THE GREATEST MUSICIANS AND LYRICISTS OF BOLLYWOOD

Posted on March 7, 2015 Updated on September 2, 2016

                                  A Must Read for Music and Poetry Lovers.

Also, for those who would wish to give salutations to stalwarts of Bollywood.

MUSIC

7th March 2015

THE GREATEST MUSICIANS AND LYRICISTS OF BOLLYWOOD

Music! The dictionary meaning of Music: ‘vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion’. For centuries, music has been the living breath of Indians. There is no dating back of its origin. It is found, in India that many a times the scriptures were sung and not uttered. The various forms of music predominant in India are born and bred here. The most popular forms are Hindustani Classical, Carnatic Classical, Sugam Sangeet (Light Classical), and Filmic. The Folk music of India is one which is most popular among the masses. You find different types of Folk Music in the various states and areas of our country.

During the Mogul rule the art of music was cherished. The Mogul Era gave birth to one of the most beautiful languages of this world- the Urdu language. There is no much difference between the Hindi and Urdu languages. The words, the pronunciation and the grammar may change a little bit here and there. The Urdu speaking folks chose the Arabic script and it is influenced by the Persian language; the Hindi speaking chose the Devanagari script and is influenced by the Sanskrit language. Now, this is a controversial subject not to be elaborated. The two languages are constitutionally recognized and are the national languages of India.

The dawn of music and songs was during the late 1930s in the Bollywood Film Industry. So, that was the pre independence era. It is important to note here, that most musicians and lyricists in the film industry of that era came from Urdu   background. Thanks to all of them; they did not move to Pakistan or Bangla-Desh (formerly East Pakistan). Their contribution is a boon to India as a whole and particularly to Hindi Film Industry-Bollywood as it is now called. They were Great Masters. They carried the traditional art and blended it; to form the filmi music of India. The 1930s, 40s, 50s, 60s70s and 80s which constitutes half a century; during this time, the film industry produced number of films and songs. The 50s to 80s is a golden period; which has seen Hit Films, Hit Songs, Hit Lyrics, Hit Music and Hit Stars.

Those songs are still played on the Radio and TV. Today the young also sing those songs and those who contest in reality shows prefer to sing those old songs of that Golden period. The music was melodious, the lyrics so meaning full which would speak deep in the heart. The stars, who enacted them, were so sober and exhibited full of love; the hero and heroine sometimes not even touched each other, but posed to display the love lyrics on screen. Unlike these days, they parade more of sex and vulgarity.

The talkie movies started in 1931from the film -‘Alam Ara’. Before the advent of sound track on the film, it is surprising and astonishing to know, that when people used to see movies on the screen in theatres, the musicians and singing artists would come in front of the screen and start playing and singing. That was the importance given to Music; it exhibited the tradition and love for it. It also showed the significance and value given for entertainment.

In the lyrics, most frequently urdu words were used, they gave such sweet, profound and deep meaning, for the same word, that is necessary to be expressed; different words were used to depict the scene in the most appropriate way, like the ones: for love: ‘Pyar’, ‘Mohabbat’, ‘Ishq’, for Hair: ‘Bal’, ‘Zulf’, ‘Gesu’, for God: ‘Khuda’,  ‘Parwardigar’, ‘Devata’, ‘Bhagwan’, for the Lover: ‘Ashiq’, ‘Dewana’, ‘Pagal’, ’Sanam’, ‘Mehboob’ for the World: ‘Duniya’,  ‘Zamaana’. The juggling of words done, to express the right feeling, at the right situation, was the job of the intelligent poet.

If you can by heart, about a 100 or more songs and understand the correct meaning of them, I am sure you will learn, understand and speak Urdu and Hindi languages. That is the intrinsic power of those songs. Not only that, they will help us to understand and perceive life as a whole. The meaning of deep love, the interactions and relationships from which we enjoy and suffer, the feeling of patriotism, and the world as it is, all can be apprehended from those songs.

The maximum of music instruments on this earth are used in our film industry. They have invented many an instrument or a thing which can produce sound of music. They maybe, string instruments or percussions. Sometimes a vessel, a comb, a bottle or a pebble might have been used to give the effect. Whatsoever instruments are there in this world, are used and tried to give the melody, harmony and form. Giving the list of the instruments would take pages of information.

The songs were composed in the presence of all, the film director, the music director, the lyricist and sometimes even the star on whom it is being picturised. The tunes and the lyrics were changed, modified and altered, then and there to get the desired fit and appearance. The musicians and lyricists of that period were so proficient, skilled and accomplished, to render what was wanted.  It would be a sin if we do not remember them, let us start exploring their names and works, in brief, in the following paragraphs.

DADASAHEB, ON HIM IS GIVEN THE LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dadasheb Phalke – known as the father of Indian Cinema, his real name Dhundiraj Govind Phalke was the man who produced, directed and scripted the first ever feature film, Raja Harishchandra in 1913. The Saga begins from there. He and some others also, produced and directed a number of silent movies which also had songs; as said before, they could be enjoyed only when the live orchestra played during the screening.  Dadasaheb got retired in 1936; he left to his abode to heaven in 1944; by the time the talkie movies had taken birth. Those are the primitive years of composing Music and Lyrics in the industry.

So! Let me start from the 1930s, which would sound proper, because that was the time people started hearing music and songs in theatres. Shri R.C.Boral the music composer, also known as the father of music in the industry, Shri K.L.Saigal the great singer who also acted in the movies he sang. ‘Babul Mora’:  the most famous song which is still sung by the oldies; they try to imitate his voice and enjoy it to the fullest extent. The lyrics of the song were written by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Name of movie: ‘Street Singer’ of 1938 which turned to be a big hit. Saraswati Devi the first female music director of Hindi cinema gave the: ‘Mein Ban Ki Chidiya’, song of fame. Even if we go naming year by year, the list of composers and lyricists would be endless. You can imagine and gaze, the vastness of their work, and the movies they have given to us.

