Parties, Sarees and Melodies

S. D. Burman: Taxi Driver (1954/1977) Pakistan

2010-07-21T01:00:00.001-04:00

Ok, ok. I actually enjoyed the Taxi Driver soundtrack more than Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi. And I have to admit that I am finding some S. D. Burman songs which I enjoy very much (hey, don't even think about it...this doesn't mean that I am a S. D. Burman Fan). I have still to find an entire "Dada" album that impresses me. To date, this is the closest, if you don't count Aradhana (composed by S. D. Burman/R. D. Burman). And bizarrely enough S. D. Burman won the Filmfare Award for best music director in 1955 for the song "Jahen To Jahen Kahan" and not for the entire album. Actually, the first two years the award was given, it was awarded for a song not an album (Naushad won it in 1954 for "To Gauga Ki Mauj" from Baiju Bawra).

I agree with Filmfare on this one, I very much enjoy Talat Mahmood's version of "Jahen To Jahen Kahan". I usually associate Mahmood with Dilip Kumar, and Dev Anand with the equally talented Hemant Kumar (aka Hemanta Mukherjee), but this combo does just fine in the picturization of this lovely tune. Lata also takes a stab at the same song but I it's left emotionless next to Talat Mahmood's version.

I also admire "Dil Jale To Jale", an "almost vamp song" for Lataji with its catchy and fine swaying melody. Do like the two little gore playing instruments in the band (I just had to post pics...).

The duet "Dekho Mane Nahin Roothi Haseena" is good and playful. Yet I still don't know exactly who the male playback singer Jagmohan is? My closest guesses are either Jagmohan Bakshi a music composer, associated with Sapan Sengupta for the Sapan & Jagmohan team, or Jaganmoy Mitra the Bengali singer.

Also worth a listen is "Ae Zindigi Aaj Raat Jhoom Le". But I would have liked it if the intro to the song (shown in the link) would have been on the record. To bad.

Overall, this album is worth a listen, and I hope you appreciate it more than I do.

Tracks

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle: Jeene Do Oji O

2. Lata Mangeshkar: Jaen To Jaen Kahan
3. Asha Bhosle & Jagmohan: Dekho Mane Nahi Roothi Haseena

4. Lata Mangheshkar: Ae Zindigi Aaj Raat Jhoom Le

Side 2

5. Kishore Kumar: Chache Koi Khush Ho Chahe Galiyan Hazar De

6. Talat Mahmood: Jaen To Jaen Kahan

7. Lata Mangeshkar: Dil Se Milake Dil Pyar Kijiye

8. Lata Mangeshkar: Dil Jale To Jale

Lyrics: Sahir

Stella_1's score: 3.5

Get the music Now: S. D. Burman Taxi Driver

S. D. Burman: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958/1989)

2010-02-15T23:58:00.001-05:00

Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi is not my favourite soundtrack nor is S. D. Burman my favourite composer. None the less, this hindi comedy does have it's own charm. Kishore Kumar's "Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si" is the best song on the record, and is today considered a classic.

For a comedy, which usually tends to lack in the song department, this record tries its best to cater and reach out to the common city folk with it's modern upbeat music. I like it because its, in a way, unsophisticated and humble which makes it easy to relate to and accessible to everyone.

One of my favorite songs on the record is "Tum Tumare Hain". It's performed by the lovely Helen with her dance mentor Cukoo.

But the most important figure on this album and the "soul" behind the songs comes from Kishore Kumar's voice. He acts through his singing, this very strong asset of his makes listening to the record worthwhile. Enjoy.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Title Music

2. Kishore Kumar & Manna Dey: Babu Samjho Ishare

3. Kishore Kumar: Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si
4. Kishore Kumar: Hum The Who Thi

5. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: In Hathon Se Sabki Gaadi

Side 2

6. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: Haal Kaisa Hai Jabab Ka (with dialogue)

7. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: Main Sitaron Ka Tarana

8. Asha Bhosle: Ruk Jao Na Jee

9. Asha Bhosle & Sudha Malhotra: Hum Tumhare Hain

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: S. D. Burman Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi

Satyajit Ray: Shakespeare Wallah (1965)

2010-02-12T22:02:00.012-05:00

While many westerners know Satyajit Ray as a director, most famously for his Apu Trilogy. The famous Bengali also gained some recent popularity as a composer with Wes Anderson's 2007 film Darjeeling Limited. The soundtrack for the film holds five compositions of his. You can also see a homage to Ray in the film as a painted portrait on the train (I posted the screencap at the bottom of the page.) One of the tracks featured on Darjeeling Limited's soundtrack called "The Desert Ballroom", the shortest track on the record, is originally from the 1965 film Shakespeare Wallah.

Shakespeare Wal lah is yet another Merchant-Ivory production (see my Bombay Talkie post), directed by American James Ivory and produced by Ismail Merchant. The story is set in India, and borrows from the real life adventures of the Kendal family (in the film they are called the Buckingham's), a British travelling theater group who mostly performed Shakespeare across the sub-continent.

This is mostly an instrumental soundtrack. Ray uses, leitmotif, the classical western method of musical theme associated to a person, situation or other which in turn is used several times throughout the film. He also incorporates and mixes both western with traditional Indian music and instruments. The only actual "song" on the record is "Manjula's song". It is the only one with vocals, and is inspired by folk music as well as commercial indian soundtracks or filmi music with its dreamlike qualities. I also enjoy "Manjula's Possession" as well as "Lizzie and Sanju Backstage".

Overall, the album is melancholic and atmospheric, sometimes emotionally and sometimes to be used to describe the little unique universe in which all these characters are living in.

It's interesting how Satyajit Ray's films are very much influenced by neo-realism, but this specific soundtrack is not realist in this sense. Not to say they live in a fantasy world the characters do not live in reality per say and the music illustrates that.

I am looking for a film documentary mad e in 1984 by Utpalendu Chakrabarty called The Music of Satyajit Ray. If anyone has seen it I would sure like to hear about it. Thanks, and enjoy the music and the lovely screencap below.

Portrait of Satyajit Ray (top right corner) in Darjeeling Limited (2007) accompanied by Jason Schwartzman.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Title Music

2. Cleopatra's Barge

3. Arrival of the Troupe in the Rain

4. Manjula's Procession

5. The Good Old Days

6. Mubarak Begum: Manjula's Song-Dil Dharke (Heartbeat)

Side 2

7. Pantomime

8. Bobby's Funeral

9. Love Theme - Sanju and Lizzie

10. Carla begs Lizzie to Return to England

11. The Desert Ballroom

12. Lizzie and Sanju Backstage

13. Lizzie Sails for England

Get the music now: Satyajit Ray Shakespeare Wallah

Bombay Talkie Quiz #2

2009-11-14T17:16:00.007-05:00

Again in the title sequence, a magazine/newsstand is being shown.

Quiz # 2: Name the three actresses on the magazine covers ?

1. Filmfare - ???
2. Film World - ???
3. (Top right) - ???

Good Luck!

Bombay Talkie Quiz #1

2009-11-14T15:40:00.008-05:00

I was watching the opening credits sequence, and noticed some movie billboards up behind the Helen Poster.

Quiz # 1: Which 4 films are being displayed on billboards in the background of the Helen credits? (I already found Abhinetri)

1. Upper Left - Abhinetri

2. Upper Right - ???

3. Lower Left - ???

4. Lower Right - ??? Starts with "B"?

You can also checkout the opening sequence itself.

Hope you can figure it out!

Shankar Jaikishan: Bombay Talkie (1970)

2009-11-06T17:38:00.005-05:00

Bombay Talkie is quite a find. The music, by Shankar Jaikishan, is the only collaboration between themselves and the famous Merchant-Ivory film team (Ismail Merchant and James Ivory). The english film, starring Shashi Kapoor, his wife Jennifer Kendal and Zia Mohyeddin, mostly takes place in Bombay of the late 60's early 70's. Vikram (Shashi Kapoor) is an aging hero stuck in an unhappy arranged marriage with his wife Mala (Aparna Sen). Lucia, a three time married middle age novelist, takes a liking to Vikram while Hari, a Bombay screenwriter, madly in love with her, does as she pleases. This has to be my favorite Merchant-Ivory film ever! But I won't say any more than that, as I will probably review the film one day. For now, let me talk about some of the soundtrack's great songs.

The tracks comprise, mostly of various versions of the Bombay Talkie Theme, "Title and Theme" can be heard in the Title Credits along with "Tum Mere Pyar Ki Duniyamen" a few seconds before that. In this particular sequence, the "Title and Theme" is played as hand painted portraits (filmi style) of the cast and crew are shown around the streets of Mumbai.

Besides the theme variations, five, of what we can call conventional, songs are found on the record. Along with the previously mentioned "Tum Mere Pyar Ki Dumiyamen" you have to start with the great and famous "Typewritter Tip Tip Tip" song because, well, just because. With the fantastic Helen and Shashi dancing on a giant typewriter, what else do you need. A young and spunky Usha Lyer gives us two versions of "Hari Om Tat Sat" (हारी ॐ तट सात). One is the orchestrated version which is

the film version and the other version is the "official" version. She also sings the vocals to the Bombay Theme tune "Good Times, Bad Times".

As for the variations I enjoy the "Rajput Suite" "Now I Shall Call You Ma" and especially "Picnic in the Cave" with it's new wave synthesisers.

Overall, though it's not entirely a commercial Hindi film soundtrack, it is very enjoyable and interesting to listen too. As much for it's filmi songs, instrumentals and some rare Usha Lyer (now Usha Uthup) tunes. Just listen for yourselves!

Oh, and once your done listening to the music, those who have not seen the movie yet, rent it or buy it NOW!

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Instrumental - Title and Theme
2. Mohd. Rafi - Tum Mere Pyar Ki Duniyamen

Variations of theme:
3. Instrumental - Incidental Music
4. Instrumental - Devotion
5. Instrumental - Rajput Suite
6. Instrumental - Now I Shall Call You Ma
7. Instrumental - More Incidental Music
8. Usha Uthup - Hari Om Tat Sat

Side 2

9. Usha Uthup - Hari Om Tat Sat (with Orchestra)

Variations of theme:
10. Instrumental - Picnic in the Cave
11. Instrumental - Birthday Party 1
12. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar - Typewriter Tip Tip Tip

Variations of theme:
13. Instrumental - Meeting and Birthday Party 2
14. Usha Uthup - Good Times, Bad Times

Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri, Usha Lyer/Uthup only for "Hari Om Tat Sat"

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Bombay Talkie

Compilation: Film Favourites of the Fifties (1962)

2009-09-30T22:51:00.053-04:00

The 1950's were a time when the Hindi film industry was in full bloom. It was a golden age for filmi music but sadly this record only showcases a fragment of the classics of this period. Personally, the songs on this vinyl this would not make my top picks (not because they're not good, I just think some are better), but it is still well rounded with a good variety of noted composers and playback singers. For the most part, the songs are based on folk (Naushad usually derives from Rajasthani folk and O. P. Nayyar from Punjabi) so you won't find any songs falling under the categories of classical or "westernised".

Two songs I was glad to see "made the cut" were "Bol Ro Kath Putli" from Kath Putli and "Chali Radherani" from Parineeta because they are rarest of the bunch to find on vinyl.

My favourite songs are all the ones on Side 2, in addition to Talat Mahmood's male version of "Ai Mere Dil" from the classic Daag. I like the song from Mother India but I prefer other tunes from the film. In all, it's a good record.

Something I found weird was the Aan song. It's not the same in the video as on this record.

Lyrics

Aa Ha Ha...

Aaj Mere Man Me Sakhi Basuri Bajaye Koi*

Aaj Mere Man Me*

Aaj Mere Man Me Sakhi Basuri Bajaye Koi

Pyar Bare Geet Sakhi Baar Baar Gaye Koi

Basuri Bajaye*

Basuri Bajaye Sakhi Gaye .....

* missing from this record (not film version, either cut or variation)

Here is the video version:

Mini Challenge

Hey, if you could make film favourites from the 50's, which songs would you absolutely have to put on the record? Tell me some or all of them? I will try and figure out my top picks as well (its hard for me there are so many). Anyway, can't wait to hear from you, and I hope you enjoy!

Tracks:

Side 1

1. S. N. Tripathi - Janam Janam Ke Fere: Zara Samne To Aa O: Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi
2. Shankar Jaikishan - Daag: Ai Mere Dil: Talat Mahmood
3. S. D. Burman - Pyaasa: Jane Woh Kaise Log: Hemant Kumar
4. Naushad- Mother India: O! Mere Lal Aaja: Lata Mangeshkar
5. C. Ramchandra - Nastik: Kitna Badal Gaya: Pradeep
6. Arun Kumar Mukherjee - Parineeta: Chali Radherani: Manna Dey

Side 2

7. O. P. Nayyar - Naya Daur: Reshmi Salwar Kurta: Asha Bhosle & Shamshad Begum
8. Naushad - Aan: Aaj Mere Man Men: Lata Mangheskar & Chorus
9. O. P. Nayyar - Phagun: Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le: Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi
10. Shankar Jaikishan - Kath Putli: Bol Ro Kath Putli: Lata Mangeshkar
11. O. P. Nayyar - C. I. D.: Leke Pahla Pahla Pyar: Shamshad Begum & Mohd. Rafi
12. Shankar Jaikishan - Ujala: Ya Allah Ya Allah: Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Compilation Film Favorites from the Fifties

Naushad: Dard (1947/1977)

2009-09-27T13:25:00.001-04:00

Here is a classic Naushad score. Dard is a totally female album. It is one of many albums by Naushad, released prior and in the early 50's, which follows the trend of being in majority female. One factor for this could possibly be that film heroines in the 40's would be more important than their male counterparts, thus having more importance in the film and story. But this would only be one of many factors explaining this tendency.

The "female voices" on Dard might be unknown to some of you, but they were immensely popular at the time and still are to the few who can appreciate the early singers and musicians of Hindi cinema (I hope that you are one of these people or are yet to become one soon). And except for Shamshad Begum whom I love (yet she does not standout on this record), for those of you who have no clue who the other two playback singers are, I will get you acquainted.

Suraiya, the actress and playback singer, was associated to Dev Anand with whom she had a love affair. The peek of her career was from 1947 to 1950. She reigned in this period, for the most part, because she filled the void of the earlier queen Noor Jehan who in 1947 left for Pakistan during Partition. Suraiya's short stay at the top was also due to the arrival of India's very own nightingale, Lata Mangeshkar, as her first big hit "Aayega Aanewala" from Mahal (1949) changed the whole meaning of playback singing. You could not just be good, you had to be great. But Suraiya is not merely the one who filled the gap in between these two legends. For me, she is a simple beauty that evoked rawness and realism with her voice and expressions. I see Lata as a perfect queen and Suraiya as a modest artist. Later she still worked, mostly as an actress, but she still sang for other and herself. She was not a trained singer but she will always be remembered as one of the last popular singing actresses.

Who is this Umadevi (Uma Devi)? Voh Kaun Hai? Well, perhaps Tun Tun might ring more of a bell. We might know her more for her comedic or secondary roles in later films but in the beginning of her career she aspired to be a singer, even threatening to kill herself if Naushad did not give her chance. He did, and she ended up with the hit of the film and one of the best songs "Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon".

"Chale Dil Ki Duniya" was my favorite from the start. Other tracks to listen to are "Beech Bhanwar", Ham Dard Ka Afsana.

Overall, I enjoyed it more and more every time I listened to it. It took me a while but I gave it a chance and it grew on me. Hope it does the same with you!

Tracks

Side 1

1. Suraiya: Beech Bhanwar

2. Umadevi: Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon

3. Shamshad Begum & Chorus: Ham Dard Ka Afsana

4. Suraiya: Ham The Tumhare Tum The Hamare

5. Umadevi: Aaj Machi Hai Dhoom

Side 2

6. Suraiya: Chale Dil Ki Duniya

7. Umadevi: Yeh Kaun Chala

8. Suraiya & Umadevi: Betab Hai Dil

9. Shamshad Begum: Yeh Afsana Nahin Zalim

10. Suraiya: Dil Dhadke

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Dard

Kalyanji Anandji: Upkar (1967)

2009-04-07T01:05:00.006-04:00

Even though I do not admire Manoj Kumar as an actor, I appreciate the films he has directed. Upkar as a film, is very evident in theme yet it’s experimental in its photo direction. And this is particularly evident in the song sequences with even make the music more notable (and sadly not the other way around).

The story is that of a young man played by Manoj Kumar, who is forced to sacrifice his education for his brother's played by Prem Chopra (looking quite handsome indeed!). Chopra’s character goes away to study and later returns as a young westernized and selfish man. Many of the themes in the film; East vs. West, Country vs. City and Rich vs. Poor are reflected in the brothers’ relationship.

On the side of the Indian simpleton with superior moral values is the patriotic song "Mere Desh Ki Dharati". It reminds me of the “we proudly work our land” type of patriotism found in Mother India (1957). The cover of the album also shows Manoj’s character admiring Nehru while holding a plow as in THE song of the album.

You don't need fancy lounges or glamorous city clubs, just check and see how much "Punjabi style" fun you can have with the village song "Aaye Jhoomke Basant". I dare you not to dance!

The next song "Gulabi Raat Gulabi" is associated with the "EVIL" West! (you know, Wizard of Oz's Wicked Witch of the West type of West or the Pardes (Sharukh Khan version) type of West). But it's one of the best songs on the album, sung by the one and only Vamp Queen Asha Bhosle. The song is divided into two parts. Asha sings to the consumerist westernized party goers and the second part is sung by Mohd. Rafi as images of hungry and miserable street goers are shown as they try and survive in the slums.

No sharabi (alcohol) for you mister!

Also, lend an ear to "Kasme Wade Pyar Wafa" and "Diwano Se Mat Puchho".

It's a classic film and soundtrack, but not one of my personal favourites. I absolutely recommend watching the film, Kamini Kaushal and Pran are amazing!

Take that Slumdog Millionaire!

