SEVEN SCINTILLATING SONGS OF SHABANA AZMI

 

When we talk of Shabana Azmi, we usually refer to her acting prowess which has, of course, been brilliant over the years. She has nailed every role she has acted in. However, here we are going to talk about her songs that have made a mark in our minds and remain etched forever with the roles she played, each song thus has a distinct identity because she has always immersed herself completely in the roles she has portrayed. Shabana Azmi began her career in 1974 with films like Ankur and Parinay. I start my list with Kadambari. The list follows a chronological order (as all my lists on this blog do)!

1.    Ambar ki ik paak suraahi    Kadambari  1975

 The song Ambar ki ik paak surahi from her film Kadambari is written by Amrita Pritam, the film is based on her novel as well. Chetna (her role in Kadambari) talks of the purity of her love for Amit (played by Vijay Arora) in the film. The lyrics compare what others may call sin to the chasteness of moonlight. Asha Bhosale sings this beautiful song, composed by Ustad Vilayat Khan, the eminent sitarist. This song is a precious gem with maestros like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia playing the flute, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma playing the santoor (don’t miss the beautiful strains of the santoor at the beginning of this song), Shujat Singh with the composer himself playing the sitar and Bhupinder Singh with the guitar. This is a rare, rare song, to be savoured in peace.

2.    Pal bhar mein yeh kya ho gaya  Swami  1977

If I had to select one song that embodied the feeling of falling in love, it would be this. Swami was the first Basu Chatterjee film for which Rajesh Roshan held the baton of music director. (Read more on this here HERE  )

Amit Khanna penned this beautiful rain drenched solo of Lata Mangeshkar. The whirl of emotions of Saudamini (played by Shabana Azmi with such passion) as she blissfully gets drenched in the rain while welcoming the joy of being in love with Narendra (played by Vikram) makes this song magic on celluloid.

 

3.    Main toh kaare badarwa se haari    Devta   1978

A beautiful Lata solo composed by R D Burman and written by Gulzar, this again is a lesser-known song of Shabana Azmi and deserves much greater recognition. A very lilting tune. Shabana Ami costarred with Sanjeev Kumar in this film, although this song is picturised on Benjamin Gilani.

4.    O shaam aayi rangon mein    Jeena Yahan  1979

This is a lesser heard song and I absolutely had to place it in this list. This is one of the sweetest Lata Mangeshkar solos of the 70s composed by Salil Chowdhury and penned by Yogesh. Very few know about it as this film slipped by the radar for many of us.  Even though this song is lip synched by Kiran Vairale in the film, the focus is entirely on Shabana Azmi. An everyday song situation where Shabana Azmi is visiting her husband’s family and they have gone for boating as a day out, this song blends into the mood perfectly. Shabana Azmi plays these natural scenes with such normalcy that we forget we are watching a film; it becomes as if we are watching a scene from someone’s personal life.

5.    Tum itna jo muskura rahe ho    Arth   1982

If I had to select one Shabana Azmi song that is my favourite, it would be this one. I don’t think any actress in the world could have portrayed the emotions the way she has in this song. The vulnerability, extreme sadness, and helplessness of Pooja when she is handed her divorce papers on her birthday, and yet having to try and smile as her friend Raj wishes her a happy birthday are magical cinema moments on screen. Sung and composed by Jagjit Singh and written by her father Kaifi azmi, this song is definitely among the most touching songs of Shabana Azmi.

 

6.    Phir se aaiyo badraa bidesi     Namkeen    1982

Written by Gulzar, sung by Asha Bhosale and composed by R D Burman, Phir se aaiyo is filmed with a lot of nostalgia and pathos in the valleys of Himachal Pradesh. Mitthu, who is an intelligent girl, is held back in life by difficult circumstances of her family which are further deepened by her inability to talk. The notes of the song ring with haunting intensity and Shabana Azmi enhances the poignancy by her understated and brilliant portrayal of Mitthu.

Tere jaane ki rut main jaanti hoon ,

Mud ki aane ki reet hai ke nahin?

 

7.    Do naina aur ek kahaani    Masoom       1983

The dilemma that Indu faces after being confronted with the reality by her husband and the conflict in being unable to reach out to innocent Rahul as, every time she sees him, the anguish of her husband’s betrayal becomes fresh for her all over again. Shabana Azmi’s eyes speak volumes in this song. This is more than just the lullaby she sings to her two daughters; it is her exhausted mind that is wondering if things will ever be the same again. Sometimes sorrow knocks on the door and stays back as a more-or-less constant factor in life. The way we handle it is what decides the quality of the rest of our life. Gulzar and R D Burman once again, the song is sung by Aarti Mukherjee.

Hope you enjoyed being on this musical journey of Shabana Azmi songs. As I limit my listicles to seven, I am sure I have missed out mentioning many melodious songs here. Do write in with more of your favourite songs of this incredible actress!

 

Seven songs with poetic imagery of Bharat Vyas

 

Bharat Vyas began writing in 1943 and we know most of his famous lines from songs composed by Vasant Desai, Khemchand Prakash and S N Tripathi. He tried his hand in film direction in 1949 where he directed a film called Rangila Rajasthan. He reverted to writing lyrics after that. His greatest hits were in the 50s. He combined the world of Hindi film lyrics and literary poetry which blended together blissfully in his songs.  Although the beginning phase of his career had him writing in a mix of Hindi and Urdu, Bharat Vyas went on to write in chaste Hindi for his later songs in his career.

1.    Nirbal se ladaai balwan ki                Toofan aur diya    1956

Fighting for survival against all odds can be exhausting, particularly if one has to do it without hope. This song relates an arduous struggle of a young boy against the most harrowing circumstances and yet manages to be one of the most redeeming examples of hope. It uses the metaphor of an earthen clay lamp struggling to stay alight in the face of a relentless storm. I remember writing down these lines as a child and thinking that these could well fit into a treasured book of poetry. Sung by Manna Dey and chorus, and composed by Vasant Desai, this song defines everything that is special about this exceptionally talented poet.

Kahin door thaa toofan

Diye se thaa balavaan

Saare jag ko masalane machal rahaa

Jhaad ho yaa pahaad, de vo pal me ukhaad

Soch-soch ke zameen pe thaa uchhal rahaa

Ek nanhaa-saa diyaa, usane hamalaa kiyaa …

Ab dekho leelaa vidhi ke vidhaan ki

Ye kahaani hai diye ki aur toofan ki

 

 

2.    Ae maalik tere bande hum                           Do Aankhen barah haath  1957

The sublime feel of this song in this V Shantaram film has elevated it to a prayer over the years. Talking to a higher being and appealing to that power to help us become better versions of ourselves, there is perhaps no better boon that one could ask for from the almighty. Lata Mangeshkar has sung it in a way that has added to the divine feel of this prayer composed by Vasant Desai. An interesting trivia for this song: Bharat Vyas’ brother Brij Mohan Vyas has played an important character in this film. Another interesting trivia related to this film is that noted painter G. Kamble was hired by V Shantaram to paint the movie posters for this film. Kamble produced a 350-ft banner at Opera house theatre in Mumbai in 1957.

Bada kamzor hai aadmi
Ab bhi lakhon hain ismein kami
Par tu jo khada hai dayaalu bada

Teri kirpa se dharti thami
Diya tune hamein jab janam
Tu hi jhelega hum sab ke gham
Neki par chalein aur badi se talein
Taaki hanste huye nikle dam
Aye malik tere bande hum…

 

It was difficult to choose just one song from this film for this list. Umad ghumad kar aayi re ghata was a close contender as I love the choice of words used to depict gushing rain and thunder in an open field. The lyrics have the most beautiful use of literary devices like similes, metaphors and onomatopoeia ever used in a song. (Kare kare badarava ki jhanan jhanan jhan jhanjhari bajati aayi hai dekho bhaai barkha dulhaniya)

 

3.    Kavi Raja Kavita Ke Ab na kaan marodo              Song | Navrang(1959) 

 

Bharat Vyas was known for writing about social issues and life philosophy in simple words, in a way that would connect to the masses. Composed by C Ramchandra and sung by Bharat Vyas himself for this V Shantaram film, this song ranks among poetry of the highest order. A fact of life is that following one’s passion is fine, but one needs to finally earn money in life to remain alive. This point is put across in a hilarious and yet hard-hitting manner by the poet himself as he tells the character, who is also a poet, that he needs to make a living now. 

Kaviraja kavita ke mat ab kaan marodo
dhande ki kuchh baat karo kuchh paise jodo
sher shairi kaviraja na kaam aayegi
kavita ki pothi ko deemak khaa jaayegi
bhaav chad rahe anaaj ho raha mehngaa din din
bhookhe maroge raat kategi taare gin gin
is liye kehtaa hoon bhaiyyaa ye sab chhodo
dhande ki kuchh baat karo kuchh paise jodo…

 

4.    Aa laut ke aaja mere meet   Rani Roopmati  1959

Sung by Mukesh, and composed by S N Tripathi, this song is basically the first thing most people remember about this film. This song is picturised on Bharat Bhushan who had an excellent run in 1950s with most of his films having the most melodious music. This song has also been sung by Lata Mangeshkar.

