Caravan- Revisiting after 50 Years

 

The musical superhit film directed by Nasir Husain featured Asha Parekh, Jeetendra, and Aruna Irani completed 50 years on 5th Nov 2021 and was a super hit in India. You would be surprised to note that it was a super-duper hit in China when it was released eight years after its Indian release. In fact, Caravan, believe it or not, sold 19 million tickets in India – and 100 million tickets in China! One hundred million broke all records in China for a foreign film. One of the earliest Indian films to earn the big bucks in Chinese domestic markets was Raj Kapoor's 1951 Indian classic Awara. released in 1955.

Caravan‘s amazing success in China was matched only thirty years later by Nasir Husain's nephew, Amir Khan with his 3 Idiots.

The movie’s storyline was nothing great. A runaway heiress joins a passing caravan of gypsies, to escape the villain who murdered her father, then falls in love with the leading man, who eventually rescues her from the villain, etc, etc. The film's plot was loosely inspired by the 1953 film Girl on the Run, a little-known crime drama set against the backdrop of a carnival burlesque show, which was changed to a gypsy show in Caravan.

Aruna Irani has a significant role in this film.The traveling troupe featured Madan Puri as the manager and a young Aruna Irani as the star performer Nisha. In fact, Irani nearly stole the show from the film’s heroine with her animated performances in the songs 'Chadhti Jawaani Meri Chaal Mastani', 'Dilbar Dil Se Pyaare' and ‘Ab Joh Mile Hain Toh’.

The screenplay of the film was provided by Bhowmick, but the treatment of the film was all Husain, who turned it into the entertainer that it was. According to the film's star Asha Parekh in her biography The Hit Girl, Caravan happened accidentally.

The highlight of the film was its music, composed by R D Burman, and lyrics by Mazrooh Sultanpuri. In Caravan, there was a song for every mood. There was the soft romantic duet ‘Kitna Pyaara Waada’, the road song ‘Goriya Kahaan Tera Desh Re’, the goofy performance number ‘Daiya Yeh Main Kahaan Aa Phasi’, and, of course, the most famous of them all, the cabaret track, ‘Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja’ picturized on Helen, which brought singer Asha Bhosle her third Filmfare award for Best Female Playback Singer.

Even after 50 years, the film is still refreshing, if you have not seen the film,i recommend you to see it today.

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All Songs of Caravan

Nasir Hussain- Always Believed in Long Associations

 

Nasir Hussain (16 November 1926 – 13 March 2002),  started his career as a story writer in 1948. He remained there till he started his own Nasir Hussain Films and turned producer-director. He made musical hits like Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961),  

He introduced Asha Parekh in Dil Deke Dekho (1959), she was the heroine of his first production Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961),  she was the heroine for all his films like  Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Teesri Manzil (1966), Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), Caravan (1971),  After a gap of 13 years, she did a cameo in his film Manzil Manzil (1984). With Teesri Manzil he associated with music director R D Burman and after that RD was the music director of all his films like  Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), Caravan (1971), Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973), and Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977),  Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981), Manzil Manzil (1984) and Zabardast (1985) So was the lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri who wrote lyrics for all the above films.

Rajendra Nath the comedian was a fixture in almost all of his early productions. He was in Dil Deke Dekho (1959), Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai (1961), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), Zabardast (1985) and Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981).

Pran was also a constant villain in Ziddi, Love in Tokyo, Paying Guest and Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. He also collaborated with writer Sachin Bhowmick, comic Wasti, and editors Babu Lavande and Gurudutt Shirali in many of his films

Here are a few songs of his films of RD & Majrooh Sultanpuri combination.

Song of Teesri Mnzil 1966

Song of  Baharon Ke Sapne (1967)

Song of Pyar Ka Mausam (1969)

Song of Caravan  (1971)

Song of Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973)

Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)

