Tag Archives: Rajesh Khanna

Zindagi Ek Safar-Kishore Kumar- Documentary

Experience and discover the journey of Kishore Kumar in this classic rare documentary film called “Zindagi Ek Safar! Kishore Kumar” which chronicles the life and times of the evergreen playback singer, actor, lyricist, composer, producer, director, and scriptwriter on the special occasion of his 86th birth anniversary.Watch this documentary film for excerpts from his friends, family and stalwarts of the Hindi film industry to know more about the story of the irreplaceable and amicable talented star “Late Shri Kishore Da”!

Produced by Sambhu Munshi & Kartik Das

Directed By: Jyoti Prakash Roy

Born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly, Kishore Kumar was the youngest of the four siblings, the other three were Ashok (the eldest), Sati Devi, and Anoop. He started his career as a chorus playback singer in Bombay Talkies studio.

His singing talent was presented in songs written and composed by well-known names of Bollywood like R. D. Burman, S. D. Burman, Bappi Lahiri, Gulzar, Kalyanji Anandji, Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Anand Bakshi. The hit songs were picturized on superstars like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Dev Anand, Shashi Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Vinod Khanna, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and many more!

Some of his famous songs include:

“Roop Tera Mastana” – Anand (1969) 
“Dil Aisa Kisi Ne Mera” – Amanush (1957)
“Khaike Pan Banaras Wala” – Don (1978)
“Pag Ghungroo Baandh” – Namak Halaal (1982)
“Agar Tum Na Hote” – Agar Tum Na Hote (1983)
“Saagar Kinaare” – Saagar (1985)
“Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana” – Andaz (1971)

His notable work as an actor include:
Mr X in Bombay
Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi
Half Ticket
Padosan
Door Gagan Ki Chaoon mein
Dilli Ka Thug
Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi

Featured article from Bollywoodirect. 

Amitabh Bachchan : The Blender of Perfect Combinations

Over the years, we have seen many great actors; we have seen many entertaining actors and have also seen many popular actors in Bollywood. But, nobody has got the attention and limelight for so long and towered over the rest as Amitabh has for much of his 46-year-long innings.

Amitabh Bachchan is certainly the strongest imprint, Bollywood has left in the lives of Indian cinema lovers.  Amitabh Bachchan kept himself evolving and adapting to the times of Bollywood and kept challenging the undefined boundaries of an actor´s limit. He was popular for his “Rebel” characters and also for his romantic styles. But, one thing which has always been ignored about him was his ability to support the other male protagonist of the movies. He played supporting roles with many actors and each time he adapted himself to their style, like with Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna and many more. Let’s have a hindsight over his chemistry with his male co-stars.

The Tussle with Muscle Man – Vinod Khanna

Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna were the two giants of Bollywood in the ’70s and worked together in 10 films. Sometimes they played brothers to each other, sometimes friends; and onscreen competition was a bonanza for the audience as it brought the best out of them. The super hit pair delivered five enormously successful and entertaining films together – Hera Pheri (1976), Khoon Pasina (1977), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) Parvarish (1977) and Muqaddar Ka Sikander (1978). Even though Amitabh played the lead role in their films, Vinod managed to steal the limelight from him at times with his devastating good looks. While the Big B is a legend, industry naysayers have said that Vinod could have outrun him had he not left the industry at the peak of his career.

Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna -Bollywoodirect

The Superstar who witnessed the Rising star – Rajesh Khanna

The rivalry among the stars is not the talk of today’s Bollywood scenario rather it has been leaving its foot marks since the day one. Decades back, the rivalry between the two superstars – Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan was the hot talk of the town. Rajesh Khanna did only two movies with Amitabh Bachchan and at the two very different point of his career. When Amitabh Bachchan had entered into the industry, Rajesh Khanna was already an established star. As a cancer-stricken patient in Anand, Rajesh Khanna was a delight to watch. Decidedly he had an edge over Babu Moshai, played poignantly by Bachchan. But by the time they appeared together again in Namak Haram, the equations had changed and Amitabh was the new Superstar. But, watching them together in a movie was a delight for the cinema lovers in any period of time.

Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna - Bollywoodirect

The “Do Aur Do Paanch” Combination – Shashi Kapoor

It all started with “Roti Kapda Aur Makaan” and then they worked together in the superhits like Deewar (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Trishul (1978), Shaan (1980), Silsila (1981) and many more. Together they formed, arguably, one of our most popular two-hero combinations ever, from whom the audience allure and box-office expectations was next to only one pair, i.e. Dharmendra and Hema Malini.

Bachchan ji once said that “Shashi Kapoor and I became inseparable in many successful ventures that followed. Leading ladies would shy away from our projects by proclaiming that there would be nothing left for them to do once SK and AB were there together.” Though both worked a lot in the ’70s and ’80s, the clear secret of their collaboration was their obvious off-screen comfort zone coming up trumps on-screen as well. Their relaxed demeanor at work was there for all to see.

Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor- Bollywoodirect

Partners in Crime “Jai and Veeru” – Dharmendra

Dharmendra was one of the few actors during the 70s and 80s who could come close to matching AB’s charisma and star power. During the 70s and 80s, he gave quite a lot of hits in an era dominated by Amitabh. Dharmendra and Amitabh were very similar in respect of their camaraderie with other male leads. And together they  performed the most popular on-screen friendship of “Jai and Veeru” in movie “Sholay”. Apart from that they worked together in two other movies, “Ram Balram” in 1980 is the lesser known of the two because the other one happens to be the Hrishikesh Mukherjee´s “Chupke Chupke”, which is all time classic. The on-screen rapport between them was as a guarantee for entertainment.

Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra - Bollywoodirect

The Perfectionist “Thakur” – Sanjeev Kumar

From playing Amitabh Bachchan’s father in ‘Trishul’ to playing the husband of his former beloved in ‘Faraar’,Sanjeev Kumar is still remembered for playing a variety of roles on the big screen with Amitabh. At a time when actors were branded as a romantic hero or action hero, Sanjeev Kumar was one actor who was difficult to typecast. And Amitabh Bachchan plays stick to stick and walked a yard to yard while working with him. Who can forget the “Thakur” who manage to convince “Jai” for his motive in Sholay. Or who can forget the duel between father and son in “Trishul”. They worked together in 5 superhit movies like Silsila, ImaanDharam, Trishul, Khuddar and Sholay.

Amitabh Bachchan with Sanjeev Kumar - Bollywoodirect

The “Lambuji Tinguji” Partnership – Rishi Kapoor

Rishi Kapoor worked with Amitabh for the first time in 1976 in Kabhi Kabhi. He later usually played Amitabh’s friend or younger brother in films such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb, and Coolie. The flamboyant personality of Rishi Kapoor was well matched by Amitabh with his serious persona in the movies. Young Rishi Kapoor came as an answer to the roles, which directors planned for his uncle Shashi Kapoor (who was not able to play younger brother roles due to his aging). Rishi Kapoor took the challenge to substitute his uncle from the super hit combination of Amitabh and Shashi and marked his own partnership with Amitabh. The last time they came together was for Shashi Kapoor’s only directorial venture Ajooba, that was 22 years ago. Now, the Big B and Rishi Kapoor are all set to reunite for Sudhir Mishra’s “Mehrunissa”.

Amitabh Bachchan with Rishi Kapoor - Bollywoodirect

The Yaarana of Jai and Gabbar – Amjad Khan

In normal life, Amitabh Bachchan and Amjad Khan were great friends, but on screen they normally found each other on the morally opposite side of the story. They worked together in more than 10 movies, importantly Parvarish (1977), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Lawaaris (1981), Yaarana (1981) & Nastik (1983). But, it all started with “Sholay”, where their stellar performances created the immortal masterpiece of Bollywood.

Amjad Khan kept himself improvising and gave many memorable negative characters against Amitabh. The on-screen rivalry between them kept the audience engaged and thrilled. But, “Yaarana” was a totally different movie in compare to others, where Amjad Khan played a role of a best friend of Amitabh and the song “Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan” was a superhit. They remain friends until the unfortunate death of Amjad Khan.

