RD's first movie with Rishi Kapoor was Zahreela Insaan in 1974. The
movie, though not a hit, will always be remembered by RD afficiandos.
For, it featured one of the best songs from Pancham & Kishore
combination - and also perhaps one of the most romantic songs of all
time - O Hansini.
Rishi was launched in 1973 in Bobby - one of
the most successful love stories of all time. The movie was a big
success and apart from creating two overnight sensations - Rishi &
Dimple, it also gave the halo of stardom to a new singer - Shailendra Singh, chosen by Raj Kapoor to be the singing voice of Rishi.
Ideally, Pancham should have given all the songs of Zahreela Insaan to
Shailendra, and perhaps he would have. However, a strike by the
musicians during those times led to RD getting Kishore Kumar to sing O
Hansini.
I am not sure if Shailendra would have been able to do
justice to the ethereal composition of O Hansini. I am sure, though, he
must have regretted forever, missing out on singing this number.
Listening to another composition from this movie however makes me feel
that there is nothing for Shailendra to complain about. Though
overshadowed by the Kishore classic, this composition was much different
from what Pancham was known for. It was also a difficult number -
specially the beginning of the stanza - for any newcomer. A wholesome
credit to Pancham to trust Shailendra, and to Shailendra for executing
it so well, specially when he had to match the caliber of Asha Bhosle,
who adds that lilting sensuality to the song.
This is also one
of the few compositions where Pancham has used Sitar. You must listen to
the interlude before second stanza, where the lovely sound of Guitar
& Saxophone give way to Sitar & tabla, changing the structure,
yet maintaining the mood so effortlessly.
Here it is:
Mere dil se ye nain mile rahne do janeman
Ki do ghadi bahal jata hai, dil diwana