Film Songs From Firmament

Guest article by DP Rangan

(DP Rangan is by far the most prolific guest writer on SoY, and among its most senior members. If he is appearing after a long gap, I am partly responsible for it as a couple of his articles have been in my folder for a while. I had already scheduled some articles which most fitted earlier. But Mr Rangan has unbounded energy, and he is always bubbling with new ideas. He can willingly write on command on any topic, even during his travels abroad to meet his family. I have restrained my temptation to palm off some topics to him in deference to his age. But whatever comes from him, I take it happily if it fills a gap in the SoY.

The topic of ‘Atmospheric songs’ has been on Mr Rangan’s ‘firmament’ for quite some time. After consultations back and forth, this is the final product. If you miss  his usual heavy research, I am again to blame. But thank you Mr Rangan for your understanding, and I am grateful for this nice article from you. You can see these songs as a cousin of Surrogate Songs about which I wrote a post last month. In the earlier post readers often mixed up surrogate songs with atmospheric songs. This post will clarify that the two are distinct categories. – AK)

Atmospheric songsWith the advent of talkies, films became a hot favourite in Hollywood from 1927 and commanded a huge following of film crazy viewers. India followed suit with the first talkie Alam Ara in 1931 and music became an integral part of our cinema. Songs were of many kinds, i.e., solos by male and female singers, duets – male/female, male/male or female/female and also chorus songs, main singer followed by a multitude of nondescript characters repeating the stanza. The songs were generally lip-synchronized by the actors and the live song scene was part of the film. All these categories of songs were more or less fitted in the films in line with the unravelling of the plot. As instances of conundrum, certain songs did not fit the bill. They seem to float down from an empyrean source and not identifiable with the characters in the scene. It also appeared that they were the most appropriate one for the scene unfolding before the viewing audience.

In classical Sanskrit drama, there used to be Akashvani, i.e. celestial announcement, at a critical stage of the play, to portend something important for the actors on the stage. On the wedding day of his sister Devaki, Kans heard an Akashvani that he would be killed by her eighth child. And as he tried to smash the head of ‘her’ eighth child – a baby girl – on a big boulder, the baby slipped out of his hand and flew away, and there was again an Akashvani: ‘O Fool! The eighth child of Devaki who would kill you is already born, and is growing up in Gokul. समय (‘The Time’) in BR Chopra’s epic TV serial TV ‘Mahabharat’ was needed to fill the gaps and take the story forward as it spanned several millennia.

Familiar with such rich tradition of extra-human voices from the heaven in our ancient traditions, our creative film makers used the device to create many songs which were not picturised on any actor, but they still played an important role in either conveying a message to the actors on the screen, or just depicting the situation on the screen for the viewers. The commonly used term to describe such songs is ‘Atmospheric songs’.

Many of these songs conveyed a sense of pathos and to my scant knowledge I am yet to come across any of them in a happy situation. They were usually sung by males whose deep bass voice seemed to fit the bill. There could be a few instances of females rendering such songs but I could spot only one. It is my humble effort to present a smorgasbord of such songs in this post.

1. Main zindagi mein hardam rota hi raha hoon by Mohammad Rafi from Barsaat (1949), lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri, music Shankar Jaikishan

The song in background effectively portrays the grief-stricken Raj Kapoor pining for his love Nargis and brooding over his unrequited love affair, an instance of more realistic display of emotions than if the song had been sung by the hero himself.

2. Insaaf ka mandir hai by Mohammad Rafi from Amar (1954), lyrics Shakeel Badauni, music Naushad

A love triangle involving Dilip Kumar, Madhubala (rich girl) and Nimmi (village belle), the story is about Dilip Kumar’s affair and an unfortunate encounter with Nimmi, and going through motions of love with Madhubala due to familial pressure. This song, by itself a serene output by Shakeel/Naushad combination, is a brilliant piece of direction by Mehboob, who was also its producer. Madhubala drags Dilip Kumar to the temple. God seems to smite Dilip Kumar through this song with fear and he stops at the doorsteps of sanctum sanctorum and backs out much to the surprise of Madhubala. There is a longer version of the song which summarises the entire film. I have chosen the shorter one.

3. Gagan jhanjana raha by Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar from Nastik (1954), lyrics Kavi Pradeep, music C. Ramchandra

I am posting an unique song in duet form, i.e. sole instance of an instant warning from heaven in Hemant Kumar’s voice and a supplication from Nalini Jaywant struggling in a boat tossed around in the flood and fury of a surging river. Her prayers for rescue are ultimately fulfilled. How I wish God was equally kind in solving our problems in like manner. I would judge this song as a sort of te deum laudamus.

4. Chal ud ja re panchhi by Mohammad Rafi from Bhabhi (1957), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Chitragupta

A family drama from AVM Productions of South India, the song full of philosophy of life in the melodious voice of songster wonder Rafi, seems to float from supernal describing the sad journey of Pandari Bai from her home. There are a few versions of the song in the film and Talat Mahmood has also rendered it, but it is nowhere near the original. In a radio programme when stars were invited to name their favourite songs of their time, Balraj Sahni chose this as one of his favourite songs.

5. Kiske liye ruka hai by Mohammad Rafi from Ek Saal (1957), lyrics Prem Dhawan, Music Ravi

An errant Ashok Kumar running away from Madhubala is brought to a halt at the railway platform while the train speeds away. To me it looks as if his guilty conscience is living through this song which seems to mock him. A masterly rendition by the nonpareil Mohammad Rafi and here is another song from an anonymous source. I could not get a precise song with live video and am giving a longer version which includes also the title part.

6. Daaman mein daag laga baithe by Mohammad Rafi from Dhool Ka Phool (1959), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi, music N Datta

A distraught and pregnant Mala Sinha is a helpless bystander and watching her lover Rajendra Kumar jilting her and proceeding in a marriage baarat to wed another girl (Nanda). This background song by Sahir brings out the feelings of the hapless girl over the consequences of her indiscreet affair and difficulties she will encounter for the rest of her life.

7. Main apne aap se ghabra gaya hun by Mohammad Rafi from Bindiya (1960), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Iqbal Qureshi

Balraj Sahni and Padmini play lead roles. Balraj Sahni seems to be disillusioned about Padmini and family life, and is in a state of anguish roaming in the countryside. An excellent rendering by Rafi, and the hero seems to be wrestling with his conscience through this song.

8. Khuda nigahbaan ho tumhara by Lata Mangeshkar from Mughal-e-Azam (1960), lyrics Shakeel Badauni, music Naushad

Anarkali (Madhubala) is being escorted to prison and her grief-stricken countenance will strike a chord in our hearts. She has acted superbly with her beauty shining through tears. Lata Mangeshkar’s rendition of the melancholic song in background is superb to say the least. Shakeel and Naushad pair have carried the day.

9. Jaisa kiya hai tune by Mohammad Rafi from Shaadi (1962), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Chitragupta

Mohammad Rafi renders this song of the air in his masterly way and conveys a profound piece of philosophy – you will reap as you sow or sow wind and reap whirlwind.

10. Jagat bhar ki roshni ke liye by Hemant Kumar from Harishchandra Taramati (1963), lyrics Kavi Pradeep, music Laxmikant Pyarelal

Who has not heard of the trials and tribulations of Harishchandra, a forefather of Ram of Surya Vansh, in refusing to utter falsehood under any circumstances and frustrating the dictate of Sage Vishwamitra to do so. This song portrays the scene of Harishchandra forsaking his kingdom with his wife Taramati and son Rohit to uphold his principles. Hemant Kumar has sung the song in his regal manner.

11. Kar chale hum fida jaan-o-tan saathiyo by Mohammad Rafi from Haqeeqat (1964), lyrics Kaifi Azmi, music Madan Mohan

A grim display of the aftermath of a major battle and Mohammad Rafi brings it to life by his unbounded singing talents. The song from an anonymous source is the best possible way to evoke the deepest emotions of the viewers. Madan Mohan as usual composed a matching tune bringing alive the lyrics of Azmi.

Post marriage scenes also offer instances of such genre of songs being introduced in films generally portraying scenes of pathos at the moment of departure of the girl of the house in doli for her sasural home. I came across three such songs and am posting one song which is a classic even after such a long passage of time since the film was released.

12. Chal ri sajni ab kya soche by Mukesh & chorus from Bambai Ka Babu (1960), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music SD Burman

This film did not make any mark on the box office, but it was uplifted by the music of Burman Da. Suchitra Sen is about to get into the doli after marriage with a despondent Dev Anand looking on. Mukesh deserved a Filmfare award for the way he has rendered this song bringing to life the vidaai scene with perfect emotional appeal.

Many films commence with titles, i.e., names of all involved in film making and the last is the name of the Director. The background music is usually an instrumental one orchestrated by the music director. Very often it is replaced by vocals. They can be classified as an anonymous song with no actors to lip-synch. I do not consider them as relevant for this post. There were a few songs commencing with title and continuing a little beyond. I have also excluded them. Compulsions of a live video forced my hand in respect of the song from ‘Ek Saal’ (No. 5).

The blog followers may take up and pass their judgment on the post and embellish it with more songs.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer

The song links have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog does not claim any copyright over them which rests with the respective owners such as Saregama India Limited and others.

94 comments…read them below or add one

  1. Rangan sir,
    Congratulations . A masterly effort. Such articles can form part of courses conducted on film making and Bollywood history.
    Thanks

  2. Very interesting post Ranganji. I congratulate you for thinking about it as a theme.
    Such songs used to form an important part of the narrative.
    Let me think of songs to add.

    Anup
    🙂

  4. D P Rangan ji, AK ji,
    There will be a torrent of songs because Songs From The Firmament are abundant in our films.

    KAGAZ KE PHOOL, 1959.

    Waqt ne kiya kya haseen situm…

    KHAMOSHI,1969.

    Tum pukar lo
    Tumhara intezar hai…
    ( The titles roll out with the instrumental version of this song).

    WAQT, 1965.

    Waqt se din aur raat
    Waqt se kal aur aaj….

    CHOTI BAHEN, 1959.

    Ye kaisa nyay tera
    Deepak tale andhera….

    SAMBANDH, 1969.

    Chal akela chal akela chal akela
    Tera mela peeche choota
    Raahi chal akela….

    PS: I am not receiving any mails,AK ji.

  5. Dr Shetty,
    I have registered again on your behalf. Please check up your mailbox for confirming on the link. Whenever you experience a break, please register again, and also check the box “Notify me of follow up comments via email”.

  6. SAHIB BIWI AUR GHULAM
    Koi door se awaaz de chale aao…

    BEES SAAL BAAD
    Kahin deep jale kakin dil…

    KOHRA
    Jhoom jhoom dhalti raat…

    GUMNAAM
    Gumnaam hai koi…

    Do we see Madhubala lipsyncing the MAHAL song Aayega aayega aayega aanewala…. like we clearly see her doing Dil ne phir yaad kiya?

  9. Like surrogate songs atmospheric songs are also an essential element of most Hindi films. Many times the director wants to convey a mood, but putting it in the mouth of one of the characters does not feel appropriate. I am sure the list would be endless. Mr Rangan has chosen some of the best. A few that I can recall are:

    Zindagi kaisi hai paheli – Anand

    Wo sham kuchh ajib thi – Khamoshi

    Chhupa lo yun dil mein pyar mera – Mamta

    Umariya ghatti jaaye re – Mother India

    As I said, the list would be endless.

  10. A fine write from the masterly pen of Mr Rangan. I pick up No 7
    as the best of the lot (Bindiya) Use of Violins in the song which is the
    back bone of the orchestra is the highlight of the interlude. Again Rafi
    at his best.

    I think the following song qualifies .

    kal ke payya jhume baya………. ram kishna hari
    a bhajan by Manna de from the film Chanda aur bijli
    A SJ composition.

  11. PIYA KA GHAR

    Ye jeevan hai ,is jeevan ka
    Yahi hai yahi hai
    Yahi hai rang roop.

    RAJNIGANDHA

    Rajnigandha phool tumhare

    Kai baar yoon hi dekha hai

    CHOTI SI BAAT

    Na jaane kyun hota hai
    Ye zindagi ke saath

    Ye din kya aaye
    Lage phool hasne

    SWAMI

    Yaadon mein woh
    Sapno mein hai

    SAARANSH

    Har ghadi dal rahi
    Sham hai zindagi
    Dard ka doosra
    Naam hai zindagi

    Andhiyara gehraya
    Soonapan phir aaya
    Ghabraya man mera
    Charno mein aaya

  12. AKji
    Once again I see a great demonstration of the editing skills of our blogmaster. He has embellished my mundane post into a good one by his succinct qualities of caveat emptor. I am surprised to be described as a frequent writer. I thank you for the same and putting up with a disease I have – cacoethes scribandi. Such support gives me more encouragement to inflict my posts on the blog followers. Once again I am grateful to you for the wonderful preface. I never fail to lap up everyone of yours on the posts.