Amitabh Bachchan with Amjad khan - Bollywoodirect

The Dostana with Shotgun – Shatrughan Sinha

They came together on screen in Parwana (1971) first, where Shatru just made a guest appearance in the film. The real chemistry between the duo was seen in Bombay To Goa (1972) where Amitabh played a fun-loving guy who came between the leading lady Aruna Irani and the suave villain Shatrughan. They reportedly shared a good rapport off-screen; encouraging producers and directors to cast them together. Even with all the Amitabh-Shatru movies, Shotgun was never really overshadowed by Amitabh’s stardom.

Their next film, Kala Patthar (1979), is the prime example of the classic Bachchan-Sinha camaraderie. Shatrughan Sinha had a role with better lines and even won the audiences’ sympathy with his character dying a brave death. Amitabh, on the other hand, had a silent brooding role. But when they came on screen together, it was pure entertainment. The off screen tussle began at the time of Dostana (1980). With their growing egos, neither Amitabh nor Shatru wanted to work together. However, things looked better when, keeping their personal differences aside, Shatrughan appeared in the next Bachchan-dominant movie, Shaan (1980).

Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha- Bollywoodirect

The Surfing with the Southern wave – Rajnikanth

Amitabh had already some experience to work with the India’s most popular heartthrob like Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra, but working with Rajnikanth was totally different for him. It was the time when Superstars from The South were trying their hand in Bollywood for the first time. Producer were eager to try Amitabh- Rajni combination to have their reach in the south. They worked together in three movies – Andha Kanoon (1983), Geraftaar (1985) and long after Hum (1991). Even they were the superstar, their humility made each other comfortable on screen and off screen. The most remembered movie was “Hum”, where they played brothers to each other and their comedy timing along with Govinda left everybody laughing.

Amitabh Bachchan with Rajnikanth- Bollywoodirect

The Sehansaah and the Baadshah twain– Shah Rukh Khan

It was a time when Amitabh Bachchan was playing the elderly roles and Shah Rukh Khan was playing the roles, which two decades back would have penned for Amitabh. They have their own styles, but one common thing was their dedication. The first time, they were seen in together in “Mohabbatien” (2000), where Amitabh played a role of strict Principal and Shah Rukh Khan enacted the character of “Raj Aryan”. The On –screen combat of generation was grand to watch and audience gave a very good response to this pair. Then came the movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (2001), Veer-Zaara (2004), Paheli (2005) and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006). Their professionalism has always brought the best out of them. Hope there will be more to come from this pair.

Amitabh Bachchan with Shah Rukh Khan - Bollywoodirect

The difference between success and failure is a great team and Amitabh have several great teams.

Featured article from Bollywoodirect.

Best Bollywood Classics (10+1list)

Best Bollywood Classics

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Bollywood Classics: Can anybody pin point the place so popularly know as ‘Bollywood’?

You cannot, because interestingly enough Bollywood does not exist as a physical place.

Bollywood’s existence is only in the form of it’s Cinemas; the films that are produced from in and around Mumbai (earlier called Bombay) essentially in the language ‘Hindi’.

When Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke) made the first Indian silent feature Raja Harishchandra in 1913; when Ardeshir Irani directed films like Alam Ara in 1931 (the first talkie film of India) and Kisan Kanya in 1937 (the first Indian colored film) – little did they know that some day the Bombay-based Film industry (Bollywood) will churn out the maximum number of films in the world!  

Bollywood is our planet’s largest Cinema factory, producing more than 1,000 films annually; about the double of Hollywood’s output!

And now let’s focus on some of the evergreen Bollywood classics; films which are adored by all generations and are directly responsible for Bollywood’s world wide success.

Here we go.

1. Do Bigha Zamin (1953)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmy8B_4bhAQ

Do-Bigha-Zamin-poster

Staring Balraj Sahni and Nirupa Roy, the film is a classic tale of economic exploitation with which we can easily relate to, even today.

Directed by Bimal Roy, it’s the heart breaking story of a poor farmer who in order to free his land-debts takes up rickshaw-pulling as a profession.

The film won the first ever Filmfare award and also got a special mention at the Cannes film festival.

2. Shree 420 (1955)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRg65WuI1tY

Shree420-poster

Probably the most influential film of the time that took Bollywood to global popularity.

A man comes to Bombay with big dreams that eventually comes true but with a price of course.

Director/actor Raj Kapoor sets a trend with his baggy trousers and the Chaplin-hat as he goes along the road singing ‘mera juta hain Japani’.

3. Mother India (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmPzpWQ5v_E

mother-india-poster

Starring NargisSunil Dutt and Rajendra Kumar, it was the first Bollywood film that was nominated for the Oscars as the best Foreign language film from India.

The love and struggle of a single mother bringing up her two sons, director Mehboob Khan made the first ever Bollywood film with a female protagonist! 

4. Mughal-E-Azam (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXz_vWzMh_U

MughalEAzam-poster

A dramatization of the famous Mughal love story – prince Saleem (Dilip Kumar) who falls in love with a court-dancer Anarkali (Madhubala) against the will of his father, emperor Akbar (Prithviraj Kapoor).

Director K. Asif manages to get the best out of these brilliant actors. With only expressions and dialogues – this film is probably the best ‘love-story’ ever made. 

5. Pyaasa (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBZYJAzz5ys

pyaasa-poster

A film about poetic injustice (literally), since it’s the story of a poet and his thirst for love, fame and recognition.

Guru Dutt, the visionary actor/director along with Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman brings us this masterpiece.

Soulful songs – Sachin Dev BurmanHemanta MukherjeeGeeta Dutt and Mohammad Rafi at their best.

The 50s and the early 60s were considered as the ‘golden age’ of Bollywood and rightly so.

6. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCDbIT13MRY

Sahib-Bibi-Aur-Ghulam-poster

Directed by Abrar Alvi, an illicit love story full of passion and desire, hate and loneliness – an epic tragedy.

Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman and Rehman in the star cast but the one who really stands out is Meena Kumari. Her drunken outbursts and the sarcastic laughs are textbook even for today’s heroines who dare to take such courageous roles.

7. Anand (1971)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfGX2AEaMUU

anand-poster

A man who is too busy living his life to the fullest, too busy to notice his terminal illness, too busy to be afraid of his inevitable death!

Superstar Rajesh Khanna gives his career best performance and Amitabh Bachchan is a great support.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee‘s best, the film will make you laugh and cry at the same time!

8. Sholay (1975)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLhzpe3_V_g

sholay-poster

Bollywood enters the phase of hard-core action and this film is an epic in it’s own right. A true entertainer.

Ramesh Sippy‘s direction, the brutal clash between Gabbar (Amjad Khan) and Thakur’s (Sanjeev Kumar) hired ‘hands’ Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra).  

Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri takes care of the love stories on the side.

9. Deewaar (1975)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN1ptONRWpE

deewar-poster

Enters the ‘angry young man’ – the era of Amitabh Bachchan best portrayed by this particular film.

The anger and an attitude of revolt against the system, the underworld and the police, the clash of two brothers, and the dilemma of their mother.

Yash Chopra direction, staring Shashi KapoorNeetu SinghNirupa Roy and Parveen Babi

10. Bhumika (1977)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdcVs0nceOY

bhumika-poster

Shyam Benegal was one director who held tight the reigns of art-cinema in Bollywood. This film is one of his greatest work and Smita Patil gives her best performance. 

The story of a girl growing up, her career, her affairs, her joy and her despairs.

Naseeruddin ShahAmrish PuriAmol PalekarKulbhushan Kharbanda all at their best.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most cool one. A must watch).

+1.  Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spkmLziFFg4

Jaane-Bhi-Do-Yaaro-poster

And finally a comedy, an ultimate political satire, full of dark humor and many rib-tickling moments of absolute joy.

Directed by Kundan Shah, the film is about two photographers Ravi Baswani and Naseeruddin Shah who are sucked into a whirlpool of dishonesty, corruption and murder.

