By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
‘भूली बिसरी यादें मेरे हँसते गाते बचपन की
रात बिरात चली आतीं हैं, नींद चुराने नैनन की
अब कह दूँगी, करते करते, कितने सावन बीत गये
जाने कब इन आँखों का शरमाना जायेगा
दीवाना सैंकड़ों में पहचाना जायेगा
दीवाना…..’
Shailendra, the noted lyricist and a close associate of showman Raj Kapoor was born at Rawalpindi, now in West Pakistan on 30 August 1923. His ancestors, however, hailed from Bihar.
He took to writing poetry during early days while working for the Indian Railways after the partition. Raj Kapoor heard him recite a poem ‘Jalta Hai Punjab’ in a symposium and hit upon the idea of taking the talented poet under his wings .Raj Kapoor ventured to introduce him in “Barsaat” as lyricist in 1949 under the baton of Shanker Jaikishan, when he badly needed financial help. He created two songs ‘Patli Kamar Hai’ and ‘Barsaat Main Hum Se Mile tum’ both becoming instant hit, and so was the movie .Shailendra who supported the left wing had earlier refused to work for Kapoor’s “Aag”.
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The team of Raj Kapoor, Shailendra and Shankar-Jaikishan produced many hit songs. The song ‘Awara Hoon’ from the 1951 film “Awaara” and ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ (Shree 420) , written by Shailendra, became the most popular Hindustani film songs outside India , and Russia in particular. ‘Mera Joota Hai Japani’ was featured in the 2016 English-language movie” Deadpool”.
As most ardent critics would admit. those days music director used to recommend names of lyricists. Shanker Jaikishan had once promised to help him , but they forgot following their popularity Shailendra, reportedly, sent them a note containing few lines -‘ #’Chhoti Si Yeh Duniya, Pehchaane Raaste Hain Tum Kahin To Miloge,To Poochenge Hall’. The music duo were so moved by the poetic version that they immediately insisted producer Rajendra Singh Bedi to sign him as lyricist in his film “Rangoli” for which he had earlier signed Majrooh Sultanpori. However, on SJk insistence Bedi agreed to oblige them. The same poetic vesrion was included in “Rangoli” (!962)” in the voice of Kishore Kumar.
Raj, Shailendra, SJK and Mukesh developed an envious long lasting association. They did many films together like Awaara, Shri 420, Anari, Chori Chori, Jis Desh Main Ganga Behti Hai, Sangam,and Joker to mention few.
Apart from Shankar-Jaikishan, Shailendra also shared a rapport with composers such as Salil Chowdhary (Madhumati), Sachin Dev Burman (Guide, Bandini, Kala Bazar), and Ravi Shankar (Anuradha). Apart from Raj Kapoor, he shared a rapport with filmmakers such as Bimal Roy (Do Bigha Zameen, Madhumati, Bandini) and Dev Anand (Guide and Kala -Bazar).
“Sab Kuch Seekha Hamne” (Anari), “Suhana Safar Aur Yeh” (Madhumati), ,”Yeh Raat Bhigi Bhigi” –(Chori Chori), “Tu Pyar Ka Saagar Hai” (Seema) “Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai” –(Yahudi), “Ramaiya Vastavaiya” (Shree 420), “Aaj Phir Jeene Ki”( Guide) “Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega” – (Sangam)” , “Sab Kuchh Seekha Humne” “Anari” and “Jhoomti Chali Hawa” (Sangeet Samrat Tansen) were few gems of songs penned by shailendra.
In 1961 Shailendra invested heavily in” Teesri Kasam ” directed by Basu Bhattacharya starring Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman. The film’s making lingered on for years because of date problems ,financial burden and other issues making the producer extremely indigent. The film was initially declared a flop , resulting into the death of Shailendra. The film, however, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and did brisk business when it was re-released. “Chalat Musafir Moh Liya Re” and” Paan Khaye Saiyan Hamaro”were hit songs of the film.
Shailendra won the Filmfare Best Lyricist Award three times. In 1958 “Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai” (Yahudi),1959 “Sab Kuch Seekha Hamne” (Anari), and “Main Gaoon Tum So Jao” (Brahmchari) 1968.
Died 14 December 1966, coinciding with the birthday of his friend and mentor Raj Kapoor.
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