Ulfat Mein Zamane Ki – Remembering Sapan Jagmohan – Mehfil Mein Meri

When I was researching for my series on Rafi’s association with composers from Bangal, I was impressed by songs composed by Sapan Jagmohan. Though they never made it to the first rung of composers, their career in the 60s and the 70s did witness many memorable songs or songs that sound impressively wonderful today, but may not have attained popularity during their initial release.

So let’s start the musical journey.

The duo Sapan Jagmohan was formed by Sapan Sengupta and Jagmohan Bakshi, the latter is known for his contribution as a playback singer, notably for the song, Dekho Maane Nahin Ruthi Haseena from Taxi Driver.They both were singing in chorus for Hindi films and l were also associated with Bombay youth choir.

They started their career with a Punjabi film, Shoukan Mele. Later they also composed for yet another Punjabi film, Jeejaji (1961). Their first Hindi film, China Bridge was shelved after recording just one song.

Their first released film was Begana (1963) and they were fortunate to have both Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar getting associated with them right from the beginning.It would be most appropriate to start the post with a couple of wonderful songs from this movie.

1. Phir Woh Bhooli Si Yaad – Begana (1963) Rafi / Lyrics by ShailendraNot only Rafi sang for their first film, they also got to tune lyrics written by Shailendra. The song is still remembered as one of Rafi’s best songs. The song opens with a Ghalib couplet, and blends then with the main song by Shailendra. Rafi’s heart touching rendition has taken the song to the next level. The agony in his voice touches our soul.

2. Bulati Hai Bahar – Begana (1963) Lata Mangeshkar / Lyrics by ShailendraA very beautiful and impressive melody, sung wonderfully by Lata Mangeshkar. The composition has a change of chords at the end of verse and sounds different. Unfortunately Lata Mangeshkar didn’t sing for them frequently in future.

Even after the songs getting popular, the duo didn’t compose for a few years and had their releases in the late 60s. And then the duo was almost confined to the so called B grade films. So even if the songs did get popular, commercial failure of a few of the films wiped away the songs from our memory over the period. There are a number of songs which are really good to listen to even today. As I already had a list of Rafi’s songs with Sapan Jagmohan, I have tried not to repeat the songs as far as possible so that I could highlight other gems.

3. Hum Woh Nahi Jo – Aayega Aanewala (1967) Mukesh / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriEasy on the ear melody! Very pleasant and cheerful. The accordion pieces are too catchy. Smoothly flowing melody with good tune and nice rendition by Mukesh.

4. Teri Talaash Mein – Teri Talaash Mein (1968) Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriThe Kumkum and Sailesh Kumar starrer movie will always be remembered for this sublime haunting melody. What a beautiful orchestration and musical arrangement! I wish the video of the song was available. And what a beautiful rendition by Asha Bhosle! I had a superb Rafi solo from this movie on one of my earlier lists, I preferred highlighting this one.

5. Sun Pyare Sajna Re – Insaaf Ka Mandir (1969) Mukesh & Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriAgain I had a beautiful romantic Rafi solo on my earlier list, so I chose this sweet duet for today’s list. Forget about the grade of the movie, the sweetness of the duet is unparalleled.

In general, Mukesh and Asha Bhosle appear to be favourites with Sapan Jagmohan. Though their first film had songs by Lata Mangeshkar, later they were not frequently associated. In comparison to Lata Mangeshkar, Rafi did sing for them consistently. Still the number of songs are less.

In the late 60s, small budget films made their way as ‘parallel cinema’ and a few of such were produced by B R Ishara. Sapan Jagmohan composed songs for the majority of his films. And lyricist Naqsh Lyallpuri got associated with them. You will find his name for the majority of the songs on today’s list.

6. Main To Har Mod Par – Chetna (1970) Mukesh / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriI think this wonderful solo by Mukesh can be taken as one of the most popular songs composed by the duo. It’s picturised on Rehana Sultan and a very young Anil Dhawan. The song also has a sad twin version.

7. Tumhi Rehnuma Ho – Do Raha (1972) Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by IndeevarThe film had only three songs, all by Asha Bhosle. Though it’s a delight to listen to the song, not pleasant to watch. Forget the picturisation, which I thought was clumsy and awful.

The famous Ramsay Brothers started their career in the early 70s, with the film, Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche. The duo, Sapan Jagmohan was chosen for composing the film. Later as well, they composed for their films. The horror movie had good songs. You can decide yourself by listening to the song that follows,

8. Ek Panchhi Banke Main – Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche (1972) Vani Jairam / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriForget about the movie, its genre or grade. If you listen to the song unbiased, it’s a good song. Beautiful soft melody in the fresh voice of Vani Jairam. Her other song from the same movie, a bhajan is worth listening to.It must be one of her initial movies after her successful debut in 1971 with the film Guddi. Her other song

9. So Ja Sanam – Rocky Mera Naam (1973) / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriRafi sang a couple of excellent solos for this movie. I had one on my earlier list, and I reserved this for today’s list. Picturised on Sanjeev Kumar and Nivedita, it’s a beautiful romantic song. I wish there were more saxophone pieces throughout the song! It is such a magical instrument for a sensuous song.

