Music is an integral part of our films. In fact, music has played a key role in many a hit films. Sometimes, some interludes in a song become so much part of it that it is impossible to forget the music bits whenever we sing that song.
Manohari Singh was one such instrumentalist who rendered his saxophone in some of the unforgettable song interludes of Hindi film music.
Mahohari Singh was born on March 8th 1931 in Kolkota. He was a key instrumental player in the troupe of S.D.Burman and was one of the arrangers for R.D.Burman. His main instrument was Saxophone, though he could also play flute, clarinet and mandolin. Who can forget the saxophone pieces in the songs “Jaa re ud jare panchhee” (Maya), “Hai duniya useeki zamana useeka”(Kashmir ki kali), “Roop tera masthana”(Aradhana), “Raat akeli hai (Jewel Thief), “Gaatha rahe mera dil (Guide), flute bit in “Tum jo mil gaye ho” (Haste zakhm) , Whistle in “Ye shaam masthani” (Kati Patang), mandolin in “Tum bin jaun kahan” (Pyar ka mausam) to name a few.
Mahohari Singh made his debut in the movie “Sitharon se aage”, composed by S.D.Burman and went on to play for all the top music directors of Hindi Cinema. He also composed music for a few films among which “Sabse bada ruppaiya” is well known. His passion for saxophone was so much that he played almost till his last days. He also used to give sax concerts which were lapped up by music enthusiasts.
Behind the success of any music director is the team which sits together for orchestration and puts in its best efforts to make the song unforgettable. Manohari was not only a key member of Pancham’s team, but Pancham’s soul mate too. We cannot ignore Manohari da’s presence in the ‘magic’ of Pancham’s songs. Pancham and Manohari have blessed us with a treasure of melodious music which will be cherised as long as hindi film music is alive.
Manohari attained the heavenly bliss on 10th July 2010. He may not be physically present, but his mellifluous renditions would haunt us forever.
Hats off Manohari da
-Nag.
