Thanks a lot to Anish Raj Pandit ji for this post on Geeta ji at various Recordings, Functions and Mehfils.
Geeta ji is one singer who could convey emotions of all kinds and switch effortlessly between them. When one hears to her songs, one can’t but help notice how She gives her all to the song. Each word She sings has her stressing at the right places and giving just the right emotions. Singer Talat Mahmood had rightly observed in an interview that Geeta ji was the best at catching the mood of the song.
It is a pity that we do not have any videos of Geeta ji doing her recordings which would have given us a bird’s eye view of all her recording efforts. Again, videos of her stage shows, TV/Radio/Media appearances would be great too. We certainly hope that such videos will turn up one day. However, fortunately for us, thanks to various fans and magazines there are quite a few photos that are available of Geeta ji at the studios where She is definitely in her element!
So fellow fans, sit on your rocking chairs and enjoy seeing Geeta ji giving her mellifluous renditions at the studios and with audiences!
Geeta ji with Composer Mohd ShafiGeeta ji at a Recording StudioGeeta ji at a function with her Harmonium (Baaja) which She would take to her Mehfils sometimes accompanied by her brothers on the Tabla! With Hemant Kumar- probably early 1960s based on how Geeta looks. Most likely rehearsing one of the many beautiful Bengali songs they recorded in 60-61 – movies like Sathi Hara, Swaralipi, Madhyarater Tara and othersGeeta ji performing at Eden Gardens, Kolkata!
Doing a live performance at the at the BBC London headquarters in 1957, where Geeta and Guru had traveled for the UK premiere of their film “Pyaasa.” Geeta also have a concert at the Asian Film Institute, to great acclaim. Unfortunately BBC cleared much of its records and this recording has been lost.
A famous picture of Geeta rehearsing in the mid-1950s with composer Sachin Dev Burman.Geeta ji With Madan Mohan and TeamAt Khar Ramakrishna Mission, where Geeta would perform annually up until the late 50s.Geeta giving a live concert with her brother on tabla – early 1950s. (You can tell this from Geeta’s hairstyle- she wore those short tight curls on either side of her forehead until about 1955/56. After this she did not curl them as much, though she retained the bangs.
Geeta performing with live orchestra in a stage show with Madan Mohan – mid 1950s.
Geeta ji Rehearsing With Hemant Kumar – mid 1950s.
During a recording session for “Aar Paar” (1954) with Mohd. Rafi and O. P. Nayyar
In a recording session with Mohd. Rafi and composer Chitragupt
Performing the Indian National anthem at Asia’s first ever International Film Festival in 1952, with Lata Mangeshkar, Anil Biswas, and C. Ramchandra.With Salil Chowdhury and Mohd. Rafi – mid/late 1960s.At a stage show : Geeta was known for her charismatic performances.
While we wait for such pictures and photos, I, Anish sign off leaving you with two of her rare colour photographs probably taken in her UK stage show visit with Rafi sahab.
Geeta ji and Mohd Rafi Sahab visiting a family in UK (Photo had been shared by the boy on Hamaraforums long back!)