Yun Toh Humne Lakh Haseen Dekhe Hain- The Game Changer for Shammi Kapoor

This song and the film'Tumsa Nahin Dekha' was a gamechanger for Shammi Kapoor. Before this film, he had given 18 flop films in a row. This film was written by Nasir Hussain in keeping Dev Anand in mind. When Dev Anand refused to do this film, Shammi Kapoor was given this film.
This superhit song was written by Sahir Ludhianvi and composed by O P Nayyar well in advance keeping in mind Dev Anand. This was the only song written by Sahir in this film, he also opted out of the film because Dev Anand is not doing the film. Those days only Dev Anand had a flamboyant image and his earlier films (Munimji and Paying Guest)  with the producers had similar roles and were superhit.
The director of the film Nasir Hussain said in an interview that he was reluctant to take Shammi Kapoor as his hero for this film, it was his first film as a director and he wanted to work with an established hero. S Mukkharjee the producer suggested the name of Sunil Dutt after Dev Anand's refusal, ultimately the name of Shammi Kapoor emerged. 
Shammi Kapoor, who knew the story of the film and also knew that it will be a musical Rom-Com was desperate to grab this film to boost his sinking career. Nasir Hussain thought of changing the earlier image of Shammi Kapoor, asked him to remove his mustaches and change his hairstyle.
Shammi Kapoor told in an interview that this film was his dream film, he wanted this type of a role to show to the world his style. Those days no specialized choreographers were available for the songs. Heroes used to be sober or simpler in their songs. I had a great sense of dance and music, could improvise my own steps. So I asked Nasir Hussain to give him the recording of the song so that he could prepare for the song.
The day he got the recording of this song he went up to the terrace of his house at Chembur, he danced with the rhythm throughout the night., until every line, every beat had seeped into his body.
When the song was being picturized, Nasir Hussain gave him the full freedom to make his moves and steps. Everybody present there were surprised to see Shammi performing the song. Nasir Hussain was happy, he wanted Shammi Kapoor to do differently and he did it.
This is a version song, the other version was sung by Asha Bhonsle, the favorite of composer O P Nayyar.

Song of Tumsa Nahin Dekha 1957 (Both Versions)

Nasir Hussain - The Maker of Rom- Com- Musicals

Started his film career as a story writer when he joined Filmistan in 1948. The famous films he wrote for Filmistan include Anarkali (1953), Munimji (1955), and Paying Guest (1957).  The first film he directed was Tumsa Nahin Dekha in 1957 for Filmalaya. Another film he directed in 1958 was Dil Deke Dekho. The highlight of both of these films was its music. His films were full of adventure, romance, fun, music, outdoor and entertainment
He started his own film company, Nasir Hussain Films and turned producer-director. He made musical hits like Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Teesri Manzil (1966), Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), Caravan (1971), Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973), and Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977).
Nasir Hussain was an admirer of Dev Anand, when he was making his first film as a director Tumsa Nahin Dekha he wanted Dev Anand as his hero but Dev Anand refused the film because of the heroine being a newcomer so Shammi Kapoor was approached. Similarly when Teesri Manzil was planned Dev Anand was signed for the film but due to differences with Hussain he opted out and Kapoor was cast.

Nasir Hussain introduced Asha Parekh with the film Dil Deke Dekho opposite Shammi Kapoor since then she was in all of Hussain's films until Caravan (1971). Hussain, Majrooh Sultanpuri, and R.D. Burman collaborated on Teesri Manzil, Baharon Ke Sapne, Pyar Ka Mausam, Caravan, Yaadon Ki Baraat, and Hum Kisise Kum Naheen.

He made Yaadon Ki Baraat in 1973 which was written by Salim-Javed, who had written Zanjeer the same year. Both the films dealt with the hero wanting to avenge his father's death, and both featured Ajit as the villain. Yaadon Ki Baraat has been identified as the first masala film.

The 1980s were not good for him, all his films Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981), Manzil Manzil (1984) and Zabardast (1985) all flopped, Hussain's son Mansoor Khan took over the reins of Nasir Hussain Films, although Hussain continued to write scripts and dialogues for films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992). In Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, he introduced his nephew Aamir Khan as a hero. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was a milestone in the history of Hindi cinema, setting the template for Bollywood musical romance films that defined Hindi cinema in the 1990s 

Song of  Tumsa Nahin Dekha in 1957

Song of Dil Deke Dekho 1958

Song of Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai 1961

Song of Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963),

Song of Teesri Manzil (1966)

Song of Baharon Ke Sapne (1967)

Song of  Pyar Ka Mausam (1969)

Song of Caravan (1971)

Song of Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973)

Song of Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)

Song of Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981)

Song of Manzil Manzil (1984)

Story Behind the Song "Yeh Aankhen Uff You Maa"

