9th June 1912-22nd December 1975
Whenever we talk about the top music directors of the golden era of Hindi Film Music it is possible that many-a-times the name of Vasant Desai might be missed or would be included as an afterthought. It may not be intentional but that is how it happens due the “ top of the mind recall” factor, wherein only the commercially successful composers remain in memory. Despite being equally talented as the venerable Naushad in composing classical raag based songs, he remained less-talked about. But for those who dive deep into old Hindi film songs, Vasant Desai is a well-known name.
Even if his works may have been lesser in quantity, the quality of his songs are such that they would be remembered for eternity. I heard in a radio program about one of his close associates talking about this. He had asked Vasant Ji why his songs do not appear in the popular top song “ countdowns” and his response was classic. He said “ I do not make songs to be popular in such listings or count downs , but I can say with certainty is that my songs will remain in public memory forever ”. How true!
An average Hindi film music lover may not know who had composed “ Nain so nain naahi milao “ , Ae Maalik Tere Bandhe Hum, “ Bole Re Papihara”, Tere Sur Aur Mere Geet , Jeevan Mein Piya Tera Saath Rahe etc, but they would definitely be knowing these songs well and maybe croon a few lines also. Born on 9th June 1912 in a small village Sonawade in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Vasant Desai had a very difficult childhood. His father had deserted his mother and had not even supported them financially and so his mother Mukta Bai had to survive on the assistance provided by her father Bhaskar Parulekar. He could study only up to fourth standard . His paternal uncle Vishnu Desai ( who incidentally changed his name to Vasant from Atmaram that was given at his birth) brought him to Kolhapur . Despite his limited education, he was a keen reader of literature and was very much fascinated by the folk theatre. He learnt classical music from Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, Ustad Inaayat Khan, Govindrao Tembe( known respectfully as Guni Govind) etc . The latter was associated with the famous Prabhat Film studios. He composed few songs for films that had Master Vinayak and Keshavrao Bhole as the main music directors ; however in those films, his name was not credited. He was also learning Hindustani classical Dhrupad singing from the famous Dagar brothers.
Like many artists , his dream was to make a bigger name and so he shifted to Mumbai and composed music for few films like Shobha( 1942), Aankh Ki Sharam and Mauj (1943). Soon, he got in touch with the well-known producer-director V. Shantaram. His initial aim was to become an actor but Shantaram had asked him to join his newly formed Rajkamal studio and was given various duties, including that of an office boy! However, seeing the musical talent , Shantaram gave him his first break to compose for his film Shakuntala in 1943. The film was a successful one and soon Vasant Desai became a regular composer for various other films of Shantaram in Marathi and Hindi.
A lesser-known fact is that in his initial days ( in the 30’s & 40’s known as Vintage era) he also lent his voice for many songs, around 14 Hindi and 21 Marathi songs. The turning point in his career came in 1955 with the musical magnum opus Jhanak Jhanak Paayal Bhaje. This film had the veteran classical singer Ustad Amir Khan rendering the title song. How can one forget Nain so nain naahi mailao sung so beautifully by Lata & Hemant Kumar? Vasant Desai’s association with Shantaram went on to give many such musical gems from Shakuntala, Jeevan Yatra, Dr Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Toofan Aur Diya, Do Aankhen Barah Haat etc. Way back in 1952, when aggressive lobbying for awards was unheard of, Vasant Desai’s Marathi film , Amar Bhoopali was nominated for the Grand Prize at the Cannes film festival and got the award for best Sound recording. Vasant Desai got another great honor when he composed the tune for Maithram Bhajata , a Sanskrit composition that was written by the great saint, Shri Chandrasekhara Swami , Paramacharya , Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham , that was rendered by the renowned Bharat Ratna M.S Subbalakshmi at the United Nations in 1966.
Despite his major focus on Hindi film music, he has also composed music for around 20 Marathi films . He is also considered as a major composer of music for the Marathi theatre-Natya Sangeet and has scored for around 14 Marathi plays. The Marathi song Ghanshyam Sundara Shridhara composed by him for the film Amar Bhoopali , written by Kavi Honaji Bala and rendered by Pandirao Nagarkar and Lata Mangehskar is a very popular song to this day. Since I am not very familiar with songs in languages other than Hindi , I am restricting my blog to his Hindi film songs only.
