From: snehal@sequent.com (Snehal B. Oza) Subject: Geet Kitne Gaa Chuki Hun Is Dukhi Jag Ke Liye.... Date: Sat, 16 Dec 95 10:18:20 GMT /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ The lesser singer is NOT lesser BUT is greater than we have thought of!! \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ There was a post by Vish Krishnan as follow up, on the thread of RDB-->RDB-Asha. It left me wondering about Asha's profile. I have many times thought of her as a better singer than Lata! This is while listening to her songs from films, and private songs & ghazals. Most people may not agree with me on this; but here is an attempt to look at her earlier period, relatively lesser known; a period when she was merely a shadow of her elder sister Latabai Mangeshkar; and try to discover and compare this most versatile singer of Indian Film Industry ever, with Lata. First, lets look how she struggled in that period much like her contemporary Kishore Kumar. And incidentally both came into limelight almost same time; mid sixties. But for Asha the real recognition came much later. It all started in 1948 with Chunariya (Which has a great Rafi song 'Sab Kuchh Lutaaya Humne Aa Kar Teri Gali Mein'). The MD was Hansraj Behl; who gave Asha her first break in Hindi cinema. Althouh this didn't prove to be a real break for her as she remained a second or may be a third line female singer, as there were many other singers to chose from. That was the time of reigning queen of that era, Shamshad Begum. Also there were other good singers in Rajkumari, Johara Ambalawali, Amirbai Karanataki, Hamidabanu and Meena Kapoor besides others who used to sing for themselves like Uma Devi, Suraiya, Paro Devi, Sitara Kanpuri, Nalini Jaivant etc. And of course there were two other female singers around, who were supposed to capture the entire cinema music by their sweet voices latter; Lata and Geeta Roy. By the end of 1949 with the release of Lahore, Barsat, Andaaz and Mahal, Lata became first love of all the music directors. Asha didn't get her true share despite being equally good. Besides there were some music directors who thought of Shamshad and Geeta first in the absence of Lata. Such MDs were SDB, OPN and Husnalal Bhagatram. This left Asha almost nothing. Only some low budget films, or on occasions where Lata was not available (either because she was too busy or the song was for side artist of the film), songs came Asha's way. It was MDs like Master Krishna Dayal, Vinod, Hansraj Behl, Basant Prakash, Dhaniram, Sardul Quatra and others who gave songs to Asha in early days of her career. Apart from Chunariya the only film that I can remember or know where Asha has sung is Lekh and Khel both in 1949. In Lekh she has a solo, besides a duet with Mukesh 'Ye Kafila Hai Pyaar Ka Chalta Hi Jayega' under the baton of Ma. Krishna Dayal B.Sc. The fame came to her way only after 1953 movie Armaan. Here she sung under SDB that famous song 'Chahe Kitna Mujhe Tum Bulavo Ji, Nahi Bolungi Nahi Bolungi'. The same song was sung as duet too, with Talat. And it followed with Ravi picking up where SDB left, in 1954 Vachan with one good number with Rafi: 'Jab Liya Haath Mein Haath'. This lone song gave her enough ground to establish her self firmly. But till this time it was films like Ek Do Teen (MD Vinod, 1951), Muqqaddar (1950), Ramman (MD Vinod 1954), Saloni (MD Basant Prakash, 1952), Bijli (MD-Khemchand Prakash, 1950), Navalakha Haar (MD Bhola Sreshtha, 1954?), Jagriti (MD-Hemant Kumar, 1953) and other such movies with one or two songs, gave her some hope to sustain. Some MDs like Shankar