इब्तिदा ए 1990s

A post based on the songs of 1990s, was in the air for a really long time now! I was at loss to finalize the structure of the posts. I soon realized that the songs can’t be accommodated in a single post, and to choose a single song per year is next to impossible. Giving it a deep thought, I finally decided to dedicate a post to a year, this way perhaps I could do full justice to the songs.

And I’m aware, these songs can’t be compared with the songs of the Golden Era. Neither the lyrics nor the tunes can be considered equally great. But still, some of the composers tried to compose melodious songs, forgetting the beats and rhythm. They tried focusing the melody. I agree the effect couldn’t last long and the music started getting noisier again. Still, I expect that you would agree with me on one point. The songs of 1990s had a distinct flavour of their own! Many of the songs can still be recognized as belonging to the era, by their opening music. And these songs are nostalgia of my childhood, my school days. And for me, this aspect was the main driving force, I just couldn’t ignore it.

But there was another problem! Many of the songs, though generally considered and broadly counted as 90s are not actually from 90s. This would include the songs from, Mr India, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Tezaab, Chandani, Chalbaaz, Maine Pyar Kiya, Aashiqui and others. These movies were released in late 80s or in 1990, and strictly speaking do not form a part of 90s.
But I think these years created a strong foundation for the ‘Mini Golden Era’ of the 90s. Many of you would agree with me that the golden era, ended way back in 1970, and the quality of the Hindi film songs suffered a lot the following years. So much so that, the early 80s were musically weak. The central theme was shifted from romance to action. There were a very few exceptions, where the composers insisted for the quality of the lyrics, and cared for the quality of their own tunes. It all started with Zanjeer in 1973, when for the first time the stardom of the protagonist of the film was not very strongly supported by the songs. I’m not blaming the film, it was just a change from the clichés of the Hindi cinema so far! The punchlines in the dialogues were the major attraction for the audience. Very slowly, the angry young man image of the protagonist engulfed the romantic image and action sequences started getting claps and whistles in the cinema hall, along with the crispy dialogues. But of course, all of the films were not good enough to maintain the quality of these changes and the film songs suffered a major setback. The lyrics lost their meanings, the beats of disco music and western rhythms completely captured the films. Melody and meaningful songs both became a rarity. Still, there was a silver lining to the otherwise dark cloud. In early 80s, Arth, Saath Saath, Bazaar, Sadma, had melodious songs. But unfortunately, on the whole, these films couldn’t have an impact on quality of songs. Their quality deteriorated further.

I don’t know which film exactly acted as a catalyst to reverse the reaction, but in late 80s, audience experienced a fresh breeze of air. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (QSQT) was a major success with its melodious songs and fresh new on screen couple.

It reestablished the romantic hero again to its place. Composers like Khayyam were still active and musicals like Umrao Jaan (1981) was a grand success. Rekha also celebrated success with Ijazat in 1987, with four stunning songs by Asha Bhosle. Mera Kuchh Saman, picturised on Anuradha Patel, was the icing on the cake and won National and Filmfare Awards too.
The protagonist from Mr India (1987) also had a romantic side, and Javed Akhtar’s lyrics were impressive. Of course the success of Mr India was not attributable to a single factor. The on screen chemistry between Sridevi and Anil Kapoor, the Hawa Hawai dance, Amrish Puri’s Mogambo, Shekhar Kapoor’s direction, good performances by all the actors, all had their share in the success.

