Bharat Vyas – The Prolific Lyricist – I

            (Remembering Bharat Vyas on his 101st Birth anniversary)

I was a little disappointed to miss his birth centenary year. But due to confusion regarding his birth date,(I’m thankful to Arun Kumar ji Deshmukh, who confirmed today’s date) I cancelled it last month and planned for this month. And I’ve no regrets! In fact, I’m very happy, if I would have done this post last year, I would have included only his well known songs. And this time, I’m planning a series of posts, as I got better opportunity to research and explore more songs.

He was typecast for mythological, religious and historical films, and hence was not considered by many as a first class lyricist. There is a tradition to consider these films as low grade, B grade and the artists associated with it are never considered as first class. Many of us like his songs a lot, but as usual are disinterested or ignorant of the lyricist. We don’t find it important to remember the name of the lyricist, even though he actually has written those immortal words.
Today, let me present the prolific lyricist, Bharat Vyas. His career nevertheless started with social films, but once he wrote for mythological films and his pure Hindi language impressed all. He started receiving more of such proposals. This was very unfortunate, as his ability and passion were far more superior. Still, he worked sincerely for any film, he was offered and made the most of it. No one can deny the quality of his songs is supreme.

Bharat Vyas was born on 6th January 1918 in Bikaner. He was brought up in a joint family in Rajasthan and was fond of writing poems and was also interested in painting and music. He used to write Rajasthani songs for plays and records. It is also mentioned that he completed studies in Calcutta (now Kolkata) before joining films in Bombay (now Mumbai). He was also interested in film direction and indeed he directed a film very early in is career. He also acted and sang songs in a few initial films in 1940s.
After his arrival in Mumbai, his poetic recitations became popular.
His first break in Hindi films was for Duhai, that was released in 1943, and the credit for music direction was jointly given to Pannalal Ghosh, Rafiq Ghaznavi & Shanti Kumar. The songs were sung by Noor Jahan & Shanta Apte, the latter had more number of songs. The songs, available on Youtube are of poor audio quality. The same year saw him penning lyrics for two more films, School Master (It had only one song by Vyas, the others were by Pandit Indra) & Prem Sangeet. The latter had all the songs penned by him and composed by S K Pal. Bharat Vyas also sang a duet for the film. The film had quite good songs, though I had not heard them before. He had quite a popular association with S K Pal in his earlier days. He worked with S K Pal consistently over the years.
In 1944, one of his popular films, Man Ki Jeet was released, again in association with S K Pal. He got opportunity for writing two songs only, ‘Ae Chand Na Itrana’ & ‘Chhip Chhip Kar Mat Dekho’. The latter was a duet with Shanta Thakkar.

His other films in late 40s include,
Ghulami (1945) – He penned five songs, the rest were by Josh Malihabadi (Music by S K Pal)
Prithviraj Sanyukta (1946) – Prithviraj Kapoor was the main lead, and Bharat Vyas acted & sang too for the film (Music by S K Pal)
Meerabai (1947) – Tarabai (later became popular as Sitara Kanpuri) was the lead singer, Music by S K Pal.
(Not to confuse with ‘Meera’ in the same year by M S Subbulaxmi)
Anjana (1948) Music by D C Dutta
Chandralekha (1948) – The songs were very popular, Vyas himself again sang a song (Music by S Rajeshwar Rao) He wrote only two songs, But the one, he sang himself, was written by Pandit Indra.
Rangila Rajasthan (1949) – Bharat Vyas himself directed the film, actually he wanted to be a film director right from the beginning. The credit for music was jointly given to S K Pal, B S Kalla & Bharat Vyas himself. Rajkumari, Sitara Kanpuri & Snehal Bhatkar were the playback singers.
Anyay (1948) Music by Ram Prasad

Khemchand Prakash is best known for the songs from Mahal (1949), but the same year, he worked with Bharat Vyas for two more films, Rimjhim & Sawan Aaya Re. The songs from both the films are still popular. If Prakash had survived long, we could have heard more out of the alliance. Sawan Aaya Re also had Rammurthy Chaturvedi as a lyricist. The film Tamasha was released in 1952, Khemchand Prakash started the project under his baton, but his untimely death, lead to handing over the responsibility to Manna Dey, who composed some melodious songs for the movie.
Bharat Vyas worked with a number of composers, though some prominent names like Naushad, Shankar Jaikishan, O P Nayyar, S D Burman are missing. Whenever he was chosen for social films, he never failed to deliver quality songs. His creativity was of course not restricted to pure Hindi. It was his strong point, that he could successfully incorporated pure Hindi in mainstream Hindi films. But it’s a pity that the film industry restricted him for mythology and religious movies. Very few of us are aware of his songs in 40s and I’ve attempted to highlight his songs from that era as well. He of course has written songs of all genres,in 50s and 60s as well. He not only wrote a Mujra, but a western rock n roll as well!
Today Let’s have a look at his associations with some of the composers of the golden era. As he mainly worked for religious, mythological and costume dramas, his associations with lesser popular composers also resulted in some memorable songs.
Madan Mohan started his career with Devendra Goel with the film Aankhen and Bharat Vyas penned a few popular numbers for the movie. Later he worked with Vyas only infrequently. Still the association was melodious one. His association with Sardar Malik is much talked about for the film Saranga, the songs from the movie made Sardar Malik’s name immortal. Later as well, they continued working in 1960s for B grade films, like Roop Sundari, Naag Mohini, Naag Jyoti etc. Some of the songs from these movies are really good, but unfortunately neither the composer nor the lyricist got their due.
Shivram was also one of the lesser explored composers of the golden era. He also had some of the popular songs with Vyas. Kalyanji Virji Shah, started his career with Samrat Chandragupta in 1958 and the most popular songs from the movie were written by Bharat Vyas. They worked together later for a few movies, though except Bedard Zamana Kya Jaane, the other movies were not popular.
His popular association with Hemant Kumar was for the films like Fashion and Chand, both were social movies released in late 1950s.

Moving on to the song list now, I’m presenting songs from his earlier films and lesser known associations from later films, in No particular order……………..

1. Tore Man Mein Basoongi – Prem Sangeet (1943) Amirbai Karnataki / Music – S K Pal
I won’t claim it as one of his best, but he has used such simple words to portray the relationship between the lovers. If he is the moon, she is moonlight. If he is a song, she is the tune. If he is Krishna, she is his Bansuri, always near his lips. Such a cute combos of partners. And what a rendition by Amirbai, there is such a devotion in her expressive voice.

2. Main Agre Se Joota Laya – Prem Sangeet (1943) Bharat Vyas & Shanta Thakkar / Music – S K Pal
A cute song that incorporates the elements of parody. The earlier hits from Khazanchi (Sawan Ke Nazare Hai), Khandan (Mere Liye Jahan Mein) etc. And I couldn’t identify one song. It’s a delight to listen fully. Before anyone puts a stamp of mythology to him, he or she should listen to his earlier songs.

3. Chhip Chhip Kar Mat Dekho Re – Man Ki Jeet (1944) Bharat Vyas & Shanta Thakkar / Music – S K Pal
A cute love song, with a typical 1940s tune. Bharat Vyas was a good singer too, though the song doesn’t demand a great voice command, it’s a fun and enjoyment to listen to it.

4. O Geeta Ke Bhagwan – Ghulami (1945) Sitara Kanpuri & Bharat Vyas / Music – S K Pal
A plea to God, a cry for help from a devotee. They are reminding Lord Krishna his promise to show right path to his devotees on this earth. The song has two versions, once as a female solo and then as a duet. The video link below has both the songs together.

5. Ae Dil Na Mujhe Yaad Dila – Sawan Aaya Re (1949) Shamshad Begum & Rafi / Music – Khemchand Prakash
Yet another soulful and touching song. Kishor Sahu was the producer and main lead of the movie. I wasn’t aware of the song being a Radio song. It plays on the radio and the lyrics appear to suits aptly. The heroine breaks into tears and when no longer able to bear the anguish, turns off the radio. Bharat Vyas describes their trysts in adorable way, it’s a picturesque description. He wrote the Saranga (Saranga Teri Yaad Mein) song on similar lines.

6. Jagmag Jagmag Karta Nikala Chand – Rimjhim (1949) Kishore Kumar / Music – Khemchand Prakash
Kishore Kumar debuted with Khemchand Prakash in Ziddi, in 1948. It’s interesting that his first playback was for Dev Anand. Prakash again offered Kishore Kumar songs in Rimjhim, where he sang the song with unmistakable Saigal touch.
The sky celebrates the full moon night, but he is in despair without his love. The cool breeze paradoxically ignites the emptiness in his soul.
ये मदमाती रात, ये ठंडी ठंडी हवा के झोंके
तेरे बिना मेरे सुने जीवन में बिरहा की अग्नि फूंके

7. Humse Nain Milana B A Pass Karke – Aankhen (1950) Shamshad Begum & Mukesh / Music – Madan Mohan
While, ‘Mori Atariya Pe Kaga’ by Meena Kapoor (which was also by Bharat Vyas) was the most famous from Aankhen, this light hearted fun song, remains my favourite from the movie. The lovers are teasing each other in a stage performance, she is ordering him to pass the B A exam and prove himself before falling in love with her. He forges the degree, but finally convinces her by emotional blackmail. The lyrics are very apt for this light comic song.

8. Raat Mohe Meetha Meetha Sapna Aaya Re – Tamasha (1952) Geeta Dutt / Music – Manna Dey
The song may not be a well known, but it’s very melodious. Bharat Vyas describes very softly her tender dream. Someone has pleasurably shaken her quiet world of dreams and she is experiencing quite a different world of colorful dreams. And she’s enjoying it all.
Meena Kumari looks so cute and slim, I’m slowly falling in love with her looks. I’m already a huge fan of her acting skills, now her smiling charming face enchants me.

9. Khali Pili Kahe Ko Akkha Din – Tamasha (1952) Kishore Kumar / Music – Manna Dey
Though I’ve already a song from the movie, I couldn’t resist adding this one! In contrast to the mythological image of Bharat Vyas, listen to the song. He was such a versatile and prolific lyricist. Who would have expected a song like this from him?
The first line itself, ‘खाली पिली काहेको अख्खा दिन बैठ के बोंब मारता हैं’ is completely tangential to his image. It’s a total fun song, with words full of बंबइया हिंदी, which no one would have expected in Vyas’s song. For this reason, I particularly included it, though I already had selected my favourite from the movie.
Picturised on Kishore Kumar, dev Anand and Meena Kumari, it’s a visual treat as well. Just look at the expressions all the actors.

10. Chand Hai Wohi – Parinita (1953) Geeta Dutt / Music – Arun Kumar
Bimal Roy’s Parineeta is an old Hindi classic. All the songs were superb and ‘Gore Gore Haathon Mein’ and ‘Chali Radhe Rani’ were more popular. But to experience the magical words of Bharat Vyas, listen to the song.
The moon, the night sky, are the same, then why I’m feeling so sad? A broken hearted woman wonders to herself! She deeply loved a man, who left her in despair. Is that the reason why, she is sad? even when the garden, the blooming flowers are the same! A poem than a song!

11. Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya – Suvarna Sundari (1958) Lata Mangeshkar & Rafi / Music – Adi Narayan Rao
I know it’s the tune and the four ragas that attract us more than the lyrics. But just imagine about the lyricist, who wrote the song in appropriate raag, on a already set tune! The film was a remake of a south Indian film and the tunes were more or less the same. So it was difficult to pen the songs, but Vyas with his deep knowledge in pure Hindi, easily did the job with some impressive songs. His Sanskrit rich Hindi is just a pleasure to ears.

12. Baharon Se Puchho – Fashion (1957) Lata Mangeshkar & Hemant Kumar / Music – Hemant Kumar
It was Pradeep Kumar, Mala Sinha starrer movie, with Manoj Kumar who was in a very small role of a beggar, just for a song. This romantic duet is my favourite. I’ve included some of Bharat vyas’s songs from social films to underline his ability to write in simple Hindi words as well. The movie, Fashion also has a preaching song “Mati Ko Na Lajaana” where Vyas advises the youth of the nation to be Indian at heart, respect women, and stay away from western fashion.

13. Ae Badalon Rimjhim Ke Rang – Chand (1959) Lata Mangeshkar / Music – Hemant Kumar
This is his only song from the movie. The lyrics are full of joy, with delightful tune and Meena Kumari looking like a freshly bloomed lotus. It was a difficult task to locate its video with a good audiovisual quality. I love the song a lot! It appears that the song was picturised at Ellora caves or a similar location. Dustedoff can throw light on this aspect, she had a list of songs picturised on sites under World Heritage series.

14. Daulat Ke Jhoote Nashe Mein – Oonchi Haveli (1955) Rafi / Music – Shivram
This philosophical song was one of the popular songs of the year. The song talks about the futility of money and big mansions. ‘As you sow, so shall you reap’, so always be on paths of goodness, and away from viciousness and evil.
Everyone is going to die one-day and turn into ash, or merge into earth. So never be over proud of your financial gains and estates.

15. Saranga Teri Yaad Mein – Saranga (1960) Mukesh / Music – Sardar Malik
The song was on 9th position in Binaca Geetmala of the year 1961. It’s a wonderful song, a masterpiece by Sardar Malik. It’s a controlled expression of remembrance of his love. He has no complaints about the world, just a emotional remembrance of their rendezvous. She is not with him and left him tearful.
In comparison, Haan Deewana Hoon Main, sounds a bit loud and full of self pity.

16. Jhoomo Re Jhoom Ke – Fashionable Wife (1959) Geeta Dutt & Mahendra Kapoor / Music – Suresh Talwar
And now, a moment of surprise! A western style rock n roll song, penned by vyas. I included it just to highlight his versatility. It was unfortunate that he was typecast for a certain genre of films. I won’t say it’s a wonderful song, but the lyrics are good. He had the ability to write any type of song.

Also worth mentioning is the song from the same movie, by Geeta Dutt, ‘Badal Rahi Zameen‘, where Bharat Vyas resumes his style and gives a song of women empowerment. We still need these type of songs. His vision of independent India was very broad and progressive.

17. Kyun Mile Tum Hum – Bedard Zamana Kya Jane (1959) Lata Mangeshkar & Rafi / Music – Kalyanji Anandji
A song of regret. The deep agony of the loving couple is portrayed in very emotional way by Vyas.
हसरतें घायल हैं अब तो जिंदगी खामोश हैं
जानेवाले खुश हो के जाना हम पूछ बेहोश हैं
लुट गया कारवाँ रह गए बेदम

18. Bhar Bhar Aaye Aankhiyan – Samrat Chandragupt (1958) / Music – Kalyanji Veerji Shah
Now a song from the usual genre of movie, historical! Bharat Bhushan and again Nirupa Roy, singing a song of pathos. She is regretting her behaviour and now only repentance is her fate. She imagines him near her, but in vain! Kalyanji Bhai was fortunate to have Bharat Vyas at the very beginning of his career.

More of his popular associations in the next part of the post.

Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are from YouTube and have been used here only for the music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners.