Tu laali hai sawerewaali
Posted on: April 18, 2012
This article is written by Raja, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
One of the advantages of living through a period (as opposed to reading or hearing about it second-hand) is that you have your own experiences of it that nothing else can quite substitute for. Of course, events may be recorded very accurately for posterity so that future generations get an idea of the past. But it is still not the same thing.
When I read or hear or watch programmes on how grand the build-up for K.Asif’s magnum opus Mughal-e-Azam was, it gives me some idea of it. But somebody who’s actually stood in those queues for tickets or lived in that era is more likely to have better memories of it and know trivia. I wasn’t there then.
The same applies to “my” generation. And when I say this, I usually mean the 1970s (also Atul’s generation, btw).
I vaguely remember the blackouts of the Indo-Pak war of 1971, I have slightly better memories of the oil crisis of 1973 (prices shot up almost overnight!), I have even better memories (better?) of the Emergency of 1975 (and Mujib’s assassination in the same year). And I have very good memories of the Congress wipeout in the general elections of 1977 (by then, I was much more aware of what was going on in the world around me). This was a big discussion point in my class in school, I remember. None of us had known a world without Indira Gandhi as PM, so it was going to be an adventure for us.
Similarly, some of my best cricket memories are associated with Gavaskar, Viswanath, Chandra, Bedi and Prasanna. Not just in Test cricket but also at domestic level with other domestic stars like Padmakar Shivalkar and Rajinder Goel.
The reason I’m talking about all this is to highlight what it means to live through an era. Vishy’s average may be average by today’s standards, not many have heard of Padmakar Shivalkar or Goel – but those Indians who followed cricket in the 1970s may have a slightly different take on them than those who only go by statistics.
Similarly in the film world, there was the colossus Rajesh Khanna who mid-way through the decade handed over the crown to (or more accurately, it was snatched away by) Amitabh Bachchan. In the mainstream commercial stream, there were of course the other big names and regulars – Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Vinod Khanna, Shatrughan Sinha, Shashi Kapoor etc. Acting opposite usually big-name heroines, big sets et al. The overwhelming majority of songs for this stream were sung by Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. The music was often RD or L-P or K-A.
Then there was the “alternate” commercial movie, as I’d like to call it. The “common man’s story” , with the Amol Palekars of this world. They were hits too, they had their audiences. Often with Ravindra Jain’s music, Yesudas and Hemlata were regular voices for this type of movie.
Then there was the “art” movie. One immediately thinks of Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Shyam Benegal. They had their own, very limited following, I would think. At that age, I could not quite appreciate these movies (though I did see Ankur, Nishant and Manthan). When I saw these movies later, I could understand and appreciate them better.
Ok, so maybe this covers all the talked-about output of that period. These are the streams and movies you will hear and read about today.
But what about the not-talked-about output? Are they destined to be consigned to oblivion? Well, hopefully if this blog has anything to do with it, the answer is NO.
This blog has brought to the limelight many a forgotten gem of yesteryear. The term “yesteryear” is relative, of course. If you go to a music shop in India and say you are looking for DVDs of old movies, you are quite likely to be shown a section with Sridevi titles.
It happened to me when I was looking for Shikari (1963). I knew there was a Govinda movie also by that name, so I specifically told the guy on the phone before going to the shop “puraana Shikari, naya waala nahin”. When I went to the store based on his confirmation that he had it, it was the Govinda one. He didn’t have the 1963 one, I’d wasted my time going there. He said “saab, ye puraana hi hai”. I didn’t bother talking about it anymore, there was no point anyway. Yes, the year 2000 is old now. ? Since this incident, I always mention the year or the actors. Never this “puraana, naya” business. Lesson learnt.
Anyway, I’m digressing. The song I have today may not be “old” by the standards of Arunji, Sudhirji, Sadanandji and the blog itself but it could pass the age test for some of the younger readers here. But whether it is really old or not is not important. What is important for me is that this is a song that needs to be saved for posterity. It is a 1970s song but it has no “mai baap” – i.e it does not slot itself comfortably into one of the above categories. So the movie is unlikely to be talked about or watched. Consequently, there is every chance it will just disappear with the passage of time.
Which would be a pity, because it is a lovely, lovely song. I remember it very fondly from my schooldays. I had no clue then about the actors or the movie. But like many other songs, I managed to catch up with this only on youtube.
The song is “tu laali hai savere waali” from a film Ab To Jee Lein (1977). Yes, a really obscure movie even for me who lived through that period. Now, when I think about it real hard, I vaguely remember hearing about this movie then. I have certainly not seen it – though this song, and the fact that it’s Danny and Jaya Bhaduri – makes me want to see it.
