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Great discoveries – Great songs

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Discoveries

Through our parent website Hamara Forums, our main website and with help from various kind music lovers, we have “discovered” or re-discovered some very rare and melodious songs of our beloved singer Geeta Dutt ji. These songs were recorded more than fifty plus years ago. Some of them even did not see the light of the day. Through the collaborative effort of our mentors, guides, friends, record collectors and SIRC we have unearthed these hidden gems. This is an effort to compile some of them in the form a single post so that we all can enjoy them in a convenient manner.

1) Vande Mataram : Geeta Roy, G M Durrani, Pramodini Patkar – Vande Mataram, Non film recording, MD: Gyan Dutt, Lyrics: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay ji. The song was recorded by H.M.V. on record number N 36170 in the year 1950.

2) Badhubaran song:Geeta Dutt got a role in a Bengali film titled Badhu Baran in the year 1967. The film was direceted by Dilip Naag. The film introduced Rakhee (who later became Rakhee Gulzar and went on to become a popular actress in Hindi films) to the film world. The film was made by D.S. Productions and was released at Rupabani, Bharati and Aruna theaters in Kolkata. The story, the screenplay and the lyrics of the film were by Shyamal Gupta. Tne cinematographer of the film was Soumendu Roy. The film’s art direction was done by Satyen Roy Choudhury. The film was edited by Haridas Mahalanbis and Harinarayan Mukherjee. The film was distributed by Chandimata Films Pvt. Ltd.

The film had an impressive star cast in Pradeep Kumar paired with Geeta Dutt. The film also starred Ajoy Biswas, Rakhi Biswas, Bikash Roy, Jahar Ray, Geetali Ray, Jibe Bose, N. Viswanathan, Gita Dey, Amar Ganguly, Abhi Bhattacharya, Bharati Devi etc. Based on the available information, the film did not do to well at the box office. A good amount of interest was among the music and film lovers who watched this film to see their favorite singer Geeta Roy acting in a film. The film ran for about 5 or 6 weeks or so in Kolkata.

The music of the film was composed by the legendary and brilliant composer Kamal Dasgupta and had songs sung by leading Bengali singers Manna Dey , Feroza Begum, Shyamal Mitra, Arati Mukherjee , Arun Datta and of course Geeta Dutt herself. It is a pity that the composer chose to have Geeta sing just one song for this film. The song she sang is “Amar alor o shishu o andhar ja” and was released on record number N 77083. This turned out to be Geeta Dutt’s last recording in a Bengali film (she did sing some non-film Bengali songs till 1971 though).

3) Hindi song in Bengali film: Tere Liye Aaya Hai Le ke Koi Dil – Hindi Song in Bengali Film, Gali Theke Rajpath (1959), Singer: Geeta Dutt, Composer: Sudhin Dasgupta, Lyrics: Naqsh Lyallpuri, Picturised on: Helen, Uttam Kumar

Better quality audio from the 78 RPM record is here

4) Rare Marathi non-film songs: Song number one – Ambabai cha jogwa – Marathi non-film – Geeta Dutt , Lyrics – Anant Gogte , MD – Nishikant Bharti.

Song number two – Jai maartand jai malhaar – Marathi non-film – Geeta Dutt , Lyrics – Anant Gogte , MD – Nishikant Bharti.

5) Un-released song from the film Gauri: This is our biggest discovery so far. Geeta Dutt : Jaani bhromara kaino – Song from the unreleased film Gauri. Only if the film Gauri was made, we would have seen our beloved Geeta ji on the screen singing this song “Jaani Bhromora Keno” recorded on the 13th Nov 1957.

6) First song with Naushad sahab: This is the first song Geeta ji sang for Naushad sahab. It is filmed on Shyama for the film Dillagi (1949). This is a tandem version of the more famous version of the same song sung by Suraiya and Shyam.

7) Video of the Parineeta song: We searched for this video and recently found it on the VHS tape.


We will keep updating this post as more and more songs (audio and video) are discovered.

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Essence of Geeta Dutt : Program in Mumbai on Saturday 1st June 2013

Monday, May 27th, 2013

Program banner

This one is going to be one big treat for Mumbai fans of Geeta Dutt…the legend, the enigma, the voice, the persona! She has been one of the most loved singers of yesteryears. Be it ‘Nanhi Kali sone chali’ or ‘Mera naam chin chin chu’ or ‘Waqt ne kiya’, she made each song come alive with her unique rendition. Liineage presents the magic of Geeta Dutt’s songs in the mellifluous voice of Shoma Banerjee. Shoma is a well known singer having been in the industry for the last 15 years. She started with SaReGaMa and went on to do playback for music directors like AR Rehman. Shoma is the perfect voice to recreate the magic of Geeta Dutt. She is being ably supported by Shiv Prasad Mallya, another prolific singer.
So Mumbaikars, get ready to revisit the Black and White era and immerse yourself in the magic of the songs of Geeta Dutt in an evening of unprecedented musical bliss! Tickets available on www.bookmyshow.com, Rhythm House and Rangsharda, Bandra-W.

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Government of India releases a Postal stamp on Geeta Dutt ji

Monday, May 13th, 2013

Stamp

“Yaad karoge , yaad karoge, ek din humko yaad karoge”.

The Government of India , as a part of their series to celebrate 100 years of Indian Cinema, releases a stamp on legendary singer Geeta Dutt ji. Without any group/person canvassing for her name and she being out of the limelight for more than 40 years, it truly shows her talent and popularity that the GOI issued a stamp in her name.

In the year 2006, there was a news about a stamp to be released on her name. We could not confirm whether the stamp was actually released or not, but finally on 100 years of Indian cinema, they have issued one in her name
This is the link to that discussion

http://www.hamaraforums.com/lofiversion/index.php?t23616.html

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Classical songs with a touch of feelings..

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

Geeta Dutt

Indian film and non-film music has a great base in the heritage of the Indian classical music. A saying in Sanskrit defines “Raaga” as “Ranjayati Iti Raagah”… It means, whatever “Colours Up” our mind is a “Raaga”. A Maestro may define “Raaga” in assorted ways giving importance to the grammar of Indian music but this is perhaps the best definition of “Raaga” for an amateur.

Although it is said that Geeta Ji’s was not a voice which had gone broad as a consequence of painstaking practice of Classical Music, she had sung few Classical Based songs with excellence. Geeta Ji was indeed a singer whose singing was always “effortlessly effective” and the fact remains unchallenged even in cases of certain complex classical rooted numbers! By her inherent talents, Geeta Ji truly “Colours Up” our minds in her renderings of “Raaga Based” Songs…

Presented below is a non-comprehensive list of “Classical Based Songs” rendered by Geeta Ji. One can never deny that the singer truly has a very special appeal on us through every Raaga she sings!

Raaga : Sharang

The “Sharang Raaga” is thought to have been derived from the “Shalag Raaga”. Although it has traditionally been considered as Rain Raaga, it also expresses other moods! Experiments on Sharang have created many subdivisions of the raga, few of them being “Shuddha Sharang”, “Gaud Sharang” and “Brindabani Sharang”. “Brindabani Sharang” is a popular Raaga used in Hindi Films seems to be influential in certain songs of Geeta Ji too.

We also see the use of “Gaud Sharang” in one of Geeta Ji’s songs. Whenever some situation in a film required expression of overflowing jovial restlessness, the composers had full faith in “Sharang”…

1. Jhanan Jhanan Jhanwa (Geeta Dutt) (Mangala-1950) (Brindabani Sharang)(Composer : M.D.Parthasarathi)

Whilst “Jhanan Jhanan Jhanwa” goes on, we see the young and frolicsome Mangala performing her daily chores and having completed making butter, tasting a bit to confirm its sweetness… Then the excited girl calls for her Lord, the naughty Krishna to taste… By her admirable rendering, Geeta Ji (and of course Bhanumathi on-screen) creates a delightful scene… The music director, very appropriately makes use of the restless “Brindabani Sharang” in this beautifully worded song, to incite the listeners. And Geeta Ji, through her ever-colorful and free-flowing voice, lets us understand the emotional status of the on-screen Mangala, right at the beginning of the film…

2. Dekho Jadu Bhare More Nain (Geeta Dutt) (Aasman-1952) (Gaud Sarang)(Composer : Omkar Prasad Nayyar)

The song “Dekho Jadu Bhare More Nain” too we once notice the fast tempo just as in “Jhanan Jhanan Jhanwa” or “Rang Birangi Phoolon Ki”. An appreciable synchronization of various instruments such as the violin and the flute adds beauty to the song too. Is this also not a romantic song as the above… Imaginations guided by deep emotions? Geeta Ji renders the song as excellently as she did the former ones! Jumping from one note to another in “Drut Teentaal” so freely! Does the song not force out a childish friskiness from our hearts?

A Touch Of Sharang

1. Piya Aiso Jiya Mein Samaye Gayo Re (Geeta Dutt) (Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam-1962) (Composer : Hemant Kumar)

Don’t we feel, while listening to “Piya Aiso Jiy Mein Samaye Gayo Re” and visualizing the scene where Chhote Bahu (actress Meena Kumari) waits on for her husband to come, restlessness? Although not as much as the “Aasman” or “Mangala” song does, this song indeed brings an excitement to our minds when we hear it. Hence we find a touch of “Sharang” or being more specific, “Brindabani Sharang”. But the song only partially follows the notes of the “Kafi Thaat” to which the particular Raaga belongs to. Hence we can not refer to it as a Raga-Based song despite the influence of “Sharang”!

Raaga :Multani

It is believed that the “Multani Raga” was created by Shekh Bahauddin Jawkria of Multan. It is a peaceful Raaga and follows the notes of “Todi”. However “Multani” does not use Rishabh and Dhaibat during Aarohan, which “Tori” does. Also, if “Tori” begins from Uttarmandra then “Multani” begins from Abhirudgata (Nishad before the Starting Shadaja of “Tori”). Unlike “Todi” and her sisters “Saheli Todi”, “Gujari Todi”, etc who like to go to temple early morning and sing Bhajans, the cousin “Multani” prefers the daytime heavy classical. As yet, one song by Geeta Ji has been found to have a “Multani” base.

