Ek Chatur Naar - The Brain Child of Kishore Kumar

This immortal song from Padosan 1968 was the highlight of the film. More than 50 years have passed, it still entertains us. The pivotal role of creating this song goes to Kishore Kumar. He didn't just act or sing in the film, he conducted the proceedings around him. He turned the entire sequence of Meri Pyari Bindu, which was actually a scene into a song. He came up with the tune, polished the words, and even choreographed it on the spot. 
The plan to use the song in Padosan was of Kishore himself. He told Padosan lyricist Rajinder Krishan to do an extended version of the old song sung by his brother Ashok Kumar in Jhoola (1941), which was then picturized so memorably on Saira Banu, Mehmood, Sunil Dutt and Kishore Kumar. A constant companion of brother Ashok in those days, he had heard the song and the tunes stayed with him.
sing for Mehmood and Kishore to sing for Sunil Dutt. When Manna De was approached for this song everybody liked his idea, a situation in the film was created where a music competition to take place between the hero and the music teacher of the heroine. It, being a classical song, Manna De was to by R D Burman with regards to the famous musical face-off number, Manna Dey refused to lose to Kishore, the reality was that he didn't wish to lose to him in the classical song competition since he was a classically trained singer and Kishore wasn't. 
The task of convincing took by Mehmood. He convinced him that its not a real competition but a reel competition. In films, anything is possible when a skinny hero can beat a strong villain why can't this happen in a song. Ultimately Manna De agreed to sing.
 Though the old song was a solo here it will be modified and more catchy to be sung a male duet. Mehmood's voice is also in this song. It was destined to be the most hilarious songs of Bollywood.
Manna De in an interview told,  it took 10 days to compose this song. Everyone who participated in composing this song has contributed. In the final rehearsal of this song, it took 9 hours before they went for a recording. This being a very long song so it was recorded in two parts, later it was merged into one. Manna De further informed that he was surprised when during the recording Kishore Kumar suddenly changed the Sargam and the context by adding his touches like "hmm dhaam.. O Tedhe Seedhe Ho Jaa Re" which took the classical song to a different level.
The song has been composed in the form of a combination of Carnatic and Hindustani music. Mahmood begins with the Aalaap in Carnatic music and the song proper while playing the harmonium. Kishore Kumar sings the Hindustani counterpart for Sunil Dutt. Their preparation for the ‘concert’ itself is funny.
While Mahmood dances, Sunil Dutt moves back towards Kishore Kumar in sync with the rhythm of the song. Kishore Kumar pushes Sunil Dutt in front and simultaneously sings a Bengali song. Beside Kishore, Mukri, Keshto Mukharjee, and Raj Kishore were also part of this song.
Mr. Sadanand Kamath in the book, ” R D Burman – The Man, The Music” by Anirudha Bhattacharjee & Balaji Vittal writes, this song was not only inspired by Ashok Kumar song but also from ‘Van Chale Ram Raghurai’ [SANT TULSIDAS (1939)] for the line ‘….Dekhi teri chaturayee’ and from ‘ Chanda re ja re ja re’ [ZIDDI (1948)] for the line ‘… Kaalaa re ja re ja re’. 
For your reference, I am posting all the three songs

Song of Jhoola 1941

Song of Sant Tulsi Das 1939

Song of Ziddi 1948

Song of Padosan 1968

50 Years of Padosan (1968)

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. 

Song of Padosan 1968

Song of Padosan 1968

Song of Padosan 1968

Song of Padosan 1968

Song of Padosan 1968

Song of Padosan 1968