I have a feeling this movie may have had a bit of a delayed release. Both Danny and Jaya Bhaduri look very young here, so this looks more like an early 1970s movie to me. Danny and Jaya were classmates at FTII, Pune – maybe this was one of their early films together that ended up getting released only in 1977. I don’t know – maybe somebody can shed some light on this.
The song itself is very pleasant to listen to. Naqsh Lyallpuri’s lyrics are simple but reflect the emotion of love very well (it goes to show you don’t need complicated poetry for expressing love ?). And Sapan Jagmohan (whose “har janam mein hamara milan” from Kaagaz Ki Nao, I really really like) have done a wonderful job here. Soft music in keeping with the picturisation.
Earlier, I only loved the song based on the audio. Now, after seeing the video (and both Danny and Jaya looking so young and fresh) I love it even more. I’m a HUGE fan of Jaya Bhaduri’s acting and I do like Danny too. And the picturisation! You are transported through this song to the hills, the snow, the pony rides. Lovely!
So this video turned out to be like “sone pe suhaaga” for me. ? Have been watching it a few times today and finally decided I HAVE to get it on Atul’s blog before it disappears into oblivion. This is a gem from “my” generation and I cannot let it disappear just like that.
So here’s “Tu laali hai saverewaali”. Just the idea of somebody being the “laali” of dawn is…hmm..quite romantic. So enjoy the song, guys!
As I close, I must thank you for tolerating my long-winded style of writing. I tend to get carried away in my thoughts and often do digress from the job at hand. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want me to be a surgeon at an operation table. 😉
Audio
Video
Song-Tu laali hai sawerewaali (Ab To Jee Len)(1977) Singers-Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhonsle, Lyrics-Naqsh Llayalpuri, MD-Sapan Jagmohan
Lyrics
Ho laali
ho ho
laali ho
ho saathi
ho ho
saathi ho
tu laali hai
saverewaali
gagan rang de
tu mere man kaa
jo suraj tu
main dharti teri
tu saathi hai
mere jeevan kaa
tu laali hai saverewaali
gagan rang de
tu mere man kaa
jo suraj tu
main dharti teri
tu saathi hai
mere jeevan kaa
ho tere mere beech ki
mitegi kab doori
O hoti hai kuchh to sanam
sabhi ki majboori
tum ho nigaahon mein
kab aaogi baahon mein
tum mein jo himmat ho
mujhse muhabbat ho
jag se mujhe chheen lo o
tu laali hai saverewaali
gagan rang de
tu mere man kaa
jo suraj tu
main dharti teri
tu saathi hai
mere jeevan kaa
ho tere hi phere karoon
khinchi hui main aaoon
O dekhoon tujhe door se
galey na lag paoon
kisne tumhe rokaa
kar lo wo jo socha
hansi na udaao
aur na jalaao
aanchal ki tu chhaon do
o
tu laali hai saverewaali
gagan rang de
tu mere man kaa
jo suraj tu
main dharti teri
tu saathi hai
mere jeevan kaa
ho tu meri taqdeer mein
bataa de hai ya nahin
ho kaise karoon main pahal
kahin ye ho to nahin
isme haunsla hai
pyaar se mila hai
hum chalen idhar se
tum badho udhar se
kuchh faasla kam to ho o
tu laali hai saverewaali
gagan rang de
tu mere man kaa
jo suraj tu
main dharti teri
tu saathi hai
mere jeevan kaa
ho laali
ho saathi
ho laali
ho saathi
14 Responses to "Tu laali hai sawerewaali"
April 18, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Raja ji,
Thanks for posting an obscure song from a really unknown film.Such things are my staple,I thrive on.
You are right when you say that this film seems to have been made earlier than 1977-the time of its release.
Both Jaya and Danny,who were classmates in FTII,started their commercial acting in 1971 (Guddi by Jaya and Zaroorat by Danny,both of 1971).This film was made between the period they left FTII and 1971 films.Due to some unfathomable reason(Mostly financial),the Censor issued its cerificate in July 1977.Obviously it was held up by the producers.By the time this film was released,Jaya had already done about 30 films,including Sholey,and she had passed her prime time.
The film’s name is ABHI TO JEE LEIN and not Ab to jee lein.
The film was an M.B. combines prodn.and was directed by ROSHAN TANEJA. He had also written the story,s/play and Dialogues also.
Roshan Taneja was the Head of Acting departmant of FTII.He was the first Acting teacher of india.His teaching is known as Modular Acting.Jaya had passed with Gold Medal and Taneja was very much impressed with her.He decided to make a film on the aspiration of youngsters of India,by taking the fresh graduates of FTII.
Roshan Taneja’s School of Acting is very prestigious in India and many a successful artists have come out of it.Seeing the fate of the film,looks like Taneja might be a good teacher,but a poor businessman or may be that may not have been the intention also,who knows ?
The music was by Sapan Jagmohan jodi,assisted by Raghu Singh and Varma.Lyrics were by Indeevar and Naqsh Lyallpuri.
The plot of the film was something like this-
Deepak(Kiran kumar) is studying in a college and is in love with Rita(Radha Saluja).college announces elections and there is lot of activity.Taking advantage of the situation,another rich student Rakesh(Rakesh Behl) tries to rape Rita.She resists and there is a quarrel.Jaya(Jaya),Danny(Danny) and Deepak go to fight with Rakesh and help Rita.In the melee.Rakesh is murdered.Principal cancels the elections,and police come to the college.The 3 students-the suspects are Jaya,Danny and Deepak.They run away and hide somewhere.Danny and Jaya are also in love.
Fresh elections are announced and in the suppressed atmosphere of the college,politicians make entry in the arena.The story further details how the students put up their resistence to political interference and how the 3 fugitives are saved by others who find the real murderer.
An interesting trivia about Danny-He cancelled his admission in the Armed Forces Medical College,Poona; which would have fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming an Army Surgeon,only to take admission in FTII,Poona, to fulfil his adulthood dream of joining Films.
-AD
333
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April 18, 2012 at 2:02 pm
Thank you, Arunji. You deign to comment about songs of my generation too, I am honoured. (Just kidding – I hope you don’t mind!).
I continue to be absolutely amazed by your knowledge of details. I know that by now, I shouldn’t be – but I still am.
Indeed Jaya (and even Danny) look very young here – it is clearly like you say, a movie released long after it was made.
Reading your storyline, it looks like it may have been an interesting film. Come to think of it, the late 60s / early 1970s seemed to have lots of college story movies. Starting perhaps with Boond Jo Ban Gaye Moti (1967). It was just a bit before my time but I think those may have been turbulent times in Indian colleges – with changing social mores, students getting rebellious, impact of hippie culture and maybe drugs too (or am I exaggerating?). I feel films of an era reflect the society of the time (and the other way round too happens) – surely it should mean something if THAT was the period of most college-related films?
By 1975, this type of theme seems to have lost steam. Maybe the success of Deewar and Sholay heralded a new type of wave.
For that matter, the 1970s was also known in India for trade union unrest – we saw a few movies (notably Namak Haram) based on this theme.
I’ve always been interested in understanding the social context of the times in which a film was made and not just the film in its absolute sense. Hence all these thoughts!
Maybe I’m wrong – please feel free to comment. Maybe about prominent themes in other eras too.
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April 18, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Raja ji,
I am MORE interested in things-i.e. films/music before 1965,but I do keep an eye on films/music beyond this limit.Why,I had given my comments/review/summary on MAMMO a film of 1995 !
Anyway,good things have no age,they are eternal.
One must consider what was the situation in India in the turbulent period of 65 to 75.The political,social and cultural structure of Indian society(in general) was undergoing a sea change.New laws like giving equal rights to daughters in the father’s property was enacted somewhere in 64 OR 65 and immediately there was a film NAYA QANOON in 1965 on it.(My comments are available on it where I did mention about this law).Then Indira Gandhi abolished Privy Purses of Kings and Maharajas in 1969,immediately followed by Bank Nationalisation in 1969 itself.
The Janata was not aloof,they were alive to these changes.
Another major upheaval was Indira Gandhi winning the battle between the SYNDICATE and INDICATE,throwing away the old guards,like Sanjiva Reddy etc of the Congress and dividing the congress into Cong-I and Cong-o .
On top of it,India created BANGLA DESH and defeated Pakistan hands down capturing 90,000 POWs,in 1971.
All these things filled new aspirations into the young India.
How can Film Industry remain a silent spectator ? There were lot many films on young themes,breaking of old customs(Sadhana), and new india.
It has always been seen that changes in India are always reflected in the Filmi Duniya.
That is why such films as mere Apne,Umang etc came in that period.
I forgot to mention advent of TV in India, which could have been a strong competetor to films.
So,to conclude,if seen keenly,films always speak silently about the changing scenario of the Nation.
-AD
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April 18, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Thanx a lot for reminding of this lovely song. i have heard this song on radio, but forgot it with the passage of time.
About Amitabh Bachchan, it can be said that he not only snatched Superstardom from Rajesh Khanna but also managed to finish off the role of comedienne in the mainstream hindi film. He was the comedienne , romantic hero angry young man, sometime villanish, and vampish as required, all rolled into one most of the time.
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April 18, 2012 at 2:18 pm
True, now that you mention it, the traditional comedian faded away by the late 70s, I think. Jagdeep may have been the last well-known comedian in this league. Of course comedy continued – we had lovely movies like Chashme Baddoor and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron – but the traditional comedian’s time had gone, I think.
There’s been a revival in the last couple of decades – Paresh Rawal, Satish Kaushik to name just a couple of them. But lots of main leads have also been playing comedy roles so it’s been blurred. The David Dhawan movies are a good example of this.
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April 18, 2012 at 5:38 pm
Raja, bahut achcha gaana hai. I remember mentioning this on Samir’s post a while back, something on 70s songs. Your list of the happenings in 70s make me feel nostalgic for those days. An early memory, on 20 July 1969 our school was let off in the afternoon because the news had come in that man had landed on the moon. I have a vague rememberance of that day, trotting home with my bag slung on the shoulder.
I missed seeing this movie too – maybe because it did not release in Jamnagar – quite possibly I think. Those were good times and there were several small films in those days that were really good.
I remember saying once on my school forum how fond I was of old songs. A younger fellow responded by saying he loved songs from old films like Ashiqui too. For a moment I was flummoxed, how can Ashiqui be and ‘old film’. In my mind, all songs dating 1969 and before are ‘old’ and 1970 onwards are ‘new’.
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April 18, 2012 at 10:29 pm
I also have more or less the same separation of old and new in my mind. It’s a bit like “jab se maine hosh sambhaala hai” logic. Anything before that is old, after that is new (because I was there!).
I have very vague memories of the moon landing story. Really vague.
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April 19, 2012 at 12:52 pm
What a lovely song, thanks for introducing it to people like me who havent heard it before. I am going to listen to it again and again. The tune and lyrics are so hatke. Ashaji has worked her magic here. KK is as fantastic here as in any other song. Thanks once again.
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April 19, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Radio Ceylone used to broadcast this song regularly through its Afternoon programme namely “BEHNON KE PASAND KI GEET”(Hosted by Padmini Phereira or someone else)It was days of my summer vacations of 4th standard. At that time one movie “Savera” was also released. I always thought that this song is from movie “Savera(starring Prema narayan If I am not wrong)
At the beginning of the song Kishoreji sings “Tu laali hai..”in a slow manner.That line always haunts me and that line automatically transports me to my childhood days. “Those were the days”
My mother used to give us 2 utensils full of cereals,rice grains for cleaning purpose and switch on the Radio (tune into Radio ceylone and Vividhbharthi)as a bonus.
I used to love that work, because I get to listen loads of Hindi movie songs at that afternoon time.
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April 16, 2022 at 7:19 pm
Corrections please Atul ji
This song was written by Indiwar
HFGK mentions that all the songs of this movie was written by Naqsh Layllpuri
and
One duet song by Kishore kumar, Asha Bhosle “Tu laali hai saverey waali” was written by Indiwar
This fact can be confirmed by the Vinyl record image of the movie, which also mentions that “Tu laali hai savere wali ” was written by Indiwar and the vinyl record of this 1977 movie bears the Year of issue of record as 1974:
https://picclick.com/Abhi-To-Jee-Lien-Sapan-Jagmohan-EP-Record-324683012123.html#&gid=1&pid=2
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Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
April 18, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Hullo Rajaji
thanks for sending this song to Atulji. i must have heard this song a minimum of 100 times through my life time.and must ve seen this vdo once or twice during the DOORDARSHAN days. but it had slipped my mind that it was a Jaya Bhaduri song.
i agree with Raja that this must ve been started sometime after “Jawani Deewani”(1972) as she seems to ve carried that look to this movie too. i am talking about the frail or dainty modern damsel look that she played in “JD” and i think this movie was called “Abhi To Jee Lein”.
And By the way Rajaji i seem to have been in a better frame of mind today bcoz i read through ur write up in one sitting and understood everything u had to say. (otherwise i tend to suffer from lapse in concentration during long lectures and essays and these days it happens even through extra long movies. K3G & Lagaan were the last 2 long movies that i sat through with conentration.:-] ;-))
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April 18, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Ha ha..ok, I will take it as a compliment that you FINALLY managed to sit through one of my posts? 🙂 I know I need to control my mind better and stay focussed on the topic on hand but I get all sorts of random thoughts which I also just dump – without editing. So it becomes one big hotch-potch. Sometimes I wonder – what is it I’m supposed to be talking about here? 🙂
Dil hai beqaboo, man hai beqaboo, zubaab hai beqaboo
Yunh hi to nahin kehte hain log “ab bas bhi karo, Raja Babu”. 😉
(Ok, that was a very, very, VERY bad one! ;-)).
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April 18, 2012 at 5:26 pm
wah wah wah – ek beqaboo sher
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