1. Lag Gayi Aankhiyan (Geeta Dutt & Mohammad Rafi) (Jeevan Jyoti-1953) (Compser : Sachin Dev Burman)

This song goes on a light folk base with Geetaji, Rafi Sahab, Burman Da and last but not the least the harmonium player creating the magic! The singers are successful in conveying the feeling of the song. The composer very appropriately uses the Raga to render this folk-based song. Burman Da very effectively mingles the folk style and the Raaga to create this immortal song and Geeta Ji renders it in the most auspicious way, so does Rafi Sahab who gets comparatively fewer lines to sing.

Raaga : Aashavari

“Aashavari”, sung in the “Third Prahar” of the morning, is Raaga which bestows seriousness or sometimes, sadness. It is supposed to have originated in Orissa. “Aashavari” shares similarities with Raaga Jaunpuri, but is not as complex as the latter. The most popular “Raaga” of the “Aashavari Thaat” in Hindi Film Music is “Darbari Kannada”. However, Hemant Kumar chooses to use the “Thaat” in its purest form and gives us two songs to enjoy in the evergreen voice of Geeta Ji!

1. Na Yeh Chand Hoga Na Taare Rahenge (Geeta Dutt) (Shart-1954) (Composer : Hemant Kumar)

When we hear “Na Yeh Chand Hoga Na Taare Rahenge” from “Shart” we realize how deep a saying can be. Its captivating tune, which applies the grave “Aashavari” reminds us of depth… Does it not? The feeling of the song is furthermore helped to be exposed by the slow paced rhythm. Of as usual, Geeta Ji, who always sang “Straight from the Heart”, sings this song submerged into depths of feeling and we get an evergreen hit! By means of its clearly engraved tune, this song succeeds in forecasting a reassuring avowal of enduring love…

A rare video clip of the second part of this song is here

2. Tum Aur Hum (Geeta Dutt & Hemant Kumar) (Fashion-1957) (Composer : Hemant Kumar)

In “Tum Aur Hum” we hear the application of fast rhythm over “Aashavari”. We also have both Geeta Ji and Hemant Kumar singing! In case of “Na Yeh Chand Hoga” the two are not actually juxtaposed but individually declare enduring love whereas this song has the two lovers together. Perhaps the togetherness brings in the excitement and the composer uses a “Drut Taal”. Geeta Ji with her carefree singing and Hemant Kumar with his extremely romantic voice successfully renders this beautiful song which is nothing but musically declaring imaginations, profoundly rooted in deep emotions…

Raaga : Jaunpuri

Supposed to have originated from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, “Raaga Jaunpuri” from the “Aashavari Thaat” is not much differentiated from the purest form of the Thaat or “Raaga Aashavari”. It is usually performed in the “Third Prahar” of the day. One of the early songs of Geeta Ji’s is seen to have been greatly influenced by “Raaga Jaunpuri”.

1. Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol Re (Geeta Dutt) (Jogan-1950) (Composer : Bulo C Rani)

“Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol” is an extremely significant song in Kidar Sharma’s “Jogan”. It is heard in the very beginning of the film and gives us a sketchy idea of the focal theme of the story. It’s nothing but a divine imagery of uniting with the Lord. In her virgin voice young Geeta Roy beautifully renders the song and captivates her listeners in a moment. Legendary singer Juthika Roy had been famous singing this Bhajan and so did the beautifully worded and composed song add to making Geeta Roy a legend.

Raaga : Jogia

“Jogia” is a Raaga from the “Bhairav Thaat”. It is sung in the “Second Prahar” of the day which is early morning. “Jogia” creates a highly divine atmosphere and has been appropriately used in a devotional song sung by Geeta Ji early in her career for “Jogan”.

1. Uthat Chale Avadhoot (Geeta Dutt & Co-Singer) (Jogan-1950) (Composer : Bulo C Rani)

This song has been used in two scenes of “Jogan”, both demonstrating pains of separation. In the first, Devotee Meera moves away from a particular place where the lead actor met her. The second usage of the song has been in the scene where Meera Devi takes her final departure in order to perpetually unite with her Lord. Young Geeta Roy creates a very emotional environment by her rendering of this song and so does the on screen Dilip Kumar with his skills in acting. We are not able to find video/audio of the second part as of now.

Part-1:

Part-2:

Raga : Maand

“Raaga Maand” is believed to have its origin in folk music of Rajasthan. It is a Raaga used to create a highly devotional atmosphere. Bulo C Rani had given Geeta Ji a song based on “Maand” in “Jogan”. It is the very famous Bhajan “Aeri Mein To Prem Deewnai”. The warmth of “Maand” shines through the song and its beauty induces a longing for divine love.

1. Aeri Mein To Prem Deewnai (Geeta Dutt) (Jogan-1950) (Composer : Bulo C Rani)

“Aeri Mein To Prem Deewani” as used in “Jogan” is a Bhajan being sung by Meerabai which continuously grabs the attention of the agnostic hero of the film. It is important to note that it is actually Geeta Ji who immediately attracts our attention by the charming rendering of this beautifully worded song.

