This article is written by Gajendra Khanna, 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 other sites without the knowledge and consent of the web administrator of atulsongaday.me, then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.

For today’s post, I have chosen a movie who’s two namesakes are already there on the blog and thanks to their popularity they have even been yippeed already. However, this 2002 release and another namesake are perhaps waiting for me to open their account on the blog.

This film like many of the movies (phenomena particularly seen in 1930s) was inspired by a play. The director Vipul Amrutlal Shah adapted this movie from his own Gujarati play Andhalo Pato (Blindman’s Bluff). He has done these kind of adaptations later as well. I feel that its certainly a good idea to adapt movies from plays, novels, short stories etc as these often have wonderful ieas in them around which screenplays can be built. A good script will always give strength to a movie. Music no doubt is important to a movie but it can only do so much alone. I hope our filmmakers today will focus more on continuing this trend of re-using good stories rather than re-using good songs to make something else out of them!

The film tells the story of Vijay Singh Rajput (Bachchan) a hard-working but temperamental man who has spent all his life working for one bank and even achieving them international recognition. When Vijay loses his mind and goes on a violent rampage beating up another employee, he is subsequently fired. He decides to take vengeance by organising a full on heist and having the same bank robbed by three blind men as no one will suspect them. The film was quite appreciated when it released.
The detailed plot was as follows:-

Obsessive and temperamental bank manager Vijay Singh Rajput (Amitabh Bachchan) loses his job for badly beating up a bank clerk who tried to embezzle money. Angered at losing his job he plots revenge on the bank by intending to stage a heist. He employs three blind men – Vishwas (Akshay Kumar), a blind person who has the power of the sixth sense, Elias (Paresh Rawal) and Arjun (Arjun Rampal) — when, after passing by school for the blind, he understands that blind people can be trained to do things like sighted people. He blackmails and enlists the help of Neha (Sushmita Sen) who is a teacher at the school to train the trio to do the seemingly impossible heist. He chose blind people because they, as thieves, would never be suspected as noone would believe blind people can rob a bank.

The bank robbery is successful, with the jewels safely captured by the three. However, in the process of robbing the bank, Elias’s face is exposed, captured in footage and prompting citywide posters with his face. Meanwhile, Mr. Rajput anxiously tries to extort information from Vishwas and Arjun regarding the jewels and their location. Unable to answer, as they did not collect the items, they try to defer the answer by changing subjects. Ultimately, it is revealed that Elias is the one with complete knowledge of the box’s belongings. Meanwhile, tensions rise between Rajput and Neha; the latter resists the abusive nature of Rajput and his obnoxious harassing of Vishwas and Arjun. Arjun confesses his love to Neha, who reveals that she is associated in the plot only for the well-being of her younger brother, Rahul, who has been kidnapped by Rajput.

In a furious attempt, the police try to locate Elias. Elias lands up at Rajput’s place after getting drunk. Rajput tries several ways to force Elias into revealing the location of the box. Unable to generate an answer, he slams Elias, who falls on the ground and injures his eyes, causing bleeding. Even in this scenario, Rajput tries to get the information, but Vishwas and Arjun resist and claim that they will reveal the location if Elias is treated by paramedics. Rajput sends them to get Dr. Siddiqui. Vishwas senses that Elias is in danger and Arjun and Vishwas double back to the training center to save him. Rajput starts to harass Elias by tickling him to force him to reveal the answer.

In the action, Elias falls off the balcony and dies. Unable to bear the shock of the death, Neha pulls a gun on Rajput and threatens to reveal everything to the police if he does not leave her and the other two alone. Rajput notifies Neha that all these acts were done under her training, and he is spotless. Unable to bear this fact, Neha shoots herself, just as Vishwas and Arjun return after hearing loud screams.

Both men gang up on Rajput and try to attack him. Once Rajput realises that the men are ignorant about the jewels, he starts shooting them. The police arrive, and confusion ensues. Vishwas and Arjun come out and claim that Rajput is abusing them while he claims that there is a big conspiracy involving the two men, Neha and Elias. Unable to believe that blind men can ransack a bank and amidst Rajput’s impassioned defence, the police start getting suspicious. In the heat of defending himself, Rajput reveals that he had sent over Elias, thus confessing his crime.
In the end, Rajput has been locked away. Vishwas and Arjun decide to take care of Rahul and ultimately find the jewels – they were hidden in Elias’ musical instrument.

This would appear as the typical Hindi film end where the evil man ends up in jail. However, old timers may be remembering the curious case of Bandini having two endings being shot. As told in Bioscope ki Baaten on Vividh Bharti’s pitara programme long back Bimalda could not decide what end to give the movie. One option was to send Nutan’s character to hear new beau played by Dharmendra and the other was for her to go to her old love Ashok Kumar. As per announcer Kamal Sharma who hosted it as per my memory, Bimalda shot both the endings and showed it to a selected audience (perhaps the distributors??) who decided that the ending where She goes to side of the ailing Ashok Kumar would be more apt.