  13. Dr. Shetty @ 4, 6 and 11

    How much I envy your huge capacity to outpour songs on any topic. Here I was struggling to put together these few songs for the post. You have swelled it by many more. Considering the efforts you must have expended to locate so many songs on any theme, I presume your medical practice would have taken a back seat. Remember Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Though a medical practitioner, he is better known for his skill as an author. Since I am the author of the blog, I will have to locate all these songs and listen to them and offer further opinion. Thanks for your contribution.

  14. Anupji
    Thanks for your aappreciation of the post. The song posted by you is a well known Kishore Kumar number I knew but not associated with this theme. It fits perfectly,
    https://youtu.be/TqdNqBA44Bg?t=339

    Tyagiji
    Thanks for the support. Your views are appreciated.

    Muliji
    Thanks. May be your views are correct. Most of the songs sung by SDB may fit the bill, but not all.

  15. Subodhji
    Thanks for your views and comments on the blog. I value them very much. You have hit the nail on the head while expressing your views why such songs are necessary. When I was corresponding with blogmaster on this post, he also expressed similar views. I will have to listen to the songs for further comments.

    Vasudevanji
    Thanks for your appreciation. Checked on the song. It does not qualify. You can see it being sung by a wandering minstrel and identify the singer whereas songs of this kind are anonymous. It is still a good song.

  16. Mr Rangan,
    Thanks again. My little introduction and preface to a guest article is the least I could do and is an absolute necessity.

  17. Dr. Shetty
    Listened to all the songs suggested. Fortunately it was accompanied by live video for confirmation. Have reservations about Bees Saal Baad and Kohra. In the former it is sung by a shadowy figure whose profile is visible now and then. In Kohra, which I think owes origin to Dauphne du Maurier novel REBECCA, ghostly figure dogging the heroine at every step seems to sing.

    Subodhji
    Anand and Khamoshi – Can identify the singer on the celluloid. Mother India song is a classic and in line with the theme.

  18. CONGRATULATIONS DP Rangan ji on this wonderful post along with a beautiful collection of songs. This topic was discussed during the recent post on ‘Surrogate songs ‘.

    1) Aaradhna/1969/ ‘ Kahe ko roye…’/SDB /SDB

    https://youtu.be/yYF9RIPNHac

    2) Guide /1965/ ‘ Wahan kaun hai …’ /SDB/SDB

    https://youtu.be/haO0ucjvxeo

    3) Sujata / 1959/ ‘ Sun mere Bandhu re …’

    https://youtu.be/3Ft9RAWKZ0E

    4) Guide / 1965 / ‘ Megh de paani…’/ SDB/SDB

    https://youtu.be/LoDU8gEVH2Q

    5) Usne kaha tha/1960/ ‘ Jaane waale sipahi…’/Salil Choudhary/Manna Dey

    https://youtu.be/Y_yRBdAtzok

    6) Bandini/1963/’ O Jaane waale…’/SDB/Mukesh

    https://youtu.be/8_ivLj7dH-Y

  21. As already mentioned there seems to be endless list of ” firmament” songs . Here are few more
    Two beautiful compositions sung by Lataji
    1 Mere man ke diye – parakh
    https://youtu.be/tkVxXZVx7l8
    2 mera antar ek Mandir – Tere mere Sapne
    https://youtu.be/Y9G-lRe_n-E
    2 beautiful duets
    1 Chalo Dildar chalo – Pakeezah
    https://youtu.be/OtM1WVwEO44
    2 Rimzim ke tarane leke – Kala bazaar
    https://youtu.be/C9kSwIYEAzQ
    2 excellent solos
    1 ye baade Saba aahista chal
    – Anarkali
    https://youtu.be/0STdP7GaXRQ
    2 tune hame kya diya ri zindagi – Zindagi Zindagi
    https://youtu.be/7y8vQFcMK5c

  24. D P Ranganji,
    Thank you for an unique theme presented so aesthetically. I think the song “Ya meri Manziel bata ya zindagi ok chheen le”/Film Rakhi/1962 also fits here. I request AKji to give the link please.
    The post also enhanced my vocabulary, sense of humour and general knowledge for which I am grateful. I must bring these excellent, uncommon invigorators in one place: SMORGASBORD, EMPYREAN, CAVEAT EMPTOR, CACOETHES SCRIBANDI, te deum laudamus.

  25. Muzaffar Ali’s debut film GAMAN, 1978, had an outstanding musical score by Jaidev.
    The lyrics were by Shahryar and Maqdoom Mohiuddin.
    Suresh Wadkar , Hariharan and Chaya Ganguli sang their first film songs for this movie. However, Wadkar’s first release was PAHELI, 1977.

    Four out of the five songs from the movie quality for the theme.

    1. Seene mein jalan
    Ankhon mein toofan sa kyon hai?
    Suresh Wadkar.

    2. Ajeeb saneha mujh par
    Guzar gaya yaaron…
    Hariharan.

    3. Aap ki yaad aati rahi
    Raat bhar…
    Chaya Ganguli.

    4. Aaja Sanwariya tohe garva laga loon
    Ras ke bhare tore nain…
    Hira Devi Mishra.

    Jaidev and Chaya Ganguli won The National Film awards.
    The selection committee’s reason for The Best Music award :
    For using traditional light classical and folk music of UP to convey the nostalgia of the rural migrants lost in a city.
    Music in GAMAN is an integral part of the film.
    F

  26. KAGAZ KE PHOOL

    Bichde sabi bhari bhari
    Dekhe zamane ki yaari…

    UPHAAR

    Sooni re Nagariya
    Sooni re dagariya

    AANDHI

    Tum aa gaye ho
    Noor aa gaya hai

    MAUSAM

    Dil doondta hai
    Phir wohi
    Fursat ke Raat din…
    ( Bhupinder Singh solo version)

    Ruke ruke se kadam
    Ruk ke baar baar chali

    MANTHAN

    Mero gaam katha parey
    ( Faster versions with the titles and at the end of the movie ; a slower version in the middle, while the character of Girish Karnad is leaving the village. Bits and pieces at various other situations.)

    JUNOON

    Ishq ne thodi sar pe Qayamat
    Noor E Qayamat kya kahiye
    ( Only Rafi song in a Shyam Benegal movie? I know Rafi has sung for Vanraj Bhatia in a Gujarati film, JE PEED PARAI JAANE RE. Are there any other Hindi songs from this combination?)