Musicians and Lyricists, out of their talent and capacity, have made actors mould into Stars, they sculpted their images to fame. Raj Kapoor used to say that: “Mukesh is my soul and I am just the body”  –Mukesh also sung for Manojkumar, Sanjeevkumar and so many others. Rafisab lent his voice to so many, who enjoyed stardom, to name a few: Guru Dutt, Bharat Bhushan, Dilipkumar, Rajendra Kumar Biswajeet, Shammi Kapoor, Joy Mukerji,Sunil Dutt, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Shashi Kapoor and so on. Kishore was one who made – Dev Anand –the stylish evergreen, Rajesh Khanna – the phenomenon  and Amitabh Baachan – the legend. Feroz Khan was one star who would fit into a Mukesh, Rafi or Kishore. If the singer was singing for any of those actors you would feel as if the actor was actually singing on the screen, such was the blending of their voice. It was, as if patented, to sing songs by the particular singer to the particular artist.

What to talk of Lata, Rafi and Kishore – if anybody is asked to select one of the best songs of each of these artists, it would not be possible, leave aside one, it would not be possible to select a ten or a twenty songs, the person will be put into a great confusion and dilemma. They have sung thousands of songs of which hundreds of them are The Best. So what you can do? Nothing, but just keep listening to them.

Lata Mangeshkar – who first came into the industry to act, she has done a few movies too. Can anybody find a Voice like hers? She is the legend, any doubts please? There is no heroine left for whom she has not sung. From Madhubala, Sadhana, Saira Banu, Nutan, Waheeda Rehman,Tanuja,Asha Parekh,Mala Sinha, Mumtaz, Sharmila Tagore to Neetu Singh, Rekha, Jaya Bahaduri, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Priti Zinta, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukerji, Kajol, Katrina Kaif, Anoskha Sharma, Depika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor. To every one of them she suits, as if they only are singing the song on screen. She has sung thousands of duets with Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore. Duets have been sung by her with Suraiya (the great singer and actress of 40s and 50s, she was also awarded the ‘Mallika E Tarannum’ which means the queen of Melody) and Asha Bhosle ( she is her own sister and was the second to Lata, who also holds the present Guinness Record for the most number of recordings which previously Lata had held it for more than 20 years.). No other person on this earth might have achieved this feat.

Mohammad Rafi – the sweetest voice ever, his, was a real mixture of Classical and Sugam Sangeet. He became the no alternate, every hero, director and producer preferred him. One of his early songs of 1959 – Film: ‘Kagaz Ke Phool’, lyrics written by Kaifi Azmi : ‘Are Dekhi Zamaane Ki Yaari, Bichhade Sabhi Barri Barri’, Composer the Great Sachin Dev Burman, picturised on Guru Dutt . You can listen to his songs from beginning of late forties; you will observe his voice getting matured by the years. His early death (in 1980 at the age of just 55 years) caused a great loss to industry. He was a simpleton; his voice is itself a proof of that. Just a few quotes: Heer Ranjha, 1970: “Yeh Duniya Ye Mehfil’ , Mehboob Ki Mehendi 1971 :‘Yeh Jo Chilman Hai’,Pagla Kahin Ka, 1971:’Tum Mujhe Yun bhula Na Paoge’, Abhimaan,1973: ‘Teri Bindiya Re’,Loafer, 1973: ‘Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai’. I am afraid, is anybody got the patience to go through his list of songs, they are by the thousands. Even till today there are number of contests held all over the world on singing songs of Mohammad Rafi, and a large number of people participate in them as singers and as audience.

Kishore Kumar – is the greatest of the great, for he sang songs of the Pop, Rock, and Rap type in the 40s and 50s, what the world is now singing in the 21^st century. Just listen to his songs of those times. His, is the Male voice that lingered for decades and has given solace to the listener. He was such a lively person; everybody in the recording studio would be overwhelmed by his presence. He used to give live shows all over the world, it was my fortune to have attended one show of his, he literally went from one end to the other, of the stage, holding the mike and singing, and it was amazing to see him. He was also Producer, Director, Composer, Lyricist and Editor of some of his films. Just pick his songs from the four decades of his career; listen- cry and enjoy.

Composing music, I really do not know how the composer gets the tunes in his head. Moreover using so many instruments in one song, to its Raga and Taala is a genius. The Genres and Compositions of Music called: Drupad, Khyal, Tarana, Tappa, Thumri and Ghazal are miTxed and given a different form which can be enjoyed by the common man. The continuances and the stoppages of the instruments being played while the song is on, you observe it keenly; you will understand music better and feel happier. Shankar-Jaikishan the composer duo used the musical instruments of that time to the maximum. The Piano, The Guitar, The Sitar you name it, they have used them. The scintillating music of theirs is worth to select and go on hearing.   At a time some 30 to 50 Violinists would play while recording any song, that was their specialty. Whereas Laxmikant-Pyarelal gave more importance to Tabla, Dholak and the other percussion instruments. Kalyanji-Anandji another duo of much significance, also have composed for a number of pics, hear the music of their uniqueness in – ‘SaraswatiChandra’, ‘Raaz’,‘Purab Aur Paschim’, ‘Qurbani’, ‘ Dharmatma’ to note a few. S.D.Burman has given such beautiful scores that will be sung and heard for decades to come, he composed music for more than forty years, he was son of the Maharaja of Tripura, he sang few songs in the folk style of Tripura; that is an exception found in Bollywood. Just four songs to be quoted: ‘Dere se Jana Bagiyan me O Bawra’,- ‘Sun Mere Bandhu Re Sun Mere Mithawa’,- ‘Wahan Kaun Hai Tera Musafir Jayega Kahan’, -‘Safal Hogi Tere Aradhana’. His son R.D.Burman, Pancham Da as he is loveably addressed was the guy who revolutionized the music scene of Bollywood. Hear his music from some of the films: ‘Aap Ki Kasam’ ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’, ‘Abhimaan’, ‘Pyar Ka Mausam’, ‘Tesri Manzil’, ‘The Great Gambler’, ‘Amar Prem’, ‘Gol Maal’, ‘Ishq Ishq Ishq’, ‘Sagar’, ‘1942 a Love  Story’. Bappi Lahiri was one composer who 

BAPPI BAAP THE RECORD HOLDER

changed the face of Bollywood music from the year 1980, the dawn of disco type. He is the only composer who set a Guinness World Record; he has recorded over 180 songs in 33 films in one year – 1986, another record of his, he has composed 5000 songs in over 500 films in twelve languages. He was the one who introduced the Fusion Music in the industry.