Ek pal hai hasna ek pal hai rona kaisa hai jeevan ka khela
Ek pal hai milna ek pal bichhadna duniya hai do din ka mela
Ye ghadi na jaye beet

Tujhe mere geet bulaate hai

Aa laut ke aaja mere meet

 

5.    Saranga teri yaad mein         Saranga   1961

Sung by Mukesh and music composed by Sardar Malik, this song is one of the most popular romantic solos written by Bharat Vyas. As he is mostly remembered as the poet for serious issues, this song absolutely needed to be in this list to show his range. The pathos of a broken heart has been so effectively captured that hearing this song always adds a sombre note to one’s day. There is no bitterness in this song, it is just filled with sweet memories of his beloved and the days they spent together.

sang tumhare do ghadi, beet gaye jo pal
jal bhar ke mere nain me, aaj huye ojhal
sukh leke dukh de gayi do akhiya chanchal,
saaranga teri yaad mein nain huye bechain
madhur tumhare milan bina, din katate nahi rain,

saaranga teri yaad mein…

6.    Yeh kaun chitrakar hai                       Boond jo ban gayee moti  1967

Sometimes, one feels speechless while looking at the glory of a sunset or a deep valley enveloped in low lying clouds. The only words to describe the spiritual feeling at such moments of being surrounded by the beauty of nature can be found in the lyrics of this song. Sung by Mukesh and composed by Satish Bhatia, this song is a wonderful ode to the creator of this universe. This V Shantaram film explored the theme of education in a very thought-provoking manner.

The scene preceding this song has remained etched in my memory. SatyaPrakash, the schoolteacher, played by Jeetendra, opens a textbook to start reading this poem to a classroom full of students.  As he reads the first two lines, the pauses are filled with the creaking of the overhead fans. He realises this is the wrong way to introduce such a beautiful poem to the class.  He stops reading and decides to take the children to the beautiful outdoors to really know the essence of this poem.

Kudrat kee iss pavitrata ko tum nihar lo

Iss ke guno ko apne mann me tum utaar lo

Chamakalo aaj lalima, apne lalat kee

Kan kan se jhankatee tumhe chhabee virat kee

Apnee toh aankh ek hai uss kee hajar hai

Yeh kaun chitrakar hai.........

 

7.    Jyot se jyot jalaate chalo                 Sant Gyaneshwar   1981

This song played at number three in Binaca Geetmala and it is astonishing that this was the only song written by Bharat Vyas that got the Filmfare award nomination for him. This song has two versions, one by Mukesh and the other by Lata Mangeshkar. Composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal, this was among the last few films he wrote for as he passed away in 1982.

aashaa tooti mamtaa roothi chhoot gayaa hai kinaaraa
band karo mat dwaar dayaa kaa de do kuchh to sahaaraa
deep dayaa kaa jalaate chalo, prem ki gangaa bahaate chalo
prem ki gangaa bahaate chalo….

 

Hope you enjoyed this journey with Bharat Vyas’ songs! Do write in with your favourite Bharat Vyas song in the comments below, in case I have missed out mentioning any of your favourite songs from his treasure chest!

 

Seven songs showcasing Bombay meri jaan

A topic that touches two of my favourites: Hindi film songs and the beautiful city of Mumbai. Although the essence of the city has remained the same over the years, it feels so nice to revisit the Bombay of old that is captured in Hindi films where certain years and decades of this city are available, frozen in time, for us to revisit whenever we want.

1.Ae dil hai mushkil jeena yahan                      1956

Film: CID

Ae dil hai mushkil jeena yahan,

Zara hatt ke, zara bach ke,

Yeh hai Bombay meri jaan…

Seeing Bombay of the 50s in black and white films lends a whole new aura and glamour of the past to those days. From Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) to the tanga breezing through Marine Drive, this song shows us many glimpses of Bombay of the 50s. The lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri have captured both the angst as well as the joy of this city. His words Yeh hai Bombay meri jaan are now the tagline of so many things written about this city. Sung by Mohd Rafi and Geeta Dutt, and music composed by O P Nayyar, this song tops most lists of Bombay songs. Interesting side note that this is probably the only song that mentions the trams of Mumbai.

Kahin building kahin traame,
Kahin motor, kahin mill,
Milta hai yahan sab kuchh,
Ik milta nahin dil…

Insaan ka nahin kahin naam o nishaan
Zara hatt ke, zara bach ke
Yeh hai Bombay meri jaan….

