Archive for the ‘Song of 1938’ Category
Aao mil jul ke
Posted on: March 23, 2020
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.
| Blog Day?: | 4266 | Post No.: | 15492 |
Today’s song is from an old film Baghbaan-1938. There was one more film Baghbaan made in 2003, but the story was different. One film having similarity in name was film Baadbaan made in 1954. This too was a different one.
Baghbaan-38 was the first film of A R Kardar as a Director in Bombay, after his very successful foray in to the Calcutta Film world. This film was made by General Films, Bombay.The music was by Mushtaq Hussain, who had a young, ambitious and talented assistant for this film, whose name was Naushad. Yes, he is the same Naushad, who paired with Kardar in later years and gave us unforgettable music from many films.
The name of Music Director Mushtaq Hussain may not be known to today’s music lovers. Mushtaq was famous as a Classical singer and was called a Ustaad. He started giving music to films in 1933. His first film was Aurat ka pyar-33. He gave music to few films only, like Sauteli Maa-35, Balaa ki raat-36, Jaljalaa-36, Bhedi Trishul-38, Baghbaan-38, Pati patni-37, Kanyadaan-40, Baadal-42, Chhed chhad-43, Do or die-44, Daasi ya Maa-46 and his last film was Bombay- 49. After this, perhaps he realised that the public taste was changing and he left films. During the period of 1938, Naushad worked as his assistant in his struggle days and learnt few things.
The cast of the film was Bimla Kumari, B.Nandrekar ( one of the most handsome actors of Hindi films ), Sitara Devi, Yasmin, Putlibai, Ashraf Khan, Lala Yakub, K N Singh, R Wasti and many others. The 11 songs of the film were written by Hafiz Jallundhari and Mirza Musharraf, who wrote with a Pen name of Mirza Shauq. He had also acted in this film as a comedian. His typical style of mixing Urdu dialogues with English words was very popular in those days. Comedian of the 70s-Ram Avtar made his Debut with this film.
The film was a roaring success and brought many lucrative directorial offers to kardar from big banners like Ranjit and Circo etc. This also gave Kardar a confidence that he can himself own and start a studio and production company in Bombay. He had his pioneering small production company in Lahore, but that was for Silent films. Making Talkie films in Bombay was entirely different.
!942 was an year in which many ambitious and talented artistes established their own companies. There was Mehboob Khan, V.Shantaram, Homi Wadia, and the splinter group from Bombay Talkies also established Filmistan company. Abdul Rashid Kardar too plunged into the flowing river and established his own Kardar Studios. His first film was Sharda-42, which released on 23-1-1943. It was a Hit film. That way, Kardar’s life was full of adventures.
Abdul Rashid Kardar (1904–1989), often abbreviated as A.R. Kardar, was an actor and film director/film producer. He is credited as establishing the film industry in the Bhati Gate locality of Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan).
Kardar was born on 11-10-1904 at Lahore in a rich family. He was provided with all facilities and put into a very good school. Kardar was more interested in bunking school and seeing films and dramas than his studies. As a result he failed in his Matriculation examination. By the time he was 18 year old, he came to Bombay in 1922 to join films. He met director Homi Master in Kohinoor film company. With his good looks and good manners, he was employed as an extra, but there was no work. he used to visit the sets where shootings were taking place in the studio. One day the Cameraman Narayan Devre found him meddling in the shoot and he asked the owner Dwarkadas Sampat to throw him out of the company.
Dejected, he returned to Lahore and studied Calligraphy and Painting, in which he soon gained excellence. Kardar started as an arts scholar and a calligraphist making posters for foreign film productions and writing for newspapers of the early 1920s. His work would often lead him to meet filmmakers around India.
In 1924, the first silent film, The Daughters of Today was made and released in Lahore at a time when the city only had nine operational cinema houses. Most of the films shown in theatres in Lahore were either made in Bombay or Calcutta, besides ones made in Hollywood or London. The Daughters of Today was the brain-child of G.K. Mehta, a former officer with the North-Western Railway, who had imported a camera into the country for this very project from London. He asked Kardar to assist him as an assistant director on the project and ended up giving Kardar his début role in his film as an actor. Muhammad Ismail, his friend and fellow calligraphist, accompanied Kardar in the making of the film.
In 1928, with no work left after their maiden venture, Kardar and friend M. Ismail sold their belongings to set up a studio and production company under the name of United Players Corporation, the foundation stone for the film industry in Lahore. After scouting for locations, they settled for their offices to be established at Ravi Road. Although, the dim-lit area presented with much difficulties after the studios were established. Shootings were only possible in the day-light but nevertheless the area had some very important landmarks like the Ravi Forest and the tombs of Mughal emperor Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan.
It is reported that the team working at the studios would commute on tangas and even lost equipment once while travelling on the bumpy roads on the horse-drawn carriage.However basic and crude their working conditions, Kardar believed in his work and in 1930 he produced the first film under the studio’s banner.
With this film, Husn Ka Daku a.k.a. Mysterious Eagle, Kardar made his first directorial début. He also cast himself as an actor in the male lead opposite Gulzar Begum with Ismail in a supporting role. The film featured an American actor, Iris Crawford, as well. The film had mild success at theatres but prominently established Lahore as a functioning film industry. Kardar vowed on not acting in any other film and instead focusing on direction.
Immediately afterwards the studio released the film Sarfarosh aka Brave Heart, with Gul Hamid playing the lead role with more or less the same cast as in the previous film. This production proved equally appealing but was able to stir noise about this industry in film production circles throughout India. Kardar made 12 silent films at Lahore.
When the Talkie era started, he closed down making silent films and produced his first Talkie film ” Heer Ranjha” in 1932 , with Rafiq Ghaznavi and Miss Anwari in the lead. Ghaznavi was the MD also. The film was a big flop.
Kardar shifted to Calcutta after this; and joined the East India Film Company, where he made about seven films for them. He acted in a costume drama-Aab E Hayat-33, as a Hero. Later he directed 6 films for this company. Almost all films were successful. After the company closed down in 1937 he moved to Bombay and joined Film City (in Tardeo) where he made one film Baaghban-38, for General Films, Bombay. It won the Gohar Gold Medal starring Bimla Kumari, B. Nandrekar and Sitara Devi.
Subsequently he joined Ranjeet Movietone towards the end of 1937 and made only three movies with them. He also made film Pooja-40 for National Studios. From here he moved to Circo Productions Ltd., and made 2 films for them .But just one year later, in 1942, when Circo Productions Ltd. went into liquidation, Kardar bought out the company and started Kardar Productions. In the same compound, he also started Kardar Studios and started making movies under the Kardar Productions banner from 1942 onwards. His first film was Sharda-42, which released on 23-1-1943. Kardar Studios was one of the best equipped studios in those days and also the first to have air-conditioned make up rooms.
In 1946, Kardar gave a commercially successful film with K. L. Saigal and composer Naushad, Shahjehan (1946).Claimed as a “masterpiece”- the film songs became all hits.
Following Partition in 1947, A. R. Kardar and his co-brother Mehboob Khan both left for Pakistan. However, according to Bunny Reuben, as quoted by Mihir Bose, they returned to India, but no reason was given for their return. In this connection Journalist and author of several books, Ambarish Mishra writes, ” when I asked Kardar about his Pakistan visit, he told me that after the Partition, Mehboob immediately went to Pakistan. He was disturbed with the news of Hindu-Muslim conflicts in Bombay Film Industry. It was said that Hindus will not allow Muslims in film industry – which was totally wrong and only a rumour. He wanted to take an idea about his future in this new country. He was keen on settling there. After a month or so, I went there. Being from Lahore, I understood that the film conditions were not conducive for our growth there, as nothing was in order. Everything was in a mess there. I convinced Mehboob somehow and we both came back for good. I told him, as long as Nehru was there, they had no problems in India.” By coincidence, Nehru died and next day Mehboob also died !
Kardar went back to film making and directed Dard (1947), which starred Suraiya and had music by Naushad. Dillagi (1949), a romantic tragedy, was a commercial success at the box-office. Inspired by Wuthering Heights (1939), Kardar later used the plot in Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966). Dillagi’s music by Naushad became extremely popular, especially Suraiya’s song “Tu Mera Chand”. Dulari (1949) had equally popular music, with a memorable Mohammed Rafi song “Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki”.
Dastan (1950) a tragic melodrama, was inspired from the film Enchantment, and was cited as “one of the biggest commercial hits”. Jadoo (1951) and Deewana (1952) marked the parting of ways between Kardar and Naushad. Dil-E-Nadaan (1953) had popular music by Ghulam Mohammed. He made three more films before starting Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966), which again had music by Naushad. Kardar’s last film was Mere Sartaj (1975)
He introduced many artists to the Hindi film industry who went on to become renowned in their own right, such as Naushad, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Suraiya. The legendary singer Mohammad Rafi got his first hit from the song, ‘Suhani raat dhal chuki’ – from Kardar’s film Dulari. He also started the Kardar-Kolynos Contest, to find new talent and through this contest he discovered and introduced to the industry, Chand Usmani and Mahendra Kapoor.
kardar was popularly called as Miyan ji. He directed in all 37 films in his career. He had acted in one film Aab E Hayat-1933.
Mehboob Khan’s wife Sardar Akhtar was the sister of Bahar, Kardar’s wife. Kardar was the step-brother of Pakistan’s famous cricketer A. H. Kardar (Abdul Hafeez Kardar). Kardar’s marriage to Bahar has an interesting story.
Sardar Akhtar and Bahar were sisters and were singers and dancers in Lahore’s famous Heera Mandi. They were known as Daari and Beharo. Bahar was very good looking. Kardar selected her as a Heroine for his film, opposite himself as a Hero and the shooting started. Kardar fell in her love, but Bahar was guarded closely by her escorts and sister Sardar Akhtar. Kardar was wondering how to go about. He opened his mind to friend M.Ismail. a 6 feet tall,and hefty friend. Ismail went to Bahar’s residence and lifted her on shoulders and brought her to Kardar. They hurriedly got married. Meanwhile Sardar Akhtar came to know this and made a Police complaint. The police came , arrested kardar and all shooting artistes. He spent 2 days in Police custody. Then it was Bahar herself who gave in writing that she was an adult and she married Kardar by her consent only. Kardar and others were released then. Few years later Sardar Akhtar married Mehboob Khan and Kardar became his Co-brother.
Kardar, who lived in Marine Drive, died at the age of 85 years, on 22 November 1989, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Kardar supported and helped composer Naushad in his struggling times. Naushad was in a contract with Kardar studio, even when he had become famous, but he never left Kardar on his own. Kardar also took advantage of Naushad. Kardar also helped directors S U Sunny and M Sadiq. Sunny was working as a gatekeeper in Maadan Theatres of Calcutta. That time Kardar took him as an assistant. M.Sadiq’s father was a Tailor and he was looking after Kardar Studio’s costume department. He requested that his son may be taken by Kardar. kardar took him also. Both were initially paid Rs. 300/-. Slowly it became Rs.3000/- and then they learnt the art of direction and became independent.
Film Baghbaan (Gardener, Maali) was slated to be released on 16-7-1938, but just one week prior to its release date , Prabhat Film Company filed a case against film’s hero B Nandrekar and applied for a stay on film’s release. B Nandrekar aka Baba Saheb Nandrekar had acted in Prabhat’s famous film “Sant Tukaram-36″ (Marathi Version. Its Hindi version came only in 1948). That time Prabhat had signed a 3 year contract with him. But after Tukaram, Nandrekar was not given any film, so he acted in film Baghbaan. The case came up in the court on 13-7-1938. His advocates were Jinnah and Setalwad. He won the case and the court refused to give a stay. The case was summarily dismissed. The film released and became a Hit film. Nandrekar was a very popular actor. The chappals he used in film Baghbaan became famous as ” Nandrekar Chappals” and sold hundreds in market.
The story of film Baghbaan -38 was…..
SARUP (Nandrekar) is a disciple of Sadhu Bhagat Ram(Ashraf Khan). One day the Sadhu starts singing a devotional love song, but Sarup, without understanding its real meaning gets lost in thoughts of love. Seeing his condition, the Sadhu sends him to a janmashtami fair. In the fair also Sarup walks thinking about love, not knowing where he is going or what he is doing. The police suspect him, arrest him and he is sent to jail.
In the jail, Sarup is given the gardener’s job at the Superintendent’s bungalow. In one jail riot, he is injured. Seeing this,Durga ( Bimla Kumari),the jail Superintendent’s daughter, along with her friend Shanta(Sitara Devi) takes Sarup inside the house and Dr. Hansraj, father of Shanta is called. On arrival Dr. Hansraj suspects that Sarup is his long lost son, feared drowned, after marriage to Durga. Since then Durga is treated as a widow, but no one knows this. Durga takes care of Sarup, who is now a free man also. Slowly they develop love. The parents of Durga want to remarry Durga to somebody now. Ranjit (Yakub),a spent young man, wants to marry Durga. he spreads the news that Durga is a widow, so that no one will marry her.
As expected his marriage is fixed with Durga, much to the ire of his earlier lover kammo (Yasmin). Durga asks Sarup to go back. Sarup comes to Sadhu Bhagat Ram and tells everything. The Sadhu reveals that actually Sarup is Durga’s long last Husband and son of Dr. Hansraj.
They hurry up to Durga’s house, where the marriage ceremony has started. The Sadhu enters the mandap and utters Bollywood’s famous Dialogue- ” Yeh shaadi nahin ho sakti “. There is a great commotion. Then the Sadhu explains that Sarup is the long lost husband of Durga. As a proof, he produces the locket which Sarup had in his childhood.
Suddenly Kammo enters the mandap and shoots at Ranjit, killing him. She then kills herself also.
The long lost Husband and wife reunite and all are happy !
Today’s song is the 3rd song from this film to appear on this Blog. It is sung by Sitara Devi and Bimla Kumari.
(For this article, information has been culled from ” Music and arts in Hyderabad Deccan”-Kamlakar pasupuleti, ” Ateet ke Sitare’-Nand kishore, “सुंदर ती दुसरी दुनिया ” – Ambarish Mishra, ” Asli nakli chehere’ – Vithal Pandya, wiki, muVyz, HFGK, Film India-Sept-40 issue and my notes. Thanks to all)
Song-Aao mil jul ke (Baaghbaan)(1938) Singers-Sitara Devi, Bimla Kumari, Lyricist- Not mentioned in HFGK, MD- Mushtaq Hussain (Asst-Naushad )
Lyrics
Aao gale mil ke
Aao gale mil ke
jhoolen
padat phuhaar sajani ee ee
ae aao mil jul ke
aao mil jul ke
lotten fasle bahaar sajani ee ee
ae aao mil jul ke ae
aao mil jul ke
rut barsaat ki
rut barsaat ki re
rut barsaat ki
aayi ?? malhaar sajani
ae ae
kaali kaali badali ye
kaali kaali badali
chaaayi man mein ?? sajani
piya bina naahin re
piya bina naahin
?? zulfon ka ?? sajani
ae ae
piyaa binaa naahin te
piyaa bina naahin
jiya lalchaave
jiya lalchaave ae
jiya lalchaave ae
jiya lalchaave ae
jiya lalchaave
ke jiya lalchaave
?? charan piya sajani
ae ae
jiya lalchaave te
jiya lalchaave
man mandir mein ae
man mandir mein ae
man mandir mein ae
man mandir mein ae
man mandir mein
ke man mandir mein
aao karo upkaar sajani
ae ae
aao gale mil ke
aao gale mil ke
jhoole padat phuhaar sajani
ae ae
aao mil jul ke te
aao mil jul ke
looten fasl e bahaar sajani
ae ae
aao mil jul ke
aao mil jul ke
Roop Anoop Wahi Hai Sajani
Posted on: March 15, 2020
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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Blog Day : |
4258 | Post No. : | 15479 | Movie Count : |
4267 |
Today’s song is from a relatively unknown or rather less known film ‘Vasanti’ (1938). The film was made by Minerva Movietone. The film was given to a novice for direction – KM Multani. He was with Sohrab Modi since his drama days and worked as a cinematographer for Modi’s first two films made by his Stage Films Company. After this first film, Multani also directed 4 more films, namely ‘Virginia’ (1940), ‘Vaseeyat’ (190,) ‘Ujala’ (1942) and ‘Umang’ (1944).
‘Vasanti’ had a pair of music directors. They were Govindrao Tembe and Meer Sahab. Meer Sahab joined Minerva in 1937 and gave music to its first film ‘Atma Tarang’ (1937). Though this film was a flop, he was continued to give music to few more Minerva films like ‘Vasant’, ‘Jailor’ and ‘Divorce’ in 1938, ‘Pukar’ (1939), ‘Main Haari’ (1940), ‘Sikandar’ (1941), ‘Phir Milenge’ (1942). ‘Patharon Ka Saudagar’ (1944) and ‘Lal Haveli’ (1944). either solely or with other MDs.
When Meer Sahab was giving music to an outside film ‘Bahadur Kisan’ (1938), his assistant was C Ramchandra during this period. He became very friendly with Master Bhagwan who was film’s director, hero and a singer too. Meer Sahab was an expert in classical music, but he used to forget tunes. That is why he was best when working with some other MD. In film ‘Vasanti’, his co-MD was Govindrao Tembe. Govind Sadashiv Tembe, popularly known as Govindrao Tembe (5 June 1881 – 9 October 1955), was a harmonium player, stage actor, and music composer. He grew up in Kolhapur and became attached to music early in life. He was largely self-taught as a harmonium player. He has acknowledged the debt of Deval Club for his initial forays into Hindustani classical music.
Tembe learnt his art from Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale and, although he never received direct guidance from Alladiya Khan of Jaipur Gharana, Tembe considered Khansaheb as his guru. He used to accompany Pt. Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale, and would also often perform solo, but later gave up harmonium for most part of his career. He composed music for the drama ‘Maan Apmaan’ in 1910, and also for the first Marathi talkie ‘Ayodhyecha Raja’ (1932). He also acted in both these productions.
He was a personal friend of Late Yuvaraja of Mysore, HH Sri Kanteerava Narasimha Raja Wadiyar. Prof Tembe was part of a large entourage of Yuvaraja during his trip to Europe in 1939. The troupe performed before the Pope and at other places during this trip. As World War II broke out, they stayed at London for a long time and ultimately returned in Jan 1940. Yuvaraja died soon after, at his Palace Anchorage (next to Hotel Taj) in March 1940 and Prof Tembe lost his patron.
Prof Tembe was part-owner of Gandharva Natak Mandali when it was formed in 1913. Two years later, he started his own company named Shivraj Natak Mandali. He wrote dramas and also the padas (songs) in them.
While in film industry, he dabbled in many departments. He was fond of acting. He acted in 6 films, namely ‘Maya Machhindra’ (1932), ‘Ayodhya Ka Raja’ (1932), ‘Seeta’ (1934), ‘Usha’ (1935), ‘Nand Kumar’ (1938) and ‘Krishna Sudama’ (1945). He sang 15 songs in his first 4 films, where he had acted. He directed one film – ‘Raj Mukut’ (1935) and he was a MD in 12 films, from ‘Ayodhya Ka Raja’ (1932) to ‘Saathi’ (1938).
Govindrao’s death was in a strange circumstance. His friend, VH Deshpande has written about it in an article, I found on http://www.parrikar.org, as follows.
Govindrao’s death was unexpected. Of late, he had taken considerable interest in the work of the Central Audition Board of All India Radio. He had gone to Delhi in connection with the work of this Board and suffered a heart attack on 29th September, 1955. Dr. Sumati Mutatkar conveyed the news to the Minister in charge of Information and Broadcasting Dr. B.V. Keskar and Shri P.M. Lad, I.C.S., who took keen personal interest and had Govindrao removed to Wellington Nursing Home. They also arranged for a thorough medical check-up and treatment by expert doctors.
It was felt that somebody from Govindrao’s family should go over to Delhi and stay with him. Shri P.M. Lad, Secretary to Government in the Department of Information and Broadcasting, wrote to Govindrao’s eldest son, Pilunana and called him to Delhi. For the first few days Govindrao was unable to move his hands and feet. But soon he rallied round and was well enough to send a telegram home saying – “I am feeling better. The A.I.R. officers have made excellent arrangements for my treatment. There is, therefore, no need for anybody from the family to come here. There is absolutely no cause for anxiety.”
In the meantime his youngest son, Bhaurao and his eldest daughter-in-law, Indirabai, had left Kolhapur for Delhi; but having seen (at Pune) the reassuring telegram from Govindrao they returned home. Fearing that the telegram might not have reached Kolhapur and that Bhaurao might have started for Delhi, Govindrao pressed Pilunana to go to the Delhi Railway Station to fetch him. Pilunana left the Nursing Home for the station. At 5.35 p.m. Govindrao suffered a heart attack apparently caused by a coughing fit which brought his life to an end in a matter of seconds. When Pilunana returned from the station at 7 p.m. he found that his father had passed away.
Officers of the All India Radio rushed to the hospital on hearing the news. Dr. Keskar too came to pay his respects to the departed soul. He gave
instructions to his officers in regard to the funeral. During this terminal illness of Govindrao, Dr. Keskar, Shri P.M. Lad and Dr. Sumati Mutatkar had
paid personal attention to Govindrao’s treatment and made every effort to make his stay at the hospital as comfortable as possible. They all felt a sense of guilt for the tragedy since it was in response to their invitation that Govindrao had gone to Delhi. “
Minerva Movietone was one of the major and famous film companies. Its initial films were very purposeful and tackled social evils like divorce, alcoholism and incest etc. Minerva was also famous for its grand historical movies and the solid dialogues delivered by Sohrab Modi. All this success did not come to him easily. He learnt through bitter lessons.
In the 30’s, when the talkie films started, there were about 9 big, famous and trend setting film companies. Most companies had graduated to talkie status after they made silent films. Only Bombay Talkies and Minerva Movietone started after talkie films had established a foothold. Let us see when these companies started their film making.
| Company | Year started |
|---|---|
| Madon Theatres | 1919 |
| Imperial | 1926 |
| Ranjit | 1929 |
| Prabhat | 1929 |
| Sagar | 1929 |
| New Theatres | 1931 |
| Wadia Movietone | 1931 |
| Bombay Talkies | 1933 |
| Minerva Movietone | 1936 |
From this chart, it is clear that Minerva was the youngest of all these companies. Modi brothers had started a company called Stage Films Co. in 1935, which shot 2 films from a running stage drama. They were ‘Hamlet’ (1935) and ‘Saeed e Hawas’ (1936). Both were flops. Minerva Movietone was started by Sohrab and brother Rustom Modi in 1936, when they realised that the stage dramas, filmed as feature films did not get the public approval. Production from Stage Films- their first film production enterprise- was suspended till Minerva became successful. ‘Aatma Tarang’ (1937) was the new company’s first film. C Ramchandra was the harmonium accompanist for MD Habib Khan and Bundu Khan. He also did a small role in ‘Aatma Tarang’ and earlier ‘Saeed e Havas’ (1936). Minerva’s first film proved to be a let down.
Sohrab found that there were hardly 20 to 30 persons in the audience on the very first show. The film was based on the power of ‘Bramhacharya’ (Celibacy). In those days, Sohrab was greatly influenced by the teachings of Ramkrishna Mission. Seeing the poor response, he was upset. Thoughts of quitting the film production line were crowding in his mind. Suddenly, he saw four men coming towards him. They came, confirmed that he was Sohrab modi and told him that his film was very good. They further advised him to keep making such good films and one day he will be on top. Later on he learnt that these gentlemen were the Judges of Bombay High Court.
This gave lot of motivation to Modi. It also boosted his self confidence. As such he was sure of his success in films, but now he knew that he must make films on subjects of interest of the public and not his own philosophy, if he wants to succeed commercially. His second film was ‘Khan Bahadur’ (1937), based on the bravery and generosity of a Muslim king who became famous for his bravery. The English rulers gave him the title of Khan Bahadur. The film did a reasonable business.
This incident infused him with new hopes and enthusiasm. This changed his life. Initially he focused on making films on social evils like drinking (‘Meetha Zehar’ (1938)), husband-wife separation (‘Divorce’ (1938)) and incest (‘Bharosa’ (1940)). Enthused with this experience, he made successful films and took his company to the top. Renowned for big budget historical films, Minerva benefited from Modi family’s distribution interests in Gwalior, expanded by his third brother Keki Modi into western India. At one time he controlled a chain of 27 theatres in 10 cities. In 1952, they established India’s first Technicolour Laboratory.
In those days, every film company had its own committed audience. In addition, the language used in every studio’s films had a special touch e.g. Prabhat film language (i.e. dialogues and song lyrics) had a Poona Marathi influence, Ranjit films were Gujarati oriented and New Theatre’s language was ‘Bhoyankor and Bhishon’ – all words were rounded. Bombay Talkies brought in a day to day simple Hindi language. Minerva used Urdu and Farsi influenced words and pronunciations. It suited the long and forceful dialogues of Modi in his historical movies.
The cast of film ‘Vasanti’ was Naseem Banu, Navin Yagnik, Putli, Kusum, Sadiq Ali, Jamshed ji, Ghulam Hussain and many more. Something about the unusual name in the cast – Jamshed ji. His full name was Jamshed ji Bairam ji Khan Saheb. In some films, he was credited as Khan Saheb also. He was born in Bombay in 1889 as a typical Parsee. He was one of the oldest and most experienced actors having worked with several directors and over 25 years of acting.
He started with Silent films like ‘Pyaari Mamta’, ‘Madhuri’, ‘Sohni Mahiwal’, ‘Pooran Bhagat’, ‘Gulshan e Arab’, ‘Hoor e Baghdad’ and ‘Indira’. His first talkie film was ‘Daulat Ka Nasha’ (1931) and ‘Noorjahan’ (1931). He acted in about 50 films. His last known film was ‘Andaz’ (1949).
Jamshed ji, also gave music to 3 films- ‘Naya Zamana’ (1935), ‘Zaate Shareef’ (1936) and ‘Jagat Kesari’ (1937).
Hero of film ‘Vasanti’ was Navin Yagnik. Navin was a well known stunt film actor who did social films also with the same ease. Navin was born in Calcutta on 3-10- 1912. His father was from UP and mother from Bengal. During school days, he was more interested in sports, dramas and oratory. He did not complete his Matriculation, but ran away to Bombay, to become an actor-against the wishes of his family. He joined Sagar Films in 1930, as an extra, without salary. After few months he got Rs. 35 pm, but no credited roles. After a year or so, he left Sagar and joined Mohan Bhavnani’s Ajanta Film company. He first worked in film ‘The Mill ‘ (1934). Unfortunately, this film was banned for 2 years. The film was based on a story by Munshi Premchand and depicted the poor conditions of mill workers in Bombay. The Mill Owners’ Association brought pressure on Government and got the film banned. After 2 years, the film was released as ‘Ghareeb Parvar’ (1936) aka ‘Daya Ki Devi’. Two more films and Navin became hero in film ‘Pyar Ki Maar’ (1935).
In her autobiography, actress Hansa Wadkar says,”My hero in this film was one Navin Yagnik, a handsome boy from UP. He was very shy and after the shootings, he would quietly sit in one corner reading something. He never joined our drink parties, nor he participated in any other group activity. I was attracted towards him but he gave no response. He sent me invitation card of his marriage, when it was fixed.”
He also worked in Minerva Movietone, Prakash pictures, Filmistan and other good banners. Some of his well known films were, ‘Zambo-The ape Man’ (1937), ‘Meri Bhool’ (1937), ‘Divorce’ (1938), ‘Vasanti’ (1938), ‘Son of Zambo’ (1939), ‘Main Haari’ (1940), ‘Vasantsena’ (1942), ‘Raja Rani’ (1942), ‘School Master’ (1943), ‘Prithvi Vallabh’ (1943), ‘Chal Chal Re Naujawan’ (1944) etc. His last recorded film was ‘Bhagwat Mahima’ (1955). In all, he worked in 30 films.
Navin Yagnik died on 28-10-1977.
Today’s song is probably composed by Govindrao Tembe, but HFGK does not credit any song to individual MD in the duo. With this song, film ‘Vasanti’ makes its debut on this Blog.
Song – Roop Anoop Wahi Hai Sajani (Vasanti) (1938) Singer – Naseem Banu, Lyricist – Abdul Baqi, MD – Govindrao Tembe and Meer Saheb
Lyrics
roop anoop vahi hai sajani
roop anoop vahi hai sajani
jo preetam ko bhaave ri sajani
jo preetam ko bhaave ri sajani
jo saajan ko lubhaave sajani
jo saajan ko lubhaave sajani
roop anoop wahi hai sajani
roop anoop wahi hai sajani
jo preetam ko bhaave ri sajani
jo preetam ko bhaave ri sajani
jo saajan ko lubhaave sajani
jo saajan ko lubhaave
prem mein mann aisa kho jaawe
prem mein mann aisa kho jaawe
apna dhyaan na aawe ree sajni
apna dhyaan na aawe ree sajni
sab sudh budh bisraawe sajni
sab sudh budh bisraawe
yaad mein jeewan unke bita doon
yaad mein jeewan
aa aa aa aa aa
yaad mein jeewan unke bita doon
prem ki aag suhaave sajani
prem ki aag suhaave sajani
prem mein mann sukh paave sajani
prem mein mann sukh paave sajani
roop anoop wahi hai sajani
roop anoop wahi hai sajani
jo preetam ko bhaave ri sajani
jo preetam ko bhaave ri sajani
jo saajan ko lubhaave sajani
jo saajan ko lubhaave
——————————————
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
——————————————
रूप अनूप वही है सजनी
रूप अनूप वही है सजनी
जो प्रीतम को भावे री सजनी
जो प्रीतम को भावे री सजनी
जो साजन को लुभावे सजनी
जो साजन को लुभावे सजनी
रूप अनूप वही है सजनी
रूप अनूप वही है सजनी
जो प्रीतम को भावे री सजनी
जो प्रीतम को भावे री सजनी
जो साजन को लुभावे सजनी
जो साजन को लुभावे
प्रेम में मन ऐसा खो जावे
प्रेम में मन ऐसा खो जावे
अपना ध्यान ना आवे सजनी
अपना ध्यान ना आवे सजनी
सब सुध बुध बिसरावे सजनी
सब सुध बुध बिसरावे
याद में जीवन उनके बिता दूँ
याद में जीवन
आ आ आ आ आ
याद में जीवन उनके बिता दूँ
प्रेम की आग सुहावे सजनी
प्रेम की आग सुहावे सजनी
प्रेम में मन सुख पावे सजनी
प्रेम में मन सुख पावे सजनी
रूप अनूप वही है सजनी
रूप अनूप वही है सजनी
जो प्रीतम को भावे री सजनी
जो प्रीतम को भावे री सजनी
जो साजन को लुभावे सजनी
जो साजन को लुभावे
Chakho prem ka maakhan aay
Posted on: August 8, 2019
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 film Talwar ka Dhani-1938. It is a very rare song. The film was made by Vishnu Cinetone and the director was its owner Dhirubhai Desai, who became well known for C grade action / stunt and costume films, later on. The MD for this film was Kikubhai Yagnik. The lyricist was Pt. Gauri shankar lal ‘ Akhtar ‘. The cast of the film was, Anil kumar, Putli, Shaikh, Gulab, Anwari, Moosa Pehelwan, Urmila, Meher Sultana and others. There were 8 songs in the film, Names of Anil kumar, Meher Sultana and Urmila are given for 4 songs. The balance 4 songs remain uncredited in HFGK.