Part:1

Part: 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLxpu_1iLr8

Acknowledgements:

Concept and research : Sachin Godbole

Development and poetic expansion : Sounak Gupta

We are grateful to our dear friends Sachin and Sounak for coming up with this authentic research based article on classical based songs of Geeta ji.

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Aaj nahin toh kal, bikharenge yeh baadal…

Thursday, February 21st, 2013

Hope

A song that has a power to heal.

Hope is one of the most powerful medicine to cure the mind. Bramha Kumaris is a Spiritual organization committed to self transformation through meditation and positive thinking. They use this song for meditation to sooth the souls.
At a personal level, I have myself listened to this song during difficult times.

Song-Aaj nahin to kal bikhrenge ye baadal
Film : Naagmani (1957)
Singer-Geeta Dutt,
Lyrics-Kavi Pradeep,
MD-Avinash Vyas

Here is rough transliteration of this inspirational song with the lyrics:

Aaj nahin to kal,
bikhrenge ye baadal
O raat ke bhoole huye musaafir,
subah huyi ghar chal
ab ghar chal re

In the very near future, the (dark) clouds (of uncertainty, unhappiness, miseries) will fade away. It is a bright morning, so the traveller lost in the (darkness of) night, let us go home (get back with life).

jod le phir se tooti mamta,
baandh le prem ki dori
zindgaani se door bhaagna
hai mann ki kamzori
ye sab dukh ke pal,
ek din jaayenge tal
O raat ke bhoole huye musaafir,
subah huyi ghar chal
ab ghar chal re

Let us reconnect with the broken relations, establish the bonds. Running away from life (and its problems) is nothing but the weakness of the mind. All these moments of unhappiness will go away very soon. It is a bright morning, so the traveller lost in the (darkness of) night, let us go home (get back with life).

dhadhhak raha sansaar hamaara,
dooba bhaagya sitaara
kise pata hai, iske bheetar
kya hai Prabhu ka ishaara
chinta chhod sakal,
har mushqil hogi sehal
O raat ke bhoole huye musaafir,
subah huyi ghar chal
ab ghar chal re

The whole life will always be burning with problems and issues. We feel that the good luck is shying away from us. We do not know what God is planning to do behind the scenes. Let us stop worrying about the things in life, every problem will get its solution (in the due course of time). It is a bright morning, so the traveller lost in the (darkness of) night, let us go home (get back with life).

jeewan ek sangraam hai Jogi,
sankat se kya darna
bhav-saagar mein bhanwar bichhi hain,
hans hans paar utarna
ab to zara sambhal,
tera jaayega bhaagya badal
O raat ke bhoole huye musaafir,
subah huyi ghar chal
ab ghar chal re

The life is an ongoing fight (with bad elements) , so we should not get worried by the difficulties in the life. This life is like an ocean with difficulties everywhere around you. We need to have a smile on our face and cross this ocean (to attain moksha). At least now, get hold of yourself (and show courage). Your destiny is (soon) going to change for better.It is a bright morning, so the traveller lost in the (darkness of) night, let us go home (get back with life).

aaj nahin to kal,
bikhrenge ye baadal
O raat ke bhoole huye musaafir,
subah huyi ghar chal
ab ghar chal re

In the very near future, the (dark) clouds (of uncertainty, unhappiness, miseries) will fade away. It is a bright morning, so the traveller lost in the (darkness of) night, let us go home (get back with life).

We feel that the central theme of the song is the lines :

bhav-saagar mein bhanwar bichhi hain,
hans hans paar utarna
Meaning the world is full of problems/challenges at every step of life. We need to do good karma and keep going with a smile on the face. What a lovely way to express the essence of life!

This is what Atul’s website says about this song:

Kavi Pradeep ji is known for wearing his heart on his sleeves and writing songs that he strongly believed in. And he had the ability to influence people with his hard hitting and straight from the heart lyrics. He has written songs iconic patriotic songs at a time when India was still ruled by the British, and he has written songs that give vent to the feelings of anguish among the public in the aftermath of partition related violence. He has written songs about the feelings of despondency and people feel when things are not going their way. And he has also written inspirational songs that tell people to look at the future with optimism, irrespective of what has happened in the past.

Here is an inspirational song where the poet exhorts people to pick up the loose threads of their lives together and make a new beginning. The clouds of misery are bound to clear up and the dark night is bound to give way for a new dawn, he tells us.
This inspirational poetry has indeed been used by a few spiritual organisations (viz Brahmkumaris) as a motivational song.
This is an inspirational song extraordinaire from “Naagmani” (1957).

Source courtesy:

http://atulsongaday.me/2011/08/09/aaj-nahin-to-kal-bikhrenge-ye-baadal/

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Rarest of the rare composition of Mohd Shafi sahab..

Friday, February 1st, 2013

Geeta Dutt, Mohd Shafi and Kaifi Azmi

We found this extremely rare photo of composer Mohd Shafi sahab rehearsing/recording a song with Geeta Dutt (nee Roy) ji for Janta Films ” Hoore – e – Haramm ). This information is copied from the text from Filmfare magazine dated Sept 17, 1954 !! In all these years of our pursuit of her songs, we never knew that Geeta ji did sing a song for the talented Shafi sahab.

It could be one of those films which was shelved/left incomplete. Hoor-E-Haramm seems to be name for a Muslim social film to me. A search on this name did not get any results related to a fifties film , so it is most likely that the film was never made. It will be great to know if at least the songs were recorded and released. Geeta ji also sang for him for the film Hulchul (a trio of Geeta ji, Meena Kapoor ji and Mubarak Begum ji – Mile Dil Aankh Sharmaayi) and sang two solo songs for Mohabbat Ki Jeet (1960). Till date we had never heard any of these songs.

Today our dear friend Shri Sandeep Rai ji shared this song with us today:

Song – Yeh chaand yeh sitaare
Film – Mohabbat Ki Jeet-1960.
Singer – Geeta Dutt.
MD – Mohammed Shafi.
Lyrics – S.R.Saaz.

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A heartfelt tribute

Monday, November 26th, 2012

Geeta Dutt

Dearest Geetaji,
No words can be enough for us, your fans, to thank you!

At best we can only thank God for creating your extraordinary voice and salute to your parents for blessing India with an artist like you!

I have no doubt that you know us : your fans and admirers…. just as we feel that we know you!
The songs that you sang, sadly became quite prophetic…but one song I would request you to re-record: in heaven and send it to us with slightly changed words for all of us: your masterpiece …. as ‘ yaad karoge …har din hum ko yaad karoge!’

I prey today on your 82nd birthday that you are in a land of peace!

Miss you ever so much!

Tushar Bhatia

Acknowledgements:

We are grateful to our dear friend and mentor, composer Shri Tushar Bhatia ji for this tribute to Geeta ji on her birth anniversary. The invitation card in Gujrati is the invite for Tushar ji’s tribute show for Geeta ji in Ahmedabad in the year 2010.

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Tribute from the Ganguly family

Saturday, November 24th, 2012

Kishore kumar at the marriage function

We were fortunate to get in touch with Shri Arjun Kumar Ganguly, nephew of Ashok Kumar ji and Kishore Kumar ji. We are presenting a tribute from him along with some information about the connection of the Gangulys and the Dutts.

It is truly an honor for a simple person like me to write about Geeta ji, who according to me was truly the voice of Bengal. Her voice had the pathos and the soul. Instead of being trying to be technically correct and overtly mechanical, her singing was natural, free and straight from the heart. She was never fettered by technicalities of music, her voice matched the true emotions of the song perfectly. It was nice to know that S.D.Burmanda was pioneer in nurturing her career. She was indeed a great singer and a great human being.

Kishore Geeta

She was the voice of several leading actresses like Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Nargis, Geeta Bali, Mala Sinha, Shyama, Shakila to name a few. She was a nonchalant singer who somehow did not get the due she deserved in Mumbai, possibly for some strange political reasons. Yet, she left her indelible mark in the history of Indian music. There is absolutely no doubt about this. We all are proud of her, truly an effortless singer.

It would be have been great if they both (Kishoreda and Geeta ji) had sung more duets together. Their styles were so much similar and sound so wonderful in the fifteen odd duets they have sung.

It is nice to see that you are using the internet as a medium to keep Geeta ji’s memories alive,may your tribe increase.
Thanks.
Arjun k. Ganguly

Not many know about the Ashok Kumar and Geeta Dutt connection. For the film Padmini (1948), they sang a lovely duet together.

Geeta Dutt, Ashok Kumar : Sapera been bajaayo re : Film – Padmini (1948) MD: Master Ghulam Haider, Lyrics: Wali sahab

Parineeta (1953) was produced by Dadamuni and Geeta ji sung one of the most enchanting songs of her career for this film.

Parineeta

Song – Chaand hain wohi
Film – Parineeta 1953,
MD – Arun Kumar Mukherjee,
Lyricist – Bharat Vyas,
Singer – Geeta Dutt

Parineeta

Geeta ji also sang two more songs of this film (Chali radhe rani and Gorey gorey haaton mein) as version songs. She continued to sing many songs for Ashok Kumar starrers like Saajan (1947), Padmini (1948), Mashaal (1950), Nishana (1950), Aadhi Raat (1950), Tamasha (1952), Sholey (1953), Baadbaan (1954), Lakeerein (1954), Bhai Bhai (1956), Bandi (1957), Ustaad (1957), Howrah Bridge (1958), Farishta (1958), Kangan (1959), Hospital (1960).

Geeta Kishore

We already have a detailed article on our main website here which describes the connect between Kishore-Geeta as singing stars.

Geeta ji sang with Kishoreda (and a vintage composer/singer Arunkumar Mukherjee sahab) for the Bengali film Samar (1950). The song is full of zeal and energy.

