The Ultimate in Melody
Hemant Kumar in his voice brought the beauty of Bengal and melody of Rabindra Sangeet. When he joined with Lata Mangeshkar the effect was magical. Easily the best duets of Hindi films are of Hemant-Lata. One can also safely say no song of Hemant Kumar was pedestrian. With his deep resonant voice he could be nothing but melody personified. As for Lata, she surpasses any superlative. Here is my selection of their best duets.
1. Aa neele gagan tale pyar hum karein, film Badshah (1954) Shankar Jaikishan
There are two other very close contenders for the top spot – Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan and Chandan ka palna resham ki dori. After listening very closely I give this honour to Shankar Jaikishan’s Aa neele gagan tale pyar hum karein. The beautiful lyric, the opening prelude, Lata creating magical environment with the opening mukhada, then her first stanza at high pitch Ye shaam ki bela ye madhur mast nazaare transport you to a surreal world. Hemant Kumar enters in the second stanza in the lower octave Do jaan hain hum aise mile ek hi ho jayen to give a beautiful contrast. Finally Lata sums up again in the upper octave with Tu maang ka sindur hai aankhon ka hai kaajal, concluding with Saamne baithe raho shringar hum karein. The heavenly romance of this song mesmerises you.
Aa neele gagan tale pyar hum karein
Hil mil ke pyar ka iqaraar hum karein
Aa neele gagan tale…
Ye sham ki bela ye madhur mast nazaare
Baithe rahen hum tum yun hi bahon ke sahare
Wo din na aye intezaar hum karein
Aa neel gagan tale…
Do jaan hain hum aise mile ek hi ho jayen
Dhhoonda kare duniya humein hum pyar mein kho jayen
Bechain baharon ko gulzaar hum karein
Aa nele gagan tale…
Tu maang ka sindur hai aankhon ka hai kajal
Le baandh le daman ke kinaron se ye anchal
Samne baithe raho shringaar hum karein
Aa neele gagan tale…
Hemant Kumar-Lata sing Aa neele gagan tale pyar hum karein
2. Chandan ka palna resham ki dori, film Shabab (1954) Naushad
Starting with KL Saigal’s So ja rajkumari so ja from the film President (1940) composed by Pankaj Mallik, lullaby has been attracting composers. Aside from Saigal’s which is a class apart, lullaby never reached greater heights than Naushad’s Chandan ka palna, even surpassing C Ramchandra’s Dheere se aa ja ri ankhiyan mein from Albela (1951). Shakeel Badayuni’s lyrics Oonche gagan se koi bulaye/Ayee hain pariyan dola sajayen create a magic world, and who else but Hemant Kumar to transport you there. I am so moved by this song every time I hear it, I could have very easily put it at No. 1 – it is just that between two great songs I have to give one of them the second slot.
Hemant Kumar-Lata sing Chandan ka palna resham ki dori
But the real magic of Hemant Kumar’s voice comes out in the solo version of this song. The song is preceded by his recitation, not set to music, Sangeet hai shakti Ishwar ki har sur mein basein hain Ram/ Raagi jo sunaye raag madhur rogi ko mile araam, and then when he sings Ho chandan ka palna resham ki dori, you are transported to a fairy land.
Hemant Kumar sings Chandan ka palna
3. Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan, film Jaal (1952), SD Burman
It is sad that I have to put it at No. 3. Sahir Ludhiyanvi – SD Burman association which had started a year earlier with Baazi and Naujawan reached greater heights in Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan. No wonder Sahir was regarded as a poet’s poet in the film world, and you do not often get more romantic, lyrical and profound lyrics than:
Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan sun ja dil ki dastan
Chandni raatein pyaar ki baatein kho gayin jane kahan
Aati hai sadaa teri toote hue taaron se
Aahat teri sunati hun khamosh nazaaron se
Bheegi hawa doobi ghata kahti hai teri kahani
Tere liye bechain hai sholon mein lipati jawani
Seene mein bal kha raha hai dhuan
Sun ja dil ki dastaan
Lahron ke labon par hain khoye hue afsane
Gulzar ummidon ke sab ho gaye veerane
Tera pata paaun kahan soone hain saare thikane
Jane kahan gum ho gaye ja ke wo agale zamane
Barbad hai arzoo ka jahan, sun ja dil ki dastan
Hemant Kumar-Lata sing Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan sun ja dil ki dastan
The reason why I had to give it No. 3 spot is that this duet has very little of Hemant Kumar – he comes only in between to sing the refrain Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan. And once you have taken in the full Hemant solo version of this song which is slightly faster paced (different lyrics though, another masterpiece by Sahir), the duet suffers in comparison. The lyrics of Hemant solo are so beautiful it is worth reproducing them:
Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan, sun ja dil ki dastan
Pedon ki shakhon par soyee soyee chandni
Tere khayalon mein khoyee khoyee ragini
Aur thodi der mein thak ke laut jayegi,
raat ye bahar ki phir kabhi na ayegi
Lo ek pal aur hai ye samaan, sun ja dil ki dastan
Lahron ke hothon pe dhima dhima raag hai
Bheegi hawaaon mein thandi thandi aag hai
Is haseen aag mein tu bhi jal ke dekh le
Zindagi ke geet ki dhun badal ke dekh le
Sun meri ab dhadkanon ki zuban, sun ja dil ki dastan
Jaati baharein hain uthati jawaaniyan,
taaron ki chhaon mein kah le kahaniyan
Ek baar chal diye gar tujhe pukar ke
Laut kar na ayenge kafile bahar ke
Aa ja lagi zindagi hai jawan, sun ja dil ki dastan
Hemant Kumar sings Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan
4. Badli mein chhupe chand ne kuchh mujhse kaha hai, film Shatranj (1956), C Ramchandra
C Ramchandra completed the big quartet with Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad and SD Burman. After they have occupied the first three slots, it is befitting that he takes the 4th slot. I put it over his more well known Jaag dard-e-ishq jag from Anarkali (1953), as Badli mein chhupe chand ne kuchh mujhse kaha hai has the same ethereal beauty which is the hallmark of Hemant Kumar.
Hemant Kumar-Lata sing Badli mein chhupe chand ne kuch mujhse kaha hai
5. Ek baar zara phir kah do mujhe sharma ke tum deewana, film Bin Badal Barsaat (1963) music Hemant Kumar
After floating in fairyland with the first four songs I come down to this planet for my No. 5 in the list. When Hemant Kumar himself is the composer you can expect he would take his talent to a still higher level. No song perhaps illustrates this better than Ek bar zara phir kah do mujhe sharma ke tum deewana from Bin Badal Barsaat. Biswajeet prancing around Asha Parekh in the midst of trees and flowers in a very unabashed Shammi Kapoor or Joy Mukherjee style, and Asha Parekh’s playful yes/no and finally yielding to call him deewana as demanded by him, is a perfect cliché of Bollywood. You can visualise any number of Rafi-Lata or Rafi-Asha Bhosle duets fitting this scene composed by Shankar Jaikishan or OP Nayyar. But Hemant Kumar makes this song to a trite situation into a classic. See how, to Lata’s Aisi meethi meethi baatein kar ke kahan seekha hai dil ka lagana, Hemant Kumar instead of responding to that query, persists with O jaane jaan, ek baar zara phir kah do mujhe sharma ke tum deewana. This duet stretches the bar he had set for naughty, playful numbers with his solo Zara nazron se kah do ji nishana chook na jaye in Bees Sal Baad a year earlier.
