Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs

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.

Songs to Tickle Your Memory – 35
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इकतारा बोले॰॰॰ तुन तुन
क्या कहे ये तुमसे॰॰॰ सुन सुन
बात है लंबी मतलब गोल
खोल ना दे ये सबके पोल
तो फिर उसके बाद
इकतारा बोले॰॰॰ तुन तुन

There is an interesting aside related to this iconic song from the 1970 film ‘Yaadgaar’. This song was originally written as a romantic song with the lines

रात अकेली साये दो
हुस्न भी हो और इश्क़ भी हो
तो फिर उसके बाद

It was selected by Manoj Kumar for his seminal classic ‘Upkar’. Eventually, this song could somehow could not be fitted into the storyline. The song remained in suspended state, till Manoj Kumar revived it three years later, got it modified into a song of social messaging, and included it in his film ‘Yaadgaar’. After spending two and a half decades practically in the wilderness in the industry, here came the first major super hit for the song writer. This surely must be a record of some sorts.

We shall talk of another special and unique record by this artist, in a while. But before that, let me invite you all and congratulate you for the 124^th century of our blog. We are now eight years in the running, and passing through the 9^th. The numbers and averages are now a matter of some standard calculations. Nowadays, the regulars are not so enthused by the regular century markers (‘yawn…’). Especially since we passed the 10K milestone. Since then, the major events have been the 11K and the 12K stations. And the tastes are changing too. The century milestones seem tasteless, and uninteresting. Instead, in recent times, there is a ton of interest around the peculiar and the seemingly unremarkable, which of course turned out to be events of keen anticipation, as well as unexpectedly remarkable. Ah yes, I am talking about the recently passed “artificial” milestones (as Atul ji likes to call them) – the post nos. 12345 and 12357. In fact, on the way, we missed some interesting dates, as pointed out by dear Avadh Lal ji. This month i.e. September of 2016 is a very interesting month. After a long time we have a month in which the month number and the year number are perfect squares. And then what does this do to some days in this month. Yes, you guessed it right. Some days in this month are perfect squares. E.g. 4^th September, 2016, written as 4-9-16 – you see, each number is a perfect square of the numbers 2, 3 and 4; three numbers in perfect ascending order. The last such date was 1^st April, 2009 i.e. 1-4-9. So, in fact we missed an opportunity, enormously significant, because it will never, never, ever occur again – the three numbers in the date being perfect squares of numbers in ascending order, (unless of course someone dares to change the calendar to have at least sixteen months). Ah but, yes, I digress. But again, before I get back to the point, just so you know, tomorrow will be 25-9-16. Not in order, but a date with all numbers that are squares, the last such date for the next nine years (1-1-25).

OK, ok, I get back to the point. Yes, 124^th century. That is twelve thousand and 400 songs. I know many of us would be keeping tabs, but just the same. The visitor ticker is just about 50 thousand short of the 8.5 million mark. The blog is going great guns. And the entire team is to be congratulated for that.  A couple of posts back, Atul talked about the slow pace at which we are making progress. But he also added that this circumstance will be changing shortly.

And the celebration for today. It is the century post for the songwriter Verma Malik. A little before I wrote that it took him more than two and a half decades to trump up a super hit song to his credit. The scenario on the blog does not seem to different either. The first post of this enigmatic lyricist came as far back as 2^nd September, 2008 (“Wo Pari Kahaan Se Laaun”, from ‘Pehchaan’, 1970). That is a little over eight years now. Eight years that this gentleman took to complete his first century on the blog. Maybe unlucky, but also very doggedly persistent, and eventually successful, remarkably. Just like in real life.

He was born Barkat Rai Malik, on the day of Baisakhi, 13^th April, 1925, in Ferozepur (Punjab). Another one of those well known but unsung artists about whom not much information is available anywhere. There are references to him being active in the independence movement and writing songs of patriotic fervour. He got a break in writing songs for films with the help of his friend and mentor, Hans Raj Behl. He gave him his first break as a lyricist for the Punjabi film ‘Lachhi’ (1949). The same year, the same friend got him a break in Hindi films, with the film ‘Chakori’. And this friend also gave him a suggestion to change and shorten his name. ‘Barkat Rai Malik’ may not cut much ice with a lot of people. So, at this advise, he shortened his name to Verma Malik.

The first part of his career in Hindi films is the dullest and the most disheartening, if ever there was. Starting in 1949, for the next one dozen years, he could barely manage 49 songs in 24 films; doing just about 4 songs a year. What a life of struggle it would have been for him. As I scanned the list of his songs from this stretch, the only memorable one that I can identify is the famous Talat Mehmood song, “Aaye Bhi Akela, Jaaye Bhi Akela”, from the film ‘Dost’ (1954).

And then, as if this beating by destiny was not serious enough, he passes through another phase, another six years, and no work at all, to his name. After the film ‘Saaya’ in 1961, he has no work in films till 1967. The personal situation literally was that “utensils from the kitchen had to be sold” – ‘बर्तन बिक गए’. In fact, it is on record that he even made an attempt to change his profession, and tried his hand at garments business. But nothing seemed to work in life. And yet, destiny was not yet done with. Starting with the year 1966-67, his stars began to rise once again.

Through his friends, especially Hans Raj Behl, he got to a meeting which turned the tide in his life. He had gone to Famous Studios to meet with director Mohan Sehgal. The meeting did not happen, but chance that day led him to the door of music director Kalyan ji. Providence had a meeting in store for him. Manoj Kumar was present at Kalyan ji Bhai’s house at that time. The chance meeting turned a new leaf in his life. Manoj was an old friend, and was familiar with Verma Malik’s work, especially in Punjabi films. He asked the down-in-time-and luck songwriter to present something new. Work on ‘Upkar’ (1967) was in progress, and Manoj ji was looking for some more songs for his film. Verma Malik presented the lines, listed at the beginning of this article – “Ik Taara Boley”. Originally this song was intended to be a romantic expression of a lovers’ tryst. Manoj Kumar liked the opening lines immediately and commissioned Verma Malik to do the complete song. But as fortune would have it, the song eventually did not make it to the screen in ‘Upkar’. But later, when the film ‘Yaadgaar’ (1970) was conceived, these lines were adapted into a different mood, and what emerged became the theme song of the film. The song that appears in three or four parts in the film, cumulatively runs for more than eight minutes. It became the signature song of the film, and also, became a super hit popular song that was on the lips of the common man. The second phase of Verma Malik’s career was now ascending.

When the luck turns, then other things start to fall in place too. 1967 saw the release of ‘CID 909’ and in 1968 came ‘Dil Aur Mohabbat’, both having music by OP Nayyar. The former had the song “Nadi Ka Kinaara Ho, Paani Awaara Ho” and the latter had the song “Aankhon Ki Talashi De De, Mere Dil Ki Ho Gai Chori”. The two songs became immediate hits. And then followed ‘Yaadgaar’ in 1970. Verma Malik was finally on roll.

1970 turned out to be a watershed year for him. Unprecedented in his career thus far, five films with songs written by him came out this year – ‘Pehchaan’, ‘Saawan Bhadon’, ‘Mujrim’ and ‘Truck Driver’, besides ‘Yaadgaar’. The songs of this films need no introduction. And the icing on the cake was the Filmfare award for best lyrics for the song “Sab Se Bada Nadaan Wohi Hai, Jo Samjhe Nadaan Mujhe” from film ‘Pehchaan’. The tide had truly turned for him.

Let me now tell you about the unique-est record that was created by his songs. In the decades of the 50s, 60s and 70s, the most important benchmark of popularity of songs and artists was – yes, BInaca Geetmala. In the entire history of this iconic radio program, there is only one instance in which the top two songs of the year belonged to the same songwriter. In 1975, that credit went to Verma Malik, when the two songs of film ‘Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan’, viz., “Baaki Kuchh Bacha To Mehngaai Maar Gai” and “Arre Hai Hai Ye Majboori”, both written by him, topped the Binaca popularity chart. There is no other instance in the entire history of this program. The closest one can compare is for the year 1964, when two songs of the film ‘Sangam’ hit the top two positions simultaneously. Albeit, the two songs were written by different songwriters – “Mere Mann Ki Ganga, Aur Tere Mann Ki Jamuna Ka” written by Shailendra, and “Ye Mera Prem Patra Padh Kar” written by Hasrat Jaipuri. And yes, by the way, on way from ‘Pehchaan’ in 1970 to ‘Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan’ in 1975, Verma Malik picked up another (albeit controversial) Filmfare award, that for “Jai Bolo Beimaan Ki” for the film ‘Beimaan’ in 1972.

The list of songs in this period surely makes a head turning appeal. “Priye Praaneshwari, Hridyeshwari” from ‘Hum, Tjm Aur Who’ (1971), “Jo Tum Hansoge To Duniya Hansegi” from ‘Kathputli’ (1971), “Ladki Chale Jab Sadkon Par” from ‘Seema’ (1971), “Pranaam Karo Is Dharti Ko” from ‘Balidaan’ (1971), “Gaya Bachpan To Aayi Jawaani” from ‘Aankhon Aankhon Mein’ (1972), “Ban Ke Dulhaniya Aaj Chali Hoon Main Saajan Ke Dwaare” from ‘Shor’ (1972), “Do Bechaare Bina Sahaare” from ‘Victoria No. 203’ (1972), “Chanda Ki Kirnon Se Lipti Hawaaein” from ‘Intezaar’ (1973), “Balma Hamaar Motor Caar Le Ke Aayo Re” from ‘Anhonee’ (1973), “Raaz Ki Baat Keh Doon To Jaane Mehfil Mein Phir Kya Ho” from ‘Dharma (1973), “Badi Door Se Aaye Hain” from ‘Samjhauta’ (1973), “Hum Bolega To Bologe Ke Bolta Hai” from ‘Kasauti’ (1974), “Sun Baal Brahmchaari Main Hoon Kanya Kunwaari” from ‘Sanyaasi’ (1975), “Tere Ishq Ka Mujh Pe Hua Ye Asar Hai” from ‘Naagin’ (1976), “Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai” from ‘Aadmi Sadak Ka’ (1977), “Chanda Mama Se Pyaara Mera Mama” from ‘Kartavya’ (1979), “Mere Pyaar Ki Umar Ho Itni Sanam” from ‘Waaris’ (1988), and on and on and on – many more can be added to this list.

And to add to the above, he has written songs for 50 Punjabi films, 48 of which celebrated silver jubilees in the regional circuit in North India. Many of his songs of Punjabi films have transcended the label of film songs and have become timelessly popular folk songs. On the Punjabi side of his career, he also has written dialogues and screenplays, and has also composed music for three films.

Verma Malik passed away on 15^th March, 2009.

For today’s celebration, I present this very obscure and very rare Asha Bhosle song from the 1959 film ‘Ek Armaan Mera’. The music is composed by SD Batish. A very catchy sound, that has been rendered with such verve and excitement by Asha ji. Listen and enjoy.

[Note: I must thank Harish Raghuvanshi ji, for providing me detailed information and some earlier published articles on Verma Malik. Harish ji’s inputs and the book ‘Hindi Filmon Ke Geetkar’ by Shri Anil Bhargav, are the primary references for the above post.]

Song – Dil Aap Ka Daulatkhaana, Jab Chaaho Chale Aana (Ek Armaan Mera) (1959) Singer – Asha Bhosle, Lyrics – Verma Malik, MD – SD Batish

Lyrics

dil aap ka daulatkhaana

dil aap ka daulatkhaana
jab chaaho chale aana
ik baar mohabbat kar lo
samjho na begaana
dil aap ka daulatkhaana
jab chaaho chale aana
ik baar mohabbat kar lo
samjho na begaana
dil aap ka daulatkhaana. . .

na pyaar se hum ko dekho
hum aap se sharmaate hain
hum dil nazraana de kar
aadaab bajaa laatey hain. . .
na pyaar se hum ko dekho
hum aap se sharmaate hain
hum dil nazraana de kar
aadaab bajaa laatey hain. . .
ye waqt hai bada suhaana
le lo ye dil nazraana
ik baar mohabbat kar lo
samjho na begaana
dil aap ka daulatkhaana. . .

thodi si mohabbat kar len
sarkaar ijaazat de do
aankhon ki pyaas bujha len
ik baar ijaazat de do
thodi si mohabbat kar len
sarkaar ijaazat de do
aankhon ki pyaas bujha len
ik baar ijaazat de do
dil le ke badal na jaana
is dil ko na thukraana
ik baar mohabbat kar lo
samjho na begaana
dil aap ka daulatkhaana. . .

is dil ko basaa lo dil mein
ehsaan badaa maanenge
kadmon pe jhuka ke sar ko
hum tum ko khuda jaanenge
is dil ko basaa lo dil mein
ehsaan badaa maanenge
kadmon pe jhuka ke sar ko
hum tum ko khuda jaanenge
teri aankehn hain maikhaana
de do bhar ke paimaana
ik baar mohabbat kar lo
samjho na begaana
dil aap ka daulatkhaana
jab chaaho chale aana
ik baar mohabbat kar lo
samjho na begaana
dil aap ka daulatkhaana. . .

———————————-
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
———————————–

दिल आप का दौलतखाना

दिल आप का दौलतखाना
जब चाहो चले आना
इक बार मोहब्बत कर लो
समझो ना बेगाना
दिल आप का दौलतखाना
जब चाहो चले आना
इक बार मोहब्बत कर लो
समझो ना बेगाना
दिल आप का दौलतखाना॰॰॰

ना प्यार से हमको देखो
हम आप से शर्माते हैं
हम दिल नज़राना दे कर
आदाब बजा लाते हैं॰॰॰
ना प्यार से हमको देखो
हम आप से शर्माते हैं
हम दिल नज़राना दे कर
आदाब बजा लाते हैं॰॰॰
ये वक़्त है बड़ा सुहाना
ले लो ये दिल नज़राना
इक बार मोहब्बत कर लो
समझो ना बेगाना
दिल आप का दौलतखाना॰॰॰

थोड़ी सी मोहब्बत कर लें
सरकार इजाज़त दो दो
आँखों की प्यास बुझा लें
इक बार इजाज़त दे दो
थोड़ी सी मोहब्बत कर लें
सरकार इजाज़त दो दो
आँखों की प्यास बुझा लें
इक बार इजाज़त दे दो
दिल ले के बादल ना जाना
इस दिल को ना ठुकराना
इक बार मोहब्बत कर लो
समझो ना बेगाना
दिल आप का दौलतखाना॰॰॰

इस दिल को बसा लो दिल में
एहसान बड़ा मानेंगे
कदमों पे झुका के सर को
हम तुमको खुदा मानेंगें
इस दिल को बसा लो दिल में
एहसान बड़ा मानेंगे
कदमों पे झुका के सर को
हम तुमको खुदा मानेंगें
तेरी आँखें हैं मयखाना
दे दो भर के पैमाना
इक बार मोहब्बत कर लो
समझो ना बेगाना
दिल आप का दौलतखाना
जब चाहो चले आना
इक बार मोहब्बत कर लो
समझो ना बेगाना
दिल आप का दौलतखाना॰॰॰