Nainon ki nagri mein aa ke
Posted on: December 26, 2011
- In: "Aankh" song | Ameerbai Karnataki songs | Artist century song in blog | Blog century song | Century songs for the blog | Feelings of heart | Guest posts | Post by Sudhir | Rare song | Songs of 1940s (1941 to 1950) | Songs of 1946 | Translation by Sudhir | Translations by readers | Yearwise breakup of songs
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This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
Welcome all to the 5200th offering on this blog. An enchanting journey that continues to grow from strength to strength, has reached another landmark today. It seemed just like yesterday that we hit the 5000 mark (it was on 13th November), and lo, we are already 200 songs even beyond that magic number today. Congratulations to all, and especially to Atul ji, for being the consistent driving force behind this effort. Besides being the 5200th post, this write up also celebrates the century of songs on this blog, by the music director Hansraj Behl.
An irony of life, that the name Hansraj Behl evokes no visions of fame and grandeur, and no recognitions to name. In current writings and in current context, this name is clubbed with the category of B/C grade films, probably lost out on the opportunities to be engaged by any major production banner. And yet, in the years from 1948 to 1956, Hansraj Behl’s name was counted amongst the top music directors in the industry, so much so that his choice was the writ for singing assignments. The time period – sometimes in 1948-49. Recording session for the duet song ‘Uss Chaand Se Pyaare Chaand Ho Tum’(Raat Ki Raani-1949) is in progress. The rehearsals were being conducted with Mukesh (yes, Mukesh) and Lata Mangeshkar. During the rehearsals, the music director felt that Mukesh’s voice is not suitable for the song. On spot decision, and Mukesh is replaced by Rafi Saab – the song finally recorded as a Rafi-Lata duet. Or the year 1949-50, and the recording sessions in progress for film ‘Khamosh Sipahi’ (1950). The song ‘Meri Lut Gayee Duniya Pyaar Ki’ – the singing voice that of a newcomer called Kapoor. Again, in rehearsals, the voice is not suitable for the song. The time is near midnight, and the music director sends for Mohammed Rafi. Rafi Saab is asleep at home, but he wakes up and heads for the recording studio. The session continues in the night, and the recording is finally completed at 7 am in the morning. Or even the song “Dil Todne Waale Aa. . .”(Raat Ki Raani-1949) ), where the original singer Asha Bhosle was replaced at the last moment by Lata. Such was the standing of Hansraj Behl at one time in the industry. And his word a command that was obeyed by the singers and film producers alike.
Born on 19th November, 1916 in Ambala, not much is known about his early years. Except that he learnt music at a young age, and his Guru’s name is Pt. Chunnilal (of Ambala). After completing his education, he moved to Lahore, and established a music school in the respected ‘Anarkali’ shopping area. At this time he used to plan and present music programs on stage. HMV noticed this young talent and in the year 1942, he released a few non-filmi records. The film bug bit him, and he came over to Bombay in 1944, to build a career for himself, as a music director. The initial years were a struggle – unsuccessful trials at Bombay Talkies, assistant to Pt. Gobindram for one film under the banner of Prakash Pictures, a short 15 days job at Navyug Chitrapat in Pune. The turning point came in the year 1946, and he landed three assignments as an independent composer. The films – ‘Pujari’, ‘Gvaalan’, and ‘Phulwaari’. The music was good and appreciated, however the films were not commercial successes. And then a foothold finally, at Ranjit Movietones in 1947. Khemchand Prakash was the main music director at Ranjit, and in a trial for assistants, Hansraj Behl’s compositions were considered the best out of a lot of 45 aspirants. And Hansraj Behl got his first regular job. ‘Chheen Le Azaadi (1947) was his first independent assignment at Ranjit. A Mukesh – Shamshad Begum duet from this film “Moti Chugney Gayee Re Hansi. . .” was one the most successful songs for that year. This was followed by ‘Duniya Ek Sarai’ (also 1947) which was written and directed be Kidar Sharma. In this latter film, he recorded one song in the voice of Meena Kumari “Maa, Dekh Ri Maa, Badli Hui Jawaan”. There followed a string of successes that established him as a force in music direction – ‘Chunariyaa’ (1948), ‘Chakori’ (1949), ‘Karwat’ (1949), ‘Zevraat’ (1949), ‘Raat Ki Raani’ (1949), ‘Bahurani’ (1950), ‘Gulnar’ (1950), ‘Khamosh Sipaahi’ (1950), ‘Kisi Ki Yaad’ (1950) – the list is impressive. ‘Apni Izzat’, ‘Resham’ and Moti Mahal in 1952, ‘Dost’, ‘Khaiber’ and ‘Lal Pari’ in 1954, ‘Darbaar’ and ‘Shah Behraam’ in 1955, and so on. The film ‘Chunariya’ (1948) is also the debut film for Asha Bhosle. Asha ji sang her first song (not a solo) “Saawan Aayaa Saawan Aayaa Saawan Aayaa Re” with Geeta Dutt and Zohrabai Ambala under the baton of Hansraj Behl.
His productivity was averaging an impressive 4 to 5 films a year from 1946 through 1956. And although he continued to give hit music, his assignments came down to 1 or 2 films per year, on through 1966. Yet, one can still count on the quality of music, for even in this period (1957-66) he churned out hit music for films like ‘Changez Khan’ (1957), ‘Miss Bombay’ (1958), ‘Saawan’ and ‘Milan’ in 1959, ‘Gul-e-Bakaawali’ (1963), ‘Ek Din Ka Baadshah’ (1964), ‘Sikandar-e-Azam’ (1965) and ‘Sunehraa Jaal’ (1966). For each of the films listed above, one can list out the songs that simply superb having grade A music. The score for “Jahaan Daal Daal Par Sone Ki. . .” from ‘Sikander-e-Azam’ (1965) is agreeably a song forever.
In 1953-54, he set up a film production company, along with his brother Gulshan Behl. The banner is called NC Films, named so after his father Nihaal Chand Behl. Over the period of 1954 to 1966, they produced 10 films including names like ‘Lal Pari’ (1954), ‘Mat Qalandar’ (1955), ‘Changez Khan’ (1957), ‘Miss Bombay’ (1958), ‘Saawan’ (1959) and ‘Sikandar-e-Azam’ (1965). The list is duly impressive and so is the music, even now after more than four decades.
Hansraj Behl’s music carries clear hallmarks of an innovator and experimenter. The song “Keh Rahi Hain Dhadkane Pukaar Ke” from ‘Lal Pari’ (1954) is a delightful melody based on guitar. The use of echo in the song “Haaye Jiaa Roye. . .” from Milan (1959), has made this so impressive. And further, he himself narrates the anecdote for the song from ‘Saawan’ (1959). For the song “Nain Dwaar Se Mann Mein Samaa Ke” he wanted to use the echo for Mukesh. The sound recordist seriously objected, saying that Mukesh’s voice is already heavy and carries a lot of bass. But Hansraj Behl insisted and had his way. The song eventually turned out to be so impressive – for it is being performed on screen by Bharat Bhushan, who is tending sheep in a valley, a perfect situation for an echo.
In parallel to his commanding presence in the Hindi cinema, he also composed for Punjabi cinema, and ruled the roost in that segment for the years 1949-66. His combined output for Hindi and Punjabi cinema is about 125 films over a period of 1946 to 1980. He passed away on 20th May, 1984, after a brief battle with cancer.
Coming to this song, and the film. The film is ‘Pujaari’. It is produced by Ardeshir Irani, the same person who produced and directed “Alam Ara” (1931), the first talkie Hindi film. It is produced under the banner Ardeshir M Irani Productions, Bombay, and is directed by Aspi Irani. The star cast includes Mumtaz Shanti, Masood, Bipin Gupta, Mustafa, PD Lal, Yashwant Dave, Anita Sharma, Tasneem, Baby Mumtaz (Madhubala) etc. The film has songs contributed by two lyricists – Pt. Indra and Wali Saheb. This particular song is written by Wali Saheb.
With this song, a new voice is introduced on this blog, that is of Pt. Feroze Dastoor. Pt. Feroze is a renowned classical singer and musician from the Kirana Gharaana, and a disciple of the esteemed KhanSaheb Abdul Karim Khan. His career is spread over six decades, and was the professor of Hindustani classical music at the University of Bombay, since the inception of department in 1969. (He passed away in 2008).
The song is a duet sung by Feroze Dastoor and Amirbai Karnatataki. A superb composition, it has been equally well rendered by the two artists. The many different ways that Amirbai renders the line, ‘Chaley Jaanaa Naa’ is simply enchanting. Enjoy this wonderful composition by Hansraj Behl.
nainon ki nagri mein aa ke
chaley jaanaa naa, kar ke bahaanaa
(Now that)
You have come to dwell in my eyes
Please do never leave
Not on any pretext
sapnon ki duniya basaa ke
chaley jaanaa naa, kar ke bahaanaa
(Now that)
We have together built this dreamland
Please do never leave
Not on any pretext
dil ki lagi ko bhujaayegaa pyaasaa
panghat pe aa ke nahin jaayegaa pyaasaa
deepak pe aa ke nahin jaataa parwaanaa
One whose heart is smitten
He will always try to find succor for it
A thirsty traveler at a well
How can he leave without quenching his thirst
A moth, he does not leave
After having come to the flame
aankhon se aankh mili, dil se milaa dil
taaron ki chhaainyaan mein aa ke zaraa mil
Our eyes have met
And so have our hearts
O dear, do come to meet me
In the light of stars
kyaa kahegaa zamaanaa
(O do be mindful)
What this world will have to say
Song-Nainon ki nagri mein aa ke (Pujaari)(1946) Singers-Amirbai Karnataki, Feroz Dastoor, Lyrics-Wali Sahab, MD-Hansraj Bahl
Lyrics
nainon ki nagri mein aa ke
nainon ki nagri mein aa ke
haaan
nainon ki nagri mein aa ke
chaley jaanaa naa
ho chaley jaanaa naa
kar ke bahaanaa
kar ke bahaanaa
hoooooo chaley jaanaa naa
ha chaley jaanaa naa
sapnon ki duniya basaa ke
haan sapnon ki duniya basaa ke
chaley jaanaa naa
ho chaley jaanaa naa
kar ke bahaanaa
kar ke bahaanaa
hoooooo chaley jaanaa naa
ha chaley jaanaa naa
dil ki lagi ko bhujaayegaa pyaasaa
haaan
haaaaaaaaan
dil ki lagi ko bhujaayegaa pyaasaa
panghat pe
panghat pe aa ke nahin jaayegaa pyaasaa
panghat pe
panghat pe aa ke nahin jaayegaa pyaasaa
deepak pe aa ke nahin jaataa parwaanaa
aaa
chaley jaanaa. . . naaaa
chaley jaanaa naa
chaley jaanaa naa
kar ke bahaanaa
chaley jaanaa naa
ho chaley jaanaa naa
kar ke bahaanaa
kar ke bahaanaa
hoooooo chaley jaanaa naa
ha chaley jaanaa naa
aankhon se aankh mili
dil se milaa dil
haan haan dil se milaa dil
aankhon se aankh mili
dil se milaa dil
haan haan dil se milaa dil
taaron ki chhaainyaan mein
aa ke zaraa mil
haan haan aa ke zaraa mil
taaron ki chhaainyaan mein
aa ke zaraa mil
haan haan aa ke zaraa mil
kyaa kahegaa zamaanaa
kyaa kahegaa zamaanaa
chaley jaanaa. . . naaaa
chaley jaanaa naa
chaley jaanaa naa
kar ke bahaanaa
chaley jaanaa naa
ho chaley jaanaa naa
9 Responses to "Nainon ki nagri mein aa ke"
December 26, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Fantastic read, Sudhirji.
It is as if the entire life and career of Hansraj Behl is unfolding in front of my eyes.
I have heard the odd song of Hansraj Behl (of course the classics “jahaan daal daal pe” and “mohabbat zinda rehti hai”) but your write-up tells us so much more about his work and the variety of artistes that he gave a chance to.
I was not even aware that Meena Kumari has sung in films. I just checked and it looks like she has sung a few songs for Bulo C.Rani.
http://www.earthmusic.net/hindi-film-songs.php?singerid%5B%5D=mkf&singermtype=exact
I checked the stats and I don’t find any songs sung by Meena Kumari. Or is this singer a different Meena Kumari from the actress? Kindly shed some light – and if possible it would be good to have some of these songs on the blog here.
Thanks for yet another fantastic write-up.
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December 27, 2011 at 11:10 am
Raja ji
Thanks for your appreciation, I am glad you like this article.
Yes, Meena Kumari the actress, has sung a few songs in her earlier years. I will try to locate and post a few. 🙂
Rgds
Sudhir
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December 27, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Here is the one song I have located. ‘ Sawaan beet gayo re’ sung by Meena Kumari in DUNIYA EK SARAI (1947), lyrics by Kidar Sharma, MD: Hansraj Behl.
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December 27, 2011 at 12:20 pm
One more song of Meena Kumari. “Aataa hai dil pe pyaar kyun” from film BICHADE BALAM (1948), lyrics : Pandit Indra, MD : Bulo C Rani.
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December 27, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Thanks Sadanand ji
I will try to post them soon. 🙂
Rgds
Sudhir
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December 26, 2011 at 7:25 pm
And of course congrats to Atul for the 5200th and congrats to Hansraj Behl saab for joining the 100-club here.
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Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
December 26, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Sudhir ji,
An excellent writeup giving a picture of HRBehl’s career.
It has been a habit of Bollywood to brand Artists,like they branded Daan Singh as “Unlucky composer’,and H R Behl as a B/C grade film composer,despite he giving some memorable songs and lilting melodies.
The credit of giving the First Solo song to Asha Bhosale,in 1949 also goes to H R Behl.
Even in this film,” Pujaari “,he gave an opportunity to Baby mumtaz,who later became Madhubala,to sing her first song “Bhagwan mere pyar ke deepak ko jalaa de “.Incidentally,this is probably the only available song of Madhubala today(on You Tube).
When H R Behl came to Bombay in 1944,he first assisted Pt.Govindram and then he was an assistant to composer Rashid Atre and also Khemchand Prakash,before ‘Pujari’ happened.
A very good article indeed.(as usual ! )
-AD
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December 27, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Arun ji
Thanks, and I am glad to read your message.
🙂
Rgds
Sudhir
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