8 Sparkling Gems of Madan Mohan Which Remained Unreleased

The beauty in Lag ja gale, the classicism in Phir wahi shaam, the poignancy in Unko ye shikayat hai, the patriotism in Kar chale lo fida, the mischief in Suniye suniye aaj kal ki ladkiyon ka program. All these songs have one thing in common. Their master. Madan Mohan. The knack and imagination with which he made music, showed that his mind was skilfully honed. Christened as “The Emperor of Ghazals”, he had class and spontaneity. Be it the lyrics of Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Rajendra Krishan, Sahir Ludhianvi or Majrooh sultanpuri, his masterly tunes brought those words alive.

Beginning with Ankhein (1950), he went on to compose timeless, pristine songs in films like Bhai Bhai, Dekh Kabira Roya, Adalat, Sanjog, Anpadh, Woh Kaun Thi, Mera Saaya, Dastak, Heer Ranjha and last but not the least Mausam. Though unfortunately, he did not win a single Filmfare award for his compositions, he won National award for the film Dastak (1970). He was never in the rat race, but he was a special prodigy. The audience of today also find his music relevant and suitable. The best example of this being Veer Zara, which released in 2004. Yash Chopra re-recorded some unused compositions of Madan Mohan and it gives thumping evidence of his genius. The maestro still has a list of exotic numbers which are unreleased or haven’t been heard or more sadly some are lost.

Some of these songs from unreleased/shelved films have been released on albums Tere Bagair and Kaise Kategi Zindagi. Some songs were found on his master tapes, while others have been lost. Hearing these sparkling, shimmering gems is sure going to be a treat for the listeners and his fans. Here are a few of them!!

1. Mere Dil Se Aake Lipat Gayi ( Neela Aakash) – This romantic duet by Mohammaed Rafi and Asha Bhonsle was originally recorded in 1965 for the film Neela Aakash. The song was rejected after being recorded.

https://youtu.be/hRENrTMrQLw

2. Ya Ilahi Ek Haseena Ne – A typical frothy Rafi number was probably recorded in the mid sixties and was found on his original spool.

3. Ladkiyon ko Chahiye Woh Ladko – This song was recorded in the early 70’s in the voice of Kishore Kumar. A teasing, naughty song written by Naqsh Lyallpuri. It is a situational song and indeed different from the Madan Mohan’s style of songs.

4. Mere Ashkon ka Gham Na Kar – Film unknown. Written by Naqsh Lyallpuri, rendered by Lata Mangeshkar.

https://youtu.be/LRW1M8BP6Xs

5. Phir Wohi Shaam Phir Wohi Gham – Written by Rajindra Krishan, rendered by Asha Bhonsle. This song is supposed to be from an R K Nayyar movie called Phir Wohi Shaam starring Sadhna.

6. Aaj Mujhe Jal Jaane Bhi Do – Recorded in that distinctive voice of Kishore Kumar, the song sounds like a seductive one.

7. Dhadkan Hai Tu Har Dil Ki – This songs rendered by Rafi, Asha Bhonsle, Balbir and Brij Bhushan belongs to the pop genre. The tempo is up beat with beautiful orchestration.

8. Har Sapna Ek Din Toote – A philosophical song recorded in the early 70’s. Rendered by Rafi again in his pathos driven voice.