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

This article is written by Sudhir, 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.

Aah haa haa, what fun – “हम भी अगर बच्चे होते॰ ॰ ॰” and all the rest of the exuberant pandemonium that is involved in being a child – does it not give you a high of the mischievous anarchy that we have always enjoyed; sometimes secretly and most of the time overtly – “ना नौकरी की चिंता, ना रोटी की फिकर”.

To the child in all of us, who never grows up. I am sure you all know such ’children’. And I am also sure we all are very well acquainted with the person we see every day in the mirror, no matter whether there is hair on the pate to comb or no. 🙂  I dearly remember one of the managers I have worked with in the US, completely bald but very energetic – he always introduced himself as – “. . . a five year old imprisoned in a sixty five year old body”. And then, of course, we have our dear Bakshish Singh ji, who proudly claims his age to be 22-and-a-half years, three months and a few days, whenever you may ask him. And he has a stay order from the Supreme Court to back his claim. Too sad that I met him ten years after he got his orders; my stay order (from the same Supreme Court) stands at 32. 😀 😀

Music, especially the evergreen HFM, surely does wonders – does is not?

Celebrating the Children’s Day today, 14^th November, and greetings to all the ‘child’ readers and friends on this blog 🙂

Thinking about it puts a little dismay in my mind, that we have special days set aside to remind ourselves about things and facts and experiences, which actually are a matter of, rather a part and parcel of our everyday life. We have Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, and then we have Children’s Day. For the matter of celebration and to highlight this connection, it is okay that we have one day earmarked. But then we should also be aware of, and be celebrating these concepts everyday in our lives.

It is also the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of our country, after India became a free nation. Jawaharlal Nehru’s name got associated with this day, or rather the other way round – that his birthday was declared as the Children’s Day – for the recognition of his endearment to children, and his own professed acknowledgement that we need to celebrate the future leaders of this nation. Not to put any other twist on this thread, 🙂 I move on to the song being introduced with this post.

When you hear it, I am very sure the avid listeners of the radio will immediately recall this song. It used to be played often, especially on today’s day, and was a favorite. For a few months now, some of the regular visitor’s to my YT channel have been requesting for this song to be uploaded. This started after I uploaded another song from this film – ‘Hamaara Ghar’ from 1964 – “Chale Hawa Purvaai”. When I uploaded this song on 18^th Jun last year, I got many requests to upload the song we are discussing today. Somehow, I just held on to those requests, wanting to bring this song online on this day. I missed the event of last year, and so the regular procrastination 😦  made me put it off for one full year.

The jingle that this song is, brings to mind many such jingles from the earlier days, when we had many group games which had songs attached to them. Here in north India, there are many such jingles part of the common folklore, such as “Kokila Chhupake Jumme Raat Aayi Hai. . .” (“कोकिला छुपाके जुम्मे रात आई है॰ ॰ ॰”), and “Aat Qila Bhai Baat Qila. . .” (“आटकिला भई बाटकिला, भई आमों वाली कोठरी॰ ॰ ॰”), and “Poshampa Bhai Poshampa, Daakuon Ne Kya Kiya. . .” (“पोशम्पा भई पोशम्पा, डाकुओं ने क्या किया॰ ॰ ॰”) etc. And ah yes, a very familiar one which we borrowed from the Britishers – “Ring a Ring o’ Roses, Pocket Full of Posies. . .”. Maybe some readers (five year olds struggling inside much older bodies) will recall these songs. And I am sure there are similar such game jingles popular in all regions in our vast sub continent. We used to sing these songs as we played the corresponding games – a group of 10 to 20 kids, all intent on having just fun. Sadly, the newer generation of youngsters hardly gets together to play such games, or make up such newer jingles. It surely is a lot of fun. 🙂

This particular jingle, apparently played as a child game, tells about one huffy-puffy arrogant royalty, who probably is not friendly with the people, and the people then teach him a lesson by putting a restriction on his food supply. And so the singers of this song tease this royalty and show him their thumbs (“ठेंगा॰ ॰ ॰”) while singing that now you go and eat your gold and diamonds, and that you are going to regret this arrogance; you will not be served bread (“रोटी”). In the second stanza, now the people are teasing that the royalty does not want to do any work, and so they will have to survive on dust and stones; they shall still not be served any bread. Then, in the third stanza, the people are singing that at last the royalty has come out of their palace, and are being remorseful and apologetic; so they are made to dance while holding their ears, and sing while holding their nose. And only then, having danced and sung as such, will they be given “रोटी” to eat.

Although presented as this delightful children’s song, this jingle surely is a stark comment on the social divide that exists in the society, telling about the arrogance of the so called ‘haves’, who in reality are not in a position to even feed themselves without the effort and assistance of the ‘have nots’, and the actual strength of the so called ‘have nots’ in being able to produce and provide that which is the most crucial thing required for survival – “रोटी”.

And to be so expected, given that this jingle is written by Ali Sardar Jafri. From his earliest days of creativity even as a student at Aligarh Muslim University, where he came under the influence of such progressive poets as Josh Malihabadi, Jigar Moradabadi and Firaaq Gorakhouri. He was also seriously influenced by the Communist ideology, and was expelled on account of being arrested by the British Govt., for writing anti-war poetry and being the secretary of the students wing of the Congress party. He later completed his studies from Zakir Hussain College, Delhi, and Lucknow University. He was a very active member of the Progressive Writers Movement and the IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association).

His works as a lyricist in Hindi films include ‘Naya Tarana’ (1943), ‘Dharti Ke Lal’ (1946), ‘Zalzala’ (1952), ‘Pardesi’ (1957), ‘Shehar Aur Sapna’ (1963), ‘Aasmaan Mahal’ (1965), and ‘Naxalite’ (1980). Between 1948 and 1978 he published eight poetry collections, which include, ‘Nai Duniya Ko Salaam’ (‘Salute to the New World’) (1948), ‘Khoon Ki Lakeer’ (‘A Line Of Blood’), ‘Amn Ka Sitara’ (‘Star Of Peace’), ‘Asia Jaag Utha’ (‘Asia Awakes’) (1951), ‘Patthar Ki Deewar’ (‘Wall Of Stone’) (1953), ‘Ek Khwab Aur’ (‘One More Dream’), ‘Pairahan e Sharar’ (‘The Robe of Sparks’) (1965) and ‘Lahu Pukarta Hai’ (‘The Blood Calls’) (1965). These were followed by ‘Awadh Ki Khae e Haseen’ (‘Beautiful Land of Awadh’), ‘Subhe Farda’ (‘Tomorrow Morning’), ‘Mera Safar’ (‘My Journey’) and his last anthology entitled ‘Sarhad’.

This last collection of poetry was carried by the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on his bus journey to Lahore in 1999. Atal ji had invited Jafri to accompany him on this trip but ill health prevented him from doing so. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee made history when he presented ‘Sarhad’, as a national gift, to the then prime minister of Pakistan, Janaab Nawaz Sharif, during the historic Lahore Summit, in February 1999. It was a milestone in Jafri’s life.
[Note: ‘Sarhad’ has also been produced as an audio album dedicated to Indo-Pakistan amity. It is produced by Squadron Leader Anil Sehgal and is composed and sung by ‘Bulbul e Kashmir’ Seema Anil Sehgal.]

In the course of his literary career spanning five decades, Jafri has also edited poetry anthologies of Sant Kabir, Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib and Meera Bai with his own introductions. He also produced a documentary film ‘Kabir, Iqbal and Freedom’. In the 1990s, he produced two television serials, both of which were runaway successes – the 18-part ‘Kahkashaan’, based on the lives and works of seven Urdu poets of the 20th century he had known personally viz. Faiz Ahmead Faiz, Firaaq Gorakhpuri, Josh Malihabadi, Majaaz, Hasrat Mohani, Makhdoom Mohiuddin and Jigar Moradabadi; and ‘Mehfil e Yaaraan’ in which he interviewed people from different walks of life. Both serials had tremendous mass appeal. He was also the editor and publisher of ‘Guftagu’, one of the leading Urdu literary magazines of the Indian sub-continent. His works have been translated into many Indian and foreign languages.

In 1998, Jafri became the third Urdu poet to receive the Jnanpith Award (for 1997), after Firaq Gorakhpuri (in 1969) and Qurratulain Hyder (in 1989). He was also the recipient of several other significant awards and honours, including Padma Shri (1967), Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship (1971), the Gold Medal for Iqbal Studies (in 1978, from the Pakistan Government), the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy Award for poetry, the Makhdoom Award, the Faiz Ahmad Faiz Award, the Iqbal Samman Award from the Madhya Pradesh government and the Sant Dyaneshwar Award from the Maharashtra government. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) conferred a doctorate (D.Litt.) on him in 1986, fifty years after he was expelled from the university.

He passed away on Aug 1, 2000, in Mumbai.

