Whistle Your Cares Away – Whistling Songs Of Hindi Cinema

By Deepa | December 30, 2017

The art of whistling has been around for centuries. It might be in the form of music, entertainment or even communication. In fact, The Canary Islands in Spain use whistling as a language. It is called Silbo Gomero and is used to communicate across the deep valleys and the ravines. Silbo Gomero has around 4000 words and is taught in the schools. It has managed to survive despite the electronic communication. People often whistle to themselves, while working. Some whistlers entertain the gatherings. Whistle is also used to train or communicate with animals. In other terms, whistling can be said to be the expression of happiness.
Whistling without the use of an artificial whistle is done by puckering the lips and then gently blowing or sucking air. The air is moderated by either teeth, fingers or curled tongue. According to some people, in music theory, whistle is termed as an instrument since no vocal chords are used while whistling. Mastering the art of whistling is often considered as smart. Wow!! You can whistle? Don’t we ask the person, who can whistle, in amazement? There are artists who can not only whistle entire songs but also Hindustani/Carnatic classicals or even skilled jazz tunes. The whistle at the beginning of Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t worry, be happy has been used and reused so many times. So is Wind of Change.
The famous BBC radio show of the 50s, The Goon Show was seasoned with some lovely music by the band. One of those songs say –
Life is full of modern type misfortune
Full of strife and woe and grief by fright
But even though you come upon misfortune
There’s one thing that will save you in the end
When life is not all bliss, please remember
When you’re drowning in the water of a shark infested bay
Give a little whistle and whistle your cares away
When your standing on the gallows at the dreaded break of day
Give a little whistle and whistle your cares away
If your tied up to the railroad and the train is on its way
Give a little whistle and whistle your cares away

But what about our own Hindi songs? Don’t we have all those seetis as a part of the song? Very similar to the above song, just see what our own Shailendra says –
Dhakke pe dhakka, rele pe rela
Hai bheed itni par dil akela
Gham jab sataye, Seeti bajana
Par maskhare se dil na lagana
Kehta hai joker sara zamana
Aadhi haqeeqat, aadha fasana…

Expression of lightness, cheerfulness, effervescence. Lets see this expression in some of the Hindi songs over the years. Songs where someone might be seen whistling or even the songs which have whistling in the background. Which is your favourite?

1. Kismet (1943) – Ashok Kumar hushes the clouds since his beloved is asleep. He is happy in his own world, singing and yes whistling.

2. Albela (1951) – Bhagwan dada is all geared up to tease Geeta Bali. While she warns him not to do so. This sweet banter begins with a sweet whistle.

3. Mr & Mrs 55 (1955) – This is Guru Dutt at his cutest best. Look at his expressions, he is bewitched by Madhubala and narrating the story to Johny Walker. Though he is not seen whistling on screen, it is certainly there in the interludes.

4. Nau Do Gyarah (1957) – The song which can be easily termed as the king in this particular category, since the whistle is the highlight of this enchanting number.

5. Howrah Bridge (1960) – A candy floss song picturised on Ashok Kumar and Madhubala. With Madhubala whistling her way into your heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq2MJUo0KkQ

6. Khamoshi (1969) – The haunting whistle forms the spotlight of the song. A beauty by Hemant Kumar and whistling by Manohari Singh.

7. Kati Patang (1970) – Another song which is identified by its whistle. Impressive music by R D Burman and wondrous whistling by Manohari Singh again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sZg4EUB3IM

8. Piya Ka Ghar (1972) – Some beautiful background whistling indeed!! Don’t you agree?

9. Jurm (1990) – Whistle your way through the ballroom and enjoy the party through this romantic whistle number.

10. Yes Boss (1997) – With Shah Rukh Khan trying to impress Juhi Chawla, there’s lot of positivity, happiness and whistling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uxe_dAKjrM