Woh Phir Nahin Aate

Aap Ki Kasam was quite a well made movie, with reasonably good performances from all the three lead performers. Rajesh Khanna, as an excessively jealous husband doubting his wife forever, and in the bargain ruining the entire relationship, portrayed the role amazingly well, though the movie was preceded by a number of flops.

Of course, the movie had everything going for it, as far as its music was concerned. Another song of the movie, on a forlorn note, starts with the close-up of Rajesh Khanna, and the pain on his face can almost make one understand how closely he must have related to the lyrics – not only due to the story of the movie, but also of the turmoil he himself must have been going through with a number of flops.

While the lyrics, penned by Anand Bakshi, are simple & yet profound, it is the composition – based on Raag Bihaag –which is brilliant.

It begins with a beat – resembling a train journey – that remains constant through the song, with a number of instruments that keep adding the sound, before a very brief pause, and then the vocals start. As the song progresses, the structure & the instruments used in the composition also change – to denote the passage of time and the seasons.

There is a well created fusion of western as well as Indian instruments, with Santoor & Flute used judiciously to bring out the melody. Each of the interludes has such a distinct identity that it can be a part of an independent composition. Post each interlude, to bring the composition back to the main theme, ensuring that they are not perceived to be out of place is the hallmark of a genius. Of course, that is what Pancham was, and he was accompanied by another genius – Kishore Kumar – whose rendition ensured that the song has remained to be an all time classic – even after four decades.

Here it is:

Subah Aati Hai, Shaam Jaati Hai 

Waqt Chalataa Hi Rahataa Hai, Rukataa Nahi

Ek Pal Me Ye Aage Nikal Jaataa Hai

Aadami Theek Se Dekh Paataa Nahi

Aur Parade Ka Manzar Badal Jaataa Hai

Ek Baar Chale Jaate Hai Jo Din-Raat Subah-O-Shaam

Woh Phir Nahi Aate, Woh Phir Nahi Aate