Laxmikant-Pyarelal & Tuneful Use Of Harmonium

Laxmikant-Pyarelal  & Tuneful Use Of Harmonium

The use of HARMONIUM in Hindi Film Music is comprehensive right from the Music Directors composing the songs. Music Directors first, demonstrate the song to the singers with use of HARMONIUM. Many actors/actresses are seen playing HARMONIUM in the film. 

Many music directors have composed some beautiful melodies orchestrating the HARMONIUM.  Listing out a few ‘gems’ of the songs composed by various music directors. 

Anil Biswas

Shukriya Aye Pyar Tera  Talat Mehmood   “Aaram” 1951

Naushad 

Husn Walon Ko Na Dil Do   Talat Mehmood   “Babul” 1959

O P Nayyar

Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar    Rafi - Shamshad  “CID”  1956

Bahut Shukriya Badi Meharbani    Rafi - Asha  “Ek Musafir Ek Haseena” 1962

Kajra Mohabbat Wala   Asha - Shamshad  “Kismat”  1968

Shankar-Jaikishan

Jane Kahan Gayi   M. Rafi  “Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai”  1960

Chalat Musafir Moh Liya     Manna Dey   “Teesari Kasam” 1966

Roshan

Na To Carvaan Ki Talash  Manna Dey-Asha-Rafi   “Barsat Ki Raat 1960

Bar Bar Tohe Kya          Lata  “Aarti”  1962

Nigahe Milane Ko Jee   Asha  “Dil Hi To Hai”  1963

Hemant Kumar

Sakiya Aaj Mohe Nind    Asha    “Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam”  1962

Kalyanji-Anandji

Deewane Hai Deewanon Ko  Rafi-Lata   “Zanjeer”   1973

R D Burman

Chunari Sambhal Gori   Lata-Manna Dey  “Baharon Ke Sapne” 1967

Ek Chatur Naar Kar Ke  Kishore-Manna Dey-Mehmood.  “Padosan” 1968

Jeena To Hai Usika      Rafi  “Adhikar”  1971

Hai Agar Dushman   Rafi-Asha “Hum Kise Se Kam Nahin”  1977

Sonik-Omi

Raz Ki Baat Keh Doo    Asha - Rafi “Dharma” 1973

Madan Mohan

Ye Mana Meri Jaan     Rafi   “Haste Jakham”  1973

Laxmikant-Pyarelal have also composed many songs with the prominent use of HARMONIUM. The song composed by the duo “payal ki jhankar raste raste” from the film “Mere Lal”, 1966, still considered to be the best song on HARMONIUM. 

Sonik Verma (On Harmonium) with Pyarelalji (on Piano)

Also included a very famous Marathi Song ::Bai Mee Vikat Ghetala Sham :: The song is composed and rendered by Sudhir Phadke with Asha Bhosle, for the film “Jagachya Pathivar” 1960. It is written by G D Madgulkar. 

In most of the songs the HARMONIUM is played by Shyamrao Kamble and Sonik Verma, blind musician, of the music director pair of Sonik-Omi. 

Payal KI Jhankar Raste Raste   "MERE LAL" 1966 Lata Mangeshkar / Majrooh Sultanpuri.

TILL DATE, The Best Song Composed On HARMONIUM. Super Hit Song of the year 1966. A Sheer Magic of DHOLAK and HARMONIUM. Mesmerizing "Prelude" of 42 seconds, full of HARMONIUM, BANJO (overlapped with Harmonium), FLUTE and DHOLAK, sets the mood to listen to this gem of composition. Entire song is woven around glimpses of HARMONIUM (played by Sonik Verma, a Blind Musician, of Sonik-Omi music director pair). All the "Interludes" have different tunes. The Best Song In Terms Of Use Of HARMONIUM. It was the TOP hit song and rocked in Binaca Geetmala Weekly Countdown, also appearing in the finals. Actress INDRANI MUKHARJEE with Dev Kumar has beautifully danced making the song memorable and immortal, as well. In the picture above Sonik Verma can be seen sitting on Harmonium and Pyarelalji on Piano. 

