Songs have been an integral part of our films right from the very first talkie Alam Ara (1931). The common understanding is that music had been an integral part of our folk, classical and theatre traditions, and it was a natural extension to films. Our early films were largely based on our existing theatre forms. Very soon film songs assumed an identity of their own; they could be enjoyed decoupled from the films they were set in. Gramophone records and radio became the primary source of propagation and circulation of film songs to people, and soon they became the most identifiable feature of popular culture.
Scholars have recognized the special place Hindi film song has in transcending linguistic and cultural differences, and thus enabling the creation of a common culture in a linguistically fragmented nation. Sangita Gopal and Sujata Moorty in their lead essay in the anthology Global Bollywood, edited by them, have highlighted the larger role the film songs play in our culture. But what about the primary question: What role do they play in the narrative of the film? The long-term average number of songs in a film has been eight. Song sequences, often accompanied by dance, were such an integral part of film that when the Wadias attempted to release a film – Naujawan (1937) – without any songs, audiences were furious that Wadia had cheated them. The producers had to include a trailer explaining the absence of songs.
In view of such a hallowed place of songs in our films, it is pointless to ask mundane questions whether a particular song was essential to the narrative, and whether it helped the story to move forward. But we are familiar with a complaint often made that the song(s) were a drag in the film, and the film would have been tighter without a couple of songs in the film. The film music we know has disappeared – I am referring to the days when music was made in the music room of music directors like Naushad, C Ramchandra etc., followed by rehearsals with real musicians, and final recording after several takes. But one positive outcome of the demise of that ecosystem is that we are seeing more innovative stories and tighter scripts without songs.
In the olden days when adding eight songs was a compulsion – many Naushad/CR films had a dozen, and in the earlier era, even more – many songs appeared redundant to the story, their intrinsic quality notwithstanding. However, there are some songs that literally tell a story. The story of ‘Ek tha raja, ek thi rani’ type. Such songs occur in a variety of settings. The purest form is when a character simply tells a story to a group of children without any allegorical meaning. But the more common form is when a protagonist uses this device to narrate his (or her) feelings which he was hesitant to tell directly. You can think of Ek tha gul aur ek thi bulbul, or Suno chhoti si gudiya ki lambi kahani, or Ek tha bachpan in this type.
Let me present some songs that tell a story.
1. Ek tha raja by KL Saigal from President (1937), lyrics Kidar Sharma, music RC Boral
I start with what should be one of the earliest songs that tells a story, and the beauty is that it is in the pure Dastangoi tradition. Saigal starts with a prose-style narration, follows by the song in tune, and again ends with a prose-style narration.
(Narration)
हलो, आओ बच्चो मैं तुम्हें एक कहानी सुनाऊं
एक था राजे का बेटा
बैठे बैठे उसके मन में सैर की धुन समाई
चढ़ बैठा उड़ने घोड़े पर और उसको एड़ लगाई
खूब थका जब उड़ते उड़ते तब घोड़े का मुंह फेरा
घनी छांव देखी जिस जां उस जां पर डाला डेरा
इतने में एक परियों की शहज़ादी उस जां आई
राजे के बेटे संग खेले यही उसके मन भाई
अच्छा अब यही कहानी गाकर तुम्हें सुनाता हूं(Song)
एक राजे का बेटा लेकर उड़नेवाला घोड़ा
देस देस की सैर की खातिर अपने घर से निकला
उड़ते उड़ते चलते चलते थके जो उसके पांव
तो इक जां पर बैठ गया वो देख के ठण्ढी छांव
इतने में होनी ने अपनी बंसी वहां बजाई
जिसको सुनकर परियों की शहज़ादी दौड़ी आई(Narration)
अच्छा बच्चो जानते हो उसके बाद क्या हुआ?
उसके बाद बहुत देर तक आपस में दोनों जी भर कर खेले
दोनों ने खाये मिलजुल कर सेव, अनार और केले
अच्छा बच्चो, तुम्हें वो शहज़ादी मिल जाय
तो उसके साथ खेलोगे?
वह बच्चों को बड़ी उम्दा उम्दा चीज़ें खिलाती है.
कहो, हां.
2. Ma ek kahaani to sunaao….Ek thi toti ak tha tota by Uma Shashi from Anaath Ashram (1937), lyrics Kidar Sharma, RC Boral
In the same year we have another story-telling song by the same lyricist-music director combination. The audio quality is poor, but it depicts a common scene when the mother has to tell a story to her cranky child to make her eat.
3. Mere paas aao mere dosto ek kissa suno by Amitabh Bachchan from Mr. Natwarlal (1979), lyrics Anand Bakshi, music Rajesh Roshan
I have to fast forward to 42 years to come to another pure Dastangoi song. Anand Bakshi was a master of producing rhyme-less, prose-style lyrics. This was perhaps the first song sung by Amitabh Bachchan in a film. There are children in this song too, as in President, and Bachchan converses with them in Saigal-style, Aao bachcho, aaj tumhein ek kahaani sunaata hun; Sher ki kahaani sunoge?
4. Bharat ki ek sannari ki hum katha sunaate hain by Yashwant Balkrishna Joshi and Yashwant Nikam from Ram Rajya (1943), lyrics Ramesh Gupta, music Shankarrao Vyas
Back to the vintage era, and my great favourite is from the well-known episode in epic Ramayan. An expectant Sita was abandoned by Ram due to gossip by his subjects about her chastity for being in the captivity of Ravan. She was given shelter by the sage Valimki where she gave birth to the twins Lav and Kush, who were educated by the sage. They go about singing her story to Ayodhya where the residents are mesmerized by the two divine lads and their melodious voice. They follow the boys to Ram’s court. Hearing the poignant tale, Ram becomes restless and is filled with remorse. (I thank Arunkumar Deshmukh for giving the correct names of the singers.)
5. Sarju ke neere teere..Jahan base Ram by Asha Bhosle and Usha Mangeshkar from Lav Kush (1967), lyrics Saraswati Kumar Deepak, music SN Tripathi
The identical setting is repeated 24 years later in the film Lav Kush in which the twins sing the sad story of their mother, again filling Ram with sadness and pangs of remorse.
6. Hum Ramchandra ki chandrakala mein bhi kalank dikhalaate hain by Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle from Sampoorna Ramayan (1961), lyrics Bharat Vyas, music Vasant Desai
In between there was another film on the epic which had the Lav-Kush song, again sung by Mangeshkar sisters, but now Asha Bhsole joining Lata Mangeshkar. This is not a pure story song. Lav-Kush in this version choose to come directly to the point and shame Ram for subjecting Sita to Agni-pareeksha. They tell the audience that Ramayan is written with the tears of a woman: Jab tak Bharat ki sitaaon ke dukhade honge choorna nahi, Hey Ram tumhari Ramayan tab tak hogi sampoorna nahi. The feminist stance on the epic is far ahead of its times.
7. Ek haseena thi by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle from Karz (1980), lyrics Anand Bakshi, music Laxmikant-Pyarelal
The Rockstar Monty (Raishi Kapoor) remembers that in his previous birth he was murdered by his newly wed wife Kamini (Simi Grewal), who has now usurped the estate and has become the Rani Sahiba. Monty enacts the story on the stage which makes Simi Grewal restless who confesses to the crime.
8. Dastan hai ye ki ek tha naujawan by Shan from Om Shanti Om (2007), lyrics Javed Akhtar, music Vishal Shekhar
Om Shanti Om was a fond tribute to both Karz and Madhumati. It also celebrated all the clichés and excesses of Bollywood. Now Shahrukh Khan remembers his past life, and he has to nail the villainous producer Arjun Rampal. He stages a Karz-style performance to recreate the foul murder.
9. Ek tha gul aur ek thi bulbul by Rafi from Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965), lyrics Anand Bakshi, music Kalyanji-Anandji
One common use of a story-song is to narrate one’s own feeling which one is too awkward to tell directly. There is a vast chasm between the status of Nanda and Shashi Kapoor. Shashi Kapoor tells it through the story of a flower and a bird.
10. Suno chhoti si gudiya ki lambi kahani by Lata Mangeshkar from Seema (1955), lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri, music Shankar-Jaikishan
In the same genre is this song in which Nutan tells her own sad story to children. Camouflaging it in a story mitigates the harshness of her past.
11. Ek thi ladki by Asha Bhosle from Gumrah (1963), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi, music Ravi
Circumstances compel Mala Sinha to marry the husband of her elder sister who dies of an accident, leaving two daughters behind. Things go well for some time until her ex-lover enters her world. This story-song she sings to her ‘daughters’ has two versions: happy and sad.
12. Nirbal se ladai Bhagwan ki by Manna Dey from Toofan Aur Diya (1956), lyrics Bharat Vyas, music Vasant Desai
The most common form of a story song is to narrate one’s own story. You can think of songs like Ek tha bachpan from Aashirwad. Exploring some different types, here is an inspirational song telling the story of a lamp which stands up to a fierce storm. The song foretells what the film is about.
13. Duniya bananawale kya tere man mein samaayi by Mukesh from Teesri Kasam (1967), lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri, music Shankar-Jaikishan
This song you would have heard on the radio or on a record had a normal two or three stanzas. But in the film, a story of Mahua Ghatwarin was embedded in between the stanzas, which Raj Kapoor narrates in his own tuneful voice. Mahua was of incredible beauty, but God was unkind to her, He snatched her mother quite young. A disconsolate Mahua shed tears day and night at the bank of the river. She yearned for love, but her step-mother was not concerned about her marriage. One day a thirsty traveler came that way who fell in love with her. But how could the step-mother tolerate her happiness? She sold her off to a trader, Mahua also went away with him with crying silently. The river bank is haunted by the plaintive cries of Mahua. This song is allegorical of the fate of the love between the coachman Raj Kapoor and the theatre dancer Waheeda Rehman. The picturization has a lyrical beauty. We have seen embedded parody, here is a song with a story embedded.
14. Ek bholi bhali gaon ki rani jiski kahani (non-film), lyrics Madhukar Rajasthani, music Hemant Kumar
I end with this non-film song in which Hemant Kumar tells the story of an innocent village girl. This also has the sadness of Mahua Ghatwarin.
{ 184 comments… read them below or add one }
As usual Akji, a simple theme but put very effectively and nicely.
congrats to you.
Let me add a few story telling songs, see whether those songs fit the criteria or not!
Mohhobat ki dastan aaj suno – Mayurpankh- Lata -S J
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0eaSToZc7c
Chal Mere Ghode tik tik tik- chirag kahan roshani kahan- lata- Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHTZhpBA5hM
Suno chhotisi gudiya ki lambi kahani -lata- SJ- Seema
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB5Hs2FUpF4
sorry, I added seems song by mistake,
of course its there on the list already
my apologies.
some more…………
Kuchh din pehle ek taal mein – Asha- Lajwanti – S D Buramn-Majrooh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7wI-kqkLkg
Sachchi yeh kahani hai from Kabhi haan kabhi naa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXpO-ytXc4k
Abhigyan Shakuntal- kavi kalidas- Asha Manna dey, geeta dutt- S N Tripathi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhBUWVEaiYY
may not be taken as a story telling. it’s an actual story.
One more
Also sunaaoo pyar kiya ek kahani from krishh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IEKEP6-4GK
Anup,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Almost all the songs you have mentioned were in my long list. Songs that tell a story can be divided in two categories – one in which the character tells a story to the children which are ‘pure’ songs; the other which are used as a device to convey the lead actors’ feelings towards each other. The second type seems to be more prevalent.
AK,
Brilliant idea very well knit with varied songs, I will go through the vintage songs later.
I have rushed to add a song that I like very much.
Beautiful song equally well picturized by the genius director Vijay Anand
Kahaniya Sunati Hai Pawan Aati Jaati | Mohammed Rafi | Rajput 1982 Lori Songs | Dharmendra
https://youtu.be/KnHEZ0zw1BE
AK ji,
I am sorry to point out that the song ” Bharat ki ek sannari” from Ramrajya-43 ( song No.4 ) was NOT sung by Ram Apte and Madhusudan Jani.
It was proved later on that the singers were Yeshwant Balkrishna Joshi ( for Kush) and Yashwant Nikam ( for himself as Lav).
AK ji, we had a correspondence on this on 11-4-2014 in which all this was discussed. perhaps it slipped from your mind. I believe this has been mentioned sometime on The Open House also.
It is true that Madhusudan Bhatt ( he took the name Jaani after retirement from films) rehearsed for the song, but he could not sing in high pitch voice, so another singer was brought in.
As far as the information provided earlier in Listener’s Bulletin was wrong and Hamraz ji has issued correction after the matter was finally decided ( in LB No 154 of Nov 2012), when an interview with Yeshwant buwa Joshi was conducted by Dhananjay Naniwadekar of RMIM.
I have all the relevant mails on this issue, from Naniwadekar, Hamraz and others.
Kindly do the needful for song no. 4.
Thanks.
-AD
Mumbaikar8,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Kahaniyan sunaati is a nice story song. It has something of Ye kahani hai diye ki aur toofan ki.
Arunji,
Yes, I remembered very much our discussion and that wrong names were circulated until corrected later. But I didn’ have access to my notes when I wrote it, and it slipped my mind to check it. Thanks a lot for pointing it out. Since corrected.
Raghupati Raghav RajaRam….AB DILLI DOOR NAHIN,1957.Geeta Dutt,Asha Bhonsle, Shamshad Begum?/Sudha Malhotra?; Shailendra,DattaRam.
A comical Ram Leela song.
https://youtu.be/Irqm_8qjs6c
Suno sunaye hain tumko ek dukh bhari kahani…. JEEVAN JYOTI,1976. Asha Bhonsle,Usha Mangeshkar,Anand Bakshi,Salil Chowdhury.
https://youtu.be/ W5Pib3PFOco
Are suno kahani,jab main huyi tumse ….ZAHREELA INSAAN,1974.Lata, Majrooh Sultanpuri,RDB.
A painful narration of the misery fallen upon one’s beloved after they were forced to separate. A remake of the 1973 Kannada super hit NAAGARAHAVU that made Vishnu Vardhan and Arati into leading artistes, and also introduced Rebel Star Ambarish. Puttanna Kanagal directed both the film’s.
https://youtu.be/L5juVo2AjD8
https://youtu.be/erRL2YaWtHA
The Kannada original showing Arati and Vishnu Vardhan is by P Susheela under Vijayabhaskar.
There are several Ramayana based Hindi movies over the years and each one of those is sure to have Lav Kush singing Ramayana Katha.
One project that would draw every music enthusiast’s attention would be #5 …Sarju ke neere theere… because S NEW Tripathi was not just the composer for the movie,but also the director,story writer. From RANI ROOPMATI,1957 to NAG CHAMPA,1976,he has directed 18 movies, most of them mythological or historical. Has acted in most of his projects as well as some outside ones.
Ek tha bachpan,ek tha bachpan….. bachpan ke ek Babuji the…. AASHIRWAD,1967,Lata, Gulzar, Vasant Desai should definitely qualify.
pyar ki daastaan tum suno to kahen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTbSH-MVUfo
lata/faraar/hemanta kumar/kaifi azmi/1965.
An endearing song from SADMAA,1986,Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, Gulzar, Ilayaraja.
Ek dafa ek jungle that,us jungle mein ek geedad tha….
Apart from the brilliant histrionics of the lead pair, Kamal Haasan’s singing is pretty professional.
Ek mahal ma chham chham karti rahti duyi Shahzaadi…..SWAYAMWAR,1980, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi and an uncredited female voice, Gulzar, Rajesh Roshan.
Another very famous song , not mentioned here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm1WnWVXYzQ
Saj rahi gali meri Maa…..KUNWARA BAAP,1974,Rafi, Mehmood , chorus, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Rajesh Roshan.
A brilliant debut by Rajesh Roshan. The narration by Mehmood of finding the baby at the temple…. main mandir pahuncha,ek bachcha dekha….
The song has Mehmood’s Abba jaan Anwar Ali dancing. Eunuchs were shown in good light in the song. To a South Indian, the presence of heroine Bharti ( later,Mrs Vishnu Vardhan) and Manorama is an added attraction!
AK ji ;
IPL of different kind !! Want to play T20 surely . Here are a few from first over with a glance drive……
1. Duniya ek kahani……Rafi…..Duniya aik kahani [?]…HB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBejqfZMNRo
2.Ek tha raja ek thi thi rani…..Shanta Apte…Duniya Na Mane[1937]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HIkeP4L9G0
3. Ek tha raja ek….Lata….Hariyali aur Raastaa….SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWh8E_wbArg&t=107s
4. Chal mere Ghhode tik 3….Lata….Chirag Kahan…..Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHTZhpBA5hM&t=42s
5.Suno sunaiyen aaj tumehen…Lata…..Agra Road….Roshan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmpXi4siJPc
6.Aurat ek kahani……baby Madhuri….Vishwas[1943]….F.Nizami
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a9U1F3ntA4
……my first sixer……
…….to be contd…….
Ek nanhi munhi ladki thi…. two versions,Rafi,Asad Bhopali,Ganesh.
EK NANHI MUNHI LADKI THI,1970.
AK,
The story enacted in a song
Bahut din hue from Anuradha
https://youtu.be/qtFFUxnLX80
I think one song that should have found a place in the main article is the immortal
Suno suno aye duniyawale Bapuji ki Amar kahani
Composed within a week after the assassination of Bapuji, the song became the Nation’ s voice.
Rafi, Rajinder Kishan, Husnlal Bhagatram. February 1948.
Pandit Nehru honoured Rafi during the Independence Day celebration that year.
Ahimsa ke seene par himsa ne goli barsaaye…. poignant lines!
De di hume azadi bina khadga…. JAGRITI,1954, Asha Bhonsle,Kavi Pradeep, Hemant Kumar.
…..in continuation……
7.Aao baccho tumehein ….Pradeep….Jagriti….Hemant Kumar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiiBsKU4z6c
8. Suno Suno Aye Duniya Walo…..Rafi…..NF…..HB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfx4leB4NWA
9. Sun lo Sunata Hun….Rafi…Andaz [1971]…SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm1WnWVXYzQ&t=24s
10. Maien sunata hun tujh ko …Rafi…Khandan….Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm1WnWVXYzQ&t=24s
…….to be continued.
…..in continuation…..
11. Laila majnu nautanki two in one song , mein sunati hun ek majraa …..Shankar Shambu , Mubarak Begam …..Teesri Kassam…..SJ [ & Shambu supervision ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngTaA_MJ_0w
12.Laila Majnu do badan ek jaan theey….Laila Majnu….MM [ Jaidev ?]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvcU8ZlWQqY
13. Prem Kahani mein…..Lata, Kishore…Prem Kahani…..LP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQxT-c8m1ho
AK ji;
Here are two special songs To share with you ; as I know you are hard hit fan of Naushad ….so posting them separately to enjoy . Will take a break there after to come back again .
14. Nasseeb dar pe tere aajmane aaya hun…[ this beautiful song have a beautiful prelude verse that too carries the word …Kahani ] …..Rafi…Deedar…Naushad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lzRpl1h2C8
15. Meri Kahani bhulne wale tera jaahan aabad rahe…..Deedar …ditto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP_zdf5QERM
Dr Shetty,
I am impressed by your instant recall. Suno suno ai duniyawalo Bapu ki ye amar kahani is a perfect story song. KS Bhatiaji has also mentioned it and given its link. All the songs you have mentioned fit with the theme perfectly.
Arvind,
Long time! You continue with your Morse Code 🙂 . Pyar ki daastan tum suno to kahen is one of my top favourites.
Mumbaikar8,
Bahut din huye is a very nice song. Fits perfect with the theme because the story of Ramayana has been enacted on the screen.
KS Bhatiaji,
You hit a sixer in all forms of the game. It is nice that you remembered the nautanki song from Teesri Kasam. It is not necessary that the word ‘kahani’ should figure in the song. The song shoul ‘tell a story’. Therefore, though the songs of Deedar are my great favourites, Naseeb dar pe tere may not fit with the theme. But thanks a lot for adding great songs. You have given some nice vintage songs, such as Shanta Apte’s Ek tha Raja, ek thi Rani fromDuniya Na Mane is too good.
A few more songs…
These may not be actually telling a story, but majority of them have a style like story telling.
So they sound like a story
Raja ki aayegi barat from Aah-lata-SJ
https://youtu.be/TLFAAYUHML4
Dil se dil takaraye-love marriage -geeta rafi-SJ
https://youtu.be/GnNuOojyOio
Jhumka gira re- Mera saaya-asha-madanmohan
https://youtu.be/B5PwRHpqoKw
Ek pardesi Mera dil le gaya-asha-phagun-O P Nayyar
https://youtu.be/x0nwDVgmI50
Hum the woh thi-Kishore kumar
https://youtu.be/k7S79fOgikc
Chup chup Khade ho- bad behen
https://youtu.be/eYWvx4gxEjs
Chand chupa aur taare-Mahendra kapoor
https://youtu.be/To5cvtn0JZE
AKji,
Thanks for yet another innovative and interesting post.
Musical story telling is an ancient tradition our country and as you have said it is a natural extension to our films. Ramayan Katha, Jaatra, Nautanki, Urdu-Parsi theatre, all these were part of our story telling tradition and music was always a part of these. From Pandvani to Kathakali, each region of our country has its own style and tradition of storytelling. In South India some of the different styles of traditional story telling were Kathaprasangam, Upanyasam, Harikatha, Kalakshepam, Harikeerthan and Villupattu etc. We can conclude that story telling in Hindi film music is an extension to this tradition. Here is a ten minutes clipping on storytelling tradition of India.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCEglqZmQZc
While presenting the narrative songs you have taken care to cover diverse styles of narrative songs in Hindi film music. Thank you for introducing me to the Dastangoi tradition. I was not aware of this term. Thanks for including the vintage Saigal song and the song and narrative from Teesri Kasam. The last NFS by Hemanta was actually inspired by Salil Choudhry’s similar composition (1949) in Bengali “Ek gaanyer Bodhu’ (a Village bride). The music and the lyrics were by Salil Choudhury. I think the Hindi lyric was penned by Madhukar Rajasthani. A Malayalam version of the song Oru naal vishenare rendered by Yesudas for the film Devdas (1978) was penned by O N V Kurup.
The first song that came up in my mind was Suno chhoti si gudiya ki lambi kahani (Seema 1955), but found that it was already posted by you (#10). The other two songs, Ek tha raja ek thi thi rani (Duniya na mane 1937) and Kahaniya Sunati Hai Pawan Aati Jaati (Rajput 1982), too were posted by Bhatiaji and Mumbaikarji.
The response in the comment section is also overwhelming. Bhatia ji is on a rampage and Pradeepji is giving him able support. Anupji, Mumbaikarji and other have added a few more. At this rate, I think I would not get a chance. But let me don my pads and wait for the opportune moment.
Anup,
These songs would need a good deal of stretching to fit them in this post. Raja ki ayegi baarat is in future, story happened in the past.
Damn! You beat me to it. 🙂 I’ve had this list on the backburner for so long. Quite a few of the songs on your list make it to mine as well.
looks like Great men ( and women) think alike !
