Remembering Hansraj Behl: haaye jiyaa roye

Hansraj Behl is easily one of the most under-played music directors ever. I would think he was a fairly popular composer during the late 40s-early 50s because his outptu if fairly high in number. But what makes him very special is that a good portion of that output is of a high quality and some of that is very very high on the list of greatest compositions ever. This song being a case in point.

Lata has combined in quite a few special melodies for Hansrajji. Remember that delectable "haaye chandaa gaye parades" from "Chakori"? Or "jab raat nahii kaTatii" from "Changez Khan"? But this amazing song from the 1958 "Milan" is perhaps their best together, and arguable is Hansrajji's best ever composition. The atmosphere is suffused with stark despair, a deep hopelessness and yet, a sense of peace. Lata sounds so amazing here. It is when you hear such renditions that you understand why Lata is Supreme. I dont think anyone else could have rendered this song so beautifully.

Nalini Jaywant has, in my opinion, lip-syncd amongst the finest songs of Hindi films. In fact, if you cover the songs picturized on her and Madhubala, you would cover most of my personal favorites. "Anokhaa pyaar", "Samaadhi", "Naubahaar", "Naujawaan", "Naaz", "Raahi", "Shikast", "Munimji" etc. are all outstanding soundtracks. "Milan" boasts of two evergreen melodies - this one and "saarii duniyaa se puuchhaa milaa naa nishaa/N". She was a fine actress and a pleasure to view on screen when listening to such great songs.

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