Ye kaisa surmandir hai jismein sangeet nahin
Posted on: January 29, 2009
“Prem Nagar” (1974) was a movie where the reigning male superstar and the biggest female star were brought together in the same movie for the first time. Perhaps the hype was too much, or may be the contents were not good enough. Whatever the reasons, this movie failed at the box office despite the presence of Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini.
But the songs of this movie were memorable. S D Burman was the music director and Anand Bakshi had written the lyrics for these songs.
This particular Lata song is one whose first line was played a lot in Radio Ceylon Aaphi ke geet programme when advertisement of “Prem Nagar” would be played. I found this song boring.
Now, after more than three decades, I have listened to this song carefully, getting its lyrics right in the process, and now I realise that it is an absolutely wonderful song. So wonderful I find it now that I have decided to post this song ahead of better known songs from this movie.
Just listen to the song, carefully following the lyrics. The words are beautiful, and they express the feelings of Hema Malini so well. I have not watched the movie, but from what I can guess, Hema Malini is married into a family with big palace but narrow minds where they do not
allow creativity and artistry to blossom, and Hema Malini founds herself suffocated. This song is her way of giving vent to her feelings.
I hope my readers will correct me if my interpretation of this song needs to be corrected. In the meanwhile, enjoy this beautiful song.
Audio
Video
Song-Ye kaisa surmandir hai jisme sangeet nahin (Prem Nagar) (1974) Singer-Lata, Lyrics-Anand Bakshi, MD-S D Burman
Lyrics
ho
Ye kaisa
Ye kaisa surmandir hai jisme sangeet kahin
Ye kaisa surmandir hai jisme sangeet kahin
geet likhe deewaron pe
ho
geet likhe deewaron pe gaane ki reet nahin
Ye kaisa surmandir hai jisme sangeet kahin
Ye kaisa
Bina teri meri jaise ek kahaani
Bina teri meri jaise ek kahaani
is ghar me ham dono ki kisine kadar na jaani
Bina teri meri jaise ek kahaani
is ghar me ham dono ki kisine kadar na jaani
tera bhi koyi meet nahin
tera bhi koyi meet nahin
mera bhi meet nahin
Ye kaisa surmandir hai jisme sangeet kahin
moorat rakh dene se kya mandir ban jaata hai
moorat rakh dene se kya mandir ban jaata hai
yoon hi pada rahne se sheesha paththar ban jaata hai
wo pooja kaisi pooja hai
wo pooja kaisi pooja hai jisme preet nahin
Ye kaisa surmandir hai jisme sangeet kahin
geet likhe deewaron pe gaane ki reet nahin
Ye kaisa surmandir hai jisme sangeet kahin
Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
January 29, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Atul, I saw this movie quite a while ago so my narration may be a bit off but let me try anyway.
Rajesh is a rich young man, totally “aiyaash” type. Partying, drinking (“bye bye miss good night”) types.
During one of his bashes, he happens to save the “izzat” of Hema in a hotel (she has gone there for a job interview and the guy tries to act smart with her).
She feels very grateful – and sees that beneath this “aiyaash” lifestyle is actually a decent guy. Sh stays on as his “governess” at his place and tries to reform him.
His brother is Prem Chopra (who actually is eyeing all the wealth and quite likes the fact that his brother is like this, irresponsible and not interested in property). (Wife : Bindu).
He does not like Hema’s attempts to reform his brother. She, on the other hand, sees through these games and is persistent in her efforts.
This song, if I remember right, is during a more despondent moment when she is misunderstood. She just vents out her feeling through this song.
As the story develops, Rajesh begins to change. He promises not to touch alcohol…he falls for Hema…there is a dream song “kiska mahal hai, premnagar hai ye apna”….some misunderstanding happens…he sings “ye lal rang”….
Finally of course, all’s well that ends well.
I know I am hopeless at story-telling – you need Greta for this ;-).
But anyway, this is what I can remember. May have got the odd piece wrong but the gist is this, I think.
LikeLike