Mann Ki Lagan - Paap (2004)

Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (b. 1974) is a Pakistani musician, primarily a singer of Qawwali, the devotional music of the Sufis. He is the nephew of the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. In addition to Qawwali, he also performs ghazals and other light music. He has toured extensively and performed for Indian and Pakistani audiences around the world.

Traditionally, Qawwali has been a family business. Rahat's family has an unbroken tradition of performing Qawwali for more than 600 years. Rahat took over the family Qawwali party after Nusrat's death in 1997. (Nusrat had formally nominated Rahat as his successor during his lifetime).

Song: Mann Ki Lagan
Movie : Paap (2004)
Singer : Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Music Director : Shahi
Lyrics : Amjad Islam Amjad


Download "Mann Ki Lagan"

A Tribute to Madan Mohan

When it comes down to the most symphonic ghazals, Madan Mohan’s name always comes to mind. Madan Mohan Kohli (June 25, 1924 - July 14, 1975), better known as Madan Mohan, was a famed Bollywood film music director of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. He is particularly remembered for the ghazals he composed for the film industry, mainly using the voice of India's Melody Queen, Lata Mangeshkar and 'King Of Ghazals' Talat Mahmood.

Besides ghazals, Madan Mohan also composed tremendously mesmerizing tunes for the films. Who can ever forget the haunting melodies, such as:

• Tum jo mil gaye ho
• Aye dil mujhe bata de
• Zaroorat hai zaroorat hai
• Naina barse
• Charagh dil ka jalao
• Main ye soch kar

The list is too long for this post, and even for this blog for that matter. Today is the anniversary of the great composer and I would like to dedicate this post to him and his excellent contribution to the music industry.


Download "Ek Haseen Shaam Ko"

Happy New Year

I cannot stop sharing with you all one of the most unique and unheard of wishes that I received from a friend. It is bound to bring a smile to your face:

May peace break into your house and may thieves steal your debts. May all your pockets become magnets of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success, may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be those of joy. May your problems forget your home address!

Wishing you all a very happy, peaceful, prosperous, healthy, generous, and joyous new year!!!

Pyar Ki Ek Kahani: Another Shreya-Sonu Magic!

In the list of movies with almost all super-hit songs, we can easily add the name, Krrish. Krrish is considered the first Hindi movie with a super-hero (one with a mask and a cape, otherwise the list is long) based story. The songs are melodious, cute, and very pleasing. Some of my favorite songs from the movie include Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Koi Tumsa Nahin, Main Hun Wo Aasmaan, Dil Na Diya, and Aao Sunaoon Pyar Ki. The last one in the list has the magical voices of Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal with expressions that are gentle, flowing, and perceptive! Lyrics are by Javed Akhtar and composition by Rajesh Roshan.

Rashmi has done a wonderful job in this song. I thank her for joining me in this musical venture.


Download "Pyar Ki Ek Kahani"

Happy Birthday, Udit Narayan!

Hindi Film Industry has given us many original singers. Amongst those, Udit Narayan's name is one of the memorable ones. Besides his original style, I admire Udit for his sweet and soulful voice.

Udit Narayan was born on December 1, 1960 in Nepal. He began his career in Nepal singing for Kathmandu Radio Station where he used to sing Maithli and Nepali folk songs. Udit worked for Kathmandu Radio for almost eight years before the Indian Embassy offered him the chance to study classical music at a prestigious school in Mumbai, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan on a music scholarship.

Rajesh Roshan gave him his first break for the film "Unnees Bees" in 1980 in which Udit had a chance to sing with his childhood icon, the legendary Mohammed Rafi. Udit became a household name from the 1988 movie, "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" where his voice suited on Amir Khan like a diamond in a ring. Since then, there has been no stopping for this wonderful singer.

I am presenting Nasha ye Pyar Ka Nasha from the movie “Mann” and Chaand Chhupa Badal Mein from the movie “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”. The latter has received best male playback singer awards by Filmfare, Zee Cine, and IIFA.

I would like to thank Dr. Parasmani Acharya for lending her beautiful voice for Chaand Chhupa Badal Mein.

(Sources: Wikipedia, Taranaa Tarang)


Download "Nasha Ye Pyar Ka"


Download "Chaand Chhupa Badal Mein"

Tribute to Sanjeev Kumar

Sanjeev Kumar (July 9, 1938 – November 6, 1985) was one of the most prominent Indian actors in Bollywood movies. He was born Harihar Jariwala to a Gujarati family living in Mumbai. A stint in film school took him to Bollywood, where he eventually became a star (source: Wikipedia).

