Wishing the readers Happy Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri and Magh Bihu with the concluding tribute to N Datta, with his songs for ‘other’ singers
N Datta’s music in BR Films’ Sadhana (1958), Dhool Ka Phool (1959), and Dharmaputra (1961) is of such a high quality that I found it quite surprising that Gumrah (1963) onwards Ravi became almost a permanent fixture in BR Chopra camp. The music and the movies were so successful that it was difficult to think of anyone replacing Ravi. But it is important to remember that N Datta gave music for BR Chopra films five years before Ravi first joined the banner, and secondly, N Datta’s music is absolutely superb, his iconic songs matching with the best of anyone, and treating him as some kind of lesser-Ravi, or Ravi-filler is misplaced. As for record, N Datta debuted with Milaap (1955), the same year as Ravi debuted with Vachan. And if Ravi had been assistant to Hemant Kumar, N Datta to an even more celebrated Bengali music director S D Burman.
It is interesting that in my post on Ravi’s songs for Lata Mangeshkar, two readers mentioned N Datta’s name; probably they make the same connection as I do with regard to N Datta-Ravi. However, an interesting similarity was highlighted by Arvinder Sharmaji that Asha Bhosle was even more the principal female playback singer, and Lata Mangeshkar, ‘the other’ singer, by a big margin (158 to 28, i.e. 5.64 to 1) for N Datta than Ravi (4 to 1). A very knowledgeable friend (a silent follower of SoY) gave me another interesting perspective: N Datta gave soft, soulful ghazals to Asha Bhosle and cabaret songs to Lata Mangeshkar – though I do not agree with this generalisation.
Venkataramanji gave a detailed account of how the quartet B R Chopra, Ravi, Mahendra Kapoor and Sahir Ludhiyanavi came together for the first time in Gumrah, and continued thereafter strongly. I read it again very carefully, but I couldn’t find any reason or explanation how and why N Datta was jettisoned. He had given superb music for three BR Films in which Sahir Ludhiyanavi was the lyricist, and Mahendra Kapoor got to sing some iconic songs like Bhool sakta hai bhala kaun, and duets Tere pyar ka aasra chaahta hun and Dhadakane lage dil ke taaron ki duniya. We can only say, it was fate as Arunji often emphasises, and as Bhartrihari said long ago, यत् विधिना लिखितं ललाटपटले तन्मार्जितुम् को क्षम:. An unlucky genius if ever there was one.
I rate N Datta as Ravi-plus, minus his luck. Many lovers of old film music share my admiration for N Datta. Hans Jakhar has already written on N Datta’s principal singers, Asha Bhosle and Rafi in which he has highlighted that he was singularly unlucky on health front – he suffered heart attack at the age of about 30. This instilled a fear of death in him and he could never regain his position commensurate with his talents. A music director’s multifaceted talent can be gauged by his felicity in composing great songs for a variety of singers. To complete our tribute to N Datta I present here his songs for ‘other’ singers.
Mahendra Kapoor
1. Tere pyar ka aasra chaahta hun by Mahendra Kapoor and Lata Mangeshkar from Dhool Ka Phool (1959), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
This is an iconic duet at a college mushaira. We have seen male solos at such college functions where student-poets recite and sing. N Datta chooses his ‘other’ female singer to create this magic with Mahendra Kapoor. As they sing you, see the first shoots of romance on the faces of the stars, Rajendra Kumar and Mala Sinha.
2. Dhadakane lage dil ke taaron ki duniya by Mahendra Kapoor and Asha Bhosle from Dhool Ka Phool (1959), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
When the romance has fully blossomed, N Datta now pairs his principal female playback singer with Mahendra Kapoor to create this superb romantic duet, set in sylvan surroundings. When Ravi replaces N Datta in BR camp with Gumrah (1963), he uses the same template for In hawwaon mein in fizaaon mein tujhko mera pyar pukare. And if you are analytical-minded, you can’t fail to notice N Datta’s much wider range in this one film with Rafi’s Daaman mein aag laga baithe, Tu Hindu banega na Musalman banega; Lata Mangeshkar’s Tu mere pyar ka phool hai ki meri bhool hai; and Sudha Malhotra’s Kaase kahun man ke baat, bairi balamawa dukhiya kar gaye – all memorable songs.
3. Bhool sakta hai bhala kaun ye pyari aankhen by Mahendra Kapoor from Dharmaputra (1961), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
No list of the best songs of Mahendra Kapoor is complete without this soft solo, sung in recital style.
4. Aaj ki raat nahin shikwa shikayat ke liye by Mahendra Kapoor from Dharmaputra (1961), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
We have had enough of Mahendra Kapoor to give us an idea of N Datta’s importance in creating some of his best songs in the early stages of Mahendra Kapoor’s career. Yet I can’t resist to post this unforgettable recital-style first-night song.
Hemant Kumar
5. Ye bahaaron ka saman chaand taaro ka samaan from Milaap (1955), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
I can’t think of N Datta without thinking of Ravi. I had written on Ravi’s songs for ‘other’ singers as the concluding piece of my tribute to him. Being assistant to Hemant Kumar, Ravi had composed several excellent songs for his mentor. N Datta composes an everlasting song for Hemant Kumar in his debut film. It also has a twin version in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice, and no surprises, it conforms to my general theory of a front-runner and a laggard in twin songs. This link has both the versions – Lata Mangeshkar version comes first, probably it came first in the film, followed by Hemant Kumar. The Lata song is absolutely melodious by itself, therefore, if you disagree with my general theory I would be more than happy. That would mean N Datta composed two superb songs for ‘other’ singers in his debut film.
