My greetings on her birthday September 8
Knowing that Asha Bhosle has a huge fan following and there are people more passionate about her than Lata Mangeshkar, I have to carefully choose my words to describe my relationship with her. If I am asked to choose only 20 singers from the 1930s to 60s for company on a remote island, Asha Bhosle probably won’t figure in my list. There are zillion themes swirling in my head for my blog, but doing OP Nayyar-Asha Bhosle is not one of them, much less RD Burman-Asha Bhosle. Yet there is a very special Asha Bhosle, very unique, incredibly sweet and out of this world. Here are my favourite ten ‘special’ Asha Bhosle songs as my greetings to her on her 78th birthday. (Warning: If you are looking for the ‘best’ songs of Asha Bhosle, you need not proceed further – you will not find Aaiye meherbaan or Jaaiye aap kahaan jayenge here).
1. Gore gore haathon mein mendi rachaa ke from Parineeta (1953), lyrics Bharat Vyas, music Arun Kumar Mukherji
I saw Parineeta several decades back, not in a cinema hall, but in a hostel function on a 16mm projector. Such viewings were always a special experience. These movies had multiple intervals as changing the reels was quite a chore. When you came back after one of the intervals, 10 minutes into the film you would be perplexed that the film was not making any sense as it had no connection with what had happened so far. A collective murmur from the audience would wake up the operator that he had put on part 3 instead of part 2. These films had an additional background score – the constant whirring of the machine, which would at times grow to a gurgling sound as if gasping for breath and the reel would snap making the machine come to a sudden death. The operator would delicately cajole it, then give it a good shake, and finally out of exasperation give it a good smack at different places with a variety of tools from his tool kit he always carried like the medicine box of a doctor. But above all this the impact of Sarat Chandra, Bimal Roy, Ashok Kumar and Meena Kumari was more overpowering. I always found it odd that this movie was not reckoned among Bimal Roy’s other great works, I never got to see this again whereas Doordarshan showed his other movies quite frequently. Another memory deeply etched inside me was this wedding song, and this song too met the same fate – I do not remember to have heard it again on radio or TV whereas another song from this movie, Manna Dey’s Chali Radhe rani ankhiyon mein paani, apne Mohan se mukhda mod ke came quite often. I have been able to reconnect with this song only recently through Youtube, and you can imagine the impact it had on me. Besides being a top wedding song, it evokes deep nostalgia in me, and it comes naturally at the top of my ‘special’ Asha Bhosle songs.
2. Ab ke baras bhej bhaiya ko babul from Bandini (1963), lyrics Shailendra, music SD Burman
Dharmendra made a joke of budhiya jail mein chakki peaceing and peaceing, but when you see the utter despair and hopelessness on the face of this woman prisoner grinding the stone-wheel, it is not funny at all. While the heroine Nutan would get her redemption, this lady, who might have been equally wronged, seems to have no hope. SD Burman gave Lata Mangeshkar, who was making a comeback to his fold after a hiatus of over 5 years, two beautiful solos Mora gora ang lai le and Jogi hab se tu aya mere dware, but you marvel at his judgment and realize Ab ke baras was meant for only Asha Bhosle.
3. Tujhe mili roshni mujhko andhera from Apna Haath Jagannath (1960), lyrics Kaifi Azmi, music SD Burman
This film starring Kishore Kumar and Sayeda Khan must be a perfect B-grade movie. But what a gem SD Burman creates for Asha Bhosle.
4. Koi aya dhadkan kahti hai from Lajwanti (1958), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music SD Burman
Nargis and Balraj Sahni in a romantic pairing, and the lady on the grand piano which is normally manned by the hero. SDB creates another magic with Asha Bhosle, this one is a little faster and peppy tune.
5. Dhalti jaye chunariya hamari ho Ram from Nau Do Gyarah (1961), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music SD Burman
This absolutely amazing song is my discovery in the internet era. When I shared it with some of my knowledgeable friends they all exclaimed how come they had not heard it before. You can feel Kalpana Kartik enjoying pure bliss in the company of Dev Anand. If anyone created magic with Asha Bhosle, it was undoubtedly SD Burman.
6. Geet kitne ga chuki hun is dukhi jag ke liye, private song
There was a world of non-film songs co-existing with films in the Golden Era. They had two broad strands – one based on Sanskritised words was popularly described as geet and the other with more Urdu/Persian roots, ghazal. The two together were described by the generic term private song. Most playback singers straddled both the worlds, the private song gave them more room to explore; in many cases they also wrote and composed the songs. Geets were more literary than an ordinary film song. You have this beautiful geet by Asha Bhosle with incredibly beautiful words. Asha Bhosle can be a master of expressing pathos – you feel she was giving vent to her own deepest sadness when she sings I have sung many songs for this happy world/ Let me today cry for a moment for my own sake. And she ends – Tomorrow I will sing something sweet for you/ But today let me cry for a moment for my own sake.
गीत कितने गा चुकी हूं इस सुखी जग के लिये
आज रोने दो मुझे पल एक अपने भी लिये
गीत कितने ……
रो रही थी बीन सुर सुनकर सुखी संसार का
नाचती थीं उंगलियां और कांपता हर तार था
आज टूटा तार मेरी बीन का आघात से
आज कुम्हलाया कुसुम मेरा अधिक बरसात से
आज धोने दो नयन के अश्रु खोने दो
नयन के अश्रु खोने दो मुझे
कल सुनाऊंगी मधुर कुछ आज रोने दो मुझे
आज रोने दो मुझे पल एक अपने भी लिये
गीत कितने गा चुकी हूं …
7. Justjoo jiski thi usko to na paya humne from Umrao Jaan (1981), lyrics Shaharyar, music Khayyam
Every Asha Bhosle song of Umrao Jaan is a masterpiece. Khayyam is himself a master of soft, melodious music depicting deep emotions. My special favourite is Justajoo jiski thi. Rekha’s emoting, Asha Bhosle’s voice and Khayyam’s music bring out the deep pathos of Umrao Jaan captured so evocatively in Shaharyar’s poetry.
8. Dhani chunri pahan, from Hare Kanch Ki Chudiyan (1967), lyrics Shailendra, music Shankar Jaikishan
This song came in what I call the rain-shadow years of film music, when the Old was dying, and the New was yet to come. Great stalwarts like Naushad, OP Nayyar and SJ themselves were past their best. Yet SJ in their twilight years came up with this extremely melodious Asha Bhosle song which is one of the best of the period and I count it among Asha Bhosle’s best. Naina Sahu expressing her joy with the metaphor of clanking of bangles for Biswajit is incredibly beautiful.
9. Bekasi had se jab ghuzar jaye from Kalpana (1960), lyrics Jaan Nisar Akhtar, music OP Nayyar
I consider Asha Bhosle the undisputed Queen of mujra, and what varieties she gave! Ashok Kumar brings out a wad of currency notes, but Padmini obviously sees herself more than merely a courtesan to a rich patron. Jaan Nisar Akhtar’s (father of Javed Akhtar) poetry and Asha Bhosle’s voice bring out the anguish of the courtesan beautifully. OP Nayyar’s music brilliantly exploits the capacity of Raga Desh to express pathos.
10. Saqiya aaj mujhe need nahi ayegi from Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam (1962), lyrics Shakeel Badayuni, music Hemant Kumar
You do not go to a mujra to hear sad songs – the outpourings of a courtesan’s broken heart, but to drown your own sorrows in her sensuous dance and racy songs. You get all this in this wonderful mujra from Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. In the midst of the impending doom, the decadent zamindars of Bengal could not do without their daily fix of kotha, leaving their pining wives behind. After all, a man cannot remain tied to the pallu of his wife. The wife can occupy herself with getting her jewellery made, unmade and remade. The elder patriarch is a picture of quiet dignity while watching the mujra, while one of his courtiers behind him allows himself a little flippancy breaking into a playful jig, but stops in his tracks when the elder brother glances at him. The simpleton Bhootnath (Guru Dutt), who has been sent on an errand by the chhoti bahu (Meena Kumari) to find out about her ever-absent alcoholic and uncaring husband, is himself drawn to the delightful sight, and gets down to slyly enjoying the mujra from behind the curtain, but is also bashful at being seen. The dance by Minoo Mumtaz (who was the sister of the comedian Mehmood) is a visual treat. Asha Bhosle’s singing breaking the general gloom permeating the movie is beyod compare, and is a perfect foil to Geeta Dutt’s classic poignant solos (Na jao saiyan and Piya aiso jiya mein samaye gayo re). Hemant Kumar proves he could compose a great mujra too. And topping all that, Guru Dutt’s famed command over light and sound and song picturisation, packing so much of the period and layers of meaning, makes this mujra an all-time classic.
{ 136 comments… read them below or add one }
My thoughts on Asha are pretty similar to yours, AK. I just checked my collection – the number of Asha songs is similar to the number of Geeta Dutt songs; which doesn’t disclose a great love for Asha given her much larger repertoire. Ab ke baras is, in my opinion, the best song she has given. Some others I’d put in a top 10 list would be ‘Bheegi bheegi fiza’, ‘Zara haule haule challo more sajna’, ‘Kali ghata chhaye mora jiya tarsaye’ and ‘Aankhon se jo utri hai dil mein’. More than her club songs I prefer her teasing duets with Kishore – ‘Haal kaisa hai janab ka’, ‘Zamana kya kahega’, ‘Aankhon mein kya ji,’ ‘O nigah-e mastana’ etc.
AK, it’s nice to see that you came up with an Asha list for her birthday, too. Of course, yours is more interesting than mine because of the interesting text, while I was too much in a hurry to bother with text this time, at least until I further discussed things in the comments section.
Anyway, I see that our lists have some things in common… We both picked Padmini mujras from Kalpana (which I think probably would not be an obvious choice in most people’s minds), but we chose different ones. The same exact thing happened with Umrao Jaan. I am a much bigger fan of Padmini than of Rekha, but Khayyam’s music for Urmao Jaan is brilliant, and Asha’s singing here is exceptional.
I would have included “Saqiya aaj mujhe need…” in my list; it was just a mistake that I didn’t, but I added it in comments later.
I thought about Parineeta, but I could not bring myself to include that song in an Asha favorites list because I had discovered Geeta Dutt’s version on YouTube and that one is actually much better.
Regarding your opinion of Asha, I agree to some extent. She has not generally been one of my absolute favorites, but she has grown on me more recently, and I usually give her a place in my top ten list (that is, top ten female singers – she probably would not fit into a top ten list of all singers). It is much easier to include her in a favorites list if we start from the 1950s. 🙂 But as you said, she is great sometimes.
By the way, when you listed Asha combined with various music directors, I noticed that you didn’t mention Asha and C. Ramchandra. I thought her singing was fantastic in Navrang.
@Richard S
Thanks for your generous comments. After reading your comments I went over to your site and read all the comments too.
I agree with you, I too found Meena Kumari’s shower scene in Footpath most exciting ( do not take me wrong, I meant it is historically significant). The other song I found historically important was Mere pyare sanam ki hai pyari gali from Parda (1949). The music director Sharmaji, I believe, is the same as Khayyam who used this name in the beginning of his career. Asha Bhosle, not surprisingly, sounds completely different, closer to Suraiya. In fact even the music has traces of Husnlal Bhagatram. It is amazing that Khayyam should give great masterpieces in 1980s with a different Asha Bhosle, who has, if anything, matured and whose tonal quality has become much better. You have taken another song from Umrao Jaan, but all the songs in that film are great.
I had not heard the Kalpana song Humein maro nainon, you have chosen. I still find Bekasi had se jab ghuzar jaye far ahead. Nazar lagi raja tore bangale par is also my great favourite.
Geeta Dutt’s Gore gore hathon mein mehdi laga ke I believe is a version song and was not there in the film. But you are right, it is absolutely wonderful, and it is difficult to judge which one is better. Here it is:
Except these commonalities our choices are world apart. May be we are looking at two different Asha Bhosle’s. If I expand my list, following songs would come in:
1. Main jab bhi akeli hoti hun from Dharmputra
2. Bhanwra bada nadan from Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
3. Koi shikwa bhi nahin koi shikayat bhi nahin from Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare
4. Lali lali doliya mein lali re dulhaniya from Teesri Kasam
5. Hae hae rasiya tu bada bedardi from Dil Diya Dard Liya
6. Dil harnewale aur bhi hain from Dil Diya Dard Liya
7. Nadi nare na jao Shyam from Mujhe Jeene Do
8. Piya piya na mane mora jiya from Phagun
9. Tang aa chuke hain kasham kash-e-zindagi se hum from Lighhouse
10. Unhe kissa-e-gham likhane jo baithe from Naya Kanoon
11. Kali ghata chhaye mora jiya tarsaye from Sujata
12. Daiya re daiya laaj mohe lage from Leader
13. Sach hue sapne mere from Kala Bazar
14. Koi kah de kah de kah de from Baharein Phir Bhi Ayengi
15. Yaad tori ayi main to chham chham royee re from Faulad
No matter how much I expand, I guess, we would still have several favourites that do not match. But thanks again for the wealth of information you have provided.
enjoyyyyyyyyyyyyy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPLvdhOFH08
I have just finished listening to Kya dekha hain nainowali from Dharamputra, Do Boondein Sawan ki in Phir Subah hogi, Jahan mein aisa koun hain and Ashqon se tere humne- N Dutta, Khayyam, Jaidev and Madanmohan. Why do the popularity contests always speak of only OP Nayyar ?
Asha singing in a low pitch is heavenly.
@arvind
Trust you to come up with something wonderful! Here is the song:
Wo hans ke mile hum se hum pyar samajh baithe from Baharein Phie Bhi Ayengi
@Gaby
I too share your views. You must have seen my best Asha Bhosle is predominantly SD Burman, sprinkled with others you have mentioned. OPN is just one among them. (RD Burman does not figure in my list).
@Subodh Agrawal
I am late in responding to your comments. You have seen my extended list of solos, still many of your favourites do not come on my radar screen. But duets I agree, all the ones you have mentioned are my favourites, plus:
1. Deewana mastana hua dil
2. Deewana hua badal
3. Chand sa mukhda kyun sharmaya
4. Humse hoti mohabbat jo tumko
5. Bahut shukriya badi meherbani
6. O mere sona re sona re
7. Chhod do aanchal zamana kya kahega , etc
You get the hang of it, I suppose these would figure in anyone’s favourites.
Hello AK,
This one is: ABSOLUTE TREAT in all CAPS. Fantastic research that speaks out minds of many like me. I do have a specially reserved corner for AASHA and I share your views entirely without shifting even coma or a dot. Of course, I do feel strongly about OP s great contribution to AASHA’s popularity. He gave her a solid base of popularity to begin with. However, it is an equally undeniable fact that she sang some of the real classics under SD and not RD. She herself may prefer to go ga-ga over RD [for reasons best known to her] or many of her fans may believe so. But facts are otherwise as you have pointed out beyond doubt. Look at the way she sang under Khayyam in Phir Subah Hogi or Umrao Jaan. that’s Super Duper Fantastic. I think AASHA’s classics can be a subject for a PhD. What made my day is wealth of information given by at one go. Barring that nice song from Nav Do Gyarah or Getta Dutt version of Gore Gore Haatho Mein…I was aware of the exhaustive list give by you and many other music lovers who commented. Thanks a zillion for this special on AASHA especially so for introducing me to Mr. Richard S. DEAR AK…YOU MADE MY SATURDAY. Regards – KRV
@KR Vaishampayan
I am absolutely delighted by your generous compliments, more so when I find someone whose tastes and views match with mine so much. While doing this post, for me the most exciting thing was the discovery of Dhalti jaye chunariya – you fall for it for the first time and it remains with you forever, yet it is amazing no one with whom I shared (all knowledgable people), seems to have heard it.
AK
Our exchange of comments on Asha’s duets prompted me to scan my collection to make a list of top 10 ‘playful’ duets:
1. Hum aap ki aankhon mein, Rafi and Geeta, Pyasa
2. Aankhon hi Aankhon mein, Rafi and Geeta, CID
3. Achha ji main hari chalo, Rafi and Asha, Kala pani
4. Deewana mastana hua dil, Rafi and Asha, Bombai ka babu
5. Jane kahan mera jigar gaya, Rafi and Geeta, Mr and Mrs 55
6. Haal kaisa hai janab ka, Kishore and Asha, Chalti ka naam gaadi
7. Aankhon mein kya ji, Kishore and Asha, Nau do gyarah
8. Chhod do aanchal zamana…, Kishore and Asha, Paying guest
9. Sunday ke sunday, Chitalkar and Meena, Shehnai
10. Mere piya gaye rangoon, Chitalkar and Shamshad Begum, Patanga
As you can see, half of them figure Asha. The interesting part is that Rafi figures more than Kishore – cause for more comments in the already profusely commented post on these two legends!
You deserve a treat for discovering Dhalti jaaye chunariya. Allow me to do the honours on behalf of all lovers of your blog next time we meet.
@Subodh Agrawal
All the duets you have listed are gems, but best ten of all? You have to wait till I post my list of Mukesh’s happy duets! I would be curious to see if you revise your opinion.
Dhalti jaye chunatiya, I heard on Vividh Bharti and then checked up on YouTube. Therefore, to be fair, we should thank Vividh Bharti and the anonymous guy who posted it on YouTube.
two additions….it is endless….
http://youtu.be/zlcDOGFaF50 and http://youtu.be/tVO7x_MRGpI
I have just gone into satiety zone with the shudd Ahir Bhairav of Man anand anand chhayo from Vijeta.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPc_dyJbs1U&feature=related
http://youtu.be/fnWe6ycli40
an asha hit from ……..ZINDAGI AUR MAUT………..
@arvind
My favourite is Mahendra Kapur version of Dil laga kar hum ye samjhe. The main signficance of Asha Bhosle version for me is the female protagonist the piano. When you think of a piano song you think of Dilip Kumar in Andaaz or Sunil Dutt in Gumraah. Though Faryal’s emoting leaves a lot to be desired.
I think I belong to the ‘other’ block and am delighted to see your list. It IS different. And I admire your decisiveness to be able to boil the list down to ten!
Tujhe mili roshni mujhko andhera from Apna Haath Jagannath, Dhalti jaye chunariya hamari ho Ram from Nau Do Gyarah and Geet kitne ga chuki hun were new for me! In the latter song I would have hardly recognised her voice!
This is indeed a good greeting on her birthday.
Now to some nitpicking:
Isn’t it koi aaya dhadkan khaiti hai instead of koi aaya dhadkan kaisi hai? It is a song which I used to like a lot, but right now it has gone into hibernation.
In the song saqiya aaj mujhe neend nahin aayegi it is not Rehman but somebody else. Rehman is not present in the song.
The description, which you have provided to each song is very entertaining and informative to read!
Thanks again for this splendid list!
And a bigger one for letting me discover new songs! 🙂
@Harvey
To think that I have been doing not only gaane ka kuchumber, but also film ka kuchumber all these years! Thanks for both the corrections. I have seen worse. A friend of mine for many years sang Baithaa diya palang pe mujhe khaat se uthaa ke for Baitha diya falak pe mujhe khaaq se uthaa ke (Title song of Yaranaa).
I think you mean I belong to the ‘other’ camp, and you belong to the regular camp like any Asha Bhosle lover.
Thanks again for your comments.
I couldn’t resist jumping into this conversation.
@harvey: I think it’s actually ‘Koi aaya dhadkan kehti hai’ (not ‘Dhadkan khaiti hai’ – that would mean the dhadkan is a crop). 😉
@AK: Your friend’s version of Baitha diya falak pe is hilarious!
@harvey, dustedoff
This one is from my daughter:
Tum aa gaye ho Noor aa gaya hai
Chalo hum teeno kahin chaai peete hai 🙂
@ ak
Yup, that would be nice, you, madhu and I ! Let’s go and gett some chai and pakoras!
@ dustedoff
The mouse pad on my laptop makes the cursor jump here and there and it often swallows words, like here and makes kachumbar of my sentences. thanks for pointing that out!
I’d come across this song while looking for something else. I could make it to your list: http://youtu.be/QfaIk7FB-UA
This is indeed a wonderful song. Heard for the first time. Deserves to be here.
Raat chup hai chandni madhosh hai by Asha Bhosle from Ustadon Ke Ustad, music Ravi
There are a number of later Asha Bhosle songs from films like Ijazat which deserve to be here. But I had put a limit on 10. May be I need to do another post on her.
Asha is my favourite and have been listening to her songs for the past several decades and have listened to all her songs. I love all the great music directors of the sixties -not possible to name just a few! When I think of Asha and her career from the start I can only say Asha is just about nothing if not for O.P.Nayyar -the greatest songs of Asha have got to be the OP’s tunes.
Thinking of Asha’s sad songs when I re-visited my collection I came across many rare Gems which are class apart and which also let us go down the memory lane. I know AK you have limitation of only 10 songs and you have done good job of listing fantastic songs. If I had been asked to list 10 most melodius songs I would name these:
Sun Bhi Le Parvardigaar-1954-Film Malika E Aalam Noorjahan-Avinash Vyas
Kuchh Meri Nazar Madhosh Hai 1959 Madam XYZ Chitragupta
Bairi Hai Barbad Zamana 1954 Ehsan Madan Mohan
Tere khayalonme hum 1964 Geet gaya pattharone Ramlal
Zilmil Sitare Chanda ke pyaare 1953 Thokar Sardar Malik
Chhand tu yahaan hai aur 1961 Bhabhi ki Chudiyan Sudhir Phadke
Kyon lage aaj 1966 Ladki Sahyadriki Vasant Desai
Diya Jalake Saari Raat 1954 Ramman Vinod
Pyar bhi muze darkaar hai 1959 Didi N.Dutta
Sapne tut Gaye 1954 Dakbabu Dhaniram
Tere deed se tasalli 1964 Samson Chitragupta
You do have some rare favourites. Except the Geet gaya patharon ne‘s title song, I did not know any in your list. Some are not available on YouTube. Some I could locate which I link below:
1. Jhilmil sitaare chanda ke dware from Thokar (1953), lyrics Udhav Kumar, music Sardar Malik
2. Sapne toot gaye from Dak Babu (1954), lyrics Prem Dhavan, music Dhani Ram
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfbyfOaSsA8
3. Pyar hi mujhe darkar hai from Didi (1959), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanvi, music N Dutta
4. Chand tu yahan hai from Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan (1961), lyrics Narendra Sharma, music Sudhir Phadke
5. Teri deed se tasalli na ho saki hamari from Samson (1964), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music Chitragupta
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flCJ3kkKGNQ
6. Tere khayalon mein hum from Geet Gaya Patharon Ne (1964), lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri, music Ramlal
7. Kyon lage laaj from Ladki Sahyadri Ki (1966), lyrics Bharat Vyas, music Vasant Desai
sharing this asha no. .. .”baithe hain rehguzar par dil ka diya jalaye ….” from “chaalis din ” composed by babul and written by kaifi azmi.
yet another gem
….man tumul kolahal kalah mein….jaishankar pd’s piece composed by jaidev and sung by asha.
Thnaks a lot Arvind. Both are outstanding songs.
O P Nayar and Asha ji were deadly combination. Yeh hai reshmi julfo and Jayien aap kahan from Mere Sanam is still my favourite.
No question about it. However, the key word was my ‘special’ favourites of Asha Bhosle. You may refer to my ‘warning’ at the end of the first para of the article.
old memories ! ‘…tumhara pyar meri zindgani ka sahara hai…’
asha n suhrid kar in ‘.. kanch ki gudiya…’
Arvind, now I know for sure you are a great fan of Asha Bhosle. Thanks for sharing all these beautiful songs, which were not on my radar screen.
‘….saba se yeh keh do…’ asha singing for minu mumtaz in ‘ bank manager’.
Arvind,
You are an uncrowned expert on Asha Bhosle! From this film, my thought would have gone to Kadam bahke bahke jiya dhadak dhadak jaye sung by Lata Mangeshkar for Minoo Mumtaz again.
http://youtu.be/hMakSbL9qUI
this asha song “…layeee kahan ae zindagi….” was composed by her son
hemant bhosle for the movie “…taxi taxie (1977)…”
Interesting trivia. I did not know this. Not surprising considering I am not very up to date with post-70’s songs. Among newer songs of Asha Bhosle, I like Izazat songs.
…..Akji…..nice thread on Ashaji….no. 3, 5, 6 and 8 were new to me…..all r superb…esp. I liked very much the song of ‘h k k chudiya’…..S&J….no one can beat u…..
ok now this is her big hit from ‘Jashan'(1955,Roshan)
‘Haaye ruthi hui khooshi ko hum yun mana rahe hai
Hansne ki aarzoo me aansoo baha rahe hai’
Khushi Dil Ki Talashe-Yaar Mein Ro-Ro ke Kho Aaye-Asha Bhonsle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrGk3a1NByU
Another 24c gold of this film is from lataji…
”Dard e dil tu hi bata yeh kaisi gham ki shaam hai
Is jahan men kya wafa ka bewafai naam hai”
I feel these both songs deserve a place in wrap up 2@1955….
And this is fantastic one surprize 4 asha fans
‘Yeh jeevan jitni baar mile
Mujhe sajna tera pyar mile
O sajna na kar inkaar muhabbat ho ne de”
Jahan haath daalo wahan se heere haath lag jaate hai !! THANX V V V MUCH TO YOUTUBE AGAIN AND AGAIN. Asha-Love murder http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGC9slUjHn0
I also like the songs from ‘p jaye par v na jaye’…esp. 1. Chain se humko aapne kabhi
2. Dekho are dilbar…and
3. Dekho raja dekho dilwale teri gali se mar ke hatenge
And now RDB’s maajhi with Asha Bhosle – Bandhe Haath (1973) – HD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r27v27CAEtI
I love this song….Akji,, u like him or not but OPN IS AMONGST GREATESTS. Dekho Raja Dekho – Rekha http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8AK3VCfjkg
want more post 70 asha gems ? Though post 70 songs r not suitable to our theme, par ek baar sun lene me apna kya jaata hai !
”Chori chori sola singar karungi
Aaj saari raat intezaar karungi
Soye hai mere piharwa”
Zeenat makes it more interesting! MANORANJAN 1974 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gteDROkgVwA
Another RDB-ASHA masterpiece…
Jeeva(1986) Roz Roz Aankhon Tale Ek Hi Sapna Chale.. Amit Kumar Asha Bhonsle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExJqFg822xk
Dear Akji…though these songs r post 70, i m not deviating from ur theme of ”’special favorites”’ Yugpurush – Koi Jaise Mere (HQ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23r6iolCPfo
It would be interesting to explore the work of mainline singers with the composers normally not associated with the singer’s 50+% songs.
e.g. Megha Barasane Laga Hai Aaj – Shaque – 1976 – Vasant Desai – http://youtu.be/M3jH_qlvGg0
http://youtu.be/r-aOv-Oqwx4
this asha bhosle song is from the 1966 movie….YEH ZINDAGI KITNI HASEEN HAI…..it was penned by rajinder krishan & and set to music by ravi.
Lovely post. “Dhalti jaaye chunariya” from Nau Do Gyarah and “Abke baras bhej” from Bandini show the gains Asha made in her delivery under the SDB baton. Umrao Jaan’s (1981) presence in Akji’s list encourages me to suggest “Ambar ki ek paak surahi” from Kadambari (1975). It has been written by Amrita Pritam and composed by Vilayat Khan. Asha’s voice has a different timbre in the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=3sJeppHDQ2M
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHAJI
Date is just changed in india but so what,,8th is still running in many parts of this world !
I just came in my bed from my PC, was playing my favt game ‘Minesweeper’ and listening Asha-Opnayyar’s streak of late 60’s incidentally before knowing that today was ashaji’s bday from SoY !!
some of my ‘special’ favorites of Ashaji on her bday.
Kabhi hamari muhabbat ka imtehan na lo
Hamara dil to liya hai Hamari jaan na lo
(naseehat,1967)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hlM4YhWiEA
Jaan o dil dono hai haazir
Jo bhi chahe lijiye
Mujhko bhi apni tarha
Jazbaat se bhar dijiye
(love and murder, 1966) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWspWknANnQ
Churaate ho nazren aji kis liye
Ke zinda hai bas aap hi ke liye
(the killers, 1969) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWrOSG1iwN8
All three songs from obscure movies but OPN is kamaal kamaal even in such BCgrade movies !
Canasya,
I am sorry I missed to thank you for the lovely song from Kadambari.
Jignesh,
Thanks for adding these songs which were all new to me. I especially liked Jaan-o-dil dono hai hazir and Churate ho nazrein kis liye.
AK,
I share your views about Asha.
Asha and Kishore I like them, but for a certain amount of time, I can listen to them for about an hour after that I feel enough, bahut ho gaya.
All your special songs are special to me too except, (I know I am odd one out) tujhe mili roshni mujko andhera.
Geet kitne ga chuki hoon and dhalti jaye chunariya are very special.
Kadambari song “amber ki pak siyahi” added by Canasyaji is out of this world.
Like khayyam, Jaidev has worked wonders with her in his non filmy ghazal album.
Here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WIrjwY23WM&feature=player_detailpage
Wishing SOY family a “VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR”
Thanks a lot and wishing you the same. I was surprised that you are diffident about Tujhe mili roshni. But great to know you share my feeling about other songs.
I have been both reading this post and quarrelling with my wife because I have made a mess of the store from where I retrieved my bags of cassettes.
Here I am once again with my favourite Asha songs. They may not join top ten, but I believe they don’t lag in sheer musical pleasure.
This time because of nos I have had to categorise them according to their mood.
Ghazal/Sad :
1. Thukra ke Teri duniya ko from ‘Baadban’
2.Ae gham e dil kya karun (solo) from ‘Thokar’
3 &4. Kis jagah jaayen & Tang aa chuke hain’ kashmakashe from ‘Lighthouse’.
5. Pyas kuchh aur bhi (solo) from ‘Lalarukh’
6. Dil shaam se dooba jata hai from ‘Sanskaar’
7. Hum jo zinda hain’ from ‘Rikshawala’
8. O piya Jana na from ‘Umrquaid’
9. Saawan ban gaye nain from ‘Karorpati’
10. Hum apne gham ko saja kar from ‘Madanmanjari’
11. Shaam ki tanhaiyaan hain’ from ‘Zarak Khan’.
12. Is tarah toda mera dil from ‘Shehnai’
13.Pyar par bas to nahi hai (solo) from ‘Some ki chidiya and lastly, a mythological gem
13. Pinjre ki maina from ‘Veer Bajrang’
I’m over today and will come again with different moods of Asha ji.
PS. Pls bear with me.
Sharmaji,
Thanks a lot for your additions some of which are new to me. From your list Tang aa chuke hain is one of my greatest favourites, and I have mentioned it in my comment #3 in my enlarged list. It is interesting that soon after Pyasa, Sahir Ludhiyanvi uses these lyrics again. The other songs I like a lot are Dil sham se dooba jata hai, O piya jana na, Sawan ban gaye nain and Is tarah toda mera dil. What is surprising is that no reader so far seems to have mentioned these songs.
Frankly, as for Ae gham-e-dil kya karun I rate it nowhere before Talat’s solo, and I have made a mention of it in my post on Twin songs. However, my friend Arvind likes Asha Bhosle’s version more. Similarly, for Pyas kuchh aur bhi bhadka di and Pyar par bas to nahi, I find duets with Talat Mahmood far superior, and I have included these in my post on Talat-Asha Bhosle duets.
Let me link the two songs from your list which I absolutely like.
Tang aa chuke hain kashamkash-e-zindagi se hum from Lighthouse
Sawan ban gaye nain piya bin from Krorepati
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLnSxc4O-xU
AK’ji , I think one must listen to asha’jis song “saare jahan se achha hindustan hammara” composed by N dutta . Film ? It carries a beautiful touching melody that goes directly to your heart ; awakening all ….. to do something for your country .
Bhatiaji,
It is an excellent song following the traditional tune. It is from Dharmaputra (1961). N Datta gave some gorgeous songs in this film.
AK Ji,
Saare jahan se achha, a beautiful composition from N.Dutta is from ‘Bhai Behan’ (1959) and not ‘Dharamputra’ which again had an unforgettable musical score by N.Dutta.
Sharmaji,
Namaskar
Both Bhai Behan (1959) and Dharmaputra (1961) had this song. As AKji has rightly pointed out this version carried the traditional tune and the original lyrics of Md.Iqbal. The rest of the songs were penned by Sahir Ludhyanvi. The song can be heard in the beginning (title song) and again at the end of the film. Here are both the clippings
Saare jahaan se achha Hindusthan hamaara by Asha Bhosle, Md.Rafi and Chorus, film Dharmaputra(1961/62), lyrics Md.Iqbal, music traditional (used by N Dutta/ Dutta Naik)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8fZ3L60e0s
the end clipping
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjVrfS6Pdsk
In the version you are referring to, the lyrics is altered by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan and the tune is also different. All other songs of Bhai Behen were penned, once again, by Sahir Ludhyanvi. Here is the clipping
Saare jahaan se achha Hindusthan hamaara by Asha Bhosle, film Bhai Behen (1959), lyrics Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, music N Dutta/ Dutta Naik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew5butnflMA
N.Venkataraman Ji and AK Ji, namaskar and kindly accept my apologies.
But I am really delighted to have enhanced my knowledge and thank you both for the same.
Thanks AK’ji , Arvinder’ji, Venkataraman ‘ji for sharing and providing the inputs .This reminds me of another great song by Rafi sahib ….” Iswar allah tere naam sab ko sammati de bhagwan ” . Again forgetting the movie? Of course Lataji’ masterly rendering in ” Hum dono” is a milestone .
Venkataramanji,
On careful listening both the versions sound the same to me. When I mentioned the traditional tune I had in mind the marching tune adopted by the Indian Army. Here it is:
This version is more easy to sing, and is generally used in school assemblies too. Wikipedia mentions Iqbal’s poem was first published in the weekly magazine Ittehad on 16 August 1904 (off by a day!). Iqbal ‘sang’ the poem at a college function. Did he compose the tune as we know today? It further says Mahatma Gandhi is said to have sung it over a hundred times while he was imprisoned in the Yervada Jail, Pune, in the 1930s. There is a further mention that Ravi Shankar composed the song in the 1950s which was sung by Lata Mangeshkar. YT has a version by Lata, but it is clearly not of 50s, but of a much later period. This article by Subhash K Jha also mentions Ravi Shankar’s composition, though it does not give the year.
You were once thinking of writing on the various versions of Vande Mataram. Sare jahan se achcha also seems to have a similar history, including the politics behind it.
Sharmaji,
Apology for what? You were also partly right.
Bhatiaji,
You mean the following song from Naya Rasta, again Sahir Ludhiyanvi/N Datta combination.
Ishwar Allah tere naam by Rafi
Akji,
Yes , I listened to both the songs again. I do not know how I did I make this elementary mistake. Did my ear deceive me? No excuses, my apologies to all.
Yes I too have heard that Pt. Ravi Shankar had composed the tune for Sare Jahan se achha. Was the same tune adopted by the Indian Army or was it different?
Yes, I had an offer to write about the different versions of Vande Maataram, for a local little magazine, in the year 2012. But due to differences in opinion I withdrew. I wanted to do the piece for SoY. But somehow it went off my radar. May be sometime in future I may do it, if I find the time and inclination and your blessings.
By the way the N Dutta’s version of Sare jahan se achha and Ishwar Allah tero naam made good listening.
Let me throw my musical hat once again to come up with some Asha songs from my stable which I feel must be shared and enjoyed.
Slow Melody:
1. Thandi thandi sawan ki phuhaar from ‘Jaagte Raho’
2. Tere liye o bewafa from ‘Commander’
3. Tum mere main teri from ‘Navrang’
4. Kaise kahun main baat piya ki from ‘Gehre Daag’
5. Pawan more angna me from ‘Shehnai’ and
6. Piya se milan kaise hoe ri from ‘Aandolan’. (Jaidev has given outstanding music in this forgotten film).
Playful no’s :
1. Meri wafaein from ‘Amanat’ (in spite of the sad sounding lyrics, the plot of the movie makes it a playful no).
2. Baagh me Kali khili from ‘Chand aur Sooraj’
3. Tum sainyan gulab ke phool from ‘Navrang’
4. Main kyun na naachun aaj from ‘Paigham’
5. Paanvon me jhanjhar from ‘Faulaad’
6. Lehraye jiya from ‘Sharda’ and
7.Naino se naina laage from ‘Lighthouse’
There are many more but I would add two more songs which I feel are of an unheard quality and must be listed here.
1. O naag kahin ja basiyo re from ‘Naagpanchami’ and
2. Manne bhool mat jaiyo rajaji from ‘Veer Rajputani’.
There is one error in Sh. Vinay Kulkarni’s post dtd 19th Aug 2012. Kuch meri nazar madhosh hai from Madam XYZ has been sung by Lata Mangeshkar.
Thanks AK’ji and salute to sahir -N dutta combo for such meaningful songs .
Venkataramanji, Bhatiaji
I too confused the Asha Bhosle versions with the Marching Tune I had in mind. I tend to believe the latter version is the traditional version, though the two film versions are so well-ingrained in our mind that it is easy to get mixed up.
Both the national songs are so popular, it is surprising that they should have unseemly controversy surrounding them. My interest was only in the historical origin of the evolution of various versions, and I would scrupulously like to avoid politics, which tend to be very opinionated and bitter.
A small point about N Datta’s name. The Bengali way is to write it as ‘Dutta’, but I find Maharashtrians/Goans writing it as ‘Datta’, as in K Datta (Datta Korgaonkar). Probably it is better to write his name as N Datta.
Sharmaji,
You are some fan of Asha Bhosle! From your list I would include the following in my enlarged list of Asha Bhosle’s great songs:
1. Thandi thandi saawan ki phuhaar from Jaagte Raho (1956), lyrics Shailendra, music Salil Chaudhary
The mood, and probably the tune too, so much resembles Ab ke baras bhej. ‘Saawan’ does evoke very poignant thoughts if things are not going well.
2. Pawan more angana mein dheere dheere aana from Shehnaai (1964), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Ravi
I also like Baagh mein kali khili and Lehraye jiya. I find there are several songs on the theme ‘kaase kahun baat’. The one I like most is Sudha Malhotra’s from Dhool Ka Phool. N Datta must be blessing us, he is being remembered so frequently. ‘Tum saiyan gulaba ke phool’ immediately reminded me of Mero sainyan gulabiyo ke phool hamaaro rang kesariya by Suman Kalyanpur and Minoo Purushottam from Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal. An outstanding composition by Roshan and my great favourite.
Another song from Faulad has figured earlier – Yaad tori ayi piya.
For other songs in your list one has to be a great fan of Asha Bhosle. Thanks a lot again for these additions.
You have hit a musical bull’s eye in my view. Whenever in my childhood, I used to hear either of the songs, (Tum sainyan from’Navrang’ and Mero sainyan from ‘Nai Umar Ki….) the other one naturally sprung up to my mind.
And this leads to Na na na re Na Na from ‘Tajmahal’, Roshan’s epic.
Similar is with Meri wafayen from ‘Amanat’.
It evokes memories of Pyar hi mujhe darkaar hai from ‘Didi’
Great abundance of unparalleled information. Keep it up guys.
I am a listener and a collector of Indian film and classical music, on long play and 78 rpm records, but I think there is a lot of stuff that’s missing from my collection. I hope that a few of the bloggers here have a collection of these songs on well-maintained records. Somebody please preserve this treasure which is almost lost by HMV and other music companies.
I love Ashaji’s voice in the latter part of her career and hence would mention this song where her singing is absolutely heavenly.
Song – Salona sa sajan hai aur main hu.
Album – Meeraj-a-ghazal.
Music – Ghulam Ali.
There are other ghazals by ashaji in this album which r better compositions by Ghulam Ali sahab, but the voice in Salona sa is stunning.
Also there’s this whole album by Asha and Jaidev sahab which is beautiful. Ghazals and geets if I am not wrong.
Would also mention this song,
Khoya khoya chanda, khoye khoye taare
Film – Door gagan ki chaao mein
Music – Kishore da
Lyrics – Shailendra, I think.
SB,
Welcome to SoY and thanks a lot for your appreciation. Asha Bhosle did sing some of her best songs in the later era in Umrao Jaan and Ijazat.
Yup she was like matured wine.
Listen to this one, if I may take the liberty of posting her 70s, 80s song.
Song – Saathi re, bhool na jaana mera pyar.
Film – Kotwal Saab.
Music – Ravindra Jain.
This to me would make it into top 3 songs of Ashaji of all time.
And what a mind-blowing composition by Pandit Ravindra Jain sahab.
AK Ji,
On behalf of all the readers and contributors of SoY and myself, belated greetings to Asha Bhonsle on her birthday, which fell on 8th September.
It is very true that Asha owed her ascent to OP Naiyyar and SD Burman mainly, but in the 60s, other MDs were also responsible for streamlining her career.
Some of my favorite special songs of Asha, which were popular in the radio era, but got lost over the years are as under.
Main Teri Hui re baalma from ‘Gehra Daag’, music Ravi.
Main Teri Hui Re Balma film Gehra Daag 1963: http://youtu.be/LcPrYEno8rE
Preet basi hai meri nas nas me from ‘Neela Aakash’, music by Madanmohan.
Neela Aakash 1965 Song Preet Basi Hai Meri Nas Na…: http://youtu.be/3MPR4OFlClk
Main Teri dil tera re mitwa from ‘Tasweer’, music C Ramchandra
main teri dil tera re mitva-Tasveer: http://youtu.be/zLThiaXHm5A
O matware saajna, chhalak raha mera pyar from ‘Faulaad’, music S.Mohinder
Faulad – O Matware Sajana – Asha Bhosle: http://youtu.be/JGZdHeDwulQ
Kachhi dagar panghat ki, chalat dar laage ri laage sakhi ri from ‘Apna Bana Ke Dekho’, music Ravi.
Kachhi%20Dagar%20Panghat%20Ki%20@%20IndiaMp3.Com [Mp3Truck.Net].mp3
Other female singers have also sung songs in the above genre, but to my mind, Asha, at least from 60s onwards remained unsurpassed in singing such songs.
Sharmaji,
Thanks for adding these songs. Main teri dil tera re mitwa is my great favourite. Hearing it after ages. Thanks for refreshing my memory. I could never believe it was composed by C Ramchandra.
AK Ji,
Thanks for your comments.
My only failure was trying to upload the song ‘Kachhi dagar panghat ki’, which I could not find on the YouTube.
I will give it another try and come with another genre of Asha songs, again, favorites from my playlists.
AKji,
some of the best songs of Ashaji to my mind are,1.aj koi pyar se from sawan ki ghata,2. yehi woh jagah hai from yeh raat phir na ayegi, 3.tum mere mein tere from navrang 4. aise mein kuch kaha nahi jaye- bombai ka babu. I just could not help the temptation of joining the discussion.
another mentionable song is ‘ Ek baat kohu mere piya sunle agar tu’ from AMAR. ( Naushad). My most favourite rafi asha duet is Dekh hamen awaz na dena from Amar deep ( C Ramchandra ). The song was beautifully orchestrated though similar tune was earlier used by SJ in Yehudi.
SP Sinha,
Yahi wo jagah hai is an excellent song. Amar‘s Asha Bhosle songs give me a feeling that Naushad had created these with Lata Mangeshkar in mind. His best Asha Bhosle songs I find are mujras, such as Haay haay rasiya tu bada bedardi.
AKji; Meri bekhudi tumne dekhi hai lekin …… by Aasha ji is one of my fav combo with O P N . Aasha ji sang Differently under diff M D s . Aaj duniya badi suhani hai from Nartakee for Ravi is quite diff rendering . Bombay se aaya hai for SDB is again totally diff and so is ….Sawan bangaye nain for SJ [ krorepati ] . Aa dil se dil mila le is one of the kind under CR . Such is the variety of Aashaji ‘s variations available for us listener to enjoy .
Akji, at the time of Amar, Ashaji was much behind lataji in popular perception. But her rendition of the song is distinctly different and soulful.
Akji, I liked inclusion of Dhalti jaye chunariya.This is a great favorite of mine.
SP Sinha,
Many of us discovered Dhalti jaaye chunariya in the Internet era, and it has since become our great favourite too.
asha bhosle song …raat raat bhar jag jag kar ….from the movie …PYAR KA SAGAR (1961).
http://youtu.be/7N1q1j-NlXE
Arvinder Sharma ji ; Browsing thru above observations and comments , it seems little for me to contribute some songs which are my fav. and are not listed by any other . 1. Main baharoan ki nathkhat rani [ Boot polish] .2. Hai re gajab kahin tara toota [ Teesri kasam ] . 3 . Nazar laagi raja tohre bangle par [ Kaala pani ] . 4. Hone lagi hai raat jawan jagte raho [ Naina]. 5. Jadoo gar katil hazar hai mera dil [ Kohinoor] . 6. Yeh rangeen mahfil gulabi gulabi [ Shikari ] . All these songs are sort of mujra style wherein Aasha excelled in rendering- be it SJ, SD or OP creation .
Excellent. In India two person are under valued one Ashaji and other Rahul dravid.
I just listened to a song by Asha Bhonsle from Poonan Ki Raat, music Salil Chaudhary, and was mesmerized by his use of the Tarana, and the western band in the song.
Ta Dheem Tana Dheem – Hindi Song – Poonam Ki Raat: https://youtu.be/rJzIoJrF2VY
My interpretation of the song will be inadequate, and it is for experts like SSW Ji and others to comment.
I also remember Gaddeswarup Ji mentioning an ‘Albela’ film song in comments at the Open House where the CR used an Indian tune with western orchestra.
Mr. Sharma
Thank you for pointing out this song, I have not heard this song in ages. It is interesting the use of the percussion with odd instruments at the starting followed by bongos and guitar and notice the guitar melody. It is used again and again in the chorus. The first use of the string instruments brings about two melodic lines and then some fairly involved flute pieces and guitars and bongos again. But when Asha sings the tarana the way “keh do ” is taken sets the scene for some fairly complex melodic lines. The use of the chorus in the first interlude has three parts. There are the men’s voices singing the lyrics and there are the women’s voices pitched higher and below them a men’s chorus humming the same melody. You will also notice that this humming line by the men is the same melodic line played by the string instruments in the back (the cellos and violas) in the and by the guitar before them in the prelude. You will notice how the guitar follows Asha’s voice when it moves back to the guitar and the flute piece that appeared in the prelude.
In the first antara after the chorus comes in, at 2:12 there is an odd chord change a dissonance that is repeated again the second antara .
Notice the main melody in the mukhda and antaras and how difficult it is to sing the change ups “jaane kab se mere pyaare”, how the beats are placed.
I found the picturisation wonderful too. Somebody has a sense of humour, the padval used as a flute and bassoon, the chopping block and the knife for percussion….
Really I wonder if we shall ever see the like of Salilda again , so unconventional , only RD in HFM attempted to tread this fascinating path.
Sharmaji,
Thanks for getting it started. I was hoping for SSW to come in with the nuances of the orchestration and thanks to him, for doing it. I can relate to only the tune and the lyrics so when it comes to orchestration I always wait for the experts to jump in.
Thanks once again to you and SSW.
Mumbaikar8, one mistake in my post it should read “string instruments in the back (the cellos and violas) in the prelude and by the guitar before them in the prelude”.
I think the dissonance is the chords changing from B to Dflat minor and then to Aflat minor. Not sure. I was trying to work it out on my guitar. It is an odd change. Very interesting.
SSW Ji,
I had especially named you in my comment about this song and you have analyzed it beautifully.
(It’s another thing that it could take ages for me to comprehend it )
Mumbaikar8,
Thanks for your kind words. In the song, when Asha sings, ‘kehdo’, it’s the ultimate rendition for me.
One more.
Our dear Sudhir Kapur Ji of atutsongaday posted a song on his channel on my request.
The song from Zarak Khan, which was hitherto unavailable on YouTube
‘Shaam ki tanhaiyaan hain, aise me tu aaja sanam’Shaam Ki Tanhaaiyaan Hain – Zarak Khan (1963) Ash…: https://youtu.be/1k9d5402KIU has been composed by S. Mohinder
Shaam Ki Tanhaaiyaan Hain – Zarak Khan (1963) Ash…: https://youtu.be/1k9d5402KIU
Thank you Mr.Sharma. It seems the youtube video is speeded up a bit. After discussing this with Gautam Chowdhury using the recording on his site as the basis , the song is in the key of E-flat. The chord progressions are interesting and the main melody is quite difficult to sing. See how quickly the notes shift in “kehdo koi bedardi se jaake”.
On the S Mohinder song doesn’t that sound a little like a Madan Mohan composition. I get this feeling that I have heard snatches of the melody in another song.
SSW Ji,
The quick shifting of notes, as you have mentioned above, is the beauty of the song.
Shaam ki tanhaiyaan hain, in my opinion has been excellently composed by S Mohinder, and it shows what the lesser known composers of that era were capable of.
I tried to think of the a song, whose tune matches this one, and could come up with this.
https://youtu.be/gY0bi8MsQxw
This song has been maintained earlier on the post.
