EXQUISITE FUSION, Raj Khosla and Laxmikant-Pyarelal

EXQUISITE  FUSION, Raj Khosla and Laxmikant-Pyarelal

The combo of Raj Khosla and Laxmikant-Pyarelal have given many memorable musical hit films….The combo of Raj Khosla and Laxmikant-Pyarelal was SUPER HIT combo in support with Anand Bakshi.

Before the kicking off this long-lasting, fruitful, cahoot with Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Raj Khosla had directed many memorable musical hit movies. Just to name few films with respective music directors :-

Milap, 1954  ( N Datta)

C I D, 1956  ( O P Nayyar)

Kala Pani, 1956 ( S D Burman)

Solva Saal, 1958 (S D Burman)

Bambai Ka Babu, 1960 (S D Burman)

Ek Musafir Ek Hasina, 1962 ( O P Nayyar)

Woh Kaun Thi, 1964 (Madanmohan)

Mera Saaya, 1966 (Madanmohan)

Do Badan, 1966 (Ravi)

Raj Khosla and Laxmikant-Pyarelal

It was in the 1967 Raj Khosla decided to launch his own Production Unit to be named as RAJ KHOSLA FILMS.

At the end of the year 1963, Laxmikant-Pyarelal had made a thumping outset in Hindi Film Music. By the end of the year 1966,  Laxmikant-Pyarelal became “top” favorite music directors for many of the film production units and big producers and directors. Famous producers/directors, J Omprakash (“Aaye Din Bahar Ke”), Shreedhar (“Pyar Kiye Jaa”), started signing Laxmikant-Pyarelal for their respective films followed by L V Prasad (“Milan”), A K Nadiadwala (“Patthar Ke Sanam”), Subodh Mukharjee (“Shagird”). Raj Khosla was not the exception.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal became the household name, by the  virtue of their super-duper musical hits.

Such was the “charm / craze” of Laxmikant-Pyarelal, in the mid 60s that Raj Khosla took them in “ANITA”,  despite the musical success of music director Madan Mohan with Raja Mehadi Aali Khan as the songwriter in his previous films (“Woh Kaun Thi” and “Mera Saya” ) and music director Ravi with the songwriter Shakeel Badayuni (“Do Badan”).

Thus the  long lasting partnership of Raj Khosla and Laxmikant-Pyarelal has now started and have entertained us in the films like:-

Anita, 1967

Do Raaste, 1969

Mera Gaon Mera Desh, 1971

Kuchche Dhaage, 1973

Prem Kahani, 1975

Main Tulsli Tere Aangan Ki 1979

Do Premee, 1980

Dostana, 1980 (produced by Yash Johar)

Teri Mang Sitaron Se Bhar Doon, 1982

Mera Dost Mera Dushman, 1984 (produced by Johny Bakshi).

Laxmikant, Lata Mangeshkar, Pyarelal, Actress Sadhana and Raj Khosla . "ANITA" song recording in  1967.

We are going to review few of the above listed movies and it’s music.

ANITA 1967.

Raj Khosla was a talented director. He made some excellent thriller films in past, such as “C I D”, “Mera Saaya” and “Woh Kaun Thi”. “Anita”  is one of them, and it is indeed a highly enjoyable movie filled with mystery and suspense with an extremely melodious  music. Actress Sadhana in lead opposite Manoj Kumar.

“तुम बीन जीवन कैसे बीता” (“Yaman Kalyan”) and “सामने मेरे सांवरिया” (“Bhairavi”)

1967 .The Marathon Begins as Laxmikant-Pyarelal ascend the top. 10 films with all songs hit. In the wave of Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s 1967 musical hits like “Milan”, “Shagird”, “Pathar Ke Sanam”, “Farz”, “Night In London”, “Jaal” and “Taqdeer”, Raj Khosla’s “ANITA” was also found a special place, with decent songs which are still popular.

1 Tum Bin Jeevan Kaise Beeta …. Mukesh

2 Samane Mere Sanwariya …. Lata

3 Na Baba Na Baba …. Lata

4 Gore Gore Chand Ke Mukh Par …. Mukesh (penned by Aarzoo Lucknawi)

5 Kareeb Aaye Nazar …. Lata

6 Hai Nazar Ka Ishara …. Lata-Usha (penned by Anand Bakshi)

Excellent lyrics by Raja Mehadi Ali Khan saab and Laxmikant-Pyarelal justify the selection of Raj Khosla as a replacement of Madanmohan saab. Actually, Raj Khosla wanted to build up the partnership of  Laxmikant-Pyarelal with Raja Mehadi Ali Khan but Sudden death of Raja Mehadi Ali Khan gave the full stop to the RMAK & LP’s rising partnership and Anand Bakshi joins the group.  

Tum Bin Jeevan Kaise Beeta …. Mukesh 

Elegant melodious song composed in Raag “Yaman Kalyan”………effectively sung by Mukesh ji ……deep touching lyrics. Simple ‘TABLA’ rhythm for mukhada and antara. Another beauty of this songs is a mellifluous SYMPHONY style orchestra arrangements with soft VIOLINS (no rhythm) in all the “interludes”.

Samane Mere Sanwariya …. Lata
Extremely melodious song starts with Lataji’s mind-boggling “HUMMING” in ‘Bhairavi’ . Ear-Pleasing DHOLAK rhythm. First “Interlude” is orchestrated in SYMPHONY style VIOLINS intermixed with BIRD’s TWEETING. Second ‘Interlude’ is awesomely decorated with FLUTE. Third “interlude” starts with MRIDANG and ends with VIOLINS in ’SYMPHONY’ style. The magic number “Samne Mere Saawariya” beautifully shot with Sadhana walking the hills.

DO RAASTE 1969.

It was purely a family drama, showing aspiration and disappointments of a middle class family. The film revolves around Balaraj Sahani and his hopes & misfortunes. The romantic avocation of Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz is worth to watch. Rajesh Khanna with his superlative emotional performance, steals the show. Brilliant script, powerful dialogues, meritorious direction by Raj Khosla  and phenomenal music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal are the features of this super duper hit film. It was a huge hit film. Celebrated golden jubilee (50 week runs) in almost all the major cities of India. Rajesh Khanna became the STAR after this movie. (“Do Raaste” released just two weeks after the release of “Aradhana”). “Do Raaste” gave the new hit pair of Rajesh Khanna-Mumtaz.

Laxmikant, Anand Bakshi and Pyarelal. 

As said earlier, the music was one of the big assets of the film. After this musical success of "Do Raaste", director Raj Khosla, for most of his coming films, always considered the record breaking 'trio' of Laxmikant-Pyarelal/Anand Bakshi. The fabulous songs from "Do Raaste", includes

1 Bindiya Chamake Gi …. Lata

2 Chhup Gaye Sare Nazare …. Lata-Rafi

3 Yeh Reshmi Jhulphe …. Rafi

4 Do Rang Duniya Ke …. Mukesh

5 Mere Naseeb Main Ai Dost …. Kishore

6 Apani Apani Biwi Pe …. Lata

  

Bindiya Chamake Gi …. Lata

This “Punjabi” folkish style,  DHOLAK rhythm, sweet and melodious  song, with euphonic DHOLAK ‘rhythm’  is completely decorated with the glimpses of SANTOOR and FLUTE. Lataji’s rendering the word ‘chamake gi’ is admirable. The song rock the nation and was top hit, number 1 song, in Binacageetmala Finals of  the year 1970.  

Chhup Gaye Sare Nazare …. Lata-Rafi

Lovely romantic duet awesomely and overwhelmingly orchestrated with SANTOOR and FLUTE with sweet DHOLAK 'rhythm'. 

Mere Naseeb Main Ai Dost …. Kishore

The song is based on raag “Yaman Kalyan”.  Kishore Kumar’s  soft rendering and Laxmikant-Pyarelal's SYMPHONY style orchestra arrangements with overlapping sound effects of VIOLINS, VIOLA, FLUTE and SANTOOR are the significant aspects of this song. Another beauty of this song is that Kishore Kumar  has brilliantly ‘synchronized’ the "pause" in the LP orchestra. The rhythm of the song is completely on BONGO DRUMS.

MERA GAON MERA DESH 1971.

“Mera Gaon Mera Desh”  is a complete movie in itself including persuasive direction from Raj Khosla, honeyed music streaming with story, by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, powerful dialogues, story, superb performances by all. Dharmendra is excellent in his role and plays it superbly Asha Parekh is good too, Jayant is good as Fauji, Laxmi Chhaya is excellent in her role and the carrier best performance by Vinod Khanna who those days started as a villain is superb as Jabbar Singh.  “Sholey” released in 1975 was inspired from “Mera Gaon Mera Desh”, in many ways. The songs were/are hit, even today. Once again the rocking combo of Lata Mangeshkar / Laxmikant-Pyarelal jiggles. Lata Mangeshkar have sung all five songs, including four solos.

1 Sona Layi Ja Re …. Lata

2 Mar Diya Jaaye Ke Chhod Diya Jaay …. Lata

3 Apani Prem Kahaniyan …. Lata

4 Aaya Aaya Atariya Pe Koi …. Lata

5 Kuchh Kehata Hai Ye Sawan …. Lata-Rafi.

Director Raj Khosla have analogously filmed the songs with the situation of the film story.

Mar Diya Jaaye Ke Chhod Diya Jaay …. Lata

Raj Khosla explained to Anand Bakshi a situation where the hero is tied to a pillar and the girl wants to rescue him. Anand Bakshi was at once reminded of the dialogue between Alexander the Great and King Porus where the former asked the latter "Tumhare saath kya sulook kiya jaye?" And the song Maar diya jaye, ke chhod diya jaye... was born. Laxmikant-Pyarelal have mind-blowingly orchestrated this fabulous song, with 43 seconds of “prelude”, “interludes” and mesmerizing DHOLAK rhythm.

Apani Prem Kahaniyan …. Lata
One of the best ""situational"" numbers you would get to see. It’s gestural song situation. Raj Khosla have done the best to film this songThe police get no help either, when they arrive in village "mela"/Fair.. . Nobody is willing to recognizing "Dacoit" Jabbar Singh (VINOD KHANNA) and his gang. Ajit ( DHARMENDRA ) seeks the help of dancing girl Munnibai (LAXMI CHHAYA), to identify Jabbar Singh in a village "mela". Through the dancing on song, Munnibai is giving many hints of Jabbar Singh's physic, dress and the location where he is standing…This popular dancing song has a perfect set of village fare. Costumes, Cinematography is excellent. ANAND BAXI, has worded this song according to the situation demand. LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL have decorated this song with mellifluent orchestra arrangements. "Prelude" and all the "Interludes" are justifying the village "mela"/fair music. The RHYTHM of the song is mesmerizing. LATA MANGESHKAR simply outstanding...

Few words about LAXMI CHHAYA... This film has the best performance from her. She had a regrettably short film career and is not even remembered today. But see her here and you will never forget her. What a natural she was.

PREM KAHANI 1975.

Great film. Prem Kahani is one of the best movies directed by Raj Khosla. Breathtaking direction, spelbound performances by Rajesh Khanna, Mumtaz, Shashi Kapoor and Vinod Khanna,  beautiful and melodious music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal as well as meaningful dialogue are the assets of the film. It has as many as six songs written by Anand Bakshi.

1 Phool Aahista Phenko …. Lata-Mukesh

2 Chal Dariya Main Doob Jaye …. Lata-Kishore

3 Prem Kahani Main …. Lata-Kishore

4 Kya Meri Prem Kahani …. Lata

5 Prem Hai Kya Ek Aansoo …. Rafi

6 Dosto Main Koi Baat …. Rafi

Phool Aahista Phenko …. Lata-Mukesh

Graceful romantic duet. “Interludes” are  mellifluously orchestrated with SITAR and SARANGI. It has a mesmerizing DHOLAK rhythm.

Chal Dariya Main Doob Jaye …. Lata-Kishore

Another  canorous romantic duet beautifully orchestrated with the instruments like SANTOOR and SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, VIOLINS and FLUTE with diversified DHOLAK ‘rhythm’.

MAIN TULSI TERE AANGAN  KI 1978.

Once again a wonderful film by Raj Khosla! It was a comeback film for Nutan and Asha Parekh No doubt Raj Khosla made Nutan and Asha Parekh perform so marvelously that both of them gave their best in the film. Nutan won the FilmFare Award for Best Actress and Asha Parekh was only nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza penned excellent dialogues. He also won Filmfare for Best Dialogue. Raj Khosla won Best Film Award too.  Raj Khosla and Vinod Khanna were very good friends right from “Mera Gaon Mera Desh” days. RK repeated VK for the fourth successive time but this time in leading role. Laxmikant-Pyarelal gave euphonious music. The song "Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki Koi Nahin Mein Tere Saajan Ki" is the soul of the entire story. Anand Bakshi penned the lyrics so carefully that each word and simile used compliment the story.

1 Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki …. Lata

2 Meri Dushman Hai Wo …. Rafi

3 Chhap Tilak Sab Chhine Re …. Lata-Asha

4 Nathaniya Jo Mari …. Hemlata-Anuradha

5 Saiyyan Ruth Gaye …. Shobha Gurtu

Chhap Tilak Sab Chhine Re …. Lata-Asha

Raj Khosla always used ‘folk’ songs in his films. This time he decides to use Ammer Khusroo's song beautifully sung by Mangeshkar sisters. Simple orchestra arrangements by using SARANGI, FLUTE and SANTOOR with melodious tune and wonderful folkish ‘DHOLAK’ rhythm.

Saiyyan Ruth Gaye …. Shobha Gurtu

Prototypal, classic ‘THUMARI” orchestrated with SARANGI and SANTOOR.

Ajay Poundarik

Atlanta (Georgia)

USA

Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music, preeminent part of film “DOSTI”

Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music, preeminent part of film “DOSTI”  

Diwali of 1963 witnessed the emergence of the new music directors Laxmikant-Pyarelal through the super hit music of “Parasmani”.  Laxmikant-Pyarelal fourth film “DOSTI”, released around the Diwali of 1964.  It was Rajshri Films Second Film. During those time (early sixties) RajshrI films were operating from Madrass, now Chennai. Relatively new in the film production Producer Tarachand Barjatya of Rajshri Films wanted to established in the film industry. The film was directed by well known Director Satyen Bose. 

Black & White movie. No media publicity. . No Star... No Major Star... No Hero ....No Heroin..., No Villain and .....No Big Name at all. Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the new name in Hindi Film Music.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal music was the "STAR" of the film "DOSTI".

Starring Sudhir Kumar, Sushil Kumar, Nana Palsikar, Baby Farida and Sanjay Khan (who made his debut).

Most of the prominent music directors of that time refused to score the music for this film as there was no star cast (two teenage unknown actors) and also they feel there was nothing in the film to compose the songs for Blind and Physically Disabled Children. But Laxmikant-Pyarelal took up the challenge and the film music became a History.

Songs the film DOSTI became a rage throughout the nation and continue to be played till today. Laxmikant-Pyarelal also proved that the songs of their earlier films, "Parasmani", "Harischandra Taramati", “Aaya Toofan”, "Sant Gyanewshwar" and "Sati Savitri" was not a "fluke".

Rajashri Film’s “DOSTI” became super hit film of the year. It has a persuasive direction, potent acting by all the performers and the powerful music. The real “STAR” of the film was only Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music. B Grade and Low Budget film but the entire success of the film was carried away by Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s “MAGICAL MUSIC”.

DOSTI music put Laxmikant-Pyarelal in top music directors rank and made them a "household name" in the India.

DOSTI was nominated for 7 categories and went on to win 6 filmfare award trophies.

Best Picture - Tarachand Barjatya

Best Story - Ban Bhatt

Best Music - Laxmikant Pyarelal

Best Lyrics - Majrooh Sultanpuri

Best Playback Singer Male - Mohammed Rafi

Best Dialogue - Govind Moonis

Laxmikant, Majarooh Sultanpuri and Pyarelal in 1968. 

** This non-star film competed with the likes of Raj Kapoor's ‘Sangam’ and

    won the Filmfare Award for the Best Film of the year.

** DOSTI music gave Laxmikant Pyarelal their first Filmfare Award,

    against the stiff competition from:- 
Raj Kapoor and Shankar-Jaikishan's  "Sangam"

    Raj Khosla  and Madanmohan's  "Woh Kaun Thi"

** Bengal Film Journalists Association Award for Best Hindi Film of the year.

    

** Dosti was recognized for its great humanism and its progressive theme at the 4th

    Moscow International Film Festival and other international film festivals.

"DOSTI" gave 'name' and 'fame' to both Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Rajshri Films (Tarachand Barjatya), as well.

The film was a great success and the credit goes to it's immortal music. How to use “classical ragas” make it little simpler to create mass appealing and popular songs is a best example of “DOSTI” songs. Majarooh Sultanpuri have penned all the songs of the film.  Mohammad Rafi who sung as many as FIVE solo songs, was at its best. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed majority of the songs in “Pahadi Raag”.

It would be more proper to listen to the songs, listed below, after reading the write up, explaining peculiarities, for each song, you will enjoy the songs, more.

1   Chahunga Main Tuze …. (Mohammad Rafi)

The most famous song from the film. It starts with the sentimental “prelude”, full of FLUTE, in raag ‘pahadi’. BAMBOO FLUTE and VIOLINS are admirably executed in the all the ‘interludes’. SYMPHONY style VIOLINS are mellifluously used, as ‘filler’ at the end of each of ‘anara’ that is the ‘beauty’ of the composition. The song has excellent “DHOLAK” rhythm’.  Mohammad Rafi is simply outstanding in rendering. Initially this song was to be scrapped from the soundtrack. It was Rafi Saab who insisted Laxmikant-Pyarelal to retain the song and what a momentous decision that was from Dosti where there was no looking back. Rafi was so impressed with the compositions of Laxmikant Pyarelal that he had taken just one rupee for singing the song.

2   Mera To Jo Bhi Kadam Hai..Mohammad Rafi

Phenomenal crooning by Rafi Saab in Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s SYMPHONY style orchestra arrangements, full of CELLOs, VIOLINS and GUITAR, in ‘prelude’ and all the ‘interludes’. Don't forget to listen to the ‘pause’ given at the end of each ‘antara’.

3 Koyi Jab Raah Na Paye.. Mohammad Rafi

Honeyed and melodious  composition, Rafi Saab is  singing from heart. The best part of the song is use of FLUTE with DHOLAK. In ‘interludes’ & ‘preludes’  ACCORDION, GUITAR and  MANDOLIN (prelude) are harmonically used simple but sweet orchestra arrangements with an awesome DHOLAK rhythm .

4 Janewalo Jara Mudake Dekho Muze.. Mohammad Rafi

Touching song with such message to all ……reminder for humanity & peace. Mind-Boggling take off by Rafi Saab, at end of ‘prelude’ (MOUTHORGAN), with ‘aalap’ synchronised with SYMPHONY VIOLINS.  MOUTHORGAN ( played by late R D Burman) is brilliantly orchestrated in all the first ‘interlude’ with VIOLINS. Second and third “interludes” brilliantly decorated with SYMPHONY style VIOLINS and GUITAR. It has a wonderful DHOLAK rhythm.

                                        

5 Rahi Manawa Dukhti chinta ….Mohammad Rafi

A Motivational Song. Once again High Quality composition. Astonishing use of SYMPHONY style orchestra arrangements in the song with MOUTHORGAN ( by R D Burman) and GUITAR.

                                         

6 Gudiya Hamse Ruthi Rahogi …. Lata Mangeshkar 

Very innocent song, pleasantly  sung and composed. It has been softly orchestrated 

with the excellent use of ACCORDION, FLUTE, GUITAR and MANDOLIN.

7 DOSTI Title track
 The MOUTHORGAN played by Mr. Milon Gupta who also played the Mouthorgan in Laxmikant-Pyarelal's 'Gadi bula rahi hai' from "DOST" 1974.

                                         

Ajay Poundarik

Atlanta (Georgia)

USA