Hemant Kumar-Lata sing Ek baar zara phir kah do
6. Jaag dard-e-ishq jag dil ko beqaraar kar, film Anarkali (1953) C Ramchandra
It would be a surprise if this beautiful duet from C Ramchandra’s most renowned film Anarkali, the music of which became the bar for Naushad to surpass in Mughal-e-Azam, did not figure in the top 10. It is a tribute to the quality of Hemant-Lata duets that this had to figure at No.6.
Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar sing Jaag dard-e-ishq jaag
7. Nain so nain naahi milao, film Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje (1955) Vasant Desai
This film had the title song by the doyen of Hindustani classical Ustad Amir Khan, and Lata Mangeshkar’s heavenly solo Saiyan ja ja tose na bolun. Therefore, when Hemant Kumar had to sing this duet with Lata Mangeshkar to the pure classical dance of Gopi Krishna and Sandhya, the challenge must have been enormous. Yet see how effortlessly he sings Nain so nain naahi milao which is an all time classic.
Hemant Kumar-Lata sing Nain so naahi milao
8. Chhupa lo yun dil mein pyar mera, film Mamta (1966) Roshan
When it comes to melody, Roshan’s name would always be among the very top. The mood of this song is serene appropriate to Raag Yaman. You can see the imagery of a lamp, diya or deepak often in poetry from Mahdevi Verma’s Yah mandir ka deep ise neerav jalne do or Madhur madhur mere deepak jal/ Yug yug pratidin prati kshan prati pal priyatam ka path alokit kar to Pankaj Mallik’s bhajan Tere mandir ka hun deepak jal raha to songs like Jalte hain jiske liye teri ankhon ke diye. Shama of course is one of the stock imageries of Urdu poetry. Chupa lo yun dil mein pyar mera ki jaise mandir mein lau diye ki uses the imagery of the lamp in a temple to describe the love between a man and a woman. You needed the voice of Hemant Kumar to lift the song to a spiritual plane.
Hemant Kumar-Lata sing Chhupa lo yun dil mein pyar mera
9. Yaad kiya dil ne kahan ho tum, film Patita (1953) Shankar Jaikishan
Shankar Jaikishan who topped this list come again with this mellifluous Hemant-Lata duet. This shows SJ’s versatility who combined creative talent with huge commercial success.
Hemant Kumar-Lata sing Yaad kiya dil ne kahan ho tum
10. Tumhe yaad hoga kabhi hum mile the, film Satta Bazaar (1959) Kalyanji Anandji
Kalyanji Anandji debuted in the late 50s, initially solo by Kalyanji Virji Shah and soon joined by his brother Anandji Virji Shah to make the official duo Kalyanji Anandji. This was a very crowded field with the big composers Naushad, Shankar Jaikishan, SD Burman and OP Nayyar at their peak, followed by greats like Madan Mohan and Roshan and several others. Yet KA made tremendous impact with their very initial films. This Hemant-Lata duet is a testimony to their talent. Even in the crowded field they achieved acclaim, especially for their Mukesh songs and his duets with Lata in Madari, Chalia, Himalay Ki God Mein etc. After the decline of the old era stalwarts in the seventies, they occupied the top slot with RD Burman and Laxmiknat Pyarelal, with these three capturing over 80% of all the big films. It is remarkable the way they reinvented themselves in the 1970s and 80s – it is difficult to believe the same composers could give Khaike paan banaraswala for Kishore Kumar who gave songs like Chaand si mehbooba hogi meri kab, Hum chhod chalein hain mehfil ko, Mere toote hue dil se koi to aj ye poochhe, Tumhe zindagi ke ujale mubarak andhere humein aj raas aa gaye hain etc for Mukesh.
Hemant Kumar-Lata sing Tumhe yaad hoga kabhi hum mile the
This completes my list of top ten Hemant Kumar-Lata duets. This still leaves out great songs like Dekho wo chand chupke karta hai kya ishare (Shart, 1954, Hemant Kumar), Saanwle salone aye din bahar ke (Ek Hi Rasta, 1956, Hemant Kumar) and Neend na mujhko aye (Post Box 999, 1958, Kalyanji Virji Shah). If you include his duets with other singers such as Aa gup chup gup chup pyar karein with Sandhya Mukherji in Sazaa (1951, SD Burman); Ye hansta hua karwaan zindagi ka na poochho chala hai kidhar with Asha Bhosle in Ek Jhalak (1957, Hemant Kumar); Mujhko tum jo mile ye jahan mil gaya with Geeta Dutt in Detective (1958, Mukul Roy); Tumhi mere meet ho tumhi mere preet ho with Suman Kalyanpur in Pyase Panchhi (1961, Kalyanji Anandji) and Na tum humein jano na hum tumhe jane with Suman Kalyanpur in Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962, SD Burman), the choice becomes further difficult.
Rafi and Mukesh were more prolific than Hemant Kumar – they were mainstream, he was unique. Yet his songs, especially his duets would rank among the greatest of all. He was truly God’s gift to music.
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer: The song links have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog does not claim any copyright over these songs, and acknowledges that the copyright rests with the respective owners, such as Saregama India Limited and others.
{ 104 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice selection, indeed! It is always difficult to pick the best few from amongst a reservoir of gems, but this top 10 selection is near-perfect. However, ranking of the songs could vary as per individual choices. For example, I would have loved “Yeh Raat Yeh Chandni” from Jaal at the No.1 position, and “Yaad kiya dil ne” from Patita and “Jaag Dard-e-ishq” from Anarkali higher up the ranking ladder, may be at No.2 & 3. That does not belittle the Badshah song which is undoubtedly one of the best duets of the pair. Also, I thought “Neend na mujhko aaye” deserved a place among the top 10. But at the cost of which one? Such aspiration could be a result of more number of hearings of these songs over the years than the others. Further, one’s liking for any particular song may also depend on the quality of sound reproduction, source of its recording and the quality of equipment on which it is played.
@Sanjay:
I am aware the inter-se ranking would vary depending on individual preferences, but I believe about the overall list there would be a great deal of unanimity. I agree with you Jaag dard-e-ishq jaag can go up. I find the solo version of Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan so superior that I gave the duet No. 3 slot. If I were to rank the best of Hemant Kumar I would perhaps give this No. 1 slot unhesitatingly. You are right, there are still some superb duets left out, but it is difficult to exclude any one from the list.
Well, AK, you should seriously consider taking premature retirement and devoting yourself full time to updating this blog. It is hard to wait for your next article!
Thanks for this excellent article on my favourite singer. I think the reason why Hemant and Lata make such a great pair is the contrast. Hemant’s is the ultimate male voice – deep, rich, sonorous and very individual. Lata’s is the quintessential female voice. Their contrasting voices complement each other beautifully.
