I had described Mahendra Kapoor as the most unloved singer in my last post on him. I have to modify that phrase, because the comments on that post indicate that he had more passionate fans and admirers than I had realised. Despite not counting myself among his passionate fans, I have a great liking for some of his songs which I place at par with the best sung by any of his contemporaries. Chalo ek baar phir se is one such iconic song which had a post dedicated to it. Similarly, I am greatly fond of some of his duets. Some readers also added duets anyway, in their comments on the post, which was dedicated to his solos. Mahendra Kapoor story would not be complete unless I write on his best duets.
Every singer has sung great duets with Lata Mangeshkar. But his association with Ravi and OP Nayyar gave him an opportunity to sing some beautiful songs with Asha Bhosle. Besides, he has sung with a great variety of singers, some of whom are not among the top ones, yet he managed to give memorable songs with lesser known singers, too.
Let us start with the question, which is his best duet? Many readers would probably give a pat answer, Adha hai chandrama, from Navrang (1959). This is what Shekhar said first off the block. Let me say upfront that my top favourite is another song, also composed by C Ramchandra. Another great favourite is Tumhara chahanewala khuda ki duniya mein (with Asha Bhosle) from Kahin Din Kahin Raat (1968), composed by OP Nayyar. This was mentioned by Jignesh in his comments with great feeling. I entirely endorse his sentiments. The proof of how high I hold this song in my esteem is that it figured in my post on Mahnedra Kapoor’s best songs by OP Nayyar about five years ago. However, this song impacts you mainly as a solo, because Mahendra Kapoor sings the first two stanzas by himself, and Asha Bhosle comes in the third stanza. We had earlier discussed the issue of balance in male and female voices in duets, and tried to codify it in some kind of Duet Balance Index. A highly unbalanced duet to one side sounds more like a male or female solo depending on which side the song leans.
With the above preamble, let me present my favourite duets of Mahendra Kapoor.
1. Aaj madhuwatas dole (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Stree (1961), lyrics Bharat Vyas, music C Ramchandra
The time has now come to reveal the Mahendra Kapoor duet which is my top favourite by miles. Aadha hai chandrama raat aadhi is a leading song in Malkaus. Several of C Ramchandra compositions are regarded among the best examples of film songs based on classical Ragas: Ye zindagi usi ki hai in Bhimpalasi, Jaag dard-e-ishq jaag and Radha na bole na bole in Bageshree, Jab dil ko sataaye gham in Jaunpuri etc. My knowledge of classical music is zilch. My only connection with classical music is that I am deeply fond of some Ragas. I have another lay theory that if a song greatly moves me, it has to be based on one of my favourite Ragas. Aaj madhuwatas dole gives me blissful aanand, and when I try to relate it to my top favourite Ragas, it sounds like Madhmad Sarang (or Madhyamad Sarang). Surprisingly, it does not figure in the Raga Index on chandrakantha.com, nor on Rajan Parrikar’s site in the discussion on Sarang family. Therefore, I contacted KL Pandey, who has already created sensation in music circles for his monumental work on mapping Hindi film songs on classical Ragas, which is going to be published in 7 volumes as Raagopedia. He says it is Madhyamad Sarang+Megh, and further adds, Scale D# and Taal Deepchandi. I am leaving all that for the experts. (I always contact our in-house experts in such matters, but this time I wanted to maintain surprise.)
Coming to the song, you have to hum Bharat Vyas’s beautiful poetry to yourself. He could have said, Chaand ko chupchap dekho, but he uses a very uncommon lyrical word nirakho which probably enhances the quietude of the preceding word chupchap. And from where does he get Mook kaliyon se suno kuchh pranay ki paagal kahani? The silent buds, obviously, cannot tell any story of passionate love. But the mood of Madhmad Sarang is serene, and you can imagine the music of silence as SSW has said so eloquently earlier.
In films songs, the lyricists are not adequately acknowledged, and often not remembered at all. When it comes to lyrics like these, I am with Mumbaikar8 that lyricists deserve greater recognition than is given to them, including, by Songs of Yore.
आज मधुवातास डोले मधुरिमा से प्राण भर लो
चाँद को चुपचाप निरखो चांदनी में स्नान कर लो
आज मधुवातास डोले
ये चमेली सी सुगंधित रात मधु मुस्का रही
झींगुरों की बीन की झंकार पर कुछ गा रही
चहचहाते विहग भूले किस दिशा में खो गये
मौन है प्रकृति जगत के सकल प्राणी सो गये
मैं कहूं कुछ कान में तुम ध्यान कर अनजान कर लो
चाँद को चुपचाप निरखो….
आज मधुवातास डोले…
आज तुम क्यों मौन हो कुछ आज मुख से बोल दो
आज अपनी चिरलजीली लाज के पट खोल दो
मूक कलियों से सुनो कुछ प्रणय की पागल कहानी
मदभरी गीली हवा से बात कर लो कुछ सुहानी
बंद कर पलकें किसी का आज मन मन ध्यान कर लो
चाँद को चुपचाप निरखो….
आज मधुवातास डोले…
I am refraining from posting my favourite pieces in Madhmad Sarang, because this Raga is too beautiful to be dispensed with here. I plan to nudge Subodh to write on Sarang family which includes another very beautiful and close Raga, Brindavani Sarang, as soon as he comes out of his writer’s block. Other experts too should be prepared for a demanding mail from me if I don’t succeed with Subodh.
2. Dhadakane lage dil ke taaron ki duniya (with Asha Bhosle) from Dhool Ka Phool (1959), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi, music N Datta
In this film Mahendra Kapoor had four duets, three of which are immensely popular till today. Tere pyar ka aasra chahta hun (with Lata Mangeshkar) is one of the best in the category of recital/singing at a college function. There is another beautiful duet with Asha Bhosle, Jhukti ghata gaati hawa sapane jagaye. Dhadakae lage dil ke taaron ki duniya has an uncommon tune, and its slow-paced romantic mood leaves a lasting impression.
3. Apni zulfon ko sungha kar mujhe behosh karo (with Asha Bhosle) from Teen Sardar (1965), lyrics Prem Warburtani, music Hansraj Bahal
This was posted by KS Bhatia in my last post on his solos. I had heard it for first time, and was charmed by the song. It deserves a repeat mention. And I again come back to my lay theory: if a song impresses me on the first hearing, it has to be based on one of the Ragas I am deeply fond of. Bhimpalasi?
4. Mohabbat na karna zamana bura hai by (with Suman Kalyanpur) from Black Mailer (1959), lyrics Bahar Azmeri, music Iqbal
Now I invite the readers to another rarely heard song, this time with Suman Kalyanpur. Slow recital, followed by fast qawwali-style rhythmic singing is extremely enjoyable. This is another of hidden gems of Mahendra Kapoor. The music director is an equally unknown Iqbal, not to be confused with Iqbal Qureshi. I am leaving it to Arunji to fill us on Iqbal.
5. Teri zulf mein chunke champe ki kaliyaan (with Sharada) from Jaan Bachi Lakho Paye (unreleased 60s), lyrics Anjan, music Ajay-Vishwanath
Now I come to a song which must be unfamiliar to many readers. This was aired a number of times in the radio era, and it got etched in my memory. I didn’t know how to find this song again, because it was from an unreleased film, composed by obscure music directors. I have never heard of Ajay-Vishwanath since. At my request, Sudhir Kapur hunted out this song, and posted it on Atul’s site. Thanks again, Sudhirji. In spite of Sharada’s screeching, the song leaves its impact as a beautiful melody, and you would fall in love with Mahendra Kapoor’s singing.
6. In hawaaon mein in fizaaon mein tujhko mera pyar pukaare (with Asha Bhosle) from Gumrah (1963), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi, music Ravi
Now I come to the familiar territory. This film had not only the iconic Chalo ek baar phir se, it also had an equally great Mahendra Kapoor duet with Asha Bhosle. There is the happy version of the duet when Sunil Dutt and Mala Sinha are in love without any encumbrance. The second, sad version, comes when she is married to Ashok Kumar, and her past comes back to haunt her.
7. Din hain bahaar ke (with Asha Bhosle) from Waqt (1965), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi, music Ravi
Continuing the familiar territory, I come to another great composition from the same team of BR-Sahir-Ravi-Mahendra Kapoor-Asha Bhosle. Waqt was probably the first genuine multi-starrer; BR now makes a blockbuster in colour. Fate causing great calamity to the wealthy family, who all separate and live in different surroundings, and reunite in the last scene, was later done to death by Manmohan Desai. College picnic on barge in the backdrop of hills is a great sight. Sharmila Tagore has dragged along the reluctant ‘driver’-student, Shashi Kapoor, to the party, and also pulled him in to join in the romantic duet. It is a difficult choice between this song and the other duet in the film, Hum jab simat ke aapki baahon mein aa gaye, picturised on the other romantic pair, Sunil Dutt and Sadhana.
8. Aaj ki mulaqaat bas itani (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Bharosa (1963), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Ravi
It is difficult to relate Guru Dutt of Pyasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool with the one gallivanting with Asha Parekh, but 50s gave way to the escapist cinema of 60s which consolidated the formula of boy meets girl, they go around park and trees, and dance and sing, are briefly separated by the villain’s shenanigans, and reunite in the end. Probably, the use of the word ‘Bollywood’ in pejorative terms emerged during that period.
9. Badali badali duniya hai meri (with Lata Mageshkar) from Sangeet Samrat Tansen (1963), lyrics Shailendra, music SN Tripathi
SN Tripathi became synonymous with mythological and historical films in which he gave absolutely melodious songs based on classical Ragas. No one could give sweeter songs than him.
10. Tumne hansee hi hansee mein kyon dil churaya jawab do (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Ghar Basa Ke Dekho (1960), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Chitragupta
SN Triptahi’s protégé Chitragupta carries the tradition of sweetness. A less heralded composer, Chitragupta is among my top favourites.
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer: The song links have been embedded from the YouTube only for the pleasure for music lovers. This blog acknowledges that the copyright over these songs with original owners, such as Saregama India Limited and others.
{ 68 comments… read them below or add one }
A good selection. As the number was not restricted to only ten duets, I would suggest that ” Dil ki yeh arzoo thi koi dilruba mile” from Nikaah (1982) is a ‘must include’ (though I have reservations about the voice of
Salma Agha clashing somewhat jarringly). The mellifluousness that Mahendra Kapoor brought to this melody was something special. An outstanding composition from Ravi, who contributed the maximum to Mahendra Kapoor’s repertoire.
Lovely selection, AK. There were three songs there – towards the beginning of the post – that I had never heard before, but all good, too. So glad you added Tumne hansee hi hansee mein – a song that deserves to be better-known.
Let me add my two cents here; I don’t know whether I suggested this song in your Mahendra Kapoor solos post, but I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s one of my favourite romantic songs, and my favourite Mahendra Kapoor song. Chaand bhi koi deewaana hai from Pyaas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RtlSoLhSiE
And, another favourite, Jhukti ghata gaati hawa from Dhool ka Phool:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlgA9t6pfwg
AK Ji,Again a nice post.Aaj Madhu Watas Dole is simply superb.I may be permitted to add few more duets of my choice.
1-Ghar Basake Dekho-Ae Mere Pyar Bata-Lata
2-Pyaas-Jigar Me Dard Kaisa-Kamal Barot
3-Juari-Na Jaane Kya Karegi Teri-Lata
4-Woh Kaun Thi-Chhod Kar Tere Pyar Ka Daman-Asha
There is one chorus also from Godaan with Geeta Dutt which may not be qualified to be mentioned here but is on my favorite’s list.It is -O Bedardi Kyon Tadpaye
Thanks, AK, for completing your writing and selection on MK, and a good selection it is, even though there are a couple of never-heard-before duets and a few others not there which should have been included but then there are others far better qualified to identify them in further feedback sure to follow.
