Really haven't written anything in a long time. Partly down to the fact that 800 odd bucks for an apartment doesn't guarantee you an internet connection - especially not in Manhattan; or rather to the fact that I'm too much of a lazy ass to actually go out and get one. Or the truth - I'm too lazy to just write one.
As usual, I dreamed up a convenient series of "articles" for me to write. An American Diary can keep me occupied for days - of course, once a week and I've still got ample "material". Just didn't end up getting down to it. So, apologies in advance, this is probably the prelude and the archetypal "first month" article rolled into one.
Here's the cliches I'll try to avoid - I'm not promising though - 1.) A paragraph about how excited I was/am; 2.) A second one about how "new"/"improved" everything is, at first , atleast 3.) A third about "missing" everything at home. 4.) Concluding that home IS where the heart is. OK, yesterday, when I was REALLY homesick - the article might have turned out that exact way; oh well, guess I haven't completely gotten over being homesick. Sorry for the soppy mess that'll probably follow.
It's been three weeks here. And a crazy mixed up experience. Not smooth sailing by any stretch of the imagination. Jet lag ( which surprisingly wasn't that bad, I'd say the pills worked, but waking up at 2.30 for the 1st two nights might prove evidence against that). Falling sick, again. I'm probably the only guy to go to the States and fall sick with a cold - pollution be damned right? The snow was great, but it lasted a day. Everyone's telling me that the fact that this has been the warmest winter in a while is a good thing for me, but hey, I gotta have my snow. Having said that - probably jinxing me to a dreary February - I'll still take my chances. Though, if you do find me complaining of its excess a month later, you're free to let me know.
Are those the only "bad" things I can think of? Hell no. But then, I'm not one to complain.
To be honest,this has been a totally "new" experience. (I told you I couldn't promise things) Three weeks, and I've done things I'd never thought I'd do. Ok, things Aai-Baba never thought I'd do. Live by myself. Travel by myself. Cook for myself. Do my own laundry. Do the dishes. Unclog a toilet. Actively go out and try and make new contacts. Yes, I've am an overprotected, 23 year old baby. But things can change. Saying that I won't is obviously stupid. Yes, I won't let myself get totally "americanized" ( Although if you find me talking with an accent when I get back, I shall conveniently remind you that I always had one.
Where does the Superbowl fit into this? In terms of trying out new things and promising to never change others, I actually ended doing something I could never have a few months before. Watching a NFL game and skipping( shock...gasp...curse) actually skipping a United game the same day. I'll give my always ready excuse - the TV wasn't showing Football ( yes, this is still Football, not Soccer) and that the Superbowl is obviously so hyped to eternity that it'd be crazy to miss it just for the sake of doing so. But, I did watch it. And for once, let myself watch it without the usual prejudices. Also, I probably liked my cousins too much to start arguing how Football is so obviously superior to a bunch of juiced-up jocks with no skill to speak off save the excellent ability to run into and through walls. And how stupid it is to call the winners "World champs" despite having no people outside the States care, or acknowledge the fact that they won. Or the fact that it seemed more people were actually interested in the adverts than the actual game.
But, and there always is a but isn't there, I watched it without prejudice. And I had fun. After all, sport is sport. And guys will be guys. ( There's another cliche I thought I'd never use - see, change...) So, I was destined to be one of the 114 million who watched it on TV, halftime show and all - and do as the Yanks usually do.Eat junk food. Chill with a drink( lemonade for anyone who knows my parents). Comment on every advert that aired. Actually looking forward to the next one. And having an opinion about every play that went on.
Yes, the Giants were lucky,three spills that they recovered. Yes, Welker dropped that cup. yes, tom Brady is probably an arrogant toe-rag, even Giselle by his side doesn't change that. yes, Eli Manning led another 4th quarter comeback. Yes, Eli Manning is the king of 3rd down conversions/plays. What a move by Mario Manningham. WTF was Ahmed Bradshaw thinking? No way even Tom Brady could rescue that with a minute to go. And yes, I didn't look away as he tried that Hail Mary pass that failed.