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Mere Desh Ki Dharati

2. Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor, Shamshad, Sunder & Chorus: Aaye Jhoomke Basant
3. Manna Dey: Kasme Wade Pyar Wafa

Side 2

4. Mukesh: Diwano Se Mat Puchho
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Har Khushi Ho Wahan
6. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Gulabi Raat Gulabi

7. Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Mere Desh Ki Dharati

Lyrics: Gulshan Bawra, Prem Dhawan, Qamar Jalalabadi and Indiwar

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Kalyandi Anandji Upkar (link to Music From the Third Floor, because my computer is STILL broken.)

Who I was in a previous life!

2009-03-25T22:45:00.012-04:00

There are strong chances that I am Margaret Thompson's reincarnation or bizarrely related to her. This is the Kannada (maybe a link- I live in Canada) Bili Hendthi from 1971. It's somewhat weird but a little funny as well. Just have a look for yourselves!

S. D. Burman: Aradhana (1969)

2009-02-23T16:24:00.000-05:00

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.)

My Lucky Chance?

2009-02-03T01:24:00.016-05:00

I know, I know, but I couldn’t resist, my obsession is growing up and this really feels like a turning point in the history of the Hindi film industry. And I could not resist in partaking in this glorious moment. I will only occasionally post film reviews, only when I can’t deny the temptation.

After a mentally challenging Hindi class (I started Chapter 3 in Snell) and a spontaneous solo birthday (I’m 22 today) celebration....um....I mean a reason to “enrich my Hindi vocabulary”, I decided to head to the theatre and check out Luck by Chance directed by Farhan Akhtar’s sister Zoya Akhtar. Even after spending 26 $ just for the ticket, a medium popcorn and drink, I didn’t waste my money and I was really really glad that I went. Luck by Chance is part of a new breed or cinematic genre that I feel will one day define this new age in Indian Cinema. It will not be called Bollywood, Masala or Parallel Cinema but rather, the term, Hindi Film (made in the Hindi Film Industry as Dimple Kapadia’s character so strongly insists). This film deserves some recognition for raising the bar by offering more than simple entertainment while still keeping people entertained. A great thing about this film is how it interestingly pair’s top Bollywood entertainers (Hrithik Roshan, Rishi Kapoor, Juhi Chalwa, Etc) and actors (Farhan Akhtar, Konkona Sen Sharma etc) in the same movie. The characters become more complex and interesting as the line between the two categories (entertainers and actors) delightfully shifts and blurs throughout the film. One of my favourite examples of this is the short Zaffar Khan (Hrithik Roshan) sequence when street children run up to the film stars car and he rolls up the window. The glass separates or rather isolates him from the real world. A traveling shot into the inside of his car shows him looking out of the window, we see his reflection in it and both the person and the image are in the frame. Ah! It’s so symbolic. Love it.

The main character Vikram Jaisingh (Farhan Akhtar) does not have much substance but one thing he is not, is the perfect hero. His character is a bit ordinary but that’s the whole point. He comes from Delhi (or it could have been from X, Y or Z), he wants to be an actor and, like all the other million young men who want to act in Bollywood, he is not more talented, more handsome or more qualified than anyone else. He is simply the one that won the refrigerator or, if you don’t understand that parallel, the one that became a star. This character’s “every guy” aspect is even shown visually in the film, especially when Vikram goes to his audition (and yes the color scheme is important like Nikki (Isha Sharvani) points out). Intentionally, everyone in the audition room is wearing black and they all look similar. Also, when the producer and casting director must pick a picture for the lead part all the photographs on the table look the same. Farhan’s role represents the every man trying to make it.

The characters that really bread life into the film are all the film personalities. My favourites have to be Rishi Kapoor playing the very lovable Producer and Dimple Kapadia who plays a has been 70’s star and an over protective mother that you just feel like slapping she’s so good, and even then you still sympathise with her. The producer’s wife played by Juhi Chalwa is a delight to watch and Isha Sharvani as a grownup child presents herself in a corky Amelie Poulain inspired "I like/ I don’t like" sequence.
The two actors Sona (one of my favourite actresses Konkona Sen Sharma) and the cute Abhi (Arjun Mathur) carry the emotional charge of the film. Sona, Vikram’s girlfriend, tries to deal with her crushed dreams and her complicated relationship with Vikram. Abhi, on the other hand, is well settled and concentrates more on the art of acting than becoming a Bollywood star. Abhi is more talented than Vikram and does not approve of “the system” or the pre-packaged “Bollywood Bootcamp” (acting school, dance, martial arts, and cheesy photo session) which Vikram abides too. You also have guest appearances and an almost endless list of cameos. Like, Aamir Khan, Mac Mohan, Anurag Kashyap and Saurabh Shukla . SRK shows up for an indispensable “moment of truth” to guide our poor Vikram. Continuing, you have Rani Mukerjee, Karan Johar, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Rajkumar Hirani, Boman Irani, Manish Malhotra, Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi, Ranbir Kapoor, John Abraham, Kareena Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna. But one person to profit from all the success is actually the film coach, character actor Saurabh Shukla, as he also appears in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire as the assistant police investigator.

Om Shanti Om pays homage to the film industry and Luck by Chance does that too with Hrithik Roshan’s colourful dance sequence that reminds me of a mix between the Cirque du Soleil, Mera Naam Joker and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , or one of the first scenes in the film with Aamir Khan who refers to his love interest as Kamla Devi who in actuallity is the founder of the National School of Drama. But mainly the film shows the reality of the behind the scenes. Although nothing shocking is announced, they're is just a confirmation of what everyone has already heard about. Like the casting couch or the gossip and media controversies. It deglamorises the whole Hindi Film industry, and that is maybe one reason why some people might not like the film. If you want escapism, watch Bollywood, not Luck by Chance.

This is looking like it’s going to be an amazing year for the Hindi film industry. Up next is Dev. D (feb. 8th) starring Abhay Deol, Ballu Barber (feb. 13th) starring Irrfan Khan and Laura Dutt + amazing Shahrukh Khan item numbers and Delhi 6 starring Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor with music by A. R. Rahman (feb. 20th). I am going to see them all, but don’t count on me paying for 12$ popcorn every time.

Filmi Girl and Post Punk Cinema Club have already shared their thoughts on the film. I encourage you to go see Luck by Chance as there are different elements catered to everyone's tastes, so the whole family can enjoy.

Naushad: Mela (1948/1980)

2009-01-26T16:27:00.005-05:00

Mela's soundtrack creates a great mood inspired by romanticism, a certain "attractive despair", as I could name it, that is characteristic of a time in Hindi cinema, (and as far as I know maybe to other Indian cinemas as well) called the 40's. But this being 1948, I could also blame this "depression" on a certain, um, let me think...Partition. I think it's a mix of both the melancholy of the country's separation mirrored in the lover's separation that set the tone of the film and it's music. Also, the film visually looks like a filmed play as the director uses theatre to show the insignificance of the backdrop and the importance on concentrating more on the emotions and the characters (which Naushad picked up on and developed in his music). Also, I think, in those days, theatre had more prestige then cinema and early in the development of the film industry the only reference for cinema was theatre. Bizarrely enough, this does not take away from the realism, not portrayed visually but musically (emotionally as well) of the two main heroes Manju (Nargis) and Mohan (Dilip Kumar).

The 40's was the heyday of the "sad song". Not the kind you feel like skipping or fast forwarding, but the kind that people actually liked, and still like even today. One brilliant song "Gh am Ka Fasana" is one of the finest examples of a great "sad song", and it is also my favorite track on the record. Naushad could have picked the melody queen, Lata or, Geeta, the empress of tragedy, but he chose Shamshad. I think he was looking for something raw. Her voice expressed the voice of the people, like the persevering village girl that wants more than what is destined for her. Mela is a high point in her career, although Shamshad's luck did not last long, when the "classical trend" came in the early 50's, Shamshad did not have the training to stay at the top.

Besides the classic sad song, some of Mela's most memorable tracks are, one of Mohd. Rafi's first big breaks with the song ''Yeh Zindagi Ke Mele'', and another one of my favourites ''Aai Sawan Rut ''. For the track ''Phir Aah Dilse Nikli'' you can almost imagine that you are sitting in a zeenat during the very late reign of the Mungals. (Well, at least that is what I imagined the vocals would have sounded like.)

Some other tracks I enjoy are the playful ''Pardes Balam Tum Jaoge'' and the duet ''Mera Dil Todnewale''. In the second one I mentioned, you can really hear the Talat Mehmood influence for sure, who was the usual voice of Dilip Kumar. He's not singing for Raj Kapoor that's for sure.

Overall good soundtrack, resembles Babul (my post) but let's Shamshad really shine trough. Inspired by emotion and the northern sound this album can seem dull on the first try, but the more you listen the better it gets. Enjoy!

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Shamshad Begum: Dharti Ko Aakash Pukare

2. Shamshad Begum & Mukesh: Main Bhanwra Too Hai Phool

3. Shamshad Begum, Mukesh & Chorus: Aai Sawan Rut

4. Shamshad Begum: Gham Ka Fasana

5. Shamshad Begum: Taqdeer Bani Bankar Bigdi

6. Zohra Ambala: Phir Aah Dilse Nikli

Side 2

7. Shamshad Begum: Mohan Ki Muraliya

8. Shamshad Begum: Pardes Balam Tum Jaoge

9. Shamshad Begum & Mukesh: Mera Dil Todnewale

10. Mohd. Rafi: Yeh Zindagi Ke Mele

11. Mukesh: Gae Ja Geet Milanke

12. Music

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Mela

Books on Indian Film: Part 2 - Filmi Music (1)

2009-01-25T14:31:00.004-05:00

Intro

The books in "Part 2" of this series focus more on the soundtracks of films than the films themselves. But film music, in my opinion, is just as important in analysing and studying cinema, especially Indian cinema moslty because that specific cinema gives much space to music.

That said, these books only focus on Hindi film music, and not all filmi music from across India. (Maybe I should write that book one day!)

A little history

The tradition of filmi music seems to have started before cinema even existed, as musicians and vocalists would serve the same purpose as in films today, but in theatre. Most of this "theatre music" is lost principally because it was not recorded (no recording technology) or was later recorded but no copy has survived. The term Indian Film Music or "Hindustani Cine Sangeet" was first used by Raju Bharathan. This new type of music, born with the art of "Talkies" or films with sound*, could only be heard on Radio Ceylon because All India Radio would only play classical music. With the gaining popularity of films and their music, slowly but surely filmi music got its place on the airwaves and became, what I think, the music of the people.

* I would like to add that a study on filmi music should start (both books I read start with the 30's) with recorded music for plays and continuing to music played for silent films. It would be interesting to hear what was done at the beginning of the merging of the two art forms, cinema and music.

Book 3: Bollywood Melodies: A History of the Hindi Film Song (2008)

Do Lata, Asha, Mohd. Rafi, Kishore Kumar or Mukesh ring a bell? Or, maybe, Laxmikant Pyarelal, R. D. Burman, Kalyandji Anandji, Shankar Jaikishan or C. Ramchandra? Well if none do, then I strongly suggest that you familiarise yourself with these wonderful talents. Bollywood Melodies: A History of the Hindi Film Song is just what a curious filmi fan needs to familiarise his or herself with the different people who made film music legendary. It is written by self proclaimed filmi music buff Ganesh Anantharaman (yet, before writing the book he had never listened to any other Naushad soundtrack besides Mughal-E-Azam and Baiju Bawra?) who specifically wanted to write about music from the 50's and 60's but his editor convinced him to broaden his horizon. After doing some extensive research he discovered many other talented people like Saigal and Naushad Ali (Naushad is not overlooked on this blog anyway!). I wrote a list of all the personalities you can find in the book at the bottom of the page.

The book is called Bollywood Melodies: A History of the Hindi Film Song, but in actuality the number of pages dedicated to history are only 18 in a book of about 250. So really what you are getting is a "brief" overview of the evolution of the Hindi film song added to short essays (about 90% of the book) each on specific singers, music directors or lyricists. In their turn, they comprise of some biography, low and high points in the specific persons career and some of their most memorable songs. There are also five interesting interviews, one of Dev Anand, Pyarelal, Gulzar, Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar (the last to which he lied to get the interview. Oh my!). But besides those first pages in the book most of the history of the Hindi film song is found in the people from all different eras.

But since musical taste differs from one person to the other, and in the book a singer’s best song is ultimately either one of the author’s favourites or a classic that many people appreciate. Anantharaman tries his best to stay objective and please everyone by not insulting anyone but always lets a few of his thoughts slide trough (e. g. his favourite music director is S. D. Burman or he finds “Choli Ke Piche” from Khal Nayak (1993) lyrics repulsive).

Also, like me, the author is a fan of older soundtracks (50’s and 60’s). Sadly, this affects the content somewhat when he pushes aside music from the 1970's, but mostly the 1980's and beyond, because it is seemingly invalid. The name of the section about film music of the 70's is called "When music becomes secondary" and do I agree? Yes and No. Personally, I think, that in those days it did not become secondary but rather detached from the film. Because, as we see in some cases, especially in films starring Amitabh Bachchan, there is no need of good music in films (from a financial perspective, anyway). But on the other hand some films succeeded on most part because of the songs. Other than the bollywood start system talking over, I think that the past “clans” (or teams) e.g. Naushad-M. Khan, R. K. Films -Shankar Jaikishan-Lata-Mukesh or Dev Anand-S. D. Burman were either no longer existent or changing. This made music more independent of the film it was being composed for.

Bizarrely, the cover of this book resembles very much a book on the same subject yet more expensive and rare called Hindi Film Songs and the Cinema written a year earlier by Anna Morcom (I really want to get my hands on that one! Also to compare, the cover picture is beside the book I am presently reviewing).

Pictures - the same picture of Meena Kumari in Pakeezah (1972) on Ganesh Anantharaman's book (2008) and Anna Morcom's (2007)

Upside

He is one of the few to write about hindi film music, and one of the very few to write about filmi lyricist. They deserve more recongrition. (I'm starting to understand, now that I'm learning Hindi).

The book is easy to read, as he writes in a laid back manner.

Interesting interviews and insight on many different personalities.

Downside

The book is aimed at an indian public and if you don't understand hindi (it is atleast written in roman script) then you will have trouble apreciating the book.

The book is for begginnier's but not for the total ingnorant, because you need to have enough filmi knowledge to know what songs he is refering too. So, I wish all books on the subject of filmi music would have a CD or tracks you can download that play in the order in which they are mentionned, so when the author name's a tune, you can hear it right away. (But in the meantime, thank god for Youtube).While reading the book I felt very "handicapped" because I cannot understand Hindi/Urdu, and it truly took away from me fully understanding what he was trying to demonstrate or prove in the text.

-----------------------------------------

To list all the people mentioned in the book:

Music Directors:Pankaj Mullik, Khemchand, Anil Biwas, Naushad Ali, C. Ramchandra, Shankar Jaikishan, S. D. Burman, Madan Mohan, O. P. Nayyar, Salil Choudhury, Roshan, Hemant Kumar, Ravi, Jaidev, Vasant Desai, Kalyanji Anandji, R. D. Burman, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Khayyam, Ravindra Jain, Bappi Lahiri, Rajesh Roshan, A. R. Rahman, Anand-Milind, Nadeem-Shravan, Annu Malik, Jatin-Lalit.

Lyricists: Kidar Sharma, D.N. Madhok, Pradeep, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Shakeel Badayuni, Sahir Ludhianvi, Shailendra, Kaifi Azmi, Gulzar, Anand Bakshi, Javed Akhtar.

Playback Singers: K. L. Saigal, Noorjehan, Suraiya, Shanshad Begum, Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle, Mukesh, Talat Mehmood, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Anuradha Paudwal, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik.

Previous Posts (Book Series):

History
- Indian Film (1963) by Erik Barnouw and S. Krishnaswamy
- Bollywood: A History (2006) by Mihir Bose

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

O. P. Nayyar: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963/1978)

2009-01-21T15:37:00.001-05:00

I was totally ready to praise Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon with it's wonderful cover (Asha Parekh looks great!). And without even knowing who the composer was I put on the first track.....Ahrg! No...nahin! Not the horse trotting songs! Picture my reaction in cinematic terms. The scene starts, I've just heard the song, then there is a shot of horse hooves trotting, quick shot of O. P. Nayyar, back and forth shots, horse trotting-O. P. Nayyar, horse trotting-O. P. Nayyar, then a turning spiral superimposed on a spinning picture of me looking confused and demented. The album cover was a trap! And it only got worse as I realized that there is not 1, not 2, but 3 "horse trotting songs" on the same record. Didn't I just mention in my last post that Nayyar needed to crank up the originality button. If some people couldn't hear the constant auto-copying last time (Kashmir Ki Kali or Kismat), this record is certainly proof of it. If some people don't know what type of song I am talking about, a standard O. P. Nayyar soundtrack has at least 1 song with a beat that resembles the sound of a horse trotting. Too name a few examples, you have Naya Daur's "Maang Ke Saath Tumhara" or "Piya Piya Mora Jiya Pukare" from 1955's Baap Re Baap " and then the less evident "Deewana Hua Badal" from Kashmir Ki Kali or "Dekho Kasam Se Kehte Hain" from Tumsa Nahin Dekha, and I could go on.

Anyway, on this record the three "horse trotting songs" consist of the title track "Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon", "Ankhon Se Jo Utri Hai Dil Men" (the beat is used more subtly since it's played on the guitar) and "Lakhon Hain".

My favorite song has to be "Dekho Bijli Dole Bin Badal Ki" probably because it is inspired by classical music, but I also think that I have a weakness for dance battles especially in Indian movies (e.g. Vijayantymala Vs unknown in Amrapali, Vijayantimala vs Helen in Prince or Padmini vs Vijayanthimala in the tamil film Raj Tilak). Also, even though I like classical music I also enjoy O. P. Nayyar's Punjabi inspired songs, which in this specific film is shown in "Aji Kibla".

I would simply like to end this post by saying that my intentions are not to bash O. P. Nayyar, I even applaud him for having succeeded in the film industry without having musical training or using the instant success magnet Lata Mangeshkar. I also applaud him, for his courage to be different and original at the beginning of his career and not following the latest craze, but making one instead. But as I once said, there is missing something, especially at the stage in his career of Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. The folk songs seem to be fuller but most of the time you can almost listen to this album and not even know when the songs change from one to the other because the mood and style do not vary much through the record. And as I have said before, I still find that his music becomes more and more unoriginal as time passes, especially after listening to more and more of his work. But even with that said, I cannot say that this is a bad soundtrack, just an unimaginative one.

Thanks and Enjoy!

Both screencaps are from Apni East India Company

Track:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon

2. Asha Bhosle: Dekho Bijli Dole Bin Badal Ki

3. Mohd. Rafi: Anchal Men Saja Lena

4. Asha Bhosle: Ankhon Se Jo Utri Hai Dil Men

5. Asha Bhosle: Mujhe Pyar Men

Side 2
6. Mohd Rafi: Lakhon Hain

7. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Zulf Ki Chhaon

8. Mohd. Rafi: Aji Kibla

9. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Hamdam Mere

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the Music now: O. P. Nayyar Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon

Bhupen Hazarika: Aarop (1973)

2009-01-14T13:33:00.017-05:00

Aarop is my first taste of Bhupen Hazaika's music and, as far as I can tell, this soundtrack is distinctly 70's yet the music has a very organic feel. The closest I can compare it to is Ananda Shankar's Sa Re Ga Machan album (you can get a track on eastern eye), yet this one is a lot less experimental and more filmi. This "organic feel" is mostly caused by Hazaika's choice of instruments. Even though most songs have the classic high pitch violin intros, most of the time a light mix of classical and western instruments added to the sweetest melodies which are often played on the flute, are accompanied by some traditional folk instruments. The singers all have very good classical background, especially Manna Dey and Lakshmi Shankar, but you won't hear pure classical music on the record. Basically, this album has great vocals with music that has hints of earthy/indian/filmi/classical/western/folk music etc. Yeah, I know it's a mix of a lot of things, and weirdly enough, except for the last song, each category is so diluted by one or the other, that it creates a united feeling yet at the same time creates one that points in no particular direction.

I would never have guessed that my favourite song on the album, "Jab Se Too Ne Bansi Bajayi Re",was sung by a 47 year old woman. Lakshmi Shankar is a trained classical singer with a lovely youthful voice that portrays, in the song, innocents and a feeling of loss and hope at the same time. I love it.

"Nainon Men Darpan Hai'' is the only song I could find the video for. It is probably the most popular as it is sung by top playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. But I find it very ordinary and moulded to be very filmi. Deja Vu or in this case Deja Entendu. Yawn.

The album ends with a totally R. D. Burman sounding cabaret number that seems a little out of place compared to the rest of the record. I feel as if the composer just wrote it because the film format, especially of the 70's, demanded a sexy upbeat track for the vamp. In this case, the song called "Sub Kuchh Mila Too Na Mila" is sung by no other than Asha Bhosle and, judging by the back cover, is picturised on Bindu.

Even though no specific songs, except "Jab Se Too Ne Bansi Bajayi Re" really capture my attention, the whole soundtrack is well constructed and I feel connected to the overall sound. It's kind of like I know what he's going for, and he's almost there but not quite. Also, I find Hazarika used each singer to his advantage, Lata and Kumar for the popular tune, Asha for the cabaret, Manna Dey to sing for the mature hero and Lakshmi Shankar, somewhat underused, for the simple melody. He knew what each singer could do best.

Enjoy!

For more info on Bhupen Hazarika (he's coming out with a new album) here is a link to a fan blog and to his web site.

Tracks

Side 1

1. Manna Dey: O Phoolon Ke Desh Wali
2. Manna Dey: Haath Mere Hai Madhu Ka Pyala
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar: Nainon Men Darpan Hai
4. Asha Bhosle: Chale Aao

Side 2

5. Manna Dey: Toot Gaya Mera Sapna Suhana
6. Bhupen Hazarika & K. N. Sharma: Hey Jai Yashoda Nandan
7. Lakshmi Shankar: Jab Se Too Ne Bansi Bajayi Re
8. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Sub Kuchh Mila Too Na Mila

Lyrics: Maya Govind

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Bhupen Hazarika Aarop

O. P. Nayyar: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

2009-01-11T06:20:00.004-05:00

The film, Kashmir Ki Kali , introduced Sharmila Tagore to Hindi cinema (she is of course Bengali, and is a distant relative of the TAGORE. Previously, she acted in two Satyajit Ray films, World of Apu (1959) and Devi (1960)) co-starring with an always charming and overly expressive Shammi Kapoor. Even though the film is set in Kashmir, generally for many films, O. P. Nayyar, who is Bengali (Jan. 12th Correction who is Punjabi), focuses on Punjabi folk which I consider to be Nayyar's forte (strength).

The film was a big hit and the soundtrack as well, but I truly think that it was Shammi Kapoor's persona, more than O. P. Nayyar's songs, that helped sell records. Because I find the music not bad, just uninspired.

Two tracks which I enjoy are, firstly, my favorite, "Subhan Allah Haseen Chehra" with Rafi's wonderful voice on the most melodious song on the record, accompaning some folk instuments and harmonium. Secondly, "Meri Jan Bale Bale", (love "Punjabi Shammi" ! My heart goes oy! oy! bale bale!) is a great song but Asha's voice isn't Punjabi sounding at all (Shamshad or Noor Jehan would have been better) and is missing a little authenticity. Though Mohd. Rafi is not "authentic" compared to let's say Gurdas Mann, but he seems to get away with it more easily.

I also enjoy, "Diwana Hua Baadal"but honestly I am not impressed with this album. Maybe my hopes where too high, but I am beginning to become too familiar with O. P. Nayyar's work, and the more I listen too his soundtracks, the more it's all sounding the same. It sounds as if Nayyar would say: "I'm cool. I am the highest paid music director. I sound western and rebellious. Come targeted urban youth! Want to rock'n'roll?". Ah, but this type of music would later become either a musical and creative trap for O. P. Nayyar (or a way to make easy money in the film music industry by duplicating his own style, either way it's starting to get to me. I mean, give me Naushad or give me R. D. Burman, but not the squeaky clean somewhat repetitive attempt to be different. C. Ramchandra was western before him and Shankar Jaikishan could imitate Nayyar better than he could imitate himself with rock'n'roll songs (e.g. Gumnaam, Junglee) which had at least some melody. I know I'm a sucker for classical inspired albums or really wacky musical gems , but O. P. Nayyar is on the bottom in my best composers list. Ok, ok, I will stop this useless rambling, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. So I hope you enjoy the record more than I do! I encourage you too watch the film.

In the 60's there was Kashmir Ki Kali, now we get Mission Kashmir? Sad. One day peace will come and we will be singing and dancing in Kashmir once again.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Taarif Karun Kya Uski

2. Mohd. Rafi: Hai Duniya Usiki Zamana Usika

3. Asha Bhosle: Phir Thes Lagi Dil Ko

4. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Meri Jan Bale Bale

5. Asha Bhosle: Balma Khuli Hawa Men

Side 2

6. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Diwana Hua Baadal

7. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Isharon Isharon Men Dil Lene Wale

8. Mohd. Rafi: Subhan Allah Haseen Chehra

9. Mohd. Rafi: Kahin Na Kahin Dil Lagana Padega

Lyrics: S. H. Bihari

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music Now: O. P. Nayyar Kashmir Ki Kali

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:30:00.004-05:00

Hi,
I know it's been a while, but don't worry I will be posting albums soon. As to celebrate the new year, and since I could not find any new year Indian videos to share, I decided to initiate some some of you to my French-Canadian roots with a song, called "Degeneration", which is a modern twist on traditional Quebecois music.

tragedia, who posted the video writes : "I put subtitles on this music video by Québec band Mes Aïeux that is really good. It's about different generations in Quebec and what kind of life/possibilities they had. I suppose it could apply to anywhere but the transition in Quebec from Catholic backwater to liberal modernity was particularly quick and harsh. (Read up about the Quiet Revolution/Révolution Tranquille.)"

Usually this song is played on the 24th of June (St-Jean-Baptiste day) or on New Year's Eve, and at the end of the video there is usually more music which is a musical interlude that makes everyone dances like crazy (but it's not included in the clip). Hope you like it, if you don't, don't worry I will be back to hindi soundtracks soon.

Bonne Année!

Hemant Kumar: Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam (1962/1970)

2008-12-05T00:30:00.003-05:00

Basically, Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam is a classic Indian film, based on the book by Bimal Mitra. It was India's entry for the Oscars in 1963 and stars Meena Kumari (in one of her most famous roles) as a drunken rich house wife in the province of Bengal during the end of the 1800's.

Initially, I got this album for two songs. The first, and my favorite, "Piya Aiso Jiya Men" is simply a classic Geeta Dutt song that I love. The second is "Sakhiya Aaj Mujhe Neend Nahi Aayegi", beautifully sung by Asha Bhosle and wonderfully picturised by Guru Dutt on the lovely Meenu Mumtaz (Minoo Mumtaz).

But after listening to the album for a while, I slowly fell in love with the song "Meri Baat Rahi Mere Man Me".

It's always a pleasure to hear Geeta Dutt, and on the record you sadly don't get her vocal intro to the song "Chale Aao, Chale Aao" which is in the film (and can be heard in the clip). But Geeta Dutt was most famous for the song "Piya Aiso Jiya Men", as the caracter heartbreakingly calls out to her neglecting husband.

I also enjoy the playful "Bhanwara Bada Nadan" picturised on Waheeda Rehman. But every song on the album has its own charm and I am sure everyone would like one, at the least.

On the back of the record the song titles are translated, so I wrote them down below each one. Enjoy!

I just learned that the film is supposed to be remade, by Rituparno Ghosh starring Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham(I posted the poster just below.) I don't know? a classic is a classic, I wouldn't have remade it, especially with poptart actors, well it's their chance to prove that they can act, and I hope they succeed.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Title Music

2. Asha Bhosle: Bhanwara Bada Nadan

Oh! How ignorant is the wasp!

3. Asha Bhosle: Meri Baat Rahi Mere Man Me

Unexpressed remained what I wished to say

(the secret of my heart)

4. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Sakhiya Aaj Mujhe Neend Nahi Aayegi

Thou dispenser of wine, tonight sleep will forsake me

Side 2

5. Geeta Dutt: Chale Aao, Chale Aao

Come to me, come to me

6. Asha Bhosle: Meri Jaan O Meri Jaan

(Thou art) my life, my life, do not torment me so

7. Geeta Dutt: Piya Aiso Jiya Men

Oh lover! Deep in my heart have you found a place

8. Geeta Dutt: Na Jao Saiyan Chhod Ke Baiyan

Though released is your hand, do not leave me, love

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Hemant Kumar Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam

Usha Khanna: Hawas (1974)

2008-12-04T21:00:00.018-05:00

PC and I decided to post this album at the same time, on the same day. (Though I thought it was supposed to be posted at 9 pm, when it was actually 9 am, sorry). I don't know if he liked the record, but I kind of did. (To read what he thought see the post, Hawas)

Hawas creates great atmosphere. But even though it runs in the same vein as the 1973 hits Bobby and Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Hawas is less pop and a little more "soft funk". Or, at the least, it creates a more mature branch of the 1970's teen romance/dramas anyway. Also, Hawas, means "lust"in hindi, so in a sense the music has to be more mature to represent the theme and content of the film.

Usha Khanna is one of the only female music directors in the Indian film industry (some others are Saraswati Devi, Jaddan Bai (Nargis's mother) and Ishrat Sultana). She started her career with Dil Deke Dekho in 1959 which was primarily based on western rock'n'roll, and as with Hawas, though now in the 70's, she remaines inspired by western music but certainly had evolved with the changing times.

The best songs on the record are the "vamp songs" sung by Asha Bhosle. You have "Aao Yaro Gao", that has to be my favorite on the album for "semi bad girl" Rekha, and for the classic bad girl Bindu ,"Apne Dil Men Jagah Dijiye" is ok but I actually like the intro better then the song itself.

For the rest of the tracks, "Yeh Hawas Kya Hai" (Again, an amazing intro and great mood) is pretty good,"Teri Galiyon Men" is ok and "Kal Raat Usne" is nothing special.

And that is actually it, because there are only 5 tracks. So enjoy!

(I added a picture of the original record cover on the left!)

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Aao Yaro Gao
2. Asha Bhosle: Yeh Hawas Kya Hai

Side 2

3. Mohd. Rafi: Teri Galiyon Men
4. Asha Bhosle: Apne Dil Men Jagah Dijiye
5. Asha Bhosle: Kal Raat Usne

Lyrics: Sawan Kumar

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the Music Now: Usha Khanna Hawas

Quick News

2008-11-28T03:58:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone,

If you are not only interested in Hindi soundtracks, this could be an interesting blog as well. I just wanted to tell you about my second blog "Tamil Film Story", I posted my first record, a classic Sivaji film story called Veerapandiya Kattabomman. I don't know why but for some reason there seems to be more dialogue records and story records in South Indian languages than in Hindi. I have a small collection of Tamil Film Stories as well as soundtracks, that I plan to put up once in a while.Also, I if anyone wants to join my blog network on Facebook, just click here.

Thanks(love that pic of Sivaji !)

And I am hoping that the Mumbai terrorist attacks will stop and that nothing worse will happen in the future. Gandhi would so be mad right now, but he would know what to do. I hope people stay safe.

Stella

S. N. Tripathi: Rani Rupmati (1957/1981)

2008-11-05T21:15:00.034-05:00

One word that I would use to describe Rani Rupmati is "lovely". S. N. Tripathi's soundtrack (also his film, since he directed it) was made when classical music could be filmy music. Like Baiju Bawra, it draws on ragas like, Darbari, Sarang and Bhairavin (and no, I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to different ragas, this was just written on the record), but unlike Baiju Bawra the emotional discharge and content of the songs seem more dulled and the focus is based more on the melody.

Rani Rupmati is set in the time of the Mughals, more precisely during the rule of Akbar. And is inspired by the true love story of Roopmati, a hindu court singer, and Baz Bahadur, a muslim sultan. Not to spoil anything, but the relationship does not end well. The music is mostly inspired by classical Hindustani music of that time. Some of Rupmati's poems still exist today and are even translated to english. Although, I do not know if any of the music on the vinyl is inspired by her music.

Anyway, the song,"Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet" is really great, and I guess that I am not the only one who liked it because it's sung twice, once by Mukesh and the second time by Lata Mangheskar (Lata Version). I am going to have to go with Mukesh version as my favorite.

My favorite song is "Jhan Jhan Jhan Baje Payaliya" and I also like the duet between Rafi and Krishna Chonkar, "Baat Chalat Nai Chundari".

Also like Baiju Bawra, there is a singing competition between a court singer (Manna Dey) "Udja Bhanwar" and Roopmati (Lataji) "Aaja Aaja Bhanwar" as they try and make a flower, which holds a bee, blossom and close. Here is a video of both songs.

I don't like this song much, but it take place before the battle between Rupmati's love, Baz Bahadur's army and the invading troops of Akbar. In "Itihas Agar Likhna Chaho" you have Rani Rupmati getting ready for battle. Enjoy.

Overall, I really enjoy listening to this record and I hope you do too. I haven't seen the film but it doesn't look too bad. If any has please feel free to comment. Thanks

Tracks

Side 1

1. Mukesh: Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet

2. Lata Mangeshkar: Raat Suhani Jhoome Jawani

3. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Phulbagiya Men Bulbul Bole

4. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Jhan Jhan Jhan Baje Payaliya

5. Manna Dey : Udja Bhanwar-Darbari

Side 2

6. Lata Mangeshkar: Aaja Aaja Bhanwar-Sarang

7. Lata Mangeshkar: Jeevan Ki Beena Ka Taar Bole

8. Mohd. Rafi & Krishna Chonkar: Baat Chalat Nai Chundari-Bhairavin

9. Usha Mangeshkar: Ankhon Men Surma Daal Ke

10. Usha Mangheskar & Chorus: Itihas Agar Likhna Chaho

11. Lata Mangeshkar: Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet

Lyrics: Bharat Vyas

Stella_1's Score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: S. N. Tripathi Rani Rupmati

Halloween: Becoming a Bombay Bombshell

2008-10-30T00:43:00.034-04:00

Picture - Heroine of the graphic novel Bombaby: The Screen Goddess by Antony Mazzotta (You can buy it for free, here, at Slave Labour Comics)

So....basically, my costume this Halloween is of a Bombay Starlet of the late 60's, more precisely the "good girl" of the 60s . My look, even though I could never equal the beauty of these heroines, was inspired by these ladies, and even more specifically their looks in these films. I also liked the styles of Sadhana and Nanda in the 60s as well.

Vyjayanthimala in Sangam (1964)

Inspiration: The Sleeveless Choli

Sharmila Tagore in Talash (1969) (I wonder why....duh, the red hair!)

Inspiration: The Hair Style

Hema Malini in Abhinetri (1970)
Inspiration: The Makeup (Eyes and Lips) and Flower in Hair

The look:

The Sari: One color, mostly pale or pastels with embroidery of silver or gold patterns

The Choli: Sleeveless (seemed to be the trend at the time), also I wanted a low back with a bow but I did not have the time to sew one.

The Hair: BIG. Long black hair would have been great but I have medium length red hair. So I did the 60's bee hive look (seen on the pic of Sharmila Tagore) or as we now call it the Amy Winehouse look. I got tips on how to fix my hair from this video. Also, I stuck two curls to my face with hair gel and sprayed lots of hair spray on the hole thing.

The Eyes: Lots of black eyeliner and pale eye shadow.

Now that I've got the look, all I need is Shammi, Jeteendra or Shashi. (Or Shashi ?, no, just Shashi!)

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1970/1971)

2008-10-22T21:10:00.040-04:00

This is a great soundtrack and, in my opinion, one of Laximikant and Pyarelal's best. Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli is a bit on the experimental side, but most of the songs are based on very simple melodies. The main character of the film is a young woman with a passion for the arts, more precisely song and dance. So this album suits the film well in the sense that the music must be very theatrical and grandiose (two defining features of later films by V. Shantaram) to be incorporated with dance. Most songs have long instrumental intros, breaks or outros that create strong emotional and atmospheric moods.

One of the most famous tracks is "Taron Men Sajke Apne Suraj Se" inspired by this famous song (I would be surprised if you have never heard it before, but I posted the link anyway) from the classic spaghetti western, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966). Original music by the famous composer Ennio Morricone.

Also the title track "Jal Bin Machhli" is also well known. In the video the heroine dances and tries to imitate a gold fish out of water. There is also a new remix version (2005) by Akriti.

"Baat Hai Ek Boond Si Dil Ke Pyale Men" brings back memories from an obscure Disney film from 1985, called Return to Oz. I don't know if it's the fact that in this film similar music, by David Shire, is used to create a very creepy setting or atmosphere. It is present in a scene when Dorthy, once in Oz, meets a princess who collects the heads of many young women to use as her own. Return to Oz Clip (You hear the music at around 2:40 into the clip and the section I am referring to in the Jal Bin Machhli song is an instrumental bit starting at 50 sec). I would also like to mention that this comparison is totally unimportant to this post and that it is only a personal connection that I made.

So continuing, the best example of theatrical music on this record is a song I enjoy, "O Mitwa Yeh Duniya To Kya Hai". The last instrumental part gets quite "groovy" for the time. The clip has such great interpretive dancing.

For the rest of the album, the other songs do not impress me as much, but are also good.

I posted the original cover of the Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli vinyl which I find amazingly bizarre and psychedelic. I love it!

Tracks

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Jal Bin Machhli

2. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Baat Hai Ek Boond Si Dil Ke Pyale Men

3. Lata Mangeshkar: Karja Laga Ke Bindiya Saja Ke

4. Lata Mangeshkar: Jo Main Chali Phir Na Miloongi

Side 2

5. Mukesh: Taron Men Sajke Apne Suraj Se

6. Lata Mangeshkar: O Mitwa Yeh Duniya To Kya Hai

7. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Jhoomke Gaye Dil

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Laxmikant Pyarelal Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli

Yay! My record player!

2008-10-22T19:59:00.005-04:00

Oh, joy! I finally got my record player with a USB plug, I am so happy!

The only difference is that the files will be in Wav. format and that's it.

I will post an album as soon as I can. Thanks for your patience.

Naushad: Gunga Jumna (1961/1978)

2008-10-13T16:47:00.063-04:00

The soundtrack to Gunga Jumna runs in the same veins as O. P. Nayyar's music for the 1957 film Naya Daur. The music also resembles some of Naushad's earlier work in Amar (1954), especially in what I like to call the "village girl songs". In short, the sound is not original, but that does not take away from the quality of Naushad's work. Gunga Jumna was nominated for a Filmfare award that year.

As far as the plot goes the now famous pair (after the success of Devdas in 1955, Naya Daur in 1957 and Madhumati in 1958) goes on to make another hit by playing lovers in early post-independent India. With Dilip Kumar playing the role of the hard working Gunga and Kumar's fictional well educated brother Jumna played by his real brother Nasir Khan, with Vyjayanthimala as the lovely and colourful heroine. Themes such as right vs wrong, village vs city and battling social status of the new educated vs uneducated India live together and create friction in the film.

But if we come back to the music, it is mostly based on folk, with it's regional instruments and simple melodies.

To start, we have the beautiful Helen doing some Kathak on "Tora Man Bada Papi", well it's more like dancing around (it's good dancing, but not Kathak) in a Kathak outfit, not actually dancing a classical Indian form. The song is kind of plain, it does not interest me much, but I like the video.

After, looking at the big difference between the lives of the two brothers (Ganga and Jumna) as children, the video reflex's the contrast present in society of the "new India". This patriotic song, "Insaf Ki Dagar Pe" is a little to idealistic, but at least it is looking to a bring future. Everyone needs hope.

My favorite song has to be "Do Hanson Ka Joda", I love the sarangi (or sarod, I'm not sure), its beautiful. It's sad, simple and sweet.

Two other songs that I like are "Jhanan Ghoongar Baje" and "Dagabaz Tori Batian", because they are joyful and playful.

"O Chhalia Re Chhalia" and "Naina Lad Jaihen" (in this one you get Dilip Kumar dancing, yay!) just didn't get me moving. Ok....my foot was taping, but I expected more.

Overall, there are more ordinary songs than good songs. The album flows very well and I am sure Naushad put effort into this soundtrack.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Dagabaz Tori Batian

2. Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi and Chorus: O Chhalia re Chhalia

3. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Jhanan Ghoongar Baje

4. Mohd. Rafi: Naina Lad Jaihen

Side 2

5. Lata Mangeshkar: Do Hanson Ka Joda

6. Hemant Kumar & Chorus: Insaf Ki Dagar Pe

7. Asha Bhosle: Tora Man Bada Papi

8. Lata Mangeshkar: Dhoondo Dhoondo Re Sajna

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Gunga Jumna

Re: My ten favorite Helen songs

2008-09-30T13:02:00.087-04:00

Thanks so much Memsaab for doing such a very good job with your wonderful post My ten favorite Helen songs. From Memsaab's list I especially like the Upasna and Apradh songs ( it' so bad most people don't even know that the second (Helen song from Apradh) is where the Black Eyed Peas took there inspiration (or copied) for the song "Don't Funk with My Heart", plus the intro to 'Don't Funk with my heart" is the beginning of "Yeh Mera Dil" from Don 1978). Anyway, thanks for those. But after seeing it I wanted more. There are so many more delightful songs from Helen of Bombay that I could not resist. I just had to post them.

My choices where made according to the music, the visuals and the Helenness (which I prefer with the kitsch turned a little bit down).

Here are my picks.

10. Jewel Thief (1967)

Good music by S. D. Burman. I want those tights!!!

9. Sachchai (1969)

Helen and a blue haired Shammi Kapoor.

8. Pagla Kahin Ka (1970)

Appearance by K. N. Singh (bad guy in Awaara).

7. Who Kaun Thi (1964)

Love the 60's look.

6. Don (1978)

A classic, I love this song. Asha Bhosle and Helen together equals magic.

5. Geeta Mera Naam (1974)

Again great music, also Helen dancing with a fat man in a skin-tight one piece suit. What more do you want?

4. Talash (1969)

Helen at her cabaret best.

3. Hulchul (1971)
This is simply a great musical story with Helen telling us to all get along, OR ELSE! BOOM! And I would not contradict miss Helen.

2. Caravan (1971)

Oh Monica? My Darling! Classic.

1. Anamika (1973)

This is my favorite because the music (R. D. Burman) and the little story mix so well, you just want more.

Also, I drew this picture of Helen a while ago, and I forgot it was from which movie. Does any one know? Thanks

Books on Indian Film: Part 1 - History

2008-09-27T15:53:00.066-04:00

Book 2: Bollywood: A History (2006)

Written by Mihir Bose in 2006, with lots and lots of help (a whole chapter is dedicated to the people inside bollywood). Bollywood: A History focuses on different subjects such as the beginning of the Indian film industry, the film studios, he lightly touches films like Mughal-e Azam and Mother India and he also writes about the change after independence and so on.

Mihir Bose is a writer who specialises in sport. He is not a film scholar, but he is a good writer. His style is light and flowing, so no one should have a problem reading this book. It is much less school oriented then Indian Film (published by oxford university press, read post) this one is more open to the general public. For more information on Mihir Bose, just visit his web site.

Oh, god, don't get me started on the UK cover. Hmm...is that almost naked and wet Rekha?! Come on, I want a book that sells for it's content, not it's cover. But one thing I did realise is that Bollywood, through history, has objectified women, and in that sense the cover fits just "nicely" with what it's talking about. But, I still prefer the to dry and breast covered Rekha.

Pictures - Uk Edition (Tempus) and India edition (Roli Books)

One other thing that bugs me is the title and the content don't match 100%. Especially if the title is Bollywood: A History (the history part, is not just history). History is present in the book, but in, what I felt, was a tainted form. You couldn't help but doubt the accuracy of some things that were written because it felt more like information in the "He said, She said" category. An example of this is the speculation of the Lata Mangeshkar and C. Ramchandra romance. Lata does not mention it in her biography and C. Ramchandra is dead, while there is no actual proof, you can call this information a rumor or a hidden secret, but not history. Most of the facts are taken from other peoples work or written in quotes from people in the industry.

Anyway, gossip and rumors themselves have there place in the book. Like in the prologue, which is read more as a long magazine article (though at the end it gets more serious), is about Bose's interview of the then rising start Madhuri Dixit and how he made her cry in in front of Sunil Dutt because he asked her "So, how do you feel about being the new sex symbol of Bollywood?" He also writes about Pamela Bordes, a once Miss India turned high class escort that created much scandal and excitement at the time.

The most interesting chapter, for me, was "The Road to Bombay via Munich and London" is about the pre-studio and studio days of the educated Devika Rani and her husband Himanshu Rai. I love that Rani worked with German directors Fritz Lang and G. W. Pabst, (wow, sooo jealous!)

Anyway, what I think would have made the book better is if the titles would represent the content. Basically the problem is Bose claims to write about many events and personalities in each chapter but actually he focuses on one.

some examples are:

"The Road to Bombay via Munich and London" - Devika Rani and Bombay Talkies

"Blondes and Brunettes: Bollywood's White Woman" - Fearless Nadia

"The Explosion of the Bombay Film Song" - Lata Mangheshkar

You end up expecting a lot more then what you get.

Also the title Bollywood A History should be changed to "People who Shaped Hindi Cinema" or something like that. At least it wouldn't be false (and the book would have probably gotten a better rating from me).

Upside

Really fun and easy to read.

More explanation was written for beginners in this area if world cinema.

Downside

The author is not an expert of cinema.

The UK cover can't make me take his book seriously.

Gossip and personal experiences instead of history.

I felt that the chapters or at least there titles where not representative of what you where about to read. For example, one chapter on Bombay Film Music was mainly on Lata Mangeshkar, so if you were looking for information, let's say on R. D. Burman, you get like five lines.

Other reviews

Here is an another review of Bollywood: A History, written by Chandrahas Choudhury, on his blog The middle Stage, who I think has a similar opinion to mine.

And, here (you will need to scroll down), a review by journalist Jai Arjun Singh on his blog Jabberwock.

Stella's score: 2.5/5 (for people who actually know about the history of Bollywood)

3.5/5 (for beginners)

Donation

2008-09-19T00:10:00.018-04:00

Hello, since some of you have suggested a donation link, I have put one up on the side bar. This is strictly for people who can give money or who are financially at ease. Anything goes, 0.05$ or 5$, it doesn't matter. Once I have reached my goal, or almost, I will remove the link, buy a record player and I will go back to posting albums.

Thank You

Sorry, I can't take your money, I think it's just a matter of principle. I though I could, but it just doesn't feel right. It's weird because I don't have much money and I can't take any money. Anyway, I declined all donations and deleted the link.

Sorry for that.

Stella_1

Desktop Backgrounds

2008-09-15T00:02:00.020-04:00

Hi there,
I made these backgrounds if anyone is interested. There are 2 sizes. The first is 800 x 600 pixels and the second is very large but fits for any widescreen desktop (you need to compress it).

To download the image, just click on the one you want and then right click, press Save As and Save it in a file on your computer.

The first is taken from the Awaara(1951) poster with Nargis and Raj Kapoor.

800 x 600

Widescreen

The second is from the Lajwanti (1958) poster starring a beautiful portrait of Nargis.

800 x 600

Widescreen

The third is from the poster of Madhumati (1958) with Dilip Kumar in the center, Vyjayantimala on the left, Pran in the left corner and Johnny Walker in the right corner.

800 x 600

Widescreen

Hope you like them! My favorite is the second one. Enjoy.

Memorabilia

2008-09-15T00:01:00.017-04:00

I don't have many bollywood artifacts from the past but here are a few.

The first image is the cover of a synopsis booklet to Raj Kapoor's film Barsaat (1949). It has the synopsis written in English , Hindi, Bengali, and Urdu.

On the back there is a vintage ad for the film Badal (1951), starring Madhubala and Prem Nath

After, is the cover of a song booklet again for the film Barsaat(1949).

On the back are pictures of Madhubala, with a photo of Dev Anand, the lovely Geeta Bali and the character actor Rashid Khan from Baazi (1951) directed by Guru Dutt.

Enjoy!

Books on Indian film: Part 1 (or the lack of good books on indian cinema)

2008-09-10T00:40:00.064-04:00

Introduction (and complaint)

A while back I had an assignment to write on Raj Kapoor and his films for a cinema class. And I very soon came to the conclusion that there isn't much out there for people that need serious info on Indian cinema or subjects strongly related to Indian film, such as studies on it's music, gender relations, religion, sociology, philosophy etc. These subject are important because a whole state of mind is unconsciously portrayed in mass and popular Indian cinema. For a film to be seen and accepted by the people of India of all castes, religions, ages and sexes means that the commercial cinema of India brings together universal indian and human values shared by all. It would not take long to figure out what these values are because they are expressed in cinema on the 1st degree. But what is more interesting is the cinema that speaks out, that is unclear and experimental. Cinema that is independent from the major studios and also challenges the mind. That is what usually attracts film scholars*, therefore writing books on cinema.

* I just want to mention that I think every film, even if they are big blockbusters, like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Dilwale Le Jayenge or Devdas could easily have many layers and underlined meanings and opinions, but I personally believe that there is not enough dept (compared to independent cinema) to attract film scholars to study the films in further detail.

But alas, it seems that not much serious work has been printed up to date (in English or French anyway). Many books claim to talk about Indian Cinema, but too many are voiceless and empty books pretending to be about Indian film. This makes it hard for me to learn correctly and traditionally about Indian cinema.

So this series of posts is dedicated to various books, good one's (the one's worth reading) and bad one's (the one's to avoid). I think that many authors took the opportunity to write about Bollywood or popular Indian cinema just to capitalise on the growing international phenomenon. So let's try and focus on the real books.

Book 1: Indian Film (1963)

One of the first and oldest books (in English) on this subject, is called Indian Film written in 1963 by Erik Ba rno uw and S. Krishnaswamy (son of film director, K. Subrahmanyam). My verdict? Basically, I loved this book. There is so much info cram packed about the Indian film industry in every page that you just can't stop reading it. It is so great!

The topics in the book include, History, Studios, Societies, Feuds, Specific Industries (Hindi, Tamil, Bengali), Actors, Industry Insiders and Workers, Producers, Music, Financial Structures (including black-money) and Censorship.

One chapter that I find interesting is called "Ordinary, Decent, Superdecent" (p.168) . It's a brief overview about women and there place in Indian cinema thought history. It starts with naming a few of the first screen stars of the of the silent era. Some examples are, Sita Devi (Renee Smith), Sulochana (Ruby Meyers) and Lalita Devi (Bonnie Bird). Most of which were Anglo Indians (no caste and outcasts by both Indian and English society) because not even Indian prostitutes would go into film. Later, in the 1930's, Durga Dhote and Devika Rani, changed the perception of women working in Indian cinema by being both of the Brahmin caste (high caste) and were accepted as film stars. But after the war, women were categorised and payed differently depending on five categories. The classes and there daily wages where, "Ordinary Girl" 5R, "Decent, class C"10R, "Decent, class B"15R, "Decent, class A" 20R and "Superdecent" 25R to 40R. Also, if you could dance that was a plus. Now (late 40's- early 50's and beyond), the film industry had women from all background appearing and working in Indian cinema.

Oh yeah, the next two chapters, "Pagents for our Peasants" (p.172) and "O Divine Tamil"(p.177) are great too, they are about the rise of Tamil cinema, and it's invasion on the Hindi film Industry during the late 50's, but you will have to read those on your own.

Pictures - First Edition, 1963 and Second edition, 1980

Upside

The book talks about a variety of symbols in Indian cinema and there historical, political, religious or social meanings. So foreigners, like me, can understand the films better.

The books is so rich because of the number and quality of interviews it used, like Bimal Roy, Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Shivaji Ganeshan, C. Ramchandra, Salil Choudhry, James Ivory, Ismail Merchant, Shashi Kapoor, K. A. Abbas, Mehboob Khan, Durga Dhote, Devika Rani... and more.

Downside (0r perks)

Even if it is not necessary to have a background in film studies, you could encounter problems or confusions while reading the book. It is very useful, when reading Indian Film, to have some good knowledge of the history of cinema and it's main figures in Hollywood and the world film industries a like.

One thing that it does not do, is analyse specific films in detail. It's not a book about certain people or specific films. So if that is what you are looking for, this is not the book for you. (It didn't help me for my essay on Raj Kapoor and his films.)

Since it is an older book, some facts might be outdated. Although it was republished in 2001-2002, I do not know if it was reedited and updated for the present times.

Stella_1's score: 4.5/5

Next is Bollywood: A History by Mihir Bose

Little problem

2008-09-08T11:56:00.016-04:00

Hi everyone,

I know it's been a long time since I posted an album but I have one little problem, I don't have a record player. And basically for financial issues (primarily paying university) I can't really spend on things that aren't necessities. I will try and save up enough money to be able to start posting records in October. I am very very sorry for the wait.

But in the meantime here are some records I will be posting next (not in definite order)

*I don't have the exact scans or pictures of my records, so I just took some pics off the Internet.

Also, I will be posting about books on Bollywood, Indian cinema and Hindi film music.

Thanks

Winners of the P.S.M. Awards 2007-2008 !!!

2008-08-12T17:26:00.075-04:00

First of all I would like to thank all the readers and people who submitted they're choice or choices for the P.S.M. Awards 2007-2008. I also appreciate everyone who took the time to to vote. Thank you very much!

Anyway, the 1st Parties, Sarees and Melodies Awards (2007-2008) results are in and here they are ...

1.First category (Top 10)

Top 10 Best albums (Lp) (there are 11 choices because Amrapali and Umrao-Jaan have the same number of votes.)

1. Yaadon Ki Baaraat
2. Teesri Manzil

3. Mughal-E-Azam
4. Chori Chori
5. Awaara
6. Baiju Bawra
7. Guide
8. Phagun
9. Bobby

10. Umrao-Jaan

11. Amrapali

Just to see if numbers reflect your choices as well, here are the...

Top 10 Most downloaded

1. Mughal-E-Azam
2. Awaara
3. Namak Halaal
4. Bobby
5. Chori Chori
6. Phagun
7. Bobby & MNJ (Instrumental)
8. Amrapali
9. Leader
10. Teesri Manzil

2. Second category (Top 5)

Best Album Cover (Lp)

1. Navrang

2. Jish Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai

3. The Train

4. Shree 420 (Pakistan)

5. Mughal-E-Azam

Best Playback Singer, Male

1. Mohd. Rafi
2. Kishore Kumar
3. Mukesh
4. Manna Dey
5. Tala Mahmood

Best Playback Singer, Female

1. Asha Bhosle
2. Lata Mangeshkar
3. Geeta Dutt
4. Shamshad Begum
5. Suman Kalyanpur

Best Song

1. Awaara - Dam Bhar Jo Udhan Munh Phere
2. Guide - Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai
3. Sadhna - Aaj Kyon Hamse Parda Hai
4. Baiju Bawra - O Duniya Ke Rakhwale
5. Umrao-Jaan - In Ankhon Ki Masti

Best Duet

1. Awaara - Dam Bhar Jo Udhan Munh Phere
2. Yaadon Ki Baaraat - Chura Liya
3. Chori Chori - Yeh Rat Begi Begi
4. Teesri Manzil - O Mere Sona re
5. Kismat -Kajra Mohabbat Wala

Best Lyricist

1. Shailendra
2. Shakeel Badayuni
3. Anand Bakshi
4. Neeraj
5. Naushad

Best Composer

1. Shankar Jaikishan
2. O. P. Nayyar
3. Naushad
4. N. Dutta
5. C. Ramchandra

Best Video of a Song

1. Awaara- Gara (Dream Sequence)

2. Teesri Manzil - O haseena

3. Chori Chori - Jahan Mein Jaati

4. Madhumati - Chadh Gayo Papi Bichhua

5. Yaadon Ki Baaraat - Lekar Hum Diwana Dil

6. Amrapali

7. Sadhna

8. Navrang - Are Ja Re Hat Nat Khat

9. Mughal-E-Azam - Yeh Dil Ki Lagi Kam Kya Hogi

10. Guide - Piya Tose Naina Laage Re

I iliminated the best blog category because the choices where either limited.

3. Third Category (1)

Bad Movie, Good Music: The Train

Good Movie, Good Music: Guide and Umrao-Jaan

Best 40's: Mahal

Best of the 50's: Awaara

Best of the 60's: Guide and Teesri Manzil

Best of the 70's: Yaadon Ki Baaraat

Bestof the 80's: Namak Halaal

Best Decade: 50's

Album you thougth you woud not like , but on suprisingly you did :Raja Saab and Boond Jo Band Gayi Moti

Worst Album: Pyaas

Worst Song : Qurbani in English - Let's do it, Let's do it, Let's do it

Song that makes you dance: Yaadon Ki Baaraat - Lekar hum dewana dil

Hindi you learned while listening to a song from P.S.M. : Hoy! Hoy!

Time to Vote !!!

2008-07-24T02:36:00.058-04:00

Hilary or Obama? No, your political views about American presidental candidates can stay at home. I'm talking about YOU voting for the best of Parties, Sarees and Melodies of 2007-2008.

It's been a year already and I want to start a tradition of making a top 10 list of the best of Parties Sarees and Melodies.

For the 1st Parties, Sarees and Melodies Awards (2007-2008) the most important poll is Best album (Lp), you can find it on the right side of the blog. If you like more then one album, you can vote for many at a time. (But you can vote only once)

1. Category one is for the poll (Best Album). Vote for 1 to 10 albums.

For the second categories only vote for Top 5

2. And the secondary categories are:

Best Album Cover (Lp)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Choices are the same as best album. See the Covers on flickr, here.

Best Playback Singer, Male

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

See available choices on the right side of blog (Tags, singer: playback singer's name)

Best Playback Singer, Female
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

See available choices on the right side of blog (Tags, singer: playback singer's name)

Best Song
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Any song from an album (Lp or Ep) on Parties, Sarees and Melodies.

Best Duet
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Any song from an album (Lp or Ep) on Parties, Sarees and Melodies.

Best Lyricist
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

For this year, choices are: Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri, Majrooh, Anand Bakshi, Vithal Bhai Patel, Shakeel Badayuni, Shahryar, Barat Vyas, Prakash Mehra, Anjaan, Jalal Malihabadi, Ramesh Shastri, Qamar Jalalabadi, Neeraj, Vijay Anand, Naushad, Kulwant Jani, Naqsh Lyallpuri, Shiv Kumar Saroj, Sahir, Bashir Sheikh, J. Nakshab, Kidar Sharma, Noor Dewasi, S. H. Bihari and Raja Mehdi Ali Khan.

Best Composer
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

This year, choices are: Bappi Lahiri, C. Ramchandra, Kalyanji Anandji, Khaiyyam, Khemchand Prakash, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Madan Mohan, N. Dutta, O. P. Nayyar, Naushad, R. D. Burman, Roshan, S. D. Burman, Salil Chowdhury, Satish Bathia and Shankar Jaikishan.

Best Video of a Song
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Choices must come from a song on an album for Parties, Sarees and Melodies

Best Indian Music Blog
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Can be any website or blog!

3. Third Category is for single answers (1 answer)

They are:

Bad Movie, Good Music
1.

Good Movie, Good Music
1.

The Album you where expecting not to like, but once you listened to it you actually loved it!
1.

Best 4o's album
1.

Choices: Mahal, Barsaat, Andaz

Best 50's album
1.

Choices: Bawre Nain, Ujala, Sadhna, Babul, Phagun, Awaara, Navrang, Amar, Madhosh, Chori Chori, Baiju Bawra, Shree 420, Madhumati.

Best 60's album
1.

Choices: Aashiq, Kismat, Raja Saab, Ram aur Shyam, Boond Jo Band Gayi Moti, April Fool, Jis Desh Men Ganga Bethi Hai, Amrapali, Leader, Kohinoor, Teesri Manzil, Guide, Mughal-E-Azam.

Best 70's album
1.

Choices: Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Chhupa Rustam, The Train, Humjoli, Bobby, Bobby Instumental.

Best 80's album
1.

Choices: Qurbani in English, Pyaas, Namak Halaal, Umrao-Jaan

The best decade (40's, 50's, 60's, 70's or 80's)
1.

Worst Album
1.

Worst Song
1.

Track that makes you dance!
1.

Hindi word, words or phrase you learned listening to a song on Parties, Sarees and Melodies.
1.

****Special***

Favorite Indian Album (Included or not included on Parties Sarees and Melodies) add a picture + 20 words or more on why you love that album so much.
1.

Please email me a picture of you and the album or just the album if you are shy. (If you are shy an other option is to try sleeveface, see how to sleeveface, here) The pictures will be on the blog, so If you don't want to be seen just try the two options that a suggested earlier. Thanks

You are finished! Thank you very much!

To vote just copy and paste the categories 2 and 3. Then fill out the spaces. Then submit your answers before August 15th 2008.

I will also be announcing the results of the votes and the top 10 most downloaded albums as well I will be giving out awards for the top 5 best Indian music blogs.

Important

*All choices must be from Awaara to Yaadon Ki Baaraat. (All other answers will not be counted, except for the special question)

*The voting starts now and ends on the 15th of August 2008 at 12pm

* Don't forget to vote for best album (poll on the right of blog).

* Email (Redhead344@hotmail.com) or leave you answers on the blog to vote for the other categories. (2 and 3) and email me your Picture !

Any comments and suggestions are welcome!

Rahul Dev Burman: Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)

2008-07-03T00:06:00.035-04:00

Yaadon Ki Baaraat is one of my favorite soundtracks, almost all the songs are great on there own as well as in a whole. Burman creates music for the youth of India, fresh, western and wacky, just the right stuff to get the conservative parents angry. It's not serious music but it's good music.

The plot of the movie centers around three brothers who's parents were killed mainly because their father was a painter who could paint and identify the face of a thief who robed a bank. (As tough being a blond bearded and haired Indian man isn't enough for the police to identify him.)

Anyway, the first song is before all the killing. The perfect little family sings the title song ''Yaadon Ki Baaraat''. If you watch the clip, how could a beautiful girl like that end up with a man like that, (Besides the fact that he has that artist-musician- guy with cool glasses thing going on) it must have been an arranged marriage. Also interesting is that in the clip the youngest boy is played by a little Aamir Khan. And an other plus is that the children singing playback are Padmini Kolhapure and her sister.

The very popular ''Chura Liya Hai Tum Ne'' is actually inspired by the Title Track for the 1969 film, If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium. The Burman track has some of the best Asha vocals.

''Lekar Hum Diwana Dil'' has to be my favorite. It's pure fun. This song with funky music and great vocals made Neetu Singh a star.

The youngest brother, Ratan aka Mondo sings ''Aap Ke Kamre Men'' which is a medley of songs split between a few Hinglish phrases (Come on, sing baby!) My favorite part of the song is when they start singing ''hare ha ha'' with a musical interlude including the finale "Dum Maro Dum" from Zeenat Aman and R. D. Burman's earlier hit Hare Rama Hare Krishna(1971)

You also have the second version of ''Yaadon Ki Baaraat'' when the brothers reunite. Ah! They can once again be a family.

The song ''O Meri Soni'' is the one I like the least, but it still has it's charm especially in the instrumental parts.

And remember, never trust a man with different shoe sizes, especially size 8 and 9. He is probably the one that killed your parents when you when young. Even if you're not a orphan just watch out! Oh, ya, and you never know who could be on the other side of sliding walls, so beware.

Music from the Third Floor also reviewed this album,Yaadon Ki Baaraat , take a look at what he thinks.

Telugu remake "Annadammula Anubandham", made in 1975. Here are some videos:

Churaliya-Telugu

Lekar Hum-Telugu

Yaadon Ki Baaraat-Telugu

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: Lekar Hum Diwana Dil
2. Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar & R. D. Burman: Aap Ke Kamre Men

Side 2
3. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: O Meri Soni
4. Lata Mangeshkar, Padmini, Shivangi & Chorus: Yaadon Ki Baaraat
5. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Chura Liya Hai Tum Ne
6. Kishore Kumar & Mohd. Rafi: Yaadon Ki Baaraat

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: R. D. Burman Yaadon Ki Baaraat

Madan Mohan: Madhosh (1951/1982)

2008-07-03T00:05:00.037-04:00

Madan Mohan's Madhosh really surprised me. The cover seemed so dull, so I didn't listen to it entirely until a few weeks ago when I just let it play. Wow, it really is good. But most of all, it's different. The only other music of Mohan's that I have heard and loved is the soundtrack to Veer-Zaara (2004) which took old songs of his and updated them for modern viewers.

The most popular and what has to be my favorite song of Madhosh is the only male track ''Meri Yaad Men Tum Na Aansoo Bahana'' sung by the great Talat Mahmood.

I enjoy all the tracks except for the last two which I find plain and unnecessary (depending on the context the tracks are probably necessary for narrative structure of the movie, but since I haven't seen it, so when I say unnecessary it means too the record as a musical whole).

Anyway, the first track ''Hamen Ho Gaya Tumse'' is very nice. It is a song that is at the time modern but still has a very prominent 40's sound. The slithering and sinister clarinet mixed with Lata's vocals make it delightful to listen to.

Also enjoyable are the Dil Dhak Dhak-1 and 2. They are a mix of tribal back vocals and sweet principles voices. The contrast is greater for Dil Dhak Dhak-2 when Lata Mangeshkar is the main singer. The instuments also clash with a mix on indian and western instuments. At the end, during the solo instumental part of Dil Dhak Dhak-2, it reminds me of the title music from Detective by Mukul Roy (Geeta Dutt's brother). Link to Music from the third floor's review and music.

Two lovely songs are ''Meri Dil Ki Nagariya Men'' and ''Chhode Mujhe Na Ja''. They are both calm and melancholic, I especially like the echo effect in the second one.

''Pagadi Pahenke Turredar'' is ok, but you know me I love Shamshad so much, but sadly I was disappointed. Mohan did not use her to her full potential.

Just to point out, the record has some of the best playback singers like Shamshad, Mahmood and also Lata (at her prime in the 50's, I think anyway). But for the third track ''Dil Dhak Dhak-1''I have one question, who is this Miss Chand? I haven't heard of her before and I can't find any info. If anyone knows about this fine singer, let me know.

Tell me what you think!

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Hamen Ho Gaya Tumse
2. Talat Mahmood: Meri Yaad Men Tum Na Aansoo Bahana
3. Miss Chand & Chorus: Dil Dhak Dhak-1
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Dil Dhak Dhak-2

Side 2

5. Lata Mangeshkar: Meri Dil Ki Nagariya Men
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Chhod Mujhe Na Ja
7. Shamshad Begum & Chorus: Pagadi Pahenke Turredar
8. Lata Mangeshkar: Meri Ankhon Ki Neend Legay
9. Lata Mangeshkar: Jab Aanewale Aate Hain

Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Madan Mohan Madhosh

Weird Labels! Help!

2008-07-02T21:21:00.013-04:00

Ok, I tried to find out more about these records, like where were they made? When they were made? But I can't find any information. I am almost 100% sure that these are copies.

1.Carolina

This could be a copy, but the label, Carolina, is from a Tamil film, so it could be a south indian label.

2. Penguin

The hole in the middle of the record is slightly smaller than usual. I also know that the record that has that label is available on Angel records, so this is a copy, but from where?

3. ? Record

And the last label is from Malaysia, it is on Hindi and Tamil records. But I don't know when they where made?

If anyone has any info, or if someone has a record with one of these labels on it please feel free to leave a comment! Thanks!

Shankar Jaikishan: Aashiq (1962/1978)

2008-06-10T17:42:00.051-04:00

The music of Aashiq is a lot better without the visual of the movie. It doesn't happen very often that a soundtrack over shadows a film that I haven't even seen, but I can't stand watching the clips. The problem is that the camera work is so bad. But I don't get it. Jaywant Pathare was the cinematographer for Aashiq. But he was the assistant camera man to Raj Kapoor for Aag, Barsaat and Awaara (Raj Kapoor's most beautiful films) so he has no excuse. He even won a Filmfare award 4 years later for Anupama for best cinematography. But Aashiq looks like it was shot by an amateur film maker with low angle and ugly compositions. Ok sorry, I am a cinema student so I have to complain a little and I know I am talking a lot about the cinematography, but it really takes away from the soundtrack.

So basically I am suggesting to listen to the songs before you watch the clips or just close your eyes, no really!

Ok, well the two main characters in the film are a singer (Raj Kapoor) and a dancer (Padmini) may I add the best baratanatyam dancer on the screen ever (close tie with Vijanthimala). Anyway, the music in the film isn't simply to entertain but must compliment the characters individual talents. Shankar Jaikishan did it pretty well. You have "Jhanan Jhanjhanake Apni Payal" for the dancer and "Tum Jo Hamare Meet Na Hote" for the singer. Lovely songs.

My personal favorites are, the sweet "Lo Aai Milan Ki Raat", the fun "Yeh To Kaho Kaun Ho Tum" and "Tum Aaj Mere Sang Hanslo".

I would also like to mention that Aashiq is from the same period as Ujala (1959) and Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960) and resembles both albums but is a little more drama and less folk.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Mukesh: Main Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka
2. Lata mangeshkar: Lo Aai Milan Ki Raat
3. Mukesh & Chorus: Yeh To Kaho Kaun Ho Tum
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Mehtab Tera Chehra

Side 2
5. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: O Shama Mujhe Phoonk De
6. Mukesh: Tum Aaj Mere Sang Hanslo
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Jhanan Jhanjhanake Apni Payal
8. Mukesh: Tum Jo Hamare Meet Na Hote

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Aashiq

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Bobby and, Shankar Jaikishan: Mera Naam Joker (Instrumental)

2008-06-10T17:42:00.035-04:00

This record is nothing like the Soul of Bobby (Soooo good! You can get a sample at Eastern Eye), this record is more of a cocktail or diner reception kind of thing going on, but at times it's a little funky. I enjoy it but it's nothing mind blowing. (Wait, I never say "mind blowing", it must be from all the Hindi movies I have been watching.)

The record is accredited to two music assistants. The first is Sumit Mitra a musician for Laxmikant Pyarelal's Bobby. The second is Arun Paudwal for Mera Naam Joker, a music assistant as well as a composer for Marathi and Hindi films. He was married to the well know playback singer Anuradha Paudwal.

Just to add, I enjoy the Bobby songs more, well simply because the Bobby songs are better. What do you think? Are you a Mera Naam Joker fan? Tell me about it!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Bobby: Main Shair To Nahin
2. Bobby: Mujhe Kuch Kahena Hai
3. Mera Naam Joker: Kehta Hai Joker
4. Mera Naam Joker: Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan

Side 2
5. Bobby: Chabi Kho Jae
6. Bobby: Na Mangu Sona Chandi
7. Mera Naam Joker: Jane Kahan Gaye Woh Din

Bobby: Sumit Mitra
Mera Naam Joker: Arun Paudwal

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan & Laxmikant Pyarelal Bobby & MNJ (Instrumental)

O. P. Nayyar: Kismat (1968)

2008-06-10T17:33:00.038-04:00

At the first glance, you know that this record is certainly not like Phagun. Instead, Kismat incarnates the typical rebel O. P. Nayyar style. His music was rebellious for it's time, but now it's pretty clean, so let's just call his style non traditional. On this record he is inspired by some jazzy rock'n'roll of the 60's with a little folk as well.

In general the songs are very guitar based. You have the almost county "Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale" and the bouncy "Aankhon Men Qayamat Ke Kajal".You also get great instrumentals with "One Two three Baby" which is also available on Bombshell Baby of Bombay vol.2, that you can find on Bombay-Connection Records.

My favorites are the Punjabi inspired "Karja Mohhabat Wala" and the heroine's drunk song "Aao Huzoor Tumko".

I understand that O. P. Nayyar makes the music and melodies simple as to make it easy for the viewers to instantly connect with the songs. But from my personal perspective, I feel that the music is in need of multiple layers, but he doesn't provide that. I prefer O. P. Nayyar's earlier work such as Aar Par, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Paghun and Naya Daur. In the 60's he was popular because he did not follow trends, he made them. But I have a feeling that during this period when Kismat came out, he was just copying his own music, making this record unoriginal and a bit boring to listen to today.

But I still like to rock'n'roll from time to time. So Baby, tell me what you think!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Mahendra Kapoor: Aankhon Men Qayamat Ke Kajal
2. Asha Bhosle & Shamshad Begum: Karja Mohhabat Wala
3. Title Music

Side 2
4. Asha Bhosle: Aao Huzoor Tumko
5. Mahendra Kapoor: Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale
6. Mahendra Kapoor: One Two Three Baby

Lyrics: Noor Dewasi & S. H. Bihari

Stella_1's score: 3 /5

Get the music now: O. P. Nayyar Kismat

What I've been doing

2008-06-04T23:18:00.018-04:00

...looks like I will be staying here.

Hi everyone,

I haven't had the time to write posts because I have been searching for a summer job. Anyway, I would like to thank everyone who left me comments and tips about my summer job in London. But I really need money for university so I decided to save up and stay in Montreal. Maybe next summer I will be able to go.

Before summer actually starts, for school, I had to write a term paper on one of my favorite directors. I chose a director I liked, Raj Kapoor, but I really wanted to choose an indian director I didn't know much about (You know like more underground). But after doing some research I found out that there is not much decent info, in english or french, on indian directors. The only south asian director that has lots of books written on him and his work is the bengali director, Satyajit Ray. I don't know if it's the lack of translation by indian film scholars or just the lack of people seriously studying and analysing indian cinema? Don't get me wrong, good books exist but they are rare. I have a small collection of books, but with what I have read I feel that it's not enough. The books don't go deep enough, there is no analysis of a directors work. However I did discover a book on Raj Kapoor called Harmony of Discourse but it's rare and I could not find it to buy anywhere. If anyone knows how to get that book and other more serious works on indian cinema please feel free to give any suggestions.

On May 24th my dance teacher Sudeshna Maulik had a kathak performance. It was the closing show for an asian heritage festival in Montreal called Acces Asie. There where many south asian performers, I especially liked the Dhol and the Bhangra. Anyway, I have only been learning Kathak for 6 months but me and two other students performed as well. That's me in the back, to see more pictures just click here.

On June 2nd I was invited on CJLO a Concordia university radio talk show called There you have it folks! hosted by Nicole and Sinbad Richardson. It was really fun, I might do it again or this fall I will start my own Bollywood radio show. Whichever I will keep you all posted because CJLO is broadcasted on the Internet as well.

Anyway, now back to posting albums ...

Have a great summer!

Stella in London ?!

2008-03-29T20:37:00.007-04:00

Hi everyone, I have decided that I am going to be finding a summer job in London. I cant' wait. I was wondering if any of you ''Londoners'' could help me out with a few of my questions.

1. Well I don't have anywhere to stay, so where is the cheapest (not like dangerous cheap, where only people out of jail or a mental institutions live) place I could stay?

2. Where can I get Indian records?

3. And Indian Movies (DVD's)? Also, are there any cinema's that show Indian films?

4. Where are the best places to go out?

And 5. What are your favorite things to do in London?

*If any of you would like to meet and talk, we could set up a little supper or meeting for Indian record collectors. That would be great. Thanks

Roshan: Bawre Nain (1950/1980)

2008-03-28T15:08:00.013-04:00

Roshan, who was a musician trough out the 40's, got his first break as a music director with Bawre Nain. Heavily inspired by the 40's sound, this record represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. But the overall sound of this album is melancholic and slightly romantic (as in the artistic current).

The most popular song on the record is ''Khyalon Men Kisi Ke'', it's sneaky and seductive.

You can find some joyful songs on the album, but you still feel some pain in the music. Like the playful ''Mujhe Sach Sach Batado'' and ''Roothe Hue Chanda''. They still feel a little bit like when someone sad tries to be happy.

My favorite songs on the album are the lonely ''Teri Duniya Men Dil Lagta Nahin'', the lovely duet ''Mohabbat Ke Maron Ka'' and ''Sun Bairi Balam''

It's not the greatest album, but still it is special. It has it's own original charm that makes it stand out. I enjoy it, what do you think?

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Geeta Dutt & Mukesh: Khyalon Men Kisi Ke

2. Rajkumari & Mukesh: Mujhe Sach Sach Batado

3. Rajkumari: Roothe Hue Chanda

Side 2

4. Mukesh: Teri Duniya Men Dil Lagta Nahin

5. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Mohabbat Ke Maron Ka

6. Rajkumari: Kyon Mere Dil Men

7. Rajkumari: Sun Bairi Balam

Lyrics: Kidar Sharma

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Roshan | Bawre Nain

Shankar Jaikishan: Ujala (1959/1990)

2008-03-28T13:15:00.030-04:00

Even if Shankar Jaikishan knew Shammi Kapoor because of there association with his brother, Raj Kapoor, it wasn't until Shammi did Ujala that they first collaborated together. Ujala has some gret tunes.

I first heard a glips of Ujala with the song "Jhoomta Mausam Mast Mahina" (my favorite) that was on a compilation Lp called Best of the 50's that came out in the 60's. This record came out in 1990, so does that mean that you couldn't listen to the rest of the songs until then.Well, I guess if you wanted the soundtrack to Ujala, you either had a cassette copy (I don't even know if it exists) or a 78 record or you had to wait until 1990 to get this Lp. It's just weird that they waited that long, because it's a decent soundtrack.

Anyway, like I said "Jhoomta Mausam Mast Mahina" is great, as well as "Duniyawalo Se Door" which is a cute playful love song that I really like. I also enjoy the typically 50's melody of the first song "Suraj Zarra Aa Paas Aa".

You also have a rare Mukesh and Mohd. Rafi duet with the song "Yaro Surat Hamari Pe".

Next you have two songs that resemble each other "Tera Jalwa Jisne Dekha" and "O Mora Nadan Balma".They are the "cabaret" numbers, but I think Shankar Jaikishan could have simply chosen one of them for the movie.

Ujala reminds me of Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (to see the post click here) , especially when you hear the songs "Aa Ab Laut Chalen" from JDMGBH and "Ab Kayan Jahen Hum" from Ujala. Both soundtracks where made during the same periode and Shankar Jaikishan seem to like using a chorus in the late 50's and beginning 60's.

I enjoyed this album very much, what do you think?

Oh and don't pay attention to the creepy Shammi Kapoor picture, because he is so cute in film.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Manna Dey & Chorus: Suraj Zarra Aa Paas Aa

2. Lata Mangeshkar: O Mora Nadan Balma

3. Mohd. Rafi & Mukesh: Yaro Surat Hamari Pe

4. Lata Mangeshkar: Tera Jalwa Jisne Dekha

Side 2

5. Manna Dey & Lata Mangeshar: Jhoomta Mausam Mast Mahina

6. Mukesh & Lata Mangeshkar: Duniyawalon Se Door

7. Manna Dey & Chorus: Ab Kahan Jayen Hum

8. Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey & Chorus: Chham Chham Chhumak Chhumak

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Ujala

Kalyanji Anandji: Raja Saab (1969)

2008-03-28T12:53:00.026-04:00

At first, I was a little scared of the album. The cover of Raja Saab reads "cheesy romantic comedy" with bollywood's "good girl" Nanda and the "good guy" Shashi Kapoor. But as much as I like Shashi Kapoor, I was hesitant because, Raj Kapoor (his brother) once said that Shashi would choose some of his roles for money and not quality. Plus the man, for some weird reason, can't dance, so my hopes weren't high on having great dance songs. The only good factors that attracted me to this album were of course, 1 : Mohd. Rafi and 2: the fact that it was composed by the duo Kalyanji Anandji. But once I listen to it, to my surprise the music eclipsed the movie and the people related to making the music on the album really came through, thanks guys.

The first song ''Raju Ka Hai Ek Khwab'' and the last ''Jin Ki Kismat Men'' are basically the same song but the intros and the tempos are different. I prefer the last version.

One of my favorite songs on the album is "Tu Jungle Ki Morni" and even if I don't understand that much hindi, I think it's the stupidest (meaning the lyrics don't mean much) song on the record, but it's the bounciest one

But honestly, I enjoy listening to all the songs on the album. They all have a little something special even is they are cheesy. The other one's I enjoy are the funny "Kal Raat Wali" and the slower more romantic "Sajna Tere Bin" and "Humne Aaj Se Tumhen".

For what it is, a light and fun soundtrack, it's great fun. It's good classic 60's bollywood. Tell me what you think?

Tracks

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Raju Ka Hai Ek Khwab

2. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Humne Aaj Se Tumhen

3. Mohd. Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur: Tu Jungle Ki Morni

Side 2

4. Mohd. Rafi: Kal Raat Wali

5. Lata Mangeshkar : Sajna Tere Bin

6. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Kisi Meherban Ki

7. Mohd. Rafi: Jin Ki Kismat Men

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Kalyanji Anandji Raja Saab

Khemchand Prakash: Mahal (1949/1978)

2008-03-28T12:37:00.015-04:00

Mahal was one of the first ''horror'' hindi movies. The film, which made Madhubala a star, was produced by the famous studio, Bombay Talkies.

This all female soundtrack is normal for the 1940's when heroines were more popular than the heroes.

Everyone who knows Mahal associates ''Aayega Aanewala'' as the hit of the movie and also as one of Lata Mangeshkar's best. But I prefer the next one on the album ''Ek Teer Chala'' because the beginning sounds so creepy. Well when I think about it the hole album has a creepy feel to it, in part because of the notes chosen by the composer, Khemchand Prakash.

My favorite is ''Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya''. Give it a chance, it gets good from the middle of the song .

The dance music is good, but I find it more atmospheric then for dancing.

The album has great dramatic and sad music, but it fails to impress me. I don't have much to say about it because I can't connect with this album. If I do in the future I will post an update on this post, but for now I just not into this one.

Tell me what do you think of Mahal.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Aayega Aanewala

2. Rajkumari: Ek Teer Chala

3. Rajkumari & Zohra Ambala: Chhun Chhun Ghungharwa

4. Dance Music

Side 2

5. Lata Mangeshkar: Mushkil Hai Bahot

6. Rajkumari: Ghabra Ke Jo Ham
7. Rajkumari: Main Hoon Hansee Hoon

8. Lata Mangeshkar: Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya

9. Music

Lyrics: J. Nakshab

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Khemchand Prakash Mahal

Kalyanji Anandji: Qurbani in English

2008-03-27T15:25:00.017-04:00

To start off, Yeay! Qurbani in English! (these aren't easy to find) This is not the official film soundtrack for Qurbani. If you want to hear the Hindi version just click here to see Music from the Third Floor's post.

''Aap Jaise Koi'' is Qurbani's original hit, but ''What A Wonder It Will Be'' sung twice, once by Sharon (which I like better) and once by Bashir Sheikh isn't quite what I expected. Bashir also wrote the lyrics, which I find sometimes plain. But I can give his lack of poetry the benefit of the doubt because I didn't find any info on him. I don't know if he is a song writer or just a singer.

By the way, there are missing intros to the songs, ''Let Do It, Let's Do It, Let's Do It'' and ''Each Time I See Your Face''. Coincidentally they are my favorite on the album and outshine they're hindi counterparts.

The context of the song ''Let's Do It, Let's Do It, Let's Do It'' is about love and nostalgia, but the hindi version ''Qurbani, Qurbani'' is about friendship, god and sacrifice. It's the least related to the film version but, from my point of view, it's better then the hindi version. And on the plus side I like they're English accents in the song when they say ''yesteryear'' and ''fear''.

''Each Time I Remember Your Pretty Face'' is my favorite on this album. It has a nice melody an instrumental break including synthesizers. The hindi version is ''Hum Tuhme Chahte Hain'' but my favorite on the original Qurbani soundtrack is ''Laila O Laila''.

In all, the record is great but if it would have only come out in english I wouldn't have been so excited to listen to it.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Sharon Prabhakar: What A Wonder It Will Be*

2. Bashir Sheikh & Sharon Prabhakar: Each Time I Remember Your Pretty Face

3. Bashir Sheikh & Sharon Prabhakar: Let's Do It, Let's Do It, Let's Do It

Side 2

4. Bashir Sheikh & Sharon Prabhakar: I You Were Prince Charming

5. Bashir Sheikh & Sharon Prabhakar: Don't Ever Leave Me

6. Bashir Sheikh: What A Wonder It Will Be*

*Track 1 & 6 composed by Biddu

Lyrics: Bashir Sheikh

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Kalyanji Anandji Qurbani in English

N. Dutta: Sadhna (1958/1982)

2008-03-05T14:26:00.021-05:00

In the early days, N. Dutta was the assistant to musical director S. D. Burman , so I was scared that there would be a S. D. Burman clone out there, but ''S. D. Burman the second'' he is not (I was relieved). N. Dutta's soundtrack for Sadhna is a little unexpected gem. Every song has it's own charm, making none of them a bore to listen to.

In the film,Vyjayanthimala (one of my favorite and one of the best dancers in Indian cinema) plays a courtesan. Thank god, because that's a good excuse for great dancing (Kathak) and great music.Well it basically insists on having a brothel scene, ''Kahoji Tum Kya Kya Kharidoge'' is what you get. The tabla is great and there are just enough rhythm changes to make you head spin (but in a totally good way).

Like I said in my last post, the best qawwali that I've heard up to date is ''Aaj Kyon Hamse Parda Hai'' . It has great music and vocals.

Next on my favorite list is a song sung by Geeta Dutt, Yeay! (Her and Shamshad Begum have to be the best playback singers ever). We only get one song on the album sung by her, but it's one of the best. ''Tora Manva Kyo Ghabraye'' is a mellow song with a timeless memory. It has a sweet into as well (nice flute).

The rest of the songs ''Aise Vaise Thikane Pe Jana Bura Hai'' , ''Sambhal Ae Dil'' and ''Aurat Ne Janam Diya Mardon Ko'' are quite nice. I enjoy this album very much. What do you think?

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Kahoji Tum Kya Kya Kharidoge

2. Lata Mangeshkar: Aise Vaise Thikane Pe Jana Bura Hai

3. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Sambhal Ae Dil

Side 2

4. Mohd. Rafi & Balbir: Aaj Kyon Hamse Parda Hai

5. Lata Mangeshkar: Aurat Ne Janam Diya Mardon Ko

6. Geeta Dutt: Tora Manva Kyo Ghabraye

Lyrics: Sahir

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: N. Dutta Sadhna

Bappi Lahiri: Pyaas (1982)

2008-03-05T14:22:00.022-05:00

Pyaas is a good record, but it was released in 1982 the same year that Disco Dancer and Namak Halaal came out. The music is ok but it could never beat those two soundtracks.

"Om Namah Shivae" (Male), I first heard on the "Disco CD" on Bollywood for beginner's vol.2. But there are two versions on the record. The first is sung by Kishore Kumar and his son Amit Kumar. This version, my favorite, is more disco-funk and longer than the second. Asha Bhosle (who is starting to get older and it shows in her voice as well) sings the softer version. Strangely, this one loosely resembles The Lipps 1980 release and mega hit "Funkytown".

For the rest of the songs Bappi Lahiri cools the disco down and moves towards a slower more traditional and mellow vibe. Aspecially, with "Dard Ki Ragini", Lata almost goes semi-classical, well maybe not, but for Bappi it's close.

Sorry the quality of second side of the album isn't very good. Too bad because I enjoy the soft "Sath Mera Chhodakar". So sorry for the clicks. And while I am apologising, I am sorry but I couldn't find one video of Pyaas, so sorry again.

Yes, this album has a qawwali too, "Hamari Yaad Ki" which is quite nice. (My next record post has a qawwali as well, that's even better. I guess that it's my current theme at the moment, 3 records in a row)

Anyway, listen and tell me what you think!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Kishore Kumar, Amit Kumar & Chorus: Om Namah Shivae
2. Asha Bhosle: Raat Sone Ko Hai
3. Kishore Kumar & Manna Dey: Phool Chahiye Na
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Dard Ki Ragini

Side 2
5. Asha Bhosle: Om Namah Shivae
6. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Sath Mera Chhodkar
7. Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Hamari Yaad Ki (qawwali)
8. Kishore Kumar: Phool Chahiye Na (Sad)

Lyrics: Kulwant Jani, Naqsh Lyallpuri & Shiv Kumar Saroj

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Bappi Lahiri Pyaas

S. Dev Burman: Chhupa Rustam (1973)

2008-02-27T20:49:00.018-05:00

Chhupa Rustam isn't bad, but I can't help thinking , haven't I heard that before, but it was better when I heard it last. It feels like S. D. Burman is copying a sound that is popular for that time. And honestly, I actually don't mind really cheesy songs if they can make it up with great melodies or fantastic beats and instrumentals. So, when a song feels empty, like most on the record, it kind of gets on my nerves. That's the problem I have with S. D. Burman, it's like trying to squeeze juice out of a rock.

Asha Bholse totally saved this album by breathing some life into her songs, that without her, would have been static. In short I would have dissed this soundtrack if it wasn't for her.

The best songs are the last three. "Suno Suno Suno" has a nice earthy more traditional vibe. "Jaloon Main Jale Mera Dil", has a nice atmosphere, but tries to much to be a "Helen song" that doesn't quite do the trick. My favorite and last tune is "Main Hoon Chhui Mui" because of the vocals and again the songs jazzy atmosphere.

Here is Part 1 and Part 2 of the video for the qawwali , it's ok but nothing great.

Also, I am not shure if I like or dislike this video for the song "Jo Main Hota" ... you decide.

I think that people who haven't heard many Hindi soundtracks will certainly enjoy this album more than I did. But I am telling you that there are much better choices out there. And knowing Vijay Anand films, his movies, from my personal point of view, are better than the music in them.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Manna Dey & Chorus: Chhupe Rustam Hain
2. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: Jo Main Hota
3. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: Bolo Kya Ham Ko Doge

Side 2
4. Kishore Kumar: Dheere Se Jana
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Suno Suno Suno
6. Asha Bhosle: Jaloon Main Jale Mera Dil
7. Asha Bhosle: Main Hoon Chhui Mui

Lyrics: Neeraj & Vijay Anand

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: S. D. Burman Chhupa Rustam

Rahul Dev Burman: The Train (1970)

2008-02-24T20:09:00.019-05:00

Well, The Train is a good soundtrack for a bad film. The songs aren't serious . They are, like most of the songs from the 60's and 70's, light hearted and mostly for entertainment. So in that context, the songs are great fun to listen too. (Good for parties)

The best songs are given to two of the greatest vamps in hindi cinema, Helen and Aruna Irani. Helen gets great cabaret numbers, the first "Maine Dil Abhi Diya Nahin" is amusing, but I prefer the great vocals and sixties swing in "O Meri Jaan Main Ne Kaha" (even if the guy in the video strangely looks like Prince, hum... maybe that's where he got his look?) Aruna Irani gets my favorite song on the album, "Saiyan Re Saiyan" it's great to dance to.

At least these ladies can dance because they have to make up for the main actrice in the movie, Nanda, that can't. In "Gulabi Ankhen" Rajesh and Nanda just ruin the great song with there bad, but weirdly charming, dancing.

The slower songs, "Kis Liya Maine Pyar Kiya" and " Mujhse Bhala Yeh Kajal "arent anything special. But between the two I prefer the first.

Tell me what you think.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Gulabi Ankhen

2. Asha Bhosle & Rahul Dev Burman: O Meri Jaan Main Ne Kaha

3. Asha Bhosle: Saiyan Re Saiyan

Side 2

4. Lata Mangeshkar: Kis Liye Maine Pyar Kiya

5. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Mujhse Bhala Yeh Kajal

6. Asha Bhosle: Maine Dil Abhi Diya Nahin

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: R. D. Burman The Train

Naushad: Babul (1950/1982)

2008-02-24T20:06:00.031-05:00

Sorry, I seem to be on a roll for uploading mediocre music theses days and I am sad to say that Babul is not an exception (I will make it up on my next post). The album has 12 songs, and Naushad, who produced the film, should have sacrificed quantity and concentrated on quality. But I did notice some effort by Naushad to make some good songs that strengthen Dilip Kumar's romantic ''doomed lover/tragic hero'' persona.

Just one thing before I start on the songs. Shamshad Begum and Talat Mahmood vocals on this album represent 80% of what is good on the album. The other 20% is for the musicians and Naushad, who should have worked a bit harder. Come on Naushad, it makes me sad when I know you can do so much better!

Anyway, ''Huns Walo Ko'' is great to listen too, but the classic Babul song is ''Milte Hi Ankhen''. That song made me buy the album, but it's the only one that really got me.

The second side is better. It has nice duets like ''Nadi Kinare'' sung by Shamshad Begum and Talat Mahmood and ''Kisi Ke Dil Men'' sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum. I really like the vocal combinations in both of these songs. I find that they compliment each other well.

The tragic Dilip Kumar song, ''Mera Jeevan Sathi'' has to be my second favorite, with Talat Mahmood's striking vocals and great melody.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Panchhi Ban Men
2. Talat Mahmood: Husn Walon Ko
3. Shamshad Begum: Na Socha Tha Yeh
4. Talat Mahmood & Shamshad Begum: Milte Hi Ankhen
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Lagan More Man Ki
6. Shamshad Begum & Chorus: Chhod Babul Ka Ghar

Side 2
7. Shamshad Begum & Talat Mahmood: Duniya Badal Gayi
8. Shamshad Begum & Chorus: Dhadke Mera Dil
9. Talat Mahmood, Shamshad Begum & Mohd. Rafi: Nadi Kinare
10. Shamshad Begum: Jadoo Bhare Nainon Men
11. Shamshad Begum & Lata Mangeshkar: Kisi Ke Dil Men
12. Talat Mahmood: Mera Jeevan Sathi

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3 .5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Babul

Naushad: Ram aur Shyam (1967)

2008-01-22T22:15:00.008-05:00

I don't have lots to say about the Ram aur Shyam record except that the cover of the album is great but most of the songs are disappointing. It's as if Naushad is using an old formula that doesn't work anymore or maybe he was just tiered and didn't put much effort into it . In the 60's Ram aur Shyam is nothing compared to his classics like Leader(1964) or Ganga Jumna(1961).

There are two songs I like on the record. The first one is ''Dhire Dhire Bol Koyee Sun Lega'' mainly because it's the most danceable song on the record, but honestly it doesn't get me moving. Oh! By the way, if you watch the video, the main female dancer is the golden head bobber in Gumnaam's ''Jen Penchan Ho''.

The second song that I find acceptable is ''O Balam Tere Pyar Ki Thandi Aag Men''. It has a nice melody

There is no spark to this album. I couldn't even listen to the hole thing in one go. I hope that you enjoy this album more then I did, I know it's supposed to be a classic.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Aaj Ki Raat Mere Dil Ki Salami Lele

2. Asha Bhosle, Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Dhire Dhire Bol Koyee Sun Lega

3. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: O Balam Tere Pyar Ki Thandi Aag Men

Side 2

4. Lata Mangeshkar: Maine Kab Tumse Kaha Tha

5. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Main Hoon Saaqi Tu Hai Sharabi

6. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Aayee Hai Baharen Mite Zulmo Sitam

7. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Aaj Sakhi Ri More Piya Ghar Aaye Re

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Naushad Ram aur Shyam

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Humjoli (1970)

2008-01-17T09:24:00.000-05:00

I picked this album next because I just watched Om Shanti Om (Main Hoon Na was better) . The "Dhoom Tana" sequence had a few references to Humjoli. Obviously when Sharukh Khan is playing badminton is refers to "Dhal Gaya Din". But there is also the costume that Deepika Padukone wears in the sequence that is inspired by Mumtaz in the "Tik Tik Tik Mera Dil" song. OK, enough about that, let's talk about the songs of Humjoli.

The music is very integrated into the movie. Like the first song uses the sounds that the girls shout, from each team, when they are playing a game. The song is even called "Hu Tu Tu Tu". Also in "Dhal Gaya Din" the sound of the bird (badminthon ball) hitting the racket is integrated in the song. In "Chai Shuru Hoja" the sound of the caracters hitting the other men is present in teh music.

If "Tik Tik Tik Mera Dil" is supposed to be the vamp song, this is the most innocent one I have ever heard. It's ok, it has like a 5 seconds wacky instrumental break. I can give it that.

"Yeh Kaisa Aya Zamana" is an annoying song at first because you have no idea what is going on, but once you know that there are 3 parts to the song you get it. The first is the older generation, the second music from the 50's and then last is the coolest and newest music.

My favorite on the album is "Haye Re Haye"

I liked the soundtrack, but from a light and fun point of view. It's not meant to be good music, it's simply music to entertain, basically it's bubble gum. Humjoli is Bollywood's version of 60's teen movies.

Tracks:

Side1
1. Asha Bhosle, Kamal Barot & Chorus: Hu Tu Tu Tu
2. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Haye Re Haye
3. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Dhal Gaya Din

Side 2
4. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Tik Tik Tik Mera Dil
5. Mukesh, Kishore Kumar & Mehmod: Ye Kaisa Aya Zamana
6. Mohd. Rafi & Kishore Kumar: Chai Shuru Hoja

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Laxmikant Pyarelal Humjoli

Satish Bhatia: Boond-Jo-Ban-Gayi Moti (1967)

2008-01-11T16:07:00.000-05:00

I am almost certain, unless I am misinformed, that this is the only music composed by Satish Bhatia for films. So if you like his work, well this is the only thing that you get. The core of his music is not the rhythms instead he focuses on the melodies and the vocals.

My favorite song on the album is "Ankhiyan Tarsan Lagi" because of the the mix of great music and the vocals. It sounds like something in between southern and northern indian regional music.

As I was saying the vocals are the core of the melodie. Aspecially in songs like ''Han Main Bhy Pyar Kiya'' where the femal vocals go over the male one's.

For a few songs on the record the vocals are by Suman Kalyanpur, she wasn't hired to sing for films because many thought that she sounded a lot like Lataji and was only imitating her. The first time I heard her voice I knew it wasn't Lata Mangeshkar because Kalyanpur's is softer and less powerful. Anyway, I guess it doesn't help your singing career if you sound like someone else.

Also, there is a little taste of some jazzy rock'n'roll in songs like ''Lovely Lovely Hai Sama'' and ''Meri Zindgi Ek Khwab Hai'' (the intro is great!) .

Overall, it has a few good songs, but nothing that makes me want to comeback and listen to it again.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle & Manna Dey: Boond-Jo-Ban-Gayi Moti

2. Suman Kalyanpur: Ankhiyan Tarsan Lagi

3. Mukesh: Yeh Kaun Chitrakar Hai

4. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Lovely Lovely Hai Sama

Side 2

5. Asha Bhosle: Meri Zindgi Ek Khwab Hai

6. Mukesh & Suman Kalyanpur: Han Main Bhi Pyar Kiya

7. Suman Kalyanpur: Kya Maine Preet Me Paaya
8. Suman Kalyanpur: Dil Mera Gum Sum

Lyrics: Bharat Vyas

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Satish Bhatia Boond-Jo-Ban-Gayi Moti

Update

2008-01-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

Hello Hello! Here are some more updates.

Click on the links here to see the old posts (Awaara and Mughal-E-Azam)

click on the links beside the album covers to download. (Mp3 's at 192 kbps)

Shankar Jaikishan: Awaara

Naushad: Mughal-E-Azam

Enjoy! More coming soon!

O. P. Nayyar: Phagun (1958/1989)

2008-01-05T20:25:00.000-05:00

Now this is one I like. I love this entire album (It has 12 songs). I don't think everyone will, because it's really for the 50's fans. It can be dull if you like the wacky and weird, but give this one a listen, you might be delightfully surprised.

Even tough it's not as musically detailed or refined as some more classical inspired soundtracks, I am attracted to it's simplicity.

The title music at the beginning is a dramatic intro. (that should be required for all hindi films).

The classic, "Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya" comes next. It is also the theme of the soundtrack, and can be heard in the "Title Music","Piya Piya Piya" and "Teer Yeh Chup Ke". It's the fist time I have heard a theme in old hindi cinema. They have it all the time now, but it is especially used in western classical scores.

The dramatic start and mainly the chorus at the end of "Barso Re" make it stand out a bit. Also enjoyable are"Chhun Chhun Ghungroo Bole" and "Teer Yeh Chup Ke".

The song I least like is "Shokh Shokh Aankhen". I don't know why, but I noticed it was the most western inspired, with it's guitar and accordion.

The end of the 50's was a peek for Asha Bhosle's voice. It's great on this album.

Here is a modern remake of "Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya". Oh, god! I think I will stick with the 1958 version.

Enjoy the album and leave me your comments!

Track

Side 1
1. Title Music
2. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya
3. Asha Bhosle: Sun Ja Pukar
4. Asha Bhosle: Chhun Chhun Ghungroo Bole
5. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Ja Meri Chhod De Kalahi
6. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Shokh Shokh Aankhen

Side 2
7. Asha Bhosle: Piya Piya Piya
8. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Tum Rooth Ke Mat Jana
9. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Main Soya Aankhiyan Meeche
10. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Barso Re
11. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Bana De Bana De Prabhuji
12. Asha Bhosle: Teer Yeh Chup Ke

Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: O. P. Nayyar | Phagun

Shankar Jaikishan: April Fool (1964/1970)

2007-12-28T12:12:00.000-05:00

The very versatile Shankar and Jaikishan team bring us the lovely and mildly jazzy April Fool .

I don't usually fall for the "love songs", but this time I did with "Meri Muhabat". It has great melody and wins it's place as my favorite on the record. And guess what, it's sung by my favorite playback singer Mohd. Rafi, that's a plus! But, I must add that none of the songs on the album really wowed me at all, I was kind of disappointed.

The songs that stand out a bit are the "Title Music" and the attractive and soft "Aa Gale Lag Ja" .

I haven't seen the movie but there seems too be the image of a modern and independent woman (in a swimsuit, drinking and dancing) in the film which is represent in"Mera Naam Rita Christina" as a fun and westernised song. I also think it is a disguise in the movie, so she dresses like a vamp, but I can't be sure.

I also enjoy "April Fool Banaya" which is the most upbeat and fun song on the record.

Sorry, but overall this record doesn't do anything for me.

* If you watch the clip, this guy has the best sweaters ever.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Title Music

2. Mohd. Rafi: Aa Gale Lag Ja

3. Lata Mangeshkar: Mera Naam Rita Christina

4. Mohd. Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur: Tujhe Pyar Karte Hain

5. Mohd. Rafi: Meri Muhabat Pak Muhabat

Side 2

6. Mohd. Rafi: Kehdo Kehdo Jahanse Kahdo

7. Lata Mangeshkar: unki Pehli Nazar Asar Kargaye

8. Mohd. Rafi: April Fool Banaya

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan April Fool

Update

2007-12-23T19:43:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone ! I updated these files. They are 192kbps MP3's instead of 97kbps WMP files.

For files just click on the link beside each album cover, or click on the usual link on the albums old post. (Posts: Barsaat, Namak Halaal or Navrang)

Links:

Shankar Jaikishan: Barsaat

Bappi Lahiri: Namak Halaal

C. Ramchandra: Navrang

More uptades of old albums I posted will be coming at the soonest in the new year. Until then, enjoy!

Shankar Jaikishan: Janwar (1965) ep

2007-12-22T21:16:00.001-05:00

Janwar has some great tracks (I wish I had the hole album, but you can get an extra song that isn't on the ep at Eastern eye).

* I am putting this on up just to see if I finally have files that are of a normal standar (192 kbps) (and especially if litlgrey can ok me) and then I will put up all the albums on the parties, sarees and melodies blog at that bit rate. Anyway I will continue about Janwar...

It best knows for "Dekho Abto" which is a hindi remake of "I want to hold your hand" from the Beatles. It's a good song, but there are some unknown playback singers (well to me). They are S. D. Batish and S. Balbir, if anyone knows a bit of info on these guys it would be great to hear it.

"Lal Chhadi" and "Tumse Achha" are fun as well.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Lal Chhadi

2. Mohd. Rafi: Meri Mohabbat

Side 2

3. Mohd. Rafi, Asha Bhosle (S. D. Batish & S. Balbir) & Chorus: Dekho Abto

4. Mohd. Rafi: Tumse Achha

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Janwar

Shankar Jaikishan: Barsaat (1949/1973)

2007-12-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

Barsaat is Shankar's and Jaikishan's first movie score. Not only was this movie a hit, but it established Raj Kapoor and his team as one of the best movie makers of the 50's.

Many songs on this album. Not all great, but still good. The classic "Mujhe Kisi Se Pyar Ho Gaya" is one of my favorites. As well as "Barsaat Men Ham Se Mile" which are the songs that stand out on the record.

"Palti Kamar Hai" is most appreciated, while watching the film. The longing village girl (played by Nimmi) sadly waits the return of her lover, but in a parallel montage, you see he is dancing with an other woman without any care in the world. Great use for a song in a flick.

Great duet, "Chhod Gaye Balam" Lata and Mukesh's vocals are great. Again, this is better while watching the film. This is not the case of the film being better that the soundtrack, it's just that the images and the songs really do complete each other.

I also enjoy "Ab Mera Kaun Sahara", even if it is a sad song. Well when you thing about it about 90% of the film, the characters are kind of depressed. It's melancholic (Not as much as Aag, but still) and a romantic view of despair and seeing no hope, but looking and singing really well as you do it.

I recommend this soundtrack , but I recommend the film (because you have both) more. Also because the imagery (especially the lighting) is brilliant.

Tracks

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Jiya Baqarar hai
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Mujhe Kisi Se Pyar Ho Gaya
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Palti Kamar Hai
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Bichhde Hue Pardesi
5. Mohd. Rafi: Zindagi Men Hardam

Side 2

6. Lata Mangeshkar: Hawa Men Udta Jae
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Ab Mera Kaun Sahara
8. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh : Chhod Gaye Balam
9. Lata Mangeshkar: Meri Aankhon Men Bas Gaya
10. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Barsaat Men Ham Se Mile

Lyrics: Hastrat Jaipuri, Shailendra, Jalal Malihabadi & Ramesh Shastri

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Barsaat

Shankar Jaikishan: Awaara (1951/1966) ep

2007-12-01T10:27:00.000-05:00

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Ab Raat Guzarne Wali Hai
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Dam Bhar Jo Munh Phere

Side 2
3. Lata Mangeshkar: Ek Bewafa Se Pyar Kiya
4. Mukesh: Awara Hoon

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

For music and more, see Awaara

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Bobby (1973) ep

2007-12-01T10:16:00.000-05:00

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Shailendra Singh: Main Shair To Nahin
2. Chanchal: Bashak Mandir Masjid Todo

Side 2
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Shailendra Singh: Chabi Kho Jae
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Ankhiyon Ko Rahne De

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

For music and more, see Bobby

Bappi Lahiri: Namak Halaal (1982)

2007-11-30T18:17:00.000-05:00

Namak Halaal was my first Bappi Lahiri record. I like his music no matter how cheesy it gets. He is the beat master and he knows how to make amazing dance tunes. He takes chances and makes wild music, heavily inspired by disco and western music of the time.

The intro to the record is great. And the first song,"Pag Ghunghroo Baandh" is a classic. Lots of funky beats and a few synthesizers. Kishore Kumar (50's actor and singer) took home the 1983 filmfare award for best playback singer for this song.

"Raat Baaqi Raat Baaqi" has some diologue by "Shashilicious" (expression taken from Post-Punk cinema club) and the male vocals are sung by the composer Bappi Lahiri .

A nice duet, "Aaj Rapat Jaayen To" is a charming and more traditional song, compared to the others.

Amitabh's drunken song, "Thodisi Jo Pee Lee Hai" has a catchy tune.

And, the last song (I know only 5) "Jawani Jan-E-Man" is disco inspired. I like the guitar solo near the end of the song.

I noticed that what I like the most in every song, it's the instrumental parts. Lahiri knows how to intertwine the basic song then he takes the melody somewhere else and then comes back, all with great ease. Anyway, great record overall.