Kishore Kumar
6. Pyar ka jahan ho chhota sa makaan ho by Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle from Jaalsaaz (1959), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri
The SOY readers are aware my Kishore Kumar favourites are his songs in his 1.0 version when he sang many absolutely moving songs. Here is one of his best duets in that mould with Asha Bhosle. If just this song is mentioned to you, you may not be able to place it to N Datta or the film. A perfectly Hans Akela song, a theme elaborated by Rahul Bhagwanrao Muli in the last post.
Kavi Pradeep
7. Doosron ka dukhadaa door karnewaale tere dukh door karenge Ram from Dashahara (1956), lyrics Pradeep
Pradeep created a niche for himself as a singer for his unique full-throated voice, eminently suitable for devotional, inspirational, message-songs. Doosron ka dukhada is my perennial favourite, but if you ask me its music director after a few months, I may not be able to connect it to N Datta. I might guess between Avinash Vyas or C Ramchandra. This is another perfect Hans Akela song.
Balbir
8. Meri tasveer lekar kya karoge tum meri tasveer lekar by Rafi, Balbir and Asha Bhosle from Kala Samandar (1962), lyrics Anand Bakshi
Balbir was the added spice in many iconic qawwalis. Hans has included Rafi-Balbir qawwali Aaj kyun humse parda hai from Saadhana (1958) in his N Datta-Rafi post. Fortunately for me, he had left another even more memorable qawwali from a strange-sounding B-grade film, Kala Samandar. I am extremely happy to post this absolute Hans Akela song here.
Lata Mangeshkar
9. Kahoji tum kya kya kharidoge by Lata Mangeshkar from Sadhana (1958), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
This film had the iconic Sambhal ae dil tadapane aur tadapaane se kya hoga by his principal singers Asha Bhosle and Rafi, and a great Qawwali Aaj kyun humse parda hai by Rafi and S Balbir. And to add to his diversity he gave a superb Geeta Dutt bhajan Tora manwa kyun ghabaraye re, and two great songs by his ‘other’ singer Lata Mangeshkar, one being Aurat ne janam diya mardo ko, a hard hitting nazm by Sahir on the women being banished to the brothels by men who are ‘born form the womb of a woman’. But he relieves the seriousness by this fast-paced mujra.
10. Main tumhin se poochhti hun mujhe tuse pyar kyun hai by Lata Mangeshkar (& Rafi) from Black Cat (1959), lyrics Jan Nisar Akhtar
Black Cat did not have N Datta’s principal singer, Asha Bhosle. The lead voice is shared by Lata Mangeshkar (3 songs, including two-version Main tumhin se poochhati hun) and two duets sung by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur. Here is the famous song by Lata Mangeshkar. This version has small recital-style poetic dialogue between Minoo Mumtaz, lip-synched by Lata Mangeshkar, and Blaraj Sahni by Rafi.
(Lata): कोई इक़रार करे या कोई इंकार करे
तुमसे इक बार निगाहें तो ज़रा चार करे
(Rafi): तुम हसीन हो तुम्हें सब दिल में जगह देते हैं
हममें क्या बात है ऐसी जो कोई प्यार करे
11. Mere bhaiya ko sandesa pahunchana ki chanda teri jot badhe by Lata Mangeshkar from Didi (1959), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
One of the sweetest Lata Mangeshkar songs about sister’s love for her brother.
Suman Kalyanpur, Usha Mangeshkar
12. Suno suno re kahani ik bahut purani from Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke (1957), lyrics P L Santoshi
This is a 3-part song – part 1 sung by Asha Bhosle and Shamshad Begum. Part 2 is an Asha Bhosle solo, and Part 3 is the duet between Suman Kalyanpur and Usha Mangeshkar. As both Suman Kalyanpur and Usha Mangeshkar are in Lata Mangeshkar mould, they bring a different flavour to the song. N Datta has tried all the flavours in the same song.
Geeta Dutt
13. Sadke teri chaal ke kajra wajara daal ke, jaanewali aana by Geeta Dutt and Rafi from Mr. X (1957), lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri
In his debut film Milaap, N Datta had hit a sixer for Geeta Dutt in her duet with Rafi – Bachana zara ye zamana hai bura. Hans included this song in his post on Rafi. In Mr. X N Datta had a blast with the famous Rock n’ Roll Rafi solo Laal laal gaal, jaan ke hain laagu. He has the same light-hearted touch in this Punjabi-style duet.
14. Tora manwa kyun ghabaraye re by Geeta Dutt from Sadhana (1958), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
And to showcase his variety he composes a serious devotional song for Geeta Dutt.
Shamshad Begum
15. Mujhko laga hai saal solvan haye nahin chhedana by Shamshad Begum from Chandrakanta (1956), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
Chandrakanta has become synonymous with Rafi’s towering song Maine chaand aur sitaaron ki tamanna ki thi. This Shamshad Begum solo has left a permanent imprint in my heart, thanks to Vividh Bharati often playing it in its morning programme on Bhoole Bisre Geet.
https://gaana.com/song/mujhko-laga-hai-saal
16. Kahan chale ho ji pyar mein deewana kar ke, main to neem tale aa gayi bahana kar ke from Mohini (1957), lyrics Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
This is the second Ace with Shamshad Begum created by the genius.
