About
Welcome to Songs of Yore. Songs of Yore is about songs that are part of our precious heritage. Songs of the 1950s and 60s; of Lata Mangeshkar, Rafi, Mukesh, Talat Mahmood; of Naushad, SD Burman, Shankar Jaikishan, C Ramchandra, OP Nayyar, Madan Mohan, Roshan and Chitragupta; further back, songs of the 30s and 40s; of KL Saigal, Pankaj Mullick, KC Dey, Surendra, Khursheed, Kanan Devi, Zohra Ambalewali, Amirbai Karnataki; of RC Boral, Anil Biswas, Shyam Sundar, Ghulam Haider, Khemchand Prakash and Husnlal Bhagatram. Songs that left you mesmerised when you first heard them from a relative at a family wedding gathering, or from an itinerant singer seeking alms in a moving train, or from a friend at the NCC camp bonfire on a moonlit night in a forest, or from a distant transistor in a roadside paan shop, that set you off on your personal journey into the beautiful world of songs of yore; each discovery of a new gem bringing you an indescribable joy.
Relive with me the magical music of the golden era of Indian cinema. I hope you enjoy your stay here. Be sure to subscribe to our RSS feed to keep track of all updates, or sign-up to receive email updates directly in your inbox. You can also follow Songs of Yore on Facebook and twitter.
{ 133 comments… read them below or add one }
nice website for music lovers
Loved your introduction to the site.
Shirish Waghmode,
Welcome to SoY, and thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Actor Singer Honey O Brien
Dear Mr AKji
I am new participant reader to your Songs of Yore blog. My full praise for creating this vast ocean of knowledge and scenic site, where numerous experts in all kinds of areas of the Hindi Film Songology add on the information and interesting points. It is just breathtaking, not just to read the articles but to enjoy the reading of the reactions from the readers. Both the writes and the readers have created an ever increasing of Niagara into an ocean of joy forever. My full praise to all the big and small people who are part of this blog.
Now sir I want to stipulate a doubt about the following point in your article about the Composer Vinod:
. Dilli se aya bhai Pingu from Ek Thi Ladki (1949), lyrics Aziz Kashmiri, music Vinod
Interestingly, the music conductor seen in the video is Vinod himself. Actor Singer is Honey O Brien, the lady who also danced to Ek bewafa se pyar kiya in Awara.
My understanding of Ms Honey O Brien is this: She was in the troupe of Udaya Shankar who first created a show of dance drama that based on the Indian classical Indian dance. The work of Udaya Shankar was pioneering in the revival of the Indian classical dance. Rumini Devi joined Udaya Shankar in her young age and then parted and created her own school of South Indian dance called Dasi Attam. She renamed it as Bharat Natyam. Rest is the history.
Back to Ms Honey O Brien: When Raj Kapoor was preparing to make the film Awara he approached Udaya Shankar for directing the three part song and dance dream sequence of Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi. Udaya Shankar refused as he did not want to associate his name to the Hindi films of that period which did not have artistic high standard hallow. Udaya Shankar had achieved the state of God of the Indian Classical dance in India as well as all over the world. He was the pupil of famous Russian Ballet dancer Anna Pavalova. But he asked anyone who could handle that area of the film Āwārā. Honey O Brien agreed to do that. The dream sequence in the Āwārā is her R.K.’s joint artistic design. Yes it is correct Honey O Brien, the lady who also danced to Ek bewafa se pyar kiya in Awara.
However it is difficult to envisage that she was the singer of the song “Dilli se aya bhai Pingu from Ek Thi Ladki (1949),”
She married to a Bengali artist from the Udaya Shankar Troupe and later on left the Troupe. She was not known as the singer of the songs of the Hindi films. As she was trained ballet dancer in Paris before she joined the Shankar Troupe she might have some European classical singing background.
Mr Har mandir Singh his highly authentic and monumental work Hindi Geet Kosh under the film entry “Ek Thi Ladki” has left the empty space after the song “Dilli se aya bhai..” for the singer’s space.
My assumption is that the voice of the song comes near to the voice of Geeta Roy who was already established as playback singer for the Hindi films.
But question is why Geeta’s name is not on the original record.
I am sure that Ms Honey O Brien could not have sung that song as it has Hindi language and melodic complications plus humour in it.
Shalan Lal
It will be interesting to see if more information comes out about Honey O Brien.
Shalan Lal
Dear Shalan Lal,
First, thanks a lot for your very kind words. I hope you participate more actively on SoY. The site owes a great deal to knowledgeable and passionate readers like you.
About identifying the singer of this song, this site has dug up some more information. Now it appears the singer was one Vinita Almadi, who married Krishna Chakravarty, the pianist from the orchestra and moved to Calcutta, where she changed her name to Binota Chakravarty. Mr Arunkumar Deshmukh, who has updated this information, is a very respected person in the field of old film music. I would pass on your comments to him to see if he has something more to say on this and Honey O’Brien.
Does any body think, we who are alive and read these lines have any right rather logic to expect the future generations to remember us until we ourselves do not give heed to stalwart (mind we are not) of the yore.
And that is not to pay tribute to’old’ music but to have little (not a little) sense of what a real music is(was) or ought to be.
I again thank God who gave me / us an opportunit while we live here on this earth to enjoy the nectar (of golden era) thru this gentleman called AK.
God may bless you Sir for your good deed. Amen.
Dr Pancholi,
Thanks a lot for your very generous words.
Great day for me that I am here today …
As I start through this page of the blog, and the layout and design and presentation, I am filled with ‘nostalgia’ and thinking myself fortunate enough that I got to ‘live’ with this ‘musical journey’ …
Thanks, Regards, and all the Best Wishes !!!
Avinash,
Thanks a lot for your generous words.