Duniya Ne Sunli Hai     “SHARAFAT”  1970    Lata Mangeshkar / Anand Bakshi

An extremely melodious ‘mujra’, filmed on Hema Malini. The song is awesomely woven around the glimpses of HARMONIUM, as a filler, in surround sound and also in ‘interludes’. Interludes are orchestrated with HARMONIUM, VIOLINS, SAROD, SITAR and FLUTE. The rhythm of DHOLAK / TABLA is synchronised with GHUNGROO BELLS.  

Sanam Tu Bewafa Ke Naam Se    “KHILONA”  1970  Lata Mangeshkar / Anand Bakshi

Mellifluously orchestrated with prominent use of HARMONIUM, in ‘interludes’ as well as the ‘filler’, at the end of the “antara”.  One of the finest Mujra songs of Hindi Cinema. Wonderful ‘prelude’ of 32 seconds, full of DHOLAK rhythm synchronised with VIOLINS and SITAR. Spectacular take off by Lata ji, at the same time 20 seconds ‘pause’ in the orchestra gives additional flavor to this resonant composition. The rhythm of the song is from DHOLAK / TABLA,  intermixed with the CLAPPING and GHUNGROO BELLS.  All the ‘interlude’ are excellently orchestrated with traditional musical instruments NADASWARAM, SAROD, SARANGI, MANDOLIN, SITAR, VIOLINS and HARMONIUM. Filmed on Mumtaz.

Hamin Kare Koi Surat      “EK NAZAR” 1972.   Lata / Majrooh 

A typical MUJRA song, Orchestrated with SARANGI, SANTOOR, FLUTE, SAROD, VIOLINS and beautiful display of HARMONIUM. Filmed Jaya Bachchan - Amitabh Bachchan. 

Roothe Rab Ko Manana     “MAJBOOR” 1974   Asha-Rafi / Anand Bakshi

Street song nicely composed on Harmonium. It has a similar situation like ‘Zanjeer’ son. . Filmed Amitabh Bachchan - Parveen Babi

Yashomati Maiya Se    “SATYAM SHIVAM SUNDARAM”  1977                                                   Lata Mangeshkar-Manna Dey / Pandit Narendra Sharma

Fascinating 34 seconds ‘prelude’ awesomely instrumented with TANPURA, FLUTE and HARMONIUM. It has captivative DHOLAK rhythm which will ‘swing’ your neck. FLUTE is sumptuously used in the ‘interlude’ which gives you an ear-pleasing effect. Filmed on child artist, then, Padmini Kolhapure and Kanhaiyalal. 

Aadmi Musafir Hai       “APNAPAN “ 1977  Rafi-Lata / Anand Bakshi

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. 

Tere Haathon Mein Pehna Ke   “JAANI  DUSHMAN”  1979  Asha-Rafi / Verma Malik

Mesmerizing composition. “Prelude” of 40 seconds. SHEHNAI and NADASWARAM are awesomely intermixed followed by VIOLINS in SYMPHONY style then “folkish” DHOLAK rhythm and then glimpses of HARMONIUM. All the “interludes” are also orchestrated with the above musical instruments in addition it has a “CLAPPING” in the “rhythm”. Filmed on Jeetendra - Neetu Singh.

Jane Hum Sadak Ke Logon Se         “ASHA”  1980  M. Rafi / Anand Bakshi. 

HARMONIUM is wonderfully synchronised with the ‘rhythm’ of MATKI and DHOLAK. The song is filmed on Jeetendra - Reena Roy.

Chana Jor Garam Laya     “Kranti”    Rafi-Kishore-Lata-N. Mukesh / Santosh Anand.

Beautiful display of HARMONIUM in ‘prelude’, तुम तुम तररारा तुम तुम तरम how beautifully rendered by Lata - Kishore, synchronising with TANPURA. The HARMONIUM is also used as ‘filler’ in ‘mukhada’. First ‘interlude’ is full of HARMONIUM. The song is filmed on Hema Maliini Shatrughn Sinha, Manoj Kumar

Mere Dil Se Dillagi Na Kar       “WOH SAAT DIN”  1983  Sahabbir - Anuradha 

Beautiful Display of HARMONIUM in ‘prelude’ the song has an awesome DHOLAK rhythm intermixed with HARMONIUM. It is filmed Anil Kapoor-Padmini Kolhapure.