Sudha Malhotra
17. Mere nadeem mere hamsafar udas na ho by Sudha Malhotra from Bhai Bahan (1959), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
N Datta composed some everlasting songs for Sudha Malhotra, who was not among the prominent female singers.
18. Kaase kahun man ki baat by Sudha Malhotra from Dhool Ka Phool (1959), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
I end this pot with Sudha Malhotra’s one of the career best songs composed by the Unlucky Genius N Datta. Its special charm lies in the fact that N Datta has composed it in Kafi, one of the most accessible and sweet ragas.
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:
The song videos have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog does not claim any copyright over these songs which vests in the respective owners, such as Saregama India Limited and others.
{ 71 comments… read them below or add one }
A very good post. SoY has covered N Datta’s entire career in an excellent series.
I think you’ve covered all the majors among the other playback singers.
Congratulations!
Anup
🙂
Lovely songs of N.Datta’s. It is sad when talent goes fully unrealized because health fails. Vinod (Eric Roberts 1922-59) was another promising composer who died very early and what a loss it was to the world of music. He died probably because of Tetanus. (http://www.millenniumpost.in/sundaypost/beacon/the-nobel-series-leontief-input-output-model-428788?infinitescroll=1)
I wanted to add one of Talat Mahmood’s songs to your list. Here it is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Oii-1au4A
It is from Chandi Ki Deewar (1964) Sahir Ludhianvi is the lyricist. The lyrics are top class.
जो तार से निकली है
वो धुन सब ने सुनी है
जो साज़ पे गुज़री है
वो किस दिल को पता है
I am sorry the link in the comment of mine is incorrect. The correct link is
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:-pjaUQuJOosJ:www.millenniumpost.in/sundaypost/beacon/lost-in-time–vinod-379153+&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=in
Anita
Suman Kalyanpur with Rafi.
BHAI BAHEN.
O chokri, tu hai ras bhare phalon ke tokri…
Kamal Barot.
BADSHAH, 1964.
Aaj hame hansaye na koi
Aaj rone ko jee chahta hai..
HOLIDAY IN BOMBAY, 1963, had some beautiful songs.
Mukesh:
1. Aaj ye aanchal munh ko chupaye..
2. Ye haseen Bambai, Apne ko toh jam gayi..
( With Mahendra Kapoor. )
S Balbir :
Ratnare matware rasnare kajrare
Nainwa tehare..
( With Rafi. )
Lata :
Peehu peehu papiha mat bol..
Is there no Manna Dey song with N Dutta?!
Suman Kalyanpur ( with Rafi. )
BLACK CAT.
1. Nashe mein hum
Nashe mein tum
2. One two three four
Dil ka tu chor…
Anup,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Rafi, Asha Bhosle and ‘other’ singers practically cover the entire range of N Datta.
Anita @2, 3,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Your wrong link I had come across earlier, and wanted to read it leisure. Now I can really go through it, it is quite informative.
Talat song, Ashkon ne jo paya hai is too good. I don’t know how I missed it. It is a worthy addition to the list. Thanks.
I hadn’t known about N Datta’s health problems. It must have been so harrowing for him to have to live with the spectre of that heart attack hanging over him. To have composed such superb music despite that, says a lot for his talent.
One of my top favourite N Datta compositions is this one, from Pyaas/Apna Ghar Apni Kahaani, Chaand bhi koi deewaana hai:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-8xWhFWqrM
Good that you have recalled N. Dutta to listeners’ ears. He was among some ‘unlucky’ and also ‘unsung’, excellent composers; like Sajjad Husain was. I would even add the maestro Jaidev in that list, except that he was a little luckier than Dutta and others.
A good selection. From ‘Dhool ka phool’, I consider “Jhukti ghata gati hawa” an unmissable inclusion. How Mahendra Kapoor was kept at a low pitch and the way he was introduced into the second stanza, with a ‘hum’ and a poetical narration, ‘Hawa mein choti si kashti’, while Asha is doing an ‘alaap’ in the background, is simply mesmerising. These songs and their lyrics remain etched in my memory.
Thank you.
The complete coverage of N Dutta’s compositions does justice to the “unfortunate ” composer.
Here is my pick for the post
Jigar me dard – Apna ghar apni kahani ( pyas) – Mahendra Kapoor & Kamal Barot
https://youtu.be/8PTikFRR20Q
This lovely song underscores the point ” Unlucky Composer”. Had it been in a better film with a more renowned Hero , it surely would have been significantly more popular.
I think N.Datta borrowed the tune for ‘Tere pyaar ka aasra chaahata hun’ from a Purabi dhun played here by N.Rajam and Bismillah Khan (with table accompaniment by Kishan Maharaj) at a concert on the banks of the Ganga. The girl behind Rajam is her daughter, Sangeeta Shankar, also an eminent violin player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id1VE68OcDk
A worthy round up on N Datta.
I did not find Mukesh in this list, so searched YT and at the first attempt landed upon these two songs –
Aaj Ye Anachal Munh Kyun Chhupaye – Holiday in Bombay (1963)
Here is a song that normally goes to Rafi
https://youtu.be/C_1wjV-17vQ
Mausam Suhan Hai Doo Kahi Chal – Dr. Shaitan (1960) – with Geeta Dutt
Mukesh begins at his not-normal scale
https://youtu.be/cDC6mgc89z4
Incidentally, both songs are penned by Jan Nissar Akhtar
I had to search a little more for locating a Suman Kalyanpur solo
Ja Re Beimaan Kiska Balam Ter Jaisa Na Ho Naadan – Herculeus (1960 – or was it 1964?)
