Golden Jubilee - Dept. of Architecture, UVCE, Bengaluru

Nov 18^th 2017

After many a yawn yest’ night, at the dot of dawn this morn’ with the rise of Lord Sun’s….light raying bright and we wake up turning right, we The Alumni of Dept. of Arch. UVCE  are all set to celebrate this Golden Jubilee Day’s delight.

While we The Alumni Brigade march close to the mall of the Orion kind, opening the Gateway of Brigade brand, tip top toeing into the hall of the Grand Sheraton kind, probably grouping ourselves  into “classes” of the age old find, to share fond memories of life and laughter, conceptual  design studies and their slaughter ! (“tear these sheets and start afresh” – standard quotes of Jaisim and Kanade fame !!), assignments then progressed into projects now, grades then graduated now to tricks of trade in the real estate “Look, it’s all about money, honey”. Oops, whatta state of survival, sand ain’t it for Mom n Dad?! Classmates then turned to professional peers now…Lo! Oh so long journey from then to now that we traverse today…

Here is my minute tribute (on behalf of all alumni) to our Professor Dr. Pushpa Dravid (mother of The Wall of Indian Cricket, Rahul Dravid)

My Sketch of Mighty Arty “PD” Ma’am with yeh look it’s me! J  – Charcoal on Paper

And on a more personal note, my tiny tribute to Ar. Harsha Komarlu (one among  1^st batch students to be felicitated today) with whom I was associated as a Practising Architect for a sweet n short term willed perhaps by The Lord to earn sweeter n longer lifetime benefits! 

My Sketch of KVH - Charcoal on Paper

Babuji Dheere Chalna

The list of songs sung by Geeta Dutt can never be complete without “Babuji Dheere Chalna”  1/8 songs from the film “Aar Paar” that belonged to a genre of crime. This romantic song is inspired partly by “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas” a popular song by Cuban writer Osvaldo Farres. Believed to be translated from Spanish to English by Jennifer Lopez, “Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps” was popularized by Doris Day. (Another source claims Lyrics for English song were penned by Joe Davis). The originality of lyrics penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri leaves no room for doubt.


You may listen to the song here
Picturised on Shakila, the refreshing voice of Geeta Dutt rings in our ears through this song and remains a rage with the audience, young and old to this day.

Geeta Dutt started her playback singing career at the age of sixteen in the movie Bhakta Prahlad (1946) where she sang just two lines for a song. Her lovely, versatile voice tasted its first success in Bollywood with the song “Mera sundar sapna beet gaya” (Do Bhai 1947). History tells the rest of her success story. Her repertoire of songs range from sad, serious, soulful numbers to bhajans and ballads, not to miss her foray in fun n frothy numbers too.

Choreographed by Gurudutt himself and cinematographed by V K Murthy,  Shakila, a dancer in this film and quite “fast” at that, tells Kalu (played by Guru Dutt), her beau  “Sir,go slow…” . While dancing to the tunes of O P Nayyar voiced by Geeta Dutt, smoking the smoke from onlookers at the club, she tries to woo her fancy Kalu. Delicate are the ways of fate and strange are the ways of life sings Shakila to Kalu. And is Kalu, the bachelor, while munching nuts all through the song, mindful of his many adversaries? Shakila shoots him this poser.  

Film: Aar Paar (1954)       Director: Guru Dutt         Music Composer: O P Nayyar

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri           Singer: Geeta Dutt          Actors:  Johnny Walker, Shyama, Shakila, Jagdeep, Jagdish Sethi

Reviews of few other songs can be reached via Bollywood Songs Review

Image Link:

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Rahen na Rahen Hum

My sketch of Suchitra Sen

How heartbreaking it is to lose a loved one…isn’t it? I mean not about losing loved one’s life, that’s a different saga altogether. What when circumstances separate a person to be physically nowhere near proximity, but far away from his/her dear celebrity? Instances like these may be common to many, but expressions of feelings are indeed unique to each. So when poor Devyani (played by Suchitra Sen) is separated from her dearie, wealthy Monish Rai (played by Ashok Kumar) who has to travel abroad for higher education, what has this gentle beauty Suchitra got to sing through her song? Must listen at (youtube link)…. while you read my take of her philosophy right here.

