Roshan aur Madan Mohan ki Asha

8 September 2018

Greeting Asha Bhosle on her 85th birthday (b. 8 September 1933) with her best songs by Roshan and Madan Mohan

Roshan-Madan Mohan-Asha BhosleIn Lata Mangeshkar era, music directors could be divided into two groups: Those who were like their wings chopped-off without her; and those who equally wanted her, but could survive even without her. (OP Nayyar was in a class of his own.) The first group had some of the greatest names, such as Naushad, C Ramchandra and Shankar-Jaikishan. I have earlier said they probably used Asha Bhosle ‘reluctantly’. But another Master, SD Burman, could not only survive a long hiatus with Lata Mangeshkar, but also produce some of the best music with Asha Bhosle and Geeta Dutt. Roshan and Madan Mohan were among the privileged few who, as per the popular literature, didn’t ever face the ire of the Empress. Though their Lata Mangeshkar songs far outweigh Asha Bhosle’s in quality and stature, and possibly in numbers, they have used Asha Bhosle very prominently to create some of her and their best songs. DP Rangan has set off a series on these two great composers in tandem. We can add another commonality between them: their willing and voluntary use of Asha Bhosle.

Parallel movement of their association with Asha Bhosle

It is interesting to observe how Roshan and Modan Mohan’s association with Asha Bhosle has proceeded in parallel. Roshan debuted in 1949 with Neki Aur Badi, and used Asha Bhosle in his debut film itself in a duet with Rajkumari – Ram duhaai haye Ram duhaai. Roshan’s great journey with Lata Mangehskar started from 1951 onwards with films like Hum Log, Malhar (1951); Anhonee, Naubahar (1952) etc. and continued till his last film Anokhi Raat (1968), ending with a superb song Mahlon ka raja mila. Comparatively, he used Asha Bhosle in trickles; he scored her first great song, Tera dil kahan hai (Chaandni Chowk, 1954), a few years later. Readers may recall I had a tongue-in-cheek Asha Bhosle Fan Club test, in which many readers held this song superior to Lata Mangeshkar’s Rahe na rahe hum which Roshan composed in a similar tune several years later for Mamta (1966). (I thank Shalini for some factual correction.)

Thereafter, Roshan used Asha Bhosle more regularly. There are several films in which she was the main or even the sole female singer, such as Coffee House (1957); Aji Bas Shukriya (1958); Aangan, CID Girl, Deep Jalta Rahe, Maine Jeena Seekh Liya (1959); Vallah Kya Baat Hai (1962); Bedaag (1965) etc.

Madan Mohan-Lata Mangeshkar combination is even more celebrated than Roshan-Lata. He has also been enshrined in history as her Rakhi-brother. Like Roshan, he too didn’t have her in his debut film Aankhen (1950). His superlative journey with her started a year later with films like Ada (1951); Ashiyana (1952) etc. and continued till the end, creating several iconic songs for her. He used Asha Bhosle’s voice too for the first time in Ada (1951) in a duet with SD Batish, Sab kuchh karna is duniya mein pyar na karna bhool se. Thereafter, in several films he used her as the lead or the sole female singer, such as in Chacha Chaudhary (1953); Ehsaan, Ilzaam (1954); Aakhri Dao, Chandan, Ek Shola, Khota Paisa, Night Club (1958); Naya Kanoon (1965) etc.

There are several other films in which though Asha Bhosle was not the main singer, her odd song became immensely popular, for example Nigahein milaane ko ji chaahta hai (Roshan); Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan dil pe mere giraye ja and Jhumka gira re (Madan Mohan). Some of her famous songs with these two composers have been discussed earlier on this blog in other contexts. Yet there are a large number of their songs still out, some of which are relatively unknown, of great quality. I am happy continuing the series on Roshan-Madan Mohan in tandem with a selection of their songs for Asha Bhosle, wishing her a very happy 85th birth anniversary.

Roshan-Asha Bhosle

1. Kya dekha hai..Tod diya dil tune sanwariya, baali umar mein tod diya from Coffee House (1957), lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri

Kya dekha hai, kya dekhenge, kya kya nahin dekha, Aankhon ne magar aisa tamasha nahi dekha – Songs which start with a slow recital, followed by the song in tempo, always create an impact because of the unexpected turn. Asha Bhosle with four solos – all unknown – was the lead singer in Coffee House. Roshan stamp is obvious in this soft, soulful melodious song. You can’t miss the his signature-flute sound. You can sense the seeds of Duniya mein aisa kahan sabka naseeb hai and the characteristic great music for which Roshan became famous in the 1960s, in this song.

2. Jawan ye zindagi ye pyar ka samaan, O mere dilbar kahan hai tu kahan from Coffee House (1957), lyrics Shailendra

In a complete contrast, Roshan composes a peppy nightclub dance song in OP Nayyar-Geeta Dutt style.

3. Gahri gahri nadiya ka thandha thandha pani from Coffee House (1957), lyrics Prem Dhawan

Between the above two extremes, Roshan now takes a middle ground with this third song from the same film, in folk style of which he was a master.

4. Daali pe baithi thi das chidiya from Deep Jalta Rahe (1959), lyrics Shailendra

This is a fabulous children song. The enthusiastic schoolteacher dances and sings to teach basic arithmetic and general knowledge to the school children.

6. Tohre nainwa mein humra jiya khoi gaya from Deep Jalta Rahe (1959), lyrics Rahil Gorakhpuri

A perfect mujra song.

7. Le gaya dil nikaal ke bin poochhe from Warrant (1961), lyrics Anand Bakshi

The film had another Asha Bhosle solo. Here is a naughty song.

8. Nikale the kahan jaane ke liye manzil ka pata maloom nahin from Bahu Begum (1967), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi

The film had an immortal Rafi-Asha Bhosle duet, Hum intezaar karenge, covered in the opening post by DP Rangan, and also a duet with Lata Mangeshkar, Pad gaye jhoole saawna riut ayi re. And you have this outstanding mujra performed by Helen lip-synching Asha Bhosle. Roshan adds class to the mujra.

9. Mohabbat ho gayi hai mere meharbaan ko kisi nameharbaan se from Noorjehan (1967), lyrics Shakeel Badayuni

Helen again performing a terrific dance in the royal court to please the prince who is depressed because of some roadblocks in love.

10. Na na na na na na meri beri ke ber mat todo koi kaanta chubh jayega from Anokhi Raat (1968), lyrics Indivar

In his last film Roshan did not forget to give a very nice Asha Bhosle song.

Madan Mohan-Asha Bhosle

11. Mori chham chham O chham baaje payal, O jiya mora ghayal from Chacha Chaudhary (1953), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

There are several songs in which the man plays a string instrument or sings and the lady dances. Here Shashikala performs a nice dance-song, with Raja Paranjape on dholak.