Geeta Kishore

Geeta Dutt, Kishore Kumar, Arunkumar Mukherjee: Sundari lo sundari : Bengali Film – Samar (1950)

Burmanda later on used the same tune again for the film Munimji (1955) for the song “De diya tu le le dil” (sung by Geeta ji).

Eight years later for Kishoreda’s home production Luko Churi (1958), she sang this lovely duet with him.

Luki Churi

Geeta Dutt, Kishore Kumar – Sudhu Ektu Khani Chawa

Kishoreda’s first wife was Bengali singer and actress Ruma Guha Thakurta aka Ruma Ghosh. Geeta ji sang a lovely song with her.

Ruma Devi

Geeta Dutt, Ruma Guhakarta : Monje amaar kemon kemon kore : Film – Palatak (1963), MD – Hemanta Mukherjee, Lyrics – Mukul Dutta

Kishoreda sang in two movies of Guru Dutt productions- Baazi and Jaal. In the film Jaal, he also sang duet with Geeta ji, which many consider to be one of their best duets. Kishoreda also sang for the shelved movie Gauri (which was to launch Geeta ji as the singing star). So, that is also another angle of Dutt-Ganguly association.

Of course, Geeta ji sang several melodious and lovely songs for Madhubala, second wife of Kishoreda. They were a perfect pair of charming actress and soulful singer.

Kishore Madhubala

Acknowledgements:

We are grateful to Arjun Kumar ji for paying this tribute on our special request. We are grateful to our dear friend Arghya Dutta for getting us in touch with Arjun ji. Thank you both. You guys have made this day so much more special for us.

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Exclusive: In search of a hidden treasure…

Saturday, November 24th, 2012

Geeta Dutt

Sometime in the sixties… Eminent artiste of Tagore songs from Bengal, Sagar Sen is performing in Rabindra Sadan… A grand occasion it is, and the programme is being recorded on video tape. So how does this relate to Geetaji…?
Thus were the audience in the first row of Rabindra Sadan, gracing the occasion that day – GEETA DUTT, Kanan Devi, Protima Banerjee, Debabrata Biswas and Ashoketaru Banerjee – some greatest stalwarts of the music of the era. Sagar Sen as expected continued to sing Tagore’s melodies, one after the other, in his usual amazing manner. The programme is about to end, and the artiste is about to sing one of his finest renditions ever – “AAJ JOTSNA-RAATE SOBAI GECHHE BONE, BASANTER EI MATAL SAMEERANE”…

Geeta Dutt

SONG – AAJ JOTSNA-RAATE SOBAI GECHHE BONE
ARTISTE – SAGAR SEN

AAJ JOTSNA-RAATE SOBAI GECHHE BONE
BASANTER EI MATAL SAMEERANE.
JAABO NAA GO JAABO NAA JE, ROINU PORE GHORER MAJHE –
EI NIRALAY ROBO AAPON KONE.
JAABO NA EI MATAL SAMEERANE.
AMAR E GHOR BOHU JATON KORE
DHUTE HOBE MUCHHTE HOBE MORE.
AMARE JE JAAGTE HOBE, KI JAANI SE AASHBE KOBE
JODI AMAY PORE TAHAR MONE
BASANTER EI MATAL SAMEERANE.

This time he calls upon his senior artistes seated in front, to come up onstage so that the programme may end with a chorus performance of the song. Who knows with how loud an applause Rabindra Sadan may have reverberated on the proposal? Kanan Devi goes up… Followed by the rest, but Geetaji is still seated. Sagar Sen speaks out, “Geetadi, aapnio aashun” (Geetadi, you too, please come). The nightingale goes up onstage. The historic programme ends with the six stalwarts singing Tagore’s “AAJ JOTSNA-RAATE SOBAI GECHHE BONE, BASANTER EI MATAL SAMEERANE”…
Kanan Devi speaks a few words, before the programme finally concludes.

Geeta Dutt

No, this was not what I saw (rather, I had the fortune to see). On the night of September 22nd, 2012, Doordarshan Kolkata broadcasted a programme, the viewers of which saw this historic event happening! A teacher of mine, who had the opportunity to watch it, gave me a vivid description of the programme… Such was it!

Geeta Dutt

Was it a programme recorded by Doordarshan? Tushar Bhatiaji, with whom I shared the above a few weeks ago comments, it may have been recorded by someone in private earlier, reasoning that Doordarshan came to Bombay in 1972 and even later, in Calcutta – when Geetaji is no more. Tusharji says (if I may share his view that he shared with me through personal message) – “I’ll give my life to see this one!” Perhaps he spoke out the heart of the millions of admirers of Geeta Dutt and her music, all over the world!

Geeta Dutt

It is our misfortune that Doordarshan does not share any recordings from their archives in personal with anyone… Waiting for that holy day when the programme would be broadcasted again and someone would be recording it from television!

Acknowledgements:

We are grateful to our dear friend Sounak Gupta for writing this special article for us on this special occasion.

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23rd Nov special : Quiz

Friday, November 23rd, 2012

Quiz

Quiz #1 for all you folks on site’s fourth birthday.
Name the Geeta song where she talks of Ceylon and Java 🙂

Answer: It is the song Hula Hooper Khela sung by her for movie Dui Bechara(1960) . Here is the song:-

Quiz #2: Geeta ji was born in a place which is in another country. Which song of hers features the name?

Answer: Geeta ji was born in Faridpur which is in Bangladesh. Her song Uttar Mein Hai Himalay for Vasant Desai in Pyaar Ki Pyaas sung along with Manna Dey, Rano Mukherjee and Lata Mangeshkar has her singing the bengali portion, Amar Sonar Bangladesh

Quiz #3: Geeta ji has worked for a prominent composer for whom Rafi, Lata, Kishore and Asha have not sung. Who is he? Name the movie.
Answer: She has worked for composer Pankaj Mullick for the movie Zalzala(1952). The others have not sung for him. Although, Asha sang two songs for Kasturi(1954) for which he composed, Both these songs were composed by Jamal Sen.
This is one of the songs she sang for the movie:-

She also sang for Kamala Dasgupta for whom probably the others have not sung

Quiz #4: A composer duo super duper hit in Punjabi movies gave her two songs in another language. Details please 🙂
Answer: They are Swapan Jagmohan who recorded two non-film Bangla songs in 1971 with her.
This is one of those two songs, Anjan Diyechhi Chokhe:-

Quiz #5: Geeta ji is well known for her club songs. She sang the first ever club song in a bengali film, Ei Mayabi Tithi for Sonarharin(1959). She has sung two other club songs in Bengali films. Which are those?
Answer: Tomar Duti Chokhe from Sonarharin itself and Tere Liye Aaya Hai Leke Koi Dil from Gali Theke Rajpath
Tomar Duti Chokhe

Tere Liye Aaya

Quiz #6: Geeta ji sang for a movie whose name is same as that of a lyricist. Details please 🙂
Answer: She sang for Gauri Prasanna Majumdar for the unreleased Gauri. She sang for movie Kavi Kalidas(1959) like Abbasi ji said but lyrics were customised by Bharat Vyas.

Quiz #7: There are at least three people who have composed for Geeta ji as well as written lyrics for her. Name them. 🙂
Answer: Salil Chowdhury (although not at the same time), Kanu Ghosh, Sudhin Dasgupta, Avinash Vyas, Jagdeep Virani, Ramesh Gupta

Quiz #8: There are at least two lyricists who have written songs for Geeta ji for movies made in two languages. Name them. 🙂
Answer: Gulzar and Naqsh Lyallpuri. They wrote for her in Hindi and Bengali movies. Also, Sahir wrote two songs for her in punjabi movie Baalo.

Quiz #9: Almost all bengalis have a Calcutta/Kolkata connection. There are at least two songs of Geeta ji with name of the city. Name them.
Answer: Kalkatte ki Dugdugi … Mera Dil Hai Gol (Shaan 1950), Hula Hooper Khela (Dui Bechara 1960), Bachke Balam Chal (Johnny Walker 1957)

Quiz #10: Name Geeta songs with name of a place in Bengal (which is not Calcutta) 🙂
Answer: Krishnanagar Theke Aami (A non-film song) which features name of Krishnanagar which is famous for Dolls

Quiz #11: Name composers who have composed for Geeta ji in at least two languages with details 🙂
Answer: These include Avinash Vyas (Hindi and Gujrati), Hemant Kumar(Hindi, Bengali, Bhojpuri), Sachin Dev Burman (Hindi, Bengali), Jaidev (Hindi and Nepali) and Mukul Roy (Hindi and Gujrati).

Quiz #12: Name actresses who have had Geeta ji sing for them for movies made in at least two languages.
Answer: These include Mala Sinha (Hindi, Bengali and probably Nepali too), Nirupa Roy (Hindi and Gujrati), Helen (Hindi and Bengali) and Suchitra Sen (Hindi and Bengali). Abbasi ji answered Tanuja too but I do not recall her singing for Tanuja in Bengali.

Quiz #13: Geeta ji has sung for a real life couple (husband and wife). Name the actor and actress along with songs 🙂
Answer: She had Johnny Walker lipsync to her Gori Gori Raat Hai in Chhoomantar and his wife Noor sing Tauba Tauba Tauba in Aar Paar.

Quiz #14: Name the actresses for whom Geeta ji gave playback and who got married to actors later 🙂
Answer: There are many such cases. These actresses include Kalpana Kartik, Helen, Madhubala, Geeta Bali, Nargis, Bina Rai, Waheeda Rehman, Noor and Amita among others.