I nearly agree with you on the ranking of the solo version of Yeh raat yeh chandni. It is number two on my list of Hemant songs – number one being Yeh nayan dare dare.
@Subodh:
Thanks for the compliments. As you would have noticed I have not planned any particular structure for this blog. From the inexahustible ocean of beautiful gems, that is our great film music, whatever strikes my fancy at any point of time or if I notice any interesting feature or connection, I try to put it down. Therefore, I have not planned any particular periodicity either, though I would try to put at least one article a month. God bless internet, it has made research, and retrieval of gems one had thought were lost, possible.
Hemant Kumar is so unique and beautiful, it would be difficult to find anyone who is not moved by him. Moreover mine and your tastes seem to converge a great deal. Of course Ye nayan dare dare is superb. Also my special favourites are Dil chhed koi aisa nagma from Inspector and Bas ek chup si lagi hai from Sannata. Is it not significant that all the three songs are composed by Hemant Kumar himself? And who can forget his immortal private songs like Aanchal se kyun baandh liya mujh pardesi ka pyar, Main saaj bajaun tum gaao, Kitna dukh bhulaya tumne pyari, Tumne mujhko sada jalaya, and his Rabindrasangeet, without which his work is not complete?
I would be interested to know your ranking of Hemant-Lata duets, which was the subject of my article.
Well, my rankings are:
1. Chhupa lo yun dil mein
2. Jaag dard-e-ishq jaag
3. Nain so nain
4. Yaad kiya dil ne
5. Chandni raatein
6. Saanwre salone aaye din bahar ke
No particular order for the remaining songs in your list and the post-script.
I am trying hard to locate a song “Saanjh khile bhor jhare, phool harsingar ke” from ‘Phir Bhi (1971)’ with no success. The music was by Raghunath Seth.
@Subodh:
No quarrels with the ranking, except somewhat surprised that Aa neele gagan tale and Chandan ka palana should not appear very high up in the list.
Thanks, pal, for such a beautiful selection of Hemant-Lata duets. I entirely agree with the basket of songs which are included,though relative rankings could vary from listener to listener.As far as solo songs by Hemant go,I would rate’ na ye chand hoga’ from Shart as one of his best,if not tne best.How would you rank it?
@Ravi:
Thanks for your comments. You are right relative rankings would vary person to person. As I said there is hardly any Hemant Kumar song which is not sweet and resonant. Na ye chand hoga na taare rahenge is no doubt superb, but my personal selection of his top solos would be somewhat different:
1. Chandan ka palna
2. Ye raat ye chandni phir kahan
3. Dil chhed koi aisa naghma
4. Bas ek chup si lagi hai
5. Zara nazron se kah do ji
6. Ye nayan dare dare
Awesome blog. Great topic. Fascinating list(s). Insightful comments. Surprising omission – no one has mentioned anything from Nagin or Taj.
Personally, for me Baharon Se Poochho from Fashion has all the necessary hallmarks for a great Lata-Hemant duet. Itna To Keh Do Humse from Saheli is a dreamy, pacifying number laden with romantic ethos. A perennial favourite.
Ciao.
@A_M
Thanks. Nagin has a very strong impact on me for Hemant Kumar’s music and also some of his songs. But frankly Taj is unfamiliar to me. But generally Hemant Kumar is one singer whose unknown songs also attract you on the first hearing.
It’s amazing to note that Hemant Kumar is still one of the popular singers of yesteryear if not today’s generation. I am wondering why you have not considered the following good productions of Hemant/Lata :
Vande Matram ….Anand Math
Hamne Dekhi Hai Un Ankhon ki Mehakti Khusbu……Khamoshi
Na Mangi Yeh Sone Chandi, Mange darshan debi….Nagin
Tum Pukar Lo…Khamoshi
Janam Se Banjara Hoon Bandhu…Rahgeer
Jab Jaag Uthe Armaan to Kaise Need Ayee…..
Unfortunately, no body, either in Reality Shows or any of our existing singers normally takes Hemantda’s name ever. They remember Salil Chowdhury, R.D. Burman, S.D. Burman and Kishore Kumar who were all very fond of Hemant da and his voice and compositions but always hesitate to take Hemant da’s name.
Anyway, it’s all personal choice of people!
Thanks,
@This one was essentially on Hemant Kumar-Lata Mangeshkar duets. Hemant Kumar’s solos are also of unparalleled beauty, so are Lata Mangeshkar’s solos composed by Hemant Kumar. From your list Jab jaag uthe armaan, Tum pukar lo and Hamne dekhi hai un ankhon ki mahakti khushboo are also my great personal favourites. May be I would one day do a post on best of Lata Mangeshkar composed by Hemant Kumar and Hemnt Kumar solos as well.
a hemanta lata duet from ‘ FASHION.’….BAHARON SE POOCHHO………
Dear All,
This is enchanting Iam really thrilled with this site
Thanks for this wonderful collection of Hemant Da. I think you could have easily added 1] Itna Tu Keh De Humse Tmese Hi Pyaar Hai – with Lata from Saheli and 2] Na Tum Hame Jaano – with Suman from Baat Ek Raat Ki. Hope, you will agree that these 2 gems could have made this list. Thanks and regards – KRV
@KR Vaishampayan
Na tum hame jano I did mention in my article in the last para. Itna u kah de humse is a great song. As a matter of fact Hemant Kumar is one singer whose songs cannot sound anything but sweet. So many ‘new’ Hemant Kumar songs have come to my notice through friends like you that may be some day I should do another Hement Kumar post.
i would have liked that immortal duet of HILL STATION to be there in the top-10…
nai manzil nai raahen naya hai meharbaan apna
na jaane jaake thaharega kahaan ye caaravaan apna..
anyway, the problem is no song selected by you deserves to be kept out……!
jiyo……..!
@bhagwan thavrani
You have said it!
@subodh aggarwal
u were loking for this ….phir bhi ….song.did u get it ? here is the link.
Sanjh khale bhor dhale from Phir Bhi
what about Laut Gaya Gam Ka Zamana? Its a gem
Yes it is a great duet. My limitation was ten. Here is the song:
Laut gaya gham ka zamana by Hemant Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar from Naya Aadmi, lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Vishwanath Rammurthi
This duet from Milap deserves a place on this page, it is good for 1955 duets too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=hJ3kTLo1OM0
I made a mistake, this Milap song is not a duet its a twin song,
This is Hemat Kumar Version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3TUtFWwlklw
Sh AK,
“Lata-Hemant Duets” makes very interesting subject for reading & listening. I am curious to know if Roshan has used Hemant’s voice other than Mamta. Similarly SJ in Badshah & Patita; Nushad in Shabab; CR in Anarkali & Shatranj ?
I like almost all songs under Hemant’s own Music direction.
My favorite ” Sanvre Saloni Aaye.. ” fron Ek Hi Rasta; ” Jhir Jhir Badarwa Barse…” from Pariwar” Laut Gaya gamka…” from Naya Admi; ” Baharonse Puchho.. ” from Fashion etc. thanks for very refreshing blog.