12. Bujhne lagi hai shama…Dekhoon kab tak teri main raah sajna from Ilzaam (1954), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

This is a nice melodious song, as if Madan Mohan had set this tune for Lata Mangehskar. The uploader has superimposed the song on the video of Nirala (Mehfil mein jal uthi shama).

13. Dil dil se milakar dekho from Mem Sahib (1956), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

In this fun film starring Kishore Kumar, Meena Kumari and Shammi Kapoor, this was an iconic twin song in the voices of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. Readers are by now familiar with the phenomena of the male version becoming the frontrunner. But by itself, Meena Kumari is delightful lip-synching this song.

14. Ashqon se teri humne tasveer banayi hai from Dekh Kabira Roya (1957), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

Madan Mohan has created this song with care in a film which had many iconic songs by different singers, such as Kaun aya mere man ke dware (Manna Dey), Humse aya na gaya unse bulaya na gaya (Talat Mahmood), Tu pyar kare ya thukra de and Meri veena tum bin roye (Lata Mangehskar).

15. Haye unki wo nigaahein from Aakhri Daao (1958), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri

By 1958 Asha Bhosle had discovered her métier thanks to SD Burman and OP Nayyar’s superb music with her as the lead singer in several films. Gone was the tentativeness, and you see pure Asha Bhosle in this song. Her friend Shammi’s whistling adds to the charm of the song.

16. Ja ja ja saajana from Adalat (1958), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

This song has a sad version by Lata Mangeshkar. Here is the happy version in Asha Bhosle’s voice.

17. Ankhon ankhon mein ho gaye mast ishaare from Khazanchi (1958), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

This is a joyous song. Madan Mohan made a clear imitation in Nainon waali ne haye mera dil loota in Mera Saya (1966). Ignore the erroneous information given by the uploader treating this song as if from the earlier film of 1941 of the same name in which Shamshad Begum was launched by Gulam Haider.

18. Saba se ye kah do ye kaliyan bichhaye from Bank Manager (1959), lyrics Jalal Malihabadi

Asha Bhosle had four songs in the film. No list of the best of Madan Mohan-Asha Bhosle is complete without this song.

19. Jaao ji jaao tumhein maan liya sainya from Chacha Zindabad (1959), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

A nice nightclub dance song.

20. Ja re ja re ja re anadi baalma from Duniya Na Maane (1959), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

Very nice mujra by Minoo Mumtaz.

21. Wafaon ke badle jafa kar rahe hain from Jaagir (1959), lyrics Raja Mehdi Ali Khan

I was familiar with the mukhda, but I heard this superb dance song for the first time.

Then I realized why the mukhada sounded familiar. Here is a qawwali by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan with the same mukhada.

22. Unhein qissa-e-gham likhane jo baithe from Naya Kanoon (1965), lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri

I am fascinated by this song. I have covered Rafi’s recitation style version earlier in my post ‘It’s prose, It’s recitation, It’s a song’. Here is the ‘song’ by Asha Bhosle that is equally delightful.

23. Meri rakhi ki rakhiyo tu aan re, teri raksha kare Bhagwan from Naya Kanoon (1965), lyrics Saraswati Kumar ‘Deepak’

This film also had this nice Rakhi song.

24. In aankhon se nazar ka teer chal jata to kya hota from Neela Akash (1965), lyrics Raja Mehdi Ali Khan

Mala Sinha is with her gang of girls on picnic, playing ringball and doing odd things. When hero Dharmendra is sighted with his friend Mehmood, the girls led by Mala Sinha swoop on him and sing this teasing song. The boys are helpless being outnumbered by the girls, but a concept like Adam-teasing never existed.

25. Koi shikwa bhi nahin koi shikayat bhi nahin, aur tumhein humse pehli si mohabbat bhi nahin from Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966), lyrics Rajendra Krishna

Madan Mohan-Asha Bhosle association continued for several years, but I end this post with this superb song that can rank with her best ever by any composer. The readers may remember this film had a delighful dancing-in-a park-song, Yun rootho na haseena, which I have included in my post on Rafi’s best songs by Madan Mohan.

Acknowledgement: Harvey, once a co-blogger and a regular at SoY, had written a post titled ‘Mohan ki Asha’ on his blog, now dormant for more than five years. The title of this post is adapted from this with grateful thanks.

Disclaimer: The  song links are from YouTube and have been used here only for the listening pleasure for the music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners.

{ 60 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Mehfil Mein Meri September 8, 2018 at 9:41 am

Hello AKji,
Today I was anticipating overlapping of our posts. Though my post focuses only solos, only two or three songs overlapped.
If I may suggest a correction, Asha’s first song for MM was for Ada in 1951. I’ve mentioned something in my post too.
Your post has some beautiful songs. I wanted to focus other songs, so thankfully songs are different.

For asha Roshan combo, my favorite from deep jalta rahein is
Dekho ji ras le gayo bhanwara

A good post AKji

2 AK September 8, 2018 at 9:59 am

Anup,
Asha Bhosle could have been common. But you too hitting Madan Mohan is a coincidence.

Thanks a lot for the correction.

3 Sangeeta Gupta September 8, 2018 at 1:32 pm

Thanks for the writeup above….I will take time to comment again. Today being Ashaji’s birthday I wanted to share a short snippet by her.
In the short audio snippet below Ashaji comments on her relationship with Madanji.
http://www.madanmohan.in/…/97_MM%20Tributes/24_ASHAJI-comme…

4 Dr Pradeep Kumar Shetty September 8, 2018 at 5:30 pm

AK ji,
Heard many of the songs for the first time.
My favourite MM _ Asha song is Shokh Nazar ki bijliyan…. What a rendition, especially the aah aah aahaaha! Any lesser artiste would have had no chance of getting noticed and , hence, surviving for decades, with the three Lata gems…Naina barse rimjhim rimjhim; Lag jaa gale ke phir ( I have read/ heard many singers saying it is their favourite Lata song) and Jo hum ne dastaan apne sunaaye….
The picturisation also added to the beauty of the song….Sone pe suhaaga!

5 AK September 8, 2018 at 6:17 pm

Dr Shetty,
I too heard some of the songs for the first time, but they were so good they seemed so familiar. Shokh nazar ki bijaliyan is indeed an outstanding song. I have mentioned it in my write-up. The song has figured earlier on this blog.

6 dustedoff September 8, 2018 at 6:41 pm

AK, while this is a great list and I discovered some wonderful ‘new’ songs, the one I really want to thank you for is Daali pe baithi theen das chidiya! Delightful. 🙂

7 AK September 8, 2018 at 8:30 pm

Madhu,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.

8 ksbhatia September 8, 2018 at 11:57 pm

Dr. Shetty @4;

Shokh nazar ki bijliyan…..is my fav. too. What a composition and what an in depth singing quality of Asha ji……singing right from her heart . And over and above beautiful and very passionate lyrics . Cameraman capturing right closeup at right moment not loosing the snowscapes of Shimla ….creating a chill in every beholder of the beauty captured in continuing circular moment of the camera. Hats off to all for this visual and melodious treat .

9 mumbaikar8 September 9, 2018 at 7:51 am

AK,
Greeting Asha on this day, 85 still going strong!
Mageshkar sisters are the William sisters of playback singing.
Roshan Madan Mohan tandem is progressing well.
Poor but real (not fake) dekhon kab tak me teri mai raah sajna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAWgGIUMIEs .

10 AK September 9, 2018 at 8:20 am

Mumbaikar8,
This is an excellent song. Thanks for adding it. Here is a good quality audio.
https://youtu.be/JzNeg20xMgY

11 Canasya September 9, 2018 at 3:24 pm

AKji:

A well timed post with several gems that I had not heard before. Roshan was among those MDs who preferred Lata even for Mujras (as in ‘Roothe saiyan’ from “Devar”). ‘Nigaahen milaane ko’ from “Dil hi to hai” probably represents the best of the Roshan-Asha combo. Asha did sing several iconic numbers for MM, including some great duets with Lata (Dekh Kabira Roya, Adalat). Here is ‘Ada qatil nazar barkebala’ from “Gazal”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va7-3xVanDU

12 AK September 9, 2018 at 5:46 pm

Canasya,
Thank you. Ada qaatil is a wonderful mujra.

13 Sangeeta Gupta September 9, 2018 at 11:21 pm

I was about to add Ada Qatil to my list of songs …Thank you so much for adding this beautiful number from Gazal Canasyaji,

Thank you very much for the few rarely heard and other commonly heard songs from the repertoire of Roshan Saab and Madanji.
Some I have heard for the first time….
There are a few songs I would like to add to the Asha/Madan Mohan combine which could have been added to the list of wonderful songs produced by this combination

A very beautiful and serene song which I think has hardly been heard.
1. Mere piya chede jiya – Chacha Chowdhry 1953
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox5qVhTENXY

Sanjog had the more popular Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh songs, but Asha Bhosle did full justice to this romantic song picturised on Shobha Khote.
2. Kehte hain chand jisko – Sanjog 1961
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6PX6cVTceM

Film Senapati which released in 1961 never really scored as a film, but there are a couple of very nice Asha Bhosle songs, two of which I am sharing.
3. Madira chalke mere naino se – Senapati 1961
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf2B6nYpfck

4. Mat kholo ghunghat pat saiyan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6PX6cVTceM

A peppy club song from the film Akeli Mat Jaiyo….of course there were a lot of club songs sung by Ashaji, but I quite like this one especially.
5. Thodi der ke liye mere ho jao – Akeli Mat Jaiyo 1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iSI3prhcno

Maa ka Anchal bombed at the Box office so this beautiful song, sung with such pathos by Asha missed being beard by many.
6. Jaane kya haal ho kal sheese ka paimane ka – Maa Ka anchal 1970
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP4JAIQ74Hc

14 AK September 10, 2018 at 12:35 am

Sangeetaji,
Thanks a lot for adding theses Asha Bhosle gems most of which were new for me. The link of Mat kholo ghunghat pat was wrong. Here is the correct link.

Mat kholo ghunghat pat sainya by Asha Bholse from Senapati (1961), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Madan Mohan

15 Ravindra Kelkar September 10, 2018 at 12:02 pm

Dear AK ji,
Thanks for this nice gift to Asha fans. Your finding that in the period 1957-1960, there is sudden increase in the number of songs sung by Asha for these MDs, corroborates with my observation that huge popularity of OP’s music forced the hand of many MDs to give OP like music, which implied use of Asha/Geeta as a female singer.
Has Asha sung more songs than Lata for these MDs? Can someone from SOY family enlighten us on this?

16 AK September 10, 2018 at 2:13 pm

Ravindraji,
You are welcome. Since Asha Bhosle’s total output is more than double of Lata Mangeshkar it is quite possible she sang more songs than her sisster for Madan Mohan. That is why I left the question of numbers tentative. Whether the spike was due to OPN effect I would not like to speculate. Of course, the question of quality and general acclaim is totally different.

17 Sangeeta Gupta September 10, 2018 at 3:53 pm

Thanks for adding the correct link AKji. I hope you enjoy the few unheard songs posted.

18 AK September 10, 2018 at 5:47 pm

Sangeetaji,
I did. Thanks a lot.

19 Mehfil Mein Meri September 10, 2018 at 6:44 pm

AKji @ 16
In my opinion too, many of the asha bhosle – MM combos songs have a OPN effect.
In some songs, it’s too obvious
Could very well be one of the reasons for the spike mainly in late 50s, where are many films of MM without Lata’s song.
We can have a look at 1958 for this
🙂

20 KB September 10, 2018 at 7:17 pm

Around the period 1957-60 all the songs by any composer had a OP Nayyar flavour . Such was the magical effect he had that none including Roshan, MM , SD and Naushad were spared !

21 ksbhatia September 11, 2018 at 12:01 am

D P Rangan , AK’Ji[s] ;

There are as many ways of appreciating music as there are many kind of music . I think Both Roshan and Madan Mohan had this capability of composing wide range of music as per demand of the situation and type of movie……never loosing their popularity and rank as well.

Here are some songs Asha ji for Roshan which I suppose are less heard but carries the flavour of mid 50s songs .

1. Mere piya chhere jiya……Barati [1954]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r0xyY0PLis&t=150s

2.Jitne bhi hain gum…..Chandni Chownk [1955]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzeqs6sLtfk

3. Chun chun ke layi mein ……Jashan[1955]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUejCC_PRcI&t=109s

4. Yun dil se aa rahi hai….Jashan…..a unique two in one sad and happy song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAU93049wD0&t=87s

5. Teri meri ek jindri aake mil ja…..Vallah kya baat hai [1962]…this song is partially based on punjabi folk song and as such carries that flavour .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwl-DB7Pg-M

22 AK September 11, 2018 at 6:11 pm

Anup, KB,
OPN impact is a matter of degree and perception. I rate SD Burman-Asha Bhosle songs as a class of its own. Think of Ab ke baras; Tujhe mili roshni mujhko andhera; Koi aya dhankan kahti hai; Chhalki jaye chundariya hamari ho Ram. Naushad, though very less in number had his own distinct stamp. MM and Roshan, yes in a good number of songs, but they also created Asha Bhosle songs with their distinct touch: Mera dil kahan hai; Hum intezar karenge. Let us not overstate the effect or oversimplify it. Asha Bhosle was a major singer in her own right. Some music directors felt very comfortable with her. Besides Roshan and Madan Mohan, Ravi stands out.