AK ji,
A fine subject indeed. The main article and the comments are excellent.
In film Saraswatichandra, a Mahendra Kapoor song runs through the film in the background – ‘sau saal pehle ki baat hai’.
Whenever the flow of this movie became dull, a Stenza of this song came in to enliven the proceedings.
Often the actors talk to the audience through a song – telling something about themselves:
1. Guide – wahan kaun hai tera
2. Dil ek mandir – hum tere pyar mein Sara Alam…panchhi see chhuda kar uska Ghar…
3. Haqeeqat – mein yeh soch kar uske Ghar se utha..
Thanks.
Anu,
It happens to all the bloggers. Just ignore that I did it, and go ahead with your post 🙂 .
Venkataramanji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Thanks for the link of the video on story-telling traditions of India. One form of story-telling that is still thriving is the Katha Vaachan, primarily by religious preachers. Many of them are gifted with sonorous voices. The theme is mostly the epic Ramayan, followed by Krishna lore, and myriad stories from Puaranas. Dozens of devotional channels are founded on this tradition. Dastangoi sources its stories from the Arabian Nights or such secular sources. This ‘art’ is on the verge of extinction. Therefore, whenever some performers come to the fore, they are hailed for reviving a dying art. Mahmood Farouqui and Darain Shahidi are modern pioneers in this field. Here is a very nice programme on Dastangoi at Jashn-e-Rekhta 2015.
YT has a number of videos on Dastangoi.
Tyagiji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. In the songs you have listed, are the actors really talking to the audience? Wahan kaun hai tera: This atmospheric song is addressed to Dev Anand, highlighting his nowhereness. Hum tere pyar mein: Meena Kumari has erased her past, and surrendered herself to Raj Kumar as a faithful and devoted wife. She is emotionally drained when Raj Kumar shows any guilt at her condition. Main ye sochkar uske dar se utha tha: The song by a soldier on the front is addressed to himself at the fickleness in the love of those left behind.
Venkatraman ji;
Welcome back . I was eagerly waiting for your comments . As expected they are rich in content and a pleasure to read.
Here are three songs from a single film ….Anuradha [1961], a masterly directed movie by Hrishi da , rich in content . Each frame is an art of wonder . Watch full song and control your emotions as well . Keep an Hankie near by .
The first song is a stage production and is in narrative form ; switching to opera style in between . The second and third songs are sort of a concealed story tellers in a song , if approved they will stand tall apart amongst the equals . Lyricist Shailendra did a splendid job fitting right words that carried the right emotions hidden in the past . Simple words great meanings.
1. Bahut din huye…….Mohindra Kapoor….Pt.Ravi Shankar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtFFUxnLX80
2. Kaise din beete kaise beeti ratiyan…..Lata…..do…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_EIGKY0fmA
3. Haye re wo din kyu na aaye….Lata…..do…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v57QxIkF3nI
AKji:
What a theme. You have posted ‘crème de la crème’. My guess is that such songs probably played an even more important role during the silent era (of course, they would not have been filmed, nor records released). Arunkumar Deshmukh ji perhaps may have some information. Let me post one from Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal (Manna Dey; MD: Roshan) quickly before change of ends with Bhatiaji on crease.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha2V8okt_Cs
AK ji ;
There are certain songs in which hero or heroin is telling a story to an infant or a small kid in the form of lullaby , to make them sleep or entertain as well . Some of them may qualify ; as such I am including one or two in my subsequent venture.
4. Yeh maati sabhi ki kahani kahegi….MK….Navrang ….CR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aexVxibwMf4
5. Ajab Hai Dastaan teri hai zindgi…Rafi…Shararrat….SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2svsXJxTVVQ
6. Suno Sita ki Kahani….Rafi….Biraj Bahu….Salil da
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFe7OBbrwo0
7.Suno Suno Ek Naayi Kahani….Rafi….Naata……S. Mohinder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVfxKuDJHGI
8. Tujhe apne paas bulati hai…..Talat….Patita….SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT2BxeZeW4o
…..to be contd.
Canasya,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I don’t get how such songs could figure in the silent era. You mean the songs from the pit?
KS Bhatiaji,
Patita song probably does not fit.
Canasya ji;
Thanks for this rare and forgotten song from ….Nayi umar ki nayi fasal . Older the song more is listening pleasure.
I will make two runs before I sleep. These songs tell their own stories thru flashback . Both the songs are fav. of mine .
9.Dekhi zamane ki yaari…..Rafi….Kagaz ke phool ….SDB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8NEOdqiNgM
10. Tum se hi Ghar Ghar kahelaiya…..Mukesh…Bhabhi Ki Churiyan…Sudhir Phadke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeNOjqL7SqI&t=110s
AK ji ;
I knew I was going to run out with Patita song . Will return again.
Akji cleverly got me engaged in a longer innings with Chouboli ki Daastan and made me a “Naa boli” for the time being. Just now I have completed listening to it. Ab mera bolne ka silsila phir shuru hua.
Akji,
Many songs may initially sound like telling a story, like the song Dono Ne Kiyaa Thaa Pyaar Magar from the film Mahua (1969). But on careful listening, it seems to me that the song does not fit the bill. What is your take on it?
This song may fit in.
Sun Lo Sunaataa Hu Tumko Kahani by Md.Rafi, film Andaz (1971), lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri, music Shankar-Jaikishan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=17&v=Gm1WnWVXYzQ
Will be back tomorrow morning. Good Night.
Venkataramanji,
If Chouboli can put down Thakur Sa, even मूकं करोति वाचालम्. Not only the script, even the Dastangoi performer has to possess a high level of humour. I am sure, in your leisure time you would be watching more of their videos.
I agree with you, Dono ne kiya hai pyar is not a story-telling song. It is simply the cry of a lover over the early departure of his beloved. A number of readers have mentioned Sun lo sunaata hun. The style and content is of story-telling. But my inspiration for this post has been Saigal’s Ek tha Raaje ka beta.
Choti si ek kali khilee thi ek din baagh mein….JURMANA,1979,Lata,Anand Bakshi,RDB.
An interesting topic and an equally engaging discussion, which in turn tells the story of depth of love and understanding for Hindi Film Music .
Enjoying the stories…
Dr Shetty,
Chhoti si ek kali fits the theme perfectly.
Ashokji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
Yashomati maiya se bole Nandlala,
Radha kyon gori, main kyon kala?
SATYAM SHIVAM SUNDARAM,1977,Lata, Manna Dey, Pandit Narendra Sharma,LP.
Jab andhera hota hai,aadhi raat ke baad,
Ek chor nikalta hai….
RAJA RANI,1973,Asha Bhonsle, Bhupinder,Anand Bakshi,RDB.
An unusual theme for a Hindi song….a Czech folk tale, Sleeping John…Hawaa Hawaa…. ROCKSTAR,2013, Mohit Chauhan, Irshad Kamil,AR Rahman.
Naani teri morni ko mor le gayi
Baaki jo bacha tha kaali chor…
MASOOM,1960.Ranu Mukherjee, Shailendra, Hemant Kumar.
Naao chali,Naani ki naao chali,
Nina ke naani ki naao chali….
AASHIRWAD,1969, Ashok Kumar,Harindranath Chattopadhyaya, Vasant Desai.
I think even the delightful, playful classic rail gaadi… from the same film should fit because it is telling the story of a train journey.
Chandamama door ke
Pue pakaaye gur ke….
VACHAN,1955, Asha Bhonsle,Prem Dhawan,Ravi.
It was Ravi’s debut film.
The song has attained a cult status and many think it is a Nursery rhyme!
Lakdi ki khati,khati pe ghoda….
A tale of a ghamandi ghoda reaching a sabzi mandi, and the buraf causing thandi….
MASOOM,1983,Gauri Bapat, Vanita Mishra, Gurdeep Kaur, Gulzar,RDB.
Main nikla,o gaddi leke….
…..
Ek mod aaya,main uthe dil chod aaya.
The hand pump pulling dhai kilo ke haathonwale Sunny Paji’s gaddi ka safar should fit the bill.
GADAR_ EK PREM KATHA,2003. Udit Narayan,Anand Bakshi, Uttam Singh.
The comic timing of the Big B is perfect and he can match any seasoned comedian.
Presenting two comic songs,each a two in one… telling two stories, and,each by a great singer with Amitabh Bachchan.
Humka aisa waisa na samjho hum bade kaam ki cheez…..
ADAALAT,1977, Mukhesh,AB( doing some talking), Gulshan Bawra, Kalyanji Anandji.
One story is of the narrator encountering barcha,baala,chaaku welding dhakus….how many? Dus…bas?!?
Second…. Shehar ki Mem visiting his village and giving him a phool. What! You give me a phool? ….. Sorry,ho gayi bhool.
In my opinion he is a big Fool not to have accepted the Phool!
Jahan char yaar mil jaaye wahan raat ho gulzar….
SHARAABI,1984, Kishore Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan ( doing a major part of the singing), Anjaan, Bappi Lahiri.
First story… the whiskey guzzling chooha chasing away the billi!
One O’ clock…in my house,
There was a cat, There was a mouse…
We have heard Bhagwan bheda paar kiye.. but, here….khel risky tha, whiskey ne kiya bheda paar!
Second…. the jhagadthi wife’s mellowing having an unexpected effect on the bewda husband.
Ek tha husband,Ek thi wife,
Miserable thi unki life,
Drunkard husband, Fighter wife.
As I am typing this,I realise it is two in one in another sense… two languages. As a bonus, there is Marathi mulgi Smita Patil in a brief guest appearance.
An aside… when I type Fighter, the auto suggestion says Shetty, meaning our actor/ fight master M B Shetty/ Fighter Shetty. But,be assured my virtual friends, this Dr Shetty isn’t a fighter!
Dr. Sheety ji;
Strong batting like Rohit Sharma who entertained us in yesterday’s IPL match . Your songs are like carry on hollywood movie series ….very entertaining .
Well here are two from the wood….
11. O Shivji bihane chale….Hemant…..Munimji….SDB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIGJymRn5tQ
12. Karta hai ek raavi dilsoz yeh bayaan…famous roza song by Rafi which we all glued to listen during radio days .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AtFhpgUUSI
Dr. Shetty ji;
Sorry for the wrong spellings .
AK ji;
Songs that tell stories thru third person . I hope they meet the requirements.
13. Jaane kahan gayi….Rafi…Dil Apna…..SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_0Gzfs_jcs&t=130s
14. Ajeeb dastan hai yeh….Lata….Dil Apna….SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJLdL5_QkVo
15. Kho gaya hai mera pyar…..MK….Hariyali Aur Raasta…..SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krlw5bO1IbQ
Akji,
@37 & 47
After a late night, woke up late. Getting over the hangover of Dastangoi. You not only made me familiar with the term but got me engrossed/ engaged to it. Too good. Yes, I could not get the grip over the language on few occasions. Yet on the whole it did not impede my listening pleasure. Will listen to the other episodes on YT at leisure.
Yes, the song sunlo sunata hun was mentioned by Naghmaji and Bhatiaji. I thought of posting Laila Majnu do badan ek jaan theey, once agaib Bhatiaji beat me to it. Let me try to open my scoring with this. I hope this would be good enough.
Dil Kaa Haal Sune Dilavaalaa, Sidhi Si Baat Na Mirch Masaalaa by Manna Dey, film Shree 420 (1955), lyrics Shailendra, music Shankar Jaikishan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBlBBJWBSQw
Bhatiaji,
@39
Thank you for your nice words and for posting the songs from Anuradha. It seems you would be posting your half century soon. Not to be left behind Pradeepji is trying to catch up with you. At this rate I will have to cool my heels in the reserve bench.
Suno suno re kahani,ek bahot purani,
Jise kehethi thi naani,ho…..
HUM PANCHI EK DAAL KE,1957. Shamshad Begum, Asha Bhonsle, Suman Kalyanpur;P L Santhoshi,N Dutta.
At more than 9 minutes,a pretty long song. A stage performance by the children in the garb of animals, interesting to watch.
Parbat ke peeche Chambe da gaaon,
Gaaon mein do premee rehte hain…
MEHBOOBA,1976,Lata,Anand Bakshi,RDB.
Pyar ki ek kahani suno,
Ek ladka tha,ek ladki thi….
HONEYMOON TRAVELS,2009, Sunidhi Chauhan, Gayatri Iyer, Javed Akhtar,Vishal Shekhar.
Hum bolega toh bologe ke bolta hai….
KASAUTI,1974, Kishore Kumar, Varma Malik, Kalyanji Anandji.
Ek kahani apni samjho ya begani,
Suno suno ek kahani…..
BHAI BAHEN,1950,Lata, Ishwara Chandra Kapoor,Shyam Sunder.
The song depicting the sacrifice of young love at the altar of dahej is an unusual theme. I can’t recall many dowry oriented songs in spite of there being many movies on the theme.
Duniyawale dil ke kaale,
Apna ye sansar sambhalon,
His duniya mein pyar nahin,
Woh mera sansar nahin…thus ends the song.
Ek Radha ek Meera,
Dono ne Shyam ko chaha,
Ek prem diwani….
RAM TERI GANGA MAILI,1984,Lata, Ravindra Jain.
Madhuban mein jo Kanhaiya kisi Gopi se mile…..
LAGAAN,2001, Udit Narayan, Asha Bhonsle; Javed Akhtar,ARR.
Ek gaaon tha,Jiska ek aisa tha Raja…. Amrish Puri’s character describing himself in
VIRASAT,1997, Hariharan,Javed Akhtar,Anu Malik.
An unusual story about a dream…
Aao aao sunaaoon tumko
Ek sapne ki story….
…..
Ye bawla sapna….
SHAADI KE SIDE EFFECTS,2014, Mohit Chauhan/ Diva Roy (a child artiste)_ two versions. Swanand Kirkire, Pritam.
Sapnu, the son of Sapna,wants to commit Moon ki chori! But the night he reaches there happens to be Amavaas ki raat and he bhatkhta raha among the clouds!
And, the dream, hence the story,is without an end!
Listen to it. Pleasant one.
Shall I stop batting for a while? I declare I have no set score to reach!
Pradeep ji,
You are doing fine, it is OK if you are away only for a while
You have not set any score, yet we want many more,
Bhatiaji too has no score to settle, both of you are showing only your mettle.
Here is my two cents
Murali Manohar Krishn Kanhaiya by Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey, film Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje (1955), lyrics Diwan Sharar, music Vasant Desai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF7Thv7lQc4
Lanka Chale Ramji Ravan Se Yudh Karne, Shree Vanar Sena Sath Chali by Sapan Chakravarty & Kishore Kumar, film Aanchal (1980), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music R D Burman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=FSO_9vJPpww
The last song by Hemant Kumar seems to be copied from the first song he sang for Salil Chowdhury who composed and wrote the lyrics. It too, is about a girl who dies. This song was released in 1949 when Salilda was reportedly hiding from the police due to his political leanings and the recording too was arranged by Hemant Kumar.
http://www.salilda.com/songs/nonfilm/bengali/adhunik/hemanta/gaanyerbodhu.mp3
Venkataramanji,
Here is my third cent
https://youtu.be/wj8838FV_wo
Main Ek Raja Hoon Tu Ek Rani Hai Uphaar
Venkatraman ji ;
You beat me with ….Dil Ka Haal Sune dil wala…song from Shree 420 . RK movies songs are special to me , but for this theme there are not much . However , here is one to report. It is interesting to note that interludes and composition is very much of the likes of Shankar Jaikishan ; may be Raj Kapoors pre rquirements.
16. Sadiyon se duniya mein….Kishore….Biwi O Biwi….RDB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLNMlkCjyow
Venkatraman , AK , Shetty JI’s ;
A Memory….an image produced by time , travelling back on track to the original event or position. It could be distorted , virtual or a poor recall image . Depending upon the health of one’s brain and its capacity to hold the images for longer period of time , one can expect healthy response of the physical organs tending to extended living life. So a recall could be an event or a story [ event getting distorted and made up like a story ].
With this in mind , here are some songs which are addressed to the audience , watching or hearing , telling events or happenings of the past.
17. Bite din yaad dilate ho…..Asha…Dharamputra…..N.Dutta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtg9CJ3aM-c
18. Bada zulm Dekha ….Lata….Aurat [1953]…..SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2TMWT8Ngpk
19. Aye mere pyaare watan….Manna Dey….Kabuliwala…Sali Da
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAdeqOrfzPA
20. Jineh naaz hai hind par….Rafi….Pyaasa…..SDB
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ta4BmumQKc
A film music lover from the early childhood, facts and figures of songs always interested me. But, after accidentally discovering this wonderful blog,it has increased many folds.
Hindi and Kannada ,my forte, with some above average knowledge of the rest of the South Indian languages.. Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Konkani and,my mother tongue Tulu, and, Marathi, the language I grew up listening. A teeny weeny knowledge of Bengali and English music,too.
You think I have boastfully begin my post? I am sure you didn’t!
There is a reason behind this prologue.
The 1982 Rekha starrer JEEVAN DHARA,directed by T Rama Rao,was a remake of the 1974 K Balachander Tamil movie AVAL ORU THODAR KATHAI. This B& W movie was dubbed into Malayalam (1975), and remade in Telugu…ANTULONI KATHA,1976…Jayaprada’s first major role.. director_ K B.
Bengali…KABITA,1977..Mala Sinha. Director_Bharath Shamsher.
Kannada..BENKIYALLI ARALIDA HOOVU,1983… Suhasini… Director_ KB.
And,of course,Hindi.
Music for all the South Indian languages was by M S Vishwanathan. Bengali_ Salil Chowdhury. Hindi_ LP.
Kamal Haasan appeared in all the versions, except Hindi.He repeated his Tamil role in Bengali, whereas, played different roles in Telugu and Kannada.
In my opinion,to the best of my knowledge, this must be the movie remade most times. More knowledgeable members, please opine.
Coming to the song in question…
Gangaram kanwara reh gaya… JEEVAN DHARA,1982, Kishore Kumar,Anand Bakshi,LP.
https://youtu.be/hFHX1DqRj5o.
The role enacted by Amol Palekar here is done by Kamal Haasan ( Tamil, Bengali…his only foray into the language), Narayana Rao (Telugu), Ramakrishna (Kannada).
Giving links to all the versions.
Tamil….. https://youtu.be/ gJQ_grJjRgU
Telugu…. https://youtu.be/ d2QmTrwHcQk
Bengali…bx9BJr3u_g8
Kannada…. https://youtu.be/ WgRo7MWIy2I
Lengthy post,eh? Can’t help sharing with like minded people!
Have a great day, everyone.
SSW @64,
Thanks a lot for giving the link of Suno re gaayer bodhu katha. Hemant Kumar’s Hindi NFS Ek bholi bhaali follows the same tune. Venkataramanji has mentioned it earlier at #31. The Hindi song has been written by Madhukar Rajasthani. Its music is credited to Hemant Kumar. Probably, it is more correct to credit it to Salil Chowdhuri.
Venkataramanji,
Dil ka haal sune dilwaala fits as story-song. The hero tells his own story.
KS Bhatiaji,
I heard all the songs you mentioned in your comments at #55, 57, 66 and 67. All fit the theme, though some with a little stretching. But, thanks a lot. The songs are really nice.
Dr Shetty,
I have gone through your comments at #51, 52, 53, 54, 60, 61, 62 and 68 and listened to the songs. That I am impressed by the torrent of instant recall of songs fitting a theme would be an understatement. Your recollection of lyrics, the picturisation and other associated details is amazing. Congratulations.
I am especially impressed by #54 and 68. I am sure everyone is a great fan of Amitabh Bachchan’s madcap comedy. Shall we say Jahan chaar yaar is a multilingual comic-sharabi embedded story-telling song? Gangaram kanwara rah gaya is an equally comic song. One felt Amol Palekar was trying to imitate the Big B’s style. The links of other languages didn’t work. It seems the URL could not get properly copied and pasted.
If you keep posting songs and comments like these, we would not mind if you write a whole book in the comments section.
AK ji;
I entirely agree with your comments @71 . Dr. Shetty is blessed with an amazing Memory retaining capacity. I too eagerly wait for his posting of songs.
The story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden Apple….
Na aaj tha,na kal thi…..PATI PATNI AUR WOH,1978, Kishore Kumar,Anand Bakshi, Ravindra Jain.
Adam and Eve come down to the earth in the form of Sanjeev Kumar and Vidya Sinha, followed by the Apple, Ranjitha!
Song plays with the titles.
Another tale, that of the Tortoise and the Hare,runs with the titles of KATHA,1983, albeit without a song, only with music.
You want the story of the grateful mouse repaying the kindness of the lion? Well, here it is….
Jungle mein soya tha ek sher….ROTI KI KEEMAT,1990,Sudhesh Bhonsle, Mithun Chakraborty and chorus, Indeewar, Bappi Lahiri.
A little hangover of Mr Natwarlal ….mere paas aao mere dosthon…is there. There is also place for the starting two lines of
Bahut shukriya,badi meherbani,
Meri zindagi mein huzoor aap aaye…
The grateful lion singing to the rescuer mouse, also the hero Mithun to the heroine Kimi Katkar!
Based on celebrated Kannada writer SL Bhairappa’s novel THABBALIYU NEENADE MAGANE( O son,an orphan have you become), Girish Karnad and B V Karanth directed movies in Kannada ( of the same title as the novel) and Hindi ( GODHULI) simultaneously…1977.
Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri along with many other, largely Kannada, artistes were common to both the projects. Kulbushan Kharbanda replaced the hero Manu in Hindi.
The title of the movie is from a folk song depicting the truthful nature of a cow,Punyakoti, that makes a hungry,wild tiger to give up it’s life!
Is dhara par ek sundar desh Karnatak
Jahan par….. GODHULI,1977,Rafi,Dilraj Kaur,Usha Mangeshkar; Suryabhanu Gupt, Bhaskar Chandavarkar.
Chandavarkar composed music for both the versions.
Here also, the song plays with the titles.
AK ji,KS Bhatiaji,
Thanks a ton for the appreciation. Peer recognition lifts one’s spirits.
I use my cellphone for all the typing. The links are ….share on WhatsApp, Facebook or Twitter. Works fine when searching from one’s WhatsApp. Checked every link just now.
Please educate me to give the links like all of you do..
www. YouTube.com. watch
AK ji ;
A special rare song never heard before . Hope it fits the bill.
36. Shahidon amar hai tumahari kahaniyan…..Rafi….Golkunda ka kaidi , 1954 [ Prisoner of Golkunda]….MD[?]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVC_J0qPggg
Story telling …..a balancing act between past, present and future….
Que Sara Sara…..Doris Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZbKHDPPrrc
Will come later with a torrent/ deluge of songs.
Will enjoy others’ posts till then.
KS Bhatiaji,
Shahidon amar hai tumhari seems to fit the bill.
Akji,
At last I could open my account, since you have Okayed my posting (Dil ka haal sune dilwala).The earlier scores were cancelled since I did not ground my bat. Thanks a lot
Aate Jate Khubsurat Aawara Sadko Pe by Kishoro Kumar, film Anurodh (1977), lyrics Anand Bakshi, music Laxmikant Pyarelal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=142&v=arQJlmbwj9Y
Bhatia ji & Pradeep Kr Shettyji,
Both of you are going great guns. I am keeping a tab. It is neck to neck, with Bhatiaji having a slender edge.
