Forgotten Composers Unforgettable Melodies: S Mohinder

8 September 2017

Wishing S Mohinder (b. 8 September 1925?) a very happy 92nd birth anniversary (and wishing Asha Bhosle a very happy 84th birth anniversary)

S MohinderGuzra hua zamana aata nahi dubara, hafiz khuda tumhara. This one song is enough to make S Mohinder immortal. But he also composed many more memorable and extremely sweet as well as fast-paced peppy numbers. He is among the music directors who had a wide range in the style of music as well as choice of singers. It is the vagary of the showbiz that a talented composer like him was not counted among the top rung. But some of his songs dominated the airwaves in the programmes on old film music, Guzra hua zamana being an eternal favourite. He was in my list for the series on “Forgotten Composers Unforgettable Melodies”. I would have written on him at leisure. But, despite this year being quite tight in scheduling, I had to do it now in deference to the sincere request made more than once by our passionate reader, KS Bhatia.

S Mohinder is the last of the doyens of the golden era still among us, though living in the US since 1982. He visits India regularly. There are a number of very nice articles on him available on the net. There is also a long interview with him on Rajya Sabha TV in their Guftgoo series. I am happy to present this article as our greetings to him on his 92nd birth anniversary. Today is also Asha Bhosle’s 84th birth anniversary. Incidentally, S Mohinder was equally well disposed towards her and composed some excellent songs for her, too. Here is wishing her a very happy birthday and long life.

Born on 8 September 1925 in village Silanwala of Montgomery district of undivided Punjab (now in Pakistan), S Mohinder inherited the love for music from his father, Sujan Singh Bakshi, who was a police sub-inspector and who also played the flute. His father’s transferable job brought him to various places: Nankana, where the family lived for four years and S Mohinder completed his matric from there in 1942. There he was attracted towards the singing of a Sikh guru in the gurudwara, and he learnt the songs sung by him. One day, while passing by the gurudwara, S Mohinder was singing the shabad which the guru used to sing. Impressed by his voice, the guru called him in and took him under his tutelage. The family moved to Lyallpur where he continued his training under a Sikh guru Bhai Sujan Singh. He also learnt classical music from Bade Ramdasji of Benaras.

His first interest was singing. His first programme was for Lahore AIR in the mid-40s. Once in May 1947, after finishing his programme at Lahore AIR, he headed towards station and bought a ticket for Lyallpur. There was melee on the platform, and rumour of Pakistan being created was in the air. When the train didn’t come for a long time, he asked the coolie what the matter was. The coolie told him that the trains have become killing fields; the Frontier Mail going for Bombay was standing on the station, and he should just board the train if he wanted to save his life.

Having reached Bombay without ticket and with nothing on, he took shelter in a Dadar gurudwara. But it allowed a continuous stay only for a week. When he was given notice on Sunday to leave on Monday, he told the management that he could sing Shabads. They liked his singing, and allowed him to continue. He was also paid for his singing which gave him sufficient funds to go in search of work. He was lucky to find work soon, thanks to the help of Suraiya, who was impressed by his singing at Lahore AIR, which she had visited when she had gone to Lahore in connection with the release of Anmol Ghadi. She told him that if he needed any help in Bombay, he could look her up.

S Mohinder got his first break with Sehra (1948), starring Arun Ahuja and Nirmala Devi (Govinda’s parents). Nirmala and Arun were the main singers, too, in the film, in which S Mohinder also sang a song, Ae dil uda ke le chal. He composed a song for Lata Mangeshkar for the film Shaadi Ki Raat (1950), which became immensely popular. Seth Chandulal Shah of Ranjt Movietone was very impressed by his music, and offered him to compose music for Dev Anand-Suraiya-starrer Neeli (1950), provided Suraiya approved his songs. That was not a problem. He signed a contract for Rs 7000, plus Rs 3000 for his accompanists. The songs of this film were quite popular.

Ranjit repeated him in Bahadur and Paapi (1953) which had some very good songs. S Mohinder was all set now. Naata (1955) was his next noticeable film. This was followed by his landmark music in Shirin Farhad (1956), which had the immortal Guzra hua zamana aata nahi dobara. He continued to give music till the late 60s. While Hindi film music scene was quite crowded, he was the leading composer in Punjabi films. He got the National Award for his music in Nanak Naam Jahaz (1969).

He also tried his hand at film production towards the last phase of his music career, but that did not succeed. As you can see from his interview with Rajya Sabha TV under their ‘Guftgoo’ series, even at the age of 90-plus, he has an amazing memory. He is the last of the Vintage Era/Golden Era doyens still among us. It gives me great pleasure to pay my tribute to him on his 92nd birth anniversary with some of his best songs.

1. Guzra hua zamana aata nahi dobara by Lata Mangeshkar from Shirin Farhad (1956), lyrics Tanvir Naqvi

I start with the song that made S Mohinder unforgettable. A sad, melancholic song which refers not only to the tragic love legend of Shirin and Farhad, but also to the universal feeling of loss and sadness about any memory or era that has Gone With The Wind.

2. Hum dil ki kahani kya kahte kuchh kah na sake kuchh kah bhi gaye by Lata Mangeshkar from Shaadi Ki Raat (1950), lyrics Firoz

A wonderful song on the theme of Kuchh to log kahenge. The main music director of this film was Pt Govind Ram, but three songs of this film, including this wonderful Lata Mangeshkar solo, are composed by S Mohinder. This song was mentioned prominently by him in his interview with RSTV.

3. Phool khilein hain gulshan mein by Suraiya from Neeli (1950), lyrics lyrics Surjit Sethi

This was the song he presented before Suraiya before he got the nod for giving music for Neeli.

4. Ulfat ka adhura afsana kuchh bhool gaye kuchh yaad bhi hai by Suraiya from Neeli (1950), lyrics Surjit Sethi

But my favouite Suraiya song from Neeli is this one.

5. Kagwa re ja balma ke deswa by Rajkumari from Bahadur (1953), lyrics Raja Mehdi Ali Khan

One of the best Bhairavis, and one of the best Rajkumari songs, though less heard.

6. Tera kaam hai jalna parwaane chaahe shama jale ya na jale by Rafi from Paapi (1953), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

But in 1953, the songs of Raj Kapoor-Nargis-starrer Paapi became better known. Here is a quite popular Rafi song, lip-synched by Raj Kapoor.

7. Kaun kahe unse ja ke ae huzoor by Asha Bhosle from Paapi (1953), lyrics Sarshar Sailani

This must be one of the most melodious songs of Asha Bhosle from the early 50s. (The uploader of the YT link has wrongly attributed it to Lata Mangeshkar.)

8. Dhadake dhadake rah rah ke…Maujon ka ishara hai by Rafi, Balbir, Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum from Nata (1955), lyrics Tanveer Naqvi

S Mohinder now gives the full rainbow of colours in this song, which has tonga beats, boatmen’s chorus, and a melodious romantic song by the leading lady Madhubala lip-synching in Lata’s voice, with Chanchal adding contrast in Shamshad Begum’s voice.

9. Is bewafa jahan ka dastoor hai purana by Lata Mangeshkar from Nata (1955), lyrics Tanveer Naqvi

In the same film, S Mohinder now gives an absolutely melodious melancholic song. I heard this for the first time while working for this post. It is surprising that such gems have remained hidden.

10. Gar tum bura na maano by Subir Sen and Asha Bhosle from Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960), lyrics Raja Mehdi Ali Khan

Continuing to show his multifaceted talent, S Mohinder composes this melodious duet for an unlikely combination of Subir Sen and Asha Bhosle.

11. Kamla Razia ya Miss Marry ya ho Preetam Kaur by Mahendra Kapoor, Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar from Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960), lyrics Anand Bakhshi

S Mohinder changes tack completely in this song from the same film, when he composes a lively Bhangra dance song.

12. O mere pyaro zameen ke taaro jana tumhein hai kahan by Rafi, Asha Bhosle and Sudha Malhotra from Zameen Ke Taare (1960), lyrics Pt Indra

In the same year, in another B-grade film, S Mohinder composes an inspirational song, Anwar now being in the role of the benign uncle with two children, a reprise of David in Boot Polish.

13. Jhoom ke piya ki gali ghoom ke khushi mein chali aa rahi aa rahi hun by Suman Kalyanpur from Jai Bhawani (1961), lyrics Gopal Singh Nepali

Devotional films in the 60s were generally B grade films, but Jai Bhawani had one of my top favourites of Suman Kalyanpur. You don’t often get songs as sweet as Jhoom ke piya ki gali.

14. Shama se koi kah de by Mukesh and Suman Kalyanpur from Jai Bhawani (1961), lyrics Gopal Singh Nepali

This film also had this terrific duet by Mukesh and Suman Kalyanpur.

15. Aankh sharmaane lagi by Suman Kalyanpur from Captain Sheroo (1963), lyrics Naqsh Layalpuri

But grade ‘B’ film did not deter S Mohinder from composing another absolutely melodious song in the voice of Suman Kalyanpur.

16. Yun mile ki mulaqaat ho na saki by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur from Sarfarosh (1964), lyrics Naqsh Layalpuri

Here is another variety of dish by S Mohinder, now a qawwali by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur from another ‘B’-grade film.

17. Bijli giri kahan se begaane ho gaye hum by Rafi from Picnic (1966), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri

I end this post with a superlative sad Rafi song in a situation where the beloved is getting married to another guy.

P.S. Several sources mention S Mohinder’s date of birth as 24 February 1925. From the comments of N Venkataraman and Arunkumar Deshmukh below, it seems there is stronger evidence in favour of 24 February.

Acknowledgements and references

1. Guftgoo interview with DD Rajya Sabha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44-9cl-fQDc
2. Article by Hardip Singh ‘Aulja’ at apnaorg.com
http://apnaorg.com/articles/mohinder/
3. Article by Darkndusky Hoon at
https://apnaarchive.wordpress.com/2014/11/06/s-mohinder/
4. Article at Beete hue din
http://beetehuedin.blogspot.in/2015/09/guzra-hua-zamana-aata-nahin-dobara-s.html
5. Wherever the video link of a song is of poor quality, I have taken the audio version.