When Sanjeev Kumar's name come up, many fantastic movies comes to mind: Sangharsh, Andhi, Angoor, Shatranj ke Khiladi, Sholay, and Trishol. And who could ever forget his so heartbreaking, yet realistic acting in the movie "Khilona"! The movie had "Filmfare Awards" written all over it. Director Chander Vohra received Filmafare Best Movie Award. Mumtaz won the Filmfare Best Actress Award. It earned Filmfare nominations for Best Actor - Sanjeev Kumar, Best Comic - Jagdeep, Best Story - Gulshan Nanda, and Best Male Playback Singer - Mohd. Rafi, for the title song "Khilona Jaan Kar".

I present to you "Khilona Jaan Kar". I hope you will enjoy this rendition.


Download "Khilona Jaan Kar"

Kishore Kumar - A Comic Genius

On 21st Anniversary of Kishore Kumar, I am not sure if there is much I can say about this legend that already has not been said. However, I would like to dedicate this post to his comic genius as a singer, instead of an actor!

A voice that comes from heart and touches hearts of its listeners, immediately! While Kishore Kumar’s romantic and sad songs are more famous, what I have deeply admired, growing up as a teenager, is his command on songs with mischief. The spontaneity and brilliance in creating those expressions of “shararat” and naughtiness is implausible. Combined with the power of flawless yodeling, Kishore Kumar becomes a force not to reckon with. Listen to his comic renditions! Some of those would make you laugh so hard that you will forget all sorrows and grieves for a moment, while others will make you stand up and dance hysterically:

- Mannoo Bhai Motor Chali Pom Pom Pom
- Rafta Rafta Dekho Aankh Meri Ladi Hai
- Kabhi Khole Na Tijori Ka Taala
- Dekha Na Hye Re
- Thodi Si Jo Pee Lee Hai

Trying to be the same teenager that I was, trying to emulate Kishore Da on his uniquely hilarious expressions, I present to you “Sala Main To Sahab Ban Gaya” – a song picturized on Dilip Kumar in the movie, “Sagina”.


Download "Saala Main To Sahab"

Aaj Ki Raat (Don)

Expressions of suspense!!! Yes, that is what I learned while recording this song. And it was brought to my attention by none other than Srividya! She has done an outstanding job with this song. The delicate, intentional huskiness, gentle whisperings, and the expressions of thrill - she captures it all, and so skillfully.

I have loved this composition since the first time I heard it. The song became so famous that our local band decided to perform it on a Diwali show last year and was loved by the audience.

I hope you will enjoy the song! And please do not deprive us of your valuable comments.


Download "Aaj Ki Raat"

Nostalgia

One of those songs that has taken over my mind ... I cannot get it out of my head. It just resurfaced from my memory this afternoon and I could not resist recording it.

My apologies for not sending out any notices about this post initially. I just wanted to enjoy that "sitting in a dark room, burried in old memories" feeling for a while!


"Aadmi Jo Kehta Hai"

Chitthi Ayee Hai

A recent trip to my family back home, Independence Days of Pakistan & India (14th & 15th of August), Shantha Senadheera’s beautiful banner for the Independence Week at Taranaa, and Deb Roy’s soulful rendition of the same song last year inspired me immensely to sing this emotional song by Pankaj Udhas.

"Pankaj was first noticed as a professional singer in the film Naam (1986 film), in which his song Chitthi Aayee Hai became an instant hit" (source: Wikipedia). While Pankaj Udhas has sung many wonderful ghazals for his private albums, as well as movies, this one stands out for obvious, sentimental reasons!

I thank in advance all those who will be listening to this rendition!


Download "Chitthi Ayee Hai"

28th Anniversary of Mohammed Rafi

On the 28th anniversary of Mohammed Rafi - one of the greatest and the most versatile singer of Hindi Cinema, I have prepared a couple songs to pay my humble tribute. People like me, could perhaps speak for their entire lives about Rafi sahab, but it will not suffice his eminence, caliber, and repute. His is the voice that is truly heavenly!

"Parda Hai Parda" is one of the songs I have received the most requests for. It is another illustrious qawwali by Rafi sahib. Picturized with the charisma of Rishi Kapoor in Amar Akbar Anthony, "Parda Hai Parda" is also considered Rishi Kapoor's signature song. Laxmikant Pyarelal and Anand Bakshi provide an awe-inspiring combination for this quixotic melody!

"Aaja Aaja", from the movie Teesri Manzil, is the song I have been planning to sing for a while and finally was able to record it to my satisfaction. Songs like these make us think that singers like Rafi sahab and Asha ji were way ahead of their time. This song also provides nothing but a pure manifestation of RD Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri's brilliance. I thank Deblina for providing her jovial and gleeful voice for this foot-tapping, head-bobbing, funk-filled, hip-hop "Twist"composition.

I thank you all for bearing with me!


Download "Parda Hai Parda"


Download "Aaja Aaja Main Hun"

A Tribute to Guru & Geeta Dutt

Guru Dutt [July 9, 1925 - October 10, 1964] was a Hindi film director, producer, and actor. He is most famous for making brilliant lyrical and artistic films within the context of popular Indian cinema of the 1950s, and expanding its commercial conventions, starting with his 1957 masterpiece, Pyaasa. Several of his later works have a cult following. His movies go full house when re-released; especially in Germany, France and Japan. Today, no world class cinema is complete without inclusion of Guru Dutt. Pyaasa was rated as one of the best 100 films of all time by the Time Magazine

Geeta Dutt (born Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri) [November 23, 1930 – July 20, 1972] was a prominent Indian playback singer in Hindi movies in the 1950s and 60s, and also a singer of modern Bengali songs. When she was 12, her parents moved to Bombay where music director Hanuman Prasad gave her the first break in "Bhakta Prahlad" (1942). She came to light with S D Burman's Baazi.

Guru met Geeta during one of her recordings and they got married on May 26, 1953. They had three children. Some of Geeta's best songs were sung for GuruDutt's movies. S D Burman and O P Nayyar gave Geeta some of the most popular and unforgettable songs and her duets with Mohammed Rafi are all time hits.

These duets presented here are from "Mr. and Mrs. 55" and "12 O' clock". I thank Paras for accepting my request and completing both songs! She has done a job par excellence!


Download "Tum Jo Hue"


Download "Udhar Tum Haseen Ho"

"Yehi Zindagi Hai To" - Sameer at his best!

Sameer, the son of well know poet Anjaan, is famous for writing melodious words for movies such as Dil, Aashiqui, Haseena Maan Jaye Gee, Soldier, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and many more.

"Yehi Zindagee Hai To" is one of Sameer's creations that touches your heart immediately. When I heard this song the first time, words became moving images in my mind. I felt seriously affected by the powerful poetry. The soulful voice of Hariharan only added to the graveness of those effects.

I loved recording this song with background overlaps and chorus and all. I hope you all will lend an ear at your leisure.

Movie : Traffic Signal
Singer : Hariharan, Sangeet Haldipur
Music : Shamir Tandon
Lyrics : Sameer


Download "Yehi Zindagi Hai To"

Ramta Jogi - Taal (1999)

"Ramta Jogi" has a very catchy tune. I was hooked the first time I heard it. The rustic, high-toned, vernacular voice of Sukhwindar was really what the song needed. And Alka's voice was a sweet compliment to that of Sukhwindar's. Thanks to Paras for carrying Alka's part so wonderfully.

Music for Ramta Jogi (Taal) was composed by A R Rahman. He received filmfare award for the score. Lyrics are by Anand Bakshi. This song is filmed on Aishwarya and Anil Kapoor.

Taal was the first Hindi motion picture to appear in the Top 20 Box Office Charts in the USA.


Download "Ramta Jogi"

Janeman: A Shreya-Sonu Seduction

This is another beautiful feather in the cap of Sonu Nigam-Shreya Ghoshal duets. The melody, the sweetness, and the poetry - all are heart warming. A few other remarkable duets that come to mind instantly by these two singers with such mellifluous voices include "Piyu Bole", "Pal Pal Pal" and "Main Hun Na". The music and lyrics are provided by Anand Raj Anand who has now composed music for more than 60 movies.

Deblina has done a wonderful job with the duet. She is known for her tender, sensitive, and very expressive voice that knows how to flow well. Please visit Deblina's Songs to hear some wonderful renditions in her melodious voice.


Download "Janeman"

Sonu's Best: Mujhse Naraaz Ho To Ho Jao

Dosto, as you all must have figured out by now, I am sold easily on touching lyrics. While many times tunes get stuck in our heads, it is the lyrics that take you on a journey of an imaginary world that is created by our own innovative mind.


Even though I feel good lyrics are becoming more and more difficult to find, there are songs that combined with good music and voice can sweep you off your feet. "Mujhse Naraaz Ho To" is one such song! Rendered by none other than Sonu Nigam who is famous for his highly expressive and sweet style. Rajesh Roshan has composed the beautiful music of this song!

Please listen at your leisure and do tell of your opinion about this song!



Download "Mujhse Naraaz Ho To Ho Jao"

Rafi Sahab ki Yaad Mein ...

24 December - Rafi sahab ka yaum-e-paida'ish

Rafi sahab ke baare mein kitna kuch likha ja chuka hai! Lekin phir bhi ye pyaas hai ke bujhti hi nahin. Dil chahta hai ke Rafi sahab ke baare main likhte rahiye, padhte rahiye. Ji chahta hai ke un ki madh-bhari, haseen, meethee, madhosh kar dene wali awaz sunte rahiye ... aur bas sunte rahiye. Ye wo awaz hai ke shayad ise sun ke kaliyaan bhi muskurati hon gee, sharmati hon gee. Is awaz ko sunke shayad sooraj ki kirnain jagmagati hon gee, ithlati hon gee. Ye hi baat Rafi sahab ne khud apne hi aik geet mein kis khoobi se kahi hai:

Hansti zameen, gaate qadam, chalte nazaare, chalte jo ham
Rukte ham to ruk-ruk jaata, Dhalta suuraj dhalte dhalte
Dil ki tamanaa ...

Yesudas sahab ne kitni achi baat ki hai ke mauseeqi ke mauzoo pe bohat saari kitaabain padh ke bhi koi itna nahin seekh sakta jitna ke Rafi sahab ko sun ke aur un ki gayiki ko samajh ke. Main un ki is baat se sau-fi-sad ittifaaq karta hun.

Kabhi kabhi yaqeen nahin aata ke dilon ko chhoo lene wali ye awaz sunaane waale Rafi sahab ab hamare beech nahin rahe! Ye soch kar dil bojhal ho jaata hai lekin phir dharas bandhtee hai ke un ki awaz hamaare saath ab bhi hai aur yehi bohat ghaneemat hai.

Rafi sahab ki saalgirah ke mauqe pe do geet aap sab ki khidmat mein paish karta hun. Aap sab se darkhuast hai ke waqt nikaal ke zurur suniye!

Aakhir mein Rafi sahab ke chand geet zahan mein goonj rahe hain:

Jab bhii ye dil udaas hotaa hai
Jaane kaun aas paas hotaa hai

Ye zindagee ke mele, ye zindagee ke mele
Duniya mein kam na hon ge, afsos hum na hon ge

aur ...

Tum mujhe yun bhula na paaoge
Jab kabhii bhi sunoge geet mere
Sang sang tum bhii gungunaoge



Download "Toote Hue Khaabon Ne"



Download "Ye Raat Hai Pyaasi"

PS: I also have completed a Rafi-Lata duet with Dr. Parasmani Acharya. Please visit her blog Paras' Sargam to listen to the beautiful "Bhar Bhar Aye Ankhiyan".

Door Reh Kar: A Majrooh-Ravi Magic

Songs get stuck in our heads for many reasons! This one has been stuck in my head due to its beautiful poetry and composition! The burning passion expressed in this song is enough to melt anyone away!

The song is from movie "Amaanat" from the year 1977. Music director is Ravi, poet Majrooh Sultanpuri, and singer is no other than Mohammed Rafi sahab.


Download "Door Reh Kar"

Andaaz-e-Maseehayee

Parasmani Acharya is a doctor of medicine and is an expert in providing medical treatment. But when I heard her songs at Taranaa, I thought that her voice alone was enough to cure people and the degree of medicine was perhaps an over-qualification :)

Parasmani's voice takes you back to the past of sweet memories. Our mind starts hearing Geeta Dutt's and Shamshad Begum's everlasting voices. I have been very lucky to have many wonderful songs sung with her. Here, I am presenting another beautiful song from movie "Mohabbat Isko Kehte Hain". The charms of Shashi Kapoor and stances of Nanda are too hard to ignore, specially when backed up by the voices of Mohammed Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur. Khayyam provided the composition and Majrooh Sultanpuri came up with the heart-touching lyrics!


Download "Thaheriye Hosh Mein Aa Lun"

The Age of "Mitwa"

Download "Mitwa"



It would not be so untrue to call 2006 the year of "Mitwa". The song has swept off all types of music lovers! It is one of those songs that keeps playing in your head till you start singing or listening to it again.

This is another wonderful addition to the compositions of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy! The composition is one of the most beautiful and creative compositions of our time. Shankar did the sargam and alaap in the middle of the song beautifully and momentarily stole the show! The rest of the song debuted Shafqat Amanat Ali who really put his heart and soul into it. Shafqat is no stranger to the music world. He is the son of Pakistan's most famous Ustad Amanat Ali Khan. Following is a brief history of the family from wiki:

"Ustad Amanat Ali Khan(1932-1974) was a Pakistani classical music singer of Patiala Gharana. He was the elder of the singing duo Amanat Ali-Fateh Ali brothers, who enjoyed immense prestige and success in Pakistan as well as India, until his death.

"Ustad Amanat was the son of Akhtar Husain Khan and grandson of Ali Baksh Khan, the founder of 'Patiala Gharana.' Along with Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Ustad Amanat started singing for gatherings ('mehfils') at an early age and they were recognised singers in the court of the Patiala king.

"After independence the brothers migrated to Pakistan where they continued to sing, gaining popularity not only in Pakistan but the entire sub-continent.

"Ustad Amanat received the 'Pride of Performance' award form the government of Pakistan.Ustad Amanat Ali Khan died in Lahore in September 1974.

"Ustad Amanat Ali Khan's elder son Ustad Asad Amanat Ali Khan inherited his father-like beautiful voice and talent. After a very successful music career, and contributing unforgettable treasure to ghazal singing, he died of heart attack on 8th April 2007 in London. The baton of the Patiala gharana has been carried on of sorts by Ustad Amanat Ali Khan's younger son, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan."

To read more on the legacy of "Patiala" gharana, please visit: Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan

About six months ago, one of my friends Bilal suggested that I should take a shot at this song. I kept postponing till recently when I started to look for the track and could not find it in Taranaa library. When I requested the track from Taranaa, I was delighted to see it posted in a few days. I kept procrastinating ... till today when I decided to give it a shot! I hope you will like it too. Please do send in your comments!

Bhavana – A Very Sweet Voice

Qawwali Time
It is my pleasure to introduce a beautiful voice to you. Among Taranaa members, Bhavana is already a well-known name. Bhavana loves to explore and accept challenges. It is this attitude and love of music that she did such a fabulous job with this very famous qawwali "Hum Kisi se Kam Nahin". I am sure it would not be a surprise to know that Bhavana won "Taranaa Qawwali Contest".

Bhavana has also been a "Taranaa Star of the Month". For a year or so, Bhavana's contributions towards Taranaa and its members have been immensely significant and prominent. Her performances are sweet as well as diverse. Recently, we did “Beedi Jalaile” from the movie Omkara. This number shows how sundry her performances are. For some other really engaging renditions by Bhavana, please visit the following pages:

Bhavana - Star of the Month
Ghazal Week (Entry 7th, 12th, and 15th by Bhavana)

About the qawwali “Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahin”, what can I say! Some call it the “King of Qawwalis”. Amongst Rafi Sahab’s qawwalis, I personally place this one right beside “Parda Hai Parda”, “Phir Tere Shahar Mein”, and “Phir Tumhari Yaad Ayee”. While opinions may vary on which one is the king of qawwalis, I am hoping that you would listen to this effort by Bhavana and myself. I also hope that you would let us know of our areas of improvements.

Thanks a bunch!


Hai Agar Dushman (Download)

Mohammed Rafi aur Shammi Kapoor ka Jadoo - Episode-2

Badan Pe Sitaare (Download)


Junglee (Download)

Mohammed Rafi aur Shammi Kapoor ka Jadoo - Episode-1

Aji Aisa Muaqa (Download)


Sukoo Sukoo (Download)

Hui Shaam Unka Khayal Aa Gaya

Dard-e-Dil – Episode-1

So, I already admitted that trying to capture moods of Rafi Sahab, or any other singer for that matter, is not as easy as I thought. But hey, consider it my wish list. I have been wanting to record a bunch of Rafi sahab songs for a long time and here is my chance. So, the following are some of the categories, I will be working on in next few weeks:

1. Mohammed Rafi aur Shammi Kapoor ka Jadoo - Episode 1 & 2
2. Dard-e-Dil - Episode-2
3. Qawwali Time
4. Shokhi-e-Mohabbat
5. Nashe Mein Choor - Episode-3

Please do keep me posted on my areas of improvements!


Hui Shaam Unka Khayal (Download)

Nasheelay Nayan

Nashe Mein Choor – Episode-2

When I was young, my mom used to advise: "Don't start anything you cannot finish". Well, I would argue how would I know whether I could finish or not if I didn't start. Nope! She was not happy with that answer! Well, trying to capture the moods of Rafi sahab appears to be similar task! I started it but have no clue whether I would be able to bring it to a decent conclusion! Well, how would I know if I did not try - he he he!

Here is the second episode of "Nashe Mein Choor". And this time its "Aankhon ka Nasha".

Without further ado ...


Gulabi Aankhain (Download)


Aise To Na Dekho(Download)