However in this movie’s case, the film makers had another ending in mind which was released in the overseas version! In the overseas viewers version, Rajput bribes the cop (Aditya Pancholi) and is set free, in return to get him his share and gets his manager Bhandari (Ajit Vachani) arrested. Vishwas and Arjun are sitting in a train (waiting for it to depart) and Rajput is standing on the platform with a smile on his face. He then warns them that “A dangerous game is about to begin”, after which Vishwas and Arjun both draw their guns, and the film ends.

Perhaps the film makers felt that overseas audience would better accept the corrupt angle while also leaving room for a sequel which never happened. Obviously, the alternate ending overseas version was longer in length too.

Interestingly, when the movie released, the pirated movies would often come via the Dubai route and in India, people going to cinemas and watching it at home were seeing the different endings! The movie was a big hit. I especially loved the way Sushmita Sen matched up to Amitabh Bachchan during her very effective role. Its sad that we have got to see so less of her in films. Bollywood, She hasn’t been seen since Chingaari (2006). Are you listening??

Before, I come to the chosen song itself, I must mention a very curious case of P-stats for the song. One man who “appears” as if He is yet to make his debut on the blog as far as one can see has not yet made his debut on the blog is making his debut with this song post. What’s interesting is that He’s making his debut on the blog as a singer, a composer as well as what he’s most known as – a Lyricist! Another interesting thing is that his co-composers in the song are a well known composer duo as well as a talented, now sadly deceased, solo composer. So this song for which he has written the lyrics has four composers! That’s quite rare must say!! I was surprised when I first discovered this and had to get hold of the “record” i.e. the CD to confirm the same! This gentleman has not only been a singer, composer and lyricist but also contributed to films as a dialogue writer as well as an actor!
You can see the CD for the credits here on Amazon.

I hope I have made you curious about the identity of the artist! You’ve probably heard some songs of his. He’s known for reviving Bambaiyya style songs in films like Ghulam (1998) and Satya (1998). For many years he was in demand for his Bambaiyya lyrics! His name is of course Nitin Raikwar.

How he came to write probably his biggest hit which kick started his lyricist career is a quite interesting incident. The year was 1996. Actor and filmmaker Neeraj Vora recommended that he go and meet ‘Mr Perfectionist’ Aamir Khan. Aamir was shooting on the sets of Ghulam at Sanpada in Navi Mumbai. He needed someone to write some funny shayaris for a character in his next film Sarfarosh. When Nitin reached there he found that due to some technical slag the whole unit was on standby while it was being rectified. Seeing Aamir free, Nitin went up to him and requested him to give a listen to one of the songs he had written. Aamir heard it and immediately called the director Vikram Bhatt. They both found the song unusual but nice. That song which got included in the movie was ‘Aati Kya Khandala’ which became a super duper hit (It was sung by Aamir himself with Alka Yagnik. Its not yet on the blog and I’m reserving it for a future post by me. Me. Me. Peevsie’s mom and other’s please note 😀 ). This song will probably feature in any playlist of Bambaiyya Hindi songs.

He was to follow it up with many hits. One of these is already on our blog. That is the famous Apun Bola Tu Meri Laila from Josh (2000) which has already had a post by Peevsie’s mom nearly 6 years back on 20th August here:-

In the tagging it has got miscredited to Sameer (who also wrote for the movie) and thus it became his “secret debut” on the blog (the writeup does mention him in one place!). The correctness of the credit can be easily seen on the CD here

Some of his other popular songs include Excuse Me Kya Re (from Style 2001) and Khallas from RGV’s Company (2002). He penned for many more movies being sought out for the Bambaiyya flavour. He was also called for children’s movies like Chhota Chetan (1998) and Jajantaram Mamantaram (2003).

He talked about all this in a 2017 interview with Mid Day.
To quote from it:-

Writing in tapori language was a skill that Raikwar developed after he moved to Mumbai from Pune in 1987. By then, he had already tried his hand at singing in orchestras, something his father wanted him to do since he was a successful show organiser. “But I didn’t see myself singing in orchestras all my life. I was aware of the risk and struggle involved in Bollywood, but I was adamant to make it,” he says. With little money to spend, Raikwar’s story reads like that of so many others who move to Mumbai from smaller towns to try their luck. “When a man is struggling, he spends time with people who are like him. So I would sit at chai tapris and talk to rickshawallas, drivers and daily wage labourers. Because I’m talkative and an extrovert by nature, I could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. That’s how I picked up the slang,” he says. Even when he didn’t have projects, Raikwar would write and seek feedback from his friends, some of whom were already working in the film industry as supporting actors. And it’s through their assistance that he finally met Anil Kapoor on the sets of Ladla. “I consider that the turning point in my life. Anil Kapoor felt I had potential and introduced me to directors and filmmakers,” he says. Raikwar’s first song was Teri Tirchi Nazar Main Hai Jaadoo for Anil Kapoor-starrer Loafer in 1996. But it was Aati Kya Khandala that earned him fame like no other. In fact, it helped him bag a Shah Rukh Khan film soon after. “I remember writing Apun Bola in 15 minutes after I heard the script. I wanted it to reflect Goan culture so I included words like kokum curry. You’ll also find words like ‘hoinga’ and ‘karenga’, just the way a Catholic aunty would say them,” he says.

In 2014, Raikwar had to put all work on the backburner for two years due to an illness. It began with bouts of headache, and he was later diagnosed with subdural hematoma of the brain. “The clots had to be removed through surgery. For a long time, I couldn’t work because of the illness. I’m fine now, and hope to get back to what I do best,” he says.

“I think what worked for me at that point was the novelty factor. People dig variety. For instance, we may love our vada pav, but when the burger made an entry in early 2000, we started queuing up for it. It’s the same with songs,” he says. These days, Raikwar is working on his debut album for which he has collaborated with Shrikant Ahire, one of Maharashtra’s foremost shadow dancers. He plans to release a single from it next month. The song is called Khan Sahab Apne Ladke Ko Sambhal. “I thought I’d write in a manner that people identify with. I can’t write in a flowery and larger-than-life way. It’s not me.”

For some reason, the album and song are yet to release though the 2017 interview suggested it would happen soon. No other work from him has come too as far as I can see.

Coming to the song post, It’s a very danceable song composed by our composer ‘quartet’ of Nitin Raikwar, Aadesh Shrivastav and Jatin-Lalit. Joining Nitin Raikwar sing in the movie are Aadesh Shrivastav himself and Actor/Singer Arun Bakshi who you all stalwarts probably already know about from his multiple movies. Written in his usual tapori style, the song for me at its core is quite a philosophical song asking one to not worry about our troubles and that we will one day have everything we want. The song has a nice uplifting mood to it that I love to listen when feeling a bit down sometimes. The feelings of the song somehow remind me of Manna Dey’s rendition of ‘Door Tera Gaon Ho, Thake Tere Paaon Hon Chalta Chal’ from movie Fashionable Wife (1959) which too I am fond of.

Here is the song for you all Bambaiyya Hindi lovers:-

Its picturised on Akshay Kumar, Arjun and Paresh Rawal. The song had become quite an anthem in those days just like today we have Apna Time Aayega but probably in a larger way. A view of the youtube comments of the song will prove that.

Karan Arora says, “My dad is a GM in maruti showroom now……. But 15 years ago…we had a financial crisis…He had to work as a driver under an advocate….we use to live on rent in one room of a govt. Apartment. I was 5 years old At that time.. Jab bhi main dukhi hota tha….he always use to say ” fatela jeb sil jayega…. Jo chahega mil jayega….. Tere bhi din ayenge chhote…. ” to encourage me… But us time esa lagta tha ki future hi nahi hai hamaara…but here we are… Living happily now… So I’m just sharing my story with you guys to encourage everyone who’s struggling in life right now….. Abhi main tum log ko kehta hoon “fatela jeb sil jayega… Jo chahega mil jayega…. Tere bhi din ayenge chhote”……bs rukne ka nahi…. Chalte raho…. 💙💙💙”

Saurabh Mahambrey says, “If three blind guys can sing about a better tomorrow and successful rob a bank …. You can do anything 😂😂😂”

Enceladus says, “2019 anyone 😂 this song is for eternal struggle”

Shubh Patil says, “Best way to get rid of anxiety attacks.. 2019 still here😁😁”

CRT says, “Whenever I feel down, I remember this song. And half of my tension goes away 😃”

Ansh Patil says, “Iconic song.. Amazing movie.. Specially Paresh Rawal rocks”

Shubham Hatekar says, “This song encourages me more than “Apna Time ayega”. Anyone feels same.”

I certainly feel the same. Stay motivated and keep going. You are stronger than the sum of all your troubles. Never forget that.

Video

audio

Song-Phatela Jeb Sil Jayega (Aankhen)(2002) Singers-Arun Bakshi, Aadesh Shrivastav, Nitin Raikwar, Lyrics-Nitin Raikwar, MD-Nitin Raikwar, Aadesh Shrivastav, Jatin-Lalit
Chorus

Lyrics

Phatela Jeb Sil Jaayega
Jo Chaahega Mil Jaayega
Tere Bhi Din Aayenge Chhote
Achcha Khaasa Hil Jaayega
Rukne Ka Nahin
Thakne Ka Nahi
Life Mein Chalte Rehne Ka
Are Bheja Kyon Sarkaane Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai
Tension Kaayko Lene Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai
Phatela Jeb Sil Jaayega
Jo Chaahega Mil Jaayega
Tere Bhi Din Aayenge Chhote
Achcha Khaasa Hil Jaayega
Rukne Ka Nahin Thakne Ka Nahin
Life Mein Chalte Rehne Ka
Are Bheja Kyon Sarkaane Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai
Tension Kaayko Lene Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai

Khaane Ka Hai Chicken Curry
Usko Mangta Patti Hari
Jeb Main Tere Dus Rupiya
Peele Cutting Khaale Bhajiya
Khaane Ka Hai Chicken Curry
Usko Mangta Patti Hari
Jeb Main Tere Dus Rupiya
Peele Cutting Khaale Bhajiya
Kismat Pe Rone Ka Nahin
calendar Badalte Rehne Ka
Are Bheja Kyon Sarkaane Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai
Are Tension Kaayko Lene Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai

Aaj To Hai Andhera
Kal Hoga Ujaala
Are Apni Diwali Hogi
Kisi Aur Ka Hoga Diwala
Kal Dekh Lena Paisa
Ho Ga Goni Bhar Kar
Income Tax Officer
To Haath Dhokhe Hi
Peeche Pad Jaayega
Ha Ha Ha
Phatela Jab Sil Jaayega
Jo Chaahega Mil Jaayega
Tere Bhi Din Aayenge Chhote
Achcha Khaasa Hil Jaayega
Rukne Ka Nahin
Thakne Ka Nahin
Life Mein Chalte Rehne Ka
Are Bheja Kyon Sarkaane Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai
Are Tension Kaayko Lene Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai

Phatela Jeb Sil Jaayega
Jo Chaahe Mil Jaayega
Are Bhalta Hich Pakda Baap
Line Mein Aa
Line Mein Aa
Dhin Taak Dhin Taak
Tere Bhi Din Aayenge Chhote
Achcha Khaasa Hil Jaayega
Rukne Ka Nahni Thakne Ka Nahin
Life Mein Chalte Rehne Ka
Life Mein Chalte Rehne Ka
ha
Life Mein Chalte Rehne Ka

Are Bheja Kyon Sarkane Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai
Tension Kaayko Lene Ka
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta.Hai
Sahi Bolta Hai Sahi Bolta Hai
—————————————————–
Devnagri Lyrics (Provided by Gajendra Khanna)
—————————————————-

फटेला जेब सिल जायेगा
जो चाहेगा मिल जाएगा
तेरे भी दिन आएंगे छोटे
अच्छा खासा हिल जाएगा
रुकने का नहीं थकने का नहीं
लाईफ में चलते रहने का
अरे भेजा क्यों सरकाने का
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
टेन्शन कायेको लेने का
फटेला जेब सिल जाएगा
जो चाहेगा मिल जाएगा
तेरे भी दिन आएंगे छोटे
अच्छा खासा हिल जाएगा
रुकने का नहीं थकने का नहीं
लाईफ में चलते रहने का
अरे भेजा क्यों सरकाने का
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
टेन्शन कायको लेने का
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है

खाने का है चिकन करी
उसको मंगता पत्ती हरी
जेब में तेरे दस रुपया
पीले कटिंग खा ले भजिया
खाने का है चिकन करी
उसको मंगता पत्ती हरी
पीले कटिंग खा ले भजिया
किस्मत पे रोने का नहीं
क्या लेनदार बदलते रहने का
अरे भेजा क्यों सरकाने का
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
अरे टेन्शन कायको लेने का
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
आज तो है अन्धेरा कल होगा उजाला
अरे अपनी दिवाली होगी
किसी और का होगा दिवाला
कल देख लेना पैसा
होगा गोनी भर कर
इन्कम टैक्स आफिसर
तो हाथ धो के ही पीछे पड़ जाएगा
हा हा हा
फटेला जेब सिल जाएगा
जो चाहेगा मिल जाएगा
तेरे भी दिन आएंगे छोटे
अच्छा खासा हिल जाएगा
रुकने का नहीं थकने का नहीं
लाईफ में चलते रहने का
अरे भेजा क्यों सरकाने का
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
अरे टेन्शन कायको लेने का
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
फटेला जेब सिल जाएगा
जो चाहे मिल जाएगा
अरे भलता हीच पकड़ा बाप
लाईन में आ लाईन में आ
धिन ताक धिन ताक
तेरे भी दिन आएंगे छोटे
अच्छा खासा हिल जाएगा
रुकने का नहीं थकने का नहीं
लाईफ में चलते रहने का
लाईफ में चलते रहने का
लाईफ में चलते रहने का

अरे भेजा क्यों सरकाने का
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
टेन्शन कायको लेने का
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है
सही बोलता है सही बोलता है