Om PuriPankaj KapurSatish KaushikNeena Gupta all at their best but towards the end of the film Satish Shah as ‘Draupadi’ is simply priceless!

Similar Interest: Best Hollywood Classic Romantic Films

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Poster courtesy: www.imdb.comwww.impawards.com.

Bengali Classic Comedies of all times (10+1list)

Best Bengali Classic Comedies of all times

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Bengali Classic Comedies of all times: Bengali Cinema has a long history of making comedy films which perfectly defined the term ‘family entertainment’. We Bengali’s love to laugh out loud and the Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-timesclassic Bengali comedies have given us the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Even Satyajit Ray has made films like the Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne series and Paras-Pathar which essentially falls in the comic genre.

Here i have listed some of the Best Bengali Classic Comedies of all times; films that are enjoyed by all generations and which are also responsible to make our childhood a bit more merrier.

And the laugh riot starts now!

1. Sharey Chuattar (1953)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZuhgll3MWc

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

Imagine the chaos when a beautiful girl arrives in hostel full of bachelors!

Directed by Nirmal Dey, casting the most romantic pair of Bengali Film History – Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen at their best. And an even better chemistry between Tulsi Chakraborty and Molina Devi.

Also accompanied by Bhanu BannerjeeJahar Roy and Nabadwip Halder – a laugh riot indeed. 

2. Lukochuri (1958)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwYHUwcb9jw

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

Kamal Majumdar directed comedy, a unique film both in style and execution.

Twin brothers and the hilarious twin-related misunderstandings. Kishore Kumar proves to be the king of comedy. 

Casting Mala SinhaAnita Guha, supported by Anoop KumarKeshto MukherjeeNripati Chatterjee and Rajyalakshmi. And some great songs! 

3. Jomalaye Jibanta Manush (1958)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH-oh8Kv3es

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

Directed by Prafulla Chakraborty, the film at a first glance is a comic love story with an innovative plot and hilarious dialogues. But if one looks carefully the film is actually a satire, a sarcastic take on the-then society. 

Bhanu Bannerjee at his best – teaching the ‘hum hum gudi gudi’ dance to the all the Apsaras in Heaven!

4. Galpa Holeo Satyi (1966)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ5CJ5rU-1M

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

Robi Ghosh in the lead role (my personal favorite) as the God send helping hand who knits a joint family together with his clever wits.  

Probably the best written story among this list – written and directed by Tapan Sinha.

Remade in Bollywood as the Rajesh Khanna starer Bawarchi (1972) directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

5. 80 te Asio Na (1967)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wAOeP9Cmy4

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-timesThe eternal fantasy of the fountain of youth; a neglected old man takes a dip in it and becomes young!

Bhanu Bannerjee takes the lead followed by Jahar RoyRobi GhoshRuma Guha ThakurtaTarun Kumar and Asitbaran.

Directed by Sree Jayadratha, a fun satire on human nature and society.

6. Chhadmabeshi (1971)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ8qB0UnkfU

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

Directed by Agradoot, story by Upendranath Ganguly – this one is a gem of a Bengali comedy.

Uttam Kumar disguised as the driver to fool Madhabi Mukherjee‘s uncle Bikash Roy! Also starring Subhendu ChatterjeeJahar RoyTarun Kumar among others.

Was remade by Hrishikesh Mukherjee in Hindi titled Chupke Chupke (1975) staring DharmendraSharmila TagoreAmitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri.

7. Dhanyee Meye (1971)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDFBuaBY-yY

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

And finally a RomCom that includes Bengali’s favorite sport – Football!

Uttam Kumar and Sabitri Chatterjee has an awesome chemistry in this film. Jaya Bhaduri plays the tomboyish young girl, along with a formidable comic lineup Jahar RoyRobi GhoshTarun Kumar and Partho Mukerjee.

Directed by Arabinda Mukhopadhyay, a film very close to my heart. Awesome songs in the voices of Hemanta MukherjeeManna Dey and Aarti Mukherjee.

