UNSUNG HEROES Options

[unni]

Part 1:

At some point of time during the last few years, in a moment of boredom I typed into the Google search-bar the names of some of the most famous of HFM artistes. Just to see if these search-engines were as far-reaching as they were touted to be. That’s how I came across a couple of sites devoted to the legends. Later I discovered “mohdrafi.com”. I don’t exactly remember when I noticed the “Hamara Forums” listing. But one day last March I clicked on the link and, lo & behold, here was this assembly of lunatics --- just my own type! That’s when I decided to enter Hamara Asylum.

But during the intervening period, while surfing the web for music-related info, I had stumbled upon some exchanges in what I thought were “discussion groups”. At that time I did not know they were known as “forums”. I came across bits & pieces of the “great debate” that had raged over the internet. Thankfully, I had missed it! But my reaction was one of pure amusement.

Apparently most of the participants were children at the time of Rafi-sahab’s demise. Some, in fact, might have been born just before or later than July 1980. Yet, these were the same ones carrying placards and banners and blowing trumpets, the card-carriers of the Rafi party and the Kishore party. I was reminded of a famous exchange during an election campaign debate between two Vice-Presidential hopefuls in the USA. The Republicans had projected Dan Quayle as a Kennedy-like persona, to which his Democrat rival Lloyd Bentsen countered with the now-famous lines, something on the lines of: “I knew John Kennedy, John Kennedy was a friend of mine, and you, sir, are no John Kennedy”! Something similar to that is what I would have liked to tell the young people who had engaged in an acrimonious debate, one which IMHO was totally unnecessary and unabashedly biased, even though some participants were admirably well-informed.

But the intent of this post is not to revive or revile the “great debate”. In fact, it is not even about the two characters who took center stage. Rather, it is to highlight that while all the attention was, and continues to be, riveted on Lata/Asha and the two giants, little is felt or said about those other great singers whose lives and careers and fame and fortune had been affected due to the immense success of the fab four. They were also artistes who made an immense and lasting contribution to HFM, to our love of music, to our fond memories. They were individuals whose roles have been under-valued, whose stature was diminished, and whose songs merely serve as a variation and counterpoint to the vaunted classics of the self-same giants.

Part 2

One of the most enduring images of Indian Cinema comes in black & white: Raj Kapoor and Nargis under an umbrella, strolling along wind-swept, rain-lashed streets, singing “Pyar huwa ikraar huwa hai”. Another classic duet picturized on that charismatic star-pair, “Yeh raat bheegi bheegi” remains a perennial favourite, a full half-century later, a “must” in any compilation of the greatest duets of HFM. And who gave vocal accompaniment to the incomparable Lata-ji to transform ditties into durables? Yet, when push came to shove, it was the voice of Mukesh-ji that was identified with Raj Kapoor. Even the producer of “Chori-Chori” questioned Shankar-Jaikishen on their choice of singer, only to retract his objections once he heard the recording by Manna Dey.

What sin did Manna Dey commit? Asha Bhosle is on record stating that he was not fluent in Hindi. But do we listeners detect any deficiency in Manna-ji’s diction? If it was said that Rafi-sahab could match Lata-ji note-for-note, didn’t Manna-ji match Rafi-sahab and Kishore-da note-for-note too? Was there ever any duet/group song he partnered another stalwart where one could point to any deficiency in Manna Dey’s rendering? Think of “Sarfaroshi ki tamanna” or “Yeh dosti hum nahin bhoolengey”. Though he failed to scale the rungs of popularity, it was not due to some lacking in his singing, which remained melodious, vibrant, and versatile. Was it perhaps that his voice did not sound a youthful, as romantic as those of his counterparts?

It was sad to see such an accomplished artiste reduced to the level of forking over “Main tere pyar mein kya kya na bana” (with Geeta Dutt in “ZIDDI”), picturized on the comedic couple? The very man who gave us “Sur na sajey”, “Ae mere pyaare watan”, “Poocho na kaise maine”, “Yaari hai imaan mera” ………..the list could go on and on.

The enduring artiste who sang at the first Filmfare Awards Nite (which Lata-ji sat out), received that long-overdue award decades later, for a song that, ironically, was also picturised on Raj Kapoor, sandwiching the Mukesh years beween “Awara” and “Mera Naam Joker”.

Let me go out on a limb: IMHO Manna Dey was arguably as good a singer as any of the giants. And I shall not even give Manna Dey an unfair edge by citing his classical training. Just that he did not win the overwhelming adulation and massive popularity that the others evoked.

Call it chance, call it luck, call it fate or fortune……perhaps Ganesh-ji counter-balanced the munificent blessings that Saraswati-ji had bestowed on him.
(TO BE CONTINUED)

[anurag]

Unni, did you write this piece above? If so, then I must say that I am mightily impressed.

I think that not just Manna Dey but there are some other singers also whose diction and various other positive attributes related to singing are close to being perfect or nothing less than those of some other accomplished ones. In the field of ghazal gaayaki, Mehdi hasan and Ghulam Ali also do n't have very youthful and romantic voices (though, their singing overshadows anything else) and this might be the reason why Jagjit singh whose voice is his forte remains more poupular with hoipolloi than them. Well, probably that's a highly simplified explanation - other reasons why JS might be more popular is that he made ghazals simpler so as to have a broader appeal and he also emphasised orchestration by bringing together a team of various instrument players including guitar. This last thing endured him to the younger audience. I know it coz I liked him when I was in my high school. Melody has also been a generous comonent in his compoition though I think his best was in early days of his career - "the unforgettables" which had gems like sarakti jaaye hai, kis ranjish ko, etc. probably was his best album.

Anyway, those are pretty hastily written opinions and one might disagree but I am here to learn more from all.

Waiting for your other parts...

anurag

[unni]

[anurag]

[QUOTE=unni,Jul 12 2004, 06:51 PM] [QUOTE=anurag,Jul 12 2004, 12:56 AM]
If memory serves me right, Binaca Geetmala (renamed Cibaca) was still being broadcast, and it seemed strange to me that non-film songs were being featured in it. Apparently, listeners wanted better lyrics, which they found in the form of ghazals. So, apart from Jagjit, other singers like Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali and later Pankaj Udhas found a receptive audience.
[/QUOTE]
Unni, I was too young then (probably not even born!) when these subtle but significant developments took place but were the ghazals included in the Binaca geet-mala programme non-film ghazals also or were they just from Films?

Another thing that I have wondered always is if the songs were ranked based on some form of direct or indirect public poll!

[unni]

[anurag]

Unni,

This is all very interesting info. Thank you.

Anurag

[unni]

UNSUNG HEROES:

Part 3:

In the absence of U/L's and D/L's, the quiet that currently prevails over HF gives me the opportunity to post some opinionated thoughts in continuation of the subject I embarked on over a month ago:

Whenever I come across the words "utimely death", I wonder "Is there such a thing as a "timely" demise"? Is it ever considered appropriate that he/she should have expired just at that time?

But it is never ever untimely to pay a tribute. Especially when the tribute is merited. When it not only honours the memory of the person, but also revives fond memories of what that person has contributed to enrich our own lives.

In a sense, the tribute I had in mind has already been paid by our fellow-member in reviewing the CD of one of Talat-sahab's live performances. It was so heartening to read the responses, particularly by those who were not very familiar with his songs.

Talat-sahab's voice, his singing style, his very personality and demeanour encapsulated the term "romanticism".

There is no risk of exaggeration here: his voice was unique, one-of-a-kind. Note, just about every other "legend" has been copied and imitated --- with the sole exception of Talat-sahab. His voice has been described as "velvet" and termed as "silken". I think of it as a silvery cadence, the voice of moonlight. And that characteristic tremor of the voice like a wafting breeze that rustles the leaves...."Yeh hawa, yeh raat, yeh chaandni"....

That was the easy part of the writing. Now comes the more delicate, painful part. To put across my thoughts without hurting any sentiments.

Long since the demise of the most popular male singers in HFM, we still come across debates about them. One in particular comes to mind: "Were the polls manipulated"? The issue really boils down to whether one was "cheated" of his rightful place? I had expressed my humble views in response, which perhaps (hopefully) brought that discussion to a dignified close.

But I now ask: "How come no such question reared up in the late 50's and early 60's"?

As HFM fans are well aware, Talat-sahab was at the height of his popularity during the late 40's through the 50's. His was the singing voice of the greatest actor of his era, Dilip Kumar. By his own admission, the actor himself believed that Talat-sahab's voice was best suited to him.

But then came a titan who strode across the musical landscape, and Talat-sahab was left in the shadows of that giant.

I am not suggesting for a moment that Talat-sahab could match the pitch and range and versatility of that genius. But surely, there must still have been some place, a very special place, for the individuality of Talat-sahab. Was there no song-situation where his talent could be utilized?

It required the boldness of a Madan Mohan to reward him and listeners with what was perhaps Talat-sahab's swan-song. The much-touted announcement by L-P to utilize his talents did not come to fruition. And despite exquisite lyrics conveying a poignant social message, Ravindra Jain's composition just wasn't heard.

Could we not have had more songs by Talat-sahab, to regale us with soft melodies of another time?

For that is what he represented: a genteel style, an old-world charm, a bygone age --- reminiscent of his own Lucknow.

[extenok]

Khushi Ke Saath Dunya Mein, Hazaaron Gham Bhi Hotay Haen
Jahaan Bajti Hae Shehnayee, Wahaan Maatam Bhi Hotay Haen

Maybe the reason for the question not arising back then was that the giant was too good for his times. And there was no equal to him. For a decade and a little more he ruled, unchallenged (though I believe he never was challenged). There is no denying the qualities Talat sahab's voice possessed, but the taste that it catered to did not any longer represent a huge portion of the market. You might say that good things never go out of style but then we are not talking about Talat sahab's voice being no longer good. Just simply that the average Hindi Film music listener was forced to listen to lesser pieces of music as compared to what he was getting to listen to a decade back in the 50s. Change is inevitable and the music industry changed with the changing times. But one would expect change to be for the better.

If you look at it from a commercial perspective and the change in taste of music listeners of the 60s. Or the general trend that was being followed, due to the western influences, Beatles, Elvis, etc. It all starts making sense why it was felt that Talat sahab's voice was no longer required. The soft melodies and the gentle voice of the Velvet Wonder did not fit in.

[cinemaniac2]

juda meri manzil juda meri rahen
milengi na ab teri meri nigahen
mujhe teri duniya se hai door jana
na jee ko jalana mujhe bhool jana

[issaque]

Hi,

So far I have heard just one song of Talat Sahab (Khuda Kare Ki Mohabbat Mein Yeh Maqam Aaye... Kisi ka naam loon lab pe tumhara naam aaye...), which is an absolute gem and I agree 100% that Talat Sahab had a great voice and I am little disappointed that we dont have dedicated forum for him. Can some find point me where I can download more of his songs.

thanks,

-Issac

[unni]

Issac-bhai:

I consider you a very fortunate person. For a whole 'new' treasury awaits you. I envy the delight you will experience in discovering each gem from that priceless collection.

To experience, to relish that exquisite artiste, you will need to mentally place yourself in a time-machine and travel back in time. To the days of black & white, to the days when just a few tongas frequented Marine Drive, then flanked by just two-storied buildings. To days when voice and melody "made" the song, when accompanying music was just that. When legends were in the making, just talented, ambitious, creative individuals, uncertain of their future.

I am glad you have brought this to our attention. We shall make it a point to upload the memorable songs of Talat Mahmood.

[extenok]

Issaque,

A search on Talat Mahmood requests found the following

Shuklas Thread

Chitralekha's Uploads

Some VERY Rare Gems By Cinemaniac2

My Talat Song Uploads

As soon as the uploading facility is restored, a number of posters including myself, Unni, Shuklas, Niras, Mohd2004 and maybe even Cinemaniac2 could help you by uploading popular numbers of Talat Mahmood.

You can also goto the official website for downloading songs which are changed weekly, through this URL:
http://www.talatmahmood.com/listen_to_audio.htm

Also, you can try listening to streaming songs by this artist on these websites:

http://hindifilmmusic.com/talat.htm
http://www.indianmelody.com/talatmahmood.htm
http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/s/?q...0Mahmood&c=0303

[issaque]

[issaque]

Hi Imranji (extenok),

(hope I got ur name right)

thanx for all the links, I will cherish all of them and the songs that all of you will be uploading...

thanx once again....

-Issac

[unni]