Phiro Eso Anuradha..

The album released for Durga Pooja of 1967 is an absolute treasure trove for those seeking to find RD's inspirations for some of his very popular Hindi songs. Apart from Ekdin Pakhi Ure Jabe Je, and Mone Pore Rubi Ray, the album had another number - a cult song amongst Bangla music lovers - Phire Eso Anuradha!

Phire eso Anuradha, Bhenge diye shob badha,

Priyotoma Monalisa

Tumi amar bhalobasha|

The lyrics - again penned by Sachin Bhowmick who used the name Anuradha in this song because of his special affection to his own screenplay for the movie Anuradha, means (thanks to the translation by Dr. Saikat Chakraborty – available on facebook):

Come back Anuradha, Breaking all the shackles

My darling, My monalisa, You are the one I love.

You spoke to me in that song, In that song, you told me, 

Giving me a flower from your hair,

That you'll be my bride, And the desert will then become like the sea. 

Why did you go away, tell me, why did you go?

Forgot about all this love, And forgot about all the wishes 

All those wishes.. 

Anuradha

Here is the song, sung by RD, in his inimitable way & voice:

This composition was used by RD in the movie “Jaise ko Taisa”, released in 1973. However, much later, in 1981, this composition also became the backbone of another of RD’s very popular songs. I would like to showcase this song here – not only because of it being more popular or for its profound lyrics - penned by Gulzar, not even because of the way Lata Mangeshkar has made this composition soar, but only because of the actress who appears only at the fag end of the song – one of the most beautiful & talented actresses in India – whose birthday happens to be today – Happy Birthday to Rekha.