Moral of the story - there probably isn't one readymade. Do I think I'd ever like NFL more than Football. Hell no. But did I ever think I'd actually enjoy it that much? Hell no there too. Did I ever think I'd go to the States by myself? Did I ever think that i could actually live alone and make it work, for the most part? Did I ever think I could go through an entire article without mentioning my internship/medicine? ....Watch this space...(classic cliche, right?)
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
The Tale of the Ginger Prince
May 28, 2011. What was otherwise an entirely forgettable day for the Men from Manchester, equally so for us fans, was the source of a memory that I'll treasure for years to come. Paul Scholes played the last few minutes of an illustrious career, and at the final whistle, two of the most rated Footballers in the world clamoured for his jersey. That, thought I didn't know it then, was Curtains on a brilliant, record-breaking career; Curtains on a tremendous 17 years of service, Curtains on the exploits of the greatest player I ever did see.
I started watching Football seriously, quite late compared to a lot of my peers, 2001 or so. The 02-03 season was probably the first I saw in entirety. United had a rousing fightback to reclaim their Premier League throne and Paul Scholes was at the forefront. One of the most lasting memories of that season is that of the hat-trick at St. James' park in a 6-2 whalloping of Newcastle. A brilliant right footed volley, then a trademark drive from the edge of the box, and a finish from close-in to complete it. For a kid searching for a footballing hero, I had found Scholes.
Over the next 9 years, Scholes was the provider of many, many magical moments. The one-touch jabs, the jaw-dropping cross-field long balls, the dummies, the dribbling, and the goals. Oh, the goals! A clip of Scholes scoring feats would make a veritable highlight reel of goals - the long range drives - the Bradford City screamer, the Chelsea drive, crazy skills in the box against Blackburn, the Barcelona stunner to put us through, and then, the Aston Villa one. Everytime I look at the strike, I can't believe that it went in. Perfection if there ever was.
But the reason I rate Paul Scholes so highly is not just for the goals he scored, or the skills on display. Scholesy was a fighter through and through. People wrote him off and he bounced back. When Seba came, they said he would be shunted out. When, he had the eye-injury, they said his career was over. Every time, he roared back. Paul Scholes wasn't blessed with just an astute footballing brain, but had the rare ability to adapt to the changing game. When the goals started drying up, and the pace dropped, Scholes was reborn as an all-controlling midfield maestro, pulling all the right strings. To say that he orchestrated United's 06-07 title run wouldn't be exaggerating. He moulded his game, and changed from a goal-scoring machine to a creater extraordinaire.
Another reason, and this has been stated to death everwhere, is the man's attitude towards the game. Always understanding that the Game was far superior to the individual, Scholes was not one for the spotlight. Always unassuming, he made reticence his middle name. A personal life free of dirt, Scholes was and remains the quintessential family man. As he himself said, an ideal day was "train in the morning, pick up my children from school, play with them, have tea, put them to bed and then watch a bit of TV". For someone to maintain that in an era of Footballing excesses, where the fight for the public eye far overshadows the fight on the pitch, Scholes remains a rare entity, and deserves all the plaudits he receives.
Of course, he wasn't perfect. And, if I may be so bold, that makes him more of a person. Ask a detractor about Scholes, and they will always mention the tackling. Agreed. Paul Scholes was a bad tackler. But to define his game by the tackles is an attitude far beyond cynical. Personally, late as he mostly was, I never felt a hint of malice; and Paul Scholes - a dirty footballer is laughable to me. Honestly, to keep harping on about the tackilng is to deprive yourself of everything else that he brought to the table, and I'm sure - you aren't doing yourself any favours.
Why then, do I love Scholesy so much? Football, and sports in general have been defined as defence mechanisms - an unconscious attempt you make to protect yourself. To me, Football is still an escape. 90 minutes of forgetting all the cares in the world, and being one with your team. 90 minutes where you have these warriors on the field playing for you, representing you, willing to kick-ass and get kicked - FOR YOU. That is perhaps why you invest so much into the game, and love it for the ride that it is.
