of them have sung in a qawwali style, some have sung in ghazal stylebut this duet is unique in itself,the lyrics were written by Amir Khusro in13th century,the music of this version was given by Murli Manohar Swaroop.
Zehal-e-miskeen makun taghaful
MUKESH and USHA KHANNA Duets
We all know Usha Khanna as a composer who gave her deute in 1959 from the film ‘Dil Deke Dekho’,she was not only a composer but also a very good singer.She has sung songs not only for her own music but also for other composers.Mukesh has sung a total of 26 songs for Usha Khanna.This duet with Usha Khanna is from the 1966 released film ‘Dada’. There are several movies titled ‘Dada’.
Tera Mera Pyaar Koi Aaj Kal Ki To Baat Nahin
This song from FAREB(1968) has two versions/ parts. Part I is sung by Mukesh and it is picturised on Dev Kumar.Part II is sung by Mukesh and Usha Khanna and it is picturised on Dev Kumar and Fariyaal.
Naaz thha jispe mere seene mein wo dil hi nahin
Dekhiye yoon na sharmaayiyegaa (Bindiya) (1960)
This song is picturised on Balraj Sahni and Padmini, of course. the song is written by Rajinder Krishan and music is composed by Iqbal Qureshi.Mukesh sings the song and Usha Khanna responds by humming.
Dekhiye yoon na sharmaayiyegaa (Bindiya) (1960)
MUKESH and KAMAL BAROT Duets
Na jaane chaand kaisa hogaa(Rocket Girl)(1962)
. This song is such a lovely melody, very hummable. The combination of Mukesh and Kamal Barot in this song is a wonderful delight. Enjoy.
Na jaane chaand kaisa hogaa(Rocket Girl)(1962)
Ham bhi kho gaye hain dil bhi kho gaya hai (Madam Zorro) (1962)
Here is a wonderful duet from the movie “Madam Zorro” (1962)which is sung by Mukesh and Kamal Barot. Shewan Rizvi is the lyricist and Bulo C Rani composed the music.
Ham bhi kho gaye hain dil bhi kho gaya hai
MUKESH and HEMLATA Duets
Le chal le chal mere jeewan saathhi (Vishwaas) (1969)
This was a very popular song of its time.This must be one of the earliest songs sung by Hemlata in Hindi movies.Hemlata must be feeling proud singing this with the Legend.Gulshan Bawraa is the lyricist and music is composed by Kalyanji Anandji.
Le chal le chal mere jeewan saathhi
Mera prem Himalay se oonchaa (Pujaarin)(1969)
This song is picturized on Vijay Dutt, and Rehana Sultana .Here again the female voice is humming ,Mukesh sings the main song.The music is by Narayan Dutt
This is a rare song from the film ’Apni Chhaaya’ from 1950.A very simple song, simply worded, and composed by Hanuman Prasad and Husnlal-Bhagatram. This particular song is composed by Hanuman Prasad.Only Audio is available.
Kaale kaale baadal chhaaye piyaa
Kyaa jaadoo hai tere paas piya (Chehra)(1946)
This song is a wonderful duet sung by Shamshad Begum and Mukesh. The song is about love at first sight. The words beautifully describe the emotions of the first meeting.Lyrics by I C Kapoor, and music from M A Mukhtar relatively un known.Only Audio is available