People who contributed to Hindi Film Music - AMEEN SAYANI

“Behnon aur Bhaaiyon, Ye hai Binaca Geet maala…Pichchle hafte se chaar paaidan chadhkar ye gaana…”. The golden voice in the programme Binaca Geet mala on All India Radio belongs to none other than Ameen Sayani. The programme, broadcast in Radio Ceylon which won the hearts of millions of fans, played a key role in creating an environment of healthy competition among the bollywood music directors who tried their best to ensure that their compositions attained the top spot in Binaca Geet mala. It also kept alive, the audiences’ interest in good hindi film songs. The heady combination of mesmerizing voice of Ameen Sayani and lilting songs was unforgettable. Nobody who has spent his childhood in the 70’s would have missed the programme, when Wednesday evenings were always eagerly awaited.

Ameen Sayani was born in 1932. He graduated from St.Xavier’s College, Bombay. His parents were deeply involved in the Indian struggle for independence. Initially, Ameen helped his mother in editing the journal “Rahber” published fortnightly, started by Mahatma Gandhi. His brother Hamid Sayani was an eminent broadcaster in English. He introduced Ameen to stage acting, direction, compering etc. at an early age and later to All India Radio, where he started his career in 1951 with Radio Ceylon. He gained immense popularity with his weekly show Binaca Geet Mala.
Ameen Sayani has immensely contributed in the development of commercial broadcasting in India. According to the Limca Book Of Records 2005, he has presented over 54,000 radio programmes and around 19,000 commercial spots and jingles, making waves in the radio world of India, Sri Lanka, the US, Canada, Britain, UAE and New Zealand. He has also produced and presented film personality interviews, plays and skits, musical features, quiz shows, career guidance and AIDS awareness programmes, feature film promotional trailers, etc. Sayani was also a part of various movies like “Bhoot Bangla”, “Teen Devian”, “Boxer”, “Qatl”. He appeared in these movies in the role of an announcer.
A few of Ameen Sayani's successful international radio shows are "Mini Insertions of Filmstar Interviews" was aired over the British Broadcasting Corporation's Ethnic Network in the U.K.; "Music For The Millions" for the BBC's World Service Radio; "Veetee Ka Hungama" aired over Sunrise Radio, London; "Geetmala Ki Yaaden" over Radio Ummul Quwain, UAE; "Hangamay" over ethnic radio stations in Toronto, Washington, Houston, Los Angeles, San Fransisco and Boston.
He was conferred with Padma Shree for his invaluable contribution in the field of Broadcasting.
Though he was neither a singer nor a musician, his contribution towards popularizing the hindi film music among millions of fans is unparalleled. After all it was he who lured us into listening to the golden melodies of the period, which we still cherish.

Hats off Ameen Sayaniji!

People who contributed to Hindi film music -MANOHARI SINGH

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.

People who contributed to Hindi Film Music -BHUPINDER SINGH

Who can forget the mellifluous male voice in the songs “Dil Dhoondtha hai phir wohi”, “Ek Akela is shehar mein”, “Beeti na bitaayi raina”, “Naam gum jaayega” etc., the voice so booming but delicate and emotional at the same time. The earthiness and sincerity to it. Yes! It’s the voice of Bhupinder Singh. Singer and Musician.
Born in Patiala, his early career was in AIR, Delhi. He was also adept in playing guitar and violin. He made his debut in Madan Mohan’s song “Hoke majboor mujhe”, a duet with the legendary Rafi saab. Later on, he sang unforgettable numbers under R.D.Burman, Bhappi Lahiri etc.

Did you know that it was Bhupinder Singh who played guitar in the songs “Dum Maro Dum”, “Chura Liya”, “Chalte Chalte”, “Jaane kaise kab kahan”, “Tum Jo mil gaye ho” etc.?

This apart, Bhupinder Singh is also an ace ghazal singer and has released his own albums in this genre’.

His contribution to Hindi film music is substantial. We, as lovers of old hindi film music, salute this talented man.

-Nag

KISHORE KUMAR'S HANDWRITTEN NOTE TO HIS FANS!

Please click on the photograph to enlarge

Ilayaraja returns to Telugu films with Sri Ramarajyam

Sri Ramarajyam movie is based on Uttara Ramayanam, i.e., Lava Kusa. In which, Bala Krishna is going play lord Rama in a film and Nayantara will portray the role of Sitadevi.

While dialogues are being written by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana, Kamal Kannan, who won national award for his remarkable work in ‘Magadheera’, is going to handle visual effects, PRK Raju is the cinematographer, art director Ravindra will design the sets, editing will be done by GG Krishna Rao and the music is being scored by Ilayaraja. This is the 2nd film in Bapu and Ilayaraja combination, after the super duper hit film ‘Mantrigaari Viyyankudu’.

Isaignani Ilayaraja Ilayaraja's autograph on the cover of his "Ramanamaalai" CD as he presented to P. Susheela

I don't think about awards while composing: Ilayaraja

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Legendary composer Ilayaraja, who bagged the National Award for the best background score for Malayalam film "Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja", says he never thinks about awards while composing music.

When asked whether he expected the award, he said: "I don't think about awards and such diversions. I think only about music."

Starring Mammootty, the film revolves around King Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja who revolted against the erstwhile British East India Company when they imposed high revenue policies upon the people of Kottayam kingdom.

Ilayaraja also thanked director Hariharan and production team executive Pravin for their support during the making of the film.

"I composed the score in 15 days and sent it to Budapest... We recorded it with a symphony orchestra, " he told reporters Wednesday after the 57th National Film Awards were announced.

Speaking about the art of composing music, he said: "Mere keyboard playing is not composing music. When I did this background score ('Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja'), I envisioned each shot, the story and how it was going to be executed on screen and felt the music and situation.

That is composing... when you create something, the feelings of the director should get translated into the music. This has happened in this ('Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja').