The Story of the 'Richly Evergreen'......(Part11)

The Research....Comes To An End.....

18

"Lakhon hain nigahon mein..." - A sitar, a mouth organ, a santoor, and a foot-tapping tune - only O P can ever think of a combination like this. And who does he bring along as his companion? Once again the great Majrooh, who fills his dream with simple and charismatic Urdu words like "Mahajabeen". The name of the film is Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. Incidentally, it was this same movie where apart from this hit, Rafi voiced another gem called "Banda Parvar, tham lo jigar". Not many know that the word "Banda Parvar" was first used in Hindi movies thanks to Majrooh. In this particular song, Rafi is exactly to the point with as much romanticism as possible. The frolic and the youthfulness are taken care of by the design of the song. Besides, wherever he finds some cracks and gaps, he puts in some tiny nuances to make the song a memorable experience. For the ones listening to this song for the first time, listen to it and come back to it after a few months - I can bet that you will find it as fresh as the last time!


19

 

"Pukarta Chala Hoon...." - A good looking hero is driving a car. A group of young girls are in the front. Among them is a very smart and beautiful girl. All these form the backdrop of this classic number from the film Mere Sanam. With such a perfect set-up, O P Nayyar delivers another seminal tune. A tune that one can listen to for any number of times, back to back or at regular intervals, and still not get enough of it. All the instruments are in place, and in full flow - sitar, santoor, banjo, organs, just name it. Majrooh is once again at his supreme best and the result is a breathtaking song. Apart from all these and with due credit to O P and his brilliance, I think the best thing about this song is Mohammad Rafi. I think Rafi is all over this song and I sincerely believe that there could hardly be any one who could have sung this song more beautifully. What expressions! What sophistication! What voice quality! What modulation! This is perhaps one of the best songs of Rafi and it is so ironical that O P was the one who was the heart and soul behind it.


20

"Lakhon hai yahan dilwale..." - This is arguably the best composition that O P had created for Mahendra Kapoor. The song comes along as a breezy, soft number from the film Kismat. It is picturized on Biswajeet. The guitar notes and the entire orchestration are marvelous to say the least. A somewhat waltz-like prelude sets the song up majestically!

                               
21

"Kahan se laai ho...." - A very rare marvel from a film called Dil Aur Mohabbat; sung once again by Mahendra Kapoor. The beautiful tingling voice is very serenely and softly presented to the listeners. There are certain parts which feels like humming expressions. A very good looking Joy Mukherjee and Sharmila Tagore are gracing this song on the screen!


22

"Isharon isharon mein..." - A ghazal-like composition by O P Nayyar with his signature santoor, tabla, sitar and a jhumroo. Some brilliant lyrics by S H Bihari makes this song another unforgettable gem from the film Kashmir Ki Kali. Singing-wise, this is one of the most enigmatic performances of the Rafi-Asha combo. What pronunciation! What lyricism! What intoxication this song ushers! Listen to this thousand times, and you still feel unsatisfied, asking it to be played for just one more time.


23

"Aapke haseen rukh..." - What happens when Nayyar sahab is given a situation in which a boy describes his lady love? The result is the creation of a subtle melody like this; any listener on any given day who craves for love would surely have an enchanting effect after listening to this song just once. Unlike other O P-numbers, this one from the film Baharein Phir Bhi Ayenge is not very rich in orchestration. Perhaps the richness lies in the fact that vocal part is given a lot more preference. The melody lies entirely on the shoulder of Rafi sahab. Each line is followed by a soft flute and the base is kept intact by a piano piece. A brilliant humming piece ends this classic gem and keeps on haunting the listeners!
                             

24 

"Yeh chand sa roshan chehra.." - There have been some songs that have become classics and then there are some that have become cult over the years. This particular song from the movie Kashmir Ki Kali is a cult one! Over time, this has not only defined how these kinds of songs can be done but it has also showed a kind of framework in which locations, energy and beauty could be depicted on the screen. Arguably this is one of the biggest hits of O P, and notably this is one of the best creations by Shakti Samanta.


25

"Chain se humko kabhi..." - This is again one of the most beautiful Asha Bhonsle songs eventually fetching her a Filmfare Award from the film Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye. Unfortunately this particular song was never picturized, but O P was a music composer who cared for nothing except than his creations. He was not bothered by the fact that it was left out. This is also a rare song where a deep, soulful side of S H Bihari comes to the fore. He puts his lighter side on hold and writes an everlasting poem which O P sets tune to and offers to Ashaji. A ghazal par excellence recorded much earlier than "Umrao Jaan" this is one song that showed to the world what Asha Bhonsle was truly capable of. The song also turned out to be the swan song of Asha-O P duo and the former never worked with the legendary composer after this song. A chapter of Hindi film music came to an end with this seminal song!

[To Be Continued....]