KS Bhatiaji,
Thanks for these songs. Mere piya chhede jiya is too good.

23 Anu Warrier September 11, 2018 at 6:39 pm

Hi AK, coming late to this post. Some of the songs on this list and in the comments are new to me, but of the songs that I know, Haay unki ye nighaahein is a particular favourite.

24 mumbaikar8 September 11, 2018 at 9:37 pm

AK,
I agree with you that SDB was master in getting best out of his singers, not only Asha or his favorites, even the singers with whom he did not work very often like Mukesh Suraiya or even Mubarak Begum have one of their best in his music direction.
He worked mostly with A grade movies and his songs got more attention too.
We all know that Asha got the songs that might have gone to Lata otherwise.
MM worked in B grade movies too and Asha was his preferred choice for most of those movies, with better graded movies he usually worked with Lata.
I once again agree with you that Saba se ye kahdo from Bank Manager as one of his and her best.

25 AK September 11, 2018 at 9:50 pm

Anu,
Welcome back.

26 ksbhatia September 11, 2018 at 11:50 pm

Ms. Mumbaikar8, AK ji;

Asha’s …..sabase yeh kehdo….and …..Lata’s ……Kadam behke behke jiya ….are one of the best songs of MM . There is one song by Asha from Bank Manager which carries of half OPN and half SJ style of music composition ….

Aji o zara apni nigahoan ko sambhalo…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrTOwBPkg7M

For one of Asha , Rafi duet I will rate …..Humsafar saath apna chhod chhale…..as their best for MM .

27 ksbhatia September 12, 2018 at 12:09 am

Rangan ji , AK ji ;

The song #13…..Dil dil se mila kar dekho is a very sweet and delightful song . During radio days this was the most frequent heard song ….it carries the memories of bathroom singing as well where loud singing was the in thing for shy ones .

This original of this song has traveled many miles and continents from its origin from Italy to many countries It probably date back to 30s or early 40s . The song is known by ISLE OF CAPRI and before its first vinyle record it was fav. of many crooners of the euro and west as well . Thanks to MM ji for bringing such melodies to indian lovers who respect music from all continents . Here is one of the earliest recordings …

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

28 mumbaikar8 September 12, 2018 at 5:57 am

Ksbhatiaji,
I did some aerial survey of Asha MM songs and surprising have come to a conclusion that Asha MM combination has more duets than Lata MM, and that Asha Rafi have the most number of duets with MM.
AK said, that he has saturated the MM Roshan ghazals on his blog, I think he should consider Ghazals in duets he might find some very good ones with both Roshan and MM.
Coming back to Asha solo with MM
This interesting song of Mohar reminds me some other song I cannot recollect any take
SURAT YATIM KI , SHAUQ SHIKAR KA – ASHA BHOSALE
https://youtu.be/ZHPzZldFCs4
I found one Asha qawwali I could have dropped it that blog but as this one is more active now here it is,
Jab Thoda Thoda Aankhon Se Qusoor Ho Gaya ASHA 1958 CHANDAN
https://youtu.be/jtQqiqFjshQ

29 AK September 12, 2018 at 11:30 am

Aji O zara apni nigahon ko sambhalo: Nice observation about combo of OPN-SJ. I have a quibble about half-half ratio. It is at least 75% OPN.

Isle of Capri song is so nice. Thanks a lot. It does not take away anything from Madan Mohan,because he has changed the tempo so much that it is a new song.

30 AK September 12, 2018 at 11:32 am

Mumbaikar8,
I wish I had discovered that qawwali from Chandan for my post on Roshan and Madan Mohan’s qawwalis. Madan Mohan needed some support.

31 SSW September 12, 2018 at 8:40 pm

Mr.Bhatia @27, thanks for that song clipping. I had not heard that version before. By the way the song was composed in 1934 Wilhelm Grosz who had some interesting musical ideas. This version has a slide guitar solo played Al Bowlly himself. The piano by Mona Liter is wonderful, notice the accompaniment as the right hand plays the melody along with the guitar during its solo before breaking off and doing its own thing from 2:11.

32 ksbhatia September 13, 2018 at 12:12 am

Ms. Mumbaikar 8 ,@28;

Yes, I agree . The quality solos and duets of Asha for MM are in no way less than those of Lata duets . At one go my fav. would be ….Zamin pe hamein asmaan par bithha ke gira to na doge….

I am going on humming the Asha’s Mohar song but I am not able to recollect the similar song . Hopefully I will catch up and report back.

33 ksbhatia September 13, 2018 at 12:33 am

SSW, AK ji ;

Both MM song and Isle of Capri song left a deep mark in my memory . Dil dil se mila kar dekho….was all bath , soap and water song of 1957 when I was just Eleven . The scene changed in 1963 , the day I heard for the first time the Isle of Capri song live in Yorks hotel/ restaurant in CP , New Delhi . The song was played by a quartet with Piano in the lead with supports of Base guitar and soft brush on drums and crooner on mike . The effect was so soothing and really very enjoyable . At first I thought the song as a slow version of MM song ; but later on during my I I T days it got all clarified of its origin .

The more you hear this song the more relax you are !

34 Hans September 13, 2018 at 1:07 am

I think no proper thanks have been yet offered on behalf of Asha fans to AK for this article. I do that on behalf of all Asha fans. More than half a dozen articles on her have appeared and that is quite a transformation for a person who in tha start did not like her. Perhaps along the line he has also become at least half a fan of Asha. And nobody can match AK in selecting a variety of songs for such topics. As there is some confusion about numbers, I would provide them because I have them ready.

As per my calculation based on HFGK, MM gave Lata 202 songs (161+41) and Asha 186 (118+68) and Roshan gave 142 (101+41) to Lata and 89 (45+44) to Asha. So it is clear that Lata got more songs from both and decidedly so from Roshan. It is also clear that Mumbaikar8′ observation that Asha got more duets is also true. It is also clear that percentage wise Roshan gave more duets to both of them than MM. This is according to the pattern of their song making, because MM composed about 25 per cent duets of his total songs and Roshan composed about 33 per cent duets.

If we see it phase wise – to test the claim of Kelkarji – from 1950-58 MM gave 80 songs to Lata and 76 to Asha, from 1959-66 he gave 77 and 64 to them and from 1967 till the end he gave 45 and 46 to both of them respectively. In the case of Roshan the songs to Asha came in trickles only, except the year 1959, when 6 of his films were released. In that year alone he gave Asha 24 songs, 22 of which came in 4 films where Lata was not singing and only 2 songs in the remaining films in which Lata was singing. This again confirms Mumbaikar8 observation about low grade films going to Asha. But, I would say here that MM did not use Asha in the manner Roshan used, because he kept Asha at a very high pedestal and gave her important songs in important films. Lata may have snatched a song here or a song there, but generally MM did not listen to her in the case of either Asha or Rafi. For him if Lata brought ‘rang birangi rakhi leke aayi behna’, for Asha also he kept ‘meri rakhi ki rakhiyo tu aan re’. But, Roshan followed the diktats of Lata/CR in both cases.

The stats make it clear that in the case of both of them the analogy proposed by Kelkarji was not relevant.

I would come up with more comments again.

35 Hans September 13, 2018 at 1:10 am

Mumbaikar8
Do you mean the song ‘jhuk gayi dekho gardan’ from Talaq.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJePjWWbjeo

36 AK September 13, 2018 at 7:29 am

Hans,
Since you are equally unsparing in criticism, I accept your appreciation with grateful thanks. 🙂

I don’t know what is your source for Roshan yielding to the pressure of Lata/CR, but I have always admired his songs for Asha Bhosle. If a list of her best songs are compiled, Roshan would rank very high.

Thanks a lot for your detailed statistics, which always settles doubts on numbers.

37 Ashok M Vaishnav September 13, 2018 at 10:42 am

I fully and wholeheartedly second, third, fourth and all other required votes to the toast by Hans (#34) and would go back to relishing the article and the discussion thereon.

38 Dr Pradeep Kumar Shetty September 13, 2018 at 12:08 pm

We all agree that most of the (if not all) Lata songs could have been sung by Asha with the same results. But,vice versa is not the case. We can name many Asha songs where Lata will be unfit, uncomfortable and, sometimes, ineffective!
Whatever the logic of MM’s share in the Mangeshkar sisters’ repertoire,I strongly believe that he has given many a good songs to Asha.( Here I beg to disagree with AK ji that Roshan will rank highly in Asha’s best songs compilation. MM… definitely Yes.)
The 1959 Sohrab Modi starrer MINISTER had two Lata numbers…one solo,one duet with Rafi. Asha has four duets, three with Rafi and one with Mahinder Kapoor.
Rajinder Krishen’s lyrics for two Rafi _ Lata duets and MM’s music greatly resemble the fun / masthi songs from Ravi_ Rajinder Krishen songs. You may sense a bit of OPN/ SDB( Rafi_ Geeta Dutt songs),too!
One of the songs….Hello Hello Hello has the word Hello occuring about 74 times (!)… Asha…2 times and Rafi… the rest.
The second song,Biwi ko ghar mein bitha kar tum Hotel mein kyon jaate ho …picturised on Tun Tun and Bhagwan is also peppy.
As such MM hasn’t created many fun, masthi, natkhat songs, right?
Happy Ganesh chaturthi to all the Songs Of Yore family members.

39 Mehfil Mein Meri September 13, 2018 at 1:11 pm

First of all,
Happy Ganesh chaturthi to all SoY members.
गणपती बाप्पा मोरया

Very good statistics by Hans ji.
I also agree to shetty ji on the first part of the comment.
I request all the members to visit my blog on Saturday, as my post on duets of Asha with MM would get published. The first part on solos has already published on 8th.
🙂

40 ksbhatia September 13, 2018 at 3:48 pm

AK ji @29;

Well the SJ/OPN graph for each one can vary but I am surprised with one more song of Lata ji from MM ‘s Mohar that allmost strike 90 percent of SJ style …..may be because of raag Bhairvi .

Tum ho saath raat bhi haseen hai…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyzAF-cX5bo

41 AK September 14, 2018 at 7:37 am

Dr Shetty,
I join issues with first part of your statement. That would mean there is nothing exceptional about Lag ja gale ki phir ye haseen raat ho na no, Nainon mein badra chhaye, Sapne mein sajan se do baatein, Kadar jaane na, Ja re badra bairi ja, Unko ye shikayat hai ki hum kuchh nahi kahte, Yun hasraton ke daagh muhabbat mein dho liye etc.

It is not a Lata Mangeshkar thing. In generic sense one has to be very careful in saying that any song ‘A’ sang, ‘B’ could have sung better. Lata Mangeshkar has sung ‘Shraddhanjali’ songs as a tribute to the great singers like KL Saigal, Pankaj Mullick. She may have all the good intentions, but the result is quite unappealing. Chalo ek baar phir se is embedded in our mind in Mahendra Kapoor’s voice. It is difficult to imagine in Rafi’s voice. That is not to say whether he would have done better or not.

We can multiply the examples: Tum apna ranj-o-gham apni pareshani humein de do (Jagjit Kaur); Kabhi tanhaiyon mein (Mubarak Begum); Aapse hum ko bichhade huye (Manhar) and so on.

Choice of a singer was partly by design, partly by whatever was easily available. As for non-mainstream singers, it was more a chance than any a priory formula. If the song turned out to be spectacular, it stayed on in our minds in that singer’s voice.

42 Siddharth September 14, 2018 at 11:39 am

AKji,
Really enjoying the Roshan MM tandem series.
The golden era MDs were all very distinct and classy.
I have two points to make and this is my personal experience –
1. Lata songs with Roshan/MM or any other MD for that matter registers instantly compared to other female singers. This is not for all songs but more compared to other singers.
2.When it comes to duet I like Lata with Mukesh/Talat/Manna Dey and Rafi with Asha/Geeta more in comparison to Lata/Rafi combination.
Not sure about the reasons though.

43 Giri September 14, 2018 at 9:16 pm

AK,
I agree with your views on this point. There is no point in saying that someone else could have sung this or that song better as it is purely hypothetical and remains in the mind of the observer.
As for Asha , she is a very versatile singer. Sad or sexy, classical or caberet dance,mujra or qawwali -she has excelled in all. So it is natural for any MD to turn to her at some point.
Also it appears that she was more easy going and could get along with all the MD’s and singers compared to Lata who had issues with SDB or Rafi at some point.

44 Shalini September 14, 2018 at 10:27 pm

Nice! A post on my favorite singer’s work with my favorite music director, Roshan with Madan Mohan as the gild.

Some wonderful songs have been highlighted in the post and in the comments but here are some personal favorites that showcase Asha’s much vaunted versatility and how these two masters exploited that quality.