The Anand Bakshi who gave Anand (Happiness) to Millions
Anand Bakshi – is the one to be much talked about. His is the family which came from Pakistan in 1947 during the partition. Having come to India was a Big Gift. Just look at the lyrics he has written for the films during the three decades. In the 70s and 80s every third or fourth film was an Anand Bakshi contract.

On an average in one film there used to be 7 to 9 songs and sometimes all of them used to be hits and anyone would feel to sing them, in some films there were a few hits. To listen to them at home, a big Gramophone was necessary with a big loud speaker, HMV (His Masters Voice) was the company which used to produce the songs for the industry. To hear any one song a 75 RPM record plate was required, and then came the 45 RPM, wherein you could listen to two or four songs, thereafter the LP (Long Play) records in which 8 to 10 songs could be heard, generally one record plate was for one movie. The invention of the cassettes made listening to music so easy and handy, you could hear the songs anywhere at home, in an office or a car. It’s now the days for CDs, Pen Drives, I Pods and Smart Phones. Why I gave these details, is, it was so difficult, time consuming and a costly affair. You just had to be prepared for the whole episode. Selecting the film, then the song and things concerned to it. Lots of patience and time was needed. Now you just press a button and you get the song playing for you.

I would like to give a few tips as to how you can listen to your favorites, thereby I would also like to mention the names of a very, very few films, the year of production the name of Music Director, the lyricist and also the stars, so that I will justify the title of my topic. You just go by the name of Film wise, Music Director wise, Lyricist wise, Year wise or the Star. On the net you type the thing you want and get the list. The popular websites are, Indiamp3, You Tube, Wikipedia Etc;. Just put them in your Pen Drive or use a Smart Phone and –Majja Karo!

I will now mention the Greatest of the Great names – the Composers, Singers or Lyricists. The names of Fond Stars, the name of Film and Year would also come in the way, how you can ignore them – Yaar!

Musicians:

Salil Chowdhary : Film: Madhumati,1958 ‘Toote Hu Ye Khabon Ne’-Mohammad Rafi ,‘Jangal Me More Nacha Kisne Dekha’, ‘Dil Tadap Tadap Ke Kehra Hai’-Picturised on Dilip Kumar and Vyajayantimala. Film: Do Bigha Zameen Film: Rajanigandha Film:Anand,1970, Lyrics Gulzar: ‘Mein Ne Tere Liye Hi Saath Rang Ke Sapne Chune , Sapne! Surile Sapne’ Singer: Mukesh, Stars: Rajesh Khanna , Amitabh, Ramesh Deo.

 

O P NAYYAR THE 1960s 70s 80s DECADES CAN NEVER FORGET 

O.P.Nayyar :Film: C I D, 1956 Lyrics:Majrooh Sultanpuri- ‘Kahin Pe Nishana’ Singer:Geeta Dutt, Stars: Dev Anand &Waheeda Rehman. Film: Ek Bar Muskurado 1972, Lyrics Indeevar: ‘Savere Ka Suraj Tumhare Liye Hai’ Singer: Kishore, Stars: Deb Mukerji, Joy Mukerji and Tanuja. Film: Naya Daur 1957, Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi : ‘Saathi Haath Bada Na Saathi Re’ Singers: Rafi & Asha Bhosle, Stars: Dilipkumar & Vyajantimala.

                                                         NAUSHAD THE MAESTRO

Naushad : Film: Aadmi ,1968, Lyrics Shakeel Badayuni:’ Aaj Paurani Rahon Se’ Singer: Rafi,  Stars: Dilipkumar, Waheeda Rehman, Manoj kumar,  Film: Saathi, 1968, Lyrics Shakeel Badayuni; ‘Ae Kaun Aaya’ ,  Singer: Lata, Stars:Simi Garewal and Rajendra Kumar.    Film:Leader, 1964, Lyrics: Shakeel Badyuni ‘Mujhe Duniya Walon Sharabi Na Samjho’, Singers: Rafi  & Lata, Stars:Dilipkumar, Vyajayantimala  

Roshan : Film: Chitralekha, 1964,Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi : ‘Kahe Tarasa Re’ Singers: Lata & Usha Mangeshkar, Filmised on Junior Dancer Artists.  Film: Taj-Mahal, 1963, Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi : ‘Jo Baat Tujme Hai Tere Tasvir Mein Nahin’, Stars: Pradeepkumar & Bina Rai.

 Rajesh Roshan : Film: Doosara Aadmi 1977, Lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri: ‘Aankhon Me Kajal Hai’,  Stars: Rishi Kapoor & Neetu Singh.

 Jaidev : Film: Gharonda, 1977, Lyrics Gulzar: ‘Ek Akela Is Shehar Me, Raat Aur Dopeher Me, Abodana Dhundta Hai! Ashiyana Dhundta Hai!! ’,Singer: Bhupinder Singh, Star: Amol Palekar & Zarina Wahab.

