Long back,in our management class,our Professor conducted a survey in the class. He asked us to write the name of the Toothpaste we were using. Those days too,Colgate was the Brand leader. We were 30 students in the class. I was using Macleans’ (a brand that was available in India in those days), so I wrote Macleans’. Then he collected all 30 chits,added his own and started reading. The result was Macleans’-8,Kolynos-7,Colgate-7,Forhans-6 and 3 were using tooth powder. He explained to us that even the Brand leader,not necessary always,will lead in all consumer groups. It is a collective total which gives the leader its position.
The same is the case in any other field. Take the case of female playback Singers. In the 50s to 70s, Lata was the Brand Leader,but personally I always liked Geeta Dutt. I simply loved Geeta’s voice which had so much flexibility and was also so soulful.
When you hear her sing Meera Bhajan,you get lost in Bhakti Ras,listen to her sad songs and gloom descends on you and hear her club/cabaret song,you feel like tapping or dancing. It seems like as if Geeta never bothered to be the No.1,she only wanted to be honest to her singing. She was a pure soul bearing no envy towards anyone. There is always a discussion whether she gave her best to S.D.Burman or O.P.Nayyar songs. Not many know that Geeta worked with more than 150 composers. I personally dont believe she ever compromised in her performance. Whether she sang for a well known composer,or an unknown one like M.A.Rouf, S.L.Pardeshi, Manohar, D.V.Gadekar, Kumar, M.Masurekar, T.K.Das, Ali Husain,Pt.Harbanslal or Rajhuns,she put all her soul and skill in rendering the song.
There is, however, always a personal liking. I always liked Geeta’s songs with O P Nayyar. Their association started with the film Aasman (1952). Though her songs like “dekho jaadu bhare more nain’ were very melodious and became quite popular,the film had flopped. The subsequent film Baaz (1953) was also the same story. Good songs-film flopped. But then Aarpar (1954), Mr. and Mrs.55, Musafirkhana (1955) and Miss Cocacola and C.I.D.-in 1956 brought commercial success. After C.I.D. in the year 1957, Geeta suffered on 2 counts. One,O.P.Nayyar started grooming Asha Bhosale and secondly Geeta was facing a lot of personal problems. The singing assignments coming her way were getting lesser and even she was cutting down on the same. In fact, she had expressed desire to completely stop singing in the year 1957.
In the year 1958 she got only 10 songs from O.P.Nayyar. But then she sang the iconic song in Howrah Bridge which made her name Amar in the history of Golden Age of HFM for ever. This incident has been narrated by the famous film/music writer Issac Mujaawar in the Marathi magazine Rasrang. When Howrah Bridge was being made,it was evident that all the songs will go to Asha. By that time ASHA had mastered the art of singing club/cabaret songs. It is said that rehersals were done for ”Mera naam chin chin chu”. Shakti Samanta was the Director of the film. O.P.Nayyar never tolerated any interference fro the Producers or the Directors. Shakti da wanted that song to go to Geeta,as he genuinely felt that she is better suited to sing it. He called Nayyar one day and coolly explained to him the situation. Miraculously,Nayyar accepted the suggestion without a word of protest. May be his conscience was biting him,or may be he too thought on those lines. Whatever be the reason,Geeta was summoned next day and the song was given to her. The rest is History…….as they say !
The Dance Director was A Satyanarayana,who participated in almost every club dance he choreographed. He did an excellent job for this song and the song became the highlight of the film,along with Asha’s ‘Aayiye meherban’. This is my most favourite song for 3 reasons.One-the tune is very catchy, two-Geeta ji’s voice is very seductive here and three-the choreography of the song is just superb !
Now,enjoy the song-‘Mera naam chin chin chu’ singer- Geeta Dutt , Lyricist-Qamar jalalabadi , MD-O.P.Nayyar , Film-Howrah Bridge (1958)
Acknowledgements:
We are grateful to our dear friend Shri Arunkumar Deshmukh ji for writing this special tribute on our request.
A composer who has composed over 600 songs to his credit as a music director is unfortunately known by his son’s name and fame. That is the sad story of the life of Sardar Malik! He became the completely innocent victim of an argument between a famous lyricist and an even more famous playback singer during recording of a song. This cost him his career. After this he received only B grade films and spent the rest of his life teaching music.