2. Babu samjho ishaare                           1958

Film: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi

This song has five stars within it. The three brothers Ashok Kumar, Anoop Kumar, and Kishore Kumar, their vintage car Ford Model A and the city of Bombay. As the brothers ride on the streets of Mumbai ,from the start of the song, we can see the classic landmarks of Churchgate, Western Railway headquarters and Eros cinema.

Yahan chalti ko gaadi, kehta hain pyaare

Composed by S D Burman and penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri, this song is magic on celluloid.

On a side note, a part of the road of Bandra Sea face is seen in this song as well as in Kiski muskarahaton pe in Anari.  Both films released within a year of each other CKNG 1958 and Anari 1959.

3. Jaaneman jaaneman               1976

Film: Chhoti si baat 

This song covers the office goers’ Bombay. From local bus travel to queueing for the lift at Express Towers at Nariman Point, this song is an enticing look at the city with all its opportunities. This film covers many other landmark locations in Bombay like Samovar restaurant at Jehangir Art Gallery, landmarks which have long gone now but live on in Basu Chatterjee films. It was a tough call to select just one song from this film as the other two (Yeh din kya aaye and Na jaane kyun) also cover many other delightful scenes of Bombay. Sung by Yesudas and Asha Bhosale, music by Salil Choudhary and written by Yogesh, this song captures mid 70s Mumbai in all its glory.

 

 

4. Tumhe ho na ho mujhko to               1977

Film: Gharonda

This is Bombay as it was in the late 70s. A beautiful solo by Runa Laila, music by Jaidev and penned oh so mesmerisingly by Naqsh Lyallpuri, this song starts off from the restaurant Naaz at Hanging Gardens and goes on to film nariyal paani and bhel puri at Juhu Beach and culminates fittingly at Nariman Point for this stanza.

Koi khwaab oonche makaanon se jhaanke

Koi khwab baitha rahe sarr jhukaaye

Kabhi dil ki raahon mein phaile andhera

Kabhi door tak Roshni muskuraye….

 

5. Seene mein jalan aankhon mein                 1978

Film: Gaman

However beloved a city, it also forms the background for the stress we live with. Seene mein jalan is the view of Mumbai through a stressed Farooque Shaikh driving the classic Kaali Peeli. The words underline the anxiety and work worries that overwhelm us. As the taxi rides through the streets of Bombay, we catch glimpses of the traffic, the shops and hawkers and then the sudden aerial view of the Queen’s Necklace at Marine Drive with the Brabourne stadium in clear view. Written by Shahryar ( Akhlaq Mohammad Khan) and composed by Jaidev, this is one of the finest solos of Suresh Wadkar. The song is a series of questions and we still don’t have answers to any of them.

 Kya koi nayi baat nazar aati hai hum mein

Aaina humein dekh ke hairan sa kyun hai

Seene mein jalan, Aankhon mein toofaan sa kyun hai

Is shehar mein har shaks pareshan sa kyun hai…

 

6. Suniye kahiye                 1979  

Film: Baton Baton mein

A distinctive joy of Basu Chatterjee films is that most of them showcase normal Bombay life with the normal by lanes, buses and trams. His films made Bombay the hero of the film as much as the main actors. Baton Baton Mein is shot entirely in Bombay, and primarily in its western suburb of Bandra. Watching Amol Palekar and Tina Munim traipsing through the streets of Bandra, travelling to work in the Mumbai local train and walking near Bandra sea face is a very nostalgic experience for those who remember the Bandra of the late 70s and early 80s. Even the opening credits in the film cover charming Bandra scenes from St Andrews church to Elco arcade on Hill Road.

7.Rhimjhim gire sawan                            1979

Film: Manzil

A song that is one of the foremost to hum in our minds at the beginning of monsoon in India, bringing visions of a rain drenched Marine Drive and a very much in love couple enacted by Amitabh Bachchan and Moushami Chatterjee skipping along the promenade, in a suit and a saree, with the waves splashing onto them. The scenes go on to capture them splashing through the rain at at Oval Maidan with Rajabai tower as well as the High Court in the background. Written by Yogesh and composed by R D Burman, this song could well be called the monsoon anthem of rain loving Bombay.

Is baar sawan mehka hua hai

Is baar mausam behka hua hai.. 

Jaane pee ke chali kya pawan 

Sulag sulag jaaye mann

Bheege aaj is mausam mein

Lagi kaisi yeh agan

Rhimjhim gire sawan…

Monsoon plus Mumbai is a very potent combination, and this song has bottled the romance that fills the air within its visuals. There, within our reach, whenever we want to feel it again.

