Laxmikant-Pyarelal :: Songs Composed In Indian Classical Raga

Laxmikant-Pyarelal :: Songs Composed In Indian Classical Raga 

Laxmikant-Pyarelal has given a variety of music, in accordance with the change of time and the situation demanded. In the process, the duo has also composed some beautiful melodies in Indiana Classical Ragas.  Just for easy purpose only some of the selected songs are considered and are being reviewed. 

Right from Laxmikant-Pyarelal first film Parasmani, 1963, the duo has composed some accordant, sweet-sounding songs based on Indian Classical Ragas. Many films can be listed which have such songs. Harishchandra Taramati 1963, Sati Savitri, Sant Gyaneshwar, 1964, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, So Saal Baad 1966, Anita, Milan, 1967.

In the seventies films like B R Ishara’s Ek Nazar 1972, Ponga Pandit 1975,  Rajesh Khanna’s Anurodh 1977 and Raj Kapoor’s  musical Satyam Shivam Sundaram 1978

In the eighties, Laxmikant-Pyarelal produced some astounding Albums in which all the songs are based on Indian Classical Ragas, an unusual occasion. Shashi Kaapor’s Utsav 1984 and K Vishwanath’s Sur Sangam, 1985.  

Not to forget songwriters Amit Khanna’s melodic Bhairavi 1996.

Raga PAHADI was offtenly used by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. 

The duo utilized the singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Mukesh, Rajan-Sajan Mishra, Suresh Wadkar, S. Janki, Anwar, Sudha Malhotra, Shobha Gurtu, Anup Jalota, Roop Kumar Rathod, Kavitha Krishnmurthy, Amit Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor, S P Balasubramanium, Bupendra

 Laxmikant-Pyarelal Songs,  Based on Hindustani Classical Ragas 

YAMAN KALYAN 

Woh Jab Yaad Aaye                              Lata-Rafi           Parasmani 1963

Tum Gagan Ke Chandrama Ho      Lata-Manna Dey      Sati-Savitri 1964

Jeevan Dor Tumhi Sang Bandhi..         Lata                   Sati-Savitri 1964

Tum Bin Jeevan Kaise Bita Puchho..    Mukesh              Anita 1967

Aap Ke Anurodh Pe                              Kishore              Anurodh 1977

O Ramji Bada Dukh Dina....                 Lata                    Ram Lakhan 1987

Moh Maya Ko Tyag Do                 Roop Kumar Rathod  Bhairavi   1996

Tum Gagan Ke Chandrama Ho           Sati-Savitri 1964

(Songwriter Pandit Bharat Vyas,   Singers Lata Mangeshkar - Manna Dey )

तुम क्षमा मैं भूल हूँ…..तुम गगन के चंद्रमा ..मै धरा की धूल हूँ.. The extreme of gratitude in love expressed ever in words.A beautiful song composed in Hindustani Raag “Yaman Kalyan”. 53 years have been passed since Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey got to gather to sing this magical song, NOT A SINGLE CREASE HAS APPEARED ON THE SMOOTH SHINING SURFACE OF THIS SONG…..The classical based song is mellifluously composed in symphony style orchestra arrangements. Use of soft pieces of VIOLINS and SITAR in all the 'interludes' is just mesmerizing. 

TILANG

Chhup Gaye Sare Nazare....                Lata-Rafi           Do Raaste 1970

Itana To Yaad Hai Mujhe....                  Lata-Rafi           Mehaboob Ki Mehandi  1972

Painjaniya Chhanake Ram              Mohammad Rafi    Wapas 1969

Painjaniya Chhanake Ram            Wapas 1969                                                                            (Songwriter Majrooh Sultanpuri,   Singer Mohammad Rafi)

AWE-INSPIRING Mohammad Rafi & Laxmikant-Pyarelal.                                                                    !! पैंजनीया छनके राम ! Pure Classical, RAAG "TILANG". GEM of composition, outstanding rendering and wonderfully worded song.

