Tere Ghungroo Ki Awaaz

This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a contributor to this blog. This article is meant to be posted in atulsongaday.me. If this article appears in other sites without the knowledge and consent of the web administrator of atulsongaday.me, then it is piracy of the copyright content of atulsongaday.me and is a punishable offence under the existing laws.

Memories that are pure gold – the mention of his name brings to mind a limited set of memories. Ah but these memories are pure gold.

Remembering Vijay Anand today, on his birth anniversary. He would have been 86 today.

Without any doubts, the best and the most remarkable sense of visualization of music. Not just thinking of films with Navketan – ‘Nau Do Gyaarah’ (1957), ‘Kaala Bazaar’ (1960), ‘Tere Ghar Ke Saamne’ (1963), ‘Guide’ (1965), ‘Jewel Thief’ (1967), ‘Johnny Mera Naam’ (1970) and more, his films outside of Navketan are also as memorable for their songs. ‘Teesri Manzil’ (1966) being the most popular and loved film for its songs, and their presentation. Of course, no one counters the wholesome effect of “O Haseena Zulfon Waali”. But then, see “O Mere Sona Re Sona Re Sona Re”. The superb performances in this song by both Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh are the handiwork of a most capable director, who knows how to bring out the maximum impact of everything that goes into presenting a song – the ambience, the words, the music, the facial expressions, the body language, crafting the merger of actions with music, the give and take between the two protagonists – everything brought together to convey this latent feeling in the heart, bringing it to the lips, and then expressing it with an un-tethered exuberance on the part of the lady, and a coy displeasure (to start with) on part of the gentleman. The end result – as Atul ji has often pointed out – after three stanzas, all is well and the lovers are seen walking hand in hand.

Take ‘Black Mail’ (1973) and the wonderfully soft rendition of a surreal presence of the loved one – felt through the written word, the voice of lover echoing through the letters, and the presence is so real that the lady wakes up with a start having felt the reality of a kiss on her forehead. Yes, the song is “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, Tum Rehti Ho”. I am never tired of replaying this song, the video I mean. Just the song itself is great, but its presentation on screen has enhanced its beauty and impact many folds.

Vijay Anand has also appeared in a handful of films. In some of the films that he directed himself, and he is not in the list of actors, one can catch a glimpse of him in very brief cameo appearances. However, he has appeared in bigger roles, and also as a hero. The first film in which he made his debut in a meaty role is ‘Joru Ka Bhai’ from 1955, a comedy film in which the lead pair was Balraj Sahni and Sheela Ramani.

His next major appearance is as the hero of the 1957 film ‘Agra Road’, a cops and robbers type of story. Next we see him on screen along with his two elder brothers, Chetan and Dev, in the 1960 film ‘Kala Bazaar’ which he also directed. In this film he plays the role of the ex-boyfriend of Waheeda Rehman, who has gone for higher studies to France, and returns with his amorous loyalties shifted elsewhere.

After a gap of four years, he is seen once again in a supporting role in ‘Haqeeqat’ (1964), a film that had a large ensemble of main line stars. The next gap is much longer – 7 years. And he makes his screen appearance once again in the 1971 film ‘Tere Mere Sapne’, a film that he has directed himself. His role in this film as Dr. Jagannath Kothari, a famous gynecologist (in film), is very impressive and effective.

The next film is ‘Chhupa Rustom’ in 1973. Dev and himself, are police agents who go undercover to capture a gang of smugglers. Once again, this film is directed by him. His role, masquerading as a shady, brash, small time, two-timing con man brings out the comedian in him – in my opinion one of his best screen appearances. This film is an Indianized version of the famous novel by Alistair MacLean – ‘Fear Is The Key’.

Parallel to ‘Chhupa Rustam’ in 1973, he also appeared in the film ‘Double Cross’. In this, he appears in a double role as the hero and his twin brother who is on the wrong side of the law. He was not yet 40, but he looked quite overage for this twin brothers roles. He appears to be trying very hard to be the role, but was not convincing. The con-man role in ‘Chhupa Rustam’ was a great act, but in ‘Double Cross’ he did not quiet click. It is interesting to note that in the role of the brother on the right side of the law, Vijay is a professional photographer. That rang a bell in my mind and I checked. Very much so, the film ‘Heera Panna’ in which Dev Anand plays the role of a professional photographer also, was released in 1973 itself. As one compares the two performances, they are quite similar in mannerism, attire and body language. Now who was copying from whom?

