Anil Biswas (Part 4) - Lata and Anil da: What a combination!

Namaskar Friends,

Welcome to the last part of my 4-part series on Anil Biswas alias Anil da. In Part 1, we learnt about his life and career as a music composer. In Part 2 we witnessed some of the finest songs Anil da had composed for his select male singers. Part 3 gave a glimpse of 10 of the best duets Anil da had composed. If you haven't had a chance to read Part 1, 2 and 3, don't worry. Here are the links:

Anil Biswas (Part 1) - मराठी

Anil Biswas (Part 1) - English

Anil Biswas (Part 2)

Anil Biswas (Part 3)

In this part, I am going to present 10 of Anilda's greatest gems composed for the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, first in Marathi and then in English. 

If you like it, please leave a comment on the blog itself with your name and share further. Thanks.

मित्रांनो, अनिल विश्वास आणि लता मंगेशकर यांच्यावर स्वतंत्र भाग लिहिण्याचे प्रमुख कारण आहे की १९४८ साली अनिलदांकडे लता जेंव्हा पहिल्यांदा "अनोखा प्यार" चित्रपटात गायली, तेंव्हापासून अनिलदांनी त्यांच्या कारकिर्दीत एकूण ३३९ गाणी स्वरबद्ध केली, त्यातील तब्बल १२७ गाण्यांमध्ये लता होती (८९ सोलो आणि ३८ इतरांबरोबर) म्हणजे जवळपास ३२% गाणी लताची होती. आणखीन थोडे खोलात जाऊन बघितले तर लता आल्यानंतर अनिलदांनी महिला गायकांना घेऊन २५५ गाणी बनवली त्यातील १२७ गाणी लताची होती, हे प्रमाण जवळपास ५०% आहे. यावरून आपल्याला अनिलदांच्या संगीतात लताचे काय स्थान होते याचा अंदाज येतो. 

पहिल्या भागात सांगितल्याप्रमाणे, अनिलदांनी स्वतः एके ठिकाणी असं म्हटलंय की ज्या वेळी लता फिल्म संगीताच्या क्षितिजावर उगवली, त्या वेळेपासून संगीतकारांसाठी एक अतिभव्य दालन खुले झाले की जेथे ते त्यांच्या प्रतिभेप्रमाणे काहीही स्वरबद्ध करू शकत होते कारण त्यांना विश्वास होता की त्यांची स्वररचना लताच्या गळ्यातून सहज उतरेल.

चला तर ऐकू या अनिलदांनी लतासाठी स्वरबद्ध केलेली १० अप्रतिम सुमधुर गाणी.

Friends, if you are wondering why there is a special article on just Lata Mangeshkar in a tribute series on Anil Biswas, well, here is the reason. Lata sang for Anil da for the first time in 1948 for the movie "Anokha Pyar". Since then, Anil da composed total 339 songs out of which Lata contributed to 127 songs (89 solo and 38 with others). If we analyze a bit further, we find that After Lata's entry into Anilda's camp, Anil da composed 255 songs that had at least one female singer in it. And Lata's contribution in these 255 songs was 127 - which is close to 50%. This tell us how important Lata was for Anil da.

Secondly, as mentioned in Part-1, Anil da himself had said once that after Lata came on the horizon, a world of limitless possibilities opened to the music composers then since she could sing anything that a composer would compose.

Let's now listen to the 10 of Lata's gems composed by Anil da.

Interesting Statistics about Lata's songs for Anil da (Year-Movie wise break-up)

1) Ik Dil Ka Lagana Baki Tha - Anokha Pyar (1948) - Lyricist Zia Sarhadi

१९४८ सालचा "अनोखा प्यार" म्हणजे जबरदस्त गाण्यांची जणू लयलूट होती. चित्रपटात एकूण ११ गाणी होती. त्याशिवाय ३-४ गाण्यांच्या वेगळ्या गायक/गायिकेच्या आवाजात रेकॉर्ड्स निघाल्या होत्या. असंच हे गाणं. "इक दिल का लगाना बाकी था". चित्रपटात हे गाणे नर्गिसवर चित्रित झाले आहे आणि मीना कपूर यांनी म्हटले आहे. पण HMV ने जेंव्हा "अनोखा प्यार" च्या रेकॉर्ड्स काढायच्या ठरवल्या तेंव्हा मीना कपूर आजारी असल्याने अनिलदांनी लताला सांगितले. लताही त्यावेळी नवीन होती व अनिलदांसारखे गुरु सांगताहेत म्हणून तीही तयार झाली. आणि काय गाऊन ठेवलंय लताने! पियानो, हवाईयन गिटार आणि तालवाद्य एवढ्या मोजक्या वाद्यांवर ही अप्रतिम चाल बांधली आहे अनिलदांनी. मीना कपूरनेही छान म्हटलंय, त्यांचं गाणं थोडं संथ लयीत आहे पण त्यांच्या आवाजातील दर्द जाणवतो, मीना कपूर यांचे गाणे इथे ऐका. लताचे गाणे ऐकू या.

"Anokha Pyar" released in 1948 was a treat for the music lovers. It had almost 10-11 songs in it. Moreover, there were versions of at least 3-4 songs separately. The first song of Lata-Anilda duo being presented below is one such version song. It was sung originally by Meena Kapoor in the movie and the song was picturized on Nargis. However, when HMV decided to bring out the records of "Anokha Pyar" songs, unfortunately, Meena Kapoor was unwell, hence Anilda requested Lata to record some of her songs, which she agreed. And thus we got a real gem from Lata-Anilda. The composition is managed only with few instruments. One can identify the Piano, Hawaiin Guitar and Rhythm instrument. You can listen to the original Meena Kapoor Song here. Her song is bit slow in its rhythm, but full of sorrow as per the situation demand. Let's listen to the Lata version below.

2) Mast Pawan Hai Chanchal Dhara - Jeet (1949) - Lyricist Prem Dhawan

हे लताचं अनिलदांकडचं वेगळ्या अंदाजातलं अतिशय गोड असं गाणं. गेल्या भागात आपण "जीत" मधलं देव आनंद आणि सुरैय्या यांच्यावर चित्रित झालेले एक गाणे पाहिले होते. हे गाणे दुसऱ्या एका जोडीवर आहे - मदन पुरी (जो पुढे खलनायक म्हणून प्रसिद्ध झाला) आणि सुरैया चौधरी. दोघेजण नदीमध्ये नौका वल्हवत आहेत आणि सुरैया हे गाणे म्हणते आहे. गाण्याची सुरुवातच मुळी एका बहारदार तानेने होते. होडीतले गाणे, पाठीमागे दिसणारी शिडाची नौका त्यामुळे अनिलदांनी ही तान नाविक / कोळी लोकं गातात तशी स्वरबद्ध केली आहे. लताच्या गाण्यातील छोट्या छोट्या मुरक्या, हरकती यामुळे गाण्याची नजाकत वाढते. गाण्याला स्वतःची अशी एक सुंदर लय आणि डौल आहे. या गाण्याचा USP म्हणाल तर "डोल" शब्दावर प्रत्येक वेळी लताने घेतलेला स्वरांचा हिंदोळा, अहाहा! ऐकाच हे अप्रतिम सुमधुर गीत.

This particular song shows a different Lata when she sings for Anil da. In the last part, we saw a duet picturized on the main leads of the film i.e. Dev Anand and Suraiyya. This song is picturized on the second pair of Madan Puri (famous Villain in his later days) and Suraiya Chowdhary. The two are rowing a small boat in the river, and on the backdrop we see a Sailboat, so Anil da has composed a suitable Taan at the beginning. Lata has shown her great versatility in singing the word "Dol" differently every time. Let's listen to this beautiful song.

3) Tumhare Bulane Ko Jee Chahata Hai - Laadli (1949) - Lyricist Prem Dhawan

लताने अनिलदांकडे गायलेले हे आणखी एक सदाबहार गाणे १९४९ साली आलेल्या "लाडली" या चित्रपटातील. यात एकूण ११ गाणी होती, त्यातील लताने ८ गाण्यांना आपला आवाज दिला आहे (५ सोलो व ३ इतरांबरोबर). गाण्याच्या स्वररचनेत गायकाचा आवाज सुप्रीम असेल हे अनिलदांचे वैशिष्ट्य आपल्याला या गाण्यातही  जाणवेल. परत एकदा फक्त पियानो, व्हायोलिन आणि अतिशय हळुवार वाजणारे तालवाद्य  यावर अनिलदांनी ही अप्रतिम स्वररचना केली आहे. लताच्या मधुर आवाजाने त्यावर कळस चढवला आहे. "चाहता" शब्द उच्चारण्याच्या वेगवेगळ्या पद्धती, "मुस्कुराने" शब्दावरची मुरकी किंवा शेवटच्या कडव्यात "ये जी चाहता है" मधील "ये" वर घेतलेली छोटीशी हरकत ऐका, किती सुंदर लागते कानाला. चला तर हे गाणे ऐकू या.

One of the many Evergreen songs that Lata has sung for Anil da from the movie "Laadli" (1949). It had 11 songs out of which Lata has sung 8 (5 solo and 3 with others). Even in this song, the voice of the singer is supreme, the accompanying music does not overpower it, this is pure Anil da style! Once again, you will realize that Anil da has composed the music for this song with Piano and Violin as the prime instruments, and still he is able to create an atmosphere of love and affection! Listen carefully to Lata's delivery of words like "Chahata", "Muskurane", "Ye", its a treat for the ears. Let's listen to the song.

4) Man Mein Kisi Ki Preet Basa Le - Aaram (1951) - Lyricist Rajendra Krishna

१९५१ सालचा देवआनंद-मधुबाला-प्रेमनाथ-दुर्गा खोटे अभिनित "आराम" हा चित्रपटही गाण्यांमुळे गाजला. "आराम" मध्ये ८ गाणी होती, आठही सोलो, त्यातील ५ लताची! पाचही गाणी अद्भुत आहेत. "मिल मिल के बिछड गये नैन", "बालमवा नादान", "उजडी रे मेरे प्यार की दुनिया", "रुठा हुआ चंदा है रुठी हुई चांदनी" आणि आज सादर करत असलेले "मन में किसी की प्रीत बसा ले". कुठलं गाणं वगळावं हा प्रश्नच पडतो. 

गाण्याच्या सुरुवातीला आपल्याला दिसतात राणी माँ (दुर्गा खोटे) या लीलाला (मधुबाला) घेऊन हॉल मध्ये येतात जिथे कुमार (प्रेमनाथ) पियानोवर सुरावटी छेडत असतो. आणि अचानक लीला गायला सुरुवात करते, त्या क्षणापासून ते पुढील १५-२० सेकंद तिघांच्याही चेहऱ्यावरचे भाव बघा - अभिनय काय असतो हे आपल्याला कळते. कुमार आश्चर्यचकित झालेला असतो, त्याची आई म्हणजे राणी माँ यांना कुमारचे प्रेम लीलावर आहे हे कळलेले असते, पण अजून लीलाने होकार दिलेला नसतो, त्यामुळे लीला हे गाणे नक्की कोणाला उद्देशून म्हणते आहे हे त्यांना कळत नाही, तर लीलाचे प्रेम श्यामवर (देव आनंद) असते, त्यामुळे ती कसनुसं हसत बघत जरी कुमारकडे असली तरी मनातून श्यामची आठवण काढत असते. तिघांच्या भावमुद्रा केवळ लाजवाब आहेत. 

बाकी गाण्याबद्दल काय बोलू? केवळ स्वर्गीय! माझ्या अत्यंत आवडत्या गाण्यांपैकी एक. चला ऐकू या.

"Aaram" (1951) had a great star cast in Dev Anand-Madhubala-Premnath-Durga Khote. The movie had 8 amazing Solo songs, out of which Lata contributed to 5! All of Lata songs are simply superb. E.g. "Mil Mil Ke Bichhad Gaye Nain", "Balamwa Nadan", "Ujadi Re Mere Pyar Ki Duniya", "Rutha Hua Chanda Hai" and the one being presented below "Man Mein Kisi Ki". I am always puzzled which one to present and which ones to omit.

As the song starts, we see Rani Maa (Durga Khote) and Leela (Madhubala) coming into the room where Kumar (Premnath) is playing Piano. Suddenly, Leela starts singing, from that moment watch the reactions on the faces of all three - simply amazing. Kumar is surprised to see Leela sing, his mother Rani Maa knowing that Kumar loves Leela, but she hasn't confirmed yet, so Rani Maa is unsure for whom Leela is singing, while Leela is in love with Shyam (Dev Anand), she has to keep a smiling face in front of Rani Maa and Kumar. Hats off to the Director and the actors.

I have nothing much to talk about the song. It's simply out of this world. One of my favorites. Let's listen and enjoy.

5) Beiman Tore Nainwa Nindiya Na Aaye - Tarana (1951) - Lyricist D. N. Madhok

१९५१ सालचा "तराना" हा दिलीपकुमार आणि मधुबाला यांचा एकत्रित पहिलाच चित्रपट. डॉ. मोतीलाल (दिलीपकुमार) आणि तराना यांच्यातील ही प्रेमकहाणी. गाण्याच्या सुरुवातीच्या संवादातून आपल्याला कळतं की मोतीला बरं नाहीये आणि त्यामुळे तराना त्याला झोपून विश्रांती घ्यायला सांगत आहे. (पण मधुबालासारखी तराना शेजारी असताना कोणाला झोप लागणे शक्य आहे का? 😆) मोती झोपण्याचे नाटक करतो हे कळल्यावर तराना त्याला बेईमान म्हणते, आणि अप्रतिम गाणे सुरु होते. या गाण्यात अनिलदांनी बासरीचा भरपूर वापर केला आहे. ही मधुर अशी बासरी वाजवली आहे अनिलदांचे मेव्हणे आणि सुप्रसिद्ध बासरीवादक पं. पन्नालाल घोष यांनी. सुरुवातीची बासरी आणि त्यानंतरचा सतारीचा तुकडा ऐकावा असाच. "बेईमान तोरे नैनवा" मधील "बेईमान" हा शब्द "बेईमाँ" असा सुद्धा म्हणता आला असता, पण इथे संगीत दिग्दर्शक आणि गायिका दोघांचेही कसब दिसते की "बेईमान" असा पूर्ण शब्द म्हटल्याने गाण्यातील गोडवा अधिक वाढतो. "ये रात कहीं भागी न जाये" यातील "रात" शब्दावर लताने काय सुंदर तान घेतली आहे! गीतकार दीनानाथ मधोक यांनी हे गाणे कमालच लिहिलंय. "आँखे बंद कर लो" असं सरधोपट सांगण्याऐवजी डॉ. मोतीच्या प्रेमात आकंठ बुडालेली तराना त्याला सांगते "ले मूँद ले अँखिया तनिक ज़रा", काय शब्द आहेत हो! गाणं कमालीचं श्रवणीय तर आहेच, पण मधुबालामुळे, तिचं हसणं, तिचं लाजणं यामुळे ते अधिक प्रेक्षणीय सुद्धा झालं आहे. खाली दिलेल्या video मध्ये गाणं संपता संपता दोघेही झोपी जातात, त्यानंतर जेंव्हा सकाळ होते तेंव्हा साधारण ३० सेकंद बासरीची सुरावट ऐकू येते ती केवळ लाजवाब. वाह, क्या बात है अशी दाद द्यावीशी वाटते  दिग्दर्शक, कॅमेरामन, अभिनेते, संगीतकार, गीतकार आणि गायिका यांच्या संचाला. चला तर ऐकू या हे अतिशय गोड असे गाणे.

Dilip Kumar and Madhubala starred for the first time together in this 1951 film "Tarana". The plot of the film revolves around the love story of Dr. Motilal (Dilip Kumar) and Tarana (Madhubala). The dialogues at the start of the video tell us that Tarana is trying to let Dr. Moti to sleep and rest. (It's another matter if anyone would want to sleep when Madhubala is next to you 😆) When she realizes that Dr. Moti is only pretending, she calls him "Beimaan" (Dishonest) and the song starts. You will hear a piece of Flute and Sitar at the beginning. Anil da has composed the entire song with Flute and Rhythm instrument as major instruments. His brother-in-law and famous Flute player Pt. Pannalal Ghosh has played the flute, and how sweet it can be heard! The delivery of some of the words like "Beimaan" is something to be noted. Also hear the beautiful Taan Lata takes on the word "Raat" in the line "Yeh Raat Kahin Bhaagi Na Jaaye". Lyricist Dinanath Madhok has penned this song beautifully. Any average person would have said "Aankhe Band Kar Lo" (Close your eyes", but a Kavi in D. N. Madhok writes "Le Moond Le Ankhiyan Tanik Jara", the use of Shuddh Hindi words is exemplary here. The song is an absolute treat to the ears, however, more so to the eyes because of sheer presence of the beautiful Madhubala and her smile. Please also listen to the wonderful Flute piece for about 30 seconds at the end of the video. Let's listen to this yet another real gem from Anil da and Lata.

6) Aankhon Mein Chitchor Samaye - Mehman (1953) - Lyricist P. N. Rangeen

अनिलदांनी एके ठिकाणी म्हटलं होतं की लताच्या आवाजाला आत्मा आहे. अनिलदांकडे लताने गायलेले प्रत्येक गाणे ऐकले की हे पुन्हापुन्हा जाणवतं. हे गाणंही असंच एक जीव ओतून गायलेलं गाणं. "मेहमान" (१९५३) मध्ये एकूण ८ गाणी होती, त्यातील ४ लताच्या वाट्याला आली होती. सर्व गाणी लोकप्रिय झाली. ह्या गाण्यातली काही वैशिष्ट्ये गाणे ऐकताना जाणवली ती देत आहे, तुम्हीही मन लावून गाणं ऐकलंत तर ही वैशिष्ट्ये तुम्हालाही जाणवतील व गाण्याचा आनंद द्विगुणित होईल.  १) गाण्याची सुरुवात आणि मुखडा दोन्ही अतिशय संथ लयीत आहे. "दरस दिखाये" या शब्दांची फेक बघा. २) मुखडा साधारण ०१:२२ ला संपतो आणि गाण्याची लयच बदलते, गाणे जलद होते, इथे आपल्याला बंगाली संगीताची झलक दिसेल. ३) अंतरा (कडवे) सुरु होतो, त्यात "मन में बैठा ऐसे वो" मध्ये "वो" नंतरची छोटीशी मुरकी घेऊन खालच्या स्वरावर येणे, केवळ जादू  ४) कडव्यामध्ये काही ठिकाणी दोन ओळींच्या मध्ये सतारीचे तुकडे आलेत, ते ऐका. एक ओळ दोनदा वेगळ्या पद्धतीने म्हटली आहे  ५) "सखी मन को तडपाये तरसाये" ही ओळ लताने अद्भुत म्हटली आहे, इथे पण "सखी" शब्दामध्ये आपल्याला बंगाली कीर्तनातील तारस्वराची आठवण होईल  ६) साधारण ०२:४५ ला कडवे संपताना गाणे पुन्हा संथ लयीत जाते त्यावेळी "फिर भी मन का मीत कहाये " या ओळीची सुरावट अशी अप्रतिम बांधली आहे की ती पुन्हा मुखड्याच्या लयीत येते.