Mumbaikar8
I found that in my master post on 1955 songs, I had mentioned about this twin song from Milaap. But thanks for refreshing our memory.
Bharat J Patwala
You are making an interesting conjecture. If it turns out that these are the only films in which Hemant Kumar sang for those composers, it would be an incredible coincidence, as I had never thought on those lines. Which also means whatver Hemant Kumar sang for them became landmark!
Since Naushad was very choosey about his singers – he became primarily Rafi-Lata Mangeshkar centric – I would have been more sure that he did not use Hemant Kumar ever again. But curiously there is a cover version of Mohabat choome jine haath from Aan in the voice of Hemant Kumar.
Mohabbat choome jinke haath by Hemant Kumar from Aan
About SJ, CR and Roshan one would need to do a thorough research. But you are right, off hand I cannot think of any other film which had song by Hemant Kumar.
Bharat J Patwala
There is a Hemant-Lata duet in Nastik composed by C Ramchandra.
Gagan jhanjhana raha
That leaves SJ and Roshan to look for.
Whenever I think of good melodious song, the name of Hemant Kumar would come first to my mind. And his duets with Lata are always listeners’ delight. You have culled out some very good duets. My favourites are: 1.Laut gaya gam ka zamana (Naya Admi) an immortal composition by Vishwanathan Rammurthy is a “sarvaang-sundar” (beautiful in every respect) creation; the soft and sweet sitar, violins and guitar and the divine voices of the singers and outstanding composition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msh83nsQmaM
2.Jhir jhir khir khir badava barse (Parivar) is also Salil Chaudhary’s unforgettable gift to film music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DkdlQNFBbs
3.Sanvre slone aye din (Ek hi Raasta) is Hemant Kumar’s composition with his brand of sweetness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdN_rdRv4CU
4Halke halke chalo sanvre (Tangewali) has Salil Chaudhary as music director but the tune is quite similar to Savre salone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii4veh1u0cA
5.Ye jhoomte nazare (Nai Raahen) is also a sonsg that remains in memory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpMYPqHCkF4
I agree entirely with you. Hemant Kumar was the ultimate in melody. All the duets you have mentioned are lovely. My special favourites are Sanwle salone aye din bahar ke and Ye jhoomte nazare. Ravi did compose some great songs for his mentor.
There are more songs that Hemant Kumar sang Roshan’s music direction: Film Agosh:1.Dheere dheere chadh gaya (with Lata)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6hflcypUkY
and Mil jul ke kaato (with Indiara Mirchandani)
There is another cover-version for Aan song by Hemant Kumar: Takra gay tumse dil hi to hai. He has given two cover version songs for Babul: Milte hi ankhen dil hua, and Mera jeevan saathi bichhad gaya.
There is one song he sang for SJ for Shikasht: Hum to hai khel khilone, though I cannot recall the tune.
For C. Ramchandra, Zamin chal rahi asman chal raha hai (Pehli Jhalak) and Sunte hai koi maut ka mehman (Insaniyat).
Thanks a lot Mr Mankad. Here is Humko hain khel khilone from Shikast by SJ.
Now Milte hi ankhen dil hua cover version by Hemant Kumar and Uma Devi (as mentioned on the YT).
Any idea what was the context of these cover versions? My impression is that Hemant Kumar did it on his own some years after these films were made.
AKji, thanks for the links to the songs. I have found that during the 1950s and 1960s, maximum number of cover versions of popular songs have come out. Some of them on seeing the list of such songs arouse our interest and curiosity to look for them. I would like to list a few:
1.Chali kaun se desh gujariya (Boot Polish) -Sudha Malhotra, A Inamdar
2.Chhai kari badariya(Jeeven JyotI) -Asha Bhosle
3.Soja re soja (Jeevan Jyoti) -Asha Bhosle
4.Kahe jaadu kiya mujhko itna bata(Naghma) -Ameerbai Karnataki
5.Chali radherani (Parinita) – Geeta Dutt
6.Kisine apna bana ke(Patitaa) -Madhubala Jhaveri
7.Andhe jahan ke andhe raaste(Patitaa) -Sunil Kumar
8.Gore gore haathon men(Parineeta) -Geeta Dutt
9.Kabhi aar kabhi paar (Aar Paar) -Suman Hemadi
10.Babuji dhire chalna (Aar Paar) -Sudha Malhotra
11.Jaanewale se mulakaat (Amar) -Asha Bhosle
12.Na milta gham to (Amar) -Suman Hemadi
13.Marna teri gali men, and
14.Mar gaye hum jeete ji (Shabaab) -Asha Bhosle
15.Dil Jale to jale (Taxi Driver) -Meena Kapoor
16.Mera salam leja (Udan Khatola) -Sudha Malhotra
17.Ye hunsta hua kaarvan (Ek Jhalak) Mukesh and Jalu Bhesania
Har Mandir Singhji has given a list of the above and many more songs in his invaluable reference books Hindi Film Geetkosh.
This is very interesting. Serial 4 and 8 I have specially liked. I would be interested in serial serial 10 and 17. I have some biases, others do not arouse my interest, e.g I am positive I would not be excited by Janewale se mulaqaat na hone paye by Asha Bhosle. These are the songs which make Lata Mangeshkar Lata Mangeshkar. I do not know whether these are available on YT. In any case you have given enough for Ashok Vaishnavji for a post in his series.
I am in complete agreement about many songs that make Lata Mangeshkar Lata Mangeshkar, we may not like even to think 0f other name in her place for these gems.
I remember an article by Salil Chaudhary in The Illustrated Weekly on Hemant Kumar. After giving background of musical activities in Begal of his younger days, he recalled that at a programme where many artists were performing, nobody preferred to go on stage after Hemant Kumar, they chose to perform before Hemant Kumar sang! Such was the awe he inspired in musical circles.
This song that all of a sudden flashed in my mind,a Hemant Kumar – Lata Mangeshkar duet is worth recalling. It is from film Awaz, and music director is Sallil Chaudhary, you can see his mark clearly on the song. Hemant Kumar sang it in Bengali also:
Dhitang dhitang bole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcTuq7v9UXU
This story reminds me of Lata Mangeshkar being scared of singing a twin song with Talat Mahmood. I believe it.
There is a very nice ghazal by Hemant Kumar ‘Log peetein hain Ladkhadate hain, ek hum hain jo pyase aatein hain, pyase jatein hain’ picturised on Anil Chatterjee of Tollywood in some Hindi film, probably ‘Sannata’ with such a great feeling and depth. This movie was either produced by Hemant Kumar himself in ‘Gitanjali’ banner and directed by Pinaki Mukherjee. Any feedback over this song will be appreciated.
Jayanta babu,
Apnaar information anekhta thik. Sudhu boyer naam ‘Sannata’ nay.
The information provided by you is correct except for film name.
This song was from the film ‘Farar’ (1965) by Hemant Kumar, lyrics Kaifi Azmi, Music Hemant Kumar, director Pinaki Mukherjee and produced by Geetanjali Pictures. Anil Chatterjee and Shabnam acted in this film.
‘Sannata’ (1966) was produced by ‘ G.C.Films, directed by M Sabberwal, music Hemant Kumar, lyrics Gulzar. Anil Chatterjee and Tanuja were the lead pair.
Thanks for correcting me. I just forgot the name ‘Farar’
By the way any other reference about the actress Sabnam for whom Anil Chatterjee had to sing such a great song on Hemant Kumar’s great voice.
I refer to post# 35 from Sh Naresh P Mankad. All songs from Awaz including Dhtang Dhitang bole…are my favorite.Bengali version in voice is a Bonus for me.I heard this for first time and instantly liked it. I must thank Sh Mankad for the the same.
All songs discussed here are pleasurable.
Thanks AKji.
@Bharat J Patwala: There is another song composed by Salil Chaudhary, sung originally in Bengali solo by Hemant Kumar that could have been included in this list but that was not to be: Duronto ghurmir, in Hindi became the duet “Dil se dil ki dor bandhi” and Lata’s singing partner was Mukesh!
The link to the original Bengali song Duronto ghurmir – http://www.salilda.com/songs/nonfilm/bengali/adhunik/hemanta/durontoghurnir.mp3
And the Hindi duet – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7bFNx_GRhY
This is a great service to music; and to connoisseurs
A lyrical post! I agree wholeheartedly with Subodh Agrawal ji at #3.
The songs in AKji’s list of Talat-Asha duets are uniformly dominated by the male voice. But the Hemant-Lata duets in this post are different. However much I adore Hemant’s voice and hate Lata’s domineering presence in HFM, I am going to take a leaf out of AKji’s post on Twin Songs, put my neck on line and make an extreme, provocative, uncharitable, even sacrilegious, statement — in Nain so nain (Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje), as AKji rightly points out, Hemant’s deep resonant voice provides the magical counter to Lata’s melody, but Lata’s nuances of inflection carry the song.
Fans willingly overlook the handicap of an artist singing in a language other than mother tongue. Who cares for niceties of pronunciation when the singer is as sonorous as SDB or Hemant Kumar. HFM is richer today precisely because of their contributions. But the duet format is less forgiving. It permits immediate comparison. Unlike Nain so nain, in a Talat-Lata duet such as Ae sanam aaj ye kasam khayen (Jahan Ara; Madan Mohan) Talat’s fluid delivery makes it more sweet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Vj9VkKlqVcM
Hemant doesn’t have this handicap while singing in Bengali. Compare O beqarar dil (Kohra) with the original O nodi re. Lata is superb but Hemant is divine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=aJ1hSgxODsY
AKji’s comment at #36 reminds me of a radio interview by Raju Bhartan available at Anmolfankar:
http://www.anmolfankaar.com/specials/interviews/98-raju-bharatan-s-interview-with-abhay-exclusively-on-anmol-fankaar.html
According to him (at 59:00 onward), in the fifties singers in Mumbai including Manna Dey and Hemant Kumar, preferred to go on stage before Talat. Thus, not only Lata but other male singers too appeared to be in awe of Talat in Mumbai (and of Hemant in Bengal according to Naresh P. Mankad ji’s comment at #33).
Hemant’s forte was simplicity. His songs are imminently hummable. Raju Bhartan in the above interview at 11:40 says that Naushad had originally composed the Shabab song for Rafi, but later simplified it for Hemant to achieve the lullaby effect — a very fortunate decision from our point of view. Mukesh’s songs also have this quality. His version of Yeh hansta hua carvan from Ek Jhalak sounds almost as good as Hemant’s original (with Asha).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3lYcliQ86KU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=iRbvDykUEe4
The latter is more cheerful and perhaps more melodious – the two characteristics of Hemant’s singing. But Mukesh’s version scores in terms of precision of delivery (listen to the first stanza after the refrain: zamin se sitaron ki duniya mein jaayen; whan bhi yehi geet ulfat ke gaayen).
Canasya,
You are too kind. If this post is lyrical, it is not because of my writing, but because of Hemant Kumar. I think you are making the same point as I have made – Hemant Kumar, Talat Mahmood or Mukesh leave a bigger impact in their duets or twin songs with Lata Mangeshkar. This should not detract from the range of Lata Mangeshkar – she was supreme. But there are other things in music which touch you, such as a sonorous voice – these three had this divine gift. It has been often said, that even with their smaller number of songs, they had a much more passionate following.
Heard Mukesh version of Ye hansta hua karwan for the first time. Obviously if anyone can come close to Hemant, it is Mukesh. He has stretched the notes at the end of a line, making it sound a little slower. Generally one is conditioned by the original so much that it is difficult to prefer another version.
Raju Bharatan is always interesting, though he has said all that several times. I had come across that article earlier but passed up the radio interview. I heard it after yiu mentioned it. Thanks.
I returned to this post after quite sometime and got the cover versions of ‘Milte hi ankhen dil hua’ and ‘Yeh hansta hua karvan zindagi ka’ as my reward.
The voice of Hemant Kumar complemented that of Lata so perfectly that when Lata’s brother was recording an EP of Maharashtrian fishermen folk songs – Koli Geet – he chose not a Marathi singer but the very Bengali Hemant Kumar for the most famous song of this collection. Hemant’s singing is not known for its range but I must say he’s more than a match for Lata in this song. I will draw attention in particular to the first line of the second stanza – ‘Ya go daryacha….laata laata’ – Hemant’s rendition sounds more effortless.
http://youtu.be/SuzRY_KFsHM
Subodhji…you are absolutely right. Pt. Hridaynath chose Heman Da to croon “Me DolkarA, DolkarA, Dlokar Daryaachaa Raaja” with Lata. I also agree with you about Hemant Da’s limited range…but he had such a round about typical Bengali mishti voice, his renditions were too sweet on ears. In my friend circle[ all Heman Da fans] we say with excess affection …Hmant Da has sung only hits.
However, I was unable to understand reference to ‘Milte hi ankhe’ which is ‘Talat & Shamshad’ if I am not mistaken? Anyway. That’s not the issue though. Regards yet again for your wonderful observations about Hemant Da. K R Vaishampayan
Thanks Mr Vaishampayan. About ‘Milte hi ankhen’ pl. see AK’s comment no. 30.
Welcome back KRV after a long gap! YouTube also seems to have great fondness for Hemant Kumar. Every time I visit this post pursuant to a comment, they would have removed some videos. This time they had removed 8 out of 10 videos. I have replaced all with new links. But I may have to give up some time. They have also removed some videos which the readers had linked with so much love.
Subodh, you had mentioned Me dolkara earlier also. Thanks for refreshing it.
A belated Diwali gift for all Hemantda fans.
A rare Hemant lata duet from Daaka
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jaj00iDcUo&feature=player_detailpage
Nice article, perfect rating . I think one more song of lata hemant……Ulhaj gaye do naina dekho……from Ek saal….. also deserve
mention . This melody was one of the best by RAVI.
There must be a good reason to leave out ‘Dekho wo chand’ from the top 10.
I would have sacrificed any of the last two nos.
Musical choice is a purely personal matter and its very easy to be judgemental later on.
Well, coming back again to my favourite pastime, here is once again a list, nowhere challenging your judgement, but my humble contribution.
1. Do bol tere meethe meethe from ‘Dara’
2. Aa aaja, aaja o janewafa from ‘Shireen Farhaad’
3. Muskurati hui chandni from ‘Albeli’
4. O Ji o choro bhi dupatta from ‘Champakali’
5. Chand ne kuch kaha from ‘Daka’
6. Hum pyar karenge from ‘Dhun’
7. Bansuriya phir se bajaao kanha from ‘Taaj’
8. Ulajh gaye do naina from ‘Ek Saal’
9. Chal chal re sajan dheere dheere from ‘Payal’ and last
10. Umr hui tumse mile from ‘Bahurani’
My earnest effort is to make this conversation lively and informative.
Sharmaji,
Dekho wo chand can very well be in other’s top ten list. I have mentioned this song at the end of my write-up with his some other great duets. Some songs from your list have already figured in different posts: #3 in the best songs of 1955; and #6 in ‘Mukesh not the only voice of Raj Kapoor’ (you would get its link under ‘MIscellaneous’. Among the rest I like #4 and #8. I felt #10 is very similar to some Salil Chaudhary composition. Can you think of the song?
If I redo my list after several years without any reference to the earlier list I don’t think there would be more than one or two changes. I hope you are not planning to wholesale replace my top ten.
Is the composition you are referring to is ‘haai koi dekh lega’ a Talat/Lata gem from ‘Ek Gaon Ki Kahani’ ?
Not this. But after some jogging of the memory it came to me. How about Chori chori jo tumse mili to log kya kahenge by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar from Parasmani, but by Laxmikant Pyarel, though the orchestration of Umra hui tumse miley is very typical of Salil Chaudhary.
Thank God ! Relieved that you were able to recall.
My next guess was ‘Mila hai kisi ka jhumka’ from ‘Parakh’
But do you agree that the opening of the two songs are identical?
Of course ! And the playfulness of both the songs.
Does it germinate an idea of an article on similar songs ?
Sharmaji,
Similar/Multiple Version Songs happens to be very widely discussed on SoY. It started with my post on basic Twin Songs – a simple male/female version of the same song in the same film, and having the same tune. An active SoY regular Mr Ashok Vainshnav enlarged it to Multiple Version Songs of many hues and cutting across languages. If you click here, you can see all the sixteen posts in that category. This has contribution from several SoY patrons as guest authors.
AK ji,
With reference to Shri. Bharat J. Patwala’s comment at no 24, are we all forgetting that sombre Hemant Kumar / Naushad gem from the film ‘ Gunga Jamuna ‘ – Humein unn raahon par chalna hai ‘ ?
AK ji,
Sorry Sir! My mistake.
I meant ‘ insaaf ki dagar pe bachho dikhao chalke’
AK ji,
I request you and all to listen to a song from ‘Jalti Nishani’,
Saqi re o saqi re, aisa jaam pila nazron se, hosh rahe na baaki re by Hemant/Lata, music by Anil Biswas.
This rare song is dominated by Lata, but Hemant holds his own in singing the mukhda only.
(I’m always somehow reminded of ‘Mehfil me meri, kaun ye diwana’ from Albela).
And if one’s thirst of Hemant isn’t quenched by this duet, a solo in the same movie by Hemant , ‘Keh rahi hai zindagi, Jee sake to Jee, Ek jaam pyar ka, pee sake to pee’ will be sufficient to make anyone musically intoxicated.
Sharmaji,
Kah rahi hai zindagi is a wonderful song. Has all the sweetness of Hemant Kumar. I could not relate to Saqi re O saqi in the same manner.
Phir Bhi song with video/audio link mentioned at comment 19 above, when downloaded, does not play Audio.Can someone help with better audio link please?
AKji, I agree fully that Hemant Kumar gave us some of the most haunting melodies. Recently, I heard this duet : Leheron mein leher, from the movie Chabili ( 1960), it has Nutan singing along with Hemant Kumar and the Music by Snehal Bhatkar. It is a beautiful song readers can hear it in you tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ghods1Trww
Kiran,
Lehron pe lahar is a great Hemant Kumar song (it has a solo and a duet version with Nutan). The link you have given is not of the original song, but a version sung by the uploader, one Prakash Vaswani. You might be aware it is based on Dean Martin’s With his little mandolin and a twinkle in his eye.
Rakesh Srivastava,
Apropos your comment #64, the song opens perfectly well. However, I am giving another link.
You have given the same link again as at#19 above.I am repeating again.Song does open well with this link but when downloaded for video and audio separately, downloaded video/audio do not play any sound.I had commented this on YT also
AK ji,
Almost all memorable Lata- Hemant duets are listed above. A few which are left out are:
1.Dil se mila dil, dil se mila dil pyare – Daku Ki Ladki (1954)
2.Aa aa aaja, aaja o jan e wafa – Shirin Farhad (1956)
3.Baharon se poochho – Fashion (1957)
4.Saiyyan, chhod de patang meri – Nagin (1954)
5.Mera akela jiya kaise laage re piya – Inspector (1956)
The last one has Lata singing and Hemant Kumar humming in the beginnig, ending and between the antaras. Similar to ‘ peechhe peeche aakar ‘ of House no 44.
Anil Kane,
Bahaaron se pooch nazaaron se poochho has been mentioned and linked in comment #13. Other songs perhaps have not been mentioned. The Nagin duet is very well known, others in your list are new for me. In Mera akela jiya kaise lage re piya, you have added another song in a very special category: ‘Duets which are really solos’. This is the converse of Ye hansta hua kaarwan zindagi ka, where Hemant Kumar’s partner – Asha Bhosle – just speaks a few words in between.
Mera akele jiya kaise laage re piya from Inspector (1956), lyrics SH Bihari, music Hemant Kumar
Shirin Farhad song already finds mention at#52 above.
AK ji, Rakesh ji,
After going through the comments once again I find that both songs are already listed.
Sorry for my error.
AK ji,
I feel that Hemant Kumar – Shamshad Begum ( a rare combination ) duet from ‘Shole’ (1953) a Bina Rai / Ashok Kumar starrer with music by Naresh Bhattacharya could be included in the group ‘ duets which are really solos.
This song is in 2 parts. The first one is a classic Hemant Kumar solo and part two is the above mentioned duet in which Hemant Kumar sings only the opening line and for the rest of the song it is Shamshad Begum all the way.
It may be noted that the tune of the duet is different from that of the solo. Just like the twin song ‘ Dil matwala ‘ from ‘Bewafa’.
Anil Kane,
Thanks a lot for mentioning this unique song. Here is the Duet that is really a solo:
Ae dil tu kahin le chal by Hemnt Kumar and Shamshad Begum from Shole (1953), lyrics Kamil Rasheed, music Naresh Bhattacharya
This song fits so well in Ashokji’s Multiple Version Songs (hybrid songs, with the duet and the solo following entirely different tunes). While Raga Desh is very prominent in the duet (experts to confirm), it is hardly noticeable in the solo. The solo seems to combine many stock styles of Hemant Kumar.