Nikolaasaa nikolassa mere sang jhoom le zara – Bedaag(1965)/Roshan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRdKzaVxqOw

Prem Lagan man mein basa le – Surat aur Seerat (1962)/Roshan
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2rl8kc

Kehti hai yeh thandi hawa – Ilzaam (1954)/Madan Mohan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sMQ4S0qv6c

Ye kaun meri zindagi mein aa gaya – Bombay Race Course (1965)/MM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQo_aEe0dL4

Incidentally, a minor correction, Bawre Nain wasn’t the first film for Asha with Roshan. He used her in his debut, Neki aur Badi, in a delightful duet with Rajkumari, “Ram duhai hai ram duhai” – a precursor to the magnificent “ghir ghir ke aasman par” by the same pair in “Bawre Nain.” And while Asha only has 95 songs for Roshan to Lata’s 145, he employed them in an almost equal number of films – 35 vs. 38.

45 mumbaikar8 September 15, 2018 at 6:22 am

Hans @ 34
Thanks for the detailed stats, good to know my observations were not off the mark.
@ 35
No I don’t think that’s the one I was thinking, let’s wait and watch Bhatiaji ‘s humming क्या रंग लाये

46 AK September 15, 2018 at 9:32 pm

Shalini,
Thanks a lot for the additional songs. All were new for me. I especially liked Kahti hai ye thandhi hawa.

Thanks also for the correction. I never looked up Neki Aur Badi, taking it for granted that Roshan would not have used Asha Bhosle in that film.

47 AK September 15, 2018 at 11:48 pm

Siddhath @42,
I am happy you are enjoying the Roshan-Madan Mohan series. About your point #2 I can see where you are coming from. First impression about songs leaves a lasting impact. Nevertheless, I would refer you to some of my favourite Rafi-Lata Mangeshkar duets. In 2011 I wrote a post on my ten most favourite Rafi-Lata duets, limiting one song from a music director. If I spread my net wider, here is my shortlist music director-wise. This list too is quite restrictive, ending at 1970, and leaving out many well known superhit songs. Here is the list for you to mull over and have for reference and comparison.

Adi Narayan Rao
1. Kuhu kuhu bole koeliya (Suvarna Sundari; 1958)
C Ramchandra
2. Bhool jayein saare gham (Nausherwan-e-Adil, 1957)
Chitragupta
3. Teri ankhon mei pyar maine dekh liya (Chaand Mere Aa Ja, 1960)
4. Chaand ko dekho ji
5. Beet gayi hai aadhi raat chaandaniya dheere dheere ana (Naache Nagin Baaje Been, 1960)
6. Chale ho kahan Sarkar humein beqaraar kar ke
7. Main hun gori nagin dekhungi rasiya
8. Teri duniya se door chale hoke majboor (Zabak, 1961)
9. Chaand jaane kahan kho gaya (Main Chup Rahungi, 1962)
10. Koi bata de dil hai kahan
11. Ek baat hai kahne ki aankhon se kahne do (Samson, 1962)
12. Aadhi raat kho khanak gaya mera kangana (Toofan Mein Pyar Kahan, 1966)
GS Kohli
13. Agar main poochun jawab doge (Shikari, 1963)
14. Chaman ke phool bhi tujhko gulab kahte hai
Ghulam Mohammad
15. Dil le ke chhupnewale (Paras, 1949)
16. Ankhiyan mila ke zara baat karo ji (Pardes, 1950)
17. Hum tum ye bahar dekho rang laya pyar (Ambar, 1952)
18. Bhigi palke utha meri jaan gham na kar (Do Gunde, 1959)
Hansraj Bahal
19. Saajan ki ot le ke (Zevrat, 1949)
Hemant Kumar
20. Ja re ja re O maakhanchor (Champakali, 1957)
21. Brindavan ka Krishna Kanhaiya sabki aankhon ka tara (Miss Mary, 1957)
22. O raat ke musafir chanda zara bata de
Husnlal-Bhagatram
23. Zara tune dekha to pyar aa gaya (Jal Tarang, 1949)
24. Chhota sa fasana hai tere mere pyar ka (Birha Ki Raat, 1950)
25. O mahi O dupatta mora de de (Meena Bazar, 1950)
26. Saajna, sun mere saajna ho (Aansoo, 1953)
Ka Datta
27. Yaad aane lagi dil dukhaane lagi (Daaman, 1951)
Kalyanji Virji Shah/Kalyanji-Anandji
28. Chaahe paas ho chaahe door ho (Samrat Chandragupta, 1958)
29. Main yahan tu wahan mera dil tujhe pukaare (Bedard Zamana Kya Jaane, 1959)
30. Husn chala kuchh aisi chaal (Bluff Master, 1963)
31. Hey e e Abdullah, naginwala aa gaya (Ishara, 1964)
Khayyam
32. Jeet hi lenge baazi hum tum (Shola Aur Shabnam, 1961)
Laxmikant-Pyarelal
33. Wo jab yaad aye bahut yaad aye (Parasmani, 1963)
34. Sang basanti rang basanti aa gaya (Raja Aur Rank, 1968)
35. Chhup gaye saare nazaare oye kya baat ho gay (Do Raaste, 1969)
36. Jhilmil sitaaron ka aangan hoga (Jeevan Mrityu, 1970)
Madan Mohan
37. Do ghadi wo jo paas aa baithe (Gateway of India, 1957)
Nashad
38. Bhula nahi dena ji bhula nahi dena (Baradari, 1955)
Naushad
39. jhoole mein pawan ke ayi bahar (Baiju Bawra, 1952)
40. Tu Ganga ki mauj main Jamna ki dhaar
41. Man ki been matwali baaje (Shabab, 1954)
42. Chalenge teer jab dil par (Kohinoor, 1960)
43. Do sitaaron ka zameen par hai milan aaj ki raat
44. Koi pyar ki dekhe jadugari
45. Tan rang lo ji aaj man rang lo
46. Yaad mein teri jaag jaag ke hum (Mere Mehboob, 1963)
47. Dil todnewale tujhe dil dhoondh raha hai (Son of India, 1962)
48. Tere husn ki kya tareef karun (Leader, 1964)
Ramlal
49. Tum to pyar ho sajna (Sehra, 1963)
Roshan
50. Zindagi bhar nahi bhulegi wo barsaat ki raat (Barsaat Ki Raat, 1960)
51. Aapne yaad dilaya to mujhe yaad aya (Aarti, 1962)
52. Baar baar tohe kya samjhaaun
53. Jo wada kiya wo nibhana padega (Tajmahal, 1963)
54. Paaon chhu lene do
SD Burman
55. Tere bin soone nain hamaare (Meri Surat Teri aankhen, 1963)
56. Dekho rootha na karo (Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, 1963)
SN Tripathi
57. Phool bagiya mein bulbul bole (Rani Roopmati, 1959)
58. Man ki gagariya mein tu chamka (Piya Milan Ki Aas, 1961)
59. Mohammad Shah Rangeele re (Nadir Shah, 1968)
Salil Chaudhary
60. Tasveer teri dil mein jis din se utaari hai (Maya, 1961)
Shankar-Jaikishan
61. Kaali ghata ghir ayai re (Kaali Ghata, 1951)
62. Aa ja ke intezar mein (Halaku, 1956)
63. Dheere dheere chal chaand gagan mein (Love Marriage, 1959)
64. Kya mil gaya haye kya mil gaya (Sasural, 1961)
65. Tujhe jeevan ki dor se baandh liya hai (Asli Naqli, 1962)
66. Dil tera deewana hai sanam (Dil Tera Deewana, 1962)
67. Aawaz de ke humein tum bulaao (Professor, 1962)
68. Ae sanam tere ho gaye hum (Ayi Milan Ki Bela, 1964)
69. Aaj kal mein dhal gaya (Beti Bete, 1964)
Shyam Sundar
70. Ae muhabbt unse milne ka bahana ban gaya (Baazar, 1949)
71. Apni nazar se door wo unki nazar se door hum
72. Kya raat suhani hai (Alif Laila, 1953)
Vasant Desai
73. Jeevan mein piya tera saath rahe (Goonj Uthi Shehnai, 1959)
74. Teri shehani bole sun ke jiya mor dole
Vinod
75. Ab haal-e-dil ya haal-e-jgar kuchh na poochhiye (Ek Thi Ladki, 1949)