10. Do Honth Hile – Nai Duniya Naye Log (1973) Mukesh / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriNai Duniya Naye Log was a film by B R Ishara. It was one of the earlier films Reena Roy and Danny Denzongpa featured in. The song is picturised on Reena Roy and Satyen, but Danny also appears in Reena Roy’s imagination. A beautiful song! The other songs of the movie however are not so impressive in my opinion.

I think we can certainly presume the songs from Call Girl (1974) as one of thier major hits and one song from the movie is still very popular. Of course you have guessed it right,

11. Ulfat Mein Zamane Ki Har Rasm – Call Girl (1974) Kishore Kumar / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriThe twin songs were sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. I think the former’s version is more popular. It’s picturised on Zahira and Vikram Makandar.

12. Mera Jeevan Kuchh Kaam Na Aaya – Mera Jeevan (1976) Kishore Kumar / Lyrics by M G HashmatI heard the song and name of the film for the first time. But I liked it. It reminded me of Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz, which incidentally was also penned by Hashmat.

Sajjo Rani again proved to be one of his popular films where he handled Mujra songs very efficiently. I couldn’t help adding a couple of songs from the movie by Shobha Gurtu.

13. Nathniya Ne Hay Ram – Sajjo Rani (1976) Shobha Gurtu / Lyrics by Jaan Nissar AkhtarIt’s a wonderful Mujra song picturised on Jayashree T. The song is one of the best known songs by Sapan Jagmohan.

14. Dil Hai Haazir Lijiye – Sajjo Rani (1976) Shobha Gurtu / Lyrics by Jaan Nissar AkhtarBeautiful Mujra song! In the film however, the song runs in the background and is not picturised as a mujra. Excellent Sarangi pieces and ghungroo in the song. Shobha Gurtu’s unconventional and somewhat husky voice suits it the best.

15. Tu Laali Hai Savere Wali – Abhi To Jee Lein (1977) Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriA beautiful romantic song picturised on Jaya Bhaduri and Danny Denzongpa. It’s one of their most popular and best known songs. So easy on the ears! Pahadi tune and beautiful orchestration. The song slowly flows in the air and the tune lingers in the surroundings.

16. Hosh Mein Hum Kahan – Darwaza (1978) Amit Kumar / Lyrics by Naqsh LyallpuriIt was Amit Kumar’s first Hindi film song outside his home production. It was recorded in 1973, the film was however released in the late 70s. It was their next with the Ramsay Brothers after Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche. A beautiful romantic song! Again you have to forget the genre of the movie and its grade and the actors etc. So I’m skipping the video though available and adding the audio link. You can read additional information on the screen before the song starts.

17. Yeh Surkh Joda Ye Badan – Shadi Se Pehle (1980) Rafi / Lyrics by Gauhar KanpuriI couldn’t help adding this wonderful song, though it also appeared on Rafi’s list with Sapan Jagmohan. One of Rafi’s best songs from the 80s. His voice is still very fresh and appealing! Must listen if you haven’t already.

In the 80s, their career graph faced a downfall though they kept on composing throughout the 80s and the 90s. Popularity of their songs declined sharply. However their creativity was still fresh and alive and I’ve a few songs from the 80s for today’s list.

18. Le Gayo Re Daaka Daal Ke – Geet Ganga (1982) Asha Bhosle / Lyrics by Gauhar KanpuriThough the song fails to recreate the magic of Sajjo Rani, it’s not bad either. The clapping sounds and harmonium pieces adorn the song well and the tune is good too.

19. Yoon Haq Dosti Ka – Pratibha (1984) Suresh Wadkar & Anuradha Paudwal / Lyrics by Mahendra DehlaviThey also offered songs to the next generation of singers and we can listen to a beautiful ghazal like composition by Suresh Wadkar and Anuradha Paudwal. The song has a second version too. The freshness of the singer’s voices and the captivating use of percussion instruments make it a treat.

20. Jhilmil Sitaronse Naina – Ambar (1985 ? Unreleased) Kishore Kumar / Lyrics by Mahendra DehlaviWhat a beautifully penned song! And woven in an attractive and pleasant tune with good orchestration. Needless to add, sung with apt emotions by Kishore Kumar.

He also composed a couple of ghazals by oAnup Jalota for the album, Wehshat e Dil.Their last Hindi films, Ghar Ka Kanoon (1995) and Kunwari Maa (1996) were also not successful.

Jagmohan Bakshi went to heavenly abode on 26th February 1999. Sapan Sengupta expired on 15th October 2022. Today on his 2nd death anniversary, my humble tribute to the unsung composers of the yesteryears.

Please add your favourite songs composed by Sapan Jagmohan.

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.