Timeless Melodies: Music to my ears

It has been a long time since I was contemplating to make a list of my favorite hindi songs. Now if you are a fan of new one's then  chances are that you'll be disappointed nevertheless give it a look and who knows you might like it..:)). It's not that I do not enjoy new numbers, no, in fact some are quite good but this post is exclusively dedicated to those, sung by Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar. It was no piece of cake deciding on the songs as my favorites are far too many to count on fingers.

But I am often caught stumbling when asked about my favorite song. The thing is, as I said before, there isn't just one song that I love to hear but actually quite a few and it depends on the mood which one would I prefer. Having said that here comes the reason to bring forth this post.  Consider it as a tribute to that era, to those musicians, lyricists, and singers who came up with such beautiful renditions that even after decades they are still alive in our memory.

1. Jeewan se bhari teri aankhein  Safar, 1970: This is one song that tops my favorite playlist. The brilliant music and the charged voice of Kishore Kumar, who would not fall for this masterpiece. It just keeps me enthralled till the end. The lyrics by Indeevar and music by Kalyaan ji anandji makes it one evergreen composition.

2. Tere bina jiya jaaye na  Ghar, 1978:  Oh! how I remember Rekha whenever I listen to this piece. Normally the songs are known for the voice but here I think Rekha's subtle expressions have outshone everything else. So much want to go back to the time of big block printed saris and big bindis. Sung by the nightingale of India 'Lata Mangeshkar' and again our Kishore Kumar, this song displays sensuousness in it's most elegant form. Written by Gulzaar and music by R.D Burman, the song does put you in a trance.

3. Mere Mehboob tujhe meri  Mere Mehboob, 1963: The most romantic song ever, that takes you into a dream world. I don't know how much I'm in love with this song for it's not just the voice but outstanding display of emotions by Rajendra Kumar. It never fails to give me a lump in my throat, especially the last stanza. The longing, the desire to see, to meet the person who you love! Uff! itna chotta sa dil aur kambakht itne emotions. Mohammad Rafi's voice literally give me the chills be it high pitch or low pitch and equally incredible is the music which is composed by Naushad and the lyrics penned by Shakil Badayuni. All in all an exceptional song taking you on a trip to Aligarh Muslim University.

4. Aap yun faaslon se Shankar Hussain, 1975:  I was introduced to this song by my husband and had instantly fallen in love with it. Have no clue why I never knew about this song despite being a regular listener of Vividh Bharti. This song deserves a very special place because it has something mystic thing about it, ethereal, completely exquisite though when I finally got to see it, was a tad disappointed by it's picturisation. Lata mangeshkar has sung it in her most vivacious voice so the picturisation could have been better. Written by Jan Nissar Akhtar father of Javed Akhtar and the music rendered by Khayyam...bliss to heart and soul.

5. Rimjhim gire sawaan  Manzil, 1979: This song does wonders whenever I listen to it. It just uplifts my mood and I feel myself slipping into those wonderful teenage days. At that time several songs rocked my world but this one really held a special place may be Lata's bubbly voice had to do something with it. Now over the years, I do not remember many of them but this song still pulls my heartstrings and stirs the passion the way it did back then. The best rain song ever shot! Music by Pancham and lyrics by Yogesh, you really do want to get soaked in the rain. It has that effect!

6. Kahin ek masoom Shankar Husssain, 1975: The soft and sensuous voice of seasoned singer Mohammad Rafi that leaves you restless and evokes myriad of emotions, this song is that magical. Excellent words by Kamaal Amrohi and a music to die for by Khayyam. What else do we get out of the trio of Rafi-Khyaam-Amrohi! Pure magic. Love the following lines where Kanwaljeet dreams about his love's ecstasy, restlessness and dilemma!  

 चलो खत लिखें जी में आता तो होगा
मगऱ उगलियां कंपकपाती तो होंगी
कलम हाथ से छूट जाता तो होगा
ऊमंगे कलम फिर उठाती तो होगी
मेरा नाम अपनी किताबों में लिखकर
वो दांतो में उंगली दबाती तो होगी
These words too surreal, too hypnotic!

