MELODY and RHYTHM: March 2020

Conspicuous Ternion :: Majrooh Sultanpuri & Laxmikant-Pyarelal

Majrooh Sultanpuri, as a songwriter, entered into film music in 1945. His contributions to the Indian film music is boundless. His lyrics effortlessly blend with the tunes, the words soothingly flowing over the notes that even after decades' people would still murmur these numbers.

Young Laxmikant-Pyarelal made a staggering and incredible entry into Hindi Film Music in 1963, through the music of the film Parasmani. Likewise Majrooh Sultanpuri, Laxmikant–Pyarelal too have immeasurable services in hindi film music, persistently, for nearly 500 films, in 35 years, starting from 1963 to 1998.

In 1964, the partnership of Majrooh Sultanpuri and Laxmikant-Pyarelal started through the film Dosti. Laxmikant–Pyarelal got more out of the veteran Mahrooh in Dosti (1964). It was Majrooh’s award-winning lyrics. Majrooh won his only filmfare award. Laxmikant–Pyarelal too won their first Filmfare award for the music of Dosti.

Majrooh Sultanpuri and Laxmikant-Pyarelal worked for nearly 40 films. The Laxmi-Pyare and Majrooh team produced some spectacular, noteworthy albums like Dilllagi (1966), Pathar Ke Sanam (1967), Shagird (1967), Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968), Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke (1969), Abhinetri (1970), V. Shantaram’s classic, dance-musical, Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijlee (1971), Ek Nazar (1972), Imtehan (1974) and many more but for most music lovers, Dosti (1964) towered above them because of its freshness and simplicity.

DOSTI film, directed by Satyen Bose, gave 'name' and 'fame' to both Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Rajshri Films (Tarachand Barjatya), as well. DOSTI music put Laxmikant-Pyarelal in top music directors rank and made them a "household name".

After this victorious feat Laxmikant-Pyarelal and success went together without a break or loss of continuity.

Listing below Majrooh Sultanpuri and Laxmikant-Pyarelal Films:-

Dosti 1964

Mere Lal 1966

Dillagi 1966

Patthar Ke Sanam 1967

Shagird 1967

Mere Hamdam Mere Dost 1968

Baharon Ki Manzil 1968

Pyasi Shaam 1969

Wapas 1969

Meri Bhabhi 1969

Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke 1969

Abhinetri 1970

Jal Bin Machhali Nritya Bin Bijlee 1971

Ek Nazar 1972

Barkha Bahar 1973

Anokhi Ada 1973

Nirman 1974

Imtihan 1974

Anari 1975

Mere Sajana 1975

Dus Numbari 1976

Naach Uthe Sansar 1976

Parvarish 1977

Ladies Tailor 1981

Khoon Aur Paani 1981

Pakhandi 1984

Watan Ke Rakhwale 1987

Janam Janam 1988
Kanoon Ki Zanjeer 1991
Rishta Ho To Aisa 1992
Badi Bahan 1993

BINACA GEETMALA

Majrooh Sultanpuri and Laxmikant-Pyarelal are involved in a total 22 numbers of Binaca Geetmala Finals. 1964 started with 2 songs from “Dosti ''. Position / Number 2 in 1965, “Dosti '' Chahunga Mein Tuze Sanz Savere. In 1966 the songs from ‘Dillagi’ Ye Aaj Kal Ke Ladake and “Mere Lal” Payal Ki Jhankar Raste Raste made a big impact in the finals.

In 1968 total 8 songs of Laxmikant-Pyarelal found a place in the finals. Out of 8 songs 6 songs were from Majrooh-LP, two each from “Shagird,” Bade Miyan Deewane and Dil Wil Pyar Wyar, “Mere Hamdam Mere Dost’ Chhalkaye Jaam and Chalo Sajana, “Patthar Ke Sanam” Mehboob Mere Mehboob Mere and Batadu Kya Lana, found the place in final songs with Number 1 song, top of the chart from “Shagird” Dil Wil Pyar Wyar Main Kya Janu Re.

1969 Number 12, Ek Tera Saath .”Wapas”, number 8 Je Hum Tum Chori Se ”Dharati Kahe Pukar Ke”. 1970 number 8 Sa Re Ga Ma Pa “Abhinetri”. In the year 1971, two songs from “Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijlee” O Mitwa O Mitwa and Taron Na Sajkę found the place in the finals.

Laxmikant, Majrooh Sultanpuri & Pyarelal

Review of the songs:-

I have tried to get the best of Majrooh Sultanpuri ** Laxmikant-Pyarelal. BUT I cannot forget the FOUR GEMS. Two each from “Imtihan” (1974), ‘ruk jana nahin’ ** roz sham aati thi, and “Mere Sajna” (1975) ‘maine kuchh khoya hai’ ** ‘ye kaun hasa’ two each rendered by Kishore Kumar and two each sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Unique styles in terms of songwriting, composition as well as rendering. I feel sorry for not posting musical “Dillagi” (1964) songs.

The orchestra arrangements in “preludes” and “interludes” used to be the assets of the songs composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. It would be more proper to listen to the songs after reading the write up, explaining peculiarities, for each of the songs, you will enjoy it more.

DOSTI 1964 (Singer:- Mohammad Rafi)

It was Rajashri Film’s second movie with No Stars, No Heroin, No Hero. 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 felt 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. All the songs written by Majrooh Sultanpuri and melodiously composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal became the “STAR” of the films.

-- Mera To Jo Bhi Kadam….M Rafi

-- Rahi Manwa Dhukh Ki Chinta....M Rafi

-- Janewalo Jara Mudke….M Rafi

-- Koi Jab Raah Na Paye….M Rafi

-- Gudiya Hamse Ruthi...Lata

-- Chahunga Main Tuze Sanz Savere…..(Singer:- 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 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 an 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.

MERE LAL 1966 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

Average hit film directed by Satyen Bose, starring Indrani Mukharjee and Dev Kumar. The song ‘Payal Ki Jhankar Raste Raste’, pulled the crowd into the cinema hall, the superhit song of the year 1966. Lata Mangeshkar has sung 5 solos. The songs were good.

-- Lal Tera Jug Jug Jiye Mata ...Lata

-- Jabtak Ye Sansar ….Mukesh - Usha

-- Meri Patli Kamar Lambe Bal Re ….Lata

-- Badal Roye Naina Roye ...Lata

-- Payal Ki Jhankar Raste Raste (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

Mesmerizing "Prelude" of 40 seconds, full of HARMONIUM, MANDOLIN (overlapped with Harmonium), FLUTE and DHOLAK, sets the mood to listen to this gem of composition. Entire song is woven around glimpses of HARMONIUM (played by Sonik Verma, a Blind Musician, of Sonik-Omi music director pair). All the "Interludes'' have different tunes. The Best Song In Terms Of Use Of Harmonium. MANDOLIN is brilliantly used as a "filler" in between Lata Mangeshkar's voice, giving ear-pleasing moments. Super Duper HIT song of the year 1966, A sheer VARIETY from the unique combo of LATA MANGESHKAR & LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL.

The song is filmed on Indrani Mukharjee who gambol beautifully on DHOLAK rhythm.

PATTHAR KE SANAM 1967 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

It was A G Nadiadwala production film directed by Raja Nawathe. Manoj Kumar, Waheeda Rehman Mumtaz starrer, a super hit movie. All the songs are hit. The songs became popular and still can be heard even today.

-- Bata Du Kya Lana ...Lata

-- Koi Nahi Hai Phir Bhi ….Lata

-- Aye Dushman - E- Ja…. Asha

-- Tauba Ye Matwali Chal…….Mukesh

-- Mehboob Mere Mehboob Mere… (Singer:- Mukesh - Lata Mangeshkar)

When #Pyarelal ji told Pandit Shivkumar Sharma to play #SANTOOR with his "nails" for this melodious song. LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL have extensively used the mellifluous instrument from “Kashmir” named SANTOOR…. Santoor used to be prominently played instrument in most of the songs by Laxmikant-Pyarelal right from 1965. There are many TOP HIT songs which are decorated with Santoor in Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s orchestra arrangements. This particular song from "Patthar Ke Sanam" (1967) is awesomely orchestrated, "prelude' of 16 seconds and all the "interludes", with SANTOOR (played by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma) and the FLUTE (played by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasiya). To create a different sound of Santoor, in the song, Pyarelalji told Shivji to use his 'nails' instead of the 'wooden sticks'. Even the 'strokes' of the Santoor in the song, at various places, are played through the nails. See how beautifully this immortal song has been created. This song is Laxmikant-Pyarelal's symphonic orchestra arrangements with astonishing DHOLAK rhythm.

SHAGIRD 1967 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

A comedy movie. Story between Confirmed bachelor, professor and his student who consider him as a mentor. Produced by Subodh Mukharjee and Directed by Samir Ganguly. It was a super musical hit celebrating Golden Jubilee Run (50 weeks) in many towns of India. The film has Joy Mukharjee -Saira Banu in lead and comedian I S Johar. All Songs HIT.

-- Bade Miyan Deewane Aise Na Bano ...Manna Dey - M. Rafi

-- Kanha Kanha Aan Padi Mein...Lata

-- Dil Wil Pyar Wyar Main Kya ...Lata (Number -1, TOP song of Binaca Geetmala 1968)

-- Woh Hai Zara Khafa Khafa ...Lata-Rafi (all time hit)

-- Udate Pawan Ke Sang ….Lata (India’s sound of music)

-- Duniya Pagal Hai Ya Phir Main Deewana (Singer:- Mohammad Rafi)

Riock N Roll rhythm.

MERE HAMDAM MERE DOST 1968 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar) An outstanding musical album from the legends Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Majrooh Sultanpuri. As many as “ 7 SOLO”" songs….4 lovely, melodious solo songs by Lata Mangeshkar and 3 mellifluous solos sung by Mohammad Rafi. The film was directed by Amar Kumar, starring Dharmendra - Sharmila Taigore and Mumtaz. Laxmikant-Pyarelal were in supreme form in 1967/68. Whatever Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed used to become popular and hit.

The songs are popular even today. Almost all the songs are melodious and sweet and are beautifully decorated with wonderful orchestra arrangements.

-- Chalkaye Jaam ...Rafi

-- Tum Jao Kahin ..Lata

-- Hamen To Ho Gaya Hai….Lata

-- Allah Ye Ada Kaisi ....Lata

-- Hame To Ho Gaya Hai Pyar....Lata

-- Chalo Sajna Jahan Tak Ghata Chale ...Lata

-- Hui Sham Unka Khayal

"Prelude" is full of SAXOPHONE and PIANO with other western instruments, sets the mood of the song. A mesmerizing composition and mellifluous orchestra arrangements. Entire song is woven around the glimpses of SAXOPHONE, ACOUSTIC GUITAR & CLARINET. In all the “interludes”. Overlapping sound effect of SAXOPHONE/CLARINET with PIANO is just brilliant. VIOLA , GUITAR, CELLOS & VIOLINS are also brilliantly executed in entire song. Another beauty of the song is it’s “ rhythm” DHOLAK / TABLA are used only in “antara”…all the “interludes:” are without any rhythm but just ear-pleasing. An addict song for me. One of the finest composition from Laxmikant-Pyarelal …MOHAMMAD RAFI is simply outstanding.

BAHARON KI MANZIL 1968 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

One of the finest musical albums from Majrooh - LP. Dharmendra - Meena Kumari. This film too has as many as 4 solo from Lata Mangeshkar. All are classic.

-- Aaja Re Piya ..Lata

-- Janam Din Aaya...Lata

-- Ye Daman Ab Na Chhutega

-- Nigahen Kyon Bhatakti Hai (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

Haunting melody, an extremely melodious song. Enjoy the beautiful DHOLAK rhythm as well as Lataji;s AALAPS. Lataji steels the show while singing चले आओ, ss चssले आओ

WAPAS 1969 The film is directed by Satyen Bose (who directed “Dosti”, “Mere Lal” earlier). Starring unknown actors and actresses, Shekhar Purohit, Azra, Alka, Satyajeet and Parikshit Sahani ( Ajay Sahani) who was making his debut. The film has some fabulous music. Out of the total five songs FOUR songs are rendered by Mohammad Rafi.

-- Paijaniya Chhanake Ram..Rafi (pure Indian classical)

-- Aayi Baharon Ki Shaam...Rafi (western classical)

-- Gudiya Si Meri Ladali ...Rafi

-- Door Hai Wo Aanchal ...Rafi

-- Zun Zuna Zaaje ...Usha Mangeshkar

-- Ek Tera Saath (Singers:- Lata - Rafi)

Magnificent magical praiseworthy poetic song of Majrooh Sultanpuri, romantic eternal feelings, a very amazing duet. MELODY with a SYMPHONY style orchestra arrangements. You can enjoy a FUSION style, in almost all the Laxmikant-Pyarelal compositions. A fusion genre is music that combines two or more styles. FLUTE, VIOLA, SANTOOR with TABLA are brilliantly executed in this song. In the interludes, Flute & Viola give different tunes and along the side you enjoy Tabla rhythm with the ear-pleasing display of SANTOOR. The song is based on Indian Semi-Classical raag and the orchestra has a western style touch. LP's specialty is a "PAUSE' .. is another plus point of this song. This has been an extremely melodious song sung by Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. An addict one for me. Don't forget to listen to the start with Rafi's voice "Ek Tera Saath'' .. just brilliant take-off..

DHARTI KAHE PUKAR KE 1969 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

Musical Blockbuster Film with Captivated Songs. Deenanath Shastri, the producer of the film and a very good friend of songwriter SHAILENDRA, has signed Shailendra to write the songs for this film. But the sudden death of Shailendra put the full-stop to Laxmikant-Pyarelal with Shailendra.

-- Jaa Re Kare Badra ..Lata

-- Khushi Ki Raat Aa Gayi ..Mukesh

-- Diye Jalaye Pyar Ke ..Lata (Beautiful song composed in “WALTZ” style)

-- Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke ..Rafi

-- Je Hum Tum Chori Se .. (singers:- Lata Mangeshkar - Mukesh ) An Extremely Melodious Duet Composed In "Folkish" Style. 27 second of 'prelude' full of BANSURI, SANTOOR & FLUTE. Traditional Musical Instruments SHEHNAI / NADASWARAM are predominantly used in the orchestra mainly in all the 'interludes' and 'postlude'. Euphonious DHOLAK 'rhythm' synchronized with the GHUNGROO BELLS, enthralls the listeners.

ABHINETRI 1970 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

It was Subodh Mukharjee’s musical hit movie. Once again Album is dominated by Lata Mangeshkar who has sung as many as 6 songs, including 4 solos. All songs are melodious and wonderfully composed.

-- Sajna O Sajna….Lata (Fabulous melody and composition)

-- Dhadkan Har Dil Ki …. Lata

-- Khinche Humse Sanware ….Lata (Beautiful DHOLAK rhythm)

-- Sa Re Ga Ma Pa….Lata-Kishore (The most popular song of the film)

-- Milte Hi Rahenge Hum …. Lata-Mahendra - K.

-- Bane Bade Raja ….Asha Bhosle.

-- O Ghata Sawari (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

A Yoga song. Magnetizing “prelude" of 57 seconds, with symphony style VIOLINS , JAZZ FLUTE, SANTOOR, GLOCKENSPIEL and Lata's Humming Sound. How delicately and tunefully Laxmikant-Pyarelal have orchestrated the synchronization of Lata's voice with beautiful glimpses of JAZZ FLUTE, is just enthralling as well as creating the rainy season effect and also sets the mood of the song. All the "interludes" are with different tunes. In the second ‘interlude’ creating WATER SOUND is killer. Glimpses of JAZZ FLUTE , as filler, in between the song + "pause" and the western style rhythm s has made this song a special. Filmed on the actress Hema Malini, performing YOGA.

JAL BIN MACHHALI NRITYA BIN BIJLEE 1971 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

To work with veteran Actor, Producer - Director, Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner

V Shantaram used to be a pride. He was a great connoisseur of talent.The quality of the songs and music for V. Shantaram film's used to be unique and special. Music used to be the asset for his films. V. Shantaram used to have something new for his film. This time it was for the First Time For Hindi Film Music all the songs of this film were recorded in Stereophonic Sound System. Lata Mangeshkar has sung as many as FOUR solo songs in addition to TWO duets with Mukesh. Mukesh has sung one song which became immensely hit. If you look at this JBMNB Album, all the songs are composed in a different style. Each and every song have different compositions and ‘rhythm’ patterns, as well. The orchestra arrangements for all the songs is just mesmerizing.

-- Man Ki Pyas Mere Man Se …..Lata

-- Jo Main Chali...Lata

-- O Mitwa O Mitwa…..Lata

-- Baat Hai Ek Boond Si….Lata - Mukesh

-- Jhum Ke Gaye Dil ...Lata - Mukesh

-- Taron Ne Sajke...Mukesh

-- Kajara Laga Ke Bindiya Saja Ke (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

The anecdote described by Shree Pyarelalji, how the song was recorded. A long musical sitting was held between V. Shantaram, Actress Sandhya, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Majrooh Sultanpuri. Actress Sandhya first demonstrated the dance steps, performed the full dance and then told Laxmikant-Pyarelal to prepare the tune and rhythm by watching her steps. It was a different and unique style to compose the song. Laxmikant-Pyarelal along with Lata Mangeshkar and Majrooh Sultanpuri came out with an outstanding composition.

A song on #MAYURDANCE. One more gem of composition with different styles. FLUTE is prominently used in western style. Perhaps the longest “prelude” 3 minutes and 27 seconds of beautiful dance sequence. This song is a GEM. FLUTE and SANTOOR, VIOLIN, VIOLA and GUITAR are prominently used and synchronized as well as overlapped, in western style orchestra arrangements with different styles of rhythm with DHOLAK. Also don’t forget to listen to the “postlude” of the song and “Mayur Dance”.

EK NAZAR 1972 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

It was the first film of B R Ishara as a Producer / Director, starring, Husband - Wife pair of Amitabh Bachchan - Jaya Bhaduri, with lustrous music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Melodious songs, great music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and heart touching lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri , all the songs were phenomenal but since the film flopped went under popularity.

-- Patta Patta Buta Buta -- Lata-Rafi (the most popular song of the film)

-- Pehle So Baar ..Lata (beautiful Mujra song)

-- Hameen Karen Koi Soorat Unhe Bhulane Ki….Lata (beautiful Mujra song)

-- Pyar Ko Chahiye Kya ..Kishore (rare Gazal song from Kishore Kumar)

-- Ai Gham-E-Yaar (Singer:- Mahendra Kapoor)

Perhaps this is the only song sung by Mahendra Kapoor for Amitabh Bachchan. 30 seconds of ‘prelude’ full of FLUTE, SANTOOR, CELLOS and VIOLINS. IRANI SANTOOR, VIOLINS, SARANGI, CELLOS are awesomely instrumented in the ‘interludes’. Tuneful DHOLAK rhythm.

ANOKHI ADA 1973

Musical hit film starring Jeetendra - Rekha and Mehmood.

-- Sundari Hi HI Sundari ….Kishore

-- Tere Dil Main ...Lata-Rafi

-- Jawani Tera Bol Bala….Manna Dey - Asha

-- Gum Gayi ..Asha

-- Haal Kya Hai Dilon Ka (Singer:- Kishore Kumar)

IMTIHAN 1974 (Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

It's said in our ancient scriptures that the Guru (teacher) has to set and follow extremely high standards for his conduct because he is an idol for the Shishyas (students) which they adore and emulate. “Imtihaan” , by default, has this story . An inspiring movie to all the movie-buffs.

The songs from this film, all the four songs are hit. It was a film between super hits of Laxmikant-Pyarelal “Bobby” , “Daag” , “Manchali” and “Roti Kapda Makan”, “Loafer”.

Roz Sham Aati Thi …..(Singer:- Lata Mangeshkar)

The unique combo of Lata Mangeshkar and Laxmikant-Pyarelal have given many memorable songs in the sixties ( close to 179 songs). It was also expected to deliver the best in the seventies too. The song is popular even today. On the top of everything...the chemistry of Lataji and LP worked miracles.

67 seconds “prelude”::- 0.15 seconds, TWEETING of BIRDS, Than GUITAR glimpses starts, FRENCH HORN (0.34 to 0.44), IRANI SANTOOR ( till 0.55) and than Lataji’s AALAP till 1.06 and the “pause”…giving the feel of ‘sunset’. Just brilliant. It sets the mood of the song.

Powerful RHYTHM of BONGO / CONGA DRUMS and it’s PAUSES. Lataji stops after singing ‘roj shaam aati thi’ (रोज़ शाम आती थी ) (1.11…1.14) just listen to the “rhythm”, again at 1.16 ….1.19…This gives an “ear-pleasing” moment to listen to the rhythm only. You will again find such “pauses” in the song.

“Interludes”:- Both the interludes are beautifully decorated in western style orchestra arrangements with use of VIOLINS, CELLOS, IRANI SANTOOR and FRENCH HORN.

-- Ruk Jana Nahin (Singer:- Kishore Kumar) Inspiration Song. Wonderful Singing by Kishore Kumar on “high notes” and perhaps one of his best songs in the mid-seventies, carrying variety. Beautifully penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri, truly an inspiring word. Wonderful decoration of highly RICH orchestra consists of CHURCH BELL (overlapping with the ‘rhythm’), GUITAR, IRANI SANTOOR, ACOUSTIC GUITAR, VIOLINs, FLUTE and TRUMPET (Military BIGUL). Western style “rhythm” with Bongo Drums. All the three “interludes'' have three different tunes. Another ‘killer’ part of the song is the various “pauses” given by Kishore Kumar and Laxmikant-Pyarelal.