Nalini Jayawant | Music To My Ears

My today’s movie selection is in honour of Dev Anand, who passed away this week. Though I was never fond of his films, I respect anybody who has lasted so long in the cut-throat business that Bollywood is.

The last time I saw Dev on the big screen was in 1978, when I went to see Des Pardes. I was a teenager and I found the thought of a the 55 year old thespian romancing the young Tina Munim very objectionable. I walked out after 30 mins of the film. Subsequently, I have never been able to see his films without a rather bad taste in my mouth. And also, I absolutely disliked his mannerisms.

Kala Pani was therefore a wonderful surprise! He is young (35) and handsome and thankfully makes minimal use of the mannerisms which annoy me. The movie starts with Dev discovering that the father he thought was dead was in fact serving a life-sentence for murder. He meets is father, is convinced that he is innocent and decides to find the true killer and clear his father’s name. The beautiful Madhubala is the owner of the guest house where he stays and the gentle take-off of the romance is very convincing -there is neither stalking, nor over-ardent behaviour! Nalini Jayawant is a tawaif, a dancing-girl, who has proof of the real killer. The two ladies look beautiful and add a feminine touch to this semi-dark crime story. In spite of some loose bits (for example, confrontation with the lawyer at gunpoint, the speech making in the court), the script is good, the editing brisk, the black-and-white cinematography is quite beautiful, music is melodious and performances are very good indeed, especially by Dev Anand and Nalini Jayawant. A very stylistic film; a recommended watch.

The music by S.D.Burman is very melodious and Majrooh Sultanpuri provides some memorable lines. I must bring your attention to the background score as well; it is especially beautiful. Listen to the music when Dev is in the newspaper office, quite lovely.

Najar Lagi Raja – Asha Bhonsle. A very good Mujra song, Nalini Jayawant adds to the allure of the song with her own beauty. I love the sound of Ghungroo integrated into the music.
Hum Bekhudi Mein – Mohammad Rafi. SD has produced a masterpiece. Rafi displays a mastery which leaves me in awe! What an interesting mood the song creates! Its not sad, but rather reflective and accepting of lost loves and lost chances.
Dil Lagake Kadar Gayee – Asha Bhonsle. Another Mujra song but this didn’t please me as much.
Jab Naam E Mohabbat – Asha Bhonsle. SD has tried a new concept, mixing traditional poetry delivery style of singing with ‘modern’ bits interspersed. I liked the traditional part which reminded me strongly of the later (1963) song ‘Ham Tere Pyar Mein Sara Alam’ with music by Shankar Jaikishen. But the mix of the two styles, I found very jarring.
Acchaji Mein Hari Chalo – Asha Bhonsle, Mohammad Rafi. When it comes to expressing emotions with her voice, Asha is just incredible. Listen to her say मान जाओ ना – the modulations in her voice!! Oh!! Add to it Madhubala’s superbly expressive face and you have a winner. The heart is for Asha’s voice.
Dilwale Ab Teri Gali – Asha Bhonsle, Mohammad Rafi. A banjara song, quite good.