As you read, do listen to the song  Here

The magic of film Mamta lies in this song “Rahen na Rahen Hum” that’s backed by tingy tongy chimey tunes that ding n dong every now n then, sweetly supporting the gentle melodies of Lata singing away musings of Suchitra. The sounds of ringing during singing as if from a bell in a temple takes the listener to a plane of purity and divinity (Is this a precursor to prove future tawaif’s chastity - an attempt to tempt one to ponder… I just wonder!). Suchitra when asked to sing this song by Ashok Kumar even as he verbally vows his loyalty to her despite his decisively compelled separation, she too pledges her fealty philosophically. So deeply lost in love, she knows not about separation from unity. Come what may the weather, Spring or Summer, and the fragrance, be it like a breeze or a flower, the garden of their life, she promises to grace devotedly with colour. Lost in the realm of love, she sings that she shall sway and she shall blossom just so to remain forever his bosom. On his return, she is not sure of her presence (rahen na rahen hum – whether or not I’ll be here) yet her fond hope of him returning, one can sense when she sings “wahi pe kahin hum tumse milenge” - there somewhere we shall meet again! This line in particular is so synonymously in sync with “Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna”.  Hai na bolo?

     

1/7 songs from the Film: Mamta (1966) 

Music Composer: Roshan           
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar (solo)
              Mohd Rafi & Suman Kalyanpuri (duet)

Director: Asit Sen                            
Cast: Suchitra Sen, Ashok Kumar, Dharmendra

Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri        

Movie Masala:

Suchitra Sen, born as Roma Dasgupta, refered to as “Mahanayika” in Bengali film world is one actress who with just 7 Hindi films under her belt made the shortest foray in Bollywood mainstream yet sealed her signature that lasts till date. She came (in 1951), she conquered with atleast3 unforgettable films (Gulzar’s Aandhi, Asit Sen’s Mamta and Bimal Roy’s Devdas) and walked away (in 1978) deep down only to get lost in the world of spiritualism.

Image Link:

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Surmayi Akhiyon Mein

My sketch of Kamal Hasan

A touching song from the film Sadma that states a sad story of showering uncondtiional love only to lose all at the end of it all. Relationship between Kamal Hasan (in the role of Somu, a school teacher) and Sridevi (in the role of Reshmi , trapped in a brothel, later however rescued by Somu) is clearly one of a cusp caught between affection and love.  Kamal is so warmly and affectionately called as Somu by Sridevi while with him during her recovery from amnesia. And once her memory is revived he is so coolly and coldly ditched by her, at the climax of the movie. What an anticlimax this must have been for the heartbroken Kamal! Little wonder that the result of a stellar above par performance of Sridevi-Kamal Hasan pair not only made it to CNN-IBN’s list of “Greatest Romantic Couples on Celluloid” but Kamal’s astounding performance sans many sounds (his brilliant expressions said it all) helped the climax of Sadma clinch into CNN-IBN list of “Bollywood’s 50 most memorable scenes of all time”.

In the song, Somu begs Reshmi to leave a sweet little dream for him, to send him a soul to whom he can cling Halka pulka shabnami, resham se bhi reshami….sings the saddened Somu.  Grant a dream – Yes, Reshmi did. Did it turn true for Somu? Alas, it didn’t!

close. Soul that may be a bit unknown, yet, that makes him feel like someone known. “Silken soft like morning dew, light as the feather that flew” …

That’s the tragedy of this sad though soulstirring story!!

You can listen to the song right here!

This is 1/6 songs from

Film: Sadma (1983) Director: Balu Mahendra     
Music Composer: Ilaiyaaraaja   
Lyrics: Gulzar

Singer: Yesudas                              
Actors: Kamal Haasan, Sridevi

Image Source:

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Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam

My sketch of Nutan - Charcoal on Paper
My portraits of Bollywood legends can be viewed @ "Portraits - Legends of Bollywood"

Dilli Ka Thug, is a 1958 comedy film that is remembered to this day for its enchanting music (by Composer Ravi) with melodious tunes complemented equally richly by Majrooh’s lyrics.

Kishore (Kishore Kumar), a journalist turned gambler, tricks people for his earning.  On landing in Mumbai with a job in hand, he meets Asha (Nutan). The firm employing Kishore is run by Asha’s uncle, murderer of Kishore’s father and his friend. This uncle of Asha, Professor Amarnath by day is also known by the name Anantram, leader of a gang that distributes fake medicines. Kishore, engaged to Asha during childhood, but never met each other in their later years, now tries to win her back.
You may listen to the song here

It takes two to Tango goes a saying. So it was, sort of, in this waltzish song that starts with two -

Kishore and Nutan, not in a ballroom but on the terrace . The hitherto angry outward air of Nutan that preluded this song melts in less than a minute when Kishore repeats his first line “Yeh raatein yeh mausam….with arms wide open. Is it to invoke the night breeze on to the terrace or evoke Nutan into his arms for an embrace?  Why not take it as both when the feelings are same – pristine pure akin to nature.