It is good that you remind us of the Bewafa Twin song, where Talat Mahmood and Lata Mangeshkar versions follow entirely different tunes. Talat’s version is winner all the way. Did Lata Mangeshkar try a different tune, because she knew that with the same tune she stood no chance? As it turned out, the different tune did no better.
AK ji,
Although the post is on Lata- Hemant Kumar duets, there are solos also listed in the comments. I would like to add a few Hemant Kumar solos which are not often heard but are beautiful.
1.Bahaaye chand ne aansoo, zamana chandni samajha/ Rajendra Krishna/Hemant Kumar/Lagan/1955
2.Kho gaya jaane kahan, arzoonka jahan/Rajendra Krishna/Madan Mohan/Mohar/1959
3.Man mera bhoola bhoola kahe dole/Prem Dhawan/Salil Chowdhury/Biraj Bahu/1954
4.Yaad aa gayi woh nasheeli nigaahen/Majrooh/S.D.Burman/Manzil/1960
Anil Kane,
From the above list my pick is Kho gaya jaane kahan. It seems I have to do a post on best Hemant Kumar solos. MM created some fabulous music in Mohar – Talat Mahmood’s Yadd jab aaye teri and Lata Mangeshakr’s Tum ho saath raat bhi hansee hai, which also became AIR’s signature tune.
AK ji,
Yes Sir ! Beautiful songs indeed.
I remember that the opening music piece of ‘ tum ho saath… ‘ was the signature tune of Radio Ceylon’s one of the weekly programmes also.
This post has been figuring in comments lately. Something made me think of this Hemant Lata song from ‘Pyar ki rahen’ – ‘Tum se door chale, ham majboor chale’: http://youtu.be/wCLttTVVhtY
Subodh,
Nice song. Hope you are not addressing it to SoY.
Ha ha! Certainly not. I really like this song, but somehow it had dropped off the radar for years. Going through the recent comments on this post jogged my memory. I think the last line of the mukhda ‘…neele gagan ke tale’ makes very effective use of the richness of Hemant’s voice – on par with ‘Yeh nayan dare dare’, ‘Lehron pe lehar’, ‘Tumhara intezaar hai’, ‘Yaad kiya dil ne kahan ho tum’, ‘Sanwle salone aaye din bahar ke’ etc.
AK’ji,Subodh’ji I think richness of Hemant’jis voice very well matched the sweet voice of Lata’ji ; hence the beautiful results; as evident in “yaad kiya dil ne” and all time romantic ” AA neel gagan tale “. I will add my other liking from the movie Parivar…… a Lata ,Hemant,Salil gem …… ” Ghir ghir ghir ghir badarva barse ho kare kare “. I liked Hemant’da music in Durgesh nandini also . ” Kahan le chaley ho batta do musafir ” is an outstanding number. ” Ulajh gaye do naina dekho ” a Lata Hemant duet from Ek Saal is my another favourite.
AK, Subodh[ji s]; Hemant da’s all time classic ” Rula kar chal diye ek din……… kabhi gul muskaraye thae ” incited me to look for happy version by Lata’ji and chorus …” Gul muskara utha bulbul yeh gaa utha bagoan mein aagai bahar ” . Such songs are rare and carries tag for classic taste listeners [SOY] . The song is there on YT .
Let me add two rare favorites.
Kal ke chand, Aaj ke sapane, Tum ko pyar, bahot sa pyar!
This is a supremely tender duet by parents in anticipation of their child to be born.
http://youtu.be/E4I9STKyl7U
“Aankh micholi khelega kal tumse aangan mera,
Sang tumhare laut aayega rutha bachpan mera
Ab tutala kar baat karenge, Ye darwaje, Ye diwaar!”
To imagine that the walls will talk in baby talk is the ultimate of poetic expression.
Nayi manzil, nayi rahen was mentioned earlier.
I think the male voice versions seem to be more popular when there is also a female version, mostly by Lata. Could it be because of the “character” of the male voice? Asha seems to fare better than Lata in female versions. Hemant da, Mukesh and Talat have a soulful timber which enhances the feelings already expressed by their tender rendition. Even Kishore wing in Jivan ke Safari mein in spite of Lata’ version being sad and poigniant. Even better lyrics in female version do not compensate like in Chandan sa badan.
This is something that popped up in my mind with all the mentions of Hemant da’s voice over Lata in duets here.
Anant Desai,
Kal ke chaand aaj ke sapne is a beautiful song. Heard it for the first time. Thanks a lot.
Male versions being more popular than the female versions – some years ago I wrote a general article on this subject. I don’t know whether you got to see it. Here it is – Twin songs: A front runner and a laggard
Undoubtedly ‘THE BEST’ & ULTIMATE MELODIOUS’ songs have been sung by Hemant Kumar & Lata. People may say that there were & very versatile singers like Kishore Kumar & Rafi ( not Mukesh) but the depth of voice in Hemant Kumar is unmatched.The duets are simply divine.
Ravi Sinha
Ravi Sinha,
Welcome to SoY. Most of us at SoY would wholeheartedly agree with you. You seem to be making an interesting point that his duets were superior to his solos. Am I reading you correctly?
Hi, if anybody can get me the lyrics (particularly Antra…) of the non-filmi song sung by Hemantda …”Jaa Tujhe’ Bhool Gaye, yaad rahe’ gam (?) Tere” …… I will be very much thankful. I personally met him in 1974 behind the stage before the beginning of his program … and requested him to sing this song. Surprisingly he said to me “it’s a very very nice song, I would love to sing but unfortunately I almost forgot the lyrics, and it is not even in my personal song-book”. I need your help. – SKT
Sam Trivedi
You have introduced us to a beautiful song. Beautiful strains of violin in Bhimpalasi in the interludes. Here is your lyrics:
जा तुझे भूल गये याद रहे ग़म तेरे
किस तरह दिल से हुए दिल से हुए हम तेरे
जा तुझे भूल गये..
वो मज़ा ग़म का लिया दिल ने कहा है थोड़ा
ज़िंदगी तल्ख़ हुई मौत ने रिश्ता तोड़ा
पर तेरे ज़ुल्म की ग़फलत को नहीं देख सके
यूं तो उम्मीद की हर सांस ने आना छोड़ा
जा तुझे भूल गये..
दिल के अश्क़ों को सरे आम बिखरते देखा
हर सुबह रात के आंचल से टपकते देखा
पर तेरे ज़ुल्म की ग़फलत को नही देख सके
हमने गुमनाम बहारों को भटकते देखा
जा तुझे भूल गये..
बंद कलियों को भी शाखों पे तड़्पते देखा
अपने गुलशन में नशेमन को सुलगते देखा
पर तेरे ज़ुल्म की ग़फलत को नही देख सके
यूं तो मझधार में साहिल को भटकते देखा
जा तुझे भूल गये..
Ja tujhe bhool gaye, lyrics Madhukar Rajasthani, singer and composer Hemant Kumar
Thanks a lot AK’ji. I really appreciate your quick reply.