48 mumbaikar8 September 16, 2018 at 9:01 am

Ak
Some more I like.
C. Ramchandra.
Taaron ki zaban par hai (Nausherwan-e-Adil, 1957)
Udhar se tum chale aur idhar se (Sagai, 1951)
Chitragupata
Chuupa kar meri aankhon ko (Bhabhi, 1957)
Kadam Kadam Pe Bahaaren Lutaataa ( Madam X Y Z, 1959)
Ghulam Mohammad
Chalo dildar chalo ( Pakeezah, 1972)
Kalyanji-Anandji
Bekhudi Me Sanam Uth Gaye Jo Kadam (Haseena Man Jayengi (1969)
Kabhi Raat Din Hum Dur The din raat ka ab saath hai ( Aamne Saamne 1967)
Laxmikant Pyarelal
Ek Tera Saath Humko Do Jahan Se Pyara Hai Wapas (1969)
Ye Dil Tum Bin Kahin Lagta Nahin, Ham Kya Kare ( Izzat, 1968)
Who hai zara khafa khafa ( Shagird, 1967)
Patta patta buta buta (Ek Nazar, 1967)
Madan Mohan
Meri duniya me tum aayi ( Heer Ranjha, 1970)
Naushad
Aane walon ka aan hoga (Sohni Mahiwal, 1958)
Roshan
Bahut aasan hai chilman se ( Rangeen raatein, 1956)
Falaq Milega Tujhe Kya Hame Mitane Se, Ye Muhabbat Naa Mitegi (Ghar ghar me Diwali, 1955)
S D Burman
Palakon Ke Pichhe Se Kyaa Tumane Kah Daalaa (Talaash, 1969)
Dil pukaren aaren aaren ( Jewel Thief)
R D Burman
Matwalee Aankhowale O Alabele Dilwale ( Chhote Nawab, 1961)
Rut hai milan ki saathi mere aa re ( Mela, 1971)
Kabhi Kabhi Aisa Bhi To Hota Hai Zindagi Me ( Waris, 1969)
Shankar Jaikishan
Karke Jiska Intzar Mera Dil Gaya Haar ( Hamrahi, 1963)
Mohd. Shafi
Tum humse juda hum tum se juda ( Hulchul,1951)
Preet Jata Ke Meet Banake Bhul Na Jana ( Hulchul,1951)
And last by
Khayyam in the fateful year.
Simti Hui Yeh Ghadiyan phir se ne bikhar jaye (Chambal Ki Kasam, 1980)

49 AK September 16, 2018 at 1:28 pm

Mumbaikar8,
You have made it 100. My list was quite restrictive. You have made it 100.

50 Hans September 18, 2018 at 9:31 am

Two stalwarts creating a list of 100 and still missing these absolute stunners which I will list. This will show how strong was this combination of the best male singer and the best female singer. But Siddharth must not be blamed because Asha-Rafi combo has more than double the number of Lata-Rafi.

Here are the stunners
Raat rangeeli chamke taare – Dulari
Mehfil men meri kaun ye – Albela
Dekh liya maine kismat ka – Deedar
Muhabbat ki bas itni dastan hai – Baradari
Ramaiya vastavaya – Shri 420
Dil ka na karna aitbaar koi – Halaku
Zara samne to aa o chhaliye – Janam janam ke phere
Piya kaise miloon tumse – Saaranga
Sau saal pehle mujhe tumse – Jab pyar kisi se hota hai
Mujhe kitna pyar hai tumse – Dil tera deewana
Tum bin sajan barse nayan – Gaban
Tumhari nazar kyun khafa ho gayi – Do kaliyaan
Ye parbaton ke daayare – Vaasna
Ye dil diwana hai – Ishq par jor nahin
Jhil mil sitaron ka aangan hoga – Jeevan Mrityu

And what about these great songs
Ke ik pal ruk jana sarkar – Dholak
Mujhe tumse bahut hai pyar – Khazana
Aisa kya qusoor kiya – Nadaan
Dil leke dil diya hai – Stage
Duniya men nahin koi yaar wafadar – Amber
Nai zindagi se pyar karke dekh – Shikast
Ladi ankh se ankh muhabbat ho gayi – Pocketmaar
Chali chali re patang meri chali re – Bhabhi
Eid ka din tere bin hai pheeka – Sohni mahiwal
Wo door jo nadiya behti hai – Barkha
Din sara gujara tore angana – Junglee
Saje dil chhed de – Passport
Ik sawal main karun – Sasural
Aaj mausam ki masti men gaye pawan – Banarasi thug
Jane teri nazron ne kya kar diya – Grihashthi
Wo din yaad karo – Humrahi
Ja ja ja re tujhe hum jaan gaye – Sehra
Tum akele to kabhi baag men – Aao pyar karen
Mizaze garami dua hai aapki – Jaal
Baag men phool kisne khilaye hain – Night in london
Kya kya na sahe humne sitam – Mere huzoor
Rimjhim ke geet sawan gaye – Anjana
Bagon men bahar hai – Aradhana
Sathiya nahin jana ke jee na lage – Aaya sawan jhoom ke
Chhup gaye sare nazare oye kya baat ho gayi – Do raaste
Hum tumhare liya tum hamare liye – Inteqam
Aa mere humjoli aa – Jeene ki raah
Ae meri zindagi tu nahin ajnabi – Pyar ka sapna
Resham ki dori – Saajan
Kabhi kabhi aisa bhi to hota hai – Waris
Rang rang ke phool khile – Aan milo sajna
Teri haseen nigah ka ehsanmand hoon – Devi
Mere mitwa mere meet re – Geet
Chhed mere humrahi geet koi aisa – Mastana
Yun hi tum mujh se baat karti ho – Sachcha jhootha

I stop here at 1970. And believe me there are so many great songs still left pre-1970 and post-1970.

