Guest article by Dr Rajesh Deshpande in the continuing series on RD Burman, with his songs for Rajesh Khanna on Kishore Kumar’s 38th Remembrance Day (4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987)
(The single most important factor for RD Burman’s fame is his songs for Kishore Kumar lip-synched by Rajesh Khanna on the screen. Therefore, when I started discussing with Dr Deshpande on the themes, we agreed on this date for the combination. But what the man proposes, God disposes. As the day came nearer, I had a scheduled travel from 8th-13th October, and as such, 7th October was a very busy day for me. Therefore, I wanted the article to be in by the 5th October. Dr Deshpande had sudden work-related travel and the vagaries of air travel meant he could touch base on the 7th and he had to catch up with meetings and work. Thus, the most important article in the series of tributes to RD Burman would have almost missed the scheduled date.
As his flight was to land, he must have seen my reminder, and in the course of the day, I kept pursuing him. Without showing any signs of annoyance, he sent the article 7th night, giving me barely sometime to work on it. It is to the credit of Dr Deshpande that in spite of the last-minute scramble, he has not let the quality of the write-up go down. Thank you, Dr Deshpande, for another excellent article.
Dr Deshpande is a pathologist with blood transfusion as his speciality. He is currently in-charge of Medical Affairs for Asia Pacific and International Region in Fresenius Kabi, a healthcare MNC. Dr Deshpande is based out of Mumbai. – AK)
No series of tributes to RD Burman can be complete without covering his main male playback singer – Kishore Kumar. RDB-KK had forged a musical and emotional bond and an association that went way beyond the usual music composer-singer collaboration. The rise of RD Burman and the resurrection of Kishore Kumar as playback singer also coincided with the superstardom of Rajesh Khanna. It would not be incorrect to say that both the composer and the singer had a major contribution in the creation of the phenomenon called Rajesh Khanna (RK). RK brought the romantic and soulful melodies of RDB-KK alive on screen, so much so that he came to be known as the eternal romantic hero. On the occasion of Kishore Kumar’s 38th Remembrance Day (13th October), it would be a fitting tribute to discuss his songs composed by RD Burman and picturised on Rajesh Khanna. Along with RD Burman, this is also a tribute to the superstar, born as Jatin Khanna (b.29 December 1942 – d.18 July 2012).
Named Aabhas Kumar Ganguly (Gangopadhyay), Kishore Kumar was born on 4th August 1929 at Khandwa, Central Province (now MP). Entering the film world with the support of elder brother Ashok Kumar, KK was keen to become a singer. Beginning with some chorus songs, his first independent song is said to be Marne ki duayen kyon mangu for the film Ziddi (1948). Being inspired by KL Saigal, he imitated his style of singing in his early films but later developed his individual unique style. He was also pushed into acting by his brother, though he was not keen on it. Still, he managed to create his position as a singer. He became the main voice of Dev Anand in the 50s. Throughout the 50s and early 60s, he also continued to act and sing for himself. KK’s singing phase during this period is considered Kishore Kumar 1.0. By the mid-60s, KK was no longer interested in acting. SD Burman brought back KK to sing for Dev Anand with Teen Deviyan.
It is said that KK met RD Burman for the first time around 1951/52. As RDB was working with his father, the two would have continued meeting each other during recordings etc. KK had asked RDB to play the harmonica in his film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein (1964).
KK was not part of RDB’s first film as an independent composer Chhote Nawab (1961) which had Rafi as the sole male singer. However, RDB gave him two songs in the second one Bhoot Bangla (1965), with Jaago sonewalo suno meri kahani becoming popular.
Padosan (1968) was the first successful KK- RDB venture. In the following year, arrived Kishore Kumar 2.0 with Aradhana. The film remains a landmark for the change it brought on to the Hindi film music scene. KK 2.0 sounded different, youthful and vibrant than his previous avatar and had everyone wanting more of him. Along with KK, Rajesh Khanna got catapulted to the top, each complementing the other perfectly.
I believe, fans of the golden era prefer KK 1.0. For me, I am fond of both, though KK 2.0 is close to me, growing up in the 70s.
RD Burman had previously composed the music for Baharon Ke Sapne starring Rajesh Khanna. However, he did not lip-sync to any song in the film, though Rafi’s Zamane ne maare was picturised on him as a background song. Their next film together The Train (1970) had Rafi singing for Rajesh Khanna.
RDB-KK-RK came together in Shakti Samanta’s Kati Patang (1970) and the rest is history. RK’s youthful charm and KK’s superlative solos under RDB’s baton established all the three, ushering a new era of Hindi film music. Amar Prem (1971) followed, and the magic continued. This film too had three wonderful solos by KK brought alive by RK.
The journey continued through the 70s and early 80s with one hit score after the other- Apna Desh (1972), Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972), Namak Haram (1973), Raja Rani (1973), Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Ajnabee (1974), Humshakal (1974), Mehbooba (1976), and Kudrat (1981). Some films were not commercially successful, but the music continued to be popular. An occasional mediocre score such as Shehzada (1972) could not cause much dent.
