From time to time the importance of music instruments in our film songs have come in for some serious discussion on SoY. Some years ago, a reader Rohit Kumar (who seems to have gone off-radar) mentioned the strong association of some music directors with specific instruments, such as Roshan and flute, OP Nayyar and sarangi, SD Burman and folk instruments and so on, and suggested if I could write a series on this theme. Independently, Subodh sent me a mail discussing those songs where vocal and instrumental parts are engaged in a kind of jugalbandi, and he specifically mentioned Naache man mora magan dhikna dhik dhik as an example of the unforgettable tabla with voice. Later, in the comments on another post some earnest discussion took place about the flute and ektara. Around the same time Ashok Vaishnavji sent me a link of an article on Shankar Jaikishan’s romance with the piano accordion. More recently piano came in for intense discussion on the Open House and I was commanded by the readers to write on it. I am musically illiterate – my knowledge is limited to recognising some musical instruments when I see them 🙂 , but in deference to the readers’ request I thought of writing a few posts on some instruments I love visually in the films. The result was my first article on the piano in the series, which the erudite readers very indulgently appreciated despite coming from a lay person. Harmonium is another instrument I find very interesting and appealing in a film.
Indian music has a history of a strange love-hate relationship with the harmonium. Though of European origin, which came to India in the 19th century through the missionaries, it became ubiquitous in all forms of music in India, except perhaps Carnatic classical music. You think of qawwali’s rhythmic clapping and you think of the main qawwal on the harmonium hand-pumping the bellow of the instrument, changing the pace with the clapping. Or a Begum Akhtar, Mehdi Hasan, Ghulam Ali, Anup Jalota or Pankaj Udhas concert, or a Raagi singing shabad, or a bhajan/keertan singer, or a thumri/daadra singer, or a travelling singer in a train or in film songs, and the image of the harmonium comes to your mind. The stalwarts of film music composed their music on the harmonium. It became the most popular instrument for accompaniment for the ease of handling and learning it. It came to be known by the common noun ‘baaja’, i.e. the instrument, or peti (a box). The harmonium became a must in a household which was inclined towards music.
The European immigrants took the harmonium with them to the US and it soon achieved peak popularity there in churches, synagogues and homes. But changing tastes and the invention of electronic organ in the 1930s sounded its death knell. By the mid-20th century, the harmonium was extinct in its home of origin, but it had found its second home in India. A musician Dwarkanath Ghosh, whose company Dwarkin & Sons was the leading manufacturer of musical instruments in Kolkata, had brought in fundamental changes in the instrument by making the bellows hand-operated at the back of the keyboard instead of foot-operated below the keyboard. This suited the Indian musicians as they performed while sitting, and they needed to play the melody with only one hand and use the other hand for pumping the bellows. Dwarkin made some more changes in the internal design to adapt it to the Indian classical music. Thus, the instrument became half its size, lighter, portable and easy to maintain. India became the world’s largest manufacturer of the harmonium by 1915. Dwarkin once put out their publicity campaign citing Tagore’s letter of 1888 endorsing their innovation in the instrument.
However, because of its discrete reeds it has limitation in producing alankars like meend and gamak. Some pure classical singers shunned the instrument, preferring the sarangi, violin or tanpura for accompaniment. It could never acquire the status of a solo instrument like the violin, though some harmonium players like Pt. Govindrao Tembe, Pt. Ganpat Rao and Pt. Appasaheb Jalgaonkar achieved legendary fame. Pankaj Mullick always composed and sang on the harmonium. Rabindranath Tagore was initially very fond of the instrument (see Dwarkins’ publicity material above), but later became its great critic for its limitation and its western association. He banned it from Shantiniketan. The All India Radio had a very puritanical view of Indian culture and music, and banned it altogether from the AIR from 1940 to 1971, with Gurudev also lending his weight to the move as he wrote to the authorities, “I have always been very much against the use of the harmonium for purposes of accompaniment in our music, and it is abandoned completely from our ashram. You would be doing a great service to the cause of Indian music if you can get it abandoned from the studios of the All India Radio.”
The criticism of the harmonium had two strands: Musical, that it was incompatible with Indian classical music’s melodic system, which is continuous and not discrete as are the reads of the harmonium; and Political, that it was un-Indian – the opposition to the instrument had nationalistic, swadeshi overtones. But in parallel, because of its sturdiness, no requirement of tuning as opposed to sarangi’s cumbersome tuning, and ease of learning, it came in handy for Bhatkhande and Vishnu Digambar Paluskar’s project of popularising classical music through teaching in schools and colleges. At the same time many top classical singers, such as Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Pt. Bhimsen Joshi preferred the harmonium as accompaniment for its practical convenience over the sarangi, its ability to withstand any change in climate, its ease of transportation, and its voice-like timbre. Sarangi was also losing out because of its somewhat amoral association with courtesan singers. The harmonium became integral part of light classical music, such as thumri, daadra, Marathi Natya Sangeet, qawwali, ghazal, bhajans and itinerant singers.
It is natural that something as ubiquitous as the harmonium would be one of the most important musical instruments for film music. In fact in the earlier years, when big size orchestra was unknown, harmonium was the principal instrument in most songs.
My own interest in the instrument is its visual impact in the film songs. They are not inanimate objects; they come to life as a character in films. Think of Babul mora naihar chhutal jaye and instantly KL Saigal with the harmonium hung from a sling from his neck comes to mind. The harmonium personifies his selfless devotion to music. Kanan Devi, who got strayed by the glamour of the showbiz, has sudden realization and gives up everything to run after Saigal. Le ke pahla pahla pyar or Deewane hain deewanon ko na ghar chahiye and such songs by travelling singers cannot be imagined without their harmonium.
1. Babul mora naihar chhutal jaye by KL Saigal from Street Singer (1938), lyrics Nawab Wajid Ali Shah/Traditional, music RC Boral
The street singer KL Saigal is disillusioned with the glamour world of Calcutta. Saddened that his companion Kanan Devi, whom he had mentored, is lost to him as she has been charmed by the showbiz, he packs up his belongings which is essentially the harmonium, and walks off into the sunset. Saigal insisted that the song be recorded live as he walked along the street, with the orchestra following him on a truck. The iconic Bhairavi thumri of parting has become synonymous with Saigal, though all the top classical singers have sung it. It is said that Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, who was known for his love for Kathak dance and music, wrote it when he was banished to Calcutta by the British.
2. Milte hi nazar aap mere dil pe chha gaye by Kishore Kumar from New Delhi (1966), lyrics Shailendra, music Shankar-Jaikishan
Vyjayantimala being the president of the South Indian Cultural Society is serious about music and dance. But Kishore Kumar in his typical wild form goes haywire with his sur while she desperately tries to set the key of the harmonium to Kishore Kumar’s scale. A thoroughly exasperated Vyjayantimala gives up on him as someone who is only good for some hulladbazi, danga etc. As she turns away from him, he sits on the harmonium and starts singing in perfect tune.
3. Kishore Kumar teaching Sunil Dutt music in Padosan (1968)
This scene has the five jewels of Panchratna Natak Mandali – Kishore Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Mukri, Keshto Mukherjee and Raj Kishore – and the harmonium, which is the real star towering over them. They have realised that Saira Bano has no love for Mehmood (Master Pillai) – she only cares for his art. Therefore, Sunil Dutt can win her over if he is taught some music. The Guru Kishore Kumar takes him as his gandabandh disciple; a ritual pooja has been performed on the harmonium, which is evident from the burning agarbatti stuck in it, and flowers, coconut placed in a pooja thali. As the lesson Sa Re Ga Ma starts, one of the five jewels remembers Sunil Dutt has to give dakshina, which is promptly placed at the altar of the harmonium. (See the thumbnail picture at the top left hand corner.)
Padosan has some more harmonium scenes. Please recall Ek chatur naar karke singaar carefully – it is not only a duet between two singers, but also a duet between two harmoniums in the hands of the two singers, which aggravates into a duel. As a playful Kishore Kumar changes the tune abruptly, Mehmood desperately tries to hold to the sur on the harmonium. An exasperated Mehmood lifts the instrument as if to use it as a गदा against the enemy.
4. Ka karun sajni aye na baalam by Yesudas from Swami (1977), lyrics Amit Khanna, music Rajesh Roshan
What is the other extreme of pooja of the harmonium – desecration? I never imagined that there would be a song of the other extreme. Yesudas’s rendering of the iconic thumri, made famous by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, is quite dignified. But its picturisation shows Dhiraj Kumar, apparently inebriated, singing it on the harmonium, with some abandon, before his equally insensitive male friends, while the new bride Shabhana Azmi bedecked with jewellery is pensively waiting for her husband to come. The gang of men are using the harmonium more as a coffee table to keep their snacks and drinks. A keen SoY-er Jignesh was provoked into uttering some expletives at this sacrilege, but I have to thank him for mentioning this song in his comment on an earlier post.
5. Bahut shukriya badi meharbani meri zindagi mein huzoor aap aye by Rafi and Asha Bhsole from Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962), lyrics SH Bihari, music OP Nayyar
Joy Mukherjee is resting on the straw-bed. Sadhana first lowers down a dholak from the balcony. Joy Mukherjee looks at it uncertainly as it sways like a pendulum from the rope. Thereafter, she dangles a harmonium with a rope. Now he is sure, unties the instrument and hangs it from his neck. With such elaborate entry of the harmonium the music is bound to be equally mesmerising.
6. Dum mast Qalandar mast mast, dum mast Qalandar by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
You have double harmonium creating an electric atmosphere with their prelude to this spiritual qawwali. Can you imagine any other instrument to replace the harmonium?
7. Gori baanke nayan se chalaye jadua by Sitara Devi and GM Durrani from Aabroo (1943), lyrics Hasrat (not Jaipuri), music Pt Govind Ram
We are familiar with several street songs of the 1950s and 60s in which the male plays the harmonium and his lady companion dances. Let me take you to the vintage era with this terrific dance song by Sitara Devi. Her companion on the harmonium is equally delightful.
8. Main to chanda si gori naar by Shamshad Begum from Sawan Aya Re (1949), lyrics ‘Gulshan’ Jalalabadi, music Khemchand Prakash
Continuing the ‘he plays, she dances in the street’, here is another delightful dance song, with a harmonium.
9. Deewane hain deewanon ko nazar chahiye by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Zanjeer (1973), lyrics Gulshan Bawra, music Kalyanji-Anandji
Fast forward to 1973, and we have another street dance song in which the man (the lyricist Gulshan Bawra himself on the screen) plays the harmonium and the lady dances. This was one of the best songs in this intense film which laid the foundation of Amitabh Bachchan as the angry young man.
10. Nit khair manga soniya main teri by Hansraj Hans and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
When two great Sufi singers come in jugalbandi, each with a harmonium, you can imagine the prelude followed by the slow recital and then the song would be divine. I understand, on the surface it is a love song, but the object being other-worldly is unmistakable.
The video shows they presented it as a tribute to the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, whose Dum mast Qalandar I have already included. But you can also savour the Nit kahir manga in the Master’s voice below. There are longer links available on the YouTube, but this link has the mesmerising harmonium throughout, both aurally and visually.
Nit khair manga by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (live at BBC Studios, 1988)
11. Armaan kuchh to dil mein tadapte hi rah gaya by Chhaya Devi from Harmonium (Bengali film, 1976), music Tapan Sinha
Sadanand Kamath has been writing an excellent series on Hindi film songs in Bengali films on ASAD. Most of the songs he has covered are of semi-classical variety showing performance by a singer in a baithak in an aristocrat’s haveli. Arman kuchh to dil mein is in the same strain, a ghazal sung in thumri style, by actor-singer Chhaya Devi from Tapan Sinha’s eponymous film in which a Harmonium is the principal character. The story of the film summarised by Mr Kamath is as follows:
“The harmonium which was first purchased by an aristocrat widower for her daughter for learning music has to be auctioned as the father dies and his estate manager forges his property paper to his name making the daughter orphaned. All through the harmonium’s journey through various section of the society, it is branded as ill luck to the family owning it.
The harmonium now goes to a middle-class home and then to a brothel. The harmonium is used for singing and dancing activities of the brothel. However, a murder takes place in the brothel forcing Baijee to leave the place with the harmonium. Finally, the harmonium is bought by a government officer for his daughter to learn music where the aristocrat’s orphaned daughter is the governess. After seeing the harmonium which was the same as the one bought by her aristocrat father, the governess is painfully reminded of her childhood days and is worried about the ill luck it may bring to the family. The film ends with a song which the governess is teaching to the daughter of government officer.”
Piano-Harmonium dichotomy in Indian music and culture
The SoY regulars who have read my earlier article on the piano would notice the strange dichotomy between the piano and the harmonium as regards their acceptance in Indian music and culture. Both the instruments have European origin, but the harmonium is so assimilated that we now feel it has forever been a part of our music. The piano, on the other hand, belongs to the westernised, rich and aristocratic. As a corollary, ‘the harmonium is pure and musically superior to the piano’ in an interesting contest between the two instruments in this duet from the film Street Singer, thus ending the post with the film and the stars with whom we started our harmonium journey. (I have to thank Dr Pradeep Kumar Shetty for drawing our attention to this song.)
12. Aisa koi suhavan sapna/Lachchami moorat daras dikhaye by KL Saigal and Kanan Devi (as also a duet between the piano and the harmonium) from Street Singer (1938), lyrics Arzoo Lakahanvi, music RC Boral
This is a fascinating video from the film which not only captures the essence of the story, it is also a shastrarth about the cultural place of the harmonium and its superiority over the piano. Saigal’s soul resides in the harmonium and in the final duet (or duel) between the two instruments, the harmonium prevails, though Kanan Devi playfully rejoices as childhood friends, Chhi chhi tum haar gaye, haar gaye.
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:
1. Birgit Abels. The Harmonium in North Indian Music. New Age Books, New Delhi 2010. The figure of Tagore appreciating Dwarkin’s Harmonium has been gratefully taken from this book. The email and the website mentioned in the book do not work, therefore, I was not able to take their formal permission.
2. The video links of the songs have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog does not claim copyright over them which rests with the respective owners, such as Saregama India Limited, Eros, Shemaroo and others.
{ 245 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks AK ji for continuing the series on musical instruments used in HFM with this good writeup on the Harmonium . The music from the instruments play a very important role in adding to the beauty of the song . In fact some people like a song for the role of the instrumental music . Some MDs frequently used their favourite instruments. As I mentioned earlier, someday we may know the artistes who played the instruments and the composers of the piece .
1)’Leke pehla pehla …/CID/1956/OPN/Shamshad,Rafi, Asha
https://youtu.be/6jSE-ZiIkfc
2) ‘Tu pyar ka…’/SEEMA/1955/SJ/MannaDey
https://youtu.be/e2D-kjOMNF0
( THE INSTRUMENT THE LADY IS PLAYING ON SCREEN IS CALLED ‘ PAAY PETI ‘ , PETI IS THE WORD FOR HARMONIUM )
3)’ Hamen to loot…’/ AL HILAL/1958/Bulo C Rani /Ismail Azad Qawwal
https://youtu.be/cyO1u6KdBVI
This is a qawwali where as a deviation the instrument players are not shown on stage but the Harmonium can be heard .
Excellent article AKji.
Enjoyed it. And the song choice is wonderful too. Insightful and informative post.
You are right in saying that harmonium has been accepted as a part of Indian music. It has been an integral part of Marathi Natya Sangeet, which has only harmonium and tabla as companion.
I was wondering how you missed, Leke pehla pehla pyar, but then it’s there in the discussion along with deewane Hai deewanon ko na Ghar chahiye.
Let me add a song or two
Dilwale Ab Teri Gali Tak
https://youtu.be/aNSX42SsMpo
And,
The two classical based songs from Sargam, also feature harmonium.
Jab dil ko Satave Gham
https://youtu.be/OOXQdftgV70
Tinak tin Tani
https://youtu.be/rQck0FRfEQU
Let me think of other songs to add.
Oh
I entered wrong email id. I’ll reenter it and post the comment again.
Excellent article AKji.
Enjoyed it. And the song choice is wonderful too. Insightful and informative post.
You are right in saying that harmonium has been accepted as a part of Indian music. It has been an integral part of Marathi Natya Sangeet, which has only harmonium and tabla as companion.
I was wondering how you missed, Leke pehla pehla pyar, but then it’s there in the discussion along with deewane Hai deewanon ko na Ghar chahiye.
Let me add a song or two
Dilwale Ab Teri Gali Tak
https://youtu.be/aNSX42SsMpo
And,
The two classical based songs from Sargam, also feature harmonium.
Jab dil ko Satave Gham
https://youtu.be/OOXQdftgV70
Tinak tin Tani
https://youtu.be/rQck0FRfEQU
Let me think of other songs to add.
Another song,
Sa Sa Sa Re from naughty boy.
The song has Kishore Kumar playing harmonium, but the sound of it is more like an accordion. Or something else, sorry I’m too musically illiterate.
https://youtu.be/vVs00ae66qQ
And,
Of course,
Kajra mohobbat wala
https://youtu.be/H4nslI6zF_Q
Or you have it in the write up?
Another gem, which we have come to expect from you.. A couple of mine:
1.. Kajra mohabbatwala, ankhiyon mien aisa dala. Kismat O.P.Nayyar.
2. Nasib dar pe tere, aajmaane aaya hoon. Deedar Naushad.
‘Gareebon ki suno…’ /DUS LAKH/1966/Ravi /Rafi,Asha
https://youtu.be/2GrlG-VheqE
And,
I forgot to add my favourite from Chalis Din.
Naseeb hoga mera meherbaan kabhi na kabhi
https://youtu.be/_kLTKBcq8aY
Anup
A wonderful list of songs, of course, but also a fascinating history of the harmonium – thank you for that, AK. It made really enjoyable reading.
Don’t know if anybody else has mentioned this song, from Kaala Paani: O chhupnewaale teri, with Dev Anand ‘playing’ the harmonium:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzfbaCH2LZo
‘ Aulaad Walon phoolo…’/EK PHOOL DO MALI/1969/Ravi/Rafi,Asha
https://youtu.be/01l2X_x8Gig
Another lovely piece of writing from the information oozing pen of AK.
Hats off to you,
There are many harmonium based songs but to my first post on this
subject, I begin with SJ’s two golden oldies.
yaad kiya dil ne kaha ho thum from Patita. Hemanth and Lata
whose voice was more sweeter in this particular song is not easy to say.
(in my opinion)
yaad na jaye bithon dino ke. Rafi simply swoons in his rendering
of this Dil ek mandir pathos. The song ends with harmonium play.
Others songs are coming up.
And,
This one,
Aadmi musafir hai
https://youtu.be/ipePh7hAkYc
Today I feel like being Dr Shetty
‘ Na to kaarvan…’/BARSAAT KI RAAT/1960 /Roshan/MannaDey, Asha
https://youtu.be/BQRHuMBtOYY
AK, I began by glancing through the opening lines of the article, intending to come back to it later after finishing something else. However, it took hold of me and I had to complete it. Excellent work!
A major objection of the purists against the harmonium is that its scale differs from the true Indian scale. The Indian scale is based on simple integral ratios of frequency: pa being 3/2 of sa, ma 4/3 of sa, re bing 3/4 th of 3/2, or 9/8th of sa and so on. Harmonium is based on tempered scale with 12 notes (seven pure, re ga dha ni komal, teevra ma) in geometric progression between lower and upper sa. The difference between consecutive notes on the harmonium is thus 12th root of 2, which is only approximate to the true notes. This is without going into the subtleties of gram, moorchhana and shrutis – which is a lot more complicated. However, established classical singers like Amir Khan preferred harmonium to a purer instrument like Sarangi.
Very early in my career, while posted in a small border town Gurdaspur, I was invited for dinner to the home of a famous Sikh Raagi Bhai Devinder Singh. He introduced me to the music on the keyboard by Jnan Prakash Ghosh and V Balsara. He had a full LP of the duo. I have been able to locate a small piece on Youtube with JP Ghosh on harmonium and V Balsara on the Piano.
The song ‘Moynamatir pather dhare dekha hoychhilo’ from the Bengali film ‘Harmonium’ once figured in the comments on SoY, possibly on your post on ‘rasta’. I didn’t see the movie but I believe a harmonium was the central character – it kept changing hands and gave us the stories of its successive owners. There have been similar movies with other objects changing hands – I remember ‘The Yellow Rolls Royce”. Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/E9rKnU0L5Rg
Sorry I missed the link to Jnan Prakash Ghosh and V Balsar in the previous comment. Here it is:
https://youtu.be/-685DE5rrL0
Found the link to the full movie ‘Harmonium’ on Youtube. The opening credit screen focuses on the eponymous instruments while Raga Piloo plays in the background – very similar to the Gosh-Balsara piece above.
https://youtu.be/X9c456_4Cbs
S Joseph @1, 6, 9, 12,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Street singers, bhajan, beggars, qawwali – you have added all types.
The very first song that came to my mind
Rimzim gire Sawan – Manzil
https://youtu.be/T6w9i8Sq-K0
The film had few surprises
Amitabh in the unlikely profession of small scale bussinessman dealing of all things in galvano-meters
Rakesh Pande playing ably the role of Amitabh’s friend
AK Hangal in a role with negative shades
The song opens with camera on Harmonium.
Anup @2,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. In the two songs from <>Sargam the sitar occupies a conspicuous place. Because of its size it dwarfs the harmonium. And there is another interesting cultural reference, sitar is associated with high art, as opposed to more plebian harmonium.
@3,
Sa sa sa sa re – you have caught me here. I think this could be very much harmonium sound. The similarity with piano is because both are reed instruments. Over to the experts.
@4, 7, 11
Nice additions. Since I generally include 10-15 songs, many excellent songs are left out, which the readers add. You can never replace Dr Shetty, he has Akshay Bhandar 🙂 .
Mr NS Rajan @5,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Kajra mohabbatwala and Naseeb dar pe tere come at the top of mind when we think of harmonium songs.
Madhu @8,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I am happy you enjoyed the post and the songs. Dev Anand playing the harmonium looks quite dashing.
Mr R Vasudevan @10,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. The two songs you have posted are excellent, but I didn’t see the harmonium in them.
Hindi films had very popular genre of street play songs. Most of these songs would have a very prominent place for Harmonium.
I easily recollect this songs:
Jaane Kahan Gayee – Dil Apna Aur Pree Paaryi (1960) – Mohammad Rafi – Shankar Jiakishan – Shailendra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd_9SyiGcu0
‘ Payal ki jhankaar…’/MERE LAL/1966/LP/Lata
https://youtu.be/6aPLiO28YUY
Pardesi Pardesi jaana…’/RAJA HINDUSTANI/ 1996/Nadeem-Shravan/Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Sapna Awasthi
https://youtu.be/QUxX7b2aC1Q
‘ Bada qatil hai…’/CHINA TOWN/1962/Ravi/Rafi , Asha
https://youtu.be/Jh_DmXyi5mQ
‘TyyebAli pyar ka…/AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY/1977/LP/Rafi & chorus
https://youtu.be/tbuNDeg5_Bw
AKji @18,
I said about Dr Shetty in a light hearted way. Because I could post songs one after the other. Usually I couldnt remember things that easily.
Wow! What an interesting post, AK ji. When I first heard of the opposition to Harmonium , I was surprised, it seemed such a quintessential Indian instrument (hadn’t any idea it was European in origin). In playing the instrument, Sehgal sahab wins hands down.
There are 2 of them on the stage but we hardly listen to harmonium note in this.
The song also has a rather unfortunate context in today’s times
Chitthi aai hai
https://youtu.be/v0_IRIFYC0k
Subodh @13, 14, 15,
Thanks a lot. The Indian musicians must have found a way to match harmonium’s scale to Indian scale. The Piloo you have linked shows to my untrained ears the limitations of the harmonium because of the absence of meend. That is why it would not have acquired the stature of a solo instrument for paying classical music.
Perhaps you missed my song #11 from the film Harmonium in which the harmonium is very prominent. Thanks for adding another song from the film and highlighting its credit titles.
Rahul Bhagwanrao Muli @17,
Rimjhim gire saawan is another nice harmonium song.
@29,
Chtthi ayi hai ayi hai – Sharp observation! They knew Pankaj Udhas could not be shown without the harmonium. They must have forgotten to add harmonium sound too while mixing the track on their computer 🙂 .
Ashok M Vaishnav @22,
Jaane kahan gayi is my great favourite. A perfect street song on the harmonium.
S Joseph @23, 24, 25, 26,
Excellent songs. I specially like Payal ki jhankar raste raste. Bada qatil hai mera yaar is a perfect mujra setting, with the harmonium, tabla sharing equal honours, and the sarangi looking like a poor cousin. Thanks for adding these songs.
Neeruahaf @28,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. In our music at different points of time some cultural cleansing has taken place. But the harmonium has survived despite that attempt. But I am with you still in believing that it is a quintessential Indian instrument.
AK ji,
Thanks for the series of these posts on instruments.
Mukesh, in many of his photographs and shows is seen with the harmonium rehearsing and singing songs.
It is also mentioned at many places that none other KL Saigal had gifted his harmonium to Mukesh.
Regarding additions to your posts, strangely, I am struggling to find a song sung by Mukesh.
Hope I will be helped by others.
Mahesh,
I am happy you enjoyed the post. Would you accept this Mukesh song on the harmonium?
Tere labon ke muqabil gulab kya hoga, Mukesh song on the harmonium
Mahesh,
Mukesh often sang live on the harmonium, as also Talat Mahmood, and, of course, most ghazal singers like Begum Akhtar, Mehdi Hasan, Ghulam Ali, etc. Here is real Mukesh live, you can see him playing the harmonium while standing.
Mukesh live
Akji,
In deference to the readers’ request you have come out with another interesting and absorbing writing on Harmonium and songs associated with the instrument. Should I say a superb post too? I will have to find some innovative way to express my appreciation, since my repetitive words are becoming stale.
You have mentioned a few names, I think Bhatiaji too made a similar request in the “Open House”. I remember the name Rohit Kumar mentioned by you. I think the name was Rohit Mehta, and the year was 2012. I remember this name and the year because that was the year I came as a visitor. But unlike Rohit Mehta, I became a permanent member of SoY family and still surviving to listen to the Piano and Harmonium post and the melodies. Thank you Akji for the post and the hospitality offered for long.
You wrote that it became ubiquitous in all forms of music in India, except perhaps Carnatic classical music. Quite right. But Harmonium is an integral part of the South Indian Sampradaya Bhajanai Paddhati (system). Although the tradition is an import from the north, it is not exactly similar to the Bhajans, in form and presentation. More details some other time. Presenting a two minutes sample
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tabS8y3mwcQ
The history of the instrument, the invention and the inventors of its Indian version are well researched and covered. The slogan “The standing invention – the Hand harmonium” is catchy.
I would like to add two legendary names to the list of notable Indian Harmonium artists, Late Jnan Praksh Ghosh and Late Purushottam Walawalkar. In the south, late Patrayani Seetharama, was of the view that the harmonium is also a suitable musical instrument for Carnatic music and was against traditionalist’s outlook.
It is true that Tagore was against Harmonium and yet for generations we, at all levels are witnessing singing of his songs to the accompaniment of harmonium. From the literature that I have come across, he gradually developed an apathy for the instrument. In his younger days there were many instances where he sang with harmonium accompaniment. In fact his immediate elder brother Jyotirindranath was quite proficient in playing harmonium. In fact Jyotirindranath’s notation book, Swaralipi Gitamala (which had many Tagore songs) was published by Dwarkins and carried a message “as an aid to learn the songs with a harmonium”. Perhaps he felt harmonium was not a suitable instrument for accompaniment in his song. Esrajt effectively became the standard accompaniment with his songs, at least in Shantiniketan. This stance got reflected in some of his later day writings like Grihaprabesh (1925), Jogajog (1929), Chelebela (1940).
Posting a Rabindra Sangeet rendered to the accompaniment of Harmonium by Manoj Murali Nair, one of the non-Bengali product of Shantiniketan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D20QN0gbR0
Anupji and Josephji have opened the innings and sure to hold the fort till Pradeepji and Bhatiaji enter the scene. A humble request to my friends. Please post only two or three songs at a time. Then we can listen to the all the songs without hurry. That will do justice to you posting too.
Finally posting posting a vintage song
Raahe Maikhana Bata Dena, Singer Bashir Qawwal, Miss Frontier Mail (1936), music Master Mohammad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvDSAScBHx8
Thanks once again AKji for this wonderful post.
AK ji,
Yes, this is what I meant.
Again, question remains of his playback in movie songs in line with your theme.
In the live clip, son RDB conducting his father’s composition.
‘ Chalat musafir moh…’/TEESRI KASAM/1966 /SJ/Manna Dey & Chorus
https://youtu.be/V5TtkSMzMek
Venkataramanji,
Thanks a lot for your generous words. If you have survived SoY for eight years, I look forward to your being with us on as long as it lasts.
Thanks for the information and the link about South Indian Samprday Bhajnai Paddhati. It is interesting that tabla is not present, mridangam is still seen for taal. Since Carnatic music has prominence of gamak over meend, Carnatic music should have less problems with the harmonium than what Hindustani classical music went through.
Ravindrasangeet with the harmonium sounds very nice. I don’t know if there is any recommended or ‘standard’ instrument by the custodians of Rabindrasangeet. I think Srikanto Acharya too sings with the harmonium. There must be some using swarmandal like some well-known classical singers.
The vintage qawwali is excellent. Many songs remind you of the harmonium visually, such as Chalat musafir moh liya re, which has been mentioned by Mr Joseph above.
I will also repeat my request to the readers. Please do give YT links. It becomes cumbersome to search in the YT.
AKji
Forgive me for not saying anything about the article in earlier posts. One has to find different words for appreciating the beauty & my limited vocabulary does not allow me to do that .
However this article will remain close to my heart forever as it takes me back to my childhood ( please allow me to little bit more personal)
I come from a small town MAJALGAON which belongs to Marathwada in Maharashtra .My father was a leading Advocate & immensely respected figure there. There was a blind music teacher named Uttamrao Agnihotri who was brought by my father from his nearby village as there were no sources of income for that person. My elder brother & sister joined training under him. My father also persuaded some of his friends & there children also joined the class. I used to accompany my siblings on many occasions but being too young ( 6-7 years) could not learn from him. However iv was mesmerised by the notes of harmonium. Later on Agnihotri moved first to Aurangabad & then to Bombay. The CM of Maharashtra then AR Antulay
Saw to it that he was made professor in SNDT University & also alloted a flat at Tardeo. Both my brother & sister achieved the degree of Alankar ( Benares University) under the guidance of this person.
Your article took back to those days . Thanks a lot for that.
Here I add two harmonium compositions by RD Burman
Both featuring Omprakash
Mrugnayani Chandramukhi ( you had included this in Ashtbhed nayikas)
https://youtu.be/-eHyzXb94Fk
Aayo kaha se Ghanshyam
https://youtu.be/Tc4omjTgolE
Mr Muli,
Thanks a lot for your very generous words. Such appreciation helps enhance the quality of SoY. Harmonium had an integral place in any family interested in music. There, I can perfectly relate to your memories. One learnt the first lessons of music on the harmonium. Two great harmonium songs picturised on the harmonium, it seems he might have received some formal training in music.
Thanks for the informative and enjoyable article.
Manna Dey’s live program always accompanied Harmonium in his hands.
Manoj,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Ref 21.
I have checked up. The Patita song begins with sound of harmonium lasting for a few seconds and the Dil ek mandir song ends with harmonium sound. Pl. re listen. If you still say there is no harmonium
in both the songs, then I will stop further posting on this topic. I am sticking to my point.
Mr Vasudevan,
I said, “I didn’t see the harmonium.” Probably you mean one can hear. But was there any provocation to think quitting?
AK ji,
A little late for the Musical Party .
There was the first COVID death in the district ( Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka) on 19/04…my neighbouring town of Bantwal. So, hectic meetings with the district / health department officials. A slight respite today.
Excellent post. Nice songs. ..9 of those that I guessed on reading the title have made it to your list!
Inspite of having been familiar with the instrument in my childhood, i had ,all along, assumed it was of Indian origin!
Let me start with two songs from two movies that I like tremendously.
GARAM HAWA, 1973.
Maula Salim Chisthi
Aaqa Salim Chisthi…
Warsi brothers, Lyrics …? Kaifi Azmi/ traditional, Music…? Warsi brothers/ Bahadur Khan.
BHUMIKA, 1977.
Mondara baaju, baaju re..
Meena Fatharpekar, ? Traditional, Vanraj Bhatia.
Now ,a rare vintage song.
MISS FRONTIER MAIL, 1936.
Raahe maikhane bata dena…
Bashir Qawwal, lyrics ?, Master Mohammad.
https:// youtu.be/ UuDSAScBHx8.
Will come back. Have recalled at least two dozen songs.
Mondara Baaju …has three versions. The solo that I have posted and two duets by Saraswati Rane and Meena Fatharpekar.
In the movie, the first duet is Baby Ruksana’s ( playing the young Smita Patil) ‘Kusum Deshpande teaching her to sing. The second is Baby Ruksana singing in front of the ‘ city’ people who are taking her ‘audition’! Baby Ruksana has emoted beautifully,all innocence. The third is Smita Patil and Kusum. Appreciate the voice modulation of Meena Fatharpekar for the child and the adult .
Akji,
I think a very well thought out selection of songs both from films and non films.
The two Sufi numbers should get the top billing. Both the songs emphasize the indispensable role of the instrument in such recitals. And the wizardry playing by the Harmonium artists enhances the recital would be an understatement, both the instrument and the singer/ singers are at par. Both performances of Nusrut Fateh Ali Khan are excellent and vibrant. The backing vocalists and the other vocal support, play a vital role. While doing the fast sargam taans (choot taans), the harmonium support becomes important. High octave fast sargams sometimes can be unagreeable to the ears; can even sound off-key: Here the Harmonium in the hands of a good player covers up the lacuna and plays a good supporting role; you can see the difference if you compare the Jugalbandhi and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s recitals. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sounds jarring at certain places. But the Jugalbandhi concert lacks a good Harmonium as well as vocal support.