I rate the Gumraah duet as easily the best of MK’s romantic duets, including its desolate version which is more like a solo.
Let me just add in concluding that while MK was a good singer with a unique voice – I never found any similarity between him and Rafi, either in voice or singing style, and had a few outstanding songs topped of course by Chalo Ek Baar, he sang far too many ordinary songs, and overall I did not much care about him. In that sense, your sobriquet “the most unloved” finds echo with me at least!
Beg your pardon AK Ji,
Once you have revived the memory of Teen Sardar duet,I am unable to resist adding one more duet with Usha Mangeshkar from this movie.Tum Jo Mil Jao
https://youtu.be/TYh03qQVviY?t=31
Mahendra Kapoor does get much deserved due this time.
Aaj Madhuwatas Dole was certainly at the top when we were on his solo songs post.
All the selections that have laid emphasis on his rarer duets indeed does justice to the range that he could command.
Also, during the discussion w.r.t. Mahnedra Kapoor’s solo post, I had broached upon the subject of his duet songs where he would have benefited partnering with Lata on account of Lata – Rafi tiff in the early 60s.
I am not sure whether this song would fall into that category, becuase the film also had a Talat – Lata Duet [Tu Roop Ki Ranni Main Choron Ka Raahja],but apart form Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (Sangam) another one that was in my mind was :
O Kahan Jaate Hai Woh – Roop Ki Raani Choron Ka Raaja (1961)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFGDPt0nADM
Dear Mr Rajan,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Dil ki ye arzoo thi is very good song. There is some mismatch in the voice of Mahendra Kapoor and Salma Agha. Such mismatch is found also in his duets with Kamal Barot (Jigar mein dard kaisa mentioned by Rakesh Srivastava) and with Sharda which I have added. The lady’s voice is at times jarring, but Mahendra Kapoor makes up for that.
Madhu,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Some rarer duets came in because theses have been my favourites, and I wanted these to be known in case some readers have not heard them.
No, you didn’t mention this song in the comment on my solo post. Chaand bhi koi deewana hai is a noice song. It was new for me. Jhukti ghata gaati hawa gaati hawa sapne jagaye is also my favourite. I mentioned it in my write up.
Rakesh Srivastava,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. All the songs you have added are my favourites. On Chitragupta, I find another absolutely melodious song. It had slipped from my memory because it is somewhat unbalanced in favour of Lata Mangeshkar and, hence, its imprint in my mind was as her solo. But since it is technically a duet with Mahendra Kapoor I must post it here.
Haye re tere chancha nainwa from Oonche Log
O bedardi kyun tadpaye is a very good song, but I would not include it in the list of Mahendra Kapoor duets.
Dinesh,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I also hold that his voice was unique and very distinct from Rafi, unlike Suman Kalyanpur who was often indistinguishable from Lata Mangeshkar. Whether he was loved or not, his best is as good as best by anyone. When I was working on this post I had a shortlist of 30 songs. Therefore, at least there are ten more which can easily replace some songs of this list.
Ashokji,
O kahan jaate hain wo is a very nice song. I remember your point about Rafi-Lata rift possibly helping Mahendra Kapoor as it helped Suman Kalyanpur as a replacement for Lata Mangeshkar. Let me submit a somewhat different viewpoint. There is no question that Suman Kalyanpur got a lifetime opportunity to sing some wonderful duets with Rafi, because she became a very handy and convincing Lata proxy. However, the corresponding equation with MK becoming a proxy for Rafi was not true. Rafi was a fixed. The difficulty with MDs was finding a substitute for Lata. Therefore, whatever MK got to sing with LM was on his own merit. In any case he had outstanding duets with Asha Bhosle because of BR Chopra and Ravi having some issues with Rafi/Lata.
AK jI,
I love this duet also from Aasman Mahal sung with Vijaya Majumdar-Main Aahen Bhar Nahi Sakta,Mai Naghme Gaa Nahi Sakta
Beautiful composition of Majaz nazm by J P Kaushik
https://youtu.be/6gh8G9CO2ao?t=8
Some ‘new’ songs, some old favourites (regardless of MK)… it’s a good beginning to my day. 🙂
Some other MK duets that I like include the one that Madhu has already posted, from Pyaas. I also like this song from Aadmi aur Insaan (without the irritating ‘la la la’ from Asha):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DluAg0RGtRA&index=10&list=PLBub30mW43OG9PmWVFJpJFlvt5gE2G8sg
This one from Zindagi aur Maut
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MQlso1ww9Y&index=17&list=PLBub30mW43OG9PmWVFJpJFlvt5gE2G8sg
And while this is not the best song in a film that boasted stellar compositions, it’s a pleasant song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlmgkK8a3uQ
Good selection. Duets from Parivar can be considered especially the one with Lata Humne jo dekhe sapne which was immensely popular. So also the earlier mentioned one from Roop ki rani…There is a lovely duet with Lata in Night in London.Then Jaana hai to jaao from Bandhan also was a hit.At least one song of OP should have featured either from Dil aur Mohabbat or CID 909 if not Kahin Din Kahin Raat or even there is one in Kismat also.
A K ji;
A Very thoughtful selection of the MK duets , they all are lovable songs . In fact there is no limit of such gems of duets ; the more you explore the more you get . I am listing a few lovely duets ,hope every passionate listener would like them .
1. Dhoonde nazar nazar……Asha, MK…Dilli ka dada ….N. Dutta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmgriBwTcLs
2.Ga rahi hai zindgi…….Asha , MK….Aanchal……CR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6BoTRRr55s
3. Do nain mile do phul khile…Asha, MK…Ghunghat……Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVGm1P-a7U4
4. Rangeen fiza hai…….Asha, MK……Bahu Beti……Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj_xR_ECAdw
……more to follow…..
AK Ji,
What a pleasant surprise, as I was thinking that the post on Mahendra Kapoor duets was very much on your radar, but it came much earlier than I expected.
Excellent selection of songs, and was pleased to find Aaj Madhuvatas on top, as it’s a great favorite of mine as well. The two rare duets mentioned by you are also a first time heard for me, and my congratulations for your selection.
Two rare duets have been mentioned by Rakesh Shrivastava Ji, which I had also thought about, both very favorites
I am picking some favorites from mythological films firstly, which are my favorite songs, and some more I’ll be posting thereafter.
As I write, this day is the birthday of SN Tripathi, so my first song is composed by him from Jadu Nagri, sung by Asha and Mahendra Kapoor
Jadu bhare tore naina kateele
https://youtu.be/cRfoWyMp2ks
Secondly,
Lata and Mahendra Kapoor from Amar Jyoti
Jhan jhan jhan baje payaliya
https://youtu.be/f93oYndb6
Thirdly
One more from Amar Jyoti by Lata and Mahendra Kapoor
Kalpana ke ghan
https://youtu.be/cRfoWyMp2ks
A favorite from Gopal Krishna by Krishna Kalle and Mahendra Kapoor
Dekho Radha hamari gori
https://youtu.be/cugLmTvGKmA
Lata and Mahendra Kapoor from Bharat Milap
Chandrama ja un se keh de
https://youtu.be/m8XwKyv68vc
Will continue
AK “Aaj madhuvantas” is a grand song. Madhmad sarang and Megh have the same scale , to me it sounds like Megh but I’ll have to pay more attention to be sure. In concert pitch comparison the song seems tuned more to E rather than D# but it could be that youtube is stepping up the scale by a semitone. I count 7 beats to the measure so it could be very well be Deepchandi which is 14 beats but my knowledge of taal is very sketchy.
Rakesh Srivastava,
Thanks for refreshing the memory of Main naghme ga nahi sakta. It had figured in the comments on my post on Songs of Atariya. It is a double atariya song at that; perhaps only one of its kind where both the man and the lady are singing/reciting to each other from their balconies. This song was mentioned Arvinder Sharmaji.
Anu,
If you like O neele parbaton ki dhara, Asha Bhosle’s ‘O la lala la la’ is a part of the package. Goes with the surroundings. Dil laga kar hum ye samajhe is perhaps not a duet. It has twin single versions in the voice of Mahendra Kapoor and Asha Bhosle. Chhod kar tere pyar ka daaman is a very good song as far as it goes, but it was impossible for any song to match Lag ja gale.
KB,
All the songs and films you have mentioned are very nice, and most of them were in my shortlist from which I made the final selection. I should have made a more conscious effort to include an OP Nayyar composition. Let us enjoy this dance song which is a triad, and Mahendra Kapoor enters somewhat late.
Dhadka to hoga dil zaroor by Mahendra Kapoor, Asha Bhosle and Kamal Barot from CID 90o (1967), lyrics Aziz Kashmiri, music OP Nayar
KS Bhatiaji,
These are wonderful songs. Thanks for mentioning them. Looking forward to your next instalment.
Arvinder Sharmaji,
Thanks for adding some great songs. Except Kalpana ke ghan, other songs were new to me. However, some of the links you have given have error. YT have taken off the link of Jhan jhan baaje payaliya. Here is another link for the same song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f93oYndb6Qc
Kalpana ke ghan is a repeat of Jaadu bhare tore nain. I am giving its correct link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-ZXBFoJTH4
SSW,
My identification as Madhmad Sarang is as a lay listener having heard some pieces in this Raag which I like immensely, such as Pt Jasraj’s Rasik ni Radha palna jhoole or Veena Sahasrabudhe’s Rang de rangrejawa. I understand Rang de rangrejawa is a traditional composition sung by many singers across gharanas in the same Raga. Beyond this, I would wait for experts to join in the debate.
I am no great admirer of MK, but going through the list I realize that each of the songs has a high recall value – which is good for me, as I am seeing this post in my office where I don’t have sound. The area of my home is served only by BSNL, and their service has nosedived over the last few months even by their own low standards.
Hopefully the connection at home will work long enough for me to play the first song in the list, which I don’t recall.
Waiting for a miracle to get back properly on line and contribute meaningfully to SoY.
Sri AK, Thanks for including an OP song. Onesong I forgot to mention was from GHAR BASAKE DEKHO with Lata Tumne hase hi hasile filmed on Manoj Kumar.
Subodh,
It is surprising that Internet limitation should be keeping you away from SoY in one of the most modern cities in the country. The office thing is not clear to me. You are the boss, you can always get a sound card installed and listen to the music through headphone/earphone. I am sure you have noted my nudge on Madhmad Sarang at the end of song #1.
KB,
You are welcome. Tumne hansee hi hansee mein is already included in the post at #10.
Dustedoff @2 ;
A fab. duet song you have posted from Pyaas …..chaand bhi koi deewana hai….just heard for the first time and enjoyed its slow rhythm and melody.
Very few people know that MK gave playback for Kishore kumar as well . Here is a duet of MK with Asha’ji from Albela Mastana
…..Humne to dil bichha diya…….N. Datta……
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4LC9MDmrTs
AKji,
The first song is a revelation for me. What a song!!
CR was always one of my favourite, but the more he is discovered on SoY, his popularity keeps on rising for me.
As promised during the talent hunt contest which MK won, CR gave him a decent run. It seems that this contest turned out to be tailor made for MK, as he was trained by Rafi and judged by five stalwarts of film music, after that there was no stopping him.
As Holi is near here is one quintessential holi song –
ARE JA RE HAT NATKHAT,AYA HOLI -ASHA -MAHENDRA KAPOOR (NAVRANG 1959)-BHARAT VYAS -C RAMCHANDRA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnayLSAKHIM
Another beautiful unbalanced duet where MK made his presence felt –
MD:Ramlal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxc2P5j7SVk
AK ji ;
Here are two high quality duets that are fav. of mine where MK has excelled himself in beautiful rendering ; in fact showing the domination .
1. Dhoonde tujko nain deewane……MK, Lata ji….Jab yaad kisi ki aati hai….Madan mohan .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skhyg_XK_2k
2. Agar mujhe naa mili tum…….MK, Asha ji…..Kaajal……..Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYoyH6I3cVA
Siddharth,
I am happy that you are as impressed by Aaj madhuwatas dole as I have been. The Navrang Holi song is a landmark song, and it has figured earlier on SoY on Holi last year. The unbalanced duet does have a problem, because I remembered Geet gaya pattharon ne primarily as a Kishori Amonkar solo. As an aside, I always wondered what was Kishori Amonkar doing singing a routine film song.
KS Bhatiaji,
Agar mili na mujhe tum is also my favourite. Thanks for adding it.
Sri AK, Among other stars he sang quite a few duets for Biswajeet & Jeetendra apart from Manoj Kumar. For Rajesh he sang devotional songs as in MAALIK. But apart from these stars his real hits were for some unknown actors which are remembered today although the actor could not indeed be identified.It is very interesting to know from above that he sang for Kishore Kumar also.
I am not sure whether this is mentioned already but I saw it in a post by Dustedoff on Geeta Dutt duets. It is from Godaan 1963 http://youtu.be/3ztrTUjhsoM
Gaddeswarupji,
O bedardi is a nice song. It has not been mentioned earlier. Thanks.
AK Ji.
Many thanks for correcting my errors.
Some very melodious Mahendra Kapoor duets have been posted by Bhatia Ji, which are all great favorites, as Bhatia Ji has been a great Humsafar of mine, in the journey to discover Mahendra Kapoor songs on SoY.
It’s a pleasure to recall some very interesting discussions on your post, Mahendra Kapoor songs for OP Naiyyar, between us last year, and many of MK songs were discussed by Bhatia Ji, mumbaikar8 and myself.
Now coming back to MK duets for OPN, Tumhara chahne Wala is an ever favorite. As you rightly mentioned, most of MK songs were filmed on not the top grade heroes. By the time OP Naiyyar took him under his fold, even the MD was not getting any top banner movies. But some of his very melodious work for MK and Asha was still there in the films, categorized as C grade in the Hindi film world.
For OP Naiyyar with Mahendra Kapoor, I’ll present my favorites, two duets are from Dil Aur Mohabbat, and one from CID 909, all with Asha
Kahan se laayi ho janeman from Dil Aur Mohabbat
https://youtu.be/qgPJm-Hb4nw
Haath aaya hai jab se Tera haath me from Dil Aur Mohabbat
https://youtu.be/cOsm7mqYpNs
Jaan e tamanna kya kar dala from CID 909
https://youtu.be/qPF5jbk3I2o
Will continue…
AK Ji and Gaddeswarup Ji,
O bedardi kyon tadpaye by Geeta Dutt and Mahendra Kapoor from Godaan has been mentioned by Rakesh Shrivastava Ji at comment 3 above.
Thanks
Continuing with some more MK duets, now some songs, which seem lost despite being melodious
Stella o Stella from The Return Of The Superman, with Meena Kapoor, composed by Anil Biswas
https://youtu.be/AqvX6EVwrRo
Chale Kahan ho meri dhadkane with Suman Kalyanpur from Tasveer, composed by C Ramchandra
https://youtu.be/PLsM0f6mIzc
Jhuk jhuk jhola khaye re badariya with Lata from Do Behnen, composed by Vasant Desai
https://youtu.be/_WwvopjMTeM
Suniye Jana, kya pyar me sharmana with Lata from Aakashdeep
https://youtu.be/ezu5psYlgIs
AK Ji,
My final post is reserved for songs composed by Hansraj Behl, who despite being a great composer, was compelled to give music for C grade, and low budget films.
Firstly, a song, which was there in my mind for so many years, but found it only on YouTube last year.
Murli teri, payal meri with Lata from Sawan
https://youtu.be/LCdfij7R1a4
Kitna haseen mera piya haaye Allah with Kamal Barot from Sunehra Jaal
https://youtu.be/o9ZBv9nEBkA
Rasiya o rasiya with Asha from Dara Singh
https://youtu.be/cmz-TEGG4Qc
And finally
Tere haathon me apni Zindagi ka saaz dete hain from Ek Din Ka Badshah
https://youtu.be/uA-hj-aAv9M
I’m not much of a Mahendra Kapoor fan but this is certainly a great set of songs. “Aaj madhuwatas dole” is a masterpiece and a long-time favorite, but my absolute favorite Lata-MK duet is “aaja re mere pyar ke rahi” from Oonche Log.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lu6na2pOUo
Another sweet song by the same combo that I’m rather fond of is “O chanda aaj ki raat na dhalna” from Mahabharat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg-eoDV5KmI
And finally a gorgeous Asha-MK number from “Subhadra Haran” – “Nain bawre hone lage”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xcrp2XAHuSo
Forgot to mention this delightful Suman -MK duet “wo dekho dekh raha tha papiha” from Fariyad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1m4TUlIqxI
Arvinder Sharma ji ;
Yes , we had quite a long discussion on MK songs…. of which swaping of songs vis a vis Rafi bore fruitful results . Beside OPN I think the major factor contributing to MK’s success were Sahir , Ravi combo as they had hold over the A grade movies that attracted the audience and listeners of quality products. Browsing thru all these songs of the lesser known MDs and lesser known films of the 60’s shows how MK struggled hard to get himself imprinted in bollywood at a gentle pace and there after making a mark in the film industry .
Coming back to MK duet songs …..all the songs posted by your good self are fab.and are fav. of mine as well . Jhuk jhuk jhola kahey…..is one of my fa. MK duet song for the reason no word is uttered by MK and it seems he is leading the chorus . Over all a beautiful composition and its picturisation .
