A tribute to Bulo C Rani on his 25th death anniversary (6 May 1920 – 24 May 1993)
My first reaction to Bulo C Rani when I heard Humein to loot liya mil ke husnwaalon ne was, how a lady could create such a masculine qawwali. The next marker by which I recognised Bulo C Rani was Ghunghat ke pat khol re tohe piya piya milenge and other delicate bhajans from Jogan (1950), sung so plaintively by Geeta Roy (Dutt). These were more like being composed by a lady with a sonorous name like Bulo C Rani, who could empathise with a character like Meerabai. Gradually, I became aware of the tremendous variety in singers and type of songs composed by this music director. It was much later that I came to know that he was a Sindhi gentleman by the name Bulo Chandiram Ramchandani.
If the above iconic songs were not enough, remember Mukesh’s superlative duets Ja parwane ja (with Hamida Bano) from Rajputani (1946); Arman bhara dil toot gaya (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Wafa (1950); Badariya baras gayi us paar (a triad song with Khurheed and Hamida Bano) from Moorti (1945) and Parwaanon se preet seekh li shama se seekhi jal jana by Suraiya from Bilwamangal (1954).
Bulo C Rani was born on the 6th May 1920. Not much is known about his early career or musical training. In about 1940 he came to Lahore, then a major film centre in the north, and contacted with Ghulam Haider, but his career did not move much. He happened to meet the lyricist DN Madhok who encouraged him to come to Bombay where he introduced him to Gyan Dutt and Khemchand Prakash who were with Ranjit Studios. He assisted Khemchand Prakash for films like Chaandani (1941), Dukh Sukh (1942), Qurbani (1943), Tansen (1943) and Shahenshah Baabar (1944). He assisted Gyan Dutt for the film Shankar Parvati (1944). His first break as an independent music director was Pagli Duniya. He got great fame for his music in Moorti, Rajputani, Wafa, Jogan and Bilwamanagl. His last film was Sunahare Kadam (1966). He continued working for Sindhi films.
He was also a good singer, and he sang about 30-40 songs. He gave music for over 400 songs in over 60 films.
He passed away on 24 May 1993 at the age of 73. He was suspected to have committed suicide. During his active career, he composed some of the greatest songs in their category. He straddled across the vintage and golden era. Thus, his career was coterminous with superstars like Naushad and C Ramchandra. Since not many can fit in at the top, Bulo C Rani remained in the shadow of the giants. But as his best songs show, he was as good as any. Alas, his greatness remained overshadowed by the giants. Here is my tribute to one of my great favourites with a selection of his songs on his 25th death anniversary.
1. Aankhon mein intezaar ki duniya liye huye by Zohrabai Amabalewali from Caravan (1944), lyrics Aziz Kashmiri
Bulo C Rani shows amazing virtuosity in this song from the very first year he started giving music as an independent music director.
2. Sooni padi hai pyar ki duniya tere bagair by Amirbai Karnataki from Caravan (1944), lyrics Butaram Sharma
Amirbai Karnataki was the other pillar of vintage female singing. She was on the soulful melodious side, whereas Zohrabai represented the full-throated singing style. From the same film, Bulo C Rani creates this quintessential Amirbai Karnataki song.
3. Kyun aankh milayi thi gar aankh churani thi by Amribai Karnataki from Pagli Duniya (1944), lyrics Swami Ramanand
While on Amirbai Karnataki, I can’t resist posting this ghazal from his debut film in the typical ghazal-singing style prevalent in those days.
4. Jogan bana ke piya chhod gaye galiyon mein by Amirbai Karnataki from Chaand Chakori (1945), lyrics Pt. Indra
As I explore more of Bulo C Rani’s music, I find he was as good with Amirbai Karnataki as anyone else during the period. This is now folk-style from the film Chaand Chakori a year later.
5. Sukh de ke dukh le gaya wo jo hamara dil le gaya by Zohrabai Ambalewali from Bela (1947), lyrics DN Madhok
Bela is a cornucopia of Zohrabai Ambalewali songs. Several songs from this film are available on the net. I would strongly recommend the readers to listen to these songs. Here is just one sample. Naushad occupied the commanding heights after Ratan on the back of Zohrabai songs. Bulo C Rani, probably giving as good songs, remained in the shadow of the giant.
6. Ek baar phir kaho zara aankhon ka noor ho tum by Meena Kumari from Piya Ghar Aa Ja (1948), lyrics Pt. Indra
We have seen Meena Kumari’s singing talent in DP Rangan’s exhaustive post on her. Bulo C Rani harnesses her talent excellently in this song. You feel a loss that she couldn’t continue her singing or the film world didn’t give her enough opportunities in the Lata Mangeshkar era.
7. Haal-e-dil kisko sunaaun by Shamshad Begum from Anjuman (1948), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri
With his felicity with vintage female singers it would have been surprising if Bulo C Rani had not used the voice of Shamshad Begum. Here is a nice song in her characteristic clear-throated voice.
8. Wo teer kaleje par ek shokh ne mara hai by Mukesh from Anjuman (1948), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri
I have mentioned several iconic duets of Mukesh with vintage female singers composed by Bulo C Rani. Here is a solo from the same film in his quintessential style.
9. Madhur suron mein suno jhamela by Raj Khosla from Bhool Bhulaiya (1949), lyrics Butaram Sharma
This queer song is sung by Raj Khosla who earned great fame as the director of the films C.I.D. (1956), Kaala Paani (1958), Bambai Ka Babu (!960), Wo Kaun Thi (1964), and Mera Saya (1966). The song embeds the story of Laila-Majnu. Thus, it fits in with my post on ‘’Songs that tell a story’. Sadanand Kamath has written a post on this song on Atul Song A Day in which he states that Raj Khosla intended to be a singer, but a chance meeting with Dev Anand who believed that he had talent for direction, changed the course of his career. It is believed he sang only one more song in the film Aankhen (1950), composed by Madan Mohan.
10. Mere man ke gagan mein aaj chhitki chaandni by Geeta Dutt from Darogaji (1949), lyrics Mohanlal Khanna
Geeta Dutt’s songs in Jogan (1950) became an important landmark for Bulo C Rani. In Darogaji too, Bulo C Rani has used Geeta Dutt’s voice for the leading lady Nargis. She sings about a dozen songs of widely varying emotions. Here is a happy song showing a young Nargis indicating that she has freshly found love.
11. Ik veena mein sansar by Bulo C Rani from Narad Muni (1949), lyrics Pt. Indra
It is interesting to note that Bulo C Rani also had singing ambitions. His voice is quite appealing.
12. Aankhon se aankhon huyin chaar; dil aapka nishana ho gaya by GM Durrani and Shamshad Begum from Nazaare (1949), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
Bulo C Rani composes an outstanding duet in the voices of GM Durrani and Shamshad Begum.
13. Uth to chale avadhoot by AR Oza (?) and Geeta Roy (Dutt) from Jogan (1950), lyrics Meerabai
In the comprehensive review of the songs of the year 1950 we have listened to most of the famous songs of Jogan like Ghunghat ke pat khol re, Ae ri main to prem diwani and Jogi ma ja mat ja mat ja. Here is less commonly heard song of vairagya, but very poignant.
14. Wo humse chup hain hum unse chup hain, dilon ke armaan machal rahe hain by Lata Mangeshkar from Rasiya (unreleased, 1950), lyrics DN Madhok
Songs from an unreleased film are generally a trivia footnote. But as we saw in the review of songs of 1950, Bulo C Rani composed several songs of incredible beauty in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice in the unreleased film Wafa, presumably in that year. Here is one to refresh our memory. You might recall some other songs, such Hans hans ke mere chain par Bijli giraaye ja and Phir chhedane ayi hai ye kaari badariya.
15. Arman bhara dil too gaya by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar from Wafa (1950), lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri
This duet figured in the list of the best ten duets of 1950. This is a kind of song you never tire of listening.
16. Mast chaandai jhoom rahi hai by Mukesh and Geeta Roy (Dutt) from Pyar Ki Baatein (1951), lyrics ML Khanna
A superb romantic duet sung by Mukesh and Geeta Roy (Dutt) picturized on Trilok Kapoor and Nargis.
17. Parwanon se preet seekh li shama se seekhi jal jana by Suraiya from Bilwamangal (1954), lyrics DN Madhok
Quite easily I place this song among the best ever of Suraiya.
18. Mohan pyare ab aur saaz par ga re by CH Atma from Bilwamangal (1954), lyrics DN Madhok
Bilwamangal was also remarkable for a number of songs by CH Atma. He did not sing in too many songs in films. Mohan pyare is one of his best film songs.
19. Humein to loot liya mil ke husnwaalon ne by Ismail Azad & ors. from Al Hilal (1958), lyrics Shevan Rizvi
In a C grade film, Bulo C Rani creates an iconic qawwali which has made him immortal.
20. Baharein luta ke nazare dikha ke by Subir Sen and Suman Kalyanpur from Anarbala (1961), lyrics Ramesh Chandra Pandey
I do not remember to have heard this song, but it is so good it appears that it was always with me.
21. Maangane se jo maut mil jaati by Lata Mangeshkar from Sunahare Kadam (1966), lyrics Mahendra Pran
Bulo C Rani was already past his best, at least by commercial reckoning. But in the later 60s he draws the sweetest and the most melodious aspect of Lata Mangeshkar which reminds you of her songs of early 50s composed by Anil Biswas and C Ramchandra. Another example of greatness in the shadow of the giants.
Disclaimer: The thumbnail picture has been taken from the Internet. The songs have been embedded from the YouTube. This is only for the enjoyment of music lovers. The copyright on these materials vests in the rightful copyright owner.
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
#13 is a song that I frequently listen to from this strange film.“We definitely haven’t captured the vibe of the film – which is deeply rooted, enigmatic, Zen-like (if we may mix religions). It’s… just difficult to write about, as we’ve never seen anything even resembling it.” Says http://p-pcc.blogspot.com.au/2008/09/jogan-1950.html
What a wonderful post Akji!
Congrats and thank you for a detailed song list, that mainly focused on his songs in 40s.
some very nice songs there.
Sooni padi hai pyar ki duniya is my absolute favourite song, very glad to see it here.
the songs from wafa, rasiya (again a great favourite) and of course sunehare kadam are also among my favourites. The other songs, I’m not familiar with, and will listen later.
Badariya Baras gayi is again something very favourite of mine.
It is said to be Mukesh’s first recorded song as a playback singer.
The songs from Jogan are iconic, I dont know why he didn’t get more chances in 50s and 60s? He was said to be suffering from depression, could be a possible reason for suicide. If he would have got a big banner film in late 50s, the picture might have changed for better!
Of course, no point in saying so now!
Thanks again for this treasure of gems. I loved it
🙂
Gaddeswarupji,
Thanks a lot for posting the link of the review of Jogan. Yes, it is an enigmatic film. Shall we say it is the reverse side of Chitralekha?
Anup,
Thanks a lot for your very generous praise. The common knowledge is that Dil hi to hai bujha hua (Nirdosh, 1941) is Mukesh’s first song (as actor-singer) and probably Dil jalta hai (Pahli Nazar, 1945) is the first song as a ‘playback’ singer. You have given a new information which requires confirmation from the experts.
AK ji,
First SOLO as actor-singer is definitely “Dil he to hai bhuja hua”. But, whether it was first ever recorded song can’t be said as there were two duets with Nalini Jaywant in the same film.
Similarly, Pheli Nazar had two solos, apart from two duets with Naseem Akhtar. Which of the two solos was first playback solo can’t be said. Needless to say “Dil jalta hai jalne de” can be safely considered as first popular playback solo.
First recorded playback is probably the triad from Moorti as pointed out by Anup ji. I have to dig up some material in which I remember reading this.
I am not sure if 78 rpm record numbers can be considered as the criteria for settling the chronology of the songs.
Lastly, many thanks for the post on Bulo C Rani.
Another duet from Pyar ki Baatein
https://youtu.be/T-9fAutgQY8
Coincidentally, I was reading about him yesterday. The Wikipedia article on him attributes a song from Tansen and also the following from Shankar Parvati 1943 to him
https://youtu.be/CVgGhoJu4-A
Another source for the comment#5: “The tunes in the Khursheed song ‘Dukhiya jiyara’ (Tansen) were supposedly set by Bulo. C. Rani. In the year 1943, Bulo. C. Rani worked as an assistant to Gyan Dutt in “Paighaam” and “Shankar Parvati”. He got the opportunity to sing for 6 films in the same year. In the film ‘Shankar Parvathi’ the song ‘O Jogan O Bairaagi’ had become popular among listeners. According to Gyan Dutt, the song was composed by Bulo. C. Rani but wasn’t acknowledged in the credits.” https://apnaarchive.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/bulo-c-rani/?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C6868375422
I am delighted to see BCR on SoY page !!! was waiting since a long time to see this melodious man having attention….great post AKji….great tribute.
many songs are unheard to me…will listen later.
meanwhile, his wonderful track from Jahaazi Lutera 1958, by Shamshad Begum.
Sun lo fariyaad meri Yaa rasool e arabi
kissa e gham mera yaa saiyad e abraar suno
kitni majboor hun mai ahmed e mukhtaar suno
door hun des se…pardes hai tanhaai hai
saari duniya ne sataane ki kasam khai hai
tum pe hai aas lagi .. yaa rasool e arabi
https://youtu.be/0ZxP1UWQr8A
I like your blogs immensely and I simply love this one. I started listening to, and absorbing, Bollywood songs from around 1940 when I was just 5 years old, living in Delhi and my exposure to them was through my Father who was into Film Distribution. The reference and details of these songs bring back sweet and mellifluous reminiscences, as I naturally retain a perfect memory of most songs of that era and can still recite them word and tune perfect, though I may not have heard them for ages. We owe a lot of respect and gratitude to the composers and singers of the time, who gave us such treasures without technical aids and use of sophisticated musical and recording equipment, depending on just a few instruments and LIVE recording! Keep doing the good job, though I am certain that you derive as much pleasure , or even more, in creating these articles of nostalgic journeys, as we do in our retro reflections.
I can not forget the superb music of Madhur Milan 1955 to mention here. Some of Lata’s songs are outstanding.Two of them having great poetry and melody I am reposting here.
I had posted them in Best songs of 1955 : wrap up 2.
Fiza chup hai, hawa chup hai
Nazaare kuchh nahi kehte
Kahan doobi meri kashti
Kinaare kuchh nahi kehte
Meri beqas nigahon me
Meri betaab aaho ne
Sitaaro se tumhe puchha
Sitaare kuchh nahi kehte
https://youtu.be/tTRjQP7jV4E
‘rooth ke jaane ka to andaaz juda hota hai
yeh bata de koi is tarha khafa hota hai
https://youtu.be/O3sCDYrNwCE
AK ji,
Ref song No 13
You have put a question mark after singer A.R.Oza.
Perhaps this name is new to you. here is some information on him.
A.R.Oza- a name not known to many. Amritlal R. Oza was a Nagar bramhin from Gujarat. He joined Ranjit when Khemchand prakash, Gyan Dutt and Bulo C Rani were paid musicians there. His first song came in Pujari-46. He was very friendly with Bulo C Rai and Hansraj behl. He sang maximum songs for them only. At the same time he sang in Gujarati films and he became very famous and popular there. Some Hindi films in which he sang are, Lakhon mein ek-47, Nanad Bhojai-48, Bichhade Balam-49
( he sang with Meenakumari also), Bhool Bhulaiyan-49, Nili-50 etc. He sang 39 songs in 23 Hindi films,but sang much and many more in Gujarati. After retirement he settled in Ahmedabad, where he died on 13-5-1985.
-AD
AKji,
Let me join you in paying my respects and tributes to Bulo C Rani on his 25th death anniversary. Thanks for the post. I would listen to the selection of songs and revert back, if I have anything worthwhile to contribute.
BTW, is this the last article before our anniversary post?
Finished listening to the songs.
Particularly liked the ones from Abhinandan, and chand chakori.
Thanks again
Really wonderful songs.
Amirbai was just fabulous and talented.
Wasn’t she?
Would certainly write about her on my blog, whenever I get chance and time.
🙂
A typing mistake
anjuman instead of Abhinandan
It’s while doing research for my posts on themed songs that I first came across Bulo C Rani. It amazed me just how many of his songs were among my favourites (without knowing it was he who composed them).
From your list, Haal-e-dil sunaaoon and Mast chandni jhoom rahi hai hold a special place.
Let me add this song from Jogan – Shamshad’s Jin aankhon mein neend haraam hui.
AK,
Paying my tributes too.
Good collection of songs, like Amir bai songs in particular.
Noticed his percentage of females song is very high, Venkataramanji can come up with confirming figures.
I remember discussing unknown singer Vishni Lal, he had few good songs with her.
The best is from Maghroor Badi bhool hui tujhe payr kiya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARcycXBoxUE
Mahesh @4,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and information on Mukesh’s early songs. Since you are supporting Anup that Badariya baras gayi us paar was perhaps the first recorded song of Mukesh, there must be some basis for it.
Gaddeswarupji @5 and 6,
Thanks for the link of the article in ‘apnaarchive’ on Bulo C Rani.
Jignesh @7 and 9,
Thanks for the appreciation. Shamshad Begum is always delightful.
Mr NS Rajan @8,
Thanks a lot for your kind words.
Arunji @10,
Thanks a lot for the information on AR Oza.
Venkataramanji @11,
You are welcome. Looking forward to your return with your scholarly comments. You have guessed right. The next post would be SoY’s eighth anniversary post.
Anup @12,
Thanks for your appreciation again. Amirbai Karnataki was a wonderful singer from vintage era. Looking forward to your post on her.
Anu @14,
Among all the Geeta Dut (Roy) bhajans in Jogan, I also like Shamshad Begum’s Jin aankhon ki neend kharab hui a lot.
Mumbaikar8 @15,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. You might remember the macro figures discussed earlier: female songs far outnumber male songs. Therefore, it is not unique to Bulo C Rani.
Ak jii and Mahesh ji,
I gathered info from a Marathi book by Isaq Mujawar.
He says, Mukesh’s first released song as a playback singer was for a film, Us Paar(1944) by Firoze Nizami. It might have gone unnoticed, the film might not have done well at the Box Office. The song was perhaps ‘Zara Bolo Kitna Dogi Dil Ka Kiraya’. with kusum as co singer.
https://youtu.be/V9krXaeYgWI
And his first hit was ‘Dil Jalta Hai’ from Pehli Nazar. both Moorty and Pehli Nazar were released in 1945.
Zara Bolo Kitna Logi Is Dil Ka Kiraya
should be the words.
Needs Experts comments on this.
Anup ji @ 17.
I am aware of Uss Paar duet, but since Mukesh acted in it, we are not sure if it was a playback or featured on him only. I suppose the video is not available.
Anup, Mahesh,
This is an issue of definition. If we take ‘Playback’ as the technique of song recording, it was possible (and probably common within a few years of the discovery of the technology in 1935) to record the song separately and synchronise it while filming on the actor-singer lip-synching it, just as it could be done on another actor. But in common usage we consider playback if the singer and the actor are different. Therefore, Us Paar should not be treated as playback.
A playback singer is a singer whose singing is pre-recorded for use in movies. Playback singers record songs for soundtracks, and actors or actresses lip-sync the songs for cameras; the actual singer does not appear on screen.
Playback singer – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playback_singer
There is no mention of mukesh in casting of Us Paar.
In fact the references mention only one name, that of Ishwar lal.
So we can’t come to a conclusion, it seems.
🙂
Request u to bring similar posts on composers of those days like Gyan dutt, Vasant Desai,C Arjun and so on.
Very nice post, AKji. Like others, Bulo C. Rani is a music director whose work I’ve admired and enjoyed but about whom I didn’t know much about.
You covered almost all of my favorites by Bulo C. Rani, but here’s one from the latter part of his career that hasn’t been mentioned but which I’m quite fond of.
Ek dil that mera – Chhupa Rustam (1965)/Geeta Dutt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFLQ9BH1h_
KB,
I have covered C Arjun in my series on Forgotten Composers. Gyan Dutt has been mentioned very prominently in the context of Amirbai Karnataki. That leaves Vasant Desai. Noted.
Shalini,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
A very good well studied post with a huge collections of songs composed by Bulo C.Rani who created many movies watchable and with an ear candy music for them as mentioned in the list of the movies. I think Jogan is an all time a great film with matching acting by Nargis and Dilip Kumar to the divine compositions of Bulo C. It was superbly directed by Kidar Sharma. I liked the “Bilwamangal “ for the voices of Chandru Atma and Suraiya as both the films were our family favourites and the songs were lovingly played on the gramophone records in my childhood.
In singings the songs of Meerabai, Geeta Roy sweetened the songs without any feel of Juthika Roy’s Bengalness. This credit goes to Bulo C. Of course Juthika Roy is a legend and hardly could be demeaned. She made Meerabai popular in all India. Here I want to point out that Geeta Roy had no Bengaliness in her voice when she sang Hindi songs. If the character is Bengali then Bengaliness is appropriate. But Meerabai is believed of Rajastani real or imaginary.
Shalan Lal
Shalan Lal,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Dear AKji
I have uploaded one beautiful song of C H Atma under BCR from film Jahaazi Lutera (1957) which wasnt on YT yet. Hope you all will enjoy it.
I will try to upload few more of him which are not yet on YT but I have.
Ae mere dil ke qaraar aaja aaja
https://youtu.be/NMWOvCLFhdM
Jignesh,
Thanks a lot for posting this rare song
Akji,
Could not get back earlier. Sorry for that.
You have presented a brief and good introduction on Bulo C Rani. But my comment will not be brief and may not be the last one from me.
You have aptly concluded ‘Alas, his greatness remained overshadowed by the giants’. And a very appropriate heading too.
Loved listening to the of selection songs. Vintage songs always hold a special charm.