I am also one of the many fans of Pankaj Kumar Mullick. I am aslo fond of Rabindra Sangeet. I have a collection of few live-stage-songs from the programs of the artiste. I do not know how to up load them for you. Long time ago, I know a person named Shri Viranchiprasad Trivedi used to live (at Ambaji Road) in Surat. On PM’s insistence Shri V. Trivedi’s singer-daughter (Ms Swati) used to accompany Shri PM on stage. They both have rendered couple Hindi & Bengali beautiful songs. Shri PM has tuned many Sanskrit compositions too and they are unique. My late cousin Ramesh Dani used to sing PM’s songs as a stage artiste, he introduced us to the New Theaters songs. I love PM’s masculine voice. To my cousin’s opinion PM was the best in composing the song “Man Mohan Mukhada Mod Gaye, aur base’ bideshame’n jaay” (lyrics by Pt. Bhutan).” One more thing to add : The lyricist was Faiz Haasmi who penned down the ever green geir filmi song “Yeh Raaten Yeh Mausam”. I was fortunate to meet Shri PM two times at different occasions and have couple of photographs with him. Shri Ajit Sheth, a staunch decipel of PM, has written a book “Guzar Gayaa Voh Jamaanaa” in Gujarati , a copy of which Mr. Sheth gave as a special gift to me. Lots of thoughts about PM… (Please excuse me if you find my thoughts and the writing very inconsistent here).
– Sam
Sam Trivedi,
I love such wanderings. That is why SoY is now known as an adda for music lovers.
Pankaj Mullick, Rabindra Sangeet, New Theatres, Ye raatein ye mausam – SoY regulars would think it is me who is speaking. I don’t know how much you have been able to browse SoY, all of the above, and some more about the New Theatres have been covered. You may like to go through the following:
1. New Theatres’ Prem
2. Pankaj Mullick (two articles, including one on PM-Rabindra Sangeet)
3. Asit Baran
4. KC Dey (two articles)
Sam Trivedi ji and AK ji,
How people get linked !
Shri viranchiprasad Trivedi of Surat’s son shri Sunil Trivedi ji is well known to me. He and me are in almost regular E Mail conversations and he has provided me very rare songs of PM. Pankaj Mullick is almost like a God to this family. Whenever PM used to go to Gujarat, for programmes,he used to stay in their house only. They are staunch Bhakts of not only PM but also anything and everything of New Theatres.
Sunil ji had many anecdotes and stories of PM, which he shared with me sometimes.
He has helped me many times with accurate information about Calcutta films and their songs.
-AD
Arunji,
This is a small world. I am so delighted that such connections are being made at SoY.
Hi AK ji,
I am also looking for a (non-film) hindi song of Sandhya Mukherjee:
TuRe’ loot gaya…
Long time ago I heard this on Akashwani.
Akashwani has a hidden treasure of many beautiful songs; They never broadcast them and/or not available anywhere.
– Sam
More or less the list of top 10 songs by Hemant Kumar is perfect but I would like to add in my words that it is almost impossible to select top 10 from a treasure or sea of gems. In strictest sense of singing, I may agree that Kishore Kumar was more versetile but certainly not Muksh.He was no where near Hemant Da.
Hemant Kumars’ duet with Lata are simply superlative.No duet can match the depth,richness of voice,the expression of emotions,melody,sweetness of their duet.
Ofcourse, the combination of Hemant Kumar,Lata & C.Ramchandra ,though very few,but are ultimate symbol of sweetness and melody.
Aa Neel gagan tale,Nain se nain nahi milao, Aaya toofan, Ye nain dare dare are perhps the better in the list of best.
Ravi Sinha
Ravi Sinha,
Entirely agree with you on Hemant Kumar.
There was a recording in calcutta where all the top singers were to sing a patriotic song during chinese war (each little little portions)& it was recorded-the artist(i will not mention his name) came to hemant kumar(the MD) &requested to re-record it as his voice sounds very thin after HKs & he wants to sing before HKs to which HK had said “the same would be the result” & SO IT WAS! ANOTHER your “Ek baar phir se” BIN BADAL BARSAAT- is Bengali “Ei poth jodi na sesh hoi”is still popular in fact mr bachan tries to sing it in “PIKU”recently
Probir Mukherjea
Thanks a lot for this information. It seems in Hindi version he has put in more vigour.
MENTION MUST BE MADE OF TWO OF HIS EXQUISITE DUETS-1 RUTH HAI SOHANI WITH SANDHYA FILM MANOHAR UNIQUE COMPOSITION BY A SOUTH INDIAN MD & 2 “CHAL BADALO AGEY”WITH ASHA FILM EK JHALAK MD HEMANT & INCIDENTALLY LIKE “LEHERO PE LAHER” HALKE HALKE CHALO”/TANGAWALLI/SALIL IS A LIFT FROM WEST “WEDDING SAMBA” IS THE TUNE
Dear AK ji, I am a diehard Hemant dada fan and my earliest memory of myself is that of a little boy perched on a window sill, looking out into a yellow summer afternoon and listening to Hemant da’s ‘Runner’ or ‘Palkir gaan’ both Salil Chowdhury compositions. Hemant da was my only idol and I, before I lost my voice to too many cigerattes and a creeping asthma, was an acclaimed clone. I never aspired to be a singer; my songs, all Hemant da’s songs, were a tribute to him. In later life, on becoming a journalist, a met my master several times. I had the privilege of discussing with him some of his landmark Bengali songs, how he nuanced his renderings as also his chemistry with Lata Didi. He would be guarded but effectively conceded that they shared a unique emotional resonance WHEN (he took special care to stress this WHEN) it came to singing duets. I think I have seen a lot of life, been to places. But I cannot think of any sight, sound, smell or other sensory experience that can give me anything more beautiful than my master’s voice. In 1989, I was among those countless sobbing fans who followed his funeral hearse to the Keoratala cremation ground in South Calcutta. That was only days before I would leave for studies abroad. Your blog has triggered a flashflood of memories. May God give you a long, productive life. Some old-fashioned guys like me will go on needing you. Thanks. Surajit Roy
Mr Roy,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your very moving description of your fascination for Hemant Kumar. Many of us on SoY have similar feelings about him, though we may not be able to write with so much feeling. I am happy that this blog rekindled your memories. Hope to see you more here.
I came across this site accidentally while looking up something of the golden era of hindi film music. What a site! A treasure trove! Congratulations on the hard work!
I have a query if you could help me with. In the song “Saannwale Salone Aaye Din Bahaar Ke” from “Ek Hi Rasta”, who plays the harmonica? I would like to know the name. So well played!
Jawahar,
Welcome to Songs of Yore and thanks a lot for your appreciation. As for your query, let us see if someone is able to answer it.
Film Pariwar…..Song Jhir Jhir Jhir Jhir Badarwa barse ho Kare Kare…soye Arman jage naye toofan jage, Barkha na bhaye more tere Bina is worth mentioning as one of the good duets of Hemant and Lata
Shahana,
Welcome to SOY. You are right, Jhir jhir badarwa barse is a beautiful Hemant Kumar-Lata Mangeshkar duets.