Parakh
Salilda had acquired great popularity all over the country by the time Parakh was released in 1960. Madhumati, arguably the most popular musical of all time, had seen Salilda zooming to the zenith of his popularity in Bombay. And "Parakh" followed not too later.
Now, "Parakh" is in its own way as memorable a soundtrack as "Madhumati". The Lata perenials in the film are the stuff dreams are made of. There is hardly a wrong note in any of these Lata songs of the film. Each of them have their own distinct flavour. Not one of these songs would I miss out when draw a list of my 50 favourite Lata songs. That speaks volumes about the quality of these songs. Lets dig in then..
o sajanaa - The most celebrated song of the track, and indeed one of Lata's most cherished numbers. The Bengali original of the song naa jeo naa is equally brilliant. That version is devoid of all the orchestral flourishes that Salilda has added to the Hindi version. Pt Ravishankar was not pleased with Salilda having used such "heavy western instruments" in the interludes saying they tended to spoil the simple beauty of the song. Salilda however differed - and while that debate continues, personally I love the orchestration in the song. The typical Salilda use of the counterpoint in the antaraas enhance the beauty of the song and give it a very distinct Salil ring.
milaa hai kisii kaa jhumakaa - Another outstanding melody and a very typically complex Salilda composition. The notes sway from the low to high to the higher octaves successively. But Lata appears to handle it with consummate ease. The flute pieces in the melody are equally brilliant.
ye ba.nsii kyo.n gaaye - One of my very favourite Salilda compositions and easily amongst his most complex ones. The song is very fast and the notes move up and down as to cause even us listeners to gape in wonder. Lata and the flute again hold sway in the song. The song starts on a rather high note :
o ye ba.nsii haaye..
and then swings to the sway of the notes.
The antaraas in particular are tremendously crafted.. how Lata manages the switch from
ye ba.nsii nadiyaa ke tiir mohe dekh ke akelii
to
mujh ko sikhaade aa_ii priit pahelii
has to be heard to be believed. Lata and Lata alone could have rendered this song to such perfection !
mere man ke diye - One of those songs that creates an aura of deep isolation. Salilda realizes that such a mood can best be captured with that most potent of music - Silence. The song is a masterly synchronization of the cry of the heart and the silent cry that lingers around. The orchestra is magnificent, mainly built on choral singing. Then the beautiful interlude music which is simply a delightful play on the flute that gives a very "birdy" air to the song. What more can one say about Lata's singing ? Just listen to the song - you will be haunted.
Ok - so thats the soundtrack for today. Catch you with another great soundtrack soon..
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