Kishore Kumar teaching Sunil Dutt music in Padosan is an excellent inclusion. Padosan is a personification of Harmonium songs especially the song “Ek chatur naar karke singaar”. You have presented a fine recall of the song. I was wondering why Kishore was at the Harmonium only for a few seconds in the song “Milte hi nazar aap mere dil pe chha gaye”.
Enjoyed listening to other numbers from the vintage and golden era and beyond.
The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the article was the Bengali film “Harmonium”. The film Harmonium may be the only Indian film that revolves around, perhaps on any instrument. I am glad that it occupies a rightful place in this post. Subodhji too has posted a song from this film.
Permit me post a couple of songs from this film.
Kaal Khushir Toophan Uriye, Aarati Mukherjee & Pintu Bhattacharya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsEn5YtzJXM
Another masterly performace by Chhaya Debi “Aha Chhal Kare Jal Aante Jamuna te Jai”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB6aaY9OHEc
Dr Shetty,
Welcome. You are engaged in a more important national duty, but I am happy you found time to drop in.
I am surprised that 9 songs from my list you guessed, because my selection is quite 0ff-beat.
I liked Bhumika tremendously, and an important reason was the song you mentioned, though I would not have been recall it. This link has all the versions you are mentioning.
Mondara baaju baaju re from Bhumika
The qawwali from Miss Frontier Mail (1936) has been mentioned by Venkataramanji @38. You are still having problem with posting YT links?
‘ Husn walon ko…’/BABUL/1950/Naushad /Talat
https://youtu.be/s5kJiT2R81w
& how can one forget this hauntingly beautiful harmonium !
Raat bhi hai kuch
https://youtu.be/6sDeAi8RYMM
Venkataramanji,
Thanks a lot for your detailed comments on the songs. I heard Rahat Fateh Ali Khan again. You are right, at high notes he is in the woods. He didn’t know when to stop, whereas Hansraj Hans is perfect as he avoids screaming at the top of his voice. The film Harmonium seems to be a big favourite of everyone. I wish it was available with English subtitles. Chhaya Devi’s Bengali mujra is too good. In both the songs you have posted the harmonium occupies a pride of place.
‘ Socha tha pyar…’/BLUFF MASTER/1963/ Kalyanji Anandji/Mukesh
https://youtu.be/5CIfDgX3D2w
Mr Joseph @52,
Nice addition. Babul also had an excellent piano song, Milte hi aankhen dil hua deewana kisi ka.
@55,
A rare Mukesh song with the harmonium. Thanks a lot. After Mahesh’s query @35, 39, I have been racking my brains, didn’t Mukesh sing any street song, beggar song, qawwali? He was very often seen with a harmonium in a live programme. This will make Mahesh very happy. Please post more such Mukesh songs.
A father _ daughter team ,one singing about how he gave up drinking after the government lifted the ban on the sale of alcohol and the other asking the sharabi to drink from the sunset well into the night. Both have chelas playing harmonium.
5 RIFLES, 1974.
Jhoom barabar jhoom sharabi…
Aziz Nazan, Naza Sholapuri, Aziz Nazan.
The qawwali was so popular in my school days, blaring out from all the pandals, I had the quirky lyrics by heart…
Aaj angoor ki beti se mohabbat karle
Shaikh Sahab ki nasihat se bhagawat karle
Iski beti ne uthaya hai sar par duniya
Achha hua angoor ko beta na hua…
Jab se sarkar ne nashabandi tod di
Mano ya na mano humne peeni chod di…
Kishore Kumar, Rajinder Krishan, Kalyanji Anandji.
This was also fairly popular. Some nice lines here, too.
Ambika Johar ( in a man’s get-up) and I S Johar, respectively.
Largely,ISJ had playback by Mahinder Kapoor and Manna Dey, isn’t it?
Let me provide the links to the three songs
N S Rajan @ 5
Naseeb Dar Pe Tere Aazmane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyv_4r1dFPA
Pradeepji @48
GARAM HAWA, 1973.
Maula Salim Chisthi
Aaqa Salim Chisthi…
Warsi brothers, Lyrics …? Kaifi Azmi/ traditional, Music…? Warsi brothers/ Bahadur Khan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpW9a4ALBpI
Pradeepji@
5 RIFLES, 1974., look alike- Shahi Kapoor and Rakesh Khanna
Jhoom barabar jhoom sharabi…
A very popular song, here is the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr3KyhK5ysw
Jab se sarkar ne nashabandi tod di
Mano ya na mano humne peeni chod di…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRcQ4NF4f9s
AKji,
Today is Satyajit Ray’s death anniversary, posting couple of songs from his films.
Bhar Bhar Aayi Mori Ankhiyaan, BegumAkhtar, Jalsagar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYZ__QC6SgE
Posting a song (25:10-27:15) sequence from Satyajit Ray’s Post Master (1961).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUjUHBLwx9w
Actually Teen Kanya was package of three short stories, Post Master, Manihaar and Samapti.
N Venkataraman ji
Thank you,as always, for posting the links. Enjoyed watching Satyajit Ray’s songs.
One would normally not imagine the handsome hunks Firoz Khan and Vinod Khanna playing harmonium and dholak.
Well, sometimes,they do!
SHANKAR SHAMBHU, 1976.
Hum lootne aaye hain
Hum loot ke jaayenge…
Jaani Babu Qawwal, Aziz Nazan, Sahir Ludhianvi, Kalyanji Anandji.
What about Rajesh Khanna?
ALAG ALAG, 1985.
Kabhi bekasi ne maara
Kabhi bebasi ne maara…
Kishore Kumar,Anand Bakshi?, RDB.
Kaka’s home production, wasn’t it?
Sanjeev Kumar…
PATI PATNI AUR WOH, 1978.
Ladki cyclewali…
Mahinder Kapoor, Asha Bhonsle,Anand Bakshi, Ravindra Jain.
Rishi Kapoor…
Plenty … mainly qawwalis.
Will post later.
Dr.Shetty @ 48 and AK @ 51,
‘Maundara baajo re’ is a khayal in the Raga Shuddh Kalyan and was popularized by Ustad Abdul Karim Khan. It was his daughter, Saraswati Rane, and her granddaughter, Meena Phatarpekar, who sang this cheez in Bhumika. Here is Khansaheb’s rendition of the same cheez:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhxmH8Hhcvs
For the benefit of some of us interested in reading more on the instrument Harmonium and its history , here is a link…
https://scroll.in/magazine/811849/the-harmonium-was-born-in-europe-so-how-did-it-become-synonymous-with-indian-music
Ashwin Bhandarkar ji,
Oh! Never would have known and would not have even thought of digging for this information because I had no inkling of this.
Thank you for this great information.
Bhandarkar ji ,
The F in the spelling of Meena’s name had really baffled me. I ,now, know it is P.
Pradeepji,
You might have noticed in the two songs from Satyajit Ray’s films, the use of Harmonium in the Zamidar’s Jalsaghar (music Room) and also in the home in remote village. A social leveller.
As long as the song postings iare in twos and threes it won’t be a problem. But I will fall flat on my face in the event of an avalanche.
Posting the links to the songs mentioned @ 60 & 61
SHANKAR SHAMBHU, 1976.
Hum lootne aaye hain
Hum loot ke jaayenge…
Jaani Babu Qawwal, Aziz Nazan, Sahir Ludhianvi, Kalyanji Anandji.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQecDjpka7E
ALAG ALAG, 1985.
Kabhi bekasi ne maara
Kabhi bebasi ne maara…
Kishore Kumar,Anand Bakshi?, RDB.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXs6fnJ2UDs
PATI PATNI AUR WOH, 1978.
Ladki cyclewali…
Mahinder Kapoor, Asha Bhonsle,Anand Bakshi, Ravindra Jain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWcClaVv_ns
The three part Bhoomi song was by Meena Phatarpekar was good.
Thanks Ashwinji for the link to Ustad Abdul Karim Khan’s rendition and also the information.
AK,
Congratulations on an excellent article! Subodhji and Venkataramanji have provided some very useful and insightful supplementary information. Here are some additional points:
1. I have observed that the instrument is increasingly being referred to as the ‘samvadini’ in Maharashthra, though ‘peti’ continues to be used. A Google search on ‘samvadini’ resulted in my discovering this page which credits Pt.Manohar Chimote with making some modifications to the harmonium that has transformed it into the samvadini i.e. samvadini is a harmonium that has been customised for Indian Music:
http://panditmanoharchimote.com/about_samvadini.html
There is also the 22-shruti harmonium invented by Dr.Vidyadhar Oke (http://www.22shruti.com/about_dr_oke.asp). (I have his book on the shrutis but I am yet to read it.)
2. Dhrupad singers continue to eschew the harmonium as an accompanying instrument. In fact, Pt.Uday Bhawalkar has gone on record stating that the harmonium is not suited for dhrupad. Actually, I have not come across any dhrupad concerts with sarangi as accompaniment either, possibly because the number of sarangiyaas is not that many, leave alone the number of sarangiyaas trained in dhrupad. However I do remember attending a dhrupad concert by Pt.Falguni Mitra of the Bettiah bani in which he was accompanied on the harmonium.
3. The low status accorded to the sarangi due to its association with kothewalis was one of the reasons sarangiyaas gave up the instrument and took up vocal music. Abdul Karim Khan is probably the most well-known example of this phenomenon.
4. Ironically, whenever a concert features both harmonium as well as sarangi accompaniment nowadays, the sarangiya is given more prominence by being seated beside the main performer while the harmonium player is seated behind. Maybe it is not that ironic fter all given that the harmonium is of Western origin….An example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaABmwkXYyQ
Dr Shetty, Venkataramanji,
Thanks for the songs and the links.
Venkataramanji @59,
Thanks for the two links from Satyajit Ray’s films and drawing our attention to the egalitarian character of harmonium. Among his films, Jalsaghar is my special favourite (along with Charulata).
Ashwin,
Thanks a lot for additional information about the song from Bhumika, and the link of Abdul Karim Khan’s rendering of Maunduro baajo.
‘Samvadini’ – interesting. Dwarkin are also credited with major modifications. Similarly, I understand there are other claimants for attempting a 22-Shruti harmonium.
Your last link. I am sure one can find many videos in which the sarangi is sidelined compared to the harmonium.
Thanks a lot again for all this information.
AK @ 69,
I do not agree with your last comment on the sarangi being sidelined compared to the harmonium. My observation is based on my personal experience of attending live concerts as well as watching videos of concerts that I have not attended, and each and every time, the sarangiya has been seated to the left of the vocalist while the harmonium player has been seated behind. Here is another example – a Rashid Khan concert in which despite Jyoti Guho’s seniority, he is seated behind Rashid Khan while Murad Ali gets to sit in the ‘front row’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4UwqxAnWZs
In fact a Google search on ‘vocal harmonium sarangi’ yields videos of concerts by Ulhas Kashalkar, Venkatesh Kumar, Rashid Khan, Prasad Khaparde (Rashid Khan’s disciple), the Niyazi Bandhu, Malini Awasthi Ajay Pohankar, Shubha Mudgal, Geetesh Mishra and Kashish Mittal, and it is only in Prabha Atre’s concert that the sarangi player has been relegated to the ‘back row’.
It is quite clear – the harmonium is ubiquitous but if a sarangi is also involved, the sarangi is higher in the pecking order, rather seating order.
An example of a song featuring an itinerant singing group with a baaja player:
‘Chup chup khade ho’ by Lata & Premlata, from ‘Badi Behen’ (MD – Husnlal Bhagatram, Lyricist – Qamar Jalalabadi)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-btaTuMDqbE
One more from the same movie…
‘Jo dil mein…’ /BADI BEHAN/1949/Husnlal Bhagatram/Lata
https://youtu.be/fna3Q8Q8rcM
Gope playing the harmonium throughout the song, a young and pretty Nalini Jaywant dancing to Lata’s melody and a very young Shammi Kapoor, looking like a tapori , watching…
Mukhtasar si hai meri kahani….
MEHBOOBA, 1954.
Tanvir Naqwi, Roshan ( scored 4 songs from the movie whereas OPN, 5).
https://youtu,be/ fneSBgeYhh8
MINOO, 1978.
Teri galiyon mein hum aaye…
Manna Dey,Antara Chowdhury, Yogesh,Salil Chowdhury.
Anwar Hussain on the harmonium teaching Baby Munmun.
MINOO was the remake of 1977 Kannada movie CHINNA NINNA MUDDADUVE ( ಚಿನ್ನಾ ನಿನ್ನಾ ಮುದ್ದಾಡುವೆ).
Salil Chowdhury was the composer.
The original song_
Dehake usire sadaa bhaara ,illa aadhaara ( ದೇಹಕೆ ಉಸಿರೇ ಸದಾ ಭಾರಾ ಇಲ್ಲ ಆಧಾರಾ).
SPB, Antara Chowdhury.
Ambarish, the Rebel star and Baby Indira.
https://youtu.be/Ds7tjPXQOo
Salil Da scored music for 4 Kannada movies….SAMSHAYA PHALA,1973( won the Best Music Director state award)
ONDE ROOPA ERADU GUNA,1975.
CNM,1977…..all the 3 _same producer/ director, SameeUlla. KOKILA ,1977….The debut film of director/ cinematographer Balu Mahendra. Was remade as EK AUR PREM KAHANI,1983, with music by Ilayaraja.
Ak
Back after a long time. I do not recollect how long I was away
Seemed a long time!
As I could not respond and you were shooting one blog after another thought about Anand Bakshi’s lyrics “ के मै चल भी नहीं सकता और तुम दौड़ जाते हो”
Back to business.
Musical instrument series शबाब पर है
Piano was always from another world but Harmonium was our own, to know that it did not originate here did not give a good feeling.
Would say that it originated wherever but belongs to us. उतना ही हमारा है, जितने हम है.
Dr. Shetty is busy and Bhatiaji is missing otherwise the numbers would have been in hundreds by now.
I begin with a recent song that starts with Harmonium before succumbing to synthesizer?
Sweety tera drama from Bareily ki barfi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpuhD_xKadk
Thanks to Venkataramanji, Chhaya Debis’s great performance song led to Aalap
Nai Ri Lagan Aur Meethi Batiyan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zlaZcGsO1w&list=PLoYmSmY92nUzHm8gDoQUIMXG1OmX6Ucw5&index=4
Next two qawwalis from Humdard . Cannot thank Venkataramanji enough for introducing me to Humdard songs.
One solo qawwali?
O ghayal karte hai tumhin
https://youtu.be/7MSoT9cHWh4
Jab Ankhen Hi Na Di Maalik Ne – Manna Dey
https://youtu.be/ma1i7hBW-2U
I will end with a Marathi song that I was introduced recently I cannot get enough of.
Could not find the song on you tube.
It starts here in the movie gulacha ganapti singer Manek Verma MD P LDeshpande
https://youtu.be/UVKhBdvTLBQ?t=3818
Taking cue from Mumbaikar @ 8
I cannot resist the temptation of adding 3 harmonium songs from the Marathi film
“Jagachya pathivar”
All are filmed on Raja Paranjape & Seema Deo
The trimuvirate of Raja Paranjape ( Actor & Director) Sudhir Phadake ( composer)
& G D Madgulkar ( lyricist, story writer & actor) enriched Marathi film industry by giving number of m memorable films. Jagachya pathivar may be arguably the best of the lot.
Does it also qualify as a film with most harmonium songs?
Incidentally the harmonium in all the songs is credited to Shankar Kamble
1 Bai mi vikat ghetala sham ( without spending a single paisa , I bought sham )
https://youtu.be/cI7_7ntHgu8
Tula pahate re
( Though I am blind I can see you)
https://youtu.be/uydtu9b83Mc
Thakale re nandlala
( Dancing before you, O nandlal, I am exhausted)
https://youtu.be/cYqkszR-2D0
Ashwin @70,
In this matter I have to yield to you. I formed this impression after watching too many harmonium songs in which the focus would obviously be on the harmonium. In song #2, while the harmonium is a main character, a sarangi is lying forlorn at the back, reclining against the wall. In Devdas (1935), Pahadi Sanyal sang two songs – Chhute taasir to badla hua zamana hai and Roshan hai tere dam se duniya ka parikhana – on the harmonium, at Chandramukhi’s kotha. Sarangi was there naturally in a secondary role. In this Yaman by Pt. Chhannulal Mishra (after the introduction by Ustad Shujat Khan), harmonium takes primacy over the sarangi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HnK1PpImdc
If you permit, can we formulate a ‘Theory of Relativity’ that “In a musical performance if both harmonium and sarangi are present as accompaniments, the sarangi takes primacy over the harmonium, except in cases when the harmonium takes primacy over the sarangi” 🙂 .
AKji
Your plethora of talents are unmatched. Whatever you lay hands, are resuscitated with great vigour. Another great and informative post. Even in these days of forced imprisonment due to the lurking pandemic, when many find it hard to kill time, I would still state your articles are not pour passe le temps. Your articles have a cachet of their own. I would only mildly challenge one observation about harmonium being not part of music system. At least in carnatic music it is important enough to merit a complete concert. Palladam Sanjeevi Rao used to give concerts with harmonium only as a solo with no accompaniment except for percussion , i.e. mridangam and ghatam.
I have little talent for locating songs. Most of them falls in my lap due to serendipity. Here is a song from Deedar portraying Dilip Kumar as a blind player of harmonium wandering on the streets.
Hue hum jinke liye barbad – Music Naushad.
https://youtu.be/tD6bC-w5_FI?t=141
‘ Tumhen husn deke…’/JAB SE TUMHEN DEKHA HAI/1963/Dattaram Wadkar /Lata , MannaDey, Rafi,Asha
https://youtu.be/DxkD7M0bI58
‘ Husn wale husn …’/QAWWALI KI RAAT/1964 /Iqbal Quereshi/Rafi, Asha
https://youtu.be/lqMEqUKRuzI
Mumbaikar8,
Welcome back to SoY, we had already started missing you. I have maintained my normal gap between posts, so Trump must have slowed you down. Chhaya Devi’s songs in the film Aalap too are great. Thanks for your appreciation and adding new songs. Hope you would be now able to mark your presence regularly.
‘ Milte hi nazar…’/USTADON KE USTAD/Ravi /1963/Asha,Rafi,Manna Dey
https://youtu.be/Uq9ViYM7lTQ
Mr Joseph @ 72, 79, 80,
Great songs. Tumhein husn deke Khuda ne is very special. It made me think, Dattaram’s mentor Shankar-Jaikishan never composed a qawwali like this. This is in pure Roshan mould.
Mr Rangan,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. ‘Harmonium as a solo instrument/ its place in Carnatic music’ – My observation was in a general sense. There must have been exceptions, such as the one mentioned by Venkataramanji @38. The song from Deedar is a great harmonium song.
Rahul Bhagwanrao Muki @76,
Thanks for adding the three songs from the Marathi film, Jagachya Pathivar. Except the middle one, the remaining too songs are very non-Bollywood. They have a Marathi flavour. I doubt if three songs would make the most harmonious songs in a film. I have used one from the Bengali film Harmonium, Venkataramanji has added two more @52. There must be more, besides the harmonium being the principal character in the film.
I am giving a link to a regular carnatic music concert with violin accompaniment starting with varnam in traditional style by Palladam Venkataramna Rao
https://youtu.be/h9Mak1fiRos?t=138
On 47.
I see there is no harmonium – I took it as if there is no play of harmonium sound in the songs I cited and not the appearance of the instrument.
Hope this clarifies. Quitting means further posting on this topic not from the blog, kindly note.
AK @ 77,
🙂 Your restatement of the Theory of Relativity works perfectly for me.
In the meanwhile, here is another song in which the baaja is shown being played by a woman in what is an all-women ensemble:
‘Zara sun lo hum apne pyaar ka afsana kehte hain’ by Lata, Rajkumari & Chorus, from Bazaar (1949) (MD – Shyam Sundar, Lyricist – Qamar Jalalabadi)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF0_Q2rDywk&list=PLXn-Ze_u20Xd0JRgM-9Gfytb6aK8cC78m
‘ Aahen na bharin…’/ZEENAT/1945/ Meer Sahib,Hafiiz Khan/Noor Jahan,Zohrabai, Kalyani
https://youtu.be/KZRF0S-ahEo
‘ Nigah e naaz…’/BARSAT KI RAAT/1960/Roshan/Asha, Sudha Malhotra, Shankar Shambhu ,chorus
https://youtu.be/2XvZwAsqRug
Ashwinji @67,
“Samvadini” was new to me; never heard of it earlier, leave alone listening to it being played. Thanks for the information. Just to get acquainted with instrument, I listened to the demonstration by Pt. Manohar Chimote , Jitendra Gore Rajendra Vaishampayan & Madhav Paranjape. Quite keyed up by the instrument. I have shared the links with Jyoti Gohoji for his views. Besides other modifications, as I understand compared to the Harmonium, it is gandhar based tuned (ntural Indian scale) where the frequency of some note will differ from that of the Harmonium; a set of resonance string is attached to the top, more like a swarmandal; the instrument has a improved tonal quality and meend (only upto the one note) can be played. But I feel that it has limitations for doing an Alaap. I have shared my understanding so that you can correct me if the observations are wrong or incomplete.
Sharing a Mishra Piloo Bandish by Jitendra Gore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88z_I1St5GA
And a “Jala/ zala” in Purya Kalyan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbv-OCVm83U
I have heard Ustad Nasir Aminuddin Dagar (Chhote Guruji) singing to the accompaniment of Sarangi. I believe the Vishnupur Gharana had Esraj for accompaniment earlier. Rabindranath Tagore too advocated the use of Esraj as the accompaniment instrument for his songs. At present the Dhrupad singers of Vishnupur Gharana use Esraj, Sarangi as well as Harmonium. Once I was shocked to hear Gundecha Brothers singing with saxophone. And that too it was in the Dover Lane Music Conference!
I developed a taste for Aalap and Dhrupad after regular listening to the Dagars.
Posting a Dhrupad recital by Ustad Naseer Aminuddin Dagar Saheb accompanied on the Sarangi by Ut Liyaqat Ali Khan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWzY0T-TIPc
Pt. Sujit Gangopadhyay of Vishnupur Gharana singing Dhrupad to the accompaniment of Harmonium
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhDJgEAXWU4
“Ironically, whenever a concert features both harmonium as well as sarangi accompaniment nowadays, the sarangiya is given more prominence”
Yes, I am in agreement with your observation. There are few exceptions. But exception proves the rule. I have a personal experience. Jyoti Gohoji (not Guha) and Sarwar Hussain were to play with Rashid Khan in a particular programme. Jyoti Goho had to occupy a back seat behind Sarwar Hussain. And you can notice this in all the concerts of Rashid Khan. After the programme Jyoti Goho expressed his displeasure over the seating arrangement. But I could not tell him that it was as per instructions.
I gather that Pt. Manohar Chimoti filed a case against AIR to remove the ban on Harmonium solo performance. Madhav Paranjape (who later became his disciple) represented him.
Josephji @ 63
Thanks for the link on Harmonium scroll.in.
it seems you have taken the mantle from Pradeepji.
@72,79,80, 82,89,90
Nice postings
Pradeepji @73,
You almost did it; I am sure, if you try you can post the links. Compare your link-https://youtu,be/ fneSBgeYhh8) with the link I have posted. Probably you are trying to type the link. Just when the song is playing on your screen, copy the URL and paste it on your comment page/ box. Till then……..
Mukhtasar si hai meri kahani…. Nice addition.
MEHBOOBA, 1954.
Tanvir Naqwi, Roshan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fneSEgbYhh8
@74
MINOO, 1978.
Teri galiyon mein hum aaye…
Manna Dey,Antara Chowdhury, Yogesh,Salil Chowdhury.
Anwar Hussain on the harmonium teaching Baby Munmun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTkx3RxDVRE
Thanks for the information on the Kannada original. The Kannada version was again based on a 1959 NFS by Sabita Choudhury.
It seems you succeeded in posting link ( I am not sure), but the video is not available.
MINOO was the remake of 1977 Kannada movie CHINNA NINNA MUDDADUVE ( ಚಿನ್ನಾ ನಿನ್ನಾ ಮುದ್ದಾಡುವೆ).
Salil Chowdhury was the composer.
The original song_
Dehake usire sadaa bhaara ,illa aadhaara ( ದೇಹಕೆ ಉಸಿರೇ ಸದಾ ಭಾರಾ ಇಲ್ಲ ಆಧಾರಾ).
SPB, Antara Chowdhury.
Ambarish, the Rebel star and Baby Indira.
Here is the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyNiAaysdB8
I came a couple of days late. Before that, the comments are touching 100! (And Mumbaikar ji and Rangan ji have also returned after a hiatus). It shows how the topic has been received by the members and the presence of harmonium in Indian music.
First piano followed by harmonium. I hope these excellent posts will be followed by articles on more instruments.
In carnatic music, harmonium used to have a place at least as a “shruti box” for beginners; now electronic shruti box has replaced that also. I wanted to mention Venkatramana Rao, but Rangan ji beat me to it.
I will post a song from Tamil film Subhash Meena, involving the harmonium
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKq-wVOEWn0
(Music by T.G.Lingappa. This film was remade into Dil tera deewana)
Thanks a ton for this video. Monday bajo is a classic composition in Shudh Kalyan and Ustad Abdul Karim Khan’s recording is the gold standard for it. Who are the singers in this clip. I am particularly intrigued by the young girl’s playback. The voice is of a young girl, but the singing shows loads of talent and practice. By now she must be a big name on the classical scene.
Google identified the young singer as Meena Faterpaker, whose name was mentioned by Dr Shetty. She is granddaughter of Saraswati Rane and Great-granddaughter of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan. Saraswati Rane herself provides the mature lady playback.
Mumbaikarji,
Glad to see you back. Hope everything is fine with you.
Yes after a long time. Your comments appeared in all posts till “Best songs of 1946: Wrap Up 3” in December. The last one was on 10th December 2019. Between 10th December and today you made two comments, on 14th January and on 17th January, in the post on Surrogate songs. On 17trh January you posted the song,
Humse aaya na gaya
Tumase bulaya na gaya
Fasala pyaar me dono se
Mitaaya naa gaya
Well that is more than three months. Good that you are back.
In Sweety tera drama……. Harmonium makes a guest appearance.
Nai Ri Lagan Aur Meethi Batiyan …wonderful song….. Harmonium holding the center stage…
I do not know how the song went off my radar. Thanks for posting the song.
Chhaya Devi is a great actress and a good singer too. May be due to her advance age they had to use a playback.
Hamdard…did I introduce you to this film? Thank you for reminding me and recalling the songs here.
It is my turn to thank you for introducing me to the song from Gulcha Ganapati. Sarangi is in the forefront. Harmonium pushed into the background.
Time for song. Let me post another song from Alaap.
Asrani sings for himself and on the Tabla too, and Amitabh on the Harmonium.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuR5tQ1igUA
Any discussion on Harmonium would be incomplete without mentioning the legendary late Appasaheb Jalgaonkarb the recipient of Sangeet Natak academy Award in 99
A person who was.born in an obscure village near Jalna in Maharashtra, lost his parents very early. & still went on to become an outstanding harmonium player accompanying many legends
Here is a short clip of his solo performance
https://youtu.be/LIkEWCu_P
Subodh @94, 95,
Ashwin at @62 has given detailed information about the song Mundara baaju baaju re, its singers, and its connection with Ustad Abdul Karim Khan.
Giriji @93,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. The Tamil song is too good. Let us see if I get enough interesting material about some other instruments. As I mentioned my standing offer to our experts still stands.
Ashwin @88,
Zara sun lo hum apne pyar ka afasana kahte hain is a beautiful all-women song. And Mr Joseph has immediately followed it up with two more great all-women songs.
Mr Muli @97.
I have mentioned Appasaheb Jalgaonkar’s name in the write-up. YT has been very fast in this case. They seem to have removed the link you posted. I have found some of his videos on the YT but I have left it for you to decide which one you wanted to post.
Rahul Bhagwanji @ 76,
Thank for the songs from Jagachya Pathivar (1960). All the three are out and out Harmonium songs. I think the 1976 Bengali film Harmonium had the maximum Harmonium songs .
BTW, 2019 was the centenary year for both G D Madgulakr and Sudhir Phadke. There was one more Marathi film personality, most probably an actor, who also shared his centenary year with them. I cannot recollect now.
@97,
Absolutely, while on the subject of Harmonium, Appasaheb Jalgaokar and Tulsidas Vasant Borkar’s names should automatically come to the reckoning. . They were the only two Harmonium artists to have received the Sangeet Natak Academy Award.
The video you have posted is not available. As Akji has said it is your prerogative to select one from the available links.
I am posting a short clip of Tulsidas Vasant Borkar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCi61dMi-3A
Vasudevan ji @46;
The prelude of Patita song is my favorite too. With the restriction of showing presence of visuals showing harmonium….a must… I think we have lost many iconic songs too. Take the case of Awara , awara hun , a song dominated by harmonium in prelude , interlude and postlude. Some of the songs from Shree 420 and even its background music also have beautiful pieces played by non other than the man…..who knew too much ….of instruments , yes V Balsara . Balsara had a great association with Jaikishan . Jaikishan as we know was master of background music , composing Title songs as well. For him harmonium and accordion were the one for making melodies .
A request for AK ji…..that we can post link for songs where instrument is visible ….and we may post songs without links where instrument is not visible. That way many hidden songs would crop up for further enjoying the post. I agree with Venkatraman ji that we should restrict posting the links in twos or threes only to enjoy the songs at slow pause . Too many songs gets half heard …like quick glass only .
Now , welcome back mumbaikar 8 . SoY was missing valuable additions from lyrical point of view and criticism also .
My computer again throwing trouble over the bridge…..so before it gets drowned again Dr. Shetty , Joseph ji and others have left me with very few songs to post…..
HAMEIN BHI DE DO SAHARA KE BESAHAARE -RAFI & CHORUS (SEEMA1955)-SHANKER JAIKISHAN -HASRAT JAIPURI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwPscVP3YaE
Chhupkar Meri Nazar Sey (Mela 1948)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M36YP-Sqmqg
….to be contd.
Ak,
Thanks for the warm welcome.
Took my own time to come back so that I can go back to my normal self when I arrive. Be prepared
You are giving a lot of importance to Trump. He does not influence my life at all!
I thank each one who noticed my absence and acknowledged my comeback.
Special thanks to Venkataramanji. I have one question for you, is it your just memory that you remember every detail or you have some quick way to get all the information?
If it is later I would like to take a crash course from you.
Rafi rehearsing with harmonium was common sight here is clip of his Harmonium that SDB had gifted
https://youtu.be/VxqG2KM1NRA?t=2223i
One more Ek Musafir Ek Hasina Rafi song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVRR-35lzdQ
AKji @ 101
Forgive me for missing reference to Appasaheb jalgaonkar
In your article
There was some error while posting the clip . I am posting it again
I had read that in his later years Appasaheb had a paralysis attack affecting his left side. He still continued to mesmerize the audience with his performance. One of his disciples would hold & operate bellows. This can be clearly seen in the clip.
Venkatraman ji @102
Thanks. P L Deshpande’s ( pu la) birth centenary was also in 2019 though he cannot be classified as an actor only , in fact it is not possible to find a class appropriate for him. Incidentally he was also an expert at harmonium.
Mubaikar ji @ 102
I belive S D also gifted harmonium to Vijay Anand There is Vijay Anand’s photo with this harmonium in ek hota Goldie written by Anita Padhye.
https://youtu.be/LIkEWCu_Pec
Mumbaikar8 @103,
The first link you have posted is a 44 minute interview of Rafi’s son, Shahid Rafi, by Rizwan Ahmad. Excellent interview, but did you mean this one, or something else?
With my first comment, I wanted to post 4 songs. While I was typing the third one, the phone started ringing ( from a patient). So, closed in a hurry and later forgot it completely till now.
Has anyone already posted the only song,in my opinion, to start with the word Harmonium. And, we have the inimitable Harfa maula Kishore Kumar (our poster boy/ cover page person,if I may call him so, for this post) on the harmonium.
Yes,
Gaana na aaya bajaana na aaya..
MISS MARY, 1957.
Rajinder Kumar, Hemant Kumar.
The song begins with the lines
Harmonium bajaaya
Tabla bajaaya
Ye bhi bajaaya aur woh bhi bajaaya…
In between , the Sargam on the instrument..
Kahin Sa hai, kahin Re hai,
Kahin Ga Ma Pa Dha Nee hai..
Then, some gyan on the Ragas..
Kahin Bhageshwari ki bahan
Kahin JaiJaywanti ki naani hai..
As usual, Paisa vasool KK!
Kishore Kumar as the listener/ onlooker..
Rajindernath on the harmonium and, isn’t it Kumkum singing and dancing?
SHARARAT, 1959.
Dekha Babu ched ka maza
Meeta meeta dard de diya..
Lata, Hasrat,SJ.
I am trying hard to recollect a Shammi Kapoor song from the late 50s or the early 60s where he is seen with a harmonium. Till then,
Shammi Kapoor , for a few seconds playing the instrument..
Saath saheliya khadi khadi
Fariyad sunaye ghadi ghadi..
VIDHATA
KK, Hemlata, Kanchan, Anuradha Paudwal,Alka Yagnik, Sadhna Sargam, Padmini and Shivangi Kolhapure;
Anand Bakshi, Kalyanji Anandji.
In my opinion, this must have been the song with the highest number of singers till that time. Songs with more singers came later.
And, personally, I feel this to be the most risque Hindi songs of all time! In comparison, Choli ke peeche kya hai, Chad gaya oopar re… kabootar, Sarkailo khatiya etc sound like nursery rhymes!
Pradipji @ 108
I do not know whether you have this in your mind but it has Shammi for a fleeting moment on harmonium right at the start
Tere aage bolna dushwar ho gaya – hum sab chor hai
https://youtu.be/58O4UsLLccQ
‘ Sharma ke ye …’/CHAUDHAVIN KA CHAND/ 1960/Asha , Shamshad
https://youtu.be/ukvLJUA8mEA
But it is not in all HFM qawwalis that they can show the HARMONIUM . In this qawwali the story happened before the HARMONIUM had been invented.
‘ Teri mehfil mein…’/MUGHAL E AZAM/1960/Naushad/Lata, Shamshad
https://youtu.be/TC7LyI1GVYw
Ranganji @ 78,
Probably you are referring to Palladam Venkataramana Rao. Palladam Sanjeeva Rao was a flautist.
@86,
Now you have the right name.
It is a full concert. He has Violin for accompaniment- M Chandrasekharan, who was blind from childhood.
For those who will like to listen to a shorter piece
Raag Kadanakhthuhalam. Very much enjoyable
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVmp895HH7U
Thanks for the song from Deedar
Giriji @93,
After the Bengali, Kannada and Marathi songs, now we have a Tamil song. Thanks for the post,
I thought of posting a song from Nizhalgal (1980). The Harmonium was a “also ran” in the song I was waiting for a better representation.
The song that Dr Pradeep ji meant…
https://youtu.be/LK-qjO2gsIA
Kudos to you for such a great post.
Indeed the harmonium was born in Europe but it lost its importance there – only to find a new home in India.
However, the instrument has been used in several western classical music pieces including William Laurence Bergsma’s Dances from a New England Album, 1856.
Mumbaikaji,
‘I have one question for you, is it your just memory that you remember every detail or you have some quick way to get all the information?
If it is later I would like to take a crash course from you.’
It is combination of both. Memory and recording it for future recall. There is no way that one can remember everything. There has to be a method. Say for instance, by way of association. Each has to evolve a method for oneself. Well, I know you were not serious when you posed the question. By the way, a point to ponder; can there be Just and Unjust memories?
Posting a sequence from Mamata (1966), Chhaya Devi sings for herself, (starts at 02:14)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-1QDUxtnkE
Rahul Bhagwanji @ 104,
Yes it was P L Deshpande. Yes, Now I remember the context. I made a mention of this three stalwarts in my last article “Vandya Vande Mataram”. Here I quote from that post.
‘After independence, the first film carrying the title ‘Vande Mataram’ was again from Maharashtra under the Nav Jhankar Picture banner. The story was based on India’s freedom movement. The script, dialogue and lyrics for the film was by the renowned writer GD Madgulkar, directed by Ram Gabale who later assisted in the making of Sir Richard Attenborough’s Oscar-award winner Gandhi (1982) and the music was composed by the stalwart composer Sudhir Phadke. The legendary Marathi writer and playwright PL Deshpande and his wife Sunita were in the lead roles. The nationalist project was released only a year after independence and presented narratives woven with patriotism and humanism. It is an interesting coincidence that we just had the birth centenary years of the stalwart trio Sudhir Phadke (25 July 1919 – 29 July 2002), Gajanan Digambar Madgulkar (1 October 1919 – 14 December 1977) and Purushottam Laxman Deshpande (8 November 1919 – 12 June 2000). It is also another coincidence that a rare footage of the iconic Marathi film ‘Vande Mataram’ (1948) was found in 2019 and handed over to the National Film Archives of India (NFAI) by Deshpande’s nephew Dinesh Thakur and film historian Satish Jakatdar.’
Wish somebody had done a post on them. Yes, Purushottam Lal Deshpande was a muli-faceted person. He was good player of the Harmonium too. His first film was Kuber (1947). Deshpande plays the role of a rich young lad immersed in singing and dancing who matures into a responsible adult in his debut film. The song ‘Ja Ja Ga Sakhi’ sung by Deshpande became immensely popular. In the following link containing an image from the film, P L Deshpande is seen playing the harmonium during the song ‘Ja Ja Ga Sakhi”
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DrOb7kRVsAAiEuB?format=jpg&name=small
Posting a link where P L Deshpande and Govindrao Patwardhan in Harmonium Jugalbandhi. A class performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ef88izpO4
I think Maharashtra can boast of the largest number of highly skilled Harmonium artists and also they have the best makers and tuners of Harmonium in whole of India.
Thank you once again.
Rahul Bhagwanji,
It seems you forgot to post the link of Appasaheb Jalgaonkar, playing the Harmonium.
There are two links; I am taking the liberty to post them on your behalf. Probably you were referring to the second link.
1. Here we find, one of his disciples bellowing for him. But we can see Appashaeb freely moving his left hand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIkEWCu_Pec
But in the second one where we find Appasaheb’s left hand immobile; someone else bellowing for him; and he has one of his students on another Harmonium for support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXvijeN-m-w
Pradeepji @106,
In between your busy schedule, it is commendable that you are finding time for SoY too.
Providing the links for 106 &107.
Gaana na aaya bajaana na aaya..
MISS MARY, 1957.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvlFaKKvRLk
SHARARAT, 1959.
Dekha Babu ched ka maza
Meeta meeta dard de diya..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0ogv1VCy2g
@ 109
Saath saheliya khadi khadi
Fariyad sunaye ghadi ghadi..
VIDHATA
Josephji has posted the link @ 114.
kahin kahin Harmonium Bahana ban jata hai,
Rahul Muli ji ,
Tere aage bolna… was THE one I was looking for and I had almost typed..he abandoned harmonium for another instrument. Thank you.
Mumbaikar ji,
How should I welcome you back after an absence of 3 months and 1week ( data courtesy_ N Venkataraman ji).
This should be good…
Bambai se aaya mere dost
Dost ko salam karo…
AAP KE KHATIR, 1977.
Bappi Lahiri, Chorus, Shiley Shailendra, Bappi Lahiri.
Two men playing harmonium throughout the song.
After ZAKHMEE, 1975 and CHALTE CHALTE, 1976, Bappi had a hit album and this chalu song was a crowd favorite.
AK ji,
Thank you for acknowledging me at Song Number 12. As I had said in the earlier post, it was an accidental find for me.
My correct guess was 8, and not 9 songs ( 6 7 8 10 were the misses).
Anup ji,
You compliment me by saying you are feeling like Dr Shetty..of course,in a lighter vein.
And, AK ji responded with a bigger compliment that I am an Akshay Bhandar!
N Venkataraman ji,
Continuing gratitude for providing the links on behalf of me.
AK @ 105
Shahid talks about Rafi’s Harmonium that SDB had gifted at around 37.00 min that’s what I wanted to show.
Venkataramanji,
“It is combination of both. Memory and recording it for future recall “
Record where and when the secret lies in that?
I am serious about it, if there any method I can adopt I would love to because my memory it terrible and it is fading away with time.
You have given an angle to “just and unjust memories” it is a point to ponder.
Thanks for Chhya Debi’s Mamta clip.
Is that a cinematic liberty or the director had made a continuity mistake, Suchitra Sen is shown struggling to sing but earlier she was shown singing “ Rahe na rahe hum”
In most her images Begum is seen with Harmonium, though the only video I could find her singing with the harmonium is this Doordarshan recording.
https://youtu.be/uO9sxuvx-38?t=121
Dr. Shetty,
Thanks for the musical welcome.
This for me it is not Bambai se aaya mera dost it was Bambai se bhaga mera dost.
My son booked me 20th March to get out of Mumbai on 21st.
Now I dread thinking what would have happened to me if he had not airlitfted me.
AKji,
Posting three more songs
Sita ko dekhe saara gaanv by Sadhana Sargam & Suresh Wadkar, Pinjar (2003), music Uttam Singh, lyrics Zehra Nigah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=iLfeHFvZGV0&feature=emb_title
Here Harmonium is a mute witness to the affairs of Mohnish Behl and Tabu.
Gaana Mere Bas Ki Baat Nahi, Shankar Mahadevan & Sadhana Sarga,, Astitva (2000), lyrics Shrirang Godbole, music Sukhwinder Singh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=90HY_W0pvoM&feature=emb_title
and one from the 70s
Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara, Yesudas, Chitchor (1976), lyrics & music Ravindra Jain
Amol Palekar’s fingers are stuck at the upper octave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1sv0lSAIrQ
Pradeepji @ 119,
Link to
Bambai se aaya mere dost
Dost ko salam karo…
AAP KE KHATIR, 1977.
Bappi Lahiri, Chorus, Shiley Shailendra, Bappi Lahiri.
Two men playing the Harmoniumand Dholak throughout the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKSFLaFG1aY
Mumbaikar8 @120,
This is about Begum Akhtar video with harmonium. You must have given up too soon. There must be several. Look for Kaisi ye dhoom machai, posted earlier by me in another post.
Venkataramanji @122,
Thanks a lot for the three songs. I have seen all the three films, but remembered only the last song.
Amol Palekar on the harmonium – No wonder we don’t hear much sound of the instrument.
In early eighties there was this film Woh 7 din starring Anil Kapoor, Nasseruddin Shah , Padmini Kolhapure . Raju & harmonium.
AK carried the harmonium on his shoulders almost like a Shabnam
Unfortunately in the songs it was very very sparingly used like in this where AK plays the harmonium feverishly at the beginning
Mere dil se dillagi na kar
https://youtu.be/dIuQ7TD6U3w
AKji,
You might remember; Most probably Anu Kapoor, in one of his TV shows, narrated the incident about Saigal gifting his Harmonium to Mukesh. But that harmonium must be the one Saigal used in Bombay.
The one he used in Kolkata, it seems, is in the possession of Hindusthan Musical Products (known to the old timers as Inreco) at 61, Ankur Dutta Lane. For more details follow the link below.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/music/KL-Saigals-harmonium-is-still-in-Kolkata/articleshow/47756897.cms
Saigals first record had two songs, “Jhulana jhulao” and “Hori ho Brijraj” (February 1933)
In 1955, as a tribute to K L Saigal, B N Sircar produced a film based on the life of Saigal. New Theatres was over the hills. The film produced under the banner “Sircar Productions” was directed by Nitin Bose. G Mungheri played the role of Saigal. Nineteen songs including three NFSs and some sequences from Saigal’s earlier films were included. “Jhulana jhulao” was one of them.
Posting the song song “Jhulana jhulao” from “Amar Sehgal”. G Mungheri can be seen playing the Harmonium
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSUhqnsKFi0
N V @127
Please listen portion of the following 35 minutes link from 30.5 minutes onwards. Mukeshji in his own voice narrates story about ” Harmonium”
( Mukesh offered his own piece to KLS at Motilal’s place party- KLS liked it – Mukesh requested KLS to keep it – KLS declined – It became a piece of Memento for Mukesh ).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_9vfmueoH8
Had posted this link @ 55 of SOY 4th April KLS article
AK,
I was not keen on adding any more qawwalis as almost all of them have harmonium. thiis one is unique.
Watching this qawwalis I noticed a different lyrics in two lines of third natara I remembered. I watched about six seven versions on you tube all of them had the same lyrics, this time I did not want to give soon, I was looking for the “record version” of the qawwali that had two antaras the one on the web had three the record version has 1st and 3rd antara
I started doubting my memory but then I found this Sonu Nigam cover version with lyrics I remembered.
I hope some body has the vinyl record.
I have copied and pasted the lyrics of the song available on the net from ASAD.
The difference in in the 3rd last antara. I have written the orginal lyrics in devnagari next to the English text.
Both videos start at third antara
Movie version
https://youtu.be/5k6vC-ewQOc?t=213
Sonu Nigam (Record Version)
https://youtu.be/UmIDC_-xjfA?t=145
Aaj kyun hamse parda hai
parda hai ji
Aaj kyun hamse parda hai
Aaj kyun hamse parda hai
Aaj kyun hamse parda hai
Aaj kyun hamse parda hai
parda hai ji
Aaj kyun hamse parda hai
tera har rang hamne dekha hai !st Antara
ter har dhang hamne dekha hai
paas aakar bhi tujhko dekha hai
door jaakar bhi tujhko dekha hai
tujhko har tarah aajmaaya hai
paake khoya hai khoke paaya hai
ankhdiyon ka bayaan samajhte hai
dhadkanon ki jabaan samajhte hain
choodiyon ki khanak se waakif hain
jhaanjhro ki jahanak se wakif hain
naazon andaaz jaante hain ham
naazo andaaz jaante hain hain
tera har raaz jaante hain
phir aaj kyun hamse parda hai
parda hai ji
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
parda hai ji
Aaj kyun hamse parda hai
dil lubhaane se faayda kya hai 2nd Antara
munh chupaane se faayda kya hai
ulajhti ulajhti laten sanwaar ke aa
husn ko aur bhi nikhaar ke aa
narm gaalon me bijliyaan lekar
shokh aankhon me titliyaan lekar
aa bhi jaa ab adda se lahraake
ek dulhan ki tarah sharmaake
tu nahin hai to raat sooni hai
ishq ki kaynaat sooni hai
oye marne waalon ki zindagi tu hai
marne waalon ki zindagi tu hai
is andhere ki roshni tu hai
phir aaj kyun hamse parda hai
parda hai ji
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
parda hai ji
Aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aa tera intzaar kab se hai 3rd Antara
har nazar bekaraar kab se hai
shama rah rah ke jhilmilaati hai
saans taaron ki doobi jaati hai
tu agar meharbaan ho jaaye
ye zameen aasmaan ho jaaye हर तमन्ना जवान हो जाएँ
ab to aa ke raat jaati hai
ek aashiq ki baat jaati hai
khair ho poori zindagani ki
dil dhi den to meharbaani ki भीख दे दे हमें जवानी की
tujh pe sau jaan se fidaa hain ham
tujh pe sau jaan se fidaa hain ham
ek mudaat ke aashna hain ham
phir aaj kyun hamse parda hai
parda hai ji
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
aaj kyun hamse parda hai
parda hai ji
Aaj kyun hamse parda hai
@127
Venkataramanji thanks for correction regarding Palladam. I do have a dvd of the film, i.e. bioscopic on Saigal and one of his film DUSHMAN. Picked it up from pavement in Karol Bagh more than ten years ago. Have to run it to see whether it is still functional. Will download and preserve it in computer as discs get corrupted sometime.
Venkataramanji @127,
Thanks a lot for the video from the film Amar Saigal. I am now tempted to watch the film despite its bad print.
Manoj @128,
The version from the horse’s mouth gives a different twist to the popular story. Sometimes personal recollections are not very accurate. But we cannot say for sure either way. But thanks a lot for drawing our attention to this link.
Long before movies came to be popular entertainment Medium,’dramas’ and street plays (தெருக்கூத்து) were popular in Tamilnadu (may be other parts of India as well). Harmonium was a constant feature of these plays. Here is a clip from Tamil film Navarathri showing a street play. Music by K.V.Mahadevan. Sung by T.M.Soundararajan and P.Sushila. Enacted by Sivaji Ganesan and Savithri:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lOLpdXd_DwE&t=101s
Mumbaikar8 @129,
I am impressed by your thoroughness. I hope someone having the record of the qawwali will answer your query. As far as the qawwali in the film is concerned there is no doubt. The first line under query is ‘ये ज़मीन आसमाँ हो जाये’, and the second line is ‘दे भी दे भीख मेहरबानी की’. Please consider the following:
1. The singer (Master Nissar, yesteryear’s superstar) clearly points to the earth and then towards the sky, therefore, Har tamanna jawaan ho jaaye does not match with the action. In the second line he spreads his chaadar in the sense of seeking alms. Asking for her jawaani in bheekh is too crude. Therefore, we can be sure that the lyricists version is what is shown in the video.
2. How are we sure that Sonu Nigam correctly remembered the recorded version?
3. Even if that is the recorded version, it is possible the error kept while recording, and the recording company may have decide to keep it as it is, as redoing it would have been very expensive.
A historically significant song in which Harmonium makes a late apperance . The debut song of Pancham is supposed to be the reason behind bringing SD Burman back with Lata & harmonium to create timeless melodies
Ghar aaja ghir aaye
https://youtu.be/GAUXqsaLYd0
Few more from RD’s stable
Jiye tumharo lalna
https://youtu.be/lFjbQWCswO4
This forgotten film had few good songs
RD used the same meter for kya bhala hai kya bura in Libaas which unfortunately never got released . It would have been interesting to know whether Harmonium played any role in that song
pal do pal ka saath hamara
https://youtu.be/lAfo_dlJX6w
From that brain- Turner which was called The burning train
Asha Sachdeva on harmonium without using it .
Mumbaikarji@ 120, 129
‘Record where and when the secret lies in that?
I am serious about it, if there any method I can adopt I would love to because my memory it terrible and it is fading away with time.’
Economy in expression is not my forte. I can share my simple methods (you may call them secrets) over e-mail. But that won’t be necessary. Your comment @129 is proof enough for my belief.
‘Is that a cinematic liberty or the director had made a continuity mistake, Suchitra Sen is shown struggling to sing but earlier she was shown singing “ Rahe na rahe hum”.’
Not exactly. Although she is shown struggling, she does not go off key. Actually she is shown struggling to pick up the voice modulation techniques and finer nuances of Thumri / singing for Mahfils or Majlish. In fact she is getting trained in dancing too for her to emerge as a professional Tawaif. Her singing in her earlier version (Rahe na rahe hum) can be considered as an off-the-cuff rendition; you should give this much allowance.
You mentioned that you had to leave Mumbai in a hurry. It is always safe to be at home with dear and near ones. Hope you will be back may be for our next SoY meet. , at healthier climes.
Posting a Rajasthani folk, Harmonium is at the centre of action but overshadowed by the dominant percussion instruments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBhRsVP5Gyk
Manoj ji, @128,
I missed you comment, that was the last comment of that post. And Sorry for that. Now I can remember the reason now. Kamar me karona lag gaya tha! Even before the Janata curfew and the lockdown I was forced into isolation. Even from S oY.
Well, coming to your point. Had Saigal gifted his Harmonium to Mukesh, he would have definitely mentioned it in the Jaymala program. Mukesh’s version sounds credible. Even Lata Mangeshkar’s intent to purchase Saigal’s Harmonium as claimed by the Saha Jr. can be doubted. But as Subodhji says why spoil a good story. Between Reality and Myth, imagination plays a role, sometimes to good effect.
Thanks Manojji for the link.
AKji, Manojji,
As a young boy in Jammu, Saigal is said to have been influenced by Kotha singers. He used to hear them practicing in their kothas under the supervision of their Ustads.
Here is scene from Amar Saigal (1955) depicting a Kotha Scene. The title credits mention two female playback singers, Bansari (Bansuri) Lahiri and Pratima Bose. This song could have been rendered by Bansari Lahiri, wife of Aparesh Lahiri, who was in charge of the music for this film. Bappi Lahiri was their son. Bansari Lahiri was good classical as well as Shyama Sangeet singer.
The Harmonium is visible in the frame throughout the song and you can also hear it. Can qualify as a good Harmonium song, if not perfect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmDC6gwyLsY
Friends. My computer is still not working and i am unable to send my comments and observations…but i am enjoying the songs and onputs of interesting background history tagged withe the needles of time. Writing on Mobile is not easy for me but will adopt short paras to bring forth my views. Firstly thanks to dr. Shetty and mr. Joseph for so many songs they have posted leaving very little for me to look for posting. Venkat ji is always in excellent form ….his comments…always a pleasure to read . Mind in historical mode always work better. With Ms. MUMBAIKAR8 joining the lyrical crtical anaysis bound to be more interesting.
Venkatraman ji , three songs from my side which are favourite of mine….1. Teri teri phere humse saari duniya …..from Musafir…..2. Yeh duniya gum ka mela hai by Rafi in Seema….3. Shaiyad woh ja rahe hain chhup ke meri nazar se….from Mela. Kindly provide link as i am on recycled teenager mode. Thanks.
Vasudevan ji @46 and onwards. Yes like you , i too missed some beautiful harmonium playing songs which were unfortunately not visible on screen. The beautiful piece of prelude of patita song is favourite of mine. This piece of harmonium really translate the second line of song….jhoomti bahar hai kahan ho tum. Perhaps this was dream sequence so presence of harmonium was not essential. A good song to enjoy for ever.
Bhatia ji @ 139,140
I agree. Typing and posting links from Mobile is indeed not easy. Hope you will get somebody to get your computer work soon.; may be after third May. Till then it will be my pleasure to be at your service.
Tedhi tedhi hum se phire sari duniya, Manna Dey & Shamshad Begum, Musafir (1957), Shailendra,Salil Chaudhury
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qvrrJmz2pg
Ye Duniya Gam Ka Mela Hai, Mohammed Rafi, Seema (1955), Hasrat Jaipuri, Shankar-Jaikishan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGHzmCQvDIY
Shaiyad woh ja rahe hain chhup ke meri nazar se, Zohrabai Ambalewali, Mela (1948), Shaqeel Badayuni, Naushad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdyLrdex0eQ
Nice additions.
Akji 131,
I would be watching it (Amar Saigal) again soon….gives an opportunity to listen to so many good songs.
BTW, You recommended two movies, Deeksha, & Rui Ka Bhoj. I watched the movie Rui Ka Bhoj. Pankaj Kapoor had done a good job. I liked it. Deeksha, I had watched it earlier.
Akji, & Ranganji,
Posting the song “Kaun Bujhave Ram” in the voice of Saigal from “Amar Saigal”.
The Harmonium makes nominal appearance like a shy bride behind the Ghunghat. You will have to be alert to spot it. At 1: 47 the camera spots the Harmonium player (with White kurta besides Saigal) and between 1:47 and 1:52 you can spot the harmonium for a few seconds between the Ghunghats. From here onwards you can make out from the movement of the fingers and hand of the person in white Kurta, that he is the one playing the Harmonium. But you can hear the Harmonium clearly. You will enjoy the video right from the beginning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs3gWY634pE
Giriji @134,
Thank you for the song from Navaratri. 1964 film… SHivajii Ganeshan played nine roles. The role played by him in the தெருக்கூத்து song is Sathyavan SIngaram, the seventh role on the seventh day. The pedal Harmonium makes a guest appearance.
The film was remade in Telugu in 1966 as Navaratri and in Hindi in 1974 as Naya Din Nai Raat, Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri were in the lead roles. There was a similar song with a pedal Harmonium making a nominal appearance.
Akji , Giriji,
A Malayalam song, the tune may sound familiar.
Isal Thenkanam Konduvaa Chitra & Yesudas, film Ghazal (1993 )lyrics Yusuf Ali Kechery, music Bombay Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK_cuSw3Jjg
Venkatraman ji ;
Thanks for posting the links @142 . I am again sitting facing computer with hit and trial way of tackling the problem . Here are few songs….hope they go thru the path safely,.
Brandy Ki Bottle 1939 : Bhari Hai Aag Matwale Teri Botal Ke Paani Main : Music By Dada Chandekar…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLPsJVS9cYU
Miss Frontier Mail 1936 : Salamat Agar Hai Jawani : Singer Bashir Qawwal : Md Master Mohammad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu4nJIlH6_k&t=87s
Miss Frontier Mail 1936 : Raahe Maikhana Bata Dena : Singer Bashir Qawwal : Music Master Mohammad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvDSAScBHx8
Nai Kahani 1943 – Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare – GM Durrani – Md Shyam Sunder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNMY3kP0tE8
…..to be contd’
In continuation….
Devdaas | Lata Mangeshkar | Ab Aage Teri Marzi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxQ8vLVZ9Ss
Kisne Chilman Se Maara – Dance Song – Baat Ek Raat Ki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poMGvB0PO7Y
Aadmi 1938 : Kis Liye Kal Ki Baat : Singer & Actress , Shanta Hublikar : Md Master Krishna Rao
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BysTaSkVge0
….to be contd.
Ak,
“The singer (Master Nissar, yesteryear’s superstar) clearly points to the earth and then towards the sky, therefore, Har tamanna jawaan ho jaaye does not match with the action. In the second line he spreads his chaadar in the sense of seeking alms.”
No doubt the song is picturized on the lyrics they are singing. I am talking abut the lyrics on the record.
“Asking for her jawaani in bheekh is too crude. Therefore, we can be sure that the lyricists version is what is shown in the video.”
Exactly that is what “I think” happened. Sahir to expose the crudity of the character used the language that the censor did not approve, the songs were released before the songs were picturized or perhaps it was repicturized because after lines were censored. I do not know for sure.
“How are we sure that Sonu Nigam correctly remembered the recorded version?”
How “are we” I am so sure that Sonu Nigam correctly remembered the recorded version because I think there is a record that has that lyrics.
How am I so sure about that? Because those are the exact lyrics I remembered. It cannot be आकाशवाणी ( I will talk in some detail about my memory in my response to Venkataramanji’s comment).
ksbhatiji,
Glad to see you and and “your computer” back
Happy posting 🙂
Mr Muli @135,
The Burning Train was not such a great brain-turner, Bollywood has set much higher standards in many films. That includes according to me super duper hits like Sasural (1961). The BT had a real brain-turning song when the train started burning, and naturally Bollywood is an expert in disaster management. Everyone started singing a song.
Nice turn of phrase.
Venkataramanji @138, 143,
So now we know from where Saigal learnt Ab kaun bujhave. One of his greatest songs. Thanks a lot.
@142,
Thanks for adding Tedhi tedhi humse phire saari duniya. Not often heard. Did you realise that the actor lip-syncing Manna Dey is Shailendra. It would be nice to compile a list of his cameos. Boot Polish I remember. He was possibly in Teesri Kasam too.
KS Bhatiaji @145, 146,
Great pleasure to have you in full force. Miss Frontier Mail’s Raahe maikhana bata de has been posted by Venkataramanji also earlier and another reader. But it’s other qawwali posted by you Salaamat agar hai jawani is equally good. Thanks a lot for posting this. Other songs are also excellent harmonium songs.
Mumbaikar8 @147,
“Exactly that is what ‘I think’ happened. Sahir to expose the crudity of the character used the language that the censor did not approve, the songs were released before the songs were picturized or perhaps it was repicturized because after lines were censored. I do not know for sure.”
This is a very deep reasoning. Not every listener is a Mumbaikar8 to notice such nuances. My understanding is Sahir gave the lyrics as it is in the film. The recording company must have committed a mistake and they let it go. It has taken someone 62 years to detect a discrepancy 🙂 .
@145 & 146,
The computer recovered from the cramps, Bhatiaji is going all out without the runner.
Except for one snick to the third man boundary, all the other shots are from the meat of the bat.
Akji @ 142,
Tedhi tedhi humse phire saari duniya was mentioned by Bhatiaji. I posted the link on his behalf.
Yes I noticed Shailendra. Whas he there in Shree 420?
I had few songs on hold. Deleted a couple.
Posting a song from Bengali Devdas (1979)… Uttam Kumar, Soumitra Chaterjee starrer.
Je din lobo bidaye debdas, lyrics & music Kazi Nazrul Islam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyv_4r1dFPA
AKji, Bhatiaji,
In the previous song posted by me, both the Harmonium and the Sarangi were on equal footing.
In the following song, the Harmonium is very much there, but has to remain a“Bezubaan Sautan”.
Bendhona Phoolmala Dore, Manna Dey, Aarti Mukherji, Bilambita Loy(1970), lyrics Pulak Bandopadhyay, music Nachiketa Ghosh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PmwHP3LZ4Q
AK ji,
The follow-up comments are dropping in my spam folder and I am unable to keep track. Treating them as Not Spam is also not solving the issue. They are coming from an unknown mail id.
Hence, I donno if this has been posted, but then, I seem to have won a small lottery. I say small because it’s not a full song I suppose. The other part is a full song but does not fit the theme.
https://youtu.be/tkHjSsSg1M8
I thank the reader who had earlier sent the song of Shammi Kapoor. But, then the harmonium is snatched before the song starts. I will continue to hunt other elusive full song, if any.
Thanks
mahesh
The Indian harmonium made its way to the United States in the first half of the twentieth century, but it was the Asian immigration wave in the 1950s-1960s that popularized it. Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was assisted in his early years in America by Beatniks like Allen Ginsberg.
Ginsberg played it constantly, most famously when he brought it out and chanted the Hare Krishna mantra on a television show in September 1968.
This is the first time I am seeing a single octave Harmonium, like the size of a Sruthi Petti used in south India.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=17&v=CS8A5IME7aU&feature=emb_title
The Indian harmonium still has stray fans in the West. Just to sample, posting one.
A Ukrainian performer who lives in Germany, Mariana Sadovska has been travelling through the villages of her native land, collecting songs, legends and rhymes from women. Here she is with a Harmonium.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=74&v=MCtpFZ4LuN4&feature=emb_title
Mahesh ji,AK ji
I also have the same problem. I was wondering why no follow up comments are not showing up. Then I looked under spams. They were all bunched together under spam! Now I check the spam folder regularly!
Venkataramanji @152,
Shailendra in Shree 420: I don’t know. If he is visible in a song we can recognise him.
@153,
I briefly saw the harmonium in the foreground, so they gave it an important place. I don’t know why they didn’t have some playing this instrument too.
@155,
Thanks a lot for the information.
Mahesh @154,
I am trying to sort out your email issue.
The song has not been posted yet. Indeed it is a lottery.
Akji,
I am also facing the same problem for quite long. From then onwards I check the SoY site. Well that serves the purpose.
AK@157,
No, Shailendra is not in any song sequence. But I remember Jaikishan had a cameo role in this film.
The search is on.
Posting a vintage number; David on the Harmonium; Sushil Sahu and Maya Banerjee lip-synchingfor Md.Rafi & Shamshad Begum respectively.
Do Char Din Pyar, Nadiya Ke Paar (1948), lyrics Moti, music C Ramchandra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD4YrMe-hBg
AK ji,
Thanks for a superlative post. Songs presented are all so good and qawwalies heavenly. In Delhi there are a lot of teachers training their wards in Hindusthani vocal music. They start with Sargam then alankars then ‘Chhota Khayala ’. Students sing along as the teacher plays notes on harmonium.
Here a word of caution for students.
Harmonium loses accuracy of notes’ production because the ‘reeds’ have a tendency to go out of tune. So better to get the frequencies emanating checked and tuning got done. Otherwise habit of incorrect singing may creep in unnoticed. Long back, reeds were imported. German reeds were sturdy, not needing frequent tuning. These days harmonium has to be sent to the tuning workshop fairly often.
Regarding sitting arrangement on stage for live concerts, vocalists generally keep sarangi closer than harmonium because sarangi notes are accurate and the flow from one note to the next is better in sarangi.
Regards
Ashok Kumar Tyagi ji @ 160.
Yes. You are absolutely right . Sarangi picks up the notes easily where heavey weight harmonium leaves. Devdas song posted @146 shows exactly the way sarangi supports lead role of Harmonium. Anyway thanks for your comments…it seems you too had long family vacations…so welcome back.
Tyagiji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and the information.
Ak ji , Venkatraman ji ;
On three or four occasions I had posted this beautiful song from Musafir…tehdi tehdi humse chhale sari duniya….along with notes as to why tehdi like rotational movement of TOP [ latoo]? ….giving the theory of the tilt of rotation of earth about its axis at about 22 degrees or so…and axis not verticle. Had it be so the entire earth would have no seasonal changes etc. I will post those comments again if traced. May be they are in Open House of SoY.
Yes, Shailendra did a small comic roll in Shree 420 . After Sona chand Dharmanand ‘s advance for …..naye dhande ka advance… Raj opened a gold mining company…..raj raj and raj gold mine company ….shailendra roll was of an international broker , all faked up, sometime making fake calls from japan, sometime from china , all from adjacent room.
Shailendra appeared in song sequence of …sajan re jhoot mat bola… riding bullock cart sitting on top of unauthorized bags etc. ..in his own production ….Teesri Kasam. Musafir was the one in which he sang his own song composed by Salil da…tedhi tehdi hum se chhale .
In Shree 420 ,Jaikishan had a bit roll as Nadira’s husband . He appeared as drunked husband in one scene….then in club where Nadira made a joke on Nargis. ….then in a dance club music sequence .
KS Bhatiaji,
Now Tedhi tedhi humse phire sari duniya is now ingrained in my mind. An important topic in Classical Mechanics in Physics Honours class was the motion of top. This song has both rotation and revolution. Thanks for the filmography of Shailendra. Now I would look more closely for him in the films you have mentioned. Jaikishan also acted in the film Begunah (1957), which was banned and its prints destroyed following a lawsuit on charges of plagiarism.
Ron @115,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. Somehow your comment remained showed up late for approval.
‘ Bar bar tohe…’ /AARTI /1962/Roshan /Rafi, Lata
https://youtu.be/2Do7dknvqPc
ksbhatia ji,
Nice to have you back. Though late for the party, you are taking the center stage easily. Hope our most senior (?) member Shalan Lal ji is doing fine. AK ji, please mail her on our behalf and enquire about her well-being.
Qawwalis having harmonium goes without saying and hence I am avoiding,as much as possible,posting run of the mill types. Rishi,apart from Taiyab Ali, has many qawwalis,but he hardly is shown playing the harmonium.
( AAA _ Parda hai parda has others playing harmonium . I am not sure,though about Shirdiwale Sai Baba.)
Has anyone mentioned Na toh caravan ki talash hai, BARSAT KI RAAT?
The superlative Roshan composition is not a routine qawwali, not a gap filler. So much happens during the 12 minutes track. Bharat Bhushan, a part of the audience,comes on the stage ( at 5.42) affected by Shyama’s distress. Madhubala, listening to him, over the radio,is relieved,and walks in. An angry K N Singh throws away the transistor airing BB’s voice!
But, above all, because,BB , once on the stage,is shown playing the harmonium continuously till the end.
The naughty old men trio of Ashok Kumar,AK Hangal and Utpal Dutt have Kishore Kumar singing in the background in SHAUKEEN.
I remember only two songs with lip syncing by A K Hangal.
1975, ANOKHA.
Anna desh kisi ke sage.,.
Mukesh.
1979, JURMANA.
As sakhi Radhike banwri ho gayi…
Manna Dey, Lata Mangeshkar ; AB,RDB.
In the course of the song, Rakhi is seen learning music from AKH, practising on her own, singing on stage and recording at the studio. AKH is first seen playing the harp ? and then, on the stage, playing the harmonium.
Saawan ke jhoole pade was popular for some time as well as Choti si ek kali khili thi ek din baag mein .
Bhatiaji @ 164
Thank you for the information on Shailendra. So he was there in Shree 420. Here is a still.
https://twitter.com/SJFansAssnCal/status/1167474237528915968/photo/1
Pradeepji @ 168
Na toh caravan ki talash hai, BARSAT KI RAAT was posted by Josephji @ 12
Posting a couple
One from the vintage period,
Inhi Logon ne le Leenahh dupatta, Yakoob,, Abroo (1943), Govindram https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UzZlIZwQ9Q&feature=emb_err_watch_on_yt
Another almost after 50 years
Virendra Saxena as the Street Singer playing the Harmonium
Tu Meri Zindagi Hai, Tu Meri Har Khushi Hai, Anuradha Paudwal & Kumar Sanu, Aashiqui (1990), lyrics sameer, music Nadeem-Shravan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbYFF3nHIOc
Pradeepji @ 169,
Here is the link to song “As sakhi Radhike banwri ho gayi…”
Manna Dey, Lata Mangeshkar ; AB,RDB.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5yVNglFsJ4
Here the Harmonium player can be seen among the so many musicians on stage but you can hardly hear him play and also the camera does not give him any importance . But if Chitragupt has included him on the stage , it must be for some reason which I am unable to understand.
‘ Akhiyan sang ankhiyan…’/BADA AADMI/1961 /Chitragupt/ Rafi
https://youtu.be/LBG4wlt4-Qk
Pradipji @167 has aptly mentioned run of the mill inthe context of quawwalis with harmonium
Here is an off-beat harmonium song though not a quawwali
It is not off- beat just because it is from a film directed by Dr Jabbar Patel . There are number of other reasons
Musafir is the first & also the last hindi film directed by Dr Parel ( there is a film Teesri azadi but it is on you tube only) Even Musafir had very limited release
2 In almost all of his Marathi films Pt Bhaskar Chandavarkar scored the music but he preferred out & out RD Burman for this film
3 The actor on whom the song is filmed is Ravindra Sathe , a noted Marathi singer, who is also the singer .This is the only song rendered by Ravindra for RD
4 Moon moon Sen’s is a surprise casting .
Video qwality of the song is very poor
Aap se bas itni si gujarish hai
https://youtu.be/nGMwi1O3db4
There were 2 other noteworthy songs in Musafir
Main thak gaya hoon by kk & saawanre saawanli by Ashaji but had no harmonium involved.
Rahul Muli ji,
Aap se bas itni is beautiful.
At least twice on two different occasions earlier I have posted Main thak gaya hoon… nice song.
Bhaskar Chandavarkar’s first film was the National ( and several Karnataka state & Filmfare ) awards winner, VAMSHAVRIKSHA, 1972, the directorial debut of B V Karanth and Girish Karnad.
He later gave music to several ‘ art’/ ‘offbeat’ movies…THABBALIYU NEENADE MAGANE ( Remade as GODHULI in Hindi), ONDANONDU KALADALLI ( Debut of Shankar Nag…he won the National Best Actor award) etc.
SWAPNADANAM, Malayalam,won him the Kerala state award. PAROMA, Bengali, THODA SA ROOMANI HO JAAYE, Hindi ( the movie where songs did the job of dialogue), MAYA MRIGA, Oriya are among his notable non Marathi work.
Jabbar Patel and Chandavarkar’s association started with JP’s directorial debut with the play GHASHIRAM KOTWAL, 1972.
Ravindra Sathe has sung for YUGPURUSH, VAASTAV, SHLOK etc.
Dr Shetty,
M.B.B.S = Master of Bambai’s Bollywood Songs ?
Amazing knowledge you have.
Mahesh
Arre Mahesh ji,
Dr Shetty Khush hua!
I am sure many/ most of the members on the group are much more knowledgeable.
And, you are on a different level when it comes to Mukesh.
I am happy to have discovered this blog. I visit many other blogs. But, Songs of Yore and Atul’s Song A Day are my absolute favorites.
Mahesh ji @ 175
Considering Pradipji @ 174
You need to revise bambai’s bollywood part.
Look at the precision with which he has unfurled information about Pt Chandawarkar & his non Marathi accomplishments.
Add to this the strenuous responsibilities he is handling during these troubled times and one can only marvel at him.
There are many films having more than one Harmonium song. Several songs from such films have been already posted. Two songs from Street Singer (1938) were in the main post
And two songs each have been posted from Miss Frontier Mail (1936), Abroo (1943), Badi Bahan (1949), Sargam (1950), Deedar (1951), Humdard (1953), Barsaat Ki Raat (1960), Ek Musafir Ek Haseena (1962), Alaap(1977) ……
Apart from the scene from Padosan (1968) Akji mentioned the song “Ek Chatur Naar Badi Hoshiyaar”. You can get a fleeting glimpse of the Harmonium through the window in the song “Mere Samne Wali Khidki Mein”.
Continuing the trend … A song from NewDelhi/ Nai Dilli (1956) appeared in the main post.
Another from the film. Hopefully we will be able to sing this song soon. Till then Stay indoors; Stay safe.
Arre Bhai Nikal Ke Aao Ghar Se, Kishore Kumar, Nai Dilli (1956), Shailendra, Shankar-Jaikishan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=12&v=yClYPauGcLw&feature=emb_title
Akji,
Aparadhi (1949), a Prabhat film production; direction, story and script by Yeshwant Pethkar, lyrics Amar Verma, music Sudhir Phadke
Posting two songs from this film; more for its inaccuracy. Harmonium was banned from AIR in 1940 and the ban was lifted most probably in 1971. Both the songs are shown as broadcasted from AIR.
I may be wrong if the plot belongs to pre 1940. I have not watched the movie.
Harmonium, though relegated to the back, remains in the frame almost throughout the song.
Dil Ro Raha Hai, Sitara Kanpuri,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmzlFkdN7-Q&feature=emb_err_watch_on_yt
Harmonium is a part of the orchestra. Sarangi gets slightly an extra exposure.
Pyar Karne Walon Ke Liye Hai Duniya, Sitara Kanpuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxVpVuEAPUM
HUM AAP KE HAIN KAUN, 1994.
The Sambndi Sambdan song
Aaj hamare dil mein ajab si uljhan hai…
Kumar Sanu, Lata Mangeshkar; Ravindra Rawail, Ram Laxman.
Satish Shah, the family doctor pushes the harmonium to Aloknath,who sings and plays the instrument.
ALLARI MOGUDU, 1992, Telugu,directed by K Raghavendra Rao , starring Mohan Babu, Meena and Ramya Krishna with music by M M Keeravani, was a blockbuster and remade as
GADIBIDI GANDA, Kannada,1993
( Ravichandran, Roja,Ramya Krishna; Hamsalekha)
VEERA, Tamil, 1994
( Rajinikanth,Meena,Roja; Ilayaraja)
SAAJAN CHALE SASURAL, 1996.
( Govinda ,Karishma Kapoor,Tabu; Nadeem Shravan).
SCS has this Udit Narayan number
RamNarayan baaja bajaye…
Govinda plays harmonium sitting,standinf, dancing and is also transporting it across the river in a coral.
Venkataramanji @178,
There is going to be a ‘new normal’ when Are bhaai nikal ke aa ghar se would continue to be inappropriate. If we want to go out of our homes and dance, we have to live in Trump country, who is very smart, who has adopted the best strategy to keep everything in control, kept the numbers low, therefore, he is opening up 🙂 .
@179,
I am impressed by your rigorous adherence to history. Bollywood had hundreds of Raja-Rani Sahiba films. I was not so much into history as you are, but was curious to place them in a period and context, but I drew a blank.
Dr. Shetty @168;
Yes….surely , qawallis with harmonium will be a very tiring excercise but finding [ neemo ?] first screen qawali with harmonium is worth looking for. Is it ….Aahen na bhari shikwe na kiye bus…. ?
Secondly the subject of interest could be Mehfil with naach gana …or simple dance number instrumental with harmonium playing main leading instrument . How about these songs ?
Aaj Kyon Humse Parda Hai Sadhana……
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzbWoRmpQvQ
Marna Bhi Mohabbat Mein – Rangnath Jadhav – AZAAD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWWp3D6uHLQ
….to be contd.
AK ji, Venkatraman ji ;
Its amazing how one song can change your mood, thoughts and stir your emotions in few minutes or seconds. Throwing your head on pillow looking for trails of tears and finding ways to motivation for rest of the period.
I think in everyones life …one encounters a street singer who is having only one property to live with….and that is Harmonium. The condition of the harmonium, its worn out appearence shows how many years he has spent entertaining people by not begging !!
Keshav Lal is one such person who once taught Pradeep kumar as to how to play been ….mooving his fingers and rotating and holding been ….on the sets of Nagin. He was an excellent player of harmonium but alas could not fing regular work in bollywood. Kalyan ji Anand ji were the only one who used Keshav ‘s skills. For rest of the period he took himself to be a street singer …covering miles and miles of north india and of course important cities and towns of maharashtra. His popularity brought him to forefront and many helping hands made his life a little better. Maharashtra govt gave him a small one room house to live in….but he could survive only for a year or two.
This was a small story of his…earning thru dedications. NFTVI produced a documentry on his life and got gold medal for its content and presentation. Keshav in his best days have said to have shared dias with V Shantaram also. a number of visuals are there on YT, here is one of them…..
Keshav Lal की दर्दभरी कहानी, आप भी रो देंगे
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs8_ZJvmXYk&t=49s
….to be contd.
AK ji, Venkatraman ji ;
In continuation here is part of documentry that won golden international award…..
Keshavlal harmonium player Awards Winning Film A Bohemain Musician
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw_UQeXI6Ew
There are many clips worth visiting and making tributes to this extreme gentleman of music.
RIP irrfaan Khan one of the finest actors bollywood has ever produced
https://youtu.be/HMNeaed0uIA
Pradeepji @180,
At your service again Aaqa,
Providing link to your songs
Family get togethers, marriages etc are great fun. Bahut Nauk-jauk bhi chalti hai. Enjoyable , but harmless
I love this song. Samdan Reema Lagoo is also on the Harmonium in the later part of the song.
HUM AAP KE HAIN KAUN, 1994.
The Sambndi Sambdan song
Aaj hamare dil mein ajab si uljhan hai…
Kumar Sanu, Lata Mangeshkar; Ravindra Rawail, Ram Laxman.
Satish Shah, the family doctor pushes the harmonium to Aloknath,who sings and plays the instrument.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM87GejK5NM
SAAJAN CHALE SASURAL, 1996.
( Govinda ,Karishma Kapoor,Tabu; Nadeem Shravan).
SCS has this Udit Narayan number
RamNarayan baaja bajaye…
Govinda plays harmonium sitting,standinf, dancing and is also transporting it across the river in a coral.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cefP0MITj6k
Rahul Bhagwanji @ 185,
Good, You could find an appropriate Harmonium song to pay your homage.
RIP Irfran Khan.
Bhatiaji @ 183 &184,
Thank you for the links on Keshavlal.
All contentment and dignity.
So much to learn from them.
My tributes to the simple souls.
In continuation………..from 178 & 179………
Pradeepji posted a song (three parts) from Bhumika.
Posting another song from Bhumika (1977), Title song with Pedal Harmonium
Mera Ziskila Balam Na Aaya by Preeti Sagar, lyrics Vasant Dev, music Vanraj Bhatia
The song start at (00:41)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qojXU_XKi2M
AKJi mentioned two Harmonium songs from Devdas (1935).
“ Pahadi Sanyal sang two songs – Chhute taasir to badla hua zamana hai and Roshan hai tere dam se duniya ka parikhana – on the harmonium, at Chandramukhi’s kotha.”
It was to emphasise the secondary role of Sarangi.
Posting those two songs
Roshan Hai Tere Dam Se Duniyaa Kaa Parikaanaa, Pahadi Sanyal, Kedar Sharma, Timir Baran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9c5XUMUI40&feature=emb_title
Chhute taasir to badla hua zamana Pahadi Sanyal, Kedar Sharma, Timir Baran
hai https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=hpNP9k0Ayrk&feature=emb_title
To be continued………………….
‘ Mere banne ki…’/GHARANA/1961/Ravi /Asha, Shamshad & chorus
https://youtu.be/yULW6HpAT6Y
In continuation, moving on to some films with three Harmonium songs
Two songs were posted by Pradeepji from 5 Rifles (1974)
Another run of the mill one….. Asha Bhosle sings for I S Johar
Malmal Me Badan Mora Chamke ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=jkg9Jj5y6dU&feature=emb_title
There were three Harmonium songs in Seema (1955)
Tu pyaar ka sagar hai (Subha Khotein her debut role on the pedal Harmonium) was posted by Josephji.
Ye Duniya Gum Ka Mela Hai (a street singer on the Harmonium)was posted by Bhatiaji
I think the song Kaha Ja Raha Hain, Tu Aye Jane Wale was not posted. Balraj Sahini on the Pedal Harmonium
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-MilKDaGkI
To be continued…….
Mr Muli @185,
What a befitting song to remember Irfan Khan. We will miss him. Great loss. RIP Irfan.
KS Bhatiaji @183, 184,
What a sad end to a talented artiste. Thanks for the information about Keshav Lal and the two videos. After the music changed to electronic so many live musicians would have lost their livelihood.
Dear friends,
Just heard the sad news that Rishi Kapoor passed away this morning. RIP Rishi. A tribute to him with this Harmonium song, which has been posted earlier. Another loss in quick succession, after Irfan
Taiyab Ali pyar ka dushman haye haye by Rafi from Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), lyrics Anand Bakshi, music Laxmikant Pyarelal
RIP Rishi Kapoor.
My tributes to the departed soul with this Harmonium song.
Hai Agar Dushman Zamana Gham Nahin Hum Kisise Kum Naheen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VfxYeF8L7w
AK ji, Venkatraman ji,
What a loss!
Irfan Khan yesterday and Rishi Kapoor today!
Eternal peace for the departed souls.
As we discussed earlier, Rishi has featured in a large number of Qawwalis. Amar Akbar Anthony , the first one?
I shall post ,( most probably) the last one.
AGNEEPATH
Sukhwinder, Anand Raj Anand, Krishna Beura?; Amitabh Bhattacharya, Ajay Atul.
Shah ka rutba
Shahenshahhon si teri baat hai…
The title song of ZAMANE KO DIKHANA HAI is good.
Two fine actors in two days ….very sad….will always remember their contributions for uplifting bollywood standards in international cinema. A song to remember them for ever…..
YE ZINDAGI KE MELE – CLEAR & COMPLETE VERSION WITH LYRICS-RAFI MELA 1948)SHAKEEL -NAUSHAD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzIRsg2WNxg
Raj Kapoor in the company of a harmonium player throughout the song.
DO USTAD, 1959.
Hum pe dil aaya toh bolo kya karoge
Humne thukraya toh bolo kya karoge…
Rafi, Shamshad Begum,Asha Bhonsle ;Qamar Jalalabadi, OPN.
Why does Shamshad Begum sing just 2 lines?!
A proper surrogate song, too.
Is it Charlie playing the harmonium?
https:// youtu.be/ RPZR7yFb55l
Is it the only movie where Rafi sings all the songs for Raj Kapoor?
Harmonium strains are very prominent in
Kun faya kun
featuring Ranbir Kapoor.
ROCKSTAR.
A R Rehman, Javed Ali, Mohit Chauhan; Irshad Kamil; ARR.
ARR and Ranbir Kapoor won several awards for the movie.
Randhir Kapoor in a Qawwali, and, hence,in the company of harmonium.
HUMRAHI, 1974.
Mohabbat bhara koi paigam de..
Manna Dey, Mahinder Kapoor,Usha Timothy; Shakila Banu Bhopali, Kalyanji Anandji.
Shammi Kapoor.
ALLAH RAKHA, 1986
Parvardigar E Alam
Mohtaj hain tere hum…
Mohammad Aziz, Rajinder Krishan, Anu Malik.
Venkatraman ji;
Continuing with some songs from golden era and then will explore the special songs of your domain.i.e. 40s and 30s.
mehlon mein rehne wale hamen Rafi_Mubarak Begum_Shakeel B_Naushad_Shabab1954
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvWZ4NctdQk
Main Baharon Ki Natkhat Rani – Boot Polish (1954)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBtKmCHaHE4
Mere ghoonghar wale baal..Shamshad Begum_Shakeel B_Ghulam Mohammad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBQz6TXClCk
….to be contd.
Bhatiaji @ 196,200,
Sharp sight and plenty of patience needed to spot the Harmonium in some of the songs. Nice vintage fare.
You too are going all out in joining Pradeepji and Josephji.
Josephji @ 190
Mere Banne Ki Baat Na Puchho another nice Harmonium/ marriage song.
Thanks for posting
One from my side
Salma Ko Mil Gaya Balma, Lata Mangeshkar, Palay Khan (1986), Anand Bakshi, R D Burman,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=wlLAKMMDAGs&feature=emb_title
Pradeepji@ 197, 198
Both are nice songs, having both aural and visual presence.
Kudos for your ability to dig out appropriate songs.
The links
DO USTAD, 1959.
Hum pe dil aaya toh bolo kya karoge
Humne thukraya toh bolo kya karoge…
Rafi, Shamshad Begum,Asha Bhonsle ;Qamar Jalalabadi, OPN.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVSWt8du0zE
Kun faya kun
featuring Ranbir Kapoor.
ROCKSTAR.
A R Rehman, Javed Ali, Mohit Chauhan; Irshad Kamil; ARR.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T94PHkuydcw
@199
HUMRAHI, 1974.
Mohabbat bhara koi paigam de..
Manna Dey, Mahinder Kapoor,Usha Timothy; Shakila Banu Bhopali, Kalyanji Anandji.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiBdDOkYoV4
ALLAH RAKHA, 1986
Parvardigar E Alam
Mohtaj hain tere hum…
Mohammad Aziz, Rajinder Krishan, Anu Malik.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFk4tZEuafw
A tuppence from me
Ganga Jamuna Saraswati (1988), Prayag Raj, Anu Malik
Tere Dar Ko Chhod Chale, Apnaa Dil Ham Tod Chale, Pankaj Udhas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P32nEuv3xVM
Saajan Mera Us Paar Hai, Lata Mangeshkar, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjNfz_yFFfk&feature=emb_err_watch_on_yt
There may still be large number of harmonium songs remaining unexplored despite the rigorous efforts of many of us.
Posting few of them (most are quawwalis but some of them are. Slightly different)
1 Wada tera wada – Dushman
https://youtu.be/oomWVoK4JUc
A hugely popular number with Kaka in all black. I remember a comment by a film jorno ( do not remember his name) to the effect that Kaka’s mannerism in the song take him back to Balraj Sahani in ye meri johara jabeen
2 Hum tujhe Dhoond lenge – Mahal
https://youtu.be/cuRSO6QJeeM
Dev Anand in all red & with golden beard ( blonde ?)
3 Hal kya hai dilo ka – Anokhee Ada
https://youtu.be/jTT05JiYkiw
4 Raj ki baat kah doon to – Dharma
Another smash hit then. Bindoo caressing the bellows at the start
https://youtu.be/WYAMJV4CQ3U
5 Uparwale teri duniya mein – Haath ki Safai
Living up to the name of the film KA here complete a neat job of ripping off
Nandlal gopal daya kar do (LP) from Sadhu aur Shaitan released just 6 years before. Very rarely does one find a song filmed on Satyen kapppo
https://youtu.be/B6T8_m1WlB0
6 Na khidki na jharoka – Sharif Badmash
https://youtu.be/jfHpC6yixxA
This is unique because it uses virtual ( invisible) harmonium
Please forgive me if any of thev above is already posted
Gaana na aaya bajaana na aaya..
This song from Miss Mary (1957) was posted by Pradeepji.
Posting two more songs
Brindavan Ka Krishhan Kanhaiya, Sab Ki Aankho Ka Tara, Md.Rafi,lata Mangeshkar , Rajinder Krishan, Hemant Kumar
Not exactly a Harmonium song. Nevertheless, the harmonium appears twice, once during the prelude and again during the course of the song; gets elbowed out by the Upright Piano. Hemant Kumar based this song on the original score from the Tamil film Missiamma (1954, music S. Rajeswara Rao); one of my favourites.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgM_DmAwBa8
The other one,
Pehle Paisa Phir Bhagwan is an out and out Harmonium song;
Md.Rafi, , Rajinder Krishan, Hemant Kumar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9Qyjcjyt28
The prelude of the song Pehle Paisa Phir Bhagwan is similar to the interlude of a song from a Telugu film “Rojulu Marayi” (1955), remade as “Kaalam Maari Pochu” (1956) in Tamil. The melody was retained in the Tamil remake too. Another Tamil film “Madurai Veeran” released one month before the release of “Kaalam Maari Pochu” had a song with similar melody. And the interlude mentioned could be found in all the three versions.
Actually the Telugu and Tamil versions were based on a traditional folk melody.
We all know the story how S D Burman too was allured by the tune. The mukhda of the title song, Dekhne Mein Bhola Hai, is tuned on this South Indian folk melody.
I would post the Tamil dance number enacted by Waheeda Rehman (her first appearance in any film. You can notice the similaritY.
Yaeru pooti povaaye anne sinnane, Jikki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RJfMjq3fcU
The Tamil version Missiamma also had four Harmonium songs.
The first two song sequences were similar in both Tamil and Hindi versions.
“BrindavanamumNandakumaranum”. Hemant Kumar based Brindavan Ka Krishhan Kanhaiya on this score. The shot sequence too is similar.
A M Rajah & P Susheela, Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, S. Rajeswara Rao
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVEkHJ5bv2Q
Saami Dharmam Thalaikakkum, K Sarangkapani
The same sequence as Pehle Paisa Phir Bhagwan, the tune is different
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hAx2Io8q8k
The third song Yellaam Unakke Tahruvene, A M Rajah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=CNhiFjNGcfU&feature=emb_title
The fourth One Mudiyum Endral, A M Rajah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daJdkHGeZ00
‘ Mere dil ke…’/PHOOL AUR PATHAR/1968 /Ravi/Rafi & chorus
https://youtu.be/H42DCJx6BoY
Rahul Bhagwanji @ 204,
We are into the slog overs.
A good paddle scoop over the keeper for a six.
@76 you posted three songs from the Marathi film Jagachya Pathivar (1960). There is one more song rendered by Sudhir Phadke.
Udhava Ajab Tujhe Sarkar by Sudhir Phadke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFPWIgPPmxs
That makes it four from this film
Mr S Joseph @167, 172, 190, 207,
Thanks for addition of these songs. Baar baar tohe kya samajhaaun is my great favourite. It is a great surrogate song too.
Mr Muli @204,
You have added some great harmonium songs.
Nandlal Gopal daya kar ke/Uparwaale teri duniya mein – Aren’t both these copies of some traditoional bhajan?
Venkataramanji @205,
Waheeda Rahman’s Tamil dance to Dekhane mein bhola hai is great. But I thought her first appearance was in a Telugu film.
@206,
Thanks for posting Tamil version of Miss Mary songs.
Akji @ 211
Yes you are right. The Telugu version Rojulu Marayi was released first. And the Tamil Version Kaalam Maari Pochu was released later.
A Bengali song
Ke Tumi Ke Tumi, Manna Dey, Jiban Rahasya (1973), lyrics Pulak Bandopadhyay, music Abhijit Bandopadhyay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nP5e4RooWM
RIP Irphan Khan and Rishi Kapoor great actors of our times and beyond that outspoken personalities. (Thinning species) Feels like a personal loss.
Venkataramanji, @ 137
“Economy in expression is not my forte. I can share my simple methods (you may call them secrets) over e-mail.”
Good to know that, it will always come handy whenever need arises.
“But that won’t be necessary. Your comment @129 is proof enough for my belief.”
I was expecting that to come, because I am always cribbing about my memory.
Remembering lyrics is a different ball game altogether. It is, I think the mystery of the mind.
From very young my brother though only two years elder to me, would seriously discuss lyrics and would get mad if anyone would distort lyrics, I was a serial offender at that. That stress on lyrics made me conscious.
All three of us ( I do not how common it is) got very good at remembering songs, particularly song with good lyrics. Am still very good at picking distorted lyrics., that’s what happened at @ 129.
“Not exactly. Although she is shown struggling, she does not go off key. Actually she is shown struggling to pick up the voice modulation techniques and finer nuances of Thumri / singing for Mahfils or Majlish. In fact she is getting trained in dancing too for her to emerge as a professional Tawaif. Her singing in her earlier version (Rahe na rahe hum) can be considered as an off-the-cuff rendition; you should give this much allowance.”
Thank you for explaining it in such great detail. AK always calls himself “musically illiterate” I think I will have to invent a new word to describe my musical knowledge☹
I could not realize she was not off keys, all I could see was her struggle. Thanks once again really appreciate it
AK,
“ My understanding is Sahir gave the lyrics as it is in the film. The recording company must have committed a mistake and they let it go. It has taken someone 62 years to detect a discrepancy .”
I could not understand your understanding.
No matter how much we talk we cannot reach anywhere unless we find a record in Rafi’s voice with that lyrics.Let us end with distorting Sahir’s sher in this context
वो अफसाना जिसे अंजाम तक लाना नहीं मुमकिन
उसे एक मोड़ देकर छोड़ना अच्छा
To end with a female qawwali.
SUNEHRE DIN (1949) dil lagaakar unse yaaron Kalyani Mitra Shamshad Gyan Dutt D N Madhok
Forgot the link
https://youtu.be/kgtNVyBnL60
Mumbaikar8,
Of course, I am all for giving the discussion a ख़ूबसूरत मोड़, but you must be aware that Sahir had originally used a more difficult word for अंजाम in his original nazm, and he agreed to replace it with a more common word for the film. I don’t remember what it was because the word was not familiar to me. Do you know that word, or with your powerful dredging equipment find it for us?
Hori khele Raghuveera Awadh mein…
BAAGBAAN..
we see and hear the harmonium.
Rang barse bhigi chunarwali…
SILSILA..
I hear it distinctly, but not sure see it!
Inhi logo ne….
PAKEEZA..
I am sure I can distinctly hear the strains of harmonium.
Aao re aao Holi khelo Biraj mein..
NAMAK HARAM…
See and hear.
AKJi @214
Original word was taqmeel (तकमील)
Mr Muli,
Thanks a lot. I hope I would remember the word now.
KS Bhatiaji @103,
Your this comment didn’t appear earlier. I discovered today that it was sitting in ‘Pending’ folder. Sorry for the delay on my part. Now it is up. You made that point in @143 too. My post was about the visual aspect of the instrument, otherwise I cannot write what I have written. But, of course, there is no restriction on the readers. Only that there may be several songs with quirky picturisation of the harmonium and that gives the readers scope to write creatively.
AK ji @ 220 refers tov some quirky picturisation of the harmonium
Here is one song with quirky use of harmonium & few other unusual things
Dil Ke Tukde tukde karke – Dada – Usha Khanna
Vinod Mehara presumably snatches harmonium from the person who was playing it, & apart from playing it for few customary notes uses it tov tease Bindiy
Another thing to be noticed is that the second lead pair of Shashi Puri & Madhumalini is allowed to dance (& not make a song & dance) only & that too in interludes
Finally thogh the song had become a huge hit there was some debate on how Yesudas rendered the words chal diye
https://youtu.be/5BBBn9xV90Q
Mumbaikar @ 215,
“I was expecting that to come, because I am always cribbing about my memory.
Remembering lyrics is a different ball game altogether. It is, I think the mystery of the mind.”
Mystery of the Mind; I think there lies the answer;
But if you really do wish to tie up with a thought, then put that in your mind. It shall stay like matter, but invisible, – never to be destroyed or forgotten. This is the reason why I think certain things in life stay forever. Here lyrics.
Pradeepji @218,
Hori khele Raghuveera Awadh mein…
BAAGBAAN..
we see and hear the harmonium
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87FYp3YLEBM
Inhi logo ne….
PAKEEZA..
I am sure I can distinctly hear the strains of harmonium.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEm7GwR3hvM
The Harmonium appears Partially for a few seconds at 00: 20.
Presenting a couple from Kohram (1999), Dev Kohli, Dilip Sen-Samir Sen
I think this the first Shabad Kirtan to be posted here.
Wait patiently for the Harmonium to make its appearance.
Satanaam Vaaheguru, Baabaa Naanak Dukhiyaan De Naath Ve, Kishanpal Singh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJE2Z0LCZKg
Ik Mashuka Hai Ye Jindagi Tum Ho Isape Shaida……….Hum Hai Banaras Ke Bhaiya, Amit Kumar & Sudhesh Bhosle
Initially Nana Patekar is on the Harmonium, then it goes into the background
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNQjrHZ7L7Q
Akji, Ashwinji,
Bazaar (1949) was a musical film. There were three harmonium songs for sure. I think there was one more.
Ashwinji had posted on Qawwali song from this film.
Posting two songs- Md.Rafi, Qamar Jalalabadi, Shyam Sundar- Gope on the Harmonium
O Jaane Wale Chand,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=34&v=_4b2gw68DBg&feature=emb_title
Ye Hai Duniya Ka Bazaar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=uMfMDTVtmQo&feature=emb_title
I believe the song Nazar Se Mil Hi Jayegi was deleted from the film. I think I have seen the video of the song; Seems to be a Harmonium song, not sure. I could not locate it.
An unusual song for Shakeel Badayuni_ Ghulam Mohammad.
KUNDAN, 1955.
Aao hamare hotel mein
Chai piyo ji garam garam
Biscuit khao naram naram…
S D Batish, Sudha Malhotra.
Harmonium seen and heard throughout the song.
https:// youtu.be/PQw3fzV2MbA
Pradeepji @ 229,
Yes, it is a usual song, that too penned by Shaqeel Badayuni.
I had set aside this song for another appropriate occasion; of course it is completely in line with theme of the post.
Good that you posted it.
Here is the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQw3fzV2MbA
N Venkataraman ji,
Can I thank you enough ever?
Earlier, I should have reacted when you said, At your service, Aqa!
No, Sir, aap mujhe sharminda kar rahe hain! You do the job on my behalf without even my asking. That is your kindness and large heartedness.Genie/ Gin ko toh bulana padtha hai! You are my Go To Person. Pardon me for thanking you again.
Very little kids playing harmonium and practising sargam and alankaars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ9MtQHTq-0
Sachin,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for posting this video.
BANDI, 1957.
Three harmonium songs from the movie starring the three Ganguly brothers, Ashok, Kishore and Anup Kumar.
Rajinder Krishan, Hemant Kumar.
1. Gora badan mora, Umariya baali
Main toh gend ki daali…
Geeta Dutt.
2. Ghar ki Raunak hai gharwali
Ek path se chale na chakki
Ek haath se baje na thaali…
Geeta Dutt, Kishore Kumar.
3. Ek bade baap ke beti ko
Kal ghar ke Munshi ke sang…
Manna Dey and chorus.
Begins with the harmonium notes. Harmonium is seen/ heard till the end.
Jaam par jaam peene se kya fayda
Raat bhar pee Subah tak utar jaayegi…
Lata Mangeshkar, Kalyanji Anandji.
Jayashree T and Ramesh Deo.
Gora rang mera
Gori baahen golgol…
Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar; Indeevar; SJ.
ANKHON ANKHON MEIN, 1972.
Very little kids playing harmonium and practicing tough alankaars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA370ncMKNA
AK ji , i think its time to go for article on songs on piano accordion and harmonica together. ….and my long request for club dance numbers.
hi
I am not sure if anyone mentioned the song from Babul’ where Dilip Kumar is playing the baja and Talat mehmood is giving the playback..’husn walon ko na dil do….
oh and another one that comes to my mind is from ‘Kala Pani’ where Dev Anand and Madhubala sing this song in disguise if I am correct and Dev Anand has the baja on him…’Dilwale ab teri gali tak aa pahunche…
Tejaswita,
Welcome to SoY. ‘Husnwaalon ko na dil do’ is a perfect setting for a harmonium song. And Naushad magic, he created a wonderful piano song too in Babul – ‘Milte hi aankhen dil hua deewana kisi ka’. Dilwaale ab teri gali tak aa pahunche is a typical Harmonium song. Thanks a lot for mentioning these songs.
Thanks AK,
And then looking at the Zanjeer song ‘deewane hain deewano ko na ghar’, two songs came to my mind. One from CID, ‘leke pehla pehla pyar….
and the other from “Majboor’, ‘roothe rab ko manana aasaan hai…’
baja is quite visible in both songs:-)
Tejaswita,
Absolutely. And did you notice that the concept of Roothe rab ko manana aasan hai is inspired from Le ke pehla pehla pyar – the angry lady walking in a huff and her lover trying his best to mollify her. But there is a vital difference. In Le ke pehla pehla pyar there is a patronising attitude towards the woman; ‘despite your tantrums this enchanter is going to win over you‘. And in the end Shakeela does start pining for Dev Anand. Highly sexist. But in Roothe rab ko manana aasan hai the woman has agency, and it is very difficult to mollify her.
hahaha…
come to think of it, even the lyrics suggest the same…
In the C.I.D song…it goes like ‘sun sun baaten teri gori muskai re,aai aai dekho dekho aai hansi aayi re…
while the Majboor song makes the hero majboor and he has to say,’ maaf karo ye gussa chhodo, main haara tum jeeti…’
interesting,eh??
These two little kids are creating nursery Rhymes on harmonium and tabla. Amazed to see such young children playing these instruments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6jwWh1mBcI