Screenindia : Music
PopularNews
Most Emailed Articles
Most Read Articles

The ‘Today’ composers

-A +A
Font
Rajiv Vijayakar Posted: Sep 18, 2009 at 1439 hrs IST
PrintEmailNewsletterPost CommentsRSS
SJ
Jaikishan passed away on September 12, 1971, Shankar on April 26, 1987. But those who think that the S-J school of music is defunct could not be more wrong. Here’s looking at the relevance of their music even today
As Radha Hridaynath Mangeshkar stated in her recent interview to Screen, “Shankar-Jaikishan gave us the origin of film music as a distinct entity with Barsaat. To date, every composer is following their base or patterns, and let’s face it, there is no choice but to follow them! Look at even the classical songs of S-J - they never sounded like the typical classical numbers, and yet they were pure classical too and had that unique film flavour.”

When the legends inspired the styles of the composers who arrived in the ‘50s and ‘60s, it was often said that the subsequent big schools were of Laxmikant-Pyarelal (as followed by Anand-Milind, Anu Malik and Himesh Reshammiya) and R.D.Burman (as followed by Bappi Lahiri, Jatin-Lalit, Vishal-Shekhar and Pritam). But what is not realised or accepted is the larger truth that L-P and R.D. themselves were patterned - no matter how differently they evolved their own styles - on the S-J leitmotif!

In these days of raucous cacophony, beats and (con)fusion, the S-J school has become, perhaps, even more relevant. When it is said that “Melody will come back” the interpretation is crystal-clear - the S-J school of music will return, return with its wholesome compositions that are superb blends of raags, folk and Western music, pithy verse, nuanced vocals and mood-enhancing orchestration.

When we look elusively for a true-blue, full-on film composer, we again aspire to the bar set by S-J, of composers who are speedy, versatile, committed and raise the commercial as well as aesthetic values of the films with their songs. Among their 100-odd films till Jai passed away, there are probably just a handful of movies in which only one or two songs counted . Looking for a substandard S-J song was more difficult than hunting the needle in the haystack! And in an era when composers thought three films was too much work, S-J took on nine or ten assorted assignments (rural, urban, spanning genres and ‘branded’ institutions like Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar) and created every kind of song imaginable.

And S-J it was when it came to compositional innovations and pathbreaking experiments in orchestration and sound. They gave film music an identity, breaking the rules of the earlier composers and replacing them with their own in a far more decisive - and more importantly substantial and enduring - way than A.R.Rahman did in the ‘90s. And speaking of Rahman, it was only when he went the S-J way with Taal and Lagaan that he was truly accepted in the national orbit! As Rahman illuminatingly stated in Screen, “I always had this belief that music has no language and that a tune could be converted by extraordinary lyrics into a great song in any language. But it was Subhash Ghai and Ashutosh Gowariker who made me realise that it wasn’t so.”

What else was this but the merging of today’s market leader with the S-J thought and school of Hindi film music? For S-J, Hindi film music meant a melting-pot of genres, but with an identity all its own. Today that identity is blurred and music is suffering both quality-wise and in terms of sales. The melting-pot is giving rise to an unrecognisable stew that is neither appetising nor nourishing. The day music returns to the S-J format, the industry, music business and music buffs will be the better for it.
What else is needed to underscore the fact that the colossi are - circa 2009 - very “today” composers?

