Gargantuan SAHIR LUDHIANVI : Harmonious Laxmikant-Pyarelal

 Gargantuan SAHIR  LUDHIANVI : Harmonious Laxmikant-Pyarelal 

A giant  among film lyricists, Sahir Ludhianvi was slightly different from his contemporaries. A man unable to praise God, Beauty and wine.  his pen was at its best pouring out bitter but sensitive lyrics. 

Sahir made his debut in film lyrics with Naujawan (1951). His first major break came the same year when he wrote the lyrics for S.D. Burman's music in Baazi (1951). The movie, directed by Guru Dutt, and its music was a success and together S.D. Burman and Sahir went on to create History. 

Sahir Ludhianvi and his work with the major Music Directors. Indicating number of films, one of the best films in the bracket. 

S D Burman 18 films (Pyasa)

N Dutta  19 films  (Dhool Ka Phool)

Ravi    19 films  (Humraaz)

Roshan  7 films (Taj Mahal)

Khaiyyam  7 films (Kabhi Kabhi)

Madan Mohan  2 films (Laila Majnu)

O P Nayyar 6 films (Naya Daur)

Jaidev 3 films (Hum Dono)

R D Burman 4 films (Aa Gale Lag Ja)

Chitragupt 2 films (Vasana)

Sahir Ludhiyahvi and Laxmikant-Pyarelal worked for 7 films, listed below.  Undoubtedly their best work was in IZZAT 1968 and Yash Raj Films first movie DAAG 1973.

Izzat 1968  

Man Ki Aankhen  1970

Dastaan   1972

Daag     1973

Jagruti   1977

Deedar -E- Yaar 1982

Jiyo Aur Jeene Do  1982

Sahir Ludhianvi and Laxmikant

Tried to review a few best of the songs written by Sahir Ludhianvi and composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. 

IZZAT  1968

This is the only Hindi movie with Jayalalitha, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu as a lead actress.  Part of the story was inspiration for Trishul. Dharmendra used dark makeup for his double role. Sahir Ludhiyanvi worked for the first time with Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The music of the film was excellent.                                                                                                                 

Kya Miliye Aise Logon Se         (Singer Mohammad Rafi)

Sahir Ludhiyanvi writes about politician ! खुद से ही जो खुद को छुपाये क्या उनसे पहचान करे। ..दिलदारी का ढोंग रचा कर जाल बिछाए बातों का ! जिनके जुल्मसे दुखी है जनता हर बस्ती हर गाओं में ! 

This song is filmed on Dharmendra.  Once again the ACCORDION is awesomely used throughout the song. 8 seconds of ‘prelude’ starts with ACCORDION intermixing with VIOLINS. Brilliant take off by rafi saab, क्या मिलिए sss ऐसे लोगोसे।, singing ‘pause’ of 4 seconds, highlighting ACCORDION. Again Rafi saab  नकली चेहरा सामने आये असली सूरत छुपी रहे   singing ‘pause’ of 4 seconds, highlighting ACCORDION, playing the tune of the song. This is repeated many times throughout the song. First and third ‘interludes’ are awesomely orchestrated with ACCORDION ending synchronizing with VIOLINS. Again at the end of each antara / stanza the ACCORDION is used as ‘filler’.

Jaagi Badan Mein Jwala        (Singer Lata Mangeshkar)

Sahir Ludhianvi writes about तेरे लिए रातको भटकू , आते जाते लोगों की नज़रों मैं खटकू  

IZZAT was a musical hit. This song’s RHYTHM,  Laxmikant-Pyarelal designed when they were in Beirut (Lebanon). It is 1-2-3-4-5-6, a Lebanese ‘folk’ rhythm. Laxmikant-Pyarelal were expert in utilizing CHORUS in their compositions. Just listen to how CHORUS sounds extremely melodious in this song.

