Nostalgiaana Radio (R4) Online Shows – Part 1

[This is the first part of a series of posts about Nostalgiaana R4, a radio-styled show of retro Hindi film songs. Other posts in this series – Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.]

Team Nostalgiaana has rekindled the Radio Nostalgia of Retro Hindi film songs through specially curated online shows, served to nearly 200 dedicated members. These shows, conducted via Zoom, now running FOR CLOSE TO 6 YEARS, endeavour to take all back to their nostalgic Radio listening days. Over 1700 shows have been done as part of this series (including repeat offerings).
Like with the Radio, the R4 shows bring to you a mixed bag of songs across decades, moods and artistes while also trying to celebrate the anniversaries of those whose contributions to Hindi Film Music (HFM) have been invaluable in their respective fields!

What you get as a music lover:

• Original Audio songs in true Radio format
• Consistent top quality audios sourced for the enhanced listening experience.
• Mix of popular & lesser-heard songs with complete statistical information.
• A like-minded music loving community for company that interacts & shares on its favourite songs.
• Different format shows for variety & spice -Special Guest Presentations, Guftagu Unfiltered (Conversation driven) series covering multiple HFM themes & topics
• Member presentations that give music lovers a platform to present their favourite songs
• Farmaish (Request-based) songs
• 12 shows + 12 repeat (recorded audio) shows in a month.

Nostalgiaana Radio (R4) online shows (Episodes 869 – 871)

A unique set of curated songs wowed listeners on last week’s shows. Focus continued to be on the three decades – 1950s, 1960s and 1970s – representing the *Golden Era* period of Hindi film songs.

Your Favourites ❤!
Tere Husn Ki Kya Tareef Karoon (Film Leader), portraying romance between Vyjayanthimala and Dilip Kumar on screen, with elegant orchestration and use of Raag Yaman. Naushad’s meticulous composition elevates Shakeel Badayuni’s “Husn” (a few songs of Shakeel with use of the word exist) centric writing to adorable levels. Two differently tuned antara-s (stanzas) stand out as *Sone Pe Suhaga* in this timeless gem!

O Nigahen Mastana (Film Paying Guest), a song with Asha Bhosle not having to utter a single word but giving Kishore Kumar wonderful company. Minimalist S D Burman composition where Kishore himself with both soft and assertive rendition for a chocolate hero on screen (Dev Anand, with Nutta). 1957, year of this film’s release, being the first collaboration year of S D Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri, a pair that came together for a total of 20 films.

Aankhon Se Jo Utri Hai Dil Mein (Film Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon), song from the only film of composer O P Nayyar for producer Nasir Husain. An outdoor song replete with characteristic O P touch with use of Sarangi, Double Bass, Santoor, Taar Shehnai. The Antara fillers with the Saxophone are icing on the cake. कहने को घड़ी भर साथ रहा, पर उमर गुज़ार आये जैसे – Majrooh Sultanpuri’s stylish writing brings out the heroine’s romantic mood.

Chandan Sa Badan (Film Saraswatichandra), a Tandem song whose male version (by Mukesh) often gets more ears and discussion time. Raag Yaman based beauty composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, the relaxed, yet riveting, Sitar pieces (most probably played by Rais Khan) and a relatively relaxed song pace help differentiate the Lata Mangeshkar sung version. A differently worded antara that begins with ये विशाल नयन, जैसे नील गगन पंछी की तरह खो जाऊ मैं has an inspired Indivar writing for the lady on screen (Nutan)

Hum Tere Bin Jee Na Sakenge Sanam (Film Thakur Jarnail Singh), a non-club / cabaret song sung by Asha Bhosle for Helen on screen. A song accentuated with the use of Dholak and claps. Composer Ganesh Sharma, whose death anniversary fell on 28 Mar, nicely uses Raag Pilu set to Dadra beat. 1966, year of this film’s release, marked the debut of Ganesh Sharma; he went on to give music to about 16 films. This song remains a favourite of Radio listeners over the years.

Tu Kahe Agar Jeevan Bhar (Film Andaz), a simple, sincerely sung melody decorated with use of the Piano and Matka (Clay Pot). A film with 4 Mukesh sung solos for Dilip Kumar on screen. Mohd. Rafi sang for Raj Kapoor in the film. Over the coming years, the singer-actor pair just saw an interchange with Rafi singing for Dilip Kumar and Mukesh for Raj Kapoor! The Naushad – Mukesh collaboration that commenced in the 1948, strangely, did not come together again till year 1968 !!!

Do Give a Listen ❤!
Mere Man Ke Mansarovar Mein (Film Bhagwan Parshuram), Song from a film directed by a gentleman known for mythological films, Babubhai Mistry…Filmed on Jayshree Gadkar and Abhi Bhattacharya, the melody bases itself on Raag Miyan Ki Malhar , sung intensely by Asha Bhosle. Debut film of noted musician, music arranger-cum-assistant (to composers Kalyanji-Anandji and Usha Khanna) Jaikumar (Parte) as composer. He went on to compose music for 4 Hindi films, overall.

Pukaro Mujhe Phir Pukaro (Film Buniyaad), a forgotten 1970s duet filmed on Farida Jalal and Shatrughan Singha. Soft touch to the melody with use of Raag Todi by composers Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The orchestration, though a trademark Keharwa Theka of the composing duo, packs punch to consistently hold attention, also thanks to instruments like the Sarod and Guitar used.

Main Rickshawalla (Film Chhoti Bahen)….the first sight of actor Mehmood on a Cycle Rickshaw (much before film Kunwara Baap). A seemingly simple situation song elevated to great heights, thanks to Shailendra’s hard-hitting lyrics रात-दिन हर घड़ी एक सवाल, एक सवाल रोटियाँ कम हैं क्यूँ, क्यूँ है अकाल, क्यूँ है अकाल. Trademark Dattu Theka beat from composers Shankar-Jaikishan lends a certain familiarity to this gloriously rendered solo.

Humko Dushman Ki Nigahon Se (Non-film), This romantic melody is a beautifully tuned Ghazal. Composer Jagjit Singh, very fondly remembered for this album (Ecstasies), comes up with a modern sounding arrangement; however one that does not overpower the proceedings. Chitra Singh’s restrained, yet impactful singing, effectively conveys the feelings behind words of songwriter Rais Akhtar – चंद यादों के सिवा हाथ न कुछ आयेगा, इस तरह उम्र-ए-गुरेज़ाँ का न पीछा कीजे

Link of the playlist on MySwar (will be available as a Featured Playlist on MySwar’s home page):
https://myswar.co/user/playlists/cinesangeetdiwana-nostalgiaana-radio-r4-online-shows-episodes-869-871-7047

Sample Top quality audios played on the R4 shows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0FK97vqRkk

Join us at:
https://www.nostalgiaana.com/form-membership-wknight.html

Contacts:
Shankar Iyer 98677 13970
Balaji Ramachandran 99870 92587