THE POSTAGE STAMP ON HEMANT KUMAR A SINGER AND MUSIC COMPOSER

Hemant Kumar : He is one among those who composed and sang as well, just some quotes– Film: Khamoshi, 1969, Lyricist :Gulzar –“Tumhara Intezar Hai”, Stars: Dharmendra & Waheeda Rehman, Film: Bees Saal Baad,1962, Lyrics Shakeel Badayuni: ‘Zara Nazron Se Dekho Ji Nishaana Toot Na Jaye’  , Singer: Hemant Kumar, Stars: Biswajeet & Waheeda Rehman.  Film: Kohra, 1963, Lyrics Kaifi Azmi; ‘O Bekaraar Dil’, Singer:Lata, Stars: Waheeda Rehman & Biswajeet. Film: Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam,1962, Lyrics Shakeel Badayuni : ‘Bhawra Bada Nadan Hai’ Singer:Asha Bhosle, Stars: Guru Dutt & Waheeda Rehman.

 

Ravi : Film: Humraaz 1967, Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi: ‘Kisi Pattar Ki Murat Se’ Singer: Mahendra Kapoor, Star: Sunil Dutt. Film: Neel Kamal,1968, Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi, ‘Aaja Tuj Ko Pukare Mere Geet Re O Mere Mitwa’,Singer:Mohammad Rafi, Stars: Rajkumar & Waheeda. Film:Waqt,1965, Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi : ‘Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu, Peche Bhi Jane Na Tu … Jo Bhi Hai, Bas, Yahi Dekho Pal Hai’ Singer: Asha Bhosle, Stars: Rajkumar, Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor, Sadhana, Shashikala,Rehmaan ,Madan Puri.

 Sonik Omi : Film: Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya, 1966, Lyrics G.l. Rawal: ‘Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya’, Singers:Rafi, Mukesh and Suman Kalyanpur, Stars: Dharmendra Nutan and Rehmaan.

 

 KAYAM (ALWAYS) KHAYYAM IN EVERYBODY’S MIND

Khayyam : Film: Umrao Jan, 1981,Lyrics Shahryar : ‘ Dil Cheez Kya Hai!Aap Mere Jan Lijiye!!, Bas Ek Bar Mera Kaha Man Lijeye!!!’ Singer: Asha Bhosle, Star: Rekha , Faroq Shaikh and Naseerudin Shah. Film: Kabhi Kabhi, 1976, Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi: ‘Mein Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hoon’, & ‘Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Khyal Ata Hai! Ke Jaise Tujh Ko Banaya Gaya Hai Mere Liye’ Singer: Mukesh, Stars :Amitabh Bachahan, Rekha And Raakhee.

 

Madan Mohan : Film: Chiraag, 1969 , Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri-‘Tere Aankhon, Ke Siva, Duniya Mein Rakha Kya Hai’, Singers:Mohammad Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar, Stars: Sunil Dutt & Asha Parekh. Film: Aap Ki Parichayian, 1964, Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan- ‘Mein Nigahen Tere Chere Se Haton Kaise’, & ‘Yahi Hai Tamanna’ Singer :Rafi, Star: Dharmendra.

 

Ravindra Jain :Film: Fakira, 1976, Lyrics Ravindra Jain ‘Tota Maina Ki Kahani To Purani, Purani Ho gayi’ Singer:Kishore & Lata, Stars: Shashi Kapoor & Shabana Azmi.

How much S D Burman loved Kishor

S.D. Burman : Fim: Jaal, 1952 Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi: Yeh Raat, Yeh Chandni, Phir Kahan,Sun Ja Dil Ki Dastaan’ Singer: Hemant Kumar, Star: Dev Anand. Film: House No 44, 1955, Lyrics, Sahir Ludhianvi : ‘Mere Dil Ki Dhadkan Tuj Ko Pukare’ Singer:  Hemant Kumar , Star: Dev Anand. Film : Pyaasa,1957 Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi : ‘Jane Kya Tune Kahi!  Jane Kya Maine Suni!’  Singer: Geeta Dutt, Stars : Guru Dutt & Waheeda Rehaman.  Film: Guide, 1965, Lyrics Shailendra; ‘Din Dal Jaye Haye Raat Na Jaye, Tu To Na Aaye Tere, Yaad Sata Ye’, Singer: Rafi, Stars: Dev Anand & Waheeda Rehman. Film: Jewel Thief, 1967, Lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri: ‘Hoton Pe Aise Baat – Daba Ke Chali Aayi’, Singer: Bhupendra & Lata, Stars: Dev Anand & Wahaeeda Rehman. Film : Anuraag, 1970, Lyrics Anand Bakshi,  Singers: Lata & Rafi, Stars: Vinod Mehra & Mausumi Chaterji. Film:Aradhana 1969, hear all songs from this Movie.

R.D. Burman : Film: The Great Gambler,1979,Lyrics Anand Bakshi : ‘Mein Tum Ko Kya Khoon – Diwana’ Singer: Asha & Kishore, Stars:Amitabh Bachahan & Neetu Singh. Film: Aap Ki Kasam, 1974, Lyrics Anand Bakshi, ‘Karvate Badal Te Rahe Sari Raat Hum, Aap Ki Kasam’ Singer: Lata, Stars: Mumtaj & Rajesh Khanna. Film: Amar Prem,1971, Lyrics Anand Bakshi, ‘Chingari Koi Bada Ke Agan Laga Ye To Sawan Use Bhuja Ye, Sawan Jo Aagan Lage Ye Use Kaun Bhuja Ye’, Singer: Kishore Da, Stars: Rajesh Khanna & Sharmila Tagore. His Last Movie: Film:1942 a Love Story, 1994, Lyrics: Javed Akhtar.

