THE BEST SONGS OF SAHIR LUDHIANVI – THE ‘MAGICIAN’ LYRICIST AND POET – PART II

In ‘The Best Songs Of Sahir Ludhianvi – Part I’, I gave you two dozen songs. Initially, I started with a favourite of mine: Aurat ne janam diya mardon ko, mardon ne use bazaar diya, from the 1958 BR Chopra movie Sadhana. I soon settled with giving you his songs chronologically from Thandi hawayen, lehrake aayen (from 1951 movie Naujawaan) to Ab woh karam karen yaa sitam main nashen main hoon (from 1955 movie Marine Drive).

Let me reiterate that I am a lyrical man; words of the songs are often the most important part of the songs for me. Indeed, on the Facebook I have a page titled ‘Lyrical’ to honour and pay tribute to various lyricists. I have several (almost a dozen) posts on  my blog on my favourite lyricist and poet Shakeel Badayuni. The following posts about Sahir Ludhianvi have been reconstructed from the same page. Sahir was given the moniker of being the People’s Poet. As we go along, you would know why.

Lets proceed further into the world of Sahir Ludhianvi’s songs.

Song #25
Ye baharon ka sama, chand taaron ka sama…

I had told you earlier that Sahir was a versatile poet and in 1955 he penned lyrics for as many as nine movies. When we broke off six days ago, we had reached the halfway mark for the year 1955 and had taken up a song of the movie Marine Drive.

His next movie was Milaap that starred Dev Anand, Geeta Bali, KN Singh and Johnny Walker. Here is from the review of the movie in The Hindu dated 09 Dec 2011:

“The better part of the movie is his self-dapper (Dev Anand) and romancing. But the initial phase of the movie has Dev Anand playing a dreamy-eyed villager, dressed in shirt-pyjama, unthinkable and unacceptable, not the Dev Anand known to the world. But that is what he is in a movie as he shares screen space with his co-stars; so different from the Dev Anand, who loved to dominate the screen, occupying almost every frame. Made 56 years ago “Milap” was not the best offering from Raj Khosla, the director with an eye for detail; Sahir Ludhianvi, the soulful lyricist; N. Dutta, an unsung composer. Yet, it was a movie that had something magical about it – it had Dev Anand. It also had the beautiful Geeta Bali. The cast was perfect with Johnny Walker providing the comical relief and K.N. Singh lending his trademark villainy to raise the quality of some scenes.

Dev Anand’s transformation from a naïve character to a sophisticated urban is expectedly breezy. He slips into the two roles comfortably. Here, he is Raju, a young man who has inherited fortunes from a wealthy Rai Bahadur. This Raju is not a patch on the Raju guide that Dev Anand was to play a decade later in that iconic movie made under the Navketan banner. Comparisons would be out of place for this movie — it did not have a strong plot even though it had the right ingredients in terms of cast.

Dev Anand is Rajendra Sayal, introduced to an affluent world he comes to abhor. With Johnny Walker as his friend (Kalu), he battles hard to become Raju the millionaire. The scheming lawyer, Karamchand, played impeccably by K. N. Singh, plots to grab the property. He hires Asha (Geeta Bali) to charm her way into the heart of Raju. The movie ends in the courtroom where the lawyer stands exposed for his evil deeds. Raju and Asha unite and all ends happily.

The movie was released in a year that saw Dev Anand in great form. “Insaniyat” featured him with Dilip Kumar and he enjoyed hits like “House No 44”, “Munimji” and “CID”. A year earlier, “Taxi Driver” had showcased his acting talents but this movie saw Dev Anand quite subdued. Music was a weak point in the film. Geeta Dutt, still a Roy in the credit lines, has a couple of hummable numbers like “Jaate Ho To Jao Par Jaoge Kahaan”, but the rest are forgettable. Dev Anand does not get to sing at all! Hard to comprehend how Raj Khosla could pass a script where the hero does not sing a song. Dev Anand had hits like “Ziddi”, “Baazi” and “Jaal” before “Milap” graced the screen and this was his sixth movie with the hugely talented Geeta Bali.

He was to do one more, and last movie, “Pocketmaar”, with her next year. “Milap” was more about Geeta Bali’s acting than Dev Anand but he made his presence felt as only he could.”

Well, as you read, it was one of Dev Anand movies in which instead of SD Burman, N Dutta composed the songs. These were the songs:

1. Ye baharon ka sama, chand taaron ka sama – Hemant Kumar.
2. Ye baharon ka sama, chand taaron ka sama – Lata Mangeshkar.
3. Bachna zara ye zamaana hai bura – Geeta Dutt, Mohammad Rafi.
4. Jaate ho to jao par jaoge kahan – Geeta Dutt.
5. Piya khul ke na nain milaye re – Asha Bhosle.
6. Chahe bhi jo dil jana na wahan – Geeta Dutt.
7. Hamse bhi karlo kabhi meethi meethi do baaten – Geeta Dutt.
8. Dard ka saaz bhi hai dil ki awaaz bhi hai – Lata Mangeshkar.

The Hindu article above says music was a weak point of the movie. Nevertheless, the first song by Hemant Kumar was composed well. As I mentioned Sahir was very good at writing raat and chand songs and quite a few of these have been sung by Hemant Kumar.

Please enjoy: Ye baharon ka sama, chand taaron ka sama…

ye baharo ka sama, chand taro ka sama
kho na jaye aa bhi ja, ye baharo ka sama

zindgani dard ban jaye kahi aisa na ho
zindgani dard ban jaye kahi aisa na ho
saans aahe sard ban jaye kahi aisa na ho
dil tadap kar na gaha, so na jaye aa bhi ja
ye baharo ka sama, chand taro ka sama
kho na jaye aa bhi ja, ye baharo ka sama

kya hua kyu is tarah tune nigahe pher li
kya hua kyu is tarah tune nigahe pher li
meri raaho ki taraf se apni raahe pher li
zindagi ka karwa kho na jaye aa bhi ja
ye baharo ka sama, chand taro ka sama
kho na jaye aa bhi ja, ye baharo ka sama

Song #26
Dil ki umange hain jawan….

SD Burman with his favourite hero Dev Anand. Also in the picture: RD Burman (Pic courtesy: learningandcreativity.com)

In the next movie of 1955: Munimji, Sahir was back with SD Burman. The movie was produced by Sashadhar Mukherjee and directed by Subodh Mukherjee and yet didn’t start Joy Mukherjee, the son and nephew to them respectively; and the reason was that Joy was only 16 at that time. It starred Dev Anand, Nalini Jaywant, Pran, Ameeta and Nazir Hussain.

The movie had lovely songs:

  1. Aankh Khulte Hi Tum Lata Mangeshkar
  2. Anari Anari Geeta Dutt
  3. Dil Ki Umangen Geeta Dutt
  4. Ek Nazar Bas Ek Nazar Lata Mangeshkar
  5. Ghayal Hiraniyaan Lata Mangeshkar
  6. Jeevan Ke Safar Mein Rahi-Female Lata Mangeshkar
  7. Jeevan Ke Safar Mein Rahi-Male Kishore Kumar
  8. Nain Khoye Khoye Lata Mangeshkar
  9. O Shiv Ji Hemant Kumar
  10. Sajan Bin Neend Na Aaye Lata Mangeshkar
  11. Zindagi Hai Zinda Geeta Dutt

We shall be taking up two to end this evening.

The first one was sung by Geeta Dutt, Hemant Kumar and Pran. Pran’s version is a comical one because in the movie he is shown as someone who doesn’t know singing. The other two sing very well.

Please enjoy: Dil ki umange hain jawan….

he : dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N
ra.ng me.n Duubaa hai samaa
mai.n ne tumhe.n jiit liyaa
haar ke dono.n jahaa.N

gii: aap bhii gaa_ie naa?
kyaa mushkil hai? saragam bataa_uu.N

pa ma pa dha pa ga sa pa
dil kii uma.nge.n hai.N javaa.N
gaa_ie

praa: dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N
gii: bahut achchhe
praa: ra.ng me.n Duubaa hai samaa
gii: vaah vaah vaah

he: dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N
aa haa haa haa haa haa haa
gii: gaa_ie gaa_ie gaa_ie
praa: o ho ho ho ho ho ho
gii: kyaa kahane

he: o~ o~ o~ o~ o~
sadiyo.n puraanii ye zamiin
hai aaj kitanii hasiin
aataa nahii.n hai yakiin
hotaa nahii.n hai bayaa.N

gii: aap bhii gaa_ie
praa: dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N
ra.ng me.n Duubaa hai samaa
gii: jiyo jiyo
praa: mai.n ne tumhe.n jiit liyaa
he: uu.N huu.N, mai.n ne tumhe.n jiit liyaa
haar ke dono.n jahaa.N
dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N

bhiige nazaaro.n se kaho
gaatii havaao.n se kaho o o
jaatii bahaaro.n se kaho
ruk jaaye aaj yahaa.N

dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N

gii: gaa_ie naa
kyaa mazaa aa rahaa hai
huu.N huu.N huu.N
praa: dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N
ra.ng me.n Duubaa hai samaa
he: mai.n ne tumhe.n jiit liyaa
haar ke dono.n jahaa.N
dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N

he: o~ o~ o~ o~ o~
gii: huu.N huu.N huu.N
bechain tanhaa_iyaa.N
letii hai.n anga.Daa_iyaa.N
halkii sii shahanaa_iyaa.N
bajatii hai.n jaane kahaa.N

gaa_ie na ek baar aur

praa: dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N
ra.ng me.n Duubaa hai samaa

he: mai.n_ne tumhe.n jiit liyaa
haar ke dono.n jahaa.N

gii: aa_ie na aap bhii naachiye

he, gii: dil kii uma.nge.n hai.n javaa.N
ra.ng me.n Duubaa hai samaa
he: mai.n ne tumhe.n jiit liyaa
gii: uu.N, huu.N mai.n ne tumhe.n jiit liyaa
he, gii: haar ke dono.n jahaa.N

Song #27
Jeevan ke safar mein rahi….

The 1955 movie Munimji‘s story had many turns and twists:

“Roopa (Nalini Jaywant) lives a wealthy lifestyle with her widowed dad, Captain Suresh (Nazir Hussain), and brother, Shekhar. After she returns from abroad, she is told that she must now prepare to get married to her betrothed, Ratan (Pran), who is the son of a close friend of Suresh.

Everything changes suddenly when Roopa meets a handsome young man, Raj (Dev Anand), and they fall in love with each other. Raj then breaks her heart when he tells her that his mother, Malti, who works as a maidservant in Suresh’s household, has always favored Ratan over him and has made him promise to step out of Ratan’s way. Before she could find out why Malti prefers Ratan over Raj, a bandit, Kala Ghoda, who has been terrorizing the region asks Suresh to pay up Rs.50,000/-. The police lay a trap for this extortionist and capture him red-handed. He turns out to be none other than Suresh’s Munim. Surprises are in store for everyone when they find out that Munim is Raj, who has been masquerading as the Munim for many years and may have embezzled another Rs.50,000/-. Finally Kala Ghoda turns out to be Pran!”

It is because of this story that the next song: Jeevan ke safar mein rahi has two versions: the Kishore Kumar happy version when Raj is wooing Roopa; and the Lata Mangeshkar sad version when Raj tells her that his mother Malti prefers that she (Roopa) should marry Ratan (Pran).

SD Burman with Kishore Kumar (Pic courtesy: rediff.com)

Please enjoy the Kishore Kumar version: Jeevan ke safar mein rahi….

jiivan ke safar me.n raahii, milate hai.n bichha.D jaane ko
aur de jaate hai.n yaade.n, tanahaaii me.n ta.Dapaane ko
jiivan ke safar…

ye ruup kii daulata vaale, kab sunate hai.n dil ke naale
taqadiir na bas me.n Daale, inake kisii diivaane ko
jiivan ke safar…

jo inakii nazar se khele, dukh paae musiibat jhele
phirate hai.n ye sab alabele, dil leke mukar jaane ko
jiivan ke safar…

Song #28
Chand madham hai, aasma chup hai…..

So far, in the last nine days, through 27 songs, we have covered the journey of Sahir Ludhianvi as a lyricist from 1948 (Azaadi Ki Raah Par) to 1955 (Munimji), 26 movies in all. Here are the music directors that he worked with in these 26 movies:

1. SD Burman – 15 movies (more than half).
2. N Dutta – 3.
3. GD Kapoor – 1 (the first one).
4. Anil BIswas, Shyam Sunder, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Dhani Ram, Casant-Ramchandra, Manohar, Jaidev – 1 each.

This means just like Shakeel was with Naushad, Sahir was attached with SD Burman in a big way.

(Poster courtesy: hamaraforums.com)

His next movie was the 1955 movie Railway Platform. The movie was the debut movie of Sunil Dutt. The Munimji heroine acted opposite him as his beloved and Sheila Ramani acted as a princess. The love triangle between the three was at a railway station and hence the name of the movie.

For the first time, Sahir paired with Madan Mohan and they made the following songs:

1. Dekh Tere Sansar Ki Halat Kya Ho Gayi Bhagwan -Artists: Mohammed Rafi, Manmohan Krishna, Shiv Dayal Batish
2. Basti Basti Parvat Parvat Gata Jaye Banjara -Artist: Mohammed Rafi
3. Basti Basti Parbat Parbat (Part- II) -Artist: Manmohan Krishna
4. Sone Chandi Me Tulta Ho Jaha Dilo Ka Pyar -Artist: Mohammed Rafi
5. Mast Sham Hai Hatho Me Jaam Hai -Artist: Asha Bhosle, Shiv Dayal Batish
6. Bhajo Ram Bhajo Ram, Mori Baah Pakad Lo Ram -Artist: Asha Bhosle, Shiv Dayal Batish
7. Sakhi Re Tori Doliya Uthayenge Kahar -Artist: Lata Mangeshkar
8. Chand Maddham Hai, Aashma Chup Hai -Artist: Lata Mangeshkar
9. Jiya Kho Gaya O Tera Ho Gaya -Artist: Lata Mangeshkar
10. Andher Nagari Chaupat Raja -Artists: Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle, Manmohan Krishna, Shiv Dayal Batish

As you would have surely guessed, we would be taking up three of these, but in reverse order.

For the quality of lyrics, please enjoy Lata Mangeshkar sing a song which I told you was the forte’ of Sahir (Raat and Chand songs): Chand madham hai, aasma chup hai…..

chaa.Nd maddham hai aasmaan chup hai
nii.nd kii god me.n jahaa.N chup hai
chaa.Nd maddham hai …

duur vaadii me.n dukhiyaa baadal
jhuk ke parbat ko pyaar karate hai.n
dil me.n naakaam hasarate.n lekar
ham teraa i.ntezaar karate hai.n

in bahaaro.n ke saaye me.n aajaa
phir mohabbat javaan rahe na rahe
zi.ndagii tere naamuraado.n par
kal talak maharabaan rahe na rahe

roz kii tarah, aaj bhii taare
subah kii gard me.n na kho jaaye
aa tere Gam me.n, jaagatii aa.Nkhe.n
kam-se-kam ek raat so jaaye
chaa.Nd maddham hai aasmaan chup hai

Song #29

We just started taking up songs of 1955 Ramesh Saigal movie Railway Platform that had a story too written by him. In this movie, Sahir, for the first time paired with Madan Mohan and they made some really good songs, one of which Chand madham hai aasman chup hai we took up just now.

Sahir Ludhianvi with Madan Mohan and Mohammad Rafi (Also in the picture are Jaan Nisar Akhtar and Minoo Kartik) (Pic courtesy: hamaraphotos.com)

Lets take up this most popular song from the movie that was sung by Mohammad Rafi, Manmohan Krishna and SD Batish. This song is the exact opposite of the famous Nastik (1954 movie) song penned by Pradeep: Dekh tere insaan ki haalat kya ho gayi Bhagwan.

Please enjoy: Dekh tere Bhagwan ki haalat kya ho gayi insaan…

ra : ( dekh tere bhagawaan kii haalat kyaa ho ga_ii insaan
kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan
kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan ) -2

bhuukho.n ke ghar me.n pheraa na Daale
seTho.n kaa ho mehamaan
kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan -2

unhii.n kii puujaa prabhuu ko pyaarii
jinake ghar lakshmii kii sawaarii
jinakaa dhandhaa chor bazaarii
hamako de.n bhuukh aur bekaarii inako de waradaan

kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan -2
dekh tere bhagawaan kii haalat kyaa ho ga_ii insaan
kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan -2

suN kar is paapii ko taano -2
badal na liijo apaNo ThikaaNo
he bhagawaan -2
mhaaro thaaro prem puraaNo -2
ham hai.n thaile tum ho khazaano
bharate rahiyo daas kii jholii dete rahiyo daan
tumhaarii jay jay ho bhagawaaN -2

ra : o kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan
kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan

dhan waale hai.n ba.De machhandar
sone ke banawaaye mandar
bhagawan rahate inake andar
kharii kharii kahataa hai kalandar
ban baiThaa hai is duniyaa me.n dharam se dhan balawaan
kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan

do : kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan
dekh tere bhagawaan kii haalat kyaa ho ga_ii insaan
kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan -2

ra : bhuukho.n ke ghar me.n pheraa na Daale
seTho.n kaa ho mehamaan
kitanaa badal gayaa bhagawaan -2

jay bhagawaan -4

Song #30
Basti basti parbat parbat gaata jaaye banjaara….