The years will move on, and Bombay will continue to entice and exhilarate. Do write in the comments below to tell me about any film or song that showcased this city to your liking!

Magical songs of Shammi Kapoor with Shankar Jaikishan

Some associations are blessed by God, and they create magic when they come together. Shammi Kapoor and Shankar Jaikishan were one of these combinations that were blessed by a power greater than all of us, and they went on to bless our lives with incredible music that continues to enrich our lives today. This team gave us about 60 songs out of which almost 50 were super hits. Here’s a look at their magic. As they say, let’s start at the very beginning…

 

1.    Suraj zara aa paas aa      Ujaala              1959

Ujaala was the first film where Shankar Jaikishan scored the music for Shammi Kapoor. The voices used in this film for Shammi Kapoor are Manna dey and Mukesh. Later on, of course, Mohammed Rafi became the norm for him. Their second film Singapore, in fact, had Mohammed Rafi as the playback for Shammi Kapoor and that combination went on to create history.

Here, Shailendra writes about the fire of hunger, the words are all the more profound as they are sung for hungry children.

 Aaloo tamaatar ka saag,

imli ki chutnee baney,

roti karaari sikey,

ghee usspey asli lagey... 

These words bring up the image of a delectable meal in our eyes and yet this image tugs at the heart strings as we think of the plight the children are facing. Only Kaviraj could have wrought this magic.

2.    Ehsaan tera hogaa mujh par            Junglee         1961

The first major hit of Shammi Kapoor- SJ combo which catapulted the actor into the big league. In Shammi kapoor’s words, they ‘struck gold’ with this film. LINK  Hasrat Jaipuri penned this romantic solo which was used as a tandem song with Lata Mangeshkar singing the female solo in her melodious best. Rafi’s rendition of this song personifies yearning and earnestness in love. 

Chaahe banaa do chaahe mitaa do

Marr bhi gaye to denge duvaayen

Udd udd ke kahegi khaak sanam

Yeh dard-e-mohabbat sehne do…

Mujhe tumse mohabbat ho gayi hai

Mujhe palko ki chaanv mein rehne do

Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par …

 

3.    Khuli palak mein jhootha gussa      Professor      1962

 

A delightful romantic solo in classic Shammi Kapoor mode. Shailendra here wields his romantic pen and gives us magic.

Jis din se dekhaa tumko,

tum lagey mujhe apne se,

Aur aakey rahey aankhon mein,

ek mann chaahey sapney se,

Samajh na aaye, kya jeeta main,

aur gaya kya haar,

Jeena bhi mushkil,

marnaa bhi mushkil...

Ever since I knew that this song is apparently shot in Aarey Milk Colony in Mumbai, I plan to go there again to just imagine the team shooting there with this song being played in the background. If only places could speak, they would have so much to tell us of the magic moments witnessed!

 

 

4.    Meri muhobbat jawan rahegi          Jaanwar       1965

 

If there were one solo that had to be selected as quintessential Shammi Kapoor song, it would be this. With beautiful Kashmir in the background, the scene of the hero wooing the heroine with grand declarations, and Rafi providing the vocals, this song ticks all the boxes in the most heart-warming manner. Shankar Jaikishan and Hasrat Jaipuri create cinema magic.

 

Na Tumsa Koyi Zamaane Bhar Mein
Ho Ho
Na Tumsa Koyi Zamaane Bhar Mein
Tumhi Ko Chaha, Meri Nazar Ne
Tumhi Ko Chaha, Meri Nazar Ne
Tumhe Chuna Hai, Tumhe Chunegi
Sada Rahi Hai, Sada Rahegi
Meri Mohabbat Jawaan Rahegi
Sada Rahi Hai, Sada Rahegi

 

5.    Main gaaon tum so jaao        Brahmachari           1968

Shammi Kapoor plays the title role of Brahamachari who has a heart of gold and looks after orphans, trying to bring cheer and laughter in their lives. He won the Filmfare award for best actor for this film. This lullaby emphasises his earnest and sincere wish to see a better world for his wards. The encouraging words by Kaviraj laden with positivity share an interesting contrast with the subdued and sober Rafi’s voice to the gentle tune of Shankar Jaikishan. It’s like Brahmachari is feeling the pathos and despair for the children while keeping up a joyful front for them. Hope treads a thin line beside sadness in this song and that, perhaps, is the beauty of it. Kaviraj, SJ and Rafi pull off this feat with such elan!

Maana aaj ki raat hai lambi,

maana din tha bhaari,

Par jag badlaa, badlegi,

ek din taqdeer hamari,

Uss din ke khwab sajaao...

Main gaaoon tum so jaao...

 

6.    Tum mujhe yun bhula na paaoge    Pagla Kahin ka         1970

Pagla Kahin ka came at the fag end of Shammi Kapoor’s career. The film dealt with loss and the trauma that the human mind suffers in order to overcome a huge setback in life. I would rate this as one of Shammi Kapoor’s and Asha Parekh’s finest performances in a convoluted plot. The film has a lot of finer moments in the scenes between Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh. Hasrat Jaipuri pens the most famous song of this film. Again a tandem where Lata Mangeshkar has also sung this song, albeit with a different anatara.

Mujhko dekhe binaa qaraar na thaa
ek aisaa bhi daur guzraa hai
Jhooth maano to pooch lo dil se
Main kahoongaa to rooth jaaoge
Haan tum mujhe yoon bhulaa naa paaoge

 

7.     Dil use do jo jaan de de        Andaz           1971

 

This could really be termed as the swan song of Shammi Kapoor’s career as a hero or leading man. The music was scored by Shankar Jaikishan and penned by Hasrat Jaipuri. The songs of this film gave the mega star a fitting finale, so to speak. Although there was a late release film Chhote Sarkar in 1974 with Shammi Kapoor and Sadhana in the lead roles, Andaz was by far the right closing act as a hero for the star who gave us so much through his films and music. Rafi and Asha Bhosale gave this party song a peppy feel.

Dil use do jo jaan de de

Jaan use do jo dil de de…

The song, as many Shammi Kapoor songs, is rife with philosophy. Although the lines seem carefree about falling in love, they actually hint that one should think carefully before giving away our affection.  

The antaras go on to welcome new beginnings.

Ye pyaar ke nazaare hain
dekh lo jidhar,
Ab naachti hai duniyaa
khushi ka hai asar…

Lo khatam huaa hai
ye aaj ka safar,
Ab hogi suhaani
Wo kal ki Sahar…..

Shammi Kapoor moved on from this phase to do memorable character roles. However, he will always be the magical hero for us with his romantic films. His lilting songs will always bring a slight breeze to flutter the curtains in our room as we are dreamily carted off to the pristine valleys of Kashmir and his cine magic land.

Do write in the comments with your feedback and tell us your favourite Shammi Kapoor songs!

 

Musical journey with Boot Polish

 Boot Polish 1954

Music Directors: Shankar Jaikishan

 

The film Boot Polish is the heart-rending story of two orphan siblings Bhola (Ratan Kumar) and Belu (Naaz) who are forced to beg by their wicked aunt. A bootlegger John (David) teaches them dignity of labour and shows them how to work for a living with self-respect instead of begging. The songs of this film enhance the emotions that the viewer feels at every stage of Bhola’s and Belu’s childhood. Produced by Raj Kapoor, this film carries the shining unmistakable philosophical tone ingrained in all RK films.

1. Nanhe munhe bacchhe teri mutthi mein kya hai

A song that follows a pattern of questions and answers as John Chacha tries to know how motivated the children are and gets heartening answers from them which make him hopeful about their generation.

Written by Shailendra in 1954, this song presents hope, ethics and perseverance as the beacon showing the way ahead for India at that time. The song is full of optimism and the beauty of Kaviraj’s words is such that we hear this song at any juncture of life and wish that these ethics were upheld by one and all.

John Chacha asks:

"Bheekh mein jo moti miley, logey ya na logey,

Zindagi ke aansuon ka, bolo kya karogey ?

The children reply :

Bheekh mein jo moti miley, toh bhi hum na lengey,

Zindagi ke aansuon ki, maala pehnengey,

mushkilon se ladtey, bhidtey, jeeney mein mazaa hai...

 

2. Raat gayi phir din aata hai      

Written by Saraswati Kumar 'Deepak' , this is an inspiring song steeped in philosophy, sung by Manna Dey and Asha Bhosale.

Kabhi andhera kabhi ujaala

Phool khila phir murjhaata hai

Khela bachpan hansi jawaani
Magar budhaapa tadpaata hai…
Sukh dukh ka pahiya chalta hai
Wohi naseeba kehlaata hai
Raat gayi phir din aata hai
Issi tarah aate jaate hi
Ye saara jeewan jaata hai…

On a side note, these lines remind me of Shailendra’s lines from Teesri Kasam :

Ladakhpan khel mein khoya

Jawani neend bhar soya

Budhapa dekh kar roya

Yahi kissa purana hai…

 

3. John Chacha tum kitne ache

This song is generally considered as part of ‘Raat gayee phir din aata hai’ but is actually a separate song in its own right with a different theme which flows like liquid gold out of the earlier song. The complete desolate mood of the slum children who feel better after their John Chacha croons the soothing words of ‘Raat gayee phir din aata hai’  creates a change of mood when they start singing ‘John Chacha tum kitne ache, tumhe pyaar karte sab bachhe’. In true essence of this film, this peppy song still delivers punchy hard hitting life questions:

Chacha kya hoti taqdeer,

Kyun hai ek bhikaari, chacha,

Kyon hai ek Ameer…

The unfairness of life in distributing blessings in unequal portions.

4. Badhta chal

This song flows from John Chacha tum kitne ache, effectively making a trilogy of Raat gayee, John chacha tum kitne ache and Baddhta chal. This song culminates with the lines:

‘Yeh raat gayee, who subah nayee’

These lines essentially bring the trio of songs to a full circle as they re-emphasise the opening lines of the first song of the trio ‘Raat gayee phir din aata hai’, persuading the children that there is light after darkness. Always.

 

5. Theher zara o jaanewaale

Penned by Shailendra and sung by Asha Bhosle and Manna Dey, the lines question the disparity between the lower and upper classes in life. Asked in simple language that would be used by children to get some answers, the innocence in the words makes it much more effective.

Panditji mantar padhate hain

Woh Gangaji nahalate hain
Hum pet ka mantar padhte hai

Joote kaa muh chamakate hai…
Pandit ko paanch chavanni hai

Apni toh ek ikanni hai
Phir bhed bhav yeh kaisa hai

Jab sab ko pyara paisa hai
Oonch neech kuchh samajh naa paye

Hum matwale palishwale

On a sidenote, this song appeared in 1951 in background chorus form in Raj Kapoor’s Awara. It was filmed on a young Shashi Kapoor. It was sung by chorus singers and later used in its full form in Boot Polish. Here’s the clip for that chorus version!

 

6. Tumhare hain tumse daya maangte hain

It is a rare soul whose eyes don’t turn moist on hearing this song. Children in tattered clothes, walking the streets of the city, asking for compassion and help from the ones who have it all. Shailendra ensures an ethereal haplessness in the lyrics which makes us feel raw with emotion. Mohd Rafi and Asha Bhosale give this song a vulnerable sensitivity which gives the listener goosebumps. The term goosebumps, for me, was always a textbook term till I heard this song. After hearing this song, I finally knew exactly what goosebump feelings are.

Kissi ki na ho, jaisi kismat hai apni,

Dukhi dil sabhi ka bhalaa maangtey hain...

and

Kisi shaam ko, ek pal bhar jaley jo,

Hum aasha ka aisa diya maangtey hain...

 

7. Chali kaunse des

Chali kaunse des is counted as one of the most sensitive songs describing the emotions of a brother and sister. Although the words show a brother singing a bidaai song of farewell at his sister’s wedding, the film uses it in a very different context. Bhola is looking for his lost sister and this song comes on screen at a time when he is feeling extreme despair and losing hope of finding her. He happens to come across a blind street singer (Kaviraj Shailendra himself in a rare appearance) who is singing this at the roadside.  Shailendra excels with the lyrics, sung with ethos by Talat Mahmood and Asha Bhosale.

Cannot help mentioning the extra stanza here which unfortunately is not available in any video version of the song. This extra stanza reveals an extra layer in the song where we realise that the poet is talking about something much deeper than bidaai.

" Do din jag mein, dhoom machaaye,

Jaakey koyi, waapas na aaye,

Khoj, khoj thakk jaaye,

Do naina, chaand suraj ke......"

 

Keeping to my theme of seven, I have not managed to include two equally beautiful songs Taron ko dil ki baat and  Lapak jhapak.

Watching Boot Polish is a life affirming cinema experience. The struggle of the children for their survival and respect from society is very moving. Hope you enjoyed the musical journey through this classic film. Do write in with your favourite song of Boot Polish with reasons in the comments below!

Seven Pearls of Wisdom with Raj Kapoor songs

 

Raj Kapoor films have always had a strong core of philosophy. From the story to the dialogues to the lyrics, every aspect of his films tells us something about life, each film is an eye opener in some way. Here’s looking at some of his ‘pate ki baat’ from seven songs selected from his films.

1. Mud mud ke na dekh  (Shree 420)     1955

Singer: Manna Dey and Asha Bhosale

Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Lyrics: Shailendra

A village simpleton in the grasp of a conniving city. To his dismay, he realises that honesty is a burden that is holding him back. The metaphor of Vidya (Nargis) and Maya (Nadira) is played with finesse as we watch Raj’s struggle to choose a path. Mud mud ke na dekh gives voice to any temptation that we have faced in life. The urge to move on and achieve success is a powerful one and the lyrics play on every emotion that answers to that pull.

Duniyaa ke saath jo badaltaa jaaye
Jo iske dhaanche me hi dhaltaa jaaye
Duniyaa usiki hai jo chaltaa jaaye

Mud mud ke na dekh, mud mud ke
Mud mud ke na dekh, mud mud ke

 

2.  Dil ka haal sune dilwala  (Shree 420)    1955

Singer: Manna Dey

Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Lyrics: Shailendra

A quintessential Raj Kapoor song where he plays the common man, has a dafli in his hands and is singing life truths penned by his Kaviraj Shailendra. These are cinema magic moments, and they live on.

Sun lo magar yeh kisise na kehna,

Tinke ka leke sahara na behna

Bin mausam malhar na gaana

Aadhi raat ko matt chillana

Warna pakad lega policewala…..

 

3. Kisi ki muskaharoton pe      (Anari)       1959

Singer: Mukesh

Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Lyrics: Shailendra

If we are asked to think of a song that teaches us the best way to live life in a positive way, this song will probably be the first to come to mind for many of us. The straightforward and clear tone of the lyrics drives the point home clearly. This is the only song selected in this list which is not from a film made by Raj Kapoor but no list of philosophy of life by Raj Kapoor could be complete without this song. Mukesh lends a sincerity to this SJ tune and Raj Kapoor brings it alive on screen as only he can. A magical combination and a joy for us to hear and see for all time.

Mitte jo pyaar ke liye woh zindagi,
Jale bahaar ke liye woh zindagi
Kisi ko ho na ho hamein to aitbaar
Jeena isi ka naam hai…

 

4. Pyaar kar le nahin toh phaansi chadh jaayega (Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai)   1960

Singer: Mukesh

Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Lyrics: Shailendra

 

Very hard hitting lyrics as Raju tells dacoit Raka (Pran) to choose nonviolence and peace, by surrendering to police and choosing to give up a violent way of life.

jeet har saikdo teer se talwar se
jeet har saikdo teer se talwar se
mere sath muskura dil ko jeet pyar se
mere sath muskura dil ko jeet pyar se
vichar kar le, vichar kar le nahi to piche pachtayega….

 

5. Sajan re jhooth matt bolo        1966

Singer: Mukesh

Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Lyrics: Shailendra

 

Every song of this film is deeply embedded with life lessons. It was difficult to select just one song from this film. Be it Duniya banana waale or be it Sajanwa bairi ho gaye hamaar, all songs from this film are a textbook lesson on life.

Ladakpan khel mein khoya,
Jawaani neend bhar soyaa,
Budhaapa dekh kar royaa
Wahi kissaa puraanaa hai…..
Sajan re jhooth mat bolo

 

6. Pate ki baat kahega (Diwana) 1967

Singer: Mukesh

Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Lyrics: Shailendra

Pate ki baat are the pearls of wisdom about the philosophy of life that the Diwana states to people in this song. Another gem from the team of Raj Kapoor, Shankar Jaikishan, Shailendra and Mukesh. A very uplifting song that makes one realise the true value of things around us.

Char ke aath tu kar le,

Aath se saath tu kar le

Rahega phir bhi ye khali,

Pet ko lakh tu bhar le

Seekh le mann ko manana,

Sabar se kaam chalana,

Meri surat pe na jaana,

Meri surat pe na jaana

Pate ki baat kahega,

Kahega jab bhi deewana….

Pate ki baat

7. Ae bhai zara dekh ke chalo  (Mera Naam Joker)   1970

Singer: Manna Dey

Music: Shankar Jaikishan

Lyrics: Neeraj

 

This song is an eye opener for people who make the mistake of looking at life with rose tinted glasses and then wish they hadn’t done that. Raju, the joker, in Mera Naam Joker has seen life in its true colours, and he tells us that traversing the paths of life can be tricky at the best of times, and treacherous at the most. And yet, he tells us that such is life and we should live it with the courage needed to make a go of it.

A song deeply laden with philosophy, it tells us something new every time we hear it.

Girne se darta hai kyon,

Marne se darta hai kyon,

Thokar tu jab tak na khayega.

 Paas kisi gham ko na jab tak bulayega,

 Zindagi hai cheez kya nahin jaan paayegaa,

Rotaa huaa aaya hai, rotaa chalaa jaaegaa .

Ae bhai zara dekh ke chalo

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