Chhaayaageet #84 - "Ek Lebanese belly dancer hai..."
The artists are in a sitting at the composer's house. They are working on a song, the lyricist, composer, playback singer, the filmmaker, together they are some of the stalwarts of the film industry. But, for some reason, today it's not clicking.
Usually when this happens, the composer just tosses the papers in front of him and takes refuge in a corner where the chess board is set up. The chess board is always there. It is the one thing that provides a break from the music. In between sittings with different filmmakers in the course of a day, he and his musicians gather around the chess board.
But today he turns to the singer and says, "Chal Sun 'n Sand chalte hain." Come, let's go to Sun 'n Sand.
It is the early 1970s. In posh hotels of Bombay, there is a growing trend of live music and cabaret for the entertainment of the patrons.
"Ek Lebanese belly dancer hai...uska show hai aaj", There is a Lebanese belly dancer who is going to perform tonight.
"Haan chalo, jaate hain", the singer is in on the plan. Yes, let's go.
So the composer and the singer sit in the former's car and reach Sun 'n Sand. The waiter knows which table to guide them to.
"Drinks lao bhai, mahol banate hain", Bring on the drinks, let's create the mood.
Summarily drinks are served. Only one glass. The singer doesn't drink.
An hour goes by enjoying the music being performed, kicking back and sipping whiskey, along with some idle chatter between friends.
"Ye belly dancer kahan hai bhai?", the singer is slowly getting tired of just waiting. Where is this belly dancer?
"Aati hi hogi", the composer assures. She must be coming imminently.
After some time, one of the managers at the restaurant approaches their table and whispers something in the composer's ear. Apparently, she is not going to be performing today. Damn!
What a waste of a day! First, no matter how much he tried, he couldn't find the right tune for the lyricist's words. And now no Lebanese belly dancer, either.
They just sit there quietly. The singer waits for the composer to finish his drink so they can get out of there. The composer starts humming. And just like that, he has the mukhda of the song!
RD Burman scored this beautiful composition for Buddha Mil Gaya (1971) directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Lyrics were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri, and sung by Kishore Kumar, for Navin Nischol on screen, with Archana as the heroine providing the romantic angle.
RD and Kishore Kumar were at their peak following Aradhana two years prior. The 70s was quite the decade for Hrishi-da, with films like Guddi, and Anand, also in 1971, Bawarchi in 1972, Abhimaan and Namak Haram in 1973, Mili and Chupke Chupke in 1975, Gol Maal in 1979 and Khoobsurat in 1980.
Hrishi-da was the pioneer of 'middle cinema', reflecting the middle class, finding an entertaining balance between the razz-a-dazzle mainstream cinema, and the stark portrayals of reality in art house films.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1999 and with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, in 2001. He started his film career as an editor and screenplay writer. He won the Filmfare for Best Editing for Madhumati. Two of his films, Anand and Khoobsurat, won the Filmfare for Best Film.
Music: RD Burman
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singer: Kishore Kumar
*ing: Navin Nischol, Archana
Directed by: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Film: Buddha Mil Gaya (1971)