Dear Mr AK
I am ardent Indian film history enthusiast. I just discovered your blog while searching for music director Sajjad Hussain.
I have a small request here. I always wanted to know what Naushad Sahab had to say about Lagaan’s music as I think A R Rehman paid a fantastic tribute to the great master through this effort of his.
Lagaan’s music can be described as an ode to Ganga Jumna.
Naushad Sahab was very much around in 2001 when Lagaan released and I have always wondered why nobody took his views on the film’s music.
Also I would like to know whether there is any information on what Naushad Sahab thought of Ismail Durbar’s efforts in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas?
Please do let me know if you have any information regarding this.
Regards
Animesh Singh.
PS: The blog is really a treasure trove for all Hindi film music lovers.
Animesh Singh,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your very kind words.
I don’t know if anyone can answer your questions. My impression is Naushad didn’t much care for the music in current films, nor it would have occurred to anyone to ask him these questions.
Hi AK ji
I was not sure how to reach you so posting it as a comment here. I am one of your big fans and follow the blog keenly. I am also doing my part to preserve the music of golden age in wahtever ways possible through my website. Since you are one of the most qualified and passionate person around about the golden age music, so I wanted to share with you something that I wrote on Madan Mohan’s bday today. Hope you like it
http://philmistani.in/madan-mohan-the-forgotten-hero/
Pushpendra Kumar,
Welcome to SoY and thanks for your nice words. I read your article on Madan Mohan. It is excellent. It gives a very good overview of his career, especially his diversity in giving outstanding music with different singers. I have sent you a mail.
can you gave me your mail id…. so i can ask you about songs …
please
Palak,
ak@songsofyore.com
What a veritable treasure trove! Happened to chance on it while searching for a bhajan album of Jhutika Roy, Hemant Kumar, Punkaj Mallick called Meera, Sur, Kabir.
Thanks to the tremendous effort of people like you, we are able to enjoy all these treasures. Truly commendable!!
Malyada,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. I hope you are able to browse it more often and benefit us with your comments.
Hi,
I happened to stumble upon your website while researching on hindi retro music for one of the upcoming TV show that I am working upon and must say you have done a great job. Some great info there. Would like to connect with you regarding my TV show for a reputed national tv channel dedicated to the retro hindi films. Please drop in a mail at tandrima.chakraborty@esselvision.com if you wish to associate with us on our project which celebrates the music of the era from 1950-1975. Would love to hear back from you.
Cheers,
Tandrima
Tandrima,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. I have sent you a mail.
Hello, I was astonished to find your passionate words about Raga Durga, which has likewise inspired me very deeply. I am an American dancer who became a choreographer and then artistic director of Battery Dance Company, a troupe which has performed in 17 cities of India. I am also a co-founder of the Indo-American Arts Council and founder/artistic director of the Battery Dance Festival. I have presented many Indian dancers and dance troupes in the U.S. including Mallika Sarabhai, C.V. Chandrasekhar, Jhaveri Sisters, Swapnasundari, Kerala Kalamandalam, and productions of Purush: Expressions of Man , Songs of Tagore and Layapriya. I have embarked on a new production that is inspired entirely and totally by Raga Durga. If we have a chance to bring it to India, after its world premiere in New York City in May, I will certainly let you know and provide complimentary VIP seats for you! All best wishes and thank you for sharing your sensitive thoughts on Raga Durga as well as youtube clips of many performances including the one that first inspired me: Rajan and Sajan Misra!
Jonathan,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. I am delighted to know that you too share the same sentiments about Raga Durga. I do wish all the best for your new production, and hope that your troupe makes it to India.
Regarding comment 4 by Skalan Lal. My understandin is that Awara choreography in the dream sequence was by Simkie. Minai has a few posts about Simkie including this http://cinemanrityagharana.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/simkies-choreography-in-awara-dream.html
According Mohan Khokar’s bioraphy of Uday Shankar, Simkie did marry a Bengali in Uday Shanar’s troupe for a few years:
And Weddings
March 15, 1941: Ravi Shankar with Annapurna Devi
March 8, 1942: Uday Shankar with Amala
August 4, 1942: Prabhat Kumar Ganguli with Simkie
and this heartbreaking passage on page 156:
“In a mere five years, beginning in 1942, the parting of ways was complete. Simkie gave up performing altogether and tried for a while to direct dance in Bombay films. This discouraged her further. She then joined the External services of All India Radio. This,too, was not for very long. Finally she left India, demoralized and hurt, never to return to this country. She has since preferred to keep religiously away from anything connected with the Shankar cult.” from http://gaddeswarup.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/excellent-book-about-uday-shankar.html
gaddeswarup @ 23
There was a lot of discussion on Simki and Honey-O Brien was done perhaps under the post Vinod.
There I put the above point. But the information Mr Arunkumar Dehsmukh gave was generally accepted at that point.
My statement was close to what you have put in your comment.
I still feel that it is Simki who danced the song Ek Bwafase Payar Kiya.
But others do not feel the same way.
I thnak you for your valuable information. I hope Mr Deshmukh will read it as well.
Shalan
Shaman Lal at #24, sorry; I probably misunderstood. I meant Simkie was the choreographer, may be there were others too, for that particular dance. Her photographs are available and she did not dance in Awara. Though she was the main dance partner of Uday Shankar in early years only a few of their dances are available on YouTube. Here is one http://youtu.be/H7GceqHJsUc
I have got associated with Songs of yore (old hindi film songs ) because of hearing the Radio Ceylon programs such as Bhoole bisre geet, jab aap gaa uthe, ek aur anek and more prominently with Jaane pehchane geet. The last mentioned program also presented some of the very rare songs of the fifties and sixties which one never could come to hear anywhere else. Now this blog provides excellent scope for inspired discussion about them and also aid in bringing about very pleasant memories. Wish it all the best.