The magic unfolds when Nutan springs a surprise. Hmmm she takes over humming the tune and singing a melody wherein she states about their hearts having said “We shall never part”. While she sings her say, one can’t miss noticing her palms feel the gentle sway of the leaves of palms to the blows of breeze. What follows next is justifiably their chorus “Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam…..” praising the night and the clime, shine from the moon and breeze from the shore, all of these making them feel…well, at ease together, in love with each other. What a sea of emotions expressed in just a line! Woohoo, thanks to lyricist Majrooh.

They move on to sing rest of the song taking turns whilst they join back in chorus to sing the couplet

“Kaha do dilon ne, yeh milkar kabhi ham, na honge judaa

Yeh raatein, yeh mausam, nadi ka kinara, yeh chanchal hawa”

The emotions of both have been strongly captured in the song, thanks to brilliant picturisation.  Nutan’s mesmerising portrayal of emotions, in particular, is evident in this breezy musical. Is this why she is popular as the “Queen of Emotions” I wonder!

1/8 songs from the Film: Dilli ka Thug (1958)                        

Music Composer:  Ravi                 
Singers: Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhonsle   

Director: S D Narang      
Cast: Kishore Kumar, Nutan, Madan Puri, Iftekhar

Lyricist: S H Bihari, Shailendra, Majrooh Sultanpuri

Movie Masala:

It is believed that there was a joke in film industry that if you want to draw Nutan, just sketch a straight line. But the joke was shortlived, for, at 17, she was sent by her mother to a finishing school in Switzerland after which she gained a few pounds more!

Few other song reviews in this blog can be reached via "Bollywood Songs Review"

Image Link: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fpka_b4Hlas/hqdefault.jpg

           

Tum ko piya dil diya

1/6 songs from the film Shikari that offers viewers a full feel of fun what with the screen filled to a near full film length with nutsy, crazy color cramped fantasy.

A spectacular song pomply picturized on Helen and Ragini. Ragini’s accidental fall and a hit on the head onscreen then, results in a song n dance sequence that remains a hit offscreen to this day!

A fantastic dreamy dance off with Helen by Ragini (as Rita) where Ragini, in her sad state of concussion dreams that she is competing with Helen, both vying with each other in perfect unison to catch Ajit’s attention. A kind of dream that can be dreamt only by a Rani like Ragini, all so since Helen holding hands with Ajit in gratitude when Ajit offered her help caught the eyes of Ragini. Instant assumption by Ragini that Ajit is in love with Helen (too?!). Not so uncommon reaction from our behen Ragini, after all she is no Yogini…right?!

Clearly a war via dance dreamt by Ragini as to who between them will lose in their battle of winning the heart

of Ajit, the mesmeric glances alternating at intervals by Ajit at both of them while dancing, notwithstanding!

The duo Ragini and Helen start off their dance backed by a stencilled setting of colourful cutouts, of leaves n

lotuses, twigs n springs, buds n blooms, pots and ponds, no different from the settings that we see while watching on TV, those Filmi Awards Fests n Fairs that happen with such pomp and fanfare! Both the dancers are costumed in colours - Red and White, is their a choice when the dreamy dance here directly hints at an indirect fight? Can’t miss noticing this: Distribution of that pleasing combo of colours - Red n White between the duo is an inverse ratio, designed to perfect proportion!

Whatta feast to our eyes, the scintillatingly synchronised offering by this dancing duo - a daringly dashing audio video of a colourful cameo!!

Movie Masala:

Tired of watching Helen in cabaret attire? View this song while you listen…pleasant change to see Helen here dressed in desi design!

One of the sisters’ trio of Travancore fame, Ragini was an acclaimed dancer and actress.  Her two elder sisters were Padmini and Lalitha who were also dancers, actors and performers in various languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Malayalam etc. Ragini died of cancer in 1976 at the age of 39.

G S Kohli, music director of this sweet n melodious song, along with his independent compositions of songs like this for a few films, also worked as an assistant to OP Nayyar right through his career. The rhythmic beats, guitar and other instrumental interludes however remind us of the distinct impact of OPN.