Sardar Malik began his career with the film Raaz (1949) but Geeta Dutt sang for him only as late as in 1955. She had three heavily chorus based fast paced songs for the fantasy film Ab-E-Hayat (1955). All of them are quite popular and one or other song from this film does make an entry on almost every CD compilation of Geeta Dutt.
This was a costume drama film starring Premnath with Shashikala, Ameeta, Helen and Smriti Biswas. The most popular song of the film was sung by Hemantda (Main gareebon ka dil). Let us enjoy three songs sung by Geeta ji, filmed on a different actress for each song.
Mr India (1961) was another small budget film starring the charming Geeta Bali ji. As we have mentioned earlier (and has been discussed a lot on the net), in spite of great talent, Geeta Bali ji rarely got opportunities to work with big banners and popular stars. In this film, her hero was I S Johar.
The film’s music was composed by G S Kohli sahab, who was a long time assistant to O P Nayyar sahab. Geeta ji sang two songs for this film. To the best of our knowledge/resources, these are the only songs she ever sang for G S Kohli sahab. The lyrics were penned by Jaan Nisar Akhtar sahab.
1) Dekha naa jaaye :
This song is filmed on the dancing diva Helen.
2) Main maachis ki teeli:
This beautiful song was deleted from both VCD and DVD. We believe that it was filmed on Helen as well.
इन दिनों ‘ओल्ड इज़ गोल्ड’ पर जारी है गीता दत्त के गाए हुए गीतों की ख़ास लघु शृंखला ‘गीतांजली’, जिसके अन्तर्गत दस ऐसे गानें बजाए जा रहे हैं जो दस अलग अलग अभिनेत्रियों पर फ़िल्माए गए हैं। आज जिस अभिनेत्री को हमने चुना है वो नायिका के रूप में भले ही कुछ ही फ़िल्मों में नज़र आईं हों, लेकिन उन्हे सब से ज़्यादा ख्याति मिली खलनायिका के किरदारों के लिए। सही सोचा आपने, हम हेलेन की ही बात कर रहे हैं। वैसे हेलेन पर ज़्यादातर मशहूर गानें आशा भोसले ने गाए हैं, लेकिन ५० के दशक में गीता दत्त ने हेलेन के लिए बहुत से गानें गाए। आज हमने जिस गीत को चुना है वह है १९५७ की फ़िल्म ‘दुनिया रंग रंगीली’ से “किया यह क्या तूने इशारा जी अभी अभी, कि मेरा दिल तुझे पुकारा अरे अभी अभी”। राजेन्द्र कुमार, श्यामा, जॉनी वाकर, चाँद उस्मानी, जीवन व हेलेन अभिनीत इस फ़िल्म के गानें लिखे जान निसार अख़्तर ने और संगीत था ओ. पी. नय्यर साहब का। ‘आर पार’ की सफलता के बाद गीता दत्त को ही श्यामा के पार्श्वगायन के लिए चुना गया। इस फ़िल्म में श्यामा के नायक थे जॉनी वाकर और इस जोड़ी पर कई गानें भी फ़िल्माए गए जिनमें स्वर आशा भोसले का था। आशा जी ने इस फ़िल्म की मुख्य नायिका चाँद उस्मानी का भी पार्श्वगायन किया। ५० के दशक के शुरुआती सालों में नय्यर साहब गीता दत्त से बहुत सारे गानें गवाए थे, लेकिन जैसे जैसे यह दशक समापन की ओर बढ़ता गया, आशा भोसले बनती गईं नय्यर साहब की प्रधान गायिका। १९५८ की फ़िल्म ‘हावड़ा ब्रिज’ में नय्यर साहब ने गीता जी से केवल दो गीत गवाए जो हेलेन पर फ़िल्माए गए। इनमें से एक था “मेरा नाम चिन चिन चू” जिसने गीता दत्त और हेलेन, दोनों को लोकप्रियता की बुलंदी पर बिठाया।
