Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhya- the unsung hero of melody- had the most calming, serene and resonating timber. His songs came right from the heart and click right into the listener’s heart. Though a great music director, his singing magnificence was par excellence. He sang in many languages, particularly Bengali and Hindi. His Bengali songs- Ei poth jodi na shesh hoy. Amay proshno kore neel dhruba tara. Muche jawa din guli. and umpteen more, are still inscribed in the hearts of all. As for his best Hindi renditions, here are my chosen ones: -
Yeh raat ye chandni.(Film-Jaal)- Marvelous singing encompassing the undeniable summon of a lover for his beloved. A true classic!
Tum pukar lo.(Film-Khamoshi)- The never-ending wait of one for his sweet-heart is best understood through this soulful chant.
Suraj re jalte rehna.(Film-Harishchandra Taramati)- A song defining sacrifice and forfeiture of self-interests, this really is a luminous gem.
Hai apna dil to awara.(Film-Solva Saal)- It’s a very free flowing, easy going song. It has been sung with a lot of spry and spirit.
Beqaraar karke hume.(Film-Bees Saal Baad)- Hemanta Da performed this melody with a different, heavy but refreshing tone. Superb!
Yeh nayan dare.(Film-Kohra)- Both the Hindi and Bengali versions of this melody are enchanting. The lyrics is noteworthy as well.
Chupalo yun dil mein pyar mera.(Film-Mamta)- Another typical Hemanta song: heartfelt, delightful masterpiece.
Jaag dard-e-ishq jaag.(Film-Anarkali)- The mood of this beauty is both melancholic and inspiring. It was handled with serious care and sung with purity.
Jaane woh kaise log the.(Film-Pyaasa)- This is a grave rendition with profound disbelief in the bliss hidden in love. Well managed and brilliantly executed.
Door Gagan Ki Chao Mein.(Film-Door Gagan Ki Chao Mein)- This song stirs one to march ahead without diffidence and cares, come what may. Very motivating!
Some other great songs sung by Hemanta Da include:-
Aye dil ab kahin leja- Bluffmaster
Chup hai dharti- House No. 44
Darshan do ghanshyam nath- Narsi Bhagat
Dharti ki god mein- Fashion
Din raat badalte hain- Naya Sansaar
Ek baar zara phir kehdo- Bin Baadal Barsaat
Ganga aye kahan se- Kabuliwala
Gumsum sa yeh jahan- Duniya Jhukti Nahi
Hum chahen ya na chahen- Phir Bhi
Insaaf ki dagar pe- Ganga Jamuna
Itna to kehdo humse- Saheli
Janam se banjara- Rahgir
Mujhko tum jo mile- Detective
Aaja zara mere dil ke sahare-Baadshah
Teri duniya mein jeene se-House No. 44
Tum aur hum bhool ke gham-Fashion
Yaan dil ki suno- Anupama
Yeh hansta hua caarvan- Ek Jhalak
Zara nazro se kehdo ji- Bees Saal Baad
Zindagi pyar ki do chaar ghadi- Anarkali
Nain so nain- Jhanak Jhanak
O neend mujhko na aaye- Post Box No.999
Na yeh chaand hoga-Shart
. and finally his greatest song- Na tum humein jaano. A work of genius!