Khemchand Prakash - A Path Breaker

If you are my age, you would spend half your time singing Aayeaga, aayega, aayega aane wala'! That song was that popular those days. It was from the film Mahal (1949) Prior to Mahal, the records used to feature only the character name on the record. Hence the first lot of records had “Aayega aane wala” credited to Kamini. When the song was first played on All India Radio, its phone lines were flooded with callers inquiring the singer's name. All India Radio had to find this out from the record company before it could announce Lata Mangeshkar's name on the air! It was said to be the first ghost story. And who gave us this unforgettable song? It was Khemchand Prakash.
Khemchand was born in 1907 and just lived up to 1950. His musical journey lasted just for 11 years but he directed music for about 40 movies. He directed music for about 4 to 5 movies every year. He gave first major break to Kishore Kumar as a singer for the song “Marne ki duaaen kyun maangu” in Ziddi (1948)
After the early death of Khemchand Prakash, his family sank into deep poverty. His wife had to beg during her last days.

Let us listen to some of his songs:


A lilting song sung by Amirbai Karnataki for the movie Sindoor.


A hit from Magal by Lata. I used to keep singing this song till my voice got sore!
Ashok Kumar and Madhubala did the main roles


From the movie Tansen in 1943. The immortal K.L.Saigal sings the song.


An all time hit by Lata in the movie Ziddi (1948). Dev Anand and Kamini Kaushal were the main stars.


A fast number by Lata in the movie Asha (1948)

 

@Mistt
My dear Latha
You show amazing interest in what I write about. If that doesn't gratify me, what else will? A big thank you for it.

That's a true reward for the trouble I take. Continue the journey with me!
sri

 

@Agatha83
Dear Agatha

Truly so. Music has that wonderful effect on my psyche. There is one more aspect that keeps my doctor away. Or shall I say 'keep me away from my Doctor'? His ever increasing consultation charge!

But do you know that those songs kept people come back again and again to the theater in those days? Taste changes with the time. Like the dress and food habits.
That song that you have presented was a classic. How beautiful Nargis was! And what a pair she made with Raj Kapoor! It is a great pity that Nargis went out of this world in such a great hurry. Compare this picture of Nargis with the ripe old lady in Mother India and you will realise what a great artist she was.
Sri

 

@GeetaKashyap
Dear Geeta

I wonder whence you got this information. I present to you a BBC report on the payments made to celebrity musicians of Hindi Films. Take a look!
You are talking about Raj Kapoor. His father Pritviraj Kapoor was equally handsome in his youth. A friend of mine once told me that Time marched on our body leaving its footprints at every stage. Looking at the mirror, I realise how true he was!
sri