BHAIRAVI 

Jyot Se Jyot Jagate Chalo …             Mukesh           Sant Gyaneshwar  1964

Chali Re Chali Re                               Kishore - Lata  Mr. X In Bombay  1964

Beshak Mandir Masjid …                   Chanchal         Bobby  1973

Bhor Bhaye Panaghat Pe ….              Lata                Satyam Shivam Sundaram  1978

Dhanya Bhag Sewa Ka…     R.S.Mishra/Kavita         Sur Sangam   1985

Patta Patta Buta Buta           Lata-Rafi                        Ek Nazar 1972

Bhor Bhaye Panaghat Pe ….          Satyam Shivam Sundaram  1978

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi       Singer Lata Mangeshkar)

67 seconds of resonant ‘preludes’ starts with euphonic ‘aalaps’ by Lataji, TWEETING BIRDS sound, protruding as well as integrating surround sound effect of symphony style VIOLINS, GHUNGROO BELLS and finally hypnotising DHOLAK / TABLA rhythm which is the asset of this song. GHUNGROO BELLS are beautifully synchronised  with the DHOLAK / TABLA rhythm, throughout the song.  Interludes are well orchestrated with GUITAR, SITAR, FLUTE, SYMPHONY style VIOLINS and CELLOS.

BHATIYAR 

Ye Biraha Ki Aag Aisi       Manna Dey         Ponga Pandit  1975

Ye Biraha Ki Aag Aisi       Manna Dey        Ponga Pandit  1975

(Songwriter Rajendra Krishan   Singer Manna Dey)

An extremely melodious song rendered by Manna Dey. HUMMING sound is awesomely intermixed with SANTOOR. TEMPLE BELL, SANTOOR, MANJIRA, FLUTE are beautifully orchestrated as a filler and in interludes. A hidden GEM. 

PAHADI

Salamat Raho Tum            ...               Rafi               Parasmani 1963

Jane Walo Jara Mudke Dekho            Rafi                Dosti  1964

Gudiya Humse Roothi Rahogi…        Lata                 Dosti  1964

Chahunga Main Tujhe …                    Rafi                 Dosti  1964

Suno Sajana Papihe Ne…                  Lata                Aaye Din Bahar Ke  1966

Sawan Ka Mahina ….                        Lata-Mukes      Milan 1967

Ye Dil Tum Bin Kahin                        Lata-Raf            Izzat  1969

Agar Dilbar Ki Ruswayi                      Lata                 Khilona  1970

Aap Ke Anurodh Pe                         Kishore              Anurodh 1977

Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki               Lata                 Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki  1978

Suno Sajana Papihe Ne…           Aaye Din Bahar Ke  1966

(Songwriter Anand Bakshi      Singer Lata Mangeshkar)

Mesmerizing ‘prelude’ of 25 seconds starts with Birds TWEET and Lataji’s AALAPS. Beautiful take off rendering सुनो सजना पपीहे ने। First ‘interlude’ is awesomely orchestrated with SANTOOR (Played by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma), FLUTE (Played by Pandit Hariprasasd Chaurasiya) and VIOLINS.  Second  and third ‘interludes’ also orchestrated with  SITAR,  FLUTE and VIOLINS but in different notes. It has an excellent DHOLAK / TABLA ‘rhythm. Another beauty of the song is “PAUSE”..enjoy it at the end of each ‘antara’.

BHATIYAR 

Ek Ritu Aaye Ek Ritu Jaye…             Lata-Mannde   Sau Sal Baad  1966

Ek Ritu Aaye Ek Ritu Jaye…             Sau Sal Baad  1966

(Songwriter Anand Bakshi      Singer Lata Mangeshkar - Manna Dey)

An outstanding composition. Song with lots of variations. One of the best songs sung by Manna Dey - Lata Mangeshkar. SARANGI, SANTOOR, VIOLIN, FLUTE and Lataji’s AALAPS.

KHAMAJ        

Sanjh Savere Adhron Pe Mere           Lata Mangeshkar   Madhavi  1968

Sanjh Savere Adhron Pe Mere          Madhavi  1968

(Songwriter Anand Bakshi      Singer Lata Mangeshkar)

A beautiful, melodious, sweet MEERA  BHAJAN  from the film "Madhavi" 1969. A classic song from the unique combo of Lata Mangeshkar & Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Orchestra is decorated with FLUTE and SITAR. 

KALAWATI

Meghava Gagan Beech Zanke          Lata                  Harishchandra Taramati 1964

Kabhi To Miloge Jeevan Sathi…      Lata                     Sati-Savitri  1964

Sanam Tu Bewafa Ke Naam Se..       Lata                   Khilona 1971

O Ghata Sawari                                 Lata                    Abhinetri 1971

Maika Piya Bulaye Apne …              Lata-Suresh        Sur Sangam 1985

Meghawa Gagan Beench Jhanke …. (Harischandra Taramati, 1963)

(Singer :- Lata Mangeshkar  Lyricist:- Rashtrakavi Pradeep)

Sweet and melodious song in KALAWATI. The prelude of 90 seconds is just mesmerizing. Musical instruments  like FLUTE, JALTARANG, SITAR, GHUNGHROO, Lataji’s ‘aalap’,  the rhythm of MRIDANGAM and TABLA etc are wonderfully orchestrated in the “prelude”. Again all these musical instruments with Lata’s “aalaps” and “chorus”  are mellifluously executed in all the “interludes''. Helen is choreographing the act in front of leading actor Prithviraj Kapoor. A fabulous song in all respects. 

CHARUKESHI

Aaj Dil Pe Koi Jor Chalta….    Lata                             Milan  1967

Megha Re Megha Re….        Lata-Suresh Wadkar    Pyasa Sawan 1982

Megha Re Megha Re….           Pyasa Sawan 1982

(Songwriter Santosh Anand     Singer Lata Mangeshkar - Suresh Wadkar)

In 22 seconds of ‘prelude’ SANTOOR is tunefully synchronized with VIOLINS. Another beauty of the song is awesome use of FLUTE, as filler. Symphony style VIOLINS are wonderfully played in the surround sounds. Composed on admirable DHOLAK rhythm. Overlapping sound effects of Suresh Wadkar and Lata Mangeshkar is ear-pleasing.. 

SHIVRANJANI

Khabar Mori Na Lini…               Lata                        Sant Gyaneshwar 1964

Rim Zim Ke Geet Sawan Gaye    Lata-Rafi              Anjana 1968

Tere Mere Beech Main               Lata-SP Bala         Ek Duje Ke Liye  1981

Na Jaiyo Pardes….         Kavita-Amit Kumar           Karma  1986

Saiyyan Nikas Gaye             Lata-Bhupendra         Satyam Shivam Sundaram  1978

Khabar Mori Na Lini…                                      Sant Gyaneshwar 1964

(Songwriter Pandit Bharat Vyas,   Singer  Lata Mangeshkar)

Extremely Melodious, based on Hindustani Classical Raag, ‘SHIVRANJANI’…One of the best of Lata-LP.. Start with Lataji’s awesome rendering ..भोर भये नित सूरज सांझ पड़े ढल जाये। ………..खबर मोरी ना लीनी। बहोत दिन बीते  and Beautiful TABLA rhythm starts. There is beautiful singing ‘pause’ of 3 seconds. The first ‘interlude’ orchestrated with SAROD, VIOLINS and the FLUTE. Second ‘interlude’ starts with SAROD, VIOLINS and XYLOPHONE. Both the “antras” have different tunes. FLUTE is tunefully used as a filler in second ‘antra’ . A masterpiece from Lata-LP combo.

BAIRAGI

Main Ek Raja Hoon                            Rafi                   Uphaar 1972 

Main Ek Raja Hoon                  Uphaar 1972 

(Songwriter Anand Bakshi      Singer Mohammad Rafi)

“Prelude” of 27 seconds comprises VINA and SANTOOR and Mohammad Rafi’s beautiful take off (main ek raja houn) is just brilliant. Extremely Soft and Melodious ROMANTIC song composed in the “raag” ‘ BAIRAGI’. Use of the BONGO drum in “Toe Stepping Rhythm” intermixed with SANTOOR is ear-pleasing. Use of FLUTE , ACOUSTIC GUITAR, SANTOOR and SITAR and other string instruments are mellifluously executed in the song. In the early seventies Mohammad Rafi was almost forgotten but it was only Laxmikant-Pyarelal who gave some of the finest songs to Rafi. This is one of them. It was a “Binaca Geetmala Hit song”.

BHIMPALASI  

Koi Nahi Hai Phir Bhi Hai         Lata Mangeshkar     Patthar Ke Sanam 1967

Bhagawan Ne Pehle Jaisa       Lata Mangeshkar     Chhota Bhai 1966

Koi Nahi Hai Phir Bhi Hai             Patthar Ke Sanam 1967

(Songwriter Majrooh Sultanpuri,   Singer  Lata Mangeshkar)

Beautiful Kashmir location, charming Waheeda Rehman, Unique DHOLAK /TABLA 'rhythm, synchronized with Lata Mangeshkar sweet rendering. This song confirms that Lata Mangeshkar, sounds extremely melodious under Laxmikant-Pyarelal. 

BHUPALI

Jaaun Tore Charan Kamal      Lata-Rajan/Sajan Mishra         Sur Sangam 1985

Om Namah Shivaya…                   Kavita Krishnmurthi           Bhairavi  1996

Nahin Nahini Jana Nahin            Lata Mangeshkar                  Zinda Dil  1975

Jaaun Tore Charan Kamal           Sur Sangam 1985

(Songwriter Vasant Dev    Singers Lata-Rajan/Sajan Mishra)  

Rhythm :- Use of DHOLAK, MRIDANGAM and TABLA, harmonized with GHUNGROO BELLS, sounds awesome in the 'rhythm', throughout the song.

जाऊं तोरे चरण कमल पर वारी  An offbeat and one of the finest compositions from the desk of Laxmikant-Pyarelal, on classical raag "BHUPALI".

An amazing orchestra arrangement in Indian Classical style. "Santoor", "Jal Tarang", "Flute", "Vichitra Vina", and "Manjira" are mellifluously synchronized as well as overlapped in all the interludes, with different tunes. 

First Interlude:- SANTOOR, JAL TARANG and FLUTE. 

Second Interlude:- VICHITRA VEENA, FLUTE, SITAR, SANTOOR (excellent overlapped). 

Third Interlude:- VICHITRA VEENA, FLUTE, SITAR and MANJIRA. (at the end, wonderful overlapping).

MALKAUNS

Pad Pagam                P Sushila                                       Nache Mayuri  1986

Aaye Sur Ke Panchhi Aaye…  Rajan Mishra-Kavita          Sur Sangam 1985

Aaye Sur Ke Panchhi Aaye…           Sur Sangam 1985

(Songwriter Vasant Dev    Singers Kavita -Rajan/Sajan Mishra) 

JUST listen to this GEM of a song. Hats off to Singer Rajan-Sajan Mishra, Kavitha Krishmurthy, songwriter Vasant Dev and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. 

KHAMAJ

Khat Likh De Sawariya Ke ….  Asha                       Aaye Din Bahar Ke   1966

Sham Dhale Jamna Kinare…    Lata-Mannade       Pushpanjali 1972

Sham Dhale Jamna Kinare…          Pushpanjali 1972

(Songwriter Anand Bakshi      Singer Lata Mangeshkar - Manna Dey)

शाम ढले जमुना किनारे ! किनारे ! आजा राजे आजा तुझे शाम पुकारे !                                                                    AN AMAZING WORK ON "FLUTE  

In the INTERLUDES, overlapping of FLUTE and MANDOLIN, VIOLIN and RUBAB is worth to listen to. Great Composition. Wonderful execution of CHORUS also synchronized with Lataji's HUMMING and 'alaaps". The FLUTE is played by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasiya who was a regular musician in Laxmikant-Pyarelal Orchestra. 

PURIYA DHANASHREE

Meri Sason Ko Jo Mehaka Rahi….Lata-Mahendr Kapur    Badalate Rishte  1977

Meri Sason Ko Jo Mehaka Rahi….       Badalte Rishte  1977

(Songwriter  Anjan      Singers  Lata Mangeshkar - Mahendra  Kapoor)

Once again this classical song is mellifluously orchestrated with SANTOOR, SITAR and the Symphony style VIOLINS. It has a tuneful DHOLAK rhythm.

BIBHASH

Sanz Dhale Gagan Tale…..    Suresh Wadkar                 Utsav 1984

Nilam Pe Nabh Chhaye…..      Lata-Asha                        Utsav  1984

UTSAV  Music

After Completing Successful 21 years, In 1984, there was a myth that Laxmikant-Pyarelal needs a "Huge and Enrich Orchestra" arrangement to compose MELODIOUS and HIT Songs. Music of "Utsav" came as a pleasant surprise, with an excellent melody and minimal use of instruments in the orchestra. Laxmikant-Pyarelal used old traditional instruments to compose the songs. 

