No Percussion – No Problem

By Deepa | January 31, 2017

The world of Hindi film music transcends itself from just mere music to another world. It adapts and absorbs style from all over the world into one, with instruments being its key aspect. A combination of percussion, strings, woodwind, keyboard, brass form the anchors in the construction of a song. They play a monster role in spicing up a song be it classical, ghazal, western, devotional or any other genre.

Percussion is generally considered as the soul of a song. From Hindustani to Western, percussion instruments such as tabla, dholak, bongo-congas, castanets, maadal, dhol, ghatam, the western drums all give a flavour to the song. They capture the rhythm of the song, take the song forward and keep the pace. But what will happen to a song if the soul is taken away from it? Will it become dull, somewhat drag or boring? Have you lent your ears to any such songs from Hindi films which have no percussion or just negligible percussion? How does the song sound like?

The article showcases few such songs from the Hindi films which have no percussion or very negligible percussion in the background or miniscule accompanying percussion instruments. Which one happens to be your favourite? I was actually amazed to see so many of my favourite numbers which have come under this list. And they are not boring, drag or dull!! And yes they are not even the sad versions or tandem songs. You might find many sad versions which might come under this list, but that will be very common. The songs chosen here are full fledged independent songs. Have a look at the list –

1. Wo Dekhein Toh Unki Inaayat – Funtoosh (1956) – A delightful song full of mischief and romance. Rendered by Asha Bhonsle and Kishore Kumar for the beautiful Sheila Ramani and the debonair Dev Anand. Composed by S D Burman, it has very miniscule percussion in the background ( if at all there is).

2. Ye Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye – Pyaasa (1957) – Once again composed by Dada Burman, rendered by Mohammed Rafi, pouring his heart out while he narrates the cruel ways of the world. Picturised on Guru Dutt and lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z6Lr0JYAro

3. Ya Dil Ki Suno Duniyawaalon – Anupama (1966) – Composed by Hemant Kumar, it is also rendered in his heavily accented and rich voice. Picturised on Dharmendra, the song sure gives an account of misdoings of the world.

4. Na Kisi Ki Aankh Ka Noor – Laal Quila (1960) – The film based on the last Emperor of India, Bahadur Shah Zafar. The song is rendered by Rafi in his melancholic voice, composed by S N Tripathi.

5. Chhupa Lo Dil Mein Yun Pyaar Mera – Mamta (1966) – A poignant duet by Lata Mangeshkar and Hemant Kumar composed by Roshan.

6. Raat Yun Dil Mein Teri – Jaanwar (1965) – An utterly romantic nazm, rendered by Asha Bhonsle and Mohammed Rafi. Lyrics by Faiz Anwar Faiz and music by Shankar-Jaikishen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q25JCh1i_-M

7. Mera Dil Jo Mera Hota – Anubhav (1971) – The entire soundtrack of this film should come under this list. The songs have no percussion or less use of percussion. Music by Kanu Roy and rendered by Geeta Dutt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAF9Bi5neq4

8. Ek Hi Khwab Sa Kai Baar – Kinara (1977) – A languorous romantic number from the Pancham – Gulzar combination. Rendered by Bhupinder Singh.

9. Koi Ye Kaise Bataye – Arth (1982) – A movie dominated by ghazals. More so music became the soul of this film. Rendered and composed by Jagjit Singh, this song is the epitome of sadness and yet happens to a delightful hear.

10. In Aankhon Ki Zeenon Se – Faasle (1985) – The magic and the romance in the voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar is so prominent. You don’t need any instruments to backup. This particular song composed by Shiv-Hari.

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