Chhaayaageet #8 - "Sorry, my poetry is not for sale."
"Sorry, my poetry is not for sale."
He has come to Bombay in search of work. He finds a job as a welder in the railway shed in Matunga. Husband and wife live in a one-room. If you know Bombay, it is not "one small room". It is "one-room". Kitchen utensils are tucked away under the bed after use. To call the means of livelihood meager would be generous.
He has a way with words that explore the depths of his feelings. In the evenings, after a day spent welding metal in the shop, he recites his poetry at the Indian People's Theater Association (IPTA). The shirt bears burn marks from sparks that fly on the job.
At one such recital, the grand sire of Hindi cinema and his son are in the audience. The son, in his twenties and fresh from the average showing of his first movie, is impressed by the poet. He needs to make his second movie count. After the show he goes backstage to meet him.
I am making my second movie. I would like you to write the songs for it.
"Sorry, my poetry is not for sale. I write to express my thoughts and feelings."
The young filmmaker shrugs. Ok, if you ever change your mind, here is my card. My doors will always be open for you.
A few months go by. His wife has complications with the pregnancy and has to be hospitalized. There is no money. He has trouble getting 500 rupees together. He remembers the young filmmaker. Perhaps he could ask him for a loan.
"Sir, you met me at the IPTA mushaira."
Yes I remember you very well.
"Sir, I am not here to write songs for your movie. I need 500 rupees urgently for my wife's treatment. If you would kindly loan me the money, I promise, I will repay every paisa."
The young filmmaker obliges. The poet is indebted with gratitude. Thankfully, with timely treatment, the wife recovers.
A few more months go by before the poet is able to put together 500 rupees. He goes back to return it.
"Sir, I can never repay your kindness, but here are the 500 rupees you loaned me. I have no money to pay interest."
Did you take me for a loan shark who wants your money with interest? Keep the money back in your pocket. I'll tell you how you can repay the loan. Write two songs for my movie.
"Ok, only this once. Only to repay your kindness. But, no more after that."
One of the songs becomes the first title song in film history.
Barsaat mein
Humse miley tum sajan
Tumse miley hum
Barsaat mein
The other song "Patli kamar hai, Tirchchi nazar hai" also becomes popular. Of course, Shailendra kept writing for Raj Kapoor's films after Barsaat.
Barsaat was Raj Kapoor's second movie. It was Shankar Jaikishan's first as music composers. Hasrat Jaipuri wrote the other songs. It was his first as lyricist. It was Shailendra's first as lyricist. It was Ramanand Sagar's first film as scriptwriter. All of them went on to create magic. Barsaat established Raj Kapoor as a top filmmaker.
As Shailendra's popularity increased, his fees kept going up. Nevertheless, he continued to work for RK Studios for a retainer of Rs. 500 per month.
Lyrics: Shailendra
Music: Shankar Jaikishan
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Director: Raj Kapoor
Film: Barsaat (1949)