So to start with the songs of 90s, it was essential to overview the songs of late 80s, that had an impact on the forthcoming years. Let’s consider the year 1988. The songs formed a big part of the success of QSQT. Tezaab though was an action film in the core, had an amalgamation of songs and romance with fine dance performance by Madhuri Dixit. Here again Javed Akhtar penned popular songs, that boosted the film. Of course Laxmikant Pyarelal, with their experience of few decades, did the job perfectly well. Saroj Khan rose to limelight prominently as a choreographer for ‘Ek Do Teen’ and similarity Madhuri Dixit became a sensation overnight. The song and its dance steps became iconic. N Chandra was the magician who presented the entire story of Munna and Mohini with conviction.
And if you think, only romantic films dominated the year, 1988, it wasn’t so! If we take a look at 1988, Shahenshah, Khoon Bhari Maang, were also among the hits of the year. These were action film & a revenge by a lady type of films, that hardly had a space for romance. To be frank, I never was a fan of Amitabh Bachchan’s angry young man. Even as a child, I never used to like those films. Khoon Bhari Maang was acclaimed for Rekha’s role, who changes in the film from an ugly duckling to a glamorous lady, to take revenge. Still a couple of songs from both films were popular. Of course, the songs could not find place on my list. I must mention one more film from 1988, Hatya. Govinda wasn’t a hard core comedian then, and used to present himself in sensible roles. His pair with Neelam (who used to look very pretty and Doll like) was quite popular. It was a murder mystery revolving around a dumb boy, who has seen the murderer. The film was successful and the romantic track of the couple was presented with some good songs. Not that the songs were excellent, but were fairly popular. Madhuri Dixit debuted in the film, Abodh by Rajshri productions. But her career graph was not an impressive one. Along with Tezaab, Dayavan was also released the same year, and counted as a flop. It was more popular for the kissing scene between Madhuri & Vinod Khanna, than for anything else! Perhaps the song that follows the scene, ‘Aaj Phir Tum Pe Pyar’ was a little famous.

In comparison to previous year, 1989 saw major hits from all the genres, and

Maine Pyar Kiya aka MPK, was the only through and through romantic film! The other films had some diversions or significant side plots, to call them romantic films.

Chandni was also a romantic film, but the love triangle, so much favourite with Yash Chopra, was a little twist.
Ram Lakhan was a typical family melodrama with a tadka of unbelievably lengthy and boring climax, which later became Subhash Ghai’s prototype. Tridev and Parinda also had a many diversions along with romance. Parinda also highlighted Nana Patekar as a powerful actor.
Chaalbaaz was a delightful film, with Sridevi’s double role. Though it had a predictable story, Sridevi, Sunny Deol and Rajnikant all had their share in its success. The songs were not great, but suited the film and the situation aptly. Prem Pratigya wasn’t a success, though Madhuri was nominated for Best Actress Award. Other films were not musically significant in my opinion.
The characters in negative role, were still very loud, wearing unbelievable attires with either black or impossible colours. A lock of the hair used to have a bright colour. Their places, or the addas, used to have weird bizarre interiors. In short, the villain was still imported from the fantasy world, with very less realistic similarities.

1990 was the last year of the decade, and much more musical hits made appearance on screen. Pure romance dominated the year. Still the films like Sailaab, Baaghi incorporated other issues as well.

Sailaab had a side issue of memory loss, though wasn’t well presented, and the film flopped, despite the phenomenal success of Madhuri’s dance. Baaghi had a sensitive subject of forced prostitution.

Dil & Aashiqui were released in the months of June-July, whereas Thanedaar was released in December 1990. So the song Tamma Tamma enjoyed popularity in 1991.
After the success of Tezaab, Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor became a popular onscreen couple, and signed many films together. Two of them were released in 1990. Kishan Kanhaiya & Jamai Raja. The former was a typical story of twin brothers, one innocent and frail, while the other clever and cunning. The heroines were just for namesake. The songs were popular and dancing skills of the couple were highlighted again. Jamai Raja had some good songs, but it couldn’t create magic, despite Hema Malini, in a mother’s role.

Some offbeat films, like Lekin, which represented more of parallel cinema, were also released, and the music department, handled by The Mangeshkars was very well welcomed and songs were acclaimed. Hridaynath Mangeshkar maintained the melody, which seemed to have lost in the otherwise noisy music.

Amitabh and Jaya Prada starter Aaj Ka Arjun was also released in the later part of the year, and some songs (though undeserving in my opinion) were popular and left a mark on Binaca Geetmala which was continuing and maintaining popularity. I am not very fond of Agnipath, and I was hardly 10 years old and was not of the age, to understand it in 1990. (Children used to be innocent, not many distractions used to bother us then. That era was quite simple and children used to behave like children, and were allowed to do so as well) And later I never gave it a thought, except for the facts like, Amitabh achieved his first National Award for Best actor for the movie, and Mithun and Rohini Hattangadi were also awarded Filmfare for Best performances in a supporting role. Maybe someday, I should give it a try, I’m sure I’ll like it, at least the performances! The film Ghayal was a hit of the year, though such action films, with passable music, were ignored by me. But still, a song has kept the memory of the film alive for me.

