Remembering Hansraj Behl

Hansraj Behl is one of those great composers of the golden age of Hindi film music who once was a well-known name but is now confined to the memory of a few music lovers. His musical genius shines through in a host of classic melodies from the late 40s through to the 60s. He has created something memorable with a number of leading singers of the day. He also has a substantial output in Punjabi cinema. His best compositions were however reserved for Lata though quantity wise, he has worked more with Asha and Madhubala Jhaveri. Amongst male singers, Rafi and Talat have sung many of the legend's memorable compositions.

Here are some of my favourite Hansrajji's creations :

haaye chandaa gaye parades(Lata/Chakori, 1949) : Lata at her sweetest, this is a song that never ceases to delight. The emotions of a young girl in love are so beautifully captured.

saajan kii oT leke(Lata & Rafi/Zeverat, 1949) : This has grown on me to become one of my favourite duets. There is such a vigour to the song, a life to it which is infectious. There is of course a strong Punjabi flavour which is not surprising.

dil e naashaad ko jiine kii(Lata/Chunariyaa, 1948) : This song has Ghulam Haider written all over it. Hansrajji was Masterji's (as Ghulam Haider was called) assistant for some time. A ghazal, this is one of Lata's earliest ghazals and she has rendred it beautifully.

dil meraa teraa diivaanaa(Talat & Madhubala Jhaveri/Apni Izzat, 1952) : An out-of-the world melody that ranks as amongst the finest duets of all time. Absolute melody.. a soft, gentle romantic air fills the air when you hear the singers hold sway. Madhubala Jhaveri is a delight to hear. Innocence and charm all over. Talat is just regal.. has there ever been more romantic a voice ? The other duet by the same singers from this film, pyaar kii rut dora.ngii saajan is equally magnificent.

kisii gariib kaa ghar baadashaah ne luuT litaa(Talat/Chunariyaa, 1948) : A typical Talat blue song.. melancholic and just honey to the ears !

jab raat nahii kaTatii(Lata/Changez Khan, 1956) : Another masterpiece from Lata. Lata's rendition, the orchestration just move you to tears. Soft, deeply moving.. they just dont make em like this any more ! Rafi's "mohobbat zindaa rahatii hai" from this film is much more popular and well-remembered. In contrast to the gentle lament of the Lata song, this is a powerful, forceful cry from the hero asking his love to come to him. Rafi's high-voltage, brilliant rendition makes it a song to be treasured for long.

haaye jiyaa roye(Lata/Milan, 1958) : Now, Lata has sung magnificent songs with the top composers of the day. This song is fit enough to be compared with any song she has sung. It is definitely one of her best songs and is for sure Hansraj Behl's finest composition. The pathos of the song can almost be touched. Its one of those perfect songs. The orchestra is suitably muted allowing Lata to hold forth. This masterpiece came at a time when the older line of composers were slowly being moved out and a few composers only remained in business into the next decade. This thrilling melody just proves that popularity and film's success dont necessarily define the composer's class.

nain dvaar se man me vo aake(Mukesh & Lata/Saawan, 1959) : Another memorable creation, with the duet sung by the lead singers at different paces and two pitches. Mukesh sings in a sad mood at a very low pitch and slow pace and Lata backed by chorus coneys the happier mood, sings at a much faster pace and at a high pitch. Transitions from one mood to another have been done brilliantly too. The film boasts of other memorable numbers also like Rafi-Shamshad duet "bhiigaa bhiigaa pyar kaa samaa" and Lata's "kanhaa chheDo baa.Nsurii".

jahaa.N Daal Daal me sone kii chhiDiyaa(Rafi/Changez Khan, 1964) : Arguably, the most famous and definitely my most favourite patriotic song of all time. The passionate patriotism in the song gives you gooseflesh. Rafi has rendered it as only he can. Magnificent !! Lata's "o diladaar o mere yaar" from this film is also a delightful piece which I heard for the first time recently and its on the top of my Most Played songs list in iTunes for this month :)


Those are some of Hansraj Behl's songs that I treasure. He remains an undersung composer who deserves to be recognized a lot more for his great creations. But then, when you think about it, the biggest achievement of an artist is the longevity of his art. How his creations are remembered in time. In that respect, he is a great achiever all right !!