25th June 1924 to 14th July 1975
The veteran music director Naushad once commented to the composer of the song , Hai Isi Mein Pyaar Ki Aabroo that “ my entire work is dedicated to this one song of yours.” Noted classical and Thumri singer Begum Akhtar was so much moved by the song Qadar jaane na oh qadar jaane na that she picked up her phone and talked to the composer for hours , appreciating that composition. Many classical musicians played their instruments under his baton. And last but not least , with just around 680 songs from 95 films , he is revered among the best five music directors of the golden era of Hindi film music by the connoisseurs of good music.
Yet, with all these accolades the composer that we are talking about never got the awards and recognition he rightfully deserved during his life time . That is one of the most cruel ironies of the music industry! 25th June 2024 marks the birth centenary of this genius-composer fondly called the Melody king, Ghazal king -Madan Mohan. Madan Mohan will always be remembered for his superb ghazals, haunting melodies and innovative compositions . That is why despite the lesser quantity of his work, his perfection in creating everlasting compositions of the highest quality elevated him to be considered among the five top most music directors in Hindi film music.
His father Rai Bahadur Chunnilal Kohli was a film producer and one of the founder-members of the famous Filmistan studio. However he was not in favor of Madan Mohan entering the film industry and did not support him in giving him a break. So it was a lone struggle for MM, even going without food for some days , trying to get an entry in the film world. Those days, most of the artists had acting or singing as their first preference and MM tried these but failed. Luckily he started focusing on music and ultimately Sachin Dev Burman understood his musical talent and gave him an assignment to be his assistant for the movie Do Bhai( 1947). He also assisted the yesteryear music director Shyam Sundar for the film Actress. Finally he got his break as an independent music director for the 1950 film Aankhen. Preet Lagake Maine Yeh Fal Paaya sung by Mukesh was his first recorded film song. When his father listened to Madan Mohan’s songs in the film Aankhen, he realized his mistake and repented very much for not having encouraged him earlier. As fate would have it, his father passed away within two months of the release of his first film.
I had already provided a brief biography of MM in my blog under the tab: Hindi Film Songs Music-composer-lyricist teams-Madan Mohan with Raja Mehdi Ali Khan and so I am not repeating the same here. Also there is a very well-written biography in the link that I am providing below that is dedicated to MM.
https://www.madanmohan.in/html/the_legend/his_journey/his_journey.html
Except for very few , most of his films were not from the big banners. That is why even though his music was superlative, the films were mediocre and this resulted in his lack of commercial success. Despite not having had much training in classical music he composed some of the best classical songs of Hindi film music! It is tragic that such a genius had to work for lesser-known banners and got his fame and recognition more after his untimely departure at the age of 51 years. Towards the end of his career, it was in 1970 that he got his major recognition in form of National award for best music direction for the film Dastak. The recognition for Dastak came very late and by that time he had got into the habit of drinking and his health had deteriorated , ultimately leading to his untimely death on 14th July 1975.
Madan Mohan was a perfectionist always believed in giving utmost importance to the lyrics and had fabulous team work with many lyricists like Rajendra Krishan, Raja Mehdi Ali Khan , Kaifi Azmi , Majrooh Sultanpuri, Sahir Ludhianvi, Hasrat Jaipuri , Indeevar, Prem Dhawan , Naqsh Lyallpuri etc. He belonged to that school of composers who preferred to compose the music after the lyrics were written. Poetry made a very important part in his compositions.
Apart from being a genius composer, one interesting talent that he had was that he was very much fond of cooking and whenever he composed some great tunes, he would celebrate by inviting the artists involved and treat them to a great feast at his home.
Although most of the songs created by MM deserve to be in this blog, as a tribute to him on his birth centenary , this is just a small glimpse of 25 of his best songs that I have selected here. I have tried to cover all the major singers but obviously Lata and Rafi feature the most as these two were his favorite singers. The songs are listed in chronological order of the year of their release, with following details mentioned : Song/Film/Year/Lyricist / Singer(s)
1.Preet Lagake Mein Yeh-Aankhen-1950-Raja Mehdi Ali Khan-Mukesh
The very first song that MM composed shows his individuality and has a beautiful Spanish guitar , piano accompanying throughout the song. Mukesh had very few songs with MM but as it always happens with Mukesh, he renders superb songs even in a handful of chances that he used to get.
2.Meri Yaad Mein Tum Na-Madhosh-1951-Raja Mehdi Ali Khan-Talat
If MM was king in composing ghazals for films, Talat was the emperor in singing them. Is it a co-incidence that just like MM, Talat also had just around 650 songs in his repertoire? Listen to these two greats in this immortal song. MM’s most favorite instrument was the Sitar and you can hear that in the prelude and interludes.
3. Qadar Jaane Na Oh Kadar Jaane Na-Bhai Bhai-1956-Rajendra Krishan-Lata
The noted classical singer Begum Akhtar was so impressed after listening to this song that she picked up her phone and chatted with MM for a long time on a long-distance call and MM even obliged by singing out the song himself. Not only Begum Akhtar , many renowned classical musicians had great respect for Madan Mohan . Truly he was a class apart!
4. Ae Dil Mujhe Bata De- Bhai Bhai-1956-Rajendra Krishan -Geeta Dutt
If Lata rendered the sober Qadar Jaane Na, in the same film, Geeta Dutt gave one of her career-best songs for MM with Ae Dil Mujhe Bata De. A completely different style of MM , with a catchy tune , rhythm, and orchestration.
5. Kaun Aaaya Mere Man Ke Dwaare-Dekh Kabira Roya-1957-Rajendra Krishan-Manna Dey
For a pure classical Rageshri based composition, MM naturally selected Manna Da and even though the film is forgotten , the music of Dekh Kabira Roya will never fade away from our memories.
6. Bhooli Hui Yaadon-Sanjog-1961-Rajendra Krishan-Mukesh
After Preet Lagake Maine, if there is one Mukesh & MM song that comes to our mind , it must be this. A simple orchestration but the inherent melody and pathos in the tune , coupled with Mukesh’s voice make this an evergreen number.
7. Hai Isi Mein Pyaar Ki Aabroo-Anpadh-1962- Raja Mehdi Ali Khan-Lata
The association of MM & Lata is legendary. Whatever they have left behind is something exceptional and one can always find that inexplicable extra sweetness and depth in Lata’s voice in MM’s songs. Those sitar interludes are trademark MM. Not to forget the great lyricist Raja Mehdi Ali Khan. I had written in detail in my blog about the great chemistry between MM & Raja Mehdi Ali Khan. Also at the very beginning , I have mentioned the tribute paid by the legendary music director Naushad after listening to this song.
8. Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha- Anpadh-1962-Raja Mehdi Ali Khan-Lata
There are something in this world that can never be explained. For me this song is like that-I can keep listening to this in a loop for ‘n’ number of times without getting tired. I do not know how to describe this song -it is something that gets into your soul and tugs at your heart. The tune that goes like a wave , the majestic violin strings, the subtle drum beat, the special touches of Lata whenever she sings “ mujhe”…it is a combination of all these and much more. I just leave it at that. No way I can even attempt to describe this song. Just experience it…
9. Main Nigahen Tere Chehre Se-Aap Ki Parchhaiyan-1964- Raja Mehdi Ali Khan-Rafi
If among the female singers MM’s favorite was Lata , then among male singers it was Rafi. He gave some of the best songs for Rafi. That ‘ tauba tauba…tauba tauba’ stretch that Rafi does is something only he is capable of!
10. Rang Aur Noor Ki Baraat-Ghazal-1964-Sahir Ludhianvi-Rafi
The film Ghazal had three fabulous songs: Nagma-O-Sher Ki Saugaat Kise Pesh Karoon by Lata, Ishq Ki Garmi-E-Jazbaat Kise Pesh Karoon by Rafi and Rang Aur Noor Ki Baraat Kise Pesh Karoon…all these had the same ‘ radif’ ( is the Urdu word that refers to that which comes at the end of each line of the first couplet and the second line of all the following couplets in ghazal). Madan Mohan proves his mettle with ghazals by different treatment in composing these three songs. Out of the three Rang Aur Noor Ki is the most popular one and sung brilliantly by Rafi. The use of violins is simply outstanding and elevates the song to stratospheric levels.
11. Saawan Ke Mahine Mein-Sharabi-1964-Rajendra Krishan-Rafi
Very rarely heard anywhere, this is one of the numerous examples of how MM had experimented in his compositions. Starting off at a leisurely pace , the song picks up speed and Rafi ,as usual excels in imitating a ‘ sharabi’ singing , despite being an absolute teetotaler in his life!
12. Zara Si Aahat Hoti Hai-Haqeeqat-1964-Kaifi Azmi-Lata
One more Lata -MM-Kaifi masterpiece. An out-of-the world composition , equally evocative poetry and finally, rendered divinely by the great Lata. The strings used by MM are always so distinct that one can easily identify his compositions just by listening to the string arrangement closely.
13. Mein Yeh Sochkar Uske dar se -Haqeeqat-1964-Kaifi Azmi-Rafi
One of my all-time favorite songs of Rafi & MM combination. The songs , unlike most of the film songs , does not have well-defined antara or interludes—it is just a linear composition and a very short one also. But the effect it creates is something one must listen and experience. Pyarelal of the famous musical composer duo Laxmikant -Pyarelal played the superb violin for this song.
14. Lag Jaa Gale Ke Phir Yeh-Woh Kaun Thi-1964- Raja Mehdi Ali Khan-Lata
There are few songs that will live for eternity. Even those who may not be knowing the language are familiar with this song that has become a sort of an anthem to describe romance. Compositions like this prove that MM was far ahead of his times and even to this day , this song remains one of the most viewed/heard in the Internet. Normally I like to listen to the songs only but this is also a visual treat with superb on screen emoting done by Sadhana.
15. Shok Nazar Ki Bijiliyan -Who Kaun Thi -1964- Raja Mehdi Ali Khan -Asha
One can term this as a textbook for superb orchestration-what a unique way of presenting the violins, saxophone, guitar , flute and percussion. MM proves that he was not only a master of soulful, sober, and melodious ghazals but can create a tune that can remain as modern and fresh even after decades. And who else to render such a song than Asha for whom this is just a cakewalk.
16. Ek Haseen Shaam Ko-Dulhan Ek Raat Ki-1966-Raja Mehdi Ali Khan-Rafi
Romantic songs with a soft feather-like touch were MM’s forte. As always he uses minimal orchestration but creates a magical impression on us . The special touch by Rafi by slightly elaborating the word “ shaaaam” adds so much charm.
17. Na Tum Bewafaa Ho-Ek Kali Muskayee-1968-Rajendra Krishan-Lata
If some of the romance-soaked songs of MM had an undercurrent of pathos, this one , though being a sad song has a fast tempo with grand orchestration and leaves us spellbound!
18. Teri Aankhon Ke Siva-Chirag-1969-Majrooh Sultanpuri-Rafi & Lata
Whenever someone talks about Rafi & his best romantic songs, this song would always be in that list. Note how beautifully MM had composed the song with the strings in constant “ conversation” with Rafi throughout the song! That is the reason these songs will ever remain fresh in our minds. Those special touches of Rafi -a brief pause between ‘ rakha’ and ‘ kya hai’…and the slight drag he does at ‘ inme mere aanewale’…sheer pleasure to listen.
19. Mairee Mein Kase Kahoon Peer-Dastak-1970-Majrooh Sultanpuri-Lata
I have selected all the four songs from the film Dastak that brought Madan Mohan his first and only award. It is impossible to leave out any of them. Each one is a hand-crafted sculpture and not just a musical composition. Mairee Mein Kase has two versions -the more commonly heard version was by Lata and less-heard one sung by Madan Mohan himself.
20. Hum Hain Mata-E-Koocha-O-Bazaar – Dastak-1970-Majrooh Sultanpuri -Lata
Lata’s perfect Urdu diction , Majrooh’s hard-hitting poetry and MM ‘s exquisite composition -what more do we need?! His favorite instrument Sitar literally talks to us ( I think it was played by Ustad Vilayat Khan).
21. Bhaiyyan Na Dharo- Dastak-1970-Majrooh Sultanpuri -Lata
Based on the classical raag Charukesi , this is one more gem from Dastak. The way in which MM & Lata together elaborate the antara elevates this film song to a classical masterpiece.
22. Tumse Kahoon Ek Baat- Dastak-1970-Majrooh Sultanpuri -Rafi
If there has ever been some film songs that were composed in a ‘ whispering’ style , then MM must take the credit for that. This solo song by Rafi and a Rafi-Lata duet from the film Heer Ranjha ( Meri Duniya Mein Tum Aayee) are classic examples. What a sensual and subdued composition-rendered in a brilliant manner by Rafi!
The use of rare instrument jalatarang , the extra-long pauses in the interludes are special touches of Madan Mohan.
23. Simthi si sharmayee si-Parwana-1971-Kaifi Azmi-Kishore
Kishore must have sung just a handful of songs for MM . Apart from Simthi Si Sharmayee si , Zaroorat Hai Zaroorat Hai, Mera Naam Abdul Rehman are few songs that comes to our mind. But whatever Kishore sang for MM turned out to be hits. A different style of MM can be seen in this song-a peppy westernized melody. Guitar & flute take predominance in the orchestration.
24. Rasm-E-Ulfat Ko Nibhayen-Dil Ki Raahen-1973-Naqsh Lyallpuri-Lata
For a brief period MM had stopped using his favorite instrument -Sitar. Fortunately here we can hear the sitar in its full glory. The film itself is now almost forgotten but this one song stands out , sung in her usual intense way by Lata.
25. Kaise Kategi Zindagi Tere Bagair-Unreleased Film-Raja Mehdi Ali Khan-Rafi
I come to the last song in this selection. This song was originally composed by Madan Mohan in the year 1964/65 for a film titled Jahan Tum Wahan Hum , but was shelved. MM’s family after many years released many such songs under an album titled Tere Bagair. There is an extra-ordinarily long prelude -mainly a solo violin. It is said that Rafi also liked this song very much and has given his best. The lyrics of the song aptly sums up our feelings . We really feel the absence of these two legends Madan Mohan and Rafi who were born just six months apart in the year 1924 and left us too early when they were in their fifties.
Acknowledgement & Disclaimer
I sincerely thank the publishers of following Internet sources for the information that I could gather for this article:
- You Tube
- Wikipedia
- http://www.madanmohan.in
Acknowledgements and Disclaimer:
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.
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