Geet Gaata Hoon Main

Hello Friends...........

2009-08-25T20:24:00.014-05:00

Lo-o-ng time, no see!!! Amongst my blog-buddies, I see only a few who are fairly active these days. Evidently, I haven't been doing much singing for past many months either. But the other day I was watching a Chitrahaar/Chitramala type show on Dish, and they played these two Kishore-Da songs ("Kya Khabar" & "Jidhar Dekhoon"). Don't know why, I just felt this strong urge to sing. So, I sang those two, and added a couple of bengali ones as well. Wow! When it rains, it surely pours, huh!

There are a slew of KishoreDa's bengali numbers that I absolutely love..."Amaar Dip Nebhano Raat" (my all time favorite), "Aaj Milantithir", "Amaar Moner Ei", and many many others. This particular one, from the movie Prarthona, is no exception. Full of murkhis, harkatein, in almost every other word so to speak. And every time I listen to it, I discover a new nuance that I missed previously. I have no classical training, but somehow my ears tell me this one is based on some popular raaga. Anyone knows? Tried this song with a couple of my own variations, let me know how you like it.
To start, here's a Rabindra Sangeet, from Tagore's famous dance-drama Shyama:

Download Amaar Jibonopatra

Download Cheyechhi Jare Ami

Anil Kapoor did a nice job portraying the title character in 'Saheb'. His bengali counterpart Tapas Pal, in contrary, didn't do as well in the bengali version (same title), well to me at least. OK plot (pretty sad though!), but excellent acting by Utpal Dutt, and Rakhee. As usual, KishoreDa brings out the pensive mood perfectly. Thanks to my friend Azam for the track.

Download Kya Khabar Kya Patah

I had always been a Big-B fan, since his debut role in Saat Hindusthani. But Mahaan was definitely not one of those to write home about. Soggy story, dime-a-dozen type storyline. Big-B himself sang the slower version of this number. But I like KishoreDa's version better (faster, more melodious). You might wonder why on earth did I select Jidhar Dekhoon amongst many other much better KishoreDa songs. Blame Dish Network!
BTW, I AM trying to improve my pronunciations on certain hindi words (like Gham, Khabar, Nazar, etc.).

Download Jidhar Dekhoon

A few rare gems of Kishore Da.....

2008-12-31T01:24:00.020-05:00

OK, may not be so "rare" to some of you ardent Kishore Da fans. But I see that most bloggers/karaoke enthusiasts more often opt for, say "Mere Sapno Ki Rani", than "Moti Ho To, Baandh Ke Rakh Doon". So, it's probably wiser to say that these songs are "rarely" heard on audio blogs. I realize that tracks for rare songs are not easily/widely available. But even when singers perform on stage with live bands, you still hear the same ole-same ole "Roop Tera Mastana", or "Dekha Na Hai Re Socha Na", or "Chingari"....over and again. Throwing in a rare song or two in the repertoire brings diversity, I think.

When I found these tracks, despite their not-so-great quality, I was like a 7-years old set free inside a toy store. Don't know if these songs would interest you or not, but I surely was thrilled to find them (many thanks to Paras and Ajai Bhai, for getting me quite a few of these tracks), and enjoyed singing them as well. Would truly appreciate your honest feedback.

The first song is from a movie called 'Kathaa', starring Naseeruddin Shah, Deepti Naval and Farooq Sheikh. Even though the movie was nothing to write home about, however, this Kishore Da solo was simply brilliant. The lyrics (by Indu Jain) has good poetry; music is by Rajkamal (who passed away not too long ago). He didn't score many songs, but after listening to this and the songs in Saawan Ko Aane Do, one would wonder why he didn't though! Of course, who could forget his work in Mahabharat....that lovely Stotra sung by Mahendra Kapoor (who also passed away recently). I want to thank my good friend Azam Khan for helping me with the lyrics.
By the way, the last antara in the track is missing. But honestly speaking, I was lucky enough to find the track, let alone complaining for it not being complete. Surprisingly, the original song found on the web has this shorter version as well.

Maine Tumse Kuchh Nahi Maanga (Movie: Kathaa, 1983)

(Click here to download)

'Hum Shakal' was one of those typical soppy family movies, with a slight twist in its plot, but nothing earthshattering! Except for the songs, of course. Anand Bakshi penned the lyrics, and RD Burman brought them into life with his magical touch (as always!) Who can forget "Kahe Ko Bulaya Mujhe Balma", "Hum Tum Gum Sum Raat Milan Ki", or the lilting "Jhumo Tum Nacho" by KishoreDa. This one is still my favorite amongst the other numbers.

Raasta Dekhen Tera (Movie: Hum Shakal, 1974)

(Click here to download)

'Swami' released in the late 70's. What a great movie it was, with a strong plot by the bengali genious Sharat Chandra, outstanding direction by Basu Chatterjee, and exemplary acting by Shabana Azmi and Girish Karnad. Some folks think that Swami and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam were somewhat similar in their basic elements. Who knows! I just loved the movie, and all its songs. Even though YesudasJi's "Ka Karoon Sajni" received some criticism from the media (because, he sang it little differently than Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahab, the original singer of this song), nevertheless it became a chartbuster and more popular than KishoreDa's solo. LataJi's "Pal Bhar Main Yeh Kya Ho Gaya" had a beautiful tune as well. But I still love the way Kishore Da brought out the sad mood of this song in his own style. Call me biased, but I think he rendered more dejection and melancholy through his expressions and feelings, than what Vikram did on screen (when he lost his love, Shabana Azmi, to Girish Karnad).

Yaadon Mein Woh (Movie: Swami, 1977)

(Click here to download)

Singing, after a long time!

2008-06-02T23:55:00.018-05:00

My 'dusty' microphone & other singing gears were about to be sold on Ebay by my kids. I figured this is my chance to get away from everyday chores, and clean the dust off the mic.

Tagore songs (Rabindra Sangeet, in bengali) were my childhood favorites (in addition to Nazrul songs). Even KishoreDa scored quite a few such memorable Tagore songs (which I intend to sing down the road, sometime). Here is one of my favorite Tagore songs:

Aami Kemon Koriya Janaabo Aamar

(Click here to download)

A famous bengali number, from even a more famous bengali movie (sung by Hemant Kumar, picturised on none other than Uttam Kumar):

Ogo Kajol Noyona Horini (Mon Niye)

Click here to download

Now a classic duet, originally sung by KishoreDa and Asha Bhonsle. My good friend Azam painstakingly improvised this marvelous track (originally created by Taranaa.com) to include the beginning female alaap part. Thanks Azam for the track, and your great job with the improvisation. And if you are a frequent visitor of Indian Blog world, the name Deblina Mukhopadhayay should not be a new one to you. A God-gifted voice, a pure bliss & sheer pleasure to listen to. Listen how fluidly her voice rides the highs & lows of this beautiful song. Thanks Deblina for singing this duet with me:

Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam (Dilli Ka Thug)

Click here to download

KishoreDa has sung many types of songs throughout his singing career, both in movies and albums. Be it a romantic song, a sad one, a peppy number, funny/silly song, a lullaby, he had (and still does, amongst us!) a ubiquitous presence in almost every types. Except for one...qawwali. For filmy-qawwalis, music directors usually reached out to either Rafi Sahaab or MannaDa. However, KishoreDa did get his hands dirty in a couple qawwali-type songs, like this one from Alag Alag (picturised on Kaka). He made his songs sound so simple and easy. But you won't know until you try it for yourself. And, this one was a toughie!
Here's my humble attempt (I said attempt!):

Kabhi Bekasi Ne Maara (Alag Alag)

(Click here to download)

Talking about KishoreDa's romantic songs, here is one of my favorites.

Phir Wohi Raat Hai (Ghar)

(Click here to download)

1st year anniversary of my blog page

2007-08-13T02:09:00.000-05:00

Wow! Can't believe 1 year went by so fast. Thanks to all of my friends who stopped by to put up with my songs, and for giving your valuable feedbacks & suggestions. Your feedbacks have helped me a great deal, in learning various aspects of music. Your pat on my back has encouraged me to continue with my passion. Thanks for everything.......

Three songs, including 1 bengali (of course!). FYI, in this bengali number, I have attempted to use some of my own variations. Let me know your suggestions.

(Sorry friends, Pickle Player is down, so, I need to use your default audio player for now)

Hawaa Megh Soraaye (Bengali Adhunik)
(Original) Singer: Kishore Kumar
(Click here to play Hawaa Megh Soraaye)

Ae Khuda Har Faislaa
Movie: Abdullah
(Original) Singer: Kishore Kumar
(Click here to play Ae Khuda Har Faislaa)

Chand Jaise Mukhre Pe
Movie: Saawan Ko Aane Do
(Original) Singer: Yesudas
(Click here to play Chand Jaise Mukhre Pe)

Back after a lo-o-ng time...

2007-05-07T13:51:00.000-05:00

No excuses, no ifs, no buts! Seems like I almost abandoned my blog page. Sorry friends!!!

The first song is a duet, with my friend Leena Gore. As you can hear, Leena has done an outstanding job in this song. Thanks Leena for singing this chartbuster with me. You can hear more of her songs here

Meri Soni (Yaadon Ki Baraat, by Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle)

Raju Chal Raju (Azaad, by Kishore Kumar)

Raja'r Ponkhi (Nishipadma, by Shyamal Mitra)

Coffee House'r (Adhunik, by Manna Dey)

Yaarana, Friendship, Dostana......

2006-11-14T19:26:00.000-05:00

DostoN-
My good friend Khan Sahab had asked me to duet this song a while ago. Finally had the chance to finish it. Remember Amitabh and Shatrughan Sinha, in Dostana? It's all about yaraana...friendship...dostana...jo badi mushkil se milti hain aajkal. Khan Sahab has done (as usual) a fine job in this song. Happy to sing this with him.

Bane Chahe Dushman Zamana Hamara
Movie: Dostana (1980)
Music: Laxmikant Pyarelal
Lyrics: Anand Bakhshi
(Original) Singer/s: Mohd. Rafi & Kishore Kumar

Bane Chahe Dushman

Two more bengali gems from Kishore Da, both from his Puja Albums. Kishore Da didn't have any formal training in music, true. Yet, I still wonder, how did he incorporate so many intricate stuff in songs like these. Call it natural, call it spontaneous......I call it......SIMPLY AMAZING!!!
These are from last month's farmaaish list.

Noyono Sarasi Keno

Amaar Moner Ei, Moyurmohole

Rajesh Khanna's 'Safar' was one of those movies which basically had everything ... nice storyline, strong plot, good acting, memorable songs, etc. etc. Even though "Zindagi Ka Safar" became more popular, however, I personally like "Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen" little better. Both songs had the right mixture of philosophy and melancholy. But the poetry in "Jeevan Se Bhari" was a sheer beauty, penned by none other than Indeevar Ji. The way Kishoreda emoted the pensive mood was simply unparallel too.

Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen
Movie: Safar (1970)
Music: Kalyanji Anandji
Lyrics: Indeevar

Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhen

Aap Ke Farmaaish...

2006-10-07T09:09:00.000-05:00

Happy belated Dussehra, Bijoya, Ramadan to all of you.
It has been a while since I updated the blog. Meanwhile, I have received a slew of 'farmaaish' from many of you, including many bengali songs, oldies, modern/contemporaries, and, believe it or not, couple english numbers as well. I am just flattered!

Below are 4 of those 'farmaaishi' songs. But, details first:

1) Ke Jeno Go: A bengali gem, from the golden age, sung by Hemanta Mukherjee! This was requested by Soma, Barnali, Sumi, Preyoshi, Chandan Roy, Chandan Bhowmik and Sishir. Chandan Bhowmik is my old buddy, from school days. Can't believe you still remember that program at Rabindra Sadan! Sweet memory!

2) Main Dil Tu Dharkan: I present this song for my three Taranaa friends Soumitra, Shashi & Sachin (The Three S), well, actually for their nanha-munha rajkumars: Rohan, Ved Prakash and Aditya. Congrats again guys!!! Incidentally, Suresh & Giri from Lucknow also requested this song.

3) Main Kahin: My bold attempt to this classic, one of the most romantic Rafi Sahaab songs. Shankar Jaikishan at their best.

4) Chingari: Well, what can I possibly say about Chingari! Situation and song - seldom came to this close. And I guess that's what happens when all the associated people are at their peak period (Kaka, KishoreDa and RDB). An absolute gem, which I'd never get tired of singing (and yet never coming anywhere close to KishoreDa's rendition).

There were 21 requests for this song, so far the highest in number: Bhavana, Alka, Nesayem, Pujarini, Gunjan, Tuhina, Jeeyandra, Priya, Aanchal, Sanchita, Malashree, Haadiya, Viyanka, Maloti, Chandrani, Arshia, Nirali, Pinaki, Surojit, Debanjan and last but never the least, Amit. He used to play percussions in our band, still does at full throttle. Amit, ummeed hai maine tujhe niraash nahi kiya. Ab to woh KishoreDa-wala mashoor qawaali-track (Kabhi Bekasi) milega na?

Ke Jeno Go Dekechhe Aamai
Movie: Monihaar (1965)
Music: Hemanta Mukherjee
Lyrics: Mukul Dutta
(Original) Singer: Hemanta Mukherjee
Click to play Ke Jeno Go

Main Dil Tu Dharkan
Movie: Adhikar (1986)
Music: Bappi Lahiri
Lyrics: Indeevar
(Original) Singer: Kishore Kumar
Click to play Main Dil Tu Dharkan

Main Kahin Kavi
Movie: Pyar Hi Pyar (1969)
Music: Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
(Original) Singer: Mohd. Rafi
Main Kahin Kavi.mp3

Chingari
Movie: Amar Prem (1971)
Music: R.D. Burman
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
(Original) Singer: Kishore Kumar
Click to Play Chingari

2006-09-10T02:29:00.001-05:00

Hrishikesh Mukherjee - A Legend

... whose sudden demise brought an end to an era in Bollywood movie industry. His movies were based on subtle, folksy type storylines, which set him different from others. Be it Anari or Bemisaal, Mili or Golmaal, his movies stayed in our mind and heart long after leaving the movie theatres.

Here are some interesting facts about Hrishida & his movies (found on the web):
- Raj Kapoor, a dear friend of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, used to address him as Babumoshai, the name which Hrishida used in Anand (for you know who)
- Initially Raj Kapoor was to play Kaka's role in Anand; however, Hrishida couldn't see his friend dying in the movie.
- Big B met his future wife Jaya Bhaduri at the set of Guddi, even though his role was eventually given to Shamit Bhanja (a bengali actor from Kolkata).
- Bawarchi was actually inspired by Hrishida's father, a man of many talents and a big heart.
- You would have seen Utpal Dutt in Jhoot Bole Kauwa Kaate, had it been made a decades earlier. Unfortunately, Utpal Dutt passed away long before the movie hit the set.

My tribute to his great soul, with a Kishoreda number from Mili.

Badi Suni Suni Hai
Movie: Milie (1975)
Music: S. D. Burman
Lyrics: Yogesh
(Original) Singer: Kishore Kumar
Click to play Badi Suni Suni

2006-09-10T01:07:00.000-05:00

Friends, I have received an overwhelming number of email about the blog. My friends from Kolkata sent me a long list of requests, including many bengali numbers, which I'd definitely do in course of time. Thanks for all your inspiration, encouragement and help. Special Thanks goes to Leena Gore, for giving me that gala introduction on her blog page. Thanks Leena!

Here is the farmaaish of my friend Soumitra Sarkar, from Canberra, Australia (by the way, if you haven't visited Soumitra's blog, you don't know what you are missing....check it out at http://soumitrasongs.blogspot.com/):

Chanda O' Chanda
Movie: Lakhon Mein Ek (1971)
Music: R. D. Burman
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
(Original) Singer: Kishore Kumar
(Click here to play Chanda O' Chanda)

Joining the World of Bloggers.....

2006-08-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

... finally!! Having inspired by some of my blogger friends, I decided to become mainstream! So, here I am friends, bringing another distraction for you all! Thanks to Leena Gore for her technical help, and to Piya-Deb for their continuous enthusiasm.

Music - my passion, my life!!! To me, any time is music time ... day, night, weekends, holidays, annnny time. Apart from being an avid Kishore Kumar fan, I love Rafi Sahaab's 'makkhan-jaisi-voice', MukeshJi's 'sound-of-melancholy', vibrant classicals of Manna Dey, 'hearty numbers' of Hemant Kumar .. oh, so many. Amongst the contemporary singers, Udit Narayan, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik, Sadhna Sargam, are my favorites. PanchamDa's music still haunts me; Burman Dada, Madan Mohan, SalilDa, OP Nayyar .. miss them all, so dearly! Lyricsts? Gulzar, Anand Bakshi, Indeevar.....doesn't get any better than that!

I start my first blog with 2 songs: both oldies, one by KishoreDa & the other by YesudasJi.