Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s Music, Preeminent Part of Film “DOSTI”

Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music, preeminent part of film “DOSTI”  

Diwali of 1963 witnessed the emergence of the new music directors Laxmikant-Pyarelal through the super hit music of “Parasmani”.  Laxmikant-Pyarelal fourth film “DOSTI”, released around the Diwali of 1964.  It was Rajshri Films Second Film. During those time (early sixties) RajshrI films were operating from Madrass, now Chennai. Relatively new in the film production Producer Tarachand Barjatya of Rajshri Films wanted to established in the film industry. The film was directed by well known Director Satyen Bose. 

Black and White movie. No media publicity. . No Star… No Major Star… No Hero ….No Heroin…, No Villain and …..No Big Name at all. Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the new name in Hindi Film Music.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal music was the “STAR” of the film “DOSTI”.

Most of the prominent music directors of that time refused to score the music for this film as there was no star cast (two teenage unknown actors) and also they feel there was nothing in the film to compose the songs for Blind and Physically Disabled Children. But Laxmikant-Pyarelal took up the challenge and the film music became a History.

Starring Sudhir Kumar, Sushil Kumar, Nana Palsikar, Baby Farida and Sanjay Khan (who made his debut).

Songs the film DOSTI became a rage throughout the nation and continue to be played till today. Laxmikant-Pyarelal also proved that the songs of their earlier films, “Parasmani”, “Harischandra Taramati”, “Aaya Toofan”, “Sant Gyanewshwar” and “Sati Savitri” was not a “fluke”.

Rajashri Film’s “DOSTI” became super hit film of the year. It has a persuasive direction, potent acting by all the performers and the powerful music. The real “STAR” of the film was only Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music. B Grade and Low Budget film but the entire success of the film was carried away by Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s “MAGICAL MUSIC”.

DOSTI music put Laxmikant-Pyarelal in top music directors rank and made them a “household name” in the Indian film industry.

DOSTI was nominated for 7 categories and went on to win 6 filmfare award trophies.

Best Picture – Tarachand Barjatya

Best Story – Ban Bhatt

Best Music – Laxmikant Pyarelal

Best Lyrics – Majrooh Sultanpuri

Best Playback Singer Male – Mohammed Rafi

Best Dialogue – Govind Moonis

** This non-star film competed with the likes of Raj Kapoor’s ‘Sangam’ and won the Filmfare Award for the Best Film of the year.

** DOSTI music gave Laxmikant Pyarelal their first Filmfare Award, against the stiff competition from Raj Kapoor and Shankar-Jaikishan’s  “Sangam” Raj Khosla  and Madanmohan’s  “Woh Kaun Thi”

** Bengal Film Journalists Association Award for Best Hindi Film of the year.

** Dosti was recognized for its great humanism and its progressive theme at the 4th Moscow International Film Festival and other international film festivals.

“DOSTI” gave ‘name’ and ‘fame’ to both Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Rajshri Films (Tarachand Barjatya), as well.

The film was a great success and the credit goes to it’s immortal music. How to use “classical ragas” make it little simpler to create mass appealing and popular songs is a best example of “DOSTI” songs. Majarooh Sultanpuri have penned all the songs of the film.  Mohammad Rafi who sung as many as FIVE solo songs, was at its best. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed majority of the songs in “Pahadi Raag”.

It would be more proper to listen to the songs, listed below, after reading the write up, explaining peculiarities, for each song, you will enjoy the songs, more.

1   Chahunga Main Tuze …. (Mohammad Rafi)

The most famous song from the film. It starts with the sentimental “prelude”, full of FLUTE, in raag ‘pahadi’. BAMBOO FLUTE and VIOLINS are admirably executed in the all the ‘interludes’. SYMPHONY style VIOLINS are mellifluously used, as ‘filler’ at the end of each of ‘anara’ that is the ‘beauty’ of the composition. The song has excellent “DHOLAK” rhythm’.  Mohammad Rafi is simply outstanding in rendering. Initially this song was to be scrapped from the soundtrack. It was Rafi Saab who insisted Laxmikant-Pyarelal to retain the song and what a momentous decision that was from Dosti where there was no looking back. Rafi was so impressed with the compositions of Laxmikant Pyarelal that he had taken just one rupee for singing the song.

2   Mera To Jo Bhi Kadam Hai..Mohammad Rafi

Phenomenal crooning by Rafi Saab in Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s SYMPHONY style orchestra arrangements, full of CELLOs, VIOLINS and GUITAR, in ‘prelude’ and all the ‘interludes’. Don’t forget to listen to the ‘pause’ given at the end of each ‘antara’.

3 Koyi Jab Raah Na Paye.. Mohammad Rafi

Honeyed and melodious  composition, Rafi Saab is  singing from heart. The best part of the song is use of FLUTE with DHOLAK. In ‘interludes’ & ‘preludes’  ACCORDION, GUITAR and  MANDOLIN (prelude) are harmonically used simple but sweet orchestra arrangements with an awesome DHOLAK rhythm .

4 Janewalo Jara Mudake Dekho Muze.. Mohammad Rafi

Touching song with such message to all ……reminder for humanity & peace. Mind-Boggling take off by Rafi Saab, at end of ‘prelude’ (MOUTHORGAN), with ‘aalap’ synchronised with SYMPHONY VIOLINS.  MOUTHORGAN ( played by late R D Burman) is brilliantly orchestrated in all the first ‘interlude’ with VIOLINS. Second and third “interludes” brilliantly decorated with SYMPHONY style and GUITAR. It has a wonderful DHOLAK rhythm.

5 Rahi Manawa Dukhti chinta ….Mohammad Rafi

A Motivational Song. Once again High Quality composition. Astonishing use of SYMPHONY style orchestra arrangements in the song with MOUTHORGAN ( by R D Burman) and GUITAR.

6 Gudiya Hamse Ruthi Rahogi …. Lata Mangeshkar 

Very innocent song, pleasantly  sung and composed. It has been softly orchestrated with the excellent use of ACCORDION, FLUTE, GUITAR and MANDOLIN.

7 DOSTI Title track

 The MOUTHORGAN played by Mr. Milon Gupta who also played the Mouthorgan in Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s ‘Gandhi bula rahi hai’ from “DOST” 1974.

Ajay Poundarik

Atlanta (Georgia)

USA