1991 – My favourites

In the first week of April this year, I started my series on the songs of the 1990s. It was an introductory post and I talked about the films of the late 1980s, that built the foundation for the mini golden era that followed.
Now it’s exactly three months and I ‘m actually starting the series.
As I said in the introductory post, I’ll now review the film songs year wise. The years 1988-1990 brought back a promise of a musical decade. The music became the main attraction once again and films were successful because of the melodious songs and the cast or the story assumed a secondary position. Composers like Nadeem Shravan, Anand Milind, Jatin Lalit started composing the songs with dedication and again the films were studded with songs. Eight to ten songs per film became a usual story and more than 90% of songs from a single movie used to be popular.
It was a ‘Khan decade’, all three Khans had heydays and were roaringly popular. By the end of the 80s, Amir Khan and Salman Khan, representing the young generation of Bollywood, were heartthrobs of the nation. Except a few, majority of their films were successful at the box office in 1991. More so for Salman Khan! To start the career opposite Salman was a big achievement for the heroine and the year saw a few debutantes opposite Salman Khan.

Debutante opposite Salman Khan –
Raveena Tandon in Patthar Ke Phool
Ayesha Jhulka in Kurbaan
Revathi making Bollywood debut in Love
Chandani in Sanam Bewafa

Other debutantes include,

Karishma Kapoor in Prem Qaidi opposite Harish
Ajay Devgan and Madhu ( Bollywood debut) in Phool Aur Kaante
Akshay Kumar and Shantipriya in Saugandh
Zeba Bakhtiyar & Ashwini Bhave (Bollywood debut) in Henna
Manisha Koirala and Vivek Mushran in Saudagar
Ravi Behl and Urmila Matondkar (as main lead) in Narsimha

It was Ajay Devgan, who carved his name on the debutante trophy at the Filmfare Awards.

Let’s now have a quick glance at the prominent films, released in 1991. I have already included my top favourites in the song list, and won’t talk about those films here. We’ll consider some other films, that were good, but couldn’t make a mark, Or the songs were popular but the movie failed at the box office, Or were much hyped, but were disastrous on all fronts. I won’t categorise by name. But from my comments, it would be understood! (Or so I expect!)
Rishi Kappor & Amitabh starrer ‘Ajooba’ was a high budget film, was much talked about. It was directed by Shashi Kapoor, and was also made in Russian. But I think, it took a long time to shoot and even if it had special effects, the overall impact of the film was not so great. It failed at the Box office. The film had Dimple & Sonam as leading ladies, and a few Russian actors as well. I remember, one of the old actresses was not speaking Hindi on screen and her lip movements were not in sync with the Hindi dialogues. It had a couple of songs with catchy tunes, but nothing helped it survive in the cinemas. The same happened with ‘Akayla’. So even though, the year started with a hit ‘Hum’, for Amitabh Bachchan, his next two releases that year were failures.
Akshay Kumar was introduced, with the movie, ‘Saugandh’. It was released in January 1991. Rakhi and Shantipriya were the co stars. His next movie, ‘Dancer’ was released in the later half of the year. Both the films were average, and in spite of having a good looking, action hero, no one really regarded the films (and Akshay Kumar) seriously. But the movies were in tune with his general image of macho Action hero, that stuck to him for a long time in the 1990s.
The film, ‘Aayi Milan Ki Raat’ was not successful, but the songs were extremely popular. ‘Kala Sha Kala’, ‘Ishq Da Rog Laga’ etc were among the popular songs. But the film couldn’t survive at the box office. In the 1990s, a number of films, produced by Gulshan Kumar, with the music on ‘T series’ were released. All the movies vigorously promoted playback singer, Anuradha Paudwal. She was quite popular in those days. At this point, I remember an obscure movie, ‘Naag Mani’ featuring Shikha Swarup & Sumit Sehgal. A song sung by Anuradha Paudwal, called, ‘Mera Laung Gawacha’ was bombarded daily on TV and was hugely popular. The film wasn’t a success.
One more film, called, ‘Jeena Teri Gali Mein’ had a bunch of hugely popular songs. The music was by Babul Bose. It was actually a home viewing video movie. But due to immensely popular songs, it was ultimately released in theatres. I don’t remember it’s fate, but actress Kavita Kapoor made her debut in the film.  Here you can enjoy all the songs from the movie.
Some offbeat films like, ‘Benaam Badsha’ and ‘Prahaar’ were also released that year. The former was a remake of a South Indian film, and had violence at its core. Juhi Chawla was offered a different role, where she could show her acting talent. Anil Kapoor and Rohini Hattangadi were also in main roles. But the film, though had a good plot, could not leave any impact and failed to attract the audience. The movie, ‘Maa’ with Jitendra & Jayaprada in the lead roles, was also released this year. The film couldn’t perform well, nor the songs stood the test of time. Narsimha, directed by N Chandra, was a typical action film, with Sunny Deol in the title role. Urmila Matondkar & Ravi Behl joined the film industry through the film. Urmila was a child artiste and had appeared in small roles in a few films already. But this is regarded as her debut as a leading lady. A couple of songs picturised on the debutante couple were popular, but couldn’t make it to my list.
A film called ‘First Love Letter’ starring Vivek Mushran & Manisha Koirala was also released in 1991. It is mentioned on the internet that, it was actually the launching film for the actors and was completed before Saudagar. But Subhash Ghai wanted to launch them with his film ‘Saudagar’. And so it was released first. A couple of songs from ‘First Love Letter’ were popular too. After ‘Kabutar Ja Ja Ja’ from MPK, we had ‘Tota Tota Sandesa Kehna’ in the film. Even after the success of Suadagar, the film was not a success at the box office.Ayesha Jhulka made her debut opposite Salman in the movie, ‘Kurban’. It was not at all successful, but a couple of songs were popular. The songs haven’t stood the test of time. The same is the case with ‘Sanam Bewafa’, where a new face ‘Chandani’ made her appearance. It was a surprise hit of the year. I won’t say it had great music, but it’s songs were popular then. I’m not particularly fond of them, so you won’t find them on the list. In all Salman enjoyed success in 1991. Two hits and one superhit were credited to him.