Hypnotising ‘prelude’ of 26 seconds, excellently  intermixed with GLOCKENSPIEL or 'GLOCKS’, GHUNGROO BELLs and Lataji AALAPS . Excellent take off ‘Jagi..sss’..Jagi Badan Mein Jwala’ (जागी sssss जागी बदन में ज्वाला).  All the three interludes have different style of orchestra arrangements. NADASWARAM, VIOLINS, ACOUSTIC GUITAR as well as GHUNGROO BELLs  are harmoniously synchronized in all the interludes with different tunes.  Lata Mangeshkar at her melodious best. The mind-boggling Rhythm of DRUM beats is totally different. This rhythm was never repeated by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The GREAT song was filmed on late Jayalalitha, the ex Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.  

Ye Dil Tum Bin Kahin Lagta Nahin         (Singers  Lata Mangeshkar - Mohammad Rafi)

This is an extremely melodious duet written by Sahir Ludhiyanvi, working for the first time with Laxmikant-Pyarelal. It has been composed in Raag Pahadi. 

The unique aspect of this song is the use of  VIOLINS / CELLOS. The entire song is woven around the orchestration of symphony VIOLINS and CELLOS. ‘Prelude’ as well as all the ‘interludes’ are composed in symphony style orchestra with different tunes. CELLOS / VIOLINS are also used as a ‘filler’ as well as in surround sounds of the song, especially in ‘Mukha’ and the ‘antara’. In the ‘prelude’ of 22 seconds VIOLINS / CELLOS are integrated  with string sounds of GUITAR. First interlude is awesomely orchestrated with VIOLINS and strings of GUITAR. Second interlude with the same instruments but different tunes of VIOLINS. Third interlude VIOLINS and FLUTE. 

TABLA is used in the rhythm in a conventional style The rarest of rare occasion when Laxmikant-Pyarelal have used only TABLA The song is filmed on Dharmendra-Tanuja. 

MAN KI AANKHEN  1970

Dharmendra - Waheeda Rehman starrer musical film has some very good songs.

Dil Kahe Ruk Ja Re Ruk Ja      (Singer   Mohammad Rafi)

Extremely melodious romantic song. ‘Prelude of 40 seconds, starts with TWEETING sound of BIRDS overlapped with SANTOOR, Symphony VIOLINS and Rafi Sahab’s AALAP,  mesmerizes the listeners. First ‘interlude’ CHORUS is beautifully surrounded and overlapped with GUITAR and FLUTE. Second ‘interlude’ is orchestrated with Symphony VIOLINS and FLUTE. The song is filmed on DHARMENDRA.

Chala Bhi Aa Aaja Rasiya    (Singers  Lata Mangeshkar - Mohammad Rafi)

Bahut Der Tumne Sataya Hai   (Singer Asha Bhosle)

DASTAAN     1972

Laxmikant-Pyarelal worked for the first time with actor Dilip Kumar and also with the Producer Director B R Chopra. The music was good, in particular two songs.

Ho Koi Aaya Lachak Uthi Kaya  ...Asha Bhosle

Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye ….Mohammad Rafi 

DAAG   1973 

To start with YASH RAJ Films first ever film, producer and director Yash Chopra wanted to utilize the ‘best’ artists available then.   Rajesh Khanna was in supreme form in early seventies, he along with Sharmila Taigor, Rakhi were the stars of the films.  

LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL, in top gear, from 1967, got the honor of the first music director for ”YASH RAJ FILMS”. Yash chose his favorite lyricist Sahir Ludhiyanvi to penned the songs.An outstanding/evergreen/ever-fresh music of ”Daag” is still popular.Let us review the Most Popular song.

Mere Dil Main Aaj Kya Hai       (Singer Kishore Kumar)    

                                                       

लाजवाब, सुमधुर, कर्णप्रिय एवं बेहद रोमांटिक गाना। Mesmerizing Orchestra arrangements..IRANI SANTOOR (played by Pt Shivkumar Sharma) & GUITAR (played by Gorakh Sharma) are brilliantly executed in the entire orchestra of the song.

