A tribute to the great Master Hansraj Behl (19 November 1916 – 20 May 1984) on his 105th birth anniversary
A fellow-blogger and SOY regular, Anup (Mehfil Mein Meri), has written an exhaustive series on Lata Mangeshkar’s songs for relatively unknown composers. He did a very sincere job, but some of us were taken aback by inclusion of music directors like Khemchand Prakash, Ghulam Mohammad and Hansraj Behl in the list of ‘unknown’ composers. Khemchand Prakash is among the undisputed greats of the vintage era, and was instrumental in catapulting Lata Mangeshkar to great fame with his Chanda re ja re ja re and Ayega aanewala. Ghulam Mohammad has been well-recognised as an unlucky genius. I have written on both of them. Hansraj Behl has been an equally talented composer whose Chanda gaye pardes chakori aaj ro ro mare (Chakori, 1949) was among the songs that caused Lata Mangeshkar Tsunami in 1949. That was not a flash in the pan, he went on to compose several all-time great songs for her and other major playback singers throughout the Golden Era. Therefore, finding his name among ‘unknown’ composers struck me as odd and I have been intending to write on him since. Yet, I must make it clear that it is not to rebut Anup’s labelling because he explained that for many in the new generation, their awareness does not go beyond the most famous names.
We have seen in the review of the best songs of 1946, how in his very debut film Pujari, and the two more films in the year, Gawalan and Phulwari, he composed some mesmerizing songs like Bairan nindiya kyun nahi aye, Kis baat pe tule ho, roothe ho meharban, Lagat nazar tori chhalaiya more gore badan ko, Oonchi haveli banwa do munimji and Nainon ki nagri mein aa ke chale jana na kar ke bahana. In 1947, he went on to give music for Ranjit Studios films Chheen Le Azaadi, Duniya Ek Sarai, and Laakhon Mein Ek (along with Bulo C Rani). Songs from all the three films figure in the list of Memorable Songs in the review of the best songs of 1947 – Moti chunane gayi re hansi, Chanda ki chaandani na suhaye to kya karun and Agre se odhni mangwa de blama. In 1948, he gave some outstanding music in the film Chunariya in which Asha Bhosle sang one of her earliest songs. Besides, he composed a great Lata Mangeshkar song, Dil-e-nashad ko jeene ki hasrat ho gayi tumse and an equally memorable Rafi song Sab kuchh lutaya humne aakar teri gali mein. Rafi went on to become his favourite singer. These may be vintage songs, and by definition, relatively unknown. But to jog people’s memory, I will confine myself to his songs of the Golden Period which have been enormously popular, and it is ironical to list him under lesser known composers.
Born on 19 November 1916 in Shaikhpura (near Rawalpindi, now in Punjab, Pakistan) to Nihal Chand Behl, a Zamindar in the area, he received initial training in music from Pt. Chunnilal. Later, he formally learnt music from Achraya Chiranjiv Lal in Ambala. Then he opened his own music school in Lahore and had some non-film records issued by HMV. His music classes and stage shows achieved great popularity in Punjab. In 1944, he came to Bombay to try his luck in Hindi film industry, along with his younger brother Gulshan Behl and Verma Malik, who would go on to become a prominent lyricist. He debuted as an independent music director in 1946 with Ardeshir Irani’s Pujari and went on to give music for about 70 films up to Badshahon Ka Badshah (1979), composing some 530 songs. One film Insaf Ka Kanoon (1988) was released after his death. He died of cancer in Bombay on 20.5.1984.
Hansraj Behl’s career overlapped with the great doyens like Anil Biswas, Khemchand Prakash, Naushad and C Ramchandra in the Vintage Era. In the Golden Era, the competition only intensified with the entry of Shankar-Jaikishan, Roshan, Madan Mohan and the Punjabi School maestro OP Nayyar, while the earlier stalwarts were still going great guns. It was very difficult for any talented music composer to be counted among the top notch. But as I present his songs only from the Golden Era, which everyone must have heard, you would agree that he was among the most talented composers we had.
1. Haye chanda gaye pardes, chakori yahan ro ro mare by Lata Mangeshkar from Chakori (1949), lyrics Mulkraj Bhakhari, music Hansraj Behl
This was one of the most beautiful songs of 1949 which catapulted Lata Mangeshkar in an unassailable orbit. The uploader seems to be fascinated with Madhubala, this film had Nalini Jaywant in the lead role.
2. Jin raaton mein neend ud jaati hai, we kahar ki raatein hoti hain by Mohammad Rafi from Raat Ki Rani (1949), lyrics Arzoo Lakhanavi, music Hansraj Behl
Rafi flowered gradually after his debut in 1944. This song in the style of recital at a mushaira is one of his best ever.
3. Saajan ki oat le ke, haathon mein haath de ke by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Zevrat (1949), lyrics Habib Sarhadi, music Hansraj Behl
Two of the greatest playback singers now combine to produce this absolutely mellifluous duet.
4. Hans ke na teer chalana, dil khud hi banega nishana by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Beqasoor (1950), lyrics Ehsan Rizvi, music Hansraj Behl
I associated this film with Anil Biswas for two superb mujras: Phir chaae to na ana O aan baan wale..Chale jaiho bedarda main roye maroogi (Rajkumari) and Matwale nainonwalieke mein wari warii jaaun (Lata Mangeshkar). When I heard Hans ke na teer chalana for the first time on the radio, I was taken aback when the AIR announced the film’s name and composed by Hansraj Behl. A check with HFGK revealed that Hansraj Behl was also there with Anil Biswas, and undeterred by the Bhishm Pitamah, he created two superb Rafi-Lata duets, the other being Ankhiyan gulabi jaise mad ki hain pyaliyan. You can’t fail to notice the graceful male dancer in the song. Now I have started recognising him, he must be Krishna Kumar who was also the dancer in O jaanewale baalamwa. The uploader has wrongly mentioned the name of Anil Biswas.
5. Hum dil ki dhadkan ki lay par furkat ke gaane gaate hain by Rafi and Surinder Kaur from Khamosh Sipahi (1950), lyrics DN Madhok
Unknown film, beautiful Punjabi folk tune. Our friends from Punjab may confirm if it is Heer. Surinder Kaur was the most famous singer of Punjabi folk in those days. The few songs she has sung in Hindi films are all out of this world.
6. Raste pe hum khade hain dil-e-beqaraar lekar by Suraiya from Rajput (1951), lyrics Kaif Irfani, music Hansraj Behl
This song has Suraiya’s characteristic sweetness.
7. Kabhi na bigade kisi ki motor raste mein by Suraiya from Moti Mahal (1952), lyrics Prem Dhawan, music Hansraj Behl
Suraiya changes tack completely and sings a fun song of motor breakdown on the road. For comic effect she pronounces motorrrrr, and rhyming words in the same manner.
8. Aye bi akela jaaye bi akela, do din ki zindagi hai do din ka mela by Talat Mahmood from Dost (1952), lyrics Varma Malik, music Hansraj Behl
Hansraj Behl captures the blue mood of Talat Mahmood’s voice.
9. Kah rahin hain dhadakane pukar kar, chupke chupke dheere dheere pyar kar by Talat Mahmood and Geeta Dutt from Laal Pari (1954), lyrics Asad Bhopali, music Hansraj Behl
Talat Mahmood-Geeta Dutt sang some outstanding duets, This composition by Hansraj Behl would rank with their best.
10. Bhool ja sapne suhaane bhool ja, kaise tujhko bulaaun saajana by Talat Mahmood and Lata Mangeshkar from Rajdhani (1956), lyrics Qmar Jalalabadi, music Hansraj Behl
Now Talat Mahmood combines with Lata Mangeshkar to sing this excellent song.
11. Mohabbat zinda rahti hai, mohabbat mar nahin sakti by Rafi from Changez Khan (1957), lyrics Qamar Jalabadi, music Hansraj Behl
An immortal song by Rafi composed by Hansraj Behl.
12. Le chala jidhar ye dil nikal pade, hum chale jidhar zamana chal pade by Rafi from Miss Bombay (1957), lyrics Prem Dhawan, music Hansraj Behl
Ajit was also hero in many films and what beautiful songs he got to sing!
13. Din ho ya raat, hum rahein tere saath, ye hamari marzi by Mohammad Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur from Miss Bombay (1957), lyrics Prem Dhawan, music Hansraj Behl
Now Ajit sings a fast romantic duet with his heroine Nalini Jaywant. This Rafi-Suman Kalyanpur duet has given me great joy for several decades.
14. Haye jiya roye, roye, piya nahin aaye by Lata Mangeshkar from Milan (1958), lyrics Prem Dhawan, music Hansraj Behl
This is a very difficult classical raga-based composition which Lata Mangeshkar, naturally, sings effortlessly, but equal credit goes to the Master Hansraj Behl. This song figures in my list of best ever songs of Lata Mangeshkar.
15. Nain dwar se man mein wo aa ke tan mein aag lagaye by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar from Saawan (9159), lyrics Prem Dhawan, music Hansraj Behl
This intriguing composition with Mukesh singing at a very slow, languid pace, and Lata Mangeshkar joining suddenly at fast pace, has always charmed the music lovers. The song has a solo version by Lata Mangeshkar, but the duet is more popular and well-known.
16. Kanha chhedo bansuri, Kanhaiya chhedo bansuri by Lata Mangeshkar from Saawan (1959), lyrics Prem Dhawan, music Hansraj Behl
Saawan had an excellent Lata solo of Radha-Krihna-flute lore.
17. Bheega bheega pyar ka samaan bata de tujhe jana hai kahan by Mohammad Rafi and Shamshad Begum from Saawan (1959), lyrics Prem Dhawan, music Hansraj Behl
Though this is the third song from Saawan, I can’t leave it out; this has been extremely popular in the radio era.
18. Ye kah do tumein humse kya chaahiye, humein dard-e-dil ki dawa chaahiye by Surendra Kohli and Asha Bhosle from Gul-e-Bakavali (1963), lyrics Naqsh Lyalpuri, music Hansraj Behl
Hansraj Behl composes a superb duet in a thorough B-grade movie between Asha Bhosle and Surendra Kohli (who?). I long thought that the male voice was Mahendra Kapoor.
19. Jahan daal par sone ki chidiya karti hain basera, wo Bharat desh hai mera by Rafi from Sikandar-e-Azam (1965), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Hansraj Behl
This song eulogising Incredible India has always been an integral part of the patriotic songs on our National Days.
20. Is se pahle ki haseen raat ka jaadu jaage..Apni zulfon ko sunhga kar mujhe behosh karo Mahendra Kapoor and Asha Bhosle from Teen Sardar (1965), lyrics Prem Warbartani, music Hansraj Behl
A wonderful zulf song, sung so beautifully by Mahendra Kapoor and composed by Hansraj Behl. The lyricist, the actor and the film’s name are also obscure. Yet, that does not discourage Hansraj Behl from composing a masterly song, one of the best by Mahendra Kapoor.
21. Kitna haseen mera pya haye Allah, ek baar thaam lun to chhodun nahin palla by Mahendra Kapoor and Kamal Barot from Sunehra Jaal (1966), lyrics Qamar Jalalabadi, music Hansraj Behl
I end this post by another Mahendra Kapoor duet, now with Kamal Barot who was not among the mainstream singers, from another B-grade film. This song, too, was a regular feature in the radio era.
Acknowledgements and Disclaimer:
The song links have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog does not claim any copyright over them, which rests with the respective owners of the rights.
{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }
AK ji,
Thanks for writing on Hansraj Behl, a totally neglected but quality composer of Hindi films.
Hansraj Behl, in my opinion,is one of those composers in the film world, who composed lots of melodious songs. Unfortunately, he was also one of those composers who never got Big banners to work for. He and his brother, Gulshan Behl founded N.C.Films, on their father’s name-Nihal Chand- and produced B and C grade movies to which Hansraj gave his music. Hansraj was known as Master ji, in the industry. Only two people were known as Master ji…one was Ghulam Haider and the other was Hansraj Behl. Hansraj usually worked alone and rarely used any assistant while giving music.
Hansraj is remembered for giving initial playback singing breaks to Asha Bhonsle and Madhubala Jhaveri. He also gave a chance to his own friend Verma Malik-Lyricist. Malik used to live with him initially, in Bombay. He composed music for 62 films from Pujari-46 to Badmashon ka Badmash-79. One film “Insaaf ka Khoon” was released after his death,in 1988.Hansraj Behl is one of the music directors who became successful in the post independence era. He composed music for not only Hindi films but also for Punjabi films. Hansraj was born on 19 November 1916 in Punjab. He got his basic education in music from Pt. Chunnilal. Then he opened his music school in Lahore and he had some non-film records released under the label of HMV. In 1944 Hansraj came to Bombay to try his luck in the Hindi film industry as a music director.
