The Emperor Of Melodies – Roshan

One of the most brilliant music director of his times, Roshan, continued to give melodious music till the end of his days. He blended and mixed folk music and classical music with ease. This perspective of Roshan made him stand out from his contemporaries. In his music, one can hear the melody and cadence merge like milk with sugar. It resulted in the sweetness which the audience savour till date. His music from the Muslim oriented films is largely popular.

Born as Roshan Lal Nagrath in a village of Gujranwala (Now in Pakistan) on 14 July 1917. He began to learn music from an early age . His first Guru was Manhar Barve. He travelled India with him . He studied music at the Morris College of Music, Lucknow. He took music lessons from Ustad Allauddin Khan and later he joined the ‘Sarangi King’ Bundu Khan, to learn Sarangi. He got associated with All India Radio (Delhi) as a musician, in the early 40’s, for almost 10 years. He use to compose music for various radio programmes. He went to Bombay in 1948 and became assistant to Khursheed Anwar. He struggled until he met Kidar Sharma who gave him a break in Neki Aur Badi (1949). The film flopped, but Kidar Sharma was impressed by him enough to continue him for Bawre Nain next year, which became a musical landmark.

Almost all his compositions have the distinctive use of sarangi and flute. Some of his songs have become immortal. Instruments had a very important role to play in all his. His association with the instruments gave enriching results. He was a musical extravaganza in himself. Though most of his songs have Lata Mangeshkar, Rafi and Mukesh majorly, he also made melodies with other singers too. He was the emperor of melodies in true sense.

A quick look at few melodies by Roshan sans Lata, Rafi and Mukesh. Which is your favourite song of his?

1. Bawre Nain (1950) – A sweet song rendered by Rajkumari Dubey, this song grows on you as you start listening to it. The melody remains with you wherever you go.

2. Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) – A modification of his earlier creation in Malhar (1951), which was sung by Lata Mangeshkar, this particular duet is crooned by Suman Kalyanpur and Kamal Barot. A beautifully done classical number, it is sure to send ripples of rain and thunder while you hear it.

3. Taj Mahal (1963) – The film which won him a Filmfare award. Though the songs of this films were mostly sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, this particular number stands out for its rhythm. It is rendered by Suman Kalyanpur and Minoo Purushottam.

4. Chitralekha (1964) – Another extravagant musical from Roshan, its music at par with Taj Mahal. Dominated by Rafi and Lata numbers, this magnificent beauty by Asha Bhonsle and Usha Mangeshkar is sure to mesmerise you!!

5. Dil Hi Toh Hai (1963) – Another classical based song by Roshan. Picturised on Raj Kapoor and rendered by Manna Dey. A soulful song.

6. Anhonee (1952) – A beauty from Roshan’s earlier days, the number is rendered by Talat Mahmood, picturised on Raj Kapoor again!!

7. Mashooqa (1953) – A rare combination of Roshan and Kishore Kumar, the song is a typical western number and composed very unlike Roshan style. Kishore Kumar yodels perfectly which was his plus point, supported ably by Meena Kapoor.