Here is a drop in the ocean
Dil Aisa Kisine Mera Toda by Kishore Kumar, film Amanush (1975), lyrics Indeevar, music Shyamal Mitra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=643S5y_E6Zo
Mumbaikarji
Here is my fourth cent.
Kanhaiya O Kanhaiya by Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey, film Raja Aur Rank (1968), lyrics Anand Bakshi, music Laxmikant Pyarelal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=257&v=LvGg-p6uC9k
SSW@64
Further to AKji’s comment @69
There is also a Malayalam version of this song. I am sure you know that. The music arrangement was done by Salil Choudhury himself, but the arrangements for the Bengali and Hindi versions were done by Hemanta Mukherjee.
There are many such songs in Bengali rendered by Hemanta Mukherjee like the (Postal) Runner song and the Paalki song. The Paalki song conveying the different moods of Palki bearers and visuals on their trudge through the rural Bengal was written by Satyen Dutta and set to music by Salil Choudhury. Here is an Hindi version of the song, lyrics by Yogesh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIdgYdKJOLo
Mr.Venkatraman, I am familiar with all those songs. I mentioned in my post the reason why the arrangement of Gaanyer Bodhu was done by Hemant Kumar, it was because Salilda was underground. But it is a Salil composition because he had rehearsed it with Hemant Kumar before he had to flee. As you know Runner was written by Sukanto Bhattacharya, and the interesting thing about this song is the way Salilda changes the key throughout the song. It starts with B flat in a major scale but the key shifts through the song, reflecting the shifting moods. In Palki, he uses incidental notes to hint at the key changes . The hindi version was created for Sachin Shankar’s ballet.
The malayalam version “Orunaal vishannere” follows the same melody of Gaanyer Bodhu but has a completely different chord progression. Incidentally it is also a story, a story of a skylark a glow-worm and a white flower that turns red with the skylark’s blood.
Thanks for the response.
I had no doubt about your familiarity with Salil Choudhury’s creations. It would have been like selling ice to Eskimos. Although you have touched upon chord progressions and key shifts, I expected more. Let me get back to the (Postal) runner poem.
There are two key areas in this poem. The first one is at “Ranar (runner) chaleche, bujhi bhor hoi hoi”. “Here the key word is “Bhor” (Dawn). The runner has to reach his destination before dawn. Only then he will be relieved, else he is answerable. But the poet also indicates another Dawn, an anticipation of a distant dawn, mukti or liberation, liberation from exploitation. Here Dawn represent multiple meaning. And the second one is “Aaro path, Aaro Path, bujhi laal hoi o, purba kon” (more and more distance to cover and it seems to him the eastern horizon is turning red). Here comes another key word “laal” (Red). Like dawn the word “laal “carries multiple meaning. Runner is anxious and it appears to him that the eastern horizon is turning red; indication of the impending dawn and again in poetic language the appearance of the red light at the “Purbo Kon” (the eastern horizon) indicates possibility, hope, hope of liberation, in Kavi Sukanta’s parlance.
There are occasions lyrics can simply be an excuse for making music. Composer Salil Choudhury, a poet in his own right, matches the word-play of Sukanta with, tonal shifting, scale shifting (I hope those are the right term) and brilliantly captures the spirit of Sukanta’s great work.
Music often is a non-verbal medium. Music is beyond explanation, often it cannot be expressed in spoken words. Yet there is a structure. Music, in itself is a serious subject. There are technicalities which can be defined clearly by experts. Since I consider you as one of the experts in this matter, I thought you would come out with more details.
Venkatraman ji;
The Third Umpire is on leave and I am listing song numbering them for references only ; as such there is no race . If at all there is …..then its a Beton race . Still going with some more for scrutiny and approval. I am happy that the song from Prisoner of Golkunda passed the bill. It surely is a rare Gem of Rafi beautifully rendered.
37. Jahan dal dal per sone ki…Rafi….Sikander e Azam…Hansraj Behl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0kPkqkrHPk
38.Hai preet jahan ki reet…MK…Purab aur Paschim…..KA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdmUuRELfWI&t=53s
39. Ae Baad E Saba…..Hemant ….Anarkali…..CR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21nbgaDnKHI
40. Hum ek thhhe hum ek hain….Mukesh …Hum Ek Hain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAFSlysUqWU
41.Dharti Kahe Pukar ke….Manna dey, Lata….Do Bigha Zamin..Salilda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD-AWCj9Chc
42. Yeh Lukhnow ki sar zamin….Rafi…Chaudhvin ka chand..Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=polG8DXekjk
……to be contd.
Mr. Venkatraman @85, I think I have your email somewhere. I will send you the key changes in Runner.
….in continuation…
43. Phir teri kahani yaad aayi…Lata…Dil Diya Dard Liya…Naushad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LdOXFxvMw8
44.Duniya ne chhedi kahaniyan…Mukesh, Shamshad…Ek Tha Raja
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Bp3DhW3QU
45.Dekho re dekho re mein laya….various singers…Kabuliwala..Salida
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr_ST5jDZuc
….to be contd.
SSW,
Thanks a lot. My earlier email is no longer valid.
venkatssa18@gmail.com is my current e-mail.
….in continuation to songs @ 88;
46. Ek shenshah ne banwake …..Rafi, Lata…Leader….Naushad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IamkXhPuFPY
47.Aayi aayi raat suhani….Lata….Poonam….SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8d0JOdv5pU
48. Mohabbat ki bas itni dastaan hai…Rafi, Lata…Baradari…Nashad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7w3dfzPRGU
….to be contd.
Bhatiaji,
You have posted some wonderful songs. I liked the Md.Rafi’s song from Prisoner of Golconda. Some of the songs from your latest postings (37-48) were new to me. The pick of the lot were 39, 40, 41 &42. More than 100 songs must have been posted by now. Waiting for your half century.
If any of the following are a repeat, ignore and do let me know.
The two delightful numbers from CHALTI KA NAAM GAADI,1958, Majrooh Sultanpuri,SDB.
Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si…. Kishore Kumar & Hum the woh thi aur sama… Kishore Kumar, Anoop Kumar?
Incidentally,both were inspired Tennessee Ford’s Sixteen Ton and The Watermelon Song, respectively.
Ek ajnabi haseena se yun mulakat…. AJNABI,1974, Kishore Kumar, Rajesh Khanna,Anand Bakshi,RDB.
Zindagi bhar nahin bholegi woh barsaat ki raat…. BARSAAT KI RAAT,1960. Two versions…Rafi solo and Rafi,Lata duet; Sahir, Roshan.
HARI DARSHAN,1972,is essentially the story of Bhakth Prahlad. But, the title song,Karlo Hari Darshan,Mahinder Kapoor,Kavi Pradeep, Kalyanji Anandji…shows the Dashavathara (10 Avatars) of Sri Vishnu… with a small twist…. Dattatreya is included in the 10 Avatars, which is mythologically wrong!
Venkatraman ji;
Thanks for your encouraging words . Your dedicated involvement is always well received by all. Well here are two songs to your desired target of half century . These are special songs which I reserved for meeting this target. I have five or six more to post.
49. Mazandaran, Mazandaran mere watan….Talat…Rustam Sohrab…S. Hussain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVsC_n_xG2Y
50. Chand chhupa aur taare dube…..MK..Sohni Mahiwal..Naushad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e3WiUT_dgI
….to be contd.
Ek Gagan ka Raja,ek Chaman ki Rani
In donon ki pyar ki sunaaoon main kahani…..
DARPAN,1970,Lata,Anand Bakshi,LP.
ksbhatia ji,
Chand chupa…has been posted by Mehfil Mein Meri.
It is Mahinder Kapoor’s first recorded film song following winning a major contest.
Dr.Pradeep Kr. Shetty ji,
Kishore Kumar is unmatched for his humour, in action, dialogue and singing. To me his pre Aradhana songs were livelier.
In the song Hum the woh thi aur sama, the actors, besides Kishore Kumar, were Anup Kumar and Mohan Choti.
The 12 minutes + song, Karlo Hari Darshan, actually depicts more than 10 avatars. There are different views on Vishnu’s incarnations. One such belief is that there were 24 incarnations. But the song, which is in two parts, mentions only 19 of them. Namely Matsya, Koorma, Mohini, Prithu , Nar Narayan, Hayagriva, Hams, Yagnya, Kapil, Sanakadik, Vaman, Dattatreya, Parasuram, SriRam, Rishabdev, Krishna, Vedavyasa, Buddha & Kalki and in the order mentioned. The second part starts with Narasimha Avatar, but it does not find a mention in the song. Thus the song covers 20 incarnations, but surprisingly Varaha Avatar is missing, which is common in all the versions. The other three incarnations not mentioned are Balaram, Narad & Dhanavantri. Besides, the song also mentions Gajendra Moksham.
Let me present a song from a mythological film.
Teri Maya Ka Na Paya Koi Paar, film Gopalkrishna (1979), singer, lyrics & music Ravindra Jain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PreE6V0RiYg
Bhatiaji,
I was about to congratulate you. The ever alert Pradeepji, went for an referral. It seems youu did not ground your bat while turning for the second run. You ran short. However you did not run yourself out.
Waiting for your next shot. You can reach your half century with a boundary or even six.
Bhatiaji,
I remember, you nearly ran yourself out before(@43). That makes your score 48. Pradeepji requires a four and a six to reach his fifty. He has a lot of unorthodox shots up his sleeves. And BTW this will be the 100th comment of this post.
This song should satisfy the norm.
Bhala Tha Kitna Apna Bachpan Bhala Tha Kitna (Non Film song– 1945) by Hemant Kumar, lyrics Fayyaz Hashmi, music Kamal Dasgupta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DsvEX2bn1w
Chamka ban kar Aman ka taara….EK HI RASTA,1956.Lata, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Hemant Kumar.
Tells the story of India’s peace loving nature in the times of Atom Bomb.
I think the iconic Ae mere watan ke logon…Lata,Kavi Pradeep,C Ramchandra.. should qualify because it is a story of a war,of the valour and sacrifice of our soldiers.
Shiv Vivah, rather, the baraat,is always depicted humorously in our folk songs and, of course, movies. We have seen a stage version earlier in the blog. Now, for a real (!) version….
Dhamroowale Baba chale byaah rachane….HAR HAR MAHADEV,1974,Aziz Nizan and chorus,Kavi Pradeep, Kalyanji Anandji.
One more….
Chale Bhole Baba byaah rachane….
Rafi and chorus,
KAILASH PATI,Madan Bharti, Avinash Vyas.
I remember one more very humorous one…holelelelele le ho…..HAR HAR MAHADEV of earlier vintage? Just this Shivaratri,I had seen it on YouTube.
Remember Biswajit, Moushumi Chatterjee as ShreeRam,Sita Maiya?
BHAJRANGBALI,1976.
Who played Bhajrangbali? Of course, silly,Dara Singh!
Lyrics..Kavi Pradeep. Music… Kalyanji Anandji.
1) Kuch yaad karo tum apna,Pawan sut bachpan ka…. Aziz Nizan.
A unique situational song,Narad muni urging Hanuman to remember his great feats of childhood…Suraj Ko muhn mein bandh karna, Rahu ko apni aukat dikhana….
2) Maryada Purushottam tum maryada kyon bhool gaye…Lata and Usha Mangeshkar.
Luv Kush singing in the Rajsabha.
Call of duty… there is more to come.