Sahir earned the moniker of being a People’s Poet. Hence, in the last song Dekh tere bhagwan ki haalat kyaa ho gayi insaan, he showed the insaan (poor man) better than that the make-believe (but corrupt) bhagwan in our society. Similarly, when it came to describing the beauty of the Taj Mahal, Sahir wrote: Ek Shahenshah ne banwa ke hansi Taj Mahal, ham gareebon ki mohabbat ka udhaya hai mazaak!

A scene from the 1955 movie Railway Platform shows both Sunil Dutt (in his debut role) and Manmohan Krishna

In the end, we take up a song that became iconic during those days: it was sung by both Mohammad Rafi and Manmohan Krishna. Madan Mohan composed it in Raag Darbari Kanada, Taal Kaherava (I am very fond of Madan Mohan’s other number in Raag Darbari Kanada: Main nigaahen tere chehre se hatayun kaise, though that is in Taal Dadra)

Please enjoy: Basti basti parbat parbat gaata jaaye banjaara….

bastii-bastii parvat-parvat gaataa jaa_e ba.njaaraa
leke dil kaa ikataaraa
bastii-bastii parvat-parvat …

pal do pal kaa saath hamaaraa pal do pal kii yaarii
aaj nahii.n to kal karanii hai ( chalane kii taiyaarii ) -2
bastii-bastii parvat-parvat …

qadam-qadam par honii baiThii apanaa jaal bichhaa_e
is jiivan kii raah me.n jaane ( kaun kahaa.N rah jaa_e ) -2
bastii-bastii parvat-parvat …

dhan-daulat ke piichhe kyo.n hai ye duniyaa diivaanii
yahaa.N kii daulat yahaa.N rahegii ( saath nahii.n ye jaanii ) -2
bastii-bastii parvat-parvat …

sone-chaa.Ndii me.n tulataa ho jahaa.N dilo.n kaa pyaar
aa.Nsuu bhii bekaar vahaa.N par ( aahe.n bhii bekaar ) -2
bastii-bastii parvat-parvat …

duniyaa ke baazaar me.n aaKir chaahat bhii vyaapaar banii
tere dil se unake dil tak ( chaa.Ndii kii diivaar banii ) -2
bastii-bastii parvat-parvat …

ham jaiso.n ke bhaag me.n likhaa chaahat kaa varadaan nahii.n
jisane hamako janam diyaa vo ( patthar hai bhagavaan nahii.n) -2
bastii-bastii parvat-parvat …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_Hl_nmlWko

Song #31
Samajh gaye hum to woh kitna chhupayen….

(Poster courtesy: indiandhamal.com)

In his next movie, like an elastic, he was back to being with SD Burman. The movie was the last movie of his for the year 1955: Society. It was a Shaheed Lateef movie starring Iftekhar, Vikram Kapoor, Nasir Khan, Kumkum and Nimmi.

There were eight songs in the movie:

1. Samajh Gaye Hum To, Wo Kitna Chhupaye – Geeta Dutt.
2. Kaha Ho Tum Meri Tanhaiya Awaz Deti Hai, Meri Umar Se Lambi Ho Gayi – Lata Mangeshkar.
3. Nigaho Ko Tere Jalwe Ki Aas Rahti Hai (Ab Aa Bhi Ja Ke Tera Intezaar Karte Hai) – Balbir, Mohammad Rafi.
4. Lehron Me Jhoolun Taaron Ko Chholun – Asha Bhosle.
5. Reham Kabhi To Farmao – Geeta Dutt, Mohammad Rafi.
6. Sharmili Nigahen Kehti Hain – Asha Bhosle.
7. Dil Ka Tarana Ga Le Soch Na Kar – Geeta Dutt.
8. Dil Nahin Toh Na Sahi Ankh Toh Mila – Asha Bhosle.

Please enjoy Geeta Dutt sing: Samajh gaye hum to woh kitna chhupayen….

samajh gaye hum to vo to kitna chupaye
hai dil chin lene ki sab ye adaye
samajh gaye hum to vo to kitna chupaye
hai dil chin lene ki sab ye adaye samajh gaye hum to

ye choti choti bato pe ladna jhagadna
ye khud se hi ruthna ye khud hi bigadna
ye choti choti bato pe ladna jhagadna
ye khud se hi ruthna ye khud hi bigadna
chahat ke rang hai ye milne ke dhang hai
dekhte hai hujur kahe ghabraye samajh
gaye hum to vo kitna chupaye
hai dil chin lene ke sab ye adaye samajh gaye hum to

ye soya soya jadu ye jaga jaga kitna
badega uthna hi dabaye koi kitna
ye soya soya jadu ye jaga jaga kitna
badega uthna hi dabaye koi kitna
hum hai jaan gaye najare pahchan gaye
ab aap na hum se sharmaye
samajh gaye hum to vo kitna chupaye
hai dil chin lene ke sab ye adaye samajh gaye hum to

milao jara aankhe chhodo ye sharmana
kisi pe dil aaye to kaise ghabrana
dil ka ye khel kabhi khela hai ke ye
iska bhi raaj tumko batlaye
samajh gaye hum to vo to kitna chupaye
hai dil chin lene ke sab ye adaye
samajh gaye hum to vo to kitna chupaye
hai dil chin lene ke sab ye adaye samajh gaye hum to

Song #32
Maine chand aur sitaaron ki tamanaa ki thi….

His first movie of 1956, for which he penned songs was Chandrakanta starring Bharat Bhushan and Bina Roy, based on the popular novel by Devaki Nandan Khatri. It was a GP Sippy movie, the second one after his debut film as director Marine Drive, a 1955 movie for which too Sahir penned the songs.

Sahir paired with N Dutta or Datta Naik to make songs. N Dutta was considered one of the most underestimated music directors and when you listen to this song sung by Mohammad Rafi from the movie, you are bound to agree. It is one of the best of Rafi. N Dutta composed it in Raag Bhimpalasi, Tal Dadra.

Bharat Bhushan lip-syncing the song: Maine chand aur sitaron ki tamanna ki thi…

Please enjoy: Maine chand aur sitaaron ki tamanaa ki thi….

maine chand aur sitaro ki tamanna ki thi
maine chand aur sitaro ki tamanna ki thi
mujhko rato ki siyahi ke siva kuch na mila
maine chand aur sitaro ki tamanna ki thi

mai vo nagma hu jise pyar ki mahafil na mili
mai vo nagma hu jise pyar ki mahafil na mili
vo musafir hu jise koi bhi manzil na mili
vo musafir hu jise koi bhi manzil na mili
zakhm paye hai baharo ki tamanna ki thi
maine chand aur sitaro ki tamanna ki thi

kisi gesu kisi aanchal ka sahara bhi nahi
kisi gesu kisi aanchal ka sahara bhi nahi
raste me koi dhundhla sa sitara bhi nahi
raste me koi dhundhla sa sitara bhi nahi
meri nazro ne nazaro ki tamanna ki thi
maine chand aur sitaro ki tamanna ki thi
mujhko rato ki siyahi ke siva kuch na mila
maine chand aur sitaro ki tamanna ki thi

meri raaho se juda ho gai raahe unki
meri raaho se juda ho gai raahe unki
aaj badli nazar aati hai nigahe unki
aaj badli nazar aati hai nigahe unki
jisse is dil ne saharo ki tamanna ki thi
maine chand aur sitaro ki tamana ki thi

pyar manga to sisakte huye araman mile
pyar manga to sisakte huye araman mile
chain chaha to umadate huye tufan mile
chain chaha to umadate huye tufan mile
dubte dil ne kinaro ki tamanna ki thi
maine chand aur sitaro ki tamanna ki thi
mujhko rato ki syahi ke siva kuch na mila
maine chand aur sitaro ki tamanna ki thi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ausKnkllbsM

Song #33
Dukhi man mere sun mera kehna…

(Poster courtesy: Vintage Bollywood Art)

And now we come to the 1956 movie Funtoosh, a Chetan Anand movie starring Dev Anand, Shiela Ramani and KN Singh. Why does the movie ring a bell with you? Well, it is the same movie for which RD Burman, son of SD Burman, composed a song at the age of nine years only! The credit for the song, in the movie, went to SD Burman; however, he told later that it was Pancham’s composition.

Here are the songs that Sahir and SD Burman put together for the movie:

Dukhi Man Mere – Kishore Kumar
Woh Dekhen To Unki – Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Humne Kisi Pe Dore – Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Ae Jaani Jeene Mein Kya – Asha Bhosle
Ae Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa – Kishore Kumar
Chappad Phad Ke – Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar
Phool Gendwa Na Maro – Asha Bhosle
Dukhi Man (revival) – Kishore Kumar

We shall be taking up three of these. Today, we shall take up only one.