R D The Great

 

Shankar-Jaikishan : Film: Jhuk Gaya Aasman, 1968, Lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri: ‘Kaun Hai Jo Sapno Me Aaya’ , Singer:Rafi, Stars: Rajendrakumar & Saira Banu.  Film: Brahmachari, 1967, Lyrics Shailendra: ‘Mein Gaun Tum So Jao’ , Singer: Rafi  Stars: Shammi Kapoor & Rajashri.   Film: April Fool, 1964, Lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri: ‘Mujhe Pehli Nazar Ka Asar Chal Gayi,Mujko Kya Ho Gaya Hai Khuda Jaane’ , Singer:Lata, Stars: Saira Banu & Biswajeet. Film:Janwar,1965,Lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri : ‘Mere Muhobbat Jawan Rahi Hai, Sada Rahi Hai, Sada Rahegi’Singer: Rafi, Stars: Shammi Kapoor & Rajashri.

                Shankar  & Jai Kishan  with Indira Gandhi and Raj Kapoor, Mehmood & Aga

 

WITHOUT  ‘JI ‘   THEY ARE KALYAN AND ANAND OF BOLLYWOOD

Kalyanji-Anandji : Film: Dharmatma, 1975, Lyrics Indeevar: Tumne Kisi Se Pyar Kiya Hia’, Singers: Mukesh & Kanchan Mala, Stars: Feroz Khan, Hema Malini and Rekha. Film: Kangan, 1971, Lyrics Anjaan : ‘Jhuke Jo Tere Naina –Ae Tere Mere Preet Hai Bal Pan Ki’ Singer:Mahendra Kapoor & Usha Khanna, Stars: Sanjeev Kumar & Mala Sinha.  Film: Himalay Ki Godmein, 1964, Lyrics Anand Bakhsi : ‘ Kankariya Maar Ke  –Kal Tu Mere Sapno me Aya, Balma Tu Bada O Hai’  Singer: Lata, Star: Mala Sinha.

L P as they are known

Laxmikant- Pyarelal : Film:Professor,1962 Lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri : ‘Ae Gul Badan’ Singer: Rafi, Star: Shammi Kapoor. Film: Shagird,1967,  Lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri: ‘Udti Pawan Ki Rang Chalungi, Me Bhi Tihari Sang Chalungi’, Singer: Lata, Stars: Joy Mukerji & Saira Banu. Film: Aaya Din Bahar Ke, 1967 Lyrics Anand Bakshi: ‘Suno Sajna …Papi’ Singer: Lata , Stars: Asha Parekh & Dharmendra.  Film: Abhinetri, 1970, Lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri : ‘Sare Gama Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Gha Ma Re! Gare Mere Sang Mere Sajna’ Singers : Kishore & Lata, Stars: Shashi Kapoor & Hema Malini.  Film: Amir-Gharib, 1974, Lyrics Anand Bakshi : ‘Mein Aya Hoon, Leke Saaz Haton Me’ Singer: Kishore, Stars: Dev Anand , Premnath. Film: Anjaana, 1969, Lyrics Anand Bakshi: ‘Rim Jim Ke Geet Sawan Hae, Bhigi Si Raton Me’, Singers: Rafisab & Lataji, Stars: Rajendra Kumar & Babita. Film: Bobby,1973, Hear all songs from this movie.

 

Lyricists:

Om Prakash Bhandari pen Named as Qamar(means moon) and Jalalabadi (name of his village)

Qamar Jalalabadhi :His lyrics were a big hit in the 40s and 50s. Film: Howrah Bridge,1958, ‘Dekh Ke Tere Nagar Bekaraar Hogaye’, Composer O.P.Nayyar, Stars: Ashok Kumar & Madhubala. Film: Yeh Dil Kisko Doon,1962 , ‘Phir Aane Laga Pyar Aalam’, Composer: Iqbal Qureshi, Star: Shashi Kapoor.

Syed Akhtar Hussain Rizvi Known as Kaifi Azmi father of Shabana Azmi and Baba Azmi

 Kaifi Azmi : Film: Anupama ,1966, ‘Kyun Mujhe Kushi De Itni,  Ke Dil Ghaba Raye’, Composer: Hemant Kumar, Stars: Shashikala, David, Deven Varma.

 Hasrat Jaipuri : Film: Anaadi, 1959, ‘ O Chand Ki Raat, O Tare Hasin, Ye Raat Ajab Mat Wali Hai, Samjne Wale Samjgaye Hain, Na Samje, Na Samje, O Anaadi Hai’, Composer: Shankar Jaikishan, Stars: Raj Kapoor & Nutan.      Film:Janwar,1965 , ‘Tumse Acha Kaun Hai, Dilo Jigar Lo Jan Lo, Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam, Tum Hame Pehchan Lo’,Composer: Shankar Jaikishan, Stars:Shammi Kapoor & Rajashri. Film: Mere Huzoor ,1968, ‘Janak Janak Tore Baje Payali Ya – Preet Ke Geet Sunaye Paayaliya’ Composer: Shankar Jaikishan, Stars: Rajkumar and Dancer Laxmi Chaya. Film: Love Marriage, 1959, ‘ Dheere Dhere Chal Chand Gagan Me’ Singer: Mohammad Rafi, Stars: Dev Anand & Mala Sinha.

 Sahir Ludhianvi : Film: Dil Hi To Hai, 1963,  ‘Tum Agar Mujh Ko, Na Cha Ho To, Koi Baat Nahi,Tum Kisi Aur Ko Cha Ho To Muskhil Hogi’, Film: Pyaasa, All Hits. Film:  Aaadmi Aur Insaan,1969, ‘O Neele Parbhaton Ke Dhaara’ , Composer:Ravi, Singers: Asha & Mahendra Kapoor, Stars:Dharmendra & Saira Banu.   Dhool Ka Phool

Shakeel Sab in Sephia Color Photo

Shakeel Badayuni: Film: Choudvin Ka Chand, 1960, ‘Choudvin Ka Chand Ho, Ya Aftab Ho, Jo Bhi Ho Tum Khuda Ki Kasam Lajawab Ho’, Composer: Ravi, Singer: Mahendra Kapoor, Stars: Guru Dutt & Waheeda Rehman.     

