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.
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”.