Please enjoy Kishore Kumar sing: Dukhi man mere sun mera kehna…

dukhii man mere sun meraa kahanaa
jahaa.N nahii.n chainaa vahaa.N nahii.n rahanaa
dukhii man…

dard hamaaraa koii na jaane
apanii garaj ke sab hai.n diivaane
kisake aage ronaa roe.n
des paraayaa log begaane
dukhii man…

laakh yahaa.N jholii phailaa le
kuchh nahii.n de.nge is jag vaale
patthar ke dil mom na ho.nge
chaahe jitanaa niir bahaale
dukhii man…

apane liye kab hai.n ye mele
ham hai.n har ik mele me.n akele
kyaa paaegaa usame.n rahakar
jo duniyaa jiivan se khele
dukhii man…

Song #34
Ae meri topi palat ke aa….

We ended the 11th day with just one song from the 1956 Chetan Anand movie: Funtoosh starring Dev Anand, Sheila Ramani and KN Singh. The song was, at that time, one of the best sung by Kishore Kumar: Dukhi man mere sun mera kehna.

Dev Anand with RD Burman, a few years later

I told you about a song that was composed by Sachin da’s son: Rahul Dev Burman when he was just nine years old. Sachin Dev Burman talked about this song later and the credit for the song was given to SD Burman in the movie.

This too was sung by Kishore Kumar for Dev Anand and is such a charming tune.

Please enjoy: Ae meri topi palat ke aa….

ai merii Topii palaT ke aa
na apane fanTuush ko sataa
ai mere dilabar idhar nazar kar
na jaa bichhu.D kar
na jaa na jaa
ai merii Topii …

ai merii hamajolii tuu bhii Gair kii ho lii
tuu bhii de ga_ii ghakkaa
auro.n ke sa.ng ghuume.n iThalaa_e aur jhuume.n
dekhuu.N mai.n bhauchakkaa
merii Topii -3
ai merii Topii …

baa.Ndh ke sar pe sehare chuume gore chehare
aur mujhe tarasaa_e
kaaro.n pe cha.Dh jaa_e ho.nTho.n tak ba.Dh jaa_e
dil pe tiir chalaa_e
merii Topii -3
ai merii Topii …

dekhe jise akelii usase kare aThakhelii
raah me.n raas rachaa_e
moraa peT bajaa_e ga.nje sar ko chhupaa_e
chhe.De aur chhup jaa_e
merii Topii -3
ai merii Topii …

Song #35
Woh dekhen to unaki inaayat…..

I end the 1956 Chetan Anand movie Funtoosh songs with this classic from Sahir Ludhianvi. This is really my favourite, as much as Dukhi man mere, for the quality of its lyrics. Sahir had this attribute in abundance which enabled him to make many nazams into excellent songs. The 1957 Guru Dutt movie Pyaasa had quite a few of them. One of them is: Tang aa chuke hain kash-ma-kash zindagi se hum. This is of the same quality. However, this is a duet between Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle singing for Dev Anand and Sheila Ramani.

Asha Bhosle with Kishore Kumar

Please enjoy: Woh dekhen to unaki inaayat…..

kishor:
vo dekhe.n tu unakii inaayat, naa dekhe.n to ronaa kyaa -3
jo dil Gair kaa ho usakaa honaa kyaa aur na honaa kyaa
vo dekhe.n to unakii inaayat

aashaa:
aah haa haa … oh ho ho … laa laa laa …

ishq dilo.n kaa mel hai pyaare ye nazaro.n kaa khel nahii.n -2
ye nazaro.n kaa khel nahii.n
jab tak do dil ek na ho le.n dil kii lagii kaa ronaa kyaa
jab tak do dil ek na ho le.n

kishor and aashaa:
haiyaa ho haiyaa -4

kishor:
ishq kii baazii siidhii baazii, dil jiito aur dil haaro
ishq kii baazii siidhii baazii are baazii
baazii baazii baazii baaziii baazii baazii
ishq kii baazii siidhii baazii (dil jiito aur dil haaro) -2
is saude me.n o dilavaalo paanaa kyaa aur khonaa kyaa

dono.n:
vo dekhe.n to unakii inaayat

Song #36
Jahan jahan khayal jaata hai….

That brings us to the year 1957 when the last of the movies with the combination of Sahir Ludhianvi with SD Burman was made. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am talking about the Guru Dutt movie: Pyaasa.

In 1957, therefore, there were four movies made in which the lyrics of the songs were penned by Sahir Ludhianvi and in three of them, he paired with OP Nayyar!

The first of these was a Kishore Sahu movie: Bade Sarkar that starred Kishore Sahu, Kamini Kaushal, Durga Khote and Agha.

Kamini Kaushal acted as an elderly lady who tells a story in a flashback about a masked man (in the image of Zorro) called Black Bandit (Kishore Sahu) who was like a Robinhood, that is, robbing the rich to give to the poor. In the climax of the movie, Black Bandit turns out to be the son of the cruel Zamindar!

Op Nayyar and Sahir made four songs for this action movie:

1 Jahan Jahan Khayal Jata Hai Mohammed Rafi, Geeta Dutt
2 Jab Hum Tum Dono Raazi Toh Asha Bhosle
3 Jawani Jhoomti Hai Dulhan Asha Bhosle
4 Bol Mera Kya Kasoor Asha Bhosle

The first one was a popular song. If this reminds you of another song: Jawaniyan ye mast mast bin piye from the 1957 movie Tumsa Nahin Dekha, you can take solace from the fact that that too is an OP Nayyar composition.

Please enjoy: Jahan jahan khayal jaata hai sung by Mohammad Rafi and Geeta Dutt….

jaha jaha khayal jata hai
vaha vaha tumhi ko pata hai
jaha jaha khayal jata hai
vaha vaha tumhi ko pata hai
ye kab hua ye kyun hua ye kya hua mujhe
ye kab hua ye kyun hua ye kya hua mujhe
jaha jaha khayal jata hai
vaha vaha tumhi ko pata hai

julfe hai ke reshami ghataye hai
aak hai ke manchali sadaye hai
julfe hai ke reshami ghataye hai
aak haike manchali sadaye hai
hoth hai ke patiya aaj khile gulab ki
jism ki hade hai ya ke bastiya hai khwab ki
hoth hai ke patiya aaj khile gulab ki
jism ki hade hai ya ke bastiya hai khwab ki
jaha jaha khayal jata hai
vaha vaha tumhi ko pata hai
jaha jaha khayal jata hai
vaha vaha tumhi ko pata hai
ye kab hua ye kyun hua ye kya hua mujhe
ye kab hua ye kyun hua ye kya hua mujhe
jaha jaha khayal jata hai
vaha vaha tumhi ko pata hai
mera har singar hai tere liye
husan ki bahar hai tere liye
mera har singar hai tere liye
husan ki bahar hai tere liye

teri har najar pe meri har ada nisar hai
tere hi liye ye meri dhadkano ka har hai
teri har najar pe meri har ada nisar hai
tere hi liye ye meri dhadkano ka har hai
jaha jaha khayal jata hai
vaha vaha tumhi ko pata hai
jaha jaha khayal jata hai
vaha vaha tumhi ko pata hai
ye kab hua ye kyun hua ye kya hua mujhe
ye kab hua ye kyun hua ye kya hua mujhe
ye kab hua ye kyun hua ye kya hua mujhe
ye kab hua ye kyun hua ye kya hua mujhe

Song #37
Yeh desh hai veer jawano ka….

What a coincidence that on the eve of the 68th Republic Day today, chronologically, we have come to the 1957 movie Naya Daur! It was a BR Chopra movie, both in production and direction. It starred Dilip Kumar as Shankar, one of the tongawallahs whose livelihood is affected when the son of a rich landlord (Jeevan) starts a bus-service. Shankar agrees to do, what was later copied as an idea in Aamir Khan’s Lagaan; that is, to take up a challenge in order to save the livelihood of his people. In this case it was a race between the tongas and the bus; in case of Lagaan it was a cricket match (however, the concept was exactly the same). And, against all odds, in both the movies, the simple and poor people win.

Aamir Khan had Gracy Singh in Lagaan. Dilip Kumar had Vyjayanthimala.

Sahir wrote lyrics of nine songs that were composed by OP Nayyar:

1. “Aana Hai To Aa” Mohammed Rafi 05:41
2. “Maang Ke Saath” Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle 03:33
3. “Reshmi Shalwar Kurta” Asha Bhosle, Shamshad Begum 04:06
4. “Saathi Haath Badhana” Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle 05:27
5. “Uden Jab Jab” Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle 04:47
6. “Yeh Desh Hai Veer” Mohammed Rafi, Balbir 03:12
7. “Main Bombay Ka Babu” Mohammed Rafi 02:58
8. “Dil Leke Daga Denge” Mohammed Rafi 01:26
9. “Ek Diwana Aate Jate Humse Chhed Kare” Asha Bhosle 03:05

Two of these are so well suited for the Republic Day.

