Bharat Vyas – The Prolific Lyricist – III

We have reached the third & the final part of the series (Did I hear a sigh of relief?) It was a wonderful experience going through the career of legendary lyricist, Pandit Bharat Vyas. It was very unfortunate and total injustice to remember him or label him for mythological or historical films only. He has penned songs for a number of social films throughout his career, even in 1970s. His songs in 70s were not much popular, nevertheless, a few of the songs were really good.
Today, we will take a look at his association with a couple of composers, though I have highlighted some other composers as well.

His association with S N Tripathi was as melodious as the one with Vasant Desai, barring the fact that, nearly all the movies of the former were mythological or historical. The popularity of the association lasted only for a few years, though they continued working together in 1970s as well.
If we take a look at, their 70s films, all are mythological or religious.
Naag Mere Saathi 1973
Jai Jagat Janani 1976
Nag Champa 1976
Jai Ganesh 1977
to name a few.
His other associations were also similar, though occasionally he penned a song or two for social films as well.

College Girl (1978) – for Bappi Lahiri, he wrote only one song, Nahi Chahiye Rang Mahal, by Yesudas and Aarti Mukherji

Karm (1977) – for R D Burman,
Two philosophical songs, Jab Charon Taraf Andhera Ho & Karm Kaho Qismat Kaho

Do Chehre (1977) – for Sonik Omi,
The notable was, ‘Is Raat Ke Sannate Mein’, was a haunting song, sung by Asha Bhosle.

Other composers –
Ravindra Jain – Har Har Gange (1979)
Usha Khanna – Naag Puja (1971)
J V Raghavulu – Lav Kush (1974)
Chitragupt – Jai Mahalaxmi Maa (1976), Shiv Shakti (1980)
Avinash Vyas – Maa Baap (1979)

It was very unfortunate that, such a prolific lyricist was reduced to writing for B grade movies, in later days of his career. How badly his creativity must have suffered? Such a waste of talent!

Still, there was a silver lining to this dark cloud. Laxmikant Pyarelal offered some of their low budget socials to him in 70s, perhaps remembering their early days. In early 1960s, they were still finding their feet and the mythological films, they composed for, had songs by Bharat Vyas. Those wonderful songs, nevertheless boosted their career. No doubt, they worked hard in the early years, but to get such a lyricist was like a boon. I’ve presented their selective songs, on the list.

Let’s go to the song list, the songs are in no particular order….……….

1. Zara Samne To Aa – Janam Janam Ke Phere (1957) Lata Mangeshkar & Rafi / Music – S N Tripathi
It was a surprise when the song topped the final Binaca Geetmala in 1957. Though many stalwarts were in the race, the song was the winner. The heart touching lyrics by Panditji was certainly a major factor in its success. It was as if, the song conveyed the feelings of everyone.
‘मेरे आत्मा की ये आवाज़ हैं’
It is said that Panditji wrote this poem, to reach out to his son, who left home without a word to anyone. I think that’s why, it’s so full of expressions and emotions.

2. Ud Ja Bhanwar & Aaja Aaja Bhanwar – Rani Rupmati (1959) Manna Dey & Lata Mangeshkar / Music – S N Tripathi
‘Aa Laut Ke Aaja’ was the most popular song from the movie, and achieved 6th place, in final Binaca Geetmala in 1959. But as far as the richness of the content is concerned, these twin songs top the list for me.
The singer encourages the bumblebee to leave its shelter, as it is trapped inside the lotus, and fly to fresh sunlight. The metaphor is quite clear and profound. The bumblebee can really be seen leaving the lotus, only to return when Rani Rupmati calls it back. The link shared has both the songs.

3. O Aashadh Ke Pehle Badal – Kavi Kalidas (1960) Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey / Music – S N Tripathi
This movie is full of songs with Sanskrit-rich Hindi lyrics and all are perfect examples of pure Hindi. As the story demanded, Panditji penned songs conveying the verses of मेघदूत and ऋतुसंहार.
The former is depicted in the mentioned song.
Kalidas requests the clouds in the month of आषाढ, to convey his message to his love, who’s far away. He describes how to get to her. There are picturesque descriptions of nature, of the cities, of the Himalaya, to finally reach her, who’s in deep agony.
Again, I can’t help mentioning a verse that describes the कुरूक्षेत्र. Look at the words selected, their poetic and harmonious arrangement.