अनिलदांची संगीत रचना अद्भुत आहे, आणि लताशिवाय हे गाणे अजून कोणी इतक्या ताकदीने, कौशल्याने गाऊ शकेल असं वाटत नाही. चला तर ऐकू या.

Anil da had once said that Lata's voice has soul in it. If you hear all the Lata songs for Anil da, you will agree with his views. The song being presented below is one such soulful song from the movie "Mehman" (1953). All the 8 songs from the movie were popular, Lata had sung 4 of them! While listening to this song, I could pick up some of what I call it the beauty spots from the song, I have listed few below. If you can follow these while listening to the song, you will enjoy its beauty more. 1) The opening of the song has slow rhythm, please note the delivery of the words "Daras Dikhaye" 2) From 01:22, the rhythm changes completely and the song picks up a faster rhythm, you will hear pure Rabindra Sangeet here 3) In the stanza, listen to the line "Man Mein Baitha Aise Wo" and a small Muraki on the word "Wo" to bring the Swar to a lower octave 4) In the stanza, Anil da has used Sitar pieces quite beautifully between the two lines 5) The last line of the stanza "Sakhi Man Ko Tadpaye Tarsaye" will remind you of a Bengali Kirtan style 6) At 02:45 the song changes the rhythm again through the line "Phir Bhi Man Ka Meet Kahaye", what a beautiful transformation!

Anilda's composition, his music arrangement is extraordinary in this song. And what a rendering by the one and only Lata! Let's listen to the song.

7) O Jaanewale Raahi Ek Pal Ruk Jana - Raahi (1953) - Lyricist Prem Dhawan

१९५३ सालचा "राही" हा चित्रपट ख्वाजा अहमद अब्बास यांनी दिग्दर्शित केला होता. यात देव आनंद, बलराज साहनी आणि नलिनी जयवंत हे प्रमुख कलाकार होते. दिग्दर्शक स्वतः साम्यवादी विचारांचे असल्याने त्यांनी या चित्रपटातून आसाम मधील चहाच्या मळ्यात काम करणाऱ्या बिहारी मजुरांच्या शोषणाची व्यथा मांडली होती. अनिलदांनी सुद्धा आपल्या गीतातून आणि पार्श्वसंगीतातून त्या व्यथांना अनुरूप अशा चाली दिल्या. हे गाणे चित्रपटात दोन वेगवेगळ्या मनःस्थितींमध्ये आहे - एक आनंदी तर दुसरी दुःखी. या गाण्याची चाल अनिलदांनी पंजाबच्या "इक पल वई जानां" या लोकगीतावर बांधली आहे. आनंदी गाण्याची लय आणि ताल तुम्हाला डोलायला लावतात तर दुःखी गाणं तुम्हाला भावविवश करतं. दोन्ही गाण्यात पहिलं कडवं समान आहे, पण मूडनुसार चाल वेगवेगळी आहे. ऐकू या दोन्ही गाणी.

"Raahi" released in 1953 was directed by the well-known director Khwaja Ahmed Abbas. It had Dev Anand, Balraj Sahni and Nalini Jaywant in the lead roles. Since Abbas himself was influenced by Communism, he portrayed the pains of Bihari laborers working in Tea fields of Assam. Anil da composed the music which was apt for the situation. This particular song is in two moods - Happy and Sad. Anil da had taken the tune of this song from a famous Punjabi folk song "Ik Pal Wai Janaa". The rhythm and beat of the happy song is very cheerful, while the sad song is extremely touching. In both versions, the words of the first stanza are same, but tune is different suiting the mood of the song. 

8) Na Dir Deem Tan De Re Na - Pardesi (1957) - Lyricist Asad Bhopali, Prem Dhawan

इथून पुढची म्हणजे शेवटची तीनही गाणी ही शुद्ध भारतीय शास्त्रीय संगीतावर आधारलेली आहेत. "परदेसी" (१९५७) या चित्रपटातील या गाण्याला भरतनाट्यम नृत्याची पार्श्वभूमी आहे. त्यामुळे अनिलदांनी या गाण्याची चाल दक्षिण भारतीय संगीतावर आधारलेली आहे. गाण्यात सतार, बासरी यांबरोबरच मृदंग आणि घटम ही अस्सल दक्षिण भारतीय वाद्ये ऐकू येतात. लताने हे गाणे खूपच गोड गायले आहे.

The last 3 songs of this part are based on pure Indian Classical Music. This particular song from the 1957 film "Pardesi" is picturized on a professional Bharat Natyam dancer, hence Anil da has used South India (Carnatic style) music for this song. Thus, you will hear Mrudungam and Ghatam also being played along with Sitar and Flute. Lata sounds so sweet in this song.

9) Intezaar Aur Abhi - Char Dil Char Rahen (1959) - Lyricist Sahir Ludhiyanwi

"चार दिल चार राहे" हा त्या काळातील Multi-Starrer चित्रपट म्हणावा लागेल. कारण त्यात मीनाकुमारी, राजकपूर, शम्मीकपूर, निम्मी, अजित, अन्वर हुसेन, डेव्हिड असे प्रसिद्ध कलाकार होते. तरीही हा चित्रपट चालला नाही. पण आश्चर्य म्हणजे १९६२ मध्ये हाच चित्रपट जेंव्हा रशियात प्रदर्शित झाला तेंव्हा तिथे तो जवळपास ४ कोटी लोकांनी पाहिला आणि आजच्या गणिताप्रमाणे या चित्रपटाने जवळजवळ ६०० कोटी रुपयांचा गल्ला जमावाला होता. यातील "कच्ची है उमरिया" हे मीना कपूरने गायलेले गाणे प्रचंड गाजले. लताचे "इंतजार और अभी" हे पूर्णतः शास्त्रीय संगीतावर आधारलेले गाणेही लोकांना आवडले. अनिलदांनी १९५३ मधील "हमदर्द" चित्रपटातील "ऋतू आये ऋतू जाये" या जबरदस्त रागमालेनंतर प्रथमच हा प्रयोग या गाण्यात केला, आणि पुन्हा एकदा आपली स्वररचनेवरची हुकूमत सिद्ध केली. हे गाणी यमन, बिहाग आणि भैरव या तीन रागात बांधलेले आहे. गाणे निम्मीवर चित्रित झाले आहे. आणखीन एक चमत्कार या गाण्यात बघायला मिळतो (हो, मी त्याला चमत्कारच म्हणेन) तो म्हणजे दोन कडव्यांच्या मध्ये अनिलदांनी फक्त घड्याळाच्या एका ठोक्याचा आवाज वापरला आहे, दुसरे कुठलेही संगीत नाही. या एका ठोक्याने दिग्दर्शक बदललेली वेळ दाखवतो तर अनिलदा राग-बदल दाखवतात! कमाल! ऐकाच हे सुंदर गाणे.

"Char Dil Char Raahe" was a multi-starrer movie from 1959. It had some big names like Meena Kumari, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Nimmi, Ajit, Anwar Hussain and David. However, the big star cast did not help the movie in India. But, in 1962, when it was released in Russia (then Soviet Union), the film got immense response. As many as 4 crore people watched it and the film earned approx. 600 crores (in today's terms)! The song "Kachchi Hai Umariya" sung by Meena Kapoor became extremely popular. Anil da composed a Raagmala for the first time after using it very successfully in 1953 movie "Hamdard" and once again proved his mastery. Song is picturized on Nimmi. This song has been composed in 3 Raag viz. Yaman, Bihag and Bhairav. Not sure whether it is Director's creativity or Anilda's to show the clock and its ticking sound to depict the change in the time from Evening to Night to Early Morning. There is just one clock tick between 2 stanzas to implement the transfer from one Raag to another, no music piece at all! You are simply amazed to see such creativity.

10) Ja Main Tose Naahi Bolu - Sautela Bhai (1962) - Lyricist Shailendra

१९६० नंतर अनिलदांची कारकीर्द उतरणीला लागली होती. १९६१ ते १९६५ या पाच वर्षात अनिलदांचे फक्त ५ चित्रपट आले. त्यातील "सौतेला भाई" (१९६२) आणि "छोटी छोटी बातें" (१९६५) यातील काही अप्रतिम गाणी वगळली तर अनिलदांच्या संगीतात पूर्वीची चमक दिसली नव्हती. उदा. "लागी नाही छुटे रामा" (सौतेला भाई - मीना कपूर, लता), "ज़िन्दगी का अजब फसाना है" (छोटी छोटी बातें - मुकेश, लता), "ज़िन्दगी ख्वाब है था हमें भी पता" (छोटी छोटी बातें - मुकेश), "कुछ और जमाना कहता है" (छोटी छोटी बातें - मीना कपूर) आणि खाली सादर करत असलेले गाणे या गाण्यातून अनिलदांनी पुन्हा एकदा त्यांच्यातली संगीतकाराची प्रतिभा दाखवून दिली. पण हे म्हणजे विझत चाललेल्या प्रतिभेच्या दिव्याची ज्योत मोठी व्हावी त्याप्रमाणे होते. 

