Paisa Paisa Paisa – (II)

In the first part of the post, we enjoyed the songs praising the money, describing the power of money, its eminent stature in the society. Some of the songs were philosophical, some comical.
I was planning the sequel right from the beginning. And here I’m with it.

In today’s post let’s enjoy the songs that actually mention the currency. It should be in relation with give and take of the money. It should have a financial context to it. It should talk about the hard cash. Demanding money, asking for money, or selling a good or offering a service etc. The song should have words like five rupees, eight paisa etc etc. The mention of the denominator should be in the lines of the mukhda.
When I searched for the songs, I couldn’t get many songs. Though there could be songs mentioning the numbers, it should be in direct relation to the money to qualify for the list. So I have not included the songs like ‘Shaq Nahi Rupaye Mein Pai Ka’ that mention the currency otherwise (here meaning ‘without a doubt’), not in exact context to the money.

Brain wheels started churning? Good! How many songs did you recollect? It’s going to be fun.
Come on then, let’s hit the list……….

1. Main Sitaron Ka Tarana – Chalti Ka Naam Gadi (1958) Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar / S D Burman – Majrooh
On a stormy night, Madhubala gets her car repaired at Kishore Kumar’s garage, but in a hurry she leaves her purse in the garage and goes without paying the bill, which amounts to Paanch Rupaiya Barah Aana. While Ashok Kumar gets angry with Kishore for the silly mistake, he gets hold of her belongings to find a stage pass for a show. But the guards turn Kishore away from the venue, he decides to spend time in Madhubala’s car. He dreams of Madhubala in an attire, he sees on the publicity poster of the stage show.
Madhubala as usual looks fabulous, her facial expressions are funny and apt. In the dream also she keeps running away from him, without settling the bill. And Kishore is not attracted to Madhubala’s charm at all, even if she insists on praising her beauty. As if he is immune to her beauty. Of course he has strict instructions from Ashok Kumar to be away from a lady.
Kishore sings the song with all the attractions he can offer. The parody of a few vintage songs makes us laugh out loud.

2. Tel Malish Boot Polish – Tel Malish Boot Polish (1961) Mukesh & Chorus / Chitragupt – Prem Dhawan
A cute and innocent song picturized on the giant, Sheikh Mukhtar and his kids team. The only aim Sheikh Mukhtar has is to educate his younger brother so that he gets a decent life. He sincerely works for the dream, polishing shoes and offering head massage. Just look at the charges, ek Aana for boot polish and two Aanas for head massage.
He believes in hard earned money. He has a whole gang of kids working with him. He has been working sincerely, never falling for easy money. He is happy with his income. He hasn’t borrowed money from anyone maintaining his dignity.
Mukesh has sung it wonderfully well and beautiful harmonica pieces in the interludes make it more cheerful and attractive.
I don’t know if Tel Malish Boot Polish people still exist in Mumbai or not! But I’ve seen barbers in chawls carrying a foldable chair offering haircuts.

3. Tum Arabon Ka Her Pher – Chori Chori (1956) Lata Mangeshkar & Rafi / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
Bhagwan and Rajasulochana, a couple living in poverty, one day reads about a runaway girl, Nargis and a mouthwatering sum of 1.25 Lakhs for the one who finds her out. It’s still a considerably big amount, just imagine its appeal in 1956. Both of them pray to Lord Ram that they should catch the girl and obtain the money. Lord Ram easily makes turnovers of several crores, he can surely manage to bestow the prize upon the couple. It has been quite difficult for him to run the house.
And the song does take an emotional turn, though it starts as a happy, fun song. While Manna Dey sings for RK, Rafi got to sing for the supporting characters.

4. Ek Paisa De De O Babu – Vachan (1955) Rafi & Asha Bhosle / Ravi – Prem Dhawan
A beggar singing the song on roads with Geeta Bali and her family watching them from their home. The family has been struck with a disaster, the death of the eldest son, who has just passed B A. All their dreams are shattered. Geeta Bali is getting married soon, but then who will support the family? Geeta Bali is much worried about it and the beggar chooses a perfect timing to sing a heart touching song. She begins to think for the worst, her blind father and younger brother roaming on streets begging for a penny.
Ravi composed the song in his debut film. Later he composed similar beggar’s songs. Rafi’s expressive rendition really makes eyes tearful.

