This article is written by Sudhir, a fellow enthusiast of Hindi movie music and a regular contributor to this blog.
Greetings to all on today’s festival of Raksha Bandhan.
For some days now, there has been some discussion on the exact date of this festival in this year. And it was concluded that although the ‘tithi’ (date as per Hindu calendar) of the ‘Poornima’ (full moon day) of the month of Saawan (Shraawan) falls on 20th August i.e. today. But the ‘tithi’ actually also flows into the next calendar day, i.e. 21st August. (This is as per the movement of the Moon in its cycle around the earth). And for a couple of reasons of belief, it was declared by some astrologers and temples, that the celebration of Raksha Bandhan festival shall be on 21st August. One reason is the difference between the ‘Vaishnav’ (वैष्णव) and ‘Smaart’ (स्मार्त) system of determining the days of celebration. The ‘Vaishnav’ followers will consider the ‘tithi’ at the time of sunrise, as the ‘tithi’ for a particular calendar day. The ‘Smaart’ believers will consider the ‘tithi’ exactly from the time it gets invoked based on the lunar calendar. E.g. in the case of this festival, the ‘tithi’ of the full moon day started a little later than 10 am on the 20th. So the ‘Smaart’ believers will consider 20th to be the full moon day. On the other hand, the ‘Vaishnav’ followers have not considered 20th as the full moon day. The sunrise of 21st now happens to occur while the ‘tithi’ of full moon is in force. Hence the ‘Vaishnav’ followers have taken 21st as the full moon day.
Another factor that played a part in this determination is relating to auspicious timings. As per the ‘Panchaang’ (the detailed Hindu calendar
which is based on Lunar cycle) is showing a certain inauspicious period that lasts till 9 pm on the 20th. And hence, all astrologers and pundits have been advising not to celebrate this function before that. As per their calculations, the celebrations should happen between 9 pm on the 20th to around 7.30 am on 21st. And so, being guided by other elders in my household, the festival is being celebrated early morning today, i.e. 21st.
Atul ji has commented in one of the posts today, about having covered so many songs of this festival in the six cycles that it has appeared during the existence of this blog. Yes, it is true that we have already showcased most of the well known songs of this festival. But rest assured, there continue to be some more songs that still need to be discovered and presented.
The song that I have pulled from my collection for posting today, is a very rare piece of music from a film that is very obscure and little heard of. The film is ‘Gaali’ from 1944. The film itself is probably lost. As per known information from old HMV catalogs, only two records were released, implying that four songs (2 per record) is possibly the only legacy that remains from this film. But this film holds a very significant eminence, definitely on one count and possibly on two counts. The first important aspect of this film is that this is the debut film for music director Sajjaad Hussain. The responsibility for music composition of this film is shared between Pt. Hanuman Prasad and Sajjaad Sb. Sajjad Sb had worked with Pt. Prasad earlier as an assistant, and in this film, pandit ji accorded him the shared responsibility in recognition of his capabilities. The sad part of this situation is that the two records that HMV catalog lists for this film, contains 4 songs all composed by Pt. Hanuman Prasad. And so, the debut compositions of Sajjaad Sb are probably lost for ever.
The second claim to fame for this film is an unconfirmed possibility. It is well known that it was music director Pt. Hanuman Prasad who discovered the voice of Geeta Roy (later Geeta Dutt), and gave her the first break for singing in films. The episode is described thus. When the family of Debendranath Ghosh Roy Chowdhary shifted to Bombay from Calcutta in 1942, the child Geeta was just 12 years old. They came to stay in a rented flat in Dadar. Incidentally, on the ground floor of that building, there was a Kathak dance school that was managed by one Pt. Gouri Shankar. Pt. Hanuman Prasad was a close friend of Pt. Gouri Shankar, and often used to visit him at his school. On one of such visits, Pt. Prasad heard a lady’s singing voice, coming from one of the upper floors of that building. Enchanted by the voice, he followed it to the flat where the Roy Chowdhary family stayed, and met with Geeta and her father. He confirmed the singing voice, and made an immediate offer to have Geeta sing for him in the films he was working with. Now some sources place this incident in 1944 and state that Pt. Prasad had her sing in chorus songs for the film ‘Gaali’. Other sources, (including GeetaDutt.com (www.geetadutt.com) place this incident in 1946, and indicate that the debut film for Geeta ji is most likely ‘Bhakt Prahlad’, in which she sang a few lines in 3 to 4 songs. Both the claims
are unconfirmed from documentary evidence, since the list of singers for either films does not include Geeta ji’s name. As per the Geet Kosh, the earliest we can trace the name of Geeta Roy as confirmed by labels and catalogs, is for the film ‘Raseeli’ (also from 1946), with music by the same composer. (There are two more films in 1946, for which we find Geeta ji’s name listed – ‘Circus King’ and ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’).
And so, this film (and possibly this song (?)) could have the doubtful distinction of being the debut singing venture for Geeta ji, as part of the chorus, or singing maybe 4 lines, without getting her name in the credits. In this song, there is clearly a set of 4 lines that are sung by a voice different than the main singer. I would leave it for the readers to judge.
About the film itself. It is an NR Deasi Production, directed by RS Chaudry, with a star cast that includes Nirmala, Karan Diwan, Yakub,
Kanhaiya Lal, Anand Prasad, Manju, Sunlini Devi, Zillo Bai, Kamta Prasad, Chandabai, Gulab, Mehadi Raza, Bibi Bai, Ram Moorti, Khanjar, Mohan, Tuklu, Sachin Ghosh. There are twelve songs in this film, written by four poets –DN Madhok, Pt. Indra, Hanuman Prasad himself, Sungunpiya, and Pt. Ram Murty Chaturvedi. This song is penned by Pt. Indra. The singing voice is that of Manju. As I searched for this singer, I came across a gem of a song from the film ‘Ratan’ (1944), sung by her – “Angdaai Teri Hai Bahaana”. And this song contains a detailed comment from our dear Arun ji, containing a lot of information about this singer actress. After going through this detailed comment, I immediately connected the singer of this song and the name Manju Dewan, the wife of actor Karan Dewan. And with this information, I am able
to trace another online article on the web site ‘Anmol Fankaar’, which provides more details here.
And now, coming to the song itself. The song is a wonderful exposition of the importance and historical significance of this festival. The meaning and significance of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ is not limited to being a covenant between a sister and a brother. Its significance is more pervasive, in that it is a promise of protection and security between any two people. It is customary that many faithful followers will tie a Rakhi on this day on the wrist of their Guru. It is also customary that ladies will tie Rakhi to members of the armed forces. Such events have been witnessed, especially during the years when cross border conflicts were in progress. I have faint memories of newspaper photos in 1965, during the war with Pakistan. These photos, from Amritsar if I remember correctly, show ladies tying Rakhi on the hands of soldiers on way to the border outposts.
When I pulled out this song and played it, my mind automatically went back to these newspaper photos, sitting way back somewhere in childhood memories. This song appears to be expressing a similar sentiment.
pardesi ho, hum se rakhiyaa bandhaa
rakhiyaa bandhaao, bhaiya kahaao
apna maan badhaao
O stranger from a distant place
Allow me
To tie the strings of Rakhi on your hand
Let this Rakhi be on your wrist
May you be my brother
May your honor be raised
shakti hain hum un veeran ki
rann chamke talwaaren jinki
un se haath milaawo, ya talwaar uthhaao
Our sentiments, our blessings
Are the strength of the brave and fearless
Whose swords flash in the battlefield
Raise your sword
And join those brave warriors
bandhi ho behen ka haathon se raakhi jis kalaai pe
naa heera aur moti hi sajegaa us kalaai pe
The wrists on which a sister ties these Rakhi strings
Needs no other adornments
Whether pearls or diamonds
kiya gaurav Humayun ne thha, uska naam raakhi hai
wohi hai shaan veeron ki, ke jiska naam raakhi hai
This string called Rakhi
Its value was known by Humayun
Who honored its eminence
This string called Rakhi
Is the proud distinction
Of the bold and valiant
[NOTE: The reference to the mughal emperor Humayun is because of the following episode from 16th century. Bahadur Shah, the Governor of Gujarat, attacked Chittor. The King of Chittor was killed in the battle. Rani Karmawati, the widowed queen of Chittor, realised that she could not defend her kingdom against the invasion. In a desperate move, she sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun. Humayun consulted his courtiers and Hindu priests to understand the meaning of this strange message. When explained, he was touched. He was in Bengal, and immediately set off with his troops for Chittor. Alas, the history records that he arrived too late. Bahadur Shah’s armies managed to sack the Rani's fortress. Karmawati, along with a reported 13,000 other women in the fortress, carried out Jauhar, killing themselves to avoid dishonor. The menfolk of the kingdom threw the gates open and rode out on a suicidal charge against the enemy troops. When he reached Chittor, Humayun evicted Bahadur Shah from fort and restored the kingdom to Karmawati's son.]