{ 132 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Dustedoff September 8, 2017 at 10:05 am

Very interesting post, AK – thanks for that! The anecdotes about S Mohinder, especially, made for great reading. Of the songs, I’ll have to admit that I had only heard two before.

Since you have mentioned the movie, I might as well add my favourite song from Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai, Mittar pyaare nu. The lyrics have a lot to do with my liking of this song, but S Mohinder’s music and Rafi’s rendition make it extra special.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3eAGclqILA

2 AK September 8, 2017 at 2:14 pm

Madhu,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I knew most of the songs, some without knowing that S Mohinder was the MD. Mittar pyare nu is a beautiful song. I was sure some reader would mention it.

3 Mehfil Mein Meri September 8, 2017 at 3:32 pm

hello Ak ji,
a good article on S Mohinder.
Many songs from the list were new to me.
I am adding some songs which are known to me for long,
I think u haven’t included them, as these are well known!

Lagan Lagi hai from Naata
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwOTAOtzx3Y

also, from picnic,
balmawa bolo na
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwOTAOtzx3Y

I also like, sham ki tanhaiyan hai by Asha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k9d5402KIU

and lastly
ae dilruba jane wafa from shirin farhad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPAexf6yifQ

4 AK September 8, 2017 at 4:43 pm

Anup,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and the addition of the songs.

5 D P Rangan September 8, 2017 at 5:04 pm

AK
A good post in this series of Forgotten Composers. Was pleasantly surprised to learn S Mohinderji is still alive and alert. How I wish you had interviewed him and got some more delectable information from his experience and included here like you did for Husanlal Bhagatram. About half of the songs you posted I have heard through radio of course.

Song No. 10 bears a close similarity with the one from Memsahib, one of the few films in which Meena Kumari had played a light role. The film was released in 1956, much before this 1960 one. I am giving the you tube link. It is a Rajinder Krishan/Madan Mohan combination. The first one is by Kishore Kumar, hero of the film and the second by Asha Bhonsle. Kishore is hoist on his own petard by Meena Kumari.

https://youtu.be/4UrFuOVs9I0

https://youtu.be/dViBxD1EaFg

6 Mahesh September 8, 2017 at 5:52 pm

AK ji.

Many thanks for the post.

https://youtu.be/dacG7E-2ApA

An excellent Mukesh number.

7 mumbaikar8 September 8, 2017 at 5:53 pm

AK,
Long awaited article on S Mohinder!
Thanks for Raj Kumari’s “kagwa re ja” real gem of a song, prelude reminds me of tu pyaar kare ya thukraye.
I believe he had his share of problems with Lata. She seems to have sung for him for just two years in 1955 and 1956.
You have included different singers; I will add the ones you have missed.
TALAT MAHMOOD-Film KARVAAN-1956:Aaja Tujhe Mohabbat Awaz De Rahahi Hai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7EEVxXqFoI
Shamshad & Mubarak Begum Sau Ka Note 1955 : Qurban Gaye Tujh Pe Gori
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kQ5geLpmlM

8 Manju September 8, 2017 at 6:18 pm

Many happy returns of the day Mohinderji though the golden era of hindi film music has faded you and other MdS live in our hearts because of your soulful compositions.Thanks for the writer.

9 Rakesh Srivastava September 8, 2017 at 6:34 pm

Thanks for this post on my favourite composer, AK Ji.
Though all good songs have already been covered in the article/comments, still some room can be made for following additions :
1. Shreematiji (1952)–Do Naina Tumhare Pyare Pyare–Geeta Dutt and Hemant Kumar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fodB0E7HlQs

2.Reporter Raju (1962)–Tum Mard Nikaloge Ghoonghat–Suman Kalyanpur & Rafi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNPjWemuW34

3.Khoobsurat Dhokha (1959)–Kisi Ka Dil Chura Lena Badi Pyar Shararat Hai–Mukesh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1gXi1IXZGk

4.Sau Ka Note(1955)–Sahare Na Bana Ae Dil–Asha Bhosle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW8snO411Jo

10 Arunkumar Deshmukh September 8, 2017 at 6:59 pm

AK ji,
Thanks for writing on S.Mohinder ji.
Here is one of his songs by Mohd. Rafi from an unreleased film D0 D0st sometime in the 50s….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wllltdaoESA

This tune was later used by someone else.

-AD

11 N Venkataraman September 8, 2017 at 8:15 pm

Akji,
Continuing your noble endeavor in presenting the melodies of forgotten/lesser known MD’s of yoreand their life is indeed commendable. Thus SoY has covered 12 such melody makers and this is your 10th presentation in this series till date. Let me too pay my humble respects to ,perhaps the only living musician of the golden era, S Mohinder on his 92 birth anniversary and also to Asha Bhosle on her 85th birthday.
Here I would like to raise a quibble. In 2008 in an interview it was mentioned that the date of bitrth of S Mohinder as 24th February 1925. The same was confirmed in the “Guftgoo” interview with DD Rajya Sabha and in the article at “Beete hue din” to which you have made a reference. But this trivial niggle doest not take anything away from your commendable effort in paying rich tributes to S Mohinder on his 92 birth anniversary. You deserve an indisputable, “Wahaw,Wahawa” for your endeavour.

12 Ashok M Vaishnav September 8, 2017 at 9:03 pm

S. Mohinder takes up his deserved position in the Forgotten Composers..Unforgettable Songs.

There many unheard songs in this article that makes S Mohinder’s HFM persona far more complete as that adds to the songs we knew.

13 arvindersharma September 8, 2017 at 10:46 pm

AK Ji
Though I was thinking about what could be in your mind about Asha Bhonsle’s Birthday Tribute, this was the most unexpected and the best tributary post, joining S Mohinder with the great legend
A personal and additional celebration for the day is my younger daughter’s Birthday today, and it’s a cause of triple celebration for me.
I would like to add some more to your lovely picks for the Tributary post of S Mohinder

A classical gem by Asha Bhonsle first
Kyon chamke bijuriya sawan ki by Asha Bhonsle from Bekhabar penned by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan

https://youtu.be/X_7Q9PocH40

Another gem by Suman Kalyanpur and chorus from Bekhabar penned by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Ki meethi meethi karejwa me peer hoye re

https://youtu.be/22BU27dYBDU

A fast paced lovely duet by Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle from Zarak Khan penned by Anand Bakshi
Notable is the similarity of lyrics between this song and the ever favourite Sarfarosh Qawalli you’ve posted

https://youtu.be/2O6XoeTGuUs

And a very favourite song has been posted by Mehfil Me Meri,
Shaam ki tanhayiyan hain from Zarak Khan., Sudhir Kapur Ji’s first upload on my request

14 Rakesh Srivastava September 8, 2017 at 11:07 pm

Arvinderji, while commenting at # 8 above, I had in mind all these songs mentioned by you , but having known your affinity with them (courtesy platform of SOY), deliberately avoided writing about them at all. Would have felt bad had they been missed by you.
Regards

15 AK September 8, 2017 at 11:22 pm

Manju,
Welcome to SoY.

16 arvindersharma September 8, 2017 at 11:26 pm

And of course Rakesh Ji
Had the pleasure of having a great friend like You courtesy an S Mohinder song which AK Ji has posted above
Jhoom ke piya ki gali
And thanks Sir

17 AK September 9, 2017 at 12:18 am

Anup,
Returned to your songs. Lagan lagi hai is a fabulous song, especially because it is based on my favourite raga Jaunpuri. Thanks for introducing it to me. You have repeated the same link for Balamawa bolo. And can’t help observing that Ae dilruba sounds so much like Hemant Kumar.

DP Rangan,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Dil dil se mila kar dekho is longer than Gar tum bura na maano, therefore, I had difficulty in finding the similarity.

Mahesh,
You are welcome. Nice Mukesh song, its prelude was in the style of his non-film ghazals.

Mumbaikar8,
Kagwa re ja is indeed a fabulous song. We had discussed it prominently earlier. There is some similarity in the prelude with Tu pyar kare ya thukraye, which could be because of Bharavi.

I also get the impression that S Mohinder used the ‘other’ singers more. I don’t know whether it was due to some tiff with Lata Mangeshkar, or choice.

Qurban gaye tujh pe gori in qawwali style is really very good.

18 ksbhatia September 9, 2017 at 12:25 am

AK ji;
I sincerely enjoyed your article on one of the best known music director in punjabi community . Nanak Naam jahhaaz hai…..was the film that made S Mohinder the house hold name , even in the rural community as well . The film carried best of kirtan , shabads which were totally raaga based and were from the guru’s baani . There was only one song and rest as i said were shabads . Each of them a gem ….. beautifully rendered by Rafi, Asha ,and Manna Dey. The film was produced by Gujarati brothers [ Maheshwari’s] and was released on the occasion of celebrations of 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanakdev ji .

The song …..Gujra hua zamana…..was the one that made me a passionate tracker of this highly talented Music Director and I rated him along the likes of Gulam Mohd , Madan Mohan etc.

From the songs pouring in from the various S o Y members ; one can asses his fan following capacity of the goneby times. We , as senior citizens , have great respect for such MDs who gave us so much to live with for ever .

Since today is birth day of both S. Mohinder and Asha ji , here are two Shabads from Nanak Naam Jahhaz hai and asses for your self the wonderful feelings with Asha ji ‘s rendition .

Mere Sahib mere sahib…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRF1J6FFzyg

Prabhju to kaye laaj hamaari…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Kqk6x0oabc

My family joins me in wishing Happy Birthday to S. Mohinder ji and Asha ji . May they continue to entertain us with their melodies and melancholy songs as well.

19 AK September 9, 2017 at 12:31 am

Rakeshji,
I don’t know how I missed Do naina tumhare pyare pyare. Thanks for adding it. Tum mard nikaaloge ghunghat is a very brazen qawwali muqabala.

20 AK September 9, 2017 at 12:34 am

Arunji,
You are welcome. Ye shahar hai Bambai is an interesting song. OP influence?

21 AK September 9, 2017 at 12:41 am

Venkataramanji,
I too saw that date. But several sources including ASAD mention 8 Sept. I don’t know which one is correct. May be 24 Feb is correct. In that case, I am late by more than six months. Let us pose it to our encyclopaedia Arunji.

Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I am quite happy that I did it, because now it is clear S Mohinder had more outstanding songs than I had realised.

22 AK September 9, 2017 at 12:58 am

Ashokji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.

Arvinder Sharmaji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and the songs. S Mohinder seems to have given superb songs for many singers.

KS Bhatiaji,
This was for you. Since a doubt has arisen about S Mohinder’s birthday, I am sure we would have more clarity now. Thanks a lot for Shabads from Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai.

23 Rahul September 9, 2017 at 1:16 am

Naata is a really enchanting album, all 11 songs are fantastic. Since you liked ‘Lagan Lagi Hai’, may I suggest ‘Mat Samjho Neer Bahati Hoon” from the same movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdQ21BBjUe4

24 Arunkumar Deshmukh September 9, 2017 at 7:51 am

AK ji,
Ref No. 21
The correct date of Birth of S.Mohinder ji seems to be 24-2-1925.
Ref: Listeners’Bulletin No 136 of Feb 2008, published by Hamraz ji
: his own interview on Beete hue din Blog ( wherein he also says that his DOB is wrongly mentioned as 8-9-1926 in US Govt records and VOA records)
: The book By Prof. Yadav
-AD

25 AK September 9, 2017 at 7:55 am

Rahul,
Welcome to SoY. Thanks for adding Mat samjho neer bahati hun is such a nice song. Thanks for adding it. This has been a discovery trip for me.

26 AK September 9, 2017 at 7:57 am

Arunji,
Thanks a lot for this correction. But let us celebrate him nevertheless.

27 Mehfil Mein Meri September 9, 2017 at 9:41 am

Thanx Akji.
I am glad u liked the songs.
I am sending the correct link for Balamwa bolo na from Picnic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tHtHQKprrc

I hope you like this one too…………………….

i also agree with Rahul, all the songs of Naata ARe fabulous.
And to top it all, we have Madhubla in the movie.
nothing more is required for me to enjoy the songs
🙂

And Aa dilruba is by asha bhosle & hemant kumar.

one suggestion, there are much less duets by asha-hemant kumar!
Have u already done a post on their duets?
I remember, asha-talat was done by u and i got so many new songs to listen to from that list and songs by the contributors.
I request u compile asha-hemant kumar list, if u agree,
Anup.

28 AK September 9, 2017 at 10:00 am

Anup,
Thanks a lot. Hurriedly I thought YT was ascribing Ae dilruba to Talat Mahmood.

Yes, Hemant Kumar has sung fantastic duets with ‘other’ singers. Suggestion noted.

29 Subodh Agrawal September 9, 2017 at 11:17 am

Excellent post AK, on a wonderful composer. Like everyone ‘Guzra hua zamana’ is very much part of my mental repertoire of great songs. I had seen ‘Nanak naam jahaz hai’ in Punjab during a summer camp, long before getting into service and being assigned to Punjab. It remains one of the most impressive Punjabi films of all time. The general standard of Punjabi cinema was quite forgettable until a few years back. Now there is a burst of creativity, thanks perhaps to the lower cost of independent production because of digital technology.

I join others in wishing him a happy birthday and long life. I have heard half of the songs, and will keep returning to hear the others in the main post of comments. Thanks so much for this musical gift.

30 AK September 9, 2017 at 11:44 am

Subodh,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.

31 Ravindra Kelkar September 9, 2017 at 11:48 am

AK ji,
A well deserved post on S Mohider Ji. I was pleased to know that he is still alive. I think he along with Khayyam are the only two golden era composers still with us as of today.
After listening to the songs, for song nos 3,4 and 6 seem to have some influence of HB. Song no 10 was in my list of OP like songs.
“Guzara Hua Zamana” remains an all time classic. One of the best!!!

32 AK September 9, 2017 at 2:34 pm

Ravindra Kelkar,
#3, 4 have clearer influence of HB. The orchestration combined with Suraiya gives this effect. That takes us to the larger question of ‘influence’ which was discussed in your post. It depends on how you define the term. I think the readers who strongly differed with you was because they thought you to be suggesting that a large number of music directors adopted OPN-style on a sustained basis. A song or two here and there does not prove a case of ‘influence’.

33 N Venkataraman September 9, 2017 at 3:44 pm

Listened to the 17 songs posted by you. Thanks for presenting the melodius numbers which were new to me, particularly the songs from the 60s. The song Is bewafa jahan ka dastoor hai purana by Lata Mangeshkar was also new to me. If I remember right, myself, Mumbailkar and Jignesh had pitched for the inclusion of the song Kagwa re ja balma ke deswa by Rajkumari among the best 10 songs of female singer for the year 1953. Much to our dissapointment the the said song was not included in the final ten. Well that is history now.
Watched the interview on the RSTV. It apears from the interview that S Mohinder is a simple person with serene disposition and helpful too. I believe his intial days in the Gurudwara(s) as Shabad singer had a bearing on his belief. This talented composer might not have got his due recognition, but he seems to be very much contented with his achievement in Hindi andPunjabi films. A good soul indeed.
I believe he did his graduation from Khalsa College, Lyallpur. Besides the teachers mentioned by you he also had training in classical music from Bhai Samund Singh Ragi of Shiekhpura (now in Pakistan), near Nankana Sahab. It is true that S Mohinder first film was Sehra. But prior to that he was offered to compose music for the film Geet aur Aansoon (1948) by its producer Swaran Singh under the banner S S Moviemakers. Ranjit Kumari and Jawahar Kaul were the leading actors. Unfortunately the film was shelved after few days of shooting. S Mohinder had composed a few songs for this film before it was shelved. Md.Rafi, Kusum Mantri and S Mohinder himself had rendered these songs.
Maut uski jawani pe lalchai by Md.Rafi, Unreleased film Geet aur Aansoo (1948), lyrics Surjeet Sethi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7SUdskUrF8
Do Naina Ye Kajal Wale by Md.Rafi, Unreleased film Geet aur Aansoo (1948), lyrics Surjeet Sethi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQWhULTVEIE
I could not find the song Zindagi nagma hai ise gaa kar gujaar de sung by S Mohinder for this unreleased film. Another song Ae Dil Udaa Ke Le Chal by S Mohinder from the film Sehra (1948) was posted under the special songs – 1948. Here I present two songs by Nirmala from this film, portraying two different moods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONsVXw1Mmgo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhp4AWyEQhU

34 ksbhatia September 9, 2017 at 3:50 pm

AK, Ravindra Kelkar ji[s];
” Influence ” ….No ; ” Likes of ” ….Yes. We as hard hit listeners i.e. listeners of many songs ; do come across so many songs which either have the same theme or sound like this or that song . Instruments used in interludes too takes you to the …..Likes of….catg . A few example of S. Mohinder songs to go for….

1. Bhagwan teri duniya mein……Lata…..Rail ka Dibba.[1953]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f64nelJfFuk

This song is quite similar to Shankar Jaikishan ‘s song…..Yeh duniya banai hai kis….Lata….from Aurat [1953] . The orchestra , beats and interludes are quite similar to the sharp ear listeners . This song reminds me of another similar theme wise song by Rafi…..Tu hindu banega na musalman banega.

2. Papi duniya se door chale…..Shamshad…Rail Ka Dibba [1953]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcpg3IoMAB0

Now this song got noticed in the likes of catg. in….Dekho dekho hazoor yeh hain khatte angoor….song by Shamshad and Rafi from ….Alibaba and Challis chor [1954] with music by S N Tripathi / Chitragupt. Here after , neither of the MDs followed S. Mohinder ‘s style .

3.Chham Chhama Chham…..Shamshad …..Rail Ka Dibba [1953]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sddbU6Ejy5c

Now listen to this song in totality . I think every one ‘s mind will get diverted to ….Mere ghunghar wale baal ….from Pardes [1950] with music by Gulam Mohd. Here again the fast beats, orchestra and even interludes also matches each other .

As already brought out @18 , S. Mohinder’s style matches that of Gulam Mohd., MM and HB too . Whenever I listen to ….Guzra hua Zamanna…I do remember Gulam Mohd.’s …..Chal diya caarwan ….too ; because of the theme .

Now a Shabad from Nanak Naam Jahaaj Hai by Manna Dey…..

Gura Ikk Deh Bujhaye…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtgxJxYQdVU&list=PL7YJ-tvWH0siBFI80outq7z799c0PSLiQ&index=2

35 AK September 9, 2017 at 10:21 pm

Venkataramanji,
I remember Kagwa re ja was strongly recommended. I liked the song tremendously even then. I went over 1953 discussion. In that year I had not started the separate posts for ‘other’ singers. Fitting this song meant that one of Lara Mangeshkar songs had to be excluded. Many of her outstanding songs were already left out. By no denying Pt hat Kagwa re was worthy of inclusion. I am very happy that this song often comes up for discussion. Among the songs you have added, I especially liked Chandaji teri chaandni mein bawari ban jaaun by Nirmala Devi from Sehra

36 AK September 9, 2017 at 10:29 pm

KS Bhatiaji,
Are you saying that the songs of Rail Ka Dabba are S Mohinder’s? I thought Ghulam Mohabbat was the music director of the film.

37 Ravindra Kelkar September 9, 2017 at 10:37 pm

AK #32 and ksbhatiya ji #34,
When I used word “influence” in my comment above, I was in two minds about whether to use it or not. Still I went ahead and used it in my comment on S Mohinder write up. I am glad both of noticed it. It seems to be too strong a word for some people. This tells me I need to use some other word. As ksbhatiya ji has suggested “likeliness” or “shades of” is better.
I remember watching Pt. Bhimsen Joshi interview (interview taken some time in 1984). He was asked how he developed his special “Taans”. Pandit ji’s taans were special, sort of unique with so many variations and patterns. This coupled with his tremendous power of holding breath used to hold his audience spellbound. Pandit ji, replied that before he started performing on stage he deliberately listened to a lot many prominent vocalists like Bade Gulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan and Kesarbai Kerkar. He admired Amir Khan for his Aalapi -i.e. slow and measured development of the Raaga. He admired Bade Gulam Ali Khan for the way he would get this audience under his spell. He admired Kesarbai for her taans . He said that all of them had an ‘asar (effect)’ in his subconscious mind and specific to his taans they had inspiration from Kesarbai. It seems here one can use the word “influence”. In time to come Bhimsen ji came to be known as “Mehfil Ka Badshah”. As the story goes, Amir Khan used tell his disciples to go and listen to Bhimsen ji’s mehfil and learn how to perform in a concert.
Personally speaking I never thought people give so much weight to these things in such minute detail. A very good learning experience for me.
People seem to think “influence” means permanent effect. I don’t really agree with this meaning, influence can also be a time bound thing, just a temporary effect.

