Considering that others have already written a review on Gulzar, I found it interesting to write on the trio of RD Burman, Kishore Kumar and Gulzar. And yes, Gulzar(lyricist) is the subject of this review.(redeeming
myself in the beginning itself.)
Every era in hindi movies had a lyricist who almost ruled single handedly. This is based on my observation since the times of Radio(my earliest acquaintances with hindi film music), Earlier it was Sahir Ludhianvi, then Anand Bakshi, then Gulzar, then Sameer and now Javed Akhtar..
There have been many in between like Majrooh Sultanpuri, Indeevar, Anand Bakshi, Hasrat Jaipuri, etc...But for me after Sahir Ludhianvi, the next best lyricist has been Sampoorna Singh Gulzar. His lyrics are very apt in the movies in terms of situation and can be heart felt even years later too. Most of his songs convey more about philosophy from a common man’s view.
I felt that some of his best songs have been composed by RD Burman. It could be because unlike others, Gulzar used to pen his lyrics first and then RD would go ahead and compose his songs accordingly. In most of the cases, tunes would be composed first and then the lyrics would be adjusted with fillers like Aaaaa..., Ooooo..., , / This could be one of the major reasons for the impact of songs penned by Gulzar and composed by RD have, what they have till date even after 30-35 years. And None other than Kishore Kumar can make them more memorable to attract even today’s generation by his soulful voice.
Kishore singing for Gulzar’s lyrics and RD’s composition was totally different than when he used to do for others.. His seriously is immediately visible/audible ;-)
Definitely, calling any of these three as unsung would be unacceptable but yes most of the songs that I am listing, have undoubtedly been credited less than they are due for... Won’t you agree?
For me, no matter how many times I might have heard them, I enjoy listening to them on and on..
So here goes my list of Top 5 songs by this trio....
If you have not heard any of these songs, not even once, I request you to listen them at least once and provide your valuable observations. And of course, do not forget to RRC.
Enjoy and treasure them. Most of them I almost sing daily full versions... That keeps me kicking.;-) Haven’t included any Duets as that would make the review cross the 8K limit and easier for me to just add the movie from which the song is picked up;-).
1) Namkeen
Raah Pe Rehte Hain
Yaadon Mein Basar Karte Hain
Khush Raho Ehle Watan
Ab.. Hum Tho Safar Karte Hain
One helluva of a song..... Each and every line is a gem. As this movie was directed by Gulzar himself, he was able to picturise/convey the life from Truck Driver’s(played by Sanjeev Kumar) viewpoint very effectively. Each and every line is praiseworthy.. Add to that the experimentation of folk music ’Saamma Saamma’ by RD.
Aise Ujade Aashina Ney Tinke Ud Gaye
Bastiyon Tak Aate Aate Raste Mud Gaye
Hum Thahar Jaaye Jahaan Ho..
Usko Shaher Kehte Hain....
2) Bemisaal
Kisi Baat Par Main Kisi se Khafa Hoon..
This one from Bemisaal is also a good solo by KK.
3) Golmaal
AaneWala Pal Jaanewala Hain
Ho Sake Tho Is mein Zindagi Beeta Do
Pal Jo Yeh Jaane Wala Hain..Ho...
This lively song by ’Lucky’ aka Laxman Prasad from Golmaal is a favourite song for many. A perfect choice to get a prize in singing competition. Although, seems easy but a very difficult one. The first two lines itself are so difficult in one breath.. Do listen carefully the original one before trying it out. ;-) Gulzar uses the simplest of the words in such a way that they sound ’Bhari’ (heavy) in the context, I mean they are very effective.
For example,
Ik Baar Waqt Se Lamha Gira Kahin,
Wohaan Daastaan Huyee, Lamha Kahin Nahin,
Dekha Tho Yaheen Dhoonda Tho Nahin Hain,
Pal Yeh Bhi Jaane Waala Hain.. Ho...
Enjoy every moment of life.
4) Bemisaal
Ik Roz Main Tadapkar
Iss Dil Ko Thaam Loonga
Mere Haseen Qaatil
Main Tera Naam Loonga...
What should I say about this song? No words to describe. You need to be in that position of Amitabh in the movie to admire the feelings of this song.
5) Khushboo
O Manjhi Rey..
Apna Kinara tho Nadiya ki dhara hain..
A very SD Burman touch can be seen in this Bengali type of song.Sometimes this song can be depressing...;-) which is the positive point for this song. Now, coming to your best pick on these three together..
If you can think of any songs by Gulzar for RD’s tunes sung by Kishore which you think can fall in this list, do comment it. I would love to listen to those.
Thanks,
@Sarvesh.
1)Did you realise Thakur never cries in Sholay.
2)A qawwali song in Sholay was recorded by RD but never shot.
3)Guess who benefited the maximum after the release of Rajshri’s blockbuster hit
DULHAN WAHI JO PIYA MAN BHAAYE? Rameshwari, the dulhan. She signed around twenty films, a couple of them big banner projects within a short period. Not even Bhagyashree sign that many after Maine Pyar Kiya.????!!