My tribute to Mother Nature

I am very aesthetic by nature and that’s why I adore the beauty of the nature and love to spend as much time in the lap of mother nature as much is possible for me. Even when I am not on any outing, I love to spend time with trees, plants and birds in the vicinity of my residence. To me, the most beautiful songs are the ones which are based on the beauty of nature, may they be with a tinge of joy or a shadow of sorrow. Ultimately, everything depends upon own state of mind. Nature is beautiful even when we are not able to enjoy her beauty due to our internal sadness.

In this review, I have not included – Surmai Shaam Iss Tarah Aaye (Lekin – 1991) despite its being very close to my heart I have covered it in my review of top twenty songs which I love the most. I have also not covered Bade Achchhe Lagta Hain Ye Dharti Ye Nadiya Ye Raina Aur Tum (Balika Badhu – 1976) because it has been covered in my review of romantic songs. Since songs related to the moon are also too many, I may not be able to cover many such songs here despite their superior quality.

Following are my favourite top twenty Hindi movie songs related to nature :

1. Jab Chali Thandi Hawa, Jab Uthi Kaali Ghata (Do Badan – 1966) : I deliberately left out this beautiful song while preparing my review of memory songs. This immensely touching song describes the state of heart of a girl who is separated from her beloved and badly missing him. Every object of nature, may it be the cool breeze (Thandi Hawa) or the black cloud (Kaali Ghata) or anything else, reminds her of that special person without whom nothing is pleasant for her. This is one of Asha Bhosle’s most popular songs which has been authored by Shakeel Badayuni, composed by Ravi and picturized on another Asha, i.e., Asha Parekh.

2. Ye Kaun Chitrakaar Hai (Boond Jo Bann Gayi Moti – 1967) : A very beautiful song in praise of mother nature giving the beauty of the nature the analogy of a painting made by a proficient painter. Mukesh has sung it for Jeetendra who is a teacher and singing it to his students in the movie. Bharat Vyas has penned the lyric and Satish Bhatia has composed it.

3. Dekho Mausam, Kya Bahaar Hai (Opera House – 1961) : A beautiful Lata-Mukesh duet picturized on B. Saroja Devi and Ajit whose tune has been composed by Chitragupt and lyric has been written by Majrooh Sultaanpuri.

4. Parbaton Ke Pedo Par Shaam Ka Basera Hai (Shagun – 1964) : An immensely beautiful lyric authored by Saahir Ludhiyanvi and melodiously composed by Khayyam. Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur have sung it for Kamaljeet and Waheeda Rehman.

5. Dekho Ji Bahaar Aai, Baagon Mein Khileen Kaliyaan (Azaad – 1955) : C. Ramchandra has composed this great song whose lyric has come from the pen of Rajinder Krishan. Lata has sung it for Meena Kumari.

6. Jhoole Mein Pawan Ke Aai Bahaar (Baiju Baawra – 1952) : A beautiful Lata-Rafi duet sung for Meena Kumari and Bharat Bhooshan. Naushad composed the lyric of Shakeel Badayuni.

7. Thandi Hawaayen, Lehra Ke Aayen (Naujawaan – 1951) :Lata’s beautiful and heart-cooling song picturized on Nalini Jayawant. Sachin Da (S.D. Burman) composed Saahir’s lyric.

8. San San San Wo Chali Hawa (Kaagaz Ke Phool – 1959) : A beautiful song sung by Asha, Rafi and chorus which I consider an underrated song of Hindi movies. Unlike the other songs of this movie, It is filled with energy, enthusiasm and of course, beauty of the nature. Kaifi Aazmi is the lyricist, S.D. Burman is the composer and Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman and others have performed upon it.

9. Bole Re Papeehara (Guddi – 1971) : Papeeha is a bird who sings in a melodious voice in the spring and rainy seasons and in the world of literature and poetry, it is linked to he love in the young hearts. This touching song of Vaani Jayaram, sung for Jaya Bhaduri refers to it. Vasant Desai has composed Gulzar’s lyric.

10. Ye Raaten, Ye Mausam, Nadi Ka Kinara, Ye Chanchal Hawa (Dilli Ka Thug – 1958) : A memorable Kishore-Asha duet picturized on Kishore Kumar himself alongwith Nutan. Ravi has composed the nature-admiring lyric of Shailendra.