KB,
Thanks a lot for your kind words. This blog is now flourishing because of the support of so many passionate lovers of old film music.
AK , Hans , Arvinder sharma ji[s];
Of late I was listening to songs of one of the old and forgotten star music director Dilp Dholokiya and was very impressed by his style and tunes of practically all the songs of the movie Private Secretary .
Posting a few for sharing with the like minded .
1. Ja ja re chanda ja re…..Lata
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA0fDFfnv8Y
2.O o o sanware, aaja pyar liye…..Lata
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_tRXbsFYrg
3.Ja re beiman tujhe jan liya….Manna Dey…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k6xbACsk0s
4.Meli nain gaya chhain…..Lata….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTg70OVug-E
One thing is for sure that his style and orchestration is very much like S N Tripathi and Chitragupt . It will be worth exploring his songs from other movies as well ; and as such should be covered under …..Forgotten Melodies of forgotten MDs .
Just discovered this introductory blog of SOY thanks to Bhatiaji’s posting. Have heard all the four songs posted by you. Wonderful songs. In fact the last one looks like a typical Chitragupta song. Do not know whether you have posted this Chanda song on my Moon post. It is again a bad miss by me. I would certainly have included it like the one from Awara which too I missed. This blog of AK is a unique one and a kaleidoscope of innovative ideas about presentation of golden period film songs.
D P Rangan ji;
Sir, I too was bowled by these four songs that came from the catagory of less known MDs . Yes ,his style is in conformity of S N Tripathi and Chitragupt …..and why not as he has been Asstt.to both the MDs beside working independent as well. From the information available on internet he has sung many songs under these MDs.
I will surely transfer chanda songs to the respective theme.
My Gosh! Flabbergasted! So much info flowing around made my ears buzz. How much effort must have gone into this. Congratulations and happy days ahead.
Dr Shubhra Sharma,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation and good wishes. Hope you are able to visit the blog more often.
I am really surprised that nobody (NOT even you!) remembers Durrani, i.e. Ghulam Mustafa Durrani, who used a variety of songs in forties and fifties. In fact, he was precurser to Rafi saab, in singing a song of any type – comedy, romance, bhajan, ghazal or qawwali.
Peddadu
Peddadu,
Welcome to SoY. Obviously you have not followed the old posts. GM Durrani has figured very prominently from time to time on SoY. This blog has a search facility at the top right corner. If you type “GM Durrani” there you would get 16 posts in which his songs have been mentioned.
When GMD’s name doesn’t figure in your list of singers, while names like Asit Baran, Subir Sen and Pahadi Sanyal occur, I had to point out the singer who sang hundreds of songs with almost all female singers of yore. I think it is injustice a singer of that stature not to include his name in the list, never mind the number of times his name occurs in the posts you mentioned.
Good Evening Sir,
I don’t want to write much, just want to say,
THIS SITE IS A DIVINE GIFT TO ALL THE MUSIC LOVERS.
God bless you and your family.
My regards and blessings to you and your family.
Uma Maheswar
Uma Maheshwar,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your kind words.
Ms. Mumbaikar 8;
Thanks for reminding me the 24th of oct . the day Manna dey left us all , leaving behind the memories of the great songs and tremendous amount of inputs in NFS also . We will all love to live, collect and save his worthy contribution to the music world in various ways the mind knows .
A NFS in the memory of Manna Dey.
Nazaroan mein ho tum…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfUrY9Zylrc
Dear Arunkumar Deshmukhji,
Ours is a very small non-profit Viewer’s Club of Senior Citizens of Kalyan (W), meeting on every 2nd Sunday, Evening to listen/view Film songs of 1935 to 1965. We regularly use your and various other inputs from web. You have made our meets very joyful.
Thank You and God Bless you with a long long Life to Gladden the lives of many like us.
Gopal Pillai ji,
Thanks for your comments. It gives me a great pleasure when I find that my writings have given joy to someone. I am honoured that your group finds my articles worth enjoying. You made my day.
Thanks again.
-AD
Came across ‘Dilli se aaya bhai Tingu’ from ‘Ek thi ladki’ on this page last week. It was the first time that I was hearing this delightful song. It took a a few minutes of racking my brain to realize that the tune for the mukhda is the same as the one for ‘Mama Paquita’, a song that my daughter learnt in school when we lived in the States. there are many versions of the song; here is one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TUpOda-KjA
A variant of the song was used to great effect in this Tom & Jerry episode (it starts at 1:39):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHrGqzXnWfw
Note the similarity between the music from 1:42 and 1:48 of the Tom & Jerry cartoon and the opening music of ‘Jaane na nazar pehchaane jigar 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ooNta8icg
Also, note the similarity with the following song, which I learnt when I was in school 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AkLE4X-bbU
Finally, a short write-up on Vinata Amladi (Binota Chakravarty) can be found on Page 40 of ‘the ‘Directory of Chitrapur Saraswat Musicians and Dancers’, which is available as a download at http://www.posterwall.com/blog.php?b=3517
Ashwin,
What great connections. It requires an expert musician with great memory to recall it. Your last song Dog in the window reminded me more of Que sera sera. Thanks for the link of the directory of Chitrapur Saraswat musicians and dancers.
Ashokji,
That is a nice way of dealing with the problem of plenty. Since you are doing sub-categorywise, one important sub-category is all female which also deserves a place. Chup chup khade ho or Meri pyari patang are strong contenders.
Thanks for the kind words, AK. I’m no expert musician but I suppose with all the years of listening – actively and passively – to music, it’s all finally coming together and I’m beginning to connect the dots …
Please share some biographical details for a forgotten Music Director named Kanu Ghosh. I have seen his name mentioned as the Assistant MD for Salil Chowdhary and to his credit he two films namely; Naya Zamana 1957 & Pyar Ki RaheiN 1959.
just joined, loved the site, very excited to explore and hear your wonderful collection. thanks for these anmol and evergreen collections
Farida,
Weilcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation.