His individual direction included songs from films Shikari (1963), Mr. India, Namaste Ji (1965), Adventures of Robin Hood (1965), Lambe Haath (1960), Faulad (1963), Purnima (1965), Char Dervesh (1964)

Film: Shikari (1963)          Director: Mohammed Hussain   Music Director: G S Kohli

Lyrics: Farooq Qaisar       Singers: Lata, Usha

Cast: Ajit, Ragini, Helen and Madan Puri, K N Singh, Tun Tun

YouTube Link: Tum ko piya dil diya

Few other song reviews in this blog can be reached via "Bollywood Songs Review"

Oomph! What a Sweet Sixtieth it was at Dignity Foundation this month. Celebrating this was Our Hero of Team Nostalgia Sri Sheshadri Mokshagundam speaking about the unspoken legends of Bollywood, “Celebrating the Uncelebrated” as he rightly themed it. Strongly supporting the theme was a playlist of 20+ songs handpicked by him. Picked from this playlist for my song review was “Tum ko piya dil diya…..” from the movie Shikari (1963)….which you read above.

Reminiscence began with a soulful song of prayer “Hum ko man ki shakthi dena” from the film Guddi remembering Vasant Desai, the music composer and Vani Jayaram, the singer. While this sixtieth episode sailed with the singing of many an unsung hero’s ode, Sheshadri Sir stirred the session once in a while throwing questions at the discerning audience. Pat comes back the answers well before he completes the question! Courtesy Smt. Rekha Kini , Encyclopedia of Evergreen Old Bollywood and many other senior citizens like her adding to its pages.

La, la, la what an icing it was on the cake, with the storming of stage by Li’l Darling Aarohi, all of 5^th grade (not even a 2004!!) springing one and all a surprise, singing this mesmerising number of Rafi and Asha “Ek Chameli ke mandve tale….” from the film Cha, Cha, Cha (1964)

What a way to the end, celebrating in advance,  our Hero’s B’day...tap, tap, tap n a clap, clap, clap, lilt n tilt to the song n need I say…Senior Citizens all set to Dance! Hey, why you looking askance saying Nnno Chhance? Sure, please do come n take a glance. Not sure if we can stop you dance!!!  J

While the team walked out of the programme with tons of takeaways equaling their giveaways, there we met an old man near the gate. “While walking past here, few minutes ago I heard someone sing a Rafi number Jaag dil-e-deewana rut jaage… and I stood still till I heard to its end.” What a Pat  that was to singer  Manjunath Prasad!

Here’s to you Sheshadri Sir… a tribute via salute, Chorus from us… “Haa Tujhe Salaam”

Nostalgia Songs List – March 17 2017

Duets by Manjunath Prasad and Rekha

Agar main puchoon jawab doge – Shikari (1963) Ajit, Ragini

Beqarar dil tu gaaye ja – Door ka Rahi   Ashok Kumar, Tanuja

Dil e nadan tujhe hua kya hai – Mirza Galib

Tum to pyar ho o sajni - Sehra

Tumko dekha toh ye khayal – Saath Saath – Farooq Sheikh, Deepti Naval

Kitni haseen ho tum – Yeh dil kisko doon – Shashi Kapoor, Ragini..?

Female Duets

Gore gore o banke chore – Samadhi

"Tum ko piya dil diya" – Shikari

Chup chup khade ho zaroor – Badi Bahen

Solos by Manjunath Prasad

Yeh teri saadgi yeh tera baankpan – Shabnam

Tum ko dekha toh ye khayal aaya – Saath Saath

Jaag dil e deewana rut – Oonche Log (1965)

Dil jalta hai to jalne de – Pehli Nazar (1946)

Solos by Rekha

Dard e dil dard e vafaa – Sushila

Pankh Hoti Re Ud Aati Re – Sehra

Dil ne phir yaad kiya - Dil ne phir yaad kiya

Tasveer banata hoon tasveer nahin banti – Bara Dari

Solos by Shubha

Hum ko mann ki shakthi dena - Guddi

Aaja re pyar pukaare – Dil ne phir yaad kiya

Tere khayalon mein hum – Geet gaya patharon ne

Zindagi pyar ka geet hai – Souten

Solos by Sudha

Aye chandchup na jaana – Jawaab

Nazar se door jaanewale – Lahore

Ae ri main to prem diwani – NauBahar (1952)

Yeh kaisi ajab dastan ho gayi hai – Rustom Sohrab

Dil e nadan tujhe hua kya hai -

Solos by Kumuda

Panchi Bawara Chand se Preet Lagaye – Bhaktha Sur Das

Prabhu ji tum raakho laaj hamari – Hospital (1943)

Solo by Li’l Aarohi

Ek Chameli ke mandve tale – Cha Cha Cha

  

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Jaaiye Aap Kahaan

1 of 9 songs from the film “Mere Sanam” which is believed to be an unofficial remake of “Come September” (especially the first part of the film where the caretaker converts the bungalow to a resort). Storyline is similar in many ways to “Thumsa nahin dekha”.  The story revolves around romantic rendezvous between college girl Neena (Asha Parekh) and Kumar (Biswajeet) another guest in the same lodge where Neena went on a holiday with her mother and a few other female friends.
You may listen to the song here

A mediocre film with a run of the mill story yet makes audience glued to their seats thanks to “Rok lengi koyi daali meri baahon ki tarah”

mesmerizing music by a colossus called O P Nayyar and brilliant photography by K. Vaikunth that portrays Kashmir in all its glory. Jaaiye Aap Kahan is one of those classic songs regarded as a milestone in Hindi film music. A typical trotting around the tree song (and not running around the tree, atleast in this case) picturized on Asha Parekh and Biswajeet with the tree triumphantly playing the supporting role of wingman. Even the twig tweaks out radiating towards the centre of circlish sky background lending itself for Asha P to hold on to…Observe this while Asha B sings

It’s grass n greens all through the song, of those trees, lawns n more of them, the sky and the earth, clouds and hills coming in between bringing viewers to perspective, pushing them towards a picturesque panorama . While the song starts with the humming of “aha” by Biswajeet (as if he is set to sing the rest of the song!) it is Asha (Parekh)  all the way playbacked brilliantly by Asha (Bhosle) ending with the dazzling pair getting lost in the woods, hand in hand, hmmming….even as the devious manager Shyam (played by Pran) who is plotting to create a wedge between the two, manages to catch sight of the duo’s dalliance!

Film: Mere Sanam (1965)             
Director: Amar Kumar   
Music Composer: O P Nayyar

Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri          
Singer: Asha Bhosle       
Actors:  Asha Parekh, Biswajeet, Pran, Rajendranath, Mumtaz

 Image Link: https://s2-ssl.dmcdn.net/Eup6I/526x297-ABU.jpg

Aage Bhi Jaanena Tu

1/8 songs from the film Waqt (1965) that set the trend for an ensemble cast with Yash Chopra designing a template to be typified in films to come. Another lost and found mega sized family story with a typical fabulous 60s’ Hindi cinema ending: HAPPY. Women in the film, the inimitable mom Achala Sachdev and the leading ladies Sadhana and Sharmila Tagore are portrayed brilliantly in powerful characters, all of them oozing with confidence and looking stunningly beautiful.

You may listen to the song here

Song that starts on a grand note. Ha…you guessed it right…yes a party song…with Chinoy the host.

Dance floor, bright lights - red and white, star studded scene with fine wine, gorgeous costumes, black suits, svelte and stylish, silken saris, diamond necklaces, not a hair in the air. Phew..what an overview of opulence!!

Somewhere in the middle of the song, Vijay (played by Shashi Kapoor) hears that his mother Laxmi (played by Achala Sachdev) is seriously ill. Vijay, the baby of Kedarnath’s family of 3 sons, is a college graduate and his education was supported by Ma Laxmi’s sheer hard work and years of sacrifice. Every year, Ma cries for Vijay on his birthday, for Vijay (who was Munna when the family was separated) was still a toddler in Ma’s arms. Incidentally, all 3 sons shared the same birthday!

A classic example of “A lot can happen over a song” with plenty to watch, for there’s progress aplenty of the story, while you listen to this one of a clutch of super hit songs.  Soulful song with lyrics centered around philosophy. Not to worry. Sahir doesn’t drive us into depression. It’s all about ‘being in the dark’ about past and the future, hence best is to light up the present, i.e., This Moment. What a coincidence it is! ...for, matching with this meaning is a fleeting moment in the song when the shimmering lady behind the mic is glistening under bright lights while we, the viewers almost lose sight of the rest in the dark. Notice this during the singing of la…la…la….la just before the line “ is pal ki jalwo ne…

 Film: Waqt (1965)          
 Director: Yash Chopra  
 Producer: B R Chopra    
Music Composer: Ravi

Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi   
Singer: Asha Bhosle       
Actors: Ensemble Cast

Sunil Dutt, Raaj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Sadhana, Balraj Sahni, Madan Puri, Sharmila Tagore, Achala Sachdev, Rehman

Image Link: https://s2-ssl.dmcdn.net/Eup6I/526x297-ABU.jpg

Mora Gora Ang Laile

This song tells a tale of a young man Sampooran Singh Kalra pen named Gulzar who shot his name to fame,

from obscurity to celebrity via serendipity.