I do recollect listening to this song in my radio-listening days, but had never heard since then. This is a N Datta song is what I realized only today
https://youtu.be/yj5WIBZpI1Y
Manna Dey ( with Asha)..
Rimzim Rimzim saawan barse
Tumre milan ko jiyara tarse…
DILLI KA DADA, 1963.
There is a qawwali, most likely in a Dara Singh movie, where Manna Da is one among the 4 singers.
AK Ji
Thanks for another article on N Dutta my favourite lesser known MD
My previous post got deleted just now, so I am only posting some songs of N Dutta, sung by’other singers’
Ab teri yaad hai by Suraiya from Miss 58
https://youtu.be/ZvFwRcTKI4c
Jigar me dard kaisa by Mahendra Kapoor and Kamal Barot from Pyas
https://youtu.be/o2Q8w1vCdjA
Dekho Radha Hamari gori from Gopal Krishna by Mahendra Kapoor and Krishna Kalle
https://youtu.be/Farv0lp4iSc
The above song is very similar to this one below, a Sudhir Phadke composition from Murliwala sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Sudhir Phadke
https://youtu.be/in9h0Snhb_4
Ja ja ja re beimaan by Suman Kalyanpur from Hercules
https://youtu.be/yj5WIBZpI1Y
Laage tose nain, a great classical duet by Asha Bhosle and Talat Mahmood from Chandi Ki Dewaar
https://youtu.be/6rd80gOT-HQ
Hum se bhi karlo kabhi kabhi by Geeta Dutt from Milap
https://youtu.be/SohgPDF4WrU
Hum bhi naye tum bhi naye by Manna Dey Mohammad Rafi Asha Bhosle and Kamal Barot from Raaka
https://youtu.be/idpjXbCo4-8
Hope to post some more
My delayed posting resulted in my overlooking Jigar me dard posted by Rahul Ji and Ja ja ja re beimaan by Ashok Ji above
Regret my repeated entries
Dr Shetty, is the last one posted by me was in your mind
Madhu @8,
It seems many advancements in heat treatment have taken place after that. Today, if treated in time, people lead long normal lives. Be that as it may, it is sad that a career should have been so affected. Chaand bhi koi deewaa hai is an excellent song. This is a rarely heard song.
NS Rajan,
I am happy that you liked the post. Thanks for bringing out poetic nuances of Jhukti hawa kaali ghata, I listened to it carefully, immensely enjoyed it. One can see traces tunes of several songs which Ravi created later on.
Again an excellent selection of N Dutta compositions particularly the ones from Dhool Ka Phool and Black Cat. Mr John is another movie which had good songs and so also Sadhana. In the late fifties he was among the top most composers but did not get the big banners except B R Films. However , he did his best in the given opportunity!
Mr Muli @10,
Jiagr mein dard kaisa is a superb song. I have used it earlier in some other post. Madhu, too, mentioned a song from Apan Ghar Apni Kahani. Now we are really discovering N Datta.
AK Ji
You used the song in Jigar post, around 5 years ago
Ashwin @11,
Tere pyar ka aasra chaahta hun closely resembles the dhun played by Bismillah Khan and N Rajam. This is a traditional tune of a famous Vidyapati (Maithili) Geet (14/15th century), Piya more baalak main taruni re, which literally means:
My lover/husband/Lord is a child, but I am a grown up woman.
Where did I slip in my rituals that I have become a mother
There are several YT links of this song. Sharda Sinha is the most celebrated singer of Bhojpuri/Maithili folk. Here is her rendering. Its introduction gives some sense of its mystical sense:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB1oGlhaLq0
The last verse relates it to the all-surrendering love of the gopikas of Braj for Krishna (who is not yet grown up!):
भणहि विद्यापति सुनु ब्रजनारी
धैरज धरहूं मिलत मुरारी
(Vidyapati says, listen O the ladies of Braj
Have patience, you will have union with Murari)
Anita @3, has given a link of an article which says that Tere pyar ka aasra chaahta hun was inspired by Vinod’s composition Dard mila hai tere pyar ki nishani (Lata Mangeshkar) from Anmol Ratan (1950). Here is the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE7uXsFqdKk
Since we have an exact source tune, we don’t have to make approximate guesses. So this statement by the author is not correct. If anything, both theses songs could be traced to Vidyapati’s traditional tune. Tere pyar ka aasra chaahta hun is very close, so it is possible N Datta might have heard it somewhere and used it subconsciously. Folk also has a way of transmitting over long distances to unconnected cultures. So he might have got it from anywhere.
Ashokji @11,
Thanks a lot. I was wondering if N Datta had composed any top class song for Mukesh. Since I didn’t recall any, I didn’t make any effort to find out. Heard all your additions. They were all first time for me. I don’t regret much. I only regret for not including Talat’s Ashkon ne jo paya hai mentioned by Anita @2.
Arvinder ji,
Bilkul! The one and only.
Thanks Dr Saheb
Arvinder Sharmaji @14, 15, 16,
It is good to have you back. You are the real expert on N Datta. You have added some very good songs. Jigar mein dard kaisa is the best. Don’t worry, you own this song.
Dr Shetty @4, 5, 12,
You have given a list of songs to explore. I will hear them and come back. If you can find a way to give the links, it will be so much easier for the readers to instantly click it and listen to it.
KB @19,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation.
AKji:
An excellent post to round up SoYs tribute to N Dutta. Health was probably the main factor that kept him from realizing his full potential. But if someone only listens to the bouquet of songs you have presented here s/he would find it hard to believe N Dutta was not one of our MDs in greatest demand. Here is ‘Yaadon ka sahara’, another Talat Gem from ‘Patthar ke khwab’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YcpDhgfaS4&ab_channel=AjayYuvraj
Canasya,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Thanks for Talat gem. Now I realise I should have searched more to include a couple of Talat songs. In my bouquet add his best songs for Rafi and Asha Bhosle. So you have about 40 songs for different singers and different types which can match with the best of anyone. Therefore, I call him an unlucky genius.
https://youtu.be/P3A6D9jWHoc
एन दत्ता की और फिल्म धूल का फूल गीत जो बहुत सुंदर है।
‘दामन में दाग लगा बेठे’
https://youtu.be/P3A6D9jWHoc
दामन में दाग लगा बेठे हाय,
फिल्म धूल का फूल
Prabhulal Bharadiya,
Welcome to SOY. All songs of the film Dhool Ka Phool were excellent.
Thanks AK for reminding us once again that many of the songs we remember so fondly were composed by someone we don’t remember as well as we should. ‘Tere pyar ka’ is of course the most famous, but my personal favourites from your list are ‘Main tumhin se poochhti hoon’ and ‘Ka se kahoon man ki baat’.
Interestingly Anu has just done a post on Chitalkar aka C Ramachandra. Datta Naik also chose to be known as N Datta. Maybe at that time in the industry giving a South Indian or Bengali flavour to one’s name was considered lucky. Our favourite blogger on classical music Rajan Parrikar has this to say in his irreverent and politically incorrect style – “Several years ago, a vast Bong conspiracy was uncovered & busted in the deep bowels of Tollygunge, and the gifted composer N. Datta (Datta Naik) was finally revealed to be not a macher-jhol Bong dork but a true blue Goan stud!”
Good Evening Sir,
Wishing you Happy Pongal,
All the best and good luck.
Regards
Uma
Subodh,
We rarely fail to associate songs of the top composers to them. When we come to the likes of N Datta, we are not able to associate many of their good songs to them. I have given special emphasis to such composers and songs.
Rajan Parrikar’s tongue in cheek comment is a nice way to remember that N Datta was not a Bengali. Thanks for sharing it. But is it Ranjan’s usual style? On classical ragas he writes in a very matter-of-fact style.
Uma Maheshwar Naka,
Thanks a lot for your greetings which I heartily reciprocate.
AK@36: Parrikar can be quite incorrect even in classical. He dislikes Jasraj and Ali Akbar, and refers to them as Banditji and Alu.
‘ Aurat ne janam …’/ 1958 / SADHNA / Sahir / N Datta / Lata
https://youtu.be/6HSjI2Di2nM
A great article. So many of the songs were new to me. Some were known but perhaps lazily did not try to connect them with this genius of a composer. Thanks once again.
A beautiful Lataji’s song that I recently heard from NAACH GHAR (1959): Aye Dil Zubaan Na Khol… Lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi
https://youtu.be/swVjZ1esALM
Jawahar,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. In my list, I thought except one #12 were well-known.
AK ji, Hans Ji , Arvinder Sharma ji ;
Life is really music unless paused by a fate …and that is what life did to N Dutta. Sailing was smooth and he was riding waves with celebrated music. With gems like Sahir accompanying the songs had great listening values . Like others I used to hum a lot of N. Dutta’s in my youth . The sad and happy song never failed to impress me. Dhadkne dillon ki …,….Daman pe daag laga behthe ….main tumehie se poochhti hun ….these our all favorite of the community people around us.
N. Dutta had great time giving music to B+ movies to. I think in such movies any MD has sort of a free hand to cater for some class of audience whose tastes were to watch action packed stunt or suspense movies.
1955 was one year when india was on way to urbanization and fashion was one perquisite that was essential as a tag to urban personality. We as kids and young boys were quickly graduated from wearing shorts to wering pants and that too narrow ones which further got its name as drain pipe pants .
The year 1955/57 was further years of dada giri . Every class every school had a tuffy with muscle powers who could do anything in fights over marble , Top [ latoo] , kites and other games from start to finish . Even teachers were afraid to ask home work from them . For dress code these DADAs all wore back folded high collars shirts…a sure sign of a tough guy.
In one or two movies ….if my memories back me ….I think Pran and Mehmood wore high collars shirts and K N Singh wore high collar overcoats . ….a sure sign of an extreme villains look .
Sheikh Mukhtiar was another tall fellow who looked so good in Dilli Ka Dada . I saw this movie and really enjoyed all the five or six songs . All songs were very different from each other . A duet by MK and Asha is my favorite …its a slow waltz like pace of a song partly influenced by Doris Day’s …Que sara sara . I liked other MK and Mukesh duet too ….Hum dilli ke dade hain . Another By Rafi and Usha Khanna is also rare and good. Hear these songs and enjoy the variety of their different side of music of N. Dutta.
DHOONDHE NAZAR NAZAR- MAHENDRA KAPOOR- ASHA- FILM- DILLI KA DADA(1962)MD-N DUTTA LY-JAN NISAR AKHTAR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6MyphJQwRE
Chehra Kiya Gulab Hai… MOHAMMAD RAFI , Usha Khanna , N DUTTA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7CCJnjB860
Hum dilli ke dade hain….MK, Mukesh…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0atfhBqI1w
to be contd….