वापस आते हैं आज के गीत पर। आज का यह गीत कहीं खो ही गया था, लेकिन १९९२ में एच. एम. वी (अब आर. पी. जी) ने “Geeta Dutt sings for OP Nayyar” नामक कैसेट में इस गीत को शामिल किया और इस तरह से यह गीत एक बार फिर से गीता दत्त और नय्यर साहब के चाहनेवालों के हाथ लग गई। यह गीत एक साधारण गीत होते हुए भी बहुत असरदार है जो एक चुलबुली हवा के झोंके की तरह आती है और गुदगुदाकर चली जाती है। गीता जी का ख़ास अंदाज़ इस तरह के गीतों में चार चाँद लगा देती थी। एक तरफ़ गीता जी का नशीला अंदाज़ और दूसरी तरफ़ हेलेन जॉनी वाकर को इस गीत में शराब पिलाकर फाँसने की कोशिश कर रही है। भले ही इस गीत के ज़रिए हेलेन जॉनी वाकर को बहकाने की कोशिश कर रही है लेकिन ना तो गीता जी की गायकी में कोई अश्लीलता सुनाई देती है और ना ही हेलेन के अंदाज़ और अभिनय में। इस गीत में हेलेन के डांस स्टेप्स हमें याद दिलाती हैं फ़िल्म ‘अलबेला’ में सी. रामचंद्र के धुनों पर थिरकते हुए गीता बाली और भगवान की। नय्यर साहब का संगीत संयोजन हर गीत में कमाल का रहा है। इस गीत के इंटर्ल्युड म्युज़िक में भी उनका हस्ताक्षर साफ़ सुनाई देता है। तो आइए सुनते हैं फ़िल्म ‘दुनिया रंग रंगीली’ का गीत। इस फ़िल्म का नाम याद आते ही पंकज मल्लिक की आवाज़ में “दुनिया रंग रंगीली बाबा” जैसे दिल में बज उठती है। यह गीत भी भविष्य में सुनेंगे, लेकिन आज बहक जाइए गीता दत्त और हेलेन के नशीले अंदाज़ में।
There are songs, some popular, some lesser heard, some rare, some very rare. Music lovers keep chasing for the lesser heard ones and the rare ones. The human mind’s thirst for the “unknown” is never ending. At times, we lose the importance of what we already have and keep running after what we do not. In some cases, the moment of happiness of getting that rare song is just that moment.One does not feel like listening to it over and over again, the joy is soon evaporated and the song becomes just a token of a victory!
And there are some songs which blow your mind, your senses and simply grow instantly on you. You listen to them over and over, at times in repeat mode and still you keep getting the same happiness which you got when you heard it for the very first time. Such songs are many a times once in a hundred or even thousand, but that is what makes them so special, so close to your heart. One keeps thinking about the filming of this song and dreaming how would it have been shown on the screen, on whom, and how he/she would have done justice to it…! And when you finally get to see it, there is a moment of truth.
Either you would like the presentation of the song, making it an extra special (Like the one which I will be talking about today) or you feel sorry for the singer/composer when the actor/actress has ruined such a great song. In my opinion, one such a song by Lata ji is “Phaili hui hai sapnon ki baahein” where Kalpana Kartik is practically doing PT exercise on such a melodious and out-of-the-world composition ! (Thanks to Ritu for this on one of her blogs.)
When you find that the special song which was haunting you for so much time has been equally beautifully filmed and the actor has lived the feelings of the song and the singing, you can only say “Wah wah”. This is the supreme stage of happiness, contentment and “Nirvana” like feeling! This is what I have been going through for last few days since I have seen the song
“Kiya yeh kya tune isharaa arre abhee abhee
Ke mera dil tujhe pukaara arre abhee abhee”
The song is from the film “Duniya Rang Rangeeli” (1957) which starred Rajendra “Jubilee” Kumar, Shyama, Johny Walker, Chaand Usmani, Jeevan and Helen. The lyrics were penned by Jaan Nisar Akhtar sahab and the music was composed by the rhythm king O P Nayyar sahab. With the success of Aar Paar (1954), Geeta Dutt was probably already the preferred singer for actress Shyama. It seems like in this film she was paired with Johny Walker and had a couple of songs filmed on her, both sung by Asha ji, who also sang for the leading lady Chaand Usmani.