 Majrooh Sultanpuri : Film: Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke,   Mere Hum Dum Mere Dost,   Teesri Manzil,   Film: Abhimaan, 1973, ‘Ab To Hai Tumse Har Khushi Apni’, Singer: Lata, Composer:S.D. Burman, Stars: Amitabh Bachahan & Jaya Bhaduri.            Film: Buddha Mil Gaya, 1971, ‘Aayo Kahan Se Ghanshyam’, Singers: Manna Dey and Archana, Star: The Veteran Om Prakash.  Film: Pattar Ke Sanam, 1967, ‘Tauba Ae Matwali Chal….. O Hasina Tere Misal Kahan’,Composer: Laxmikant Pyarelal,Singer: Mukesh, Stars: Manojkumar & Mumtaj.

                                               Majrooh Sab’s Career Spans Six Decades    

                                                                   

Gulzar  and His Exclusive Signature                                                 

Gulzar : Film: Parichay, 1972, ‘Sare Ke Sare Ga Ma Ko Le Kar Gaate Chale’, Singer: Asha & Kishore, Stars: Jeetendra & Jaya Bhaduri.  Film: Aandhi, 1975, ‘Is Mod Se Jate Hain, Kuch Susta Kadam Raste, Kuch Tej Kadam Rahen – Is Door Se Aati Hai, Pas Aa Ke Palat Thi Hai’, Singers: Lata & Kishore, Stars: SanjeevKumar and Aparna Sen.  Film: Anand, 1970, ‘Naaa!! Jiya Lage Naaa!!! Piya Tere Bawri Se – Na Lage Na!!!!’, Singer: Lata, Stars: Amitabh & Jaya. Film: Ghar, 1978, ‘Phir  Wohi Raat Hai, Phir Wohi Raat Hai Khwab Ki’, Singer:Kishore Kumar, Stars: Vinod Mehra & Rekha.

Gopaldas Saxena ‘Neeraj’ a Poet and Author in Hindi and is very famous in Kavi Sammelan

Neeraj : Film: Prem Pujari, 1970, ‘Shokiyon Me Hola Jaye –Are Hoga Yun Nasha Jo Tayar O Pyar Hai’, Singer: Kishore & Lata, Composer: S.D. Burman, Stars: Dev Anand & Waheeda.  Film: Sharmilee, 1976, ‘Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaye Re, Mera Man,Mera Man,Mera Man –Shara Rat Karne Ko Lal Cha He Re Mera Man’ Singer: Lata & Kishore, Composer: S.D.Burman, Stars:Shashi Kapoor & Raakhee.   Film: Tere Mere Sapna, 1971, ‘Jaise Radha Ne Mala Japi Shyam Ki, Maine Odi Chunariya Tere Naam Ki’ ,Composer: S.D.Burman, Singer: Lata Mangeshkar, Stars:Dev Anand & Mumtaj.

Jan Nisar Akhtar: Film: C I D, 1956, -‘Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar Jadu Nagari Se Aaya Hai Koi Jadugar’  Singers: Shamshad Begum, Asha Bhosle and Mohammad Rafi, Stars: Dev Anand and Junior Artist Dancers.

                                           THE LYRICIST AND A COMEDIAN AS WELL

Gulshan Bawra : Film: Upkar, ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle, Ugle Heere Moti’  Stars: Manojkumar. Film: Haath Ki Safai,-‘Vaada Karle Sajna’ Composer: Kalyanji- Anandji , Stars:Vinod Khanna & Simi Garewal. Film: Rafoo Chakkar, 1974, ‘Kisi Pe Dil Aaja Ae To Kya Hota Hai – Wahi Hota Hai Jo Munjure Khuda Hota Hai’, Singer: Shailendra Singh & Asha Bhosle, Stars: Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh.

 

S.H.Bihari : Film:Kasmir Ki Kali,1964   Film:Sawan Ki Ghata 1966   Film: Sharth, 1954 ‘Na Chand Hoga Na Tare Rahenge’

Great Love Lyrics from Indeevar

 Indeevar : Film: Purab Aur Paschim, 1970 , ‘Koi Jab Tumhara Hrudaya Tod De Tadap Ta Hua Jab Koi Chod De – Tab Tum Mere Pas Aana Preye, Mera Ghar Khula Hai Khula Hi Rahega’ , Singer: Mukesh, Stars: Manojkumar & Saira Banu. Film: Safar,1970, ‘Jo Tum Ko Pasand Vahi Baat Karenge’, Composer: Kalyanji Anandji, Singer:Mukesh, Stars: Feroz Khan & Sharmila Tagore. Film: Saraswati Chandra, 1968, ‘Chod De Saari Duniya Kisi Ke Liye ….Ye Munasib Nahin Aadmi Ke Liye’, Singer: Lata, Star: Nutan.

 Shailendra : Film: Guide, 1965, ‘Din Dal Jaye Hae! Raat Na Jaye, Tu To Na Aaye, Tere Yaad Sata Ye!!’, Composer: S.D.Burman, Singer:Rafi, Picturised on Dev Sab & Waheedaji. Film: Junglee, 1961, ‘Yahooo!!!! Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe! Kehne Do Kheta Rahe! Hum Pyar Ke Toofan Me Mele, Hum Kya Kare,Yahooo!!!’ Composers: Shankar Jaikishan, Singer: Rafi Sab, Stars: Shammi & Saira.  Film: Hariyali Aur Raasta, 1962, Composers:Shankar Jaikishan, Lyrics, ‘Lakhon Tare, Aasman Me,Ek Magar Dhunde Na Mila,Dekh Ke Duniya Ki Diwali, Dil Mera Chup Chap Jala’, Singer: Mukesh, Stars:Manojkumar & Mala Sinha.  Film: Anuradha, 1960, ‘Kaise Din Bete Kaise Bin Rasiya’, Singer: Lata, Composer: The Maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Stars: Abhi Bhatacharya, Balraj Sahni.