KS Bhatiaji,
“Life is music unless paused by fate” – beautiful poetry. True for everyone. I am seeing a totally different side of Mukesh.
AK ji @43 ;
Thanks for your appreciation .
N Dutta was too good in pure classical based songs . Here is one to prove my point…..
rimjhim rimjhim sawan barse-dilli ka dada
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n08PGaL5XQ
AK ji ;
Now a peppy duet from N. Dutta files….
Ae Chingu Kya Ae Shingu Kya – Asha Bhosale & Kamal Barot…Dilli Ka Daada – 1962
MD – N Datta
Lyrics – Jan Nisar Akhtar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aT9sZNLGag
KS Bhatiaji,
Manna Dey is another worthy addition to the list of N Datta’s great songs for ‘other’ singers. Thanks for the addition.
AK @ 22,
Belated thanks for enlightening me about the origins of the tune of ‘Tere pyaar ka aasra’. How fascinating! BTW, you are very right when you say that ‘Folk also has a way of transmitting over long distances to unconnected cultures’; that said, Maithili and Goa may not be as unconnected as you think – it is believed that it is from Trihotra (Tirhut) that the Saraswat brahmins migrated to Goa!
Ahwin,
You are welcome. And thanks a lot for the sociology/anthropology of Saraswat Brahmins of Goa/Mithila. This gives me a subject to explore. I am still trying to explore the layered meaning of the second line of Vidyapati’s verse: What sin did I commit that I became a mother. My mind went to Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid – the opening scene is a Charity Hospital from which a woman is coming out with a newborn child in hand, and there is a caption on the screen – “The Woman whose sin was – Motherhood”. Surely Vidyapati did not mean unwed motherhood. A friend suggests, “Motherhood is the generic function of a woman which perpetually keeps her in an inferior position relative to the man, and she is relating it to her earlier carefree state.”
An enlightening discussion on the other singers for the genius in the concluding post of this series. The select songs are great . A few of these songs I do not recollect . The learned participants’ contributions have further added to my knowledge .
N Datta was unlucky for many reasons…he lost his father when he was an infant , he had to run away from home in Goa to Bombay at the age of 12 years , he suffered a heart attack at a very young age when he was at the peak . Perhaps he neither had any formal training in music nor any other education. Despite such adverse circumstances and the stiff competition then , he had risen to be an MD of repute in the Hindi film world.
I learn that N Datta gave music for around 54 Hindi movies during 1955-80 and the songs posted here indicates that his compositions prior to 1963 were more popular.
BRC was known to be very particular about the quality of music in his films . ‘ Naya Daur ‘ was a success and yet the MD was changed. He certainly looked for something more in an MD which is not known to the public. In Gumrah BRC had RAVI, SAHIR, MK , ASHA and this team was different from the previous set up as RAFI , LATA were not included and N DATTA had been replaced . BRC had made a considered decision to appoint RAVI as the MD for Gumrah .
S Joseph , AK ji;
When Plan A get stocked by fate , Plan B is their for survival and I suppose this happened to N. Dutta . During such transition period many of his good songs got un noticed . These songs however emerged again in second innings listening .
A few of such songs. Note the presence of Kamal Barot in plenty.
Jigar mein dard kaisa,isko ulfat to nahin kehte..Mahendra Kapoor_Kamal Barot_Q J _N dutta.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PTikFRR20Q
Aankhen hamari ho sapne tumhare ho..Rafi -Asha Bhosale-Rajender Krishan -N Dutta..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_0DVug9AUM
Bhaiya Re Bhaiya – Kamal Barot, Rafi – MILAP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijWAh3RIUac
…to be contd….
S Joseph , AK ji;
In continuation….
Khakaan….. Jo Ishq To Hum Ho Gaye Diwane · Asha Bhosle,kamal Barot,mohd.rafi…..N Dutta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY_iaR4FTxg
Apna Ghar Aur Apni Kahani….Rafi….Pyas….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTxOi5CFY9c
Aaj Humko Hansaye Na Koi
Singer : Kamal Barot
Music : Datta Naik
Lyrics : Anand Bakshi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRT-6kQg7NM
Lastly here is a gem of a solo song by Asha ji from Kala Samunder …
AAP KI BAATEIN AAP KI QASMEIN -ASHA BHONSLE – ANAND BAKSHI -N DATTA (KALA SAMUNDER 1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0Rrel09bYo&t=68s
….to be contd…
AKji,
An excellent post that completes the brilliant series on N. Datta.
It is indeed inexplicable why those with immense talent and capabilities often end up with fewer opportunities and bad luck!!
I thought of visiting his musical journey in Marathi Cinema.
Though he gave music to only a few Marathi films between 1964-1980, many of his compositions were famous and are remembered even today.
Especially Apradh (1969), Madhuchandra (1967), Bala gaau kashi angaai (1977) were musical hits with almost all songs of these films being well-known and popular.
The other films also had a song or two which stood out.
Despite these successes, he composed only for about 13 films in 16 years or so. Wondering whether he had few offers or he couldn’t take more work due to health issues?
Asha remained his main female singer even for Marathi films but Mahendra Kapoor replaced Rafi here as the principal male voice. He sang in at least 8 out of the 13 films.
Neither Rafi nor Lata sang any Marathi film song for him.
His major other singers were Usha Mangeshkar, Suman Kalyanpur, Jaywant Kulkarni. Krishna Kalle etc.
Here’s a classic piano song sung by MK for Apradh, picturized on a smart looking Ramesh Deo.
Sur tech chhedita geet umatle nave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__8eyXyXkOo
Mahendra-Suman singing a melodious duet for Apradh
Saang kadhi kalnar tula
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTnmpvviTbI
C. Ramchandra joins MK for a duet – Title song Ek Don Teen in Ek Don Teen (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpvSAswWWGQ
And a soulful lullaby by Suman Kalyanpur for Bala gaau kashi angaai
Nimbonichya zada maage chandra jhopla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDcJPHKv-bo
Mr S Joseph,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Nothing succeeds like success. Chaudahvi Ka Chaand was a turning point for Ravi. BRC break up with OP Nayyar after Naya Daur was due to some inter-personal tiff between the two. He tried Ravi; Mahendra Kapoor, Asha Bhosle had done wonders for BRC films with N Datta. The new team struck gold. Talent plus luck.
AK ji,
Thanks for writing on the musical journey of N.Datta.
Famous Marathi film writer Madhu Potdar has written an informative book,” मराठी चित्रपट संगीतकार कोश “. In this he has given a short Bio of N. Datta. In this he mentions that ND had worked as assistant with Hemant Kedar, MD and also with Ghulam Haider. He further states that SDB requested him to work as his assistant when he heard his some songs in a Ganapati Utsav Mela (मेळा ).From film Afsar to Devdas, ND was asst. to SDB.
About Chopra Camp, it is mentioned that ND was friendly with Sahir Ludhianvi, who introduced him to B R Chopra. Considering the history of Sahir, it is possible that he was also the cause of ND’s removal from Chopra camp. The book does not say so, it is my guess. It also mentions that ND gave music to a Punjabi film ” Baalo”.
As mentioned here, ND gave music to 13 Marathi films, starting with the film” एक दोन तीन “-1964 to film ” गोविंदा आला रे आला “-1981.
Looking at the songs composed by N. Datta, one sees that he has composed songs in almost every Genre.. Romance, Bhajan, Qawali etc . He was almost a complete Music Director. It is sad that due to his poor health, he could not give us more.
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AK ji;
Tora manwa kyun gabraiye re ….is really a beautiful devotional song . This was favorite of my father who used to hum whenever he faced a little unbalanced situation and when everything went well he used to sing happy songs. This was way of life in 60s . Imagine those days when relatives living in the same city were invited by sending postcards . Now the situation is just opposite …we call them over mobile and they never turn up !! Any way life moves on and music is one that has a great recall capacity .
Here is Rafi’s version of …Tora manwa kyun gabraiye re ….a must for N Dutta’s and Sahir’s fans …..
Sadhna – Tora Manwa Kyun Ghabraye (Rafi version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMAxHxrhh7M
AK ji;
Some more songs that were waiting to be added….
Beete hue din kuch aise……. Suman kalyanpur…. Md. N. Dutta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa_BRaXHGfU
Sachche Moti (1962) – chahe dekhe ghur ke – Rafi,Suman Kalyanpur
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZBbVWV5oyw
Geeta Dutt, Suman Kalyanpur – Mohe laa de chunariya laal – Chandi Ki Deewar (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jji0IUjfUvs&t=47s
….to be contd…
Arunkumar Deshmukh ji ;
Thanks for reminding about Punjabi film BALO . It is really amazing that a team of Sahir , N Dutta and Geeta Dutt coming out with beautiful composition of nice punjabi songs ….and non of them Punjabi !!!
This 1951 movies carries typical orchestra that makes you tap with music . Its like getting good flavor fumes from the kitchen and food turning to be a nice orchestra . Even pouring water in the glass sounds like orchestra when level of water varies . Hearing good orchestra are my best moments of the day .
Now enjoy the magic of N Dutta ….his Nth property….
Geeta Dutt – Ik ik aankh meri sawwa sawwa lakh di : Film – Baalo (1951)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLt7Ff-ekAc
Balo 1951 ( Punjabi Film ) : Kothe Kothe Aa Kudiye : Geetadutt : Md N Dutta : L Sahir Ludhiyanvi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26nm4xlN-wM
….to be contd….
AK ji;
A funny song from the files of Sahir / N. Dutta compositions….
Barso Raam Dhadaake Se Mahendra Kapoor Chandi Ki Deewar N.Dutta Sahir Ludhianvi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_lY4JCy-NI
KS Bhatiaji @50,
Aankhein hamari hon sapne tumhare hon is a wonderful song. Jigar mein dard kaisa is another very good song. Both have figured on SOY earlier.
@51,
From the list, only Aaj humko hansaye na koi appeared earlier, but as I heard all the songs, the first one in qawwali style ….Ye na hoga ye humse nahin hoga is an outstanding song.
@55,
Thanks for introducing us to Rafi’s version of Tora manwa kyon ghabaraye re. Heard it for the first time.
@56,
Beete huye din kuchh aise hi hain is one of my top favourites of Suman Kalyanpur. Never gave a thought to its music director, but I am happy it is N Datta’s composition. Chaahe dekhe ghoor ke is also a good song.
Dr Deshpande @52,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and the information of N Datta’s contribution in Marathi cinema. Now realise Ramesh Deo was a superstar in Marathi cinema.
Arunji @50,
Thanks a lot for the additional information on N Datta’s record in Marathi films. We would not know what were the exact reasons for his exit from BR Camp and his downfall. His poor health is a non-controversial reason. Anything else is gossip. But it is sad.