Jaikishan, used to have only Lata singing all the songs of the film, including songs for second line heroins. This left Asha with little choice. Whatever she has sung in early 1950s is either for an off bit, unknown film or is for side artists, like in Amar (1954, MD-Naushad), Shatranj (1953, MD-Ramchandra Chitalkar), Farmaaish (MD-Husnalal Bhagatram, 1953), Daaaman (MD-K. Dutta, 1953), Mayurpankh (MD-Shankar Jaikishan, 1953). Even films like Boot Polish (1954, MD-SJ), the credit of songs that became popular went to the music directors, the banner of RK Films, and Rafi, Manna Dey or Talat. Asha didn't get credit for songs like 'Tumhaare Hein Tumse Dayaa Mangte Hain' or 'Raat Gayi Fir Din Aata Hai, Isi Tarah Aate Jaate Hi...' that she deserved. On the other side, the known mentor of her, O. P. Nayyar too, did not have Asha singing regularly under him, until such time, when Shamshad Begum was not a good fit in changing time; and Geeta Roy, now Dutt after 1953, was not available (She was virtually prevented to sing outside Guru Dutt films). For OPN or SDB, who scored music for Navketan and Guru Dutt Films, the choice was obvious. It could be either Shamshad or Geeta (especially for later). This gave Asha only few songs from both of them, like Taxi Driver (SDB), (Remember that Asha-Jagmohan Baxi duet, 'O Dekho Maane Nahi Ruthi Haseena Na Jaane Kya Baat Hai') or Miss Cocacola (OPN). Miss Cocacola has a good refreshing duet of Asha with Mukesh (one of the few Mukesh songs for OPN) 'Zuka Zuka Ke Nigaanhe Churae Jaate Hain'. A real Asha-OPN combination came as late as in 1958 with Sone Ki Chidiya. And then it followed with Naya Daur and others. The story after that is pretty well known and hence I would not like to repeat. The point is with such a disappointing picture in that early 50s, she has managed some good numbers to her credit. Since this was the time when even Lata, was was not the same Lata, whom we know today; this gives an opportunity to comp are both the sisters. With Asha's style very much similar to that of Lata's in this period makes the task easier. Now let me point to some really great or good songs that Asha has sung, ranging from a Bhajan to a Ghazal, to a Geet, to a Classical. There was this Khemchand Prakash film Bijli in 1951. Here there is a lovely Mukesh-Asha duet. 'Tere Liye Humne Ghar Chhoda..Duniyaa Chhodi... Tere Liye Hum To Ho Gaye Barbaad Sanwariyaa' Also there is one more solo 'Taqadir Bataa Kya Hai Meri Khata' in the film. I compare the above duet with Mukesh-Lata great like Laajawab (1950, MD Anil Biswas) gem 'Zamaane Ka Dastur Hai Ye Puranaa Mitaa Kar Banaana, Banaa Kar Mitaana' The only reason I think the Bijli duet didn't become as popular could be, that being from an relatively unknown film. In this song Asha's voice is real real good. Then there was this great MD K. Dutta, who scored music for Daaman in 1953. Just to mention here, Daaman has some exquisite Lata songs. One them, a duet with Rafi is her all time great, 'Aa....Aa a Aa...Aa Aa... Aa... Yaad Ane Lagi, Dil Dukhaane Lagi, Chaandni Raat Ab Sataane Lagi, Oo.. O Yaad Ane Lagi.' And 'Tiru Lilaa, Tiru Lilla Laa, Gaye Lata Gaye Lata Ga' ! A solo by her. But here I am pointing to a duet of Asha and Lata. 'Ye Ruki Ruki Hawayen, Ye Buze Buze Sitaare' . A superb song. Here Asha and Lata sings the same tune at different pitch; and still the song never loses it's track. One more such song that came years later was by Hensraj Behl in 1959; an absolute beauty! Remember that Mukesh-Lata duet 'Nain Dwaar Se Man Me Wo Aake Tan Me Aag Lagaye'. During a chat to one my friend Behlji told, the reason Mukesh is singing so low with lot of 'kharaj' (This is one reason I am a big fan of him). It was because the hero of the film (Film - Saawan) Bharat Bhushan (?), is in the valley and heroine atop the hill. And you know what effect its generating! Let us come back to Daaman's Lata-Asha number. Here Lata is singing at slow pace compared to Asha's. Her's (Lata's) is a sad part. But this is one song where you can tell, that it's only the wordings that Asha sings, lets her down (if at all! And I don't think so). Then there was a 1955 (?), movie Aag Ka Dariya. The song 'Kehtaa Tha Zamanaa, Magar Humne Ne Na Maana Mushkil Hai Bahot Muhobat Ka Nibhaana Ik Aag Ka Dariyaa Hai Aur Dub Ke Jaana' Lyrics by Aziz Kashmiri, MD was Vinod. This has a duet version too; with none other but the great Mohammad Rafi. Equaly good. The same movie has one marvelous Talat song 'Ek Dil Hazaar Gham, Kaise Jiyenge...'. Actually Vinod has given lot of films to Asha in her early time. Some of them are Ek Do Teen, Ladlaa (Remeber that Talat-Asha duet 'Pyaar Nahi Chhuptaa, Chhupaane Se' ?), Aag Ka Dariyaa, Kamini, Ramman, Wafa, SabzBaag etc. I can recall a song from Kamini: 'Koi Barbaad Hota Hai Koi Naakam Hota Hai Muhobat Karane Walon Ka Yehi Anjaam Hota Hai' But unfortunately such films had some songs more popular than these. Like in Kaamini there is an excellent Talat number Apani Naakami Se Mujhako Kaam Hai. and to give Vinod his share of credit for giving Asha such good songs I list here some from his films: Piya Jo Bulaaye To Kahun Mein Jiyojee Jeene Na Degi Ye Dil Ki Lagi.. - Ek Do Teen (Rafi-Asha) Jo Kuchh Hume Kehna Hai, Ishaaron Se Kahenge Gar Tum Na Suno To Sitaaron Se Kahenge - Sabzbaag (Rafi - Asha) A brief mention of two forgotten Lata numbers from this film: Mere Dil Ke Tadapane Ka Tamaasha Dekhne Waale Tuze Kya Mil Gaya ...., & Meri Barbaadiyon Par Muskuraane Aa Gaya Koi Back to Asha numbers: Gahari Gahari Nindiya Mein Soye Matwaale Kano Mein Mithe Do Bol, Bolke Jagaale - A sweet song by Asha-Geeta from film Wafa. Although none of the Asha number under the baton of Vinod are comparable with Lata-Vinod combinations but for Aag Ka Dariya. Songs like 'Kaaga Re Jaare Jaare, Mere Piya Ka Sandesawaa Laare, Laare Laare' by Lata-Vinod is immortal. Some good (popular & good in real sense), MDs too, gave some songs to Asha and they have naturally turned out to be good (not only because of MD but also for her good effort). For example in 1953 Shatranj, Ramchndra Chitalkar has given a song to Asha; 'Kahin Par Shaam Hote Hi Sitare Aa Hi Jaate Hain'. This song is so good, that once it starts playing you can't resist, listening to it. Really a magical number. There was one more such song just for comparison. That was by Lata; another mighty one by her; 'Hawa Bhi Hai Sard Sard' . But as I told you before, this song has been given a special treatment. It's got a beautiful interlude tunes. But otherwise Asha's song is no less a gem. Other big director, Sajjad Hussain, gave Asha her fair share in Rukhsaana in 1956. People may still remember 'Tere Jahan Se Chal Diye, Dete Hue Duwaaen Hum'. But the other solo 'Tumhe Hum Yaad Karte Hain' is equally good. A typical Sajjad composition. One can compare these Rukhsaana numbers with that of Khel (1949), where I believe Sajjad has given some good numbers to Lata. Just to mention them: 'Bhul Jaa Ai Dil Muhobat Ka Fasaana' and 'Jaate Ho To Javo, Hum Bhi Yahan Waadon Ke Sahaare Ji Lenge' Next MD was Kumaar Sachin Dev Burman. For him she has sung couple of beautiful songs in 1953 Jeevan Jyoti. I can't recall them unfortunately. Only two