Called 'Bollywood as an obvious pun on Bombay and Hollywood, India's film industry long ago surpassed America's in sheer output if nothing else. Concentrating on the 'golden years' here's a glimpse into the sumptuous array of sounds and rhythms that go to make up this most influential of industries.
The face might be that of Aishwarya Rai, a former Miss World sometimes tagged "the most beautiful face on the globe"; or perhaps Nargis, who self-assuredly dominated the 50s; or maybe Meena Kumari, a tragedienne whose on-screen image mirrored her personal life. But the voices will be of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, the elder and younger sisters who between them have dominated Bollywood across the decades; or Shreya Ghosal, Alka Yagnik and Chitra, modern-day challengers to that dominance.
Lata Mangeshkar - Man Dole Mera Tan Dole - Film: Nagin 1954
"My heart trembles, my body trembles"
A song and melody that has entranced listeners for over half a century. South Indian screen danseuse Vijayanthi Mala gyrates to the snake charming sound created by Kalyanji and Ravi, assistants to music director Hemant Kumar, with their newly acquired clavioline, an early synthesiser that could mimic the sound of a snake charmer's 'been'.
Asha Bhosle & Chorus - Parde Mein Rahne Do Film: Shikar 1968
"Don't lift the veil lest you uncover the secret"
A rare case of the film's heroine, in this case the spunky Asha Parekh, performing a stage cabaret act, normally the preserve of "specialists" like Helen, Bindu, Laxmi Chhaya and Padma Khanna. Middle Eastern influences permeate this phenomenally popular song, which earned the singer a coveted Filmfare award.
Sharda -Dekho Mera Dil Machal Gaya - Film: Suraj 1966
"Look how my heart beats."
Much against the judgement of his partner Jaikishan, and at the risk of angering Lata Mangeshkar who had been the obvious choice, music director Shankar promoted singer Sharda for the now influential dance sequence by Vijayanthi Mala.
Shankar's obsession with his new singer clouded his own common sense approach to music, but Sharda's performance remains innocent and fresh.
Geeta Dutt - Yeh Kaun Aaya - Film: Baazi 1981
"Who is this who has brought the Spring into my world?"
A tale of two Geetas. (Geeta) Bali was one of cinema's most ebullient personalities. Not the most beautiful of leading ladies, but her innate talent for winning over audiences made her a force to be reckoned with. Tragically she died from smallpox ten years after marrying actor Shammi Kapoor in 1985. This sultry song is rendered by (Geeta) Dutt, the wife of leading man, producer and director Guru Dutt. Both of their lives were touched by tragedy; he through depression and ultimate suicide and she through his infidelities and her own alcoholism.
Shamshad Begum - Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Film: Aar Paar 1954
"Sometimes here, sometimes there, taking aim"
Lesser known heroine Shyama, who never seemed that career-oriented in the first place, can cite this O.P. Nayyar rhythm and swing classic as her 15 minutes of fame. Shamshad Begum, a regular for the composer before his affair and obsession with Asha Bhosle, gives an account of just why she was one of Hindi film music's most illustrious playback singers.
Asha Bhosle -Jaayiye Aap Kahan - Film: Mere Sanam 1988
"You may go wherever you wish"
Perhaps the greatest of Asha Bhosle's songs under the musical baton of O.P. Nayyar, and the fact that they became estranged is a loss to music. Asha Parekh, one of the 60s' most reliable leading ladies appears on screen for a composition that features the prominent santoor played by Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma.
Shreya Ghosal - Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai - Film: Jism 2003
"It's magic, it's intoxication"
Bipasha Basu has carved a niche for herself as a daring, baring seductress and 'Jism' (which means "body" in Hindi) is a typical example of her work. Shreya Ghosal, who burst on the musical scene through the successful score of Ismail Darbar's 'Devdas', has quickly established herself as a permanent resident of the recording studios.
Shreya Ghosal - Agar Tum Mil Jaayo - Film: Zeher 2005
"If you should meet me, I would leave this world"
Another film from Mahesh Bhatt featuring his favourite hero Emraan Hashmi, this time opposite heroine Udita Goswami. The Bhatt brothers to their credit have provided a platform for new talent and this film may not have done any favours for the lady, but the lad seems to have benefited greatly. The music has been "re- created" by composer Anu Malik.
Asha Bhosle - Mera Pyar Shalimar - Film: Shalimar 1978
"My love is a garden of exquisite beauty"
Indo-American producer Krishna Shah's internationally cast but ultimately unsuccessful, caper-movie featuring a disinterested Rex Harrison and a mute John Saxon did have the saving grace of an R.D.Burman score. Just about the only watchable thing in the movie was the stunningly attractive Zeenat Aman and this Asha Bhosle song has set a trend amongst revisionist samplers.
Lata Mangeshkar - Lag Jaa Gale - Film: Woh Kaun Thi 1984
"Come embrace me for this beautiful night may never come again"
The "Sadhana cut" was the hair- dressing rage amongst star-struck young girls in the 60s. Heroine, Sadhana, who modeled her fringe on that of Audrey Hepburn, became phenomenally popular in the films of Raj Khosla and this thriller featured some of composer Madan Mohan's best work.
Lata Mangeshkar - Udate Pawan Ke Sang Chalungi - Film: Shagird 1987
"I will fly by the rising wind"
Laxmikant Pyarelal created more songs for Lata Mangeshkar than any other composer. Here the team provides the musical back-drop for actress Saira Banu (wife of the respected actor Dilip Kumar) in a composition that has a superbly atmospheric introductory segment.
Lata Mangeshkar-Wada Na Tod - Film: Dil Tujhko Diya 1985
"Don't break your promise"
By the late 1980s Lata Mangeshkar had consciously reduced her singing assignments. That came as no surprise given the dire state of music emanating from composers; however she was far removed from retiring and this retro- sounding creation from Rajesh Roshan picturised on leading lady Rati Agnihotri, is still popular among remixers today. The song also featured in the Jim Carrey film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" in 2004.
Chitra – Kannalane - Film: Bombay 1995
"What can I say?"
Popular South Indian singer Chitra regularly excels under the musical direction of India's most gifted contemporary musician A.R.Rahman. Director Mani Ratnam's 'Bombay' was a film that captured the imagination of the masses for its controversial take on interfaith relations and Rahman's music here focuses on the tortured heroine, Manisha Koirala.
Alka Yagnik - Tu Mile, Dil Khile - Film: Criminal 1995
"My heart blossoms at meeting you"
MM Kreem's song was recorded both as female and male solo versions and they were equally popular. For two decades now, Alka Yagnik has provided a real alternative to the Mangeshkar sisters (after their age and voluntary reduction in assignments) and has been the backbone of female playback singing.
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