7. Pal bhar ke liye  Prem pujaari, 1970: My list would have been incomplete without this song for this is one number that is so playful, lively and so so entertaining. The ever handsome Devanand and the dream girl Hemamalini jodi is such  a treat to watch. Music by kalyanji anandji and lyrics by Indeevar, it makes me stop doing my chores and I just let the addictive voice of Kishore Kumar take over.

8. Ae mere pyare vatan Kabulivala, 1961: Now this song is one of those which gives me goosebumps literally. If there is any one patriotic song apart from 'ae mere vatan ke logon' that makes my eyes brim with tears, then this is the one. Well, Manoj Kumar's 'Hai preet jahan ki reet sada' also is one magnificent number that falls in this league. A song that describes the feelings and emotions of a man who is faraway from his homeland. Manna Dey's voice has taken this song to another level, such a soulful singing!. The various intonations that he has taken in this song are just awesome. The Music by Salil Chaudhry and words by Prem Dhawan. Read these lines and you'll get the feel!

छोड़ कर तेरी ज़मीं को दूर आ पहुंचे हैं हम

फिर भी है येही तमन्ना तेरे जर्रों की कसम

हम जहां पैदा हुये उस जगह ही निकले दम

तुझ पे दिल कुर्बान

9. Ehsaan tera hoga mujh par Junglee, 1961:  Mohammad Rafi and Shammi kapoor together have weaved a magic here. For once, I loved Shammi Kapoor's non hysterical acting. Look at his expressions, topped with Rafi's high pitched voice, Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri's superb lyrics and Shankar Jaikishan's awesome music. The result: Pure magic! Love the place where he lip synch's 'udd udd ke kahegi khaak sanam, ye dard-e-mohabbat sahne do' and blinks his eyes and tilts his head. Hai! Only Shammi Kapoor could do this  Isn't it beautiful! I've always liked Mohammad Rafi and Shammi Kapoor's combination. It's lethal and intoxicating. Once you start listening to their number's there's no looking back. Also this was Saira's debut film which got her first Filmfare award!

10. Lag ja gale, Woh kaun thi, 1964: Ah! what a tough job it is to pick just 10 pearls from an ocean full of them. Which one to pick and which to leave? Little confused I was between 'Voh jab yaad aaye' and 'lag jaa gale' but then finally decided on Lata Mangeshkar. This is one killer song where Sadhana tries to allure Manoj kumar. Well, enough has been said about Lata's voice everywhere, I've nothing new to say but yes, I don't think that Lata's voice is replaceable by any female playback singer in any generation. It is timeless!

Nostalgia

बस यादें यादें यादें रह जाती हैं
छोटी छोटी बातें रह जाती हैं

This article is an ode to my time spent in Cancer Hospital and Research Institute Gwalior and as I write this I reminisce my sweet and sour moments with my college buddies. Batch 1997-1999
  
Old friends! These two words send such warm fuzzy that you are completely engulfed in it's warmth.

 Today, I'm feeling really blessed that I've in my account the names of those old friends with whom I can share everything, say anything, and they'll still be by my side.

 Last two days, via Facebook, I had been on a laughter riot. Met some really old time buddies, who are now spread in different continents and one thing that we realized is the fact that we all so want to get connected to our root. I mean there is nothing like meeting old friends.

When I say I'm addicted to Facebook, it doesn't mean the word Facebook but actually my old friends with whom I just can't stop chatting because they bring back such wonderful old memories and revive back my childhood, my jeunesse, my youth that I am left wishing for a time machine to rewind those golden days.

 School and college times give us the chance to make best friends as then the friendship is not superfluous or conditional. It's selfless and we have the passion in us to do or die for our friend's sake. And then after decades when we meet them again in an altogether different world, it's like meeting our real us.

 Remembering the past, laughing on each other, cracking silly jokes and pulling leg remains the essential part of any old friend rendezvous. It just fills you up with zeal, gives you the energy and a kind of boost to tackle the tough life. The best part is that you don't want to end the repartee and would want it just keep going on till the times end. Ever wonder why is it like that? May be because despite the wish to go higher and higher in life we do not want to let go the thread that holds us to our roots. It gives our brain the oxygen and gushes blood into our veins.

I came up with his article, when last night I'd the chance to bump into my old friends and in an instant we got connected not just by facebook but by heart and since it was an open post so one more fellow joined in who otherwise is a  bit reluctant towards Facebook but reading the comments couldn't hold himself back and also that we literally dragged him into the discussion. All in all a great time we had had. I write this passage in praise of those gone days and dedicate it to my dear friends with whom I'd spent two beautiful years at Cancer Hospital and Research Institute Gwalior!

 Manisha Vajpayee, Raman Agrawal and Ravindra Prajapati, it was so much fun to have a tête a tête with you and hope that continues. And yes, miss my other friends too, who couldn't be a partake of the Facebook chat. 

Bunking the classes, sitting in the canteen especially during the cold winter days soaking up the sun and indulging in irrelevant talks, hot samosas and the ever delicious steaming hot tea. Who would pay the bill always remained the hot debatable question! Oh! how I miss those beautiful days when riding on my old khatara luna on to the hills of CHRI sounded so adventurous. When we were so carefree that our imagination never went beyond arranging for the samosas and the chai and the silly ideas that we would put forward to get our hands on to them.

 No, I don't miss those days for they are there with me in my heart and soul forever.

Remembering as far as my memory goes in no particular order..Sunita, Shalini, Rupam, Gayatri, Sonal, Mridula, Reena, Usha, Vandana, Anu, Tanu, Alok, Manoj and Avinash.   

Just a thought

Yesterday while chatting, one of my friends mentioned, how surprised she was to read my stories as she had never imagined a girl who had majored in science could also be a wordsmith! 

Well, her remark flattered me a bit but it also left me astound and I was completely petrified of her naive and guileless assumption. It really got me thinking about all my longtime buddies who are doing excellent in scientific world and at the same time are also outstanding writers. So, does being a science major and also being a writer not qualify? I don't think so because any person having a passion for books can, to an extent, push a pencil.

I love reading books and that being the sole reason that I can put pen to paper. Books just transport me to a wonderland and often I find myself getting lost in the pages. Reading a fiction book gives me the liberty to imagine and believe me, getting your hands on to good books always make your smile a little wider and your life a little brighter. It makes mine!

At the risk of sounding nerdy, my idea of a holiday would be to be with a pile of books, my couch and my  playlist and of course my man to whom I can read aloud the interesting lines and paragraphs though sometimes I do behave normal and love to go out on to the beautiful beaches and mountains but....yeah, you guessed it right, with a book.

Election 2012

My knowledge about French politics is very superfluous rather nonexistent but when I see so much of stirring on radio and television, I am kind of not interested but amused by it. So, am taking the liberty to write about it.

Despite the bad weather, people voted here in France on Sunday to elect their next president. Looking forward to see the outcome of this election. Francois Hollande came out as a front runner winner and clearly the left wing wave is all set to make an impact on France's socio-economic conditions.

We are yet to know the verdict but the message of French public is loud and clear that they have had enough of M. Sarkozy.

During his campaigning, he projected himself as the protector that France needed in times of crisis. But did people buy that line of his considering his accountability of the banking crisis. Don't think so after seeing the result of first round. And it's highly improbable that the existing president who came second in the first round is likely win in the second round. Only a miracle can make him win.

Also, now seeing the outcome of first round, the president will by all means take the angry path and will try to thrust his political brand and as they say, the more aggressive he becomes the less presidential he'll look.

Am worried about Mme Bruni though. Tough days ahead!

Marine Le pen's stunning success managed to temper with the left wing's dream of presidency after a generation almost 17 years. Grabbing almost 20% of the votes she has turned the party that was considered as extremist into a populist and republican party.

So, let's wait for the second round folks!! Best wishes to M. Hollande!    

Seine and Falafel

Another weekend passed by marking the beginning of spring break. This time, I decided to hit the 'Quartier Latin' in Paris V.

 Despite the bad weather I enjoyed the crowded streets of Saint Michel, the lively atmosphere making it more agreeable.

Saint Michel Metro. Gibert Jaune seen across the road

 Latin quarter is known for it's student life and is situated on the left bank of the Seine around the Sorbonne. Apart from the famous university 'La Sorbonne' it is home to various other educational institutes.

The one thing that I discovered here in this quarters of Paris is the small restaurant called Maoz Falafel and as the name suggests, one of the best Falafels are made here and we can complement it with a buffet of legumes and sauces.And need I say, the most palatable and delicious Falafels I have ever had.

The lebanese quick service restaurant Maoz Falafel

 The only drawback being limited seating arrangement but relishing those hot, crispy falafels on a bed of delectable vegetables, folded into a soft pita bread by the Seine river makes it an experience which you would tend to do encore.

Array of pickeled legumes and different sauces

Les concombres, tomates épicée et des mélanges de légumes

After feeding ourselves, we made our way to Notredame but didn't go inside it as my son got busy with chasing pigeons and I was just content taking the pictures.

As the night fell upon, Seine looked magnificent as for miles it was a shimmer of lights and the moment is worth capturing when you see the spotlight coming from the Eiffel tower falling on the quiet waters of Seine making it even more magical.My phone camera however didn't do justice with the photos so not posting it here. Shall wait for another time with a better camera!

Ranting on IPKKND

Sometimes, I think what led Arnav to fall for Khushi. One reason might be that Khushi is all that , which Arnav is not. Opposites do attract. And also, Arnav likes his employes to be subservient but Khushi always rose against his wishes or let's put it this way, that she had the guts to go against his decisions and  that is what kept pulling Arnav to her.

 Now also the equation has not changed, still Khushi is the same insane, maniac girl which she used to be before. We call her insane because she never followed any code. Earlier as well she used to barge in ASR's office. I think, she did that twice. Then also ASR got irritated but we freaking enjoyed that and yesterday too Khushi did the same thing, but we didn't enjoy it. Why? May be because, it's been a year and still the equation is the same.

X is still X and Y is still Y. They have not yet become XY in true sense.

Yesterday,  I saw some old episodes and I swear I was glued. I can still do the repetitive viewing and the scenes still look so fresh but the present episodes, except for few scenes, irks me.
Like yesterday's episode, except for the major rabba ve, was a torture. I mean I leave my pretty important things to watch this serial and in return, I get to see some Miss B. Sorry, but I'm not interested. I never felt like giving up on this serial even though few episodes were not at par but today's episode really takes the cake!

Yes,Lalit Mohan's departure from this serial has created a lacuna, which only Lalit Mohan can fill. I feel like sending this ranting to the writers and the director of this show but that's beyond my scope. So, instead posted here. Oh! depression pervades me....:((

But, will this stop me to watch it? Naah...will still watch it for Sobti boy. Charmer he is! The sole rescuer of this show. 

Weekend

A fantastic long holiday weekend just passed by. Weather wise..not a normal weekend at all but I would say that made it even more enjoyable.Curled up on the sofa with a good book, listening to favorite numbers and   some quite time with my honey : perfect recipe for a great weekend!


Even though the weather was wet and windy we managed to bike which was quite refreshing.


Now back to the grind but after a relaxing weekend, I sure am ready!

Writing about self: so IPKKND' ish

Okay, I have to admit that this serial which is being shown on Star plus: Is Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon is taking too much of my time. I'm just not able to concentrate on my work. It seems that musing about IPKKND is what my objective is these days.

 My love story with this epic started when I was introduced to this serial by one of my friends few months ago. I didn't know then, that it would turn out to be my obsession but now it has taken its toll on me. I sleep, breathe, eat and drink IPKKND.

 The story is fantastic, though it does have loopholes but when I see the protagonists in action I just overlook all the flaws and when those 20 minutes finish, I re-watch it on other websites, open India forum, open my facebook message to read what my friends and other crazy people like me have to say about it. Well, I'm more than happy to see that there are people like me who are fully immersed in the sea of IPKKND. I salute all of them.

While walking on road and thinking about the beautiful romantic escapades of our lead pairs, I smile,  I grin and that sends wrong messages to the passers by. I'm clueless what should I be doing to curtail this obsession, this madness that is leading me to nowhere.

 But now as I write, a sense of relief and congruency surrounds me and it feels like a lot of weight is lifted off of my shoulders. Writing about self, will have that impact, I had no idea!

Should I be saying that this serial torments me but how I love to be tormented because it's sweet, needs to be assessed. My husband thinks that I need a shrink and he often wonders how someone so mature can let her life be affected, ruled and governed by just some sort of a TV serial. But I guess, it's normal, absolutely normal as I'm totally in love with this phase of mine. Just the thought that this soap is not immortal irks me and leaves me with a weird feeling like if it doesn't exist nothing exists. Oh! I'm going bonkers. Call SOS!



 

Spring

Spring is here and the Daffodils know it. It's a beautiful day here in Paris. My morning has just begun while I sip my cup of ginger tea and blog. Ah! Can it get finer than this. Just the mention of Daffodils brings in the beautiful poem of Wordsworth:

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

If you are by the Seine in Paris, you can see the spring in full bloom. Rows of Daffodils and Tulips by the lake or beneath the tree. Flowers and just flowers everywhere! After a dreadful winter season, we finally get to see the sun, the green grass, flowers and smiling people. That's true, people smiling at you as they say 'bonjour' while getting on to their business.

And I remember Pete Seeger's song 'And the green grass grew all around, all around'! Pete Seeger, one of my favorite singers.Though this song is for kids, I find it equally good for adults.

Anyway, this is one difference that I see between spring and winter. While Winters bring the gloomy and sad look, Spring just makes you smile. Vive le Printemps!!

I guess I'm going to bike today. Can't resist the temptation of biking in such a marvelous weather and enjoy the Daffodils and Tulips even more.

Poisson d'Avril or April fish day

It's a tradition in France to celebrate April 1st as 'Poisson d'Avril'. Children make paper fish and stuck them on people's back. It's like pulling a prank very much like April fool's day. My son made paper fish all by himself and without letting us know, stuck them on our back.  

Vegetarian: by birth or by choice

Having lived in France for the last 10 years and still continuing to do so, I've encountered problems at large about vegetarian food. Be it eating outside or having been invited to some french celebration!

Little to almost none vegetarian edibles on the plat. What a shame!

Well, I'm not cribbing or complaining about the food culture here in France but only stating a fact which is so obvious to the entire vegan or vegetarian community residing in this country that is so famous for it's cheese and wine. Ah..... mouthwatering cheese! Camembert et fromage à l'ail being my favorite and not to mention the Baguette. This is one thing that I eat religiously. Thank God it's vegetarian!

So, coming back to the topic, I'm a vegetarian by birth, my parents were and their parents were and so on. I have plenty of vegetarian things to cook at home and I can cook a decent meal meaning I love cooking.  but the problem arises when I decide to eat outside or when i go shopping and am so tired to cook at home that I venture into eating out.

 But, What to eat?

That's a big question as, apart from veg Pizzas and pastas there is hardly any option left for vegetarians like me.

Honestly speaking, I'm not really into pizzas. That comes as a last resort when I'm practically out of choice.
So, I've to really put all my neurons into what to eat and where to eat!

French people always tend to ask me how I'm surviving without eating meat and they get a big time shock to learn that I've always been a vegetarian.

Then, where do you get your proteins from? Comes their next question.

Well, I do get a chance to enlighten them about pulses, lentils and different soy products. It does bring a smile on my face when they get all curious about different types of lentils and I explain them with puffed chest that yes, mesdames et monsieur, c'est tout à fait possible de vivre sans manger de la viande! Oui, je suis fier d'etre végétarienne!

Now a days, it seems to me that the scenario is changing and it is such a welcoming change. Meat eaters are sacrificing their love for meat over vegetables and lentils. Times changing in France. Isn't it?  One of my close friends has become a vegan, yes, a total vegan and it's been a year or so that he is on a strict vegan diet. And he is successful.

I consume dairy products but he is even stricter than me, eating just soy products, vegetables and pulses.
Okay, so far so good, but the problem arises when people, all of a sudden leave their lifelong habit of eating meat and switch to a vegan or a vegetarian diet not quiet knowing that their body might not get acclimatized to this radical change. It's also bizzare to see people changing their lifestyle just because it's à la mode or they adopt vegetarianism in a very hippy'ish way.

To all such people, I would like to suggest that switching from being a carnivore to a herbivore all of a sudden might not be a very intelligent thing to do. If you really want to be a vegan or a vegetarian, do it gradually. Give your body some space and time so that it gets accustomed to the change and you'll be surprised to see how great you feel about it!