One remarkable thing about your blog is you have not made it tightly closed. The leeway given by you may seem to lead often to digression but in fact it allows free flow of fresh wind from all directions and results in providing a treasure trove of stimulating information. At times it looks like a page of the encyclopedia.
Mr Mankad,
The core idea is still old film songs. Around that if the blog has become wide-ranging and eclectic, the credit largely goes to the highly literate readers. I think I am singularly lucky in that respect, given that I am myself quite illiterate. Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Dear Anil ji
Nice catching up again. How are you and where ? Pl call if you see this.
9013181888 and 9711254888
thanks
Tarun Vijay
I have been a regular visitor of SOY for over five years. For the first time I entered a couple of comments, this morning, at the ‘Leave a comment’ at the end of the piece on Talat Mahmood: A Mesmeriser. It has not appeared under the comments section, is there anything I need to do for my comments to appear? Of course, if I have made the same error this would not appear either.
Mr Visweswaran.
Thanks a lot for your kind words about the blog. Your comments are up by now. The first comment of a reader requires moderation (approval) by me. I have been busy for the whole day, and I could attend to it in the evening. I hope you have register youreelf for future posts and comments, which would ensure that you would get these immediately in your email. I hope you engage with the blog actively in future.
Have enjoyed reading your blog off and on and have now registered so that I receive regular inputs via email.
I had entered a comment on the Mohd. Rafi/Madan Mohan post and it did not appear, so tried twice again. I have now read in the above comment that you have made that it would take your approval for the first post. so, I hope you pick the best of my comments, if you find them suitable.
Thank you.
Sangeeta,
Welcome to SoY family and thanks a lot for your appreciation. The first time comment requires approval. You comment on Madan Mohan-Rafi is up now. Thanks again for your keenness about old film music. We hope you continue your engagement.
Hi
I just stumbled on this site and fell in love with it. You have compiled lot of information with videos/songs. I admire your spirit. All music lovers must visit this site.
Thanks once again for your great work.
Chiman Hingorani
Mr Hingorani,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. I hope you continue your engagement with the blog.
I have no words to say for this Blog. Just carry on with your good work. May god give you more power to further the vast knowledge and nuggets of the unknown treasure trove of our rich film music legacy.
What is the full name of the blogget – hete mentioned as AK only.
Mr Dave,
Thanks a lot for your generous words. I have sent you a mail.
Jignesh Kotadiya @ 19
I thank you very much for your comment and praise in it for my hard work. You are right to feel the similarity in two songs. So often the great musicians come under pressure to compose similar work due to their bosses and also of the period and atmosphere of the time. Thanks for making this point.
I am deeply obliged to you for finding the further 13 films “booty”. I shall add them to my list in the MS. If you find any more they too will be included. So the present list makes 72+13=85. I hope it will make about hundred if you keep digging the trodden earth which has hidden them.
Thanks again.
Following is my analysis of your addition of them.
1) Ek tha ladka (1951) MD Murari Sharma & Raj Hans
“sulag rahi hai haye jawani gham ki aagmen”
https://youtu.be/4YK-aulCHJ0
2) Actor (1951) MD Ajiz Hindi & Ibrahim
“kaise bitaaun zaalim kali kali raat re”
https://youtu.be/CRr44VNY0U8
A dding 2nd Rakhiya Bandwa Ley Mere Bhaiya “Chorus” in HFGK
3) Bahu beti (1952) MD Batish
“mukh mod bhi liya dil tod bhi diya”
https://youtu.be/zBA9kpaig0o
4) Zamaane ki hawa (1952) MD Z.Sharnab, Gulshan Sufi, Khan Mastana, Aziz Hindi
“khushiyon ka is tarha se zamana nikal gaya”
https://youtu.be/OUaZnMhnz4k
Additional 2nd “Kya Khel Khelata Hai, O Asmanwale” found in HFGK
5) Malika Salomi (1952) not 1952 film but 1953 MD Iqbal & Krishn Dayal
“main matwali naagin hun”
https://youtu.be/QPPBreXWzJE
Additional 2nd “ Jig Chika “Chorus” in HFGK
6) Shole (1953) MD Narshe Bhattacharya & Dhaniram
“anokha jadugar bhagwan” in two parts
https://youtu.be/xOggv1CWN5o
7) Jhamela (1953) MD C. Ramchandra
“kaise ye insaan banaaye”
https://youtu.be/8HORLktZrnI
8) Gul Bahaar (1954) Dhaniram & Khayyam
“Lagi aisi nahi dil ki jo aankhon se nazar aaye”
https://youtu.be/ABSyW4Ga6AM
9) Pyase Nain (1954) MD S.K. Pal
“pyase nainon ki pyas bujha de”
https://youtu.be/9sWp3Ncz0aM
10) Dak Babu (1954) MD Dhaniram
“ek pardesi man bhaya” In HFGK Only Mubarak Beghm’s name. Is it a duet?
https://youtu.be/vap26vUo0QI
11) Aabroo (1956) MD Bulo C Rani
“tum ko dil de baithe hai” duet with Rafi
https://youtu.be/kshL9CJ-Xfk
12) Akashpari (1958) MD Inayat This song is not mentioned in HFGK
“unhen haal apna batana padega”
https://youtu.be/tawehjb1SdA
Additional 2nd “Kahan Maan Aye Mehmaan” with Sulochana in HFGK
The Film “Lachak” 1953, MD Motiram & Inayat. Some of the songs from this film are included in the “Akash Pari”.
13)Raja Beta (1958) HFGK mentions the name of the film in their appendix number 01 Roshan as MD but the song is absent.
