Durbeen

SALIL CHOWDHURY: A MUSIC GENIUS

Composing music for films in 13 languages (75 in Hindi) is no joke. Add to it screenplays, scripts, short stories and profound poems. Don't stop at that...think about the same man playing instruments like piano, violin, esraj and flute - with amazing ease and conducting choir as well. That's Salil Chowdhury (Salilda/Sholilda) - a stockpile of myriad talents.

Salilda had a knack to dabble in different things; it helped him in letting out the torrent of creativity flowing within. What the world received in return were pearls that music and art lovers will always treasure in their hearts. 

 

 

 

His early songs for IPTA (Indian Peoples Theater Association) were epic and their tunes hugely popular. He had already scored music for Bengali films before 'Do Bigha Zameen' happened in 1953. Bimal Roy, the iconic film director, not only used Salilda's story but also asked him to compose music for it. (BTW, the film's name was derived from a poem 'Dui Bigha Jomi' written by Rabindranath Tagore).

The Balraj Sahani-Nirupa Roy starrer went on to assume cult status, and Salilda continued to belt out hit after hit. He brought a new style and dimension to film music through his innovative orchestration and experimentations. Salilda defied methods and was a non-conformist. His compositions had a rustic richness (Chota Sa Ghar Hoga - which he adapted listening from a Nepali durban) as well as a Western classical charm (Mozart being his favourite...remember Itna Na Mujhse Tu Pyar Badha?). He also used Hungarian folk tunes in Dil Tadap Tadap Ke Kah Raha Hai. Very few can achieve the rare blend of Eastern and Western music as eloquently as he did.

The genius composer was born today (November 19) in 1925. Paying tribute to him by remembering 26 of his songs that will continue to haunt the film industry till eons...and cement his enduring legacy!

1. Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke (Do Bigha Zameen)

2. Zindagi Khawab Hai (Jaagte Raho)

3. Jaago Mohan Pyare (Jaagte Raho)

4. Toote Huye Khwabon Ne (Madhumati)

5. Dil Tadap Tadap Ke (Madhumati)

6. Aansoo Samajh Ke Kyon Mujhe (Chhaya)

7. Mila Hai Kisi Ka Jhumka (Parakh)

8. Mere Maan Ke Diye (Parakh)

9. Ae Mere Pyare Watan (Kabuliwalla)

10. Ganga Aaye Kahan Se (Kabuliwalla)

11. Ae Dil Kahan Teri Manzil (Maaya)

12. Ja Re Ja Re Ud Ja Re Panchi (Maaya)

13. Sawan Ki Raton Mein Aisa Bhi Hota Hai (Prem Patra)

14. Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye (Anand)

15. Naa Jiya Laage Naa (Anand)

16. Koi Hota Jisko Apna (Mere Apne)

17. Nayan Hamare Sanjh Sakare (Annadata)

18. Raton Ke Saaye Ghane (Annadata)

Listen to the title track of this film... it's wonderful

19. Kai Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai (Rajnigandha)

20. Rajnigandha Phool Tumhare (title song)

21. Yeh Din Kya Aaye (Choti Si Baat)

22. Naa Jaane Kyon Hota Hai (Choti Si Baat)

23. Jaaneman Jaaneman Tere Do Nayan (Choti Si Baat)

24. Aaj Koi Nahin Apna (Agni Pareeksha)

25. Ni Sa Ga Ma Pa Ni (Anand Mahal)

26. Baag Mein Kali Khili (Chand Aur Suraj)

 

BY TIRTHO