"सौतेला भाई" (१९६२) या चित्रपटातील "जा मैं तोसे नाही बोलू" हे गाणे मिश्र अडाणा या रागावर आधारित आहे. हे गाणे कोठ्यावरचे आहे. त्यामुळे अनिलदांनी सारंगी आणि तबल्याचा यथेच्छ वापर केला आहे. लताचे स्वर, तिची शब्दफेक, तिने घेतलेल्या अवघड ताना, तिने गाण्यातून प्रकट केलेले भाव सगळे कधीही न विसरता येण्यासारखे, उच्च दर्जाचे. चला तर ऐकू या भागातील हे शेवटचे अप्रतिम गाणे.

Anilda's long career was fading out slowly after 1960. Between 1961 and 1965, he did only 5 movies. Out of 23 songs he produced for these 5 movies, only a handful were really good and showed us his genius. E.g. "Laagi Nahi Chhute Rama" (Sautela Bhai - Meena Kapoor, Lata), "Zindagi Ka Ajab Fasana Hai" (Chhoti Chhoti Baatein - Mukesh, Lata), "Zindagi Khwab Hai Tha Hamein Bhi Pata" (Chhoti Chhoti Baatein - Mukesh), "Kuchh Aur Zamana Kehta Hai" (Chhoti Chhoti Baatein - Meena Kapoor) and the song being presented below were the examples of Anilda's genius.

"Ja Main Tose Naahi Bolu" (Sautela Bhai-1962) song was based on the Raag Mishra Adana. It's a courtesan song, hence Anilda has promptly used Sarangi and Tabla as his main instruments. Lata, as usual, has been outstanding in her delivery of lines, her Taan, the emotions she has portrayed through her voice all are exemplary, of high class and one remembers it forever. Let's now listen to this wonderful song, which is the last song of this Part-4.

With this, I conclude the 4-part series on the genius, Bhishma Pitamah of Hindi film music - Anil Biswas. Hope you liked it. Please do leave a comment on the blog with your name. Thank you.

गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 3 (non-Hindi)

Namaskaar. Thank you so much for appreciating the last 2 parts of "गाए लता, गाए लता" - my tribute to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar. In case you have missed to visit it, here are the links - गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 1 (Solo) and गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 2 (Duets).

This is the last part in the 3-part series in which I will cover Lata's songs in the Indian languages other than Hindi. I am going to present 13 of her best solo non-Hindi songs below - 5 Marathi, 3 Bengali and 1 each in Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. Hope you will like these too. Please do leave a comment on the blog itself. Thank you again.

1) (আকাশ প্রদীপ জ্বলে) Akash Prodip Jole - Bengali Non-film (1956), Lyrics: Pabitra Mitra, Composer: Satinath Mukherjee

Apparently, this is Lata's first Bengali song! (or was it "Prem ekbari esechilo nirobe" composed by Hemant Kumar? I am not sure though) Lata sang over 200 songs in Bengali. According to Snehasis Chatterjee who has compiled 13 volumes of Lata Geetkosh, this number is 296! All of my Bengali friends have confirmed that Lata's pronunciation of Bengali words was 100% perfect, if you don't know her name, you may not be able to tell whether she was a Bengali or not, such was the perfection. In his article "Nightingale's tryst with Bengali music", the famous writer Ranjan Dasgupta recollects his conversation with Lata Mangeshkar, and I quote below a sentence from his above-mentioned article:

"She (Lata Mangeshkar) had once said,”My best Bengali songs are composed by Satinath Mukhopadhyay, Salil Chowdhury, and Hemant da (Hemanta Mukherjee). ‘Akash Pradip Jole’, ‘Saat Bhai Champa’, and ‘Jabar Bela’ are some of my best numbers.”"

You won't believe but my list of Lata's Bengali songs that I had compiled for this blog had all three songs mentioned above but had to leave out the last one due to the limit on no. of songs I would like to present.

While listening to Lata's Bengali songs, you may wonder which is sweeter - Lata's voice or Bengali language? I would say both complement each other to produce the real magic for the listeners. Enjoy the song. 

2) (আশার শ্রাবণ মানে না তো মন) Asharh Sraban Mane Na To Mon from Bengali film "Monihar" (1966), Lyrics: Mukul Dutt, Composer: Hemanta Mukherjee aka Hemant Kumar

Directed by Salil Sen, "Monihar" is a typical love triangle between elder brother Ajay (Soumitra Chatterjee), younger brother Arun (Biswajit Chatterjee) and Bandana (Sandhya Roy). Soumitra Chatterjee was to Bengali cinema what Amitabh Bachchan is to Hindi cinema. Excellent music by Hemant da, the movie had 11 songs out of which Lata sang 4 solo and 1 duet, all great songs. This particular song starts with a lambi taan of 17 seconds. Anyone who claims to be a good singer must try this lambi taan before staking the claim. Sitar and Tabla are major accompanying instruments in the composition as well as on screen.

3) (সাত ভাই চম্পা জাগোরে) Saat Bhai Champa Jagore - Bengali Non-film, Lyrics: Salil Chowdhury, Composer: Salil Chowdhury

This song is yet another sweet Bengali gem. It is one of the most popular songs till date. The composition looks modern (compared to Rabindra Sangeet) however it is still a classical based song. The tune is catchy, excellent use of Accordion, Violin and Tabla. The beat, if slowed down a little, would match the beat of the songs played in Garba - that's my thought, I may be wrong though.  You will love the fast rhythm and the happy mood the song creates. Here is an interesting thing - there is short 2 min. video of Pt. Ajay and Kaushiki Chakrabarti singing this song in one of the programmes that was telecast live on Akash TV many years back. You can watch it here - Pt. Ajay and Kaushiki Chakrabarti version. Enjoy the original song below.

4) (জোনাকাৰে ৰতি) Jonakare Rati from Assamese film "Era Bator Sur" (1956), Lyrics: Bhupen Hazarika, Composer: Bhupen Hazarika

Typical Assamese sweet song. It starts with humming in a haunting voice which was Lata's strength. We have witnessed many of her haunting melodies composed by Hemant Kumar such as "Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil", "Jhoom Jhoom Dhalti Raat", "Gumnam Hai Koi", "Mera Saaya Saath Hoga", etc. This song is no different. Great voice control. Use of Shehnai, Flute, Dholak and Cymbals is very soothing to ears. Hope you will like the song.

5) (ಬೆಳ್ಳನೆ ಬೆಳಗಾಯಿತು) Bellane Belagaayithu from Kannada film "Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna" (1967), Lyrics: Pundalika Dhuttharagi, Composer: Lakshman Berlekar

This song reminds me of extremely melodious songs from old Marathi films from 1950's. Typical set up of a village house, a fresh looking Gruhini (housewife) sweeping the courtyard, sprinkling the water thus creating a very pious environment. This song is apparently Lata's first Kannada song, the composition is inspired by the famous Hindi song "Jyoti Kalash Chhalke" composed by Sudhir Phadke for the film "Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan" (1961). Please listen to the very sweet Taan on the word "Chaluvaa..". The Thehrav of the song is amazing. Enjoy the song.

6) (માઝમ રાતે) Majham Raate - Gujarati Non-film, Lyrics: Venibhai Purohit, Composer: Purushottam Upadhyay

We have so far covered Lata's Bengali, Assamese and Kannada songs. Singing in a particular language requires the singer to adapt to the peculiarity of that culture, language and composition. And Lata has done so beautifully that you don't doubt if she belongs to that region/language. Even for this Gujarati song, listen to the typical Gujarati folk music that she has adapted to so well. Without the God's gift and her own efforts this would not have been possible, it's surely not as easy as she makes us to believe! Hope you like the song.

7) (నిదురపోరా తమ్ముడా) Nidurapora Thammuda from the Telugu film "Santhanam" (1955), Lyrics: Anisetti Subba Rao, Composer: Susarla Dakshinamurthy

This is the first of the few Telugu songs that Lata Mangeshkar recorded in her entire singing career. It is a soul-stirring lullaby a young girl is singing to make her younger brother sleep. Lata ji has given the meaningful lyrics an eternal life through her extraordinary rendition. This song is very popular till date amongst the Telugu speaking audience. 

8) (எந்தன் கண்ணாளன்) Enthan Kannaalan from the Tamil film "Vaana Ratham" (1956), Lyrics: Kambadasan, Composer: Naushad

"Udan Khatola" (1955) was an extremely popular Hindi film starring Dilip Kumar and Nimmi. It had some wonderful songs by Lata and Rafi, composed by the legendary composer Naushad. The film was dubbed in Tamil and released in 1956 as "Vaana Ratham". All the compositions from Hindi were reused in Tamil with the Tamil lyrics by Kambadasan. There is a good blog by Sriram V comparing the two films - Hindi and Tamil, in which he interestingly calls Lata's pronunciation of Tamil words as "abysmal" as P. Susheela's Hindi pronunciation!! The blog also gives links to all Hindi and Tamil songs from these 2 films. Anyways, let's just enjoy young Lata's voice and mastery once again. The creator of the following video has mentioned that he has mixed the video of Hindi film with the audio of Tamil song, so it is not synchronized, nevertheless, it is still very pleasing to ears.

Now, I am going to present last 5 songs from my mother tongue - Marathi. I normally listen to old Hindi songs, so Marathi songs is not my forte; however, these 5 songs have remained with me since my childhood, they all are real gems, very high in quality of music and delivery, by a team of extremely intelligent and talented artists. 

