Champakali hai udaas
Posted on: September 23, 2011
This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
I came across this gem of a sweet song of sadness today, and have simply fallen in love with it. Very simple words, very simple composition, and such effortless but impressive rendering by a voice that should merited to be known and heard more than it actually is.
The singing voice is that of Hameeda Baano. The slow and soft music is by Hansrah Behl, and the wonderful lyrics are by Pt. Indra. It is a short song by any measure, but oh what a stirring and magnificent melody has come about in this performance.
The film is another of those lesser known releases from the 40s. It is a costume drama titled ‘Chheen Le Azaadi’ (1947), produced by Ranjit Movietone, Bombay, and is directed by Aspi. The star lineup includes Veena, Ghulam Mohammed, S Hasan, Altaaf, Amarnath, Rajendra Singh, Khursheed (Jr.) etc. Today is the first time I read about this film. I would request other knowledgeable readers to add more information about this film and the roles played by various artists.
Only the audio of the song is available online. But oh, such a lovely treat to listen to this voice – it sounds so fresh, despite being recorded more than six decades ago. Enjoy this veritable gem of a song, by a forgotten artist, and from a forgotten movie.
Song-Champakali hai udaas (Chhen Le Azaadi) (1947) Singer-Hameeda Bano, Lyrics-Pt Indra Chandra, MD-Hansraj Bahl
Lyrics
champakali hai udaas
champakali hai udaas
champakali hai udaas
bhanwraa na aaye paas
bhanwraa na aaye paas
roop hai rang hai joban bharaa hai
roop hai rang hai joban bharaa hai
bhari hui hai suvaas
bhari hui hai suvaas
bhanwraa na aaye paas
bhanwraa na aaye paas
champakali hai udaas
champakali hai udaas
kaun kami hai mujh mein bhanwre
kaahe karat niraas
kaun kami hai mujh mein bhanwre
kaahe karat niraas
bhanwraa na aaye paas
bhanwraa na aaye paas
champakali hai udaas
champakali hai udaas
phoolon ke gaalon mein laali bhari hai
phoolon ke gaalon mein laali bhari hai
champakali teri peeli padi hai
champakali teri peeli padi hai
piyaa milan ki aas
piyaa milan ki aas
champakali hai udaas
champakali hai udaas
Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
September 23, 2011 at 11:27 am
Sudhir ji,
CHHIN LE AZADI(1947),was made in 1947 early part,when India’s Independence was in sight.However,to be on the safe side,the story was a veiled one,not attacking any perticular enemy directly,and they also made it a Costume drama,to be safer further.It was a story of people’s mutiny against a Zulmi kingdom,under British raj,and the Hero-Ghulam Mohd.-dies in the end.His lover Veena carries the flag further etc.
This film had Veena and Ghulam Mohd as a lead player.Our readers may be knowing about Veena,but info about Ghulam Mohd is not available easily anywhere.hence I shall give some info.
He started his career with Imperial from 1932 to 1938.
Ghulam Mohd started as a villain in MADHURI-1932.This is the same film whose songs were published as recorded songs first time in India.From 1933 he started as a Hero in Daku ki Ladki.Then he went to Lahore to Dalsukh Pancholi,on his invitation.From 42 to 45 he did films like Khandaan,Zamindar and Shirin Farhad and returned to Bombay.
In Bombay he did about 20-25 films,includingSanyasi,Jugnu,Lakhon me ek,Heer Ranjha,Chhin le Azadi etc.Then he migrated to Pakistan.
In CHHIN LE AZADI,there is a song ‘Kamzoronki nahin hai Duniya’ sung in 2 parts by H.Faruqi(more info about this less known singer of 40s is given on 3-9-2011 with the song Jeevan hai anmol-Lakhon mein ek).
This song became very popular with the Freedom fighters of India,during the last phase of our Freedom struggle in 1947.
-AD
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September 23, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Thanks a lot about this invaluable information about this rare movie.
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