Pantomimist Sanjeev Kumar and Songful Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Versatile actor Sanjeev Kumar started his film career, with a limited role of police inspector, in the film ‘Hum Hindustani’, released in 1960. Sanjeev Kumar had to wait till 1965 when he started acting as a lead role in ‘Nishan’.
Affiliation of Sanjeev Kumar with Laxmikant-Pyarelal started with a superhit musical made by L V Prasad “Raja Aur Rank” released in 1968. Sanjeev Kumar have worked close to 30 films which has the music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Raja Aur Rank 1968
Satyakam 1969
Jeene Ki Raah 1969
Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke 1968
Khilona 1970
Devi 1970
Bachpan 1970
Man Mandir 1971
Subah-O -Sham 1972 ( Made and Partially Financed by Government of IRAN)
Suraj Aur Chanda 1973
Manchali 1973
Anhonee 1973
Shandaar 1974
Naya Din Nayi Raat 1974
Apne Rang Hazar 1975
Aakraman 1975
Do Ladkiyan 1976
Apnapan 1977
Iman Dharam 1977
Maan Apman 1978
Jaani Dushman 1978
Hum Paanch 1980
Jyoti Bane Jwala 1980
Waqt Ki Deewar 1981
Ladies Tailor 1981
Hero 1983
Bad Aur Badnam 1984
Qatl 1985
Laxmikant-Pyarelal have utilised following of the singers for Sanjeev Kumar
Mohammad Rafi
KIshore Kumar
Mukesh
Binaca Geetmala :-
Total 15 songs from Sanjeev Kumar films, music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, appeared in Binaca Geetmala Finals. The songs of Raja Aur Rank, Devi, Khilona, Suraj Aur Chanda, Manchali, Anhonee, Apane Rang Hazar etc. were regularly appeared in weekly countdown.
Major Binaca Geetmala Finals
1968 11th position Mera Naam Hai Chameli Raja Aur Rank
1970 5 th position Khilona Jaan Kar Tum To Khilona
1970 11th position Shadi Ke Liye Razamand Devi
1974 25th position Gham Ka Fasana Manchali
1974 25th position O Manchali Kahan Chali Manchali
1979 26th position Chalo Re Doli Uthao Jaani Dushman
Filmfare Awards.
1970 “Khilona” was awarded the best feature film.
Review of Sanjeev Kumar’s selected songs, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal
The orchestra arrangements in “preludes” and “interludes” used to be the assets of the songs composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. It would be more proper to listen to the songs after reading the write up, explaining peculiarities, for each of the songs, you will enjoy it more.
Raja Aur Rank 1968
The film is a story of a prince and a pauper. It is a Costume hindi movie, directed by K. P. Atma, for the producer L V Prasad (Prasad Productions) starring Sanjeev Kumar, Nazima, Nirupa Roy, Ajit, Kumkum and Mahesh Kothare (in double roll). It has very popular songs which carry the audiences to the cinema hall. Each and every song was hit.
-Tu Kitni Achchhi Hai O Maa ….Lata (most popular song on “MAA”, Mother.
-Mera Naam Hai Chameli…..Lata..(Lata – LP classic)
-Mere Raja Mere Lal...Asha -Usha
-Rang Basanti …Rafi-Lata
-O Kanhaiya ….Lata – Manna Dey
-Firkiwali Tu Kal Phir Aana… Mohammad Rafi (Anand Bakshi)
Super hit song, still popular, filmed on Sanjeev Kumar and Nazima.Romantically written, rendered and mellifluously orchestrated song. Rhythm of DHOLAK is worth listening to. Prelude and the interludes are excellently decorated with VIOLINS, GUITAR and BASS CLARINET.
Devi 1970
The film stars Sanjeev Kumar – Nutan. It has some melodious songs. The famous pop singer Usha Uthup (Usha Iyer) was introduced for the first time in this film.
-Ek Hai Sab Hindustani….Asha
–Kya Jhootha Lagta Hai ...Rafi
-Jogan Pritam Ki...Usha Iyer
-Shadi Ke Liye Raja Mand Kar Li… Mohammad Rafi (Anand Bakshi)
Hit song of the film. Filmed on Sanjeev Kumar – Nutan. Typical LP style composition with accordant DHOLAK / TABLA rhythm. Since it is a pre-wedding song SHEHNAI / NADASWARAM are orchestrated with VIOLINS, in both the interludes.
-Teri Haseen Nigahonk Ka.. .Mohammad Rafi – Lata Manngeshkar. (Anand Bakshi)
Sweet and melodious duet. Interludes are orchestrated with SITAR, symphony style VIOLINS, FLUTE, SHEHNAI / NADASWARAM and ACOUSTIC GUITAR. FLUTE is awesomely used as a ‘filler’ in ‘Mukhada’ .