To make a continuity of the duet songs, here are a few more…
1. Mil gaye milne wale……MK, Asha…..Miya biwi razi……SDB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDvRTOLo0MQ
2. Deewana keh ke logon ne…..MK, Lata……Majboor….KA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDIHKP6IGVM
3. Mujhko teri talash hai……MK, Asha…..Minister…..MM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT_JGz_jAPE
This is a very long duet comprising of various sub songs .
4. Gham ki aag mein……MK, Geeta Dutt…..Pareeksha….SN Tripathi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX5twW3QOEI
5. O Mr Johnny mizaz kaisa hai….MK, Geeta dutt…..Tarzan and captain kishore……..Manohar lal , S .Kishan .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1QQ9tYmDts
6. Jee tum hi kahedo ….MK, Suman kalyanpur….Pareeksha…S N Tripathi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_28yQcfcWE
7. Janam janam ka saath hamaara….MK, Suman…..Been ka jadoo…SNT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QO4XjoFgJs
……..will continue…..
Arvinder Sharmaji,
Kitna haseen has been an eternal favourite. This song, too, Sudhir Kapur ferretet out and posted on Atul’s site, and I posted it in my post on Kamal Barot. Other songs were new to me. All had fantastic dances. Thanks a lot.
Shalini,
Thanks for posting these beautiful duets. O chanda aaj ki raat na dhalna was new to me.
KS Bhatiaji,
Thanks a lot for theses bounties. #7 is a great song. It would have figured in my list, but it had been discussed very prominently in SoY’s fifth anniversary post because of its similarity with Rani Roopmati‘s duet Phool bagiya mein bulbul bole. Other songs were new for me. Mil gaye milnewale is unique. It is preceded by the recital of Abdul Karim Khan’s iconic thumri Piya bin nahi aawat chain (which was also sung by KL Saigal in Devdas).
AK ji ;
Thanks for your appreciation and thanks also for the additional information on …mil gaye milnewale…song . I am at a lost whether the pre -recital was required for this song.
Yes, Phool bagiyan mein bulbul bole…is very much similar to …Janam janam ka saath hamaara. To me S N Tripathi and Chitragupt belongs to same league. There is one more song by the same tune composed by Chitragupt which I am not able to recall just now , will post later after recall.
AK Ji,
Many thanks for your kind words.
Bhatia Ji,
Another lovely bouquet of lost MK duets from you Sir, and my very favorite is Mujhko Teri talash hai. Now it’s quite obvious that many of lost MK duets were from mythological and fantasy films, where resources were constrained, and as such, the songs couldn’t be given a push to get them more popular.
About your quest of a song similar to Phul bagiya me by SN Tripathi, a few just came to my mind, all Lata solos.
Kajra Na dekhe gajra Na dekhe
Sainya haai haai haai tere gaon me
Both by Chitragupta and
O saanware aaja’ Pyar liye by Dilip Dholakia, who was an assistant to Chitragupta.
Shalini Ji,
All songs you have posted are just beautiful
O chanda from Mahabharat was also in my list but I forgot to mention.
But the lovely song from Subhadra Haran was a first time heard for me, and I liked it immensely. Thanks for posting.
Arvinder ji;
Thanks for the multiple choices of the AK ji’s substitute song….Phool bagiya mein bulbul bole . I think all the songs fit in and best fitted is saiyan haai haai haai tere gaon mein . Another song from the same period that is coming in my mind is Suman kalyanpur ‘s song from Hercules …..Ja ja jaare beiman tuj sa balam meri kasam….with N. Dutta as its MD.
Its a fun to look out for fantasy and mythological movie songs irrespective of they being B or C grade movies. Such movies do carry some marvelous songs which are good to hear again and again.
Till I explore more of such hidden songs here are a few more duets of MK .
1.Aapne apna banaya mehrbani aapki…..MK, Lata…..Dulhan ek raat ki…..Madan mohan .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR7MSviwlC0
2. Zis ke sapne hameyen roz ….MK, Lata……Geet…..KA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6rvgCNwQ20
3. Maine aur kya kiya…..MK, Asha…Dadi maa…..Roshan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKcs2FK5OUo
4. Apni ankhoan ke …..MK, Asha….Man ka meet…..Ravi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKzkIsQNwdw
…..more to follow….
Well done AK! So many hidden gems, and many more contributed by your readers. Superb songs!
A few duets which I love are -“Zindagi Ittefaq Hai” ,which has Asha going beserk and MK with his pessimistic interjections. I love this song for the reversal of roles, with MK being composed.
Two other duets are male duets-The outstanding “Jo Diya Tha tum ne ek din” with Hemant Kumar and of course the controversial “Kaisee haseen aaj” from Aadmi.
IMHO, tumhara chahne wala is terrific.(2 antaras of MK and one of Asha-but alas Asha’s entry sweeps MK away).
Karthik,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I came to know for the first time that Jo diya tha tumne ek din also had Hemant Kumar. The reason became clear. HK comes after a long solo by MK. The radio didn’t have patience to broadcast the whole song. It was always broadcast as a solo. A very nice all male duet is Usko nahi dekha humne kabhi from Dadi Ma.
I am fully with you that Tumhara chahanewala is a wonderful song. But I am not convinced that AB does chhutti of MK. By the time she enters, the song has already created impact as an MK solo.
This is one song I like-(biased by my extreme love for Vasant Desai)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-ZXBFoJTH4&list=PLq-TRph6apsKTRZmPT7GP86NOMoc19OtW&index=35
Zindagi ittefaq hai I feel was both a solo and a duet.However in this discussion Aadmi aur insaan did not became so vivsible.Thanks for bringing it into discussion since Zindagi ittefaq hai was perhaps a rage at that time.