The days of Aasmaan (1952), Baaz (1953), Aarpaar (1954) and Mr and Mrs 55 (1955) were over and Geeta Dutt was seen lesser and lesser in O P Nayyar sahab’s recording room. For this film (and incidentally for the film “Howrah Bridge” which got released the next year in 1958), Nayyar sahab chose to give just one song to Geeta Dutt. Both the songs were filmed on Helen and one of which became the song which took Helen to the apex of her popularity. That song is of course “Merra naam chin chin choo” from “Howrah Bridge” (1958).
Coming back to the song from the film “Duniya Rang Rangeeli” (1957) filmed on Helen..This particular song was probably released by HMV (now RPG) on a cassette called “Geeta Dutt sings for OP Nayyar” in the year 1992. For some reasons, this song was never included on any other compilations of either O P Nayyar sahab or Geeta Dutt. This song was really sought after by many fans of the composer and the singer. The cassette in question was never re-released in the CD format and it remained like an illusive dream for many many music lovers.
On our music community (http://www.hamaraforums.com) we kept on searching for this one song and we could never get it! Finally we got to hear it on the HF radio where our senior member and a great music lover Mahesh Sharma played it for us. Since then I have fallen in love with this song. Yesterday, the moment of truth arrived when the video of this exclusive and elusive song was shared on Youtube. This song was briefly mentioned in the other article “Helen and Geeta Dutt: A scintillating combo” here, but the song kept on making crazy rounds in my mind.
The song, its simply yet effective lyrics, the breeze like tune and the superb singing with that magical “Geeta Dutt special touch” has made it a truly exquisite beauty. Its truly an enchanting experience even to listen to this song and being able to see it is like a dream come true for a die-hard music lovers! The song is like a setup/trap for Johny Walker where he is seduced into drinking by Helen. He is obviously very smart and mentions that he will prefer to “drink from those beautiful eyes” instead. The drinks are still offered and Helen is at her best to tease and seduce him (though done in a very tasteful and decent manner!). She is wearing a nice dress and a garland. Her dance steps in this song are simple, reminding one of Geeta Bali and Bhagwan from Albela. Her eyes are so expressive and the song is tuned in a very romantic yet seductive manner.
Johny Lever is shown to be clever and aware about what is being done to him. He is thoroughly enjoying the song but is throwing the drink away very discretely, and acting as if he is getting drunk. The feelings of intoxication are right there in Helen’s eyes and Geeta’s alluring voice! The way she sings the word “ishaara” is an experience which can only be felt, not described! One does not need a peg or two for it. The song simply gets into the listener’s heart. The musical pieces between the stanzas bear the distinct OPN signature.
As a music lover and “Geeta-Bhakt”, I can feel that my heart has been calling for my beloved singer. Wishing that she was still around, hearty and healthy! This “Dil ki pukaar” is what one can cherish for ever and ever.
Update:
Youtube has removed the said video, hence the YT link above has been replaced with the audio of this song. Inconvenience is regretted.
Myth : Only Asha Bhonsle sang great songs for the dancing diva Helen.
Fact : Geeta Dutt has sung not as many in number, but some really nice songs for Helen. One of the most popular song filmed on Helen (Mera naam chin chin choo) is sung by Geeta ji
Thats another myth-buster!
Helen:
Helen, the Hindi Film top star in the 50s and 60s who very famous for playing vamps and dancer roles, was born as Helen Richardson in Burma to Indian parents on October 21, 1939. Her father died during the Second World War. The family migrated from Burma to Mumbai in early forties. Helen had to quit her schooling to support the family.
According to Helen’s biography on wikipedia the famous dancer actress Cukoo helped Helen get the chorus dancer jobs in Shabistan and Awara.IMDB reports Aawaara (1951) as Helen’s first film as chorus dancer.
In 1958, she performed in the superhit song “Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu” in Shakti Samanta’s film, Howrah Bridge, which was sung by Geeta Dutt.