Khilona 1970
It was a huge hit movie, made by L V Prasad (Prasad Productions). Sweet sounding music is an asset of the film. Both Sanjeev Kumar and Mumtaz with their powerful acting got the ‘star’ status. It was awarded, filmfare, the “best picture” of 1970. Actress Mumtaz also won the best actress filmfare award. an asset of the film. Sovereign direction from Chandan Vohra.
–Sanam Tu Bewafa Ke Naam Se….Lata
-Khush Rahe Tu Sada…….M. Rafi
-Main Sharabi Nahin….Asha-Rafi
-Ek Natak Kavi...Lata – Manna Dey
-Roz Roz Rozi...Asha – Kishore
-Khilona Jaan Kar Tum…..Mohammad Rafi (Anand Bakshi)
Famous song, title song, rendered by Rafi sahab with pain. No words to describe the elegance of Mohd Rafi. The song starts with the ‘aalap’. It has a wonderful DHOLAK rhythm. Interludes are beautifully orchestrated with SITAR, MANDOLIN, VIOLINS and SAROD. In the second interlude symphony, VIOLINa are tunefully synchronized with SHEHNAI.
Bachpan 1970
It was produced and directed by K P Atma. Starring Sanjeev Kumar – Tanuja. Good music.
-Mother Mary ..Lata
-Parda Uthne Wala Hai…Lata
-Are Munia Re Munia ...Kishore
-Aaya Re Khilone Wala ...Mohammad Rafi (Anand Bakshi)
Mohammad Rafi, Anand Bakshi and Laxmikant-Pyarelal at their melodious best. The ‘prelude’ of 24 seconds, full of FLUTE, Symphony Style VIOLINS set the mood of this sorrowful song. ‘Antara’ has a mellifluous filler of FLUTE. The beauty of this song is ::(From 1.38 to 1.50 ) Rafi Saab gives 4 seconds ‘pause’ to enjoy the SANTOOR. Then there is “rhythmic” ‘pause’ Rafi saab’s tuneful rendering and the ‘stroke’ of SANTOOR. Both the ‘interludes’ are orchestrated with symphony style VIOLINS and FLUTE. Song is filmed on SANJEEV KUMAR
Man Mandir 1971
Musical hit film starring Sanjeev Kumar-Waheeda Rehman
-Ai Meri Aankhon Ke Sapne...Lata-Mukesh (an excellent ‘lory’ / lullaby)
-Aa Aaja Abhi Nahin…..Kishore-Asha
-Munna Jayega Bazaar…Suman Kalyanpur
-Jadugar Tere Naina… Kishore Kumar – Lata Mangeshkar (Rajendra Krishnan)
An extremely melodious song. Breezing orchestra arrangements with the use of IRANI SANTOOR, SAXOPHONE and SYMPHONY style VIOLINS synchronised with BONGO/CONGA Drums rhythm. Sanjeev Kumar-Waheeda Rehman.
Suraj Aur Chanda 1973
Directed by T. Ramarao, it was a “King – Queen” drama starring Sanjeev Kumar and Rita Haskar with some very good song.
-Honi To Hoke Rahe …Mukesh-Lata
-Gaon Main Pipple...Rafi
-Tere Naam Ka Deewana. .. Mohammad Rafi (Anand Bakshi)
Melodious tune, beautifully orchestrated in Symphony style VIOLINS with traditional LP DHOLAK rhythm. Enjoy the ‘pause’ at 0.30 for 3 seconds highlighting the DHOLAK rhythm & SITAR, as filler. Interludes are instrumented with SHEHNAI / NADASWARAM, SANTOOR, SITAR and VIOLINS.
Manchali 1973
Producer – Director Raja Nawathe’s musical hit film. Sanjeev Kumar opposite Leena Chandavarkar. It was a comedy film, well directed and acted.
-Kali Kali Chume...Lata
-Tan Man Dhan Sab Hai Tera…Mukesh
-Mile Kahin Do Ajnabi…Kishore
–Ghum Ka Fasana Kishore Kumar-Leena Chandavarkar (Anand Bakshi)
Glamorous as well as effortless rendering by Kishore Kumar. Amorously supported by LEENA ji. Absorbing as well as entertaining DHOLAK rhythm. “Interludes” are euphonically orchestrated with GUITAR, SANTOOR, FLUTE as well as VIOLINS. Interestingly DHOLAK rhythm disappears in “Interludes”. Both Sanjeev Kumar as well as Leena Chandavarkar look glamorous.
-O Manchali Kahan Chali… Kishore Kumar (Anand Bakshi)
Super-hit song. Prelude of 34 seconds BASS GUITAR, VIOLINS, ELECTRIC GUITAR wonderfully synchronized with BONGO DRUM rhythm. Brilliant take off by Kishor Kumar.
ओ मनचली कहाँ चली…it has a BONGO DRUM rhythm. GUITAR sounds good as filler, after every word ओ मनचली कहाँ चली rendered by Kishore Kumar. First interlude is orchestrated with SAXOPHONE and VIOLINS.
Naya Din Nayi Raat 1974
Sanjeev Kumar in NINE different roles. Jaya Bhaduri was the leading lady. Was an average hit film with good music.
-Didi Teri Shadi...Lata
-Sanam Na Jao Abhi…Asha
-Main Wohi Wohi Baat…..Mohammad Rafi (Rajendra Krishnan)
Lively involved voice, supported by the great Saneev Kumar’s restrained but natural performance for this tipsy song. Enraptured “prelude” of 26 seconds full of IRANI SANTOOR, SAXOPHONE, ELECTRIC GUITAR, ACOUSTIC GUITAR and ACCORDION with the “boozy” entry from Sanjeev Kumar at the same time brilliant take off by Rafi Saab. “Interludes” are euphonically orchestrated with ELECTRIC GUITAR, ACCORDION, SYMPHONY VIOLINS and IRANI SANTOOR. Just listen to the second “interlude”delirious “aalap” by Rafi Saab, SYMPHONY VIOLINS and the awesome overlapping sound effect of IRANI SANTOOR with ACCORDION. In-spite of the use of western instruments the DHOLAK ‘rhythm gives you an ear-pleasing moment throughout the song.
-Krishna Krisihna Bolo Krishna…..Lata Mangeshkar- Kishore Kumar (Rajendra Krishnan)
One of the rarest of rare ‘devotional’ song sung by Kishore Kumar (with Lata Mangeshkar).
“Prelude” of 34 seconds is full of traditional religious instruments, sets the mood of this extremely melodious song. Kishorji’s beautiful take off, rendering, “Krishna Krishna” is a mesmerizer. Entire song is rendered in a ‘soft’ voice and on high pitch too. The song is orchestrated with SITAR and FLUTE with the ‘rhythm’ of MRIDANGAM. Another ‘beauty’ of this “Bhajan” is the overlapping sound effect of rendering of Kishoreji and Lataji, in different tunes and notes
Apne Rang Hazaar 1975
-Ganga Mein Duba Na Jamuna Main Duba…Lata Mangeshkar (Anjan)
The song, ‘prelude’ of 16 seconds, starts with ‘stroke’ IRANI SANTOOR followed by FLUTE awesomely synchronized with enthralling DHOLAK rhythm which is consistent throughout the song. The first ‘interlude’ is orchestrated with MANDOLIN, BRASS INSTRUMENT and VIOLINS. Second ‘interlude’ starts with VIOLINS and wonderful work on FLUTE and VIOLINS. Mellifluously rendered by Lata Mangeshkar. This beautiful song is filmed on Leena Chandavarkar & Sanjeev Kumar.
Jaani Dushman 1979
This was a horror film produced / directed by Rajkumar Kohlli. It was a musical hit.
-Tere Haathon Mein Pehna Ke Chudiya …Rafi-Asha
-Sare Rishte Naate ..Lata
-Aisi Waisi Na Samajh….Asha
–O Meri Jaan ….Kishore – Anuradha
-Sun Bhai Sadho….Mahendra-Kishore-Asha
-Chalo Re Doli Uthao …..Mohammad Rafi (Verma Malik)
Perfect wedding song. Orchestrated with SHEHNAI / NADASWARAM and VIOLINS. Wonderful DHOLAK rhythm.
Ladies Tailor 1981
It was an average hit movie with beautiful songs.
-Do Chahne Walon Ki Mulaqat Hai Wallah…..Mohmmad Rafi – Lata Mangeshkar (Majrooh Sultanpuri)
An extremely melodious song. ‘Prelude’ of 59 seconds starts with SARANGI, FLUTE and VIOLINS. It stops at 54, starts of DHOLAK rhythm, synchronised with the GHUNGROO BELLS, it’s one type of “pause” for 3 seconds. First interlude SARANGI, FLUTE synchronising with each other. VIOLINS synchronizing with SANTOOR. Third interlude starts with MANDOLIN, FLUTE, SANTOOR and VIOLINS. Last interlude FLUTE, VIOLINS, SHEHNAI. GHUNGROO BELLS continue to play with rhythm, throughout the song. It is filmed on Sanjeev Kumar and Reena Roy.
Ajay Poundarik, Atlanta, (Georgia), USA
Laxmikant-Pyarelal 