 Prem Dhawan: Film: Pavitra Paapi,1970,Lyrics Prem Dhawan: ‘Tere Duniya Se… Mein Bohot Door Chala’ Singer: Kishore Da, Star: Parikshat Sahni.

 

Javed Akhtar : Film: Sagar, 1985, ‘Sagar Jaise Aankhon Wali Ye To Bata Tera Naam Hai Kya’, Singer: Kishore Da , Composer: R.D.Burman, Stars: Rishi Kapoor & Dimple Kapadia.

                    Javed  Jewel of India

G.L. Rawal : Film: Dilne Phir Yaad Kiya, 1966, ‘Hume To  Kushi Hai Mohabbat Ka Sila Mil Gaya’ Singer: Asha Bhosle ,Stars: Dharmendra , Nutan & Rehmaan.

 Anand Bakshi : Film: Maa Aur Mamta,  Film: Aap Aaye Bahar Aaye, 1971 ‘Mujhe Tere Mohobbat Ka Sahara Mil Gaya Hota  – Agar Toofan Nahi Aata Kinara Mil Gaya Hota’ Singers:Lata & Rafi, Stars: Rajendrakumar & Sadhana.  Film: Amar Prem, 1971, ‘ Kuch To Log Kahenge, Logon Ka Kaam Hai Kehna, Chodo Bekar Ki, Baton Me, Beet Gaye Tere Naina’ Singer: Kishore Da, Stars: Rajesh Khanna & Sharmila Tagore. Film: Aaya Sawan JhoomKe,                                               Film: The Train,1970, Music: R D, Lyrics Anand Bakshi,Star: Nanda. ‘Kisiliye Maine Pyar Kiya’ Singer:Lata  Film: Aap Ki Kasam, 1974, ‘Jindagi Ke Safar Me Guzar Jate Hain Jo’ Singer: Kishore, Stars: Rajesh Khanna & Mumtaj. Film: Aan Milo Sajna 1970, ‘Acha To Hum Chalte Hain’ Singers: Kishore & Lata, Stars: Rajesh Khanna & Asha Parekh.

 Amit Khanna: He is the one who has written very few songs but have been big hits – Film: ‘Des Pardes’,1978,Music: Rajesh Roshan,  Sung by Kishore Da: “ Nazarana Bheja Kisine Pyar Ka”, Stars: Dev Anand & Tina Munim.

Ever since, the beginning of film production, there have been a few films which are total musical hits ever, the background score is of class, the settings are decorative, lavish and mind-boggling, the lyrics of top quality, the heart-touching songs, the dance sequences appealing, the multi-star castings attractive and thrilling, the stupendous story, the dialogues and script apt and right. We can observe all this in the movies I now mention.

Vijay Bhatt’s “Baiju Bawra” -1952,Story based on the Indian Classical Singer Named: Bainath Mishra Born in 1542, Composer: Naushad, Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni, Singers: Ustad Amir Khan, D V Paluskar, Rafi, Lata and Shamshad Begum.

 Asif’s “Mugal E Azam”-1960, a total of 20 songs were composed out of which 12 were finalized and out of twelve 9 songs are sung by Lata, two songs, ‘Prem Jogan Ban Ke Sunderi’ and ‘Shubh Din Aayo Re’,with great reluctance were sung by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali, as per his demand he was paid Rs 25,000/- per song when Lata and Rafi were paid only Rs 400/- per song, Composer: Naushad. This was the film which was the highest grosser and held the record for more than fifteen years.

Shantaram’s “Geet Gaya Pattaron Ne”-1963, Composer: Ramlal, Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri, Singers: Kishori Amonkar, C.H.Atma, Asha, Mahendra Kapoor.

Vijay Bhatt’s “Goonj Uthi Shenai”-1959 , Composer: Vasant Desai, Lyrics:Bharat Vyas, Singers: Lata & Rafi.

V.Shantaram’s “Navarang”-1959, Composer: C.Ramachandra,  Lyrics: Bharat Vyas, Singers:Asha,C.Ramachandra, Manna Dey,Mahendra Kapoor.

Kamal Amrohi’s “Pakeezah”-1972, Composers: Ghulam Mohammad and Naushad Ali, Lyrics: Kaif Bhopali, Kaifi Azmi, Kamal Amrohi, Majrooh, Singers:Lata,Rafi,Rajkumari and Vani Jairam. The film took nearly 14 years to get released due to some drift in relationship with the heroine Meena Kumari and Kamal Amrohi.

Raj Kapoor’s  “Mera Naam Joker”,1970, Story: K.A.Abbas, Composers:Shankar & Jaikishan, Lyrics: Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri,Neeraj & Prem Dhawan, Singers:Mukesh, Lata,Asha, Simi, & Rafi. This movie was shot for 6 years and was a big flop at the box office. But thereafter it was applauded by the public.

Mehboob Khan’s “Mother India”, 1957, it’s the remake of Khan’s 1940 movie ‘Aurat’,  with a different casting and improvised film making techniques. Music: Naushad, Singers: Lata, Meena and Usha Mangeshkars, Shamshad Begum, Rafi,and Manna Dey. The film was released on the occasion of  tenth anniversary celebration of our Independence. It was also dubbed in most European Languages Spanish,French,Greek and Russian also, which grossed substantial amounts. Its India’s most revered film.

 Guru Dutt’s “Kagaz Ke Phool”, 1957, Written by Abrar Alvi on a film director’s life’s ups & downs, Film Scores By Sachin Dev Burman, Lyrics:Kaifi Azmi, Singers: Rafiji,Asha Bhosle, Geeta Dutt’s ‘Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Situm’ was the most hit.

