Chhaayaageet #188 - "What if we play these two songs back to back?"
It's late in the evening. The composer is sitting in his study, surrounded by musical instruments and scattered sheets of notations. He has been working tirelessly on the soundtrack of his latest film which he believes will push the boundaries of Indian cinema. And this is consistent on all fronts of cinema, including music. The movie's complex narrative and characters have inspired him to create some of his most innovative work yet.
As he reflects on the songs he has already composed for the film, he realizes that another situation requiring a song is still pending. The situation is unique. It is a pivotal scene where the relationship between the leading male and female character starts to crumble. This isn't just a simple break-up. It is a moment that transforms both characters profoundly. The composer feels the need to capture not just one, but both perspectives.
Perhaps a duet makes sense here. He could communicate the emotions from both sides in a musical way. He starts putting a tune together to reflect both characters’ state of mind. For some reason, they are not gelling together. The female character feels she has been cheated and blames her partner. The male character feels he is helpless and doesn’t know what has gone wrong. A single tune is not doing justice. His frustration rises. He decides to call the lyricist to his place.
Composer: “There is a problem. No single tune matches this situation. If I tailor it for the female character, it doesn’t fit for the other one.”
Lyricist: “Dada, I can see that. Why don't we do this? Have two separate songs instead of a duet. What do you say?”
Composer: “I have thought about that option. The situation demands that both emotions be communicated at the same time. We cannot break this into two separate songs.”
They both continue brainstorming for a while. There has to be a way here. Perhaps something outside the box. Something that has never been done before. The lyricist can sense a light bulb go off inside the composer’s head.
Composer: “I have one idea but it could be risky. We know duet won’t work here and breaking into two separate songs is not an option. What if we play these two songs back to back?”
Lyricist: “That is very unusual. All these years the audience watches a song and waits for the next scene to begin. Here as soon as one song ends, another will start. Is that what you are saying?”
The composer smiles. The lyricist feels he has seen this smile several times before when the composer is trying to push the envelope. “Exactly!”
The lyricist agrees and goes back home to start work on writing two separate songs. It doesn't take him long. His words capture the emotions of both male and female characters. He goes back to the composer’s place.
Lyricist: “Dada, I am ready with the lines. How are the tunes coming along.”
Composer: “Yes, I am done too. Here, let me play these for you.”
The composer grabs his harmonium and goes through the first song. He is singing in his own style with a slow tune. The lyricist is shaking his head left to right enjoying the melody and the composer’s soft voice. Then he switches to the next song. The lyricist listens to the first few seconds and his head stops to shake. “Dada, this is the same tune as the first one. I thought we had a problem providing the same tune to both characters.”
The composer again smiles. It is that same smile. The lyricist knows what’s coming. “I am playing on my harmonium both songs and that’s why they appear to be based on same tune. When we record the songs, I will have a half a note difference between the two. Only the music experts will be able to figure it out.”
The back-to-back songs Saiyan Beiman and Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya from the film Guide showcase SD Burman's innovative approach to musical storytelling. These compositions, with lyrics by Shailendra, offer contrasting perspectives on a pivotal moment in the film's narrative. Saiyan Beiman, sung by Lata Mangeshkar and picturized on Waheeda Rehman, expresses the female character’s pain and accusation towards her unfaithful lover. In contrast, Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya, performed by Mohammed Rafi and featuring Dev Anand, portrays the male character’s regret and realization of his mistakes.
Burman da’s composition for these two songs was groundbreaking as they reflect on the transformation of their relationship and their respective emotional states. He used the same basic tune for both songs but created a half-note difference to demarcate the two emotional states. Vijay Anand, the director, choreographed the sequence in contrasting tones, further emphasizing the emotional divide between the characters. The visual presentation, combined with the music and lyrics, created a powerful and memorable cinematic moment.
Saiyaan Beimaan was inspired by Burman da’s Saiyaan Kaise Dharun Dheer from Sitaron Se Aage released in 1958. This started the Lata–SD war that lasted till Bandini which was released in 1963. It is probably the only film song for which Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma played the tabla. The song Kya Se Kya follows. In the high point of the mukhra, Rafi’s rendition of the word “Bewafaa”, extends over twenty matras, symbolizing the character’s pain.
While these songs were part of an exceptional soundtrack, it's worth noting that Guide featured several other immensely popular songs. Tracks like Din Dhal Jaaye, Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, Tere Mere Sapne, and Gaata Rahe Mera Dil are still considered classics of Hindi cinema and would happily find their place in the top 50 Hindi film songs list.
Interestingly, despite the film's overall success and the soundtrack's enduring popularity, SD Burman did not win the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director. Similarly Lata Mangeshkar, despite being nominated for Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, did not win the Best Playback Singer award. This outcome was considered controversial at the time, given the soundtrack's widespread acclaim and lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Music: SD Burman
Lyrics: Shailendra
*ing: Waheeda Rehman, Dev Anand
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar (Saiyan Beiman), Mohammed Rafi (Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya)
Director: Vijay Anand
Film: Guide (1966)