However, slowly, the number of mediocre or average scores increased. Maha Chor (1976), Chalta Purza (1977), Bandalbaaz (1976), Bhola Bhala (1978), Aanchal (1980) etc. had a few nice songs scattered but nowhere close to the earlier melodies. At the same time, each of the three continued their independent work with others. Interestingly, RK had many hit songs sung by KK under LP and KA. SJ’s Zindagi ek safar hai suhana topped the Binaca Geetmala annual list of 1971.
Yet, whenever we think of songs of RK and KK, we always recollect their songs composed by RDB. The magic of Kati Patang and Amar Prem continues till date.
Post 1975, RK lost his superstardom to Amitabh Bachchan and his romantic image was replaced by the Angry Young Man.
From mid 80s onwards, RDB went into a gradual decline, with increasing flop films and average musical scores. Shakti Samanta joined the three for Awaaz (1984), a typical revenge drama prevalent in the 80s but the music was nowhere close to their earlier collaborations. In the meantime, KK had continued to reign at the top in the company of the new brigade of composers – Bappi Lahiri, Rajesh Roshan etc. However, along with increasing health issues, he was getting increasingly disillusioned by the disappointing music scene of the 80s. He cut down his singing assignments and announced his plans to retire from playback singing. However, before he could call it a day, death took him away on October 13, 1987.
RDB could never recover from the shock of KK’s demise. KK sang over 550 Hindi songs for RDB and a large number of Bengali numbers. The trio did about 27 films together, between 1970 to 1985. Shatru (1986) had the three together, but the KK solo Iski topi uske sar was not lip-synched by RK. It was on Raj Kiran.
Now, let us celebrate their memorable collaboration and trace their musical journey through the 70s and 80s. I am posting here few of my favourite songs between 1970 to 1985, some evergreen, some popular and some lesser heard ones. Pre-dominantly the solos, but with a few duets from the later films
1. Pyar diwana hota hai – Kati Patang (1970) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
The musical success of Kati Patang, the first film of the three together, helped RD Burman to take off, while it validated and confirmed the superstardom of Rajesh Khanna and the resurgence of Kishore Kumar proving that Aradhana was no one-film wonder. All the three Kishore solos are sheer magic. Pyar diwana hota hai for me, is a perfect piano song and has always been one of favourite piano numbers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtfRQ76-I7k&list=RDwtfRQ76-I7k
2. Chingari koi bhadke – Amar Prem (1971) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Amar Prem proved that RDB was equally at ease with soft soulful numbers and KK did full justice to his compositions, lifting them above ordinary. Again, the film had three superlative solos picturised on RK, who was in full form here. Chingari koi bhadke is the song that one can never get tired of hearing and watching. A masterpiece!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptqkTdtt7nI&list=RDptqkTdtt7nI
3. Rona kabhi nahin rona – Apna Desh (1972) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Duniya mein logon ko has somehow become the identity of Apna Desh, with RDB giving playback to RK for the first time. However, the film boasts of an overall successful score. I like both the KK-Lata duets, but this sweet children’s song makes its presence amply felt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IppQRaXMk_U&list=RDIppQRaXMk_U
4. O mere dil ke chain – Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972) – Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Despite a musical score that has stayed with us till today, the film did not last long in theatres, giving one of the early signs of the impending decline of RK’s superstardom. The KK solos continue to enthrall even today. This one is an eternal romantic number with both KK and RK at their best, the prelude and the humming give a great start to the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Px0efU00uQ&list=RD-Px0efU00uQ
5. Main ek chor tu meri rani – Raja Rani (1973) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi (Kishore Kumar with Lata Mangeshkar)
Today, Raja Rani is best known for Jab andhera hota hai. However, the film does have a few soulful Lata solos. This enjoyable duet, the only KK song in the film, provides one of the few happy moments in the film, amidst the melodrama and convoluted storyline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQhZV_FSDlg&list=RDjQhZV_FSDlg
6. Main shayar badnam – Namak Haram (1973) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
I am equally fond of the three superlative KK solos (the fourth KK song Wo jhootha hai vote na usko dena is fun to watch). I had posted Diye jalte hain in my first RDB post. Main shayar badnam comes at a poignant moment in the film, an emotional number, the pathos in KK’s voice strikes an immediate chord.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3WU3qqdX84&list=RDG3WU3qqdX84
7. Zindagi ke safar mein guzar – Aap Ki Kasam (1974) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
An all-round musical score in which every song was a success, with Jai jai shiv shankar leading the popularity charts. It is this emotional KK solo that has carved its special place forever in the hearts of music lovers. KK displays his complete mastery here complementing the profound lyrics of Anand Bakshi and the memorable picturization where RK is seen traversing through time and seasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqdNqBA44Bg&list=RDTqdNqBA44Bg
8. Ek ajnabee haseena se – Ajnabee (1974) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Of the four songs in the film, three are all-time hits, their popularity continues even today. Bheegi bheegi raaton mein is a quintessential romantic rain song while Hum dono do premee is a longing romantic number depicting hope and concern about the future Both are perfect examples of RDB improvisations. Here is the beautiful solo, in which KK weaves magic and melody in a rich yet soft tone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Y5a7Y-jng&list=RDH7Y5a7Y-jng
9. Rasta dekhe tera vyakul man mera – Humshakal (1974) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
I consider this an excellently rendered KK song, which did not become popular as the film failed but is widely appreciated today. KK proves his expertise yet again in poignant soulful melodies.