9) (ये जवळी घे जवळी) Ye Javali Ghe Javali from the Marathi fillm "Manasala Pankh Astat" (1961), Lyrics: V. S. Khandekar, Composer: Meena Mangeshkar (Khadikar)

The first one is a song composed by Lata's younger and talented sister Meena Mangeshkar-Khadikar. It was penned by the Jnanapeeth Award winner author Padma Bhushan Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar. The song depicts the feelings of an island who is alone in the huge sea around it. The island represents the downtrodden people in the society while the sea represents the well settled society. The original movie song can be watched here since it is not available to play outside YouTube. Given below is the video which is the reproduction of the same song by Lata ji during her rare program on Mumbai Doordarshan. It is always a great pleasure to see the legendary singers perform live. Whenever I have watched Lata Mangeshkar sing live, one thing that is prominently noticed is that there are zero or very minimal hand movements. Ordinary singers use their hand movements to assist their singing, but great singers do it through their vocal cords only! Also, do not miss Lataji's beautiful smile at 01:40 in the song. :-)

10) (अखेरचा हा तुला दंडवत) Akheracha Haa Tulaa Dandavat from the Marathi film "Maratha Tituka Melvava" (1964), Lyrics: Kavi Yogesh (Bhalaji Pendharkar), Composer: Anandghan (Lata Mangeshkar)

What is unique about this song is that it is penned by one of the greatest directors of Marathi movies - Bhalji Pendharkar, and is composed by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar herself under the name Anandghan (आनंदघन). The film is based on the Chhatrapati Shivaji era and highlights the contributions of common people towards the Swarajya movement spearheaded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The song is picturized in the hilly areas and hence the composer has very intelligently used the echo in the song. Lataji's voice adds to the beauty of the song which was picturized on Jeevankala.

11) (नीज माझ्या नंदलाला) Neej Mazya Nandlala - Marathi Non-film (1970), Lyrics: Mangesh Padgavkar, Composer: Shriniwas Khale

One of the greatest lullaby's of all times. What a divine and extremely difficult composition by Khale saheb and rendered equally beautifully by Lata ji. One thing that strikes you in this song is the ठहराव of the composition. Khale saheb was such a genius, that in many of his songs, it is very difficult for the singer to keep pace with the लय and ताल. Enjoy this gem.

 

12) (तुम्ही रे दोन, दोनच माणसं) Tumhi Re Don Donach Manas from the Marathi film "Chaani" (1977), Lyrics: Aarati Prabhu, Composer: Hridaynath Mangeshkar

The famous director V. Shantaram had earlier worked with Prabhat Film Company, however, later formed his own film company viz. Rajkamal Kala Mandir. This particular film was produced by V. Shantaram himself. It was an extremely bold movie in those times. The story was about the hardship faced by the child born out of a wedlock between an Adivasi girl and a foreigner. Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar, as a composer, has done brilliant work in this film. The song has a different rhythm and beat than the normal songs, and the instruments seen on the screen are the same which are used to create the background music of the song. By 1977, Lataji's voice quality was no longer the same as was in early 1950's, and understandably so. Yet, she creates the magic by literally playing with the beat and the rhythm. Apart from this song, I also like the other one in the film viz. To Ek Rajaputra. Hope you will enjoy the song.

13) (मज सांग लक्ष्मणा जाऊ कुठे) Maj Saang Laxmana Jaau Kuthe - Marathi Non-film (Geet Ramayan) (1955), Lyrics: G. D. Madgulkar, Composer: Sudhir Phadke

Shriniwas Khale, Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Sudhir Phadke are the 3 composers without whom the Marathi music - be it film or non-film - is incomplete. The reason to add this song is that the songs from the famous Geet Ramayan (a collection of 55 songs depicting the entire story of the epic Ramayana) were originally sung by various singers; however, later when records/cassettes were published, all songs were sung by the composer Sudhir Phadke himself which were equally popular. Aakashvani have been playing original song recordings every year from the Ram Navmi day for next 10 days. Out of 55 songs, Lata had sung only one song, hence was tempted to include it as the last song in the series. It's a sad song, Lata, through her voice, has portrayed extreme pain and anguish that Seeta goes through when she was left in the jungle by Lakshman on the order from Ram. Hope you will like the song.

Thus, I conclude my tribute to the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. Her songs will continue to be with us in every moment of our lives, her memories will be cherished always, and we will remain indebted to her till the end of our lives for the sheer pleasure she has given to us through her masterly songs. 

It's been a very emotional yet very fulfilling journey personally for me for last 2 weeks. Thank you for being with me in this journey. Please leave a comment in the blog and share further if you have liked it. Namaste.

गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 2 (Duets)

Namaskaar. I am extremely glad to share that the 1st part of गाए लता, गाए लता received a very good response! Thank you. Hope you liked the songs presented there. 

Today, I am going to present 10 of her best duet songs. From the ocean of Lata's songs, it was extremely difficult to pick up 10, I do not claim that these are The Best Duets, since it is very subjective, however in each of these songs, the quality of singing by both the singers is of very high class. 

Out of 10 duets, two are with Talat Mahmood while one each with Mukesh, Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosale, Geeta Dutt, Hemant Kumar, Manna Dey and Sudhir Phadke. Yes, you will hear a Hindi duet of Lata with Sudhir Phadke!! Hope you would like all these songs.

1) Seene Mein Sulagate Hain Armaan from Tarana (1951), Co-singer: Talat Mahmood, Lyrics: Prem Dhawan, Composer: Anil Biswas

This song, in my view, is the best Hindi duet song ever made. It is picturized on the best on-screen couple of that era - Dilip Kumar and Madhubala. It is said that when Anil Biswas had composed this song, it was supposed to be a male solo song. But Lata heard about the divine composition, she wanted to sing it as well, so she expressed her wish to Anil da and the song was converted into a Duet! But, what a great justice both - Lata and Talat - have done to this song. Anil da must be given due credit for mentoring Talat and Lata. Tarana was a classic example of Anilda's genius as a composer. Particularly note how Lata sings the last stranza viz. "Ek Aisi Aag Lagi Man Mein" and the second line of it "Chup Hoon To Kaleja Jalta Hai", quite brilliant! Enjoy the song.

2) Bade Armanon Se Rakkha Hai Balam Teri Kasam from Malhar (1951), Co-singer: Mukesh, Lyrics: Indeevar, Composer: Roshan

There have been number of Mukesh-Lata songs from Raj Kapoor's films like Aah, Awara, Barsat, etc.; however, I chose to select this song since it is picturized on a new male actor Arjun and Shammi (who has played secondary roles in many films) and it is composed by Roshan. "Malhar" was the only film produced by Mukesh. Roshan had at least 10 Super hit movies against his name viz. "Bawre Nain", "Hum Log", "Naubahar", "Aji Bus Shukriya", "Barsat Ki Ek Raat", "Aarati", "Dil Hi To Hai", "Tajmahal", "Devar" and "Mamta". He was the favorite music composer of Ameen Sayani. He had orchestration like Shankar Jaikishan, Theka like Husnlal-Bhagatram and melody like S. D. Burman. "Na To Karawan Ki Talaash Hai" is still a very popular Kawwali. The peculiarity of this song is the short music pieces in each of the lines. Use of accordion and flute and the rhythm creates a happy mood. 

3) Ritu Aaye Ritu Jaaye Papihe from Hamdard (1953), Co-singer: Manna Dey, Lyrics: Prem Dhawan, Composer: Anil Biswas

This is not a song, but a Raag-Mala (series of Raags). It is composed in Raag Sarang, Malhar, Jogiya, Basant Bahar, and few more. Anil Biswas was the first music composer to introduce a Raag-Mala in Hindi films. 13 years later, Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed another Raag Mala in the film "Sau Saal Baad" (1966) in "Ek Ritu Aaye, Ek Ritu Jaaye" sung by Manna Dey and Lata. Another one that comes to my mind is from the Marathi Film "Suvasini" (1961) in which Sudhir Phadke had composed a song comprising of 4 Raags in 4 different stanzas, it was sung by the great Asha Bhosale. The song was "Jiwalaga Kadhi Re Yeshil Tu". 

The song being presented today is picturized on Shekhar and Nimmi. As such the duet songs are very difficult since it requires highest level of coordination amongst both the singers, you can imagine how difficult it would be to sing a purely classical duet. But the young Manna Dey and Lata have sung it so effortlessly, they sound so pure and sweet! Listen and appreciate the beauty of the song.

4) Dil Mein Sama Gaye Sajan from Sangdil (1952), Co-singer: Talat Mahmood, Lyrics: Rajendra Krishna, Composer: Sajjad Hussain

In my list of 10 best duets of Lata, there are 2 with Talat (the other one being presented at the start of this blog), which no one can ignore. Such is the finesse of both the singers, lyricists and composers, that one can only salute their work. The song starts with a prelude by Lata in her impeccable style, after which the song picks up its fast rhythm nicely composed with the use of Piano, Violin and rhythm instrument. The fast rhythm lasts until the end. The song is beautified further by very sweetly delivered Harkats by both Lata and Talat. E.g. listen to the Harkats on the word "Sama", "Hawa", etc. In the last stanza, Lata achieves the perfect beat (समेवर येणे). The off-screen chemistry between Dilip Kumar and Madhubala, that apparently started with the 1951 film "Tarana" is very much evident on screen as well, making the song a treat to watch.