20 years later, there was another film with the same title, Talwar ka Dhani, featuring Manhar Desai, Nadira etc etc. This too was a stunt/Costume film like its earlier version.I remember having read in one interview of Dwarka Khosla, Director of the latter film, that this was a only a remake of the earlier film of the same name. No wonder, because many films were remade from old films of early era. One example I remember off hand is that of film Gunsundari. Original silent film Gunsundari – 27, was remade as Talkie Gunsundari in 1934.The Heroine was same-Gauhar Mamajiwala. Both films were directed by Sardar Chandulal Shah. 14 years later, Chandulal Shah’s nephew Ratilal Punatar made Gunsundari in 1948, with Nirupa Roy in the lead role. The story was same in all 3 versions.
The story of Talwar ka Dhani was woven around a routine, commonly used story of a lone queen, her abandoned son, ambitious and cruel Head of Army, desirous of usrping the throne and how the lost son defeats the Army chief and gives relief to the kingdom’s subjects- while reuniting with the Queen Mother. A love story was also inter woven.
The Hero of the 1938 film, Talwar ka Dhani was Anil kumar. This name is obscure and there is no chance that our readers will know anything about this actor of the 30s and 40s films.His real name was not Anil Kumar, but it was Sardar Gul. He was a Muslim.During the era of Silent films and Talkie films of the early years, it was a trend to take on a Hindu name for films. Whether the actor was Jew, Anglo-Indian, European or a Muslim, a Male or a Female, an actor or a singer, this trend was predominant. Of course, not all artistes changed their names- some continued with their real names, but made them shorter, like Majid, Masood, Rehman etc.
Most name changes were found in actresses. Some examples are Sabita Devi (Irene Gasper), Feroza (Susal Soloman), Indira Devi (Effie Hippolet), Lalita Devi (Bonnie Bird), Pramila (Esther Abraham), Sulochana (Ruby Myers), Seeta Devi (Renee Smith), Madhuri (Berryl Classen), Manorama (Winnie Stewart), Nadira (Florence Ezekiel), Meera (Muriel Alexander), Mohna (Mona Cabral), Kammo (Kamarjehan), Shyama (khurshid Akhtar), Purnima (Meher Bano), Indurani (Ishrat jehan), Ameeta (Qamal Sultana) etc etc.
Some examples of Males- Dilip kumar (Yusouf Khan), Kumar (Syed Ali Hasan Zaidi), Jagdeep (Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed), Ajit (Hamid Ali) etc etc.
Actor Anil Kumar (Sardar Gul) was born in 1915 at Calcutta.His father had a fruit business. They were from Peshawar (just like Dilip Kumar). He was not much educated but could speak Hindi, Urdu and English fluently. Once he went to Bombay to meet a friend. There he met an old acquaintance, who took him to Sohrab Modi.
The good looking Sardar Gul was liked by Modi and he offered him the lead role in his film ‘ Saed E Havas’-36. Sardar Gul was given a screen name of Chandra Kumar. The film was based on a translation of William Shakespeare’s drama- King John, by Agha Hashra Kashmiri in 1907. Sardar Gul was to get Rs. 200 for this work. The film was a flop and Sohrab Modi refused to pay him more that Rs 50. Annoyed, he left Bombay and returned to Calcutta.
However he came back in 1938 and did his first film with a new screen name Anil Kumar. The film was Talwar ka Dhani-38. Soon he was well known and acted in 10 films in next 3 years. As the decade of the 40s saw many new actors, producers and directors, he was reduced to Character roles and side roles. By 1950, he was almost like an extra. He did work in many films, but only few films credited him, as his roles were negligible. We find his name in just 30 films, where he was credited, the last such film being Tarzan and Deliailah-64.
The Heroine of this film was Putli or Putlibai. She was from a Bohra Muslim family of Delhi – originally from Kutch, Gujarat. She started her career by acting in stage dramas, duly shifting to Silent films. She did 23 silent films. She was the mother of Gauhar Mamajiwala- wife of Sardar Chandulal Shah. She entered Talkie films and did 26 films. Some of her films were, Raj Tarang-35, Matwali Jogan, Jungle ka Jawan-38, Farzand E Watan-39, Civil marriage-40, Mere Saajan-41, Inkaar-43, Reporter-46 etc. Her last film was Chunnu Munnu-49.
As I have stated many times, it is very difficult to get information about old time artistes and it entails lot of hard work. From the HFGK, we can get their Filmography easily.
In the cast, you will find a name Urmila- in some films she is named as Urmila Devi, and Urmila Gupta also. She was not a very good looking actress, but she compensated it with her good acting. Urmila Gupta was born in 1921 at Panja Sahib, Rawalpindi district of United Punjab. Her father, who was a Civil Contractor, died when she was only 5 year old. She did not get much education but could read and write as well as talk fluently, Urdu, Hindi and English.
She started her career with a small uncredited role in film Mirza Sahiban-33. She was the younger sister of Mirza in this film. After some more small roles, she got her major role in film Aasuon ki Duniya-36. After this, she did not look back and did Punjab Lancers-37, Talwar ka Dhani-38, Kahan hai manzil Teri-39, Hurricane special-39, Flying Ranee-39, Desh Bhakt-40, Sasural-41, Sajjan-41, Mere Sajan-41, Naari-42, Das Baje-42, Call of youth-42, Badal -42, Apna Paraya-42, Tamasha-42, Kirti-42, Salma-43, Bansari-43 etc etc. Urmila got married to Vinod Talwar, a businessman and stopped working in films, for some time, may be for raising a family. She resumed working in films and acted in another 20 odd films till 1952. She had sung 12 songs. In all, she worked in about 55 films.
Today’s song is a rare song and it appears on You Tube for the first time,kindly uploaded by our Sadanand Kamath ji. I thank him for this. With this song both, singer Meher Sultana and the film Talwar ka Dhani-38 will make a Debut on the Blog. The Lyricist, Pt. Gauri Shankar Lal ‘ Akhtar’ was a well known writer in Hindi and Urdu. Some of his Urdu books are available.
(some information used in this post is courtesy Isuru Udayanga Kariyavasam, Sri Lanka- presently in UK, and from the All India film Directory-46, Statistics are from MuVyz and CITWF. My notes are also used herein).
Song- Chakho prem ka maakhan aay (Talwaar Ka Dhani)(1938) Singer- Meher Sultana, Lyricist- Pt. Gauri Shankar Lal ‘Akhtar’ , MD- Kikubhai Yagnik
Lyrics
??
Chakho prem ka makhan aay
prem prem chhalkaay
maakhan sundar
prem bhi sundar
maakhan sundar
prem bhi sundar
man sundar tarsaaye
sundar man ??
mohan sundar aa man mandir
mohan sundar aa man mandir
?? ter suna
bhavsaagar se tar jaa
chakho prem ka maakhan aay
prem prem chhalkaaye
daras dikha ke
?? chura ke
daras dikha ke
?? chura ke
aaye aaye phir jaaye
aaye aaye phir jaaye
natkhat natwar neha lagaa ke
natkhat natwar neha lagaa ke
darshan ko tarsaaye
sakhi kaun un ko samjhaaye
chakho prem ka maakhan aay
prem prem chhalkaaye
chhalkaaye
Kaase main kahoon piya hiya ki baat
Posted on: May 31, 2019
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 laws.
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3969 | Post No. : | 15053 | Movie Count : |
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Today’s song is from a film of the first decade of the Talkie, ” Yangrilla “-1938. The song is sung by Sarla. No information is available about this singer. The cast of the film was Enakshi Rama Rau, Nayampalli, David, Gyani, Saalu, Shareefa, S L Puri, Fatty Prasad and few others.
It is generally said that in the early era, most actors and actresses came from poor families and most artistes had no or had negligible education. While it is true to a great extent, it is not 100% true. It is not that even in this period, there were no educated persons in the film industry. Right from the beginning of the Silent era to Talkie film era up to the end of the 40s decade, there were actors, actresses, directors,producers and musicians who were quite educated. Some of them had even been trained in western countries.
Take the case of Himanshu Rai and Devika Rani and their team of writer like Niranjan Pal, from the silent era. They were all highly educated and from rich. cultured families. Niranjan Pal was the son of the Freedom fighter Bipin chnadra Pal. B.N.Sircar is another example. Director Nanubhai Vakil was actually an advocate with B.A. LL.B degree. Surendra was BA, LL.B. Motilal was a graduate, so were Ramchandra Thakur, Nandlal Jaswantlal, Jayant Desai, Jairaj, Umakant Desai. Ashok kumar, Dev Anand and his 2 brothers etc.
Among actresses, Leela Chitnis, Shanta Apte, Durga Khote, Renuka Devi were graduates. Vanmala was BA,BT. Kamini Kaushal was BA. The point here is, there were educated and people with respectable family background were also a part of film industry. But of course, initially their number was smaller compared to others who were either illiterate or less educated. For example, the beautiful Meena Shorey and Sitara Kanpuri could not even sign- leave alone reading and writing !. That is why, they were cheated in their contracts by Sohrab Modi and W.Z.Ahmed ( of Shalimar Pictures and husband of actress Neena).
In today’s film, Yangrilla-38, the Hero, Heroine and the Director were all highly educated. The Heroine, Enakshi Rama Rao was the daughter of an ICS officer of Madras Presidency. She came to England for her graduation. After graduation, she took part in some stage dramas, where she got introduced to Niranjan Pal and Himanshu Rai. When Himanshu Rai decided to make a silent film on Tajmahal story, he asked Niranjan Pal to write the film story. Sita Devi aka Renee Smith was selected for the Vamp’s role and Enakshi was selected for the main role of Selima ( who was later named Mumtaj Mahal by Prince Khurram- who was later known as Shahjehan.). The film was named Shiraz.
Enakshi is a very unusual name. Comparatively, Meenakshi is a well known name. Meenakshi means ” one with eyes like Fish “. Enakshi means ” one with the eyes of Doe or Deer”. In other words, Enakshi means Mrignayani. Except name of this actress, I have never ever come across this name (Enakshi) in my life elsewhere !
Her work in film Shiraz was applauded in England, Germany and India. When she returned to India, She met Bhavnani, who made a silent film Vasantsena-31, with her in the lead role. More than as an actress of Silent and Talkie films, Enakshi’s name was known in Elite circles for different achievements, after she stopped working in films.
Not many of us know that Meenakshi Bhavnani ( Enakshi Rama Rao before her marriage ) has done an enormous service to expose Indian dances and Designs to West. No lesser is her contribution to expose Kashmir Crafts and Designs ( Fabric , Wood and Papier Mache ) to west. An American Tourist told in Kerala recently about her detailed work on Kashmir Designs ( shawls , Jackets ).This side of Meenakshi’s personality and work is in addition to her contribution as a Dancer, photographer and actress .Two scholarly Books written by Meenakshi Bhavnani were also published. Both the books are preserved in American Museum of Natural History.These are ..
(1) Folk And Tribal Designs of India
(2) The Dance of India: The Origin and History Foundation, Art and Science of the Dance in India .
This exceptionally talented woman stayed in Kashmir for sometime in 1950 and met cross section of people connected with Arts and Crafts . She had been a visitor thereafter as well . She also visited Leh and kargil for her Book. During this period she also clicked some photographs in Kashmir portraying its rich culture and scenic beauty.She also shot a Documentary “ VALEY OF KASHMIR “ during this period..
Meenakshi was an active member of the Crafts Council of India, which was founded in 1964 to support artisans and keep their crafts relevant and marketable amid rapidly changing economies at home and abroad.
The Photographs clicked by her have also appeared in National Geographic Magazine especially her series.
And in her book on folk dances of India , Meenakshi covers all forms of Kashmirian folk dances .
Enakshi married film maker Mohan Bhavnani ( 1903-1962 ) who was trained in Germany and Hollywood. She was a dancer , Actor , Photographer and writer on Arts , Crafts and culture. From 1929 to 1938, She acted in six films as a leading lady . Out of these six films five ( Vasantsena-31 , Trapped-31 ,Jagaran-36 , Himalaya ki Beti-38 and Yangrilla-38 ) were directed by her husband Mohan Bhavnani . Only Shiraz ( 1929 Produced by Himanshu Roy ) was directed by Franz Osten .
Producer Director Mohan Bhavnani was a learned and illustrious person. This is what the Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema says about him-
Mohan Dayaram Bhavnani (1903-62)
Hindi director born in Hyderabad, Sindh. Studied at College of Technology, Manchester (1921-4), then studied film-making in Germany at UFA (1924). Contracted to Kohinoor (1925- 6) where his Sulochana films were the earliest efforts in the Indian cinema to create a Hollywood-type movie star, e.g. Cinema Ni Rani where she plays a famous actress with whom the painter hero falls in love, or Wildcat of Bombay where she played multiple roles. Joined Imperial (1927-9), where he made Khwab-e-Hasti, adapted from the novel Dreamland (later also adapted by N. Taurog’s Strike me Pink, 1936). Scripted by A.S. Desai, this film is not to be confused with Kashmiri’s play of the same title. Vasantsena was the first Kannada intertitled film. Became independent producer with Indian Art Prod. (1931-2). Returned to Germany to study sound film technique. Started Ajanta Cinetone (1933-4) and his own Bhavnani Prod. (1935-48). Sound de´but was a flop, but it introduced Durga Khote. Hired Premchand to script Mazdoor, representing the author’s only direct encounter with film, following it with the unemployment melodrama Jagran. Produced and directed the first full-length colour film shot on 16mm Kodachrome and blown up to 35mm, Ajit. Joined Films Division and became its first Chief Producer (1948-55). In 1958 Bhavnani followed up an invitation from Zhou En-Lai to make a documentary on China and travelled extensively throughout the country shooting with cameramen Kishore Rege and S.K. Kulkarni. His wife Enakshi Rama Rao, who acted in Vasantsena, had earlier played the lead in Shiraz (1928) and became a noted dancer and author of the book The Dance of India (1965).
FILMOGRAPHY: 1925: Cinema Ni Rani; Matri Prem; Veer Bala; Seth Sagalsha; 1 9 2 6 : Pagal Premi; Diwan Bhamasha; Mena Kumari; Ra Kawat; Samrat Shiladitya; Bhamto Bhoot; 1 9 2 7 : Naseeb Ni Lili; Daya Ni Devi; Trust Your Wife; Wildcat of Bombay; Gamdeni Gori; 1929: Hawai Swar; Khwab-e- Hasti; Mysore, Gem City of India (Doc); Khedda (Doc); 1 9 3 0 : Vasantsena (all St); 1 9 3 1 : Shakuntala; Farebi Jaal; Lafanga Langoor (Sh); 1 932: Veer Kunal; 1 933: Afzal; Rangila Rajput; 1 9 3 4 : Dard-e-Dil; Mazdoor; Sair-e-Paristan; 1935: Jung Bahadur; Navjeevan; Shadi Ki Raat; 1936: Dilawar; Garib Parwar; Jagran; Wrestling (Doc); 1 9 3 7 : Zambo the Ape Man; 1 9 3 8 : Double Cross; Himalay Ki Beti; Yangrilla; 1 9 3 9 : Zambo Ka Beta; 1940: Jhoothi Sharm; PremNagar?; 1945: Biswi Sadi; 1 946: Rang Bhoomi; 1 948: Ajit; 1 9 4 9 : Vale of Kashmir (Doc); 1 9 5 0 : The Private Life of a Silkworm (Doc); 1 9 5 1 : Lest We Forget (Doc); 1 9 5 2 : Kumaon Hills (Doc); 1 9 5 3 : Folk Dances of India (Doc); Republic Day Record (Doc); 1 9 5 5 : Republic Day 1955 (Doc); 1 956: Operation Khedda (Doc); 1 957: The Himalayan Tapestry (Doc ).
Like the Heroine, the name of the film was also strange. I tried very hard to find out what the word Yangrilla meant, but I could not get it. Finally, undaunted, I started going through the list of books on line. Lo and behold ! I bumped into a book with a title ” Rilla of the Inglewood ” written by Lucy Maud Montgomary, published in 1921. Some part of the book was available for reading online and while reading it, I found that ” Yangrilla ” in Swahili language meant a Hunter. Not going into the book and its boring story, I was glad that at last I decoded the word Yangrilla…a Hunter. Considering that the film ‘ Yangrilla’-38 was a Costume drama, I can guess that this film’s story must have been connected with hunting, Jungle and such other interesting and thrilling matters. Film Yangrilla-38 was financed by Ramnarayan Dubey, who in later years swallowed Bombay Talkies with its Land and started an Industrial complex on its land with about 250 to 300 manufacturing units. Recently his grandson was in news for announcing revival of Bombay Talkies !
The Hero of this film was Nayampalli. S.B. Nayampally (or Nayampalli) was working at the firm of Killick, Nixon and Company, in Bombay when he was discovered by film director P.Y. Altekar at a gym where Nayampally regularly exercised. Altekar felt that Nayampally very much resembled the famous French boxer Georges Carpenter and would be perfect for the stunt films that had become popular at the time. At Altekar’s urging, Nayampally joined Imperial Studios and was quickly cast in his first film, Wedding Night(1929), opposite the popular actress Jilloo. When he arrived at Imperial to begin his first day of filming he was amused to find that the building now used for the studio had formerly housed the school he’d attended as a child.“Wedding Night was a stunt film of the Robin Hood type,” Nayampally explained in a 1964 interview. “It had a little more of a plot to it than many films of the same class. My next film, Hell’s Paradise (1929), I remember for three reasons. One, it was based on a real-life episode involving an Indian prince and a foreign girl, described as an adventuress. Two, Mama Warerekar, the noted writer, did the story. Three, the film had a kissing scene, probably the first ever in an Indian film.”
Nayampalli was cast in Imperial’s Noorjehan (1931), which was initially to be a silent picture, but because of the success of their film Alam Ara (1931), which was India’s first talkie, the studio decided to make Noorjehan partly with sound. Nayampally was not originally cast in Noorjehan, but a chance meeting with the film’s director, Ezra Mir, got him the role of Prince Salim in the film.Nayampally then played Karna in Imperial’s next sound film, the mythological Draupadi (1931), but the actor considered his best mythological role to be that of the wily Shakuni in Mahatma Vidur (1943), a part that was appreciated by critics and the public, alike.
As sound films came in, silent actors were being discarded in favor of those with stage backgrounds and could not sing, so Nayampalli joined the Grant Anderson Theatrical Company which specialized in Shakespearean plays. After gaining some experience he tried to rejoin films, but without much luck. His previous roles had been leads, so he decided if he wanted to work regularly, maybe he should take a different approach and he offered himself up for character parts.His break came in the role of a hunchback in love with the heroine in Ezra Mir’s Zarina which starred Jal Merchant and Zubeida. The dentures he wore for the role were created specially by a dentist named Jimmy Gheista who had trained abroad with the dentist who had made similar dentures for Lon Chaney.
Nayampally had learned early on how to apply make-up for his roles and, in fact, he became so good at it he eventually came to specialize in horror make-up, which earned him the nickname “The Indian Lon Chaney.” Indeed, Chaney, Erich von Stroheim, Emil Jannings, and John Barrymore were the actors that Nayampally most tried to emulate. Boris Karloff was another of his role models. He was able to put his make-up expertise to good use for the film Sair-e-Paristan (1934), where he was a vampire-like devil, and in Zingaro(1935), in which he played a monster created by a mad scientist, and then as a the hairy “missing link” in Zambo (1937) and its sequel Zambo Ka Beta (1938). For Kalkoot (1935) he created a make-up to resemble the wrinkled effect that Karloff had used in The Mummy(1932).
Nayampally continued working in films throughout the 1940s and 50s, particularly in mythologicals and costume pictures including Raj Nartaki (1941), Nagad Narayan (1943), Vishwas 1943), Taramati(1945), Urvashi (1946), Jhansi-Ki-Rani (1953), Durgesh Nandini (1956), Basant Bahar (1956) and Shiv Parvati (1962) His last credited film appearance was in 1970’s Priya.
After the career in films ended, he started making Documentaries. He made about 35 documentaries. He won ‘Silver Dolphin’ award for his documentary in the International Film Festival at Teheran in 1970. He died on 7-5-1994, in Mumbai.
Pt. Badri Prasad was the Music Director of film Yangrilla-38. He used 6 different singers for 11 songs in the film. Besides issuing records for its songs, the producer also floated 2 records of ‘ Bhavnani Productions orchestra ‘.
The uploader of today’s song, our own Sadanand ji Kamath has certified this song to be ” rarest amongst the rare ” songs. With this song, film Yangrilla-38 makes its Debut on the Blog.
Song- Kaase main kahoon piya hiya ki baat(Yaangrilla)(1938) Singer- Sarla Devi, Lyrics- Unknown, MD- Pt. Badri Prasad
Lyrics
Kaase main kahoon
piya hiya ki baat
Kaase main kahoon
Kaase main kahoon
piya hiya ki baat
Kaase main kahoon
Kaase main kahoon
piya hiya ki baat
Kaase main kahoon
piya hiya ki
kaun sunega prem kahaani
kaun sunega prem kahaani
aur usey phir meri zabaani
aur usey phir meri zabaani
yah duniya to preet ki bairan hai
Kaase main kahoon
piya hiya ki baat
kaase main kahoon
is duniya ke rahne waale
is duniya ke rahne waale
kapti paapi man ke kaale
kapti paapi man ke kaale
paap(?) hi inka ghar(?) aur joban hai
Kaase main kahoon
piya hiya ki baat
kaase main kahoon
kaase main kahoon
kaase main kahoon
Nirmala Kumari ban ki raani
Posted on: May 8, 2019
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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3946 | Post No. : | 15021 | Movie Count : |
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Today’s song is from a very old and obscure film, hardly noticed or heard by anyone- Ban ki Chidiya-1938. The film was from Ranjit, directed by Jayant Desai and had a very famous and popular star cast like, Madhuri, E. Bilimoria, Ishwarlal, Charlie, Ghori, Kesari, Ram Apte etc etc. The cast consisted of of the popular stars of those days, still, neither they could make it a popular film nor it provided anything to remember it for.
When I looked at the star cast carefully, I realised that it consisted of 2 actors who had their brothers also working as actors, in the same period. In the early era, when getting good actors/actresses itself was a challenge, every successful artiste used to call his/her sibling or a relative into cinema. This phenomenon was seen more among the female artistes. Though not equal, the males too joined this trend. So you will see that most artistes, directors, producers or actors in the early era were someway related to each others.
The females were ahead in this, simply because the actresses mostly came from singing families-Tawayafs- and these girls were keen to join films with an ulterior motive of catching a moneyed ” seth ji ” as a “Husband”, so that they could live a respectable and comfortable family life.
Thus the very first Talkie ” Alam Ara “-31 had a Heroine Zubeida, whose 2 sisters-Sultana and Shehzadi- were already Heroines in films. There were many such sister pairs in cinema like Amirbai and Gauharbai Karnataki, Violet and Patience Cooper, Pramila and Romilla, Kusum and Ranjana, Purnima and Shirin, Indurani and Sarojini, Leela Desai and Monica Desai, Shamim and Naseem Jr., etc etc. I have quoted names of only Heroines. There could be siblings working as character artistes, which, as on today, I have no information about.
Among the male brothers, off hand, I remember only 2 pairs. Bilimoria brothers in the 30s and Dilip kumar and Nasir khan in 40s and 50s. There were some other pairs of brothers in the same period, but they were not Heros in Hindi films. Names of some pairs are Ram Apte and Anant Apte aka Bajarbattu, Ram Marathe and Anant Marathe aka Anant kumar- hero in few films, and Sankata prasad and Kanhaiyalal (Chaturvedi).
D-Dinshaw and E-Eddie Bilimoria brothers were heros at the same time. How E.Bilimoria became a Hero is a very funny incidence and I think it is unique in the annals of any language Film History how a Mistaken identity can make someone a Hero ! Now read this…
In the early era of the Talkie films the Bilimoria brothers were very famous. First it was D (Dinshaw) and then came E (Eddie) Bilimoria.
Eddie was born at Bilimora,in Gujarat, in 1900. At the age of just 13 years he ran away from house to Kirkee (near Poona), to his uncle, to become a Fireman in Railways. Here, he became a Door keeper in a Cinema house and also learnt operating the film projector. Due to ill health, he was brought to Bombay.
One day he went to Imperial Studio to meet his brother Dinshaw. Mistaking him to be Dinshaw, make up was done to him and he played a role in film ‘Punjab Mail’. Then onwards he started working regularly in films. As a Hero his first silent film was ‘Raj Ramani’. He worked as Hero in 7 Imperial films and 10 films of Ranjit Studio. His Heroines were Putli, Shanta, Sultana. Madhuri, Padma, Panna and others.
When Talkie films started he was Hero in 32 films made by Ranjit, opposite Gauhar, Shanta, Kamla, Mehtab, Madhuri and Sitara etc. He worked in 15 films opposite Madhuri only. Fencing, shooting and horse riding were his specialties as a stunt Hero. He was the First in India to wear Cowboy dress in stunt films.
Char chakram-32, Miss 1933-33, and Nadira-34 were his Hit films. In film ‘ Sipahi ki sajni’-36, he jumped into Sea from a flying plane, without duplicate. Daredevil stunts were his hallmark. There were hundreds of stitches on his body.
After 1939 he stopped getting Hero roles, so he did other character roles. After 1953, he was reduced to only an Extra. He did acting till 1973 and then took up a job in a Fridge and AC shop. He stayed in a flat in Kemps corner in Bombay. His last days were not very happy. E.Bilimoria died on 18-2-1981 at Bombay.
He acted in 73 Talkie films, directed 1 film ( sone ki chidiya-48) and also sang 4 songs in 4 films. His first film was Radha Rani-32 and last was Honeymoon-73.
Eddie’s favourite Heroine Madhuri was in this film with him. Most actors, when they retire, they keep away from limelight-some willingly and most others automatically by the film industry. If an actor is not seen or heard for more than 10 or 20 years, normally it is presumed that he/she must have expired. However, if some artiste is suddenly brought into limelight after a gap of 50 years after he/she is retired, what will you say ? See what happened here….
Place- Shanmukhanand Hall,Mumbai
Date 7-2-1999
Time- 7 p.m.
Programme- Felicitation to ‘ Stars from the Silent Era’
Organisers- ” Amrut” and ” Cine Society of Bombay ”
The entire hall was overcrowded. Not only all the seats were occupied,but people were standing wherever possible. Everybody wanted to see the Two STARS on the stage-Jairaj and Madhuri. Both were in their late 80s,but looked radiant and smiling. For Madhuri it was a surprise,that the organisers found her out after living in oblivion for over 50 years. She was simply overwhelmed with the people’s affection and love. For Jairaj,these things were not new. He has been around all the time.
Madhuri and Jairaj were a Popular pair in Silent film era. They worked as a lead pair in 3 films,one each in 1930-Rasili Rani,1931-Warrior from the wild and 1932-My Hero. They came together after almost 70 years,on this stage.
Like many others,Madhuri too was an Anglo Indian. Her name was Beryl Claessen. She was born on 3-11-1913 at Delhi. Her father was a big officer in Government. Her initial schooling took place in Nainital. She learnt music too,because she wanted to become a Music Teacher. However that she never became,but on a visit to Bombay she was picked up by producer Indulal Yagnik and she started acting in silent films.
Many Heroines in those days were Anglo-Indians,Europeans or Jew girls. Since silent films did not require speaking Hindi or Urdu ( or any language,for that matter),these girls were preferred,as Indian audience loved their fair colour (Gori Mem). Additionally,these girls did not hesitate to give intimate scenes like kissing or doing stunts themselves. Most girls knew Horse riding,fencing and fighting.
In 1928,there was a Silent film Madhuri,but actress Sulochana(Ruby Myers) did this role and in 1932 there was a Talkie film Madhuri,in which also Sulochana only did the role. When Talkie films era began most of the Anglo Indian girls became jobless,since they could not speak Hindi/Urdu nor could they sing a song-the two requirements for actresses in Talkie films. However,few intelligent and professional actresses learnt Hindi/Urdu language speaking. Madhuri and Sabita Devi (Irene Gasper) were two such clever girls who achieved proficiency in these matters.
Madhuri was very beautiful. After doing 17 silent films,she made her debut in Talike films with ‘ Pardesi Preetam’-1933. Jaswantlal Nandlal directed his first film here. Her Hero was Raja Sandow. She did many films for Ranjit under the direction of Jayant Desai. From 1933 to 1942,she acted in 26 films. They were (not in order) Kashmeera,Mitti ka Putla,Noor e watan,Secretary,Lehri lala,Rangeela Raja,Sitamgarh,Prithviputra,Thokar,Raj Ramni,Diwali,Matlabi Duniya,Toofani Toli,Shama parwana,College Girl,Nadira,Veer babruvahan,Zamin ka chaand,Ban ki chidia,Toofan Mail,mehmanSasural,shadi and Ikrar. By the way, Iqrar – 42 was Madhuri’s last film.
In 1941,Madhuri got married and retired from Film line. After this she simply disappeared for next 50 years without a trace,till the organisers of above programme located her.
Today’s song is a funny one. From the lyrics, it looks as if it is addressed to a she monkey, which is obviously a pet monkey. The singers-both Ram Apte or E Bilimoria were not regular singers at all. Ram had sung just 4 songs in 3 films between his 25 films as a Child artiste during the period of 1933 to 1938. From the style of singing itself, one can make out a casual singer.
With this song, the film Ban ki Chidiya-38 and both the singers Ram Apte and E Bilimoria make their Debut on this Blog.
( My thanks to ‘ Inhe na bhulana ‘ by Harish Raghuwanshi ji, Beete kal ke sitare by Shriram Tamrakar, Screenplay by Isak Mujawar and my notes, for information used herein.)
Song-Nirmala kumari ban ki raani (Ban Ki Chidiya)(1938) Singers-Ram Apte, E Bilimoriya, Lyrics-Aarzoo Lucknowi, MD-Gyan Dutt
Lyrics
Nirmala kumari
Ban ki rani
bolo bolo
kook kook kook
Pratap
is bandariya ka naam kya hai
shrimati nirmala kumaari
ahahahahaha
Nirmala kumari
teri bahan ki tarah ladti jhagadti bahut hai
tumhaara kutta bhi to kam nahin
tumhaari tarah bhaun bhaun karta rahta hai
haha
dekh(?) ye bata
teri bahan haar gayi
dekho
wo tumhaarakutta bhaaga
neeroo
neeroo
idhar aao
Nirmala kumari
ban ki raani
bolo bolo
kook kook kook
nirmala kumari
ban ki raani
bolo bolo
kook kook kook
khel mere
?? khel mere ??
?? naach dikhaana
?? naach dikhaana
haan yaar bol bam bhola
haan yaar bol bam bhola
kya
hahahahaha
hohohohoho
ahahahahaha
ohohohoho
Nirmala kumari
ban ki raani
bolo bolo
kook kook kook
Nirmala kumari
ban ki raani
bolo bolo
chaal teri matwaali
gaalon pe tere laali
chaal teri matwaali
gaalon pe tere laali
bolo mahaaraani bolo
bolo mahaaraani bolo
hook hook hook hook kar
hook hook hook hook kar
nirmala kumari
ban ki raani
bolo bolo
kook kook kook
nirmala kumari
ban ki raani
hahahaaha
bolo bolo
hahahaha
Nain mohan prem bhare jaadoo najariya
Posted on: May 4, 2019
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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3942 | Post No. : | 15018 | Movie Count : |
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Today’s song is from a very old film Meetha Zahar-1938.
The title of the film is funny. Normally, we equate Poison taste with Bitterness, though, no one actually knows how poisons taste. There is a story about it, which I read in my childhood. Long time ago, a King was curious to know how the poison tasted. He asked many people but no one was able to give a satisfactory answer. His Prime Minister suggested a plan. He would give poison to a convict of death and ask him to write the taste of poison on a paper. If he writes it, he would be pardoned and a poison antidote will be given to him immediately.
Accordingly, a death convict was provided poison, paper and a pen. After drinking the poison, the convict started writing, but the strong poison killed him instantly and all that he could write was the letter ‘ S ‘ only. Now the question remained if the taste was Sweet, Sour or Salted ? However, Minerva Movietone had decided that the taste was sweet and hence the title of the film was Meetha Zahar !
After suffering initial failures with his first few films like Hamlet-35, Saeed E Hawas-36 and Atma Tarang-37, Sohrab Modi decided to make films on the social evils prevalent for a long time. Other big studios like Prabhat, Bombay Talkies and New Theatres were doing this already and they were making money. Modi decided to make films on separation in Marriage (Divorce aka Talaq-38), Alcoholism (Meetha Zahar-38), Illicit passion (Jailor-38) and Incest (Bharosa-40).
This stance changed the picture. His Historical film ” Pukar’-39 was a grand success, which brought him not only name and fame but also lot of money. Along with him, the Heroine of the film-Naseem Bano also benefitted greatly. After pukar-39, Naseem bano left Minerva. Naseem was launched by Sohrab Modi as a Heroine way back in Hamlet-35.
Naseem was born on July 4, 1916 in Delhi as Roshan Ara Begum, to courtesan-singer Shamshad Begum, better known as ‘Chhamiya’ and rich Nawab, Abdul Waheed Khan. She did her schooling at Queen Mary’s High School there with her mother harboring ambitions to make her a doctor. However, being a big fan of the movies and actress Sulochana in particular, after a family visit to Bombay, now Mumbai, in the 1930s, Naseem decided to make the movies her career. It was not easy. She had to fight hard with her mother to get her way, including it is said staging a successful hunger strike along with many tears!
Much of Naseem’s early work came at Minerva Movietone, owned by the great Sohrab Modi. He introduced Naseem in his adaptation of Hamlet, Khoon Ka Khoon (1935). Sadly for Naseem, the film flopped at the box-office. She then appeared in a series of films, mostly socials for Minerva including Divorce (1938), Meetha Zahar (1938) and Vasanti (1938)before hitting the big time with Modi’s epic historical drama, Pukar (1939). Pukar was a landmark film for Modi and its lead cast that included Chandramohan, Sardar Akhtar, besides Naseem. The film, in particular, makes splendid use of Naseem’s regal bearing casting her as Jehangir’s wife, the Empress Noor Jehan. It remains her most most well-known performance and one where she sang her own songs as well.
Following the success of Pukar, Naseem and Modi parted ways, and based on her strong impact as the Mughal Empress, Naseem signed two films with a rival studio to again play famous queens Cleopatra and Mumtaz Mahal respectively. Both films, however, failed to take off. But by now she had several well-known admirers including the son of the Nizam of Hyderabad. In this period Naseem also met childhood acquaintance Mohammed Ehsan who had returned from abroad armed with a agree in Industrial Chemistry. He launched a production house, Taj Mahal Pictures with the film Ujala (1942)starring Naseem and Prithviraj Kapoor. Through the course of the film and thereafter, Ehsan and Naseem fell in love and got married. Naseem then moved to Delhi along with Ehsan. The couple had two children, daughter Saira Banu, who also went on to become an actress and a son, Sultan Ahmed. For a while it looked like Naseem had bid adieu to films.
However, S Mukherji, who worked at Filmistan, convinced Naseem to come back and star opposite Ashok Kumar for Filmistan’s maiden production, Chal Chal Re Naujavan (1944). Though the build up for the film was huge, it only did moderate business at the box-office. More importantly though, Naseem was now back in the film industry for good. Ehsan and Naseem restarted Taj Mahal Pictures which would produce films starring Naseem. Some films produced by the banner include Begum (1945), Mulaqat (1947), and Chandni Raat (1949), the last also directed by Ehsan. Two of Naseem’s best performances came in Mehboob’s Anokhi Ada (1948) and Sohrab Modi’s Sheesh Mahal (1950), re-uniting her with Modi after more than a decade.
Naseem’s last lot of films include the swashbuckler Shabistan (1951), during whose filming leading man Shyam lost his life, Ajeeb Ladki (1952), Betaab (1952), which was her last film of note as a leading lady, and the stunt films, Sinbad The Sailor (1952) and Baghi (1953). Thereafter, she was seen in Sohrab Modi’sNausherwan-e-Adil (1957), where she impressively played the Empress of Iran.
By the time she completed Ajeeb Ladki, Naseem’s marriage to him was on its last legs. Ehsan migrated to Pakistan on his own taking with him all the negatives and prints of the films produced by Taj Mahal Pictures. He had these films screened there, making her an extremely popular actress across the border as well. Naseem then moved to England for a while as she sent her children to a day school there to give them the best of education. But finding England cold and aloof, the family finally returned to India.
Once her daughter, Saira Banu, entered films, Naseem, who ironically was dead against her joining the movie industry, designed clothes for her including some trendsetting beautiful embroidered saris in Aayi Milan Ki Bela (1964). And though well in her 40s by now, Naseem continued to get acting offers but refused them all. Naseem Banu passed away in Mumbai on June 18, 2002.
Like Naseem Bano, Modi was instrumental in helping and promoting the careers of many others like, Kamaal Amrohi, Chandramohan, Prithviraj Kapoor, Mehtab and many other smaller artistes like Sadiq Ali, Zillo bai, Eruch Tarapore, Sheela, Meena (Shorey), Al Nasir etc . Sadiq Ali was not only a regular, but was Modi’s favourite actor.
Sadiq Ali, was born on 6-10-1911 at Jullundhar, Punjab. His 2 cousins- Wazir Ali and Nazir Ali were famous Indian cricketers. Sadiq Ali completed his Engineering degree and worked in M.E.S. at Kanpur (Military Engg. Services). Due to strong desire to work in films and dramas, he resigned from his job after 5 years and joined Agha Hashr’s Drama company. When the company was closed, he joined The Burma Imperial film company at Rangoon. After few small roles, he came down to Bombay.
After working in some smaller companies, he joined Minerva Movietone. Starting with khan Bahadur-37, he worked in Minerva’s Pukar-39, Sikandar-41, Phir Milenge-42, Prithwiraj Sanyogita-43, Parakh-44 (only directed by Modi) and Ek din ka sultan-45, also in Sandesa-39,Black out, Duniya tumhari hai, Phir milenge, Ulti Ganga, Patharon ke saudagar,Jagbeeti,Nishana, Do Naina, Manjhdar, Mitti etc. In all he acted in 23 films. His last film was Ever Ready-46. After partition, he migrated to Pakistan.
First film in Pakistan Judai (1950 Shaheena,Nazar and Zeenat). Other film Shola (1952).
Sadiq Ali was a very successful and famous actor before partition and got the title of Prince of Minerva. He acted in many films in India, but in Pakistan,
Sadiq Ali could not be successful as he was in India. He was paralyzed in 60’s and could be seen sitting with Pan shop in Capitol Cinema lane, Karachi. Died on 12-7-1977 in Karachi. In his last days, he was seen begging on road.
Film Meetha Zahar was directed by Sohrab Modi. Screen play was by Gajanan Jagirdar. Munshi Irshad Ahmed wrote all the 9 songs of the film, which were composed by B.S.Hoogan, the MD.
When I first came across this name B.S.Hoogan, in the list of Hindi composers,my first reaction was,what is this foreigner doing in Hindi Films ?
Further when I saw his name as MD in 10-15 films of the 30s,I became very curious and wanted to know more about him.As per my experience so far,I usually got information for any -or almost any-Film personality from my notes,Old cuttings,books,magazines,old articles etc ,or even from an obscure,less known Internet site,but in Hoogan’s case I always found myself at a dead end. There was simply NO information about him anywhere ! It was as if no one in India knew about him or as if he was from some alien planet.
I was perplexed.How can anybody from Film industry,with so many films to his credit,be such an unknown person ? This was a challenge and I decided ,come what may,to find out about this elusive,dodging and unreachable B.S.Hoogan,at any cost.
Almost one year passed and I found a ray of Hope.
I visited the Blog of Mr.Kamalakar Pasupuleti ji. He is a writer on old films,music and an avid collector of old songs,besides having been an active RMIM worker.He is also a mine of information. Incidentally,he too is from Hyderabad-just like me,and being in the same age group,we enjoy discussing matters relating to people and places in old Hyderabad of the 40s and 50s,when we were youngsters.Later on, he has migrated to USA.
On his Blog, he had written about Hoogan. He had located the nephew of Hoogan, in India and contacted him.He got some information from him about Hoogan. Although the info was not exhaustive, it was a great find. Plus Kamalakarji himself had also written about Hoogan,from his interaction with people who had met Hoogan in Hyderabad. I wrote to kamalakar ji in USA and he very graciously gave me permission to use all that material for this article.
At this juncture, my luck suddenly decided to cooperate and I found some info about Hoogan in a book.I even found out that the same nephew of Hoogan had uploaded 4 songs of Hoogan,(2 from Parakh-37 and 2 from Meetha Zahar-38) on Hamara Forum.
B.S.Hoogan was not a foreigner,he was very much an Indian.His name was BALWANT SINGH HOOGAN. He was tall,wheat comlexioned and of medium build. He was born in 1901 at Firozpur, Punjab, where his family was settled. He was a Kashmiri Brahmin. According to C.Ramchandra also,he was originally from Kashmir.
Before becoming a music director he seems to have learnt classical music and western music.He played many western instruments.
In the days of silent films,orchestras used to play in the Theatres ,in front of or behind the screen.During the film also they played appropriate music pieces.It would add live pleasure with moving images. Hoogan learnt giving this music and conducting orchestra from his teacher,Mr.Victor Aimes,an Englishman,from the Albert Music Company. He learnt writing music in notations and conducting orchestra with a baton. He played his orchestra of 12 musicians.
Hoogan looked impressive with a Black Tailcoat,Bow-Tie and Grey Trousers,as described by a Hyderabad Nawab,who had been personally introduced to Hoogan in Hyderabad in 1930.
B.S.Hoogan started his career as MD with Ajanta Cinetone of Mohan Bhavnani.He gave music to Afzal,Maya jaal,Rangeela Rajput(all 1933)Dard e dil,Dukhtar e Hind,Mazdoor,Sair e Paristan,Vasavdatta(all1934),Pyar ki maar,Registan ki Rani,Sone ka shahar,sherdil Aurat(all 1935), Begunah,khan Bahadur,Parakh(all1937),Meetha Zahar,Vijay marg(all 1938) and Sansar Sagar-1939.
Total films-18. Songs composed- 231.
Music Director C.Ramchandra,in his Marathi autobiography, wrote about Hoogan. When CR was working in Minerva, Hoogan joined the company, in place of Habib Khan, the composer. He showed CR how the Desi Raag can be played on foreign musical instruments. He brought in many Goanese orchestra players into the company. CR knew writing notations, Hoogan improved this. Hoogan liked CR very much. Hoogan would take CR with him to all big hotels of Bombay. Orchestras would be playing there. CR learned how those tunes could be indianised in his music here only.
Hoogan would make tunes and ask CR to write the notations. CR would hum those tunes and then improve the tunes. Hoogan would not know. Thus many of his tunes were used by Hoogan without knowing it.In the film Meetha Zahar-1938,Naushad was Hoogan’s assistant. Actors like Nissar,Bibbo,Sheila and Naseem Bano sang for him.
B.S.Hoogan died in Ferozpore in September 1938, at the age of 37 only.
Today’s song is sung by one Shanta Dutt. This name is new to me and despite my efforts, I could not get any information about her. As per HFGK she seems to have acted in Divorce-38, Vaasanti-38 and Juari-39 and she sang one song each in film Divorce-38 and film Meetha Zahar-38. To this extent this is a rare song. With this song, film Meetha Zahar-38 and singer Shanta Dutt make their Debut on this Blog.
(I sincerely thank Shri kamalakar ji and shri Sukesh Hoogan ji (the nephew), for providing the above information about B.S.Hoogan. Some information is adapted from Upperstall.com and pakmag.com )
Song-Nain Mohan prem bhare jaadu najariya(Meethha Zahar)(1938) Singer- Shanta Dutt, Lyrics- Munshi Irshad Ahmed, MD- B S Hoogan
Lyrics
Nain Mohan prem bhare
Nain Mohan prem bhare
jaadu najariya
jaadu najariya
Nain Mohan prem bhare
Nain Mohan prem bhare
jaadu najariya
jaadu najariya
din mein aaj nain baandh chale
jigar pe aane lagi
prem ka dariya(?)
prem ka dariya(?)
Nain Mohan prem bhare
Nain Mohan prem bhare
jaadu najariya
jaadu najariya
mujhe jo aap charan haath lage
jigar jigar se mile
najar najar se mile
??ar ?? ar se mile
Go??har go??ar se mile
main aur aap hon ek dor bandhe
main aur aap hon ek dor bandhe
gale ka haar banen
aao sanwariya
aao sanwariya
Nain Mohan prem bhare
Nain Mohan prem bhare
jaadu najariya
jaadu najariya
mil ke saath sajan aao chalen
mil ke saath sajan aao chalen
prem ke oar chalen
prem ke chhor chalen
prem ke daur chalen
prem ke shor chalen
na koi ??air rahe
chain karen
na koi ??air rahe
chain karen
main aur aap hon
prem dagariya
prem dagariya
Nain Mohan prem bhare
Nain Mohan prem bhare
jaadu najariya
jaadu najariya
Wo din gaye hamaare
Posted on: April 28, 2019
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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Blog Day : |
3936 | Post No. : | 15011 | Movie Count : |
4113 |
Today’s song is from a film Gorakh Aaya-1938. The title of the film looks rather odd. Who is Gorakh ? May be a question in many readers’ minds. Let me explain that Gorakh is a short form of Gorakhnath- who was one of the early Navnaths, from Nath Sampraday. Have I made it more complicated ? So, let us first understand what it all means…
A brief description of the Nath Sampradaay. It is likely that some of our readers may not be familiar with the details behind these names. In the Hindu Sanaatan traditions the worship of Lord Shiva is called Shaivism and the worshippers and followers of Lord Shiva are called Shaivs. Nath Sampradaay is a sub tradition within Shaivism. The followers of this tradition consider Adinath or Lord Shiva as their first Lord. The word Nath implies Master. In this tradition, there is a lineage of nine Gurus or Teachers. The form of sadhna practiced by the followers of this tradition is called Hath Yog (हठ योग).
The first Guru in this lineage is Matsyendra Nath, who is better known as Machhindra Nath (मच्छिंद्रनाथ). The traditional history recounts that Matsyendra was born under an inauspicious star. This warranted his parents to throw the baby into the ocean. In the ocean the baby was swallowed by a large fish, and he lived and grew up inside the belly of the fish, for many years. The fish swam to the bottom of the ocean where Lord Shiva was imparting the secrets of yoga to Mata Parvati. Matsyendra overheard this discourse and learnt the secrets of yoga. He began to practice this yog sadhana inside the fish’s belly. After twelve years he finally emerged as an enlightened Siddha.
The second Guru is Gorakh. The story of Gorakhnath birth is- The first Guru Machhindra Nath went to a house for Bhiksha. The lady of the house, after serving him the Bhiksha, asked him if he can help her in any way to get a long desired child. Guru Machhindra Nath dipped his hand in his Zoli and took some some Vibhuti (ash) He gave it her and asked her to eat it and she will conceive a son. After he is gone , one of the neighbours of that lady tells her not to believe all this. The lady gets a doubt and throws the Vibhuti on a pile of garbage.
Time passes on. After 12 years, Machhindra Nath again comes to the lady and asks, how her son was. The lady, ashamed, tells him the truth. The Guru goes to the Garbage and gives a loud call, ” My son, come here “. From the garbage rises a son of about 12 years. He is Gorak Nath. Machhindranath takes him away with him and gives him the Deeksha (ceremony of bestowing the discipleship) of Nath Sampraday. Go means Earth and Rakh means to protect. So Gorakh is one who is protected by Mother Earth.
There is a list of Nine Nath Gurus, who are called Navnath. The first Nath Guru is Machhindra. The complete list is as follows
Machhindranath ( मच्छिंद्रनाथ )
Gorakhnath ( गोरखनाथ )
Jalandhar Nath ( जालंदरनाथ )
Kanif Nath (Kanhoba) ( कानिफनाथ )
Gahini Nath ( गहिनीनाथ )
Raja Bhartrihari Nath (Bharthari) ( भरथरी )
Revan Sidha Nath (रेवानसिधानाथ )
Charpati Nath and ( चर्पतीनाथ )
Naag Nath. ( नागनाथ )
The stories surrounding every Nath Guru, especially the earlier ones, are very exciting, thrilling and entertaining. One must read them from the original Nath Puraan or Nav Nath Pothi. I have read all of them. These stories are in no way less than any Arabian Night stories. Due to their entertainment value, several films in several languages have been made on the early Gurus like Machhindranath and Gorakhnath. Films on Machhindranath were made as ‘Maaya Machhindra’ in Hindi, in 1932, 1951, 1960 and 1975. Films on Gorakhnath as ‘Alakh Niranjan’, were made in 1940, 1950 and 1975. Films on Bharthari were made in 1932 and 1944. Films on other Naths were made as ‘Raja Gopichand’ in 1933, 1938 and 1950. Same way films on Naths in Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati and other languages were also made. There could be some more films also on this subject.
The story of this film is quite interesting. The film was made by Ranjit Movietone. Screenplay was by Gunwantrai Acharya and dialogues and lyrics were by P L Santoshi. Cinematography was by Krishna Gopal and Music was composed by Gyan Dutt. The film was directed by Chaturbhuj Doshi- who made his debut as a film Director.
Chaturbhuj Doshi (1894–1969) was a Hindi and Gujarati writer-director of Indian cinema. He was one of the top Gujarati screenplay writers, who helped script stories for the Punatar productions. He is stated to be one of the leading figures who launched the Gujarati film industry with work on notable films like Gunsundari (1948) and Nanand Bhojai (1948). He was “well known” for his family socials and had become “a celebrity in his own right”. He made a name for himself as a journalist initially and was referred to as the “famous journalist” & publicist by Baburao Patel, editor of Filmindia.
His debut film as a director was Gorakh Aya (1938), produced by Ranjit Movietone, though he joined Ranjit in 1929, as a scriptwriter. In 1938, he directed another film for Ranjit, a social comedy, The Secretary, and both films were box-office successes for Doshi. His forte was socials, regularly adapting stories and novels for films. He worked initially on comedies like Secretary and Musafir (1940), but then “shifted to more significant films”.
Early life and career – Chaturbhuj Anandji Doshi was born in 1894 in Kathiawad, Gujarat, British India. He was educated at the University of Bombay, after graduation he started work as a journalist for a daily, Hindustan (1926), working for editor Indulal Yagnik. His entry into films was working as a scenarist in the silent era for directors like Jayant Desai, Nandlal Jaswantlal & Nanubhai Vakil. He joined Ranjit Movietone in 1929, and wrote stories and screenplay for several of Ranjit films.
Film Gorakh Aya (Gorakh has come) in 1938, was the first film directed by Doshi. It was produced by Ranjit Movietone with screenplay by Gunvantrai Acharya & dialog-ues by P. L. Santoshi. The music, termed “good” was composed by Gyan Dutt. The Secretary (1938), was a “riotous comedy”, starring Madhuri, Trilok Kapoor. Charlie. The music was composed by Gyan Dutt, became a regular in most of the films directed by Doshi. Musafir in 1940 was a comedy costu-me drama, which had Charlie playing a prince.
Bhakta Surdas, a devotional film directed by Doshi in 1942, is stated to be the “most famous” of the several versions made. It starred K. L. Saigal and Khursheed “the singing idol(s) of millions”, winning “unprecedented popularity” everywhere.
Maheman (1942) starred Madhuri, Ishwarlal, Shamim and Mubarak. Music director Bulo C. Rani had come to Bombay in 1942, and joined Ranjit Studios assisting Khemchand Prakash in music direction.
Doshi helped enormously in the development of the Gujarati cinema. During 1948-49 he directed three successful Gujarati films which “brought immense success to the industry”. The success of the Gujarati film Kariyavar in 1948, directed by Chaturbhuj Doshi from a story by Shaida, called Vanzari Vaav, helped establish the Gujarati film industry along with other films like Vadilo Ne Vanke (1948) by Ram chandra Thakur and Gadono Bel (1950) by Ratibhai Punatar. His next Gujarati film was Jesal Toral (1948) based on folk-lore, which proved a big box-office success. In 1949, Doshi directed another Gujarati film, Vevishal, an adaptation of Meghani’s novel of the same name.
He also wrote stories, and one of his stories Pati Bhakti was used in the Tamil film En Kanawar (1948) produced by Ajit Pictures, which starred the Veena maestro, Sundaram Balachander, who was also the debut director and music composer for the film. In all he directed 24 Hindi films. His last Hindi film was Sanskar-1958. He had also written few songs in film Maya Bazar-32.
Chaturbhuj Doshi died on 21 January 1969 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India. Filmography-1932: Narasinh Mehta (Writer), 1934: Sitamgarh (Writer), 1938: Gorakh Aya, Secretary, 1939: Adhuri Kahani, 1940: Musafir, 1941:Pardesi, Sasural, 1942: Bhakta Surdas, Dhiraj, Mehmaan, 1943: Chhoti Maa, Shankar Parvati (Director, Writer), 1944: Bhartrahari, 1945:Murti, 1946: Phulwari, 1947: Bela, Kaun Hamara, 1948: Jesal Toral, Kariyavar (Director, Writer), Sati Sone, 1949: Bhakta Puran, Vevishal, 1950: Akhand Saubhagya, Kisi Ki Yaad, Ramtaram, 1954: Aurat Teri Yahi Kahani, 1956: Aabroo, Dashera, Dassehra, 1957: Khuda Ka Banda, Shesh Naag, 1958: Sanskar, 1960: Mehndi Rang Lagyo (Writer, Lyricist).
The film had a cast consisting of Mazhar Khan, Trilok Kapoor, Rajkumari and Kalyani in lead roles, Ila devi as the Egyptian queen, Ram Apte, Sarla, Bhagwandas etc etc. Rajkumari Dubey made her debut in this movie as a playback singer. Till then she had only sung for herself.
The story of the film was…..
Machhindranath (Mazhar Khan) observes uncivil excesses in temples. Disgusted he leaves for Himalayas for Meditation. After 7 long years, he comes back with a conclusion that Women are the cause of all problems in this world.
Meanwhile the Egyptian queen (Ila Devi) plans to raid India and camps on the banks of the river Indus. A Rishi kanya (Kalyani) builds an army of women. Machhindranath also builds an all men army and defeats the invader.One day Tilottama-the head of women’s army (Rajkumari) and Machhindranath meet and they fall in love. He gets totally immersed in her love magic and forgets his duty also, spending life with Tilottama.
His disciple Gorakhnath(Trilok Kapoor) gets worried. He enters the women’s army camp stealthily, reaches Machhindranath and shouts in his ears “Utho Machhinder, Gorakh Aaya’. After few days’reminders, Machhindranath realises his folly. They both escape the women’s camp and continue their duties deligently as before.
This film was released on 30th July 1938 at West End Theatre in Bombay, Baburao Patel, in his magazine Film India, has praised the direction of Chaturbhuj Doshi. As a publicity gimmick, the opening day’s all shows were kept only for women. This helped greatly and in no time the film became popular and a Box Office success.
One of the singer actors was Ram Apte- the child artiste, who was no more like a child. Even Film India criticised him as a child artiste. Ram Apte had been working as a child actor from Vishwa Mohini-1933. Till 1938, he worked in 25 films in child roles. he also sang 4 songs in 3 films. After Gorakh Aaya-38, he gave up working as child artiste.
As I have not seen this film, I do not know on whom this song is filmed, but from the lyrics, it sounds as if it is between two friends. With this song, film “Gorakh Aaya”(1938) makes its Debut on the Blog.
Song-Wo din gaye hamaare (Gorakh Aaya)(1938) Singers- Rajkumari Dubey, Miss Kalyani, Lyrics- P L Santoshi, MD- Gyan Dutt
Lyrics
wo o o din gaye hamaare
wo o din gaye hamaare
wo din gaye hamaare
wo din gaye hamaare
main thhi chhail chhabeeli raadha
wo thhe mohan pyaare
main thhi chhail chhabeeli raadha
wo thhe mohan pyaare
khel rahe thhe swapn lok mein
aasha nadi kinaare
khel rahe thhe swapn lok mein
aasha nadi kinaare
wo din gaye hamaare
wo din gaye hamaare
wo din gaye hamaare
wo din gaye hamaare
wo din gaye hamaare
wo din gaye hamaare
prem ki jyot jaga jaa dete (?)
man mein preetam pyaare re
prem ki jyot jaga jaa dete(?)
man mein preetam pyaare
man mein preetam pyaare
pyaare
pyaare
ye din pyaare pyaare
ye din pyaare pyaare
main ban jaaun raseeli raadha
tum ban jaao kunj bihaari
main ban jaaun raseeli raadha
tum ban jaao kunj bihaari
dekh hamaari leela nyaari
hansen gagan mein taare
hansen gagan mein taare
taare
ye din pyaare pyaare
ye din pyaare pyaare
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 a film called Vachan-38. Films with the same title-Vachan were made in 1938, 1955, 1974 and 1996. Today’s film Vachan was produced by Bombay Talkies.
In the early era of Talkie films, Bombay Talkies had created great curiosity when it was established in the year 1934, mainly for 3 reasons. First reason was that both Himanshu Rai and Devika Rani, a highly educated, foreign returned couple, hailing from prestigious families, was behind Bombay Talkies. Secondly, It was the first ever film company established as a Registered company with Bombay Stock Exchange, with the most respected and very highly placed personalities of Bombay on its Board of Directors. They were Sir F.E.Dinshaw, Sir Chunilal Mehta, Sir Chimanlal Setalwad, Sir Phiroz Sethna, Sir Cawsaji Jehangir and Sir Richard Temple. Thirdly, there was a German Film Director Franz Osten and his team of Technicians consisting of Cinematographer Joseph Wirsching, Set Designer Karl Von Sreti, Sound Recordist Len Hartley and Lab Technician Wilhelm Zolle, to work in Bombay Talkies.
Germany had a very good name in India during the olden days i.e. during the early part of the last century. I remember my Grandfather ( who expired in 1975 at the age of 91 years) always praising Germany for so many things. In India,all things German were considered the Best- even better than the Vilayati or the British things !
Very few people know that Indian Cinema had a little known connection with the rise of Hitler in Germany in 1932-33. A group of men , engaged in Cinema in Germany, flocked to India in the 30’s and played a vital role in Indian Cinema and the arts of that times. After Hitler took over Germany in 1933, the German Cine Studio’s glory days were over and they were turned into Nazi Propaganda Machines !
It was at this time that several of its men left the studio and arrived in India, and contributed to Indian cinema’s formative years.
The foremost among them is Frantz Osten, a German whom Himanshu Rai and Devika Rani met at the UFA when they went to train there (they worked with Lang and Marlene Dietrich). Osten had already been directing films for the couple since 1925, when he made Light of Asia for them from Germany.
In 1934, he came to India and the next year, after Rai founded Bombay Talkies ‘ the legendary film studio in Malad that now lies in ruins ‘ Osten directed its first film.
He went on to direct the famous Devika Rani-Ashok Kumar starrer, Achhyut Kanya, without much knowledge of Hindi. The film, which featured the song “Main ban ke chiriya”, was shot by Joseph Wirsching; the sets were designed by Karl von Spreti and the laboratory was headed by Zolle, Osten’s team of UFA ex-members who worked for Rai’s state-of-the-art studio.
Osten and his fellow Germans directed 16 films for Rai. It was a remarkable feat for people who knew little Hindi ‘ mistaking the word “bulbul” once for a pair of bulls.
“It’s not clear if they had anything to do with the Nazi ideology, either way,” said film historian Amrit Gangar.
“If they did, it did not show in their films. But there were two other people who almost certainly migrated to India because of the persecution of Jews.”
Franz Osten(23-12-1876-2-12-1956) Hindi director, born in Munich as Franz Ostermayer, the elder brother of successful producer Peter Ostermayer. They set up a travelling cinema, Original Physograph (1907) and founded Munchner Kunstfilm (1909) after Osten had been making shorts for Pathé, Gaumont and Eclair. Their first feature: Die Wahrheit (1910). Osten’s début as director: Erna Valeska (1911). War correspondent in 1915. Joined Peter’s company Emelka (later Bavaria Film) in 1918. Made Der Ochsenkrieg (1920) with young cameraman Frank Planer of later Hollywood fame, one of Osten’s several contributions to a budding genre that after WW2 became known as the Heimatfilm. In fact, the Ostermayr/Osten brothers claimed to be the originators of the genre.
When Himansu Rai and Emelka made a deal to produce Prem Sanyas aka Light of Asia, Osten was assigned to direct. Continued directing Rai’s productions, often shooting in India as well as in Europe, in addition to directing for numerous companies in Berlin. Moved with cameraman Josef Wirsching and set designer Karl von Spreti to India to work at Himansu Rai’s Bombay Talkies (1934).
While in Bombay, became a member of the Nazi Party (1936). Interned by the British at the outbreak of WW2 while shooting his last film there, Kangan. Released and allowed to return to Germany (1940). Employed by Bavaria Film until 1945, for casting and setting up its film archive. In addition to Indian films, directed 33 silent features and 10 sound films.
After WW2 became manager of a Bavarian spa. His Indian films, following UFA tradition, were huge Orientalist spectacles with elephants, camels and expansive vistas often shot in deep focus. Effective authorship shared by producer Rai and scenarist Niranjan Pal. Adopted European conventions to introduce main actors, e.g. backlit mid-shots in soft focus gradually becoming more contrasted; also used mobile outdoor shots as in the railway-crossing sequence of Achhut Kanya. Strongly influenced younger Bombay Talkies film-makers Amiya Chakrabarty and Gyan Mukherjee, though they used his techniques for very different purposes.
Filmography-1925: Prem Sanyas, 1928: Shiraz, 1929: Prapancha Pash, 1935: Jawani Ki Hawa, 1936: Achhut Kanya, Janmabhoomi, Jeevan Naiya, Mamata, Miya Bibi, 1937: Izzat, Jeevan Prabhat, Prem Kahani, Savitri, 1938: Bhabhi, Nirmala, Vachan, 1939: Durga, Kangan, Navjeevan .
Film Vachan was a costume drama, first such film for Ashok Kumar. Some actors form an image in our mind. We accepted Ashok kumar as a simple hearted lover boy in early films like Jeevan Naiya, and Achhut kanya etc. Even his shaky songs became popular, because in those days all these social films with a cause were novelties. Most of the 7 films he did with Devika Rani were successful, but this film has to be rated a little on the lower side of the list. I have not seen the film, nor have I got any inkling about its story line, but from the comments in Film India Magazine of those days, it looks like a film of moderate success. It was released on 19-8-1938, at Roxy cinema, Bombay.
The cast of the film consisted of Devika Rani, Ashok kumar, meera, Mumtaz Ali, peethawala, Kamatha Prasad, Maya Devi, Pratima, Balwant Singh etc etc.
The name MEERA is one of those which cause ‘ Same Name Confusion’. Luckily, the other Meera (Mishra) started acting only in 1946, when this Meera was in the last phase of her career. Still many sites, books and writers mix up their filmography. Meera was an Anglo-Indian girl in Hindi films. During the silent film era a lot many European and Anglo-Indian girls acted in films. Few of them continued even after Talkie films started and very few like Sulochana and Sabita Devi etc. became successful even in the films for a considerable time.Some of these girls were, Ruby Meyers-Sulochana, Iris Gasper-Sabita Devi, Susan Soloman-Firoza begum ( not the singer), Effie Hippolet-Indira Devi, Bonnie Bird-Lalita Devi, Esther Abraham-Pramila, Renee Smith- Sita Devi, Berryl Classen-Madhuri, Winnie Stewert-Manorama Senior, Erine Issac Daniels-Manorama Junior, Florence Ezekiel-Nadira, Sophie Abraham-Romilla, Rose Musleah-Rose, Lilian Ezra-Lilian, Mercia Soloman-Vimla, Rachel Sofaer-Arti Devi, Rachel Cohen-Ramola Devi, Patience cooper, Violet Cooper, Ermelin-Sudhabala etc etc.
Meera’s real name was Muriel Alexander. She was born on 10-11-1919. She was from a respectable family. Her father was Superintendent-local Audit in AG’s office.Brother E. Alexander was an All India level cricketer. She passed her Inter science exam from Benaras Hindu University. It was through one Mr. Seal,who was a manager in Adarsh Chitra,she got her first break in film Dhuwandhar-1935. This was the Debut film of Leela Chitnis also. It is not known if she sang any song in that film,as no records are available.
My guess is that,besides acting,she must have sung few songs in that film.
Her name first appears as an actress and singer in film Bhabhi-38,in which she sang 3 solo songs. from 1935 to 1938,she must have sung many songs,but singers names are not mentioned. thus many singers’ credit must have been lost in those years.Same case was with Amirbai karnataki also. After Bhabhi,her name appears in Nirmala-38 and vachan-38 in which she sang 1 solo and 3 duets. She acted and sang songs in films of Ranjit,Prakash and Minerva Movietone films.
As per information available Meera acted in Dolti Naiya-34, Dhuwandhar-35, Bhabhi-38, Vachan-38, Adhoori Kahani-39, Tatar ka chor-40, Paak Daaman-40, Chingari-40, Armaan-42, Meri Duniya-42, Mauj-43, Krishna bhakta Bodana-44, Ji haan-45, Sham Savera-46, Ye hai Duniya-48 and Sansar-51. She only sang in Nirmala-38.
Another interesting name in the cast is Maya Devi. Maya Devi was from Bombay and started her career from silent films in 1928 with Anarkali by imperial. Her first Talkie film was Kunwari ya widhva-35. Her real name was Leela. She became a favourite of Bombay Talkies and she did 6 films with them in 37 and 38. In all she did 5 silent films and 31 Talkie films till 1949. her last film in India was Raaz-49. She got married with a Muslim and then migrated to Pakistan, where she did 19 films and then retired in 1964. Her first film in Pakistan was Phere-1949.She died in Lahore on 1-2-67. She did films in Gujarati and Punjabi also.
Today’s song is a song sung by Devika Rani, Meera, Lalita and Vimla. I do not know who these Lalita and Vimla were. This seems to be a friendly song of 4 of the sahelis, with dialogues in the beginning and the end of the song. With this song, film Vachan-38 makes its debut.
(For this post, I have used information from ” Walter Kaufmann in India 1934-1946″ by Amrit Gangar, The Big Indian Picture- Bombay Talkies-By Ambarish Roy Chaudhari, indiancine.ma, with thanks and my notes.)
Song-Naval Naveli Nyaari hum Kunwari baari(Vachan)(1938) Singers-Devika Rani, Miss Meera, Lalita, Vimla, Lyrics – J S Kashyap, MD- Saraswati Devi
Lyrics
hahahahaha
Malti
abhi aur khelenge
nahin Shama
ab ghar chalna chaahiye
bahut der ho gayi
kyon
darti hai
kahin pati mahashay khabar na len
hahaha
kyun nahin
pati ki dulaari hai na
hahahahaha
hum kunwaariyon ko koi fikr nahin
nahin nahin nahin nahin
hazaar baar nahin
hahahahaha
Naval Naveli Nyaari
hum Kunwari baari
Naval Naveli Nyaari
hum Kunwari baari
dosh nahin kuchh
hosh nahin kuchh
saral sahaj matwaari
dosh nahin kuchh
hosh nahin kuchh
saral sahaj matwaari
hum Kunwari baari
Naval Naveli Nyaari
hum Kunwari baari
khuli hawa mein nav kali ?? phoolen
khuli hawa mein nav kali ?? phoolen
pawan jhakoron mein madmaati jhoolen
pawan jhakoron mein madmaati jhoolen
tan man apna jeewan apna
tan man apna jeewan apna
ham ban ki chidiyaa
haan tum ??
maina
maina
maina
hahahaha
suna
jee
suna
aur guna bhi
aap ne abhi suna hi suna hai
guna nahin
hahahahah
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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3934 | Post No. : | 15007 | Movie Count : |
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Today’s song is from a film of the first decade of the Talkie films- Rikshawala aka Bhola Raja-1938.
In India, documentation of old films, songs, actors and other artistes of the film industry, is extremely poor. The major part of the responsibility being with the Government, it was all the more in poor condition For Historical data maintenance work, dedicated people are required to do the proper caring. In Govt. offices, this was expecting too much. Thus occasional fires engulfing heritage films, books, documentaries etc and frequent theft or loss of books and other materials from the archives was not surprising.
Of course, everything and all the time, it was not that there were no good peoplein Govt. Agencies. It is because if such rare good and capable people only, we have today, whatever is available in the Govt. archives. The common feeling in India is that Govt. should look after everything under the Sun. Have the people no responsibility or accountability towards preservation of Heritage ? Go to any Heritage Temple, building or structure, you will invariably find that Lovers have carved their names on stones and walls, as if the world was eager to know ! So much for public awareness !! I feel, these things have to be taught from primary school level onwards only. We have failed miserably to inculcate National pride, Nationalism and Patriotism in our newer generations, from their childhood. These things have only remained to symbolically unfurl Flags and sing National Anthem on Independence Day !
Luckily, as far as Film history is concerned,there are some people who, on their own, try to preserve old film data and other related matters to the best of their capabilities. Record collectors, song collectors, old film magazine collectors, films and books collectors, poster collectors and those who open up their valuable collections to the general public free of charge are worthy of appreciation. They are doing a great service to preservation of history.
Apart from these, those who upload old and rare song videos on You Tube or other social medias, for use of anybody and everybody are also doing yeoman’s service to hindi film music. It is another thing that some selfish uploaders upload incomplete songs,but there are good people like Shalin Bhatt, Alaknanda, Girdharilal Wishwakarma ji, Sadanand Kamath ji,our own Sudhir ji, Atul ji, Javed bhai etc who upload not only complete but also rare songs on Internet. My sincere thanks to these Noble Souls.
In addition there are some less known Blogs who do a great job in this field. Most people are totally unaware of one such Blog run by an American-Mike Barnum ji. On his Blog Mike has written on atleast 100+ only C grade action and stunt films alone. He has made classification by different Generes also, like Jungle films, Mystery films, Murder films, Horror films etc etc. There are Photos, posters, cast details, film stories and short Bios of unknown C grade artistes. Once you go to his Blog, you get lost for a long time. It is a great work, involving a neglected Genre of Hindi films, which was once upon a time, a very popular film variety for certain audiences. I thank him profusely for this service. thanks, Mike Barnum ji.
Why I am writing all this is, most people are unaware of these things and they must know the good work done by these people also. Many times I use song videos uploaded by Shalin ji Bhatt. They are clean, clear, full and rare most times. Thanks, Shalin ji.
Today’s film, churned out from the Ranjit factory was not a stunt film, but a social film. The Music Director was Gyan Dutt. The lyrics were by the young Pyarelal Santoshi, who became very famous writer and a director later on. The cast consisted of Mazhar Khan, Ila Devi, Wasti, Indubala, Charlie, Dikshit and Ghori, Waheedan Bai, Tara bai etc. The film was directed by Ezra Mir.
Some of the Senior readers, in the bracket of 55 to 75 years of age would recollect the Indian Documentaries made by Ezra Mir, shown before almost every film in the theatres. Indian News Reel and these documentaries on various subjects were actually used as a facility to enter the theatre late and still catch the whole movie from the beginning. These documentaries were made mostly by Ezra Mir and the voice over used to be that of Pratap Sharma usually. ( his younger brother Mahesh Sharma was my good friend in those days).
Ezra Mir was one of the rare persons who worked in the famous Hollywood studios for a considerable time, before he came to India and got involved in making films here. He was also a rare person who, despite being in great demand in the commercial cinema, chose to join a Government organisation and did a monumental significant work for the future generations. For a long time, I was thinking him to be a Muslim man, but at a much later date, I came to know that he was a Jew person.
Ezra Mir ( real name Edwyn Meyers) was born on 26-10-1902 at Calcutta. After completing his education, he joined Madon Theatres in 1921. In 1923, he left for Europe and America to work in film industry. After doing bit roles in Rudolph Valentino’s films in Long Island, New York and working for First National Biograph Studios, he joined the Universal studios as a ” Film Cutter ” and later as a Scenario writer. By his diligent and hard work he became the chief of story Department in United Artistes. In 1929, he wrote and directed a film ‘ Simbolisque ‘, which created a sensation in the film circle there.
With the advent of the Talkie, he came back to India , joined Imperial Film co. and made film Noorjehan-31 in Hindi and English. In 32-33, he joined Sagar movietone and directed Zarina-32, Pagal premee-33 and Farzand e Hind-34. Then Ezra went to Calcutta. After doing some films he came back and made documentaries on second world war. In 1940, he was appointed by the Govt. on Film Advisory Board. In 1942, when V.Shantaram left as its head, he became the head. From 1942 to 1946, he made 170 documentaries.
In 1951 he joined Films Division and in 1956, became its President. In his tenure here, he made 400 documentaries. In 1970 he got ‘ Padmashri ‘. Ezra Mir died on 7-3-1993. His Filmography is Noorjehan-31, Zarine-32, Pagal premi-33, Farzand e Hind-34, Mera Pyara and Rasheeda-35,Jeevan Sangram, Parivartan,Rajdulari and Shaitan ka pash-36, Rikshawala-38,Sitara-39, Beete din-47, pamposh-54 and Raju aur gangaram-64.
Another interesting artiste in this film was Indubala. Indubala’s mother was Rajabala, who along with sister Matibala and brother Tinkary worked in Motilal Bose’s The Great Bengal Circus, also known as Bose’s Circus or Professor Bose’s Circus. Harimati was the eldest sister of Rajabala and had a different life. Rajabala performed mainly as a trapeze artiste and got married to Motilal Bose at a temple in Ujjain, India. At the time he was then in his forties while Rajabala was still a teenager. The marriage was never accepted as legal by Motilal’s family. Motilal Bose’s first wife was Mrs. Annadamohini Devi.
Indubala was born in Novenber, 1899 at Amritsar, where the circus party had gone for performance. Indu was born premature and Dr. Bidhumukhi Basu was taken to Amritsar from Calcutta to attend to Rajabala. Such was the affection and concern of the husband for his young wife. Motilal’s interest in Rajabala dwindled later, supposedly because Rajabala showed no interest in going back to the circus after Indu’s birth and soon she was left to fend for herself. She came to Calcutta with her daughter and was given shelter by a Jiban Krishna Ghosh, who remained loyal to her till his death and also played a major role in establishing Indubala in her life as a performer. Once in Calcutta, Rajabala trained herself as a singer and Indubala’s first training in music was from her mother. The initial plan was to train Indu as a nurse and she was admitted as a trainee in a hospital in the Pataldanga locality of Calcutta. Indu did not take fancy in the job and ran away from the hospital, much to the disappointment of her mother, who never wanted her only daughter to be forced into a life of indignity.
After this incident Indubala’s musical training started. Although her father ignored wife Rajabala completely, he remained fond of his daughter and kept in touch with her and often invited her to his ancestral home where he lived during his brief visits to Calcutta and sent her a monthly pocket money of Rupees twenty till his death. Indubala’s first performance was at a gathering of distinguished guests where her mother was the chief entertainer. Each one of the guests appreciated Indu’s singing and thus began her formal training from Gouri Shankar Mishraji. Indu was only about twelve then. This also marked the entry of Indubala into the red light world. Amongst her trainers were Kali Prasad Mishra, Elaahi Bux and Miss Gauhar Jaan. Apart from music, Miss Gauhar Jaan, credited as Prima Donna of India, Indu also learned etiquette from the elder artiste and developed a close friendship with her. This association provided Indu with valuable musical knowledge and experience.
In later years she took training from Girin Chakraborty, Kamal Dasgupta, Subal Dasgupta, Jamiruddin Khan and Kazi Nazrul Islam. In time she came to be one of the major exponents of Nazrul songs and her songs along with those of Miss Angurbala and Kamala Jharia are still referred to for authenticity of lyrics and tunes of Nazrul songs. In 1916, Indubala recorded her first songs. She was brought into the record circle by Bhagabati Charan Bhattacharya and Mr. Manindra Nath Ghosh, alias Mantababu, himself a gramophone singer of repute. The first songs published as record were Asha Phuraye Gelo, Sindhu Khambaj and Aar Mukhey Boley Ki Hobey, Kedara. The record number was P 4306. In the beginning she did not take any money from the Gramophone Company and as such was credited in the records as Miss Indubala (Amateur). She was not the first amateur artiste of the company but enjoyed the privilege of announcing her name at the end of each song saying “My name is Indubala”. The amateur status continued for a fairly long period. Later on she received Rupees two hundred per record and also received a royalty of five per cent over the sales. Her first songs of Nazrul on the disc were “Cheyona Sunayana” and “Rumjhum Rumjhum Ke Eley Nupur Paye”. The record number was P 11661. To Indubala also goes the credit of being the first Bengali artiste to record Hindustani songs for the Gramophone Company. For the Indian State Broadcasting Center, later named All India Radio, Indubala first sang on the second day of the radio company’s broadcasting in 1927 in Calcutta and went on singing in this medium for nearly fifty years. Over the radio, Indubala sang not only from Calcutta but from several other stations by special invitation all over India. Apart from discs and the radio, Indubala was well established by the thirties in cultural functions all over India. Frequent invitations used to come from Shahjahanpur, Pakur, Madras, Bangalore, Palanpur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Oudh, Trivandrum, Vizagapattam, Ajmer, Qoembatore, Dacca and several other places.
In 1936 she was appointed court musician to His Highness, The Maharajah of Mysore. She received a monthly salary of Rupees two hundred and fifty and this continued till the time when the native princes faced withdrawal of privy purse. In all Indubala had recorded some two hundred and eighty songs, including about two hundred forty basic songs, the rest being from films. Indubala’s first stage appearance was in The Rambagan Female Kali Theatre, established by her mother Rajabala in 1922. Both mother and daughter took part in the plays and Indubala appeared in about twelve plays in this short-lived company which lasted for only two years and in 1924 she joined Calcutta’s most prestigious stage, The Star Theatre. She continued to appear on the stage mainly in singing roles and her songs were a major attraction in each of the plays. By rotation she acted in all the public theaters of Calcutta and even took part in the Hindi Parsee Theatre in 1945 and 1946, the plays being Ghar Ki Laaj and Jasoos. Her last appearance in the public stage was in the play Prithviraj in the role of Mehga at Star Theatre in 1950. Thereafter she worked in call shows till almost 1958.
Jamuna Puliney (1933) has been credited as her first film. This is probably because this was her first film contract although Ankh Ka Tara (1932) released before Jamuna Puliney. In all she acted in about forty eight films in Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil languages. In most of them, she had songs as a major attraction or else did comic roles as in Bengali Indira (1937) and Hindi Deewali (1940) to name a few. She did the role of Dhai Ma in both the versions of Swamsidhha (1947). Thereafter she was not seen on the screen. As a playback singer she lent her voice in films like Alibaba (1937), Chandragupt (1934) in Hindi, Ab E Hayat (1933) in Urdu and Dil Ki Pyaas (1935) also in Urdu. She did not act in these four films. Indubala did not receive any major award apart from the Gold Disc given on behalf of His Master’s Voice. The government of India never considered her name for any award. The Sangeet Natak Academy however honoured her with a lifetime achievement award in 1975. The government of West Bengal, India however did arrange for a pension for which a lot of running about had to be done.
In personal life, Indubala was most humble and polite and bold in her behavior and was never ashamed to admit or discuss her origin. Even when established as a major singing artiste with an all India fame, she refused to move out to a respectable place leaving her residence in Rambagan, a notorious red light area of Calcutta. Indubala was got herself involved in voluntary work for the uplift of fallen women and worked actively for their rights in society through various organizations, which were patronized by top political leaders of the time. She had some interesting hobbies like writing poetry and collecting perfumes.
Even at old age all the empty perfume bottles were kept within her view. She was fond of jewellery too and had a great collection, either purchased or gifted by admirers. These valuables vanished when she was too unwell to keep track of them. Her contemporary artiste Miss Angurbala was a close friend with whom she confided and shared the joys and sorrows of life and this friendship lasted till the very end. Indubala adopted a nephew of her mother’s friend Jiban Krishna Ghosh. The boy’s name was Pranab Ghosh. This foster son did not look after her mother very much when in old age Indubala suffered from conditions like cataract and then paralytic stokes. It was Dr. Badan Sengupta who made necessary arrangement for her treatment She could not afford nursing homes and therefore was treated at state government hospitals in all occasions of illness.
The end came on the thirtieth day of November, 1984 after a prolonged illness during which again Dr. Badhan Sengupta looked after her as his own mother. Perhaps by coincidence her friend Angurbala died the same year.
I have not seen this film, nor have I got any idea about its storyline. 90% of Ranjit films were destroyed in a fire so there is no chance of seeing this film anymore. From the lyrics of the song, it seems to be a comedy song.
“Rickshaawaala” aka “Bhola Raja” (1938) makes its debut with this song.
( some information for this post has been used with thanks from an article by Dr. J.P.Guha in an adapted form, Filmdom-46, Bengali Cinema by B.C.Roy and my notes)
Song-Khatmal Ram ji Khatmal Ram ji tumko sau sau baar salaam (Rickshaawaala)(1938) Singer- Indubala, Lyrics- P L Santoshi, MD- Gyan Dutt
Lyrics
Khatmal Ram ji
Khatmal Ram
tumko sau sau baar salaam
Khatmal Ram ji
Khatmal Ram
tumko sau sau baar salaam
sone waale madhur neend mein
jab khurraate bharte
aa aa
sone waale madhur neend mein
jab khurraate bharte
aa aa aa aa
aa aa aa aa
aa aa aa aa
sone waale madhur neend mein
jab khurraate bharte
lekar apni baaki toli
lekar apni baaki toli
tum ?? karte
Khatmal Ram ji
Khatmal Ram
tumko sau sau baar salaam
pahle pahar mein
bhogi jaage
dooje pahar mein rogi
hey ae
teeje pahar mein
???khu jaage
chauthe pahar mein jogi
aa aa aa
aa aa aa
aa aa aa
aa aa
apna apna kaam bhool kar
jo hain chup so jaate
aa aa aa
apna apna kaam bhool kar
jo hain chup so jaate
ang ang ek tedhi(?) kar ke
ang ang ek tedhi(?) kar ke
aake unhen jagaate
Khatmal Ram ji
Khatmal Ram
tumko sau sau baar salaaaam
Jhanan jhanan mori baaje paayaliyaa
Posted on: April 9, 2019
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 film Poornima-38.
The film was made by Prakash Pictures- a joint venture of brothers, Shankar and Vijay Bhatt. The film was directed by Balwant Bhatt- not related to them but elder brother of another director Nanabhai Bhatt. In those days Marathi and Gujarati people were found in large numbers in the film industry. The simple reason was that Bombay was in Bombay Presidency and both Bombay(Maharashtra) and Gujarat were its part. Secondly, two two major requirements of films, namely Finance and Actors were available in abundance here. Gujarati people controlled the finance and Marathi people looked after the acting side.
However, for acting and for other branches of film making people from all over India flocked to Bombay, but money investment was done by the locals. If you see the cast of any film made in the early era, you would find names of Muslim girls in abundance. For example, just see the cast of today’s film only. It consists of Sardar Akhtar ( Sardar is a proper name and not a title), Shirin Bano, putli bai,Noorjehan, Tarabai, Nirasha etc. There was a reason for this too.
As the Talkie films started, the number of Anglo Indian Girls rapidly went down as most of them did not know Hindi nor could they sing.Only a few hard working Anglo Indian girls survived and progressed from silent to Talkie films,like Savita Devi (Iris Gasper)-who learnt Hindi/Urdu and singing,with efforts, Sulochana (Ruby Myers),Indira Devi(Effie Hippolet),Lalita Devi(Bonnie Bird),Pramila(Esher Abrahams),Seeta Devi(Renee Smith),Madhuri(Beryl Classen),Manorama(Winnie Stewart) etc. Since singing was an important requisite,the field was now open to singing girls from Kothas,Tawayafs and professional singers.Reasonably good looks and singing ability was what made them actresses. These girls,who came from Kothas and professional singer families used the suffix ” Bai” to their names to differentiate their specialty. Thus you had Jaddan bai,Amir bai,Johrabai,Rattan bai etc etc.
Many young singing girls found Cinema as a place where they could get (catch ? ) a good Husband from a better family background,earning respectability(forget religion). Many starlets married Producers,directors,Actors,Singers and Composers,left acting and settled as respectable Housewife. Some girls got Husbands from Nawabs and the Royalties,as they were patrons of Arts. Many examples from early era can be cited in this connection like Gulab bai alias kamla devi married S.Fatelal-Dir. in Prabhat Films.
Jaddanbai married a Medical student and a Jahagirdar-Uttamchand. Fatima bai(mother of Alam Ara fame Zubeida) married nawab of Sachin,Guajarat
Sultana married Yusuf laljee,Businessman and chief od Bombay Municiple corpn. Actress Sarojini(Roshan) married Nanubhai Vakil-producer/Dir (Their daughter was actress AZRA)
Actress Indurani (Ishrat)-sister of Sarojini- married Ramniklal Shah-Prod/Director
Actress Shirin bai married Nanabhai Bhatt (Their sons are Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt)
Actress Zubeida of Alam Ara married Raja Dhanrajgir of Hyderabad-deccan.
The other actress Zubeida (on whose life, film Zubeida was made) married Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur etc.
This trend continued in the industry even after things changed and educated and respected family people entered the industry. Now,one could see marriages were taking place between people of film industry itself like Rattanbai and Director Hafiz,Jyoti and Durrani, Nalini Jaywant and Virendra Desai, Noorjahan-Shaukat hussain rizvi, Meenakumari, Sardar Akhtar, Snehprabha Pradhan, Anil Biswas, Lalita Deulkar etc.
In recent era instances were Waheeda Rehman, Kishore kumar, Asha Bhosle, Hemant kumar, Manik verma, Premlata, Geeta Dutt, Rishi kapoor, Rajesh khanna, Amitabh Bachhan and Abhishek Bachhan etc.
In the cast you find a name Shirin Bano. Yes, she too is one of the above listed artistes who joined films to get a suitable husband and lead a respectable and comfortable life. Shirin, Shirin Bai or Shirin Bano was from a Tawayaf mother from Lucknow. Her father was a Tamil Brahmin- Ram Seshadri Aiyar, who worked as an Accountant with Kikubhai Desai ( father of Manmohan Desai) in his Distribution department.They were 5 sisters and 1 brother. Shirin joined films at an early age. Her first film was Maharani-34 same year she worked in Vehmi duniya, Sewa sadan and Bala Joban. In 1935 her films were Shamsher e Arab, Pardesi Sainya and Bambai ki Sethani. In 36, she worked in Top ka gola, Snehlata, Passing show and Azad veer. Khwab ki duniya, His Highness and Challenge from 37, State Express and Purnima in 38, Leather face and Hero No.1 from 1939. Total 18 films only.
Her youngest sister Meher Bano also joined films with the name Purnima ( she also married a Producer Director Bhagwandas Varma). Shirin married Producer Director Nanabhai Bhatt, who already had a wife and 9 children. They had 2 sons- Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt.
The Heroine of this film was Sardar Akhtar. The life story of Sardar Akhtar- Heroine of this film- is very interesting. Sardar Akhtar was a Punjabi Muslim born in Lahore in 1915. Her mother was a famous singer on the infamous Hira Mandi Road of Lahore. Akhtar learned singing from her mother and also other ustads. Her younger sister Bahar Akhtar was beautiful and a good singer. These sisters were famous as Daaro and Baharo in Lahore. Bahar was hired by United Players Corpn. of Lahore , as a Heroine in their film ” Qatil Katar “. Producer A R Kardar was also its Hero. They fell in love. Bahar was under strict surveilance by her mother, but with the help of a friend, Kardar abducted her and they were married. When this news reached her mother, Akhtar and her mother made a Police complaint against kardar. Kardar and his unit members were arrested and kept in a lock up for few days for abducting a Minor girl. They were released when Bahar herself gave a statement in their favour. Kardar destroyed the negatives of his film to prevent Bahar from further acting in films.
After this episode Akhtar started working in dramas. She went to Calcutta and did a small role in film Dhoop Chaaon-35. From there she came to Bombay and joined Saroj Movietone. She did films like Eid ka chaand,Roop Basant and Naqsh e Sulemani and earned a good name. She acted in films of Minerva and Wadia-mostly stunt action films. Mehboob khan gave her a big role in film Aurat-40 and her image changed. She also did Mehboob’s film Roti, during which they got married on 25-4-1942. They did not have any issues but they adopted Saajid khan, child star of film Son of India-62. After Mehboob’s death in 1964 May, Akhtar lived alone, occasionally visiting Sajid khan, who had settled in USA.
Sardar Akhtar did 44 films. Her last film was Raahat-45. However, she did small roles in films Hulchal-71 and Bandhe Haath-74. Sardar Akhtar sang 92 songs in 27 films. Considering that she was not a regular or playback singer, her 92 songs were highly creditable. Not even 50% of her songs came on gramophone records. During one of her US visits, Sardar Akhtar died there on 2-10-1984. She was a devotee of sufi saint Ashraf khan, her co-star of many films including Roti-42.
The film had 15 songs sung by Sardar Akhtar, Shirin Bano, Ranjit and Shankar Rao Vyas himself. He was the film’s Music Director. This was his first film with Prakash Pictures. He went on working with them in many more films.
Prof. Shankarrao Vyas (1898-1956) was born in Kolhapur on 23-1-1898. His father Ganeshpant was a well known Keertankar and Puranik! So, he was brought up in the religious and musical environment. Unfortunately, Ganeshpant died when Shankar was seven years old. His paternal uncle brought him up for few years. His maternal uncle (Mama) noticed his inclination towards music and enrolled him in the ‘gurukul’ of Maharaj (Pandit) Vishnu Digambar Paluskar.
In those days, students had to sign a bond with the Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Training period would last 8-10 years and the student would become all-rounder in every field related to music. Thus, Shankar Rao spent nine years in this gurukul, earned ‘Sangeet Pravin’ degree and gold medal for overall development. With the suggestion of guruji, he worked in Lahore vidyalaya for few years.
In 1931, he moved to Ahmadabad for establishing branch of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. He was an expert not only in vocal music, but could play and repair many instruments including sitar, jaltarang and mendolin. He would conduct orchestra consisting of Indian and western instruments. He was also a very good composer and wrote several bandishes. He was the key person in planning music section of national (Rashtriya) schools: an idea originated by Gandhiji in Ahmadabad.
In 1935, he left Ahmadabad and settled in Bombay. He founded school for music education at Dadar, just outside the western railway station. ‘Vyas Sangeet Vidyalaya’. It is still functioning at this place. His brother Narayanrao Vyas and brother in law Vasantrao Rajopadhye also joined him in this noble cause. Around 1930/31, HMV Company invited both Vyas brothers for recordings and they cut over 200 songs (100 discs) until about 1938. He also cut few orchestral records under ‘Vyas Brothers’ banner playing pure classical ragas. These records were best sellers and company had printed their photographs on record catalogues.
This period was also the beginning of talkie films. Shankar Rao composed music for Hindi (35), Marathi (5), and Gujrathi (3) films from 1937-1955. His first film as a composer was ‘ His Highness’ -37 and the last was ‘ Baal Ramayan’ -released in 56. He also composed background music for fifteen films. Most of his films were based on religious or mythological themes. He also taught music to non-singing actors such as Sardar Akhtar and Shirin Bano. His most famous musical films were – Narsi Bhagat (1940), Bharat Bhet (1941), Ram Rajya (1943, in Hindi and Marathi). Saraswati Rane sung ‘Beena madhur madhur kachu bol’ in raga Bhimpalas in Hindi film ‘Ram Rajya’ and this song became popular throughout India. This was the only film that Gandhji watched in cinema hall and was much impressed with the music. Songs from Marathi version of ‘Ram Rajya’ viz. ‘Sujanho parisa ramkatha’ and ‘Ladkya raanila lagale dohale’ are shown on TV even today.
He was very busy in many fields as a composer, Principal of his music school, author of articles and bandishes, President of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya and founder editor of ‘Sangeet Kala Vihar’ magazine (founded in 1947) of Vidyalaya that is published even today. He passed away at Ahmadabad on 17-12- 1956. He has sung couple of abhangs of Saint Tukaram. These are available on HMV records. Record P 13454 published in 1931 has a sweet abhang – ‘Roopi guntale lochan, charani sthiravale mana’.
Film Poornima-38 was based on the popular famous novel Purnima-in Gujarati- by writer Ramanlal Vasantlal Desai. Let us now enjoy the first song of this film here. The film makes its debut on the Blog.
Song-Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya (Poornima)(1938) Singer-Sardar Akhtar, Lyrics-Sampatlal Shrivastav Anuj, MD- Shankar Rao Vyas
Lyrics
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
baaje paayaliya
jaage saheliyaan
baaje paayaliya
jaage saheliyaan
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
baaje paayaliya
jaage saheliyaan
baaje paayaliya
jaage saheliyaan
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
Jhanan Jhanan mori
saas nanadiya mori akeli
saas nanadiya mori akeli
piya milan kaise jaaoon akeli
piya milan kaise jaaoon akeli
daiyya dewarwa paas bithhaawe
daiyya dewarwa paas bithhaawe
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
baaje paayaliya
jaage saheliyaan
baaje paayaliya
jaage saheliyaan
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
Jhanan Jhanan mori
jata joot ??
pati shesh chandr ??
lalaat ??
maal gale shesh ??
parvati pati shiva har har
parvati pati shiva har har
parvati pati shiva har har
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
saas nanadiya mori akeli
saas nanadiya mori akeli
piya milan kaise jaaun akeli
piya milan kaise jaaun akeli
daiyya dewarwa paas bithhaawe
daiyya dewarwa paas bithhaawe
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje paayaliya
Jhanan Jhanan mori baaje
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