Aayega Aanewala – Remembering Khemchand Prakash

I have been planning a post on Khemchand Prakash's songs for a couple of years. Last year I couldn't, so this year I made it sure not to miss it. Today on the occasion of his 72nd death anniversary, let's remember him by revisiting a few of his songs. Khemchand Prakash was born in 1907 …

Panchhi Bawra – Remembering Khursheed Bano

Khursheed Bano was one of the beautiful singer actresses of Hindi cinema. She was very popular in her heyday. She was indeed very beautiful and obviously a talented singer. It would sound strange but acting was her first love. And when she joined films, the actors had to sing for themselves whether they could sing …

1949 – Lata Mangeshkar

Last month when I started the yearly review of Lata Mangeshkar's songs, I was welcomed and adored by the readers. In addition to the comments on the post, some of the readers sent their responses on e-mail too. I'm thankful to all of them for their encouragement and good wishes. I was aware of the …

1948 – Lata Mangeshkar

Last month I started the series based on a yearly review of Hindi film songs by Lata Mangeshkar. Last post wasn't a planned one and featured her first Hindi film songs as a playback singer. As a result, I missed Lata's first duet with Rafi, Chal Ho Gayi Taiyar, which was for the film, Shadi …

(Part – I) Remembering the Mesmerizing Voice – Amirbai Karnataki

I was waiting for this opportunity for a long time. Last year I happened to miss her death anniversary. So I was keen this year. What should I say about Amirbai's voice! I was totally enchanted with her voice, when I started collecting and listening to her songs. Her voice was conventionally as per requirement …