On landing in Mumbai, Gulzar went through tough times to survive. He worked as a car mechanic at Worli in Mumbai. However since his heart remained in writing destiny enabled him to return to his calling. What a joy it must have been for Gulzar when he got a call from Bimal Roy, right? Wrong! Guess why… adamant about his aversion to Bollywood, answer from Gulzar when asked by Bimal Roy to pen a song for his film Bandini was an assertive “Nnnno I don’t want to be a lyricist!” Yet, once Gulzar relented, there was no looking back.

A happy smiley charm of a song from a rare woman centric melancholic film that tells a tragic tale from

“her”point of view. Sung for a lady in love (picturized on Nutan) who plans to clandestinely meet her lover, the song has utterly simple lyrics penned by Gulzar, the Czar of Bollywood Song Scripts. In today’s world intoxicated by anything in the air that looks fair, Gulzar opts to take the road less travelled. His innovative mind thinks of this fair lady wishing to look darker just so she can make her wish come true by merging with the darkness of the night to meet her lover sans anyone’s sight. Propping up his innovative thinking is the prelude to the song by Director Bimal Roy about a tiny tale of Lord Krishna. Radha wishes that her fair skin turns dark which can merge into the darkness of night so that she can surreptitiously meet her favourite Lord Krishna without anyone’s notice. Ditto is Nutan here, probably a fan of fantasy, idolizing Radha.

What a wonder, this creation, Gulzar drawing his lines for lyrics from culture and mythology that is so very Indian, magical melody mused out by Lata Mangeshkar as directed by S D Burman perfectly matching with the pristine beauty of Nutan.

Lyricist Shailendra during the filming of Bandini got into an argument with S D Burman and decided not to work anymore in the film. He instead suggested that Gulzar pen the remaining song (and not songs)….for there was just one song left. Thus came into Bollywood fora, the magic of Gulzar called Mora Gora….

YouTube Link for Mora Gora..... 

Movie Masala

Bandini - Landmark movie of 1960s

Last feature film with Bimal Roy as Director

Swept six awards in that year’s Fimfare Awards that included Best Film, Best Director and Best Actress

Bimal Roy was about to scrap the film when he came to know that Nutan was in the family way. Roy, a professional that he was, however managed to complete the film well before Nutan’s D Day!

While Mora Gora….was Gulzar’s first hit song, his debut in Bollywood was marked by Ganga aaye kahan se, Ganga jaye kahan re (Kabuliwalah)

Gora Mora Ang Laile is 1/7 songs from

Film: Bandini (1963)                     

Lyricist: Gulzar

Music Composer:  S D Burman              

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

Director: Bimal Roy          

Picturised on: Nutan

Few other songs reviewed in this blog:
Tum ko piya dil diya Sambhal Ye Dil
Mang ke saath tumhaara
Tu Pyar Ka Saagar Hai

Tere Mere Milan Ki Yeh Raina

Churaliya Hum Tum Ne Jo Dil Ko
Aao Huzoor Tum Ko
Aayega Aane Waala
Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh

NOSTALGIA – 61^st Episode

That was a real “Blast from the Past”! True to the theme, Team Nostalgia in this month’s episode at Dignity Foundation - 61^st to be precise (yeh…Nostalgia Episode Count too has now joined “Senior Citizens Cadre” J ) trekked the audience down to Musical Melodies of Bollywood Lanes as old as 1950s. Nostalgia began the program by swiftly elevating the mood of the gathering, driving them deep down to a 1950 Prayer number from the movie Nirala “Mehfil mein jal uthi shama” rendered soulfully by Smt. Sudha followed by many more scores from Sheshadri Sir’s playlist. Picked from this playlist for my Song Review was “Mora Gora Ang Laile….” from Shesh Sir’s fave film “Bandini” picturized on Nutan melodiously sung by Smt. Rekha during the program. Song Review can be read at …. . Btw bhai aur behen, last time did you miss viewing my sketch of Helen? Ophh ho….this time then, don’t miss viewing my sketch of Nutan!

Songs that followed reminded us to reminisce the magic makers of Bollywood Yester Era be it The Gift of Bengal to Hindi Cinema - Bimal Roy’s “Mora Gora…..” or “Chod de Saari Duniya” from the black n white masterpiece Saraswathichandra – an out n out Gujarathi novel based movie. Smt. Kumuda from the audience with her beautiful rendering of a rare gem “Dekhta chala gaya main zindgi ki raah main” from the thriller cum comic film “Gateway of India” truly gushed out the floodgates of DF senior citizens’ fond memories to as early as 1950s. The pristine voice of Lata in the song “Guzra Hua Zamana” sung by Smt. Sudha with her voice so sublime tempted even a tiny boy (clad in red - can be viewed in pics) to lip sync. Oh buoy, imagine a boy not even a 2006 humming a song of 1956! Ain’t it reason enough to tap a pat for Team Nostalgia!?