Ramesh Sippy’s,”Sholay”, 1975, Composer: R.D. Burman,Screen Play: Salim Javed, Singers: Lata, Manna Dey, Kishore, R.D. Sang the famous ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’. The film is considered the Greatest Hit Ever, since it ran Golden Jubilee wherever it was released, and till recently the movie was played in a theatre in Mumbai from the date of its release.

Muzaffar Ali’s,“Umrao Jaan”1981, Music Khayyam, Lyrics Shahryar, Singers:Asha, Jagjit Kaur,  The film won maximum National Film Awards

Subhash Ghai”s “Taal”, 1999, Music: A.R.Rehman, Singers :Sukhwinder Singh, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Richa Sharma, Anuradha Sriram, Vaishali Sharma. The film has many Awards, just take a look of its music, songs and the movie as a whole.

Most frequently in films the music and the songs are based on classical ragas, to mention a few out of thousands of Ragas – Yaman, Pahadi, Gaud Malhar, Malkauns, Gaud Sarang, Durga, Desh, Tilak Kamod, Darbari, Raagmalika, Chhayanat, Khamboji, Bilahari, Devagandhari, Mohanam, Sankarabharanam, Todi, Hindolam, Navarasamala, Manoranjini, Raaga Choodamani, Basant Bahar, Puriya Dhanshree, Megha Shayamala, Rasikapriya, Abheri, Abhogi and the final and finishing raga of any concert The Bhairavi. They are the permutation and combination of ascending and descending notes.

Names of persons come into mind now and then who are missed a mention here, like ‘Bharat Ratna’ Bhimsen Joshi, ‘Bharat Ratna’ M S Subbulakshmi, , T M Soundarajan, Talat Mahmood, Pankaj Mullick, Kamal Barot, C Arjun,Asad Bhopali, Madan Mohan, Sardar Malik, K C Dey, Prakash Mehra, Suman Kalyanpur, Jagjit Kaur,Anil Biswas, Usha Uthup, Mehdi Hassan, Shamshad Begum,  Chitragupt, Hansraj Behl, Khemchand Prakash, Begum Akhtar, Noor Jehan, Ghulam Ali, Talat Aziz, Vani Jairam, S.P. Balasubramaniam, Jagjit Singh, Bhupendra, Shailendra Singh and many many more. They have not just remained names but one who carry a lot of weightage and most famous of their times in their own fields.

I think, I might have left many a names who have rendered enormous contribution to the Film Industry. Oh! The Greats! Please forgive me. And the ones mentioned have a big list of their own, but only one or two of theirs’ have been quoted, caution has been taken that they are not repeated one into the other – so as to cover more films. The lines of the lyrics of some songs,have been purposefully written a little more in one or two lines, to make remember the reader; of the song and who may also start singing the songs while reading this article.

My Namaskars and Fond Respects to ALL; the Great people who still live in the hearts of millions.

I am not that old a guy or a person who has a distaste, aversion or disapprove – as to not appreciate the music and songs of this century, but there are various other reasons, for not to talk about it. You go to a movie theatre to see a film; by the time you come home, you forget the music as well as the song. The penetration is not deep and it does not linger in your mind, you would even not like to hear and sing them repeatedly. Leave aside me, the young ones of our country, most of them do not hear and sing the songs of today’s films, they even do not know the names of the singer, the music director and the lyricist. It does mean that the joy is so temporary and does not live long. Oh what a nice Halla! Gulla!

It would not be a surprise if in future, an University of Film Studies would come in to existence, and that hundreds of students will join courses. Some may emerge to do PhDs on film music and literature on Lyrics, Script, Story and Dialogue Writing; and so also on Film Personalities. The lives of  Persons worth studying and to achieve a Doctorate are; to mention a few legends, Shri Raj Kapoor, Shri Vanakudari Shantaram,(who hails from North Karnataka), Shri Guru Dutt, Shri Rahul Dev Burman, Shri Shankar and Shri Jaikishan, Janab Majrooh Sultanpuri, Janab Sahir Ludhianvi, Janab Mohammad Rafi, Kumari Lata Mangeshkar,  Shri Anand Bakshi, Shri Kishore Kumar Ganguly, Shri Feroz Khan, Shri Subhash Ghai and so on.

There have already been scores of institutes which part knowledge in some of the fields of film making. The whole accumulation of Knowledge and Information has been to the extent of studying academically. Tomorrow, one could pursue a Bachelor or a Masters Degree and find a career in the various pursuits of film making.

When you see in the whole world, you feel so proud to know and watch that in so many African, European, American and Far Eastern countries most people enjoy the music and songs of Bollywood. It is surprising and strange to observe in the nook and corners they watch the Hindi movies with craze; and most of them do not know the language. Is it not the beauty and greatness of the so called musicians and lyricists? It is the justification as to why India and Bollywood is renowned and world famous.

Hats off! To the present day artists and composers, A.R.Rehman, Anu Malik,  Pritam, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Ajay Atul, Hemesh Reshamiya, Kumar Sanu, Adnan Sami, Shaan, Talat Aziz, Sonu Nigam,Udit Narayan, Lucky Ali, Salim Merchant, Hari Haran, Kailash Kher, Javed Ali, Honey Singh, Anuradha Paudwal, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Goshal, Sunidhi Chavan and many more, yes, all of them have to be congratulated. They have made us remember them and have carved their own niche. Some of the songs are sung so well, which are so difficult too, and the music is excellent.

Howmuchsoever, I write or you try to know, of film music and the literary contribution to poetry, the less you feel it is, but the more you know, you get Cheered Up and Happy, cause music makes you live in the present, that’s the Magic.

Written & Compiled By:

Shiva Malekopmath   

Email: shivamalekopmath@gmail.com

Cell: 09448822699