Comment 9 AK says, “I also hold that his voice was unique and very distinct from Rafi, unlike Suman Kalyanpur who was often indistinguishable from Lata Mangeshkar. Whether he was loved or not, his best is as good as best by anyone” and I am satisfied with it. However I would like to say the voice of Mahnedra K had more weight than his contemporary artists had, it was solid and did not laboured on the high notes. For me Rafi’s “Bhagwan…” in Baiju Bawara” laboured at the top and was likely todamge him.Bu the voice of Mahendra it gave easiness in singing out clearly and he did that song from “Stree” very sweetly.
The post is very matureed well balanced and have good appreciative remarks from most of the comments.
Shalan
Shalan Lal,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Chitrapatsangeet @46 ;
What a delight to hear the song…..Kalpana ke ghan baraste…. after a long time . A superb creation by Vasant Desai and beautifully sung by MK and Lata ji . The best duet till date .
In continuation of songs @ 43 ;
1. Dheere dheere bol koi sun lega…..MK, Asha…..Ram aur Sham…Naushad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U463JXWpjsA
2. In taron ki mehfil mein ….MK, Lata….Police Detective….Chitragupt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eze_iiCqVhk
3. Sun re o chhalliya…..Geeta dutt , MK….Lady of the Lake….Suresh Talwar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVtKQGleB2A
4. Hume to maar diya….MK, Krishna kalle….Hum kahan ja rahe hain….Vasant Prakash .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpGR0IHRlO4
5. Mere sarkar meri ahon ka asar ….MK, Krishna Kalle….Shikar…SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAigUFZmt_Q
6. Phool ban jaunga ….MK, Lata…Pyar kiye ja….LP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfVq2uic-wU
7. Milte hi rahenge hum…MK, lata…….Abhinetri….LP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpPd9OJ02hg
8. Zara sambhaliye adayen aapki…..MK, Lata…..Bada Aadmi….Chitragupt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai-PMEEQc08
…..more to follow….
Thank you ksbhatia ji, glad you liked it! Such a lovely song it is.
AK ji ;
A very different duets ; a change from the main course .
1. Sambhalo dil jara….MK, Geeta Dutt….Dil bhi tera hum bhi tere….KA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG7NOWJxhMs
2. Stella o stella…..MK, Meena Kapoor….Return of Mr. Superman….Anil Biswas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqvX6EVwrRo
AKji,
A good selection of familiar and unfamiliar duets of Mahendra Kapoor. The song Apni zulfon ko sungha kar mujhe behosh karo was new to me. Thanks to both Bhatiaji and you. The pick of the lot was no doubt Aaj madhuvatas dole. A great song. Another song which appealed to me was the Jhinjhoti based number Badali badali duniya hai meri. Thanks for the wonderful treat. Since I have come in late, I find that the songs that I would have liked to mention have been already posted. In your earlier post on MK you mentioned two duets from the film Madmast, Kisi ke zulm ki tasweer hai majdoor ki basi with Dhan Indorewaala and a qawwali Unhe Dekhen Toh Woh Muh PherKar Ke Muskurate Hain with S D Batish from the film Madmast (1953), composed by V Balsara. I believe these two duets must have been his first recorded song(s). I would like to post a duet from the film Lalkar, also mentioned by you in your last post.
Is man Ki Nagariya Se with Sabita Banerjee, film Lalkaar (1956), lyrics Pt.Madhur, music Sanmukh Baba
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y5nM0VIEyE
The mention of the song Usko nahi dekha humne kabhi from Dadi Ma, stirred some emotional chord in me. Here I present an all male duet from a Bhojpuri film, one of my finest favourites. Great song and lyrics. Even with my limited understanding of the language, the song made an impact on first hearing.
Hansi Hansi Panwa Khiyawale Beimanwa with Manna Dey, Film Bidesiya (1963), Lyrics Bikhari Thakur, music S N Tripathi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k20HGsWfxgY
Many more wonderful duets of MK have been posted by Bhatiaji, Arvinderji and others. Some of them were new to me. Rangeen Fiza Hai, Dhoonde Tujhko Nain Deewane, Agar Mujhe Naa Mili Tum To Main, Kalpana Ke Ghan Baraste, Ae Chandrama Jaa Unse Kehde Kitna Haseen Mera Piyaa Haaye Allahare some of the wonderful additions I enjoyed listening to. Many thanks to Bhatiaji and Arvinderji for digging out the hidden gems.
Bhatia Ji has made a relevant observation about the song Jhuk Jhuk Jhola Khaye. A nice song. Kahan Se Lai is more a MK solo; Asha Bhosle has a passing presence in this song. Similarly Haath Aaya Hai is more an Asha Bhosle’s song. Nevertheless enjoyed listening to the songs.
Let me try to add a few more, may not live up to gems presented by others. Here is a duet with Nutan.
Oh My Darling Oh My Sweety with Nutan, film Chhabili (1960), lyrics S Ratan, music snehal Bhatkar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPnuMuAqbmc
Bombay Central Par with Asha Bhosle, film Pathaan (1962), lyrics Najeem Jaipuri, music Dutt Raj – Shyam Babu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO1r7zvc1H0
Finally the song which I had mentioned earlier,
Ae Maa Teri Surat Se Alag,bhagwan ki surat kya hogi. With Manna Dey, film Daadi Maa (1966),lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music Roshan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YRa6t7lb0I
Wanted to make an addition. – all male duet by mk and balbirhttps://youtu.be/iHg4NyFIFZM
Holi Greetings to all SoY friends, and an appropriate post with an appropriate song, though much heard
Mahendra Kapoor with Asha Bhonsle from Navrang, composed by C Ramchandra and penned by Bharat Vyas
https://youtu.be/DnayLSAKHIM
Venkataramanji,
Thanks a lot for your detailed comments and the songs you have added. Hansi hansi panwa has been my great favourite. I remembered only Manna Dey’s voice in it. It was a pleasant surprise to find Mahendra Kapoor’s voice, though it is Manna Dey who creates everlasting impact.
