Ae Dil Udaa Ke Le Chal
Posted on: January 31, 2015
This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a contributor to this blog. This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
Rare Performances – Things Unique and Unexpected #9
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So what did you say was so special about 31st Jan? Well, to start with, the realization that, gosh, one full month has slipped by in what was just a few days ago, the New Year. The year that was new, is now one month old. And do you know how old is the blog today? OK, let me calculate. With the start date of 19th July, 2008, we are looking at – oh, 6 full years + 6 full months + 13 full days. A quick visit to the calculator tells us that this corresponds to 6.54 years. So there, our blog is 6.54 years old.
And goodness, it has grown tall, taller than ever before. How much you may ask? Well, today it is exactly 10.8 tall. Wo,wo, I am sure you will immediately object – what is this 10.8 business? Is it feet, is it meters, what is it? Well, it is 10.8 thousand songs tall. Imagine if each song was a tile 1 centimeter thick, and we stacked them all vertically, we would get a tower which would be 108 meters tall. That makes this blog equal to the 5th tallest statue in the world. This is the statue of Buddha, called Guan Yin is situated on the south coast of China’s Hainan island. For comparison sake, the Statue of Liberty is 93 meters high.
Welcome all to the 10K plus 800th song on this blog – the 108 meters tall target being accomplished in 6.54 years. The saga continues undiminished. The stewardship and the teamwork has been attended to many times. But one aspect that I would like to highlight today is the wonder of the film song that we simply continue discovering. Nary a day passes that we have not posted a fantastic gem, an obscure but a very attractive song, or a rare and lost oddity. The more we put our efforts into it, the more fabulous and rare gems we continue to dig up. I know, a time is going to come that we may exhaust all that is there is discover. But till that time, the fun continues apace, relentlessly.
Keeping in that tradition, this song being posted, at the height of 108 meters, is a real rare, obscure oddity, and which deserves to be also labeled as a gem. Why, you may ask? For the rarity and obscurity, I will give you its details, and for the gem categorization, well you must listen to it, and then I am sure you will agree. Rather, you must. 🙂
With this special post, the significant milestone that we celebrate is the century of the songs by music director S Mohinder. And also, mark this – and also the debut of the very same person on this blog as a singer. Yes, this song, from his first film as an independent music director is also a song that he has sung himself. This makes it an oddity, a rarity, an obscurity, and any other –ity you may want to add to it. For the record, the Geet Kosh tells us that only three Hindi film songs exist in his voice. This one takes precedence, as it is the first one.
Since the start of the film industry, performers and artists from other parts of the country have been moving to the major centers of film production. In the initial decades of the Hindi film industry, Bombay has attracted the best music composers from Bengal, (Anil Biswas, Sachin Dev Burman and Hemant Kumar). There were great maestros from Maharashtra (C. Ramchandra and Shanker Jaikishan). Central India was represented by Sajjad Hussain and Ghulam Mohammad. Vasant Desai of Gujarat and Khem Chand Prakash represented the best from Rajasthan. The biggest contingent of music directors, however came from Punjab. Big names like Ustad Jhande Khan, Rafique Ghaznavi, Shyam Sunder, Khurshid Anwar, Ghulam Haider, Firoze Nizami, Pandit Gobind Ram, Husanlal Bhagatram, Hans Raj Behl, Vinod, Alla Rakha Qureshi, Sardar Malik, Roshan, Madan Mohan, Ravi and O.P. Nayyar shined all over. The name of S Mohinder belongs in this group.
My very first memory of this ‘sardar ji’ music director goes way back into childhood. The year is 1969. The Punjabi film ‘Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai’ was released that year, and it became the biggest hit of the year in North India. The performance was kind of unexpected, since Punjabi films do very little business outside the Punjab state. But this film had hugely successful runs in practically all the neighboring states in North India, and was declared to be one of the highest grossing films of that year.
The success of the film was partly attributed to the religious and social sentiments this films touched, and also partly attributed to the film’s music. The songs of this film, many of which are ‘shabads’ (bhajans contained in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the religious book of the Sikhs), captured the fancy and the minds of the listeners and became very popular. Both the film and its music won the coveted national awards for that year – Best Picture and Best Music Direction.
My first introduction to the music director was an article in Filmfare. There was a photograph of a young looking sardar ji, and an article that talked about the success of this film, its music, and then a brief about the life and times of S Mohinder. Later I would find out that the ‘S’ initial in the name stands for his surname, his complete name being Mohinder Singh Sarna.
Mohinder was born in 1925, in the village of Silanwala near Montgomery in Punjab (now in Pakistan). His father worked with the police department, and had a transferable job. When he was about ten years of age, the family moved to Lyallpur (now called Faislabad, also in Pakistan). According to him, his father was a religious person and was a good flute player. After coming to Lyallpur, young Mohinder became a ‘shagird’ (student, apparentice) of Sant Sujan Singh, a singer of ‘shabads’ and bhajans, and a well known teacher of classical music. After a few years in Lyallpur, the family moved again to Sheikhupura, close to Nankana Sahib, the birth place of Sri Guru Nanak. In Sheikhupura, his music tutelage continued. He came in touch with the legendary religious vocalist and musician Bhai Samand Singh, and continued to learn at his feet. His name became known as a musician and a singer, and he often performed at the Lahore radio station.
When partition happened in 1947, the family moved to the Indian side of Punjab. Mohinder traveled further, and went to Benaras, to continue his education in classical music. His art was further groomed under the guidance of masters like Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Lakshman Das. After spending a couple of years in Benaras, he set out for Bombay, to try and make a name for himself as a music director.
He got his first break from producer director Arun Ahuja, who was then making the film ‘Sehra’. This was followed 1949 with the film ‘Jeevan Saathi’. In these years, which I prefer to call the watershed years in Hindi film music, S Mohinder’s music in these two films failed to get any attention from the listeners. The story in 1950 was different though. This year saw the release of the Suraiya – Dev Anand starrer ‘Neeli’. With as many as seven songs in the voice of Suariya, the music for this film became popular and the people started to recognize this ‘sardar ji’ music director. He joined Filmistan studios as a regular music director, and worked with them for some years.
In 1952, came ‘Shreemati ji’. He just had one song in this film (remaining songs being composed by Basant Prakash and James Singh aka Jimmy). But it was this Hemant Kumar-Geeta Dutt duet that became the most popular – “Do Naina Tumhaare Pyaare Pyaare”. His other notable films in subsequent years are ‘Paapi’ in 1953 and ‘Naata’ in 1955.
Then came 1956, and the year when the songs of the film ‘Shirin Frahad’ became hugely popular, and for once, S Mohinder was a name that was now became known across the country. But despite the phenomenal success of the music of ‘Shirin Farhad’,S Mohinder was unable to move into more of garde A films and production houses. He continued to give music for another 10 years. 1966 is somewhat of a transition year for him, as he almost shut down his association with the Hindi film industry, and moved more towards the Punjabi films. His last Hindi film is probably ‘Dahej’ in 1981.
And now, a little note about this very interesting song. My question may sound silly to you. But think about it and then reply for yourself. Have you ever dreamt of flying? If you answered ‘yes’, then this song is your song. The words of this song are meant for the those who dream of having wings and taking to the skies, flying and gliding like the birds. In that sense, I find this song to be a very, very, very unique song – it tells of developing wings and taking a flight in the open skies. And line by line, in a very interesting manner, it also describes what all one will do when out there in the wide open skies. Each and every thing mentioned is an idea that has been thought over in depth. I am sure developing the lyrics of this song would have been quite a bit of work.
The song comes from the 1948 film ‘Sehra’. This is the debut film for S Mohinder. The film is produced by Arun Ahuja (father of actor Govinda) for his home company Arun Productions. The film is directed by DB Joshi and RD Bali. The available list of actors indicates the names as Arun (who I surmise, is Arun Ahuja himself), Nirmala (who I surmise to be mother of actor Govinda), Maya Devi, S Nazeer, Sheikh, and Leela Misra.
The ten songs of this film are written by three lyricists. Although the Geet Kosh does no list the specific name of the lyricist for this song, the name identified from other sources is Surjeet Sethi, one of the well known literary figure in Punjabi literature. Of course, the music direction and singing is by S Mohinder himself.
I have been just taken in by this song, which I heard for the first time yesterday. I am sure you will be too.
So if you want to fly, or even if you are not interested in flying, listen to this song, and fly, enjoy.
Song – Ae Dil Udaa Ke Le Chal (Sehra) (1948) Singer – S Mohinder, Lyrics – Surjeet Sethi, MD – S Mohinder
Lyrics
ae dil udaa ke le chal
makhmoor fizaaon mein
parvaaz kar ke dekh lein
in kaali ghataaon mein
ae dil udaa ke le chal
makhmoor fizaaon mein
parvaaz kar ke dekh lein
in kaali ghataaon mein
ay ay ay ay ayyyy
chhaaya hai kis tarah duniya pe
aakash se aa poochhen
aakash se aa poochhen
aa so ke dekhen pal bhar
taaron ki chhaon mein
parvaaz kar ke dekh lein
in kaali ghataaon mein
ae dil udaa ke le chal
makhmoor fizaaon mein
parvaaz kar ke dekh lein
in kaali ghataaon mein
badli mein chhipe chaand ke
mukhde ko choom lein
badli mein chhipe chaand ke
mukhde ko choom lein
mukhde ko choom lein
aa dekhen ab wo terate
panchhi hawaaon mein
parvaaz kar ke dekh lein
in kaali ghataaon mein
ae dil udaa ke le chal
makhmoor fizaaon mein
parvaaz kar ke dekh lein
in kaali ghataaon mein
ay ay ay ay ayyyy
baadal ka shor lo suno
aise hai aa rahaa
baadal ka shor lo suno
aise hai aa rahaa
jaise paazeb dulhan ki
chhanke hai paaon mein
parvaaz kar ke dekh lein
in kaali ghataaon mein
ae dil udaa ke le chal
makhmoor fizaaon mein
parvaaz kar ke dekh lein
in kaali ghataaon mein
in kaali ghataaon mein
in kaali ghataaon mein
——————————————
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
——————————————
ए दिल उड़ा के ले चल
मख़मूर फिज़ाओं में
परवाज़ कर के देख लें
इन काली घटाओं में
ए दिल उड़ा के ले चल
मख़मूर फिज़ाओं में
परवाज़ कर के देख लें
इन काली घटाओं में
ए ए ए ए एssss
छाया है किस तरह दुनिया पे
आकाश से आ पूछें
आकाश से आ पूछें
आ सो के देखें पल भर
तारों की छाँव में
परवाज़ कर के देख लें
इन काली घटाओं में
ए दिल उड़ा के ले चल
मख़मूर फिज़ाओं में
परवाज़ कर के देख लें
इन काली घटाओं में
बदली में छिपे चाँद के
मुखड़े को चूम लें
बदली में छिपे चाँद के
मुखड़े को चूम लें
मुखड़े को चूम लें
आ देखें अब वो तैरते
पंछी हवाओं में
परवाज़ कर के देख लें
इन काली घटाओं में
ए दिल उड़ा के ले चल
मख़मूर फिज़ाओं में
परवाज़ कर के देख लें
इन काली घटाओं में
ए ए ए ए एssss
बादल का शोर लो सुनो
ऐसे है आ रहा
बादल का शोर लो सुनो
ऐसे है आ रहा
जैसे पाज़ेब दुल्हन की
छनके है पांव में
परवाज़ कर के देख लें
इन काली घटाओं में
ए दिल उड़ा के ले चल
मख़मूर फिज़ाओं में
परवाज़ कर के देख लें
इन काली घटाओं में
14 Responses to "Ae Dil Udaa Ke Le Chal"
February 1, 2015 at 8:38 am
I do not know if people realised it but 31 january 2015 turned out to be a memorable day for the blog. As many as three rare gems were made available by Sudhir ji for the listening pleasure of music lovers- two forgotten Suraiyya gems followed by this wonderful S Mohinder song. Getting to listen to these songs just like that- it is not as easy as it looks. I know because I have searched far and wide for these songs (for instance the Suraiyya songs when I was researching her songs).
And we have reached 10,800 almost unnoticeably. It appears as if we were celebrating our 10,000 th song just recently, but when we look at it now, we are within striking distance of the 11,000th song mark.
The uploading of these rare songs gave me a feel good feeling that lasted the whole day. My thanks to Sudhir ji for these great uploads as well as writeups.
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February 1, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Thanks Atul ji, for bringing this to our notice.
Sudhir ji has made a Hat Trick with these 3 Gems and that too when the Blog has just completed 10800 songs.
For every century,Sudhir ji has always given us some special songs.
The Suraiya songs are true treasure for the Blog.
With so many Unique songs like the oldest film song from 1931,a complete treasure of Saigal film and NF songs,the biggest collection of Debut songs at one place,over 500 film reviews,the highest number of songs with Lyrics and many more Firsts,this Blog has become not only a singularly ATULNIYA reference point but also a place where the students of Hindi films and Music can find enough material for several Ph.D.s !!!
Congratulations Atul ji,Sudhir ji and all others.
-AD
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February 1, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Arun ji,
Thanks so much for your vote of confidence. Yes, congratulations are due to all members of the team. But specifically to yourself – your contribution to make this blog what it is, is second to none. With all the film reviews, and special series and write ups that are overflowing with historical information, I believe that your contribution in terms of the songs and information about songs, is simply the first.
Thanks and congratulations are due first to you. 🙂
Rgds
Sudhir
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February 1, 2015 at 3:06 pm
Atul ji,
Thanks for your message. The feel good feels very good.
🙂
Rgds
Sudhir
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February 1, 2015 at 3:13 pm
Dear All,
I have now updated the write up with a brief bio sketch of music director S Mohinder. Last night, I was not able to include it for paucity of time.
Rgds
Sudhir
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February 1, 2015 at 6:12 pm
Ten Eight hundred… Congrats to all
Sudhirji,
I liked the voice of the MD. It is quite earhy> sondhi sondhi khusbu aa rahi hain> baarish ke bina. Thanks
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February 1, 2015 at 6:20 pm
My record says the lyricist is S Pratap
Surjeet Sethi>> Bhikari-48, Satyanarayan-48, Neeli-50, Shadi Ki Raat-50, Bahadur-53, Paapi-53,
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February 1, 2015 at 7:44 pm
I am informed (and I confirmed) that S Mohinder has also sung a song in “Jeewan Saathi”(1949)- a duet with Premlata.
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February 2, 2015 at 10:52 am
S Mohinder has also sang muhabat umeedo ka rangeen jahan hain written by Butaram Sharma in Sultan e Alam 1956
He sang O Dear My Dear in Jeewan Sathi
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February 1, 2015 at 10:18 pm
Congratulations in particular Atulji and all my friends on this blog for the 10K plus 800th song on this blog – the 108 meters tall target being accomplished in 6.54 years.
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February 4, 2015 at 12:33 am
Congratulations to Atulji and all his family members on reaching this milestone. Hats off to our Sudhirbhai for making a hat tick on this blog by posting three rare gems on one single day and all on special occasions.
Regards
Khyati
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February 21, 2015 at 6:21 pm
Hats off to all! Hearing S Mohinder the first time (perhaps many will be in my boat?)
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February 1, 2015 at 8:08 am
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S to all …!!!
Thanks Sudhir ji for this rare gem and a treat for us.
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February 1, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Avinash ji
Thanks for your message.
Rgds
Sudhir
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