Here is a song of my choice, composed by Master ji, for film Chunaria-48.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo1Wl-qEjfg
-AD
Arun ji,
Thanks for your detailed comments. Hansraj Behl created equally good music in vintage era too. I confined myself to the Golden Era because it is universally known and many people will realise, Oh, this is also composed by him. Another aspect is that he used a variety of singers.
AKji,
Thanks for remembering Master Hansraj Behl on his 105th birth anniversary. I too join SoY in paying my humble tributes to the talented composer on his birth anniversary.
Not unknown, maybe a lesser know singer for the later generations, for us and to SoY members he was a prominent composer, who had to compete with some eminently competent composers of his time. Yet he proved his worth time and again, despite being lost in opulence.
Thanks once again Akji for this write-up on ‘out of sight genius ‘, as you have aptly captioned this post.
Most of my first-recall favourites of Masterji are there in your selection.
Adhering to the stipulation set in, posting a song from the 1951 film Nakhre (1951)
A triad; the first antara rendered by Md.Rafi, the second by Geeta Dutt and the third by Lata Mangeshkar.
Hum ne bhi pyar kiya…….chandani raat chala chand se milane
lyrics Arzoo Lakhnavi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWJJgNUPcns&t=184s
A great write up on the life and works of a great MD who made a place for himself when all the giants of the golden era of HFM were at their peaks.
The 21 beautiful songs selected shows that HRB gave a wide variety of songs and worked with so many top singers . Only 5 of these songs are post 1960 which shows that HRB was at his peak pre 1960.
Liking for music is always subjective and I am of the view that the ‘ market popularity ‘ decides the list into which an MD gets placed.
‘ Zindagi bhar gham…’/ 1957 / MISS BOMBAY / Krishan Chandar / HRB / Rafi
https://youtu.be/Sdch9G8sYZ0
AKji,
First of all, let me clear, my series was Lata’s association with lesser known composers. I didn’t use the word ‘Unknown’. Later I changed it to forgotten/lesser known composers. I still believe that the younger generation of listners, or even those who are in thier 50s don’t know in detail about Khemchand prakash, Ghulam Mohammad, Hansraj Behl. They would not be able to recollect more than a handful films, they composed for. Hence the term ‘lesser known’.
Last year in May I wrote twin posts covering Hansraj Behl’s career.
Your list is wonderful. Even after a successful songs with Lata Mangeshkar, he offered a number of songs to other singers as well.
Anup
🙂
Venkataramanji @3,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. There was no bar on you from posting his early songs. That was my self-imposed bar to post only post-50’s songs. Everyone, who claims liking for old film songs, knows the songs of this period. That would show that he composed many beautiful songs matching with the best in the business. For me, Haye jiya roye ranks with her best by anyone. The triad song is very nice.
Mr S Joseph @4,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Zindagi bhar gham is an excellent song. I have added two in my post from this film. It is unfortunate Hnasraj Behl did not get the biggest banners.
Anup @5,
I didn’t mean to put you on the defensive. You have done excellent job of covering Lata Mangeshkar with ‘Lesser known’ music directors, and Hansraj Behl too. He has now got his due thanks to so many lovers of old film music.
AK ji,
Thanks for this post. Such posts bring to our memory some of the great works left behind by relatively less famous but equally talented artists.
Mukesh sang a total of 17 songs for Hansraj Behl from 1946 to 1964 .
Here are a relatively less heard solo and a more heard duet.
https://youtu.be/x3tHGJls8qA
https://youtu.be/_ujH-YZmTDI
Mahesh
AK ji,
Very well researched & nice article in the relatively unknown composer Hansraj Behl. If you take majority of the population , even Naushad, SDB, SJ, Roshan( cruel thing is people of this generation may have to be told he is grandfather of Hrithik!!!!!) & many others ,whom we all know very well, but for many they will be unknown !!..so nothing surprising about many such good composers like Hansraj Behl, SN Tripathi, Vasant Desai etc , being termed as “unknown” except for very avid followers of golden era music like most in this forum. Ramlal is one more tragic example …his Sehra & Geet Gaya patharo Ne were as good as the stalwarts of golden era but he just faded into oblivion.
Nain dwar ke man mein woh ,…..is one of the greatest creation of this genius and a personal favourite of mine.