Although Vasant Desai is more known for his association with Shantaram, he did great work in films of other producers/directors. Notable among these are Goonj Uthi Shehnai, Ashirwad, Guddi , School Master, Pyaar Ki Pyaas etc. One lesser-known fact about him is that he scored exceptional background music for films like Yaadein ( Sunil Dutt’s experimental film that had him as the only actor in entire movie ), Achanak ( a film without any songs), Shaque etc.
It was a cruel conspiracy of Fate that on 22nd December 1975, after recording a song for the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s popular 20-point program, he returned home and in a freak accident in the lift ( that started moving before he could get in fully), he got crushed and passed away on the way to hospital.
I have tried to highlight 25 immortal songs-some very popular and some excellent but rarely heard ones . Listing is done chronologically based on the year of the film with details mentioned in sequence of : Song, Film, Year, Singer(s) and Lyricist. Since many songs of Vasant Desai have a strong classical raag base, I have tried to mention the same also at the end of such songs ( of course I am not an expert on classical music and relied on available information in the Internet).
Before I go into the Hindi song list, hear this beautiful , serene & immortal Marathi bhajan “ Ghanshyam Sundara Shridhara” that he composed in Raag Bhoopali for the film Amar Bhoopali in 1952.
- Jise Dhoondti Phirti Hai Meri Nazar/Sheesh Mahal/1950/Rafi & Geeta Dutt/Nazim Panipati
We start off with a very rare song ( even I heard it for the first time while working on this blog). Simple orchestration but a very pleasing and unique melody by Vasant Desai, picturized on an unlikely hero-Pran who was more famous for his villainous roles.
2. Jhanak Jhanak Paayal Baje/ Jhanak Jhanak Paayal Baje /1955 /Ustad Amir Khan/Hasrat Jaipuri ( Raag: Adaana)
The golden era was graced occasionally by the legendary classical singers and musicians and Vasant Desai had the great honor of making many such artists sing or play instruments in his compositions. This title song by Ustad Amir Khan is one such gem.
3. Nain So Nain Naahi Milao/ Jhanak Jhanak Paayal Baje /1955/Lata & Hemant Kumar/Hasrat Jaipuri ( Raag : Malgunji)
One of the most sublime, romantic , melodious songs , also beautifully choreographed and picturized , this remains one of the best-known compositions of Vasant Desai. It was also the only song that Hemant Kumar sang for Vasant Desai. Even though the orchestration is minimal, there is a grandeur that is coming from the excellent use of chorus and the contrasting Lata’s sweet versus Hemant da’s baritone. This was one of the earliest Technicolor films and later Shantaram recreated this film in 70mm format with stereophonic sound in the ‘80’s.
4. Saiyyan Jao Jao Mohse Na Bolo / Jhanak Jhanak Paayal Baje /1955/Lata /Hasrat Jaipuri ( Raag: Desh)
Vasant Desai brings out Lata’s immense talent in rendering such classical songs in such a beautiful manner in this song.
5. Mere Ae Dil Bata / Jhanak Jhanak Paayal Baje /1955/Lata & Manna Dey /Hasrat Jaipuri ( Raag: Bhairavi)
The film Jhanak Jhanak Paayal Baje had around a dozen songs of which I have selected only four. Vasant Ji once again relies on the excellent vocals of Lata , with only a minimalistic orchestration. Manna da adds that last punch in the song in his own inimitable way.
6. Nirbha Se Ladaai Balwan Ki/Toofan Aur Diya/1956/Manna Dey/Bharat Vyas( Raag Malkauns)
With only few violins, a guitar, and that typical percussion of Vasant Desai( I think it should be the Dhol) , in this song he relies fully on the very powerful lyrics of Bharat Vyas and equally evocative singing by Manna Da. One of my favorite songs of Vasant Desai. You can really feel the energy of positivity while listening to this.
7. Ae Maalik Tere Bande Hum/ Do Ankhen Bara Haat/1957/ Lata & Chorus/ Bharat Vyas
Vasant Ji had the unique distinction of two of his immortal compositions being used as a school prayer in many schools across our country. This one had the honor for many years till it was replaced by his own Humko Man Ki Shakti Dena from the film Guddi, sung by Vani Jayaram.
Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum has two versions-one by Lata with chorus and one sung entirely by chorus-another very rare feature. I have given links to both the versions.
8. Saiyan Jhooton Ka bada/ Do Ankhen Bara Haat /1957/ Lata/ Bharat Vyas
With simple instruments , Vasant Desai creates another immortal song . The brief pauses in between and the solo violin add so much charm to the song.
The simplest things are always the greatest!
9. Mein Gaaon Tu Chup Ho ja/ Do Ankhen Bara Haat /1957/ Lata/ Bharat Vyas
It is said that once Vasant Desai happened to hear strong wind blowing in a forest rubbing the branches of a tree against each other , creating a unique sound pattern. He picked that up and based his tune on that! Since it has been inspired by the great Nature , this song is so sweet and melodious that it makes you feel totally relaxed. One of the greatest lullabies of Hindi films.
10. Mein Bezubaan Hoon Panchi/Do Phool/1958/Asha/ Hasrat Jaipuri
Asha in her early years sang truly great songs ( unfortunately she got more fame much later for rather mediocre songs!). A genius like Vasant Desai can bring out the best from any singer. Once again a simple orchestration but that piano ( played on screen by an unlikely actor Jeevan known more for villainous roles!) is simply superb ; excellent lyrics of Hasrat Jaipuri and Asha renders a masterpiece.
11. O Dildar Bolo Ek Baar/School Master-1959/Lata & Talat Mehmood/Kavi Pradeep
Talat Mehmood was known more for his exquisite solos, especially ghazals. It is indeed rare to hear a peppy duet from him and this one is one of his more popular songs. The percussion used in this is truly unique and adds so much pep to the song.
12. Teri Shehnai Bole / Goonj Uthi Shehnai/ 1959/ Lata & Rafi/Bharat Vyas
Goonj Uthi Shehnai was a milestone in the career of Vasant Desai. I wish I could include all the ten songs from this film in my listing! What great songs he had composed for this film! The film had the unique distinction of the great Ustad Bismillah Khan himself playing the shehnai throughout out the film , with Ramlal ( who later composed great music for Shantaram’s Sehra and Geet Gaya Patharone) playing the shehnai pieces for the songs. Lata and Rafi render a soulful duet, backed with the evocative strains of shehnai , played by Ramlal.
13. Tere Sur Aur Mere Geet/ Goonj Uthi Shehnai/ 1959/ Lata/Bharat Vyas( Raag: Bihaag)
In this song, the shehnai almost plays the role of a co-singer for Lata. One of the most memorable Hindi film songs that had the shehnai. On should not forget the great lyricist Bharat Vyas who had a great association with Vasant Desai
14. Jivan Men Piya Tera Sath Rahe/ Goonj Uthi Shehnai/ 1959/ Rafi & Lata/Bharat Vyas ( Raag: Gara)
A scintillating duet of Rafi and Lata and one of my all-time favourites. The first 1.2 minutes of this song has a superb alaap by Lata and Rafi where they match each other so perfectly. The entire 4.23 minutes of the songs flows like a river, with Vasant Desai showing his immense skill in orchestration and rhythm patterns.
15. Akhiyan Bhool Gain Hain Sona/ Goonj Uthi Shehnai/ 1959/Geeta Dutt & Lata/Bharat Vyas
If Jeevan Mein Piya was a scintillating male-female duet, this is even more brilliant female-female duet , sung exceptionally well by Geeta Dutt & Lata. For once Lata remains a bit subdued , what with Geeta dominating so much with her exquisite ‘harkats’. I remember this song used to be the signature tune for one of Vividh Bharati’s earlier radio programs.
16. Kah Do Koi Na Kare Yahan Pyaar/ Goonj Uthi Shehnai/ 1959/ Rafi/Bharat Vyas ( Raag: Jogiya)
To bring out the pathos for the situation, Vasant Desai relies on the one and only Rafi -he had once termed him as a Gandharva ( Celestial singer ) who has been sent to earth! The first few lines the song starts with- “ Bikhar Gaye Bachpan Ke Sapne” pour out from Rafi’s heart and not his throat…
17. Dil Ka Khilona Hai Toot Gaya/ Goonj Uthi Shehnai/ 1959/ Lata/Bharat Vyas( Raag: Bhairavi)
Now it is the turn of Lata to render a heart-wrenching song. It is to the credit of Vasant Desai that he could make a sad song sound so melodious. It is also equally sad to note that somehow Lata Ji never mentioned much about Vasant Desai’s music-he had given some of her career best songs!
18. Tera Khat Leke Sanam/ Ardhaangini /1959/ Lata / Majrooh Sultanpuri
In this song, Vasant Desai shows his skill in composing simple , light song departing from the strong classically rooted ones that was his forte.
19. Sabko Pyaar Ki Pyaas/ Pyaar Ki Pyaas/1961/Lata & Rafi/Bharat Vyas
Even the good old Vividh Bharati who used to play such golden oldies seem to have completely forgotten this song. Only while working on this blog , I was able to listen to this after a long time. Lata & Rafi together with their trademark high octaves provide full justice to the song.
20. San Sanan Sanan Jaa Re O Pawan /Sampoorna Ramayan/1961/Lata ( Raag: Chandrakauns)
Considered among the best classical compositions in Hindi film songs, this is one more example of how we have almost forgotten such songs. It is not heard at all now-a-days My humble attempt through my blogs is to remind readers about such songs.
21. Baadalon Barso Nain Ki/ Sampoorna Ramayan/1961/Lata
From the same film , this is one more classical gem that is almost forgotten now.
Take note of the excellent use of string arrangement in the orchestration by Vasant Desai . Just out of the world!
22. Vandna Karo Archana Karo/ Ladki Sahyadri Ki /1968/ Pandit Jasraj/ Bharat Vyas
I am not sure about the statistics , but I think Vasant Desai must be having the unique distinction of working with maximum classical singers & instrumentalists in Hindi film music. This is one such gem , sung by the legendary Pandit Jasraj.
23. Ek Tha Bachpan /Ashirwad/1968/ Lata/ Gulzar ( Raag: Gujari Thodi)
The intrinsic nature of this tune will move even a stone-hearted person . The lyrics by Gulzar and Lata’s exceptional singing create a timeless song.
24. Jeevan Se Lambe Hai Bandhu/ Ashirwad/1968/ Manna Dey/ Gulzar
One of Manna Da’s masterpieces, Vasant Desai relies on a very simple instrumentation and percussion that perfectly matches the scene where a bullock cart takes us through the journey of life.
25. Bole Re Papihara/Guddi/1971/ Vani Jayaram/Gulzar( Raag : Miyan Ki Malhar)
We come to the last song in my selection and what a huge wave it created! Vani Jayaram became an overnight sensation all over the country with this one song. Though she made her career later in South Indian films, this song, along with Humko Man Ki Shakti Dena from the same film catapulted her into the film world.
As compared to many other songs of Vasant Desai, this one at least is being remembered by many and is popular even today in the South.
I do not know if I have been able to provide a proper tribute to the stalwart composer Vasant Desai with these 25 songs. It has been my personal belief that composers like Vasant Desai were so exceptionally talented that they composed very intricate tunes that many present-day singers cannot perform on stage or in the musical TV shows. This could be one reason why their songs are slowly fading away from the public memory. The best we can do is to listen to the original ones left behind as their gift to us.
Acknowledgements and Disclaimer:
I sincerely thank the publishers of following blogsites , authors & Internet sources for the information that I could gather for this article:
- You Tube
- Wikipedia
- Songsofyore blogsite
- Yesterday’s Melodies Today’s Memories- a book by Manek Premchand
- https://soundsofsonawade.com/
- http://www.chandrakantha.com
The songs mentioned are from the popular, public domain and have been mentioned / embedded 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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