Pee Kahaan Pee Kahaan. . . Gaaye Jaa Baawre
Posted on: December 1, 2014
This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a contributor to this blog.This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
While at school, he was nicknamed ‘Matinee Show’ by his classmates. And here is why. One or more times a week, he would play truant from his home. Climbing down from his first floor room, after he had been sent to bed, and the rest of the family was asleep or getting ready to sleep. He would make a beeline to a nearby cinema theatre, and watch the night shows of the films then currently showing. Sometimes it would also be films from Hollywood. The next day at school, he regaled his classmates with the stories of the films he saw. And not just simply the stories, he would play act some of the scenes to the delight of his friends. And so they nicknamed him ‘Matinee Show’.
This young boy went on to become one of leading producer-director in the Hindi film industry.
Remembering K Amarnath on the anniversary of his birth today (1st December). And it is really special, since today is the centennial celebration of his birth.
He was born this day in 1914, in the town of Mianwaali, which is now in Pakistan. The anecdote described above underlines the young Amarnath’s passion for acting and films. He dreamt of being on the big screen, emulating the likes of Wallace Beery, Douglas Fairbanks, Ronald Colman, Paul Muni, Rudolph Valentino, Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable and other big stars of the 1920’s and 1930’s. His desire for making his dreams true got an added impetus from a statement made by one of his teachers at school, Shri Parmaatma Singh. Speaking to the students one day in the class, Parmaatma Singh ji told the students that if they wanted to be successful make something big for themselves in their lives, they must explore the world outside this small town where they lived. Taking it to heart, the dream of going to the then famous centers of film production began taking shape in this heart.
He completed his schooling, and then went on to Lahore for a technical course at the Craik Technical School. Being in Lahore, which was the budding center of film production in North India, how could studies keep him away from the studios and film production companies. He would frequent these places and even got recruited to appear as an extra in some films. His mind finally made up, he returned home, and shared his decision to leave Mianwaali, and proceed to Calcutta, to capture and make big his dreams. With a treasure of seventy five rupees in his pocket, he boarded the train to Calcutta.
With his handsome looks and an attractive personality, his first trials were to become an actor on screen. A year’s struggle in Calcutta did not bear any fruits and he decided to head to Bombay. More years of struggle and odd jobs, and he acted in some films. Not in lead roles, but as a character actor thus far. Maybe, he was hoping for a big break to come his way soon. But destiny had something else written for him.
In 1936, he was given a chance to direct a film. The title is ‘Matwaali Jogan’, produced under the banner of Metro Movietone, Bombay. After this assignment, with one contact leading to another, and he got introduced to Mohanlal T Shah, and his nephew Ramniklal N Shah, of Mohan Studios, and started working there as an assistant director in 1936-37 time frame. One day, the regular director of a film in progress, did not come for the scheduled shooting. Ramniklal, being aware of young Amarnath’s background and passion, asked him to be the director for the day. Amarnath took on the task, went through the paperwork, completed the shooting plan for the day, completely managing the floor from the other side of the camera. His purposeful handling of the day’s work, his quick uptake of the content of that day’s scenes, his interactions with all the team members both in front and behind the camera, and his instructions for getting the things done for the day, so verily impressed the Shah brothers, that he got finally his big break – albeit not as an actor, but as a director. He was assigned the responsibility of being the director of the next film from Mohan Studios. With a slightly different shade of color, his dreams finally started getting fulfilled.
His destiny tied to Mohan Pictures, he got assigned further south, to Madras, the home of Tamil film production. From 1937 to 1939, he directed six Tamil films for Mohan Pictures – ‘Danger Signal’, ‘Pucca Rowdy’, ‘Minnalkodi’, and ‘Veer Ramani’ (all 1937); ‘Bhagya Leela’ in 1938 and ‘Jayakkodi’ in 1939 – quite a major accomplishment for a person who did not know Tamil to start with. Of these, ‘Minnalkodi’ and ‘Veer Ramani’ became quite successful at the box office in their time. And he was just 24 years of age when he directed the four Tamil films listed above in a single year (1937).
His success as a director, brought him back to Bombay to start working on mainstream films coming from Mohan Pictures. Starting with 1939, and on to 1942, he directed a string of seven films for Mohan Pictures, all of them stunt thrillers. Starting with ‘Midnight Mail’ in 1939 and up to ‘Zevar’ in 1942, the interim titles are ‘Bahadur Ramesh’ and ‘Chashmawaali’ in 1939, ‘Taatar Ka Chor’ and ‘Captain Kishori’ in 1940, and ‘Bulbul e Baghdad’ in 1941. He directed actors who were to go on and make a big name for themselves in later years – Lalita Pawar, Yakub, Jayant, S Nazir, Indu Rani, Vatsala Kumthekar, Jeevan, Hiralal, and more. By the time he was 26, he became the highest paid film director in the film industry.
Working as a director, he soon realized that the “director of a movie” was like the “captain of a ship”. It gave him more scope to utilize his talents in all aspects of movie-making. His versatility and creativity came to fore and he also wrote some of the stories and scenarios. Being a director gave him the chance to be involved in the entire pre-production, production and post production aspect of the movie – right from choosing the actors, music directors, lyricists, selecting shooting locations, giving visual details for indoor sets, choosing different genre-appropriate costumes – to coaching the actors, working with the make-up artists & lighting technicians, listening to the musical compositions and finally overseeing the editing of the movie. From inception to completion it was “his” movie – he loved it and took “great pride” in his achievement.
From there on, he turned an independent director, and worked with many banners. In 1953, he setup his own production company – K Amarnath Productions. Over a period of three and half decades, he directed, produced and directed and co-produced and directed 40 films – an accomplishment that tells of his energy and his prolific output. He has to his credit such hit films like ‘Gaon Ki Gori’ (1945), ’Mirza Sahiban’ (1947), ‘Bazaar’ (1949), ‘Laila Majnu’ (1953), ‘Bara Dari’ (1955), ‘Naya Andaz’ (1956), ‘Baraat’ (1960), ‘Bada Aadmi’ (1961), ‘Kabli Khan’ (1963) and ‘Ishara’ (1964).
He had a keen ear for music, and the above listed films boast of such fabulous hit songs like
– “Kis Tarah Bhoolega Dil Unka Khayaal Aaya Hua” (‘Gaon Ki Gori’, 1945)
– “Haath Seene Pe Jo Rakh Do Qarar Aa Jaye” (‘Mirza Sahiban’, 1947)
– “Sajan ki Galiyan Chhod Chale” (‘Bazaar’, 1949)
– “Bhor Suhaani Aayi” (‘Beqasoor’, 1950)
– “Chal Diya Kaarwaan, Lut Gaye Hum Yahaan” (‘Laila Majnu’, 1953)
– “Aasmaan Waale Teri Duniya Se Jee Ghabra Gaya” (‘Laila Majnu’, 1953)
– “Aa Ki Ab Aata Nahin Dil Ko Qaraar” (‘Mehbooba’, 1954)
– “Tasweer Banaata Hoon Tasweer Nahin Banti” (‘Baara Dari’, 1955)
– “Bhula Nahin Dena Ji Bhula Nahin Dena” (‘Baara Dari’, 1955)
– “Meri Neendon Mein Tum Mere Khwaabon Mein Tum” (‘Naya Andaz’, 1956)
– “Chori-Chori Dil Kaa Lagaana Buri Baat Hai” (‘Badaa Bhai’, 1957)
– “Muft Huye Badnaam Kisise Haaye Dil Ko Lagaa Ke” (‘Baaraat’, 1960)
– “Ankhiyan Sang Ankhiyaan Lagee Aaj” (‘Badaa Aadmi’, 1961)
– “Chalo Jhoomte Sar Se Baandhe Kafan” (‘Kabli Khan’, 1963)
– “Dil Beqaraar Sa Hai” (‘Ishaara’, 1964)
– “Chal Mere Dil Lehra Ke Chal” (‘Ishaara’, 1964)
– “Mohabbat Ki Kahaaniya Sunaane Lagi Hain Jawaaniyaan” (‘Wo Din Yaad Karo”, 1971)
A life that was spent in pursuit of passion and a peerless legacy that he has left behind as heritage. Four decades, so many films, so much wonderful music, and so many careers – his creations and his helping hand, touching so many lives and so many minds. He passed away at 68 in May of 1983.
For this centenary celebration, I present this rare melody from ‘Chhed Chhaad’, a 1943 film he directed. This was most likely his first film as an independent director after his long stint with Mohan Pictures. The film is produced under the banner of Hind Pictures. There is limited information available for this film. The known cast of actors is listed in Geet Kosh as Sitara, Nazeer, Gope, Majid and Rajkumari. Music direction is by Mushtaq Hussain. The 10 songs listed for this film come from the pens of two songwriters – Tanveer and Rajjan. This song is written by Tanveer. The singing voice is that of GM Durrani.
Once again, a warm salute to the memory of this stalwart producer-director-showman of the Hindi film industry. The memories – as always – are for keeping alive. Listen and enjoy.
[Note: The above article uses adapted material from the main web site here, created by Manju ji, in the honor of her father Shri K Amarnath, plus other internet resources.]
Song-Pee Kahaan Pee Kahaan. . . Gaaye Jaa Baawre(Chhed Chhaad)(1943) Singer – GM Durrani, Lyrics – Tanveer, MD – Mushtaq Hussain
Lyrics
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
gaaye jaa baawre
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
gaaye jaa baawre
mann mein naach rahi hain umangen
mann mein naach rahi hain umangen
naach rahi hain
naach rahi hain
hothon pe muskaane
hothon pe muskaane
mast pawan par naach rahi hain
baansuriya ki taanen
mast pawan par naach rahi hain
baansuriya ki taanen
tu naache sab duniya naache
tu naache sab duniya naache
soye raag jagaaye jaa
gaaye jaa baawre
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
gaaye jaa baawre
tere gumchon ke geet
tere nainon mein neer
tere gumchon ke geet
tere nainon mein neer
teri paayal mein raag
teri saansen hain aag
teri paayal mein raag
teri saansen hain aag
teri paayal mein raag
teri saansen hain aag
isi thaath se aag lagaaye jaa
gaaye jaa baawre
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
gaaye jaa baawre
pee kahaan
pee kahaan
pee kaha..aa..an
—————————————–
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
—————————————–
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
गाये जा बावरे
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
गाये जा बावरे
मन में नाच रहीं हैं उमंगें
मन में नाच रहीं हैं उमंगें
नाच रहीं हैं
नाच रहीं हैं
होठों पे मुसकानें
होठों पे मुसकानें
मस्त पवन पर नाच रहीं हैं
बांसुरिया की तानें
मस्त पवन पर नाच रहीं हैं
बांसुरिया की तानें
तू नाचे सब दुनिया नाचे
तू नाचे सब दुनिया नाचे
सोये राग जगाए जा
गाये जा बावरे
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
गाये जा बावरे
तेरे गुमचों के गीत
तेरे नैनों में नीर
तेरे गुमचों के गीत
तेरे नैनों में नीर
तेरी पायल में राग
तेरी सांसें हैं आग
तेरी पायल में राग
तेरी सांसें हैं आग
तेरी पायल में राग
तेरी सांसें हैं आग
इसी ठाठ से आग लगाए जा
गाये जा बावरे
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
गाये जा बावरे
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ
पी कहाँ॰॰आं
13 Responses to "Pee Kahaan Pee Kahaan. . . Gaaye Jaa Baawre"
December 2, 2014 at 3:00 am
WOW !!!
Amazing tribute to my dad on his 100th Birth Anniversary !!
Thank you so much, Sudhir ji !!
And thank you for uploading such a rare song !!
Enjoyed both, the article and the song.
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December 2, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Dear Manju ji,
I am glad you like this post. As Madhu ji has said in her comment, memories are to be kept alive.
I was wanting to post a song that would be new for your collection also. After some search, I am able to locate two songs of this film, both in the voice of GM Durrani. I tried to search for earlier songs, but without success so far. I will continue searching.
Thanks for your appreciation.
Rgds
Sudhir
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December 2, 2014 at 8:51 am
Thank you Sudhir. Mohanlal T. Shah was Ramniklal N. Shah’s paternal uncle.
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December 2, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Dear Salim ji,
Many thanks for the correct information. I have updated the write up accordingly. It is important that such information should be accurate, as more people will refer to it.
Thanks again,
Rgds
Sudhir
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December 2, 2014 at 9:42 am
Thank you so much for keeping your promise to write about my father on his 100th birth anniversary
The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them.
“Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower, we will grieve not; rather find strength in what remains behind”-William Wordsworth
And what remains behind is a treasure trove of music, photos and information which people like you and Manju Amarnath have faithfully and lovingly collected over the years and shared with the world.
Thank you once again.
Madhu
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December 2, 2014 at 10:48 am
We too appreciate such items. It is a rare moment to remember our mother Indurani who talked about the movies she starred under the direction of your father.
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December 2, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Dear Salim ji,
Thanks again, for your comments of appreciation.
Also, I am glad that we got connected with you. We hope to continue this communication.
Rgds
Sudhir
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December 2, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Dear Madhu ji,
Thanks for your comments of appreciation. I am glad that we feel the same way about preserving memories and the heritage, that have been bequeathed to us by great men like your father.
Rgds
Sudhir
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December 2, 2014 at 11:58 am
Very informative post on Amarnath ji.BTW the song -Tasveer Banata Hoon was from Baradari and not from Gaon Ki Gori.Am I right ?
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December 2, 2014 at 1:10 pm
Rakesh ji,
Thanks for your comments.
Yes, the original text of the post contained the error you are indicating. It has already been corrected.
Rgds
Sudhir
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December 7, 2014 at 9:24 pm
Thanks Sudhir ji for informative write up! Is the lyricist Tanveer same as Tanveer Naqvi?
Regards,
Umesh
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Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
December 2, 2014 at 12:19 am
The video can not be open. It says ‘This video is private’.
Rectify please, as Durrani is my favorite singer and I collect his songs religiously.
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December 2, 2014 at 1:07 am
Bharat ji,
Apologies; the video has now been made public.
Rgds
Sudhir
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