Lets take the first one that became symbolic of the pride of a young independent India; somewhat similar to Saare jahan se achhha.

The song from Naya Daur that became symbol of national pride

Please enjoy: Yeh desh hai veer jawano ka….

ye desh hai viir javaano.n kaa alabelo.n kaa mastaano.n kaa
o …
o … ati viiro.n kii
ye desh hai viir javaano.n kaa
alabelo.n kaa mastaano.n kaa
is desh kaa yaaro.n … hoy!!
is desh kaa yaaro.n kyaa kahanaa
ye desh hai duniyaa kaa gahanaa

o… o…
yahaa.N chau.Dii chhaatii viiro.n kii
yahaa.N bholii shakle.n hiiro.n kii
yahaa.N gaate hai.n raa.Njhe … hoy!!
yahaa.N gaate hai.n raa.Njhe mastii me.n
mastii me.n jhuume.n bastii me.n

o… o…
pe.Do.n me.n bahaare.n jhuulo.n kii
raaho.n me.n kataare.n phuulo.n kii
yahaa.N ha.Nsataa hai saavan … hoy!!
yahaa.N ha.Nsataa hai saavan baalo.n me.n
khilatii hai.n kaliyaa.N gaalo.n me.n

o… o…
kahii.n da.ngal shokh javaano.n ke
kahii.n kartab tiir kamaano.n ke
yahaa.N nit nit mele … hoy!!
yahaa.N nit nit mele sajate hai.n
nit Dhol aur taashe bajate hai.n

o… o…
dilabar ke liye diladaar hai.n ham
dushman ke liye talavaar hai.n ham
maidaa.n me.n agar ham … hoy!!
maidaa.n me.n agar ham daT jaae.n
mushkil hai ke piichhe haT jaae.n

hurr he !! haa!!
hurr he !! haa!!
hurr he !! haa!
a.Dipaa! a.Dipaa! a.Dipaa!

Song #38
Saathi haath badhana….

(Poster courtesy: Wikimedia)

I hope you enjoyed the typically Punjabi beat of the song: Yeh desh hai veer jawano ka. For some of you, it must be very nostalgic. It had to be expected, the Punjabi feel that is, when the producer-director happened to be Punjabi, the music director was Punjabi too and the singer was from the heart of Punjab (near Amritsar). Our Peshawari hero, Dilip Kumar, carried off the Punjabiyat rather well in the movie. However, the most pleasant surprise was a Tamilian Vyjayanthimala acting and dancing as a Punjabi (Rajni).

The next song that I am giving you is also suitable on the eve of 68th Republic Day. It is a song that reminds us that in the process of nation-building, unity is indeed our strength.

In this genre of lyrics, Sahir was the best and he gave us remarkably meaningful lyrics. Sahir, of course, was from Ludhiana in Punjab and well versed in Punjabiyat.

Please enjoy Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle sing: Saathi haath badhana….

saathii haath ba.DhAnaa, saathii haath ba.DhAnaa
ek akelaa thak jaayegaa mil kar bojh uThaanaa
sAthI hAth ba.DhAnA …

ham mehanatavaalo.n ne jab bhii milakar kadam ba.Dhaayaa
saagar ne rastaa chho.Daa parabat ne shIsh jhukaayaa
faulaadii hai.n siine apane faulaadii hai.n baahe.n
ham chAhe.n to paidA karade.n, chaTTAno.n me.n rAhe.n, sAthI …

mehanat apanii lekh kii rakhanaa mehanat se kyaa Daranaa
kal gairo.n kii khaatir kii ab apanii khaatir karanaa
apanaa dukh bhii ek hai saathii apanaa sukh bhii ek
apanii ma.njil sach kii ma.njil apanaa rastaa nek, saathii …

ek se ek mile to kataraa ban jaataa hai dariyaa
ek se ek mile to zarraa ban jaataa hai seharaa
ek se ek mile to raa_ii ban sakatii hai parabat
ek se ek mile to insaan bas me.n kar le kismat, saathii …

maaTii se ham laal nikaale.n motii laae.n jal se
jo kuchh is duniyaa me.n banaa hai banaa hamaare bal se
kab tak mehanat ke pairo.n me.n ye daulat kii za.nziire.n
haath ba.Dhaakar chhiin lo apane sapano.n kii tasvIre.n, saathii …

Song #39
Udhe jab jab zulfen teri…..

The last song from the 1957 movie Naya Daur, a BR Chopra movie, that I give you is that typical Punjabi dance that I mentioned Vyjayanthimala performed so well. Sahir introduced Punjabi expressions such as “jind meriye” to make it even more authentic.

Years later, Vyjayanthimala and Dilip Kumar at an event felicitating B R Chopra (Pic courtesy: dilipkumar.net)

It is duet between Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle (none of OP Nayyar’s songs were sung by Lata Mangeshkar) singing for Dilip Kumar and Vyjayathimala.

Please enjoy: Udhe jab jab zulfen teri…..

aashaa:
u.De.n jab jab zulfe.n terii – 2
ho, u.De.n jab jab zulfe.n terii – 2
ku.Nvaariyo.n kaa dil machale -2
jind meriye
rafii:
ho.n jab aise chikane chehare – 2
to kaise na nazar phisale -2
jind meriye
aashaa:
ho, rut pyaar karan kii aaii – 2
ke beriyo.n ke ber pak gaye – 2
ji.nd meriye
rafii:
kabhii Daal idhar bhii pheraa – 2
ke tak-tak nain thak gaye -2
jind meriye
aashaa:
ho, us gaa.Nv se sa.Nvar kabhii sadqe – 2
ke jahaa.N meraa yaar basataa – 2
ji.nd meriye
rafii:
paanii lene ke bahaane aajaa – 2
ke teraa meraa ik rastaa -2
jind meriye
rafii:
ho, tujhe chaa.Nd ke bahaane dekhuu.N – 2
tuu chhat par aajaa goriye – 2
ji.nd meriye
aashaa:
abhii chhe.De.nge galii ke sab la.Dake – 2
ke chaa.Nd bairii chhip jaane de -2
jind meriye
rafii:
ho, terii chaal hai naagin jaisii- 2
re jogii tujhe le jaaye.nge – 2
ji.nd meriye
aashaa:
jaaye.N kahii.n bhii magar ham sajanaa – 2
yah dil tujhe de jaaye.nge -2
jind meriye

 

Song #40
Maang ke saath tumhaara…

In our Great Lyricist series, so far we have taken up three great lyricists: Shailendra, Rajinder Krishan and Kaif Azmi. We have, today, reached end of two weeks with our fourth Great Lyricist: Sahir Ludhainvi.

After having started traving his journey as a lyricist in Hindi movies from the 1948 movie Azadi Ki Raah Par, we reached his 1957 movie Naya Daur. The year 1957 is significant in that after pairing with SD Burman in as many as 18 movies, the pair finally separated. We shall be taking up their last movie together: Pyaasa shortly. Meanwhile, as a coincidence, for the Republic Day, we took up three songs from Naya Daur, two of them being patriotic: Yeh desh hai veer jawano ka, and Saathi haath badhana.

We come to the fourth song, a duet between Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle composed by Op Nayyar. This song has the signature OP Nayyar horse-trot beat that he perfected in many songs; eg, Zara haule haule chalo more sajna, and Banda parvar thaam lo jigar.

Please enjoy: Maang ke saath tumhaara…

A: mA.Ng ke sAth tumhArA mai.nne, mA.ng liyA sa.nsAr – 2
r: mA.Ng ke sAth tumhArA mai.nne, mA.ng liyA sa.nsAr
mA.Ng ke sAth tumhArA

r: o …
A: A …

A: dil kahe diladAr milA, ham kahe.n hame.n pyAr milA – 2
r: pyAr milA hame.n yAr milA, ek nayA sa.nsAr milA – 2
A: A …, As milI aramAn milA
r: o …, jIne kA sAmAn milA
dono: mil gayA ek sahArA, o o o o
mA.Ng ke sAth tumhArA …

r: dil javA.n aur rut ha.nsI.n, chal yU.NhI chal de.n kahI.n – 2
A: tU chAhe le chal kahI.n, tujh pe hai mujhako yakI.n – 2
r: o …, jAn bhI tU hai dil bhI tU hI
A: A …, rAh bhI tU ma.nzil bhI tU hI
dono: aur tU hI As kA tArA, o o o o
mA.Ng ke sAth tumhArA …

r: ##arrrrrrrrrrrrr, he, he, he (typical horse-maneuvring sounds)##

Song #41
Reshami salwar kurta jaali ka….

And the last song from the 1957 movie Naya Daur, wherein after being in Hindi films for nine years, for the first time Sahir Ludhianvi paired with music director OP Nayyar (reputed to have maximum number of hit songs in his movies), is also a typical Punjabi song, based on the popular genre’ in Punjabi called ‘Tappe‘ (rhyming couplets).