As I was listening to this song in preparation for this article, the wording and the theme contained within took my mind back to a short story written by Leo Tolstoy. This story was part of our prose text book in probably the seventh or eighth grade. The story, titled ‘Ivan, the Fool’, tells the tale of an uneducated, unlettered farmer named Ivan, whom the local populace always referred to as ‘the Fool’. But in his ignorance of formal education and lack of erudition, lies the rustic wisdom of the land, and the nature. He has a sister named Martha, who is a mute. And there is a rule in their house. Only those who have done hard labor are allowed to sit at the table at mealtimes. Martha actually physically examines the hands of new visitors and guests, and if she finds no calluses on the hands of any person, that person will not be allowed to sit at the table and will not be given food. The story gets interesting when the Devil himself comes to the village, and tries to test Ivan and to sway him with promises of riches etc. The ignoramus that Ivan is, plays by the simple rules of his life, and the Devil has to depart, because he gets no food to eat while in the village, as per the rule of Martha.

This story, dated 1886, is a very interesting read. It highlights the concept of dignity of labor, and work is worship – a very striking reflection of the principles of communism which are enunciated in the ‘The Communist Manifesto’, authored by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848. ‘The Manifesto’ has been acclaimed as the most influential political document in the 19^th and 20^th century time period, and it presents an analytical approach to the class struggle (historical and then-present) and the conflicts of capitalism and the capitalist mode of production. The industrial revolution was underway in Europe, and the exploitation of the masses as poor laborers by the rich industrialists, once again sparked into very sharp focus, the eternal divide between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’.

Reading between the lines, this children’s song is quietly characterizing that very thought. Starting from ‘The Manifesto’, into the tale of ‘Ivan the Fool’, and then reaching into this jingle – the verses tell us of the ‘royalty’ that shirks any hard labor – “राजा जी पछताएंगे, काम से जान चुराएँगे” as a result of which, they will not get anything to eat – “सूखी मिट्टी फांकेंगे, कंकर पत्थर खाएँगे”. Then, when the royalty descends from their palaces, as expresses their apologies to the people, then they will get food – “नाक पकड़ कर गाएँगे, तब वो रोटी पाएंगे”. A utopia painted that actually carries a very important lesson for children, at least – to understand the value of hard work and to respect the hard work of others. Many, many hats off to Ali Sardar Jafri, to bring this message down to such simplicity, that it leaves you wonder struck and speechless.

I bring in some excerpts of the details about this film and its songs, from the article that I had written in Jun 2017, for the debut song of this film – “Chale Hawa Purvaai”.

“Shehar Aur Sapna”, the 1963 production by Abbas Sb, which focused on migrant population and housing problem in the city of Bombay, had won the National Award for the Best Film of the year. Apparently, at the function where the award was given, the then prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, requested Abbas Sb for a film for children. It seems that Abbas Sb took on that request almost immediately, because the film ‘Hamaara Ghar’ was released in the very next year i.e. 1964. This year was also when Nehru ji passed away (on 27th May). I have not been able to locate the information about the release date of this film, and whether Nehru ji was able to see this film, that was produced by Abbas Sb at his request.

The star cast of this film includes Sonal Mehta, Yasmeen, Rekha Rao, Tanya Siraaj, Pasha Azeem, Deepak Prasad, Sunil Kaushik, Noel Moses, Jai Prakash Narula, Maruti, Narayan Devanpalli, Levi Aaron, Ghanshyam Rohera, Nana Palsikar, Surekha, Dilip Raj, Anwar Abbas, Meena Abbas, and Yunus Parvez. As one reads this list, one can make out that the first many names are likely child artists, who are the lead performers in this film. Incidentally, the name Sunil Kaushik is of the second son of JP Kaushik, the music director for this film. Also, if I am not mistaken, the name Pasha Azeem is of Abbas Sb’s son.

This social drama is a film on national integration, at the level of children. I am able to locate a poster of this film online. The poster, all in tones of light blue, depicts a row of thirteen children, boys and girls, standing in ankle deep waves on a beach, and the name of the film is written in the sky background, in all languages of India. The caption at the bottom says – “A Film For Children Of All Ages”. Abbas Sb in his element of social responsibility, as always.

The film has six songs, five of them are penned by Ali Sardar Jafri. The sixth is the song “Saare Jahaan Se Achha. . .” written by the legendary Iqbal. Music is by Jag Phool Kaushik, the music director who started his film career with Abbas Sb for his 1963 film ‘Shehar Aur Sapna’. On the blog “Beete Huye Din” by Shishir Krishna Sharma, I am able to locate a detailed write up on this music director. An interesting trivia to note is that Anil Biswas was the resident music director for all films of Abbas Sb, before 1963. In fact, at the first instance, when JP Kaushik went to meet Abbas Sb with a reference, seeking work as a music director, he was told that Anil Biswas had already started to work on this particular film. Later, I assume that as Anil Da moved to New Delhi, likely during the production time of this film, the work for music direction was given to JP Kaushik. As I read in this blog, two songs for this film were already recorded by Anil Da, but later both of them were not used in the film. It would be interesting to track down the whereabouts of these songs, which I would like to designate as rarities, on account of circumstances.

The Geet Kosh lists only the name Vijaya Majumdar as the singer in this song accompanied by chorus. However, as we listen to this song, we are able to make out at least two more unidentified child voices – and another unidentified male voice. The music is so minimal. The only instruments one can make out are a dholak, a flute, and clapping of hands. With just using these devices, and a very interesting use of singing voices and chorus, a really delightful song has come into being.

A dedication to the forever child – onwards and upwards. And greetings to all the children on this musical bandwagon. 😉

[Author’s Note: Parts of this article, relating to Ali Sardar Jafri, are adapted from the material available in Wikipedia.]

Song – Raja ji Pachhtaayenge, Royenge Aur Gaayenge (Hamaara Ghar) (1964) Singer – Vijaya Majumdar, Unidentified Child Voice 1, Unidentified Child Voice 2, Unidentified Male Voice, Lyrics – Ali Sardar Jafri, MD – JP Kaushik
Chorus

Lyrics

raja ji pachhtaayenge
royenge aur gaayenge
sona chaandi niglenge
heere moti khaayenge
ho ooo ooooo
oooo ooooo
oooo ooooo
roti kabhi na paayenge
ae ji roti kabhi na paayenge
ae ji roti kabhi na paayenge
ae ji roti kabhi na paayenge
thengaa. . .
thengaa. . .

raja ji pachhtaayenge
kaam se jaan churaaenge
sookhi mitti phaankenge
kankar pathar khaayenge
ho ooo ooooo
oooo ooooo
oooo ooooo
roti kabhi na paayenge
ae ji roti kabhi na paayenge
ae ji roti kabhi na paayenge
ae ji roti kabhi na paayenge
thengaa. . .
thengaa. . .

raja ji pachhtaayenge
mahal se baahar aayenge
kaan pakal kal naachenge
naak pakad kar gaayenge
ho ooo ooooo
oooo ooooo
oooo ooooo
naak pakad kar gaayenge
tab wo roti paayenge
aji tab wo roti paayenge
aji tab wo roti paayenge
aji tab wo roti paayenge
balle balle balle balle balle
chhoo-na-eena
o ho
chhoo-na-eena
o ho
chhoo-na-eena
o ho
chhoo-na-eena
o ho
hoooommoooomm
hoooommoooomm
[more playful noises]

———————————————————
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir Kapur)
———————————————————

राजा जी पछताएंगे
रोएँगे और गाएँगे
सोना चाँदी निगलेंगे
हीरे मोती खाएँगे
हो ओss ओssss
ओsss ओssss
ओsss ओssss
रोटी कभी ना पाएंगे
एजी रोटी कभी ना पाएंगे
एजी रोटी कभी ना पाएंगे
एजी रोटी कभी ना पाएंगे
ठेंगा॰ ॰ ॰
ठेंगा॰ ॰ ॰

राजा जी पछताएंगे
काम से जान चुराएँगे
सूखी मिट्टी फांकेंगे
कंकर पत्थर खाएँगे
हो ओss ओssss
ओsss ओssss
ओsss ओssss
रोटी कभी ना पाएंगे
एजी रोटी कभी ना पाएंगे
एजी रोटी कभी ना पाएंगे
एजी रोटी कभी ना पाएंगे
ठेंगा॰ ॰ ॰
ठेंगा॰ ॰ ॰

राजा जी पछताएंगे
महल से बाहर आएंगे
कान पकल कल नाचेंगे
नाक पकड़ कर गाएँगे
हो ओss ओssss
ओsss ओssss
ओsss ओssss
नाक पकड़ कर गाएँगे
तब वो रोटी पाएंगे
अजी तब वो रोटी पाएंगे
अजी तब वो रोटी पाएंगे
अजी तब वो रोटी पाएंगे
बल्ले बल्ले बल्ले बल्ले बल्ले
छूनईना
ओ हो
छूनईना
ओ हो
छूनईना
ओ हो
छूनईना
ओ हो
हूम्मूम्म
हूम्मूम्म
[खिलवाड़ का शोर]