Another excellent song in the film is the KK-Asha duet Hum tum gumsum raat milan ki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Fo_WeZCQg&list=RDF3Fo_WeZCQg&start_radio=1
10. Mere naina saawan bhaado – Mehbooba (1976) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
This is a classic example of the situation that RDB faced often – unforgettable song in a forgettable movie. KK is said to have mentioned it among his best. A twin song, the male version was more popular, but I like Lata’s version too. It is amalgamation of both traditional and modern styles, leaving an ever-lasting impact. As per Anirudh Bhattacharjee’s book on RD Burman, KK was initially hesitant to sing it. Lata’s version was recorded first and KK listened to it repeatedly before recording his version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHxK5L_kvzg&list=RDeHxK5L_kvzg
11. Samay tu dheere dheere chal – Karm (1977) – Lyrics: Rajkavi Inderjeet Singh Tulsi (Kishore Kumar with Asha Bhosle)
Nothing exceptional about the song, but this is a childhood favourite. There is also a sad version by Asha which goes – Samay tu jaldi jaldi chal. I used to be intrigued by the lyrics of the songs as how once can ask time to pass slowly or pass quickly. Overall, a nice number that I still enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf5qnRmF4iQ&list=RDSf5qnRmF4iQ
12. Kiski sadayen mujhko bulayen – Red Rose (1980) – Lyrics: Nida Fazli (Kishore Kumar with Asha Bhosle)
Red Rose had just songs, both KK-Asha duets. They used to be heard often during the film’s release. Both Tere bin jeena kya and Kiski sadayen have their own charm. They appear simple but the singers’ rendition and RDB’s instrumentation make them catchy and hummable. The film, a psychological thriller, was a Tamil remake and did not find many takers. Of the two, I am posting the one I like more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URtmyler3pE&list=RDURtmyler3pE
13. Humein tumse pyar kitna – Kudrat (1981) – Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Kudrat remains one of the most popular scores of RDB from the early 80s. This song is a beautiful composition, which has both male and female versions. Here, I believe, both the versions stand out. KK version is achingly romantic, wonderfully sung by him and brings out the love between the on-screen lovers. The female version, sung in classical mode by Parveen Sultana, is in a different league. The song comes at an interesting situation. It is not romantic but attempts to remind the hero and heroine of their previous birth love story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giLlKR4qNzE&list=RDgiLlKR4qNzE
14 Humein aur jeene ki chahat na hoti – Agar Tum Na Hote – Lyrics: Gulshan Bawra
1983 was a year in which RK had three hits – Souten, Avtaar and Agar Tum Na Hote. RDB composed music for the third one. This film can be considered the last commercially successful film of the trio. The title song was and is still popular. It comes in different versions, sung by KK and Lata.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbG10gl-oic&list=RDjbG10gl-oic
15.Dil mein aag lagaye saawan ka mahina – Alag Alag (1985) – Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
RK-Shakti Samanta-RDB-KK- Anand Bakshi!! The team that had given us memorable music in the 70s was back together for this RK’s home production. Though the music was above average and gained fair popularity, it was nowhere near the melodies that the team had created together. RK looked too old to romance Tina Munim and even KK’s voice sounded jaded. He had sounded more youthful in Saagar, released in the same year. Still, the songs of Alag Alag are good to listen. This song has a duet version that comes at the film’s climax, but I like the male solo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ie-Y8JL5t4
While posting the songs, I realised that 10 out of the 1 songs have been written by Anand Bakshi. So, this is also tribute to this brilliant lyricist who has provided us so many wonderful songs in simple language which we continue to listen and sing today.
{ 46 comments… read them below or add one }
Dr Rajesh ji,
Yes. The songs of ALAG ALAG were fairly good and quite popular.
Kabhi bekasi ne maara
Kabhi bebasi ne maara
is good on the ears and I am sure many Bappi Lahiri creations are influenced/ inspired by the tune.
RDB-KK-RK combination did change the scenario of HFM completely. Not only did it eclipse the (so called) Mohammad Rafi era and brought in KK 2.0 phase, skyrocketed RK’s career, brought in but also show the changing preferences of the film-goers.
I have not followed phase of HFM as much as I did the earlier period, mainly because of shift of my focus – towards career more – and also for the tastes of film subjects. So, I will need sometime to absorb majority of the songs selected here.