yehi hai dor jis se draupdi ne shaam ko baandha
yehi hai mohar jisne mulk ki har shaan ko saadha
These are the strings
That bonded Lord Krishna with Draupdi
These strings are the seal
That have safeguarded
The worth of every honor of this land
[NOTE: The reference to Lord Krishna and Draupdi is based on the following episode from the epic Mahabharata. The animosity between the Pandavas and Kauravas has not yet turned into enmity. Pandavaas were given a piece of land to build their city, and they constructed the city of Indraprashta. With the advise from the sages, Yudhishtir, the eldest of the five Pandava brothers, decided to conduct the Rajasuya Yajna, a ceremony of offerings to Gods, for the protection of their kingdom. All the stalwarts and honorable people of the era were invited. Lord Krishna traveled from Dwarka for this ceremony. Shishupal, the King of Chedi, is a cousin to Lord Krishna. He is also a staunch enemy, for Krishna had eloped with Rukmini, whom Shishupal wanted to marry. Knowing of the enmity, and a prediction in childhood (that Shishupal would be killed eventually by Lord Krishna himself), Shishupal’s mother, who is the real aunt of Lord Krishna, asked for and got a promise from him that he will forgive Shishupal a hundred times before killing him. At the Rajasuya Yajna, at the advice of Bhishm Pitamah, Lord Krishna was
chosen to be the first to be worshipped. Shishupal was enraged at this, and he started abusing Lord Krishna. The latter continued to listen to the tirade, till he crossed the limit of 100. The Lord Krishna invoked his Sudershan Chakra, and severed Shishupal’s head from his body. It is said that in this action, the Chakra grazed against Lord Krishna’s little finger, and blood appeared. On seeing this, Draupdi was the first to respond. She tore of a small piece of cloth from her sari, and tended to the bleeding finger. The concern and her action touched him so much that he declared her to be his sister and vowed to always protect her honor. Later on, in the court of Duryodhan, when Draupdi was being insulted and her sari was being pulled by Dushaasan, Lord Krishna appeared in the form of an unending sari, and saved Draupdi’s honor. There are multiple such incidents that show how indebted did the Lord feel, just for Draupdi having provided a small piece of cloth to tie on his hand.]
yehi hai dhaal veeron ki, ye hai imaan bhaai ka
ye shobha hai, ye gaurav hai, ye hai sammaan bhai ka
This Rakhi
It is the shield that protects the brave
It is the honor and integrity of the brothers
It is an adornment , and a thing of pride
It is the honor of the brothers.
Aah, the wonderful details that carry the description and historical significance of this festival. Savor and enjoy this rare gem from a
forgotten film. May the love and honor always remain with you.
Song-Pardesi ho hum re rakhiya bandhaa (Gaali)(1944) Singer-Manju, Lyrics-Pt Indra Chandra, MD-Pt Hanuman Prasad
Lyrics
pardesi ho
haan haan pardesi ho
hum se rakhiyaa bandhaa
ho pardesi ho
haan haan pardesi ho
hum se rakhiyaa bandhaa
rakhiyaa bandhaao
bhaiya kahaao
apna maan badhaao
apna maan badhaao
pardesi ho
haan haan pardesi ho
hum se rakhiyaa bandhaa
shakti hain hum un veeran ki
rann chamke talwaaren jinki
un se haath milaawo
pardesi ho
ya talwaar uthhaao
ya talwaar uthhaao
ya talwaar uthhaao
apna maan badhaao
apna maan badhaao
pardesi ho
haan haan pardesi ho
hum se rakhiyaa bandhaa
bandhi ho behen ke haathon se raakhi
jis kalaai pe
naa heera aur moti hi sajegaa
us kalaai pe
kiya gaurav Humayun ne thha
uska naam raakhi hai
wohi hai shaan veeron ki
ke jiska naam raakhi hai
pardesi ho
haan haan pardesi ho
hum se rakhiyaa bandhaa
yehi hai dor
jis se draupdi ne shyaam ko baandha
yehi hai mohar
jisne mulk ki har shaan ko saadha
yehi hai dhaal veeron ki
ye hai imaan bhaai ka
ye shobha hai
ye gaurav hai
ye hai sammaan bhai ka
ye shobha hai
ye gaurav hai
ye hai sammaan bhai ka
pardesi ho
haan haan pardesi ho
hum se rakhiyaa bandhaa
——————————————-
Hindi script lyrics (Provided by Sudhir)
——————————————-
परदेसी हो
हाँ हाँ परदेसी हो
हमसे रखिया बंधा
हो परदेसी हो
हाँ हाँ परदेसी हो
हमसे रखिया बंधा
रखिया बंधाओ
भइया कहाओ
अपना मान बढ़ाओ
अपना मान बढ़ाओ
परदेसी हो
हाँ हाँ परदेसी हो
हमसे रखिया बंधा
शक्ति हैं हम उन वीरन की
रण चमकें तलवारें जिनकी
उन से हाथ मिलाओ
परदेसी हो
या तलवार उठाओ
या तलवार उठाओ
या तलवार उठाओ
अपना मान बढ़ाओ
अपना मान बढ़ाओ
परदेसी हो
हाँ हाँ परदेसी हो
हमसे रखिया बंधा
बंधी हो बहन के हाथों से राखी
जिस कलाई पर
ना हीरा और मोती ही सजेगा
उस कलाई पे
किया गौरव हुमायूँ ने था
उसका नाम राखी है
वही है शान वीरों की
के जिसका नाम राखी है
परदेसी हो
हाँ हाँ परदेसी हो
हमसे रखिया बंधा
यही है डोर
जिस से द्रौपदी ने शाम को बांधा
यही है मोहर
जिसने मुल्क की हर शान को साधा
ये है ईमान भाई का
ये शोभा है
ये गौरव है
ये है सम्मान भाई का
ये शोभा है
ये गौरव है
ये है सम्मान भाई का
परदेसी हो
हाँ हाँ परदेसी हो
हमसे रखिया बंधा
