By Jagmohan Singh Barhok

छेड़ा मेरे दिल ने
तराना तेरे प्यार का
जिसने सुना खो गया
पूरा नशा हो गया
छेड़ा मेरे दिल ने
तराना तेरे प्यार का

Hrishikesh Mukherjee, one of the leading and most talented directors of Hindi cinema, shot into limelight with film “Anari” (1959), featuring Raj Kapoor and Nutan in the lead. A musical hit as it proved, its songs- ‘Tera Jana, Dil Ke Armano ka Lut Jana’, ‘Sub Kuch Seekha Humne’,and ‘Ban Ke Panchi Gaye Pyaar Ka Tarana’, continue to enthrall the audience despite a time lapse of 60 years. Under his able stewardship many actors, and actresses too, tasted the sweetness of stardom. His directorial excellence could well be seen in films like Asli -Naqli, Anuradha, Satyakaam, Anand, Guddi, Abhimaan, Namak Haraam to name only some. Amitabh Bachchan showed his histrionics in ” Milli” and “Anand”.

Hrishi da started his career as director with “Musafir” (1957) starring Dilip Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Suchitra Sen & Nirupa Roy. Saanjh Aur Savera, Chhaya, Gaban, Aashirwad, Bawarchi were his other noteworthy films.

Bestowed with 8 Filmfare,7 National Awards besides Dada Saheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Hindi cinema. Hrishi da, was also associated with many other sinews of film making like editing, screenplay, story and production in Do Bigha Zameen, Devdas, Ganga Jamuna, Biraj Bahu and Alaap. Died 27 August 2006 in Mumbai.

Born this day in 1930.