Even the, I can very well see a balanced approach in Dr. Deshpande’s treatment of the subject.
Dr Shetty,
Kabhi bekasi ne mara, kabhi bebasi ne mara: In fact I consider it as the best song of the film Alag Alag. It is my big favourite of RDB-Rajesh Khanna-Kishore Kumar. Bappi Lahiri connection is obvious; you must be thinking of Buzurgon ne kaha….Pag ghughroo baandh Meera naachi re.
Dr Rajesh ji
A very nice and apt tribute to KK involving the composer who backed him to the hilt in post golden era period.
And as AK ji has mentioned you were able to compose it even when you were short of time.
For now I will add a duet from a film which for many is non existent and I think this may be the only redeeming feature of the film.
Jhuk gayi aankhe teri raho par- Bhola Bhala -AB – Lata and KK
https://youtu.be/PS8SX0CcDM8?si=iZNpvAZLIdon-ik_
AK ji, Dr Pradeep ji
Kabhi bekasi ne mara is a good song however it was copied ( and not inspired) from Kabhi khawaisho ne luta from a Pakistani film Meharbani.
Rahul Muli ji,
Blatant copy!!!!
AK ji,
My observation has to be reversed! NAMAK HALAL came before ALAG ALAG!
SO, RDB steals from BL and Pakistan sources, both !!!
Dr Shetty,
You are being very harsh. It has to do with the underlying Raag, which I believe is based on Darbari. One of the most popular Raags, a courtly and serious Raag, but film music directors have composed beautiful songs with many improvisations. Bappi Lahiri’s “Buzurgon ne kaha..ki pag ghunghroo” gives a new wild makeover. It is a complete package with Amitabh Bachchan being an integral past in the ensemble. You can’t imagine the song without Amitabh Bachchan.
RD Burman’s “Kabhi bekasi ne mara..” is a more sombre song. In my humble opinion, Rajesh Khanna is incidental to the song. Put any other actor in his place, he would carry it through.
AKji,
My apologies for missing the target date of 5th October due to a sudden unplanned overseas travel.
Thank you for understanding and for managing to work on it in a short time before your travel.
I am glad that the article could be posted on the scheduled date.
Thanks again for this opportunity to contribute to the RD Burman tribute series.
Dr. Shetty #1
Thanks for commenting and for mentioning Kabhi bekasi ne maara, another nice song from Alag Alag
Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXs6fnJ2UDs&list=RDhXs6fnJ2UDs
Always thankful to your continuous support.
Ashokji#2
Thanks a lot for your comment and appreciation.
Your feedback is always encouraging,
I would look forward to your thoughts after going through the songs.
Rahuji #4
Thanks a lot for your feedback and appreciation.
I always look forward to your comments in this series since you are fond of RD Burman songs too.
You have indeed added a hardly heard song. Even the film Bhola Bhala is unknown to most. Offhand, I only remember the title song – Main bhola bhala hoon bhole dilwala hoon
I don’t think the film even had a proper nationwide release.
Mr Muli,
This spot on. Nice discovery. But without knowing the original, I and Dr Shetty thought about the same song from “Namak Halal”.
Dr Deshpande,
We are thankful that finally all is well. No one can predict such emergencies.
One observation in this is that for most of the composers of the time , KK was not preferred singer in his first phase that is before ARADHANA except for SDB . However, he sang his own songs in his movies irrespective of the composer. Things changed dramatically after ARADHANA. Even those composers who never thought of him earlier came to him and many of them very good songs like SJ.
That is why we say that was a watershed moment. And, “Aaradhana” was a “Black Swan” event.
Dr Rajesh ji
Actually I am a die hard SDB fan but for collegians of early seventies it was difficult not to be swept over by RDB wave.
However, I had no particular liking for Rajesh Khanna because Amitabh occupied the screen before we could realise the presence of Rajesh Khanna.
I am posting two songs which may be rated at best as just above average
Thokar me hai mere – Shehjaada- Rajendr Krishn
https://youtu.be/6GSUGstpEwY?si=hdL9OMXqRgq1U3If
This song came in 1972 and as such aptly portrayes Kaka’s attitude at that time.
Band lifafe me jaise- Chalta purja- AB – Lata and KK
https://youtu.be/oVekb9M79gI?si=8TT-naS6Y_kZr7dI
Another film which disappeared without any trace. Perhaps the only film where Parveen Babi was cast opposite Kaka.
Dr Shetty, Mr Muli @1,3, 5, 7, 12,
Mr Muli has caught spot on. I cannot use a polite word ‘inspired/adapted’. These are the situations for which the embarrassing word ‘plagiarism’ is used. In any case I was feeling uncomfortable by the Alag Alag song because to my mind bekasi/bebasi meant the same thing. If you are analysing it superfine befitting a linguistics expert, bekasi might mean surrendering before a supreme authority in utter helplessness – Bekas pe karam kijiye sarkar-e-Madina. Bebasi is helplessness in which there is still a desire left to resist the authority, and a hope that the fate may turn better.
While at this, I also checked up the Raag from the Hindi Cine Raag Encyclopaedia by KL Pandey. It identifies the underlying Raag of Kabhi bekasi ne mara, Kabhi bebasi ne mara as Darbari+Kafi+Nat Bhairavi. However, it identifies Pahadi as the Raag of Pag ghugharoo baandh Meera naachi re. The taal in both the songs is Kaharwa.
The Pakistani song leaves no ambiguity. The writer/singer are talking of contrasting feelings, but both leading to the same undesirable outcome. Sometimes I have been robbed by my desires; sometimes destroyed by helplessness.
I wish Mumbaikar8, Anita Rupavataram and Hans take part in this discussion.
AK Ji
Since you have mentioned about the ” inspiration” word, I came across a clip in YouTube that gives many songs of RDB that were either total copies or at least inspired. The song Kabhi Bekasi is also featured towards the end. I have tried to list the songs mentioned in this video with the corresponding original ones. This may be a controversial topic as many other composers have also done this , but for a composer so highly hyped about , this is quite a huge number.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqyrAEE5CgE&list=RDRqyrAEE5CgE&start_radio=1
1. Mehbooba Mehbooba-Sholay-1975….Say You Love Me-Demis Roussos-1974
2. Meri Jaan Meri Jaan Kehna Mano-Do Chor-1972…Fall In Love With You-Cliff Richards-1960
3. Kahin Karti Hogi Woh Mera Intezaar-Phir Kab Milogi-1974…The Lonely Bull-Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass-1962
4. Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko-Yaadon Ki Baraat-1974..If It Is Tuesday This Must Be Belgium-Bojoura-1967
5. Aaya Hoon Mein -Manoranjan-1974…After Sunrise..Sergio Mendes-1972
6. Dekhta Hoon Koi Ladki Haseen-Sanam Teri Kasam-1982-Yah Musatafa-Bob Azaam-1961
7. Kahin Na Jaa Aaj Kahin Mat Jaa-Bade Dilwala-1983…La Vie en rose-Edith Piaf-1947
8. Jeevan Ke Din-Bade Dilwala-1983- Theme song -Love Story-1970
9. Oh Maria Oh Maria-Sagar-1985…Mamunia Mamunia-Paul McCarteney-1973
10. Mil Gaya Humko Sathi Mil Gaya-Hum Kisise Kam Nahin-1977..Mamma Mia-ABBA-1975
11. Kal Kya Hoga Kisko Pata-Kasme Vade-1978..Hafanana-Afric Simone-1975
12. Yeh Mehki Mehki Thandi Hawa (Bombay Goa..Bom bom bay Goa-Bombay to Goa -1972… Help Me Rhonda-The Beach Boys-1965
13. Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai-Kaalia-1981-Hele Mali-Zia Atabay-1977
14. Tum Se Milke -Parinda-1989…When I need you-Leo Sayer-1976
15. Jab Andhera Hota Hai-Raja Rani-1973…The age of Aquarius-5th Dimension-1969
16. Phir Wahi Raat Hai-Ghar-1978…Sing Sing A Song -Carpenters-1973 (In turn inspired from Joe Raposo for a TV Show Sesame Street in 1971!!)
17. Jeevan Ke Har Mod Pe- Jhoota Kahin Ka-1979…Verao Vermelho-Santana-1977
18. Zindagi Milke Bitaenge-Satte Pe Satta-1982…The Longest Day-Paul Anka-1963
19. That’s the Way Aha Aha( One two cha cha cha)-Shalimar-1978- That’s the Way I like It-K.C & The Sunshine Band-1975
20. Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle-Aa Gale Lag Ja-1973…The Yellow Rose of Texas-Elvis Prisley & Many other versions right from 1850’s
21. Dilbar Mere Kab Tak Mujhe-Satte Pe Satta-1982… Zigeunerjunge – Alexandra- 1967
22. Hai Bichhua Das Gayo-Jheel Ke Us Paar-1973.. Chove Chuva-Jorge Ben -1963
23. Yeh Shaam Mastani-Kati Patang-1970…The Green Leaves of Summer-The Brothers Four-1960
Sivanandam ji,
Thanks a lot for sharing this. I have seen such compilations for several top music directors. A Bollywood composer once famously said, we all the music directors work with the same 12 notes, therefore all the hullabaloo about inspiration/plagiarism is bogus.
Instead there are inspirations which completely transform a song. In this compilation, at least two songs ‘inspired’ from Pakistani songs are lazy note by note copying. The lyricist, producer and director have compounded it by copying the entire package. Since the language on the two sides are same, the similarity is stark, I don’t hesitate in using the ‘P’ word.
Inspirations from English songs are from different cultures. Among these, the closest is Mehbooba, mehbooba.
https://youtu.be/N4F0poJiGok?si=Xf-B-V1xErPCaTzU
AK ji..not only Mehbooba , most of the songs that I have listed are note by note copies…at least the mukhda.
Now I have shared a Tamil song which was composed by the legend M S Vishwanathan. Now till the time he himself revealed he got inspired by the recurring flute piece in the old Dillagi film song Tu mera chand mein teri chandini composed by Naushad, no one could ever guess this . Just the beginning few lines of the song resemble the flute piece of Tu mera chand..
Now that is a legend….whom I respect and admire a lot.
Sivanandam ji,
There are 2 legends here: Naushad and MSV.
Rajeshji,
A fitting tribute to Kishore Kumar, and appreciations for coming out with an extremely good article, overcoming the constraint of time. The Triveni Sangam, of this three stalwarts of the post Aradhana period, provides absolute listening pleasure to the music lovers of the post seventies and fans of this trio. Kishore Kumar must have sung a little less than 100 songs for Rajesh Khanna under Pancham’s baton.
I think Kishore Kumar’s 550 to 560 songs (mentioned by you) he sang for Pancham, includes the songs he sang in Bengali, both film songs as well as basic songs. In all, Pancham scored music for 31 Bengali films and Kishore Kumar sang around 20 songs in 9 films and Rajesh Khanna acted in none of these films. The only Bengali film Rajesh Khanna appeared was Birod/ Virod (1986), which was the version film of the Hindi film Shatru (1986). Kishore Kumar did not sing in both the versions. Interestingly, in both versions, a Bangladeshi singer by the name of Andrew Kishore Kumar sang two songs (not for Rajesh Khanna). Kishore Kumar must have sung a little less than 100 songs for Rajesh Khanna under Pancham’s baton.
Besides the 27 films that you have mentioned, there were two Hindi Films, one shelved and the other unreleased, where this trio were engaged. In 1978 three songs were recorded for the shelved film Wapsi (Rakhee, Rajesh Khanna, Zeenat Aman and Pran) and one of them, I believe was Kishore Kumar solo. In the 1981 unreleased film Dushman Dost (Rajesh Khanna, Shatrughan Sinha, Rekha, Reena Roy and Pran), there were 6 songs in all, and in two of the songs Kishore’s voice was used. One was a solo “Ladkee nahin bijlee hai tu” and the other one was a triad (Kishor Kumar, Md.Rafi and Asha Bhosle), “Main kaun tu jadugar”. Both the songs are available in YT.
In sync with views expressed by Rahulji (@16), I too was collegian during the seventies, with Rajesh Khanna in the bottom of my list of watchable heroes. Living in Calcutta, I too was enveloped and consumed by the Pancham-Kishore craze. The Hindi film songs were played over loudspeakers during Durga Pujas, thus we were captivated audience subject to repeated listening. Going through the list of this trio’s films, I realised that I have watched all the movies of this trio from 1970 to 1976. The popular songs that you have posted here were familiar and listening to them again after a long period was indeed enjoyable; but over time two songs (#11 & #12) had got totally wiped out from my memory.
Satyajit Ray, believed to be indifferent to Bollywood films, too was influenced by the musical success of the Kati Patang. He had made a mention of the song “Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai” and another song from Johnny Mera Naam (1970) in his novel “Sonar Kella” which was published in the special Durga Puja edition of the Desh Magazine (1971), to establish the time period (year) of the story.
Posting the song “Yeh sham mastani”, another favourite,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbfWsIpXsCA
which was redone from the Pancham’s Bengali puja number of 1968;
“Aakash Keno Dake”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDkmo0v_LqI
Thank you once again Rajeshji for the wonderful post;
I just want to add one of the most hummable songs out of the RDB – KK – RK combo , to this discourse : Chala jaata hoon , kisi ki dhun me , dhadakte dil ke tarane liye … (Mere jeevan saathi)
Dear Rajesh,
Your dedication to Bollywood is beyond words.
Please keep it up
Rajeshji,
Many would have noticed that a popular anecdote doing the rounds in YT about the song ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’. The story somewhat goes like this. ‘Aap Ki Kasam’ was producer J Omprakash’s first film. It seems he had to spend ₹.50000/- for this song at the insistence of Pancham and Omprakash was not very happy about it. He kept saying, “I spent 50,000, but what if the song doesn’t turn out well?” And Pancham in turn was upset. When Kishore Kumar came for the recording, he came to know about it. As the song was coming to an end, he played a prank on the producer and added a few line of his own (@ 5”16). “अरे बजाओ रे बजाओ, ईमानदारी से बजाओ, अरे बजाओ 50 हजार खर्चा कर दिए हैं”. Omprakash was sporting enough to all ow the line to remain as it is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeXSLj0Sa20
N Venkatraman ji,
Amusing tale. Knowing KK’s reputation, could be true!
I had come across this on YT, but had slipped it .
