Ik Gori Ki Aankhon Se Mujhe Pyaar Hua Hai
Posted on: December 8, 2017
This article is written by Arunkumar Deshmukh, 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 law.
Today’s song is from a rare and less known film ‘Lakharani’ from 1945.
Although this was a film made by the great Prabhat Film Company of Poona, unlike earlier Prabhat films this movie never became famous or a landmark film. The reasons were many. The main reason was that it was was made in the period when the company had become very weak after V Shantaram left Prabhat Studios along with some of his chosen people from various departments. Secondly, the storyline of this film was far away from the type of films Prabhat had made in the past. True to its tradition, however, the film had a central theme of “open entry for all castes into Hindu temples“. But it was told through a story of tribal folks and allied jungle people, with whom probably, the audience could not identify themselves.
Thirdly, the songs and music of this film was below average. The music director, Master Krishnarao Phulambrikar (1891-1974) had a reputation of being an Orthodox Sangeet Natak classicist. His songs never became popular except perhaps the multi-language song of Shanta Hublikar in the film ‘Aadmi’ (1939) (‘Manoos’ in Marathi). Even his contemporary Keshvrao Bhole gave more popular songs. His only film giving good music was Rajkamal’s ‘Mali’ (1944), wherein he himself was the hero opposite Ameerbai Karnataki.
The film was directed by Vishram Bedekar – more famous as a playwright and a script writer. His scripts used to be quite complex. He wrote the story of ‘Lakharani’, in addition to directing it. Vishram Bedekar (b. 1906), Marathi and Hindi film director, best known as a writer, was born in Amravati, Eastern Maharashtra. He started his career with the Sangeet Natak company Balwant Sangeet Mandali as a playwright-lyricist. From there, he moved to film-making when the theatre group expanded its box-office draw by producing ‘Krishnarjun Yuddha’, starring the group’s writer-actor Chintamanrao Kolhatkar. Unlike other films produced by Sangeet Natak companies (e.g. Lalitkaladarsh), the film succeeded commercially and he co-directed three more with the group’s owner-producer Vamanrao N Bhatt. He scripted the mythological ‘Pundalik’ (1936) and, according to his autobiography, he also co-directed the film with VN Bhatt.
He briefly studied film-making in the UK in 1938. In that same year, he published his first novel, ‘Ranangan’ on his return to India. He joined Prabhat Studios briefly to write Shantaram’s ‘Shejari’ / ‘Padosi’ (1941). In 1944, he returned to the studio to script ‘Ramshastri’, a re-edited version of which, credited to him, was later released as a children’s film entitled ‘Ramshastri Ka Nyay’. In 1945, he directed ‘Lakharani’ which incidentally is Guru Dutt’s début film. He went on to make classic melodramas for Baburao Pendharkar’s New Huns, Baburao Pai’s Famous Pics and Minerva Movietone. He wrote the script for Shantaram’s ‘Amar Bhoopali’ (1951). Later he directed the early productions of Ramsay Brothers, viz. ‘Rustom Sohrab’ (1963) and ‘Ek Nannhi Munni Ladki Thi’ (1970).
Vishram Bedekar worked in modernist frame defined by K Narayan Kale’s generation and GB Shaw. Most of his literary and film works recast stereotypes of pre-WW I Marathi social reform novels into the declamatory style of prose melodrama with increasingly complex storylines. As a playwright, his works include ‘Brahmakumari’, ‘Vaje Paool Apule’ and ‘Tilak Ani Agarkar’ (1980). In 1985, he published his autobiography – ‘Ek Jhaad Ani Don Pakshi’.
(Note: The above bio sketch of Vishram Bedekar is adapted from Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema.)
‘Lakharani’ is important for one reason – Guru Dutt made his acting debut with this film. Guru Dutt (9-7-1925 to 10-10-1964) did the role of Lachman, brother of the heroine Lakharani, in this film. After doing a basic course in dancing from the dance academy of the famous dancer Uday Shanker, in Almora, he joined Prabhat Studios as a choreographer. However, in his first film he was only an actor and an assistant director to Vishram Bedekar. In his second film ‘ Hum Ek Hain’ (1946), he worked as the choreographer and as an assistant to PL Santoshi, the debutant director of the film. Later he was assistant director to Anadinath Bannerjee for the film ‘Mohan’ (1947), to Amiya Chakravarty for the film ‘Girls School’ (1949) and to Gyan Mukherjee for the film ‘Sangram’ (1950). His first stint as an independent director came with iconic film ‘Baazi’ (1951).
Another actor Ramsingh had a major role in the film ‘Lakharani’. Earlier he had done a small role in the film ‘Ramshastri’ (1944). Ramsingh’s name is not very famous or well known, but in his times, he appeared as a hero and also in villain’s role in many films. Information about him was not available anywhere on the internet till today. For the first time, this information is appearing here today. His entry in films and his life story makes a very interesting read.
During the 1942 ‘Quit India’ movement, there was a riot in Allahabad. Police opened fire and along with several other people, Secretary of All University Students Union also was killed. Fearing a backlash from college students, the Government closed down all colleges and vacated the hostels. As a result of this, two persons became homeless. One was Ramchandra Thakur – later to become famous as Kavi Pradeep; and the other was Ramsingh – who became an actor.
After the riots, instead of informing his family about his welfare, Ramsingh left for Bombay and then went on to Poona, to become an actor. He was tall, fair and handsome. V Shantaram hired him as an assistant in the studio. Because he never returned home, his family thought that he must have been killed in the riots and grieved.
One day one of the villagers came to their house and told excitedly, that he had seen a Hindi film and in that film, an actor looked exactly like Ramsingh. The family went to the town and saw the film. Lo and behold ! there he was. Looking just like Ramsingh. Anxiously a group of elders reached Prabhat Studio in Poona and enquired. The officials brought them face to face with their own son – Ramsingh !! Everyone was happy. It seems he did not contact his household just to avoid the police investigations, as he too was an active participant in the agitation.
Ramsingh was born into a rich zamindar family of village Ishanpur in Pratapgarh (UP), in 1920. After graduating, while still doing his MA, he joined films. His first film was ‘Ramshastri’ (1944), then came ‘Chand’ (1944), ‘Lakhrani’ (1945) and ‘Hum Ek Hain (1946) – all Prabhat films. While with Prabhat Studios, he became friendly with Dev Anand and Guru Dutt. In his later years, they would give him a role in almost every film they made.
In his other films, Ramsingh worked with heroine Ranjit Kumari (real name Ranjit Kaur), to whom he got married later on. He was already married while in school and also had 3 children from his first wife. From the second marriage he got 4 children.
Ramsingh played hero, villain and character roles in 69 films. Some of his notable films, besides the four films from Prabhat Studios are, ‘Gaon’ (1947), ‘Shaheed’ (1948), ‘Khidki’ (1949), ‘Aparadhi’ (1950) – he was the hero, opposite to Madhubala, ‘Sargam’ (1950), ‘Sangram’ (1950), ‘Shrimati ji’ (1952), ‘Jaal’ (1952), ‘Baaz’ (1953) etc. In the latter part of his career, he only got insignificant roles in B and C grade films and mythologicals. His last films were ‘Sati Sulochana’ (1969), ‘Veer Chhatrasaal’ (1971) and ‘Mere Bhaiya’ (1972); the last two being released after he retired from films.
When film ‘Jaal’ (1952) was imported into West Pakistan (on the East Pakistan quota), the Pak film industry started an agitation against Indian films, demanding a total ban on Indian films in Pakistan, as they believed the Indian films were killing their business. Leader of this agitation was WZ Ahmed, once a successful director/producer in India (from the erstwhile Shalimar Films of Poona and the mentor and husband of actress Neena). Consequently, Indian films were banned in Pakistan, at a later stage.
Ramsingh returned to his native place with Ranjit Kumari and children in 1970 and started doing agriculture. The then UP Chief Minister HN Bahuguna was his classmate and a very good friend. Ramsingh approached him. To help him, Bahuguna established the UP Film Corporation and made Ramsingh its chairman. However, due to political turmoil in the country, Bahuguna left congress and joined the off shoot party Congress For Democracy, against Indira Gandhi. As a result the film corporation was wound up and Ramsingh returned to the agriculture business again. He started drinking heavily, against medical advise and died in 1984, in his village.
(Note: The above bio sketch of Ramsingh is adapted with thanks, from Javed Hamid’s forthcoming book ‘हिन्दी सिनेमा के कुछ जाने अंजाने फनकार’.)
The spelling of film title – ‘Lakharani’, was an enigma. In many places, including the Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema, the film is spelt as LAKHRANI, while the HFGK says LAKHARANI. To get the correct information, I wrote to Shri Harmandir Singh ji. He promptly sent me a copy of the film booklet and confirmed that the correct name is LAKHARANI only. Thanks, Hamraz ji. The cast of the film is Durga Khote, Monica Desai, Azuri, Sapru, Ramsingh, Guru Dutt, etc. The story of this film is,
Bichwa (Durga Khote) is the queen of a devout untouchable community, which is not permitted to enter any temple. Her daughter Lakharani marries the prince from a community of atheists and hence is excommunicated by her own tribe.The devout group has their devotion tested by economic setbacks and a major conflict erupts between them and the atheists’ community. But God materialises on earth, thus solving the problems of belief and its attendant conflicts. Untouchability is abolished and they all can enter temples and worship also.
The film has 6 songs. Though the record numbers are given by HFGK, the name of singers is not mentioned for any song. The lyricist is Qamar Jalaalabaadi and the composer is Master Krishnarao Phulambrikar. No songs were found on the net or the You Tube, so I turned to our in-house collector, Sudhir ji. He promptly informed me that he has 4 songs of this film. On my request he not only sent me 2 songs, but also uploaded today’s song on my request. Thank you Sudhir ji, you are a great help indeed.
Lakharani makes her debut on this Blog today. Enjoy its first ever song. . .
(Ed Note: The title line of this song is modified, after listening to the song. In the Geet Kosh, this song corresponds to the song at sl. no. 6, which is listed as “Ab Moti Giraane Lagi Saawan Ki Ghataayen”. After listening to the song, it is observed that the refrain “Ik Gori Ki Aankhon Se. . .” is repeated after each antaraa, and is the more appropriate title line for the song.)
Song – Ik Gori Ki Aankhon Se Mujhe Pyaar Hua Hai (Lakharani) (1945) Singer -Unidentified Male Voice, Unidentified Female Voice, Lyrics – Qamar Jalaalabaadi, MD – Master Krishna Rao
Unidentified Male + Female Voices
Female Chorus
Lyrics
ab moti giraane lagi saawan ki ghataayen
bagiya mein bikharne lagi bulbul ki sadaayen
ha ha ha haha
khilne ke liye phool bhi taiyaar hua hai
khilne ke liye phool bhi taiyaar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
ik gori ki aankhon se mujhe pyaar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
sunder meri aashaon ka sansaar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
o koel duniya ko sunaao ye fasaana
o panchhio gaao meri duniya ko jagaana
o panchhio gaao meri duniya ko jagaana
ab haath pakad haath se iqraar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
ik gori ki aankhon se mujhe pyaar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
o gori ki paayal zara jhankaar suna de
ye bhed mere dil ka zamaane ko bataa de..ey..ey
abaad mere phoolon ka sansaar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
ik gori ki aankhon se mujhe pyaar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
o nadiya ke lehro ye kinaare ko bata do
toofaan ki maujon ko mera haal suna do..oo..oo
do lehron mein mil jaane ka iqraar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
ik gori ki aankhon se mujhe pyaar hua hai
mujhe pyaar hua hai
———————————————————
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
———————————————————
अब मोती गिराने लगीं सावन की घटाएँ
बगिया में बिखरने लगीं बुलबुल की सदाएं
हा हा हाहा
खिलने के लिए फूल भी तैयार हुआ है
खिलने के लिए फूल भी तैयार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
इक गोरी की आँखों से मुझे प्यार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
सुंदर मेरी आशाओं का संसार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
ओ कोयल दुनिया को सुनाओ ये फसाना
ओ पंछीओ गाओ मेरी दुनिया को जगाना
ओ पंछीओ गाओ मेरी दुनिया को जगाना
अब हाथ पकड़ हाथ से इक़रार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
इक गोरी की आँखों से मुझे प्यार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
ओ गोरी की पायल ज़रा झंकार सुना दे
ये भेद मेरे दिल का ज़माने को सुना दे॰॰ए॰॰ए
आबाद मेरे फूलों का संसार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
इक गोरी की आँखों से मुझे प्यार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
ओ नदिया की लहरों ये किनारे को बता दो
तूफान की मौजों को मेरा हाल सुना दो॰॰ओ॰॰ओ
दो लहरों में मिल जाने का इक़रार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
इक गोरी की आँखों से मुझे प्यार हुआ है
मुझे प्यार हुआ है
Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
December 9, 2017 at 11:26 am
Arun ji,
Thanks for pointing me to this film and its songs. In my opinion, I feel this song is really wonderful and is well constructed. Yes, maybe in the idiom and the feel is of the early decades, but then for its time, this is a lovely song.
The gentleman expresses a certain joy alluding to the rain clouds and singing of birds. A female chorus, most likely representing the lady’s side, and the lady herself, tell of the flower that is eager to bloom. And then the duet follows, in which the emotions of love are expressed very tastefully. The words are beautiful, and the melody just takes you along.
As Atul ji often adds the observation – this song deserves to be better known to the lovers of this music.
Thanks again,
Sudhir
LikeLike
December 9, 2017 at 11:54 am
Sudhir ji,
Thanks for your opinion about this song.
Compared to the musical bouquet being offered by various composers in those years, I feel Krishnarao’s songs could not compete. The listeners’ tastes were changing. Look at the film Rattan’s songs. The trend was going somewhere else, but Krishnrao’s music stayed where it was in the begining, because he knew only that type of music. May be few people,in that time also, liked his songs, but that tribe was diminishing.
If you evaluate a song on its individual strengths, it may sound good in any era. But then, the popularity is always in relation to what is offered by others to the music lovers and their preferences.
Classical music is eternally good,undoubtedly. The film music was trying to come out of its influence. By the end of the 40s decade,one would find that the face of film music had taken a 180 degrees turn,if you compare CR,SDB,H-B,S-J and some other’s music.
-AD
LikeLike
December 9, 2017 at 11:00 pm
Arun ji,
I am completely in agreement with your description about the transition of public tastes in film music during the 1940s. This phenomena of taste transition, cycles every 10 to 15 years as we observe the subsequent decades also.
Your observation about the waning of public interest in pure classical basis of film music in that period is very correct.
Rgds
Sudhir
LikeLike