“mere angana gilli khele balam mera chhota sa”
https://youtu.be/_O_gEXH31lo
I am extremely thankful to you for this extension of the list.
Shalan Lal
I was interested in the title word “Barahmasa”.
Following words came to me:
Barahbaat. Barahsingi, and the famous “Barah” Aise Sawalat Pe Rona Aaya” thelyric and song from the film “Hum Dono” of Dev Aanand.
I wonder “all the “Barah” have smilar meanings as in “Barahmasa”?
There may be many more “Barah” in use of “Hindi/Urdu” lingo.
Shalan Lal
Hello Sir,
I have been a silent reader on this blog for over a couple of years. The posts and comments have enriched my knowledge about film music immensely.
Actually I find it hard to make any kind comment since I do not know what to say or add, over and above your learned posts and equally learned comments.
So, to be very frank the reason for my comments today is pretty selfish. To promote my own small blog.
Please do visit my blog whenever you get the time.
Your suggestions and feedback will be highly awaited.
Thanks & Regards
Aditi Pathak
https://beyondthewonted.com/
P.S.: Your post for the April Fool’s Day was great. I don’t know why, but it reminded me of the Akbar-Birbal story. Especially because of that research done on stress from dealing with fools/ idiots.
In the story Akbar asks Birbal to bring 10 biggest fools of the kingdom. Birbal brings 8 and adds the King’s and his own name for giving and taking such a foolish task.
Aditi,
Welcome to Songs of Yore and thanks a lot for your appreciation. I have sent you a mail.
Thanks for your nice words. I read your article on Madan Mohan. It gives a very good overview of his career, especially his diversity in giving outstanding music with different singers. I have sent you a mail. It is excellent.
Praveen Dubey,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. Hope to see you more actively.
This website is loaded with information. it takes one to a different world
Anu Gulmohar,
(Writing your name with Gulmohar to distinguish you from an old regular.)
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation.
I am a türk but whole my life i loved bollywood and i’m in love with old bolllywood songs and ofcourse your so classy website
Yashar,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Wonderful blog. Great memories. I have one question if it interests the bloggers. The Late Khushwant SIngh’s bestselling work, ‘Train to Pakistan’ has references to two songs in the book. The story is set in and around 1947. One song is described as
In the breeze is flying
My veil of Red Muslin’
Ho Sir Ho Sir
This is clearly ‘hawa mein udta jaye’ eventhough the song is from 1949. The book was written in 1955.
Another song which is much harder to figure out goes like this:
O lover mine, O lover thou art gone
I live but would rather die
I see not for the tears that flow
I breathe not for I sigh
As a moth that loves the flame
By the flame is done to death
Within myself have I lit a fire
That robs me of my breath.
etc
The refrain of this song is said to be
O letter, let my lover learn
How the fires of separation burn.
Can you please help with identifying this song
L Srinivas
L Srinivas,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. You have posed an interesting question. I am sure someone will crack it soon.
Dear readers,
L Srinivas has posed an interesting question here. I am highlighting it to bring it to the notice of the readers to exercise their gray cells for the answer.
I am looking for film extracts, portions, music, lyrics made during 1945 and 1949 (Krishna Sudama and Bombay) of my Late father C R Bajaj.
Any related material, write-ups, posters, associates, of film made by him, will be a great contribution as a collection by me. He was Director, Producer, Lyricist for Bombay Hindi movie made in 1949.
Welcome to SoY. The best person to assist you is Mr Arunkumar Deshmukh, who is a regular on this blog. I have forwarded your request to him.
Whoa!!! what a way to start 2020!!!!
Where else can I find Nat King Cole and Talat Mahmood in the same lounge? And the legendary route 66:-)
Thank you AK ji, for this wonderful site that takes me back to the glorious world of the “unfortunate” Ghulam Mohammed, the “Nawabi” Naushad, the “Jag Dard Ishq” C. Ramachandra, the “melodious” Madan Mohan and the “Shahenshah of ghazals” Talat and every other talent like KLS, RCB and so on.
Nowhere else have I encountered a site that has insightful writings on the greats as well as an exhaustive compendium. More importantly, your site is uncluttered and elegant.
Keep up the good work and let the melodies flow…
Berahem aasman, meri manzil batha hai kahan???
I have found my manzil.
Mr Iyer,
Welcome to Songs of Yore. I am overwhelmed by your sentiments about the blog, I couldn’t have asked for more for the efforts I have put in for carrying on the blog, now halfway into its tenth year. That is possible because of readers like you.
And thanks for mentioning one of my most favourite songs of Tala Mahmood.
Beraham aasman, meri manzil bata hai kahan by Talat Mahmood from Bahana (1960), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Madan Mohan
Thank you Mr AK.
Way back in the early 80s, “berahem” was not available on cassettes or at regular record shops. I got a copy of a Columbia 78 disc (blue) of the whole song (6 stanzas) for INR 25, a good sum in those days, from Chor Bazar, Mumbai. Many of Talat’s songs were not available as regular recordings including “Sunaun kisko afsana ya begana,” Zindagi ki kasam ho chuke unke hum,” “yaadon ‘ka Sahara na hotha” and so on. I managed to get a good collection of these “canceled and rare songs from collectors. A couple of other rare songs, I recollect, were
Lata’s “Abhi to mein jawan hoon” (Afsana) and her “Bahar aayi khili khliyaan” ( Alif Laila) .
Mr Iyer,
We are living in lucky days. All these songs are on the YouTube.
SoY’s trunk is loaded with such rare, precious gems. What a treasure, I chanced upon!
Manisha,
Gratified again. The best way to make sure you don’t miss anything is to click on the ‘Index’ at the top, and get the link of all the posts posted so far. And don’t forget to read the ‘Comments’ which often contains the real meat.
One of the great singers (and composer) I am missing on your site is Jaganmoy Mitra (popularly known as Jagmohan Sursagar). He used to be popular in that period and his love songs (mujhko hai tum se pyar kyon, tum mere saamne aaya na karo,…) are (I feel) extraordinary and extremely sweet. Others not included are C.H. Atma, and lesser known N.L. Puri. Would you consider including them?
DK,
Welcome to SoY. Jagmohan and CH Atma were extremely popular and superbly melodious. They deserve to be covered. You have to educate me on NL Puri. Thanks for mentioning these names.
All I have been able to find about N.L. (Narendra Nath) Puri is that he used to work at AIR and died prematurely at age 35 in 1965-66 in a scooter accident in Delhi. Could find the following three songs on YT:
1. Punar janam mein miloongi balam, ankhiyan neend na aaye
2. Sapnon mein mile apron ki tarah, jab aankh khuli begaane huye
3. Chaudah raat ki bhayee chandni, balam tujhe bulaye
#1 and #3 were composed by OP Nayyar. Found mention of,
4. Is chandani aur chand sitaron ka kya karoon, jab tum nahi chaman mein baharon ka kya karoon
There were at least two other songs that I liked very much but cannot recall at this time. I have a feeling Mr. Arun Deshmukh might be in a position to add some.
DK,
Thanks a lot again. And for introducing me to NL Puri. He is an even slower CH Atma. I would look for him more.
I tried to find but could not find any article on S. N. Tripathi. We missed his month of birth & death in March. Can any learned member take up the task on writing on this composer who gave us some beautiful songs.
Thanks.
Jawahar,
Thanks for mentioning SN Tripathi. He is one of the most melodious composers. Please be sure he is everyone’s favourite and this omission will be surely rectified as many such omissions are, though at times belated.
Love to view oldies celebrities viz.Singers, Composers, Lyricists, Music Directors of the GOLDEN ERA.
May rectify the date b.16 June 1920 quoted in guest article on Hemant Kumar by Ashok M Vaishnav (written as “2020”
Bhadresh,
Welcome to SoY and thanks for pointing out the typo.
Hello Sir,
I am Anita. I write occasionally on Old Hindi Film music in my blog – Trivia- the spice of life. It would be great if you found the time to read some of my posts.
Regards
Anita,
Welcome to SoY. I will.
Anita,
I checked out your blog. I have to congratulate you for your good writing and variety of your interests. It is a very nice blog.
11-9-20, 6-20 p.m.
Resp. AK Sir,
Good evening. I am an ardent admirer of your blog, SoY,
read it avidly. I am very much impressed with in depth
knowledge of all about hindi film music.
Few moths ago, I had posted a statement about Guide song, “kanto se khinch ke aanchal”, as a song that started with antara line, and first stanza ending on Mukhada line, perhaps the only one song with such out of routine composition.
You had very graciously corrected poverty of my information about such songs, citing another yesteryear song with such begining, ” khushiyon ke din bitaye ja, abhi to main javan hu”from film Afsana, composed by Husnlal Bhagatram.
I, then realised, the shallow information pool of mine, was pathetic. Then I tried to tind few more such songs. With much efforts also, I could find just one such song, from movie, Baarish, m.d. , C. Ramchandra, — kehate hai pyar jisko”.
Now, sir, I have formed a penchant to find some more such songs,
I keep repeatedly failing I had posted this same request, on this blog, some 15 days ago.
In case sir, you had gracefully helped me, my poor knowledge about finding the correct site of, where I had posted my request, and possibly finding your answer, at that same place, has elluded me till now.
Today, I have properly learnt to make request at correct point, and should you be able to spare your time and help me, please answer at this very place, where I can find it.
I hereby, request other readers as well, to extend your help for my request for songs, hoping that AKsir, will gracefully consent that I may be helped by other persons as well, besides him.
I very earnstly regret the trouble that you will suffer, but my desire to learn about some more, compels me to make a request.
Thanking you, and other readers as well, anticipating a helpful response. Yours truely, Deepak Desai.
Dr Desai,
Let me welcome you the second time here. I am impressed by your sincerity. Let me upfront tell you we are learning constantly from each other on this blog. The beauty of this blog is that readers are very responsive here, so you don’t have to make any exceptional request here. Kahte hain pyar jisko I have heard many times, but never noticed this feature. I checked again. I find that it’s Chitalkar-Lata Mangeshkar has this feature, but Chitalkar’s solo version does not. It starts with normal mukhada-antara style. And that is why this is how it had registered in my memory. But thanks for drawing our attention to the duet version. Let me make a general observation, though it is based on a very limited data: – All the songs with antara first are of a joyous situation. Chitalkar’s solo is the sad version.
Kahte hain pyar jisko by Chitalkar from Baarish (1957)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5p-RBxQUyA&list=PLA_A9T_Uj7IyBgBYolw2iaLmFwD2uoGgB&index=5
You had posted your comments here, you can click on the link:
https://www.songsofyore.com/guide-the-film-perspectives/
Resp. AK sir,
Hope this finds you in best of health and mood.
I am happy that your comments for the song from Baarish is really inspirational. Your experience about hindi film songs is quite vast, so it carries weight, that such songs are usually of joyous situation. Sir, my efforts to find any more songa have come up to a stone wall so far.Can you help me with search of such more songs?
Please do.
With your stipulated consent, I implore all other readers of this blog, to help me find some more such songs, and oblige.
Well, Sir, a greedy man that I am, I seek your opinion and help as well, about one another point.
Some time ago, I read somewhere, or else I heard a statement during one online song programme, that a song by Lataji, from movie, Mera saya, composed by Madan Mohan,— Tu jahan jahan chalega, mera saaya saath hoga”, is the ONLY song composed based on raag “Nand”. Is it true? I tried a lot to find another song based on this raag Nand, and have steadfastly failed till now.