5) Aa Mohabbat Ki Basti Basayenge Hum from Fareb (1953), Co-singer: Kishore Kumar, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Composer: Anil Biswas

Kishore Kumar's singing career had started in 1946 at the young age of 17. By 1953, he had sung under number of leading music composers of that time like S. D. Burman, Khemchand Prakash, O. P. Nayyar, Husnlal Bhagatram, etc. In 1953, for the first time, Anil Biswas called him for his film "Fareb", and gave him 2 solos ("Mere Sukh Dukh Ka Sansar" and "Husn Bhi Hai Udas Udas") and 1 duet with Lata. All were skeptical including Lata about whether Kishore Kumar will be able sing such serious songs, but Anil Biswas had full faith in his choice. And Kishore Kumar did not disappoint. Btw, Kishore Kumar was also the main lead actor of the film along with Shakuntala Paranjape! In this particular song, you will experience the magic of Kishore and Lata. Enjoy.

6) Dil Leke Dil Diya Hai Ehsan Kya Kiya Hai from Stage (1951), Co-singer: Mohammad Rafi, Lyrics: Sarshar Sailani, Composer: Husnlal Bhagatram

This is wonderful duet by the two greats - Rafi and Lata. Composed by Husnlal Bhagatram in their typical style using Punjabi Theka. I have written in detail about Husnlal-Bhagatram which you are read here.  Husnlal-Bhagatram had composed more than 15 duets for Rafi and Lata viz. "Sun Mere Sajana Re" (Aansoo 1953), "Mahi O Mahi O Dupatta Mera Dai De" (Meena Bazar 1950), "Humein Duniya Ko Dil Ke Dard" (Aadhi Raat 1950), "Zara Tumne Dekha To Pyaar Aa Gaya" (Jal Tarang 1949), "Chhota Sa Fasana Hai Tere Mere Pyaar Ka" (Birha Ki Raat 1950) and so on. All of them are so good that it is difficult to choose one of them. Hope you like this song.

7) Ye Ruki Ruki Hawayein from Daman (1951), Co-singer: Asha Bhosale, Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Composer: K. Datta (Datta Korgaonkar)

This is the first ever duet for two of the greatest female singers the Hindi Film industry has ever produced! Asha Bhosale sounds so different and raw at the beginning of her career that it was unbelievable to see the magical transformation she brought in her singing over next 50 years. In this song, while Lata sings the sad version, Asha is given the lighter version. Together they sound mesmerizing. 

8) Kismat Ka Nahin Dosh Baware from Sajni (1956), Co-singer: Sudhir Phadke, Lyrics: Pt. Narendra Sharma, Composer: Sudhir Phadke

I am sure that many of you would not have thought that Sudhir Phadke would have composed for Hindi films, or even if he would have, he would not have sung a duet with Lata, but guess what, this is true!! You would be surprised to know that Sudhir Phadke has composed for around 10 Hindi films viz. "Gokul" (1946), "Aage Badho" (1947), "Malti Madhav" (1951), "Murliwala" (1951), "Pehli Taarikh" (1954), "Ratna Ghar" (1954), "Sajni" (1956), "Gokul Ka Chor" (1959), "Bhabhi Ki Chudiya" (1961), "Pyar Ki Jeet" (1962) and "Veer Savarkar" (2001). This particular song is a male voice prominent song, Lata joins Sudhir Phadke only for singing the Mukhada yet she creates a wonderful impact. Enjoy this extremely rare song.

Here is another surprise - please listen below to the short audio commentary (32 seconds only) about the song. Hope you will like this too.

Sajni Song Audio Commentary: 

9) Ankhiyan Bhool Gayi Hai Sona from Gunj Uthi Shehnai (1959), Co-singer: Geeta Dutt, Lyrics: Bharat Vyas, Composer: Vasant Desai

This one again is a rare song in the sense that there are not many duets of Lata Mangeshkar and Geeta Dutt. Composer Vasant Desai is known for his music for the films such as "Dahej" (1950), "Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje" (1955), "Toofan Aur Diya" (1956), "Do Aankhen Barah Haath" (1957) and "Guddi" (1971); however, "Gunj Uthi Shehnai" happens to be his best and most popular film. The song being presented here was picturized on Ameeta (female lead) and Jeevankala (her friend). Geeta Dutt sings for Jeevankala while Lata sings for Ameeta. In this song, Geeta Dutt matches Lata's golden voice with her spontaneity. Listen carefully to Geeta Dutt's delivery of words like 'Sona', 'Jaadutona', etc. Amazing voice throw! 

"Gunj Uthi Shehnai" story was written by well-known Marathi poet G. D. Madgulkar. Surprisingly, Prem Dhawan - who was a famour Hindi Film lyricist - has choreographed this movie and also played a small role in the movie. The legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan's shehnai is a treat for the ears. Enjoy the song.

10) Sanwale Salone Aaye Din Bahar Ke from Ek Hi Rasta (1956), Co-singer: Hemant Kumar, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Composer: Hemant Kumar

This is the last song in this part. There have been so many great duets by Lata and Hemant Kumar; however, the reason I chose this one is because it is different - it has Sunil Dutt and Meena Kumari in the lead - a rare combination. Secondly, Hemant Kumar has amply used mouthorgan which as per my knowledge very few music directors like S. D. Burman, R. D. Burman have done. Thirdly, you will see a double bicycle in the song, which must have been a rare view in 1950's. And lastly, you don't see many happy songs of Meena Kumari :-). Lata's sharp voice compliments nicely with Hemant Da's low pitch haunting voice.

That was Lata Mangeshkar for you! Hope you liked all the songs. Do leave a comment please. Thank you and have a great time.

गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 1 (Solo)

Namaskaar. Tomorrow, i.e., on 6th Feb 2023, it will be exactly a year since Lata Mangeshkar left for heavenly abode. The whole year has gone by, but not a single day without Lata's songs. Such is the magic and treasure she has left behind for millions of her fans. Her songs have accompanied us in every mood of our life - happy or sad, cheerful or frustrated, angry or calm, excited or bored. 

I would like to pay homage to her memory by presenting some of her best songs in a 3-part series (Part 1 - Solo, Part 2 - Duets and Part 3 - non-Hindi). 

This is how I remember Lata! 

Part 1

To begin with, let's look at what some of the legends have said about Lata.

Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan: "Kambakht she never sings tuneless or unmusical"

Sajjad Hussain: "Only Lata and Noorjehan are the real singers, rest all are secondary"

S. D. Burman: "When we have original Lata with us, why should we rely on a duplicate?"

O. P. Nayyar: "To not acknowledge the greatness of her (Lata's) singing is like not acknowledging the power of the Sun, it is only Lata who can sing a melody"

In this part, I would be presenting 12 of her best solo songs. I am thankful to my cousin brother - Shridhar Kulkarni from Belgaum (who is also a good classical singer himself) - for helping me identifying the Raag of many of the songs. All photos are from the internet while videos are courtesy YouTube.

Hope you would like the songs. Please leave a comment. Thanks.

1) Gaaye Lata, Gaaye Lata from Daman (1951), Lyrics: Raja Mehndi Ali Khan, Composer: K. Datta

Datta Korgaonkar was one of the leading music directors of his times. He had mainly worked with Noorjehan, however he gave Lata some of his best compositions. Many of the songs that Lata sang in early '50s were tragedy songs, this one comes as a surprise as it creates a happy mood.

2) Dard Ki Yeh Raat Gujar Jaa from Baghi (1953), Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Composer: Madan Mohan

The film "Baghi" (1953) was based on a story from Arabastan. The film contained 5 songs of Lata. Madan Mohan, who was considered to be the king of Ghazal compositions, surprises us with a completely different genre in this song which was based on Arabian music with Mandolin as a major. Lata's rendition touches the heart, particularly the way she pronounces the word "Betaab" in the line "Ai Dil-e-Betaab Thahar Jaa".

3) Bedard Tere Dard Ko Seene Se Laga Ke from Padmini (1948), Lyrics: Wali Saheb, Composer: Ghulam Haider

This is one of the very early songs in her career. We often hear Lata-Ghulam Haider's "Dil Mera Toda" song from the film "Majboor" (1948) on the Radio. Master Ghulam Haider had called Lata for the recording this song; however, he was so busy with other recording that he forgot about Lata. She had to wait for 8 hours before she finally recorded the song. This is the last recorded song of Master Ghulam Haider in India since he went to Pakistan after partition. Listen to the young Lata and her sharp yet melodious voice.

4) Toote Hue Armanon Ki from Lahore (1949), Lyrics: Rajendra Krishna, Composer: Shyamsundar

This 1949 film Lahore was based on the pains of partition. Shyamsundar had composed 10 songs for this film out of which Lata sung 4 solo songs. "Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi" is an all-time hit. "Ik Aans Bandhaye Jaati Hai", and "Toote Huye Armanon Ki Ik Duniya Basaye" are other two wonderful songs. In this particular song, please listen carefully its prelude music and words. The song is based on Raag Shivranjani. Nargis' act and Lata's voice are perfect match.

5) Dheere Se Aajaa Ri Ankhiyan Mein from Albela (1951), Lyrics: Rajendra Krishna, Composer: C. Ramchandra

The greatest Lori (lullaby) ever composed in a Hindi film. It is composed in Raag Mishra Pilu. Another one equally great Lori that comes to my mind is in Marathi "नीज माझ्या नंदलाला" by the great Shriniwas Khale saheb. Master Bhagwan, Rajendra Krishna and C. Ramchandra created a magic in Albela. All of its songs are still very popular with the audience. C. Ramchandra composed yet another gem for Lata in "Shin Shina Ki Bubla Bu" (1951) viz. "Tum Kya Jaano Tumhari Yaad Mein Hum Kitna Roye".

