Happy Birthday, Suman Kalyanpur!

I found this out late in the day, probably through a YouTube poster who knew in advance…that today is (or yesterday was, depending on where you are) the birthday of Suman Kalyanpur (born January 28, 1937). Last night, I just happened to be watching one of my favorite songs by Suman Kalyanpur, because I was thinking about cats. Since I don’t have the time to put together an adequate list of songs by Suman Kalyanpur, I will let this one suffice – because it is also a birthday party song (though the party isn’t meant for a human, of course).

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P.S. There is a very good, comprehensive post about Suman Kalyanpur at Songs of Yore.

Sights and sounds of a glamorous Lalita Pawar from the 1930s

Thanks to the Shalin Bhatt for those videos. Lalita Pawar is one of my favorite actresses – as I know she is for a few other people out there – but, of course, we know her in somewhat different kinds of roles. But here is Lalita in her glamorous youth, years before the notorious slap that gave her a crooked eye… And it is so nice to hear her sing, too!

My Favorite Broken-Heart Song of All (from a favorite film from 1948)

Yes, I decided this is it…  I have posted it before, possibly more than once, but I am even more impressed now…  I think it helped that I have seen it with these subtitles (errors notwithstanding).  I find the lyrics wrenching (though I don’t know anything about the lyricist – Moti?)…  The voice is so beautiful too, but as we’ve said here before, it’s not someone known most for films; it’s Surinder Kaur!  Music by C. Ramchandra – one of his great early works…  And Kamini Kaushal is certainly stunning here.  (Plus, a nice glimpse of Dilip – in the only scene where, for some reason, he is dressed like Nehru.)

Altogether, well, as I said, I think it is the number one broken-heart song!

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P.S. And it doesn’t even have the phrase “dil toda” in it anywhere…  But so many songs do…  I am wondering if I should continue a numbered list of favorite broken-heart songs…  The problem is that I can’t find subtitles for some of the most beautiful songs, so I can’t really always compare lyrics.  And the pool to choose from would be kind of large…

Rocking jungle song from the Pakistani film Nadira (1967)

Yes, sort of a repeat of a few themes or elements you would be familiar with if you’ve watched more than a few Hindi films (including the element that causes me to ask myself, “which kind of Indian is this?” (even if they are Pakistani)). But I felt there was also something very original-sounding about the song, especially in the more discordant parts. Familiar or not, I found this to be awfully good.

The oh-so-charming last song in Abroo (1943)

Oh, I would love to find this film, with subtitles! Look at Sitara Devi, look at Yakub!