Monday, February 23, 2009

S. D. Burman: Aradhana (1969)

Aradhana is a very pleasant soundtrack! But, just when I was going to admit to finally really liking a S. D. Burman soundtrack, I found out about S. D. Burman, who was ill during the recording, who let R. D. Burman record some songs himself. The two hits "Roop Tera Mastana" and "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani" are all Burman junior, hip and young, yet all the credit "officially" goes to S. D. Burman.

Raju Bharatan, writer for the Hindustan Times, explains why this is: "That was the norm in our films then. That, first, two songs of a production had to be recorded -- as the launching-pad. Plus the news of such a recording had to appear as a published item in an industry-respected paper like the weekly Screen. Only after that would finance for a film flow. So it was as finance for Aradhana was set to flow that SD fell ill." excerpt from The Aradhana Syndrome by Raju Bharatan (click on the title to read full article)


The first two songs, and the only ones recorded by Burman senior, were two duets "Gun Guna Rahe Hain" and "Baghon Mein Bahar Hai", who's male vocals were both sung by Mohd. Rafi. But the two hits which were also picturised on Rajesh Khanna were the memorable and my favourite songs, "Roop Tera Mastana" and "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani" sung by Kishore Kumar.


Besides this being a good record, Aradhana is also an important marker in showing the shifting of popular style in Hindi film music. This soundtrack is an exception as it includes the hit making team of Mohd. Rafi and S. D. Burman, and the future hit makers Kishore Kumar and R. D. Burman. The second who had already defined his style composing for Teesri Manzil in 1966 would surpass the firsts popularity with legendary albums as Kati Patang, Caravan and Hare Rama Hare Krishna about a year after the release of this album.

But one track I enjoy is the trademark S. D. Burman solo "Saphal Hogi Teri Aradhana" Other ones are also found in classics like Guide in 1965 and Amar Prem in 1971 (although the last was composed by R. D. Burman). These songs bring a very earthy or organic feel that, takes us from the filmi illusion of life to a more and more down to earth emotional connection. I think one of S. D. Burman's fortes.

A remix of "Roop Tera Mastana" from the 90's and 2008's "Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte" from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starring Sharukh Khan has the intro of "Mere Sapno Ki Rani" in Priety Zinta sequence.

Tracks:

Side1

1. Kishore Kumar: Roop Tera Mastana
2. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Gun Guna Rahe Hain
3. Kishore Kumar: Mere Sapnon Ki Rani
4. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Baghon Mein Bahar Hai


Side 2
5. Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar: Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu
7. S. D. Burman: Saphal Hogi Teri Aradhana


Lyrics: Anand Bakshi


Stella_1 score: 3.5/5


Get the music now: S. D. Burman Aradhana (link to Music From the Third Floor, because my computer is broken.)

11 comments:

litlgrey said...

"Roop Tera Mastana" has also turned out to be a rather enduring hit for RD Burman and for Kishore Kumar. You're probably aware it was reissued on several of the same British CD samplers which also seemed to feature the song "Chura Liya" over and over again.

It wasn't until later that Kumar began scoring hits in a more boisterous voice, one which owed less to the style associated with Mohd. Rafi.

Anonymous said...

The reason there are two male singer is because it is double role.

Anyway if you are looking for great SDB Albums. If you need any just ask.

Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963)
Taxi Driver (1954)
Kaise Kahoon (1964)
Sujata (1959)
Jaal (1952)
Abhimaan (1973)
Ek Ke Baad Ek (1960)
Buzdil (1951)
Jeevan Jyoti (1953)
Mashal (1950)

Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawat said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawat said...

So shallow and so off-topic, but I cant stop giggling at what looks like Sharmila's sweat stains on the record's jacket :D

Shallow jokes aside, I really enjoyed this post- so knowledgeable and succint- I am in awe.

Stella_1 said...

litlgrey - Yeah it is very popular, but on the compilation does it say composed by R. D. Burman or S. D. Burman?

Anonymous - Yes I know Rajesh Khanna played father and son, but I also explained what had happen to S. D. Burman during the recording of the soundrack. Oh, and thanks but I'm not a big SDB fan.

Shweta Mehrotra Gahlawat - Yeah, I guess that is why I have never seen other Aradhana records with the cover I have on mine. I wonder which one came out first? The popular Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore one or the sweaty arm pit Shamila Tagore one?

Anonymous said...

Shweta,
Aluminum, Zinc which comprise of antiperspirant is a heavy metal thus carcinogen.
So Laugh all you want. There was a reason Indian women were precluded from taking Alcohol but all that knowledge is discarded for modernity. Corporations will prepare a magic pill just for you as long as you pay them lots of money.
People like you cry about breast cancer yet keep drinking, putting lead on your lips, neurotoxin on you nails, female hormones in the lake.
So laugh it up. So much for progress.

Anonymous said...

SD Burman was also cut above the rest and great.

Filmi Girl said...

I have nothing of note to say - just that I love this soundtrack...

Mmm... "Mere Sapnon ki Rani..."

Anonymous said...

All concerned esp Anonymous. For one if one has anything critical to say wouldn't it show courage of conviction to use one's identity? To me it seems that the minute we hide under anonymity we lose the strength of our arguement by our own action. Secondly, if we really want to effect a change, wouldn't it be much better to use a positive and encouraging tone? There is enough negativity in this world, lets try and make it a better place by being polite and considerate. It is very hurtful to witness unkind observations even when they are not directed at the reader. I hope I am not guilty of the same, please do read my observation in the spirit it was written... critical but respectful.

Moti Lalwani said...

There cannot be a bigger lie than SD Burman was sick during Adadhana, and the music was composed by son RD. I have 22 proofs that SD Burman was hale and hearty and he composed Aradhana entirely on his own. Some of the proofs are on YouTube by way of my interviews uploaded there. Some of the proofs I have by voice recording like Manohari Singh's voice recorded interview which later I typed and got his signature. The there is Shakti Samanta who spoke about his films including Aradhana. And more. For the present, I am mentioning links of YouTube uploads about Aradhana.

YouTube Our Uploads:
Amrut Rao Katkar on Aradhana Songs – Part One
(Timing: 0.00 till end)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIWS5xfCxZM

Amrut Rao on S.D. Burman Dada – Part Two
(Timing: 6.04 to end)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q1iiZV1q1Y

Aslam (Driver) on S.D. Burman Dada - Part One (HD)
(Timing: 00 till end)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqJVjxG_zjQ

Homi Mullan on Sachin Dev Burman Dada (Part One)
(Timing: 2.43 to 4.07)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHMAq3Cs1WY

‘Roop tera mastana’ from Aradhana (1969) – Kersi Lord’s Interview
(Timing: 2.42 to 4.47)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIPgAsPGTbA

Shakti Samanta, Dev Anand, Anil Biswas & Salil Chowdhury on S. D. Burman (1)
(Timing: 0.00 to 1.05)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtsqDc9TvCU

UK Dubey on 'Kora Kaagaz' Aradhana
(Timing: Complete)
Not Uploaded yet

YouTube (Others’ Uploads)
S D Burman-Tribute by Kishore Kumar-part 2
(Timing: 4.37 to 6.28)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ocs1HvXAgc


Moti Lalwani said...

You may send me comments on my Email address.