Nostalgia Songs List – April 19 2017

Solos by Smt. Sudha:

Mehfil mein jal uthi shama – Nirala (1950)

Man Mohana Bhade Jhuthe – Seema(1955)

Guzra Hua Zamana – Shirin Farhad (1956)

Yeh tanhaai hai re hai phir na – Tere Ghar Ke Saamne (1963)

Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta hai – Dil Hi To Hai (1963)

Chhod De Saari Duniya Kisi Ke Liye – Saraswatichandra (1968)

Solos by Smt. Rekha

Main aaj pawan mein paau Ek mithi si chubhan – Reshma aur Shera (1971)

Tere bina jiya jayena – Ghar (1978)

Mora gora ang laile – Bandini (1963)

Ae Ri Pawan Dhundhe Kise Tera Mann – Bemisal (1982)

Female Duets

Kahe tarsaye jiyara – Chitralekha (1964)

Janu janu re chupke kaun aaya – Insan Jaag Utha (1959)

Solos by Smt. Kumuda

Shukirya Ae Pyar Tera – Aaram (1951)

Dekhta chala gaya main zindgi ki raah main – Gateway of India (1957)

Pyar par bas tho nahin hain – Sone ki chidiya (1958)

Duets by Sheshadri Sir and Smt. Rekha

Aa Neele Gagan Tale Pyar – Badshah (1954)

 

 

Image link: http://images.mid-day.com/images/2014/jun/14-Bandini.jpg

Woh Jab Yaad Aaye

Can you name a film that isn’t just black and white but also of colour?

My Sketch of Lata Mangeshkar

Parasmani – a fantasy musical drama film of the 60s shot partly in black n white and rest in Eastman colour. It can be rated several notches higher, more for its music and dance (4 dance directors involved) than for its stars or the story, thanks to some outstanding music by Lakshmikant Pyarelal in their debut film. This film marked the beginning of their leap into film industry, with all songs swirling into super hits. The most beautiful duet song “Woh Jab Yaad Aaye” was sung by Rafi and Lata.
While you resume reading, you may also listen to the song here

The film also announced the onset of Rafi-Lata duets. Those were the years when Rafi and Lata reigned. The voice of Rafi putting punch into the rendition and an equally gifted voice of Lata, transporting us to a world of our own. Melody and passion lingering on, leaving those historic visuals far behind.

Paras (played by Mahipal) gets lost in the sea when his ship strikes a storm, only to be found by a poor villager. He grows up to be a singer of fame. This leads him to an Emperor’s palace where he falls in love with the Emperor’s daughter, Rajkumari (played by Geetanjali). Can he marry her?

Not till he finds a rare gem “Parasmani” (Philosopher’s Stone that converts iron into gold) which will save the Emperor’s life. For, this jewel will lift the curse the emperor is now under, that he will die the day his daughter weds”.

The song is sung enroute Paras’s  mission inside the cave.  Mahipal and Geetanjali  recall in isolation their memories of love amidst their lives of sorrow. Lilting music one can enjoy listening, thanks to lyrics of love flowing – memories rushing, tears flowing, heart burning, lighted lamp of love disappearing. We, the listeners are sure to get lost in a world filled with love and light and of memories, dull and bright.

1/6 songs from

Film: Parasmani (1963)   Director: Bhabubhai Mistry          Music Directors: Laxmikant Payrelal

Lyrics: Asad Bhopali, Farooq Kaiser, Indeevar      Singers: Lata, Rafi, Mukesh, Kamal Bharot

Actors: Mahipal, Geetanjali

Image Link:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UwbdK8CKhWQ/maxresdefault.jpg

Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat

A classic qawwali song, an immortal one among a dozen songs that dot at intervals an immortal film, together totaling to nearly 1/3^rd of the film’s running time.
You may listen to the song here

With the film themed around popular portrayal of a forbidden story between a prince and a courtesan, this qawwali has Anarkali (Madhubala) pitted against her rival Bahar (Nigar Sultana). Here’s their test of fate (as to who wins Salim’s attention) waiting to be decided in the gathering of a court as (or as if!) announced at the song’s opening by Shamshad playbacking for Sultana. A rare encounter of a female - female duet sung as a debate centered around independent interpretations of love. Bangles tinkling, bracelets clinking both these sounds fusing with females clapping – wah wah what a harmonious singing of chorus brilliantly complementing, making Naushad’s composition so captivating. What lay at the end as a result of this contest between the two would be known only when we wait and watch who wins the lucky prize of pink rose from the hands of the prince!