And so, to Scholesy, thank you for taking my side on the pitch. Thank you for being there over the years. Thank You for providing a vent, for being an inspiration. It's been 6 months - and I miss you not being there every game. Fare Well, old friend!
I started watching Football seriously, quite late compared to a lot of my peers, 2001 or so. The 02-03 season was probably the first I saw in entirety. United had a rousing fightback to reclaim their Premier League throne and Paul Scholes was at the forefront. One of the most lasting memories of that season is that of the hat-trick at St. James' park in a 6-2 whalloping of Newcastle. A brilliant right footed volley, then a trademark drive from the edge of the box, and a finish from close-in to complete it. For a kid searching for a footballing hero, I had found Scholes.
Over the next 9 years, Scholes was the provider of many, many magical moments. The one-touch jabs, the jaw-dropping cross-field long balls, the dummies, the dribbling, and the goals. Oh, the goals! A clip of Scholes scoring feats would make a veritable highlight reel of goals - the long range drives - the Bradford City screamer, the Chelsea drive, crazy skills in the box against Blackburn, the Barcelona stunner to put us through, and then, the Aston Villa one. Everytime I look at the strike, I can't believe that it went in. Perfection if there ever was.
But the reason I rate Paul Scholes so highly is not just for the goals he scored, or the skills on display. Scholesy was a fighter through and through. People wrote him off and he bounced back. When Seba came, they said he would be shunted out. When, he had the eye-injury, they said his career was over. Every time, he roared back. Paul Scholes wasn't blessed with just an astute footballing brain, but had the rare ability to adapt to the changing game. When the goals started drying up, and the pace dropped, Scholes was reborn as an all-controlling midfield maestro, pulling all the right strings. To say that he orchestrated United's 06-07 title run wouldn't be exaggerating. He moulded his game, and changed from a goal-scoring machine to a creater extraordinaire.
Another reason, and this has been stated to death everwhere, is the man's attitude towards the game. Always understanding that the Game was far superior to the individual, Scholes was not one for the spotlight. Always unassuming, he made reticence his middle name. A personal life free of dirt, Scholes was and remains the quintessential family man. As he himself said, an ideal day was "train in the morning, pick up my children from school, play with them, have tea, put them to bed and then watch a bit of TV". For someone to maintain that in an era of Footballing excesses, where the fight for the public eye far overshadows the fight on the pitch, Scholes remains a rare entity, and deserves all the plaudits he receives.
Of course, he wasn't perfect. And, if I may be so bold, that makes him more of a person. Ask a detractor about Scholes, and they will always mention the tackling. Agreed. Paul Scholes was a bad tackler. But to define his game by the tackles is an attitude far beyond cynical. Personally, late as he mostly was, I never felt a hint of malice; and Paul Scholes - a dirty footballer is laughable to me. Honestly, to keep harping on about the tackilng is to deprive yourself of everything else that he brought to the table, and I'm sure - you aren't doing yourself any favours.
Why then, do I love Scholesy so much? Football, and sports in general have been defined as defence mechanisms - an unconscious attempt you make to protect yourself. To me, Football is still an escape. 90 minutes of forgetting all the cares in the world, and being one with your team. 90 minutes where you have these warriors on the field playing for you, representing you, willing to kick-ass and get kicked - FOR YOU. That is perhaps why you invest so much into the game, and love it for the ride that it is.
And so, to Scholesy, thank you for taking my side on the pitch. Thank you for being there over the years. Thank You for providing a vent, for being an inspiration. It's been 6 months - and I miss you not being there every game. Fare Well, old friend!
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
10 Songs : Bhoole, Bisare Geet
I guess saying that I'm "bringing back" a posted that I "posted" all of two times is quite pompous of me. But, these are things that you just have to do, especially when you don't have a lot to write about at that moment.