OP Nayyar with his favourite singer Asha Bhosle (Pic courtesy: songsofyore.com)

The song has been sung by Asha Bhosle and Shamshad Begum for Minoo Mumtaz (dressed like a Punjabi boy) and Kumkum (dressed like a Punjabi girl), in a village nautanki. Both Minoo Mumtaz and Kumkum have been two of the most accomplished dancers in the Hindi films and hence in addition to the excellent lyrics, music and singing, their antics on stage add to the romance of this song.

Please enjoy: Reshami salwar kurta jaali ka….

aa : ( reshamii salawaar ku.Dataa jaalii kaa
ruup sahaa nahii.n jaaye nakhare waalii kaa ) -2
hoy
sha : ( jaa re piichhaa chho.D mujh matavaalii kaa
kaahe Dhuu.NDhe raasataa kotavaalii kaa ) -2

aa : jab jab tujhako dekhuu.N mere dil me.n chhuTe.n phulajha.Diyaa.N
karuu.Ngaa teraa piichha chaahe lag jaaye.n hathaka.Diyaa.N
are karuu.Ngaa teraa piichha chaahe lag jaaye.n hathaka.Diyaa.N
kyaa hai kotavaalii kaa
ruup sahaa nahii.n jaaye nakhare waalii kaa
hoy

sha : jaa re piichhaa chho.D mujh matavaalii kaa
kaahe Dhuu.NDhe raasataa kotavaalii kaa

mai.n huu.N izzat waalii mujhe samajh naa aisii vaisii
ba.De ba.Do.n kii mai.nne kar dii hai aisii taisii -2
tuu hai kis thaalii kaa
kaahe Dhuu.NDhe raasataa kotavaalii kaa

aa : reshamii salawaar ku.Dataa jaalii kaa
ruup sahaa nahii.n jaaye nakhare waalii kaa
hoy

ruup tere kaalaT ?? kaa mere dil ko de gayaa jhaTakaa
ra.ng bhare haatho.n se zaraa khol de paT ghuu.NghaT kaa
haay ra.ng bhare haatho.n se zaraa khol de paT ghuu.NghaT kaa
dil hai dilavaalii kaa
ruup sahaa nahii.n jaaye nakhare waalii kaa
hoy

sha : jaa re piichhaa chho.D mujh matavaalii kaa
kaahe Dhuu.NDhe raasataa kotavaalii kaa
aa : reshamii salawaar ku.Dataa jaalii kaa
ruup sahaa nahii.n jaaye nakhare waalii kaa
hoy

Song #42
Jaane woh kaise log the….

(Poster courtesy: mid-day.com)

That brings us to the 1957 Guru Dutt movie Pyaasa (Thirsty), the last of the eighteen movies in which Sahir Ludhianvi paired with SD Burman to make songs.

What can you say about Pyaasa? Time magazine first rated it as one of the ‘Top 100 Movies of All Times’. Later, on the occasion of Valentines Day in 2011, the same magazine rated it as one of the Top Ten Romantic movies in the world. It is not my intention to do a review of the movie here. I shall restrict to the contribution of Sahir Ludhianvi. This was the most substantial contribution ever since the story of the movie revolved around Vijay (Guru Dutt) trying to make a living through his poetry. Waheeda Rehman played Gulabo, a prostitute with a heart of gold. This was only the second movie of Waheeda Rehman after C.I.D. in which too Guru Dutt made her a prostitute so as to prepare her for this role.

There was a traditional heroine too in the movie: Mala Sinha as Meena who was a co-student with Vijay in the college and they were in love except that she married, for money, a big and scheming publisher Mr. Ghosh played by Rehman. Some traces of love between Guru Dutt and Mala Sinha still stayed.

As to who was more important between Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman, can be made out from the last scene when Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman, as a couple, fade into the sunset.

As with all Guru Dutt movies, Johnny Walker provides comic relief as a masseur.

Now why did I say that Sahir Ludhianvi made his best contribution ever towards the success of the movie? Well, it is surmised that the story by Abrar Alvi is based on the life of Sahir Ludhianvi who had failed affair with poet and writer Amrita Pritam.

With this background, lets take a look at the songs of the movie put together by Sahir and Sachin da:

1. “Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Lagalo” Geeta Dutt 04:56
2. “Ham Aapki Aankhon Me” Geeta Dutt, Mohammad Rafi 05:42
3. “Jaane Kya Tune Kahi” Geeta Dutt 04:10
4. “Jaane Woh Kaise Log” Hemant Kumar 04:49
5. “Sar Jo Tera Chakraye” Mohammad Rafi 04:33
6. “Ye Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye” Mohammad Rafi 05:08
7. “Ye Hanste Huye Phool” Mohammad Rafi 07:50
8. “Jinhen Naaz Hai Hind Par” Mohammad Rafi 06:06
9. “Tang Aa Chuke Hain Kashm-e-Kashe Zindagi Se” Mohammad Rafi 04:23

Guess what? In 2004, the soundtrack for Pyaasa was chosen as one of “The Best Music in Film” by Sight & Sound, the British Film Institute magazine. Hence, when we are indeed talking about a best in the world, we shall take up all nine songs. Are you with me?

Lets start with my favourite from the movie: Jaane woh kaise log the sung by my favourite singer Hemant Kumar.

First the picturisation of the song and Guru Dutt’s direction are outstanding. There is a party at Mr. Ghosh’s (Rehman’s) house. Vijay’s (Guru Dutt’s) ex flame Meena (Mala Sinha) gets him as a waiter (to serve drinks) so that in his destitute state, he could make some money.

What kind of people you would expect at a publisher’s house: naturally, writers and poets and they are ga ga about listening to the poetry of a well known (in that society) poet. And that’s the time, suddenly, Vijay (Guru Dutt) sings his poem. They listen to him and as soon as the recital ends, the party goes on as usual. No hushed silence, no applause, nothing. It was simply masterly picturisation and direction.

Hemant Kumar and SD Burman

What about the lyrics? In self-pity and despondent songs, this must be amongst the greatest songs ever made. Guru Dutt wanted Mohammad Rafi to sing it but SD Burman insisted on Hemant Kumar! Finally, SD Burman prevailed. I worship Mohammad Rafi but I am glad that Hemant Kumar sung it and it happens to be one of the greatest sung by Hemant Kumar.

Please enjoy: Jaane woh kaise log the….

jaane vo kaise log the jinake
pyaar ko pyaar milaa
hamane to jab kaliyaa.N maa.Ngii
kaa.NTo.n kaa haar milaa
jaane vo …

khushiyo.n kii ma.nzil Dhuu.NDhii to
Gam kii gard milii
chaahat ke naGame chaahe to
aa.Nhe.n sard milii
dil ke bojh ko dhu.Ndhalaa kar gayaa jo Gamakhaar milaa
hamane to jab …

bichha.D gayaa… bichha.D gayaa har saathii dekar
pal do pal kaa saath
kisako furasat hai jo thaame diivaano.n kaa haath
hamako apanaa saayaa tak aqasar bezaar milaa
hamane to jab …

isako hii jiinaa kahate hai.n to
yuu.Nhii jii le.nge
uf na kare.nge lab sii le.nge
aa.Nsuu pii le.nge
Gam se ab ghabaraanaa kaisaa, Gam sau baar milaa
hamane to jab …

https://youtu.be/EhDCAmXKBBs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmWZHQAKMEk

Song #43
Jaane kya tune kahi….

Yesterday, we started taking up the songs of the 1957 Guru Dutt movie: Pyaasa. We took up the best of the lot sung by Hemant Kumar (it is the best for both Hemant da as well as for the movie). As I mentioned, this would be the last time that we would see the combination of Sahir Ludhianvi with Sachin Dev Burman.

The soundtrack of the movie being adjudged as one of the best in the world, we shall be taking up all the nine songs of the movie.

The next one is like the first one; another favourite of mine. This suits the ladakpan of Waheeda Rehman so much. The best part is that even as a prostitute in both C.I.D. and in Pyaasa, she is as innocent and girl-like as say in the 12 O’ Clock’s another favourite of mine: Kaisa jaadu balam tuune daara.

Its composition by SD Burman, as with many songs of Sachin da, makes it sound like a raaga based song.

Guru Dutt with his wife Geeta Dutt (Pic courtesy: itimes.com)

It is also one of the best of Guru Dutt’s wife Geeta Dutt.

One is left marvelling at the beauty of the lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi. On one hand, in Pyaasa, there are such heavy lyrics as: Jinhe naaz hai Hind par woh kahan hain? On the other hand, is this most enchanting light-hearted number.

Please enjoy: Jaane kya tune kahi….

jaane kyaa tuune kahii
jaane kyaa maine sunii
baat kuchh ban hii gayii
jaane kyaa tUne kahii …

sanasanaahaT sii huii
tharatharaahaT sii huii
jaag uThe khvaab kaI
baat kuchh ban hii gayii
jaane kyaa tUne kahii …

nain jhuk jhuk ke uThe
paa.Nv ruk ruk ke uThe
aa gayii jaan na_ii
baat kuchh ban hii gayii
jaane kyaa tUne kahii …

zulf shaane pe mu.De
ek khushabuu sii u.De
khul gaye raaz ka_ii
baat kuchh ban hii gayii
jaane kyaa tUne kahii …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLGCAGHNTJU

Song #44
Ye duniya agar mil bhi jaaye to kyaa hai….

I saw this great movie: Pyaasa only last year on my computer and I sat stunned at the beauty of the movie and its effect on me. We have decided to take up all the nine songs of the movie and we have taken up only two so far: Jaane woh kaise the log the, and Jaane kya tuune kahi (one yesterday and one today).

Re-enactment of the love affair between Sahir Ludhianvi and Amrita Pritam in a musical tribute called ‘Ek Mulaqat’

The best part of the movie is that unlike hundreds of Hindi movies wherein songs are just add-ons (which includes even the title song of my Facebook Group: Yaad Kiya Dil Ne), in Pyaasa, the story actually revolves around these songs. Take away the songs and Pyaasa collapses. That speaks very high of Sahir Ludhianvi to have imaginatively penned them as essential part of the movie. It was, however, to be expected since the story draws heavily from the love affair between Sahir and Amrita Pritam.

The next one sung by Mohammad Rafi has some of the strongest lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi.

As I have mentioned that Vijay (Guru Dutt) in the movie is a struggling poet who wants to make a living by selling his poetry. His poetry is largely reflective of what he sees around him and this song portrays his frustration about the society in which he lives; a kind of defeatist attitude.

Please enjoy some of the strongest words used by Sahir: Ye duniya agar mil bhi jaaye to kyaa hai….

ye mahalo.n, ye taKto.n, ye taajo.n kii duniyaa
ye inasaa.n ke dushman samaajo.n kii duniyaa – 2
ye daulat ke bhuukhe rivaazo.n kii duniyaa
ye duniyaa agar mil bhii jaaye to kyaa hai – 2

har ek jism ghaayal, har ek ruh pyaasii
nigaaho me.n ulajhan, dilo.n me udaasii
ye duniyaa hai yaa aalam-e-badahavaasii
ye duniyaa …

jahaa.N ek khilaunaa hai inasaa.n kii hastii
ye bastii hai murdaa-parasto.n kii bastii
jahaa.N aur jiivan se hai maut sastii
ye duniyaa …

javaanii bhaTakatii hai bezaar banakar
javaa.n jism sajate hai baazaar banakar
jahaa.N pyaar hotaa hai vyaapaar banakar
ye duniyaa …

ye duniyaa jahaa.N aadamii kuchh nahii.n hai
vafaa kuchh nahii.n, dostii kuchh nahii.n hai – 2
jahaa.N pyaar ki kadr hii kuchh nahii.n hai
ye duniyaa …

jalaa do, jalaa do ise phuu.Nk Daalo ye duniyaa
mere saamane se haTaa lo ye duniyaa
tumhaarii hai tum hii sambhalo ye duniyaa, ye duniyaa …

Song #45
Sar jo tera chakraaye….

Generally, since there is so much to do in posting these songs for you everyday that I write descriptions, put up the url and post. Since yesterday, however, as soon as Pyaasa songs started, I am re-watching every song and then putting them up. These are, as I said earlier, stunningly beautiful. In addition to Sahir, SD Burman, and the singers, you have to raise your hat to the superb direction of Guru Dutt. Here was a director who was far ahead of his times in the use of celluloid (Remember Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam‘s picturisation in his movie Kaagaz Ke Phool which was a failure during his time but is now regarded as a classic?)

We end tonight in giving you this famous and comical song picturised on Johnny Walker who is a must in all Guru Dutt movies. It is said that Johnny Walker actually studied the ways of the masseurs before enacting this role.

Guru Dutt and Johnny Walker in another Guru Dutt movie: Mr and Mrs 55

You also have to think of the versatility of Mohammad Rafi as a singer. On one hand, in the movie, he sang a strongly worded song which is not just a reflection on the society but is also representative of the entire movie. On the other, is this comical number!

Please enjoy: Sar jo tera chakraaye….

sar jo teraa chakaraaye, yaa dil Duubaa jaaye
aajaa pyaare paas hamaare, kaahe ghabaraay, kaahe ghabaraay

(tel meraa hai muskii, ganj rahe na khuskii
jis ke sar par haath phiraa duu.N, chamake kismat usakii ) – 2
sun sun sun, are beTaa sun, is champii me.n ba.De ba.De gun
laakh dukho.n kii ek davaa hai, kyU.N naa aazamaaye
kahe ghabaraaye, kahe ghabaraaye
sar jo teraa …

(pyaar kaa hove jhaga.Daa, yaa bizines kaa ho raga.Daa
sab lafa.Do.n kaa bojh haTe jab pa.De haath ik taga.Daa ) – 2
sun sun sun, are baabU sun, is champii me.n ba.De ba.De gun
laakh dukho.n kii ek davaa hai, kyU.N naa aazamaaye
kahe ghabaraaye, kahe ghabaraaye
sar jo teraa …

(naukar ho yaa maalik, liiDar ho yaa pabalik
apane aage sabhii jhuke.n hai.n, kyaa raajaa kyaa sainik ) – 2
sun sun sun, are beTaa sun, is champii me.n ba.De ba.De gun
laakh dukho.n kii ek davaa hai, kyU.N naa aazamaaye
kahe ghabaraaye, kahe ghabaraaye
sar jo teraa …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJiohcg-gKo

Song #46
Ye hanste huye phool…..

At the end of Day 14, we started with the songs of the 1957 Guru Dutt movie Pyaasa. We having decided to take up all nine songs, have taken up just four: Jaane woh kaise log the, Jaane kya tuune kahi, Yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaaye to kyaa hai, and Sar jo tera chakraaye.

Today, lets have our cup overflowing with five songs.

The first onecomes up in the beginning of the struggles of Vijay (Guru Dutt) as the poet. He sees the comparison with the beautiful and happy things that God made and with his own deplorable situation.

To do justice to this nazam is Mohammad Rafi once again.

Guru Dutt, Mohammad Rafi and SD Burman (Pic courtesy: hamaraphotos.com)

Please enjoy: Ye hanste huye phool…..

ye ha.Nsate huye phuul
ye mahakaa hu_aa gulashan
( ye ra.ng me.n aur nuur me.n
Duubii hu_ii raahe.n ) -2

( ye phuulo.n kaa ras pii ke
machalate huye bha.Nware ) -2

mai.n duu.N bhii to kyaa duu.N tumhe.n
ai shoK nazaaro.n
le de ke mere pass
kuchh aa.Nsuu hai.n kuchh aahe.n

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNoNcZfmMn8

Song #47
Jinhe naaz hai Hind par woh kahan hain?

We are taking up the songs of the 1957 movie Pyaasa that was produced and directed by Guru Dutt; the movie being the last time when Sahir‘s lyrics were composed by SD Burman.

Here is the sixth song of the movie.

Guru Dutt with his favourite story-writer Abrar Alvi (Pic courtesy: learningandcreativity.com)

This song comes about when Vijay (Guru Dutt) sees the moral corruption of the society around him. This itself is a pointer towards the character of Vijay being based on Sahir’s own image since most of Sahir’s poetry is a reflection on what he saw in the society: the rot, the corruption, the inequality, and the struggle of the righteous.

Such intense poetry is rarely to be seen in movies. That Guru Dutt should faithfully portray such poetry in his character too is rare. Of course, such intensity can be understood only by a singer of the stature of Mohammad Rafi and he does full justice to it; you can feel the pain, the pathos, the despondency in his voice itself without having to see Guru Dutt enact it in his drunken stupor.

Please enjoy: Jinhe naaz hai Hind par woh kahan hain?

ye kuuche, ye… ha.n .a.a.a , ghar dilakashii ke
ye kuuche, ye niilaam ghar dilakashii ke
ye luTate hue kaaravaa.n zi.ndagii ke
kahaa.N hai.n, kahaa.N hai.n muhAfiz khudii ke
jinhe.n naaz hai hind par vo kahaa.N hai.n
kahaa.N hai.n, kahaa.N hai.n, kahaa.N hai.n

ye purape.nch galiyaa.n, ye badanaam baazaar
ye gumanaam raahii, ye sikko.n kI jhanakaar
ye isamat ke saude, ye saudo.n pe takaraar
jinhe naaz …

ye sadiyo.n se bekhauf sahamii sI galiyaa.n
ye masalii huI adhakhilI zard kaliyaa.n
ye bikatii huI khokhalii ra.ngaraliyaa.N
jinhe naaz …

vo ujale darIcho.n me.n paayal kii chhan chhan
thakii haarii saa.nso.n pe tabale kI dhan dhan (2)
ye berUh kamaro.n me khaa.nsii ki Than Than
jinhe naaz …

ye phuulo.n ke gajare, ye piiko.n ke chhii.nTe
ye bebaak nazare, ye gustaakh fiqare
ye Dhalake badan aur ye biimaar chehare
jinhe naaz …

yahaa.N piir bhii aa chuke hai.n, javaa.n bhii
tan-o-mand beTe bhI, abbaa miyaa.N bhii
ye biivii hai (2) aur bahan hai, maa.N hai
jinhe naaz …

madad chaahatii hai ye havaa kI beTI
yashodaa kI ham_jins raadhaa kI beTI (2)
payambar kI ummat zulekhaa kI beTI,
jinhe naaz …

zaraa is mulk ke rahabaro.n ko bulaao
ye kuuche ye galiyaa.n ye ma.nzar dikhaao
jinhe.n naaz hai hind par unako laao
jinhe naaz hai hind par vo kahaa.N hai.n
kahaa.N hai.n, kahaa.N hai.n, kahaa.N hai.n

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ta4BmumQKc

Song #48
Ham aapki aankhon mein is dil ko basa dein to….

I have given you six songs of the 1957 Guru Dutt classic Pyaasa starring Guru Dutt, Mala Sinha, Waheeda Rehman and Rehman.

I have decided to give you all tonight itself.

This song has been picturised on Guru Dutt and Mala Sinha. I had told you earlier that all songs of the movie flow from and add to the storyline. Well, this one can be called an add-on and I stand somewhat corrected.

Having made Mala Sinha the heroine, it was necessary to give her a song at least since otherwise she had a role that could hardly be called inspiring: that of being publisher Rehman’s wife though during her college days she had a crush on Guru Dutt.

This song is a reminder of their college affair.

Geeta Dutt recording with Mohammad Rafi (Pic courtesy: geetadutt.com)

Mohammad Rafi and Geeta Dutt have sung this as a waltzing duet in a dream sequence.

Please enjoy: Ham aapki aankhon mein is dil ko basa dein to….

ham aap kii aa.Nkho.n me.n, is dil ko basaa de.n to
ham muu.Nd ke palako.n ko, is dil ko sazaa de.n to
ham aap kii aa.Nkho.n me.n, is dil ko basaa de.n to

(in zulfo.n me.n guu.Ndhe.nge, ham phuul muhabbat ke
zulfo.n ko jhaTak kar ham, ye phuul giraa de.n to) – 2
ham aap kii aa.Nkho.n me.n, is dil ko basaa de.n to

(ham aapako khvaabo.n me.n, laa laa ke sataaye.nge
ham aap kii aa.Nkho.n se, nii.nde.n hii u.Daade.n to) – 2
ham aap kii aa.Nkho.n me.n, is dil ko basaa de.n to

(ham aapake kadamo.n para, gir jaaye.nge Gash khaa kar
is par bhii na ham apane, aa.nchal kii havaa de.n to) – 2
(ham aap kii aa.Nkho.n me.n, is dil ko basaa de.n to
ham muu.Nd ke palako.n ko, is dil ko sazaa de.n to) – 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBTcsTd2kF0

Song #49
Tang aa chuke hain kashm-e-kash zindagi se ham….

Finally we come to the second last song of the movie; I having given you the songs in a sequence different from the movie.

This song was sung (recited the nazam) by Vijay (Guru Dutt) in a mushaira since Meena (Mala Sinha) wanted him to revive his poetic recitals of the college days. His genre’ is despondency; which I have already told you is because of what he sees around him and due to his own destitute state. Indeed, in this nazam, someone in the audience tells him to sing not such lugubrious numbers but some happy ones. To this, in poetic response itself he clarifies that his poetry is like a mirror to the society.

Mala Sinha reacting to Guru Dutt’s nazam whilst sitting in the audience, being qwatched by her husband Rehman

Once again, one has to bow to the excellence of singing of God of Songs: Mohammad Rafi for having brought the right passion in it.

Please enjoy: Tang aa chuke hain kashm-e-kash zindagi se ham….

( tang aa chuke hai.n
qash-ma-qash-e-zindagii se ham ) -2
Thukaraa na de.n jahaa.N ko kahii.n
bedilii se ham

##male voice## : ajii janaab
Kushii ke mauqe par kyaa bedilii kaa raag chhe.Daa hu_aa hai
ko_ii Kushii kaa giit sunaa_iye

ham Gam-zadaa hai.n laaye.n
kahaa.N se Kushii ke giit -2
( de.nge wo hii jo paaye.nge is
zindagii se ham ) -2

ubhare.nge ek baar
abhii dil ke walawale -2
( maanaa ke dab gaye hai.n
Gam-e-zindagii se ham ) -2

lo aaj hamane to.D diyaa -2
rishtaa-e-ummiid -2
( lo ab kabhii gilaa na
kare.nge kisii se ham ) -2

Song #50
Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo…

And that brings us to the last of the nine songs of 1957 movie Pyaasa, one of the Top 100 Movies of All Times in the world as per the Time magazine and later ranked as one of the Top Ten Romantic Movies of all times.

The last song has the voice of Geeta Dutt. Composition by SD Burman is as exquisite as it can get.

“Waheeda Rahman’s role in Pyaasa was based on a real life character. Abrar Alvi and his friends were visiting Bombay and they decided to visit the red light area. Alvi got talking to a girl who called herself Gulabo. According to Alvi ” As I left, she thanked me in a broken voice, saying that it was the first time that she had been treated with respect, in a place where she heard only abuses. I used-her exact words in the film””

This song/bhajan is reflective of that respect which Waheeda Rehman got from a struggling poet Guru Dutt.

Please enjoy: Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo…

sakhii rii birahaa ke dukha.De sah sah kar jab raadhe besudh ho lii
to ik din apane manamohan se jaa kar yuu.N bolii

aaj sajan mohe a.ng lagaalo
janam safal ho jaaye
hR^iday kii pii.Daa deh kii agni
sab shiital ho jaaye

karuu.n laakh jatan more man kii tapan
more tan kii jalan nahii.n jaaye
kaisii laagii ye lagan kaisii jaagii ye agan
jiyaa dhiir dharan nahii.n paaye
prem sudhaa … more saa.Nvariyaa
prem sudhaa itanI barasaa do jag jal thal ho jaaye
aaj sajan …

mohe apanaa banaalo merI baa.Nh paka.D
mai.n huu.N janam janam kii daasii
merI pyaas bujhaa do manahar giridhar, pyaas bujhaa do
mai.n huu.N antarghaT tak pyAsI
prem sudhaa … more saa.Nvariyaa
prem sudhaa itanI barasaa do jag jal thal ho jaaye
aaj sajan …

ka_ii jug se hai.n jaage
more nain abhaage) 2
kahii.n jiyaa nahii.n laage bin tore
sukh dekhe nahii.n aage 2
duHkh piichhe piichhe bhaage
jag suunaa suunaa laage bin tore
prem sudhaa, more saa.Nvariyaa, saa.Nvariyaa
prem sudhaa itanii barasaa do jag jal thal ho jaaye
aaj sajan …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuhXKK2_p4A

That finishes Part II of the Best Songs of Sahir Ludhianvi. I don’t know whether I have come to the halfway mark or not. We have taken just 50 songs from his first 33 movies and we have still 86 movies to cover! At this stage, I must tell you who are the singers who sang his songs. Here is the list:

Asha Bhonsle               223
Mohd. Rafi                    188
Lata Mangeshkar        160
Kishore Kumar              69
Mahendra Kapoor        61
Geeta Dutt                      54
Manna De                       38
Mukesh                           22
Talat Mahmood            20
Sudha Malhotra            19
Suman Kalyanpur        18
Hemant Kumar            12

Long way to go. Please await Part III.

Author: Sunbyanyname

I have done a long stint in the Indian Navy that lasted for nearly thirty seven years; I rose as far as my somewhat rebellious and irreverent nature allowed me to. On retirement, in Feb 2010, the first thing that occurred to me, and those around me, was that I Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (you will find an article with this title in this blog) and hadn't lost all my noodles and hence thought of a blog titled 'This 'n That'. I later realised that every third blog is called 'This 'n That' and changed the name to 'Sunbyanyname'. I detest treading the beaten track. This blog offers me to air 'another way' of looking at things. The idea is not just to entertain but also to bring about a change. Should you feel differently, you are free to leave your comments. You can leave comments even when you agree and want to share your own experience about the topic of the blog post. Impudent or otherwise, I have never been insousciant and I am always concerned about the betterment of community, nation and the world. I hope the visitors of this blog would be able to discern it.

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