Writing a letter used to be an art. In the present age of SMS and email, this art of writing letters is almost lost. There was a time when a diary writing or letter writing was the best way of expressing your emotions or feelings but this is being done with Emojis or tweets Many great leaders wrote letters, these letters are still being preserved. Many great books were published having the collection of these letters, recall the book on Nehru’s letters to his daughter Letters have played an important part in several of our films, in many films, a letter found in the end changes the climax, the letters were intercepted by villains and replaced by a fake letter for some devious purpose. Similarly, letters remain a part of many of our film songs. Many hit songs were based on this theme.
The first immortal song in my list is from 1947 film Dard, picturized on Munawar Sultana. This song was written by Shakeel Badayuni, composed by Naushad and sung by Uma Devi who was known as Tun Tun. It was a big musical hit which catapulted Naushad to great heights.
Song of Dard 1947
Here is a song from a movie called “Ardhangini ” (1959).This song featuring Meena Kumari is a happy enough song. It is sung by Lata. Written by Majrooh Sultanpuri and composed by Vasant Desai.
Song of“Ardhangini ” (1959)
The next immortal song is from Sangam(1964), written by Hasrat Jaipuri, composed by Shankar Jaikoshan, picturized on Rajendra Kumar
Song of Sangam 1964
Here is a song from Haqeeqat(1964) written by Kaifi Azmi and composed by Madan Mohan sung by Mohammad Rafi and others
Song of Haqeeqat 1964
The song is sung by Asha Bhosle, written by Anand Bakshi and music is given by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, It is a dance song picturized on Asha Parekh
Song of Aaye Din Bahar Ke 1966
This melodious superhit song is written by Neeraj, composed by Shankar Jaikishan and is sung by Mohammed Rafi from 1968 film Kanyadan It features Shashi Kapoor and Asha Parekh.
Song of Kanyadan 1968
This song from the movie Saraswatichandra (1968) is sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh and is picturized on Nutan and Manish.
Song of Saraswatichandra (1968)
This superhit song from Prem Pujari (1970) was written by Neeraj, composed by S D Burman and sung by Kishore Kumar. picturized on Dev Anand
Song of Prem Pujari 1970
This is a duet of Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar from Rampur Ka Laxman 1972, picturized on Randhir Kapoor and Rekha.
Song of Rampur Ka Laxman 1972
Quite a moving song, sung so beautifully by Kishore Kumar. Written by Gulzar and composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal for Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein.In this song, a bicycle riding postman carries posts in a village. The song describes the feelings of those who eagerly look forward to the postman
Song of Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein. 1977
This beautiful Ghazal of Pankaj Udhas from 1986 film Naam. picturized on him , perhaps one of the best Ghazals of him.
Song of Naam 1986
This song is sung by Sonu Nigam & Roop Kumar Rathod from 1997 film Border is about the letters sent to the soldiers by their near and dear ones.
Song of Border 1997
It is really surprising to see a song recently in Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) where letters become the mode of communication for the reclusive writer played by Ayushmann Khurrana, and his fan, played by Kriti Sanon. The song was sung by Anshuman Khurana .
LP was the most sought after composer duo in the seventies and eighties. In two decades, they composed music for 250 films. They had 45 golden and silver jubilees to their credit.Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar was born on 3rd Nov 1937 in a modest family. At a very young age, he learned the mandolin.He spent two years in the company of the well-known mandolin player Hussain Ali.
Laxmikant met Pyarelal at a recording and soon became friends. Laxmikant was older than Pyare by three years. When Laxmikant was about 10 years old, he once played mandolin in a Lata Mangeshkar concert in Radio Club, Colaba. Lata was so impressed that she talked to him after the concert. Later, when Lata came to know of their financial hardships, she recommended them to S D Burman, Naushad and C Ramchandra. Both of them worked as instrumentist.
In the early 1960s, they joined Kalyanji Anandji and began arranging music for their films Madari, Satta Bazar, Chhaliya, Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere and Himalaya ki God Mein. They got their first break as an independent composer in a Bhojpuri film but this film couldn't be completed/. After that, they were signed for a B grade Hindi film 'Parasmani' released in 1963. The music of this film became so popular that Rajshri Films offered them a film 'Dosti' which was released in 1964. The film and its music became superhit. They got their first Filmfare Award as Best Music Director for this film.