In 1973 came another good film, produced and directed by his elder brother Chetan – ‘Hindustan Ki Kasam’. He played the role of a fighter pilot, coming from a family of soldiers and pilots. There is a brief but a great monologue by him in this film – “Saathiyo, Dosto, Hum Hi To Aaj Ke Arjun Hain. . .”. (It can be viewed at 39:40 on the timeline at the link for the film ‘Hindustan Ki Kasam‘.) He presents this monologue, takes to the skies and then does not return. A short role, albeit an impressive one.

A year later he produced the film ‘Chor Chor’ (1974), but did not direct it himself. It is a suspense thriller that did not make it good on the box office, however, it was praised by the critics and reviewers. The film had no songs, and its star cast was very interesting. Vijay had assembled many actors of yesteryears for this film – Trilok Kapoor, Jairaj, and Ranjan. The female lead opposite to Vijay himself is Leena Chandawarkar. I have not seen this film, but it seems interesting enough to merit a view.

In 1974, he appeared in another film, in a very impressive performance once again. The film ‘Kora Kaagaz’, and he is cast with Jaya Bhaduri as the leading pair. The film is about an idealistic romance that transforms into matrimony. And the matrimony cannot withstand the reality of social relations and issues of personal choices – it breaks apart. Alas, there is a happy ending as the estranged spouses meet and make up in railway waiting room. Another very impressive performance.

Then, after a gap of another 4 years, Vijay appeared in another very good role – that of a rich landlord, very well performed. The film is ‘Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki’. A gem of a film by Raj Khosla, Vijay is pitted against two seasoned performers – Nutan as his first and legally wedded wife and Asha Parekh as his second companion in life, whom he brings home much to the dislike of the first lady of the house.

In 1981, came the film ‘Ghungroo Ki Awaaz’ – a tale of haunting and intrigues. Once again, Vijay finds himself out of his depth. Is that a reflection of being a very good director and then come to act under the direction of another director who may not be as well capable. Don’t know whether we should draw this comparison. But then this film is not in my list of impressive performances by Vijay.

In 1984, Chetan Anand produced and directed ‘Hum Rahe Na Hum’ in which Vijay and Shabana Azmi played the lead pair. Then in 2001, he produced and directed ‘Jaana Na Dil Se Door’ in which he and brother Dev played senior roles in a film with an impressive star cast that includes Kamini Kaushal, Mohnish Behl, Moushumi Chatterji, Indrani Bannerjee, Dinesh Hingoo and Vikram Gokhale.

Vijay also appeared in a mini series on TV in 1994, titled ‘Tehkikaat’, in the role of Sam D’Silva, an investigator.

Readers would remember that Alfred Hitchcock always made it point to appear in his own films in a fleeting cameo appearance. That was his signature mark in his films, and the audiences would eagerly await to catch his appearance as they viewed his films for the first time. Vijay Anand has also a similar reputation, albeit we are not sure we have tracked down his cameos in all the films that he directed. A brief list of what I have been able to compile.

He appears in ‘Funtoosh’ (1956) as a young out-of-work writer, who meets Funtoosh (Dev Anand) after he is released from the mental hospital. Funtoosh gifts him a pen to write.

Then in ‘Tere Ghar Ke Saamne’ (1963) he appears in the stairwell of Qutab Minar, wearing spectacles, walking down the stairs with two other persons, as Dev and Nutan are busy with their amorous inclinations singing “Dil Ka Bhanwar Karey Pukaar”.

In ‘Guide’ (1965), we hear his voice, as an unknown stranger is asking about Raju guide on the railway platform. Just a very brief dialogue.

In ‘Jewel Thief’ (1967), we hear his voice on the phone, in a brief conversation with Helen.

In ‘Prem Pujari’ (1970) he appears very briefly in the role of a spy, a fleeting cameo.

Again in 1970 ‘Johnny Mera Naam’, we hear his voice very briefly as an officer of Nepal Police greets Iftekhar at the Kathmandu airport, welcoming him to Nepal.

Here is a very interesting on screen appearance trivia. Hollywood producer and director, Mike Judge of the ‘Beavis And Butthead’ fame, was a great fan of Vijay Anand. In fact, in his animated film ‘Beavis And Butthead Do America’, there is a song being played in a casino in Las Vegas. On stage, among the musicians, there is a guitar player accompanying the singer. Mike Judge had based this character on Vijay Anand. The song in that film is ‘Love Roller Coaster’, available on YouTube; just click on the link.

A brief list of shelved films of Vijay Anand.

After ‘Rajput’ (1982) and before ‘Main Tere Liye’ (1988), Vijay Anand launched ‘Dekha Jaayega’ with Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. Anil backed out at last moment. After a brief gap, the film was planned again with Saif Ali in place of Anil, but was later shelved.

In 1988, he planned the film ‘Dosti Ka Taqaaza’ starring Mithun and Govinda. It was later shelved.

He appeared in the film ‘Insha Allaah’ as the hero opposite to Zarina Wahab. The film was later shelved.

He directed ‘Chura Lenge Ankhon Se Kajal’ (1992) with Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. This film was also shelved.

In 1997 he starred in and directed the NFDC (National Film Development Corporation) film ‘Nyaymurty Krishnamurty’. This film also did not see the light of the day.

In the 1990s, he also started working on another film ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’, which could not be completed, probably did not go beyond the planning stage.

OK, so today’s song. It is contributed by Avinash ji. The film is ‘Ghungroo Ki Awaaz’. The story is of a family conspiracy with shades of reminders from the film ‘Mera Saaya’. The protagonist falls in love, the lady dies in confusing circumstances, then she returns as a ghost to haunt the man. The plot finally nails down another family member, who is attempting to get rid of the protagonist, for the sake of inheritance. There are maybe some more films that are based on this scenario.

The music is by RD Burman, the words are from the pen of Vijay Anand himself and Kishore Kumar is the playback voice.

A heartfelt salute to this celluloid artist who donned many a hat in his career, and had left behind a memorable legacy.

Video

Audio

Song – Tere Ghungroo Ki Awaaz  (Ghungroo Ki Awaaz) (1981) Singer – Kishore Kumar, Lyrics – Vijay Anand, MD – RD Burman

Lyrics (Provided by Avinash Scrapwala)

ho o o mere hamraaz
kaisa hai ye raaz
bulaati hai aur kho jaati hain
tere ghunghroo ki aawaaz
tere ghunghroo ki aawaaz

ho o o mere hamraaz
kaisa hai ye raaz
bulaati hai aur kho jaati hain
tere ghunghroo ki aawaaz
tere ghunghroo ki aawaaz

sitaaron ne sajaayee thhi dagar
hawaaon ne jhulaaya bhi magar
hmm hmm hmm
sitaaron ne sajaayee thhi dagar
hawaaon ne jhulaaya bhi magar
jalaa daaley
jalaa daaley
pankh naseebon ne
reh gayee hasrat e parwaaz
tere ghunghroo ki aawaaz
ho o o mere hamraaz
kaisa hai ye raaz
bulaati hai aur kho jaati hain
tere ghunghroo ki aawaaz
tere ghunghroo ki aawaaz

andheron mein chhupi hai kiran
milan hai par ye kaisa milan
hmm hmm hmm
hmm hmm hmm
andheron mein chhupi hai kiran
milan hai par ye kaisa milan
adhura hai
adhura hain
geet jeewan ka
aur toota toota saaz
tere ghunghroo ki aawaaz

ho o o mere hamraaz
kaisa hai ye raaz
bulaati hai aur kho jaati hain
tere ghunghroo ki aawaaz
tere ghoonghroo ki aawaaz
tere ghoonghroo
ki aawaaz

————————————————————————————-
Devnagri Script lyrics (Provided by Avinash Scrapwala)
————————————————————————————-

हो ओ ओ मेरे हमराज़
कैसा है ये राज़
बुलाती है और खो जाती हैं
तेरे घुँघरू कि आवाज़

हो ओ ओ मेरे हमराज़
कैसा है ये राज़
बुलाती है और खो जाती हैं
तेरे घुँघरू कि आवाज़

सितारों ने सजाई थी डगर
हवाओं ने झुलाया भी मगर
हं हं हं
सितारों ने सजाई थी डगर
हवाओं ने झुलाया भी मगर
जला डाले
जला डाले
पंख नसीबों ने
रह गयी हसरत ए परवाज़
तेरे घुँघरू कि आवाज़
हो ओ ओ मेरे हमराज़
कैसा है ये राज़
बुलाती है और खो जाती हैं
तेरे घुँघरू कि आवाज़

अंधेरों में छुपी है किरण
मिलन है पर ये कैसा मिलन
हं हं हं
हं हं हं
अंधेरों में छुपी है किरण
मिलन है पर ये कैसा मिलन
अधूरा हैं
अधुरा हैं
गीत जीवन का
और टूटा टूटा साज़
तेरे घुँघरू कि आवाज़

हो ओ ओ मेरे हमराज़
कैसा है ये राज़
बुलाती है और खो जाती हैं
तेरे घुँघरू कि आवाज़
तेरे घुँघरू कि आवाज़
तेरे घुँघरू ..
कि आवाज़