songs from the film that I can recall are: 'Chhai Kaari Badariya, ......' By Lata 'Lag Gai Akhiyan, Ho More Baalam Ho More Saajan' By Rafi-Geeta; a SDB stamp carrying song. But the song by Asha is definitely better than Lata's slow number. Madan Mohan too, had had Asha singing for his early films like, Dekh Kabiraa Roya, Chacha Chaudhari, Johari (or was it Vinod ?). Dekh Kabiraa.. has one very good Asha song, and a well known too, 'Ashkon Se Teri Humne Tasveer Banaayi Hai' and a duet with Rafi to mention to. That one is: 'Hum Bulaate Hi Rahe, Tum Jalaate Hi Rahe'. In Chacha Chaudhari she came with songs like: 'Ja Dekh Li Teri Prit Re, Mera Lunt Liya Sansaar' and a light one: Rafi: Koi Hai? Koi Hai, Koi Hai....? Asha: Jawaani Ko Jagaavo Na, Jawaani Soi Hai.. Lata, I believe has never sung such a song except a Jalati Nishani duet with Mukesh. But that song is not as refreshing as this Asha-Rati one. Although the 'gayaki' of Lata-Mukesh song is better it's not as attractive. One more thing about Asha that, I think, betters her to Lata, is her songs on classical side. Some of her early songs based on classical are real heavy! Songs like 'Nil Kamal Par Dole Bhanvara' (Vishvamitra, 1952), 'Bich Sabha Mori Baje Paayaliya' (Sati Narmada, 1954?, Lyr: Nilkanth Tiwari, MD Basant Prakash), 'Rituraaj Saaj Saj Kar Aai' (Shiv Kanya, 1954), 'Murali Na Chhed Kaanha, Mora Ang Ang Lehraaye' (Purani Pehchaan), 'Re Re Bahaar Aai' (Jai Hanumaan ??), 'Nav Prabhaat Ayaa Jaago Re' (Shri Krishna Lila), and 'ChhaNaNa Chhum, ChhaNaNa Chhum Payal Baaje Mori' (Rup Kumaari, MD S. N. Tripathi) are really a shot in the arm. All these songs can give you an idea of her voice control & voice modulation required while recording/singing, and 'Laykaari'. I always find Lata, being not so effortless as Asha; while rendering songs, where changes of sur, saptak is more frequent. 'Chhota Saa Baalma' of Ragini (MD O. P. Nayyar) is one such example. Before concluding I would like to list some of her best songs (IMHO), of that era, most unjust to her and the most sweet to our ears. - 'Tum Bade Wo Ho Muhobat Ka Maza Kya Jaano' 'O Julmi Naina Roeja Tu Piya Ki Yaad Me' both from Imaan, first one a duet with Talat. MD of the film was Pt. Motiram. I have no information about him except this one film. - 'Are O Sanam Tuze Tamanna Ro Ke Kehti Hai' 'Jab Lagi Chot Pe Chot To Dil Chur Ho Gaya Hum Se Wafa Karane Wala Majboor Ho Gaya' Both the above from Madan Mohan's treat from Johari. Second one is a duet with Rafi. A very good number. Some more Rafi-Asha evergreen songs: 'Teri Yaad Aa Rahi Hai O Dil Me Basane Waale' - Hazaar Raten 'Banaane Wale Kya Tune Yehi Duniya Banayi Hai' Jalpari, MD - Pt. Govindram And one more ace by them... 'Zumati Hai Nazar Zumata Hai Pyaar Ye Nazar Chhin Kar Le Gai Dil Utaar' - Haaimatai MD - S. N. Tripathi All these songs are comparable to any of Rafi-Lata duets and are far better than many of them. In fact the best comparison comes in Laila-Majanu (1953). Two songs are notic- able here. One by Talat-Lata (MD Gulam Mohammad) and other by Talat-Asha (MD - Sardaar Mallick). 'Bahaaron Ki Duniyaa Pukaare Tu Aaja Tere Muntazir Hain Sitaare Tu Aaja' (Talat-Asha) And following is by Talat-Lata 'Aasmaan Waale Teri, Duniyaa Se Ji Ghabara Gayaa Chaar Din Ki Chaandni Me Gham Ka Baadal Chha Gayaa' Can anyone say Lata duet is better than Asha's ? I think both are very good. May be Asha's is little better. Even if it isn't, I really believe that Lata's duet could have been sung by Asha very easily, but not otherwise. I don't think, Lata could have generated the effect Asha has produced in Bahaaron Ki Duniyaa... Aprat from above ones following are unforgettable Asha songs too. 