Nostalgiaana Radio (R4) Online Shows – Part 3

[This is the third part of a series of posts about Nostalgiaana R4, a radio-styled show of retro Hindi film songs. Other posts in this series – Part 1, Part 2, Part 4.]

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 ❤!
Sun Champa Sun Tara (Film Apna Desh), a lively duet in a hit film from Rajesh Khanna’s golden success period, beginning film Aradhana (1969). Picturised as a “Basti” song on the lead pair of Mumtaz and Rajesh Khanna, the use of the Dholak along with chorus (unfortunately not credited on records) elevates the mood. Composer R D Burman seemed to have a strong grip on similar situation songs (Chunri Sambhal Gori and Jeena Kya Aji Pyar Bina being other examples). Interesting trivia – There is an unreleased Lata Mangeshkar solo version of the same mukhda tune with words “Main Toh Manoon Tohe Saiyaan”, that was, most probably, recorded for the same film but not used finally.

Main Nigahein Tere Chehre Se (Film Aap Ki Parchhaiyan), One of those high intense magical outputs of the Rafi and Madan Mohan collaboration. A favourite romantic solo for many, filmed on the lead pair of Supriya Choudhury & Dharmendra. The classy Madan Mohan composition loosely bases itself on Raag Darbari, with Rafi’s harkats and nuanced singing taking your breath away. Film released in year 1964, a year that saw 8 immensely memorable soundtracks of Madan Mohan.

Thandi Hawaaon Mein, Taaron Ki Chhaon Mein (Film Bahu), a dreamy romantic duet from a near obscure film. Noted film-maker Shakti Samanta’s directorial debut in year 1955. The use of Double Bass for rhythm adds charm as does the constantly playing Flute (most probably). One of three Geeta Dutt – Talat Mahmood duets for composer Hemant Kumar, this is likely filmed on the movie’s lead pair Usha Kiran and Karan Diwan.

Sa Re Ga Ma (Film Chupke Chupke), a light song in a comedy film by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Filmed on Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan, singers Mohd. Rafi and Kishore Kumar show terrific chemistry. The assertive throw of Kishore Kumar’s voice compliments Rafi’s relatively soft vocals (albeit in the later stage of his career). An unheard antara not usually seen and heard (with beginning words Gaana Aaye Na Aaye, Har Koi Gaata Hai) adds the *surprise* element to wow listeners !

O Dildar Bolo Ek Baar (Film School Master), a quite often played Doordarshan (Chhayageet / Chitrahaar) song filmed on an odd pair- Saroja Devi and Raja Gosavi. A Tonga song that does not have the familiar clip-clop horse beat used in Hindi film songs. The peculiar filler music using a combination of Clarinet and Flute (sometimes referred to as *Tutti*) gives a familiar feel. Though a strong favourite, one does not quickly associate such songs with composer Vasant Desai and song writer Pradeep.

Meri Neendon Mein Tum (Film Naya Andaz), a lovely Piano dominated song with use of the Waltz rhythm. Kishore Kumar’s mellow voice of the 1950s contrasts wonderfully well with Shamshad Begum’s assertive rendition. Filmed on the lead pair of Meena Kumari and Kishore Kumar, the impactful crossline (antara to mukhda transition) leaves you wanting for more. A song output from the significant collaboration of composer O P Nayyar and songwriter Jan Nisar Akhtar (14 films).

Do Give a Listen ❤!
Jigar Mein Dard Kaisa Hai (Film Pyas, also known by the name Apna Ghar Apni Kahani), a loveable romantic duet filmed on Mumtaz and Sudhir (as per video seen on Youtube). A lingering melody, the crooning by Mahendra Kapoor adds pleasant charm, with his co-singer Kamal Barot only getting to sing a small song portion (words शायद ये प्यार है , हाँ हाँ ये प्यार है). The initial mukhda lines seem to have derived inspiration from the well-known Cliff Richard song *Theme For A Dream*.

Shaam Bhayi Ghanshyam Na Aaye (Film Kavi Kalidas), a simple, captivating melody said to be based on Raag Jai Jaiwanti. Composer S N Tripathi, known to give music for period / mythological films creates a magical tune with use of soft Lata Mangeshkar vocals. Filmed on the graceful actress Nirupa Roy who was paired opposite Bharat Bhushan in the film.

Ye Aawara Raatein (Non-film Hindi), another lingering feel melody, this time composed by Manna Dey, who also lends his vocals. The mukhda’s obligato pieces make it more delightful. Though a later re-recorded version of the same composition is also available, the 1950s version, probably, makes a stronger impact. Well-known songwriter Madhukar Rajasthani shows his versatility with lyrics that add to the dreamy mood.

Ghiri Ghatayein Aasmaan Par (Non-film Hindi), a gem from the album “Varsha Ritu – Songs Of The Rainy Season”, released in year 1969, showcasing the significance of Rains. Many talented composers and lyricists contributed to this coveted release. Sung wonderfully by Lata Mangeshkar and said to be based on a combination of Raags Miyan Ki Malhar and Bahaar, use of the Santoor (most probably played by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma) to denote Rains is alluring enough!

Full playlist link on MySwar:
https://myswar.co/user/playlists/cinesangeetdiwana-nostalgiaana-radio-r4-online-shows-episodes-875-877-8342

Sample Top quality audios played on the R4 shows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBK1lY_z-X4

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

Contacts:
Shankar Iyer 98677 13970
Balaji Ramachandran 99870 92587