The song starts with “zero” ‘Prelude”…First ‘Interlude’ starts with IRANI SANTOOR at 0.42…with brilliant overlapping sound effect and ends at 1,00. The second ‘Interlude’ starts at 1.46 and listen how mellifluously IRANI SANTOOR have been played till 1.58…The third ‘Interlude’ starts at 2.45 and how effectively GUITAR is played to give the perfection to the romance and great “pick up” through IRANI SANTOOR from 2.53 to 3.02..The song has beautiful DHOLAK as “rhythm” excepting in “Interludes''…

SAHIR LUDHIYANVI’s elegiac lyrics and KISHORE KUMAR’s tender as well as romantic rendition and LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL’s wonderful composition with beautiful decoration of the orchestra has made this song as all time classics. 

You just have to look at the way Rajesh Khanna croons, “Mera pyaar keh raha hai main tujhe khuda bana doon” and you will want to watch the song. Nobody could act out a love song better than Rajesh Khanna.

Also full credit to Kishore Kumar who was nominated by filmfare awards, the best male singer, for singing this romantic GEM. One of the finest songs of Kishore Kumar under Laxmikant-Pyarelal who were also nominated by filmfare awards, for the best music directors, along with Raj Kapoor’s ‘Bobby”.

Ni Main Yaar Mana NI         (Singers Lata Mangeshkar - Minoo Purushottam)

Typically Punjabi flavored and very famous female duet excellently sung by Lata Mangeshkar - Minoo Purushottam. . Powerful rhythm of the song consists of DHOL, DHOLAK, TABLA and CLAPPING  is just mind-blowing. Use of SHEHNAI / NADASWARAM in both the ‘interludes’.

Hum Aur Tum Tum Aur Hum    ((Singers  Lata Mangeshkar - Kishore Kumar)

This Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar romantic song is completely woven around the rhythm based ACOUSTIC GUITAR. Another beauty of this song is it's 'interludes'. Both the 'interludes' have different tunes. First 'interlude' full of 'aalaps' by Kishore & Lata with glimpses of VIOLINS. In second 'interlude'  the VIOLINS are decorated in 'Waltz' style with beautiful "pauses". Even Lataji and Kishorji have also rendered the 'pauses' in the songs. 

If you compare all Yash Raj Films Musical scores, DAAG remains top sellers and also the best.

JAGRITI 1977

The film, starring Reena Roy and Vinod Mehra, did not do much business at box-office. 

Meharban Kaise Kaise  … Asha Bhosle

DEEDAR -E- YAAR    1982

Super musical film produced by Jeetendra on a Muslim culture. The film has divergent music.

Chala Chal Latife ..Kishore

Tum Ko Dekha To ..Lata

Id Ka Din Hai  ..Rafi-Asha

AND A stroke of genius (Mohammad Rafi & Kishore Kumar)

Mere Dildar Ka Baankpan ..   (Singer Mohammad Rafi - Kishore Kumar)

No words are to describe the singing of the two sensational singers, 

Mohammad Rafi - Kishore Kumar. 

Ajay Poundarik

Atlanta (Georgia)

USA

25th October, 2020.

S P Balasubrahmanyam and Laxmikant-Pyarelal

 S P Balasubrahmanyam and Laxmikant-Pyarelal

It is Laxmikant-Pyarelal have introduced S P Balasubrahmanyam in Ek Duje Ke Liye, released in 1981. When Lata Mangeshkar and S P Balasubrahmanyam were recording “Hum Tum Donon Jab Mil Jayenge, Ek Naya Itihaas Banayenge” for K Balachander’s 1981 tragic romance Ek Duuje Ke Liye, under Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s baton, little did they know that they were on their way to creating box-office history.

S P Balasubrahmanyam have sung as many as 40 songs under Laxmikant-Pyarelal. This includes memorable duets with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. 

EK DUJE KE LIYE (1981)

This was the first hindi film for Kamal Hasan and Rati Agnihotri.  Yet another non-star cast musical block blaster, smash hit film.  The films success again was carried away  by the  melodious music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.  S. P. Balasubramanium was introduced to hindi film music.  He won Filmfare as well as  the national award for this film. Who can forget the immortal melodies from this musical hit. 

— Tere Mere Beech Main..                                  Lata/SPB

— Hum Bane Tum Bane..                                    Lata-SPB

— Hum Tum Dono Jab ..                                     Lata-SPB

— Mere Jeevan Saathi                                         SKB-Chitra

— Sola Baras Ki Bali Umar..                              Lata-Anup Jalota

Composed in Hindustani Classical Raag “SHIVRANJANI”. 16 seconds of ‘prelude’ orchestrated with glimpses of GUITAR, Symphony style CELLOs, and VIOLINS and awesome aalaps by Lataji. Excellent “DHOLAK” rhythm. SANTOOR, FLUTE, VIOLINS and SHEHANAI are melleflously decorated in the orchestra. 

S P Balasubrahmanyam was a great fan of Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Just few months back SPB has expressed his experience and feelings about Laxmikant-Pyarelal which are posted in three parts. MUST WATCH.

Ajay Poundarik, Atlanta (Georgia), USA.

Concealed GEMS :: Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Lata Mangeshkar

                 Concealed GEMS ::  Laxmikant-Pyarelal and  Lata Mangeshkar

From 1963, to the next 35 years, Lata Mangeshkar and Laxmikant-Pyarelal were to chalk up an astounding 712 songs together, which accounted for one in every 10 Hindi film songs recorded by the Melody Queen, and one of every four songs composed by the duo. The unmatchable variety of songs. 

And what a mind boggling variety and range did we get in those 712 numbers which included chart-slammers and classics, and chaalu numbers as well as connoisseur choices. It is impossible to find that variety and that sustained excellence without monotony in the output of any other composer, with Lata or with any other singer. 

Precisely, Lata Mangeshkar has sung as many as 413 solo songs for Laxmikant-Pyarelal. 

There are many Concealed GEMS (Hidden GEMS) of songs. 

Songs from  Lata Mangeshkar dominated albums like Parasmani 1963, Sati Savitri 1964, Sant Gyaneshwar 1964, Lootera 1966, Baharon ki Manzil 1968, Abhinetri 1971,  Jai Bin Machhali Nritya Bin Bijalee 1971, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, 1971, Raja Jaani 1972,  Daag 1973 and  Bobby 1973,  etc are not considered.  

Films like, Naag Mandir 1966, Sau Saal Baad 1966, Daku Mangal Singh 1966,  Madhavi 1968, Aasra 1966 , Shaadi Ke Baad 1972, Free Love 1974,  have excellent music. One song from each of these films has been considered. 

The songs considered have a unique way of composition. ‘Kisi ki nazar ne ishara kiya hai’ from “Sau Saal Baad” 1966, ‘suraj utara bindiya’ from “Sauda” 1974, ‘dil hai dard-e-mohabbat ka mara’ from “Free Love” 1974 and ‘ye kaun hansa’ from “Mere Sajna” 1975 are simply best.  

Also, I would like to thank Dr. Rajiv Vijaykar (‘suraj utara bindiya’) Nikhil Ayer (‘Kisi ki nazar ne ishara kiya hai’ ) and Aditya Pant (ye kaun hansa’) for exploring these Hidden Gems.

Mere Sanam Sun Mera Ghum       “Naag Mandir” 1966

(Songwriter   Pandit Bharat Vyas)

Even though it is a mythological movie, it has some beautiful songs.

--Suno ji Suno Naya Ek Geet ….Lata

--Mere Sanam ...Mahendra Kapor

--Khamosh Zindagi Ko Aawaz De Rahe Ho ...M. Rafi

 

Lata’s version is an extremely melodious one. The song starts with ‘strokes’ of ACOUSTIC GUITAR and the VIOLINS. Awesome take off by Lata ji…मेरे सनम, मेरे सनम.. .VIOLINS, CELLOS in symphony style are melodiously surrounded with Lata ji’s rendering. ACOUSTIC GUITAR is tunefully used in the ‘rhythm’ of the song. 

Kisi Ki Nazar Ne Ishara Kiya Hai   “Sau Saal Baad”   1966

(Songwriter   Anand Bakshi)

Actually, ‘Sau Saal Baad’ is a very good musical album. 

--Ye Raat Bhi Jaa Rahi Hai….Lata

--Ek Ritu Aaye Ek Ritu Jaye...Lata-Manna Dey (Pure classical)

Lata Mangeshkar 's rare GEM with sweet melody.  The song starts with beautiful ‘humming’ by Lataji followed by VIOLINS. Wonderful take off by Lataji ..किसी की नज़र ने इशारा किया है. Soft VIOLINS, FLUTE and SITAR  are brilliantly played in the orchestra. Stroke of SITAR attracts the listeners in the start of the second ‘interlude’.  DHOLAK rhythm with 'pause' is worth listening to. 

--Ek To Ye Bahar Uspe Tera Mera Pyar     “Daku Mangal Singh”  1966 

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi )

A super musical starring Mumtaz - Dara Singh.

An extremely melodious and tender  song with 25 seconds of ‘prelude’,  full of VIOLINS and SITAR, sets the mood of the song. FLUTE is awesomely used as ‘filler’ in the song. Delicately sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Awesome DHOLAK rhythm. Mumtaz looks stunning.

Tum  Kaun Ho Batao Tumhara Naam Hai Kya       “Aasra”  1966

 (Songwriter   Anand Bakshi) 

 This film has many melodious songs.

--Mere Sune Jeevan Ka Aasra …Asha Bhosle

--Neend Kabhi Rehti Thi….Lata

--Daiya Re Daiyya ..Lata

An extremely canorous song, starts with Lataji’s ‘humming’.  Sensitively taken take off ...तुम कौन हो बताओ तुम्हारा नाम है क्या ?? Delicately rendered by Lataji synchronizing her singing with the fabulous ‘rhythm’ created through ACOUSTIC GUITAR. Wonderful use of  FLUTE in the first ‘interlude’. Second ‘interlude’ ear-pleasing display of SITAR. Filmed on MALA SINHA. 

Aaj Dil Pe Koi Jor Chalta Nahin      “Milan” 1967

(Songwriter   Anand Bakshi) 

One of the finest musical albums of Laxmikant-Pyarelal. All songs stormed the nation in the year 1967. Starring Sunil Dutt - Nutan. Unfortunately this song was deleted from the movie. 

Beautifully rendered in ‘raag’ CHARUKESHI. Sad song starts with the ‘prelude’ of 18 seconds orchestrated in VIOLINS and FLUTE. First ‘interlude’, VIOLINS and SAROD.Second ‘interlude’ beautifully orchestrated by FLUTE and SAROD. Third ‘interlude’ with VIOLINS and 

MANDOLIN. Melodious DHOLAK ‘rhythm’. 

Mehfil Soyee Aisa Koi       “Intaquam” 1968

(Songwriter  Rajendra Krishna)

Lata Mangeshkar has 4 solo songs. Including TWO CABARET. आ जान-ए -जान  is very famous song from this film. BUT there was one more cabaret song sung by Lataji.

Yet another melodious cabaret song from the combo of “Helen-Lata-LP”. Laxmikant-Pyarelal have orchestrated this westernized song with the excellent and maximum use of the JAZZ FLUTE, ACOUSTIC GUITAR  and VIOLINS with beautiful BONGO DRUM ‘rhythm’. Once again wonderful  cabaret by Helen, a lesson for modern dancers. This song, being the best,  has got less importance as the other cabaret (‘aa jaane jaan’) is more known and popular, from the same film, “Intaquam”. 

Sanjh Savere Adhron Pe Mere   “Madhavi”  1969

(Songwriter    Anand Bakshi).

Musical hit film. 

A beautiful, melodious, sweet 'MEERA' "BHAJAN" from the film "Madhavi" 1969. A classic song from the unique Tetrad  of Lata Mangeshkar,  Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Anand Bakshi. Filmed on Sanjay Khan - Deepa. 

Pehle Na Dekha Jaise         “Sharafat”  1970       

(Songwriter    Anand Bakshi) 

Dharmendra - Hema Malini’s first picture. Film with as many as 5 solo songs by Lataji.

This song is an extremely melodious composition. ‘Prelude’ of 23 seconds orchestrated with SITAR and awesome Lata ji’s AALAPS.  Wonderful take off by Lata ji  पहले न देखा जैसे किसीने sss . First ‘interlude’ is orchestrated with FLUTE, VIOLINS overlapping MANDOLIN.

Second ‘interlude’ is full of SITAR, (Played by Ustad Rais Khan). 

Baat Yeh Anokhi  "Maa Aur Mamta" 1970

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

Very sweet melodious song.

So Ja Re So Ja       “Shaadi Ke Baad”  1972

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

An extremely melodious song rendered by Lata Mangeshkar.  Lataji’s HUMMING in “prelude” and in first “interlude” mesmerizes. Wonderfully orchestrated with FLUTE,  ACOUSTIC GUITAR,  VIOLINS,  SITAR and BANSURI. Without affecting the sweetness of the song, sound of “air” (हवा ) is beautifully incorporated.  The song has soothing BONGO  DRUM rhythm. It is filmed on actor Jeetendra and Rakhee. 

Dil Hai Dard-E-Mohabbat Ka  Mara    “Free Love” 1974

(Songwriter    Asad Bhopali )

This movie has some offbeat compositions.

--Hum Kashmakash - E - Gham Se ..Lata

The song starts with the mesmerizing orchestra in ‘interlude’, SAXOPHONE, GUITAR as well as ACOUSTIC GUITAR played as ‘rhythm. Lata ji gives overwhelming take off दिल है दर्द -ऐ मुहोब्बत का मारा।  with modulating her rendering style. First ‘interlude’ orchestrated with SAXOPHONE, and symphony style VIOLINS hypnotizes the listeners. Second ‘interlude’ beautiful use of CLARINET.

Suraj Utara Bindniya Main     “Sauda” 1974

(Songwriter    National Poet Indrajeet Singh Tulsi )

Stupefying Rendering and Sterling Orchestra arrangements.The song that enthralls the listeners. "Prelude" 12 seconds starts with SITAR followed by GUITAR and at 12th seconds how beautiful 'take off' by Lata's rendering, synchronizing her voice with symphony VIOLINS. Exceptional singing particularly rendering the word सूsssरज and giving the "pauses" at 0.17/0.18 and at 0.22 to 0.25, FLUTE used as 'filler' in wonderful DHOLAK rhythm. First "Interlude" is awesomely instrumented with SITAR,VIOLINS, IRANI SANTOOR and FLUTE. At the end of each "antra" at 1.41 how mellifluously surround sound of 'symphony' VIOLINs synchronizes with Lata's voice, that is one of the beauty of this melodious song. Second 'interlude' is orchestrated with GUITAR, SAROD and VIOLINS. 

The song is filmed on Yogita Bali.

Ye Kaun Hansa    “Mere Sajna”  1975

(Songwriter Majrooh Sultanpuri)

Again Lata Mangeshkar & Laxmikant-Pyarelal chemistry worked for this uncommon composition. The song is filmed on Rakhi Gulzar.

Ajay Poundarik, Atlanta (Georgia), USA.  20th October, 2020.