Then came Lootera (1965), a superhit musical non-star cast film, which is remembered only because of Lata Mangeshkar's superhit songs with Laxmikant–Pyarelal. The very next year the music of Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966) followed by Pyar Kiye Jaa. Even in films with lesser-known actors, L-P scored hit music: in Sati Savitri (Songs:"Tum Gagan Ke Chandram Ho", "Jeevan Dor Tumhi Sang Bandhi", "Kabhi To Miloge"); in Sant Gyaneshwar (Songs: "Jyot Se Jyot Jagate Chalo", "Khabar More Na Line"); in Hum Sab Ustaad Hai (Songs: "Pyar Batate Chalo", "Ajanabi Tum Jane Pehachane Se"); in Mr X in Bombay (Songs: "Mere Mehboob Quayamat Hogi", "Chali Re Chali Re Gori", "Khoobsurat Haseena"); and in Shriman Fantush..(Songs: "Sultana Sultana Tu Na Ghabarana", "Yeh Dard Bhara Afasana").consolidated their position.
1967 proved to be another lucky year for them. The Music of Milan, Farz, Shagird and Pathar Ke Sanam was very popular. They got their 2nd Filmfare Award for Milan. Laxmikant–Pyarelal has now become the most sought after Music Director Almost all the big banners were signing them They composed Indian classical music as well as Western music; they were most popular for their folk tunes and semi-classical music.
LP had divided their work, to avoid ego problems. Laxmikant used to compose tunes, rehearse singers and look after the commercial aspects – while Pyarelal used to arrange the music and package and record the songs. They both had a perfect wavelength. It is said if they are asked to make a tune for a song sitting separately they will make a similar tune.
In the mid-'90s Laxmikant's health started deteriorating; he finally succumbed to a kidney ailment on May 25, 1998. Pyarelal was left alone and stopped making films, despite many offers from producers.
Shikari(1946) was the first Hindi film of Dada Burman as a composer. The songs of the film were not very popular but they received good reviews from music critics. He wanted to create music that would be part of the common man's everyday life, his joy, and sorrow.
In his biography, he said "When I was composing the music of Shikari, everybody in the studio was praising its music but he was not satisfied because the common man present in the studio was not responding. Sometime after the release of his film, another film "Rattan" was released. The songs of that film became so popular that one day he was composing music for another film he heard his servant was singing the song of Rattan while preparing tea for him.
It made him think that day in day out he listens to my compositions but I have never heard him humming my tunes. I made up in my mind that from now onwards I will make a simple tune for his songs so that a common man could sing and understand.
I was composing the songs for Do Bhai whose first line was 'Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gata'. Suddenly i heard my servant humming the same song. It made me realized that this song is going to click with the masses. My first Guru in the film music direction was that servant of mine.
He combined Indian classical music with folk music to create songs that had a lasting impact on the audience. He also started a trend of making a tune first and then ask lyricists to write on his tune.It provided space for a conversational style of music for songs like Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka (Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, 1958). He didn't believe in a heavy orchestra, he emphasized more on its melodic content. He believed in the perfect coordination of the words and tunes. ‘Natural poetry would naturally create a worth-humming tune, He abandoned intricate twists and turns in his songs, preferring simplicity that touched the heart of the listeners..
Sachin da had the honesty and integrity of character to acknowledge the sources of his music and the genuine inspiration that he received and how he internalized it into his song/s. For example, once at the age of nineteen, he stumbled upon a rare tune sung by a group of village-women in Chittagong (now in Bangladesh). He liked the tune immensely and it stayed with him to bloom into Sahir Ludhianavi’s ‘Thandi hawaein lahra ke aayeen‘ (Naujawan, 1951). Some discerning connoisseurs of western classical and popular music feel that this was inspired by C’est la vie from the movie Algiers (1938).
Dada was a hard taskmaster but he also expressed his joy if a singer, lyricist, or instrumentalist performed exceptionally well and would reward the person in some form or the other.
SD Burman continued to work through the end of the 1960s and well into the 1970s. "Abhiman" (1973), "Chupke Chupke" (1975), and "Mili" (1975), are a few compositions from this period which stands out. However midway through his work on "Mili", he goes into a coma. He died on October 31, 1975.
Hindi Films are known for their songs. Sometimes it happens that a very melodious song is either badly picturized or on relatively unknown actors. In this blog, I have selected a few of such songs that were very popular at that time and are still hummed but we have forgotten on whom these were picturized
The first song I have taken is 'Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki' from the 1949 film Dulari. This song established Mohammad Rafi, it was picturized on Suresh, who went to Pakistan and acted in two films in 1950 and 1951, but then returned to India soon after. By that time Dilip Kumar. Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor captured the top slot.
Song of Dulari 1949
Next song in my ;ist 'Na Yeh Chand Hoga Na Tare Rahenge' sung by Hemant Kumar and Geeta Dutt from the 1954 film 'Shart'.This song was picturized on young actress Shyama with an actor from Bengal named Dipak, who was specially brought over for the role,
Song of Shart 1954
This immortal song 'Tasveer Banata Hoon tasveer Nahin Banti. sung by Talat Mahmood and composed by Nashaad, not Naushad from the 1955 film Baradari was picturized on Chandtadhekher.He was the leading man in films like Surang (1953), Kavi and Mastana (both 1954), Baradari (1955), Kali Topi Lal Rumal (1959), Street Singer, and in a negative role in Basant Bahar. It was after 1968, that Chandrashekar was not getting offers to act in a leading role, and he subsequently moved into character roles.
Song of Baradari 1955
This hit song 'O Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar' from CID (1956) was picturized on Shyam Kapoor and Sheela Vaz. Sheela Vaz was a good dancer she appeared in many hit songs. Shyam Kapoor was seen only in this song. He was one of the assistant of Guru Dutt.
Song of CID 1956
This song from Dekh Kabira Roya (1957) is an immortal song sung by Talat Mahmood. It was picturized on Anoop Komar, brother of Kishore Kumar and Ashok Kumar.
Song of DEKH KABIRA ROYA -1957
This super hit song was sung by Mohammad Rafi and composed by Madan Mohan for the 1958 film Aakhri Dao, 'Tujhe Kya Suno Mein Dilruba' picturized on an actor Shekhar, he was active in the 50s.He appeared in movies, Ankh Michouli (1962), Hum Matwale Naujawan (1961), Aakhri Dao (1958), Abhimna (1957), Chhote Babu (1957), Sangam (1954), Chandni Chowk (1954), Toothe Khilaune (1954), Darwaza (1954)
Song of Aakhri Daao 1958.
This song is from the 1960 film Baraat, sung by Mukesh and composed by Chitragupt. This song was picturized on Ajit, who is known as Villain, For your information, he was a hero in many films. Here he is singing a heartbroken song.
Song of Baraat 1960
'Jab Gham E Ishq Sataata Hai' is a sad song from the 1963 film Kinare Kinare.directed by Chetan Anand. This song was composed by Jaidev and was picturized on Chetan Anand.
Song of Kinare Kinare 1963
Dosti was a 1964 film,. It was declared a "Super Hit" at the box office. The highlight of this film was its music composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal. Music director R.D. Burman played the harmonica on film scores and soundtracks. 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. Mohammed Rafi is the main vocalist for the songs.The film features Sudhir Kumar Sawant and Sushil Kumar Somaya. I
Song of Dosti 1964
You would be surprised to know that this romantic song was sung by Mohammad Rafi for the well-known comedian Jagdeep.
Song of Punar Milan 1964
Song of Waqt 1965
Another such song 'Jane kaisa hai mera deewana'. Film Aansoo ban gaye phool. Sung by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. Music composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal.. It was picturized onDeb Mukherjee, brother of romantic hero Joy Mukherjee. But heroin is very unknown. Her name for screen is Alka.
The English meaning of Anjaan is unknown or anonymous. This was the pet name of the well-known lyricist of Bollywood who has given us many popular songs. Recall the song 'Khaike Paan Banaraswala'and 'Rote Hue Aate Hain Sab' and many more such songs were written by him. His real name was Lalji Pandey. He was born on October 28, 1930, and was a native of Varanasi.
He debuted in 1953 in the movie "Prisoner Of Golconda" with the songs "Lehar Yeh Dole Koyal Bole" and "Shaheedon Amar Hai Tumhari Kahani".He was first noticed for his work with the Raaj Kumar film Godaan, based on the Premchand classic, with music by Ravi Shankar. This film got him a few good assignments in the mid - 60’s with big composers like O. P. Nayyar ("Aap Ke Haseen Rukh") in Guru Dutt’s Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi
He penned more than 1500 songs in 300 films, many of his songs were hit. He worked with many music directors but his collaboration with Kalyanji Anandji was successful.He was at his best in theAmitabh Bachchanfilms ofKalyanji Anandji, beginning withDo Anjaane("Luk Chhip Luk Chhip Jao Na") in 1976. FollowedHera Pheri("Barson Purana Yeh Yaarana"), Khoon Pasina ("Title Song" and "Bani Rahe Jodi Raja Rani Ki"),Muqaddar Ka Sikandar("Rote Hue Aate Hain Sab", "O Saathi Re", "Pyar Zindagi Hai", "Dil To Hai Dil"),Donwith his biggest hit of the career "Khaike Paan Banaras Wala", ("Ee Hai Bambai Nagariya", "Jiska Mujhe Tha Intezaar"),Lawaaris("Jiska Koi Nahin", "Kab Ke Bichhde") and Jaadugar.
In his early days, he had to struggle, he worked in small films, in the mid-1960s with big composers like O. P. Nayyar ("Aap Ke Haseen Rukh") in Guru Dutt's Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi and G. P. Sippy's Bandhan, which established him commercially with "Bina Badraa Ke Bijuriya Kaise Barse". This also saw the forging with fellow lyricist Indeevar and composers Kalyanji-Anandji. This was followed by songs in Kalyanji - Anandji's Kab? Kyon? Aur Kahan?. Shankar - Jaikishan's Umang, Rivaaj and Ek Nari Ek Brahmachari, Ravi's Vandana ("Aap Ki Inayat Aap Ke Karam"), R. D. Burman's Hungama ('Wah Ri Kismat', 'Suraj Se Jo Kiran Ka Naata' which was the first-ever song filmed on Zeenat Aman) and a few other films.
Being a native of Varanasi, he had great love and attachment to Ganga. There were a lot of songs written by him on Ganga such as "Maano To Main Ganga Maa Hoon Maano To Behta Paani" and "Ganga Mein Dooba" fromApneRang Hazar. His health suffered a major setback in the early 90’s, though he delivered hits with Zindagi Ek Juaa, Dalaal, Ghayal,and the 1990 chartbuster "Gori Hain Kalaiyan" (Aaj Ka Arjun) and his last hitShola Aur Shabnam(1992). His other films in the 90’s included Vishnu Devaa, Parakrami, Insaniyat, Police Aur Mujrim, First Love Letter, Aandhiyaan, Phool Bane Angaarey and others.A few months before his death on 13 September 1997, his only book of poems, Ganga Tath Ka Banjara (A Gypsy from the Shores of the Ganges) was released at the hands of Amitabh Bachchan. His son Sameer is also a very successful Lyricist.
This super hit song was originally written and composed by Hasrat Jaipuri and Shankar Jaikishan for Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai released in 1961to be picturized on Dev Anand and Asha Parekh. But Dev Anand rejected it because he felt it wouldn't go down well with his personality.
When an upset Jaikishen mentioned Shammi Kapoor about this song, he asked him to play this song for him.he just freaked on it" I love this song"He immediately told Jaikishan to keep it reserved for him, he will use this song in one of his future films.
Shammi Kapoor gave this song to Manmohan Desai who was making 'Budtameez' at that time but he couldn't be picturized for that film. Shammi Kapoor then gave this song to G P Sippy for Brahmachari
This song was picturized on Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz.Bhappi Sonie, the director of the film, wanted Mumtaz to Wear a Sari in this song but Mumtaz declined saying that she would be uncomfortable dancing in a Sari. Bhappie Sonie then discussed this with the costume designer Bhanu Athaiya who tried something innovative which became a rage as the Mumtaz Sari after the release of the film. She devised the Sari with readymade pleats and a zipper on the side.
The song became hit before the film got released. People rushed to the theatres to catch a glimpse of this song and its incredible star cast. Mumtaz draped in a low-waist, unconventional pre-pleated saree, which featured gold gota borders and a frilled hemline form-fitting bright orange saree, paired with a short sleeveless blouse was the attraction. She paired it with gold chandelier earrings, a choker necklace, a hath Patti, and the iconic 60s puffy hairstyle.
The song was one of the Top Songs in Binaca Geetmala of that year competing with Mere Samne Wali Khidki Mein from Padosan. Shammi Kapoor and Mumtaz made the Shake Dance popular in India. The signature tune of this song was its Prelude music. As soon as this music starts, everybody started to tap their feet and shake head.
This song has been recreated multiple times since but nobody has come close to repeating what Shammi achieved.
"Barsaat" was the first film of Shanker Jaikishan and "Patita" was the 10th film from 1949 to 1953. That was the period when Naushad and C Ramchandra were leading Bollywood Music. S D Burman was also emerging. Shankar-Jaikishan's compositions broke new ground in Hindi film music. Apart from relying upon their knowledge of Indian classical music, they also employed western beats and orchestration. They made use of the orchestra and musical instruments (often dozens or hundreds of them) in their songs.
