MELODY and RHYTHM: November 2022

Singer LAXMIKANT (Laxmikant-Pyarelal)

Tribute :: Laxmikant ji (Laxmikant-Pyarelal) :: Birth Anniversary ::

Laxmikant ji was born on the day of "Diwali" (the day of Lakshmi Puja), 2 / 3 November 1937. He used to celebrate his birthday only on the day of Diwali.

Laxmikant ji spent his childhood amidst dire poverty in the slums of Vile-Parle (E) Mumbai. His father died when he was child. Because of the poor financial conditions of the family he also could not even complete his academic education.

As a child artist Laxmikant ji has worked in few Gujarati and Hindi pictures. He learnt Mandolin. Lata Mangeshkar spotted Laxmikant playing Mandolin and recommended his name to Shankar-Jaikishan, Naushad, S D Burman. Lata ji also sent Laxmikant to Hridaynath Mangeshkar’s music academy where he met Pyarelal ji. Laxmikant-Pyarelal “Friendship” (“दोस्ती”), started.

Laxmikant ji was an excellent Mandolin player. Some of the famous songs in which Laxmikant ji played Mandolin.

-Jadugar Sainyya “Nagin” (Kalyanji-Anandji)

-Koi Aaya Dhadkan “Lajwanti” (S D Burman)

-Hai Apna Dil To “Solva Saal” (S D Burman)

Laxmikant ji was also a good singer. He used to sing the songs during the rehearsal of the composition. Apart from the practice sessions singing, Laxmikant ji have sung following songs for Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

1 Aag Se Aag Buza Le …… Jalte Badan 1973

Singers:- Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle & Laxmikant

Lyricist:- Maya Govind

Ramanand Sagar movie, made on the subject of the perils of Drug Addiction. It has melodious songs. This song is filmed on Kum Kum, Padma Khanna and Kiran Kumar, actor Jeevan’s son. Laxmikant’s voice was used for Kiran Kumar.

2 Pyar Zindagi Hai ……..”Kala Pani” 1980

Singers:- Bhupinder Singh, Asha Bhosle & Laxmikant

Lyricist:- Anand Bakshi

Not available on YouTube

3 Gore Nahi Hum Kale …….”Desh Premee” 1982

Singers:- Asha Bhosle & Laxmikant

Lyricist:- Anand Bakshi

Perhaps the most popular song of Laxmikant, as singer. Mesmerizing ‘prelude’ of 54 seconds sets your dancing mood to this lovely song. Use of BRASS instruments, GUITAR, ACCORDION and VIOLINS in the “interludes” is ear-pleasing. Amitabh Bachchan - Hema Malini careened appealingly.