This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog. This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in sites like lyricstrans.com and ibollywoodsongs.com etc then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.
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Atul Song-A-Day 10K Song Milestone Celebrations – 1
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jiska hamen
thaa intezaar
jiske liye dil
thaa beqaraar
wo ghadi aa gayi aa gayi . . .
It is somewhat like the train approaching a station. I am very sure, all of us have had this experience, whenever we have gone to receive some body at the railway station, or gone to the station to start a train journey. There is a whole variety of actions and emotions we associate with this event. These days, the availability of mobile phones has made communicating much easier. But earlier it used to be different. One would start calling up the railway enquiry at least one hour before the expected arrival time. Connecting with that number and getting information used to be a trying task in itself. Then based on the information so received, one would plan to go to the station, depending on the distance. And we are all familiar with the pedantic and meticulous souls who would start this enquiry many hours in advance.
At the station, one could see many different ways people would be waiting for a train. Some people will crowd the enquiry window, wanting to check the status from the person sitting there, every five or ten minutes. Some others would be watching the large information boards near the entrance, where the arrival information would be displayed. They will just continue to stand and watch the display till the time of arrival, and the announcement of the platform number where it will come.
Some people would already be at the platform, trying to position themselves according to the expected place where a specific compartment will come to a stop. One can see people inquiring from the shopkeepers and chaiwallahs on the platform as to where the AC coach will come, or where the sleeper coach S-5 will come. Then there is another set of people who position themselves on the foot over bridges. For them, it is important and more satisfying to be able to see the train approaching from a longer distance, than what is visible from the platform level. It adds to their self importance to be able to see the train before others on the platform.
Some people, who are probably connecting for onward journey, are awaiting with their luggage and co-travelers. Some are on the platform, strategizing how to board the train with luggage and family. Then there are others who are relaxing in the waiting rooms. For them the only effort is to check with the waiting room attendant – “gaadi aaye to hamen ekdum bataana” (when the train arrives, please inform immediately).
As the time approaches for the arrival, there is once again continued checking of the watches and clocks. People awaiting the same train will converse – “time to ho gaya hai, pahunchi nahin” (it is time, but where is the train?), “ab tak to aa jaani chaahiye” (it should be here by now), and then get on to discuss the governance and politics in the country – “is desh mein trains ka to aisa hi hai ji” (well, such is the state of affairs of the trains in this country) etc. Then there may be a fresh entry of another person awaiting the train, and he is carrying the latest information, “aa to gayi hai, par outer pe khadi hai” (the train has come, but is waiting at the outer signal). Then another person will point to another train on another platform and say “wo jaayegi to track khaali hoga, phir cross kar ke idhar aayegi” (when that train leaves, the track will be clear to cross to this platform).
People have their ears pinned to the loudspeakers, listening to every announcement whether it is for their train. Then an announcement will be made, and that would bring relief or anxiety to the people waiting. Sometimes the announcement is of further delay, and one can see dejection on faces. Sometimes the announcement is a confirmation that the arrival is in just another five or ten minutes, so there are smiles and eagerness amongst those waiting. As soon as the final arrival announcement is made, then people waiting at the enquiry counter and in front of the announcement boards will start to rush inside to the platforms. Sometimes one can see people rushing inside, because they are late, and the train is probably already on the platform. And then there is another set of people who simply wait outside the station, not desiring to get into the melee of crowds. The arriving persons “baahar to aa hi jaayenge” (the arriving party will have to exit the station in any case).
Sometimes, the announcement says “ gaadi platform number do ke bajaaye platform number saat par aa rahi hai” ( train is now arriving on platform seven instead of platform two). With some irritation and some annoyance, people will make some remarks on the working of railways, and then a mass of people will quickly start rushing towards the foot over bridge to change the platform. And what of the people who choose to wait on the foot over bridge. Well they now have a smug all knowing smile of self importance “hamko to pataa thaa ji, platform badal jaayega” (see, I knew the platform will be changed).
There is a whole cosmos of emotions and experiences related to awaiting a train’s arrival. I am sure one can weave a whole screenplay into this scenario and make a film. Some examples can even readily be recalled. I can remember ‘Ijaazat’ (1987), a film that is played in flashback while the main protagonists are in the railway waiting room, Naseerudin Shah waiting for another train, another journey and Rekha waiting to be picked up, having reached her destination. And yes, also ‘Kora Kaagaz’ (1974), but I am not sure if the film starts with waiting for a train. I do remember that it ends while Jaya Bhaduri and Vijay Anand are in the railway waiting room.
The readers would have got the gist of where I am headed with this long winded opening of this write up. :) :). Yes, right, the train called the Merry Musical Bandwagon, that is happily chugging along under the stewardship of our dear ‘Gaanon Waala, Raanchi Waala’ is now approaching a very, very important station on its journey. The variety of emotions and sentiments that are associated with reaching this station, are well described above. :). Now the announcement can be made that the train is nearing the station, and within a short time (in our case, a few days more) it is going to come to the platform on the station called 10K Songs – ten thousand songs so lovingly collected, collated and arranged in such a joyful bouquet. Songs that pull at the strings of the heart and bring in memories that are decades old. Wonderful creations of musical artistry, intriguing penmanship, and the life expressed through such soulful rendering by voices – all of who have now become legends of history. Each one of them is a bright and shining star in this landscape of Hindi film music. And each song that has been created by them is a source of succor and joy for the lovers of this music.
With every century milestone that we have been touching in the past few months, the eagerness has been building up, and now the destination is clearly visible. Starting today, along with the regular posts, we are going to also be posting special write ups, associated with special songs that have been selected by our fellow travelers on this journey. And this build up is moving towards a special occasion – this train is reaching the platform of the 10 thousandth song.
The wait has been long. A little over two and half years ago, on 13th November, 2011, this train had reached its five thousandth song – “Hamen To Loot Liya Mil Ke Husn Waalon Ne” . When this journey started in 2008, there were no big dreams or visions of a compilation of a historical repository on this scale. Before the posting of the iconic qawwaali from ‘Al Hi Laal’ (1958), there was probably no notions of such a grand collection. Once we hit the 5,000th post on this blog, I believe it was the first time that a murmur of a discussion started, saying that 10,000 songs is a plausible destination to reach. Every journey is accomplished one step at a time. If the distant horizon seems too daunting, the best thing is to put the head down and concentrate on taking one step at a time. I am sure we will have Atul ji write more about his perspective on this journey.
And so the blog progressed and prospered, one song at a time. Sometimes in between, when century milestones were posted, some of us would comment on getting to the ten thousandth song. Once we crossed the 7,500th and then the 8,000th post, the reference to the ten thousandth post became a regular part of comments and congratulatory messages.
There are two parts of this story, that have together made it possible. This whole continuing endeavor would not have been possible, but for the lively, endearing and selfless participation of this team of music lovers. The energy, the enthusiasm, the caring, and the wealth of contributions from our entire team has to be seen to be believed. I can speak for myself. I have been part of some very large team efforts trying to achieve various objectives. But the performance of this team of contributors is unique, and surpasses anything in my experience, in terms of the sustained and wholehearted participation. I humbly salute each and every member of this team. I believe that as a friend, each member on this team is worth his or her weight in gold.
The second part of the story is like the string that holds together a bouquet of flowers, and the flagpole atop which the flag is fluttering. For the viewer, the immediate attention is caught by the colorful flowers in the bouquet, or the flag that is fluttering in the wind. It is only after some contemplation that one realizes – the bouquet will not be what it is without the arrangement that holds it together, and the flag will not be flying so high, but for the flagpole that stands firm on the ground. I believe the most remarkable aspect of this effort is the indefatigable stewardship and unfaltering tenacity of dear Atul ji, whose hard work and whose abilities are now a legend. I will just put in some numbers here for perspective. By this time, we have a little over 1,830 posts contributed by the team members. As for lyrics, we have a little over 3,340 lyrics that have been contributed by the team. (And that with some overlaps). Considering that we are now nudging the ten thousandth post, just imagine where the rest of the posts and lyrics have come from. Yes, from the time and effort of the person, whose name is never posted. Every contribution by a team member is acknowledged. But for Atul ji himself – now what more shall I say. Even the analogy of the flagpole pales in comparison. And it is with a very humble feeling that I doff my cap and bow my head to this amazing person. It is said that the truth is at time stranger than fiction. I could not agree more with this. The reality of the effort and the achievement definitely remarkable and marvelous.