Mujhe Aaj Kuch Na Kehna        “AKAYLA”  1991 Sudesh - Alka Yagnik / Anand Bakshi. 

Once again a beautiful display of HARMONIUM in ‘prelude’. Sudesh Bhosle sounds fresh. Filmed on Amrita Singh - Amitabh Bachchan

Tu Naja Mere Badshah       "KHUDA  GAWAH"   1992  Alka Yagnik-Mohammad Aziz/ Anand Bakshi.

Spectacularly rendered by M. Aziz and Alka Yagnik. Wonderful use of HARMONIUM with RUBAB (An instrument from Afghanistan). 'Prelude' of 55 seconds mesmerizes the listeners. CLAPPING, RUBAB and HARMONIUM orchestrated awesomely with unusual DHOLAK and THALI rhythm, Alkaji's sweet AALAPS. HARMONIUM is remarkably utilized as a feeler in mukhada as well as in Antara. First 'interlude' instrumented with RUBAB, FLUTE and HARMONIUM. Second 'interlude'/'postlude'>  solo VIOLIN, CLAPPING and RUBAB. Filmed on Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi. 

Bai Me Vikat Ghetla Sham.  “JAGACHYA  PATHIVAR'  1960 Sudhir Phadake - Asha Bhosle. 

Ajay Poundarik

Atlanta (Georgia)

USA

 

Kishore Kumar - Asha Bhosle / Laxmikant-Pyarelal :: Overlooked Quadruple

:: Kishore Kumar - Asha Bhosle / Laxmikant-Pyarelal :: 

Overlooked Quadruple 

It was a surprise when I saw the list of the songs rendered by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle under music directors, Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The song list contains 94 songs. 

One should also not forget that Asha Bhosle herself has rendered 494 songs under the music directors Laxmikant-Pyarelal. 

    

Not to forget Kishore Kumar and Laxmikant-Pyarelal 402 songs. 

It is very unfortunate for the music lovers that the Quadruple of Kishore Kumar - Asha Bhosle and Laxmikant-Pyarelal is being overlooked. Few of the hit songs of this quadruple are being reviewed. The song from Karz ‘ek haseena thi’ remains top favourite, as on today. Very strange, it did not appear in the Binaca Geetmala Finals of 1980.

There are many films which contain two / three songs of Kishore Kumar - Asha Bhosle. 

1977  Chhaila Babu      Three Songs

1977  Dildaar        Four Songs

1979  Lok Parlok  Three Songs

1980  Bandish    Three Songs

1980  Judai         Two Songs.

1980  Nishana     Three Songs

1980  Ram Balram  Two Songs

1981  Waqt Ki Deewar  Two Songs

1981  Samrat   Two Songs

1983 Bequrar   Two Songs

1983 Prem Tapasya  Two Songs

1985 Baye Haath Ka Khel  Three Songs

1986 Swarg Se Sundar  Three Songs.

Not sure, these 94 numbers of the songs, are likely to be the highest numbers of Kishore Kumar - Asha Bhosle duets under any music directors. 

Binaca Geetmala :- 

Many of the songs from this Quadruple appeared in Weekly Countdown. Few could get the entry in the finals, an annual program.

1975  No 21 Jijaji Jijaji “Ponga Pandit”

1977  No 18 Yaar Dildar Tuze  “Chhaila Babu”

1977  No 17  Teri Meri Shadi  “Dildar”

1981  No 07  Mar Gayi Muze Teri Judai    “Judai”

1982  No 25  Sara Din Satate Ho  “Raste Pyar Ke” 

1982  No 09  Pyar Ka Vada “Fifty Fifty”

 

Kya Teri Jhulphe Hai    “Hum Sab Ustad Hain”  1965

(Songwriter  Asad Bhopali)

Sweet, Melodious Duet. The very first song of Kishore Kumar - Asha Bhosle with Laxmikant-Pyarelal. ‘Prelude’ of 15 seconds starts with ACOUSTIC GUITAR, followed by a few lines by Kishore Kumar with awesome take off क्या तेरी झुल्फे है ! ‘stroke’ of ACOUSTIC GUITAR. The song has BONGO DRUM rhythm. First and second interludes are full of CELLOS, GUITAR and VIOLINS. Second interlude decorated with the glimpses of MENDOLIN,  AALAPS by Asha Bhosle, GUITAR and VIOLINS. Filmed on Kishore Kumar and Ameeta. Kishore Kumar has 3 solo songs + 1 duet, a must Album for KK / LP fans. 

