MELODY and RHYTHM: June 2020

Laxmikant-Pyarelal :: Phenomenal Music “Night In London”

In the year 1967, Music Directors Laxmikant-Pyarelal in supreme form. The duo officially confirmed their number one position. Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s Many musical hit films, released around 1967, like, “Patthar Ke Sanam”, “Anita”, “Jaal”, “Taqdeer”, “Farz”, “Shagird”, “Milan” as well as “Night In London”. It was like a “Tsunami” of songs from Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

NIGHT IN LONDON, thriller film was directed by famous director Brij Sadanah who was known for thriller films. Biswajeet, Mala Sinha, Johnny Walker, Helen in lead roles.

The film has phenomenal music. Laxmikant-Pyarelal have composed most of the songs in Western Style to give a feel of London.

Mohammad Rafi has sung as many as five songs, including three solo + two duets with Lata Mangeshkar. ‘Night In London” also has one beautiful sweet duet sung by Lata Mangeshkar - Mahendra Kapoor.

Pyarelal, Biswajeet and Laxmikant

Lata Mangeshkar has sung two Cabaret songs, solo + title song, duet with M. Rafi, synchronising the mind-boggling orchestra from Laxmikant-Pyarelal. In a solo cabaret song Lata Mangeshkar has awesomely uttered / rendered the word Jameela...aaaa. with almost NINE different versions, which enthralls the listeners.

All the songs of the film Night In London are written by Anand Bakshi. It is from the year 1967, the ‘trio’ of Anand Bakshi and Laxmikant-Pyarelal gained the momentum and went to creat a history (304 films with 1680 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.

Nazar Na Lag Jaye Kisi Ki ….Mohammad Rafi

Mesmerizing Prelude of 66 seconds starts with GUITAR for 20 seconds.

Awesome take off by Rafi saab ओ माय लव. At 0.28 BASS GUITAR starts.

and synchronized with the rhythm of ACOUSTIC GUITAR.

At 0.45 FRENCH HORN starts and overlaps other BRASS instruments.

1.02 to 1.06 glimpses of GUITAR. Rafi saab starts नज़र न लग जाए.

The song has Toe-Stepping ‘rhythm’ synchronized with the ACOUSTIC GUITAR.

Electric GUITAR is used as a filler after ओ माय लव, at 1.22, is a ‘killer’.

It repeats after every lines ओ माय लव. First ‘interlude’ starts with FRENCH HORN and later harmonizes with other BRASS instruments. Second ‘interlude’ beautiful display of solo GUITAR which enthralls the listeners. Third ‘interlude’ melodiously played symphony VIOLINS.

The song is filmed on Biswajeet - Mala Sinha

Late Mr. Gorakh Sharma, Pyarelal’s younger brother, has played the GUITAR.

Bahosh-O-Hawas Main Deewana …..Mohammad Rafi

Wonderful Westernized Orchestra Arrangements In SYMPHONY Style. "PRELUDE" of 51 seconds is just mesmerizing. Use of VIOLINS and VIOLA for first 33 seconds and than again huge "pick" at 48 seconds as well as in the first "interlude" from 1.25 to 1.45 is just ear pleasing. Both the interludes have different tunes. There are some glimpses of 'pauses'. The "symphony style violins" vow around MOHAMMAD RAFI's voice that gives an additional mellifluousness and romantic feeling to this song. Each and every moment of this GEM of song makes you "thrill" and that is why it is one of my all time favorite song composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

Mera Nam Jameela …..Lata Mangeshkar

JAMEELA ssssssss:: JAMEE sssssssLA::JAMEELA::

Superb CABARET song with Rich Orchestra Arrangements.

Almost NINE different versions of rendering the word “JAMEELA” by Lata Mangeshakar in this song.“Prelude” of 50 seconds is worth listening to with Heavy and Rich Orchestra with Lata’s lovely voice. All the three “Interludes” have different tunes.

Use of the BRASS instruments, in the entire song, is the asset of the orchestra arrangements. The entire song is brilliantly synchronized with the fast rhythm of BONGO DRUMS. Electric GUITAR is also used in-between the orchestra.

Another beauty of the song is Lata Mangeshkar’s beautiful voice is being surrounded by the MALE CHORUS. And top of it actress, HELEN has danced this cabaret numbers with the different style.

Lata Mangeshkar has sung many of western style, cabaret songs under Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

This song is a sheer variety from this combo.

Sun-E-Bahar Husn Muze Tum Se Pyar Hai ….Lata Mangeshkar - Mahendra Kapoor

Very melodious duet. 45 seconds of ‘prelude’, is orchestrated with MANDOLIN, followed by Aalaps & Humming by Mahendra Kapoor, finally SANTOOR.

First ‘interludes’ are orchestrated with MANDOLIN, FLUTE and VIOLINS. At the end of each ‘antara’ there is a ‘rhythmic’ pause.

The song has a melodic DHOLAK / TABLA rhythm.

--Bagh Main Phool Kisne Khilaye Hai Lata Mangeshkar - Mohammad Raff

Anand Bakshi has penned this lovely duet on “question” - “answer” theory. Almost each and every line of this song has “Question” - “Answer”. ‘Prelude’ is instrumented with NADASWARAM / SHEHNAI. All the ‘interludes’ are designed with ‘symphony’ VIOLINS. It has a conventional TABLA / DHOLAK rhythm.

Night In London , Night in London, Lata Mangeshkar - Mohammad Raff

A club dance, Cabaret is beautifully instrumented with the use of BRASS instruments as well as symphony VIOLINS. It has a tuneful BONGO DRUM rhythm.

O Mere Yaar Tomy Mohammad Rafi.

A naughty song filmed on Johnny Walker. Barking of DOG is included in the song.

Ajay Poundarik, Atlanta (Georgia) USA. 23rd June, 2020.

Metaphysical ANAND BAKSHI & Rhythmic LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL

The association of Songwriter Anand Bakshi and Music Directors Laxmikant-Pyarelal started from the famous song ‘mere mehboob qayamat hogi’ from “Mr. X In Bombay”, 1964. This combo has worked for 304 films, composing 1680 songs of various types and varieties.

Anand Bakshi has written some excellent songs giving philosophical touch, in a very simple way. . In this topic, named Metaphysical ANAND BAKSHI & Rhythmic LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL we are going to review some of the best songs of this trio’s philosophical songs.

Anand Bakshi with Laxmikant-Pyarelal

It is also found that Producer / Director J. Omprakash films have more thoughtful songs. “Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke” has as many as three such songs, “Apnapan” two songs.

Listing out a few songs which are not discussed / reviewed.

Himmat Kare Insaan Rafi “Himmat”

Do Rang Duniya Ke Mukesh “Do Raaste”

Aaj Dil Pe Koi Zor Lata “Milan”

Darpan Jhoot Na Bole Manna Dey “Darpan”

Mujhe Teri Mohabbat Ka Lata-Rafi “Aap Aaye Bahar Aayee”

Yaar Hamari Baat Suno Kishore Kumar “Roti”

Jaane Walon Ka Gham To M. Rafi “Kali Ghata”

Tum Besahara Ho To Manna Dey “Anurodh”

Koi Na Jab Tera Saathi Ho Kishore Kumar “Insaan”

Phool Ahista Phenko Mukesh - Lata “Prem Kahani”

Is Duniya Mein O Duniya Rafi “Do Bhai”

Bhagwan Ne Apne Jaisa Lata “Chhota Bhai”

O Manzi Naiya Dhoondhe Mukesh “Uphaar”

Many Of Anand Bakshi's Situational Songs Have One Philosophical Stanza

Pyarelal, Laxmikant and Anand Bakshi.

Rajshri Pictures Musical TAQDEER 1967 .

Anand Bakshi have written one abstract song मिल के रोये मिल के मुस्कुराये हम ! अपनी जीत हार को हम बाँट ले . It is a picnic song filmed on FARIDA JALAL, JALAL AGHA & Subhash Ghai (playing ACOUSTIC GUITAR).

--Aaiye Bahar Ko Hum Baant Le …..Lata Mangeshkar.

Mellifluous composition by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, in western style. Instruments like Acoustic Guitar,Violins, Mouth Organ, Cycle Bells, Accordion etc.. are brilliantly executed in the orchestra arrangements. Lata Mangeshkar's voice is simply sweet and melodious. Subhash Ghai can be seen in the video, playing acoustic guitar.

J. Omprakash’s Musical Hit AAYA SAWAN JHOOM KE 1968. Anand Bakshi has written as many as three philosophical songs in this movie.

--Bura Mat Suno Bura Mat Dekho M. Rafi

--Ye Shama To Jali Roshni Ki Liye M. Rafi

--O Majhi Chal O Majhi Chal Mohammad Rafi

A Sheer Magical from Anand Bakshi आशाओं से नाता जोड़ दे, ये निराशा के बंधन तोड़ दे . The song is filmed on Dharmendra.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal have beautifully orchestrated. "Prelude" of 16 seconds with ACOUSTIC GUITAR. "Rhythm" on BONGO DRUMS, both the "interludes'' are beautifully decorated with the VIOLINS, CELOs in SYMPHONY style orchestra arrangements, in support with the glimpses of FLUTE (first 'interlude') and MANDOLIN and SANTOOR (second 'interlude').

L.V. Prasad’s Musical Hit JEENE KI RAAH 1969
Anand Bakshi has written one meaningfully worded song, filmed on Jeetendra.

--Ek Banjara Gaye Jeevan Ke Geet Sunaye Mohammad Rafi.

Each and every line of this song written by Anand Bakshi is consequential …. अगर जीना है तो ज़माने मैं तो हंसी का कोई बहाना ढूंढो !! कागज के फूलों को भी जो महका कर दिखलाये

Laxmikant-Pyarelal have composed this song with zero ‘prelude’ but a mind-boggling display of ELECTRIC GUITAR. Interludes are awesomely instrumented with symphony style of VIOLINS and ACCORDION. It has conventional DHOLAK rhythm.

Rajshri Pictures Basu Chatterjee directed, super musical PIYA KA GHAR 1972. Essence Of Life Captured Beautifully, In Simple Words By Anand Bakshi. ये जीवन है इस जीवन का यही है, यही है, रंग-रूप

--Yeh Jeevan Hai ...Kishore Kumar

Anand Bakshi writes ये ना सोचो इसमें अपनी हार है की जीत है ! उसे अपना लो जो भी जीवन की रीत है

One of the finest songs from Kishore Kumar with Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Kishore Kumar’s extremely soft and silky rendering in a totally different way and Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s westernized orchestra, very delicate rendering by CHORUS in surround sound for the “interludes”, are the features of this lovely song. The song is completely woven around the glimpses of ACOUSTIC GUITAR (played by late Gorakh Sharma, Pyarelalji's younger brother). WHISTLE in surround sound gives the listeners Ear-Pleasing. Another beauty of this song is ‘finger pinch’ used in the ‘rhythm’, at the end of each ‘antara’.

Dalal Guha and Premji’s Musical Hit DOST 1974.

Anand Bakshi has written two philosophical songs in this song, filmed on Dharmendra.

--Aa Bata De Tuze Kaise Jiya Jata Hai….Lata - Rafi.

--Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai Kishore Kumar.

This Song Means Be Positive Every Time Do Not Think Negative Any Time In Life. Life Will Be Happy. Pretty Philosophical Words Penned By Anand Bakshi. गाडी को देख कैसी है नेक अच्छा बुरा न देखे ! सब है सवार दुश्मन के यार सबको चली ये लेके !

Smoothly Rendered By Kishore Kumar Wonderfully Composed By Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

38 seconds of 'prelude' is awesome. A unique 'rhythm' created to sound like an exhausting of steam from the 'steam engine', and also the typical steam engine horn. All of these sounds are synchronized with VIOLINS, ACOUSTIC GUITAR and BONGO DRUM, to make the 'rhythm' perfect to visualize the movement of the Train. Interludes are orchestrated with VIOLINS, SAXOPHONE, CHURCH BELL, ACOUSTIC GUITAR, MOUTHORGAN & other BRASS instruments.

Ravi Tondon’s Musical Hit MAJBOOR 1974

Bakshi Sahab wrote a splendid as well as an immortal song, filmed on Amitabh Bachchan

--Aadmi Jo Kehta Hai ….Kishore Kumar

Anand Bakshi penned कोई भी हो हर ख्वाब तो अच्छा नहीं होता ! बहोत ज्यादा प्यार भी अच्छा नहीं होता

To decorate the song with the phenomenal "Long Prelude" was a normal practice for the Music Directors Laxmikant-Pyarelal. There are many songs, composed by the duo, with the long "prelude". This song has a Mind-Boggling "Prelude" of 144 seconds. This prelude is mellifluously orchestrated in a SYMPHONY style with solo VIOLIN, CELLOs, FLUTE and VIOLINs. Brilliant take off by Kishore Kumar at 2.24. Apart from the long prelude in 'symphony' style, both the "interludes" are brilliantly composed, by using different tunes, with ACCORDION and VIOLINS.

J Omprakash super Musical Hit APNAPAN 1977

Anand Bakshi’s one of the most popular song giving preaching. Filmed on Sudhir Dalvi and Nivedita Joshi.

--Is Duniya Main Jeena ...Kishore - Lata

--Aadmi Musafir Hai Aata Hai Jata Hai ..M. Rafi - Lata Mangeshkar

Doctrine worded, each and every line. Anand Bakshi writes क्या साथ लाये क्या छोड़ लाये ! रस्ते मैं हम क्या छोड़ लाये ! मंज़िल पे जाके याद आते है !

Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s composition is simply superb. 32 seconds of ‘prelude’ is composed by GHUNGROO BELLS, VIOLINS and HARMONIUM.The ‘rhythm’ has DHOLAK synchronized with GHUNGROO BELLS. Interludes are instrumented with SANTOOR, FLUTE, CLERANATE, VIOLINS and HARMONIUM.

Another J Omprakash Super Musical Hit AASHA 1979.
One more Sheer Magical song, a top hit, from Anand Bakshi.

--Sheesha Ho Ya Dil ...Lata Mangeshkar.

Here Bakshi Sahab says काफी बस अरमान नहीं, कुछ मिलना आसान नहीं। दुनिया की मजबूरी है ! फिर तक़दीर जरूरी है ! Filmed on REENA ROY, Looks beautiful..

Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s splendid composition. 20 seconds of ‘prelude’ is full of Latajis honeyed AALAPS. Brilliant take off...शीशा हो या दिल हो ...She gives 3 seconds of singing ‘pause’ for symphonious DHOLAK rhythm. First and Second interludes are orchestrated with an ACCORDION. Third interlude has a solo display of VIOLIN. Another beauty of this song is ‘singing’ and ‘rhythmic’ pauses.

Subhash Ghai’s Musical Blockbuster MERI JUNG 1985. One of the most popular songs of the mid-eighties.

--Zindagi Har Kadam Ek Nayi Jung Hai Shabbir - Lata - Nitin Mukesh

Anand Bakshi writes हौसला ना छोड़ कर सामना जहाँ का ! बदल रहा है देख रंग आसमान का

Laxmikant-Pyarelal have orchestrated this song by using PIANO as well as VIOLINS in symphony style. The song is filmed on Nutan, Girish Karnad, Anil Kapoor.

Director T Ramarao’s ANDHA KANOON 1983 Anand Bakshi writes रोते रोते हँसना सीखो, हँसते हँसते रोना
--Rote Rote Hasna Sikho….Kishore Kumar.

Meaningful philosophical words by Anand Bakshi बड़ी बड़ी खुशियां हैं छोटी छोटी बातों में नन्हे मुन्हे तारे जैसे सोती रातों में ऐसा सुन्दर है ये जीवन, जैसे कोई सपना सलोना. Filmed on Amitabh Bachchan

Producer/Director Mohan Kumar’s AMRIT 1986. Here Bakshi Sahab writes about ‘ghum’, sorrow.

--Duniya Mein Kitna Ghum Hai ,Mohammad Aziz. Very much philosophical wording by Anand Bakshi दुनिया मैं कितना गम है ! मेरा गम कितना कम है ! लोगों का गम देखा तो मैं अपना गम भूल गया filmed on Rajesh Khanna.

This is a typical Laxmikant-Pyarelal moulded song.