By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
The name ‘Kavi Pradeep’ is synonymous with both patriotism and nationalism. Although he created so many soulful songs as a songwriter he is best known for his patriotic number ” Aye Mere Wattan Ke Logo”.
When he was approached to create a song with high patriotic flavour ,he had reportedly suggested to pick up one from the existing songs on the theme as there were many. His suggestion was turned down and he eventually ventured to create the song referred above. It was rendered by Lata Mangeshkar as a tribute to the Indian soldiers who had laid their lives during the Indo-China War. Prime Minister Jawaher Lal Nehru was so moved by the song that he was virtually in tears. Pradeep was subsequently bestowed upon the title as Rashtriy Kavi.
Pradeep got his first break as a songwriter in “Kangan” 1939, followed by “Bandhan”1940. His strikingly challenging patriotic song “Aaj Himalay Ki Choti Se Dushman Ne Lalkara Hai, Door Hato Aye Duniya Walo, Hindustaan Hamara Hai” rendered by Ameerbai Karnataki & Khan Mastana in Gyan Mukherjee’s 1943 blockbuster “Kismet” starring Ashok Kumar and Mumtaz Shanti not only created a stir but also made the British rulers to rise from the slumber.
As a lyricist Pradeep Dwivedi wrote songs for over 70 Hindi films during his career spanning over five decades. Some of his most popular songs include the likes of- ‘Chal Chal Re Naujwan’-1940), ‘ Aao Bachcho Tumhein Dikhayen’ , ‘De Dee Hame Azaadi Bina Khadag Bina Dhaal’ and ‘Hum Layen Hain Toofan Se Kishti Nikaal Ke’-Jagriti (1954), ‘Dekh Tere Sansaar Ki Haalat Kya Ho Gayee Bhagwaan’ -Nastik (1954), ‘Insaan Ka Inssan Se Ho Bhaichaara Yahi Paigham Hamara’ – “Paigham” ( 1959) and Pinjre Ke Panchi Re’ -Naagmani (1957 ). Many of the above songs were sung by Kavi Pradeep himself like ‘Dekh Tere Sansaar Ki Haalat’ and ‘Pinjre ke Panchi Re’.