AK ji ;
Find opportunities when one is unlucky . N Dutta ‘s Talent never failed him . The Genius tag helped him reboot his talents . Look at his compositions of qawaali songs. Each one a gem to shine for ever…..
Jo Dil Deewana Machal Gaya…..Rafi ….Dharamputra…N Dutta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW3V5-okQzg
KAABE MEIN RAHO YA KAASHI MEIN-BALBIR-MK-CHORUS-SAHIR-N DUTTA ( DHARMPUTRA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMUc9ZR5Yd0&t=204s
….to be contd….
Did not know that he had a heart attack when he was only 30.So many of our talented music composers died young.And many of them remain unsung now.Thought Asha’s Dharmaputra song Main jab bhi akeli hoti hun tum chupkese aa jate ho “ is one of his best compositions
AK,
Sorry for coming so late as I was busy in some very urgent matter. Thanks for the nice post. There were no surprises in selection of songs except the missing of the Talat gem. Also just 3 for Lata, your favourite, which was perhaps for accommodating other singers. I think, the most important reason why you always remember N Datta and Ravi together was their boldness in going for Asha -when all chief MDs were after Lata – and still giving us great songs.
For Mahendra Kapoor, Datta was really a boon. After his early hits with MM in Jailor and Naushad in Sohni Mahiwal, Datta really put him on high pedestal with great songs in both Dhool Ka Phool and Dharamaputra. Although MK was brought in by BR Chopra, yet Datta has the credit for composing and getting rendered such variety from him who was yet quite raw. He even made bold to use MK as playback for Kishore Kumar in Albela Mastana, as late as 1967. the song is ‘humne to dil bichha diya’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaPQDa5OfyU
For Lata, he composed 28 songs of which 21 were solo. Of the 7 duets he paired Lata with Rafi in 6, which must be a unique feat, because Lata always preferred to be paired with other singers. Though he was Asha man, but he gave a number of gems to Lata. As she is under represented here, I add a few of her songs which I like very much.
Apne khayalon ko samjha dijiye – Marine Drive – Sahir.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aen25Ts0tqw
Sitare raah takte hain chale aao – Black Cat – Jan Nisar Akhtar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw1Zk64TpR0
Are vidhata likh diya tune – Dussehra – Pradeep.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-EnLOdSFSk
Peehoo peehoo papihe na bol – Holiday in Bombay – Anand Bakshi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY_jtMEj0dg
Jitendra Desai,
Entirely agree with you. That is my favourite too.
Chehre Pe Chehra (1981), the last Hindi film of N. Datta, was based on R L Stevenson story – Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
I still remember that I was keen to see the film when released but couldn’t as I was only 13 and it was certified for Adults.
Of course, when I later saw the film on VHS in the 90s, I found it just ok.
However, N. Datta gave a good score, ably complemented by Sahir’s lyrics. There is a variety of songs ranging from dance numbers – a party song – a sad song – a duet and a church prayer song.
Besides his main singers (Asha & Rafi), he used Sulakshana Pandit, Dilraj Kaur and Manna Dey.
Here’s Manna Dey’s solo – church song coming at the end of the movie.
Yeh raat nek raat hai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD8nNj9TaG4
The two songs by Sulakshana Pandit are reasonably nice.
Aaj socha hai khayalon mein bulakar tumko (duet with Rafi)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKiRFfyXkHw
Tumse kehna hai ke dushwaar hai tum bin (solo)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2simqCrO3Mc
Hans ji @64;
What a bouquet of songs you have posted ! Apne khayalon ko samjha dijiye – Marine Drive ….I could not blink my eyes throughout the video clip . Bina Rai so beautifully expressing the feelings ….her each moment and steps lyrically co relating the melody at best of her talent !!
Sitare raah takte hain chale aao….is of course milestone song of N. Dutta. Lata ji at her very best. Some times out of nowhere music appears from air that touches your heart and soul. That is the grand ability of Lata ji’s singing that her songs lives in our heart for long long times.
‘humne to dil bichha diya’…..is a unique experiment …MK singing for KK ! The composition and orchestra quite resembling to the style of Chitragupt .
Peehoo peehoo papihe na bol….was very popular during radio days and I used to hum this song quite often during my study days .
In all these songs I have noticed fine use of flute and sitar ….a recognised presence in Roshan’s compositions . Do you too feel that way ?
Dr. Rajesh Deshpande ji @66;
The songs posted are not bad at all . Sulakshna is quite good in soft melody . It seems N Dutta still had good compositions in his music bank after quite a stint in action movies where he had to look for heavy orchestra to match the muscle powers of heroes .
Happy Republic Day ….to all the members of SoY family .
Here is title song from Dharamputra composed by N Dutta. A soft melody that touches soul and heart .
AARE JAHAAN SE ACHHA – ASHA BHONSLE -MOHD.RAFI – SAHIR LUDHIANVI -N DUTTA ( DHARMPUTRA 1962 )
Jai Hind .
Hans @64,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Another strong Ravi-N Datta connection is because of BR Chopra-Mahendra Kapoor.
I regret I missed Talat Mahmood, and a top Suman Kalyanpur song Beete huye din kuchh aise bhi hain. Lata Mangeshkar’s Main tumhin se poochhti hun from Black Cat is more famous, but your addition Sitaare raah takte hain is an absolutely great song. This is in the class of C Ramchandra.
Dr Deshpande @66,
Thanks for adding the songs from the last film of N Datta. All songs were new to me.