5. Badla Zamana Wah Wah Badla Zamana – Miss India (1957) Rafi / S D Burman – Rajendra Krishan
It’s an interesting song, describing the new paisa, replacing the old पाई and आना system. Six new paise equal to old one Aana. The singer adds that the new coins are small and cute, and hundred of them constitute one rupee. I haven’t seen the movie, so I couldn’t understand why I S Johar is following Pran in different attires? He acts like a teacher then as a beggar. Please let me know if you have seen the movie!

6. Aamdani Athhani Kharcha Rupaiya – Teen Bahuraniya (1968) Asha Bhosle, Mahendra Kapoor, Manna Dey & Chorus / Kalyanji Anandji – Anand Bakshi
What happens when you earn fifty paise and spend one rupee? It’s a popular Hindi proverb and woven into a philosophical yet fun song, it creates impact. The ladies of the house pay much attention to external appearance and don’t think much about their husband’s income. The wiser father in law tries to impose a few things of wisdom with the help of kids.
A fun song that reminds me of my school days when I watched the movie on Doordarshan. I could still remember the basic theme of the movie though the details are forgotten. I should plan a review sooner.

7. Pehle Paisa Phir Bhagwan – Miss Mary (1957) / Hemant Kumar – Rajendra Krishan
A good enjoyable song, overshadowed by the other popular songs of the movie. Om Prakash singing it perhaps near a temple, asking the devotees for alms deed before worshipping God. He’s satisfied with a chawanni or athanni even one or two Aanas. He further adds that the donation will confirm their seats in advance for heaven (after death of course). It will also wash off their sins easily, then isn’t that advantageous?
Sung to a simple tune, Rafi leaves angrily impact and the harmonium pieces in the interludes are so fascinating.

8. Gharibon Ki Suno Woh Tumhari Sunega – Dus Lakh (1966) Asha Bhosle & Rafi / Ravi – Ravi
Yet another beggar’s song by Ravi. Sanjay Khan and debutante Babita begging on the streets perhaps to collect money for the poor and needy. They attract people’s attention to the helpless and dire need of a helping hand. Even if you offer one paisa, it would be of help and the almighty will return ten lakhs. Which means if you help others in need, you will get help when you need. Humanity is the best thing! It’s a heart touching song.

9. Paanch Rupaiya De De Balamwa – Aandolan (1977) Meenu Purushottam & Krishna Kalle / Jaidev – Jan Nissar Akhtar
From a serious note to a lighter vein. A song sung by two friends mostly in a fair. The lady requests her beloved to lend five rupees to visit the fair, where she can have Jalebi, buy jewellery and her favourite green dupatta. She lowers her demand by one rupee, but insists on visiting the fair. Her friends are also visiting there, so she will take a quick round and be back in a couple of hours. But at least grant her two rupees.
The film had a serious theme, but I think all films had lighter moments as well. Jaidev had a keen ear for folk music and he made its use wherever apt. The song appears to be a perfect example. Jaidev never compromised on quality, so even if the films couldn’t get commercial success, the songs used to be popular.

10. De De Mera De De Tu Bees Rupaiya – Jeevan Ek Sangharsh (1990) Kavita Krishnamurthy & Amit Kumar / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Javed Akhtar
And to end the list, I’ve a song from a movie released in 1990. I added it to make myself aware of the yearly review posts of the 1990s, which are missing on the blog for the last six months. Madhuri Dixit looks extremely beautiful and her dresses are attractive too. The song is otherwise similar to the first song on the list.
Madhuri Dixit doesn’t return the money which she lends from Anil Kapoor, who follows her to get it back. He doesn’t appear to get attracted to the charming lady, he just wants his money back.

Have you thought of adding a song?

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, producers and music companies.