Quiz #15: Name films in which Geeta ji has atleast 4 songs.
Answer: There are many such movies. These include Jogan, Darogaji, Baazi, Har Har Mahadev, Jaan Pehchaan, Dil Ki Rani, Do Bhai, Kasam, Neelkamal, Anjana, Chanda Ki Chandni, Chunariya, Didi, Heer Ranjha, Hip Hip Hurray, Hua Savera, Jeene Do, Meri Bhabhi, Meri Kahani, Padmini, Suhag Raat, Toote Taare, Amar Kahani, Chakori, Dil Ki Basti, Hamari Manzil, Imtihaan, Kamal, Karwat, Nanand Bhaujai, Nazare, Raat Ki Rani, Tara, Aahuti, Beewi, Bhed, Bhimsen, Dilruba, Jalte Deep, Janmashtmi, Khamosh Sipaahi, Kisi Ki Yaad, Nishana, Preet Ka Geet, Pyar, Saudamini, Shri Ganesh Mahima, Surajmukhi, Veer Babruvahan, Bedardi, Dasavtar, Ghayal, Maya Machhindra, Pyar Ki Baaten, Sagar, Asmaan, Anandmath, Anmol Sahara, Baghdad, Bahu Beti, Lanka Dahan, Mr Sampat, Neelampari, Nirmal, Pataal Bhairvi, Ratnadeep, Shiv Shakti, Shrimatiji, Zalzala, Baaz, Jeewan Jyoti, Ladki, Navdurga, Raami Dhoban, Suhaag Sindoor, Aar Paar, Lakeeren, Darbaar, Do Dulhe, Faraar, Milaap, Mr and Mrs 55, Riyasat, Son of Alibaba, Baghi Sardar, Chhoomantar, Heer, Inquilab, Khul Ja Sim Sim, Lalten, Malika, Passing Show, Sailaab, Shrimati 420, Taaj aur Talwar, Adhi Roti, Agra Road, Ab Dilli Door Nahin, Captain Kishore, Naag Padmini, Pyasa, Raja Vikram, Yahudi Ki Ladki, 12 O’Clock, 10 O’Clock, Chalbaaz, Detective, Police, Sindbad Ki Beti, Sitamgar, Son of Sindbad, Baazigar, Commander, Fashionable Wife, Doctor Z, Jagga Daaku, Kangan, Nek Khatoon, Doctor Shaitaan, Baghdad ki Raaten, Pareeksha and the unreleased Insaaf Kahaan Hai. Thus we see almost throughout her career composers had faith in her skills and gave her many songs.

Quiz #16: There are atleast two actress pairs who have had Geeta ji give playback for them and are real life sisters. Name them.
Answer: Nutan-Tanuja and Shakeela-Noor

Quiz #17: There are atleast two actresses who have got playback from and sung with Geeta ji. Name them.
Answer: Nalini Jaywant (who sang with her in Gujrati) and Nutan (who sang with her in Chhabeeli)

Quiz #18: Name personalities who have been related to her movies in more than one capacity (other than composer+ lyricist) e.g. Actor-Director, Lyricist-Director, Producer-Lyricist etc
Answer: Many such examples. Some are Raj Kapoor (Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai), Dev Anand (Baazi), DN Madhok (Khamosh Sipahi), Ramesh Gupta (Veer Baalak), Kidar Sharma (Suhag Raat, Dil Ki Rani) and S N Tripathi (Navdurga etc)

Quiz #19: Name composer duos for whom Geeta ji has sung.
Answer:There are many such examples. These include Husanlal-Bhagatram, Bipin-Babul, Shankar-Jaikishan, Sharmaji-Varmaji, E Shankar Shastri-BS Kalla, Suresh-Talwar, Swapan-Jagmohan, Kalyanji-Anandji, Vasant-Ramchander, Vishwanathan-Ramamurthy and S Krishnan-Manohar.

Quiz #20: Name the bengali md for whom she sang a song other than hindi and bengali
Answer: Hemant Kumar for whom she sang in Bhojpuri (Ayel Basant Bahar) and her brother Mukul Roy for whom she sang in Gujrati (Vidhata). She may have sung for Sindhi version Insaaf Kithe Aa 1958 of unreleased movie Insaaf Kahaan Hai for composer Robin Banerjee but it is not confirmed.

Quiz #21: she and another singer were favourites of this md. he never composed a duet for them. Name them.
Answer: O.P. Nayyar never composed a duet of his favourites Geeta and Shamshad Begum.

Quiz #22: Composer W’s mother tongue is X. Geeta ji sang for him in language Y for a movie made in language Z. Name W,X,Y and Z.
W = Bhupen Hazarika, X = Assamese, Y = Hindi and Z=Bengali. The movie was Dui Bechara.

Quiz #23: Geeta ji sang a song for a composer-lyricist pair who are related. Details please.
She sang a song Bhaber Kheya Abar whose composer was her brother Mukul Roy and lyrics were by her mother Amiya Roy. This is the song:-

She has also sung for the pair of composer Usha Khanna and her father lyricist M L Khanna.

Quiz #24: in which song Geeta ji is making an animal dance?
Answer: She makes a monkey dance in the bengali song Nach Bandor Naach

Quiz #25: Name the md for whom she sang just 1 song in Hindi films and it was in top songs of binaca geetmala of that year
Answer: Jagmohan “Sursagar”. Movie was Sardar(1955) and the song was Barkha Ki Raat Mein.

We got maximum correct answers from Qaseem Abbasi and Parag Sankla. Thanks everyone for participating.
Acknowledgements:

We are grateful to our dear friend and mentor Gajendra Khanna for this special quiz.

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