22nd July 1923-27TH Aug 1976
The years from late 1940’s till late 1960’s were the golden years when we had a huge variety of music composers, lyricists, and singers in Hindi film music ( HFM). Among the great male singers of that era, we had versatile singers like Rafi & Kishore and in the niche category we had legends like Manna Dey, Talat Mehmood , Mukesh, Hemant Kumar and Mahindra Kapoor . Although they also sang in genres that were different from their core strengths but generally they were well known for their niche. Manna Dey sang the best classical songs , Talat was the ghazal king , Mukesh’s soulful pathos touched one’s heart ,Hemant da’s baritone suited devotional and soulful melodies and Mahindra Kapoor excelled in extra-ordinary high pitch and lung power in patriotic and power-packed songs . Avid listeners of the Hindi film songs of the golden era are indeed lucky to have such a great variety of singers.
I have so far written about Rafi, Kishore, and Talat among male singers . Continuing that series , this blog is about Mukesh Chand Mathur, always known by the mononym Mukesh who had an intrinsic pathos in his voice that makes you connect with the emotion of the song. Fans of Mukesh will vouch for the fact that when they listen to his songs they could feel the inherent pain in his voice . Quality always dominated over quantity and so his output was also just around 1300 songs in a career of 35 years.
Born on 22nd July 1923 to Zorawar Chand Mathur and Chandrani Mathur in Delhi , he was the sixth child among ten children. The young Mukesh would listen to the music lessons that one of his sisters used to attend at their home from an adjoining room. After passing out from the tenth grade , he briefly worked in the Public Works Department. The actor Motilal Rajvansh was Mukesh’s distant relative and it was he who encouraged Mukesh to come to Bombay ( Mumbai), after knowing about his interest in singing. Like most artists those days, he also tried to act, apart from his singing assignments. However, as an actor , he did not get much success and ultimately ( luckily for us!) he focused only on his singing career.
The yester-year legendary singer K L Saigal was his idol and his very first recorded song was “ Dil hi bujha hua to fasl-e-bahaar kya “ in the film Nirdosh ( 1941) in which he sounded almost like K L Saigal. However, it was Anil Biswas’ composition “ Dil jalta hai to jalne de “ for the film Pehli Nazar (1945) that made the public notice him. It is said that even K L Saigal had remarked after listening to that song that “ I do not remember having sung this song”!
Initially Naushad had utilized Mukesh’s voice for Dilip Kumar for the film Andaz ( 1949). Songs like Jhoom ke nacho aaj, Tu kahe agar Jeevan bhar, Hum aaj kahin dil kho baithe became very popular and along with Anil Biswas , Naushad played a major role in enabling Mukesh find his own style , steering him away from that of K L Saigal.
After Raj Kapoor took Mukesh for his early films Aag & Barsaat , he was a permanent member of the formidable team along with the others: composers Shankar -Jaikishan, lyricists Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri. Raj Kapoor had always considered Mukesh as his “ soul” and had remarked when Mukesh passed away at a very young age of 53 years that “ he had lost his voice”.
Although many music directors had worked with Mukesh, Shankar -Jaikishan and Kalyanji -Anandji had created some of the best & highest number of songs for him. My usual practice is to select around 20 or 25 songs of a particular artist. For Mukesh, I felt that it would result in leaving many of his great songs and so thought of writing about his songs in two parts. Part 1 would be his songs with the two great music composer duos, S-J & K-A, who gave him the maximum number of songs(roughly 20%). Part 2 would be one or few songs from other music directors who had given exceptional songs for Mukesh..
I have listed his best songs music composer-wise , mentioning in that order, the film , year of release, song(s), lyricist, and co-singer(s) wherever applicable, with the usual disclaimer that these are my own personal choices. Since the listing is some 30+ songs I am restricting my description of the song, its salient points as briefly as possible so that readers can go through them with ease.
PART 1-Mukesh with Shankar-Jaikishan and Kalyanji-Anandji
Shankar-Jaikishan
The emperors of Hindi Film music, Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi and Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal played a great role in shaping up Mukesh’s career along with Raj Kapoor , who , except for few songs in his early days, always preferred Mukesh and even considered his voice as his soul.
Undoubtedly this combination gave some of the best songs for Mukesh. It was a tough task for me to list out few songs from this team as almost all are too good and popular. I know I have left out many songs for making the blog reasonably short.