For info on the movie check out:
- Filmigeek review
- PPCC's review
- Bollybob's page

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Pag Ghunghroo Baandh
2. Asha Bhosle, Bappi Lahiri & Shashi Kapoor: Raat Baaqi Baat Baaqi

Side 2

3. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: Aaj Rapat Jaayen To
4. Kishore Kumar: Thodisi Jo Pee Lee Hai
5. Asha Bhosle: Jawani Jan-E-Man

Lyrics: Prakash Mehra & Anjaan

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Bappi Lahiri Namak Halaal

C. Ramchandra: Navrang (1959)

2007-11-10T15:49:00.001-05:00

C. Ramchandra made Navrang's soundtrack as colourful and grandiose as the movie. There is no Lata Mangeshkar (queen of the fifties as the usual female voice for C.Ramchandra) too be found. Instead C. Ramchandra chose her sister, Asha Bhosle. Her voice on this album is magnificent from beginning to end.

Especially with songs like "Kari Kari Andhiyari Thi Raat", "Are Ja Re Hat Nat Khat", "Adha Hai Chandrama Raat Adhi" and my favorite "Tu Chhupi Hai Kahan".

This is one of my favorite C. Ramchandra albums, I only know the hindi one's (and I'm still looking for my favorite, Nirala). He started his career for Tamil and Marathi films, I would love to hear them. He is definitely on my top 5 composer list, because of his versatility, from classical to rock'n'roll or jazz, he is great to listen too. But if we come back to Navrang, it's a great album.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle & C. Ramchandra: Kari Kari Andhiyari Thi Raat
2. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Are Ja Re Hat Nat Khat
3. Asha Bhosle: Aa Dil Se Milale

Side 2
4. Asha Bhosle & Manna Dey: Tu Chhupi Hai Kahan
5. Mahendra Kapoor: Shyamal Shyamal Baran Komal Komal Charan
6. Asha Bhosle: Tum Mere Mai Teri
7. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Adha Hai Chandrama Raat Adhi

Lyrics: Barat Vyas

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: C. Ramchandra Navrang

Naushad: Andaz (1949/1971)

2007-11-10T15:35:00.000-05:00

I liked, Andaz, the movie (mostly because the cast comprises of the 3 greatest hindi actors of all time, Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Nargis, all in one film) but the music not so much. Frankly, I was disappointed. Usually Naushad delivers, but sadly not this time.

The songs aren't worth mentioning one at a time. The album in it's entirety is boring and feels flat. The only two songs that are acceptable, are the first and the last. ''Jhoom Jhoom Ke Nacho Aaj'' is a classic, then the last one and my favorite is ''Dar Na Mohabbat Karle''. Is it just me or I can't hear any piano, yet in the film (young and skinny) Dilip Kumar is playing that instrument. Ah whatever, I don't care because this is a great Shamshad Begum and Lata duet. I love it when they sing together.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Mukesh: Jhoom Jhoom Ke Nacho Aaj
2. Mukesh: Tu Kahe Agar
3. Mukesh: Toote Na Dil Toote Na
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Tod Diya Dil Mera
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Koi Mere Dil Men

Side 2
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Uthaye Ja Umke Sitam
7. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Yun To Apas Men Bigadte
8. Mukesh: Hum Aaj Kahin Dil Kho Baithe
9. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Meri Ladli
10. Lata Mangeshkar & Shamshad Begum: Dar Na Mohabbat Karle

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Naushad Andaz

Shankar Jaikishan: Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960)

2007-11-10T15:28:00.000-05:00

I got this one a while back and I didn't listen to it until about a few weeks ago. I was delightfully surprised that I liked it. But I prefer listening to the record without the videos that go with each song.

Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai's main character, Raju, played by Raj Kapoor, makes his living by singing.

The first song ''Mera Naam Raju'', great up beat start, with a great melody and a funky intro that adds a slight Arab twist.

''Kya Hua'' is a nice Lata and Asha duet.

I had already heard ''Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai'' on a compilation album, so this was the only song I knew before listening to the entire record. I wasn't disappointed, all the songs seem to have a link that makes the album great as a hole. (Here is an extended beginning with good music that is not on the album.)

Next is the playful ''Ho Main Ne Pyar Kiya'' and then after is ''Pyar Kar Le'' which I find boring.

''Ham Bhi Hain Tum Bhi Ho'' (or as I like to call it, aka Hoy hoy!) is great fun.

I didn't like this ''Begani Shadi Men Abdulla Diwana'' at first, it grows on you.

We have the classic ''O Basanti'' which is the sad song on the album.

The record ends with ''Aa Ab Laut Chalen'', one word, wow. What makes this song special is the descending female vocals with the ascending chorus in the back. I think it sounds great in a kind of creepy good way.

Good album overall.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mukesh: Mera Naam Raju
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Asha Bhosle: Kya Hua
3. Mukesh: Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Ho Main Ne Pyar Kiya
5. Mukesh: Pyar Kar Le

Side 2

6. Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt, Mukesh, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Ham Bhi Hain Tum Bhi Ho
7. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Begani Shadi Men Abdulla Diwana

8. Lata Mangeshkar: O Basanti Pavan

9. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Aa Ab Laut Chalen

Lyrics: Shailandra

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan| Jis Desh Men ...

Shankar Jaikishan: Amrapali (1966/ 1979)

2007-11-10T15:09:00.000-05:00

Amrapali was a flop when is was released in 1966. But I don't really know why? And weirdly enough, it was picked for India's entry as best foreign film for the Oscars.

Sticking with the theme of high class prostitutes. Amrapali is basically considered the same thing as Umrao Jaan but higher class and from a different time (about 500 B.C.). She is a Nagar Vadhu (bride of the city) and lives with the royals.

This is one of my favorite Shankar Jaikishan soundtracks. It's a little known gem. And I haven't seen the movie, but the music is definitely not the cause for it's bad luck at the box office.

I prefer the second side with ''Tadap Yeh Din Raat Ki'', ''Nacho Gao Nacho'' and the wonderful instrumental ''White Dress'' (I listened too it over and over again)

I also like "Neel Gagan Ki Chhaon" that is on the first side. The other two tracks are ok, but I don't find myself listening to those much.

Too bad that Shankar and Jaikishan didn't decide to put the instrumental bit when Amrapali has a dance battle. Here is the clip . It's intense and kind of funny, so enjoy!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Jao Re Jogi
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Tumhen Yaad Karte Karte
3. Lata Mangeshkar: Neel Gagan Ki Chhaon

Side 2
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Tadap Yeh Din Raat Ki
5. Chorus: Nacho Gao Nacho
6. Instrumental: White Dress Dance

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Amrapali

Khaiyyam: Umrao Jaan (1981)

2007-11-10T14:53:00.000-05:00

The soundtrack of Umrao Jaan centers on the character of a female poet/tawaif (high class prostitute) from the1840's. She was born into a normal family but is kidnapped by her uncle and sold too a brothel. Never the less, she becomes highly educated, and also trained in dance (Kathak) and song. Throughout the movie the songs are mainly used too describe Umrao Jaan's her inner thoughts, mostly her sadness that she expresses trough her performances.

The poetess is praised for her lyrical genius and that is what, I find, stands out in the songs. Written by Shahryar, the language he uses is manipulated with great precision. Very interesting to listen too (if you can't understand Hindi or Urdu, like me, here are the lyrics).

The most popular songs are the classics,''Dil Cheez Kya Hai'' and ''In Ankhon Ki Masti'', here is the sample of the lyrics of the second.

...
There are thousands of legends attached to these eyes
There are thousands of legends
The lust of these eyes

You are not the only one alone
You are not alone in love with me, disgraced
In love with me, disgraced
In this city, like you
In this city, there are thousands of madmen like you
There are thousands of madmen
There are thousands intoxicated by the lust of these eyes
The lust of these eyes

Only I, only I
Only I serve liquor with my eyes
Serve with my eyes
To say it, in the world
To say it, in the world there are thousands of bars...

My favorite songs are actually the less known .''Kahe Ko Byahe Bides'' and ''Pratham Dhar Dhyan-Raag Mala'' in which Umrao Jaan learns too sing.

This is definitely not an album that can get you out of the blues, but more of a romantic view of despair, love and hate. Great classical inspired music.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle: Dil Cheez Kya Hai
2. Asha Bhosle: Justuju Jiski Thi
3. Jagjit Kaur: Kahe Ko Byahe Bides
4. Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Shahida Khan & Runa Prasad: Pratham Dhar Dhyan-Raag Mala

Side 2
5. Asha Bhosle: In Ankhon Ki Masti
6. Talat Aziz: Zindagi Jab Bhi
7. Asha Bhosle: Yeh Kya Jageh Hai Dosto
8. Asha Bhosle: Jab Bhi Milti Hai
9. Shahida Khan: Jhoola Kinne Dala

Lyrics: Shahryar

Stella_1's score : 3.5/5

Get the music now: Khaiyyam Umrao Jaan

Requests

2007-11-02T22:31:00.000-04:00

Hi, I am sorry for being so slow these past months. It's just that I am a student and I don't have much time too upload my records. But I have some time in my schedual in the week of the 12th of november 2007. And I haven't chosen which ones too upload next. So basically, just write the names of the records and your requests. If I have them, I will make them a priority. Thanks for your patience

Stella_1

Naushad: Leader (1964)

2007-10-16T15:50:00.001-04:00

Naushad has some suprises on this album. Leader brings changes in his style that is defined mostly by indian classical and folk music. This soundrack is like Naushad à la S .Dev Burman.

Aspecially, with songs like ''Mujhe Dunyawalo Deedar Hai'', ''Ajkal Shauqe'', ''Hameen Se Mohabbat'' , and ''Aj Hai Pyar Ka Faisla''.The first one is more jazzy and typical 60's bollywood. The last one has a simple melody but is accompanied by a wacky video. It's great stuff.

But you still can hear the old Naushad, in''Ek Shahinsha Ne Banavake'' also mostly in the instrumental intro to ''Dayya Re Dayya'' which is, by far, the best song on the album. S. Dev Burman takes those horns as an intro to the song Hothon Pe Aisi Atba , three years later in Jewel Thief (1967)

What makes Leader special and a good soundtrack too some and a bad soundtrack too others, is the fact that it mirrors the transition between the old 50's bollywood and the new jazzy rock'N'roll sounds of the 60's. It's not really one or the other. I personally am also a bit in between, I don't love it, and I don't hate it. But it sure is a classic worth listening too. Tell me what you think.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Tere Husn Ki
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Ek Shahinshah Ne Banavake
3. Mohd. Rafi: Mujhe Dunyawalo Deedar Hai
4. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Ajkal Shauqe

Side 2
5. Asha Bhosle, Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Dayya Re Dayya
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Aj Hai Pyar Ka Faisla
7. Mohd. Rafi: Hameen Se Mohabbat
8. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Apni Aazadi Ko Ham

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Leader

Naushad: Amar (1954/1977)

2007-09-22T11:17:00.000-04:00

I know, an other one from Naushad, Amar is a pretty good soundtrack. There are few of the songs that I really got addicted too. The first is ''Tere Sadqe Balam'' it sounds great and also means something. In short, in means, take advantage of every happy moment because you never know if you will have an other like it. The second I am addicted too is ''Na Shikwa Hai Koi'' , I just love to listen to it. I wish I knew what it meant? (probably something sad)

All the songs have female vocals except for one. "Insaf Ka Mandir Yeh" is not even sung by Dilip Kumar's character, yet it describes his emotional struggle. It's a good song, but I find it more meaningful when I watch the clip.

No sitars for poor Nimmi's songs. "Oodi Oodi Chhai Ghata" is playful."Umangon Ko Sakhi" is nice, and the village song "Ek Baat Kahoon Mere Piya" is boring.

For "The sad songs" like "Na Milta Gham To" and "Janewale Se Mulaqat", I like "Radha Ke Pyare Krishna Kanhai" the best.

Basically this album is for people who like sweet soft melodies. Tell me what you think.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Oodi Oodi Chhai Ghata
2. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Insaf Ka Mandir Hai Yeh
3. Asha Bhosle: Radha Ke Pyare Krishna Kanhai
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Umangon Ko Sakhi
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Janewale Se Mulaqat
6. Dance Music

Side 2
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Tere Sadqe Balam
8. Asha Bhosle: Ek Baat Kahoon Mere Piya
9. Lata Mangeshkar: Khamosh Hai Khewanhar Mera
10. Lata Mangeshkar: Na Shikwa Hai Koi
11. Lata Mangeshkar: Na Milta Gham To

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Amar

Naushad: Kohinoor (1960/1978)

2007-08-24T13:46:00.000-04:00

Sorry, not much to say about Kohinoor, the title means Diamond by the way, besides that it's sweet. It's not Naushad's best work, it's nothing compared to "Baiju Bawra" and "Mughal-E-Azam"

The playback singers are great. I enjoyed the first track "Jadoogar Qatil" , it's a mix of melodies as well as a mix of sounds caused by the of indian and western instruments. But my favorite on the album is "Tan Ragloji Aaj Man Ranglo" , a beautiful duet sung by Lata and Mohd. Rafi (my favorite male playback singer). The last song, "Madhuban Men Radhika Nache" also deserves mention, it's a 2 part "grand finale" that is great to listen too, what I like about it is the tabla that embellishes the accelerating rhythm.

If you watch the clips, Dilip Kumar is great , it really looks like he is playing the sitar. It's so rare too see the actors actually playing the instruments or at least imitating realistically a musician.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Asha Bhosle : Jadoogar Qatil
2. Lata Mangeshkar : Dil Me Bajin pyar Ki Shehnaiyan
3. Mohd. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus : Tan Rangloji Aaj Man Ranglo
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi : Do Sitaron Ka Zamin Par

Side 2
5. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi : Koi Pyar Ki Dekhe Jadoogari
6. Mohd. Rafi : Dhal Chuki Sham-E-Gam
7. Mohd. Rafi : Madhuban Men Radhika Nache - Part 1
8. Mohd. Rafi : Madhuban Men Radhika Nache - Part 2

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Kohinoor (there are only 7 tracks, because 7 and 8 are together)

Rahul Dev Burman: Teesri Manzil (1966)

2007-08-24T12:08:00.000-04:00

I decided to put Teesri Manzil up even if Music from the Third Floor (Teesri Manzil means Third Floor by the way) already did, but it's not available to download on his blog anymore, so I just wanted to make this classic accessible again, as soon as I could.

The film stars Shammi Kapoor, which is a 60's rock'n'roll teen Idol, he's a mix between Elvis and the Beatles. Teesri Manzil is a classic by Rahul Dev Burman. It's a romantic and fun soundtrack with an experimental twist that is powered by a big range of musical instruments.

The first track is a great instrumental song, it's a wacky mix of spy movies, horror movies and rock'n'roll soundtracks in one. It's one of the best first tracks on a bollywood vinyl ever! It really sets the right mood and atmosphere for the popular "Aaja Aaja". Well, it's officially called "Main Hoon Pyar Tera" it's a Hindi rock'n'roll classic. (If you like Gunaam from Ghost World this is for you!)

Next is "Deewana Mujhse Nahin" a love song that doesn't boar you because it's playful. Like Guide witch is by his father many of the songs on the record include the dialogue. Pitche Pitche Pitche!

Gentle ladies? No wonder she says shut up idiot! And when "Main Inpe Marta Hoon" finally begins, there is a great upbeat tune with some yelling that bring a more experimental feel, a little bit like the Broadway classic West Side Story from 1961 (Cool). Sorry Burman, but it's this song just isn't as "cool".

Rahul Dev Burman starts with the drums on "O Haseena" and "Tumne Mujhe Dekha". The first is a really great duet and the second a slower love song.

"O Mera Sona" is another great duet, one of my favorite's on the album.

Please leave your comments, I know you are going to like this one.

*Extra* If you want some interesting info on this or other bollywood movies there is a great web site called Planet Bollybob!
Also there a site by a professor at the University of Iowa with some info on the movie and actors Philip's fil-ums: notes on Indian Popular Cinema.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Title Music
2. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Main Hoon Pyar Tera
3. Mohd. Rafi: Deewana Mujhse Nahin
4. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Main Inpe Marta Hoon

Side 2
5. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: O Haseena
6. Mohd. Rafi: Tumne Mujhe Dekha
7. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: O Mera Sona
8. Music

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Rahul Dev Burman | Teesri Manzil

Shankar Jaikishan: Chori Chori (1956/1975)

2007-07-24T19:03:00.002-04:00

By the time Chori Chori was released the Raj Kapoor and Nargis couple was over. But that didn't affect the music, the Shankar Jaikishan team did very well. They basically defined the sound of the golden age of the Bollywood, the 50's. From Barsaat in 1949 to Jish Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai in 1960. The musical duo even won Chori Chori a filmfare award for best soundtrack.

The most popular Chori Chori songs are the romantic "Aaja Sanam" and "Jahan Main Jaati Ghar" (which is represented on the back of the Lp). They are both charming.

"Man Bhavan Ke Ghar" is for people who like the Mangheskar sisters duet in Azad, but this one in Chori Chori is even better. It was one of my favorites when I first got into Bollywood.

Weirdly enough I would always skip "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" because I didin't like the into. Then one day I let it play a little bit longer and it's now one of my favourites.

"Rasik Balma" is a beautifully sung song by Lata. I love the sitar, which is a rare instrument on the album.

"Us Paar Sajan" is good, it's sounds like some Indian folk.

A good cheerful first song,"Panchhi Banoon Udit Phiroon" makes me think a little bit of Madhumati.

Sorry if all I'm saying is how good the songs are, well that's really what I think and "Sawa Lakh Ki Lottery" is great. I love the duets on the Lp.

"All Line Clear" it good , but it's just weird after hearing an emotional song like Aaja Sanam, and then have this comical tune. It's the one I least like.

The last song, "Thillana" rocks. It's classical, but folk. It sticks out a lot from the rest of the album. I like what's different. I can't describe it, well you just have to hear it for yourselfs. Let me know what you think of it!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Panchhi Banoon Udit Phiroon
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey: Aaja Sanam
3. Mohd. Rafi: All Line Clear
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Sawa Lakh Ki Lottery
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Rasik Balma

Side 2
6. Manna Dey & Lata Mangeshkar: Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi
7. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Us Paar Sajan
8. Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey: Jahan Main Jaati Ghar
9. Lata Mangeshkar & Asha Bhosle: Man Bhavan Ke Ghar
10. M. L. Vasanthakumari: Thillana

Lyrics: Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Chori Chori