Jane Kaisa Hai Mera Deewana  “Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool”  1969

(Songwrite Govind Moonis)  

A Breezing Melodious Duet. This is an incredible, addict and sweet-sounding song. A canorous composition from Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The song has an assonant DHOLAK rhythm. In 'mukhada' it has a 'rhythmic' "pause", followed by the awesomely sounded 'stroke' of DHOLAK, repeated many times. Filmed on Deb Mukharjee - Alka

First interlude is brilliantly orchestrated with SAXOPHONE and VIOLINS synchronizing at the end. Second interlude starts with the 'aalaps' and 'humming' from Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar, followed by SHEHNAI/ NADASWARAM overlapping VIOLINS. The third interlude has VIOLINS, GUITAR, FLUTE. VIOLINS, GUITAR and glimpses of MANDOLIN are beautifully used as a 'filler' at the end of each Mukhada.

Aa Aa Aaja Abhi Nahin     “Man Mandir”  1971

(Songwriter Rajendra Krishnan)

Naughty song,with melody,  filmed on Mehmood - Aruna Irani. Unique BONGO DRUM rhythm which is continuous throughout the song.  Interludes are orchestrated with symphony VIOLINS and GUITAR.

Itne Din Tum Kahan Rahe    “Har Jeet”  1972

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

Romantic duet with melody. Sweet song, filmed on Anil Dhavan - Radha Saluja.. ‘Prelude’ of 20 seconds. Awesome takeoff by Kishore Kumar दिल बैचेन रहा तुम बिन. Simple BONGO DRUM rhythm. BANJO, VIOLINS, FLUTE, ACCORDION, ACOUSTIC GUITAR.  are nicely executed in the ‘interludes’. 

Teri Meri Teri Nazar Lad Gayi     “Subah - O - Shaam” 1972

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

“Subah-O-Shaam” was made jointly with the IRAN Govt. This is yet another hidden gem of KK-Asha with Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Starts with SAXOPHONE, VIOLINS and ‘string’ instruments, GUITAR. Typical LP style DHOLAK rhythm. VIOLINS, SAXOPHONE and GUITAR instrumented well in the interludes. 

Jaipur Ki Choli Mangwa De Re     “Gehri Chaal”   1973 

(Songwriter Rajendra Krishnan)

One of the most popular duet of KK-Asha,based on Traditional Rajasthani Folk,  filmed on Jeetendra - Hema Malini. 44 seconds of ‘prelude’ starts with solo display, slow speed, of folkish DHOLAK rhythm, intermixed with the WHISTLE sound. The speed of the DHOLAK increases with VIOLINS start. Beautiful take off by Asha ji जयपुर की चोली मंगवा दे रे सैय्या  entering Kishore at 1.06, हे जयपुर की चोली तेरे इशारे पे the speed of the rhythm increases. This sounds ear-pleasing. The first interlude is full of astonishingly played SHEHNAI / NADASWARAM with fast DHOLAK rhythm, VIOLINS. Second interlude is wonderfully orchestrated with DHOLAK and WHISTLE, Kishore - Asha AALAPS, finally VIOLINS. Enjoy the folk dance and DHOLAK in ‘postlude’ over 50 seconds. 

Jijaji Jijaji Meri Didi Hai     “Ponga Pandit” 1975 

(Songwriter Rajendra Krishnan)

Naughty song with impressive DHOLAK rhythm. First interlude is  orchestrated with the use of NADASWARAM is excellent in all the interludes and  also the  VIOLINS with DHOLAK rhythm. Second interlude have FLUTE, DHOLAK. It’s a typical “LP” stamped song. Filmed on Randhir Kapoor, Neeta Mehata and Prema Narayan. 

Chandni Chand Se Hoti Hai      “Aaj Ka Mahatma”  1976

(Songwriter  Majrooh Sultanpuri)

This a hidden GEM. Beautiful rendering by both Asha Bhosle-Kishore Kumar. 50 seconds of ‘prelude’ full of VIOLINS in symphony style. All the interludes are orchestrated with VIOLINS. The song is filmed on Rekha - Randhir Kapoor. 