‘Excel’ sheet: Hasrat Jaipuri with Shankar-Jaikishan
With Shankar-Jaikishan and Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri completed the quartet that can be called the nucleus or fountainhead of modern Hindi film music, establishing a blueprint that is followed successfully even today.
It is said that Hasrat worked most with Jaikishan (their first song together was Chhod gaye baalam for Barsaat¸ Hasrat’s second recorded song)while Shailendra tuned best with Shankar, but there was no hard and fast rule. It’s just that their temperament as romantics matched. But we choose not to draw a barrier between S and J on ethical grounds. Suffice to say that come S or J, the aashiq in Hasrat (the name itself meant ‘desire’!) came to the fore best in innumerable passionate paeans of all hues like Nazar bachakar chale gaye ho/Warna ghayal kar deta (Dil Tera Deewana), Rasik balma dil kyoon lagaaya tose (Chori Chori), Bedardi balmaa tujhko mera man yaad karta hai (Arzoo), Yaad kiya dil ne kahaa ho tum (Patita) and so many other evergreens.
Matched by S-J’s genius, the intensity of Hasrat’s innate ardour is best demonstrated in the passionate phrasing of his verse - this was no professional coming up with a song for the situation or a mere craftsman at verse. His was a soul that understood the tiniest nuance of love and yet expressed it as a sentiment that was bigger than the entire universe.
Meri mohabbat jawaan rahegi, sadaa rahi hai sadaa rahegi wrote Hasrat in Janwar moving on to Jab mohabbat jawaan hoti hai, har ada ek zubaan hoti hai/Tum jahaan pyar se qadam rakh lo/Woh zameen aasmaan hoti hai in Jawan Mohabbat. Ibtida-e-ishq mein hum saare raat jaage/Allah jaane kya hoga aage (Hariyali Aur Rasta) was a look at the first flush of love while Teri zulfon se judaai to nahin maangi thi/Qaid maangi thi rihaai to nahin maangi thi (Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai) underscored the emotions of lovers torn asunder by a misunderstanding. The eternal bond of love was expressed, simply but pithily, as Sau saal pehle mujhse tumse pyar tha, aaj bhi hai aur kal bhi rahega in the same film!
One needs to only reflect for a few moments to realise how intensely emotional must be the three men who created those Rajkumar stunners Tumne kisiki jaan ko jaate hua dekha hai/Woh dekho mujhse roothkar meri jaan jaa rahi hai and Iss rang badalti duniya mein insaan ki neeyat theek nahin/Nikla na karo tum saj dhaj ke which had those brilliant lines Kaandhe se hataa lo sar apna/Yeh pyar mohabbat rehne do!
For Hasrat, love was the universe, or at least its pivot - for him, springtime happened when the beloved was sighted (Baharon phool barsaao mera mehboob aaya hai/Suraj). His disdain for those who had never loved was patent in lyrics like Seekha nahin sabak toone pyar ka tu jaane kya mazaa intezaar kaa (Sapnon Ka Saudagar) and Falsafa pyar ka tum kya jaano/Tumne kabhi pyar na kiya (Duniya).
To equate Hasrat Jaipuri’s mastery and punch, therefore, with the latter-day cursory rhymesters would be an insult to the man who was so much more than a purveyor of ishq. His range encompassed every kind of song from the “riddle” song like Ichak dana (Shree 420), Suno chhotisi gudiya ki lambi kahani (Seema), the inspiring Hum log hain aise diwane (Umang), the philosophical Zindagi ek safar hai suhana (Andaz), the folksy Bakkad bam bam bam bam (Kathputhli) and many more. And S-J, with their limitless versatility, were ideal comrades-in-arms.
PostComments
Post Comments
Name * Message *
Email ID *
Subject *
TERMS OF USE: The views, opinions and comments posted are your, and are not endorsed by this website. You shall be solely responsible for the comment posted here. The website reserves the right to delete, reject, or otherwise remove any views, opinions and comments posted or part thereof. You shall ensure that the comment is not inflammatory, abusive, derogatory, defamatory &/or obscene, or contain pornographic matter and/or does not constitute hate mail, or violate privacy of any person (s) or breach confidentiality or otherwise is illegal, immoral or contrary to public policy. Nor should it contain anything infringing copyright &/or intellectual property rights of any person(s).
I agree to the terms of use.
ViewComments
View Comments
Shankarji's Birthday by K S PRAKASH on 2009-10-13 22:07:42.44676+05:30 Dear Rajiv jiShankarji's birthday is on 15th October. We, the music lovers, especially fans of Shankar-Jaikishan will be eagerly waiting for a tribute from you in these columns. Humaara Dil Khush Kijiye, Rajiv ji.Thank you in advanceRegards,K S Prakash, Doha

Reply | Forward

SJ-The Shehanshas of Music by K S Prakash on 2009-10-02 19:39:43.48612+05:30 Thanks Rajiv for the excellent aticle. You have touched upon every facet of the style and the success-mantra of the great legends Shankar-Jaikishan. Screen has been doing yeomen service to music lovers by bringing such issues as this one. It is unfortunate that some journalists who came into limelight and media houses that boosted their circulation solely writing about SJ and their style of music and music companies that enjoyed record sales from SJ songs have been turning a blind eye to the achievements of SJ. Undoubtedly, some vested interests are working against these legends by projecting and promoting lesser known and worthless music directors. But one thing is for sure. The music and the contribution of Shankar Jaikishan will linger in the memories of music lovers all over the world. Hats off to you Rajiv and Screen for this wonderful article.RegardsK S Prakash from Qatar