    HIP HIP HURRAY

    Ek subah ik mod par
    Maine kaha usse rok kar
    Haath bada ae zindagi…

    Maidan hai saari zindagi
    Aur khel hai saari umr ka

  28. Did we all forget some iconic songs?

    HUMRAAZ

    Hey neele gagan ke tale
    Dharti ka pyar pale….

    ARADHANA

    Roop Tera mastana
    Pyar mera deewana

    BARSAAT

    Main zindagi mein hardam
    Rota hi raha hoon

    NASTIK

    Dekh tere sansar ki halat
    Kya ho gayi Bhagwan

    Onto some patriotic songs…

    SIKANDAR E AZAM

    Jahan daal daal par sone ki
    Chidiya karte hain basera

    MUJHE JEENE DO

    Ab koi gulshan na ujde
    Ab watan aazaad hai

    USNE KAHA THA

    Jalanewale sipahi se poocho

    HUM HINDUSTANI

    Chodo kal ki baatein

    NAUNIHAL

    Meri awaaz suno

    Offbeat again…

    ANUBHAV

    Koi chupke se aake

    Phir kahin koi phool khila

    AAVISHKAR

    Hasne ki chaah ne
    Itna mujhe rulaya hai

    Babul mora naihar choot gaya
    ( Jagjit and Chitra Singh.)

    KADAMBARI

    Ambar ki ek paak surahi
    Baadal ka ek jaam utha kar
    ( Asha Bhosle, Amrita Pritam, Usthad Vilayat Hussain Khan.)

    GHARONDA

    Tumhe ho na ho
    Mujhko toh itna yakeen hai

    BAATON BAATON MEIN

    Suniye kahiye
    Kahiye suniye..

    BAAZAAR

    Dekh lo aaj humko jee bhar ke

    MASOOM

    Tujhse naraz nahi zindagi
    Hairan hoon main
    ( Both the versions.)

  29. Ranganji,
    I am at a loss of words to appreciate your limitless energy. Thanks for another great topic from your inventory. Nice selection of songs from amongst a reservoir of songs. This post adds one more feather to your cap. Glad to note that a couple of your articles are waiting to be posted.

    Posting a song from 1936 film Amar Jyoti, produced by Prabhat Films and directed by V Shantaram
    Bhool Ja Bhulayo Kaise by Vasant Desai, lyrics Narottam Vyas, music Master Krishna Rao
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=129&v=Xxv1RUPXvCs&feature=emb_title

  30. Mr. Joseph @ 18, 19, 20 & 22
    Thanks for your appreciation. I listened to all the songs and one of them do not meet the criterion as I imagined.

    Guide – the full song covers the title display at the beginning of the film. Any song, instrumental or vocal will always play in the background and in my post I stated they do not qualify. Of course it is a personal view point and each is entitled to his beliefs.

    Muliji – Thanks for adding such lovely songs on the theme. I have heard most of them, but did not strike me at all when I was struggling to put together a few songs for the post.

    Dr. Shetty – From which fountain all these songs spurt. Will listen at leisure and come back.

  31. Venkataramanji
    Thanks for your generous words of approbation on the post. I should also include our blog master for his encouragement all along. While watching you tube video of such a song, the idea suddenly struck me for a post.
    Am amazed at the plethora of songs on the subject.
    To post a song of real vintage (1936), please accept my salutes. I have always seen such age old songs in other posts originating from you.

  32. Prasadji
    Thanks for the words of appreciation for my endeavour. Habit of using unusual words is ingrained in me and I have been guilty of this practice all along and had to face censure from higher ups during my service days. I know I am nowhere near Shashi Tharoor ability. I try to use appropriate words as a sort of paraphrasing effort. English abounds with such a rich vocabulary. The song suggested by you is very relevant. Here is the you tube link.
    https://youtu.be/8M-tbVuGEA8?t=18

  33. 16) Mili/1975/’ Badi sooni sooni…’/SDB/Kishore

    https://youtu.be/0Daa6Kz2B8Q

    17) Jhoola/1962/ ‘Ek Samay par…’ /Salil/Manna Dey

    https://youtu.be/yzOvCAM6igo

    18) Main chup Rahoongi/1962 /’Khush raho ahle…’/ Chitragupt /Rafi

    https://youtu.be/Bd3ZccK4oGE

    19) Bahurani/1963/ ‘ Kaam krodh aur lobh ka…’ / CR/Mahendra Kapoor

    https://youtu.be/x8VbRTnsERo

    20) Isi ka Naam duniya hai/1962/ ‘Isi ka naam duniya hai…’/Ravi/Ravi

    https://youtu.be/qQW9GzEnJE4

  34. DEVDAS

    Woh na aayenge palat kar
    Unhe lakh hum bulaye

    Rahi O Rahi
    Manzil ki chaah mein
    Rahi ke waste
    Sukh ke bhi raste
    Dukh ke bhi raste
    ( I think that is the only situation where Paaru and Chandramukhi set eyes upon each other for a fleeting moment..
    Kayee abhi jaayenge
    Kayee abhi aayenge…
    Unlike the Pomp and Show of the latter day DEVDAS..
    Dola re dola re…!!!
    Cinematic liberty!!!)

    DOOR GAGAN KI CHAON MEIN

    Koi lauta de mere beete hue din

    DOOR KA RAAHI

    Chalti chale jaa zindagi ki dagar

    CHA CHA CHA

    Subaha na aayee
    Sham na aayee

    DASTAN

    Na tu zameen ke liye
    Hai na aasmaan ke liye

    PIYA KA GHAR

    Ye zulf kaisi hai
    Zanjeer jaisi hai

    Bambai shahar ki tujhko
    Chal sair kara doon

    As far as possible,I am avoiding the songs that accompany the title cards. Shall we include them? There are some good ones.

  36. Ranganji,
    Phir Bhi is the story of a search by a girl and her mother for finding their individual identity and place in life and the society. The 1971 film which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi had three songs. And all three of them were atmospheric songs.

    Hum Chahe Ya Na Chahe by Hemant Kumar, lyrics Narendra Sharma, music Raghunath Seth
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw2GQFPHUSI&feature=emb_title

    Kyon Pyala Chhalakta Hai by Manna Dey, lyrics Narendra Sharma, music Raghunath Seth
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATeYlnw2QGs

    The third one is similar to the one posted by you (#3), Gagan jhanjana raha by Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar

    Saanjh Khile Bhor Jharey by Hemant Kumar & Ranu Mukherjee, lyrics Harivansh Rai Bachchan, music Raghunath Seth
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYtmCafUkzo&feature=emb_title
    Hope the last song fulfills the condition set by you.