Randhir Kapoor’s daughter, Karishma Kapoor made her debut opposite Harish in Prem Qaidi in 1991. She was the first actress from the Kapoors, who usually don’t allow their daughters to join films. Her mother Babita stood by her and she even worked as a dress designer for a few of Karishma’s films. Again I’m not particularly a fan of the songs from Prem Qaidi and would give them a skip.

In all, it was a mixed year for the industry. Some hyped films couldn’t create magic, and there were some unexpected hits as well! It’s really an unpredictable industry. There is no specific genre of films for the success. No formula for guaranteed success! Offbeat films had their own audience, who faithfully watched and admired them. Romance was the focus as usual for the majority of the films.
Nadeem Shravan were at the top, with Anand Milind following closely. Jatin Lalit had their first hit song, though movie remained unnoticed. Laxmikant Pyarelal were still active, as such they had no threat from the newly arriving composers. Their legendary status was maintained. Sameer was the most successful lyricist, writing consistently for the top two composers. Majrooh and Anand Bakshi were again, far ahead from the other lyricists. Both were active and maintaining the quality.
In general, the lyrics were not great, but still a few songs had good lyrics. The tunes had melody, and a few managed to interlock it with the rhythm and beats.

Let’s have a look at the song list, my favourites from the year 1991, in no particular order.

1. Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai – Sajan – Alka Yagnik & Kumar Sanu / Nadeem Shravan – Sameer
The most popular song from Sajan was, ‘Dekha Hai Pehli Baar’. But this was most melodious, filled with emotions. The tune is soft and sweet, not overpowered by orchestration, just enough to help the tune flow smoothly. Shot at a hill station, the visual appeal is equally good.
Sajan was a usual love triangle, with two friends in love with the same girl. But someone has to sacrifice so Sanjay Dutt does, proving that friendship and loyalty is beyond blood relations. Sanjay Dutt (Aman) is an orphan supported by Salman’s (Akash) family. They’ve always treated him as their own son. He writes poetry with a pseudonym ‘Sagar’. Madhuri (Pooja) is a huge fan of Sagar. After usual twists and turns finally Madhuri and Sanjay Dutt come together.
It was a good movie, Madhuri and Salman look their best. The film also talked about to some extent about the individuality of a woman, her feelings, her desires. Her right to choose someone for her. She should not be taken for granted.

2. Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin – Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin – Kumar Sanu & Anuradha Paudwal / Nadeem Shravan – Sameer
It was a remake of Chori Chori, which in turn was a remake of a Hollywood classic, ‘It Happened One Night’. The film was studded with melodious songs, thanks to the lyricist – composer duo. The song is the most popular and my most favourite from the movie. The song’s is driven by melody and no noisy orchestration, just a peaceful tune.
Amir Khan as a journalist (Raghu Jetli, I think his name was) was well appreciated, Pooja Bhatt also did her part well. Anupam Kher as her father was a delight to watch. Galyat Sakhali Sonyachi was a popular कोळीगीत, and the mukhada was taken for a song in the film. Deepak Tijori danced on its tune in a guest appearance. B R Chopra’s Mahabharat was also very popular then, and one of the actors from Mahabharat, Sameer Chitre also made his film debut with a small role.

3. Tumhe Apna Banane Ki Kasam Khayi Hai – Sadak – Kumar Sanu / Nadeem Shravan – Sameer
Sadak wasn’t a conventional love story, the villain played by Sadashiv Amrapurkar, stole the show. He received Filmfare award for negative role in Sadak. The songs were hugely popular, though the story revolved around violence. The melodious songs were a great relief to the otherwise serious film. And the songs blended well with the story.

4. Sathiya Tune Kya Kiya – Love – S P Balasubramanium & Chitra / Anand Milind – Majrooh
A cute love story it was, and for me, full credit goes to Revathi. She brings life to the film, she is energetic, her expressions are excellent. She’s the girl next door! She’s bubbly with chubby cheeks. She manages to live happily and spreads cheerfulness in the home, despite a very strict, adamant mother (Rita Bhaduri). She’s so natural in the movie. Amjed Khan tried a comeback, but in vain. The film had five songs, and one of them had various brands mentioned in it. It’s remembered for different theme.
Maggie (Revathi) waits for Prithvi (Salman Khan) in a cemetery. The latter forgets his date, but Maggie waits for him, till he returns at night. He’s surprised by her dedication and overwhelmed too.

5. Tum Se Jo Dekhte Hi – Patthar Ke Phool – Lata Mangeshkar & S P Balasubramanium / Ram Laxman – Ravindra Rawal
It’s a particularly interesting song, firstly it mentions many road names of Mumbai. Secondly, it is picturised at an unconventional location like a skating rink, to start with and moves onto the actual roads later. Thirdly Salman wears the skating shoes for the majority of the song. It’s a catchy melodious song by Ram Laxman, who were in full form after the grand success of MPK.
Ravina’s Bollywood debut with Salman was successful. The film has good music and it takes a completely serious turn after the interval. All the popular numbers are over by then. Still it manages to retain audience in the next half. It was Vinod Mehra ‘s last film, who played Salman’s father.

6. Main Hoon Khushrang Heena – Heena – Lata Mangeshkar / Ravindra Jain – Ravindra Jain
Henna was Raj Kapoor’s dream project. He died before it was completed. Randhir Kapoor directed the film and is mainly remembered for its songs. All the songs were popular, and the film did well in certain parts of north India, though the response wasn’t the same throughout India. Ashwini Bhave got a very good opportunity to enter Hindi films.
This song appears as an introductory song of Henna. Zeba Bakhtiyar looked very innocent and acted well too. It is shot in luscious green valleys and the camera has captured the nature’s beauty in a magnificent way

7. Morni Bagama Bole Aadhi Raat – Lamhe – Lata Mangeshkar & Ila Arun / Shiv Hari – Anand Bakshi
A Rajsthani folk based song. Ila Arun’s raw, raucous voice is in full contrast with Lata’s thin, soothing, soft voice. These polls apart voices add a different appeal to the song. Not to mention, Sridevi who adds another dimension with her expressions and dance.
Lamhe was a movie, ahead of its time. A daughter falling in love with someone who loved her mother, was not digestible for the general public. So even if it had a good response abroad and metros of India, it wasn’t among the top five movies of the year. But over the period, it has grown as a classic Bollywood movie and it was acclaimed by critics as one of the finest films by Yash Chopra and Sridevi’s excellent performance in double role. Waheeda Rehman was offered a good role after a long period. It was talked about for its different theme, for its melodious songs and for Anil Kapoor without his mustache. He looked quite young for his age. Someday I should get around watching the film again. I think I would appreciate it more now.

8. Bin Tere Sanam Mar Mitenge Hum – Yaara Dildara – Udit Narayan & Kavita Krishnamurthy / Jatin Lalit – Majrooh
It was the first film for the composer duo and they scored a six by composing the wonderful song. It has been remixed already, I think more than once and the movie is remembered today just for the song. I obviously haven’t seen the movie, though I have been a fan of the song since school days. When I got an opportunity for karaoke, I selected the song. But I’m not a singer and the results were disastrous.

9. Har Ghadi Mere Pyar Ka Saaya – Pyar Ka Saaya – Asha Bhosle & Kumar Sanu / Nadeem Shravan – Sameer
I happened to watch this movie on television much later than its actual release. But the songs were very popular in 1991. The film was a remake of a Hollywood movie, Ghost. The spirit of Rahul Roy helps his wife Sheeba reach his assassin. It could have been much better than it actually was! Some of the songs including this one were wasted in the film. The main highlight of the film other than songs was Amrita Singh, who was a surprise package for me. She enters very late in the movie but steals the show entirely. Her expressions and gestures when she happens to encounter Rahul Roy’s spirit for the first time is hilarious. In all, after watching the film I could only remember the songs and Amrita Singh. Give it a try just for her.

10. Ek Doosre Se Karte Hai Pyar – Hum – Sudesh Bhosle, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Mohd Aziz & Sonali Bajpayi / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Anand Bakshi
Hum was one of the top five films of 1991. The song, ‘Jumma Chumma De De’ was a hit and was considered vulgar. However, its popularity hasn’t declined ever yet. Sudesh Bhosle entered limelight, when he sang it in Amitabh’s voice. Even Big B was confused when he sang the song. The voice was that close.
The story of Tiger, his family and his love, Jumma was well appreciated. Rajnikanth, Govinda and Deepa Sahi were also seen in impressive roles.
The mentioned song is regarded as a theme song in the movie. It’s happy and sad versions appear in the movie, the latter of course during climax. I like the song for its freshness and its picturisation.

11. Dhadkan Zara Ruk Gayi Hai – Prahaar (1991) Suresh Wadkar / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Mangesh Kulkarni
A romantic dance performance in a party by Madhuri and Goutam Jogalekar. The person playing the violin and lip syncing to Suresh Wadkar’s voice is Adesh Shrivastav himself. What a soft romantic song! I still remember it after all these years, just because of the melody, and its rendition.
‘Prahaar’ was a movie, directed by Nana Patekar, who insisted Madhuri dixit to act without makeup. Nana Patekar, Dimple, Madhuri Dixit, Gautam Jogalekar were the main actors. The film talked about many social issues, and was well received. But I may not call it a musical superhit of the year. It was also an unconventional film, though a few commercial elements were included in the film. The songs were good. It even had a wonderful Thumri by Shobha Gurtu. in the movie, Nana Patekar’s mother is shown as a Kothewali, hence the song. Manna Dey after a long gap, sang for a film, ‘Hamari Hi Mutthi Mein’ is memorable in that sense.

12. Sun Beliya Shukriya Meherbani – 100 Days – Lata Mangeshkar & S P Balasubramaniam / Ram Laxman – Dalip Tahir
The song was very popular before the film was released and it helped the murder mystery run successfully. The film was a hit. The fast paced song has a foot tapping rhythm. It enchants you and you keep on humming the song with your hands playing the tabla notes on a table. A couple of songs were also popular, in addition to it. ‘Gabbar Singh Yeh Kehkar Gaya’ was also much talked about along with an excellent dance performance by Javed Jeffry and Madhuri Dixit. Enjoy the songs.

Would you add your favourite song from 1991?

Disclaimer –
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 listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners.