By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On His Death Anniversary
तौबा ये किस ने, अंजुमन सजा के
टुकड़े किये हैं गुंच-ए-वफ़ा के
टुकड़े किये हैं गुंच-ए-वफ़ा के
उछालो गुलों के टुकड़े
के रंगीं फ़िज़ाओं में रहने की रात आई
दिल जो ना कह सका
The noted music -director Roshan was born on 14 July, 1917 at Gujranwala now in Pakistan. Incidentally, my father late Amrik Singh Barhok, a successful Banker and a prolific writer in his own right, was also born at Gujranwala. Roshan took music lessons at an early age and joined All India Radio, Delhi playing Esraj, a stringed instrument traditionally used by the Sikh Musicians .
After initial struggle in Mumbai, he got in touch with Kedar Sharma who gave him his first break. His next film “Bawre Nain ” established him as a music director .A pioneer of introducing qawwalis in films, Roshan was also credited with introducing Anand Bakshi and Indeevar as songwriters.
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His ability to mix folk and classical music paid rich dividend with the release of “Barsaat Ki Raat” (1960) with hits like ‘Na to Karwan Ki Talash Hai ‘ and ‘Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhoolegi Woh Barsaat Ki Raat’ featuring Bharat Bhushan and Madhu Bala in the lead, ‘Kabhi To ‘Milegi, Khin To Milegi Baharon Ki Manzil’ (Aarti-1962) ‘Jo Vada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega ‘and ‘Paaon Choo Lene Do’ (Taj Mahal), ‘Laga Chunari Me Daag’ and ‘Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai’ (Dil Hi To Hai-1963).
In 1966 Roshan gave another hit “Devar” with songs like ‘Duniya Mein Aisa Kahan Sabka Nasib Hai, Koi Koi Apne Piya Ke Karib Hai’ and ‘Rahen Na Rahen Hum , Mehka Karenge Ban Ke Kali’ film'”Mamta” starring Suchitra Sen and Dharmendra . His other notable contributions include “Anokhi Raat”, ” Bahu Begum”, “Chitralekha” and “Aji Bas Shukriya ” with a soulful number ‘Sari Sari Rat Teri Yaad Sataye’ by Lata Mangeshkar . “Bheegi Raat” (1965) was another successful film of the music maestro with a hit number” Dil Jo Na Keh Saka Wohi Razedil Kehne Ki Raat Aayee” rendered separately by Mohammad Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar. “Bahu Begum” & “Anokhi Raat” were his other mentionable films. Won Filmfare Best Music Director Award for “Taj Mahal”.
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