51 AK September 18, 2018 at 10:11 am

Hans,
Every addition only reinforces the point. I was deliberately very restrictive. But good that we now have a significant list of Rafi-Lata’s best duets.

Siddharth,
I am sure you understand, this is not to make you change your opinion. 🙂

52 Ravindra Kelkar September 18, 2018 at 5:40 pm

Hans #34,
Just read your statistical analysis. Thanks. When one thinks deeply, it’s not a surprise, since Raju Bharatan had written that even in the decade of 1950-1960, Asha sang more number of songs than Lata. I suppose this was because, Lata costed a lot and possibly the small time producers could not afford her. Also, it’s claimed that Lata was more prudent in selecting which songs to sing or not to sing. While Asha had no such compulsions. From 1960 onwards, Asha became mature and closed the gap with Lata, and came within a touching distance of Lata, so obviously got more songs to sing in her own right.
You also make a very valid point about AK writing so many articles on Asha. I remember in my youth, I used to be very passionate about my liking for OP, SDB, etc. After maturing, it dawned on me that appreciating songs of other MDs like Anil Biswas, C Ramchandra, SJ, etc, does in no way diminish the greatness of OP, SDB (my personal favourites). Once I realized this, it opened up new vistas and I became more open minded and now enjoy all songs which captivate me, regardless of its origin. I suppose probably this also has happened to AK (though not entirely sure, since his praise for Asha is somewhat subdued).
Lastly, about OP impact(in the period 1957-1960), I can list around 20 songs from MM and Roshan which have shades of OP.

53 Siddharth September 18, 2018 at 6:51 pm

AKji, Hansji, Mumbaikarji,
Maybe I have given the impression that I do not like Lata-Rafi duets.
These two singers will always be at the top of my list.
Thanks for putting up the exhaustive list of great songs.
I am sure you will agree that the other combinations are also very very good. As I said I am not sure why they appeal more to me , it could be the difference in range, skill, voice etc. as compared to the perfect-perfect combination which leads to indifference and is taken for granted.
Thanks for all your valuable responses and I dont mind if they change my opinion 🙂

54 AK September 20, 2018 at 5:05 pm

Siddharth,
Very sporting of you. In music, to each his own.

55 Jignesh Kotadia September 20, 2018 at 6:32 pm

..posting a great song of Roshan Asha from JASHAN.. it’s in my memory since I heard it on radio around 2005 in bhule bisre.
“haaye roothi hui khushi ko hum yun mana rahe hai…hansne ki aarzoo men aansu baha rahe hai.”
https://youtu.be/fWSxjzvkqkg

56 S Joseph September 26, 2018 at 6:43 pm

KSB ji @12/9/2018,

Thanks for bringing up the discussion on ‘ Isle of Capri ‘ .
It is true that MM has done a great service to the Indian public by adapting this melody for the Indian public in film music.The vast Indian public who only heard the Vividh Bharti could never have enjoyed the great melody of ‘ Isle of Capri’ .
The popularity of the music of ‘ Isle of Capri ‘ is not diminished in the western world even after so many years as can be seen by the numerous recordings of this attempted by so many individuals as well as so many groups till date. Several of these are available on the YouTube.One such link is

https://youtu.be/YSZ-KcndFA8.

But the MM composition on this, given in song #13 by AK ji , is long forgotten. I am unable to find a reason for this .

57 AK September 26, 2018 at 11:22 pm

A Joseph,
‘Isle of Capri’ is an excellent song. But ‘Dil dil se milakar dekho is long forgotten?’. Those who take interest in songs of yore are as familiar with this song as are people in the western world with ‘Isle of Capri’.

58 ksbhatia September 27, 2018 at 12:21 am

Mr. Joseph @56;

I agree with AK ji’s observations @57 . The song ….Dil dil se mila kar dekho….is still tagged to all those who are + 60 years of age . I think during 50s and 60s we all were not that hard serious about hindi film music only . We had plenty of time to see the english western movies ….not missing to see musicals too [ I am a regular on Gene Keley musical movies ]. Moreover , Radio Prog. like ….Forces request , A date with you …etc. were very popular and like Binaca Geet Mala they were never to be missed .

And now with digital advances we are able to hear Isle of Capri sung by various artists and different musical orchestra . Some players have tried this Tango into Cha Cha Cha mode too . Those were the days and melody and lyrics were most enjoyable .

59 ksbhatia September 27, 2018 at 1:22 am

Mr. Joseph ;

Around late 50s [ probably around 58/59 ] certain western songs were crazy in India. With the popularity of Elvis, Cliff Richard , Beatles …the Bollywood were following them with great interests and few of Our Md’s like N.Dutta , Madan Mohan , SJ, Usha Khanna etc . infused some version songs almost copying their tunes…..some based on Rock & Roll also .

There was a time when three songs composed by three different MDs hit the market at the same time ……all songs based on one popular western song …Stand by me Diana . Those three songs were…

1. Kaun yeh aaya mehfil mein …..Dil Deke dekho [1959]….Rafi, Usha Khanna

2. O O O meri little doll…..Baap Bete[ 1959]……Rafi….MM

3.O O O meri baby doll….Ek Phool Char Kante [1960]….Rafi …SJ

All songs were popular with the masses and it was a sign/ signal for wait and watch of the explosion of western style music that followed later on …..cornering those MDs who were hard hitter classic ones.

Here is that western song….stand by me diana , followed by Madan Mohan’s creation …..o o o meri little doll ;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar-zZ21iW9w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdGPxbodkpw&t=155s

60 S Joseph September 27, 2018 at 4:45 pm

KSB ji @27/9, AK ji 26/9/2018,

Thank you for your above posts.

But I have been unable to make my point clear .

I agree that the SOYore family and some more few are familiar with the MM composition. This would be a small group of older people of the 50s & 60s .

But my point is that the YouTube shows that even till date the music of Isle of Capri is being presented by numerous
individuals, instrumental music groups
and also for dances in the western
world. In the western world this music is kept alive by newer generations. But in India we never hear this beautiful MM composition either on the radio , it is also not played in any social events and no new groups are recording newer versions of this. The newer generation is not keeping it alive.
Beautiful music is being kept alive in one part of the world but is dying with the older generation in India.

The reason for this is something on which more learned members of this group could perhaps throw some light.

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