6) Mujhe Kisi Se Pyaar Ho Gaya from Barsaat (1949), Lyrics: Jalal Malihabadi, Composer: Shankar Jaikishan

The young duo of Shankar and Jaikishan produced the sheer excellence in their first film Barsaat (1949) with Raj Kapoor. Out of 10 songs, Lata has sung 7 solos and 2 duets with Mukesh. It is said that the recording of the songs used to happen late at night, after which the entire crew used to go for a Chai to a nearby Tapari. Barsaat created history and gave name and fame to Shankar, Jaikishan, Lata, Rajendra Krishna and Shailendra. What a team it was! Enjoy the extremely melodious song composed in Raag Bhairavi and picturized on Nargis.

7) Jaanewaale Se Mulaqaat Na Hone Paayi from Amar (1954), Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni, Composer: Naushad

I consider this as one of the 3 best composition of Naushad for Lata, the other two being - "Tod Diya Dil Mera" from Andaz (1949) and "Haal-e-Dil Main Kya Kahoon" from Udan Khatola (1955). The song is composed in Raag Shuddha Kalyan and picturized on my favorite Madhubala. The use of Shehnai at the beginning of the song to depict the pains of the character shows the skill of the composer. The entire song has been sung by Lata with amazing ठहराव (voice control in crude terms). Watch and listen to this wonderful song.

8) Ai Dilruba Nazarein Mila from Rustom Sohrab (1963), Lyrics: Jan Nisar Akhtar, Composer: Sajjad Hussain

Sajjad was a genius, extremely talented composer yet very temperamental. He was a perfectionist. Yet, he used to praise Lata for her singing prowess like no one has done, and it meant a lot to her. This song is from the 1963 film Rustom Sohrab based on the poem by the same name by Persian poet Firdausi. Sajjad has used the Persian style of music so effectively that the song leaves a long-lasting impact on you even hours after you watch/listen to it. In my opinion, this is the best song Lata has ever sung. So difficult, yet so melodious. Hats off to the Lyricist, Composer and Singer for awarding us with this gem. 

9) Haye Re Woh Din Kyon Naa Aaye from Anuradha (1960), Lyrics: Shailendra, Composer: Pt. Ravishankar

(L to R): Ali Akbar Khan (Sitarist) 
Lata, and Pt. Ravishankar

The world-famous Sitar Maestro - Pandit Ravishankar - has composed for very few films in Hindi. Anuradha released in 1960 happens to be his best film ever. The song is composed in Raag Janasammohini. The film is about the life of a Doctor (played by Balraj Sahni), his wife (played by Leela Naidu) and son. The Doctor is always engrossed in his work, considers his profession as noble one and likes to serve poor people, so much so, that he neglects his family, particularly his wife. The song penned by Shailendra correctly depicts the her plight. Lata has poured her soul in this song and hence brings tears to our eyes.  

10) Apni Apni Kismat Hai from Wafa (1950), Lyrics: Aziz Kashmiri, Composer: Vinod

Vinod was one of the few composers who never made it big in spite of having the qualities. He composed around 200 songs in 27 Hindi films in his lifetime. However, credit goes to him for giving Lata some of his wonderful compositions. This particular song is considered to be his best. Lata produces sheer quality in her rendering specially in the stanzas. 

11) Zulmi Sang Aankh Ladi from Madhumati (1958), Lyrics: Shailendra, Composer: Salil Chaudhary

This is my favorite song from Madhumati (1958). Picturized on beautiful Vaijayantimala. Salil Chaudhary has used the folk music to the greatest effect. This is one more Lata song in happy mood. And what a composition! Picturization, Vaijayantimala's act, Chorus, Music and Lata's voice everything looks so perfect. The use of chorus is pleasing and does not in any way interrupts the flow and beauty of the song. The use of Flute is very prominent. Listen to the sweet harkat by Lata on the words like Kaisi.

12) Tumhare Bulane Ko Jee Chahata Hai from Ladli (1949), Lyrics: Behzad Lakhnavi, Composer: Anil Biswas

Anil Biswas ruled the Hindi film industry from late 30's to early 50's and has given us some of the greatest melodies of all time. He was the one who taught Lata the breathing technique when standing in front of the microphone. With films like Gajre (1948), Anokha Pyar (1948), Ladli (1949), Jeet (1949), Girls' School (1949), Beqasoor (1950), Arzoo (1950), Lajawab (1950), Tarana (1951), Do Sitare (1951), Aaram (1951), Do Raha (1952), Fareb (1953), Waris (1954) and Naaz (1954), Anil Biswas and Lata duo enthralled the audience for years with their melodious sweet songs. 

Lata has already achieved immortality through her songs. Let's remember the legendary artist on her first death anniversary and salute her work.

Hope you liked the songs. Please leave a comment. Thanks.

अनमोल रतन (Precious Jewels) - 5 : A Bengali song by Lata Mangeshkar

Friends,

I am really happy to present the fifth song of the series Anmol Ratan and this time it is a Bengali jewel from Lata Mangeshkar!

English version of the blog is at the end of the Marathi version below. 

Song #5: Aar jeno nei kono bhabna (আর যেন নেই কোন ভাবনা)

Film       : Deep Jele jai (1959)
Director : Asit Sen

Cast      : Suchitra Sen, Basanta Chowdhury, Pahari Sanyal, Anil Chatterjee, Tulsi Chakraborty, Kajari Guha, Namita Sinha 

Lyrics       : Gauriprasanna Mujumder

Composer : Hemanta Mukhopadhyay aka Hemant Kumar 

Singer       : Lata Mangeshkar

Gauriprasanna Mujumder

Hemant Kumar

असं म्हणतात की प्रत्येक गोष्टीला काळ आणि वेळेचा योग यायला लागतो. माझ्या आयुष्यात जुनी बंगाली गाणी ही अशीच काही वर्षांपूर्वी अचानक आली. साधारण २०१६-१७ मध्ये माझा मित्र अद्वैत धर्माधिकारी याने स्वामी विवेकानंद आणि संगीत या विषयावर एक व्याख्यान पुण्यात सुदर्शन रंगमंच येथे दिले होते. वेगळा विषय असल्याने मी उत्सुकतेने त्या कार्यक्रमाला गेलो होतो. तिथे अद्वैतने विवेकानंद जे भजन त्यांच्या गुरूंसाठी म्हणजे रामकृष्णांसाठी म्हणायचे ते "Shyma maa ki amaar" हे भजन पन्नालाल भट्टाचार्य यांच्या आवाजात ऐकवले. रंगमंचातील डॉल्बी सिस्टिम मुळे ते भजन खूपच प्रभाव टाकून गेले, इतका की नंतर बरेच दिवस मी ते भजन रोज ऐकत होतो. नंतर काही महिन्यांनी Whatsapp वर काही मित्रांनी प्रसिद्ध हिंदी गाण्यांची मूळ बंगाली गाणी पाठवली. ती पण आवडली होते. मात्र काही महिन्यांपूर्वी एक दिवस अचानक जुनी बंगाली गाणी Internet वर सापडली. लता, गीता दत्त, आशा, हेमंत कुमार, किशोर कुमार यांची बंगाली गाणी ऐकून मी अक्षरशः झपाटला गेलो. गेले काही महिने मी ही झपाटलेली अवस्था अनुभवतोय. रोजचा दिवस लताची बंगाली गाणी ऐकल्याशिवाय सुरु होत नाही आणि मावळतही नाही. अपार आनंद दिलाय या गाण्यांनी. लताजींचा इतका गोड आवाज मी मराठी आणि हिंदीत क्वचितच ऐकला असेल असे थोडे धाडस करून मी म्हणू इच्छितो.

हे गाणे आहे १९५९ साली प्रदर्शित झालेल्या "दीप जेले जाय" या चित्रपटातले. दिग्दर्शक असित सेन यांनी पुढे १९६९ साली हाच चित्रपट हिंदीत "खामोशी" या नावाने आणला होता. दोन्ही चित्रपटांना अप्रतिम संगीत स्व. हेमंत कुमार यांनी दिले आहे. हेमंत कुमारांनी एकूण १३८ बंगाली चित्रपटांना संगीत दिले आहे, त्याशिवाय रवींद्र संगीतातील त्यांची गाणी संपूर्ण बंगाल मध्ये गाजली आहेत आणि आजही गायली जातात. त्यांच्या बंगाली चित्रपटातील कामाची आणि योगदानाची तुलना आपले बाबुजी म्हणजेच सुधीर फडक्यांच्या मराठीतील योगदानाशीच होऊ शकते. लताजींनी बंगालीत एकूण १८५ गाणी गायली आहेत. हेमंत कुमार, सलील चौधरी, भूपेन हजारिका, व्दिजेन मुखर्जी, शैलेंद्र चौधरी इ. संगीतकारांच्या रचनांना चार चाँद लावण्याचे काम लताजींनी केले आहे.

