Archive for the ‘K L Saigal Non Film Songs’ Category
Jhulnaa jhulaao
Posted on: September 17, 2011
This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
Well, then folks, we come to the time to wind up this series. Today is the penultimate post, of the set of all Hindi/Urdu recordings of Saigal Saab that are available anywhere. Let us take a look as some numbers. This is the 37th non-filmi song that is being posted today. This completes the set of all the non-film songs that are now available on this blog. Of these, 26 items are ghazals by eminent poets, and 11 are songs in the semi classical tradition of Hori, Jhoolaa, Thumri, and Bhajans.
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This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
The mystery of Saigal Saab’s mastery over music and singing will probably never be fully understood. Without a formal training regime from a dedicated master, the fact that he has accomplished what we know, one has to, but acknowledge an inner illumination and a divine gift.
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Hari binaa koi kaam na aayo
Posted on: September 15, 2011
This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
The saga of Saigal Saab is known based on the memories that have been treasured by his family members, friends and associates. There is very little written documentary record of his life available, in terms of journals, letters or interviews. His departure at a young age of 43 years, did not allow an opportunity that many famous persona have, of writing or authorizing a biography, as they reach into the later decades of their lives. Very little, if any, is available in terms of written articles etc. from the 15 years (1931-1946) that he was in the limelight for the entire nation. His music, and the collection of anecdotal memories, is the legacy remaining, with which to know and fathom this extraordinary performer.
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This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
Pankaj Mullick fondly remembers his time and interactions with Saigal Saab. In the year 1931, Pankaj Mullick was associated with India Broadcasting Company, as a vocalist and a music trainer. This company ran the Calcutta Radio Station, (prior to the advent of All India Radio). One evening, Pankaj Da found a young gentleman in the waiting room for visitors. When asked about why he was there, the young man introduced himself as Kundan Lal Saigal, from Jalandhar, and said that he aspired to sing for the Calcutta Radio Station. Impressed with the winsome manner and a voice that enchanted, even as he spoke, Pankaj Da took him to meet NN Majumdar, the director of programs. An audition was arranged immediately. Pankaj Da writes, “. . . For its charming melody and rhythm, distinct pronunciation and neat articulation, embellished with an exceedingly sweet and melodious nasal tone, the audition emerged as something really superb. Mr. Majumdar arranged to broadcast Saigal’s song from the Calcutta Station that very night, and asked the young man to join straight away as a regular artist of the company”.
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Kete din aur kete din
Posted on: September 13, 2011
This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
The mention of Saigal Saab’s name evokes emotions of despondency and the sounds of a broken heart. He is mostly remembered for the sounds of melancholy songs, the tragic role of Devdas, the ghazals brimming with the stark philosophies of life, and the heart rending swansong ‘Jab Dil Hi Toot Gayaa. . .’ of the romantic Shahjehaan. And so it may surprise many a music an cine lovers, that Saigal Saab’s first forays in the arena of acting were in comedy roles.
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Main jo dinan ki thhoree
Posted on: September 11, 2011
This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
Kidar Sharma ‘Hasrat’, the famous lyricist, writer and filmmaker, recounts his association with Saigal Saab, while working on the film Tansen and Bhanwara. It was early 40s, and Saigal Saab was still associated with the New Theatres in Calcutta on a contract basis. Chandulal Shah of Ranjit Movietone (Bombay) planned the film Tansen, and the obvious choice for the title role was Saigal Saab. After some negotiations with New Theatres, Chandulal Shah obtained permission for having Saigal Saab work temporarily with Ranjit Movietone. The understanding was for a fixed period of time, and not for completing an assignment.
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Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
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