Sharmaji,
Zarak khan ‘s song is precious addition to the you tube treasure.
Kis tarah toda mera dil does sound similar.
No Mr.Sharma not that song, the song from Shehnai is a fairly pedestrian Ravi composition, he used this line of melodic movements in other places too, sounds like it is based on Darbari .
The S Mohinder composition in my opinion is much better. There is a richness to the melody and the resolution to the tonic the sarangi accompaniment, the change in “aise mein tu aaja sanam” etc. makes it a better song for me. I don’t know which song it reminds me of though.
S Mohinder composed some lovely music in the few films that he got. While we all know Shirin Farhad etc, this is a nice Asha Bhonsle number in a different vein
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6B94FSvUnI
The song must have been recorded much earlier than the 1966 date it is given on this youtube clipping.
Arvinder sharma’ji ,
Sham ki tanhaiyaan hain …… is one of my fav.ashaji’s song and like SSW ji , I also rate this song as better than Is tarhan tora mera dil ….of Shennai . S . Mohinder has given us quite a number of beautiful melodies and one among his best I like is Lata’jis Guzra hua zamaana aata nahin dobarra .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srjd9Gtoi-c
Asha’ji gave a beautiful duet with Mubarak begum …… Chah karni thi chaha kar bathei …….from Puranmilan with C Arjun as MD ….which I think is in line with Sham ki tanhaiyaan hain . These MDs and like Lacheeram and others gave some excellent songs for B and C grade movies .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhep5fFSwUY
Talking of duets I like One of Geeta dutt / Suman kalyanpur ……Phulvaa band maheke …….. From Hum bhi insan hain which can be cataogrised with above songs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmtqr4Lk0rc
Sharmaji,
One more Asha Salil beauty from Parivar
Maane na mane mai to teri diwani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAKjJnJ-Qcc#t=30
AK, Arvinder sharma ji[s];
Here is one of my fav. ashaji’s song which I was looking for on YT for the last so many months . The song is probably of the mid 60s and of a rather lesser known film and its MD . I used to listen this on radio and was impressed of its rare meloncoly melody perfectly rendered by ashaji to the fine tune. I think this song should find a place in top rare songs of asha’ji.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv657z0FXEM
KS Bhatia Ji,
Now that you have posted the song, it was this very song which I was going to post.
I was sluggish this time.
But thanks anyway. It’s a lovely rare song, which only last week was suggested to me by a knowledgeable friend.
KS Bhatia Ji, mumbaikar8,
Another one from Asha Bhonsle, a real gem, and I don’t remember if anyone has posted this one.
Tera dil Kahan hai from Chandni Chowk by Roshan has an uncanny similarly with two great songs, one an iconic SDB creation, and a Roshan masterpiece of sixties.
https://youtu.be/i-YVCpYHjiI
Arvinder Sharmaji,
I think it has been discussed earlier in the context of Multiple Version Songs. Roshan used it again in Rahe na rahe hum mahka karenge, Lata Mangeshkar taking it to greater heights.
Ye thandi hawayen and its supposed origin and off-shoots also have been discussed. I don’t think any great song is diminished because of its perceived similarity with another song.
Arvinder sharma ji ;
Thanks for the version song 0f Mamta …… Rahe na rahe hum . I agree with AK ji’s comment. It is for the listener to to enjoy how Ashaji’s song gets polished by Lataji’s rendering.
arvindersharmaji,
As AK has mentioned, this song was discussed in Version Songs but as the arena of SOY has gone so vast it is not possible to locate where. I remember it too, AK and I had discussed this song, AK being consistent about Lata had said that it is Lata who has taken it to greater heights and I had batted for Asha, Asha has sung this beautifully and it is sad that it went unnoticed.
I like Asha’s soft voice more than her full throated one.
This one from Laila has Asha in her soft tone.
Hasratein barbard hai arman hamrare
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQROvFaAezU
Mumbaikar8,
You are absolutely right about SoY’s expansion and the number of posts, along with the comments therin have swelled up so much, that it is hard to recall at times, whether a particular song has been discussed and where.
AK Ji deserves to be congratulated, along with his team for this.
Coming to the song you have posted, its another real gem, which I just listened to for the first time, and I confess, was bowled over it once again.
I believe, we are making a new Asha Bhonsle fan club here, right on the spot.
Aren’t there shades of Sajjad Hussain in the interludes ? SSW Ji is most welcome for his comments here.
I’m posting an OPN/Asha duet here and the beauty is, it sounds like a composition of another great.
Kindly listen and comment.
https://youtu.be/A2fuL-TQTf4
Mai bhi jawan from Baap Re Baap, music OPN
Mr.Sharma I had not heard either of the songs you and mumbaikar had posted. The first one definitely has shades of Sajjad. The second one seems to be a reworking of an old Konkani/Marathi folk tune that we used to sing as kids “mazha gharavari mazha gharavari, sonyachi… “
Arvindersharmaji,
You are right AK should be congratulated and thanked time and again for the efforts he is putting in to keep this blog so lively.
Thanks for appreciating the song, Allah Rakha the maestro has some very good songs to his credit.
Rightly (as always) described by SSW this Baap re baap song is more in C Ramchandra Style (Maharashtrian) and not OP’s usual Punjabi flavor. The heroine is dancing in Bhagwan dada style too.
If you search in early 50’s you will find Asha singing very good song for B grade movies with unknown MDs
Here is one from Sandesh: bisri hui who baaten kyoon yaa aarhi hai with S. Purshottam never heard his name Arunji may have some idea about him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6XE9cztcSc
Arvinder Sharmaji, Mumbaikar8,
I am grateful for your appreciation. Now this blog owes a lot to the readers.
Mumbaiker8, AK, Sharma’ji[s];
Here is one of gem of a rare sad song by Asha’ji …….Chali re chali main to desh paraye….. from Saranga , music by Sardar malik which is a lesson for other MDs to follow . Here the rendering of the song follows the pathos hidden in the beautiful lyrics . The photography very aptly catches the mood .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3shUySuHvgM
Arvinder Sharmaji,
One more song in Asha, Lata, Chandi Chowk Mamta category.
I think Asha song from Khazanchi aankhon aankhon me ho gaye mast ishare was enhanced into Naino wali ne haye mera dil listen. Have a listen and correct me if I am wrong.
Nainon waali ne is one my favourite Lata Madan Mohan song, but once again, Asha is good too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkL2T2lrsJA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mc_h1FwTz0
Mumbaikar8,
Another wonderful discovery and a lovely song.
And I find a typical Madanmohan instrumentation in the interlude before the antaras.
Lovely addition to my playlists.
And a Very Happy Independence Day To You And All At SoY.
Sharmaji,
Thanks and Happy Independence to all.
You did not say any thing about the similarity of two songs. What so you think?
Mumbaikar8,
Sorry I got so carried away by the melodious song that I forgot to mention anything about the similar.
Of course, it is very similar and more melodious to my ears.
And happy findings,
Mumbaikar8 , Arvinder sharma ji;
Both the songs are almost similar and it is difficult to decide which is better of the twos . Though both the tunes are typical of Madan mohan’s punjabi creation ; the first one has the flavour of O P Nayyar’s touch because of the interludes . If i am not late Happy Independence Day to all of you and SOY family as well. The day , though rainy , was very hectic because of the family visits .
Shri Arvinder Sharma,
The song you have provided in your comment no 104fcr from Baap Re Baap is composed by C Ramchandra, not by OP. Three songs were composed by C Ramchandra in this film, one more Asha song – Diwana Dil Gaye & one comic solo by Kishore Kumar. Rest of the 6 songs were OP compositions.
Mumbaikar8,
Ref #109. I am coming to your comment late. What a discovery you have made! Aankhon aankhon mein ho gaye mast ishaaree is a wonderful song. Thanks for introducing it. This one with Nainon waali ne is even a better example than Asha-Lata-Chaandni Chowk-Mamta.
I have earlier mentioned if anyone is compiling the amazing discoveries you have made for SoY. Hope you are doing it.
sharing ….aaj ye meri zindagi…..:
yeh raaste hain pyaar ke/ravi/rajinder krishan/1963
https://youtu.be/D6GnaEVjpGs
Rabindra Kelkar Ji,
Many thanks for the correction.
I was in a quandary myself when I listened to this song, but simply believed it’s OPN, because of the fact that he was a maverick composer, and just to prove a point of Asha’s singing, he could compose a song with a CR feel.
Ksbhatiaji,
I agree with you this Asha Madan Mohan song has some OPN flavor, I am not much aware of the story line of the movie, perhaps it was Punjab based
.
AK,
Thanks for the praises. Feels good!
Here is heart warming rendering by Asha ji , a Gem of a song …….. Saare jahan se accha hindustan hamara…….relevent to the independence day celebrations .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6H-VTYmXwI
Arvinder Sharmaji,
I was aware of Saltanat songs but they were not available on YouTube. Someone has just uploaded them, please listen you might add them to your playlist.
CC
Ravinder Kelkar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JD9ejW–wo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2XRlyfCgB0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2XRlyfCgB0
Mumbaikar8.
I’m pretty apologetic about my late response to your post, some heavy social engagements and routine work being the culprit.
Both the songs you have posted are great Asha gems, and I’ve added them to my playlist on YouTube, which has become a very favorite pastime for me nowadays.
Many thanks once again, and looking forward to r3turn the favor,
Regards.
Arvindersharmaji,
No need to be apologetic, I can absolutely understand the time crunch, what I cannot understand is this return of favour. I get chocked by this idea of gifts and return gifts, favours and return of favours, I believe in sharing and caring. Any time if you share anything with me please do not expect anything back in return favour form me. I will just say thanks and accept it.
Regards accepted:)
Mumbaikar8, Arvinder sharma ji ;
Both the songs of Sultanat beautifully rendered by Asha ji . What is amazing is the composition and the interlude music by Chitrgupt that carries the aroma of beautifully blended cup of tea of the mid 50s . I repeatedly heard both the songs and finally place the first song that matches the likes SJ [ movies like Badal, Aurat….] and second one the likes of Naushad [ like Babul ,Mela …..]. I want some opinion on that if I am making best use of my ears .
This reminds me of one oldies sung by Suman kalyanpur which matches the class of Asha ji’s songs ………Meri preet mera pyar bole aaj baar baar ….. Teerath Yatra……..with Suresh Talwar as MD .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qnkA_d_No4
KS Bhatiaji, Arvinder Sharmaji, Mumbaikar8
I also add my thanks to Mumbaikar8 for posting the songs of Saltanat. I hope you noticed all the three songs have short recital as prelude to the song. Entirely ditto Bhatiaji’s observation that the first song Zindagi hai mauj ki is pure SJ orchestration, and the second (and I should add, the third too) resembles very closely with Naushad style. Chitragupta at this stage was taking the best of everyone? Starting with 60s (Bhabhi) etc he developed his own sweet melodic style.
Teerth Yatra‘s song by Suman Kalyanpur is extremely sweet. Thanks Bhatiaji. I had earlier mentioned in some other context that at higher notes Suman Kalyanpur at times falters, when she appears different from Lata Mangeshkar, but in this one she is indistinguishable from her.
I remember that Ganga Jamuna piece, but I would have to see the movie again to locate the voice. Off hand my guess is it would be Lata Mangeshkar. Naushad had no reason to take anyone else.
Mumbaikar8,
Thanks for the Saltanat songs. They are very nice. The link of 2nd & 3rd song is same. So probably this is the third song of Asha, which you had in mind – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NodsTYpvOkQ
As Bhatiaji, has very aptly observed they are influenced by SJ & Naushad repectively. The third song is a tonga song. All three are nice. I hadn’t heard them before. So thanks to you, three more Asha songs for me to hear.
Ravinder Kelkar ji , AKji ;
Thanks for this third superb sweet song of Sultanat by Asha ji . This song also stands out as one among the best of Chitrgupt . This tonga song also have the flavour of Naushad sahib’s cup of tea [ Deedar , Udan Khatola ]. I will never rate them as copy but as best of the prevailing style of that time .. AKji I go with your observation of Teerath Yatra song by Suman Kalyanpur …..so sweet and so close to Lata ji’s rendering !
Surely all the above songs are superb .
Bhatiyaji,
You are right, the tonga song has Naushad hangover effect. But somehow I felt, the tonga beats were not properly created, the way Naushad & OP did in their songs. May be it was still early days & not everybody knew the correct method to produce the tonga beats sound. I was lucky enough to attend a recording of a tonga song (of course it was an OP recording). It was so simple, the way the tonga beats notes were created. The recording room had a reactangular stone, of the dimension, roughly 2 feet x 1 feet, with slightly rough surface. On it a thickish cloth was spread out. They had two halves of coconut shell. The man resposible for producing the sound held the two coconut shell halves, in his palms of two hands & stroked them in rythmic fashion on the clothed stone. That’s all. It produced the famous tonga beat sound notes to perfection. It was quite amazing.
KS Bhatiaji,
Thanks for the appreciation.
I was wondering why you’ll were mentioning two songs, since I could not go back to review the songs. Ravindra Kelkar has cleared the misunderstanding.
You have very rightly said the two songs have the flavor of SJ and Naushad and the third one has the OP flavor, I was pleasantly surprise to see that Asha has so beautifully sang in three different flavors.
Suman is very sweet in Teerth yatra song. I consider that song as one of her best.
One question Bhatiaji, Is k in ksbhatia for Kabira if not I think it should be:)
AK,
It is always my pleasure.
I was surprised you did not bring the goof up to my notice.
Ravindra Kelkar,
As I said earlier the pleasure is always mine.
Thank you for filling in the missing song and describing the technique of recording horse beat.
Those were the times of inventing things for necessity as the advanced technique we enjoy today was not available.
KS Bhatiaji, AK,
I listened to the Ganga Jamna lyrical recital, it is not Lata,
any folk singer? any taker?
The lyrics comes between 2.05 and 2.07 in the movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rUorjqBfX4
Mumbaikar 8 ;
Let us wait for the experts for their contribution . My guess for Ganga Jamuna recital song falls on Shanti mathur . I will surely celebrate if i am right .
Ravindra Kelkar ji ,Mumbaikar8 ;
Thanks for the detail techniques of tonga beats . I think over the years O P Nayyar and Naushad mastered the songs of tonga beats . Dil mein chhupake pyar ka [Aan] , Mera salam leja [Udan Khatola] and bachhpan ke din bhula na dena [Deedar] are some of the Naushad ‘s best tonga beat songs . For O P Nayyar there are many like ….yun to hamne laakh hasseen dekhe hain [ tum sa nahin dekha], Banda parwar [ phir wohi dil laya hoon] and maang ke saath tumahra [ Naya Daur] stand tall among all .
Well Mumbaikar8, my initials stands for Kulbir Singh Bhatia and am delhi/ gurgaon based. I feel promoted if I am called Kabira . Well I am Sikh and follow my religion passionately . Kabir ji ‘s dohe and messages finds beautiful references in the holy Guru Granth Sahib . I will recommend you to listen to some of the Kabir ji’s bhajan by Ragi Harbhajan Singh , Jagadri wale . They are just soulfull and beautifully rendered .
Since this is Asha’s blog , here is another good song by the same.
Aap ki baaten aap ki kasmen sab jhoote……Kala Samunder ….N. Dutta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_srXeqXHkU8
AK”ji , Mumbaikar 8 ; After listening to that sweet song of Teerath yatra by Suman Kalyanpur i could not hold my self uploading another sweet song; this time a duet with Geeta dutt ……..Phuluva band mahke……Hum bhi insan hain……Hemant Kumar . i know this is fav. of Arvinder sharma ‘ji .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmtqr4Lk0rc
sharing this nashaad composition sung by AB …hai yeh wohi aasman… from …char chand(1953)…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5VpL36R_Zo
the song was penned by a karim.
a talat mehmood version can be reached at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOVsiOKKkCU
this version was referred to while discussing the 1953 songs.
Atina,
This is a beautiful song. I was familiar with the Talat Mahmood version. His to my mind is superior.
Sharing “khoya hua dil mil gaya” :
Daku Mansoor/Krishan Kamal (MD)/Pt.Gaafil (Lyricist)/61.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXInh4QRq7c
MD Krishan Kamal got a chance to compose music only for this movie.He gave another gem in this movie sung by Mubarak Begum: Aji Eji Yaad Rakhna.( Vaishnavji mentioned this song in the post on Mubark Begum dt.January 5 ,2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpie-Z0Xm44
Arvind,
I had heard both the songs, the one by Mubarak Begum was my special favourite. But thanks a lot for the specific information about the film and the music director.