Venkatraman ji ;
Thanks for liking the dug in MK gems of duets . You must have noticed quite a number of songs were already mentioned by another great perfectionist and follower Arvinder Sharmaji . The songs from chhabili and Pathan posted by you are new to me .
As we all know there were a number of low budget movies which were produced during 50s thru mid 60s to entertain a particular type of masses . As such the market during that time was flooded with Stunt , Mythological , fantasy and social movies which were made with low paid Cast , technitions and music directors . It was a great chance to prove themselves of their talent and as such quite a number of lesser known MDs cropped up to put forward their best . Hansraj Behl , SNTripathi and Chitragupt were the main runner among the rest .
Here is a cross section of another bunch of songs which partly covers the trend of music during that time .
1.Mastana ada lekar…..MK , Kamal barot…..Teen sardar….Hansraj Behl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLcJP_esiJ4&index=78&list=PLAPlaB8DCCE1Z4XXt7kQmw3RKjCsHzZX3
2.Aise to hame dekha….MK, Asha….Sher Khan….SNT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGGyQAl6_J4&index=77&list=PLAPlaB8DCCE1Z4XXt7kQmw3RKjCsHzZX3
3.Tere pyar ka main deewana….MK, Suman kalyanpur…Bombay race course…..MM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHYU6FYQk68
4.Reshmi hawaon ke kafile chale……MK, Asha….Tarzan aur Jadoogar….Suresh Talwar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLRAWji9wMM&list=PLAPlaB8DCCE1Z4XXt7kQmw3RKjCsHzZX3&index=36
….It is a funny thing to note that MK utter only a part of the interlude .
5.Tere hatho me…MK, Asha…Ek din ka Badshah……Hansraj Behl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA-hj-aAv9M&index=15&list=PLAPlaB8DCCE1Z4XXt7kQmw3RKjCsHzZX3
……this song was very popular during Radio days in the mid 60s .
6.Khubsoorat badan….MK, Krishna Kalle….Bombay by nite…..Iqbal Qureshi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZcOWWd_K90
7.Udde panchhi toli mein….MK, Usha …Mehndi lagi mere haath….KA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwwAu7k5Yiw
8. Na maanogi fight karega…..MK, Geeta dutt….Lady Robinhood….Sardul Kwatra .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ez8rXK3L-4
9. Tum aaye to humko….MK, Asha…[ Private ?]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgFIpi0fvls&index=32&list=PL346765036E25AFD0
10.Patli kamar tirchi nazar….MK, Sharda…..Chooron ka chor….Dattaram.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqHy-f4hHhA&list=PL346765036E25AFD0&index=22
11. Duniya se duniyan waloan se…..MK, Asha……Bhagawat…..MD[?]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO4eec6Qe9g&list=PL346765036E25AFD0
12. Aaja meri jaan tere qurban….MK, Usha…..Umeed……Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFgRJXqZhBk&list=PL346765036E25AFD0&index=19
……and more to follow….
Bhatiaji,
Yes, I have noticed and acknowledged Arvinderji’s contribution as well.
Thanks for the additions.
I am sure there will be many more great admirers of MK, like yourself and Arvinderji and MK will never remain unloved. Already we are witnessing his transition from “the most unloved” to “not so unloved”. Apart from Hans I too will like to join the group. Yummmmmmaaa.
Bhatia Ji
Sir many many thanks for your kind words, and I really cherish the memories of sharing songs and musical exchanges with you and all friends at SoY.
Venkataraman Ji,
It a real delight to have you with us Sir, and the minority group is gaining strength, I believe
AK, referring to my post number 15 on the key of “Aaj madhuvatas dole”, where I said the key seemed to be E instead of D# as specified by Mr. K L Pandey. Mr. Pandey is right, as he would have listened to the original record, whereas I picked the key from the youtube recording you provided. The problem here is the technology used to transfer a film shot at 24 frames per second to a PAL format for the TV and then transfer it to a VHS, DVD format etc for youtube. PAL TVs project at 25 frames a second and therefore the film projection is speeded up by 4% (25 frames a second). This results in the movie being 4% shorter and the sound sharpened by almost a semitone. I found this by chance while trying to pick up another song and found that the song on the record and the song on youtube were differing from each other by a semitone. So I read up a bit and found this is a well known problem associated with PAL transfers. Here is a page which explains the issue
http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/Articles/PALSpeedUp/PALSpeedUp.asp
SSW,
Thanks a lot for this enlightening article. I guess only experts of your level would be able to make out such micro differences.
AK’ji , Arvinder Sharma’ ji ;
There are two wonders in Devanad ‘ career . One that Naushad never had a chance to give music for his films or productions and secondly Mohindra kapoor has given playback for him in one of his starred movie.
…..O kahan jaate hain woh…..Lata, MK….Roop ki raani choran ka raaja..SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFGDPt0nADM
KS Bhatiaji,
Naushad had almost zero for Geeta Dutt and Manna Dey too. Mahnedra Kapoor must have sung for all the big three, including Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor.
Hi,
The link mentioned above no longer exists https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4LC9MDmrTs
Is there any other source/loctaion where i can listen to this song please? …..Humne to dil bichha diya…….N. Datta……
Regards
Kuljeet
Kuldeep,
Could you please give some more info about the song, the mukhada does not seem to be right. Do you have the name of the movie?
Kulepp, AK,
Is this the song you are looking for?
https://youtu.be/1o5nhcbwBFQ
Ms. Mumbaikar 8 @ 67 , Kuljeet ji, AK ji ;
Thanks for posting the song again , though its from old VHS slippery tape. I checked up the link i happened to have posted @24 …..Yes Kuljeet ji is right . The link also is taken off by YT . Still there is one more duet of MK from the same film …Albela Mastana …..which is rare and is available on YT .
Main Hoon Umar Khaiyyam – Mahendra Kapoor – Albela Mastana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-Ai84Iqd0Y
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