Tu Dekh Zaraa Dil Ka Darpan
Posted on: May 4, 2023
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 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.
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Today’s song is from an old film ‘Ek Hi Raasta’ (1939).
This film was made by Sagar Movietone and was directed by a young Mehboob Khan. This was his last film with Sagar, because after this Sagar was merged with National studios and later on it was closed down forever. This proves that generally, family enterprises where it is a one man show, be it films or politics, does not last long. If the enterprise does not adapt to changes or does not learn from its mistakes, its downfall is sure. Mehboob Khan grew big with Sagar. Mehboob was influenced by Nehru’s ideology and was his staunch supporter. It was a coincidence that Nehru died in the afternoon of 27th May 1964 and within 12 hours, Mehboob Khan too died in the early hours of 28th May 1964.
Mehboob Khan rose from the lowest step to the highest place in the film industry. Starting life as an ‘extra’ in films (he was one of the 40 thieves in Sagar’s silent film on Alibaba). He grew solely due to his own hard work and foresight. Born as Ramzan Khan in 1907 in Bilimora, Gujarat, Mehboob was from a Gujarati Muslim family. He never got a formal education in his young age, but he was keen on two things – 5 times Namaz daily and seeing films. His father being in Police Department, films were free for him. One day he ran away to Bombay to become an actor. However his father found him out and brought him back. He was immediately married off, with a belief that he would improve.
Two years after marriage and one child, he ran off to Bombay again and worked in Imperial Film Co. as an extra for Rs 30 pm. This too after he worked without any pay for 5 months due to the mistake of the clerk ! He worked in crowd scenes and sundry roles – without a dialogue, of course, starting as one of the 40 thieves of ‘Alibaba’. He worked in several films uncredited. His first, big and credited role came in the film ‘Shirin Khushru’ (1929).
In 1927, after the talkie film ‘The Jazz Singer’ was shown in US, the world started making Talkie films. India too jumped into the bandwagon. In 1931, Imperial Movietone, competing with Madon Theaters of Calcutta, wanted to make a talkie and started work fast. Mehboob Khan was almost finalized as the hero. Even his costumes were made ready, but he was destined for something different, and Master Vithal was made the hero of India’s first talkie. Ardeshir Irani’s safety valve of minimizing the risk of the first venture by selecting the existing popular hero, scuttled Mehboob’s dream.
Meanwhile, Imperial started a new company, ’Sagar Movietone’, along with Dr. Patel and Chiman Desai. Some artistes and techies were shifted to Sagar-including Mehboob- from Imperial. Mehboob continued to work in 12 silent films. Here, he met Fardoon Irani, Cinematographer and they became thick friends. Irani was with Mehboob till the end.
During this period, Mehboob wrote a film story and convinced the owners to allow him to direct this film. Owners were hesitant, naturally, to allow this young extra actor to direct a film. Lastly a deal was struck, that Mehboob and Faredoon should be allowed to shoot one reel film. If they like it, continue or else, scrap it and recover money from these two chaps. After one reel shooting the owners realized that they had struck gold in the process and Mehboob completed his first directorial venture ‘Al Hilaal’ (1935). The film was a great success and Mehboob ‘chal pada’. Mehboob went on to direct 7 more films for Sagar. All his films were successful.
From film ‘Jageerdar’ (1937) Mehboob and Anil Biswas pair teamed up for 8 films – till ‘Roti’ (1942).
When Mehboob was making arrangements for his next film, ‘Alibaba’, the sudden news that Sagar is closing down hit them. Mehboob Khan contacted Imperial to allow him to shoot for his film in their studio, which Ardeshir gladly permitted. The film shooting proceeded til Sagar became National Studios. Mehboob made 3 important films of his career in National Studio, namely ‘Aurat’ (1940), ‘Behan’ (1941) and ‘Roti’ (1942).
When National studio also closed down all workers came on road. However, Mehboob decided to start his own company. One Mr. Lalaji of Manoranjan Distributors of Delhi promised capital. National Studio was renamed as Central Studio by the owner, KK Modi – elder brother of Sohrab Modi. He allowed Mehboob to use the studio till his own studio came up. Mehboob took a place nearby to start his office. In this period there was a rift between Mehboob and Anil Biswas and they separated for ever – albeit bitterly.
Mehboob wanted a logo for Mehboob Productions. He selected a sher written by Agha Jani Kashmiri for film ‘Al Hilal” —
“muddai laakh bura chaahe to kya hota hai,”
“wahi hota hai jo manzoor e khuda hota hai”.
It was recorded in the voice of Rafiq Ghaznavi with appropriate prelude music and sound of lightening and clouds. He also took Sickle and Hammer for the logo, and clarified that because he respected workers and certainly he was not a communist.
His first film ‘Najma’ (1943) with Ashok Kumar and Veena was a hit film (his daughter’s name was Najma). It was followed by ‘Taqdeer’ (1943), ‘Humayun’ (1945), ‘Anmol Ghadi’ (1946), ‘Elaan’ (1947), ‘Anokhi Ada’ (1948), ‘Andaaz’ (1949), ‘Aan’ (1952), ‘Amar’ (1954) and his magnum opus ‘Mother India’ (1957). After the high of ‘Mother India’, Mehboob aimed to fly even higher with ‘Son of India’ (1962) but the film was a total misfire and in fact his weakest film.
Mehboob had been neglecting health in spite of suffering heart attacks. In May 1964, he suffered another attack but survived. His financiers were after him for repayment and he was worried. He called Rajendra Kumar and asked for a loan of 4 lakh rupees against his studio to be made in his name. Rajendra Kumar declined to take the studio and promised to give him the amount next day at 11 am, without any mortgage. In the evening, news of Nehru’s heart attack came. Mehboob became restless. Soon the death news came and Mehboob became grief stricken. Akhtar gave him sleeping pills, but he had to be admitted to Nanavati Hospital. He too died at 2 am on 28th May 1964. At the time of his death, Mehboob Khan was harboring ambitions to make a film on the life of Habba Khatoon, the 16th century poetess-queen of Kashmir.
Mehboob Khan directed 8 films for Sagar, 3 films for National and 11 films for Mehboob productions.
[Based on information from Upperstall, the book ‘Mehboob Khan’ by Shashikant Kinikar and my notes].
Film ‘Ek Hi Raasta’ (1939) was the first Hindi film with 3 heroes, namely Sheikh Mukhtar (this was his debut film as a hero), Harish and Arun Ahuja. In those days it was a novelty to have 3 heroes. The other star cast was Anuradha, Jyoti, Kanhaiyalal and many others. Actress Jyoti may be known to many readers. She was the younger sister of Waheedan Bai. Her real name was Sitara Begum. She was a favorite singer of Anil Biswas. After her first marriage broke, she married actor singer GM Durrani. Their married life was happy and long. She acted in 19 films and sang 38 songs in 12 films.
Anuradha was the younger sister of actress Zohra Jaan and Mushtari. Her real name was Khurshid Akhtar (same as actress Shyama). Zohra Jaan was married to actor composer Rafiq Ghaznavi, but they were divorced and Rafiq then married Anuradha. After migrating to Pakistan, Ghaznavi divorced her also.
Mehboob Khan and Anil Biswas were great friends. Both grew up in Sagar Movietone and made a name for themselves. Unfortunately, there was a dispute between them and they split bitterly forever. Many disputes are famous in Hindi cinema world like, for example Lata – Rafi, Lata – SD Burman, Shammi Kapoor – Kalpana etc. Most disputes ended with compromise, but Mehboob Khan never pardoned Anil Biswas as he felt that Anil Biswas betrayed him for money.
Anil Biswas joined Sagar Movietone in 1936 and ‘Jagirdar’ (1937) was his first film as an MD there. He became a very good friend of Mehboob. Together with cinematographer Faredoon Irani, they made a close group of friends. In every film that Mehboob directed from 1937 to 1942 (8 films), Anil Biswas was his Music Director. In 1940 Sagar staff shifted to National and in 1942, National Studios was to be closed. All employees, including Mehboob, Fardoon and Ail Biswas were worried about their future. In that period, Anil Biswas got an offer first from Ranjit Studios, but he rejected it as his friends did not get offers. Then he got an invitation from Bombay Talkies for Rs. 2,500 rupees pm as salary. This was too lucrative to reject. Though his friends were jobless, Anil Biswas joined Bombay Talkies.
Mehboob Khan was upset that being a friend also, in their bad days, Anil Biswas deserted them for personal gain. Mehboob and Fardoon felt let down. Their relations soured and thereafter Mehboob Khan never ever took Anil Biswas as an MD for films of his company. After establishing his own Mehboob Productions, he did not invite Anil Biswas. Mehboob Khan prospered and teamed up with Naushad as his MD from film ‘Anokhi Ada’ (1948) onwards, in place of Anil Biswas.
By 1954, Anil Biswas broke up with his first wife Ashalata . His career as music director was floundering and he was not getting any films. For survival he unsuccessfully tried doing truck business. Seeing his condition, Mehboob offered him the contract for his canteen, on request from Anil Biswas. That too failed miserably. Mehboob Khan was so bitter about him that even in that condition Mehboob did not offer him any film.
When Mehboob Productions planned the film ‘ Paisa Hi Paisa ‘ in 1956, Mehreesh was made the Director. Being a great fan of Anil Biswas, he asked Mehboob’s permission to call Anil Biswas as its music director. As one who believed in work ethics, Mehboob very reluctantly permitted Mehreesh, but went on a foreign trip to avoid meeting Anil Biswas. Film ‘Paisa Hi Paisa’ was a comedy film, with Kishore Kumar, Mala Sinha, Shakeela, Shyam Kumar, Murad, Mukri, Kumud Tripathi etc. Basically Anil Biswas specialised in tragedy or serious films. Comedy film was not in his comfort zone, but his financial condition forced him to bow to the circumstances. Being a talented composer, he did well in this too, though the film bombed at the box office.
[Based on information collated from the book ‘Mehboob Khan” by Shashikant Kinikar, with thanks and my notes].
Anil Biswas was very fond of singing in his own films. Here is today’s song, sung by him. In this film, Anil Biswas sang 3 solos and a duet with Waheedan Bai (Nimmi’s mother).
Song- Tu Dekh Zaraa Dil Ka Darpan (Ek Hi Rasta) (1939) Singer – Anil Biswas, Lyricist – Kidar Sharma, MD – Anil Biswas)
Lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
jise kehta hai tu
aa gaya
aa gaya
wo gaya hi kahaan tha
ye to bata
dil ka suraj tere
jagmagaata hua..aa..aa
baadalon mein
o rehta kahaan tak chhupa
tu dekh zara dil ka darpan
tu dekh zara dil ka darpan
wahaan basa hua hai vrindavan
tu dekh zara dil ka darpan
tu dekh zara dil ka. . .
tere nainon mein ganga jamuna bahe
tere nainon mein ganga jamuna bahe
tere mann mein Mathura vaas rahe
tere mann mein Mathura vaas rahe
tere kaanon mein bansi ki taan rahe
tere kaanon mein bansi ki taan rahe
tere mukh mein. . .
tere mukh mein shyam ka naam rahe
tere mukh mein shyam ka naam rahe
giridhar ko kar tan mann arpan
giridhar ko kar tan mann arpan
tu dekh zara dil ka darpan
tu dekh zara dil ka. . .
tere nainon mein ganga jamuna bahe
tere nainon mein ganga jamuna bahe
tere mann mein Mathura vaas rahe
tere mann mein Mathura vaas rahe
tere kaanon mein bansi ki taan rahe
tere kaanon mein bansi ki taan rahe
tere mukh mein. . .
tere mukh mein shyam ka naam rahe
tere mukh mein shyam ka naam rahe
giridhar ko kar tan mann arpan
giridhar ko kar tan mann arpan
tu dekh zara dil ka darpan
tu dekh zara dil ka. . .
————————————————
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
————————————————
जिसे कहता है तू
आ गया
आ गया
वो गया ही कहाँ था
ये तो बता
दिल का सूरज तेरे
जगमगाता हुआ
बादलों में
ओ रहता कहाँ तक छुपा
तू देख ज़रा दिल का दर्पण
तू देख ज़रा दिल का दर्पण
वहाँ बसा हुआ है वृन्दावन
तू देख ज़रा दिल का दर्पण
तू देख ज़रा दिल का ॰ ॰ ॰
तेरे नैनों में गंगा जमना बहे
तेरे नैनों में गंगा जमना बहे
तेरे मन में मथुरा वास रहे
तेरे मन में मथुरा वास रहे
तेरे कानों में बंसी की तान रहे
तेरे कानों में बंसी की तान रहे
तेरे मुख में ॰ ॰ ॰
तेरे मुख में श्याम का नाम रहे
तेरे मुख में श्याम का नाम रहे
गिरिधर को कर तन मन अर्पण
गिरिधर को कर तन मन अर्पण
तू देख ज़रा दिल का दर्पण
तू देख ज़रा दिल का ॰ ॰ ॰
तेरे नैनों में गंगा जमना बहे
तेरे नैनों में गंगा जमना बहे
तेरे मन में मथुरा वास रहे
तेरे मन में मथुरा वास रहे
तेरे कानों में बंसी की तान रहे
तेरे कानों में बंसी की तान रहे
तेरे मुख में ॰ ॰ ॰
तेरे मुख में श्याम का नाम रहे
तेरे मुख में श्याम का नाम रहे
गिरिधर को कर तन मन अर्पण
गिरिधर को कर तन मन अर्पण
तू देख ज़रा दिल का दर्पण
तू देख ज़रा दिल का ॰ ॰ ॰
6 Responses to "Tu Dekh Zaraa Dil Ka Darpan"
May 4, 2023 at 9:10 am
Arun Ji
Thanks for the post . I was fascinated to read about life of Mehboob Khan.
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May 5, 2023 at 7:18 pm
Arun Ji,
Your write ups give more info about the artists associated with the film or song.
Nice to read the birth of Mehboob Productions logo, a sher written by Agha Jani Kashmiri for film ‘Al Hilal” —
“muddai laakh bura chaahe to kya hota hai,”
“wahi hota hai jo manzoor e khuda hota hai”.
The baritone voice of Rafiq Ghaznavi with appropriate prelude music is recited by audience including me.
Another famous logo by Nasir Hussain’s Baner,
“Kya Husn Ne Samjha Hai, Kya Ishq Ne Jaana Hai…”
is written by Jigar Moradabadi.
Can some help in identifying the voice?
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May 5, 2023 at 8:33 pm
gandhivp ji,
Thanks for your appreciation. Despite all efforts I could never know the person who gave voice to NH’s banner.
For additional information on other banners you can visit this https://flashbackbollywood.in/2020/04/30/hindi-film-banners-shayari-signature-opening-lines/
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Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs 
May 4, 2023 at 8:19 am
Enjoyed reading this post Sir ji. I am very much fascinated by the name of Mehboob Khan and his movies. I got to watch his ‘Anmol Ghadi’ in my childhood during the weekly screening of movies at our colony club we were staying then. I watched his ‘Mother India’ during my stay at Parli-Vaijnath (1985-1988).
I am not sure if I watched his ‘Andaaz’ (1949), ‘Aan’ (1952), ‘Amar’ (1954). May be I watched parts of them on TV and also of ‘Son of India’.
Got to know more about Mehboob Khan’s early days and his rise through this article. I think this is the first time I was reading so much information about him.
Also got to know about the collaboration of Anil Biswas and Mehboob Kha.
Thanks a lot for this post.
Regards,
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May 4, 2023 at 12:27 pm
Dear Avinash ji,
Thanks for your appreciation of the post. I am glad it triggered your memories about Mehboob’s films which you saw in your younger age.
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