‘Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai’ – A Tribute to SDBurman
It is S.D.Burman’s birth centenary this year. And www.sdburman.net compiled an awesome evening today, here in Delhi at Sri Sathya Sai Auditorium, Lodhi Road.
Personally, I have attended very few musical shows, primarily because the music that I like is seldom a crowd-puller, and hence commercial organizations avoid it. However, this was a treat compiled by a select group of connoisseurs, and all of it – as Ritu Chandra, one of the co-hosts and co-owner of the site mentioned – voluntary and for immense love for Burmanda’s music. Due to this I was eagerly awaiting the show. And I wasnt disappointed. A labor of love has a fragrance that is as natural and pure as a rose in the garden – with thorns, et al; something that is not found in the ornate bouquets wrapped in plastic films in decorative shops. So was the show fragrant, byouant and vibrant, despite a few hiccups and snags. It was all for the love of music, by lovers of music, for the lovers of music.
On my part I am not a Burmanda fanatic, but I like many of his songs and and can quietly place myself in the ranks of those who respect him a lot. Some of them, especially ones sung by Lataji, are extraordinary.
The chief guest for the evening was famous poet Padmashri Gopal Das Neeraj. Apart from his poems, Neerajji is a reknowned lyricists with hits like ‘Likhe jo khat tujhe’ (Kanyadan/SJ), ‘ Caravan guzar gaya‘ (Nayi Umar Ki Nayi Fasal / Roshan)and ‘Ae bhai zaraa dekh ke chalo’ (Mera Naam Joker/ SJ). With Burmanda, his association is particularly productive and right up there in lyricist-music director associations.
The second guest of honor was Meena Kapur, wife of legendary composer Anil Biswas; but also a singer in her own right. From her ouvre, I am particularly fond of ‘Meri atariya pe kaaga bole‘ from the oldest Aankhen (Madan Mohan’s debut film). Other luminaries included Mrs Basanti Dutta (grand-niece of Burmanda) and Mr. KC Khurana (an elderly emcee who has done several shows with legends like Manna De, etc).
As Sajid, the emcee for the evening, began his narration (using a mix of shudhh Hindi and chaste Urdu) with a famous quote ‘Nashili ki raat hai, saare chiraag gul kardo, khushi ki raat mein kya kaam hai jalnewalon ka’ (incidentally, immortalised as the prelude in Shankar Jaikishan’s breathtaking number ‘Lo aai milan ki raat’ from Aashiq), I settled cozily into my seat to enjoy the evening.
After the lamp-lighting ceremony by Neerajji and an audio-visual documentary on the life of Burmanda, Indraneel Mukherjee’s musical troupe took over the proceedings and unleashed a spew of immortal Burmanda hits. As if to invite the soul of Burmanda, Indraneel began with ‘O Jaane waale ho sake toh laut ke aana’ (Bandini). Indraneel’s voice had a strong Hemant Kumar tinge, and after listening to the number one could imagine how it would have sounded if the said number was sung by him rather than Mukesh, the original singer.
Some songs in this section included: the swaying ‘Yeh raat yeh chandni phir kahan’, the mesmerizing ‘Ab toh hai tumse har khushi apni’, the mischevious ‘Ab ke sajan saawan mein aag lagegi badan mein‘, the romantic ‘Tere mere sapne ab ek rang hai’, the deeply resonating ‘Jalte hai jiske liye teri aankhon ke diye’ and the coy ‘Jaane kya toone kahi’.
[Due to the time constraints, the troupe mix-and-matched full songs and mukhda-one-antara combination]
The evening’s theme was to capture the ‘Navrasas’ in Burmanda’s music. The second section focused on that and began with ‘Shaantras’. Songs in these had the breezy ‘Thandi hawaayen lahrake aayen’ (one of the most copied songs in Bollywood) and my ultimate favorite, Latadi’s ‘Phaili hui hai sapnon ki raahein’.
For ‘Vatsalyaras’ a talented young girl Arundhati Prasad (all of 10 years) danced merrily to Asha Bhonsle’s ‘Chanda mama mere dwaar aana re’.
‘Vibhatsaras’ and ‘Raudraras’ were combined in two back-to-back rousing Sahir numbers from Pyasa – ‘Jinhe naaz hai Hind par woh kahan hai’ and ‘Yeh mehlon yeh taajon yeh takhton ki duniya’.
All this while Sajid interspersed his commentary with anecdotes from Burmanda’s life, either himself or through audio clips of various artistes like Lataji, Ashaji and Hrishida(Mukherjee). For example, Sajid told us how Sahirsaab had written this motivational ghazal full of ‘Veerras’…and what did Burmanda do? He gave it to a club-dancer situation, and the bumper hit innovative number ‘Tadbeer se bigdi hui taqdeer bana le‘ was born.
‘Karunaras’ is a major force in Bollywood cinema. Hence some time was spent on it. Songs included ‘Hum bekhudi mein tujhko pukare chale gaye’ (which was rendered by a 16-year old youngster), one Bengali song and that tearful Ashaji’s minimal-orchestrated number from Bandini – ‘Ab ke baras bhej bhaiya ko babul’
I am sure it will not be very difficult to guess the song that would be an obvious choice for ‘Haasyaras’. But it was singer Sonu’s rendition of ‘Paanch rupayya baarah aana’ which brought in the maximum applause. His yodelling and vocal twists matched Kishore Kumar’s impossibly difficult one. It wasn’t a surprise that the audience greedily demanded for an encore, which the singer obliged by doing another perfect rendition of ‘Haal kaisa hai janaab ka’. This ‘ras’ was rounded off with ‘Achhaji main haari ab maan jaao na’
Since Neerajji was not feeling too bright, his felicitation was pre-poned. This section had four of my most favorite songs – Rangeela re , Phoolon ke rang se , Shokhiyon mein ghola jaaye and Jaise Radha ne maala japi shaam ki … for the last, the audience was so much involved that they requested for the full song to be sung.
Neerajji came to stage amidst thundering claps. He spoke eloquently and said that ‘sam-gat ka matlab sangeet hai‘ – and gave examples of how everything is in harmony in nature itself. He averred ‘Geet hi aadi, geet hi ant, bin geet jeevan marghat samaan’. He also narrated his poem written on the importance of music and song. He also released a commemorative compilation that has articles, filmography and biography of Burmanda.
After the fecilitations, there was a small break for tea (during which Neerajji left) followed by another round of music from Indraneel’s troupe. Some Meena Kapur numbers were the highlight of this section – and these were ones unknown to me as well. A point to note – Meenaji got her break with SD Burman.
More SDB songs followed – the heart-wrenching ‘Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam’, the chirrupy ‘Ae maine kasam lee’ and the soaring ‘Kaali ghata chhaye’. Chaitali Haldar came on stage to dance on Lataji’s classic ‘Piya tose naina laage re’ (original soundtrack played, and my heart swelled with joy). The dance was good, and the song captures ‘Shringarras’ effectively. Another audio-visual on some famous songs and films of SDB followed next.
The grand finale was of course reserved for that song on which the show was named – Lataji’s ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai’ – an ultimate song that manifests feelings of freedom, joy and breaking of shackles! The music of Guide is a remarkable feat, emblazoned boldly in glittering gold in the film music annals – no wonder three songs from this film featured in the show!
During the evening I got acquainted to some numbers I hadnt heard of – Kisi se meri preet lagiyo (Aath Din), Pyara pyara hai sama my dear come to me (Kamal) [both Meena Kapoor numbers], Ae kaash chalte milke (Manzil), Apni toh har aah ek toofan hai (Kala Bazar) and Prem ke pujari hum ke ras ke bhikhari hum (Prem Pujari) – not tough to decipher why I dont know them – none are Latadi numbers!
The auditorium was not large, and hence gave the effect of a quaint sangeet-mehfil. Thankfully, the audience was very receptive and even clapped along in few songs – though, as expected, there were a few rotten apples. For example, the three heavily decked up ladies in the row before me were more interested in waving at one of the singers, who was ostensibly their friend, than in really listening to the music. Their non-stop chatter was off-putting.
This was offset by some such deeply loving fans who had come all the way from Mysore and Bombay to attend the show. I was impressed by Mr Srinivas from Mysore, who was sitting next to me. His knowledge was immense, and he carried a neatly packaged scrap-book on SDB’s life (articles, photos etc). Music is a great unifier indeed…and what better example, than this that the site’s co-owners are gentlemen from Bangladesh and Pakistan!
Alongwith the audience, the troupe was enjoying every minute of the program. And it was clearly visible. The rapport amongst them was great, and Rupendra Shridhar – on keyboard and the conductor as well – could be seen beaming, or playfully reprimanding if something went wrong (e.g. in the number ‘Ab ke sajan saawan mein’ just before the antaras begin, there is a sharp flourish of violins, which the synthesizer player forgot to simulate in time). His entire body-language, as he timed the various artistes/singers, was one who is completely soaked into the proceedings. And the drummer gave some stirring crescendos to a few songs.
There were a few negatives – it started very late, the number of felicitations, bouquet-distribution in the second half were too elongated which unnecessary lengthened the duration, the lady doing Lataji’s song was shrill, a few technical snags in the audio-visual sections, a power cut in between and worse, wrong credits in the audio visual (how could they list ‘Jogi jab se tu aaya mere dwaare’ as Asha’s song!!!!). Also, I wish they had some more real instruments esp. flute (since it was an integral part of Burmanda’s music). As of now, there were three synthesizers, two guitars, saxophone, drums and dholak alongwith a few other percussions.
But then, this was not a professionally organized show. For an amateur and voluntary project, the entire package was slick, sleek and superb!
In all, an evening well spent – and a standing ovation to the organizers. Whereever SDB is today, he would be exceedingly proud to see such fans who compiled and conducted this sort of a magnificent programme, without any greed or ulterior motive…just for the love of his music. That spirit and intent in itself is laudable, and I salute it with my full heart and soul! A tip of the hat to them!
Saturday, 29. July 2006 7:18
Wow! Sounds like you had an awesome evening. I wish I had a deeper understanding of music to truly appreciate this great musician! waise how are you? Paagal khaane shift hue ke nahi abhi tak?
Saturday, 29. July 2006 7:19
and can you believe it! I am actually first to comment! Waaah!
Saturday, 29. July 2006 10:18
me 2nd!!! hey DJ you hav started loooong posts…like ur stories!!!
Saturday, 29. July 2006 10:18
Kaush – Wah wah, a very unlikely first here. Good to see you reclaim ur gold
No, I hvnt still shifted to paagal khaane. When that happens, I will make a grand announcement (LOL).
About music, I dont claim to have a deep understanding – I hv seen (or rather read) many members in various fora who (for example) go into intricate details of ‘taal’ and ‘thekas’ of a composer, which I m totally oblivion to. But , yes I like to enjoy it. And if the music is soothing, with a good sound system – it enhances the experience. That was all there yesterday.
Saturday, 29. July 2006 10:20
Jay – Silver aapka
Nothing intentional about starting long post. Just happened per chance
Saturday, 29. July 2006 10:26
you have covered the evening very well. feels like i am sitting in the auditorium and enjoying myself..SDB is one of my favourites.thanks for bringing the memories alive!!!
Saturday, 29. July 2006 13:17
hi sirji, had convinced myself not to switch on the laptop today because the last few weeks have been crazy but then decided to just take a teeny weeny peak and check emails. I am so fortunate I read this post, I am singing along the songs and switching from one to another as I read it.
Wish I was there. *sign*
Saturday, 29. July 2006 14:28
hiii me liked ur new space and a tribute to SD Burman is awsome
Monday, 31. July 2006 12:02
hi sirji, saw Omkara, great movie. not at the same level as Maqbool both in terms of the adaptation and the performances but still manages to beat the regular fare by far. The language is solely north indian with words between galis but once you get used to it, its ok. dekhne layak hai. would love to do a review, would you host it on this blog?
Monday, 31. July 2006 12:06
Have u posted this from the audi itself …
You were lavish in you praise, esp you hav taken the pain to remember (and mention) their names
P.S.
“Nashili ki raat hai” should be “Nashili si raat hai”
Monday, 31. July 2006 12:37
apne hi bas me nahi mein…
It is a very nice song but the scale is high and tough to sing.
Monday, 31. July 2006 14:28
Jay – Thanks for liking it
Priyangini – I m sure u wud hv enjoyed it equally thoroughly. Yet to see Omkara…
Dhoop – I noted the list of the song there itself
And came back home and immd. wrote the report. Yep, thanx for pointing out the typo…
Arunima – It sounds so effortless in Lataji’s voice. And true true, its a great song…
Monday, 31. July 2006 14:53
Wow! You have attended the program that was organized as A Tribute to SD Burman for completing a century. Your post speaks itself that how much you have enjoyed this program. Kaash hum bhee enjoy kar paate…………
I’m fan of Burman da and you would surprise to know that I love his voice too. I really like his songs Yahan kaun hai tera musafir jayega kahan, Safal hogi teri aaraadhana kahe ko roye… When I heard these two song my goosebumps…
And I like the song as it is sung in Bengali tune with the Ek Tara (?) tune.
Monday, 31. July 2006 14:57
I’m fan of Burman da and you would surprise to know that I love his voice too. I really like his songs Yahan kaun hai tera musafir jayega kahan, Safal hogi teri aaraadhana kahe ko roye… When I heard these two song my goosebumps…
And I like the song as it is sung in Bengali tune with the Ek Tara (?) tune.
And don’t ask about the songs of Pyasa and Kagaz ke Phool. They are (Film and songs) always on top on my list. And from other films such as Baazi, Guide, Abhiman, Taxi Driver, Jaal, Sujata, Bandini, Chalti ka Naam Gadi, Aradhana (we all know that this film established Kishor Kumare as a Top Playback Singer, Rajesh Khanna as a Super Star and Anand Bakshi as a lyrist), Jewel Theif, Sharmilee, Paying Guest. Anuraag etc.
Monday, 31. July 2006 15:04
You have covered the most of the songs from my favorite list
but still I want to mention here few songs are:
* Aaj kee raat piya dil na todo and the song Tadbeer se bigadi huye taqdeer banale really made taqdeer of Geeta Dutta in singing) – Baazi,
* Ankh khulte hee tum chup gaye ho kahan/ jeevan ke safar mein rahi milte hai – Munimji
* Chori chori meri gali aana hai bura/Pighla hai sona door gagan par – Jaal
* Mere sunder sapana bit gaya/Yaad karoge ek din hum ko yaad karoge – Do Bhai
* Saathi na koi manzil deeya hai na koi mahfil- Bombay ka Baabu
* Jaane wo kaise log the jinke pyar ko pyar mile (Goosebumping song ) – Pyasa
* I like all songs from Abhiman – Aye haye tera jhumka to Piya bina piya bina baje na baje basiya,
* Chanda hai too mera suraj hai too – Aradhana
* Dil Pukare Are Are / Rula Ke Gaya Sapna Mera – Jewel Thief
* Megha Chhaye Adhi Rat/Khilatey Hain Gul Yahan – Sharmilee
* Chand Phir Nikala – Paying Guest
* Puchho Na Kaise Maine Rain Bitai – Meri Surat Teri Aankhen
* Jaye to jaye kahan samjhega kaun yahan dard bhari juban – Taxi Driver
* Neend churaye chain churaye daka dale tere bansi / Suna ri pawan pawan purvaiya/ mera raja beta bujhe ek paheli/ tum besahara ho toh kisi ka sahara bano – Anuraa
Monday, 31. July 2006 15:10
And abut Meena Kapoor, I don’t recall that I hear any of songs :-O.
Anyway, really enjoyed reading this post
.
Monday, 31. July 2006 15:11
Hey forgot to tell you that I have re-commented in previous post
Monday, 31. July 2006 15:21
jaldi dekho aur jaldi review karo, btw update kab daloge?
Monday, 31. July 2006 16:04
Arey bahut maza aaaya hoga !!!! But the way you wrote, I felt I was there.
And yes it is hard to find a bad SD song! He was a great composer. Loved all his songs especially NavKetan banner ones. Guide is a master piece, so is Teen Devian. Kya kya ginaaoon. Bahut saarey hain.
When I first heard the song – Apni toh har aah ek toofan hai – I was thought it was some complaint to God. But look at it’s picturisation and you would love the song even more
Monday, 31. July 2006 17:26
Priyangini – First up, my apologies for completely missing the last line of ur previous comment.
Of course, u r most welcome to be the guest writer at Random Expressions. So write the review, and email it to me ASAP, and I will upload it.
The update will come soon, just a few days more
Silky Moon – Yes the show was brilliant, and ekdum mere kind of music waala
Once again, great to see ur long comments…That list is not mine, but of the show (and as Indraneelji said, it was so tough selecting just a few of them to sing, i cud understand the dilemma they wud hv gone thru) …your list is amazing, y didnt u do it up as a post? After all, never seen u doing too many music post, and never a list of songs! … ‘Chand phir nikala’ (Paying Guest [ and its 'sister' song 'Rasik balamaa' from Chori Chori by SJ ] is an all time favorite! Same for many that u mentioned, but from Meri Soorat Teri Aankhen, my personal favorite is ‘Naache man mora’ and from Jewel Thief it’s ‘Hothon pe aisi baat’!
BTW, the show only made me wish there was on Madan Mohan and S-J as well
I wud freak out on both !
Yep, I read the comment on the prev post (Thankfully, wordpress mails all comments to me )
Manish – Yes yes yes, bahut bahut mazaa aaya…infact, I was really thinking it wud hv been more pleasurable if music lovers like u or Pri were here to enjoy it…wud hv hd live discussions
I really like SDB’s early phase the best (Sazaa, Buzdil, Naujawan, Taxi Driver phase) till about late fifties…and then his upgraded one post-Bandini (Anurag, Tere Mere Sapne, Gambler, Sharmili, Guide, Teen Deviyan, Jewel Thief one)…
[the reason for not liking the in-between phase has nothing to do with the tiff with a certain leading singer
]
And yes, I learnt about ‘Apni toh har aah ek toofan hai’ (thru a music group member’s description of the same) – very very interesting picturisation from what i hv read recently.
Monday, 31. July 2006 20:50
Hi,Deepak,that sounds like quite a memorable musical evening dedicated to S.D. Burman.As you said, “It was all for the love of music, by lovers of music, for the lovers of music.” I usually avoid musical evenings coz of the way the seating arrangement is…rarely close to the stage,even the front row,high-priced seats.
Tuesday, 1. August 2006 13:02
hi sirji, mujhe laga aap ne misinterpret kiya hoga. halka sa gussa bhi aaya. par ab jab apology aur permission di hai likhne ki toh I will try to write and send it today.
Tuesday, 1. August 2006 13:48
Tuesday, 1. August 2006 21:11
Amit Loiwal – Yep it was
Yeah I understand that … but this was by invitation, the hall was compact, and I was lucky to get the fourth or fifth row 
Priyangini – Chalo, will wait for it now … email bhejo phataphat…
Manish –
)
Sunday, 10. June 2007 12:07
hi! Deepak.. may u plz send me the lyrics of “Jane wo Kaise Log The Jinke” SD Berman, Sahir Ludhiyanvi
Friday, 21. December 2007 19:31
Dear Friends,
I simply love the music of Sachin Dev Burman. I still recall the moment when I read the news of demise of Buran Da and I virtually wept on reading it.
Whereas the doyens like Naushad and others could not keep pace with time, Burmanda delivered the best as well hit music upto his last film.
subhash parihar
sparihar48@yahoo.co.in
Wednesday, 6. February 2008 20:57
talented music director as well as singer.
Thursday, 16. April 2009 11:19
sd burmun ke sadabahar hits kahan par hai 2 dnload
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