Anarkali was a Musical Milestone for C Ramchandra

 

 C. Ramchandra's biggest success as a music composer was the 1953 movie Anarkali, though he had already tasted success with  Shehnai (1947), Sargam(1950), Samadhi(1950) and Albela(1951). The film was a Musical Hit and went on to celebrate Golden Jubilee. It was the highest-grossing film of 1953 and again ranks 2nd in the top 25 Best Musical Films of all times according to IMDb.

The Music direction of this film was given to the composer Vasant Prakash, who was the younger brother of famous composer Khemchan Prakash. He even composed a song “Aa jaane wafa aa” penned by Jan Nisar Akhtar and sung by Geeta Dutt. Basant Prakash had major health problems after having recorded this one song with Geeta Dutt. C. Ramchandra took over as the composer. The film had a total of 11 songs, with 10 composed by C Ramchandra and 1 by Basant Prakash.

This film was a musical hit. The first-ever 'Binaca Geetmala' Annual Program of 1953 - saw  "Ye Zindagi usiki hai" catapulted to  the No. 1 position. This song came in parts in the film. The first two stanzas were when the lovers happy in each others company. The 3 rd stanza - jo dil yahan na mil sake signalled their despair and separation, while the last 2 were of unrequited love when Anarkali was being cemented into a wall on all sides. Lata Mangeshkar gave her soul in singing this song.

Out of 11 songs, only one song was a duet "Jaag Dard-E-Ishq Jaag" sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Hemant Kumar.  Hemant Da had 2 solos in this film , recall the song "Zindagi Pyar Ki Do Char Ghadi Hoti Hai'.There were other beautiful songs too other than the above . 1. Aaja ab to aaja [Lata Mangeshkar- lyricist  Shaillendra]; 2. Mohabbat aisi dhadkan hai [Lata Mangeshkar] 3. Muzse mat puch mere ishq mein kya rakkha hai [Lata Mangeshkar] ; 4. Muhabbat mein aise kadam dagmagaye [Lata Mangeshkar] ; 5. Dua kar ghame dil khuda se dua kar [Lata Mangeshkar].

Track #	Song	Singer(s)	Lyricist	Music Composer
1	"Aa Jaan e Wafaa"[3]	Geeta Dutt	Jan Nissar Akhtar	Vasant Prakash
2	"Aaja Ab To Aaja"[3]	Lata Mangeshkar	Shailendra	C. Ramchandra
3	"Mujhse Mat Poochh"	Lata Mangeshkar	Rajendra Krishan	C. Ramchandra
4	"Dua Kar Gham-E-Dil"	Lata Mangeshkar	Shailendra	C. Ramchandra
5	"Jaag Dard-E-Ishq Jaag"[3]	Lata Mangeshkar, Hemant Kumar	Rajendra Krishan	C. Ramchandra
6	"Mohabbat Aisi Dhadkan Hai"[3]	Lata Mangeshkar	Hasrat Jaipuri	C. Ramchandra
7	"Zindagi Pyar Ki Do Char Ghadi"[3]	Hemant Kumar	Rajendra Krishan	C. Ramchandra
8	"O Aasman Wale Shikwa Hai Zindagi Ka"	Lata Mangeshkar	Hasrat Jaipuri	C. Ramchandra
9	"Yeh Zindagi Usiki Hai"[3]	Lata Mangeshkar	Rajendra Krishan	C. Ramchandra
10	"Ae Baad E Saba Zara Ahista Chal"	Hemant Kumar
11	"Mohabbat Mein Aise Kadam Dagamagae"	Lata Mangeshkar	Rajendra Krishan

Song of Anarkali 1953

Song of Anarkali 1953

Song of Anarkali 1953

Song of Anarkali 1953

Song of Anarkali 1953

Song of Anarkali 1953

Song of Anarkali 1953

Song of Anarkali 1953

Song of Anarkali 1953

Patita (1953) - A Heroine Orined Film

Released on 1st January 1953, Patta was a musical hit film of Dev Anand. After the success of Jaal and Rahi, it was Dev Anand's rare film being heroine oriented. Usha Kiran was the heroine of this film.

  The film is especially well known for some very melodious and popular songs  Shankar Jaikishan has used Talat Mahmood for Dev Anand’s playback voice in this film. He sang three songs in this film – Andhe Jahan Ke Andhe Raaste, Tujhe Apne Paas Bulati Hai Teri Duniya and  Hai Sabse Madhur Woh Geet – all these three got etched into the All-Time Best of Talat Mahmood songs. The lyrics were written by Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri. Hasrat Jaipuri wrote the only song, a Hemant Kumar- Lata Mangeshkar duet – Yaad Kiya Dil Ne Kaha Ho Tum – for the film, which also has been an all-time hit. The other two Lata Mangeshkar songs were thus destined to remain in the shadow of the brightly shining glory of these four songs, even though each of them remains a very special  Lata Mangeshkar songs.

Song of Patita 1953

Song of Patita 1953

Song of Patita 1953

Song of Patita 1953

Song of Patita 1953

Song of Patita 1953

Top 20 Bollywood film soundtracks of Golden Era

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

Song of Barsaat (1949)

Guide (1965)

 A romantic drama film starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. It was directed by Vijay Anand, who contributed to the screenplay. The film is based on the novel The Guide, by R. K. Narayan. The film's music was composed by Sachin Dev Burman, the songs were written by Shailendra and they were sung by Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey and Sachin Dev Burman.
 Din Dhal Jaaye – Mohammed Rafi
Aaj Phir Jeene Ki – Lata Mangeshkar
Piya Tose – Lata Mangeshkar
Tere Mere Sapne – Mohammed Rafi
Gaata Rahe Mera Dil – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi
Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya – Mohammed Rafi
Saiyan Beiman – Lata Mangeshkar

Song of Guide (1965)

Pyaasa (1957)

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

Song of Pyaasa (1957)

Madhumati (1958)

Produced and directed by Bimal Roy, and written by Ritwik Ghatak and Rajinder Singh Bedi. Its music was composed by Salil Choudhury, with lyrics written by Shailendra. The film stars Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala in the lead roles with Pran and Johnny Walker. It was one of Bimal Roy's greatest commercial successes.All the 12 songs were hit
Aaja Re Pardesi – Lata Mangeshkar
Dil Tadap Tadap – Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh
Suhana Safar – Mukesh
Ghadi Ghadi Mora Dil – Lata Mangeshkar
Chadh Gayo Papi Bichua – Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey

Song of Madhumati (1958)

Mughal E Azam (1960)

Indian epic historical 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

Song of Mughal E Azam (1960)

Taj Mahal (1963)

The movie's musical score is by Roshan, lyrics are by Sahir Ludhianvi and most of the songs are performed by Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.
Jo Wada Kiya Woh – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi
Jo Baat Tujh Mein Hai – Mohammed Rafi
Jurm-e Ulfat Pe – Lata Mangeshkar
Paaon Choo Lene Do – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi
Chandi Ka Badan – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi

Song of  Taj Mahal (1963)

Baiju Bawra (1952)

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.

Song of  Baiju Bawra (1952)

Pakeezah (1971)

The film starred Meena Kumari, Raaj Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Nadira, D.K. Sapru and Veena . The music is by Ghulam Mohammed and Naushad Ali.  Ghulam Mohammed, the music director of Pakeezah, sadly could not be alive to see the success of his film. There were total 18 songs recorded, however, only 9 of them were used in the film.
Chalte Chalte – Lata Mangeshkar
Taare Rahiyo – Lata Mangeshkar
Teer-e Nazar – Lata Mangeshkar
Chalo Dildar Chalo – Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi
Inhi Logon Ne – Lata Mangeshkar
Mausam Hai Aashiqana – Lata Mangeshkar

Song of  Pakeezah (1971)

Aradhana (1969)

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.

• Babuji Dheere Chalna – Geeta Dutt
• Sun Sun Sun Zalima – Geeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi
• Kabhi Aar Kabhi Par – Shamshad Begum
• Yeh Lo Main Haari Piya – Geeta Dutt
• Hoon Abhi Main Jawan – Geeta Dutt

Song of Aar Paar (1954)

Teesri Manzil (1966)

 A 1966 Indian musical thriller film directed by Vijay Anand and produced by Nasir Hussain. It starred Shammi Kapoor, Asha Parekh, along with Laxmi Chhaya, Premnath, Prem Chopra, Iftekhar, Helen, K. N. Singh and Salim Khan. The film became a hit at the box office. with the music and songs setting records, this movie is considered among the best offerings of R.D.Burman's career.
Aaja Aaja – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi
Deewana Mujhsa Nahin – Mohammed Rafi
O Haseena Zulfonwali – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi
O Mere Sona Re – Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi
Tumne Mujhe Dekha – Mohammed Rafi

Song of Teesri Manzil (1966)

Nagin (1954)

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

Song of Nagin (1954)

Chori Chori (1956)

A  romantic comedy film directed by Anant Thakur, with music by Shankar Jaikishan and lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra.The music of Chori Chori had popular tracks including "Aaja Sanam", "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" in the voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey; "Jahan Mein Jati Hun" by Lata and Manna and "Sawa Lakh Ki Lottery," by Mohammad Rafi.

Song of Chori Chori (1956)

Albela (1951)

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...

Shola Jo Bhadke - Lata Mangeshkar & Chitalkar

Shaam Dhale Khidki Tale - Lata Mangeshkar & Chitalkar

Bholi Soorat Dil Ke Khote - Lata Mangeshkar & Chitalkar

Song of Albela (1951)

Milan (1967)

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

Song of Dosti 1964

Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973)

Song of  Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973)

Directed by Nasir Hussain and written by Salim-Javed (Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar). It featured an ensemble cast, starring Dharmendra, Zeenat Aman, Ajit Khan, Vijay Arora, Tariq Khan, Neetu Singh. It is still remembered fondly for its Hindi soundtrack, composed by music director R.D. Burman. The track "Chura Liya Hai", sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi, is particularly well-known.Apart from the title song, the other best-remembered numbers are "Lekar Hum Deewana Dil" and "Meri Soni Meri Tamanna