Jul 23, 2004 07:53 PM
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(Updated Jan 07, 2005 07:18 AM)
The Ten Best are those who considered music a passion and not a job. In each case, I have selected a song which they have composed and has not been matched yet. The list is not in order of preference.
1. Shankar-Jaikishan(S-J) – The Minds of Film Music
This duo revolutionized music in one way: they created format for songs which will be used for film songs. Their music is so respected that it has been called the ‘S-J School of Music’. Not everyone gets this title. S-J understood the pulse of the film industry. The duo was more than talented, creative and had a vision about their music. This is what makes them apart. They mastered every aspect of music. Some of their songs are still fresh these days. Why?They learnt how to compose and how to make use of raags. They can compose Indian based tunes and Western based as well.They composed songs which haven’t been matched yet. E.g., ‘Dost Dost Na Raha’(Sangam) No other MD has come up with a song with such emotions and feelings in this genre. S-J rhymes with superiority, distinct class and grandeur.
2. Laxmikant-Pyarelal(L-P) – Leaders Forever
L-P are invincible. Their knowledge in music is so huge. Their contribution to the music industry is immense. Their songs are rich in melody, had the right orchestration and the right voice. One song like ‘Main Shair To Nahin’(Bobby) is enough to kill 100 songs of an average MD. There were leaders and will remain leaders forever. They have composed all types of songs. Their repertoire is so massive that it will suit any moods. They received the best training than any other MDs ever had. A duo like L-P which lasted so long will never be seen again in the history of Indian Music. They could have reigned longer if new MDs did not come in their way in the 90s. Nadeem-Shravan and Anu Malik ended their offer of films.Pyarelal is still around and is composing for a few serials.
3. RD Burman – A Genius
RD Burman is a music director who had a vision. He had more qualities than a MD requires. In the 70s, he showed that talent and creativity are not enough for a MD. Who can match a song like ‘Jane Jan Dhoondta’in Jawani Deewani. His melody was different from L-P and was a genre of its own. No-one ever came with this kind of melody again. In short, he was a genius. He adapted with time and made use of electronic rock appropriately. In his songs, he produced sounds and interludes which were rare and groovy at the same time. Songs in ‘Teesri Manzil’** showed his ability to create hits and songs in ‘1942-A Love Story’ showed us that he can compose ‘mood-type’ songs. No doubt RD Burman remains highly acclaimed. If music companies are making money out of remixes, it’s thanks to RD Burman's compositions.
4. Madan Mohan – Haunting Melodies
His songs came from the heart.The melody in his songs is unique. If Lataji praises him, you have to understand his caliber.He didn’t get the success he deserved.This shows that Madan Mohan was a MD in his own league. I got the chance to listen to some unused songs of Madan Mohan and I can tell that his songs are very distinct from each one he composes. He was also greatly praised for his compositions in Ghazals.A song like 'Naina Barse Rim Jhim'(Woh Kaun Thi) is worth more than 10 albums produced these days by top composers.Yash Chopra is using his unused tunes for his forthcoming project.
5. Naushad – A Perfectionist
Naushad is a MD who seeks perfection in his music. He works less but delivers best. He produced classics like ‘Mother India’, ‘Mughal-e-Azam’amongst others. While seeking perfection, he also went into the technical side of music. Recording music on separate tracks while singing on another track was introduced by him. He introduced many instruments into film music. Naushad Ali was less popular with funky music. He is highly regarded in Indian Cinema.He is still around and is coming up with the music in ‘Taj Mahal’. Even at 85, Naushad Ali seeks perfection.Hats-off!
6. SD Burman - Old is Gold. Why?
He started in films when he was 40. Even at this age, he showed that when you know about your music, you will always succeed. His songs were influenced by North East folk tunes.Though he was physically old, his music was fresh. He was a trained musician. He could come up with classical as well as funky music.Notice the difference in the songs in movies like Guide, Aradhana & Jewel Thief.
7. O.P Nayyar – ‘Babuji Dheere Chalna’ Guy
He composed very light songs but was still very popular. He composed the ‘Yahoo’ song for Shammi Kapoor. He brought a lot of fresh songs like ‘Babuji Dheere Chalna’in Aar Paar & ‘Jata Kahan Hai Deewane’in CID. He knew exactly what a director needed.He came up amazing numbers during his career.He is still around but is not into music.He today practices homeopathy.
8. Kalyananji-Anandji – Trainers
One of the best MDs in terms of their compositions and in introducing new voices to the industry.They were brothers and always faced tough competition from S-J and L-P. However, they came up with simple melodies which made them survive long enough. They introduced a lot of singers in the industry like Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu. Songs like ‘Tera Saath Kitna Pyara’in Jaanbaz is so deep in melody and meaning.
9. Anu Malik –Never Say Die
For those who are shocked and angry to see his name here, concentrate on what I am going to say.Hate him or like him, Anu Malik is a fighter who wins. Bollywood would have been different without him. All of us have at least hummed 5 of his songs since the 80s. He made come-backs and delivered hits after hits. His forte is versatility. Anu Malik is gifted and has the backing of GOD.Can you stop a backing from GOD?No.When you believe in yourself and you are a hard worker, no-one can stop you.This is Anu Malik.He delivered melodious songs in ‘Kareeb’. He proved that he can compose a patriotic song like ‘Sande Se Aate Hain’ in Border, a rock qawalli in ‘Main Hoon Na’ and a funky song like ‘Tera Aana Tera Jaana’in Judwaa.
10. A.R Rahman – A volcanic talent which is yet to be erupted
In the new era of MDs, A.R Rahman demonstrated a potential which no other MD showed before. What we have heard from him is just half his potential. He broke rules in music formats but infused technology in Indian melody. He uses special software to produce his music. He is greatly inspired and selects films. Although he is over-rated by the media and the public, he proved that he can create distinct songs. His forte is the use of technology. This creativity results in songs like ‘Nahin Samne’ in Taal. He attempted to compose differently from all previous MDs and succeeded in a big way.
Each of them created songs which have enchanted our life but some did more than that.