I return to the intent of this write up once more. :)
With this post we are inaugurating the series that is now the remaining journey to 10K. In the coming days, we have lined up interesting songs and accompanying write ups by almost all contributors, as we move towards the significant 10K target. On the way, we will be ruminating and remembering some history of the blog, and we shall also try to catch in some regular anniversary and century celebrations. And so, watch this space.
To kick off the celebrations, here is a fabulous gem of a dance song. It is zestfully sung by Geeta Dutt for an obscure film from 1959 – ‘Lady Robinhood’. There is an interesting anecdote about how I got hold of the songs of this film. From the earlier decades, there is also another film by this name, from 1946. Now that film (from 1946) is possibly the first film for which Chitragupt has composed music as an independent music director. I was searching for the songs of this earlier movie, in the interest of getting to the debut film of Chitragupt. I find that those songs are not yet traceable. I then checked with my collector friend, and he readily responded that he has some songs for that film. I was overjoyed, and requested for him to make a copy for me. He did, he sent them to me. And I listened, only to find out that the songs he sent me are from the 1959 film and not from the 1946 film. I called him, and on hearing me, he apologized that probably he had made an error and that he does not have the songs from the 1946 film.. And so, the songs of the 1946 film are still to be traced. But the definite upside of this story is that I was able to lay my hands on some songs of this obscure film from 1959, that turn out to be marvelous gems in their own right. Today, I post the first song of this film on our blog. More to follow in time. :)
One reason to pick this special song is to remember music director Sardul Kwatra, who passed away this day in 2005. The life and career of Sardul Kwatra is an interesting study of a handsome and romantic personality with a penchant for creating wonderful music. However, success in the grade A level of the industry was not to be his destiny. He created music for about 50 films, almost a half and half mix of Hindi and Punjabi films. Not finding success in career, he made a choice to leave Bombay in the late 1970s, and came to settle in Chandigarh where he started a school for music and acting. All his life, he had a reputation of being a ‘ladies man’, an aura and a compulsion that made him eventually move to the US. The details are sketchy, but he finally left this mortal world, emotionally frustrated and financially a wreck. There is a detailed article about him on this blog, accompanying the song “Aa Gaye Aa Gaye Aa Gaye” , that you can review for a more detailed story of his life and career.
The film ‘Lady Robinhood’ is a production from the banner of Rekha Chitr, produced by Pannalal and directed by BJ Patel. The cast of actors includes Samar Roy, Rajan Kapoor, Mehru, Nilofer, Mirajkar, Tuntun, Shakeela Bano Bhopali, Shri Bhagwan, Balbeer, Nazeer Kashmiri, Ram Raseela, Devchand, Moolchand, Abdul Sattar, Rafiq, Nandini, Vidhya Vilas, Sheila, Mastan, Ameer Mohammad, and Mohammad Sandow etc. The film has six songs written by five poets – Anand Bakshi, Azeez Kashmiri, Shakeel Numani, Bekal Amritsari, and Bandhu. This song is from the pen of Bandhu, a name that I am encountering as a lyricist for the first time. The singing voice is that of Geeta Dutt accompanied by chorus.
Hula Hoop is a toy hoop that is used as a game, an exercise tool, and as a dance accompaniment. Historically, one finds reference to such toys in many cultures around the world. It was in the late 1950s that it was formally introduced into the US market, in the form it is known today. The introduction of this in the market was followed by it becoming popular as a dance accompaniment, and a number of dance steps and dance forms got created for it. In the closing years of 1950 and the first half of 1960, Hula Hoop was a very popular dance in the west.
Going by the fact that this song is from 1959, apparently the popularity of this item also arrived in India. I cannot readily recall the specifics, but I do remember seeing Hula Hoop being used in some group dance items in films from that time. So this song is sort of an introduction to the hoop and the Hula Hoop dance, into India. The words of the song urge the listener to bid a good bye to Rock n Roll, now that Hula Hoop is here. Gosh, the trivialities of life; did not last long and soon faded from popularity I guess.