Song of Barsaat 1949
The music of Barsaat brought freshness in film music, its songs, and background music created new records in the Film industry. Barsat had 12 songs, all the songs were hit. The songs like "Jiya Beqarar Hai", "Hawa Mein Udta Jaye", "Barsaat Mein Humse Mile", " Meri Aankhon Mein Bas Gaya Koi Re" Chhod Gaye Balam", and " Patli Kamar Hai" became a rage. Each song was new and had vitality beyond the imagination of the music lovers. With this film, Shankar Jaikishan walked into the hearts of the masses.
Song of Baadal 1951
Baadal*(1951) was the second film of Shankar Jaikishan, Premnath and Madhubala were the lead pair. The film had 8 songs, almost all songs were popular."Aaj Maane, Aaj Maane Na Moraa Jiya ThumakThumak Naache Sawan Ka Mausam Suhana", "Main Raahi Bhatakne Wala Hoon",and "Aye Dil Na Mujhse Chhupa Sach Bataa Kyaa Hua" were very hit.
Song of Aawara 1951
In December 1951, the third film of Shankar Jaikishan," Awara"released' the film was a hit, even more, hit was its soundtrack. The soundtrack was listed by Planet Bollywood as number 3 on their list of 100 Greatest Bollywood Soundtracks. The film has 10 songs and all the songs were hit. Awara Hoon immediately struck "a chord in audiences from various classes and backgrounds all over India and beyond: in China, in the Soviet Union, in the Middle East. The popularity of "Awaara Hoon" led to the creation of localized versions of the song in Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, the Soviet Union, China, and Romania. Awara has songs of all moods. Hum Tujhse Mohabbat Kar Ke", and Aajao Tadapte Hain Arman of helplessness. Ek Bewafa Se Pyar Kiya" a melody by a heroine accepting her mistake and E Do Teen Aaja Mausam Hai Rangeen a joyful song is still in the heart of music lovers.
Song of Kaali Ghata 1951
Kaali Ghata (1951) was the fourth film of Shankar Jaikishan. starring Kishor Sahu and Bina Rai. The title songO Kali Ghata Ghir Aayi Re, O Bajne Lagi Shehnaai Re, Hamse Na Poocho Koi Pyar Kya Hai,became popular. "Ille belle aa re" became so popular due to its catchy tune.
Song of Poonam 1952
Poonam came after Kaali Ghata in 1952. The film had 8 songs, all except one song are solo of Lata Mangeshkar. The first song of the film "O bhole balma o more sajna, ghunghar baaje chhun chhun , Aayi Aayi Raat Suhani, and "Din Suhane Mausam" became successful
Song of Daag 1952.
In 1952 Shankar Jaikishan had 4 releases. Poonam, Parbat,Nagina and Daag. The music of all these films was super hit. The song of Daag " Ae Mere Dil Kahin Aur Chal" had 3 versions one fast and sad by Talat Mehmood. This song was as hit as "Awara Hoon" With this song Shankar Jaikishan, introduced a new trend. An exuberant song transformed into melancholy. This was the first experiment in Hindi Film music having the same lyrics but different versions.
Song of Parbat 1952
Parbat was another film of Shankar Jaikishan, it had 7 songs, all the songs were popular."Haye Mera Dil Le Gaya Koi Aake Ishaaron Se", and "Kya Bataoon Mohabbat Hai Kya," were romantic songs, appreciated by the masses. The other popular song "Beraham Maar Daale Na Mujhko Tera Gham, Ab To Aa Ja" sung by Lata with the chorus. This song has few words but the interludes and the voice of the chorus win the heart of listeners.I think this song laid the foundation of the future chorus songs of Shankar Jaikishan.
Song of Aah 1953
Aah was the 9th film of Shankar Jaikishan, released after Parbat in 1953. It was an RK Film but 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". The song "Chhoti Si Yeh Zindagani" sung by Mukesh was also picturized on him.
Song of Patita 1953
Patita produced and directed by Amiya Chakrabarty. The film stars Dev Anand, Usha Kiran, Agha was the 10th film of Shankar Jaikishan, by this time this duo was riding high on popularity, with this film they emerged the leading music director. Patita is especially well known for some very melodious and popular songs that include: "Andhe Jahaan Ke" by Talat Mahmood, "Hain Sab Se Madhur Woh Geet Jinhein Hum Dard Ke Sur Mein Gaate Hain" by Talat Mahmood, "Kisi Ne Apna Bana Ke" by Lata Mangeshkar, "Mitti se Khelte Ho" by Lata Mangeshkar and the duet "Yaad Kiya Dil Ne Kahaan Ho Tum" by Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar.