Atul’s Song A Day- A choice collection of Hindi Film & Non-Film Songs

This article is written by Raja, 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.

It’s not easy writing this. I’ve written many posts here on the death anniversaries of various artistes – but in all those cases, I’ve had the benefit of distance of time from the event. Even if it is the first death anniversary, at least 365 days have passed since. That does make a difference. Today’s post isn’t a death anniversary post. It’s a tribute post, of course, but the artiste in question has just left us a few hours ago! And we are still in mourning. Which is why I write this post now with a lot of sadness in my heart.

This morning, when I woke up, I got the news that was like a bolt from the blue – that Sridevi, one of the most famous and popular actresses of our times, was no more. When I checked my whatsapp messages today, a regular morning routine, there was a message from one of my nieces – “This Sridevi news has left me so disturbed. She was my all-time favourite”.

I immediately checked Twitter, which is my usual go-to source for latest news. And sure enough – it was real, not a fake news item. Twitter is notorious for fake news being spread – but this time, unfortunately, there was nothing fake about this. Tributes were pouring in on Twitter.

I took a deep breath. It all seemed so unbelievable, it took me a while to digest the news. Sridevi  had died a few hours earlier of a cardiac arrest in Dubai. She had gone to attend a family wedding – it turned out to be her last day on this earth. There were pictures of her from just a few hours earlier – she looked just fine. In fact, she looked more than fine, she looked gorgeous – like she’d always looked. I was not aware of any health complaints of any sort. So then how did this suddenly happen?

There are theories floating around, some to do with her diet, pills etc. I do not want to discuss any of this here – it is all in the realm of speculation anyway, and I am sure we will get to hear more about it in the days to come.  Right now, all I know is that my thoughts have been with her all day today. I can see Sridevi’s face right in front of my eyes –superbly expressive, that twinkle in her eye, that smile. I can see her dancing, whether as a Naagin, or doing a break-dance in Michael Jackson style – completely at ease with both.

I can see her portraying a docile, innocent Anju one minute, and a chaalu Chaalbaaz Manju the very next. That is / was Sridevi. She could do both sadness and madness to such perfection within minutes – and you wouldn’t be able to say she was acting. No wonder she won many millions of fans all over the world. And not just Hindi film fans. Sure, she reigned as superstar for almost a decade in the Hindi film industry but her career in the South Indian film industry was not just longer, it was also probably far richer.

There will be many obituary and tribute pieces written for Sridevi in the days to come. As is common, her entire life will be detailed – from her early days to her final ones. Her career will be discussed in great detail, as will her personal life. I choose not to add to the repetitive element of these. I am no expert on Sridevi anyway – and anyone who wants a lot of facts on her is better advised to seek out one of those other sources. As is my wont, I will discuss Sridevi here from a personal perspective.

Hmm, where do I start? When did I first hear of Sridevi? I must admit that I first heard of Sridevi only in the late 1970s, though she had already become a popular name in South Indian cinema for some years by then. I lived in Eastern India at that time, where the exposure to South Indian cinema was very limited – and I’d heard of very few actors and actresses of the South.  Of course I’d heard of the legends (Sivaji Ganesan, MGR, Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, KR Vijaya etc.) but of the then-current lot, I’d not heard of many. Yes, I’d heard of Kamalahasan and Rajinikanth, though I’d not seen any of their films. As for heroines, I got to hear names like Sripriya, Srividya, Sujatha. And Sridevi. To me, the name Sridevi was just one of these names at that time.

Around that time, South Indian producers once again began to show interest in making Hindi films. Of course earlier too they had made a lot of films but the pace had slackened in the 1970s. It suddenly began picking up towards the end of the decade. Understandably these producers wanted to work with actors they were familiar with. So, just like Jamuna and KR Vijaya in an earlier generation, we got to see new South Indian faces entering the Hindi film industry.

Thus, in 1979, we got news that two big-name South Indian actresses would be seen in Hindi films. Jayaprada would be seen in a film called ‘Sargam’ (1979), and Sridevi would be seen in a film called ‘Solvaan Saawan’ (1978). ‘Sargam’ became a huge hit – and set Jayaprada on her way to success in the Hindi film industry. ‘Solvaan Saawan’, on the other hand, just came and went – and with that seemed to sink Sridevi’s future too in Hindi films. She simply seemed to have disappeared from the Hindi film scene.

For a while, I forgot about the existence of Sridevi, even as she was becoming a progressively more popular and successful star in the South. As it is, Hindi films rolled merrily on – with established heroines like Zeenat Aman, Hema, Parveen and Reena Roy, and a new set of heroines like Poonam Dhillon, Rati Agnihotri, Padmini Kolhapure, Anita Raaj and Deepti Naval.

By then, I was getting increasingly busy with my studies and was not able to keep pace with Hindi movies.

Then came 1983 and ‘Himmatwaala’ happened.  Sridevi returned with a bang. This film, in which she starred opposite Jeetendra, turned out to be a smash hit, with the songs becoming super-duper hits. Ironically for me, these songs only hastened my distaste for songs of that period, a distaste that had been formed with songs like “Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain”, “. . .Chaaye Pe Bulaaya Hai” becoming big hits. From then on, I almost completely shut myself off from Hindi films for a while.

‘Himmatwaala’ was one in a string of films from South India, many of which were commercially successful during the 1980s. Many of them starred Sridevi, Jeetendra and Jayaprada. Some starred Rajesh Khanna. But I had got a mental block about these films. So while Sridevi and Jayaprada were becoming big stars in Hindi cinema, I refused to watch their films. Years later, around 2007, I did watch ‘Himmatwaala’ on TV, keeping my expectations very low. Must admit it wasn’t all THAT bad!

Despite this mental block, I did watch the odd Sridevi film. The first one I remember watching was ‘Sadma’ (1983). I remember thinking “Oh, so THIS is Sridevi!”.  I liked her in the film. Then I watched ‘Tohfa’ (1984). Only because it was being screened in our local club and my friends persuaded me to watch it. I went in with very low expectations – and was therefore not very disappointed. Again, I liked Sridevi in the film. But then I’m not a particularly big fan of Jayaprada. So in comparison, I’d any day prefer to watch a Sridevi film. And then I watched ‘Moondram Pirai’ (1982), the Tamil classic – of which ‘Sadma’ is a remake. Apart from these three films, I didn’t watch a single Sridevi film in the 80s.

Thankfully her career wasn’t dependent on my taste at the time 🙂 otherwise it would not have taken off at all. She kept going from strength to strength. By 1986, when she would be seen in ‘Sultanat’, ‘Aakhri Raasta’, ‘Jaanbaaz’, ‘Karma’ and ‘Nagina’ – all big movies, I realized that whether I was watching her movies or not, the whole of India seemed to be watching them. And loving her.

I realized that though there were other heroines like Meenakshi Seshadri and Dimple Kapadia who had the odd hit film, and Jayaprada was still very much in the mix, Sridevi had gone ahead of them all. She was now probably the No.1 heroine of the time. (Rekha, by then, was in a league of her own).

Then in 1987, Shekhar Kapur’s ‘Mr. India’ hit the screens – and that probably sealed it. Anyone who had any doubts about Sridevi’s rank in the industry was effectively shut up by this film. Her “Hawa Hawaii” song was a rage all over India. And then there was “Kaate Nahin Kat’te Ye Din Ye Raat”, which was Sridevi all the way.

Around this time, it was not inconceivable that a film would run on Sridevi’s name alone. She had earned that superstar status. On the male front, Amitabh Bachchan in the mid to late 1980s wasn’t having a good run. And none of the other male stars were quite superstar material yet. Sridevi was.

Yet she continued to act in a remarkable number of poor-to-average films – such was the quality of films in the 1980s! You can hardly blame the actor for that. You were lucky if there was one memorable film in ten. Most films could be forgotten the moment you stepped out of the hall.

Of her other well-known films, two from 1989 come to mind – ‘Chaandni’ and ‘Chaalbaaz’. I remember ‘Chaandni’ becoming a superhit. I’m not so sure about ‘Chaalbaaz’ – though it is one of my favourite Sridevi films. She plays a double role – and how. The film, a remake of ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ (1972), is a hilarious comedy, completely owned by Sridevi.

1991 saw ‘Lamhe’ – another landmark film in her career. Once again, Sridevi was seen in a double role. Mother and daughter. A very different sort of film. I think ‘Lamhe’ failed at the box-office – it was a storyline that the audience found difficult to accept. But that does not take away from Sridevi’s performance.

1992 saw ‘Khuda Gawaah’, again a double role for Sridevi. Mother and daughter again. I wonder if any heroine has done more double roles than Sridevi. Fabulous scenes of Afghanistan, fabulous acting by Sridevi.

1993 had the resounding and expensive flop, ‘Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja’. After this, her career took a dip – and after ‘Judaai’ (1997), she was next to be seen in a lead role, goodness, 15 years later, in ‘English Vinglish’ (2012). And what a performance! It was SUCH a pleasure to see her in this film, putting up such a mature performance, that I was left wondering what might’ve been in the preceding 15 years.

Oh, one thing. I saw each one of the films I’ve mentioned above only after 1995. Yes, even her 1980s hits. Like I said before, I studiously stayed away from 1980s films at the time they were released. Not just Sridevi films, but all 1980s films. In the process, I might have missed some good ones too. I caught up with many of them later. After 1995.

And as I watched Sridevi, I could understand why she had become such a superstar. Beyond her looks and her amazing dancing ability, there was a fine actor. Not everyone realizes this – but her ability to take a scene to a different level altogether, just with her facial expressions, a roll of the eyes, a smile from the side of her mouth, all of this added to producing a memorable performance. And I daresay unlike the male superstars, her mannerisms didn’t come across as clichéd, even if she repeated them. She only endeared herself even more to the audience.

Yes, I could fully understand why Sridevi was a superstar. But ironically I realized this only after she had conceded the top spot to Madhuri Dixit, herself a deserving No.1. Many folks make a big deal of the Sridevi – Madhuri rivalry. I’ve never cared about it – each actor has his/her time and ups and downs. Both Sridevi and Madhuri were terrific actors and entertainers – and that is the main reason they were loved so much by the public. Anyway, the timing when the realization hit me, is irrelevant. What’s important is she is loved by millions of people. The outpouring of grief today is testimony to this. Whether you are a superstar or not, is secondary.

Let’s move on to the song for today.

I’ve picked this song from ‘Chaalbaaz’ (1989). It’s one of my favourite Sridevi films. I have watched it multiple times – and can still watch it. A ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ (1972) remake, Sridevi here plays Anju (the docile one) and Manju (the chaalu one). The male leads are played by Sunny Deol and Rajinikanth. Though the film stars Anupam Kher, Rohini Hattangadi and Shakti Kapoor too, the film belongs to Sridevi. The dialogues are hilarious – check them out on youtube.

The song for today showcases, to some extent, why Sridevi was so popular. Just look at her bindaas dancing, just look at the expressions on her face. This is classic Sridevi. You cannot but love her in this song. Although it features Sunny Deol too, and a whole host of supporting dancers, Sridevi clearly steals the show. I’ve watched the song five times already today. It’s one way of remembering Sridevi. I am sure you will like the song too. Just observe Sridevi through the song – she is having so much fun, this song will just lift your spirits.

Lyrics have been provided by Avinashji. He was kind enough to offer to write them up, as soon as he got to know that I was planning to do this write-up. Thanks a lot, Avinashji.

Thank you for all the wonderful memories, Sridevi. You will always remain in our hearts.

Song – Na Jaane Kahaan Se Aayi Hai (Chaalbaaz) (1989) Singer – Amit Kumar, Kavita Krishnamurty, Lyrics – Anand Bakshi, MD – Laxmikant Pyaarelal
Unidentified Male Voice
Chorus

Lyrics (Provided by Avinash Scrapwala)

dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub du u u u 

naa jaane kahaan se aayi hai
naa jaane kahaan ko jaayegi
deewaana kise banaayegi ye ladki

badi chhoti hai mulaaqaat
bade afsos ki hai baat

hu u  u u u yaa

kisi ke haath naa aayegi ye ladki ee
ru u u u
kisi ke haath naa aayegi ye ladki ee
ru u u u

naa jaane kahaan se aayi hai
naa jaane kahaan ko jaayegi
deewaana kise banaayegi ye ladki

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
ooh a

ye bheega huaa badan tera
is dil mein aag lagaa dega
ye bheega huaa badan tera
is dil mein aag lagaa dega
chhaayega baadal zulfon ka
to paagal tujhe banaa degaa aa
paagal tujhe banaa degaa aa
tu ru ru ru ru ru u u
tu ru ru ru ru ru u u

karega yaad mujhe din raat
bade afsos ki hai baat
hu u  u u u yaa
kisi ke haath naa aayegi ye ladki ee
ru u u u
kisi ke haath naa aayegi ye ladki ee
ru u u u

[undeciphered sound]

ye ladki bheegi bhaagi si
kya ghar se bhaag ke aayi hai
ye ladki bheegi bhaagi si
kya ghar se bhaag ke aayi hai
ye ladki nahin hai naagin hai
jo neend se jaag ke aayi hai
jo neend se jaag ke aayi hai

ru ru ru ru ru ru
ru ru ru ru ru ru

mere haathon mein de de haath
bade afsos ki hai baat
hu u u u u aa
kisi ke haath naa aayegi ye ladki ee
ru u u u
kisi ke haath naa aayegi ye ladki ee
ru u u u

[undeciphered sound]

ha ha ha ha ha ha hmm
aaraam se baitho paas mere
darne ki koyi baat nahin
aaraam se baitho paas mere
darne ki koyi baat nahin
main tumse pyaar karun mere
aise to bure haalaat nahin
aise to bure haalaat nahin

ru ru ru ru ru ru
ru ru ru ru ru ru

karegi yaad mujhe din raat
bade afsos ki hai baat
hu u u u u aa
tumhaare haath naa aayegaa
ye ladka
ru u u u
tumhaare haath naa aayegaa
ye ladka aa
ru u u u

naa jaane kahaan se aayi hai
naa jaane kahaan ko jaayegi
deewaana kise banaayegi ye ladki ee

badi chhoti hai mulaaqaat
bade afsos ki hai baat
hu u u u u aa

kisi ke haath naa aayegi ye ladki ee
ru u u u

kisi ke haath naa aayegi ye ladki ee
ru u u u

dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub du u u u 
ru u u ru ru ru ru
ru ru ru ru ru ru ru u u
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub du u u u 
ru u u ru ru ru ru
ru ru ru ru ru ru ru u u
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub dub dub dub du ru ru ru
dub dub dub du u u u 
ru oo oo oo

———————————————————————————
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Avinash Scrapwala)
———————————————————————————

डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु

ना जाने कहाँ से आयी है
ना जाने कहाँ को जायेगी
दीवाना किसे बनाएगी ये लड़की

बड़ी छोटी है मुलाक़ात
बड़े अफ़सोस कि है बात

हु उ उ उ उ या

किसी के हाथ ना आएगी ये लड़की ई
रु उ उ उ
किसी के हाथ ना आएगी ये लड़की ई
रु उ उ उ
ना जाने कहाँ से आयी है
ना जाने कहाँ को जायेगी
दीवाना किसे बनाएगी ये लड़की

हा हा हा हा हा हा हा
हा हा हा हा हा हा हा
उह अ

ये भीगा हुआ बदन तेरा
इस दिल में आग लगा देगा
ये भीगा हुआ बदन तेरा
इस दिल में आग लगा देगा
छाएगा बादल जुल्फों का
तो पागल तुझे बना देगा आ
पागल तुझे बना देगा आ
तू रु रु रु रु रु रु उ उ
तू रु रु रु रु रु रु उ उ

करेगा याद मुझे दिन रात
बड़े अफ़सोस कि है बात
हु उ उ उ उ या
किसी के हाथ ना आएगी ये लड़की ई
रु उ उ उ
किसी के हाथ ना आएगी ये लड़की ई
रु उ उ उ

(असपष्ट शब्द )

ये लड़की भीगी भागी सी
क्या घर से भाग के आयी है
ये लड़की भीगी भागी सी
क्या घर से भाग के आयी है
ये लड़की नहीं है नागन है ‘
जो नींद से जाग के आयी है
जो नींद से जाग के आयी है
रु रु रु रु रु रु
रु रु रु रु रु रु

मेरे हाथों में दे दे हाथ
बड़े अफ़सोस कि है बात
हु उ उ उ उ या
किसी के हाथ ना आएगी ये लड़की ई
रु उ उ उ
किसी के हाथ ना आएगी ये लड़की ई
रु उ उ उ

(असपष्ट शब्द )

हा हा हा हा हा हा हम्म

आराम से बैठो पास मेरे
डरने कि कोई बात नहीं
आराम से बैठो पास मेरे
डरने कि कोई बात नहीं
मैं तुमसे प्यार करूँ मेरे
ऐसे तो बुरे हालात नहीं
ऐसे तो बुरे हालात नहीं
रु रु रु रु रु रु
रु रु रु रु रु रु
करेगी याद मुझे दिन रात
बड़े अफ़सोस कि है बात
हु उ उ उ उ या
तुम्हारे हाथ ना आयेगा
ये लड़का
रु उ उ उ
तुम्हारे हाथ ना आयेगा
ये लड़का
रु उ उ उ

ना जाने कहाँ से आयी है
ना जाने कहाँ को जायेगी
दीवाना किसे बनाएगी ये लड़की

बड़ी छोटी है मुलाक़ात
बड़े अफ़सोस कि है बात
हु उ उ उ उ या
किसी के हाथ ना आएगी ये लड़की ई
रु उ उ उ
किसी के हाथ ना आएगी ये लड़की ई
रु उ उ उ

डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
रु उ उ रु रु रु रु
रु रु रु रु रु रु रु उ उ
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
रु उ उ रु रु रु रु
रु रु रु रु रु रु रु उ उ
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
डुब डुब डुब डू रु रु रु
रु ऊ ऊ ऊ