Dr.Rajesh Deshpande ji,
An excellent review, as expected. Your vast knowledge about medieval Hindi film music makes all your posts eminently readable and informative too. I hope you keep contributing to this blog and enrich our knowledge in this field. Just a small request. Apparently there is a song“Tum Jo Aaye Zindagi Mein” a Kishore solo version (distinct from the later Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai song) said to be composed by RD Burman for a shelved Rajesh Khanna project. Aired briefly on AIR. Please share details if you have any information about this song.
Rahulji #16
Well, I too have grown up in the Amitabh Bachchan era. However, I used to watch and like Rajesh Khanna movies and especially the songs. ( I do owe my name to him).
Thanks for posting the two songs.
I had considered including the Shehzada song in my list but finally dropped it. Glad to see it posted.
The Chalta Purza duet is reasonably nice. The film hardly made any impact. I remember watching it in the 90s on cable TV.
RK ad Parveen Babi were working together in another film called Chamatkar which got shelved after more than half wax complete.
AKji #17
The discussion on Kabhi bekasi ne maara plagiarism reminded me of another controversial song from the same year, 1985 and featuring our trio RDB-KK-RK.
The song is Aaj tu gair sahi from Oonche Log (1985).
The film is said to be an exact copy of the Pakistani film Dahleez (1983), Both these movies were based on the 1966 film Dil Diya Dard Liya and the novel Wuthering Heights.
The song Aaj tu gair sahi is also an exact copy of the song from Dahleez, sung by Mehdi Hassan.
Wikipedia and other sites mention that it was the producer-director Brij Sadanah who insisted on using the same tune and lyrics of the song from the Pakistani movie.
Here is the song from Oonche Log
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJvLtskrbuU&list=RDlJvLtskrbuU
And the one from the Pakistani film Dahleez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBivmhDrZG0&list=RDLBivmhDrZG0
Rajeshji @9, @30,
Pradeepji, AKji, Rahulji, Sivandamji,
“Kabhi Bekasi Se Mara, Kabhi Bebasi Ne Mara” is very well rendered song by Kishore Kumar. Yet, I felt, the feel by Ikhlaq Ahmed makes the song “Kabhi khawaisho ne luta” more appealing. I suspect the producer of the film (Alag Alag) Rajesh Khanna, might have asked R D Burman to retain the original tune of this song. I am not sure whether other than the two song (from ‘’Alalg Alag’and ‘Oonche Log) mentioned her, any other song from Pakistani films was used by Pancham.
Speaking of the films, ‘Alag Alag’ (1985), like ‘Oonche Log’ (1985), is a frame to frame copy of the 1982 Pakistani film ‘Meharbani’. The entire script, screenplay and dialogue are all exact copy of the original film, except for some cosmetic changes. Besides, the 1981 Pakistani film ‘Qurbani’ was remade as ‘Adhikaar’ (1986). Incidentally, all the three Pakistani films have Nadeem Baig in the lead role, which was reprised by Rajesh Khanna. Actually this was the reverse trend.
Earlier in the 1970s, Rajesh Khanna films were copied by Pakistani producers; two of them featuring Nadeem Baig; the 1969 RK starrer ‘Do Raaste’ was remade as ‘Gharana’ (1973) and 1973 film ‘Raja Rani’ was remade as ‘Sharafat’ (1974); And the Pakistani film ‘Raja Jani’ featuring Md. Ali was the remake of Sacha Jhuta (1970). And there could be many more;
And as regards the songs, there are several instances of such “cross border exchanges”.
Venkataramanji #22
Glad to see your comment here. Thanks a lot for your insightful inputs and kind words of appreciation. It means a lot, coming from you.
As per Kamal Dhiman’s book on KK, he sang about 585 songs for RDB which includes 19 Bengali songs and 6 non-film songs, rest being hindi film songs. As I know, KK sang close to 95 songs for RK under RDB.
I am not sure if Dushman Dost was completed. It was never censored.
Thanks for the interesting info related to Satyajit Ray and for posting one more evergreen number from Kati Patang – ye shaam mastani.
Regarding Shatru (1986), KK is said to have sung one song Iski topi uske sar while Andrew Kishore has sung two. The film’s credits also mention KK as well as Andrew Kishore. Can you please confirm?
Deepak Verma #23
Thanks for your comment and for mentioning one more excellent song of this trio.
Here is the link to Chala jaata hoon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQmHVxyKmAw&list=RDDQmHVxyKmAw
Dr. Swati #24
Thanks a lot for your comment and encouraging words of appreciation.
Venkataramanji #25
Thanks for sharing this anecdote about Jai jai shiv shankar.
I had also come across it.
I guess, KK was perfectly capable of pulling this off, so maybe its true.
And if it is, then one must appreciate J Om Prakash for keeping that line.
Kamalnayanji #28
Thanks a lot for your comment and for those nice encouraging words of appreciation.
Regarding your query, I am not able to recollect hearing the Tum jo aaye zindagi mei as a KK solo under RDB’s baton. I couldn’t find it on YT. It would have been easier if you could recall the film’s name.
Possibly, one of the esteemed readers of the SoY fraternity may know something about this song.
Dear Dr.Rajesh,your interest and knowledge in music is incredible.it is amazing,how you manage both the fields(medical & music) together….Hats off to you.!
Good ,well studied and written article .
Keep it up
Looking forward to many more
Dr.Deshpande, AK ji,
Thanks for another wonderful post on RDB! Plagiarism is indeed a very touchy but real issue in the creative field! Some try to justify it by saying that only the first line or the mukhda was inspired but the rest was original. The point is when the first idea is not yours, is it justified to call the rest of the work built on this idea original? Well, I will leave it at that.
Coming to the song at hand, as several readers have already pointed out, the song from Alag Alag (अलग अलग) is by no means Alag (अलग)!! It is the same.
Replacing Khwahish (ख़्वाहिश) with bekasi (बेकसी) seems to be a cosmetic and rather unsuccessful attempt to introduce some originality. By using Bekasi (बेकसी) and bebasi (बेबसी) together, somehow the beauty of the song is lost, for they mean exactly the same. There is no paradox; the beauty of the song is in the juxtaposing of contradictory ideas.
I looked up Rekhta for the meaning of these two words. They both mean exactly the same. It is only the origin of the words which is different – bekasi (बेकसी) has a Persian origin where as that of bebasi (बेबसी) is Hindi.
I must mention here that I recently came across a song of Qamar Jalalabadi from Hum Kahaan Ja Rahein Hain? The details of the song are as follows:
Rafta Rafta Wo Hamaare – Hum Kahaan Jaa Rahein Hain (1966) – Qamar Jalalabadi – Basant Prakash – Mahendra Kapoor & Asha Bhosle. This masterpiece penned by Qamar Jalalabadi has inspired other lyricists such as Tasleem Rizvi (of Pakistan) and Majrooh Sultanpuri. The idea of increasing intimacy is expressed in incremental terms – pehle (पहले)…..phir (फिर)..… Unfortunately, no one remembers Qamar Jalalabadi for this gem.
Kishore Kumar of the 1970s was indeed doing very well, especially after teaming up with RDB and Rajesh Khanna. Many a faux pas in singing went unnoticed or was perhaps overlooked. Two examples come to mind –
1) In the song Kajra Lagaake from Apna Desh, instead of nindiya (निंदिया), he sings nidiya (निदिया) towards the end of the song!
2) In Bhanwre ki Gunjan from Kal Aaj Aur Kal he pronounces gunjan (गुंजन) as gunjal (गुंजल) towards the middle of the song!
I must quickly add here that this by no means takes anything away from the accomplishments of the multifaceted genius.
Anita
Rajeshji @31,
Yes, you are right. In the Hindi version Kishore had sung the song “Iski topi uske sar”. I should have checked the title credits. Thank you for pointing it out.
As regards the numbers, I have quoted the figures from the book ‘An Anthology of R D Burman’s Musical Works’, compiled by Vishwas Nerurkar & Biswanath Chatterjee. The figures for Bengali songs exactly matches with your figure. But the total number of songs by KK for Pancham, as per this book, is 558. Nobody can vouch that these figures are complete.
Tanvi Jadhav #36
Thanks a lot for your comment and nice words of appreciation.
Not easy, but I always to try to find time to pursue my interest in Hindi films and music.
Meenal Godse #37
Thanks a lot for your encouraging comment and words of appreciation,
Glad you liked it.
Anita ji
I add one more faux pas of KK .
In aapki aankho me kuch, the first antara starts with lab hile to mogare ke. Gulzar had actually written Jab hile to……
Anitaji #38
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and for sharing your insightful thoughts on plagiarism and the song from Alag Alag.
Getting inspired or copying another song has been going on since years and will continue. But I personally feel that the original creator should be acknowledged and given the credit.
You have brought out an interesting aspect of faux pas by KK while singing,
Rahulji #42 has added one more such song.
This can be an interesting topic for a post if we consider the faux pas by other singers as well. Offhand, I could recollect Kavita Krishnamurthy in the Hawa hawaii song from Mr. India,
Venkataramanji #39
Thanks for confirming the KK song in Shatru.
I guess, no book can be called complete in terms of figures.
I do believe that Vishwas Nerurkar’s books are well-researched and cover almost all the songs. Though there are some errors in his books on Lata and Asha.
Dr Deshpande ji
Compliments on your beautiful write-up in the series on RDBs music. As always, your meticulous study of the subject in question is apparent to the readers of SoY.
The trio had enjoyed immense success. The post is a very good tribute to the trio and also to Anand Bakshi.
Thanks.
Ashok Tyagi ji #45
My apologies for this late response.
Thanks a lot for your comment and kind encouraging words of appreciation. Glad you liked the post.
Yes, the trio was very successful in their heydays and we continue to enjoy their songs even today.