Nationalistic Manoj Kumar & Canorous Laxmikant-Pyarelal

Nationalistic Manoj Kumar & Canorous Laxmikant-Pyarelal

Dada Saheb Phalke Award Winner Manoj Kumar started his film career in 1958 with a small role in “Fashion” released in 1957. In the year 1960 Manoj Kumar got the leading role in “Kaanch Ki Gudiya”.

Manoj Kumar's image as the patriotic hero started with the film “Shaheed” released in 1965. The film story was based on Bhagat Singh, the independence revolutionary. Former Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri asked Manoj Kumar to make a film on his popular slogan 

“Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” (hail the soldier, hail the farmer). Honoring the Prime Minister’s request, in 1967 Manoj Kumar made the film “Upkar”. He became Actor/Producer/Director/Editor.

Manoj Kumar’s association with music directors Laxmikant-Pyarelal started from the film, produced by A G Nadiadwala, directed by Raja Nawathe,  “Patthar Ke Sanam”, 1967. It was a musical blockbuster film, starring Manoj Kumar, Waheeda Rehman and Mumtaz. 

In 1967 yet another musical hit film, Manoj Kumar - Sadhana starrer, producer / director Raj Khosla’s maiden film,  “Anita” was released.  

Such was the “charm / craze” of Laxmikant-Pyarelal, in the mid 60s that Raj Khosla took the duo 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”). 

Manoj Kumar and Laxmikant-Pyarelal were associated with a total of 10 films, including 4 films as a Producer / Director, from 1967 to 1999. 

In 1972, Manoj Kumar took an unpalatable decision when he signed, in form music directors Laxmikant-Pyarelal for “Shor”, leaving behind music directors Kalyanji-Anandji who scored excellent music in Manoj Kumar’s earlier films like “Upkar” 1967 and  “Purab Aur Paschim”,1970. 

Pyarelal, Naushad, Laxmikant & Manoj Kumar

List of the films Writer/Editor/Producer/Director/Actor Manoj Kumar associated with the music director Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Almost all the films have excellent music, except Jai Hind. 

1    Patthar Ke Sanam  1967

2    Anita   1967

3    Sajan    1969

4    Shor   1972       

5    Roti Kapda Aur Makaan   1974

6    Dus Numbri    1976

7    Kranti      1981

8    Santosh    1989 
9 Deshwasi 1991

10  Jai Hind  1999 ( as a director)

Laxmikant-Pyarelal has utilized four singers for Manoj Kumar.                                               Mukesh, Mohammad Rafi, Mahendra Kapoor and Nitin Mukesh.

BINACA GEETMALA:-

Manoj Kumar’s total 13 numbers of final songs which have music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, appeared in Binaca Geetmala Finals. “Anita” 1967, Main Dekhu Jis Aur Sakhi Ri at 23rd position and Na Baba Na Baba at 7th position. “Patthar Ke Sanam” 1968, Mehboob Mere Mehboob Mere at 20th position and Batadu Kya Lana at 11th position. “Sajan” 1969, Resham Ki Dori, at 23rd position. “Shor” 1972, Iconic song Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai, at 29th position. “Shor” song again in 1973, Macha Diya Shor at 34 position. “Roti Kapda Aur Makan” 1975, Hi Hi Yeh Majaboori at 2nd position and Mehangai Mar Gayi Mar Gayee at 1st position. “Dus Numbri” 1976, Mujhe Dard Rehata Hai at 24th position, Duniya Ek Numbari at 10th position.”Kranti” 1981, Luii Shama Sha Lui  at 26th position and Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi, at 2nd position. 

Many songs from ‘Anita’, ‘Patthar Ke Sanam’, ‘Shor’, ‘Roti Kapada Aur Makan’ and ‘Kranti’ did appear in Binaca Geetmala weekly countdown but failed to reach the finals. 

Laxmikant-Pyarelal were nominated for the best music director’s filmfare award, for the music of “Shor” in 1972 as well as “Roti Kapda Aur Makan” in 1974. 

However “Roti Kapda Aur Makan” in 1974,  won three filmfare awards.  

Best director Manoj Kumar

Best songwriter, Santosh Anand, for the song Main Na Bhulunga

Best male playback singer, Mahendra Kapoor, for the song Aur Nahi Bas Aur Nahi

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.

PATTHAR KE SANAM   1967

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 

-- Mehboob Mere Mehboob Mere...Mukesh-Lata

-- Tauba Ye Matwali Chal…….Mukesh

(Mukesh :: Majrooh Sultanpuri)

A Romantic song. This lovely  song is filmed on Manoj Kumar, Mumtaz and Waheeda Rehman on the screen. Romantically sung by Mukesh. Song has a beautiful DHOLAK rhythm. First part is very nicely orchestrated by VIOLINS. The second half of the song starts with ear-pleasing FLUTE and MANDOLIN.  

-- Patthar Ke Sanam 

(Mohammad Rafi :: Majrooh Sultanpuri)  

35 seconds of ‘prelude’ is orchestrated in ‘symphony’ style with PIANO, VIOLINS and CELLOS. ‘Pause’ in the orchestra for 19 seconds for brilliant ‘take off’ by Rafi Saab. Interludes also have symphony style orchestra arrangement, PIANO, VIOLINS and NADASWARAM. Traditional DHOLAK / TABLA rhythm.

ANITA   1967

Famous Director Raj Khosla started his own Production Unit naming Raj Khosla Films through ANITA. It was a suspense thriller with very good music. It was a star studded movie with Majoj Kumar and Sadhana in lead supported by I S Johar. Excellent lyrics by Raja Mehadi Ali Khan saab and Laxmikant-Pyarelal justify the selection of Raj Khosla as a replacement of Madan Mohan saab. Sudden death of Raja Mehadi Ali Khan gave the full stop to the RMAK and  LP’s rising partnership. ANITA has six songs. Four are sung by Lata Mangeshkar and  Two by Mukesh. Actress Sadhana looks very pretty in all the songs. “तुम बीन जीवन कैसे बीता” (“Yaman Kalyan”) and “सामने मेरे सांवरिया” (“Bhairavi”) 

-- Na Baba Na Baba ...Lata

-- Kareeb Aaye Nazar...Lata

-- Gore Gore Chand Ke...Mukesh

-- Hai Nazar Ka Ishara...Lata - Usha

-- Samne Mere Sawariya 

(Lata Mangeshkar :: Raja Mehadi Ali Khan)

Extremely melodious song starts with Lataji’s mind-boggling AALAPS, 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 Sawariya” beautifully shot with Sadhana walking the hills. Manoj Kumar looks handsome. 

-- Tum Bin Jeevan 

(Mukesh :: Raja Mehadi Ali Khan)

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

SAJAN     1969

A suspense thriller, directed by Mohan Saigal, with good music.                                                  Manoj Kumar - Asha Parekh in the lead role. 

-- Sajan Sajan Pukaroon Galiyon Mein...Lata

-- Sajan Sajan Pukaroon Galiyon Mein...Rafi

-- Bansuri Tihari Nandlal...Asha

-- Ai Mere Meherban ...Lata

-- Resham Ki Dori 

(Lata - Rafi :: Anand Bakshi)

Melodious duet, punjabi flavoured “folk” with mellifluous DHOLAK / TABLA rhythm. Interludes are wonderfully orchestrated with SANTOOR, FLUTE and VIOLINS. Enjoy the ‘rhythmic’ ‘pause’ in the middle of the ‘antara’. Awesome ' ‘HUMMING’’ by Lata ji and Rafi saab in ‘Postlude’. The song is filmed on Manoj Kumar - Asha Parekh.

SHOR    1972       

Manoj Kumar directed and starred in this film revolves around the relationship of a mute son and his father. The film story is written by Manoj Kumar. The film is full of emotions. The smash hit song Ek Pyaar Ka Naghma Hai, is the anthem of the film, written by Santosh Anand and sung in different versions by Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh. The song which plays throughout the film, retains its chartbuster status till date. Film has Manoj Kumar, Nanda & Jaya Bhaduri. The music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal is one of the strongest points of “Shor”. 

-- Paani Re Paani Tera Rang Kaisa ….Lata-Mukesh

-- Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai..Lata - Mukesh (Smash Hit Song)

-- Jara Sa Usne  Chhua To….Lata

-- Shehnai Baje Na Baje 

(Lata Mangeshkar :: Verma Malik)

28 seconds of “prelude” contains tweeting sound of BIRDS and Lataji’s unique style of HUMMING, synchronised with Jaya Bhaduri’s swinging action. Beautiful DHOLAK rhythm. Interludes are awesomely orchestrated with MANDOLIN, SHEHNAI / NADASWARAM and VIOLINS. Filmed on Jaya Bhaduri - Manoj Kumar.

-- Jeevan Chalane Ka Naam

(Manna Dey - Mahendra Kapoor - Shyama Chittar :: Raj Kavi Indrajeet Singh Tulsi)

Inspiration song. Beautifully composed and filmed while driving Bicycle, on Manoj Kumar, Jaya Bhaduri and Prem Nath. 22 seconds of ‘prelude’ orchestrated with IRANI SANTOOR and VIOLINS. ‘Interludes’ are instrumented with VIOLINS, ACOUSTIC GUITAR, IRANI SANTOOR, MANDOLIN, ACCORDION and BICYCLE BELL. 

ROTI KAPDA AUR MAKAAN     1974

Roti Kapda Aur Makan remains one of the highlights from classic Indian Cinema, with a strong theme, affecting performances and the timeless music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Directed by Manoj Kumar. With Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan,Zeenat Aman, Moushumi Chatterjee and Prem Nath.

-- Panditji Mere Marne Ke Baad...Lata

-- Aur Nahin Bas Aur Nahin….Mahendra Kapoor.

-- Mehngai Mar Gayee..Lata, Mukesh, Chanchal, Jaani Babu Quwwal 

-- Maina Bhulunga 

(Lata-Mukesh :: Santosh Anand)

Splendid composition. Orchestrated melodiously. Wonderful DHOLAK rhythm. Rhythmic ‘PAUSEs’. Awesome take off by Mukesh-Lata मै ना भूलूंगा ssss मै ना भूलूंगी ssss, rhythmic pause, highlighting DHOLAK rhythm, mesmerizes the listeners. CHORUS sound is distinctively used in the song. First ‘interlude’ is harmonised by the synchronisation of SITIAR, VIOLINS, CELLOS, FLUTE and Lata ji AALAPS. Second ‘interlude’ has a mind-boggling display of SAXOPHONE and VIOLINS.Third interlude with FLUTE, VIOLINS and Lataji AALAP. Glimpses of VIOLINS are excellently used as a ‘filler’ in mukhada as well as in antara. Another beauty of the song is the third antra’s overlapping sound effect of Mukesh - Lata voices in synchronization with symphony style VIOLINS. Manoj Kumar - Zeenat Aman   

--Hi Hi Yeh Majboori  

(Lata Mangeshkar :: Verma Malik)

This enthralling composition is completely woven around the glimpses of SPANISH GUITAR and JAZZ FLUTE. It has a unique rhythm. SPANISH GUITAR is played by Charanjit Singh. Filmed on Zeenat Aman and Manoj Kumar.  

DUS NUMBRI    1976

Produced and Directed by Madan Mohla. Manoj Kumar - Hema Malini

-- Dil Mein Dard Rehta Hai 

(Mukesh - Lata :: Majrooh Sultanpuri)

KRANTI      1981

An Indian epic historical drama produced and directed by Manoj Kumar. Manoj Kumar was supported by Hema Malini, Dilip Kumar, Shatrughn Sinha. Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music is simply spectacular and a strong point of the movie. 

-- Abke Baras Tujhe Dharti Ki ...Mahendra Kapoor

-- Dilwale Tera Naam ….N. Mukesh, Manna Dey, M Kapoor, Lata

-- Chana Jor Garam ….N. Mukesh, M Rafi, Kishore, Lata

-- Zindagi Ki Na Toote Ladi…

(Lata Mangeshkar - Nitin Mukesh :: Santosh Anand)

“PRELUDE” of the song is just mesmerizing. Use of FRENCH HORN, FLUTE and Solo VIOLIN are brilliantly used in “PRELUDE”. Apart from this all the “INTERLUDES” have different tunes purely in western style orchestra with BONGO Drums in the Rhythm. 

Once again very simple tune mellifluously orchestrated and that is why LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL are considered to be Champions of all. 

-- Looie Shama Sha Looie

(Lata Mangeshkar - Nitin Mukesh :: Santosh Anand)

Excellently composed melodious duet. Use of ‘clapping’ ( ताली ) in rhythm is the best part of the song. Once again the use of CHORUS is a ‘class’ act. GUITAR, VIOLINS and MANDOLIN are awesomely orchestrated in the song. 

Music of Manoj Kumar films with Laxmikant-Pyarelal :: “Shor”, “Roti Kapada Aur Makan” and “Kranti” are outstanding

Ajay Poundarik, Atlanta (Georgia), USA.