FARZ, 1967. Laxmikant-Pyarelal & Jeetendra:: Musical Bonanza

FARZ the film in which the real “STAR” was only Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music, when there were no BIG STARS acting in the film. Once again, the entire success of the film was carried away by Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s “MAGICAL MUSIC”. Music of “FARZ”, released in 1967, all the songs became extremely popular and proved to be the “crowd puller”.

Now this was the time when Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s music became an essential component of the every successful film. Big banners, prominent producers and directors wanted LP to score them for their respective films.

It is to be noted that 1967 was the year of Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the duo not only consolidated their position in hindi film music but also officially, became the “number one” music director of Bollywood music. In 1967 Laxmikant-Pyarelal gave series of MUSICAL HIT films like, “Anita”, “Night In London”, “Patthar Ke Sanam”, “Shagird”, “Jaal”, “Taqdeer” and “Milan”.

All these films, mentioned above, were successful and musical hits while BIG Names of Actor/Actress working in it. BUT in the same year, 1967, just around “Diwali” one NON-STARCAST, low budget film “FARZ” released.

“FARZ” was made in “James Bond” style and had no big names. It was actor Jeetendra and actress Babita’s second film. Both Jeetendra and Babita had not star value then. It was produced by Sunderlal Nahata & Doondy, the producers from South and directed by Ravikant Nagaich.

“FARZ” has SIX ‘ huge hit’ songs. All the songs became immensely popular. This film broke all the records of Pervious Hits of Laxmikant-Pyarelal. “FARZ” became the FIRST BIGGEST HIT in Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s carrier. “FARZ” celebrated ’golden jubilee” ( 50 weeks run) in almost all major cities of India.

“FARZ” made actor JEETENDRA a “STAR”. “FARZ” songs storm the nation. All the songs of FARZ are popular even today. Sometime it is hard to believe that Laxmikant-Pyarelal also had “Milan”, in the same year. The two movies music (‘Milan” & “Farz”) are so poles apart !

‘FARZ’ have six songs and most of them have a melody and mass appealing. Not only that the westernized background music is also excellent. It was matching to any of the James Bond Movies.

All the songs are written by Anand Bakshi. Let us review the songs …..

1) MAST BAHARON KA MAIN AASHIQ …Mohammad Rafi

The “prelude” of 49 seconds is just mesmerizing. VIOLINS, GUITARs and BONG DRUMS are excellently executed in the entire orchestra.

2) BAR BAR DIN YE AAYE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU..Mohammad Rafi.

Universally HIT as BIRTHDAY song. “Prelude” of 54 seconds set up the mood for this beautiful song. Wonderfully orchestrated with VIOLINS, ACOUSTIC GUITAR, PIANO and BONGO DRUMS in rhythm.Certainly orchestra arrangements have ‘SYMPHONY’ touch. Lyrics overflowing with Love, timeless masterpiece.

3) HUM TO TERE AASHIQ HAI SADIYON .Mukesh-Lata Mangeshkar

Evergreen and Ever-Fresh Popular. Melodious and Sweetly Composed Romantic Duet. “DHOLAK” rhythm” (theka) in the song has made an addict one.”Prelude” (34 seconds) and all the “Interludes” are wonderfully orchestrated.

4) TUMSE O HASEENA KABHI …Mohammad Rafi – Suman Kalyanpur

This song is mixture of Western and Indian ‘folk” tunes. Beautifully composed and awesomely filmed the dance performed by Babita and Jeetendra. “Prelude” of 32 seconds and all the “interludes” have mellifluous orchestra arrangements. The best part of the song is it’s “Postlude”, from 4.32 to 6.02…

5) DEKHO DEKHO JI SOCHO JI ..Lata Mangeshkar

One more ‘popular’ song with sweet melody. Typical Lata-LP flavor.

6) AAJA AAJA MERE PASS..Asha Bhonsle.

Beautifully sung cabaret song, SAXOPHONE, VIOLINS and GUITAR are worth to listen to in the song.

‘FARZ’ proved to be the biggest blockbuster film of the year 1967, even in the presence of Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s BIG Musical Hit films like L.V Prasad’s “Milan”, Raj Khosla’s “Anita”, Nadiadwalas’ “Patthar Ke Sanam”, S. Mukharjee’s “Shagird”, “Night In London” and “Jaal”.. “FARZ” also gave recognition to the pair of Jeetendra-Babita.

Ajay Poundarik