8. Bibaha Bibhrat (1971)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tssr-jEyBt8

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

Directed by Ashim Bannerjee this one is the story of a boy who gets in trouble after his sudden marriage decision. 

When Anup Kumar and Robi Ghosh get together the comic timing can’t be better. Utpal Dutt plays the angry father and Lily Chakravarty the young bride.  A film that guarantees both laughter and nostalgia. 

9. Sriman Prithviraj (1973)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1pb5iMWiDU

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

Original story by Bibhutibhusan Mukhopadhyay, written and directed by Tarun MajumdarThis Bengali film takes a comic take on child marriage.

A hilarious tale of Ayan Banerjee the young husband who is the follower of ‘Prithiraj’ and his even younger wife Mahua Roy ChowdhurySandhya Roy also plays an important role.

10. Basanata Bilap (1973)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMI7Nk5OwuI

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

A contest of wit between a gang of four young girls and boys, a rivalry that of course soon leads to romance.

Directed by Dinen Gupta, this one has some of the best comic sequences ever!

Staring Soumitra Chatterjee, Aparna SenRobi GhoshAnup KumarChinmoy Roy among others.  

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Charmurti (1978)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIfygFlt_JI

Bengali-Classic-Comedies-of-all-times

From the novel written by Narayan Gangopadhyay, directed by Umanath Bhattacharya this film is the story of the adventurous four from a place called Potoldanga – TeniDa, Pyalaram, Habul Sen and Kyabla.

Chinmoy Roy leading as TeniDa, we also have Santosh DuttaSatya Banerjee and Robi Ghosh to make the adventure more entertaining.

And now a few other honorable mentions which are not included in the above list: Bancharamer Bagan (1980), Mouchak (1974), Dadar Kirti (1980), Personal Assistant (1959) among many others.

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Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com

Rahul Dev Burman and his unique composition techniques!

Rahul Dev Burman and his unique composition techniques!

written by Souranath Banerjee.

The King of the 70s, the super-talented composer, a passionate singer, an actor, son of renowned singer/composer Sachin Dev Burman – the legend – Mr. R.D.Burman (Rahul Dev Burman) popularly known as Pancham Da is the man who revolutionized Bollywood Music Industry!

rahul-dev-burmanHe composed musical scores for 331 films (including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Oriya and Marathi ) and four non-film albums; he was nominated 16 times for Filmfare awards and won thrice.

Not only did Rahul Dev Burman created new-age songs that has influences from Western, Latin, Oriental, and Arabic music,  his unique techniques  of composing music is legendary till date!

Here are some of his innovative and most unique music recording ideas that will remain with us forever:

1. In the song Chura Liya hai tumne from the film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) Rahul Dev Burman used the sound of a spoon hitting a glass as a prelude!

2. In O Manjhi Re from the film Khushboo (1975), Rahul Dev Burman used bottles filled with water at different levels and by blowing into them created a hollow sound that was used as the background music throughout the song!

3. Rahul Dev Burman blew into beer bottles to produce the opening beats of melodious Mehbooba Mehbooba song in the blockbuster film Sholay (1975)!

4. In Master Ji Ki Aa Gayee Chitthhi from film Kitaab (1977) Rahul Dev Burman brought some desks from a classroom in the recording studio and banged them to compose the rhythm of the song!

5. In Rajesh Khanna, Zeenat Aman starer film Ajanabee (1974) Rahul Dev Burman improvised all the train sounds and interludes himself in the famous song Hum Dono Do Premi.

6. The mouth-organ played by Dev Anand in the famous song Hai Apna Dil To Awara from the film Solva Saal (1958) sung by Hemanta Mukherjee is actually played by Rahul Dev Burman himself.

7. Once Rahul Dev Burman made the singer Annette Pinto gargle to produce a unique type of background music while other times he created music by rubbing sand paper or hitting bamboo sticks together. 

Perhaps words like ‘legend’ and ‘genius’ were invented only to describe such personalities like Rahul Dev Burman.

And finally one of my all time favorite composition from the film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) – the famous singing competition sequence with super-hit musical-numbers one after another!