#495

       Song:    javaani jhoolti hai aashiqui jhoola jhulaati hai
                qadam phoolon pe padta hai nazar taaron pe jaati hai
                zameen se aasmaan tak ab javaani aati jaati hai
                qadam phoolon pe padta hai nazar taaron pe jaati hai

       Film:    Naata (1955)
       Singer:  Lata Mangeshkar
       Music:   S Mohinder
       Lyrics:  Kaifi Azmi
       *ing:    Madhubala, Abhi Bhattacharya

So that is the reason for the string of Lata tunes dotting the series of late -
celebration of her 71st birthday tomorrow.

This jubilant celebration of life is a perfect contrast to the earlier post. S
Mohinder has cast this proclamation of unbridled joy in a vivacious, ebullient
tune strongly redolent of folk tunes from his native Punjab - the brisk gait,
the heavy dholak, the infectious vein of cheerful abandon that seems to wrap all
of nature in it, as underlined by the words...

        meri zulfon ko jhuk kar choomte hain jhoomte baadal
        kabhi rangeeniyaan badhkar pakadti hain mera aanchal
        dhanak angadaai lekar apni baahon men bulaati hai
        qadam phoolon pe padta hai nazar taaron pe jaati hai...

S Mohinder spoke of his close association with Madhubala at the RMIM meet in DC
two years ago. This must date back to this movie, if not before... Naata is one
of Madhubala's earliest home productions, dotted by a number of lovely tunes -
the choral piece with Shamshad - "maujon ka ishaara hai", which has an even
stronger Punjabi influence, a charming duet with Sudha Malhotra - "more salone
kaanha gaana murali par vo gaana", etc..

I must thank Anil for not only making me aware of these priceless Lata
treasures, but also for letting me have them.
 

..Hrishi