Chhaayaageet #91 - “Mera kya kaam hai is gaane mein?”
The music sitting is in progress. The lyricist, composer, filmmaker, hero, heroine are all there. The song is finalized. Beautiful lyrics and an equally beautiful tune.
It is a female solo. The leading singer is already booked to record the song. The film is an action thriller. Almost all the songs are envisioned for the heroine as female solos. This one is a romantic number. The filmmaker wants the hero and heroine walking around romantically while she sings the song.
The hero has been patiently listening in on the conversation. He has no input to offer in the process. He is early in his career, having been launched five years ago. One could say he’s still trying to make his mark and find his way to stardom.
The team is ready to call it a day. Another beautiful song done and dusted. The date of recording has been confirmed by the female singer.
But not so fast.
The hero has a question. “Mera kya kaam hai is gaane mein?” What am I doing in this song?
For once the hero doesn’t really have much to do, except, just be there, hold the heroine, walk along with her in the romantic environs.
No one has an answer to this question. The lyricist, composer, filmmaker all just look at each other. It is a typical dacoit action thriller. The hero is a dacoit. So, naturally there is no song for the hero. Are we going to make a dacoit sing?
The hero requests, “Zara mere liye bhi ek antara likh dijiye”. Please write a stanza for me.
The team is in a fix. How can they just turn a solo into a duet? But they also see the hero’s point about looking awkward just loitering around while the heroine sings the song. If we are making a romantic number, then might as well make it a duet. The lyricist is tasked with writing the additional stanza. The composer is tasked with finding a male singer.
The composer calls his friend, one of the leading male singers of the time, and who has sung many popular duets with the female singer.
“Haaaaan”, the composer says into the phone. He doesn’t say hello.
“Haaaaan”, a similar greeting comes from the other side. The singer also doesn’t say hello. This is their way of starting a conversation over the phone with each other.
The composer continues, “Tumhara beta kahan hai?” Where is your son?
“Tum to jaante ho woh dopahar ko sota hai”, the male singer answers. You know he naps in the afternoon.
“Usko uthao, uske liye ek gaana hai”, the composer informs. Wake him up, there is a song for him.
“Arre to main hoon na? Mein kis khet ki mooli hoon?”. Then, I am here. The male singer is perplexed why he is not being asked to sing the song.
“Aapka budget hi nahin hai”, the composer clarifies. There is no budget for you.
RD Burman composed this song written by Gulzar for Jeeva (1986), directed by Raj N Sippy, featuring Sanjay Dutt and Mandakini. Asha Bhosle and Amit Kumar sang this song.
In those days, it is said that Kishore Kumar used to charge close to 1 Lakh Rupees per song. Amit Kumar, in contrast at 2,500 Rupees per song, was very affordable.
Asha Bhosle and Amit Kumar have sung this melodious composition very beautifully.
Music: RD Burman
Lyrics: Gulzar
Singers: Asha Bhosle, Amit Kumar
*ing: Mandakini, Sanjay Dutt
Directed by: Raj N Sippy
Film: Jeeva (1986)