I've always been a huge fan of Hindi film music - the good kind. By that I'm usually referring to most things pre-1980. That's not to say the past 3 decades have been absolute crap, but I'd rather not listen to something that Jumping Jack Jeetu was testing the limits of the human pelvis with. I'm also not a fan of the Atif Aslam led "renaissance", which obviously means naming the Capped One will be an insult to this post, nay blog.
My first memories of old, Hindi film music go back to Aajoba's gramophone - and to a very old collection of songs he had. One of them - Shraddhanjali - I think - which was Lata Mangeshkar's tribute to the first singing "superstars". I remember being very amused at how everybody was so nasal that time - especially Pankaj Mullick singing "Piya Milan ko jaana" or Saigal singing " So Jaa Raajkumari". I don't think I was a "fan" then, after all I was barely 6. The gramophone was an endless source of amazement to me, especially the story he told me about the dog who remembered "his master's voice" which led to the iconic picture.
Growing up, music was a very integral part of the family. Dad has this massive collection of film music - mostly old recordings from the radio. We always had the old cassette player on, or the radio; and the most important task to finish while leaving on a vacation, was picking out the cassettes to listen to on the way there. None of us are musicians in any sense of the word, but music was one thing common, and I cherished that bond. I loved to, and still do, ask my parents and grandparents endless ( and mostly, repetitive) questions about music from the older times. Who sang what; how the movies were then; the theatres then; and of course their source of music. I'm sure, to anyone above 40, Binaca Geet Mala must've been a very important part of their childhood.
Since we were strictly forbidden to ride our cycles to school ( all the way to 10th, I must embarrassingly admit) Aai-Baba used to drop us there. School was at 7.30, and we had the radio on a s usual. Aakashwani (I don't think we had Radio Mirchi then) used to air a program called "Bhoole, bisare geet) at 7 am. Now this played really really old songs; mostly from the 40s and 50s. The songs were great - but the movie titles were really absurd . So whether we had Uma Devi singing "Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon" or "Saiyan Dil Mein Aana Re" by Shamshad Begum, or "Aana Meri jaan Sunday ke Sunday" ; or another of Shamshad Begum's classics with the Rangoon-Telephoon, times were great, and so was the music.
The thing I find most remarkable, and this is probably the most done-to-death discussion you'll ever have, is the longevity of these songs. It's not just that they were brilliantly written, composed and sung. There have been a lot that followed. A lot in the past decade, even. But, hardly any gets elevated to the heights these songs have. Or is even spoken of having a chance to do so. So when "Jawan hai Mohabbat" from Anmol Ghadi is still played on the radio - an astounding 65 years after it's release, you can only stand and applaud.
The list of songs that follows, isn't really full of "Bhoole, bisare geet" to a lot of people. But, to my "generation" they well might be. So, presenting a few blasts from the past that I love. Hope you find one for you.
I suppose Mere Sanam was a great example of the Hindi movies of the time. Nothing path-breaking about the storyline, nor particularly shining performances from what Aai tells me, but a movie whose popularity had a lot to do with the catalogue of songs it had. Asha Bhosale's "Yeh Hai reshmi zulfon kia andhera" is better heard than seen, and "Jaaiyen aap kaha" is another phenomenal song. My favourite though is this Rafi classic - with a particularly memorable guitar riff.
I've recently started collecting movies by the legendary Guru Dutt, and I must say that the movies, themselves landmarks in Indian cinema, boasted some of the best soundtracks you'll ever find in the movies. One of S.D.Burman's best - to choose a single tune from Pyaasa would be difficult. From the ever-pleasant "Hum Aapki Aankhon Mein" to Mohd.Rafi's "Sar Jo tera Chakraye" to two brilliant, heart-rendering melodies - "Jaane woh Kaise" by Hemant Kumar and the climatic "Yeh Duniya agar mil bhi jaaye" by Rafi Saab. But, I guess I'll go with Geeta Dutt's playful, seductive tune, not jut for the voice but for the lingering memory of Waheeda Rehman - breathtaking as she entices Guru Dutt on.
4.) Aaha Rimjhim ke ye pyaare pyaare - Usne Kaha Tha (1960).
5.) Yeh Nayan Dare Dare - Kohra ( 1964 ) Singer - Hemant Kumar.
Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVq6wCkZ9_o
7.) Jalte Hain Jiske Liye - Sujata (1959). Singer - Talat Mehmood.
Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X-zFcDGcZM
The thing about Asha Bhosale that strikes me the most is that she has probably the most expressive voice I've heard. The range of emotions on display are truly awe-inspiring. You don't need to see the song picturised to get the full experience. Especially in cases like "Yeh Hai Reshmai Zulfon ka Andhera" where a pre-diva Mumtaz wasn't exactly "seductive material" so as to say.
Which works out to be great as a segue considering the fact that this song was never filmed. The director of what looks like a typical Hindi potboiler with the usual share of gangsters and damsels in distress, never found a situation to fit the song in. Therefore, one of Asha Bhosale's most memorable songs is never on screen.
Trivia-wise, I wonder if it's the only Hindi song to have won the Best Song at the Filmfare Awards despite never being on film.
As it is, this melody, the last she sang for O.P.Nayyar before their much publicized fallout, remains an eternal classic.
I've always been a huge fan of Hindi film music - the good kind. By that I'm usually referring to most things pre-1980. That's not to say the past 3 decades have been absolute crap, but I'd rather not listen to something that Jumping Jack Jeetu was testing the limits of the human pelvis with. I'm also not a fan of the Atif Aslam led "renaissance", which obviously means naming the Capped One will be an insult to this post, nay blog.
My first memories of old, Hindi film music go back to Aajoba's gramophone - and to a very old collection of songs he had. One of them - Shraddhanjali - I think - which was Lata Mangeshkar's tribute to the first singing "superstars". I remember being very amused at how everybody was so nasal that time - especially Pankaj Mullick singing "Piya Milan ko jaana" or Saigal singing " So Jaa Raajkumari". I don't think I was a "fan" then, after all I was barely 6. The gramophone was an endless source of amazement to me, especially the story he told me about the dog who remembered "his master's voice" which led to the iconic picture.
Growing up, music was a very integral part of the family. Dad has this massive collection of film music - mostly old recordings from the radio. We always had the old cassette player on, or the radio; and the most important task to finish while leaving on a vacation, was picking out the cassettes to listen to on the way there. None of us are musicians in any sense of the word, but music was one thing common, and I cherished that bond. I loved to, and still do, ask my parents and grandparents endless ( and mostly, repetitive) questions about music from the older times. Who sang what; how the movies were then; the theatres then; and of course their source of music. I'm sure, to anyone above 40, Binaca Geet Mala must've been a very important part of their childhood.
Since we were strictly forbidden to ride our cycles to school ( all the way to 10th, I must embarrassingly admit) Aai-Baba used to drop us there. School was at 7.30, and we had the radio on a s usual. Aakashwani (I don't think we had Radio Mirchi then) used to air a program called "Bhoole, bisare geet) at 7 am. Now this played really really old songs; mostly from the 40s and 50s. The songs were great - but the movie titles were really absurd . So whether we had Uma Devi singing "Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon" or "Saiyan Dil Mein Aana Re" by Shamshad Begum, or "Aana Meri jaan Sunday ke Sunday" ; or another of Shamshad Begum's classics with the Rangoon-Telephoon, times were great, and so was the music.
The thing I find most remarkable, and this is probably the most done-to-death discussion you'll ever have, is the longevity of these songs. It's not just that they were brilliantly written, composed and sung. There have been a lot that followed. A lot in the past decade, even. But, hardly any gets elevated to the heights these songs have. Or is even spoken of having a chance to do so. So when "Jawan hai Mohabbat" from Anmol Ghadi is still played on the radio - an astounding 65 years after it's release, you can only stand and applaud.
The list of songs that follows, isn't really full of "Bhoole, bisare geet" to a lot of people. But, to my "generation" they well might be. So, presenting a few blasts from the past that I love. Hope you find one for you.
1.) Kuch Dil Ne Kaha -Anupama (1966) Singer : Lata Mangeshkar
Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUhvq8jk5mA
Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUhvq8jk5mA
What better way to start off a list than with this eternal classic from Anupama. A song that emphasizes the importance of the melody, and the fact that you don't really need a heavy instrumental arrangement to make a great song. Another fact which amuses me to no end is that, for all his ham-faced action heroism later, Dharmendra was in some brilliant movies in his black-and-white days. And some great songs.
2.) Pukarta Chala Hoon Mein - Mere Sanam (1965). Singer : Mohd. Rafi
2.) Pukarta Chala Hoon Mein - Mere Sanam (1965). Singer : Mohd. Rafi
I suppose Mere Sanam was a great example of the Hindi movies of the time. Nothing path-breaking about the storyline, nor particularly shining performances from what Aai tells me, but a movie whose popularity had a lot to do with the catalogue of songs it had. Asha Bhosale's "Yeh Hai reshmi zulfon kia andhera" is better heard than seen, and "Jaaiyen aap kaha" is another phenomenal song. My favourite though is this Rafi classic - with a particularly memorable guitar riff.
3.) Jaane Kya Tune Kahi - Pyaasa (1957). Singer : Geeta Dutt.
I've recently started collecting movies by the legendary Guru Dutt, and I must say that the movies, themselves landmarks in Indian cinema, boasted some of the best soundtracks you'll ever find in the movies. One of S.D.Burman's best - to choose a single tune from Pyaasa would be difficult. From the ever-pleasant "Hum Aapki Aankhon Mein" to Mohd.Rafi's "Sar Jo tera Chakraye" to two brilliant, heart-rendering melodies - "Jaane woh Kaise" by Hemant Kumar and the climatic "Yeh Duniya agar mil bhi jaaye" by Rafi Saab. But, I guess I'll go with Geeta Dutt's playful, seductive tune, not jut for the voice but for the lingering memory of Waheeda Rehman - breathtaking as she entices Guru Dutt on.
4.) Aaha Rimjhim ke ye pyaare pyaare - Usne Kaha Tha (1960).
Singers : Talat Mehmood and Lata Mangeshkar.
Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIgVdDFXv-U
Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIgVdDFXv-U
I first remember hearing this song in an old cassette Dad had - with a collection of rain songs. This stayed with me, along with "O Sajana Barkha Bahar". It always conjures up great memories of the rains. Going on long drives in the old car, or going up to Sinhagad, or just sitting at home and lazing out, while the clouds go crazy outside - knowing that you're a lot happier, not having to wade through the certain traffic jams and what not outside.
5.) Yeh Nayan Dare Dare - Kohra ( 1964 ) Singer - Hemant Kumar.
Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVq6wCkZ9_o
I said it once, and I don't mind saying it again; with the "faces" that were running around those days - I would've been a lock to star in a few movies. Biswajeet was no expression - sorry, exception. Yet, he managed to star in some of the biggest movies of the day; along with the most beautiful faces - be it Waheeda Rehman, or Asha Parekh.
But this song is solely for the genius of Hemant Kumar. A brilliant singer and composer, and responsible for some of the best melodies in Hindi cinema. I first heard him sing "Tum Pukaar Lo" which remains one of my favourites till date.
On another note, this song was covered by Jagjit Singh for one of his albums. Do check that one out too.
But this song is solely for the genius of Hemant Kumar. A brilliant singer and composer, and responsible for some of the best melodies in Hindi cinema. I first heard him sing "Tum Pukaar Lo" which remains one of my favourites till date.
On another note, this song was covered by Jagjit Singh for one of his albums. Do check that one out too.
6.) Baiyan Na Dharo - Dastak ( 1970) . Singer - Lata Mangeshkar.
Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgtOQAedJ6s
I admit I don't listen to classical music. Or understand any of it. But when there are songs this good I really don't mind. Aai tells me this was from a "bold" movie for those days - which probably means it dared to explore a topic that had the slightest hint of S-E-X.
Seriously, though, this is Lata Mangeshkar at her best - smooth, silky and effortless. Personally, it pains me that she still continued singing post the late '80s. I'd rather listen to her in this than even, say, DDLJ.
I admit I don't listen to classical music. Or understand any of it. But when there are songs this good I really don't mind. Aai tells me this was from a "bold" movie for those days - which probably means it dared to explore a topic that had the slightest hint of S-E-X.
Seriously, though, this is Lata Mangeshkar at her best - smooth, silky and effortless. Personally, it pains me that she still continued singing post the late '80s. I'd rather listen to her in this than even, say, DDLJ.
7.) Jalte Hain Jiske Liye - Sujata (1959). Singer - Talat Mehmood.
Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X-zFcDGcZM
I absolutely love this song by Talat Mehmood. I got this movie as a birthday present for Aai, but haven't had the time to go see it. Still, what ranks as one of Nutan's best performances is a definite must-see.
This song, particularly stands out. I used to call it the "phone song", but all trivial comments aside, the image of Nutan weeping into her receiver as Sunil Dutt serenades her will, to me atleast, be an enduring one.
This song, particularly stands out. I used to call it the "phone song", but all trivial comments aside, the image of Nutan weeping into her receiver as Sunil Dutt serenades her will, to me atleast, be an enduring one.
8.) Chain Se Humko Kabhi - Pran Jaaye Par vachan Na jaaye (1975). Singer - Asha Bhosale
The thing about Asha Bhosale that strikes me the most is that she has probably the most expressive voice I've heard. The range of emotions on display are truly awe-inspiring. You don't need to see the song picturised to get the full experience. Especially in cases like "Yeh Hai Reshmai Zulfon ka Andhera" where a pre-diva Mumtaz wasn't exactly "seductive material" so as to say.
Which works out to be great as a segue considering the fact that this song was never filmed. The director of what looks like a typical Hindi potboiler with the usual share of gangsters and damsels in distress, never found a situation to fit the song in. Therefore, one of Asha Bhosale's most memorable songs is never on screen.
Trivia-wise, I wonder if it's the only Hindi song to have won the Best Song at the Filmfare Awards despite never being on film.
As it is, this melody, the last she sang for O.P.Nayyar before their much publicized fallout, remains an eternal classic.
9.)Jawaaniyaan Ye Mast Mast - Tumsa Nahi Dekha (1957). Singer - Mohd.Rafi
Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR6jo2ZdIW4
Much has been said in the wake of Shammi Kapoor's passing. Two lines will be a certain dis-service to the man. I never "followed" his career so as to say, or have seen a lot of his movies. And, therefore, the songs remain my only connection.
To me, he might not have been the most good looking, or the most talented as an actor, but is its one thing that he did well was he could bring a smile to your face. If the movies are meant to be viewed as a means of escape, then surely Shammi Kapoor was one of, if not the, in making that happen.greatest
10.) Ye raatein yeh mausam - Dilli Ka Thug (1958).
Link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR6jo2ZdIW4
Much has been said in the wake of Shammi Kapoor's passing. Two lines will be a certain dis-service to the man. I never "followed" his career so as to say, or have seen a lot of his movies. And, therefore, the songs remain my only connection.
To me, he might not have been the most good looking, or the most talented as an actor, but is its one thing that he did well was he could bring a smile to your face. If the movies are meant to be viewed as a means of escape, then surely Shammi Kapoor was one of, if not the, in making that happen.greatest
10.) Ye raatein yeh mausam - Dilli Ka Thug (1958).
Singers - Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosale.
Coming to the last song, I just realised that I went through an entire list without mentioning Kishore Kumar. Since that would be quite a travesty of sorts, I suppose I'll have to do with just one by the legend.
This is an song from the Kishore-Nutan starrer Dilli ka Thug, which featured one of Kishore da's typical madcap songs in "C-A-T Cat, Cat mane Billi", which used to be a favourite when I was a kid. But, this is just truly enchanting! Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosale complimented each other so very well, be it a soft love song or a crazy ballad.
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