'Jeevan Bina Ko Jab Chhede Man Ke Taar Geet Ban Kar Zum Zum Naache Pyaar' The above song is from Diwaali Ki Raat. Music was scored by Snehal Bhatkar. This solo is one her best songs (IMO). This song reminds me of a great Lata song of Parichay 'AnsuoN Ki Chhanv Me Bhi Kabhi Hans Le O Dilwaale'. Both these are two great ones by two equally great ones! The renditions of this number of Diwaali.. is superb. Just to mention there were two more song from this film by Talat, which are also masterpieces 'Zindagi Kis Mod Par Laayi Muze'. and 'Ye Khushi Ka Samaa, Keh Rahi Hai Fizan Aa Nigaahen Milaake To Dekh...' There was a film called Daakbabu. Music was scored by Ma. Dhaniram. This film is known for some of the Talat gems, but there is one Asha masterpiece too. 'Sapane Tut Gaye, Sapane Tut Gaye Man Me Prit Basaane Wale, Man Ko Lun Gaye' More famous song from this film is by Talat and the same by Talat and Mubarak Begum as duet. The later version is released by HMV on Talat duets 4 cassette pack. Solo is also a treat. I am referring to 'Ghir Ghir Aaye Badaravaa Kaare Rang Bhare Madh Bhare Pyaare Pyaare' Then this film in 1958; which brought one female singer her maiden song in the hindi films; Suman Kalyanpur; and film Mangu. Some memorable songs by Asha are to be found here too. 'Bol Pardesiyaa, Ye Tune Kya Kiya Apana Bana Ke Hae Daga De Diya' and 'Bol Ai Dil Pyaar Se ......... Yehi Hai Mauka, Kha Nahi Dhoka ....' This was a song where there was a touch of Geeta style. Then there is one by an MD called Kamal Mitra. He had two films to my knowledge ,both with similar names. One Yahudi Ki Beti, from where I picked up this gem of Asha: 'Pyaar Ka Jab Paimaana Chhalaka' which is on the line of Diwaali Ki Raat song, discussed earlier, but the former is real real great. The other film of this MD I was referring to is, Yahudi Ki Ladaki. There is one superb song 'Pyaar Beqaraar Pyaar Ki Pukaar Sun', more famous by its Rafi version, but its Lata version, is a 100 % gold. One more film where, this time Lata had only one song and the rest were by Asha, is 1955 N. Datta classic Marrine Drive. Here she has some better songs. 'Raten Jagake Sapane Sajaake, Kaliyan Chuni Hai Tere Pyaar Ke Liye' and my favourite 'Raat Sumsaan Hai, Zindagi Viraan Hai Kisko Awaaz Den Soya Bhagavaan Hai' Also there was this great Rafi song: 'Ab Woh Karam Karen Ke Sitam Mein Nashe Men Hun'. Before ending this article I would like to add one more to the above list. Its from the film, that brought her to the front. 'Wo Din Kahan Gaye Mere Wo Din Kahan Gaye Sapano Se Mithe Geeton Se Pyaare, Wo Din Kahan Gaye' Yes, those days are gone. That melody has gone. Anyway, when I listen to these and many others that I have not included in this article (not because they are not good, but to keep it short. I know it's not :) But let me tell you some those not found here, are the BEST Asha numbers too. But let them stay away for some more time from net.) I think about her, and then think about those Lata numbers, that could have been Asha's too, alas if things were different then. I honestly believe that, if Asha may not have done better job (I believe, she would have), at the same time she would have sung them *all* as good. But.... Snehal _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- - _ - Snehal B. Oza E-Mail: snehal@wipro.wipsys.soft.net _ - snehal@sequent.com _ - _ - Geet Kitne Gaa Chuki Hun Is Dukhi Jag Ke Liye _ - Aaj Rone Do Muze Bas Ek Apane Hi Liye........ _ - _ _-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-