Wednesday 27 July 2016

Remembering AMJAD KHAN on his Death Anniversary

AMJAD KHAN (12 November 1940 – 27 July 1992) 

 The iconic Gabbar Singh of Sholay was born in Adezai, a small village of Peshawar, British India, to legendary actor Jayant.Not many people know that Sholay was not his first film.His first film was
 Nazneen (1951).Where he played a small role as a child actor.He made appearances in minor roles with father Jayant in a few films.He assisted K. Asif in Love And God in the late 1960s and had a brief appearance in the film. The film was left incomplete after Asif's death in 1971, and it ended up releasing in 1986. In 1973 he made his debut as an adult in Hindustan Ki Kasam.
In 1975 he was offered the role of dacoit Gabbar Singh for the film Sholay by Salim Khan who was one of its writers. 

After the success of Sholay, Khan continued to play negative roles in many subsequent Hindi films. He often acted as villain opposite Amitabh Bachchan as the hero. His role in 'Inkaar' was also presented in terrifying manner. He made his presence felt in 'Des Pardes', 'Nastik', 'Satte Pe Satta', 'Dada', 'Chambal Ki Kasam', 'Ganga Ki Saugandh', 'Hum Kisise Kam Nahin', and 'Naseeb'.
Later on he played many Positive roles such as Yaarana (1981) and Laawaris (1981) as Amitabh's friend and father respectively. In the art film Utsav (1984), he portrayed Vatsayana, the author of the Kama Sutra.

He was taken by Satyajit Ray to play the role of Wazid Ali Shah for his hindi film Shatranj Ke Khiladi. In 1988 he appeared in the Merchant-Ivory English film The Perfect Murder as an underworld don. He excelled at playing comical characters in films such as Qurbani (1980), Love Story, and Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986). 

He also ventured into directing for a brief period in the 1980s directing and also starring in Chor Police (1983) and Ameer Aadmi Gareeb Aadmi (1985) but both films failed to do well at the box office.
Amjad khan singing in film Yaarana





He died in 1992 after suffering from heart failure at the age of 52. Several of the films he had completed were released after his death,last film released in 1996,in fact 3 pictures released that year.
Some of Amjad Khan Rare Pictures









Tuesday 26 July 2016

MONSOON SONGS


Monsoon in India plays very Important Role.The monsoon season is a blessing for the farmers across the country as well as for agriculture  During the monsoon the fields, crops, trees and plants come alive. The whole of nature comes to life in a 'sea of green' during the monsoons. No single event is more important to India than the coming of the monsoon  It is depicted in all of our literature and songs. It is the inspiration for half of our poetry and ragas  Indian Film Industry can not be left behind,lot of songs and scenes are created by our Dream merchants..Monsoon in Hindi Cinema spells magic, romance, intensity, drama or poetry. Its interpretation varies from context to context resulting in assorted vistas and multiple dimensions of the same. This incredible variety makes it one of the most breathtaking props of storytelling or to showcase the larger-than-life component of cinema.
Rains play quite an important role in movies. They help create scenes expressing a variety of emotions; from romance to pure mischief! Rains represent many things to people in the subcontinent.
Song-Saawan ke baadlon un se ye jaa kaho (Rattan)(1944) Singer-Zohrabai Ambaalewaali, Karan Dewan, Lyrics-D N Madhok, MD-Naushad

The rains are synonymous to romance and form the perfect backdrop for any love-related situation, from sweet confessions of love to the sensuous coming together of two soul mates. And this is not a new found trend, but a ritual that has been practised over the years and never failed audiences and filmmakers alike. Pick up any popular love song and you will see the rains play a crucial role in intensifying the moments of romance and adding to the sizzling chemistry
The Monsoon season in India lasts for 3-4 months in India, Saawan and Bhaadon the Hindi months come during this period,there are plenty of songs based on ‘Sawan’ itself  and that one can even overlook the Baarish/Barsaat/Kaali Ghataa/Megh/Badal or Badariya  songs if one has to make a compilation and that’s what I am going on to in this post. The idea is also to relate to and connect to most of the songs that I will be mentioning over here,I am starting from 1940s onward.