Awaara-1951-Awaara Hoon-Shailendra
Iconic, one can even say a global hit especially in Russia and the middle-east. A very simple , but catchy tune with equally simple lines written by Shailendra , but the way the song was orchestrated and sung, made this almost a signature tune for Mukesh.
Anaari -1959-Kisiki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nisaar—Shailendra
One more song of Mukesh , that will always be at the top of any listing. Shailendra sums up life’s philosophy in few simple lines.
Ek Dil Sau Afsaane-1963- Kuch sher sunatha hoon main-Hasrat Jaipuri
To those who may think Mukesh can sing only pathos and not romantic ones, this is a fitting reply. The way he traverses through the song with its ups and downs is remarkable. The ever-romantic Hasrat’s imagination goes wild with the lines :
Makhmal pe tum chalo to chhile paaon gulbadan
We should pay a tribute to all the artists who created this by saying:
Kitni bhi tareef karun, rukthee nahi zubaan,
Rukthee nahin zubaan
Sangam-1964-Dost dost na raha-Shailendra
If there is one word that comes to one’s mind while listening to a composition of Shankar-Jaikishan, that is “ grandeur.” Right from the beginning the strains of Shankar’s famous piano takes you into an opera-like setting , and later joined by those exquisite strings, one feels as if sitting in western orchestra concert. Mukesh renders one of his all-time best for Raj Kapoor. Sangam was in many ways a musical bonanza.
Teesri Kasam- 1966
Sajan re jhoot mat bolo-Shailendra
Sajanwa bairee ho gaye-Shailendra
Duniya banewale kya tere man-Hasrat Jaipuri
Shailendra took the risk of making this movie, that became a commercial flop and landed him in deep debt and soon after even snatched away this genius at a young age of 43! But what an immortal music he left behind. All three songs are real gems. He brought in his inseparable team member Hasrat Jaipuri for two songs in the film- Duniya bananewale and Mare gaye gulfaam.
The full-of energy Sajan re jhoot mat bolo, the pathos-ridden Sajanwa bairee hog aye hamaar and the philosophical question Shailendra posed to the creator- Duniya bananewale kya tere man mein samayee. Each one has Mukesh’s soulful singing at its peak.
Around The World -1967- Josh-e-jawaani hai re hai- Shailendra
My selection of this song may raise few eyebrows! Why should we talk only about Mukesh’s pathos! Here is a foot tapping peppy number that is my personal favorite .
A superlative guitar joins with a gusto, and becomes the heart of this song, keeping Mukesh a good company all the way.
Diwana-1967-Taron se pyare dil ke ishare- Hasrat Jaipuri
One more grand feast from S-J who go all out with piano, flute, violins and if I am not mistaken the Scottish bagpipe ( I could not get this verified in the Net but I strongly so) .
Mera Naam Joker-1970-
Jaane kahan gaye who din-Hasrat
Kehta hai joker sara zamana-Neeraj
Jeena yahan marna yahan-Shailendra, Shaily Shailendra( it is said Shailendra could not complete this and his son had to chip in after his untimely death)
I end the Mukesh & SJ combination with, what I can say is undoubtedly one of the best musical extravaganza Hindi film world had ever created.
The poignant Jaane Kahan Gaye who din , set in Raag Mishr-Shivaranjani , the philosophical Kehta Hai Joker Saara Zamana & Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan are eternal. These will be heard even after 1000 years if humanity is still around!
Kalyanji-Anandji
After Shankar-Jaikishan, it was another famous duo-brothers Kalyanji Veerji Shah & Anandji Veerji Shah who utilized Mukesh’s vocals to the full extent. KA’s music had some extra-ordinary preludes and they were also too good in composing duets. KA stood their own ground among other stalwarts by focusing more on songs that were melodious and based on classical raagas but at the same time made them catchy so that even a layman can appreciate.
The sad songs they composed for Mukesh are so many in numbers ; they also gave Mukesh some great romantic songs.
Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere-1960- Mujhko Iss Raat Ki Tanhai- Shamim Jaipuri
Great use of violins and saxophone in this song.
Phool Bane Angaare-1963-Chand aahen bharegaa- Anand Bakshi
Superlative lines written by Anand Bakshi who had a great initial innings with K-A.
Tere khatir farishte , sar pe ilzaam lenge, brought to life by Mukesh. One more example of how he could sing romantic songs also with ease.
Himalay Ki God Mein-1965- Chand Si Mehbooba Ho Meri- Anand Bakshi
That trademark prelude of KA is in full glory after Mukesh croons the initial line: Chand si Mehbooba ho meri kab aisa maine socha tha…
Upkaar-1967- Deewano se yeh mat pooch- – Qamar Jalaalabadi
Each singer has a unique style; in this song Mukesh puts his special stamp in the word “ Haan, unke dilon se mat pocho “ ..that very brief pause after Haan summarizes Mukesh’s style.
Mere Humsafar-1970-Kisi raah mein kisi mod par- Anand Bakshi- With Lata
It is my personal observation that among all the great music directors, K-A were very strong in composing exquisite duet songs. This one , set in their favorite Charukesi raag is an evergreen Lata-Mukesh duet.
Holi Aayee Re-1970-Meri tamannaon ki taqdeer- Qamar Jalaalabadi
Once again that fabulous prelude of K-A that keeps playing throughout the song is superb and coupled with a very soft rendition by Mukesh , this song is a quintessential KA-Mukesh combo.
PART 2-Mukesh with other music composers
Although we saw great songs of Mukesh in the first part, his association with other great music directors, some well-known legends and some like Daan Singh, Satish Bhatia (almost unknown to the general public) was also a very successful one with numerous evergreen songs. With some of these music directors, even if he had very few songs , he gave his best and breathed life into them.
Anil Biswas
Pehli Nazar-1945-Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De- Aah Sitapuri
This is the song that made the world sit up and wonder who had sung this , almost like the legendary K.L Saigal. Mukesh’s mastery over the lower notes is very much evident when he starts off with “ Dil….Jalta hai tho jalne de” and so is the pain that he brings out so evocatively.
Naushad
Saathi-1968- Husne-E-Jaana Idhar aa-Majrooh Sultanpuri
Naushad comes out of his usual staid and under-stated orchestration and delivers a superb song that gives ample scope for Mukesh to showcase his unique singing ability. After a long hiatus, Naushad teamed up with Majrooh Sultanpuri in this film and was one of the very few films of Naushad that did not have any Rafi song!
S D Burman
Bandini-1963- O jaanewale ho sake toh laut- Shailendra
Burman da’s favourite male singers were Rafi and Kishore but two songs of Mukesh under his baton are enough to ensure these are in the topmost songs of Mukesh. One is Chal ree sajni ab kya soche and the one I have selected -Oh Jaanewale ho sake to laut ke aana
Roshan
Roshan was another legend who gave his singers their career best songs-be it Lata, Rafi, Manna Dey or Mukesh. Just these two songs from the film Dewar are enough to prove that Mukesh can render scintillating songs for other composers apart from Shankar-Jaikishan and Kalyanji -Anandji.
Dewar-1966
Baharon ne mere chaman loot kar -Anand Bakshi
Aaya Hai Mujhe phir yaad-Roshan-Anand Bakshi
Anokhi Raat-1968-Ohre Taal Mile Nadi ke jal mein- Indeevar
The swan song of Roshan-he could not see his last song becoming a masterpiece as he had passed away by the time song could be recorded. The final recording was done in his absence. Mukesh takes this song to its greatest height, with the lines: Oh mitwaa re…..pani mein seep jaise pyaasi har aatma & Oh mitwa re…kal tak jo begane the janmon ke meet hai.
SN Tripathi
S.N Tripathi was known for his raag based composed compositions in many mythological/historical films. This Mukesh song is always at the top when one thinks of Mukesh soulful songs.
Rani Roopmati-Aa laut ke aaja mere meet-Bharat Vyas
Madan Mohan
For Madan Mohan it was mostly Rafi & Talat among male singers and Lata among female singers. He did compose few great songs for other singers also. This one for Mukesh , based on the most used raag in Hindi films songs, Raag Yaman ( Kalyan) is really a gem.
Sanjog-1961-Bhooli hui yaadon mujhe itna-Rajendra Krishan
Khayyam
A vast majority would say Kabhi Mere Dil Mein , the famous title song is one of the best from the combination of Khayyam & Mukesh. There is absolutely no doubt about that , but I feel it is always played in every playlist of Mukesh, in all radio , TV Channels to the point of over-kill. That is why I selected this song from the very early days of Khayyam . With Sahir , in his inimitable style , composing superlative life’s philosophy evocatively , this is a far superior song and is one of the best by Mukesh, in my opinion.
Phir Subah Hogi-1958- Woh Subah Kabhi To Aayegi- Sahir Ludhianvi- with Asha Bhonsle
Salil Chowdhury
The musical genius , Salil da composed some great songs for Mukesh in films like Madhumati, Jagte Raho etc . The two songs from Anand are just tailor-made for Mukesh. No one can even think of hearing these in any other voice. Mukesh at his pinnacle!