The selection of 11 solos of 7 female singers was good. But I find a couple of names missing. I would come to that later ( an excuse for atleast one more comment). Aankhon mein intezaar ki duniya liye huye is a nice inclusion. The next three songs from Caravan, Pagli Duniya & Chand Chakori not only shows Bulo C Rani’s talent, but also Amirbai Karnataki’s versatility in singing. She was unassailable during her heyday. Sukh de ke dukh le gaya, wo jo hamara dil le gaya is a good representative song of Zohrabai Ambalevai. Fine singing. Suraiya song is indeed superb. Shamshad song too made good listening. Among the female singers, I suppose Geeta Dutt must have rendered the maximum songs (female solos) for Bulo C Rani. As you have rightly said, songs from Jogan and Darogaji demand special mention. That leaves Lata Mangeshkar. When two great fankaars come together, they bring out the best in one another. The song Wo humse chup hain hum unse chup hain takes me back to your post on 1950 songs. The songs came up for extensive discussion and unfortunately the song had to be dropped from the final list of ten, since the year of its recording and its release were in doubt. I am glad that you have included it here.
Among the 5 male solos, Raj Khosla’s Madhur suron mein suno jhamela was a surprise, and interesting too. Songs of Mukesh, C H Atma and Bulo C Rani are nice inclusion. Ismail Azad’s iconic Qawwali Humein to loot liya mil ke husnwaalon ne is a popular one in this genre. It seems the Qawwali was reused in 1972 film, Bijlee. Usha Khanna was the music director. Later, T series came out with a collection of Qawwalis from films where Sonu Nigam rendered this Qawwali.
Enjoyed listening to all the five duets, especially the duets of Mukesh. Arman bhara dil too gaya is an excellent duet and I am glad it found a place here. Baharein luta ke nazare dikha kewas was the unheard one for me too.
AKji, I am sure you have heard of A R Ojha before. The question mark against A R Ojha’s name (#13), I suppose, was not due to your ignorance, but you were not sure about the male voice. Needs clarification.
There are few very minor errors, which might have escaped your notice and needs correction. In your third paragraph of your introduction you have mentioned the year of release of Sunahare Kadam as 1972. But while presenting the song from this film (#21) you have correctly mentioned the year. You have rightly mentioned his first break as an independent music director was Pagli Duniya in the introduction. While presenting the song #1 from Caravan you wrote “Bulo C Rani shows amazing virtuosity in his debut film.”
I think Bulo C Rani composed 568 songs for 68 Hindi films. I would do a recheck and come with more details later.
Manek Premchand in one of his articles on Bulo C Rani wrote “A harmless man, who could not hurt a cockroach developed enough anger, or desperation,- call it what you will, to end his own life so violently.” True, he could not match success with talent. He was also a sad casualty to the changing trends. But that was not the only reason. According to his son Manu, persistent health problems, repeated visits to nursing homes, constantly on medication, depressed him a lot. He became bitter and started drinking. And the shift of residence to suburban Andheri saddened him further. Artists need Attention, if not adulation. It was a sad end indeed.
Ironically, the film Sunahre Kadam, from which you have presented Lata’s other song was the last film for which Bulo C Rani had composed music. Bulo C Rani quite obviously lived and died to the rhythm and feel of his own creative compositions.
Aarzuo ke janaje ko leke kaandhe pe hum ghume
aarzuo ke janaje ko leke kaandhe pe hum ghume
chalke manzil jo aayi milne ko, hum hi na rahe is zamane me
maangane se jo maut mil jati, kaun jeeta is zamane me
Thank you once again.
Akji,
In the 1943 film Paigham, Bulo C Rani assisted Gyan Dutt. My friend, Shankar Ghosh, informs me that two songs from this film were composed by Bulo C Rani. He says both were duets by Surendra and Sadhana Bose – Zindagi, Zindagi, Zindagi, Paigham Layi Hai and Bah Jaayenge Hum Lehro Ke Sang. He cites HFGK as his source. This needs clarification.
I could get the link to the first song; it seems it’s a solo by Surendra. The uploader also mentions Bulo C Rani as the MD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r_F7xm1y7E
Venkataramanji,
@31: Thanks a lot for loads of information and pointing out the errors. Hopefully, they are all corrected now. ‘Greatness in the shadow of giants’ can apply to some more music directors – one obvious example, according to me, is Ghulam Mohammad. Hansraj Behl, SN Tripathi, N Datta also deserve more credit than they got. I have earlier expressed my great admiration for Chtrapupta over some more prominent names.
AR Oza: I had heard his name. But I am not endowed with a memory like you or Arunji. At times, in mental laziness I make some queries, sure that someone would answer. Arunji never fails to oblige as he did this time too @10.
@32: Your friend is right. HFGK does mention these two ‘duets’ were composed by Bulo C Rani. However, Zindagi zindagi, paigham laayi hai posted by you is clearly a Surendra solo. HFGK might have erred. We can’t blame them. Harmandirji has made the compilation against impossible odds when not much information was available about old films.
AK nice compendium of songs. I was struck by “Tere baghair sooni padi hai pyaar ki duniya”.. I wonder if the Hawaiian guitar had been played like that earlier in any film song. Not sure if it is really a Hawaiian guitar or a modified Indian slide guitar. The initial notes on the guitar sets the tone for raaga Desh. What a lovely arrangement, I suppose it must have been done in Calcutta or by some arranger based there. In the interludes the way one set of the strings slow down playing staccato while the other set continues playing a supporting legato is lovely. And the way Ameerbai takes “sooni padi hai pyaar ki duniya” that reach upwards and the stop before “tere baghair” is wonderful.
AKji:
This post has been a revelation. Some time ago I had come across a(n apocryphal) story about Shankar (of the SJ duo) who had reportedly been so overwhelmed after listening to the music of Jogan that he had gone to Bulo C Rani’s place (he lived nearby) at midnight to congratulate him! The story may or may not be true, but it does underscore the milestone status of Jogan in HFM.
You and other commentators have posted some of the choicest songs from his great oeuvre. Here are a few more that highlight his singing as well as his range of compositions.
‘Yeh chandani ye hawa’ (Bulo C Rani in Madhur Milan, 1955)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTFowGUlrAA
‘Tum chand se hasin ho’ (Talat in Aurat teri yahi kahani, 1954)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCsRjUI155M
‘Dheere dheere dil mein sama’ (Sandhya Mukherjee & Shankar Dasgupta in Husn ka chor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqjFgtEdsgU
‘Ise na aur lootiye’ (Lata in Gul Sanobar, 1953)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDSpxM1TcQ8
Taqdeer ke sab khel hai (Shamshad Begum in Bhool Bhulaiya, 1949)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1DFr_885HI
‘Raat abhi baki hai’ (Geeta Dutt in Baghdad, 1952)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MplmOea-iM
‘Hum tum se mohabbat karte hain’ (Rafi-Asha in Noor-e-Yaman, 1956)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJNYJwTQbKk
Akji,
I said in my previous comment that Bulo C Rani composed 568 songs for 68 Hindi films. This figure is after excluding two songs from Paigham (1943) and one song from Bijlee (1972), the latter is a repeat of the iconic Qawwali from Al hilal. Roughly details of 65-66 songs are not available. If we do a painstaking check, we may get the details of few more songs. But that will not alter the overall picture. Out of the available 500+ songs composed by Bulo C Rani, 58% are female solos, 17% are male solos, 23% of the songs are duets and the rest will cover the triads and other songs.
Let us look at the female solos. Altogether 27 female singers rendered a little less than 300 solos for Bulo C Rani. The four main female singers (solos) are Geeta Roy (18%), Asha Bhosle (14%), Shamshad Begum (10%) and Amirbai Karnataki (10%), in that order, followed by Lata Mangeshkar (7%), Mohantara Talpade (6%), Hamida Banu (5%), Zohrabai Ambalevali (5%) and Suman Kalyanpur (5%). Meenakumari will be tenth in the order with 3%. Thus more than 80% of the songs were rendered by 10 singers. The remaining 17 singers account for little over 15% of the female solos of Bulo C Rani.
A further analysis reveals that Amirbai Karanataki, Zohrabai Amalevali, Hamida Banu and Mohantara Talpade were Bulo C Rani’s main female voices till 1947. From 1948 to 1953 we see the predominance of Geeta Roy followed by Shamshad Begum. Again from 1954 to 1960, we find Bulo C Rani Asha Bhosle centric followed by Lata Mangeshkar. Suman Kalyanpur comes into the limelight in the last phase of his career.
Before I move on to the the male solos of Bulo C Rani, I am posting songs of Hamida Banu, Mohatara Talpade and Asha Bhosle.
Sawan Aaya Sajan Nahi Aaya by Hamida Banu, film Moorti (1945), lyrics Pt. Indira
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuDCeRYucn0
Mol hua anmol jivan ka mol hua anmol by Mohantara Talpade, film Wo Zamana (1947), lyrics Pt.Indira
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8uw6lRz-bg
Muskurati Hai Ghataa Gungunati Hai Hawa By Asha Bhosle, film Aurat teri yahi kahani (1954), lyrics Saraswati Kumar Deepak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=207&v=tUI9r-z4Vr4
Moving on to the male solos, roughly 85 solos were rendered by 24 singers. Md.Rafi (13%), Bulo C Rani (11%) & Ismail Qawwal (10%), were the leading three male voices of Bulo C Rani. This trio along with Mukesh (8%), C H Atma (7%), Talat Mahmood (7%), Manna Dey (7%), A R Ojha (6%), Md.Farooqi & G M Durrani rendered 80% of his solos.
Another interesting revelation is that songs of Ismail Qawwal & party and Yusuf Azad & party comprise 1/3rd of the male solos from 1955 to 1966. But most of them are not available on YT.
Let me add a few male solos by Bulo C Rani & Md.Rafi and a Qawwali by Yusuf Azad & party
Pinjare Ke Panchi Ud Jaa Re by Bulo C Rani, film Preet (1945), lyrics D N Madhok
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=J0TEo8eerFg
Ek Din Arman Bhara Dil Ulfat Se Do Char Hua by Md.Rafi, film garibi (1949), lyrics Butaram Sharma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=s6f7AIglvs4
Bade Shokh Hote Hai Husnwale by Yusuf Azad & Party, film Balck Tiger (1960)lyrics Tabish Kanpuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=K8ycvslDqQU
SSW @34,
Your observations made the Amirbai Karnataki song more enjoyable, and I could now notice the effect of pause tere bagair. Thanks a lot. About your speculation that the arrangement could have been done in Calcutta, the film Caravan was made by Ranjt Movietone. I don’t think they had any interaction with Calcutta for technical support.
Canasya @35,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and for posting so many unheard songs. Bulo C Rani’s singing Ye chaandni ye hawa in Madhur Milan is more like KL Saigal than what CH Atma’s was, who had several good songs under Bulo C Rani. Bulo C Rani as Saigal-twin is quite a revelation.
Venkataramanji,
Your compilation of statistics is impressive. I wonder how you do it. It seems the distribution of songs in female solo, male solo and other songs follows the general long-term average – female solos outnumbering male solos by over 3 to 1, and female solos being more than half of the total. The distribution of singers in Bulo C Rani, however, seems to be unique and shows his own preference of singers. It is interesting to note that even during the Lata Mangeshkar-period, the ‘other’ singers far outnumbered her. Does it have anything to do with his not getting his due?
I have since come across an interesting trivia that the record of Humein to loot liya made more money for the producer that the whole film Al Hilal. The qawwali Bade shokh hote hain ye husnwale is wonderful. Its picturisation as a club-dance number is unique.
SSW @ 34
Thanks a lot for your remark on the song “Tere baghair sooni padi hai pyaar ki duniya”.
Both Khemchand Prakash and Gyan Dutt worked closely with Timir Baran before they came to Bombay. Timir Baran Bhattacharya was interested in western orchestration and he was a pioneer in Indian orchestration. I think he was the conductor (if I can use the term in the Indian context) of the Myhar Band created by Ustad Allaudin Khan. Both Gyan Dutt and Khemchand Prakash were involved with Ranjit Movietone since 1937 and 1939 respectively. And Bulo C Rani was their assistant before he independently started composing. May be his orchestration had an indirect influence of Timir Baran. Only a conjecture!
Canasyaji
Thanks for those nice additions. ‘Hum tum se mohabbat karte hain’ by Rafi & Asha is an excellent duet.
AKji,
Thanks for the response.
Rounding of the statistical part with the duets, I mentioned earlier that the duets will comprise almost 23 % of the total available songs. The main three female singers in the duets are Geeta Roy, Asha Bhosle and Shamshad Begum, and the main male singers are G M Durrani, Md.Rafi, Bulo C Rani Nad A R Ojha (In the order mentioned), almost similar to the trends shown in the solos.
Cansya ji has posted a nice Rafi-Asha Duet.
Here are a few more duets.
Meri Gadi Gadi Kon Kehta Hai Khatari by Md Rafi & Geeta Dutt, film Black Tiger (1960), lyrics Saba Afghani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=206&v=FggJ3uuQ2r4
Are O Chand Mere Dil Ki Haalat Unse Kah Dena by Bulo C Rani and Asha Bhosle, film Haseena (1955), lyrics Jan Nisar Akhtar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=89&v=HaJADs7JemM
Tu Joh Mere Pyar Ki Khichdi Pakayegi by Geet Roy & G M Durrani, film Nirmal (1952), lyrics Moti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eJ1K5qqprs
Muskurate Ho Kyo Itrate Ho Kyo by Geeta Roy & A R Ojha, film Pehli Pahechan (1947), lyrics Pt. Indira
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=98&v=y9d4z7MshjU
Venkataramanji,
All the songs were new to me. Muskurate hu kyun is a delightful song. I have become very fond of AR Oza’s voice. As per YT link and also HFGK, the song was composed by Hansraj Behl. Bulo C Rani was also a music director in the film, but some songs have been separately credited by the HDGK.
AKJI,
Muskurate hu kyun is by Hansraj behl. You are right. I stand corrected.
Here is another duet from Kaun Hamara , this is an audio link. At times A R Ojha’s voice resembles that of Mukesh.
In Akhiyo Ki Pehchan O Panchi More Yaad Rakhna by Hamida Banu and A R Ojha, film Kaun Hamra (1947), lyrics Pt. Indra
https://gaana.com/artist/a-r-ojha
I will be back with few more songs of A R Ojha-Bulo C Rani soon.
Venkataramanji,
You are so active on all three fronts, I am amazed .
BTW thanks for the detailed breakup of the female singers.
I found the name of Sandhya Mukherjee missing in your list, she sang for him for Husn ka chor in 1952 and Izzat in 1953, songs of Izzat are not available.
Here are few songs from Husn Ka Chor
Husn Ka Chor – 1953 – Sangdil Zamane Mujhe Kyun Rulata Hai
https://youtu.be/I_B2dx2m0wQ
o jaanewaale kisi ka salaam leta jaa-Husn Ka Chor
https://youtu.be/RdgUlZ1LS40
Two duets one with Shankar Dasgupta and other with Rafi
Shankar Dasgupta & Sandhya Mukherjee – Dheere Dheere Dil Mein Sama – Husn Ka Chor (1953)
https://youtu.be/MqjFgtEdsgU
DIL LAGANE WALE – RAFI – SANDHYA MUKHERJEE – FILM – HUSN KA CHOR(1953)
https://youtu.be/7dfJMjUTJX8
Mumbaikarji,
Seems Bhatiaji and Dr Shettyji are busy elsewhere!!
Actually I mentioned the names of first ten female voices of Bulo C Rani. And Sandhya Mukherjee does not figure in the first ten. Besides the ten name mentioned and Sandhya Mukherjee, there were at least 17 other female singers who rendered solos for Bulo C Rani.
You are right. Sandhya Mukherjee sang for BCR in 2 films. You have posted four songs from Husn Kar Chor.
Sangdil Zamane Mujhe Kyun Rulata Hai and O jaanewaale kisi ka salaam leta jaa are nice additions. Thank you for posting them.
Dheere Dheere Dil Mein Sama (duet) was posted earlier by Canasyaji (@35).
Are you sure the female voice in the duet Dil Lagane wale is that of Sandhya Mukherjee? I doubt!
Here are two songs from Izzat (1952), lyric Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
A solo Sandhya Mukherjee Kya Kya Sitam Sahe Hain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4-NXLD_mQ4
A duet by Sandhya Mukherjee & G M Durrani Tera jhoomta shabaab jaise baaghon mein gulaab
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=863hqj8L8ec
Venkatraman ji ;
Yes; I am not out of the drum of the last three articles ; and over and above doing shopping for my daughters family….not very long list but you know for ladies suits you buy it one day and revisit the shop for return or exchange the very next day ! . This cycle goes on with many other articals too.
As said earlier I am on a pause mode ….going for vacation to states to spend some part of this summer with my grandchildren . In between I am following the comments , observations and songs ….and enjoying time .
Mr.Venkataraman @39, thank you for the information. When I heard “sooni hai” the first thing that came to mind was that the orchestration was influenced with a European touch while retaining its Indian roots. It is difficult to explain , some things are felt non-verbally though I am sure somebody with greater knowledge would be able to explain. I did not know Timir Baran conducted the Myhar Band. You must have seen this films division piece , the Myhar band is featured at around 15:00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzKsH9cBrTw
SSW @ 46,
I would like to put forward a note of clarification. I have heard from earlier generations and music circles in Calcutta about Timir Baran conducting Myhar Band. I tried for some information to substantiate this claim. I could not find any in the net. Thus that amounts to hearsay only. I would look for some info, during my next visit to National Library. But there is no doubt about Timir Baran’s association with Myhar Band and Baba Allaudin Khan and he was also influenced by the orchestral compositions and learnt the intricacies from his Ustad. Later on he also formed a group of orchestra in Calcutta. Afterward he was invited as the music composer in the dance troupe of Shri Uday Shankar. His own orchestra troupe consisted of almost 50 musicians with whom he performed very many Ballet music etc.etc…. Timir Baran was much influenced by Western orchestra and he had a open-mind about it, yet his compositions were Indian. Timir Baran can be considered as one of the pioneer of symphony Orchestra in India.
Yes, I have seen this films division piece before.
Thanks for the response and the clip.
Venkataramanji@44
Thanks for Izzat songs I could not find them.
Sorry for the repeat duet I ought to have checked it thanks for the mentioning it appreciate that.
I had my doubts about Dil lagane wale aapse , thought it could be Asha but then heard this duet song from the same movie and Asha is obvious here but not in that one
https://youtu.be/C7m5EzVyh8A
Mumbaykarji @ 48
I think the female voice in the duet Dil Lagane Wale Aap Se Hazaro Hai was that of Asha Bhosle. Ho Gaya Tere Majnu Ko Ishq Ka Bukhar is a nice duet. I think there is one more male voice at 02:28- 02:48. Could it be Bulo C Rani?
AKji,
Here are two songs of A R Ojha. In the second one, a duet, his voice sounds like that of Mukesh.
Socha Tha Kya’ Kya Ho Gaya by A R Ojha, film Bhool Bhulaiyan (1949), lyrics Buta Ram Sharma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmXF9rgbq5g
Kyon Dil Ki Kali Muskaayi by A R Ojha & Shamshad Begum, film film Bhool Bhulaiyan (1949), lyrics Buta Ram Sharma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=62&v=LAxWlN5Aj_c
I could not identify the singers in this duet. The female voice seems to be that of Asha Bhosle.
Madam Moti Niyat Ki Khoti Film Chupa Rustom (1965).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfAc0kGVX_0
Venkataramanji @51 & 49
I have this गलत फेहमी that I can identify Asha’s voice , I do not think the female singer in Madam Moti is Asha Bhosle I think it is Suman Kalyanpur
Dil lagane wale I am not that positive.
Chhupa Rustom has a Geeta song too
https://youtu.be/dFLQ9BH1h_E
Mumbaikarji,
Likely. But can you identify the male singers?
Venkataramanji,
I think you are right about Ho gaya tere majnu ko bukhatr.
No idea about the other.
Thoroughly enjoyed the main post and the discussions thereon about one more music director whose greatness was appreciated more when it was too late.
Being a Rafi fan, special thanks to Shri N Venkataramanji for bringing in BCR-Rafi songs into the discussion,
AK ji
A lovely post and sweet, durable songs. As HF songs stepped forward from vintage to golden period, top MDs continuously modified the style of their orchestration. You have hinted that they were the ‘giants’. Some names could be Anil Biswas, CR, SDB and Naushad. Soon some hugely talented young MDs joined – Roshan, SJ, Madan Mohan, Hemant, Chitragupta etc. It was not a surprise that BCR, Gyan Datt etc dropped out of the race.
Thanks.
Ashokji @55,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Tyagiji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. There is really no explanation why some talented music directors went off the radar screen. Ghulam Mohammad is my great favourite. There are many knowledgeable people who rate him no less than Naushad, and even attribute some of his Naushad’s compositions to him. But, Naushad-assistant stuck to him forever. Roshan and Madan Mohan did not get commercial success commensurate with their talent. यत् विधिना लिखितं ललाटपटले…
AK
What a post with such details even though the source was very scant and meagre. You are indeed a deep ocean from which unexpected gems come out regularly. The very fact you had crossed the magic number of 6 years in sustaining this blog and adding to its variety and strength is ample proof of your vision and persecerence. I thank you very much for affording me opportunities to put a few ideas of mine in posts and hope to improve more with your guidance.
DP Rangan,
Thanks a lot for your generous words. A little matter of detail: I have completed 8 years on 7 June. Perhaps you have missed that post. you can see the link at the bottom.
AK
I am fully aware you completed 8 years. If I am not wrong in my recollections, when you crossed 6 years, someone mentioned it is a critical threshold and further sustaining it would be a record of sort. That is the raison’d’etiere for 6 years.
Here is a strange piece of news I got. Arunkumarji can throw some light.
Total proceeds of Sale of the 78 rpm record of the famous quwali – Ame tho loot liya of the film Al Hilal 1958 garnered more money than the sum spent for making the said film. Here is the link for the song. Music Bulo C Rani, Lyrics Shewan Rizwi and singer Ismail Azad Quawali
https://youtu.be/XXoxYcO77b0
DP Rangan,
That might be true. The song has featured at #19 in my post.