Guest article by Sangeeta Gupta, daughter of Madan Mohan, wishing Merry Christmas to the readers
(Sangeeta Gupta discovered ‘Songs of Yore’ like any other person who stumbles upon this blog while searching for something relating to old film music, and started commenting like any other reader, without wearing her identity on her sleeve. Arvinder Sharma informed me that she is the daughter of Madan Mohan. Since SoY was carrying a tandem series on Roshan-Madan Mohan, I approached her for writing a guest article on her father, as a finale to the series, with his songs for ‘other’ singers. As unassuming as she is on the blog, she accepted my request without any fuss or airs, even though she was not in good health.
Sangeetaji is the eldest among the three siblings, her two younger brothers being Sanjeev and Sameer Kohli. She is a homemaker, she has been away from Bombay for 36 years (she lives in Jaipur). She is a passionate listener of the music of all composers, especially semi-classical songs and ghazals. I thank Sangeetaji for concluding the tandem series on Roshan-Madan Mohan, with her personal reminiscences of Madan Mohan. Since I have covered major singers separately, she very kindly agreed to mention songs by ‘other’ singers. Thank You, Sangeetaji. – AK)
I have been an admirer of ‘Songs of Yore’ ever since I discovered it. The blog shows respect to all the artistes, and does not indulge in bringing down one to bring up another. This is the quality which made me read it regularly, especially whenever I was looking for some reference link to a song or topic. My heartfelt congratulations to AKji and wish that he continue with his efforts and endeavours. It is my pleasure to write for this blog about my father, who was a legend in his lifetime.
So much has been written about Madan Mohanji over the last 43 years – in his professional capacity – about his achievements, and many aspects of his work; so I am letting my mind wander in the past, trying to relive my life with my father, as a person many may not know. We lost him when we were very young and impressionable. We take our own, especially our parents for granted. No one wants to believe that they will not be there to guide us through our lives. I never realized who I had as a father. Of course, we are now older to appreciate and understand his value even more today. Unfortunately we did not believe he would leave us so soon, and never ever thought that we should take every aspect of him so seriously as we may be asked to recollect our memories so many years after he left us. So, a lot of our memories are covered with the mist of the passing years and time.
He was a self-made and a self-respecting person despite having a rich and famous father (Rai Bahadur Chunnilal, the Managing and Administrative partner of Bombay Talkies and later Filmistan ) . His father never wanted him to join films and he was made to join the Army which he served for two years in the World War II. But his heart was in music. He left the army and came to Lucknow where he joined the All India Radio. He never used that connection to further his profession in any way. He never used or approached his father’s friends, who were big names in the industry, for work. In fact a lot of people did not give him work because they thought they would upset his father. He left home and even spent days with no roof over his head or with some friends, till he got his first break in 1950 with two other newcomers, Director Devendra Goyal and Actor Shekhar. And his musical journey began from there.
Since he had been disciplined in the army, he was known to be strict and kadak, but he was a very soft-hearted person, always ready to help anyone with a problem – financial or otherwise.
He had a very rounded personality and was fond of all the good things in life. He was very fond of sports, whether it was playing badminton, snooker, billiards, swimming or watching all types of matches – especially cricket. We went with him to a lot of wrestling and boxing matches where he was invited as Chief Guest very often. It was awesome meeting Dara Singh, Saudagar Singh and other famous champions. He was very proud of his well-maintained physique, especially his muscles, which he loved showing us. Sunday mornings were spent swimming at the NSCI Club followed by a wonderful breakfast on the lawns of the club. Going to the races was another passion he had. He would never miss any racing event if he could manage it. As with racing, he was equally fond of playing cards, whether it was teen patti or rummy. In fact, his music sittings were mostly fun, with card sessions in full swing with the lyricist Rajendra Krishna, comedian Om Prakash and many others. These would also go on along with his tabla player Mahadev Indorkar, his assistant Ghanshyam Sukhwal and Mr. R. L. Suri while they waited for the singers or producers to arrive for the sittings or till the formal rehearsal began. Diwali time was also full of card sessions.
He was an excellent cook, he loved to go to the market to buy all that he needed for the special dishes he wished to make. Friends from the music industry from India and Pakistan tasted his fare whenever they were in town and always asked for more. Even when my mother had her ladies’ lunches, he would cook the main non-vegetarian dishes for the parties. Almost every day was a treat. Even during holidays to hill stations, he would take permission from the management of the hotel where we were staying and they would allow him to cook on their premises on the lawns. Lots of other guests and people around would be welcome to join in the festivities and picnic.
He was very passionate about his cars – the Studebaker Champion two-door American car, or the Emgee which he had in 1956. He would wash and clean the cars himself as and when he got time and refused to hire any driver to drive them.
As he was about his cars, he was a house-proud person. Whenever the family went out for a holiday, he would scrub the floors himself and take down the chandeliers and clean every piece of glass individually. He could easily get any of the staff to do it, but it was his passion. We always got a sparkling house when we got back . His dogs were like his children. We had a black Alsatian called Sugar and a Collie named Romeo and he personally tended to their every need.
Madan Mohan: The Family Man
(Pictures courtesy Sangeetaji and madanmohan.in)
Madan Mohan: The Army man (First from left)
(Pictures courtesy Sangeetaji)
He did not accept any interference in his composing. He gave the producers more than one choice of tunes so that they could select their preference. The tunes were mostly composed to the lyrics written, and I feel that is the reason the song could be moulded the way the composer wanted, rather than having the lyrics made to fit the fixed tune.
Madan Mohanji was not a trained musician. His knowledge of classical music came from listening to the greats in the field from vocal to instrumental classical exponents. He would sit late into the night listening to them at their concerts, or invite them home and have all-night sessions along with dinner, part of which he would cook himself. This way his knowledge of classical music grew.
I have fond memories of his music sittings. Rehearsals were never easy. They took days at times. The singers came to the rehearsal room or at home and we were occasionally allowed to attend. We would at times bunk school on the pretence of not being well…..and suddenly start feeling better to attend a recording which were very often at the Famous Studio, Tardeo.
Madan Mohan: The Legend with other Legends
(Pictures courtesy Sangeetaji and madanmohan.in)
Madan Mohan: The Army man
(Picture courtesy Sangeetaji)
Those were the days when most of the composers, singers and lyricists were good friends who appreciated and never failed to compliment each other on their good work. Each one wanted to put his best foot forward and wanted the other to listen to his compositions as he knew each one would be fair in his praise. He was very good friends with Roshan Saab, Jaidev and many more and held his seniors like Anil Biswas, Naushad Saab, C. Ramchandra and others in high esteem. S. D. Burman was like a mentor to him. Madanji was so very disappointed when Burman Dada did not win the Filmfare Award for the masterpiece Guide. Madanji was very generous with his praise and encouragement to the younger generation of music composers and they too held him in high esteem. We, as children, were taught to appreciate good music, whoever may be the creator of the song.
Memories could go on and on…It is now 43 years since he left us. His music is what is left behind for us to feel his presence in our lives every day. It is unfortunate that we lost him so soon and could not experience of having him and our mother (whom we lost shortly after he passed away in 1975) in our lives when we needed them most…One could not appreciate his value, not only as a father, but also an artist of such great esteem and calibre – a Legend as he is called.
Madan Mohanji is usually associated with his well-heard ghazals, but unfortunately it takes away from his talent to compose beautifully songs of various moods and with many “OTHER” singers apart from Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Mohd. Rafi, Mukesh and Talat Mahmood.
Madanji’s debut film Aankhen, released in 1950 did not feature any song by Lata Mangeshkar or Asha Bhosle. It was this peppy romantic song sung by Meena Kapoor, (who later became Mrs. Anil Biswas) that caught the attention of the audience. The lyrics of the song were by Bharat Vyas
1. Mori atariya pe kaga bole by Meena Kapoor from Aankhen (1950), lyrics Bharat Vyas
Shamshad Begum was one of the leading female singers of that time and sang for Madanji right from Aankhen in 1950, Ada and Madhosh in 1951, Anjam and Ashiana in 1952, Ilzaam and Mastana in 1954, Night Club in 1958, Duniya Na Maane and Jagir in 1959 to Bahana in 1960
For this combination I want to share a duet sung by Shamshad Begum with S.D. Batishji from the film Madhosh 1951, picturised on Meena Kumari and her gang of sahelis who are ragging a male visitor.
2. Pagdi pehenke thurredar akadata kyon hai by Shamshad Begum, GM Durrani & others from Madhosh (1951), lyrics Raja Menhdi Ali Khan
Shamshad Begum sang again for Madanji in a duet along with Jagjit Kaurji (wife of composer Khayyam) after a gap of 10 years for this Punjabi folk number from the film Heer Ranjha written by Kaifi Azmi
3. Nache ang ve chalke rang ve by Shamshad Negum and Jagjit Kaur from Heer Ranjha (1970), lyrics Kaifi Azmi
Madanji’s major hit came with Geeta Dutt in Bhai Bhai (1956), a romantic song picturised on the vamp Shyama as she tries to seduce the much-married Ashok Kumar. Lyrics of this song were by Rajendra Krishna. Geeta Dutt continued to sing a couple of bhajans and a few club songs, but Aye dil mujhe bata de remains their most popular combination.
4. Ai dil mujhe bata de tu kis pe aa gaya hai by Geeta Dutt from Bhai Bhai (1956), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
Most music lovers are not aware of the friendship that Madanji and Kishore Kumar shared from their earlier years, before they joined the industry professionally. Kishore Kumar’s elder brother Ashok Kumar and Madanji’s father both worked together first at Bombay Talkies and later at Filmistan. The two youngsters spent a lot of time around the studios and in the canteen and decided that they would work together when they got a chance in the industry. Madanji scored music for 7 films starring Kishore Kumar. They both first combined in the film Ada in 1951 with a Kishore Kumar style song which says ‘Dil gaya dil gaya, dekho dekho dekho mera dil gaya’.
Film Manmauji which had Kishore Kumar in the lead, had a hit song picturised on him that is a very unlike-MM song, with lyrics by Rajendra Krishna. Their association continued till Madanji passed away, even in films where Kishore Kumar did not star, such as Sahib Bahadur (1976 ).
5. Zaroorat hai zaroorat hai zaroorat hai by Kishore Kumar from Manmauji (1962), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
6. Har koi chahta hai ek mutthi aasman by Kishore Kumar from Ek Mutthi Aasman (1973), lyrics Indeevar
Madanji was equally adept at composing classical and semi-classical songs because of his ear for them. Manna Dey was an obvious choice for this special song from the film Dekh Kabira Roya. In fact Madanji tempted him to come home for a meal of bhindi mutton cooked by himself and hear what he had composed and wanted Mannada to sing. Lyrics of this song are by Rajendra Krishna.
7. Kaun aaya mere man ke dware by Manna Dey from Dekh Kabira Roya (1957), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
Normally when one thinks of a romantic song composed by Madanji, one would think of Mohd. Rafi. But Mannada proudly shared that when composing this soft romantic song for the film Hindustan Ki Kasam in 1973, Madanji felt he would do more justice for this song picturised on the dashing Raaj Kumar who portrayed a dignified Airforce Officer. Lyrics of this song are by Kaifi Azmi
8. Har taraf ab yehi afsane hain by Manna Dey from Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973), lyrics Kaifi Azmi
In 1957, the makers of Murphy Radio organised an All India Talent Hunt which brought forward Mahendra Kapoor as the winner of the Best Male Singer Award. The judges for this contest were none other than Anil Biswas, C. Ramchandra, Vasant Desai and Madan Mohan. Each composer was to give one song to the winner.
The first song that Mahendra Kapoor sang for Madanji was for the film Jailor (1958) – Bas ek saza hi to hai zindagi, which was picturised on the prisoners in the jail.
My most favourite comedy song from Madanji’s repertoire is from the film Anpadh (1962). This song became very popular, especially with school kids. Lyrics of this fun song were by Raja Menhdi Ali Khan.
9. Sikandar ne Porus se ki thi ladai by Mahendra Kapoor from Anpadh (1962), lyrics Raja Menhdi Ali Khan
Madanji could get the same Mahendra Kapoor to sing a beautiful romantic song for Dharmendra in the film Jab Yaad Kisi Ki Aati Hai. Lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
10. Ari O shokh kaliyo muskura dena woh jab aaye by Mahendra Kapoor from Jab Yaad Kisi Ki Aati Hai (1967), lyrics Raja Menhdi Ali Khan
Madanji had his fair share of philosophical songs, many of which were sung by Mohd. Rafi and Manna Dey in the 1950s. Hemant Kumar who was himself a composer of great repute was gracious enough to sing a romantic duet with Lata Mangeshkar as well as two such songs under the baton of Madanji for the films Chote Babu in 1957 (Le le dard paraya) and Mohar in 1959
11. Kho gaya jaane kahan arzuon ka jahan by Hemant Kumar from Mohar (1959), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
On one of his trips to Delhi, Madanji met a young man who he felt would be a good playback singer, and invited him to come to Bombay to try his luck. One of the few unusual songs that came from Madanji was Hoke majboor mujhe from the film Haqeeqat, when the young lad Bhupendra debuted along with legends Manna Dey, Talat Mahmood and Mohd. Rafi. This film also had one of the very popular patriotic songs Kar chale hum fida jaan-o-tan saathiyo.
Bhupendra got to sing a great composition by Madanji which could be known amongst his top ones for the film Mausam. The interludes and the music pieces are so soothing. One of the alternate tunes for this song also made it to be a major hit, Tere liye hum hain jiyein from the film Veer Zaara. Unfortunately Madanji passed away after having composed and recorded all the songs for the film Mausam which was dedicated to his memory. Lyrics and direction are by Gulzar.
12. Dil dhoondta hai phir wohi fursat ke raat din by Bhupendra from Mausam (1975), lyrics Gulzar
1972 saw the release of a film by Hrishikesh Mukherjee which taught us happier ways to look at life through the eyes of the harfanmaula bawarchi Rajesh Khanna. The song that I am sharing from this film was a very unusual situation and required various kinds of moods and styles put together to make a full song. The singers chosen were Manna Dey for Rajesh Khanna (classical), Kishore Kumar for Asrani (western), Harindranath Chattopadhya for himself (light rap) and classical singers Laxmi Shankar and Nirmala Devi (mother of actor Govinda) for the female characters.
It was probably this song which made Hrishikesh Mukherjee say in an interview in Filmfare that the composer whom he would like to work with if given another chance, would be his one-film composer Madan Mohan, in spite of him having worked with so many other senior composers. This means a lot.
13. Bhor aayi gaya andhiyara by Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar, Harindranath Chattopadhyay, Laxmi Shankar and Nirmala Devi from Bawarchi (1972), lyrics Kaif Azmi
A few other female singers he did use on occasion have been Suman Kalyanpur for a couple of duets with Mohd. Rafi from Jahan Ara and Ghazal, Vani Jairam with Kishore Kumar for Ek Mutthi Asman. Usha Mangeshkar, the youngest of the Mangeshkar sisters, has got her share of songs, be them duets or solos. Even composer Usha Khanna got a solo in the film Ladka Ladki. In quite a few childrens’ songs he used Hemlata, Krishna Kalle, Usha Timothy, Kamal Barot and Sushma Shreshtha. In qawwali from Hanste Zakhm and Laila Majnu, the singers who sang his compositions along with lead singers were S. Balbir, Aziz Nazan, Shankar Shambhu and Ambar Kumar, and comedy song had Dilraj Kaur, Chandrani Mukherjee and Chandru Atma. Mubarak Begum too joined Asha Bhosle for a mujra.
Thus Madanji was quite prolific with ‘other’ singers too, and composed many everlasting songs, some of which I have presented here. I have enjoyed writing this post for Songs of Yore.
Disclaimer: The song links have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. The copyright over these songs rests with the respective owners.
{ 132 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you Sangeetaji for this wonderful walk down memory lane. Congratulations AK for this publishing coup. This intimate look into the music and personality of one of the greatest compsers is priceless.
Thank you Sangeetaji for sharing with us your personal memories and thoughts about Madanmohanji, adored by many then and now.
Thank you Akji for springing a surprise with wonderful post .
A most wonderful SoY, thanks to Sangeeta ji, and of course to AK; this one easily one of the best SoY episodes. Very touching memories and recollections about the inimitable Madan Mohan, feelingly penned by his own daughter. The selection of songs too is matching with the write-up. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Just one tiny query; which is the comedy song sung by Diraj Kaur and Chandru Atma?
To listen to a great composer’s daughter is a privilege. Thank you, Sangeetha Gupta ji.
CHOTE BABU 1957 …
Le le dard paraya
Kar de door gam ka saaya…. Hemant Kumar: ChandraShekhar Pandey.
Do din ki mohabbat mein hum
Kuch khoya kuch paaya hai…Talat Mahmood; Kaifi Azmi.
Tum mere Swami,Antaryami
Maat Pitha tum mere…. Manna Dey,Usha Mangeshkar.: PL Santhoshi.
Ek gaadi idhar se humari chali,
Ek gaadi udhar se tumhari chali…. Asha Bhonsle, Shamshad Begum: PLS.
Beautiful essay, and loved the songs! 43 years since he passed away? Doesn’t seem that long…I think of his composition for Talat in Mohar, and thank Rajinder Krishan for the nazm too: Yaad jab aayi teri, apni guzri zindagi, yaad kar leta hoon main, aah bhar leta hoon main…thank you Madanji _()_
Dinesh Jain @ 3
Film : Shaheb Bahadur (1977)
Song : Hum Paapi Tu Bakshanhar
Singers: Mahendra Kapoor, Ambar Kumar, Chandu Atma, Dilraj Kaur, Chandrani Mukherjee.
PARWANA,1971.
Kaifi Azmi.
Asha Bhonsle, Parveen Sultana.
Piya ki gali…laagi bhali.
https://youtu.be/ hlnrQoOXoeg
Manekji,
Welcome to Songs of Yore and thanks a lot for your appreciation. Sangeetaji would respond separately.
NIRMOHI,1952
Indeewar; Kavita,Lalit Mohan (who!?!)
Ye suhana Sama,ye Mausam jawan…
Sangeeta Di,
This essay is wow! It is a beautiful straight-from-the-heart revisit to so many things you have shared with us about the exceptional music of Madan Mohan ji and his own persona, the little stories, his singers and lyricists – I just loved this journey so much! Listening to my favourite songs again and reading about them – can there be a better way to celebrate Christmas? 🙂
AK’s SoY is a regular reference point for me. There is an incredible wealth of information and analysis here in SoY. Really happy to see your brilliant piece here!
Will keep coming back to this for re-reads. And sharing this on my Facebook now 🙂
Many unknown facts came to light through this write up.
It is pity that he never got films from Big banners neither suitably awarded.
Selection of songs is superb–specially Ari o shokh kaliyon & Pugree pehan ke.
Thanks
Many unknown facts came to light now.
It is a pity that he never got films from Big banners neither suitably rewarded ever.
Selction of songs is superb–specially Ari o shokh kaliyon & Pugree pehan ke.
Thanks
Sangeetaji, thank you so much for a really wonderful article! Madan Mohan has always ranked as one of my favourite composers, and reading this article brought him even more alive for me. Thank you so very, very much.
And AK: Thank you. This is truly a gem.
Wonderful post Sangeetaji.
I got to know a lot about his personal life and family. About his hobbies and passions other than music.
This is priceless post!
Thanks to AKji, too for inviting her for the post.
The songs shared are too good.
If I can request Sangeetaji, plz go through my posts about Asha Bhosle and Madan Mohan ji.
Thanks a lot!
First and foremost, AKji, thank you so much for being so generous with your kind words. They mean a lot. It has been a pleasure to participate in this series ….especially since the readers include friends who are passionate about old music and would enjoy unusual songs…I hope this piece has done justice to Madanji and his music…
Subodh Agarwalji, N Venkataramanji, Dinesh Jainji, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Shetty, Dustedoff, Mehfil Meri Meri…Thanks so much for having gone through the article. I am so glad you enjoyed meeting the Man behind the Music. and so glad that I was able to share this with all of you.
What a lovely post! Thanks a ton, Sangeetaji!
Truly a publishing coup, as Subodhji has put it, AK.
Hi Manek, So glad you got to see this piece here and enjoyed it….It means a lot to have a friend, and a learned one at that appreciate this.
Let’s get some Gyan from Mehmood…. Scotland is known for two things: Thumri(!!!) and Tarra. Then, let’s listen to his forage into the Manna Da’s forte of comical classical songs.
NEELA AKASH,1965.
Raja Mehdi Ali Khan;. Mehmood.
Baake saiya ne kalaiya maror dali…
https://youtu.be/qKwORhEgm9l
Antara dear, Truely SOY is a treasure of music, so many artistes, aspects and pure discussion and throwing up of more and more songs of the days gone by, but not from the heart or the memory….I always love to read the articles here, and the comments by friends are priceless, and so very informative.
I am glad you have enjoyed this piece and am priviliged to have this as the finale for the year. Need to thank AKji for keeping it for that slot.
Really a wonderful piece abt a grt composer
Thanks Sangeeta ji for sharing this priceless information abt ur father
I have been a collateral recipient of compliments, thanks to Sangeetaji. Thanks a lot Subodh, Venkataramanji, Dinesh, Antara, Madhu, Anup and Ashwin, for your appreciation.
Sangeetaji,
Thanks are entirely due to you. You have brought Madan Mohan, the legend and the man alive. One couldn’t have asked for a better finale to the series on Madan Mohan. Thanks again.
Sangeetaji,
Thank you very much for your article. I grew up in Bombay (now Mumbai) in1960s listening to your father’s songs, particularly songs from “Anpadh” – ‘Aap kids nazaron samjha’ and ‘Hai isi mein pyar kids aabru’. Even now, 60 years later I remember them vividly.
Kumar
Children’s Film Society, India produced a short film DAAK GHAR,in 1976 based on Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s Bengali play.
Heavy weights like Bhanu Athaiya,M S Sathyu,Satyadev Dube,Balraj Sahni, Sharmila Tagore were associated with the film.
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi.
Music: Madan Mohan.
There are some peppy numbers by various singers… mostly,not well known.
There are two Bhupinder Singh songs:
Ye bhor kahan se aati hai
Koi mujhko wahan pahunchana…( A hint of Aa chal ke tujje main le ke chaloon ik aise Gagan ke tale?)
Kyon roz akela jaata hai
Ye Sooraj le chal saath mujhe…
https://youtu.be/ mDHp5JqnoCo
DIL KI RAHEN,1973,Naqsh Llyalpuri is primarily remembered for the lovely Lata melody Rasm e ulfat ko nibhayen… and to a lesser degree,Aap ki baatein karen ya apna Afsana kahen…. .
But, the movie’ has three nice Manna Dey songs…two solos…
1 Raagmala….Hari gun gaale vyakul manwa…
2 Zindagi ke gam bulane ke liye sharab ka sahara maine liya.
1 duet with Usha Mangeshkar…
Apne suron mein mere sur ko basa lo,
Ye geet amar ho jayega.
Easily accessible on the YouTube.
The fourth Mangeshkar Sister Meena features in a Qawwali I had mentioned in an earlier post.
GATEWAY OF INDIA,1957.
Rajinder Kishen.
Shamshad Begum, Asha Bhonsle,Meena Mangeshkar,Usha Mangeshkar.
Jalwa jo tere dekha humne
Aankhon se shararat ho gayee…
Probably her only corroboration with Madan Mohan?
Mr AN Kumar,
Welcome to Songs of Yore and thanks a lot for your appreciation.
How many songs has Sudha Malhotra sung for Madan Mohan?
DEKH KABIRA ROYA,1957
Rajinder Kishen.
Tum mere rakho laaj Hari…
https://youtu.be/ BKDc5AyBOyQ
I am an ardent fan of Lata-Madanmohan songs.
Shall be obliged in case, Sangitaji shared her top ten of this combination.
Its a request from a “bhakt” of Madanmohan.
Regards,
Mr Deshpande,
Welcome to Songs of Yore. I have already covered MM-Lata Mangeshkar combination. You may like to go through this post:
https://www.songsofyore.com/madan-mohans-tuning-with-lata-mangeshkar/
Good Evening Sangeethaji,
Happy and Merry Christmas.
Your dad is immortal and a legend.
So happy with your article on him and it is a real tribute.
I love all his songs and everyday I listen to his music and enjoy .
Thanks for sharing.
Regards and blessings.
Uma Maheswar Nakka.
Sangeeta ji,
Thanks a million for this touching tribute to your dear father. While reading the article, I had to hold back my tears,as I found immense love and respect for a father, from a daughter who was deprived of his love for a longer time in her life.
The article describes so many private moments that it became a highly personal walk through memories which linger for ever. Indeed, you must be loving your dear father immesurably.
Thanks again to you for this excellent piece and a view of Madan ji’s other side of life.
Thanks AK ji for providing us this valuable reading pleasure.
-AD
Sangeetaji,
Right from your heart to our hearts.
गाने तो सुन लेते पर ऐसी दिल की बातें कहाँ मिलती.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Thirty three comments in approx. eleven hours at an average of three comments per hour .” दिल की बातों का असर”
Some sort of record AK?
Ak.
Needless to say it would not have been possible without your effort . Keep doing the marvelous job.
THANKS.
Ms. Sangeeta ji ;
I was busy all day listening to my fav. X Mas instrumental music of my famous bands/ orchestra……101 string orchestra , Andre reiu , james Last, Richard Clyderman….etc…. yes the famous place is listening in front of Fire place in corner of my Drawing Room . The place where i can relate and concentrate on words and notes .
My pleasure doubled when I read your article and subsequent comments and observations that started pouring in . Yes all this shows how much affection your father has earned over the years , not only in film industry but with the passionate followers too. We at SoY thanks AK ji for this very nice conclusive article on Madan ji and thanks goes to Arvinder Sharma ji too, who was principle introducing your presence in this blog .
Your Article ….a very organised , clean and relatable . The flowing sequence shows as if a pen has fallen in love with words. Your thoughts are very important to us as they give very first hand information …..both emotional and historical moments . It is good to note that Madan Mohan ji had a nice jolly good company to live and share the light moments . As I see his passion spanning between two songs…….Dekhta chhala gaya mein zindgi ki rahoan mein……and….Humsafar saath apna chhod chhale .
Thanks for the nice pictures of Madan ji’s family . The fotos tells it all . He was handsome , a great sports lover , a family caring man and above all a great composer .
Arunji, Mumbaikar8, KS Bhatiaji,
Thanks a lot for your generous words for me.
Dr.Shetty ji;
Thanks for day lighting so many hidden songs . Slowly and surely I will listen to them . I think there is one more song from Anpadh or Aap ki Parchhaiyan which was sung by a new comer or so .
Meanwhile here are songs which were sung in duet by Balbir …..the singer that was often called for in songs requiring punjabi touch.
Jo mama mera aa jayega……..Heer Ranjha [ This is based on a folk song of punjab and is in boliyan style . Similar folk tune was adopted in Veer Zaara song picturised on Amitabh Bachhan and Hema Malini.].
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL8cLokxmqQ
Yeh mana meri jaan……Hanste zakham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEX8pGatVt0
ksbhatia ji,
Thank you for the appreciation. You would eventually have unearthed almost all of the songs I have posted.
CHALBAAZ,1980( posthumous release)
Yogesh; Amit Kumar, Asha Bhonsle.
Hai shyam badi matwali
Aur aasmaan pe laali….
https://youtu.be/ TPgJC4bbByE
AK ji / Sangeeta ji,
I was reading a book in Marathi ” चित्रपट संगीताचा सुवर्ण काळ-१९३१ ते १९६०”
(Golden Era of Film Music-1931 to 1960), by noted Film Historian and author in Marathi, Hindi and English – Isak Mujawar.
In this research based book of 700 pages, he claims that in the film ‘Naya Aadmi-1956, Madan Mohan had composed 3 songs and not just 2 as mentioned in HFGK and popularly believed.
The song which he composed, but is not mentioned as his composition, was a Lata number- ”Dil-e-betaab thahar, aanewala idhar…”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Q4IWkOAn0&index=6&list=PLDf8bNo24gsEIXbuNjryxHvIvIML86m4P&t=0s
This is a lovely song.
I would like to know from Sangeeta ji, if she has any information about this song.
-AD
Arunkumarji Namaste,
Very rightly said, Dil-E-betaab theher by Lata Mangeshkar has been listed in the list of songs composed by Madanji on the official website, http://www.madanmohan.in. Unfortunately, I have not heard this song from the film. Thanks for the link. will do so right away.
Good Afternoon,
Please view this clip, pl don’t miss.
https://youtu.be/vy3nkTiSZ6M
The above clip has some more information with Madanji’s voice.
This adds some more interesting information.
Regards
Uma
Uma ji,
Nice clip…. birth of a tune!We clearly hear the Tere Liye…tune.
Gulzar_ Madan Mohan’s first outing KOSHISH,1972 together didn’t really have a great scope for songs. Other than the Rafi lullaby ( one would be surprised to know how few Gulzar songs Rafi has sung!), there is a children’s song…
Hum se hai watan,Aur watan se hum..
Sushma Shrestha,Jaishree ShivaRam.
Thank you Sangeeta ji and AK ji for this delightful post.
I am reproducing two paragraphs from an article from http://www.madanmohan.in
(slightly edited)
During his school days, Madan Mohan took active part in Children’s programs on AIR, Bombay.
One day,at the studio,he saw another fit and handsome boy who was the centre of attraction. On enquiry,he was told that it was (Ranbir) Raj,son of the legendary Prathviraj Kapoor. They soon became friends and jointly participated in many programs on AIR.
( It is indeed surprising that they never collaborated professionally!)
One day,he brought to the studio,a 9 year old girl to audition. He told the program executive that she could sing well. But, when everyone present asked her to sing,she broke down and began sobbing. Madan Mohan wiped her tears and took her away. He brought her back next week and succeeded in making her sing. She sang well and was cheered on by everyone present. She was later to become a sensation,a singing star. Yes, the girl was Suraiya!
( MM’s only sister Shanti Mahendroo…Anju Mahendroo’s mother… remembers that earlier,at Marine Drive,they lived near the residence of Suraiya.)
It is, therefore, surprising that MM and Suraiya worked together only for one film, Khubsurat,1953.
4 songs:
The miserable flopping of the movie may have been a reason for their not coming together again.
Good Evening Dr Pradeep Kumar Shetty Ji,
Indeed the information on Madanji shared by you is a valuable knowledge, amazing and appreciable.
In addition all the information contributed in the comments itself is a treasure. Thank you.
All the best and good luck.
Regards
Uma
Siddharth,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Sangeeta ji,
Thank you for giving us a glimpse of the family life of the great composer. It is indeed a privilege for us to have you among the SOY group as a follower and a contributor. Thanks for the photos also.
I suggest that you can think of writing another post on Madan ji’s favourite songs of other composers.(if you have the information on this)
AK,
As some others have mentioned,it is a some kind of coup to get this contribution by Sangeeta ji. Thanks.
Thank you so much, AK, for Ms. Sangeeta Gupta’s walk down memory lane. And thank you, Sangeetaji, for this warm memoir, and for the lovely songs you chose to highlight your father’s repertoire. I’d obviously heard your father’s compositions from childhood – my father was a great fan of Hindi film music – but my real ‘introduction’ to Madan Mohan, the composer, came after my marriage. He is one of my husband’s favourite composers, and I got a master class in Madan Mohan’s compositions from him. 🙂
p.s. The seven-degree separation rule is in place, because when Sangeetaji wrote about her father loving to go to the races, I have to mention that some of his companions on those visits were my husband’s father and uncles. It brought a smile to my face because I can recall those reminiscences.
Ms. Sangeeta ji;
Studebaker , two door ! oh I love those cars of mid 50s . The years, particularly 1955,56,57 , were those when one encountered so many american and italian cars on the roads . I particularly was very fond of Dodge , De Soto, Chevrolet , Cadillac , Plymouth, Buick etc. I was passionate about convertable versions . I do go to my old memories watching these beautiful cars in song sequences …..Premnath driving plymouth and chevrolet in Barsaat [ opening scenes and hawa mein udta jaaye song] in Aan [ Mein rani hun raja ki song] , Ashok Kumar driving Impala [?] in Deedar [ Ashok kumar driving down the hill in song …leja meri duwaiyen leja pardes jaane wale ].
Apart from these big cars i had soft corner for small cars too. I love to watch people driving Baby Fiat ….that tiny car where driver seat approach was thru front bonnet ! Other cars were …Morris 8 , Mini Fiat , Austin 10 …..and so many more .
We were lucky to have neighbour hood possesive of these cars as they all belong to big shots ….ICS, IFS , IAS officers mostly of Dy. Secretary
, Joint Secretary ranks from Ministry of External Affairs , all residents of colonies around famous Khan Market of New Delhi. The most posh area adjascent to Khan Market is Jor bagh and Golf Links , where such cars were countless. The car they drove said a lot about them . In our area ,it was ride on a DTS bus , Servent on Bicycle and rest Pedestrians.
Life in the mid 50s was very slow but very interesting. The scene changed with rapid urbanisation. When one is asked ….what is your fav.car ….they say wait for the next model . When one opens a door of a car for a lady ….it is either a new car or a new wife [ Prince Phillip].
….in continuation…
Film Aakhri Dao of the mid 50s had many scenes where one can watch such vintage cars . The movie had a beautiful melody by Asha ji……Hai unki woh nigahen ….and of course Madan ji’s magic touch of beats and rhythm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I66cqXXrNbM
To me the car looks so close to Studebaker [ that is my guess since the video clarity is not tat sharp].
@38 and 39
Sangeethaji I admire your father the most and have a huge collection of his songs in mp3. format acquired after intense hunt among bazaars in Delhi in those days. The sheer effort of acquiring them has made the collection priceless. Current viewers just tap into internet and get most of them without effort. I presume your father was born with music in his stream and unlike the wailing by newborns immediately after being slapped by nurse, he would have crooned a tune. At 2 years of age he could pick up records as requested in Iraq where he was born. All other details mentioned about his life are already known to me. It is a shame on the Filmfare authorities for failing to honour him with an award for best music. I surmise his musical efforts frayed on B grade films probably cost him the title. It is some consolation he got award from Government of India for “Dastak film music”. I admire you for remembering so much about your father. I can scarce recollect anything of my father I am ashamed to say. I should thank the blog master to encourage me to start the first tandem post on your father and Roshan.
As regards the controversy about the song from Naya Admi, let me assure it is a typical trademark song of Viswanathan Ramamurthy. In fact I have heard this tune from a Tamil film. I am sure the marathi writer could be wrong. Venkataramanji can bear me out. Once again I thank you for sharing so much of your illustrious sire’s life when you were merely a girl.
Giriji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Sangeetaji has been with SoY family for quite some time. It was very kind of her to write this article.
Anu,
Wow, you are only three degrees separated from Madan Mohan. Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
D P Rangan ji,
Madan Mohan ji was very unlucky when it comes to the popular awards.
Can you believe he was nominated only twice for the Filmfare awards?
1962…. ANPADH ( SJ won for PROFESSOR)
1964….WOH KAUN THI ( LP_ DOSTHI…. also in the running…SJ_ SANGAM).
Ameen Sayani recalls how MM’s songs never reached the top position in Binaca Geetmala inspite of being very popular. Always at number 3 or 2! One song did reach the top position, but only after MM had left for his heavenly abode!….
Husn hazir hai mohabbat ki saza paane ko….LAILA MAJNU.
Ameen Sayani is candid enough to say that it was not in the same league as MM’s great numbers. What an irony!
Uma ji,
Thank you for your appreciation. Can any Hindi movie music lover not be an ardent admirer of Madan Mohan ji? Hence I like to share what I get to know.
A beautiful, personal write up of a loving and admiring daughter about a stalwart father will be certainly embellished with what the father had to say about his father!
( Source: http://www.madanmohan.in)
In a rare first person piece by Madan Mohan for Filmfare,1969, titled NO NEED FOR FOREIGN AID IN MUSIC,he writes:
(I reproduce verbatim.)
One of my happiest moment is of the occasion when my father saw AANKHEN.It settled his qualms about my making music my profession.
“Son”,he said,” you have proved that you not only know music, but have musical feeling. I am convinced that you have chosen the right career. I shall pray for your success.”
What more vindication would a son need!
Good Afternoon Dr Pradeep Kumar Shetty ji,
I read many articles posted in this most valuable site SOY and also posted few comments.
Madan ji is my favorite Music Director and read several articles on him including viewing many videos of/on him.
But this article by Sangeethaji is very much inspiring and interesting followed with amazing comments from people like you, making it a paradise of knowledge and entertainment.
Thanks to AK Sir, Sangeethaji, you and all the others contributors.
Regards and blessings.
Uma
Umaji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Sangeeta ji,
Communicating with you for the first time. My compliments on posting a brilliant article and well selected songs.
Madan Mohan was a fascinating person. Of course he was a superlative Music Director.
I want to mention here that my 34-year old son-in-law Vishal who lives and works in Australia considers MM to be the top-most MD of Hindi films. Vishal is an adept player on keyboard, but always marvels at the quality of Madan Mohan’s music.
Regards
Amazing not a single song of Rafi Sahab.
He sang most songs for Madanji among male singers, most of them are gems.
What contribution Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor, Hemant kumar and Bhupidera, have in Madanji’s career?
Gauri,
Welcome to Songs of Yore. I have mentioned in my introduction that the combination of all the principal singers with Madan Mohan has already been covered by me. Therefore, on my request Sangeetaji covered ‘other’ singers. You are right that Rafi was his main male singer. Here is my post on Rafi’s best duets by Madan Mohan.
https://www.songsofyore.com/rafis-best-duets-by-madan-mohan/
And here is the post on Rafi’s best solos by Madan Mohan.
https://www.songsofyore.com/rafis-best-songs-by-madan-mohan/
Anoopji @11. Thanks for the appreciation. Glad you liked the songs..A little different from the regular ones heard and shared.
Mehfil Meri Meri @13…That was the idea, to share about the man whom many do not know about. I will definitely go through the MM and Asha Bhosle posts of yours and comment there as well. Thank you very much.
Thank you Ashwin Bhandarkar ji @16, Harpreet Singhji @20, A.N. Kumarji @23 for all the appreciation
B.K. Deshpandeji @29. Very happy to read your comment. My choice of MM and LM songs which are my personal favourites would be rather different from most. Bringing them down to 10 was very difficult, hence am limiting them to 15, not necessarily in order of priority….But I love all these songs very much. Hope you can make something of this list. Thanks.
1. Chand Madhham hai aasman chup hai – Railway Platform
2. Sapno mein agar mere tum aao – Dulhan ek raat ki
3. Meri ankhon se koi neend liye jaata hai – Pooja ke Phool
4. Kai din se jee hai bekal – Dulhan ek raat ki
5. Hamare baad ab mehfil mein afsane bayan honge – Baghi
6. Mushkil hai jeena bedardon ki duniya mein – Sahib Bahadur
7. Dil unko tha ke de diya – Baap Bete
8. Chaayi barkha bahar – Chirag
9. Chanda ja chanda ja re ja re – Manmauji
10. Woh jo milte the kabhi – Akeli Mat Jaiyo
11. Zara si aahat hoti hai – Haqeeqat
12. Haale-e-dil yun – Jahan Ara
13. Nagma-o-sher ki saugat – Gazal
14. Mai ri kai kaa se kahoon – Dastak
15..Do dil toote do dil haare – Heer Ranjha
Thank you so much Shettyji for bringing forward so many hidden gems, I needed to limit myself to main songs so that all of you could share some more.
Umaji @31, Thanks for your blessings…Especially since they come from friends who love my father. Wish you a great year ahead
Arunkumarji @32, Reading your comment is making my eyes moist. and yes, we all love him and miss him a lot.
Mumbaikarji @33, True, no doubt, dil ki hi baatein hain aur dil se hi nikali hain taaki aapke dil tak pahunche
K.s.Bhatiaji @34, Thank you for your very detailed appreciation of my effort…It did take me a while to get my thoughts in order and wanted to keep it short and sweet. But I cannot tell you how happy I am that it has been appreciated by all of you.
Anuji, @47, This is certainly no coup, but just a small effort on my part at the request of AKji, to bring back Madan Mohanji, the gentleman behind the music to the fore…I would not really be able to give you his favourites of other composers with certainty, as we were quite young then, but kuch kuch idea toh tha. So glad to know that your husband too enjoy’s his music. And oh wow, the world is so small …great to know of your family’s association with him…The races used to be such a pivotal point in our lives…He bought the Cole booklet and studied the horses that were going to run and then lay the bets. It is not that he won very often though.
Ashok Kumar Tyagiji @ 57…Wow great to hear about your son-in-law Vishal..And yes, I totally appreciate what he observes…Very often Madanji’s tunes seem easy, but are very intricate, especially for musicians who have to follow the notations…I have heard very many musicians and conductors/arrangers who are doing programs today say the same thing.
And, so glad you enjoyed the article and the songs selected.
D P Ranganji @ 50. Your comments mean a lot. I am aware that you initiated the Tandem series on Roshan and Madan Mohan and various aspects of their music. They were very dear friends and shared a lot about their with each other. Madan Mohanji was one of the pall bearers when Roshanji passed away and it is ironical that it is Roshanji’s birthday on Madanji’s death anniversary.
I have read with interest the series, but now will go through all the articles once again so that I enjoy it all the more. Once again a big thanks to AKji and you.
My brother Sanjeev Kohli maintains the official website of Madan Mohanji, which will give you every aspect of his personal and professional life, including all audios in his voice and photographs…if interested, do visit http://www.madanmohan.in
Sangeeta ji,
You had warned us that your personal favorites may differ from the general public’s. Hence, the absence of Lag jaa gale…. should not be a surprise!
Lag jaa gale is my number one favourite song ( across composers)….Dil doondta hai phir wohi…. and Kar chale hum fida..are among the top 20.
I have heard many music field personalities rating Lag jaa… among their top favourites.
Dr. Shetty ji;
I entirely agree with you. Lag jaa gale,…. is an icon song and stands amongst the best of Lata’s songs as well . There are few more which could be in top 20 list like….
Betaab dil ki tamana …..Hanste Zakhm
Hum safar saath apna…..Aakhri Dao
Aaj soccha to aansoo bhar aaye….Hanste zakhm
Meri beena tujh bin roye……Dekh Kabira roya
Aye dil mujhe bata de……Bhai Bhai
Actually the melody is limitless. I am unable to stop looking at the gems spread before me. But universal truth applies…….To each his own.
A song rendered by Lalit Mohan. Never heard his name before.
Aisi chot jiya ne khaayi by Lalit Mohan, film Nirmohi (1952), lyrics P N Rangeen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSjlIzje0EU
Chandbala has sung about a dozen songs for composers like C Ramchandra,Nisar, Khayyam,Ravi, Iqbal Qureshi…. from 1951 to 1961.
In the year 1951,she has sung for Anil Biswas and Madan Mohan. I would not know the chronology of the release.
The two songs she sang for MM:
MADHOSH,1951.
Raja Mehdi Ali Khan.
Dil dhak dhak kare….
https://youtu.be/G4bFq_7V9Nl
ANJAM,1952.
Qamar Jalalabadi.
Rafi, Chandbala.
Rut mastani, Samne hai Rani.
https://youtu.be/ EOWX_bFDMC4
N Venkatraman ji;
When you are around my findings get deeper. The crave for rare songs knocks on my door……
Hum kala tum white…..Rafi, Geeta…..Ek Shola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CL0LxXMHtY
Now, two songs based on punjabi folk which were famously adopted by other music directors as well…..
Dupatta mera malmal ka…..Asha, Geeta….Jailor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgShpoIeAwQ
Chudi khanke chalun mai jab…..Asha…..Ek Shola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2ShhFi4xLY&t=145s
Here is a song in song with contrasting situation and tune…..
Chanda se bhi pyara hai…..Asha, Geeta……Ek Shola [1956]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmVInA89K60
I have a faint impression of a song from Nau Do Gyaraha[1957]…..Kya ho din jo rangeela ho ….having almost a very close tune of that of above song.
This lovingly crafted ‘post from daughter to father’ is a melodious trip down nostalgia lane. A few years ago I had attended a concert of MM songs. While providing background information on songs the compere mentioned that MM had been ignored by the Filmfare awards committee year after year during his lifetime. Somebody in the audience shouted: ‘But he did not care for awards.’ That was when your brother Sanjeev (we were classmates), who was also present, stepped in and said that he (your father) had definitely cared, that the lack of some such recognition had been eating him, although he did not show it.
While watching the movie Amadeus I had wondered why people felt that Mozart had been unhappy in personal life for lack of recognition in his lifetime. After all he was Mozart. His mind was the wellspring of music that gave untold amount of pleasure to countless number of people for all time to come. How could a person like him feel wretched because of the machinations of some mean fellow professionals? But then it would require a genius to fathom the working of the mind of another genius. It is not for mere mortals like us. For that reason I thought you could probably throw some light on this.
Dr. Shetty;
Just forget to mention one more gem……
Jaana tha hum se door bahane bana liye…..Lata…Adalat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvwC9c81esY
I have refrained from choosing the very iconic songs, of course, all of which I love very much. But the ones I have shared are special
Sangeeta ji:
This lovingly crafted ‘post from daughter to father’ is a melodious trip down nostalgia lane. A few years ago I had attended a concert of MM songs. While providing background information on songs the compere mentioned that MM had been ignored by the Filmfare awards committee year after year during his lifetime. Somebody in the audience shouted: ‘But he did not care for awards.’ That was when your brother Sanjeev (we were classmates), who was also present, stepped in and said that he (your father) had definitely cared, that the lack of some such recognition had been eating him, although he did not show it.
While watching the movie Amadeus I had wondered why people felt that Mozart had been unhappy in personal life for lack of recognition in his lifetime. After all he was Mozart. His mind was the wellspring of music that gave untold amount of pleasure to countless number of people for all time to come. How could a person like him feel wretched because of the machinations of some mean fellow professionals? But then it would require a genius to fathom the working of the mind of another genius. It is not for mere mortals like us. For that reason I thought you could probably throw some light on this.
I am posting this comment again because I had forgotten to address it to you earlier. My apologies.
Sangeetaji & AK
Late? Yes I am but where I was at a Buddhist Retreat there no technical tools and other including phones were allowed.
It was cut from outside world and concentration was on the inside world and kept regimentally.
It is welcoming to see Shrimati Sangeeta Gupta’s finely chiselled and well worded-sculpted post on her Father Madan Mohan, a legend indeed, revealing as a man about the house and very much a family person, in her own words and also in some rare pictures of her childhood with her daddy.
All the SoY fraternity have showered praise on her, worth in their words. It is also surprising that those SoY members who held the view that private life of an artist should be left alone from the post, appreciated and enjoyed the private life of MM.
When the “Saints go marching in, indeed I wanted to be in that number, with them!”
So I say the article is unique in the annals of the history of the posts of the SoY, second to the article by another celebrity daughter Shikha Biswas Vora on the Master Composer Anil Biswas on his centenary in 2014.
Both ladies have shown that their pens are dripping in the stylishness and elegance of good writing.
It is good of AK bringing the insiders out and throw new light on the old.
I hope in the new year Mrs Sangataji Gupta write another article on just the comic side of her father, a family man and his comic songs as she mentioned them in the comment of the previous post of AK on MM tandem.
Here I remember only two songs from the film “Gateway of India 1957” one “Dekhata Chala Gaya Mai Zindagi Rahmein” for Johnny Walker , Tony Walker and Madhubala and the second one for Bhagwan “Chal Mere Dil Udan Khatole Se” .
Madan Mohan composed songs and music for a massive number of 91 films from 1950 to 1980.
In 2004 his son Sanjeev Kohli provided the Music of MD that was not used for the films, for the film Veer Zara. The film was very popular in the UK and some Restaurants came into existence with the name “Veer Zara”.
I take opportunity to salute Madan Mohan and praise Sangeetaji for starting the list of her songs in this post with the song of Meena Kapoor from the first film of Madan Mohan “Aankhe” 1950:
Mori atariya pe kaga bole by Meena Kapoor from Aankhen (1950), lyrics Bharat Vyas
The song has become iconic and if the readers have not read the AK’s post on the subject of “Ataariya” it is in the right panel of this post.
For me this song has done a great push for Meena Kapoor.
About Lata not being in the songs of “Ankhe” readers should note Lata was just getting publicity after her songs in the films of Anokha Pyar, Andaz, Barasaat and was not a dominating and demanding voice that occurred after the songs of the film Anarkali in 1953.
So I think it was a myth created/occured later on that she refused MM as a newly started composer.
Lata was in need of money during this period. Her proverbial poverty was not ended at this period. She would sing for anyone who would pay her to sing. And that is a good professionalism.
I still remember in 1944 along with my brothers I had seen the film “Parbat Pe Apana Deara” produced and directed by Shantaram, in his own theatre Plaza at the Dadar railway station. In this film Madan Mohan Played a small role.
The year 1944 was also celebrated in Bombay as the VE day- Victory in Europe for the allied forces. The WWII was in Africa, Middle East, South East, Far East involving three continents.
It looks that Madan Mohan was released from the army before this year which would not have been possible under the circumstances.
Army regulations do not release people when the major conflict was on. I have doubts about his service records.
Iraq was not called Iraq at that time it went under its original name of Mesopotamia.
Shalan Lal
Shalan Lal,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I am sure Sangeetaji would also respond. I have to make two observations.
1. “It is also surprising…..enjoyed the private life of MM“ – I don’t think we can draw a moral equivalence between fond recollection about a celebrity by his family member, and unsubstantiated sweeping observations denigrating a celebrity.
2. VE Day: Victory in Europe Day is a specific day celebrated to commemorate unconditional surrender by Nazi forces before the Allies Commander on 7/8 May 1945. I am doubtful if the year 1944 would have been celebrated in Bombay as VE Day. A surrender was signed on 7th May at Reims, France. Though the military officers of all the three countries of the Allies were present, Stalin countermanded it stating that the Russian general was not authorised by him to accept the surrender, and insisted on another surrender in Berlin. The reason had to do with who got more credit. The Red Army was the first to enter Berlin, whereas the US and Britain had made the ground assault from France and Italy.
AK ji
Compliments on the fact that SoY again maintained very high quality during 2018. Apart from lovely posts by yourself, the guest contributors were in great form.
Roshan-Madan Mohan
Two magnificent music directors, maybe two persons who were different in the way they lived their day-to-day life.
Some common points:
Both created many songs based on ragas
Both appreciated good poetry/lyrics and while composing tunes tried to ensure that effectiveness of lyrics got enhanced.
Now contrast:
Roshan generally avoided using big ensemble of musicians. MM was comfortable with big orchestra if he thought a large set of violin+cello players will enhance the effect.
MM created more comedy songs or light-hearted songs than Roshan.
Regards
Tyagiji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Some more observations:
1. Roshan was quite prolific with Mukesh, who was distinctly his most preferred singer after Rafi; Madan Mohan was very sporadic with him.
2. The position with Kishore Kumar is reverse.
3. Roshan had some landmark Muslim socials; Madan Mohan, some suspense films.
Sangeetaji, my husband recalls being sent out (as a small boy) to get Cole for his uncles. I think for all of them, including your father, the thrill was in the betting, not the winning. 🙂
I’d the privilege to communicate with your brother when I was writing an article about your father and he was kind enough to give me permission to use personal photographs of your father.
With AK’s kind permission, I will post the link here:
https://anuradhawarrier.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-masters-madan-mohan.html
AK@ 79
I make two explanations on your two observation:
1) ” I don’t think we can draw a moral equivalence between fond recollection about a celebrity by his family member, and unsubstantiated sweeping observations denigrating a celebrity.”
The above observation and inferences are not correctly read.
My conclusion about Anil Biswas mainly based on the information which we had and I had no such derogatory meaning that you have pointed. Question still worries me that if AB fell in love with a girl aged eighteen years old was it right for him to do so? Then if he was in love with her then a man in love would do a lot more for the person he loved. The songs he offered to MK were of medium quality until the songs in Paradesi were given to her.
This way of searcher and not any personal vendetta against AB. If we are not allowed to say after researched conclusion then one is not on an equal plain. Besides not allowing the freedom for the research work as one had already preconceived idea about the person or the record.
The second point: what is private when it comes in public? It seems that people have double standard that something sweet is acceptable and something ugly lurking under the information is not accepted.
One needs to be logical and dispassionate, and neutral about the history and one should not get our personal views entangled in the statements made by a good study and not a gossip in the railway compartment or in a teahouse.
There are dark shadows about MM’s life and if they are mixed up in his creative force then one should have allowance to understand that.
About your explanation about VE Day is very bookish and that needed to be clarified with proper study.
The Trams, Buses, and governments buildings in Bombay were illuminated and the word VE was also part of the decoration. This is my “Ankhe Dekhi Hakikat” and I want to stick to it. The word VE Day as we know now perhaps occurred later on.
Shalan Lal
Canasyaji, @77. If my memory goes well, I think I was present at the program that you mention.
Why would one treat an artist as being above being a human? Is is not a natural feeling to be appreciated….and I am sure they are more sensitive and human than most…
Great to know that Sanjeev and you were classmates….you did not mention when and where…
Warm regards,
Sangeeta
Wish all friends a wonderful new year ahead, full of music and it’s appreciation.
Shalan Lalji, Namaste. First and foremost. Thank you for your kind words. Regarding the personal recollections of my Father, that has nothing to do with his music….It is about him as a person, so I do not think there should be two ways about it.
About your doubts about his Service record, I am sorry to correct you there. There is absolutely no record or fact that he ever played a role in any Shantaram film. It couuld be that you mistook someone else for Madan Mohan. I am sharing a link on the few roles that he played, which were mostly for Bombay Talkies/Filmistan …He had no connection with Legendary Shantaram whatsoever, personally or professionally. And the record of his service stays intact as per our records.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N–U5RdfJMM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phN7qFTtwgg
There are dark shadows on MM’s life and so also with every other human being. No one is either totally black or white…It is human to err, so it is not a big deal, whether it is Anil Biswasji, Madan Mohanji or any other.
AKji,, How is it possible for me to share a photograph of Madan Mohanji from the Army? Can I send it to you and will you share it?
Sangeetaji,
Please send me the photograph and I would see if it can be posted on the log.
Sangeeta jee bohat aala likha aap nay apnay piyaray Abbu kay baaray main.Wo bohat Talented thay apnay kaam main.Aisay lagaa jaisay main nay Madan jee per aik kitab par lee.Salamat Rahain aap sab behan Bhai.Hats off to you Sangeeta jee.Sanjeeve jee ko maira salaam.Warm Regards.
Bahut shukriya Shafqatji. Mera yeh maanna hai ki us zamane ke saare artistes apne kaam mein bahut achhe the kyon ki woh apne fun ki taraf imaandar the aur guni the. Paisa kamana zuroori tha, magar saath mein apne kaam ki taraf bhi mehnat hoti thi. Aapke ashirwad ke liye bhi bahut shukriya. Sanjeev ko salaam zuroor pahuncha doongi. Warm regards to you too.
Sangeeta ji:
Thanks for the response. I am an IIMC graduate (14th batch) and was with your brother during 1977-79. For anonymity on the net I use the name Canasya which is the name of my amplifier!
You are absolutely right that we tend to put our celebrities on a pedestal and then are surprised to find traces of flesh and blood in them. In fact, often they are more vulnerable. The real stardust quality of your father, however, is revealed in the down-to-earth upbringing of his children.
Here is wishing you, your family, and the entire SoY community a very happy new year.
Canasyaji @91…Ok I understand, I was not sure whether it was IIMC, or Sydenham College, or St. Xavier’s Boys Academy where you studied with Sanjeev. In fact, I had visited him on the campus whilst he was there and had a great time. But it was way back then…
So glad you understand that true artistes are very sensitive. much more than ordinary humans, who also crave for appreciation. I am sure we would all love our parents, friends and wellwishers to say, wonderful and well done when we did well in school, and who would not want a cup or medal when we won in sports or ranked first?
We children too are very grateful to our parents for the kind of upbringing that they gave us, but they were those kind of people too. Warm regards and wishing you and your family a wonderful year ahead.
Ms.Gupta, thank you for the reminiscences. I am like many others a great fan of your father’s music and particularly like some of his compositions that fall outside his regular oeuvre. Just last year I was pleased as punch to purchase a vinyl record that had the twin delights of Dastak and Dil ki Rahen.
Mr.Canasya if I may demur the film Amadeus has very little relation to Mozart’s life. It is adapted from a play by Peter Schaffer and the real Salieri seems to have had little jealousy for Mozart. Mozart was very well thought of by his contemporaries like Haydn and afficionados such as van Sweiten. Mozart was chased by other devils notably a disregard for authority, not the jealousy of contemporaries. He was not very good at managing money or commissions which is why he was sometimes impecunious.
Thank you SSWji @ 93. so glad you enjoy Madan Mohanj’s music. and yes, I too live many of his songs which are as he would say “hatke from his style”. I remember the Dastak and Dil ki Rahein combo…very nice one. and great that you were able to get a record of that.
Regards and have a great year ahead.
Dear Sangeetha ji,
As you are aware, I sometimes comment on facebook on your posts, etc.
An excellent recount and thanks for the frank and sincere sharing of your feel, experience, etc. as the daughter of the great great MM. You may recall that I often state that Quality personified in music = MM and maintain it to the core.
I have a request:
Just like you shared your favourites of Lata with MM, I would keenly look up to a similar pick from you on Rafi’s solos with MM. While all our great veterans are fully in the know of this, your choice will be special and I will look up to the same. Regardless of public perception or familiarity, I strongly hold that usage of Rafi by MM was as great as his usage of Lata. This is of course my humble view. Hence, your input on this would be great !!
Thanks AKji for planning and executing this wonderful writeup by Sangeetha ji..
Chellamani Ramanji, @95, Namaste. Of course I am aware of your presence on my comments on Facebook and so happy to see your presence here. //and thank you for your generous words. I will definitely take my pic on Mm/Rafi songs as well and share them …
Shalan Lal
Sangeetaji @ 86
I am astonished at your following statements with so much fervor and force in them:
“I am sorry to correct you there. There is absolutely no record or fact that he ever played a role in any Shantaram film. It could be that you mistook someone else for Madan Mohan.”
And you further added:
“He had no connection with Legendary Shantaram whatsoever, personally or professionally. “
I can suggest following for your consideration:
There are two easy sources one can find. One on the Wikipedia- List of Bollywood Films according to the years they were produced.
Here is from” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia” from the list for the year 1944:
Parbat Pe Apna Dera (On The Mountain We Live) is a Bollywood film directed by V. Shantaram. It was released in 1944 The story, dialogues and lyrics were written by Dewan Sharar. The music was composed by Vasant Desai. The film was produced under the Rajkamal Kalamandir banner and starred the “sensitive actress” Vanmala. Ulhas, cited as an actor known for his “melodramatic histrionics and a sonorous voice” was chosen to play the lead role of an “ascetic turned playboy” The cast included Shantarin, Madan Mohan, Kanta Kumari and Baby Nalini.
The second source is Hindi Film Geet Kosh Volume II.
The above information is repeated ditto in the HFGK page number 172 film number 344 except the singers of the nine songs in the film. They have been identified by the Wikipedia while HFGK have blank lines for the singers.
Of course I have to accept your proposition that “The Madna Mohan in the Shataraam film could be a different “Madan Mohan”.
So there could be two Madan Mohans in the old Bollywood.
Mr Arunkumar Deshmukh has written a document about the puzzlement of similar names in the Hindi films causing confusion. He probably may have a say or something about this bewilderment.
However about thirty years back there was a seminar on the Indian films in Birmingham and one topic was called the “Issues based films of Shantaram”.
The lecturer showed the video excerpts of Shantaram’s films and talked about them.
One short cut was from the film “Parbat Pe Apana “Dera”. Madan Mohan’s image came into view. The lecturer mentioned that it was Madan Mohan the Music Director of the fifties films.
“Shantaram spent Rs. 40, 000 on the “settings” during the year 1944 when that amount was huge. And could be similar when RK spent his vast fortune on the set of Awara.
Parbat Pe Apna Dera was one of the successes that followed Kalamandir’s films after Shakuntala. The film was “extremely popular” and went on to celebrate a jubilee (twenty-five weeks).”
But then the lecturer could be very, very wrong about Madan Mohan as I was in my comment on your post.
As you said “to err is human”. I am human and susceptible to err.
Shalan Lal
If I may:
I have watched Parbat Pe Apna Dera (and I will never get back the two hours I spent watching it) and I can state with confidence that whichever ‘Madan Mohan’ acted in it, it certainly wasn’t the music director. There’s no one who looks remotely like him in the film.
Madan Mohan, the music director, had a very distinctive look, as is evident from the stills of Parda, which was his ‘debut’ (the film was shelved) – he looked pretty much a younger, leaner version of his later photographs.) And that was in 1948 when he would have been 24.
As for the lecturer who claimed the still s/he showed was that of Madan Mohan, the music director, I can only assume that s/he was mistaken because the name ‘Madan Mohan’ is more closely associated with music than acting. In other words, s/he was also mistaken. 🙂
Shalanji @ 97, Very happy to get your response.
Yes, My response was with fervour because the facts stated were absolutely incorrect. No doubt you had got them from somewhere …so they needed to be put on recorded to set your “doubt about his record” straight.
I am aware of the film you are talking about as I have just finished reading a fantastic biography on Shantaramji written by his daughter Madura Pandit Jasraj…Even in that, there is no mention of any such thing…I am aware that there was no professional or personal connection there.
Wikipedia is most unreliable…anyone can correcct, edit, add or delete.
Even if Geet Kosh does carry the same information, why cannot Madan Mohan be someone else? it was not an uncommon name.
The lecturer who said it was composer Madan Mohan was equally mistaken. Once a statement is made and accepted, people keep on referring to it …but not necessary that it is correct.
And yes, to err is human, you have not manufactured the fact, but stated it as you have read and believed. No problem with that at all, it is just that I happened to be here to bring to light the misconception. It would not be possible for me to do it every time it may be quoted.
Thanks
Sangeeta.
Thanks Anu @ 98
What a fabulous article. And delightful to be in the company of such deewane. Can’t think of a better word for the wonderful bunch of people. I feel like I have reached home. Thank you Sangeetaji and AK ji.
Nimeshji,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Thank you so much for your appreciation Nimeshji.
Top 100 songs of Madan Mohan and Rafi combo!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXHPtnB1PXc&t=494s
Ms. Sangeeta Gupta ji;
After silence its the music that can bring tears of joys . Yes , Today is birthday of Madan Mohan ji and I am daydreaming listening to his beautiful dancing mode melodies. He was always there ….till the music last.
Here is to him a bouquet of songs……
dekhta chala gaya main..Rafi_Lata_Rajindr K_MadanMohan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M85F-C6EUMc
Dekh Kabira Roya – Hum Bulate Hi Rahe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A08rgZaOfxk
Hai Unki Woh Nigahein – Asha Bhosle – AAKHRI DAO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I66cqXXrNbM
Bhatiaji,
Nice of you to have remembered Madan Mohan’s birthday. Joining you in paying my tributes to the great master.
I haven’t read your entire message, nevertheless, respond to the observation that he was scarcely nominated for popular awards. My some incoherent thoughts are:
Madan Mohan was above awards, certainly above popular awards.
The popular awards possibly got trp version of those days.
There was certainly greater competition of his type from naushad, burman dada, jaidev amongst any such others.
That he was not well awarded, is a reflection on the selection committee in those days, and not Madan Mohan ji.
His die hard fans are not the kind, who choose to hear him because of awards, but because he is genuinely irresistibly great.
Sangeeta ji has not mentioned of some of his greats, such as baiyan na dharo, Naina barde, zara si aahat, mai ri main kase kahoon, tumse kahoon, main nigahen, agar mujh se mohabbat hai and many others I can’t recall, but know, when I hear them.
Sangeeta ji, that I am his die hard fan may be audacious, nevertheless, whenever, I listen to him, I stop mesmerized as if in presence of Lord himself.
Songs listed by you in this message are the ones that have mesmerized the generations so far, and continue to do so till eternity. Sadar Naman.
Col Bajaj,
Welcome to Songs of Yore.
This was a beautiful guest article. Superbly written and thoughtful, wonderful homage from a daughter to her father. Sangeeta ji, I used to be in Jaipur decades ago and met you through my mother, Mrs Pramila Ojha, who used to run Roots Public School where you daughter studied as a toddler. We used to be in Khatipura and I will never forget this beautiful set of HMV cassette box of Lataji that you gave me when you found out that I liked singing. I was studying in Ajmer those days. i will be so incredibly grateful to SongsOfYore if they can get my message across to you. I would love to get in touch with you. Thank you so much.
Hello Abhilasha, How wonderful to hear from you. Of course I remember you and your dear mother Pramillaji so well. We had become good friends, but lost touch with her after she closed down the school. I have very fond memories of Roots Public School where my elder daughter studied for her primary schooling years before moving on to MGD. Where is your mother now?
Hope you and your family are well. We still live in Jaipur and in the same home where we lived in then. Do you ever come to jaipur?
Do give my regards to Pramillaji and warm love to you.
Sangeeta
Namaste Col. Bajaj (109)
Thank you for your message and so glad you enjoyed the article and the songs. Warm regards, Sangeeta
Namaste Sangeetaji,
I read your article in one go, as soon as I found it on SoY, while looking for one on the occasion of Madanji’s birth anniversary. I am a die-hard fan of Madan Mohan ji! I also have a book written about him by Shri V.M.Joshi of BARC.
Your article is a real treasure for Madanji’s fans. And the photographs are so heart-warming!
You are right about people missing out Madanji’s other tone of music. While his soulful songs are admired by all, I thoroughly like his songs foot-tapping songs very much, such as ‘Yehi hai tamanna’, ‘Yun rootho na haseena’ and so many. Haqeekat would remain my all time love for the story as well as for the soul searching music by Madanji!
Thank you very much and may the God always take care of you all!
Amazing narration of the greatest music composer of all times. That too from a proud daughter. Your article adds to his immortality. Except from this article, I would never have known him as a person he was. Such a multifaceted personality. Is it that the almighty calls exceptionally special people early. I have been fortunate
enough to know you ( Sangeeta Ji). Respect for Madan Ji and you has grown further. Best wishes for a hale and hearty life to you.
Dr Jayant Sharma,
Welcome to SOY.
Thank You Sangita Ji for enlightening us about Madanmohan Ji. More than Half of the songs shared by you are my favourite. Kaun Aaya — and Bhor aayi remains on my lips most of the time and Har koi chahata hai nice song with various moods it’s nice to realize about the tedious home work done by behind beautiful songs to make them everyone’s favorite. We are proud to have such a legacy in our film and music industry.
Manoj Kumar Chaturvedi,
Welcome to SOY.
Nice information
Lovely to know about legend from you Sangita ji
Interestingly when ever I like any old song it’s composed by MM sahab
Welcome to SOY.
Namaste Dr. Jayant, Am really touched that you took time off from your busy schedule to read this article and comment on it on the Blog. Isi bahane aap is khoobsurat blog par aaye aur aasha karti hoon yahan articles padhte rahenge. They are wonderful, cover various topics and very informative. It is my privilege to know you too, and glad you got to know more about Madan Mohanji through this article.
Warm Regards, Sangeeta
So glad I shared my article Manoj Chaturvedi ji (117) and that you spared time to read it and comment on it here on the blog. Very happy that you enjoyed knowing about the hard work put in by our legendary artistes and how much effort is put in before you get to hear the 3 minute produce which you have been enjoying over the decades.
That is so sweet of you Rashmi ji. So glad to hear (119)that many of the songs that you like are composed by Madan Mohan ji.
Dear Sangeetaji,
Thank you so much for a really beautiful article straight from the heart .I am an ardent fan of Madan Mohan Ji’s songs as well you . Many unknown facts came to light through this write up . .. especially the emotional moments coming through you ( a daughter ) touched a lot to me !
Usha Goyal,
Welcome to SOY.
So glad to know that Usha ji (124). It was indeed a pleasure to relive old memories whilst writing this article, and so glad AKji asked me to do the other singers. The more popular ones are featured so often. Regards, Sangeeta
Dear Sangeeta di,
Though I have been following MM sb’s page which you graciously share with me on every Sunday, still your article brought a different flavour. The feelings that poured out from a daughter’s heart for her father, a father who is a legend. This reminiscent write up brings a mixed feeling of pride, affection and nostalgia. You have presented the rare gems beautifully. This memoir ought to be declared a treasure trove.
Nidhi Patni,
Welcome to SOY.
The article written by Sangeeta ji is an eye opening and revealing the mystery and musical history of late Shri Madan Mohan Sahib. I have been an ardent lover of the music and songs composed by the legendary music director Shri MM Sahib. He had a range of singers spanning from Rafi Sahib to Bhupendra ji and other eminent singers of repute. The article is lucid, engrossing and enticing to know the music world. I am a fan of humility of Sangeeta ji – she is our mentor and an usher to show a path to us for pursuing our passion of singing melodies of the Bollywood. Hats off to her.
Mr Khandelwal,
Welcome to SOY.
Thank you Dr. Nidhi (127) You are a wonderful writer yourself, so coming from you it means a lot. Thank you for your appreciation, Regards, Sangeeta
Khandelwal, ji, NIDHI ji, Sangeeta Gupta ji;
I believe that a person’s taste in music tells you a lot about them . No individual note is complete unless combination of notes makes a melody…..the art which is God gifted for Madan Mohan ji. Musicians don’t retire their music lives for ever.. His qualitative music always got honored and recognition from the best of Music Directors of his times. Madan Mohan’s selection of instruments 1n postludes and interludes was always remarkable . One has to hum those along with main lyrical content of the song for greater pleasure.
Here is one soul stirring duet that I often listen on quite evenings….
Humsafar Saath Apna Chhod Chale – Mohammed Rafi , Asha Bhosle – AAKHRI DAO….MM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIZaLYIfPXg
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