It is true that Asha Bhosle frequently sang for Helen, particularly during the 60s. During her initial career Geeta Dutt sang many songs for her. It appears that Geeta ji was preferred voice for Helen till around 1961. Its of course well known that Helen’s first hit which made her career was “Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo” and would be a reason for the preferred choice of the singer.
Here are Helen’s films which has one or more song by Geeta ji – Shabistan, Badnaam, Laal Pari, Miss Coca Cola, Jagadguru Shankaracharya , Ab E Hayat, Shrimati 420, Sailaab, Nayaa Aadmi, Khul Ja Sim Sim, Guru Ghantal, Baaghi Sardaar, Sipahasalar, Mister Lambu, Inquilaab, Chaar Minaar, Yahudi ki Ladki, Neelofer, Mr X, Coffee House, Night Club, Yahudi, Milan , Howrah Bridge, 12 O’Clock, Gali Theke Rajpath (Bengali), Oh Tera Kya Kehna, Mr John, Love Marriage, Kangan, Guest House, Commander, Bus Conductor, Bedard Zamaana Kya Jaane, Baazigar, Naache Naagin Baaje Been, Road No 303, Police Detective, Dr Shaitaan, Chhabili, Baghdaad, Warrant, Saaya, Pyaar ki Daastan, Mr India, Passport, Sacheche Moti, Neeli Aankhen, Dr Vidya, Ek Tha Alibaba, Awaara Abdullah , Bidesiya (Bhojpuri)
These are the songs sung by Geeta Dutt filmed on Helen which we could find so far. In case you find more, please let us know.
This was the only song Geeta Dutt got to sing for Madhubala, Ashok Kumar starrer thriller Howrah Bridge. All the songs filmed on Madhubala were sung by Asha Bhonsle, still Mera naam chin chin choo proved to be the most popular song of the film. In spite of giving such superhit song, Geeta Dutt soon disappeared from the recording room of composer O P Nayyar.
2. Dil se dil takarayein – Love Marriage
Film – Love Marriage 1959, MD – Shankar Jaikishan, Lyricist – Shailendra, Singers – Mohd.Rafi & Geeta Dutt
Shankar Jaikishen, who tasted super success with their debut film “Barsaat” in which Lata Mangeshkar sang all the songs, never gave much songs to Geeta Dutt. This film has 2 of her songs, this duet filmed on Helen and “Kareeb aao na tadapaao”. The latter is the only solo song composed by Shankar Jaikishen for Geeta Dutt.
3. Bechain dil khoyi si nazar- Yahudi
Film – Yahudi 1958, MD – Shankar Jaikishan, Lyricist – Shailendra, Singers – Lata Mangeshkar & Geeta Dutt
In this song, Helen danced with her senior partner (and mentor) Cuckoo. Lata Mangeshkar sings for Cuckoo and Geeta sings for Helen in this song.
4. Kahan Phir Hum Kahan – Night Club
Film – Night Club 1958, MD Madan Mohan, Lyricist – Majrooh Sultanpuri, Singer – Geeta Dutt
Night Club is an unusual film for composer Madan Mohan, where he had to compose club songs (as against Ghazals). Geeta Dutt, sang this breezy number for Helen. Madan Mohan must have repeated Geeta Dutt based on the super success of the song “Aye dil mujhe bataa de” from the film Bhai Bhai (1956).
Sardar Mallik composed three songs for Geeta Dutt, which were filmed on three different actresses (Helen, Smriti Biswas and Amita all trying to woo the hero Premnath). This film was a costume drama and this “club” song was filmed on Helen. Even in the Arabic set up, the director managed to have a semi-classical club song!
This foot tapping number was composed by Kalyanji Veerji Shah (of Kalyanji Anandji). Its great to see Bharat Vyas pen such playful and rhythmic dance number. The chemistry of Mohd.Rafi & Geeta Dutt in this song is so perfect.
This song came the same year as that of the superhit “Mera naam chin chin choo”. Most of the songs in this Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman starrer were sung by Geeta Dutt.
8. Aaye Haaye Dilruba – Dr Vidya
Film – Dr. Vidya 1962, MD – S.D.Burman, Lyricist – Majrooh Sultanpuri, Singers – Geeta Dutt & Asha Bhonsle
We recently discovered one more very great and wonderful song sung by Geeta Dutt for Helen. The song is none other than Aye Haaye Dilruba from Dr. Vidya. The song is set in an old students get together in the college. Helen and Vyjyanthimala have an argument. Then Helen breaks into this song. The song begins with Helen dancing to Geetaji’s lovely voice. Vyjyanthimala joins later and Asha Bhosle sings for her!
A lovely song and dance is also great with them dancing in competition to each other!Its as much a competition of their dance skills as it is for the singing skills of the two singers. Both come up in flying colours although due to film reasons one has to be shown to lose but it is quite lamely done at the end.
The heroine has to be shown as a winner, so without giving any logical reason/explanation Vyjyanthimala is shown as the winner!
This song was never released on the records, so can only be seen in the film.
9. Tere Liye Aaya Hai Le Ke Koi Dil – Gali Theke Rajpath (Bengali movie)
This is Hindi song in a Bengali film picturised on Helen and sung by Geeta Dutt. The film stars Uttam Kumar. This is a very rare song and an exceptionally sweet one for sure!
The film Passport (1961) has some nice songs by Geeta Dutt, too bad very few people have heard them. Composer Kalyanji Anandji give this breezy and seductive song to Geeta (who was not at her prime by this time) and she does full justice to the song.
11. Tauba Tauba Tauba O Tauba Meri Maan – Passport
The film Passport (1961) has some nice songs by Geeta Dutt, too bad very few people have heard them. Composer Kalyanji Anandji give this breezy and seductive song to Geeta (who was not at her prime by this time) and she does full justice to the song.
12. Majnu Ke Chhilke – O Tera Kya Kehna
Film – O Tera Kya Kehna 1959, MD – Kalyanji Virji Shah, Lyricist – K L Pardesi, Singer(s) – Geeta Dutt & Chorus
Another foot tapping number by the team of Kalyanji, Geeta Dutt and Helen!
13. Dekha Na Jaaye Socha Na Jaaye – Mr India
Film – Mr. India 1961 MD – G.S.Kohli, Lyricist – Jaan Nisaar Akhtar, Singer – Geeta Dutt
G.S.Kohli had a very long stint as assistant to O P Nayyar. Mr. India was his second film as independent composer. Geeta Dutt got to sing two songs for Helen in this film.
14. Main Machis Ki Teeli – Mr India
Film – Mr. India 1961 MD – G.S.Kohli, Lyricist – Jaan Nisaar Akhtar, Singer – Geeta Dutt
G.S.Kohli had a very long stint as assistant to O P Nayyar. Mr. India was his second film as independent composer. Geeta Dutt got to sing two songs for Helen in this film. We could not find the video of this song, but we have a belief that it was also filmed on Helen. A rare song where the dancer is comparing herself to matchstick!
Helen as a village belle for this family drama film. The stylist/makeupman has tried to show her as the village belle with a decent job. She looks different than her typical club dancer looks.The way Geeta sings “Dil ho gaya chori haaye…” is too much!
Dattaram was a long time assistant to Shankar Jaikishen and composed music for a few films as an indpendent composer. This would probably one of the handful songs penned by Gulshan Bawra and sung by Geeta Dutt.
17. Khadi Re Khadi Re Kab Se – Naache Nagin Baaje Been (with Mohd.Rafi)
Film – Naache Nagin Baaje Been 1960, MD – Chitragupta, Lyricist – Majrooh Sultanpuri, Singers – Mohd.Rafi & Geeta Dutt
A typical low budget film of the early sixties with music by Chitragupt has this song filmed on Helen.
This is probably the best non-club song filmed on Helen. The situation seems to be like this. A character in the film is trying to get Johny Walker into drinking and being seduced by Helen. Johny is shown to be smart and shown to be throwing the drink away without being noticed by any one. Geeta ji’s voice is smoothly flowing and alluring yet seducing. A music lover has commented on this song that “There is so much intoxication in Geeta Dutt’s voice that I wonder why the patrons in the scene need the bottle at all !”
Thanks to Rajeev ji for posting the video of this extremely rare and melodious song!