11. Ye Hawa Ye Raat Ye Chaandni Teri Ek Ada Pe Nisaar Hai (Sangdil – 1952) : This song I missed to cover in my review of admiring song. It’s a classic song of Talat Mahmood through which Dilip Kumar admires the beauty and (the mannerisms) of Madhubala comparing that with the natural phenomena. Sajjad Hussain has composed Rajinder Krishan’s lyric.

12. Boojh Mera Kya Naam Re, Nadi Kinare Gaaon Re (C.I.D. – 1956) : A popular song of Shamshaad Begum in the music direction of O.P. Nayyar whose lyric has come from the pen of S.H. Bihari. Meenu Mumtaaz has performed on this song whereas Dev Anand and Shakeela are the onlookers in the scene.

13. O Neele Parbaton Ki Dhaara, Aai Dhoondhne Kinaara Badi Door Se (Aadmi Aur Insaan – 1969) : A beautiful duet of Asha and Mahendra Kapoor picturized on Saira Banu and Dharmendra. Ravi has composed Saahir’s lyric.

14. O Neele Gagan Ke Tale, Dharti Ka Pyar Pale (Humraaz – 1967) : One of Mahendra Kapoor’s all time great songs, penned by Saahir, composed by Ravi and picturized on Raaj Kumar (with Vimi).

15. Bann Ke Ye Panchhi Gaayen Pyar Ka Taraana (Anari – 1959) : Lata’s popular song picturized on Nutan and others. Shankar Jaikishan have composed Shailendra’s lyric.

16. Ye Parbaton Ke Daayare, Ye Shaam Ka Dhuaan (Vaasna – 1968) : A Lata-Rafi duet very much liked by me whose lyric has been authored by Saahir for the composition of Chitragupt. It’s been picturized on Kumud Chhugani and Biswajeet.

17. Patta Patta Boota Boota Haal Hamaara Jaane Hai (Ek Nazar – 1972) : A beautiful song whose initial lines have been taken from the classic Ghazal of Azeem Abdul Qadir which has been sung by legends like Mehndi Hasan and Ghulam Ali. However this song has been sung by Lata and Rafi in the movie for Jaya Bhaduri and Amitabh Bachchan whose touching lyric has been authored by Majrooh for the composition of Laxmikant Pyarelal.

18. Ye Khaamoshiyaan Ye Tanhaaiyaan (Ye Raaste Hain Pyar Ke – 1963) : A highly admirable song both sung and picturized quite beautifully. Sunil Dutt and Leela Naidu have performed on the voices of Rafi and Asha and Ravi has composed the lyric of Rajinder Krishan.

19. Faza Bhi Hai Jawaan Jawaan (Nikaah – 1982) : A hypnotizing song in the enchanting voice of Salma Agha, picturized on herself only. Ravi has composed the lyric of Hasan Kamaal.

20. Oonche Neeche Parbaton Ke Saaye Mein Hai Gaaon (Bada Din – 1998) : It’s a highly underrated nature-based song authored by Jaaved Akhtar and composed by Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen (the other songs of this movie have been composed by Jatin Lalit). Listening to this song is a treat for both the music-lovers as well as the nature-lovers. This immensely beautiful song is only in the album and not kept in the movie.

In addition to these top twenty, I also like the following nature-based songs very much :

1.  Hawa Mein Udta Jaaye Mera Laal Dupatta Malmal Ka (Barsaat – 1949) : A lovely song sung by Lata and picturized on Vimla. Shankar Jaikishan have composed the lyric of Ramesh Shastri.

2. Dum Bhar Jo Udhar Munh Phere, O Chanda (Aawara – 1951) : A very popular Lata-Mukesh duet picturized on Nargis and Raj Kapoor. Shailendra’s lyric got composed by Shankar Jaikishan.

3. Thandi Hawa Kaali Ghata, Aa Hi Gayi Jhoom Ke (Mr. and Mrs. 55 – 1955) : A beautiful song sung by Geeta Dutt and chorus for Madhubala and others. O.P. Nayyar composed Majrooh’s lyric.

4. Kitna Haseen Hai Mausam, Kitna Haseen Safar Hai (Azaad – 1955) : A beautiful romantic duet in the voices of Lata and Chitalkar (who is none other than the music director – C. Ramchandra himself) which has been penned by Rajinder Krishan. Meena Kumari and Dilip Kumar have performed on it.

5. Ye Raat Bheegi Bheegi, Ye Mast Fizaayen (Chori Chori – 1956) : My favourite Raj-Nargis duet in the voices of Manna Dey and Lata. Shankar Jaikishan have beautifully strung Shailendra’s words in the melodious tune.

6. Suhaana Safar Aur Ye Mausam Haseen (Madhumati – 1958) : Mukesh’s popular song sung for Dilip Kumar whose lyric is of Shailendra and composition is of Salil Chaudhary.

7. Woh Chaand Khila, Woh Taare Hanse, Ye Raat Ajab Matwaari Hai (Anari – 1959) : An immensely popular Lata-Mukesh duet whose peculiarity is that Mukesh has sung just half a line of this song. The credit for lyric goes to Hasrat Jaipuri and for composition goes to Shankar Jaikishan. Nutan and Raj Kapoor have performed on it.

8. O Basanti Pawan Paagal (Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai – 1960) : Lata’s immensely popular song picturized on Padmini. Shankar Jaikishan have composed the lyric of Shailendra.

9. Thandi Hawa Ye Chaandni Suhaani (Jhumroo – 1961) : Kishore Kumar’s popular song picturized on himself only. Kishore himself composed Majrooh’s lyric. It’s been sung by Lata too for Madhubala.

10. Ye Waadiyaan Ye Fizaayen Bula Rahi Hain Tumhen (Aaj Aur Kal – 1963) : A very beautiful song of Rafi sung for Sunil Dutt (singing for Nanda in the movie) whose words have come from the pen of Saahir and the composition is of Ravi.

11. Bahaaron Phool Barsaao, Mera Mehboob Aaya Hai (Sooraj – 1966) : Rafi’s highly popular song which you can always listen when Baaraats (marriage processions) are on the way to the respective brides’ places. Rajendra Kumar has performed on it and he sings it for Vyjayanthimala. Shankar Jaikishan have composed Hasrat Jaipuri’s lyric.

12. Aa Aa Aa, Aa Bhi Ja, Raat Dhalne Lagi, Chaand Chhupne Chala (Teesri Kasam – 1966) : I missed this song while compiling for my review on night songs and also on remembrance songs. It’s a song of high literary value and there is a pain inherent in it. It’s a gem in Lata’s voice on which Waheeda Rehma has performed with equal brilliance. Producer of the movie, Shailendra’s lyric has been composed by Shankar Jaikishan.

13. Oh Re Taal Mile Nadi Ke Jal Mein (Anokhi Raat – 1968) : Mukesh’s great song sung for Sanjeev Kumar. Indeewar’r lyric got the tune composed by .Roshan.

14. Gunguna Rahe Hain Bhanwre, Khil Rahi Hai Kali Kali (Aradhana – 1969) : A popular Kishore-Lata duet picturized on Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. S.D. Burman composed the lyric of Anand Bakshi.

15. Khilte Hain Gul Yahaan Khil Ke Bikharne Ko (Sharmilee – 1971) : A touching song separately in the voices of Kishore and Lata (for Shashi Kapoor and Raakhee respectively). The literary lyric has been authored by the great Hindi poet – Gopal Daas Neeraj and S.D. Burman has composed the tune.

16. Nadiya Kinare Heraay Aai Kangna (Abhimaan – 1973) : Anuradha Paudwal’s debut song sung for Jaya Bhaduri which is very close to my heart and I like to listen to it again and again. S.D. Burman has made the tune for Majrooh’s words.

17. Maine Kaha Phoolon Se, Hanso Aur Wo Khilkhila Kar Hans Diye (Mili – 1975) : Lata’s beautiful song sung for Jaya Bhaduri. Lyric has been penned by Yogesh and composition is of S.D. Burman.

18. Chupke Chupke Chal Ri Purvaiya (Chupke Chupke – 1975) : Again Lata is the singer, Jaya is the performer and S.D. Burman is the composer. Anand Bakshi has penned the lyric.

19. Gori Tera Gaaon Bada Pyaara (Chitchor – 1976) : A classic song sung by Yesudas for Amol Palekar. Ravindra Jain has written as well as composed it.

20. Sona Kare Jhilmil Jhilmil, Roopa Kare Kaise Khilkhil (Paheli – 1977) : A lovely song (actually a rain song) sung by Hemlata alongwith Suresh Wadkar (his debut song) which has been written and composed by Ravindra Jain. Newcomer actresses – Namita Chandra and Satyajeet have performed on it.

21. Ye Paudhe, Ye Patte, Ye Phool, Ye Hawaayen (Ek Baar Phir – 1980) : An underrated nature-based song which is a duet of Anuradha Paudwal and Bhupinder, picturized on Deepti Naval and Pradeep Varma. Ravindra Jain has composed Vinod Pande’s lyric.

22. Nadiya Behti Hai, Tumse Kehti Hai (Nai Imaarat – 1982) : An underrated and forgotten nature-based song sung by Lata and picturized on Vidya Sinha. Its composition has been made by Bappi Lahiri whereas the lyric is of Indeewar. The lyric is quite unique in its content. 23. Neele Neele Ambar Pe, Chaand Jab Aaye (Kalakaar – 1982) : A beautiful nature-based song sung by Kishore, penned by Indeewar, composed by Bappi Lahiri and picturized on Kunaal Goswami.

24. Kitni Khoobsurat Ye Tasveer Hai (Bemisaal – 1982) : A song praising the beauty of Kashmir which has been jointly sung by Kishore, Suresh Wadkar and Lata and jointly performed on by Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Mehra and Raakhee Gulzaar. R.D. Burman has composed the words penned by Anand Bakshi.

25. Albela Mausam, Kehta Hai Swaagatam (Tohfa – 1984) : I like this song very much which was a chartbuster when this movie had been released. Jeetendra and Jaya Prada have performed on the voices of Kishore and Lata. The credit of the lyric goes to Indeewar whereas the composition is of Bappi Lahiri.

26. Saagar Kinare Dil Ye Pukaare (Saagar – 1985) : R.D. Burman’s composition which he had used for another song in the movie Naram Garam as well (Hamen Raaston Ke Zaroorat Nahin Hai). However this song, unlike the song of Naram Garam, went on to become a chartbuster. Jaaved Akhtar has written it. Lata and Kishore have lent their voices to Dimple Kapadia and Rishi Kapoor.

27. Husn Pahaadon Ka (Ram Teri Ganga Maili – 1985) : Hit song of Lata and Suresh Wadkar sung for Mandaakini and Rajiv Kapoor. Lyricist-cum-composer is Ravindra Jain.

28. Aawaaz Hamaari Isi Vaadi Mein Rahegi (Shoorveer – 1988) : A long forgotten song which I like just too much. It’s a duet sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy and Mohammed Aziz and picturized on Mandaakini and Raajan Sippy. Bappi Lahiri has composed Maya Govind’s lyric.

29. Morni Baagaan Maa Bole Aadhi Raat Maa (Lamhe – 1991) : It’s actually a Rajasthani folk song adapted for the movie. Both Sridevi’s performance as well as the singing of Lata and Ila Arun is brilliant. It refers to the voicing of a peahen in a garden.

30. Mhare Hivda Mein Naache Mor, Tak Thaiya Thaiya (Hum Saath Saath Hain – 1999) : Ramlaxman have composed this highly admirable song (penned by Raj Kiran) which is studded with natural phenomena in its words as well as in the scenes belonging to it. It’s been sung jointly by Alka Yagnik, Anuradha Paudwal, Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy , Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan and all the principal characters of the movie have performed on it. It’s a treat to watch on the screen.

31. Panchhi Sur Mein Gaate Hain, Bhanwre Gungunaate Hain (Sirf Tum – 1999) : An underrated nice song praising the natural beauty of Kerala. Nadeem Shravan have composed Sameer’s lyric whereas Udit Nayaran has lent his voice to Sanjay Kapoor.

32. Piyu Bole, Piya Bole (Parineeta – 2005) : The beautiful lyric of Swanand Kirkire strung in enchanting melody by Shantanu Moitra. Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam have sung it for Vidya Baalan and Saif Ali Khan on the screen.

Finally, the song which appears to be a romantic song through the initial lines but which praises the mother nature through its stanzas. It is Nain So Nain Naahin Milaao (Jhanak Jhanak Paayal Baaje – 1955). Just have a look at the words in the stanzas – Rimjhim Rijhaaye Jharno Ke Dhaar, Mann Ko Lubhaaye Koyal Ki Taan and Neele Gagan Pe Jhoomenge Aaj, Baadal Ka Pyaar Dekhenge Aaj. This literary lyric which is enveloped by the love of mother nature is of Hasrat Jaipuri which Vasant Desai has composed in the classical Raag – Maalgunji. Listening to this song, sung by Lata and Hemant Kumar, always proves an enchanting experience for me. The dancing performance of Sandhya and Gopi Krishna on it is also outstanding.

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