Coming to the most awaited part of the post, my favourites from late 80s! The songs that I think, stimulated the mini golden era in the forthcoming decade. So let’s start the journey, the songs are in chronological order………………

1. Hawa Hawai – Mr India (1987) Kavita Krishnamurthy & Chorus / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Javed Akhtar
L P’s orchestration and arrangement always leaves me awestruck. What a brilliant composition, so very apt for the situation. The song was really magical, brought fame to Sridevi and Kavita Krishnamurthy. Sridevi enters as a spy in Mogambo’s circle and gives excellent dance performance, so much popular till date. Of course, Sridevi delivered her best in the movie, the song also achieved iconic status over the years. The parody song and ‘Kate Nahi Katate’ were also popular. More so, the latter. As I grew older, I knew why! 😉

2. Ek Do Teen Char Paanch – Tezaab (1988) Alka Yagnik, Amit Kumar (sung separately) / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Javed Akhtar
Another iconic song! Absolutely popular, I can clearly remember. Again, great instrument arrangement by L P. Alka Yagnik, Saroj Khan, Madhuri Dixit all achieved (and we’ll deserved) stardom overnight. At first, it was criticised for being nonsense song. Just numbers sung in chronology! But ultimately the song made sense.
A बिरहन lady, literally counting the days of a month, to highlight her loneliness and how she suffered for the whole month. Her man didn’t keep his promise and left her heartbroken. It was a unique idea in those days, to come out with a song like this. And again, the song has turned iconic over the years and its dance steps are still considered unique.

3. Ae Mere Humsafar Ek Zara Intear – Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) Udit Narayan & Alka Yagnik / Anand Milind – Majrooh
QSQT brought a fresh breeze of romance to the audience. The action films, had lost their meaning, everyone was after the stardom, not at all caring for the story in the film. Nasir Hussein brought a fresh team of newcomers, the composers and singers were newcomers, the lead pair were newcomers, and it was directorial debut of Mansoor Khan. The freshness was unbeatable and the music was very good. It actually started again the trend of good songs, making their presence crucial for the success of the film. Anand Milind, sons of Chitragupt, maintained their father’s legacy of melodious, sweet songs. They won the Filmfare Award for Best Music, for the film. Udit Narayan fitted so well as Amir’s voice that, he later sang for him, for nearly a decade, consistently, if not exclusively. It was a major break for Alka Yagnik as well. Enjoy the melodious, sweet, optimistic song.

4. Aaya Mausam Dosti Ka – Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) Lata Mangeshkar, S P Balasubramanium, Usha Mangeshkar, Shailendra / Ram Laxman – Asad Bhopali
The song portrays the budding friendship between Prem and Suman. The socio economic status of the two families being extremely different, Suman is little apprehensive about her new friend, but Prem has a broad outlook, and waves off the thought. A trivial accident actually brings them much closer, than they both had thought of. A budding love between the side characters, Laxmikant Berde and Huma Khan also finds space in the song. The cap with the word ‘Friend’ written on it was hugely popular. In spite of the claims of the manufacturer, I never got a exact copy.
The trend of freshness, started by QSQT, was effectively carried forward by MPK. Fresh new pair, melodious songs, and in addition, big sets depicting the luxury of high society affluence. The film also offered a fresh look to otherwise बेचारी, लाचार माँ, who knew nothing but to sacrifice for her Raja Beta. Reema Lagoo was a perfect fit for the role, and celebrated on screen motherhood of ‘90s. Though Ram Laxman had composed for Hindi films earlier, their name suddenly became popular, and left a mark on Filmfare Awards. Asad Bhopali also came into limelight, though he had remained in the dark in the past, in spite of his popular songs. A routine fate of a lyricist! The songs were for the first time, recorded with four track stereophonic sound. It was mentioned on the cassette cover as well.

5. Mera Naam Hai Lakhan – Ram Lakhan (1989) Mohammad Aziz, Nitin Mukesh, Anuradha Paudwal & Chorus / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Anand Bakshi
It was one of the musical hits of the year. A few other songs, like ‘Bada Dukh Dina’ and ‘Mujhe Tum Se Kitne Gile’ were popular, but, this song has been iconic with the rowdy image of Anil Kapoor. L P were in a shifting phase for female playback singers, Anuradha Paudwal and Kavita Krishnamurthy were replacing Lata slowly. Madhuri performed Anil Kapoor’s lady, her faith and dedication on him, as a character, can be seen in the song. Rakhi still representing a widow, helpless when her children are young, becoming proud and confident mother of the grown ups.
While the romantic love stories were gaining popularity, some directors were still sticking to the concept of a totally black character of a villain! Totally unrealistic, not even faintly grey! His films always had such unrealistic characters, so was this one! A split family, a helpless mother with two kids to look after, and no points for guessing, one of them becomes police officer. Their love affairs, and a lengthy, utterly melodramatic climax and a happy ending. May be the audience was used to such loud dramatised scenes. Now thankfully cinema is more realistic than before.

6. Main Teri Mohabbat Mein – Tridev (1989) Sadhna Sargam & Mohammad Aziz / Kalyanji Anandji – Anand Bakshi
Another film with unrealistic villains, though off hand, I don’t remember the exact story. With three heroines and three heroes, Naseeruddin Shah was a surprise package in the out and out commercial film. All the actors did a good job. Oye Oye (Tirachi Topiwale) was a rage, Sonam & Naseeruddin, both danced well too. It was a cinema shoot within a cinema, if I remember correctly. But my choice from the film, is slightly less noisy, soft romantic song with Madhuri and Sunny Deol. Other songs lost their charm over the years, but this one emerged as a memorable! And so is, ‘Gajar Ne Kiya Hai Ishara’.

7. Tere Mere Hothon Pe – Chandni (1989) Lata Mangeshkar & Babla Mehta / Shiv Hari – Anand Bakshi
All the songs from the film are popular, and I chose this one, as it is my most favourite. Picturesque Switzerland, makes its appearance and later became a speciality of Yash Chopra. The film highlighted the romance as the best popular genre of Hindi films. Yashji took special efforts on Sridevi’s looks in the film, she looks gorgeous and quite different from her other films. Juhi also left a mark with her small role and became a regular actress in Yash Raj films.
It celebrated the womanhood, the real space, a woman should get. She’s not a puppet, that dances on her Master’s commands. She has her own individuality, her own respect, her own feelings. She has a right to decide about her future.
Chandni was a romantic film, where the hero, madly in love with a girl, faces an accident and is paralyzed, confining him to a wheelchair. He refuses to continue the relationship and leaves the girl heartbroken. But after recovery, he again finds his interest back in the girl. She’s now engaged to be married to another man. But circumstances finally allow the girl and the hero to reunite.

8. Kisi Ke Haath Na Aayegi Yeh Ladki – Chaalbaaz (1989) Kavita Krishnamurthy & Amit Kumar / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Anand Bakshi
A twin sisters story, Anju and Manju, was presented in a fabulous way. The comedy scenes played by Sridevi Rajinikanth, Anupam Kher were the best. The misery of Anju and the smart & witty, Manju, were played with conviction. And she was awarded the well deserved Filmfare for Best Actress. Saroj Khan also got Best Choreographer Filmfare Award for the song.
As I mentioned in the write up, the songs were apt to the situation. Sridevi’s mind blowing expressions highlighted the otherwise average songs. The song again became iconic.

9. Tum Se Milke Aisa Laga – Parinda (1989) Asha Bhosle & Suresh Wadkar / R D Burman – Khurshid Hallauri
Parinda wasn’t a love story. It was a story of two brothers, one of them working for underworld gangster. Obviously it was full of violence and bore ‘A’ certificate from sensor. Still, the song is among one of the most popular romantic songs of Hindi cinema. It’s so delicate, so full of emotions, it certainly deserves the position. The film was critically acclaimed and got a number of awards, both at Filmfare and National Awards.

10. Na Jane Kahan Dil Kho Gaya – Dil (1990) Udit Narayan & Anuradha Paudwal / Anand Milind – Sameer
If I watch the film today, I would wonder, why was it the superhit of the year? It really had nothing outstanding to offer. Rivalry between the two families, budding love between their next generation, their marriage after eloping, separation again due to adamant parents, misunderstandings getting cleared in due course, with a happy ending. There was an additional tadka of kissing scene. The songs were good, though the lyrics were average. ‘Khambe Jaisi Khadi Hai’ was in vogue, and I think, was responsible for the ‘college songs’, a famous feature of the songs of ‘90s. I used to like the songs then, but off late, I find them a little boring, the lyrics too cliché. Maybe I should not judge the film by old lyricists’s standards. Other things like, Madhuri’s costumes in the songs, are horrible, unnecessarily loud and utterly unrealistic.

11. Dheere Dheere Se Meri Zindagi Mein – Aashiqui (1990) Kumar Sanu & Anuradha Paudwal / Nadeem Shravan – Sameer
The trend of musical hits continued in the year with Aashiqui. The full album of 10+ songs was hit, and started the trend of maximum hits in a single film. The songs were a roaring success. We used to listen to them everywhere, at home, in hotels, on radio.
The film had so many duets, and a few solos, the film opens with a song. The last pose with the couple covered with a overcoat was much popular.
Mahesh Bhatt’s Midas touch with melodious songs by Nadeem Shravan, changed the lives of the lead pair overnight. Anu Agarwal was a model and she appeared quite confident, Rahul Roy left a mark with his iconic hairstyle, that started the fashion of long hair in Bollywood heroes. The newcomers in the forthcoming years had long hair flowing on the neck, without considering, whether it suits them, or whether suits the characters they are supposed to play!

12. Joothe Naina Bole (जुठे नैना बोले)- Lekin (1990) Asha Bhosle & Satyasheel Deshpande / Hridaynath Mangeshkar – Gulzar
The pure classical based song, Hema Malini has done a great job with her dance and expressions. When the Hindi songs were on downfall, composer like Hridaynath Mangeshkar, was firm with his quality of work and meaningful lyrics. Look at this song, which is always mistaken as झूठे नैना बोले. I came across an interesting audio, that talks about the actual words. What a concept! The aalaps sung by Satyasheel Deshpande are wonderful.
All other songs of the film are of course great, but I highlighted my favourite.

13. Tamma Tamma Loge – Thanedaar (1990) Bappi Lahiri & Anuradha Paudwal / Bappi Lahiri – Indeevar
The film wasn’t really worth it, except for the song, that comes very late in the film. It was the first song with digital recording, or so I remember! The song had no amazing tune or lyrics. The disco beats and Madhuri’s excellent dance were the only attractions in the song.

14. Hum Ko Aaj Kal Hai Intezar – Sailaab (1990) Anupama Deshpande & Chorus / Bappi Lahiri – Javed Akhtar
The song has a touch of कोळीगीत, and so has Madhuri’s wardrobe. The song is immensely popular till date and the movie is remembered just for the song. Singer, Anupama Deshpande didn’t get much opportunity later, despite the popularity of the song. The structure of the song is a bit different,
One of the most popular dance numbers by Madhuri Dixit. Got awarded for best choreography at Filmfare Awards.

15. Har Kasam Se Badi Hai Kasam Pyar Ki – Baaghi (1990) Abhijit & Kavita Krishnamurthy / Anand Milind – Sameer
After the grand success of MPK, Salman was a lucky charm, and many heroines debuted opposite him. I think, Naghma was the first one! It was her Bollywood debut. The film was an average hit. The film depicted ‘Love at first sight’, they see each other while their traveling buses happen to pass by closer. He immediately falls for her, and leaves their further meetings to the God. But to his great surprise, he finds her in a bordello. He hears her crying and in due course, comes to know about her chastity. When he realizes that, she has been cheated and forced into prostitution, he helps her get out the misery. But that proves a difficult journey!
The songs were hits, and the foot tapping number, ‘tapori’ was also popular.

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Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs 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, only for the convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.