This Iconic song is sung by Rafi and Lata and it is picturised on the lead pair of Dev Saab and Asha Parekh. The film was directed by Nasir Hussain and the song was written by Hasrat Jaipuri and composed by Shankar Jaikishan. The film was a super hit, all the songs were hit.
When this song released everybody was curious to know the meaning of Uff Youmaa.These words became craze after the release of the film.
The story behind these words was that once Music Director Jaikishan along with lyricist Hasrat Jaipuri were attending a party in Bombay where an Arabic lady who was very beautiful said Uff Yumma and Jaikishan immediately took a liking for this very unusual word and there and then asked Hasrat Jaipuri to sit down and write a romantic song using this word for their upcoming film Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai.
The Mukhra of this song was ready in a few minutes. Jaikishan immediately left the party and went to Nasir Hussain's house Initially Nasir Hussain was reluctant to take these words but when the full song was ready he invited Dev Saab to listen to the song. Dev Anand instantly liked these words and approved this song.
This romantic song was picturised on the beautiful hills of Darjeeling. The situation was created for this song by the director for using these words. 

Song of Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai 1961

Please Click the Link Below to know more about Hasrat Jaipuri

https://youtu.be/58O0VJZZ0UU 

Nasir Hussain-The King Of Musical Hits

Nasir Hussain (16 November 1926 – 13 March 2002) had a ear for good, popular music.He gave us many Musical Hits like Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Teesri Manzil (1966), Baharon Ke Sapne(1967), Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), Caravan (1971), Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973),  Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977). Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992).
He started his career as story writer in 1948. The famous films he wrote for Filmistan include Anarkali (1953), Munimji (1955), and Paying Guest (1957).

He directed his first film Tumsa Nahin Dekha in 1957 which established Shammi Kapoor as a successful Actor.
He was very fond of Dev Anand,he wanted Dev Anand to be Hero of Tumsa Nahin Dekha and Teesri Manzil but Dev Anand did not acept his offer,both the films went to Shammi Kapoor.

He also introduced Asha Parekh from Dil Deke Dekho( 1959).After that he had one of his longest associations was with leading lady Asha Parekh, from Dil Deke Dekho, through Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Teesri Manzil, Baharon Ke Sapne, Pyar Ka Mausam until Caravan. After a gap of 13 years, she did a cameo in his film Manzil Manzil (1984).

Rajendra Nath the comedian was a fixture in almost all of his early productions. He was in Dil Deke Dekho (1959), Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai (1961), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), Zabardast (1985) and Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981).

R D Burman was another person who had a long association with him since Teesri Manzil  through Baharon Ke Sapne, Pyar Ka Mausam, Caravan, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai, Manzil Manzil and Zabardast.
Another person was the lyricist Majroh Sultanpuri who was associated with him in 10 of his productions, apart from working with him in Paying Guest.
In the 80s he lost his magic touch,none of his films were clicking on the Box Office.In 1981 he made Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai but the film flopped, Undeterred, he directed his next film Manzil Manzil(1984) and brought back Asha for a small cameo in the mother role, but the film still flopped. As did his next film Zabardast (1985), which turned out to be his last directorial venture. He then handed the reins over to his son Mansoor Khan to direct Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), which starred his nephew Aamir Khan, which became a big hit. Since Nasir wrote the script, he won the Filmfare Best Screenplay Award. He would win the Filmfare Best Movie Award for producing Mansoor's directorial effort Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), which again starred his nephew Aamir Khan. The final film he wrote was Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995). He won a special Filmfare Award for his contribution to Hindi cinema in 1996.

 He was a big fan of Western music — be it the Beatles, Jose Feliciano, Abba, the Elvis Presley songs and these are all referenced in his films. I think this too contributed to his excellent working relationship with R D Burman.He died of a heart attack on March 13, 2002.He will be remembered for his musical hits.
Super Hit songs from Nasir Hussain Films

Song from Tumsa Nahin Dekha 1957

Song from Dil Deke Dekho 1959

Song from Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai 1961

Song from Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon 1963

Song from Baharon Ke Sapne 1967

Song from  Pyar Ka Mausam 1969

Song from Caravan 1971

Song from Yaadon Ki Baaraat 1973

Song from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen 1977

Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai

Song from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) 

Song from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992)