आगे तुमको मित्र मिलेगी कुरूक्षेत्र की भूमी विशाल
महाभारत के महायुद्ध की जहाँ जली थी इक दिन ज्वाल
कोटीकोटी जब बरस पडे थे रिपुदल पर अर्जुन के बाण
कमलदलों पर बरसे जो तेरी बरखा के अगणित बाण

4. Nain Ka Chain Churakar Le Gayi – Chandramukhi (1960) Mukesh / Music – S N Tripathi
It’s a simple, cute composition, from a costume drama, Chandramukhi. Mukesh, mostly remembered for soulful, sad songs, is in a nostalgic mood here, remembering her beautiful face.

5. Pyara Pyara Ye Sama Hai – Lal Qila (1960) Lata Mangeshkar / Music – S N Tripathi
A less popular song, from a film, well known for Rafi’s mournful solos. Bharat Vyas has written the song so delicately and sung with such soft touch by Lata, that it actually feels like a dream. And now, the video of the song is available.
प्यारा प्यारा ये समा हैं, और सुहानी रात हैं
आ रही होंठों पे अब दिल में छीपी जो बात हैं।

चाँदनी की ओढ चादर, सारी दुनिया सो रही।
जागते हम तुम अकेले, दिल में हलचल हो रही।
आज तारोंने सजाई प्रीत की बारात हैं।

6. Saanjh Ho Gayi Prabhu – Jai Chitod (1961) Lata Mangeshkar / Music – S N Tripathi
The movie is known for the more famous, ‘O Pawan Veg Se Udanewale Ghode’. But as far as the magic of Vyas’s pen is concerned, this one is a perfect example.
How helpless and forlorn humans need a support from God.
सांझ हो गयी प्रभु, तुम ही प्रकाश दो, प्रकाश दो

जिंदगी की नांव ये, लिए हमें किधर चली
राह ढुंढती हुई, भंवर में आज घिर चली
झिलमिला रहा हृदय, नयन की पुतलीयाँ हिली
आँसुओं की धार आज बादलों सी झर चली
भीख माँगते नयन, इन्हें सुहास दो
इस निराश कांपते हृदय को आस दो, प्रकाश दो।

7. Gham Chhodo Yeh Sare Zamane Ka – Piya Milan Ki Aas (1961) Mubarak Begum / Music – S N Tripathi
An element of surprise! A Mujra song by Panditji. I don’t think it’s very popular and I included it to highlight his versatility. A lyricist, known nearly exclusively for mythological, historical and religious films, was actually at home with such songs as well. The song, excellently sung by Mubarak Begum, leaves an impact of her rendition, than the lyrics.

8. Thane Kajaliyo Banalyun – Veer Durgadas (1960) Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh / Music – S N Tripathi
The film featured a Rajasthani song, written by Panditji, in his mother tongue.
The tune is typical sweet melody by Tripathi and the lyrics are also adorably cute. Enjoy the song, that’s as sweet as honey.

9. Jyot Se Jyot Jagate Chalo – Sant Dnyaneshwar (1964) Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh / Music – Laxmikant Pyarelal
The song was on third place in Binaca Geetmala in the year 1965. When Hindi films were slowly drifting away from Indian music, and Western music was about to take its place, the songs of Sant Dnyaneshwar (or Gyaneshwar, as he is called in Hindi) we’re among top three.
It strongly highlighted the fact that, the content of the song is more important, and not heavy Urdu words. It was a belief those days that,the public loves a song having Urdu words and pure Hindi is not digested well. Sung separately by Lata Mangeshkar (for little ज्ञानेश्वर) and Mukesh (for grown up ज्ञानेश्वर), it spreads the message of love, peace and humanity. We should not discriminate by caste or religion.
Some of its verses still hold true and suit today’s scenario.

छाया हैं चहू ओर अंधेरा, भटक गई हैं दिशाए।
मानव बन बैठा हैं दानव, किसको व्यथा सुनाए।
धरती को स्वर्ग बनाते चलो, प्रेम की गंगा बहाते चलो।

And here’s Mukesh’s version

सारे जग के कण कण में हैं, दिव्य अमर एक आत्मा।
एक ब्रह्म हैं, एक सत्य हैं, एक ब्रह्म परमात्मा।
प्राणों से प्राण मिलाते चलो, प्रेम की गंगा बहाते चलो।

10. Khabar Mori Na Lini – Sant Dnyaneshwar (1964) Lata Mangeshkar / Music – Laxmikant Pyarelal
Equally well written and excellently sung song, from the same movie. A lady awaits her husband, who hasn’t turned up for long. She has lost her peace of mind and endures sleepless nights. She, for a while, wants to fantasize about him in dreams, but the sleepless nights never allow her.
सपने में तो दरस दिखा दे, कुछ धीरज बंध जाए।
सपना भी तो किस बिध आए, जब निंदिया नहीं आए।
मोरे श्याम, तेरी याद याद में, जुग हारे पल जीते। बहुत दिन बीते……

11. Tum Gagan Ke Chandrama Ho – Sati Savitri (1964) Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey / Music – Laxmikant Pyarelal
L P were fortunate enough to work with Panditji, very early in their career. Though the films are thought to be B grade today, the songs are more than worth A grade.
The song talks about the immortal pair of Savitri and Satyavan. While she thinks like a typical orthodox woman (तुम हो काया, मैं हूँ छाया, तुम क्षमा मैं भूल हूँ), for a change, he seems to believe in equality (तुम हो पूजा मैं पुजारी, तुम सुधा मैं प्यास हूँ)

12. Jeevan Dor Tumhi Sang – Sati Savitri (1964) Lata Mangeshkar / Music – Laxmikant Pyarelal
Another gem from the same movie. The lyrics and the tune are made for each other, complement tremendously. Again Panditji enchant us with his pure Hindi.

13. Main To Chhail Chhabili Naar – Sant Dnyaneshwar (1964) Lata Mangeshkar / Music – Laxmikant Pyarelal
Now it won’t be a surprise, if I say, he has penned a लावणी as well. Sung on a typical catchy rhythm, the song is a delight to listen to. And now with the availability of the video makes it more enjoyable. Madhumati dancing to a typical Lawani.

14. Tootegi Kalai Phir Hogi Na Sagai – Chhota Baap (1977) Asha Bhosle / Music – Laxmikant Pyarelal
Bharat Vyas wrote for a few socials in 70s, and after a long gap of 18 years, he wrote a cute teasing song for a sister-brother pair. It may not be at par with ‘Meri Chhoti Si Behen’, but certainly a song worth listening to.
The elder sister beats her younger brother, without confirming his mistakes and later wants to cut off her wrists as a penance. But the wise brother takes the incident on a lighter note and breaks into the song. The song actually follows an audio, where we get to know the background.

15. Aa Ri Aa Nindiya – Maan Apmaan (1979) Lata Mangeshkar / Music – Laxmikant Pyarelal
Continuing the same thread of Panditji’s songs in 70s for social films, here I present the last song, of the post and the series. It’s a cute lullaby and I wasn’t aware of it, till I found it while researching for the post.

Before I conclude the series, I must confess that, I wasn’t expecting a three part series on Panditji’s career.

But when I started researching, I realized that I can’t do justice to his brilliant career in a single post. So I decided to split it up, only to face another problem. It wasn’t possible to divide on the basis of the decades. Finally, I decided to divide it by his associations with the composers. As his early career wasn’t much talked about, I included it in the first part, along with some of the composers, who mainly worked with him, for a short time, like Madanmohan or the lesser popular composers associated with the B grade films or costume dramas. I left his prominent and popular associations for the later parts.
And at the end of the series, I’m overwhelmed with mixed emotions. While he wrote some wonderful and meaningful lyrics for Rajkamal productions, he also worked with sincerity and equal dedication for mythological, religious and historical films. The songs from Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sati Savitri are so richly decorated with either Sanskrit or pure Hindi words! And the words are so rhythmic, poetic and exact! Even though such films were never regarded as First Class, his dedication remained the same.

Hats off to the prolific lyricist! My respect for his work in Hindi films has increased exponentially, ever since I started the series and listened to all the songs fully.
He penned songs admiring feminine beauty, songs praising nature, romantic songs, soulful songs, lullabies, even Mujra, Lavani and rock n roll too! I was fortunate to find and include songs of all the genres. Here I conclude my series, I hope all of you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Would you like to add a song?

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 shared from YouTube and have been used here only for the music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.