MUSIC #76: SILSILA 1981 (HINDI OST)

A Yash Chopra classic starring superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Rekha, Jaya Bachchan nee Bhaduri and Shashi Kapoor in a guest appearance. Silsila (Chains) tells the story of lovers’ lost and found, family obligations before self, and the taboo subject of adultery. Rumours have it that the very subject that was addressed in the movie was being played out in real life between actors Amitabh Bachchan and his on screen lover/adulteress Rekha.

The music is by Shiv-Hari (Shiv Kumar Sharma and Hariprasad Chaurasia) with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, Rajinder Krishnan, Hassan Kamal and Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan (the father of actor Amitabh Bachchan).

Both movie and songs were the rage of the early 1980s and are still well remembered among the masses to date especially “Rang Barse”. The soundtrack also sees Amitabh Bachchan singing most of his own songs in the movie. My favourites include “Dekha Ek Khwab” (there is only one part of this song on the album – why it is listed as Part 1 eludes me), “Neela Aasman So Gaya” and “Rang Barse”. I am disappointed that the song “Neeche Paan Ki Dukkan” sung by Amitabh and Shashi Kapoor was not included in the album....I thought that was an awesome rendition by both the stars! If anyone has this, please do share it with me!

My verdict: 5 stars

NB: The Shiv-Hari collaboration has also been responsible for other great music albums of the 1980s and 1990s such as Chandni, Darr, Lamhe, Faasle, Vijay and Sahibaan.

Silsila 1981 : The Original Soundtrack

Side One

1. Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum – Lata Mangeshkar and Amitabh Bachchan

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

2. Dekha Ek Khwab Part 1 – Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Chorus

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

3. Neela Aasman So Gaya – Amitabh Bachchan

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

4. Tum Jo Todo Piya – Lata Mangeshkar

Meera Bhajan

Side Two

5. Sar Se Sarke – Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Chorus

Lyrics: Hassan Kamal

6. Rang Barse – Amitabh Bachchan and Chorus

Lyrics: Dr Harivansh Rai Bachchan

7. Neela Aasman So Gaya – Lata Mangeshkar

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

8. Ladki Hai Ya Shola – Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar

Lyrics: Rajinder Krishnan

MUSIC #76: SILSILA 1981 (HINDI OST)

MUSIC #28: MR INDIA 1987 (HINDI OST)

One of the few movies and soundtracks from the late 1980’s that I actually enjoy. The movie Mr India was directed by Shekhar Kapur, who also directed Bandit Queen (1994), Elizabeth (1998) and Four Feathers (2002). It stars the 80’s and 90’s heart-throb Anil Kapoor in the title role, with Sri Devi playing his love interest. It showcased Amrish Puri in one of the best villain roles in Bollywood cinema, as the international crime lord and terrorist, Mogambo.

The movie and songs were a hit in 1987 and remains a cult classic till this day with the line “Mugambo khush hua” (Mugambo is pleased) being one of the most frequently used quote from a Hindi movie. The music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and lyrics by Javed Akhtar was also a hit in that year. The album is still appreciated and remembered by the masses especially the song “Hava Havaii”, made famous by Sri Devi’s lip sync and kooky behaviour in that song and movie.

My favourites from the movie are “Kate Nahin” (another song that I memorised growing up) and “Hava Havaii” (see the YouTube clip below - Hilarious!).



My rating: 4 stars.

Mr India 1987: The Original Soundtrack

Side One

1. Zindagi Ki Yehi Reet Hai (Happy) – Kishore Kumar and Chorus

2. Karte Hai Hum Pyar Mr India Se – Kishore Kumar and Kavita Krishnamurthy

3. Na Mange Sona Chandi…Footbal Wapas De – Shabir Kumar, Anuradha Paudwal and Chorus

4. Zindagi Ki Yehi Reet Hai (Sad) – Kishore Kumar and Chorus

Side Two

1. Hava Havaii – Kavita Krishnamurthy and Chorus

2. Zindagi Ki Yehi Reet Hai – Kavita Krishnamurthy and Chorus

3. Karte Hai Hum Pyar Mr India Se – Kishore Kumar and Kavita Krishnamurthy

4. Kate Nahin Kat-te….I Love You…I Love You – Kishore Kumar and Alisha Chinoy

PS: The record cover and record itself (on Side One Song 3) lists a fourth version of the song “Zindagi Ki Yehi Reet Hai”, sung by Mohd. Aziz and Chorus. Unfortunately, it is not on the record. Not sure why. Weird.

Trivia:

1. The name Mugambo was the name of the horse in the movie “Karan Arjun”. Ironically, Amrish Puri also played the villan (Thakur Durjan Singh) in the movie.

2. A sequel is currently being made – Mr India 2 which will see Sri Devi returning to the big screen since she gave up acting in 1997. Anil Kapoor (Sri Devi’s B-I-L) will also reprise the role of Mr India with Salman Khan playing the character Mugambo; his first ever negative role in his acting career. The movie is scheduled for release next year.

MUSIC #28: MR INDIA 1987 (HINDI OST)