Dilip Kumar as Prince Salim looks so charming, Madhubala as Anarkali is simply stunning combined with a musical composition so enchanting all summing up to a shayari that can light up any musical evening.

Movie Masala

Mughal e Azam won The National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 1961. It was the biggest grossing film of that year a record broken only by Sholay in 1975

First black n white Hindi film to be digitally coloured

Bade Ghulam Ali Khan who rendered 2 songs was paid Rs. 25,000 per song as against Mohd Rafi n Lata Mangeshkar who charged Rs. 300 to 400 per song.

K Asif has directed only 2 films, the other film is Phool (1945) His another film Love and God (1986) remained incomplete. Asif won the President’s Silver Medal for Best Feature Film in Hindi (Mughal e Azam)

Javed Akhtar says, “I sincerely believe that Mughal-E-Azam’s script is worthy of being taught in colleges. It is so well written. Certain scenes in the film are almost Shakespearean.”

1/12 songs from the Film: Mughal e Azam (1960)                              

Music Composer:  Naushad                  Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Shamshad Begum, chorus     

Director: K Asif                  Cast: Madhubala, Nigar Sultana         Lyricist: Shakeel Badayuni

Image Link:

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090208/spectrum/main6.jpg

Hum Ko Mann Ki Shakthi Dena

My sketch of Jaya Bhaduri

More of my portraits can be viewed @ MangalasArtpourri

Hum ko mann ki shakthi dena......
A pan India prayer song sung in schools even to this day! Penned by Gulzar with a profound meaning…

A prayer song that is more about introspection than about seeking solace. A song of piety that helps tap internally, divinity and humanity within self than externally extoll the might and virtues of God in the form of a diety.
You may listen to the song here

An ear to mere first two lines of the song is enough for the essence to linger on inside us for longer than many long years….Read this “Grant me the courage, that before seeking to conquer another, I conquer my own (divided) self. “  It also sings a meaning which goes more like this…”While forever there is a constant watch by the world on you, judge yourself, believe in yourself and be proud of yourself”. A much called for universal counsel emerging from a prayer by the teachers and the taught of The School “Nivedita Vidya Mandir”.

Picturised on Jaya Bhaduri from the film Guddi . A late arriver for morning prayer in her school, Jaya

as Kusum , essaying the role of one of many a school student, hops off a tonga - her daily transporter from home to school, lands up belated in a hurry only to stand coyly in the rear of the prayer hall but not before a verse is sung. In the blink of an eye, her eyes go shut, as is the norm during any prayer song….and joins the rest even before her heartbeat settles down to human health’s best. Beckoned by a hoodwinking teacher (defrauding the norm by opening her eyes during prayer in winkin’ style) from the podium, an equally hoodwinking Kusum (for the same reason) who was caught redhanded by this redeyed teacher wastes no time in grabbing that golden opportunity to hop on to the podium top.

A sudden sprightly sea change in the rendering of chorus with a melody added (by singer Vani Jayaram) to four other voices on the podium startles the students! While all of them were greatly tempted to open their eyes to “see” the fresh melody, some mustered courage to actually open and lo! What a pleasantly shocking surprise to see their bosomy pal Kusum up above onstage. However not one bit surprised they were, by that glare of a stare they received from the lead teacher of prayer.

What a delight to watch this innocent chirpy schoolkid Kusum aged I guess not even 14, gracefully dressed in her uniform pleated, fresh-wash tresses double plaited, spunky n bubbly, many a times playing kinda carefree naughtily pranky outwardly whilst inwardly intelligently managing the balancing act by immersing herself in a sea of books just so to live in this world wisely. Once on stage and with the singing of this song, one can see her outward role reversing itself to behaving like inward, from naughty to naïvety yet with suavity so much so that even that angry teacher (played by Lalitha Kumari) turned the table on herself and started slowly swinging, gently humming to the tunes of her devout student. Kusum had her last laugh, for she had successfully hoodwinked her teacher. The teacher too was now on song, all of prayer!

This Gulzar penned bhajan has now become an anthem of sorts in many a school across India. Jaya’s  extraordinary role in this debut film earned her Filmfare nomination for Best Actress, the only nomination for this film. Film Guddi was a pathbreaking start for Jaya in her successful stint in Hndi Cinema.

This is 1/3 songs from

Film: Guddi (1971)

Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee

Lyricist: Gulzar

Music Director: Vasant Desai

Singer: Vani Jayaram

Star Cast: Jaya Bhaduri

Image Link:

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7c/c2/af/7cc2af664890012860e8b7911dae7539--classic-songs-indian-music.jpg