38 mumbaikar8 September 9, 2017 at 10:53 pm

Ravindra Kelkar,
I am with you on the same page.
On the meaning of “ influence “ and now to be cautious of using words which I am not.

39 ksbhatia September 9, 2017 at 11:49 pm

AK ji @36;
Please accept my apology for the wrong pasting of music director’s @34 .
The music director is Gulam Mohd. for Rail Ka Dibba ; and my comments were on the use of word ….influence…and suggesting ….Likes of…instead. Kelkar’s suggestion of the word…..shades of….seems to be better.

40 ksbhatia September 10, 2017 at 3:35 pm

AK ji ;

The multi singer’s song …..Dhaadte Dhaadte reh reh ke ….listed @8 is in fact based on the punjabi folk song which was made popular by Surinder Kaur , prakash Kaur during the Radio Days of the 50’s ….Sarke Sarke Jandiye mutware nee . This folk song was also used by OPN in Naya Daur. …..Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jaali Ka.

Sarke Sarke reh reh ke…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQaKoITbxCs

41 mumbaikar8 September 10, 2017 at 7:23 pm

AK, Venkataramanji.
Thanks for reminding, I did not remember a word of those discussions, amnesia I suppose.
When Venkataramanji addressed where it was discussed I went through it and was pleased at myself for being consistent with my choice.
AK,
I read or watched that Lata was not singing for S. Mohinder cause he was promoting Asha but when Tanvir Naqvi wrote lyrics for him, Mr. Naqvi could rope in Lata as he was Noor Jehan’s brother in law .

Example of S. Mohinder’s versatility
KHOOBSURAT DHOKHA do kadam aur ae saathi mohd rafi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDzjzLHcAqc

42 Canasya September 10, 2017 at 7:44 pm

A wonderfully timed excellent post on a living legend. His disarming simplicity is infectious in the “Guftgoo” interview. YouTube has couple of more of his interviews such as this one with VoA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_foIEFCq5x0

It is poignant to hear him reminisce about his days in undivided Punjab. The tragedy that was partition hits you when you hear him say that as a 22 year old he thought he was moving out temporarily, that things would soon be normal, and he would be back!

Some research has shown that people who moved to India from Pakistan were better educated and have proved to be much more productive wherever they have gone. Pakistan’s loss has been our gain!

Here is a Talat gem from Shahzada (1955) “Gham na kar khushi ka daur ayega”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WPA-aSgPLc

43 SSW September 10, 2017 at 10:17 pm

Thanks for this post AK. I have enjoyed listening to S Mohinder’s tunes. His orchestrations were simple and refreshing. I liked the song that Dustedoff referred to, a heartwarming Yaman.
I like this song by Lata from Karvaan, am not sure if somebody has already posted this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMiMDSShOIQ
There are a couple of things in this song that remind me of C Ramchandra . I also like the way he brings Lata back at “apni jage se ..” , the way he touches other notes briefly.

44 SSW September 10, 2017 at 10:36 pm

Just one more song by Asha…from Bekhabar .. bringing the rains..
There are some beautiful sitar runs in this song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_7Q9PocH40

45 AK September 10, 2017 at 10:55 pm

KS Bhatiaji,
Thanks a lot for introducing us to the Punjabi song Sarke sarke.

46 AK September 10, 2017 at 11:13 pm

Mumbaikar8,
Be that as it may, S Mohinder composed some truly outstanding songs for Latha Mangeshkar, some of which I am discovering only now. You might forget Kagwa re ja, but it has become one of my special favourites.

Canasya,
His interviews are now a great source of information on him. Thanks for adding Gham na kar.

SSW,
Ae raat ke musafir has not been posted by anyone. I think except for Naushad and SJ, any melancholic song of Lata Mabgeshkar in the early 50s sounded like C Ramchandra’s. Asha Bhosle’s Kyun chamke bijuria is a very nice song.

47 SSW September 10, 2017 at 11:52 pm

AK @46 “I think except for Naushad and SJ, any melancholic song of Lata Mabgeshkar in the early 50s sounded like C Ramchandra’s”.
To recall the old westerns that I used to read when I was a kid
“them’s fighting words…ol’timer. Draw!”

48 Mehfil Mein Meri September 11, 2017 at 9:45 am

one more song from bekhabar
phir teri yaad naye geet by Rafi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBkezoxVJOE

very well written and composed and sung.

49 AK September 11, 2017 at 2:54 pm

SSW @47,
I don’t know the context of that quote from westerns. But it sounds very similar to Eli Wallach’s “When you have to shoot, shoot, don’t talk.” from TGTBATU:

50 AK September 11, 2017 at 2:57 pm

Anup,
Phir teri yaad naye geet sunane ayi is a very nice song. Thanks a lot.

51 ksbhatia September 11, 2017 at 3:08 pm

AK ji ;
One melody from Punjabi patara …..

Jadon Jadon Vee Banere bole Kawn….Asha…Man Jeete Jag Jeet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzLhfjqzF_M

52 SSW September 11, 2017 at 5:58 pm

AK@47…
Nope that isn’t what I meant. I said if you make statements like you did @46 you should be prepared to depend it. So you are saying that melancholic songs of Lata composed by people like Sajjad, S D Burman, Anil Biswas etc.. all sounded like C Ramchandra. Not a blooming chance. 🙂

53 SSW September 11, 2017 at 5:59 pm

“defend” not “depend”. Ugh.

54 Rahul September 11, 2017 at 7:25 pm

ksbhatia ji @40,

The mention of Surinder Kaur brought an interesting trivia to my mind.
Surinder Kaur sang ‘Dil Aane Ke Dhang Nirale Hain’ for Madhubala in the movie Singaar. The same song was referenced by Madhubala’s character when Kishore Kumar falls for her friend in her home production ‘Mehlon Ke Khwab’, which had S.Mohinder as music director.

55 AK September 11, 2017 at 9:56 pm

SSW,
Point taken. I committed the same error as Ravindra Kelkar. I should have made it narrower. It was in the context of S Mohinder. Besides, I was thinking of ‘some’ songs of Roshan and Madan Mohan.

56 Jignesh Kotadia September 12, 2017 at 12:25 am

Out of these two songs which one bears the original tune ?? Madan’s or S.Mohinder’s ?? or both inspired from somewhere else ?? Had Raj Kapoor given them both a single tune to use in his two movies with Nargis ‘Paapi’ and ‘Dhun’ ??
so the question is which is real and which is copy ??
both released in 1953.

1. Koi keh de unse jaake ai huzoor
Hamaara kya kasoor, raho jo door door
Koi keh de unse jaake ai huzoor
https://youtu.be/h19c5nt-VoI

2. Taare gin gin beeti saari raat
Pari hai barsaat, aankhon se saari raat
Taare gin gin beeti saari raat…
https://youtu.be/XE_5_7YaJlo

i heard Koi keh de unse very first time here and Amazed !!! Instantly Taare gin gin clicked in my mind.
Madan’s piano classic Taare gin gin is one of my hot favorites.

I am glad that i could produce a comment here again. Missed SoY team a lot. Nice tribute to the legends AKji.

#1… Do naina tumhare pyare pyare .. of Shrimatiji (1952) is creation of Jimmy.

#2. Missing Mukesh’s supermelody Yeh Jawaani Yeh Haseen Raat Khuda Khair Kare (khoobsurat Dhoka) in main list.
https://youtu.be/WZ7EXbdGXCc

57 mumbaikar8 September 12, 2017 at 4:30 am

Jignesh,
Welcome back.
We miss you too. Do not take that long breaks!
S Mohinder in his interview said that Raj Kapoor has used Koi keh de unse jaake ai huzoor, for Raja ki ki ayengi baraat in Aah.
Taare gin gin beeti saari raat sounds much closer!

58 AK September 12, 2017 at 6:01 am

Jignesh,
Welcome back. I hope you would be a regular now. Thanks a lot for adding Mukesh’s Ye jawani ye khuda khair kare.

Since the songs under discussion are all of 1953, copy of one being the copy of other is not very convincing. In any case, Rajaki ayegi baarat sounds very different to me, and of course much superior to S Mohinder’s version, said to be the original.

59 Anu Warrier September 12, 2017 at 7:06 am

Coming late to this post – have been snowed under. Along with the others, let me confess that Guzra hua zamana has been an all-time favourite. Without knowing who the music director was – and that’s shameful on my part. Of your list, apart from one other song, all the others are ‘new’ to me. Thank you for that – will listen to them at leisure.

60 AK September 12, 2017 at 7:21 am

Anu,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I hope you like other songs, too.

61 N Venkataraman September 12, 2017 at 1:14 pm

Mumbaikar8 @7 & 41

You have posted three songs, a solo each by Talat Mahmood and Md.Rafi and a duet by Shamshad Begum and Mubarak Begum. The three songs amply reflect S Mohinder’s versatility, as does the songs posted by others. Thanks for posting these nice songs.

In all Talat Mahmood had rendered 3 solos and one duet for S Mohinder. TheKarwan (1956) solo was posted by you and the Shahzada (1955) solo was posted by Canasya. His duet was for the film Shadi ke Raat (1950) with Surinder Kaur. Here is the other solo by Talat Mahmood.

Sunaoon Kisko Afsana, Shirin Farhad (1956), lyrics Tanvir Naqvi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLHqFyRnie0

62 N Venkataraman September 12, 2017 at 2:09 pm

A duet from Patal Pari (1957), Mubarak Begum and Asha Bhosle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHLVPKdNcfY

63 ksbhatia September 12, 2017 at 5:02 pm

Jignesh ;

I am pleased to welcome you back and you really have comeback with a perfect ACE . Koi kehde unse jaa ke…..and…Taare gin gin beeti….are very good examples of both the Mds as trackers of both the melodies and the tune ending with a follow up of …..Raja ki aayegi baraat as quoted by Ms.Mumbaikar refering to S. Mohinder’s Live Interview available on YT and reffered to by AK ji in his article too.

Venkatraman ji is adding some rare listened songs which are new to me as well. One thing for sure , irrespective of grade of the film being A, B, or C grade the compositions of S. Mohinder never felt flat and satisfied all the viewers .

64 N Venkataraman September 12, 2017 at 7:22 pm

Bhatiaji,
Thanks for posting two inspiring Shabads from Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai by Asha Bhosle and anothere Asha number from a Punjabi film. Earlier Madhuji had posted another great Shabad from the same film.
I expected more postings from you, since your repeated requests made Akji to do this wonderful post.

65 N Venkataraman September 12, 2017 at 8:07 pm

Jignesh,
Welcome back. As Bhatiaji has correctly said you have made your rentry with a bang. Thanks for the nice Mukesh number from Khubsoorat Dhoka (1959). There were two Mukesh solos in this film. The other solo was posted by Rakeshji (#9)
Mukesh had rendered 4 solos and one duet under S Mohinder’s baton. His debut song with S Mohinder was for the film Sultan e Alam (1956), posted by Mahesh ji(#6). The other two songs are for the film Jai Bhawani, one solo and the other a duet with Suman Kalyanpur.
Yahaan raat kisike rote kate ya chain se sote by Mukesh, film Jai Bhawani (1961), lyrics Gopal Singh Nepali
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG1rgs2FaV8
Sitaro Unase Kahana Najaro Unase Kahana by Mukesh & suman Kalyanpur, film Jai Bhawani (1961), lyrics Gopal Singh Nepali
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H6jE3bu9cg

66 Jignesh Kotadia September 13, 2017 at 12:21 am

Mumbaikarji, AKji, Bhatiaji, Venkataramanji..thanks for cordially welcoming me here again at my home ground.
Perhaps the author and commenters have spared Yeh Jawani Yeh Haseen Raat to mention..only to allure me to comment here again 🙂
It was a busy year for me so could not find enough time even to follow SoY..and whenever found some niche Federer kept me busy ! so not a bad year at all..he won 2 GSs !!

Now compare these two songs both tunewise and toolwise. Lachchhiram picked SMohinder’s Abhi Abhi Bahaar Thi (Paapi, Asha), remade it with Lata’s voice and almost same imstruments and came up with a supermelody, his signature song, Aye Dil Machal Machal Ke Yun Rota Hai Zaar Zaar Kya.

Abhi Abhi Bahaar Thi
https://youtu.be/XhLbVdQx1gg

Aye Dil Machal Machal Ke Yun
https://youtu.be/dAj4fKkIb5c

67 mumbaikar8 September 13, 2017 at 5:28 am

Venkataraman,
Thanks for appreciating the songs, and special thanks for stats I was waiting for.
Any idea how many songs Asha sang for him?
She has few outstanding songs in Paapi two have been mentioned earlier.
the third one
Abhi Abhi Bahaar Thi – Asha Bhosle – Paapi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=170&v=cp3xJGXtBz4
One more qawwali
Ek Muddat Se Diwana Dil Khushiyo Ka Zamana Bhul Gaya film Naata
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bSyWXBsNjw

68 mumbaikar8 September 13, 2017 at 5:35 am

Jignesh,
I cannot see the similarity between the songs you have mentioned, let us see what bhatiaji feels about it.

69 Jignesh Kotadia September 13, 2017 at 9:04 am

Mumbaikarji
I didnt say Aye dil machal machal is a complete mukhda copy of Abhi Abhi Bahaar Thi unlike Taare gin gin and Kaun kahe jaake mukhdas resemble … LRam remade it with some changes in notes. MDs take inspiration from other tune sometime partial sometime extensive.

Now see these two songs :
1. Aye jazba e muhabbat, itna asar dikha de
https://youtu.be/rWZ-Flg52G0

2. Rahiye ab aisi jagah chalkar jahaan koi na ho
https://youtu.be/kfXoP2AhDzk

you can see both songs’ tunes have initial notes (first quarter of mukhda) resemblance. A Tune takes a new look when it is applied to the lyrics which has somewhat different metre.

70 D P Rangan September 13, 2017 at 12:46 pm

It appears in those days M.Ds. were lifting tunes from each other and produced their songs with a slight modification. None objected to it like in modern days when suits would be filed in courts on grounds of plagiarisation. The camaraderie that prevailed then among them was strong enough to wink at these minor indiscretions and go ahead. I had listened to almost all the Mohinderji songs posted here and can say with conviction that many of them can be traced to some other m.ds. composition. If you see my only posting at ‘5’ , I already commented on this aspect and laid out an example. Observations following that have supported my conjecture.

71 AK September 13, 2017 at 12:59 pm

Venkataramanji, @65
Thanks a lot for introducing to us Yahan raat kisiki rote kate , a fabulous song. The Sitaro unse kahana is the same as Shama se koi kah de which has been included in the post.

Jignesh, @66
I find great similarity between Abhi abhi bahar thi and Ae dil machal machal. Thanks for bringing it to our notice.

72 Shalan Lal September 13, 2017 at 1:55 pm

Shalan Comments:
The song number 6 :
A tribute to S.Mohinder is aptly suitable and remembering the compositions and contributions he had done is one of the objectives of the present blog.

“Tera kaam hai jalna parwaane chaahe shama jale ya na jale by Rafi from Paapi (1953), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

HMV Calcutta brought out a LP to celebrate fifty years of the Indian Talkies and presented a set of wonderful songs from the thirties, forties and fifties and the song number six was included in it.

The film “Papi” had the most popular and romantic couple Raj Kappor and Nargis starred in it and Raj Kapoor was given double role after the success of the double role of Nargis in the film Anhoni (1952)

I along with our bubbling company went to the famous Broadway theatre in Dadar, Bombay and saw it eagerly. We all were very disappointed by the double role of RK in comparison with what Nargis did in the film Anhoni.

The film failed at the Box office very badly and in two weeks was removed from the theatre. Just a furlong away from the theatre by the close of Dadar GIP railway station was the Ranjit Studio the owner was the veteran film writer, director and producer Sardar Chandulal Shaha, got depressed so much so that he lost interest in further film makings and before the decade was out the Ranjit studio was closed down.

Here in the Ranjit Studio RK shot almost all scenes of “Barasaat” 1949 and many other parts of his films like Aag, Aah, and Awara until his own RK studio was ready.

On the terrace of his office most of the evenings Chandulal Shaha used to have his Darbaar of filmy friends and would see some selected hopefuls looking for the work in the tinsel town. He got the title Sardar as early as in the thirties because of his power in making films quickly from the silent time to well in the Golden era of the Indian films. His record in the film world is not broken by any one,

He formed the film Federation of India, and taken the issues to the governments. He was the first Indian film man invited to the Hollywood by the Motion Pictures of Arts and Science. He made his studio well equipped with all the necessary departments with recording and editing equipment that was first in Bombay.

He wrote the stories and screen plays of 8 films including the famous “Gun Sundari”. And also gave the refine touches to the story and writings of the film “Jogan” of Kidar Sharma. He directed 31 films, and produced a massive number of films totalling 137. Most of his films had a thrust of social reformation.

For the film “Papi” a young and enthusiastic composer Mohinder Singh Sarana and a list of successful lyric writers were employed like the following: Lyricists: Rajendra Krishan, Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Sarshar Sailani, Hasrat Jaipuri, Surjit Sethi, Butaram Sharma. He himself wrote the story, screen play, produced and directed it.

Last time I went to Bombay in 1990 and nostalgically visited the Ranjit Studio and saw it being occupied by the homeless people and the Ranjit’s trademark a “warier with a javelin” was hanging battered and rusted.

One film “Papi” ruined him.

The Films make fortune, fame and accolades’ and the films ruin a man or woman and even the filmgoers in their youth neglecting their studies and career.
Shalan.

73 N Venkataraman September 13, 2017 at 8:21 pm

Akji @71
I am glad that you liked the song Yahan raat kisiki rote kate.
Yes, my mistake. Sitaro unse kahan is the same as Shama se koi kah de which has been included in the post.

74 N Venkataraman September 13, 2017 at 8:30 pm

Mumaikar8@7
“…….. She seems to have sung for him for just two years in 1955 and 1956.”

Lata Mangeshkar first film with S Mohinder was Shaadi Ki Raat in 1950. She sang one solo, which was posted by AKji (#2). As you have said she sang her majority of songs in 1955 and 1956;
Nata (1955) – 6 solos, 2 duets with Sudha Malhotra and one more song with Rafi, Balbir and Shamshad Begum
Karwan (1955) – 1 solo and 1 duet with G M Durrani
Shirin Farrhad (1956) – 2 solos and 1 duet with Hemant Kumar
Beside she also rendered a solo Balamavaa bolo na in 1966 for the film Picnic. Anupji has mentioned and posted this song (#3 & #27). A beautiful number.

S Mohinder had composed some wonderful melodies for lata Mangeshkar, in all 11 solos and 5 duets in 5 films.

Till now 7 solos and one duet has been posted here.
I will answer your question on Asha soon.

75 N Venkataraman September 13, 2017 at 8:34 pm

Mumaikar8@ 7 and 41
“ I believe he had his share of problems with Lata”
“I read or watched that Lata was not singing for S. Mohinder cause he was promoting Asha but when Tanvir Naqvi wrote lyrics for him, Mr. Naqvi could rope in Lata as he was Noor Jehan’s brother in law .”

Yes, I too had read about this incident. Initially Lata Mangeshkar was not willing to sing for the film Nata. I believe Madhubala contacted Eidan, wife of Tanvir Naqvi and succeeded in convincing Lata Mangeshkar. And Eidan was Noorjahan’s sister. I am not sure whether Lata Mangeshkar reluctance was due to her busy schedule or she was displeased by the fact that S Mohinder had offered her only one song (Shaadi ke Raat) till then. Asha Bhosle too had sung her first song for S Mohinder in the same year (1950) as Lata Mangeshkar. Here is the song.

Nacho Neel Aakash Ke Taro Nacho, film Neeli (1950), lyrics Surjit Sethi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlyGlH8tN48

From 1950 to 1955 Asha Bhosle had rendered 12 solos out of the 24 female solos he had composed.

The other singers during this period were Suraiya (6), Ashima Banerjee(2), Rajkumari (1),Lata Mageshkar(1), Amirbai Karnataki (1) and Shamshad Begum (1).

Besides, Asha had rendered 5 more duets during the same period.

76 N Venkataraman September 13, 2017 at 8:36 pm

Akji @ 17
“I also get the impression that S Mohinder used the ‘other’ singers more. I don’t know whether it was due to some tiff with Lata Mangeshkar, or choice.”

S Mohinder did not exactly use the ‘other’ singers more than Lata Mangeshkar. It is true that his main female singer was Asha Bhosle. She had rendered roughly 50% of the female solos (roughly around 100) composed by him. Lata Mangeshkar and Suman Kalyanpur came next with roughly a dozen solos each. The rest of the songs were shared by the ‘other’ singers.
Suraiya (6), Nirmala (5), Shamshad Begum (4), and Geeta Dutt (4), Amirbai Karnataki (2), Ashima Banerjee(2), Sudha Malhotra (2), Dilraj Kaur (2), Rajkumari (1), Kusum Mantri(1), Usha Mangeshkar (1), Minu Purushottam (1).

77 N Venkataraman September 13, 2017 at 11:11 pm

Jignesh,
Abhi abhi bahar thi and Ae dil machal machal does sound similar to a large extent.
Aye jazba e muhabbat, itna asar dikha de and Rahiye ab aisi jagah chalkar jahaan koi na ho are based on the same scale but fromer is set to a faster beat.
Thank you posting the songs

@56
“1… Do naina tumhare pyare pyare .. of Shrimatiji (1952) is creation of Jimmy.”
I think this was the only song composed by S Mohinderfor this film. There were 9 more songs, of which Jimmy scored music for 6 and Bant Prakash scored music for 2.

78 Jignesh Kotadia September 14, 2017 at 12:21 am

Venkataramanji
yes, Myswar also credits Do naina tumhare to SMOHINDER..before some years i had seen this song on tv with credit to Jimmy so that imprint carried until now in my mind. Thanks for making clear it now.
It seems in those days taking inspirations from other MD’s creation was common thing and no one had problem of this, even biggies used to do this.
e.g. Madan Mohan made Tujhe kya sunaau from Sajjad’s Yeh hawa yeh raat.

here is the precursor of Beqas pe karam kijiye.
Taqdeer ki gardish kya kahiye_Sitara_GMohd_1955
https://youtu.be/rnrhyFzxSiY

79 mumbaikar8 September 14, 2017 at 2:43 am

Jignesh, @ 69
If I say I do not see any similarity that doesn’t mean there is no similarity, that’s why wanted bhatiaji to pitch in, usually he is very prompt.
Ay jaz be and rahiye sound quite similar to me.
@78,
I agree with you that Madan Mohan was quite open to using or improving upon the song he appreciated if other MDs. He was very lavish in appreciating other MD’s work I had mentioned earlier how he had surprised LP by approaching them for autograph after he had listened their Izzat duet Yeh dil kahin lagta nahin .
Heard somewhere this one is inspired too ( perhaps both the songs were inspired ?)
Meri awaaz suno
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jlpfBbzLCI

80 mumbaikar8 September 14, 2017 at 2:47 am

Jignesh, @ 69
If I say I do not see any similarity that doesn’t mean there is no similarity, that’s why wanted bhatiaji to pitch in, usually he is very prompt.
Ay jaz be and rahiye sound quite similar to me.
@78,
I agree with you that Madan Mohan was quite open to using or improving upon other MD’s song he appreciated . He was very lavish in appreciating other MD’s work too. I have mentioned earlier how he had surprised LP by approaching them for autograph after he had heard their Izzat duet Yeh dil kahin lagta nahin .
Heard somewhere, this one is inspired too ( perhaps both the songs were inspired ?)
Meri awaaz suno
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jlpfBbzLCI
Mere mehoob naja
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVt7eG4AyWw

81 mumbaikar8 September 14, 2017 at 3:43 am

Venkataramanji, @75
Thanks again for Lata’s stats; probably she did sing the major chunk of her songs with him in 1955 and 1956.
@, 76
I remember distinctly having watched an interview in which he has mentioned that Lata was not singing for him because she was नाराज़ with him for Asha. I will try to search it on you tube.
If I am in doubt I would say I think so or it seems, I am very cautious when I talk about Lata because I remember the honest confession “I wear my Lata-love on my sleeve” of the head of our family.

82 N Venkataraman September 14, 2017 at 12:39 pm

Akji
This is regarding my comment @76
You are very correct. I got you wrong. Yes, the bulk of his female songs were rendered by the “other” singers. I withdraw my commen, “S Mohinder did not exactly use the ‘other’ singers more than Lata Mangeshkar”. Sorry for the Faux Pas.

83 N Venkataraman September 14, 2017 at 4:15 pm

Mumbaikar8,
S Mohinder must have composed roughly 244 songs for 37 Hindi films.
Female solos- 97, male solos- 53, duets – 70 and other songs – 24

Earlier in my comments I had said Asha had rendered roughly 50% of the female solos composed by SM. After scanning through the list of available songs, the actual figure comes to:-
Solos – 43 out of 97(44%), Duets 36 out of 70(51%), Total 79 out of 167 (47%).

Similarly Md. Rafi was his main male singer.
Male solos – 28 out of 53 (53%), duets 37 out of 70 (53%), Total 65 out of 123 (53%).

I have not taken into account the other songs since details for most of the songs were not available.

Here are two nice songs of Asha Bhosle, film Zameen Ke Taarae (1960), lyrics Anand Bakshi
Chunnu Patang Ko Kehta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=DHzHkpNg-vE

Tinke Pe Tinka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgI6gHZEW9g

84 N Venkataraman September 14, 2017 at 4:29 pm

Jignesh,
Taqdeer ki gardish kya kahiye is also based on Raag Kedar. And in my humble opinion Beqas pe karam kijiye is the best composition on Raag Kedar.

Here is a devotional number rendered by G M Durrani
Vasudeva suatm devam….Yadunath Dwarkanath Shyam Re Natwar Kunj Vihari by Ghulam Mustafa Durrani, film Veer Arjun,(1952), lyrics Saraswat Kumar Deepak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVn29fUTxCc

85 AK September 14, 2017 at 11:25 pm

Venkataramanji,
Thanks for this absolutely superb song, Yadunath Dwarkanath Shyam re Natwar Kunjvihari. Isn’t it in Durga?

About ‘other’ singers, your statistics agreed with my proposition. Therefore, I thought I was missing something. Thanks a lot for confirming it.

86 ksbhatia September 15, 2017 at 12:07 am

Ms. Mumbaikar8, Jignesh ji , Venkatraman ji @66,69,79,80 , ;

Songs , Abhi abhi bahar thi…from Paapi ….and…Aye dil machal machal ke….from Main Suhagan hun….takes you to the same level of emotions as far as their lyrics and situation of the song in their respective films are concerned . I will go with Jignesh , the melody content of …aye dil machhal…is better and the song is having easy flow. Both the songs , however , differs only on account of one following Sine curve and other one following Cosine curve . It is agreed that Lachhee Ram used corrective measures to polish the tune of S. Mohinder’s Paapi song .

87 ksbhatia September 15, 2017 at 12:47 am

Venkatraman ji ;

Thanks for the various inputs of stats and songs some of them are new to me and some having repetitive listening qualities .

Mid 50s thru early 60s was the open field for various MDs to establish themselves as good as the champions who were holding the fort during that time . Starting 1955 , India was making shift to modernisation thru fashion and so was the music that hinted for a change . The song from Anari…….1956 1957 1958 1959 duniya ka daancha badla…..is a great hint that made all other MDs to look out and make their identity . I dont know whether they were following the trend or they were inspired from others . In case of S. Mohinder , his music/songs some time resembles Gulam Mohd , some time MM and HB and some time even Hemant Kumar songs too. All of them appears as the likes of each other.

Here is one such song which appears to me of the likes of Hemant / Naushad combo composition.

Jawani jhoolti jaati hai….Lata…..Naata…..S. Mohinder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQjos7xDZFc

Jignesh , Mumbaikar may find some shades of Kohinoor tunes in this song also .

88 ksbhatia September 15, 2017 at 1:30 am

AK ji ;

Now two classic shabads from Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai . Shabads are from Gurugranth sahib ji and chosen and filmed as fit-in in the movie as per its story.

1. Hum maile tum ujjal karte…..Manna Dey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdxIhWT24s4

2.Kal Taran Guru Nanak Aiya…….Title Shabad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIwetSWfe70

89 AK September 15, 2017 at 9:27 am

KS Bhatiaji,
Kal taran Guru Nanak is outstanding. I think they should have used the traditional Ragis, rather than playback singers. That is always soothing and, for me, also musically suerior.

90 Jignesh Kotadia September 15, 2017 at 3:25 pm

Bhatiaji,
thanks for backing my opinion. Really as you observed Lram’s version is more polished. Similarly i feel Madan Mohan came up with better results in Taare gin gin in compare with Kaun kahe unse jaake. His piano centric orchestra proved magical here.
You mentioned a song from Naata : Jawaani jhoolti jaati hai……yet it is due for me to check it with Kohinoor songs but if i set this song in slow pace it leads me to : Muhabbat ke maaron ka haal ye duniya men hota hai, zamaana hum pe hansta hai naseeba hum pe rota hai !

https://youtu.be/F_IGvCriUEU

AKji, Bhatiaji
Kal taran guru nanak aiya’s tune is much familiar to us
reminds Man ki been matwari baaje (shabaab).
https://youtu.be/uOAoBhQ3dhY
or
Manmohan man men ho tumhi (kaise kahu)
https://youtu.be/VacgZ4iYiY8

91 ksbhatia September 15, 2017 at 4:26 pm

AK ji @89 ;

Shabads by Traditional Ragis is truely a great emotional experience to listen and pray along with . Shree Gurugranth Sahib do mention the raag in which the shabad is to be recited and have varient in which season what raag is to be recited . Same shabad when recited during Basant can also be recited in other raags like malkaus ….etc.

Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai was the first religious punjabi movie of its kind ; prior to that the movies were just routine entertainer thru jokes etc . The story and content of the film spread like a wild fire when released. It showed the various Gurudwaras of the country and seeing each one of them in a single movie was a great feeling and getting blessed too for the viewers. People used to leave their shoes and chhapples outside the theater to maintain the pause ans sanctity of the traditions as for them it was a travel tourism darshan .

The film music showed the grip S. Mohinder had on the Shabads recitation vis a vis his experience of learning the same thru the raagis of gurudwara during his pre -partition days. I feel Rafi, Manna Dey, Asha and Mohinder Kapoor did full justice to the movie and brought out their very best . However , listening to the shabads by Hazoori Jathhas i.e the trained raagis of Amritsar , is a great feeling . PTC punjabi channel do beam live gurubani daily in the morning and evening from Darbar Sahib , Golden Temple , Amritsar . We do get blessed listening to them .

One more Shabad from Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai ; thereafter …will switch of to other melodies .

Deh shiva per mohe…..Mohindra Kapoor…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXGKa2N1feE

92 ksbhatia September 15, 2017 at 4:33 pm

Jignesh @90;

As brought out at 91, the shabads in gurugranth sahib ‘s are all based on raags . Any classical based bollywood song do get the similarity tag with such shabads .

Shabab song is a fav. of mine too.

93 Subodh Agrawal September 15, 2017 at 8:45 pm

N Venkataraman @ 84 and AK @ 85: ‘Yadunath Dwarkanath…’ is indeed in Durga.

‘Bekas pe karam kijiye’ is indeed a great song in Kedar, with a slight hint of Kamod in ‘…keejiye’.

94 ksbhatia September 15, 2017 at 11:21 pm

Ms. Mumbaikar , Jignesh ji ;

Here is a classic song composed by S. Mohinder ji…..Kyun chamke bijuriya sawan ki….from Bekhabar [1965] , a shade of which we again heard in Mera Naam Joker …..kaate na kate raina .

Bekhabar song…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_7Q9PocH40

Mera naam Joker song….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd67FieWtLo

95 Shadha September 16, 2017 at 4:42 am

Surprisingly Shyamji Ghanshyamji’s name not included in forgotten composers list. He has some some fabulous compositions most prominent being “Apni Ankhon Mein Basakar” from “Thokar. Am sure there are many more. Please do a writeup on him.

96 AK September 16, 2017 at 6:25 am

Shadha,
Welcome to SoY. There are many forgotten composers. I cover some who have a good number of excellent songs.

97 mumbaikar8 September 16, 2017 at 7:13 am

Venkataramanji,
Thanks! One remarkable thing has surfaced with detailed stats. The female solos are almost double of male solos. I thought Rafi had more songs than Asha.

98 mumbaikar8 September 16, 2017 at 7:35 am

ksbhatiaji,
Do you think this Lal Patthat song is like kyoon chamke bi
jooriyan sawan ki too?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXkFNLsEqz4.

and the title shabad KAL TARAN GURU NANAK AIYA
like this Salil Choudhary song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDAV7dFzuiE

99 Subodh Agrawal September 16, 2017 at 12:31 pm

K S Bhatia @ 94: Both these songs have a strong hint of Gaud Sarang in the way the words ‘…sawan ki’ and ‘…kate raina’ are sung. The main body of the songs, however, doesn’t follow the raga.

Mumbaikar8 @ 98: The Lal Patthar song is standard Yaman, and a very good example of that. To me it doesn’t sound too much like the two songs mentioned by Mr Bhatia.

‘Chham chham nachat…’ and ‘ Kal taran guru Nanak…’ are both in Bahar, hence the similarity.

100 Canasya September 16, 2017 at 3:25 pm

Bhatia ji @ 94 and Subodh ji @ 99: To me the mukhda of Joker song ‘Kate na kate raina’ seems closer to ‘Nadir dhim tana dere na’ (Lata in Pardesi; MD: Anil Biswas), perhaps due to the same raga (or the same star, Padmini).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhN4-WqZvQg

101 Subodh Agrawal September 16, 2017 at 6:38 pm

Na dir deem is regular Gaud Sarang.

102 Ashok Kumar Tyagi September 16, 2017 at 7:19 pm

AK ji,
A lovely post featuring a gentleman MD who was steeped in pious thinking.
Songs presented by you and fellow readers are very good.

103 Ashok Kumar Tyagi September 16, 2017 at 7:25 pm

@ 72,
Thanks to Shalan Lal for sharing info about chandulal Shah and Ranjit Movietons.
Film world has seen many times how fate strikes and powerful persons lose their will power to fight against the odds.

104 N Venkataraman September 16, 2017 at 8:56 pm

Bhatiaji, Jignesh and Mumbaikar8 have posted some beautiful songs in their quest to find similarity in different songs of different MDs. Thanks to them. Subodhji has enhanced the discussion with his classical insights. Thank Subodhji.

Mumbaikar8
@98
The female solos are always more than the male solos. I think in general the female solos are on third (or more) of all the songs taken together for a particular year or for any MD.

105 N Venkataraman September 16, 2017 at 9:19 pm

Bhatia ji,
Thanks for adding few more inspiring Shabads.
After Nanak naam Jahaz hai (1969), S Mohinder composed music for another Punjabi film Dukh Bhanjan tera naam (1972).

Mein Andhle Ki Tek Tera naam by Manna Dey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5L4e7O9dko

106 AK September 16, 2017 at 10:15 pm

Tyagiji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.

107 ksbhatia September 16, 2017 at 11:54 pm

Jignesh, Mumbaikar8, Venkatraman ji :

Thanks Subodh ji for the various clarifications on the similar songs listed by my esteem friends . You are perfectly right , songs some time starts with a particular raag but switch over to suit the tune composed by the MD . But it is always a great pleasure to listen to a song which stick to the raag thru out its melody …..as is in the case of the shabad …..Kal Taran guru Nanak Aya …..

Coming back to….Kyun chamke bijuriya sawan ki….S. Mohinder”s song from Bekhabar [1965] . Now prior to that a similar Raag Yaman based song was composed by Madan Mohan in 1960 . Listen to this song too. Many will find how close these songs are …..even to the use of instruments as well as the composition of the interludes.

Ja re Badra Bairi Ja…..Lata…..MM…..Bahana [1960]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXvs32Mp1k0

108 ksbhatia September 17, 2017 at 12:18 am

Venkatraman ji ;

Thanks for your appreciation ; which I value most.

After the success of Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai a series of religious based movies were made and again contained the shabads besides songs. Sunil Dutt , Rajinder Kumar ,Dara Singh , Manmohan Krishan etc were roped in to make them commercial success too . Such movies made now a days are also hit with the Punjabi community .

As already stated ….besides a number of shabads in the Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai …..there is one song too. This song was not included in the LP of the vinyl disc but was released in 78 rpm and EP format . Listen to this beautiful song which reminds one of the punjabi taape of those days that were a real part of wedding functions .

Boliyan song……..Rafi, Asha….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBpEj_fuSe0

109 N Venkataraman September 17, 2017 at 12:25 am

A few more beautifully rendered songs by Asha Bhosle
Darshan Deh Khol Kivaar by Asha Bhosle, film Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam(1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogL5Rx7h3sA

Allah Tu Dukh Bhanjan Tere Naam by by Asha Bhosle, film Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam(1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqRDR3f1nQs

O Maa Chintapurni by Asha Bhosle, film Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam(1972)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD-p8JjNKTA

110 N Venkataraman September 17, 2017 at 12:33 am

While we are at Punjabi film songs of S Mohinder let me try to compile the list of Punjabi films for which S Mohinder had scored music.

1. Pardesi Dhola (1962)
2. Chambe di Kali (1965)
3. Nanak naam Jahaz hai (1969)
4. Dukh Bhanjan tera naam (1972)
5. Man Jeet Jag Jeet (1973)
6. Teri meri Ik Jindri(1975)
7. Daaj (1976)
8. Paapi tare Anek (1976)
9. Santo Banto (1977)
10. Laadli 91978)
11. Muglani Begum (1979)
12. Sukhi Parivaar (1979)
13. Fauji ChaCha (1980)
14. Maula Jatt (1988)
15. Maa di Godh (Unreleased film -1970s)

111 Shadha September 17, 2017 at 3:07 am

Please make a writeup on Shayamji Ghanshamji.

112 ksbhatia September 17, 2017 at 3:11 pm

Venkatraman ji ;

Thanks for the listing of S. Mohinder ‘s Punjabi movies . Some of the movies I have seen and have enjoyed the songs . The rest I will be listening to at leasure .

Meanwhile here is one song, again from Bekhabar , which was a craze during mid 60s and was an essential song to be played during the wedding ceremonies . The song is based on punjabi folk tune . Full marks to Suman Kalyanpur for keeping up with the fast bhangra style beats .

Ke meethi meethi karejwa mein peed hoye re…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22BU27dYBDU

113 N Venkataraman September 17, 2017 at 3:42 pm

Bhatiyaji,
Enjoyed listening to the wedding song from Nanak naam Jahaz hai .

Bul tere ne Chandigarh de,
Surkhi lawen Ambale di
Nakra tera Ambar Sardaa
Te boli teri Patiala di
Ni aakhar baN gayyen
Ran wate nasiba wale

Thanks also for posting the song Ke Meethi Meethi Karejwaa Mein Peer Hoye Re.

Listening to the songs posted here, we can see that S Mohinder was a versatile composer. He gave us some wonderful Shabdads through his Punjabi films. He made good use of his knowledge in Punjabi traditional and folk based music, both in the Hindi as well as Punjabi films. His training in classical music in Benaras was instrumental in bringing out some beautiful classical based songs too. He learnt immensely from his seniors and contemporaries too.

S Mohinder also made Md.Rafi yoddle for one of his songs.
Gussa Fuzool Hai Humein Kabul Hai, film Reporter Raju (1962), lyrics Anand Bakshi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=43&v=B-_bmnUi7CA

114 ksbhatia September 17, 2017 at 3:47 pm

Jignesh ;

Two of S. mohinder’s wide span songs ; one a slow paced and second fast western based club dance .

Aaja o jaane wafa ….Hemant, Lata…..Shirin Farad …a song when sweetness ruled the melodies .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD4wpXyI-FM

Piyo Piyo nazar pilati hai ……Asha….Mehloan ke Khwab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyia0WHKxq0

115 N Venkataraman September 17, 2017 at 3:47 pm

Let me also present the list of Hindi Films for which S Mohinder composed music.

1. Geet aur Aasoon (unreleased) (1948)
2. Sehra (1948)
3. Jeevan Saati (1949)
4. Shaadi ki Raat (1950)
(S Mohinder composed only 3 songs for this film, the rest 9 were composed by Pt.Govindram)
5. Neeli (1950)
6. Bahadur (1953)
7. Paapi (1953)
8. Shreematiji (1952)
(S Mohinder scored the background music and composed one duet, Basant Prakash compsed 7 songs and Jimmy composed 2 songs for this film.
9. Veer Arjun (1952)
(S Mohinder composed only 1 song for this film, the rest 6 were composed by Avinas Vyas)
10. Alladin Ka Beta/ Tilasmi Chiraag (1955)
11. Nata (1955)
12. Sau ka Note (1955)
13. Sahzada (1955)
(S Mohinder composed 4 song for this flm, the rest 3 were composed by Nashad)
14. Karwaan (1956)
15. Shirin Farhaad (1956)
16. Sultan e Alam (1956)
17. Paataal Pari (1957)
18. Paisa (1958)
19. Sun to le Haseena (1958)
20. Bhagwan aur Shaitan (1959)
21. Khubsurat Dhoka (1959)
22. Mehlon ke Khwaab (1960)
23. Do Dost (1960)
(It seems this is an unreleased film. S Mohinder composed 7 songs for this film, the rest 5 were composed by Chandrakant)
24. Zamin Ke Taare (1960)
25. Ek Ladki Saath Ladke (1961)
(After composing 2 songs Vinod passed away and rest of three songs were composed by S Mohinder)
26. Jay Bhawani (1961)
27. Banke Sanwariya (1962)
28. Reporter Raju (1962)
29. Captain Sheroo (1963)
30. Zaraak Khan (1963)
31. Sarfarosh (1964)
32, Bekhabar (1965)
33. Picnic (1966)
34. Prof. X (1966)
35. Sunhere kadam (1966)
S Mohinder composed 3 songs for this flm, the rest 5 were composed by Bulo C Rani)
36. Dahej (1981)
It seems this film is a remake(or dubbed version) of the Punjabi film Daaj (1976)
37. Sandli (1985)

116 ksbhatia September 17, 2017 at 4:10 pm

Venkatraman ji @113;

I entirely agree with you . S. Mohinder’s life’s background helped him a lot . For any MD targeting success do have to have classical training thru established ustads / teachers. S. Mohinder is so polite and gem of a person ; that is what we have gathered after listening to his various interviews .

Rafi’s Yoddley song is again a pleasent surprise . I think we have covered this song in one of our discussions on yoddley songs in OPEN HOUSE .This reminds me of one more of S. Mohinder’s Yodeley song from ….Mehloan Ke Khwab…..this time by Kishore Kumar .

Yeh hai Jeeven ki Rail……

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv-iMUHWp1I

117 mumbaikar8 September 17, 2017 at 5:04 pm

Venkataramanji, ksbhatia,
I remember we had discussed Rafi’s yodeling song, but in the video (that I cannot locate)SM categorically said that Rafi did not yode,l he said that there was a chorus singer named Surinder , he had yodeled for Rafi.
I am busy looking for the video. Hope will soon find it:(

118 N Venkataraman September 17, 2017 at 6:03 pm

Bhaatiaji, Mumbaikar8
I missed your discussion on MD.Rafi’s yodel in the “Open House”. Thanks for the information. It will be interesting if you can find the link to the video.

119 N Venkataraman September 17, 2017 at 7:16 pm

In my attempt to locate the video link mentioned by Mubaikar8 I could gather the following information.
In the film Nayaa Paisa (1958), the song Main tere dil ki duniya mein aa ke rahoongi was mentioned as a duet by Geeta Dutt and Surendra. And Surendra only yodels in this song. Mumbaikar8 and Hansji mentioned this in their discussion on Yodeling in the “Open Forum”.
And the yodeler is not definitely singer Surendra. Manek Premchand in an article mentions
“There was a song in which the yodeling was credited to Rafi, but in fact it was Surinder Kohli, another singer, who yodeled in the studio, with Rafi singing for Feroz Khan on the screen, Chale ho kahaan kaho, koi dastaan kaho (Anand Bakshi/S. Mohinder/Reporter Raju, 1962).”

120 mumbaikar8 September 17, 2017 at 7:35 pm

Venkataramanji,
Thanks again for reminding, I do have a selective memory, I remember talking about Rafi yodeling but forgot about Surendra, this corroborates , with what SM has to say.
Means this song from Agra Road is Surendra too
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wRpbuqyTcE
This seems to be very unfair, the junior artists not getting credit for their work. Is the tip of the iceberg?

121 ksbhatia September 17, 2017 at 10:39 pm

Ms.Mumbaikar8 ;

I am still looking for the oldie yoddelie song filmed on Gope / Yakub etc.

122 Jignesh Kotadia September 19, 2017 at 1:58 am

Bhatiaji
Piyo piyo nazar pilati hai is great song..really maza aa gaya..does it have OPN effect ?

123 ksbhatia September 19, 2017 at 11:42 am

Jignesh Kotadia ;

You really are a melody catcher . Piyo Piyo song is really a song out of blue from S. Mohinder. Such a lovely and lilting song ! Yes ; it closely resemble the melodies of CR, SDB, SJ , Ravi and for OPN ….a little less because of the missing dholak , that is what I think . The three interludes ; and use of instruments , rhythm and beats ; hints at the tune of the likes of all these big MDs . But S. Mohinder did a marvelous job of giving his best for the Madhubala home production. The song is supplemented by the presence of Madhubala sister and the wonder dancer cuckoo .

After listening to this song I am on a look out of similar club dance song by S. Mohinder. Share if you or any one find such song.

124 Canasya September 19, 2017 at 2:04 pm

Mumbaikar8 ji @ 120:

Some artistes also lack commercial acumen. I once attended a programme in which Usha Timothy was singing. She said that the female voice in “Rafta rafta dekho ankh meri ladi hai” (Kishore in Kahani Kismat Ki; MD: KA) was hers (some YouTube videos incorrectly attribute it to Rekha). After the recording she told KA not to put her name on the album, only to rue it later as the song became a hit!

125 Shalan Lal September 19, 2017 at 3:33 pm

Ashok Kumar Tyagi @103

I am glad you found some value in my comment on Sardar Chanudlal Shaha.

It is good to remember him and his contribution as well as his downfall as it is very connected to the film songs and the creativity in the film art.

He was a graduate of Sydenham College of Commerce. Joined the Bombay’s Stock Exchange often called “Share Bazaar” and at its worst “Satta Bazar”. But he made huge amount of money there and spent it in the film world. He was for female education and better life for all females. His film “Indira BA” suggested and many more also had female freedom at their center drama.

The last ditch he got into was on the speculations of the Bombay Racing world and lost almost everything in it including his studio.

But he was also a connoisseur of the literatures and making of the songs. He would generally supervise a song before it was filmed.

Shalan Lal

126 mumbaikar8 September 21, 2017 at 12:09 am

Canasyaji, @ 124
You are right, there could be multiple reasons. Got carried away because Rafi was supposedly the crusader for the underdogs.
Two more instances of this kind
Prayag Raj shouting Yahoo in chahe koi mujhe jungle kahen and
Classical vocalist singing extended sargam in Pag ghungroo bandh meera nachi

127 ksbhatia September 25, 2017 at 10:44 pm

Ms. Mumbaikar8, Jignesh, Venkatraman ji ;

While discussing Bekhabar song ….Kyun chamke bijuriya sawan ki ….and ….Mera Naam Joker song……kate na kate raina another similar song was coming in my mind which I thought to bring out later and that is….Tumahre bin ji na lage ghar mein ….from …Bhumika. A marvelous song by Preeti Sagar with classic composition by Vanraj Bhatia . This MD never came into limelight though he had tremendous talent in bringing out the best of classic music to the fore. Being fav.of Shyam Benegal movies itself shows his contribution to art and parallel cinema .

I strongly recommend to AK ji ; a post on this forgotten Music Director .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvwKn4ni6co

I think Preeti Sagar won filmfare award for this song .

128 mumbaikar8 September 26, 2017 at 2:12 am

ksbhatiaji,
I share the same sentiment about Vanraj Bhatia, I love the folk song of Manthan with the same combo
Maro Gaam kaatha parey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRK72kSm25c

129 Andrew Liddle August 20, 2018 at 8:39 am

I have been searching for a beautiful song from NEELI(1950) which he recorded with Suraiya , ” Kaise ye qaayede hain ….” . Can one listen to this song again?

130 mumbaikar8 August 21, 2018 at 4:15 am

Andrew Liddle
Are you looking for this song?
https://youtu.be/WLv39UUNs2c

131 ksbhatia August 21, 2018 at 12:46 pm

Ms. Mumbaikar 8;

Thanks for the Suraiya song from Neeli . I tried to locate ; but could’t . Don’t you think Suraiya ‘s voice sound different .

132 R Vasudevan September 7, 2020 at 2:29 pm

Film composer S Mohinder passed away on Sunday the 6th September 2020. I pay my tribute through the columns of SOY.

His composed song will be long remembered :

“gujarahuva jamana aatha nahin dubhara”

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