Anand -1970
Kahin door jab din dhal – Yogesh
Maine Tere Liye Hi saat- Gulzar
O P Nayyar
Sambandh-1969-Chal akela chal akela- Kavi Pradeep
The noted poet Kavi Pradeep initially wanted to compose the tune and also sing this one , but OPN then refused the film. Ultimately the producer & director had to reconcile OPN & Kavi Pradeep together and when the latter listened to this unique composition , he immediately agreed and asked OPN to go ahead with any singer of his choice. This remains a masterpiece till date -magic of Mukesh and OPN.
Jaidev
Jaidev, the great composer , never had any “ favourite or fixed” singers. He had composed great songs for almost all the great singers of the golden era and even with newer talents. The film Kinare was unique in which Jaidev gave three superb songs with Rafi( Teri tasveer bhi tujh jaise), Talat Mehmood ( Dekh Li Teri Khudayee) and Manna Dey( Chale jaa rahe the mohabbat ke maare kinare kinare). But then with Mukesh he gave this song Jab gham-e-ishq sathata hai to hans leta hoon-and in my opinion this was the first among equals!
The flute played in this song will keep haunting you along with Mukesh’s very soulful rendering.
Kinare Kinare-1963-Jab Gam-E-Ishq sathata hai to hans leta hoon-Nyaya Sharma
Hansraj Behl
Among the countless songs in Hindi film music, this is a hidden gem from a relatively unknown music composer Hansraj Behl- unknown to the general public, but ardent music lovers will know him. The composition has a striking contrast with very low notes & pace in Mukesh’s singing as compared to the high notes and fast paced singing of Lata. How could someone even imagine such a composition!!!. Truly a masterpiece and sadly neglected in the mainstream media.
Sawan-1959 Nain dwar se man mein wo aake -Hansraj Behl- Prem Dhawan
https:–www.youtube.com-watch?v=sxMPnAYG1Pc
Sardar Mallik
In the Hindi film world, there are many such genius composers , who due to many reasons , remained in obscurity , although they were immensely talented. Few were lucky in the sense that at least their children became more famous. One such example is Sardar Mallik. His film Saranga is still remembered for these two evergreen Mukesh melodies.
Saranga-1961
Haan Deewana Hoon Mein-Bharat Vyas
Saranga Teri Yaad Mein-Bharat Vyas
Laxmikant- Pyarelal
In terms of number of songs composed for Mukesh one more music duo-Laxmikant-Pyarelal came third. Laxmikant-Pyarelal also broke the stereotype to restrict Mukesh to only sad songs and instead gave him lot of peppy duets. However, one duet that always stands out , though a sober one , is the immortal Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma hai, which is popular across the country-even in the regions not familiar with Hindi.
The lullaby from Milan -Ram kare aisa ho jaaye, meri nindiya tohe mil jaaye is a rare song but is remarkable for the fact that it is one of the very few lullabies that Mukesh sang.
Shor-1972- Ek pyar ka nagma hai- Santosh Anand- With Lata
Milan1967 -Ram kare aisa ho jaaye meri nindiya-Anand Bakshi
Daan Singh
When we look at some of the exceptional songs of Mukesh, one is really surprised to note that many have been composed by relatively obscure composers. There are two songs from the film My Love that was composed by Daan Singh-Who tera pyaar ka gham and Zikr Hota Hai Jab .
Anand Bakshi wrote excellent lines in both these songs.
My Love-1970-Zikr hota hai jab- Anand Bakshi
Satish Bhatia
Continuing our journey of Mukesh with lesser-known music directors, this one from Satish Bhatia is a well-known song , but how many would really be aware of the music director.
Pure Hindi poetry always flowed from the pens of Bharat Vyas. This song is a celebration of Nature at its best.
Boond Jo Ban Gaye Moti-1967-Yeh kaun chitrakaar hai-Bharat Vyas
Acknowledgements and Disclaimer:
I sincerely thank the publishers of following blogsites & Internet sources for the information that I could gather for this article:
- You Tube
- Wikipedia
The songs mentioned are from the popular, public domain and have been mentioned here only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog does not claim any copyright over them, which rests with the respective owners of the rights. I would also like to thank various blogs-articles published in the Internet from which I had obtained many information while writing this.
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Anna manni
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