From the depth of your knowledge and collection of classical raag based songs, can you find me few (2 to 3 at least) songs , based on raag nand? I will be very happy, obliged, and thankful to ypu.
I truely regret the trouble, I am causing you.
Thanking you, Deepak Desai.
Dr Desai,
I have always heard Tu jahan jahan chlega mentioned for Raga Nand. But in the vast Hindi film music, I don’t think anyone can conclusively say that there is no other song on this raga. I am not an expert on this. But there are some experts here, I am sure they would respond to your query.
Dr Desai,
I was right that you can never make such absolute statements about Hindi film music which is such a vast ocean. I checked up with Mr. KL Pandey who is a recognised musicologist for his masssive work of analysing about 20000 songs from 6200 films from 1931 to 2020 and their ragas. He has identified 174 ragas in these songs. He has has written his magnum opus ‘Hindi Cine Raag Encyclopaedia’ in 7 volumes.
He tells me he has found 23 songs both pure and along with other ragas. Tu jahan jahan chalega’ is the most popular, other songs are:
1. Aur kya ahad-e-wafa hote hain – Sunny (1984)
2. Ghar nahin hamre Shyam – Sardari Begum (1996)
3. Raaz seene mein mohabbat ka – Hum Hai Raahi Pyar Ke (1960)
4. Ek din pagale patange – Part of a Raagmaalika – Ye Birha Ki Aag Kaisi – Ponga Pandit (1960)
Mixed with other ragas:
5. Aya koi khayal – Nand+Yaman Kalyan – Bansi Birhu
6. Dekha hai sapna koi – Khamaj+Nand – Yaadein (1964)
7. Hardam tumhin ko pyar – Nand+Manj Khamaj – Apsara (1961)
8. Laal ishq mera naam ishq – Khamaj+Nand+Kamod+Bihag+Yaman+Pahadi – Ramleela
9. Tumhein aaj jo maine dekha – Yaman Kalyan+Nand
Pandeyji says there are 12 more songs where Nand is present along with other ragas.
You must have heard of him. This YT channel has 8 videos of his interviews:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLURn3Lg1ug-OTKRAXwM_7A00h68ibFc1B
AK, thanks a lot for contacting Mr Pandey and getting this wealth of information from him. Of the four songs in ‘pure’ Nand above 2 and 4 sound like the Nand I know. I wouldn’t have identified 1 and 4 as Nand – that has to be a limitation of my knowledge.
Songs 2 and 3 are really beautiful.
AK ji @93;
Thanks for the songs listed based on nand raag. A great listening pleasure for me after hearing three songs . Will surely hear others in turn.
Meanwhile here is one classical by Dr. Alankar Singh recited at Bhai Mardana Shastri Santeet Samellan . One can notice many cllasical singers …one among Singh Bhandhu also. Recitation is awesome !!
Dr. Alankar Singh sings Classical Bandish in Raag Nand at Bhai Mardana Shastri Santeet Samellan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3sGmYEVmE0
KS Bhatiaji,
Heard Dr Alankar Singh’s recitation in Raga Nand. It is excellent. Thanks a lot.
Bhatiaji @ 95,
Thanks for sharing the beautiful Classical Bandish in Raag Nand.
Well rendered by Dr. Alankar Singh.
25th october 2020. 8-10 p.m.
Resp. AK sir,
Good evening. I am truely very very sorry, to respond to your encouraging reply on 17-9-20, as late as more than a month. Very lazy and remiss of me, I am genuinely sorry and apologize for the pausity in response.
As such, I wouldn’t have written anything about myself, as I , here, very selfishly try to gain knowledge and information from stalwarts like you and many others, as can be seen from names in posts , cited above.
Sir, I am a Gynaecologist by profession, and have been a medical college teacher, a Professor , till 2019, when I retired.
During the inter active sessions, when a desired answer or response was not forth coming, I used a ploy, of doling out a dismissive statement, that such a thing is not possible, or it can not be found. This worked many times, the student will make every effort to come up with the answer or information, that was sought after.
I am sorry, that I tried same ploy with a senior and a knowledgeble authority like you, for my gaining the knowledge., when, you expressed your opinion about difficulty in finding any more song, from a vast ocean of hindi film songs, which, it truely is.
Well Sir, the rouse helped me get, which I could not obtain even after my 6 months of trying. Apologising very earnestly, for the rouse, I whole heartedly thank you, sir.
Well, Sir, an ill informed man that I am, I very honestly admit about my ignorance for Pandeyji , that I do not know about him, or his books. I will surely see all his 8 videos.
I will now enjoy the songs you have so kindly sent me.
Thanking you once again for your generosity and open hearted approach, Sincerely yours, Deepak Desai.
Dr Desai,
Thanks a lot for your very generous appreciation and sharing something about you. We are all learning something new everyday from others. Thanks to you I contacted an expert on your query. I am happy that you got what you wanted. Keep visiting.
Can you tell me raag of this song, pls?
I searched the internet, but to no avail.
KALAVATI raag is wrongly written by someone, on one website.
Song – DARD KI RAGINI
Singer – LATA MANGESHKAR
Movie – PYAAS
Year – 1982
Music Director – BAPPI LAHIRI
Actress – TANUJA
Indubhai,
Hope some experts see it and respond. But you should give YT link of the song. Welcome to SOY.
Dear AKji:
I am a resident of San Diego, California and a friend of Salim Shah having known him after his move to the town. Salim introduced me to your contributions and I am very thankful for that.
I am writing to request a brief phone conversation with you when suitable for you. FYI, I have lived in the US since 1958 when I came for my graduate studies in structural engineering, I feel fortunate to have been born in India, for having roots there, and for having access to the best of India and the west.
Thank you and with best wishes, Kishor
(858) 204-2918
Kishore Doshi,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. I have sent you a mail for setting up a time for our talk.
Great site.
Words fall short.
वो पुराने समय के दिन,
वो सुबह और वे शाम,
कुछ और ही रंगत-सुगंध थी,
उन हवाओं और नजारों में,
वे लोग, वो बातें, वो गाने कुछ और ही थे!
सब हवा के साथ उड़ गये – हम इन्तज़ार में हैं
किसे याद करें और किसे भूलें???
Vijaya Pant,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your generous words. Your poetry of nostalgia is beautiful.
Thanks for your wonderful blogs and site.
Thanks to modern technology and you tube music lovers of yore are really diving deep in this bygone days of melody.
As a little boy in the small town of Jhansi I remember hearing Larey lappa , Yeh zindagi usi Ki hai and the wonderful foot tapping Mere Priya gaye Rangoon…
Now in my 77 year I am really feasting on old memorable songs on your site.
My heartfelt thanks once again
Mr Devasis Chowdhury,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your kind words. I am happy that my blog is giving joy to so many senior citizens.
AK ji
I am impressed with the articles being posted here.
Please guide me as to how I can contribute articles on this beautiful site.
Please enroll me.
Thanks
Dharam veer from Delhi
Dharamveer,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. I do not enroll anyone. An interested person can himself or herself register for this site.
I visited this website first time. I appreciate your compilation.
However, I need to point out that in Bharat Vyas’s creations, one of his best “Kuhu Kuhu bole Koyalia” from movie Suvarna Sundari, sung by Lata and Rafi, music composed by Aadi Narayan Rao is missing. This is one of my most favorite songs with powerful lyrics and exceptionally beautiful music.
RBG,
Welcome to SoY. You are right. Kuhu kuhu bole koeliya is a wonderful song. Therefore, the credit has to also go to the lyricists.
Though I am not a regular visitor to this site, I have enjoyed reading the articles. I am very impressed by the thoroughness of the contents and appreciate the variety of topics that you present from the music of the yester years. Listening to the songs presented within, is absolute bliss!
I wonder if you’ve already done a write up on the Music Arrangers of Bollywood!
Unnati Khirsagar,
Welcome to SOY and thanks a lot for your nice words. There has been no article(s) on arrangers. It requires a great deal of research on artists who remained behind the curtain.
What a wonderful site.
I have been enjoying your information blogs and mail.
I am a 78 year old aficionado of Hindi film music
As a little boy one of the first songs I heard in Jhansi was Larey lappa…
Mr Debasis Chowdhury,
Welcome to SOY and thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Dear Friends, Ms. Madhulika Liddle (www.dustedoff.com) sent me here!
Trying to find out if Asha, Kishore, Lata and Rafi ever sang together? (other than the song from Paisa Hi Paisa, 1956, MD Anil Biswas; “Le Lo Sone Ka Laddu;” Asha for Mala; Kishore for Kishore; Lata for Shakeela; Rafi for Kishore, double role; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXLEafjcte8).
Thank you
ps: I know there are other 4-singer songs, but I’m not looking for those
Anupam Rajvanshi,
Welcome to SOY.I am travelling, so there would be some delay in my replying. Meanwhile I hope some other keen reader is able to answer your query.
Dear AK-ji: I’m grateful you posted my question, and look forward to your update (or from other readers). Meanwhile, I wish you safety and success in your travels. Best regards
Anupam Rajvanshi,
But I did manage to look at the Excel sheet of Rafi songs in my travel too. I couldn’t find any other song like that, but Rafi has figured in several songs having three other singers.
AK-ji … this was also my assessment, that these top 4 singers hardly ever came together. And that makes this Anil-da composition a real “barn-buster.” With thanks and good wishes
Great AK
Came across your blog today by chance
Must say one of the best ever encountered
My best wishes .. incidentally my initials are also AK
Am also known as Bollywood Ka Anurag and did lot of virtual shows to help musicians during Covid times. Madan Mohan and Mohd Rafi family also came forward and joined my initiative. It was infotainment program where the legendary families shared a lot of unknown trivias
Shall invite you in next version when it is planned
Best Wishes
Anurag
Anurag,
Welcome and thanks a lot for your generous words. Most SOY regulars have discovered the blog the same way. Nice to know you.
Hi ,
Just wanted to confirm that this song was sung by my mother Binota Chakravarty née Vinata Amladi . So glad that these forgotten old artists are getting done recongnition thru these blogs . They totally deserve these since there talent went unrecognized for all these years . Keep up this great work .
Since generations after they need to be cherished
Jayati,
Welcome to SOY. So glad that someone with such a wonderful legacy has visited the blog.
Namaste,
I came up on this website while looking for songs in Tilak Kamoda. I like your work and am glad to see the treasure of music that we have inherited is being highlighted and valued.
Thank you so much.
Hasu,
Welcome and thanks a lot for your nice words.
Hasu,
Thanks for your nice words.
Hi
Awesome collections of old multi version songs. I am thrilled to listen these songs.
Just searching for song of “Wakt” Movie “Aaage Bhi Jaane Na Tu” in Telugu Version
Please provide link for the same, so that I am thankful
Mr B Sreenivas Rao.
Welcome to SOY and thanks a lot for your generous words. I have passed on your query to the right quarters.
Hi I am hoping that someone would remember the non film song, Taqdeer mein, mere samne hai by the illustrious, Manna Dey. It was once on a 78rpm. and it was the flip side of Sajani, nath le se . I will be grateful if anyone can post it or give some info. Thank you….
Mahabir,
Welcome to Songs of Yore and thanks a lot for interest. I hope some answers your query.
Mahabir # 231
Fortunately it is available on YT now
https://youtu.be/P4rPo5VbQTA?si=G8Y_dI-nI_CtEqb_