I’m enjoying the ‘Piano songs from Hindi films series’. As I went through the songs, I felt the 60s (1961 to 1970) were particularly a bit tougher. By now the Piano songs had established themselves as one of effective ways of showcasing the aristocratic, affluent society. It was more or less a status symbol in Hindi films. A big living room with an expensive rug spread across, a set of comfortable sofas, a spiral staircase, and to complete the picture, a grand piano. Then one of the families, either hero’s or heroine’s, would throw a party. For his daughter’s birthday or for welcoming the son back to India etc etc….
And there would then be a beautiful piano song. The song would range from playful or romantic to soulful and sombre.
While I was looking for the piano songs from the Hindi films of the 60s, I was overwhelmed by around 40+ songs suiting the occasion. I can say, the 60s could be the peak of Hindi film piano songs. Even after filtering the songs, that is applying my criteria of piano being played throughout the song and the singing character playing it himself/herself, I had a lot of songs.
Let’s see now how many of these have actually made it to the final list! Let’s begin….
1. Aaj Duniya Badi Suhani Hai – Nartakee (1963) Asha Bhosle / Ravi – Shakeel Badayuni
Perhaps a lesser known song! But as I like to go chronologically wherever possible, let me start with this beautiful melody. It’s picturised on Sunil Dutt and Zeb Rehman (credited as Pritibala). The latter seems to be fascinated by the former, but the emotions don’t seem to reciprocate. Beautiful piano pieces in the prelude and interlude. A perfect fit for my criteria.
2. Tum Apna Ranjo Gham – Shagoon (1964) Jagjit Kaur / Khayyam – Sahir
I take it as one of the most popular piano songs of Hindi cinema and also the most popular songs by Jagjit Kaur. And we can hear piano sounds throughout the song, even during the antaras. That’s really great! The song is picturised on Nivedita (credited as Libi Rana, which perhaps was her real name) and Kamaljit. We also see a confused Waheeda Rehman in between. Though Nivedita looks very pretty, her acting doesn’t seem great.
3. Mera Dil Baharon Ka Woh Phool Hai – Aadhi Raat Ke Baad (1965) Lata Mangeshkar / Chitragupt – Anand Bakshi
Chitragupt was an underrated composer, who despite composing beautiful melodies, was never considered a first rung composer. Many of his films didn’t perform well at the box office and belonged to the so called B grade. This Ragini and Sailesh Kumar starrer film had wonderful songs. The song is picturised on Ragini and has beautiful piano pieces. It’s one of my favourites by Chitragupt. The lyrics are so simple but meaningful. They convey the situation so efficiently. You listen and decide for yourself.
4. Chehre Pe Khushi Chha Jaati Hai – Waqt (1965) Asha Bhosle / Ravi – Sahir
What a beautiful song! This is the second on today’s list by Asha Bhosle and Ravi combo. Waqt was one of the initial multi starrer movies of Hindi cinema that ensembled the top actors and actresses of the time. Produced by B R films, directed by Yash Chopra, it was critically acclaimed and a commercial success. The song with enchanting piano pieces was picturised on a very beautiful looking Sadhana, at a family party. All the three lost brothers, unaware of each other’s identity also come together in the song, though they don’t interact. The other solo picturised on Sadhana also had a brief piano sequence when she plays it in the last verse.
5. Dil Lagakar Hum Yeh Samjhe – Zindagi Aur Maut (1965) Asha Bhosle / C Ramchandra – Shakeel Badayuni
A wonderful piano song and popular till date. Surely one of the best songs composed by C Ramchandra in the 60s when he was already on a steep downfall. A few of his songs from the 60s without Lata Mangeshkar do stand out. This is one of those songs. The lyrics are also good and meaningful, the tune and orchestration are good too. No need to add about Asha Bhosle’s flawless expressions. She does wonders in the third verse in particular, which is usually not a part of the audio song.
Picturised on Faryal (in her debut film) and Pradeep Kumar with Johnny Walker. Her playing piano is perhaps very much flawed. I’ve heard it takes a lot of effort to hit the piano keys. I always get fascinated by the situation in the song where Faryal is singing to Pradeep Kumar’s photo and he himself arrives there. Though it sounds interesting, I’ve already been cautioned about the film by one of my fellow bloggers. The verdict was, it’s better to steer clear of the film.
6. Dheere Dheere Machal Aye Dil e Beqarar – Anupama (1966) Lata Mangeshkar / Hemant Kumar – Kaifi Azmi
Yet another gem of a song by Hemant Kumar! What an amazing use of piano! Not only in the prelude and interlude, but also in the antara. A perfect piano song for my list. It’s picturised on Surekha Pandit and Tarun Bose, both of whom do a good job.
7. Kai Din Se Jee Hai Bekal – Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1966) Lata Mangeshkar / Madan Mohan – Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
The film was full of melodious songs (mainly solos by Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi), but the film wasn’t a commercial success. A beautiful piano song with piano pieces scattered throughout. And Nutan, looking gorgeous, plays the piano well.
8. Pyar Ke Palchhin Beete Hue Din – Kunwari (1966) Lata Mangeshkar / S N Tripathi – Shailendra
It’s a tandem song sung by Talat Mahmood and Lata Mangeshkar. Both the versions are sad and the version sung by Lata Mangeshkar is picturised on Indrani Mukherjee. It’s a bit slow paced song, but excellent use of piano. S N Tripathi didn’t compose for many socials, his career somewhat revolved around mythological and religious films.
9. Yeh Zindagi Hamari Kya Khoob – Pyar Ka Sapna (1969) Lata Mangeshkar / Chitragupt – Rajendra Krishan
I’m happy to have yet another melody by Chitragupt on today’s list. Mala Sinha seems to be introspecting about her life. Not a well known song perhaps! But a beautiful song. I’m sure you would like it too. Good piano pieces in the song.
10. Diye Jalaye Pyar Ke – Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke (1969) Lata Mangeshkar / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Majrooh
I hadn’t the idea that the list would have a couple of songs picturised on Nivedita. But here’s the second one! We can also see Sanjeev Kumar and Jeetendra in the song. Not a particularly great or likeable song. In fact, though she opens the song with piano notes, one can hardly hear it later. Accordion and violins fill the interludes. Nivedita however accompanies the piano throughout, except the last few moments.
Here I end today’s list. It was a mixture of well known and a few lesser popular songs.
Are you Surprised? I’m sure all of you missed the male pianist songs. Of course I’ve not included them on today’s list.
We’ll visit that list next Sunday.
Till then, enjoy these songs.
And of course please add a song to the list keeping in mind the theme of female pianists and the timeline.
Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs vests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.