[This is the second 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 3, 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 ❤!
Rimjhim Gire Saawan (Film Manzil), a well-known indoor song of Kishore Kumar for Amitabh Bachchan, with the “outdoor” version by Lata Mangeshkar (for heroine Moushumi Chattterjee) getting more popular over the last 2 decades or so. The use of Harmonium, Maadal, and Sitar captures the relaxed mood beautifully. Yogesh’s subtle romance with words महफ़िल में कैसे कह दें किसी से, दिल बंध रहा है किस अजनबी से goes a long way towards the song making a permanent connect with music lovers.
Aye Dil Hai Mushkil (Film CID), a much-loved Waltz-rhythm-based melody by O P Nayyar, laced with magical Temple blocks for the characteristic percussion sound. Filmed on Kumkum & Johnny Walker, Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrics बेघर को आवारा यहाँ कहते हँस-हँस, खुद काटे गले सबके, कहे इसको बिज़नेस, continue to be relevant, even after 7 decades, in describing Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay). The mukhda (main melody), despite being based on the 1940s American folk song “Oh My Darling Clementine”, continues to retain its charm even today.
Wahaan Kaun Hai Tera (Film Guide), a movie-credits filmed background song in composer S D Burman’s intoxicating voice that sets the tone for the film! Another high-impact writing from lyricist Shailendra’s immortal Pen with words कोई भी तेरी राह न देखे, नैन बिछाए न कोई, दर्द से तेरे कोई ना तड़पा, आँख किसीकी न रोई. The shining melody, originally heard as Door Kono Parobaashey (Non-film, Bengali, also sung by S D Burman), gets enhanced by the magical Flute, playing through this film version.
In Hawaaon Mein, In Fizaaon Mein (Film Gumrah), a simple melody as hallmark of composer Ravi. Using Raag Pahadi as a base, the composer creates magic with minimal music arrangement and effective use of vocals for the outdoor visuals featuring the lead pair of Mala Sinha and Sunil Dutt. Being the first collaboration of producer B R Chopra and composer Ravi, the duo came together for 9 films overall.
Jeevan Ki Bagiya Mehkegi (Film Tere Mere Sapne), a timeless composition, filmed on lead pair Mumtaz & Dev Anand, that sees a Jugalbandi between the instruments Santoor and Flute. Composer S D Burman, known for championing the cause of minimal orchestration, is said to have given free hand the song’s lead musicians (Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma & Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia) for the intricate music fillers. This has been confirmed in an interview with Shiv Kumar Sharma. One of the finest 1970s duets in Hindi film music!
Tujhe Suraj Kahoon Ya Chanda (Film Ek Phool Do Mali), an emotion-filled song that brings out parents’ emotions for their child. The movie, produced and directed by Devendra Goel, formed part of a long partnership between the filmmaker and composer Ravi. Filmed on Thespian Balraj Sahni, songwriter Prem Dhawan’s words “कल हाथ पकड़ना मेरा, जब मैं बूढ़ा हो जाऊँ” will continue to resonate with all, forever!
Do Give a Listen ❤!
Mere Mehboob Shaayad Aaj (Film Kitne Paas Kitne Door), a huge Radio and Doordarshan Chhayageet / Chitrahaar favourite of the 1970s and 1980s. A wonderful tune from an obscure film, the meter may have similarities with a popular 1950s song, “Teri Duniya Mein Dil Lagta Nahi” (Bawre Nain, 1950). The use of the Matka (Clay Pot) as percussion instrument for a song of the 1970s notwithstanding, singer Chandrani Mukherjee’s sincere rendition will bring in the smiles with this long-lost melody.
Mere Adharon Par (Non-Film Album Madhushala)….a few chosen Rubaai-s (4-line poems) from legendary poet Harivanshrai Bachchan’s celebrated work, known for its philosophical undertones on the essence of human existence. Composer Jaidev, reputed for giving tunes to poems of literature writers, infuses Raag Bhairavi to create an immortal composition, sung with intense passion by Manna Dey.
Nazar Nazar Se Ho Rahi (Film Main Nashe Mein Hoon), a party song filmed on Raj Kapoor and Nishi, brings to the fore composer Shankar-Jaikishan’s fresh-sounding endeavours of the 1950s. Use of the Castanets, Khanjri (Tambourine) & Accordion, along with the composing duo’s favourite Raag Bhairavi (set to a Dadra beat), cast an everlasting spell of magic!
Suniyo Araj Hamari (Non-film Hindi), a prayer song from a Khayyam composed non-film album that depicts the intense spiritual love of Radha for Lord Krishna. While the Sarangi and Tabla, as orchestration support, add charm, the devotion in Rafi’s voice takes the melody to stratospheric levels! Suniyo Araj Hamari…(Listen to my prayers, O Krishna ! Do not let your devotee down in front of the whole world) is guaranteed assurance for a blissful experience !
Link to 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-872-874-2359
Sample Top quality audios played on the R4 shows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCUvaR5YJHQ
Join us at:
https://www.nostalgiaana.com/form-membership-wknight.html
Contacts:
Shankar Iyer 98677 13970
Balaji Ramachandran 99870 92587
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