  37. Dr. Shetty
    I accept defeat in the face of your onslaught. How can I deal with a cascade. Hope I will still find time to trace you tube link and listen. Knowing your professionalism, I am sure all will belong to this category.

    Mr. Joseph – Listened to all. All conform. Do not know how you all locate such songs with so much ease.

    Venkataramanji
    First two songs are okay. In the third one you can see the hero and heroine lip synchronising. How can it be from a ethereal source.

  39. Ranganji @37,
    I saw the video of the song Saanjh Khile Bhor Jharey again. I did not find Pratap Sharma’s lip synchronized to the voice of Hemant Kumar. Yes, Meenal Mehta was lip-synching to the voice of Ranu Mukherjee. That is why I wrote the song was similar to the one posted by you (#3), Gagan jhanjana raha by Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. Yet, if you maintain that it does not fit the bill, I accept your decision.

    Posting another song

    Haye Re Duniya Kitni Diladgar Hai Duniya by Md. Rafi, film Zeenat (1945),
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUOfzZdPSs8&feature=emb_title

  41. There is one such song Zamane se maare jawan kaise kaise from BAHARON KE SAPNE (1967) filmed on Rajesh Khanna as a background song which may fit in this catogory. However, this is a very interesting post!

  42. D P Rangan ;

    I love to think as I appreciate things. With so much inputs from the learned members like…S Joseph , Rahul Muli, Dr. Shetty….the explorations of songs are turning out to be difficult for me. I hope customer service will be there to correct me when I go wrong….which is becoming common for me. Yes I have protection of AK , Venkatraman and Hans ji[s] for putting me back on track in case I derail.

    So bless and cheer as I proceed….

    1.CHAND CHHUPA AUR TAARE DOOBE- MAHENDRA KAPOOR-SHAKEEL – NAUSHAD (SOHNI MAHIWAL 1958

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To5cvtn0JZE

    2. भगवन इक कुसूर की इतनी बड़ी सज़ा – हिंदी सैड सांग्स | मुहम्मद रफ़ी | गहरा दाग

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPb2un6BRkM

    3. Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam – , Geeta Dutt, Kaagaz Ke Phool

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ3S4-bm70s

    4.Chale Sipahi Dhool Udate – Manna Dey – RAJ HATH

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22DusbEiKA

    ….to be contd.

  44. Venkatraman ji @ 36.;

    Without any run I am clean bowled by your three deliveries of songs from ….Phir Bhi. while enjoying such beautiful songs and compositions my heart felt appreciation goes to less known composers who just hit the right chords at right moments. a very emotional experience really!!

    A song that I just remember is one as a carom rebound for yourself to enjoy . The song has three versions filmed in different decades and each to their perfection best.

    8.Chali Banke Dulhan 1 (HD) – Subah Ka Tara ….Lata…CR

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VezHYV00crg

    9.Karwan-e-Husn / Beauty Caravan 1935: Chali pee ke nagar ban saj ke dulhan (Miss Noorjehan

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQQmf_0gvn8

    10.Chali Pee Ke Nagar [Full Song] Sardari Begum…Aarti…Vanraj Bhatia

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqiaRtf232o

    ….to be contd.

  47. KB – Thanks for your comments and glad to note you found this theme interesting. The song suggested fits the theme.
    https://youtu.be/CAek1_h5aFY?t=87

    Bhatiaji
    Was a little anxious about your health. Now reassured that you are in prime condition and as expected you have added a profusion of songs. Will listen to them. I know you are deterred at the competition in search of songs from others. You are on a separate pinnacle of your own and can hold your own.

  49. A few more from the present era:

    SWADES

    Ye jo Des hai tera…

    CHAK DE INDIA

    Maula mere lele meri jaan..

    TAARE ZAMEEN PAR

    Kaske jhootha, kaske belt..
    …
    Jame raho….

    All I want is to be free..
    ….
    Mera jahaan…
    ( Ishaan Avasthi on the streets.)

    Kholo kholo darwaza
    Parda karo kinara..

    JAB WE MET

    Tum se hi…

    Aaoge jab tum O Sajna..

    Hum jo chalne lage….

    BLACK

    Mausam ki adla badli mein..
    ….
    Haaan maine chookar dekha hai

  50. KS Bhatiaji @46,
    Your song no 17 is played on a record player. Since it is not completely atmospheric, but there is a medium, I would refresh your memory of what we discussed in ‘Surrogate Songs’. It is a surrogate song in which Party B is an inanimate object.

  51. I always thought that SOY confined to songs and related matters of Hindi movies produced mainly in the 31 years from 1940 to 1970 and this means around 31,000 songs (assuming that there are an average of 1,000 Hindi movie songs recorded in a year).

    Upto 2019 there have been 316 topics covered on SOY. At an average of 100 songs per post on SOY, this means around 31,000 songs have been covered by SOY .

    Some songs get covered under different heads of SOY and so the number of songs covered under SOY may actually be less .

  52. Mr Joseph,
    I have mentioned a number of times earlier that I regard only about 20% of the songs on average memorable; therefore, whatever is being covered would be from this small population. Since I am not proceeding linearly, except year-wise reviews of some years, many songs from even this 20% would not have appeared on SOY. A blog which is mapping songs linearly is Atul Song A Day. Their building block is a song, and they are building a repository with the approach, if it is missing it has to be included. I have consciously kept SOY topic or theme-based with about ten songs in a post with the objective of providing a forum for interaction among the readers. And a small correction, this blog covers songs from 1930s through 60s, and many songs from the 30s have been discussed with great interest.

  53. Ranganji
    You time and again say that you are handicapped with regard to Hindi songs. But your list here can do proud to persons like AK and Venkataramanji. I think you love such songs like many others from us. When I saw the list I found that it was almost my list. Regarding female atmospheric songs or BG songs, Dr Shetty has given a lot of them. I think in the early era females cornered most of the songs and as a result male BG songs were added to accommodate male singers. Later female singers started asking for such songs when males started having fair share of songs.

    At present I give here a Lata song uniqueness of which came to mind immediately. This is a song which is lip synced by Asha Parekh upto the end of the first antara and then it becomes an atmospheric song. Camera is brought on her face a few times but she doesnt lip sync.

    Lo aa gayi unki yaad – Do Badan – music Ravi
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNsItgvVun4

    I will add more songs later as this subject is very close to my heart.

  54. AKji @50;

    It so happen some time that Director resorts to symbolism bringing his skills to catch emotions thru expressions….some times of eyes , some times of faces and sometimes body language also. In this song too …perhaps use of radiogram , record player is intended to be shown to bring forth the time
    lapse or time loss …..or as a reminder . In this song wordings are beautiful and concept is too good…..and that over powered me to post this song .

    Going on with the journey here are a few more songs…..

    18. Ae Mere Dost – Ashok Kumar | Mohammad Rafi | Meharbaan

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_c5DqL1XpQ

    19.Ab Akele Hi Chalna Padega – Manna Dey, Samaj Ko Badal Dalo …Khem chand Prakash

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h0dyz-65dA

    20.darpan jhooth na bole ..manna dey – film darpan

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3tMr58a6jk

    …..to be contd.

  57. D P Rangan ji, Venkatraman ji , Hans Ji…..and so on …Ji[s];

    Summary so far…..Tune such songs when we depart and look for plan A B or C to restart the life grazed by others. Many people have loved those songs ……many people got through a lot of bad times because of those songs. And how many people enjoyed good times with those songs. And how much such songs really mean to them. Remembering Shailendra’s beautiful song ……Our sweetest songs are those of saddest thoughts.

    A strong current that meets a boulder can produce thousands of potato stones beautifully crafted for pitching work of the canals and river fronts. As we say….changes are always good for us and nature as well. So parting is meeting again. Scouring and eroding is always followed by deposition…….and god created hills and mountains with creating many means for rich and poor..

    Now over to some more songs……

    23.Kahan teri manzil_ Mohd rafi jee_ Film_Nai Rahen(1959

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OKOuMve9SY

    24.Dil Ek Mandir Hai (HD) – DIL EK MANDIR 1963

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQxI0DW9JJ4&t=58s

    25.Dharti Kyon Viparit Hue – Manna Dey, Lata Mangeshkar, Sampoorna Ramayan Song

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hsN-kk3B8g

    to be contd…….

  59. Ms. Anu
    Thanks for correcting my mistake. I know Nanda played the role of widowed younger sister of Pandari Bai in the movie. This film is a Hindi version of Tamil movie and the plot is a typical product of imagination of Mollywood story writers. Am happy to note you have gone through the post with a tooth comb.

    Hansji
    Once again your appreciation of the post and song selection is very soothing to me. My interpretation of this theme is these songs picturise a situation of pathos and not happiness and such kind of songs will strike a chord with the viewers. Song No. 8 from Mughal-e-Azam fulfils all this criterion, i.e. fit as a fiddle. Look at the way Lata Mangeshkar brings out the tragedy of the situation by her splendid singing. One can identify this as a typical Ravi song which you had mentioned in the comment. It is also possible to interpret it as a continuation of the song by the heroine in her mind . Concede it is unique, but probably fails if I apply my interpretation. Still it is good to explore this theme extensively.

  60. dprangan ji;

    In continuation of songs @57 , here are a few more…..

    26. Toofan Aur Deeya (1956) – Nirbalse Ladayi Balwanki Yeh Kahani Hai Diye Aur – Manna Dey (Part 1).mp4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZkQn5D-EvY

    27.Kaisi Anokhi Maya Hari Ki – Laxmi Narayan Song

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho0EtmosOH8

    28.Insaan se insaan ka ho bhaichara..Paigham1959_Manna Dey_Pradeep_C R

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeVCuf8T0TY

    29.Toot Gayi Hai Mala – Kavi Pradeep – HARISHCHANDRA TARAMATI

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3RbE8TpYxE

    30.Mukhda Dekh Le Prani Zara Darpan Mein | Kavi Pradeep | Do Behnen

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

    ….to be contd.

  62. Bhatiaji @57
    You are ever blessed. Thanks for the nice write-up and songs.

    Pradeepji and Bhatiaji are known for their prolific postings of songs. It is really good to find that Mr. Joseph too has joined the band wagon.
    Adding another drop to the ocean.

    Wah Re Zamane Kya Rang Dikhaye by Md.Rafi, film Ghar ki Izzat (1948), lyrics I C Kapoor, music Gobind Ram
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVSPY1Krvok&feature=emb_title

  63. Bol (2011) is a Pakistani film, concerning a religious Muslim family facing financial difficulties caused by too many children and changing times, with a major plot involving the father’s desire to have a son and his rejection of his existing intersex child. Posting a song from this film

    Din Pareshaan Hai Raat Bhari Singer, Lyricist and Composer Sajjad Ali, film Bol (2011)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=77&v=CqPRwcrOdh8&feature=emb_title

  64. SAAT HINDUSTANI

    Aandhi aaye ki toofan ,Koi gham nahin
    Hai yahi aakhri imtihaan saathiyon

    SHOLAY

    Ye dosti hum nahi chodenge
    ( The sad version, Kishore Kumar solo.)

    MUKADDAR KA SIKANDAR

    Zindagi toh bewafa hai
    Ek din tukrayega
    ( Sad version of Rote hue aate hain sab.)

    EK NAZAR

    Ae gham e yaar bata
    Kaise jiya karte hain

    DUSHMAN

    Chitti na koi sandes
    Jaane woh kaun sa des

    MELA, 1971

    Dekho re hua lahoo se lahoo kaise juda

    PRAHAAR

    Yaad Piya ki aayee

    MUSAFIR, 1986

    O bahut raat hui, thak gaya hoon
    Mujhe sone do

    Two telefilms:

    1.JANAM

    Zindagi Zindagi Zindagi
    Kab tumko dekha hai

    2. PHIR TERI KAHANI YAAD AAYEE

    Tere dar par Sanam chale aaye
    ( Sadhna Sargam version.)

  65. Please watch the two songs from JANMABHOOMI, 1936.
    I couldn’t notice any lipsyncing.

    Jai Jai pyari janmabhoomi…
    ( Saraswati Devi and chorus.)

    Gaaon ki maati Maat hamari
    ( Saraswati Devi.)

  66. Pradeepji,
    Nice to find you back after a few days of silence with half a score. Great going.

    I was listening to the earlier posts. The atmospheric duets, especially male-female duets are rare compared to solos. Rahul Bhagwanrao Muliji (@21) had posted two such beautiful duets ‘Chalo Dildar chalo’ and ‘Rimzim ke tarane leke’. Yoo too posted the song ‘Tum aa gaye ho Noor aa gaya hai’ (@26) from Aandhi. It is not an atmospheric song since both Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen are lip-syching to the voices of Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar respectively, unless there is another version to the song.

    Probably you meant ‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahin’.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-HnmVg0-O8

  68. N Venkataraman ji,
    Absolutely. How did I type Tum aa gaye ho in place of Tere bina zindagi se koi!!!
    Thank you for the correction.

  72. Ranganji & Akji,
    The 1978 film ‘Gaman’ had four songs, and all of them were atmospheric songs.

    The film, starring Farooq Sheikh and Smita Patil in the lead roles was well known for more than one reason. Jaidev, won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the second time in his career. Chhaya Ganguli won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song ‘Aap Ki Yaad Aati Rahi Raat Bhar, Chashm-E-Nam Muskuraati Rahi’ penned by Maqdoom Mohiuddin.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=113&v=mlFXtzd4o38&feature=emb_title

    Nana Patekar made his debut in a supporting role. Umrao Jaan (1981) famed Muzaffar Ali made his directorial debut. The film deals with the issue of urban migration, a story of a migrant from Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai, who tries to find a foothold in his new life as a taxi driver. Shahryar wrote songs for the film, most notably ‘Seene Mein Jalan, Aankhon Mein Toofaan Saa Kyun Hai, sung by Suresh Wadkar, which highlighted the alienation and broken dreams of the migrant community.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rz6JfgCJtk&feature=emb_title

    Ghazal singer Hariharan made his playback singing debut.
    ‘Ajeeb Saneha Mujhpar Guzar Gaya’, singer, lyrics Shahryar
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsF3w62vfWo&feature=emb_title

    Another traditional song ‘Aaja Saanwariya Tohe Garwa Laga Loon…. Ras ke Bhare Tore Nain” which is played in the beginning as well as in the end of the movie was sung by Hira Devi Mishra. I believe this was her debut film. She played the role of Jalal Agha’s Mother in this film.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbsvjOaY178

  73. HIMALAY SE OONCHA

    1.Rahi O Rahi O Rahi…
    Tere sar pe duaon ke saaye rahe..
    ….
    Ho Himalay se ooncha….Lata

    2. Ooparwale re ajab teri maya
    Tere bhed kisi ne na paya… Manna Dey

  76. NISHANT

    Piya baaj pyala piya jaaye na

    AAKROSH, 1980

    Sanson mein dard
    Dard mein sanse basi hui

    SHAQUE

    Do naino ke pankh laga ke
    Man pakhi ud jaaye
    ( In two parts) …Kumari Faiyaz

    If I remember correctly, Meha barsne laga hai aaj ki raat by Asha is also an atmospheric song.

    Wasn’t there one in VIJETA ,too?

  77. N Venkataraman N Venkataraman ji @72;

    Revisiting Gaman songs made a good listening. Such songs becomes more meaningful as years goes by. Music is what that makes memories. Their lost is our fading [ memories] . What to do with our fading memories ?…..has always been my favorite thoughtful exploration.

    People used to have sweet tooth for listening to good songs and music. Those were the days when every restaurants were the proud owners of vintage styled Juke Box loaded with best of vinyl records ; and for that pleasure one has to spend merely 25 paisa per listening.

    Slowly the scenario changed …..and with arrival of techno sounds the juke boxes slowly faded giving way to concealed speakers and mercily

  78. in continuation [ after computer giving trouble]……..

    ….concealed speakers and mercily playing hard rock music with hard menu buffet.The sweet tooth got vanished as well and was later found as a fashion replacement with Golden tooth. The halwais were / the great sought after of such tooth fixers. And now we have the blue tooth which is found in every household……with and without taste as well.

    Continuing with some more songs….hope they get posted as my computer seems to be in trouble….

    31.N Venkataraman…..Laila Majnu Do Badan Ek Jaan Thay – [FULL VERSION] | Laila Majnu

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DgPdlEipyM

    32.mujhe pyaar main tum na ilzaam dete.mp4 ….Phir wahi dil laiya hun….OPN

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkqW-2V4IkQ

    33.Saphal Hogi Teri Aradhana – S D Burman’s Classic Hit Emotional Song – Aradhana

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGAr8uk6s3Q

    34.Aaj Ke Insaan Ko Yeh Kya Ho Gaya – Pradeep ….Amar rahe yeh pyar.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU_6P0Zeb9w&t=132s

    35.SHRAWAN KUMAR ( 1956)- KAANDHE PE KAANWAR – RAFI – BHARAT VYAS – SHIVRAM

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23OSh91Qe2I

    ….to be contd.

  79. As is agreed mostly that atmospheric or background songs went mostly to male singers. Almost all of the golden era male singers – barring perhaps Talat – have good number of such songs. But, Rafi as usual is in a long lead. He sang such songs in hundreds and his unique versatility was instrumental in providing a special impact on each song. A number of his songs have already been posted by friends. But, I see a number of his most iconic BG songs are still missing. I would like to post some.

    1. karvan guzar gaya – nai umar ki nayi fasal
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75mB-zadZgI
    2. rakhi dhagon ka tyohar – rakhi
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juzsl5TCe5g
    3. aana hai to aa raah men – naya daur
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpHDzsgmcPI
    4. dekho bina sawan baras rahi – sawan
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQu72fdaLRU
    5. ujad gaya panchhi ab tera basera – ghar ki laaj
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux7pMIScMys

  80. Some other famous songs from Rafi
    6. ajab hai malik tera jahan – chirag kahan roshni kahan
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9te_-G2XYw
    7. apna hi ghar lutane deewana – adal e jahangeer
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUGdzhbUl7g
    8. andhiyan gham ki chalti hai – kangan
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uOCxMkS1fw
    9. lo khun se khun juda hua – main nashe men hoon
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqg9oGokotU
    10. sur badle kaise kaise dekho (3 parts) – barkha
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahWcnMpXejU
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKFXXEdOsGg
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfwdwa_hOME

  81. Do these songs conform to the theme.

    1) Sukh ke sab saathi dukh mein koi (Gopi)
    2) Daane daane pe likha hai khane wale ka naam (Baarish)

    Both songs by Rajendra Krishan

  82. Hans ji,
    Nice songs there.

    Karvan guzar gaya is one of the first songs to come to mind. But, the hero is seen lipsyncing for a couple of lines in the middle of the song.
    Similarly, isn’t the extra ,a Sadhu with flowing beard, lipsyncing to Aana hai to aa in the initial portion of the song?
    Yes, for the most of the part, these are atmospheric songs.
    I had thought of a few more where a part is atmospheric. … like…
    DOORIYAN_ Zindagi mein jab tumhare hum nahin the.
    Will post some more later.

  83. GRIHA PRAVESH, 1979.

    Aap agar aap na hote
    Toh bhala kya hote…

    Pehchaan toh thi
    Pehchana nahin…

    Baat niklegi toh phir
    Door talak jaayegi…

    Zindagi phoolon ki nahin
    Phoolon ki tarah…
    ( With the title cards.)

  84. ANNADATA

    Yahan ab kya rehna
    Kisi se kya kehna
    Chal de wahan
    Tujhko mile pyar jahan….

    SITUM, 1982

    Mere Pee ko pawan kis gali le chala
    Koi roko, meri zindagi le chala

    EK CHADDAR MAILI SI

    Is duniya mein aurat kya hai
    Do labzon ki ek kahani.

  85. Kishori Amonkar scored music for the 1990 Govind Nihlani movie DRISHTI starring Dimple Kapadia, Shekhar Kapur and a very young Irfan Khan.
    Lyrics ..Vasant Dev.

    Meha jhar jhar barasat re…

    Ek hi sang the jo hum tum
    Kahe bichura re…

    Both sung by Late Kishori herself.

  87. Dr Shetty
    You are absolutely right. I posted them because I wanted to make a point. I would have followed it up, but your query has made it easier for me. In my first post also I had posted ‘lo aa gayi unki yaad’ which became atmospheric after the first antara. Now look at ‘watan pe jo fida hoga’. This is a total atmospheric song by its content, starting with Raj Kumar going on war front being bid farewell with an aarti. There is no lip sync until in between he comes for one antara and after that the song again goes on its usual course.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZvXDQLLiSE

    Now look at the picturisation of ‘deewana aadmi ko banati hain rotiyan’. Agha is moving around lip syncing the song, but if you listen to audio of the song it would look purely atmospheric.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMppfyH1GEE

    Song no 7 in Ranganji’s list is atmospheric. Now look at ‘zindagi aaj mere naam se sharmati hai’.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahNCpT2t2tE

    Here the hero is lip syncing. But, the situation in both the songs is similar. We have heard that Balraj Sahni was reluctant in lip syncing songs. So this song became atmospheric though essentially it is an individual sad song which should have been lip synced. ‘Teri duniya se hoke majboor chala’ is another song of this type.

    I had in an earlier post mentioned the different picturisation of ‘bhagwan ik kasoor ki itni badi saja’ and ‘zindagi kya hai gham ka dariya hai’. The picturisation of the first one made it atmospheric like song 7, though it was simply a sad song and the other one’s contents were that of an atmospheric song but it was lip synced so it became the hero’s sad song.

    Another category made by picturisation can be seen in the difference between ‘o door ke musafir’ and ‘kahdo koi na kare yahan pyar’ on one side and ‘mili khak men muhabbat’ on the other. In all the three songs, the main song is preceded by an alaap. In the first two songs the hero sings the alaap as well as main song, but in the 3rd the alaap is atmospheric while the song is sung by the hero.

    So my point is that just as composers experimented with tunes, the directors also experimented with picturisation of the songs. In my view, the content of the song should also be the deciding factor for categorising such songs.

  88. Now I am posting three songs with unique picturisation. First one is well known. ‘Sab kuchh luta ke hosh men aaye to kya kiya’ and mostly it is known that Ashok Kumar’s alter ego or you may say atma is singing the song and he is silent.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq_JJHMG9ro

    Now look at ‘ja aur kahin ro shehnai’ from film Shaadi. In this song Saira Bano’s alter ego starts the song like the above song, but before the last antara the alter ego merges in the main body and then the heroine sings the last antara.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5iFlHCjbVQ

    There is a third song ‘sethji tumne kiya kamal’ from Makhee Choos. Here Gope starts singing the song, then his alter ego takes over and then they alternate between themselves.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VofMkMcJB10

    This is a challenge for AK. In which category would he put these songs.

  89. Hans,
    Your interventions are expanding the complexities of classification. Your category of songs which according to you are ‘Atmospheric’ in essence, though lip-synched on the screen, is highly subjective. It also becomes very open-ended, and there will never be unanimity. I tried to think of ‘de facto’ and ‘de jure’, but didn’t find it satisfactory. Best is go by what is shown on the screen. A better term I used in my post on Surrogate songs is ‘Philosophical Surrogate Songs’ to describe this type.

    Your three examples of alter ego, can be best described in terms of my earlier post on ‘Surrogate Songs’. Once we have the dividing line clear – the ‘Atmospheric songs’ have no actor on the screen lip-synching, the ‘Surrogate sings’ have some person lip-synching, even an alter ego for some other Principal – it is easy to put them in a category. Your examples are ‘Hybrid Surrogate Songs’. The alter ego for some part lip-synchs as a surrogate for the principal, and the principal takes over himself/herself.

  90. Mr. Chellamani @61
    Thanks for your views. Majority of these types of songs are full of grief and none can excel our late Rafi in portraying them with such effect. I also consider Song No. 8 by Lata as superbly rendered given the situation in the film. This goes to prove female singers can also rise to the occasion.
    Rajneesh @81
    Thanks for your comments. The first song from Gopi does not belong to this category. You can see Dilip Kumar singing this song.
    The second one from Baarish is lipsynchronised by Dev Anand and you can see him singing this. Hence this also does not belong to this category.

  93. DHARMPUTRA, 1961.

    Aaj ki raat nahin shikve shikayat ke liye…

    Mahendra Kapoor, Sahir ,N Dutta.

  94. Hansji @79

    You made a statement that perhaps Talat Mahmood had not sung any atmospheric song or BG song. It was quite intriguing. I was searching for a song by this singer whom I adore immensely and his songs had grown to be an obsession for me. As usual I always stumble upon songs and a kind God seems to be favourable disposed towards me and my soul mate – serendipity – is there to rescue me. Here is a BG song from the film BAHAR (1951), music by S. D. Burman. I know this song much earlier but only as an audio. Thanks to youtube video I could pin point this song as belonging to this category. Here are two links – one a video from film, albeit a short one and another a regular 3 minute clip.
    Yeh zindagi ke rahi
    https://youtu.be/mKuM0OhuySs?t=44
    and
    https://youtu.be/wZhkgd92GXw?t=2

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