Reply | Forward

Shankar-Jaikishen strong contender for Dada Saheb Phalke Award by Pawan Chetri on 2009-10-01 11:05:28.747986+05:30 Dada Saheb Phalke to Lata Mangeshkar, Naushad, Bhupen Hazarika, Marooh Sultanpuri, and now Manna Dey. Without being disrespectful of anyone above, it baffles me how Shankar-Jaiksishan missed out on the award. The criterion of the governments seems to be the age of the recipents more than their talent. Sorry if I am rude. Just because these people lived and are living in their 80's and 90's, does it make them eligible for the award?Yes, Naushad lived for 80 plus years. But is his achievement comparable to what Jaikishan achieved in 42 years or Shankar in 65 years?Majrooh was a good poet. But can he match Shailendra in any way in quality? Shailendra didnt get the award only since he lived for 43 years?If you are a good or average performer and if you live over 80 or 90 years, then the government thinks you are eligible for Phalke. If Phalke award can be conferred on anyone POSTHUMOUSLY, it would be a wonderful tribute to the entire faculty of Hindi film music if Phalke Award is conferred jointly on SHANKAR-JAIKISHAN- SHAILENDRA- HASRAT JAIPURI, if not individually.There cant be a better way of India expressing its gratitude for about 900 gems of songs and 170 films that defined and set rules for the Hindi film music and took it to unscaled heights in their life time.

Reply | Forward

1 Shankar-Jaikishen strong contender for Dada Saheb Phalke Award
by Laxmi S. Mishra on 2009-10-12 18:17:53.527702+05:30I fully endorse the view expressed by Mr. Chetri that Shankar-Jaikishen strong contender for Dada Saheb Phalke Award

Reply | Forward

Shankar Jaikishan - the greatest compsers of all time in the Indian Film Industry by Shashi Hegde on 2009-10-01 10:31:21.448684+05:30 I have been a keen listener of Hindi Film Music from its inception to this date. I have absolutely no second opinion in claiming that Shankar-Jaikishan remain as the greatest composers of all time. It was S-J who set the trend in Songs and background score which is followed to this date. They were loved by the classes and the masses. Be it classical or folk or rock and roll or just high profile melody, they had it in their repertoire. In 1960's and 1970's films used to be hits or superhits if they had music by S-J irrespective of the starcast. S-J were the first composers to use an orchestra of more than 100 musicians, they were responsible for introduction of world music in Indian cinema (as early as 1950's an example being Halaku), they were responsible for introduction of instruments like Accordian, Piano, mandolin, Syntesizer, etc to film music. In Binaca Geet mala days there are instances where 11 out of 14 songs were by S-J and it was common for Amin Sayani to declare - "Choti Par hai Shankar Jaikishan". The rule in the industry was follow the trends set by S-J or perish. Such was their brilliance. Both Shankar and Jaikishan were sound in their knowledge of music, were keen innovators, and very open to experimenting. It is no wonder that stalwarts like S.D.Burman, O.P.Nayyar acknowledge this. 2 days ago even Lata Mangeshkar in an interview has said the greatest achievement in the film music was by S-J. Together with Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri they formed the most celebrated musical team of all time. From 1949 to 1968, that is till the untimely death of Shailendra, out of 783 songs that S-J composed, except some 20 songs, the rest were written by Shailendra and Hasrat. It remains the longest association in Hindi film music that not only churned out classics after classics and hits after hits but defined film music.There cannot be a better tribute to the spirit of Hindi film music than conferring DadaSaheb Phalke award jointly to Shankar-Jaikishan-Shailendra-Hasrtat Jaipuri. It would be a fitting gesture by all the music lovers in India in gratitude of the incomparable contribution that this quartet made to the field of film music.

Reply | Forward

OVERDUE WRITE UPS by Nazir PATEL on 2009-10-01 05:06:08.837934+05:30 More aricles on the contribution of these composers and lyricists team would help enlighten and expose to present day listners, who have to listen to pseudo MTV output, to the gems of the 50s, 60s and 70s. SAREGAMA who are sitting on a treasure trove are missing out on a marketing opportunity. There's still sway in soudtracks ranging from 'Shikast' to 'Raat our Din' and 'Diniyaadaaree' to 'KaaNch kee Deewaar'. Let it not be forgotten the contribution to film music of this trendsetter team.

Reply | Forward

The ‘Today’ composers by kn gopinath on 2009-09-30 10:43:19.185313+05:30 mr. rajiv vijayakar, your excellent research, thorough study of melody music from the thespian duo, none otherthan shankar jaikishen.

Reply | Forward

Shankar Jaikishan-A legendry composer by Vijay Kumar on 2009-09-29 13:12:03.418484+05:30 Dear RajivjiVery nice article,Dil Khush Ho gaya,Now media should start highliting their contribution to indian film industry. I heard lataji saying in World space radio that "Mujhe sabse jyada SJ ki yaad aati hai".Excellent article God bless you sir

Reply | Forward

Legends by Abhay on 2009-09-29 10:39:49.536783+05:30 The true legends of the Hindi film music never got a tribute from HMV in the form of a Legends album. Raj Kapoor, Mukesh, Rafi, Manna Dey, Lata. All of them have a Legends album with SJ songs. But SJ don't. HMV can create five sets of albums if they wish to. They have missed on a real business opportunity and have also distorted Hindi film history. SJ dominance just cannot be ignored. HMV has a moral obligation to pass on the history to the next generation.

Reply | Forward

SJ were diamonds of Hindi Film Music by Irfan on 2009-09-28 18:39:32.911245+05:30 I am angered by the media and all those stupid RJ's VJ's and people who have access to the media but know nothing about music other than RDB and Asha Bhosle (with due respect to both).They seem to be like 'Kuwe ke mendak' for whom music starts and ends with RDB.

Reply | Forward

S-J The Kings by Ali Rashid on 2009-09-28 10:21:29.360012+05:30 Thanks Rajiv for a wonderful article on the greatest composers of all time S-J. S-J are the most important trend-setters in the history of HFM. They gave film music a unique identity, and were a complete school of music.

Reply | Forward

Shanjar Jaikishan by Satish Haldanakr on 2009-09-25 11:47:09.986189+05:30 A good write-up. One wonders as to why they are generally ignored (as f they do not exist) by the present day media and certain vested interests - for whom the vintage music starts and ends with R D Burman, Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. These people do not know what they are missing. Apart from Shankar Jaikishan, there were other brilliant composers - Madan Mohan, S D Burman, Naushad Ali, C Ramchandra, Hemant Kumar, N Dutta, Vasant Desai and Khayyam to name a few.

Reply | Forward

SJ THE INCOMPARABLES by M V Rajagopal on 2009-09-23 23:33:27.067071+05:30 Rajiv, a wonderful article on the inmitable and incomparable music maestros Shanker Jaikishen. It is said that geniuses are born, and not made. But in the case of SJ, they were born to rule the Hindi film music world as geniuses. Every composition of theirs had a stamp of their own and are being remembered and hummed 60 years after they burst on the scene. To my mind, they were the greatest composers ever to traverse the Hindi film scene. I also enjoyed the fantastic piece of writing on Hasrat Jaipuri. People often mistakenly feel that only Shailendra's lyrics elevated SJ's music. I feel Hasrat also had a fair share of brilliant songs, especially the romantic numbers. All in all, a wonderful article.

Reply | Forward

S-J school of music by Ritwik Ghosh on 2009-09-22 01:46:46.670539+05:30 Thanks Rajiv, I am overwhelmed. And like me I think lot of SJ fans would feel the same feeliing. Because now-a-days when there is a trend to bypass reference of SJ at 99.9 per cent cases, and when todays each and every private electronic media knowingly deleting/editing their mention, your feature on the Emperors of Hindi Film Music comes as a breeze to us. We the SJ fans would also like you to attempt for other SJ contemporaries with whom inspite of all trade rivalry, SJ had very commanding but co-ordial relation. I sallute you and Screen.

Reply | Forward

Great tribute by Sonu on 2009-09-20 23:54:40.622463+05:30 Rajiv ji congrats on great article ! You wrote : "Looking for a substandard S-J song was more difficult than hunting the needle in the haystack"I loved these lines and how true it is. You quoted Radha mangeshkar very well. LP has confessed in various interivews. One I saw had Laxmikant saying our orchestra was 50 % SJ- 50 % LP but later we developed our own style ! but that style too had big shades of SJ style. RD may have developed his own style but he has been inspired by SJ school as well . If I read correctly he considered SJ as best !Dil maange more. yes please do post such articles on Shankar annivesary ! ThanskSonu

Reply | Forward

Remembering SJ - The rise of the Phoenix by D.V.Shastry on 2009-09-20 21:39:26.036669+05:30 An excellent article on the prolific innovators Shankar Jaikishan! I hope, the ignorant media persons who have the responsibility and moral duty of being a link between the idols and their fans for true and unbiased exchange of information, will be reading this article. I sincerely hope, they would get enough inspiration and urge to work towards letting the listeners of current generation know about the glory of SJ.

Reply | Forward

Shankar Jaikishan Legendary Composers by Chander Mehta on 2009-09-20 18:10:09.399126+05:30 I must congratulate the author on a fine article on the legendary composers SHANKAR JAIKISHAN. These composers ruled the music world from the 1950s to 1971 until the untimely death of Jaikishan at 39 yrs of age. After that untimely breakup Shankar did compose music with limited success due to deaths of many important team members like arranger Sebastian, Shailendra the lyricist, and many other developments born out of jealousy of their success. Other good composers like MM had his son to promote him at HMV (and of course Lata) and RDB had his promoters but somehow SJ were totally ignored eventhough you hear their melodious songs everywhere. In those years of SJ music, they detemined the success of movie even before the movies were made! Such was the power of their musical compositions. As OP Nayar saheb, another legendary composer has aptly observed the how SJ could compose CONSISTANTLY songs hits was beyond everybody. They truly were the masters of the hindi film music and I salute the author for remembering them. Hopefully, young music lovers will sample their songs and for more information visit ShankarJaikishan Yahoo group or other such websites for their detailed life history and song catalogues.

Reply | Forward

Numero Uno = SJ by Mohan Dwivedi on 2009-09-20 17:52:07.163583+05:30 SJ were the Numero Uno of film industry and it is heartening to see that the Author has remembered the Masteros of music.Who could create the magic of Aawara Hoon,Ye Raat Bheegi Bheegi,Dost Dost Na Raha and hundreds of other gems that were created by SJ!

Reply | Forward

Shankar Jaikishan by K S Shenoy on 2009-09-20 16:52:18.014116+05:30 Dear Rajiv,I am grateful for bringing forth to your readers especially of todays generation, the contribution by SJ, to film music-There has never been a MD who gave as many hit songs and made as many films successful thanks to its music. I only wish TV programs follow your foot steps ( of presenting greatness of SJ)K S Shenoy

Reply | Forward

The ‘Today’ composers by M V Devraj on 2009-09-20 11:17:01.975355+05:30 It is indeed a sad state of affairs that the masters of orchestra and melody,viz.Shankar Jaikishan have never got their rightful dues, neither during their life time nor post their time.Even the media generally devote some attention to RDB or LP or MM but hardly to SJ.Same is the case with these brilliant poets like Shailendra or Hasrat.It is pleasing to note that the author here has paid tribute to these stalwarts.My hearfelt complements.

Reply | Forward

Shankar-Jaikishen the forgotten heroes by Sudarshan Pandey on 2009-09-20 00:25:10.014263+05:30 Thanks Rajeev for remembering Shanker Jaikishen. At least Screen dares to rememering these superb music maestroes who were once Everyone's Choice. How cruel is the Filmi world they donot even have courtesy to remember their own comrades. And the Electronic Media...........????? Poor Jockeys are there who are interested in racing. Thanks again Screen. I have even reminded one currently running talent hunt programme about death anniversary of Mukesh ji and Jaikishen, but they are interested in only promoting those name who are much talked about on each and every platforms. Many fans of SJ like me are touched.

Reply | Forward

SJ deserves more by Sreekanth V on 2009-09-19 12:17:27.810458+05:30 I always found, Sj is not getting the recognition they deserve..right from Barsaat(49) they ruled the film industry till 71..they made the style, they introduced western style...their compositions can be never copied..and what can one say about orchestra? Posthumously RD and Madan Mohan has been resurrected but I think SJ is totally neglected by the media..remember they had max hit percentage- staggering 95% ( and filmfare awards, although its not the final word for music)

Reply | Forward

Why does the Author have issue with composing time? by Fatmate on 2009-09-18 18:13:23.657006+05:30 I don't know why the authori of the article have so much issue with the time composer take to compose a film. I just wanted to point to the Author that it takes time to be original. In the old days there were no check and balance so you had a lot of plagiarism going on. It takes little time to copy from other peoples' hard work.

Reply | Forward