Starting as small time musicians in the film industry, Shankar Jaikishen rose to unmatched heights after they were spotted by Raj Kapoor who wanted some new talent for his film'Barsaat'.
Through the 50s and the 60s, S-J were a rage and the first preference with most production houses. Despite being in an era which had stalwarts like SD Burman, Madan Mohan, Naushad etc, they won 9 Filmfare awards.
Extremely versatile, the duo had their work cut out between them. They could range from western tunes to Hindustani classical, such was their repertoire. However, with the passing away of Jaikishen in the early 70s, their magic began to wane.
Lest I run out space, let me get into the difficult task of selecting just 20 songs from the vast treasurehouse.
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- Ghar Aaya mera pardesi(Awara)
Along with Barsaat, RK Films Awara brought early success to S-J. This song was a beautiful number sung by Lata for a dream sequence.
- Andhe jahaan ke andhe raaste(Patita)
S-J have used Talat Mahmood beautifully to convey the despair in this song.
- Duniya na bhaye mohe ab to bula le(Basant Bahar)
With classical numbers like 'Kar gaya re' and 'Nain mile chain kahan', 'Ja ja re ja, balamwa', 'Main piya teri tu mane ya mane', S-J silenced critics who accused them of not being able to handle heavy classical tunes. Another such silencer was 'Manmohana bade jhoote'(Seema) sung by Lata, without any musical accompaniments.
- Woh chaand khila woh tare hasey(Anari)
The second half of the 50s saw S-J establishing themselves as Numero Uno among music directors with such gems. A resident RK films musicians, they came up with some lovely numbers like 'Pyar hua ikraar hua'(Shree 420), 'Jahan main jati hun, wahi chale aate ho'(Chori Chori), 'Yeh raat bheegi bheegi'(chori chori).
- Dil ka na karna aitbaar koi(Halaku)
Not restricted to big banners, even in small films, S-J brought in some memorable songs like this Rafi-Lata gem.
- Kahey jhoom jhoom raat yeh suhani(Love Marriage)
Innovative use of orchestra in this Lata solo, watch out for the tantalizing percussion at the end of the first line.
- Yaad aayi aadhi raat ko kal raat ki tauba(Kanhaiya)
S-J could make Mukesh sing different types of songs instead of restricting him just tragic ones which were his forte.
- Aa ab laut chale(Jis Desh mein ganga behti hai)
I think this was the best RK film music wise. In this song, along with 'O Basanti, pavan pagal', you can hear the pathos in Lata's voice meshing with the superlative orchestra. Every song in this film is a masterpiece.
- Ajeeb daastan hai yeh(Dil apna aur preet parayi)
Another superb album with some Lata lovelies like this soft westernized tune as well as the title track, 'Mera dil ab tera o sajana' *and *'Andaz mera mastana'.
- Tera mera pyar amar(Asli Naqli)
Now in the 60s, S-J continued their prowess with films for actors like Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor. Don't miss this lilting Lata emerald.
11 Mujhko apne gale laga lo(Humrahi)
S-J made use of a new voice of Mubarak Begum in this beautiful number and came out tops.
- Ruk jaa raat theher ja re chanda(Dil Ek Mandir)
This song wont fail to move you - you can hear the despair in Lata's voice!
- Tum to dil ke taar chedkar(Choron ka raja)
A not very well known song. But an innovative tempo and rhythm, this song sung separately by Lata and Talat Mehmood is a must-hear.
- Chalke teri aankhon se sharaab aur jyaada(Aarzoo).
This typical Rafi-romantic form was in the company of other superb numbers like 'Bedardi balama tujhko mera man yaad karta hai'.
- Tadap yeh din raat ki(Amrapali)
'Amrapali' with its historical context required a period music which S-J was able to provide. This along with 'Tumhe yaad karte karte' presented a different Lata while she tantalized us with 'Jaao re jogi tum jaao re'
- Mujhe tum mil gaye humdum(Love in Tokyo)
'Sayonara', 'O mere shah-e-khuba' *were some lovely numbers in this album, but my favorite is this Lata solo.
17 Dil ke jharoke mein tujhko bithakar(Brahmachari)
Apt for a Shammi Kapoor song, this energetic Rafi solo was radical in its orchestrisation.
- Gumnaam hai koi(Gumnaam)
If you thought only Madan Mohan could compose haunting melodies, think again. This song from Gumnaam can give you the creeps.
- Gar tum bhula na doge, sapne yeh sach hi honge(Yakeen)
I was in a dilemma whether I should include this song or the other Rafi number 'Kaun hai jo sapnon mein aaya'(Jhuk gaya aasmaan), both of which had the singer at his best.
20.Zindagi ek safar hai suhana(Andaz)
While the 70s saw very little of S-J, this energy effusing Kishore number was an evergreen hit. Unfortunately, by the time Kishore became a full fledged singer, they had almost gone out of the scene. Yet we have a few gems from the 70s sung by KK like 'Geet Gaata hun main'(Lal Patthar) and 'Bhanware ki gunjan'(Kal Aaj aur Kal).
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Whew! That was quite a feat! I can already think of so many songs which I have not been able to include?-such is the range of this musician duo.
They sure don't make `em like that nowadays!
