Nastik (1955)
Nastik was made by Filmistan which emphasized music and entertainment as the most important elements of a movie. Series of movies made under this banner in 50's were based on this premise. Almost all of them were major hits. Nastik was written and directed by I.S. Johar. He also wrote its screenplay and acted in the movie as well. He made several movies for Filmistan which were all hits.
There are couple of songs in this movie that are just a standout. The duet by Lataji and Hemantji "Gagan Jhan Jhanaa Raha" is one of those temptuous song that it lingers in your mind for ever. It was composed so beautifully capturing the tempestuous atmosphere with Lataji clamoring for help from Gods in the heaven and Hemantji advising to be attentive in channeling the boat in the stormy weather. Then the song "Kitna Badal Gaya Insaan." The poet Kavi Pradeep who penned lyrics for the movie also sang this song. It is a beautifully done song. It was picturized in the movie in an overcrowded train where people were trying to find a place to sit or stand. A year earlier, Madan Mohan composed for "Railway Platform" (Sunil Dutt was introduced in this movie) a song written by Sahir Ludhianvi, "Kitna Badal Gaya Bhagwan" that was done in similar vein. Except the song in "Nastik" shows the other side of the same coin.
Now for the details of the songs and songs themselves ...