Guzra Hua Zamana Aata Nahin Dubara – Remembering S Mohinder – Mehfil Mein Meri

A few composers of the golden era of Hindi cinema couldn’t get much acclaim in spite of having the ability to compose easy on the ear melodies. A few of their songs were even ultimately labeled as ‘All time greats’. However they couldn’t deliver popular songs consistently, nor were they consistently associated with a popular film star of the era. And of course, destiny must also have played its role in their career.

One of such talents was composer S Mohinder. He is mainly remembered for his songs from Paapi, Naata, Shirin Farhad. He did compose for stars Raj Kapoor and Nargis in Paapi, and he composed for Madhubala’s home productions, and for films produced by popular production houses like, Filmistan and Ranjit, he didn’t get his dues.

Born in 1925, as Bakshi Mohinder Singh Sarna in Zilanawala, Punjab, S Mohinder was interested in music from childhood. His father was a police sub inspector and used to play the flute. Because of his job, he used to get transferred to various places after a few years.During their stay at Nankana, S Mohinder completed his matriculation in 1942. There he was attracted to the singing of a Sikh guru in the gurdwara, and he used to listen to the songs sung by him. One day, while the Sikh guru was passing by the gurdwara, he heard Mohinder singing the shabad which he used to sing. He was impressed by Mohinder’s voice, and it was the beginning of S Mohinder’s music lessons. The family later moved to Lyallpur where he was trained by a Sikh guru Bhai Sujan Singh. He also learnt classical music from Bade Ramdasji of Banaras. There he met Nirmala Devi, with whom he later got associated for his first Hindi film as a composer.His first interest was singing and he soon started singing on radio. His first programme was for AIR, Lahore in 1945. His association with AIR was to prove lucky for him. Suraiya happened to visit Lahore in connection with the release of her film, Anmol Ghadi. There she heard S Mohinder singing on the radio and met him. She promised to help him if he happens to come to Mumbai and gave him a visiting card. And that was to help him in the future. But of course he didn’t know about it at that time.

And then, one day in May 1947, while he was returning from AIR, Lahore, he bought a ticket for Lyallpur. There was havoc on the platform with rumours of partition. The coolie told him to catch the Frontier Mail standing on the station, if he were to save his life.

He reached Bombay central railway station and having nothing in hand, he took shelter in a gurudwara at Dadar. It allowed a continuous stay for a week with langar. On Sunday when he was intimated to leave on Monday, he told the management that he could sing. They liked his shabads and allowed him to continue. He was also paid for his singing, so now he had enough money to search for work.

His first film as an independent composer was Arun production’s Sehra (1948) starring Arun Kumar Ahuja and Nirmala Devi (actor Govinda’s parents). The songs were not very popular. The film also featured a song sung by the composer himself. The song was, Ae Dil Uda Ke Le Chal . His next film, Jeevan Sathi (1949) was also not very successful. Let’s open today’s list with songs from one of these films.

1. Ashkon Mein Bahi Jati Hai – Sehra (1948) Arun Kumar Ahuja / Lyrics by Bhagwan Dutt MishraEven in his first film, the tune and musical arrangement is so good. The song completely suits the vintage era.

After reaching Mumbai, he met Suraiya at her home. Suraiya kept her promise to help him and approved his tunes, when approached by the producer of a film, with the composer himself reciting the tunes for her. The film was Neeli, starring Suraiya and Dev Anand. The film had many songs. It was the first time for S Mohinder to taste success.For today’s list, I’ve added,

2. Ulfat Ka Adhoora Afsana – Neeli (1950) Suraiya / Lyrics by Surjeet Singh SethiThe film had a few solos by Suraiya and though the other songs are perhaps more popular than this one, I added my favourite.

The Bhatt brothers from Prakash pictures also gave him a chance where he composed three songs for the film, Shadi Ki Raat and it had Lata’s first song sung under his baton.

3. Hum Dil Ki Kahani Kya Kehte – Shadi Ki Raat (1950) Lata Mangeshkar / Lyrics by Sarshar SailaniPandit Gobind Ram was the main composer of this movie, but the film had three songs by S Mohinder. It’s easy to interpret that S Mohinder had the potential to be a successful composer. The song is no less than any other song composed by a first rung composer.

For the film, Shrimatiji, Basant Prakash and Jimmy were the main composers. S Mohinder composed the background score for the movie and also composed three songs for the movie, but only one could survive in the film. It was, however, the most popular song of the movie. Yes, you guessed it correctly!

4. Do Naina Tumhare Pyare Pyare – Shrimatiji (1952) Hemant Kumar & Geeta Dutt / Lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali KhanA cute boat song picturised on Shyama and Nasir Khan! The song has a Punjabi flavour in my opinion.

One of his popular films was about to arrive. He composed for Chandulal Shah’s Paapi (1953) featuring Raj Kapoor and Nargis. Though Mukesh was the preferred voice for Raj Kapoor, he opted for Rafi. The songs of the movie are still very popular.There’s an interesting trivia in connection with this film. S Mohinder had presented a couple of tunes to the producers of Anarkali, who rejected them. So S Mohinder used them for Ranjit Movietone’s Paapi. However producers of Anarkali changed their mind and reinvited Mohinder. The latter faced a great dilemma, but went on with Ranjit Movietone as Raj Kapoor and Nargis were a popular pair. So he left Anarkali.

I’ve chosen a couple of songs for today’s list.

5. Tera Kaam Hai Jalna Parwane – Paapi (1953) Rafi / Lyrics by Rajendra KrishanIt’s one of the most popular songs composed by S Mohinder. Rafi has done his best as usual. I wasn’t impressed with the picturisation of the song. In the absence of knowledge of the situation in the song, it doesn’t make sense.

6. Meri Zindagi Hai Tu – Paapi (1953) Rafi & Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Surjeet SethiThe song has a very catchy tune that somewhat resembles a song from the 60s. Can you guess it?

Bahadur (1953) was also made under the banner of Ranjit and I am very fond of a solo by Rajkumari from this movie. I couldn’t help adding it.

7. Kagwa Re Ja – Bahadur (1953) Rajkumari / Lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali KhanWhat a beautiful semi classical melody! One of my all time favorites.

After the success of Paapi, it was Madhubala who offered him a film. It was her home production, and the majority of the songs were excellent. I’ve added a couple of my favourites here on the list,

8. Is Bewafa Jahan Ka – Naata (1955) Lata Mangeshkar / Lyrics by Tanveer NaqviThe song has beautiful pieces of Sarod and tabla. Not only is the tune attractive, but the rendition is also heart touching. The song portrays intense emotions and the orchestration aptly conveys it.

9. Ghir Ghir Chhayi Mast Ghataye – Naata (1955) Lata Mangeshkar & Sudha Malhotra / Lyrics by Tanveer NaqviWhat an audio-visual feast! Beautiful pair of beautiful sisters, Madhubala and Chanchal. And excellent performance by the singers on a soothing Punjabi flavoured tune. What an enchanting rhythm of dholak and ghungroo!

10. Gham Na Kar Khushi Ka Daur Aayega – Shahzada (1956) Talat Mahmood / Lyrics by Tanveer NaqviThough Rafi appears to be a favourite, S Mohinder also offered songs to Talat Mahmood and it’s one of their great collaborations. The other memorable song by the duo is from Karwan, which was also released in 1956.

The year 1956 would however be remembered for only one film, if we were to talk about S Mohinder. Yes, of course! Madhubala and Pradeep Kumar starrer Shirin Farhad. It’s the most popular and the best known film of S Mohinder.

12. Guzra Hua Zamana – Shirin Farhad (1956) Lata Mangeshkar / Lyrics by Tanveer NaqviThe song is indeed one of Lata Mangeshkar’s best solos. Picturised on a distressed Madhubala, the song portrays the agony and despair of Shirin. The lyrics, the tune, the musical arrangements, all are memorable.

13. Ae Dilruba Jane Wafa – Shirin Farhad (1956) Hemant Kumar & Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Tanveer NaqviI couldn’t resist adding this melodious, romantic duet. It is perhaps the only song in a happy mood from the movie. It’s worth noting that S Mohinder made three male playback singers, sing for Pradeep Kumar. Rafi, Talat Mahmood and Hemant Kumar. And Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar both sang for Madhubala.

Mukesh got comparatively lesser opportunities to sing for S Mohinder. However a couple of his rare gems need a mention. Let me add them,

13. Bahar Aane Ko Hai – Sultan e Alam (1956) Mukesh & Chorus / Lyrics by Tanveer NaqviI heard the song for the first time during the research. The melancholy song has a heart touching rendition.

14. Ye Jawani Ye Haseen Raat – Khoobsurat Dhokha (1959) Mukesh / Lyrics by Rahil GorakhpuriAfter Sashidhar Mukherjee’s exit from Filmistan, S Mohinder again composed for a couple of films made under the banner. This lesser heard beautiful romantic song is a delight to listen to.

Anand Bakshi was an upcoming lyricist who was in a struggling period in the late 50s. In 1960, he wrote for a few films like, Zameen Ke Taare, Mehlon Ke Khwab etc, he was associated with S Mohinder. Let’s listen to songs from these films.

15. Ae Jane Jigar Ghut Ghut Ke – Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960) Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Anand BakshiIt was Madhubala’s home production and both Madhubala and Chanchal featured in the movie, paired opposite Pradeep Kumar and Kishore Kumar respectively. This romantic duet picturised on Chanchal and Kishore Kumar is not great, I agree. But still it’s cute and sweet.

16. Tum Deep Gagan Ke Ho – Zameen Ke Taare (1960) Asha Bhosle & Sudha Malhotra / Lyrics by Pandit Indra ChandraThe film had multiple lyricists and Anand Bakshi was one of them. For today’s list I have chosen a cute song picturised on Daisy and Honey Irani. The film actually had good songs and was directed by Chandulal Shah. However it does seem to be a popular film of its time.

One more song from the same year, at least it’s mentioned to be from around the same period. The film was unreleased, though made under the banner of Filmistan limited. The production house was facing a downfall.

17. Yeh Sone Ki Duniya – Do Dost (unreleased) Hemant Kumar / Lyrics by Bharat VyasThe song reminded me of Jane Woh Kaise Log The, perhaps because of Hemant Kumar’s somber rendition. The lyrics reminded me of Jinhein Naaz Tha Hind Par. The very soulful, meaningful song with thought provoking lyrics. And S Mohinder is spot on to choose Hemant Kumar for it.

In the 60s, his career was more or less restricted to B grade films. He composed for Jai Bhavani (1961), Banke Sawariya (1962), Reporter Raju (1962), Zarak Khan (1963), Captain Sheru (1963), Sarfarosh (1964), Bekhabar (1965), Professor X (1966), Picnic (1966) etc.Though most of these films won’t ring a bell for most of us, let’s visit a few of my favourites from this period.

18. Shama Se Koi Keh De – Jai Bhavani (1961) Mukesh & Suman Kalyanpur / Lyrics by G S NepaliI think this song is quite popular and I must add it’s indeed catchy. Picturised on Jayashree Gadkar and Manhar Desai, it depicts the agony of separated lovers. It’s one of my favourites of Suman Kalyanpur’s duets with Mukesh.

19. Jhoom Ke Piya Ki Gali – Jai Bhavani (1961) Suman Kalyanpur / Lyrics by G S NepaliI just couldn’t avoid adding this simple yet very catchy and innocent song from the same movie. There’s such a delightful simplicity and sincerity in the rendition and the tune. It just flows like a cool breeze in the surroundings. The song is picturised on Lata Sinha.

20. Sham Ki Tanhaiyan Hain – Zaraak Khan (1963) Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Anand BakshiS Mohinder’s association with Anand Bakshi continued in the 60s for films like, Banke Sawariya, Reporter Raju, Zaraak Khan, Professor X etc. This beautiful but leseer heard melody is adorned with melodious sitar and sarangi pieces.

21. Phir Teri Yaad Naye Geet – Bekhabar (1965) Rafi / Lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali KhanMeaningful lyrics and Rafi are prominent attractions. The song is composed without the rhythm of a percussion instrument, flute and intense playing violins add to the overall aura of the song. The song has a female version by Suman Kalyanpur.

22. Balamwa Bolo Na – Picnic (1966) Lata Mangeshkar / S Mohinder – MajroohA very melodious and beautiful semi classical song. A delight to listen to. One of my absolute favourites! Here’s the link for its video picturised on the beautiful Shubha Khote and equally gorgeous Kalpana.

S Mohinder composed for the Punjabi film Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai (1969) and received the National award as the best composer. The post will be incomplete without songs from the film.

23. Mittar Pyare Nu – Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai (1969) Rafi / Shabad by Guru Gobind Singh JeeThough I’m not familiar with all the Punjabi words used in it, the emotions touch our soul. Except Vimi I couldn’t recognise the actor lip syncing to Rafi’s voice.

24. Rey Man Aiso Kar – Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai (1969) Asha Bhosle / Shabad by Guru Gobind Singh JeeThe national award for the best composer was declared for this wonderful shabad. A very soothing experience!

After the success of this movie, he mainly concentrated on Punjabi films where he had a successful career in the 70s. His private albums featuring shabads were also very popular in this period.

In the early 80s, he migrated to the U S A and left the Hindi film industry forever.

In the 80s, his career in Hindi films was almost over. But I would like to end the post with a song from one of his releases from the 80s.

25. Zindagi Kya Hai – Sandli (1985) Bhupendra & Dilraj Kaur / Lyrics by Surjit Singh SethiSo glad to get this wonderful song to end the list. I hadn’t heard it before, but liked it instantly when I did.

Before I end,

Though primarily interested in singing, S Mohinder later chose composing for the films and sung only one song for his very first Hindi film, Sehra (1948)

S Mohinder mentioned that Madan Mohan, who was already working as a sound recordist at Filmistan, attended the rehearsals and recordings of Sehra

He was paid Rs 2000/- for his first film. For Neeli, he got 7000/- plus 3000/- for musiciansFor and after Paapi he was paid 10000/- per film and he mentioned that the maximum he charged was 20000/-

He had a long and successful association with the lyricist, Tanveer Naqvi. He first wrote for S Mohinder in Naata and the association went on for a few more films in the late 50s. Most of those films are on the list

He composed for about 50 odd Hindi films and 15+ Punjabi films

He died in Mumbai at the age of 95 on 6th September 2020

Would you like to add your favourite to the list?

Disclaimer –Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs vests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.