A song telling the story of Sagar Manthan…..Kaisi anokhi maya Hari ki…. LAXMI NARAYAN,1951, Chorus. B D Mishra?/ Ramesh Pandey?, Avinash Vyas.
A story of the friendship of Krishna,Sudama.
Ratan hain anmol do hamare,
Idhar Sudama,udhar Kanhaiya
…….
Idhar amiri,udhar garibi….
KRISHNA SUDAMA,1957.Rafi, Madhubala Zaveri, Pandit Radheshyam, Husnlal Bhagatram.
Man prem ki gaanton mein bandh liyo… KRISHNA SUDAMA,1947. BalakRam,Kamalnayan, ShyamBabu.
Gayiye Ganapathi Jaga Vandana….a bhajan which leads to the story of Rukmini worshipping Ganapathi.
SHRI KRISHNA VIVAH or SHRI GANESH MAHIMA.1950. Singers not credited?, Ramesh Pandey,S N Tripathi.
I have chanced upon so many story telling songs,I am having difficulty in choosing!
Congratulation Dr Pradeep Kr.Shettyji for reaching the half century.
Now it is Bhatiaji’s turn.
N Venkatraman ji,
On the scoring front…. even my Hum the woh thi….is a repeat!
Anyway,in a friendly match,I cherish my partnership with ksbhatia ji.
My foray into Mythological songs has given me more than a handful of songs that will fit perfectly with the theme of Bharath Darshan… small towns.
Shall take a respite before getting onto the crease!
Behthi hawa sa tha woh…
Udthi patang sa tha woh…
Kahan gaya usse dhoondo…..
3 IDIOTS,2009,Shaan, Shantanu Moitra: Swanand Kirkire, Shantanu Moitra.
Fits like a glove! ….. carrying forward the cricket mood!
Ek ladki thi deewani si,
Ek ladke pe woh marthi thi,
……
……
Chupke chupke chori chori
Chittiyan likhi karthi thi.
MOHABBATEIN,2000, Shahrukh Khan,Udit Narayan,Lata and others; Anand Bakshi,Jatin Lalit.
Chod aaye hum woh galiyan and Chappa chappa charkha chale….both tell the stories of the land and the dear ones left behind. May fit.
MAACHIS,1996, Suresh Wadkar, Hariharan,KK, Vinod; Gulzar,Vishal Bhardwaj.
A brilliant debut by Vishal Bhardwaj.
Dr. Shetty ji ;
Congratulations on achieving the milestone of 50+ songs thru rare mythological and other famous songs. In you we truly have found a very passionate lover of music ; and it seems you are equally passionate about western music. It will be a great pleasure for me in exchanging hollywood musicals with you.
Considering two short runs , here are make up ones….
49. Phir duniya ko yaad rahega….Suraiya…Bilwa Mangal[1954]…Bilo C Rani
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZyDEkPerMY
50. Yeh kaisi ajab dastaan ho gayi hai…Suraiya…Rustam Sohrab…SH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01Hh-rADhbU
51. Ajab dastan hai meri zindgi…Lata…Mehndi…Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBmHMPnNkf0
52. Phir tumahri yaad aaye…Rafi etc…Rustam Sohrab…S.Hussain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhZWa_3mNWE
…..to be contd.
….in continuation from songs @ 110 ;
53. Do roz mein wo pyar ka aalam ….Mukesh…Pyar Ki Rahen…Kanu Ghosh….
[ This song is fav.of Ms. Mumbaikar 8 too]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHz1W5nhAHg
54.Aa chal ke tujhe….Kisore…Door Gagan ki chhaon mein…Kishore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf5rQ8t5ngU
55.Aaye padahariye…MK, Asha…Geet Gaya …. …..Ramlal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65I21-mKE9Q
56. Gham ka fassana kisko sunaiyen…Shamshad…Mela…Naushad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ItnTV5wkW0
57. Mera jeeven saathi bishhar gaya….Talat…Babul….Naushad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLfHw0_WMaw&t=86s
58. Dar na mohabbat kar le…Lata, Shamshad…Andaz…Naushad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEtatkOUkbw
….for a few left over soon.
KS Bhatiaji,
Among your songs #53 to 58, I thought only #57, i.e. Mera jeevan saathi can fit into a story-song, indirectly though. Other songs you would have to explain. When I wrote the post, I thought about obvious story songs which have the following elements: a narrator, listener(s), a story. Our epics fit perfectly into this because these were narrated by someone to an audience.
AK ji;
I think song @55 should qualify as in the movie Jeetendra , guide/teacher , is explaining the background of the various sculptures to a group of tourists/ students.
Anyway I am applying the correction factor and submitting fresh ones…
1. Yeh duniya yeh duniya….Rafi….[ targetting audience] …Yahudi…SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wciQQwRxP4Q
2.chale sipahi dhool udaate…Mannadey[for audience]…Rajhath..SJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22DusbEiKA
3.Ek raja ki sunlo kahani….Lata, Rafi…Meharbaan…Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx8orSR0DFY
4. Sunlo Ek kahani…Talat, Geeta…Ratandeep[1952]…Robin Ch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyLnCI5-_Dw
[ This song is having bangla version too ].
5. Tu sun le kahani….Kanan Devi….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH4vK4JzauU
Congratulations Bhatiaji for reaching your half century.
Dr. Pradeep Kr Shetty ji @105
I have not taken a few songs posted by you including Hum the woh thi in my count.
One more cent for your century partnership.
Kabhi Bekasi Ne Maara by Kishore Kumar, film Alag Alag (1985), lyrics Anand Bakshi, music R D Burman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfxGw3F4Ecg
What about……………..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfx4leB4NWA
Suno suno aye Duniyawalo Bapuki yeh Amar Kahani
Manoj,
This is perfect and has also been mentioned by other readers.
Akji,
This song is from an obscure 1987 film, picturised on Pran. I am posting the audio link.
Allah Tu Dikha De Karishma Quran Ka by Md.Aziz, film Dilruba Tangewali (1987), lyrics Jalal Jhansvi, music Anwar-Usman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=195&v=sUGezx_Mwb8
AKji @ 42:
Yes. I was thinking of pit songs. Some (indian and overseas) orchestral pieces appear to be on YT but I could not find vocals.
Venkatraman ji @ 117:
Nice song. By the time a post is a century old it tends to lose focus, with songs on related/adjacent themes, subthemes and bylanes. You, however, never lose focus. By comparison, I feel like a tailender, still unsure of the theme. Let me try my hand at a single assuming one of the two below fits (I’m avoiding religious songs and am keeping my fingers crossed):
‘Suno re suno desh ke hindu musalmaan’-Manna Dey in Netaji Subhashchandra Bose (1966), MD: Salil Choudhary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N0RmSSbnz4
Payal mein geet hain (live performance by Iqbal Bano of a song from Gumnaam (Pakistan), MD: Master Inayat Hussain)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rllR4orQOYA
A story /song of the grandchildren on the life of Nana Nani , Dada Dadi comparing lives that of laila majnu and Romio Juliet .
Naana se Kehti thee Naani….baby Shaila & others…Renuka[1947]..Sardar Malik
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LImH7GV2lYk
Canasya ji @ 118
Thank you for your appreciation.
The songs are of different flavours and in my opinion fits the theme. Great rendition by Iqbal Bano. The film version of this song is at a faster pace.
Even tailenders make healthy and useful contributions, even there are instances of scoring century, saving or winning matches. Our own Ashwin had scored a century at Mumbai in 201 to save a follow on. Ishant Sharma coming at the fall of 8th wicket led India to a victory by scoring 92 of 31 balls against Australia in 2010 at Mohali. BTW, you feel like a tailender, but are you one? I doubt
Bhatiaji @ 119
Little known song, but a nice addition.
Let me bring out another vintage stuff from the cellar. The song is in two parts.
Yeh sunaa hai main ne jaadu hai [i] by Fida Hussein, film Khudai Khidmatgar (1937) lyrics Pt.Radheshyam, music Nagardas Nayak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPD4PE6Obrc
Yeh sunaa hai main ne jaadu hai [ii] by Fida Hussein, film Khudai Khidmatgar (1937), lyrics Pt.Radheshyam, music Nagardas Nayak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-RLr1k5lrQ
Not sure if the following song is already considered……………….
O Varsha ke pehle badal…….. Meghdoot (1945)
by Jagmohan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RRenPsAS4U
Ae baad ae saba aahista chal,
Yahan soyi hai Anarkali….
ANARKALI,1953, Hemant Kumar, Rajinder Kishan,C Ramchandra.
Plays with the titles and tells the story of Anarkali.
The other lyricists were Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri.
The lone Geeta Dutt song,Aa jaan e wafa aa… kehte hain jise pyar zamane ko dikhaye…by Jaan Nisar Akhtar. Not credited in the titles because Basant Prakash ( younger brother of Khemchand Prakash), who had replaced the original choice,C Ramchandra, was replaced by C Ramchandra (!) after recording just this one song. The legend has it that Filmistan Mukherjees were in favour of Geeta Dutt for all the songs, whereas CR insisted on Lata. So, when reapproached, he stuck to his gun and said the Geeta number should not be included in the movie. There is no reliable account as to how the song got picturised and remained in the movie. Moreover,how,in a Lata centric project ( 7 solos,1 duet),it could leave it’s mark!
Wikipedia says Basant Prakash was replaced because he died after recording this one song. Poor fellow!…lived till 1996!
One question which has not been answered is the listing of Sardar Jafri as a lyricist. The most likely explanation being the reverse of Aa jaan e wafa… recorded/ picturised , but not included. Anyone able to throw some light on the issue?
I will concentrate on Flowers and may score a Century plus there. Let us see whether my busy schedule for this fortnight will allow me the time for that.
If I restricted all the blah blah and follow the KISS( Keep It Simple Sir) policy, and just list the numbers,I may!
Manoji @122,
A nice song, but I am not sure whether the song posted by you fits the theme. I felt it fits the Sandesh or Khabar theme. I leave it to the experts. However it mentions at least four small towns Vindyachal, Kurkshetra, Ujjain and Shimla.
Dr. Pradeep Kr. Shettyji,
@123
Ae baad ae saba aahista chal,Yahan soyi hai Anarkali….has been posted by Bhatiaji @ 86.
Best of luck
Chakravyuh ka chkra ghira,ye Kaurav dal ka chaal hai,
Aaj dharti ke chaathi par Abhimanyu jaisa baal hai…
…..
Chal kapat ki ye ladai dekh kar hothi vyatha,
Saat yodhaon se ladthe ek balak ki katha,
Ye Mahabharat ki katha.
MAHABHARAT,1965,Rafi,Bharat Vyas, Chitragupta.
KS Bhatiaji,
In your second innings #113, songs #3, 4 and 5 fit perfectly. I have doubts about #1, 2 though. The song in comment #119 fits perfectly.
Venkataramanji,
#117 fits. #121 is too good.
Canasya #118,
My post was obvious – a narrator who narrates a story that happened in the past. Therefore, Suno suno re desh ke Hindu, Musalman fits the theme. Iqbal Bano’s Payal mein geet hain is my great favourite, but I would not put it here. In the film Gumnam (Pakistani), Iqbal Bano sings it for Sabiha who discovers that her sakhi is in love, and tells her what all it entails for her. There is a caution that the sound of payal will tell it all, however stealthily she may try to move. There is also empathy because she had also gone through the same experience. Not a story in the sense I meant, but thanks for posting this lovely song.
Not a film song but worth a mention in this post – ‘Sita Kalyan’ (more popularly known as ‘Aayka re tu putta’ i.e ‘Listen, my son’), an age-old lullaby in Konkani that recounts the events of the Ramayana, starting from Dasharatha’s performance of the putrakameshti yagya, all the way to Rama’s wedding with Sita. The raga is Bhoop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl2lCwvyYJI
The tale of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Ugly Duckling’ is retold in song-form in Marathi – ‘
‘Ekaa talyaata hoti’ (Lyrics – G.D.Madgulkar, Music – Shrinivas Khale, Singer – Asha Bhosle)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP138notYaE
Please go through the first comment in the YouTube link for some more interesting information on this song.
A live performance of ‘Puff, the Magic Dragon’, by the legendary Peter, Paul & Mary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z15pxWUXvLY
‘Flora, the Lily of the West’, by the same trio:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXpFgexxFWs
Ashwin,
These are perfect story songs.
AK ji;
One of my fav. song and film too……
Pal pal hai bhaari….Madhushree , Ashutosh….Swades…A R Rehman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRWr8OsVyjA
The response to this post has tremendous so there is great liking for the story in the songs.
I think the film is a story like wise the play. book, epic poetry and so on.
people love stories being told to them even in today’s fast “Twitter” Yug or Jug.
I have got following song from the film “Amar Jyoti” made by the Prabhat 1936 in the singing and acting voice of Shanta Apte. It is a bit deeper that just a straight with a plot.
Lyric is by Narrotam Vyas and Music is by Krishnarao. The film has Vasnat Desai and Chandra Mohan directed by Shantaram.
Just a couple of verses:
सुनो-सुनो -२
सुनो-सुनो बन के प्रानी
बनी हूँ आज तुम्हारी रानी -२
सुनो-सुनो
सुनो-सुनो बन के प्रानी
तुम पेड़ खड़े क्या करते -२
क्यों नहीं यहाँ पहरा देते -२
घुसा चोर करा ना हानी -२
सुनो-सुनो बन के प्रानी -२
Shalan La
Pranay,Virah aur Milan ki Abhigyan Shakuntala….KAVI KALIDAS,1959,Asha Bhonsle,Geeta Dutt, Manna Dey; Bharat Vyas,S N Tripathi.
Tells the complete story of Dushyant, Shakuntala and Bharath.
Ye natak Kavi likh gaye Kalidas… KHILONA,1970,Anand Bakshi,LP.
An unlikely Dushyant, Shakuntala … Sanjeev Kumar, Mumtaz!
KS Bhatiaji,
Pal pal hai bhaari is also my favourite. We have already agreed to include songs that depict a well known story on the screen.
Shalan Lal,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and observations. But Suno suno ban ke prani does not seem to be a story-song. You would remember Shanta Apte did have a perfect story song in Duniya Na Maane (1937) – Suno suno ek kahaani.
Dr Shetty,
Nice story song. The unusual thing was showing Dushyant-Shakuntala story in a 1980s film.
Coming back exactly after 48 hours.
Ahswinji, @ 128, 129,130
You have added variety to the post.
Bhatiaji @132
Nice addition. Even in non-mythological films there are song-stories based on Ram-Sita.
Shalanji @ 133 and Dr. Pradeep Kr. Shettyji @134
Very true, we all love stories, and this post on storytelling has attracted a lot of attention. Your reference to the song of Amar Jyoti by Prabhat Films and posting of the songs on Shakuntala by Dr. Shettyji reminded me of two more films of V Shnataram.
Abhijnanashakuntalam, must have been written atleast 1500 to 1600 years ago. Various adaptations must have come in music, drama, and dance drama and in cinema over the years. And many Hindi film songs were based on Abhijnanashakuntalam.
DR. Shettyji, you have posted two such songs, one telling the complete story and the other upto Durvasha’s curse. Thanks for posting the songs which rekindled my memories about two movies of V Shantaram on the same subject.
In 1943 Shantaram left Prabhat studios and Shakuntala was his first movie under his new banner Rajkamal Kalamandir. The film was amajor success and lifted him out of the financial crisis he was undergoing then. Chandramohan played the role of Dushyanta and Jayashree played the role of Shakuntala. After this movie Shantaram married Jayshree.
In 1961 he made Stree, a remake of Shakuntala. The lead roles were played by V Shantaram himself and Sandhya, who got married to V Shantaram.
The music for 1943 version was by Vasnat Desai and the 1961 version was by C Ramchandra and the songs of both versions were highly acclaimed.
Here is a song from the 1961 version. After the title-credits, the song briefly skims through the early life of Shakuntala.
Shrishti Thi Anjan, Vishav Tha Sunsan by Manna Dey, Film Stree (1961), Lyrics Bharat Vyas, music C Ramchandra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=jCz26cSyxlg
The 1943 version narrates the story of Vishwamitra and Menaka, the birth of Shakuntala, her early life till she grows up to be a beautiful lady. Here I present this beautiful vintage song.
Pyari Pyari Ye Sukhad Maatrubhumi Apni by Parshuram,Zohrabai Ambalewali & Jayashri, film Shakuntala (1943, lyrics Ratan Piya, music Vasant Desai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=TMnESXNp-1w
Shalanji, Ashwinji,
The plot is becoming interesting, with you two (too) joining the fray.
It is late night. I would be back tomorrow to share some more narrations on traditional forms of story telling.
Before taking leave I would like to present a portion of the dance performance by Manju Warrier, a Malayalam actress and dancer, inspired by Kavalam Narayan Pannikar’s Shakuntalam.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF3D6u8zcIA
Good night.
AK Ji and all my SoY Friends,
It has been a very busy year for me and please accept my sincere apologies for not being able to actively involve myself in the posts
But taking some rest at home due to slight fewer, I’m taking the opportunity to plunge into the deep sea
What a performance by Dears Venkat Raman Ji and Bhatia Ji, with all old timers chipping in songs after songs, and Dr Pradeep giving a very healthy competition to all, I didn’t think initially that much was left to post
But drawing out my resources, here’s a very small list of songs, hoping that they would qualify
Mandir dekh dare Sudama by Mohammad Rafi from Krishna Sudama composed by Husnlal Bhagatram
Story of Sudama getting awed by the beautiful palace of Krishna
https://youtu.be/XCbAitXyNtk
Sunate aaj tumko hum Mahabharat ki gaatha by Manna De from Veer Bhimsen composed by C Ramchandra
https://youtu.be/qbqOv2Ie35o
Parwar Dighaar e Alam by Mohammad Rafi from Hatim Tai composed by SN Tripathi
https://youtu.be/Rad2gbRFY8w
Mere dil ki jali hai aaj Holi
Kaisi qismat ne ki hai ye thitholi by Manna De from Pinjra composed by Ram Kadam, a forgettable video but unforgettable song
https://youtu.be/Vr5_XmDsBlE
Duniya banane wale ne jab chand banaya by Mahendra Kapoor from Tasweer composed by C Ramchandra
I’m surprised how Bhatia Ji forgot this one
https://youtu.be/GvXC4Fo4EFg
Sau saal pehle ki baat hai by Mahendra Kapoor from Saraswati Chandra composed by Kalyan Ji Anand Ji
https://youtu.be/5xfHq5CvUEU
I hope I didn’t do duplicate posting, my apologies, if any
I will try to post more depending upon many other factors
Arvinder Sharmaji,
Welcome back.None of the songs are repeats, and all the songs perfectly fit the theme, some more obviously. For me Mandir dekh dare Sudama is a great find. Anything in Bhimpalasi deeply moves me. The song also took me to several renditions by classical maestros. One was a jugalbandi by Balmurli Krishna and Pt. Ajoy Chakravarty in Malkaus. I wished they had also done it in Bhimpalasi. Thanks a lot.
Arvinder Sharma ji ;
All these months we were missing you and now you have come back with a bang . As AK stated all the songs are unique , less heard but hold the charms whenever listened over a time gap.
Duniya banane wale ne jab chand banaya….I think missed bus in D P Rangan’s songs on Chand also. MK really gave his best justifying the equally good composition of C. Ramchandra.
Now, a tiny song from ….Bahut dinan ki baat …….Bahut Din Huye….various artistes and MDs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1UMy6Eve7M
Arvinderji,
I am glad that you are back. We missed you and Hansji. Hope Hansji too will be back soon.
Even after a long gap you are on fine nick. You have started youR new innings with a six. Congrats.
My Thanks giving comments can wait
(There’s much to say)
but I am amazed at how this lovely vintage song was left out, especially from the main post
KC Dey from Vidyapati composed by RC Boral
Gokul se gaye Girdhari
https://youtu.be/S92ZNy92LpA
N Venkataramanji @ 124
Re: 122
Meghdoot
A poem of 111 stanzas, it is one of Kālidāsa’s most famous works. The work is divided into two parts, Purva-megha and Uttara-megha. It recounts how a yakṣa, a subject of King Kubera (the god of wealth), after being exiled for a year to Central India for neglecting his duties, convinces a passing cloud to take a message to his wife at Alaka on Mount Kailāsa in the Himālaya mountains.[2] The yakṣa accomplishes this by describing the many beautiful sights the cloud will see on its northward course to the city of Alakā, where his wife awaits his return.
In Sanskrit literature, the poetic conceit used in the Meghaduta spawned the genre of Sandesa Kavya or messenger poems, most of which are modeled on the Meghaduta (and are often written in the Meghaduta’s “mandakranta” metre). Examples include the Hamsa-sandesha, in which Rama asks a hamsa bird to carry a message to Sita, describing sights along the journey.
In 1813, the poem was first translated into English by Horace Hayman Wilson. Since then, it has been translated several times into various languages. As with the other major works of Sanskrit literature, the most famous traditional commentary on the poem is by Mallinātha.
An excerpt is quoted in Canadian director Deepa Mehta’s film, Water. The poem was also the inspiration for Gustav Holst’s The Cloud Messenger Op. 30 (1909–10
Arvinder Sharmaji,
Thanks a lot for posting Gokul se gaye Giridhari. The song was waiting for you. If someone can discover a Pankaj Mullick song, that would complete the New Theatres trinity.
PS – Is your email working? Please send me a check mail.
Tere humsafar geet hain tere,
Geet hi toh jeevan meeth hain tere…
DHARAM KARAM,1974, Mukhesh, Kishore Kumar ,Asha Bhonsle; Majrooh Sultanpuri ,RDB.
The silent princess singing out….mere humdum,mere sathi..tere sur mein kya jaadu hai,…gungunane lage dil ke veerane….
Though Ek din beet jayega maati ke mol…was the star song,a school friend of mine liked this one more.
Mere Humsafar is a recurring theme in many of our songs,tere Humsafar not so.
Ramji ki nikli savaari, Ramji ki leela hai nyari….SARGAM,1979,Rafi, chorus,Anand Bakshi,LP.
There is a brief story telling of Ramayana.
AK Ji, Venkat Raman Ji and Bhatia Ji,
I’m most humbled by Your lovely words of appreciation, and believe me, I was always having a good look at nearly all the previous posts, in which I couldn’t participate, and have also made my lists for posting, but couldn’t find time enough to participate.
I’m so glad that You liked the posts, and here are a few more additions, again hopefully not a duplication
Taaron ki nagari me by Suraiyya from Waris composed by Anil Biswas
https://youtu.be/3GU7flQwaaw
Chanda ki sundar nagari from Dholak by Mohammad Rafi and Uma Devi composed by Shyam Sunder
https://youtu.be/z61X7eMEbiQ
Ek thi Shehzadi by Talat Mahmood from Lalarukh composed by Khayyam
https://youtu.be/qfa4XhUoCBY
Chanda ke des me by Mukesh from Mera Ghar Mere Bachhe composed by Sardar Malik
https://youtu.be/fg1n7drMCEY
Jis mitti me khelein by Mohammad Rafi from Maharani Padmini composed by Sardar Malik.
And the film makers were lucky enough to get it released in a different era
https://youtu.be/Yhrrk-HWdzA
And lastly,
So meri Rani by Asha Bhonsle from Pehli Raat composed by Ravi
https://youtu.be/j_JCfD-21Lw
I’m definitely going to try finding some vintage stuff, till then….
Ek Najoomi se poocha…. AJOOBA,1991, Kavita Krishnamurthy,Anand Bakshi, LP.
Arvinder Sharmaji,
Nice additions. From the list Thi ek shahzadi fits very well.
Taron mein sajke apne Sooraj se dekho dharti chale milne….JAL BIN MACHLI NRITYA BIN BIJLI,1971, Mukhesh, Majrooh Sultanpuri,LP.
JBMNBB,DABH,JJPB,GGPN,BJBGM,DKKAK… I love the long titles of V ShanthaRam movies! And, whatever the critics say about Sandhya,I love her dances.
Television transmission to the rural parts of the coastal Karnataka came late in the 80s.In 1987,as newly wed couple,me and wifie had sat down to watch the first ever Sunday morning ? Rangoli and the very first song shown was Taron mein sajke…. The song, hence,is special for me. Have been hearing it since the release of the movie,but had not seen the visuals.
After seeing Harihar Jethalal Jariwala ( apna Sanjeev Kumar) as Dushyant,see him now as,none other than Kanhaiya, Lord Krishna himself… with two of his principal queens,Satyabhama and Rukmini.
Kanhaiya Kanhaiya….RAJA AUR RANK,1968, Manna Dey,Lata Mangeshkar,Kaumudi Munshi, Vinod Sharma; Anand Bakshi ,LP.
Mukri tells the story of Satyabhama garva bhang…All of Satyabhama’s wealth couldn’t equal Kanhaiya’s weight,he was put on sale (auction/ neelaami)..sastha maal,le lo! Rukmini, with a single leaf of Tulsi is able to balance the scales. We,in the South are familiar with this tale from Mythology. But,I bet most of the bloggers are not aware of this nearly 10 minutes long story telling song.
https://youtu.be/ LvGg_p6uC9k
Enjoy the rare delight.
A aa e ee,Masterji ki aa gayeechitti…. KITAAB,1977, Padmini and Shivangi Kolhapure, Gulzar ,RDB.
There are many creatures coming out of the letter…
Chitti mein se nikli …billie,machchar, cheetah…..!
Gulzar, Vishal Bhardwaj’s first collaboration… Jungle jungle baat chali hai pata chala hai… from the Jungle Book TV serial is a enduring children’s song.
Fits perfectly into Flowers theme,too…
Chaddi pehen ke phool khila hai…. what imagination!
Chhuk chhuk chhuk chhuk rail chali,Chunnoo Munnoo….SONE KI CHIDIYA,1958,Asha Bhonsle,Sahir,OPN.
A beautiful Nutan playing with kids…A story of a cat being invited for a dinner by a peacock. The cat is upset because it has lost it’s whiskers!
Billie ko ghar pe bulaya ek mor ne,
Bille ki moonche churaya kisi chor ne,
Billie rota daawat mein kaise jaaye….
Mera Tesoo yahin ada… BLUE UMBRELLA,2005,Upagna Pandya and there other children, Gulzar,Vishal Bhardwaj.
Arvinderji @143,
Yes, Gokul se gaye girdhari by Krishna Chandra Dey was major miss. In your brief visit you have made a great impact. Thanks for posting the song. There is one more song, which seems to fit the theme.
Mahaaraaj, suniye, ek kahaani, ek din raadhaa ne basuriyaa nadalaal ki by Pahadi Sanyal, film Vidyapati (1934), lyrics Kedar Sharma, music R C Boral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00-NviCLh7E
Expect to see you very soon.
Manojji @144
Thanks for reeducating me in detail about Meghadoot.
I wrote, “I am not sure whether the song posted by you fits the theme…….. I leave it to the experts. ……”
I have no problem in accepting your view. I may be wrong. That is why I left it to the experts.
A pot bellied, bright red shorts clad, multi lingual Alladin ( Tamil, Punjabi, Gujarati, Konkani..) … Mehmood in KAASH,1987. Kya hai tumhara Naam .. Alladin, Alladin… Mohammad Aziz,Sonali Bajpayee, Mehmood; Farooq Kaiser, Rajesh Roshan.
Comedy time…
Do haklon ka suno fasaana,
Naye shishy aur guru purana…
SUBAH KA TAARA,1954,Lata Mangeshkar, Chandrakanta (who?),Dewan Sharar,C Ramchandra.
My first destination on my flight to Naintal was Ranchi. Listen to a story by Chote Sarkar Govinda.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBc2x-JDBRg
N Venkatraman ji,how I envy you heading to Nainital.. it’s a swealtering,sweaty 41degrees at Mangluru ( Mangalore) , the state election fever making the matters worse!
Jhakhaas,apun toh aaj do kahani bolela…
Jaldi shuroo ho jao,Bhidu….
1)Chameli Chameli Chameli ki shaadi… CHAMELI KI SHAADI,1986,Anil Kapoor, Prakash Mehra?, Kalyanji Anandji.
2)Phir koyee bana Mughal E Azam,
Phir khaid huyi Anarkali,
Par aaj Salim jhukhega nahin,
Dekhega tamasha saari gali!
Anwar, Anjaan?,KA.
The first,Anil Kapoor sung number plays with the titles.
Dr Shetty,
How do you remember all those story-songs? You have added tremendous variety to the post.
AK ji,
Sometimes, the items flash on the mind’s screen on just reading the title of the theme… many of those would be found in the article as I continue reading. Then,in ones,twos, multiples…. I go on remembering….any time of the day or night…at home,at the hospital,in the garden, during jogging or swimming , while walking the pets,or, even in the loo!
Some, like the fasaana of two haklas,are the gift of the internet ( YouTube, mainly).
Thank you all for your appreciation and encouragement.
RA.ONE,2011.
In a dream sequence with a song ( incomplete?) playing in the background, Lucifer (SRK) goes on a mission to liberate the Desi ,Girl Priyanka Chopra from the clutches of the greatest Khalnayak, Sanjay Dutt. He encounters the three cousins of Bruce Lee_ Iski Lee , Uski Lee and Sabki Lee_ whom he eliminates ( and says,Sab ladkiyan mujh par marte hain!).
Type Pratheek’ s dream RA. ONE and watch on YouTube.
An invite to two stage performances, one celebrating love and the other cautioning about it’s after effects! Then,a stop over at a Goan wedding!
Tu husn hai,main ishq hoon…HAMRAAZ,1967, Mahinder Kapoor, Asha Bhonsle,Sahir,Ravi..
The legends of Sohni Mahiwal,Salim Anarkali and Romeo Juliet. Sunil Dutt and Mumtaz. Saat jiyenge,saat marenge,yahi hai fasaana is the common refrain.
Ye kaun hai,ye kaun hai… MAIN SUNDAR HOON,1971, Mukhesh ,Manna Dey, Asha Bhonsle: Anand Bakshi,SJ. I had posted this Parivaar Niyojan song in the parody
section.( I think even the hilarious take by Mehmood on the three generations of the Kapoor’s…Ye kaisa aaya zamana.. Mukhesh, Mehmood and Kishore Kumar..may fit the theme. The song is telling the story of the grand son’s wedding.)
O Maria O Maria O Maria…SAAGAR,1985,SPB, Asha, Javed Akhtar,RDB.
Tujhe Majnoo ki Kasam saamne aaja Laila,
Aaj toh aah ki taseer dikhaa jaa Laila..
GEET,1970,Rafi,Asha, Hasrat Jaipuri, Kalyanji Anandji.
https://youtu.be/R_amForkvmQ.
A modern, boisterous version from AAJAA NACHLE,2007, Madhuri Dixit, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sukhwinder Singh, Shreya Ghoshal,Sonu Nigam,…., Piyush Mishra,Salim Sulaiman.
Pathar se na maro….
https://youtu.be/ Q23crxA_kjA
Two more from AASHIRWAD,1968,Vasant Desai.
1. Kanon ki ek nagri dekhi…. Ashok Kumar, Harindranath Chattopadhyaya; Gulzar.
2. Jhingapur Taakur Takur kutta kaata… Ashok Kumar; Harindranath Chattopadhyaya.
Has anyone posted
Aayiye padhariye…GEET GAYA PATHARON NE,1964?
Mahendra Kapoor,Asha Bhonsle,Vishwamitra Adil,Ramlal.
One more masthi bhara song on Shivji’s Vivah.
Stretching the prerequisites for a song to qualify,I am hesitantly posting the following…
Chakku chittiyan thej kara lo.. ZANJEER,1973, Asha Bhonsle, Gulshan Bawra, Kalyanji Anandji.
The chakku churiyanwali narrates her meeting a Mawali on the street. I suddenly realised this song can be called the title song! It carries the word Zanjeer. I have never seen a female in this profession in South India. Were female knife sharpeners a common sight in the North! If not, the very purpose of her being in disguise is lost! She is as obvious as the bright Sun at midnight!
https://youtu.be/ 1NfrEe1gPgY
Post script…A movie of the 80s, a very eagerly awaited one which failed to meet the level of expectations,had 7 songs, quite popular even to this day. 2 of these can very obviously called the title songs. Another 3 have the title word in them. So,5/7! Any guesses?
Dr Shetty,
Amar Akbar Anthony?
AK ji,
I think AAA had 6 songs. Only Unhonee Ko honee karde…is the title song. Akbar is mentioned in Hum Ko Tumse and Parda hai parda; Antony in My name is Antony Gonsalves ( cleverly taking the name of Sebastian,too,in the end.. Sebastian and Gonsalves being the unsung heroes of the music arrangements). One thing that surprised me in your guess is that you seem to have missed ..( failed to reach the level of expectations.).. I personally consider AAA a total entertainer and Manmohan Desai’s best.
A Star and an integral part of the music department are common to both the movies. While AAA had only Lata Mangeshkar as the female voice ( for all the three heroines in the same song.. I don’t recall another example), the one in question had all the three Mangeshkar sisters..but, one voice was not retained in the movie. I think it was not picturised also. But available on the YouTube!
Pretty easy,if you ask me.
Didn’t match up to the expectations…. after the film maker’s brilliant work half a decade earlier. I know I have almost given away the answer, now.
Read as another such example.
Dr Shetty,
Teen Deviyan, or Teen Bahuraniyan?
AK ji,
SHAAN,198
Dr Shetty,
I would have never guessed. I am very weak 70s onwards.
Suddenly,an accident case was brought and the barely written item got posted!
Andheri Nagri Chopat Raja, RAILWAY PLATFORM,1955. Rafi ,Asha,S D Batish, Manmohan Krishna; Sahir Ludhianvi; Madan Mohan.
Sunil Dutt debuted with this film… has the evergreen song Basthi Basthi parbat parbat gaata jaaye Banjara….
Happy birthday to you,O Mr Pedro….
….
Suno yaron tum ye Love Story,
Satrah baras ke ye Chora Chori….
….
PREM DEEWANE,1992,Amit Kumar,Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik,Jolly Mukherjee; Anand Bakshi , LP.
Reena Roy is telling her own story in ” BEZUBAN ”
” Har ek jeevan hai ek kahani ,
Par ye sachhai sabne na jaani ”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08e5fulxzpU
AK G , is the above posted song suitable for Ur theme ?
Pramodji,
Absolutely, the song fits with the theme.
Mera ghoda bada hai nigoda
Kadam Kadam par ad ad jaaye
Chahe maaroon main kode pe koda…
PARICHAY,1954.
Kishore Kumar, Keshav Trivedi,Ved Pal.