ज्यांनी "खामोशी" हा चित्रपट पाहिला नसेल त्यांच्यासाठी "दीप जेले जाय" चित्रपटाची कथा थोडक्यात:

हा चित्रपट आशुतोष मुखर्जी यांच्या "नर्स मित्रा" या लघुकथेवर बेतलेला आहे. लंडनहून शिकून आलेली राधा मित्रा (सुचित्रा सेन) कोलकत्यातील एका वेड्यांच्या इस्पितळात नर्स म्हणून काम करत असते. मानसिक रुग्णांची मैत्रीण आणि प्रेमिका असल्याचा अभिनय करून रुग्णांना त्यांच्या मानसिक अवस्थेतून बरे करण्याची जबाबदारी राधावर सोपवलेली असते. तिचा पहिला पेशंट देबाशिष याला बरे करता करता राधा त्याच्या प्रेमात पडते, पण तो बरा झाल्यावर आपल्या मैत्रिणीशी लग्न करून नवीन आयुष्याला सुरुवात करतो. या धक्यातून राधा सावरते ना सावरते तोच इस्पितळातील प्रमुख डॉक्टर (पहाडी संन्याल) तिला आणखीन एका पेशंटची - तपसची (बसंत चौधरी) - केस देतात. नाईलाजाने राधा तपसवर उपचार करण्याचे कबूल करते. तपसच्या सुलेखा (काजोरी गुहा) नावाच्या मैत्रिणीमुळे तो मनोरुग्ण झालेला असतो, हे राधाला कळल्यावर ती सुलेखाला भेटायला जाते. राधा जेंव्हा सुलेखाच्या घरी पोचते त्यावेळी ती पियानोवर खालील गाणे म्हणत असते.

पुढे तपसवर उपचार करता करता राधा पुन्हा एकदा प्रेमात पडते. तपस पण बरा होतो; पण आता वेडे होण्याची पाळी राधाची असते. चित्रपटाच्या शेवटी राधा स्वतःच एक मनोरुग्ण म्हणून इस्पितळात दाखल होते. चित्रपटाचे अतिशय सविस्तर आणि सुंदर विश्लेषण खालील लिंकवर वाचायला मिळेल
https://learningandcreativity.com/silhouette/revisiting-deep-jele-jai/

सुचित्रा सेनने आपल्या अप्रतिम सौंदर्य व अभिनयाने हा चित्रपट खाऊन टाकला आहे असे म्हटले तर वावगे ठरणार नाही. या चित्रपटात एकूण ३ गाणी आहेत - मन्ना डे यांनी गायलेले "Aeimon bondhu aar ki", हेमंत कुमारांचे प्रचंड गाजलेले "Ei raat amaar tomaar" हे गाणे (जे हिंदी मध्ये "ये नयन डरे डरे" म्हणून आले) आणि लताजींनी गायलेले "Aar jeno nei kono bhabna". 

गाण्याची सुरुवात पियानोने होते आणि मग येतात लताचे स्वर्गीय स्वर, पार्श्वभूमीवर वाजते ती अप्रतिम बासरी. संपूर्ण गाण्यात पियानो आणि बासरी यांची जणू जुगलबंदीच आहे. विशेषतः पहिल्या ओळीच्या शेवटी येणाऱ्या "भाबोना", तसेच पहिल्या कडव्याच्या पहिल्या ओळीच्या शेवटी येणाऱ्या "तुलबे" या शब्दांच्या मागून ऐकू येणारी सुमधुर बासरी. दोन कडव्यांच्या मध्ये वाजणारा पियानो तुम्हाला इतका गोड क्वचितच ऐकू आला असेल. हे कमी की काय म्हणून अंतरा आणि दोन्ही कडवी संपतानाच्या "पाबोना" या शब्दावर लताजींनी घेतलेली जीवघेणी हरकत, अहाहा!

या गाण्याच्या सौंदर्याचा सर्वोच्च बिंदू कुठला असेल तर तो म्हणजे पहिले कडवे संपल्यावर लगेचच म्हटलेल्या २ ओळी "जानी ना.." पासून ते "दिये जाय जे उडे" इथपर्यंत. इथे गाण्याची चाल आणि ताल दोन्ही बदलतात पण तरीही कानाला कुठेही खटकत नाही. या दोन ओळी आपल्याला काही सेकंदांपुरत्या वेगळ्या विश्वात घेऊन जातात आणि परत मूळ चालीवर दुसऱ्या कडव्यापाशी आणून सोडतात. सारेच कानात साठवून घेण्यासारखे.

लताजींचे निर्दोष बंगाली उच्चार हे एखाद्या अ-बंगाली माणसाकरता किती अवघड आहे हे आपण स्वतः जेंव्हा हे गाणे म्हणायचा प्रयत्न करू तेंव्हा लक्षात येते. त्याबद्दल त्यांना सलाम!

गाण्याचे शब्द आणि इंग्रजीतील अर्थ खाली दिला आहे. तसेच लताजींच्या आणखी काही गोड बंगाली गाण्यांच्या लिंक्स लेखाच्या शेवटी दिल्या आहेत. ती गाणीही जरूर ऐकावीत.

या गाण्याने मला जितका आनंद दिला तितकाच तो आपल्यालाही होईल अशी आशा आहे. भाषेचा अडसर बाजूला सारून फक्त संगीत आणि स्वर यासाठी हे गाणे जरूर ऐका, कदाचित २-४ वेळा ऐकल्यावर आवडायला लागेल. आपल्या प्रतिक्रिया नक्की कळवा. धन्यवाद.

Video link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNtZQmIM2lY

Lyrics:  (English translation courtesy - Gargi Bhattacharya)

Aar jeno nei kono bhabona
Jodi aj okaron kothao haray mon
Jani ami khuje tare ar pabona

(There are no worries. If my mind gets lost today for no reason, I know I would not get it back)

Bhromorer benu sur tulbe sei sure mon amar bhulbe
Kohibe fagun jeno amare
Ami tomar bhubon chere kobhu jabona

(Bee's flute will play a tune and my mind will dive in that tune. The sprint will probably tell me I will never leave your world)

Janina se to ami janina
Ogo kon sudure amake bolakara daak diye jay je dure

(I don't actually know, but geese call me from very far away to unknown destination)

Koto kotha prane jeno jaglo apnare koto bhalo laglo
Akhite swapan ache jorano
Ami ei abesh kobhu fele jete chabo na

(Many thoughts arose in my heart - I felt beautiful from inside. My eyes are wrapped in a dream. I never want to come out of this euphoria)

আর যেন নেই কোন ভাবনা
যদি আজ অকারন কোথাও হারায় মন
জানি আমি খুঁজে তারে আর পাবনা

ভ্রমরের বেনু সুর তুলবে সেই সুরে মন আমার ভুলবে
কহিবে ফাগুন যেন আমারে
আমি তোমার ভুবন ছেড়ে কভু যাবনা

জানিনা সে তো আমি জানিনা
ওগো কোন সুদূরে আমাকে বলাকারা ডাক দিয়ে যায় যে দূরে

কত কথা প্রানে যেন জাগলো আপনারে কত ভালো লাগলো
আঁখিতে স্বপন আছে জড়ানো
আমি এ আবেশ কভু ফেলে যেতে চাবো না

Friends,

I am extremely happy to present to you this Bengali jewel from Lata Mangeshkar. It's from the 1959 film 'Deep Jele Jai' directed by Asit Sen who remade the film in Hindi by the name 'Khamoshi' in 1969.

Suchitra Sen plays the main lead of a nurse Radha Mitra working in a Mental Hospital at Kolkata. Her job is to play the role of a friend and lover for the mentally ill patients, without getting emotionally involved in them. However, she falls in love with her first patient - Debashish - while curing him by enacting as his friend and lover. After he is cured, he goes home and starts a new life with his girlfriend. Learning this, Radha is shocked; however recovers and starts working again. The circumstances force her to take up the second case that of Tapas (Basanta Chowdhury) who is in deep depression due to his girlfriend - Sulekha (Kajari Guha). Radha tries to meet Sulekha and asks for her help to get Tapas out of the trauma. We see Sulekha singing this song on the Piano when Radha visits her home.

In the end, Radha could not help herself from falling in love with Tapas; and when he too leaves the hospital, Radha is shattered. As a result, she gets admitted into the same hospital as a patient herself.

The film was a hit in Bengal and the song 'Ei raat tumaar amaar' by Hemantda is termed as the Signature song of the film, and is a huge hit even today. This song was remade in Hindi as 'Yeh nayan dare dare'.

Excellent and very detailed analysis of the film can be found at
https://learningandcreativity.com/silhouette/revisiting-deep-jele-jai/

The song that is presented here 'Aar jeno nei kono bhabna' is one of the best melodies I have ever heard from Lata. I cannot recall any sweeter voice of hers even in Marathi and Hindi. Being a Maharashtrian myself, I can imagine how difficult it would have been for Lataji to get the Bengali pronunciation perfect and still deliver the song with all its melody, hats off to her.

The composition is simply amazing specially the use of Piano and Flute. Lata's tonal quality and voice control are of high calibre as always. Please listen carefully the flute in the background of the words "Bhabna" or "Tulbe". The high point of the song are the 2 lines rendered just after the first Astaai (1st stanza).

Hope you will like the song. Please do share your feedback. Thanks.


MUST LISTEN Bengali Songs:

1) Akash Prodip Jole - Salil Chaudhary - Lata
2) Asharh Sraban Maney na to Mon - Monihar (1966) - Hemant Kumar - Lata
3) Nijhumo Shondhay Pantho Pakhira - Monihar (1966) - Hemant Kumar - Lata
4) Chanchal Mayuri e raat bodhu jete - Adwitiya (1968) - Hemant Kumar - Lata
5) Rangila Bashite ke daake - Bhupen Hazarika - Lata
6) Tumi Je Amaar - Harano Sur (1957) - Hemant Kumar - Geeta Dutt (what a song - gem!!)
7) Nishiraat Baka Chaand Akashe - Prithibi Amare Chai (1957) - Nachiketa Ghosh - Geeta Dutt


Enjoy the music, have a great life. Thanks.