AKji,
The uploader of the beautiful song (NFS) ‘Is Dil Se Teri Yaad Bhulayi Nahin Jaati’ mentions that it was composed by Hansraj Bahl.
Sometime back, I remember reading in ‘Atul Song a Day’ that the original record has the name of the lyricist (Rajendra krishan) and the singer (Md.Rafi), but there is no mention of the composer. That leaves a question to be answered. Does somebody has an answer?
AK ji
Great post on a great composer !
It has filled the void being felt since long.
All songs discussed in article and comments thereon are signatures of the great composer.
Although a song from Moti Mahal has been discussed, I would like to add one more song from Moti Mahal sung by Suraiya:
Kismet Ne Humen Rone Ke Liye Duniya Mein Akela Chhod Diyahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGvBSymKEe0&t=60s
Other not covered songs that are dear to me:
1.Shah Berham-Yun Hi Karke Bahana Chali Aya https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cGLD_K_EQw
2,Resham-Ro Ro Hare Nayan Humare
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdrH7d6ExD8
3,Shaan-Tadap Ae Dil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVUuf6EzSn8
Link of Moti Mahal song has been wrong. Correct link is :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGvBSymKEe0
Error regretted.
I like the Lata song from SIKANDER E AZAM..
O mere yaar, O dildaar
Mera saath saath tera pyar..
Catchy, fast tune, Zara sa hat ke.
Asha solo
Pilaa dee tune O saqiya..
And
Mahendra Kapoor, Chorus
Ae Maa ,tere bachhe kai karod..
are good, too.
Mahesh @9,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. You have shown your mastery over Mukesh. Yes, the duet I had heard. But the solo Sukh ke dono paaon par insaan ye chalta jata hai was new to me and I am floored. Thanks a lot for sharing this.
Hansraj Behl is an outstanding composer who did not get the kind of support he deserved! Selection of songs are excellent and in particular the songs from Miss Bombay (1957) and Rajdhani (1956). Miss Bombay also had an excellent duet Din ho ya raat . His main playback were Rafi and may be Talat and Mukesh as can be seen . Nice write up much awaited!
Mr Sivanandam @10,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I exactly had the same thought about Roshan and the famous new Roshans. The onus was on them to publicly highlight that they are proud about their legacy. They should have learnt something from the Big B who is much taller than them, but he missed no opportunity to mention his Babuji.
Venkataramanji @11,
Is dil se teri yaad – the uploaded must have got this information from somewhere. There is an Excel sheet of Rafi songs. That too mentions Rajendra Krishna’s the lyricist, but music director is blank.
Rakesh Srivastavaji @12, 13,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Among the songs you have posted I am greatly impressed by Talat duet with Asha Bhosle, Yun hi karke bahana hali aya karo. Thanks a lot.
Dr Shetty @14,
None of the songs I can relate to without their links. But impressed by your power of recall.
KB @16,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
AKji, thanks for the information on Hansraj Behl. What I found interesting is that there are about 12 lyricists in the 20 odd songs that you have listed. That surely shows how accommodative and friendly he was.
Call it coincidence but I just finished my blog post on ‘The MelaSongs (https://anitamultitasker.wordpress.com/2021/11/20/the-mela-songs/) in which I too have included the same song that you have from the movie Dost(1954)
AK,
What a nice way to remember one of the greatest composers of Hindi films and Panjabi films. As rightly said by Josephji, the carefully selected 21 songs showcase his variety. For me he is special because of his contribution in Panjabi films where he was undisputed king. I think one thing which comes out clearly from your selection is his penchant for duets. He composed a lot of duets and your selection has 11 duets and 10 solos.
Though he introduced Madhubala Zaveri, yet she was soon out of his recording room. He gave her 35 songs between 1952 and 55. In Panjabi films he relied heavily on Shamshad Begum and Zaveri was rarely used. She was also not used for any of his home production films under NC Films banner. His main two singers were Geeta Dutt and Shamshad for hindi films. Between them they sang 82 solos and none of them has been picked by you. I open their account here.
Gar yunhi satana tha pahle hi bata dete – Mitti Ke Khilone – Shamshad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tANEdTPlmI
Eji main to odh chunariya aayi hoon mele men – Nakhre – Shamshad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvGxZtxXDXU
Koi dil na kisi se lagaye & Andhiyari kaari raat men – Nakhre – Geeta Dutt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iGOZ33q8pQ
You asked a question about song no.5 whether it is a heer. It is not a heer, but at places HRB uses the style of heer.
