Dar Ke Jeena Hai Koi Jeena Yaaron..

Though Javed Akhtar and R D Burman were part of a number of movies, beginning from Seeta Aur Geeta of 1972, their collaboration as a lyricist & music composer began more than a decade later, after Javed Akhtar broke up with Salim, and also started writing lyrics. As a result, there are very few movies where they both worked together.

For the artists like these however the quantity is immaterial. Even in these few movies, their team had started making an impact.

Like Gulzar, Javed Akhtar has also been a poet with an acute sense to capture the sensibilities & language of the young generation & turn it into lyrics. His Hum Hain Naye Andaaz Kyun Ho Purana from the 2002 release Dil Chahta Hai was one such song that went on to become the anthem of a whole post-liberalisation generation.

Much before that there was another such anthem penned by him - reflecting the social settings of a different India - an India of mid eighties, which had gone through a decade long textile mill strike, unemployment, corruption, and rising anger in the aspiring youngsters of lower-middle class. The lyrics from the movie Arjun, a slice from the life in the city, were reflection of the rebellious mood, and hence also needed a composition to match it. Who better than Pancham - a born rebel?

The song itself was on a unique situation - a street fight - perhaps inspired by west-side story. But since the situation warranted, after a long time, he again created a long prelude that begins with whistling tune, added clicking of fingers, and as the tension builds up, kept adding the instruments, even using chorus, till the prelude reaches a crescendo. Even the interludes keep up the tempo & energy - using Tabla and flute among other instruments, while the gang of youngsters, led by Sunny Deol, moves across the Mumbai city, lip-syncing to Shailendra Singh singing:

Ghar ne jo dil se nikala humen
In raasto ne hai pala humen
Muskara ke hum jhelte hain gham
Ro ke beete woh koi zindagi hai kya
Duniya mane bura to goli maro
Dar ke jeena hai koi jeena yaaron

Do Ghadi Bahal Jata Hai, Dil Deewana..

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