Bandhan”(1940) was directed by N R Acharya for Bombay Talkies, Bombay. The movie had Leela Chitnis, Ashok Kumar, v H Desai, P F Pithawala, Shahnawaz, Suresh, Arun Kumar Mukherji etc in it.
This is a topical song as it is about the arrival of Saawan. Only Audio of this song is available. Leela Chitnis is the singer. Pradeep is the lyricist. This song is composed by Saraswati Devi.



Song – Ghat Kaali Kaali Chaayi, Badariya Jhoom Jhoom Ke Aayi (Barsaat Ki Ek Raat) (1948) Singer – Munawwar Sultana, 

Song: Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi Film: Barsaat Ki Raat (1960)


In 1941 a Film "MALA"came with a song"Kahe Barse Jaaye Badariya"here the lyricist wants the rain to stop so that she can meet her lover..This song is sung by Amirbai Karnataki music by Naushad

KAAHE BARSE JAAYE BADARIYA KAAHE BARSE.MALA (1941). AMIRBAI KARNATAKI.


There’s no rain here, but there’s the anticipation of rain and the hoped-for meeting with a beloved that the rain brings with it. The song from Barsaat(1949)

(Barsaat, 1949, Shankar-Jaikishan, Shailendra, Lata Mangeshkar)

“Shokhiyaan” (1951) was an Ambitious Pictures production. It was directed by Kidar Sharma. The movie had Premnath, Suraiyya, Nazira, Shanta Kanwar, Jeevan, Kamlesh, Achla Sachdev, Rajendra Vyas, Ramesh Sinha etc in it.Here Barkha song was picturised in a different style.Song sung by Lata with chorus


SHOKHIYAN 1951 aaye barkha bahaar pade boondan


In 1951 Navketan's Baazi came with this song sung by Geeta Dutt music by S D Burman


Dekh ke akeli mohe barkha sataaye (Baazi)(1951

It is one of the most well known rain songs of all time which shows Raj Kapoor and Nargis in rain, with just one umbrella between them. Raj Kapoor tries to give the umbrella to Nargis, and she gives it back to him, and in the end both of them find themselves under the same umbrella, though it does not help them getting drenched.Here is this iconic song from “Shree 420” (1955).

Pyaar huaa iqraar hua hai (Shree 420)(1955) Singers-Manna Dey,Lata, Lyrics-Shailendra, MD-Shankar Jaikishan

Here is a song on the same theme from the movie “Do Aankhen Baarah Haath” (1956).Wonderful lyrics written by Bharat Vyas, a rousing, thunderous and a racy composition by Vasant Desai. And the best of all, it is the voices of Manna Dey and Lata.  Listen to the words carefully, each antaraa is so beautifully worded that it touches the heart.

Ho umad ghumad kar aayee re ghataa (Do Aankhen Baarah Haath)(1956) Singer-Manna Dey, Lata, Lyrics-Bharat Vyas, MD-Vasant Desai

‘Matwaala jiya doley piya jhoome ghataa chhaaye re baadal’ from Mother India


It is a romantic song. At the same time, it is a rain song as well. And, it is a song whose picturisation makes it an incredibly sensuous song as well.This song is from Kaala Bazaar(1960)

“rimjhim ke taraane leke aayi barsaat”.Singers-Rafi, Geeta Dutt, Lyrics-Shailendra,MD-S D Burman

This is a rain song par excellence. Everything about this song is outstanding. Shailendra’s lyrics are the real star of this song, I feel and then the music of Salil Chaudhary and the voice of Lata create a heady cocktail. And the song is picturised nicely on Sadhana, 

-O sajna barkhaa bahaar aayi (Parakh) (1960) Singer-Lata, Lyrics-Shailendra,MD-Salil Chaudhary

It is one kind of a fun rain song The rain begins and everyone including men, woman and even a fowl is seen running for cover,but their running for cover is not as desperate as that of “proper” people. They try to get under an umbrella, in case they are not carrying one of their own. Raj Kapoor songs are not complete without a few ladies dancing in it. And the song shows a lady seen dancing in rain, with not an umbrella or raincoat with her, and enjoying the rain.

-Dam dam diga diga(Chhaliya) (1960) Singer-Mukesh, Lyrics-Qamar Jalalabadi, MD-Kalyanji Anandji

Torrential rains. Car breaks down. Pretty driver steps out. Flirtatious mechanic breaks into a song. There's much to enjoy, on screen and off it, courtesy Madhubala's damp diva and Kishore Kumar's animated bantering in this playful track from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi.



(Sujata, 1959, SD Burman, Majrooh Sultanpuri), Asha Bhonsle)
It's a lovely duet of Talat Mahmood and Lata Mangeshkar which is picturized on Sunil Dutt and Nanda. Shailendra is the lyricist and Salil Chaudhary is the composer.(Usne Kaha Tha - 1960) Watch this song to feel the fragrance of the Indian soil in the rainy season, filled with jolliness, enthusiasm and love.
Aha Rimjhim Ke Ye Pyare Pyare Geet Liye, Aayi Raat Suhaani Dekho Preet Liye (Usne Kaha Tha - 1960)

This song may be less known, but all the attributes of a Talat Mahmood classic can be very much noticed in this song. That way, it is a forgotten gem that needs to be brought up to the notice of Bollywood music lovers. This song is  from “Reshmi Roomaal” (1961) where Talat Mahmood sings for Manoj Kumar. Raja Mehdi Ali Khan wrote the lyrics and the music director was a lesser known name viz Babul.

Jab chaaye kabhi saawan ki ghataa(Reshmi Roomaal) (1961) Singer-Talat Mehmood, Lyrics-Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, MD-Babul
 This song is windy and wild, and very sexy; and I wish with *all my heart* I were the heroine in this monsoon cavorting with Shammi.

Dil Tera Deewana” from Dil Tera Deewana (1962) (sung by Rafi and Lata, music by Shankar Jaikishan).

The song “sawan ke maheene mein” has been sung by Rafi wonderfully well. What is more, it has two versions, viz slower ( sad) and faster (happy) version.
song from Sharabi (1963)

“Sawan ka maheena” really caught the imagination of the public, so much so that this song became the most popular song of the year 1967.Sung by Mukesh and Lata,this song was written by Anand Bakshi and the music direction was by Laxmikant Pyarelal. 

Saawan ka maheena (Milan) (1967) Singers-Lata, Mukesh, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD-Laxmikant Pyarelal 

The title song of the movie, sung by Rafi, Lata and chorus, picturized on Dharmendra, Asha Parekh and others. It's another gem from the team of Laxmi-Pyare and Anand Bakshi.

Aaya Saawan Jhoom Ke (Aaya Saawan Jhoom Ke - 1969)

A very good romantic song picturized on Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman getting drenched in the heavy rains. Sung by Kishore and Lata, penned by Anand Bakshi and composed by R.D. Burman

Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, Meethi Meethi Baaton Mein, Aisi Barsaaton Mein (Ajnabee - 1974)

A great romantic song, surprisingly in a memorable comedy of Hindi cinema, sung by Lata picturized on Sharmila Tagore (singing for Dharmendra). Written by Anand Bakshi. Composed by S.D. Burman.

Ab Ke Sajan Saawan Mein, Aag Lagegi Badan Mein (Chupke Chupke - 1975)

Song from Do Raaste

 This song is picturised on Dharmendra and Asha Parekh. Anand Bakshi was the lyricist and its litling music was composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal.

Kuchh kahta hai ye saawan (Mera Gaaon Mera Desh) (1971) 

The lyrics are great – the guy is asking the rain to come down harder so that his girl friend cant go. A Mukesh song written by Sawan Kumar Tak,music by Usha Khanna

                                        BARKHA RANI ZARA JAM KE BARSO - Mukesh - SABAK 1973


Zeenat Aman dancing in a rain-drenched sari and singing, Haaye haaye yeh majboori, even if she was paired with Manoj Kumar.The music by Lakshmikant Pyarelal, the lyrics by verma malik, Lata’s teasing voice, and Zeenat’s sultry looks and dancing, they all combined to make this song a hit 

Haay haay ye majboori ye mausam aur ye doori (Roti Kapda Aur Makaan) (1974)

Here is this song from “Sharmilee” (1971) which is sung by Lata. It is picturised on Rakhi Lyrics by Neeraj
.
Megha chhaaye aadhi raat bairan ban gayi nindiyaa (Sharmilee) (1971) Singer-Lata, Lyrics-Neeraj, MD- S D Burman

 A joyful Kishore-Asha duet with surprisingly pleasant jovial acting by late Smita Patil with Amitabh Bachchan. It's been written by Anjaan and composed by Bappi Lahari

Watch the golden classic all time hit Bollywood rain song 'Rim Jhim Gire Sawan' from the critically acclaimed superhit Bollywood blockbuster romantic Hindi movie 'Manzil' (1979), starring Amitabh Bachchan, Moushumi Chatterjee

                                     Rim Jhim Gire Sawan - Classic Romantic Rain Song 


                                     Kaate Nahi Katate Yeh Din Yeh Raat,Kishore Kumar, Alisha Chinai

It's a timeless emotional song with the backdrop of rain, hence should be a part of this list only.sung by Suresh Wadkar and emotionally performed by Vinod Khanna on the screen. The highly emotional, pain-soaked words have been written by Anand Bakshi and the melancholy-filled melodious composition has been done by Shiv-Hari 
Lagi Aaj Saawan Ki Phir Wo Jhadi Hai (Chandni - 1989) 

 A melodious duet by Kavita Krishnamurthy and Kumar Sanu, picturized on Manisha Koirala and Anil Kapoor, penned by Javed Akhtar and composed by R.D. Burman.

Rimjhim Rimjhim Runjhun Runjhum, Bheegi Bheegi Roott Mein, Tum Hum Hum Tum, Chalte Hain (1942, A Love Story - 1994) 
Kajol performs memorably in rain on Lata's song sung in the music direction of Jatin Lalit which has been written by Anand Bakshi.

Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye, Aake Mujhe Chhed Jaaye (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge - 1995) :

Lyric of Javed Akhtar, composed by A.R. Rehman for this much acclaimed movie of Aamir Khan has been jointly sung by singers like Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Shaan and Shankar Mahadevan.
Ghanan Ghanan Ghan Ghir Aaye Badra (Lagaan - 2001) 

Sung by Babul Supriyo and Alka Yagnik, music by Jatin Lalit,Karan and Rhea express their feelings for each other in the song as the rain pours
Hum Tum” from Hum Tum (2004)

Tip Tip Barsa Paani
Movie: Mohra


Barso Re Megha









Monday 25 July 2016

Great Songs by Forgotten Composers

SUDHIR PHADKE   (25 July 1919 – 29 July 2002)


Remember the song Jyoti kalash chalke  by Lata Mangeshkar or Aaj Pehli Tarikh Hai by Kishore Kumar both these immortal songs were composed by him.Geet Ramayana, based on poet G D Madgulkar's verses, is one of Phadke's most popular works.Stage performances of the program continue to draw huge crowds even today. 

Sudhir Phadke, affectionately called Babuji, was a giant in the field of music. Born Shriram Phadke in Kolhapur, Maharashtra,He was regarded as an icon of the Marathi film industry and Marathi Sugam Sangeet (light music) for five decades.During his long career, he composed music for many Marathi and Hindi films. He was also an immaculate playback singer. Phadke married his fellow singer Lalita Deulkar. Their son Shridhar Phadke (born 1950) is also a composer and singer.Sudhir Phadke has 111 films to his credit as a music director, 21 of which are in Hindi.
Phadke acquired his primary tutelage in vocal classical music from the late Vamanrao Padhyein Kolhapur. After beginning his career with HMV in 1941, he joined the Prabhat Film Company as music director in 1946.
At HMV, he met with Vasudev G Bhatkar, who would later be more famous as Snehal Bhatkar. This was a lasting friendship, which also brought the young Sudhir in touch with the film industry. In collaboration with Vasudev Bhatkar, his first film as music director was ‘Rukmini Swyamvar’ in 1946. 
Gokul (1946) was his first movie it was directed by Vasant Painter for Prabhat Films. The movie had Kamla Kotnis and Anant Marathe in it,only two songs of this movie are available in YT,I am posting both.
Kahaan hamaare shyaam chale (Gokul)(1946) Singer-G M Durrani, Lyrics-Qamar Jalalabadi, MD-Sudhir Phadke

In 1947 he got the fim Aage Bado,which was a movie on a progressive topic and it dealt with an important social issue.The movie had 7 songs all were popular that time,Here is a duet song picturised on them. The song is sung by Rafi (for Dev Anand) and Khursheed (for herself). Dev Anand looks young and dashing. 

Saawan ki ghataaon dheere dheere aanaa (Aage Badho) (1947) 

In 1949 his 3 movies released Apraadhi,Maaya Baazaar and Sant Janabai.

“Apradhi” (1947) was a Prabhat Pictures Production. It was produced by S Fatehlal and directed by Yashwant Pethkar. The movie had Madhubala, Ram Singh, Leela Pandey, Pran, Uma Dutt, Raj Kishore, Gouri, Srinivas Joshi, Manjrekar, Kishan Rao, M Naresh, Niranjan, Subodh, Vinod, Gangubai, Madhu Apte etc in it.
This movie was the debut movie of Madhubala as a leading lady. She was just 15 years of age.Here is this delightful song from “Apraadhi” (1949).

           Apradhi" (1949) sitara kanpuri jaan pahachan na kahi salam na dil mera


For those who lived in India during 1960s and 1970s, and who listened to radio Ceylon every morning, 7-30 to 8 AM was the time for old songs. Last song of that programme used to be K L Sehgal song,There was one exception during this time slot between 7-30 to 8 AM though, and that would arrive on the first day of every new month. This was a song of Kishore Kumar that would go ” din hai suhana aj pahli tarikh hai”
“Pahli taarikh” (1954) was written by Qamar Jalalabadi and that the music was by Sudhir Phadke. And how well the lyricist has captured the sentiments of ordinary real life of people.

Din hai suhana aaj pahli taarikh hai (Pahli tarikh 1954) 
Lata and Sudhir Phadke gave a memorable song. 
Here is a forgotten gem from an obscure movie called “Ratnaghar” (1955).This movie had Lalita Pawar, Raja Paranjpe, Shakuntala, Suryakan

Aise hain sukh swapan hamaare (Ratnaghar) (1955)

This song is from a Rare song from the movie called “Sajni” (1956). The song is written by Pt Narendra Sharma. The song is a duet. Lata is the female playback singer. and guess who is the male playback singer ? It is none other than Sudhir Phadke himself !

Qismat ka nahin dosh baawre (Sajni) (1956)

The composition of “Jyoti Kalash Chhalke” came in 1961.He is best known for this iconic composition.  The singing voice is that of Lata ji. The verses are from the pen of Pt Narendra Sharma. The melody created by Sudhir Phadke is based on Raag Mishr Maalkauns.


1961 was nearly the end of his career in Hindi films. He did one more film in 1962 (‘Pyaar Ki Jeet’), and then one more after a gap of 10 years in 1972 (‘Daraar’). 
This song is in the voice of Asha Bhosle. I am sure many will remember this memory tickler from the radio listening days. 

Bedard Anaadi Saanwariya (Pyaar Ki Jeet) (1962)

In the last days of his life, Phadke was involved in producing a Hindi film on the life of the Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The movie Veer Savarkar was funded by public donations. Sudhir Phadke last sang and composed music for this movie. Phadke was connected with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for over 60 years.
Phadke won numerous awards, including:
He died in Mumbai on 29 July 2002 at 10.30 AM after suffering a brain haemorrhage. His body was kept at Veer Savarkar Memorial at Dadar in central Mumbai, where many admirers came to pay their last tributes.