Many times I have enjoyed the rhythmic melody behind those songs made under Dev Anand, SD Burman combination during the 60s and 70s, like Prem Pujari, Gambler, Tere Mere Sapne etc, but I was interested neither in the lyrics, nor about the great creator, hidden behind the poetic lines of those songs- until I saw the worn out face of the 93 old Govind Neeraj, staring at me from the print media and television channels, mourning his death at the ripe age of 93. Though he was a leading poet, extremely popular among the kavi Sammelans held in different parts of India, his talent was made public, thanks to Dev Anand, who had the opportunity of listening to his poems during one of the kavi sammelan. Neeeraj’s brush with filmdom brought him into limelight, through the film Prem Pujari, one film which brought him closer to SD Burman. His simple style of seamlessly combining Urdu and Hindi, brought out the best in his creativity, which the common man could easily understand and appreciate. Cha cha cha’ the first film of Neeraj, gave two immortal songs under the Iqbal Quereshi, Rafi combination, songs which brought out the intense pain of a defeated heart in love. Caravan Guzar Gayee’ from The film ’Nayee Umar Ki Nayee Fazal,’ was a path breaking song, a poem written by Neeraj, but used by Director Chandra for his film. Neeraj’s association with film world broke after SD Burman’s and Jaikishan’s death, music directors with whom he was very close and with whom he came out with scores of outstanding songs. He was not happy at the way the film folks treated him, where everyone involved in the industry was in the mad rush of materialistic happiness. In the 70s, film makers attention turned towards making action oriented films, a scenario where Neeraj’s sensitive poetry had no place. He returned back to Aligarh, his home town and continued to live his life, writing poems. His magical words with its inherent hypnotic power of emotions, no wonder drew scores of fans from all over the world, in to his beautiful world of poetry! So let us all pay our humble tribute to this great creator of songs, by remembering some of his songs with its soulful lyrics WOH HAM N TE WOH TUM NA TE This song is a powerful rendition by Rafi, under Iqbal Qureshi’s music . Rafi’s voice with its portrayal of intense longing and love, not only tugs our heart but also the bedridden heroine, who throws away her crutches and runs frantically in the direction of the song, sung by the hero, here it is Chandrashekhar. The film ‘Cha Cha Cha’, didn’t do well in the box office but this song stood the test of time! A few lines from this song which I have translated in English! “yeh khel thaah naseeb kaa na Hans sakke, na ro sakke, na toor par, pahunch sake, na daar par hee so sakke, kahaanee kis se yeh kahen Translation in English THIS WAS THE GAME OF DESTINY Where WE COULD NEITHER LAUGH NOR WE COULD Cry NOR COULD WE REACH THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT TOOR NOR COULD WE SLEEP AT SOME PLACE TO WHOM CAN I EXPLAIN THIS? ANOTHER SONG FROM THE SAME FILM “Khushee jisne khojee, voh dhan leke lauTaa, hansee jisne khojee, chaman leke lauTaa, magar pyaar ko, khojne jo chalaa na tann leke lauTaa, na mann leke lauTaa. Translation of the verses above: WHOEVER WENT OUT IN SEARCH OF HAPPINESS CAME BACK WITH WEALTH, WHOEVER WENT OUT IN SEARCH OF LAUGHTER, CAME BACK WITH GARDENS BLOOMING WITH FLOWERS, BUT WHOEVER WENT OUT TO FIND LOVE,THEY RETURNED NEITHER WITH THEIR BODY NOR WITH THEIR MIND INTACT Neeraj in his own words: “My idea of poetry is to convey profound thoughts in simple words. Where is the art in saying difficult things in difficult words?” 1. CHA CHA CHA 2. 3.TERE MERE SAPNE 4. Rangeela Re from Prem Pujari
@Agatha83 Dear Agatha I feel great that you too have taken a plunge into this boundless ocean of music. I love your narrative style. Your song selection is in tune with the spirit of your narration. You have brought Neeraj alive again. Rangeela re is a great song. Thanks for bringing it back here. Sri
Dear @Agatha83 , You have brought the poet, Neeraj ji to life with this well narrated article. He could put together in the simplest possible ways, the deeper truths of life. There is an apt saying in Kannada applicable to the great poets; "Ravi kaaNaddu Kavi kaaNuttaane" that is, a poet (Kavi) can see what Ravi (the Sun) cannot see!
@Agatha83 ma'am, A Nice tribute to poet and author Gopaldas Neeraj ji. I feel lyrics and music are two eyes for a song. If I like any song means I always give credit both music director, lyricist and singers. I'm adding a few of my favorite songs which are penned by Niraj jee. Me too like Rangeelare and maine kasam lee.... Phoolonki rangse from prem Poojari Shokhiyon mein from Prem Pujari. Khilthe Hain ghul yahaa from Sharmilee Chudi nahi dekho from gambler Ye bhai jara dekhke chalo from Mera Naam Jokar
Dear Cheeniya Sir, I am a great fan of music, be it filmi or Carnatic. So whatever we post here in this forum is just a drop in the ocean. Neeraj was alive in my thoughts almost right from the day he died, when the media brought out the best of his works. I felt sorry for not having learnt Hindi literature, just to grasp the inner beauty of writings of legendary lyricists like Sahir Ludhianvi, Shailendra, Indeevar and his likes. Thank you for your heartfelt appreciation and feedback. Agatha83
Dear Geetha, It was only when I went through some of Neeraj’s English translation of his Hindi non filmi poems, courtesy the Internet, I realised how creative a writer can be, seeing things which are beyond our comprehension. The Kannada quoting is apt here when it comes to the imagination of our poets! Nice to have your valuable feedback. Agatha83
Dear Mistt, Thank you for those beautiful songs you have added here. Neeraj wrote lyrics for just a dozen films during the 70s. It’s sad that such a great talent was not recognised by the film industry. Understanding the lyrics, is an added bonus in enjoying the song! Agatha83