The Other Voices of Raj Kapoor

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 hum and 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.

Song from Pyar (1950),

  

Prithviraj Kapoor-The Pillar of Hindi Cinema and Theatre

 Prithviraj Kapoor( 3 November 1906;– 29 May 1972) started his career as an actor in the Silent era of Hindi cinema and starred in the first Talkie film Alam Ara.He acted as an extra in his first film, Do Dhari Talwar, though he went on to earn a lead role for his third film, titled Cinema Girl, in 1929.His performance in Vidyapati (1937) was much appreciated.His best-known performance is perhaps as Alexander the Great in Sohrab Modi's Sikandar (1941). Our generation know him for his performance in Mughal E Azam.
He began his acting career in the theatres of Lyallpur and Peshawar. Later he shifted to Bombay.There he joined the Imperial Films Company. He also joined the Grant Anderson Theater Company, an English theatrical company that remained in Bombay for a year.Through all these years, Kapoor remained devoted to the theatre and performed on stage regularly. He developed a reputation as a very fine and versatile actor on both stage and screen.
He established Prithvi Theatre in 1944 which staged memorable productions across India. The plays were highly influential and inspired young people to participate in the Indian independence movement and the Quit India Movement. In over 16 years of existence, the theatre staged some 2,662 performances. Prithviraj starred as the lead actor in every single show. One of his popular plays was called Pathan (1947), which was performed on stage nearly 600 times in Mumbai. It opened on 13 April 1947, and is a story of a Muslim and his Hindu friend.
As he progressed into his 50s, he gradually ceased theatre activities and accepted occasional offers from film-makers, including his own sons. He appeared with his son Raj in the 1951 film Awara as a stern judge who had thrown his own wife out of his house.
.His major films include V.Shantaram`s Dahej (1950), Raj Kapoor`s Awaara (1951), Aasmaan Mahal (1965), Teen Bahuraniyaan (1968), Kal Aaj Aur Kal (1971) and the Punjabi film Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai (1969). He lost his voice while directing a film entitled Paisa, as a result Prithvi Theatre was closed and he even gave up films.
He was also the patriarch of the Kapoor family, five generations of which have played active roles in Bollywood.Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor are his great grandchildren.
He passed away on 29th May 1972. The government of India honored Prithviraj Kapoor with the Padma Bhushan in 1969. For his unparalleled contribution to Indian Cinema, he was posthumously awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1971. Prithvi Theatre was later revived in his honor by his son, Shashi Kapoor.

Song from Vidyapati.1937

song from Sikandar 1941

Song from  Ishara (1943)

Song from Dahej (1950)

Song from Anand Math (1952)

Song from Rustom Sohrab (1963)

Song from HARISHCHANDRA TARAMATI 1963

The Magic of AWARA HOON and Raj Kapoor

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)

Song from Turkish Film released in 1946

Ujbekistan version

Istanbul Girls singing

President of Uzbekistan singing

Chineese singing

Raj Kapoor singing for his Gran children

Two Raj Kapoor Fans in Canada

Dancing on the song in Los Angelis

                                         Awara Hoon in background - Mere Naam Joker

The Trio of DEV ANAND,DILIP KUMAR and RAJ KAPOOR in 1960s

Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand combined to formed the trilogy of the Indian cinema in the 1950’s and 60’s.All the three started their career as Hero before Independence. In the 1950s all of them were in the peak of their career.Each had their own brand value and distinct persona and loyal following. ..
The decade of 1960s was unique for Bollywood in many ways.With the emergence of Shammi Kapoor, Rajender kumar, Sunil Dutt,and, Dharmendra the position of this trio became shaky.Out of the three only Dev Anand gave the tough competition to them
Dilip Kumar
He started his career with Jwar Bhata(1944).In 1949, he co-starred with Raj Kapoor in the film Andaz, which went to become a major success and made him a star. Tragic roles in popular films such as Deedar (1951) and Devdas (1955) earned him the title of “tragedy king”.He gave one hit after another in the 50s. His greatest hit film Mughal e Azam released in 1960,after that came another hit Ganga Jamuna in 1961.In the next 8 years only 5 films of his were released none of the film except Ram Aur Shyam in 1967 did well in the Box Office.In the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, Dilip Kumar acted in fewer films. Newer actors had taken the spotlight. In the 70s also he worked as hero in 7 films out of them Gopi released in 1970 was a hit,rest of the films were average on the Box office.His notable films in the 1980s and early 90s included Kranti (1982), Shakti (1982), Karma (1986) and Saudagar (1991) which were very successful at the box office.

Song from Andaz 1949

Song from Dard 1952

Song from Madhumati 1958

Raj Kapoor
At age eleven, he appeared in films for the first time, in the 1935 film Inquilab. Raj Kapoor’s big break, however, came when he played the hero’s role in Neel Kamal (1947) by Kidar Sharma.In 1948, at the age of twenty-four, he established his own studio, R. K. Films, and became the youngest film director of his time. His first movie as a director Aag (Fire) (1948) was an immediate success.
During the 50s he acted in more than 25 films as Hero and gave many hits.But in the 60s he gave only 2 hits Jis Desh Mein Ganga Nehti Hai(1960) and Sangam in 1964.

In the 70s he acted in 8 films not as hero except Mera Naam Joker.After the box office failure of his ambitious 1970 film, Mera Naam Joker he appeared along with his father Prithviraj Kapoor in Kal Aaj Aur Kal in 1971 directed by his son Randhir Kapoor.His last film appearances was in Vakil Babu (1982) where he appeared opposite his brother Shashi Kapoor

Song from Awara 1951

Song from Shree 420 (1955)

Song from Mera Naam Joker 1970

Dev Anand
He a break as an actor by Prabhat Talkies to star in their Hum Ek Hain (1946). His first success came with Ziddi (1948).In the 50s he appeared in more than 25 films and gave many hits every year.Some of these films are Baazi(1951),Jaal(1952),Taxi Driver(1954),Munim ji(1955),CID (1956),Nau Do Gyarah(1957),Solva Saal (1958) and Love Marriage(1959).

Song from Jaal 1951

In the 60s he appeared in more than 20 films and still giving hit films every year.In the 1960 he gave 2 super hit films Kaala Bazar and bombai ka Babu.In the next year (1961)out of 4 films released his 3 films were super hit(Maya,Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai and Hum Dono).Some of the other hits of Dev Anand in the 60s are Asli Naqli(1962),Tere Ghar Ke Samne(1963).Guide(1965),Jewel Thief(1967),Mahal(1969).In the 70s he appeared in 19 films and gave his career's super hit film Johny Mera Naam in 1970.Other hit films were Tere Mere Sapne(1971),Hare Rama Hare Krishna(1971),Amir Garib (1974) and Des Pardes (1978).

Song from Munimji 1955

Song from Guide 1965

Major Fire Gutted the Iconic R K STUDIO

A major fire on 16th Sept 2017  gutted the iconic RK Studio, founded by Indian film legend Raj Kapoor.The Studio was founded in 1945 and the first film was released in 1948.What an Irony that the studio's first film was Aag got gutted withAag(Fire).

The films made under the R K banner include "Aag", "Barsaat", "Awaara", "Shri 420", "Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai", "Mera Naam Joker", "Bobby", "Satyam Shivam Sundaram", "Ram Teri Ganga Maili", among others. The last film made under the banner was "Aa Ab Laut Chalen".As per Rishi Kapoor the the iconic Stage where the song Om Shanti Om of Karz was  shot is completely gutted.Several Manmohan Desai and Yash Chopra films have also been shot at the same set. Some costumes of RK Studio were burnt in the fire."

No one was present on the set while the studio caught fire. There is no casualty or injuries whatsoever. Cost of damage is not ascertained yet,The blaze has gutted one of the main shooting venues – the set of dance reality TV show ‘Super Dancer Season 2’, but the shooting was not underway. 

Glory of R K Films and Studio

The golden era of Bollywood starts from this studio, though its first film Aag that couldn’t do well at the box office. Many super hit films were made by R.K. Films including,Awaara, Boot Polish, Shree 420 and Bobby. Raj Kapoor, the show man of Indian cinema was behind this time initiative ahead of its time. 
 The studio complex still stands as a proud symbol in Chembur, a suburb in eastern Mumbai.

Raj Kapoor established RK Films in 1948. The first film under the banner 'Aag' was a failure. In 1949, Raj Kapoor's first commercial success came with 'Barsaat', starring Nargis. One of the posters of Barsaat showed Raj Kapoor holding Nargis in one arm and a violin in another. The poster itself became iconic.

The studio started in 1950.As per Raj Kapoor“Once when I was shooting for Awara, I had completed 13 days of shooting in a studio when on the 14th day I was asked to dismantle my sets because the studio had been hired to someone else. I was very upset and that day I decided to make my own studio. I put together all the money I had and laid the foundation of RK Studio.” 

After the success Awara 1951 Aah was released in 1953 The film was produced by Raj Kapoor and directed by Raja Nawathe. The film was rated "Below Average" at the box office but has various hit songs like "Raja Ki Aayegi Baaraat", "Aaja Re Ab Mera Dil Pukara" and "Jaane Na Nazar".By this time Nargis became the in house heroine of R K Films.  Boot Polish, Jagte Raho and Shri 420 followed. 

Shri 420 was the third film directed by Raj Kapoor,it  was the highest-grossing Indian film of 1955, and the song "Mera Joota Hai Japani", sung by Mukesh, became popular and a patriotic symbol of the newly independent India.In 1960 Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai released.The film was directed by Radhu Karmakar and produced by Raj Kapoor. The film stars Kapoor, Pran and Padmini in lead roles. This was the first directorial venture of Karmakar who had previously been cinematographer for many of Kapoor's films. The film was declared "Hit" at the box office.

Another Gem from R K Films came in 1964,Sangam a Bollywood Romance film written by Inder Raj Anand, produced and directed by Raj Kapoor. The film stars Vyjayanthimala in the lead role opposite Raj Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar.It was Raj Kapoor's first colour film, distinguished by its technicolor and epic length (even by Bollywood standards). It is also considered the Magnum Opus or best work of Raj Kapoor.One of the features of the film that became widely used later on in Bollywood is the use of foreign locales for on-location shooting, such as Venice, Paris, and Switzerland.   

After Sangam became a blockbuster, Mera Naam Joker was highly anticipated as it was under production for six years and was heavily publicized to be loosely based on Raj Kapoor's own life. Upon release the film turned out to be a critical and commercial disaster putting Kapoor into a financial crisis.In1971 Kal Aaj aur Kal produced by Raj Kapoor and directed by his son Randhir Kapoor released. The film's USP is the appearance of three generations of the famous Kapoor Family starring Prithviraj Kapoor, his son Raj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor's son Randhir Kapoor (in his acting debut) and Randhir's real-life wife-to-be Babita. It was a a moderate success at the box office.

After the debacle of Mera Naam Joker the financiers and distributors were dictating terms to RK so Bobby a teenage love story was planned.Bobby released in 1973 The film became a blockbuster, the top-grossing Indian hit of 1973,
R K Films were now making films under the direction of Randhir Kapoor also, Dharam Karam is a 1975 Hindi film produced by Raj Kapoor and directed by Randhir Kapoor, who also star as father and son in the film, respectively. The film performed "below average" at the box office.

Satyam Shivam Sundaram was the next R K Film released in 1978,starring Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman, directed by Raj Kapoor and written by Jainendra Jain.After this Raj Kapoor directed 2 films Prem Rog(1982)  and Ram Teri Ganga Maili(1985). It was Raj Kapoor's last film. The film became a "Blockbuster" at the box office and went on to be the highest grossing Hindi film of 1985. 
When Raj Kapoor died in 1988 in the middle of shooting 'Henna', Randhir took over the studio. His younger brother Rajiv Kapoor directed PremGranth in 1996; Rishi Kapoor directed Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999). Hereafter the Kapoors have produced no  film under the R.K. Films banner. 
TOP 10 HIT SONGS OF R K FILMS

Song from Aag 1948

Song from Barsat 1949

Song from Awara 1951

Song from Aah 1953

Song from Boot Polish 1954

Song from Shree 420 1955

Song from Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai 1960

Song from Sangam  1964

Song from Mera Naam Joker 1970

Song from Bobby 1973

SHAILENDRA-His Life Was a Song

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 to some 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

Song from Awara 1951

Song from Awara 1951

Song from Seema (1955)

Song from Jaagte Raho (1956)

Song from Madhumati 1958

Song from Anari 1959

Song from Kala Bazaar, 1960

Song from Bandini, 1963

Song from Guide, 1965

Song from Raat Aur Din.1966

Song from Teesri Kasam 1966