Humko lagi hai tumse kuchh aisi lagan
Posted on: June 19, 2013
This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
Remembering Motilal, a great artist and a peerless actor, who departed from this world on 17th June, 1965. A vivacious personality, so full of life and friendship all his life, he passed away friendless and penniless. Another sad commentary on the state of affairs of this industry.
Motilal is remember for the being the first and probably the finest natural actor that the Hindi screen has seen. In the age when the influence of the theatre, especially Parsi theatre ruled the film world, with the likes of Sohrab Modi, Prithviraj and Chandramohan making emphatic dialogue delivery as the mainstay of their performances, Motilal appeared on the scene with a suave finesse, a sharp smile and a naughty glint in his eyes, presenting his characters very naturally on the screen.
In 1933-34, after completing his education, he came to Bombay, actually to join the navy. As destiny would have it, he missed writing the entrance exam on account of fever and a bout of bad health. Ah, but for that fever, he would have been commanding naval vessels. So after missing the exam, and getting well, he was just around the city. As a curiosity, he went to watch a film shooting at Sagar Studios. Just standing in a crowd of onlookers, his personality still made its presence felt, and he caught the fancy of Kali Prasad Ghosh, who was directing the film being shot. Ghosh was verily impressed by the sharp personality and an easy communication – the image for the leading man for his upcoming film. Next thing Motilal knew that he was offered employment, and a hero’s role in the 1934 film ‘Shehar Ka Jaadu’, opposite to Sabita Devi.
That started a career that lasted for a little over three decades, during which he performed in about 90 films. Through the 1940s, he played the leading man opposite to almost all the leading glamour ladies of that era, in roles that varied from some of the best comic performances as in ‘300 Days And After’ (1938), ‘Shaadi’ (1941) and ’Ek Thi Ladki’ (1949) to very serene and sad roles in ‘Kulvadhu’ (1937), ‘Dost’ (1944) and ‘Gajre’ (1948). These latter roles carried so much pathos that the audience openly wept in the cinema halls, as is noted by the film writers.
Come the decade of 50s, he smoothly migrated over to character roles. In these years, he gave out some of the best supporting performances that have been seen on the Hindi films screen – the Chunni Babu of ‘Devdas’ (1955), the drunkard in ‘Jaagte Raho’ (1956), the postman Haradhan in ‘Parakh’(1960), and many more. And his sterling performances – the ruffian vagabond in ‘Mastaana’ (1954), and the lead character in the form of the smooth and suave conman and cheat in ‘Mr Sampat’ (1952). His performance in ‘Mr. Sampat’ is rated his best, even by himself.
His repartees and one liners form part of the legacy and culture of the Hindi film cinema. Sometime in the late fifties, he had commented, “I am ahead of our government. I have a 55 year plan”. The words, said in jest, ironically turned out to be a sad prophecy, for he left this world exactly when he was 55 years old. A broken and a defeated man, he did not live to see the release of the one film he produced. ‘Chhoti Chhoti Baaten’ (1965)– a very close autobiographical presentation of his own life, turned out to be a production disaster for him. The loss of finances and assets may not have meant much to him, but it was the turning away of the ones he considered to be lifelong friends that probably broke is him completely.
Near the end of his days, he was suffering with health problems, and was in the hospital. His pet project ‘Chhoti Chhoti Baaten’, was nearing completion, but the remaining work was moving very slowly due to financial and other difficulties. Anil Biswas, whom he had given the music composition responsibility, was those days in Delhi, working for All India Radio. He came to visit Motilal. In the hospital, Motilal implored Anil Biswas to complete the music for the film, so that it could be made ready for release. Anil Biswas responded, almost heartlessly, asking to be paid for the work that was already done and for the remaining work for background music. Motilal was stunned. And then he passed away a few days later. The work on the film was eventually completed through the efforts of Mukesh, his cousin, who convinced Anil Biswas to complete the work on the film. The film got critical acclaim and also won a special certificate of merit from the President of India, as part of that year’s national awards. Alas, but he himself was not around to see it.
The song I present today is in the voice of Motilal himself. A very rare recording from the 1940 film ‘Diwali’, the music is composed by Khemchand Prakash. ‘Diwali’ is a Ranjeet Movietone production, directed by Jayant Desai. The cast of actors includes Motilal, Ishwar Lal, K Daate, Dixit, Indubala, Suresh, Keshari, Madhuri, Bhagwan Das, Vasanti etc. The film has fourteen songs in all. The lyrics writing is shared between PL Santoshi,DN Madhok, and Pt. Sudarshan. However, specific songs information as to the poet, is not available.
As the song opens up, for a moment one gets a feeling that Motilal is also trying to emulate KL Saigal, the pace and the tone is such. A song of being in love, a song that expresses the sadness of being away from the beloved and pining for her. Motilal has sung maybe one and a half dozen songs, and
within that, the number of solos is more rare. Listen to the sound of this personality, that somehow does not match with the image that most carry in their minds. But yes, that is the versatility of this persona, that did make the audience weep, with some of his earlier roles.
Enjoy.
(NOTE: I must thank Nayan Yagnik, for the reminder about the dates of birth and passing away of Motilal.)
Song-Humko lagi hai tumse kuchh aisi lagan haaye (Diwali)(1940) Singer-Motilal, MD-Khemchand Prakash
Lyrics
humko
lagi hai tumse
humko lagi hai tumse
humko lagi hai tumse
kuchh aisi lagan haaye
aavo to behal jaaye
aavo to behal jaaye
jaavo to jiyaa jaaye
aaye bhi aur chale bhi
aaye bhi aur chale bhi
sadke chalaa-chali ke
sadke chalaa-chali ke
tum dillagi hi samjhe
tum dillagi hi samjhe
dil ki lagi ko haaye
aavo to bahal jaaye
aavo to bahal jaaye
jaavo to jiyaa jaaye
tum hum se ho pareshaan
tum hum se ho pareshaan
hum dil se hain pareshaan
hum dil se hain pareshaan
tum ko koi sataaye
tum ko koi sataaye
hum ko koi sataaye
humko lagi hai tumse
humko lagi hai tumse
kuchh aisi lagan haaye
aavo to bahal jaaye
jaavo to jiyaa jaaye
—————————————–
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
—————————————–
हमको लगी है तुमसे
हमको लगी है तुमसे
हमको लगी है तुमसे
कुछ ऐसी लगन हाए
आवो तो बहल जाये
आवो तो बहल जाये
जावो तो जिया जाये
आए भी और चले भी
आए भी और चले भी
सदके चला-चली के
सदके चला-चली के
तुम दिल्लगी ही समझे
तुम दिल्लगी ही समझे
दिल की लगी को हाए
आवो तो बहल जाये
आवो तो बहल जाये
जावो तो जिया जाये
तुम हम से हो परेशान
तुम हम से हो परेशान
हम दिल से हैं परेशान
हम दिल से हैं परेशान
तुम को कोई सताये
तुम को कोई सताये
हम को कोई सताये
हमको लगी है तुमसे
हमको लगी है तुमसे
कुछ ऐसी लगन हाए
आवो तो बहल जाये
जावो तो जिया जाये
7 Responses to "Humko lagi hai tumse kuchh aisi lagan"
June 19, 2013 at 12:11 pm
Sudhirji,
This is the first time, I have ever read about Motilal with so many details. Many thanks for posting. Needless to say, he should also be remembered and credited for presenting Mukesh to the world of Hindi Cinema.
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June 19, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Motilal was very natural. But the hideous wig he donned in Anari and Jagte Raho was most unnatural.
Further he had affair with Sobhna Samarth and rumour mills were agog with the fact that Tanuja was his child.
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June 19, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Lovely post as usual, Sudhirji.
I first heard of Motilal in a song book about Mukesh, soon after Mukesh died. It had lots of pictures of Mukesh with various personalities. There was one with Motilal and him sharing a drink. The caption was “Haay, ye bhi na rahey”.
I’ve only seen one movie so far with Motilal in a leading role – Ek Thi Ladki. I liked him in that. Am planning to see Chhoti Chhoti Baatein soon – it has one of my favourite songs (“kuchh aur zamaana kehta hai”). And of course Nadira, who I like a lot too. 🙂
I didn’t know about the Anil Biswas story – it does look quite heartless. Maybe Anil Biswas didn’t realise that Motilal was on his deathbed. Anyway, I don’t want to pass judgment from this distance – we don’t know Anil Biswas’ compulsions.
Thanks for this post, Sudhirji.
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June 19, 2013 at 3:50 pm
Thanks for this chance to listen to Motilal. The incident involving Anil Biswas makes me sad. Could never imagine a composer who gave so many sensitive songs being so insensitive. Perhaps, rose can come only with the thorn?
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June 20, 2013 at 9:35 am
Hope Mukesh who owes almost everything to Motilal was of good help to him during his last sad days. He definitely deserved help and attention from his cousin. It is like I am almost expectating it to be true as Mukesh is said to be a very friendly sort of person who helped needy. Arunji/Sudhirji, any comments?
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Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
June 19, 2013 at 10:45 am
Sudhir ji,
Motilal was one of my favourite actors. You have rightly described him as the FIRST natural actor.
However,Rehman was also as good as Motilal.he too was my favourite. There is some resemblance / commonality between them ,though there is a gap of 12 years in their commencement of Film career. While Motilal started in 1934,Rehman started in 1946.
Both were handsome,suave,sophisticated and natural actors. Both were aspirants for defence forces. While Rehman actually served in Air Force,prior to entering films,Motilal just missed joining Navy.Both started as Hero s and shifted to character roles. Both left their imprints on Hindi films which are indelible.
Chandramohan,the handsome hero of the 30s considered Motilal as his foster son.They were quite close to each others. Both died in pain,penury and loneliness.
Once Chandramohan was not well,so Motilal went to see him.he saw Chandramohan drinking from a Scotch bottle. Expecting that he will also be offered a peg or two,Motilal waited for some time.Disappointed and angry Motilal was leaving,when Chandramohan said,” beta,botal Scotch ki hai,magar andar Bevda(country Liqor) hai. mai nahi chahta ki mera beta Bevda piye”. (as described by Shirish Kanekar in his book).
-AD
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June 19, 2013 at 10:59 am
Sir, thanks for this information and sharing the interesting facts. Both Motilal and Rehman had their own charisma, and as rightly said left their indelible mark in the hindi film industry. both of them were effortless actors as Balraj Sahni.
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