Yaar Dildar Tujhe Kaisa Chahiye     “Chhaila Babu” 1977.     (Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

Orchestrated in ‘pop’ style composition, unique rhythm. SAXOPHONE, VIOLINS, GUITAR are mellifluously executed in ‘prelude’ as well as in ‘interludes’.  Beautiful ‘pauses’ in between the song. Awesome dancing steps from Rajesh Khanna - Zeenat Aman.

Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana  “Karz”  1980

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

Today’s Hot Cake. This is the song which tells the ‘story’ of the entire film, KARZ.  Full credit to songwriter Anand Bakshi. Entire song is orchestrated in symphony VIOLINS, GUITAR,  BRASS instruments and the CHORUS, for all the ‘interludes’. Kishore Kumar’s singing, एक हसीना थी is awesomely surrounded by symphony VIOLINS. The song has Enrich, Mind-Blowing Orchestra arrangements.The GUITAR, for the entire song, including the theme piece,  is played by late Gorakh Sharma, the younger brother of Pyarelalji. 

Manchahi Ladaki       Waqt Ki Deewar   1980

(Songwriter Anjan)

Resonant ‘prelude’ of 66 seconds is full of folk dance music from Goa. SAXOPHONE, VIOLINS and CHORUS. Sanjeev Kumar - Sulakshana Pandit

Dillagi Ne Di Hawa      “Dostana”  1980

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

One of the most popular songs. Once again it’s a melodious. ‘Prelude’ of 34 seconds is full of GUITAR, VIOLINS, ACCORDION. Composed in a typical LP mould. DHOLAK rhythm is stamped LP style. First interlude has a solo GUITAR display followed by ACCORDION. Second interlude is orchestrated with ACCORDION and VIOLINS. Third interlude is from string instrument  BANJO and ACCORDION. Listen to ‘postlude’ full of ACCORDION. Filmed on Amitabh Bachchan - Zeenat Aman

Pyar Ka Vaada Fifty-Fifty     “Fifty Fifty” 1981

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

The song has  115 seconds of “prelude” consisting of stupefying African beats on African traditional DRUMS. Followed by a beautiful take off by Asha Bhosle “aalaps”. African DRUM beats are ear-pleasingly synchronised with the CHORUS and VIOLINS. Interestingly all the three “interludes” have different “rhythm” patterns. Rajesh Khanna - Tina Munim capers awesomely.

Mere Hosh Lelo     “Bandish” 1981

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

Breezing Melody. ‘Prelude’ of 60 seconds with VIOLINS in symphony style overlapping with another set of VIOLINS with different tune + ACCORDION. Wonderful take off by Kishore Kumar मेरे होश ले लो . It has a resonant BONGO drum rhythm. GUITAR and VIOLINS are nicely executed in all the interludes, with different tunes. Rajesh Khanna  - Hema Malini. 

Rang Bhare Mausam Se        “Bandish” 1981

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

Breezing melody with amazing DHOLAK rhythm. Beautiful orchestra arrangement with overlapping sound effects of two different string instruments. Rajesh Khanna  - Hema Malini. 

Ladaka Tumhara Kuwari    “Krodhi”  1981

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

A perfect wedding song, melodious one,  starts with CLAPPING intermixing with DHOLAK rhythm, CHORUS and  humming by Kishore Kumar. SHEHNAI is excellently used in the first interlude. Second interlude is full of VIOLINS. CLAPPING and CHORUS are the highlights of this song. Filmed on Shashi Kapoor - Zeenat Aman. 

Sara Din Satate Ho  “Raste Ke Pyar Ke”  1982

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

An extremely melodious duet. Asha ji’s rendering in particular तुम याद याद याssss द, is a killer. Sweet DHOLAK rhythm. VIOLINS in symphony style are melodiously surrounded with Kishore Kumar’s rendering. Jeetendra - Rekha

TWO ‘peppy’ songs from   ‘Inquillab’ 1984.

Aaj Abhi Yahi Nahi

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

 Amitabh Bachchan - Sridevi 

Bichchhu Lad Gaya

(Songwriter  Anand Bakshi)

 Amitabh Bachchan - Sridevi 

Ajay Poundarik,  Atlanta (Georgia) USA