Anita @22,
You are welcome. Hansraj Behl was a floating moss, ‘Jo bhi pyar se mila hum usi ke ho liye’.
Hans @23,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Shamshad Begum and Geeta Dutt figure in two great duets. Among solos Shamshad Begum’s Gar yunhi satana tha pahle hi bata dete is very nice.
I don’t know the technical part of Heer, but I went by feeling. Some day I might start differentiating them.
Mahesh @ 9 & AK @ 15,
AK was floored by the Hanuman Janam song. I think this was because HRB always presented Mukesh in some special manner whenever he composed a solo for him. Here I give two examples. First is from Pardesi Mehman – 1948, ‘hoshiyar naujawan jaag ae naujawan’ which was the only solo he gave to Mukesh before Hanuman Janam – 1954. You will hardly be able to recognise voice of Mukesh and the style of the song is quite different. In the duets of the time as well as in the duet in the same film Mukesh appears just like Mukesh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqSDc-1pyAQ
HRB gave two solos to Mukesh in his home production Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh – 1960. Both were naughty songs filmed on Bharat Bhushan. I am posting ‘jahan tu tu tu, wahan main main main’ which is particularly teasing for Anita Guha.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Syv7KwXGOM
There is one more information to share. Anil Biswas in one of his interviews categorically denied having composed any song for Rafi in Beqasoor – 1950. He also said in the same interview that he had nothing to do with the three songs given to Rafi in Heer – 1956. He said his assistant Ram Singh rehearsed and recorded these songs. On the basis of this interview the triad qawwali ‘khabar kisi ko nahin wo kidhar ko dekhte hain’ sung by Rafi, Durrani and Mukesh should be credited to HRB, who was the other composer in that film. I am posting the link here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWolAydyyfs
Hans,
The reason I was floored by Sukh dukh ke dono paaon par was because it was quintessential Mukesh, there was something of Dil jalta hai to jalne de in it. Yes Hoshiyar naujawan, jaag ae naujawan is very different from typical Mukesh, his voice also sounds different. Jahan tu tu ru, wahan main main main is different style, but voice is typical Mukesh.
I don’t know why Anil Biswas should have made pointed statement dissociating himself from Rafi’s Heer songs. They are outstanding. But you should not do a tit for tat on him 🙂 . Two Rafi duets of Beqasoor are credited to Hansraj Behl. Let us accept that the others were done by Anil Biswas.
Thank you, as always, for these beautifully curated songs that give those of us less familiar with music of this era so many pleasant avenues to explore. I am particularly fascinated with this song of Surinder Kaur, of whom I had never heard although I see that she is extremely highly regarded in Punjabi music. I will have to seek out more of her recordings!
Shelomit,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Surinder Kaur’s limited film songs, too, are all landmark songs, thanks to her unique voice.
A well-deserved all round post on Hansraj Behl. AKji has been very particular in the choice of the songs here.
To me too , the songs of Swan would be first to come up on the memory whenever Hansraj Behl is mentioned.
Another song that comes up as the most recognized composition of Hansrah=j Behl is
Jahn Daal Daal Pe Chidiya Karati Hai Basera
https://youtu.be/-0kPkqkrHPk
In so far as #11 of Venkartramanji, the song Is Dil Se Teri Yaad Bhulai Nahin Jaati, the opinions remains divided on who the music director is. Among many references crediting the song to Hansraj Behl, Sa Re Ga Ma too is one, which mentions the song as part of the album Sham-e-Ghazal
[https://www.saregama.com/song/is-dil-se-teri-yad-bhulai-nahin-jati_132083]
Ashokji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Yes, Saawan had several outstanding songs. That should have put him in the top bracket. But it seems big banner is also necessary.
On Dil se teri yaad bhulayi nahin jaati: Until proven otherwise, we should credit this song to Hansraj Behl.
AK Ji and dear SoY friends,
Hansraj Behl is indeed a great favorite composer, among the few composers belonging to the vintage era, who were active in the golden era as well.
But he remained in the sidelines as no big banners backed him.
Here are two of my very favorite vintage duets composed by the Master, very similar in treatment and Mukesh, the male playback singer in both
Lagat nazara tori chalainyan morey
https://youtu.be/YaeK1hd5kcU
Mukesh and Susheela Rani from Gwalan
Aagre se odhni manga de balma
https://youtu.be/sR-atuxdtDo
Mukesh and Shamshad Begum from Laakhon Me Ek
Will be back with a few more
Arvinder Sharmaji,
Welcome back to SOY after a long absence. The two vintage duets you have mentioned are also my favourites. I have mentioned them in the write up, but my song list was all post-50s with a purpose to show had many everlasting songs in the era when a hundred flowers bloomed.
AKji,
An excellent article on Hansraj Behl, a composer from the golden era who did not receive his due.
All his best and popular songs are here, right from the melodious Lata number from Chakori.
I used to wonder why he was categorized as a lesser known or relatively unknown composer. After all, his songs played frequently on TV and Radio in the 70s and 80s.
I believe, all of us who watched Chhayageet and listened to Vividh Bharti in those days knew Jahan daal daal par. Also, the songs from Changez Khan, Miss Bombay, Saawan played with unfailing regularity.
But, yes, I suppose, not everyone knew who composed these wonderful songs. After all, he never got the opportunity to compose for the top banners Quite unfortunate!!
Adding one more song from Teen Sardar (1965)
Mastana ada lekar shokhi mein – Mahendra, Kamal Barot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPvQeVAmKjw
Ek Din Ka Badshah (1964) had some enjoyable songs:
Raat bhar humko na uthne diya – MK, Asha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeF-MaT6DCw
Bandanawaz dekhiye – Rafi, Balbir, Asha, Surinder Kohli, Kishore Sharma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcr9KHLnk-E
Wo aaye hamare ghar mein – MK, Surinder Kohli, Balbir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7iGt3ni7UQ
Being interested in statistics, I have a question regarding the no. of hindi films for which he composed the music.
You have mentioned about 70 films up to 1979.
Arunji @1 has mentioned 62 films from 1946 t0 1979.
My own list has 67 films.
This is excluding the last release after his death.
I am just wondering about the difference and would like to get this clarified since Arunji has all the accurate statistical information.
And as mentioned by Arunji, the last two movies are Badmashon Ka Badmash and Insaaf Ka Khoon, not Badshahon Ka Badshah and Insaaf ka Kanoon as mentioned in the post.
Dr Deshpande @34,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and the excellent songs. Qawwalis always sound riveting. So it is with the last two songs. Raat bhar humko uthani na diya has an interesting mix of slow recital interspersed with fast mujra dance-song. Mahendra Kapoor has followed his idol Rafi’s style to the T. Nice one.
@35,
With Hindi film music I focus on the broad perspective. If a meticulous person like you has compiled, I am satisfied that my number ‘about 70’ is close. I don’t aspire for more accuracy. Arunji is, of course, a very solid record keeper. I would request him to clarify.
Dr.Rajesh Dershpande @33, AK ji @34,
I had quoted the number of films off hand in my above comment. On checking my updated records now, I find that he composed music for 69 films plus 2 last films released later.
Thanks.
-AD
Arunji @37
Thank you for the clarification.
Since you have mentioned 69+ 2 films, I will revisit my list and check for the missing ones.
Arunji, AK and Dr Deshpande,
I did not notice the discussion about figures till today. I had earlier seen Arunji’s post about 62, but I thought it might be some typing error. Everybody knows about Arunji, but I would say Dr Deshpande is very meticulous in his stats. He corrected me in the N Datta-Asha post. Similarly, I was corrected by Atul of ASAD fame on Suraiyya’s songs. He pointed out that Husnlal Bhagatram film Amar Kahani was again released in 1955 as Kanchan. So I corrected myself. In Hansraj Behl’s case also, there is a bug that his film Satyanarayan-1948 was released again as Bhikhari-1949. May be that is the spoilsport here. My stats agree with Dr Deshpande and are 67+1 (Insaaf Ka Khoon). In the 40s I have 27, in the 50s 29, in the 60s 9 and in 70s Do Ankhen (1974) and Badmashon Ka Badmash (1979).
I think a statistician should never be afraid of being found in the wrong and should give exact figures wherever possible, because, if we use ‘about’ and ‘approximate’ on every count, then it would be a mockery of stats and readers would be hardly benefited.