Nilam Pe Nabh Chhaye…..            Utsav  1984

(Songwriter  Vasant Dev      Singer Lata Mangeshkar)

Minimum orchestra and "clapping"( ताली ) is used as Rhythm. Laxmikant-Pyarelal used old traditional musical instruments in "Utsav" music. This song is extremely melodious and wonderfully composed in 'raag' BIBHAS. Fascinated use of BANSURI, as a filler in ‘mukhada’. The "interludes" are spellbindingly decorated with the MRIDANGAM, VEENA and GHUNGROO BELLS. Once again very delicate and shrp use of CHORUS. The song is filmed on Rekha.

Sanz Dhale Gagan Tale              Utsav 1984

(Songwriter  Vasant Dev      Singer Suresh Wadkar)

Unmatched,  unparalleled....a song can be listened to again and again...just mesmerizing...Hat's off Suresh Wadkar jee, Laxmikant  Pyarelal jee and Vasant Dev jee.. Use of VICHITRA VEENA and SANTOOR is ear-pleasing. In particular the VICHITRA VEENA is beautifully played in the surround sound of Suresh Wadkar.  

DARBARI KANADA

Eeshwar Satya Hai….           Lata             Satyam Shivam Sundaram 1978

Eeshwar Satya Hai…            Satyam Shivam Sundaram 1978

(Songwriter  Pandit Narendra Sharma       Singer Lata Mangeshkar)

Hypnotized  “prelude” of 50 seconds, outsetting through BAMBOO FLUTE , followed by VICHITRA VEENA then surround sound effect of SYMPHONY style VIOLINS . Beautiful ‘take off’ by Lata ji (Ishwar satya hai) ‘stroke’ of TEMPLE BELL, at 0.58 second, synchronised with CHORUS and awesome sounds of TWEETING BIRDS. It has beautiful TABLA rhythm. Overlapping sound effect of Lataji’s rendering and CHORUS crooning, in different tunes as well as the word. In the first ‘interlude’ SANTOOR, SITAR are mellifluously orchestrated with MANJIRA sounding at the end. Second ‘interludes’ starts with the resonant ‘aalaps’ by Lataji surrounding CELLOs and TEMPLE BELL followed by SITAR and VIOLINS. Once again the the  overlapping sound effect can be heard at the end with Lataji’s ‘aalaps’ and CHORUS. One of the finest song sung by Lata Mangeshkar for Laxmikant-Pyarelal. 

AHIR BHAIRAV

Sola Baras Ke Bali Umar Ko …  Lata-Anup Jalota    Ek Duje Ke Liye  1981

Sola Baras Ke Bali Umar Ko …   Ek Duje Ke Liye  1981

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

“Prelude” is marvelously rendered by Anup Jalota. Excellent Melody and Sweet DHOLAK Rhythm are the features of the song + Lataji’s voice variations are mind-blowing. 

PILOO

Saiyyan Rooth Gaye      Shobha Gurtu     Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki 1978

Saiyyan Rooth Gaye        Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki 1978

(Songwriter Amir Khusro   Singer  Shobha Gurtu)

Wonderful “Thumari”...

TODI 

Jago Prabhat Aaya     Manna Dey            Sant Gyaneshwar   1964

Jago Prabhat Aaya              Sant Gyaneshwar   1964

(Songwriter Pandit Bharat Vyas   Singer Manna Dey)

Beautiful melodious classical composition. Wonderful use of Chorus.

LALIT 

Ye Pyar Tha Kuchh     Sudha Malhotra - Anwar  Prem Rog  1982

Ye Pyar Tha Kuchh     Prem Rog  1982

(Songwriter  Santosh  Anand   Singer Sudha Malhotra - Anwar)

Beautiful MUJRA song. 

KIRWANI 

Doori Na Rahe Koi  ...Lata Mangeshkar …Kartavya  1978

Doori Na Rahe Koi  .…Kartavya  1978

(Songwriter  Kafeel Azhar       Singer Lata Mangeshkar)

This is an Erotic Song.  An Implausible Composition. What A Melody ?? Intoxicated Song. Captivating Variations By Lata Mangeshkar. Amorous Orchestra Arrangements With Accordant Rhythm From Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

I am a music lover, I like to listen to the music, in particular Hindi Film Music, I have never learnt the music. I have gathered the data from my friends, internet etc. I thank Mr, Ravi Pawar, my facebook friend for providing useful information on classical songs by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. 

Ajay Poundarik

Atlanta (Georgia)

USA

7th December, 2020.