But then we are more interested with the song and the music, which is definitely peppy and playful. And so, I know you have been reading for quite a while now. I will get out of the way, by just saying welcome to the 10K celebrations, with this foot tapping and frisky song.
Listen and enjoy.
Song-Ramba Samba Rock n Roll (Lady Robinhood)(1959) Singer-Geeta Dutt, Lyrics-Bandhu, MD-Sardul Kwatra
Chorus
Lyrics
ramba samba rock n roll
kar le apna bistar gol
ho ramba samba rock n roll
kar le apna bistar gol
aaya
aaya
e lo aaya hula hup
hula hup
o hula hup
hula hup
hula hup
hula hup. . .
ramba samba rock n roll
kar le apna bistar gol
aaya
aaya
e lo aaya hula hup
hula hup
o hula hup
hula hup
hula hup
hula hup. . .
left chalaao
right chalaao
left chalaao
right chalaao
peechhe jaao
aage aao
ghoomo jhoomo round lagaao
khelo luk chhup
o hula hup
o hula hup
hula hup
hula hup
hula hup. . .
ramba samba rock n roll
kar le apna bistar gol
aaya
aaya
e lo aaya hula hup
gora mukhda
arre zulfen kaali
gora mukhda
zulfen kaali
teekhe teekhe nainon waali
dekho naachen nakhrewaali
bolo kyun ho chup
o hula hup
o hula hup
hula hup
hula hup
hula hup. . .
ramba samba rock n roll
kar le apna bistar gol
aaya
aaya
e lo aaya hula hup
o dilwaale
arre bhole bhaale
o dilwaale
bhole bhaale
baat samajh le aankh mila le
naach le gaa le mauj udaa le
kar. .rr sab ko chup
o hula hup
o hula hup
hula hup
hula hup
hula hup. . .
ramba samba rock n roll
kar le apna bistar gol
ho ramba samba rock n roll
kar le apna bistar gol
aaya
aaya
e lo aaya hula hup
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Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
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रम्बा सम्बा रौक एन रोल
कर ले अपना बिस्तर गोल
हो रम्बा सम्बा रौक एन रोल
कर ले अपना बिस्तर गोल
आया
आया
ए लो आया हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
ओ हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प॰ ॰ ॰
रम्बा सम्बा रौक एन रोल
कर ले अपना बिस्तर गोल
आया
आया
ए लो आया हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
ओ हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प॰ ॰ ॰
लेफ्ट चलाओ
राइट चलाओ
लेफ्ट चलाओ
राइट चलाओ
पीछे जाओ
आगे आओ
घूमो झूमो राउंड लगाओ
खेलो लुक छुप
ओ हुल्ला हुप्प
ओ हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प॰ ॰ ॰
रम्बा सम्बा रौक एन रोल
कर ले अपना बिस्तर गोल
आया
आया
ए लो आया हुल्ला हुप्प
गोरा मुखड़ा
अरे ज़ुल्फें काली
गोरा मुखड़ा
ज़ुल्फें काली
तीखे तीखे नैनों वाली
देखो नाचें नखरेवाली
बोलो क्यूँ हो चुप
ओ हुल्ला हुप्प
ओ हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प॰ ॰ ॰
रम्बा सम्बा रौक एन रोल
कर ले अपना बिस्तर गोल
आया
आया
ए लो आया हुल्ला हुप्प
ओ दिलवाले
अरे भोले भाले
ओ दिलवाले
भोले भाले
बात समझ ले आँख मिला ले
नाच ले गा ले मौज उड़ा ले
कर्र॰॰ सब को चुप
हुल्ला हुप्प
ओ हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प
हुल्ला हुप्प॰ ॰ ॰
रम्बा सम्बा रौक एन रोल
कर ले अपना बिस्तर गोल
हो रम्बा सम्बा रौक एन रोल
कर ले अपना बिस्तर गोल
आया
आया
ए लो आया हुल्ला हुप्प
